Jake

by Audrey Couloumbis

When Jake's widowed mom breaks her leg just before Christmas, suddenly a grandfather Jake barely knows arrives to help care for him.  Jake would be content staying with neighbor Mrs. Buttermark, but instead must develop a new relationship with both his paternal grandfather and Max, his grandfather's dog.  The story has very little plot, rather it floats along on Jake's personal insights about his relationships and the meaning of family, relying on Jake's character development to drive the story.

1 of 5 stars.  Recommended

How Tía Lola Came to (Visit) Stay

by Julia Alvarez

Miguel has moved from New York to rural Vermont because of his parent's divorce. He's worried about being different and trying to make new friends. He's confused when Tía Lola arrives to help, unsure if he should he be embarrassed or comforted by her lively personality and exotic style.  Will she be able to help get his parents back together with her special magic, help him make the baseball team, and what about their now purple house?  Alvarez creates a colorful character in Tía Lola and this is the first of many books featuring her character.  Teachers may find the available Educator's Guide helpful.

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.

Faith, Hope, and Ivy June

by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor

Catherine Combs and Ivy June Mosley are both chosen to represent their schools in the seventh-grade student exchange program. Each will spend two weeks visiting the other and keep a journal to document their thoughts. Catherine lives in a large comfortable home in Lexington and attends a private all-girl school. Ivy June lives with her grandparents in the mountains of Cumberland Gap, without running water or a telephone. The girls enter the program thinking they are very different, only to discover they are more alike than they could imagine. Naylor uses the girl's journals to create wonderful characters, especially Ivy June.

3 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.