Circus Mirandus

In this big-kid fiction fantasy book, we meet a young boy whose grandfather is very sick.  In his childhood, he was granted a wish with a magical circus.  He needs to cash that wish in now.  Can the boy find the circus in time and will the Lightbender fulfill his promise and save his grandfather?  This story reminded me of the Polar Express a bit.  Only those who believe in magic can see the circus.  I liked it very much.  (FIC BEA)

Treasure Hunters

This is a new series by James Patterson and Chris Grabenstein.  It is an illustrated novel...not a graphic novel, but it has a lot of cartoony images to keep reluctant readers engaged.  It is an original story of four children who have lost their parents and who continue their treasure hunting business. The non-stop action and humor will be very appealing for my 4th and 5th grade readers.  I look forward to reading the second in the series. (FIC PAT)

The Unwanteds

During an annual ceremony, Alex, a 13-yr-old boy, has been sorted as an Unwanted.  He is brought to a land where he will be killed.  But it does not happen.  Instead, he lives in a wondrous, magical place where other Unwanteds, mostly artistic and creative people, can express their creativity free from a government that fears it.  That is, until the other world finds out about them....
From the first page, this book felt like a copy of The Giver or the Divergent series:  young children in a dystopian world being sorted into factions by an oppressive government.  It had a fantasy/magic element that the others did not have.  However, it reminded me too much of those others for me to enjoy it on its own.  I imagine if you haven't read the others, this would be entertaining.  (FIC MCM)