Staff Picks 4 Kids

Wonder by R. J. Palacio

In Wonder by R. J. Palacio, August (Auggie) Pullman’s favorite things are anything Star Wars related and his Xbox. As a result, he sounds like every other 10-year-old boy out there except for one major factor—he has some pretty jarring facial deformities. Auggie has been homeschooled all of his life, due to the numerous surgeries he has had to have over the years. Now that he will be starting fifth grade, his parents think that it is time for him to start at a regular school. He is both excited and worried at the prospect of this idea. While he longs to play sports and make friends like every kid, once he starts at Beecher Prep he quickly becomes an easy target for the class bully. He also is very close with his older sister, Via, who has just started high school and is having her own issues with friendships and finding herself. I think that the author was very smart to have the different chapters of the book told from various points of view—not just from Auggie’s and Via’s perspectives, but also from several of his classmates. I also believe that this book teaches a lot of good lessons on how to be a good friend and a good sibling.

Book reviewed by Julie D., Elementary School Liaison

By bjones on September 10, 2012 Categories: For Grades 4-6, Picks by Julie D., Realistic Stories

Pie by Sarah Weeks

After Polly Portman’s unexpected death, the town of Ipswitch discovers a major loss to the community–her award winning pies! Polly’s crust recipe was secret. According to her will, the recipe for the crust is left to her disagreeable cat Lardo. Her niece Alice inherits the cat and a lot of trouble. Suddenly, the entire town is in an uproar when its residents find out that replacing Aunt Polly’s claim to fame is not as “easy as pie.” When Lardo is cat-napped, Alice and her friend Charlie take matters in their own hands as they try to figure out who is after the recipe. Not only will you love reading Pie, but Sarah Weeks shares fourteen pie recipes she has gathered from all over the country. This book is a sweet treat you will not want to miss.

Book reviewed by Marsha D., Youth Services Assistant

By bjones on August 28, 2012 Categories: For Grades 4-6, Funny, Picks by Marsha D.

A Braid of Lives edited by Neil Philip

A Braid of Lives edited by Neil Philip is a collection of writings by American Indians remembering their childhoods from about 100 to 150 years ago. Almost every other page is a huge black and white photograph of American Indian kids and parents. The stories and pictures are both amazing! There are funny stories about games and about getting in trouble, but also stories about what was most important to them and their families. I thought it was interesting how in almost every story the kids just wanted to be able to do what the grownups and the bigger kids were doing, and they would work hard until they could run as fast or ride a horse as well as the others. If you are interested in how kids lived in the past in America, this is the book for you.

By bjones on August 16, 2012 Categories: For Grades 4-6, Non-fiction

Swindle by Gordon Korman

Swindle by Gordon Korman. Although he’s a kid, Griffin is known as “the man with a plan.” After being swindled out of a valuable Babe Ruth baseball card, the sale of which could have solved his family’s money troubles, Griffin knows he needs a plan more than ever. Can he assemble a team of his clever friends–talented champions in their own right–to accomplish an even bigger swindle and get the card back to the rightful owner? I liked how the kids used their unique gifts in such creative ways and how they realized the value of doing their best, no matter how large or small a part they played.

Book reviewed by Jan P., Preschool/Childcare Liason

By bjones on August 6, 2012 Categories: For Grades 4-6, Mystery & Suspense, Picks by Jan P.

Anything But Typical by Nora Raleigh Baskin

In Anything But Typical by Nora Raleigh Baskin, Jason Blake is just like any twelve-year-old that enjoys writing stories. Expect for that fact that he is autistic, which he often describes in his stories as “differentness”. He is smart and sensitive and often writes about what it is like to see the world through his eyes. Jason particularly enjoys posting on a writing website. He even makes a friend on this site, another young writer named Rebecca, who often posts positive comments about his stories. However, when he might finally get a chance to meet Rebecca in person at an upcoming writing conference, Jason is terrified! You will have to read the book to find out if he decides to go meet her or not.

Book reviewed by Julie D., Elementary School Liaison

By bjones on July 30, 2012 Categories: For Grades 4-6, Picks by Julie D., Realistic Stories

Mirrorscape by Mike Wilks

In Mirrorscape by Mike Wilks, Mel lives in a world sort of like ours, except where he lives the five Mystery organizations control “pleasures”, or everything to do with the senses. That means you have to pay extra for your clothes to have color in them, or to eat food besides bread, water, and homegrown vegetables. Mel has lived in the country his whole life, drawing pictures in his spare time, until a famous artist asks him to come to the city and be one of his apprentices. It’s a dream come true…until he gets there. The head apprentice is jealous of Mel’s talent and the High Bailiff of the Fifth Mystery has got it in for him. Then he discovers a secret world inside of paintings where fantastical creatures, talking houses, and mines that seek inspiration (instead of minerals) exist. Mel and his friends find themselves in the middle of an epic battle between the Fifth Mystery and the people who want to keep pleasures affordable for everyone. This book celebrates art and creativity, and makes me want to start drawing. It also reminds me of another story with evil forces, a two-boy-and-one-girl trio of friends, and adventures that can’t seem to be avoided… Harry Potter, anyone?

Book reviewed by Claire B., Youth Outreach Coordinator

By bjones on July 23, 2012 Categories: Fantasy, For Grades 4-6, Picks by Claire B

The Mighty Miss Malone by Christopher Paul Curtis

The Mighty Miss Malone by Christopher Paul Curtis. The Malones of Gary, Indiana have a motto. “We are a family on a journey to a place called Wonderful.” Unfortunately, it is the Great Depression, and it seems to be taking awhile to get there. Twelve-year-old Deza (otherwise known at the Mighty Miss Malone) is the smartest child in her class, but her father is unemployed, and the family must eat buggy oatmeal or go hungry. First, her father leaves to find work. Then when her mother loses her job as a maid, the family packs up and sets off to find him. Deza’s journey is filled with adventures, which include riding the rails, staying in a homeless camp, and going to a night club to hear her brother sing. Throughout it all, Deza keeps her sense of humor and her belief that someday her family will be reunited and find their way to Wonderful.

Book reviewed by Mary S., Youth Services Department Head

By bjones on July 16, 2012 Categories: For Grades 4-6, Picks by Mary S., Realistic Stories

Charlie Joe Jackson’s Guide to Not Reading by Tommy Greenwald

Charlie Joe Jackson's Guide to Not Reading Charlie Joe Jackson’s Guide to Not Reading by Tommy Greenwald. Charlie Joe does NOT like reading, in fact he will do practically anything to get out of reading. So how will Charlie Joe finish his big year-end project when his best friend won’t read his books for him anymore? Not to worry, Charlie Joe comes up with a crazy scheme that will keep him safe from reading, for now at least. Complete with tips about reading and how to avoid it! Recommended for fans of Big Nate, Diary of a Wimpy Kid, or anyone who enjoys a good laugh.

Book reviewed by Keary B., Youth Collection Specialist

By bjones on July 9, 2012 Categories: For Grades 4-6, Funny, Picks by Keary B.

Liesl and Po by Lauren Oliver

Liesl and Po by Lauren Oliver. Since Liesl’s evil stepmother locked her in the attic, her days are all the same–boring and lonely. Until one day Po, the ghost of a child, appears to her. At the same time Will, the alchemist’s apprentice, makes a terrible mistake. He accidentally delivers a box of powerful magic to Liesl’s house. Thus, Liesl’s adventure begins as she escapes from the attic and must run from the people who want their magic back.

Book reviewed by Mary S., Youth Services Department Head

By bjones on July 2, 2012 Categories: Fantasy, For Grades 4-6, Picks by Mary S.

With A Name Like Love by Tess Hilmo

What would it be like to not have a permanent home? In With A Name Like Love by Tess Hilmo, you can find out. Ollie is the oldest in her family, and her dad is a traveling preacher. Normally the family puts up fliers, invites the people of the town to hear the sermons in the evenings, and then they move on. When Ollie and her family get to Binder, Arkansas, however, they encounter Jimmy Koppel, who is living by himself on the outskirts of town because his mom is in jail for murdering his dad. Jimmy insists his mom did not do it, but no one will believe him. Will Jimmy and Ollie be able to save Jimmy’s mom? Will Ollie and her family leave before they find out who murdered Jimmy’s dad? Read more to find out!

Book reviewed by Anne W., Youth Services Assistant

By bjones on June 25, 2012 Categories: For Grades 4-6, Mystery & Suspense, Picks by Anne W., Realistic Stories