LEAVE NO READER BEHIND!

Your school principle will dye his hair purple and spend the entire night on the school’s roof if the students end up reading 1000 books by the end of the school year! Do you think this will be possible? But what if there are some people who do not like to read at all?

Here is the story of a boy and his friends who like to spend all their free time playing with video games. Miss Malarkey, the very patient and kind teacher, tries her best to offer just the right bait – books containing jokes, poetry, fantasy, explorers, and even scary stories. One by one, the boy’s friends fall prey to Miss Malarkey’s suggestions, but not to the one boy whose stubbornness might cause the entire class to lose the bet... MISS MALARKEY LEAVES NO READERS BEHIND by JUDY FINCHLER and KEVIN O'MALLEY.

For grades k-up.

TRIALS AND TRIBULATIONS OF MIDDLE SCHOOL

In this sequel to Claudia Mills’ Losers, Inc. Julius Zimmerman is stuck in French class. He’s sworn never to love a girl. He’s never going to be good in school like his brother. In fact, he’s just going to baby-sit all summer and deal with being twelve. Against his wishes, he starts to like Olivia, but only because of her beautiful singing voice, and excels at caring for three-year-old Edison Blue. YOU'RE A BRAVE MAN, JULIUS ZIMMERMAN deals with a boy whose mother has huge expectations, and she pushes him to succeed in those areas without acknowledging the strengths Julius demonstrates and things he does well. Julius tries to meet her expectations while still becoming his own person, as he transitions into adolescence. For grades 5 and up.

SMALL IS ONLY SMALL TO BIG

Avon the snail is leading an uneventful life. He reads books all the time, and all the characters have GREAT BIG adventures while he has none. So one day Avon decides to have an adventure of his own, and along the way meets Edward the Ant. Avon and Edward have a very interesting adventure and make many new friends on their path. In THE END OF THE BEGINNING by Avi, both characters learn many things about themselves that might seem pretty funny to a lot of readers. The illustrations are very nice as well. For grades 2-5.

WORLDLY WOMEN WIZARDS!

Everybody needs a wizard in their life. Kit and Nita are just two new wizards in a big big world, and spend practically every waking moment together, practicing their craft. That is, until Nita's parents decide she needs a break from wizardry and ship her off to Ireland! No wizards there, right? WRONG! Turns out Nita's Aunt Annie is herself entrenched in the wizardly ways of Ireland, and it isn't long before Nita is embroiled in a great wizard's adventure. A WIZARD ABROAD by author Diane Duane is just one installment in her fantastic Wizardry series that is bound to delight most fantasy lovers. Each one has a little hint of romance which make it very appealing to that "tween" kid who's not quite ready to give up the imaginary worlds of talking trees and magic, but are still interested in a little love... For grades 6 and up.

RATFINK!

Logan had many troubles... A very humiliating photo, an embarrassing grandfather, a mysterious backpack, an experimental dog poop (yes, you read it correctly) and on top of all these, a girl named Emily from his school who is the meanest and the snottiest that he has ever met that seems to only exists to drive him crazy...

But the truth of the matter is that he really is trying to change his ways of doing things, in fact, he was hoping that the new school year in the fifth grade would permit him to showcase his mature side. Boy, was he wrong about these things...

RATFINK is by MARCIA THORNTON JONES.

FIND THE RED-HEADED FROG!

Shoe repair guy, Johnny, is so poor and desperate for money that he is willing to help a beautiful princess find her brother, a frog with red hair. Yes, that's right a frog! Really, he was a PRINCE who was turned into a frog by an evil witch and is now somewhere in Florida. She's desperate and would even marry him if he can find her brother! What sane guy would turn down an offer of money and marriage to a hottie of a princess? Not Johnny.

Cloaked by Alex Flinn is an action packed fantasy adventure chockful fairytale characters, talking animals, and of course, romance.

For readers in 6th-8th grade.

LEXIE

Lexie is an eleven year old girl that always loves her family’s summer vacation at the beach. Her parents have divorced and it's her first summer vacation away from her mother at her father's beach house. Unfortunately this year things will be a little different when she finds out that they’re having guests. Her father is inviting his girlfriend Vicky and her two children, a teenaged son and a very dirty three year old. Everything is wrong. Lexie does her best to be nice and to live up with her father’s expectations but her father is so immature and selfish that it is difficult. She just can’t take anymore and when she finds out her dad and Vicky are getting married she decides to confront her father. There is plenty of humor too that helps Lexie not to stay angry for so long. A nice book that helps parents to talk to children about divorce and remarriage and how it affects them. Ages 8-12. Written by Audrey Couloumbis.

GALLOP GALLOP GALLOP!

If you have ever tried to make a paper airplane or made an attempt to fly a kite, than you should learn about the man who by observing birds, realized that objects could also fly as well... This man's name is Leonardo De Vinci and let's just say that he was one very cool man. He is also known for his other skills, such as painting, sculpting and drawing. But, you would be surprised to learn that with all his accomplishments, what bothered him the most was his inability to sculpt a huge horse out of bronze which was commissioned to him… He never did finish the sculpture and this haunted him even on his death bed... In the year 1977, a discovery was made...The rest, as they say is history, literally... LEONARDO'S HORSE by JEAN FRITZ is definitely what I would call a work of art!

For 3rd and up grades.

HEARTWARMING NOVEL WITH SURPRISES

From Children's Librarian Vivian at the Casa Verdugo Branch Library:

ONE DAY AND ONE AMAZING MORNING ON ORANGE STREET

BY JOANNE ROCKLIN

Although the residents on Orange Street are different in character and age, they connect with one another in this wonderfully amazing story. A less than perfect day gives them a chance to reflect on their strengths and weaknesses, and their neighborhood's history.

This story is as sweet as oranges!

Best for 4th thru 6th grade.

ALICE-MIRANDA IS ONE PRECOCIOUS LITTLE GIRL

Alice-Miranda can't wait to go to boarding school, so she decides to apply early and go at seven and one quarter years old instead of at eight years old like everyone else. She arrives a day early (of course) and sets everything on their ears. She's sweet and never takes no for an answer. So, she sets the poor cook off on a much needed vacation, the gardener gets beautiful flowers, and she evens meets the reclusive headmistress. But the headmisstress certainly has no desire to meet Alice-Miranda again and make plans to get rid of the upstart optimistic little girl with the bouncy chocolate curls.

A bubbly book about an irresistable girl with a whole slew of supporters and few enemies thrown in just for fun. Alice-Miranda at School by Jaqueline Harvey is for readers in 4th-6th grade.

THE ALPHABET IS ALL AROUND

From Jennifer at the Montrose Branch Library: If Rocks Could Sing: A Discovered Alphabet by Leslie McGuirk

In this picture book, McGuirk uses found rocks to introduce the alphabet. By combining art, nature, and humor, she’s created a stand-out offering in the flooded alphabet book market. “C is for couch potato,” for example, will surprise readers with its realistic imagery. Both children and parents will want to read and re-read this title. Kids will soon be pointing out letters, real and imagined. A fun, unique alphabet read. For preschool.

BUG AND BEAR

Bug and Bear are best friends. Bug really wants to play a game with Bear, but Bear is tired and all she wants to do is sleep. Bug follows Bear everywhere, and one day she tells Bug to go away and leave her alone. Bug can’t take the hint, even when Bear tries her hardest to avoid Bug entirely. Bear gets angry and tells him to go jump in the lake.

When she finally settles down for a nap she discovers she can’t sleep feeling a remorse for the sharp words she said to her friend. Bear begins a frantic search for Bug that teaches her that true friends speak kind words and treat each other with care and love. Beautifully illustrated story that carries a lesson about the effects our words can have on others. Kindergarten, Ages 5-6. Written by Ann Bonwill, translated by Layn Marlow.

MIDDLE SCHOOL DRAMA

From Kristine at Adams Square:

Annabel is looking forward to the second semester of middle school. With the Valentine dance and Science Fair coming up, she has her good friends to share the excitement with…except for one thing; she cannot tell them she has a crush. Can't tell because she has discovered that her friend has a crush on the same boy. There, begins the Middle school drama…will she finally have the courage tell her crush about her feelings and also will she tell her friends about her crush. Everybody Bugs Out! By Leslie Margolis, is part of a series but can also be read as a stand alone novel. For grades 5-8

BOWLING ANY ONE?

From Mr. B at Grandview Branch Library

How Lamar’s Bad Prank Won a Bubba-Sized Trophy
By Crystal Allen

Asthmatic 13 year old Lamar Washington goes from King of the Lanes at Striker’s Bowling Paradise to community criminal despised and rejected even by his first and only girl friend, as he comes of age and to grips with what it takes to man-up. Once author Crystal Allen proves her slang creds in the first couple of chapters, her style settles down and the book becomes a well written novel about growing up in – or even outside of – the Afro-American Community. Lamar is a spirited and good hearted character, full of wit and belated wisdom. Everyman. He should make it to the screen soon – or at least to a well deserved sequel.

IF YOU LIKED THE WEDNESDAY WARS....

From Mr. B at Grandview...

OKAY FOR NOW
Gary D. Schmidt

More a stand-alone companion to “The Wednesday Wars” than a direct sequel, this well written tale is not to be missed. Doug Swieteck was a trouble-maker in “The Wednesday Wars.” In “OKAY for Now,” Doug’s own after-story in his own vibrant and direct voice, we discover the sources of his troubles and watch as they nearly overwhelm him. Despite an abusive father and generally dysfunctional family, eighth grader Doug stumbles on a part-time job, a teacher who helps him learn to read, a girl friend, and eventually self respect when his family moves from NYC upstate to “stupid Marysville.” This is a good read for middle and high school students, and for the most part, an absolute page turner for their parents.

NO PARADE FOR DODGERS GAME!

Attention families going to the Dodgers' Summer Reading game this Sunday, August 14. We have just been informed that due to logistical issues at the stadium, there will not be a parade on the field before the start of the game. We apologize for the last minute notice, but we hope that you will still have a fantastic and memorable time at the game with your families.



There's still time to pick up Chivas USA soccer tickets for the August 27th game. If you finished your 8 books earlier in the summmer and have not received your free ticket voucher, come by the Central Library ASAP!

SCIENCE FACT OR FICTION?

When a lowland gorilla is acquired by a research lab he becomes the main subject of a study being done to investigate the possibility for an ape to acquire speech. They did not use similar methods that other researchers had tried such as teaching the animal sign language. In this case a radical new method was tried and a very delicate surgery was performed grafting new vocal cords into the animal. This was successful and Ortega began to acquire language.

At the age of eleven, he was sent to school with human children and this is where the story begins. Fitting in as a new kid is always difficult but when you are a large gorilla it is even more so. In Ortega by Maureen Fegus, the author tells an unusual story of animal who has to fit into a human world and while it is a work of fiction, similar stories are taking place in laboratories around the world. Good idea or ? You, the reader, will have to decide. For grades 5-8.

If you liked Ortega, then you also might also like My Half Brother by Kenneth Oppel. This one's about a chimpanzee raised with a family with human children. The chimp is treated as if he were the youngest brother and included in all family activities. But as it turns out family life is not so easy nor is acceptance of a human/chimp hybrid. For grades 5-8

ENOLA AND SHERLOCK?

A duchess has vanished in the Underground (London's subway trains) and Enola, rather Dr. Ragostin, has been hired to find the missing woman. The only glitch is that she disappeared at the Baker Street station where her brother, Sherlock, lives.

In this sixth book of the Enola Holmes Mystery, our fearless feminist heroine and her famous detective older brother are both hired to solve the same case! All the while, she receives a coded message from her mother who has been living with the gypsies. Who will solve the mystery and find the duchess? Will Enola be reunited with her mother?

The Case of the Gypsy Good-bye by Nancy Springer holds many surprises for Enola fans. For readers in 6th-8th.

A CAT LARGER THAN LIFE

This is not a story for the squeamish. You'd think, since it starts out being about a little kitten, that it's going to be a cute, cuddly story. But I tell you, it is anything other than cuddly. David suspects there is something suspicious about this cat, especially when his family starts doing everything for the cat, including starving themselves in order to feed it! The end is not pretty, and readers should be prepared for quite a graphic scene! THE IMPROBABLE CAT by Allan Ahlberg is a riveting but scary read for grades 7 and up.

YOU ARE INVITED

The Bookmobile vehicle is retiring after 30 years of constant service. Please come to the Central Library to say good-bye on Saturday, August 6 at 3:00 p.m. You will have the chance to sign the vehicle and leave your good wishes for a happy retirement. There will also be light refreshments and a craft for the kids.

You can't miss us right out in front of the Library. We are at 222 East Harvard Street, Glendale 91205. Call (818) 548-2035 for more information.

VIOLET RAINES AND THE LIGHTNING!

Violet is an innocent young girl whose idea of having fun is to jump into a pool for a swim and hop around from tree to tree. She has planed to spend her summer with her friends, eating fresh fruits, running around and enjoying the calmness and the beauty of her town.

However, all her plans change when a new girl comes into town... Melissa is the same age as Violet, but her idea of a good time are watching soap operas, getting her hair and makeup done and gossiping about the people in her newly adopted town.

Suddenly, summer does not appeal to her anymore and she is torn about betraying her beliefs or conforming to Melissa's ideas.

VIOLET RAINES ALMOST GOT STRUCK BY LIGHTNING by DANETTE HAWORTH.

For grades 6th and up.

DR. BONES HAS A NIECE!

When Tory finds an old dog tag while dodging angry primate dirt bombs, she becomes intrigue with its owner. One thing leads to another, Tory and her friends are running late night undercover missions to root out the truth behind the disappearance of 16 year old science nerd from the 1960s.

Virals by Kathy Reichs is a new series from the author of the Dr. Temperance Breannan books (and the Bones television show). This series feature her niece living on a University owned island off the coast of South Carolina. It's an action-packed, science fiction, murder mystery novel with bits of romance and lots of suspense. Perfect for mature 6th-10th grade readers.

THE SHADOWKEEPERS STRIKE AGAIN!!

Nic Rostov, newby magickeeper and descendent of the greatest Russian family of Magicians ever to walk the Earth, has returned with bigger and betters feats in the second book of MAGICKEEPERS: THE PYRAMID OF SOULS by Erica Kirov. This book hosts the great gathering of all the worlds magicians, and Nic is being haunted by a black crow who he's sure is a Shadowkeeper pet just waiting to get him. Meanwhile, Nic must figure out how to make an entire live elephant disappear! Suddenly, not only is the elephant gone, but his cousin Isabella is missing as well as the great Pyramid of Souls where all magicians go to disappear. How will they get them back before they are lost forever? For grades 6 and up.

CHIVAS TICKETS ARE HERE!

If you have already turned in your summer reading log but didn't get your Chivas ticket come by the library and pick one up. Chivas USA is offering a free ticket for all finishers to the big August 27, 2011 game versus Real Salt Lake. If you can't make it, you can choose one of three other dates.

Children will need to be accompanied by an adult to attend the game. Adult tickets can be purchase at the same time as the child's voucher is redeemed for a discounted rate.

If you haven't signed up for summer reading yet, and want to go to the Chivas or Clippers game, get yourself to the library and sign-up!

WHERE DO YOU FIT IN?

Emma Freke is a 6th grade girl who doesn't seem to fit in anywhere. I mean with a name like EMM-A FREKE, she is constantly getting teased. It doesn't help that her mother is a little on the goofy side. She's never met her father, but one day receives a mysterious invitation to meet that side of the family. Finally, a place for Emma to fit in! Or is it? I, EMMA FREKE by E.J. Atkinson is actually a wonderful story, that's not too long and not too short, and keeps you reading without wanting to take a break. For 4th-8th grades.

HEIST SOCIETY

Warning: The adventures that you will read in this book are not to be duplicated, unless you want to be arrested and put in a jail...

So here it goes... This is a story about a girl named Katarina. She has gotten tired traveling all over the world with her family so much that she decides to break free of her dependence and pursue her own endeavors.

Her family travels were not the typical beach getaways, they all consisted of stealing treasures from world famous buildings and museums. Feeling that she has enough training from the family, she goes on her own to "travel." The question is, can she pull off these grandiose heists or will she be back with the family... Let the adventures begin...HEIST SOCIETY is by ALLY CARTER.

For grades 7th and up.

For grades 7th and up.

LOVE DANCING?

From Kristine at the Library Connection @ Adams Square:

Miss Tutu’s star by Leslea Newman is an encouraging story about a girl who loves dancing. Regardless of her clumsy ways, she is determined to learn to dance. Will her hard work and determination pay off?

The rhyming text and delightful illustrations makes it a great book for storytime as well as one-on-one read aloud.

THREE SETS OF TWINS & A MIDGET

One might say this is a strange story, a retelling of the old French tale of Tom Thumb. It is French, it takes place in France and involves 7 brothers. Yann, the littlest and youngest of the brothers decides to scare everyone into running away to the ocean one night, and a bizarre adventure unfolds through the eyes that see it happen. THE PULL OF THE OCEAN by Jean-Claude Mourlevat will keep a good reader's interest, and would be best for above 6th grade.

BEANS, GOD, MOM & DAD

One day everything is fine. The next day, her mother decides to live with the Redeemers and her parents are splitting up. Well, she's not going to become one and she's going to scientifically prove that the Redeemers were wrong about God and everything, then her mom would go back to the way she was before.

So this is Octavia's science experiment.

Hypothesis: If there is a God, prayer must work.

Experiment: Plant eight pots of beans. Use the same soil, water and light. Pray for only four bean plants, asking God to make them grow enormous like the beans from Jack and the Beanstalk. The other four bean would not be prayed for.

Conclusion: Read Octavia Boone's Big Questions About Life, the Universe, and Everything by Rebecca Rupp.

For readers in 6th-8th.

ITALIAN ROYALTY OR A WICKED GYPSY?

Cowboys and Indians, and a wild west show! Caroline lives in a rural town with her father, just trying get by and put the the pieces about what her mother is really like. There are many stories about her mother, such as that she was a famous Italian princess, but some people think she's a travelling gypsy because she was in a wild west show. Caroline decides to join a show as well, especially when her father and a mean aunt begin to fight about what is best for Caroline's life. She learns many things about her family and her self. THE LAST RAINMAKER by Sherry Garland is a historical fiction story that kids in 5th through 8th grade will really enjoy!

YOUNG FREDLE

You might wonder what can a small, white- brownish mouse with pink ears teach you about life's hard lessons or the extend of adventures the little one might be able to embark on. How can it be possible for Fredle, who happens to be this mouse, fight raccoons, chickens, and humans? Well... get ready to be blown away by this precocious mouse's great discoveries and adventures in ways that only perhaps Superman could embark.
Fredle is such a curious and smart mouse that nothing in his surroundings satisfies him and even though he knows that certain things are not good for him, he still goes out and tries them anyway. Like for example, eating too much chocolate. However, he must pay for his "curiosities" in order to learn life's hard lessons...

YOUNG FREDLE by CYNTHIA VOIGT is a fun summer read not to be missed.

For grades 4th and up.

HAPPY HOLIDAY

All Glendale Libraries will be closed Saturday, July 3 through Monday, July 5 in honor of the Independence Day holiday. Regular hours will resume on Tuesday, July 6.

GEORGE CLOONEY FOR A FATHER?!

Her parents divorced and are now living separate lives. Her father has moved on and is living the good life in L.A. with a whole new family while she is left with her lonely mother, who has a knack for always picking the wrong guy.

Dudley Wiener is just the absolute last straw. How can her mother possibly date a man with that name, plus his jokes are horrible. It is time for Violet to take action and get the perfect man for them... George Clooney.

Dear George Clooney Please Marry My Mom by Susin Nielsen is a funny and heartfelt story about the messiness of love and family for readers in 6th-8th.

THREE FRIENDS

This is a story of a Dog, a Cat and a Mouse living together peacefully in their little home by the sea. Each day is the same, Dog tends to the garden, Cat takes care of the housework, and Mouse is in charge of cooking. They all seem happy together until one day a mysterious strange sales clerk from the Winds of Change Trading Company comes to visit, making remarks and offering suggestions to change their way of life.

Delightful story to discuss the importance of friendship and tolerance. Mini Grey, author and illustrator. Ages 4-8.

NEW MYSTERY SERIES

Right before the school custodian died, he made Ben promise not to let the school be torn down. All he gave him was an old coin to save the school with. Intrigued, Ben and his classmate Jill scour the school for clues put in place many years ago by the founders for just this kind of emergency.

Benjamin Pratt and the Keepers of the School is a new mystery adventure series for 4th - 6th by Andrew Clements. Short and fast paced, it's perfect for reluctant readers.

CLARA LEE AND THE APPLE PIE DREAMER

I don't know about you guys, but I am beginning to believe in luck and that no matter how hard we try something, a little bit of luck will not hurt us in life. Clara Lee, who is the main character in this book gets her dream cut short when her grandfather interrupts her. Her dream was so scary, that she takes her grandfather's action as a sign of luck since the grandfather explains that at times when people see bad things in their dreams, their actually a sign of good things to happen in life. Additionally, her winning the Apple Pie dream contest becomes questionable as well since some kids think that because she is Korean American, she might not be "American" enough to win the contest. CLARA LEE AND THE APPLE PIE DREAM by JENNY HAN is a fun, coming of age story.

JACK AND THE PUNK PRINCESS

Jack, being the son of Jack of the Beanstalk, is trying to figure out something great to do when a girl falls out of the sky and lands on top of him. Her shirt says that she is a "Punk Princess" but she claims to be no such thing. All she wants is to find her grandmother who just suddenly disappeared. As Jack and May search the magical land for her kidnapped grandmother they realize that May might be a descendant of frfairy tale royalty.

Half Upon a Time by James Riley is for fantasy adventure lovers from 6th-8th grade.

SWALLOWED WHOLE

THE YEAR THE SWALLOWS CAME EARLY by Kathryn Fitzmaurice is very well written for an author's first novel. Set in a small oceanside town, Eleanor "Groovy" Robinson witnesses her father being taken to jail. Turns out, it's her mother that's sent him there, and all of a sudden her normal world swirls into chaos. She's so upset she can't even do the one thing she loves - cooking. She discovers unlikely friends in peculiar people and places, and comes to terms with things not always being what they seem. Very easy to read, with vivid imagery and an engaging plot. For grades 4 and up.

THERE IS A DRAGON IN THE LIBRARY

One day Max visited the library. After storytime he went wandering around the library and found a large egg on the bottom of a bookcase. When he moved closer to look at the egg, surprisingly out hatched a little dragon. Max ran to to tell his mother that there was a dragon in the library, but she laughed and said that he had a great imagination. When he tried to convince everybody that there was a dragon in the library, nobody seemed to believe him. Every time he comes to the library, he finds the dragon again, and it is bigger and hungrier and it is eating more and more books. This book with a fun text and beautifully illustrations, makes an excellent read-aloud for children 4-5 years old. A list of tips on how to take care of books added at the end of the book. Written by Dianne de Las Casas, illustrated by Marita Gentry.

A DEAD HIPPO MYSTERY

The meanest and most hated hippo is floating feet up in his habitat. Shocked by Henry the Hippo's death, Teddy is determined to find out how this could have happened in the best animal research facility in the country. When he discovers that the hippo might have been murdered, the only person willing to help find the hippo killer is Summer, the owner's daughter. Something stinks at Fun Jungle, and it isn't just the dead hippo.

Belly Up by Stuart Gibbs is a fast pace mystery set in a Texas where the kids seem to know more than the adults. For readers in 6th - 8th grade.

TWENTY GOLD FALCONS

Have you ever been on a treasure hunt? I am talking about hunt for real treasure, such as gold, antique objects and gold falcons in the case of this story. Most likely, you have not right? Well. Aiden who is literally bored out of her mind and is completely miserable in her fancy private school somehow(you need to read to find out) embarks on a journey that is so fun and adventurous that you might even want to buckle your seat belt while reading the book.

This is a fun and mysterious story which brings great friends togather in search of a treasure, but the joureny to find the treasure is as fun as the treasure itself. You will even meet a mouse who loves the opera, now imagine that! TWENTY GOLD FALCONS is by AMY GORDON.

For grades 5th and up.

THE TROUBLE WITH HALF A MOON

Dellie is a thirteen years old girl that lives in a project building with her mother and father. Dellie's life has been quiet and sad since her little brother’s dead. The whole family is devastated. Her mother cries all the time,and forbids Dellie to go outside on her own so nothing bad happens to her. Dellie lives with the horrible guilt that the accident that killed her brother may have been all her fault. Dellie's world begins to change when new neighbors move in on the ground floor and the once peaceful building starts to have problems hearing gunshots and men fighting in the halls. In the middle of all that trouble she meets Corey. Corey is an adorable five-year-old boy, whose mother abusing him and who's often left him at home alone and hungry. He wanders around knocking on doors asking for bread. Dellie becomes attached with this little boy who reminds her so much of her brother. They develop a very strong bond. She wonders if she can do for Corey what she couldn't do for her brother to save him. The secret of Dellie’s brother accident is not revealed until near the end of the book. Corey contributed to a significant change in Corey’s life.

In addition to Corey, the story also includes Miss Shirley, a Jamaican colorful woman that is always full of wisdom and experience. Having experienced her own loses, She I and Dellie become close and helps Dellie to learn faith and healing.

Written by Danette Vigilante. Realistic fiction for grades 5 and up.

SUMMER READING FUN

It's that time again...Summer Reading Program. You can sign-up today in any of the Glendale Libraries and get your book log, bookmark and coupon for an Aunt Annie's tasty pretzel.

Read or listen to a book a week for eight weeks, record the titles in the log and bring it back to the Library to choose a book from the prize books to take home. You have until August 6 to do the reading.

Also check the Library Events for the many scheduled special events that are taking place during the program. Puppets, magicians, silly science and balloon artists are just some of the treats for families this summer.

A BOY + A DOG = ADVENTURE

Mystery, adventure, betrayal and riches are all here in one action-packed book. At the death of his uncle, Homer inherits his dog. He seems like any other ordinary dog except that he holds the clue to this madcap adventure.

Smells Like Dog by Suzanne Selfors is a over the top goofy adventure for readers in 6th- 8th.

A PORTRAIT OF PIA

At first, Pia might seem like your average typical thirteen years old girl who is interested in boys and doing the fun stuff. However, there is a lot about Pia that even she does not know yet. Her living in New York has enriched her life on so many levels. Being exposed to great food, art and culture in general has contributed to her good upbringing. However, Pia also has family issues that have never been resolved. For example, finding about who her father is, or why her brother suddenly quit a very prestige school. In addition to all the madness that she is going through, she is also attempting to create a self portrait. The metaphor being that until she does not find herself in life, her portrait will not be complete! A PORTAIT OF PIA by MARISABINA RUSSO is an outstanding book that has so many great elements, one which I liked the most is the idea of Pia being such an avid reader and an art lover!

For grades 5th and up.

I WANT TO DO IT MYSELF

The very independent Little Princess is determined to go camping without anyone’s help. She insists she want to do it herself! Every time someone offers her help, she replies ‘NO’ ‘I want to do it myself’’. When she finally arrives at her campsite,she discovers she has forgotten her cooking equipment, the tent, a blanket, a pillow, a towel, her toothbrush and the list goes on. Fortunately, secret hands help that everything goes well, the only problem is that on the way home, the bags are too heavy!!!! Self- Reliance is important to children healthy development , however in this book Little Princess thinks she knows everything and does not allow anyone to provide assistance. A good example to teach children that at times we also need help from others. Beautiful ink and watercolor illustrations written by Tony Ross. Ages 5 -7.

PICTURES WORTH THOUSANDS OF WORDS

Tonya Bolden, author of the book FINDING FAMILY based an entire story around a collection of very old photographs that she has collected over the years. Real history makes up a lot of the setting and plot, but the story itself is made up of ideas that the pictures told her. The main character is Delana, whose mother has died and father has disappeared without a trace. She's left to be raised by her Grandpa and her Aunt Tilly who doesn't let Delana do much of anything. Her aunt tells her many stories about the family, some of which seem crazy and unbelieveable. But when Delana's aunt suddenly dies, it is up to Delana to determine truth from fiction. Good book for advanced 4th graders up to 8th grade readers.

THE TALENT SHOW

When the tornado hit the town of Tornado Alley, a lot of the town’s residences were on their usual daily routines of cleaning houses, rehearsing for school plays, running errands, or just simply doing nothing. However, when cars started to fly like Frisbees, people realized what was happening…After the tornado, things were destroyed and buildings were ruined, such as the local elementary school. When the principal of that school suggested raising money by doing a talent show, people got excited and started to feel optimistic about the future. The talent was recruited and the roles were assigned, until that is… another tornado hit the town of the Tornado Alley… THE TALENT SHOW by DAN GUTMAN, is fun and you don't have to have a talent to read it!

For grades 5th and up.