Charlie Bone and the…

Jenny Nimmo has a great set of characters and adventures in the Children of the Red King series. As a lover of fanatasy, I’m an easy sell and this series has me searching out the next one to see where it goes. I find Charlie, the main character, likable and hopeful without being [...]

10:The Big One-Oh – Dean Pitchford

This is a book aimed squarely at the 8-12 year old boy niche. Part gross and disgusting, part humour, part revenge of the loser; it hits the mark. Charley Maplewood is turning 10. Thanks to a inappropriately timed birthday greeting, he decides it really is time for him to have a birthday [...]

Raymond and Graham Rule the School by Mike Knudson and Steve Wilkinson

First a disclaimer, this is a book intended for boys, I am not a boy.  I did not enjoy this book and I don’t think it should come close to your library.  I think Mike and Steve missed the boat on this one.  Raymond and Graham are entering grade four.  They are looking forward to [...]

The Fairies of Nutfolk Wood by Barb Bentler Ullman

Pastoral and warm; this is a book to delight lovers of fairies and fantasy.  At first I was reluctant to believe there could be a fresh take on a world of little people.  After all it has been done with The Littles and The Borrowers.  The title didn’t lead me to believe it would be [...]

The Jewels of Sofia Tate by Doris Etienne

This book is a fair take on the mystery genre.  I enjoyed the main characters and watching them develop.  I found the villians a bit ‘pat’.   The ending was a little too neat and tidy.  Teacher librarians need to be aware of the embedded Christian perspective within this story.  The plot hinges on unraveling a [...]

Raleigh’s Page by Alan Armstrong

Armstrong takes you into life in the Elizabethan times a Sir Walter Raleigh’s page.  This is a thoroughly researched and compelling account of the first expansions of England into North America.  I am torn on whether to recommend this book for K-8 libraries.  I believe Armstrong handles the racism of his characters with deftness but [...]

Skellig by David Almond

Dark and creepy are the words which come to mind when reflecting on Skellig.  This is a book with boy appeal.  Michael is moving into a new house after anticipating this event as something wonderful, something unexpected intervenes.  Michael’s mom has a very premature baby.  Now he is living in a run-down house with preoccupied [...]

Book of a Thousand Days – Shannon Hale

Dashti is a determined young woman.  In becoming the maid of a distracted and frightened princess, she unwittingly becomes a prisoner with her in a darkened tower.  Dashti remains positive and industrious during her confinement.  Her mistress is unpredictable and unhealthy but Dashti remains devoted and trust-worthy.  In addition to the confinement and darkenss of [...]

Matthew’s Dream – Leo Lionni

Matthew is a mouse. His parents have high hopes for him. He wants to see the world. One day, while at school, his class visits the art museum. Matthew is entranced with the paintings. He meets a mouse there named Nicoletta. She shares his love of fine art. [...]

Pezzettino – Leo Lionni

Pezzettino (little piece) believes he is too small and must be a part of something which is bigger.  He looks everywhere and asks all his friends if he is a part of them.  They believe they are whole and tell him so.  Finally, Pezzettino asks the wise-one how he can find out if he is [...]