THE OTHER SIDE OF THE ISLAND by Allegra Goodman

The distant post-apocalyptic future in which ten year old Honor lives is a harsh, regulated, and fearful place. All she wants to do is fit in, which is very hard considering that her parents are “unpredictables” who even have an illegal second child. It is not until Honor’s parents are taken away that she comes into her own and begins to rebel against her controlling society and risk all she has to reunite her family. The Other Side of the Island is well written, suspenseful, and compelling as it shows the fine line of balancing of one’s internal self, the family, and the society with what is right versus what is wrong. This book is best suited for mature middle schoolers, but would also be enjoyed by older children, as well. It can be found in the juvenile fiction section under J GOO.

Courtesy of Sequoyah Regional Library System
Library website: http://www.sequoyahregionallibrary.org

FOREVER FRIENDS by Carin Berger

Forever Friends is a sweet simple story of a friendship that is strong enough to last throughout the seasons, and one that is only made stronger by separation. The small blue bird sings "come play with me" to the little brown bunny. The bunny happily agrees and they become fast friends - until cold weather approaches and the bird must fly south for the winter. The bunny, along with young readers, learns that those who must leave us can return. Award-winning author/illustrator Berger uses catalogs, old books, receipts, letters, and ticket stubs to create her elegant collage illustrations. She has taken what would normally be thrown away as trash and uses it to create the impressive artwork that brings her reassuring tale to life. Find this charming picture book at E BER.



Courtesy of Sequoyah Regional Library System
Library website: http://www.sequoyahregionallibrary.org

THE CHEESE by Margie Palatini

“Hi-ho the dairy-o. The cheese stands alone.” Have you ever wonder why “the cheese stands alone”? Leave it to rat to question why there is unclaimed cheese in the dell! The pictures add as much to the story as the words, but then words are a part of the pictures! This engaging explanation of “the farmer in the dell” nursery rhyme is clever and fun to read, but please don’t miss the illustrations, they are just as fun and cleaver. Check out this book in the Youth Department under E PAL.

Courtesy of Sequoyah Regional Library System

Library website: http://www.sequoyahregionallibrary.org

THE JOSHUA FILES: INVISIBLE CITY by M. G. Harris

Josh is your average 13 year old boy living in London with his parents. When his archaeologist father is killed in a suspicious plane crash in Mexico, Josh's world is turned upside down. His mother has a breakdown and has to go to a hospital. Josh flies to Mexico to investigate. There he discovers a secret society that has remained hidden for centuries. They are the keepers of ancient secrets and high technology. Their airplanes look and fly like UFOs. They tell Josh that he must finish his father's quest to find the lost codex of the Mayans that explains the 2012 Doomsday prophecy. Only someone of his bloodline can touch the ancient codex without harm. Josh must survive car, airplane and boat chases along with threats from spies, secret agents, witches and crocodiles to complete the quest. This exciting action adventure is the first in a series that will be enjoyed by boys and girls in grades fifth and up and can be found in the Juvenile section under J HAR.

Judy Griggs, Gilmer County Library

Courtesy of Sequoyah Regional Library System
Library website: http://www.sequoyahregionallibrary.org

THE FIELD GUIDE - THE SPIDERWICK CHRONICLES #1 by Toni DiTerlizzi and Holly Black

The Spiderwick Chronicles is a great series for those children not yet ready for Percy Jackson but growing tired of The Magic Tree House. It flows easily, includes illustrations, and does not dwell much on violent or disturbing scenes, which is perfect for this reading group. The Field Guide, in particular, sets up the series by introducing the Grace siblings as they move into their Great Aunt’s house and follows them as they discover the enchanted world which surrounds it. There is plenty of fantasy and magical creatures scattered throughout this story to keep young readers fascinated, and the characters themselves are just as interesting and likable. Both boys and girls are sure to enjoy this series. You can find this book, and the rest of the series, in the juvenile section under J DIT.

Courtesy of Sequoyah Regional Library System
Library website: http://www.sequoyahregionallibrary.org

A CRAZY DAY AT THE CRITTER CAFE by Barbara Odanaka

Imagine a pleasant little café where all is orderly and quiet - until - in rushes all kinds of critters creating complete chaos. There is an elephant band, a skateboarding cow and various other impatient and demanding creatures. It’s all the cook and waiter can do to keep up with this mischievous group. THEN – things go down-hill from there in this hilarious rhyming tale. This picture book will delight children of all ages and can be found in the library at the following location: E ODA.

Submitted by Ms. Vicki

Courtesy of Sequoyah Regional Library System
Library website: http://www.sequoyahregionallibrary.org

BANNER IN THE SKY by James Ramsey Ullman

Rudi Matt is a teenage boy whose passion is mountain climbing, and he dreams of being the first person to conquer the Citadel—the mountain that took his father’s life. Forbidden to climb by his mother and doubted by the other climbers in the village, Rudi has to prove his abilities and determination to everyone around him for a chance to pursue his goal and go beyond his father’s footsteps. Based on a true story, this is a classic, inspirational tale about overcoming obstacles (physical and mental) to fulfill your dreams. This book will be enjoyed by middle school and high school-aged boys and girls and can be found in the Juvenile Fiction section under J ULL.

Courtesy of Sequoyah Regional Library System

Library website: http://sequoyahregionallibrary.org