Esperanza Rising

by Pam Munoz Ryan

In 1930 the world is a privileged place for Esperanza. She is celebrating her thirteenth birthday among the people she loves surrounded by fancy dresses and a comfortable life. But tragically her world changes with the death of her father and the threats of her Tio Luis. Esperanza and her mother become indebted to their former servants when they choose to escape to the hard life of a farm camp in California. Esperanza struggles to adapt to the challenges but finds the strength to rise above her situation. Ryan uses her own grandmother's story for inspiration of this well developed historical tale. The author's note adds additional background to the setting and easily lends itself to further discussion.

5 of 5 Stars - Highly Recommended.

Sideways Stories From Wayside School

by Louis Sachar

Thirty short stories about teachers and students who share a classroom atop a wacky thirty story high school. Strange stories about the fastest drawer Bebe, ice-cream loving Maurecia, upside down reading John, and bad sport Terrence, to name a few. Readers will enjoy the short silly chapters that inner-connect to give an overall view of the wacky world of Wayside School.

4 of 5 Stars - Recommended.

My Dog, My Hero

by Betsy Byars, Betsy Duffey and Laurie Myers

Betsy Byars and her two daughters serve as judges for the coveted gold My Hero medal. Eight nominators share their stories of brave and courageous dogs. A portrait and full-colored painting accompany each story, adding additional character and emotions. Readers will enjoy the short chapters, well-written stories, and wide range of situations.

5 of 5 Stars - Highly Recommended.

The Case of the Rock'N'Roll Dog

by Martha Freeman

Cammie and younger sister Tessa are first daughters to the first female president of the United States. Exciting as this may seem it is not without its share of problems. First they need to be nice to their cousin Nate, then they need to control their dog Hooligan, and most importantly they need to figure out why objects keep disappearing from the White House. Failure to accomplish any one of these and the concert by their very favorite group, The Song Boys, might be cancelled. Freeman creates a predictable plot that will keep beginning mystery readers engaged. A front cover seal and book jacket notation indicate that this is the first in the new series titled "A First Kids Mystery."

3 of 5 Stars - Recommended.

Lucy and the Green Man

by Linda Newbery

Lucy loves spending time at Clunny Cottage, out doors in the garden with her Grandpa Will, helping in the garden and sharing in the secret of Lob. Lob, a green man made of the stuff of earth that only a select few could see. When Grandpa Will suddenly dies Lucy struggles with the loss of both her beloved Grandpa and their shared secret. The monthly chapters provide a timeframe for story as the focus alternates between Lucy's grieving process and Lob's journey. Younger readers may struggle with the slow pace and unfamiliar legend.

1 of 5 Stars.