Posts Tagged ‘book fair 2015’
The Adventures of Beekle: The Unimaginary Friend
Author: Dan Santat
Summary:
This magical story begins on an island far away where an imaginary friend is born. He patiently waits his turn to be chosen by a real child, but when he is overlooked time and again, he sets off on an incredible journey to the bustling city, where he finally meets his perfect match and-at long last-is given his special name: Beekle. New York Times bestselling and award-winning author and illustrator Dan Santat combines classic storytelling with breathtaking art, creating an unforgettable tale about friendship, imagination, and the courage to find one’s place in the world.
Review:
While most stories of imaginary friends are from the person’s point of view, this one is from the imaginary friend’s instead. From this interesting perspective, the author takes the reader through heart-wrenching adventure to find friendship and the importance of not giving up. The illustrations are bright and vibrant and the story will warm your heart and tickle the back of your throat as you choke back a few tears. There are so many little details in the illustrations that bring new delights in a second, third, or fourth reading. From the moral of the story to the breath taking artwork, this is definitely a book worth picking up from our library.
Judy Moody: Mood Martian
Author: Megan McDonald – Illustrator: Peter H. Reynolds
Summary:
In honor of Backwards Day, Judy Moody decides to turn that frown upside down, make lemonade out of lemons, and be nice to stinky little brothers. In fact, Judy becomes a NOT moody, cool-as-a-cucumber neat freak for one whole entire day. But when her combed hair, matching outfits, and good moods hang around for days after, her friends begin to worry. Could this smiley Judy be an imposter?
Review:
Judy Moody is a great character — she’s normal and relatable, silly enough to be interesting but not so much as to be weird, and generally a good kid, even if things don’t always turn out as she plans. Judy is a fun character to root for, and her struggle to stay in a good mood while bad things go on around her is something that every child or adult can likely relate to. Watching Judy figure out how to keep her calm is not only entertaining but it also could teach readers a valuable lesson— after all, if Judy can do it, so can her readers.
A Night Divided
Author: Jennifer A. Nielsen
Summary:
With the rise of the Berlin Wall, twelve-year-old Gerta finds her family divided overnight. She, her mother, and her brother Fritz live on the eastern side, controlled by the Soviets. Her father and middle brother, who had gone west in search of work, cannot return home. Gerta knows it is dangerous to watch the wall, to think forbidden thoughts of freedom, yet she can’t help herself. She sees the East German soldiers with their guns trained on their own citizens; she, her family, her neighbors and friends are prisoners in their own city. One day, while on her way to school, Gerta spots her father on a viewing platform on the western side, pantomiming a peculiar dance. Then, when she receives a mysterious drawing, Gerta puts two and two together and concludes that her father wants Gerta and Fritz to tunnel beneath the wall, out of East Berlin. However, if they are caught, the consequences will be deadly. No one can be trusted. Will Gerta and her family find their way to freedom?
Review:
The plot moved steadily and was never very slow. I found myself needing to know what was going to happen next and I couldn’t put the book down. This is classified as middle grade but I feel like it has crossover appeal for young adult too and could actually be classified as such. The setting is mostly East Berlin in the 1960s, and it focuses on how the Berlin Wall really changed lives during the Cold War. The Cold War was a terrible time for many. Jennifer Nielsen has written a good introduction to this time in our history that’s appropriate for middle grade kids. It is not too violent, although there is violence. A Night Divided is awe inspiring, but it’s more than just a story of hope, family, and friendship; it’s a story about freedom and what humans will do to have it. It makes you question what would you do for your own freedom—what lengths would you go to. It’s beautifully written in a voice that will keep you reading until the last page and falling in love with Gerta and Fritz so much that you’ll see a little of yourself in them. It’s a story one shouldn’t miss reading, and sharing with others.
The Scorch Trials (The Maze Runner #2)
THIS BOOK WILL BE AVAILABLE AT THE FALL BOOK FAIR
Author: James Dashner
Summary:
Thomas was sure that escape from the Maze would mean freedom for him and the Gladers. But WICKED isn’t done yet. Phase Two has just begun. The Scorch.
There are no rules. There is no help. You either make it or you die.
The Gladers have two weeks to cross through the Scorch—the most burned-out section of the world. And WICKED has made sure to adjust the variables and stack the odds against them.
Friendships will be tested. Loyalties will be broken. All bets are off.
There are others now. Their survival depends on the Gladers’ destruction—and they’re determined to survive.
Review:
The second installment of the Maze Runner series, the Scorch Trials has a much faster plot precession than the first book. The well-articulated dialogue and strong chemistry between characters still remains. the Scorch Trials is a good sequel but sometimes the action overshadows the main plot line. As the reader, you are left at the end of the book feeling lost and confused about the motives and the backstory behind the trials. This is a good thing because you can relate to how all of the other characters feel. If you can handle cliffhangers, then this is definitely the book for you.
The Zodiac Legacy: Convergence
THIS BOOK WILL BE AVAILABLE AT THE FALL BOOK FAIR
Author: Stan Lee – Illustrator: Stuart Moore
Summary:
When twelve magical superpowers are unleashed on the world, a Chinese-America teenager named Steven will be thrown into the middle of an epic global chase. He’ll have to master strange powers, outrun super-powered mercenaries, and unlock the mysterious powers of the Zodiac.
Review:
The Zodiac Legacy is an amazing book that is interesting and unique in its own way. The author Stan Lee did an amazing job on this book incorporating the Chinese believe of the Zodiac Circle and its powers. This book would be placed on the shelf where graphic novel books are stored. This book is about a boy who finds the secret of the Zodiac Powers and he discovers the powers in Hong Kong and accidentally harnesses the power that corresponds with his zodiac animal. The plot design and the progression of the book was kind of slow in some parts but once different plot lines reached their individual conclusions it was worthwhile. The imagery was palpable and the detailed illustrations really give the reader an idea of what was being described. Overall this is an excellent book and definitely worth reading!
The Day the Crayons Came Home
New at the Library
Author: Drew Daywalt – Illustrator: Oliver Jeffers
Summary:
I’m not sure what it is about this kid Duncan, but his crayons sure are a colorful bunch of characters! Having soothed the hurt feelings of one group who threatened to quit, Duncan now faces a whole new group of crayons asking to be rescued. From Maroon Crayon, who was lost beneath the sofa cushions and then broken in two after Dad sat on him; to poor Turquoise, whose head is now stuck to one of Duncan’s stinky socks after they both ended up in the dryer together; to Pea Green, who knows darn well that no kid likes peas and who ran away—each and every crayon has a woeful tale to tell and a plea to be brought home to the crayon box.
Review:
Daywalt & Jeffers have created a sequel that imaginatively explores the adventures and grievances of Duncan’s many crayons in a wholly relatable and wickedly humorous way. As I read I laughed, sighed, and was thrilled to see how Duncan responded to the crayon’s stories with compassion and creativity. I think it’s a perfect back to school read for kids of all ages.
Monsters Love Underpants
THIS BOOK WILL BE AVAILABLE AT THE FALL BOOK FAIR
Author: Claire Freedman – Illustrator: Ben Cort
Summary:
Underpants are monstrously funny in this playful picture book from the team that brought you Dinosaurs Love Underpants and Pirates Love Underpants. Monsters around the world have different ways to scare, but they all share a love for zany underpants! Every Saturday night, you will find them in a secret cave, showing off their pants as they dance the Monster Bop; but they have to make it home before the sun comes up. After all, who would be scared of monsters in pants that were stripped and dotted?
Review:
A silly book about monsters loving underpants. Throughout the book you learn all the different types of pants and what monsters really get up to. Monsters are something that children are usually scared of but these silly images of monsters in spotty, colorful pants paints them in a child friendly way. At the end it states that if you hear strange scuffles under your bed, beware they might just steal your snazzy pair (of pants)! I feel this is so the children who are scared of monsters might think that they have not come for them but just their pants It is a very vibrant and well-illustrated picture book. I believe this will be a successful hit and it is great to read out loud!