A Crooked Kind of Perfect by Linda Urban Realistic Fiction * * * * * Stars (Amazing!) Zoe Elias is ten, going on eleven, and she’s planning to be the next child prodigy playing piano at Carnegie Hall. Unfortunately, her father sidetracks her big plans by getting her an organ (the Perfectone D60) instead of the baby grand piano she’s got her heart set on. No matter. Zoe decides to become proficient at the Perfectone … Read more
The Wimpy Kid Movie Diary by Jeff Kinney Juvenile Non-fiction * * * Stars (Pretty good) Jeff Kinney has written a behind-the-scenes look at the Wimpy Kid Movie that’s just as entertaining as his bestselling book series. Not only does it capture the same humor and charm of Greg Heffley’s diaries, but it also provides a lot of insider information about how movies get made (and, of course, how this movie in particular was made). … Read more
Fablehaven Fablehaven #1 by Brandon Mull Fantasy * * * * * Stars (Amazing!) Kendra and Seth believe they are in for a long boring visit at their grandparents’ country home. The wooded property begs to be explored, but they are not allowed to enter the woods or go into the barn, and there are so many rules, they will never have any fun! Deciding to bend the rules, they venture out and discover … Read more
The Great Doughnut Parade by Rebecca Bond Picture book * * * * * Stars (Amazing!) This picture book bounces along with delightful rhythm as more and more townspeople join in an impromptu parade. The story invites reading aloud. Reviewed by dluetscher
A Season of Gifts by Richard Peck Historical Fiction * * * * Stars (Great!) Richard Peck is an author of several award-winning historical fiction books for kids. In A Season for Gifts, he has written another exceptional story. Set in the 1950’s, this is the story of 12-year-old Bob, his family and his experiences as the new kid in town. This novel is filled with remarkable characters, including the older teenage sister who begins … Read more
The Curious Garden by Peter Brown Picture book * * * * Stars (Great!) When Liam is out exploring (he seems to be the only one in his city that enjoys being outside) he discovers some plants struggling to grow between the rails of an abandoned elevated railway. He starts tending these plants, even though he doesn’t have much experience with gardening, and he gradually learns how to care for them. The plants flourish and … Read more
The Ghost in the Tokaido Inn by Thomas and Dorothy Hoobler Historical Fiction Juvenile Fiction Mystery * * * * Stars (Great!) Seikei is the son of a merchant in ancient Japan, but he longs to escape his current station and become a noble samurai – one of the knights of Japan. He gets his chance when he notices a mysterious figure in the dark while he and his father are staying at an inn. … Read more
The Rules of Survival by Nancy Werlin Realistic Fiction Suspense Thriller * * * Stars (Pretty Good) Matthew knows that something has to be done about his mother, Nikki. She’s vicious, unpredictable, abusive, and she’s constantly putting him and his sisters, Callie and Emmy, in danger. So, when he sees Murdoch – a man he doesn’t even know yet – standing up for another kid, he comes up with a plan. Maybe Murdoch will protect … Read more
The Disreputable History of Frankie Landau-Banks by E. Lockhart Realistic Fiction * * * Stars (Pretty good) Frankie blossoms over the summer between her freshman and sophomore years in high school, and when she returns to her elite boarding school (Alabaster), she’s suddenly the focus of a lot of male attention – in particular, gorgeous senior Matthew. They start dating and although Frankie really likes Matthew, she feels like he doesn’t take her seriously. After … Read more