WE MISSED YOU...

The readers of the Snacktime reading group met last night to talk about Freak the Mighty and this is what they thought:

Crystal - 3 - The Characters were interesting. I did not think that it was a positive or inspirational story.

Allisyn - 8 - I loved the building of the friendship between the two characters. It was an original story and a good tale of a different friendship.

Brittany - 8.5 - I loved how the friendship grew and developed even though it was a sad ending. I really liked how it played out. It was realistic.

Khristie - 7 - I liked how the book was detailed.

Tamar - 7.5

(The numbers are the rating the reader gave the book. Ten is the highest rating and one the lowest.)

Come and join us next month on Wednesday, July 22 at 7:00 p.m. at the Central Library, 222 East Harvard Street, Glendale, CA 91205 and voice your opinion on The Secret Garden by Frances Hogson Burnett.

MAKEOVERS

Obsessed with the cosmetic industry twelve-year old Lucy comes up with a business plan that will keep the doors to her grandmother's drug store open in My Life in Pink & Green by Lisa Greenwald. Friendships, family relationships and middle school all play important parts in this sometimes serious, somtimes funny book about a young girl's dreams and ambitions.

This is a light fun read for a hot summer's day. For grades 5 - 8.

TORTUGA IN TROUBLE

This story is a variation of Little Red Riding Hood. Tortuga is bringing a delicious supper to his abuela. Iguana, Conejo and Culebra are following him. But they’re not the only ones who want to steal his dinner. Coyote has his own dinner plans for Tortuga and his grandmother.Includes a glossary of Spanish words used. Full color and funny story written by Ann Whitford Paul, illustrated by Ethan Long.

Kindergarten, ages 5-6

SNACKTIME READERS - JUNE

Join the Snacktime Readers on Wednesday, June 24 at 7 p.m. in the Children's Room of the Central Library to talk about this month's book Freak the Mighty by Rodman Philbrick. This is the story of two boys who become unlikely friends. Their disabilities, Max's learning and Kevin's physical problems, cause both of them to be harassed by their classmates but when they become friends and form a partnership they become a force to be reckoned with. Kevin opens new worlds of imagination and confidence for Max who in turn carries Kevin, aka "Freak," into the real world.

For grades 4 and older.

MEET THE TROPHY KID!

Being a trophy kid to one of the most powerful Hollywood Power couple can be a big challenge. Joe, who was only three years old when his mom and sister were killed during the war in Yugoslavia happens to be that kid. He is aware of the fact that the only reason his Hollywood parents adopted him was to show their circle of friends that they too can contribute to the well being of others. So you can only imagine how Joe felt when his parents left him all alone in order to attend a charity event to raise awareness for the orphans in the world, or when his parents threw a birthday party for him with kids Joe didn't even know. They were all for a show...

Things do take on a different path when Joe agrees to write an autobiography with the help of a reporter and more secrets of the Hollywood couple gets revealed. However, very unpredictable events do take place in his life, leading him to find things that he was missing all his life. A fun summer read. TROPHY KID OR HOW I WAS ADOPTED BY THE RICH AND FAMOUS by STEVE ATINSKY.



For grades 4th and up.

DEAR GRAN,

I know that you are almost ninety years old, so I won't expect a reply from you very often. That's okay, because I just want to practice typing on my new computer.

Annabelle

Dear Gran,

Why haven't you answered my first letter?

Gran, You've Got Mail! by Jo Hoestlandt is a delightfully quirky little French book of letters written between Annabelle and her great-granmother. Great for reluctant readers 5th & older.

LOIS LOWRY STRIKES AGAIN!

I am beginning to think that Lois Lowry can write about anything. Author of award winning books like Number the Stars and The Giver, not to mention the Anastasia Krupnik series among other greats, she's managed to pen a fabulous story for the "dark comedy" genre that will remind you of Roald Dahl and Lemony Snicket! THE WILLOUGHBYS is an atypical story about a miserable family with misearble parents who decide they don't like their kids anymore, hire a nanny and leave town. The oldest boy is the bossiest kid you'll ever meet, the twins have the exact same name but alternate days they can wear the one sweater they own, and the only girl is really the smartest but is too shy to say anything. Down the street lives a miserable candy bar inventor who lost his family. But the two families intertwine in very strange ways, and make for a delightful tale. For grades 4 and up.

THEODOSIA ONCE AGAIN

Theodosia, our young heroine, is back in Victorian England with her family in this second mystery adventure. After mummies from museums all over London appear repeatedly at the doorstep of her father's museum, Theodosia realizes she must use her magical skills and knowledge of ancient Egypt to outmanuever a sinister secret society from turning London into a city of Chaos, keep her father from being imprisoned and as if these weren't enough, free herself from the tutors that her grandmother insists that a proper young ladies need. Phew, this is one busy girl!

For those looking for some armchair excitement. Theodosia and the Staff of Osiris by R.L. La Fevers is for 5th & older.

MAN IN THE MOON

What if someone gave you the power to change your life? Would you do it? Or would you just let things happen naturally? MAN IN THE MOON by Dotti Enderleis a story about a girl who is struggling in her daily life due to her father's unemployment and her brother's terminal illness. She goes to sleep hoping that at least in her dreams she can see the bright side of life.

One day, a man who happened to be an old friend of her father's shows up and with her mother's objection, stays with the family...

Things start changing in ways that even the girl didn't dream of. In this part mystery, part suspense and part fantasy story, all readers will find something enjoyable.

For grades 4th and older.

FAVORITE FAIRY TALES

The Twelve Dancing Princesses was always one of my most favorite fairy tales--the story of twelve sisters who elude their father and dance the night away wearing out their shoes every night. It has all the elements of a good story, princesses, dancing, mystery, magic and romance. In Jessica Day George's Princess of the Midnight Ball the author takes the fairy tale and further develops the story. In addition to the above elements she has included evil kings, princess and kindly old crones. The story is taken to new heights and has become something not to be missed.

For grades 5-8.

LILLY'S BIG DAY

LILY’S BIG DAY (El Gran Dia de Lily)
This time Lilly’s becomes very excited to become the flower girl for her teacher and the school nurse, until her parents inform her that since he hasn’t asked, that probably won’t happened. A niece of her teacher named Ginger has been chosen to become the flower girl which it makes Lilly both sad and mad. The book teaches a wonderful lesson in coping with something that sometimes doesn’t go according to the way everyone expect it. Kindergarten, ages 4-8. Spanish edition written by Kevin Henkes, translated by Maria Candelaria Posada.

HOLY MYSTERY, GIRLS!

In New York, The Red Blazer Girls are enlisted by an alumni's mother to decipher clues to a valuable birthday gift hidden 20 years earlier. As the intrepid seventh graders of St. Veronica's, an elite all girls Catholic school, begin to search the church and school, they realize that others are also interested in The Ring of Rocamadour.

This new mystery by Michael D. Beil is a page turner with a little romance, academics, religion and a bit of teen angst thrown in for good measure. For readers in 5th & older wanting something beyond Nancy Drew series.

THE VOTE IS IN

Snacktime Readers met last night at the Central Library to talk about Grace Lin's The Year of the Dog and the general comments about this one were very favorable.

Celina: "I thought that this was a good book and it was the third time that I read it." Rated it a 9 (10 is the highest).

Crystal: A good story of friends, family and traditions. Rated it a 7.

Michael: "It was great. I liked the story and it was a really great book. Rated it a 20.

Yusenia: "Everything's good." Rated it an 8.

Allisyn: "I really liked the book. I didn't know much about Chinese culture before I read it." Rated it an 8.

THE HISTORICAL BOOK CLUB RETURNS

The Mother Daughter Book Club is BACK! And this time, they're reading Anne of Green Gables. The four girls and their mothers get together once a month to discuss what they've read and participate in exciting "Anne"-related activities. The unfortunate thing is, this year the snob Becca and her rude mother are joining the group. Outside of the book club, there's skating and school, camping and craziness that keeps them all busy! MUCH ADO ABOUT ANNE by Heather Vogel Frederick is the second book in the "Mother-Daughter Book Club" series, and won't disappoint those that loved the first one! For grades 5 and up.

THE CONTEST

Two robbers happen to be in love with the same woman who is hiding the fact that she is two -timing them. Both of the robbers are determined to make this woman their future wife and they will do all that is possible in their power to achieve this. However, things become more complicated and twisted when they agree to make this quest as part of a contest. Whoever wins the contest out of the two will be able to marry her. The contest is not going to be easy to win since both of them are clever and full of good ideas. However, after winning the contest, things start going in different directions. Could it be that neither of them want her anymore? Or is it just one of their clever games? THE CONTEST: AN ARMENIAN FOLKTALE by NONNY HOGROGIAN is a fun read that will be enjoyed by everyone.


For grades 2nd and up.

IT'S HARD TO BE A SAINT

The Patron Saint of Butterflies by Cecilia Gallante

A novel told by two intricately connected friends yet of completely opposite points of view. All Agnes wants is to live the life of a saint just like her namesake. Honey wants to get away from the religious commune they had been born into and live a life free of rules. Everyone's lives and relationships are tested when Agnes' grandmother drops by for a surprise visit and a serious accident compels her to take Agnes, her brother and Honey away to safety. Agnes, Benny, Honey and the adults must face up to their past and misdeeds.

SNACKTIME READERS - MAY

Come and join us at the Central Library, 222 East Harvard Street, Glendale, CA 91205 on Wednesday, May 27 at 7:00 p.m. for the May meeting of the Snacktime Readers. This month's book, THE YEAR OF THE DOG by Grace Lin is the story a year in the life of a Taiwanese-American girl and her struggles with both cultures.

This reading group is for students in the fourth through eighth grades and their parents. Come for tasty snacks and a conversation about the book.

For additional information, please call (818) 548-2035

THE MAGIC HALF OF YOURSELF?

Imagine if there was another you, living in a different time period with a different family, in the same house! That's what happens to Miri when her family moves to a new house in the country - well almost. Miri finds the lens from a pair of eyeglasses taped to the wall in her bedroom, and when she looks through the lens, she ends up in the past! From the author of the "Ivy & Bean" series, THE MAGIC HALF by Annie Barrows is a delightful quick read that's just great for readers just starting out with longer chapter books. For grades 4 and up.

INTERNET+13+BOY=TROUBLE

Puberty hits Eddie like a sledge hammer but when his mother finds out he's printing and looking at inappropriate pictures behind her back and lying to her on top of it, she ships him off to her uncle's farm. A farm where there's nothing to do. Nothing that is until he sees a gorgeous girl working in the store across the field. Intrigued by her but not sure how to approach her, he watches and begins to notice the things and people around him. And what he notices and finds out aren't always pretty.

Double Click for Trouble by Chris Woodworth is a worthy coming of age novel for mature readers 6th & up.

THE MONEY BUSH

What's a girl to do when she finds a huge wad of cash in the bushes? After an internal ethical struggle, she spends it of course. A little for Grandma, a little on herself, something for a few friends. Before Sammy gets to spend it all, suspicious things start to happen.

Another great mystery where Sammy learns a lesson- money doesn't grown in bushes. Sammy Keyes and the Cold Hard Cash by Wendelin Van Draanen is perfect for readers in 6th & up.

THE WATCHER

"In this uncertain life, of these two things we are certain: the holiness of the heart's affections, the truth of the imagination" and so begins the story of THE WATCHER by JAMES HOWE...

The watcher is a thirteen-year-old girl who observes others without a smile, or a word. But nothing in life is what it seems... So we start seeing what is inside of the mind of the watcher and the watched. Perceptions, imaginations and the human need together intervene in this great story that ultimately is about survival. You will not want to put down this book until the very last word is finished.

For grades 4th and up.

THE IMAGINARY PRAGUE

THE CABINET OF WONDERS by Marie Rutkoski begins a new series called The Kronos Chronicles. Set in Prague in an undetermined point in time, Petra lives with her father who has the amazing ability to move and shape metal just by thinking! Unfortunately, when her father's eyes are removed after he builds an astronomical clock of magical proportion for the local prince, Petra sets out to retrieve them. She experiences some great adventures along the way, and learns quite a bit about who she is and her own special powers. Hopefully the rest of the series will be as entertaining and enjoyable as this book. For 6th grade and up.

A SPECIAL GRANDPARENT HOLIDAY

This is a spooky traditional winter holiday that comes from Northern New Mexico. Men from the village camouflage themselves as scary old men, then they come down on the children teasing them to make sure they are behaving. Raymundo and Amelia have moved recently to the village and they don't know what to expect from this holiday. When an "Abuelo," who turns out to be their Uncle shows up at the door, they are very surprised. The abuelos encourage the little ones to dance and sing. Afterwards, they enjoy cookies and empanadas.

Written by Pat Mora, illustrated by Amelia Lau Carling.

Ages 5-8.

SPLISH SPLASH YOU'RE IT

Sopranos and the Maltese Falcon for the younger set. A complex and absolutely entertaining farce about how middle school is really played out. In the world of middle school everyone has their defined roles: Mr. Biggs, boss of The Organization wants his good luck Charm back; Matt, the independent private investigator hired to get the said charm; Nikki Fingers, former water gun for hire of Mr. Biggs who has the good luck charm. Dead on black comedy of social pecking order of middle school.

Big Splash by Jack D. Ferraiolo is one book that should not be judged by its cover but by the contents. A fast read for mature readers 6th & up.

THE DAWN OF EQUALITY?

It's the late 1950s, and Rob Garrett is off to a boarding school in Connecticut. But he's leaving his home in Virginia behind, right at an important time in history - the supposed end of segregation in the South. in NEW BOY by Julian Houston, Rob is torn between advancing himself through his educational opportunities, or furthering the role of all African Americans by participating in demonstrations going on in his home town. This year in Rob Garrett's life is an eye-opening, life-changing time, and provides a little window into a very significant era in history. The book has some pretty advanced ideas, so probably best for those reading at an 8th grade level.

AND JUST HOW WAS THE BOOK....

The Snacktime Readers group met last night at the Central Library to talk about this month's book, Rules by Cynthia Lord. Here's what some of the participants thought ( we always rate a book 1 to 10, with 10 being the highest):

Crystal: It was a wonderful book. I loved it. (Rating: 10)

Celina: I thought it was funny. (Rating: 10)

Allisyn: I really liked this book. It gives you a different perspective on how hard it can be for people with disabilities and for their family members. (Rating: 10)

Join the group next month on Wednesday, May 27. We will be reading The Year of the Dog by Grace Lin. Copies of this are available in the Children's Room at the Central Library, 222 East Harvard Street, Glendale, CA 91204. For more information, please call (818) 548-2035. See you there!

GONE FROM HOME...

GONE FROM HOME: SHORT TAKES by ANGELA JOHNSON has some pretty cool stories that will keep you so focused that you won't want them to end. If you are a girl, imagine dressing up like a boy to survive the tough streets of your neighborhood, if you are a boy, imagine stealing animals from a pet shop, so that the new owners of these animals won't cage them, or saving a baby from an abandonment but can not really do much to save your self. You will meet some really couragious kids that might at first seem to be asking for trouble, however if you look a bit deeper into their hearts, you will see that they all are striving to make things better not only for themselves but the community that they live in. Their selfless acts take them to different paths and the reader won't miss home much since their journies are so inviting...

For grades 4th and older.

LUCK IS WHAT YOU MAKE OF IT

Living in a small town means that the friendship pool is not large and in the case of Harry "Dit" Sims it meant that there was almost no one his age in his small Alabama town. But that is going to change, coming to town is a new postmaster and his family. Set in 1917 The Best Bad Luck I Ever had by Kristin Levine tells the story of the somewhat unusual friendship that forms between Dit and Emma who end up teaching each other a lot and making a difference in their community.

For grades 5 through 8.

FOR YOUNG DRAGON LOVERS

Kenny has found a friend, a dragon friend. Everyone knows that dragons are ferocious fire breathing monsters who must be slayed knights of the kingdom. And wouldn't you know it, Kenny's other good friend turns out to be the knight chosen to kill his new friend.

Kenny and the Dragon by Tony DeTerlizzi is a revised, modern version of the classic tale The Reluctant Dragon with lovely new black and white illustrations. Perfect for bedtime read-a-loud or for independent readers in 4th - 6th grade.

Read the classic tale also and compare the two.

BARACK OBAMA

He represents hope, change, unity and greatness. History has been made, dreams have become reality and now countless people united can dream bigger than ever.

Barack Obama is our new president. However, before he became the president, he dedicated his time and energy in community work and in making a difference in peoples lives. His passion is contagious and his intellect is inspiring. Read this very short biography about our president and you too will feel the energy and the inspiration to dream big and follow where your passions lead you. The book is by NIKKI GRIMES and the illustrations are by BRYAN COLLIER.

For grades 1st to 3rd.

APRIL SNACKTIME READERS

This month's book is Rules by Cynthia Lord the story of twelve-year-old Catherine and her brother David. This is not your usual family story that revolves around the typical squabbles between an older sister and her amusing younger brother. David is autistic and that takes him way out of typical. This is a family who focuses all of their attention around this disability. Their story is told by Cynthia and happens one summer when everything turns out not as expected and causes her to question just what normal is.

For grades 5-8

Snacktime Readers meets at the Central Library, 222 East Harvard Street, Glendale, CA 91205. A book discussion group for readers in fourth grade and above along with their parents, this group will get together on Wednesday, April 22 at 7:00 p.m. in the Children's Room. Come and join the discussion and share our snacks. For more information, please call (818) 548-2035.

A TREE WORTH READING

THE DRAGON TREE by Jane Langton is not about dragons. This is the story about a family of free-thinkers, an evil tree inspector, and a girl kept captive in an attic. You would think that these things would have absolutely nothing to do with each other. But they are all brought together by a magical tree that grows foot by foot in a matter of minutes, with leaves that tell stories and fruit that feeds body and mind. It's a quick read for a chapter book, with a lot of excitement and some political activism thrown in for your reading pleasure. Plus, you get to learn a little bit about Henry David Thoreau. A great read for 4th grade and up.

HERE, KITTY, KITTY! = VEN, GATITA, VEN!

A young girl gets a shy new kitten that hides and makes trouble. She hides under the table, under the sofa, under sister's bed, inside a flower pot, behind grandma's shoes. This is the third book in Pat Mora's bilingual My family/ Mi familia series.This story will delight children with its mischievous playful watercolor illustrations and charming story.

Written by Pat Mora, illustrated by Maribel Suarez. Kindergarten ages 5-6.

THESE ARE THE DAYS OF OUR TOYS LIVES...

Lumphy, Stingray and Plastic are back again with their toy friends for new adventures. They meet a shark friend, made of rubber, that they stuff with garbage before they realize he's a nice shark. They escape out the window into a big drift of snow as they try to hunt for the little girl that loves them. But the best story yet is when they go to the basement for a dance party to celebrate the repair of their friend the dryer! TOY DANCE PARTY by Emily Jenkins is the sequel to Toys Go Out, and is just as entertaining. The hilarious actions of these toys bring them to life and give each one some very human characteristics. Good for 2nd - 5th grade readers.

NOT JUST A SPELLING BEE

It's a tale told in from the points of view of kids who enter the annual school spelling bee. It's about parents and adults who have ulterior motives. It's about desire, corruption and competition.

Jennifer: Could care less about the bee, but her parents won't allow her to lose.

Mutual: Only going to regular school because his parents want him to win the bee.

Chrissie: Determined to get to the truth no matter how much it hurts.

Harlan: Class clown who wants to be a legend. All he needs is one perfect prank.

Jake: He wants the prize. The money will go to a good cause... his future.

I Put a Spell on You: From the Files of Chrissie Woodward, Spelling Bee Detective by Adam Selzer is a book of stories within a story of kids who are determined to do what is right rather than what is expected. For 6th -8th grade readers.

LIKE WORDS?

He loves words and lives to play scrabble, has a serious allergy to peanuts, and doesn't have a clue when it comes to making friends. Doesn't sound too attractive, does it? But twelve-year-old Ambrose is a really great kid who just needs to find his spot in the world and when he becomes friends with the adult son of the landlord, that just might happen. Susin Nielson tells this sometimes sad and at other times laugh out loud funny in her book WORD NERD.

For grades 5-8

HOW TO BECOME A STAR

Striking bilingual English/Spanish Yoruba myth in which the author explains the origins of comets and stars. Oloyou, the cat, the very first creature that the God-child creates, is also the very first friend. God-child and Oloyou play together for hours on end, until one day the cat falls into the kingdom of ferocious Okun Aro, the Sea. Oloyou is terribly lonely until he meets Aro's mermaid daughter Kandili and falls madly in love with her. Infuriated by the disertion of his friend, Okun Aro throws the lovers up into the heavens where they turn into stars in the night sky.


A good humoured read-aloud tale in both English and Spanish languages, written by Teresa Cardenas and illustrated by Margarita Sada. Ages 4-10.

JON SCIESZKA IS A KNUCKLEHEAD!

If you were ever curious about where authors get funny stories from or how they were as a kid, browse through a copy of this autobiography by Jon Scieszka. You know his books, The Stinky Cheese Man, The True Story of the Three Little Pigs, and many others. With five brothers, it's a wonder they all survived the rambunctious early years. Yep! There were six boys in the Scieszka family. No girls (except their mom, of course). After reading this, don't try any of their stunts, they're only funny because they survived to tell the tales.

Funny observations from the mind of Jon Scieszka in Knucklehead: Tall Tales and Mostly True Stories of Growing Up Scieszka. For readers in 6th & up.

JUST WHERE IS AWAY?

The island she was born on seemed like a paradise and life with her mother and friends was ideal until one day when everything suddenly changed. Milagros was forced by circumstances to start off on an incredible adventure that took her to the place where magic and reality meet.

Best for grades five through eight.

TRAVELS WITH GULLY THE DOG!

Gully is one smart, sophisticated dog who gets to spend his summers on the Seine River in France and the rest of the year in New York's Manhattan Island. He eats gourmet food and is exposed to art and culture all the time. He is very picky with his friends and prefers to hang out with french poodles instead of mutts and other breeds.

However, things are about to change beyond believe for him because his owner has fallen in love with a French professor and she unfortunately is allergic to dogs and Gully has no idea what is going to happen to him.

You need to read the book to find out, I promise you will not want to put it down once you start...

For grades 4th and up.

ADVENTURE, FANTASY AND ROMANCE ALL ROLLED TOGETHER

Julie, grandaughter of a witch, sister to Puss in Boots, and child of Rapunzel and the Prince. Wow! What a load to carry around, especially in this modern world where everyone thinks fairy tales are just that... tales. But Julie just grits her teeth and bear the burden along with her mother to keep The Wild from expanding and taking all the storybook characters back into its fold. But somehow, someone made a magic wish in the wishing well and unleashed The Wild. Her family, friends, and even the townsfolk have been pulled into repeating old tales over and over again and are trapped within the Wild. Julie has no choice but to battle the Wild for control of everyone she loves.

In this second installment, Julie's father, The Prince, suddenly appears at her grandmother's motel. She had not seen him since she had to reluctantly leave him behind at the magic castle. What is the Wild up to? It has never willingly released a fairytale character before. Now it has taken over her town and captured her mother. No matter what she tries, it seems that the Wild is always one step ahead of her. Along the way, crossing the country, she enlists the help of other fairytale characters and a boy like herself until everything converges at the happiest place on earth, Disneyland. And it is anything but a happy ending.

Both books by Sarah Beth Durst are a fantastic and complex adventure woven into a world of fantasy and the modern headed by a spunky heroine who just won't give up. A great, fast, fun read for 6th grade readers and older.

WHAT WOULD YOU DO IF YOU FOUND CRAZY GLUE OR SUPER MEGA GONZO GLUE?

The junk drawer is one of Roscoe Riley's favorite off-limit places. With his mother's permission, Roscoe goes through the drawer and tries to find supplies that he could bring to school for his teacher, Ms. Diz. First grader, Roscoe Riley is a lovable character. He is charming, and he tries to help out whenever he can. But even helpful kids make bad decisions. Inside the bag of supplies for Ms. Diz lies the Super Mega Gonzo Glue. Unfortunately, when Roscoe uses the glue in the class program, his plan to help Ms. Diz backfires and the program ends with fingers pointing at Roscoe Riley.

A fun new read by Katherine Applegate, author of the Animorphs series. Readers in the third grade and older will cheer or giggle, knowing that there's a Roscoe Riley in every classroom.

MARCH SNACKTIME READERS

Like a good mystery story? Room One by Andrew Clements fits the bill and is this month's selection for Snacktime Readers. Join us for snacks and discussion at the Central Library, Wednesday, March 25 at 7:00 p.m. It's always a good time.

For grades 4 and older.

THE GIRL BEHIND THE SMILE?

Only twelve when the reader first meets Betta in THE SMILE by Donna Jo Napoli, the next dozen years of her life are shared along with some of the history of Italy in this title. Not only does she meet and become friends with many famous people from the Medicis to Leonardo di Vinci, the main character becomes involved in the history of her country as the author tells her version of the story behind the very famous painting.

For grades 6 and older.

THE VOICE THAT CHALLENGED A NATION!

Black History Month is coming to an end, and you probably have done few book reports on the African-Americans who have changed the course of our history. However, in THE VOICE THAT CHALLENGED A NATION: MARIAN ANDERSON AND THE STRUGGLE FOR EQUAL RIGHTS by Russell Freedman you will find a great story not only about the struggles of the African-Americans but also about Marian Anderson who was an incredibly talented singer who fought for the equal rights of blacks just so she could sing and enhance her music career. Her encounter with Mrs. Roosevelt led her to do many great things to contribute to this great cause and be one of the pioneers of the civil rights movement.

For grades 4th and up.

ROSCOE RILEY RULES #3

Roscoe wishes he had a trophy. He is the only member of his family to not win one. His sister, Hazel, has many trophies, and Roscoe is quite envious of her. How far will Roscoe go to win a trophy? Will he tell a fib to his parents, or swap a hand-made sweater that his grandmother made with love? From the author of Animorphs, Katherine Applegate writes Don't Swap Your Sweater For A Dog from the Roscoe Riley Rules series. This is another fun read, with lessons for Roscoe Riley to learn- hopefully his third grade readers will too!

NAKED BUNYIP DANCING

Yes, that is the title. NAKED BUNYIP DANCING by Steven Herrick with pictures by Beth Norling is a new twist on the novel in poetry format. The teacher is a blissed-out hippy teaching math to the students while singing and playing guitar. There's girls who like boys, boys who think girls are gross, kids with family problems, kids with behavior problems. It's all here. Only it's written as a series of poems. Sometimes the poem is the student. Sometimes the poem is about a student. Here is a sample from the book:

"Sophie and poetry ~

I waited until the end of class
and I went to Mr. Carey's desk

and asked him

in a really quiet voice,

in case anyone was outside listening,

if I could read a poem

in the school concert

instead of singing.

A poem of my own

on any topic I like.
He smiled so wide

I thought his face would split!

Simple.

And I've got months to write it!"

This book would probably be best for kids 6th grade and up.

ARMIG & SAYAT NOVA

Armig is a shy boy who longs to sing with the great singer Sayat Nova who happened to be one of the best Armenian musicians of all time. Ever since his father's passing, he has become more of a recluse and while his friends are out playing and having a good time, he is looking after sheep and doing chorus that are suitable for older people. He has put aside his dreams of singing at all, let alone the great Sayat Nova.

Things do change due to an accidental encounter with the great musician who finds out what Armig's father has done in the village and vows to make the boy's life better. ARMIG & SAYAT NOVA by KATIE ATIKIAN and the illustrations by ALISON ATIKIAN.

For grades 4th and older.

THINK ALIKE?

There are times that many of us have wondered what it would be like to have a twin, someone who not only looked just like us but thought like us as well. In THE MIDNIGHT TWINS by Jacquelyn Mitchard this was the case for twelve-year-old twins Meredith and Mallory. They had always been so close that they shared thoughts. That was about to change as their thirteenth birthday party suddenly goes awry and the two are hurt in the fire that ruins the party. While recovering in the hospital they each discover a new gift; Meredith can see way into the past and Mallory can see into the future. What they don't know is if these are gifts or curses.

For grades 5-8.