The Wild Robot and the Wild Robot Escapes

Title: The Wild Robot

Author: Peter Brown
ISBN: 978-0316381994


Roz is a robot who finds herself deserted on an island.  She must learn to survive and to adapt, and in her quest to fulfill her life's mission, Roz learns to love.  

Joey Pigza Swallowed the Key

Joey Pigza Swallowed the Key by Jack Gantos

Joey Pigza has ADHD and his condition causes him a lot of trouble at home and at school.  With the help of his mom and some caring teachers, Joey tries to get control of his life.  But, is he too late?

This is a remarkable book written from the perspective of a boy who is powerless over his impulses.  Very disturbing at times, this book is also full of hope.  Appropriate for all tweens.

Granni Torrelli Makes Soup

Granny Torrelli Makes Soup by Sharon Creech

I love, love, love this book!  Rosie is a passionate girl with strong emotions.  Whether she is trying to help, like by training a guide dog for her best friend, or she is holding a grudge, because he won't do what she wants, Rosie feels and does everything to the extreme!  Thank goodness for the calm and reassuring lessons of her Granny Torrelli!  A lovely book full of humor and family and the warmth of good Italian cooking.  Must-Read!

The Mostly True Adventures of Homer P. Figg

The Mostly True Adventures of Homer P. Figg
by Rodman Philbrick

Trying to rescue his older brother from the Civil War, Homer P. Figg goes on a whopping adventure joining a traveling circus; riding in a train, a boat, and a hot-air balloon; making a number of friends; and narrowly escaping some very dangerous situations.  This is a funny book with an endearing protagonist who tells a dubious tale of courage and love with a realistic voice.  A must-read! 

Rules by Cynthia Lord

Title:   Rules
Author:  Cynthia Lord
Publication Date: 2006

Told from the perspective of a young girl named Catherine, this is a touching story of courage, acceptance, and friendship.  Catherine's younger brother is Autistic and she feels embarrased of him because of the way people stare when they are together.  Her fear of being judged causes her to deny her friendship with a boy who sits in a wheelchair.  Interestng discussions.

Where the Mountain Meets the Moon

Title: Where the Mountain Meets the Moon
Author: Grace Lin
Publication Date: 2009

Another must-read book!  Minli is a poor farmer's daughter who dreams of changing her family's fortune by meeting the fabled Old Man of the Moon!  The likelihood that she'll succeed on her mission is slim, unless you believe in magic, and faith, and courage, and thankfulness!  I certainly am thankful that I came across this Newbery Honor book!

Among the Hidden

Title: Among the Hidden
Author: Margaret Peterson Haddix
Publication Date: 1998

One of the best books I've read in a long time!  After a period of mass famine where hundred starved to death, the Government imposes major controls on the people of the United States.  One of these, is limiting all families to two children under the threat of death.  When Luke, a third "illegal" child discovers another shadow child in his neighborhood, his whole life changes.  I was in suspense the entire time I read this book.  It was gripping and very thought provoking!

A classic: Bridge to Terabithia

Title:  A Bridge to Terabithia
Author: Katherine Paterson
Publication Date: 1977

An oldie, but a goodie!  I'd never read A Bridge to Terabithia before, but when I finally did, I loved it!  I always thought it was about a magical place, but it was really about love and loss, family and friendship, boys and girls.  Newbery Award Medal.

Title:  A Monster Calls
Author:  Patrick Ness
Publication Date: 2011

13-year-old Conor's mother has been diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer.  Now,  he must contend with his confusing emotions about his mom, his seemingly cold-hearted grandmother, and his absent father, in addition to dealing with the pity and alienation he feels at school.  All of this strain causes nightmares that Conor can hardly believe.  His nightmares scare him.  They turn him into a violent and uncontrollable child.  They haunt him.  And, eventually, his nightmares save his life.  In a gripping and moving work, A Monster Calls is a must-read for anyone going through any major life-change!

The Wizard of Dark Street--an Oona Crate Mystery

Title:  The Wizard of Dark Street--an Oona Crate Mystery
Author:  Shawn Thomas Odyssey
Publication Date:  2011

I loved The Wizard of Dark Street!  It is funny, and smart, and mysterious.  Oona Crate is The Wizard's apprentice.  She lives in a magical town called Dark Street that lies in between the magical realm and the real world, and she is a natural magician.  Even though she doesn't have to study magic like everyone else, she wants nothing to do with it.  Instead, she wants to be a detective.  Just as she is about to disavow her magical upbringing, her uncle The Wizard disappears in a shroud of intrigue.  To bring him back and save Dark Street, Oona must rely on her dectective skills and her magical abilities.  Does Oona have what it takes?   To find out, read the book!

The Liberation of Gabriel King

Title: The Liberation of Gabriel King

Author: K. L. Going

Publication Date: 2005

A Michael L. Printz honor book, The Liberation of Gabriel King is a must-read book set in Alabama during the Civil Rights movement.  Gabriel King and his best friend Frita are an interesting pair.  He is white and timid; she is Black and spunky.  The summer before entering fifth grade they decide to overcome their fears.  They make a list of the things that scare them the most and set about to face their fears.  Well-written in a realistic Southern drawl, the story is touching and inspiring!

The Wide-Awake Princess

Title: The Wide-Awake Princess

Author: E.D. Baker

Publication Date: May 2010

The wide-awake princess is a smart and insightful young character who can perceive not only the presence of magic, but also the true character of the people she meets.  A very enjoyable read, this fractured fairy tale works in characters from many well-known stories, by twisting things around to make them new.  When her sister Gwendolyn pricks her finger on a minute little spinning wheel, Anabelle (aka Annie, or the wide-awake princess) has to travel to far away lands to break the curse that will leave all the inhabitants of her father's kingdom asleep for one hundred years.  That she is able to succeed without the aid of magic, but by relying on her intelligence rather than her beauty, is a testament to the ability of the nobler sex.  An excellent read!

Operation Redwood

Title: Operation Redwood

Author: S. Terrell French

Publication Date: 2009

Julian Carter-Li is an interesting character.  He is brave, smart, and very independant.  His dad died on a motorcycle and his mom is very busy photographing China, leaving Julian alone to stay with his rich and estranged uncle.  When Julian learns that his uncle's powerful San Francisco firm plans to log a grove of Giant Redwoods, Julian does what he can to save them.  Set in California, this book has garnered the Green Earth Book Award, and the John and Patricia Beatty Award which "honors the author of a distinguished book for children or young adults that best promotes an awareness of California and its people."

Who am I Without Him?

Title: Who am I Without Him? A Collection of Stories About Girls and the Boys in Their Lives
Author: Sharon G. Flake

A moving work that reveals a wide continuum of love and desire.  Some of the stories ofter distorted perception of love where girls suffer infidelities, degradation, and even murder because of their sex.  Others paint a much more tender poignant look.  Written in a superb American dialect, this book is a good choice for older tweens or teens, especially those interested in gender studies or realistic fiction.

Piper Reed Navy Brat

Title: Piper Reed Navy Brat
Author: Kimberly Willis Holt

Piper Reed is an irrepressible character with spunk, ambition, and verve!  The middle child of a navy man and his wife, Piper exudes determination and adaptability.  The kind of kid who makes lemonade when life hands her lemons, her first installment is a must-read for fans of strong female characters with spunk!