No Girls Allowed

No Girls Allowed by Trudi Trueit


My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Scab is in the 4th grade and gets in trouble a lot - especially for his inventions. (You won't believe the stuff he thinks up!) His twin sister Isabelle, was moved up to the 5th grade and never gets in trouble. They usually don't get along - but they need to rely on each other after something happens in school. This is a fun new series for guys.

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Dovey Coe

Dovey Coe by Frances O'Roark Dowell


My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Dovey Coe has spunk and she always speaks her mind. Her sister has a new boyfriend and Dovey makes it known that she doesn't like him. Then the boyfriend ends up dead and Dovey is on trial for his murder. (Frances O'Roark Dowell is a great author. Be sure to check out her other books)

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The Cay

The Cay by Theodore Taylor


My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Phillip is on a ship that is torpedoed by a german submarine. He is rescued by a complete stranger on a wooded raft. They make it to an deserted island and must live off the land until a resuce can occur. To make matters worse, Philip suffered a blow to the head during the shipwreck and is now blind - making him rely on this stranger for everything.

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Uh-oh Cleo

Uh-oh, Cleo by Jessica Harper



Cleo lives with her 5 brothers and sisters (including a twin brother) With all those people in one house something is always going on - and a lot of the time it's not good. Great new easy chapter book series for girls.

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Roscoe Riley Rules

Roscoe Riley Rules #1: Never Glue Your Friends to Chairs by Katherine Alice Applegate


My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Are you looking for funny books for 2nd or 3rd graders. Look no further. This is a great series. Poor Roscoe tries to follow the rules - but there are so many and he gets in trouble - a lot! When you first meet him, Roscoe is sitting in the timeout corner for something he did at school. This is a great read aloud for families too.

Waiting for Normal

Waiting for Normal by Leslie Connor


My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Addie's step-dad and mom get divorced. Her step-dad takes her half-sisters and moves into a house. Addie and her mom move into a trailer. Addie's mom is irresponsible and Addie is forced to take care of herself. She can visit her step-dad and sisters, but going back to her reality is very hard.

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Adam Canfield Watch Your Back

Adam Canfield, Watch Your Back! by Michael Winerip


My rating: 3 of 5 stars
This is a sequel to "Adam Canfield of the Slash". The Slash is a student newspaper and Adam is one of the editors. This time, the newspaper tackles the issue of bullying in school. Very fast paced and funny. (Great book for guys)

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Emma Jean Lazarus Fell Out of a Tree

Emma-Jean Lazarus Fell Out of a Tree by Lauren Tarshis


My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Emma Jean is different than all the other 7th graders in her class. Her heart is in the right place and she truly wants to help her fellow classmates but she ends up getting into all sorts of trouble. This is a great "girl" book. Sequel is "Emma Jean Lazarus Fell in Love"

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The Small Adventure of Popeye and Elvis

The Small Adventure of Popeye and Elvis by Barbara O'Connor


My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I love Barbara O'Connor books. She writes great realistic fiction and this book does not disappoint. Popeye (nick-named because his uncle hit him in the eye with a BB gun) is bored. There is nothing to do in the small town where he lives - until one day a RV gets stuck in the mud and a whole slew of fun things comes with it.

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No Talking

No Talking by Andrew Clements


My rating: 4 of 5 stars
The kids in the 5th grade are known as the Unsushables. They never stop talking. So, a bet is made - boys vs. girls. No one could talk for 48 hours except to answer direct fquestions by adults using three words or less. Very entertaining

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The Black Pearl

The Black Pearl by Scott O'Dell


My rating: 3 of 5 stars
This is a story of a 16 yr old boy who longs to be like his father and be a great pearl diver. (this was before oxygen tanks exsisted and when you dove you held your breath) He sets his sights on a Black Pearl - but legend has it that the devil of the sea will make you pay if you removed it from the ocean

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Calling All Skulduggery Pleasant Fans

We own the first book on audiobook. If you have not listened to it - do it soon, because I just ordered the next 2 books in the series. I am sooooooooooooo excited. The actor (Rupert Degas) is fabulous. These are my favorite books to listen to.

Penderwicks on Gardam Street

The Penderwicks on Gardam Street by Jeanne Birdsall


My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I didn't think that I could love a book as much as the first Penderwicks - but I do!. I may have even have liked this one better! I want to be a part of the Penderwick family. Either a 5th sister or new mom. I can't wait for the 3rd book - Ms. Birdsall, please tell us that there is going to be another Penderwick book! (Also a great audiobook to listen to!)

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Nathaniel Fludd Beastologist - Book one Flight of the Phoenix

The Flight of the Phoenix by R.L. LaFevers


My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Nathaniel Flood grew up with a nanny while his parents were exploring the world. Word comes that his parents have died and the nanny is no longer interested in taking care of Nathaniel so he is shipped off to live with Phil Flood. Turns out Phil is his aunt (her real name is Philomena)and she is ready to set out on an adventure - she is a beastologist afterall. Fun adventure book from the same author as Theodosia series.

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Al Capone Shines My Shoes

Al Capone Shines My Shoes by Gennifer Choldenko


My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Moose is at it again with the sequel to Al Capone Does My Shirts. This time however, it is Moose doing Capone a favor. What does Capone want and will it get him in trouble and get his family thrown off the island?

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Found

Found by Margaret Peterson Haddix


My rating: 4 of 5 stars
A plane mysteriously appears with no crew and 36 babies. The FBI takes over and tells all of the witnesses to forget. Thirteen years later mysterious letters arrive telling the kids that they were adopted and warning them to beware. This is the first book in a new series called The Missing.

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The Underneath

The Underneath by Kathi Appelt


My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I LOVED this book! It is easily the best book that I read in 2008. (It did win a Newbery Honor) It brought forth many emotions that at times, it was very difficult to read because you care so much for these characters. There is no other book like this one!

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Chasing Lincoln's Killer

Chasing Lincoln's Killer by James L. Swanson


My rating: 5 of 5 stars
What a fabulous read! Full of shocking and/or interesting facts about the manhut for John Wilkes Booth. If you like your history to read like a novel - pick this one up! You will not be disappointed!
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Love Me Tender

Love Me Tender by Audrey Couloumbis


My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Elvira worrys about her family. Her father left after her parents had a fight. Her mom, who is pregnant, takes her and her younger sister to visit their grandma. Usually visiting your grandma is a good thing, but Elvira has never met her grandma because her mother had stopped talking to her.

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Indigo's Star

Indigo's Star by Hilary McKay


My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Loved book number two in the Casson Family series. I can't decide if I want to be a Casson or a Penderwick. I did listen to this one and it was very good, except the actress (who is british) had a difficult time with an american accent. Can't wait to read number three!

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Greetings from Nowhere

Greetings from Nowhere by Barbara O'Connor


My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Four families, all with different problems, stay at the Sleepy Inn Motel in the Smokey Mountains. Great book about friendship and family.

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Araminta Spookie

My Haunted House by Angie Sage


My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is a great early chapter book series. Araminta lives with her Aunt Tabby and Uncle Drac in a really big old house. Aunt Tabby is tired of fixing the house up so she decides to sell it. Araminta is not happy and tries to convince the buyers that her house is haunted. Unfortunately, this stirs up the real ghosts in the house. (They are nice ghosts so don't be scared)

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Chamber of Secrets

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets by J.K. Rowling


My rating: 4 of 5 stars
O.k. - I get it now!!! Harry is awesome!

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Heat

Heat by Mike Lupica


My rating: 4 of 5 stars
If you are looking for good "sports books" look no further than Mike Lupica. Mr. Lupica is a sports reporter in real life. He writes a column in the New York Post and is on ESPN every Sunday talking sports. This is my favorite book by Mr. Lupica. Give it a try

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Keeping Score

Keeping Score by Linda Sue Park


My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Maggie is a huge baseball fan. When the Brooklyn Dodgers play she goes down to the firehouse to listen to the game with the guys. She becomes great friends with Jim and he teachers her how to "score" the game. Jim is drafted to the Korean war and when he comes home, he has changed and Maggie struggles to accepted this change.

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Inkheart

Inkheart by Cornelia Funke


My rating: 5 of 5 stars
One of my all time favorite series. You MUST read this. Meggie lives with her dad, Mo. When Mo reads aloud, he reads characters out of books - the Inkworld. Unfortunately, he can't control who comes out of the Inkworld nor can he control who disappears into the Inkworld. Highly entertaining. (The audiobook is fabulous!)

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Itch

Itch by Michelle D. Kwasney



Delores ("Itch")has been raised by her grandparents since she was a baby. She lives in Florida, but after her grandfather dies, Itch and her grandma move to Ohio. Itch becomes best friends with Wendy, but Wendy is keeping a horrilbe secret. Will Itch be able to help?

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Shooting the Moon

Shooting the Moon by Frances O'Roark Dowell


My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Jamie is 12 years old when her brother is sent to Vietnam. Her brother, rather than writing her letters, sends her pictures to develop herself. This book explores the upheavel that families endure when loved ones are sent to war and what it is like for returning soldiers.

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Diary of a Wimpy Kid - Dog Days

It has arrived! Come and get it!

Magyk

Magyk by Angie Sage


My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I LOVE THIS SERIES. It is called Septimus Heap. If you haven't read it - run to the library and pick this up. It is about a boy from a magical family and a young queen. Lots of twists and turns.

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Elephant Run

Elephant Run by Roland Smith


My rating: 4 of 5 stars
During WWII, Nick is sent to Burma to live with his dad on his teak plantation. Two days later, the Japanese invade. Dad is captured and sent to a labor camp while Nick is forced to work. This book pulls you in and you can't put it down. (Ooh - there are elephants too!)

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Tennyson

Tennyson by Lesley M.M. Blume


My rating: 4 of 5 stars
A girl and her sister move into an old southern mansion with their aunt and uncle. They have to move because their mother ran away and their father is trying to find her. Hooks you on the first page and keeps you guessing. Girls will love this book.

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Seer of Shadows

The Seer of Shadows by Avi


My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Horace works for a photographer who takes advantage of a couple by placing the "ghost" of their adoped daughgter in a family picture. However, the real ghost appears and is determined to seek revenge for the horrible treatment she received. Keeps you guessing. Well written

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At The Firefly Gate

At the Firefly Gate by Linda Newbery


My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Henry moves into a new home and during his first night there he sees a man at his garden gate, staring at him. Who is this strange man and why does Henry feel like he knows him? In addition, why is Henry having such strange dreams - almost life like?

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Suddenly Supernatural - School Spirit (Book One)

Suddenly Supernatural: School Spirit by Elizabeth Cody Kimmel


My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Kat's mom is a medium. (She talks to dead people.) Kat didn't think she had the gift until her 13th birthday when she started noticing people that no one else saw. Now there is a ghost in her middle school that has shown herself to Kat. Does the ghost need help?

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Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone by J.K. Rowling


My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I read this book awhile ago and I was not in love with it. I don't know if it was because of all of the hype or if I just wasn't in the mood. Anyhoo, I decided to try the audiobook narrated by Jim Dale. I am so glad I did. I LOVED the story this time. Already checked out the audiobook of Chamber of Secrets.

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Let your voice be heard!

Do you want to get the rundown on the favorite books of 2009? Head on over to the CYBILS blog at http://dadtalk.typepad.com/cybils/. Starting Oct. 1, anyone can nominate a favorite book. A panel of judges reads ALL of the nominations and picks out the best from the list. Then after the short list, a second panel of judges picks the winner. Follow the progress to see if you agree. Make sure to nominate your favorite book of the year!

Igraine The Brave

Igraine The Brave by Cornelia Funke


My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Igraine lives with her parents and brother (all magicians) in a small castle. She has no interest in being a magician - she wants to be a knight. Great book for both girls and boys. This book is by Cornelia Funke - one of my favorite authors. What's great about Ms. Funke, in addition to her wonderful stories, is that she has written for all levels of readers. Check her out!

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Artemis Fowl

Artemis Fowl by Eoin Colfer


My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Twelve year old Artemis Fowl is trying to get his family's millions back. Sounds like a noble cause, but he will do it any way possible; even if it is illegal. Guys will like this book! This book is first in the series of six.

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Magic Thief - Lost

The Magic Thief: Lost by Sarah Prineas



My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A wonderful follow up to the first book in the series. Conn - as usual - does not listen to Nevery. This time it costs him. Because he no longer has his locus magicalicus, the only way he can talk to magic is through explosions. Explosions are outlawed in Welmet and after one goes horribly wrong, Conn is exiled. However, he is able to help Welmet against black magic during his journey from home. I can't wait for the conclusion of this trilogy



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The Water Mirror

The Water Mirror by Kai Meyer



My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Merle and Junipa were sent from an orphanage to work for Arcimboldo - the mirror man. They live in Venice after a war in which the Egyptians sent mummy warriors to defeat everyone. The mainland is under the Egyptians' control, but the Flowing Queen protects Venice. Along the way you will meet mermaids and flying lions. A good start to the "Dark Reflections" trilogy.



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Chitty Chitty Bang Bang

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang by Ian Fleming


My rating: 3 of 5 stars
A great adventure read about a magic car, gangsters and chocolate. What more could you ask for?
Having never read the book - I was surprised how different it was from the movie.

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Alcatraz v. the Evil Librarians

Alcatraz Versus the Evil Librarians by Brandon Sanderson


My rating: 4 of 5 stars
If you like fantasy books and funny books, you will LOVE this book. Alcatraz lives with his foster family - his 27th foster family. He never stays long because he is constantly breaking things. One day an old man visits him and Alcatraz begins his incredible journey. You will be caught up in the adventure in no time. On top of that, you'll laugh out loud! This is the first book in the series.

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The Borrowers

The Borrowers by Mary Norton


My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I can't believe that it took so long for me to read this. (Especially since it is one of Barb's favorites). Little people live in the walls, under the floors - everywhere in your house. They believe that humans are alive only to assist them. That's why they "borrow" things. A classic must read.

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Hey Teachers!!!!!!!!!!!

Have a topic that you need books for? Call us, we will pull what you need and have it ready for you to pick up. Don't forget to sign up for a teacher's card (at the circulation desk). That will let you check out items for 6 weeks and there will be no overdue fines if you bring the items back late.

We also can visit your classrooms for booktalks. Are you doing an author study? We can help with that too. Have something else in mind - just ask! Our phone number is 740.383.9715

We hope to see you soon!

Back to School

Wow! Summer is over already. Thanks to all of you that made our Summer Reading Club such a success! We had over 1500 kids sign up. You all are AWESOME. Make sure you come and visit us during the school year! We can help with homework or reports. Also, this is a great place to hang out with friends after school. Remember - when you're not busy with school work - come get a book to read just for fun.

Don't be a stranger!

When You Reach Me

When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead


My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I do not have the words to describe this book. To put it simply - WOW!

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The Doll People

The Doll People by Ann M. Martin


My rating: 3 of 5 stars
The Doll family is over one hundred years old and has been passed down from Grandma Katherine, her daughter Annie, and her granddaughter Kate (their human family). They are made of China and are very breakable. They live in a beautiful dollhouse. One day Kate's sister, Nora, gets her own dollhouse - modern and plastic. Annabelle Doll and Tiffany Funcraft become good friends. Together they decide to try to find Annabelle's missing aunt; but they have to be careful because The Captain, the humans' cat, can cause them much harm. This is the first book in a trilogy.

The audiobook is a fun listen and is performed by an amazing actress - Lynn Redgrave

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