Goofballs - The Crazy Case of the Missing Thunder

This early chapter book mystery series is written by Tony Abbott, who also wrote the popular Secrets of Droon series.  (E ABB)  In this first in the series, we meet four friends who pride themselves in being total goofballs and in being able to solve mysteries.  This is a great mix of humor and silliness with a simple mystery to solve.  

Captain Awesome to the Rescue

This early chapter book written by Stan Kirby with its 8-yr-old main character who thinks he is a superhero named Captain Awesome should be a hit with young readers.  Big illustrations mix with simple text to make it an engaging read.  There is enough bathroom humor to make even the toughest kids giggle.  He calls his little sister Queen Stinkypants.  What 2nd or 3rd grader wouldn't love that?

Jasper John Dooley - Star of the Week

This is an early chapter book.  It is the first in a series by Caroline Adderson (E ADD).  Jasper John is a young boy with some odd habits and tastes.  His loveable character adds to the story and young, early readers will enjoy laughing along with him and rooting for him.

One Dog and His Boy

This last book written by acclaimed author Eva Ibbotson before she died is a feel-good story of a boy who would rather run away than be without his dog.  His parents "rented" a dog for two days just to appease their son.  He was unaware of the plan and thought it was his pet.  When his mom took the dog back after the two days, the boy rescued the dog and ran away with him. Along with some other dogs from the "rental agency" they begin a dangerous and exciting journey that will bring them all a new life and happiness.

Frankie Pickle and the Closet of Doom

In this new series by Eric Wight, (E WIG) we meet Frankie, a young boy with a vivid imagination and an aversion to cleaning his room.  When his mom says he doesn't have to, things get ugly.  This was a quick read with comic style taking over when Frankie uses his imagination.  This is on my nooks at Bradford.

Bobby the Brave (Sometimes)

This is the second book in a series called Bobby Vs. Girls by Lisa Yee (FIC YEE).  I have it on my nooks at Bradford.  I enjoyed the story of this young boy who struggles to fit in with his family.  He thinks his dad is disappointed in him because he can't play football, is afraid of a cat in the neighborhood and has asthma.  But when an accident happens, he learns that maybe he was wrong about his dad, and himself.

Mandy

This is a realistic fiction story written by a famous actress, Julie Andrews. (FIC AND)  It tells the tale of an orphan girl who finds a deserted cottage and makes it her own.  But when she falls ill, the secret place she has been hiding may be such a secret that it becomes dangerous.  Will anyone find her in time? This a heartwarming story, beautifully told.

Geek Chronicles #1 - Partners in Grime

Barbara Park is the author of the spectacularly popular Junie B. Jones series.  This series is for older kids.  Its three main characters are fifth-grade misfits with no friends, until they all find themselves in trouble waiting outside the principal's office.  It is a funny, quick tale of finding friends in unexpected places.