The cat with seven names is told from the viewpoint of six lonely people in an urban community.  This large, obviously over-fed cat wanders into each home and is welcomed as a stray.  Each person gives him a different name as they enjoy the cat’s company for a while.  One day, the cat is almost hit by a car – the driver of which is in search for her missing cat!  As each of the neighborhood people gather to check on “their” cat, they begin talking to one another and new friendships are made.  Davenier’s pastel illustrations add many details to the story throughout the book.  The front end-pages show everyone going about their separate lives.  As the cat enters each home, different neighbors can be seen in the background.  By the final end-pages, the individuals are involved in friendly conversations as the cat calmly watches from the side.

Two true/false questions are posed on the first page of the books in this series, the answer to which is found within the chapters.  (The last page indicates which is the true fact.)  Beginning with three distinct types of birds – penguins that swim, hummingbirds that fly, and ostriches that run – many commonalities are presented.  Although all birds have characteristics related to flight, not all birds fly.  Information comparing wings, feathers, beaks, and habitats vary, depending on their use.  All birds lay eggs, so the chick can develop outside the mother’s body as the added weight would prevent her from flying.  Global warming, vanishing habitats, and human pollution are some of the factors affecting the survival of many species.  Photographs are large, colorful, and captioned.  A migration map, a life-cycle diagram, and a quick facts chart provide additional data.  The migration map, while interesting, is small and hard to read.  Overall, the quality, accuracy, and presentation of material is well done.  This book is a fine resource for reports or simply reading for pleasure.  Glossary, index, and a page about the author are included in the back.  Additional resources include two books, one written at a similar level, one for younger readers, and an excellent website provided by Scholastic.

Spunky cowgirl Nellie Sue is charged up and ready for a brand-new school year.  Her teacher has sent her a bag to fill with items to describe herself during show-and-tell.  Instead of starting out smoothly, Nellie Sue is faced with one little disappointment after another: no hats at school, her best friend Anna sitting with the new girl, Maya, and having to sit between the irritating J-twins in class.  As the day continues, other problems develop: having to wear tennis shoes in gym and falling face-first into the sand pit.  A final indignity results with Maya’s drawing of Nellie Sue looking like a cow!  Embarrassed, Nellie Sue runs from the classroom.  Maya follows her out to explain she didn’t mean to hurt her feelings – she simply thought cowgirls liked cows!  Returning to class, Nellie Sue decides to take charge of her day and give it a positive spin.  When she shares the contents of her bag, Nellie Sue extends her cowgirl hospitality and includes Maya’s picture.  Lynne Avril’s expressive ink, watercolor and gouache illustrations are a great match for Nellie Sue’s active and emotional first day of school.  Fans of Nellie Sue will enjoy this 4th book of “Every Cowgirl” adventures.

Susan Hood is the author of many Pup and Hound adventures written for beginning readers.  Six of these stories are collected in this volume.  They can be read a separate stories or one after the other for a longer tale.  Each story is told in simple, rhyming sentences with large font and plenty of repetition.  The older, wiser Hound keeps a loving eye on the energetic Pup as they romp around the farm.  Linda Hendry’s colorful, humorous illustrations on every page are a perfect match for Pup and Hound’s exploits.  Each of the six stories are written at a beginning first grade reading level.  This Big Book of Stories is an ideal choice for young readers venturing into more independent reading.

Beginning with a question, books in this series simply and clearly define the sport.  The text is basic and repetitive, gives information about equipment, rules, and includes “fun facts”.  A complete diagram of a court is plainly labeled.  Words to know are in bold font and also defined in the glossary.  Index also included.  Colorful photos show young boys and girls demonstrating each term. With so many books written about basketball, it is a pleasure to see one entirely directed toward adolescent readers and players.  Other books in the series include baseball, dance, football, soccer, and swimming.

Twelve year old Chase Masters and his father follow natural disasters and are currently in Mexico where the Rossi Brothers’ Circus went missing after a massive earthquake.  Separated from her family, Nicole Rossi is anxious to find them and check on the animals.  Chase, Nicole, and a few remaining circus members form a team to locate and provide assistance.  A volcanic eruption is imminent, a tiger is loose, thieves intercept them, roads are blocked, equipment fails, and the air is filling with ash.  Much action fills this third book of the Storm Runners series.  Although this is the final book in this adventure, one does not have to have read the previous books in order to get caught up in the fast-paced action.  This series will most certainly attract reluctant readers.

Zander, LaShonda, Kambui, and Bobbi go to the DaVinci Middle School for the Gifted and Talented in Harlem.  They created an alternative newspaper called, The Cruisers.  This third book in the series generated many thought-provoking questions and situations sure to prompt discussions.  Zander writes a play called Act 6, that looks at several of Shakespeare’s characters in the future.  LaShonda is recognized as a creative designer and is offered a chance to attend college.  She and her autistic, younger brother live in a group home.  She won’t consider leaving her brother, even if it means she cannot continue school to better their lives.  The many middle school situations are realistic, the voices of a multicultural community are believable, and this close group of friends have each others’ backs as they address contemporary issues.  Walter Dean Myers does not shy away from challenging subjects: Speedy track team member Sagal, from Afghanistan, will not remove her traditional clothing to wear a track uniform in order to race.  An upcoming topic for the debate team is “Are Wars Necessary?”.  Zander’s parents are divorced and now his father wants to be part of his life.  Although this book is part of a series, it reads well as a stand-alone.

Mr. Mosely is just a dog – a large, clumsy, loving, loyal dog who only kind of knows one trick.  Yet this special dog is just what Corey’s family needs.  Mr. Mosely’s story is told in short, journal-like chapters by Corey.  Part Great Dane and part Dalmatian, Mr. Mosely is mostly white with a large heart-shaped group of spots on his chest, a small tear-shaped spot near his eye, and part of one ear.  Although the focus is Mr. Mosely, details of Corey’s family relationships and turmoil are revealed.  The tone is funny, sad, ridiculous, tender and does not shy away from the rewards and risks of loving, whether pets or family members.  This is an honest telling of life with a beloved pet for anyone.  A great read!