PRESIDENT LINCOLN AND HIS BOYS.

I love reading historical fiction because I get to learn true facts about real life heroes. In LINCOLN AND HIS BOYS by ROSEMARY WELLS we learn how patient and tender Lincoln was towards his sons.
This particular book is unique because it presents the president from his children's viewpoint. The story spans from the time that Lincoln decides to run for president to the end of the Civil War.
The chapters are full of Lincoln's wisdom and insights. P.J. Lynch's illustrations add warmth and life to this touching and inspiring book on one of the most liked and famous presidents. A very good read.


For grades 4th and older.

ANOTHER GREAT SERIES?

I just finished THE ETERNAL HOUR GLASS, the first book in a new series called THE MAGICKEEPERS by Erica Kirov, and this is going to be a fascinating bunch of stories. Intermixing the history of famous magicians, authors and others with a modern day family of Russian magicians, the author has struck upon the possibility of literary gold. Nick Rostov lives a somewhat ordinary life as the son of a washed up Vegas Magician, living in hotels, eating pizza and skateboarding. One day, his grandfather takes him for his birthday "surprise," and Nick finds himself living with an entirely new family, that of the greatest magician in Vegas and throughout the world - Damian! They've brought Nick here to live out his life (and be part of the show) in order to protect him and his magical ability (which he just found out he has) from the evil "shadowkeepers." This is shaping up to be a series worth the read, and perfect for 5th-8th grades.

FANTASTIC MR. FOX

Very soon you will be flocking to the local movie theater to see the movie version of FANTASTIC MR. FOX by ROALD DAHL. But it would be great if you could read the book first.

Mr. Fox loves nothing more than to hear how fantastic he is. He does everything that he can to get the compliments from his wife, including stealing chicken, duck and turkey from his nemeses, the three farmers. However, the farmers are well aware of Mr. Fox and they plot to capture their enemy and teach him a lesson. But... there is a reason why Mr. Fox is called Fantastic. This book is such a fun read that you can won't want to put in down.


For grades 4th and older.

A GRIMM SHOCKER!

If you've been keeping up with the madcap adventures of this crime fighting family, you will be shocked to the core by the unmasking of The Master of the Scarlet Hand in the final chapter!

Sabrina and Daphne's parents awake after two years of magical sleep and are confused by all that has happened. Daphne and Sabrina's wish for a happy family reunion with their parents are dashed when their father insists they give up their detective ways and return to New York City. Before anyone can leave Ferryport though the Scarlet Hand's army begin to assault the Grimm home and they must make a run for safety deep in the forest. The only option open to the family is to join Prince Charming's ragtag army of Everafters in order to destroy The Master's plans of taking over the town and eventually, the world.

The seventh exciting book, The Everafter War by Michael Buckley is for readers in 4th and up.

THE POSSIBILITY OF FLYING

I won't lie, Francesca Lia Block is a wonderful author, but she is an author that will only appeal to certain people. I can't even tell you who those people are, but the way she writes is different than other authors because nothing about the stories are obvious. You have to find your way, much like the characters in one of her recent books THE WATERS AND THE WILD. This is a story about a 13-year-old girl, who's not really a girl. She makes friends with a 18th century slave girl, who's not really a slave girl, and an alien boy who's not really an alien. Or maybe they are these things. Whatever the case, this girl, who finds herself wanting to eat dirt all the time, keeps seeing another version of herself - in her room, walking down the street, out in the back yard. The "doppleganger" version is here to replace her, and it's only a matter of time before the reality sets in. Obscure enough for you? Recommended for 6th-8th grades.

AUTHOR VISITS GLENDALE

Amy Goldman Koss will be at the Central Library on Thursday, November 19 at 7:00 p.m. to talk about Poison Ivy. Afterwards she will be signing copies of the book.

Glendale Central Library
222 East Harvard Street
Glendale, CA 91205

For more information call the Children's Room (818)548-2034

IF YOU LIKE MATILDA ...

Then The Outlandish Adventures of Liberty Aimes is for you. "Libby" is misreated and hidden away from the world by her nasty parents. All she wants is to runaway to a boarding school, where, she dreams of books, learning and being with other children. Oh, everything looks so wonderful in the brochure for The Sullivan School, if only she could get there somehow.

And so begins the misadventure of Libby or rather, Liberty, as she wants to be called when she escapes the clutches of her evil father with the help of some comprehension ointment and a magic floating potion. But will Liberty get to the school before her father finds and catches her?

This Roald Dahl like book is for readers who love stories about abused children who triumph over the bad guys who have enslaved them. For 4th grade and up.

MEET DYAMONDE

It's not easy to get separated from your dad, move away from friends and family and start living a brand new life with just a mother. But that is precisely what Dyamonde Daniel did. She is a precocious little girl who refuses to let anything bad affect her mood or her life. She doesn't really like to brag about how smart she is either, but at the same time she can't figure out why she doesn't have any friends...
She has gone through a lot of changes in her short life and is eager to find some sort of peace and comfort.
She makes a friend whose name is Reed. Reed likes to read. He gets teased a lot because here is Reed who likes to read. However, Dyamonde is not like the others, she becomes best of friends with Reed and together not only they read but start many new adventures. MAKE WAY FOR DYAMONDE DANIEL is by NIKKI GRIMES and the pictures are by R. GREGORY CHRISTIE.



For grades 2nd-4th.

THE WHALES' EYES WILL LASER YOU

Just plain silliness abounds in WHALES ON STILTS by M.T. Anderson. I mean really - who ever heard of whales on stilts taking over the world?! Well, it may seem unbelievable to you, as it was to many grown-ups throughout this book, but to Lily, Katie & Jasper, the reality of the situation is that in a matter of days, there will be whales stomping across the city! It is up to them to save the world, and they don't have much time! Easy to read, funny and adventurous, this is a great book for 4th -7th grades.

Wii THE BEATLES

Most likely you have been anxiously waiting for the new Wii game that is inspired by the world famous band THE BEATLES. However, before you start playing the game, learn more about this fascinating band that not only made history but paved the way for all the new boy bands whose music you probably listen to on a daily basis. The Beatles were a talented and successful band from Liverpool, England. They revolutionized the world of music and are icons not only in the music industry but in the entire world. Their sweet, innocent and romantic lyrics made people much more aware of the power of music.

THE BEATLES by MARVIN MARTIN can be checked out from the library at your convenience.

For grades 4th and older.

FOLLOW THAT GOOSE!

All manner of cucumber foods are available at the annual Bloomsberry Cucumber Festival for free! Too bad Margaret isn't in the mood for stewed cucumbers, or cucumber casserole, or cucumber shakes. As Margaret is being forced to eat stewed cucumbers, she and her buddies discover a stolen necklace in the dish. Realizing that their neighbor would be accused of the theft, they follow her goose for clues all over town in order to catch the real thief.

A Recipe 4 Robbery by Marybeth Kelsey is a very pleasant old fashioned kind of mystery with lots of red herrings and narrow escapes. For readers 4th and older.

A GIRL WITH A BEARD

In this world, it's not so uncommon for a girl to have a beard or someone to have a tail. Ghosts are to be expected. Psychics are a dime a dozen. In this collection of stories called SIDESHOW: TEN ORIGINAL TALES OF FREAKS, ILLUSIONISTS, AND OTHER MATTERS ODD AND MAGICAL, edited by Deborah Noyes, and featuring classic children's book authors such as Cecil Castellucci, Vivian Vande Velde, and Aimee Bender. The stories are quick and interesting to read, and the collection includes graphic narration as well. This book is a fascinating look into a mystical world of mutants and mind readers, and is great for 6th grade and up.

PUPPET SHOW THIS SATURDAY!

Join us this Sat., Oct. 31, 2009 at 2pm

for a free puppet show "The Pirate's Tattoo" presented by Moodoo Puppets. This special program is for children ages 4 and up. Children are welcome to come in costumes.

Glendale Central Library (upstairs in the auditorium)

222 E Harvard St.

Glendale, CA 91205(818) 548-2035

GONZALO GRABS THE GOOD LIFE/LA BUENA VIDA DE GONZALO

After Gonzalo wins the lottery, he decides it’s time to leave the farm and grab the good life. The “Good life” of course, includes a mansion in Miami, a yacht, a fancy hot tub and live “la vida loca” in Hollywood. However, no matter where he goes or what he embarks on, Gonzalo does not find what he’s looking for. He feels as though something is missing, until finally he decides to return home because home is where the heart is! Very colorful. Tinny glossary of Spanish words in back of the book.
Ages 5-9. Written by Janice Levy and illustrated by Bill Slavin.

THE QUEST FOR TRUE BLUE LOVE

Lulu Atlantis is not very happy. Her mother brought home a new baby and he gets all the attention. Her father is far away with no hint as to when he will return. All Lulu wants is "True Blue Love" and she has no idea where to find it. Her best friend, Harry, the top-hat-wearing spider, loves her unconditionally and will do anything for Lulu. Yogurt Skunk also tries to be Lulu's friend. But Lulu keeps missing what "True Blue Love" really is until a horrible accident changes everything. LULU ATLANTIS AND THE QUEST FOR TRUE BLUE LOVE by Patricia Martin is a book that might just answer a few of your questions about life. For 4th - 6th grades.

ALVIN AT IT AGAIN

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

Alvin's Packing List:

generator

night vision goggles

super duper flashlight

water purifying tablets

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

THE SNOW GOOSE

This timeless, classic story will touch your heart and stay with you for a long time. The story is set against the backdrop of World War II in a small town where a man has become a recluse do to his hunched back. Eventually he meets a girl named Frith who has brought in a wounded goose. Frith sees how the lonely man slowly heals the wounds of this goose and during this time a friendship develops. The goose heals and flies away only to come back and set her home where the man lives. However, all that changes when he is needed in the war for his sailing skills.

And...You need to read the book to find out what happens next...

The illustrations in the story are as beautiful and telling as the story.

THE SNOW GOOSE by PAUL GALLICO and the illustrations by ANGELA BARRETT.

For grades 5th and up.

TALES AREN'T JUST FOR WAGGING

Some people just don't understand that when you adopt a puppy, that puppy will be with you their entire lives. Or that's how it SHOULD be anyway. But some dogs are abandoned, left all alone in the big cold world. Waggit is one of those dogs. WAGGIT'S TALE is a heart-warming story of loss, love, friendship and adventure. WAGGIT AGAIN continues Waggit's adventures when he escapes from a farm. Just when he thinks life is great, his owner leaves him all alone in a big park. It isn't long before Waggit stumbles across a band of wild dogs struggling to survive, and he joins them in all their adventures and misfortunes. WAGGIT'S TALE by Peter Howe is the story of the return to his owner and civilization. Both are great books for 4th grade and up.

Like animal stories, then check out this book list.

HAVE YOU ALWAYS WANTED TO BE A P.I.?

Well, this is the tale of one boy who wanted it more than anything else.

There was an Irish boy named Fletcher Moom, who only wanted one thing and that was to be a private investigator. He even took the online course from Bob Bernstein, the famous FBI agent turned private eye. He was first in his class and had a real badge to prove it, too. He just wanted to do some good and be a voice for justice against those who would bully and lie and cheat. You can see where this is heading....

One day, his badge was stolen and everyone doubted his abilities despite all his boasting. To prove himself and get it back, he took on a case for April Deveraux. As he got closer to finding the thief who stole her special lock of hair, Fletcher was accused of arson and jailed. His nemesis, a member of the notorious criminal Sharkey family, sprang him from police custody and together they forged an uncomfortable alliance to clear both their names of the recent rash of thefts and mayhem in the town.

A great detective novel full of twists and red herrings written with humor and full of characters you'll want to root for.

Half-Moon Investigations by Eoin Colfer is for fluent readers 6th and up.

MEET AN OWL ON SATURDAY, OCTOBER 17

What: Meet one of natures largest owls, the Great Horned Owl.

When: Saturday, October 17, 2:00 p.m.

Where: Central Library
222 East Harvard Street.
Glendale, CA 91025

The Wildlife Waystation, a non-profit refuge for wild and exotic animals, will bring an owl to the Library for you to meet up close. For additional information, please contact the Children's Room (818) 548-2035. For ages 4+ and their families.