Book Reviews

Out of My Mind by Sharon M. Draper

2011-11-18T10:40:00.000-05:00

2011-01-24T11:28:00.004-05:00

The Legend of Bass Reeves
Gary Paulsen, Random House c2006 137 pages.
Great historical fiction for intermediate and older. An informational read for any unit on the West from 1830-1890.
This is the story of Bass Reeves, a slave who became a US Marshall. The hardest thing he had to do was arrest his own son for murdering his wife. The book shows the West as it reaaly was and dispels some of the myths about that time in our history

2010-07-31T21:53:00.008-04:00

The Year of Miss Agnes
Kirkpatrick Hill Aladdin c2000 113 pages
Grades 2-5
A story about a one room school house set in Alaska in 1948. Miss Agnes is different from all the other teachers who didn't last in the rural setting. Ten year-old Frederick tells the story of the new teacher and how she changed their lives.

2010-07-07T19:21:00.006-04:00

The Seven Woders of Sassafras Springs
Betty G. Birney Alladdin c2005 210 pages
Grades 3-5
Eben MaAllister sets our to find seven wonders in his home town after reading about the Seven Wonders of the World. A good read aloud about the wonders he discovers in his own home town .

2010-07-07T19:00:00.006-04:00

The Road from Home
David Kherdian Beech TreePaperbacks c1979 238 pages
Setting: Turkey, Syria, and Greece
Time; 1907-1924
Biography of the author's mother telling the story of the Turkish government attempt to destory the Armenian population.
Newbery honor, ALA notable book

2010-07-07T18:38:00.005-04:00

Save Queen of Sheba
Louise Moeri Puffin Books c1981 116 pages

A good story to supplement lessons on westward expansion .David and his sister, Queen Sheba,
survive an Indian attack while on the trail west. The story tells of his efforts to save himself and his sister and find their parents.

2010-07-05T12:59:00.004-04:00

Pocket Poems

selected by Bobbi Katz Dutton Children's Books c2004
Good selection of short poems...use for A Poem in Your Pocket Day

2010-07-05T12:51:00.004-04:00

The Frog Wore Red Suspenders
Jack Prelutsky Greenwillow Books, c2002

A great book of poetry. The Little Brown Toad is my grandkids favorite....we love reciting it together.
Use for atlas lessons since most poems are about a location in the USA

2010-07-05T12:40:00.004-04:00

Dear Levi Letters from the Overland Trail
Elvira Woodruff Yearling,c1994 119 pages.

Set in 1851, Austin tells about his wagon train trip across the Overland Trail to his brother Levi through letters he writes. Austin is going west to take over their father's claim . Not all the stories have happy endings. Enough adventure for to keep 2nd -4th graders interested. A good historical fiction read to accompany westward expansion lessons.

2010-07-05T12:11:00.003-04:00

The Bronze Pen
Zilpha Keatley Snyder Atheneum c2008 200 pages
Audrey Abbot enters a magical cave and is given a bronze pen by an old woman who tells her to "use it wisely and to good purpose". Audrey shares the secret of the bronze pen with Lizzie, her best friend, and together they teat its powers.
A fantasy for grades 3-5

2010-07-03T18:55:00.005-04:00

Francie
Karen English, Farrar, Straus, and Giroux, c1999 Coretta Scott King Honor Book
199 pages.
Francie her mother and younger brother, Prez, are waiting in Alabama for their father who is working in Chicago to send for them. Francie must work for wealthy white families as she struggles with her place in the world and waiting for her father to keep his promises. Francie tries to help the boy she was tutoring escape arrest and puts the black community in danger. A good read detailing the pre Civil -rights era.
Grades 3-6

2010-05-25T09:31:00.005-04:00

Gib Rides Home
Gib is an orphan around the early 1900's. He realizes the older he gets the less likely he will be adopted. But he also finds out that most older boys are "farmed out" for cheap labor. This is his story of his "adoption" and the home he finally finds of his dreams.

Cry, the Beloved Country by Alan Paton

2010-05-25T09:24:00.005-04:00

Zulu priest, Stephen Kumalo leaves his South African village to find out the fate of his son and his sister in the city of Johannesburg. He tries to bring his family back from the brink of destruction. This book was written before the apartheid laws were in place in South Africa. Racial tension dominates the book. A story of great love and compassion that braces both sides of the races.

Red Blade and the Black Bear by Virgina F. Voight

2010-05-25T09:18:00.005-04:00

An Indian boy befriends an orphaned cub and the bond between them grows stronger as each has the chance to save the life of the other.

The Stronghold by Mollie Hunter

2010-05-25T09:10:00.005-04:00

Setting takes place during the time of the Druids - priests in Scotland. Coll, crippled in youth during a Roman raid for slaves, tries to convine the Chief that his plan for a stronghold he designed over many years is the best answer to thwart the raiders from Rome. Gripping story.

2010-02-22T11:02:00.003-05:00

Nurk the Strange, Surprising Adventures of a (Somewhat) Brave Shrew
by Ursula Vernon Harcourt c2008 131 pages.
Nurk, a small shrew ,goes on an adventure to find the owner of a letter mistakenly mailed to him. This is a great fantasy, and a good read aloud. Readers will care what happens to Nurk and enjoy reading about his adventures.

2010-02-22T10:51:00.004-05:00

Perloo the Bold
Avi Scholastic c1998 223 pages.
Perloo, a shy quiet rabbit who would rather stay in his warm home by himself and read is forced into the politics of the Montmers by Lucabara. Jolaine, the granter ,has made him the next leader after her death rather than her son Berwig. What follows is the exciting story of Perloo's adventures as he must lead the Montmers , bring peace with the Felbarts, and survive the attacks of Berwig.
Grades 3 and up.

2010-02-16T09:20:00.002-05:00

The Mysterious Benedict Society, by Trenton Lee Stewart. Little Brown and Company c2007 485 pages.
After passing a series of test four children, Reynie, Kate, Constance and Sticky are selected to go on a secret mission . They are sent to the Learning Institute for the Very Enlightened where they become spies for Mr. Benedict. A good science fiction read for 5th and up.

2010-02-16T09:14:00.003-05:00

Schooled by Gordon Korman. Hyperion Publishers c2007. 208 pages.
Capricorn Anderson has lived alone with his Grandmother, Rain, on a commune until she falls and breaks her hip. Cap must stay in a foster home while she recovers and attend school for the first time. The story follows Cap as he must learn how to function around people and make sense of the
new society he finds himself living in.

2010-02-16T09:07:00.002-05:00

Things Not Seen by Andrew Clements. Puffin Books c2002. 251 pages.
Bobby Phillips wakes up one morning and is invisible. Bobby and his parents along with his new blind friend Alicia try to find out what caused his condition and how to reverse it. An interseting science fiction read for older Clements fans.

2010-02-16T08:56:00.003-05:00

Ruins of Gorlan Book 1 of Ranger's Apprentice by John Flanagan. Puffin Books, c2005 249 pages.
Fifteen -year-old Will after being rejected for battle school is chosen by Halt to become a Ranger.
The Rangers are the protectors of the kingdom and fight against Morgarath who is planning a battle to take over the kingdom. Will story is interesting to follow as he battles bullies learns about who he is and what he can accomplish.

2010-02-01T11:07:00.003-05:00

Velma Gratch and the Way Cool Butterfly, Madison, Alan. Schwarta and Wade Books, c2007
Velma Gratch follows two older sisters to school. What will make Velma special? Velma finds the answer on the class trip to the Butterfly Conservatory. Interesting text and vivid pictures make this a good read aloud for K-3.

2010-02-01T10:56:00.003-05:00

The People of Sparks, Jeanne DuPrau Yearling, c2004 338 pages.

This book continues the story of Lina and Doon as they lead the people of Ember to safety.
Escaping from their underground world they find the small city of Sparks. At first the people of Sparks are willing to help the refugees but soon differences between the two groups grow.
This is an interesting story of the way Lina and Doon help resolve the conflicts that arise.
The characters are round and develope throughout the story. The plot is interesting and holds your attention to the end.

2009-09-10T12:50:00.004-04:00

Shades of Gray Carolyn Reeder

This is the story of twelve year old Will Page who has lost everything in the Civil War. He is grieving and angry. His father died bravely in the Confederate Army. He is to live with his only existing relatives, an Uncle Jed and his family. Will's Uncle Jed had refused to take sides in the war and Will considers him a coward.

Will works alongside his Uncle on his farm doing hard manual labor...something that Will is not use to doing. While working and living with his relatives Will learns to appreciate and love their hard life and his Uncle's ways and his reasoning about the war. A good read because it gives you a glimpse into what people had to deal with after the killing and destruction of the Civil War.

2009-09-10T12:43:00.002-04:00

Rules Cynthia Lord

Catherine has an autistic brother. Her love for her brother and her frustrations with him are always in conflict with each other. She has created sets of rules for him (eg. Take your shoes off at the doctor but at the dentist leave them on) to help him get through everyday normal life. A new neighbor arrives that Catherine desperately wants to be her friend, but she worries about the reaction that the new neighbor might have to her brother. Along the way she also befriends a non-verbal paraplegic who uses word cards to communicate. The story is told with wit and humor and heartbreak from the viewpoint of 12 year old Catherine. This book makes you think what normal really means. This book is not written from a Christian viewpoint but it would make a great discussion starter of how God makes all of us different and how we are to love one another.

2009-09-10T12:34:00.003-04:00

Home of the Brave Katherine Applegate
Macmillian c2007

I was very impressed by the simple and powerful verse of this book. The characters are so deep and well written. It is a view into a young immigrant boy's life into the struggles of learning to live in a new country and the beauty and horror of his former life in the country he left. It is an amazing and moving novel.

2009-05-20T13:37:00.003-04:00

Hope was Here Joan Bauer
G.P. Putnam's Sons c2000

This is the story about a 16 year old girl named Hope who was abandoned by her mother and lives with her Aunt Addie. Addie is a cook and Hope a waitress and the two of them are a pair - taking pride in making people happy with good food.

They now settle in Wisconsin working at a small diner for a man named GT Stoop who is dying of leukemia. But he is still going to run for mayor even though here there is small town corruption running rampant.

The story dishes up love for both Hope and her aunt. Hope also finds the father she has always wanted. This is a delicious story with tasty wit added. A much fun read.

2009-04-20T11:43:00.004-04:00

Peter and the Starcatchers Barry, Dave and Ridley Pearson Hyperion c2004

Peter and four orphan freinds are taken aboard the Never Land to be taken to King Rundoon as slaves. Also on board the ship is Molly, daughter of the British Ambassador to Rundoon, and a mysterious trunk filled with a starstuff. Peter and Molly begin an adventure to save the starstuff from the pirate Black Stache . For older readers but an interesting read. Hopefully sending readers to Peter Pan.

2009-04-01T22:31:00.004-04:00

Shadow Thieves, Ursu, Anne Aladdin c2006 420 pages The Cronus Chronicles Book one

After her cousin Zee arrives from England, Charlotte and he must set out to save humankind from threats from the Underworld. Greek myths are woven into the plot of this fantasy

2009-03-31T19:48:00.004-04:00

The Ravenmaster's Secret, Woodruff, Elvira Scholastic, 2003

Eleven year-old Forrest Harper, son of the ravenmaster of the Tower of London befriends Scottish rebel named Maddy. He risks punishment and shaming his family to do what is right for Maddy and his friend Rat. A recommended historical fiction about 18th century England.

The Mother-Daughter Book Club

2009-03-26T09:20:00.008-04:00

The Mother -Daughter Book Club, Heather Vogel Fredrick, Simon & Schuster Books, c2007,
236 pages.

Great read for fifth and up. Four sixth-grade girls form a friendship after their mothers have them join a mother daughter book club to discuss Little Women.The plot centers around middle school cliques and how the girls in the story and their mothers cope with and react to them. The main characters are dynamic and develop throughout the story.

2009-02-19T09:25:00.002-05:00

Hoot Carl Hiaasen, Random House, c2002292 pages.
Ray Eberhardt, the new kid at Trace Middle School , is used to dealing with bullies. But this time bully Dana Matherson put Ray in the path of an interesting mystery happening in Ray's new hometown. What is the connection between the running boy and the new construction site for
Mother Paula's Pancake House? A fun read for fifth grade and up.

2009-02-19T09:11:00.002-05:00

The City of Ember, Jeanne DuPrau, Random House c2003, 270 pages.

First in the books of Ember series The City of Ember is fast paced mystery and science fiction.The main characters, Lina and Doon have been living in Ember all their lives and attending school. Then at age 12 they are assigned their life's work and the story of their search for a way to save Ember begins.

2009-01-05T18:53:00.003-05:00

Point Blank, Horowitz, Anthony Penguin c2001 0-399-23621-X

Sequel to Strombreaker. Alex Rider, a fourteen -year-old spy, working for British MI6 continues his adventures investigating a school for boys in the French Alps.

2009-01-03T23:21:00.004-05:00

Among the Impostors, Haddix, Margaret Peterson Aladdin c2001 0-689-83904-9

Luke Garner , an illegal third child, is out and living under the identity of a deceased boy. Luke attends Hendricks School and learns secrets that lie outside the school's doors. An exciting continuation to the Shadow series.
The library also has books one and three of the series.

2009-01-02T06:43:00.003-05:00

Skeleton Key, Horowitz, Anthony Philomel Books c2002 0-399-23777-1

This fun and easy read full of James Bond like adventures is the third book in the Alex Rider series. Alex, a teenage spy, working for British MI6 is caught up the plot of a Russian general to use a nuclear bomb.
The library also has book one, Stormbreaker, and book two, Point Blank.

2008-12-30T13:39:00.005-05:00

Stromchaser, Paul Stewart & Chris Riddell, Random House c1999, 0-385-75071-4

This is the second book in the Edge Chronicles. We find Twig, now sixteen years old, on his father's sky ship. His mission is to collect stromphrax, a substance needed to save the city of Sanctaphrax from floating over the edge. Once again Twig is involved with many creatures and adventures along his mission. The illustrations of Chris Riddell bring life to this second book also.

2008-12-30T12:58:00.003-05:00

Beyond the Deepwoods, Paul Stewart & Chris Riddell, Random House
A well written fantasy about Twig,a foundling raised as a Woodtroll and the world of the Edge. The first book finds Twig wondering why he is different from everyone around him. He discovers he is really not a Woodtroll and sets out to find his way in the world. He does what Woodtrolls are not supposed to do and strays from the path. He meets many creatures good and bad along his journey. There are Woodtrolls, Caterbids, Gloamglozers, Sky Pirates and more.
The illustrations in the book bring the characters to life and add an enjoyable touch to reading the Edge books.

2008-12-27T20:11:00.006-05:00

The Capture, Kathryn Lasky Scholastic c2003
The first book of the Guardians of Ga'Hoole series. Book 15 was published November, 2008.
This is a fantasy series for 9-12 year olds. Soren, Gylfie, Twilight ,and Digger band together to save the owl world from danger. Another series for readers who liked the Erin Hunter Warriors books.

The library also has book two, The Journey

2008-12-26T19:20:00.004-05:00

The Convict, Iain Lawerence
The Curse of the Jolly Stone Trilogy Book 1 Random house c2005 196 pages
0-440-41932-8
The story of Tom Tin who sets out to seek revenge on Mr. Goodfellow who he blames for the ruin of his family. Tom leaves home and has many adventures on the streets of London. He finally is mistaken for another boy and accused and convicted of murder. Tom struggles for survival on the ship taking him to Van Diemen's Island where he is to serve his sentence.

2008-12-16T19:13:00.008-05:00

Inkheart, Funke, Cornelia, Scholastic, c2003, 0-493-70910-5

Meggie's father Mo never reads out loud to her because when he does characters from the book come into this world which sends someone from this world into the book. This happened to Meggie's mother nine years before the story opens. This 534 page fantasy tells the tale of Mo and Meggie and how they battle evil characters to find Meggie's mother.
In Inkspell, a 635 page sequel to Inkheart, Maggie reads herself and Farid into Inkheart . She finds her mother, father and Dustfinger but then the story begins to change on its own. There is some violence and language problems. This book is for older readers and will be on special permission.

SEAWARD BORN

2008-02-21T08:51:00.004-05:00

Seaward Born, Lea Wait. Aladdin c2003 150 pages.
Set in 1805 in the thirteen year old Michael must decide wether to stay in Charleston as a slave or risk everything and flee North for his freedom. Very interesting historical fiction with a sympathetic main character.

2008-02-18T09:01:00.005-05:00

For Freedom: The Story of a French Spy Bradley, Kimberly Brubaker, Random House c2003
This book written as fiction tells the true story of Suzanne David Hall, a young girl who spied for the French Resistance during WWII. suzanne is thirteen years old when the Nazis take over her town and drive her and her family out of their house. suzanne and her family cope the best they can. She continues her sining lessons and begins to sing in operas. The local doctor takes note that she moves around the city and asks her to become spy number 22. This is a good historical fiction read for older students. There is one graphic scene at the beginning of the book when Madame Montagne is killed by a bomb.

Journey Outside

2008-02-06T11:14:00.002-05:00

Steele, Mary Q. Journey Outside Puffin, c1979

Disatisfied with their present life in the underground world, young Dilar, one of the Raft People, escapes above ground and discovers new cultures and unfamiliar worlds. It is interesting reading as he describes what he finds and one can guess what it could be. I recommend this book.

Esperanza Rising

2008-02-06T10:55:00.000-05:00

Munoz, Ryan Esperanza Rising Scholastic Press, c2000

Wealthy and privileged, Esperanza and her mother must leave their beautiful home in Mexico after her father is murdered. They flee to California to work and live on a Mexican farm labor camp during the Great Depression. The challenges of the hard work and the economic difficutlies make very interesting reading. I recommend this book.

Where the Lilies Bloom

2008-02-06T10:43:00.001-05:00

Cleaver, Vera & Bill Where the Lilies Bloom HarperCollins, c1969

14 year old Mary Call works to keep her family together after her father passes away. Set in the Appalachians under desparate poverty, this is a moving story of her struggles. I recommend this book.

2007-12-03T13:19:00.003-05:00

The Headless Cupid Atheneum c1971 2023 pages Zilpha Keatley Snyder

Newbery Honor book. The story of Amanda who must learn to cope with a new life with her Mom, Stepdad, and step brothers and sisters. Amanda proves to be quiet a handful and keeps her new family on edge.

Pankration: The Ultimate Game

2007-11-19T10:27:00.001-05:00

Blacklock, Dyan Pankration: the Ultimate Game Whitman, c1997 191 pages.

Set in Greece in 430 B.C. the story tells of Nic who is sent from home because of the plague spreading in Athens. He is taken by pirates and sold as a slave. Nic knows his only friend, Gellius, will be at the Olympic Games. Nic escapes and makes his way to his friend for help.
This book pictures the Olympics and especially the Pankration....a good adventure: pirates, thieves, and treachery. Pankration: pronounced either pahn-KRAHT-ee-uhn or pan-KRAY-shun

Crispin: The Cross of Lead

2007-11-09T10:28:00.001-05:00

Avi. Set in 14th century England a young, nameless, fatherless boy sets out to learn his true identity after his mother died and he was wrongly accused of stealing and now is hunted. Along the way he he meets Bear who is a very strong character in this story.... and the adventures begin. There is a real sense of how life must have been in feudalistic England.....extremely hard for the poor. There is mystery, suspense and some violence.

The Cat Who Escaped from Steerage

2007-11-08T20:58:00.000-05:00

Mayerson Evelyn Wilde The Cat Who Escaped from Steerage Atheneum c1990
0-684-19209-8 66 pages.

Chanah and her family are packed together in the steerage section of a ship with other Polish immigrants bound for America. The story tells of the hardships faced by early immigrants coming to America. Chanah must worry about her cousin, Yaacov,who may not be allowed into America.She also must find her lost cat before leaving the ship.

Everything on a Waffle

2007-11-08T10:22:00.000-05:00

Horvath, Polly Everything on a Waffle Farrar Straus Giroux c2001
150 pages 0-374-32236-8

Primrose Squarp's parents are lost at sea and she must eventually go to live with her Uncle Jack.Promrose learns to cope with the situation. Spending time at the restaurant, The Girl on the Red Swing, where everything is served on a waffle, helps as the owner, Miss Bowzer, lends a listening ear. Primrosr never gives up hope that her parents will return which they do.

The Green Book

2007-11-08T08:32:00.000-05:00

Walsh, Jill Paton, The Green Book Farrar, Straus, and Giroux c1982
69 pages
Science fiction adventure about a family that must leave earth with a group and find a new home. The story tells of their ride in space, being pioneers in a new place, and how they learned to survive.

Olive's Ocean

2007-11-07T20:43:00.000-05:00

Henkes, Kevin Olive's Ocean Harper Collins c2003 217 pages
0-06-053544-X

Just after a classmate of Martha Boyle's is killed, her family goes on their summer visit to her grandmother's house on the ocean. Martha spends her summer visit learning more about herself, relaionships in life, and thinking of the death of her classmate.

Newbery Honor book
ALA Notable book
ALA Best Book for Young Adults

Gutman, Dan. The Homework Machine

2007-11-06T16:21:00.001-05:00

Four students with very different characters form an unlikely friendship that leads to problems in the story. Interestingly, the story is told through voices of the students, parents and the teacher given in depositions to the police. It is not a realistic story but a nice little book read for fun. Great moral too, ....DO YOUR HOMEWORK!

McKernan, Victoria. Shackleton's Stowaway

2007-11-06T12:05:00.000-05:00

In 1914 Ernest Shackleton's ship the Endurance set sail from Buenos Aires to cross the Atlantic continent - a last unclaimed prize in exploration. As the crew stood on the deck and watched the city fade from sight Perce Blackburrow hid below deck in a locker. But his thrill of stowing away soon turns to fear. Within months, the Endurance was trapped and crushed by ice and sank. There was no hope of rescue. If they were to survive in that hostile land they would have to do it on their own. The story becomes an edge-of-your-seat novel through the eyes of the stowaway Perce Blackborrow. I recommend this book.

Sebestyen, Ouida. Words By Heart

2007-11-06T11:59:00.000-05:00

Lena can recite scripture by heart. Hoping to make her Papa proud of her and to make her classmates notice her mind and not her black skin, Lena vows to win the Bible quoting contest in her school. But winning does not bring what she expected. This sheltered girl learns about the terrible reality about prejudice and racism. Now she must learn how to forgive. Kids will like this book if they like stories about racism. I think there is a lot to learn from this book.

Philbrick, Rodman. The Young Man and the Sea

2007-11-06T11:44:00.000-05:00

Skiff Beaman is 12 years old and struggling on his own in a fishing town on the coast of Maine. His father if grieving over his mother's death by doing nothing but watch TV and drink beer. Skiff realizes he must be the breadwinner if they are to survive. He needs to raise their boat the Mary Rose, and earn money for supplies to repair her. After many setbacks, Skiff sets out to try and harpoon a bluefin tuna in the open sea for money. This second half of the book does some paralleling on Hemingway's, The Old Man and the Sea.

I loved to read about Skiff's determination to succeed. It's an inspiring book from that viewpoint. There's lots of action and I think kids will like this book.

Hobbes, Will; Bearstone

2007-11-06T11:35:00.000-05:00

A young man searches for his identity in a world foreign to his upbringing. Cloyd, a 14 year old Ute, is hostile and in trouble with everone. His life comes to a head when he is sent to live with an old rancher who's wife recently died. That summer proves a turning point in his life. I think this book is exciting and will be liked by those who want action and a good story line. I also like happy endings which this book gives.

2007-11-06T09:05:00.001-05:00

Jones, Diana Wynne. The Merlin Conspiracy.

This work of fantasy tells the story of teenage wizards who live in a world of many worlds trying to save their countries from the corruption of magic. The plot is confusing and there are some questionable themes through the book. Overall, there are books that better represent this genre. Not recommended.

The Rebel Trumpet

2007-11-06T09:02:00.000-05:00

Shirreffs, Gordon D. The Rebel Trumpet.

This is the story of Steve who joins the Union Army as a fifteen year old drummer and his experience of the Civil War in New Mexico. It should be enjoyable for anyone who enjoys historical fiction or stories of the Civil War era.

2007-11-06T08:43:00.000-05:00

Say, Allen The Inn-Keeper's Apprentice Puffin, c1996

Do not purchase. For older readers

2007-10-29T21:38:00.000-04:00

Engdahl, Silvia Louise. Enchantress from the Stars.

How do legends come to be? This book tells the tale of two civilizations coming in contact. To Elena the world is science and techology. To Georyn these visitors are the stuff of legend and fairy tale. How will the Enchantress change the history of his world?
This book is more appropriate for an older reader who can follow a complex plot and comprehend the themes behind the story. For those readers it should be an enjoyable and thought provoking read.

2007-10-29T21:12:00.001-04:00

Rinaldi, Ann. The Education of Mary.

In 1832, slavery is illegal in Conneticut but racism remains in other forms. This book tells the story of Prudence Crandall's school for "misses of color". Mary Harris and her sister Sarah were students at her school. This book tells the stories of the struggles Mary faced to get her education and the motives behind the characters involved in the abolitionist movement, the Underground Railroad and the early civil rights battles. It is a well written and interesting book.

2007-10-22T20:15:00.000-04:00

Rees, Celia, Pirates! Bloomsbury c2003 376 pages.
More appropiate for older readers

2007-10-22T20:13:00.000-04:00

Pullman, Philip Clockwork c1996
removed

2007-10-22T12:56:00.000-04:00

Rinaldi, Ann The Fifth of March Harcourt c1993 333 pages

A story set in Boston at the time of the Boston Massacre. Rachel, an indectured servant to John and Abigail Adams, tells her story of living in Boston in pre Revolutionary days. She befriends a British soldier, Matthew Kilroy, which eventually costs her her postion but gains for her the place in life she was looking for.

2007-10-22T10:31:00.000-04:00

Konigsburg, E.L. The View From Saturday Simon & Schuster c1996

Newbery 1997
removed

2007-10-22T10:28:00.000-04:00

Cushman, Karen The Midwife's Apprentice Houghton Mifflin c1995

1996 Newbery
Removed

2007-10-16T22:01:00.000-04:00

Hobbs, Will Jackie's Wild Seattle Harper Trophy c2003 197 pages.

Shannon and Cody are sent to live with their Uncle Neal for the summer while their Mom and Dad are working for Doctors Without Borders. The story follows their many adventures with Uncle Neal at a wildlife center called Jackie's Wild Seattle.

Toad Rage

2007-10-16T11:00:00.001-04:00

Gleitzman, Morris Toad Rage Yearling c2001

Animal fantasy. Set in Australia the main character is a cane toad named Limpy. He sets off to find out why humans hate cane toads and to prove to them toads are really lovable.

2007-10-15T21:33:00.001-04:00

Roberts, Willo Davis Jo and the Bandit Atheneum c1992 185 pages.

Set in the 1860's in Texas, Jo and her brother are sent to live with their uncle. Their stagecoach is robbed by a gang who continues to make trouble for the people in Muddy Wells. Jo meets and tries to help one gang member change his ways. Interesting read, good characters...

2007-10-15T21:26:00.001-04:00

Burch, Robert, Quennie Peavy Puffin c1996 151 pages

Oueenie , an eighth grade girl living with her mother must learn to cope with having a father who is in jail. The book follows her troubles and we see her character grow and come to terms with the difficult situations in her life.

2007-10-09T19:23:00.000-04:00

McAllister, M.I. Urchin of the Riding Stars Hyperion c2005 282 pages
The Mistmantle Chronicles Book One

Urchin, a tiny squirrel, abandoned but then rescued and raised in a colony of animals must fight the evil trying to take over his new home. A tale of heroes and villians...exciting...Redwall fans will be interested in this series.

2007-10-09T19:14:00.003-04:00

Yolen, Jane Sword of the Rightful King Harcourt 349 pages

A great Arthur book. A Booklist Editor's Choice, ABA's pick of the lists, an ALA Best Book for Young Adults

2007-10-09T16:30:00.002-04:00

Among the Hidden, Haddix, Margaret Peterson , Aladinn c 2000 153 pages.

Luke , one of the shadow children, a third child forbidden by the Population Police tells of his life of hiding. Until one day he sees another third child and by meeting her his life is changed forever. The first of the Shadow Children Series.

For Junior High
The libray also has book two, Among the Impostors and book three, Among the Betrayed.

2007-10-09T16:26:00.000-04:00

McKinley, Robin, Beauty: A Retelling of Beauty and the Beast
Harper Collins, c1978 325 pages.

A great retelling of Beauty and the Beast.

2007-10-09T16:14:00.000-04:00

Lisle, Janet Taylor Black Duck Philomel Books, c2006. 249 pages.

Set in Newport, R.I. during Prohibition. Ruben and his best friend and their families were caught up in the rum-running of the Prohibition. He relates his story to David Petersen who is tring to become a reporter. His story centers around the boat, the Black Duck and her crew.

2007-10-01T21:38:00.000-04:00

Griffin, Adele. Rainy Season.

This book is set in Panama just after the completion of the Panama Canal. Soldiers and their families are still living at the army base but know that they will be leaving soon. Lane and Charlie and their family moved to Panama

2007-10-01T21:30:00.000-04:00

Foreman, Lelia Rose. Shatter World.

This is a story of space-age pilgrims who leave a world of war to find a peaceful place. Rejoice and her family are among the group who find themselves in a strange world inhabited with some strange creatures. It takes some getting used to and some imaginative work! Rejoice and her brother miss their old home but slowly get used to the new home.

2007-10-01T21:20:00.001-04:00

Gray, Dianne E. Together Apart.

The "Schoolchildren's Blizzard" of January 12, 1888 caught many children in Nebraska out in the weather on their way home from school. Hannah and Isaac helped each other survive the storm but were unable to save her brothers. This book tells the story of two teenagers and an entire town trying to deal with the effects of that terrible storm. Based on the real experiences of children in the Midwest, it is a piece of historical fiction that junior high readers will enjoy

2007-10-01T20:44:00.001-04:00

Klise, Kate Regarding the Fountain Avon Books c1998 138 pages.
The drinking fountain at DC Middle School has a leak and must be fixed according to the principal, Walter Reed.Certain school board members do not think so. Follow the adventures at DC middle School through the letters from the students, principal and the artist hired to fix the fountatin. a very funny read.

2007-10-01T20:36:00.000-04:00

Hoboken Chicken Emergency Daniel Pinkwater Simon & Schuster 1977.
Arthur goes to get the Thanksgiving turkey and returns with a 260-pound chicken. 108 pages of funny situations with Arthur and his chicken.

2007-05-14T20:03:00.001-04:00

Jones, Diana Wynne, Archer's Goon,
324 pages.
Howard comes home to find the Goon sitting in the Sykes' kitchen. The Goon demands words from Howard's father in payments of back taxes. Howard discovers that the town is being run by seven wizards as he attempts to get the Goon out of his house and free his family.

2007-05-14T19:57:00.001-04:00

Farmer, Nancy, Sea of Trolls,
Atheneum c2004, 0-689-86744-1, 450 pages.
Jack had just been apprenticed to a bard to learn magic when he is kidnapped by Vikings. Jack goes on a quest to the Land of the Trolls. Lord of the Rings type book.

2007-05-14T19:53:00.000-04:00

Frederick, Heather Vogel, The Education of Patience Goodspeed,
Simon & Schuster c2004 0-689-86411-6. A continuation of Patience Goodspeed's adventures set in the mid 1800's.Patience and her brother Tad are sent to Rev. Wiggin's school for safe keeping . She must deal with Aunt Anne and Fanny Starbuck and learn what it means to be a lady in the 1800's.

2007-05-14T19:48:00.000-04:00

Frederick, Heather Vogel, The Voyage of Patience Goodspeed,
Simon & Schuster c2002,
0-689-84851-X After their mother's death, Captain Goodspeed brings Patience and her brother Tad aboard his whaling ship.Patience uses her mathematical ablitites to stop a mutiny. Setting 1800's. Stong female character and a good read.

2007-05-14T19:39:00.000-04:00

Wrede, Patricia, Dealing with Dragons,
Harcourt, c1990, The Enchanted Forest Chronicles book 1, 212 pages, 0-15-2229000-0. Princess Cimorene nver fit the mold of the typical princess and always wanted to do what was not done. She finally leaves home and volunteers to be the dragon, Kazul's princess . she is very happy taking care of Kazul and doing what is not expexted of a princess. she saves the dragons from the plot of the wizards to take over. Dynamic characters and interesting plot make it an enjoyable read.

2007-05-10T21:10:00.000-04:00

Collins, Susan, Gregor the Overlander,
First book in the series. Gregor and his sister Boots fall into the Underland through the laudry room. He is the warrior who must save the Underland from the rats. He encounters roaches, bats, rats, spiders, and humans. He goes on a quest with all of the above to save his father who had fallen int the Underland two years before. good plot and action.

2007-05-10T21:07:00.000-04:00

Levitin, Sonia, Room in the Heart,
Penguin c 2003, 0-14-240339-3. Historical fiction about Nazi occupation of Denmark. Many dynamic characters, all affectd by the occupation.

2007-05-10T21:04:00.000-04:00

Cushman, Karen, Rodzina, Clarion c2003 0-618-13351-8. Rodzina is a Polish orphan put on a train to Chicago to find a new home out West. An interesting read. Characters and plot keep your attention.Lists other books about the orphan trains. 214 pages.

2007-05-08T16:52:00.000-04:00

Taylor, Theodore, Odyssey of Ben O'Neal, Harcourt c2004, 0-15-205299-2 book 3 Cape Hatteras Trilogy. Ben takes a job on a ship tp try to find his brother, Reuben. Tee who was supposed to sail to England but didn't, finds Ben and they both flee the people tring to find Tee.

2007-05-08T16:49:00.000-04:00

Taylor, Theodore, Teetoncey & Ben O'Neal, Harcourt, c1975, 0-15-205296-8 , Book 2 Cape Hatteras Trilogy. Continues the story of Tee and Ben. Tee tells Ben about silver treasure on the boat that sunk.

2007-05-08T16:41:00.000-04:00

Taylor, Theodore, Teetoncey , Harcourt,c1974 0-15-205298-4 Book 1 Cape Hatteras Trilogy.
Set inthe Outer Banks in the late 1800's. Ben O'Neal who lives with his mother, Racheal rescues an English girl, the sole survivor of a shipwreck. The book details Ben's life as he copes with Teetoncey'a trama and his feelings about the sea. 191 pages.

2007-05-08T08:05:00.000-04:00

Whelan, Gloria. Chu Ju's House: Harper Trophy 2004. 227 pages.
Fourteen-year-old Chu Ju runs away from home and sacrifices her own future to save her baby sister being sent away. For tradition says only a son can bring honor to a household and the law says only two children per family. While on the run she earns food and shelter and wonders if she will ever see her family again.

2007-05-07T19:05:00.000-04:00

Giff, Patricia Reily, Maggie's Door, Random, c2003, 0-440-41581-0. Maggie's Door is the story of the journey from Ireland to America as told by Nory and her neighbor Sean. Two stories with the same destination, the home of Nory's sister Maggie in Brooklyn. Setting is the 1800's

2007-05-07T18:54:00.003-04:00

Oppel, Kenneth, Airborn, Haper Collins, c2004 0-06-053182-7. 501 pages. Matt is a cabin boy on a dirigible which in this fantasy rule the airways. His ship finds a balloonist who mumbles something about cloud cats before he dies. The story invloves Matt and the granddaughter of the ballooist trying to find out what he meant. A believable alternate world with a lot of excitement. Michael L Printz, School Library Journal Best Book, ALA Notable Book, ALA top ten best book for young adults.

2007-05-07T18:46:00.000-04:00

Schmidt, Gary, Lizze Bright and the Buckminster Boy. Clarion Books, c2004 0-618-43929.
Turner moves with his family from Boston to a new church in Maine where his father is the minister. Turner befriends an African American girl, Lizze, which causes trouble for him and his family. An interesting story and characters which makes the reader want to find out what happens to Tuner and Lizzie.

2007-05-07T18:40:00.000-04:00

Carman, Patrick, Beyond the Valley of Thorns( The Land of Elyon bk 2). Orchard Books, c2005 0-439-79640-7 Alexa continues her adventures and once again leaves Bridewell through the tunnel in the library. She joins her old friends and meets some new ones to try to defeat the forces that threaten Bridewell.

2007-05-07T18:34:00.000-04:00

Carman, Patrick. The Dark Hills Divide(Land of Elyon Bk 1) Orchard Books, c2005 0-439-75843-2. Alexa Daley goes beyond the walls built by Warvold to the forest and the Dark Hills. She finds enchantment and discovers some outlaws are planning to invade the city.She must find out who the spy in Bridewell is and report to the council. A 250 page mysteryand fantasy.

2007-05-07T17:55:00.000-04:00

Wilson, Diane L. Black Storm Comin' Simon & Schuster c2005. 291 pages. This story follows the life of Colton Weston and his family as they make thier way to Sacramento fromthe East. along the way Colton's father abondons the family and Colton is left to make sure they make it to their destination. Colton takes care of his family and comes to terms with who he is and how people relate to his family. Historical fiction, Pony express-fiction, Slavery-fiction, Frontier and Pioneer Life-fiction, United States-history-1815-1861-fiction