Twins Maddie and Maddie and her twin sister Nat have discovered that when their Nana died, she left them something completely unique--a burden for theTwins Maddie and Maddie and her twin sister Nat have discovered that when their Nana died, she left them something completely unique--a burden for the ghosts of people stuck in the world and unable to move on. Nat embraces this gift, but Maddie resists until she is confronted with the unavoidable need to use it. When their town of Hush prepares to reenact a train crash that killed a significant number of passengers and crew from two trains, Maddie and Nat discover a sinister secret --that every 13 years at the reenactment, a 13-year-old born on Halloween disappears and is never found. With the help of a friend and a teacher whose own friend was lost, Maddie and Nat race to identify and break the curse on their town, help the ghosts of the train wreck, and save Maddie from her own disappearance. This book was expertly creepy! It was hard to put down as the author kept the suspense just bearable. ...more
Stella is looking forward to fifth grade with her two best friends Emilo and Latasha, especially since she has the coolest teacher in the school. LifeStella is looking forward to fifth grade with her two best friends Emilo and Latasha, especially since she has the coolest teacher in the school. Life takes a turn, though, when Stella discovers that the amount of reading for every class has increased and the number of illustrations has decreased. She just can't keep up. Even her delight in the class project dims when she realizes that it will not be art-based as in previous years, but writing-based instead. Stella struggles to enjoy school and even her close friendship begins to slip away. When Stella finally confides her struggles, she is diagnosed with dyslexia and begins to receive help. Her work load gradually becomes easier to manage and she begins to reconnect with her friends. This is a wonderful story of discovery, perseverence, and resilience and is a good explanation of dyslexia for those who don't understand how the brain works differently for some people. I thoroughly enjoyed reading about Stella's struggles and triumphs....more
A trio of kids go on a hunt in their hometown of Rockhurst for trolls. Along the way, they have many random adventures and discover that not everythinA trio of kids go on a hunt in their hometown of Rockhurst for trolls. Along the way, they have many random adventures and discover that not everything is always as it seems. I found the adventures quite random and not very funny although they seemed to be geared to comedy....more
Dexter Foreman has lived with his grandmother in a retirement community since he was six years old and has been educated by various residents of the cDexter Foreman has lived with his grandmother in a retirement community since he was six years old and has been educated by various residents of the community. One day, however, due to creative paperwork by Dex's grandmother, the truant officer discovers that Dex has never attended school. This is the beginning of Dex's journey in a public school with a building that is suffering from neglect. With his 80-year-old style of dress and outlook on life, Dex sticks out, but only becomes famous when he is expelled. As students begin taking sides, Dex uncovers a historical connection of the school to World War II code breakers and changes both school culture and the culture of the retirement community, just by being himself. This book is hilarious while making a case for kindness and common sense....more
Rutherford explores 25 lakes around the world and the unique aspects of each that make them unusual, from radioactivity to fresh water sharks, to the Rutherford explores 25 lakes around the world and the unique aspects of each that make them unusual, from radioactivity to fresh water sharks, to the bones of hundreds of people. The information about each lake also includes sidebar information that explains hydrology and aspects of the interconnectedness of the natural world....more
Amy, a Nissei, travels from Hawaii to Japan to represent her family as her great-grandmother, a former pearl diver, is ill. While Amy is in Japan, notAmy, a Nissei, travels from Hawaii to Japan to represent her family as her great-grandmother, a former pearl diver, is ill. While Amy is in Japan, not really fitting in, the Japanese bomb Pearl Harbor and war is declared. Amy is stuck in Japan, on the outskirts of Hiroshima with her family. Soon, however, the Japanese army requires Amy's services as a translator. Amy is reluctant until she learns that the President has ordered the internment of all Japanese-American citizens. Amy survives the end of the war and the bombing of Hiroshima and is reclaimed by the American occupation army, but her status remains in limbo. Amy wonders where she really belongs. This book tells a little-known aspect of American history....more
Liv had always been much closer to her grandfather than her grandmother. Now that her grandmother is moving into a retirement home, Liv feels this disLiv had always been much closer to her grandfather than her grandmother. Now that her grandmother is moving into a retirement home, Liv feels this distance a bit more keenly, especially when Bubbe won't speak about her childhood to help Liv with her social studies genealogy project. As Liv helps pack up her Bubbe's house, she gradually learns some family history that reaches back to the Dutch Resistance during World War II, and how much she resembles her Bubbe's older sister Hannie, who died in the war. Liv's delving into the family history through documents and snippets from her Bubbe helps her to clear up a mystery and heal an open wound from decades before. I found this book to be interesting, but with so many voices, a bit hard to keep track of the action....more
Bosco, through his defense of his owners' home, receives a place in the Expets, a group of pet superheroes. Bosco, though, is unsure of many things; dBosco, through his defense of his owners' home, receives a place in the Expets, a group of pet superheroes. Bosco, though, is unsure of many things; does he want to be a superhero, why is his costume so tight, and why is his superhero name Stanky Dog? Despite his misgivings, Stanky Dog accepts a mission to save all of the kittens from exile on the moon as the Expets' arch-nemesis has them digging for a collar of power. This lighthearted romp through superhero tropes is hilariously funny, but while poking fun, also examines the deeper question of what makes a hero. ...more
Quagmire is looking forward to his summer vacation before high school--he will be completely free of judgmental teachers and students--if only his motQuagmire is looking forward to his summer vacation before high school--he will be completely free of judgmental teachers and students--if only his mother can stay on track and not start spinning. Just as Quag is starting to make some friends at the Y, his mother spins out of control and they end up far from their home in New York, all the way into Nebraska. His mother is so far into her spin that she leaves Quag on the side of the road with her bag. In her bag, Quag finds her phone and a letter from an uncle he didn't know he had. He ends up living with his Uncle Jay and gradually learns to let go of his control so that he and his mom can get the help they need. Quagmire learns that not every adult is out to make trouble for him and that some adults and friends really can be a support....more
Rami is having a difficult time during spring break. His friends turned against him during sixth grade and he doesn't know why. A painting has been stRami is having a difficult time during spring break. His friends turned against him during sixth grade and he doesn't know why. A painting has been stolen from the museum where his mother works as a cleaner and is under suspicion for the theft. He has questions about his father whom he doesn't remember, but he doesn't know how to ask. Then, one day while he is at the museum, he sees a ghostly girl in front of the blank space where the missing portrait once hung. This sighting leads to a new friend and a solution to the mystery. Throw in a turtle who is also an artist, and you have an intriguing mystery....more
Millie and her stepsister Rose are on their own with their shared baby brother Sammy. All of their parents are now dead, either in the Flicker, a solaMillie and her stepsister Rose are on their own with their shared baby brother Sammy. All of their parents are now dead, either in the Flicker, a solar flare that devastated the Earth, or as a result of sickness or accident after the Flicker. Millie's one thought is to find her grandmother, a Seminole elder, whom she is convinced will know how to heal the Earth. Millie wants to learn all of her grandmother's wisdom, and, if she is honest, to be taken care of for awhile instead of being the one who has to take care of everyone else. Rose's goal is quite different; she wants to find the Sanctuary, a place of safety, which at the moment is just a voice on the radio speaking in code. Millie sets off with Sammy and a children's wagon of supplies without Rose, but Rose soon decides to follow. As the two girls meet others who are searching for family or for the Sanctuary, they must avoid the Hive, a group of people who hoard supplies and kill others to make sure they have what they think they need. Millie and Rose must figure out how they want to be in the world when devastation happens and who they want to be--they want to do more than just survive--they want to live...more
The agony of skipping a grade and not feeling ready is quite evident in Hunsinger's graphic novel. Tara falsely believes that all of the other ninth gThe agony of skipping a grade and not feeling ready is quite evident in Hunsinger's graphic novel. Tara falsely believes that all of the other ninth graders have their act together, but over time, and with the help of her new friend Libby who is one of the only other girls in her English class, finds that everyone is just trying to do the best they can. The emotions and thoughts Tara experiences are authentic and funny, especially her doom thinking, and the artwork lends itself to the alternating chaos and calm of Tara's life...more
Twins Page and Turner have free reign with their parents on a business trip and nanny on secret (from parents) vacation. However, the only place in NeTwins Page and Turner have free reign with their parents on a business trip and nanny on secret (from parents) vacation. However, the only place in New York City they can actually freely go, due to place location monitoring phone apps, is the New York Public Library. What begins as a simple question--How much is our father's first edition of Dracula worth?--turns into a funny, yet dangerous, nighttime romp through some of the most timeless children's stories of all with the Night Librarian, who is in charge of releasing pent-up magical energy from books to prevent dangerous explosions that could damage the library, the city, and perhaps more than that. Along the way, Turner comes into his own and Page learns to work with others. I loved the idea of this story and the many details and plot twists kept me reading, eager to see which fictional characters would make an appearance and how they would affect the outcome....more
Marcus McCalister isn't sure he wants to play soccer any longer, but he doesn't know how to change his life. Izzy Briggs wants to come out from under Marcus McCalister isn't sure he wants to play soccer any longer, but he doesn't know how to change his life. Izzy Briggs wants to come out from under her mother's dominating ways. They are required to work together for PE to produce a swing dance, but they don't trust each other and don't work together well, so they flunk and need to participate in the school talent show to make up their grade. Can each of them find their own voice in order to be who they want to be?...more
Sonnet is trying to adjust to life with her grandfather after she, her mother, and little sister moved in with him after her grandmother's death. ZekeSonnet is trying to adjust to life with her grandfather after she, her mother, and little sister moved in with him after her grandmother's death. Zeke is trying to live with his impossible-to-please father. When they team up to interview Sonnet's grandfather for a school project, the have conflicting ideas of how to proceed; Sonnet only wants happy memories because her grandfather is so sad, but Zeke wants to hear the stories the grandfather wants to tell. As the interviews proceed, a dark secret that has held sway over Sonnet's family for decades, and connected to the lone apple tree left from a formerly vast orchard, comes out. Sonnet and Zeke both learn the life lesson that the truth can be freeing. ...more
Ainy is excited for school to be over so that she can work at her mother's shop. She hopes her mother will let her design clothes for her one-of-a-kinAiny is excited for school to be over so that she can work at her mother's shop. She hopes her mother will let her design clothes for her one-of-a-kind tailored creations. Not much turns out how she expects, though. Ainy finds out that with her father in Pakistan caring for her grandmother through her cancer treatment that money is tights. Not only that, her older sister suddenly stops wearing her hijab and won't talk about why. A boy from school starts harassing her both in person and in text. Her best friend has her own problems and Ainy doesn't feel that she can add to them. She decides to start wearing hijab to deter the boy, but that just brings a host of other problems. Finally, Ainy is able to confide her troubles to her mother and sister, and things take a turn for the better. This book explores one girl's journey to discover how to truly be herself and make her voice heard. ...more
Team Chu is back in another adventure, this time with a ghost at the center. Iggy's cat Tuba, now a media sensation wearing his sister's amazing fashiTeam Chu is back in another adventure, this time with a ghost at the center. Iggy's cat Tuba, now a media sensation wearing his sister's amazing fashion creations, is due to compete in a pet show at Spooky World, a family-friendly Halloween theme park. Events quickly spiral out of control as Tuba takes every opportunity to follow the local ghost, the Weeping Lady. Iggy, along with his friends Clip and Sadie Chu and others meet Tess, daughter of the park's manager. Together, they solve the mystery of the Weeping Lady and work out friendship issues along the way. This is the third book in the series. All of them have been enjoyable reads....more
Alex Sherlock's summer vacation stretches out before him with not much to do--until his older sister Zoe, angry that her parents wouldn't send her to Alex Sherlock's summer vacation stretches out before him with not much to do--until his older sister Zoe, angry that her parents wouldn't send her to camp with her best friends, suggests starting a detective agency along with Alex's friends Yadi and Lina. They persuade their grandfather, a retired newspaper reporter, to be their driver. Sadly, Alex and Zoe's mother, a lawyer, shuts them down before they start. With no avenues open, their grandfather brings them to his storage unit crammed full of past notes and unfinished stories. From them, they choose a mystery to solve, which leads them into a dangerous world of counterfeiting, fraud, and environmental destruction. This book is fast-paced and filled with twists to keep the reader guessing until the very end about whether justice will prevail. I am looking forward to reading more books in the series....more
Animals have always been drawn to Christopher. When he takes a trip to visit his grandfather in the wilds of Scotland, sent away by his father, he litAnimals have always been drawn to Christopher. When he takes a trip to visit his grandfather in the wilds of Scotland, sent away by his father, he little dreams that he will learn so much more of the world than he ever knew existed. When mythical animals begin to appear, Christopher is drawn into a world where the essence of greed is polluting the very soil and water, and where, by his efforts, he can help his new friend Mal save both her world and his at the same time. Christopher's story, and Mal's story, is one of bravery and self-denial in order to serve the greater good, despite any loss that might ensue. Despite the obvious overtones of the urgent and immediate need to change humankind's approach to our planet,this book was a page turner--the continuing story made it difficult to put down--and not preachy. ...more