-
Find Momo : My Dog Is Hiding In This Book by Andrew Knapp
Knapp, Andrew. FIND MOMO : MY DOG IS HIDING IN THIS BOOK New York : Quirk Books, 2014 IL YA ISBN 1594746788 In 2012, Andrew Knapp started photographing his border collie, Momo, hiding in various places, and then posted these shots on Instagram with the hashtag #findMomo. Knapp’s 600 followers quickly grew and now he has over 350,000 followers who play this massive game of hide-and-seek. In this photo essay readers can join the fun, searching for Momo in over 100 photographs. In case readers get stumped, an answer key is included which also gives information about where each photograph was taken. This book is pure enjoyment, reminiscent of searching for Waldo, but with beautiful photography. (Booktalk by Pennsylvania Young Reader’s Choice Award Committee)
Sunday, August 16, 2015
Today's podcast 08/16/2015
Saturday, August 15, 2015
Today's podcast 08/15/2015
-
To All the Boys I've Loved Before by Jenny Han
Han, Jenny. TO ALL THE BOYS I'VE LOVED BEFORE Simon & Schuster, 2014 Lara Jean’s love letters to all the boys she’s ever crushed on were never supposed to be mailed. They were just a way for her to move on by proving to herself that she is over it. The letters were sealed and safely stored away in a special hatbox that belonged to her mother, who died years ago. But somehow these secret love letters have been sent and delivered: to a crush from summer camp … to her very first kiss, Peter, who has just broken up with his girlfriend … and to her older sister’s boyfriend, the boy next door who Lara Jean adored from afar before he began dating Margot. Now that her secrets have been exposed, what will Lara Jean do next? She can’t turn to Margot, who is studying abroad. A fake relationship with Peter, who wants to get back at his ex, seems like a good idea at first. But real feelings bubble to the surface as Lara Jean realizes that maybe she’s not as over it all as she thought. Is this whole mess the worst thing that could happen, or a bit of romantic serendipity? And if you need more sweet secrets in your life, check out P.S. I Still Love You, a sequel that will make you fall for Lara Jean’s story all over again! (Booktalk by Pennsylvania Young Reader’s Choice Award Committee)
Friday, August 14, 2015
Today's podcast 08/14/2015
-
The Family Romanov by Candace Fleming
Fleming, Candace. THE FAMILY ROMANOV : MURDER, REBELLION, AND THE FALL OF IMPERIAL RUSSIA New York : Schwartz & Wade, 2014 IL YA ISBN 0375867821 Imagine having so much money that you couldn’t spend it all in one lifetime. Then imagine ruling over a land so vast that it was morning in one part, while it was still night in another. If you were part of the Romanov family, that is what you would have done. However, you would also be brutally murdered one night along with the rest of your family. The Romanovs were a royal Russian family who lived in a fairy tale world. An evil monk named Rasputin made sure that the family didn’t know that their people were very angry and were starving. The Romanovs didn’t know how their people had to live, but the people knew how the Romanovs lived. The story is true and one you will not forget. This is an easy way to learn a bit of Russian history. (Booktalk by Pennsylvania Young Reader’s Choice Award Committee)
Thursday, August 13, 2015
Today's podcast 08/13/2015
-
Colbert, Brandy. POINTE New York : Speak, 2014 IL YA ISBN 014751441X At age 13, Theo was focused on ballet, her best friend Donovan, and her secret older boyfriend Trent. But then Trent dumped her, Donovan vanished, and Theo developed a severe eating disorder. Four years later, she's healthier and steadily pursuing her dream of being one of only a few African-American ballerinas to dance with a professional company. When Donovan is found and returned home, Theo is shocked to discover that the "person of interest" in Donovan's abduction is none other than Trent. Now Theo is torn between her dark secret and her loyalty to Donovan, who isn't speaking to anyone. As one of the last people to see Donovan before his disappearance, Theo is expected to testify, and she battles with herself over how much to reveal about her history with the man on trial. Will it impact her opportunities in the dance world, and will it change how a new love interest sees her? Meanwhile, the more she worries, the less she eats. Theo’s awakening to the truth about Trent, Donovan, and especially herself is suspenseful and emotional. This beautifully creative debut novel is realistic YA fiction at its best! (Booktalk by Pennsylvania Young Reader’s Choice Award Committee)
Wednesday, August 12, 2015
Today's podcast 08/12/2015
-
Courage Has No Color by Tanya Lee Stone
Stone, Tanya Lee. COURAGE HAS NO COLOR Somerville, MA : Candlewick Press, 2013 The true story of the first African-American paratroopers formed during World War II. Follow their struggle as they strive to overcome discrimination and rejection despite their exemplary efforts and training. While they never did serve overseas in the war, they were sent on a secret mission to the western United States to find and dismantle balloon bombs sent over by the Japanese. This is an inspiring story of courage and determination in spite of the many hardships they faced. (Booktalk by Pennsylvania Young Reader’s Choice Award Committee)
Tuesday, August 11, 2015
Today's podcast 08/11/2015
-
Storm Watcher by Maria V. Snyder
Snyder, Maria V. STORM WATCHER New York : Leap Books, 2013 IL 5-8, RL 6.0 ISBN 161603033X Luke is terrified of thunderstorms! He always has been, but even more so now that his mother has been struck and killed by lightning. His dad is a rescue dog handler and has promised Luke a dog for his birthday. His dad makes arrangements for him to work at a neighboring dog kennel in order to pay for the dog, but Luke really wants a different dog than what his dad wants him to have. Will Luke get the dog he wants? Will he overcome his fear of thunderstorms? Read this compelling realistic fiction story to find out. (Booktalk by Pennsylvania Young Reader’s Choice Award Committee)
Monday, August 10, 2015
Today's podcast 08/10/2015
-
Schrefer, Eliot. THREATENED New York : Scholastic, 2012 IL YA ISBN 0545551439 Would you hike into the forest with a stranger to help him study chimpanzees in the wild? Luc, an orphan in Gabon, Africa, does this to escape from the debt he owes to the bill collector for his mother’s medical treatment before she died. Prof is an interesting man who wants to become the authority on the endangered chimps. He helps Luc learn to read and write as they observe the chimps. Read to learn more about Luc’s adventures with these fascinating endangered animals. (Booktalk by Pennsylvania Young Reader’s Choice Award Committee)
Sunday, August 09, 2015
Today's podcast 08/09/2015
-
Zane and the Hurricane by W. R. Philbrick
Philbrick, W. R. ZANE AND THE HURRICANE : A STORY OF KATRINA New York : Blue Sky Press, 2014 IL 5-8, RL 6.0 ISBN 0545342384 Zane is visiting his great-grandmother in New Orleans when Hurricane Katrina approaches. While they are evacuating, his dog, Bandit, runs away, and Zane is separated from his great-grandmother. Zane must survive the storm alone. Will he and his dog find his great-grandmother and make it safely back to his mother in New Hampshire? (Booktalk by Pennsylvania Young Reader’s Choice Award Committee)
Saturday, August 08, 2015
Today's podcast 08/08/2015
-
The Summer Experiment by Cathie Pelletier
Pelletier, Cathie. THE SUMMER EXPERIMENT New York : Sourcebooks Jabberwocky, 2014 IL 5-8, RL 4.2 ISBN 1402285787 Roberta and her friend Merilee are working on a science project that will surely make them the talk of the school: Are there aliens in Allagash, Maine? The girls hope to win the state science fair and they have the whole summer to work on this project. It seems like they will be able to win and beat the annoying Henry Horton Harris Hemsley when they see white lights over Allagash. Despite the family heartbreak the summer brings, the girls are convinced this will be the summer they make their mark on the world. (Booktalk by Pennsylvania Young Reader’s Choice Award Committee)
Friday, August 07, 2015
Today's podcast 08/07/2015
-
Greenglass House by Kate Milford
Milford, Kate. GREENGLASS HOUSE New York : Clarion, 2014 IL 5-8, RL 5.8 ISBN 0544052706 Milo and his family run an inn in a smuggler’s town. It is supposed to be a quiet winter break with just the family, but several guests arrive at the Greenglass House and, due to snow, stay for the break. Each guest has a secretive reason for coming to Greenglass House. As Milo and his new friend Meddy try to unravel the motives, things only become more mysterious. Secrets, an old attic and buried treasure will keep you and Milo on your toes! (Booktalk by Pennsylvania Young Reader’s Choice Award Committee)
Thursday, August 06, 2015
Today's podcast 08/06/2015
-
The Summer I Saved the World In 65 Days by Michele Weber Hurwitz
Hurwitz, Michele Weber. THE SUMMER I SAVED THE WORLD IN 65 DAYS New York : Wendy Lamb, 2014 IL 5-8, RL 3.9 ISBN 0385371063 It is the beginning of summer. 65 long hot, muggy days lay ahead. Nina’s parents and brother are preoccupied with their own problems. In fact, everyone in her neighborhood cul-de-sac seems to be busy. Normally, Nina and her grandmother would be involved in a project or cooking, but Grandma died last year and Nina is on her own. She needs a plan. Nina wonders, what would happen if she does one kind deed each day? “Does doing good really do any good?” (Booktalk by Pennsylvania Young Reader’s Choice Award Committee)
Wednesday, August 05, 2015
Today's podcast 08/05/2015
-
The Fourteenth Goldfish by Jennifer L. Holm
Holm, Jennifer L. THE FOURTEENTH GOLDFISH New York : Random, 2014 IL 3-6, RL 4.4 ISBN 0375870644 When her mother picks her grandfather up from jail, Ellie’s sixth grade year takes a drastic turn. Her grandfather is a scientist and, in his latest experiment, has discovered the fountain of youth. He is now a teenage version of himself and will be attending her middle school! How will she survive having her cantankerous grandfather at school every day? Is the world ready for this scientific breakthrough? (Booktalk by Pennsylvania Young Reader’s Choice Award Committee)
Tuesday, August 04, 2015
Today's podcast 08/04/2015
-
The Castle Behind Thorns by Merrie Haskell
Haskell, Merrie. THE CASTLE BEHIND THORNS New York : Katherine Tegen Books, 2014 IL 3-6, RL 3.9 ISBN 0062008196 Sand, short for Alexandre, wakes up in an abandoned castle where everything is broken. A wall of thick, dangerous thorns makes escape impossible. Trained as a blacksmith, Sand begins to repair objects in the castle, awakening the castle’s magic. A girl appears and together they must find a way to escape before it is too late! (Booktalk by Pennsylvania Young Reader’s Choice Award Committee)
Monday, August 03, 2015
Today's podcast 08/03/2015
-
Death by Toilet Paper by Donna Gephart
Gephart, Donna. DEATH BY TOILET PAPER New York : Delacorte Press, 2014 IL 3-6, RL 4.9 ISBN 0385743998 Fact: Each day, 83,048,116 rolls of toilet paper are produced worldwide Fact: Prior to the invention of toilet paper, Eskimos used snow and tundra moss. Fact: World Toilet Day is celebrated on November 19. Fact: The most expensive toilet is found at the international space station. NASA paid nineteen million dollars for a Russian built toilet system. Fact: If Ben’s family can’t come up with the money, they will be evicted from their home. Ben’s dad died a year ago and things are tight. Ben tries to help by selling candy, entering sweepstakes and other contests. The latest contest is making up a new slogan for The Royal T Bathroom Tissue. How do Ben and his buddy, Toothpick, an aspiring horror movie make-up artist and Grandpa Jake save the day? Find out other amazing facts about toilets and toilet paper. Even with Ben’s serious family problems, this book will tickle your funny bone. (Booktalk by Pennsylvania Young Reader’s Choice Award Committee)
Sunday, August 02, 2015
Today's podcast 08/02/2015
-
Code Name 711 by F. T. Bradley
Bradley, F. T. DOUBLE VISION : CODE NAME 711 New York : Harper, 2013 IL 3-6, RL 4.6 ISBN 0062104403 One minute Lincoln Baker is playing video games with his friends, and the next minute the CIA needs his help. An assassin is plotting to set off explosives at a White House costume party. With spies around every corner, it’s hard to know who to trust. Linc will have to team up with the President’s daughter to stand a chance at beating the clock, the assassin, and Ben, a junior secret agent who looks just like Linc. Can Linc find the Dangerous Double of George Washington’s Revolutionary War coat before it’s too late? (Booktalk by Pennsylvania Young Reader’s Choice Award Committee)
Saturday, August 01, 2015
Today's podcast 08/01/2015
-
Bracken, Beth. WISH New York : Capstone Young Readers, 2013 IL 5-8, RL 4.3 ISBN 1623700035 When two best friends have a falling out, they find themselves in a strange new world after making a wish in the woods. Not only are fairies real, but these girls will hold the key to preventing a war in Faerieground. Read this fantasy story with numerous detailed pictures that will keep you turning the pages until the very end and then wanting more. Be careful what you wish for! (Booktalk by Pennsylvania Young Reader’s Choice Award Committee)