The Brilliant Fall of Gianna Z

Gianna Z just can't help it, time keeps sleeping away as the deadline for her leaf collection project looms ever near.  Will she be able to finish it in time to get her grades up so she can still attend the track meet?  And why is she the only one who seems to notice that her grandmother's forgetfulness may be getting worse?  This book would be a great read for anyone who has to do a similar project.

11 Birthdays

I know, it's been awhile since I've posted, but I promise I've been doing my reading.  11 Birthdays is the perfect story for someone turning 11 (or who already has!).  The plot is similar to the movie Groundhog, in that the main character finds herself re-doing her birthday over and over again.  But, she's not the only one... and together they have to figure out how to break the cycle. 

Maximum Ride

I just recently finished reading, MAX, by James Patterson, currently the last book in the Maximum Ride series. I LOVE these books! If you like all-out, fast-paced, kick-butt adventure, then these are books for you. These science-fantasy books are about this group of genetically enhanced winged kids, who have escaped the mad scientist lab they were created in, and just want to have the freedom to live their own lives. Of course, all those scientists and other crazies are intent on re-capturing them so that they can be used in evil plots to take over the world!

The Last Olympian

I can't believe it. The last book in the Percy Jackson series. And like all of the others, this one is FABULOUS!!!! I'm a HUGE fan, and I've even had the privilege of getting to meet Rick Riordan twice. Not only is he an accomplished writer, but he is a wonderful presenter as well. If you ever get the chance to meet him, go-go-go! In The Last Olympian we finally find out whether or not the Oracle's prophecy for demigod Percy Jackson becomes a reality, and if there is any romantic interest between Percy and fellow Camp Half-Blood camper, Annabeth. If you've read all the others, I'm sure you can't wait to get your hands on this copy. But if this is the first time you've heard of the series, be sure to start at the beginning with The Lightning Thief. It'll be a wild and rocky thrill read!!!

Emma-Jean Lazarus Falls In Love

Emma-Jean is truly a character. She is usually great at solving problems, but when her heart starts fluttering when she looks at a boy she wonders is it a crush or true love... Emma-Jean is a great little read - its small number of pages probably won't intimidate the more reluctant reader, while its chock-fullness of unique vocabulary words will keep the more advanced reader entertained as well.

Lucky Breaks (Double entendre intended!)

O.K., you never know what's gonna happen, and I certainly didn't with my last posting. My niece had to be hospitalized the next day and I ended up spending the next few weeks at her house taking care of my 3 yr old great niece and 4 month old great nephew. I was going to stay another week to help her with the kids after my niece came home from the hospital, but I ended up breaking a toe walking across the carpet! Luckily everything has worked out and I'm back at home again. Which leads me to my next book, lucky breaks, (no - its not supposed to be capitalized.) This is the follow up book to the Newbery winner The Higher Power of Lucky, by Susan Patron. If you loved the first one, you're sure to enjoy this one as well. This time Lucky is about to turn 11 and has discovered a mystery surrounding a broken brooch.

Vacation Time! Three Cups of Tea

Sorry it took me awhile to post again. We've been to family reunion and then right after that we went to Orlando for the BETA convention. Anyways, one book I read recently is Three Cups of Tea, the young reader's version. I loved this book. What's amazing about it is that it is a true story! This is just the kind of story that can inspire young people to try to accomplish something in their lives. It is the life story of Greg Mortenson, who was trying to place a memorial for his sister on K2, and got lost on the way down. When a local village took him in, he decided to repay his gratitude by building a school. Of course, little things like no money or having any inkling of how to accomplish this goal didn't stop him. To find out just how far he came, be sure to pick up your copy ASAP!!!

Trouble Magnet

Trouble Magnet is just like the title describes - its about a boy who naturally draws trouble to him as easily as metal filings to a magnet. Calvin Coconut (whose last name was hand picked by his now famous and absent father) can't seem to escape his daily problems, such as harrassment from the local bully, staying out of trouble with his new 4th grade teacher, or coping with the new older girl who has moved in with his family. Set against a Hawaiian backdrop, with its tropical beaches and delicacies, this easy reader is sure to draw rave reviews!

Fortune's Magic Farm

This book was a great little read, and would be just wonderful for students about 8-11. The main character has such a green thumb, that she can grow mushrooms between her toes, and lichen in her hair. Unfortunately, the town where she lives, Runny Cove, has constant rain and she has never seen the sun! This tale reminded me a lot of Roald Dahl's books. If you liked Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, you'll like this one as well!

Elijah of Buxton

I just finished reading Elijah of Buxton this morning. It's a great read, as are all of Christopher Paul Curtis's books. This one won the 2008 Coretta Scott King Award and was a Newbery Honor Book as well. It tells the story of the first free-born in Buxton, Canada and his many adventures as he struggles with growing from a "fra-gile" child coming into adulthood. This would make a wonderful read-aloud story, as the characters are so vivid and the chapters each tell a short little tale that can stand on its own.

First Post - The Hound of Rowan

Here's to the first of hopefully many posts about some of the hottest new books geared towards tweens. Hi, I'm Toni Howe, a 5th & 6th Grade Center librarian for the past two years, and a children's librarian since 2000. I love what I do and helping to match the right book with the right student. I'm an avid reader and enjoy reading from a great variety of genres, although I'm a big fan of fantasy in particular.

One book I just finished today, The Hound of Rowan, falls into this category. It is about a boy who has a vision and then is whisked off to a special boarding school to discover his hidden talents. Of course, there's adventure afoot as he tries to outwit the evil vyes (shape-changing wolf-beasts) who are trying to kidnap him to find out the details of his vision. This book is currently on the Missouri Truman Award Nominee list for 2009-2010, geared toward students in grades 6-8.

Well, till tomorrow, Keep reading!