The Zoo at the Edge of the World by Eric Kahn Gale 2014

September 28, 2015

Here is another book I loved and will love to recommend. The story is action packed, is beautifully told and asks big questions. Similar in theme to The Lion Boy Trilogy and We Can’t All . . . read more »

Category: Book Reviews - Kids, Reviews Juvenile Books

The Forgotten Sisters by Shannon Hale 2015

September 28, 2015

I have loved these Shannon Hale books. The characters touch my heart and fuel my imagination. There are plenty of surprises and crafty plot twists but there is a smoothness to the telling that I . . . read more »

Category: Book Reviews - Kids, Reviews Juvenile Books

Lara’s Gift by Annemarie O’Brien 2014

September 28, 2015

For me the telling of this story was a little too quick.  It’s a fascinating period of history; I would have liked more detail and more length to develop the characters. In spite of the . . . read more »

Category: Book Reviews - Kids, Reviews Juvenile Books

Stormstruck! by John Macfarlane 2015

September 28, 2015

This book careens from one calamity to another, providing plenty of action and some suspense. It’s not artfully told, but the story is compelling. I do think many kids will enjoy the harrowing adventure of a 12 . . . read more »

Category: Book Reviews - Kids, Reviews Juvenile Books

Joey Pigza Loses Control by Jack Gantos 2002

September 28, 2015

I couldn’t resist reading this one the minute I finished the first in the series, Joey Pigza Swallowed The Key. Joey Pigza is just an irresistible character that I find myself cheering for the whole . . . read more »

Category: Book Reviews - Kids, Reviews Juvenile Books

Joey Pigza Swallowed the Key by Jack Gantos 1998

September 28, 2015

This book has been around for a long time; I am just reading it now because I loved Jack Gantos’  Norvelt books. Joey Pigza is a character! He has ADHD, and a good heart. He was raised . . . read more »

Category: Book Reviews - Kids, Reviews Juvenile Books

Brown Girl Dreaming by Jacqueline Woodson 2014

September 28, 2015

It’s no surprise to me that  I loved this book or that it won the National Book Award. It’s gorgeous writing and told in honest eloquent verse. I have loved all of Jacqueline Woodson’s books and appreciated the chance . . . read more »

Category: Book Reviews - Kids, Reviews Juvenile Books

The Mark of the Dragonfly by Jaleigh Johnson

September 28, 2015

I often get great book recommendations from the students I talk to. In this case I got a fabulous book recommendation. It’s the kind of book that I read almost to the end in one long gulp and then take a . . . read more »

Category: Book Reviews - Kids, Reviews Juvenile Books

The Friendship Riddle by Megan Frazer Blakemore 2015

September 28, 2015

I liked the characters and the premise; middle schoolers caught up in a riddle that mirrors their friendship dilemmas. It was a slow read for me though, and seemed to go on and on. The . . . read more »

Category: Book Reviews - Kids, Reviews Juvenile Books

2015 Summer Reads

August 17, 2015

Looking for an engrossing, entertaining or fluffy summer read? Check out some of the titles our patrons have recommended below. Some new, some old, some poignant, others pure entertainment, all noteworthy.   “The Meaning of . . . read more »

Category: Book Reviews