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.