LIVING WITH A SISTER

From Children’s Librarian, Kristine Markosyan at the Adams Square and Pacific Park Branch Libraries:

Ten Rules for Living with My Sister by Ann M. Martin is narrated by third grader, Pearl.  As the younger sibling, Pearl’s relationship is like any relationship between two sisters.  She compares her sister, Lexie’s life and experiences with her own and naturally portrays the role of the pesky younger sister.  In the beginning of the story, her sister Lexie is able to avoid Pearl by closing her bedroom door and putting a sign to keep her out or giving her the silent treatment.  When their grandfather, Daddy Bo’s health issues arise, he moves in with the family and the girls have to share a room.  How will the sisters manage sharing a room?  
 
This is a great read for girls ages 7-12, who are either a younger or older sibling.  The narrators experience with her family, school life and personal growth keeps young readers interested throughout the book.  
 
Best for readers in grades 4 and up.

MY LIFE AS A BOOK SEQUEL

In this sequel to My Life As a Book, Derek gets a chance to be a skateboarding stunt double for a famous actor. Only it's for a famous GIRL actor. His best friend is totally jealous of him and starts making fun of him and he strikes back. He makes a deal with his parents to keep up with his tutoring and take care of his foster monkey in order to get the stunt job but one tiny mistake might undo the whole thing.

I think My Life As a Stunboy by Janet Tashjian and illustrated once again by Jake Tashijian is even better than the first book. Lots of action, humor and some emotional tugs on the heart strings will keep the reader hooked until the end. For readers in 4th-8th grade.

SAY SOMETHING, PERICO

Funny Perico is a parrot that lives a boring life in a pet store and he’s desperate to find a new home. He only speaks Spanish and when he speaks, he is always misunderstood. He waits in the pet shop and tries to interact with the owner and customers; however, no one seems to understand him. He takes “mal” for “mall and “si” for “sea” so the potential buyers keep returning him to the store. The pet man tells Perico that he’ll have to learn some phrases in English if he wants a new home, giving him “I am fine today” and “I am a pretty bird” as examples. Poor Perico stays up that night practicing the phrases. A little Latino boy and his mother visit the store and hear Perico speaking English and Spanish. Perico uses all his new phrases to impress the boy. The boy ignores the bird completely until Perico starts squawking in fluent Spanish. The boy being bilingual himself, finds Perico to be the perfect pet.

Cute book that teaches about the differences in languages. Bright illustrations. Includes Spanish glossary with pronunciation guide at the back of the book.

Ages 4 and up. Written by Trudy Harris, illustrated by Cecilia Rebora.
Juvenile fiction; animals – birds; animals – humor; parrots; pet stores; Spanish language.

RUBIES ARE A GIRLS BEST FRIEND

I have just now finished RUBY RED by Kerstin Gier, the first of three books, and I CANNOT WAIT for the next one! The story takes place in England, so some of the language takes a little getting used to, but the characters will jump under your skin from the very first page. Gwen/Gwyneth is an ordinary modern day girl, or so it seems. But her family has many secrets, ones for which her cousin Charlotte has spent her entire life preparing. What's the secret? The ability to time travel! That much I can tell you, but you'll be surprised what happens to Charlotte, Gwen and a boy named Gideon in this century and throughout centuries of the past! I'm ordering Sapphire Blue as soon as possible! For grades 6 and up.

WHAT WOULD YOU DO?

When he wakes up in the tent the first morning of a camping vacation with his mom, Jake discovers that she along with her gear and the car are nowhere to be found. This is not the first time that she has done this, disappeared, but the other times he was at home and not stranded on an island in Maine with only a few dollars and a small plastic elephant, an animal that fascinates him, in his pocket. After his search of the island proves fruitless, he sets off to walk back home to Boston. The author tells the story of how Jake not only survives this experience but also learns some important truths about his capacity to move ahead in spite of his family circumstances in Small As An Elephant by Jennifer Richard Jacobson

LIFE IS BETTER WITH CUPCAKES

From Jennifer, Children's Librarian at the Montrose Branch Library

Close to Famous by Joan Bauer 

If you think cupcakes are fluff, you’re wrong. Baking can get you through hard times. That’s what Foster McFee learns from her Food Network idol, Sonny Kroll. Foster’s life hasn’t been easy. After losing her dad, Foster’s mom dates an abusive Elvis impersonator. One day, they pack the car and move abruptly. Their only hope being – to start over.

Life is different in Culpepper, where they settle. But when things are tough, Foster bakes. Soon, her baking skills gain notoriety and she’s getting cupcake orders from a local café. With the help of new friends, including a former movie star, Foster blossoms. She faces her troubles, one cupcake at a time. And by the end, inadvertently, you might have faced yours.

A funny, realistic, and touching read. For grades 5-8.

NEW ORLEANS GETS A HARD HURRICANE HIT!

Hurricane Katrina just seems like a bad dream for those of us who saw it on the news. But Saint Louis Armstrong Beach was IN THE HURRICANE! It's all because his dog Shadow won't show up when the town is being evacuated. Saint's a good boy, who always does what he's told, but he loves that dog more than anything (except maybe his neighbor Mona Lisa). Saint loves the dog so much that before the hurricane, he goes down to the French Quarter with his clarinet to play music for money. Music he spends on a collar, leash and food for Shadow. But sometimes a leash just can't keep a dog from doing what a dog does. SAINT LOUIS ARMSTRONG BEACH by Brenda Woods is a good, quick read that factors in all the culture and excitement of New Orleans, and the tragic events of Hurricane Katrina. For grades 4 and up.

FRIENDS

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

Snake and Lizard by Joy Cowley

In this adventure, Snake and Lizard share a Help and Helper business.  Word spreads that this unlikely pair achieve their success by helping creatures of all kinds, and it really doesn’t matter what the situation may be.  They do have their share of bickering but in the end they try to understand each others point of view.  This is a humorous tale with some surprises.

THE GIRL WHO NEVER MADE MISTAKES

This is a delightful story about Beatrice, a nine-year-old girl who never makes mistakes.

Beatrice is famous in her town, though most people do not know of her real name. She is known simply as “The Girl Who Never Makes Mistakes” and she is proud to be called by that nickname. She is always very careful on everything she does. It is, as she doesn’t know how to make a mistake.

She never forgets her math homework, never wears mismatched socks, and she always wins the yearly talent show at school. In fact, she has won the talent show for three years in a row with her juggling act, and she feels quite confident about this year.

However, one day participating in a talent show she makes her first mistake ever and it is in front of many people. She then realizes it is okay to make a mistake and laughs at it.

Great book for kids all ages. This story tells children that mistake happens. That not only making a mistake is not the end of the world, but also are part of growing up.

Written by Mark Pett and Gary Rubinstein , illustrated by Mark Pett.

SEE YOU ON TUESDAY, February 21

All the Glendale Libraries will be closed in observance of the President's Day holiday from Saturday February 18 through Monday February 20. Regular hours will resume on Tuesday, February 21.

“HE WAS THE BEST OF TOMS. HE WAS THE WORST OF TOMS.”

From former Children's Librarian now manager of the Casa Verdugo and Grandview Branch Librarian, Katherine:

Skilley is a street-wise tom cat looking for a ready meal and a warm bed.  When he hears Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese pub is overrun with mice, he knows he’s found his home.  An unlikely partnership gives him plenty of food and a good reputation with the pub’s owner and customers, many of them notable 19th century British authors.  It’s the perfect life until Pinch, a vicious tom cat, also comes to live at Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese.  The Cheshire Cheese Cat; a Dickens of a Tale by Carmen Agra Deedy and Randall Wright , though filled with secrets and revenge, is a heartwarming tale of strength in numbers and friendship overcoming adversity.  Barry Moser’s black and white illustrations are a perfect companion to this wonderful story.
For grades 4 and up.

THE CEMETERY IS HIS PLAYGROUND

This year is going to be different. Linc has decided that going to public school instead of being homeschooled will be an exciting change, in a normal kind of way. He will not tell people that he lives next to a cemetery, or that his mother is a cemetery expert, or that he spends most of his free time there or that his close friend is the groundskeeper. His parents had been taking him to cemeteries since he was small. When his father died suddenly, it's just him and his mom. His mom has an unusual job and dresses oddly and for now, he just wants to be a normal middle school kid.

His fantasy plan goes bust when the teacher announces that the big project of the year will be to research one grave and write a historical report about the person. Linc picks a notorious grave to research and discovers interesting facts about his own family.

Here Lies Linc by Delia Ray is a perfect little odd book about an oddball kid. For readers in 6th-8th grade.

ELEPHANTS HAVE FEELINGS TOO

AN ELEPHANT IN THE GARDEN by Michael Morpurgo sounds like a picture book for young children. In fact, it is a story that takes place in World War II Germany about a mother and her two children. the mother works at the local zoo in Dresden, and everyone is worried about what will happen to the animals if the city is bombed. So, the mother brings the elephant home from work every day. The children become great friends with the elephant, and the story follows them through dangerous and suspenseful situations. All with an elephant by their side. For grades 4 and up.

CHOCOLATE ME!

The boy in this book is different than any of the other kids in the neighborhood. Compared to the white kids, his skin is darker, his hair too curly, his nose is wider, and his teeth shine brighter. He tells his mother he wishes he could be more like everyone else. His mother helps him, telling him how beautiful he really is. She works with her son to see the value he has as a human being and teaches him how to embrace his African-American features.

She gives him a t-shirt that says “Chocolate me!” and he starts taking pride in his beautiful features that makes him so special. Beautiful funny illustrations. This book focus in self-acceptance and self-love and also help to remind us that each one of us is special exactly as we are. Recommended for parents to answer many questions about skin color, race or culture. Ages 6 and older. Written by Taye Diggs, illustrated by Shane W. Evans.

VALENTINE'S DAY

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

Snowy Valentine by David Petersen
 
Jasper is in search of the best Valentine’s Day gift for his wife.  He walks through the forest and stops to visit the other animal neighbors for ideas.  Although he encounters a near fatal situation, he goes home with the best gift of all.  A lovely picture book that shows that thoughts and actions are better than any object in hand.

A HIGHSTAKES ADVENTURE

From Mr. B. at the Grandview Branch:

Outlaw by Stephen Davies

Fifteen year old Jake Knight tells his sister Kas that “Adventurers never cry.” Jake has reasons enough to think about it, though. Suspended from his English boarding school for breaking into a prison while playing a GEOCACHE game, Jake finds himself in Africa, with his sister and Ambassador father. While at a State dinner, Jake and Kas are kidnapped by local terrorist Yakuuba Sor who orders them killed after taking Jake’s cell phone. When someone claiming to be Sor rescues them, the adventure doubles. This gripping adventure is told with gusto and humor and is ripe for a Hollywood adaption.

LAST CHANCE

The annual bookmark contest ends on Saturday, February 5 so there is still time for you to come into any of the Glendale Libraries and create a bookmark for this year's Summer Reading Program theme "Dream Big Read!" Three winners will be chosen to have their entries printed in color and used at all of the Libraries in Glendale. If you are between the ages of 1 though 14 you are eligible to participate. The Library will supply crayons, markers, pens and pencils for you to create an award winning entry. Hurry to you nearest Library and channel your inner artist, who knows you just might win.

WOULD YOU HUG A PORCUPINE?

From Vivian, the Children's Librarian at the Casa Branch:

Hugs from Pearl by Paul Schmid


Pearl possesses such sweet qualities—she plays fair, she likes to share, and she loves to give hugs.  Her classmates like to receive her hugs but they can be a touch painful due to her quills.  Pearl is downhearted when she learns that her friends were injured upon contact, so she takes a proactive approach and finds a way to make things better for her and for those who can’t resist her hugs.  This story is great to share at home or during a storytime!

LONG LIVE THE MOTHER-DAUGHTER BOOK CLUB!

Heather Vogel Frederick has done it again with a new installation in this great series called HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS. Becca, Megan, Emma, Cassidy, and Jess are back, with boys to kiss, and family to argue with, and best of all - new books to read! This time they're reading an entire series of what are called the "Betsy-Tacy" series. At first, the girls think the stories will be too old-fashioned, but it isn't long before each girl identifies with something that Betsy or Tacy encounters or a situation the characters face. Even though it's all about Christmas time, fans of the "Mother-Daughter Book Club" won't be disappointed. For grades 4 and up.

AND THE WINNER IS....

 Every year the American Library Association gives an award to the best illustrations in a book published in the United States in the previous year call the Caldecott Medal. This year the winner is Chris Radschka's A Ball for Daisy a wordless story of the fun one dog has with her ball.

The Newbery Medal is awarded for the best in children's fiction, also published in the United States in the previous year. Jack Gantos an author of many fine novels for younger readers is this year's gold medalist for his work, Dead End in Norvelt.

Both of these are available from your local Glendale library. Check 
             them out.

STUEY LEWIS WANTS TO READ

Stuey is worried. He's been in second grade for two whole days, yet he still can't read! It seems that even hanging out with his very best friend makes him feel stressed about reading. It's a good thing he has a very understanding teacher and his favorite holiday, Halloween, just around the corner to help him cope.

The One and Only Stuey Lewis by Jane Schoenberg is light-hearted beginning chapter book for readers in 2nd-3rd grades about a boy learning to read, his friends and family.

THE LOVE OF A DOG

Dessa Dean lives with her father in a cabin. It's winter - the first winter since her mother died, and she's still not able to walk off the porch without fear clutching her inside and out. She becomes completely paralyzed. Then one day, a dog limps out of the snowy forest and into Dessa Dean's life. The dog comes to help Dessa Dean, bringing her out of her life of fear and closer to her father. THE LEANIN' DOG by K. A. Nuzum is a touching story about how time and a furry friend can help someone cope with a terrible loss. For 4th through 8th grades.

SUPERSTITION MOUNTAIN ADVENTURE

Even though their parents told them to stay off Superstition Mountain, when their cat escapes their new home and head straight up the mountain, the three worried brothers disobey their parents and go search for their pet. When they discover three white skulls, the boys become curious and go off searching for the identity of the three skulls. could it be the three boys missing from the 1950s?

Missing On Superstition Mountain by Elise Broach is another solid suspenseful adventure story.

BOOKMARK CONTEST TIME!

It's almost time for the annual Bookmark Contest to begin. Come into any of the Glendale Libraries starting January 21, 2012 and create a bookmark for this year's Summer Reading Program theme "Dream Big Read!" Three winners will be chosen to have their entries printed in color and used at all of the Libraries in Glendale. If you are between the ages of 1 though 14 you are eligible to participate. The contest runs from January 21 through February 5. The Library will supply crayons, markers, pens and pencils for you to create an award winning entry.

LIBRARIES CLOSED JANUARY 14-16

All of the Glendale Public Libraries will be closed January 14-16 in honor of the Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday. Regular hours will resume on Tuesday, January 17.

I WISH I WAS POPULAR!

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

Eight-year-old EllRay Jakes decides to give away the scientific rock collection belonging to his geologist father in order to gain popularity at school. When his father finds out, Ellray must race to reclaim each of the special stones before his father discovers that they are missing. Unfortunately that is not so easy.

Best for readers in grades 3-4.

CATS CAN'T MAKE PIE!

Who doesn't love pie? Not all pies are sweet, not all pies are baked, but I bet there is a special pie in your life that you absolutely love. Alice's Aunt has a pie making company, with a world-famous crust recipe that she keeps a secret from the rest of the world. That is until she dies. Then she leaves her crust recipe to Lardo, which is the name of her cat. And she leaves the cat to Alice! Everything goes crazy in town after that, as people race to be the next best pie maker in all the land, and a mystery unfolds as strange things start to happen, including the disappearance of Lardo! The best part about this book is every chapter has a new pie recipe! PIE by Sarah Weeks is for grades 4 and up.

BRAINS, BUGS, & BLOOD SAUSAGE...YUM, YUM.

This is a really, really gross book. It’s a statement that I never thought to use to describe one. However, I guarantee that you will make a lot of sounds like Ewwww while reading it. At the same time, you will truly find this book as amazing and cool because it’s about a man who travels all over the world and eats some really disgusting things such as raw camel’s kidney and huge ants. It's also full of pictures and really interesting facts about the travels that Mr. Zimmern, the author has done in his life while enjoying these yummy treats. If you really like the book, then you can find his TV show and continue his journey with him by seeing him eat more really disgusting food.

Andrew Zimmern's Bizarre World of Food: Brains, Bugs, and Blood Sausage by Andrew Zimmern.

For grades 3rd and up.

PETER NIMBLE, MASTER THIEF INDEED!

From the Casa Verdugo Children's Librarian Vivian:

Peter Nimble is a blind, ten-year-old master thief. With heightened senses and skills, he is able to pick the most sophisticated locks, even those used by a cruel beggarmonger. An life changing opportunity arises when he runs away and steals a box with mysterious items--three pairs of eyes. As he inserts one set into his own eye sockets, he is transported to an island where he must make a life changing decision--either go back to the cruel beggarmonger or save those living in a Vanished Kingdom.

This book is filled with adventure, suspense, and fantastical creatures that will keep readers guessing about Peter's fate in Jonathan Auxier's Peter Nimble and His Fantastic Eyes.

POOR MOE

Moe is a button on Mattie's nightgown in a book called HOUND DOG TRUE by Linda Urban. Mattie is a shy girl who lives with her mother and her Uncle Potluck. Uncle Potluck is a Custodial Arts professional at the school Mattie will be starting in a few weeks. Only Mattie would rather be her Uncle's custodial apprentice than go to yet another school. Her Uncle tells great stories, that he swears are "hound dog true." Mattie is hoping that her mother doesn't pick up and leave any time soon, because she's finally found a place she can be comfortable instead of worrying all the time. Worry is what got rid of Moe in the first place! For grades 4 and up.

HAPPY NEW YEAR

All of the Glendale Libraries will be closed for the New Year holiday starting Saturday, December 31 and remain closed until Tuesday January 2, 2013 when the regular schedule will resume.

MOM IS A ZOMBIE… NOW WHAT?

From Jennifer at the Montrose Branch Library:

Zombie Mommy (Pals in Peril Tale) by M.T. Anderson 

Now that Lily is showing up in books (as a character), her mom is worried. Why do all the moms get killed? Is her own life in danger? After reading an about the “Undead Capitol of the U.S.,” Lily’s mom decides she’d be safer there. At least for a few days. What she doesn’t realize is that the “capitol,” Todburg, is actually home to vampires, zombies, and ghosts. Lily is relieved when her mom returns home. But her mom is acting strange, no— possessed. 

Lily and her friends go to Todburg to find out where Lily’s “real mom” is. Things don’t go according to plan. In a comedic turn of events, however, an Adirondack tarantula becomes the story’s heroine. The fifth book in Anderson’s “Pals in Peril Tale” series, this book delivers. While the writing isn’t perfect, there’s enough humor and adventure to keep kids eagerly turning pages.

A funny, fast-paced adventure. For grades 4-6.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS

All of the Glendale Libraries will be closed from Saturday, December 24 through Monday, December 26. Regular hours will resume on Tuesday, December 27.

ONE LIBRARIANS FAVORITE CHRISTMAS BOOK

Every year a family makes a pilgrimage to decorate a certain tree in the forest. They make peanut butter pine cones, apples on strings and other tasty treats for the animals to have for Christmas. When finished hanging the treats on the tree, they stop to drink some cocoa and sing a few Christmas carols though the youngest child wants to sing Old MacDonald instead. Night Tree by Eve Bunting is a lovely story about what Christmas is really about, sharing and it's a real treat to share this with a favorite child at this time of the year.

For all ages.

THE MAGICAL CHRISTMAS GIFT

Several years have passed since Johnny’s parents announced that they would be spending Christmas with Johnny’s grandparents in Connecticut. One of his cherished memories was riding a beautiful hand-carved wooden horse on wheels. Johnny loves his little brother Liam and he would love to give that horse to his brother as a Christmas present. When the family arrives, Johnny discovers that the wooden horse has vanished. His grandfather tells him that the horse had never been returned from an antique toy exhibition where it was on display. Johnny wishes and wishes that the horse would be returned so that his little brother could experience the same joy that he had years before. Just before Christmas, Johnny wanders into his grandfather’s attic and search through some old trunks. In one of these trunks, Johnny finds the horse, but to his surprise, it was broken in pieces. Nevertheless, his father and grandfather offer themselves to restore the horse on time for Christmas to give to Johnny’s little brother as a gift. It would certainly make an excellent Christmas gift.! Classic Christmas book for family holidays and grandparents would love to share with their young grandchildren. Colorful book with beautiful pictures . Recommended for children 4-8. The Magical Christmas Horse written by Mary Higgins Clark, illustrated by Wendell Minor.

WHAT'S LUCK GOT TO DO WITH IT?

The Button family doesn't seem to have much going for them. In fact, they haven't ever really accomplished much of anything. But Tugs (middle name Esther) is bound and determined to make a name for herself and her family. With Brownie camera in tow, and a new rich and popular friend to hang out with, she's well on her way to fame and glory. As Tugs spends her summer taking pictures around town, she suddenly finds herself involved in a great mystery as well. THE LUCK OF THE BUTTONS by Anne Ylvisaker is a really cute historical fiction, with a fast pace and great dialogue. For 4th grade and up.

HOW LOUD CAN YOU BURP?

I am sure there are a lot of more challenging questions in this world than the noise level of our burps. However, this very intriguing book caught my attention so fast, that I just had to tell you all about it. So here it is...HOW LOUD CAN YOU BURP? by GLENN MURPHY is one of the funniest and coolest books that I've read in a long time. It has tons of very fascinating questions with some very hilarious but factual answers. So if you want to know...
How loud the loudest burp is?
Why grass is green?
Why we need sleep? and much more, than you need to read this very funny but all so true book.

For grades 5th and up!

LITTLE MAN

Little Man is a city boy with a big dream. He wants to be a drummer. He wants to take drum lessons and he needs a bike to transport him there. Little Man keeps practicing every day while taking on odd jobs to earn money for the bike. Despite his brother and friends making fun of his drum playing, he doesn’t get discouraged.

Soon he has enough confidence to play the drums at the local block party. His drumming not only has everyone up and dancing, it also turned his dreams into reality when his neighbors take up a collection for him. Now Little Man has money to buy a new bike to transport him to the drum lessons.

Motivating story full of ideas for kids to find good ways to get what they want. Little Man also includes an audio CD narrated by Dianne Warwick and also a demonstration of the parts of a drum set. Ages 4 and up. Written by Dianne Warwick and David Freeman, illustrated by Fred Willingham.

THE SILENCE OF NO BIRDS SINGING

SYLVIE AND THE SONGMAN by Tim Binding sounds musical and uplifting. But really it is about a world without music. That is, the music we take for granted - the birds whistling in the trees, the crickets chirping, the woof of the dog who's happy to see you are home. Sylvie is on a quest to find her father, who's been taken by the Songman. The Songman has taken many animals' songs, and there is no telling what other music he is out to destroy! Once the adventure begins in this story, it continues at a frenzied pace until the very last few pages. It introduces you to the animal kingdom as you've never known it before, taking you into their inner most thoughts. There's beautiful places and touching scenes, and there will be times when you just want to put the book down and not continue. But it is important to remember that even when things are uncomfortable, there might be something we need to learn. Grades 6 and up.

ANYTHING BUT TYPICAL!

In this story, you will meet Jason who is an autistic boy trying to get through his usual day. What might look very simple to a person of no mental challenges looks extremely difficult for him. However, at least there are some things that he enjoys doing, such as writing stories and publishing them online.
He connects with a girl who often provides with the appropriate feed backs on his stories… The rest of the story, I am sure can be easily guessed…However, there are some twists and turns that will make you not put down the book until you have learned of them. This is a serious book which will allow you to think outside of the box and make you understand of people who might act or be different in your environment.
ANYTHING BUT TYPICAL is by NORA RALEIGH BASKIN and is anything but a typical book!

For grades 7th and up.

R MY NAME IS RACHEL

This is the story of Rachel, a brave, loving and responsible twelve-year old girl, who lives in the time of the Great Depression. Rachel’s mom died when she was 2 years old and her father is a single dad. Pop loses his job at the bank and there isn’t any job available in the city., Rachel tries to find comfort in her books, and at school, but the more support she gets is with Miss Mitzy the lady who owns the flower shop. Rachel and her brother and sister hope that their father and Miss Mitzy will get married one day. Miss Mitzy seems to be the closest thing they have to a mother. One day Rachel and her family receive the good news that Pop has been offered a bank job in a town upstate and they have to move away from the city to a lonely farm. When they arrive at the farm, they realize that life in the country is as hard as in the city. Unfortunately the family hopes are ruined when the job is offered to somebody else. The father, more desperate than ever, and with no money to move again, decides to leave the kids to survive on their own while he finds a job. Rachel finds herself in charge of her two siblings who must learn to work together in order to survive, plant a garden, fish in the stream, and raise chicks and a goat. It’s very scary to be on their own, but somehow they manage. They’re determined to run the farm by themselves, and survive until Pop gets back. Sweet and charming historical fiction filled with strength and hope. Written by Patricia Reilly Giff .Recommended for children 8 and older.

A SURPRESENT FOR ANY READER

Delaware Pattinson, who goes by Delly, is always getting in trouble for one thing or another. She doesn't MEAN to get in trouble, but it seems to always find her. So when the principal and her parents threaten to send her off to reform school, she has to learn to straighten up - AND QUICK! TRUE (...SORT OF) by Katherine Hannigan is a dellylicious story about a girl coming to terms with being responsible, meeting new friends, learning patience, and feeling loved. The characters each have their own issues to deal with, and the author does a fantastic job of letting each one take the spotlight in some way. For grades 4 and up.

A CIVIL WAR GOTHIC

Jennie's fiance died under suspicious circumstances in the war, however, she believes that his spirit is angry and is trying to tell her something. Only her fiance's twin brother made it back alive, and is showing her kindness unlike before the war. Is it possible that can she love both brothers? Jennie isn't certain about anything, anymore. Was her fiance the wonderful person she remembers or in reality a criminal? She must find out what truly happened that day her beloved Will died.

Picture the Dead by Adele Griffin and Lisa Brown is told mostly through letters and photographs (illustrations). This Civil War gothic romance takes you through twists and turns and comes to a satisfying end. For mature middle school - high school readers in 7th-12th grade.

THE CASE OF THE MISSING CHICKS

J.J. is an old retired rescue dog who can find anyone, even missing chicks. When Moosh's chicks begin to disappear from the farm, J.J., for a well done cheeseburger, reluctantly takes the case where the scent leads to the house dog, Vince the Funnel.

The Trouble With Chickens: A J.J. Tully Mystery by Doreen Cronin is a fun and quirky beginning chapter book for readers in 3rd-4th told from two dogs' points of view.

GHETTO COWBOY

Cole is twelve years old. Having been raised only by his mother, Cole is getting in trouble again at school for the last months. He’s bored in classes and between not attending school for the last four weeks and staying out late wandering around the streets with his friends, he’s at risk of getting kicked out of the school. Cole is pushing his mother too far; therefore she is driving Cole to Philadelphia where she intends to leave him in his father’s care, Harper, whom he never met before. Cole finds himself abandoned and rejected by his mother in the ghetto and left with a stranger whom he is told to be is his father. This is the last place Cole would expect to find a horse. He does not like horses cause he finds them large and intimidating. It is also hard for him to accept the fact that someone can be a black cowboy in the middle of the ghetto. Harper his father, is one of the Philadelphia’s urban cowboy, building stables and rescuing old racehorses to bring into the neighborhood where he lives. There, the cowboys care for horses, teaching the neighborhood kids to ride and care for the horses as well. Even the gang members respect the area not bringing guns and fights to the area.
In one occasion, a storm causes great damage to the stables, and the city’s authorities moves in and claims neglecting of the horses. When some horses are taken away, including Boo, the horse that Cole was slowly growing attached to, the young boy decides it’s time to act.
Written by G. Neri, illustrated by Jesse Joshua Watson. Real life scenario. Recommended for 6th graders and up.

NO ROOM OF HER OWN

Lucy Wu thought that with her older sister going off to college she would get a room all to herself. NOPE! Her beloved grandmother's long lost sister has been invited to come to visit, all the way from China and of course Lucy will be expected to share her room. Her great aunt doesn't speak English and Lucy's Chinese is... well,you'll see.

Things as you know, in books and in life, never turn out the way you plan them. The Great Wall of Lucy Wu by Wendy Wan-Long Shang is a journey of family, love and understanding. A beautiful well written book for readers 5th - 8th.

ROBIN HOOD!

I am pretty sure that you are already familiar with the story of Robin Hood. However, if you want to read it in a different format, than here is a great title for you! OUTLAW- THE LEGEND OF ROBIN HOOD: A GRAPHIC NOVEL by TONY LEE. The young Robin Hood witnesses the shooting of his father’s friend by non other than his own father… Shocked and confused, he asks his father why he did the unimaginable…The answer to that question confuses and shocks him even more. Hence, begins his adventures and his countless victories, including taking money from the rich and giving it to the very poor! The story is well written and the graphics have a very realistic look to them.

For grades 4th and up!

A HOB IN THE ABBEY

After finding a hob (hobgoblin) trapped and injured in the woods, Will, take it back to Crowfield Abbey to heal. And so begins the strange events and visitors to the Abbey. It all harkens back to something that happens many many years ago waiting to be unearthed.

The Crowfield Curse by Pat Walsh is an fantasy suspense thriller set during the end of the Middle Ages when people had their faith, believing in the good, the evil and the fantastical. For readers in 6th-8th grade.

LIFE IS JUST CRUEL SOMETIMES

Being grounded by her mother saved Daralynn's life. Her brother, sister and father die in a plane crash the day Daralynn is forced to stay home because she doesn't listen. And now, even though she still lives with her mother, who's angry all the time, and her grandmother, who's just crazy, Daralynn feels completely alone. She helps her mother do hair for the local townspeople, and comes up with some inspiring ideas to keep the town lively, but a shady character comes to town and disrupts the lives of a family already disrupted, and a gullible town looking for progress. GROUNDED by Kate Klise is historical, sad, quirky, and creative, with a little mystery thrown in to boot! For 5th-8th grade.