Theodore Boone: Kid Lawyer

Grades 6+

What do you want to be when you grow up? An Athlete? A Movie Star? A Musician? A Lawyer? Not many kids or adults really want to see the inside of a courtroom or wade through piles of litagation paperwork. But the main character in this book, Theo can't decide between being a famous trial lawyer or a respected judge.

Well, Theo Boone hasn't taken the bar, but he offers advice to his friends, hangs out at the courthouse, and watches Perry Mason reruns. Things turn serious, however, when a witness to a murder, a young illegal immigrant, comes to Theo with evidence. The trial is in full swing, and it looks like the defendant will walk unless Theo comes forward. But he's promised the young man he will keep his identity confidential. What should he do?

Grisham is known for his legal mysteries, and this kids book is no exception. It is a fun read for anyone, not just aspiring lawyers.

Peter and the Starcatchers

by Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson
Grades 5+

I've just finished listening to this book, read by the talented Jim Dale of Harry Potter reading fame.

In an evocative and fast-paced adventure on the high seas and on a faraway island an orphan boy named Peter and his mysterious new friend, Molly, overcome bands of pirates and thieves in their quest to keep a fantastical secret safe. Riveting adventure takes listeners on a journey from a harsh orphanage in old England to a treacherous sea in a decrepit old ship. Aboard the Never Land is a trunk that holds a magical substance with the power to change the fate of the world - just a sprinkle and wounds heal and just a dusting and people can fly.

Sound familar? Bestselling authors Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson have turned back the clock and revealed pre-quel to J. M. Barrie's beloved Peter Pan

The authors plait multiple story lines together in short, fast-moving chapters, with the growing friendship between Molly and Peter at the narrative's emotional center. Capitalizing on familiar material, this adventure is carefully crafted to set the stage for Peter's later exploits. This smoothly written page-turner just might send readers back to the original.

This is a great book for (not just 5th graders) anyone who hates evil pirates, loves adventures, and always wish s/he could fly! Highly, highly reccommended!

Haunted Waters

by Mary Osborne Pope

Grades 6+

 Lord Huldbrand meets and becomes enamored of a young woman named Undine. Undine, however, does not know that she is a fey marine maiden. After traveling home with his new bride, Lord Huldbrand notices that Undine has difficulties in adjusting to a terrestrial life. Huldbrand's response is to not trust his wife's magical origins which ultimately causes his downfall. 

Osborne's straightforward tale exhibits superb writing. The descriptions of Undines relationship with the sea are equally beautiful while short, declarative sentences and first-person narration reinforce its inescapable, tragic conclusion. It was a pleasure to read.

This is a sophisticated story and the tale's atmospheric chivalry adds depth. This is great for readers who like ghost stories, Arthurian lore, and other myths.

PLUS, the water theme ties in great with our Summer Reading Program that starts June 7th.
MAKE WAVES!

The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate by Jacqueline Kelly

Grades: 5+

The summer of 1899 is HOT in Calpurnia Virginia Tate's sleepy Texas town, and there aren't a lot of good ways to stay cool. Her mother has a new wind machine from town, but Callie might just have to resort to stealthily cutting off her hair, one sneaky inch at a time. She also spends a lot time at the river with her notoriously cantankerous grandfather, an avid naturalist. It turns out that every drop of river water is teeming with life - all you have to do is look through a microscope!As Callie ecplores the natural world around her, she develops a close relationship with her grandfather, navigates the dangers of living with six brothers, and comes up against just what it means to be a girl at the turn of the century.

I thought this would be a boring science story. It is funny. Calpurnia has an interesting point of view and comes to interesting conclusions. It also brings in some history without even meaning to. You know how people are still angry about evolution? Well, think about how people must have felt about it when the idea was fresh. Yeah, Calpurnia's neighbors are livid about the very idea of evolution. When Calpurnia tries to go to the library to get Darwin's book, the librarian refuses to give it to her. The librarian said it was inappropriate subject material. Such a change!

There were times when I laughed outloud funny. Just a really great story.

Flush By Carl Hiaasen

Grade 5 Up–In Flush (Knopf, 2005), Carl Hiaasen's ecological concerns focus on illegal dumping of raw sewage from a floating casino. Noah Underwood's dad has sunk the gambling ship, the Coal Queen, in protest. Now the elder Underwood is launching a media campaign from his jail cell to raise public awareness since the sewage-spewing ship will soon be back in operation. Though Noah and his younger sister Abbey believe in their father's cause, they also fear their mother will file for divorce if he continues to react so outrageously to environmental issues. After a few false starts and run-ins with the casino owner's son and the ship's hired goon, the siblings come up with a plan to use food coloring to expose the hazardous dumping. Working with Shelly, the casino's bartender, and aided by a mysterious white-haired man, Noah and Abbey set their trap, but end up adrift off the Florida Keys. Rescue and an unexpected family reunion make their successful exposure of the corrupt casino owner even sweeter. It takes a few more plot twists before the Coral Queen is closed forever, and by then Noah's parents have learned better ways to manage their marital problems.

I really enjoyed reading this book . I predicted based on his other book Hoot that it would have an enviromental issue in it. The characters were believeable and it gave me a new appreciation for the enviroment in Florida where the book is set. It also made for a great discussion book becuase of not only the enviromental issues but, beacuse of many of the other issues about character, divorce, bribery, and even going to jail and the lesson of whats right and wrong.

Here Lies the Librarian by Richard Peck

Grades 4+
Peewee idolizes Jake, a big brother whose dreams of auto mechanic glory are fueled by the hard road coming to link their Indiana town during the early 20th century. Then, motoring down the road comes Irene Ridpath, a young librarian with plans to astonish them all and turn Peewee’s life upside down.

This novel, with its quirky characters, folksy setting, classic cars, and hilariously larger-than-life moments, is vintage Richard Peck – an offbeat, deliciously wicked comedy that is also unexpectedly moving.

If anyone has read A Long Way From Chicago and liked it (and honestly what is not to like?), you will totally enjoy this book. There are some pretty silly characters but at the same time the sillier the events, the more believable the plot. The half inbred competitor mechanics are ridiculous, but you know there are people like that out there (right here).

I think what really makes a great books are its characters. What makes a great character is if I would want to be friends with him or her. I definately want to be friends with PeeWee, Jake and Irene. It's official. I love this book.

Ways to Live Forever by Sally Nichols

Grades 6+
I should have known. When I read the back of the book I knew it was about a kid, Sam, who has leukemia. But as I read, it became evident that Sam not only had terminal leukemia but he had less than 6 months to live.

Sam, as one would expect, struggles with the idea of death. To try to figure out life's big questions, Sam makes lists of questions and documents how he tries to reason them out. Then he starts to make lists of things he wants to accomplish before he dies and documents how he achieves those things.

The family dynamic was the most interesting part. The mother was so emotional about the whole thing. The father seemed to be in denial. The sister was just too young to know what was going on. Towards the end, the roles reversed, as they often do in life.

I hate to spoil the end, but Sam does die. So yeah, this was a depressing book. But it was also sooooo good. Sam is a believable character. He doesn't white wash anything and he is not perfect. He is brave in facing his own death and sometimes he has to show an example for his parents who can't easily accept that their child is going to die.

When I finished this book, I cried like a little baby. My grandfather died a few months ago and that was my first experience with true loss. While Sam's death was vastly different from my grandfather's, but Sam's character reminded me of my grandfather. Sam prepared for his demise and wanted to make sure his loved ones would be prepared and able to continue on without him. He showed strength and great heart.

Loss is universal and a scary part of life. The reason I cried so much when I was finished reading this book is that the book proved to be true and it touched my little librarian heart.

File this book under "life changing."

Diary of a Wimpy Kid (bks 1 and 2)by Jeff Kinney

Grades 4+ 
Greg records his sixth grade experiences in a middle school where he and his best friend, Rowley, undersized weaklings amid boys who need to shave twice daily, hope just to survive, but when Rowley grows more popular, Greg must take drastic measures to save their friendship.

In the second book, Greg enters the new school year. He’s eager to put the past three months behind him . . . and one event in particular. Unfortunately for Greg, his older brother, Rodrick, knows all about the incident Greg wants to keep under wraps. Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules chronicles Greg’s attempts to navigate the hazards of middle school, impress the girls, steer clear of the school talent show, and most important, keep his secret safe.

Alright. Greg is not a nice person. He is ashamed of his best friend. He is jealous of anyone who gets any attention. He lies and doesn't understand the purpose of being nice--unless it gets him something. He is always trying to get more even if he doesn't deserve it. Greg is a pretty miserable human being and is the type of person who made my life horrible in middle school--the bullied becomes the bully. If Greg is the type of hero that the world has to offer, the world is in trouble!

The books are certainly funny and capture the essence of Middle School. I was always hoping that Greg would do the right thing but I don't think he ever did, not once. For anyone who has read (or seen the movie) Emma, Greg is basically Emma: a self centered, unrepentant, jerk.

And yet, I read the first 2 books in one day and I want to read the third book. Is there something wrong with me?