Stella by Starlight

Sharon Draper is the author of this big-kid fiction historical fiction story.  (FIC DRA) She also wrote on of my favorite recent works, Out of My Mind.  This one is set during the 1930's in the South.  Stella and her younger brother are out late one night and they witness a meeting of the KKK close to their home!  Blacks were hunted by the Ku Klux Klan, a racist group who wanted them to stay separate from the white community.  Stella's father stands up tall and goes to the polls to cast his vote in the presidential election.  Whites made it very difficult for blacks to do that at the time, in order to keep them where they were.  But he is brave.  If you enjoy learning about our nation's past while reading a great story, don't miss this one.

Lucky Strike

I loved this big-kid fiction story of an unlucky boy who was struck by lightning and suddenly became super lucky.  Unfortunately, he loved the new attention he was getting, even from kids who used to bully him.  He left his best friend behind.  Is popularity worth losing your best friend?  What really makes one lucky?  This is a lovely story about misfits and being true to who you are.  (FIC PYR)

The Island of Dr. Libris

Chris Grabenstein grabbed me as an author with his Escape From Mr. Lemoncello's Library, so I was excited to read this. Much like the first, you can tell the author is a book nut and wants his readers to be, too. In this story, a boy's imagination is captured by a mad scientist as he reads books. What he reads comes alive on the island off the shore of his new house.  His new friends are Robin Hood, Hercules, and Jack (or beanstalk fame). But the scientist wants to use the power of imagination to make money. Billy and his new friend have to slay a giant and defeat the sherriff of Nottingham. It is full of action and I think it will be popular.  I was a bit disappointed in this book.  I found it hollow and unsatisfying.

Half a Chance

Cynthia Lord is a very popular children's author.  Her stories touch the heart. This is no exception.  Set in New Hampshire (yea!), it is a wonderful story about a girl named Lucy who moves to a lakehouse with her family.  She meets the boy next door and they have a wonderful summer taking pictures, learning about loons, and entering a photography contest.  But Nate's grandmother's health is fading.  It is a touching, heartwarming story about living life, seeing the beauty in the world, and moving on.  (FIC LOR)

Jack Stalwart Peril at the Grand Prix

What 3rd-5th grader wouldn't like this series?  A 9-yr-old named Jack is a secret agent who gets a call from a globe in his room.  It spits out a puzzle piece which he fits into a magic map on his wall and he is sucked into the map and taken to that place to solve a crime.  This 8th book in the series is packed with action, suspense and special gadgets as Jack saves the day when a famous racecar driver's life is at risk.  (E HUN)

Ophelia and the Marvelous Boy

This was a nice story about a girl who rescues a cursed boy just in time to save the world from an evil ice queen.  I found it very reminscent of Lewis' The Lion,the  Witch and the Wardrobe.  Its pace and fantasy elements should be a hit with upper elementary students. (FIC FOX)

El Deafo

This is a graphic novel written by Cece Bell (GN BELL).  It is a memoir of the author's experience as a child struggling in school after she lost her hearing.  It was refreshing to read a story about a child with this handicap, but I thought the references to many things from the 70's will be lost on today's students.  Its message of tolerance, however, can never be heralded enough.

Absolutely Almost

Alfie has just been forced to leave his prep school because he struggles with his grades.  He becomes the victim of the class bullies in his 5th grade class who call him dummy.  His parents, although loving, have litle patience for his struggles.  Only his babysitter seems to get him.  I loved this character and his struggle to be comfortable with who he is both socially and academically.

Weird But True: Space Facts

Weird but True books are very popular with students.  The original series touches on all subjects but this new series allows the reader to concentrate on one topic.  This one about space has simple text and fun facts that will entertain all students.  (520 BRE)

Are Aliens Real?

In this series, we learn about all the baffling mysteries like UFOs, haunted houses, and Bigfoot.  This one about aliens touches on many urban myths and tries to explain them in a simple way.  These should be a hit.  (001.942 PER)

Missy's Super Duper Royal Deluxe Picture Day

 

This sweet early reader series is sure to be a hit with emerging readers.  This is the first in the series.  Missy has waited for picture day for so long and now it is here!  What fabulous outfit will this budding fashionista put together?  When her mother chooses for her, she is NOT happy.  The book has fun, whimsical drawings and a lot of dialogue bubbles that will draw kids in.