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: 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: 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: 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