Graphic Pick: Animorphs: The Graphic Novel (The Invasion)

 

Animorphs: The Graphic Novel

The Invasion

based on the novel by K.A. Applegate and Michael Grant

Adapted by Chris Grine

Scholastic Graphix

2020

240 pages (fully illustrated, color)

ISBN: 9781338226485

Five friends witness a UFO landing in a construction site near their homes and have a close encounter with an alien from another world. He (?) is injured and appears close to death, but he tells the kids that another species is loose on Earth and it's here to destroy humankind. Called Yeerks, they are parasites, who inhabit other species' bodies (including humans) and there are many of them already here and living as humans. 

He gives them a box of Andalite technology which allows them to morph into other creatures, but warns them not to stay morphed for more than two hours or they will be unable change back. The Andalite tells them they must find Visser Three, defeat him and save the planet. 

The kids scatter when they hear danger, and watch in terror as the friendly alien is killed by slug-like aliens. They realize the power they hold and their mission to save themselves and their world. The kids practice morphing with some comic results. The boys have a hard time learning to morph back to human form WITH their clothes. Tobias becomes a red tailed hawk, Jake a dog, Rachel an elephant. In order to beat the worms, they'll need to harness their new powers and hatch a plan. 

Reluctant readers will gravitate to the super hero aspects of the story. Colorful graphic illustration panels make this an easy reader that will delight readers. 

Highly recommended grade 4 and up. This will likely be available through Scholastic Book Fairs (if any schools are able to have them) and online book fairs. 

Middle Grade Foodie Pick: Lunch Will Never Be the Same (Phoebe G. Green, book 1)

 

Phoebe G. Green: Lunch Will Never Be the Same

Book 1

by Veera Hiranandani

Illustated by Christine Almeda

Penguin Workshop

2020

117 pages (sneak peek of book 2 follows)

ISBN: 9780593096901

Third grader Phoebe is excited to go to school since she'll be in class with BFF Sage (a boy). Mom gave her a new sparkly notebook where she can write her lists. Even more exciting, a new student joins their class. Her name is Camille and she's from France. Phoebe is immediately interested to meet someone from far away, and when Camille opens her lunch, it's the most fascinating, yet strange thing Phoebe has ever seen.  

Camille unwraps a tiny loaf of bread, a butter lettuce salad with DUCK in it and a smelly cheese with blue dots on it. Dessert is fresh strawberries she sprinkles with powdered sugar. Poor Phoebe! Her lunch is as boring as bologna. While Camille brings in upscale dishes with eccentric ingredients, Phoebe eats the same old stuff every day. Sage gets jealous because Phoebe is paying more attention to Camille and her wonderful lunches than to him, her lifelong friend. 

Dinner at Phoebe's house is an afterthought. Like most working couples, Phoebe's parents use frozen and pre-packaged foods that are quick to cook but lack fun or finesse. Phoebe hopes to be invited to Camille's house where she is sure they must eat off china with linen napkins. Finally, Phoebe is invited to dinner! 

Phoebe continues to be mesmerized by Camille's fantastic lunchbox, and she even tries to make her own lunch more upscale. When Sage begins sitting at another table, Phoebe decides to split her time with Sage and Camille. She makes one of her famous notes and gives each of them a copy. Every other day, Phoebe will sit with Sage. On the the other days, she'll sit with Camille. Sage is angry! When he makes fun of Camille's lunch, she runs to the bathroom in tears. Phoebe calms her and makes new lists. 

Phoebe tells Sage no matter who has what interesting food, he is her friend forever. Phoebe invites both friends to a picnic lunch where she makes new dishes and the three of them decide food is for sharing no matter what! 

Highly recommended! Easy to read, accessible font with handwritten notes from Phoebe and illustrations throughout. Quick chapters for emerging readers. Age 8 and up. 

MG Contemporary: A Field Guide to Getting Lost

 

A Field Guide To Getting Lost

by Joy McCullough

Atheneum 

2020

209 pages

ISBN: 9781534438491

Readers who love alternating characters and point of view will enjoy this easy to read middle grade contemporary. Two very different kids: Sutton, a science girl who lives with her dad and Luis, an shy but creative introvert find themselves forced to become friends (or at least allies) when since their parents are dating. 

Luis would much rather bury his head in fiction and stories and Sutton would rather code and tinker with robotics. When they find themselves lost and alone in a huge park while hiking with their parents. It'll take both of them to find their way to safety because after all, two heads are better than one. 

A sweet story of two parents who find each other and date, fall in love and make it work for their children. Lower middle grade; grades 3-5. The characters are ten-years old, and most MG readers over grade five may find this book too young for them. 

Grades 3-5; lower middle grade. 

Adult Book Club Pick: The Mountains Sing

 

Poetic, but difficult for me. This book triggered a few things for me. I was a child growing up in Okinawa, Japan, at the same time period the author writes about. Viet Nam was next door, and our Air Force base at Kadena kept our airspace safe over our island. I remember sonic booms on a daily basis and U.S. fighter jets in the air all the time. It's a story of family, loss, love and hardship. A gritty, real read which may prove hard to read for anyone with ties to the Viet Nam era. Five stars for a great story which was tough to read.  Highly recommended for adult book clubs.

Reluctant Reader Pick: What Is the Story of Dracula?

 

What Is the Story of Dracula?

by Michael Burgan 

Illustrations by David Malan 

Penguin Workshop

Penguin Kids

2020

107 pages with bibliography

ISBN: 9781524788469

A fascinating, easy-to-read account of a real life person in history that Bram Stoker based his famous story on. Dracula means "son of Dracul" and has two meanings: devil or dragon in the language of a small village of Wallachia, Romania. Stoker had grown up with stories of zombies and the living dead as a boy in rural Ireland, and he was fascinated by tales of folklore. The fact that Stoker made Dracula a Count gave his title character access available to uncommon wealth, castles and land. Dracula could easily move about the country without raising any questions. Stoker's story was not a huge hit in his lifetime, but many versions of Dracula have made the story live on after his death, becoming more famous on stage, in books and on film. 

Considered the most famous version is the performance by Bela Lugosi in 1931.  Lugosi stands as the epitome of the character. Today, Dracula and vampires are still popular culture. "Buffy the Vampire Slayer," books by Anne Rice, and the "Twilight" series are proof that Count Dracula and Stoker's legacy lives on. 

Highly recommended for reluctant readers, chapter book readers, emerging readers, ELL, and anyone who loves the horror genre and vampires. Grade 5 and up. 

Nanowrimo Begins November 3, 2020! Write Your Novel in ONE MONTH!!

 Write a novel in ONE MONTH!! 

That's right/write! You have one month, but if you write words every day, you will finish a novel. Here is everything you need to know nanowrimo.org  You can have friends join you or meet your community. Virtual writing events and help is everywhere! Share with your friends on social media! Let's have a great month! 

Girl, Unframed

 

Girl Unframed

Deb Caletti

Simon Pulse

2020

368 pages

ISBN: 978153442697

     Sixteen-year old Sydney feels on the verge of something big; she calls the something “it.” It is going to happen, and she can feel it. She’s not excited to be spending the summer with her has-been film star mother even though her vacation involves living in a fantastic mansion on the beach. Sydney knows how it will go: her mother will ignore her (mostly), go on shopping sprees, and play the femme fatale for her “fans.” Lila Shore has always been unreachable for Sydney. Worshipped by millions, Lila is enslaved by her beauty and sex appeal. When her star, youth, and beauty begin to wane, and her daughter’s beauty begins to be noticed, Lila feels threatened. To make matters worse, Lila’s living with volatile and abusive Jake, a true bad guy who deals in stolen art and has nefarious connections. 

     One night can change your life. One act. One action.Although this book has been marketed as a “thriller,” it does not have the fast-pace and implosion a thriller is expected to have. Sydney spends most of the book worrying about how people view her (men and boys, mostly). Her thoughts about her body filling out and maturing seem more tween than teen, although her insight is mature enough. The sweetness and swoony-ness you’d expect from a romance is lacking and falls flat. The quality of writing and the author’s prior books will insure teen readers consider this book. 

Recommended for readers of Deb Caletti grade 8 and up. Mature situations. 

Picture Book Pick: Every Little Letter

 

Every Little Letter

by Deborah Underwood

Illustrated by Joy Hwang Ruiz

Dial Books For Young Readers

Penguin Random House

2020

40 pages

ISBN: 9780525554028

UPLIFTING! POSITIVE! A HEALING MESSAGE FOR RIGHT NOW! 

What an uplifting, positive read! This is not an alphabet book although letters are the characters. In a walled city of capital H's, everyone is the same: they are happy and protected. One curious little h wonders about the world outside the walls: what do others look like? Are there others? Are they like me? 

She finds a small opening in the wall and spots an i. The two letters reach through the wall, and realize: TOGETHER, we are something entirely new: HI! The big H's are not happy and wall up the hole. Soon, other letters in other cities are sending messages to each other. Little h realizes if she can't go through the wall, there may be another way. 

As the smaller case letters teach the big letters to reach out and listen to others, the walls between all the letters come down. This isn't a book about letters. It's a book about reaching out to others who are different, listening to what they say, learning about them and living in harmony with them. 

What a beautiful book for all times! We need this book right now! You need this book right now! The world needs this book right now! 

Middle Grade Pick: The Artifact Hunters

 

The Artifact Hunters

by Janet Fox

Viking 

Penguin Random House LLC
2020

371 pages

ISBN: 9780451478696

In this sequel to The Charmed Children of Rookskill Castle, author Janet Fox weaves history with middle grade fantasy. Set mostly in WWII, young Isaac Wolf must flee war-torn Prague, the Nazis and evil spirits who are after him. Although it is not necessary to read the first book, it is helpful. I would advise reading the books in order. 

As the war threatens and Prague is falling, before Isaac's parents disappear, they give him a pendant, an eternity knot, which they are sure will keep him safe. It leads Isaac to Rookskill Castle where a band of magical kids are learning to use their powers to help the Allies win the war. Isaac soon finds himself on a quest to travel through time (with an antique watch) and find magical artifacts that will save him, his family, and the world. Trouble is: Isaac isn't the only one searching for the artifacts. 

The cover has spooky Scooby Doo appeal (look at that friendly, big dog!), and middle grade readers will love all the hints they can pick up from the cover alone. Who doesn't want to read a book with dragons, wolves, creepy, evil spirits, ancient scrolls, magic potions, swords, a huge stone castle set in an eerie woods? It is refreshing to have a Jewish main character in middle grade fantasy, and I love that Janet FOX names him Isaac WOLF!  

Recommended for kids who love fantasy and magic schools. Grade 5 and up. Be sure and read The Charmed Children of Rookskill Castle first. 

Halloween Pick: We're Going On a Goon Hunt

 

We're Going On a Goon Hunt: A Petrifying Parody

by Michael Rex

Illustrated by the author 

G.P. Putnam's Sons

Penguin

2020

40 pages

ISGN: 9781984813626

Captivating comic cover art depicts a friendly-looking green monster following the kids and their dad as they go off on an adventure: a goon hunt! They wander into a forest, a swamp, a graveyard and a haunted house only to find what they came looking for: a goon! They have to run! Back through the graveyard, back through the swamp, back through the forest and back to the safety of their beds...but! Beware! (no spoilers here!) 

Young readers will squeal with delight as monsters are revealed lurking on each page. Their pet dog wearing a hot dog costume is sheer genius! The dog's personality is featured in each illustration as he shakes in terror, runs in fear, holds the flashlight as if his life depended on it. Michale Rex truly knows how to tickle the young reader's (and their parents)! 

 A MUST HAVE for young readers who love a Halloween story: doesn't everyone??? 

Highly recommended! 

Losing the Light

                        This is a poem/song lyrics I wrote for an entry in Fall Writing Frenzy 2020 

Entrants were asked to choose an image and write a piece about that image. This is the image that inspired my writing:

                                                                Losing the Light

                                        --Thompson McLeod

Running scared, running fast

Path to nowhere, stepping into the past

Not giving up, not giving in

Absolution for my sins

Running fast, running scared

Only one thought, only one prayer.

Let me be the answer you see

Let me be the road to the free

Let me be what you seek: your key

Let me be your shining star, your burning sun, your turbulent sea

Losing the fight

This is the path to nowhere

Trying to make it right

Let me be the reason you care

Running fast, running scared

Not giving in, casting out sin

With only one prayer:

Let me be the answer you see

Let me be the road to the free

Let me be what you seek: your key

Let me be your star, your sun, your sparkling sea.

Losing the light, 

I know this path leads to somewhere

Don’t stop, put in the fight

Wait for me, I’ll be there

I need your light

This is the road to somewhere

Wait for me to make it right.

                                And this is my badge of honor:

                                        

Middle Grade Series Pick: How To Get Away With Myrtle

 

How To Get Away With Myrtle

A Myrtle Hardcastle Mystery, Book 2

by Elizabeth C. Bunce

Algonguin Young Readers 

2020

352 pages

ISBN: 9781616200193

Available October 6, 2020

Myrtle dreads going on an excursion with her overbearing Aunt Helena and governess Miss Judson while Father is away in Paris with a forensic science symposium. Her dad wants her far away from the gossip and newspapers about the murder she helped solve. It's embarrassing enough a twelve-year old child showed up the police, but a meddlesome GIRL! 

Myrtle sets off with her governess Miss Judson, cat Peony, pushy Aunt Helena and her aunt's traveling companion (maid) Miss Highsmith. They board a fancy new train: The Empress Express to travel to the seashore. Myrtle dreads the trip, the luggage, her bathing dress, the terrible, foppish hat she's forced to wear as part of her raveling ensemble. She can't stand being imprisoned on a train with her obnoxious aunt, but one thing's for sure! Myrtle doesn't miss anything. Not even the tiniest clue. 

As the train gets underway, dinner is served. After dinner, the ladies and men retire to their separate lounges. The train owner's daughter shows the ladies a fabulous tiara valued at over five thousand dollars. Suddenly, the lights go out, there is confusion, and when the lights come back on, the tiara is gone! Myrtle is thrilled to follow clues to find the thief and soon partners with insurance investigator, Mrs. Bloom. 

When Mrs. Blooms fails to show up at breakfast the next morning, Myrtle is concerned. She goes by her cabin and finds no one has slept there. Worried now, Myrtle takes Mrs. Bloom's bag with her notes and papers. As the porters begin offloading baggage, a body is found. It's Mrs. Bloom! Myrtle is horrified her new friend has been murdered and even more horrified when the constable arrests her Aunt Helena whose shears were the murder weapon. 

Myrtle and her governess set out to solve the murder, the theft and possible insurance fraud. Myrtle is quick-witted, worldly, wise beyond her years, well-read in law, medicine, detection and forensic science. She is a fun main character readers will not forget, and fans of book one will love this second installment. The publisher recommends ages ten and up, but younger readers may not understand the terms of insurance, fraud, and the penalties of law. 

Recommended grade 6 and up and fans of Premeditated Myrtle (book 1). 

YA Pick: The Inheritance Games (Review Coming Soon!)

 

The Inheritance Games

by Jennifer Lynn Barnes

Little Brown Books for Young Readers

2020

384 pages

ISBN: 9781368052405

Cover art is CAPTIVATING and FANTASTIC. This is one cover readers won't be able to leave on the shelf! 

Life is a game when you're incredibly wealthy. Not so much fun if you're incredibly poor....

Review coming soon! 

Halloween Pick: Happy Halloween From the Very Busy Spider

Happy Halloween From the Very Busy Spider

by Eric Carle

The World of Eric Carle/Penguin Random House LLC

2020

10 pages

ISBN: 9780593097106

An excellent lift-the-flap book from Eric Carle. The one will delight littles because they can interact with the story. Even though they will learn what is behind each flap, they will have a great time reading and re-reading this little picture book.

Busy spider is searching for her friends: fox, owl, bat and caterpillar. She wants to find them before a night of scary, spooky fun on Halloween. Let young readers guess what can be behind each flap, or pretend you don't know and give them outrageous guesses of your own. Sure to be a favorite especially for Halloween.

 

Shark Lover Pick: Everything Awesome About Sharks and Other Underwater Creatures

 

Everything Awesome About Sharks and Other Underwater Creatures

by Mike Lowery

Illustrations by the author 

Orchard Books 

Scholastic Inc.

2020

128 pages

ISBN: 9781338359732

Available October 6, 2020

Mike Lowery brings the FUN! Fully illustrated with cool facts future marine biologists will love, this book is easy to read, perfect for the reluctant readers, and those who love graphic novels will gravitate towards this informative trove of information. 

Kids will learn facts like: 1 drop of sea water has over 1,000,000 viruses! and the tiger shark is one of the most dangerous sharks in the water! Did you know some sharks can live up to 400 years? or that Octopus (octopi) have 3 hearts? 

There's a bonus section teaching kids  how to draw sharks and other sea creatures, jokes about the ocean and a list of reference books. 

MUST HAVE, MUST READ for animal lovers, future marine biologists, non-fiction readers and anyone who loves Shark Week! 

Grades 2 and up. Great for middle school and beyond.