Fourth grade Krystal is a psychic but only her friends, Claire and Billy, know of her ability.  After a collision with Billy, Krystal discovers she can now also hear what animals are saying!  The chapters are short and the sentences are simple.  This book is the 4th in the series but they do not need to be read in order.  Although Krystal is in the fourth grade, this book will be more enjoyed by younger readers.  Illustrations are cartoon-like in black and white.  In the back are horoscopes and instructions for making a paper fortune-teller.  Included is a website containing videos, contests, games, and puzzles.

In this fantasy/sci-fi novel, teenager Nadia is an outcast because she is the dyer’s daughter (one who dyes clothes). In the town of Canaan where Nadia lives, a wall surrounds the town; no one is allowed to venture past this wall, but Nadia climbs over the wall every night to find out what is really behind the structure. Every twelve years in the city of Canaan, everyone forgets everything about who they were and everything that has ever happened. The only way to remember is to record things in “your book” which is always on one’s person. Nadia is the only person in Canaan who can remember the past. Nadia knows that someone has replaced her book with a false one. Who replaced her book and why did they replaced it?!!

The pacing of the story was a bit slow, but the variety of characters keeps the story interesting. The story begins seemingly as a regular fantasy, but half-way through, the plot develops into a sci-fi story. When the sci-fi elements appear in the book, it answers a lot of misconceptions which gives the reader a new insight into the city and its residents. The concept of the book itself is very intriguing; the subject matter of memory is fascinating. Nadia is portrayed as a very strong protagonist. This book will appeal to teens who like fantasy, sci-fi and suspense.

–Charlotte H.

In this realistic fiction novel, seventeen-year-old Katie’s grandmother comes to live with her, her brother and her mom due to Alzheimer’s disease. A journey of self-discovery for all three women occurs as a result of her grandmother’s disease. During this process, Katie realizes that she is gay.

In this touching book, the three main characters are portrayed in a very realistic way and the reader can relate to them. The plot does not read in a straight timeline; it jumps back and forth from the present to the past. The author’s style of enthralling writing is clear and concise and easy to read. This novel would appeal to those struggling with parental relationships and those who are dealing with loved-ones with Alzheimer’s. This book will also be appreciated by those who are questioning their sexual identity. I highly suggest that everyone (teens and up) read this book.

— Faith E.

In this futuristic, yet realistic, novel, teenage Liberty goes to live with her grandmother after her mom is sent to prison. Liberty moves into a small impoverished town. In a very cliche high school, Liberty gets a boyfriend, makes enemies and friends. Also, the town has a company that is excavating the top of a mountain for coal. As Liberty settles into her new life, she discovers that the digging of the mountain and the air pollution that is created because of this digging is causing the towns folk to become sick. When her grandmother becomes sick, Liberty struggles to manage school, her grandmother’s health and the taking down of the excavation company.

This books deals with issues that are not usually found in a YA novel: cancer, poverty, and pollution. Liberty is portrayed as a very strong character; one that is trying to do it all. The reader will react compassionately to the events and resolutions of each of the main issues. The writing is thought-provoking; it connects the reader with different aspects of society compared to what a teen reader normally reads. Also, if the reader does live in a town such as Liberty, then he/she will feel that they are not alone. This compelling book will have the readers look at society in a different light.

— Natalie S.

A big rig is a big truck.  It carries good across the country.  With large font and short simplistic sentences, Big Rigs on the Go describes the parts of a big rig, what big rigs are used for, and driver information.  Each pair of pages has a full color photograph that supports the text.  A sure hit for early readers.

Contains Table of Contents.  Back papers include a diagram of Parts of a Big Rig, Picture Glossary, Index, and Read More section.

Machines That Go series is also available as Interactive e-books.

Construction workers have many different jobs.  They work together to build things.  Using large easy to read font and simple sentences, this title explains the different jobs in construction.  Each page contains a large color photo that reinforces the text.  Interspersed through the book are occasional circles with thought provoking questions that will lead to discussion.

Contains an index.  Back matter includes pictures of Construction Worker Tools, Picture Glossary of construction terms, Index and Read More sections.

The series is also available as interactive e-books.

You can pick it/You can kick it/You can throw away the core/You can toss it/You can sauce it/You can roll it on the floor. A fun, rhyming text describing the many things you can do with an apple.  The pictures with simple cartoonish characters demonstrate the essence of the text.  Repetitive sentence structure and rhythm with clear illustrations make this a good title for emerging readers.

Also available in the is series, What’s a Banana?

Yellow isn’t just a color, it is a time of year.  Never mentioning to a specific season, this is a lovely celebration of autumn.  All the senses are called into play with the crows announcing its coming, the scent of air, “like mud and dry grass with a sprinkle of sugar,” and the wind that blows the yellow sideways. The charming illustrations reinforce the joy and motion of the season and paired with rich descriptive language makes this a great read aloud.

I Dissent is a stellar biography of a highly accomplished woman as well as a concise introductory explanation of the role of the supreme court.

Ruth Bader was born in an era when a woman’s role revolved around the home and women were discouraged from pursuing careers. Through her actions she showed her disagreement and dissent to the limitation put on people because of their gender, religion, or race.  Yet even when she strongly disagreed with others, for example fellow Supreme Court Judge Antonin Scalia, she showed that it need not stand in the way of friendship and respect.

The theme of dissent is a constant thread in the book.  Throughout the book, complicated concepts are explained in clear but simplistic text bringing the intricacies of our complex judicial system to level for early elementary students. Illustrations are lively and colorful and Ruth’s expressions reinforce her opinions and strength of her character.

Back matter includes photographs, a more thorough biography, notes on court cases referenced in the book, extensive bibliography and quotation sources.

Ben wants nothing more than to have a beard.  All of the coolest, “boss” people he knows have beards, including his dad.  After creative experimentation with different ways to have something like a beard, including an incident with the permanent marker, Ben’s dad throws Ben for a loop when he cuts off his beard.  This is not what Ben wants.  A quick trip to the costume store helps solve the problem for both son and dad.  The alliteration of “B”s throughout the text keep the story bouncing along.  Another “boss” attribute is the line “Both of Bobby’s dads rocked boisterous beards.”   It’s so refreshing to have this as seamless as any other line in a children’s picture book today.  For this and many other reasons, Beard Boy is recommended for all libraries.