Keeper

Keeper by Kathi Appelt

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Keeper is 10 and she lives on the Texas coast with Signe, her dog, BD Best Dog) and her seagull, The Captain. She hasn't seen her mom for over 7 years, but after a very bad day, Keeper sets out to find her in order to ask her advice. The problem is, Keeper believes that her mom is a mermaid. This is an amazingly beautiful story.



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Driven

Driven by Lee Iacocca

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Another wonderful biography from National Geographic. This one is about Henry Ford. He didn't invent the automobile, but he made it affordable for most people. An amazing thing during the 1920s! He had some amazing ideas for his time, but he also was flawed. I learned a great deal from this book.



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Gregor the Overlander

Gregor the Overlander by Suzanne Collins

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


Gregory and his sister "Boots" fall through a duct in their laundry room and end up in "The Underland". The Underland is different from The Overland (what we are used to). There are humans, but they are pale because they have no sunlight. There are also rats, cockroaches and bats, but they are HUGE and they all talk. Ewwwww. This is the first book in the series.



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Sabotaged

Sabotaged by Margaret Peterson Haddix

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


This is the third book in "The Missing" series, by Margaret Peterson Haddix. This time, Jonah and Katherine are sent to Roanoke Island in order to help, Andrea return to her "real self" - a girl born in 1597. Will they succeed?



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Turtle in Paradise

Turtle in Paradise by Jennifer L. Holm

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Turtle is sent to live in Key West, Florida after her mom gets a job working as a housekeeper and they don't allow children. She moves in with an Aunt and 4 cousins, all boys! UGH! She has never met any of them, not only are they difficult to get used to, but so is Florida. She is a New Jersey girl. Talk about culture shock.





I told you that I loved the author's book - "Penny from Heaven". Well now there are Jennifer Holm books that I love. You MUST read them. Really, you must!



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Spaceheadz

SPHDZ Book #1 by Jon Scieszka

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


Brace yourself - Jon Scieszka has a new series that will have you laughing out loud, and scratching your head at the same time. Michael K starts fifth grade at a new school. He knows how important this day is and that if he does something stupid, he would never fit in. Unfortunately, there are two other new students, who somehow know his name - and boy are they WIERD! Worse yet, they follow him all over school and everyone thinks that they are all friends. UGH! Who are these kids and how can he get rid of them?



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Keepers of the School - Book One - We Are The Children

We the Children by Andrew Clements

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


The janitor at Ben's school is dying in the hallway. Before he is put in the ambulance, he hands Ben a gold coin and makes him promise to protect the school - no matter what. Ben agrees, however what he doesn't realize is that his promise will be difficult to keep. This is a new mystery series by Andrew Clements - you know, the author of Frindle!

Layla, Queen of Hearts

Layla, Queen of Hearts by Glenda Millard

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Layla is needs to find a special person to take to Senior Citizen's Day at school. She could share Griffin's grandma, but she wants someone of her own. A wonderful story about family and love. This is the second book in the Silk Family series. Lovely!



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The Strange Case of Origami Yoda

The Strange Case of Origami Yoda by Tom Angleberger

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Dwight is odd and people often make fun of him, however he folded and origami yoda that dispenses advice. GOOD advice. Is the yoda real - or does everyone just want an easy way to muddle through 6th grade?



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The Water Seeker

The Water Seeker by Kimberly Willis Holt

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


Life's tough in the wilderness. There is so much to do just to survive. This book follows Amos Kincaid's life, from living in Missouri to taking the Oregon Trail in order to start a new life. One thing is for sure, Amos' life is never boring!


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Bink and Gollie

Bink and Gollie by Kate DiCamillo

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Bink and Gollie are total opposites and best friends. LOVE them! I can't wait to read the next book in the series. A FABULOUS early chapter book. I tell everyone I know to read this!!!!



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The White House by Roland Smith

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Our wait is finally over!! Angela and Q. are back, and with the help of The President of the United States, they hope to stop a terrorist plot. If you like NCIS and Bourne movies, this is a series for you!



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Case of the Lost Boy

The Buddy Files: The Case of the Lost Boy by Dori Hillestad Butler

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Buddy is a golden retriever and he solves mysteries. The first mystery he must solve is what happened to his owners. But before he can do that, he must break out of the dog pound. This is the first book in "The Buddy Files". A wonderful early chapter book series.



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Falling In

Falling In by Frances O'Roark Dowell

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


Isabelle hears a loud buzzing noise - but she can't find whre it is coming from. UNTIL she falls into another world.

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Dewey: The Library Cat

Dewey the Library Cat: A True Story by Vicki Myron

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


A tiny kitten is shoved in the return slot at a local library. The librarians decide that he will be the Library Kitten and things will never be the same. This is a true story. If you liked "Marley: A Dog Like No Other", you'll love this book!


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Melvin Beederman Superhero

Curse of the Bologna Sandwich, The by Greg Trine

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Melvin Beederman just graduated from superhero school and he is sent to Los Angeles to fight crime. He make many mistakes, however and the results will have you laughing out loud. A great early chapter book series.
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The Extraordinary Mark Twain (According to Susy)

The Extraordinary Mark Twain by Barbara Kerley

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


When Mark Twain's daughter, Susy, was 13, she wrote a biography of her father. This book tells Susy's story. It's a fun and beautifully illustrated picture book.

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The Queen of Attolia

The Queen of Attolia by Megan Whalen Turner

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


The sequel to "The Thief". Mystery, suspense, and intrigue. What a book! The first chapter grabs you and you never breathe until the last sentence. FABULOUS! I have fallen for Gen and I can't wait to read "King of Attolia" to find out what happens next!

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Countdown

Countdown by Deborah Wiles

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


This is a brand-new trilogy and I am loving it already. Today you go through fire drills and tornado drills at school. Imagine if you also had drill that taught you how to survive a nuclear war. It happened - not that long ago. How would you handle it?


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The Day-Glo Brothers

The Day-Glo Brothers by Chris Barton

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


A fun picture book biography about the invention of Day-Glo paint. Who Knew?

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The Naming of Tishkin Silk

The Naming of Tishkin Silk by Glenda Millard


My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Griffen thinks that it is his fujalt that his mom and baby sister are no longer living at home. That is a lot for a kid to handle! This little book is a gem. Please, please, please read it!

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The Boy Who Invented T.V.

Frindle by Andrew Clements


My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Have you ever wondered who gets to decide what words are in the dictionary? I mean, who decides that a word means a certain thing. These are things that Nick wonders about - and then he comes up with an idea - he could make a word up and see if it catches on.

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If a Tree Falls at Lunch Period

If a Tree Falls at Lunch Period by Gennifer Choldenko


My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Kirsten and Walk attend the same private school. Kirsten has been attending the school forever, but it is Walk's first year. Neither has an easy time. Kirsten's parents are fighting and she eats every time she gets upset. Because she is gaining weight, she is teased at school. Walk stands out and even though he is a 4.0 student, it is because he is black, not because he is smart. Then Kirsten and Walk have the rug yank out from under them, and it is up to the both of them to bring life back to "normal"

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Wild Wild West

Bad News for Outlaws: The Remarkable Life of Bass Reeves, Deputy U. S. Marshal by Vaunda Micheaux Nelson


My rating: 4 of 5 stars
A picture book biography about Bass Reeves - a former slave that became a US marshal in "Indian territory" for over 30 years. Well written and great illustrations. A must read!

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New Movie Trailer - Flipped

Can't wait to see this movie. It is based on the book "Flipped" by Wendelin Van Draanen.

Almost Astronauts

Almost Astronauts: 13 Women Who Dared to Dream by Tanya Lee Stone


My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Once again, I found out something I didn't know. That's why I love books, and why you will love this one too. Waaaaaaaaaaaaay back in the 1960s 13 women wanted to be astronauts. Unfortunately, there were a lot of hurdles put in front of them. Did they suceed? Read and find out.

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Spies of Mississippi

Spies of Mississippi: The True Story of the Spy Network that Tried to Destroy the Civil Rights Movement by Rick Bowers


My rating: 3 of 5 stars
I had never heard of the Mississippi State Sovereignty Commission. I certainly never knew that a state government not only spied on U.S. citizens but actively try to discredit those citizens - or worse.

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The Batboy

The Batboy by Mike Lupica


My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Brian gets the job of a lifetime - being a batboy for the Detroit Tigers. His mom isn't too happy, because she doesn't like baseball. It could be because Brian's dad used to be a professional pitcher and they recently got divorced. Brian also lucks out when his favorite player is called back to the Tigers. He thinks it will be great - but will it?


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Penny From Heaven

Penny from Heaven by Jennifer L. Holm


My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I loved this book! I can't believe that it took me so long to read it. Penny lives with her Mom and her grandparents. Her dad died when she was little and no one in her house will talk about him. Her father's family lives in the same town and they spoil Penny like crazy. They are Italian and there are lots of aunts, uncles and cousins and there is always something happening. This story is about every day things and extraordinary things - all rolled into one. You'll remember Penny for a long time to come. (I have put all of Jennifer Holm's books on my to read list; stay tuned for more reviews)

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Andy Warhol: Pop Art Painter

Andy Warhol: Pop Art Painter by Susan Goldman Rubin


My rating: 4 of 5 stars
A fun and funky picture book biography about the artist Andy Warhol. He was a VERY unique guy and everybody wanted to hang out with him at his Factory.

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Phinea L. MacGuire

Phineas L. MacGuire . . . Erupts!: The First Experiment by Frances O'Roark Dowell


My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Mac loves science and is always doing experiments. Unfortunately, his best friend just moved away. To make matters worse, a new kid, Mac R. moves in and he picks fights with everyone. THEN, Mac is paired with Mac R. for the science fair. Will they ever agree on a project and, if so, will it work?

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Kiki Strike

Kiki Strike: Inside the Shadow City by Kirsten Miller


My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Ananka lives a pretty boring life - until a new girl comes to her school named Kiki Strike. After they become friends, nothing will ever be the same. This story is full of action and has a lot of surprises along the way. A fun start to a new series.

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Bystander

Bystander by James Preller


My rating: 4 of 5 stars
A bystander is someone who stands by and does nothing. If you are a bystander and are watching someone get bullied, are you a bully? If you are being bullied, wouldn't you want someone to step up and help you? Well, Eric is the new kid in town and has to deal with a bully. How does he handle it?

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Inkdeath

Inkdeath by Cornelia Funke


My rating: 4 of 5 stars
The conclusion to the Inkheart trilogy and it doesn't disappoint. I will miss these characters! Everything is tied up - but there is still a little wiggle room for revisiting the Inkworld.

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Permanent Rose

Permanent Rose by Hilary McKay


My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is the third book in the Casson Family series and it is just as fabulous as the first two. Love Love Love the Cassons!

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Fantastic Secret of Owen Jester

Barbara O'Connor is one of my favorite authors. I am so happy that she is coming out with a new book, but it doesn't come out until October 2010. So..... she made a book trailer to help hold us over.

Frindle

Frindle by Andrew Clements


My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Have you ever wondered who gets to decide what words are in the dictionary? I mean, who decides that a word means a certain thing. These are things that Nick wonders about - and then he comes up with an idea - he could make a word up and see if it catches on.

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Yellow Death

The Secret of the Yellow Death: A True Story of Medical Sleuthing by Suzanne Jurmain


My rating: 4 of 5 stars
A very interesting account book about Yellow Fever and the doctors from Cuba and the U.S. that developed the vaccine. (I never thought I would find a book about yellow fever interesting - but I did. Trust Me :) )

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Manfish: A Story of Jacques Cousteau

Manfish: A Story of Jacques Cousteau by Jennifer Berne


My rating: 4 of 5 stars
We have all heard about the first man on the moon, but have you ever heard about the first man to explore what is in our oceans? You haven't? Then take a look at this wonderful picture book biography.

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Cracker Jackson

Cracker Jackson by Betsy Byars


My rating: 3 of 5 stars
After Jackson's parents divorced, his mom hired Alma to babysit him. Alma nicked named him "Cracker". Unfortunately, Alma marries a man that hits her. Can Jackson convince her to leave him before it's too late?

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Out of My Mind

Out of My Mind by Sharon M. Draper


My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Melody is 11 and has never spoken a word. She has cerebral palsy and no one, not her parents, not her teachers and not her doctors knows how smart she really is. Instead, she is taught at a preschool level, EVERY year. That all changes when she gets an electronic communication board. At 11, she is able to "talk" for the first time and she has so much to say. Powerful story. BTW - the author of this book, Sharon Draper, is from Ohio!

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Signing Their Lives Away

Signing Their Lives Away: The Fame and Misfortune of the Men Who Signed the Declaration of Independence by Joseph D'Agnese


My rating: 4 of 5 stars
The author, Mr. D'Agnese, gives us a brief look at all 56 men who signed the Declaration of Independence. Each man has a story to tell. For instance, did you know that one of the signers was poisoned by his nephew? Neither did I! Pick up this book and see what else you can discover.

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Dragon Rider

Dragon Rider by Cornelia Funke


My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Humans are advancing on the Dragon's territory and one dragon, Firedrake, sets out to find the Rim of Heaven in order to save his species. He is joined by a brownie and a boy on his journey. A fun read, but if you really want to hear a great audiobook - this is it! Brenden Frasier is fabulous

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Mama Miti

Mama Miti: Wangari Maathai and the Trees of Kenya by Donna Jo Napoli


My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is a beautiful picture book biography about Wangari Muta Maathai, the first African woman to win the Nobel Prize. She was given the award b/c she started the green belt movement, b/c so many trees were cut down in Kenya.

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Scones and Sensibility

Scones and Sensibility by Lindsay Eland


My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Polly is obsessed with love and romance. She gets all of her ideas from her favorite books. She thinks that everyone should be in love and believes that it is her duty in life to find a love match for everyone! Not everything turns out like it does in books though and she has a LOT of explaining to do

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Binky

Binky the Space Cat by Ashley Spires


My rating: 4 of 5 stars
A fabulous new graphic novel series. Binky is getting ready for outer space (which really is just outside because he is an indoor cat). He knows that he will encounter aliens (bugs) but, he is one very prepared Kitty. Everyone will fall in love with Binky! This is a great book for dormant readers.

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The Cabinet of Wonders by Marie Rutkoski


My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Petra and her father live in a small village and have a simple life. Her father works with metals and his hobby is making tin animals that come to life - all they need is oil to survive. Petra's pet is a spider named Astrophil. Because of his beautiful work, the Prince has requested that her father make a special clock for his castle. Unfortunately, the Prince wants to be the only one to work this magnificent clock and steals her father's eyes and wears them. (gross!) Petra sets off to get her father's eyes back - but danger is all around her.

This is the first book in The Kronos Chronicles

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The Pinballs

The Pinballs by Betsy Byars


My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Three kids, Carlie, Harvey and Thomas J, all sent to live with the Masons. They are all foster kids that have had difficult lives but somehow, together they are a family.

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Leaving Gee's Bend

Leaving Gee's Bend by Irene Latham


My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Ludelphia lives in Gee's Bend, Alabama a place known for making beautiful quilts. It is a way for the women in this little itty bitty place to remember their history, because each quilt tells a story. Ludelphia's story is about her mother's illness, the new baby and a trip of a lifetime.

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YouTube - A Great Idea

YouTube by Adam Woog


My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Ever wonder how YouTube started? Well wonder no more! Read this and you will know who to thank for all those videos you watch the moment you ask for them.

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Mick Harte Was Here

Mick Harte Was Here by Barbara Park


My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Mick Harte was Pheobe's younger brother. He was in an accident while riding his bike and died. I am not giving the story away because Pheobe tells you this in the first chapter. This story is about how Pheobe and her parents each deal with Mick's death. Both a tragic and uplifting story.

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The Road to Oz

The Road to Oz: Twists, Turns, Bumps, and Triumphs in the Life of L. Frank Baum by Kathleen Krull


My rating: 4 of 5 stars
"We are off to see the Wizard . . ." Not really, but you will meet the creator of the Wizard, Dorothy, Toto and the rest. An interesting picture book biography.

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