ENGLE, Margarita. Mountain Dog. illus. by Loga and Aleksey Ivanov. Holt. 2013. ISBN 9780805095166. JLG Level: A : Intermediate Readers (Grades 3–5).

When his mother is sent to prison for cruelty to animals, Tony moves in with his great uncle Leo whom he’s never met. Life in the Sierra Mountains is completely different from his Los Angeles world. He has his own room, a friendly dog who loves him at first sight, and a patient foster father who has much to teach him. Leo is a search-and-rescue volunteer, and his dog Gabe has also been trained to find people lost deep in the mountains. Tony alternates between his curiosity of the nature around him and his fear of loving things he could lose. Engle uses free verse and the voices of Tony, Leo, and Gabe to strengthen the reader’s empathy for the boy, allowing them to feel the struggles that the mountain dog sees.

HARLEY, Bill. Charlie Bumpers vs. the Teacher of the Year. illus. by Adam Gustavson. Peachtree. 2013. ISBN 9781561457328. JLG Level: A+ : Intermediate Readers (Grades 3–5).

Charlie Bumpers never means to get into trouble, but it always seems to find him. The year he enters fourth grade, he is horrified to learn that his teacher will be Mrs. Burke, last year’s teacher of the year. Charlie’s problem is that last year, he threw his shoe, which hit her in the head. “If I ever see you throw another shoe in school, you will stay in from recess for the rest of your life,” she promised. Now Charlie is in her class. How can he stay out of trouble with a teacher who’s just waiting for him to make a mistake? What’s even worse is that she surrounds him with perfect kids who never, ever make mistakes. His parents refuse to get him transferred. Charlie is stuck and is destined to be in a war that he can never hope to win; he just wants to survive it.

HILL, Kirkpatrick. Bo at Ballard Creek. illus. by LeUyen Pham. Holt. 2013. ISBN 9780805093513. JLG Level:  A : Intermediate Readers (Grades 3–5).

After the Alaskan gold rush when miners began to drift to other places, Mean Millie leaves town, giving up her baby. Miners Arvid and Jack are charged with delivering the child to the orphanage. After one look at the nuns, the two new friends decide to keep her. Everyone at Ballard Creek is delighted with the new addition to their family, for she becomes part of the life of all who lived at the mining camp. Bo, as she becomes known, learns Eskimo and English. She learns to cook and help in the cookshack. Reminiscent of a Little House book, Hill shares Bo’s life with her papas through the course of a year―from birthday and Fourth of July parties, to everyday life, and the excitement of the unexpected.

MARTIN, Lisa and Valerie. Anton and Cecil: Cats at Sea. illus. by Kelly Murphy. Algonquin. 2013. ISBN 9781616202460. JLG Level: A+ : Intermediate Readers (Grades 3–5).

Brothers are often different from each other. The cats Anton and Cecil are no different. Cecil would love nothing more than to sail on one of the ships that come into their harbor. Anton is quiet and cautious. He’d rather stay on dry ground. As fate would often have it, Anton is taken against his will to be a rat-catcher on the largest ship ever to dock in their harbor. Cecil must rescue him from this dangerous fate, so he forces his way onto the next vessel. Pirate ships, mysterious whales, kind cooks, and huge rats fill out this survival tale, and the brothers’ adventure teaches lessons about facing fears, family, and friendship.

RHODES, Jewell Parker. Sugar. Little, Brown. 2013. ISBN 9780316043052. JLG Level: A : Intermediate Readers (Grades 3–5).

In the time of Reconstruction on the banks of the Mississippi, 10-year-old Sugar and the other former slaves still do hard labor harvesting sugar cane. Blacks are still separated from whites, and not much has changed except that the workers get paid for their efforts. But since the end of the Civil War, it’s mostly old folks that remain on the plantation, so Mister Wills hires Chinese men to strengthen his labor force. Sugar, who’s almost always in trouble anyway, crosses the racial line when she plays with the plantation owner’s son. The new workers stir up her curiosity with their shiny black hair, linen pants, new food, and new customs. Sugar can’t resist being with them either. In a time when things are changing, the strong-minded girl rushes headfirst, bringing all races together, but at what cost? Things are a’changing, but not everyone is happy about it. Rhodes’s enlightening historical novel introduces a little known thread of history about Chinese immigrants working in the South after the Civil War.

For audio/video versions of these booktalks, please visit JLG’s Shelf Life Blog.

Junior Library Guild is a collection development service that helps school and public libraries acquire the best new children’s and young adult books. Season after season, year after year, Junior Library Guild book selections go on to win awards, collect starred or favorable reviews, and earn industry honors. Visit us at www.JuniorLibraryGuild.com.

BUNTING, Eve. The Cart That Carried Martin. illus. by Don Tate. Charlesbridge. 2013. ISBN 9781580893879. JLG Level: I+ : Independent Readers (Grades 2–4).

“The cart was old. Its paint had faded. It was for sale outside Cook’s Antiques and Stuff. Nobody wanted it.” That was before it carried something heavier than the burden it bore. The wagon that no one wanted was borrowed for use in a funeral procession. Two mules led it through the streets while thousands of people sang, cried, and grieved. It was the funeral cart that carried Martin Luther King, Jr. whose spirit could not be contained in the coffin that bound him. Reading a newspaper article inspired Bunting’s latest picture book―a powerful tale of the modest artifact that now motivates men to remove their hats.

HOPKINS, H. Joseph. The Tree Lady: The True Story of How One Tree-Loving Woman Changed a City Forever. illus. by Jill McElmurry. S & S/Beach Lane. 2013. ISBN 9781442414020. JLG Level: BE : Biography Elementary (Grades 2–6).

When Kate Sessions first saw San Diego’s City Park (as it was then called), it looked like the rest of the desert town―there was very little green. She became a tree hunter, asking for seeds from gardeners all over the world. Soon Kate’s seedlings were growing all over the city. In 1909, city planners met to discuss the upcoming Panama-California Exposition. Kate was hired to plant thousands of trees in what was now called Balboa Park before the visitors arrived in 1915. Could the young gardener (the first woman to graduate with a science degree from UC) prepare a treeless city park in such a short time? Hopkins’ first picture book explores the powerful impact of a woman who changed the landscape of San Diego.

MARCUS, Leonard S. Randolph Caldecott: The Man Who Could Not Stop Drawing. illus. by author. Farrar/Frances Foster. 2013. ISBN  9780374310257. JLG Level: BE : Biography Elementary (Grades 2–6).

Seventy-five years ago, a new award was established to celebrate the most distinguished work by an American children’s book illustrator. Seventy-seven years earlier, the man for whom the award was named took his first job at age fifteen. He was hired as a clerk in a British bank. Though the job was stable, especially for a young man who had experienced health issues, banking was not his heart’s desire. More than anything he loved to draw. Whenever he could, he doodled ―even on his banking papers. He knew that he would have to move to London where editorial cartoons could give him the break he needed. Armed with a small portfolio, Caldecott took the opportunity to share his work with important editors. One of them liked his art, publishing the first of many illustrations in London Society. As his popularity rose, the artist was approached to take over the work of retiring illustrator, Walter Crane. His new job would be to create the drawings for children’s toybooks. Completely changing the format, style, and design, his first book immediately sold the first printing’s 10,000 copies. From doodles as a young boy, he became the most sought-after illustrator of his time. Today, his name is recognized by children and librarians all over the country. His name was Randolph Caldecott.

McCARTHY, Meghan. Daredevil: The Daring Life of Betty Skelton. illus. by author. S & S/Paula Wiseman. 2013. JLG Level: BE : Biography Elementary (Grades 2–6).

In 1942 women weren’t allowed to be commercial pilots, but Betty Skelton was determined to fly. She became a stunt pilot, calling it “aerobatic flying.” Turning her plane upside down, she became known for her daring ribbon cuts, using her propeller to slice the banner. She flew barefoot and took her dog, Little Tinker. In 1951, Skelton broke an altitude record, soaring an amazing height of 29,050 feet―higher than the top of Mount Everest. From there she drove racecars, continuing her need for speed and record-setting daredevil deeds. McCarthy’s fascinating account includes quotes, a time line, and an extensive bibliography of a woman who became “The First Lady of Firsts.”

For audio/video versions of these booktalks, please visit JLG’s Shelf Life Blog.

Junior Library Guild is a collection development service that helps school and public libraries acquire the best new children’s and young adult books. Season after season, year after year, Junior Library Guild book selections go on to win awards, collect starred or favorable reviews, and earn industry honors. Visit us at www.JuniorLibraryGuild.com.

CHENG, Andrea. The Year of the Baby. illus. by Patrice Barton. Houghton Harcourt. 2013. ISBN 9780547910673. JLG Level: A+ : Intermediate Readers (Grades 3–5).

Anna is the only one who can calm her new baby sister when they go to her frequent doctor trips. Kaylee, who was adopted from China, is not gaining weight, and everyone is worried. At school, Anna has trouble deciding on a topic for her science project. When she and her friends discover that Kaylee eats better when she’s distracted by their singing, they wonder if an experiment could win the science fair and help the baby gain weight. Should the songs be in English or Chinese? Does the type of food matter? Cheng follows The Year of the Book (2012) with a charming sequel that asks as many questions as it answers.

ENGLISH, Karen. Substitute Trouble. illus. Laura Freeman. Clarion.2013. ISBN 9780547615653. JLG Level: CE : City Elementary (Grades 2–6).

Nikki and Deja don’t like their new substitute teacher. He doesn’t follow Ms. Shelby-Ortiz’s rules. He doesn’t follow the plan. He has no control over the class. Writing an anonymous letter to Mr. Willow with some tips about how to handle the misbehavior in their class seems like a good idea. In a misunderstanding, Deja is blamed for a disrespectful action, and she’s sent to the principal’s office. Her explanation and the letter brings consequences that she never expected. Following the rules gets hard, even for Deja and Nikki. New readers will identify with the class, but hope they never have substitute trouble like the girls do.

GAIMAN, Neil. Fortunately, the Milk. illus. by Skottie Young. HarperCollins. Sept. 2013. ISBN9780062224071. JLG Level:  I : Independent Readers (Grades 2–4).

“Where have you been all this time?” asked my sister. “Ah,” said my father. “Um. Yes. Well, funny you should ask me that…I bought the milk…and then something odd happened,” he said. Father proceeds to tell a marvelously inventive story about pirates, piranhas, dinosaurs, volcanoes, and Floaty-Ball-Person-Carriers. Everyone has told a tale that sounds unbelievable, but Gaiman’s new work is a tribute to the art of storytelling. Even the most cynical reader will relax into a far-fetched account of why it took so long to bring home the milk.

KELLER, Laurie. Bowling Alley Bandit. illus. by author. Holt/Christy Ottaviano. 2013. ISBN 9780805090765. JLG Level: HE : Humor Elementary (grades 2–6).

From his picture book debut in Arnie the Doughnut (2003), Arnie returns in a short novel for independent readers. From breakfast to doughnut-dog, Arnie’s life is never the same. Mr. Bing takes him every week to the bowling alley where he is quite popular. During a tournament, Mr. Bing stops using his regular house ball, Bruiser, for his own personal ball, Betsy. It’s a special night, so Arnie arranges for a bowling karaoke version of “Take Me Out to the Ballgame.” It’s a hit, but something goes wrong with Mr. Bing’s ball. He never throws a gutterball. It’s up to Arnie to investigate the trail of pink sprinkles and get to the bottom of the mystery. Keller’s amusing cartoonlike illustrations keep the action moving and the laughter flowing.

PEET, Mal and Elspeth Graham. Mysterious Traveler. Candlewick. Oct. 2013. illus. by P.J. Lynch. ISBN 9780763662325. JLG Level: I : Independent Readers (Grades 2–4).

Desert guide Issa finds a baby after a terrible sandstorm takes the lives of everyone but the camel that was transporting her. He raises the girl as his grandchild and teaches Mariama everything he knows. She learns to read the desert for signs of weather and danger. When Issa goes blind, she becomes his eyes. A rich young man comes to Issa for help crossing the wide desert. He refuses the aid of a blind man, preferring to use a magic stone as a guide. Issa learns the party goes to the Bitter Mountains alone, he takes Mariama to search for them. Will they find them before they become lost? Can a blind man save them? Lynch’s gorgeous watercolors illustrate the fable of a Timbuktu guide who blindly let travelers across the vast deserts.

For audio/video versions of these booktalks, please visit JLG’s Shelf Life Blog.

Junior Library Guild is a collection development service that helps school and public libraries acquire the best new children’s and young adult books. Season after season, year after year, Junior Library Guild book selections go on to win awards, collect starred or favorable reviews, and earn industry honors. Visit us at www.JuniorLibraryGuild.com.

ALMOND, David. The Boy Who Swam with Piranhas. illus. by Oliver Jeffers. Candlewick. 2013. ISBN 9780763661694. JLG Level: A : Intermediate Readers (Grades 3–5).

Stanley’s uncle Ernie becomes obsessed with canning fish. After a shocking demise to twelve of his pet goldfish, Stanley takes the last surviving one and goes for a walk that leads him to run away with the fair. His new family comes with an encouraging father-figure and an angry young girl. Putting his good heart to use, the orphan finds a way to protect the fish at his Hook-a-Duck booth, quiet the heart of his companion, and accept his dangerous destiny. Not every child could be a boy who swims with piranhas. Add a prejudiced policeman, a madcap group of “DAFT envistigators,” with a loving couple who miss their precious nephew and you have a charming novel about a boy who blossoms while changing everyone around him.

FLEMING, David. The Saturday Boy. Viking. 2013. ISBN 9780670785513. JLG Level: B+ : Upper Elementary & Junior High (Grades 5–7).

Life without your dad is difficult for Derek, a fifth grade boy, whose father is stationed in Afghanistan. He has letters and comic books for support, but those things don’t prevent him from getting in trouble at school. His former friend Budgie bullies him, and he’s frequently caught when his anger gets the best of him. Getting a part in a school play gives Derek a creative outlet. Being the “bigger person,” as his mom advises, is so hard. When his mom withdraws into grief, he doesn’t understand why, and his cool aunt moves in to help out. Derek accidentally learns the source of his mother’s depression. Sending letters to his dad won’t help him this time. Fleming’s first novel keeps readers tense with anticipation, while drawing them close to a boy who just can’t seem to get a break.

VAWTER, Vince. Paperboy. Delacorte. 2013. ISBN9780375990588. JLG Level:  C+ : Advanced Readers (Grades 6–9).

In the late 1950s, a stuttering eleven-year-old boy has life-changing experiences while substituting on a paper route for his best friend. Mam, his nanny, warns him to stay away from Ara T, the neighborhood junkman, but he gives him his knife to sharpen anyway. He’ll need it to cut the string on the paper bundle. Collecting subscription money will also be a problem when Little Man will have to say words that he finds difficult to say, even if he uses his therapist’s speaking tricks. Miss Worthington’s beauty makes him want to try. The Boy Who Sits in Front of the TV just makes him angry. Mr. Spiro is one of two adults who speak to him like a grown-up. Little Man could learn a great deal from him and his books. A month of delivering papers gives him an opportunity to think beyond his problems and try to find ways to help these new people, even if it’s outside of his comfort zone. Vawter’s unforgettable first novel is more memoir than fiction, illustrating that though you may not be able to cure a stutter, you can certainly overcome it.

For audio/video versions of these booktalks, please visit JLG’s Shelf Life Blog.

Junior Library Guild is a collection development service that helps school and public libraries acquire the best new children’s and young adult books. Season after season, year after year, Junior Library Guild book selections go on to win awards, collect starred or favorable reviews, and earn industry honors. Visit us at www.JuniorLibraryGuild.com.

BRANFORD, Anna. Violet Mackerel’s Personal Space. illus. by Elanna Allen. S & S/Atheneum. Sept. 2013. ISBN 9781442435919. JLG Level: I+ : Independent Readers (Grades 2–4).

Investigating theories is one of Violet Mackerel’s specialties. The summer her mother remarries she decides that if you leave a small something behind (like a shell or a bit of sea glass), a tiny part of you gets to stay forever. Her brother Dylan struggles with the news that the family will be moving to a larger house. When he moves outside to his father’s beat-up tent, Violet focuses on helping her brother adjust. Planning for the wedding redirects her own fear of change, until the day the last box is packed. A big part of her wants to stay in the house she has lived in for her whole life. Does her theory really work? Violet’s musings offer young readers the opportunity to reflect on the spaces they leave behind as well.

COVILLE, Bruce and Elizabeth Levy. Paula Danziger’s Amber Brown is on the Move. illus. by Anthony Lewis. Putnam. Sept. 2013. ISBN  9780399161698. JLG Level:  I : Independent Readers (Grades 2–4)

Moving is never easy, and even worse, Amber has to pack her own things. At school, she falls behind in standardized testing preparations. Saturday Academy for Amber! When her class begins to take ballroom dancing, she has trouble keeping up with that as well. Her dad decides they should take lessons together, but he falls for the dance instructor. Now Miss Isobel (who can never remember Amber’s name) joins the pair on her weekends of musical theater movie watching. Stepfather Max nags at Amber to pack. No wonder she can’t focus. There’s too much change and Amber begins to feel hopeless. How can she get back on track? Coville and Levy guide the endearing girl through a hard year when Amber must learn to take change one step at a time.

HENKES, Kevin. The Year of Billy Miller. HarperCollins/Greenwillow. Sept. 2013. ISBN 9780062268136. JLG Level: I+ : Independent Readers (Grades 2–4).

The summer after Billy Miller hits his head, he worries if he will be smart enough for second grade. His teacher, Ms. Silver, assures him that he is. Now that Billy is older, he wants to call his papa, Dad. How will his father react? Will it hurt his feelings? And papa is struggling with his big art break. What can Billy do to help him? Little sister Sal can be a pain. She even gets glitter on his bat cave project! And his mom becomes the subject of his class project, though it’s really hard to write about her. (He’d rather write about volcanoes.) Henkes divides Billy’s tale into four character-focused sections, enabling readers to understand more fully how Billy conquers fears, works through problems, and grows up―just a little bit.

KLISE, Kate. The Show Must Go On! illus. by M. Sarah Klise. Algonquin. Sept. 2013. ISBN 9781616202446. JLG Level: I+ : Independent Readers (Grades 2–4).

Sir Sidney has the best circus in the world. Everyone leaves happy. He treats his animals like family. When he grows old and tired, he places an ad in the paper for a new circus manager. Dozens of applicants appear, but they seem more interested in meeting him than in running a circus. Barnabas Brambles, Certified Lion Tamer, has other ideas. He wants to see change―energy, new vision, and a new attitude! Sir Sidney gives him a one week trial, and a free hand to run the business. The stipulation is that he should treat everyone―large and small―with respect. Nothing could be further from the truth. Brambles doubles the performances and prepares to sell Sir Sidney’s beloved animals. Something must be done! The sisters Klise introduce an entertaining cast of characters in an amusing new series (“Three-Ring Rascals”) for independent readers.

MACLACHLAN, Patricia. The Truth of Me. HarperCollins/Katherine Tegen Bks. 2013. ISBN 9780061998607. JLG Level: I : Independent Readers (Grades 2–4).

Robbie’s grandmother Maddy is his best friend, though not many kids would say that. Maddy has many friends, but most of them are wild animals. It worries her daughter, but Robbie knows that it proves that Maddy has special powers. He believes she shared a piece of corn bread with a bear while sitting on a log in the woods. The summer that he spends with his grandmother while his musician parents go on tour provides an opportunity for Robbie to experience her gift of talking to the animals. MacLachlan’s tender story of a boy who finds courage inspires readers to observe the truth in their own lives.

For audio/video versions of these booktalks, please visit JLG’s Shelf Life Blog.

Junior Library Guild is a collection development service that helps school and public libraries acquire the best new children’s and young adult books. Season after season, year after year, Junior Library Guild book selections go on to win awards, collect starred or favorable reviews, and earn industry honors. Visit us at www.JuniorLibraryGuild.com.

BARTOLETTI, Susan Campbell. Down the Rabbit Hole. Scholastic. 2013. ISBN 9780545297011. JLG Level: B+ : Upper Elementary & Junior High (Grades 5–7).

A Dear America adventure set in 1871 Chicago, Bartoletti’s orphan tale features the diary of Pringle Rose―a strong female character who takes care of her younger brother who has Down syndrome. When their hopes of shelter end on the steps of a Chicago mansion, the siblings turn to a family they’ve met on the train from Pennsylvania. Pringle becomes the governess and amidst the constant fires of a city built of wood, learns to cook, clean, and manage a household. While she learns about the life of the worker, she begins to struggle with her upper class beliefs. Was her father wrong? Are the workers underpaid and overworked?  Whether readers recognize the date of the Great Fire or not, the foreboding sense of tragedy looms over the city, creating suspense in the center of Pringle’s conflicting emotions.

GOLDBLATT, Mark. Twerp. Random. 2013. ISBN 9780375971433. JLG Level: B : Upper Elementary & Junior High (Grades 5–7) .

“I’ve done worse, much worse, and never written a word about it.” After a week of suspension, Justin chooses to write about what happened instead of completing his Shakespeare assignment. He has no trouble retelling the mischief he and his neighborhood buddies get into. “His entire head was surrounded by smoke. It was like something you’d see in a comic book…but only for a split second. Not enough time to realize what was going on, or to think about the consequences―like maybe Quentin was going to be dead once the smoke cleared.” (It took six weeks for his eyebrows to grow back.) Justin finds that writing an account of his sixth-grade year is harder than he thought. From tales of love letters gone awry to heartfelt narratives about an argument between friends, Goldblatt’s first novel for younger readers will have them laughing out loud and reflecting on their own choices as Justin learns about the effects of bullying.

KADOHATA, Cynthia. The Thing About Luck. illus. by Julia Kuo. S & S/Atheneum. 2013. ISBN 9781416918820. JLG Level: B : Upper Elementary & Junior High (Grades 5–7).

Summer’s life has always revolved around the harvesting of wheat. When her parents are called to Japan, she helps take the harvest season on the road as her grandmother’s assistant in the kitchen. She’ll also take care of her younger brother, Jaz, and their dog, Thunder. Timing is everything in this business, so when her grandfather becomes ill and her grandmother’s back causes great pain, the family’s job becomes jeopardized. Can they beat the deadline before the rains come and ruin the profit? Can she save the harvest? Kadohata’s novel combines the power of family responsibility with the story of a young girl determined to triumph over luck.

MILLS, Claudia. Zero Tolerance. Farrar. 2013. ISBN 9780374333126. JLG Level: B : Upper Elementary & Junior High (Grades 5–7).

Turning in the knife in her mother’s lunch bag (which she mistakenly took) seemed to be the right thing to do. Sierra never thought it would lead to in-school suspension and an expulsion hearing. Though she is an honor student, the zero tolerance policy at her middle school required immediate action. Her passionate attorney father is determined to gain publicity that will force the principal to back down―even if it means sullying his reputation. Sierra has some hard decisions to make. Should she go to another school? Should she admit to writing the letter from the school secretary? And what about Luke, who is always in trouble, but seems to really like her? Middle grade readers will have much to discuss about the issue of zero tolerance.

WILLIAMS-GARCIA, Rita. P.S. Be Eleven. HarperCollins/Amistad/. 2013. ISBN 9780061938634. JLG Level:  B+ : Upper Elementary & Junior High (Grades 5–7).

Delphine and her sisters have come home inspired by their mother and the Black Panthers, but Big Ma has other ideas. Order, tradition, and rules must be upheld. Uncle Darnell returns from Vietnam, but seems sick all the time. He’s also lost his laughter. When Pa brings home his new girlfriend, it seems that Delphine can’t control anything. She feels responsible for everyone, especially her sisters. In a series of letters from her mother, Cecile, she gets advice to let things go. Sister Vonetta can be in charge of the savings for the Jackson concert. Baby sister Fern can be excited for a new stepmother. Maybe it’s time for Delphine to enjoy her family, her childhood, and to just be eleven.

Junior Library Guild is a collection development service that helps school and public libraries acquire the best new children’s and young adult books. Season after season, year after year, Junior Library Guild book selections go on to win awards, collect starred or favorable reviews, and earn industry honors. Visit us at www.JuniorLibraryGuild.com.

CASTELLUCCI, Cecil. Odd Duck. illus. by Sara Varon. First Second. 2013. ISBN 9781596435575. JLG Level: GE : Graphic Novels Elementary (Grades 2–6).

Theodora was content with her life and an interruption like her messy new neighbor could mean nothing but trouble. Chad is, after all, quite different. He is a crazy dancer who splashes when he swims. She keeps a teacup on her head during swimming to practice her posture. He hammers away at his yard art projects, while she quietly sips her tea. An injured wing keeps Chad from flying south for the winter, and Theodora prefers the quiet, so she never flies. Thrown together, the two neighbors become friends until they learn that one of them is an odd duck. Which one is it? Should it make a difference in a friendship? Readers will embrace these new characters embellished with Varon’s charming illustrations―no matter what their quirk.

COUDRAY, Philippe. Bright Ideas! Candlewick/Toon Bks. 2013. ISBN 9781935179221. JLG Level: GE : Graphic Novels Elementary (Grades 2–6).

Benjamin Bear returns with his rabbit friend in one-page comic adventures about their world. Rabbit needs to cross the river, so Benjamin builds him a bridge. Instead of using the new structure, he jumps over the bridge and the river. In “Sharing,” rabbit and porcupine argue over the ownership of a ball. When it hits Benjamin in the nose during his nap, they generously give the ball away rather than own the ball that hit an angry bear. Humor fills every page of this easy reader graphic novel. Each story’s conclusion will keep readers pondering.

HOLM, Jennifer L. and Matthew Holm. Extreme Babymouse. Random. 2013. ISBN 9780375970962. JLG Level: GE : Graphic Novels Elementary (Grades 2–6).

Babymouse wants to be like everyone else, so she begs her mom to go snowboarding. Learning to keep her balance, stopping with no brakes, and avoiding bumps leave her with pain more than anything else. Her coach advises listening to her inner voice. Peer pressure challenges her to ski the bigger hill and take the longest jump. Getting to the bottom of the mountain is more than a challenge. It’s extreme. Will Babymouse let her friends coerce her into poor decisions? Fans of the series will appreciate the humorous illustrations that often speak louder than words.

HOLM, Jennifer L. and Matthew Holm. Squish: Game On! Random. 2013. ISBN 9780307983008. JLG Level: GE : Graphic Novels Elementary (Grades 2–6).

“Just one more level,” is the cry of an avid gamer. Finding a stopping place is almost impossible, and Squish finds it difficult to stop for friends, food, and schoolwork. With a book report due, four school tardies, and no costume prepared for the Comic Convention, gaming has consumed his life. Can he stop his obsession? Will he find a balance in his life? Book 5 in the series leaves the reader laughing while learning an important life lesson.

KROSOCZKA, Jarrett J. Lunch Lady and the Video Game Villain. Knopf. 2013. ISBN 9780307980809. JLG Level: GE : Graphic Novels Elementary (Grades 2–6).

Someone is stealing the technology at Thompson Brook School―and just before the new superintendent arrives for inspection. Lunch Lady is determined to find the culprit, while Hector runs for class president against his vote-buying competitor. When the boys do some investigation, it appears that the cyborg substitute teacher is back. How can that be when Mr. Edison is in jail? Is there a new villain in town? Can the Lunch Lady save the day while preventing the cafeteria from failing the inspection? A cliff-hanger conclusion will have fans of the series anticipating Book Ten.

Junior Library Guild is a collection development service that helps school and public libraries acquire the best new children’s and young adult books. Season after season, year after year, Junior Library Guild book selections go on to win awards, collect starred or favorable reviews, and earn industry honors. Visit us at www.JuniorLibraryGuild.com.

FLEMING, Candace. Papa’s Mechanical Fish. illus. by Boris Kulikov. Farrar/Margaret Ferguson. 2013. ISBN 9780374399085. JLG Level: E : Easy Reading (Grades 1-3).

“If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again” goes the well-known saying. Papa was an inventor, so he made a mechanical fish. It sunk. He added a fin and propeller. It almost worked, so he added a steering wheel and protected the surface with copper. Papa’s inspirations for improvement come from the fish themselves (and a little prodding from his daughter). How do fish know where they’re going? Papa adds portholes. Will his invention ever work well enough for use in war or transportation? Fleming’s inspirational tale of little-known inventor, Lodner Phillips, presents a creative mind that continued to think, whether he was immediately successful or not.

HEILIGMAN, Deborah. The Boy Who Loved Math: The Improbable Life of Paul Erdös. illus. by LeUyen Pham. Roaring Brook. 2013. ISBN 9781596433076. JLG Level: BE : Biography Elementary (Grades 2–6).

Paul loved math more than anything. He counted and subtracted all day. Between his mother’s over-protectiveness and his obsession with equations, the young boy never learned to do things for himself. When he was 21, his work took him to places where he was alone. Another mathematician would take him home, wash his clothes, provide his meals, and pay his bills. Shouting “my brain is open,” Paul would announce that he was ready to do calculations early in the morning. His personal quirks were tolerated by friends and colleagues who loved him anyway. Heiligman’s picture book biography of an eccentric genius reveals a man who was good at his job and was willing to share his talents with others.

MARKEL, Michelle. Brave Girl: Clara and the Shirtwaist Makers’ Strike of 1909. illus. by Melissa Sweet. HarperCollins/Balzer + Bray. 2013. ISBN 9780061804427. JLG Level:  NE : Nonfiction Elementary (Grades 2–6).

Typical examples of leaders in American history include figures like George Washington or Benjamin Franklin. Clara was a five-foot-tall, nineteen-year-old girl when she took a stand for thousands of garment industry workers to strike for the improvement of their working conditions and benefits. If a worker bled twice on her cloth, she could lose her job. If she were a few minutes late to work, she could lose half a day’s pay. Working under unbelievable conditions (two toilets and one sink for 300 hundred girls), these teenagers made women’s clothing instead of getting an education. Clara was determined to improve things, so she took a stand. Though beaten and arrested 17 times, the immigrant seamstress dared to challenge the establishment and make a difference for those around her and the workers yet to come. Sweet’s brilliant collage and watercolor illustrations weave Markel’s words into an inspirational story of fighting for equality.

ROCHE, Suzzy. Want to Be in a Band? illus. by Giselle Porter. Random/Schwartz & Wade. 2013. ISBN9780375968792. JLG Level: E+ : Easy Reading (Grades 1–3).

What does it take to start a band? A little sister can ask her two older siblings. Then they can teach her everything they know. A new musician’s fingers may tire while playing the guitar, but practice is important. Performing for others may give a novice stage fright, but playing for her parents is a baby step in the right direction. After the band chooses a name, they can have a public performance. Maybe it will lead to a gig in a club, but the sisters shouldn’t worry if it’s not a big-time appearance. Based on her own experiences, folk-indie rock band The Roches, the author’s advice continues as she encourages budding musicians in the process of starting a band.

SAY, Allen. The Favorite Daughter. Scholastic/Arthur A. Levine. 2013. ISBN 9780545176620. JLG Level: CE : City Elementary (Grades 2–6).

Yuriko is upset when her Japanese name is mispronounced at school. Even her teacher calls her “Eureka.” As the teasing continues, she decides she wants an American name. Her wise and patient father goes along with her wishes and takes his “new” daughter, Michelle, to a Japanese garden in San Francisco. While looking for a souvenir with her name on it, they see a Japanese ink painting artist. After learning her real name, he paints a lily and uses traditional characters to write it out. She’s delighted with her special remembrance and decides to learn to paint it too. On their trip to the Golden Gate Bridge, father and daughter are disappointed to see it buried in fog. He encourages the youngster to use her imagination to recreate the bridge for her school project. Her father points out that she wants an ordinary name, but something different from everyone else for her artwork. Perhaps he’s given her more to think about than a school assignment. Say’s illustrations accompany the thought-provoking dialogue.

Junior Library Guild is a collection development service that helps school and public libraries acquire the best new children’s and young adult books. Season after season, year after year, Junior Library Guild book selections go on to win awards, collect starred or favorable reviews, and earn industry honors. Visit us at www.JuniorLibraryGuild.com.

BURLEIGH, Robert. Look Up!: Henrietta Leavitt, Pioneering Woman Astronomer. illus. by Raúl Colón. S & S/Paula Wiseman. 2013. ISBN 9781416958192. JLG Level: SCE : Science Nonfiction Elementary (Grades 2–6).

When Henrietta was a young woman, male students outnumbered the females in her college astronomy classes. Once she graduated, the young astronomer was paid thirty cents an hour to record information that male scientists in the observatory researched. Hour after hour she poured over the photographs. Eventually she began to see differences in the dots that represented the stars. Some stars dimmed while others brightened. Determined to unlock the mystery, Henrietta kept a chart and slowly a pattern began to emerge. What had she found? What impact would it make on astronomy? Burleigh’s text is beautifully illustrated by the acclaimed Colón, and supplemented with back matter for use in further research about this little-known pioneering woman astronomer.

CATE, Annette LeBlanc. Look Up! Bird-Watching in Your Own Backyard. Candlewick. 2013. ISBN 9780763645618. JLG Level: SCE : Science Nonfiction Elementary (Grades 2–6).

“More exciting than slugs! More varieties than squirrels! Less dangerous than grizzly bears!” Perhaps best of all: bird-watching can be done in the safety of your own backyard. With a sketchbook and a pencil, even kids can learn about a bird’s characteristics. Observing its color, shape, actions, and interactions, the careful young scientist can learn to study nature. From “Be a Birdbrain” suggestions to “Wing Tips” that provide facts for novices, this new picture book is loaded with prodding questions. For example, observers can notice how a bird spends its time. Is it a loner? Does it stay in groups? Silly cartoons and speech bubbles punctuate the text, encouraging readers to linger over the detailed drawings to extract a plethora of facts. No matter where kids live, by looking up, beginning hobbyists can observe the world around them. Now they know what to look for.

STEWART, Melissa and Allen Young. No Monkeys, No Chocolate. illus. by Nicole Wong. Charlesbridge. 2013. ISBN 9781580892872. JLG Level: SCE : Science Nonfiction Elementary (Grades 2–6).

What does it take to make chocolate? Milk? Sugar? Beans? Coffin flies? Lizards? Monkeys? Learning about the life cycle of a cocoa tree becomes fun and informative as readers discover how plants and animals work together to produce the bean that becomes chocolate. Cocoa pods don’t form without flowers and the midges that pollinate them. Flowers won’t bloom without the maggots that eat the ants’ brains which prevent the leaf-cutter ants from killing the leaves that feed the flowers. Fungi in the soil break down dead plants and animals, providing nutrients for the roots of the cocoa tree. A supporting cast of bookworms adds humor to the text. “I thought this book was about monkeys,” he says. “Well, we aren’t done yet. They must be coming,” she replies. To find out how monkeys help in the production of cocoa beans, kids will have to read it for themselves.

WEITEKAMP, Margaret A. with David DeVorkin. Pluto’s Secret: An Icy World’s Tale of Discovery. illus. by Diane Kidd.  Abrams. 2013. ISBN 9781419704239. JLG Level: SCE : Science Nonfiction Elementary (Grades 2–6).

Remember when Pluto’s status as a planet was revoked? Since 1930, when the small planet was discovered, idiosyncrasies kept scientists from being completely satisfied with its inclusion in the list of nine planets. Finally in 2006, scientists created the definition of a planet, and Pluto was outvoted. Weitekamp’s new informational picture book takes the reader back through time as Pluto is discovered, studied, and named by an eleven-year-old girl. Index, glossary, and a Who’s Who guide support common text nonfiction needs. Humorous illustrations and Pluto’s witty comments ensure that this new title will be a hit in a science classroom or in a storytime.

Junior Library Guild is a collection development service that helps school and public libraries acquire the best new children’s and young adult books. Season after season, year after year, Junior Library Guild book selections go on to win awards, collect starred or favorable reviews, and earn industry honors. Visit us at www.JuniorLibraryGuild.com.

CROWDER, Melanie. Parched. Houghton Harcourt. 2013. ISBN 9780547976518. JLG Level: C : Advanced Readers (Grades 6–9).

Sarel is a girl who learned from her mother the secrets of plants―which can heal, nourish, or hold water. Nandi is the dog that saves Sarel from being seen when her family is murdered for the location of their secret well. She can also sense that the boy who has the power to save them all is near. Musa can sense the flow of underground water sources. His gift causes him to be kidnapped by a gang and forced to search for water after being beaten, starved, and handcuffed. These three survivors must find a way to locate water in a brutal desert before they run out of time. In her debut novel, Crowder tells the powerful story of the courage of two kids who use what they do well to work together and survive in a harsh world.

LARSON, Kirby. Hattie Ever After. Delacorte. 2013. ISBN 9780385906685. JLG Level: C : Advanced Readers (Grades 6–9).

After Hattie pays off her IOU for Uncle Chester’s debt, she finds herself wondering if life in Montana and marriage to Charlie is what she really wants. When a traveling theatre troupe offers her a job which will take her to San Francisco, she jumps at the chance. This could be her opportunity to make a real career choice―journalism! The problem is that in 1919, women clean offices; they don’t work in them. Hattie must use her courage and desire to write to conquer stereotypes and win a spot on the front page. The sequel to Hattie Big Sky (Delacorte, 2006) allows Hattie to take her dabbling with a hometown newspaper column to a professional level in the fast and furious big-city life at the cusp of the Roaring Twenties.

MELOY, Maile. The Apprentices. Putnam. 2013. ISBN 9780399162459. JLG Level: C : Advanced Readers (Grades 6–9).

Math and science have always been easy for Janie. When she is falsely accused of cheating on a math test, the young researcher is expelled. Without access to her experiment, Janie won’t be able to finish extracting salt from her saline solution. She hoped to find a way to produce drinkable water from the ocean. Unfortunately, her equipment is stolen. In the meantime, her friends are scattered around the world. Benjamin and his father are in the jungle, trying to survive a war. Pip is on hiatus from making his television show. Jin Lo has returned to her childhood home to face the ghosts of her murdered family. As these teens struggle with their own problems, they unite for the common cause, as apprentices to the great Apothecary. Meloy’s sequel to The Apothecary (Putnam, 2001) smoothly takes four storylines and blends them into one high-powered race to save the team and fight their enemies.

PATTERSON, Valerie O. Operation Oleander. Clarion. 2013. ISBN 9780547244372. JLG Level: C : Advanced Readers (Grades 6–9).

Jess is not an orphan, but as the child of a soldier, her sense of duty and responsibility draws her to create a way to support her father and the orphans in Afghanistan. Though her friends Meriwether and Sam help with Operation Oleander, not every person feels that the Army should be involved in war in Kabul. When a bomb targets the jeep that is taking their supplies to the orphanage, Jess’s dad is severely wounded. Meriwether’s mother is killed. After an investigation ensues, Jess worries that it’s their fault. Sam’s dad is the Commander in Chief of the base; he must decide the future of their project. Conflict strains relationships to unbearable limits. Patterson’s heartfelt novel explores how even good intentions can have unexpected consequences.

TIMBERLAKE, Amy. One Came Home. Knopf. 2013. ISBN 9780375969256. JLG Level:  C : Advanced Readers (Grades 6–9).

Georgie refuses to believe that her sister is dead. Anyone could have taken that dress. Full of courage and anger, the thirteen-year-old girl talks her neighbor Billy into providing her with a horse to find Agatha. She never expects him to trick her into riding on a mule and taking him with her. Together they follow clues that lead them to believe that Georgie’s gut feeling was not unfounded. Unfortunately they stumble into a dangerous ring of counterfeiters in the process. Can they solve Agatha’s mystery without causing another death? With turns of the tale at every bend in the road, Timberlake weaves secrets into a plot that makes you laugh and breaks your heart.

Junior Library Guild is a collection development service that helps school and public libraries acquire the best new children’s and young adult books. Season after season, year after year, Junior Library Guild book selections go on to win awards, collect starred or favorable reviews, and earn industry honors. Visit us at www.JuniorLibraryGuild.com.

CLEMENTS, Andrew. In Harm’s Way: Benjamin Pratt & the Keepers of the School. illus. by Adam Stower. S & S/Atheneum. 2013. ISBN 9781416938897. JLG Level: A+ : Intermediate Readers (Grades 3–5).

The Keepers of the School thought that their work was done after the discovery of a secret hideaway for the Underground Railroad in the Captain Duncan Oakes School, ―no bulldozer could destroy the historical building. What Benjamin, Jill, and Robert learn is that their detective work only saved a portion of the structure. Determined to keep their enemy ―janitor Justin Lyman―at bay, their investigation is complicated by the hiring of some muscle and another pair of eyes to spy on the trio. The Keepers continue to unravel the puzzle of clues left by Captain Oakes. They must think like the mariner, “After three hooks pass, one will be brass.” Ben isn’t sure what skills he brings to the team, so in an effort to prove his worth, he tries to solve it on his own. Can he unlock the puzzle and save the school? Whether new to the series or not, readers will race through the chapters as solving the mystery leads the characters into harm’s way.

GIBBS, Stuart. Double Cross: The Last Musketeer. HarperCollins. 2013. ISBN 9780062048448. JLG Level: ME : Mystery/Adventure Elementary (Grades 2–6).

“All for one, and one for all.” The fourth musketeer, D’Artagnan, is also known as Greg, a time traveler whose future is in jeopardy if Michel Dinicoeur and Cardinal Richelieu have their way. King Louis XIII is also in danger if the Musketeers can’t break out of prison before they are hanged. With Milady de Winter in league with the Prince of Condé, and all three groups after the Devil’s Stone, time is of the essence. The Musketeers must save the King, and find the Stone first in order to stop events that can change the present and the future. Full of sword fights and daring escapes, this Musketeer adventure leaves readers as exhilarated as the characters themselves.

HEALY, Christopher. The Hero’s Guide to Storming the Castle. HarperCollins/Walden Pond. 2013. ISBN 9780062118455. JLG Level: ME : Mystery/Adventure Elementary (Grades 2–6).

In Book Two of The Hero’s Guide, our fearless princes have a new task―rescue Prince Liam from Briar Rose who is using him to acquire more power. The League reforms and a weak, but hilarious, plan throws them right into the castle of Raubar, the Bandit King―a ten-year-old self-made sovereign who enjoys being the bad guy. Rundark, who is a true villain, accepts the boy’s invitation to his castle because he can’t understand why a ruler with so little credibility as a criminal, can have the admiration of his men and the fear of the people. Once he unravels the mystery, Raubar is as good as dead, but the League of Princes bring their bungling, unheroic efforts to save the kingdom from Briar Rose’s misguided scheme, and cause chaos and laughter in their wake. Witty dialogue and eccentric characters take this fractured fairy tale to places less than happily-ever-after in this fun adventure.

MESSNER, Kate. Hide and Seek. Scholastic. 2013. ISBN 9780545419758. JLG Level: ME : Mystery/Adventure Elementary (Grades 2–6).

The Silver Jaguar Society has been protecting some of the world’s most important historical artifacts for centuries. With junior members José, Anna, and Henry on the case, the missing Jaguar Cup is sure to be found. On a trip to Costa Rica, the trio finds itself in the middle of a mystery―who sent the counterfeit cup to the exhibit and where is the real relic? A guest at the jungle lodge claims to have seen a species that doesn’t live in the area. A Society member secretly takes a great deal of money from one tourist. Suspects are everywhere. When José’s lack of self-confidence causes him to put his own life in danger, he begins to reconsider the value of teamwork, but is it too late for him to learn that lesson? Narrow escapes and short, cliff-hanger chapters create an adventure that seems like an afternoon at the movies.

SUTHERLAND, Tui T. and Kari Sutherland. The Menagerie. HarperCollins. 2013. ISBN 9780060780647. JLG Level: ME : Mystery/Adventure Elementary (Grades 2–6).

“Logan Wilde noticed the feathers as soon as he woke up.” He would later discover that they belong to a baby griffin. The move to Wyoming has been less than exciting and learning to live without his mom is difficult. His dad says that living in a new place will help him adjust, but Logan continues to have trouble making friends. Classmate Zoe and her family are responsible for the health and well-being of a mythical creatures menagerie. SuperNatural Animal Protection Agency (SNAPA) will arrive soon to inspect the facility, looking for infractions that could close them down. Though normally Zoe’s family would erase a stranger’s memory, Logan quickly becomes part of the group, as he has a knack for tracking the animals. Can they find the runaway cubs before the SNAPA agents arrive? Fantastical creatures in a dangerous, time-ticking situation builds tension in this adventure novel that keeps readers surprised at every turn.

Junior Library Guild is a collection development service that helps school and public libraries acquire the best new children’s and young adult books. Season after season, year after year, Junior Library Guild book selections go on to win awards, collect starred or favorable reviews, and earn industry honors. Visit us at www.JuniorLibraryGuild.com.

GUIBERSON, Brenda Z. Frog Song. illus. by Gennady Spirin. Holt. 2013. ISBN 9780805092547. JLG Level: NEK : Nonfiction Early Elementary (Grades K–2).

“Slurp!” The Darwin’s frog in Chile scoops up the tadpoles and keeps them in his vocal sacs for seven weeks. Then the froglets jump out of his mouth. A wood frog in Canada sings a “brackbrack!” song when she calls her mate. The female Surinam toad carries 100 eggs in the skin on her back. In four months, tadpoles will swim through her skin and away from their mother. Children will learn how frogs and toads sing all over the world as they incubate and hatch their babies. Gorgeous tempera, watercolor, and pencil illustrations provide young students with eye-opening visuals.

KRULL, Kathleen and Paul Brewer. The Beatles Were Fab (and They Were Funny). illus. by Stacy Innerst. Houghton Harcourt. 2013. ISBN 9780547509914. JLG Level: E+ : Easy Reading (Grades 1–3).

Lots of kids learn to play guitar or drums, but not every musical kid makes history. The Fab Four, otherwise known as the Beatles, zoomed to stardom from Liverpool, England to San Francisco―and everywhere in between. After seventeen straight times of singing it, they recorded their first song―”Love Me Do.” Their next song, “Please Please Me,” hit number one on England’s music charts. The band that laughingly considered calling themselves the Rainbows, created Beatlemania. They played for the Queen Mother―and even joked with her while onstage. When interviewed, they answered questions, but their sense of humor got in the way of a serious response. When George was asked what he called his hairstyle, he replied, “Arthur.” Ringo answered “How did you find America?” with “We went to Greenland and made a left.” After all, don’t silly questions deserve silly answers? The husband and wife team of Krull and Brewer guide the reader from the start of the Beatles’s career until their final album, Abbey Road―though you may have to be a fan to see the importance of the album cover tribute illustration. Adults sharing the story with kids will have a soundtrack playing in the back of their minds while they read. The listeners will want to hear it too.

MARKLE, Sandra. Bats: Biggest! Littlest! Boyds Mills. 2013. ISBN 9781590789520. JLG Level: NEK : Nonfiction Early Elementary (Grades K–2).

The Great Fruit-Eating Bat carries and eats figs while he flies. The Tube-Lipped Nectar Bat has a tongue so long that it’s attached to its ribcage. When not in use, the tongue curls up next to its heart. The Gray-Headed Flying Fox carries her baby with her, while Free-Tailed Bats cluster together on their own as their mother forages for food. Bats are as small as six inches and have a wingspan as big as three feet. Markle amazes readers with fascinating fats about bats―big and little, in this new addition to an animal series that includes large photographs and fonts.

ROSENTHAL, Amy Krouse and Tom Lichtenheld. Exclamation Mark. Scholastic. 2013. ISBN  9780545436793. JLG Level: NEK : Nonfiction Early Elementary (Grades K–2).

Whoever said that reading about punctuation would be boring? Exclamation Mark is a laugh-out-loud adventure that appeals to everyone’s insecurities. “It seemed like the only time he [the exclamation mark] didn’t stand out was when he was asleep.” He was different, no matter how hard he tried to fit in. When an inquisitive question mark asks him more questions than he can handle, he finds his voice, shouting, “STOP!” It feels good to shout, so he tries something else―accepting himself.  Finding his place in the world could have endless possibilities. Simply told and illustrated, Rosenthal and Lichtenheld have created a classic that goes far beyond a language arts lesson.

STONE, Tanya Lee. Who Says Women Can’t Be Doctors?: The Story of Elizabeth Blackwell. Holt. 2013. ISBN 9780805090482. JLG Level: NEK : Nonfiction Early Elementary (Grades K–2).

Elizabeth Blackwell never walked away from a challenge. Whether it was sleeping on the floor to toughen herself up or carrying her brother over her head until she got her way, the little girl was determined to succeed. As a woman in the 1840s, she ran into a road block. She had decided to become a doctor even though everyone always said  that women can’t be doctors. Twenty-eight medical colleges refused to admit her, but Elizabeth wouldn’t give up. “No” was an answer she could not accept. Stone includes a two-page author’s note with more facts about the life of America’s first female doctor. Her narrative biographical account is perfect for reading aloud.

For strategies about how to use these books and links to supportive sites, check out the Junior Library Guild blog, Shelf Life.

Junior Library Guild is a collection development service that helps school and public libraries acquire the best new children’s and young adult books. Season after season, year after year, Junior Library Guild book selections go on to win awards, collect starred or favorable reviews, and earn industry honors. Visit us at www.JuniorLibraryGuild.com.

MILLS, Claudia. Kelsey Green, Reading Queen. illus. by Rob Shepperson. Farrar. 2013. ISBN 9780374374853. JLG Level: I : Independent Readers (Grades 2–4).

Kelsey Green loves to read―even during math class. Her principal announces a schoolwide reading contest. The best reader will get his or her name on a plaque in the school library. Kelsey is determined to lead her third grade class to victory. Her strongest competition is Simon who is good at everything. He quickly passes Kelsey and leads by four books. Maybe he’s not reading them all, she thinks. Maybe he’s cheating. The two of them can’t beat the sixth grade class by themselves, so Kelsey encourages everyone to participate. Her best friends would rather run and do math than read, so they aren’t much help. Classmate Cody never reads anything. He already reads below grade level. Maybe she could focus on him, but reading with Cody will take precious time from her own efforts. Family outings take away even more. How can Kelsey make progress towards being the best reader with all these distractions?

MYRACLE, Lauren. The Life of Ty: Penguin Problems. illus. by Jed Henry. Dutton. 2013. ISBN 9780525422648. JLG Level: I+ : Independent Readers (Grades 2–4).

Life is getting complicated for seven-year-old Ty. His new baby sister is taking up most of his mom’s time. He’s afraid of the cat under his bed. His best friend is in the hospital for leukemia treatment. In the meantime, he plays with Lexie, but she is bound to get them into trouble. Roughhousing with his classmate Taylor (who would put him in a headlock if he refused) gives Ty a loose tooth. Then there is preschooler Price, who is his reading buddy and needs a big brother to look after him. The real problem begins when Ty wanders away from his class during a field trip and finds the penguins. Kids have problems just like adults. Being able to handle them is what Ty has to learn.

STERNBERG, Julie. Like Bug Juice on a Burger. illus. Matthew Cordell. Abrams/ Amulet. 2013. ISBN 9781419701900. JLG Level: I+ : Independent Readers (Grades 2–4).

“I hate camp. I just hate it. I wish I didn’t. But I do. Being here is worse than bug juice on a burger. Or homework on Thanksgiving. Or water seeping into my shoes.” Grandma Sadie is sure that Eleanor will love summer camp―just like her mother did. Eleanor just wants to go home. She misses the city with its sidewalks full of people. At home her bed is beautiful. It’s not a lumpy bunk bed that’s so tall she could fall off of it. She doesn’t like the food. There’s a no candy rule. How can she survive eating only salad? Campers are sorted into ability groups for swimming. Everyone in her cabin is an upper group swimmer, but Eleanor has to wear a life preserver. Writing a letter to her mom seems the best way to escape this disaster. But life has a way of teaching us hard lessons; summer camp could be the place where Eleanor learns them.

WARNER, Sally. EllRay Jakes the Dragon Slayer! illus. by Brian Biggs. Viking. 2013. ISBN 9780670784974. JLG Level: I : Independent Readers (Grades 2–4).

Eight-year-old EllRay Jakes may be small for his age, but he’s still Alfie’s big brother. Her best friend at preschool seems more like her enemy than her friend. While watching the school rabbit in its hutch, Suzette leads a pack of girls to ignore Alfie and pretend she’s invisible. Just as EllRay walks up, they call her “Rabbit poop girl,” and say her new pink jacket is stupid. “How can four-year-olds be so mean? These are her friends? He knows bullying is wrong―no matter what your age. Something must be done. And, EllRay has his own bullying problems. The two situations collide and readers will identify with him as he resolves these conflict. For strategies about how to use these books and links to supportive sites, check out the Junior Library Guild blog, Shelf Life.

Junior Library Guild is a collection development service that helps school and public libraries acquire the best new children’s and young adult books. Season after season, year after year, Junior Library Guild book selections go on to win awards, collect starred or favorable reviews, and earn industry honors. Visit us at www.JuniorLibraryGuild.com.

DALEY, Michael J. Pinch and Dash and the Terrible Couch. illus. by Thomas F. Yezerski. Charlesbridge. 2013. ISBN 9781580893794. JLG Level: E+ : Easy Reading (Grades 1–3).

Pinch is reading a cookbook when the doorbell disturbs him. It’s Push and Shove, movers who have a couch delivery for him. “Where do you want it?” they ask. “I don’t want it at all,” cries Pinch. His Aunt Hasty needs him to store the couch until she can find a big house to put it in. He, however, doesn’t care for the couch’s  color, style, or softness, and especially its daring splashes of red. What’s worse is that Pinch can’t get to his beloved snug chair. The couch is much too big for his small living room. He and Dash try to rearrange the room, but just tire themselves out. The cushions are just right for Dash, and in his exhaustion, he falls fast asleep. All that work just makes Pinch hot, so he sticks his head out of the window. Fluttering curtains with a dash of red give him an idea. Now where did he put Push and Shove’s phone number? Five short chapters will keep beginning readers engaged in a plot that will have them laughing as well.

DiCAMILLO, Kate and Alison McGhee. Bink & Gollie: Best Friends Forever. illus. by Tony Fucile. ISBN 9780763634971. JLG Level: E : Easy Reading (Grades 1-3).

At last Gollie finds proof in a family photo album that she has royal blood. Her extraordinary discovery leads to a change in her lifestyle. No longer will she be making pancakes for her best friend Bink. “Royalty does not cook for others.” Bink has no intention of supporting her pal’s new role. With a ceremonial flare, Gollie decides to venture into a kingdom all alone. Wearing her royal attire, the self- crowned queen skates through her neighborhood encouraging the members of her empire, including. the local entrepreneurs, owners of Eccles’ Empire of Enchantment. That same eclectic couple returns in the third chapter by helping Bink and Gollie discover a way to remain best friends, and receive the kudos that sixty-six hundred gold stars wouldn’t give them. Bink stars in her own chapter while trying to grow taller than Gollie. Best Friends Forever follows the ups and downs of friendship with lots of dialogue and great illustrations to support young readers.

HAAS, Jessie. Bramble and Maggie: Give and Take. illus. by Alison Friend. Candlewick. 2013. ISBN 9780763650216. JLG Level: I : Independent Readers (Grades 2–4).

In this second installment of the series, Maggie wants to take Bramble for a ride. The horse has other ideas. She doesn’t think she should always do what the little girl wants―there should be some give-and-take. So she fights being bridled until she is bribed with a carrot. Adventures continue as they explore the neighborhood. Mr. Dingle is hoping for a nice, quiet horse. Once again, Bramble has other ideas. She eats his flowers and makes lots of noise. The neighbor already has a hen that’s keeping his yard in an uproar. Maybe Bramble is lonely. Maybe he would like a hen for a friend. Maybe Maggie would like to have his hen, and his life could be peaceful once again. Everyone would be happy. Readers will be happy to see the return of their favorite characters.

HENKES, Kevin. Penny and her Marble. illus. by author. HarperCollins/Greenwillow. 2013. ISBN 9780062082046. JLG Level: E+ : Easy Reading (Grades 1–3).

Strolling through the neighborhood, Penny finds a marble in the grass near the edge of Mrs. Goodwin’s yard. No one is looking. No one is watching. She slips the marble into her pocket and races home. Her new treasure is as blue as a piece of sky. But something worries Penny―Was Mrs. Goodwin looking for the marble? Should she have asked for it? She can’t stop thinking about it. Her self-imposed guilt makes Penny’s stomach hurt. She can’t eat her dinner. Everything reminds her of marbles. That night she dreams that Mrs. Goodwin comes looking for it. In the morning, she knows what she has to do. Penny can’t carry the burden any longer, so she puts it in her pocket and goes to her neighbor’s house. With a smidge of a surprise-ending, Henkes strikes a chord in the heart of any child who has found a treasure. Penny’s fans will rejoice in her honesty and cheer for her decisions.

SCHNEIDER, Josh. The Meanest Birthday Girl. illus. by author. Clarion. 2013. ISBN 9780547838144. JLG Level: E : Easy Reading (Grades 1-3).

“It was Dana’s birthday and she could do whatever she liked.” What she likes is calling Anthony names and pinching him. She also enjoys dessert, so she eats her own and Anthony’s too. After all of her friends stop by with birthday presents, there is a knock at the door. Opening it, she sees Anthony. “What are you doing here, you ickaborse?” It seems he has come to bring her a present. It’s a beautiful white elephant with toenails painted her favorite color. She doesn’t know what to say. Anthony tells her to take care of it. And she does. The other kids are jealous. “Not everyone deserves an elephant,” says Dana. She realizes keeping her new pet outside will never do, so she brings it inside to sleep in her bed. When the elephant needs more breakfast, she gives it hers. On the school bus, Gertrude picks on Dana when her ’s empty stomach grumbles. It turns out that caring for a big white elephant is a great deal of work. When the exhausted birthday girl falls asleep at school, Gertrude eats her dessert. How can she deal with Gertrude who bullies her more every day? What can she do about her pet? Maybe Anthony isn’t such an ickaborse after all. Readers will laugh out loud, while adults will see the “aha moment” and be able to use Dana’s story to teach a valuable lesson.

For strategies about how to use these books and links to supportive sites, check out the Junior Library Guild blog, Shelf Life.

Junior Library Guild is a collection development service that helps school and public libraries acquire the best new children’s and young adult books. Season after season, year after year, Junior Library Guild book selections go on to win awards, collect starred or favorable reviews, and earn industry honors. Visit us at www.JuniorLibraryGuild.com.

DIVAKARUNI, Chitra Banerjee. Grandma and the Great Gourd: A Bengali Folktale. illus. by Suzy Pilgrim Waters. Roaring Brook /Neal Porter. 2013. ISBN 9781596433786. JLG Level: Primary (Grades K–1).

“Once upon a time, in a little village in India, there lived an old woman whom everyone called Grandma.” She loved to garden by her little hut near a deep, dark jungle. She also loved her two dogs, Kalu and Bhulu. They protected her, but they also helped her with the chores. One day Grandma decided to visit her daughter, but she’d have to go through the jungle where many dangerous animals lived. Thinking a little adventure never hurt anyone, she resolved to go. Her loyal companions promised to take care of the garden and listen for wild animals that may try to harm her. “If you get in trouble, just call for us.” And get in trouble she did. Bright colors illustrate this trickster folktale which is based on a story first told to the author by her grandfather.

MEISEL, Paul. See Me Dig. Holiday House. 2013. ISBN 9780823427437. JLG Level: P : Primary (Grades K–1).

Using a predictable text, with an anything but conclusion, Meisel tells the story of how a dog and his canine friends spend their day doing what they love to do—dig . The animals in the forest get mad, so they go somewhere else. Their united efforts reveal a treasure box, which they tug out of the sand. On opening the box, the expert diggers find angry pirate ghosts. They run away but the specters fly after them. A lone dog decides to take a stand to protect the others. Can he stop the incensed mob by himself? Geisel Honoree Meisel uses sparse dialogue in a surprisingly hilarious primary title that begs to be read again.

MOORE, Eva. Lucky Ducklings. illus. by Nancy Carpenter. Scholastic/Orchard. 2013. ISBN 9780439448611. JLG Level: Primary (Grades K–1).

In June 2000, at the end of Long Island, NY a mother duck hopped out of the pond and took her babies for a walk into town. It was a fine day for an outing. They even had a picnic while strolling along. Little did the mama duck realize that danger was just ahead. For there, in front of them, was a storm grate with wide openings. One by one, the ducklings stepped into the slots and fell down into the storm drain. “That could have been the end of the story, but it wasn’t.” Based on true events, the near-tragedy inspired the town to replace the storm drain grates with narrow openings

RASCHKA, Chris. Everyone Can Learn to Ride a Bicycle. Random/Schwartz & Wade. 2013. ISBN 9780375970078. JLG Level: Primary (Grades K–1).

“It’s like riding a bicycle—you never forget how.” Raschka’s newest watercolor picture book features a youngster who learns to ride a bicycle with a little coaching from a caring adult. Using a large, simple font to reveal her progress, she chooses a bike and an over-sized blue helmet. Then they watch others before her first attempt to ride. Training wheels are helpful, but the real test is finding your balance without them. Maybe riding in the grass or down a small hill is the secret to keeping her stabilized. After a tumble or two, they decide maybe not. Perhaps what they need is teamwork, because after all, everyone can learn to ride a bike.

WILLEMS, Mo. That is Not a Good Idea. HarperCollins/Balzer + Bray. 2013. ISBN 9780062203090. JLG Level: P+ : Primary (Grades K–1).

In melodramatic fashion, Willems introduces new characters–a hungry fox, a plump goose, and her baby geese. Using intertitles (white text on black background), readers see the story unfold, very much in the style of silent movies. The fox sees dinner, and elegantly asks for her for a stroll. She reluctantly agrees, but the goslings don’t think it’s a good idea. When he asks to go into the deep, dark woods, she thinks it sounds fun. The little ones think it is really not a good idea. As the goose gets closer to the cooking pot, her gaggle flaps their wings in warning–that is really, really not a good idea. Seemingly oblivious to the fox’s advances, our heroine blindly steps further into his trap, but she has her own good idea. (And yes, our favorite characters are subtly hidden in the illustrations.)

For strategies about how to use these books and links to supportive sites, check out the Junior Library Guild blog, Shelf Life.

Junior Library Guild is a collection development service that helps school and public libraries acquire the best new children’s and young adult books. Season after season, year after year, Junior Library Guild book selections go on to win awards, collect starred or favorable reviews, and earn industry honors. Visit us at www.JuniorLibraryGuild.com.

KLISE, Kate. Hollywood, Dead Ahead,. Bk. 5. illus. by M. Sarah Klise. (43 Old Cemetery Road Series) Houghton Harcourt. 2013. JLG Level: A+ : Intermediate Readers (Grades 3–5).

The fifth entry in the 43 Old Cemetery Road series takes the reader on a field trip to Hollywood. When Moe Block Busters buys the production rights for the threesome’s story, the reality of the unread contract hits Olive first. There’s no flight or hotel room for her. Her ghostly character is replaced by an elderly living legend, Ivana Oscar. To make matters worse, Ignatius gets an endless Hollywood makeover, and Seymour’s celebrity status goes to his head. The fine print calls for Ivana to die during production―even if the director has to kill her himself. Klise’s use of letter writing, journals, and newspapers keeps the story at a brisk pace, causing readers to race towards the dramatic conclusion.

NAYLOR, Phyllis Reynolds. Emily and Jackson Hiding Out. Delacorte. 2012. ISBN 9780375989780. JLG Level: A : Intermediate Readers (Grades 3–5).

Emily couldn’t be happier to be adopted by Aunt Hilda. She and Jackson were also delighted to get away from Uncle Victor, who only wanted her fortune. Life settles into carrying out ordinary chores and always having plenty to do and eat. Jackson, however, is never far from mischief, and being a runaway orphan, he must hide from the child catcher who wants to send him to work out west. Aunt Hilda has gone to town when a mysterious widow appears at their door. The two become suspicious of all her questions. Who is this meddling woman? Why won’t she show her face? Have they escaped danger after all? In this sequel to Emily’s Fortune, the melodrama returns, complete with cliff-hanger questions at each chapter’s end―”Now what in steamin’ stompers would they do?”

PASTIS, Stephan. Timmy Failure: Mistakes Were Made. illus. by author. Candlewick. 2013. ISBN 9780763660505. JLG Level: HE : Humor Elementary (Grades 2–6).

“It’s harder to drive a polar bear into somebody’s living room than you’d think.” So begins the prologue in the story of Timmy Failure and his detective agency―Total Failure, Inc. Named for his polar bear partner, Total, the young sleuth obliviously sifts through clues while the reader laughs out loud. He loses his Failuremobile and can’t seem to solve the mystery. It’s bad for business if a detective can’t solve his own problems. Punctuated with Wimpy Kid-type illustrations, one chuckle rolls right into the next. Add his buddy, Rollo Tookus who wants to get into “Stanfurd,” Molly with a huge crush on Timmy, and the Beast (also known as Corrina Corrina (who smells like tangerines), or the One Whose Name Shall Not Be Uttered, and you have an hysterical tongue-in-cheek first novel that will have you in tears of laughter by the end of chapter one.

PEIRCE, Lincoln. Big Nate Flips Out. HarperCollins. illus. by author. 2013. ISBN 9780061996641. JLG Level: A : Intermediate Readers (Grades 3–5).

When Big Nate and his friends decide to join the yearbook staff, they never expected that “Pushy McBossaround” Gina would be the editor. Francis becomes co-editor to bring balance and prevent the major mistakes from last year’s edition. Big Nate’s messiness gets out of control when he loses the school camera. His friends decide that hypnotism could be the answer to his problems; instead, the experiment results in a new Nate they no longer recognize. Who is this neat guy who draws comics in straight lines? Will the camera be found? Will Nate be neat forever? Has he really flipped out? Sprinkled with comic drawings and quick-witted dialogue, Pierce delivers another knockout.

VERNON, Ursula. Dragonbreath: Nightmare of the Iguana. illus. by author. Dial. 2013. ISBN 9780803738461. JLG Level: A+ : Intermediate Readers (Grades 3–5).

Wendell’s nightmares are larger than life. Monsters chase him, things attack him, and he isn’t wearing any clothes. Usually he falls off a cliff. By the time he wakes up, he’s exhausted. He needs help, so he calls his friend Danny who agrees to watch him sleep. He is supposed to look for Night Mare tracks and the sounds of the Dream Wasp. Between glowing hoof prints and an angry buzz, it’s clear that it’s not just Wendell’s imagination. Great-Grandfather Dragonbreath would know what to do. And he does. Danny must enter Wendell’s dreams with a baku (a dream-eater) to prevent the Dream Wasp from laying eggs in his brain. Green highlighted cartoons guide the reader through the land of nightmares where secrets, wishes, and fears are revealed to the iguana’s closest friends. Can they stop the Wasp? Can they save themselves? Fans of the “Dragonbreath” series will be happy for the return, and new readers will want to check out the first seven books.

For strategies about how to use these books and links to supportive sites, check out the Junior Library Guild blog, Shelf Life.

Junior Library Guild is a collection development service that helps school and public libraries acquire the best new children’s and young adult books. Season after season, year after year, Junior Library Guild book selections go on to win awards, collect starred or favorable reviews, and earn industry honors. Visit us at www.JuniorLibraryGuild.com.

COFER, Judith Ortiz. The Poet Upstairs. illus. by Oscar Ortiz. Arte Público Pr./Piñata Bks. 2012. ISBN 9781558857049. JLG Level: CE: City Elementary (Grades 2–6).

On Juliana’s first day of school, she is too sick to go. Upstairs, a typewriter click-clacks, and the poet stops her pacing to record the flow of words. While the soft sounds lull Juliana to sleep, she dreams of an island. On waking, the little girl decides to draw her vision and slides her picture under the neighbor’s door. The next day Juliana finds a drawing from the poet under her own door, which seems to be in invitation for a visit. A bond between writer and child/illustrator forms as the pair works as a team. As the poem develops, the city disappears, transporting them to a tropical river. But even dreams must end, and as the poet pulls the paper from the typewriter, she says “You can take her [your mother] and anyone else you choose back to the great river, and that river will always take you somewhere new.”

Ortiz’s gorgeous illustrations convey magical images, leading readers to truly “believe that words can change the world.”

DAVIES, Jacqueline. The Candy Smash. Houghton Harcourt. 2013. ISBN 9780544022089. JLG Level: A+ : Intermediate Readers (Grades 3–5).

Evan would never admit it, but hearing the Poem of the Day in his fourth grade circle time is his second favorite part of the day. The “poems that Mrs. Overton read were different. They were like music, and they made something deep inside of him go zing.” His sister Jessie is the complete opposite; she’d rather work on her classroom newspaper. As Valentine’s Day approaches, Evan finds himself in a quandary―does he have a crush on Megan? What love poem should he turn in for his assignment? Jessie’s problem is the lack of a lead story for her paper. When she decides to survey her class about their love interests, the two dilemmas collide, creating more conflicts than anyone could have predicted.

Fans of the “Lemonade Wars” series will be glad to see the return of beloved characters, though the title stands well alone. Teachers may also want to use the novel as a read aloud in conjunction with a poetry unit.

SINGER, Marilyn. Follow Follow: A Book of Reverso Poems. illus. by Josée Masse. Dial. 2013. ISBN 9780803737693. JLG Level: I+ : Independent Readers (Grades 2–4).

In a collection of reverso poems, Follow Follow , a companion book to Mirror Mirror (Dutton, 2010), offers opposing viewpoints of classic fairy tales. Readers have an opportunity to hear two sides to every story. Aladdin wants “wealth without measure/it is true freedom,” but the genie says, “This is what I demand: true freedom? It is wealth beyond measure.” With the act of reversing the lines and a few changes in punctuation and capitalization, the real meaning of wealth is revealed for the two characters. Not an easy form to create, Masse’s acrylic illustrations mirror the two halves of each poem, providing readers with visual clues to unlock character perspectives.

An author’s note describes the writing process. A summary of the tales upon which the poems are based is also included in the back matter, providing background to readers who are unfamiliar with the original stories.

WISSINGER, Tamera Will. Gone Fishing: A Novel in Verse. illus. by Matthew Cordell. Houghton Harcourt. 2013. ISBN 9780547820118. JLG Level: A+ : Intermediate Readers (Grades 3–5).

“For fishing tomorrow it’s just us two. Not Mom, not Grandpa, not Lucy.” On the night before a father and son fishing trip, Sam readies his supplies and dreams of the fish they will catch. Sister Lucy, however, has big ideas to join them. Sam wants no part of that―“but Dad. It was just you and me.” Lucy will be loud; she’ll scare the fish. When she promises “I won’t dance. I won’t squirm. I’ll be quiet as a worm,” Dad agrees to the threesome. The excited youngster is not quiet or still, yet she catches fish after fish. Will Sam catch even one fish before Lucy uses all the bait? Maybe fishing is just not his sport. Wait―is that a bite?

The story of a family fishing trip and sibling rivalry is told in verse, using many poetic devices―ballads to quatrains and dramatic poems for two (or three). Like a tackle box, she also provides a box of tools for budding writers in the extensive back matter. Wissinger’s debut novel, humorously illustrated by Cordell, is a gem of a poetry collection.

WORTH, Valerie. Pug: And Other Animal Poems. illus. by Steve Jenkins. Farrar. 2013. ISBN 9780374350246. JLG Level: I : Independent Readers (Grades 2–4).

Jenkins illustrates another amazing posthumous collection (Animal Poems, Farrar, 2007), of Worth’s animal poems with his trademark collages. “The Bengal tiger/Batters his cage:/His rage is thunder.” A snarling tiger growls at an unseen enemy. In Toads, a toad rests comfortably amongst the fallen leaves, marbles, and a lost tennis ball. For Mouse, the mouse that’s the “gift on the step” lies stiff with his feet in the air―a prize brought by the cat. Jenkins’ artwork will delight animal-loving readers of all ages.

For strategies about how to use these books and links to supportive sites, check out the Junior Library Guild blog, Shelf Life.

Junior Library Guild is a collection development service that helps school and public libraries acquire the best new children’s and young adult books. Season after season, year after year, Junior Library Guild book selections go on to win awards, collect starred or favorable reviews, and earn industry honors. Visit us at www.JuniorLibraryGuild.com.

BLAKEMORE, Megan Frazer. The Water Castle. Walker. 2013. ISBN 9780802728395. JLG Level: FM : Fantasy/Science Fiction Middle (Grades 5–8).

Reminiscent of Tuck Everlasting (Farrar, 1975), the Appledore-Smiths move into the family castle known for its mythical, curative waters. Ephraim yearns to find the Fountain of Youth, hoping it will reverse the effects of his father’s stroke. Complicating the search is an ancient feud among the Smith, Wylie, and Darlings families. Against all expectations, grudge-holding ancestors unite to solve the mysteries of the mansion―interior rooms don’t fit the exterior floor plan. If the lake was the source of the magical water, why are there so many secret tunnels that lead away from the lake? A hidden lab reveals scientific research that points to amazing conclusions. Journal entries during the time of the Peary-Henson expedition disclose evidence to readers that all magic may not be mystical. Science may indeed be the missing ingredient.

Themes of being an outsider and friendships that overcome long-standing quarrels, strengthen Blakemore’s fantastical quest, urging readers to consider their own decisions, whether or not they are faced with a choice of living forever.

FEDERLE, Tim. Better Nate than Ever. S & S. 2013. ISBN 9781442446892. JLG Level: B : Upper Elementary & Junior High (Grades 5–7).

Nate has never been the center of attention―unless he’s being bullied. Plotting an overnight trip to New York City, Nate and best friend Libby prepare for the worst-case scenario at his Broadway show audition. Unfortunately, the unexpected happens and the stagestruck teenager finds himself at callbacks with no money, a dead phone, and seriously big trouble if he doesn’t get on the bus to return home before his parents. Adding to his guilt is an estranged aunt, who gets caught in the middle of his deception.

Full of humor and irony, Nate struggles with self-worth and gay-bashing in a town where he finally seems to fit in―except for the fact that if he stays one second longer he could be grounded for life. Semi-autobiographical, the heartwarming story reminds readers that everyone deserves a second chance―no matter where you live.

GRAFF, Lisa. Tangle of Knots. Philomel. 2013. ISBN 9780399255175. JLG Level: B : Upper Elementary & Junior High (Grades 5–7).

Lives often intertwine like a tangle of knots. Follow one line, and it crosses with the life of another. In a modern day world with a good dose of magic, almost everyone has a a special magical ability. Cady has an award-winning Talent for baking the perfect cake that is just right for someone. Others have Talents for spitting, walking on air, or knitting at an amazing speed. When a hot air balloon creates a hole in the Ashers’s apartment building, all of the characters, except Miss Malory who runs the Home for Lost Girls, move into the lost luggage emporium and the tangle of knots begins to unravel. Who would ever think that blue luggage, a woman who has lost her voice, and a Talent Thief could bind together such an unlikely group?

Told from the perspective of different characters, the chapters offer different points of view, and readers will be able to gather clues to a mystery that is revealed in the exciting conclusion.

URBAN, Linda. The Center of Everything. Houghton Harcourt. 2013. ISBN 9780547763484. JLG Level: B : Upper Elementary & Junior High (Grades 5–7).

There is nothing easy about turning twelve, especially for Ruby Pepperdine. Still grieving from the loss of her grandmother, her efforts to right a wrong alters her whole world. Ruby becomes friends with Nero who seems to know everything; perhaps he can help her craft the perfect birthday wish. She neglects her self-absorbed best friend Lucy, who is wrapped up in a starring role in a school production of Hansel and Gretel. In an effort to save one relationship, she loses two friendships. The honor to read her essay about Captain Bunning provides her with an opportunity to fix everything. Can she take things back? Can she change the past or save the future?

During the course of a single day, readers learn about the events leading up to Bunning Day and the effects of Ruby’s obsession with her wish and how it impacts everyone around her.

For strategies about how to use these books and links to supportive sites, check out the Junior Library Guild blog, Shelf Life.

Junior Library Guild is a collection development service that helps school and public libraries acquire the best new children’s and young adult books. Season after season, year after year, Junior Library Guild book selections go on to win awards, collect starred or favorable reviews, and earn industry honors. Visit us at www.JuniorLibraryGuild.com.

PETT, Mark. The Boy and the Airplane. S & S. 2013. ISBN 9781442451230. JLG Level: P+ : Primary (Grades K–1).

Letting his imagination soar, a little boy flies his new red airplane around his yard until it lands on the roof. Because he is unwilling to end the fun, he gets a ladder to retrieve the lost toy. Sadly, he’s not quite tall enough to reach it. Maybe he could use his cowboy lasso? If he were a fireman, his hose could knock it down. Nothing works, but he is determined to rescue his treasure. When a seed pod falls from a tree, he gets the beginnings of an idea. Will it work? Does he have the patience to wait for his plan to take root?

A timeless tale, Pett’s universal story is told in large and small panels of vintage-colored paper and watercolor. Careful readers will latch on to the circular narrative that begs to be reread.

RUNTON, Andy. Owly & Wormy: Bright Lights and Starry Nights. S & S/Atheneum. 2012. ISBN 9781416957751. JLG Level: P+ : Primary (Grades K–1).

Mostly wordless (with the exception of sound effects), Owly and Wormy have an adventure during a scary camping trip. Unable to see the stars in their telescope, they determine that a night away from city lights might just do the trick. When rain drives them into a dark cave, the sound of “clickity click click” and the beam of glowing eyes sends them running for safer cover. Finally ready to set up camp, they realize they lost the telescope. Wormy volunteers to stand guard while Owly searches for their tool. In the dark of the woods, he gets lost and the sounds of “clickity click click” frighten him . What is following him? What will he do? Will he find his way?

In comic book-style with dark illustrations and speech thought bubbles, Runton presents another adventure for his readers, with enough mystery and suspense to inspire their imaginations.

SULLIVAN, Mary. Ball. Houghton Harcourt. 2013. ISBN 9780547759364. JLG Level: P : Primary (Grades K–1).

From the moment he wakes up, the dog can only think of one word: “ball.” His little girl is happy to comply and throws the ball over and over while she dresses for school. Panic grips his face when she leaves. What will he do now? How can he play with his ball? Mom is busy doing yoga. Baby just cries. A hissing kitty has no interest at all. Maybe a little nap with his toy will help pass the time? Will his dreams keep him busy with more adventures?

A small palette of digitally colored pencil drawings in comic book-style panels keeps the reader’s eye moving across the page. Even children without their own dogs will laugh at the antics of the over-zealous canine.

For strategies about how to use these books and links to supportive sites, check out the Junior Library Guild blog, Shelf Life.

Junior Library Guild is a collection development service that helps school and public libraries acquire the best new children’s and young adult books. Season after season, year after year, Junior Library Guild book selections go on to win awards, collect starred or favorable reviews, and earn industry honors. Visit us at www.JuniorLibraryGuild.com.

KAPLAN, Michael B. Betty Bunny Didn’t Do It. illus. by Stéphane Jorisch. Dial. 2013. ISBN 9780803738584. JLG Level: P+ : Primary (Grades K–1).

Since everyone is too busy to play with her, Betty Bunny is quite capable of getting into trouble all by herself. “Oops,” says the young handful when she breaks a lamp. Afraid to tell the truth, she tells her siblings, “I didn’t do it.” She proceeds to explain how the Tooth Fairy threw a big bag of baby teeth, sending the lamp crashing to the floor. Blaming someone else for her mistake seems like a brilliant idea. “Why didn’t I think of it before?” Brother Henry promptly tells his mother that she’s lying. Betty Bunny doesn’t quite understand that “lying is not okay.” What will it take to teach her the value of honesty? And when her truth-telling hurts someone’s feelings, how will she learn to temper her candidness?

A lovable character with realistic problems teams with humorous situations for a hilarious, but thought-provoking, read-aloud― just right for kids who may be afraid to tell the truth.

LEATHERS, Philippa. The Black Rabbit. Candlewick. 2013. ISBN 9780763657147. JLG Level: K : Kindergarten (Grades PreK–K).

Rabbit doesn’t know what to do. It’s a beautiful, sunlit day when he steps out of his burrow, but everywhere he goes the Black Rabbit follows him. When Rabbit moves, the Black Rabbit moves. If Rabbit stops, the Black Rabbit stops. “What do you want? Why are you following me?” cries Rabbit. But the Black Rabbit never answers. Running into the woods to escape, Rabbit notices two eyes staring out from the darkness. It is Wolf! Running faster than ever, Rabbit trips. Is it too late? Can Rabbit escape Wolf who’s chasing him or the Black Rabbit who keeps following him?

Short text and clever illustrations shine a light on fear of the unknown in this tale of the finding safety where you least expect it.

SNICKET, Lemony. The Dark. illus. by Jon Klassen. Little, Brown. 2013. ISBN 9780316187480. JLG Level: K : Kindergarten (Grades PreK–K).

What better team than Snicket and Klassen to explore a child’s most common fear―the dark. Laszlo is afraid of the dark that spends most of the day in the basement and creeps into every corner at night. Laszlo greets the dark every morning when it’s back in the basement where he belongs. His plan to keep it away from his room works until one night―when it doesn’t. “Laszlo, I want you to do something,” says the dark. They look in all the usual dark places until it brings the boy to the top of the basement stairs. What does the dark want to show him? Is Laszlo brave enough to follow the dark?

Brilliantly paced with lots of creepy black shadowing, read aloud time just got scarier. Perfect for the younger set who beg for a scary story, but safe enough to prevent nightmares.

STEIN, David Ezra. Ol’ Mama Squirrel. Penguin/Nancy Paulsen. 2013. ISBN 9780399256721. JLG Level: K : Kindergarten (Grades PreK–K).

“Ol’ Mama Squirrel had raised many babies. ‘Mark my words,’ she’d say. ‘There’s no shortage of creatures that would love to snack on a baby squirrel…but it won’t happen on my watch!’” Mama Squirrel seems to have everything under control. She chatters and scolds any threat of danger―whether it’s a predator or a kite. “And that takes care of that!” One afternoon a great, growling grizzly bear appears unafraid of her angry, “chook, chook, chook” chatter. She pelts him with last year’s nuts. The bear is shocked, but then he laughs. He climbs higher and higher while Ol’ Mama Squirrel begins to feel a touch of fear. What will she do? Will something bad happen on her watch?

Award-winning author/illustrator David Ezra Stein offers a story that roots for the underdog. And it’s a laugh a minute!

For strategies about how to use these books and links to supportive sites, check out the Junior Library Guild blog, Shelf Life.

Junior Library Guild is a collection development service that helps school and public libraries acquire the best new children’s and young adult books. Season after season, year after year, Junior Library Guild book selections go on to win awards, collect starred or favorable reviews, and earn industry honors. Visit us at www.JuniorLibraryGuild.com.