Imagine never having to go to school or do homework again! Instead you can send a copy of yourself to school while you learn magic and save the world. Of course, there are just a few little drawbacks — danger, death, or at least severe bodily harm. This is the life of 12-year-old Stephanie Edgely, aka Valkerie Kane, as described in Skulduggery Pleasant by Derek Landy. Upon the death of her favorite uncle, Stephanie learns that she is descended from a long line of magical beings called the Ancients. Now she must join the witty, funny (and extremely confident) skeleton detective, Skulduggery Pleasant in order to stop the evil Faceless Ones from completing their plan for world domination. Equal parts funny and creepy, once you start reading this book, you won’t be able stop! This is a great book for grades 5 and up.
Book reviewed by Mary S., Youth Services Department Head
Staff Picks 4 Kids
Skulduggery Pleasant by Derek Landy
Turtle in Paradise by Jennifer Holm
“Everyone thinks children are sweet as Necco Wafers, but I’ve lived long enough to know the truth: kids are rotten,” says 11-year-old Turtle in Turtle in Paradise by Jennifer Holm. It is 1935. Turtle’s mom is a live-in housekeeper, so she has had plenty of experience with mean kids like the ones who set her cat’s tail on fire. Turtle’s opinion of kids seems unlikely to change after she is sent to live with her aunt, uncle, and three cousins in their crowded house in Key West, Florida. But before she knows what has happened, Turtle finds herself coming out of her “shell” as she hangs with the Diaper Gang and looks for buried pirate treasure. Turtle is smart, feisty, and lots of fun. I hope you enjoy her adventures as much as I did.
Book reviewed by Mary S., Youth Services Department Head
One Crazy Summer by Rita Williams-Garcia
In One Crazy Summer eleven year-old Delphine has been taking care of her younger sisters since her mother, Cecile, abandoned them seven years ago. When her father sends the girls to spend the summer with Cecile in California, they are hoping for trips to Disneyland and a chance to get to know their mother. At first, Cecile is too busy writing poetry to spend time with her daughters. Then Cecile is arrested, and Delphine learns some surprising information that changes the way she thinks about her mother.
Although I enjoyed getting to know Delphine, the plot of the book moved rather slowly. I would mainly recommend this title to die-hard historical fiction fans who are interested in learning more about the Civil Rights Movement.
Book reviewed by Mary S., Youth Services Department Head
The Mysterious Howling by Maryrose Wood
In The Mysterious Howling by Maryrose Wood, Miss Penelope Lumley is the new governess at Ashton Place. Penelope has never been a governess before, but she’s pretty sure it isn’t supposed to be like this. Do all children howl, chase squirrels, and try to climb bookcases? Maybe these children do because they had been raised by wolves until recently found by her employer! Penelope manages to teach the three children how to speak, dance, and hold their knife properly– just in time for the winter dance! But who sets a squirrel loose in the ballroom? Is someone trying to sabotage the children? And how did they come under the care of wild wolves in the first place? (For grades 5 and up)
Book reviewed by Mary S., Youth Services Department Head
Igraine the Brave by Cornelia Funke
What’s a girl to do? Your parents have accidentally turned themselves into pigs, your evil next-door neighbor is trying to steal your magic books, and your older brother’s magical cooking can only produce blue eggs and dry biscuits (yuck). Go on a quest, of course. Igraine sets off to find the giant hairs that will free her parents from their magical spell and save the day. Igraine the Brave by Cornelia Funke is another great book from my favorite author!
Book reviewed by Mary S., Youth Services Department Head
The Strange Case of Origami Yoda by Tom Angleberger
Are you looking for a good book to read now you’ve finished The Diary of a Wimpy Kid? Look no further, Origami Yoda is here! Origami Yoda is a finger puppet made by this really weird middle schooler named Dwight. Dwight is the kind of nerd who wears the same t-shirt all month, wipes up spills in the cafeteria by scooting across the floor on his stomach, or only answers “purple” when you ask him a question. The thing is Dwight’s paper puppet can predict the future and suggest the best way to handle a tricky situation. There’s no way Dwight is that smart. So is Origami Yoda magic? The students of McQuarrie Middle School want to know so they start a case file to discover the truth. Check out their stories and related cartoons by reading The Strange Case of Origami Yoda by Tom Angleberger.
Book reviewed by Mary S., Youth Services Department Head
Notes from the Dog by Gary Paulsen (2010 Mosaic title)
Notes from the Dog by Gary Paulsen. “You’re not as ugly as you think,” said Dylan’s first note from the dog. Dylan’s a loner. His goal for the summer is to talk to as few people as possible. Then he meets Johanna, a cool, funny graduate student, and starts receiving notes from the dog. Joanna’s plan is to have Dylan plant a garden for her. Although his efforts at gardening fail rather spectacularly, his time with Johanna helps him learn to connect with people and even how to talk to the cute girl he likes. This 2010 Mosaic title will make you both laugh and cry. You’ll be so glad you met Dylan and his friend. (For grades 4 and up)
Book reviewed by Mary S., Youth Services Department Head
The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate by Jacqueline Kelly
In The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate, it’s 1899 in Texas and 11-year-old Calpurnia is expected to knit socks and study the proper use of a hankie, but instead she’d rather be a scientist. Together with her grandfather, she conducts scientific experiments and writes her observations in a notebook. Her experiments lead to many surprises such as when sweet, woolly Petey the Caterpilllar turns into a giant (and frighteningly creepy) moth. Wasn’t he supposed to be a beautiful butterfly? Or when the Smithsonian Institute officially declares that she and her grandfather have discovered a new species of plant. Whether she is cutting off her hair an inch at a time so her mother won’t notice or getting her brother in trouble for having a new girlfriend, tomboy Calpurnia is sure to make you smile. (For grade 5 and up)
Book reviewed by Mary S., Youth Services Department Head
The Magician’s Elephant by Kate DiCamillo
Imagine. You are at a magic show. The magician promises to produce a bouquet of lilies, but instead he makes an elephant fall through the ceiling—that elephant lands on a woman’s lap, crippling her legs. And so begins The Magician’s Elephant by Kate DiCamillo. Unfortunately, that is the most exciting part of the book. Although I love Because of Winn Dixie and am a fan of anything involving elephants, I just couldn’t get into this book. After the elephant falls on page 15, nothing much exciting happens until the book ends 200 pages later. I give this book a thumbs down. (For ages 8 and up)
Book reviewed by Mary S., Youth Services Department Head
Alvin Ho: Allergic to Girls, School, and Other Things by Lenore Look
Alvin Ho: Allergic to Girls, School, and Other Things by Lenore Look. From the moment you meet him, Alvin Ho makes you laugh out loud. He’s afraid of everything. This means he carries around a PDK (personal disaster kit) containing items such as garlic for scaring off vampires and masks for keeping away girls. The problem is since he’s too scared to speak in school, a GIRL volunteered to be his desk buddy. Even worse, she’s made “The Book on Alvin”–all about him!! Now Alvin has decided he’s allergic to both school and girls. What is he going to do? I highly recommend this book. The audio is great but so is the book with all its amusing illustrations. Whatever format you choose, you are certain to love Alvin.
Book reviewed by Mary S., Youth Services Department Head