Hamster Magic

by Lynne Jonell

Celia is the youngest of the Willow children and she's tired of being the smallest. When she discovers the families new pet hamster has wish granting powers, she accidentally wishes to be big, people big, not hamster big. Now the children must band together to visit the Great Hamster in the hope that she can reverse the wish and turn Celia back into a girl before their parents find out. Intended for beginning chapter book readers the large text is easy to read with lovely black and white drawings by Brandon Dorman. Jonell doesn't really explain the hamster's magic but readers will find the sweet and simple plot appealing nonetheless.

3 of 5 Stars - Recommended.

The Secret Life of Ms Finkleman

by Ben H. Winters

Mr. Melville's Social Studies class is known for two things: his Special Projects and his floating midterm. The Special Project, to solve a mystery in your own life, starts seventh grader Bethesda Fielding thinking about the mystery of timid Ms. Finkleman. Bethesda's discovery sets in motion a series of events that has the entire school abuzz, a new direction for the Choral Corral, and a change in many a classmates personalities. The arrival of the floating midterm brings its own set of challenges which can bring many plans to a crashing halt. Winters does a fine job creating believable and relatable characters. Although the plot is slightly predictable there are enough little zig-zags from the expected path to provide continued interest in a comfortable read.

3 of 5 Stars - Recommended.

The Newsy News Newsletter

by Karen English

Book three of the Nikki and Deja series find the girls publishing a neighborhood newsletter filled with interesting stories and information. With little new news to report the girls soon learn a hard lesson about making assumptions and listening to gossip. The text is lightly sprinkled with Freeman’s cartoon styled illustrations which add interest for younger readers. English’s two strong characters continue to evolve in this realistic series.

2 of 5 stars.

Originally posted 22Aug2010.

Tsunami!

by Kimilo Kajikawa

Ojiisan quickly gives up his personal wealth in order to save the villagers from the impending danger of the “monster wave”. As Kajikawa builds tension throughout the story, Ed Young enhances the story with many forms of paper and fabrics which creates colorful and bold illustrations. A combination that is certain to delight readers.

4 of 5 stars - Recommended.

Originally posted 25Oct2010.

Mudball

by Matt Tavares

A cold drizzle turns into pouring rain as Little Andy Oyler steps into the batter’s box for the Minneapolis Millers. As the shortest player in baseball Andy wasn’t expected to get a hit and surprises even himself when he hears the unmistakeable crack of the bat. Tavares does a fine job building drama that even non-baseball readers will enjoy. The muted tones of the watercolor and penciled illustrations evoke the era of the story while bringing the chaos, joy, and mud of the plot to life.

4 of 5 stars - Recommended

Originally posted 25Oct2010.

Animal Heroes : True Rescue Stories

by Sandra Markle

Nine true stories of animal rescues as recounted by their grateful owners. Stories are short and include an interesting and informational tie-ins. Stories include dramatic rescues from shark attacks, hypothermia, hurricanes, floods, and escaping September 11th. Each story ends with a happy afterward. Markle’s personal interviews provide insight to these wonderful human interest stories.

5 of 5 stars - Highly Recommended.

Originally posted 30Jan2011.

Thank You, Mr. Falker

by Patricia Polacco

Autobiographical story of Polacco’s struggle learning how to read. Trisha drew comfort in her artistic ability and the love and warmth of her grandparents. After her grandparents passed away, Trisha’s family moved away from the farm but not away from Trisha’s problem. School continued to be painful for Trisha until one day Mr. Falker discovers Trisha’s secret and helps change her world forever. Polacco’s words and heartfelt illustrations give her personal struggle warmth and depth. A great read-aloud opportunity.

Many resources are available on the web including Polacco’s own website which includes some wonderful bookmarks to print and share.

4 of 5 stars - Recommended.

Originally posted 30Jan2011.

The Fairy Tale Detectives

by Michael Buckley

The first in a series of detective stories featuring Sabrina and Daphne Grimm. The girls are introduced to Granny Relda and the town of Ferryport Landings. Daphne immediately warms up to Granny Relda, but Sabrina is suspicious and plans to runaway, that is until Granny and her friend Mr. Canis are whisked away by a giant. It is now up to Sabrina and Daphne with the help of their new fairy-tale friends to plan a rescue and maintain the family legacy. Buckley nicely blends a lively plot with familiar fairy-tale characters. A good choice for girls looking for fantasy.

4 of 5 stars - Recommended.

Originally posted 30Jan2011.

Bad News for Outlaws : the Remarkable Life of Bass Reeves, Deputy U.S. Marshal

by Vaunda Michaeux Nelson

Bass Reeves was born a slave but escaped to Indian Territory. After the war he became one of Judge Parker's finest marshals. Nelson honors the memory of this long forgotten larger-than-life western hero with this well written biography. A boldly illustrated picture book divided into short time period chapters filled with colorful language and interesting facts. Educators may appreciate the Discussion Guide available on the Lerner website.

5 of 5 Stars - Highly Recommended.

John, Paul, George & Ben

by Lane Smith

A charming take at five (including Tom) of our founding fathers as young boys. With pen-and-ink textured illustrations that lend a period feel to the text. And, although the target audience will enjoy a lively reading of the book, especially the reference to "underwear", they most likely will not get the intended humor unless they were already familiar with the famous individual's actual accomplishments.

2 of 5 Stars.

Passage to Freedom : the Sugihara Story

by Ken Mochizuki

The re-telling of the little known story of Japanese diplomat, Consul Chiune Sugihara. Refused permission by his government Sugihara defied those orders and hand wrote hundreds of visas to Jews in Lithuania saving thousands of lives before being reassigned to Berlin. Mochizuki and Lee skillfully mix a text that highlights bravery and heroism with sepia-toned images that set the mood of somber reflection.

4 of 5 Stars - Recommended.

The Magic Half

by Annie Barrows

Eleven-year-old Mira has always felt lonely in her unusual family of double twins. Until one day in her new bedroom, Miri looks through a piece of glass. She is magically transported to another time, 1935, where she meets a young girl so much like herself she could be her twin. Miri must now figure out not only how to get home, but how to return to the past and bring Molly back to the future with her. Barrow creates realistic characters in a swiftly moving plot. She deftly handles the issue of time-travel by way of magic, thus side-stepping the need for logic.

5 of 5 Stars - Highly Recommended.

My Havana : Memories of a Cuban Boyhood

by Rosemary Wells, with Sucundino Fernandez

In 2001 Wells heard a radio interview with Fernandez and felt his story grip her heart. As a young boy Sucundino lived in a Havana he thought was built by angels. He loved its vivid colors, strong columns and stone archways. He drew pictures of hits many windows and doors and surrounded himself with its warmth and sunshine. But Dino lived in a tumultuous time and also learned about the unpleasantness of Franco, Batista Che Guevara, and Castro. Eventually forcing his family to flee to America and the "black and gray" city of New York where Dino is intensely homesick. It is quite sometime before he begins drawing again, but when he does he creates a magnificent cardboard replica of his beloved city, filling the moments before with memories of Havana. The black-and-white sketches and full-color illustrations give additional substance to the work. The few photographs will help readers connect with true-life character

2 of 5 Stars