A BOOK FOR BLACK-EYED SUSAN

This is a touching story about a 10-year old girl named Cora and her family leaving from Missouri to head west on the Oregon Trail. Cora's mom dies in childbirth on the wagon trip, and the baby sister is given to aunt Alma to take care of. Cora name her baby sister Susan because of her black eyes and blonde hair that reminds Cora of a yellow daisy like wildflower and were also her mother’s favorite flowers.

During the long wagon trip, on a stormy night going thru her mother’s sewing box, Cora finds pieces of fabric in different colors and she starts sewing quilt squares creating images of her home back in Missouri. Eventually the wagon trains split up with some families heading towards California and some heading towards Oregon. Cora, knowing that she will never see her sister again, rushes to the wagon to finish the little gift she has for the baby. It would be her baby sister first book. Cora and her father move into Oregon Territory where in time Cora becomes a teacher. Cora is offered a position in a new school. Since the school could not provide books to the children, they’re asked to bring their own. As Cora register her new students’ names, eventually she comes to a dark-eyed blonde girl holding a fabric book who tells her, "My name is Susan and I have a book."
Beautifully written by Judy Young, illustrated by Doris Ettlinger. Ages 6-7.

LITTLE CROC'S PURSE

One day Little Croc playing kid and seek with his friends finds a large pink and white purse. Little Croc opens the purse and he finds that is full of money. His friends try to persuade him to keep it but Little Croc is determined to do the right thing by bringing the lost purse to the police station. When Little Croc found the owner, she is not concerned about the money in the purse, but is relieved to find a locket with a picture of her husband inside. She rewards Little Croc for his honesty by giving him money. He then divides the money into three envelopes: Spend, Share and Save and with it he gets a treat for himself, make a charity donation, buys lemonade for all his friends and starts saving up for a cowboy hat!

Great story to teach the value of honesty. Perfect bedtime story. Bright and cheerful illustrations. Written and illustrated by Lizzie Finlay.Ages 3-7.

THREE STRIKES, YOU ARE OUT!

Gregory and his mother, little sister Jeanine, and imaginary friend Joey USED to live on a Navajo reservation. Now they live in a motel. Only his new friend Matt, in his new school, tells him its really a shelter, not a motel, and if they're not careful, Mr. Hass will give them three strikes and they're out! Not in the baseball way! The only saving grace for Gregory and his new set of circumstances is art class, where he can escape from all the problems and worries he has to deal with. BIRD SPRINGS by Carolyn Marsden is a quick read for a reluctant reader that's complex and adventurous enough for any reading level. For grades 4 and up.

PRIDE AND PREJUDICE AT BOARDING SCHOOL

Another fun Pride and Prejudice redux set in a boarding school in New England. The usual misunderstandings, prejudices and snobby attitudes are had by everyone at the Longbourn and Pemberley until each romantic lead realizes that they have been at fault and have made monumental errors in judgement.

A fun and fast read for teens who wants romance, fashion, spunk and piano music. Prom and Prejudice by Elizabeth Eulberg is for 6th graders -high schoolers .

WEIRD, WEIRD AND MORE WEIRD!

There are some really crazy and weird things that are happening all around us, however, things such as a baby -jumping event, where men are dressed as the devil, carrying whips, leaping over them is something that I never thought would be possible. Well...I guess it is possible and in fact, there is a festival just for that and it's called El Colacho.

How about this one...in the month of September, their is a festival for air guitar players, where the competitors are given a classic guitar tune to follow by the judges...Cool ha?
If you could have a festival of any type of an event, what would it be?

Perhaps, you can start one after reading this really weird book...

WORLD OF THE WEIRD by TRACEY TURNER.

For grades 4th and up.

WORLD OF THE WEIRD by TRACEY TURNER

HUDSON HATES SCHOOL

Hudson cannot stand school especially on Fridays because that is spelling test day and Hudson has not learned his spellings. All his classmates laugh at him when he gets his spelling wrong and that makes him hates school even more. Fortunately, Hudson’s teacher recognizes signs of Dyslexia and Mr. Shapland is called in to help Hudson. He takes Hudson to the study room to give him some special tests. Mr. Shapland explains him that he has a learning difficulty called dyslexia. Soon Hudson begins taking lessons with children who also have dyslexia, and he starts to like school.Dyslexia is a learning disability in children affecting reading, writing and spelling. The last page of the book contains a short list of dyslexia disorders.Written by Ella Hudson. Beautiful ink and watercolor illustrations. Ages 4-8.

READING CENTRAL (TUESDAY, OCT. 4TH)

Have you ever told a lie in your life? What if you have never, and I mean never told a lie. You won’t tell a lie even to save your life. Your philosophy in life is to tell the truth and nothing but the truth. Wallace Wallace is that person. He has never told a lie in his entire life. For better or for worse, Wallace is learning that being too honest actually might hurt some people.

Read NO MORE DEAD DOGS by GORDON KORMAN to find out what it is that finally causes such a big change of mind that he has to lie, why he lie and the many outcomes of his lies. While a book that mentions death in the title may not sound like a fun book, this one is. It will keep you reading with its elements of family drama, school drama, boy and girl drama and even book drama! You have to read to find out the very poignant observation of books about dogs!

For grades 4th and up!

IT'S NEVER TOO EARLY TO GET IN THE MOOD...

Today is "Talk Like A Pirate Day" and here are some of your favorite authors to get you started. Also celebrate by reading a pirate story in your best pirate voice. My favorite is Mem Fox's Tough Boris a story about a very fierce brigand with a very soft spot for his pet parrot.

You can check this out along with other great pirate tales at any of the Glendale Libraries.

SILLHOUETTED BY THE BLUE

Since the death of her mother in a car accident, Serena finds herself trying to hold the family together. Her father falls into a severe depression and Serena just want to spend time with her friends and lives a normal life, but instead she has to take care of her little brother and maintain the household, cooking, cleaning, laundry, finding time for homework, does grocery shopping and all of it. Serena tries to respond to her challenges with strength and determination until they begin to overwhelm her.

Chosen for the lead in the middle school production “The Wiz” and Serena's happy because she loves to act and sing. However, things at home are getting worse. Her father spends weeks not showering or eating. He cries and sleeps all the time and she has to force him to drive her to the bank so they can buy groceries. Serena recognizes her father illness so she must find a way to get help before it’s too late. She calls the family, but her grandma has Alzheimer’s and her uncle is away on business in another country. Powerful, moving and realistic story recommended for middle school students ages 10-14. Written by Traci L. Jones.

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.