THE CHRISTMAS PUPPY by Roberta Grobel Intrater

The Christmas Puppy by Roberta Grobel intrater is the heartwarming story of a boy and his new puppy, Tina.  Tina who is adorable and mischievous, wins the hearts of all in her family.  Later with Tina disappears and is found by a homeless man suffering with loss of love and family, the boy must make a difficult decision - one that will "break" his heart.  This short novel is an easy read and can be found under J INT at your local Sequoyah Regional Library branch.

Books about puppies can be bought through our E-materials link on our website at http://www.sequoyahregionallibrary.org/.  Buying books through this link will help fund more e-books for you to check out. 

CLAUDE THE DOG by Dick Gackenbach

Claude the Dog is a sweet Christmas story about sharing what you have with someone less fortunate.  The illustrations are beautifully drawn and will capture your heart.  This book is a quick read and can be found at E GAC in your favorite Sequoyah Regional Library branch.

Christmas books can be purchased through our E-Materials link on our website at http://www.sequoyahregionallibrary.org/.  Buyibng books through this link will help fund ebooks for you to check out. 

THE CASE OF THE SANTA CLAUS MYSTERY by James Preller

Jigsaw Jones who is a second grade detective, has just been hired by Sally Ann Simms to grant her one wish.  She wants to meet Santa.  You know, has a white beard, wears a red suit and drives a sleigh.  Jigsaw and his friend, Mila, always get their man.  But - will they succeed this time?  This book is a fun, easy holiday read that can be found in J PRE.

Finding funding to purchase new books is always a mystery around the library.  You can help by purchasing books through our E-Materials link on our website at http://www.sequoyahregionallibrary.org/.  You can buy books for Christmas presents  or for youself from your favorite vendors and your purchase will help us buy e-books for you to check out. 

HOOPS by Robert Burleigh

Little kids love picture books that feature rhymes and wordplay. Once they get beyond the elementary school years, however, they often give up on books that feature poetic language, believing them to be too difficult, too boring, or too "unrelatable." Burleigh's Hoops looks like a picture book but targets the older elementary school reader. Because it is about basketball, it is a good choice for reluctant readers, athletes, and boys in general, especially if they are required to read a "poetry" book. The illustrations by Caldecott honor award winner Stephen T. Johnson are gorgeous, and COOL, and the unstructured text of the poem is accessible. Word images abound on every page and even if you never played the game, you can really imagine feeling "the asphalt burning beneath your shoes. The two-of-you rhythm. The know-where-everyone-is without having to look." This book can be found in in the Juvenile Nonfiction section at J 811.54 BUR.

Need a gift suggestion?  Why not give a book and help the library at the same time.  You can purchase books through your favorite online vendor by going to the E-Materials link on our website at http://www.sequoyahregionallibrary.org/.  All proceeds will help us buy e-books. 

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

NEW SOCKS by Bob Shea

NEW SOCKS by Bob Shea

Who knew new socks could be so fun and even get you an invitation to meet the president? Wow, some pretty amazing socks! Simple illustrations, witty text, this duck finds all the joys of owning a new pair of socks. If a new pair of socks are this great just think what a new pair of pants will do! You can find this book in the Youth Department under E SHE.





Need new socks and a book?  Maybe you would like to give a book for Christmas.  You can make your purchase through your favorite online vendors and help the library buy more e-books by going through our E-Materials link at http://www.sequoyahregionallibrary.org/

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

If you like DIARY OF A WIMPY KID

So you've read Diary of a Wimpy Kid, now what?  Here are a few suggestions to consider:


Attack of the Mutant Underwear by Tom Birdseye   J BIR

Dear Max by D. J. Lucas     J GRI

Riot Brothers by Mary Amato     J AMA

Frindle by Andrew Clements     J CLE

Middle School is Worse than Meatloaf by Jennifer L. Holm     J HOL

Miss Daisy is Crazy by Dan Gutman     J GUT

Sideways Stories from Wayside School by Louis Sachar     J SAC

Stink stories by Megan McDonald     by J MCD

The new Diary of a Wimpy Kid comes out today.  We have a copy for you to read here at the library, but if you would like to purchase one to give as a gift please go through our E-Materials link on our website at http://www.sequoyahregionallibrary.org/.  You can purchase from your favorite online vendor and in doing so you will help us fund e-books for the library. 

Courtesy of Sequoyah Regional Library

WHEN GORILLA GOES WALKING by Nikki Grimes

When Cecilia begs her mother for a pet, she gets a tail -less cat she names Gorilla. Gorilla's personality shines in this picture book told in lyrical poetry. Gorilla is one cool feline - affectionate, haughty, fierce, and empathetic. Cecilia learns, as most cat owners eventually do, that it isn't easy "remembering who [is] boss." She eventually gets the hang of it, realizing that she's Gorilla's human, not the other way around, and we see Cecelia doing the running, jumping, and fetching. When Gorilla Goes Walking is a sweet story about the bonds that are formed between a pet and a child that last through the fun times, the sad times, the sick times, and of course, the dreaded trip-to-the vet times. Teachers and parents can find storybook extension activities at the author's website (http://www.nikkigrimes.com/teacher/goril1.html). One the library shelf at E GRI.

Courtesy of Sequoyah Regional Library System

A STORY FOR BEAR by Dennis Haseley

A STORY FOR BEAR by Dennis Haseley

The illustrations by Jim LaMarche alone make this book a joy to read. Put with them the sweet story of a bear who is curious about words and a woman in a summer cabin who loves to read outside under the trees and you have the combination of a gentle, calming story of friendship. Look for this book in the Youth Department under E HAS.

Courtesy of Sequoyah Regional Library System

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

TODAY ON ELECTION DAY by Catherine Stier

Election years are teachable moments for families, and Today on Election Day by Catherine Stier is a great companion to educating children on what happens on election day and the time leading up to it. Narrated by six children, the children walk readers through all they can expect to see and hear on election day. The story touches briefly on political parties, campaigning, and the history of elections. Readers can feel the excitement in the narration’s tone.  This book is sure to get children asking questions. This is a great read for the elementary school-aged audience. You can find Today on Election Day in the juvenile nonfiction section of your library under J 324.609 STI.

Bramble and Maggie

Bramble and Maggie by Jessie Haas

Maggie wants a horse more than anything, but her parents tell her she shouldn't fall for the first one she sees. Bramble the horse is tired of giving riding lessons. Riding around and around in circles all day is boring. She needs a person of her own, but she's picky.  Will these two pick each other? Will they be a good match? This is a great beginner chapter book and is located in the juvenile section of the library under J HAA.
-----Judy Griggs

MY BEAR GRIZ by Suzanne McGinness

Billy and his best friend, Griz, do everything best friends should do.  They eat sandwiches together, share secrets and jokes, and go on amazing adventures.  The only difference is that Griz is a giant grizzly bear. . .or is he?  Suzanne McGinness shows just how imaginative a little boy can be in this unique tale of friendship.  What’s more, her love of water color, collage, and acrylic paint make for beautiful illustrations to accompany this all around good book.  This book can be found in the picture book section under E MCG.

ELLEN'S BROOM by Kelly Starling Lyons

Ellen’s Broom is a sweet family story about the legalization of African-American marriages in the United States. It follows a former slave family as they merge the traditional jumping the broom ceremony with that of getting their legal papers. This book is good for older elementary children who are learning about America’s past and will lend to a good discussion on slavery and civil and human rights. Daniel Minter’s artwork works well with the story and is colorful, authentic, and inspired by traditional woodcuts. This story can be found in the picture book section under E LYO.

A WRINKLE IN TIME/WHEN YOU REACH ME

This year marks the 50^th anniversary of the publication of A Wrinkle in Time, which won the Newbery medal back in 1963. Looking at the book through a twenty-first century lens, some parts of Madeleine L’Engel’s book do seem a bit old-fashioned, but the story line about time travel and the theme of goodness overcoming evil is still quite good and thought-provoking. Best of all, we are introduced to spunky Meg Murphy, one of the first female protagonist to appear in a juvenile science fiction novel. Meg is good at math and science, is headstrong and independent, and even considered a bit of a troublemaker, all traits that help her defeat evil and darkness in another time and place in order to save her family. If you want to read a more modern story about time travel, try When You Reach Me, by Rebecca Stead, which also won the Newberry, but almost 50 years later. It takes place in the late 1970s so it could be considered a historical fiction, as well as a mystery, as well as science fiction. It’s similar to A Wrinkle in Time in that the story features a spunky young girl who must figure out how to interpret the clues she’s given to solve a mystery and “save” lives. And coincidentally, in this book, sixth-grader Miranda ‘s favorite book just happens to be A Wrinkle in Time. Find these Newbery winners at J LEN and J STE.

ANOTHER BROTHER by Matthew Cordell

Another Brother by Matthew Cordell is perfect for any first-born child struggling with having siblings who copy everything an older sibling does. Davy the Sheep was once an only child who captured all the attention from his parents. But then Mom and Dad had a few more sheep – 12 more to be exact! Davy becomes irritated with how his brothers mimic everything he does. And then one day, all 12 brothers stopped doing exactly what Davy did… and Davy missed that (until an adorable little sister comes along). The illustrations that accompany the story are hilarious, sure to delight any young child. You can find Another Brother in the Easy section at your library under E COR.

IRENA'S JARS OF SECRETS by Marcia Vaughan

A powerful book for older elementary students, Irena’s Jars of Secrets narrates the true story of a young woman who saved an estimated 2,500 Jewish children from concentration camps during World War II. Irena rescued Jewish children by often smuggling them out of ghettos and into the care of Christian families who were willing to help. She would change their names to Christian names and record their new names along with their true identities on paper. Those names were then buried under a tree in hopes of reuniting the children with their families after the war. This title is an excellent addition to any Holocaust studies curriculum. One can find this book in the juvenile nonfiction section of your library under J 940.531 VAU.

JUSTIN CASE: SCHOOL, DROOL AND OTHER DAILY DIASTERS by Rachel Vail

Meet Justin Krzeszewski, better know as Justin Case, because he is the biggest worrywart in third grade. But Justin does have a lot to worry about, he's beginning third grade and he has a new teacher (new to the school, no one knows anything about her). He also has a new dog (that's he's afraid of), new friends (some who want to beat him up), sports (which he's bad at), advanced math (that he doesn't understand) and jiggly Jell-O (oooooohhh!!!) Children in third through fifth grade who liked the Wimpy Kid books will enjoy this funny diary of Justin's third grade year. It can be found in the Juvenile section under J VAI.

Submitte by Ms. Judy
Courtesy of Sequoyah Regional Library System
Library website: http://www.sequoyahregionallibrary.org

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

THE LORAX by Dr. Seuss

Now is a great time to revisit this classic Dr. Seuss story about a Lorax that "speaks for the trees" - warning against mindless "progress" and greedy consumerism. First published in 1971, the message of this picture book is still relevant, yet it is still typical Seuss fare - fun to read aloud and not preachy. Universal Pictures plans to release an animated movie based on this story in early March so stop by your library to check it out; it's on the shelf at E SEU.

BIG WOLF AND LITTLE WOLF by Nadine Brun-Cosme

This simple but endearing story of friendship begins when Big Wolf, who has lived alone at the top of the hill for as long as he can remember, spots a little speck in the distance coming ever closer. The little speck turns out to be Little Wolf, who each day encroaches a little more into Big Wolf’s world. At first, Big Wolf doesn’t know what to make of this intruder but gradually he finds himself sharing more and more of his life with Little Wolf. Still, it isn’t until Little Wolf disappears that Big Wolf realizes truly just how much he liked having Little Wolf around. The illustrator uses simple but bold paint strokes to effectively evoke the mood of the story. You will be smiling as you read this story aloud, and rest assured, all ends well. This story is a favorite in France and only recently has been translated into English; find it at E BRU.

THE UPSTAIRS CAT by Karla Kuskin

The Upstairs Cat is actually about two cats - one who lives upstairs and who won't come downstairs and one who lives downstairs and refuses to come upstairs. It's a standoff with both cats glaring and hissing at each other until one day when they meet on the stairs! Look out as the fur flies! Told in rhyming text, the story illustrates the stupidity of their "year after year" catfights and concludes that "nothing is dumber than war," especially when you don't even know what you're fighting about. Illustrator Howard Fine captures the personalities of the two cats and their respective territories in vibrant pastels. Find this one at E KUS.

EARWIG AND THE WITCH

Earwig and the Witch by Diana Wynne Jones. Earwig was left on the orphanage's doorstep when she was a baby. She likes it it there and never wants to leave. Earwig is an unusual little girl who has a way of making everyone do exactly likes she wants at the orphange and her best friend Custard is there, so she makes sure that no one ever picks her for adoption. When a very strange couple comes to the orphange and chooses Earwig out from all the other children she is in for an unpleasant surprise. For the first time in her life Earwig can't control what is happeneing to her because the couple turn out to be a witch and a demon, but they might be in for a surprise, too, when Earwig makes friends with the witch's cat. A funny, magical fun read for grades 3rd and up.

by Judy Griggs

THE COW BUZZED by Andrea Griffing Zimmerman

As an odd virus spreads its way across the barnyard, the farm animals discover they are left with some cumbersome side effects courtesy of the animals that gave them the cold. The cow begins to buzz, the pig begins to moo, and all animals are feeling grumpy! Children of all ages will enjoy reading and acting out this silly tale. Author Andrea Zimmerman also adds in a few cautionary lines of advice about proper sneeze and cough etiquette that fit seamlessly into the story. This book, along with other works by this author, can be found in the Easy section under E ZIM.

YUM! YUM! WHAT FUN! by Mara Bergman

Katie, James, and their little dog Harry are making a delicious mess in their kitchen. Unbeknownst to them, creatures from the zoo across the street are slithering, crawling, and trotting through their window in an effort to take part in the baking fun. What will happen when a hungry bear comes crashing through? Readers of all ages will find out as they take part in this silly, rhyming tale and make friends with all the crazy zoo animals. Yum!Yum! What Fun! can be found in the Easy section under E BER.

AMELIA LOST by Candace Fleming

While nonfiction books aren’t often what kids are drawn to, Amelia Lost: The Life and Disappearance of Amelia Earhart is an excellent nonfiction choice for anyone curious about the life of Amelia Earhart. The book tells about her childhood, her path to becoming a pilot, and the mysteries surrounding her disappearance. The pages are divided in color to tell different stories: the white pages tell of Amelia’s life, while the gray pages discuss the events of her disappearance and the individual stories of those who believed they had heard her radioing for help. The pages are punctuated with photos of Amelia throughout her life, along with facts about the time period’s technologies, Amelia’s awards, and other information regarding Amelia’s life and its events. To check out this book, you’ll find it in the juvenile nonfiction section under J 629.13 FLE.

A SICK DAY FOR AMOS MCGEE by Philip C. Stead

Readers will journey to the zoo with Amos McGee as he visits with his friends: a shy penguin, an allergy-ridden rhinoceros, an owl afraid of the dark, a race-winning tortoise, and a chess-playing elephant. However, when Amos finds himself sick in bed, it is all of his animal friends who travel across town to help him feel a little better. Philip C. Stead writes this refreshingly simple tale by incorporating classic illustrations and clear text as he shows just how important good friends can be. The woodblock and pencil techniques used by illustrator Erin Stead allow for the full depth of each character’s emotions and eccentricities to shine through. There is no doubt that this sweet story, and Caldecott winner, will become a family classic. A Sick Day for Amos McGee can be found in the Easy section under E STE and is appropriate for families with children ages 3-8.

LEVI STRAUSS GETS A BRIGHT IDEA by Tony Johnston

For anyone reading Levi Strauss Gets a Bright Idea, the “fairly fabricated tale” with have you laughing at the language and in awe of the illustrations. Levi Strauss gets his bright idea to create pants after building tents to keep men protected from Mother Nature. He puts his invention to the test, and before Levi knows it, gold miners were excited to have pants that didn’t fall off after a hard day of work. An author’s note at the end of the book explains some history about Levi Strauss and his role in the invention of blue jeans. It also notes that this book “stretches” the story of the invention of blue jeans “to near popping.”

The illustrations fit the book perfectly: pictures painted on to old pairs of jeans. Adults will most likely appreciate the technique, but it shouldn’t get lost on children. You can find this book in the Easy section under E JOH.

Pete the Cat: I Love My White Shoes by Eric Litwin

Do you want a way to turn your child’s frustration into a smile? Try Pete the Cat. All you will have to do is sing, "I love my blue shoes, I love my blue shoes . . ." and that frustration just might turn into a smile.

Pete is a mellow cat who gets a new pair of white shoes and he LOVES his white shoes so much that he bursts into song. As he is walking along singing his "new shoes" song, he steps into a large pile of strawberries changing his new, white shoes a different color. But does Pete get upset and cry when his new shoes are not white anymore? Well, you will have to read this book to find out! Pete the Cat gets across a message about being positive no matter what happens, and it does it without being preachy. The fun and funky illustrations are based on art by James Dean, one of Georgia’s own. Great story to read aloud and great illustrations make this one great book and an instant favorite for your family! You can go online to harpercollinschildrens.com and download this fun song. Find this book at E LIT

The Princess Curse by Merrie Haskell

Set in medevail times this funny and enchanting story is an original blend of "Beauty and the Beast" and "The Twelve Dancing Princesses". Thirteen year old Reveka, an herbalist's apprentice, is trying to break the puzzling curse that the twelve princesses are suffering from. Every morning their shoes are in tatters and the princesses are exhausted, although they claim to have spelt all night and remember nothing. Anyone that tries to hide in their room to see what is happening either disappears or falls asleep and never wakes up, but Reveka is determinded to break the curse, not because she has much use for snobby princesses, but for the reward money, which could buy her a position as a master herbalist. As she struggles to under the the curse, she is drawn into deeper mysteries and learns about life and death, love and loyalty, courage and despair. This is a delightful and exciting story with a touch of raomance for ages ten years and up and can be found in the juvenile fiction section of the library under J HAS

BORED BILL by Liz Pichon

Bill is a dog, a dog who is always bored. He wants to sit around all day and remark on how boring his life is. Luckily for Bill, he is swept up on an adventure away from home that allows him to truly appreciate his life and realize that it is only boring because he makes it so. Upon arriving home, Bill joins his owner in living the most exciting life that they can. This book is appropriate for children 0-8 years old and can be found in the Easy section under E PIC.

Submitted by Ms. Kristina

Courtesy of Sequoyah Regional Library System

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

THE PIRATE AND OTHER ADVENTURES OF SAM & ALICE by Akemi Gutierrez

Join Sam & Alice as they explore space, ponder the existence of a genius crocodile, and escape the clutches of a scurvy pirate all while using their impressive imaginations. While on their silly adventures, this brother and sister duo demonstrates appropriate sibling behavior by respecting one another and not fighting. The best thing about the Sam & Alice books is that there are three stories in one binding. These adventures are well suited for children 0-8 years old and can be found in the Easy section under E GUT.

Submitted by Ms. Kristina

Courtesy of Sequoyah Regional Library

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

EMILY LOVES TO BOUNCE by Stephen Michael King

Emily is a fun little girl who likes nothing more than bouncing. While incorporating her imagination into her bouncing, she becomes a fairy or a frog and can bounce with the best of creatures, including a dinosaur! Children will love to imitate the bouncing that Emily does while enjoying the pictures and rhyme that this story offers. Emily Loves to Bounce can be found in the Easy section under E KIN and is appropriate for children ages 0-8.

Submitted by Ms. Kristina

Courtesy of Sequoyah Regional Library

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

ROUND TRIP by Ann Jonas

Take a "round trip" with author/illustrator Jonas. You'll be on a cross-country adventure around mountains, through tunnels, across meadows, over bridges, until you finally reach the city. Then it's time to turn around - literally - as you turn the book upside down and go back home. This intriguing book with stark black and white graphics encourages readers to use their imagination to study each landscape. You'll be in for a surprise when the book is flipped and you view the same pictures from a totally different perspective. A Reading Rainbow selection when it was first published years ago, this book still confounds children and adults alike. Find it at E JON in the Easy section.

Submitted by Ms. Susan

Courtesy of Sequoyah Regional Library System

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

"I'M NOT CUTE!"

"I'm not cute!"

By Jonathan Allen

Every kid gets stuck in the battle between wanting to be thought of as a grown up and wanting to be cuddled and pampered by their parents. In "I'm not cute!" Baby Owl is no different. Horrified that the other forest creatures think he is so adorable, Baby Owl insists he's "a huge, scary, sleek, sharp-eyed hunting machine"...until Mama comes to tuck him into bed. This book lovingly portrays every kid's conflict with their inner adult.

Also in the series: "I'm not sleepy!", "I'm not scared!", and "I'm not Santa!"

Short and sweet (just like Baby Owl), these are perfect bedtime books for small children and also have easily decodable words for beginning readers. They can be found in the Easy section under E ALL.

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

MOON OVER MANIFEST by Clare Vanderpool

Clare Vanderpool's first novel is a winner - literally, because it won the Newberry Medal, and figuratively, because it successfully combines many different elements together to bring its story to life for the reader. It is a historical fiction piece, a mystery, and a coming-of-age story all wrapped up in one. Narrator Anabel Tucker is a likable heroine, who at the height of the Depression is shipped off to Manifest, Kansas while her father struggles to make a living on a railroad. While living with a rough-around-the-edges but well-meaning friend of her father, she soon discovers a hidden box of mementos that hold clues to an event that happened a generation before. With some new friends, she sets out to unravel the mystery of Manifest. The book jumps between periods, but in an easy-to-follow way, and the story unfolds in some surprising ways as Anabel reads a WWI soldier's letters home and old newspaper articles, and listens to reclusive Miss Sadie conjure up spirits from the town's past. Vanderpool moves the adventure along nicely and interestingly, as it is set against the backdrop of the first World War, the Depression, mining towns, immigrant discrimination, prohibition, orphan trains, and Hooverville shanty towns. Find this debut novel at J VAN.

THE SCHWA WAS HERE by Neal Shusterman

Neal Shusterman generally writes for a young adult audience, but he got the idea for this middle grades novel during a school visit when the librarian pointed out to him that one boy had had his hand up the whole time to ask a question, but he never noticed him. So Shusterman set out to write a story that will resonate with kids who sometimes feel they get lost in the shuffle. Narrator Antsy Bonano is a likable smart-alec who because he is a middle child doesn't feel that he gets any attention from his family, while his new friend Calvin, aka "the schwa," is almost invisible to everyone else - teachers and students don't remember having him in their class, no one remembers when he showed up at school, and his past remains a mystery. Main characters are developed with authenticity, even if the plot is a bit implausible. There is plenty of humor in the situations the friends get into, but serious issues are also explored when the boys get caught in a prank and have to do community service, when they befriend a blind girl and then have to compete for her affection, and when they both come to terms with their family situations. While not fitting neatly into any one genre, it is at times reminiscent of Spinelli's' Maniac Magee, and with a first chapter title like "Manny Bullpucky Gets His Sorry Butt Hurled off the Marine Park Bridge, kids should get engaged quickly. Find this book at J SHU.