Book Review: Beatrice Zinker, Upside Down Thinker

BEATRICE ZINKER, UPSIDE DOWN THINKER by Shelley Johannes is the first book in a new chapter book series exploring friendship and social issues.

Beatrice is a fun-loving child who loves to do everything upside down. However, she’s disappointed when her best friend shows up to school with a new look and a new friend. She must find a way to fix her friendship without losing herself.

Librarians will find this easy-to-read chapter book perfect for readers who enjoy stories of friendship, school, and home. Many children will empathize with a girl who likes to be “upside down” and the book’s frequent, quirky illustrations will keep children reading.

Published by Disney/Hyperion on September 19, 2017. ARC courtesy fo the publisher.

Book Review: Gertie's Leap to Greatness

GERTIE’S LEAP TO GREATNESS by Kate Beasley tells the heartwarming story of a fifth grader on a quest to have the best school year ever.

From summer speech writing to performing in the school play, Gertie Reece Foy is determined to be the best fifth grader ever. However, Gertie finds competition from the new girl in school.

Librarians will find that fans of Beverly Clearly and other small town storytellers will find this humorous family and school story appealing. Charming illustrations woven throughout the text add to the appeal.

To learn more about the book and author, go to http://www.gertiesleaptogreatness.com/.

Published by Farrar, Straus and Giroux, an imprint of Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group on October 4, 2016. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Book Review: Maxi's Secret

MAXI’S SECRETS by Lynn Plourde tells the story of a boy and his dog dealing with school, bullies, and life.

As a bribe for moving to a new town, Timminy receives a dog that he discovers is deaf. In his new school where his father is the assistant principal, Timminy worries about becoming the target of bullies. However Maxi and blind neighbor help him deal with life in middle school. Each chapter contains an interesting secret that applies to the story as well as life.

Librarians will find this title popular with both middle grade students who enjoy humor as well as dog lovers. With a diverse cast of fascinating characters and age-appropriate humor, this title will be a popular selection. However it’s important to note that like many dog books, it’s a tear-jerker.

To learn more about the author, go to http://www.lynnplourde.com/.

Published by Nancy Paulsen Books, an imprint of Penguin Publishing on August 23, 2016. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Book Review: A Piece of Home

A PIECE OF HOME by Jeri Watts tells the story of a young boy who moves from Korea to West Virginia and his struggles to fit in.

When his father accepts a job in West Virginia, Hee Jun’s family moves from Korea to a strange new world where people speak and act differently. However, he soon begins to assimilate and feels increasingly comfortable in his new home.

Librarians will find this picture book to be an excellent addition to their growing collection of books focusing on immigration. Teachers will find the book to be useful in helping new immigrants as well as other children learn about the realities of living in an unfamiliar world.

Published by Candlewick on June 14, 2016. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Book Review: Ms. Bixby's Last Day

MS. BIXBY’S LAST DAY by John Anderson explores the relationships among three sixth-grade boys and their beloved teacher.

Told through the eyes of three friends in alternating chapters, this emotionally charged story follows Topher, Steve, and Brand who learn that their favorite teacher has cancer. As the story unfolds, each child shares their experiences with Ms. Bixby and readers learn why its so important to set off on a journey to see her one last time.

Librarians will find that this sweet story has the perfect balance of realism and humor to keep children enthralled from beginning to end. Both middle grade students and their teachers will fall in love with the characters and the authentic story. It would make a wonderful read-aloud book for teachers who can “keep it together” for the last chapter.

Look for this title on the “best of 2016” lists.

To learn more about the author, go to http://www.johndavidanderson.org/.

Published by Walden Pond Press, an imprint of HarperCollins on June 21, 2016. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Book Review: What We Saw

WHAT WE SAW by Aaron Hartzler is a work of young adult contemporary fiction that provides chilling insights into the rape culture found across America.

After a small town high school party, a teenaged girl accuses members of the basketball team of rape. Kate attended the party, but she and her basketball playing boyfriend left the party before the alleged rape. Soon, members of the basketball team are arrested and the media gets involved. Kate listens to all the different perspectives and tries to piece together what really happened.

Librarian will find a broad readership for this work of realistic fiction. The novel avoids strong language and graphic descriptions of rape. Instead, it focuses on the perspectives and actions of those connected with the incident.

While librarians are likely to immediately see connections to the 2012 Steubenville, Ohio gang rape incident, youth may not aware of the many examples of high school party-related rapes. This book provides an excellent opportunity to explore nonfiction works related to sex crimes their impact on the lives of teens.

To learn more about the author, go to http://www.aaronhartzler.com/.

Published by HarperTeen on September 22, 2015. ARC e-book.

Book Review: Goodbye Stranger

GOODBYE STRANGER by Rebecca Stead takes an authentic look at the challenges facing middle school youth in today’s society.

A work of realistic fiction, the story follows three connected narratives what capture the awkward often complicated friendships of young teens.

From facing cyberbullies to dealing with the unintended consequences of impulsive texts, Stead does a stellar job addressing the issues on the minds of children as they enter young adulthood.

Librarians will find a ready-made audience among Rebecca Stead fans. This well-written novel is likely to swell her already large fan base. Youth interested in books about friendship will be drawn to the quiet humor and authentic dialogue among characters. However, some younger readers may have difficulty following all the characters and dealing with the unusual approach to the narrative.

To learn more about the author, go to http://www.rebeccasteadbooks.com/.

Published by Wendy Lamb, an imprint of Random House on August 4, 2015.

Book Review: Fuzzy Mud

FUZZY MUD by Louis Sachar is a fast-paced middle-grade ecological mystery exploring friendship, bullies, and a life-threatening biohazard.

A work of speculative fiction, the story revolves around three children who stumble upon a mutated microorganism with the potential to cause a global pandemic.

Sachar weaves together short, focused chapters with excerpts from Senate hearings to create a quick read for a broad audience. For such a short book, the author is able to create multi-dimensional characters and a believable plot.

Youth who enjoy the environmental mysteries of Carl Hiassen and Jean Craighead George will be drawn to this ecological thriller. While reluctant readers will enjoy this fast-paced, “skinny book”, it will also be popular with those who read school and friendship titles. The variety of themes make it a good choice for group discussions.

Librarians and teachers will find the timely environment issues to be good connections with STEM connections. Consider a display that includes medical and ecological mysteries along with works of nonfiction about the CDC and strange diseases.

Published by Delacorte Press, an imprint of Random House on August 4, 2015.

Book Review: Undertow

UNDERTOW by Michael Buckley tells the story of a clash of civilizations and the families caught in the middle.

Thousands of evolved sea creatures have landed on the shores of Coney Island. Met with fear and distrust, many citizens from the governor to street gang members want to drive them back into the sea. However, others prefer them to quickly acclimate themselves and join society. This near-future fantasy will keep readers wondering whether intelligent beings from different species can live together or will explode into violence. The exciting conclusion sets readers up for the next book in this highly anticipated dystopian fantasy trilogy.

UNDERTOW is likely to have broad appeal with young adult audiences. With just a hint of cross-creature romance reminiscent of the Twilight series and enough violence and conflict for dystopian lovers, this fast-paced novel is sure to be a hit.

Librarians will find this book to be perfect for book clubs or class discussions. From racial (or in this case species) discrimination and class wars to bullying, Buckley examines real-world social issues within the context of a fantasy environment. Teachers will identify endless social studies and history tie ins.

Keep in mind that Michael Buckley is known for his children’s books. While UNDERTOW is not inappropriate for middle grades, it’s clearly aimed at the young adult audience.

To learn more about the author, go to http://michaelbuckleywrites.com/.

To find out about the trilogy, go to http://undertowtrilogy.tumblr.com/. Be sure to watch the movie trailer.

Published by Houghton Mifflin Books for Young Reader on May 5, 2015.

Book Review: Jasper John Dooley: You're in Trouble

JASPER JOHN DOOLEY is a humorous early chapter book series by Caroline Adderson. The first four books in this series are now available.

Designed for children ages 7 to 10, Jasper John Dooley is introduced in STAR OF THE WEEK. In LEFT BEHIND, Jasper experiences sadness and confusion when his grandmother leaves for a week-long cruise. The third episode titled NOT IN LOVE deals with early elementary relationships between girls and boys.

In the fourth episode, YOU’RE IN TROUBLE, readers experience Jasper’s naughty side. From enjoying a forbidden high-energy drink to bending the soccer rules, Jasper explores the idea of “bad” and learns lessons about making good choices.

Young, independent readers will enjoy the numerous illustrations, realistic characters, and short chapters. The age-appropriate stories focus on common childhood problems and ways to deal with feelings. Many children will relate to this only-child with supportive parents.

Librarians will find that boys are the primary audience for this series. The large type and short chapters will provide a sense of accomplishment for reluctant readers.

Published by Kids Can Press. A publisher ARC was used for this review.

Book Review: My Life Is A Zoo series

Looking for a fun way to spend your winter break? Read the charming new MY LIFE IS A ZOO series by Jess Keating. From the fear of public speaking to concerns about forming friendships, the authentic storylines bring humor to the real-world issues of growing up.

The series begins with HOW TO OUTRUN A CROCODILE WHEN YOUR SHOES ARE UNTIED. Readers are introduced to Ana, her family, and friends. The combination of entertaining school stories with humorous zoo adventures is perfect for the target audience.

HOW TO OUTSWIM A SHARK WITHOUT A SNORKEL (available January 6, 2015) explores issues of friendship during a summer working at the family’s zoo.

Each chapter begins with animal wisdom and notes that draw readers into the story. Ana’s love of list-making adds to the fun. Witty words of pre-teen wisdom like “if something doesn’t fit, that’s the clothes’ fault. Not yours.” will have young readers anticipating the next book in this fun series.

Learn more about the author at http://jesskeating.com/.

NetGalley ARC used for review

Book Review: El Deafo

Three of the best children’s books of 2014 are autobiographical including THE SCRAPS BOOK and BROWN GIRL DREAMING. EL DEAFO is at the top of my list. Feature all three in your library and encourage youth to write their own stories.

EL DEAFO by Cece Bell is a powerful graphic memoir focusing on the frustration of growing up with a hearing impairment. While Cece’s story highlights the embarrassment and loneliness of deafness experienced by many children, the universal themes of friendship and acceptance are at the core of this unforgettable story.

The author’s warm and honest approach to storytelling contribute to it’s appeal. Cece’s “listener for all” alter-ego El Deafo is wonderfully drawn in sequences placed in green bubbles to separate them from reality.

Besides the exceptional storyline, what makes EL DEAFO so magnificent is the graphic memoir format. Many students who might overlook the traditional autobiographical format will embrace the simple, well-drawn, visually-rich approach.

Librarians who grew up in the 60s-70s will enjoy her spot-on references to everything from Batman and John-Boy to Hostess Cherry Pies and sleep-overs. You may even be moved to sing Yellow Submarine.

Having experienced hearing loss as an adult due to an illness, I can empathize with Cece’s frustrations. Like Cece, my problem isn’t with volume, it’s clarity of sound. Her book does an outstanding job educating readers about how to interact with a person with hearing loss. These small informative details make this much more than your typical graphic memoir.

To learn more about Geisel honor book winner Cece Bell, go to her website at https://cecebell.wordpress.com/.