Picks by Mary Ann S. Archive - Staff Picks 4 Kids

Staff Picks 4 Kids

The Boy Who Ate Stars by Kochka

Are you looking for a quiet, heartfelt story about a very different sort of friendship? Then you will like The Boy Who Ate Stars, by Kochka. Twelve-year-old Lucy has just moved to a new apartment in Paris and met someone who changes her life–little four-year-old Matthew. He’s so different, he behaves differently and he communicates differently. Lucy finds out that this is because he is autistic. As Lucy says, it’s like he’s his own little planet, spinning around in his own little universe. They are an unlikely pair of friends. But, as they spend time together and share experiences, they develop a trust and understanding that connects their two different worlds in a very unique way.

Book reviewed by Mary Ann S., Assistant Head of Youth Services

By bjones on June 13, 2012 Categories: For Grades 4-6, Picks by Mary Ann S., Realistic Stories

Sparrow Road by Sheila O’Connor

Sparrow Road by Sheila O’Connor. It’s so odd–really! For no good reason that Raine can figure out, her mom decides all of a sudden the two of them have to leave their home in Milwaukee and move to creepy old Sparrow Road, an artist retreat out in the middle of nowhere. Turns out, there are secrets everywhere in and around Sparrow Road, and Raine makes some very personal discoveries about friendship, family, forgiveness and love. If you like stories that tug at your heart a bit, you’ll like this one.

Book reviewed by Mary Ann S., Assistant Head of Youth Services

By bjones on May 8, 2012 Categories: For Grades 4-6, Picks by Mary Ann S., Realistic Stories

Toby Alone by Timothée de Fombelle

Looking for a good adventure mixed with eco-friendly fantasy and a hero you’ll love to root for? Then try Toby Alone by French author Timothée de Fombelle. Thirteen-year-old Toby—a mere one and a half millimeters tall—is on the run from greedy developers who threaten the Great Oak Tree world that is home to him, his family, and his friends. He’s clever and he’s resourceful, but he’s the only one who escapes exile to the lower branches. Can he, all alone, expose the developers’ evil plan and save the Great Oak Tree world? It’s a exciting story, and you’ll be cheering all the way for Toby as he meets this challenge head on!

Book reviewed by Mary Ann S., Assistant Head of Youth Services

By MPPL on October 3, 2011 Categories: Fantasy, For Grades 4-6, Picks by Mary Ann S.

Emmy and the Incredible Shrinking Rat by Lynne Jonell

In Emmy and the Incredible Shrinking Rat, Emmy longs for the way things used to be, before her parents became rich. Like when her parents actually liked to spend time with her. Like when her parents actually cared about her. Now, Mom and Dad almost act as if they are under some sort of mean, ignore-our-daughter kind of spell. Turns out, they ARE! Watch out for the evil nanny and the despicable potions she concocts from magical rodents. It’s up to Emmy to save the day — can she do it? Try this book, especially if you like fantasy adventure and a plucky heroine.

Book reviewed by Mary Ann S., Assistant Head of Youth Services

By MPPL on August 23, 2011 Categories: Fantasy, For Grades 2-4, For Grades 4-6, Picks by Mary Ann S.

A Tale Dark & Grimm by Adam Gidwitz

You’ll recognize Hansel and Gretel as the heroes of A Tale Dark & Grimm, which is a collection of fractured fairy tales. But it’s not just their familiar story. They take you on a tour of nine other lesser know Grimm tales, too. Be warned, however, and don’t expect all sweetness and light …no sir! You’ll get big doses of gore, gruesomeness, and dark humor, along with the usual adventure. If you don’t mind a little bit of horror in your “happily ever after,” you will like this book.

Book reviewed by Mary Ann S., Assistant Head of Youth Services

By MPPL on May 24, 2011 Categories: Fantasy, For Grades 4-6, Picks by Mary Ann S.

The Battle of the Red Hot Pepper Weenies and Other Warped and Creepy Tales by David Lubar

The Battle of the Red Hot Pepper Weenies and Other Warped and Creepy Tales by David Lubar. Are you looking for something slightly weird to read, kind of bizarre but still kind of funny, maybe even a little scary? Try one of the “what if” stories in this collection and you are likely to get the creeps. Like “what if…” the wildest adventure ride at the carnival got a man-eating mean streak? Read just one of stories, or maybe two, or eat up whole bunch when you’re in the mood for something a little far-fetched, spooky and funny all at the same time.

Book reviewed by Mary Ann S., Assistant Head of Youth Services

By MPPL on November 9, 2009 Categories: For Grades 4-6, Funny, Picks by Mary Ann S.

The Mozart Question by Michael Morpurgo

Stories of the Holocaust can pull at your heart, and that is certainly true of The Mozart Question by Michael Morpurgo. Even as a very young boy in post World War II Venice, Paoli Levi was drawn to play and study the violin. He knew his parents would never approve though–but why? Slowly, gently, he learns the reason that lay hidden for many years in his parents’ memories of their imprisonment in a concentration camp. A story told through words and drawings, this book looks not only at the cruelty and sadness of war, but also at the healing power of music and family. I recommend it to 4th through 7th graders who would like to read a heartfelt, sensitive book.

Review by Mary Ann S., Assistant Head of Youth Services

When young journalist Lesley is sent to Venice to interview world-renowned violinist Paolo Levi, she is warned not to ask the forbidden “Mozart Question”. As she meets Paolo, it is the musician himself who decides to speak about his mysterious background. Paolo heartfully reveals the truth about his haunting past, and the journalist begins to see how one group of musicians were kept alive by playing their music. This story reveals the beauty of music to bring people together, and inspire the heart even through the most difficult times.

Review by Darice C., Youth Services Assistant

By MPPL on August 11, 2009 Categories: For Grades 4-6, Historical Fiction, Picks by Darice C., Picks by Mary Ann S.

The Underneath by Kathi Appelt

The Underneath by Kathi Appelt is a wonderful book to read or to listen to! Ranger the old hound dog has a sad, sad life. Chained up and tormented by a hateful owner, he barely gets enough food, and he is very, very lonely underneath the old shack. That is, until he is “adopted” by a stray cat who needs a safe place to have her kittens. The affection and loyalty that grows in this unusual little family is heartwarming, and you cheer at their courage in the face of the bayou’s dangers and mysteries.

Book read by Mary Ann S., Youth Services Assistant Department Head

By MPPL on March 30, 2009 Categories: For Grades 4-6, Picks by Mary Ann S.

Room One: A Mystery or Two by Andrew Clements

If you like a good mystery, take a look at the clues in Room One: A Mystery or Two by Andrew Clements, and see what you make of it. There’s more than one mystery going on in the tiny farm town of Plattsford, and Ted Hammond is in on all of them. The only sixth-grader in the one-room, one-teacher school, Ted has always been a big fan of mysteries. He reads at least three a week, and he doesn’t just read them. He solves them, too. He stops half way through the book, takes notes on suspects and evidence, and works through the theories. Eight times out of ten, he’s right.

It’s not surprising then that Ted notices the face in a second-floor window of the old Anderson place. Only problem is, the Anderson moved away two years ago and the farmhouse has been abondoned and boarded up ever since. He investigates, and what he finds is a homeless family – a mom and two kids in desperate need of shelter and secrecy ever since their dad was killed in Iraq. What will Ted do? Help the family and keep their secrecy? Turn them in to the authorities as trespassers? Ted makes some surprising choices that have some big, big consequences.

Book read by Mary Ann S., Assistant Head of Youth Services

By MPPL on October 27, 2008 Categories: For Grades 4-6, Mystery & Suspense, Picks by Mary Ann S.

Diary of a Wimpy Kid by Jeff Kinney

I read Diary of a Wimpy Kid by Jeff Kinney. Are you stressed out about middle school? Greg Heffley is, too — big time! So take a look at his diary and maybe you’ll feel better. At least you’ll know you’re not the only one trying to make sense out of middle school mayhem. Serious and hilarious at the same time, he really tells it (and draws the cartoons) just like he sees it. I liked it a lot!

Book read by Mary Ann S., Assistant Head of Youth Services

By MPPL on September 24, 2008 Categories: For Grades 2-4, For Grades 4-6, Funny, Picks by Mary Ann S.