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Sign Of The Chrysanthemum By Katherine Paterson
Paterson, Katherine. THE SIGN OF THE CHRYSANTHEMUM New York : Harper, 1988 IL 5-8, RL 5.6 ISBN 0064402320 Set in 12th century Japan, the story centers on 14 year old Muna. Living in a small village, Muna longs to find the father he has never known. His mother has told him tales of a great warrior who came to the village years ago. He was a fierce samurai with a tattoo of a chrysanthemum on his shoulder. When she passes away, Muna stows away on a ship bound for the city in search of his father. He is discovered and a likable ronin named Takanobu takes him under his wing. Muna soon realizes that Takanobu is a bit of a scoundrel, but he has been kind to Muna and deserves loyalty. One night, a fire breaks out in a bar where Takanobu has been drinking. Muna tries to save him, but suffers smoke inhalation and is not successful. Fukuji, a master swordsmith, takes Muna in and helps him heal. After, Muna stays with Fukuji doing chores around the house to earn his keep. Muna is happy with his life and hopes that one day Fukuji will take him on as an apprentice. But fate has other plans for Muna.
Tuesday, December 30, 2014
Book of the day 12/30/2014
Monday, December 29, 2014
Book of the day 12/29/2014
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While You Were Napping By Jenny Offill
Offill, Jenny. WHILE YOU WERE NAPPING New York : Schwartz and Wade, 2014 IL K-3, RL 2.5 ISBN 0375865721 Have you ever fought taking a nap because you thought you might miss something? The little boy in this story sure does. But his sister tells him she will let him know if anything good happens. And what a story she tells when he wakes up. It is all about pirates and fireworks and trips to outer space. She really makes her brother regret falling asleep.
Sunday, December 28, 2014
Book of the day 12/28/2014
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How To Steal A Dog By Barbara O'Connor
Georgina has not always lived this way. She used to have both a mother and father and they lived in an apartment. Until her father walked out and left them with very little money. Now, Georgina, her brother and her mother are homeless and living in their car. It is very hard at school as the other kids are starting to make comments about her wrinkled clothes and dirty hair. She isn’t doing her homework so her grades are falling. Everything is going wrong. But when she sees a poster about a lost dog, Georgina comes up with a plan – steal a dog and collect the reward. Then they will have enough money to move into a real place and not have to live like this. Georgina and her brother scout out different areas looking for the right dog. It has to be a friendly dog owned by a rich person who can pay the reward. When they find the right dog, they put their plan into action. What they don’t count on is that the owner doesn’t have any money for a reward. Georgina and her brother stash the dog at an empty house in the woods. Is this really going to work? Will they be able to pull this off?
Posted from Diigo. The rest of my favorite links are here.
Saturday, December 27, 2014
Book of the day 12/27/2014
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Journey To Jo'burg By Beverly Naidoo
Naidoo, Beverly. JOURNEY TO JO'BURG New York : Harper, 1988 IL 3-6, RL 5.1 ISBN 0064402371 The book takes place in South Africa during the time of Apartheid. Naledi is afraid when her young sister becomes very ill. Although her grandmother is doing her best, Dineo needs medical help. There is no money for doctors or hospitals. Naledi’s mother works in Johannesburg, 300 kilometers away. There is no way to get word to her about Dineo. Naledi and her younger brother,Tiro, decide to walk to Jo’burg to get their mother. They really have no idea how far it is. As the two journey, they learn about the harshness of apartheid and the kindness of strangers who help them on their journey. They also learn about the people who have risked everything to fight for the rights of blacks in South Africa.
Friday, December 26, 2014
Book of the day 12/26/2014
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Sophie's Squash By Pat Zietlow Miller
Miller, Pat Zietlow. SOPHIE'S SQUASH New York : Schwartz & Wade Books, 2013 IL K-3, RL 2,7 ISBN 0307978966 Sophie picked out a squash at the farmer's market. Mother thought it would be nice to have for supper. But Sophie drew a face on the squash and named it Bernice. She took it everywhere. No one could convince her that it was getting a bit squishy and should be eaten before it rotted. When Sophie asked the man at the farmer's market how to make Bernice better, will she take his advice?
Posted from Diigo. The rest of my favorite links are here.
Thursday, December 25, 2014
Book of the day 12/25/2014
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Skylark By Patricia MacLachlan
MacLachlan, Patricia. SKYLARK New York : HarperCollins, 1994 IL 3-6, RL 3.3 ISBN 0060233281 In this sequel to Sarah, Plain and Tall, we pick up the story after the marriage of Sarah and Jacob. The family is doing well and are happy living on the prairie. Things are about to change, though. There has been very little rain. The crops are drying up and some families are leaving. Papa refuses to even think about that possibility. He says that they were born there and that their names are written in the land. But the drought is getting worse every day. When they lose the barn to a fire, Papa knows that he needs to make a drastic decision.
Wednesday, December 24, 2014
Book of the day 12/24/2014
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Lena's Sleep Sheep By Anita Lobel
Lobel, Anita. LENA'S SLEEP SHEEP New York : Alfred A. Knopf, 2013 IL K-3, RL 1.9 ISBN 0449810267 Lena is all tucked into bed and ready to start counting her sheep. There's a full moon out and Lena asks her parents to keep the curtains open so she can look at the beautiful moon. Little does she know that her sheep are really scared of the moon. They think it is a horrible beast. How can Lena convince the sheep that the moon is friendly and that it is ok to come out?
Monday, December 22, 2014
Book of the day 12/22/2014
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Klise, Kate. LETTERS FROM CAMP New York : Harper, 2000 IL 5-8, RL 6.4 ISBN 0380793482 Told in a series of letters, memos, receipts, and ledger pages. Three sets of siblings are off to Camp Happy Harmony. Brisket Roast whose father says is as lazy as a slug and his sister, Barbie Q. who is as spirited as a mustang. Charlie and Charlotte Lee who are described as wonderful kids who are liked by everyone except each other. Ivan and Mimi Gems who have no social skills and won’t go to bed but stay in their rooms for hours. The counselors are also siblings and used to appear in the singing group The Harmonys. They have advertised their camp as specializing in sibling relationships. For the next four weeks, the children will learn to get along. Sounds perfect. Things are not what they seem.
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Kehret, Peg. TERROR AT THE ZOONew York : Puffin, 2001IL 5-8, RL 4.6ISBN 0142300284Ellen was just given the best birthday present ever. Well, she has to share it with her little brother but that is fine. Together with their grandparents, they are going to camp out at the zoo for the night! They both love the zoo and have spent lots of time there. But never at night. They will be staying with their grandparents anyway since their parents will be away. This is going to be just about perfect. But then there is a change of plans. Grandmother has broken her leg and can’t go camping. But it will fine since their parents have changed their plans and now will be home to share the camping trip. When the time arrives, their parents aren’t home. The plane has been delayed. The grandparents have gone to the hospital to have grandma’s leg reset. Fearing they will have to miss the camping trip, Ellen and Corey decide to take a taxi to the zoo and wait for their parents there. They leave a note so their parents will know to meet them at the zoo. When they get to the zoo, their parents aren’t there and the coordinator is anxious to leave since her daughter is having a baby. Corey lies and says his parents have just pulled up. Now everyone is gone and Ellen and Corey are alone in the zoo.
Saturday, December 20, 2014
Book of the day 12/20/2014
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A Hidden Enemy By Erin Hunter — Adobe Voice
Hunter, Erin. A HIDDEN ENEMY New York : Harper, 2013 IL 5-8, RL 5.5 ISBN 0062102605 Lucky has rejoined the pack of Leashed Dogs in the start of the second book of the Survivors series. Lucky still wants to be a Lone Dog but he knows that the Leashed Dogs need him and they may not survive without his help. His litter mate Bella is doing her best to lead the dogs but there are dangers out there that she has never encountered. She is a smart dog and has a plan that involves Lucky. She wants him to join the Wild Pack and find out what they are up to. If they are willing to share the water and the hunting, there is plenty for both groups to live in the valley. What Lucky finds is a brutal pack system. The Alpha dog is actually part wolf and he rules with an iron paw. His partner is Beta who is actually Sweet who Lucky knew in the city. Lucky is able to join the pack and finds out what time they are at the water and when they hunt. He returns to his Leashed Pack and tells Bella what he has learned. She is happy with the news but tells Lucky to remain with the Wild Pack. Lucky is reluctant but does what Bella asks. Just what is going on here?
Friday, December 19, 2014
Book of the day 12/19/2014
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Hunter, Erin. THE EMPTY CITY New York : Harper, 2012 IL 5-8, RL 5.2 ISBN 0062102575 Book 1 in the Survivors series introduces us to Lucky. Lucky is a Lone Dog. He has been caught and is in a kennel when a major earthquake hits. The story is told from Lucky’s point of view and he uses his words to describe his environment. Humans are longpaws and the earthquake is the Big Growl. Only one other dog survived in the kennel. Lucky is a Lone Dog but he takes Sweet into the city in search of food. What they find is total destruction. The buildings have collapsed and the longpaws have run away. Sweet decides she needs to find other dogs but Lucky wants to go it alone. When he is attacked by a group of foxes in a mall, a small group of dogs comes to his rescue. What will Lucky do now?
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The Secrets Of Coral Reefs By Dwight Holing
Holing, Dwight. THE SECRETS OF CORAL REEFS New York : London Town Press, 2005 IL 3-6, RL 7.3 ISBN 0976613433 Coral reefs are found in many different oceans. They are known for their beauty and diversity of inhabitants. This expository text explains how the reefs are created and introduces the reader to some of the inhabitants. Many creatures call the coral reefs home. This book is filled with facts and photographs of the coral reefs and the animals who live there. There is information about how to save this ecosystem included.
Wednesday, December 17, 2014
Book of the day 12/17/2014
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Grey, Mini. HERMELIN THE DETECTIVE MOUSE New York : Alfred A. Knopf, 2013 IL K-3, RL 3.6 ISBN 0385754337 Hermelin is a little mouse living in the attic at 33 Offley Street. He was walking down the street one day and saw a message board filled with notices for lost items. He realized that he could find these items easily. Using his handy typewriter, he sent notes to the victims explaining where to find their lost items. Everyone was so delighted and curious about just who Hermelin really is. What will they do when they find out he is a mouse?
Tuesday, December 16, 2014
Book of the day 12/16/2014
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The Midnight Horse By Sid Fleischman
Fleischman, Sid. THE MIDNIGHT HORSE New York : Harper, 2004 IL 3-6, RL 4.4 ISBN 0060722169 Touch is a young boy who is riding in a coach on his way to Cricklewood, New Hampshire. There are three passengers on the coach - Touch, Mr. Hobbs, the blacksmith, and the mysterious Otis Cratt. Touch is an orphan and is off to meet his uncle. On the way, Touch hears the tale of The Great Chaffalo who was a great magician who could turn straw into a horse. But Chaffalo passed away long ago and is now a ghost that some have seen. When the coach arrives in Cricklewood, Mr. Hobbs invites Touch to join him for breakfast at the inn. There he meets the innkeeper, Sally. There are no guests at the inn. It is said to be haunted by the ghost of a guest who checked in but disappeared. When Touch meets his uncle, he is not impressed. The judge tries to cheat Touch out of his inheritance, but Touch runs away. And he sees Otis Cratt leaving the judge's house. Touch must keep hidden as his uncle has threatened to send him to the orphan's home. When Touch asks Sally if he can hide at the inn, Sally tells him that the judge is also pressuring Sally to sell him the inn. Sally feels she has no choice since there are no guests and the bills need to be paid. Can Touch find a way to help them both?
Sunday, December 14, 2014
Book of the day 12/14/2014
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Staake, Bob. MY PET BOOK New York : Random House, 2014 IL K-3, RL 1.8 ISBN 0385373120 Do you have a pet? Some people like cats and dogs for pets. Some like something more exotic. But the boy in this book wanted a pet that was truly unique. He wanted a book. Books don't need to be fed, they don't drink from the toilet, they don't have fleas, and they don't run away. They are the perfect pet. So the family went to the local book store and found the perfect book. The boy loved his pet book and wheras very careful with it. When he got home from school one day, the book was gone!! Where could it have gone with no feet?
Saturday, December 13, 2014
Book of the day 12/13/2014
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Shepherd, Jessica. GRANDMA New York : Child's Play, 2014 IL K-3 ISBN 9781846436024 Oscar loves his grandmother and they have of fun together. But something is changing. She is acting funny. She doesn't seem to remember things like before. His parents tell him that Grandma can't take care of herself anymore and that she is going to live in a place where people can take care of her. Oscar doesn't understand what is happening to his beloved Grandma and it scares him.
Thursday, December 11, 2014
Book of the day 12/11/2014
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Sheehan, Monica. LOVE IS YOU AND ME
Sheehan, Monica. LOVE IS YOU AND ME New York : Little Simon, 2013 IL K-3, RL 1.5 ISBN 1442436077 What do you think when you hear the word love? A hug? A day at the beach? Spending time with someone you love? In this book, a dog and his mouse friend let us know what they think of when the hear the word love.
Friday, December 5, 2014
Book of the day 12/05/2014
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Rosenthal, Amy Krouse. UNI THE UNICORN
Rosenthal, Amy Krouse. UNI THE UNICORN New York : Random House, 2014 IL K-3, RL 3.6 ISBN 0385375557 Uni is a regular unicorn but a bit more special. Everything about her is just a bit better than the other unicorns. Even her imagination. The other unicorns make fun of her for that. You see, Uni believes in little girls. Everyone knows there is no such thing as little girls. Or is there?
Thursday, December 4, 2014
Book of the day 12/04/2014
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http://www.nancykeane.com/booktalks/mp3/rodkey_deadweather.mp3
Rodkey, Geoff. DEADWEATHER AND SUNRISE New York : Putnam's Sons, 2012 IL 5-8, RL 5.5 ISBN 0399257853 Thirteen year old Egbert has one of the worst families you can imagine. He is constantly abused by his brothers and his father usually takes their side. They live on an island and work farming ugly fruit. Egbert knows little about the outside world except what he reads in books. He lives a life of hard work and pirates. When his father suddenly announces the family is going to the island of Sunrise, Egbert is thrilled. He will get to see a life beyond his drab existence. When they get to Sunrise, they are taken in by a rich businessman and Egbert does get to see another way of living. One of nice clothes, enough food to eat and people who are nice to him. But things may not be all they appear to be. Join Egbert on an adventure with pirates, hidden treasures and swashbuckling fun.
Wednesday, December 3, 2014
Book of the day 12/03/2014
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Rosenstock, Barb. THE NOISY PAINT BOX : THE COLORS AND SOUNDS OF KANDINSKY'S ABSTRACT ART
Rosenstock, Barb. THE NOISY PAINT BOX : THE COLORS AND SOUNDS OF KANDINSKY'S ABSTRACT ART New York : Knopf, 2014 IL K-3, RL 3.6 ISBN 0307978486 When Vasily Kandinsky was given his first paint box, he had an experience that most of us cannot understand. The colors swirled together in his mind and he could hear music playing. He tried to understand the world as others saw it but he just couldn't. He suffered from a condition that made him hear colors and see sounds. Try as he might to learn to paint the way others did, he couldn't. And he became one of the first abstract painters of his time.
Monday, December 1, 2014
Book of the day 12/01/2014
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Reed, Aimee. MAMA'S DAY WITH LITTLE GRAY
Reed, Aimee. MAMA'S DAY WITH LITTLE GRAY New York : Random House, 2014 IL K-3, RL 1.8 ISBN 0449810836 Little Gray wondered when he grows up, will Mama grow down? Mama assures him that she may look smaller to him but she will always be his mother. Then Little Gray thinks about lots of things he and his mother can do together when he is grown. What do you think he wants to do?
Sunday, November 30, 2014
Book of the day 11/30/2014
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Potter, Ellen. OLIVIA KIDNEY New York : Puffin, 2004 IL 3-6, RL 5.4 ISBN 0142402346 Olivia is getting used to yet another new home. Her dad works as a superintendant in an apartment but he is not really good at his job. When he loses one job, he moves on to another and brings Olivia and her brother with him. Olivia is angry and tired of being the new kid. But this stop may be different. When she loses her key to the apartment, Olivia begins to meet the other people in the building. There is the mysterious old lady with the glass floor, Alice who is more interested in fortune tellers than her toddler, Sidi who claims to be able to turn men into lizards, Sidi's servant who just may be a notorious pirate, and Bramwell, a boy Olivia's age who claims he is in her class at school. But with all this craziness, can Olivia find a friend?
Tuesday, November 25, 2014
Book of the day 11/25/2014
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Offill, Jenny. SPARKY New York : Schwartz & Wade, 2014 IL K-3, RL 2.2 ISBN 0375970231 Do you have a pet? Well, I really wanted a pet. Maybe a bird or a bunny or even a trained seal. But Mom said no. I kept bugging her and she finally agreed that I could have a pet but only if it didn't need to be walked or bathed or fed. I went to the library and looked for some information and I found the perfect pet. A sloth. Not your average pet but a promise is a promise.
Sunday, November 23, 2014
Book of the day 11/23/2014
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Menzies, Britt. STINKYKIDS SEE A FULL MOON
Menzies, Britt. STINKYKIDS SEE A FULL MOON New York : Raven Tree Press, 2011 IL K-3, RL 2.4 ISBN 1936402033 The Stinkykids are having fun playing outside. There is a full moon tonight and they know that full moons make you act crazy so they decide to act crazy. They jump around and howl at the moon. When they go inside, they continue to act crazy. But Hannah is making a house of cards and begs the kids to be careful not to knock it over. The kids are having too much fun to worry about what may happen. What do you think in going to happen?
Saturday, November 22, 2014
Book of the day 11/22/2014
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Moser, Lisa. COWBOY BOYD AND MIGHTY CALLIOPE
Moser, Lisa. COWBOY BOYD AND MIGHTY CALLIOPE New York : Random, 2013 IL K-3, RL 2.4 ISBN 0375870563 There's no other horse quite like Calliope. She's short, she's slow, and she's lumpy. Cowboy Boyd rides her up to the ranch and asks for work. The other cowboys laugh at the sight of Calliope but Rancher Rose decides to give them a try. And it doesn't work out very well. When Rancher Rose tells them they have to move on, Cowboy Boyd says they will leave in the morning. That night, a huge storm rages across the ranch. Will Calliope help save the other animals?
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Mora, Pat. I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE
Mora, Pat. I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE New York : Knopf, 2014 IL K-3, RL 2.0 ISBN 0375971092 Libby's great aunt has just passed her citizenship test and will become a United States citizen on Friday. She will say the Pledge of Allegiance with a group of new citizens. Libby is going to lead her class in the Pledge on Thursday. All week the two practice so they can do this well. As they practice, they talk about what it means to be an American.
Thursday, November 20, 2014
Book of the day 11/20/2014
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Lynch, Jane. MARLENE, MARLENE, QUEEN OF MEAN
Lynch, Jane. MARLENE, MARLENE, QUEEN OF MEAN New York : Random House, 2014 IL K-3, RL 3.6 ISBN 0385379080 Marlene was really the queen of mean. She terrorized the kids on the playground. She blocked their way to the loo. She pinched and poked and did whatever she wanted to. All the kids would cower at the sight of Marlene. Except Freddy. Can anything possibly change this bully?
Wednesday, November 19, 2014
Book of the day 11/19/2014
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Ludwig, Trudy. THE INVISIBLE BOY
Ludwig, Trudy. THE INVISIBLE BOY New York : Alfred A. Knopf, 2013 IL K-3, RL 2.9 ISBN 1582464502 Have you ever felt invisible? Like everyone around you can't see you? Brian feels that way everyday. None of the kids want to be his friend. When choosing sides for a game, Brian isn't just the last one chosen, he isn't chosen at all. Brian plays by himself and eats lunch by himself. When a new boy joins the class, things may just change.
Monday, November 17, 2014
Book of the day 11/17/2014
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Lodding, Linda Ravin. A GIFT FOR MAMA
Lodding, Linda Ravin. A GIFT FOR MAMA New York : Alfred A. Knopf, 2014 IL K-3, RL 2.6 ISBN 0385753314 A young boy living in Vienna about a hundred years ago has some adventures as he searches for the ideal gift from his mother's birthday. He only has one coin and must make the best of it. When he sees a beautiful yellow rose in the basket of a flower vendor, he knows that this is the perfect gift for mama. As he is walking home, a painter sees the flower and begs to trade a paint brush for the flower. Then an orchestra conductor wants to trade some sheet music for the paint brush. And on it goes. Will the boy ever get the perfect gift for Mama?
Sunday, November 16, 2014
Book of the day 11/16/2014
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Brennan, Eileen. BAD ASTRID New York : Random House, 2013 IL K-3, RL 3.2 ISBN 0375855807 She came into town like five tons of bad luck. The meanest kid on the block. She'll growl, spit and sputter whenever anyone came into her yard. Her neighbor was really afraid of her and decided she wouldn't ruin his summer. He would just do fun activities at home. But what happens when Astrid's bike comes crashing through the fence into his yard?
Friday, November 14, 2014
Book of the day 11/14/2014
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Bottner, Barbara. MISS BROOKS' STORY NOOK
Bottner, Barbara. MISS BROOKS' STORY NOOK New York : Alfred A. Knopf, 2014 IL K-3, RL 2.4 ISBN 0449813290 Missy absolutely loves going to Miss Brooks' story nook. She doesn't want to be late but if she takes the short cut, she runs into nasty Billy Toomey. He always grabs her hat and chases her. One morning, there was a big thunder storm and the lights went out. Miss Brooks couldn't read a story in the dark so they decided to make one up. Can they make up a story that will solve Missy's problems with Billy?
Thursday, November 13, 2014
Book of the day 11/13/2014
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Bonwill, Ann. WHEN MERMAIDS SLEEP
Bonwill, Ann. WHEN MERMAIDS SLEEP New York : Random House Children's Books, 2013 IL K-3, RL 3.8 ISBN 037587061X Come along to the land of magic. A land where mermaids sleep and pirates snore. Did you ever wonder if magical beings slept? Find out about genies, unicorns and dragons. But be sure to be quiet. Because everyone's asleep.
Wednesday, November 12, 2014
Book of the day 11/12/2014
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Bernheimer, Kate. THE GIRL WHO WOULDN'T BRUSH HER HAIR
Bernheimer, Kate. THE GIRL WHO WOULDN'T BRUSH HER HAIR New York : Schwartz & Wade, 2013 IL K-3, RL 4.1 ISBN 0375968784 There once was a girl who refused to brush her hair. That's just her way. She had beautiful brown, wavy hair but just did not want to brush it. One night, a mouse decided to make a nest in her hair. Well, you know how some people jump and scream at the site of a mouse? She didn't. She enjoyed the company. And more and more mice decided to take up residence in her hair. At first the kids at school were jealous and they stopped brushing their hair hoping mice would live in their hair. But mice don't like baths and after a few weeks of not taking a bath, the little girl began to smell kind of gross. And then the teacher said she couldn't bring her doll to school anymore because of the mice. What's a girl to do?
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Berger, Lou. DREAM DOG New York : Schwartz & Wade, 2013 IL K-3, RL 3.4 ISBN 0375866558 Harry desperately wants a dog. He needs a dog. But his father won't let him have a dog. You see, his father works in a pepper factory and his nose is just too sensitive after being around all those peppers. If he gets near a dog, he just starts sneezing. Harry has a great idea. He puts on his X-35 Infra-Rocket Imagination Helmet and conjures up a dog. It is the dog of his dreams and he names him Waffle. They go everywhere together. But what happens when his father gets a new job and decides to buy a dog?
Thursday, October 23, 2014
Book of the day 10/23/2014
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Lord, Cynthia. HOT ROD HAMSTER MONSTER TRUCK MANIA
Lord, Cynthia. HOT ROD HAMSTER MONSTER TRUCK MANIA New York : Scholastic, 2014 IL K-3 ISBN 0545462614 Hot Rod Hamster and his friends are really looking forward to the Fair. Fearless Franco is going to be there with his Monster Truck. Hot Rod Hamster and his friends go on all the rides but they can't figure which one is the best. Until Fearless Franco offers Hot Rod Hamster what may be the best ride of all.
Wednesday, October 22, 2014
Book of the day 10/22/2014
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Lewis, J. Patrick. POEM-MOBILES
Lewis, J. Patrick. POEM-MOBILES New York : Schwartz Wade, 2014 IL K-3 ISBN 0375966900 Cars are always changing. Can you use your imagination to think about what cars will look like in the future? This book is full of way out cars. What is your favorite? The bathtub car? The eel-ectric car? I know my favorite is the giant bookmobile car!
Monday, October 20, 2014
Book of the day 10/20/2014
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Lefebvre, Jason. TOO MUCH GLUE
Lefebvre, Jason. TOO MUCH GLUE New York : Flashlight Press, 2013 IL K-3, RL 3.0 ISBN 1936261278 Matty just loves to use glue. He is not alone in that. His father loves glue also. But his teacher tells him not to use too much glue because it won't dry. During a project at school, Matty uses too much glue. He just can't help himself. But when he finds himself glued to the table, it will take all his friends and some helpful adults to get him out of this mess.
Tuesday, September 23, 2014
Book of the day 09/23/2014
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Krosoczka, Jarrett J. PEANUT BUTTER AN JELLYFISH
Krosoczka, Jarrett J. PEANUT BUTTER AN JELLYFISH New York : Knopf, 2014 IL K-3, RL 2.6 ISBN 0375870369 Peanut Butter is a little seahorse who lives in the sea. He and his best friend Jellyfish love swimming around the ocean and exploring their world. The one thing they don't love is Crabby the crab. His name really describes him. He is not very nice and he is always making fun of Peanut Butter and Jellyfish. He calls them names and says horrible things to them. They ignore him the best they can. When they are playing, they hear a little voice calling for help. Crabby is in trouble and he needs their help. Why should they bother?
Friday, September 5, 2014
Book of the day 09/05/2014
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Kemp, Anna. THE WORST PRINCESS
Kemp, Anna. THE WORST PRINCESS New York : Random, 2014 IL K-3, RL 1.9 ISBN 038537125X Princess Sue is living in a tower and dreaming that her Prince Charming will come and rescue her. Well, a prince does come and rescue her but he is certainly not her Prince Charming. The price wants Sue to be ladylike and wear fancy dresses and learn to be a proper princess. Sue is having none of it. She thinks the prince is a bit of a twit. What she does will probably surprise you. What is her happily ever after?
Tuesday, September 2, 2014
Book of the day 09/02/2014
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Isaacs, Anne. MEANWHILE, BACK AT THE RANCH
Isaacs, Anne. MEANWHILE, BACK AT THE RANCH New York : Schwartz & Wade, 2014 IL K-3, RL 2.4 ISBN 0375967451 Tulip Jones is off to America after inheriting $35 million and a ranch in By-Golly Gully, Texas. At first Tulip is happy living on the ranch with her twelve pet tortoises and three ranch hands. But then word gets out that there is a rich widow living at the ranch and every single man from miles around is lined up to woo the lovely Tulip. Now she can't get anything done. How is she ever going to get rid of all these cowboys and get back to work?
Saturday, August 30, 2014
Book of the day 08/30/2014
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Hood, Susan. THE TOOTH MOUSE New York : Kids Can Press, 2012 IL K-3, RL 2.9 ISBN 1554535654 When you loose a tooth, you probably put it under the pillow and wait for the tooth fairy to come and leave some money in exchange for the tooth. Well, did you know that in France, they think it is the Tooth Mouse who comes. Young Sophie Mouse loves pretending to be the Tooth Mouse. But when the real Tooth Mouse is looking for a replacement, Sophie has to prove she is up to the job.
Tuesday, August 26, 2014
Book of the day 08/26/2014
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Hoena, B. A. MATTHEW HENSON : ARCTIC ADVENTURER
Hoena, B. A. MATTHEW HENSON : ARCTIC ADVENTURER New York : Capstone, 2006 IL 5-8, RL 3.9 ISBN 0736846344 Way back about a hundred years ago, no one have ever been to the North Pole. Can you believe that? Well, the only way to get there was to walk so it is not too surprising. A young African America boy by the name of Matthew Henson learned about geography and navigation while serving as a cabin boy. As a young man, he was hired to be the valet of Robert Peary who was an explorer. Within a few years, Matthew would find himself on the way to the North Pole. There were several unsuccessful trips to the Pole before Matthew and Peary actually stepped foot on the Pole. Even though Matthew was there, when they got back to the States, he was rarely mentioned. You see, back in those days, African Americans were not seen as equals. It took years for Matthew to get the recognition he deserved. This is his story.
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Hibbs, Gillian. TILLY'S STAYCATION
Hibbs, Gillian. TILLY'S STAYCATION New York : Child's Play, 2014 IL K-3 ISBN 9781846436017 Vacation time is coming soon. All of Tilly's friends are going on exciting vacations to faraway places. But where is Tilly going? Nowhere!! Her family is staying home. How boring!! She is upset but her mother assures her that their "staycation" will be as much fun as her friend's vacations.
Friday, August 22, 2014
Book of the day 08/22/2014
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Harvey, Jacqueline. ALICE-MIRANDA TAKES THE STAGE
Harvey, Jacqueline. ALICE-MIRANDA TAKES THE STAGE New York : Delacorte, 2013 IL 3-6, RL 5.3 ISBN 0385743335 Alice-Miranda is back for another semester at Winchesterfield-Downsfordvale Academy for Proper Young Ladies. This semester is going to be great. The school is teaming up with the nearby boys' school to put on a play. The girls are all looking forward to this. All the girls except the new one. Sloane has a different idea in mind. Can Alice-Miranda figure out what is going on before things get out of hand?
Thursday, August 21, 2014
Book of the day 08/21/2014
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Cox, Lynne. ELIZABETH, QUEEN OF THE SEAS
Cox, Lynne. ELIZABETH, QUEEN OF THE SEAS New York : Schwartz & Wade Books, 2014 IL K-3, RL 4.2 ISBN 0375858881 This is the story of Elizabeth, a two ton elephant seal who lived in Christchurch, New Zealand. The people of the city loved seeing Elizabeth in the river or along the banks enjoying the sunshine. They knew not to go near her since she was a wild animal. Everything was great until Elizabeth discovered the road. She loved lying on the asphalt that was all warm from the sun. But cars also used the road and it was decided that the time had come for Elizabeth to join other elephant seals in the ocean. A boat towed her out and left her with a colony of seals. But Elizabeth was not happy.
Friday, August 8, 2014
Book of the day 08/08/2014
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Gigliotti, Jim. ANIMAL SPORTS New York : Raintree, 2012 IL 3-6, RL 4.1 ISBN 1410942163 Do you play baseball or basketball? Maybe you are in a different sport. Did you ever stop to think about animals who are in sports? There are many sports where animals are the ones who are the stars. Horses are involved in many sports. From racing to steeple chase to long haul races, learn about the sports involved. There is also information about dogs in sports and even elephants!
Thursday, August 7, 2014
Book of the day 08/07/2014
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Floca, Brian. LOCOMOTIVE New York : Atheneum Books of Young Readers, 2013 IL 3-6, RL 3.7 ISBN 1416994157 In the beginning of the 19th century, if you wanted to travel across the country, you needed to travel by foot or horse. It would take weeks and sometimes months to travel out west. In 1869, the first transcontinental railroad was opened and it shortened the time it took to travel. You could get on the train and in a few days, be in California. But what were the trains like? What was travel like on these trains? Get on board and find out.
Wednesday, August 6, 2014
Book of the day 08/06/2014
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Feeney, Tatyana. LITTLE FROG'S TADPOLE TROUBLE
Feeney, Tatyana. LITTLE FROG'S TADPOLE TROUBLE New York : Alfred A. Knopf , 2014 IL K-3 ISBN 038575373X Little Frog is an only child. And he likes it that way. Just Daddy Frog, Mommy Frog and him. When Mommy tells him that there will soon be 9 little tadpoles, Little Frog is not happy. With so many brothers and sisters to take care of, there will be no time left for him. What is he going to do?
Tuesday, August 5, 2014
Book of the day 08/05/2014
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Edwards, Michelle. MAX MAKES A CAKE
Edwards, Michelle. MAX MAKES A CAKE New York : Random House, 2014 IL K-3, RL 1.7 ISBN 0375971645 Max loves his baby sister Trudy but sometimes things don't go as planned. Max is old enough to do some things by himself and he is happy that during Passover he will be reciting the four questions for Passover in Hebrew and English for the seder. He practices while feeding Trudy and tells her all about Passover. But Max and his father have plans to make a special Passover birthday cake for Max's mother while Trudy is taking her nap. But Trudy just won't nap. What will Max do?
Monday, August 4, 2014
Book of the day 08/04/2014
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Dunn, Judy. THE LITTLE RABBIT New York : Random House, 2014 IL K-3, RL 3.7 ISBN 0385386044 When Sarah finds a rabbit in her Easter basket, it is love at first sight. Sarah loved playing with the rabbit in the grass. But she needed a name. What do you think of the name Buttercup?
Sunday, August 3, 2014
Book of the day 08/03/2014
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Dunn, Judy. THE LITTLE DUCK New York : Random House, 2014 IL K-3, RL 2.7 ISBN 0385385218 A young boy discovers an egg. What can it be? As the egg begins to crack, we find out that it is a little duck. Follow Henry the duck through his first few days of life as he explores his surroundings and makes some friends.
Saturday, August 2, 2014
Book of the day 08/02/2014
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Dicmas, Courtney. THE GREAT GOOGLY MOOGLY
Dicmas, Courtney. THE GREAT GOOGLY MOOGLY New York : Child's Play, 2014 IL K-3 ISBN 9781846436406 Have you ever gone fishing? Have you heard stories about the big fish that no one can catch? Stella has grown up on tales of the Great Googly Moogly, the giant fish that no one can catch. But Stella is determined to be the one to catch it. She tries lots of different baits and spends days trying. Do you think she will be successful?
Wednesday, July 30, 2014
Book of the day 07/30/2014
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Dahl, Michael. ZOMBIE IN THE LIBRARY
Dahl, Michael. ZOMBIE IN THE LIBRARY New York : Stone Arch Books, 2011 IL 5-8, RL 2.9 ISBN 1434221458 Adam is looking forward to the town library's book sale. But the weather is not cooperating. The lightning storm is so intense, Adam's mother decides they can't go. Adam is so disappointed. You see, he had seen a book in the library sale that was just right for his mother and he was going to buy it for her. Adam decides to ride his bike to the library but things are not going to turn out the way he thinks they will.
Tuesday, July 29, 2014
Book of the day 07/29/2014
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Cronin, Doreen. CLICK, CLACK, BOO! : A TRICKY TREAT
Cronin, Doreen. CLICK, CLACK, BOO! : A TRICKY TREAT New York : Athneneum Books for Young Readers, 2013 IL K-3, RL 2.3 ISBN 1442465530 Farmer Brown just doesn't like Halloween. He wants nothing to do with it. So on Halloween night, he puts out a bowl of candy, turns off the light and gets ready for bed. When he hears a strange noise outside the house, he jumps under the covers. What is it? Is someone coming in to his house? What is going on?
Thursday, July 24, 2014
Book of the day 07/24/2014
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Bland, Nick. THE RUNAWAY HUG New York : Random House, 2013 IL K-3, RL 2.0 ISBN 044981825X Lucy is getting ready for bed and she asks her mother for a hug. Told that it is her mother's very last hug, she promises to return it. She lends the hug to other people in her family and gets it back from everyone but one. Can she find the runaway hug to return it to her mother?
Wednesday, July 23, 2014
Book of the day 07/23/2014
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Bell-Rehwoldt, Sheri. THE KIDS' GUIDE TO CLASSIC GAMES
Bell-Rehwoldt, Sheri. THE KIDS' GUIDE TO CLASSIC GAMES New York : Captone, 2009 IL 3-6, RL 5.1 ISBN 1429622733 Do you get bored playing the same video games all the time? Or maybe watching the same television shows? Ever wonder what games kids used to play before computers or television were so popular? Well, they played marbles, card games and even some fun outdoor games. Pick up this book and find new games. You may just find yourself yelling "Red Rover"
Tuesday, July 22, 2014
Book of the day 07/22/2014
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Barnhill, Kelly Regen. ANIMALS WITH NO EYES : CAVE ADAPTATION
Barnhill, Kelly Regen. ANIMALS WITH NO EYES : CAVE ADAPTATION New York : Capstone, 2008 IL 3-6, RL 6.2 ISBN 1429612622 Imagine yourself in a dark room. It is so dark that you can't even see your hand in front of your face. You don't know where the doors are. You cannot find food or water. Do you think you could survive? Odds are, you can't. But there are creatures that live in the complete blackness of caves and survive quite well. They have no need for eyes. They don't even have any color. Learn about these amazing creatures.
Wednesday, May 28, 2014
Book of the day 05/28/2014
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Weissman, Elissa Brent. THE SHORT SELLER
Mono! You mean I’ll be out of school for a whole month? I won’t see my friends, either? Lindy Sachs was dismayed to find herself home alone and mostly sleeping, day after day. But then her dad asked her to do him a favor…he set her up on-line to make some stock trades for him before the Market closed for the day, since he couldn’t do it from work. Even though she hated math, she found herself totally drawn in. Her dad set her up with her own $100 account to play with…and guess what?! She was good at it!! When she finally went back to school, she found her social life in shambles…new alliances had been formed, and her best friends, Howard & Steph had become a couple…and no one had the slightest interest in stock trading! But the real trouble began when she started dipping into her parents’ portfolio to up the ante a bit….who knew they had so much money?! A sudden downturn in the market gave her some very tense moments, but in the end, Lindy thought she had gotten away with it…until the day there came a knock at the front door… a process server from the SEC (Securities Trade Commission) stood on the doorstep! (New Hampshire Great Stone Face Book Award nominee, 2015)
Monday, May 26, 2014
Book of the day 05/26/2014
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Selfors, Suzanne. SASQUATCH ESCAPE
The weird shadow swept across the sky. Ben blinked once, twice, three times, just in case an eyelash had drifted onto his eyeball. But it wasn’t an eyelash. Something was moving between the clouds—something with an enormous wingspan and a long tail. Ben pressed his nose to the passenger window. “Grandpa? Did you see that?” Ben is spending the summer at his Grandpa’s house in Buttonville---the most boring town in the world. Boring, that is, until he starts seeing strange things in the sky. Until his Grandpa’s cat drops what has to be a baby…dragon?...onto his bed. Until Ben and his new friend, Pearl, decide to visit the new “doctor” who’s set up an office in the abandoned button factory and allow a big, hairy, pudding-loving beast to escape… Read “Sasquatch Escape” to find out just what’s making a summer in Buttonville the most exciting thing ever! (New Hampshire Great Stone Face Book Award nominee, 2015)
Sunday, May 25, 2014
Book of the day 05/25/2014
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Rundell, Katherine. ROOFTOPPERS
A ship sinks in the English Channel under mysterious circumstances and a baby wrapped in a musical score of a Beethoven symphony is found floating in a cello case. Charles Maxim, another survivor, plucks the baby along with her cello case out of the water, names her Sophie, and takes on the responsibility of raising her. Through the years Charles’ methods of child-rearing are considered by some totally unsuitable. What’s wrong, I ask, with eating food off books, writing on the walls, climbing trees and a girl wearing pants? When Sophie turns twelve the threat of being sent to an orphanage prompts her and Charles to make a hasty departure for Paris in search of her mother. Once there, Sophie hides out in her hotel room by day but escapes through the skylight to the roof at night. Under the tutelage of Matteo and other children who refer to themselves as “rooftoppers” she learns to travel on the roofs above the streets of Paris via trees, drainpipes, and even a tightrope. While enjoying her freedom she is always listening, hoping to hear her mother’s music. Will Sophie find her mother and the mother’s love she so longingly wants? You’ll have to read the spell-binding story of ROOFTOPPERS to find out. (New Hampshire Great Stone Face Book Award nominee, 2015)
Saturday, May 24, 2014
Book of the day 05/24/2014
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Pitchford, Dean. NICKEL BAY NICK
It’s Christmas time and in the economically depressed town of Nickel Bay, eleven year old Sam Brattle just can’t stay out of trouble. He’s unhappy because his dad’s bakery is struggling to stay open and his mom, having remarried, will be spending the holidays with her new family. And to make matters worse, there were no $100 bills left anonymously by the town’s own secret Santa, Nickel Bay Nick. While trying to evade the police following an evening of vandalism Sam damages the house of a neighbor, Mr. Wells. It is revealed that Mr. Wells is Nickel Bay Nick, but he is unable to fill the role due to a broken leg. Sam is offered the chance to become Nickel Bay Nick to compensate for the damages to Mr. Wells’ property. All Sam has to do is learn to be a spy, a burglar and a pickpocket. NICKEL BAY NICK will warm your heart and give you faith in the potential goodness of others. (New Hampshire Great Stone Face Book Award nominee, 2015)
Friday, May 23, 2014
Book of the day 05/23/2014
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Pastas, Stephen. TIMMY FAILURE MISTAKES WERE MADE
Timmy Failure is founder, president, and CEO of what he considers the best detective agency in town, Total Failure, Inc. Timmy is assisted by a 1500-pound polar bear named Total who specializes in eating trash, and Rollo Tookus, a classmate, considered inferior in sleuthing skills by Timmy. In one case Timmy’s neighbor Gunnar hires him to find his missing candy. Timmy observes Gunnar’s brother, Gabe, face smeared with chocolate and surrounded by candy wrappers. After questioning Gabe about his whereabouts the night of the candy’s disappearance, Timmy concludes Gabe didn’t take the candy- he had an alibi: he’d been eating candy. There’s something in Timmy Failure Mistakes Were Made for everyone, from the black and white illustrations used liberally throughout the book to Timmy’s bumbling his way from one case to the next, optimistically oblivious to the obvious. (New Hampshire Great Stone Face Book Award nominee, 2015)
Wednesday, May 21, 2014
Book of the day 05/21/2014
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McAlpine, Gordon. TELL TALE START
12-year-old twins, Edgar & Allan Poe, were not named on the whim of some devoted fan of the classics…they were, in fact, the great-great-great-great grandnephews of the famed author of the macabre, Edgar Allan Poe himself. Their most notable characteristic, aside from their astoundingly high IQ’s, was that they were literally of one mind…they shared all of each other’s thoughts. Continually outwitting their teachers may have been great sport, but there was a crazed professor out there stalking them who had more nefarious plans in mind. He intended to kill off one of the twins to see if they still communicated with each other over the great divide. If he could gain control of information from the afterlife, world domination would be within his grasp! But Edgar and Allan possessed an intellect not to be trifled with. Through one hilarious escapade after another, the twins managed to thwart all the professor’s evil designs…with a little, albeit dubious, help from a doting granduncle watching from above. (New Hampshire Great Stone Face Book Award nominee, 2015)
Tuesday, May 20, 2014
Book of the day 05/20/2014
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Kurtz, Chris. ADVENTURES OF A SOUTH POLE PIG
Flora, a young pig who has been brought up on a farm raising sled dogs, sees nothing but adventure in her future. Her chance comes when she is packed into the ship’s cargo to join the sled dogs on an amazing Antarctica adventure. As Flora befriends Aleric the cabin boy, Oscar the sled dog and Sophia the cat, she dreams of life as the head sled pig. After all, what other purpose would a pig have on a ship? (New Hampshire Great Stone Face Book Award nominee, 2015)
Monday, May 19, 2014
Book of the day 05/19/2014
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Jinks, Catherine. HOW TO CATCH A BOGLE
Jinks, Catherine. HOW TO CATCH A BOGLE New York : Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2013 IL 3-6, RL 4.9 ISBN 0544087089 Before you see a Bogle you will often smell them. Their terrible odor is something even Birdie can’t get used to. A Bogel is a monster, a goblin and sometimes called “the bogeyman”. Birdie is the 10 year old girl apprentice to Bogler, Alfred Bunce. Alfred catches the Bogles and kills them with his spear. A Bogle’s favorite food is children and Birdie, who sings sweetly like a bird, is the bait. This fantasy tale set in Victorian London follows Birdie and Mr. Bunce as they come up against the trials of earning a living, along with the wishes of wealthy ladies interested in the intersection of folklore and modern science. This is the first book in a planned trilogy. How to Catch a Bogle is a rather ghastly and sometimes smelly and gooey adventure you will not be able to cast aside. (New Hampshire Great Stone Face Book Award nominee, 2015)
Sunday, May 18, 2014
Book of the day 05/18/2014
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Hale, Bruce. PLAYING WITH FIRE
Max Segredo isn’t a bad kid---but somehow, in each of the seven foster homes he’s lived in, bad things have happened. Foster parents die in not-so-ordinary ways, fires seem to just happen, and, yes, things go missing… “It’s not my fault!” says Max. Now he’s down to his last chance to avoid juvenile detention---the Merry Sunshine Orphanage. The fact that the director of the orphanage meets him at the door with a pistol in her hand is the first sign that life at Merry Sunshine is going to be a little bit…different. “Fires? Stealing?” she says. “You know what I say?” “Learn to control fire…and if you’re stealing, don’t get caught.” Join Max as he learns that the Merry Sunshine Orphanage is actually a training center for would-be spies, and as he discovers that the father he believed was dead may actually be the best spy of all… (New Hampshire Great Stone Face Book Award nominee, 2015)
Saturday, May 17, 2014
Book of the day 05/17/2014
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Gardner, Sally. OPERATION BUNNY
This is the story of a neglected young girl, a human-sized talking cat, a fairy-hating witch with a very bad lamp, a set of temperamental magic keys, and bunnies. So. Many. Bunnies. Emily Vole was found as a baby in a suspiciously-ticking hatbox at the airport. The Dashwoods adopted her, but the self-absorbed couple quickly turned Emily into their servant when they had their own triplets. Forced to do nothing but chores, Emily is fortunately discovered by Miss String, her eccentric neighbor, and possibly a fairy, who gives her an education, and, all-too-soon, a large inheritance. With nothing to keep her, Emily runs away with Fidget, Miss String’s talking cat, to track down the evil witch who is killing fairies and leaving a trail of formerly-human pink bunnies in her wake. With the help of a grumpy former fairy detective and an enchanted shop that refuses to stay put, Emily is on her way to a magical destiny. (New Hampshire Great Stone Face Book Award nominee, 2015)
Friday, May 16, 2014
Book of the day 05/16/2014
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Gaiman, Neil. FORTUNATELY THE MILK
When mum goes off to a conference, dad’s routine trip to the corner store for milk becomes an epic adventure through time and space! (well, spaceSHIPS, anyway. Well, A spaceship. Twice.) While fetching milk for his children’s cereal, a father finds himself beamed up by aliens, threatened by pirates (who don’t even know about walking the plank!), meeting the balloon-flying stegosaurus scientist who invented time travel, rather elaborately avoiding a volcanic eruption and also escaping from some very pale, rather hungry-looking (and not at all sparkly) people with funny accents. Oh, and there’s ponies at one point. And possibly piranhas. And hard-hairy-wet-white-crunchers. Will he ever return to his poor hungry children? Where there is milk, there is hope! (New Hampshire Great Stone Face Book Award nominee, 2015)
Tuesday, February 25, 2014
Book of the day 02/25/2014
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Messner, Kate. CAPTURE THE FLAG
Messner, Kate. CAPTURE THE FLAG New York : Scholastic, 2012 IL 3-6, RL 4.5 ISBN 0545395399 If you love a good adventure where ordinary kids like you can do amazing things, Capture the Flag is for you! Three seventh graders with nothing in common attend an event at the Smithsonian Museum where the original flag created by Betsey Ross is stolen. The next day, the same three kids are stranded in the same part of the airport after a snowstorm. They soon discover that they have more in common than they realized, particularly that they were at the Smithsonian when the flag was stolen. Figuring that the thief could be stranded at the airport with them, they launch an investigation to “capture the flag” before it becomes lost forever. (Pennsylvania Young Reader's Choice Award nominee, 2014)
Sunday, February 9, 2014
Book of the day 02/09/2014
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Barrow, Randi. SAVING ZASHA Scholastic 2011 World War II is over and Russia does not want anything to do with Germany, a country that attacked them so brutally.. Mikhail, a 13 year old boy from Russia, finds a sick and dying man who has a German shepherd. Mikhail’s family decides to keep Zasha a secret from the rest of the townspeople and vows to hide and protect her. Mikhail discovers Zasha is pregnant. There is a man nearby who is trying to breed a Russian superdog and would love to add a German shepherd to the breed. Find out what happens to Zasha and her puppies. (Pennsylvania Young Reader's Choice Award nominee, 2014)