Category Archives: library
close to famous by Joan Bauer
“close to famous” is a coming of age story set in the southern U.S.A. The main character is a struggling reader with a single mom living in poverty. The adolescent character and her family and friends are quirky but … Continue reading
Filed under children's lit, library, reading
Wish by Joseph Monninger
Wish is a light romance which may appeal to girls in grades 6-8. It is well written and characters are appealing. The book is set in the United States and has a strong American cultural flavour. Although a realistic … Continue reading
Filed under children's lit, library, reading
Shining Willows 2011
I have begun to read the offerings for the Willow Awards 2011. I will keep a record of them here. Each entry will be a short summary and some ideas on curricular overlap or themes or ages for … Continue reading
Filed under children's lit, library
George’s Secret Key to the Universe by Lucy and Stephen Hawking
It was a little intimidating to pick up a book by Stephen Hawking and hope that I would get it but I knew this one was for kids so I had a little hope. Written by Stephen Hawking and Lucy … Continue reading
Filed under boys, children's lit, library, reading
lock and key by Sarah Dessen
Sarah Dessen was recommended to me by a teen friend of mine and indeed she does not disappoint. lock and key is another entry in the class of teen angst and coming of age literature. A realistic fiction novel about … Continue reading
Filed under children's lit, classroom, library, reading
Shivers and Shakes by David A. Poulsen
There are some people who may like this book but I’m not one of them. Shivers and Shakes is the sixth book from the “Salt and Pepper Chronicles”. David Poulsen has been nominated for a variety of awards with previous … Continue reading
Filed under children's lit, library, reading
Calamity Jack by Shannon and Dean Hale and Nathan Hale
Calamity Jack is a graphic adventure novel based rather loosely on the story of Jack and the Beanstalk. As a Shannon Hale fan, I was predisposed to enjoy this story. I loved Nathan Hale‘s illustrations and the vibrant colours of … Continue reading
Filed under children's lit, library, reading
Copper by Kazu Kibuishi
Copper is a compilation of cartoons. It is not a graphic novel but a series of short stories in graphic form. Copper and his dog Fred remind me of Calvin and Hobbes except Fred is depressed instead of exuberant. Copper … Continue reading
Filed under children's lit, library, reading
Soccer Sabotage by Liam O’Donnell and Mike Deas
Soccer Sabotage is a graphic novel which is part adventure and part instruction manual. Liam O’Donnell weaves a story which flows well, if you don’t mind some holes in the realism, and the soccer tips are well-placed and informative. I … Continue reading
Filed under children's lit, classroom, library, reading
The Gryphon Project by Carrie Mac
Phee, short for Phoenix, is the middle child in an ordinary family. Ordinary for the dystopian world created by Carrie Mac in The Gryphon Project. Phoenix is from an elite family, child of a doctor and pastor in a three-life … Continue reading
Filed under children's lit, education, library, reading
