The Adventures of Commander Zack Proton and the Warlords of Nibblecheese

by Brian Anderson

Book two of a three book series featuring a less than able space commander and a more highly intelligent monkey. In this wacky plot a band of space mice kidnap a busload of second graders as part of a grander scheme to destroy the Earth's moon (which of course is made of cheese). Although not as well written as many other current books, it will still find an audience among reluctant boy readers due to its easy chapters, multitude of illustrations, and silly humor.

1 of 5 stars.

The Bombing of Pearl Harbor, 1941

by Lauren Tarshis

Eleven-year-old Danny Crane was not at all happy that his Ma moved him from the streets of New York to Honolulu. She took a job as a nurse on a military base to keep Danny away from danger. Little did she know that they lived exactly where the first bombs of World War II would fall. Tarshis writes an easily read plot with a nicely developed character. Scott Dawson adds some beautiful black & white illustrations for visual appeal.  A good choice for an easy historical fiction read.

4 of 5 stars. Recommended.

The Strange Case of Origami Yoda

by Tom Angleberger

"Is Origami Yoda Real?" Is he just a paper puppet on the finger of super nerd Dwight or does he possess the force? Can he see into the future? That is exactly why sixth-grader Tommy asked everyone to share their Origami Yoda stories. He complied them into this case study, allowed non-believer Harvey to comment and then lent the whole file to Kellen who only added a bunch of doodles. Angleberger draws the reader into the plot by combining believable characters and a plot liberally peppered with spot-on middle school worry and humor, all wrapped up in short easy chapters with "hand-written" fonts on crinkly paper. Although there are many videos available on folding variations of Origami Yoda, readers may be interested in watching Angleberger's version.

5 of 5 stars. Highly Recommended.

Big Nate : In A Class By Himself

by Lincoln Peirce

"Today you will surpass all others." The best fortune Nate could ever receive, and Nate needed help. Dreading the upcoming test he hadn't studied for, Nate spends his day trying to discover the greatness of his fortune only to collect one detention pink slip after another. Peirce successfully combines the readability of short chapters, plenty of his classic black-and-white ink illustrations, and quirky humor to make Nate a likeable hero for many a reluctant reader.

5 of 5 stars. Highly Recommended.

Stir It Up!

by Ramin Ganeshram

When not busy working in the families restaurant, thirteen-year-old Anjali Krishnan dreams of becoming a celebrity chef. With the help of a cooking teacher her dreams are within reach. If she can lie to her parents, make it through the audition without compromising her religious beliefs, and not be intimidated by the other contestants. Ganeshram gives readers a much needed minority character but unfortunately the slow plot keeps the story from really taking off.

1 of 5 stars.