ALVIN AT IT AGAIN

Poor Alvin, his dad thinks that camping will be a great bonding experience just like Henry David Thoreau and his father! Uh... that wasn't quite what Alvin had in mind when Alvin told him about his time travel experience. What's a boy to do if he's afraid of nature, the dark, getting lost, hit by lightning... gulp... or worse. Once again he goes to his older brother for advice, and between him and his uncle's survival tips, maybe camping won't be so bad after all.

Alvin's Packing List:

generator

night vision goggles

super duper flashlight

water purifying tablets

Alvin Ho: Allergic to Camping, Hiking, and Other Natural Disasters by Lenore Look has Alvin confronting more phobias but done in such a gentle and funny way that you can't help but chuckle along with Alvin. Along with the expressive character illustrations this book is a must for readers in 3rd - 5th.

TOUGH BOY SONATAS

Tough Boy Sonatas by Curtis L. Crisler with illustrations by Floyd Cooper is a very serious book that deals with the struggles of inner city boys that have almost no hope for the future. Without a proper education and decent living conditions, they have to learn to fight for their lives with dignity and honor. These seemingly tough boys want so much more in their lives than the usual violence and crimes. They long for safer streets, good education, love and justice. These sonatas will break your heart but at the same time your spirits will be filled with passion and hope for them. The boys on the streets are not just living a careless life without worries and problems. Their lives are full of range and anger and they observe way more than we think they do. The sadness and the realism in this book is overwhelming but at the same time very touching and satisfying.

For grades 7 and up.