First Class Murder (Wells and Wong #3)

Stevens, Robin. First Class Murder (Wells and Wong #3)
April 4th 2017 by Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers

E ARC from Edelweiss Above the Treeline

Daisy and Hazel are a bit distraught after the investigation at Daisy's home in Poison is Not Polite, so Mr. Wong has come from Hong Kong to take them to see Europe on the Orient Express. They are on the train with an odd assortment of characters, from the mysterious magician to an unkempt mystery writer to a Russian countess who feels another passenger has jewels that are rightfully hers. There is also "Mrs. Vitellius", who is really a government spy and a character from the girls' past. When a murder occurs, an incompetent doctor attempts an investigation, and the girls are told to keep well out of it. Of course, a bomb on the track stalls the train for a while, and the girls, along with Alexander, the countess' cute grandson, attempt to unravel the mystery.
Strengths: This is a great homage to Christie's Murder on the Orient Express, and if children were to read it and become interested in investigating Christie's work, that would be great. Daisy and Hazel are great characters, and this is a well-constructed mystery which requires some thought and has a good twist.
Weaknesses: I can't get many of my students to pick up the first two books, even though they always ask for murder mysteries! Not sure if it's the historic aspect, or if these are too British. I love them, but my students don't.
What I really think: I will justify purchasing these by knowing that they will be around for many years and will appeal to a few of my more discerning readers. I do really, really like them!

One Hundred Spaghetti Strings

Nails, Jen. One Hundred Spaghetti Strings
April 11th 2017 by HarperCollins
E ARC from Edelweiss Above the Treeline

Steffy and her sister Nina have been living with their aunt Gina. Their mother was in an accident and is in a nursing home because she has suffered a traumatic brain injury and have to be reminded of who they are each time they visit. Their father has been unable to deal with the situation and has been living far away, but he is finally coming home. It's not easy for the girls to readjust to living with him, and they miss their aunt, who is engaged to be married. Steffy copes by cooking a lot, and eventually gets accepted into a cooking competition, Chefs of Tomorrow. It gives her something to look forward to, which is especially good as her family situation starts to fall apart.
Strengths: It was good to see that even though their home situation was precarious, the girls had a support system in their aunt and school. It was interesting that they went to see their mother but their father was unable to. This kept me turning the pages. Steffy was a very sympathetic character, and her interest in cooking kept this from getting too bogged down in sadness.
Weaknesses: Very slow moving, and there is a completely unnecessary character death.
What I really think: The combination of super sad and cooking might just work for some of my readers. Wasn't my batch of lemon bars, though.

The Lost Staff of Wonders (Will Wilder #2)

Arroyo, Raymond. The Lost Staff of Wonders (Will Wilder #2)
March 7th 2017 by Crown Books for Young Readers
Copy provided by the publisher

After the events of The Relic of Perilous Falls, Will and his large group of friends and family are back. Will spends a lot of time cleaning the museum when he would rather be undergoing his Brethren training with his great aunt Lucille, but when the town's river runs afoul with animal blood after the theft of the Rod of Moses, he finds himself drawn into another fight with the forces of evil. His brother and sister also seem to be manifesting powers, which is probably a good thing, since he could use some help. The weird Pothius Sab has come to town to set up his Karnak Center for Regeneration, and the town is sure he will save them, even though he is really channeling the energy of the demon Amon, which is not such a good idea. After the blood, the town is beset by many of the Biblical plagues-- frogs, gnats, etc., and Will knows that he has to find the Rod of Moses before the Sinestri get an even greater hold on the town. Even if this problem is overcome, will Will's work be finished?
Strengths: This had a lot of action and adventure, children saving the world from encroaching evil, and lots of gross plagues, so I can see this being popular with readers who enjoy Rick Riordan or the Clare and Black Iron Trial books.
Weaknesses: I got the feeling that the author was trying for a C.S. Lewis type of allegory, but combining Biblical content with ancient Egyptian mythology dilutes any religious feel. There are also a lot of characters to keep straight.
What I really think: Not my cup of tea, (I think it might have been the river running with blood that made me queasy) but the first book in this series has seen some circulation among my insatiable fantasy fans.

MMGM- Soccer and Pioneering!

It's Marvelous Middle Grade Monday at Ramblings of a Wannabe Scribe and What Are You Reading? day at Teach Mentor Texts and Unleashing Readers. It's also Nonfiction Monday.





Montalbo, Andrea. Out of Bounds (Soccer Sisters #1)
April 4th 2017 by Sourcebooks Jabberwocky
E ARC from Edelweiss Above the Treeline

Makena plays on a travel soccer team with her best friend, Val. Coach Lily pushes the girls to be their best, but they sometimes struggle on the field. When one of the girls has to miss a lot of games because she also dances, the coach invites a new girl, Skylar, to play on the team. Skylar is a loose cannon- she plays dirty on the field and has no respect for rules off of it, either. Still, she is an interesting character, and Makena finds herself drawn to Skylar and her dare devil ways. When the team travels, Skylar gets into trouble at the hotels, and when they are at home, Skylar coerces Makena into going to New York City with her, and getting into other trouble. Makena soon realizes that while Skylar is exciting, her antics don't help the team or Makena herself. Eventually, Skylar leaves the team, and Makena is glad to not have to deal with her.
Strengths: There's a TON of soccer in this book, which is something many of my students ask for. I have never seen a soccer game, so a lot of it went over my head, but I did like the coach and the way most of the girls knew how to be good sports. I also enjoyed Makena's family-- even though her parents are very busy, they were supportive, and the inclusion of Makena's grandfather living with the family because of health problems added a realistic dimension to this. I hope that this is a LONG series!
Weaknesses: In paperback! Drat! Also, when I saw the cover of this, I thought it was another installment of the Alex Morgan series. The cover illustrations are different but rather similar.
What I really think: Definitely purchasing if I can get this in a prebind!


Coats, J. Anderson. The Many Reflections of Miss Jane Deming
28th 2017 by Atheneum Books for Young Readers
Public Library Copy.

Jane lives in Massachusetts with her young stepmother and stepbrother after her father is killed in the Civil War. She hasn't been able to go to school because she must watch Jer while her stepmother works in the mills. When a Mr. Mercer offers passage to Seattle Washington for orphan girls and young widows, the group undergoes the arduous journey to get there. A highlight for Jane is being asked to help a teacher with her younger students. Seattle is not the bustling town filled with eligible bachelors, but is a muddy frontier town filled with rough and tumble men who rarely bathe. Jane enjoys making friends and trying to earn money to keep her family in the hotel, but her stepmother grasps the reality of their situation and marries Charlie Wright, who is very kind to the children. He lives in an isolated cabin, but everyone makes the best of the situation. Jane learns a lot about how to live in the wilderness, helping Mr. W. with trapping and building things. He realizes that she is lonely in the woods, and helps her make a canoe so that she can travel to town to visit her friends and even go to school there. Jane realizes that while Washington isn't exactly what she thought it would be, it has provided her with friends, a livelihood, and most importantly, a family.
Strengths: This was well written and moved very quickly. Jane is an endearing character who faces her rough circumstances with optimism. I loved that she desperately wanted an education-- how many of my students would canoe through the rain in order to learn? This is perfect for readers who like Larson's Hattie Big Sky, Dagg's Sweet Home Alaska, or the (now highly controversial) Little House on the Prairie books.
Weaknesses: I am not qualified to judge if Lawrence and his family are an accurate portrayal of Native Americans at that time. I think it is a useful and sympathetic portrait, and the author notes state that she consulted the chair of the Duwamish tribe for details.
What I really think:  My students are very reluctant to pick up historical fiction even though I am constantly suggesting it. This one may be a slow circulator, but I enjoyed it enough to purchase it.

Cody and the Rules of Life (#3)

Springstubb, Tricia. Cody and the Rules of Life (#3)
April 11th 2017 by Candlewick Press
E ARC from Netgalley.com

Cody's brother Wyatt has a new obsession-- a bicycle. Specifically, a very spiffy bike that he saves up a large amount of money to purchase. Cody feels that this is taking up too much of his time, and misses hanging out with him. She has a new friend, Pearl, and has her first sleepover. Pearl suggests that they trade toys, and Cody reluctantly agrees to let Pearl have Gremlin, her favorite toy and confidant that her brother gave her. When Wyatt's bike is stolen, Cody wishes she had Gremlin back to talk to, and eventually "borrows" him back, letting Pearl think that he has been stolen. Cody also suspects that the Meens have stolen the bike, and at one point there is a big chase to get the bike back. Cody has to come clean to Pearl and hope that their friendship can be saved.
Strengths: I love Cody's busy but supportive family. Her mother is especially amusing, since she is the manager of the shoe department in a local store but doesn't cook or handle the home situation terribly well. Wyatt is a typical teen, and his relationship with Cody realistic. Cody's teacher is fun as well-- his shirt is tucked in and his hair is combed in the morning, but he's a mess by the end of the day. The fact that he is firm and has set rules, and Cody likes him anyway is a good example to set.
Weaknesses: Even though Cody's feelings toward Gremlin are completely accurate, this portion of the book does take the interest level to a lower grade.
What I really think: This is a great series for elementary school students that even does well with my reluctant middle school ones, since the books are short and have appealing illustrations.

Cartoon Saturday- Ugly Cat &Pablo

Quintero, Isabel and Knight, Tom. Ugly Cat & Pablo
April 25th 2017 by Scholastic Press
E ARC provided by Edelweiss Above the Treeline

Ugly Cat and his mouse friend, Pablo, decide that they will go to the local park where a food festival is being held. Ugly Cat loves paletas, and the two come up with a sure fire plan to get one. Pablo will scare a little girl, she will scream and drop her food, and the two friends can feast. Things go badly wrong when the little girl captures Pablo to feed to her pet snake instead of screaming! When Ugly Cat manages to free Pablo, the mouse mistakenly thinks the cat has decided to eat him. Will the two friends be able to work out their problems... and feast on chicharrones?
Strengths: I really enjoyed the pictures in this one, and it was a pleasant tale of an unlikely friendship. The touches of Latino culture were interesting. I can see this being very popular in elementary schools.
Weaknesses: It would have been nice to have a glossary of Spanish terms in the back; I could figure most of them out, but I did have to look up some.
What I really think: This is a bit too young for my students, but I did enjoy it.

Guy Friday- Chester and Gus

McGovern, Cammie. Chester and Gus
April 4th 2017 by HarperCollins
Copy provided by Young Adult Books Central

Chester is a chocolate lab who is trained as a puppy to be an assistance dog by Penny. When he fails the test because he startles significantly at loud noises, he is offered to a family with a severely autistic son. Penny is not pleased, because Chester is very bright, and she asks Sarah, Gus' stressed out mother, to continue with Chester's training to read flashcards. Sarah agrees, but Gus is not happy with having a dog, and the transition is rough. The school allows the dog in as a therapy dog, but the other teacher in Gus' grade is not pleased. Gus does not speak, and has frequent bathroom accidents, although Chester is able to realize that he is fond of one of the cafeteria ladies, and hopes that he can get Gus to communicate his passions with his parents and teacher. Eventually, the school decides that only certified assistance dogs can be in the school, but when Gus has a seizure, Sarah hopes that Chester can accompany him to school as a seizure dog. Gus is returned briefly to Penny, who doesn't train him for seizure awareness at first, concentrating instead on his ability to read. Eventually, Chester and Gus are able to go to school together and Gus begins to make some progress. 

Like Rorby's How to Speak Dolphin and Baskin's Anything But Typical, Chester and Gus explores how a character on the autism spectrum fits into his world. Told from the point of view of the dog, we don't see as much of Gus' feelings, but we do see more of the reactions from the people around him. Sarah's frustration and hope are palpable, his teacher's kindness and patience shine through, and we even see Penny's complicated relationship with the dogs she trains. Chester is an exceptionally bright dog, and telling the story through his eyes gives it a fresh appeal to middle grade readers. 

Autism is a complicated condition, and is not the same from individual to individual. Gus' seizure disorder makes his medical care even more complicated. Schools have different policies as to how to handle service animals, and I thought that the way the school dealt with Chester was true to life. Since Gus lacked skills in dealing with other students, I can see how a classroom teacher might encourage children to interact with Chester as long as they also included Gus, even though children are usually encouraged to leave service animals alone. 

Dog stories like A Dog's Purpose are becoming very popular, and Chester's tale will be popular with readers who enjoy Klimo's Dog Diaries, Pyron's A Dog's Way Home, and Martin's Everything for a Dog. 

That said, something about this made me uncomfortable. The adults in the story were not always honest. Sarah gets the dog accepted into the school under false pretenses, since Chester is not certified. Penny is too emotionally involved and is set on teaching Chester to read. The other teacher is just not helpful and doesn't consider anyone but herself when getting Chester removed from the school. We have an autism spectrum unit at our school, and had a student with a therapy dog, but that process seemed to be more well thought out. I have no concrete objections, but some things just did not feel right. Our autism unit teacher did not like this. She thought it was too far fetched that the dog could read the boy's thoughts and felt, like I did, that Gus was not engaging as a character. I am going to pass. 

Terry, Ellie. Forget Me Not
March 14th 2017 by Feiwel & Friends

ARC from Baker and Taylor

Calli' mother moves every time she breaks up with a boyfriend. This time, Calli meets a neighbor boy, Jin, who seems nice. Since she has Tourette's Syndrome but has been instructed to never tell anyone, Calli has a hard time fitting in. She wears odd vintage clothing to try to deflect attention, but it doesn't work. Jin like her and wants to be nice to her, but doesn't want his friends to make fun of him. Calli eventually manages to tell her teacher about her condition and gets a little more understanding, but then her mother moves yet again. The chapters from Calli's perspective are in verse, but Jin's are in prose.
Strengths: There is a lot of good information about what it is like to have Tourette's. The author's note states that her experience with the condition is similar to Calli's, and that she herself was told not to tell people that was what was causing her difficulties. The friendship between Calli and Jin is endearing. 
Weaknesses: This is definitely a sad book, and Calli's mother is very dysfunctional. I have had students with Tourette's, and even twenty years ago they told the school what their challenges were, so I don't know that this book illustrates what usually happens in schools today. Also, I'd love to know where Calli shops, because it's hard to find vintage clothing in tween sizes!
What I really think: Think I will pass, although I would like to see a character with Tourette's in a book, although perhaps not a book in verse. 

Panda-Monium

Gibbs, Stuart. Panda-monium
April 4th 2017 by Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
E ARC from Netgalley.com

When the refrigerated truck delivering the new panda to the zoo where Teddy lives arrives empty, the authorities don't know what to do. Not only is the much anticipated panda missing, but the vet sent to take care of it has been kidnapped as well. The driver of the rig, as well as Marge, who was sent for security, heard nothing of the apparent explosion that left burn marks on the door. This is a huge catastrophe for the zoo, since all pandas really belong to China, and the zoo was responsible for the panda's well being. It's also a public relation nightmare, since many panda fans have shown up at the zoo. Teddy, along with Summer McCracken, the daughter of the zoo's owner, know that something is up. Even with federal authorities chiming in (including Marge's much more polished sister), no one can figure out what has happened to Li-Ping until Teddy puts together all of his observations and is able to locate the missing animal. 
Strengths: This had a couple of good twists, continued fun with Summer, and some interesting interactions with the dolphins that added a secondary mystery. 
Weaknesses: This had one similarity to Poached--Li-Ping needs special bamboo in the same way the koala needed eucalyptus, and this was the main clue that helped Teddy figure out who had the panda. You'd think the adults would know to use this clue.
What I really think: These are always enjoyable, and the covers are very appealing. A great series that is very popular with my mystery and humor fans!

Gardens and Butterflies

Cheng, Andrea. The Year of the Garden (Anna Wang 0.5)
April 11th 2017 by HMH Books for Young Readers
E ARc from Edelweiss Above the Treeline

Anna is a little scared to have moved out of her apartment in Manor Court and to start a new school for third grade, but she likes having more space, especially when she finds a place where she can garden. Her mother cleans for the Shepherds, a kind elderly couple who give Anna some seeds and a copy of The Secret Garden. Anna finds a place near her house to clear for gardening, and meets a neighbor, Laura, who has just moved to Cincinnati from a farm in Indiana. The two start a great garden, but once school begins, Laura is more interested in playing soccer with her friends. School is okay otherwise, and Anna likes her teacher, who gives lessons on things like "Reduce, Reuse and Recycle". During the winter, the two girls find an abandoned bunny, which Laura's mother drives to her sister's farm in Indiana so it can survive. The girls reconnect at the farm, and once they get back home, are better friends.
Strengths: This is a great story about how friendships adapt to outside influences, and the gardening aspect is great. My friend Wendy and I found baby bunnies when we were in second grade, so this is spot on with elementary interests, especially when it comes to friend drama. Also positive-- neither of the Shepherds, while ailing, die. This series does well with my struggling 6th grade readers.
Weaknesses: I found it hard to believe that a third grader would read The Secret Garden.
What I really think: I will definitely purchase, and am sad that Cheng passed away in 2015.

Ain, Beth. Izzy Kline Has Butterflies
March 7th 2017 by Random House Books for Young Readers
ARC provided by Young Adult Books Central

Izzy is wary of starting fourth grade and anxious about everything-- her parents' divorce, her older brother's pierced tongue and emotional distance, her friends at school.There are annoying boys, a class play (based on Free To Be...You and Me), and a best friend with a potentially serious health issue. Izzy manages to navigate these issues in a realistic way as the year progresses.

Novels in verse are a good way to offer impressions of events, and are frequently a good choice for classroom read alouds. I can see this being used as a springboard for discussions on a variety of topics. What should fourth graders know about divorced parents? Sick friends? Siblings who are maturing? Feeling anxious? Fourth grade is always a hot bed of friendship drama, with girls being mean to each other, children having first crushes, and girls and boys trying to get along despite different ways of reacting to situations. School projects also can be interesting and frightening at the same time, and acting in a play can be both exhilarating and frightening.

There are a growing number of novels in verse for younger reads, such as Shovan's The Last Fifth Grade of Emerson Elementary and Sternberg's Like Pickle Juice on a Cookie. The verse isn't formulaic like Helen Frost's work, but still manages to be poetic and emotionally evocative. This was also thematically reminiscent of Linda Urban's work or Barbara O'Connor's Wish.

Too young for my students, and not my cup of tea. Divorce, friend with cancer, too much sadness. I'm very picky about novels in verse. I also could not tell what year this was set. Free To Be...You and Me? That would put it in the 1980s for me (since there is a videotaped version of it), but at one point, a fourth grader is reading Love, Stargirl, which came out in 2007.

Timeslip Tuesday- The Titanic Mission

Gutman, Dan. The Titanic Mission (Flashback Four #2)
April 4th 2017 by HarperCollins
E ARC from Edelweiss Above the Treeline

Luke, Isabel, David, and Julia were not able to bring back their photograph from The Lincoln Project, so Ms. Vandergoth fires them... only to be swayed by their proposal to go back and get a picture of the Titanic. Even though they managed to get one billion dollar Text Through Time device smashed, she gives them another one and sends them off to the Titanic. They aren't too worried-- of course they will be removed once they get their picture, well before they sink with the ship. The children have a variety of experiences on board, are tempted to steal a priceless object (since it's going to be lost anyway!), and meet a number of people who are on board. When the ship starts to sink, things go badly wrong. A Titanic deck hand is mistakenly brought back to the present, but the children are not able to make it back. What will this mean to their future?
Strengths: I love Gutman's voice, and adore his Baseball Card Adventures. He has some interesting notes at the end of the book about the fate of the Titanic and the continued interest in it. His characters are a good mix of personalities. I can see this being very popular with elementary students.
Weaknesses: The Titanic is a popular site for time travelers. I'd love to see The Flashback Four visit a somewhat more unusual historic event. The first Olympic Marathon would be fun, and bring into play Gutman's great sports background.
What I really think: I'm still feeling weepy about the last book in the Baseball Card Adventures series.

The Football Girl.

It's Marvelous Middle Grade Monday at Ramblings of a Wannabe Scribe and #IMWAYR day at Teach Mentor Texts and Unleashing Readers. It's also Nonfiction Monday.


Heldring, Thatcher. The Football Girl.
April 4th 2017 by Delacorte Press
Public library copy

Tessa is a great athlete-- she runs in a local race with her friends Marina and Lexie and wins first place, putting her on the radar of the high school cross country coach. She is also passionate about football, which she has played in the park for years with her friend Caleb. Since the boys with whom she has played will be spending their time practicing with the high school team, Tessa is crushed when she botches an important play in the last game she may ever play, especially when Caleb and the other players are approached by the high school coach and invited to summer football camp. Tessa would like to participate as well, at least long enough to have some redeeming moment. She knows that it's nothing groundbreaking, but her interest bubbles up in an interview the news is doing with her mother, who is running for mayor. Caleb's not sure how he feels about this. He knows that Tessa is a phenomenal player, and he would like to see her on the team, but he's afraid of how his peers will treat her, and also how they will treat him if his girlfriend is "the football girl". Caleb has a few family conflicts, since his older brother is not joining the family business, and Tessa's parents are consumed with her mother's political career. Tessa's time at football camp ends up being less newsworthy than everyone imagines, but will she be able to prove herself? And what really is she proving?

This book had so many perfect lines and situations that I want to quote half the book right here, but it would ruin it. There are tiny moments of surprise and revelation at every turn, and they are written in such a subtle and sweet way. It's an issue book that proves that a lot of times, the issue is really being true to oneself and ones goals. I want to hand this book to every single reader I have who loves sports!

Both Tessa and Caleb are portrayed realistically, in both their own feelings and how they treat each other. Granted, they both exhibit ideal behavior in the end, but I'm a big proponent of positive thinking and productive example! The two are friends who slowly like each other more. They make missteps. They do outright stupid things. But ultimately, they make sense of their world and make the best possible choices, and Caleb is able to say exactly the right thing to Tessa.

The families and community are great as well. They don't drop everything as this unfolds. It's not the biggest drama in the world to them, but they acknowledge that it is to Caleb and Tessa. I especially loved that the coach didn't really blink. We're not really sure if he thinks Tessa won't make it, if he just doesn't want to bother, or if he truly believes Tessa will be fine on the team. He just lets her play. Isn't that what we want?

For teachers and librarians who never read sports books-- if you only read one football book in your entire career, let it be this one. Heldring manages to capture the reality of modern day feminism from both the male and female viewpoint, and presents it in a compact (under 200 pages!), interesting way that is laced with enough football language to appeal to readers.

Stealing Tessa and Caleb's moment that is captured by a local news photographer, I truly want to hold hands with this book on the top of a hill at sunset. Run as fast as Tessa can run to get your copy right now.

MMGM- Insects!

It's Marvelous Middle Grade Monday at Ramblings of a Wannabe Scribe and  #IMWAYR day at Teach Mentor Texts and Unleashing Readers. It's also Nonfiction Monday. 



Collard, Sneed B. III. Insects: The Most Fun Bug Book Ever
March 1st 2017 by Charlesbridge Publishing
Copy provided by the publisher

What exactly are insects, and why should we care that there are almost a million different species of them? In a fast-paced, jovial style, Sneed Collard tells us this information and more! Covering basic bug facts (hatching, growing up, defenses, diet, etc.), this volume introduces readers entomology using fantastic photographs and an amusing, conversational tone. While I am normally annoyed by phrases like "Righteous exoskeleton, dude!", these fun phrases really helped lighten the tone of the book and kept me reading! Young readers who are interested in insects will eat this up like a deep fried termite, and those reluctant to pick up a nonfiction book will be drawn in by the close up views of insects and and the interesting information.

This book had a great balance of pictures and text, with some informative sidebars providing further information and anecdotes about particular types of insects. The photography is excellent, making this a great resource for classroom teachers; I can see chapters of this being read aloud to accompany a science class unit on insects. There is enough information that this could be used for research projects, and it's also great fun just to read. Finding a nonfiction book that fits all of these uses is an extremely rare occurrence!

Collard doesn't just provided information about insects; he makes sure to tie this information into reader's daily lives. He encourages them to go out and look at insects in the world around them and emphasizes the need for everyone to be knowledgeable about the world around and the impacts that humans have on it. This book is an essential purchase for elementary and middle school libraries.


Hale, Bruce. Mutant Mantis Lunch Ladies
March 7th 2017 by Disney-Hyperion
Copy provided by the publisher

Carlos and Benny are back after The Curse of the Were-Hyena, and this time are fighting formidable opponents-- the lunch ladies seem to have an evil agenda that includes feeding the boys and girls different food. The girls are starting to manifest typical middle school boy behaviors, and the lunch ladies seem to occasionally morph into giant bugs. When a 2nd grader goes missing, the boys decide to investigate with the help of comic store owner Ms. Tamasese, although their friend Tina is being super weird and unhelpful, so they can't ask her for assistance. They eventually track down a scientist who was involved in experiements with insects, and realize what a big threat the lunch ladies could be if they are not contained!
Strengths: There aren't a lot of books involving monsters, and my students do ask for them. This one had a lot of fun adventures, plenty of gross moments, and a fast paced plot. This series will be popular with students who like Gilman's Tales from Lovecraft Middle School.
Weaknesses: I don't remember the first book being this small size or having the lenticular cover. I would rather the book be a slightly larger format-- the print was on the small size.
What I really think: I really thought I had bought the first book in the series, but I seem not to have. Putting on the list, although I want to check to see the size of the print. I know that sounds silly, but my readers who want tales about monsters are also very apt to put a book down if it doesn't meet their exacting specifications.

Viva Rose! and Dreaming the Bear

Krawitz, Susan. Viva, Rose!
March 30th 2017 by Holiday House
ARC provided by publisher at ALA

Rose is growing up in El Paso, Texas in the 1920s. Her parents immigrated from Poland, and Rose's brother Abraham is working in New York City with other relatives. When Rose sees a  newspaper in the general store, however, she sees her brother in a picture... with the infamous outlaw, Pancho Villa! She is appalled, and asks her teacher (who is romantically involved with her brother) what is going on. The teacher seems to know a little bit, but before Rose can work matters out, she is captured by outlaws and taken into the desert where she meets the revolutionary himself. Her brother is around, but going by the name of Solomon, and currently is on a mission away from the camp. Rose is taken in and made a playmate to the bratty Dorotea, the orphaned charge of Villa. Rose (who, according to her mother, is practically old enough to get married at the age of 13) chafes at being captive and just wants to find her brother and make him come back home. In the meantime, however, she has a great adventure in the US Southwest at a time when adventure was hard to come by for young girls.
Strengths: First of all, this is a great cover. Holiday House has struggled with some really awful covers, so I'm glad that the last few things I've read from them have much better ones. This covers an interesting yet unknown to me era of history. I honestly didn't know Villa's floruit and went into this thinking it was set in the 1860s. The car and airplane showing up alerted me to my error. While this was certainly informative, I think the thing I liked the most was the depiction of immigrants from the Old Country who moved beyond New York! This story moved along quickly, and Rose was definitely feisty and likable.
Weaknesses: I cannot get my students to read books set in the West. I have some good ones, but they just aren't interested. No idea why.
What I really think: I am debating purchase. I think it will be a hard sell, but I would very much like my readers to pick it up.



Thebo, Mimi. Dreaming the Bear
April 10th 2017 by Wendy Lamb Books
ARC from Baker and Taylor

Darcy isn't happy with her parents. They have dragged her away from her nice English town and stranded her out in the wilderness near Yellowstone Park so her mother can study bears. Darcy is recovering from pneumonia and is very weak. She's supposed to go hiking outside to build up her strength, but not get wet. At one point, she finds an injured bear in a cave and starts to feed the bear, who becomes very close to her. There is a horrible blizzard while her mother is away doing work, and Darcy, her father, her brother Jem and Jem's cute friend Tony hunker down in the cabin for almost a week while the mother flies back to England to visit, since she can't get home. Eventually, the bear becomes ill, Darcy is found out, and things get ugly.
Strengths: I loved the descriptions of being snowed in and of living in a desolate area. No internet! Modern children would be very confused!
Weaknesses: This had a rather disjointed style, and I was confused by the bits with the bear sometimes.
What I really think: Had its moments, but I will probably pass. A bit too British for my readers, and I got tired of hearing about Darcy's health.

Gone Camping/ Big and Little Questions

Wissinger, Tamera Will. Gone Camping: A Novel in Verse
March 28th 2017 by HMH Books for Young Readers
E ARC from Edelweiss Above the Treeline

Lucy and Sam are all ready to go camping, but when their dad wakes up with a bad cold and their mom thinks she should stay home with him, their grandfather is enlisted to take them. They have lots of fun doing the sorts of things that one does while camping. The poems tell the story, and the type of each poem is listed at the top, as well as explained in the back, which is a nice touch. The illustrations are fun in a Quentin Blake kind of way. If the poems were longer, I would buy this, but the poetry projects that get assigned at my school usually require poems of at least 40 words. The story was a little young for middle school as well. Enjoyed, but don't think this would circulate well in my library. 

Bowe, Julie. Big and Little Questions (According to Wren Jo Byrd)
March 21st 2017 by Kathy Dawson Books
Copy provided by the publisher

Wren has had to spend the summer with her grandparents because her parents are divorcing, and she is too scared to tell her best friend Amber why she had to be gone, so didn't even explain why she had to miss Amber's birthday party. In Wren's absence, Amber has become good friends with the new girl, Marianna. Marianna lives in a big house and is very stylish and snobby-- she calls Wren "Tweety" in a mean way that she claims is joking. The school year is difficult for Wren, who tries to hide the fact that her parents are living separately, even though she has to take the bus to her father's after school. Other things are changing, too-- at recess, the girls no longer want to pretend to be horses, but talk about boys and lip gloss. Wren slowly comes to accept her parents situation, her mother and father go on with their lives, and Wren starts to understand that things are not perfect for Marianna, either. 
Strengths: This was a great way to present some serious elementary issues-- Wren's emotions are given the attention they deserve, but her life isn't overly sad. She hides things that are bothering her, and is able to get help when she finally seeks it. This seems like a pitch perfect way to describe one girl's reaction to her parents' divorce and the even more traumatic loss of her best friend to a girl who is mean to her. Really enjoyed this one.
Weaknesses: Not thinking of any. Even Wren's mom's insistence that Marianna walk with Wren to the library one day a week is something that is completely realistic. I guess I would have preferred if Wren had been a 7th grader, because I do deal with students of this age who are experiencing divorce and friend drama.
What I really think:  This is perfect for elementary school, but the emotions surrounding this issue are slightly different in middle school. A definite purchase for elementary libraries, and some middle school libraries.

Jake the Fake Keeps it Real

Robinson, Mansbach and Knight. Jake the Fake Keeps it Real

March 28th 2017 by Crown Books for Young Readers
ARC provided by the publisher

Jake has auditioned for the Music and Arts Academy that his sister Lisa attends, but feels that he got in because he cheated on the test. The song he played for the audition is the only one he knows, so he doesn't feel that he really belongs. This feeling is reinforced when he meets the other students who do have special skills. The teaching methods at the school are a bit unorthodox, but he likes his teacher, Mr. Allen, well enough, and the food in the cafeteria is phenomenally good. His best friend from his old school, Evan, listens to his tale of woe and tells Jake that he's doing it all wrong. The two decide that if Jake really wants to fit in, he has to be weird. Jake starts acting on this, starting a sculpture of garbage in the cafeteria that gets him in trouble briefly-- for not working on it in the proper place. Jake uses his new philosophy to try to be successful at No Instruments Music Class and the other activities, although he is very worried about the obligatory talent show. Will Jake realize what his true talent is in time?
Strengths: It's great to see a Notebook Novel with a character of color, and this follows the formula for a successful book quite well. Jake is a well-meaning but insecure character, he has a supportive family, his school and friends are quirky, and there are lots of funny situations. I appreciated that there is a plot (will his lack of talent be found out?) as well as character development. The portrayal of an arts magnet school was fairly realistic.
Weaknesses: This had moments of unrealistic quirkiness, but my students will not be bothered by them.
What I really think: This one will be popular with middle grade students, and falls somewhere in between the Big Nate books (Which I adore.) and the Wimpy Kid books (Which needs plots. And character development.).What I would really like to see is a series of Notebook Novels done by Robb Armstrong, who writes Jump Start.

Tending toward blather these days?

Heldring, Thatcher. The Football Girl
4 April 2017, Delacorte Press

Review coming on Monday.

No, I don't know why I loved this book SO MUCH. I'm a little obsessed with it right now. I stalked the poor author on Twitter. I'm going to hunt down an 8th grade boy who's read all of the football books in the library and force him to take my public library copy to read after testing. I want to buy about ten copies. It gave me a horrible book hangover last night. You know, the kind where you close the book and you can't pick up anything else because the book was so good that all other books are dead to you. And you overuse italics. Whew.

Testing today. 5/7ths of the day spent relocating people and computers and dealing with tiny emergencies. This is the third day in a row. I don't mind testing-- I loved it when I was a student. But that was only two days. With makeups and whatnot, the library ends up being closed more than I would like. My students need to get into the library once a week, and I just never know if that is possible during most of April.

This has been the sort of year where every day has been jam packed with classes, research and students. Yesterday I was able to sit down for ten whole minutes and work on a power point during the school day. It takes some getting used to!

Plus, I'm wearing this t shirt AND JEANS at work today. And tennis shoes. It is truly a sign of the end times!

Go have a great weekend.

Happy Blather!

 Voting for the 10^th Annual Children’s & Teen Choice Book Awards is taking place NOW till May 7^th. Check out the 2017 finalists here, and voice your choice at everychildareader.net/vote. Don’t forget to follow the Every Child a Reader Instagram for daily features on finalists in every category to help you make your choice!

So excited about the new MAX books from Aladdin! They are going to be similar to the wildly popular M!X books, but for boys. There is a great article at Publishers' Weekly about the line, and a page with the titles listed. 

I really need a pair of the promotional socks for one of my supervisors who really understands what I do all day! And if anyone asks, I do have my Level 2 Magical Unicorn certificate in my portfolio, and we did discuss it at my preconference. 

Point Guard

Lupica, Mike. Point Guard (Home Team #3)
March 28th 2017 by Simon & Schuster Books for Young 
Copy received from the publisher. 

After the depress fests that were The Only Game and The Extra Yard, Point Guard is a huge relief. This book centers on Gus, whose family is from the Dominican Republic. His friends think that he should be more interested in baseball, but he's taken a real liking to basketball. The problem? His good friend Cassie, who is a crackerjack player on the girls' team, thinks the boys' team would offer her more of a challenge. Gus is okay with this... so why does it bother him? He has some good reasons-- Cassie beats out Teddy for a spot, and with her on the team, a lot of the focus is taken away from the team and put on the GIRL on the team. Cassie eventually picks up on his attitude, and the two have difficult moments on and off the court. Gus' sister Angela is very level headed about the whole matter and regularly slaps Gus around a bit, and he eventually is able to get himself together for the good of the team and of his friends. Add to the drama the mayor's son, who along with his father thinks that Walton shouldn't have so many immigrants, and you get a timely (but soon to be dated by mentions of Trump) and thought provoking basketball story. 
Strengths: I loved that Cassie made the boys' team on her own merit, and that the boys acknowledged that she was really the best athlete at their school. This will rub some of my readers the wrong way, which they deserve! Hard to believe that over 40 years after Title IX we are still fighting this battle. Sigh. Good for Lupica for addressing it. Also, I'm very glad that the mood of this one was lighter. The other two books-- whew. Walton needs some serious counseling in the schools!
Weaknesses: Gus' constant rehashing of his feelings gets old pretty soon. I understand why it's there, but I just wanted to tell him to suck it up, buttercup. 
What I really think: An improvement, but I wish that these were less message heavy and a little more fun. 

#WNDB Wednesday- Cilla Lee-Jenkins

Tan, Susan. Cilla Lee-Jenkins: Future Author Extraordinaire
March 28th 2017 by Roaring Brook Press
E ARC from Edelweiss Above the Treeline

Cilla has many of the same concerns that many almost nine year olds do-- she is worried about getting along with her best friend, concerned about school work and making the teacher happy, and struggling with the impending birth of a new sibling, whom she calls "The Blob". In addition, she is worried that her two sets of grandparents, both of whom she adores, don't get along with each other. She's fine with being half Chinese, but worries that her grandparents don't like each other, since they rarely socialize with each other. Cilla is also determined to write a best seller before her sibling is born, so that she will have something to set her apart and keep her from being forgotten.
Strengths: Ms. Tan spoke at ALA Midwinter, and it was very interesting to see how much of this book was pulled from her own life. Cilla's concerns are valid, and sympathetically portrayed. I appreciated that while she was concerned about the cultural differences that seemed to be keeping her grandparents apart, they weren't the entire focus of the story. The adults who occasionally inquired of Cilla "What are you?" were a nice touch-- clearly, Cilla is an author. The illustrations add to the appeal, and Ms. Tan talked about how they actually informed her writing a bit. This is a great choice for elementary students who are fans of Junie B. Jones and Amber Brown. A second book is in the works.
Weaknesses: This was too young for middle school. There's a big difference between how problems are perceived in 3rd grade and 6th through 8th, and the friend problems, impending sibling, and interactions with parents aren't quite on point for older students. Perhaps some day we will see an upper middle grade friend drama from Ms. Tan.
What I really think: Intriguing new author who was able to hold her own on a panel with Scott Westerfeld and LeUyen Pham, which had to be nerve wracking! Will watch her progress with interest.

Cooner, Donna. Worthy 
March 28th 2017 by Scholastic
Public Library Copy

Linden is enjoying high school, although she is more interested in her future writing career than in playing all of the popularity games. Her long time friend and neighbor Max thinks she is doing pretty well for herself, but aside from her outspoken friend Nikki, Linden doesn't hang out with two many people. When the very cute Alex shows her some attention, she is very pleased, especially since prom is coming up, and who doesn't want to go to prom? They embark on a sweet relationship, but when a new app, Worthy, starts causing trouble in school, Linden is concerned. Her friend Nikki is able to fight back when her own relationship is in the spotlight, but Linden thinks the app is why Alex won't go to the prom with her. Who is behind the app, and why is it so detrimental to the self-esteem of the girls whom it targets?
Strengths: I am so glad that this is appropriate for middle school girls. Books like Steele's The Market and other books that address popularity or social media are very popular, especially with 8th grade girls. Cooner's Skinny is also popular, so I'm definitely purchasing this. It had a lot of good messages, a sweet romance, and a cover that will appeal to my readers.
Weaknesses: I am not a modern teenager, so I had some problems with understanding the whole social game aspect. See note below!
What I really think: Definitely purchasing, but glad I read it first, having just had my eyeballs singed by Mlynowski's I See London, I See France. (NOT middle grade. Or high school. Maybe for adults. Maybe.)

Blather:
Just this weekend, I decided that the differences between my daughters' perception of social worth and my own could be explained by Colbie Caillat's song "Try". Not all of it, but a lot. When I heard the song, I could definitely agree that girls don't have to spend money and wear makeup, but to not TRY? Hmmm. My mother disagrees, and also would like to tell you to go put some lipstick on and TAKE YOUR HANDS OUT OF YOUR POCKETS. And, really, would it have hurt you to do something with your hair? It's looking awfully flat right now. And no, you don't need that piece of bread. That skirt looks a bit tight.

Is it a good thing that I didn't pass this super critical voice-in-my-head on to my own girls? Perhaps the thought that they don't have to try is what makes them think they are always gorgeous. I know that trying is critical to all of life's successes, and I clearly don't try hard enough. But the concept of not trying is also why teachers at my school think leggings are appropriate for work. I'm too old to think this is true.

Argh. Testing for the next three days, so weirdly slow and tense days in the library. I decided over the weekend to stop wearing turtlenecks because it is April, but this led to not a single solitary thing I am wearing today being a good idea! I will hear my mother's voice in my head all day long.

Cavern of Secrets (Wing and Claw #2)

Park, Linda Sue. Cavern of Secrets (Wing and Claw #2)
March 7th 2017 by HarperCollins
E ARC from Edelweiss Above the Treeline

Raffa and Kuma have escaped Gilden in The Forest of Wonders, and are watching their animal friends wake up from hibernation. Roo is still hunted by the Chancellor, but Twig is perky and talking. Echo the bat, however, is sluggish, and Raffa feels they need to return home to get Echo help. They encounter Garith on their way back, and Raffa is still consumed with guilt that he caused his cousin's deafness. Stopping by Kuma's settlement, the children are there were it is attacked by crows and foxes, and weevils are dropped into the grain stores. This tells them that the Chancellor is still dosing animals and bending them to his evil bidding. At Raffa's home, things are not good. Jimble and Trixin tell them that Raffa's uncle has a glass house full of the scarlet vine, which is probably being used on animals. This may have bad side effects that weren't previously known, so Raffa is determined to get to the bottom of the matter. When they hear that the Chancellor is going to attack the slums next, Raffa sets fire to an enclosure, but his father is the one arrested. Raffa sneaks into the trial and confesses, so he and his father are both imprisoned!
Strengths: For a book with a map at the front of it, this is very clearly written and fast-paced. While it includes the fantasy trope of children fighting encroaching evil, the inclusion of the herb lore makes this interesting-- the children are going in search of plants instead of a magical audience. The cliff hanger at the end of this will make readers want to pick up the next book. 
Weaknesses: Not quite my personal cup of tea, with talking bats and odd names, but the first book has circulated well in my library. 
What I really think: Will have to buy a copy, but prefer this author's realistic fiction. 

Lauren, Ruth. Prisoner of Ice and Snow
April 4th 2017 by Bloomsbury
ARC from publisher at ALA

Valor is the daughter of two powerful members of the queen of Demidora's trusted elite-- her mother is the head game keeper. When her sister Sasha is arrested and imprisoned for the theft of a jewel box meant to end the threat of war between their country and Magadanskya, Valor foolishly pretends to attempt an assasination of Prince Anatol in order to have herself thrown in the same prison. She is successful, and takes poor street urchin Feliks down with her. THe prison is brutally strict, even the section for children, most of whom are serving time for thievery. Rations are meager, children work constantly, and punishments are swift and severe for the most minor of infractions. Valor maintains her outspoken ways, to the consternation of her roommate, but makes contact with her sister, Sasha. Sasha is appalled that her twin thinks she would have stolen the jewel box, and Valor is even more motivated to break her sister out when she discovers she was framed. No one has broken out of the prison for 300 years. Can Valor, along with her rag tag band of criminals, not only escape the prison, but find the real thief and restore peace to the kingdom and honor to her family?
Strengths: Well written, with an accessible fantasy adventure, this should appeal to fans of Frozen as well as 7th grade girls who want depressing books. I have a lot of readers working through Pierce's Alanna right now, and this might be a good stand alone to follow that. This had lots of good girl power-- the kingdom is a matriarchy, which is why Anatol's sister Anastasia plays such a big part. 
Weaknesses: Valor was not a likable character to me. Anastasia is downright despicable, but there's no good motivation for her deviousness, other than some jealousy. The plot seemed very predictable, and the fantasy world was standard.
What I really think: This will be very popular with readers who like action/adventure fantasy. I just didn't like it personally.