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Recommendation for the Week of June 30, 2008

The Eye of the Crow
by: Shane Peacock
jmys pea

If you like Sherlock Holmes, you will be excited by this Canadian author's exploration/invention of Holmes's life as a 12-year old. It is 1867 in London. A terrible murder has been committed and an Arab immigrant has been arrested for it. Young Sherlock Holmes, with his odd ways, gets sucked into the mystery and is accused of being an accomplice. He must find the real killer or face the gallows himself. In this tense and well-written mystery, we meet Holmes's parents and understand the circumstances of racism (Sherlock is half-Jewish) and poverty that led him to be the moody, brilliant detective he became as an adult. We also meet the younger versions of the mysterious Professor Moriarity and even Irene Adler (the only woman Sherlock Holmes ever loved). An attention-grabbing and creative book.

- recommended by Steve Bridge, Irvington Branch Library

Recommendation for the Week of June 23, 2008

Minnie’s Diner:  A Multiplying Menu
by: Dayle Ann Dodds
jP DOD

If you think multiplication is not any fun, I'm sure after reading the picture book Minne’s Diner: a Multiplying Menu your opinion will be changed.  Young children will be delighted by the story of Papa McFay and his five sons.  From the youngest to the oldest each son stops by Minnie’ Diner for lunch and with each son the order multiplies.  And by the end of the story the reader is ready to stop by a diner for a slice of cherry pie.  Told in rhyme this funny story is sure to be a winner.

- recommended by Denyce Malone Flanner House

Recommendation for the Week of June 16, 2008

Hattie Big Sky
by: Kirby Larson
 jFIC LAR

It is December 1917 and 16-year-old orphan, Hattie, has just inherited 320 acres in Montana from her Uncle.  Hattie it thrilled to finally have a place of her own, after being shuffled between relatives for most of her young life.  The Montana claim needs some “proving up” before Hattie can truly call it her own.  She learns that she has to put up 480 rods of fence and 40 acres of crops before November.  Hattie works hard to meet the requirements while keeping in touch with her good friend, Charlie, who is fighting in France.  She befriends her neighbor, Perilee, who makes her feel like she’s one of the family.  This young pioneer experiences friendship, heartbreak and joy on her way to discovering the meaning of independence.

- recommended by Kimberly Andersen, West Indianapolis Library

Recommendation for the Week of June 9, 2008

Alabama Moon
by: Watt Key
jFIC KEY

This action packed adventure set in rural Alabama revolves around Moon, a ten-year-old boy, who has lived his entire life living off the land in the forest with his father, a Vietnam Veteran survivalist, who dislikes rules and distrusts the government.  After his father dies from a broken leg, refusing to see a doctor, Moon is left on his own.  Before his father died, he told Moon to go to Alaska and he sets out to do this, but folks have different ideas of what is right for Moon.  When Moon makes his first friend, tastes his first sweet roll and begs to stay in jail saying it was the, “best bed he ever had”, he begins to wonder if everything his father told him was right.  This first time novel by author Watt Key introduced a memorable character in Moon that will not easily be forgotten!

- recommended by Kimberly Andersen, West Indianapolis Library

Recommendation for the Week of June 3, 2008

Victory Garden
by: Lee Kochenderfer
jFIC KOC

Teresa wants her brother home from the War, and is doing her part on the home front.  She helps her father tend their Victory Garden so food from the farm can feed troops fighting overseas.  When their gruff neighbor,Mr. Burt goes into the hospital, it is up to Teresa to convince her father to save Mr. Burt’s garden, and convince her classmates to turn the garden into their summer war bond project.  Armed with her secret weapon, a garden, and summer sun, the fifth graders take on the largest garden in the town.

- recommended by Cathy Scheib, Wayne Branch

Recommendation for the Week of May 26, 2008

Reaching for Sun
by: Tracie Vaughn Zimmer
jFIC ZIM

As the seasons change so does Josie Wyatt as she comes of age in a body (stricken with cerebral palsy) that refuses to move with the music of her mind.  Written in free verse, Josie’s voice rings true as her story of friendship, hardship and learning one of life’s most valuable lessons unfolds like a rose slowly blossoming.  Like riding with the flow of a river’s current, so is reading Zimmer’s prose filled with metaphors and similes.  This one will touch your heart.

- recommended by Jean Beck, Southport Branch Library

Recommendation for the Week of May 19, 2008

The Mysterious Edge of the Heroic World
by: E. L. Konigsburg
jFIC KON

Any book written by E. L. Konigsburg is interesting with intriguing characters.  Meet Amedeo Kaplan, who yearns to discover something special, like cave paintings, fossils of previously unknown animals or a lost art masterpiece.  When his mother is transferred to St. Malo, Florida, Amedeo meets William Wilcox, whose mother is appraising the estate of Mrs. Zender, Amedeo’s eccentric next door neighbor.  What Amedeo and William discover among Mrs. Zender’s many possessions is, indeed, very special.  If some of the minor characters seem familiar, the reason is that this book is a companion piece to Konigsburg’s The Outcasts of 19 Schuyler Place.

- recommended by Cindy Childers, Shelby Branch Library

Recommendation for the Week of May 12, 2008

Goldie and the Three Bears
by: Diane Stanley
jP STA

The author takes the popular story of Goldilocks and the Three Bears and puts a different spin on it. We meet Goldie who knows exactly what she likes and what she doesn’t.  She can’t help it that the children she invites over are too bossy, snobby, boring and rough.  She wants a friend who is just right and someone she can love with all her heart.  One day, when Goldie gets off at the wrong bus stop, she finally finds the right friend.  I think any young child would enjoy this story and illustrations as much as I did. 

- recommended by Carol Segal, Pike Branch Library

Recommendation for the Week of May 5, 2008

The Liberation of Gabriel King
by: K.L. Going
jFIC GOI

In the summer of 1976, Gabriel and Frita share many fears about the future that are a reflection of the turbulent times. They decide to make a list of all the things that they are afraid of and try to conquer them together. Gabriel is afraid of many things including a bully at school named Duke Evans. Frita’s list includes Duke’s father, Mr. Evans, who is an active local Klan member.  Their commitment to facing their fears is a catalyst for events that will alter their lives forever.

- recommended by Martha La Bounty, E38th St. Branch Library

Recommendation for the Week of April 28, 2008

Schooled
by: Gordon Korman
jFIC KOR

Capricorn Anderson debuts at “C Average” Middle School with long hair, beads and absolutely no clue.  Raised by his grandmother on an alternative farm commune, Cap has never been to school, seen TV or eaten junk food.  Zach Powers singles Cap out to be class president, a position reserved for the biggest freak in school, guaranteeing a miserable existence for Cap.  When Cap responds by practicing tai chi in the school yard and meditating in front of his locker, the student’s taunts turn vicious.  Will peace and love be enough to survive middle school? 

- recommended by Daniell Wilkins Kaster, Lawrence Branch Library

Recommendation for the Week of April 21, 2008

The Shy Creatures
by: David Mack
jP MAC

What if all the imaginary creatures in the world weren’t really imaginary? What if they were just shy? In The Shy Creatures, a very shy girl wants to be a doctor and friend to all shy creatures when she grows up. Who else would give a dragon a glass of water when his throat was sore (one of the many hazards of breathing fire), or help a Cyclops with his nearsightedness? In her imagination, the one place where she is not shy, she befriends many misunderstood creatures and helps them with their various ailments. The bright Dr. Seuss inspired illustrations are a wonderful addition to this family friendly story.

- recommended by Courtney Allison, The Learning Curve

Recommendation for the Week of April 14, 2008

The Book of Lies
by: James Moloney
jFIC MOL

A twelve year old boy is brought to an orphanage only to have his memory erased by a powerful wizard.  However, Bea, a vanishing orphan, is able to tell him his real name.  As Marcel seeks to find the truth about himself, it is discovered that he has a connection with two other orphans and their lives are entwined in the future of their kingdom.  This is an action packed fantasy adventure that will leave you wanting more. 

- recommended by Delia Blanchard, Nora Branch Library

Recommendation for the Week of April 7, 2008

A Crooked Kind of Perfect
by: Linda Urban
jFIC URB

Zoe Elias dreams of being a world-famous piano player whose fingers float effortlessly over the elegant keys.  When her father brings home a decidedly un-elegant organ, specifically a PerfectOne D-60, Zoe is momentarily shattered.  With a mother whose work takes first seat and a father who gets nervous and confused every time he leaves the house, Zoe has a lot working against her as she practices furiously for the looming PerfectOne Recital.  This book is both funny and heart-warming, and Zoe faces her many obstacles in a very realistic combination of outrage, persistence, and acceptance.

- recommended by Bethany Flesher, Lawrence Branch Library

Recommendation for the Week of March 24, 2008

I, Coriander
by: Gardner, Sally
jFIC GAR

An exciting and well-told combination of English history and fantasy.  It is set in Commonwealth England from 1649 to 1659 -- from Oliver Cromwell's takeover until the return of Charles II (the Restoration). But it is also set in the world of Faerie, for Coriander is the daughter of a faery mother and a human father.  When she defies her greedy stepmother, the courageous Coriander is locked in a box, which becomes her doorway into Faerie.  The stories in the two worlds are interestingly parallel, with a double dose of wicked stepmothers, overthrown kings, evil advisors, and handsome princes.   A great adventure.

- recommended by Steve Bridge, Irvington Branch Library

Recommendation for the Week of March 17, 2008

Adam Canfield of the Slash
by: Winerip, Michael
jFIC

A Pulitzer Prize-winning author draws on his own experiences in journalism to create a unique and highly readable book about students who run a school newspaper called the Slash. Sixth graders Adam and Jennifer, with the help of an over-achieving third grader named Phoebe, pound the pavement to get their scoops. The laughs are real, and so is a major cover-up that involves a memorial gift to the school that is supposed to benefit the students. Only Adam can uncover the truth, and his finger is pointing right at the principal. Full of laughs and insights about human nature, this is a must-read for anyone interested in working on a school newspaper or going into journalism.

- recommended by Ginny Noble, Selection Services

Recommendation for the Week of March 10, 2008

Firegirl
by: Abbot, Tony
jFIC

The seventh graders in Tom’s class have never seen a burn victim—until Jessica walks into class one day and changes their lives at school. How Tom, his classmates, and Jessica react provides an engrossing and heart-wrenching story. Most of the class ignores her or blames her for her disfigurement, imagining all kinds of reasons why she got that way. Only a reluctant Tom, by extending his hand in class, offers the lonely and angry girl what she needs most: friendship. This book, by the author of the popular "Secrets of Droon" series, is a wonderful read about being different, yet the same.

- recommended by Ginny Noble, Selection Services

Recommendation for the Week of March 3, 2008

Stop That Hamster
by: Klein, Abby   
jE Kle

Freddy’s Mom hates animals and she’s a neat freak.  Harold the Hamster is the classroom pet.  Each child has a turn taking him home for the weekend.  How will Freddy talk his Mom into having Harold for the weekend?  You will enjoy Freddy’s adventures in this book and others in the series called "Ready Freddy".

- recommended by Jackie Hill, Franklin Road Branch Library

Recommendation for the Week of February 25, 2008

Once Upon a Time, the End (asleep in 60 seconds)
by: Kloske, Geoffrey
jP KLO

A tired father charges through fairy tales and nursery rhymes at breakneck speed to get his child to fall asleep. The more frustrated the father becomes, the faster he reads and the more hilarious the stories become. Whether child or parent, you will enjoy these speedy versions of well-known children’s stories geared to getting everybody some sleep. “The end. Why are you still awake?”

- recommended by Andrea Clough - Eagle Branch Library

Recommendation for the Week of February 18, 2008

Miss Smith’s Incredible Storybook
by: Michael Garland
jP GAR

What would happen if story book characters came to life?  Zack is ready for an ordinary “boring” year when his teacher, Miss Smith (with the spiked orange hair) reads to the class.  Storytime becomes a wild adventure! Dragons, pirates, and other characters take over the classroom!  Find out how Miss Smith and her class save the school from The Three Bears, Alice and Wonderland, and the other rebellious characters!  Check out Miss Smith Reads Again for more adventure when Miss Smith opens a dinosaur book!

- recommended by Patty Wallace - College Avenue Branch Library

Recommendation for the Week of February 11, 2008

Sienna’s Scrapbook: Our African American Heritage Trip
by: Toni Trent Parker
jE PAR

It’s summer vacation, but poor Sienna is just not having a good time.  Dreams of Uncle Buddy’s pond and eating mounds of Krispy Kreme Donuts is put on hold as 10-year old Sienna and her family are on the road to Grandma and Grandpa’s for their family reunion. They listen to Duke Ellington & Bessie Smith while driving through New York City, and see the Lincoln Memorial where Dr. Martin Luther King made his famous ‘I Have Dream’ Speech. What satisfaction in telling your little brother that the Amistad was “not a sailboat, but a schooner!”

- recommended by Tonya Franklin - African American History Committee

Recommendation for the Week of February 4, 2008

Celeste’s Harlem Renaissance
by: Eleanora E. Tate
jFIC TAT

In 1921, thirteen year old Celeste Lassiter Massey is sent to New York during the great era of the Harlem Renaissance to be looked after by her glamorous but unpredictable aunt.  While in New York, she meets pivotal black entertainers and historical figures of the Renaissance era like James Wheldon Johnson, Duke Ellington and others.  As she starts getting used to her aunt and New York, she learns that her least favorite aunt back in North Carolina is ill and must be looked after.  Travel on this remarkable, historical and emotional journey with Celeste where she learns about history and herself.  

- recommended by Kim Jones - African American History Committee

Recommendation for the Week of January 28, 2008

The Green Glass Sea
by: Ellen Klages
jFIC

Dewey Kerrigan is eleven years old in 1943 when she arrives at a military base in Los Alamos, New Mexico, a place so secret that it doesn’t appear on any map. Her father is one of many scientists working on a wartime “gadget,” one that will dramatically, but tragically, change the course of World War II. Gradually the independent Dewey befriends the other children, and after a tragedy of her own, she learns to trust again. This beautifully written, award-winning book is an absorbing read about a moment in history that today’s young readers should find fascinating.

- recommended by Ginny Noble, Selection Services

Recommendation for the Week of January 21, 2008

Little Pea
by: Amy Krouse Rosenthal
jP

A simply told and ap”pea”lingly illustrated story about a little pea who does not want to eat his dinner.  Dinner, as all little peas know, consists of nothing but candy!  When told by Mama Pea that he can’t have dessert unless he eats his candy, Little Pea manages to eat not one but five pieces!  He is then rewarded with his dessert, a great big bowl of yummy spinach!  With a clever twist and wonderful story line this book is sure to delight picky eaters and their families.

- recommended by Erin Farrell, Warren Branch Library

Recommendation for the Week of January 14, 2008

When Heaven Fell
by: Carolyn Marsden
jFIC

Come to Vietnam and enter the world of nine-year-old Binh and her family as told by Carolyn Marsden in When Heaven Fell.  Binh has dreams of going to school, but knows that her family cannot afford it.  Instead, she financially helps her family by selling soda and fruit each day from a cart.  One evening after dinner, Binh’s grandmother announces that her other daughter is coming to visit.  This is how Binh finds out that she has an aunt, an aunt who lives in America.  From this point on, the reader is swept away in a moving personal story that reveals how the village and Binh react to this news and prepares for the visit from what they imagine will be a rich American.  Experience the food, the stories, the discoveries and disappointments as Binh and her Di Thao, her Aunt Sharon, find out about each other and bridge cultural differences.

- recommended by Tami Edminster, Program and Product Development