Confusion is Nothing New

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Ellie’s mom is dead and Ellie is mad. She is mad that she never looked for the mother that left a few months after Ellie was born. She is mad that her dad never wanted to talk about her mom. And, she’s mad that her mom never really reached out to her.

But, she has a shoebox of mixed tapes, cd’s and odd items that her mom had apparently sent to her a year before. So, she and her band friends try to find out who this woman was that had been Ellie’s mom. She discovers so much along the way, most importantly that she is surrounded by loving friends and a dad that is her champion. Oh, and there are so many 1980’s songs mixed in that the reader will be compelled to turn up the stereo and sing along to some Cindy Lauper, et al.

This story is a fast -paced read with likeable characters who behave just like one would expect as they work together to put together who Ellie’s mom really was. Fortunately, there is believable closure for all as Ellie figures out who really matters to her. Recommended

Road Trip with Max and his Mom

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Third grade Max is set to embark on his first road trip with his mom to a family reunion in Pennsylvania. But, he must first present his chosen hero’s biography at his class’ Inspiration Celebration. Putting together polar explorer Ernest Shackleton’s costume is easy. Saying “Antarctica” correctly will be the challenge. In addition, he has some worries about his trip with his mom, because he usually spends weekends with his dad at dad’s apartment.

Fortunately, both sources of anxiety are handled simply and sweetly. Mom encourages him in his public speaking and his presentation is amazing. Then, his parents (not long divorced) ease his fears about missing his weekend with dad. So, mom and he take off from Michigan for their trip to the family reunion and great-great Aunt Victory’s 100th birthday party.

Max meets new family members and works through his fear of the huge roller coaster, the Big Buckaroo. And, he made some wonderful memories with his mom along the way.

Max’s story is a familiar one for many young readers who split their time between their divorced parents. His loyalty and love for both of his parents is apparent and his family’s new ‘normal’ after divorce is handled very well. This book also deals with those experiences that can cause a child to worry – class presentations, meeting new people, making mom and dad happy. Young readers will connect with Max and empathize with him as he navigates life as a third grader. Highly recommended.

Slayer by Kiersten White

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Set in the world of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, this latest novel by Kiersten White is sure to appeal to many different readers. Even if you have no previous exposure to the Buffy movie or TV series, this book will quickly grab your attention. Twin sisters, Artemis and Athena, have grown up in the world of Watchers – those who help advise and protect Slayers. Nina (Athena) has always felt like an outcast among her peers and family. This “weak” character soon finds herself thrown into the power of becoming the very last Slayer. Adventure ensues to try and take down demons that threaten the world. New found Slayer powers cause Nina to have to make quick decisions for the first time in her life – decisions that will have great impact upon those she loves. Deceit among characters is an underlying factor that helps drive the plot. There are many descriptive fighting scenes, fueled by strong female characters and minimal, secondary male characters. Readers of Fantasy will delight in the characters, setting, and plot of this novel.

Super Simple Thanksgiving Crafts: fun and easy holiday projects for kids

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This book gives the reader some history about Thanksgiving and information about how it is currently celebrated. And then, the fun begins! A great two page spread that shows pictures of materials and tools needed for the crafts shows the reader that most of the items are easily accessible. Following that are two page spreads with pictures and clear steps to use in order to make each of the crafts presented. In addition, there are directions for making a treat, which kids will enjoy adding to the Thanksgiving table. Pick up this book and the rest of the series for your library. Highly recommended.

Inside the U.S. Army

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Inside the U.S. Army gives a very basic overview of this military branch. Four short chapters highlight what it is, training, equipment and what the future might look like for the army. Short, descriptive paragraphs and color photos of army personnel of different genders and ethnicity are further explained with extra information boxes. There is also a very nice diagram explaining the gear of a typical infantry soldier as well as a page detailing the history of the army.

This particular book is part of a four book series on the branches of the military and includes typical nonfiction features. A table of contents, index and glossary are helpful. And, a page of books and websites for further reading will be helpful for those students seeking more information. This book will be popular and accessible. Highly recommended.

The Tiny Geniuses Set the Stage

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Jake struggles in school. In Jake’s frustration, he has turned to his school’s urban legend about the Wishing Well behind his school. It’s really a storm drain, but if he throws his most favorite item into the well, his wish will come true. Jake runs threw thunder and lightning to the well and throws in the gift from Aunt Margaret, a set of the Heroes of History figurines. “I really am a dummy, Jake thought angrily. Not even the Wishing Well can help a dummy like me. … ‘I wish someone could just do this for me!’ he cried. POP!” (14-15) So began The Tiny Geniuses series.

Now in book #2, Jake has the fourth grade Living History Night to prepare. Jake draws the name of Benjamin Franklin out of box for his project’s subject. Yikes, this means Jake will have to emcee the fourth grade program at Franklin Elementary School, too. When Jake wishes for extra help – POP! (19)

Ella Fitzgerald (three inches tall) materializes for Jake. Why Ella Fitzgerald? Jake’s best friend Emerson comes over to Jake house after school wearing a Benjamin Franklin bald cap, red tail coat, and half spectacles. Emerson takes Jake to the theater department where his mother works to see more props for his project. They take Ella along with them. Ella loves singing on stage again. Ella Fitzgerald introduces Jake to stage presence.

Jake still needs help with his script for the program. Ella has written a song for him, but Jake does not see this as a help. His singing is not good. ” ‘I wish I could sing and dance. I wish it could be that easy. But it’s not. And I wish that somebody else – anybody else– could help me’ –. POP!” (60)

A three inch tall Benjamin Franklin is now here to help Jake. Franklin is more interested in finding the perfect storm to test his lightning is electricity theory, than in helping Jake.

Along the way Jake figures out with to connect each of the historical characters in the program with one of Franklin’s inventions. The night of the program an electrical storm outside, knocks out the power at school. While the lights are out and before the emergency generator kicks-in, Ella encourages Jake to go on with the show. The show is a great success!

After the show, “A sizzling sound, like lightning tearing through velvet, filled Jake’s ears. He watched in astonishment as a section of the theater curtain burned away, creating a glittering hole. …Ms. Fitzgerald linked her arm through his[Franklin’s] , and together they disappeared through the enchanted rip in the curtain. With another burst of light, the hole sealed behind them. Just like that, there was no sign that Ms. Fitzgerald or Mr. Franklin had ever been there.” (114-115)

Each of the 12 chapters flies onto the page with the illustration of a skeleton key attached to a kite in flight.

“A Note from the Author” ends the book with added information about Ella Fitzgerald and Benjamin Franklin.

The Tiny Geniuses Fly to the Rescue

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Jake Everdale struggles in school. The science fair is coming up. Jake needs to do well with his science fair project. Jake has made an agreement with his parents. If Jake does not do well in the science fair, he will have to give up the one thing he truly loves- BASEBALL!

In Jake’s frustration, he has turned to his school’s urban legend about the Wishing Well behind his school. It’s really a storm drain, but if he throws his most favorite item into the well, his wish will come true. Jake runs threw thunder and lightning to the well and throws in the gift from Aunt Margaret, a set of the Heroes of History figurines. “I really am a dummy, Jake thought angrily. Not even the Wishing Well can help a dummy like me. Jake threw his pencil onto the desk. ‘I wish someone could just do this for me!’ he cried. POP!” (14-15)

So begins the first book in this new series of Tiny Geniuses. Sir Isaac Newton pops in to help Jake. Sir Isaac Newton is more interested in figuring out how the light bulbs in Jake’s house work than in helping on Jake’s science fair project. Jake is running out of time. Jake wishes for a different helper. “POP!” (43) Amelia Earhart pops into the story.

Jake decides it is not safe to leave the two 3 inch tall geniuses at home while he goes to school, so he takes them with him in his backpack.Sir Isaac Newton and Amelia Earhart did not see eye to eye on much, especially on women being able to accomplish much.

Eventually the two geniuses come up with a project for Jake. Now the problem is the Jake did not do it on his own, so to turn it in would be cheating. “Suddenly, he remembered what Sir Isaac had said about not being curious. Jake was plenty curious about all sorts of stuff. And if curiosity was what he really needed to get started on his science project…” (88-89) Jake worked all night on his project dealing with paper airplanes and how they fly. Jake’s project earned 2nd place with a red ribbon.

Amelia Earhart and Sir Isaac Newton flew off in the airplane they created for Jake’s project.

Each of the 13 chapters flies onto the page with the illustration of a paper airplane in flight.

“A Note from the Author” ends the book with added information about Sir Isaac Newton and Amelia Earhart.

A world of cookies for Santa : follow Santa’s tasty trip around the world

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This is a delectable collection of Christmas traditions around the world, some of which include cookie recipes. Each short description is on a page with colored illustrations of children from that particular country. Young readers will enjoy learning the names and traditions surrounding Santa on his travels around the world. Endpapers have maps of Santa’s path around the world and the end of the book includes recipes for several of the cookie recipes.

This book will be a fun addition to holiday collections. And, BONUS! Students might bring you some cookies from the recipe collection in this book! Recommended

Pen Pals

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Oscar the ant and Bill the octopus become pen pals through their respective school and enjoy a year of writing letters to each other (and sometimes sending little gifts as well). Each animal is pictured sitting at his desk with the letter to his new friend on the opposing page. Oscar’s letters are blue and Bill’s are yellow, helping the reader keep track of who’s writing which letter. Along the way, the pen pals send each other little gifts that show up in the other’s room on the next page. And the surprise at the end…read it and find out!

This book brings reminds us of the fun of writing and sending letters. There is a wondrous pleasure in eagerly waiting for the response from your pen pal. The drawings are simple and clean with pops of color. All in all, this is a fun story that will encourage readers to consider writing some letters of their own.

Be Brave, Little Penguin

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Pip-Pip is a nervous little penguin and very anxious about the idea of swimming in that absolutely HUGE ocean! Who knows what might be out there that might want to eat him? So, Pip-Pip plays alone, hearing the words ‘scaredy Pip-Pip’ from the other little penguins. Daddy penguin thinks this is silly, but mommy penguin takes a gentler approach. His family’s encouragement works and Pip-Pip overcomes his fear and discovers a world of wonder under the sea.

The lovely illustrations coordinate well with the lyrical prose. This story might just help a small human reader overcome a fear. Besides, who doesn’t love penguin chicks? Recommended