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Cosimano, Elle. NEARLY GONE New York : Kathy Dawson Books, 2014 IL YA ISBN 0803739265 Nearly Boswell has many reasons to keep a low profile; the last thing she wants is to become a target for bullying at school, or worse. Her mom works as an exotic dancer, but Nearly’s strange talent, the ability to experience the emotions of other people when she touches them, has the potential to draw much greater unwanted attention. Though she risks revealing all of this by getting involved, when a series of murders begin to occur, Nearly might be the only one who can solve them. (Booktalk by the Louisiana Young Readers' Choice Committee)
Friday, March 25, 2016
Today's podcast 03/25/2016
Thursday, March 24, 2016
Today's podcast 03/24/2016
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Nelson, Jandy. I'LL GIVE YOU THE SUN Dial Books, 2014 Fraternal twins and artists Jude and Noah narrate this story of loss, love, guilt, and family. Noah’s viewpoint reveals the twin’s lives at age thirteen while Jude’s portion is told from three years later. The two narratives slowly reveal the circumstances that shape the twins, driving them apart and ultimately bringing them to a greater understanding of themselves and one another. (Booktalk by the Louisiana Young Readers' Choice Committee)
Wednesday, March 23, 2016
Today's podcast 03/23/2016
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Magoon, Kekla. HOW IT WENT DOWN New York : Henry Holt, 2014 IL YA ISBN 0805098690 African American teen Tariq Johnson has been shot and killed by Jack Franklin, a white man, after exiting a convenience store. This is the only fact known for certain by the media and investigating officials. Community members, friends, family, eyewitnesses, and police all give their accounts of how it went down, each providing pieces of conflicting stories in this complex novel. (Booktalk by the Louisiana Young Readers' Choice Committee)
Tuesday, March 22, 2016
Today's podcast 03/22/2016
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Giles, L. R. FAKE ID New York : Amistad, 2014 IL YA ISBN 0062121847 Nick Pearson, formerly known as Steven and originally called Tony Bordeaux, is a member of the witness protection program. Moving to Stepton as the Pearsons is his family’s last chance at protection after a series of identities are ruined by the chronic criminal involvement of Nick’s father. Even though the whole family is seemingly focused on staying out of the spotlight once and for all, Nick must decide whether or not to risk their safety by investigating a conspiracy and the death of a new friend. (Booktalk by the Louisiana Young Readers' Choice Committee)
Monday, March 21, 2016
Today's podcast 03/21/2016
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Mlynowski, Sarah. DON'T EVEN THINK ABOUT IT New York : Delacorte Press, 2014 IL YA ISBN 0385906625 If sophomore class 10B seems more closely-knit than any other group in the school, it might be because they secretly share telepathic powers. This unexpected side effect of receiving a contaminated batch of flu vaccinations allows each student to hear the thoughts of others. Knowing the secrets, insecurities, test responses, and everything else that passes through the minds of their classmates leads to both hilarious and uncomfortable situations. (Booktalk by the Louisiana Young Readers' Choice Committee)
Sunday, March 20, 2016
Today's podcast 03/20/2016
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Danticat, Edwidge. UNTWINE New York : Scholastic, 2015 IL YA ISBN 0545423031 They say that when identical twins Isabelle and Giselle were born, they were holding hands. The doctor needed to untwine their hands. And they have been inseparable ever since. No they don't do the twin thing where they dress alike. And they don't have the same classes in school. They each have their own interests. But they are very close. When a horrible traffic accident separates the twins in a tragic way, can things ever be the same?
Saturday, March 19, 2016
Today's podcast 03/19/2016
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Smith, Andrew. 100 SIDEWAYS MILES New York : Simon & Schuster, 2014 IL YA ISBN 1442444959 With the exception of his uncontrollable epileptic episodes, the scars on his back that serve as physical reminders of a childhood tragedy, and the unwanted attention he receives as a result of being the inspiration for his father’s hugely popular science fiction novel, sixteen-year-old Finn Easton is content with his life. Still, when the girl of Finn’s dreams moves across the country, Finn and best friend Cade embark on a wild, hilarious, and unauthorized road trip under the guise of a college visit. (Booktalk by the Louisiana Young Readers' Choice Committee)
Friday, March 18, 2016
Today's podcast 03/18/2016
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Woodson, Jacqueline. EACH KINDNESS Nancy Paulsen Books, 2012 Have you ever made fun of someone because of their clothes or the way they looked? Has anyone ever made fun of you? Chloe and her friends won't play with the new girl Maya because her clothes are not the most fashionable and her obvious poverty. When her teacher gives a lesson on kindness, Chloe begins to regret her decisions. But can she undo all the hurtful things she has done?
Thursday, March 17, 2016
Today's podcast 03/17/2016
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Weatherford, Carole Boston. VOICE OF FREEDOM : FANNIE LOU HAMER, SPIRIT OF THE CIVIL RIGHTS MOVEMENT Somerville : Candlewick, 2015 IL 5-8, RL 5.6 ISBN 0763665312 Fannie Lou Hamer was born in 1917 and was the youngest in a family of 20 children! Her parents were poor sharecroppers in Mississippi who struggled to keep everyone fed. Fannie had to quit school after the 6th grade to help the family. Times were hard as they spent their days picking cotton in the hot sun. It was not easy to be poor but harder still to be African American. Fannie faced discrimination all her life. By the time she was in her 40s, Fannie knew that this was not right and she joined with the civil rights movement to do something about it. When she tried to register to vote, she was viciously beaten. But she would not be stopped. She was more determined than ever to help African Americans get equal rights.
Wednesday, March 16, 2016
Today's podcast 03/16/2016
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Schmidt, Gary. ORBITING JUPITER New York : Clarion Books, 2015 IL YA ISBN 054446222X Jackie is 12 years old and living a relatively normal life. Until his family is joined by 14 year old Joseph -- a foster kid who has real issues. He has been in juvie and now his case worker wants him to experience family life. Joseph is pretty quiet and not open to anyone. As the days go by, Jack sees Joseph coming out of his shell and learning to trust again. But Joseph has one goal in mind. He needs to find his baby daughter. Yes, that's right. He is only 14 but he has a baby out there somewhere who he wants to raise. Could that even be possible? How could a 14 year old raise a baby?
Tuesday, March 15, 2016
Today's podcast 03/15/2016
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Rylant, Cynthia. THE OLD WOMAN WHO NAMED THINGS New York : Harcourt, 2000 IL K-3, RL 3.8 ISBN 0152021027 Getting old can be a lonely thing. In this story, the old woman has outlived all her friends and family and does not want to get attached to anyone or anything ever again. But then a shy brown puppy arrives and seems to want to be with the old woman. She will feed him and let him stay in the yard but she will not name him. What will happen when the dog stops coming to the house?
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Booktalk by 7th grade student at Rundlett Middle School
Sunday, March 13, 2016
Today's podcast 03/13/2016
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Raczka, Bob. PRESIDENTIAL MISADVERTURES New York : Roaring Brook, 2015 IL 3-6, RL 6.0 ISBN 1596439807 This book is written in clerihew poetry. Don't know what that is? It is a whimsical, four-line biographical poem. First invented by Edmund Clerihew Bentley, the first line is the name of the biographee. Some of these presidential poems are a bit of a stretch but you are sure to enjoy them. See if you can write some of your own.
Saturday, March 12, 2016
Today's podcast 03/12/2016
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Polacco, Patricia. BULLY New York : G.P. Putnam's Sons, 2012 IL 3-6, RL 4.1 ISBN 0399257047 Have you ever been bullied? Have you ever known someone who was? You probably answered yes to one of these questions. Lyla is new to her school and finds a friend in Jamie who is also new. But when Lyla makes the cheerleading squad, Jamie is left behind. Now Lyla is hanging out with the popular kids. But when they start bullying Jamie, which side will Lyla be on?
Friday, March 11, 2016
Today's podcast 03/11/2016
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Harlem Hellfighters by J. Patrick Lewis
Lewis, J. Patrick. HARLEM HELLFIGHTERS Mankato, MN : Creative Editions, 2014 IL 5-8, RL 5.9 ISBN 1568462468 Back in the days of World War I, African Americans were looked down on and discriminated against. But that wasn't going to stop a group of two thousand men from fighting in the war. A regiment of African American soldiers from Harlem risked their lives to fight in France. They fought along side of the French Army but their legend goes beyond their fighting ability. It was their music that made this group of soldiers the legend.
Thursday, March 10, 2016
Today's podcast 03/10/2016
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Roller Girl by Victoria Jamieson
Jamieson, Victoria. ROLLER GIRL New York : Dial Books for Young Readers, 2015 IL 5-8, RL 3.1 ISBN 0525429670 Middle school is a tough time for kids. Interests are changing and sometimes friendships change as well. When Astrid and her best friend Nicole go to their first roller derby, Astrid has found what she wants to do. She plans to go to roller derby camp in the summer and just assumes that Nicole will too. But Nicole plans to go to dance camp. Astrid loves roller derby and works hard to be the best. But the other girls have a head start on her. But she makes a new friend and finds her passion. Will this mean that Nicole is left behind?
Wednesday, March 09, 2016
Today's podcast 03/09/2016
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Eleanor Roosevelt: A Friend To All by Tamara Hollingsworth
Hollingsworth, Tamara. ELEANOR ROOSEVELT : A FRIEND TO ALL New York : Teacher Created Materials, 2011 IL K-3, RL 2.2 ISBN 1433315912 Eleanor Roosevelt was an amazing woman. Born in 1884 to wealthy parents, she would become an unlikely champion of the poor. She married Franklin Roosevelt in 1905 and the two went on to have six children. Many people in the United States didn't have jobs and were very poor. Eleanor went around the country trying to help. When Franklin became President, she used her position as First Lady to work on improving conditions for those who had no power.
Tuesday, March 08, 2016
Today's podcast 03/08/2016
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The Trouble In Me by Jack Gantos
Gantos, Jack. THE TROUBLE IN ME New York : Farrar Straus Giroux, 2015 IL YA ISBN 0374379955 Jack Gantos has never shied away from using his own life as a basis of his stories. Written as fiction, this is the story of Jack during the summer before eighth grade. When he gets involved with next door neighbor Gary, he gets into all sorts of trouble while trying to impress Gary. This is not a good thing and it is the beginning of Jack's life that led to some very bad choices.
Monday, March 07, 2016
Today's podcast 03/07/2016
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Last Stop on Market Street by Matt De La Pena
De la Pena, Matt. ' LAST STOP ON MARKET STREET New York : G.P. Putnam's Sons, 2015 IL K-3, RL 3.3 ISBN 0399257748 Every Sunday after church, CJ and his grandmother have a routine. CJ isn't sure he wants to do the same thing every week. As they wait in the rain for the bus, he questions why they have to go and why they have to ride the bus and why they can't just get a car. With each of his questions, his grandmother shows him the beauty all around him. Will CJ ever appreciate their weekly routine?
Sunday, March 06, 2016
Today's podcast 03/06/2016
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Rain Wizard by Larry Dane Brimner
Brimner, Larry Dane. RAIN WIZARD : THE AMAZING, MYSTERIOUS, TRUE LIFE OF CHARLES MALLORY HATFIELD New York : Calkins Creek, 2015 IL 3-6, RL 6.8 ISBN 1590789903 Way back in December 1915, San Diego was in the midst of a drought. The town's reservoirs were practically dry and the town administrators knew that something had to be done so the town would survive. They decided to hire Charles Mallory Hatfield who was a renowned rain maker. He had a special formula he used to seed the clouds and make rain. Do you believe that? Well, the people of San Diego did and they put their faith in the Rain Wizard. And do you know what happened? You will have to read the book to find out!
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Sam and Dave Dig a Hole by Mac Barnett
Barnett, Mac. SAM AND DAVE DIG A HOLE Candlewick, 2014 Have you ever had one of those days when you just know that you are going to have a great adventure? Sam and Dave are looking for something spectacular and they know they will find it if they just look hard enough. So they decide to dig a hole. And they won't stop until they find it.
Friday, January 29, 2016
Today's podcast 01/29/2016
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Dooley, Sarah. FREE VERSE New York : G.P. Putnam's Sons, 2016 IL 5-8 ISBN 0399165037 Sasha has suffered many loses in her short 13 years. First her mother left the family. Then her father was killed in a mining accident. Her brother Michael gave up his dream of leaving their small town to stay and take care of Sasha. But he too is gone. Michael has died in an accident and now Sasha is alone in the world. She is sent to live with Phyllis, a nice woman who takes in foster children. It isn't easy for Phyllis. Sasha is a handful. She runs away. She breaks things. She gets into fights. But through it all, Phyllis stays by Sasha's side. Sasha is drawn to 9-year-old Mikey who lives next door and has lots of issues of his own. When Sasha joins the school's poetry club, she finally finds something in her life that makes sense. Will poetry be Sasha's voice?
Wednesday, January 27, 2016
Today's podcast 01/27/2016
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Brown, Don. DROWNED CITY : HURRICANE KATRINA AND NEW ORLEANS New York : Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2015 IL YA ISBN 054415777X On August 29, 2005, everything changed for the people of New Orleans. Everyone was watching Hurricane Katrina for days as it tracked towards the city. It was unthinkable that this could happen. But it did. The storm was massive and hit with such tremendous force that there was no escaping the fury. There were many mistakes made by the those in charge that made thinks worse. When the storm was finally over, more than 1,400 people had lost their lives and things would never be the same. Live the horrible event as it crashes into the city.
Friday, January 22, 2016
Today's podcast 01/22/2016
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Love Will See You Through by Angela Farris Watkins
Watkins, Angela Farris. LOVE WILL SEE YOU THROUGH : MARTIN LUTHER KING JR.'S SIX GUIDING BELIEFS (AS TOLD BY HIS NIECE) New York : Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, 2015. IL 3-6, RL 5.8 ISBN 1416986936 Martin Luther King was a major figure in the civil rights movement. He believed in non-violence and believed that equality could be gained in a peaceful way with sit-ins and conversation. His niece has written this book that shows how the Martin Luther King lived the values he spoke about. He believed that you should love your enemies, fight the problem not the people who caused it, and resist violence of any kind. To learn more about Martin Luther King and his teachings, pick up a copy of Love Will See You Through.
Thursday, January 21, 2016
Today's podcast 01/21/2016
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Ticket to India by N. H. Senzai
Senzai, N. H. TICKET TO INDIA New York : Paula Wiseman Books, 2015 IL 3-5 ISBN 1481422588 Maya and her family have traveled to Karachi Pakistan after her grandfather passed away. While she is missing school, her teacher has asked her to keep a journal of her time. What starts out as a journey to the funeral of her beloved grandfather, turns into an adventure that Maya could never have even imagined. At the funeral, Maya overhears her grandmother making arrangements to secretly travel to India. Maya and her sister decide to go along to be sure that their grandmother is safe. It isn't easy to get visas into India but fortunately the family had plans to go before this happened. But what is so important for their grandmother to find. After all, she hasn't been back to India since she was a baby. Her family had escaped from India to Pakistan long ago. She is the only one who made it across the border. What could she possibly hope to find? And how will two girls from California ever hope to help her?
Wednesday, January 20, 2016
Today's podcast 01/20/2016
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The Hired Girl by Laura Amy Schlitz — Adobe Voice
Schlitz, Laura Amy. THE HIRED GIRL Somerville, MA : Candlewick, 2015 IL YA ISBN 076367818X Fourteen year old Joan Scraggs sees a horrible future ahead of her. Her father has forced her to drop out of school to work around the farm. She loved school and her teacher who had encouraged her to read and learn. But since Joan's mother passed away, Joan is forced to do all the cooking, cleaning, laundry as well as looking after the chickens and the vegetable garden. He father shows her no affection and her brothers are slobs. Joan just can't imagine that she will be cooking and cleaning for these men for the rest of her life. So she does what she sees as her only hope. She runs away and heads to the city of Baltimore. Hired girls can cook and clean and get paid $6 a week. After a long train ride, Joan finds herself alone in the dark and not sure where to go after the train is delayed. What was she thinking? How did she think a dirty girl from a hardscrabble farm in Pennyslvania could ever hope to become a respectable educated girl in the city?
Tuesday, January 19, 2016
Today's podcast 01/19/2016
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Robbins, Dean. TWO FRIENDS : SUSAN B. ANTHONY AND FREDERICK DOUGLAS New York : Orchard Books, 2016 IL K-3, RL 2.4 ISBN 0545399963 On a winter day in mid 1800s, Susan B. Anthony and Frederick Douglas sat down for tea and talk. The two had much in common. Susan grew up at a time when women couldn't have an education or own a house. Frederick grew up a slave and taught himself to read and eventually escaped to the north. They both gave speeches talking about rights. Some people had rights while others had none. Why shouldn't all people have rights? The two became friends and worked for the freedom of all.
Monday, January 18, 2016
Today's podcast 01/18/2016
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Pip Bartlett's Guide to Magical Creatures by Jackson Pearce
Pearce, Jackson. PIP BARTLETT'S GUIDE TO MAGICAL CREATURES New York : Scholastic, 2015 IL 3-6, RL 4.7 ISBN 0545709261 Pip Bartlett loves, loves, loves animals. All kinds of animals. But particularly the magical kind of animals. Yes, they do exist. And Pip is going to spend all summer with her Aunt who is a magical animal vet!! Life couldn't get much better. Oh yea, did I forget to tell you that Pip can talk to the animals? Well, she can understand what they are saying and she is very surprised at what she learns. Teaming up with Tomas who is allergic to just about everything, Pip finds herself in a non-stop adventure with unicorns, HobGrackles, and an outbreak of Fuzzles that have a habit of bursting into flames at the most inconvenient times. Can they keep the dreadful government inspector from exterminating all the Fuzzles?
Friday, January 15, 2016
Today's podcast 01/15/2016
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A Death Struck Year by Makiia Lucier
Lucier, Makiia. A DEATH-STRUCK YEAR New York : Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2014 IL YA ISBN 0544164504 It is 1918 and the United States is involved in the First World War. In Portland, Oregon Cleo and her family believe they are too far west to be affected by the Spanish flu that is striking people on the east coast. They have heard about the devastation that this disease has played in Europe and in the soldiers returning from war. Cleo is told to stay at her boarding school until her family returns from a short trip but she decides that she will be better off at home than stuck at school so she sneaks off. Within one day, the influenza epidemic has found it's way to Portland and that 200 people are affected. At home, she learns that the Red Cross is looking for volunteers to help with the influenza epidemic. She musters up her courage and volunteers to help by going door to door to find those too sick to ask for help. This sounds like a noble cause until reality hits.
Wednesday, January 13, 2016
Today's podcast 01/13/2016
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Lindeen, Mary. HALLOWEEN Chicago : Norwood House, 2016 IL K-3, RL 1.5 ISBN 1599536897 Don't you just love Halloween? It is a holiday full of traditions and symbols. This book tells about pumpkin carving, costumes and other customs. What is your favorite part of the holiday?
Tuesday, January 12, 2016
Today's podcast 01/12/2016
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Sheva, Emma. DREAM ON, AMBER Naperville, IL : Sourcebooks Jabberwocky, 2014 IL 3-6, RL 6.0 ISBN 1492622508 Meet almost 12-year-old Amber Miyamoto. She is half Italian and half Japanese which makes her feel mixed up like a salad. Middle school is an adventure that she is trying to deal with. But other things are getting in the way including a phone that the cavemen probably used, liking a boy who has a locker near her, loving art but not feeling confident in it, and the bully she meets and accidentally beats up her brother. And then there is the fact that her Dad has walked out probably never to be seen again. Amber is trying to deal with that fact but her sister is having a worse time with it. But Amber has a genius idea. When her sister writes to Dad, Amber says she will mail the letter but what she is going to do is write back to Bella and pretend that it is from Dad. Surely nothing can go wrong! Right. Dream on, Amber.
Monday, January 11, 2016
Today's podcast 01/11/2016
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Smith, Roland. EDGE New York : Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2015. IL YA ISBN 0544341228 Peak Marcello made headlines for his attempt to be the youngest person to climb Mt. Everest. At the top, Peak decided that his sherpa deserved the honor more than he did. It has been awhile since that time and he has tried to live a normal life -- whatever that is. When one of the richest men in the world offers him a chance to be part of a massive climbing event, he and his mother decide to take part. Two hundred teens from all over the world will be taking part in the Peace Climb. They will be working in small groups and will be climbing different mountains but all are scheduled to summit the same day. Peak's group will be climbing in war-torn Afghanistan. Peak is not exactly thrilled at this idea but he is assured that they will be safe. He will be working with his old film crew from Everest as well as his Sherpa friend Zopa. There will be body guards along also. His team consists of four other teens -- one of which happens to be the daughter of an important French diplomat. Surely they wouldn't send her into a dangerous situation. Or would they? Climb along with Peak as he finds himself in a very different sort of danger.
Friday, January 08, 2016
Today's podcast 01/08/2016
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A Fine Dessert by Emily Jenkins
Jenkins, Emily. A FINE DESSERT New York : Schwartz and Wade Books, 2015 IL K-3, RL 4.1 ISBN 0375868321 Do you have traditions in your family that have been passed down through generations? What about some recipes? This book traces a recipe back through many years. Blackberry fool is a simple recipe and it has been enjoyed for hundreds of years. The book starts in 1710 with a mother and daughter picking the blackberries to make the delicious treat. Then we go forward learning about four different families who have enjoyed the treat.
Thursday, January 07, 2016
Today's podcast 01/07/2016
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Going, K. L. PIECES OF WHY New York : Kathy Dawson Books, 2015 IL 5-8, RL 4.9 ISBN 0803734743 Tia is a 12-year-old girl living in New Orleans. Her favorite thing to do is to sing. She is part of a gospel choir and she loves everything about the choir. Until it happens. One night as they are rehearsing, shots ring out near the church. A car jacking has led to a murder of a child. Tia is suddenly flooded with memories of her father. Her father who is in prison for the murder of a young girl. As much as Tia's mother has tried to protect her from this, Tia is wanting to know more. And the other members of the choir have learned about Tia's past.
Wednesday, January 06, 2016
Today's podcast 01/06/2016
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Make a Difference by Sarah Dillard
Dillard, Sarah. MAKE A DIFFERENCE New York : Knopf Books for Young Readers, 2016 IL 3-6 ISBN 0385756054 After earning their first scouting badge with their vegetable garden, the girls are anxious to find out what their next badge will be. This time, Violet, Tigerlily and the other girls will be working to earn their Make a Difference badge. How can these small mice possibly make a difference? Maybe cleaning up the local park will qualify. What do you think?
Tuesday, January 05, 2016
Today's podcast 01/05/2016
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Dillard, Sarah. MOUSE SCOUTS New York : Knopf Books for Young Readers, 2016 IL 3-6 ISBN 0385755996 The girls are really looking forward to becoming Mouse Scouts. Buttercups was fun but it was really just for baby mice. They are big girls now. The first meeting begins and the new scoutmaster drones on and on. Wow, Miss Poppy is one strict leader! But when the girls learn they are going to earn their first badge by creating a vegetable garden, they are so happy. But sometimes it is more fun to play than to take care of your responsibilities. Will the girls be able to earn their badge?
Monday, January 04, 2016
Today's podcast 01/04/2016
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The Day the Crayons Came Home by Drew Daywalt
Daywalt, Drew. THE DAY THE CRAYONS CAME HOME New York : Philomel Books, 2015 IL K-3, RL 4.1 ISBN 0399172750 OK, so the crayons quit. We all know that. But now they have come back. Well not all of them have come back. Some will need some help with that. And they write to Duncan in postcards to let him know that they need his help. Tan Crayon has been eaten by the dog and puked up on the rug. Neon Red was left behind on vacation when she was used to color a sunburn. Maroon Crayon has been lost in the couch after Duncan's father sat on him and broke him in half. And we don't even want to talk about what happened to the others. Will Duncan be able to help them come home?
Sunday, January 03, 2016
Today's podcast 01/03/2016
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The Case for Loving by Selina Alko
Alko, Selina. THE CASE FOR LOVING New York : Arthur A. Levine, 2015 IL K-3, RL 4.0 ISBN 0545478537 This is the true story of Mildred Jeter and Richard Perry. They were very much in love and wanted to get married. But there was a problem. It was 1958 and it was against the law for them to get married in Virginia. You see, Richard was white and Mildred was black. The two loved each other and went to nearby Washington DC to get married. They wanted to live happily ever after and raise a family. But when they went home to Virginia, they were arrested for breaking the law! Forced to leave their home, they settled in Washington DC and did raise their family but always wished they could go home. During the time when many people were demanding equal rights, the Loving's case went all the way to the Supreme Court. What do you think happened?
Sunday, November 01, 2015
Today's podcast 11/01/2015
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Showalter, Gena. ALICE IN ZOMBIELAND
Showalter, Gena. ALICE IN ZOMBIELAND Harlequin 2012 Alice Bell knows that her father won't go out at night. She doesn't understand why. Everyone thinks he is a bit deranged. But when he does agree to go to her sister's concert, she comes to understand why he is so afraid. On the way home, they are attacked by creatures who kill Alice's parents and her sister. Alice goes to live with her grandparents and she learns the horrible truth. There are monsters out there that only a few can see. Her father was one of them. And she is another. And now she joins a team of others teens to fight the undead and avenge the deaths of her family.
Saturday, October 31, 2015
Today's podcast 10/31/2015
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Seuss, Dr. HORTON AND THE KWUGGERBUG AND MORE LOST STORIES
Seuss, Dr. HORTON AND THE KWUGGERBUG AND MORE LOST STORIES New York : Random House, 2014 IL K-3, RL 2.4 ISBN 0385382987 Do you think you have read all the Dr. Seuss books? Well this is a new one! These stories first appeared in magazines many years ago. Now they are in a book for you to enjoy. You'll find stories about your favorite characters and places. Horton the Elephant is back. Marco, Mulberry Street and even a grinch. Enjoy these stories about your favorite Dr. Seuss friends.
Friday, October 30, 2015
Today's podcast 10/30/2015
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Robertson, Rachel. WHEN YOU JUST HAVE TO ROAR!
Robertson, Rachel. WHEN YOU JUST HAVE TO ROAR! St. Paul, MN : Redleaf Lane, 2015 IL K-3, RL 3.5 ISBN 1605543624 "It was just one of those days in Ms. Mya's classroom." Kids were kicking. Kids were running. Kids were making a mess. And one was roaring. Ms. Mya decided that it was time to take action. She gathers the children on the carpet and talks to them about classroom expectations. Can you think of some good classroom expectations that would work in the class?
Thursday, October 29, 2015
Today's podcast 10/29/2015
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Ko, Sangmi. A DOG WEARING SHOES
Ko, Sangmi. A DOG WEARING SHOES New York : Schwartz & Wade Books, 2015 IL K-3, RL 2.9 ISBN 0385383967 When Mini and her mother spot a stray dog, they decide to take it home and try to find the owner. Even though he has no collar, he must belong to someone. You see, he is wearing shoes! That's right. He is wearing four very yellow shoes. Will Mini be able to keep him forever? Or will he real owner be found?
Wednesday, October 28, 2015
Today's podcast 10/28/2015
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Cline, Ernest. READY PLAYER ONE
Cline, Ernest. READY PLAYER ONE Crown, 2011 The year is 2044 and the world is a lot different than we know now. The world is an ugly reality to live in so those who can escape into the OASIS, a utopian virtual world. Wade Watts can't afford to purchase a lot of extras in the world but he does attend school in OASIS and plays lots of games. When James Halliday announces the biggest game in the universe, Wade is all in. Halliday has died and in his will he has detailed an elaborate online game. Halliday is the inventor of OASIS and he has hidden an Easter egg somewhere in OASIS. The contestants must make their way through different levels of the game and duel virtual enemies to try to find the Easter egg. Wade takes on the challenge and he sends his avatar Parzival on the quest for the largest payout in history -- ownership of OASIS itself. It won't be easy. Thousands of players are also on the quest. And there are evil corporations that will do anything for the prize.
Tuesday, October 27, 2015
Today's podcast 10/27/2015
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Clark, Simon P. TELL THE STORY TO ITS END
Clark, Simon P. TELL THE STORY TO ITS END New York : St. Martin's Griffin, 2015 IL YA ISBN 1250066751 Oli and his mother have come to the country to stay with relatives but no one will tell him why his father is not with them. Oli in encouraged to explore the house as well as the town. He explores the attic in the house and finds a mysterious creature named Eren. Oli is not quite sure if Eren is even real. But the winged creature thirsts for stories. Lots of stories. Oli tells the stories but there is always the need for another. What is Eren and why are the stories needed?
Monday, October 26, 2015
Today's podcast 10/26/2015
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Brouwer, Simon. DEVIL'S PASS Orca Press, 2012 IL 5-8, RL 5.0 ISBN 155469938X Webb is doing OK by himself. He has been kicked out of his home and now spends his time on the streets of Toronto. His stepfather is abusive and he just can't live with that anymore. If he tells anyone, he risks putting his mother into danger. When Webb's beloved grandfather dies, he is told to come to the reading of the will. In the will, his grandfather tells him he must take a journey through 110 kilometers of Canadian wilderness and find a secret in Devil's Pass. The trip is hard and confusing for Webb. But as his grandfather always said, what doesn't kill us makes us stronger.
Sunday, October 25, 2015
Today's podcast 10/25/2015
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Worthington, Michelle. NOAH CHASES THE WIND
Worthington, Michelle. NOAH CHASES THE WIND New York : Redleaf Lane, 2015 IL K-3, RL 3.9 ISBN 160554356X Noah sees the world differently from most children. He can see patterns in the dust that flies through the air. He can feel a storm coming long before the trees even begin trembling. He loves to read and he loves to find out about the world around him. But he hasn't been able to figure out where the wind goes. Travel with Noah and he explores the world around him.
Thursday, September 24, 2015
Today's podcast 09/24/2015
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Whitby, Adele. CAMILLE'S STORY 1910
Whitby, Adele. CAMILLE'S STORY 1910 New York : Simon Spotlight, 2015 IL 3-6, RL 5.1 ISBN 1481439898 Camille is the daughter of the cook at Rousseau Manor. Her father had been the groundskeeper until he passed away a few years before. Now Camille's mother is trying to teach her to cook even though Camille is not that good at it. Although she is in service at the manor, the Rousseaus treat her well and she sometimes forgets that she is the help. When the family learns that a young relative from the States will be coming to live with them, Camille does her best to prepare for the arrival. But she will find that there are secrets in the Manor.
Wednesday, September 23, 2015
Today's podcast 09/23/2015
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Tashjian, Janet. LARRY AND THE MEANING OF LIFE
Tashjian, Janet. LARRY AND THE MEANING OF LIFE New York : Square Fish, 2014 IL YA ISBN 1250050359 Josh Swensen, aka Larry, is back and he is still searching for the meaning of life. After his adventures writing his blog and his run for President, he is still searching. And what better place to search than Walden Pond. Here he meets a strange man who convinces him to join a study group to find answers. Josh is a bit skeptical at first but he is intrigued. He starts with the idea that this is all a joke, but when he finds that his old crush is in the group, he is drawn in even more. How far will Josh go to find the meaning of life? And what twists and turns will we be put through this time?
Tuesday, September 22, 2015
Today's podcast 09/22/2015
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Seuss, Dr. WHAT PET SHOULD I GET?
Seuss, Dr. WHAT PET SHOULD I GET? New York : Random House, 2015 IL K-3, RL 1.5 ISBN 0553524267 Long after his death, a new book by Dr. Seuss has been found and released. Such a thrill to get to read a new Dr. Seuss book! In the story, the children are told that they can have a pet. But what pet should they get? A dog? A cat? Or something more unusual? What pet would you choose if you could have only one?
Sunday, September 20, 2015
Today's podcast 09/20/2015
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Laybourne, Emmy. SWEET New York : Feiwel and Friends, 2015 IL YA ISBN 1250055199 This is going to be the cruise of a lifetime. Laurel can't believe that she gets to go. There is no way her family could afford to send her but her best friend's father has paid her way. The curise is filled with celebrities and the ship is amazing. This is the launch of Solu -- a new sweetener that actually helps you loose weight. The world has been waiting for this and the guest on this cruise will be the first to use it. Laurel is wondering if she can really fit in and when the Tom Forelli, the hottest celeb on the cruise, starts to talk to her, she throws up on his shoes. Not a great start. Little does she know that things will get a lot worse on this cruise. When she realizes that Solu may have shocking side effects, can she convince her best friend to stop taking it?
Thursday, September 17, 2015
Today's podcast 09/17/2015
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There's No Such Thing as Little by LeUyen Pham
Pham, LeUyen. THERE'S NO SUCH THING AS LITTLE New York : Alfred A. Knopf, 2015 IL K-3, RL 0.9 ISBN 0385391501 Even though something seems little, it doesn't mean that it is. A little fish can be very brave. An little idea can be something fantastic. Pick this book up to see how some things that seem little when you first see them, are really big.
Wednesday, September 16, 2015
Today's podcast 09/16/2015
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I Don't Want to be a Frog by Dev Petty
Petty, Dev. I DON'T WANT TO BE A FROG New York : Doubleday Books for Young Readers, 2015 IL K-3, RL 1.4 ISBN 0385378661 Poor frog. He wants to be anything but a frog. He doesn't want to be green, slimy and wet. He dreams of becoming a cat, or an owl. What about a pig? Anything but a frog. What happens that makes him change his mind?
Tuesday, September 15, 2015
Today's podcast 09/15/2015
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Caterina and the Best Beach Day by Erin Eitter Kobo
Kono, Erin Eitter. CATERINA AND THE BEST BEACH DAY New York : Dial Books for Young Readers, 2015 IL K-3, RL 1.6 ISBN 0803741316 Caterina and her brother are going to spend the day at the beach. And she is determined to make this the best beach day ever. She starts making lists and planning the whole day out. They will collect shells, fly kits and build a sand castle. And so much more. But when they get to the beach, will Caterina find that sometimes plans need to change?
Monday, September 14, 2015
Today's podcast 09/14/2015
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The Neptune Project by Polly Holyoke
Holyoke, Polly. THE NEPTUNE PROJECT New York : Disney Hyperion Books, 2012 IL 5-8, RL 5.6 ISBN 1423157567 In a not so distant future, we meet Nere, a teen who is living with health issues. She has always had trouble with her lungs but the medicine helps some. She lives with her scientist mother and their dolphins. Well, technically, they don't own the dolphins but they have trained them for years and feel they are part of the family. Both Nere and her mother are telepaths and can "talk" to one of the dolphins. When the government swoops in and demands that all families move away from the coast and move inland, things are going to change forever. Nere's mother brings her down to the secret lab. Two other children are brought down as well and they learn the truth about their condition. They have been genetically modified to live underwater! It will just take one more injection. And just like that, everything Nere knows is shown to be a lie. She is an experiment. And the father who she believed had died is alive and well and creating a colony of children who live underwater. But this journey will be filled with danger, shifting friendships, and new adventures.
Wednesday, September 09, 2015
Today's podcast 09/09/2015
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Hank Has a Dream by Rebecca Dudley
Dudley, Rebecca. HANK HAS A DREAM New York : Peter Pauper Press, 2014 IL K-3, RL 1.4 ISBN 144135721 Hank is back in a new book. He is telling his friend about a dream he had. He's all alone in the dream but not afraid. And then he starts to fly. But he is not afraid. Come along in to Hank's magical forest and listen to him tell all about his dream.
Tuesday, September 08, 2015
Today's podcast 09/08/2015
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Home Tweet Home by Courtney Dicmas
Dicmas, Courtney. HOME TWEET HOME New York : Doubleday Books for Young Readers, 2015 IL K-3, RL 2.0 ISBN 0385385358 Pipi and Burt don't like living with so many brothers and sisters. Those of you from large families will certainly understand their feelings. The house is so crowded and noisy. They decide to run away and see what is out there. But what they find is not what they expect. Can their life in a large, rowdy family be as bad as they thought?
Monday, September 07, 2015
Today's podcast 09/07/2015
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The Safest Lie by Angela Cerrito
Cerrito, Angela. THE SAFEST LIE New York : Holiday House, 2015 IL 3-6, RL 3.9 ISBN 0823433102 Nine year old Anna Bauman knows that it is not safe to be a Jew in Nazi occupied Poland. The family has been forced into the Warsaw ghetto and it is a very hard life. But her parents are determined to save Anna even if they can't save themselves. She is to become Anna Karwolska, an 8 year old Catholic girl. She is smuggled out of Warsaw and is taken to a Catholic orphanage. She must never reveal her true name or the fact that she is Jewish. The story follows Anna's three years in hiding and the changes she goes through as she tries to live as Anna Karwolska while not forgetting Anna Bauman.
Saturday, September 05, 2015
Today's podcast 09/05/2015
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A Passion for Elephants by Toni Buzzeo
Buzzeo, Toni. A PASSION FOR ELEPHANTS : THE REAL LIFE ADVENTURE OF FIELD SCIENTIST CYNTHIA MOSS New York : Dial, 2015 IL K-3 ISBN 0399187251 Cynthia Moss was not afraid of big things. Or big challenges. I didn't know much about her before I read this biography but I am glad that I read it. After graduating from college, Cynthia decided to travel to Africa to see the big continent. While she was there, she got a job photographing elephants. They were big but Cynthia was not afraid. Day after day, Cynthia spent time with the elephants. And with each day, she learned more and more about their behavior. Would you like to find out what Cynthia Moss learned?
Friday, September 04, 2015
Today's podcast 09/04/2015
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Ruby on the Outside by Nora Raleigh Baskin
Baskin, Nora Raleigh. RUBY ON THE OUTSIDE New York : Simon and Schuster Books for Young Readers, 2015 IL 3-6, RL 4.4 ISBN 1442485035 Eleven year old Ruby Danes has a secret. And she has been keeping it for a long time. Her mother is in prison. Ruby just doesn't want anyone to know. She hasn't really had any friends who she feels close enough to who she wants to risk letting them know. But things may be changing. There is a new girl at the condo complex who is Ruby's age. Throughout the summer, Ruby and Margalit become close friends. Ruby is wondering if she can trust Margalit with the truth but then she learns some disturbing details about her mother's crime. Can it have something to do with Margalit?
Sunday, August 16, 2015
Today's podcast 08/16/2015
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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)
Saturday, August 15, 2015
Today's podcast 08/15/2015
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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)
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