• Reviews

    Bad Girls

    This was such an interesting title, I just had to pick it up!  Written in (very) short chapters, the authors cover 26 “bad” girls of history with  graphic novel conversation between the authors as to their own opinions on each of the women.  Many of these women I have heard…

  • Reviews

    White Fur Flying

    White Fur Flying by Patricia MacLachlan was a quick read – perfect for young readers just starting to read chapter books.  This story hit home for me because my aunt rescued a Great Pyrenees/Golden Retriever mix and the story surrounding these loving giants was exactly how her dog, Madison, is…

  • Reviews

    The Moon and More

    I have turned so many teens on to Sarah Dessen’s books.  Her characters, the dialog, the situations they are placed in all ring true to the teenagers that stop into the library.  She’s my go-to author for “chick-lit” books that also deal with heavier topics that teens deal with everyday. …

  • Reviews

    Night Light

    What do you get when you combine a guessing game, a counting book, and all modes of transportation?  Night Light by Nicholas Blechman!  Night Light combines counting with cut-out pages and almost any mode of transportation a preschooler could think up.  With a background in graphic design, Blechman “shines” in…

  • Reviews

    Windblown

    Windblown written by Édouard Manceau and translated from French by Sarah Quinn is reminiscent of Press Here by Hervé Tullet, with a basic concept that requires a child to only use their imagination!  Small scraps of paper are blown together by the wind and transform into animals with each one…

  • Reviews

    Beholding Bee

    Beholding Bee written by Kimberly Newton Fusco is about orphaned “Bee” who lives and works in a traveling carnival.  She was born with a birthmark on her face in the shape of a diamond and is often faced with the taunts and jeers of the children (and adults) who come…

  • Reviews

    The Whizz Pop Chocolate Shop

    The Whizz Pop Chocolate Shop written by British author, Kate Saunders was a surprisingly adventurous story for middle grade boys and girls alike.  Another book reviewer described it as a cross between James Bond and Roald Dahl, and I would have to agree.  Eleven-year old twins, Oz and Lily move…

  • Reviews

    Ripper

    Unsolved mysteries are always intriguing and the sensationalized serial killer Jack the Ripper is no different.  Stefan Petrucha created a new twist in the historical fiction/steampunk novel, Ripper.  Carver Young is adopted by ex-Pinkerton detective, Harking at the age of 14 and soon becomes entangled in the  pursuit of Jack the Ripper…

  • Reviews

    My Family for the War

    My Family for the War written by Anne C. Voorhoeve and translated by Tammi Reichel won the Mildred L. Batchelder medal for most outstanding children’s book in translation (from German) this past year.  This book intrigued me on three different levels, the first being a winner for a book in translation.  I honestly…

  • Reviews

    Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe

    Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe written by Benjamin Alire Saenz is a coming-of-age story about an angry, young Mexican boy and how he learns the secrets to his own universe and learns about himself and his family.  Aristotle is essentially an only child, his twin sisters are much older…