Smells Like Dog

Smells Like Dog
Written by: Suzanne Selfors
Recommended Ages: 8-12

Smells Like Dog is a delightful book that will appeal to boys and girls alike. There's a timeless feel to the book that reminds me of some of my favorite reads as a child. Roald Dahl, in particular, comes to mind.

Homer Pudding is a fairly ordinary, slightly pudgy farm boy who dreams of being a treasure hunter like his dashing Uncle Drake Pudding. Unfortunately, one day he and his family get the horrible news that Uncle Drake has been killed by a killer tortoise. The news also comes to them, via the law office of Snooty and Snooty, that he has left all of his worldly possessions to Homer. These worldly possessions consist of a pair of boots (all that was left of poor Uncle Drake), a Bassett hound who can't smell, and a mysterious coin attached to the dog's collar with the letters L.O.S.T. on it. While Homer is honored that his uncle left everything to him, he also begins to think that things look slightly suspicious. After he accidentally burns down the town's library while researching the origins of the coin, he decides to do some investigating.

Homer takes off for The City (a place where, his father warns, bad things happen) to find out what type of coin he has, what L.O.S.T. stands for and to locate a treasure map of his uncle's. Along the way, Homer meets some fantastic, eccentric characters, all of whom add to the delicious twists and turns he encounters. There's the giantess Zelda, the wacky inventor Ajitabh, and the little orphan girl Lorelei. But the most delectable character of all is Madame La Directeur. She is over-the-top evil and a great nemesis for Homer to face.

Smells Like Dog is quite a romp, with parts that are laugh out loud funny and parts where you will be holding your breath wondering how exactly Homer is going to get out of a pickle. Homer and Dog quickly warm their way into your heart, so that the whole time you are rooting for their success.

I think Smells Like Dog would be a wonderful book for a third or fourth grade class to read aloud. Girls and Boys will be enthralled by Homer's adventures and it will appeal to even the most reluctant of readers. Oh did I mention that it's the first book of a trilogy? So the adventures of Homer Pudding and Dog continue on. I can't wait to see what and who they come up against!

BookNosher Activity: On Suzanne Selfor's website she has a page for teachers which contains curriculum ideas, art activities and worksheets. It's definitely worth checking out.

We Shall Overcome: A Song That Changed the World

We Shall Overcome: A Song That Changed the World

Written by: Stuart Stotts
Illustrated by: Terrance Cummings
With a foreword by: Pete Seeger
Recommended Ages: 9 and up

This is a very smart, beautifully layed out book that details the origins of the song "We Shall Overcome." I wasn't sure what to expect when I picked it up at the library, but by the time I finished I was convinced that this is a must-have for school libraries everywhere. By using the book as a starting point, teachers could build a wonderful lesson plan around this seemingly simple song that has played such a rich part in our history.

We Shall Overcome: A Song that Changed the World chronicles the importance of song throughout our history. Early in the book, Stotts points out "in hunting, in planting, in battle or in any other task that requires strength, singing helps. It coordinates breathing and focuses energy and effort." It's thought that song has helped people prepare for battle, and face difficult situations for thousands of years.

"We Shall Overcome" was originally used by the labor movement to promote social change. The Highlander Folk School was founded in the 1930's to help unions in the South. The school was very serious about teaching people about strike tactics and union elections, and yet the founders also realized the importance of music. It was at the Highlander Folk School that Pete Seeger first heard the song called "We Will Overcome," which he later changed to "We Shall Overcome."

During the late 1950's, "We Shall Overcome" began to be used in the Civil Rights Movement.
It's said that the first time Martin Luther King heard it sung by Peter Seeger he kept humming the tune and later told his driver "that song really sticks with you, doesn't it?"

So what is it about "We Shall Overcome" that makes it so memorable? The first verse is very simple, and only has 23 words:

We shall overcome,
We shall overcome,
We shall overcome some day,
Oh deep in my heart I do believe
We shall overcome someday.

The book goes into detail about why it is so powerful when sung together in a group. It has to do with its melodic shape and the way certain words are held. Stotts tells many wonderful stories of times when the song was used, and times when the power of its words was felt. The book details how Joan Baez sang it at the Lincoln Memorial for the March on Washington, and then later at Woodstock where it became a part of the anti-war movement. When Bruce Springsteen made a recording of it for a Pete Seeger tribute album in 1998, people viewed it as a song about personal strength. The producer of the record received letters from parents of children who had leukemia who said they were singing Bruce's version of the song to them.

A CD by Pete Seeger singing the song is included in the book, and offers a very nice touch for readers. By learning about the song, I believe that children will learn about the role that "We Shall Overcome" played in the labor, Civil Rights and anti-war movements in the United States.

BookNosher Activity: There are so many wonderful activities one could tie into the book. It would be fun to try and track down other versions of the song (ie. Springsteen, Baez and others) and play them alongside the Pete Seeger version. The music is included in the book, so it would be great to have a class learn the words and have them sing it in a circle, arms crossed and holding hands. I imagine they would experience the chilling power of "We Shall Overcome" firsthand.

One Crazy Summer

One Crazy Summer

Written by: Rita Williams-Garcia
Recommended Ages: 9-12

One Crazy Summer takes place in the summer of 1968, a year of tumultuous change in the United States. Eleven-year-old Delphine and her two younger sisters, Vonetta and Fern, are on their first airplane ride to Oakland to visit their mother who abandoned them seven years ago. They are filled with both trepidation and excitement, as they leave the safety of their dad and grandma to reacquaint themselves with a mother who didn't want them.

Delphine tells their story and her voice rings loud and clear. She is the oldest and takes her responsibilities seriously. She is in charge of her sisters, and makes sure that they (and everyone else) understand that. The other sisters are beautifully drawn also. Vonetta is all "ham and show," always itching to be the center of attention. And Fern is the baby of the family, a tad needy and always clutching her baby doll.

When the girls meet their mother, Cecile, their worst fears are realized. She's late to pick them up at the airport, no hugs, clipped sentences and no home cooked meals. She's not exactly vying for mother of the year. She's a poet, and her kitchen is mysteriously off limits to the kids. She hands them money for take-out Chinese food, and forces them to attend a Black Panther-sponsored summer day camp.

As readers we learn so much about what was going on at the time, and we see it through the eyes of these three young sisters. We watch as they come to learn more about the Civil Rights Movement, the Black Panthers, Huey Lewis and the true meaning of Revolution. When Delphine learns that they are supposed to participate in a rally, her fear is palpable. She's worried about the danger and tells one of the counselors that she doesn't want to participate, that she has to take care of her sisters. Sister Mukumbu tells her:

"We look out for each other. The rally is one way of looking out for all of our sisters. All of our brothers. Unity, Sister Delphine. We have to stand united."

Williams-Garcia does a beautiful job depicting the charged atmosphere that was such a part of the summer of 1968. And while there's danger in the air, there's also an incredible feeling of community amongst the people involved at the "summer camp." The rally is a pivotal point for each of the girls. For in their own ways, each one of them changes and matures during their month in Oakland. Their initial perceptions of many things are challenged, and by the end of the month they see things very differently.

One of the most satisfying aspects of the book for me is Delphine's journey. She discovers so much about herself, and about the mother that left her. For although Cecile never emerges as any sort of mother role model, you get a better sense of who she is, and why she did what she did.

One Crazy Summer is one of those rare middle-grade books that I didn't want to end. Williams-Garcia does a masterful job writing about a time period I think kids will find fascinating and educational. There's no better way to learn about about history than by viewing it through the eyes of a child. Delphine is the perfect narrator for one of the most fascinating, turbulent periods of American history. I highly recommend One Crazy Summer.

Bill Peet: An Autobiography

Bill Peet: An Autobiography

Written and Illustrated by: Bill Peet
Recommended Ages: 8 and up

As I've written before, I love Bill Peet. I think every child should go through a stage where they check out as many books of his as possible and discover the many worlds he created. If your child happens to be a fan of Bill Peet and wants to learn a little more about him, take a look at Bill Peet: An Autobiography. You'll learn a lot about the man, as well as the time period he lived in (1915-2002).

This was the second time I've read his autobiography and I was reminded of just how very strong his voice is in all of his books. In this case, you feel as if you are sitting across the room from him listening to him tell you the story of his life. It's a fascinating look for anybody who is interested in learning how Bill Peet came to be Bill Peet.

Peet was born in Indiana, and his father was drafted into the army for World War I when Bill was three. Although his father survived, he never came back to join his family full time, and Bill's mom and grandmother brought up Bill and his two brothers. He and his brothers spent much of their time outdoors on farms and in the woods, and you see how his childhood influenced so many of his books. Young Bill showed a lot of artistic talent at an early age, and drawing became his number one hobby as he "filled fat five-cent tablets" with his drawings.

One particularly interesting part of the book is the time Peet spent with Walt Disney Studios. He worked there over twenty years and shares some interesting and candid anecdotes about the place and Walt Disney himself. Peet worked on many movies including Pinnochio, Dumbo, and Cinderella (he created the mice). It was only after his stint with Disney that he decided to branch out and try writing and illustrating children's books.

Bill Peet's autobiography offers a unique, somewhat wry insight into a true talent. There are pencil illustrations on every page which draw the reader in, creating an appealing atmosphere. This would be a wonderful book to give a child who yearns to be a writer or an artist, for Bill Peet followed his dream from a very early age. He ends the book by stating that Chester the Worldly Pig was the most autobiographical of his books (see my previous review on Chester). As he wrote: "Those markings were on the pig from the very beginning just as my ambition to illustrate books was always there. But I never considered writing them, so I had grown far beyond my expectations."

Countdown

Countdown

Written by: Deborah Wiles
Recommended Ages: 10 and up

Countdown is a middle grade book that, I predict, will be garnering a lot of attention in the coming year. In it, we are introduced to Franny Chapman, an eleven-year-old who is dealing with a lot of the typical ups and downs of fifth grade, while the 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis is brewing in the background.

The book begins in October, and Franny is in her class wondering if her teacher, Mrs. Rodriguez, is going to call on her to read aloud, or skip over her again. She's beginning to think that Mrs. Rodriguez doesn't like her. Sure enough, she's skipped. As she heads out to recess she's worried about that, as well as her friendship with her best friend Margie which seems to be on the fritz. Five minutes into recess the air raid siren goes off and chaos erupts, as the children scramble to get into position. For they've all been trained on what to do--DUCK AND COVER! As Franny squats against the fence we get a sense of what it must have been like in 1962:

"I shove my hair out of my face, lick my lips, and search the horizon for...something. Russian airplanes dropping bombs? My dad is a pilot and he would never drop bombs on a school. I hope the Russian pilots are like daddy."

They soon find out that it was just a drill, and some degree of normalcy resumes, although the residual effects are felt. The Cuban Missile Crisis and Cold War play a significant role in the story, and there are interesting archival photographs, quotes and music sprinkled throughout the book. It's a history lesson for a period that is not typically covered in children's literature, and Deborah Wiles has done her research. You really get a sense of what happened in October 1962, and what it did to kids' psyches with all the talk about nuclear bombs and shelters.

"No matter where we live,
in the city or the country,
we must be ready all the
time for the atomic bomb.
Duck and Cover!
That's the first thing to do.
Duck and Cover!
The next important thing
to do after that is to stay
covered until the danger
is over."

Lest you think that it's all heavy subject matter, never fear, for there are some wonderful kid moments going on which will keep the more reluctant readers engaged. There's a friendship going sour, a first boy-girl Halloween party, a first crush, an older sister with secrets, and an uncle who keeps doing rather embarrassing things. Franny handles all of this with a lot of angst, anxiety and spunk. She's a very likeable character precisely because she DOES doubt herself and wonders where she fits in, in the overall scheme of things. She fumbles along like most of us fumble along, and we love her for that. Plus, there's a rather dramatic ending and Franny more than rises to the occasion and proves herself a hero.

I think Countdown would be a terrific book for a fifth or sixth grade class to read aloud, or for parents to read with their kids. There are so many great topics for discussion. I personally loved the tidbits that were sprinkled throughout the book that reminded me of my own childhood. There is the family gathering every Sunday night to watch Walt Disney's Wonderful World of Color on their black and white TV. There are the kids eating Swanson's TV dinners when their parents go out on a Saturday night. There's the novelty of the new restaurant called McDonalds, where there are no waiters or waitresses. There are penny loafers and 45 records. I understand that Countdown is the first book of a trilogy, and I can't wait to see where Deborah Wiles goes with the next one.

Mockingbird

Mockingbird
Written by: Katheryn Erskine
Recommended Ages: 9 and up

Mockingbird was published about a month ago and I think it may be a contender for some future awards. It's a poignant story with complex, well-developed characters whom you immediately want to get to know better. Although, you should be forewarned, the background story about a horrific school shooting may be difficult for some kids.

Caitlin is a fifth-grader who lives alone with her dad. Her beloved brother, Devon, was recently killed in a tragic middle-school shooting, and she and her dad are barely coping in the aftermath. Caitlin also has Asperger's syndrome. It is through this lens that we hear her story of how this small family deals with life after "The Day Our Life Fell Apart," and ultimately gets some closure.

When we first meet Caitlin, she has no friends, although she has a very good relationship with the school counselor, Mrs. Brooke. Mrs. Brooke is trying to help Caitlin learn to read other people's emotions, as well as make friends. Through her, she makes her first friend in Michael, a first-grader. Caitlin's voice is loud and clear throughout the book, and we watch as she struggles to try and understand what people really mean, as she often takes what they say at face value. When she hears someone talk about the need for closure on the shooting, she looks up closure in the dictionary ("the state of an emotional conclusion to a difficult life event such as the death of a loved one"), and is determined to find closure for her and her dad. The book follows Caitlin in this quest, which is a very literal one at first, but one that ultimately succeeds on different levels in the end.

I think that kids will relate to Caitlin. They'll want her to succeed, even though in the beginning they may not understand her. She is different, and they'll see that other kids perceive her as "weird," since she does things like suck her sleeve when she's nervous. But they'll also come to love her personality and understand that everyone has special talents, even if they are not always evident at first.

I'm not going to give away anything else about Mockingbird, although I realize I have left out so many wonderful things about the book. Caitlin, her dad, Mrs. Brooke, her first friend Michael and her brother Devon are memorable characters that you feel like you know well by the end of the book. Life, death and the long and painful road to healing are addressed in heartwarming, difficult and sometimes very funny ways. I highly recommend Mockingbird; it stays with you long after you read the last sentence.

Love, Ruby Lavender: A Fabulous Middle Grade Read Aloud

Love, Ruby Lavender

Written By: Deborah Wiles
Recommended Ages: 8-12

I somehow missed Love, Ruby Lavender when it was first published in 2001, but I'm pleased to have discovered it nine years later. It's a delightful story that begs to be read aloud by a parent or a teacher, or heard on an audiotape. Its humorous, engaging style will appeal to boys and girls alike.

Ruby is a nine-year-old girl who lives with her mom and her grandmother-Miss Eula-in Halleluia, Mississippi ("Population: 400 good friendly folks and a few old soreheads"). Ruby and Miss Eula are very close to each other, especially since the accident that took her grandpa's life last summer. The book opens up with a hilarious rescue scene of three old hens from Peterson's Egg Ranch, concocted by Ruby and Miss Eula. These hens (Ivy, Bemmie and Bess) play a big part throughout the book, and Ruby's love for them is quite touching, as she watches over them fiercely and reads to them from the dictionary.

When Miss Eula announces that she is going to Hawaii to visit her son and daughter-in-law and new baby, Ruby is visibly distressed. The letters back and forth between Ruby and Miss Eula are priceless and do a fantastic job of showcasing their voices. Wiley has really nailed these two characters down, and it's a true pleasure to read their letters to each other.

Despite being stuck in boring Halleluia, Mississippi for the summer (without her grandmother), a lot seems to happen in Ruby's life. She meets the new teacher and his wife--Mr. Ishee and Tot, who move to Halleluia, and have their nine-year-old niece Dove visiting them for the summer. There's Ruby's nemesis, Melba Jane, who lost her dad in the same accident that took Ruby's grandpa's life. Their relationship with each other is not easy, and there's a mystery about the accident that casts a long shadow over both girls. Yet each of them experiences tremendous growth throughout the book, which is handled in an understated way. And finally, there are those chickens that pop up at different times throughout the story.

Love, Ruby Lavender is full of silly moments, quirky characters, and great depth, too. Kids will like Ruby's feistiness, independence and big heart as she learns how to navigate the summer without her beloved grandmother. Like Ruby, they will see that "life goes on." It's a quick read that manages to stay with you after you turn the last page.

BookNosher Tidbit: Love, Ruby Lavender has won the following awards (taken from Deborah Wiles's website):

• An American Library Association Notable Book for Children
• An NCTE Notable Book in the Language Arts
• A Booksense '76 Pick
• A Capitol Choices Noteworthy Book for Children
• One Hundred Titles for Reading and Sharing, New York Public Library
• Children's Literature Choice List
• Parent's Guide Children's Media Award
  Nominated for SEBA's best children's book of the year
• Nominated for a total of 26 state book awards including the Vermont Student book award, the Rhode Island Student book award, the North Carolina Children's Book Award, the Massachusetts Children's Book Award, the New Hampshire "Great Stoneface" Children's Book Award, the Utah Children's Book Award, the Kansas William Allen White Children's Book Award, the Oklahoma Sequoyah Children's Book Award, the Illinois Rebecca Caudill Young Readers' Book Award, the Indiana Young Hoosiers Book Award List, the Connecticut Nutmeg Children’s Book Award, the Virginia Young Readers Program, Minnesota Maud Hart Lovelace Book Award, the Tennessee Volunteer State reading list, and the California Young Reader Medal.

The Top 100 Children's Novels

Back in January I posted an entry about a poll that Betsy Bird, from the School Library Journal, was running on the top 100 children's books. She asked people to submit their top ten choices for favorite children's novels. She compiled them and, since February 8th, she has been counting down from 100. On Monday she posted the number one book. Before I give you the link, stop and think. What would be your choice for the number one slot? What about your top ten?

Here are the ten I submitted to Betsy back in January:

#1 From the Mixed up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankenweiler
#2 Holes
#3 James and the Giant Peach
#4 Bud, not Buddy
#5 Harriett the Spy
#6 Charlotte's Web
#7 Tuck Everlasting
#8 Bridge to Terabithia
#9 Number the Stars
#10 When You Reach Me

As the results rolled in over the last eight weeks, I can't believe how many "how could I have forgotten ______moments" I had. I mean Little Women is just about my favorite book of all time, and I completely left it off of my list. I didn't include one Harry Potter. I completely forgot about one of my all-time favorites--Anne of Green Gables. I also forgot one of my new favorites--The Tale of Despereaux. Oy! More than anything it made me realize just how many great children's books are out there and how difficult it is to choose just ten.

Betsy went on to post about some of the books that surprisingly didn't make the list. Wonderful books like Stuart Little, A Cricket in Times Square, The Moffats, and Black Beauty. It just goes to show that it's impossible to narrow the list to a mere 100 books.

So without further ado, here's the link. If you have time, click on the books that interest you. Betsy has done a wonderful job providing lots of background info and old book covers. Happy Reading!

The Cricket in Times Square: A Classic

The Cricket in Times Square (Chester Cricket and His Friends)

Written by: George Selden
Illustrated by: Garth Williams
Recommended Ages: 6-11

The Cricket in Times Square is one of those books you want to make sure your children get the pleasure of reading. I remember loving it as a child, and rediscovering it when my oldest was about seven years old. I read it aloud to him and his five year old brother, and they asked for it eagerly each night. Originally published in 1960, it has held up well over the years.

The story begins when Chester, a country cricket, ends up stranded in New York City after falling asleep in a picnic basket in Connecticut. He is befriended by Mario, a young boy who helps his parents run a newsstand, and Tucker the quintessential city mouse. Together, with Harry Cat, they teach Chester the ins and outs of city life.

Soon Chester's talents as a musician are discovered. He is able to recreate any music he hears, and people from all across the city come to hear him. But performing takes its toll and he eventually becomes homesick for the country. Tucker and Harry Cat help him find his way home.

The strength in this story lies in the unlikely, but tender friendships between a cricket, a mouse, a boy and a cat. Each of these characters are drawn in ways that kids appreciate. The backdrop of New York City is a perfect setting for this "country mouse/city mouse" story. Whether you read this to your kids, or they read it themselves The Cricket in Times Square is sure to please another generation of readers.

A heads-up: Keeping in mind that The Cricket in Times Square was written in 1960, there is a scene that takes place in Chinatown where Mario goes to buy a cricket cage for Chester. When Mr. Fong speaks it is in a Chinese dialect that substitutes l's for r's, ie. "velly good." Definitely not "P.C." for 2010, but you can choose to have a discussion about this with your kids, if you want.

BookNosher Tidbit: The Cricket in Times Square won a Newbery Honor medal in 1961.

BookNosher Activity: There are lots of classroom activities for The Cricket in Times Square on the internet. Since the setting plays such an important part in this book, I think it would be fun to learn more about the city of New York. Look at maps of the city and point out Times Square and China Town. Check out books about subways and New York. Here are a few noteworthy kid's books about New York: A Walk in New York by Salvatore Rubbino; My New York: New Anniversary Edition by Kathy Jakobsen and Up & Down New York (New York Bound Books) by Tony Sarg (originally published in 1926!). Any of these would enrich your child's reading experience of The Cricket in Times Square.

The Penderwicks

The Penderwicks: A Summer Tale of Four Sisters, Two Rabbits, and a Very Interesting Boy (Penderwicks (Quality))

Written By: Jeanne Birdsall
Recommended Ages: 8-12

The Penderwicks is exactly the kind of book I would have loved as a little girl. It has unique characters, an intriguing setting and an air of mystery about it. It stars four sisters and their devoted, but conveniently absent, father as they go on a three-week vacation to a rented cottage in the country. The book has a fun, old-fashioned feel to it that makes it a timeless story. I think it would be a perfect read-aloud for a family or classroom to share together.

The Penderwick sisters and their father arrive at their rented country cottage for a three-week holiday. They are amazed to discover that the "cottage" is much bigger than they thought, and is part of a much larger estate--Arundel--which houses the very rich and "interesting boy" of the title. The personalities of each girl is introduced and developed early on throughout the book. There's twelve-year-old Rosalind, who is motherly to her sisters and on the verge of adolescence. Eleven-year-old Skye is headstrong and opinionated, with a penchant for doing and saying exactly the wrong thing at the wrong time. Ten-year-old Jane is the dreamer, who is often caught fantasizing about the next story in the adventure book she's writing. Finally there's shy Batty, the four-year-old with no memory of her mother, who wears butterfly wings and talks to the family dog.

During the course of the three-week holiday, the girls explore Arundel and have little adventures along the way. They meet the teenage boy who helps with the gardens, and Rosalind develops her first crush. They also form a strong friendship with Jeffrey, the young master of Arundel, who has an intimidating, unpleasant mother. She, along with a doltish fiancee, wants to send him away to a military school. What enfolds is a series of mini-adventures, funny moments, and mostly believable situations that kids will relate to.

As I mentioned before, Birdsall does a nice job developing each of the girls. It's one of the strengths of the book. They are three-dimensional characters, with unique personalities. I found their relationship with one other to be loving and realistic. One moment they are furious with each other and the next moment they're the best of friends. They call emergency MOPS (meeting of Penderwick Sisters) to discuss the various predicaments they find themselves in. The adults are fairly peripheral to the story, even in the case of Jeffrey's evil mom. Yes, she's one-dimensional, and yes you won't like her (or her dreadful fiancee). But it's what the girls do to help Jeffrey that will warm your heart and keep you turning the pages. For the Penderwick sisters are the reason you read the book; and in the end, it's the sisters you care about. I am happy to report that a sequel came out in 2008 called The Penderwicks on Gardam Street, and it's supposed to be equally as wonderful.

BookNosher Tidbit: The Penderwicks won the National Book Award in 2005.

National Ambassador for Young People's Literature

Did you know that we have a National Ambassador for Young People's Literature? You might not have known this since this venerable position was just created in 2008 by the Library of Congress, the Children's Book Council and the Library of Congress's Center for the Book. What exactly does an ambassador do? According to their website: "The National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature raises national awareness of the importance of young people’s literature as it relates to lifelong literacy, education and the development and betterment of the lives of young people."

The first ambassador was Jon Scieszka. He did an admirable (and often hilarious) job traveling the country and talking about something near and dear to many of us--children's books. If you are familiar with Jon Scieszka (The Stinky Cheese Man and Other Fairly Stupid Tales, Knights of the Kitchen Table (Time Warp Trio)and Robot Zot!) you know, that he is a funny guy. I had the opportunity to see him twice during his tenure, and he brought just the right amount of hilarity and gravitas to the position. His mission was (and still is) to get boys to love reading, and in fact, he created a whole website called Guys Read. Check it out. It's got some really wonderful book recommendations that are geared towards boys. This isn't to say that girls aren't going to love these books too, but research tells us that it's often harder to get boys to pick up books. Scieszka has done a good job compiling a list of books that are geared towards making life-long readers out of boys.

Scieszka's term was up at the end of 2009 and there was a lot of discussion about who the next ambassador would be. In January, Katherine Paterson was appointed as the second National Ambassador for Young People's Literature, and she is bringing her own style to the position. Her slogan for the program is "read for your life." She recently wrote an op-ed piece in the New York Daily News, which I think is worth reading. She talks about the role of technology, and gives us hope that books (especially children's books) will prevail. Here's the article.

Katherine Paterson is the author of Bridge to Terabithia (one of my favorites, which I will blog about soon), The Great Gilly Hopkins (a wonderful, difficult book about a child in the foster care system), Jacob Have I Loved and many, many others. Her newest book is called The Day of the Pelican and deals with a Muslim immigrant family in the aftermath of 9/11. Paterson's books don't shy away from difficult subjects, and are often read over and over again. I'm very excited to see what she brings to the most venerable position of children's lit ambassador. Here's a calendar of her speaking engagements in the coming year.

Where The Mountain Meets The Moon

Where the Mountain Meets the Moon

Written and illustrated by: Grace Lin
Recommended Ages: 7-12

In the middle of reading Where the Mountain Meets the Moon, I realized that I was reading something very special. It has all the elements that make a book a classic, including a believable main character tackling major obstacles, beautiful writing and gorgeous artwork. It's a timeless story that will appeal to both children and adults alike. If you have a child between the ages of six and twelve, I would say run to your nearest bookstore and pick up a copy of Where the Mountain Meets the Moon. You will not be disappointed.

Minli is a young girl who lives with her mother and father at the juncture where Fruitless Mountain and the Jade River meet. They are desperately poor as they eke out a meager living by working in the rice fields. Her mother complains constantly about their futile existence, but her father fills Minli's head with wonderful tales. One day Minli spends one of her precious copper coins on a goldfish, which it turns out can talk. He convinces her that she should go to Neverending Mountain to visit the Man in the Moon and ask how their family can change their fortune. So off she goes.

Along the way, she meets (and rescues) a dragon that can't fly, and together they venture towards the Man in the Moon. Minli and the dragon meet a cast of characters, rich and poor, who share their stories with the pair. They encounter kings and princesses and green tigers throughout their journey, and you, the reader, are left wanting more. Minli is an appealing character, whom children will relate to. She's feisty, brave and determined to better her family's situation.

One of the wonderful things that Lin does in almost every chapter is interject a Chinese folk tale that weaves in beautifully with the story. She does a masterful job of lacing together Minli's quest with these folk tales. She also manages to present a parallel story of the parents' evolution as they (especially her mother) become less bitter about their circumstances and more appreciative of what really matters.

I think Where the Mountain Meets the Moon is a must have for anyone who cares about children's literature. The book itself is printed on heavier than usual stock, and there are beautiful color-plate illustrations scattered throughout the 278 pages. It reminds me of the high quality hardcover books I had in my library as a child.

One last thought. I think this would be a wonderful story for a class or a family to read together. While many 7-12 year olds are certainly capable of reading it on their own, I think this is one book that everyone benefits from hearing it out loud. I realize I may sound a bit over the top about Where the Mountain Meets the Moon, but it is truly a gem and one of the best books of 2009 (if not the last decade!).

BookNosher Tidbit: Where the Mountain Meets the Moon was a 2010 Honor Newbery Book. It also has the following:
•Starred Kirkus Review
•Starred Booklist Review
•Booklist Top 10 SF/Fantasy for Youth:2009
•2009 Parents' Choice Gold Winner

Peace, Locomotion

Peace, Locomotion

Written by: Jacqueline Woodson
Recommended Ages: 9-12

This middle grade book is what I would term a "quiet" book. It's not a fast-paced, plot-driven story, but rather a story that gently unfolds as you turn each page. I think it will appeal to readers who don't mind a slower-paced character-driven book. Because of its epistolary format (with short chapters), it's not a difficult read, and may very well appeal to more reluctant readers. I enjoyed it very much, and have found that it has stayed with me long after I finished the book.

Peace, Locomotion is told in a series of letters that are written by twelve-year-old Lonnie (Locomotion to his friends) to his little sister Lili. We learn that they are living in different foster homes, although we don't immediately know why. From the first chapter, Lonnie's voice comes through loud and clear. You can't help but like this young boy, who is sensitive, artistic and has experienced some incredible losses in his young life. He lives with Miss Edna and her two sons, although one of them--Jenkins--is over fighting in an unnamed war. Miss Edna is kind and loving to Lonnie, and we watch over the course of 134 pages as his definition of family changes to be inclusive of her, as well as Lili and her foster family.

Not a lot happens in Peace, Locomotion and yet Lonnie experiences tremendous growth. He has a best friend Clyde, and their friendship is typical twelve-year-old boy stuff, and much more. On the one hand they play basketball and soccer, while on the other we learn that Clyde and his sister live with his aunt, and that his mom just drops in every now and then. Once again, pushing the definition of family to the edge.

When we learn that Jenkins has gone missing from the war, the fear and worry are palpable in the house. Lonnie starts to grapple with the idea of war and peace, and all that entails. When Jenkins is eventually found, he is injured. The story depicts his re-entry into the household, shell-shocked and in a wheel chair. Woodson doesn't shy away from anything, and the story is told in spare, beautiful prose, that is absolutely appropriate for the middle grade reader. She's a wonderful writer who manages to say a lot, without a lot of words. It's an art.

Peace, Locomotion is a sequel to the book Locomotion which dealt with Lonnie and Lili in the aftermath of a tragic fire that killed their parents. While I haven't read it, I certainly intend to. Instead of letters, Lonnie, who is a gifted writer, writes it in a series of poems. Peace, Locomotion has two of his poems about peace in the endnotes. Here's one of them which, I hope, will give you an idea of the voice and beauty of the book:

"Imagine Peace

I think it's blue because that's my favorite color.
I think it's soft like flannel sheets in the
wintertime.
I think Peace is full-
like a stomach after a real good dinner-
beef stew and corn bread or
shrimp fried rice and egg rolls.
Even better
Than some barbecue chicken.
I think Peace is pretty--like my sister Lili.
And I think it's nice--like my friend Clyde.
I think if you imagine it, like that
Beatles guy used to sing about?
Then it can happen.
Yeah, I think
Peace Can Happen"

BookNosher Tidbit: Peace, Locomotion was an Odyssey Honor Book for 2009. This annual award is given to the producer of the best audio book produced for children and/or young adults, available in English in the United States. The selection committee also selects honor titles.

Every Soul a Star

Every Soul A Star

Written by: Wendy Mass
Recommended Ages: 8-12

I'm back, after a brief hiatus that included a trip with my family down to Nicaragua where we scaled a volcano, enjoyed the windswept beaches of Lake Nicaragua and immersed ourselves into the Nicaraguan's slower-paced, heart-filled culture. It was divine. So now I'm switching gears, as I look to introduce books (old and new) to readers of The Book Nosher in 2010.

I recently read Every Soul A Star; a new middle-grade book that will appeal to many readers between the ages of eight and twelve. It's about the intersection of the lives of three young teens over the fairly rare, natural occurrence of a total solar eclipse. Every Soul a Star is told in turns by its three main characters-Ally, Bree and Jack. Mass does a masterful job getting each of their voices down, truly capturing the essence of each kid.

The story opens with Ally explaining that the campground she and her family have lived in for the past decade (Moon Shadow Campground) is the only place in the entire country that lies "smack dab in the path of the Great Eclipse when it passes overhead." They have been gearing up for this event for years, and are ready to greet the swarms of eclipse-followers that will descend upon them. Ally is a bit of a science geek. She is home-schooled, and is intelligent about all things natural and scientific, and naive about the cultural trends that early teenage girls are usually so proficient in.

In chapter 2, we are introduced to Bree. She is a self-described beauty, and model wanna-be, and is (at least in the beginning) a bit of a stereotypical teen, where popularity is her most prized possession. After meeting Bree, we definitely feel her pain when her scientist parents announce that they are uprooting the family and moving to Moon Shadow Campground, far away from the malls she likes to frequent.

Finally, we meet Jack, an overweight, artistic-type who struggles in school and has low self-esteem. After flunking science, he is approached by his science teacher to see if instead of taking summer school, he'd like to accompany him to Moon Shadow Campground to be his right hand man, as he leads a group of people to witness the eclipse. Jack accepts, mostly for the chance to forego summer school, rather than the opportunity to see an eclipse.

What enfolds is a story that details the two weeks leading up to the big event; where the characters learn about each other, about their families, about astronomy and most importantly, about themselves. The trials and tribulations of the early teenage years are explored, and strong bonds are formed amongst the characters, culminating in the big event. Mass does a nice job of relating the stories of the teens, in their own words. At the same time she teaches us, in a very palatable way, the intricacies of the universe in general, and the eclipse specifically. There are enough twists and turns in the plot to keep even the most jaded reader turning the pages.

BookNosher Activities: In the author's note, Mass points out that the next total solar eclipse in the mainland United States will occur on August 21, 2017. The path will extend from Oregon to South Carolina. She mentions some websites that she found helpful in the researching of the book, which would be good to follow up on: www.skyandtelescope.com; www.space.com; www.eclipsechaser.com; http://eclipse.gsfc.nasa.gov/eclipse.html; www.astronomy.com and http://worldwidetelescope.org. World Wide Telescope, in particular, looks like a wonderful learning tool, in that it "enables your computer to function as a virtual telescope, bringing together imagery from the best ground and space-based telescopes in the world. Experience narrated guided tours from astronomers and educators featuring interesting places in the sky." Every Soul a Star might be the perfect book to pique your child's interest in astronomy.

My Rotten Life: Nathan Abercrombie Accidental Zombie

My Rotten Life (Nathan Abercrombie, Accidental Zombie)
Written by: David Lubar
Recommended Ages: 8-12

If you like books that make you laugh out loud AND feel empathy for what the main character is going through, then look no further than My Rotten Life: Nathan Abercrombie, Accidental Zombie. Kids will identify with Nathan's plight from the first page until the last, as they devour the book to see what happens next.

Nathan is a fifth-grader who is having a bad day. Actually, it starts out as a bad day and only gets worse. First, the girl of his dreams--Shawna Lanchester--humiliates him in front of the entire cafeteria by publicly announcing that she's not inviting him to her annual Halloween party. Later on in gym class, he is the last person to be picked for a team. To add insult to injury, he comes in dead last in the mile run. Finally, he publicly humiliates himself at a video game so that all the kids start calling him a "vidiot." All of these things sound about as bad as it can get for a ten-year-old who is more than aware of where he falls in the social hierarchy of fifth grade.

After school, a new girl in town-Abigail-tells him that her uncle (a mad scientist) is working on a cure to get rid of bad feelings. She thinks that after Nathan's rotten day he would be the perfect subject. So off they go to the lab, only to have the serum mistakenly spilled all over him. And wouldn't you know it, Nathan begins to turn into a zombie.

The book continues with some amusing stories of what happens while one is slowly turning into a half-dead zombie. And quite honestly, life is somewhat better for Nathan. He can't feel pain, so he excels at sports because his asthma doesn't kick in. He doesn't need sleep, so he stays up all night secretly playing video games (and gets good at them). Nonetheless, he knows he doesn't want to live his life as a zombie, so he and his friends, Abigail and Mookie, go in search for a cure.

Along the way, you are drawn into the life of fifth-graders, complete with the popular group, the skaters, the nerds and the jocks. Kids will identify (and laugh) as these hierarchies are exposed and poked fun of. The true meaning of friendship is also explored in a totally convincing, yet fun, fifth-grade way. Finally, Nathan's home life is portrayed realistically: Mom is loving, if not a little neurotic, and video games are not allowed: "Mom thought games were too violent. Dad thought they were a bad investment."

My Rotten Life is written in a lively, very readable style. From the first sentence to the last, readers will be drawn in. Here's the first paragraph:

"It's no fun having your heart ripped from your body, slammed to the floor, and stomped into a puddle of quivering red mush. It's even less fun when it happens three times in one afternoon."

If you have a child for whom reading is not their first choice for an activity, try My Rotten Life. The slightly gross humor and easy-to-read text are sure to reel them in. On the other hand, if you have a child who loves to read, they'll probably read My Rotten Life in an afternoon (laughing all the while). Plus, the last paragraph hints that there's more to come:

"Other than that, things are pretty much normal for the only zombie in Belgosi Upper Elementary. Or, at least, they were normal until the secret agent from BUM showed up. But that's another story."

BookNosher Activity: There's a Reader's Guide at the end of the book to enhance My Rotten Life. Check it out! There are some really interesting individual and classroom activities for teachers and parents to turn this fun read, into something educational.

When You Reach Me

When You Reach Me
Written By Rebecca Stead
Recommended Ages: 9-14

Sometimes a new book comes along that you know is going to make a big splash in the world of children's literature. That's how I felt when I finished reading When You Reach Me. From the beginning, it drew me into the world of sixth-grader Miranda. Set in the Upper West Side of Manhattan in 1979, When You Reach Me introduces us to Miranda in a year where she is dealing with friendships gone awry, new friends, first crushes, the beginnings of race and class awareness and, yes, even a little time travel.

The story is written in first person and the accessible language immediately draws you in. In the first chapter, we learn that Miranda's mom just received a postcard from the television show The $20,000 Pyramid, saying that she had made it as a contestant. Very early on, it is clear that the reason her mom wants to go on the show is because they need the money. The contest provides an interesting backdrop throughout the story, and grounds the setting quite nicely. We learn that her mom is a paralegal who had to drop out of law school when she found out she was pregnant. Miranda's relationship with her mom is deftly depicted, as they move through the pre-teen/mom dance of push and pull.

The beauty of the book is that Miranda's world will feel familiar to fifth, sixth and seventh graders. She is very likeable and real, and the other kids in the book are three-dimensional characters. They are sixth graders, with all the typical middle-school angst going on in their lives. We learn that Miranda's best friend Sal has recently stopped talking to her, after an incident in the street where a random kid punched him. Miranda is sad and confused by his sudden change in behavior. She also develops a crush on a boy in her class, and navigates a best friend triangle with typical pre-teen awkwardness. But where the story really takes off is when Miranda starts receiving notes that look like they come from the future. The first one reads:

"M,
This is hard. Harder than I expected, even with your help. But I have been practicing, and my preparations go well. I am coming to save your friend's life, and my own.
I ask two favors.
First, you must write me a letter.
Second, please remember to mention the location of your house key.
The trip is a difficult one. I will not be myself when I reach you."

So there's a mystery involved and I'm not going to give away any of it. I can't say much more about the plot, because it's more important to let the puzzle unravel itself to you without any clues. Suffice to say, it is compelling and will make you not want to put the book down until you read the very last page. The ending is quite satisfying.

One important thing I forgot to mention is Miranda's complete devotion to Madeleine L'Engle's A Wrinkle in Time. For kids that have read the story, it will be a comforting sidebar. For kids that haven't, well I suspect they may want to go pick up a copy afterwards. There is talk of time travel, and that in itself is one of the great wonders of the book. I imagine it will make for some fantastic classroom discussions, as kids share their ideas of what is going on. I also think this would be a great book for families to read at home together, since the time--1979--is sure to evoke a lot of childhood memories from parents.

A final note on the setting. I can't imagine When You Reach Me could have been set anywhere else but in New York City in the late 70's. Stead does a fantastic job of making place an integral part of the book. Miranda is a latchkey kid, and friends with shopkeepers and other regulars in her neighborhood. She is street savvy, and walks around very aware of her surroundings. Yes, her mother worries about her out on the street, but still lets her walk to school and other places because that's what kids did in those days. In a way it was sad to remember just how much more freedom kids had then, than they do now.

I'm sure you can tell by now, that I really enjoyed When You Reach Me. There's a lot of buzz that this could be a Newbery winner next year. Whether or not it wins that coveted honor, I think it should be placed on every middle-schooler's suggested reading list.

The Trouble With Mark Hopper

The Trouble With Mark Hopper
Written by Elissa Brent Weissman
Recommended Ages: 9-12

The Trouble With Mark Hopper is about two (very different) boys named Mark Geoffrey Hopper, and the intersection of their lives at the beginning of sixth grade. It's a middle grade novel with all the elements of a good story--mistaken identity, lots of comic twists and turns, great characters (who change and grow), strong tension and some underlying poignant moments.

The story takes place in a town called Greenburgh, where Mark Hopper has lived all of his life. He is the smartest kid entering the sixth grade, and he knows it. In fact, he's developed quite a reputation in the years leading up to middle school, arguing constantly with teachers about his grades (he believes he deserves 100% on everything) and talking incessantly about how smart he is to his peers. Understandably, he is not at all well liked by kids or adults. He lives with his mom and his equally obnoxious older sister Beth. His dad has just moved out.

Enter the new Mark Hopper who has just moved to Greenburgh with his mom, his older sister Beth, and his grandfather (his father has had to stay behind in their old town while he tries to sell their house and get a new job in Greenburgh). This Mark Hopper is pretty much the exact opposite of the other Mark Hopper: He's friendly, easygoing, a fairly average student and a fantastic artist.

The first few chapters are quite funny as they detail the chaos involved with registering the new Mark at his new school, which includes a mix-up with their schedules (honors classes vs. regular classes, band vs. art), and a fairly inept administration and computer system. Weissman does a very nice job developing each of the Mark's personalities. What is remarkable is that she never tells you which Mark she is talking about, it's always just "Mark," and yet you quickly figure out which one it is. It's very tightly written.

While The Trouble With Mark Hopper can best be described as a "school story," along the lines of Andrew Clements' stories, it has some really great moments in each of the boys' homes. In fact, it's through their home situations that you begin to understand why one Mark is so disagreeable and the other so wonderful. Smart Mark's father is really distant and unpleasant, while the other Mark's Grandpa Murray is a warm and memorable character. His relationship with his grandson is a pleasure to observe. In fact, it's the boys' relationships with their families where the story dips a little deeper; making each one a more fully developed three-dimensional character.

However, what makes this a page-turner for kids is what happens at school. The differences between the two Marks become evident right away. Artistic Mark goes about those first few weeks of school making friends, working hard in his classes and showing what a great artist he is. He decides to enter an art contest and paints a loving portrait of his Grandpa Murray, as a surprise for his birthday. The other Mark continues to be obnoxious, humiliating the new Mark in Honors Math by announcing his poor grade to the class. The teacher then assigns him to be Mark's tutor. It is during these tutoring sessions that they begin to get to know one another. Mark lets the other Mark know that he is aiming to win the Mastermind Tournament, something his father won three years in a row when he was in middle school. When he discovers that there is a newly added teamwork portion to the Tournament, he realizes that Mark might be able to help him out because he has done a lot of team building in his other school. Their math tutoring sessions turn into something more mutual. A twist to the story occurs when Smart Mark finds out that there’s an artistic element to the Tournament, and he decides to steal the Grandpa Murray painting and claim it as his.

You begin to see that there are a lot of things going on to hold a reader's interest. I think that 4th, 5th and 6th graders will be riveted as the story unfolds. It's a very good read with characters that kids will recognize from their daily lives. There are a lot of things to discuss, making this a good classroom read. Questions like "what makes a good friend?" or "what kind of role models do each of the boys have at home?" will generate lots of discussion. Weissman has created a story where the characters come alive, so that you genuinely care about them after you've read the last page. I would love to read a book about the Mark Hoppers in seventh grade!

BookNosher Tidbit: Scholastic Magazine recommended The Trouble With Mark Hopper as a best summer pick for new middle schoolers.

Get Out Your Frindles!

Frindle by Andrew Clements; pictures by Brian Selznick
Recommended Ages: 8-12

Okay, here's a confession. My copy of Frindle is pretty dog-eared, and yet until two days ago I had never read it. Over the years, all three of my kids read this book and loved it. I am pretty sure I probably recommended it to people, based on their reactions to the book. But I had never actually read what I now consider to be a classic children's book. Boy was I missing out on something.

Frindle is a wonderful book for elementary-aged kids. It's smart, funny, and creative. The first two paragraphs will draw even the most reluctant of readers in:

If you asked the kids and the teachers at Lincoln Elementary School to make three lists-all the really bad kids, all the really smart kids, and all the really good kids-Nick Allen would not be on any of them. Nick deserved a list all his own, and everyone knew it.
Was Nick a troublemaker? Hard to say. One thing's for sure: Nick Allen had plenty of ideas and he knew what to do with them.

Briefly speaking, Frindle is the story of fifth grader Nick who meets his match in language arts teacher Mrs. Granger. All through elementary school, kids know that no-nonsense Mrs. Granger awaits them at the end of the line. Known for her tough weekly 35-word vocabulary tests and her love of dictionaries (she keeps a set of them at the back of the classroom, and tells the kids to use them often), it was the class that every fifth-grader dreaded. Nick was no exception. At the beginning of the school year, when Mrs. Granger teaches a lesson about dictionaries, she explains the origin of words and how words are created.

Nick asks her:

I still don't get the idea of why words all mean different things," says Nick the following day in class after giving his report. "Like, who says that d-o-g means the thing that goes `woof' and wags its tail. Who says so?"

Mrs. Granger answers him:

Who says `dog' means dog? You do, Nicholas. You and I and everyone in this class and this school and this town and this state and this country. We all agree. If we lived in France, we would all agree that the right word for that hairy four-legged creature was a different word - chien - it sounds like `shee-en,' but it means what d-o-g means to you and me. And in Germany they say `hund,' and so on, all around the globe. But if all of us in this room decided to call that creature something else, and if everyone else did, too, then that's what it would be called, and one day it would be written in the dictionary that way. We decide what goes in that book.

From that exchange, Nick comes up with the idea to substitute the word "frindle" for pen. And the story grows from there. First the kids in school start using the word "frindle",then the townspeople get caught up in the "frindle phenomenon," and ultimately it catches on (with a little publicity boost) at a national level. In fact, "frindle" seems to catch on with just about everyone, with the exception of Mrs. Granger.

The conflict/relationship between Nick and Mrs. Granger is at the heart of the story, and their characters are well developed. There is a depth to both of them that emerges as the story unfolds. I'm not going to give the ending away, but it is surprising and quite heart-warming for all involved.

BookNosher Tidbits: Here's a list of the awards that Frindle has won to date:
1997 Christopher Award
Rhode Island Children's Book Award 1998
Judy Lopez Memorial Honor Book (L.A.)Award 97
Great Stone Face Book Award (NH)1997-1998
Rebecca Caudill Young Readers Award (IL)1999
Massachusetts Children's Book Award 1998-1999
William Allen White Children's Book Award (KS)1998-1999
Georgia Children's Book Award, 1998-1999
1998-99 Maud Hart Lovelace Award, MN Youth Rdg. Award
Sasquatch Children's Book Award (WA) 1999
1999 South Dakota Prairie Pasque Award
Charlie May Simon Children's Book Award, (AR)1998-99
Premio Cassa di Risparmio di Cento di Letteratura per Ragazzi, 1998, Cento, Italy
1998-99 Nevada Young Readers'Award
1998-99 North Carolina Children's Choice Award
Pacific NW Lib.Assn.- Young Reader's Choice 1999 (WA,OR,MT,AK,ID,AB,BC)
1999 Texas Children's Crown Award
Young Hoosier Book Award (IN) 1998-99
1998-99 Maryland Black-Eyed Susan Book Award, 4-6
Pennsylvania Young Reader's Choice Award 1999-2000
Utah Children's Choice Award, 2000

BookNosher Activities: The first activity that comes to mind is The Dictionary Game. You know, the game where one person pulls a fairly obscure word out of the dictionary and tells it to everyone. Then everyone makes up their definition of the word and writes it on a piece of paper. The person who originally found the word then reads aloud everyone's definition (including the correct one), and people vote on the definition they think is correct. What a great way for kids to learn new vocabulary AND be creative!
There are a lot of sites devoted to Frindle. Here's one that has "activities relating to the book "Frindle." There are biographies and interviews with author Andrew Clements. Other topics include the history of the pen, writing instruments, the dictionary, and the dictionary editorial process. Try the interactive word games, the online dictionary, and language tools."

Praise for The Serial Garden!

The Serial Garden: The Complete Armitage Family Stories
by Joan Aiken
Recommended Ages 9-12

Thanks goes to our wonderful children's librarian who steered me to this utterly delightful series of short stories. Although many of the stories in Joan Aiken's The Serial Garden were originally published over fifty years ago, they were completely new to me. It's hard to believe I never discovered them before, and I'm sorry that my children (who are now teenagers) never had the pleasure of hearing them read aloud.

The Armitages are an English family in the 1950's who live a rather magical life. It all starts when Mrs. Armitage muses to Mr. Armitage on their honeymoon that she's worried that living happily ever after could be a bit boring. Serendipitously she finds a wishing stone and makes a wish that things won't be dull, and that interesting and unusual things will happen to them, perhaps on Mondays, but not always Mondays (because that could get boring too). She also wishes that her future children will have a fairy godmother. And that their house will have at least one ghost. Right then and there, the stories are born.

Fast forward twelve years or so, and you meet Harriet and Mark, their two plucky children who manage to handle all that comes their way with grace and humor. There are witches and unicorns and best friends who are six inches tall. Things often go awry, and yet these two continue on, seemingly unperturbed by the chaos that surrounds them. They are curious and fearless, whether they are encountering druid brothers fighting over a bathmat made of human hair, or magical gardens that grow out of cereal boxes. In one story, an invisibility cloak is even mentioned, and these were written years before Harry Potter came on the scene.

The stories are imaginative and well written, with surprise twists and turns on almost every page. Children who are avid readers will delight in visiting the world that Aiken has created. But, even more importantly, I think this would be a wonderful read aloud book for reluctant readers. Parents could read a story a night to a child, or teachers could read a story a day to a class. It's a classic example of great storytelling and begs to be read aloud. This is one book I think every family should own!

Waiting for Normal

If you have an 8 to 12 year old looking for a good summer read, then you might want to check out Waiting for Normal by Leslie Connor. Once I started it, I couldn't put it down, and once I finished it, I couldn't get it out of my head. It is that good.

It's told in the voice of Addie, a 12 year old who lives with her mom ("Mommers") in a trailer in the middle of a vacant lot in Schenectady, NY. Previously they had lived with her wonderful stepfather Dwight and two little sisters ("the littles"). But after Dwight and her mom got divorced, he got custody of the two little girls because of maternal neglect. Unfortunately, Addie is not his daughter and has to stay with her self-centered mom.

Addie is a character that kids will relate to. In the beginning, she comes across as just a regular kid. School is hard for her, and she lacks self-confidence. It doesn't help that her mom has told her she doesn't have the "Love of Learning," and Addie feels below average. But throughout the story, you begin to see that she is anything but average, and her growth is discernible by the end. She yearns to play the piccolo so she takes up the flute as a beginning instrument. Through hard work she makes the Stage Orchestra at school. There's a whole subplot going on about her "stolen" flute, which climaxes at the Winter Holiday Show.

Addie is resilient, to say the least. She has great coping mechanisms, which come in handy at home and at school. School is difficult for her, but she works hard at it. Towards the end of the book, Wayne explains to her that she has dyslexia, which is why learning is not easy for her. This helps her realize that she's not "dumb", but, in fact, just learns a little differently.

Slowly, she builds her own community which is made up of the workers at the nearby mini mart (Elliott and Soula), a couple of good girl friends at school, a wonderful music teacher and a hamster named Piccolo. Connor develops each of these characters beautifully, and you end up caring for them as much as Addie does. Elliott and Soula, in particular, are not your average 12- year-old girl's friends. Soula is a large woman going through chemotherapy for breast cancer and Elliott is a gay man. Both of them befriend and watch out for Addie on the home front, something her mom seems utterly incapable of doing. Even "Mommers" is portrayed in a way that doesn't make her out as a total monster. Is she selfish? Yes. Is she incapable of caring for her child? Yes. But there's an underlying sadness to her that makes her more than just a one-dimensional character.

One of the things I liked best about this book was the portrayal of Addie's stepfather Wayne. How many good stepfathers can you think of in children's literature? Not many, huh. Well, he is a jewel. All throughout the book, I found myself wishing Addie could go and live with him and the "littles." I really was invested in all of their lives. If that's not a sign of a good read, then I don't know what is. Waiting for Normal is a heartwarming tale that reminds us that there is goodness in this world, even in the most unexpected places.

BookNosher Tidbit: Waiting for Normal won the Schneider Family Book Award. The Schneider Family Book Awards honor an author or illustrator for a book that embodies an artistic expression of the disability experience for child and adolescent audiences.

BookNosher Activity: Although I read Waiting for Normal to myself, I think this would be a great read-aloud for a 5th, 6th or 7th grade class. There are a lot of great topics to discuss in it.