Dear Mr. Henshaw (1983)

By Beverly Cleary
ISBN 978-0-688-02405-5

Leigh Botts has been author Boyd Henshaw's number one  fan ever since he was in second grade. Now in sixth grade, Leigh lives with

his mother and is the new kid at school. He's lonely, troubled by the absence of his father, a cross-country trucker, and angry because

a mysterious thief steals from his lunchbag. Then Leigh's teacher assigns a letter-writing project. Naturally Leigh chooses to write to

Mr. Henshaw, whose surprising answer changes Leigh's life.

 

Dear Mr. Henshaw is a touching story, kind of a "coming-of-age" tale for an elementary school child. But instead of seeing this tale through a typical narrative, we see this character's growth through letters that he writes to his favorite author, Mr. Henshaw.  Cleary does a wonderful job demonstrating that growth, through decisions he makes and the improvements we see in his writing.  Children will appreciate the supportive relationship portrayed between student and teacher/adult role model. 

The Gollywhopper Games (2010)

By Jody Feldman
ISBN-13: 978-0061214523

To twelve-year-old Gil Goodson’s delight, out of 4,500 kids standing in line when the gate to the Golly Toy and Game Company opens, he miraculously manages to be one of the few selected to get into the Gollywhopper Games Competition. The winner of the Gollywhopper Games will receive cash, a college scholarship, and all sorts of Golly toys and games. The main reason Gil wants to win, however, is to clear his father’s name. His father, a former employee of the Golly Toy Company was wrongly accused of embezzlement. Follow along with him as he desperately tries to solve the increasingly difficult brainteasers and puzzles, traveling through the maze of games to the finish. Have fun figuring out all of the challenging Golly Whopper brainteasers along the way too. Read to find out how this suspenseful game ends.

The Earth Dragon Awakes: The San Francisco Earthquake of 1906

By Lawrence Yep
ISBN-13: 978-0060008468

Tuesday, April 17, 1906, it is early evening in San Francisco. Streetlights come on. People hurry home. No one knows about the danger below. Underneath their feet, the earth begins to stir. Wednesday morning on Sacramento Street.  Early the next morning, Henry Travis hears a low rumbling.  It sounds like a train coming….  Windows rattle.  Doors thump. There is a crash above him. Wednesday morning in Chinatown across town, Henry’s friend Chin waits for the trembling to stop.  But it goes on and on…”The tenement is falling!” Chin’s father shouts.  Walls crack and crumble.  Windows shatter.  Broken glass sprays like little daggers.
The Earth Dragon has awakened….with a vengeance.
Travel back in time to the spring of 1906, to experience the Great San Francisco Earthquake through the eyes of two boys from very different backgrounds.  When the quake subsides, Henry and Chin and their families are lucky to be alive.  But now they must escape the fires that have broken out and find their way to safety.

11 Birthdays (2010)

By Wendy Mass
ISBN-13: 978-0545052405

It's Amanda's 11th birthday and she is super excited—-after all, 11 is so different from 10. But from the start, everything goes wrong.  Amanda and Leo were born on the same day and always celebrated their birthdays together until, at their 10th birthday party, Amanda overhears Leo with his friends say some unkind things about her. She gets angry and refuses to talk to him ever again! Their 11th birthday will be Amanda’s and Leo’s first one with separate parties. That means their friends will have to choose – and choose they do. Imagine Amanda’s surprise when she wakes up the day after her birthday and events begin repeating themselves. What’s happening? On the “third” day, she tests her theory and stays home from school. No matter what she does, she is stuck on her 11th birthday. When Amanda discovers the same thing is happening to Leo, they must combine forces to figure out how to break the cycle.

Safe at Home

By Mike Lupica
ISBN-13: 978-0142414606

Nick Crandall feels like he doesn’t belong anywhere. He doesn’t fit in with his new foster parents. They don’t know the first thing about sports—and he’s not exactly the model student they want him to be. And Nick certainly doesn’t belong playing varsity baseball. He’s only twelve years old! His teammates want a catcher their own age. But Nick needs to prove that he belongs—to his parents, to his team, and to himself.

A Single Shard (2002)

By Linda Sue Park

ISBN-13: 978-0395978276

Tree-ear is an orphan.  In medieval Korea, this leaves him little hope for the future.  When his parents died, he was sent to live with the monks.  Instead, he finds a home under the bridge with Crane-man, a crippled beggar who takes Tree-ear in.  Through the years, Crane-man takes care of Tree-ear and teaches him what he can.  Now 12-years-old, Tree-ear is an experienced scavenger.  He knows all the good places to find food.  On his daily journey, he loves to stop by the home of Min the potter.  Min makes such beautiful pottery.  Tree-ear longs to feel the clay and have the knowledge of the potter, that could never be though.

This 2002 Newberry Medal winner is a breathtaking story set in 12th-century Korea. Readers are transported to the village of Ch'ul'po. Tree Ear becomes immersed in the world of pottery, and along the way grows into the type of person he was always meant to be.  A poignant story of self-discovery.

Runny Babbit: A Billy Sook (2005)

By Shel Silverstein 
ISBN-13: 978-0060256531

Meet Runny Babbit.  He has lots of friends like Toe Jurtle, Skertie Gunk, Rirty Dat, Dungry Hog, Snerry Jake, and many others who speak a topsy-turvy language all their own.

"Runny got the picken chox
And had to bay in sted,
With sped rots on his belly
And sped rots on his head.
His friends all gave him sicken choup,
Bumgalls and bicorice lends,
And guess what little Runny Babbitt
Fave to all his griends!"

The Graveyard Book (2008)

By Neil Gaiman
ISBN-13: 978-0060530921
“There was a hand in the darkness, and it held a knife.” 
And so begins the story of Nobody Owens, also known as Bod.  On this same night, his family is brutally murdered. 2 year-old Bod calmly climbs out of his crib and strolls out of his house into a nearby cemetery.  He is adopted by Mr. and Mrs. Owens (childless and dead for 250 years!)  who care for the child and protect him from harm. With loving ghostly parents, teachers, friends, and protectors, Bod grows from age two to fifteen in the graveyard.  He learns to read and do numbers, and he also learns some ghostly skills.  But not all the residents of the graveyard are friendly.  There are witches, ghouls and creatures, and let’s not forget Jack – the fiend who is out to finish the job he started.

Filled with whimsical illustrations that help set the tone of the story, this is a fun, exciting and suspenseful story.  How will Bod survive, or will he?  Can his loving family and friends really protect him from the evil man Jack?  Check out my GLOG on The Graveyard Book

Clarice Bean, Don't Look Now (2007)

By Lauren Child
ISBN-13: 978-0-7636-3935-8

Lauren Child, of Charlie and Lola fame, has written a new series of books with the same quirky humor that has brought her such notoriety. Clarice Bean is for those fans of Charlie and Lola who are now nearly, almost already grown up and needing to be reading much bigger books with chapters and headings. Child, as her name might suggest, speaks the language of children. The books she is writing are the Ramona Quimby books of the modern era.

In this delightful story Clarice Bean offers readers guidance that has been gleaned from her incessant reading of Ruby Redfort Survival Handbook and the Ruby Redfort Spy Guide. Clarice speaks frankly and directly to readers lending an amusing tone to the story, which is filled with Clarice's many worries. Along the way, Clarice talks about moving, divorce, new kids, bullies, family squabbles, acceptance, and friendship. This is a charming story that will quite certainly help you feel very much better about all of the worries that might quite possibly be bothering you.

The City of Ember (2008)

By Jeanne DuPrau
ISBN-13: 978-0375822735

Deep under the earth, exists a mysterious city named Ember. As far as the city's inhabitants know, they are the only life that exists. Unfortunately, things in their city are starting to fall apart. As the vasts storerooms for supplies become more and more empty, Doon Harrow and Lina Mayfleet begin to realize that Ember faces certain doom and that they might be the only two able to stop it.

Syren (2009)

By Angie Sage
ISBN-13: 978-0060882129

Septimus Heap is the seventh son of the seventh son, and he is destined to be strong and powerful. Syren is the fifth book in the series, and this time around Septimus is trapped on an island with Jenna and Beetle while they wait for their dragon, Spit Fyre, to recover from a lightning injury. Septimus discovers that the island is inhabited by Syrah Syara, a 500 year-old apprentice who is controlled by a dangerous spirit named Syren. The story has many subplots that tie together nicely to create a grand adventure that is every bit as excellent as the rest of the series.

The Red Pyramid (2010)

By Rick Riordan
ISBN-13: 978-1423113386

The Red Pyramid is the first title in a new series by the famed author of the Percy Jackson series, Rick Riordan.  We're introduced to two exciting lead characters who both share in the story's narration. Carter Kane is a 14 year-old African American teen who has lived with his father, Julius, his entire life.  Sadie Kane is 12 years old, looks caucasian, (taking after their mother), with light skin, blue eyes, and hair that she likes to put colored streaks throughout.  Julius' wife is the mother to both Carter and Sadie Kane, but she died when the children were quite young.  Because of a custody agreement, Sadie lives in London all year-round with her grandparents, seeing her brother and father only two times per year, which has resulted in the two being more like distant relatives than siblings.  Julius is an archeologist, traveling around the world studying ancient Egyptian artifacts and bringing his son, Carter, along with him wherever he goes. Carter, because of his father's teachings, is an awkward 14 year old boy, a bit hesitant and unsure of himself.  Sadie, on the other hand, despite being two years younger than Carter, is a bit more aggressive, quick to speak her mind and very confident of herself and her opinions.

This is an action-packed story that blends magic, and mythology with the modern world, and the reader is instantly drawn into the adventure.  Fans of mythology, especially Egyptian mythology, will not be disappointed.

The Girl Who Could Fly (2010)

By Victoria Forester
ISBN-13: 978-0312374624

Piper McCloud comes from a very conservative family.  When she begins to show a talent for flying, her family decides to homeschool her to keep her away from the public.  Then she gets taken away to a secret school for kids with special skills - the Institute of Normalcy, Stability, and Non-Exceptionality or I.N.S.A.N.E.  All of the other students at this school have special talents such as being able to move things with their mind or the ability to see through objects, changing their size, and controlling the weather.  Once there, Piper discovers that not everything is as it seems. Friends and enemies are not as clear as it first appears. The school may not be to help people like Piper after all.  With the help of the other kids in the institute, they must all plan an escape before they lose their special abilities forever.

The Surrender Tree (2008)

By Margarita Engle
ISBN-13: 978-0-8050-8674-4

This entire novel told in verse, is based on actual events and historical figures in the Cuban struggle for independence from Spain.  Rosa, a former slave freed by an owner who rebelled against Spain, said that freedom only exists when everyone can share it.  Rosa hides out in the forests and caves, healing the injured during Cuba’s three wars for independence.   Through the use of medicinal plants, she heals not only the sick and injured Cuban rebels, but also the Spanish soldiers–anyone who needed healing. Silvia, an 11 year-old is a peasant girl, who's father has died and mother is dying, spends her days farming and caring for her brothers.  They've been ordered to go to a "reconcentration camp". Rosa and her husband, Jose, work to help Silvia and other refugees. Following the story are an author's note, a historical note and chronology.

26 Fairmount Avenue (1999)

By Tomie DePaola ISBN-13:  978-0-399-23246-6

This short chapter book by Tomie DePaola retells of major events from his childhood, like when he was four years old and experienced a hurricane, or when he saw Walt Disney’s movie, ”Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs” for the first time, or when he was five years old and had the opportunity to participate in the building of his new home along with his family and friends.  DePaola has a wonderful way of sharing his experiences from a child’s perspective so that kids can easily relate to the emotions and feelings of the time. 

The fun and detailed drawings at the beginning of the book portray some of the main characters in the stories and the important people in Tomie’s life.  From the stories, we can gather that he grew up in a wonderful neighborhood and was able to be a part of a supportive community where everyone came together to help one another.  

Franny K. Stein, Mad Scientist: Lunch Walks Among Us (2003)

By Jim Benton   ISBN-13: 978-0-689-86291-5

Franny K. Stein is not your average girl-she's

a mad scientist. She doesn't follow the

stereotypical little girl who plays with dolls. 

In fact, she prefers poison ivy to daisies, and

when Franny jumps rope, she uses her pet

snake. The kids in Franny's class think she's

weird, wacky, and just plain creepy. She has a

hard time making friends at school, so she

takes notes on what the other kids do

differently in order to be more like them and

make friends.  One day she throws her lunch

in the trash can, but when her lunch is mixed

in with a bunch of chemicals, the concoction

develops into a monster that is more than

anyone can handle!

      This funny story is about Franny, a girl

that is learning to adapt to other kids and

their lifestyles. She is very awkward in the

process, of course, as she is a mad scientist. 

But the underlying theme of this story is that

it's ok for a girl to be a geek. Tweens will

empathize with the difficulties that Franny

struggles through as she tries to make new

friends, while at the same time discovering

that she is very different from everyone else.   

Artemis the Brave (Goddess Girls) (2010)

By Joan Holub and Suzanne Williams ISBN-13: 978-1416982746

The story is set at the prestigious Mount Olympus Academy, where Artemis and her best friends Athena, Persephone, and Aphrodite,  are learning to master their immortal skills.  A handsome new student named Orion enrolls in the  academy, and Artemis, who's usually  very brave and confident, suddenly shies away as she tries to cope with her feelings and emotions when she's around Orion. Orion is a little too self-assured and selfish to really care about others around him.  With the help of her friends, Artemis learns to overcome her feelings of what it's like when your first crush doesn't feel the same way that you do.  Through this experience she learns about the importance of being a true friend.

The authors have put a unique spin on Greek mythology with their Goddess Girls series.  (Athena, Aphrodite, and Persephone all have their own book.)  This is a fun series for younger tweens, that is relatable and enjoyable to read. They provide a great introduction to mythology, but in a less formal context and under varied circumstances.  Even though the characters are immortal and have godly powers, they are still easy for tweens to relate to, as the goddesses deal with many of the same developmental issues of growing up as tweens deal with today. 

Lego Star Wars: The Visual Dictionary (2009)

By Simon Beecroft
ISBN-13: 978-0756655297

A perfect book for any Star Wars Lego fan, this title is a visual catalog of Lego Star Wars sets with movie-accurate details filling up every page. It contains  photographs of the Star Wars Lego sets dating back to 1999, and it provides a wealth of information on Star Wars from the first movie to the last.

Coolies (2001)

By Yin.  Illustrated by Chris Soentpiet.  
ISBN-13: 978-0-399-23227-5.

This is a beautiful picture book that tells the

story of two brothers who leave China to

come to America in the mid 1800’s to work on

the transcontinental railroad. Yin does not

hesitate to show the discrimination and

danger faced by these brothers, but the heart

of the story is the commitment of the brothers

to each other and to their family in China. 

The term “coolies” was the derogatory name

given to the laborers, meaning “lowly

workers.” This story serves as a good

introduction to a neglected part of American

history and the role that Chinese Americans

played in the building of this country.


The illustrations by award-winning artist

Chris Soentpiet are spectacular and filled

with detail. The vibrant watercolors clearly

illustrate the characteristics of people and

their distinctive cultures. His realistic style

draws the reader in and compliments the

precise detail of the author’s voice.  The story

is actually told as a flashback.  Shek’s great-

granddaughter is passing along the family

history to her own grandson, which is a

wonderful example of how history can be

passed down through oral traditions and

storytelling.

The Stinky Cheese Man and Other Fairly Stupid Tales (1992)

By Jon Scieszka

Illustrated by Lane Smith

ISBN-13: 978-0-670-844876

Jon Scieszka has created a hilarious book filled with tongue-in-cheek retellings of noted fairy tales.

Tweens will appreciate the bizarre, yet sophisticated humor of these zany fractured fairy tales, especially when shared amongs a group of friends. Children of all ages will be engaged from start to finish with kooky stories like Little Red Running Shorts, Jack’s Bean Problem, and the title story, The Stinky Cheese Man.

Sure to attract reluctant readers, this is an excellent high-interest book for the curious, imaginative tween who enjoy stories that are out of the ordinary.  The illustrations are clever and comical, adding to the witty and sometimes sarcastic personalities of the characters.  They’re a wonderful accompaniment to the hilarious text that adjusts in size from line to line and page to page. 

Honey, I Love and Other Love Poems

By Eloise Greenfield.  Illustrated by Leo and Diane Dillon.
ISBN-13:  978-0064430975

Love don't mean all that kissing
Like on television             
Love means Daddy
                 Saying keep your momma company
                            till I get back
                            And me doing it

Eloise Greenfield brings her poetic vision of family love to children in this book that was originally published for children ages 7-11, but has become popular for a much broader audience. This collection of 16 poems reflects a childhood any child would be privileged to have - a "flying pool," a cousin from the South whose words just kinda "slide" out of his mouth, a Mama whose arm is for holding her child...and for being kissed. The other poems are brilliant as well - especially HARRIET TUBMAN who didn't "take no stuff", written as an anthem for school children everywhere, who love a hero and aspire to be one as well.  The collection of poems all have an eloquent rhythmic style that evokes memories and childhood images that the readers can relate to.

Otomen, Volume 1 (2009)

By Aya Kanno. 
ISBN-13: 978-1-4215-2486-2

Since he was a young boy Asuka has liked girlish things, things that are fluffy and sparkling, cute and sweet, things like cooking, sewing, and love stories. This is a problem for his mother, given that his transgender father abandoned the family long ago. She makes Asuka study martial arts (kendo, judo, and karate), where he finds great success, and by the time he’s in high school he’s the coolest guy around – tall, handsome, and quiet. But it’s very painful for him to have to hide his feminine interests, especially when he develops a crush on Ryo, a new girl in school. Her father is a martial arts expert himself, and Ryo is totally into masculine guys. Asuka can’t get close to her without her finding out about his mastery of girlish things, and when she finds out will still want to be his girlfriend?