Staff Picks 4 Kids

The Revolution of Evelyn Serrano by Sonia Manzano

lbos — Mon, 20 May 2013 21:03:53 +0000

Rosa Evelyn Serrano doesn’t like living in Spanish Harlem. Everyone is named Rosa, so she goes by Evelyn. It smells all the time, because the city doesn’t clean up the garbage. And she can’t understand her mother, with her ugly decorations and how she’s practically a slave to her husband and the bodega. Then Evelyn’s grandmother comes to town, with her brightly dyed hair, too high heels, and radical ideas that Evelyn’s mother can’t stand. When some college kids start cleaning up the streets and demanding food and shelter for the neighborhood’s poor, everyone takes a side. Abuela is reminded of the protests she went to in Puerto Rico for its independence, and Evelyn is inspired by the promise of change. But can they convince Evelyn’s mom and the rest of the neighborhood that this is a good change? And will it make a difference? Read this book for a heartfelt, but fun story about growing up, learning where you come from, and standing up for what you believe in.

Book reviewed by Claire B., Outreach Coordinator

Hold Fast by Blue Balliett

lbos — Tue, 14 May 2013 00:08:46 +0000

I read Hold Fast, the latest book by Blue Balliett, in just two days! So for the weekend I was completely immersed in the world of the Pearl family, taking delight in Blue Balliett’s beautiful writing. It’s no wonder that one of the themes of this book is rhythm… this author is so gifted at creating rhythms with her words. Like her other books, this one has a Chicago setting, and the majority of the scenes take place in a homeless shelter. There are definitely sad moments, but overall this book is full of hope, and it inspires warm, fuzzy feelings about family and what it is we call home.

Book reviewed by Erin E., Youth Services Programming Coordinator

Three Times Lucky by Sheila Turnage

lbos — Tue, 07 May 2013 00:05:36 +0000

It would sure take a lot to be luckier than Miss Moses LoBeau (Mo for short). As a baby, she was found washed ashore during a hurricane by the Colonel who took her in. Mo now helps the Colonel and Miss Lana run the café in the small southern town they call home. Mystery comes knocking there when a detective shows up asking all kinds of questions about a murder. The Colonel seems to be the prime suspect with his mysterious past. Mo tries to solve the crime first but will her luck hold out? Bank robbers, race car drivers, and best friends could all become suspects. Parents and kids alike will love the quirky southern charm of Mo as she cracks the case in the Newbery honor title.

Book reviewed by Keary Bramwell, Youth Collection Specialist Librarian

Drama by Raina Telgemeier

lbos — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 00:01:02 +0000

Do you ever feel like you are living in a soap opera? In the graphic novel, Drama by Raina Telgemeier, Callie is dealing with all the “drama” in her life, while also working on the school play. Callie has a crush on Greg, who is going out with Bonnie. Greg’s younger brother Matt has a crush on Callie, although Callie does not realize it. Funny things happen as Callie continues to build the sets for the play and two twin brothers, Justin and Jesse, join the play. Drama is an enjoyable, funny story about growing up, making friends, having your first crush on someone, and being in a play. The graphic format is ideal for this story.

Book reviewed by Anne W., Youth Services Assistant

The One and Only Ivan by Kathy Applegate

lbos — Mon, 22 Apr 2013 23:55:40 +0000

It’s not easy being a gorilla. Just ask Ivan, who lives at the Big Top Mall. He once roamed the jungle. Now he lives in a small cage where he drinks Pepsi, eats old apples, and watches reruns on TV. The good things in his life are Bob the stray dog, Stella the performing elephant, and his art. Most days Ivan likes to draw. His drawings sell for $20 each in the gift shop. But when he gets tired of drawing, he eats the crayons.

Ivan thinks he will live in the mall for the rest of his life. Then one day Ruby arrives. Ruby is an elephant, kidnapped from the wild and brought to the mall to do circus tricks. The problem is she is just a baby and doesn’t know how to perform. Suddenly, Ivan sees his life differently. He has someone to protect and a purpose—finding a new home for Ruby and himself. Will he be able to use his art to make it happen?

Book reviewed by Mary S., Youth Services Department Head

Splendors and Glooms by Laura Amy Schlitz

lbos — Mon, 15 Apr 2013 16:05:31 +0000

Clara Wintermute disappears on her twelfth birthday. Her parents are devastated, after having lost her three siblings to cholera. Everyone suspects the puppet master Grisini who performed at her birthday party. When he too disappears, his assistants, orphans Lizzie Rose and Parsefall, are left to figure out what happened to Clara. A mysterious letter from a faraway land adds to the mystery: a rich older woman wants to leave all of her money to Lizzie Rose and Parsefall. But what she wants in return could change their lives forever. This is a pretty complex story, but it is also very exciting. Fans of historical fantasy and mystery may want to give Splendors and Glooms a chance. It’s also a 2013 Newberry Honor!

Book reviewed by Claire B., Outreach Coordinator

Ghost of Crutchfield Hall by Mary Downing Hahn

lbos — Mon, 08 Apr 2013 15:59:59 +0000

Florence thought her life was going to get better when she left the orphanage for her family’s ancestral home. She would have a younger cousin, James, to play with and her great aunt and uncle could look after her. However, her other cousin and ghost, Sophia, has a murderous plan for her cousin and brother. Not knowing who to turn to in her new surroundings, Florence must try to resist Sophia, but can she? Whether read or listened to, the Ghost of Crutchfield Hall is a great ghost story worthy of any camp fire storytelling.

Book reviewed by Laura B., Youth Technology Librarian

Mr. and Mrs. Bunny—Detectives Extraordinaire! by Polly Horvath

lbos — Mon, 01 Apr 2013 15:55:11 +0000

Madeline’s granola-eating, tie-dye wearing, hippie parents aren’t the most responsible adults, but now they have gotten themselves kidnapped by foxes and it’s up to Madeline to save them. Luckily for her, she stumbles upon Mr. and Mrs. Bunny—Detectives Extraordinaire! The only clue to her parents’ whereabouts is a note on the fridge signed “The Enemy” and a file card written in secret code. Every bunny knows that marmots are the best decoders. Unfortunately, bunnies don’t like marmots. They are annoying and never bring cake when they come to visit—how rude!! Undeterred, Madeline and the bunnies bring The Marmot to the Olde Spaghetti Factory, where he is supposed to crack the code. Just as it seems that they are about to get the first break in the case, The Marmot loses the card and can only remember one word “rubber.” What does this mean and will it be enough to save Madeline’s parents?

This book will make you laugh out loud as you read about Mr. Bunny’s inventions (hopping roller skates) and Mrs. Bunny’s hobbies (lint art). And you won’t want to miss the daring rescue—bunnies dressed as bloodhounds—need I say more? I hope you enjoy this book as much as I did!

Book reviewed by Mary S., Youth Services Department Head

Liar & Spy by Rebecca Stead

lbos — Mon, 25 Mar 2013 15:47:16 +0000

From the beginning, Georges can tell that Safer and his family are different. For one thing Safer and his sister are always home, and their parents let them choose their own names. But he’s happy to have a friend, especially since Georges father lost his job, they had to move from their house to an apartment, and his mother is never home. Georges becomes Safer’s first spy recruit and his mission is to uncover what their neighbor, the mysterious Mr. X is hiding. As Safer becomes more demanding, Georges starts to wonder about the boundaries of friendship. How far should he take this new game?

Book reviewed by Claire B., Outreach Coordinator

Remarkable by Lizzie Foley

lbos — Mon, 18 Mar 2013 21:16:59 +0000

How can you go wrong when the title of the book is Remarkable? I was really looking forward to reading Remarkable by Lizzie Foley, a fun story about a town where all the residents have something that makes them truly remarkable, except for one girl, Jane Doe. Throw in a mystery, some pirates, and a sea monster and the story must be something remarkable right? Well, not entirely. It was definitely enjoyable and fun to read, but I wanted it to be more remarkable than it actually was. How remarkable do you think it is?

Book reviewed by Keary Bramwell, Youth Collection Specialist Librarian