The one and only Ivan / Katherine Applegate; illustrations by Patricia Castelao.

February 20, 2013

2/15/13. I read this in one big gulp. It’s very simply told making it accessible to challenged or reluctant readers; but make no mistake, it is deep and compelling. Slightly reminiscent of “Not Everyone Can . . . read more »

Category: Book Reviews - Kids, Reviews Juvenile Books

Splendors and glooms / Laura Amy Schlitz.

February 20, 2013

2/12/13What a terrific book! The best I’ve read for a while. A completely engaging fantasy with almost Dickensian characters and setting. Richly detailed but with plenty of action; deliciously dark and mysterious but full of . . . read more »

Category: Book Reviews - Kids, Reviews Juvenile Books

The Crowfield curse / Pat Walsh.

February 20, 2013

This was a lively story with plenty of action right from the beginning. I couldn’t help thinking it would be good for an impatient reader who doesn’t like to invest much to “get into a . . . read more »

Category: Book Reviews - Kids, Reviews Juvenile Books

My Secret Santa Keeps on Giving!

February 11, 2013

My co-worker, Vesta Kowalski, was my secret library santa this year. Her gift to me was one of those Page-a-day calendars with a different book reviewed for each day of the week. I love readers’ . . . read more »

Category: Book Reviews

Son / by Lois Lowry.

February 1, 2013

Son by Lois Lowry 2012 I loved Son. It was exciting to connect with characters from the Giver again and find them as deep and rich as I have remembered them for so many years. . . . read more »

Category: Book Reviews - Kids, Reviews Juvenile Books

Patron and Staff Recommendations: Winter 2013

January 23, 2013

The one and only Ivan by Katherine Applegate; illustrations by Patricia Castelao. “I read this in one big gulp. It’s very simply told making it accessible to challenged or reluctant readers; but make no mistake, . . . read more »

Category: Book Reviews

What’s on Your Wish List for 2013?

December 28, 2012

Every new year is full of potential and anticipation. One of my highlights is looking  forward to the new books! Are there any new offerings that you are anticipating? Here are my lists as well . . . read more »

Category: Book Reviews

Patron Recommendations: November 2012

November 9, 2012

The Elephant Whisperer by Lawrence Anthony From Goodreads: “When South African conservationist Lawrence Anthony was asked to accept a herd of ‘rogue’ elephants on his Thula Thula game reserve in South Africa, his commonsense told . . . read more »

Category: Book Reviews

What is on your “To Read” list?

October 17, 2012

I was recently updating my library account information here at work and realized my “To-Read” list was out of control! I will oftentimes add books as a note on my library record when patrons give . . . read more »

Category: Book Reviews

Marty McGuire digs worms! / by Kate Messner ; illustrated by Brian Floca.

October 2, 2012

A terrific little book I can recommend to everyone! Marty is a spirited and curious third grader challenged to help save the earth via a science project. She is a girl who appreciates the little . . . read more »

Category: Book Reviews - Kids, Reviews Children's Books