Squish Captain Disaster

Squish Captain Disaster

Holm, J. L., Holm, M. (2012). Squish Captain Disaster. NY: Random House.

It is time for soccer! Squish and all of his friends are on the same team, the Waterfleas. Squish is appointed captain by the coach and his teammates. The Waterfleas suck. They are not winning any games. No one seems to mind because they are having fun. Squish knows winning isn’t everything, but he wants it anyway. He comes up a plan and presents it to his team. They follow the plan and start winning games. Squish is excited. Everyone else decide to quit because no one else is getting the ball. They are no longer having fun. Squish listens to the concerns and decides to go back to letting everyone have a chance at the ball. They start losing again but, his team is happy. At the end of the season they are number 4.

This is a fun book, I recommend it for elementary kids. It teaches winning isn’t everything. You can learn just as much from losing.

Here are a more Squish books from the series:

Tell Me

Tell Me

Bauer, J. (2014). Tell Me. NY:  A Penguin Random House Company.

Tell me is an adventure of an adolescent girl that deals with normal confidence challenges as her parents deal with a separation and a move.  Anna starts book dressed as a cranberry on her way home her dad gets cut off and looses his temper.  Anna tries to calm him to no avail.  Dad goes home and destroys the kitchen then leaves.  This is the last straw for Anna’s mom and the move away to her brother’s house.  Anna dresses like a flower and work at a library to get away from the reality of her own life.  She meets new friends at the library.  One day Anna sees a girl that looks like she is in distress and reports it.  She is bothered that she does not remember all the details.  This event follows Anna throughout the story as Anna writes letters to the distressed girl. Anna’s dad eventually learns to manage his temper and Anna returns to being her cranberry girl.

Joan Bauer wrote an interesting book adolescents would love.  I like the way she uses her characters and situations to keep you wondering what’s next.  Anna has realistic family problems that kids can relate to.   Her ability to find coping skills will help the reader look for coping skills in their own lives.

Books with similar themes:

The Crossover

The Crossover

Alexander, K. (2014). The Crossover. NY:Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.

The Crossover follows Josh Bell, who loves the game of basketball. He has an identical twin Jordan who loves the game just as much. His mom Crystal is a an assistant principal and dad Chuck is a former professional basketball player. Expectations are very high for educational excellence  and athletic ability in their household. They both thrive in it.

When Jordan gets a girlfriend however, thing start to change, Josh feels left out. The twins relationship sours for a bit. When tragedy strikes an their beloved dad Chuck dies, the boys realize that all they have is each other. They come to together again with an even stronger bond.

This book is definitely for tweens and teens. It showcases family, loyalty and dedication. The twins bond is tested but, through basketball and the love of family, they are able to weather of life challenges and changes together.

Movie Trailer:

Crossover Movie Trailer

Frogs

Frogs

Bishop, N. (2008). Frogs. New York, NY: Scholastic Inc.

Everything you ever wanted to know about frogs can be found in this book titled simply “Frogs” by Nic Bishop. Did you know frogs are found on every continent except Antarctica? Did you know the biggest frog in the world is found in Africa called the Goliath Frog? Did you know frogs can live over thirty-five years? Did you know there is a see through frog called the glass frog? Did you know that a frog’s organs and bones are similar to humans? Those are just a few of the fascinating things I’ve learned from this book.

I really enjoyed this book and highly recommend it for young children, especially primary grades. The beautiful photos captivates you so much that you want to read the words to find out more about the creature. Nic does an excellent job conveying the information through text and illustration. I can’t wait to read more of his books!

Good Masters! Sweet Ladies!

Good Masters! Sweet Ladies!

Schlitz, L. A. (2007). Good masters, sweet ladies. Boston, MA: Candlewick Press.

Good Masters! Sweet Ladies! Is set is an English Manor in 1255. This story is told in the first person narrative in monologues and dialogues. There are 23 individuals with different personalities who give insight to what it was like in this period. We have monks, maidens, runaways, beggars, plowboys and the list goes on. Two of my favorite characters are Will, the plowboy and Nelly, the sniggler. I admire Will’s love of family and his respect for his father even after death. Also, Nelly, she is a firecracker and a tomboy who is always into something. Even though this was long ago, these accounts can all be relevant in some way in today’s time.

I see how Good Master! Sweet Ladies! could be transformed into a play or even a movie. It has all the factors; drama, youth, voice, history……… I would recommend this book to 10 year old and up. It is a good read.

Return of the Library Dragon

Return of the Library Dragon

Deedy, C A. (2012). Return of the library dragon. Atlanta GA: Peachtree Publishers.

Ms. Lotty, the school librarian at Sunrise Elementary School is retiring. She is also a dragon. On the day of her retirement she is confronted by a student Milo at the library doors. He is very hesitate of Ms. Lotty entering. The unthinkable has happened, all of the books have been removed and replaced by computers. Mr. Krochip, the representative for the new Cybrary tries to convince her and the children that computers are better than books, to no avail. The more he talks, the angrier Ms. Lotty becomes. Miss Lotta Scales, the dragon comes out and she completely demolishes the library and convincing everyone the books should be returned. In all the chaos, the new librarian arrives and she is someone Ms. Lotty knows. Molly is able to calm her down. She becomes Ms. Lotty again and the books are returned.

This book is a true testament of the importance of books and the love a librarian should have for them. Although technology has its place, books should never be forgotten. This is one of the reasons I am choosing to become a librarian. I want to have them same passion as Ms. Lotty-minus the dragon feature.

Bridge to Terabithia

Bridge to Terabithia

Paterson, K. (1972). Bridge to Terabithia. NY: Harper Collins Publishers.

Jess is an eleven year old fifth grader who lves in a rural area of the South. His family is poor and he yearns for the attention of his father. He wants to be the fastest fifth grader in his class, hoping this will make him fit in. When the first race comes around during recess, Jess is confident he will win. All of his hopes and dreams are dashed when a new girl in town named Leslie wins instead.  Surprisingly, the pair become fast friends and spends all of their free time together, Jess already has a vivid imagination but, Leslie broadens it and they create their own fantasy world called Terabithia. The time they spend in Terabithia seems to strengthen how they cope with the realities of the real world. Everything seems to be going well until one day tragedy strikes. Leslie accidentally drowns trying to cross the creek on the rope they used to get to Terabithia. Jess is devastated beyond belief. In order to keep Leslie’s memory alive and his new found confidence, he realizes he must continue in the world of Terabithia so Leslie can live on forever.

Bridge to Terabithia is a great book for tweens. It is a story of love, acceptance, friendship and loss. It is very relevant for today’s time. However, unusual for tweens to consciously immerse themselves in a fantasy world collectively, nonetheless certainly relatable. It explores the bond between two people who become closer to each other than family. It also expresses how even after the worst tragedy imaginable we can over and still honor our love one with memories however fantasy or not.

Books with a similar theme:

El Deafo

El Deafo

Bell, C. (2014). El Deafo. NY: Harry N. Abrams, Inc.

CeCe is a 4 year old who is stricken with meningitis. Unfortunately, she loses her hearing and is thrust into the world of silence. Cece starts school. On top of being deaf, she is given the most hideous and out-of-date hearing aid that has to be strapped to her chest. It is not easy to fit in. Things change when she discovers that she can hear her teacher not only in the classroom, but everywhere. She convinces herself that she has super powers. This sends her confidence through the roof. When her classmates discover her secret, she uses it to warn them when the teacher is approaching so they can stop playing around. This definitely ups her popularity. Cece finally finds a true friend in Martha who doesn’t care that she is deaf and treats her no different. She feels accepted and even finds the corage to approach a kid she has a crust on. This friendship eventually grows stronger as time goes by.

El Deaf is about being different and meeting the challenge with dignity no matter what the obstacle. Deafness should not be viewed as a disability but rather as an wonderful gift that should be embraced not pitied or overlooked. This is a wonderful book that should be shared with the children of all ages to encourage and support differences.

A Fine, Fine School

A Fine, Fine School

Creech, S. (2001). A Fine, Fine school. USA: Joanna Cotler Books.

Mr. Keene was a principal and he loved his school. He would often walk the halls and peek in the classrooms and marvel at the learning that was taking place. He had a favorite phrase. “Aren’t these fine children? Aren’t these fine teachers? Isn’t this a fine, fine school?” Tillie loved going to school Monday through Friday but, the weekends were special too. She enjoyed climbing trees, playing with her brother and walking her dog. But one day, Mr. Keene had the idea to extend school to Saturdays, and then Sunday’s, and then all holidays, and then all summer. No one liked these changes but were afraid to tell Mr. Keene. Tillie finally got up the nerve and told him that everyone wasn’t learning. He agreed and reversed his decisions and everyone was happy again to enjoy the fine children, fine teachers and fine school!

This is a classic example of overkill! Lol. Even though school is a wonderful place to be, no one wants to be there all of the time. I’m proud of Tillie for standing up and having her voice heard. Her point of view was well received by Mr. Keene and now things are back to normal. I thinks all kids can see the humor in the story but no one wants to actually live it.

Click the link below for more about this book.

A Fine, Fine School

Skulduggery Pleasant

Skulduggery Pleasant

Landry, D. (2007). Skulduggery Pleasant. NY: Crown.

Skulduggery Pleasant is the first book of a series of fantasy novels written by Derek Landry. The main characters is a skeleton detective who goes by the name Skulduggery Pleasant an a young girl named Stephanie Edgley (Valkyrie Cain). After Stephanie’s father dies and she is attacked and saved by Skulduggery, they team up and set out to stop the evil forces of the world and try to maintain inner struggles/demons.

Teamwork is an essential part this novel series. It entailes trust and understanding. This is a good read for middle school age children with a little challenge but easy to follow. Who wouldn't love a good adventure when the bad guys are caught by the good guys and justice is served?

The Nest

The Nest

 Oppel, K. (2015). The Nest, NY: Simon & Schuster.

Steven lives with his Mom, Dad, younger sister Nicole and newborn brother Theo. Unfortunately his baby brother was born with a rare congenital birth defects that require him to visit the hospital almost every day. His parents try to shield him and his sister from the seriousness of his condition.

Steve is an anxious kid who scares easily (sleep with covers over his head) and in my opinion suffering with OCD (washes hands often and reads the same list every night before bed). After being stung by a wasp (he hates wasps), he start having dreams about an angel-like wasp who speaks to him. Surprising, he finds her words comforting and she shows concern for his sick brother .As his dreams progress, the wasp’s motives become sinister. She wants to replace the baby Theo all together. Once this revelation comes, Steve is thrust into survival mode to save himself and his baby brother from the powerful wasp.

Click the link below for more about this book.

The Nest

Crenshaw

Crenshaw

Applegate, K.A. (2015). Crenshaw. NY: Feiwel and Friends.

Jackson and his family are no stranger to hard times and once again find themselves in survival mode. Little money for food and shelter, they are desperate and dread the reality of possibly living in their van. After a three year absence, Jackson’s imaginary friend Crenshaw returns. Crenshaw is a hugh purple cat, who walks on two legs and loves purple jellybeans. Through his resilence and vivid imagination, Jackson finds comfort in his old friend and is able to cope with all of life worries.

The book Crenshaw deals with the unfortunate reality of hunger and poverty. Applegate's approach to the topics are transparent and relatable to children of all ages.It is also a testament to how those faced with these hardships cope-even if its through an imaginary fat purple cat who loves purple jellybeans.

Click the below for more about this book.

Crenshaw

Rosa

Rosa

Giovanni, N. (2005). Rosa. NY: Henry Holt and Company.

On December 1, 1955 in Montgomery, Alabaham, Rosa Parks left work early with permission from her supervisor because they were ahead of schedule. She welcomes the idea. Her Mom was getting over the flu and she could surprise Raymond with his favorite meal-meatloaf. The bus arrived and Rosa got on. The section reserved for blacks was full, but the neutral part was not. A short while later she was asked to move to accommodate some white people (even though she had a right to sit there). When she refused, she was arrested. When news spread of her arrest, members of the Women’s Political Council took action. They met and devised a plan to undermine the law by boycotting the city bus (walk rather than ride the bus), enlisted the NAACP, solicited Reverend Martin Luther King to speak in support and they march all around Montgomery. Almost a year later, the Supreme Court of the United States ruled that segregation on buses was illegal.

I recommend this book to all ages as a source of inspiration, especially in the black community. Rosa Parks courage to stand up against that which was wrong changed laws and history. She reminded us all that second -class citizenship are just as much entitled to being treated as equal.

Click the link below for more about the author, Nikki Giovanni.

Nikki Giovanni

Books with similar themes:

Dear Mr. Henshaw

Dear Mr. Henshaw

Cleary, Beverly. (1983). Dear Mr. Henshaw. NY: Morrow Junior Books.

Leigh Botts is a ten year old who loves to read, loves his dog Bandit and enjoys writing. Leigh has a problem in school, someone is stealing all the good stuff from his lunchbox. As an assignment, Leigh has to write a fan letter to his favorite author. He chooses Mr. Henshaw. He continues to write to Mr. Henshaw even after the assignment for years. To Leigh’s pleasant surprise, Mr. Henshaw writes back. Throughout their correspondents, Mr. Henshaw gives Leigh lots of advice on his writings, family and even on how to solve his problem with the lunch bandit.

Beverly Cleary delivers another exceptional piece of literature for children. The relationship Leigh develops with Mr. Henshaw changes his life forever. During some of the most difficult struggles in his young life (parents divorce, absence of father, bullying…) his friendship with Mr. Henshaw helps him get through it all. A true testament to “friends through the thick and the thin”.

Click the link below for more about this book.

Dear Mr. Henshaw

Balloons Over Broadway

Balloons Over Broadway

Sweet, M. (2011). Balloons over broadway. New York, NY: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing.

Balloons Over Broadway is the story of puppeteer extraordinaire Tony Sarg. From a little boy, Tony loved figuring out how to make things move. As he got older, he became a marionette man.When he moved to New York City, he began performing on Broadway. The famous Macy’s Department Store heard about Tony and offered him a chance to design a “puppet parade” for the store’s holiday window. Needless to say it was a huge success! He was asked to put on a parade for the immigrant employees who would likely be missing their own holiday traditions. Along with the employees, people lined the streets to see the parade with the humongous life like balloons/puppets. The first parade was on Thanksgiving Day 1924. As he perfected his craft, what we know today about the attractions for the Macy’s Thanksgiving parade is the ingenious creations inspired by Tony Sarg.

A great book on using gifts and talents to change the world and make history. This book is a testament to dedication and creativity for all ages. Tony Sarg’s genius and love of how things move has afforded us one of the greatest American traditions and treasures-the helium balloons that have become a staple in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade every year.

Click the link below for more about this book.

Balloons Over Broadway

How they croaked: The awful ends of the awfully famous.

How they croaked: The awful ends of the awfully famous.

Bragg, G. (2011). How they croaked: The awful ends of the awfully famous. NY: Walker.

Life and death is a part of life. But when famous people die, we are especially curious about how they died just as much as how they lived. This book is not for the “faint of heart. How they croaked…..gives all the gory details. You will quickly appreciate all the modern technology and medicine after reading this selection.

Readers who enjoy gore, death and have a sense of humor will like this book. Georgia’s incoroporation of humor makes it a little light as not to scare the young or old too much. I recommend you sleep with the light on when you go to bed after this one!

Click the link below for more about this book.

How they croaked: The awful ends of the awfully famous.