Book Review: The Pet War

The Pet War by Helen Docherty

At my school library, dog and cat books are always flying off of the shelves. Here is another that I believe will join that group...

Otto desperately wants a dog, but his annoying older sister Lexi wants a cat. Mom tries to tone down the siblings' spat by issuing a challenge: whoever raises $500 by the end of the month can get the pet of their choice. But instead of quieting the two, the challenge causes an all-out pet war!

Many will get a laugh from Otto's quirky attempts to earn money. Some will squirm at Otto's rebellious thought processes and lack of smarts. This book however is not written for that audience in mind. Rather (in my opinion), this book was written with boys in mind who love humorous realistic fiction tales like Big Nate and Diary of a Wimpy Kid.

Thank you Scholastic for giving me the opportunity to preview this galley before its release via NetGalley!

Release date:  October 29, 2013

Recommended for:  2nd-6th graders who love humorous tales

Book Review: The Snatchabook

 The Snatchabook by Helen Docherty

In the evening, the animals enjoy reading or being read to until a Snatchabook sneaks all their books away. A little rabbit named Eliza Brown is determined to get to the bottom of this mystery and return everyone's books.

The illustrations and rhyme make this book such a delight! Of course, I am in love with the hedgehogs in the illustrations too because I own a pet hedgehog!

Release date:  October 1, 2013

Recommended for:  PreK-2nd graders as a bedtime read aloud story

Book Review: Treasure Hunters

Treasure Hunters by James Patterson

The Kidd family sails the seven seas in search of treasure with their well-known and respected father. However, a terrible storm washes him overboard and leaves the Kidds orphans. For risk of going into foster care, the family continues the treasure hunting business hoping to not raise suspicion, raise money, and even to see if there is any chance their father or mother are still alive.

Set sail with this story that is not only told in a popular graphic novel format, but that contains bits of humor mixed with high-seas adventure.

Release date:  September 16 2013

Recommended for:  4th-7th graders that are fans of graphic novels and treasure-hunting adventure

Book Review: I Survived the Japanese Tsunami, 2011

I Survived the Japanese Tsunami, 2011 by Lauren Tarshis

After the death of his father, Ben and his mom and brother visit their uncle in Shogahama, Japan. Ben is consumed with grief and tries shutting his remaining family out of his life. However, a terrifying and devastating earthquake and then tsunami “shake things up” and brings Ben back to focusing on what matters most.

Tarshis has written another great installment for the I Survived series. For readers new to this series, they do not have to be read in order. The chapters are short, yet very meaty, which should appeal to a large range of readers from early to advanced. Ben has such a sad story, and young readers may experience a “flood” of emotions with him. I will definitely be adding this one to my school library’s collection!

Release date:  August 27, 2013

Recommended for:  2nd-7th graders and fans of historical fition

Book Review: Lockwood & Co.: The Screaming Staircase

Lockwood & Co.: The Screaming Staircase by Jonathan Stroud

This book is hard to describe: I think of a tween/teen steampunk Ghostbusters thriller. That description in no way does this book justice. I liked it and anticipate it being a big hit.

In London, ghosts are appearing everywhere and people want them gone. However, kids are the only ones who can see and rid the city of these poltergeists. Lucy, George, and Anthony have teamed together to form Lockwood & Co. and have had a hard financial hit from a case that went bad. The only way they see their business continuing and to get them out of financial ruin, is to take on one of the most legendary, dangerous, and unsolved cases of the Red Room and The Screaming Staircase in Combe Corey Hall.

Release date:  August 29, 2013

Recommended for:  3rd-8th graders who like thrills and chills

Book Review: Star Wars Jedi Academy

Star Wars: Jedi Academy by Jeffrey Brown

Roan has finished primary school, and can’t wait for his acceptance letter to the Pilot Academy Middle School. After all, his dad and big brother went through the academy. But to his horror, he gets a rejection letter along with recommendations to go to the Tatoonie Agricultural Academy. Roan doesn't like the idea of being a plant farmer on his desert planet when he gets older. Things look a little less bleak when he gets a letter of acceptance to the Jedi Academy. He is just not sure if he is Jedi material, but decides to give it a try instead of going off to plant school.

I loved this book! It is definitely one for not only Star Wars fans, but those who love the Wimpy Kid journal-style graphic novels. This is a must purchase for not only my school library (it will never stay on the shelves), but for my home. Thank you Scholastic for giving me the opportunity to preview this egalley before its release!

Release date:  August 27, 2013

Recommended for:  3rd-7th graders who love Star Wars and/or the Wimpy Kid's style of books

Book Review: A Big Guy Took My Ball!

A Big Guy Took My Ball! by Mo Willems

Piggie is heartbroken because the big ball she found and was playing with was taken by a big guy. Will Gerald be her hero and solve her little problem?

This book is great for beginning readers. Not only that, it would be a great read aloud to preschoolers before a math lesson about the concept of size.

Release date:  May 1, 2013

Recommended for:  PreK-1st graders & beginning readers

Book Review: The Greatest Dinosaur Ever

The Greatest Dinosaur Ever by Brenda Z. Guiberson

Which dinosaur is the greatest? You get to decide after learning unique facts about each one.

This book would be great for young dinosaur fans. In the classroom, it could be used to demonstrate adjectives (this book is filled with them!). Or, students can write a paragraph of facts on any topic they are researching (such as animals, people, places, etc.) and those facts could be combined into a class book with the same format as this one and titled "Which is the Greatest?"!

Release date:  October 1, 2013

Recommended for:  PreK-3rd graders who love dinosaurs or absorbing books filled with interesting facts

Book Review: Cowboy Boyd and Mighty Calliope

Cowboy Boyd and Mighty Calliope by Lisa Moser

Cowboy Boyd and his trusty steed (err, I mean rhino) Calliope ride to the Double H Ranch looking for work. Rancher Rose is not too sure after seeing Calliope but decides to give them a try.

This picture book would make a great read aloud for a cowboy/cowgirl or rodeo unit. Since I live in Texas, this is a must for our school library!

Release date:  August 27, 2013

Recommended for:  Great read aloud for a PreK-1st grade audience for a rodeo or cowboy/cowgirl unit

Book Review: The Black Rabbit

The Black Rabbit by Philippa Leathers

Rabbit tries to flee the big Black Rabbit that is always following him.

This is a great story that can be read aloud to a younger audience and then for them to make inferences. For example, why was Black Rabbit always following Rabbit? If your audience was listening and seeing Leathers' great picture clues, they will "without a SHADOW of a doubt" know the answer! :) 

Release date:  January 22, 2013

Recommended for:  Great read aloud for a PreK-1st grade audience

Book Review: Platypus Police Squad: The Frog Who Croaked

Platypus Police Squad: The Frog Who Croaked by Jarrett Krosoczka

Wanting to follow in his grandfather's footsteps, Rick Zengo joins the Platypus Police Squad and is paired with seasoned detective Corey O'Malley. For their first case together, something is fishy when a high school teacher goes missing and is blamed for dealing illegal fish in the city of Kalamazoo.

Author and illustrator Jarrett Krosoczka of the Lunch Lady series has created a new series that I anticipate being another big hit. In fact, my 11 year old commented that this so far has been his favorite summer read. Krosoczka has created a likable hero in Ricky that readers should relate to who seeks justice and wants to keep his city safe. It was a fast-paced mystery coupled with illustrations that should attract a large variety of readers (especially Krosocka's current fans). I will definitely be purchasing this one for my school library!

Release date:  May 7, 2013

Recommended for:  3rd-7th graders who enjoy mysteries and humor

Book Review: The Flying Beaver Brothers and the Mud-Slinging Moles

The Flying Beaver Brothers and the Mud-Slinging Moles by Maxwell Eaton III

The beaver brothers Ace and Bub both want to put a stop to the moles' plan of trading their island's sand for mud.

I got a few short chuckles out of this graphic novel. Although it lacked a little substance in plot, it is perfect for the intended audience. This series would be great to introduce to reluctant readers too! 

Release date:  July 9, 2013

Recommended for:  1st-4th graders who enjoy humor and graphic novels (graphic novel illustrations are similar to the Babymouse and Lunch Lady series with one color tones)

Book Review: Seven Wonders: The Colossus Rises

Seven Wonders: The Colossus Rises by Peter Lerangis

Full of fantasy and adventure, this fast-paced book has me eager to read the next in the seven book series. But, that will have to wait until the Fall of 2013.

Thirteen year old Jack McKinley collapses at school and wakes up in a strange place called the KI, or Karai Institute. There he learns he is one of the Select, destined to find the lost city of Atlantis using a strange superpower that he hasn't yet discovered what it is.

Readers who are a fan of Lerangis' 39 Clues books will find this series has a similar action and adventure type of quest that the characters find themselves mysteriously engulfed in. The fantasy mixed into the story has a Rick Riordan feel to it, which is no coincidence since he also endorses the book.

Release date:  February 5, 2013

Recommended for:  4th-9th graders who enjoy fantasy and adventure (similar to the Percy Jackson series)

Book Review: Clueless McGee and the Inflatable Pants

Clueless McGee and the Inflatable Pants by Jeff Mack

Readers may worry that they will be clueless with this second book in the Clueless McGee series, but have no fear, it can be a stand alone read.

I have to admit, I was leery at first glance: the letter-writing style and illustrations scream Wimpy Kid fan book. But I quickly became a fan of this book and will recommend it to all my students looking for a humorous read (Wimpy Kid fans and all).

In this story, PJ is encouraged by Principal Prince to lessen his ninja obsession and expand his mind by joining the Rocket Science Club. That doesn't sound exciting to PJ until he learns he can win the official Rocket Science trophy for creating an exceptional invention. PJ's new obsession then becomes winning the science trophy (and also still ninjas) until the trophy is stolen. He then puts his detective skills to work to find his (er, the school's) missing Rocket Science trophy.

Release date:  June 13, 2013

Recommended for:  2nd-5th graders (8-11 year olds) who like humor and wonder what else is there to read besides Wimpy Kid books