I NEED A KID'S OPINION!!!

So, I read a book recently called SUMMER AND BIRD by Katherine Catmull, and I have to say I am not so sure kids will like it. The Accelerated Reader program has given it a 5th grade reading level, and I would say there aren't many words that are too difficult. But there are parts to this book that just don't make sense. It talks about a great swan who used to lead all the birds to a special place every year, kind of like when birds fly south for the winter. But the great swan hasn't been around for 13 years because a man fell in love with her, and they had two girls - Summer and Bird. One day, the parents disappear and Summer and Bird go on this strange adventure to find them. I would like to hear if any 5th graders have read this book, or maybe get some 5th graders to read this book, to see if it makes sense or if some crazy person in the land of publishing made a mistake. Is this book really for kids? Let me know... For grades 5 and up?

APRIL 2013

IT'S NOT EASY SEEING INTO THE FUTURE

Lizzy Mortimer is hoping her English teacher will let her pass her English class, even though she has neglected to turn in her final project. In the world's longest letter, Lizzy explains the mysterious and exciting adventure that's prevented her from turning in her project, and adventure that harkens onto the days of Arthurian legend - include some creepy encounters with Vivienne le Mort and Morgan le Faye! Could it be that one of the town members has the mark of Arthur? What does that mean? Well, it's Lizzy's job to figure it out, and to prevent one very handsome boy from being killed!

THE DEATH CATCHERS by Jennifer Anne Kogler is an exciting story for magic and historical fiction fans alike! For 6th grade and up.

A BORING MAINE SUMMER (NOT REALLY)

The Legend of Old Salty is for comic book readers and those who love a bizzare and outrageous adventure.

Jack and Benny are dragged to Chowder Bay for the summer by their parents. In this New England town, their father insists on first stopping to get the traditional sweets, salt water taffy. When the candy store is robbed, the boys follow the trail of taffy wrappers only to discover that the thieves are lobsters stealing taffy for the big queen lobster, Old Salty, the legendary Sea Monster of Chowder Bay. All must do her bidding.

Jack and Benny and Angus, the old fisherman, must battle Old Salty in that age old struggle for power and taffy.

Salt Water Taffy: The Seaside Adventures of Jack and Benny. The Legend of Old Salty, V. 1 by Matthew Loux. For readers in 2nd-5th.

BEOWULF - NOT FOR THE SQUEAMISH

With the recent movie version of this classic tale, it's always nice to read where a story comes from. Beowulf is a brave hero who travels to Denmark to help the King. An evil monster named Grendel has been eating all the king's men, and no one has been able to kill the slimy creature. But Beowulf uses some tricky maneuvers and bloody mayhem to save the day. Beowulf is more than 2000 years old, and was passed down from generation to generation of European ancestors. There are many different versions of the story, but BEOWULF, A HERO'S TALE RETOLD by James Rumford tries to tell the story in a modern equivalent of the Old Ango-Saxon English of it's origin. 3rd grade and up.