Website: Read.Gov

READ.GOV is website from the Center for the Book at the Library of Congress.

The web resource links to key Library of Congress resources connected with reading. In addition to materials related to books and authors, users will also find many ways to participate with Library of Congress activities such as contests, events, and awards.

Students will particularly enjoy learning about the National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature and watching author webcasts.

Librarians will find this website to be a great way to weave literature, author, and reading activities into the classroom.

To learn more, go to http://www.read.gov/.

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: Red's Planet

RED’S PLANET by Eddie Pittman is the first book in a new, science fiction graphic novel series for middle grade readers.

When Red stows away on a UFO to get away from her foster family, she begins an adventure that crosses the galaxy. After her spaceship crashes, Red and an odd assortment of aliens must survive on a hostile planet.

The high-quality, color illustrations and fast-paced story will easily attract readers to this new science fiction series. Librarians will find a large audience for this graphic novel among readers of Bone, Amulet, Hilo, and the many other middle grade fantasy series. Fans of Eddie Pittman and his Disney series Phineas and Ferb will enjoy the familiar batter of characters and nonstop action.

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

Published by Amulet Books, an imprint of ABRAMS on April 19, 2016. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Book Review: The Mechanical Mind of John Coggin

THE MECHANICAL MIND OF JOHN COGGIN by Elinor Teele is a whimsical, middle grade fantasy adventure about siblings who runaway from their cruel aunt and the family coffin business.

John is a young inventor who dreams of something more than working for the family funeral business. Together with his sister, they run away from home and try to evade their mean aunt who is always just one step behind them. Along the way, the siblings meet an array of fascinating characters including a circus troupe.

Librarians will find that readers enjoy the mix of quirky humor and daring escapes. Fans of the turn-of-the-twentieth century time period and steampunk-like environments will also enjoy the adventure. John Coggin’s talent for engineering will be a draw for budding inventors.

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

Published by Walden Pond Press, an imprint of HarperCollins. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Book Review: The Hunt for the Secret Papyrus

THE HUNT FOR THE SECRET PAPYRUS by Geronimo Stilton is an exciting mystery set at the New Mouse City’s Egyptian Museum.

Part of the “special edition” series, the adventure focuses on the mystery of the black papyrus. This ancient document is supposed to reveal the secret of eternal youth. Newspaper reporter Geronimo Stilton sets out to solve the mystery of the black papyrus and write an article for his newspaper.

The special edition book’s colorful illustrations and visual format will be particularly attractive to reluctant readers. While this book contains the fun highlighted words found in all the books, it also contains other interesting two-page spread visuals, diagrams, and other illustrations that will appeal to readers.

After the end of the story, the book includes a mini-mystery adventure titled The Cat Gang, jokes, and other information including a map of Mouse Island.

Librarians will find this book to be a popular addition to their growing collection of Geronimo Stilton books. Readers will particularly enjoy the full-color illustrations and additional features of this special edition. Use the author/series website to jumpstart library and classroom activities. Readers can play games, learn about characters, and even create their own comic.

To learn more about the author and series, go to http://www.scholastic.com/geronimostilton.

Published by Scholastic on March 29, 2016. ARC courtesy of Scholastic.

Book Review: Girl in the Blue Coat

GIRL IN THE BLUE COAT by Monica Hesse is a compelling historical fiction mystery set in Amsterdam during WWII.

In 1943, Hanneke works in the black market trading goods. When one of her clients asks Hanneke to find a Jewish teen she’s been hiding, Hanneke isn’t sure whether to help or not. However, she soon becomes immersed in the world of the resistance as she tries to solve the mystery of the missing girl.

Librarians will find this historical mystery to be an excellent addition to the growing number of books exploring black market workers and the resistance during WWII. The fascinating characters and fast-paced mystery will keep readers on the edge of their seats from beginning to end.

One of the best books of 2016 so far. Don’t miss it.

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

Published by Little Brown, an imprint of Hachette on April 5, 2016. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Book Review: My Kind of Crazy

MY KIND OF CRAZY by Robin Reul is a contemporary fiction, young adult novel exploring the friendship among teens.

When Hank accidentally lights Amanda’s lawn on fire, Peyton is the only witness. This event sets up a story of teen friendship and evolving relationships. The combination of dark humor and interesting characters will keep readers interested.

Librarians will find that the author’s balance of humor and authentic, timely issues such as mental illness and abuse will be of interest to many young adults. Teens who enjoy stories about friendship and teen romance will enjoy the ride.

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

Published by Sourcebooks Fire on April 5, 2016. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Book Review: The Haters

THE HATERS by Jesse Andrews tells the story of a group of teens who escape jazz camp and go on tour with disastrous results.

In this coming-of-age work of contemporary fiction, Wes and his friends hate jazz band camp along with many other things. The three musicians jump at the chance to play an amazing show despite the trouble it will cause.

Librarians will find that Andrews’ snarky characters and unusual brand of humor will appeal to today’s youth. Young adults will enjoy the many music references and a band road trip theme. The combination of witty lists, chunks of dialog, and other non-traditional literary approaches will engage reluctant readers.

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

Published by Abrams-Amulet on April 5, 2016. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Book Review: The Charmed Children of Rookskill Castle

THE CHARMED CHILDREN OF ROOKSKILL CASTLE by Janet Fox is a historical fantasy mystery set in a spooky old Scottish castle.

Kat has been sent to an eerie boarding school to avoid the Blitz during the Second World War. Although she tries to find a logical explanation for the disappearance of children and other spooky happenings, she begins to realize that evil lurks around every turn.

The author uses a chatelaine, charms, and flashbacks to earlier time periods to add depth to the story.

Written for upper middle grade youth, this creepy story will have readers on the edge of their seats imagining ghosts, spies, and sinister magic. Librarians will find that fans of steampunk fiction and spooky castles will immediately be drawn to this historical fantasy. However, this scary mystery may be too much for younger readers.

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

Published by Viking Books for Young Readers an imprint of Penguin on March 15, 2016. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Book Review: The Wooden Prince - Out of Abaton

THE WOODEN PRINCE by John Bemis is the first book in the new OUT OF ABATON series exploring the adventures of Pinocchio.

Pinocchio is an automa in this intriguing re-imagination of the beloved character. Pinocchio’s new master, Geppetto is trying to figure out how and why this unique automa is mysteriously transforming into a human body. After being kidnapped, Pinocchio must begin a journey across the Empire to find Geppetto again. Along the way he stumbles upon Princess Lazuli who is on a mission of her own. Together they must face half-beast outlaws and the emperor’s winged airmen to survive.

Librarians will find an audience among youth who enjoy fantasy adventures. Middle grade readers will enjoy the intersection of the traditional characters along with the new fantasy characters and steampunk world-building elements.

Many readers will be looking forward to the second book in the series titled LORD OF MONSTERS coming out in 2017.

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

Published by Disney-Hyperion on March 15, 2016. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Book Review: Burn Baby Burn

BURN BABY BURN by Meg Medina connects the everyday life of a Cuban-American teen with well-known historical events of the seventies.

In the summer of 1977, Nora is a typical teen living in New York City. However, her life is forever changed through a series of events that besiege her city including arson, a blackout, and a serial killer known as Son of Sam on the loose. Like the city, Nora’s brother is about to explode and Nora must survive dangers around every turn.

From domestic violence to societal unrest, Medina brings the late 1977s to life for teen readers. While librarians often find a small audience for historical fiction, the authentic situations and strong, coming-of-age story will appeal to many teen readers. From movie references to disco tunes, both librarians and young adults will enjoy the many references to 70s culture.

Be sure to add this title to your diversity list and your growing collection of history stories set in the 1970s.

To learn more about the author, go to https://megmedina.com/.

Published by Candlewick Press on March 8, 2016. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Book Series Review: Mission Rescue

The MISSION RESCUE series from National Geographic is intended to inspire young people to learn about endangered animals and how they can be saved.

MISSION SHARK RESCUE begins by exploring the threats facing sharks. Then, each chapter explores some aspect of sharks including their role as predators, their habitat, life cycle, physical characteristics, and connection with humans. Stories, facts, photos, and rescue activities and challenges are woven through the book to keep readers engaged.

MISSION PANDA RESCUE examines the reasons why pandas are endangered. The six chapters explore the panda’s habitat, characteristics, families, and relationship with people. The many photographs and other visuals bring these animals to life. Interesting stories, interviews, facts, and activities help generate reader interest in saving these adorable creatures.

The series also includes titles focusing on lions, wolves, polar bears, elephants, tigers, and sea turtles.

Librarians will find that this series appeals to animals lovers as well as children who enjoy nature, the environment, and social change. Students who enjoy biographies will like the many one-page interviews woven through the books. The focus on photographs, infographics, and small blocks of text will be of interest to nonfiction fans.

Published by National Geographic Children’s Books on March 8, 2016. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Book Review: You Were Here

YOU WERE HERE by Cori McCarthy tells the riveting tale of a group of teens on a graduation night quest.

On the fifth anniversary of her brother’s death, Jaycee revisits the playground where he died and decides to recreate his daredevil stunt. Caught in the act by her friends, the group sets out on an adventure to recreate Jake’s stunts. Told in alternating chapters through the eyes of Jaycee and her friends, readers are immersed in the lives of young adults coming-of-age.

What makes this title particularly compelling is the unusual ways characters expresses their story. For instance, some characters use visuals rather than narrative. While Bishop shares graffiti, Mik speaks through works of sequential art. These nontraditional approaches add engaging layers to the story.

Librarians will find that McCarthy’s writing style will appeal to young adult readers. The fast-paced plot will keep teens engaged from beginning to end. With a hint of romance, this contemporary story will appeal to most youth who enjoy realistic fiction. The strong character development and intriguing story make it one of the best picks of the season season.

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

Published by Sourcebooks Fire on March 1, 2016. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Book Review: When Green Becomes Tomatoes

WHEN GREEN BECOMES TOMATOES: POEMS FOR ALL SEASONS by Julie Fogliano uses forty-eight short poems to tell the story of a year.

The combination of Fogliano’s delicate, rhythmic voice with Morstad’s cheerful illustrations create a pleasing atmosphere for children to explore poetry. Most children will relate to the author’s exploration of everyday activities during each season.

Libraries will find this attractive picture book to be an enticing addition to the growing number of poetry books focusing on the seasons. Use it as a way to jumpstart student writing projects that explore the connection between nature and the human experience. The book features specific dates during the year. Ask students to write their own poems to fill in the gaps.

Published by Roaring Brook Press, an imprint of Macmillan on March 1, 2016. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Book Review: Will's Words

WILL’S WORDS: HOW WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE CHANGED THE WAY YOU TALK by Jane Sutcliffe is an informational picture book explore the impact of Shakespeare on the English language.

Designed for intermediate grade students, the book begins with a letter from the author explaining that the focus of the book is on Shakespeare’s fascinating words and phrases. This beautifully illustrated picture book immerses readers in the time period, while weaving Shakespeare’s famous words into the narrative. Phrases like “too much of a good thing” and “wild-goose chase” are a couple examples of the many words made famous by this famous playwright. The book features sidebars containing Shakespeare’s words, their meaning, and where they can be found in his work. The book concludes with a second letter from the author, a timeline, and a bibliography.

Librarians will find this book to be a fun and engaging way to introduce young readers to Shakespeare’s world and his love of wordplay. Place the book in a learning center along with other books about Shakespeare, online resources, and a hands-on activity involving his famous phrases.

Learn more about the author at http://www.janesutcliffe.com/.
Learn more about the illustrator at http://www.jshelley.com/.

Published by Charlesbridge on March 22, 2016. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Book Review: On The Edge of Gone

ON THE EDGE OF GONE by Corinne Duyvis is a young adult, suspenseful science fiction novel told through the eyes of an autistic teen.

With a comet headed to Earth, rich (or useful) people have found permanent shelter underground or reserved space on a space going off-planet. However, a vast majority of the world’s population is stuck in temporary shelter and must find a way to survive. Will Denise and her family survive on Earth or will they find a way onto one of the generation ships?

As an autistic woman, the author is able to draw on her personal experiences to create a complex, realistic lead character.

Librarians will find that this apocalyptic novel is a step above the norm. With fully developed characters and a non-stop survival theme, readers will be thinking about the novel long after its conclusion. The diverse cast and powerful, thought-provoking story appeal to a wide range of young adult readers. However, some readers may shy away from its length.

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

Published by Abrams Kids on March 8, 2016. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Book Review: Hour of Bees

HOUR OF BEES by Lindsay Eagar is a poignant, multi-generational, coming-of-age story set in the New Mexican desert.

While her friends are enjoying the summer, Carolina is visiting her grandfather’s ranch in the desert. In this desolate setting, Carolina gains a new perspective on her family heritage and connections with the land through her grandfather’s stories.

Aimed at middle school youth, librarians will find an audience among children who enjoy realistic fiction along with a touch of magical realism. Fans of Pam Muñoz Ryan and Laura Resau are likely to enjoy the connections to Mexican cultural heritage. Multi-generational themes have been popular this year and this title is an outstanding example.

Published by Candlewick on March 8, 2016. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Book Review: The Greatest Zombie Movie Ever

THE GREATEST ZOMBIE MOVIE EVER by Jeff Strand is a quirky young adult novel celebrating horror film-making.

Although Justin’s previous horror films haven’t done the greatest on YouTube, he’s hoping that his latest zombie adventure will be a hit. Unfortunately, everything doesn’t go as planned and his movie is a disaster. However with a little creativity and he’s able to turn his zombie movie into something unique.

Strand’s engaging brand of humor and many movie references will attract teens who enjoy the idea of making a movie.

Librarians will find this title appeals to a niche audience who enjoy Strand and his approach. Keep in mind that this title isn’t a zombie horror, instead it’s a friendship story about a teen’s quest to make a movie. Look for an audience among youth who like quirk humor and movies.

To learn more about the author, go to https://jeffstrand.wordpress.com/.

Published by Sourcebooks Fire on March 1, 2016. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Book Review: Longbow Girl

LONGBOW GIRL by Linda Davies is the first book in an exciting time-travel adventure trilogy.

Merry lives in the mountains of Wales where she’s the latest in a long line of archers. When she stumbles upon an old book in the woods and discovers an underground river into the past, Merry must use her archery skills to save her ancestral land.

With lots of action, intrigue, and hint of romance, librarians will easily find an audience for this engaging mystery fantasy. Many young adults will be attracted to the Welsh setting, strong female lead, and autocratic kingdom of King Henry VIII. Of particular note is the effective way the author weaves the protagonist’s loss of sight in one eye into the storyline without making it the focus of the novel.

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

Published by The Chicken House, an imprint of Scholastic. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Book Review: Tooth by Tooth

TOOTH BY TOOTH: COMPARING FANGS, TUSKS, AND CHOMPERS by Sara Levine is a fun follow-up to the popular Bone by Bone.

This informational picture book designed for the primary grades introduces readers to the teeth of mammals. Taking a question-and-answer approach, children are asked to look at their own teeth, then think about the teeth of other creatures including dogs, cats, and bears.

T.S. Spookytooth’s illustrations add to the fun, but they also contribute to the high-quality learning experience.

Information about animal adaptations adds depth to the text. The book includes additional facts, a glossary, bibliography, and online resources.

Librarians will find the humorous approach will appeal to young readers who enjoy informational reading. Use this book as the focus of a dental health display that includes nonfiction works along with models of teeth.

Published by Lerner Publishing Group on March 1, 2016. ARC courtesy of the publisher.