On January 2nd the Newbery and Caldecott awards will be announced by the American Library Association. The annual Mid-Winter conference is held in Chicago this year and is very well attended by librarians, authors, illustrators, teachers and literature enthusiasts. Last year, Stan Lee and Lois Lowry were just two of many interesting people giving speeches! This edition of the The Top Shelf is the place for me to make some predictions. Come and check one out today! Who knows, it could be a winner next month!
Caldecott
The Farmer and the Clown by Marla Frazee
Joyful, tender and triumphant, without a word spoken, this is storytelling at its finest. ~The Washington Post
In this wordless picture book, a bearded farmer is alarmed to see a
young clown tumble out of a passing circus train...Frazee uses a muted
color palette that matches the quiet, gentle mood of the story. Her
simply drawn characters with minimal facial features beautifully convey
emotions, particularly when the dour farmer has more pep in his step
after he and the clown go separate ways (but trade hats first). Little
ones will delight in the farmer clowning around to the last page, which
promises a fun surprise for the old man. ~Booklist
Aviary Wonders by Kate Samworth
Here’s how the book opens: “Some species are disappearing. Others are
already gone. Not to worry! AVIARY WONDERS INC. has the solution.” In a
handsome “catalog and instruction manual,” the company’s fictional
founder offers bird replacements that are part pet, part artwork, and
part automaton. Readers are invited to choose from various handcrafted
bird bodies, legs, beaks, wings, and tails. After detailed assembly
instructions, advice is given on teaching the creations to fly and to
sing. A Q&A page and an order form follow. Deadpan rather than
didactic in presentation, this is an original, somewhat disturbing, and
wholeheartedly bizarre (but in a good way!) picture book for older
children. An accomplished artist working here in oil, ink, graphite, and
colored pencil, Samworth is equally adept at drawing the swoops and
spirals of birds in flight or painting the richly colored and patterned
bird parts in the opulent catalog. Though set in the future, the
presentation has a distinctly vintage quality. The more the text delves
into the intricacies of bird construction, behavior, and care, the more
realistic it sounds, and the crazier it becomes. Reflective readers will
soon reach the unstated but inescapable conclusion: birds are awesome
creatures, and once gone, they’re simply irreplaceable. An impressive
picture-book debut. ~Carolyn Phelan, Booklist
Hi, Koo! A Year of Seasons by Jon Muth
First introduced in Zen Ties (2008) as Stillwater the panda’s nephew,
Koo is alone in the narrative world of this verse collection, until a
boy and girl from the neighborhood knock on his door. They share good
times throughout the seasons, whether throwing snowballs, reading aloud
to sparrows, or skipping stones. And sometimes Koo enjoys reflective
moments alone, “becoming so quiet / Zero sound / only breath.” These
very short poems, ranging from fresh to poignant to prosaic, are
enhanced by the beautiful watercolor-and-ink illustrations on every
page. Reflecting the brevity and imagery of the verse, the spare fall
and winter pictures seem particularly fine, while their relative
simplicity contrasts effectively with the profusion of color in the
spring and summer scenes. Besides pointing out the subtle trail of
alphabetically arranged capital letters in each poem throughout the
book, the author’s note expresses Muth’s rationale for not restricting
himself to “the five-seven-five syllable pattern that many of us grew up
learning haiku must be.” Haiku or not, this collection is worth
reading. ~Carolyn Phelan, Booklist
El Deafo by Cece Bell (an unusual pick as it is a graphic novel...but I have hopes for it!)
Going to school and making new friends can be tough. But going to school
and making new friends while wearing a bulky hearing aid strapped to
your chest? That requires superpowers! In this funny, poignant graphic
novel memoir, author/illustrator Cece Bell chronicles her hearing loss
at a young age and her subsequent experiences with the Phonic Ear, a
very powerful—and very awkward—hearing aid. The Phonic Ear gives
Cece the ability to hear—sometimes things she shouldn’t—but also
isolates her from her classmates. She really just wants to fit in and
find a true friend, someone who appreciates her as she is. After some
trouble, she is finally able to harness the power of the Phonic Ear and
become “El Deafo, Listener for All.” And more importantly, declare a
place for herself in the world and find the friend she’s longed for. ~Amazon
Sam and Dave Dig a Hole by Mac Barnett and John Klassen
Barnett’s well-chosen words and plentiful white space support readers.
Klassen’s cross-section illustrations give readers a mole’s-eye view of
the underground proceedings, extending the spare text with visual humor. As
in his previous books, Klassen shows an uncanny knack for conveying
meaning with the subtlest of eye movements. How fitting that the
wordless final spread features a knowing look between the dog and a cat
familiar to Klassen fans; all that’s missing from the trippy conclusion
is the theme music from The Twilight Zone. Mind-blowing in the best possible way.
~Horn Book
Newbery
The Night Gardener by Jonathan Auxier
Storytelling and the secret desires of the heart wind together in this
atmospheric novel that doubles as a ghost tale. Irish immigrants to
England, Molly and Kip make their way to the Windsor house in search of
employment. The great house stands in the shadow of a menacing tree,
which locals speak of only in fearful whispers. Despite her young age
and the warnings of a local storyteller, Molly uses the power of her own
words to secure work, but soon realizes that all is not right in the
house. Constance, Bertrand, Penny, and Alistair Windsor each struggle
with personal demons, and strange footprints appear at night. A
malevolent spirit, the Night Gardener, haunts the estate, dooming its
inhabitants with foul dreams while the tree grants wishes to entrap the
recipients. Molly and Kip must face their own dark secrets to release
the Gardener's hold and end his evil enchantments. Auxier gives readers a
spooky story with depth and dimension. Molly's whimsical tales
illustrate life's essential lessons even as they entertain. As the
characters face the unhealthy pull of the tree's allurements, they grow
and change, revealing unexpected personality traits. Storytelling as a
force to cope with life's challenges is subtly expressed and adds
complexity to the fast-paced plot. Readers of Mary Downing Hahn or Peg
Kehret's ghost novels will connect with the supernatural elements and
the independent child protagonists of Auxier's tale of things that go
bump in the night. ~Caitlin Augusta, School Library Journal
Absolutely Almost by Lisa Graff
Albie almost understands why he is starting fifth grade at a new school.
It’s got something to do with the things he can’t quite do, like
subtract numbers inside his head or figure out the words in books.
Fortunately, Albie also gets a kindhearted new sitter named Calista, who
can turn Albie’s sadness into happiness simply through the magic of
donuts. But even Calista can’t stop the mean kid at school from calling
Albie names, or make Albie’s parents see how hard he tries in school. As
every kid knows, some problems take more than donuts to solve. Graff (A
Tangle of Knots, 2013) creates a heartfelt portrait of a child
searching for nothing more than a safe place to thrive. The story is
parsed into short chapters that can stand alone as mini-stories, perfect
for young readers who aren’t ready to tackle full pages of text. This
format is also well suited to presenting the incremental steps of
Albie’s evolution from bewildered victim to hero of his own story.
Beautifully written, Albie’s story is accessible and dignified, with a
gentle message that will touch any reader’s heart. Middle-grade readers
will love the references to Dav Pilkey’s inexhaustibly popular Captain
Underpants series, which has introduced so many children to the fun side
of reading. A perfect book to share with struggling readers. ~Diane Colson, Booklist
Boys of Blur by N.D. Wilson
In Taper, Florida, football runs through the town’s veins like children
through the sugarcane fields—fast as the rabbits they’re chasing. When
Coach Wiz dies, 12-year-old Charlie Reynolds and his family travel to
Taper for the funeral, and Charlie feels the tug of the land beneath his
feet. He and his cousin Cotton take off through the cane until they
reach a mound rising between the fields and outlying swampland, topped
with a chalk stone, a dead snake, and a mysterious man wearing a helmet
and carrying a rusty sword. In the swamp, a mystical sense pervades, and
the boys learn of an ancient, evil tribe threatening the town and what
they must do to keep it in check. Wilson brings the stuff of folklore to
life in this novel, as elements of Beowulf, voodoo, and zombie mythos
combine with the everyday to fantastic effect. The story moves at
heart-pounding speeds, furthered by magic and mystery and rooted in
ideas of familial bonds and self-discovery. In the end, it is a tale of
one boy’s daring quest to save his family and to learn what it means to
fly. ~Julia Smith, Booklist
Brown Girl Dreaming by Jacqueline Woodson
Raised in South Carolina and New York, Woodson always felt halfway home
in each place. In vivid poems, she shares what it was like to grow up as
an African American in the 1960s and 1970s, living with the remnants of
Jim Crow and her growing awareness of the Civil Rights movement.
Touching and powerful, each poem is both accessible and emotionally
charged, each line a glimpse into a child’s soul as she searches for her
place in the world. Woodson’s eloquent poetry also reflects the joy of
finding her voice through writing stories, despite the fact that she
struggled with reading as a child. Her love of stories inspired her and
stayed with her, creating the first sparks of the gifted writer she was
to become.
“Mesmerizing journey through [Woodson’s] early years. . . . Her
perspective on the volatile era in which she grew up is thoughtfully
expressed in powerfully effective verse. . . . With exquisite
metaphorical verse Woodson weaves a patchwork of her life experience . .
. that covers readers with a warmth and sensitivity no child should
miss. This should be on every library shelf.” ~ School Library Journal
Rain Reign by Anne M. Martin
Rose Howard is obsessed with homonyms. She’s thrilled that her own
name is a homonym, and she purposely gave her dog Rain a name with two
homonyms (Reign, Rein), which, according to Rose’s rules of homonyms, is
very special. Not everyone understands Rose’s obsessions, her rules,
and the other things that make her different – not her teachers, not
other kids, and not her single father. When a storm hits their
rural town, rivers overflow, the roads are flooded, and Rain goes
missing. Rose’s father shouldn’t have let Rain out. Now Rose has to find
her dog, even if it means leaving her routines and safe places to
search. Hearts will break and spirits will soar for this powerful story, brilliantly told from Rose’s point of view.
"Martin has penned a riveting, seamless narrative in which each word sings and each scene counts." ~Kirkus Review
Here are some new titles that have been added to the MCS Library collection. Feel free to share with your students and check one out today!
Calvin, Look Out by Jennifer Berne (Grades K-2)
Everybody's favorite bookworm birdie is back—and something's wrong! When
Calvin reads the word “wagons,“ he sees “dragons” instead, and he's
tripping over the library chairs. Calvin needs glasses! When his family
checks out the new specs, though, they just tease him. Poor Calvin. But
when he gets lost and trapped in the forest, it's Calvin's glasses (and
smarts) that save the day. Soon EVERYONE thinks glasses are great—and
Calvin's clan becomes the coolest flock of starlings in the sky.
Dinosaur vs. the Library by Bob Shea (Grades Pre K-1)
Dinosaur is going to one of his favorite places: the library! On the
way, he invites his friends--a lonesome turtle, a sad owl and more-- to
roar along with him. But how will his roaring go over at the library?
Has Dinosaur finally met his match in Storytime?
Jack by Tomie DePaola (Grades K-3)
Beloved author-illustrator Tomie dePaola’s take on traditional “Jack
tales”—in which a young hero ventures out to seek his fortune and gains
it through luck or pluck—is perfect for preschoolers. His hero’s reward
is a wealth of animal friends who increase in number—and volume—as the
story progresses. When Jack sets out to see the world and find a place
of his own, he’s surprised to attract a following of enthusiastic animal
friends eager to join him on his quest. Jack and his entourage all have
high hopes that they will find just what they are looking for as they
travel on their merry way. Children will delight in the cumulative
chorus of animal sounds as the pages get more and more crowded with the
residents of this delightful kingdom.
Telephone by Mac Barnett (Grades K-2)
It's time to fly home for dinner! In this witty picture book from
award-winning and bestselling author Mac Barnett, a mother bird gives
the bird next to her a message for little Peter. But passing messages on
a telephone line isn't as simple as it sounds. Each subsequent bird
understands Mama's message according to its own very particular hobbies.
Will Peter ever get home for dinner? This uproarious interpretation of a
favorite children's game will get everyone giggling and is sure to lead
to countless rereads.
The Pilot and the Little Prince by Peter Sis (Grades 3-6)
Antoine de Saint-Exupéry was born in France in 1900, when airplanes were
just being invented. Antoine dreamed of flying and grew up to be a
pilot—and that was when his adventures began. He found a job delivering
mail by plane, which had never been done before. He and his fellow
pilots traveled to faraway places and discovered new ways of getting
from one place to the next. Antoine flew over mountains and deserts. He
battled winds and storms. He tried to break aviation records, and
sometimes he even crashed. From his plane, Antoine looked down on the
earth and was inspired to write about his life and his pilot-hero
friends in memoirs and in fiction. Peter Sís’s remarkable biography
celebrates the author of The Little Prince, one of the most beloved books in the world.
Pigsticks and Harold and the Incredible Journey by Alex Milway (Grades 2-4)
Pigsticks is the last in a noble line of explorers, and he’s decided
it’s time for him to follow in his forepigs’ footsteps — with an
assistant to do the heavy lifting, of course. When his help-wanted ad
draws a motley crew of candidates, he chooses a hapless delivery hamster
named Harold. As the unlikely duo set off from Tuptown with plenty of
tea cakes in tow, Pigsticks is breathless with excitement (and Harold is
struggling for breath under all the gear). But after a long trek
through jungles, over deserts, and up a giant ice-topped mountain, the
last crumb of cake is stolen by a herd of thieving goats, and their goal
is nowhere in sight. Will they ever discover the Ends of the Earth?
Could it be in the last place they’d ever think to look?
The Chicken Squad: the First Misadventures by Doreen Cronin (Grades 2-5)
They’re darling. They’re daring. They know their shapes! They’re chicks
on a mission—and on this, their first (mis)adventure, the Chicken Squad
launches a galactic backyard expedition. Meet the Chicken Squad: Dirt, Sugar, Poppy, and Sweetie. These chicks are not your typical barnyard puffs of fluff, and they are not
about to spend their days pecking chicken feed and chasing bugs. No
sir, they’re too busy solving mysteries and fighting crime. So
when Squirrel comes barreling into the chicken coop, the chicks know
they’re about to get a case. But with his poor knowledge of shapes
(“Big” is not a shape, Squirrel!) and utter fear of whatever it is
that’s out there, the panicky Squirrel is NO HELP. Good thing these
chicks are professionals. But even professionals get worried.
Especially once they see that round, shiny, green, BIG thing in the
yard. What if it’s a UFO full of aliens who want chickens as pets? It’s
up to the Chicken Squad to crack a case that just might be out of this
world.
Fairy Tale Comics by Chris Duffy (Grades 2-4)
From favorites like "Puss in Boots" and "Goldilocks" to obscure gems like "The Boy Who Drew Cats," Fairy Tale Comics
has something to offer every reader. Seventeen fairy tales are
wonderfully adapted and illustrated in comics format by seventeen
different cartoonists, including Raina Telgemeier, Brett Helquist,
Cherise Harper, and more. Edited by Nursery Rhyme Comics' Chris Duffy, this jacketed hardcover is a beautiful gift and an instant classic.
The President Has Been Shot by James L. Swanson (Grades 5-6)
A breathtaking and dramatic account of the JFK assassination by the NEW
YORK TIMES bestselling author of CHASING LINCOLN'S KILLER!In his
new young-adult book on the Kennedy assassination, James Swanson will
transport readers back to one of the most shocking, sad, and terrifying
events in American history. As he did in his bestselling Scholastic YA
book, CHASING LINCOLN'S KILLER, Swanson will deploy his signature "you
are there" style -- a riveting, ticking-clock pace, with an
unprecedented eye for dramatic details and impeccable historical
accuracy -- to tell the story of the JFK assassination as it has never
been told before.
The Hazardous Tales: One Dead Spy by Nathan Hale (Grades 4-6)
Nathan Hale, the author's historical namesake, was America's first spy, a
Revolutionary War hero who famously said I only regret that I have but
one life to lose for my country before being hanged by the British. In
the Nathan Hale's Hazardous Tales series, author Nathan Hale channels
his namesake to present history's roughest, toughest, and craziest
stories in the graphic novel format. One Dead Spy tackles the story of
Hale himself, who was an officer and spy for the American rebels during
the Revolutionary War. Author Hale highlights the unusual, gruesome, and
just plain unbelievable truth of historical Nathan Hale--from his early
unlucky days at Yale to his later unlucky days as an officer--and
America during the Revolutionary War.
Lewis and Clark by Nick Bertozzi (Grades 4-6)
Two of America’s greatest explorers embark on the adventure that made their names—and sealed their fates. In
1804, Meriwether Lewis and William Clark departed St. Louis, Missouri,
for one of the greatest adventures this nation has ever known. Appointed
and funded by President Jefferson himself, and led by a cadre of
experts (including the famous Sacajawea), the expedition was considered a
success almost before it had begun. From the start, the journey was
plagued with illness, bad luck, unfriendly Indians, Lewis’s chronic
depression, and, to top it all, the shattering surprise of the towering
Rocky Mountains and the continental divide. But despite crippling
setbacks, overwhelming doubts, and the bare facts of geography itself,
Lewis and Clark made it to the Pacific in 1806. Nick Bertozzi
brings the harrowing—and, at times, hilarious—journey to vivid life on
the pages of this oversized black-and-white graphic novel. With his
passion for history and his knack for characterization, Bertozzi has
made an intimate tale of a great American epic.
Dreamer, Wisher, Liar by Charise Mericle Harper
Dreamer, Wisher, Liar is a
heartwarming story about one girl's transformative summer full of
friendship, secret magic, and family. Fans of Rebecca Stead will enjoy
Charise Mericle Harper's funny and poignant novel. When her best
friend is moving away and her mom has arranged for some strange little
girl to come and stay with them, Ash—who is petrified of change and new
people—is expecting the worst summer of her life. Then seven-year-old
Claire shows up. Armed with a love of thrift-store clothes and an
altogether too-sunny disposition, Claire proceeds to turn Ash's
carefully constructed life upside down. While every part of Ash's
life seems to be disrupted, she must protect a carefully hidden secret:
She has discovered a magical jar in her basement. It's a wish jar, full
of someone's old wishes—and it has the power to send her back in time
and provide a window into another friendship between two girls.
Discovering her own connection to the girls' story shows Ash that her
life is full of surprises and friends she never saw coming.
This summer I added a number of non-fiction titles that are MORE than just physical books. They also include interactive online features that can be used with the book's code, which is printed inside the first few pages. Some of the features include: read alouds, videos, suggested web links, activities, vocabulary, quizzes and slideshows. All of these features can be used by multiple students at the same time and they are easy to use, download and print! These activities can also be used with your SmartBoards! If you have any questions about how to use these extra features, don't hesitate to ask!
Here are some series that have extra digital features:
Discovering Dinosaurs
Triceratops (check out this link to see what the interactive features look like!- http://www.av2books.com/dd-triceratops-2014/)
Stegosaurus
Velociraptor
Tyrannosaurus Rex
Pterodactyl
Apatosaurus
America at War
World War I
World War II
The Greatest Players
Baseball
Basketball
Football
Let's Play/Cool Sports
Football
Hockey
Gymnastics
Snowboarding
Swimming
Moto X
BMX
The library has also added the following non-fiction titles to the print collection. Many of these are addition to series we already have available:
Famous Lives (Grades 4-6)
Rose Parks
Cleopatra
Susan B. Anthony
Clara Barton
Florence Nightingale
Let's Celebrate Freedom (Grades 4-6)
The Declaration of Independence
The American Revolution
Eyewitness to History (Grades 4-6)
Abigail Adams, in her own words
Anne Frank, in her own words
What You Didn't Know About History (Grades 4-6)
Life on the Mayflower
Life in Jamestown Colony
Life Under the Sea (Grades 1-2)
Sea Horses
Sharks
Crabs
Sea Stars
Clownfish
Animal Math (Grades 1-2)
Counting Lions
Sorting with Snakes
Subtracting with Seals
Welcome back to school! Below are some new and noteworthy items in the MCS Media Center. Come and check one out to get back in the swing of things!
Ball by Mary Sullivan (Grades PreK-2)
A humorous portrait of a dog with a one-track mind. Ball is a
day-in-the-life portrait of a rumpled canine who lives and breathes to
play fetch with his favorite human companion. When the girl goes to
school, the dog is bereft; his beloved ball is lifeless. He tries to
find other companions to fill the ball-throwing gap, but the adult is
meditating, the baby isn't even mobile, and the cat is, well, a cat. The
dog tries hiding the ball and then "finding" it, and eventually falls
asleep and experiences an amusing ball-themed dream sequence that turns
into a nightmare. At long last the pup's anguish is relieved as the girl
comes home from school and they resume their happy rapport. The only
text is the word "ball" repeated on every page; however, Sullivan
adroitly infuses the canine with a wide variety of emotions, and a great
deal can be read into that single word. The book uses a comic-strip
layout for most of the pages, with a few spreads during the dream
sequence. ~Anna Haase Krueger, School Library Journal
The Watermelon Seed by Greg Pizzoli (Grades PreK-2)
Children will love this hilarious book. Crocodile has devoured
watermelon since babyhood and eats it every chance he gets. One day,
however, he swallows a seed. This sends him into a panic. Will it grow
inside him and come out of his ears? Will he grow larger and turn pink?
The poor crocodile is so worried until he burps up the seed. He vows to
never eat watermelon again, but will he be able to resist? The
illustrations of the reptile's fear about what might happen to him are
very funny and the oversize font on those pages reinforces the emotion
in the story. The artwork was created by screen print in pink, green,
black, and brown. This simplicity allows readers to fully appreciate the
changes in the croc's facial expressions, which artfully contribute to
the humor. ~Amy Sheppard, School Library Journal
Dinosaur vs. School by Bob Shea (Grades PreK-2)
Dinosaur is starting preschool today. ROAR! There are new friends to
meet, dress-up outfits to wear, glitter and googly eyes to paste,
musical instruments to play, and snacks to eat. What's not to like? But
then, oh, no! It's Dinosaur vs. Clean-up Time! Fortunately, when friends
work together, EVERYONE WINS! ~Amazon
Look Up: Bird Watching in Your Own Backyard by Annette LeBlanc Cate (Grades 2-5)
With its emphasis on looking at the birds near home-from suburbs to
inner cities-this invitation to bird-watching is an engaging addition to
any collection. By grouping birds by colors, shapes, behaviors,
feathers, calls, habitat, migration, and more, the spreads highlight the
multitude of avian features to be observed. Cate emphasizes the
importance of observation and includes sketching instructions as a way
to hone those skills on the individual aspects of a bird along with its
species' characteristics. Each page is filled with full-color
illustrations. ~ Frances E. Millerhouse, School Library Journal
The Chicken Squad: The First Misadventure by Doreen Cronin (Grades 3-4)
They’re darling. They’re daring. They know their shapes! They’re chicks
on a mission—and on this, their first (mis)adventure, the Chicken Squad
launches a galactic backyard expedition. Meet the Chicken Squad: Dirt, Sugar, Poppy, and Sweetie. These chicks are not your typical barnyard puffs of fluff, and they are not
about to spend their days pecking chicken feed and chasing bugs. No
sir, they’re too busy solving mysteries and fighting crime. So
when Squirrel comes barreling into the chicken coop, the chicks know
they’re about to get a case. But with his poor knowledge of shapes
(“Big” is not a shape, Squirrel!) and utter fear of whatever it is
that’s out there, the panicky Squirrel is NO HELP. Good thing these
chicks are professionals. But even professionals get worried.
Especially once they see that round, shiny, green, BIG thing in the
yard. What if it’s a UFO full of aliens who want chickens as pets? It’s
up to the Chicken Squad to crack a case that just might be out of this
world. ~Amazon
Parrots Over Puerto Rico by Susan L. Roth (Grades 3-5)
Above the treetops of Puerto Rico flies a flock of parrots as green as
their island home. . . . These are Puerto Rican parrots. They lived on
this island for millions of years, and then they nearly vanished from
the earth forever. Puerto Rican parrots, once abundant, came perilously
close to extinction in the 1960s due to centuries of foreign exploration
and occupation, development, and habitat destruction. In this
compelling book, Roth and Trumbore recount the efforts of the scientists
of the Puerto Rican Parrot Recovery Program to save the parrots and
ensure their future. Woven into the parrots’ story is a brief history of
Puerto Rico itself, from before the first human settlers to the present
day. With striking collage illustrations, a unique format, and engaging
storytelling, Parrots Over Puerto Rico invites readers to witness the
amazing recovery efforts that have enabled Puerto Rican parrots to fly
over their island once again. ~Amazon
Princess Label Maker to the Rescue by Tom Angleberger (Grades 4-6)
At McQuarrie Middle School, the war against the FunTime Menace—aka test
prep—wages on. Our heroes have one battle under their belts, and they’ve
even found a surprising ally in Jabba the Puppett. But to defeat the
Dark Standardized Testing Forces they’re going to need an even bigger,
even more surprising ally: Principal Rabbski. But with great forces—aka
the school board—pushing her from above, will the gang’s former enemy
don a finger puppet and join the Rebellion—or will her transformation to
Empress Rabbski, Dark Lord of the Sith, be complete? ~Amazon
Another Day as Emily by Eileen Spinelli (Grades 3-6)
After her five-year-old brother has been labeled "a little hero" for
making a lifesaving 911 call, Suzy struggles to find relevance in her
own life. Bad luck is coloring her whole summer, and she responds by
emulating the day-to-day life of Emily Dickinson, whom she has been
researching for her library project. The old tomboy Suzy loved baseball,
riding her bike, and engaging in friendships with people of all ages
and interests. As Emily, she wears only long white dresses, never leaves
the house, and tries to find meaning in the domestic arts. Being Emily
proves to be more challenging than Suzy ever imagined, and eventually
she's not sure how to start being herself again. Spinelli sensitively
explores the complexity of Suzy's feelings during a challenging time in
her life. ~Juliet Morefield, School Library Journal
Mouseheart by Lisa Fiedler (Grades 4-6)
The Warriors series meets Redwall in this first book in an epic animal adventure series set in the subway tunnels of Brooklyn. Hopper
is just an ordinary pet shop mouse before he escapes. Soon he finds
himself below the bustling streets of Brooklyn, deep within the untamed
tangles of transit tunnels, and in Atlantia, a glorious utopian rat
civilization. But all is not what it seems. Though Hopper is
treated as a royal guest, he misses his siblings that he lost in the
escape attempt. That, and Atlantia is constantly threatened by the
rebels who wish to bring the city to its knees. And there are cats everywhere in Atlantia, cats that leave the citizens unharmed… and no one can seem to answer why. Soon,
Hopper is caught in the crosshairs of a colossal battle, one that
crosses generations and species. As the clashes rage, Hopper learns
terrible, extraordinary secrets: Deadly secrets about Atlantia. Painful
secrets about his friends. And one powerful secret about his destiny… ~ Amazon
Check out the below books for some great summer reading!
These are some new audiobooks recently added to the MCS library collection. These can be accessed on the MCS Lab iPads, through an app called Catalist Digital, or through the Media Center online catalog in a new feature called Follett Shelf. Let me know if you have any questions about these great new A/V materials!
Time of Wonder by Robert McCloskey (Grades 1-3)
The spell of rain, gulls, a foggy morning, the excitement of sailing,
the quiet of the night, the sudden terror of a hurricane, and the peace
of a Maine island as a family packs up to leave are shown in poetic
language and vibrant, evocative pictures. ~Amazon
Dooby Dooby Moo by Doreen Cronin (Grades K-2)
When Duck discovers an ad in the paper announcing a talent show at the
county fair (first prize, a slightly used trampoline), Farmer Brown's
animals are unstoppable. The cows and sheep concentrate on their singing
while the pigs work on interpretive dance. How the suspicious farmer
could ever confuse all this noise with routine snoring is a bit of a
stretch, but the hilarious late-night practice scenes inside the barn
will help readers make the leap. At the talent show, the cows and sheep
impress some of the judges, but lack of sleep has the pigs truly snoring
when it is time to perform. Fortunately, Duck steps in to save the day
with a winning version of Born to Be Wild. After the talent show, Farmer
Brown suspects nothing until he hears boings coming from the barn. ~Julie Roach, School Library Journal
Charlotte's Web by E.B. White (Grades 1-4)
Some Pig. Humble. Radiant. These are the words in Charlotte's
Web, high up in Zuckerman's barn. Charlotte's spiderweb tells of her
feelings for a little pig named Wilbur, who simply wants a friend. They
also express the love of a girl named Fern, who saved Wilbur's life when
he was born the runt of his litter. ~Amazon
Lon Po Po: A Red Riding Story from China by Ed Young (Grades 1-3)
This version of the Red Riding Hood story from Young features three daughters left at
home when their mother goes to visit their grandmother. Lon Po Po, the
Granny Wolf, pretends to be the girls' grandmother, until clever Shang,
the eldest daughter, suspects the greedy wolf's real identity. Tempting
him with ginkgo nuts, the girls pull him in a basket to the top of the
tree in which they are hiding, then let go of the rope--killing him. ~Publisher's Weekly
Tuck Everlasting by Natalie Babbitt (Grades 3-6)
Imagine coming upon a fountain of youth in a forest. To live
forever--isn't that everyone's ideal? For the Tuck family, eternal life
is a reality, but their reaction to their fate is surprising. Award
winner Natalie Babbitt outdoes herself in this sensitive, moving adventure in which
10-year-old Winnie Foster is kidnapped, finds herself helping a murderer
out of jail, and is eventually offered the ultimate gift--but doesn't
know whether to accept it. Babbitt asks profound questions about the
meaning of life and death, and leaves the reader with a greater
appreciation for the perfect cycle of nature. Intense and powerful,
exciting and poignant, Tuck Everlasting will last forever--in the reader's imagination. ~Emilie Coulter, Amazon
Moving Day by Meg Cabot (Grades 3-5)
At first, nine-year-old Allie Finkle seems rather unlikable. She's hard
on her best friend (who is very quick to tears) and acts bratty when her
parents tell her the family will be moving. And even though she's
promised a kitten, and prefers her new school and the more engaging
friend she'll have next door once they move, she's determined to
sabotage the event. However, the girl's worries are nuanced and
age-appropriate. By the book's end Allie does show a more caring side,
even though her methods are not always appreciated by the adults around
her. Chapters all begin with one of Allie's rules ("Don't Stick a
Spatula Down Your Best Friend's Throat," or "When You Finally Figure Out
What the Right Thing to Do Is, You Have to Do It, Even If You Don't
Want To") that, while amusing, may quickly become tiresome for some
readers. With good intentions and reckless results, Allie will appeal to
children who enjoyed reading about Ramona, Amber Brown, Junie B., and
the other feisty girls found in beginning chapter books. This novel
proves that the master of young adult popular fare is able to adapt her
breezy style for a younger audience.—Tina Zubak, School Library Journal
The Landry News by Andrew Clements (Grades 4-6)
Cara Landry, entering as a new fifth-grade student in Mr. Larson's
class, is quiet and unassuming. Barely noticed by classmates or her
teacher, she publishes her first edition of the Landry News creating a
transformation of teacher, students, and even herself. Her editorial
states simply, "There is a teacher in the classroom, but he does not
teach." Emerging from years of disillusionment, he begins to teach
again. Journalism with all its ramifications and responsibilities are
his tools. All the fifth-graders decide to help Cara publish the Landry
News regularly as their class project. This gives the principal just the
right tool to rid himself of Mr. Larson something he has waited for
patiently. What begins as a small school conflict grows into a First
Amendment Rights issue that solidifies friendships for, and love of Mr.
Larson. As in Frindle, author Andrew Clements uses an everyday classroom setting to illuminate words and their
importance. Using clear and simple sentence structure, hard issues such
as divorce, loyalty, and responsibility are presented with sensitivity
and a lot of humor. ~Tina Hudak, School Library Journal
The Tail of Emily Windsnap by Liz Kessler (Grades 4-6)
Seventh-grader Emily Windsnap has never learned to swim, in spite of the
fact that she and her mother live on a houseboat. When she finally
takes a swimming class at school, her legs turn into a fishtail. She
tries to hide her strange affliction, but something draws her to the
sparkling surf. Soon, she is secretly gliding through the water as a
mermaid. Below the waves, she meets Shona, also 12, who takes her to
mermaid school and leads her on several adventures. When Emily learns
the intriguing history of the Shiprock community and of illegal
marriages between humans and merpeople, she begins to look for her
merman father. Danger, humor, confrontation, and even a trial before
Neptune all play a part in her search. Eventually, she finds her dad and
comes to understand the truth about her oddly controlling neighbor, Mr.
Beeston; her mother's dislike of water; and her parents' love affair.
All ends well when the family is reunited and swims away to live a new
life on a secret merfolk island. ~Beth Tergart, School Library Journal
Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Patterson (Grades 4-6)
Paterson's Newbery-winning novel becomes an entertaining and dramatic
audiobook via Leonard's accomplished reading. Jess Aarons is eager to
start fifth grade. He's been practicing his sprints all summer,
determined to become the fastest runner at school. All seems to be on
track, until the new girl in class (who also happens to be Jess's new
next-door neighbor), Leslie Burke, leaves all the boys in the dust,
including Jess. After this rather frustrating introduction, Jess and
Leslie soon become inseparable. Together, they create an imaginary,
secret kingdom in the woods called Terabithia that can be reached only
by swinging across a creek bed on a rope. But one morning a tragic
accident befalls Leslie as she ventures alone to Terabithia, and Jess's
life is changed forever. Leonard deftly interprets the strands of humor,
realism and heart-wrenching emotion woven into Paterson's fine tale. ~Publishers Weekly
The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan (Grades 4-6)
Percy Jackson is a good kid, but he can’t seem to focus on his
schoolwork or control his temper. When his mom tells him the truth about
where he came from, she takes him to the one place he’ll be safe—Camp
Half-Blood, a summer camp for demigods (on Long Island). There, Percy
learns that the father he never knew is actually Poseidon, God of the
Sea. Soon Percy finds himself caught up in a mystery that could lead
to disastrous consequences. Together with his friends—a satyr and other
the demigod daughter of Athena—Percy sets out on a quest to reach the
gates of the Underworld (located in a recording studio in Hollywood) and
prevent a catastrophic war between the gods. ~Amazon
Holes by Louis Sachar (Grades 5-6)
This winner of the Newbery Medal and the National Book Award features
Stanley Yelnats, a kid who is under a curse. A curse that began with his
no-good-dirty-rotten-pig-stealing-great-great-grandfather and has since
followed generations of Yelnats. Now Stanley has been unjustly sent to a
boys' detention center, Camp Green Lake, where the warden makes the
boys "build character" by spending all day, every day, digging holes
five feet wide and five feet deep. It doesn't take long for Stanley to
realize there's more than character improvement going on at Camp Green
Lake: the warden is looking for something. Stanley tries to dig up the
truth in this inventive and darkly humorous tale of crime and
punishment—and redemption. ~Amazon
The Surge by Roland Smith (Grades 3-6)
The first in a middle-grade action-adventure series from Roland Smith! Chase
Masters and his father are "storm runners," racing across the country
in pursuit of hurricanes, tornadoes, and floods. Anywhere bad weather
strikes, they are not far behind. Chase is learning more on the road
than he ever would just sitting in a classroom. But when the hurricane
of the century hits, he will be tested in ways he never could have
imagined. ~Amazon
