SYLVIA LONG'S THUMBELINA

Author (last name first):
Long, Sylvia

Publisher, Date of Publication: 

Chronicle Books /2010

Grade Level/ or Age Level: 

4th and Up

Classification:  Fiction 

Retelling of the Anderson fairy tale. This was one of my favorite stories as a child. The illustrations are exquisite and very detailed. Several of the layouts turn the book sideways to view the picture and read the text. Tumbelina is tiny and has adventures with the frog, beetle, field mouse, mole and song bird before marring the fairy prince. There is an AR test for this book. 

Reviewer: Nikki Byrd 

HOW TO DRAW COOL FASHIONS

Author (last name first):
Clay, Kathryn

Publisher, Date of Publication: 

Capstone Press/2010

Grade Level/ or Age Level: 

6th and Up

Classification:  Non-Fiction 

  Are you more likely to pick up a fashion magazine then a math book? This book helps you master your inner fashionista. It gives you tips for getting started drawing fashions, and give a list of must- have materials you will need to create many different fashion styles. It teaches you to draw trendy, formal, athletic, 1970's retro, skater, Asian, 1920's retro, winter, summer, and punk styles. The back of the book has a glossary, a list of other books you can read,  internet sites and an index.

Reviewer: Lila Davis

 

THE JONAS BROTHERS

Author (last name first):
Besel, Jennifer M.

Publisher, Date of Publication: 

Capstone Press/2010

Grade Level/ or Age Level: 

1st and Up  

Classification:  Non-Fiction 

The Jonas Brothers isn't just a ban name. Kevin, Joe and Nick are really brothers. Their parents Kevin Sr. and Denise Jonas have always made sure that family comes first. When the brothers were younger Kevin Sr. traveled the country as a minister and songwriter. The family went with him. Paul Kevin Jonas II,  known as Kevin was born in Teaneck, New Jersey, on November 5,1987. One day he was feeling homesick, he found a beginning guitar book and started teaching himself to play. From that moment on he was hooked. Two years later on August 15,1989 his brother Joseph Adam Jonas was born in Casa Grande, Arizona. Growing up Joe was very shy but came out of his shell when he decided to become a comedian. The family was living in Dallas, Texas when Nicholas Jerry Jonas was born on September 16,1992. Nick was born with perfect pitch and loves singing and making music. He also inherited his fathers talent for writing songs. His passion for music eventually led to the Jonas Brother's success. Frankie, the youngest, was born September 28,2000. Frankie also has music in his blood but did not join the Jonas Brother's early because he was to young.The brothers started appearing in LEGO's, Clorox and Burger King commercials. Nick landed roles in Broadway plays. As Nick's career began to take off Joe became more interested in music. He joined Broadway by singing in the opera La Boheme. In November 2005 Nick received news that changed his life forever. At the age of 13, Nick was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes. 

Today Kevin, Joe and Nick draw screaming fans where ever they go. They joined the Disney Corporation and in August 2007 they performed during a Hannah Montana show. After that performance the boys popularity exploded. What happens next only time will tell. 

The cover and the pictures are very nice. At the end of the book there is a glossary, other books about them that you can read. 

Reviewer:Lila Davis

ZAC EFRON

Author (last name first):
Llanas,Sheila Griffin

Publisher, Date of Publication: 

Capstone Press/2010

Grade Level/ or Age Level: 

1st and Up

Classification:  Non-Fiction 

 Zachary Efron was born October 18,1987, in San Luis Obispo California to David and Starla Efron. He has one brother named Dylan Efron who is four years younger. Education was very important to the Efron family. Zac maintained a straight A average and was into lots of sports during school. At the age of eleven Zac was cast in his firs play as a newsboy in the play Gypsy. Zac studied hard to keep his grades up in school but the auditions put a strain on the family finances and time. His parents finally told him he had to get some roles or give up acting. In 2002 he made a small guest appearance on the TV show Firefly. In 2004 Zac's career heated up when he landed a role on the TV drama Summerland.

While working on Summerland. He played a boy with autism in the movie Miracle Run. Soon after Zac learned he would be playing Troy Bolton in High School Musical. It premiered on the Disney Channel movie in January 2006. It is the most watched Disney Channel movie ever. He graduated from Arroyo Grande High School in June 2006.  No matter how big he gets Zac still acts like a regular guy. The cover of the book is well done as well as the pictures of him and his family through out the book.

Reviewer: Lila Davis 

ZINC ALLOY COLDFINGER

Author (last name first):
Lemke, Donald

Publisher, Date of Publication: 

Stone Arch Books/2010

Grade Level/ or Age Level: 

2nd and Up

Classification:  Fiction 

Zack Allen (aka Zinc Alloy) goes on a skiing trip with his parents. When he arrives he meets his crush Monique who is there with her boyfriend Johnny who has entered a skiing competition. Zack wants to impress Monique so he enters too. While getting ready for the competition he falls into a hole in a mountain where Mr. Icee an evil scientist's has a secret laboratory. He discovers that Mr. Icee is planning to freeze the world to make every one in it his minions. Zack puts on his Zinc Alloy suit and fights Mr. Icee. 

The story is very captivating for a young reader. There is a section in the back of the book that explains Zack's abilities,  about the author and illustrator, a glossary, discussion questions, writing prompts, winter vacation survival tips,  and much more. 


Reviewer: Lila Davis

PRINCESS CANDY SUGER HERO

Author (last name first):
Dahl, Michael, & Nickel Scott

Publisher, Date of Publication: 

Stone Arch Books/2010

Grade Level/ or Age Level: 

2nd and Up

Classification:  Fiction 

Halo Nightly (aka Princess Candy) isn't your normal average girl. When Halo turns eleven her grandma nightly, a cab driver, gives her a present from her favorite aunt Pandora. The present contains special candy that gives Halo powers when eaten. Halo's nemesis Doozie Hiss (aka Medusa) is caught stealing a test to maintain her straight A average. Only Doozie isn't a normal girl. Her mother who was a genetic scientist put a special hair gel on Doozie's  hair. It was meant to tame her daughter's hair, but when Doozie's father applys the prototype product, Doozie's hair turns deadly, with her lizard locks. She became the evil Medusa. Princess Candy uses her candy to fight Medusa and turned her into the authorities. There is a section in the back of the book that explains Halo's abilities, about the author and illustrator, glossary, discussion questions, writing prompts, and miscellaneous material.

Reviewer:Lila Davis

PRINCESS CANDY THE GREEN QUEEN OF MEAN

Author (last name first):
Dahl, Michael, & Nickel Scott

Publisher, Date of Publication: 

Stone Arch Books/2010

Grade Level/ or Age Level: 

2nd and Up

Classification:  Fiction 

In another adventure with Halo Nightly (aka Princess Candy) we return to face Halo's enemy Doozie Hiss. When Halo is paired up with the new girl Flora Fawn (aka The Green Queen) for an environmental  project, they finish their project to present it in class the next morning, when Halo leaves her flash drive in her computer Doozie Hiss steals and replaces with a faulty one, they get detention. On her way out Doozie Hiss throws a can on the ground and makes Flora so mad that she turns into The Green Queen. The Green Queen decides to make Doozie pay by using her powers to conjure up a huge snapdragon. Princess Candy uses her magic candy to fight The Green Queen and pulls out a different candy that defeats the snapdragon as well as making a beautiful flower garden. She teaches Doozie to pick up her discarded can, and also teaches Flora that sometimes people need to see what is good instead of hearing what is wrong. There is a section in the back of the book that explains Flora's abilities, about the author and illustrator, a glossary, discussion questions, writing prompts, and much more.

Reviewer: Lila Davis 

THE FAMILY GREENE

Author (last name first):
Rinaldi, Ann

Publisher, Date of Publication: 

Houghton Mifflin Harcourt/2010

Grade Level/ or Age Level: 

6th and Up

Classification:  Fiction 

The author Ann Rinaldi writes a gripping story of the struggle the Greene family goes though in the voices of Catharine(Caty) Littlefield Greene and her daughter Cornelia Greene. In the beginning the narrative is told though Catherine's viewpoint. In May of 1764 Catharine Littlefield is pulled away from the very foundation her parents brought her up on. At the age of 10 she was sent to live with her aunt and names sake Catharine and her uncle Greene because Caty's father wanted to give her a proper upbringing every young lady deserved. When she moved into the house, she realized her aunt Catharine had secrets of her own. Soon Caty learned the ways of the world and married Nathanael Greene  who soon became second in command to General George Washington. She had several children with Nathanael Greene and lived a full and somewhat happy life. The story changes the point of view in part two called Cornelia. Cornelia is Caty's second daughter. Cornelia is a strong and willful child and in 1786 she learns a hard lesson in the struggles of life on the frontier. When her baby sister dies because her mom falls down, Cornelia carries the guilt like a jacket of shame on her shoulders. Her older and spiteful sister Martha Greene weaves a dangerous tale of deception about their mother to hurt Cornelia and plants the doubt in her head that Nathaniel Greene is not her legitimate father. 

It is a wonderful historical fiction story. At the end of the story there is a author's note stating that the characters in her story truly existed but that the story it's self is fictional.  

Reviewer:Lila Davis 

POSSESSED

Author (last name first):
Cann, Kate

Publisher, Date of Publication: 

Point/February 2009

Grade Level/ or Age Level: 

6th and Up

Classification:  Fiction 

When we meet our heroine sixteen year- old Rayne Peters, she feels like her life is spiraling out of control and there is no way to catch up. She is living in a small apartment in London's roughest neighbor hoods. Her mum, baby brother Jelly and her over possessive boyfriend Damian are very dear to her and she doesn't want to hurt them, but all she can thank about is getting out before she suffocates. There is noise every were and she feels like screaming at the top of her lungs. 

Rayne decides to post a wanted ad and soon finds a job in the most unlikely place. The ad was to work in a little tea shop inside a country mansion. When she arrives it seems harmless enough, until she began to hear tales of cruelty the previous owners over the years did. She also meets a group of teens who seem really friendly, but looks aren't always what they seem.

The cover of the book was very appealing to the eye. The book starts out really well showing Rayne's tortured mind as well as her surroundings. The suspense in the book is enjoyable, but I couldn't help being disappointed with the ending. It needed more closure to Rayne's frightful events in her life. 

Reviewer: Lila Davis 

THE TYRANNOSARUS GAME

Author (last name first):
Kroll, Steven

Publisher, Date of Publication: 

Marshall Cavendish Corporation/2010

Grade Level/ or Age Level: 

Kindergarten- 3rd

Classification:  Fiction 

A group of kids at a school are bored because it is raining outside until Jimmy makes up a game for the class to play. They all sit in a circle and Jimmy explains the rules to his new game. Jimmy starts a story about a Tyrannosaurus and the rest of the class makes up parts of the story. 

This story reminds me of a game my children have played called the telephone it has the same concept. The children in the story tell crazy additions to Jimmy's story. This book can be used as an ice breaker in classrooms to get kids interacting with each other. 

Reviewer: Lila Davis 

POISONED HONEY

Author (last name first):
Gormley, Beatrice

Publisher, Date of Publication: 

Knopf, Alfred A./2010

Grade Level/ or Age Level: 

8th and Up

Classification:  Fiction 

Marianne was a pampered daughter of a Jewish wealthy sardine merchant who had visions through out her childhood and was never taken seriously. She was about to be married to a young man from a family who was in her same social circle. She was dealt a hard blow to her family, not only did she lose her beloved father to the fever that swept through their village on her wedding day, but also her betrothed Nicolaos.  Marianne's life would change forever. Her brother promised her to an old wealthy merchant named Eleazar to keep the family from losing their business. Marianne was devastated and soon became possessed by evil spirits. The book has a lot of biblical references and keeps you wondering will Marianne ever escape her troubled life.

Reviewer: Lila Davis 

THE MAGIC SCHOOL BUS AND THE CLIMATE CHALLENGE

Author (last name first):
Cole, Joanna

Publisher, Date of Publication: 

Scholastic Press/ March 2010

Grade Level/ or Age Level: 

1st and Up

Classification: Fiction 

The bases of the story is that Ms. Frizzle's student's are putting on a play about global warming. The students take a trip to the arctic to better understand the concept. Then they traveled all over the earth, to understand why the earth is getting warmer, they discuss gases, greenhouse effect and fossil fuels. They also talk about alternatives to using fossil fuels to prevent global warming. The story has bright illustrations and is very informative. A great resource for a Science lesson.

Reviewer: Glee Easter 

TOKEN OF DARKNESS

Author (last name first):
Rhodes- Atwater, Amelia

Publisher, Date of Publication: 

Delacorte Press/2010

Grade Level/ or Age Level: 

6th and Up

Classification:  Fiction 

Cooper Blake has every thing going for him. He is a football player and all around nice guy, but when a terrible accident puts him in the hospital, his whole world is turned up side down. He meets a young ghost named Samantha who helps him with his recovery and finds out that she isn't what she says she is. He also is dealing with a darkness that no one can see but him. He turns to the most unlikely people for help. Amelia Atwater- Rhodes keeps you guessing through out the book as well as keeps you wanting more.

Reviewer: Lila Davis 

BAD LUCK BRIDESMADE/ THE COMPLICATED LIFE OF CLAUDIA CRISTINA CORTEZ

Author (last name first):
Gallagher, Diana G.

Publisher, Date of Publication: 

Stone Arch Books/2010

Grade Level/ or Age Level: 

2nd-3rd

Classification:  Fiction

 

Very cleverly written. Claudia has been asked to be a bridesmaid in her cousin's wedding. Claudia is excited and decides to find lots of information about weddings online. She soon knows all about wedding traditions and superstitions. 

Young girls should really enjoy reading this book and some of the history about weddings included in the text. AR Quiz Available

Reviewer: Janice Gee 

ICE IS NICE! ALL ABOUT THE NORTH AND SOUTH POLES

Author (last name first):
Guillain, Charlotte

Publisher, Date of Publication: 

Heinemann Library/2010

Grade Level/ or Age Level: 

5th -7th

Classification:  Non-Fiction 

Excellent Science book, could also be used to supplement a health unit. Cover is awesome. It has an iridescent finish that looks like snow sparkles. Very good book for information- wish it had not used the Dr. Seuss format because it just didn't measure up to that standard. It is an all inclusive book- index, glossary, geographical pictures, reading recommendations, and wonderful adaptation information. Would be an asset to any science teacher's library. 

Reviewer: Pam Ward 

THE KARMA CLUB

Author (last name first):
Brody, Jessica

Publisher, Date of Publication: 

Farrar Straus Giroux/March 2010

Grade Level/ or Age Level: 

8th and Up

Classification:  Fiction

 

Madison Kasparkova(aka Maddy) always thought she knew how Karma worked. It's the powerful force that brings balance to the universe. When Mason Brooks, Maddy's boyfriend of two years gets caught making out with Heather Campbell the most popular girl in school, Maddy doesn't understand whey nothing happens to them. They end up being the hottest new couple of Colonial High School and it seems Karma doesn't care that Maddy was done wrong. So Maddy creates a new club with her best friends Angie and Jade called "The Karma Club" . It's a secrete members only club that gets back at the people who hurt them to help Karma create the perfect balance in the universe again. Things seem to go their way and every one that has hurt them starts to get what is coming to them, but when things start to go wrong Maddy is left to find out how things went wrong all by herself without her best friends by her side. She decides to correct the bad karma that is coming to her and her friends by doing good. 

The story is hard to get into at first because the author goes on and on about random things, but the story line behind all of the babble is wonderful. The idea is to do good things for others and good will come to you, but if you do wrong to others and those around you only bad will come to you. 

 Reviewer: Lila Davis 

THE FIRST INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATION

Author (last name first):
Allen,Kathy

Publisher, Date of Publication: 

Picture Window Books/2010

Grade Level/ or Age Level: 

4th and Under

Classification:  Non-Fiction 

 Great book. Easy to read and understand. Flow of text and story would be good for students in 4th grade or under. Very good illustrations. Illustrations could tell the story by themselves. 

Reviewer: Shane Calhoun

BEST FRIENDS FOREVER A WORLD WAR II SCRAPBOOK

 Author (last name first):
Patt, Beverly

Publisher, Date of Publication: 

Marshall Cavendish Corp./2010

Grade Level/ or Age Level: 

5th -9th  

Classification: 

Fiction 

This is a historical fiction based on friendship between two American girls (one of German descent and one of Japanese decent). They live in Seattle and the story is set not long after the bombing of Pearl Harbor. Dottie is moved to one of the relocation centers and the girls deal with the issues of separation and uncertainty. Dottie learns many Japanese customs while cooped up in the camp and learns to value her heritage. Louise deals with prejudice in school while trying to keep her friendship alive. Louise volunteers in a hospital and meets a young injured soldier. The book put together like a scrapbook/journal with illustrations of movie tickets, news clippings, and letters included with the story line.

This would be a good book to use with WWII lesson, prejudice, and true friendship. My history class will use the story to learn about life in the US during the war. There is a AR test on this book. 

Reviewer: Nikki Byrd 

BUG FOOD

Author (last name first):
Guillain, Charlotte

Publisher, Date of Publication: 

Heinemann Library/2010

Grade Level/ or Age Level: 

5th -7th

Classification: 
Non-Fiction  

Although the book has the lay out of elementary grade level books with large pictures and a sentence per page, the pictures themselves are vivid images of insects eating. The higher grade level recommendation is given because there are a few grotesque images of animals eating  other animals in an open wound. For example, there is a picture of a centipede eating the intestines of a mouse. Older children may find it interesting  were as younger children might get scared. There are only images and statements about different insects eating habits. There is however, a guide at the back of the book that helps parents talk to their children about getting interested in insects. The simplicity of the book is great because it does not draw attention away from the photographs. This would be great for kids that are just on the verge of discovering their interest in biology. It is not an informative book. It is however interesting because it causes questions to be asked about insects. 

Reviewer: Lin Vo   

GRIZZLY DAD

Author (last name first):
Harrison, Joanna

Publisher, Date of Publication: 

David Fickling Books/2008

Grade Level/ or Age Level: 

PreK - 2nd

Classification: 
Fiction  



An interesting day ensues for a young boy whose dad not only wakes up in a "grizzly mood", but actually turns into a bear after his mom and siblings conveniently leave the house. The boy takes good care of his dad, the bear, by grooming and feeding him, until he sees the huge mess the dad has made and expresses his dissatisfaction. Suddenly,dad- bear whisks the boy away into town where the boy discovers that having a "bear" for a dad has it's conveniences. They spend the afternoon doing "boy" things, and "bear" things like going to the movies, and the park where the boy learns how to scratch his back and climb trees. They return home to have a honey sandwich and watch television. The boy exclaims that this has been the best day ever, saying, "Thanks Dad. Your the greatest, even if you are a bear!" Dad- bear gives the boy a great big bear hug, and suddenly, he's no longer a bear, just a dad. Mom returns home to the horrific mess the two have made during the day. She compares the house to a pigsty....

Ms. Harrison created a humorous spin on the simile " grumpy as a bear" and eludes to a entirely new story from the simile ".... as a pigsty". It is a very fun and entertaining book!! The illustrations in this book are colorful, detailed  and entertaining. The illustration on the final page of the book is especially enjoyable, opening the door for imaginative conversation.

Reviewer: Johnna Anzaldua

SPIRIT BOUND A VAMPIRE ACADEMY NOVEL

Author (last name first):
Mead, Rachelle

Publisher, Date of Publication: 

Penguin Group/2010

Grade Level/ or Age Level: 

9th and Up

Classification: 
Fiction  



SPIRIT BOUND is the fifth book in the Vampire Academy Series. Rose Hathaway is finally graduating from St. Vladimir's Academy,  a school that teaches Dhampir, a Strigoi slayer, and Moroi a vampire that does not harm humans. She is looking forward to her new assignment protecting her best friend Princess Lissa Dragomir. She longs to free her true love Demitri from a demonic life. When seh sets out to save Demitri, she finds herself torn between her past love and her new love Adrian, a Moroi who is kin to the High Priests as well as being royalty himself. Rose takes her friends Lissa, Adrian, Christian, and Eddie on several death defying adventures to try and save Demitri. The author tells a little bit about the characters' past in the book which helps to catch up on the plot line.


Reviewer: Lila Davis

THE LONELY HEARTS CLUB

Author (last name first):
Eulberg, Elizabeth

Publisher, Date of Publication: 

Point (Scholastic)/2010

Grade Level/ or Age Level: 

7th and Up

Classification: 
Fiction  



Elizabeth Eulberg uses the Beatles to title the book, sections of the book and the club. Penny is the main character in the book. She is tired of the way the boys at her school treat her and has decided to stop dating any of them. Some of her friends decide to join her and they create the Lonely Hearts Club: sworn to be true to themselves and their girlfriends. The girls encourage each other to try new things and study together for exams. The guys at school get frustrated that all the "hotties" are part of the club and they have no dates. Because of the language and situations in the book, I would keep it at upper junior high and high school level. It is a great story about girls and they way some change for boys and boyfriends. There is an AR test for this book.

Reviewer: Nikki Byrd