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Manushkin, Fran. NO MORE TEASING
Manushkin, Fran. NO MORE TEASINGNew York : Picture Window Books, 2010IL K-3, RL 1.9ISBN 1404854924Have you ever had a bully in your class who makes fun of everything you do? In Miss Winkles’ class, Roddy laughs when Katie falls in the mud and scrapes her knee. He calls her “goopy face” when she gets tomato sauce on her nose and cheeks. Katie Woo figures out how to stop Roddy’s bullying by discovering something amazing at school. After you read and find out what makes Katie happy, you might want to check the “Having Fun with Katie Woo” section and create your own craft with a friend. (Pennsylvania Young Reader's Choice Awards, 2011-2012)
Sunday, August 07, 2011
Today's Podcast 08/07/2011
Saturday, August 06, 2011
Today's Podcast 08/06/2011
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Lewis, J. Patrick. SPOT THE PLOT : A RIDDLE BOOK OF BOOK RIDDLES
Lewis, J. Patrick. SPOT THE PLOT : A RIDDLE BOOK OF BOOK RIDDLESNew York : Chronicle Books, 2009IL K-3, RL 2.5ISBN 0811846687Do you like a good riddle? Do storybooks give you a thrill? Are you one of those people who can’t resist a fun challenge? Then Spot the Plot is the book for you! Each page holds a brightly colored clue-filled illustration and a rhyming riddle poem about an unnamed story. Be a story sleuth and help our two young detectives figure out which tale it could be. Just when you think you know them all, the author throws in a few tricky ones. So be on the alert. But don’t fret. If you’re really stuck, the answers are provided at the end (no peeking!) (Pennsylvania Young Reader's Choice Awards, 2011-2012)
Friday, August 05, 2011
Today's Podcast 08/05/2011
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Howe, James. HORACE AND MORRIS SAY CHEESE (WHICH MAKES DOLORES SNEEZE!)
Howe, James. HORACE AND MORRIS SAY CHEESE (WHICH MAKES DOLORES SNEEZE!)New York : Atheneum Books for Young Readers, 2009IL K-3, RL 2.4ISBN 0689839405These mice pals are busy creating scrapbooks about their favorite food, cheese, and looking forward to the Everything Cheese festival when tragedy strikes! A sneezy Dolores all covered in itchy bumps after eating cheese presents a problem. The doc says no cheese, but it seems like the whole world is talking about it, eating it, AND flaunting it. Dolores is miserable until she figures out a solution that works for her. She starts with an experiment and – well, see for yourself how it ends. (Pennsylvania Young Reader's Choice Awards, 2011-2012)
Thursday, August 04, 2011
Today's Podcast 08/04/2011
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Grimes, Nikki. MAKE WAY FOR DYAMONDE DANIEL
Grimes, Nikki. MAKE WAY FOR DYAMONDE DANIELNew York : Putnam's, 2009IL K-3, RL 3.6ISBN 0399251758Dyamonde Daniel is irrepressible! – feisty! – determined! When she and her mom move to a new section of New York City, Dyamonde is determined to find a new best friend. She misses her old neighborhood and all her friends, especially Alisha, but she is determined to find that new best friend. No one could be less likely choice than the new boy, Free. He is rude and mean to everyone. After he scares another third grader, Dyamonde finally confronts him. What will happen? Will Free change his ways? Will Dyamonde find a new best friend? Could it be one of the three Ts – Tanya, Tylisha and Tameeka or could it be Free? (Pennsylvania Young Reader's Choice Awards, 2011-2012)
Tuesday, August 02, 2011
Today's Podcast 08/02/2011
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Fucile, Tony. LET'S DO NOTHING
Fucile, Tony. LET'S DO NOTHINGSomerville, MA : Candlewick Press, 2009IL K-3, RL 1.9ISBN 0763634409“What do you want to do?” “I don’t know. What do you want to do?” Two friends, Frankie and Sal have done it all: played every board game, baked oodles of cookies, read every comic book, invented every sport. But hey, there’s one thing they haven’t tried. Ten seconds of doing nothing. Nothing. No talking. No moving. Ever tried it? Think Frankie and Sal can pull it off? It might be harder than you think. (Pennsylvania Young Reader's Choice Awards, 2011-2012)
Sunday, July 31, 2011
Today's Podcast 07/31/2011
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Chin. Jason. REDWOODSNew York : Flash Point, 2009IL K-3, RL 5.3ISBN 1596434309If you can’t visit the redwood forest in California any time soon, reading this carefully researched book is the next best thing. In a mixture of fact and fantasy, a boy riding the subway finds a book about redwoods. Did you know that redwoods can “make their own rain” or that these trees can live more than 2,000 years and get more than 200 feet tall? As the boy reads and learns about the “oldest trees in the world,” he finds himself magically transported to a redwood forest. Read this book and join him as he explores the forest, shoots arrows, and climbs hundreds of feet in the air. (Pennsylvania Young Reader's Choice Awards, 2011-2012)
Saturday, July 30, 2011
Today's Podcast 07/30/2011
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Pennypacker, Sara. THE MOUNT RUSHMORE CALAMITY
Pennypacker, Sara. THE MOUNT RUSHMORE CALAMITYNew York : Harper, 2009IL K-3, RL 3.5ISBN 0061429910Flattened by a bulletin during the night not long ago, Stanley Lambchop and his younger brother Arthur and their mom and dad get ready for a family vacation. They’re heading to South Dakota to see Mount Rushmore. The two brothers have one Wild West adventure after another as they meet Calamity Jasper, the park ranger’s daughter. They join her in a search for gold in an abandoned mine when a cave-in traps Calamity Jasper. Will Stanley be able to put his flatness to good use and save her? Do they find any gold? Read this book to go on a trip out West with Flat Stanley and his family to find out. (Pennsylvania Young Reader's Choice Awards, 2011-2012)
Friday, July 29, 2011
Today's Podcast 07/29/2011
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Blue, Rose. RON'S BIG MISSIONNew York : Dutton Children's Books, 2009IL K-3, RL 2.7ISBN 0525478493Ron is the best customer at the Lake City Public Library – almost. He can read as long as he wants to and as many books as he wants to, under one condition. He has to keep all the books in the library and is not allowed to check any of them out. He knows why, and he doesn’t think it’s fair! Ron is not allowed to check any of the books out of the library because his skin color is black, and only white people are allowed to have a library card. One day when Ron is 9 years old, he has a plan to change all that, but when his momma and the police are called, will Ron’s plan work or get him in even worse trouble? This story is based on a true event from the childhood of shuttle astronaut Ron McNair. (Pennsylvania Young Reader's Choice Awards, 2011-2012)
Thursday, July 28, 2011
Today's Podcast 07/28/2011
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Barton, Chris. SHARK VS. TRAIN
Barton, Chris. SHARK VS. TRAINBoston : Little, Brown, 2010IL K-3, RL 4.4ISBN 0316007625
Do you like sharks? Do you like trains? Do you like contests? If yes, then this book will surely make you smile. The imaginations of two young boys kick into overdrive when they rummage through their toy box and pull out a shark and train. Immediately, the toys transform into a ferocious looking shark and a powerful locomotive train who battle it out in some really cool contests. Who, they wonder, would be the winner roasting marshmallows, burping, high diving or on a seesaw? Readers will especially love when shark and train are thrown into truly ridiculous contests where neither could ever possibly win. Who would take the prize in a piano recital? (Neither have any hands!) The wonderfully silly pictures, dialog and crazy contests will leave you laughing out loud and ready to do battle with toys of your own. (Pennsylvania Young Reader's Choice Awards, 2011-2012)
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
Today's Podcast 07/20/2011
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Singleton, Linda Joy. DEAD GIRL WALKING
Singleton, Linda Joy. DEAD GIRL WALKINGNew York : Flux, 2008IL YAISBN 0738714054Amber has big plans. She wants to be a talent agent after school. She reads every self help book she can find to prepare her for the life she imagines she will live. She has made friends with a new girl in school hoping this may be the opening into the world of the rich and powerful. When she overhears the girls talking about her and making fun of her, she is understandably upset and discouraged. But things start to look up again when she receives a letter in the mail saying she has won a full scholarship to a California college! Walking to her house to share her news, the unthinkable happens. She is hit by the mail truck. When she wakes up, she is surprised to see her dead grandmother. And her dead dog! She learns that she has been in a serious accident and she has to decide whether she wants to stay with her grandmother or go back into her body. As much as she wants to stay, she knows that she has to go. Unfortunately, she makes a wrong turn on the way back and ends up in someone else's body!
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Today's Podcast 07/19/2011
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Bloomfield, Kevin. MR. BIGGS IN THE CITY
Bloomfield, Kevin. MR. BIGGS IN THE CITYMcHenry, IL : Raven Tree Press, 2011IL K-3, RL 2.3ISBN 1936299267Mr. Biggs is just your average Sasquatch. He is out exploring when he spots the city. He decides to visit the city to find out what fun things are going on. He tries to ride a bicycle. He gets a haircut. He even tries ballet but nothing he does is fun. Will he ever find anything fun to do in the city?
Monday, July 18, 2011
Today's Podcast 07/18/2011
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Bertrand, Diane Gonzales. THE PARK OUR TOWN BUILT
Bertrand, Diane Gonzales. THE PARK OUR TOWN BUILTMcHenry, IL : Raven Tree Press, 2011IL K-3, RL 3.9ISBN 1936299143Do you have a nice park to play in near your home? The mayor of this city wants to create a nice park for the children. And who better to help him but the children themselves? Find out about all the things that go in to planning and building a park.
Sunday, July 17, 2011
Today's Podcast 07/17/2011
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Bacigalupi, Paolo. SHIP BREAKER
In a future world, we meet Nailer. Nailer works as a ship breaker. These are teens who take recycling to the ultimate. He lives in a world where fossil fuels have been used up, the oceans have ravaged cities on the coast and the world has been divided by the haves and have notes. Many ships have been wrecked off the Gulf Coast and Nailer's crew takes on the dangerous task of climbing in to the dead ships and salvaging anything they can. From copper pipe to pools of oil, it is dangerous work and one where the smaller you are, the further you can go inside the ships. After a severe storm, Nailer and his friend find a "swank" boat that has been wrecked in the storm. Thinking that his fortune has been made, things don't go as planned when they discover a young girl alive in the wreckage.
Saturday, July 16, 2011
Today's Podcast 07/16/2011
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Zalben, Jane Breskin. FOUR SEASONS
Zalben, Jane Breskin. FOUR SEASONSNew York : Knopf, 2011IL 5-8, RL 5.3ISBN 0375862226Anyone who has taken music lessons knows how much work is involved. As you become more serious about your music, the commitment grows. Allegra Katz is wondering if she has what it takes to be a great musician. She goes to Julliard's precollege program and a summer camp in Vermont. Does she want to keep this up? Or would life be better if she were just a normal kid with free time to do what teens do?
Friday, July 15, 2011
Today's Podcast 07/15/2011
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Wynne-Jones, Tim. BLINK & CAUTION
Wynne-Jones, Tim. BLINK & CAUTIONSomerville : Candlewick Press, 2011IL YAISBN 0763639834Two homeless teens are living the hard life. Blink is hanging around a hotel lobby ready to sneak in to grab food from the room service trays left in the hallways. He stumbles on a kidnapping in progress. Actually it's a fake kidnapping. In another part of the city, Caution has just run away from her drug dealing abusive boyfriend. The two meet and pair up to investigate the kidnapping of a businessman. They hope to be able to get lots of money as part of the scheme. But you know things almost never turn out as we plan.
Thursday, July 14, 2011
Today's Podcast 07/14/2011
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Voigt, Cynthia. YOUNG FREDLENew York : Knopf, 2011IL 3-6, RL 4.7ISBN 0375864571Fredle is a young mouse who lives in the wall in a farmhouse kitchen. He is living the life. Until the owner finds him living there. She captures him and releases him outdoors. Fredle has never been outside before and doesn't know what to make of his new surroundings. He knows he doesn't like it and wants to find his way back into the warm kitchen. Now he faces raptors and raccoons and other dangers he had never known. He does make a couple of friends along the way and shows us a mouse-eye view of the world he finds himself in.
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
Today's Podcast 07/13/2011
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Tracy, Kristen. THE REINVENTION OF BESSICA LEFTER
Tracy, Kristen. THE REINVENTION OF BESSICA LEFTERNew York : Delacorte Press, 2011IL 5-8, RL 5.6ISBN 0385736886Haven't we all imagined thowing off our old self and emerging as a reinvented, better person? Well Bessica certainly does. She wants to leave her old self behind in elementary school and emerge as a new person to start middle school. And it is just not going to work out so well. From a disastrous trip to the hairdressers, to the loss of her best friend, middle school is not going so great for her. Bessica encounters many of the middle school cliches but we find the humor in these events. Will she be able to survive her new self?
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
Today's Podcast 07/12/2011
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Snyder, Laurel. PENNY DREADFUL
Snyder, Laurel. PENNY DREADFULNew York : Random House, 2010IL 3-6, RL 5.2ISBN 0375861998Reminiscence of the Betsy Tacy stories, we meet 9 year old Penelope Grey who is living a lovely life. Her parents have money and she lives in a mansion with servants and anything she wants. When her father tells the family he has quit his job, she is in shock. Quit?? What are they going to do? Well, her mother has inherited a house in Thrush Junction, Tennessee and they are moving there. Little do they know that the house has a huge mortgage and there are borders who have been allowed to stay. What new life awaits Penny? Will it really be dreadful?
Monday, July 11, 2011
Today's Podcast 07/11/2011
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Smiley, Jane. A GOOD HORSENew York : Knopf, 2010IL 5-8, RL 4.3ISBN 0375862293This book is really aimed at the horse lover. Set in the 1960s, Abby loves horses and everything that goes along with horses. The horse she worked with in the last book has been sold and now she is working with Black George who loves to jump. Black George will probably attract offers when he wins first place in a jumping contest. The other horse Abby is working with is Jack who she may lose for another reason. There is some doubt who really owns Jack.
Sunday, July 10, 2011
Today's Podcast 07/10/2011
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Shefelman, Janice Jordan. ANNA MARIA'S GIFT
Shefelman, Janice Jordan. ANNA MARIA'S GIFTNew York : Random, 2010IL 3-6, RL 3.6ISBN 0375858814Set in 18th century Venice, we meet Anna Maria, the daughter of a nenowned violin maker. A dying wish was that Anna Maria go to the Pieta Orphanage where she will be able to study violin with none other than Antonio Vivaldi. But things are not wonderful for her. A rival violinist takes Anna Maria's violin and throws it in the canal. Will she ever be able to get over the loss of her father's gift to her?
Saturday, July 09, 2011
Today's Podcast 07/09/2011
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Roth, Veronica. DIVERGENTNew York : Katherine Tegen Books, 2011IL YAISBN 0062024027So which faction do you think you belong in? Abnegation who believe service to others is their calling, Candor who can speak only the truth, Erudite who value intellect above every thing else, Amity who believe friendship is paramount, or Dauntless who value fearlessness and courage. In a distant future, these factions rule the country. On your 16th birthday, you must chose your faction. You can stay in the faction you were born into or choose a new one. Your aptitude test determines your choice. But what happens if the test results aren't clear? What happens if you are Divergent? And your choice may lead to being involved in something that may change your world forever.
Friday, July 08, 2011
Today's Podcast 07/08/2011
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Reichs, Kathy. VIRALSNew York : Razorbill, 2011IL YAISBN 1595144269Tory Brennan is not happy about having to leave New England after her mother's death. But here she is living on an island in South Carolina with her marine biologist father she doesn't even know. She meets a group of kids who love science and are also stuck on this island. They investigate the island and find some dog-tags from a missing person. As they are investigating the disappearance, they are exposed to a virus that leaves them with heightened senses. Just what is going on here?
Thursday, July 07, 2011
Today's Podcast 07/07/2011
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Parry, Rosanne. SECOND FIDDLENew York : Random House, 2011IL 3-6, RL 5.6ISBN 0375861963The year is 1990, just after the fall of the Berlin Wall. Eighth grade friends Jody, Giselle and Vivian are living is Berlin and facing the day they will be separated as their parents are reassigned. They are really looking forward to a trip to Paris for a music competition. It will be a great way to celebrate their friendship. When the music teacher cancels the trip, the girls are devastated. After the girls witness a brutal attack on a Soviet soldier, they decide to take the trip anyway -- and save the soldier. He disguises himself as their teacher and they set off to Paris. But you just know that this trip will not go as planned.
Wednesday, July 06, 2011
Today's Podcast 07/06/2011
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Oliver, Lauren. DELIRIUMNew York : Harper, 2011IL YAISBN 0061726826Sometimes it may appear that love is a disease but in this novel it has been classified as a disease to be cured. Called amor deliria nervosa, it is cured by an operation that everyone undergoes on their 18th birthday. Lena is just 95 days from her surgery and is looking forward to being happy and safe forever. Her mother had not been able to be cured and had commited suicide. But then she meets Alex.
Tuesday, July 05, 2011
Today's Podcast 07/05/2011
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Newbery, Linda. LUCY AND THE GREEN MAN
Newbery, Linda. LUCY AND THE GREEN MANNew York : David Fickling Books, 2010IL 3-6, RL 4.0ISBN 0385752040I could certainly use the Green Man of this story. Grandpa's garden is amazing and he claims that the Green Man, Lob is the reason why it is so wonderful. Most people just chalk up Lob as a product of Grandpa's imagination. But Lucy doesn't believe that. She wants to believe that Lob is real and when Grandpa dies, Lucy prays that Lob will find her. What will happen when Grandpa's house is sold and the garden razed? Will that be the end of Lob?
Monday, July 04, 2011
Today's Podcast 07/04/2011
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Monninger, Joseph. FINDING SOMEWHERE
Monninger, Joseph. FINDING SOMEWHERENew York : Delacorte, 2011IL YAISBN 0385739427A new coming of age novel by Joe Monninger. BFFs Hattie and Delores can't help but feel that their small New Hampshire town is the dullest of the dull. When they come across an old horse that is about to be put down, the adventure begins. They deicde to find a way to save Speed. They pack up and drive west trying to find a place for him to be free. What they find along the way change them forever.
Sunday, July 03, 2011
Today's Podcast 07/03/2011
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Menzies, Britt. STINKYKIDS AND THE RUNAWAY SCISSORS
Menzies, Britt. STINKYKIDS AND THE RUNAWAY SCISSORSMcHenry, IL : Raven Tree Press, 2001IL K03, RL 2.4ISBN 1936402025Britt is looking forward to her playdate with her friends but she has a really big problem. She doesn't want her mother to know about it. Mother might cancel the playdate. When she gets to Julie's house, she lets the kids in on her big secret. Can they find a way to help her? Or will the make things worse by trying to solve it on their own?
Saturday, July 02, 2011
Today's Podcast 07/02/2011
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MacDonald, Betty Bard. NANCY AND PLUM
MacDonald, Betty Bard. NANCY AND PLUMNew York : Knopf, 2010IL 3-6, RL 5.5ISBN 037586685XOriginally published in 1952, this story will still appeal to 21st century children. Nancy and her sister Plum are orphans who are sent to live at Mrs. Monday's Boarding Home for Children. Life is hard for the girls but they are determined not to let it get to them. They daydream about having the perfect Christmas and having a family to call their own. That's not too much to hope for, is it?
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Marrin, Albert. FLESH & BLOOD SO CHEAP : THE TRIANGLE FIRE AND ITS LEGACY
Marrin, Albert. FLESH & BLOOD SO CHEAP : THE TRIANGLE FIRE AND ITS LEGACYNew York : Knopf, 2011IL 5-8, RL 7.1ISBN 0375868895In 1911, a fire in a factory would change the fashion industry forever. Young girls spent their days sewing the latest fashion but they worked under poor conditions. Girls as young as 14, most of them recent immigrants were forced to work in unsafe workrooms and harsh rules. If they didn't follow the rules, they would be gone and a new girl hired. When a fire broke out in the room, the fleeing girls found locked doors and guards who refused to let them leave. Imagine trying to make the choice between jumping from the building and staying to burn. Pair this book up with Haddix's Uprising.
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Today's Podcast 06/30/2011
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Laird, Elizabeth. THE BETRAYAL OF MAGGIE BLAIR
Laird, Elizabeth. THE BETRAYAL OF MAGGIE BLAIRNew York : Houghton Mifflin, 2011IL YAISBN 0547341261In 17th century Scotland, 16 year old Maggie and her grandmother are living is utter poverty. Her grandmother is a grumpy woman who curses the neighbors. When a neighbor child dies, the town turns on the two women and declare them witches and sentences them to be hung. Maggie is able to escape and is taken in by her uncle's family. But has Maggie found herself in yet another bad position? Her uncle is a Convenanter, a righteous brand of Scottish Presbyterian who refuses to recognize England's rule.
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Today's Podcast 06/29/2011
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Krosoczka, Jarrett. LUNCH LADY AND THE BAKE SALE BANDIT
Krosoczka, Jarrett. LUNCH LADY AND THE BAKE SALE BANDITNew York : Knopf, 2010IL 3-6, RL 2.8ISBN 037596729XThe Lunch Lady is back. Along with her students Dee, Hector and Terrence, they are trying to find out who stole from the bake sale. Is it the health teacher? Or the grumpy janitor? The mean bus driver? Think you can figure it out before the Breakfast Bunch? Give it a try.
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Today's Podcast 06/28/2011
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Kelley, Jane. NATURE GIRLNew York : Random House, 2010IL 3-6, RL 3.9ISBN 037585634XMegan is not what you would call and outdoorsy type of girl. When her parents drag her to Vermont for the summer, she hates the whole thing. She is bored and wants to go back to Massachusetts to be with her best friend whose mother is ill. When Megan and her sister go for a walk in the woods, Megan loses sight of her sister and is lost. She doesn't panic and looks at this as an opportunity. She'll just hike to Massachusetts and see her friend. But can a city girl equipped with a few peanut butter sandwiches, some tofu and a copy of My Side of the Mountain find her way in the woods alone?
Monday, June 27, 2011
Today's Podcast 06/27/2011
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Jarkins, Sheila. THE ADVENTURES OF MARCO FLAMINGO IN THE JUNGLE
Jarkins, Sheila. THE ADVENTURES OF MARCO FLAMINGO IN THE JUNGLEMcHenry, IL : Raven Tree Press, 2011IL K-3, RL 2.5ISBN 1936299208It's Marco Flamingo's birthday! His friends give him lots of wonderful gifts. But Marco is really hoping for a special one. And Elephant comes through. Marco is going on a jungle adventure! He travels to the jungle and meets lots of new friends. Come on along as Marco Flamingo visits the jungle.
Sunday, June 26, 2011
Today's Podcast 06/26/2011
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Hurwitz, Michele Weber. CALLI BE GOLD
Hurwitz, Michele Weber. CALLI BE GOLDNew York : Wendy Lamb Books, 2011IL 3-6, RL 5.6ISBN 0385739702Calli is definitely the child of helicopter parents. They want all their children to have a passion that they pursue. Alex is a basketball star but Calli thinks her dad is more passionate about it than her brother. Becca is a figure skater who may not enjoy it as much as she says. But Calli is not going to be pressured into doing something she is not passionate about. And she surely is not going to shine in the athletic world. When she meets a second grader with many problems, Calli may just have found her passion.
Saturday, June 25, 2011
Today's Podcast 06/25/2011
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This tall story is told from the alternating perspectives of Bernardo, a boy from the Philippines who suffers from gigantism and his sister Andi, a pint-size aspiring basketball player. Bernardo was left behind when his mother emigrated to the UK. Although the locals believe that this is a folk hero who protects the town from earthquakes, he believes he has been cursed by the local witches. When he travels to the UK to be reunited with his mother, he is nervous about people seeing him as a freak. And Andi is worried about having her older brother living there and starting a new school.
Friday, June 24, 2011
Today's Podcast 06/24/2011
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Gephart, Donna. HOW TO SURVIVE MIDDLE SCHOOL
Gephart, Donna. HOW TO SURVIVE MIDDLE SCHOOLNew York : Delacorte Press, 2010IL 5-8, RL 4.6ISBN 0385737939As the prospect of middle school looms large, David Greenberg laments how bad he has it. His mom is gone and not coming back. His best friend Elliott is acting weird and they are now ex-friends. And he is quickly becoming the target of bullies. But that may all change with the help of Hammy -- his pet hamster -- and the new girl at school. And the inspiration of Jon Stewart. For fans of The Daily Show and iCarly, this is the tale of how instant media can change our lives.
Thursday, June 23, 2011
Today's Podcast 06/23/2011
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Vanderpool, Clare. MOON OVER MANIFEST
Vanderpool, Clare. MOON OVER MANIFESTNew York : Delacorte, 2010IL 5-8, RL 5.3ISBN 0385907508She isn't sure why her father has sent her to Manifest. Why can't she continue to ride the rails with him? Things have been good. But now she is in a strange town and trying to figure out what is happening to her life. She soon finds herself investigating a mystery. With the help of her new friends, Abilene learns about immigrants, newspapers, World War I, and deep seeded secrets.
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Today's Podcast 06/22/2011
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Stracher, Cameron. WATER WARSNew York : Sourcebooks Fire, 2011IL YAISBN 1402243693Imagine a world in the future. A world with little water. It started when the polar caps melted. Then Canada dammed the rivers leaving the midwest with little water. Now it is almost impossible to get fresh water. Vera and her family have to depend on purchasing desalinated water. The water is not really a substitute for the real thing. As a matter of fact, Vera's mother is very ill and Vera and her brother blame the water. When Vera meets the mysterious Kai, she experiences a very different life. Kai's family has plenty of water and Kai even shows her a secret spot where there is fresh water. But when Kai is kidnapped, Vera and her brother face dangers they have never imagined.
Saturday, June 18, 2011
Today's Podcast 06/18/2011
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Fusco, Kimberly Newton. THE WONDER OF CHARLIE ANNE
Fusco, Kimberly Newton. THE WONDER OF CHARLIE ANNENew York : Knopf, 2010IL 3-6, RL 5.4ISBN 0375861041This story takes place during the Great Depression and Charlie Anne has her own great depression to get through. Her mother has died. Her father and brother have moved north looking for work. And she is stuck living with cousin Mirabel. Charlie Anne's life now revolves around chores and reading Charm and Fine Manners. The endless, endless chores. Laundry so heavy she can barely lift it onto the line. And no end in sight. Until Phoebe moves in next door. Phoebe is the ward of the unusual Rosalyn who volunteers to open the school and act as the teacher. With Phoebe's friendship to help, Charlie Anne's life may not be so bad after all. There is more to life than vinegar pie.
Friday, June 17, 2011
Today's Podcast 06/17/2011
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Forman, Gayle. WHERE SHE WENTNew York : Dutton Books, 2011IL YAISBN 0525422943It's been three years since Mia was seriously injured in a crash that took the lives of her family. This time the story is told from the point of view of Mia's former boyfriend, Adam. Still reeling from the break-up, Adam tries to move on. He has a successful rock band and a hit album. But he can't get Mia out of his mind. When he learns that Mia will be performing at Carnegie Hall, he buys a ticket and gets a night of conversation, arguments and a reconnection from the past.
Thursday, June 16, 2011
Today's Podcast 06/16/2011
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Fleming, Candace. AMELIA LOST : THE LIFE AND DISAPPEARANCE OF AMELIA EARHART
Fleming, Candace. AMELIA LOST : THE LIFE AND DISAPPEARANCE OF AMELIA EARHARTNew York : Schwartz & Wade, 2011IL 5-8, RL 5.5ISBN 0375841989The story of Amelia Earhart is a fascinating one. She was a true pioneer and became a celebrated aviator in the days when women didn't do such things. The author tells of Earhart's life and her accomplishments. Earhart promoted her celebrity and often flew without adequate preparation to play to the public. George Putnam, Earhart's husband also worked hard to keep her in the public eye. From Earhart's free spirited childhood to her last flight, Fleming tells a gripping story of a woman who loved to fly and became the idol of teens and adults alike. And why her disappearance is still so much in our minds.
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Today's Podcast 06/15/2011
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Flinn, Alex. CLOAKEDNew York : HarperTeen, 2011IL YAISBN 0060874228Johnny and his mother own a shoe repair business in a busy upscale hotel in Florida. Business isn't great. After all, most people just throw their shoes out when they have issues. They are struggling to keep the bills paid. Then a world famous princess checks into the hotel. Little does Johnny know how completely this will change his life. OK, what would you do if a princess offered you tons of money to find her brother? She even tells Johnny she'll marry him if he is successful. The catch? Her brother has been turned into a frog.
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
Today's Podcast 06/14/2011
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Cotler, Stephen L. CHEESIE MACK IS NOT A GENIUS OR ANYTHING
Cotler, Stephen L. CHEESIE MACK IS NOT A GENIUS OR ANYTHINGNew York : Random House, 2011IL 3-6, RL 4.0ISBN 0375864377This is good old-fashioned fun but also has a technology twist. Ronald "Cheesie" Mack is a bit silly and arrogant at the same time. And he loves words. He is about to graduate 5th grade and summer vacation is only a day away. He and his best friend Georgie will soon be off to Maine for summer camp. But Georgie's dad has lost his job and now there is no money to send Georgie to camp. Can Cheesie come up with a plan to get the needed money? He has a way of making things happen. While telling us his story, Cheesie invites us to visit his website that has stories and lots of words. Kids don't have to go to the website to enjoy this book but they may just want to take a look and see what's there.
Monday, June 13, 2011
Today's Podcast 06/13/2011
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Barrow, Randi. SAVING ZASHANew York : Scholastic Press, 2011IL 5-8, RL 4.0ISBN 0545206324"Maybe the soldier you found wasn't alone. Or he told you something important before he died. Or he still had his dog with him. His German dog," Katia said.It’s 1945, and the war with Germany is finally over. Mikhail, 13, and his family are struggling to survive in their rural Russian community, where everything German is hated and Mikhail’s father is missing in action. An injured soldier had just enough time to entrust the care of his German shepherd to Mikhail before dying, and he and his family are determined to keep and protect this gentle, beautiful dog. But German shepherds are being shot on sight by people who see them as symbols of Hitler’s Germany, and anyone who owns one is considered a traitor to Russia.Will Mikhail and his family be able to keep Zasha safe, especially with the nosey Katia asking so many questions? Read Saving Zasha to find out. (New Hampshire Great Stone Face Award nominee, 2011-2012)
Sunday, June 12, 2011
Today's Podcast 06/12/2011
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Cottrell Boyce, Frank. COSMICNew York : Walden Pond Press, 2010IL 5-8, RL 5.1ISBN 0061836834Have you ever wished you could be someone other than who you are? Someone more confident, someone more athletic, or maybe even—someone older? Well, Liam Digby has the “older” thing in spades---he’s only 12 years old, but is already over 6 feet tall! (back when he was 7, and really starting to grow, his dad told his mom—“this isn’t a growth spurt—it’s a mutation!”) And it’s not just his height—Liam’s already shaving, and actually does get mistaken for a grownup. Which can be pretty cool when a car salesman gives you the keys to that sick red sportscar, and tells you to take it for a test drive. But what happens when you’ve earned yourself a spot on a trip to outer space by winning a “World’s Greatest Dad” contest, and you’re now the only “grownup” on a rocketship that’s 200,000 miles from Earth, and seriously off-course? Read “Cosmic” for a lot of laughs, and for some serious thinking about the stars, the earth, and the people that we live with---especially our dads. (New Hampshire Great Stone Face Award nominee, 2011-2012)
Saturday, June 11, 2011
Today's Podcast 06/11/2011
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Walsh, Pat. THE CROWFIELD CURSE
Walsh, Pat. THE CROWFIELD CURSENew York : Chicken House, 2010IL 3-6, RL 4.1ISBN 0545229227England, The winter of 1347William, age fourteen, works as a servant at Crowfield Abbey, in exchange for room and board. Gathering firewood one day, he discovers a hobgoblin caught in a trap and rescues it. The hob tells William that he can only be seen by those with the sight. This is a gift William did not know he possessed. This boy walks the line between the real world and the magical fey world. The hob has told William of the dark curse put upon the abbey and of the magical being buried in the snow. Now comes the clash of good and evil ,dark and light, for the fey war is coming. William must stand strong and believe in himself to survive. (New Hampshire Great Stone Face Award nominee, 2011-2012)
Friday, June 10, 2011
Today's Podcast 06/10/2011
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Stevermer, Caroline. MAGIC BELOW STAIRS
Stevermer, Caroline. MAGIC BELOW STAIRSNew York : Dial Books for Young Readers, 2010IL 3-6, RL 5.7ISBN 0803734670Frederick Lincoln is a good boy who works hard and does what he’s told. He’s living in an orphanage when he is selected to be a footboy for the local wizard. He will be living with the other servants below stairs. Unknown to Frederick is the fact that he is accompanied by a brownie whose name is Billy Bly. The wizard has forbidden any magical creatures in his home but that won’t stop Billy Bly. He doesn’t want to leave Frederick. More magic might be what they need as it is soon discovered that the manor is under a hidden curse-- a curse so deep and ugly that it may take all of them to break it. But , first, they have to find it. (New Hampshire Great Stone Face Award nominee, 2011-2012)
Thursday, June 09, 2011
Today's Podcast 06/09/2011
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Clements, Andrew. WE THE CHILDREN (BENJAMIN PRATT AND THE KEEPERS OF THE SCHOOL)
Clements, Andrew. WE THE CHILDREN (BENJAMIN PRATT AND THE KEEPERS OF THE SCHOOL)New York : Atheneum Books for Young Raders, 2010IL 3-6, RL 5.2ISBN 1416938869Benjamin Pratt’s school is going to be torn down to make way for an amusement park. The wrecking ball comes as soon as classes end for the summer. Ben should be happy but odd things are happening. First, the old janitor, Mr. Keane, gives Ben an old gold coin. The coin says the school belongs to the children, the school must be defended. Ben must swear to defend the school. Second, the new janitor Mr. Lyman, seems to be following Ben everywhere. He wants to know if Mr. Keane gave anything to Ben. Enlisting his super-smart friend Jill, these two students have twenty-eight days to find the clues and solve the mystery. Can they save the school against all the odds? Ben and Jill will have to work fast because Mr. Lyman is also on the hunt. (New Hampshire Great Stone Face Award nominee, 2011-2012)
Wednesday, June 08, 2011
Today's Podcast 06/08/2011
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Kehret, Peg. GHOST DOG SECRETS
Kehret, Peg. GHOST DOG SECRETSNew York : Dutton's Children's Books, 2010IL 5-8, RL 6.5ISBN 0525421785Randy notices the chained German shepherd on his way to school. The weather is cold and icy and there’s no shelter for the dog. After school, Randy goes to check the dog. The shepherd looks young but his ribs are showing. There’s no food or water around either. Randy buys a couple of hot dogs to feed the shepherd and decides to feed him again the next day. That night, Randy has a strange encounter--- a ghost dog appears in his room. The ghost dog wants Randy to follow but where? The ghost takes Randy to the shepherd that he had fed. Does the ghost dog want Randy to help the shepherd? Maybe, he’s just got to take the dog to save it. Is Randy rescuing this dog or stealing it? (New Hampshire Great Stone Face Award nominee, 2011-2012)
Tuesday, June 07, 2011
Today's Podcast 06/07/2011
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West, Jacqueline. THE SHADOWS (THE BOOKS OF ELSEWHERE)
West, Jacqueline. THE SHADOWS (THE BOOKS OF ELSEWHERE)New York : Dial Books for Young Readers, 2010IL 5-8, RL 5.1ISBN 0803734409Eleven year old Olive has just moved into a weird, crumbling old mansion. What a place to explore! And all those antique paintings that line the walls, why do they seem so eerie? A secret attic room, three creepy cats and a pair of funny old-fashioned glasses, all add up to a fast moving adventure. When Olive puts on those glasses, she can see into… well, into places that she shouldn’t go. Did that spot, in that painting , just move? Yes, yes it did! What is going on? The battle begins. (New Hampshire Great Stone Face Award nominee, 2011-2012)
Sunday, June 05, 2011
Today's Podcast 06/05/2011
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Angleberger, Tom. THE STRANGE CASE OF ORIGAMI YODA
Angleberger, Tom. THE STRANGE CASE OF ORIGAMI YODANew York : Amulet Books, 2010IL 3-6, RL 4.1ISBN 0810984253 Most of his sixth grade classmates think Dwight is weird but admit he does make cool origami, including a finger puppet of Yoda. When some students at the McQuarrie Middle School are faced with one question after another Dwight offers answers via his Origami Yoda. Origami Yoda appears to be able to predict the future and has advice that helps the students in puzzling situations. Before Dwight’s friend Tommy can ask a girl to dance at a school function without making a fool of himself he wants to know if he can trust Origami Yoda’s advice. To answer his question Tommy enlists the aid of fellow students to track down the results of Origami Yoda’s advice; the ensuing chapters tell of those results. Middle school can be a series of sand traps, some of them very funny to the observer, and if Origami Yoda’s advice is useful, why not take it, even if that advice does come from a green paper finger puppet? (New Hampshire Great Stone Face Award nominee, 2011-2012)
Saturday, June 04, 2011
Today's Podcast 06/04/2011
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Paulsen, Gary. MASTERS OF DISASTER
Paulsen, Gary. MASTERS OF DISASTERNew York : Wendy Lamb Books, 2010IL 3-6, RL 6.7ISBN 0385739974 After reading books like Adventures of Huckleberry Finn , Treasure Island, and Hatchet, Henry Mosley tells his best friends Reed Hamner and Riley Dolen that the three of them are the most boring 12 year olds on the planet. Henry decides they need to become men of action and adventure and find out what they are made of and in the process impress girls. A bid to set the world record for the most forward airborne somersault on a bike is the first in a series of disasters that lands Reed in places filled with unmentionable types of goo. They venture into the wilderness and encounter escaped zoo animals, discover all retired bulls aren’t docile and learn that housedogs don’t make good sled dogs. Through each mishap Henry, Reed and Riley maintain their enthusiasm and certainly won’t be considered boring by anyone. (New Hampshire Great Stone Face Award nominee, 2011-2012)
Friday, June 03, 2011
Today's Podcast 06/03/2011
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Behrens, Andy. THE FAST AND THE FURRIEST
Behrens, Andy. THE FAST AND THE FURRIESTNew York : Knopf, 2010IL 3-6, RL 5.3ISBN 0375859225 Kevin Pugh, 12, and his dog Cromwell are the ultimate pair of couch potatoes. Kevin’s father, Howie, a former player for the Chicago Bears, encourages Kevin to play football, but Kevin is only interested in the video game form of the sport. One day in his basement retreat while flipping through tv channels, Kevin happens upon the Purina Incredible Dog Challenge, a dog agility competition. Much to Kevin’s surprise Cromwell, referred by Kevin as “part beagle, part potato chip”, sits up, takes notice and is mesmerized by the stunning performance of Jody and her dog Shasta. As a result, Cromwell is soon acting totally out of character. Cromwell asks to be taken for walks and attempts to jump through a hanging hoop in his back yard. Kevin’s father, Howie, then insists he attend football camp for the summer. When Kevin’s kicked out for injuring another player in practice he surreptitiously signs up Cromwell for agility training with Elka, the “dog-whisperer” trainer at Paw Patch. This is enthusiastically financed by best friend Zach, and Team Cromwell is born. After crashing his way through classes at Paw Patch, Cromwell surprisingly manages to win his first competition. Is it possible to transform couch potatoes Kevin and Cromwell into champions to beat rivals Jody and Shasta in the Midwest Kennel Club Championship and win his family over to support them in their kind of sport? (New Hampshire Great Stone Face Award nominee, 2011-2012)
Thursday, June 02, 2011
Today's Podcast 06/02/2011
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Henson, Heather. DREAM OF NIGHT
Henson, Heather. DREAM OF NIGHTNew York : Atheneum Books for Young Readers, 2010IL 5-8, RL 4.7ISBN 1416948996 Middle-aged Jess DiLima is finding it harder to respond to the phone calls in the middle of the night summoning her to another rescue by the Humane Society of abused and neglected horses. But she can’t resist taking on a former race horse named Dream of Night who is terrified of people because of the terrible cruelty he has suffered. When Jess returns to her farm with Dream of Night she has the additional responsibility of a new foster child, Shiloh, who, like Dream of Night, has been removed from a violent domestic life and has been bounced from one unsatisfactory foster home to another. Both Dream of Night and Shiloh arrive at Jess’s home full of anger, need and mistrust. Can Jess, using infinite patience and care help Dream of Night and Shiloh find their ways out of darkness to the hope and promise of a happier future? (New Hampshire Great Stone Face Award nominee, 2011-2012)
Wednesday, June 01, 2011
Today's Podcast 06/01/2011
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Sparkes, Ali. FROZEN IN TIMENew York : Egmont USA, 2009IL 3-6, RL 6.3ISBN 1606840770What would you do if you had to spend a long boring summer at your Uncle’s house out in the countryside? That is just what happens to Rachel and Ben Corder. And if things weren’t already boring enough, the TV blows up and it seems like it will never stop raining! But all of a sudden, the rain stops and the sun comes out. Rachel and Ben explore the gardens – and what do they find? An underground shelter buried long ago. Inside the shelter they find rooms and supplies -- canned food and stacks and stacks of toilet paper! But these things are old fashioned looking. Then they step into the next room. It feels cold. They notice two torpedo- like tubes. Rachel screams! There is a body within each tube! One is a girl and one is a boy. Eventually they discover that the two children are cryogenically frozen and were supposed to be that way for a short time only. But it is now more than 50 years later and Freddy and Polly wake up to find a very strange and new world. “Frozen in Time” is an action- packed adventure full of mystery and many humorous moments you will not want to put down. (New Hampshire Great Stone Face Award nominee, 2011-2012)
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Today's Podcast 05/31/2011
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Tanner, Lian. MUSEUM OF THIEVES
Tanner, Lian. MUSEUM OF THIEVESDelacorte, 2010Welcome to the city of Jewel. Jewel is strict society where all children under age 12 must wear long thin silver guard chains until they are twelve years of age. It is the blessed Guardians that keep the children safe in this land by use of strict control. Children who misbehave are made to wear the heavy gold punishment chains. The punishment chains are no stranger to Goldie Roth who is about to be separated from her guard chains now that she is 12 years old. The ceremony is stopped and Goldie manages to escape. She finds safe hiding in the Museum of Dunt; a strange and living museum of history. In the museum she meets Toadspit. a young boy who also ran away , and others including: Olga Ciavolga, Herro Dan, Sinew, “Morg” the Slaughterbird, a Brizzlehoud called “Broo”. In the museum - what lies beyond the “dirty gate”? Will Goldie and her new friends be able to save the people of Jewel? (New Hampshire Great Stone Face Award nominee, 2011-2012)
Monday, May 30, 2011
Today's Podcast 05/30/2011
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Wells, Rosemary. ON THE BLUE COMET
Wells, Rosemary. ON THE BLUE COMETCambridge : Candlewick, 2010IL 5-8ISBN 076363722XWho would think that it would be possible to travel through time and space aboard a Lionel model train? But that’s just what Oscar Ogilvie of Cairo, Illinois did. It’s 1931 and the hard times of the Great Depression have hit hard. Oscar and his dad enjoyed many years in their home at the end of Lucifer Street with their grand set up of Lionel trains in their basement.But in 1931, the Hard Times of the Great Depression have hit hard. They have to sell their house and Oscar’s Dad leaves for California. Oscar has to go live with his Aunt Carmen and his young, thumb-sucking cousin Willa Sue. Things in Oscar’s world greatly improve when Mr. Applegate walks by Aunt Carmen’s house carrying “The Fireside Book of Poetry” checked out from The Cairo Public library. Join Oscar on his time travel adventure riding the rails and meeting famous people in his search to find his Dad and his way home. And-- you might just find yourself memorizing the words of the poem “If” by Rudyard Kipling. (New Hampshire Great Stone Face Award nominee, 2011-2012)
Sunday, May 29, 2011
Today's Podcast 05/29/2011
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Fisher, Catherine. THE DARK CITY
Fisher, Catherine. THE DARK CITYNew York : Dial Books, 2011IL YAISBN 0803736738In a postapocalytic society, what remains of the Order is scattered and they struggle to keep the ancient technology working. They are up against the Watch who are out to destroy them. Relic Master Galen Harn has lost his powers but learns that there may be hope. There are rumors that one of the founders of the Order may still be alive in Tasceron. Along with his apprentice Raffi, he sets off in search of the city of the Makers. This is the first in a 4 part series that is sure to appeal to dystopian fans and fans of Catherine Fisher.
Saturday, May 28, 2011
Today's Podcast 05/28/2011
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Duble, Kathleen Benner. PHANTOMS IN THE SNOW
Duble, Kathleen Benner. PHANTOMS IN THE SNOWNew York : Scholastic, 2011IL YAISBN 0545197708When Noah's parents die in an epidemic, he has no one but an uncle he has seldom seen. But the town minister ships him off the to the uncle anyway. Times are hard and there is little money and Uncle James is all Noah has. James Shelley is not living a stable life at the moment. He is in the military and is a member of the Phantoms -- an elite group of skiers training for combat in the Alps. Noah quickly settles in and even learns to ski but he is too young to join up. What will happen when the company ships out to fight in Italy?
Friday, May 27, 2011
Today's Podcast 05/27/2011
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Cremer, Andrea R. NIGHTSHADENew York : Philomel Books, 2010IL YAISBN 039925482XCalla and Ren are young werevolves from different packs who are destined to become a couple and begin a new pack. They fight a lot but really do have feelings for each other. Then a human enters the picture. Calla is attracted to Shay and that might just ruin everything for the pack. Especially when Calla risks her own life to save Shay. Calla has never questioned the Keepers until now. She is in love with Shay but betrothed to Ren. She is torn and must find her own solution to this problem. Should she turn her back on her pack and follow Shay? Or should she stick with the plan to marry Ren and start a new pack? This is a Romeo and Juliet story with a werewolf twist.
Thursday, May 26, 2011
Today's Podcast 05/26/2011
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Mack, Winnie. AFTER ALL, YOU'RE CALLIE BOONE
Mack, Winnie. AFTER ALL, YOU'RE CALLIE BOONENew York : Feiwel & Friends, 2010IL 5-8, RL 5.9ISBN 0312563310It’s summer now and for 11 year old Callie Boone, everything is going wrong! Her best friend since first grade has dumped her and she gets banned from the pool for breaking the rules.So she is stuck at home with her weird family doing chores. A new neighbor skater boy named “Hoot” moves in next door and seeks her friendship. Callie worries that others will think Hoot is her boyfriend. The summer before sixth grade is all about changes for Callie. Will Callie be able to take the changes and make it through? (New Hampshire Great Stone Face Award nominee, 2011-2012)
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Today's Podcast 05/25/2011
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Stanley, Diane. SAVING SKYNew York : Harper, 2010IL 5-8, RL 5.9ISBN 0061239054“My name is Sky Brightman. I live on our ranch in New Mexico. We use solar energy, have gardens and horses. We don’t have internet or television. There are terrorist attacks often in the world now. When there is a terrorist attack, my aunt Pat phones us to let us know. Aunt Pat phoned last week to tell us about the oil refineries and petrochemical plants in Louisiana being destroyed. And in our area too, things have been very frightening and difficult. I have seen people turn on others who appear different or who from different ethnic backgrounds Now, I hear that Homeland security agents in our area are taking citizens away and detaining them in prisons. My family and I decided to help my classmate Kareem and hide him at our ranch. …Read more about what happens in “Saving Sky”. (New Hampshire Great Stone Face Award nominee, 2011-2012)
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Today's Podcast 05/24/2011
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14-year-old Chase felt a charge of excitement when he found his first geocache! It had clearly been muggled (tampered with)…the lid was loose, and dirt and leaves had gotten inside. There were lots of treasures in the box…toy soldiers, a strand of beads, some Allen wrenches, a duck call and some other stuff. When Chase pulled out the logbook, preparing to write his entry and leave some trinkets of his own in exchange, he noticed something odd. The last thing recorded wasn’t a log…it was a message: HELP WE NE. What in the world was that supposed to mean? With the help of his GPS, his devoted dog, Dexter, and lots of thinking outside the box, Chase was able to track down the source and help a family in serious trouble… but not without lots of danger and cliff-hanging adventure along the way! (New Hampshire Great Stone Face Award nominee, 2011-2012)
Monday, May 23, 2011
Today's Podcast 05/23/2011
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Jennings, Patrick. GUINEA DOGNew York : Egmont USA, 2010IL 3-6, RL 3.7ISBN 1606840533Rufus desperately wanted a dog. Rufus’ dad was full of reasons why he couldn’t have one. They whine, they drool, they lick other dogs, they eat dead things, they have to be walked in all kinds of weather, they stop every two seconds to sniff…the list went on and on. His mom tried to cheer him up by bringing home, of all things, a guinea pig. How lame was that…about as much fun as a pet fern! And he’d be the laughing stock of all his dog-owning friends, with their macho retrievers and Rottweilers. When Fido (he’d named her after the dog he’d never have) escaped from her cage and followed him to school, Rufus tried to pretend he didn’t know her. But Fido was no ordinary guinea pig. What was it about her that ultimately found Rufus’ friends all pleading with their parents to buy them guinea pigs, as well? (New Hampshire Great Stone Face Award nominee, 2011-2012)
Sunday, May 22, 2011
Today's Podcast 05/22/2011
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O’Connor, Barbara. THE FANTASTIC SECRET OF OWEN JESTER
O’Connor, Barbara. THE FANTASTIC SECRET OF OWEN JESTERNew York : Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 2010IL 3-6, RL 4.6ISBN 0374368503Just as he was drifting off to sleep, Owen heard the faint clatter of the train approaching in the distance. It got louder and louder, and then he heard something else…a thud, the creak of splitting wood, a tumbling sound… something had fallen off the train in the woods! He couldn’t wait till morning, so he could go and explore. Maybe he’d get his buddies, Travis and Stumpy, to go with him…but they had to keep it a secret from bossy, know-it-all Viola next door! The boys couldn’t believe what they found… It was big and red and made of metal. One end was rounded, like the nose of an airplane. It had a small propeller and short, stubby wings. There was an enclosed compartment with large, bubble-shaped windows. On the side of this marvelous, mysterious object, painted in black letters, was a name: Water Wonder 4000. (New Hampshire Great Stone Face Award nominee, 2011-2012)
Saturday, May 21, 2011
Today's Podcast 05/21/2011
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Naylor, Phyllis Reynolds. EMILY'S FORTUNE
Naylor, Phyllis Reynolds. EMILY'S FORTUNENew York : Delacorte, 2010IL 3-6, RL 5.4ISBN 0385736169When 8-year-old Emily Wiggins suddenly became an orphan, she and her pet turtle, Rufus, wondered where they could go. Her kindly neighbors, the Misses Ready, Aim and Fire, arranged for her to take the stage to Redbud to live with an aunt-by-marriage. Emily remembered Aunt Hilda as having a kind face and arms that hugged her tight. However, Miss Catchum, rounder-up of orphans, strays and roustabouts, had other ideas. She got a big bonus for every child she placed with their closest blood relative: in this, case, Emily’s cold-hearted Uncle Victor. He had the eyes of a weasel, the growl of a bear, and a gold tooth that gleamed when he smiled, generally at the sight of someone else’s money. How the ding dong dickens will Emily and Rufus escape the clutches of Miss Cathcum and Uncle Victor and arrive safely in Redbud, with her fortune intact? (New Hampshire Great Stone Face Award nominee, 2011-2012)
Friday, May 20, 2011
Today's Podcast 05/20/2011
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Spratt, R.A. THE ADVENTURES OF NANNY PIGGINS
Spratt, R.A. THE ADVENTURES OF NANNY PIGGINSBoston : Little, Brown, 2010IL 3-6, RL 6.2ISBN 0316068195After repeated applicants had declined to take the job, Mr. Green was desperate to hire a nanny (as cheaply as possible, of course)…desperate enough to hire the smartly dressed pig who now stood on his doorstep. Her only credentials, his three children subsequently learned, were that she had been repeatedly blasted from a cannon during her years with the circus.The children soon fell madly in love with Nanny Piggins. She had an insatiable urge to stuff herself and her charges with all things chocolate, and she thought it a barbaric practice to force children to go to school… especially in those awful, unfashionable uniforms. She was confident in the notion that her employer’s money was better spent taking the children to amusement parks and the beach. Her showdown with Headmaster Pimplestock marks only the first of many hilarious escapades distinguishing her career as nanny to the Green children, who couldn’t believe their luck. (New Hampshire Great Stone Face Award nominee, 2011-2012)
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Today's Podcast 05/18/2011
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Peirce, Lincoln. BIG NATE : IN A CLASS BY HIMSELF
Peirce, Lincoln. BIG NATE : IN A CLASS BY HIMSELFNew York : Harper, 2010IL 3-6, RL 3.1ISBN 0061944343Nate Wright is having his worst school day ever. Everything goes wrong as he accumulates one detention after another.After eating a fortune cooking containing the message, “You will surpass all others”, Nate forms a plan that includes setting the record for consuming cafeteria green beans, and catching the eye, and heart, of the “popular girl”, Jenny. As each antic backfires, Nate’s miseries increase.If you loved “Diary of a Wimpy Kid’”, you’re going to love Big Nate, and Peirce’s comic strip characters are a delight. So how does Nate’s day end? Read it and laugh! (New Hampshire Great Stone Face Award nominee, 2011-2012)
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
Today's Podcast 05/17/2011
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Gidwitz, Adam. A TALE DARK AND GRIMM
“Once upon a time, fairy tales were awesome. I know, I know. You don’t believe me. I don’t blame you. A little while ago, I wouldn’t have believed it myself. Little girls in red caps skipping around the forest? Awesome? I don’t think so.But then I started to read them. The real, Grimm ones. Very few little girls in red caps in those.Well, there’s one. But she gets eaten.You see, there’s another story in Grimm’s Fairy Tales. It is the story of two children—a girl named Gretel and a boy named Hansel—traveling through a magical and terrifying world. It is the story of two children striving, and failing, and then not failing. It is the story of two children finding out the meanings of things.(But) before I go on, a word of warning: Grimm’s stories—the ones that weren’t changed for little kids---are violent and bloody. And what you’re going to hear now, the one true tale in the Tales of Grimm, is as violent and bloody as you can imagine.Really.So if such things bother you, we should probably stop right now.You see, the land of Grimm can be a harrowing place. But it is worth exploring. For, in life, it is in the darkest zones one finds the brightest beauty and the most luminous wisdom.And, of course, the most blood.”A Tale Dark and Grimm----not for the faint of heart. (New Hampshire Great Stone Face Award nominee, 2011-2012)
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