After Tupac & D Foster by Jacqueline Woodson

Woodson, Jacqueline After Tupac & D Foster, 153 pgs. G.P. Putnam’s Sons, 2008. Language – PG13 , Sexual Content - PG ; Violence – PG13 ; Neeka and her best friend are crazy about Tupac and his music; he really seems to get where they’re coming from. When they meet D Foster, the girls get a better understanding of the harsh reality behind Tupac’s music. The three girls spend a brief two years together, growing up and looking for their “Big Purpose”, and then both D Foster and Tupac are forever gone. Woodson does an excellent job of describing the growing pains of these young girls. I personally felt I better understood why Tupac meant so much to so many after reading this. Teens will enjoy the relevant issues and realistic dialogue.

HS – ADVISABLE. Jennifer Rodriguez - YA Librarian

Bluford High – The Bully by Paul Langan

Langan, Paul Bluford High – The Bully, 190 pgs. Townsend Press, 2002. Language - PG , Sexual Content - G; Violence – PG13 ; High school is tough enough for Darrell Mercer. He isn’t very tall or strong, but at least he has his friends to back him up. Mid year Darrell and his mom have to move from his hometown in Philadelphia to California. A new school means new challenges for Darrell, including a bully. Darrell has to learn either how to deal with this bully or spend the next four years in fear. I read this book in a day because it did a wonderful job of keeping my interest; I just had to know how Darrell would overcome his fears! Langan’s writing will feel real to the teens, but does not include foul language, sex, or over the top violence.

MS,HS – ADVISABLE. Jennifer Rodriguez - YA Librarian

Princess of the Midnight Ball by Jessica Day George

George, Jessica Day Princess of the Midnight Ball, 280 pgs. Bloomsbury USA Children's Books; Language~G, Sexual Content~G; Violence~PG

Brava, Brava to author Jessica Day George for creating such a beautiful and engaging novel based on a beloved fairy-tale. The tale of the Twelve Dancing Princesses is an enchanting story about twelve sisters cursed to dance every night to the extent they wear holes in their dancing slippers. Their father the king is bewildered and must know where his daughters go each night. Princes from neighboring kingdoms are promised one of the daughters in marriage and the throne if he can solve the riddle. None can and it is up to a lowly under-gardener to save the princesses from their doom. This retelling is superbly done. The descriptions are exquisite and the reader will be so entirely caught up in the story, midnight will approach before they know it. Highly recommended!

MS/HS. ESSENTIAL Allison Madsen~Teen Librarian-SJO Public Librarian

Someone for Mr. Sussman by Patricia Polacco

Polacco, Patricia Someone for Mr. Sussman. Philomel Books, 2008. Jerome’s bubbie(grandmother) is a matchmaker. She has been successful in making many matches, except for Mr. Sussman. The reader soon finds out, however, that Mr. Sussman’s perfect match may be the one right in front of his eyes. With funny ways of trying to get this man to notice her, bubbie soon becomes frustrated and sick of trying to get Mr. Sussman to notice her. She’ll soon find out, however that, “No pot is so crooked that there isn’t a lid to fit it(last page of the book). True to the plot and illustrations of previous Polacco’s books, this book in itself would be worth buying. The funny story and interesting observation Jerome makes about his bubbie’s attitude, however, are priceless. A great book to add to any collection. EL(1-3). ADVISABLE. Reviewer: Kira, Youth Services Librarian-HUN Public Library.

The Tale of Two Mice by Ruth Brown

Brown, Ruth. The Tale of Two Mice. Candlewick Press, 2008. PICTURE BOOK. Bo and Billy have gone in search of food, but Billy is scared of what is out there in the big house. Through adventure and bravery, the two are able to get more food, but they’re in for a surprise! Great story about bravery. Beautiful illustrations and fun lift-the-flaps. Kids will enjoy reading this story or having it read aloud to them. EL(PreK-2). ADVISABLE. Reviewer-Kira, Youth Services Librarian-HUN Public Library

Bee-Wigged by Cece Ball

Bell, Cece Bee-Wigged. Candlewick Press, 2008. PICTURE BOOK. Jerry is a big bee who longs to have friends, but when people see him, they run away, because he is such a big bee. With the help of a wig, Jerry starts going to school and making friends. He soon realizes, however, that being yourself is the best way to make friends. Cute illustrations, cheesy, fun text. Extremely cheesy, but a good read aloud to read to young children who are learning about friends and being yourself. EL(PreK-1). ADVISABLE. Reviewer-Kira, Youth Services Librarian-HUN Public Library.

Magic Lilly and The First Magic Spell

Knister, Magic Lilly and the First Magic Spell. Penguin Young readers Group. EASY READER. Lilly finds a magic book and becomes a witch. On her first spell, she turns her brother’s ears into animal ears. To make matter worse, his ears change with every animal mentioned. On top of that, the witch whose book Lilly has is looking for it. Will she be able to change her brother’s ears back to normal before her mom comes back? Will the witch find out Lilly has her book? A cross between an easy reader and an early chapter book, this book will be great for helping kids transition into chapter books. With colorful illustrations and fun and easy text, this book is a have must in your library’s collection. EL(Grades 1-3). ESSENTIAL. Reviewer: Kira-Youth Services Librarian-HUN Public Library.

Pillage by Obert Skye

Skye, Obert. Pillage. pgs. 312. Shadow Mountain, 2008. Language: G, Violence: PG, Sexual Content: G. When Beck Phillips’ mom dies, he is sent to live in Kingsplot with his eccentric uncle who spends most of his time in a tower. As time goes on, Beck discovers that dragons really do exist and live within the grounds of his uncle’s house. He also discovers that not everyone in his uncle’s house or the surrounding areas can be trusted. With the help of some friends and an ability to make things grow, Beck must discover who he can really trust and how to stop the dragons from destroying the town of Kingsplot. Not a real fast action story until towards the end, but the author does a great job of keeping you wanting to turn the page. His mystery will enthrall readers and keep them wanting to know Beck’s family’s past has as well as wondering what characters can be trusted. A great story for mystery and fantasy lovers alike. EL, MS - ADVISABLE. Review: Kira-Youth Services Librarian, HUN Public Library

Berkeley's Barn Owl Dance by Tera Johnson

Johnson, Tera. Berkeley’s Barn Owl Dance. Kids Can Press, 2008. PICTURE BOOK. Berkeley is an owl who comes from a family who loves to dance. When it’s time for her to find a place of her own, however, she longs for a friend that can dance with her. Text and illustrations work well together. The story is fun and heartwarming. Good read-aloud book for preschoolers and kindergartners. Pre-EL(Ages 2 to 6). ADVISABLE. Reviewer: Kira, Children’s Librarian, HUN Public Library.

When Louis Armstrong Taught Me Scat by Muriel Harris Weinstein

Weinstein, Muriel Harris When Louis Armstrong Taught Me Scat. Chronicle Books, 2008. PICTURE BOOK. Follow the main character as she learns how to scat from her mom and then Louis Armstrong, the master himself. Follow her as she dreams about scat, dances scat, and even teaches some others how to scat. Fun illustrations, but they do not supplement text well. Text is hard to follow and a little confusing. Would work well in a classroom setting with a teacher who is trying to teach the students about the different types of music or about rhythm. EL(Elementary School). OPTIONAL. Reviewer: Kira, Children’s Librarian, HUN Public Library.

Elliot's Park: The Walnut Cup by Patrick Carman

Carman, Patrick Elliot’s Park: The Walnut Cup. pgs. 80. Scholastic, Inc., 2009. EARLY CHAPTER BOOK. The Walnut Cup, the only American Stop on the World Squirrel Soccer League tour has come to Elliot’s Park this year. Everyone is excited to try and win the cup. In order to play however, the home team has to provide a perfectly round walnut or neither team gets to play in the tournament. The only problem is, perfectly round walnuts are hard to find and the one Elliot found has gone missing. Now he and his friends must find the walnut before the tournament ends or they won’t be able to play. Fun story, the periodic illustrations are done well. The text is a little too simple for the target audience of 2 to 3 grade, but does not detract from the story itself. Great reluctant reader story for soccer and animal lovers alike. May also wish to buy other books in series. EL(Grades 2-3). OPTIONAL. Reviewer: Kira, Children’s Librarian, HUN Public Library.

Marveltown by Bruce McCall

McCall, Bruce. Marveltown. Farrar, Straus, and Giroux, 2008. PICTURE BOOK. This town of inventors and genius is rather unique! From sky skiing to 80 MPH car washes, this futuristic town is truly a marvel. Everything goes smoothly until a mouse chews through some wires and scrambles the robots in the town into thinking that they are supposed to crush Marveltown. With adults out of ideas on what to do, it’s up to the town’s children to figure out to save their town. The pictures are wonderful and realistic in this book. The text is simple, but fun to read. Overall, this book is a great read aloud for adults to share with their children, a teacher to read to their students, or for a non-reader to enjoy the pictures. EL (PreK-2) - ESSENTIAL. Reviewer: Kira, Children's Librarian-HUN Public Library.

Secret Spies by Adrienne Mason

Mason, Adrienne Secret Spies Kids Can Press, Inc., 2008. EASY READER. When Lu and Clancy find a map labeled “Top Secret” and note written in cody in their Aunt Izzy’s truck, they go on an spy adventure to try and find out if their aunt is a spy. What they find out will surprise them, though. A fun, easy reader for those who are around the middle level of easy readers. Fun story, easy to read, and illustrations that supplement the text well. EL (K-1) - ADVISABLE. Reviewer: Kira, Children's Librarian-HUN Public Library

Something, Maybe by Elizabeth Scott

Scott, Elizabeth Something, Maybe pgs.320 Bloomsbury USA Children's Books. Language~PG-13, Sexual Content~PG-13; Violence~PG;

“Everyone thinks their parents are embarrassing, but Hannah knows she’s got them all beat. Her dad made a fortune showcasing photos of pretty girls and his party lifestyle all over the Internet, and her mom was once one of her dad’s girlfriends and is now the star of her own website. After getting the wrong kind of attention for way too long, Hannah has mastered the art of staying under the radar . . .and that’s just how she liked it.”

Hannah is seventeen and works at a remote ordering center for the most popular burger chain in town with 2 of her classmates. Josh, who Hannah is crushing on, happens to work at the next computer over. She is positive they are soul mates and that someday soon he will notice her. Then there is Finn, a friend and sometimes confidant, but not boyfriend material. Except, Hannah finds herself thinking about Finn more and more. As her life at home becomes topsy-turvy Hannah discovers who her real friends are and learns she is not her parents. A wonderful modern-day romance. This novel, while not focusing on sex, mentions sex frequently and also includes one ‘f’ curse. While I really enjoy Scott’s writing style and would highly recommend them to public libraries, I would not include this one in a school library

HS –PUBLIC ONLY. Allison Madsen~Teen Librarian-SJO Public Library

How to Build a House by Dana Reinhardt

Reinhardt, Dana; How to Build a House, 240 pgs. Wendy Lamb Books; Language~PG, Sexual Content~R; Violence~G

Harper’s family is falling apart. Her father and step-mom are getting a divorce. Not only is Harper losing her ‘mom’ but the divorce has torn apart her friendship with Tess, her step-sister. To get away from the hurt at home, Harper joins Habitat for Humanity and volunteers to help build a home in a Tennessee town which was destroyed by a tornado. There she meets other teens with varied backgrounds, but they all have one thing in common . . .they are here to work. Harper does work, but she also makes friends. To her surprise she finds herself drawn to a young man named Teddy. It’s Teddy’s house they are re-building and their friendship quickly blossoms into more. This is a story about re-building a house after a destructive storm, but it is also a story about re-building trust and relationships destroyed by divorce. While this title is highly recommended, there are scenes with heavy kissing and described sexual activity. These are tastefully done and not overly graphic, but I recommend you read it first before deciding if it belongs in your school’s library. This is a must for public libraries!

MS/HS. ADVISABLE Allison Madsen~Youth Services Librarian-SJO Public Librarian

Need by Carrie Jones

Jones, Carrie Need pgs.320 Bloomsbury USA Children's Books. Language~PG-13, Sexual Content~PG; Violence~PG;

Too soon after her father’s death Zara’s mom ships her off to Grandma Beth’s in frigid Maine. To work through the pain of losing her father, Zara recites phobias. There is a formal name for every fear out there and Zara has them all memorized. As a new girl at the local high school, Zara expects to be completely isolated, but by the end of her first day, she has made friends and enemies. In addition to dealing with the death of her dad, Zara also is being stalked. The stalker moves unnaturally fast and leaves behind gold dust. Zara and her friends begin to uncover a secret that is killing young men in the area. The Pixie king is looking for a mate and he has chosen Zara. This novel is a must for all the Twilight fans. Engaging writing, a little romance, a little suspense, were-wolves, evil Pixies, do I need to say more? The heroine is strong and spunky and will not leave readers disappointed. Get two copies of this title if you can. There is some swearing mostly “Gs”

MS/HS – ESSENTIAL. Allison Madsen~Teen Librarian-SJO Public Library

Chalice by Robin McKinley

McKinley, Robin Chalice, 263 pgs. Penguin, 2008. Language – PG, Sexual Content – PG, Violence – PG;Through strong descriptive passages and lyrical prose, McKinley tells the story of Marisol, whose life is thrown into turmoil after the sudden death of the Master and his Chalice and she is chosen to be the new Chalice. Having received no training, she must work to keep the land from coming apart and learn how to be a Chalice to a new Master, a former priest of fire. Marisol’s story is compelling at times, but is also somewhat convoluted and difficult to follow. Although parts are beautifully written, with its long descriptions this book may not be highly accessible to the average student, except for fans of Robin McKinley. HS – ADVISABLE. Laura Berube ~ Youth Services Librarian, Draper Library

Jellicoe Road by Melina Marchetta

Marchetta, Melina Jellicoe Road 419 pgs. Harper Teen ~Language PG-13, Sexual Content~PG-13 Violence~PG-13
Jellicoe Road in Austrailia is the main character in this novel about finding who you are and the importance of family relationships. Taylor Markham, age seventeen, is the leader of a house of girls at a boarding school in Austrailia. Each Summer, the boarding school kids participate in territory wars with the Cadets (Summer camp attendees from the military academy in Sydney) and the Townies (kids from the local town.) The novel begins with a flash-back that grabs the reader’s attention immediately, however, when chapter 1 begins it is slightly disorienting and it takes a few pages for the reader to orient themselves in the world of Taylor. There is a mystery embedded in the narrative that may initially cause confusion among readers, but those who stick with the storyline will be highly rewarded. I personally had a hard time wanting to stay with the story but I loved how it all came together. This title won the Michael L. Printz award for 2009. There are 2 sex scenes that are descriptive and sensual but not highly graphic. The swearing is scattered throughout narrative and includes 10-15 “f” and several “a**.” I would recommend letting the public libraries house this one.

MS/HS PUBLIC Allison Madsen~Youth Services Librarian-SJO Public Librarian

Southern Vampire Mysteries by Charlaine Harris

Harris, Charlaine Southern Vampire Mysteries, Ace Books, 2001+. Language - R , Sexual Content - R ; Violence - R ; Sookie Stackhouse is your ordinary, psychic bar maid until vampires attempt to mainstream into her town. While Sookie is falling in love with the fanged Bill, the bloody body count is rapidly increasing around them. Will Sookie and Bill ever be able to enjoy their vampire romance? This vampire series is not for the weak of heart; graphic sex and bloodied violence make it an inappropriate read for schools. No. Jennifer Rodriguez - YA Librarian.

Southern Vampire Series
Dead Until Dark
Living Dead in Dallas
Club Dead
Dead to the World
Dead as a Doornail
Definitely Dead
All Together Dead
From Dead to Worse

Daughter of the Flames by Zoe Marriott

Marriott, Zoe Daughter of the Flames, 342 p. Candlewick, 2009. Violence - PG; Language - G; Sexual Content - G. Zira was severely scarred in the same fire that killed her mother. SHe has been lovingly raised by the religious women of her country, but since her mother's death, the whole nation has labored under the oppression of the hostile king who invaded and took control. Then one day Zira's true heritage is revealed and she must find a way to save her land anf follow her heart. While there is a bit of the supernatural inthis book, I would mostly consider it world-building. Fans of The Assassins of Tamurin or Cry of the Icemark will love this. Very strong female hero stuff! MS - ADVISABLE. Cindy, Library-Teacher.

Summoning by Kelley Armstrong

Armstrong, Kelley The Summoning, 390 p. Language - PG; Sexual Content - G; Violence - G. One day Chloe is a little awkward, but completely normal. The next - seeing ghosts and tossed into a halfway house for crazy teens. The other kids are kind a creepy, too. But the worst is Liz, the one who wants all of the power. The kids don't know it, but they have been gathered for a reason - and treachery is on its way. A heavy dose of supernatural, a small amount of swearing and a perfect book with the perfect cover to hand to your kids who have read every vampire book in the library and are ready to branch out.

MS, HS - ADVISABLE. Cindy Mitchell - Library-Teacher.

Are You Ready to Play Outside? by Mo Willems

Willems, Mo Are You Ready to Play Outside?, Hyperion, 2008. First Reader - Language G, Sexual Content G, Violence G – Mo Willems has done it again with his newest title in the Elephant & Piggie series. His endearing characters take their place alongside “Frog and Toad” in this sure to be classic beginner reader series. In this story, Gerald, the usually cautious and pessimistic elephant reverses roles with Piggie who is usually optimistic and sometimes reckless. When Piggie is sad and disappointed about the rain, Gerald saves the day. As Piggie says, “Elephants make the best friends!”
EL - ESSENTIAL. Janell Pearce-Mattheus, Youth Services Librarian, Whitmore Library.

Chester's Back! by Melanie Watt

Watt, Melanie Chester’s Back!, Kids Can Press, 2008. PICTURE BOOK - Language G, Sexual Content G, Violence G – Fans of Chester will like this sequel. Chester the cat again takes over the telling of the story interrupting the author by re-writing and drawing with his red marker. The use of color and font to indicate the speakers adds clarity to this story-within-the-story where Chester is determined to be the star with surprising and hilarious results. The little gray mouse is back as is the fun and silliness of the first book. Elementary children will enjoy this clever story which could also be used to teach writing, characterization and voice. ELEMENTARY- ADVISABLE. Janell Pearce-Mattheus, Youth Services Librarian, Whitmore Library.

Living Dead Girl by Elizabeth Scott

Scott, Elizabeth Living Dead Girl 176 pgs. Hyperion ~Language PG, Sexual Content~R Violence~R
Once upon a time I was a little girl who disappeared. Once upon a time my name was not Alice. Once upon a time I didn't know how lucky I was.
The girl named Alice is a prisoner. All she knows is that she is there to please him, except he keeps telling her that she is getting to old and will need to find him a replacement. Elizabeth Scott has written a gripping but disturbing novel about a girl who was kidnapped and then kept by a pedophile as his ‘little girl.’ As she gets to mature for him, he asks her to scope out a new ‘Alice’ for him which she does at a local park. There are frequent sexual passages that while not extremely graphic, are very disturbing due to the pedophilic nature. The main character also has sex with a teenage boy in the park. While I enjoy Scott’s ability to tell a story and keep the reader interested, this is one for the public libraries, and even then only to be recommended with caution and a disclaimer.

HS PUBLIC Allison Madsen~Youth Services Librarian-SJO Public Librarian

Schooled by Gordon Korman

Korman, Gordon, Schooled 208 pgs. Hyperion ~Language G, Sexual Content~PG Violence~PG

What group/clique do you belong to at school? Are you one of the popular kids or are you one of the kids that the popular kids pick on? The world of school is made up of these groups/cliques. When Cap’s grandmother is placed in a rehabilitation center after breaking her hip, he is placed in a foster home. This would be hard for any 13 year-old, but it is especially difficult for Cap. Cap has grown-up on an isolated farm commune and homeschooled by his grandmother. No internet, no cell phone, no Wii or X-BOX. Now that he is being forced to live with a foster family, he must attend a public middle school! To say he doesn’t fit in is the understatement of the year. However, by the end of the story the reader will be amazed at what being different can do. This new story from Korman is told from the perspective of many individuals including Cap. The different perspectives are extremely effective in voicing the different groups/cliques and how they all are affected by one another. Schooled is another winner from Gordon Korman.

MS. ESSENTIAL Allison Madsen~Youth Services Librarian-SJO Public Librarian

Artemis Fowl: The Time Paradox by Eoin Colfer

Colfer, Eoin, Artemis Fowl: The Time Paradox, 400 pgs. Hyperion ~Language G, Sexual Content~PG Violence~PG

Imagine the guilt you would feel if something you did in your past is preventing you from curing your mother from a deathly illness. Welcome to the world of Artemis Fowl. When Artemis was young he sold the last living African Lemur to a group of extinctionist and now it turns out that the only thing that would save his mother is the brain fluid from this creature. Artemis begs help from Holly, Folly, Mulch Diggums, and N°1(a warlock we met in The Lost Colony) to go back in time and save the lemur from himself. For fans of Artemis & Holly this book is a welcome return to their adventures; however as with many stories involving time paradoxes it is confusing and at times seems never ending. If you have fans of the Artemis Fowl series, don’t pass this one up. The audiobook of this title is very well done and entertaining.

MS/HS. ADVISABLE Allison Madsen~Youth Services Librarian-SJO Public Librarian

Footprints in Time by Petru Popescu

Popescu, Petru Footprints in Time, 245 p. Laura Geringer Books (Harper). Language: G, Sexual Content: G, Violence: G; When Jack goes to visit his dad, who studies lions, at his research center, his dad takes him on a lion tagging trip in the crater (which is surrounded by high speed, dangerous winds). But when the plane crashes, he is the only survivor, and he will have to survive in the wild with only a mysterious, ape-like stranger to help him. This was a pretty good book, drawing on the classic survival story. However, I enjoyed the twist on that, and I would refer this book to anyone who likes survival stories. EL, MS - ADVISABLE. Student Reviewer: RG

Followers Are SPECIAL

To my followers:

And I mean the ones who are at this moment (8:30 am on Tuesday the 10th), signed up to follow this blog. And I know exactly who you are, so don't pretend. For you I have something special. Email me at deondrel@netscape.net with your home address and I will send you a book of your very own. Tell me if you want a picture book or a YA novel and I will mail your prize to you! The book may be a published novel or it might be a ARC.

For everyone else - signup to follow this blog and maybe you can cash in the next time I have books to offload!

Hugs - Cindy!

A Curse As Dark As Gold by Elizabeth C. Bunce

Bunce, Elizabeth C. Curse As Dark As Gold, 400pgs Arthur A. Levine Books; Language~G, Sexual Content~G; Violence~G

The story of Rumplestiltskin is one that has fascinated children and haunted new mothers through the ages. A young girl is in desperate need of help . . . a magic man comes to her aid . . . eventually she is required to hand over her newborn child in payment unless she can guess the man’s name. In this retelling of the fairy-tale, Bunce twists the story to involve an old curse and a miller family and does it will moderate success. The story begins with the death of the miller who leaves behind his two daughters to run the family business. The oldest of the daughters takes the reigns of the family business and struggles to make ends meet. She then encounters a magic man who will spin straw into gold . . .for a price. Readers who are tried and true fans of fairy-tale retellings will find this story too long, too confusing, and too far from the basic storyline. However, the beautiful cover and semi-romantic storyline will intrigue female readers.

Middle School/High School OPTIONAL Allison Madsen~Teen Librarian-SJO Public Librarian

Little Brother by Cory Doctorow

Doctorow, Cory Little Brother, 382pgs Tor Books; Language~PG, Sexual Content~R; Violence~PG-13

Do you remember where you were when the commercial airliners crashed into the Twin Towers in New York? On that day in September, terrorism became something now seen as a real threat. How do we protect our Nation, our cities, our families? What rights are we willing to sacrifice to be ‘safe’? How much control do we want to hand over to Big Brother?

In a second attack on the United States, terrorists have bombed the Oakland Bay Bridge in San Francisco and caused the deaths of thousands of Americans. Marcus and his friends are caught up in the wave of panic that results and in the chaos they are picked up by Homeland Security for questioning. Marcus has never been so terrified in his life. They were innocent bystanders, teenagers, now being interrogated as terrorists.

After being released from three nightmarish days of questioning, Marcus is angry, confused, and feels attacked by his own country. With the help of his friends and his X-box, Marcus creates an under-the-radar network to fight back against the totalitarian regime Homeland Security has enforced upon the citizens of San Francisco.

This riveting story will cause readers to reflect on the role of the government to protect its citizens. Disclaimer: there are described sexual encounters and torture scenes that are not appropriate for younger readers.

High School ADVISABLE Allison Madsen~Teen Librarian-SJO Public Librarian

Zorgamazoo by Robert Paul Weston

Weston, Robert Paul Zorgamazoo, 192pgs Razorbill; Language~G, Sexual Content~G; Violence~G

“Are You a Believer in Fanciful Things? In Pirates and Dragons and Creatures and Kings?
Then sit yourself down in a comfortable seat, with maybe some cocoa and something to eat, and I’ll spin you the tale of Katrina Katrell, a girl full of courage (and daring, as well!), who down in the subway, under the ground, saw something fantastical roaming around . . .
What was it she saw? I’d rather not say. (Who’s ever heard of a Zorgle, anyway?)
But if you are curious, clever and brave, if intrepid adventure is something you crave, then open this book and I’ll leave it to you to uncover the secret of ZORGAMAZOO!”

In a zany book that begs. . . no screams to be read aloud! In complete verse, like the product description above, Weston has created a novel that rivals Dr. Seuss’s tongue twisters and Roald Dahls odd characters and is almost 200 pages long. This is the story of a girl, Katrina Katrell, and a Zorgle named Morty who fate throws together in an adventure to save the Zorgels of Zorgamazoo. Readers will delight in Weston’s ingenious use of language and his brilliant rhythmic verse. A must read-a-loud for all!

Elementary ESSENTIAL Allison Madsen~Teen Librarian-SJO Public Librarian

The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman

Gaiman, Neil The Graveyard Book, 312 pgs HarperCollins; Language~G, Sexual Content~G; Violence~PG

When just a baby his father, mother, and sister were knifed to death by a killer whose motive is unknown. He would have been next but Fate had something else in mind. Nobody Owens is just like you and me, except he lives in a graveyard and is being cared for by ghosts. When a baby toddles into their graveyard the occupants choose to protect him from the murderous man that killed the family across the way. Nobody, Bod, also is given special gifts to allow him to see in the dark and move undetected by learning to Fade. However, the murderer has not forgotten Bod and a mystery surrounding the murder’s motive will keep the reader bound to his seat. In a macabre story of a young boy raised by the paranormal, Gaiman brings to life a world that will thrill not only his fans but readers everywhere. Winner of the 2009 Newbery Medal, The Graveyard Book will be a favorite for years to come.

Middle School ESSENTIAL Allison Madsen~Teen Librarian-SJO Public Librarian

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

Collins, Suzanne The Hunger Games, 384 pgs Scholastic Press; Language~G, Sexual Content~PG; Violence~PG-13

In her newest novel, Suzanne Collins thrusts readers into a world filled with fear, violence, sensationalism, and selfishness. Ironically however, the world of the Hunger Games also embraces friendship, love, and self sacrifice. In a future world North America has been reduced to a Capitol and 12 districts. Once a year the Capitol host the Hunger Games in which 24 adolescents, a boy and girl from each district, compete in a battle to the death while Panam looks on via live video broadcasts. This is Reality TV at its deadliest and most violent. Collins tells the story through a 16 year-old girl named Katniss Everdeen who lives in the twelfth district of Panam. Once the Hunger Games begin the reader will be unable to tear themselves away. Readers will wait with bated breath for the next installment of Katniss’ story.

This novel is filled with violence, panic, terror, and takes the reader on a ride for their life as they see themselves in Katniss’ positions. Due to the violence and frequent killings that are part of the Hunger Games, this book should be recommended to older readers and will not be for everyone. The audio production of the novel is excellent and highly recommended.

Middle School/High School ESSENTIALl Allison Madsen~Teen Librarian-SJO Public Librarian