This book. You guys, I was crying on a bus as I read this, but couldn't put it down and spare myself the embarrassment because I needed too intensely to know what happened next and how it all came out. Could I recommend it more highly? I think not. Skinnyby Donna CoonerPoint /ScholasticISBN: 978 0 … [Read more...]
Scholastic Decoder: October 2012
October! Wow, we're already right into the school year by now, with fall falling and temperature dropping with it, too. Brrr! At least we can curl up with some good books - there is some good solid stuff this month. Let's take a look... ElfLlama Llama pack - I haven't seen the new one, but the three … [Read more...]
Saving the Day
Two boys have the adventure of a lifetime and save the country from German spies in this novel set in World War II-era Canada. Man Overboard! by Curtis ParkinsonTundra BooksISBN: 978 1 77049 298 1A teenager working as a deckhand for the summer overhears a conversation between German spies who then … [Read more...]
History is Hilarious
... at least in the hands of Kate Beaton, who is equally deft at pointing out absurdities in literature in this smart collection of comics. Hark! A Vagrantby Kate BeatonDrawn & QuarterlyISBN: 978 1 77046 060 7From proper literature (Austen, Bronte, Shakespeare, Crusoe, and ridiculous takes on … [Read more...]
The Rise of Nine
The third book in a fast-paced series, this continues the saga of the last hope of the planet Lorien.The Rise of Nineby Pittacus LoreHarperCollinsISBN: 978 0 061 97458 8This series began with I Am Number Four, in which we are introduced to the story of the destruction of Lorien, and how the Loric … [Read more...]
The Season for Sickness Has Begun…
And already, everyone at work and home is getting colds. we all know how awful it is when little guys feel low, and this sweet new book tells them just how much their mamas care to try and make them feel a little better. If Beaver Had a Feverby Helen KettemanMarshall CavendishISBN: 978 0 7614 5951 … [Read more...]
Math in the Great Outdoors
A new series of books uses the world around to help teach math concepts to young kids. This fall counting, sorting, and patterning book is the first book in the Math in Nature series from OwlKids. Counting on Fallby Lizann FlattOwlKidsISBN: 978 1 926973 36 4How might awareness of math change … [Read more...]
Vcitorian Mysteries, Jr.
Victorian mysteries for grownups have been a staple for ages - but these two are for kids. Sound like it might be too sophisticated? Dropping the age of the sleuths makes a big difference, and while the first ratchets up some good tension to keep kids hooked, the second brings some fun humour to the … [Read more...]
Novel Girl Reviews: Before I Fall
What if you had only one day to live? What would you do? Who would you kiss? How far would you go to save your own life?Samantha Kingston has it all: The world's most crush-worthy boyfriend, three amazing best friends, and first pick of everything at Thomas Jefferson high-from the best … [Read more...]
Grey Is The New Crack
This title: Fifty Shades of Grey has been floating around in my sphere for a long while, and I thought I'd eventually check it out, until the other night when one of my foxes told me to read it. Implored, is more like it. She thrust her Kindle at me and said, "Just take it. Let me know when you … [Read more...]