Finn Reeder Flu Fighter - Eric Stevens

Publisher: Stone Arch Books
Pages: 80
Source: Received copy from publisher
Genre: Realistic Fiction, Humor, Middle Grades


When the flu hits Flynn's school and the news announces there is a Flu pandemic, Finn's father panics. He makes Flynn wear a mask to school. He buys hasmat suits for them. When Finn's mother gets sick he is totally isolated. His father leaves his food outside the door and refuses to let him out except to go to school. The question you had to ask yourself was if all of this preparation would really protect Finn. I laughed at the father's antics and at the same time felt so sorry for Finn. I really enjoyed this book.


(The opinions expressed here are mine and not those of the other panalists)

Nuts - Kacy Cook

Publisher:  Marshall Cavendish Children
Pages:  155
Source:  Review copy from publisher
Genre:  Middle Grades Realistic Fiction

This is a story all animal lovers will enjoy.  Eleven year old Nell and her two brothers rescue two squirrels who have somehow managed to fall from their nests.  Nell's mom and dad agree to let them keep them for a while so they can gain strength and learn to fend for themselves.  Nell contacts someone named Libby online.  Libby tells Nell she should take them to a wildlife rehabilitator.  Nell tells a few lies about why she can't do that and that she needs to leave her parents out of it.  We are taken on a journey of help and healing.  The first thing I was reminded of was a day when a baby screech owl fell from his nest hitting my son on the shoulder before he hit the ground.  We placed him back in the nest where a group of blue jays immediately attacked him and he once again fell from his nest.  At this point we picked him up with a towel and placed him in a box and called the bird sanctuary.  They came and got him and we were able to visit him at the sanctuary and watch his progress.  I hope that the students who read this will learn to love nature a little more and also learn they need to seek professional help in the event something like this happens.


(The opinions expressed here are mine and not those of the other panalists)

My Life as a Book -Janet Tashjian

Publisher:  Henry Holt and co.
Pates:  224
Source:  Purchased
Genre:  Middle Grade Realistic Fiction

As a Language ARts and Reading teacher, my number one goal has always been to get students who think they don't like to read, to discover they do like to read.  Often it is because they have no say in what they read.  Other times it is because it is too difficult for them.

Derek is like this, he likes to read but not what others think he should read.  He has been given a summer reading assignment.  He is doing everything he can to avoid it.  He stumbles across an old trunk in the attic with a newspaper article about a girl drowning at Martha's Vineyard.  When he asks his mom about it she brushes the topic aside.  Derek won't let it go until he finds out the absolute truth.  Along the way to the truth he learns some tricks that will help him along the path to reading.  I loved the way the book was set up and the little tips and tricks in there.  I know a lot of reluctant readers who will really enjoy this book.


(The opinions expressed here are mine and not those of the other panalists)

Rocky Road - Rose Kent

Publisher:  Alfred A. Knopf
Pages:  304
Source:  Review copy from The Picnic Basket
Genre:  Middle Grade Realistic Fiction

I was able to identify with Tess so much.  I have a sister and niece both with bi-polar disorder.  For a short time my sister and her children lived with me.  One minute my sister would be fine and the next she wasn't.  The roller coaster ride was horrible.  I felt so sorry for Tess and Jordan as they were drug along on their mother's ride.  This book showed there was hope out there.  So often these kinds of stories make you feel like all is lost.  When Tess's mom decides to move them to New York from Texas, Tess is afraid this is another bad idea that will take off and then one bad day all will fall apart.  However, Tess learns that friends can be very powerful and all is not lost.  I really enjoyed this and can't wait to put it on my shelves for my students.  I know they will enjoy it as much as I did.
  
(The opinions expressed here are mine and not those of the other panalists)

Avalanche Dance by Ellen Schwartz

Publisher: Tundra Books
Pages: 192
Source: Review Copy from LibraryThing
Genre: Middle Grade Realistic Fiction


Gwen and Molly have been best friends forever. Then Molly starts hanging with the party crowd and they are no longer best friends. They've gone down two different paths. Gwen is involved in her dance. Suddenly she has the opportunity to attend 3 weeks of a wonderfully grueling workshop at the University of British Columbia. Because it is expensive she knows her mom will say no, so she decides to work on her dad first. Gwen never expected the argument with her father about the cost of the workshop, nor did she expect the avalanche they were both caught in. Molly had been partying with her "friends" until a freak accident caught a building owned by Gwen's parents on fire. Molly learned these kids were not her friends when they ran off and left her to get caught. Now she has to work for Gwen's parents for community service. This gives both girls an opportunity to re-examine their former friendship. This is a quick read and very engaging. I thought of my own daughter when she started dance in seventh grade. We started her with one class. Her instructor approached me about classes for the next year. Suddenly she wanted her in eight different classes. My daughter went to her dad and asked him to talk to me because she really wanted to be a dancer. I could so relate to some of the things Gwen did and said. I'm passing this to my daughter to read because I know she will enjoy this.

Tortilla Sun by Jennifer Cervantes

Publisher:  Chronicle Books
Pages:  224 pages
Source:  Library
Genre:  Middle Grade Realistic Fiction

Izzy has just gotten settled into yet another new home.  While unpacking she comes across a baseball that had belonged to her father.  It has the words because...magic on it.  When she asks her mom about it her mom takes it away and puts it up.  Izzy gets the ball back out and then learns the next morning that her mother has received a grant to finish up her studies in Costa Rica.  She is sending Izzy to New Mexico to stay with her nana.  She is not thrilled about this.  However when she arrives she feels like she has stepped out of a time capsule into her nana's village.  During her stay there she learns to make tortillas while she learns about the father she never met and her mother won't talk about.  Her time there teachers her what family is all about and how love endures even when someone is gone.  This was a wonderful book and one I am proud to recommend to my school and have on my shelves.


(The opinions expressed here are mine and not those of the other panalists)

Belly Up by Stuart Gibbs

Publisher:  Simon & Schuster Childrens
Pages:  304
Source:  Library
Genre:  Middle Grade Realistic Fiction

Twelve year old Teddy Fitzroy has grown up around animals all his life.  His parents worked with animals in the Congo until the war got so bad they feared for their son's life.  Now they work for the new internationally know zoo, FunJungle.  Teddy is constantly having problems with security.  It is no wonder he finds himself in trouble when the zoo's mascot, Henry the Hippo is found dead in his pool.  He sneaks into the autopsy room and finds out that Henry was murdered.  He doesn't know who to trust so he tries to tell the police.  They think it is a prank call.  Now he must find out who is behind all of this and why before they find him and try to eliminate him.  I loved this book.  I originally had checked it out from my local library but found it so good that I purchased a copy for my shelves at school.  It has several good lessons about the problems facing animals in the jungle and the diamond/emerald trade.


(The opinions expressed here are mine and not those of the other panalists)

Dream of Night by Heather Henson

Publisher:  Atheneum
Pages:  212
Source:  Library
Genre:  Middle Grade Realistic Fiction

Let me start by saying this was a wonderful book.  It reminded me of two other books I love, "A Child Called It" and Pictures of Hollis Woods."  In this book we have Shiloh, an abused child who has been sent from foster home to another and has built a tough shell around herself.  The we have Dream of Night a former race horse who has also been passed from one owner to another where he was abused and neglected.  Enter, Jess DiLima.  She has experience working with both abused and neglected animals and children.  She is ready to throw in the towel when Dream of Night and Shiloh both end up at her farm.  With love, patience and time maybe the walls built for protection will come down and love and trust can begin to grow.  This book was borrowed from my local library but is one I will be adding to my classroom shelves and recommending to our school's media specialist.

(The opinions expressed here are mine and not those of the other panalists)

The Seventh Level by Jody Feldman

Publisher:  Greenwillow Books
Pages 304
Source:  Library
Genre:  Middle Grade Realistic Fiction

Travis Raines seems to always be in trouble.  Even when trying to do the right thing he gets into trouble.  One thing he wants more than anything else, is to be part of  "The Legend", a secret group in school that plans cool surprises for the students.  When he finds a blue envelop in his locker he is excited.  He is sure he is being tested for the secret society.  He must complete puzzles, tests, and do it all without getting into trouble or without letting anyone know.  He gets a plain blue envelope and a shiny blue envelope.  It seems that following the instructions in one always lands him in trouble.  He needs to figure out who to trust in this situation.  I laughed at his ability to get into trouble even while trying to do the right thing because I've seen my fair share of students like Travis.  They don't look for trouble, it just seems to follow them around.


(The opinions expressed here are mine and not those of the other panalists)

The Wonder of Charlie Anne by Kimberly Newton Fusco

Publisher:  Random House
Pages:  272
Source:  Borrowed from Library
Genre:  Middle Grade Realistic Fiction

Charlie Anne's life has just gotten harder.  First her mother dies in childbirth, and the baby also dies.  Her cousin Mirabelle moves in to help her dad.  Since it is the 1930's and the Great Depression is in full swing, her father has decided to leave her and the other children in the care of Mirabelle while he and his oldest son leave to work on President Roosevelt's roads.  Mirabelle makes Charlie Anne do most of the chores, then chastises her for not being more lady like.  Then their neighbor Mr. Jolly takes a new wife name Roselyn.  She is bright and vibrant.  This is enough to set tongues to wagging.  The big shock is is the young girl Roselyn has adopted.  She is a young "colored" girl named Phoebe.  Charlie Anne doesn't care what color she is.  Unfortunately the rest of the town does, especially her cousin Mirabelle.  Charlie Anne learns first hand how prejudiced people can be, yet also sees for herself, when she and Phoebe become friends, how stupid prejudice is.  Great Book.


(The opinions expressed here are mine and not of the Cybils panelists)

The Dancing Pancake by Eileen Spinelli

Publisher:  Alfred A. Knopf
Pages:  256
Source:  Library
Genre:  Middle Grade Realistic Fiction

I've read many books by Jerry Spinelli.  This is the first book I've read by his wife.  This was a wonderful book to read.  Written in verse this is the story of Bindi and her family.  When Bindi's mom opens "The Dancing Pancake" with her aunt, and moves them into an apartment above the restaurant, Bindi learns life lessons she might not have learned.  She must learn to deal with her parent's separation.  While learning how to deal with this and other changes, she learns that other people around her have probelms too.  This is a delightful book.  I hope the author writes more for this age group.


(The opinions expressed here are mine and not of the Cybils panelists)

Ratfink by Marcia Thornton Jones

Publisher:  Dutton Children's Books
Pages:  160
Source:  Library
Genre:  Middle Grade Realistic Fiction

This is a book most kids will be able to identify with.  The fear of being laughed at is a universal fear.
Logan's grandpa is losing his memories.  Logan is afraid he will doing something to embarrass him.  It isn't long until Emily the new girl finds that embarrassing item and uses it to try to blackmail Logan into finding and divulging a secret his best friend Malik has.  This would be a great book to read to a certain point and then pose the question to students, "What would you choose to do if you were Logan?"  It also brings up the themes of friendship, family, and so many more.  This is definitely a book to be added to my shelves.


(The opinions expressed here are mine and not of the Cybils panelists)

Noonie's Masterpiece by Lisa Railsback

Publisher:  Chronicle Books
Pages:  208
Source:  Library
Genre:  Middle Grades Realistic Fiction

Noonie lives with her aunt, uncle, and cousin because her archaeologist father travels a lot.  Her artist mother died when she was very young.  Noonie has proclaimed herself an undiscovered artist.  I loved when she went through her blue or purple periods.  She dreams of winning the school's art contest because she's sure this will bring her dad home.  Noonie uses her art to help her understand what family and art is.  I know this book is geared for upper elementary and lower middle grades, but as an adult I really enjoyed this book.  The artwork is fun and whimsical and adds so much to the story.


(The opinions expressed here are mine and not of the Cybils panelists)

Mom, There's a Dinosaur in Beeson's Lake

Author:  Trudi Trueit
Publisher:  Aladdin
Pages:  145
Source:  Library
Genre:  Middle Grade Realistic Fiction

This was a cute book.  Scab is dying to go on a fishing trip with his uncle over the summer.  His parents insist he take a swim class.  The problem is he will be required to swim in the deep end of the pool.  This is something that absolutely terrifies him.  Deep water, diving, enchiladas are just a few things on his list of things he is afraid of.  When he and his friends go fishing, and the big one snaps his pole, he is sure he has seen a dinosaur in the Lake.  When his friends see the same thing they decide they must prove this.  But, how do you prove something like this when you are grounded?  This is a book that I think many kids will like because of the humor.

(The opinions expressed here are mine and not of the Cybils panelists)

The Strange Case of Origami Yoda by Tom Angleberger

Publisher:  Amulet Books
Pages:  141
Source:  Library
Genre:  Middle Grade Realistic Fiction/Humor

The setup of this book was fabulous.  It is told through the interview of students who have been helped by the advice of Origami Yoda.  It has comments by Tommy, and his friend Harvey who has never believed in Origami Yoda.

Tommy is trying to prove whether Origami Yoda is real or not.  Who is Origami Yoda you ask?  He is the origami finger puppet created and worn by the most  uncool kid of the school.  When Origami Yoda gives his first piece of advice and it turns out to be right on, everyone starts asking Origami Yoda for advice.  Tommy must figure out if he is real or not so that he doesn't make a fool of himself in front of a girl.  I believe not only will boys eat this book up, but girls will find it funny and enjoyable.


(The opinions expressed here are mine and not of the Cybils panelists)

The Summer Before by Ann M. Martin

Publisher:  Scholastic, April, 2010

Pages:  224

Source:  Library

Genre:  Middle Grade Realistic Fiction

For all fans of the Babysitter’s Club, this book is a must read.  In this book we learn what took place the year before seventh grade.  The chapters alternate being told by each of the girls.  This is the story of coming together, growing up, some more quickly than others.  It is also about dealing with parents and friendships.  After all these years I still have several original books on my shelves along with many students who are still fans.  I believe this will be a great addition.

(The opinions expressed here are mine and not those of the other panalists)

Out of My Mind by Sharon M. Draper

Publisher:  Atheneum, March 2010
Pages:  304
Source:  Library
Genre:  Middle Grade Realistic Fiction

Melody was born with Cerebral Palsy.  She must be buckled in to her wheelchair at all times, she drools and has spasmodic moments, and she can't talk.  Even though she can't talk, her mind works all the time.  The problem is, no one knows this.  A couple of teachers have figured out her gestures and nurtured her learning along the way.  Most, along with her doctor, believe she would be better off in a nursing home.  Then enter Mrs. V. the neighbor.  She babysits Melody and that is when her real learning begins.  It starts with learning to roll over and grab things.  Throughout the year Mrs. V. teaches her words and sentences and even creates a board for her tray with pictures and words to help her communicate.  Then comes the day when she is in fifth grade and put in inclusion classes.  Seeing a girl's new computer she communicates with her aide that she wants something like it.  After some research they find a machine, the Medi-Talk, that will help her do just that.  Imagine every one's surprise when she returns to school after Christmas and is able to communicate.  Still not everyone believes she has a high functioning brain. When she makes the Whiz Kid Team and takes them to the next level her teacher is astounded and is apologetic for not realizing or understanding that just because her body was broken didn't mean her brain was.  But not everyone else feels this way.
I was on an emotional roller coaster through this book.  I cheered Melody on when she would accomplish something that was so easy for me and difficult for her.  I got angry when people judged her.      I devoured this book in just a couple of hours.  I think this should be required reading for all students and teachers.  Although I borrowed this book from our school library the day it came in, I will make sure that other teachers and students know of its existence and will be purchasing it for my own shelves.  Books that teach us such a powerful lesson and make us look at how we look at others don't come along very often.  This book was definitely well written.


(The opinions expressed here are mine and not those of the other panalists)

Abigail Iris: The Pet Project by Lisa Glatt and Suzanne Greenberg

Publisher:  Walker and Company
Pages:  164
Source:  Library
Genre:  Middle Grade Realistic Fiction

Abigail Iris wants a pet.  How does she break this news to her parents?  She tells them her "half-birthday" is coming up and that is what she wants.  When she and her mother visit the farmer's market they stop at the animal rescue booth.  This is where Abigail Iris finds her kitten.  Now all she has to do is convince her mother and father to let her have it.  When this wish comes true she faces a new problem.  What to do with her new pet when her sister has an allergic reaction to it.  This was a cute a fun book.  This book is all abut changes.  She watches her brother change when he gets a girlfriend, she watches her best friends change, especially when one of them is getting a new baby brother.  Simple, cute and a quick easy read


(The opinions expressed here are mine and not those of the other panalists)

The Other Half of My Heart by Sundee T. Frazier

Publisher:  Delacorte Press, 2010
Pages:  296
Source:  Library
Genre:  Middle Grade Realistic Fiction

Minnie and Keira are twins.  They were born only seven minutes apart.  However, Minni was born with reddish blond hair and white skin like her daddy.  Keira was born with "cinnamon-brown" skin and dark curly hair like her mother.  The girls are sent from Washington to North Caroline to visit their grandmother.  She has entered them in the Miss Black Pear contest.  For the first time, Keira feels like she fits in.  Minni suddenly feels like she doesn't belong as they question whether she qualifies to be in the contest.  This is a story that shows the struggle of being accepted for who you are no matter what your color.  It also show how strong the bonds between sisters and especially twins are.  This was an excellent book.


(The opinions expressed here are mine and not those of the other panalists)

The Reinvention of Edison Thomas - Jacqueline Houtman

Publisher:  Front Street, March, 2010
Pages:  189
Source:  Library
Genre:  Middle Grade Realistic Fiction

When Eddy doesn't win the science fair he is astounded.  How could he not have won?  Eddy suffers from autism and to some he seems very strange.  He has trouble in crowds and with loud noises.  He is socially out of touch.  What I mean is when the school bully picks on him he doesn't understand he is being picked on.  With a head full of scientific facts he tends to ignore those who are interested in the things he is interested in and trying to be a true friend.  It takes one persistent person to show Eddy who his true friends are, what friendship is  and how to stand up to Mitch the bully.  He learns that sometimes change is good.  I found this book to be very realistic.  As a middle school teacher I run across people like Mitch and Edison.  It has been my pleasure to work the few autistic kids that have crossed my path.  They have taught me  so much.  I think this should be required reading for all teachers since  so many of them are clueless about kids like Eddy and don't really try to figure them out.

(The opinions expressed here are mine and not those of the other panalists)