MIDDLE READER ages 7-12
Rain Reign by Ann Martin. Rose, a high functioning autistic
10 year-old, does her best to cope in a world that doesn’t always
make sense to her. Rose’s voice subtly illustrates her extraordinary
challenges. Enlightening, compassionate, with insights into the inner
world of anyone who struggles as Rose does. ~
Jennifer Canfield
The Eye of Zoltar: Chronicles of Kazam #3 by Jasper Fforde.
Need a tree moved or drain fixed? Call Kazam Mystical Arts. Manager
Jennifer Strange, age 16, will send you a wizard. Magic isn’t powerful,
but it’s growing. When the dragons are threatened again, she must
find the Eye of Zoltar to save them. ~
Leah Moore
The Ice Dragon by George R. R. Martin. An exquisite story
about a girl and her ice dragon thrown into a great and terrible war.
For readers interested in fantasy, violent-ish stories or dark fairy tales.
A great read-aloud, though perhaps not before bed! Game of Thrones
fans will adore the illustrations. ~
Aubrey Resifo
Cartwheeling in Thunderstorms by Katherine Rundell.
This coming-of-age story follows the journey of Wilhelmina Silver.
If you like Pippi Longstocking, you will love the antics, originality
and bravery of this young girl’s journey from the wilds of Africa to
the streets of London. ~ Sally Leonard
Half a World Away by Cynthia Kadohata. Adopted at age
eight, Jaden doesn’t know why or how his parents love him – and
now they’re adopting a new baby. He has rages, starts fires in the
house. Then he starts to see himself and the new baby differently. A
moving, heartwarming story for teens and tweens. ~
Aubrey Restifo
The Book of Storms by Ruth Hatfield. After a terrible
storm, Danny’s parents go missing. In a lightening-struck tree he
finds a taro, heart of the storm, which grants the power to speak with
animals and plants, but he has no idea of the dangers ahead. Great
for Percy Jackson fans! ~
Leah Moore (1/15 pub date - preorder yours!)
TODDLERS
Just Right for Two by Tracey Corderoy, illus.
by Rosalind Beardshaw. Dog has all that
he needs - or does he? Charming art features
cheerful round forms, bright colors and gold foil
highlights on the cover, making it a special treat
for the under-five crowd. A sweet story about
friendship and sharing ~
Jennifer Armstrong
Sam and Dave Dig a Hole by Mac Barnett &
Jon Klassen. This dynamic award-winning
duo is back and better than ever! Pay close attention
as the boys dig for treasure. The words
tell one story and the charming pictures another.
Hilarious! ~
Whitney Kaaz
What’s in My Truck? by Linda Bleck. Travel through the pages of this colorful
board book, lift the many flaps to peek inside all
sorts of trucks to see what surprises are inside!
~ Patti Vunk
PICTURE BOOKS
Little Humans by
Brandon Stanton. It’s tempting
to yell “Hipster
Alert!” but the
pictures are too
good, the intent too
sympathetic. Stanton has sifted out the children
from his popular Humans of New York
blog: superheroes, fashionistas, lap-sitters
and huggers of all colors. Text celebrates
the potential in all humans, big and little.
~
Jennifer Armstrong
Red Knit Cap Girl
and the Reading
Tree by Naoko Stoop. Red Knit Cap
Girl and her forest
friends turn a hollow
tree into a library.
Everyone donates
books and blankets. Soon it becomes a
place for the whole forest to enjoy. A story
of friendship for book-lovers of all ages!
~
Leah Moore
Hunters of the
Great Forest by Dennis Nolan. You’ll relish
this wordless
picture book of
little people on
a big adventure, braving many dangers to
bring home a great treasure. Youngsters
can make up the story studying all the
details in the illustrations, which play with
scale and point of view to wonderful effect.
~
Jennifer Armstrong
A Letter for Leo by
Sergio Ruzzier.
A gentle story about
loneliness, friendship
and the genuine
pleasure of snail mail
- tangible proof that
someone we miss is
thinking of us. Share
this with a grandchild, then start exchanging
real letters. Illustrated with a sweet, wistful
palette that matches the tone of the story
perfectly. ~
Jennifer Armstrong
The Farmer
and the Clown by Marla Frazee. This wordless
story follows a
surprising friendship
between a farmer
and a clown who has fallen off his circus
train. Lovely pictures illustrate their brief
adventure together, leading up to the day
that “home” rolls back into town. Endearing
and spot-on! ~
Aubrey Restifo
Viva Frida by Yuyi
Morales, Tim O’Meara. This celebration
of Frida Kahlo will take
your breath away. The
bilingual text is minimal
but offers a glimpse
of the creative spirit.
The illustrations are a combination of puppets
and paintings in such vivid colors that
you will come back again and again. Joyful!
~
Jennifer Armstrong
The Mouse Mansion by Karina Schaapman. Short vignettes
featuring Sam and Julia
and their adventures.
This is no ordinary
dollhouse; built to
scale by the author with
over 100 rooms, this is
a world unto itself. ~
Jessica Wood
Wonderment by Lisbeth
Zwerger. Lisbeth
Zwerger is a highly
regarded illustrator
who has garnered many
awards including the
coveted Hans Christian
Anderson medal for
lifetime achievement.
This lovely collection showcases her unique
style with wit and flair. ~
Jessica Wood