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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…
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Summer Book Discussion Group for Middle School Students (Grades 5-8)
The job of a children’s librarian is never done. Just as I’ve finally caught my breath with a number of programs and projects, the summer planning is looming ahead of me. Each year we offer our rising 5th – 8th graders two different book discussion opportunities. The first is called…
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Hold Fast
I fell in love with Blue Balliett’s writing after reading her first middle grade novel – Chasing Vermeer. She was able to combine so many unique elements into one story that held me spellbound from beginning to end. In fact, Chasing Vermeer, was the first book discussion book choice that I…
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Mr. and Mrs. Bunny – Detectives Extraordinaire!
Mr. and Mrs. Bunny – Detectives Extraordinaire! written by Polly Horvath is full of quirky, memorable characters, a hysterical plot, and enough details to keep adults engaged as well. When Madeline’s parents get kidnapped from their homes by a group of foxes led by the Grand Poobah, it is up to…
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The Composer is Dead
I would have to say that Lemony Snicket is one of the most interesting authors that is currently writing for children. From A Series of Unfortunate Events to The Lump of Coal his work is definitely different and kids go crazy for it! With that being said, I picked up The Composer is…
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Moonbird: A Year on the Wind with the Great Survivor B95
Children’s non-fiction books have been in the spotlight recently with the focus on Common Core Standards in the education field. That being said, many authors are creating non-fiction books that are more easily accessible and interesting to kids. Moonbird: A Year on the Wind with the Great Survivor B95 written…
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Horten’s Miraculous Mechanisms
Horten’s Miraculous Mechanisms is a captivating mystery filled with magic tricks, nosy triplets and a small boy who is much older than he looks. This story also has a number of funny, wacky parts that made me laugh out loud. Stuart Horten, whose name can be shortened to “shorten”…
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Death Cloud
If you’ve visited my blog in the past, I’ve mentioned my love of all things Sherlock Holmes and this middle grade/young adult novel does not disappoint. Death Cloud: Sherlock Holmes, The Legend Begins written by Andrew Lane is approved by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s estate and his surviving relatives, which made…
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Three Times Lucky
“Trouble cruised into Tupelo Landing at exactly seven minutes past noon on Wednesday, the third of June, flashing a gold badge and driving a Chevy Impala the color of dirt. Almost before the dust had settled, Mr. Jesse turned up dead and life in Tupelo Landing turned upside down.” –…
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Childhood Favorites
My brother and sister-in-law came out to visit me for a long weekend and as we were catching up with each other’s lives, my brother turns to me and asks if I remember a certain book from our childhood that my mom read aloud to us. Let me…