Pushing the Limits

Pushing the Limits by Katie McGarry follows Echo, a girl who has horrible physical and emotional scars from an incident with her mentally unstable mother and the death of her father, and Noah, a boy living in foster care who desperately wants to gain custody of his little brothers.  This unlikely pair are put together for tutoring by their councilor and find themselves falling in love.

This is one of those tough and heavy contemporary teen novels that involves a lot of heart ache and is very emotional.  While I didn't love it I expect that readers who like more of an emotional impact and enjoy the trauma will enjoy the book. 

Appropriateness:  There is drug use, sex, cursing and violence all in the first few chapters.  That's fairly evident from the cover though and the plot is one that would appeal mostly to older readers.  I recommend this book to readers 14+

Just Ella

Just Ella by Margaret Peterson Haddix starts off where the Cinderella story ends.  Ella is living in the palace learning everything that she needs in order to be a princess.  She has nightly chaperoned visits with her prince and spends most of her day learning etiquette and manners.  She's also bored to tears.  She soon decides that she no longer wants to be the princess but finds that leaving the castle and breaking her engagement is not as simple as it seems like it would be.

This is a terrific book that tells the tale of what happens after the happily ever after and that perhaps things aren't as they seem.  We slowly learn the real story of how Ella got to the ball and find out the real reason as to how she came to be the princess.  I loved this book and finished it quickly.  I'd recommend it to fans of fairy tales.

Appropriateness:  There are some unsettling moments in this story that could prove unsettling or disturbing to young readers who think they're in for a light and fluffy story.  There is an attempted rape and a section of the story where the main character has to fear being raped and she is imprisoned in a dungeon with only a hole for a toilet.  It has a great message and Ella is a great character however, the pieces of the plot that clearly point towards the threat of rape (and it's not anything a reader could miss) make this book questionable for younger readers.   I recommend this book to readers 12-15

When You Wish Upon a Star

When You Wish Upon a Star by Ned Washington, Leigh Harline and Eric Puybaret is a beautiful illustrated book of the classic song.  

The book is filled with beautiful illustrations featuring multicultural children from all over the world and my class enjoyed seeing kids who looked like them in the illustrations.  The song is included on a CD sung by Judy Collins and although the song is beautifully performed it was a bit classical for my students who said that they would rather that I sang them the song instead of playing the CD (and normally they're excited to hear CD's because they hear me sing every day). 

This is a book that can be enjoyed by kids of all ages in a classroom format and kids 4-8 who are reading independently.   

How to Hug

How to Hug by Maryann Macdonald illustrated by Jana Christy is an adorable picture book about hugs.  There is advice on different types of hugs and hugging different types of people and creatures and super cute illustrations.

I handed this to my daughter who loved it (as did I) and everyone in the house got extra special hugs after reading the book. It's cute and easy to read.

I would recommend this book to readers 0-7 .  It makes a super cute read aloud.

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Pivot Point

Pivot Point by Kasie West tells the story of Addison, a girl with the ability to see the path that will come from the choices that she could make.  When she searches the future that will come after her parents divorce, should she stay with her mom or go with her dad she finds herself in the middle of a mystery.

This was an interesting book, one that I both liked and was frustrated with.  The entire book shifted from one choice to another and the choice that Addison had to make didn't come till the last pages of the book.  I did enjoy reading about Addison and the differences that her life would have taken depending on her choices.

Appropriateness:  This book has discussions of sexual assault including the main character remembering an incident that could have happened.  There is quite a bit of romance in the story but no sexual content other than kissing.  I would recommend this book to readers 13+ 

My Super Sweet Sixteenth Century

My Super Sweet Sixteenth Century by Rachel Harris stars Cat the daughter of a hollywood star who finds herself transported to the sixteenth century during a trip to Italy with her father and his fiancee.  Cat has taken the place of Patience a girl from London who has been sent to Florence after the death of her parents.  Cat initially enjoys her trip but soon finds that she misses her home.  Will she be able to learn the lessons that she needs to be sent back to her own time?

I loved this book.  The fish out of water aspect was done well and the plot worked well with a nice ending that had a great resolution.  I loved the descriptions of the time period from the clothes to the servants.  The characters were very well developed, from the crushworthy romantic interest to Cat/Patience's cousin who helps her navigate the time period.  

Appropriateness:  There is a bit of wine drinking (which is appropriate for the time period) but no drunken behavior.  The romance is innocent and consists of nothing more than a few sweet kisses.  I would recommend this book to readers 13+

Pirates at the Plate

Pirates at the Plate by Aaron Frich and Mark Summers is a picture book about baseball that has the pirates and the cowboys (literally) playing eachother in baseball.

I gave this book to several groups of kids to read and the comment I got from all of them was "I don't get it" even the first grade teacher who read the book to her class said that she didn't really really understand the book until the end and the the puns were way over the heads of her students.  The book requires far too much prior knowledge for the age group that is intended for and isn't captivating enough to keep kids entertained.  The pictures were great and perhaps if you're looking for a picture book to get an adult or older elementary child who is obsessed with baseball they might like it but every kid that I had look at the book from the group of first graders to a group of fourth graders (all whom were excited about reading a new picture book) either didn't get the book or thought it was boring. 

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The Madman's Daughter

The Madman's Daughter by Megan Shepherd is a retelling of The Island of Dr Moreau that follows his daughter Juliet.  The book begins with her life as a disgraced maid in London.  When she finds her fathers old assistant she insists on traveling with him to the island where her father lives and works on his twisted experiments.

This book was slow.  While I did find myself interested in Juliet and her father the pace of the action was so slow that I finally stopped reading because I wanted something that moved slowly.  If you're the type that likes very long books and love triangles then you'll enjoy this gothic romance.  If you like quick plots and action then you'll want to skip this one.

Appropriateness:  This book is obviously written for the adult crossover audience.  There are rape threats in the first few chapters and quite a bit of talk about how the heroine isn't a lady anymore.  I would recommend this book to readers 14+

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Eve and Adam

Eve and Adam by Michael Grant and Katherine Applegate begins with Eve being involved in a horrible accident that causes major injuries to her leg.  She soon finds her mother barging into the hospital to have her transferred to her companies headquarters against her doctor's wishes.  Things get stranger after that as her mother has her working on a genetic program to create the perfect boy and the realities of her mother's research start to become more apparent.

This was an interesting book that sci fi fans will enjoy.  It's got a good mix of interesting technology combined with action and a great mystery plot.  I did have some problems with the story however.  The switching points of view often felt confusing and did not help with the flow of the novel.  I also didn't feel that the romance worked. 

Appropriateness:  There's quite a bit of law breaking and sneaking around in the book and the parental figures are considered enemies.  I would recommend this book to readers 13+

My Life Undecided

My Life Undecided by Jessica Brody tells the story of Brooklyn who after finding herself arrested and then shunned from her best friend, the most popular girl in school decides to put every choice that she could make on a blog for random strangers to decide.  Should she eat in the lunch room or the library?  Should she join the debate team?  Go on a field trip or hang out with the cute new boy at school?

This is a terrific book that I literally could not put down.  Brooklyn is a great kid who has made some really bad choices in the past and who sees her life change when she leaves all her chances up to strangers and when she evaluates who her friends really are. 

Appropriateness:  There are some party situations with alcohol (which have negative consequences) and there are a few mentions of sex.  The romance however is sweet and fluffy.  I would recommend this book to readers 12+

My Crocodile Does Not Bite

My Crocodile Does Not Bite by Joe Kulka is a terrific picture book about a boy named Emmett who decides to bring his pet crocodile to school for the pet show.  Cindy Lu however, is not happy about this and complains to anyone that will listen that Emmet should not be allowed to bring his crocodile to school.

This is a terrific picture book that kids will love.  It's funny and silly and has a great surprise ending.  I can picture first and second graders giggling through out the story.  My only problem with the book is the illustrations.  They're not the best and if they'd been better it would have made this good book terrific.

Appropriateness:  This book has an ending that small children could find disturbing (and older ones will find funny).  I recommend this book to readers 5-9.

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Breezier, Cheesier, Newest, and Bluest

Breezier, Cheesier, Newest and Bluest by Brian P Cleary and Brian Gable is a nice picture book to explain Comparatives and Superlatives.

This book does a great job explaining a rather dull grammar concept in a way that is entertaining and easy to understand.  I expect that it will be a big hit with teachers and this is a must purchase for elementary school libraries.

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Tempestuous

Temptestuous by Kim Askew and Amy Helmes is a retelling of Shakespeare's The Tempest which tells the story of Miranda and her friends as they have a crazy night trapped inside the mall during a snowstorm.  Miranda is working at the mall after being forced to work to repay money that she took arranging a tutoring operation that turned into a cheating ring.  Her involvement in the operation has made her an outcast with her classmates.  When she and her fellow workers and customers are trapped inside the mall during a major snowstorm they get into all sorts of hijinks and have to solve a mystery.

I loved this book.  It did a fantastic job making a classic story modern and engaging for teens.  The characters were well written and there were enough that everyone could relate to one or the other.  I loved the book and found myself engaged throughout.

Appropriateness:  The teenagers in this book act like teenagers.  There are discussions of sex and underage drinking.  While there are quite a few pranks the kids take responsibility for their actions (even staying to clean up at the end when they don't have to) and seem to have a solid moral center.  I recommend this book to readers 13+

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I Know an Old Teacher

I Know an Old Teacher by Anne Bowen and Stephen Gannell is a retelling of the classic "Old Lady" folk song.  The teacher in the story swallows the class pets one by one in a way that is gross but not too gross.  Between each verse two kids repeat a refrain about all the pets.  My students loved this book and thought it was gross and silly.  They couldn't stop laughing.

I recommend this book to readers 5-9.

Wings of Fire

Here's another great student review

Wings of Fire is a fantasy book about five dragons (dragonets).  These dragons are destined to stop a war between the dragon tribes.  The prophesy states when the war has lasted twenty years the dragonets will come.  Clain and his friends must learn how to stop the war while tacking life threatening challenges. 

This is a very good book however it was very violent with many dragon deaths.  The description of the dragons appearances and powers make for an interesting read.

Appropriateness:  This is a great book for middle grade readers 10-14 who are fans of fantasy and dragons. 

Odette's Secrets

Odette's Secrets by Maryann Macdonald is a fictional retelling of a true story of a Jewish girl living in France while it was occupied by the Nazis.  Odette's story begins before the war as things slowly become more uncomfortable for Jews.  After her country is invaded she is secreted out of the city to the country where she hides in plain sight.  Odette must pretend to be Christian and she lives in fear of being discovered.

This is a terrific book for kids to read about how world war two and the holocaust effected kids their age.  This book is less traumatic than most (because she did not enter a camp and because it has a happy ending) making it an easier read than many that are already out there.  It also encourages some though on faith and religion that readers will find interesting.  Odette is a strong girl who grows throughout her journey and readers will be able to relate to her.  This is a must have for elementary and middle school libraries.  I told my librarian right away that she needed to order it.

Appropriateness:  This book, like all dealing with war can be difficult to read.  The author did a great job dealing with the harsh topics while still keeping the perspective of a child.  There are no major male main characters in the book which might turn off boys.  I recommend this book to readers 9-14

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The Karma Club

The Karma Club by Jessica Brody stars Maddie who finds herself upset after her boyfriend cheats on her with a popular girl at school.  Maddie, upset that nothing bad has come onto those who have done her and her friends such harm have decided to enact their own bit of Karma.  They start a Karma club to enact vengeance on those who have wronged her.

I had real mixed feelings on this book.  On one hand it was fun and snarky in a mean girls type of way.  On the other hand I found myself hating Maddie more and more with each chapter as the pranks she pulled on her enemies (and her treatment of her friends) gets more and more extreme. Maddie's obsession with popularity also didn't win me over to her corner.  I was satisfied with the ending and think my problems with the book had as much to do with my age as anything else.

Appropriateness:  This is a fun and quirky book that teens will love full of lawbreaking and moral ambiguity.  As long as readers understand that the book is fiction and fantasy I wouldn't worry about them seeing it as more than an outlet to imagine themselves in the same situation doing horrible things to their enemies.  There is quite a bit of talk of sex but no actual sex (just some making out).  I recommend this book to readers 13+

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Middle Ground

Middle Ground is the second book in the Awaken series by Katie Kacvinsky.  This book stars Maddie who is supposed to have integrated back into regular society after her brush with the law protesting digital school.  After causing a commotion by hacking into a night club Maddie finds herself locked in a detention center for youths who are not integrating into digital society.  This detention center is stuff of nightmares.  Can Maddie survive?  Will she able to change things for others in her same situation.

I liked this book.  It did a good job of continuing the story without feeling like the story had stalled or that we had left the dystopian society that we were introduced to in the last book.  Maddie did occasionally frustrate me.  Her actions were in some situations so stupid that it made you wonder how she managed to stay alive.  Her total inability to realize that others were going to notice what she was doing was very frustrating at many points in the book.

Appropriateness:  The romance in the book does not get sexual but it does get a bit close (and one could imagine that it was sexual, it's a bit vague).  The main plot revolves around drugs that make the user hallucinate.  I would recommend the book to readers 13+

Leaving Fishers

Leaving Fishers by Margaret Peterson Haddix follows Dorry who is feeling unliked and alone after her family moves to a new town. After meeting Angela and her group of friends she finally feels accepted.  She then agrees to attend a church party with her new friends and then she slowly becomes wrapped up in their religion, the Fishers.  While things at the beginning seem bright and wonderful they soon get harsher and more demanding of Dorry's time and energy to the point where she is putting her academics and her family relationships at risk.

This is an interesting book that shows readers how cults slowly brainwash new members while also dispelling the myth that cults are always worshipers of strange religions by making the Fishers a Christian Cult.  The author also makes sure to emphasize that faith wasn't the problem, it was the specific religion.  I enjoyed this book and remained interested throughout.  My only complaint is that the book ended too quickly. I would have preferred a longer resolution to the story as it ended very quickly and without as much drama as there should have been.

Appropriateness:  There is no adult content in this book.  There are a few mentions of sex but not in regards to anything the characters are doing. I would encourage parents to use this book as an opportunity to talk to their kids about cults, religion and faith.  I recommend this book to readers 12+

Meet Mammoth

Ogg and Bob Meet Mammoth by Ian Fraser and Mary Ann Fraiser is an easy to read beginning chapter book.  This book stars Ogg and Bob who decide to adopt a Mammoth.  The two talk in cave man speak which makes the book much more simple for young readers.  The several chapters are easy to read and in full color and silly enough to make kids ask for more.

I would recommend this book to readers 5-8

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Give the Dog a Bone

Give The Dog a Bone is a terrific folk song/counting book that kids will love.  The author takes a great twist on the original song adding several suprises while still maintaining the singability of the text.  The variety of old men made my first graders giggle (one is dressed like a cat, one runs away from a swarm of bees) and the surprise ending (raptors hatching from the eggs) made my class laugh and laugh and laugh.  For the independent reader there are many dogs to count (with a listing of how many of each kinds are in the book) and the comic book bubbles throughout add some entertainment.

This book will be enjoyed by kids from 3-8.

Professor Atlas and the Summoning Dagger

I handed this one off to a delightful fourth grader who loved it

Professor Atlas and the Summoning Dagger by Paul Maguireis about two boys Brandon and Tyler who partnered up in a competition to have the chance of a lifetime to try to find the Summoning Dagger of Mercastus with Professer Fielding Atlas, world famous explorer and archaeologist.  When they win thhey travel to England to the site where the Hallswich Castle once stood.  While there they meet some friends and find the summoning dagger which transports them back in time.  Will they be able to find their way back to their homes?

This is a fantastic book that is both fun and exciting.  The student that I gave the book to could not stop talking about how exciting it was and how she read it very quickly.

Appropriateness:  This book features two strong male characters that boys will be able to relate to and has plenty of action to keep them interested.  I would reccomend this book for readers 10-14.

Review copy provided by the author

The Little Vampire

The Little Vampire by Angela Sommer-Bodenburg follows Tony who doesn't have a lot of friends.  One day Tony gets a mysterious visitor in his room.  A vampire that's his age!  Tony then gets to go on adventures with his new vampire friend.


This is an adorable childrens book that short and fun to read.  It's got all the excitement for a kid that want something scary without actually being scary.  It's a nice quick read that kids (and their parents) will enjoy.

Appropriateness:  This book is a beginning chapter book, appropriate for kids reading around the third grade level.  It is interesting enough to be used as a read aloud and is perfect for the kid who likes monsters but does not want to be really scared.

Review Copy Provided by netgalley

The Wrap Up List

The Wrap-Up List by Steven Arntson follows Gabriella who lives in a world where some people are taken by death who writes them a letter and gives them time to wrap up their lives.  They then write a list of their wishes and they have a chance to receive a pardon if they can guess their death's weakness.  When Gabriella receives her letter she makes a few unusual requests.  She wants a first kiss for her best friends and herself. 

I enjoyed this book but for it to be flawed in its setting.  The book took place with a timeline that wasn't logical and didn't make sense, Gabriella's grandfather was in world war two but the political situation in the book (a coming war making a great draft necessary) didn't work with that timeline.  The meat of the book however was fantastic.  I loved the mythology behind the deaths.  There was a great range of characters of different demographics who were well represented, from her best friend who comes out as a lesbian to the Hispanic Catholic faith of Gabriella and her family and the quirkiness of Hercule her death.  The innate sweetness of the book made me smile at the end.

Appropriateness:  There is a bit of alcohol use in the book, it is not glorified and it's made quite obvious that it's Gabriella's first time drinking.  The romance is sweet.  I would recommend this book to readers 12+

A Smidgen of Sky

A Smidgen of Sky by Donna Dorisi Winget follows ten year old Piper whose Mother is getting remarried.  Piper doesn't want a new father or a new stepsister.  Her father went missing after a plane crash when she was young and Piper still hasn't come to terms with his death.  After making some questionable decisions Piper realizes the mistakes that she has made and how she cares for her future stepfather and stepsister.  Can she fix things?

This is a delightful middle grade novel that hits the topics of divorce and remarriage, honesty and internet safety.  Piper was a great character, a girl in love with planes who is helpful to her neighbors.  I was engrossed in the story and finished it quickly.

Appropriateness:  There is no adult content in this book and there is a nice lesson on internet safety embedded in the story that is not too preachy.  I recommend this book to readers 9-12.

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The Poodle and the Pea

The Poodle and the Pea by Charlotte Guillain is a delightful retelling of the fairy tale The Princess and the Pea where all the characters are dogs instead of poodles.

This is an adorable book that kids will love.  The pictures are cute and silly and the story is very simple.  My favorite part is the afterword that encourages readers to retell the story in their own version and gives another simple retelling of the original story.

Appropriateness:  This is a very easy to read story that kids will love.  I would recommend it to readers 2-7 and teachers who are looking for books to illustrate how folk tales can be retold in different ways and change through time. 

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Flood

Flood by Alvaro Villa is a wordless picture book that tells of a family surviving a storm and a flood which destroys their home.

I really enjoyed this book and think that it will be a help to kids who are going through storm damage or who have witnessed it on the news.  While the damage is scary the story ultimately has a happy ending.

Appropriateness:  I would recommend this book to young readers of any age.  It is a terrific wordless picture book that could be a classic for years to come.

Review copy provided by Netgalley

Monster Knows Numbers

Monster Knows Numbers by Lori Capote is an adorable counting book that kids will love.  Each page has a different thing in Monster's room to count.  The pictures are adorable and well drawn and the text is easy to follow and read. 

This book is appropriate for ages 0-4

Dancing in the Dark

Dancing in the Dark by Robyn Bavati is a beautiful coming of age story about Ditty, a girl who is raised in a very Orthodox Jewish household who wants nothing more than to dance. After asking her parents if she can take ballet and being told no due to her religion she takes matters into her own hands. Ditty lies to her parents and starts attending classes working to pay her tuition and supplies on her own. Will she be able to achieve her dream of being a dancer and if she does will her parents support her choices and how will she handle the constraints of her religion with the requirements of ballet?




This is a beautiful book that I could not put down. It starts when Ditty is just twelve and follows her till she is eighteen. She makes hard choices and decisions for herself about her life and her religion while keeping her family in the dark. I could not put this book down finding myself engrossed throughout. The author provides a nice note to readers about her experiences growing up as a Jewish dancer along with a note that Ditty's family is not meant to represent all Orthodox or Jewish families.


Appropriateness: There is no adult content in this book. Although Ditty does lie to her parents in order to fulfill her dreams she maintains respectful to their beliefs and the beliefs of others. I would recommend this book to readers 13+

 Review copy provided by netgalley

Rapunzel Untangled

Rapunzel Untangled by Cindy C Bennett follows Rapunzel a girl who believes that she has a terrible illness that makes it necessary for her to be isolated, living in a tower away from society.  While looking up something on the internet she stumbles upon facebook and soon forms a relationship with a local boy.  Luckily he turns out not to be a serial killer and she invites him to climb up into her tower and the two fall in love causing her to question everything her mother has told her about herself.

I wasn't expecting much when I started this little book but soon found myself unable to put it down.  The mix of the traditional and the contemporary worked very well and the additions to the story were perfect.  Rapunzel was innocent without being stupid and her handsome prince was kind and swoonworthy. 

Appropriateness:  There is no adult content in this book.  Rapunzel does attend one "teen" party but it is made clear to readers that she drinks a root beer and does not have any alchohol  There is the whole plot point of inviting a boy that she has met on facebook to meet her at her house which is a bit troublesome and should invite some discussion of what could have happened.  I would recommend this book to readers 11-14.  It's got quite a bit of romance and kissing (which is not too detailed) but it also has a fair amount of adventure. 

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Scorch

Scorch by Gina Damico is the second in the Croak series.  This series follows Lex a grim reaper as she goes about her business sending souls on their way.

While I greatly enjoyed the first book in the series.  It was slow and not very exciting and after feeling like it a chore to read too many times I finally gave up and put the book down.

Approropriateness:  This is a fairly clean series that will appeal to older teens.  I recommend it to readers 13+

Shades of Earth

Shades of Earth by Beth Revis is the third book in the Across the Universe Trilogy.  The book begins with Amy and Elder crash landing on the surface of the planet.  They then unfreeze Amy's parents and the other scientists and military on the ship. The two groups clash from the start. Can they figure out a way to live in peace?  Can they fight the dangerous threat on the planet and figure out who and what the enemy is.

This book was terrific and kept me guessing throughout.  It was a fitting end to the trilogy.  Amy and Elder grew in ways that were true to their characters and the new setting worked perfectly and readers were given a nice solid ending. I couldn't put the book down and finished it quickly even though it was very long.

Appropriateness:  This series is very scary and violent with implied sex (and attempted rape in previous books). I recommend this series to readers13+

Etiquette and Espionage

Etiquette and Espionage by Gail Carriger is the first book in the Finishing School series.  This book follows fourteen year old Sophronia who has been sent off to finishing school by her parents to learn to be more ladylike.  She soon figures out that this is not an ordinary finishing school.  After being attacked by flywaymen (highway men who fly) on her way to her school who are looking for a mysterious prototype she finally gets to the school which is a giant airship and the teachers aren't just there to teach them how to be fine young ladies but they're teaching them how to be spies and assassins. 

This is an interesting novel which fans of steampunk lit will love.  The descriptions of the ship and steam creatures are fantastic to read and I loved the descriptions of the day to day activities on the ship.  There were some things that felt under developed however.  The first is the world is a bit underdeveloped.  There are vampires and werewolves whose existence doesn't seem to add to the story one bit.  The names of the characters are all so strange and so long that it really took away from the story for me.  All in all it's an entertaining story.

Appropriateness:  There is no adult content in this book.  The main character is fourteen but seems a bit older.  There isn't more than a touch of romance.  I would reccomend this book to readers 12+

Fabulous Hair

DK Publishing's book Fabulous Hair is a great book for girls who would like some simple new hair styles and hair care tips.

This is a great book that my daughter can't put down.I bought it for her because she enjoyed the American Girl hair care book so much and wanted new styles to try. She reported the book is much better and has a lot more information.   This book has hair care tips and styles for girls with a variety of hair types (even ethnic hair) and is easy to read with great instructions that my third grader had no problem reading and figuring out how to do herself (although the information is not complex enough for adult readers).

I recommend this book to readers 8-12

Safekeeping

Safekeeping by Karen Hesse follows Radley who returns home from volunteering in Haiti to find that the country has been thrown into complete chaos. A fringe group has taken control of the government, assassinated the president, thrown thousands of citizens in jail and made interstate travel illegal without a permit. When Radley finds herself stranded at the airport she must travel on foot to her parents house and after that to Canada without being caught by the police that she believes are after her because of her parents.



I had mixed feelings about this book. The series of pictures intertwined throughout the book just didn't work for me. Instead of enhancing or illustrating the story they just seemed like filler, often having nothing to do with the plot whatsoever. The story however was interesting and kept me reading till the end. While I felt the author didn't explain the problems going on in the country well enough (and the heroine didn't talk to anyone for the majority of the book) the survival and travel story was interesting and kept me reading to find out what would happen in the end.


Appropriateness: This is a book that teen readers will enjoy. There is a mention of rape (with Radley's friend) but besides that there is no adult content. While Radley has to work to survive the reader feels her strength and perseverance instead of the hopelessness and fear that these types of books often contain. I would recommend it to readers 12+

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Nibbles, A Green Tale

Nibbles: A Green Tale, by Charlotte Middleton tells the story of Nibbles, a hamster who loves dandelions.  When all the dandelions are eaten and Nibbles and his friends are resigned to eating slimy cabbage Nibbles gets to action.  He finds one last dandelion sprout and takes careful care of it until it sprouts and then walks to the top of a hill and spreads the seeds so that more can grow.

This is a terrific picture book that not only teaches about conservation but also teaches a nice lesson on the plant cycle.  The kids that I read it too all loved it and had different favorite parts and said they would love to hear it again.

Appropriateness:  This book will be enjoyed by students 4-8 and could be enjoyed by older students as part of a green lesson.

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The Twinning Project

The Twinning Project by Robert Lipste follows Tom and Eddie, twins living on two different earth's five years apart.  The twins have known about each other and have communicated through a psychic link.  They soon learn they indeed were separated and that they have to switch in order to save the world.

This book was odd.  While I liked the characters and some of the plot worked the whole premise was just bizarre.  The part time travel, part alien premise was just absurd.  Strangely however, I didn't put the book down and finished it rather quickly.  I think if the author had stuck with it just being a time travel story it would have been a much better story.  It's one of those books that's both bad and good at the same time/

Appropriateness:  There was no adult content in this book and no major violence.  I would recommend it to boys 10-14

There Was an Old Pirate Who Swallowed a Fish

As a music teacher I am always on the look out for what I call "singing books."  I've found there to be an overabundance of "old lady" books so while I was excited to see this I didn't jump on it as much as I do with other folk song books. 

However, when I read this to my classes they thought it was terrific.  They enjoyed the refrain (yo ho ho watch his belly grow) and espically loved the pictures of the fish and the bird playing with all the other things that the pirate swallows.  The ending, while not unexpected had my students laughing and I know they'll ask to hear this one again.

This will be a nice addition to any school or home library and is a must for small kids who love pirates.

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Mystic City

Mystic City by Theo Lawrence stars Aria who wakes up in the hospital with chunks of her memory missing.  She is told that the memory loss was caused by an overdose of a magical drug and that she is engaged to the son of her father's political rival whom she was sneaking around to see.  She soon finds out that things are not as they appear, that her father will do anything to keep the power he desires.

This was an interesting book that lovers of paranormal romance will enjoy.  The world building was fantastic, a combination between modern and paranormal with a bit of steampunk and dystopian mixed in.  The Romeo and Juliet style romance really works and I think readers will really fall for Aria and Hunter.  I did find the enemy to be a bit evil and one dimensional and wish there had been more of an explanation as to the reasons behind their hatred of the mystics.

Appropriateness:  There is quite a bit of talk of drug use (although it's a magical drug) and while the characters seem very teen the plot has to do with an engagement and marriage.  I would recommend this book to readers 14+ and think that it will appeal to the adult crossover audience as well as the teen.  While the book is being compared to The Hunger Games and X-Men in the promotional lit it is a heavy romance with a bit of action so this is a book for romance lovers as opposed to those who are attracted to action heavy novels..

Review copy provided by Amazon Vine

One Tough Chic

 One Tough Chic by Leslie Margolis stars the smart and confident Annabelle.  When Annabelle decides to show off her dog training for the school talent show it's a total disaster so her teacher assigns her to be a judge.  Will she be able to be fair when her friends want her to give them the win?

This is such a great book in a great series by Margoils.  Annabelle's troubles with boys and friends are spot on for middle school aged girls and she's a fantastic role model working hard at school and standing up for what is right and fair even when it's hard.  I finished this book quickly, it was sweet and fluffy.

Appropriateness:  This is a great book for middle school aged kids.  There's a lot of boy stuff that might turn off younger readers (obsessing over if a boy is her boyfriend and obsessing over kissing) but no adult or inappropriate behavior at all.  I would recommend this book to girls 11-14.

Review copy provided by Netgalley

Breathe

Breathe by Sarah Crossan follows Alina, Bea and Quinn who all live in a dystopian society where the air that you breathe is sparse and controled by a corporation.  When the three leave the security of their domed city into the airless outland with enough oxyegen to last them only a few days they soon find themselves on the run from the corporation who will do anything to protect their profits.

This was a terrific dystopian novel, the idea of a society where the very air we breathe is limited was interesting and the theme of profits before anything allows for discussion and thought.  I read this book quickly and loved the twists and turns.

Appropriateness:  This book does not have any adult content.  It is fairly violent and filled with tension.  The love triangle is not enough to put off male readers and it has a strong male viewpoint with Quinn as one of the main narrators.  I reccomend this book to readers 13+

Erasing Time

Erasing Time by CJ Hill tells the story of twins Taylor and Sheridan who wake up to find themseves transported four hundred years in the future.  Scientists transported the twins instead of the scientist they were looking to transport to help them perfect a new weapon.  The twins are initially overwelmed with the society they have been transported into unnerved with the many differences in the society and soon realise that they must escape from the city and it's controling government.

This was an interesting dystopian novel and the time travel aspect made for a nice way for the reader to explore the society.  I didn't find the plot that different than other dystopian novels on the market (teens in dystopian society, teens discover something fishy, teens must escape, evil government chases them. . . . ) but it was enjoyable enough.  I remained interested in the book throughout.

Appropriateness:  There is no adult content in the book.  The characters were both eighteen and the romance did not involve much more than kissing and it was not the focus of the story.  I would reccomend this book to readers 13+ (but it is appropriate for younger advanced readers).

Samurai Awakening

Samurai Awakening by Benjamin Martin stars David Matthews a foreign exchange student living in Japan.  He begins the story unable to speak much Japanese and horribly out of shape.  However, when he attends a sword ceremony he finds himself possessed by a Japanese god and suddenly able to speak and understand Japanese.  He soon starts to train and becomes a part of this new family who fights evil.

This is a very detailed book that will speak to readers that are very interested in the topic.  The plot moves a little slowly because of all the detail which makes it not as engaging for those who aren't interested in Japanese mythology however the book is not overly long (it's right around 300 pages).  This is a book that readers will either love or hate.

Appropriateness:  This book seems very heavy at times.  Although there is no inappropriate content and or much relationship drama and it is not overly violent it's a little heavy for middle grade readers and I'd recommend it to readers 14+.

Review copy provided by Amazon Vine

Summer of the Gypsy Moths

Review given to me by a delightful fifth grader who loved this book and asked for more like it.

Summer of the Gypsy Moths by Sara Pennypacker is a great book.  It is about two girls Stella and Angel, and their gaurdian Lousise who dwelt in Cape Cod.  In the beginning of the book the girls hate eachother but gradually become best friends because Lousie dies unexpectedly.  The girls don't tell the police and have to take care of themseves and cover up for their missing guardian.

This book fills you with emotions and is very intersting.  Stella and Angel's backgrounds are realistic yet their circumstances are unlikely.  It is a terrific book.

This is a nice chapter book that elementary school aged girls will love.  It is not filled with super difficult vocabulary but is interesting enough for fifth graders making it a great one for struggling readers.

Review copy provided by Amazon vine.  Review provided by one of my team of kid reviewers.

Silly Looking Thing

The Silly Looking Thing by Eva M Sakmar-Sullivan tells the story of Itsy Bitsy Frog.  Itsy Bitsy Frog goes down to the pond every day to play.  When what he calls a Silly Looking Thing asks to play he says no way, even deciding that he would avoid the pond.  After talking to his parents he learns that he hasn't been acting right.

This is an adorable picture book that teaches about friendship and acceptance with a bit of science on the side.  It's short and sweet and teaches a great lesson.

This book will be enjoyed by kindergarten and first grade students.

Review Copy provided by netgalley

Prom

Prom by Laurie Halse Anderson features Ash, a lower class Philadelphia senior who is more interested in hanging out with her dropout boyfriend than the prom.  But when the prom adviser is arrested for stealing the entire prom budget she somehow becomes in charge of organizing and fundraising to keep the prom alive.

This is a book that will have some appeal to reluctant readers who are sick of reading about perfect goody too shoes girls who do everything right.  Ash has a looser boyfriend, no college ambitions and doesn't come from a well off family or go to a good school.  This is unlike Anderson's other heavier books and instead reads more like a generic fun fluffy teen chic lit prom book (but with a non-perfect heroine).  Because I'm a fan of that type of novel I loved this book and tore through it quickly with a smile on my face at the happy ending.

Appropriateness:  There is a lot of adult behavior in this book.  Ash is sexually active with her boyfriend (although there are no sex scenes) and does not think twice about getting drunk.  Ash is the type of kid that you hope your daughter doesn't end up like, barely graduating high school and attached to a looser boyfriend although she does have a good heart.  I'd recommend this book to readers 13+ and use it as an excuse to talk to your kids about how the choices you make in your teens have long term consequences. 

Virtuosity

Virtuosity by Jessica Martinez follows prodigy violinist Carmen who decides to take charge of her life at an important time in her life.  She stops taking her anxiety drugs and goes out with one of her fiercest competitors.  For the first time she questions how she's lived her life and defies her mother when she starts dating her toughest competition.

I enjoyed this book.  It did a fantastic job of putting the reader into this world of classical music.  The romance was sweet and felt natural with ups and downs and distrust.  Carmen is a great character who rebels by taking charge of her life.  Her addiction to anxiety drugs (encouraged by her mother) was believable and would be a nice starting point for a discussion of the many "enhancing" drugs that are taken to improve performance.

Appropriateness:  A main plot point in this book is Carmen's addiction to Anti-Anxiety drugs.  The romance is sweet and innocent while also interesting enough for older teens.  Carmen spends the night in her boyfriends room and wakes up with her dress on.  There is also a suicide attempt.  I would reccomend this book to teens 14+

Review Copy obtained by Amazon Vine

You Are So Undead to Me

You Are So Undead to Me by Stacy Jay follows Megan Berry a Zombie Settler.  Megan's settler abilities have just come back and at the most inconvenient time.  Megan is a teenager trying to get a date for homecoming and audition for the Pom squad.  This is hard enough without both regular and rogue zombies disturbing her life.  Will Megan be able to figure out who is creating these zombies and save homecoming?

This is a delightful "fluffy" zombie novel.  I loved the settler mythology that was created and Megan's powers and responsibilities conflicting with her desire for a normal life made for a story that was fun without being too terrifying or bloody.  I finished the book quickly and can't wait to read the next in the series.

Appropriateness:  There is no adult content in this book.  The romance consists of a bit of kissing.  I recommend this book to readers 11-15

Undead

Undead by Cirsty McKay stars Bobby who finds herself in danger when her classmates turn into rabid zombies on a ski trip.  Bobby, Smitty and a few other classmates find themselves on the run from their teachers and classmates who were turned into zombies.  They have to get away and find out what it was that caused the mass outbreak.

This is a terrific humorous horror novel.  It did a perfect job of combining the absurd with the horrific keeping the reader both scared and giggling throughout.  The side characters are caricatures and so much so that it's funny.  The nerdy computer guy, the bitchy cheerleader, the outcast, rebel and of course the evil villains and terrifying zombies. 

Appropriateness:  This book has a lot of zombie violence.  Vice principals are beheaded, little kids are bitten and the main characters are in a lot of danger.  Aside from the violence there is no adult content.  The romance was a very small subplot and was limited to just kissing.  I would recommend this book to readers 12+

Fang Girl

Fang Girl by Helen Keeble stars Jane who wakes up and finds herself in a coffin.  Now just because she was obsessed with vampires didn't mean she wanted to be one.  She soon travels home to see her very shocked parents (and brother who is sure she is a zombie) who treat her change like an interesting science experiment.

I could not stop laughing throughout this book.  It was a fantastic comedy.  From the brother who was sure she was a zombie to her zombie goldfish and her obsession with organization I couldn't stop reading and finished the book quickly.  I can't wait to read more from Hellen Keeble.

Appropriateness:  This book has no adult content and the romance is light and fluffy.  I would recommend this book to readers 12+