5 Picture Books, 4 Middle Grade Books

Source:  I received a review copy of each of these books in exchange for my honest review.

Thompson Twins Call the Cops – Lesa Hammond

Pages: 136
Genre: Middle Grade, Realistic Fiction

 This is the second book I have read by this author.  This one definitely has a message my students could relate to.  Fifth grade twins Letty and Carlos Thompson live in Oakland, California with their mother.  They don’t live in the best area of town.  One night they hear gunshots, which is not uncommon in their neighborhood.  They end up huddling together in a bedroom farthest from the street to avoid any stray bullets.  This scene brought to mind when my sister lived in Indianapolis.  Her college dorm faced a street where there were often shootings.  They were often moved across the hall to rooms on the other side to avoid stray bullets.

On the way to school the next day the twins are confronted by Hector, a former friend who has hooked up with a gang.  They harass the kids at the store and take whatever they have in their pockets.  They make comments to the girls that make them feel very uncomfortable.  As they are all standing in front of the store they witness a speeding white car almost hit a cat.  They rescue the cat and take it to school.  At school they have a guest speaker.  The officer is there to talk with all of them.  Manuel, one of the students has had other run-ins with the law.  Many of his own family members have been arrested.  Everyone in the class judges him and assumes he is just like his family, never giving him a chance. 

When they get home that afternoon they find there mother there because her car has been stolen.  They assume that it was Hector and his friends responsible for all of this.  They decided to get the evidence or confession out of him.  Overheard by a friends grandmother, they are persuaded to call the cops instead.  They learn some valuable lessons throughout this story.  They learn that you can’t judge people by their family, and that you shouldn’t take matters into your own hands.

These books are full of life lessons that are written mostly for the inner city kid, but will appeal to middle school children everywhere. I have students who live this lifestyle every day.  It is important to have books like this that they can relate to. I look forward to reading future books by this author.

Circle and Square –Sally O. Lee
Pages:  34
Genre: Children’s Picture Book

Sally O. Lee has written another simple book with a simple message and wonderful illustrations. The story is about a circle and a square. They are different from each other. The circle asks the square if it is still a square when it bounces a ball. The circle understands after asking several similar questions that one doesn’t change who they are by doing different activities. It also has a message of being different but, being friends and sharing different likes because of those differences.

Candy and the Cankersaur – Jason Sandberg
Pages:  32
Genre:  Children’s Picture book

Candace Courtney lived in a mansion with her father. Everyone called her Candy. Her father was always traveling on business trips so she didn’t get to spend a lot of time with him. She was constantly sent outside to play. Candy’s neighbor Chucky always tried to outdo whatever toy Candy got.

Candy’s father decided to get her a pet to keep her company. Her pet arrived by helicopter. Her father opened the crate and out came a Cankersaurus Rex. At first, Candy was scared. Then she decided to train him. She named him Cank and began training him. She had one rule, “No Biting”. She taught him to fetch a stick. He liked the taste of the stick so he bit into a bigger one, a tree. When they played hide and seek they couldn’t hide in the rose bush because he would eat the roses.

Candy’s neighbor Chucky became jealous and stole Candy’s Cankersaurus Rex and sold him to the circus. Chucky returned home and saw how sad Candy was. Could he fix the he created? This was a great story and one I believe EVERY PARENT should read with their child. It is a reminder that there is nothing more important than spending time with their children and know that you can’t buy their love.

Alphabet Anatomy: Meet the Capital Letters – Linda Ann Jones

Pages:  32
Genre:  Children’s Picture Book

Author Linda Jones and her illustrator son Branson Jones has created a wonderful pre-k/kindergarten book to teach kids the capital letters. The wonderful rhyming descriptions explain how to draw the letters, gives a word to help remember the letter.  As a teacher who started out teaching kindergarten I can definitely see the value in having this book on your shelf.  If I was teaching kindergarten today I would project one letter at a time, read the rhyme and have the students practice drawing the letter.  I think this should be on every kindergarten classroom shelf.

Oh Brother! - Kimberly Sentek

Pages: 28
Children’s Picture Book

This was an interesting book.  The story is actually told from two perspectives.  We first hear from Nico. He was the only dog in his house for a long time.  Then one day his family brought home another dog. The new dog’s name was Tugger. He got on Nico’s nerves because he cried and took his toys.  Just like all new members to a family, Tugger got most of the attention.  He doesn’t understand why they don’t love him anymore.  He also tells of playing with Tugger and laughing at all of his puppy antics.  As Tugger begins to grow up they begin to get along and Nico decides he likes having Tugger around.  The second half of the story is told from Tugger’s perspective.  Tugger wants to play with Nico but Nico ignores him.  The solution?  He begins to take and play with Nico’s toys.  He tries everything he can think of to get Nico to play with him, but Nico gets grumpier until he rolls a red ball to him.  He lets Nico go first. They both begin enjoying each other’s company.  The underlying story is about accepting new family members and fighting the jealousy.  I read this to my grand-daughter and then gave it to her to share with her brother.  She has just learned she has a new step-sister.  She’s not met her yet.  She was angry with her father feeling like he didn’t love them anymore and so she wasn’t going to like the new baby.  After reading the book she changed her mind.  She’s decided it’s not the new baby’s fault and that maybe when the baby gets older they can be friends.  I would say that this book was a great success.  Yes my grand-daughter has always thought things through in a more mature way.  But, I saw a tough lesson taught in such a simple manner.  I think this should be a book given to families finding them self suddenly in change whether it is from the birth of a new child or the blending of families.

The Riotous Rocket Ship Robbery – Kim Donovan

Pages:  160
Genre:  Upper Elementary/Middle Grade Fantasy

 Imagine going to school inside a volcano where you learn to be bad, and get extra points for being extra bad.  That’s right, you get to take classes such as World domination taught by Dr. Super Evil, The Super Simulator in the evil hands of Vera Vile and Sinister Science by Professor Plutonium.  Well, If you attended St. Viper’s School For Super Villains you would be doing that and much more. 

Demon Kid is one of the lucky attendees along with his friends Stacey Stretch, Wolfgang, a young werewolf, and others.  However, this school is similar to our very own schools.  They have bullies just like we do.  The difference is that these bullies are super villains who also bully other super villains, namely Demon Kid and his friends.   For a bad guy Demon Kid is always trying to help his friends. Now he has to find a way to stop the super villains who are constantly picking on them, all the while learning to dominate the world.  This is a cute book and one I could see my reluctant readers picking up.  It is full of action and humor.

Hello Bella – Nicole J. Foster

Genre: Children’s Picture Book
Source:  review copy from publisher

This cute little book would be a great intro for your preschool children. Ages 2 and up will not only be enchanted with a simple story and wonderful pictures, but will learn how to say hello in several languages. Bella is a cute dog who is taken for a walk. As she passes the pizzaria, bakery and other places along her walk she is greeted in different languages. I imagine you could make the repetition a game with younger children. Either way I definitely look forward to sharing this with my grand...moreThis cute little book would be a great intro for your preschool children. Ages 2 and up will not only be enchanted with a simple story and wonderful pictures, but will learn how to say hello in several languages. Bella is a cute dog who is taken for a walk. As she passes the pizzaria, bakery and other places along her walk she is greeted in different languages. I imagine you could make the repetition a game with younger children. Either way I definitely look forward to sharing this with my grandkids.

HAROLD THE HIGH KNIGHT AND PRINCESS MEGAN by Michael Andrisano
Pages: 222
Genre:  Children’s Fantasy

Brother and sister Harold and Megan have lost their father.  Harold is awakened on night by a ghostly visitor who explains to Harold that he must save his father.  His dad is being held  by gnome named Gagledormius.  He must solve a riddle to help find his father.  The problem is that Harold is terrible at puzzles.  His mom doesn’t believe him when he tells her about the visit.  His sister does.  When mom refuses to help they try their classmates.  They realize they must convince their mom and go to Ireland to figure all of this out.  Along the way they will meet fairies and leprechauns and find plenty adventure on their path to finding their father.

This is a cute fantasy for those who love reading about Irish figures.  However, as a middle school teacher I recognized some of the problems my students have when writing.  The paragraphs go on and on. There are a couple of places where we go from one point of view to another and back again.  This was distracting for me.  However, the story line makes up for these few mistakes.  I believe this would be a great book for reluctant readers.

Impostors & One Far-Out Flying Machine - Sands Hetherington
Pages: 320
Genre: Middle Grade Fantasy

Crosley is a bright red crocodile that lives under the bed of John Degraffenreidt. Why? John has so much energy he has difficulty going to sleep. He and Crosley go on night-time adventures called programs. His boss or handler is named Crenwinkle. In the first book they had to find out who was stealing all of the pineapple cheesecakes. This time the adventure is one that affects Crosley. There are several impostors running around town as red crocodiles, and they are doing bad things. Crosley's boss and brother Crenwinkle along with John must get help to solve this mystery. They rely on a friend from the first book to help. Along the way they must get help from Rodney Oglesby who runs a very unique hotdog stand. he sells sauerkraut and jelly bean hotdogs.  Come along on this adventure and find out how they solve this new mystery. Thebook teaches kids about obeying rules and laws, teamwork, honesty and many more lessons.

At Drake’s Command – David Wesley Hill

Publisher: Temurlone Presss
Pages:  424
Source:  I received a review copy in exchange for my honest review
Genre:  Adult, Historical Fiction

My Thoughts:
For those of you who love historical fiction this just might be the book for you.  David Wesley Hill has created a character that is very believable.  Young Perry James is found at the beginning of the book tied to a whipping post, preparing to be whipped for a crime of which he was innocent.  He convinces Sir Francis Drake to take him onboard as a cooks helper.  From this point on the adventures for young Perry grow.  As the adventures grow we see him mature and grow.  The use of metaphors helps paint a picture that uses all of the senses to bring the reader along for the ride.  I believe this was most important as the book would be difficult to understand if you did not have a vast nautical vocabulary.  The writing was so artfully done that I, a landlubber, was able to picture this vast ship.  I could feel the breezes blowing through my hair and feel myself being tossed as the ship’s sails billowed pulling the ship forward.  The adventure of the travel keeps you on the edge of the seat waiting to see what would happen next.  For this reason I was please to realize there is a second book coming.  All I can say at this point is let the adventure continue.

Classics to Farts, Six Children's Books

The Black Duckling - D. Edgar Henneking
This is a wonderful re-telling of "The Ugly Duckling". What made this book unique was that instead of hand-drawn or painted illustrations the book is full of realistic photographs.  I love this story and love to share it with my grandkids.  We talk about how words hurt and how there is always beauty in every person.  I definitely recommend this book to parents of young children.

Froggie - Jeremy Goodison
Froggie is the King of Frongland. While telling the reader what it is like in Frogland where he is king, children learn important lessons such as eating right, brushing their teeth, taking naps and of course my favorite, the benefits of reading books to make you smart.

Skippyjon Jones Shape Up - Judy Sachner
Skippyjon takes the child age 0-4 and teaches them shapes in a fun way. Skippyjon stays in shape by running in a circle or dancing on a square. This is a fun and simple way to discuss and teach basic shapes. I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest review.







                                                      Froggy Goes to Hawaii - Jonathan London
Wonderful Pictures and a Wonderful Story.  Froggy and his family is getting ready to go on vacation to Hawaii.  When mom wakes Froggie up he is having difficulty settling down.  He is told to pack and reminded to pack his swimsuit.  He packs his toy plane, boat and his ukelele into his bag and runs outside in his pajamas.  Once dressed they head off to the airport where we see he is still hyper.  He has difficulty waiting in line, waiting to get there and thinking what he is doing before he does it. Froggie and his family have a lot of adventure on their vacation.  Read the book to see what type of adventures he has.  I read this book on the site "wegivebooks.org

Billy and Monster The Superhero with Fart Powers - David Chuka
Billy and Monster have one wish, they would love to be superheroes.  They day dream of this in school.  Billy's dad is reading the paper at the table one night when he tells them about a jewelry thief who is stealing jewelry from rich, fancy dinner parties.  The mayor has promised a reward.  The next day Billy and Monster attend a fancy dinner party with his parents.  The jewelry thief shows up.  It is up to Billy and Monster to use their super power to save the day. You must read the book to find out how they do it.

Billy and Monster's New Neighbor Has a Secret - David Chuka

Billy knows most of the neighbors on his street.  For years there has been no one living in the house next door.  One day Billy and Monster are playing race cars in the livingroom when there is a knock at their front door.  They have new neighbors in the house next door.  Billy's dad invites them in.  Sally is trying to be friends with Billy but Billy thinks she is just being a pest and yells at her.  Billy is sent to his room.  The next day he goes over to apologize.  Sally's father takes Billy into the back yard where Sally is.  It is here that Billy discovers that Sally has a secret.  You really need to read this book to find out what the secret it.  I mean, it wouldn't be a secret if I told you.

Student Saturday - Twelve – Lauren Myracle

Student Saturday is a day I post reviews written by other students.  The review that follows is written by Brianna W

I really fell in love with this book.  I know what it is like being twelve and growing up.  Winnie is starting to hit puberty.  Her friends Cinamon and Dinah are Winnie’s best friends and Lars is Winnie’s boyfriend.  Sandra is Winnie’s big sister and she tries to help her out through everything.

 Winnie just got out of elementary school and she just turned twelve.  She is going through a tough time but with the help of best friends and an older sister she can make it through puberty. The place it takes at is mostly her house and at school.  I really loved this book and I really want to read the next book, which is thirteen.  I mostly recommend this to girls because it can help girls when they turn twelve and start going through the same things Winnie is going through right now, and it can give you some good tips for when this happens to girls. I would not recommend it to boys because it is mostly about what happens to girls and nothing really about boys.

Student Saturday - The Girl Behind the Glass – Jane Kelley

Student Saturday is a day I post reviews written by other students.  The review that follows is written by Lauren

The Girl Behind the Glass is about two twins, Hanna and Ana that move to an old house on Hemlock Road.  I liked how it was a ghost story that wasn’t that scary. There was no really scary things in it. I liked how the girl behind the glass narrated the story and slowly revealed things about her and what had happened.  I liked how she could read everyone’s mind and talk to them without anyone else hearing her.  I think kids ages 9 – 13 would enjoy this book.  It’s a fun and enjoyable book to read and I couldn’t put it down.

Student Saturday - Bullyville - Francine Prose

Student Saturday is a day I post reviews written by other students.  The review that follows is written by Kaylie

At first Bart was just a normal thirteen year old boy.  Well… sort of a normal thirteen year old.  His parents were getting divorced and dad already had a girlfriend named Caroline and all three of htem worked in the office (A.K.S the Twin Towers).  But then Bart had a high fever one day and his mom refused for him to stay at home alone.  Little did they know that it was the day that would change both of their lives.  ON the T.V. they saw it all and the buildings came crashing down. They then got a call from Caroline saying that he didn’t make it. Bart then becomes the miracle boy that saved his mother’s life. Yet, being famous doesn’t help the fact that he has lost his dad ad his world is turning upside down.

To make everything worse, in an act of kindness and charity, Bart is given a full scholarship to the local private prep school, Bailey well, or as he calls it Bullyville.  Everyone knows that kids go there to learn how to bully.  Bat learns this up close and first hand when the biggest bully ever is assigned to be his mentor.

I really could relate to this because my parents are also divorced, but my dad is not dead.  Bart never really talked to his dad and I don’t talk to mine either. When his dad called he refused to talk. I do the same when my dad calls.  His dad also texted him and he never answered them. I do the same with my dad.  I think it would be really cool if I could meet Bart just to talk so I know I’m not the only one just knowing how much we have in common is really interesting. Also, I started relating to Bart in the first chapter.        

Dead Man's Hand - Eddie Jones

Publisher:  Zondervan

Pages:  224

Genre:  Middle Grade/Young Adult Mystery

Source:  Review copy received in exchange for my honest review

If you are looking for a great mystery for your tween/teen to read this summer then this book is the one for you.  This is a book that both boys and girls will enjoy.  Nick Caden is doomed to spend his summer vacation with his parents and his young sister Wendy at the Deadwood Canyon Ghost Town in Montana.

He can think of nothing more boring.  It is supposed to be an old time western ghost town complete with cowboys, re-enactments and history lessons. To me this sounded wonderful.  I live in Florida and when I was in my teens we had an old western town in Ocala, Florida called Six Gun Territory.  This story immediately took me back to that time and place.  I had great memories there.   I assumed that since I loved something like that, then maybe a teen would as well. 

Nick stumbles upon the dead body of Billy the Kid.  When he gets the sheriff and they return to the spot, there is no body.  He is told that it was probably all a part of the act.  Nick doesn’t buy it.  In his free time back home he and his friends participate in a Cyber-Super Sleuth club.  Solving mysteries is what he does and he is determined to solve this one.  He is helped in this adventure by Annabel, also known as Annie Oakley.  Her uncle, Marshal Buckleberry deputizes him and allows him to question the tourists as long as he doesn’t mention the dead body.    You know that at some point he is going to question the wrong person and that can and will lead to trouble. 

This is the first book in the  Caden Chronicles and not the last one I will read.  This is a book I know several of my students will enjoy.  From the book we learn that Nick’s family are not Christians.  Nick finds a Bible with highlighted passages and begins to question things.  This is very light on the Christian end of things. I do hope there is more along that line in the second book.  I know as an author myself that balancing on  that fine line is very difficult.  I do believe that Eddie Jones is up to the challenge.  I recommend that tweens, teens and adults read this book.  It would definitely make a great summer read.

Student Saturday - The Last Olympian - Rick Riordan

Student Saturday is a day I post reviews written by other students.  The review that follows is written by Garima

The Last Olympian by Rick Riordan was one of the greatest books I’ve ever read! It was juicy on the flavor of surprise, adventure, and mystery. The book was about a young boy named Percy Jackson, a demigod. A demigod is a half god and half mortal child. He is in this camp called Camp Half-Blood, a place for demigods, like Percy. Percy is the son of Poseidon, the Greek god of the sea. In this book, Percy has to stop Kronos, the god of time, since Kronos wants to take over Olympus and, the home of the Greek Gods and Goddesses. After all, if your fear of your children dethroning you comes true and you finally become your full self after a bad collapse, you would want to get revenge. This was Kronos’ idea of revenge. He wanted everything to himself. So, Percy goes on this magical adventure and meets allies and old friends that help Percy while on the road to stop Kronos and his army from taking over Olympus. What will happen? Read The Last Olympian to find out!

I think that students and teachers should read this book because the book has something that mostly everyone likes: a fictional adventure. Rick Riordan also has a good sense of humor in the book. The book reminds me of “The Chronicles of Kane because they both are by the same author, Rick Riordan and they are both about mythology. The only difference between the two books is that The Chronicles of Kane focuses on Egyptian Mythology, while The last Olympian is about Greek Mythology. The book teaches me not to always rely on friends too much, but when in need, ask for help. The book also taught me to never give e up, lose hope, and to always make the right decision.