Crowding the Book Truck

Someone Else's Life by Katie Dale

2012-02-18T00:30:00.000-07:00

Rosie has just lost her mother, Trudie, to Huntington's Disease. It's a terrible, incurable illness - that's also hereditary. As Rosie decides whether or not she wants to get tested for HD, an old family friend reveals a shocking truth: Rosie was not Trudie's biological daughter. Rosie's entire life is thrown into chaos as she starts questioning everything she knows about herself and her family. What do you do when you feel like you've been living someone else's life?

Oh my goodness, there were so many twists in this book! If I was talking about it to a friend (and being totally spoilery, which I'm not going to do here) it would sound something like "...and then this happened, but then this happened, and then this happened, BUT THEN this happened, and then out of nowhere THIS HAPPENED!" It was a complete roller coaster ride for the reader, which was perfect, because it mimicked the experience of Rosie and everyone around her. The book develops a lot of strands around identity, family, adoption, genetics, and the power of 'what if.' I read a blurb that said that this is a good read for fans of Lurlene McDaniel, Jodi Picoult, and Caroline B. Cooney, and I completely agree. It's a plot-driven story with some strong characters and a lot of emotion and I can easily see this just hitting the spot with those readers.

Check out Katie Dale's website.

I received a review copy from NetGalley courtesy of Random House (Doubleday).

Find it at IndieBound.

Read it with:
The Big Bad Werewolf by Katie Dale
I'm Not Her by Janet Gurtler
Six Months to Live by Lurlene McDaniel
The Lying Game by Sara Shepard

Slither Slide, What's Outside? by Nora Hilb & Sheryl and Simon Shapiro

2012-02-17T00:30:00.000-07:00

There are so many things in the world that can inspire creativity. Spring brings with it all kinds of fun things, like trees in blossom and wiggling worms. The sky has lots of beauty and mystery, like stars and rainbows and a soft summer drizzle. As the seasons change and the world reveals more awesome sights, it becomes clear that there is so much in nature that can inspire and spark creativity in children.

I love the combination of drawings and photographs that this book uses. This approach will appeal to a number of kids who like different styles of art and representation. There's also a really nice message running through the book about the beauty of nature and its power to inspire. Reading this book and acting out some of the passages is a great way to foster literacy skills with children.

Find more information on Nora Hilb here .

I received a review copy from NetGalley courtesy of Annick Press.

Find it at IndieBound.

Read it with:
Better Together by Sheryl and Simon Shapiro
Up Cat by Helen Hutchins
Look Book by Tana Hoban
Urban Animals by Isabel Hill

Up Cat by Hazel Hutchins with illustrations by Fanny

2012-02-16T00:30:00.000-07:00

What does a cat get up to all day? Well, there's waking up, washing up, and tossing up toys. There's lapping up milk and creeping up on furniture (and scratching up furniture, too...). They love to size up different items and soak up the sun. You'd be amazed all that can be done in a day!

As a non-animal person (or rather, someone who likes animals from a distance), this book is a perfect example of why I don't feel the need to have a cat in the house. But as a book for young children, it has great repetition, fun illustrations, and lots of common words, phrases, and images. It's a perfect companion to Up Dog (who even has a cameo here) and likely to be a favourite among animal lovers, big and small.

Find it at IndieBound.

Learn more about Hazel Hutchins at her website.

I read a review copy from NetGalley courtesy of Annick Press.

Read it with:
Up Dog by Hazel Hutchins
The Quiet Book by Deborah Underwood
Mattland by Hazel Hutchins and Gail Herbert

Artistic Impressions: Figure Skating, Masculinity, and the Limits of Sport by Mary Louise Adams

2012-02-15T00:30:00.000-07:00

If you were to ask a random person to name the sports that they thought were the most masculine, it is unlikely that figure skating would be one of the sports that they name. In fact, figure skating would probably end up near the bottom of the list. In contrast, when figure skating was first being developed, it was an activity that was only done by gentlemen and was used as a marker of how wealthy and powerful a man was. That changed in the 20th century and figure skating quickly became associated with not only femininity, but with young women (and girls). In the mid-90s there was a movement where a number of male skaters tried to separate themselves from the popular view of the sport and instead branded themselves as 'masculine' skaters. It was that period that prompted Mary Louise Adams to write this book on the historic origins of figure skating and how ideas of masculinity have always been intertwined with this sport.

That period in the 90s was also when I first became a big skating fan, so the skaters that she wrote about (Elvis Stojko, Alexei Urmanov, Kurt Browning, Viktor Petrenko) were ones that I was familiar with. It was interesting for me to go back and look at other books on skating with an eye towards gender roles and masculinity; Christine Brennan's writing on Michael Weiss in Inside Edge, for example, talks a lot about sex and sexuality. I also started thinking about how masculinity is portrayed on the ice today and what those ideas say about the concept of masculinity. The book was quite readable for a fan of skating and very well organized. It clearly stated what it was going to cover, so even though I wish there had been topics around pairs and ice dancing, it is not a fault of the book that it wasn't there - it just means that I want someone to write another book on those aspects! This is a can't-miss for fans of figure skating and gender studies.

Click here for more information on Dr. Mary Louise Adams.

Find it at IndieBound.

Read it with:
Inside Edge by Christine Brennan
Figure Skating: A History by James R. Hines
Culture on Ice: Figure Skating and Cultural Meaning by Ellyn Kestnbaum
Women on Ice: Feminist Responses to the Tonya Harding/Nancy Kerrigan Scandal edited by Cynthia Baughman

Karen's in Love by Ann M. Martin

2012-02-14T00:30:00.000-07:00

Karen Brewer is back - and she's in love! Well, maybe...she knows that she really likes Ricky Torres and she might even love him. They're engaged to be pretend married, and Karen's really happy. But then she and Ricky have a big fight; they're barely even talking anymore, and Ricky seems more interested in Pamela Harding! Valentine's Day is coming up. Will these two be able to work it out?

Even as a child, the concept of marrying someone in elementary school was strange and kind of scary. I suppose it's just a general kind of playacting, but at the end of the book (spoiler alert?) Karen is contemplating changing her name, which to me seems a bit extreme. Anyway. People who dislike Karen as a character will find a lot of ammunition here, from Karen's behavior at Pamela's birthday party (which she self-justifies away) to her ongoing fight with Ricky and her patronizing approach to fellow student Natalie. I do like the scenes of her getting ready for Valentine's Day: making homemade cards for family, buying little funny cards for classmates, wearing all red, eating an all red breakfast, a class party. Those did bring back memories, even if the central plot of second-grade marriage didn't.

Find it at Amazon.

Read it with:
Karen's Surprise by Ann M. Martin
Karen's New Year by Ann M. Martin
Karen's Goldfish by Ann M. Martin

Stacey and the Stolen Hearts by Ann M. Martin

2012-02-13T00:30:00.000-07:00

Stacey is really excited about Pete Black's great Valentine's Day fundraiser. The Student Council will sell Valentine-grams for $1 and then hand them out on February 14. It seems like all of Stoneybrook Middle School has gotten swept up in the spirit and the fundraiser is a big success. But then the valentines are stolen while Stacey's on duty... and the list of suspects is a mile long. Even worse, someone is making the private messages very, very public. What's Stacey going to do?

As far as Baby-Sitters Club Mysteries go, this one was pretty enjoyable. It was a mystery that made sense to have thirteen-year-olds investigating it (I wasn't screaming at the book for them to go to the police). Plus, it has the late-in-the-series character of Cary Retlin, who I always enjoy reading about. (In this book he even has a secret basement lair!) There are some other plots going on, including the mandatory one involving children (this time it's a Valentine's Day party at the library) but even that didn't seem over-the-top. Stacey did have a few passive aggressive comments about her best friend Claudia that I probably wouldn't have picked up on when I was younger, but in general this was a good entry in the BSC series.

Find it at Amazon.

Read it with:
Karen's in Love by Ann M. Martin
Abby's Un-Valentine by Ann M. Martin
Stacey's Ex-Boyfriend by Ann M. Martin

Hippo Says Excuse Me by Michael Dahl with illustrations by Oriol Vidal

2012-02-12T00:30:00.000-07:00

There are two words that Hippo knows really well: Excuse me! Hippo is used to others having to make room: at the bus stop, in an elevator, on the sidewalk. Excuse me is the polite way to get others to make room. But is there room for everyone?

I could tell from the cover that
the bright colours make this story come alive. There are bold blocks of solid colours, which appeal to younger readers, as well as detailed illustration on the animals. The animals had great facial expressions, like the ostrich on the elevator's unimpressed eyes or the way the panda on the bus had cheeks that puffed out. A small detail that I loved was that this isn't a story about the hippo being "too big" or the size being an unheard of problem. In many of the pictures there were larger animals than the hippo: the giraffe on the bus, the moose in the elevator. The 'problem' (or the discomfort) just comes from when they all try to use the same thing at the same time, just as when too many people crowd onto a bus. There are a number of ways that this book can be used to build literacy skills with children, from reading the repeated words and pointing out the large print letters to pretending to walk like a hippo to talking about concepts like size and manners. I'm looking forward to checking out the other books in the series.

I received a review copy from NetGalley courtesy of Capstone.

Find it at IndieBound.

Read it with:
Penguin Says "Please" by Michael Dahl
Mouse Says "Sorry" by Michael Dahl
Bear Says "Thank You" by Michael Dahl
A Sick Day for Amos McGee by Philip C. Stead
Terrible, Awful, Horrible Manners! by Beth Bracken

The Boxcar Children #120: The Vampire Mystery created by Gertrude Chandler Warner

2012-02-11T00:30:00.000-07:00

Henry, Jessie, Violet, and Benny - best known as the Boxcar children - have recently befriended a local author. Mr. Hudson is best known for a famous vampire story. When he goes out of town, the children look after his house. But then creepy things start happening - things right out of his book. It couldn't possibly be a real vampire at work...could it?

While I never really got into The Boxcar Children books as a child, I did read a few of them. As children are prone to do, I pictured characters older than me as being really old, and I think that that was exaggerated with this series because they lived on their own in that boxcar. So it was a bit trippy to see kids on this cover. When did that happen? Anyway. It's a typical children's book mystery that will appear to series fans, and I can see there being a crossover audience for fans of supernatural books. Will they be disappointed in the conclusion? Perhaps, but it really couldn't have ended any other way.

I received a review copy from NetGalley courtesy of Albert Whitman & Company.

Find it at IndieBound.

Read it with:
The Boxcar Children by Gertrude Chandler Warner
Kristy and the Vampires by Ann M. Martin
Vampire School: Casketball Capers by Peter Bently and Chris Harrison

Darkest Light by Hiromi Goto with illustrations by Jillian Tamaki

2012-02-10T00:30:00.000-07:00

Gee's life is filled with silence. He lives alone with his grandmother, and she won't talk about the past. His sister went away to school and barely comes home. He doesn't have many friends and mainly keeps to himself. But when his grandmother ends up in the hospital and a cat starts talking to him, Gee might be on his way to finding some of the answers he's been waiting for. The answers lie in a mysterious place called Half World - and he might not like what he discovers.

Half World was a critical and popular success due to its inventive story and strong writing. I might be going out on a limb here, but I have to admit that I responded to this sequel even more. I love the character of Gee and the journey that he travels. The struggles that he faces have incredible stakes and that tension is maintained throughout the novel. The way he faces himself and fights the concept of destiny is both inspiring and heartbreaking. This is a wonderful follow-up for fans of Half World and I hope that this book brings more fans to the story.

Check out Hiromi Goto's website and Jillian Tamaki's website.

I received an advance review copy from Penguin Canada.

Find it at Amazon.ca.

Read it with:
Half World by Hiromi Goto
The Water of Possibility by Hiromi Goto
Skim by Mariko Tamaki and Jillian Tamaki

Chicken, Pig, Cow's First Fight by Ruth Ohi

2012-02-09T00:30:00.000-07:00

Chicken, Pig, and Cow are best friends. They're such good friends that they've never had a fight! When they find an elaborate block city, they all get excited. Chicken builds a statue, but Pig - who's a bit too excited and starts zipping and zooming around - accidentally ruins it. Then things go from bad to worse! How can these three friends make everything okay again?

One of the things that I love about this book is how quickly everything gets out of hand. No one intends to make the others angry, but it happens, and they have different opinions about the situation. Even better, they resolve it in a healthy way that acknowledges bad behaviour and remorse while forgiving and moving on. The bright illustrations and fun characters make this an easy pick to read with kids.

I received a review copy from NetGalley courtesy of Annick Press.

Don't miss Ruth Ohi's website.

Find it at IndieBound.

Read it with:
Chicken, Pig, Cow by Ruth Ohi
Naomi's Tree by Joy Kogawa
Chicken, Pig, Cow and the Class Pet by Ruth Ohi

Zeke Meeks vs The Putrid Puppet Pals by D.L. Green with illustrations by Josh Alves

2012-02-08T00:30:00.000-07:00

Recess is usually the best part of Zeke's day. He loves running around, playing basketball, and doing anything that involves being active. But lately there's been something strange going on. Everyone in his class seems to be obsessed with Puppet Pals, and Zeke doesn't get it. They're just finger puppets! How much time can you spend playing with finger puppets? Zeke is determined to resist going along with this trend...but how long can he hold out?

Zeke Meeks is a new series of chapter books and I can easily see it being a big hit with readers. Zeke is smart, funny, and likeable. He's the unlikely voice of reason in a world gone crazy. As someone who often failed to see the appeal in any number of fads, I appreciated Zeke's attempts at injecting logic into his world. The story was funny and the characters were strongly developed for a new series; the accompanying illustrations were seamlessly embedded right into the story. I'm really looking forward to reading more Zeke Meeks books, especially the one about the no TV week.

Here's a book trailer that introduces the new series:

I received a review copy from NetGalley courtesy of Capstone.

Find it at IndieBound.

Read it with:
Zeke Meeks vs. the Stinkin' Science Fair by D.L. Green
Zeke Meeks vs. the Horrifying TV Turn-Off Week by D.L. Green
Zeke Meeks vs. the Gruesome Girls by D.L. Green

Birthday Suit by Olive Senior and illustrated by Eugenie Fernandes

2012-02-07T00:30:00.000-07:00

Johnny loves to be naked! He loves the sun on his skin, the sand on his feet, and the waves on his body. His mom tries to get him dressed, but there's no piece of clothing that he can't get out of! Will Johnny ever get dressed, or will he stay in his birthday suit forever? Seeing the lush illustrations of a beautiful place, it's easy to understand why Johnny wouldn't want to wear clothes! This common problem for parents is handled practically and with humour by Olive Senior. It's a great book to read with kids who need a bit of convincing about why clothes are important.

I read a review copy from NetGalley courtesy of Annick Press.

Find it at IndieBound.

Read it with:
Big Week for Little Mouse by Eugenie Fernandes
Kitten's Summer by Eugenie Fernandes
Catch That Baby! by Nancy Coffelt

Up Dog by Hazel Hutchins with illustrations by Fanny.

2012-02-06T00:30:00.000-07:00

This little dog has lots of energy! He likes to go outside and dig up bones, drag them back to the house, and muddy up rooms. So when it's time to clean up, he needs to be fenced up while his owner washes up. But there's always time for a good snuggle up at the end of the day!

The first time I read this I was so focused on the individual pages and words that I completely missed the story going on in the background. It's not just a collection of up phrases, it really does tell a story about this dog's day. While many of the phrases are common ones that kids will be familiar with (dig up, wash up, hang up), there were a few, like pen up, that I thought might be new and unknown. But that's why books are so great - they can open a window onto a part of the world that you don't see every day. This is a fun concept book that I can easily see kids enjoying.

I received a review copy from NetGalley courtesy of Annick Press.

Check out Hazel Hutchins' webpage.

Find it at IndieBound.

Read it with:
Up Cat by Hazel Hutchins
The Quiet Book by Deborah Underwood
Mattland by Hazel Hutchins and Gail Herbert

Cradle Me by Debby Slier

2012-02-05T00:30:00.000-07:00

Star Bright Books has published so many board books where babies (and baby faces) take centre stage, and Cradle Me continues that tradition. In just a few pages, eleven babies with various expressions and actions (peeking, touching, sleepy, smiling) are shown in colourful photographs, with space for families to write in their own language below the pictures. The babies are each in a cradle board and are from different Native American tribes (Goshute/Paiute, Oneida/Leech Lake, Arapaho, Northern Ute/Uintah, Pueblo, Kootenai/Salish, Navajo/Dineh, Shoshone, Nez Perce, Shoshone/Bannock, Yurok/Hupa); the book is also in the shape of a cradle board, with a rounded top. There's a bit of information about the cradle boards and the babies in the final pages of the book (that's where the names of the tribes come from), but I would have loved even more information about the cradle boards, the tribes, and how the book was put together. Maybe there isn't really a place for that in a board book, but when there are so few books that feature Native American children and traditions I think I end up wanting so much from them. I'm looking forward to seeing more reviews from people within the tribes to see how accurately this book reflects their history and their culture.

Find it at IndieBound.

I received a review copy from NetGalley courtesy of Star Bright Books.

Read it with:
Babies, Babies! by Debby Slier
Backpack Baby by Miriam Cohen
What's Up, Baby? by Kathleen Rizzi
Carry Me by Star Bright Books

Au Revoir, Crazy European Chick by Joe Schreiber

2012-02-04T00:30:00.000-07:00

It wasn't Perry's idea to take Gobi to the prom. She is the Lithuanian exchange student living with Perry's family and while Perry was friendly with her, they weren't exactly close. But there they were, at the prom. Following a small physical altercation, they leave but instead of heading home, Gobi insists that they drive into New York City for one unforgettable evening. And between dodging bullets, staring down possibly dangerous men, and evading the police, it will definitely be a night that Perry will never forget.

It took me awhile to get into this book because I wasn't ready (or willing) to hand myself over to it at the beginning. I kept asking questions about the story: Why doesn't Perry just stand up to his parents? Who's Gobi working for? Is this making any sense? I told myself to read 50 pages before I made any decisions, and the next thing I knew I was 130 pages in. It kind of snuck up on me and pulled me in. Information was parceled out over the course of the book, and while I wish that there was at least a bit of explanation of Gobi's motives and role earlier on, I was satisfied with what was revealed. Another thing that kept me turning the pages was that it seemed like it wasn't always adhering to common YA romance/adventure fiction conventions. People get shot. People die. There are repercussions from actions. When I expected one thing to happen, another would happen instead. This kept me on my toes while reading and pushed me to finish the book to see what happens. I read the entire book in one sitting, and I think that that was the best reading experience for the book. I can easily this being a movie because it had so many great cinematic elements (the transformation from quiet wallflower to hot assassin, chase scenes, a great ending).

Check out Joe Schreiber's blog.

Find it at IndieBound.

Read it with:
Chasing the Dead by Joe Schreiber
Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist by David Levithan and Rachel Cohn
A Long Long Sleep by Anna Sheehan
Fat Vampire by Adam Rex

American Quarter Horses Are My Favorite! by Elaine Landau

2012-02-03T00:30:00.000-07:00

Do you have a favourite kind of horse? Maybe you like American quarter horses. They're fast horses, hard workers, and very popular with riders - and police officers! There's lots to learn about these horses, like their size, their history, and their daily maintenance routines. If American quarter horses are your favourite, or even if you're just getting to know them, this might be the book for you!

I've never really been that into horses, not even when I was younger. But growing up there were always girls who were very into horses, and I expect that that hasn't changed much since. This series is fun and informative and nicely blends the more factual horse-based information with the majestic images that horses have. It breaks down why having your own horse might not be the best idea and honestly lays out how big a commitment a horse can be. But it also talks about ways you can be involved with horses without having to own one. The colourful photographs will appeal to readers who like realistic images, and like many Lerner books it is a nice fit for students looking for report information as well as readers reading for pleasure on a topic that they're interested in.

Check out more at Elaine Landau's website.

I received an advance review copy from NetGalley courtesy of Lerner Publishing.

Find it at Amazon.

Read it with:
Is the Trumpet For You? by Elaine Landau
American Quarter Horses by Pamela Dell
The American Quarter Horse by Ellen Frazel
Great Danes are the Best! by Elaine Landau

Jennifer Lawrence by Katherine Krohn

2012-02-02T00:30:00.000-07:00

When The Hunger Games opens in theatres later this year, it could be one of the biggest movies of the year. Based on the best-selling novel by Suzanne Collins, the story of Katniss Everdeen has captured the imaginations of readers around the world. When plans for the movie were first announced, people wondered who would play the pivotal role of Katniss; it later went to Jennifer Lawrence. Who is this actress? Where did she come from? What did she do before landing this role? This book has everything you need to know about the young woman behind the character.

I'm not going to lie - I'm very excited for The Hunger Games. I enjoyed the books and I'm really looking forward to the movie. I didn't have strong feelings either way on Jennifer Lawrence when she was cast as Katniss, but I did want to learn more about her. This book is a very straightforward biography that traces the young actress' life and career to late 2011. This book probably won't have a very long shelf life without seeming dated (particularly once The Hunger Games opens - let alone if Jennifer Lawrence goes on to have a long and successful career), but its topicality and relevance will make it very appealing to young readers. It's a great fit for middle grade readers who like biographies, people who like reading about celebrities and Hollywood, and those who are looking forward to The Hunger Games.

Check out Katherine Krohn's website.

I received an advance review copy from NetGalley courtesy of Lerner Publishing.

Find it at Amazon.

Read it with:
The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
Vera Wang: Enduring Style by Katherine Krohn
Kristin Stewart by Robin Johnson

The Donkey That No One Could Ride by Anthony DeStefano and illustrated by Richard Cowdrey

2012-02-01T00:07:00.003-07:00

This little donkey is very small and weak. He isn't strong enough to support people, or carry things, or really do much of anything! His owner is fed up and decides to get rid of him. What's a poor donkey to do? But when two men approach him and tell him that they have a special job for him, he has no idea how his life is going to change!

The animals in the Christmas Nativity and the donkey who carries Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem have long been popular in children's stories, so it's nice to see a new story about Christ's life as told through the eyes of an animal. The illustrations in this book are very strong; there are humorous pages (like the donkey in a ditch, or being hefted into the air by a heavy load) and there are sad pages (like when the donkey cries or is sent away by his owner). Hints in the background also suggest that while this (spoiler alert!) ends up being a joyous time for the donkey, it's a very different time for Jesus (see the determined expression on Jesus' face as they enter the city or and the three crosses in the background in the last pages of the book). This makes it a good choice for families to read and discuss together. I can see this being a favourite Easter gift for religious families, and a popular seasonal pick that public libraries might want to have on their shelves.

I received an advance review copy from NetGalley courtesy of Harvest House Publishers.

Check out Anthony DeStefano and Richard Cowdrey's websites.

Find it at IndieBound.

Read it with:
Animal Lullabies by Pam Conrad
Animals of the Bible by Mary Hoffman
The Donkey's Christmas Song by Nancy Tafuri
This Little Prayer of Mine by Anthony DeStefano
Little Star by Anthony DeStefano

Isabella: Girl on the Go by Jennifer Fosberry and Mike Litwin

2012-01-31T00:45:00.002-07:00

It's a beautiful day out, and Isabella's father is looking for some help in the backyard from his favourite little girl. But Isabella isn't a little girl - she's an archeologist, and the hidden treasures in the sandy pyramids call out to her. No, wait - she's an artist, drawing inspiration from the streets of Paris. But she's also an astronomer, peering up into the night sky at all the unknown mysteries of the world. She can travel all over the world - but there's only one place that's her most favourite place of all.

Isabella: Girl on the Go is a fun picture book that looks at how a child's imagination can inspire a whole host of creative expeditions. The illustrations are very clever, playing with tone and perspective to show how the world can change depending on how Isabella is experiencing it at that moment in time. There's lots of fun stuff to look for in the pictures, too, like how her stuffed friend transforms from page to page. I really like the character of the Dad, who indulges and supports his daughter's imagination while still getting his yardwork done. Isabella could definitely hang out with other spunky picture book girls like Stella, Olivia, and Lilly.

Check out Jennifer Fosberry and Mike Litwin's websites for more information about their other projects.

I read an advance review copy from NetGalley courtesy of Sourcebooks.

Find it at IndieBound.

Read it with:
My Name is Not Isabella by Jennifer Fosberry
My Name is Not Alexander by Jennifer Fosberry
Not a Box by Antoinette Portis
When Stella Was Very Very Small by Marie-Louise Gay

Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? (And Other Concerns) by Mindy Kaling

2012-01-30T00:30:00.000-07:00

In the mid-2000s, actress and writer Mindy Kaling was hired as a writer for an NBC mid-season replacement based on a hit British sitcom. That show was The Office, which became one of NBC's biggest shows. In Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? (And Other Concerns), she writes about her childhood, her early auditions and successes, behind-the-scenes stories of Hollywood, and, best of all, her opinions on almost anything.

In a year of strong writing and performances by very funny women (Bossypants, "Bridesmaids"), Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? easily sits alongside the best. Mindy Kaling is funny and smart and conversational in a great way. The pieces are short and precise and have both humour and heart. It's been awhile since I've thought "Man, that celebrity and I could be such great friends!" but I kind of think that about Mindy Kaling. There are some times where I would roll my eyes and be like, "Whatever, Mindy" (like the piece in here about how indignant she got when a cupcake store approached her about promotional tweeting) but then we would watch a Will Farrell movie and go get some donuts and talk about awkward dates. I listened to the audiobook, and the chatty, breezy tone of the book contributed to this thinking. I've heard that the audiobook of Bossypants was like inviting Tina Fey to your bookclub; listening to Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? was like riding the bus with Mindy Kaling and being confident that you were the funniest people on board.

Want more? Mindy Kaling had a website!

Find it at IndieBound.

Read it with:
Matt and Ben by Mindy Kaling and Brenda Withers
Bossypants by Tina Fey
Seriously, I'm Kidding by Ellen DeGeneres
Are You There, Vodka? It's Me, Chelsea by Chelsea Handler

A Day in the Office of Doctor Bugspit by Elise Gravel

2012-01-29T00:30:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the office of Doctor Bugspit! Have a seat - the doctor will be right with you. He's a little busy at the moment, but don't worry - his super-secret Fix-It-Up syrup will have his patients cured in no time!

With a zany free-for-all quality to the writing and illustration, Doctor Bugspit is a wild look at a doctor's office you probably wouldn't want to visit in real life. Just as in Adopt a Glurb, Elise Gravel has taken something with roots in real life (there, a pet; here, a visit to the doctor) and has spun it into something completely imaginative. The graphic novel-style makes it perfect for kids transitioning out of picture books. I get so excited when I see new Balloon Toon titles, so I hope we see a lot more from Elise Gravel!

See more of Elise Gravel at her website. Learn more about Balloon Toons at Blue Apple Books.

Find it at IndieBound.

Read it with:
Adopt a Glurb! by Elise Gravel
Zoe and Robot, Let's Pretend by Ryan Sias
Doggie Dreams by Mike Herrod

The Future of Us by Jay Asher and Carolyn Mackler

2012-01-28T00:30:00.000-07:00

It's 1996 and Emma's family has just gotten a computer that can connect to The Internet. It's a great distraction, especially because things with her longtime best friend Josh have gotten a little weird lately (he tried to kiss her). But when Emma puts in the America Online CD, something strange happens. She's looking at something called Facebook...and it's showing her what her life is like years in the future! Someone has to be playing a joke on her, but how do they know so many details? Emma becomes obsessed with her future and is determined to make sure that she gets her happily-ever-after...but where does that leave Josh?

I really liked the premise for this book. My family first got the internet in 1998, so there were a lot of details that I remembered about those days (making sure no one else had to use the phone before I went online, the screech of a modem, the relative rarity of having the internet). All of this nostalgia made me wonder if the best audience for this book wouldn't be young adults - people who would be Future Emma's age now rather than Past Emma's age now. Would teens and tweens be interested in the premise? But I think they will be. I know that I used to think of what future me would be like - and I still do now. I shared Josh's frustration at Emma's determination to shape her future and the way she didn't really realize that even if she got the future lined up that she wanted, there would be millions and millions of small choices that would shape her future between now and then. I appreciated that the jokes about Facebook were kept to a minimum (I have so many friends, I must be super popular! I wouldn't share it with everyone if it wasn't really important!). I think the book also can be a good opening for talking about the way that Facebook has shaped how we share our lives. If you saw a Facebook slice of your life (like the new Timeline feature, I guess), how accurate would it be? Do we exaggerate - the good and the bad - what we share? I liked the male/female back and forth of chapters from Josh and Emma's point of view and think that this is a good semi-supernatural story for teens and tweens who like thinking about time travel, technology, and identity.

Find it at IndieBound.

Read it with:
Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher
The Earth, My Butt, and Other Big Round Things by Carolyn Mackler
Gimme a Call by Sarah Mylnowski

The Sea of Bath by Bob Logan

2012-01-27T00:30:00.000-07:00

The captain was asleep on his boat when the tide carried him out to sea. He never knows how he ends up on the Sea of Bath, but once out there he sees all kinds of strange sights: ducks that squeak instead of quack, rain that comes and goes, an odd little boat named Soap. Then, as suddenly as it came, the tide goes out and the Captain can go back to sleep until his next journey on the Sea of Bath.

I was enchanted by this book. That's the best way I know how to describe it. The art, the text, the idea behind the book - I just found it to be the perfect amount of cleverness. I love that it takes something so ordinary - bathtime - and turns it into a celebration of storytelling and possibility. It's just the kind of book that will spark creative ideas in children who tend towards creativity and can show others just how much fun imagination can be. Definitely do not miss this book.

Check out Bob Logan's website for other examples of his artwork.

Find it at IndieBound.

Read it with:
Here Comes the Garbage Barge by Jonah Winter
Pirates Don't Take Baths by John Segal
Rocket Town by Bob Logan

My Name is Elizabeth! by Annika Dunklee and Matthew Forsythe

2012-01-26T00:30:00.000-07:00

This little girl's name is Elizabeth. She loves her name! She loves that it has nine letters; she loves that there's a Queen with the same name. She loves the way it sounds and the way it makes her mouth feels. But she doesn't love it when people call her something other than Elizabeth. Her grandfather calls her Lizzy, a friend calls her Liz, and the crossing guard calls her Betsy (which isn't even close). Doesn't anyone understand that her name is Elizabeth?!

I really identified with this book, both because I love my name and because it's often mangled by other people. It's such a simple concept but I think that even as a small child I would have cheered as Elizabeth stood up to the others and insisted on being called by her full and proper name. Even those who don't suffer from forced nicknames will still see a small child making choices about her identity and that's a very powerful message. The blue-based illustrations by Matthew Forsythe were right on point and helped to make this a book for kids and adults alike. This one was on all kinds of "Best of" lists for 2011 so make sure to check it out for yourself.

(Also, it amused me that the French-language version of this book is "Je m'appelle Catherine!" What? Her name's Elizabeth!)

Find it at IndieBound.

Read it with:
Ojingogo by Matthew Forsythe
What Shall We Call Wibbly's Puppy? by Mick Inkpen
Olivia by Ian Falconer

The Juggling Pug by Sean Bryan with drawings by Tom Murphy

2012-01-25T00:30:00.000-07:00

A juggling pug? Who's heard of such a thing! But when this little pug starts juggling, he becomes an international sensation! Fame starts to go to his head: he gives curtains a tug, destroys plates and mugs...and sometimes he even poops on the rug. The townspeople enable his behaviour because he's so famous until finally one says "Enough!" Will that be the end of the juggling pug?

I was enchanted by the lovely cover of this book. I love how it plays with conventions like "The title should be easy to read" and incorporates the juggling theme from the very beginning. I can see this book going over very well with children: it has an animal protagonist, funny rhymes, there's juggling (which always seems like a really impressive feat to me, even when it's done by people), and there's even a mention of poop! This was the first Sean Bryan/Tom Murphy collaboration that I read, and it had me quickly setting off to find more. I did read an eBook version of The Juggling Pug and it didn't always look just right in the Adobe Digital Edition viewer, but maybe it looks better in other readers (and of course the physical book).

Find it at IndieBound.

Read it with:
A Boy and His Bunny by Sean Bryan and Tom Murphy
A Girl and Her Gator by Sean Bryan and Tom Murphy
The Usborne Book of Jugging by Clive Gifford

Degrassi Junior High: Shane by Susin Nielsen

2012-01-24T10:51:00.000-07:00

Shane has never been the kind of guy who stood out in a crowd. He was never all that popular or the best at anything. That's why he was so surprised when he started dating Spike. She was so confident and popular; everything seemed pretty great. Then Spike got pregnant and Shane's world turned inside out. He tried avoiding her (and the pregnancy) for awhile, but that didn't change anything. His deeply religious parents barely speak to him, Spike doesn't want anything to do with him, and he has no friends to turn to. Shane feels like his life is out of control. Is there anything he can do to get back on track?

In many ways, Shane is a companion book to Spike, another book in the Degrassi series. Shane starts after Spike is pregnant and opens with him finally telling his parents what's going on. There are some continuity errors and inconsistencies between the two books (and a bit with the TV series), but nothing that really changes anything too much. Shane's story, though, isn't singly defined by his teenager fatherhood. After his daughter is born (when he's only fourteen), Shane gets a job to make more money and makes a new friend who's the classic definition of a bad influence. Shane lies to his parents, blows of his parental responsibilities, and starts experimenting with drugs and alcohol. While Spike has more of a hopeful optimism, Shane reads a bit more like a cautionary tale. Also, I find it very interesting to read about attitudes towards teen fathers and parenthood; more than one person, including adults, tell Shane that it's best for him to just forget about his child, to act like she doesn't exist and move on with his life, and that he's not responsible for any decision Spike makes because that's her life. I love exploring these concepts and how they're presented in books for teens.

Find it at Amazon.

Read it with:
Degrassi Junior High: Spike by Loretta Castellarin and Ken Roberts
Degrassi Junior High: Snake by Susin Nielsen
Word Nerd by Susin Nielsen

Ice Dreams by Lisa Papademetriou

2012-01-23T00:30:00.000-07:00

Rosa Hernandez is still adjusting to her family's move from Miami to Chicago. She's not looking forward to cold winters with lots of snow - but she is looking forward to more opportunities to develop her figure skating. In her new skating class she meets some really great friends...and one girl who's practically an Ice Queen! Jacqui Darcy is really competitive and not always that nice. Rosa would love to avoid her altogether, but Jacqui's brother Anton is really cute! There's a big competition coming up that's putting a lot of stress on the skaters. Can Rosa find new music to skate to, win over Jacqui, spend time with Anton, and land her jumps?

There's a lot of really great stuff in Ice Dreams. There's a strong female protagonist with a Hispanic background being raised by a single parent (and she loves and respects her family). She doesn't always make the best decisions but she learns from her mistakes and apologizes when she's wrong. She learns a lot about family, success, friendship, and honesty - but all of this comes out organically and it never tips over into preachy territory. Plus, there's lots of figure skating details (which is a big plus for me!). This book is a "Candy Apple Book," but I don't think that that means that it's in a series of related books. I read it without having read any other Candy Apple Books, and I could follow it just fine.

Find it at IndieBound.

Read it with:
Dream Big, Little Pig! by Kristi Yamaguchi
Sugar and Ice by Kate Messner
Babymouse: Skater Girl by Jennifer L. Holm

Again! by Emily Gravett

2012-01-22T09:57:00.000-07:00

A little dragon loves one story so much that he just wants to hear it again and again. Reach the end? Again! No more words? Again! Time for bed? No - again! And you should watch out, because if he doesn't get his way, there's no telling what could happen!

Emily Gravett is so ridiculously talented that there are almost no words for it. She's one of my absolute favourite picture book authors/illustrators and I love seeing how what she comes up with each time. I picked this book up on the strength of her name alone. The illustrations are playful and appealing and the story (of a story that gets shorter and shorter as patience gets thinner and thinner) is one that I think both kids and adults will relate to. It would work as a lap book but I think also as a storytime pick. I don't want to give too much away, but please - if you see this book, don't turn it over and start reading the back cover. Just start reading the book. That's what I did and was so happy that I did.

Also check out Emily Gravett's website.

Find it at IndieBound.

Read it with:
Little Mouse's Big Book of Fears by Emily Gravett
Blue Chameleon by Emily Gravett
Interrupting Chicken by David Ezra Stein

Degrassi Junior High: Spike by Loretta Castellarin and Ken Roberts

2012-01-21T00:30:00.000-07:00

Spike is used to people looking at her because of her hair, but now people are starting to look at her for a different reason: she's pregnant. Only fourteen years old, she and her boyfriend Shane got carried away in a dark bedroom at a friend's party. Now she must deal with her changing body, classmates' reactions, an unsupportive boyfriend, and a disappointed mother. Will she be able to figure out what the best decision is for herself and the baby?

I remember the original Degrassi (Junior High and High) airing on CBC while I was growing up, but I didn't really get into it until I watched reruns after school in 10th grade. I love the drama of it all and the way that serious storylines, like teen pregnancy, are woven in with storylines about sexy dreams or walking naked through the cafeteria. Anyway. Spike picks up after Spike and Shane "did it" at Lucy's party and early on she discovers she's pregnant; it ends just after the birth of her child. Much of the book, certainly the main storyline, sticks very closely with the TV series; it's been awhile since I watched my Degrassi Junior High DVDs, but I think even whole bits of dialogue are straight from the TV scripts. Does the book stand alone if you haven't seen the TV show? Probably, although it definitely would be a different reading. What I like about this book is that it fills in a bit of background information that doesn't come through in the show, mostly about Spike's relationship with her mother. These books were out of print for a long time but then recently were available again, so if you have a fond memory for Degrassi or are curious about the series, give these books a look.

Find it at IndieBound.

Read it with:
Degrassi Junior High: Shane by Susin Nielsen
Star in the Middle by Carol Larese Millward
Butterflies in May by Karen Hart
Degrassi Generations: The Official 411 by Kathryn Ellis

Are You in the House Alone? by Richard Peck

2012-01-20T00:30:00.000-07:00

Gail's life is pretty ordinary. She gets decent grades, has a good relationship with her boyfriend, and makes money by baby-sitting on the weekends. But then she finds a strange note in her locker. It unsettles her, even as her best friend tells her to just forget about it. Then the phone calls start, and it's clear that someone isn't just joking around. Is there anything Gail can do...before it's too late?

(Spoilers below)

This book is two scary horror stories in one. The first part seems like it's a standard thriller: obscene phone calls, random notes, a young girl left alone. But then partway through the story changes - or rather, continues. It doesn't stop with Gail being heroically rescued at the last minute. Instead, she's raped by her stalker and ends up in the hospital. Then there are pages and pages spent talking about how futile it would be to press charges against her assailant - a man that Gail knows and can easily identify. In addition to his being from a prominent family, Gail was on the pill and had previously had sex with her boyfriend, so arly she's unrapable. Not only that, but if she does press charges, her lawyer cautions her that the accused would likely turn around and sue her. These passages were so infuriatingly frustrating, and made worse because I knew that it was not that exaggerated to how real life was (and, in many ways, still can be). This book doesn't flinch from showing how Gail's rape affects her family and relationships or from how the world pigeonholes women into certain roles. It's a book I came across sort of by accident at the library but it quite an interesting read.

Find it at IndieBound.

Read it with:
Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson
The Babysitter by R.L. Stine
Amanda, Miranda by Richard Peck

The Flying Beaver Brothers and the Fishy Business by Maxwell Eaton III

2012-01-19T00:30:00.000-07:00

Ace and Bub are back! This time they're hanging out with their new friends, Bob and Bob, and trying to enjoy some delicious pancakes. But a strange volcano catches their attention - they don't remember a volcano there before. Or a factory that produces Fish Styx - wooden toys that are environmentally friendly! There appears to be a logical explanation for everything, but it all just seems a little off...will Ace and Bub be able to put it all together and get everything back to normal?

I really enjoyed The Flying Beaver Brothers and the Evil Penguin Plan, but I think I liked The Flying Beaver Brothers and the Fishy Business more. Maybe I was more used to the humour and the style; maybe it was because I read it on my Kobo and I read the first on my computer. They're both both very strong books, though. This one was packed with lots of jokes about spokespeople and environmentally-friendly products, visual jokes and callbacks, and a fair amount of action. This is definitely a series that I want to see more of, and I think there are a lot of young readers who will feel the same way.

I received an advance review copy from NetGalley courtesy of Random House Children's Books.

Find it at IndieBound.

Read it with:

The Flying Beaver Brothers and the Evil Penguin Plan by Maxwell Eaton III
Two Dumb Ducks by Maxwell Eaton III
Binky the Space Cat by Ashley Spires
Midway Monkey Madness by Sarah Hines Stephens and Art Balthazar

The Snow Day by Komako Sakai

2012-01-18T00:30:00.000-07:00

A young bunny wakes up one morning to a world covered in snow. It's amazing! And even better, school is cancelled and it's a snow day! The day belongs to playing cards with Mom and watching the snow fall outside. There's so much snow that it delayed his father's plane. Will the snow ever stop falling?

This is just a lovely, lovely book. The illustrations are just gorgeous. Done in shades of brown, black and grey, the pages are muted but never boring. One of the things that I love the most is that it depicts winter in a city. The little bunny lives in an apartment building; he goes outside and plays in the snow on his balcony and watches the snow fall from a window high above the ground. So many books that look at snow and winter look at it from a rural point of view, and it's refreshing to see this urban setting. But whether you live in a city or in a town, there's still so much to enjoy about this book: the bunny's excitement at the snow, the hushed quiet to the city, the sweet relationship between the bunny and his mother. Don't miss this book.

Find it at IndieBound.

Read it with:
The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats
Mad at Mommy by Komako Sakai
Bedtime for Bear by Brett Helquist

Inside Edge by Christine Brennan

2012-01-17T00:30:00.000-07:00

Figure skating is a sport that captivates it audience. Behind the sequins and glitter there is hard work and strength; behind the perfectly made up faces there is heartbreak and sacrifice. In Inside Edge, journalist and author Christine Brennan goes beyond the surface to profile skaters - veterans, stars, up-and-comers and a year in the life of figure skating. Beginning where the 1994 Olympics leave off and culminating with the 1995 World Championships, this is a book that figure skating fans cannot miss.

I received this book as a young figure skating fan in 1996 and immediately read it from cover to cover. When I was at home over Christmas, I picked up my dog-earred hardcover copy and read it again. I was amazed by the level of detail in this book and how candidly some of the people involved spoke about the sport. Some of the chapters become interesting because of what came later - Tara Lipinski is profiled as a young junior skater who might be trying to do too much too fast (she would win the 1998 Olympic gold medal, although in 1995 she was not able to win the junior national title), while Rudy Galindo is looked at as a perennial also-ran who was destined to anonymity (he would win the 1996 national title and the 1996 world bronze medal). This book is a snapshot (or maybe a series of time lapse photographs) of a particularly interesting time for skating. Post-1994, skating enjoyed some of its highest levels of popularity, so there were incredible outlets for skaters to develop their art, perfect their skills, and earn money. It was also a time of a number of different threads that would shape the sport for many years to come: the shift of the top women skaters from young women to young teens to even younger teens, the portrayal of masculinity shown by Elvis Stojko and others, the necessity of having the top triples and quads to compete, the conflict between the sport's professionals and amateurs. Beneath all of this is incredibly solid writing and a skill at asking the right questions. Even though it's now more than fifteen years since it was published, Inside Edge still stands as a must-read book for skating fans.

Find it at IndieBound.

Read it with:
Edge of Glory by Christine Brennan
Figure Skating: A Celebration by Beverly Smith
A Year in Figure Skating by Beverly Smith
A Passion to Skate by Sandra Bezic
Stars on Ice by Barry Wilner

Never Eighteen by Megan Bostic

2012-01-16T16:31:00.000-07:00

Austin is seventeen, but he's never going to be eighteen. He's dying. But he's determined to also make the most of the time that he has left; he doesn't want his life to have been lived in vain. Over the course of one momentous weekend, he will do things he's never done before, visit favourite places one last time, reach out to old friends (and old enemies), and do everything in his power to make sure that he when he does pass away, he will have no regrets.

(Spoilers below!)

It took awhile for me to get into the story. I warmed to Austin almost immediately, but his relationship with Kaylee confused me. She was so angry with him most of the time, pissed off at his behaviour. Then, once Austin started making his rounds, the issues that he was confronting were almost at Degrassi High-levels: death, grief, homosexuality, rape, abortion, divorce, bullying, drugs, abuse. But somewhere for me, the story clicked. The story never lagged; time was at a premium and, just like in Austin's life, every moment counted. Kaylee wasn't there to be be Austin's yes-girl; she had emotions that she was dealing with regarding Austin that left her conflicted. It also clicked on a personal level. It had me reflecting on what what I would do if I was in Austin's position, who I'd want to see, what I want to do. By the end of the book I cared enough about the characters to be deeply moved by Austin's death and how the other characters reacted. There are readers who love books that make them sad, and this is exactly the kind of book that I would put in their hands.

(One minor quibble, based on the way that the cover looks before publication: so much is made out of the redness of the car, I would have loved to have seen that shown on the cover image.)

Don't miss checking out Megan Bostic's website.

Find it at IndieBound.

Read it with:
Before I Die by Jenny Downham
Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher
Deadline by Chris Crutcher

Snow Happy by Patricia Hubbell and illustrated by Hiroe Nakata

2012-01-15T00:30:00.000-07:00

There's a feeling that you get when you're having fun being outside in the snow. You're snow happy! It's the way it feels to be having fun with your friends and family. It's the way it feels when it's cold outside but you're nice and warm. It's building snowmen, skating, and catching snowflakes on your tongue. What makes people feel so happy? Snow happy!

This book is a fun celebration of the best parts of winter. The illustrations are light and fun and as bright as freshly fallen snow. There's a rhyme to the lines, but there are also lines that stand on their own, which keeps it a bit unpredictable. If you're a fan of winter (or even just cheery picture books), this is a book that will make you happy.

Find it at IndieBound.

Read it with:
Shaggy Dogs, Waggy Dogs by Patricia Hubbell
The Snow Day by Komako Sakai
Snow Day by Patricia Lakin
Perfect Snow by Barbara Reid
All of Baby Nose to Toes by Victoria Adler

The Name of the Star by Maureen Johnson

2012-01-14T00:30:00.000-07:00

Rory is really looking forward to starting her new life in London. Wexford Academy promises to be an incredible scholastic environment and she's sure to meet lots of new friends. But she didn't count on London being in the grips of terror. A murderer is terrorizing the city by reenacting the Jack the Ripper murders. As the violence gets closer and closer to Wexford, Rory discovers that she might have a deeper connection with these murders - and that no one around her is safe.

It was quite easy to forget about the Jack the Ripper aspect of the book when I started reading. The first third of the book involves a lot of scene building and introductions: Wexford, students and teachers, London details. This makes sense, because this is the first book in the Shades of London series. But Maureen Johnson has a talent for changing the atmosphere at a moment's notice; one minute there's a school dance and everything's fun and light, and the next minute there's a life and death situation. It's not that it's jarring; the lack of a set-up sometimes enhances the drama, like anything can happen at any time. Speaking of jarring, though, I was listening to the audiobook and when the narration (Rory's voice when not in actual dialogue) has no accent, but Rory's voice has a strong Louisiana accent. So every time she actually started speaking, it felt a bit off. But the book itself was a fun adventure and I'm interested in seeing where the series goes from here.

Find it at IndieBound.

Read it with:
13 Little Blue Envelopes by Maureen Johnson
Hex Hall by Rachel Hawkins
Portrait of a Killer by Patricia Cornwell

The Fallback Plan by Leigh Stein

2012-01-13T00:30:00.000-07:00

Esther Kohler has just graduated from college - Northwestern, to be precise - and her life has run out of momentum. She majored in acting; she's sick of people asking if she has a fallback plan. At the moment, though, she doesn't really have any plan beyond living with her parents, rereading her favourite books from childhood, and maybe writing a screenplay about pandas. Her mom gets her a job as a nanny for a local family. Soon Esther finds herself as a mother to the little girl, a confidant to the mother, and in a strange relationship with the father. But what does that leave for Esther?

I was so impressed by this book. It just kind of slithered into my brain and wouldn't let go until after I'd finished it. I love the way Leigh Stein writes; Esther's voice started on page one and didn't waver for the entirety of the novel. Although I'm a few years past the recent college graduate stuff (and in a different employment stage), there was so much that rang true for me in Esther's contradictions. She hates being at home, but she doesn't want to leave; she likes being taken care of but also wants her freedom and independence. Her low-key adventures make for an engaging story and a solid debut for author Leigh Stein.

I love this booktrailer:

Also check out Leigh Stein's blog.

I received a review copy from NetGalley courtesy of Melville House.

Find it at IndieBound.

Read it with:
Carrie Pilby by Caren Lissner
The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis
The Graduate by Charles Richard Webb
Queens of All the Earth by Hannah Sternberg

Out of the Box by Michelle Mulder

2012-01-12T00:30:00.000-07:00

Ellie is nervous about spending the entire summer at her aunt's house. She gets along fine with her aunt, but she's only ever spent a couple of weeks there - and that was when Alison, her aunt's partner, was alive. Will Jeanette be different this summer? But even worse than that are Ellie's worries about her parents. They need her at home in order to keep the peace; without her, they could be headed for a divorce. When Ellie arrives at Aunt Jeanette's, she isn't sure how to act, but it isn't long before she settles in, making friends and having fun. She even discovers a rare Argentinian musical instrument with a mysterious past. But no matter how much fun Ellie has at her aunt's place, she can't shake the fear of what's happening at home. Is her family falling apart? And is it all her fault?

It's difficult to read a book where a character as likeable as Ellie has been so thoroughly damaged by a troubled family relationship. Her mother treats her like an adult and expects her daughter to provide support for her issues; her father is emotionally checked-out and spends most of his time avoiding the family altogether. At the same time, though, Ellie has been conditioned to think that any individual thoughts or wants are an indication of a familial rebellion, and her self-esteem is almost nil. Watching her sabotage her friendships and chances at happiness is heartbreaking. The story has many serious elements - Ellie's family trouble, Jeanette's grief and mourning, a subplot about the people who disappeared in Argentina in the late 70s and early 80s - but there's also many fun and sweet elements. It's not a long book, but there is so much power packed into its pages that it would be shame for people to miss this story.

Find it at IndieBound.

Read it with:
After Peaches by Michelle Mulder
The Gravesavers by Sheree Fitch
Love, Aubrey by Suzanne M. LaFleur

The Flying Beaver Brothers and The Evil Penguin Plan by Maxwell Eaton III

2012-01-11T00:15:00.002-07:00

Ace and Bub, the Flying Beaver Brothers, have different interests. Ace wants to practice and the upcoming surfing competition. Bub wants to nap. And then nap some more. But when Ace's surfboard is stolen by some penguins - or are they puffins? No, they're penguins - Ace and Bub are drawn into an evil world of undersea mysteries, world domination, and surfboard theft. Will everything turn out okay? And what about the surfing competition?

I had no idea what to expect with this book when I picked it up (well, technically, I read it on a screen, so I guess I mean "when I clicked on it") and I really enjoyed it. There's a cleverness to the book that comes through in both the art and the text. Pacing is key to this book; jokes last for just the right length, setups are drawn out with the right amount of payoff. While reading this book, I felt I was in the hands of an author and illustrator who knew exactly what he was doing. Plus, it was a fun read! Definitely check this book out.

Find it at IndieBound.

I received an advance review copy from NetGalley courtesy of Random House.

Read it with:
The Flying Beaver Brothers and the Fishy Business by Maxwell Eaton III
Two Dumb Ducks by Maxwell Eaton III
Binky the Space Cat by Ashley Spires
Midway Monkey Madness by Sarah Hines Stephens and Art Balthazar

The Darlings in Love by Melissa Kantor

2012-01-10T00:49:00.000-07:00

Victoria, Jane, and Natalya are The Darlings - three best friends who've grown up together. They've always been there for each other, and now things are only getting more complicated. Victoria has an amazing boyfriend, but she doesn't always feel close to him. She loves him, but is that enough? Jane has a chance to play one of her favourite characters on stage opposite one of the hottest guys she's ever seen, but are they right for each other? And is it worth putting up with a very annoying director? Natalya still worries about fitting in at her exclusive private school, but things seem to be looking up for her when she reconnects with someone she thought she'd lost forever. But will reconciling be as smooth as she hopes? In order to get through all of these questions, the Darlings are going to need each other more than ever before.

The Darlings in Love is a sequel to The Darlings Are Forever, but it's possible to get into the book without having read the first one. Any large bits of necessary plot seem to be filled in fairly early on, with the only puzzling bit of information really being how the girls became friends in the first place since they all seem to have very different lives and attend different schools (I've since found out that this is, in fact, covered extensively in the first book - a book that I plan on picking up). Even that, though, isn't really a problem, because when the girls are together it's clear that they have a deep friendship with each other; this comes through with the characterizations and dialogue. Of course, if I had read the first book, I think I would have been more closely connected to the characters.Victoria suffers from this the most; I was about 100 pages into the novel before she did anything that captures my attention (even now, I had to go back and check that her name was even Victoria). While all three of the girls make questionable moves in the name of love, at least Jane and Natalya actively threw themselves headlong into their bad decisions (not such a great thing in real life, but wonderful to have in a character); Victoria was just so passive. But really, even not feeling connected to her didn't stop me from appreciating her storyline; it might be the one that's most relateable for readers (how do you not lose yourself in a relationship, how do you find balance between your friends/his friends/each other, what happens when you have little in common). There have been a number of books about teens in New York learning about life, love, and friendship, but with its humour, honesty, and strong writing, The Darlings series definitely stands out.

See more at Melissa Kantor's website. There also seems to be a major web presence for The Darlings series at the Disney site.

I received an advance review copy from NetGalley courtesy of Disney-Hyperion.

Find it at IndieBound.

Read it with:
The Darlings Are Forever by Melissa Kantor
Girlfriend Material by Melissa Kantor
Ditched by Robin Mellom
The Daughters by Joanna Philbin

Ditched: A Love Story by Robin Mellom

2012-01-09T00:50:00.000-07:00

Justina never saw herself going to the prom. She definitely never saw herself going in a big, poofy, satiny prom dress. And she certainly never saw herself going with Ian Clark, her best friend and the one person she can always count on. But of all the things that she never thought about, she never imagined that she'd be ending the night in a ditch! Now, with the help of some women at the 7-Eleven, she must piece together - bruise by bruise, stain by stain - exactly what happened and how she ended up ditched on prom night.

I had a hard time getting into the story at first. It was difficult to wrap my head around a teen girl climbing out of a ditch, bruised and with a torn dress, and be in the mood for a comedic romantic story (I had a similar reaction to Caroline's subplot in Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist, where I was so worried about a drunk girl in a van with strangers that it was hard to keep my mind on the main plot). But as the story went on, I saw that nothing terrible had happened (at least not in the way that I was fearing) and I could settle in and enjoy the story. And I did enjoy it. Justina is an engaging narrator and protagonist and I really did want to know what happened at the prom - but even more than that, I wanted her to have her happy ending. The back-and-forth between the morning and the night before broke up the narrative in a way that kept the story moving and allowed for lots of dramatic tension in a Hangover sort of way. The ending might come across as a little neat but, after all of the drama in getting there, it felt very satisfying.

Don't miss Robin Mellom's website.

I received an advance review copy from NetGalley courtesy of Disney-Hyperion.

Find it at IndieBound.

Read it with:
The Classroom by Robin Mellom
The Darlings Are Forever by Melissa Kantor
Prom by Ellie O'Ryan

Grandpa Green by Lane Smith

2012-01-08T00:30:00.000-07:00

Grandpa Green has had an amazing life. When he was little, he lived on a farm. He got chicken pox (but not from the chickens). He was a soldier; he went to France. He got married and had a big family, including a great-great grandson. Sometimes he has a hard time remembering everything that's happened in his life, but when he needs to remember, he just heads to the garden.

Another book that has shown up on several Best of 2011 lists is this latest picture book from Lane Smith that celebrates families and history. It's a lovely picture book that strikes just the right notes. It's sentimental without being sappy, sweet without being cloying. It takes a very sure hand to create a picture book that balances everything as well as Grandpa Green does. Make sure to check this one out.

Find it at IndieBound.

Read it with:
It's a Book by Lane Smith
My Garden by Kevin Henkes
My Great-great-great-great-great Grandfather...Was a Warrior! by Riccardo Francaviglia

Make it Fair! by Frieda Wishinsky

2012-01-07T00:30:00.000-07:00

Emily and Matt have a magic sled, the Canadian Flyer, that can take them back in time to experience the past. In Make It Fair, Emily and Matt have landed in Winnipeg in 1914. There, they befriend Florence, a young girl who turns out to be the daughter of Nellie McClung, a political activist who is working towards gaining voting rights for women. Can Emily and Matt help Florence and her family and take part in an important part of Canada's history? It might be cold outside, but the fight for women's rights is just heating up!

Few things are as wonderfully Canadian as a book about two kids flying around on a sled (with a maple leaf!) to learn about Nellie McClung. Just throw in a beaver playing hockey and you'd be all set! I wish I'd had a series like this when I was growing up, because I would have loved to learn more about Canadian history through books like Make It Fair. The child protagonists are inquisitive and friendly and the story, while told from a child's point of view, brings in a lot of important historical points. This is the first Canadian Flyer Adventures book I've read, but I think it'll be a good go-to book for people looking for fun, historical-based time travel adventures.

Read more about the Canadian Flyer Adventures Series.

Find it at IndieBound

Read it with:
Beware, Pirates! by Frieda Wishinsky
Danger, Dinosaurs! by Frieda Wishinsky
Keeley, Book Four: Keeley Carries On by Deborah Ellis
Nellie L. by Connie Brummel Crook

Bone Dog by Eric Rohmann

2012-01-06T00:30:00.000-07:00

Gus loves his dog Ella. When she dies, he doesn't feel like doing much of anything anymore. He gets dressed up as a skeleton and goes out for Halloween, but his heart isn't in it. He comes across a group of other skeletons - real skeletons! It seems like Halloween is taking a bad turn. Then, out of nowhere, comes a skeleton dog that looks kind of familiar... This is shaping up to be a Halloween that Gus won't ever forget.

Every time I start reading an Eric Rohmann book I'm blown away by the depth in the artwork. The line, the shading, the colours all create such a rich set of images. I was surprised when the storyline veered away from the very real (the death of a pet) to the supernatural (skeletons on attack), but as a whole it works; it allows for a slight separation from a story that would otherwise be very, very sad. This book ended up on many Best of 2011 lists, so don't miss checking it out. And don't let the Halloween setting fool you - this is a book that can be read and enjoyed at any time of the year.

Find it at IndieBound.

Read it with:
My Friend Rabbit by Eric Rohmann
Skelly the Skeleton Girl by Jimmy Pickering
The Tenth Good Thing About Barney by Judith Viorst
Kitten's First Full Moon by Kevin Henkes

The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight by Jennifer E. Smith

2012-01-05T00:36:00.001-07:00

The last place Hadley wants to be is on an airplane. If her fear of enclosed spaces wasn't reason enough, she is also on her way to London to attend her father's wedding...to a woman she's never met. Even worse, she was four minutes late for her flight and had to take the next one, which will mean she might be late for the wedding she didn't want to go to in the first place. But this change in plans means that she meets Oliver, the friendly British guy who's sitting in seat 18-C. She's in 18-A. The next few hours are going to be very interesting.

This is an engaging book that balances heavy family dynamics with an incredible meet-cute between two teens. Set over a twenty-four hour period, the storyline jumps around enough to keep it interesting but not so much that it gets confusing. Hadley and Oliver are both strong characters; either of them could easily carry their own book. There's a lot going on with these two in terms of their families; both of them are kind of messed up in terms of relationships, and they could probably benefit from some therapy, yet it's hard not to root for them from the get-go. I don't want to give away too much of the ending, but let's just say that when I set down the book after finishing it, I was very satisfied.

Find it at IndieBound.

Read it with:
Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist by Rachel Cohn and David Levithan
Party by Tom Leveen
You Are Here by Jennifer E. Smith
Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins

Read My Lips: A Complete Guide to the Vagina and Vulva by Debby Herbenick and Vanessa Schick

2012-01-04T00:30:00.000-07:00

Many people make New Years' resolutions about their body. They want to get in shape, lose weight, or otherwise do something about their physical fitness. Debby Herbenick and Vanessa Schick have another idea: why not make 2012 the year you get to know your vulva and vagina? In Read My Lips, almost no vaginal topic is left uncovered: menstruation, health, hair, fashion, sex, pop culture, and much more.

When this book first came across my email, I saw it and thought "Huh. Who wants to read a book about vaginas?" Then, as a few moments passed, I realized that I wanted to read a book about vaginas. Despite having had a vulva for my entire life, I've only recently learned much about them (including the difference between a vagina and a vulva). There is a lot of information packed into this book, and while it comes backed up with citations and resources, it never feels too clinical or academic and is often balanced out with crafts, anecdotes (my favourite was the one about the glitter rag), or references to vulvas and vaginas in popular culture. It's not every book that has photo portraits of many different vulvas. This won't be a book for everyone, but the information that's inside of it really should be shared by as many people as possible.

I read a review copy from NetGalley courtesy of Rowman and Littlefield Publishers.

Find it at IndieBound.

Read it with:
Flow: The Cultural Story of Menstruation by Elissa Stein and Susan Kim
Body Drama: Real Girls, Real Bodies, Real Issues, Real Answers by Nancy Redd
The Vagina Monologues by Eve Ensler

Tina's Mouth by Keshni Kashyap and Mari Araki

2012-01-03T00:51:00.004-07:00

Tina doesn't exactly fit in at her exclusive private school. The other students don't know exactly what to make of her Indian heritage; she's lost count of how many times she's been asked if she has an arranged marriage. She doesn't always fit in with her family, either; she doesn't like going to the big Indian parties that her parents' friends throw. Her English class introduces her to Jean-Paul Sartre and existentialism, and things start to make sense to her. This is her existential diary; this is life through Tina's eyes.

I sat down and read this book the moment I downloaded it from NetGalley. I liked Tina as a character; I was drawn into her world and her point of view. There's so much going on in this story: finding your own personality, friendship breakups, making new friends, the confusion around entering into romantic situations, balancing cultural identities with social realities, relating to siblings, dealing with parents. I enjoyed this book very much and hope to read more from both the author and the illustrator.

I read an advance review copy from NetGalley courtesy of Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.

Read it with:
Page by Paige by Laura Lee Gulledge
How I Made it to Eighteen by Tracy White
Letters to Sartre by Simone de Beauvoir
Skim by Mariko Tamaki
American Born Chinese by Gene Luen Yang

Faith and the Camp Snob by Jen Jones

2012-01-02T00:30:00.000-07:00

Faith is kind of quiet and shy - not your typical cheerleader! But she's determined to find a place on the cheerleading team. Cheer camp is a perfect opportunity to learn some new skills, practice some cheers, and build her confidence. But some of her teammates aren't acting like good team members; they're playing pranks and embarrassing her. Is Faith strong enough to rise above the snobs and be the best cheerleader she can be?

It's a bit surprising to me that there aren't more cheerleading books out there. It seems like an obvious opportunity for a popular series, but maybe it's thought that young readers (this is suggested for grades 3 and up, ages 8 and up) aren't interested in cheerleading? Faith and the Camp Snob has lots of cheerleading details, but it also has a lot of other relevant content, including fitting in, making new friends, and what it means to be a good team mate and a good sport. There are few parts that made me feel my age (like when Bring it On was referred to as an old classic movie), but that won't be an issue for the intended audience. This is the first book in the Team Cheer series, and it looks like it'll be a good series for young readers who like to read about other graceful and athletic endeavors like dance, gymnastics, ballet, and figure skating.

I read a review copy from NetGalley courtesy of Capstone.

Find it at IndieBound.

Read it with:
Brooke's Quest for Captain by Jen Jones
The Competition for Gaby by Jen Jones
Confessions of a Wannabe Cheerleader by Zoe Evans

From Typewriters to Text Messages: How Communication Has Changed by Jennifer Boothroyd

2012-01-01T00:30:00.000-07:00

There are so many ways these days to stay in touch with someone. You can call them on the phone, send them an email, write them a letter, or send them a text. This hasn't always been the case, of course; things like email and phones that can text are relatively new in the history of communication. But what came before them? How did people communicate in the past? From Typewriters to Text Messages will take you on a journey of the different ways that people have shared news, ideas, and their lives.

One of Lerner's continued strengths is that it packages its books in ways that will appeal to readers. It's easy to see this book being used for school projects, but I can also see it being picked up by non-fiction readers, particularly those who like history or technology. The fonts, pictures, and colours all work toward making this an appealing book without de-emphasizing its credibility. How long will it be before the book needs to be updated to show a further change in communication? Only time will tell, and in the meantime this is a solid book for young readers and learners.

I received a review copy from NetGalley courtesy of Lerner Publishing.

Find it at IndieBound.

Read it with:
The Mindset Lists of American History by Tom McBride and Ron Nief
From Chalkboards to Computers: How Schools Have Changed by Jennifer Boothroyd
From Marbles to Video Games: How Toys Have Changed by Jennifer Boothroyd

Happy New Year - A 2011 Retrospective

2011-12-31T00:26:00.000-07:00

A very happy new year to everyone. On this last day of 2011, here's a look back at all of the 2011 books featured on Crowding the Book Truck.

Books tagged 2011

Here's to a safe, happy, and book-filled 2012!

Little Wings #1: Willa Bean's Cloud Dreams by Cecilia Galante illustrated by Kristi Valiant

2011-12-27T00:23:00.001-07:00

Willa Bean isn't like the other cupids! She has wild red hair, a lot of freckles, and bright purple wings. She also loves finding treasures, and has a really big collection of all of her great finds. There's only one thing that Willa Bean's nervous about: school is starting soon, and she doesn't know how to fly! Will she be the only one there who can't fly?

Have cupids ever been featured in a children's series before? Maybe it's time for cupids to have a moment. They're kind of like angels (living in clouds, having wings, flying), but you won't have to address any religion questions head on. Like many young heroines in children's books, Willa Bean is plucky and determined and just a little bit feisty. In this first title, she has to deal with something that many kids could relate to: starting school and worrying that everyone else can do things that you can't. The book nicely sets up what could be lots of future adventures for Willa Bean and her friends and family. I can see it working nicely for young readers, particularly girls, who are ready to explore a new series.

Find it at Amazon.

I read an advance review copy from NetGalley courtesy of Random House.

Read it with:
The Patron Saint of Butterflies by Cecilia Galante
Little Wings #2: Be Brave, Willa Bean by Cecilia Galante
Kylie Jean, Blueberry Queen by Marci Peschke

The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg

2011-12-25T00:30:00.000-07:00

One Christmas Eve a young boy was in bed, waiting and wishing for Santa to come. His friends had told him there was no Santa, but he didn't believe them - he believed in Santa Claus. Then he heard it - the soft sound of a train. It was The Polar Express, and it came to take him and other children to the North Pole. After a short journey, the boy is chosen to receive the first present from Santa. But when he loses this present, is all hope lost? Or is there still some Christmas magic yet to come?

The Polar Express is not only a holiday classic; it was the winner of the 1986 Caldecott Award for illustration, and its rich images have resonated with children for over twenty-five years. The message of hope and belief has warmed the hearts of children and adults who want to believe in the magic of the season. The style of the illustrations and the voice of the narrator make it a book that might speak particularly strongly to adults remembering their own childhoods. In 2004 The Polar Express was made into a movie starring Tom Hanks, but don't let the original book go overlooked around the holidays.

Find it at IndieBound.

Read it with:
Jumanji by Chris Van Allsburg
Miracle on 34th Street by Valentine Davies
Queen of the Falls by Chris Van Allsburg

The Night Before Christmas by Clement C. Moore and illustrations by Corinne Malvern

2011-12-24T00:30:00.000-07:00

What happens on the night before Christmas? Stockings are hung by the chimney with care, children are nestled all snug in their beds, and there's a visit from St. Nicholas. The poem attributed to Clement C. Moore has gone a long ways towards influencing modern ideas of Christmas and Santa Claus (fun fact: the words Santa Claus aren't used in the poem at all), and in this Little Golden Book edition illustrated by Corinne Malvern you can enjoy all of the sugarplums, all of the reindeer, and all of the Christmas cheer.

I had never realized just how this poem positions Santa as an elf-figure. He has a miniature sleigh and eight tiny reindeer; he's called "a right jolly old elf." Sure, he lives at the North Pole and there are elves in his workshop, but I'm much more familiar with him as a man; I've not thought of him as an elf. Are there cultures that do? Anyway. There are a number of other Little Golden Books editions of The Night Before Christmas with different illustrators, but there's something about the old-style illustrations in the Corinne Malvern edition that particularly resonates with me. I like the fashions that the characters wear, and I like the different framing styles that are used around the areas of text. The edition that I have is slightly older than the one pictured (not the 1949 original, but reissued in 1982), but it looks like it's been republished again in September 2011.The Night Before Christmas isn't something that's been a part of my family traditions to date (unless it's the Sesame Street version that's shown during "A Muppet Family Christmas" - you haven't experienced the poem until you've heard a Two-Headed Monster say "Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night"), but for families looking to start their own traditions, this is a poem and a book with a lot of history behind it.

Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night.

Find it at IndieBound.

Read it with:
Frosty the Snow Man by Annie North Bedford
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer by Robert L. May
The Night Before Christmas by Clement C. Moore and illustrated by Kathy Wilburn

Miracle on 34th Street by Valentine Davies

2011-12-23T00:30:00.000-07:00

As someone who watches a great deal of Christmas movies, I would be hard pressed to name my absolute favourite. Is it A Brady Bunch Christmas? It's just so cheesy and wonderful! Elf? Sure, it's recent, but it does have that whimsy that a great Christmas movie needs. A Muppet Family Christmas? What could be better than all of the muppets together for the holidays? A Charlie Brown Christmas? Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer? Frosty the Snowman? A Christmas Carol? There are just so many strong contenders. But if I was absolutely forced to name a favourite Christmas story, I think I might have to go with Miracle on 34th Street.

After spending many years enjoying the movie versions (both the original and the 1990s remake), this was the first time I'd read the written story. It wasn't published until after the original movie was released, but it doesn't seem to be an exact duplicate of the story. It's largely the same, but there are some minor differences - nothing that really changes the story in any way. It adds a bit of detail onto the mysterious character of Kris Kringle with a few pages dedicated to his story before he shows up at the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. At just over 100 pages, it's not a long story; I think it would be most properly called a novella. The original 1940s edition does have some of the casual racism from the time (there's a brief reference to Cleo, the "colored maid"), but for the most part it holds up rather well. There's a timeless quality to the question of Santa Claus and the true meaning of Christmas. I don't know if reading the book is going to be come a holiday tradition for me in the same way that watching the movies has, but if you can find a copy of the book (particularly one of the original 1940s editions with its original design) it might be worth giving it a look, especially if you're a fan of any of the movie versions.

Find it at IndieBound.

Read it with:
The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg
Christmas at the Movies edited by Mark Connelly
The Night Before Christmas by Clement C. Moore

Franklin's Christmas Gift by Paulette Bourgeois and illustrated by Brenda Clark

2011-12-22T00:30:00.000-07:00

Franklin loves Christmas. It's a very special time for him. But he doesn't know what gift to donate for his class's toy drive. It's hard to part with all of the toys that he loves so much, and when he tries to decide, he gets sidetracked by all of the Christmas fun, like baking cookies, making cards, and playing Christmas music. Then it's time for the toy drive. What will Franklin do?

Franklin is such a great character because no matter what he does, children can relate to him. He wants to do the right thing, but he doesn't always know what that is - and it's not always the easy thing to do. Franklin's Christmas Gift brings up a lot of great concepts to talk about with kids, like charity and generosity. What is the true meaning of Christmas? What kinds of gifts mean something to other people? This would be a great book to be paired with a family activity, like making presents or donating toys to charity.

Check out the websites for Paulette Bourgeois and Brenda Clark.

I received a review copy from NetGalley from Open Road Media.

Find it at IndieBound.

Read it with:
Franklin in the Dark by Paulette Bourgeois and illustrated by Brenda Clark
Franklin Goes to the Hospital by Paulette Bourgeois and illustrated by Brenda Clark
Franklin's Christmas: A Sticker Activity Book by Paulette Bourgeois and illustrated by Brenda Clark

The Jolly Christmas Postman by Janet and Allan Ahlberg

2011-12-21T08:44:00.001-07:00

There aren't many Christmas stories about postal workers. Sure, elves and Santa and even the characters in A Christmas Carol are more closely associated with the holiday. But how do people think that their packages get from one house to another? How do Christmas cards get to the homes of loved ones? How are those fruitcakes carried all over the world? Postal workers! The Jolly Christmas Postman celebratese the work of one such postal worker as he carries cards and gifts to many different fairy tale and nursery rhyme characters.

As with the original The Jolly Postman, this book contains envelopes with things that you can pull out - letters, books, games - and enjoy along with the characters. There's something truly delightful in opening up each envelope and examining what's inside. This is particularly true because of the genius attention to detail that Janet and Allan Ahlberg pay to all words, illustrations, and little touches. This book has more in the way of games and fancy stuff than the original one, which I found kind of overwhelming, almost as if it was too much of a good thing. But it also means that there's lots for children to return to and explore. Even twenty years after it was first published, this remains a lovely Christmas book that will delight children and provide lots of quality reading time for the whole family.

Find it at IndieBound.

Read it with:
The Jolly Postman by Janet and Allan Ahlberg
Each Peach Pear Plum by Janet and Allan Ahlberg
Postman Pat Has Too Many Parcels by John Cunliffe

Karen's Wish by Ann M. Martin

2011-12-20T00:30:00.000-07:00

Christmas is coming, and it's Karen's favourite time of year! Her parents (who are divorced) have sorted it out so that Karen and her brother Andrew can celebrate Christmas with both families. She's even going to experience Hanukkah with her best friend Nancy! Now she can concentrate on singing Christmas songs, doing Christmas crafts, and making her Christmas list. But when she learns that Nannie is in the hospital, it doesn't feel right to be celebrating. All Karen wants for Christmas is for her family to be at home and healthy. Will her Christmas wish come true?

I'm pretty sure that this book was one of my first introductions to Hanukkah, at least at a level about what it means for kids and families. Karen (who can sometimes work my last nerve) is a character that I find to be easy to relate to here; she's excited about Christmas but worried about her step-Grandmother, and there's that awful feeling that things aren't going to be right for Christmas. As usual, I do think that the adults in her life should have talked things out with her a bit more, particularly around her feelings of survivor's guilt (even though she had nothing to do with Nannie's accident), but (spoiler alert) everything turned out okay in the end.

(Also, the scene that's shown on the cover totally never happens. Nancy and Karen give each other their presents at different times. But it does match up with what Karen and Nancy are wearing in the story. And Nancy (on the left) is rocking a dress that I totally would have seen on people at the time.)

For a more in-depth take on the book, check out the BSC Revisited.

Find it at Amazon.

Read it with:
Mallory's Christmas Wish by Ann M. Martin
Karen's Angel by Ann M. Martin
With You and Without You by Ann M. Martin

The Huron Carol illustrated by Frances Tyrrell

2011-12-19T09:35:00.002-07:00

The Huron Carol has always been one of my favourite Christmas songs, and in this book illustrated by Frances Tyrrell, it has gentle illustrations to go with the powerful words. Winter has crystalized the woods; stars peek out as small points of light on a velvety dark background. People from many nations come to see a small child who has been born in a humble setting, bringing him traditional gifts to honour him. And there, in the presence of the newborn baby, they will find beauty, peace, and joy.

The song was originally written by Father Jean de Brebeuf (1593-1649) in the Huron language as a retelling of the Nativity story. The song survived past his death and was eventually translated into English by J. E. Middleton in 1926. An afterword in the book, "The Story of The Huron Carol," talks about the history of the song but also of the Huron people. Additionally, there is a lot of information on the illustrations for the book at Frances Tyrrell's website, including the sources and inspirations for the images.

Find it at Amazon Canada.

Read it with:
The Huron Carol by Ian Wallace
A Christmas Celebration by Avril Tyrrell
Woodland Nutcracker by Avril Tyrell

Mallory's Christmas Wish by Ann M. Martin

2011-12-18T00:30:00.000-07:00

Christmas in a big family can be great, but Mallory is starting to find it a bit overwhelming. She has seven brothers and sisters, and Christmas feels like it's getting out of hand. That's why she suggested that this year they have an Old Fashioned Christmas. There's just one problem - after winning a contest, the Pike family is being filmed by a local TV station. How can they have a traditional Christmas if they're doing everything in front of a camera? This might be the worst Christmas ever!

When I first read this book, the idea of Mallory fantasizing about worldwide stardom after a local TV news feature seemed laughable; now, it seems totally possible. A large family on TV? How normal! There's a small subplot, about a retirement home that's throwing a holiday craft/rummage/bake sale and the Baby-Sitters Club totally takes over. One chapter mentions how Stacey is resentful that she is expected to give up spending holiday time with her boyfriend in order to babysit for free. I wish that there was more of that examined in the series, particularly after Stacey rejoins the BSC after quitting. But then no one really reads as age appropriate in this series. Mallory, in the first chapter, laments as to how hard it is to buy for kids these days because they grow out of things so fast. Except she's 11, and she's around her brothers and sisters every day. The outcome of the story, that the family ends up rejecting the camera crew and giving up on their dreams of fame, isn't even worth giving a spoiler alert for, because it's just so predictable. But I think in terms of Christmas-themed BSC books, this is better than the even-more-of-a-cliche story where Mary Anne spends too much on presents and then has to secretly earn money before her family finds out.

Find it (used) on Amazon.

Read it with:
Holiday Time by Ann M. Martin
Karen's Wish by Ann M. Martin
The Secret Life of Mary Anne Spier by Ann M. Martin

The Littlest Christas Elf by Nancy Buss and illustrations by Terri Super

2011-12-17T00:30:00.000-07:00

Allister is super excited to be going to the North Pole. That's every elf's dream! But when he gets there he discovers that he's littler than the other elves. He's too little to make toys, to paint doll houses - he's even too little to sweep up in the workshop! Allister is scared of what Santa will think. Maybe his new friend Nicholas will be able to help Allister to believe in himself.

I have a number of Little Golden Books Christmas stories, but this is one of my favourites. It's well-worn ground, particularly around Christmas stories: an elf who doesn't fit in, believing in yourself, (spoiler alert) an elf saving the day and/or going on Santa's big trip with him. That doesn't seem to matter, though, particularly for a child who might be reading this story for the first time. (I doubt that the 'Nicholas' reveal would be that big of a surprise to adults It has a timeless look to it, too; without checking the copyright page, there was little that tipped me off to it being published in 1987. It looks like it's out of print now, but it's likely able to found in second hand bookstores and book sales (which is where I picked up my copy).

Find it at IndieBound.

Read it with:
Little Bunny and the Magic Christmas Tree by David Martin
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer by Robert L. May
Santa's Toy Workshop by Al Dempster
The Little Christmas Elf by Nikki Shannon Smith

Llama Llama Holiday Drama by Anna Dewdney

2011-12-16T00:30:00.000-07:00

Christmas can be a very exciting time. There's music and lights and lots of shopping. But there's also lots of waiting: waiting for Christmas, waiting for your Llama Mama while she shops, waiting for cookies to bake in the oven. All of that waiting can be hard for a Little Llama! Can there be a balance between that waiting and the excitement - or will it all end in a lot of holiday drama?

This holiday-themed edition has lots of what makes the Llama Llama books so special: relatable situations, fun rhymes, unconditional love between a parent and a child. I didn't enjoy it quite as much as Llama Llama Red Pajama, but the bar was set pretty high, and it still might make for a fun reading time during the holiday season.

Check out Anna Dewdney's website and the website for the Llama Llama books.

Find it at IndieBound.

Read it with:
Llama Llama Red Pajama by Anna Dewdney
Llama Llama Mad at Mama by Anna Dewdney
Pete the Cat by Eric Litwin

Christmas Eve Good Night by Doug Cushman

2011-12-15T00:30:00.000-07:00

When I was a child, I had a very hard time going to sleep on Christmas Eve. Okay, I'll be honest - the closer it gets to Christmas, the harder I find it to sleep. For all the kids out there like me, there's Christmas Eve Good Night by Doug Cushman. It's a fun rhyming book that reminds us that everyone has to say goodnight in order for Christmas to come. In fact, it builds to one of the most famous "good nights" in popular culture: the one that Santa Claus gives as he drives out of sight. The colourful, detailed pictures will have kids pouring over the pictures past their bedtime, and this good night book will have them well on their way to dreaming of sugar plums and other holiday delights.

Find it at IndieBound.

Read it with:
Halloween Good Night by Doug Cushman
Space Cat by Doug Cushman
The Night Before Christmas by Clement Clarke Moore
Good Night Canada by Adam Gamble
How Do Dinosaurs Say Goodnight? by Jane Yolen

The Family Christmas Tree Book by Tomie dePaola

2011-12-14T00:31:00.000-07:00

Have you ever wondered about Christmas trees? Where did they come from? When did we start using Christmas trees? How do people around the world use them? The Family Christmas Tree Book takes the form of a conversation while one family goes to a tree farm to select their Christmas tree. Through questions, answers, and speech bubbles, they talk about the history of Christmas trees, how trees are used, and how things like strings of lights and Christmas tree holders came into popularity. With Tomie dePaola's signature drawings and a strong sense of curiosity, this is a neat book for people wanting to learn more about one of Christmas' premier symbols.

I love Tomie dePaola's artistic style. There's a lot of information wrapped up in this tiny book - perhaps a little too much information for must children, who might grow tired of the historical facts, but it's smartly accompanied by detailed drawings. I really enjoyed the parts that looked at the family's own personal history with Christmas trees. And the craft at the end sort of shows the age of the book; if this was a more recently published book, it would likely have its own page where you could cut right in the book rather than the warnings not to cut the book. But no matter. This is still a lovely book about how one family gets ready for the Christmas holidays by sharing and learning together.

It doesn't look like The Family Christmas Tree Book is in print anymore, but you can probably find it in libraries, used bookstores, and online.

See more of Tomie dePaola's books at his website.

Read it with:
Mary, the Mother of Jesus by Tomie dePaola
Christmas Tree! by Wendell Minor
O Christmas Tree by Jacqueline Farmer

The Worst Twelve Days of Christmas by Sudipta Bardhan-Quallen and Ryan Wood

2011-12-13T00:36:00.002-07:00

Joy always looks forward to Christmas, but this year it's definitely going to be different. It's her little brother's first Christmas, and he's ruining everything! He steals candy canes, he ruins surprises, he makes everything smelly - this year is going to have the worst twelve days of Christmas ever!

The Worst Twelve Days of Christmas is a fresh take on the old Christmas carol. I really loved the illustrations by Ryan Wood. You could definitely see that even though things were going wrong, this was a home full of love and warmth. Joy in particular was a well-rendered character. Although the ending of the book is a bit predictable, it's a fun rhyming read of holiday fun and sibling relationships.

Find it at IndieBound.

Read it with:
Pecan Pie Baby by Jacqueline Woodson
The Hog Prince by Sudipta Bardhan-Quallen
The Twelve Days of Christmas by Gennady Spirin

Zoe and Beans: Zoe's Christmas List by Chloe and Mick Inkpen

2011-12-12T00:50:00.001-07:00

Zoe is a child who knows exactly what she wants, and Christmas is no exception. In order to make sure that Father Christmas knows what to bring her for Christmas, Zoe and Beans travel to the North Pole to deliver her list in person. But not everything goes as planned - it looks like Zoe and Beans are in for quite an adventure!

I have to admit that I wasn't familiar with Zoe and Beans before I picked up this Christmas volume, but I was quickly and easily charmed by this book. The illustrations are great and there's a strong playfulness that comes through with the text and the pictures. This is particularly evident with the use of a pull-out page that expands on the idea of how a picture book page is used. This book will appeal to kids who are already fans of Zoe and Beans, but also to children who are looking for a holiday-themed read.

Find it at Amazon.

Read it with:
Zoe and Beans: Where is Binky Boo? by Chloe and Mick Inkpen
Zoe and Beans: The Magic Hoop by Chloe and Mick Inkpen
Lost and Found by Oliver Jeffers

Little Bunny and the Magic Christmas Tree by David Martin and illustrated by Valeri Gorbachev

2011-12-11T00:30:00.000-07:00

Little Bunny is tired of being the littlest one in his family. He's never big enough to do what he wants to do! Then on Christmas Eve he has a magical adventure and becomes even tinier - so small that he can explore inside the Christmas tree! What a magical night!

There's a lovely 'what if' quality about this book, so it wasn't a surprise to me to read on the back flap that it grew out of David Martin's own childhood wondering about what it would be like to be small and be inside the Christmas tree. There's enough of a story, though, that the book hangs together nicely even if you've never wondered what that would be like. The soft colour palette manages to be warm and bright and cozy - like being inside with family on a winter's night.

Find it at IndieBound.

Read it with:
All for Pie, Pie for All by David Martin
My Side of the Car by Kate Feiffer
Dragon is Coming! by Valeri Gorbachev

Barbie in A Christmas Carol by Mary Man-Kong

2011-12-10T00:06:00.001-07:00

Eden Starling is a star. She has a beautiful singing voice and people come every night to see her perform. But Eden is very selfish and vain. While the other people in the cast look forward to celebrating Christmas with their families, Eden demands that they spend Christmas at the theatre rehearsing and practicing. That night, three ghosts visit Eden: one from the past, one from the present, and one from the future. Together, they try to show Eden a different way of living and how important it is to be kind, generous, and thoughtful of others.

I can't even begin to think of how many adaptations of A Christmas Carol there have been. And given that one of my favourite versions is the TV movie "Ebbie" starring Susan Lucci as Ebbie Scrooge, coldhearted department store manager, I'm clearly not that much of a purist. This book is definitely designed to appeal to Barbie fans, and either extend the experience of people who have already watched the movie version, or to spark interest in people who have not yet read the movie version. The book can stand on its own (barely, but it does). Because it has the look of the animated movie, the illustrations are bright and colourful (and the clothing in particular looks rich and expensive). It's not the most original story in the world, but could definitely be a favourite around this time of year.

Find it at IndieBound.

Read it with:
I Can Be A Rock Star by Mary Man-Kong
Rudolph's Shiny Christmas by Mary Man-Kong
The Good, the Bad, and the Barbie by Tanya Lee Stone
The Missing Wedding Dress featuring Barbie by Karen Krugman
A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens and Robert Ingpen

Chickadee Winter by Dawn L. Watkins and illustrated by Gabriela Dellosso

2011-12-09T00:30:00.000-07:00

Jack's grandparents' place is not at all like New Mexico, and he's having a hard time adjusting. He misses the weather, the food, and everything about his home, and he's not sure if he even likes it in a place where winters are so cold and there's snow everywhere. Jack and his sister Nora are staying with their grandparents and Christmas is getting closer, but Jack is in no mood to celebrate. Maybe the chickadees that fly around his grandfather will help him to understand how this kind of winter, while different than what he's used to, can still be fun and beautiful.

It's very easy to relate to Jack: he's a young boy who feels like his life has been turned upside down, he misses his old life, and he's afraid about what the future will bring. His parents are only briefly mentioned in this book, and it doesn't sound like he has a very close relationship with his grandparents (although they are doing a good job of taking care of him), so he feels a little bit lost. The illustrations are at their best when they're depicting Jack's grandfather (as on the cover), a quiet man with strength and peace. Also beautiful are the different shades used to show the sky: light blue, dark blue, white, purple, yellow, orange... Jack might be missing the vibrant colours of New Mexico, but the illustrations show how even when there's so much 'white' going on in winter, there can still be many different subtle details. This book will resonate with both animal lovers as well as children who are struggling to deal with changes in their lives.

I received a review copy from NetGalley courtesy of BJU Press.

Don't miss Gabriela Dellosso's website.

Find it at IndieBound.

Read it with:
The Cranky Blue Crab by Dawn L. Watkins
Very Like a Star by Dawn L. Watkins
Karen's Plane Trip by Ann M. Martin

Peace, Love, and Baby Ducks by Lauren Myracle

2011-12-08T00:30:00.000-07:00

Carly just had an amazing summer experience at a wilderness camp and returned home feeling transformed. But she wasn't back in her wealthy Atlanta neighbourhood for very long before things started getting hard. Her younger sister, Anna, is no longer her "little" sister, and everyone at school has noticed Anna's transformation from little girl to super hottie. Carly struggles to understand their new relationship and the privileged world that she lives in, while learning that not everyone shares her views on things.

It was refreshing to read about a sisterly relationship like the one between Carly and Anna. They were each others' biggest defenders as well as the ones who knew exactly which buttons to push. How messed up is it to be jealous of your younger sister? Or to be mad at her for things that she can't control? These scenes were balanced with Carly's new understanding of her world of privilege, and her frustration with people who had different points of view than her own. There's relationship drama, school drama, and family drama - basically, all the difficult parts of growing up and finding you own personality. True, it might be a bit of a stretch to be including this book in my "25 Days of Christmas" posts, but there is a section where Carly joins up with some classmates to provide Christmas presents to the "less fortunate," and Carly starts to think about the nature of Christmas and selfish/selfless gestures.

Find it at IndieBound.

Read it with:
Shine by Lauren Myracle
Bliss by Lauren Myracle
Confessions of the Sullivan Sisters by Natalie Standiford
The Extraordinary Secrets of April, May, and June by April Benway

Lettice: A Christmas Wish by Mandy Stanley

2011-12-07T00:30:00.000-07:00

One day Lettice pops her head up out of her burrow and discovers that there is white sparkly stuff everywhere. It's snow! Lettice wants to learn more about this sparkly snow and discovers people decorating a Christmas tree. What is Christmas? How are the sparkles involved? Lettice wants to learn more about this wonderful, sparkly holiday!

There is definitely a sub-category of Christmas picture books that focuses on sparkly Christmas books, and they usually have the sparkles helpfully located right on the front cover. With Lettice (who I had not met as a picture book character before this book), the sparkles were the first thing that I noticed, and I imagine that many other young children - likely young girls - will notice the cover as well. Lettice is a fun and friendly character and the message of sharing Christmas - a Christmas beyond sparkles and presents - is a positive one. This book will be a favourite for existing Lettice fans and a great entry point for new fans.

Check out Harper Collins Canada for a peek inside the book.

Don't miss Mandy Stanley's website.

Find it at Amazon.

Read it with:
Lettice: The Dancing Rabbit by Mandy Stanley
The Princess's Secret Letters by Hilary Robinson
Who Do You Love? by Mandy Stanley

With You and Without You by Ann M. Martin

2011-12-06T00:30:00.000-07:00

Liza O'Hara is really looking forward to Christmas. It's her family's favourite season and they all really get into the celebrations. Sure, she has terrible stage fright and she's just found out that she has to be in her class's production of A Christmas Carol, but there's probably a way around that. Then her father reveals some awful news: he's been diagnosed with a heart condition and he only has months to live. The idea of going on without him is heartbreaking, and Liza has no idea how the family is going to survive. But they still have one Christmas together to make a lifetime's worth of memories.

Ann M. Martin is probably best known as the creator of The Baby-Sitters Club, a series that has a place close to my heart. But she also has a number of stand-alone books, including Bummer Summer, Missing Since Monday, Slam Book, and Ten Kids, No Pets (and its sequel Eleven Kids, One Summer - so I guess it's not technical stand-alone, but it wasn't part of a larger series). One of my favourite of her non-BSC books has always been With You and Without You. It's a sad book (I can remember checking this out of my school library and crying during silent reading), but sad in that way that kids sometimes like; it's a satisfying sad because (spoiler alert) Liza eventually comes out on the other side of her grief. It's hard to think of children's books (this one is about the middle grade/young junior high level) that deal with the loss of a parent within the book - in many of them the parent has already died before the book begins. In the months following her father's death, Liza experiences sadness, grief, fear, anger, and guilt. How can she be happy while her father is no longer alive? Why don't her siblings feel the same way that she does? Is it okay to ever be happy again? Set around two Christmas - one with her father and one without her father - this is a touching story that really resonates with readers.

(Side note: it's hard to think that this book has been around for twenty-five years, and that the youngest child, Hope, would now be older than me. Time warp!)

Find it at Amazon.

Read it with:
On Christmas Eve by Ann M. Martin
Missing Since Monday by Ann M. Martin
Stage Fright by Ann M. Martin

Winter Town by Stephen Emond

2011-12-05T00:35:00.002-07:00

For Evan, Christmas wouldn't be Christmas without a visit from Lucy. They used to be really close when she lived near him, but since she moved away they only get to see each other once a year. This year, though, things are a bit strange. Lucy has a new look and a new attitude, and Evan isn't quite sure what to make of it. He's dealing with a lot of pressure from his father over his choice of university and doesn't quite feel ready to make decisions that could shape the rest of his life. Can Evan and Lucy find any common ground - or has their friendship reached its end?

I knew from the moment I laid eyes on this cover that this was a book I wanted to read. Isn't it lovely? The colour, the snow, the textured paper...I know you can't judge a book by its cover, but having a great one doesn't hurt. Luckily for me, I loved the inside just as much as the outside. Evan and Lucy each had strong voices, which was crucial because they each tell half of the book. When I reached the end of Evan's part, I really wanted more from him, but I was quickly drawn into Lucy's point of view. I loved the comics and how they fitted into the main story. The book as a whole seemed to me like a book that really trusted its reader; it didn't have to spell everything out right away and information could be pieced out over time. This was my first time reading a book by Stephen Emond and I am eagerly anticipating the chance to read another one of his books.

Check out Stephen Emond's website.

I received an advance review copy from Little, Brown.

Find it at IndieBound.

Read it with:
I Know It's Over by C.K. Kelly Martin
Happyface by Stephen Emond
Steverino: The Complete Collection by Stephen Emond

A Royal Christmas by Lisa Ann Marsoli

2011-12-04T00:28:00.000-07:00

Join these four Disney princesses in four holiday stories about celebrating Christmas. Ariel has bought perfect Christmas presents, but they've gone missing! Aurora wants to have a homemade Christmas with her aunts. Cinderella is planning a big holiday event, but people aren't quite sure what she's up to! Tiana has created a beautiful holiday party...but who's the mysterious stranger?

This was really my first time getting a good look at what a Disney Princess book is like. I grew up with Ariel, Cinderella, and Aurora (Tiana is new to me) and there were Disney movies with princesses, but there wasn't the whole Disney Princess merchandising engine as it exists today. My favourite of the four stories as probably Ariel's, as The Little Mermaid remains as my favourite animated Disney feature. I felt a strange happiness in knowing that she could spend the holiday with her family AND Prince Eric (although I did spend a fair amount of time looking at her massive eyes and wondering if they made her appear childlike; not helping this was the frequent way in which she seemed to be ducking her head and looking up at people). I can easily see this being a hit with young Princess-hungry readers. If you're looking for a richly illustrated picture of royal bliss, particularly about the holidays, this could definitely be the book for you.

Find it at IndieBound.

Read it with:
Wishes Come True by Lisa Ann Marsoli
Happily Ever After... by Lisa Ann Marsoli
Disney's The Little Mermaid by Amy Edgar

Something for Christmas by Palmer Brown

2011-12-03T00:30:00.000-07:00

A little mouse is sad on Christmas Eve. He wants to give someone special something for Christmas, and he wants it to be very special. He has lots of ideas, but none of them are very practical. Luckily, his mother is able to help him understand that it's the thought that counts and sometimes the best gift of all is love.

Something for Christmas is another book in the New York Review Children's Collection. It was originally published in 1958 and has been reissued this year in a lovely edition for a new generation to enjoy. Told in the back-and-forth style of a conversation between the little mouse and his mother, there's an excited energy to the young child and a tender love that radiates from the parent. I usually hesitate before calling a story 'timeless,' and some of the details do somewhat date the story, but I imagine that the central storyline and the themes love will be ones that resonate with this generation and generations to come.

Find it at IndieBound.

Read it with:
Beyond the Pawpaw Trees by Palmer Brown
Mr. Rabbit and the Lovely Present by Charlotte Zolotow
Guess How Much I Love You by Sam McBratney

I Spy a Christmas Tree by Jean Marzollo and photographs by Walter Wick

2011-12-02T00:13:00.000-07:00

The I Spy books work on a brilliantly simple concept: here's a photograph - can you find certain images? I have such fond memories of pouring over these books as a child, and few contained as many memorable spreads as I Spy Christmas: A Book of Picture Riddles. I Spy a Christmas Tree takes those original images and resizes them, zeroing in on certain sections of the bigger pictures. The riddles are shorter and the objects are easier to find; even the book itself is a different size (smaller and more compact). This one is great for kids, particularly beginning readers, to hold and explore on their own, but for the ultimate I Spy experience, make sure to check out the original, too.

Find it at IndieBound.

Read it with:
I Spy Little Hearts by Jean Marzollo
I Spy a Candy Cane by Jean Marzollo
I Spy Little Christmas by Jean Marzollo
I Spy Christmas: A Book of Picture Riddles by Jean Marzollo

Jacob T. Marley by R. William Bennett

2011-12-01T00:03:00.003-07:00

Few would argue that Ebenezer Scrooge is the breakout character from A Christmas Carol. The story, after all, is about him and his Christmas Eve redemption. But where does that leave Jacob Marley? As Scrooge's former partner, Marley is the first spirit to visit him and to warn him of the other ghosts - and of how important it is to listen to them. What was Marley's life like? Where did he go wrong? Did he have a chance for redemption as well?

As my favourite film version of A Christmas Carol is Susan Lucci's Ebbie, I don't think I could ever be accused of being A Christmas Carol purist. Beyond that, I like reading books that shed light on characters from other works. The first few chapters of Jacob T. Marley felt more like a character sketch than a novel, but once the novel had established Marley's background it seemed to settle in, and so did I. Jacob T. Marley answered questions that I didn't know I had about A Christmas Carol; it has an amazing attention to detail and is a solid addition to holiday reading.

I received a review copy from NetGalley courtesy of Shadow Mountain.

Visit R. William Bennett's website.

Find it at IndieBound.

Read it with:
A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens
Marly's Ghost by David Levithan
Mrs. Scrooge by Carol Ann Duffy
The Christmas Gift by R. William Bennett

Shut Out by Kody Keplinger

2011-11-30T00:30:00.000-07:00

Lissa is tired of playing second fiddle to a sports rivalry. Her boyfriend is on the football team, and it seems like his top priority is to focus on the football/soccer rivalry at Hamilton High. But Lissa has had enough, and she's encouraged the other girlfriends to fight back with the best weapon at their disposal: their sexuality. They are officially cutting off their boyfriends until the rivalry ends. It's not long before the guys are starting to feel the effects of this stance - but rather than giving in, they decide to fight back. Has Lissa started more than she can handle?

I enjoyed The DUFF and was really eager to read Kody Keplinger's second novel. My favourite parts were the sleepover scenes where the girls addressed sexual stereotypes and expectations. Those were, I thought, very honest, touching, and realistic. I also really liked that the book explicitly mentioned Lysistrata (although I'll confess that it was quite a while before I made the Lissa/Lysistrata connection - my excuse is that I was listening to an audiobook). There were some things that I would have loved to have seen explored more, like Lissa's issues of trust, compulsion, and abandonment, or the girlfriends in a role beyond that of "the girlfriends," but the dialogue and tone of the book went a long way to making it an enjoyable read.

Find it at IndieBound.

Read it with:
The DUFF by Kody Keplinger
Lysistrata by Aristophanes
Troy High by Shana Norris

The Space Between by Brenna Yovanoff

2011-11-29T06:20:00.001-07:00

Life in Pandemonium is all that Daphne's really known. She's the daughter of Lilith and Lucifer, half-demon and half-fallen angel. Her brother, Obie, rejected Pandemonium and went to Earth - and now he's missing. Daphne is determined to find him, and she needs the help of Truman, the last person to have seen Obie. But Truman is fighting battles of his own - a dependency on alcohol and a lack of will to live. Will they be able to overcome these demons, both personal and physical, and find Obie? Or will their quest meet a very violent end?

Don't Brenna Yovanoff's books have beautiful covers? I was enticed to pick up The Replacements because of its eye-catching cover (even though I eventually ended up listening to an audiobook version), and this cover is intricately designed and hauntingly beautiful. That's also a great way to describe the story. Daphne is driven by love and fear and there are some large questions raised in this book about love, relationships, duty, destiny, and family - not to mention the whole concept of good vs. evil. There are lots of creepy, atmospheric details that expanded on these themes. After a strong beginning, I got a bit lost in the middle, but the book grabbed me back for a solid ending (so it could just have been the timing of my own reading experience). I just put the book down, and I'm already excited about reading Yovanoff's next book.

I received a review copy from Penguin Canada.

Find it at IndieBound.

Read it with:
The Replacements by Brenna Yovanoff
Paradise Lost by John Milton
City of Bones by Cassandra Clare

Treasures at the Museum by Deborra Richardson and illustrated by George Hilton III

2011-11-28T00:30:00.000-07:00

Robbie and Brittany are heading to the museum with their Aunt Imani, but Robbie doesn't want to go! He thinks it's going to be boring and that he won't have anything in common with the archives. But Aunt Imani explains that museums aren't the only things that have archives and collections - people have them too! And who knows what kinds of treasures they might find at the museum?

This is a fun look at museums and archives and a great introduction to the Smithsonian for children. It successfully takes what could be big, impersonal concepts ('what is an archive?') and makes them easy for children to relate to. Given the specialized subject matter, it's a bit hard to picture kids picking up this on their own to read for fun (not that it's not a fun book!), but teachers interested in using it with classes will find some supplementary material at the end of the story to help them with their lesson plans. This would be a great addition to classroom or school libraries, particularly if visiting a museum or archive is part of your school field trip plans.

I received a review copy from NetGalley courtesy of The Elevator Group.

Read it with:
Ulysses Kay: A Bio-Bibliography by Deborra Richardson
Lost in the Museum: Buried Treasures and the Stories They Tell by Nancy Moses
The Rarest of the Rare: Stories Behind the Treasures at the Harvard Museum of Natural History by Nancy Pick and Mark Sloan
A Kid's Guide to the Smithsonian edited by Ann Phillips Bay and Barbara Hehner

Summer of My German Soldier by Bette Greene

2011-11-27T00:43:00.000-07:00

While the battles of World War II are taking place overseas, the war is about to come to the small town of Jenkinsville, Arkansas. German POWs are being transferred to a nearby facility and the entire town seems to be a bit on edge. Watching the tension is twelve-year-old Patty Bergen. Patty is struggling with a lot of things: she's terrified of her father's abusive temper, her mother is always insulting her, and she's one of the only Jewish people in her small town. When she meets Anton, one of the German soldiers, she's amazed by his intelligence and his kindness. Then Anton escapes from the prison facility, and Patty's world is about to change forever.

(Some spoilers below)

I first heard of this story when I fell in love with the TV Movies - Daring to Love forum thread at Television Without Pity. So many people seemed to have such strong memories of both the book and the TV movie. This book wasn't really what I thought it was going to be - I pictured it being more of a romance, but due to the striking age difference between Anton and Patty (including her being only twelve at the time), I would have a hard time even thinking of it being based on romantic love. I was also surprised by the examination of race and the casual, institutionalized racism, although if I had really thought about the setting and the time period I shouldn't have been surprised (but probably still shocked at its extent). The edition that I read, the Open Road Media eBook edition, includes an "Author's Affidavit" at the front of the book where Bette Greene confesses that Patty Bergen is based on her and the book is based on her life. Reading the book took on a bit of a different light after that, making it even more difficult to read about "Patty's" mother and father and how they treated her.

Summer of My German Soldier, the TV movie starring Kristy McNichol, aired in 1978. Someone has put the movie in its entirety up on Youtube, but I have no idea how long it will last until someone pulls it down.

Also check out Jezebel's look at Summer of My German Soldier.

I read a review copy of the eBook from NetGalley courtesy of Open Road Media.

Read it with:
Morning is a Long Time Coming by Bette Greene
The Drowning of Stephen Jones by Bette Greene
Starring Sally J. Friedman as Herself by Judy Blume

Flyaway by Lucy Christopher

2011-11-26T00:01:00.000-07:00

Isla and her father share a love of birdwatching, and the time when the swans arrive is a special time of year for them. But an outing together turns scary when her father collapses. He's taken to the hospital where it's discovered that he has a rather serious heart condition. Isla's mom tries to encourage her to go on with her life as normally as possible, but Isla isn't sure that she can. Then she meets a young boy named Harry who has health issues of his own and spots an injured swan on its own just outside the hospital. While struggling with her fears about her father, her loneliness at school, and her relationship with her mom and brother, Isla discovers a strength in herself that she never knew she had.

I picked up this book on the strength of Lucy Christopher's name. The cover wasn't one that would have immediately hooked me, although after reading it I do feel more connected to it. I had read Christopher's Stolen and wasn't really expecting a book like this from her (namely, a book for middle grade readers). That, combined with an early scene involving an accident with a flock of birds, stopped me from getting completely settled with the book. I felt like the rug could be pulled out from under me at any moment, which worked perfectly with the plot, because Isla's world is slipping away from her. It was an unsettling reading experience, but also a very powerful one, and I think the book would be just as strong if I reread it. The blurb at the back of the book says that Christopher is working on a new book, a psychological thriller for teens, and I can't wait to read it.

Find it at IndieBound.

Read it with:
Stolen by Lucy Christopher
Flyaway: How A Bird Rehabber Sought Adventure and Found Her Wings by Suzie Gilbert
Birdwing by Rafe Martin

The Man Who Walked Between the Towers by Mordicai Gerstein

2011-11-25T00:02:00.002-07:00

In 1974, Phillipe Petit had a goal: to walk between the two towers of the World Trade Center. It was a dream that many would call foolish at best and life-threateningly dangerous at worst. But Phillipe Petit was not like many people. The Man Who Walked Between the Towers is the story of how he dared to do something that so many thought was impossible and how he captivated a city while doing it.

The book starts as if it was telling a fairy tale: "Once there were two towers side by side..." It would be easy to assume that this book won the Caldecott medal on the strength of post-9/11 emotion. I believe, though, that the illustration and style will stand the test of time. The images play with line, colour, and perspective and made me feel quite dizzy (but in a very powerful way). This might not be the book for people who are scared of heights, but for the right child this book could strike the right chord of history and adventure.

Find it at IndieBound.

Read it with:
Man on Wire by Philippe Petit
September Roses by Jeanette Winter
A Book by Mordicai Gerstein
Mirette on the High Wire by Emily Arnold McCully

Playground by 50 Cent

2011-11-24T00:30:00.000-07:00

Butterball is not happy to be going to therapy. What does someone like Liz understand about his life? He's teased because of his weight. His parents are divorced and he barely sees his dad; even worse, his mom moved him to a place that he hates. He has no friends, and the one friend he did have... well, he doesn't want to talk about that. Yeah, things might not be that great, but how is therapy going to help anything?

(Spoilers below)

Is it too much of a backhanded compliment to say that this book is better than I thought it was going to be? I'm usually not that optimistic about books written by celebrities - even a New York Times bestselling author like 50 Cent - for children, and even more hesitant for books that have some kind of obvious message. In this case, the issue is bullying, and the twist is that it's told from the perspective of the bully. Particularly strong were the scenes where Butterball realized how his actions affected how other people - including girls - saw him (as well as the incredibly sad and frustrating scenes where Butterball's dad engaged in his own destructive brand of parenting). The revelations near the end about Butterball's mom could have been handled a bit better (by both the character and the author), but maybe this will help to contribute to the normalization of gay parents in children's literature. The ending was a bit too neat for my liking, but it might go over better with younger readers who will take away a positive message about redemption.

Find it at IndieBound.

Read it with:
Diary of a Wimpy Kid by Jeff Kinney
The 50th Law by 50 Cent and Robert Greene
From Pieces to Weight by 50 Cent
My Mixed-Up Berry Blue Summer by Jennifer Gennari
Inexcusable by Chris Lynch

Stitching Together by Ed Choy Moorman

2011-11-23T00:41:00.002-07:00

When I ordered Stitching Together, I only really knew that there was a version of Kermit the Frog on the cover; I didn't know what I'd be getting on the inside. There's "Scenes from the Life and Death of Jim Henson," a glimpse at a genius visonary who died too soon. There's "The Life of Dr. Bunsen Honeydew," an early comic done around Muppet Labs' resident scientist. There's a visit to Jim Henson's childhood home (as seen from the outside). And there's an excerpt from another comic where a childhood crush on Kermit is confessed.

This is an absolutely lovely collection. The pieces are funny and sad and touching and sweet. The image of Jim Henson's funeral in "Scenes from the Life and Death of Jim Henson" had me tearing up. While the Dr. Bunsen Honeydew piece gets a lot of downplaying, I loved the visuals of Dr. Honeydew as a baby and the Honeydew family as well as the mini-origin story of how Dr. Honeydew and Beaker met (although for some reason the hatching in the panels and the bunk bed made me think that they met in prison - I imagine that that would be quite a different story). If you get a chance, definitely give this collection a read.

I purchased a copy of Stitching Together at Buy Olympia.

See more at Ed Choy Moorman's website.

Buy Stitching Together at his website (under the Shop tab).

Read it with:
Ghost Comics: A Benefit Anthology for RS Eden edited by Ed Choy Moorman
Tales of a Sixth Grade Muppet by Kirk Scroggs
Muppet Sherlock Holmes by Patrick Storck
The Muppet Show Comic Book: Meet the Muppets by Roger Langridge
Street Gang: The Complete History of Sesame Street by Michael Davis

Same-Sex Marriage by Tricia Andryszewski

2011-11-22T00:30:00.000-07:00

The issue of same-sex marriage has been an incredibly politically-charged issue in the United States. Should a legal marriage include two men or two women as well as a man and a woman? What happens when religion and the government intersect like this? How have views of same-sex marriage changed over the recent decades? This book takes a look at the history of the same-sex marriage movement and the challenges that it has faced in America.

I admit that I was quite skeptical of this book before I started reading it. I run the risk of exposing my biases here, but I think I was focusing on the subtitle of the book and was anticipating a book that argued against same-sex marriage. Instead, the book reads more like an account of what has happened legally and socially around same-sex marriage. While information is included on the differing opinions, it comes as more to explain the context of the political division. The text is accompanied by news articles from USA Today and there's a timeline and a glossary at the end of the book, along with resources for where to look for more information. It's a book that takes what is still a very contentious political issue and makes it accessible for youth to understand (particularly those who are looking to use it for a school assignment). Still, I am optimistic that the day will come where students will look back on a book like this and wonder why such a debate was needed at all.

I received a review copy from NetGalley courtesy of Lerner Books.

Find an earlier version at IndieBound or the updated version from Lerner.

Read it with:
Gay Rights by Tricia Andryszewski
Courting Equality by Karen Kahn, Patricia A. Gozemba, and Marilyn Humphries
Green Energy: Crucial Gains or Economic Strains? by Matt Doeden
Gay Power! by Betsy Kuhn

Can You Sue Your Parents for Malpractice? by Paula Danziger

2011-11-21T00:30:00.000-07:00

Lauren has realized that there aren't many perks of being fourteen. She's not a kid, but she's definitely not an adult. High school is filled with stupid rules around what you need to do to be popular, and harsh actions that come when you break the rules - like dating a younger guy. Her parents still hold all the power, and they don't want to see that she's growing up. A law class at school captures her interest, but it gets her wondering: can you sue your parents for malpractice?

I realized a little while ago that my life needed more Paula Danziger in it (and frankly, with a cover like this one, how could I resist?). There's a whole bunch of tween-early teen books that I seem to have largely skipped when I was in the actual age bracket, so I'm exploring some of them now. Reading this book was like peering in on some kind of time capsule in terms of women's rights and gender relations, which I found fascinating. Sometimes it's hard to take all of the teen-related angst (like, is it really that big of a deal if someone's who's 13 dates someone who's 14?), but I think that's because it's tinged with my own memories of being that age.

Find it at IndieBound.

Read it with:
The Cat Ate My Gymsuit by Paula Danziger
P.S. Longer Letter Later by Paula Danziger and Ann M. Martin
It's Not What You Expect by Norma Klein

Murder, She Wrote: The Fine Art of Murder by Donald Bain

2011-11-20T00:40:00.002-07:00

While on vacation in Italy, Jessica Fletcher becomes an unwitting witness to a terrible art theft-turned-murder. The violent act continues to haunt her back when she's in the United States, but she tries to put it aside and focus on her new novel. But her work comes to an abrupt halt when she discovers that the husband of an old friend in Chicago has been killed. Jessica finds herself drawn into this murder mystery, lending support to her friend while wondering about the identity of the true killer. Jessica is shocked when the Chicago murder seems to have ties to the Italian murder. Has she found herself in the middle of another international incident?

Is there anything better than a cool autumn evening, a warm blanket, and a new Murder, She Wrote mystery? Jessica Fletcher is back, and this time she's taking on the world of art forgery. Well, sort of - it's more like the backdrop for her latest murder encounter. (Spoiler alert) I was expecting the Italian plot and the Chicago plot to come together a bit more and be more tied together in the resolution, but I wasn't exactly disappointed in the true resolution. It just felt a bit like there had been two possible ideas for this book, but at some point they got mashed up into a single story. Still, it's very much the Murder, She Wrote series that I know and love, and I think fans of cozy mysteries will be satisfied with this new volume.

Find it at IndieBound.

Read it with:
Murder, She Wrote: A Question of Murder by Donald Bain
Murder, She Wrote: Provence - To Die For by Donald Bain
Murder, She Wrote: A Fatal Feast by Donald Bain

The One Week Job Project by Sean Aiken

2011-11-19T00:02:00.001-07:00

When Sean Aiken graduated from college, he had no idea what he wanted to do and no idea how to go about finding out what he wanted to do. So he developed a project that would give him the chance to find out. Every week for one year he would take on a different job. Then, after having worked at 52 different jobs, he would hopefully be closer to finding out what he wanted to do. When he started out he had no idea where the jobs would take him or what he would be doing. When he finished, he had a much different understanding of himself.

This is a fun concept. It's not something that I have the personality or the inclination to do, so I get to live vicariously through this person's experiences. It's easy to be skeptical or even cynical about this experiment. On one level, there's the question of the job experience. How much can you really experience in a week? If you step into a job with no experience and little training, are you really doing the job or are you shadowing? Some of that is just a semantic difference, and Sean Aiken does a good job of explaining how the project worked and what experiences he did have. I also found myself wondering how, for lack of a better word, 'genuine' this project was. Aiken, from very early on the project, used social media and web technologies incredibly smartly. He was able to promote the project and himself. In the book, he admits that he anticipated writing a book about the project. At the end of the 52 weeks, he doesn't really come away with a job that's right for him; he comes away with a job/career that he's created for himself through the One Week Job Project. Would it have been more satisfying for me as a reader to find out that at the end of the project he had decided that he really did want to be a brewmaster (week 19) or a yoga instructor (week 7)? Would that have been more "honest"? Probably not, and then we wouldn't be reading this book, which creates a weird kind of loop. Besides, this book is just as much (if not more) about Sean and his relationships with others (his parents and family members, his friends, his new girlfriend) while he goes on this journey.

But to the book itself! It's is structured really well and hooks you in and keeps you interested. It's a fun read. This has been marketed (or at least I have seen it being marketed) to the 'just out of school' crowd, but I think it is a story that will resonate with anyone who has ever wondered if there's a perfect job out there for them.

See more at the One Week Job website.

It's also a movie; view the trailer here.

Find it at IndieBound.

Read it with:
The Happiness Project by Gretchen Craft Rubin
Living Oprah by Robyn Okrant
The Year of Living Biblically by A.J. Jacobs
Not Buying It by Judith Levine

Happy Pig Day! by Mo Willems

2011-11-18T00:22:00.001-07:00

Piggie is really excited - it's Pig Day! The happiest day of the year! But Gerald feels a bit left out. Pig day is for pigs, and he's an elephant. He doesn't want to make Piggie unhappy on her special day, but is there a way that they can all celebrate together?

There's something about Elephant and Piggie that just makes me smile. I love these characters and their friendship. I even have an Elephant and Piggie poster in my home. Although of course I hate seeing anything that makes Gerald anxious (though that could be almost anything), there's a great message in here that friends don't have to be identical to each other. Many children may celebrate different holidays than each other or have cultural differences, but that doesn't mean that they can't be friends and celebrate each other. This wasn't quite up there for me with my favourite Elephant and Piggie boks (I think I was spoiled by We Are in a Book), but it is another solid entry into the Elephant and Piggie canon. And for extra fun, check out this interview with Mo Willems from EW.com. (I had never put together Elephant Gerald).

Find it at IndieBound.

Don't miss visiting Mo Willems' website. (I particularly love the fan mail.)

Read it with:
We Are in a Book by Mo Willems
I Broke My Trunk by Mo Willems
Pigs Make Me Sneeze by Mo Willems

I Before E (Except After C) for Kids by Susan Randol

2011-11-17T00:49:00.001-07:00

FOIL. BEDMAS. HOMES. These are all acronyms that I used in school to remember different things. There were many more tricks, too: My Very Educated Mother Just Served Us Nine Pizzas (the order of the planets, including then-planet Pluto)), Thirty days hath September (the days in each month), Never Eat Shredded Wheat (the order of compass points). Many students find these acronyms, poems, and memory aids helpful in memorizing information for tests. This book has lots of fun ways to remember information. Wondering when to use affect or effect? Need to remember the order of the US Presidents? Forgetting how to spell "believe"? This is the book for you.

It was a bit of an information overload to sit down and read this book from cover to cover, but it seems like it would be a fun reference book for students to have in classrooms and libraries. I fully admit to my more nerdish tendencies, but I would have really loved this book as a kid (and I definitely still found it useful today). True, from an adult perspective there were some rhymes or tricks that were so elaborate that I wondered "Wouldn't it just be simpler to actually memorize the information?" But I think that there are enough different tips and approaches for a variety of students to find this book useful. It's also the type of book that could be really helpful for adults who are preparing for any type of trivia competition - did Socrates teach Plato, or was it the other way around? This book can help you remember! (P.S. - Socrates taught Plato, who taught Aristotle - you can remember it with the acronym SPA).

I received a review copy from NetGalley courtesy of Reader's Digest Children's Books.

Find it at IndieBound.

Read it with:
Popular Mechanics' The Pocket Genius by Susan Randol
I Before E (Except After C) by Judy Parkinson
"I" Before "E" Except After "C" by Dr. Laurie E. Rozakis

The Implosion of Aggie Winchester by Lara Zielin

2011-11-16T00:02:00.000-07:00

Aggie Winchester's life just became extremely complicated. Her friend Sylvia is pregnant - and the father refuses to publicly acknowledge Sylvia or the baby. On top of that, a new girl at school is driving a wedge between Sylvia and Aggie's friendship. Aggie's mom, who is also the principal, is undergoing cancer treatments. And all of this is coming to a head as a rumour starts that Aggie's mom interfered with the prom court elections to prevent Sylvia, a pregnant Goth, from winning. Add in some boy trouble of her own, and Aggie isn't sure what to do anymore. Will things ever get back to normal?

One thing that I thought worked particularly well in this book is how Lara Zielin nailed the high school dynamic of a friend that you're friends with because of circumstance, not because you necessarily like them. Aggie is a particularly interesting character because she's still trying to find out who she is. She doesn't necessarily want to be a Goth, but she doesn't necessarily want to live exactly as her parents want her to. Her rebellion seemed realistic. There was also some extremely questionable parenting choices being made by Aggie's parents, but unlike, say, Wait Till Helen Comes (one of the first books that inspired by 'questionable parenting' tag), the choices are understandable if not necessarily right. Sometimes the strands of the dramas seemed to be bordering on a bit too much, but Zielin has a strong writing style that kept everything in check.

Check out Lara Zielin's website.

Find it at IndieBound.

Read it with:
The Six Rules of Maybe by Deb Caletti
Bumped by Megan McCafferty
How to Save a Life by Sara Zarr
Prom Kings and Drama Queens by Dorian Cirrone
Donut Days by Lara Zielin

Crossed by Ally Condie

2011-11-15T00:27:00.002-07:00

(Warning: Crossed is a sequel to Matched, so this part has spoilers for Matched. There will be another spoiler warning below for Crossed.)

Cassia's world was turned upside down when she was matched with Xander...but saw an image of Ky on her official match microchip. This confusion led her to question her feelings about Xander, and Ky, and to wonder about the total control that's exercised by the society officials. Crossed picks up where Match left off - with Cassia and Ky on the very fringes of society, alone and thinking about rebellion - and each other.

(Spoilers follow, both for Matched and Crossed.)

When I started reading Crossed and saw where the characters were, I was afraid that it would take the entire novel for Cassia and Ky to get back together and the book would seem like it was just killing time. I was pleased with both the speed at which Cassia and Ky found each other but also how well the story worked when they were apart. I thought that the new characters were interesting and fit into the novel's world very well. The action in this book raised the stakes to true life-or-death situations. And, though, he took more of a backseat in this book, I'm curious to see how Xander will fit into the story again. I'm now very excited to see what happens in the third book, scheduled to be released in November 2012.

Check out Ally Condie's website.

I received an advance review copy courtesy of Penguin Canada.

Find it at IndieBound.

Read it with:
Matched by Ally Condie
Graceling by Kristin Cashore
Freshman for President by Ally Condie
Divergent by Veronica Roth
The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

Also Known as Rowan Pohi by Ralph Fletcher

2011-11-14T00:53:00.002-07:00

It was a twist of fate that brought Rowan Pohi into existence. He was an imaginary character created for a laugh; Bobby and his friends Marcus and Big Poobs imagined the perfect applicant for the snooty Whitestone Prep school. To their surprise, Rowan gets in. Having taken the joke as far as it will go, Bobby and his friends have a funeral ceremony for Rowan, and that should be that. But Bobby is looking for a chance to escape his own life, and Rowan might represent that. Soon Bobby-as-Rowan is attending Whitestone: befriending wealthy classmates, enjoying the difficult classes, dodging questions about his background. How long until his luck runs out?

One of the keys to this novel working is understanding why Bobby wants to risk so much to become Rowan. This part is well set up. Not only is Bobby's home life something that he wants to run away from (only his younger brother Cody is holding him back), but he also shares his name with his father. He can't create his own identity because he's in the shadow of his father. I could easily understand the attachment to Rowan, although there were some times where I didn't quite understand why Bobby's friends treated Rowan as if he was an actual person and not a prank. There's something about this book that I could see working quite well as a Disney-esque TV movie, particularly as the book marches toward its dramatic climax.

I do have to say, though, that I was troubled by the passages where Bobby's brother Cody played at being an "Indian." His behaviour included wearing feathers in his hair, playing with a "tomahawk," and calling himself an "Indian boy." While this plays into the larger themes of identity and acceptance of yourself, I was uncomfortable in seeing it play out this way. (There is a passage at the end of the book - MILD SPOILER ALERT (not really related to the main plot) - when Cody says that "Being Spider-Man is way cooler than being an Indian." While Cody is, at five years old, a small child, statements like that go completely unchecked without any indication that there is a very real difference between the two.) Check out Debbie Reese's American Indians in Children's Literature blog for another perspective on this type of behaviour.

Check out Ralph Fletcher's website.

I received an advance reading copy from NetGalley courtesy of Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.

Find it at IndieBound.

Read it with:
How to Write Your Life Story by Ralph Fletcher
Spider Boy by Ralph Fletcher
My Favorite Band Does Not Exist by Robert T. Jeschonek

Nursery Rhyme Comics: 50 Timeless Rhymes from 50 Celebrated Cartoonists

2011-11-13T00:52:00.001-07:00

It's easy enough to find a book of nursery rhymes. They're common in bookstores, libraries, and on the personal bookshelves of babies everywhere. But this is a different kind of nursery rhyme book. Fifty of today's most talented and celebrated cartoonists have joined together to present Nursery Rhyme Comics. With comics from Nick Abadzis, Andrew Arnold, Kate Beaton, Vera Brosgol, Nick Bruel, Scott Campbell, Lilli Carre, Roz Chast, JP Coovert, Jordan Crane, Rebecca Dart, Eleanor Davis, Vanessa Davis, Theo Ellsworth, Matt Forsythe, Jules Feiffer, Bob Flynn, Alexis Frederick-Frost, Ben Hatke, Gilbert Hernandez, Jaime Hernandez, Lucy Knisley, David Macaulay, Mark Martin, Patrick McDonnell, Mike Mignola, Tony Millionaire, Tao Nyeu, George O’Connor, Mo Oh, Eric Orchard, Laura Park, Cyril Pedrosa, Lark Pien, Aaron Renier, Dave Roman, Marc Rosenthal, Stan Sakai, Richard Sala, Mark Siegel, James Sturm, Raina Telgemeier, Craig Thompson, Richard Thompson, Sara Varon, Jen Wang, Drew Weing, Gahan Wilson, Gene Luen Yang, and Stephanie Yue, this is definitely not your grandparents' books of nursery rhymes.

There's so much wonderfulness to discover and uncover in this volume. Some of the cartoonists have taken a traditional approach to illustrating the rhymes, while others have reinterpreted them in new ways. Some of the standouts for me were "The Donkey" by Patrick McDonnell, "Hickory Dickory Dock" by Stephanie Yue, "The Owl and the Pussycat" by Craig Thompson, "Georgie Porgie" by Raina Telgemeier, "Pop Goes the Weasel" by Scott Campbell, "Pussycat, Pussycat, Where Have You Been?" by Ben Hatke, "The Grand Old Duke of York" by Kate Beaton, "London Bridge is Falling Down" by David MacCaulay, and "There Was a Little Girl" by Vera Brosgol. I was excited to see pages by artists whose work I already know and love; I've also discovered some new artists to look for in the future. Wondering what to get new parents as a baby gift? This is a book that comic fans (or future comic fans) should have on their shelves.

I received a review copy from NetGalley courtesy of First Second and Macmillan.

Find it at IndieBound.

Read it with:
Jelly Belly by Dennis Lee
Hark! A Vagrant! by Kate Beaton
Bake Sale by Sara Varon
My Very First Mother Goose by Iona Opie

Tales of a Sugar Hero by Michael Dahl, Scott Nickel, and Jeff Crowther

2011-11-12T00:07:00.000-07:00

On Halo's 11th birthday, she receives a special gift from her Aunt Pandora. At first, it just looks like delicious candy - but when she tries it, strange things start to happen. Strange and exciting things, like being able to fly, and make fireballs, and shoot streams of water. These new skills will come in handy, because there's bad things happening all over Midnight - and Halo is just the girl to take on these evildoers!

(Slight spoilers follow)

I love how this story puts girls at the forefront. The main character is a girl and the source of her powers (the candy) comes from her Aunt (she also lives with her grandmother). The evil characters are all women, too. There are a few male characters, but they don't overshadow the girls - and even better, they don't magically come to Halo's aid in the end. In fact, in at least one of the stories, Halo is the one who saves her male classmate's life. This story of strong female characters is wrapped up in bright, fun colours and fast-paced action. This special edition combines four Princess Candy stories into one book, which made a tasty treat seem even more satisfying.

I received a review copy from NetGalley courtesy of Capstone.

Read it with:
Power Lunch by J. Torres and Dean Trippe
The Drained Brains Caper by Trina Robbins
Princess Candy: Sugar Hero by Michael Dahl and Jeff Crowther

The Next Sure Thing by Richard Wagamese

2011-11-11T14:12:00.002-07:00

Cree Thunderboy sees himself as a blues man - but he also has a knack for picking horses. It's a talent that is noticed by Win Hardy, who has an interesting proposition for Cree. If Cree starts feeding Win winning information, Win will finance Cree's music career. It's an offer that Cree can't - or won't - refuse, but is it too good to be true? And when so much is riding on it, will Cree be able to pick the next sure thing?

Some of the details of the plot were a bit confusing to me; some of the story is told by having something happen and then having a character explain it later. It's a book that might benefit from a second reading, but I can definitely see readers being interested enough to give it a second reading. There is so much that I'm excited by with this book. One thing is that it has a Native character who is living a modern life. The fact that he is Native is not ignored (details about his family motivate him to get into Win's shady world), but the book is not fully about Cree being Native. He's also a friend, a blues musician, and a guy who's gotten in over his head. Richard Wagamese, an Ojibway author and storyteller, has crafted a very strong story. Another thing that I really love is that this is part of the Rapid Reads series, a book of original, high-interest books that are designed for adult learners to enjoy. The Good Reads series and the Rapid Reads series are such an exciting thing for Canadian adult literacy students. For more information about other Rapid Reads, visit Orca's website.

Check out Richard Wagamese's website.

I received a free copy from a LibraryThing Draw.

Find it at IndieBound.

Read it with:
One Fine Day You're Gonna Die by Gail Bowen
Orchestrated Murder by Rick Blechta
And Everything Nice by Kim Moritsugu

Charley Harper Colors by Charley Harper

2011-11-10T00:04:00.002-07:00

Charley Harper's birds take centre stage in this colour-based concept book for young kids. The intricate designs show off the colourful creatures. All the favourites are here: red, green, blue, pink, and more. While young babies and toddlers might have a more difficult time seeing the little details, preschoolers might appreciate the whimsy of pictures like a fire hydrant covered in birds. I can see this being a hit with hip parents who love different art styles and want to introduce their children to books beyond the ordinary.

(My personal favourite page is the one of a duck swimming in a lake surrounded by orange, yellow, and red leaved-trees. It's a lovely fall image.)

I received an advance review copy at NetGalley courtesy of Ammo Books.

See more of Charley Harper's artwork.

Find it at IndieBound.

Read it with:
Charley Harper 123s by Charley Harper
Charley Harper ABCs by Charley Harper
Counting in the Garden by Patrick and Emily Hruby

Can You Tell an Alligator from a Crocodile? by Buffy Silverman

2011-11-09T00:26:00.000-07:00

This is a brilliant idea for a series. I can't always tell an alligator from a crocodile! I know that there are differences in the mouth shape and probably where they live, but I'm not sure which difference goes with which animal. This book is perfect for people like me (as well as younger kids who are still learning about all of the different animals in the world.) There are cool photos that show the differences between them (the alligator has a shorter, more rounded snout that looks like the letter U, while the crocodile has a longer, more narrow snout that looks like the letter V). There are more differences than I ever imagined, including sense organs and salt glands. There are a couple of pictures that I might see again in my scary dreams (like the ones with lots of teeth or the one where an alligator is stalking its prey) but these same pictures will help make it a popular choice with reluctant readers and curious kids who like non-fiction. A great fit for class and school libraries.

I received a review copy from NetGalley courtesy of Lerner Books.

Find it at IndieBound.

Read it with:
Do You Know About Mammals? by Buffy Silverman
I'd Really Like to Eat a Child by Sylviane Donnio
Alligators by Frank Staub
Can You Tell a Frog from a Toad? by Buffy Silverman
Can You Tell a Bee from a Wasp? by Buffy Silverman

Hot Guys and Baby Animals by Audrey Khuner and Carolyn Newman

2011-11-08T02:27:00.002-07:00

Two popular items come together in this very straightforwardly-named book: hot guys and baby animals. Guys in various states of dress pose with cats, dogs, sheep, a snake, and other animals. Beyond that, there's not that much more to say. To get a sense of the book, see more pictures at Hot Guys and Baby Animals. Its size, price, and subject matter makes it a likely pick for stocking stuffers, bachelorette parties, birthdays, and joke gifts (and, according to the Andrews McMeel website, purchases will benefit the SPCA.)

See more pictures at Hot Guys and Baby Animals.

Find it at the Andrews McMeel website.

Read it with:
Cake Wrecks by Jen Yates
That is Priceless by Steve Yelcher
Passive Aggressive Notes by Kerry Miller

The Abused Werewolf Rescue Group by Catherine Jinks

2011-11-07T18:46:00.004-07:00

Toby's life was pretty ordinary until the one day he turned up in a dingo pen. He had no idea how he got there or what he was doing there. His mom worried that he was on drugs, doctors thought that maybe he had epilepsy, but a mysterious stranger had a different explanation - that Toby was a vampire. At first Toby decides to play along and make a fool out of this stranger, but before long he realizes that it's no joke. Meeting strange new people, kidnapped into the middle of nowhere, and fighting for his life, ... what will Toby have do deal with next?

I really enjoyed The Reformed Vampire Support Group but it had been awhile since I'd read it; I was afraid that I'd forget key details for this second book. But for a long time it didn't really matter. This book is very much Toby's story; while Reuben Schneider and Father Alvarez appear fairly early on, the rest of the characters play only minor parts in this story. I missed Nina in particular, and her sense of humour; I didn't care much for the antics of Toby and his two best friends. But once the story started focusing on the werewolf side of things and it became more of an action story, my attention was definitely piqued. A solid choice for fans of humorous supernatural stories.

Check out Catherine Jinks' website.

I received an advance review copy from NetGalley (but I ended up listening to an audiobook version).

Find it at IndieBound.

Read it with:
The Reformed Vampire Support Group by Catherine Jinks
Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater
Beat the Band by Don Calame