The Back to School Jitters
The summer winds down and families head to the store to buy paper, pencils and other supplies as well as new clothes to wear on the first day of school. I can remember thinking that new notebooks and three-ring binders held some special magic and I could hardly wait to fill the fresh, clean pages with words. Of course, it did not take too long for that newness to lose its lure and we had all settled down to the routine of the school year. Share the initial excitement of "Back to School" using a selection of the following books. Or use them to help assuage the trepidations of the "first timer." School can be a fun and exciting place and you will see many surprising things in some of these school settings. Be prepared to learn a thing or two along the way!
Reviews
The Accidental Cheerleader
Mim McCoy
What girl doesn’t want to fit in and make friends in junior high school? Sophie and Kylie are best friends, and very excited about starting the seventh grade. But once Kylie signs both girls up for cheerleading tryouts. Sophie’s gymnastic abilities transition well into this new sport, while Kylie ends up on the sidelines as the football team’s mascot. Sophie struggles to make new friends, to understand boys, and to maintain her friendship with Kylie. Sophie discovers that being in the “in” crowd is quite a bit of work. There are parties to attend, popular girls to please, and the “right” outfit that she must have in order to fit in. Eventually Kylie gets tired of being on the outside looking in at the cheerleading team, and plans the ultimate revenge--she mocks the snobby cheerleaders in front of the entire school. Sophie must then decide whether to still be friends with Kylie, or to continue hanging out with the cheerleaders. Can Sophie and Kylie rediscover how to support each other? Will their friendship stand the test of time and cheerleading angst? This is a delightful book that will appeal to young girls ages eight to twelve. 2007, Scholastic, $4.99. Ages 8 to 12. Reviewer: Suzanna E. Henshon, Ph.D. (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-439-89056-X
ISBN: 978-0-439-89056-4
Agnes Parker--Keeping Cool in Middle School
Kathleen O'Dell
O’Dell’s lively protagonist (Agnes Parker...Girl in Progress, and Agnes Parker...Happy Camper) is entering middle school. She plans to cope by making the sensible decision to remain inconspicuous. Readers who have known Agnes since sixth grade will recognize this setup immediately and dig in for an amusing read. The eighth-grade boys are bullies, and soon Agnes finds to her horror that she is about to be thrust rudely into the spotlight. Her best friend Prejean decides to run for class president and, as if that were not enough, she asks Agnes to be her campaign manager. As the story unfolds, Agnes considers wrapping herself in a black cocoon, Prejean turns “flushed and twittery,” and we are drawn into the uncomfortable, funny, quirky space of growing up, growing out, and growing into middle school. Kind, eccentric Aram Keshishian adds to the cast of characters, even if his family seems a little too overtly sketched into immigrant-adaptation mode. The so-called cool kids are appropriately depicted as a flatly rendered chorus. And yes, you will find in here the school dance, with all its attendant social hazards. In this entertaining and openhearted book, likeable characters with common and forgivable flaws show us the challenges and growth inherent in those touchy middle school years. 2007, Dial Books for Young Readers/Penguin, $16.99. Ages 8 to 12. Reviewer: Uma Krishnaswami (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 978-0-8037-3078-6
ISBN: 0-8037-3078-0
Be A Super Test-Taker!: The Ultimate Guide to Elementary School Standardized Tests
Laurie Rozakis
It had to happen. The emphasis on standardized testing in public schools was bound to spawn a flurry of “how to” books. This edition, designed for parents and students at the elementary level, defines standardized tests, names those used frequently, explains why they matter, and gives tips for preparing, taking, and dealing with the aftermath of tests. There are example tests to practice on and plenty of tips for getting ready, like talking with your teacher, getting organized for study, and hints for relaxing on the big day. The “kid-friendly” format can be confusing at times, with its single colorway, but maybe that is part of the preparation process. There is a lot of good advice here on simply being a successful student. It is a great guide for teachers in preparing their class for the inevitable. 2007, Scholastic, $6.99. Ages 7 to 10. Reviewer: Meredith Kiger, Ph.D. (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-439-87879-9
ISBN: 978-0-439-87879-1
Bella and the Bunny
Andrew Larsen
Illustrated by Kate Endle
Bella adores the bunny at her preschool. Its soft fluffy fur, tickly nose, and cozy hutch make it a wonderful friend. She draws pictures of the bunny and even has a special sweater that looks like a white bunny! One day, Bella can’t find her sweater; when she gets to school, she can’t find the bunny either. The children work together searching and seeking for their classroom pet. Not until Bella notices the quiet “fluff, fluff, fluff” of a bunny sleeping, do they discover the bunny under a couch, curled up in Bella’s sweater. This simple tale of lost and found illustrates the worry young children can feel when they lose beloved pets and the joy that comes from finding them again. Used in a preschool classroom, it is an excellent example of working together and showing compassion. The bright, crisply drawn illustrations and paper collages provide ample visual appeal for even the youngest readers. 2007, Kids Can Press, $14.95. Ages 3 up. Reviewer: Leah Hanson (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 978-1-55337-970-6
ISBN: 1-55337-970-5
The Boy Who Was Raised by Librarians
Carla Morris
Illustrated by Brad Sneed
Melvin really enjoys the Livingston Public Library, mainly because of the wonderful attention given him by its three librarians: Marge, Betty and Leeola. These three fantastic librarians taught Melvin to research insects in 1st grade, helped him practice for his role as the Enormous Eggplant in 2nd grade, and encouraged him to participate in all of the school library programs, including summer reading, after-school specials, the Readerguys Book Club, Move Night, and Spend the Night in the Library parties. In 3rd grade, when Melvin began collecting baseball cards, the women taught him how to use archival-approved boxes and where to find price guides on the Internet; in 4th grade, they helped him prepare for the county spelling bee. The picture book continues to highlight Melvin’s various experiences with the librarians, and the culminating pages show that he, too, has become a librarian. The illustrations throughout the text are lively and vibrant, creating distinct personalities for each character. I loved how effectively they underscored and developed the various activities that Melvin, Marge, Betty and Leeola were engaged in throughout the years. Written by a librarian, this is a charming text for every school and city library. 2007, Peachtree Publishers, $16.95, Ages 7 to 12. Reviewer: Jean Boreen (Children’s Literature).
ISBN: 978-1-56145-391-7
Cornelius P. Mud, Are You Ready for School?
Barney Saltzberg
The text is straight forward in this story about Cornelius P. Mud getting ready for school, but the illustrations tell the tale. His mom calls him for school and makes sure he is ready to go. When she asks if he is up, he responds positively and is shown floating up with the help of a large bunch of balloons. And yes, he did make his bed, although in the illustration he insists that the bed is actually an elephant. His clothes are on, in a manner of speaking and he did eat breakfast although it consisted of popcorn and cotton candy. His backpack is packed and ready but it’s filled with toys and he has packed a lunch of ice-cold snow cones. But Cornelius is not ready for school. Something is missing. It’s a kiss from his mom. After a kiss he goes out to catch the bus and that is where the reader is surprised to find that the bus is not a regular school bus. It’s a colorful “Clown School” bus. 2007, Candlewick Press, Ages 3 to 6, $15.99. Reviewer: Carolyn Mott Ford (Children’s Literature).
ISBN: 978-0-7636-2913-7
Diary of a Would-Be Princess: The Journal of Jillian James, 5B
Jessica Green
Ever heard of a moggie? How about a dag. a texta, or lollies? One of the more fascinating aspects of this middle grade novel is the fact that its characters and its author are from Australia. That means that the reader gets to learn some fun Australian vocabulary and how Australian fifth graders differ from American fifth graders. The book focuses on strong-willed Jillian and how she navigates through the “the slings and arrows” of her fifth grade year. She is forced to keep a daily journal by her teacher, Mrs. Bright. Much to Jillian’s dismay, Mrs. Bright actually reads all her journal entries and does not hesitate to comment on just about anything that Jillian writes. Although Jillian appears to resent Mrs. Bright’s interference, she secretly appreciates her teacher’s interest. Jillian is described on the book jacket as an unpopular dork. In reality, she appears to have plenty of friends, even though most of them are boys. Despite the title of the book, the antics of the “popular” group, The Princesses, are not anything Jillian aspires to. Through written interactions with her teacher, Jillian matures throughout the school year and finds that she and Mrs. Bright have more in common than she originally thought. Readers will appreciate the Aussie glossary at the end. 2006, Charlesbridge, $15.95. Ages 9 to 12. Reviewer: Leslie Wolfson (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 978-1-58089-166-0
ISBN: 1-58089-166-7
A Friendship for Today
Patricia Mckissack
A touching story about Rosemary Paterson, a young African American girl about to be the first black student to enter an all-white school in her town after the Supreme Court of the United States declared segregation of public schools was unconstitutional. There is just enough history in A Friendship for Today to keep it interesting without getting bogged down in details. Besides dealing with the problem of segregation, Rosemary’s best friend is diagnosed with polio, her parents are on the verge of divorce, and Grace Hamilton, the neighborhood bully who comes from a family of racists, is in her elementary class. McKissack’s writing is flawless and filled with wonderful descriptive passages, such as “It was so quiet in class you could hear an ant crawling on cotton.” There are some wonderful exchanges between classmates when Rosemary is accused of stealing a sweater. In the midst of the chaos, weaving like a thread through her life, the most unlikely friendship develops between Rosemary and Grace. This is a marvelous book, and a first-rate example of the courage and fortitude expressed by a young girl during oppressive times. There is a lot to learn here. 2007, Scholastic Press, $16.99. Ages 9 to 12. Reviewer: Joan Elste (Children's Literature).
Best Books:
- New Black History Books for Youth, 2007; Booklist; United States
- Publishers Weekly Book Review Stars, January 8, 2007; Cahners; United States
ISBN: 978-0-439-66098-3
Great Cape Rescue: The Society of Superhereoes
Phyllis Shalant
Finch, a fourth grader and his three buddies enjoy pretending to be superheroes all summer until the first day of school arrives. When they try to immerse themselves in class, Finch’s old superhero cape calls to him and tells him he must not abandon his need to help others. Finch starts a Superheroes Society and his three friends eventually hear the cape speak. The boys do good deeds, enduring ridicule from the class bullies and Finch’s older sister. They plan a surprise for their teacher, new to the school and complete their assignment of “helping others.” This book is easy to read, and seems to be aimed for middle school boys, who employ their love of superheroes in their creative play. 2007, Dutton’s Children’s Books, Ages 8 to 12, $15.99. Reviewer: Gail C. Krause
ISBN 978-0-525-47404-3
How I Survived Middle School
Nancy Krulik
This middle grade chapter book is infused with self-quizzes for the young reader allowing them to rate himself or herself in the crazy, mixed up jungle called middle school. Addie Wilson, Jenny MacAfee’s ex-best friend is suddenly her competition for president of the sixth grade class. The split in their friendship happened when Jenny went to camp and Adie moved away from bike-riding and reading and moved toward make-up and boyfriends, thus becoming one of the Pops, a group known as the most popular in the school, caring only for themselves. Jenny’s friends convince her to run against Addie, and plan a terrific campaign, overcoming the unfair tactics the Pops use against Jenny. When Principal Gold announces the winner, the new president shows her real leadership by delegating jobs and responsibilities to her rival in an effort to solidify the whole sixth grade class. A website accompanies this book so that readers can take more quizzes that relate to middle school survival. 2006, Scholastic, $3.99, Ages 7 to 10.Reviewer: Gail C. Krause (Children’s Literature).
ISBN: 978-0-439-02556-0
ISBN: 0-439-02556-7
How it Happened in Peach Hill
Marthe Jocelyn
Annie’s mother is a con artist—known in her most recent scam as Madame Caterina, clairvoyant and spiritual advisor. As if that isn’t bad enough, she insists that 15 year old Annie play the part of an idiot, the better to gather the local gossip about potential clients in their new town of Peach Hill. Not only is Annie tired of being a pawn in her mother’s various schemes, but there’s a really cute boy in town, Sammy, and he’ll never look at her in the way she wants as long as she is stumbling, stuttering and drooling. Far from being an idiot, Annie decides to fake a miraculous cure, which initially angers and then gratifies her mother as business subsequently booms. However, Annie’s new ‘normal’ status has the unintended consequence of bringing her to the attention of the diligent local truant officer, Mrs. Newman, and she is forced to attend public school for the first time. Annie tries to befriend the one girl in school who seems even more of an outsider than herself and finds that Helen is also caught up in parental confidence schemes. At least Peg the housekeeper is on Annie’s side and seems to care more truly about her than her own mother, which makes Annie chafe all the more at her mother’s condescension toward the woman. When a new man comes into their life, first as a client and then as her mother’s boyfriend, Annie discovers that he knows their secret and is going to use it against them. Annie is an immediately likable heroine who faces some hard decisions about her loyalties, what is right and who she wants to be. Set in upstate New York in the early 1920’s, Jocelyn has done an admirable job of establishing mood and setting, creating engaging characters and sweeping the reader along with a briskly paced storyline. 2007, Wendy Lamb Books, Ages 10 to 15, $15.99. Reviewer: Paula McMillen, Ph.D.
ISBN: 978-0-375-83701-2
ISBN: 978-0-375-93701-9
Just Grace
Charise Mericle Harper
Grace’s third grade teacher, Miss Lois, is struggling to find a way to manage with four girls in her classroom all named Grace. When she suggests adding the first letter of their last name, Grace offers to be called “just Grace,” which gets turned into Just Grace--oh no, that was not what Grace wanted at all! So she’s a little bit mad about that and several other things that just don’t seem to be going her way. But Grace’s problems don’t stop her and best friend MiMi from trying to help the somewhat scary but now sad neighbor, Mrs. Luther. Ever since Mrs. Luther fell and broke her leg and had to start wearing a big orange cast, her cat, Crinkles, doesn’t want to hang around. Their well-intentioned plan to make Mrs. Luther feel better by sending postcards from Crinkles backfires, and Grace suddenly stands accused of cat-napping. Grace reluctantly teams up with that icky boy, Sammy Stringer, to solve the case of the missing cat. A plucky heroine in this story as well as in the “not so super heroes” comic books she likes to draw, Grace is subject to all the petty concerns of young girls. She is nevertheless good-hearted, resourceful, and creative--a fine and fun role model for young female readers. 2007, Houghton Mifflin Company, $15.00. Ages 6 to 11. Reviewer: Paula McMillen, Ph.D. (Children's Literature).
Best Books:
- Booklist Book Review Stars, Mar. 1, 2007; United States
ISBN: 0-618-64642-6
Kids Talk about Respect
Carrie Finn
Illustrated by Amy Bailey Muehlenhardt
When teachers or other adults talk to students about their behavior, a common word used is respect. Respect is a word that represents an abstract idea that is less than understood by most students. This “Kids Talk Jr.” book attempts to deal with teaching the concept of respect to young children. Kendra, a fifth grade student and the narrator, reads letters from her peers asking specific questions about respect. From cleaning the environment to saying please and thank you, this book helps children understand how issues of respect influence the way they feel about themselves and others. The handy respect quiz in the back of the text offers teachers an excellent way to test their students reading comprehension and generalization skills. Also featured in the back of the text is a real life portrait of Gaylord Nelson, the man who created Earth Day, an annual world wide celebration about respecting our earth. 2007, Picture Window Books, $23.93. Ages 4 to 8. Reviewer: Kimberly O’Meara (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 978-1-4048-2318-1
ISBN: 1-4048-2318-2
Lily and the Mixed-Up Letters
Deborah Hodge
Illustrated by Frances Brassard
Lily’s love for school has evaporated now that she is in second grade. When it comes time to read, the letters blur and dance and she can’t find the words. As Parent Day approaches, Lily feels sick, because each child is supposed to read a page aloud. After she confesses her fears to her mother, her mother and her teacher, along with her friend Grace, all work to help her, so that on Parent Day Lily can read her page. Heart-warming encouragement for the child with reading problems, this book also shows Lily as a talented artist who can help Grace with her art work. Brassard’s sympathetic, naturalistic scenes convincingly depict Lily’s world at home and in school. Details add to the anticipated drama of the reading. Watercolors produce attractive youngsters and adults for this real-life story. 2007, Tundra Books, $18.95. Ages 4 to 7. Reviewers: Ken Marantz and Sylvia Marantz (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-88776-757-5
ISBN: 978-0-88776-757-9
Little Rock Nine: Struggle for Integration
Stephanie Fitzgerald
The "Snapshots in History" series aims to acquaint middle readers with some significant historic events of the twentieth and twenty-first centuries. Its authors face a challenge: how to make the narrative interesting to students who may be lacking the background in history and politics that would help them fill in gaps left by compressing complex stories into eight short chapters. Aided by photographs, sidebars, and direct quotations, this volume succeeds better than most. Its story of Southern school integration begins with a vivid account of the ordeal of Elizabeth Eckford, one of the black teenagers who volunteered to integrate Little Rock's Central High School in 1957. Left to approach the school by herself, this courageous girl was jeered at and threatened by a crowd of frenzied townspeople, whose conduct young readers will find shocking. The author goes on to tell the story of the nine students who endured a distressful year at Central (protected by soldiers sent by President Eisenhower), and a further year of closed schools ordered by Orville Faubus, Governor of Arkansas. Studying hard and remaining engaged, the students did eventually graduate, though not all from Central High; they later won numerous awards for their dignity and courage. Fitzgerald follows their careers through a 1997 reunion, where President Clinton spoke. The black-and-white photographs are especially striking, revealing the struggle and sacrifice of these young pioneers who "served as an example and inspiration to others who wanted to make a difference." Included are a timeline, a bibliography, a glossary, and source notes. 2007, Compass Point, $31.93. Ages 10 to 13. Reviewer: Barbara L. Talcroft (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 978-0-7565-2011-3
ISBN: 0-7565-2011-8
Mermaids Don’t Run Track
Debbie Dadey and Marcia Thornton Jones
Illustrations by John Steven Gurney
The four third-graders of the “Bailey School Kids” series embark on another adventure involving mythological creatures and other monsters. This time they return to Camp Lone Wolf (where they suspect the hairy director, Mr. Jenkins, of being a werewolf), and meet their new coach for a track meet with the formidable Sheldon Sharks. When coach Waterford turns out to have long blonde hair, a seashell comb, and suspiciously large pointed feet, they suspect her of being a mermaid--after all, she does have something magic about her. Is it her siren singing, her prophetic smile, or perhaps her aversion to water, which, according to Liza, means she’s trying to ensnare Mr. Jenkins so she won’t have to return to the watery deep? After exhausting workouts, scary midnight noises, and a huge nocturnal animal crashing through the bushes, the kids come through at the meet with Miss Waterford’s magical song spurring them on to victory. The lovely coach mysteriously disappears, leaving Mr. Jenkins bereft. (Maybe he’s not such a bad werewolf after all!) Large print and short chapters make the reading easy, while artist Gurney’s cartoon-like illustrations add to the fun, especially the ones of the hairy, pointy-toothed camp director. Although there’s some suspense--“If the werewolf doesn’t get us, the mermaid will! We’re doomed!”--it’s never really very scary, just enough to lure fans back for another “Bailey School Kids” adventure, competing with several other Scholastic series for readers of this age, who can’t seem to get enough of them. 1997, Little Apple/Scholastic, $3.99, Ages 7 to 10. Reviewer: Barbara L. Talcroft (Children’s Literature).
ISBN: 0-590-84906-9
ISBN: 978-0-590-84906-7
Moxy Maxwell Does Not Love Stuart Little
Peggy Gifford
Photographs by Valerie Fisher
It is late August just before Moxy goes to fourth grade, Mr. Flamingo’s class. He has already given the class a summer assignment which is to read the book, Stuart Little. There is a quiz scheduled on the first day of school. Moxy loves to read but there’s something about being told to read a book during the summer that just doesn’t quite sit well with her or could it be procrastination? She has a copy of the book and the book has been with her everywhere waiting for what Moxy calls the ‘just in case of in-between’ moment. Moxy claims that those moments have been interrupted if there could be such a thing. Instead, the book has been traveling in a backpack between home and water-ballet rehearsal, sitting under the broken table leg, and falling in the swimming pool. The last day of summer vacation arrives and Moxy’s mother expects Moxy to have the book done before the daisy water-ballet performance. Moxy is one of eight daisy petals. The illustrations (photographs) capture some of the events in the story through Mark’s (Moxy’s twin brother) perspective. The humorous story told from an omniscient viewpoint moves quickly through the final days of summer. 2007, Schwartz & Wade Books/Random House Children’s Books, $12.99, Ages 7 to 10. Reviewer: Carrie Hane Hung (Children’s Literature).
ISBN: 978-0-375-83915-3
ISBN: 978-0-375-93915-0
Off to School with Periwinkle and Blue
Alison Inches
Illustrations by Jennifer Oxley
It is Periwinkle's first day of school, and he is a little nervous. With the help of his friends, Blue and Joe, Periwinkle tackles his fears concerning this new school experience. Periwinkle learns that school is full of fun and interesting activities such as circle time, painting, and special games. He also learns that school is a great place to make new friends. By the end of the first day of school, Periwinkle knows that school is cool. Periwinkle's nervousness is not uncommon, and this book is an excellent tool to begin discussing this issue with other nervous soon-to-be students. 2006, Simon Spotlight/Simon & Schuster, $10.95, Ages 3 to 7. Reviewer: Louise Parsons (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 978-1-4169-1332-0
ISBN: 1-4169-1332-7
Ready, Set, School!
Jacquelyn Mitchard
Illustrations by Paul Rátz de Tagyos
Rory the raccoon’s parents are ready for their big night out: a gourmet garbage party behind the neighborhood’s fanciest houses. But Rory, the anxious kit, is afraid of his first sleepover with his cousins Roy and Ray because it’s his first time away from home. His parents think it will be good practice for when he has to go to leave them every night when he begins school, but Rory is not so sure. Even though he’s a little excited to play with his wilder, forest-dwelling cousins who are rumored to hang from tree branches by their feet, Rory is more afraid that his parents will not come back safely from their adventure. After a sympathetic chat with his dad, Rory agrees to give the sleepover a try, and has a grand time, which gives him the confidence he needs to start school. In a twist on the usual first-day-of-school story, when it’s time for Rory to go, suddenly it is his parents who change their minds and tell him he should wait another year to go to school. The newly-brave Rory assures them he’ll be just fine. Paul Rátz de Tagyos hilarious illustrations bring Rory and his raccoon pals to life, while Jacquelyn Mitchard’s sensitive treatment of the fear involved in leaving home for the first time poignantly captures the perspectives of both parents and children. A helpful read for parents introducing big changes to their kids, preparing their children for their first sleepover or time away from home, and equally suited for teachers to share with early grades on the first day of school, this delightful story will strike a chord with a variety of audiences. 2007, HarperCollins Publishers, $16.99, Ages 3 to 6. Reviewer: Keri Collins (Children’s Literature).
ISBN: 0-06-050766-7
ISBN: 978-0-06-050766-4
ISBN: 0-06-050767-5
ISBN: 978-0-06-050767-1
Spelldown
Karon Luddy
Karlene Bridges is the best speller in her family. She is also the best speller in all of South Carolina. In between those two contexts, she shares with readers--in an enchanting first person narrative--her friendships with an extraordinary teacher/mentor (Mrs. Harrison), and Karlene's best friend/boyfriend/heartthrob (Billy Ray), as well as her problems with her father and his drinking. Each chapter begins with a tough spelling word that sets the tone, and every chapter delivers to the reader an opportunity to meet a bright, dedicated, competent eighth-grader who is not into drugs or body piercing or running away from home, just spelling competitively and winning. Every chapter is a delightful encounter that celebrates academic excellence without veering into geekdom. It is funny, poignant, inspiring and would be a terrific read aloud for grades 6-9, especially in those weeks before a spelling bee. I do not want to give away the ending, but you just know if Karlene does not win the National Spelling Bee, you are going to want to fling yourself under a passing truck. Do not do anything brash. Read this book, and then spell yourself s-a-t-i-s-f-i-e-d. (Note: one of the nice details of the spelldown scene is Karlene's outfit which includes her red cowboy boots, which show up on the cover.) 2007, Simon and Schuster Books for Young Readers, $15.99. Ages 10 to 14. Reviewer: Gwynne Spencer (Children's Literature).
Best Books:
- Kirkus Book Review Stars, December 1, 2006; United States
- Publishers Weekly Book Review Stars, January 8, 2007; Cahners; United States
ISBN: 978-1-4169-1610-9
The Talented Clementine
Sara Pennypacker
Illustrations by Marla Frazee
Annie’s mother is a con artist—known in her most recent scam as Madame Caterina, clairvoyant and spiritual advisor. As if that isn’t bad enough, she insists that 15 year old Annie play the part of an idiot, the better to gather the local gossip about potential clients in their new town of Peach Hill. Not only is Annie tired of being a pawn in her mother’s various schemes, but there’s a really cute boy in town, Sammy, and he’ll never look at her in the way she wants as long as she is stumbling, stuttering and drooling. Far from being an idiot, Annie decides to fake a miraculous cure, which initially angers and then gratifies her mother as business subsequently booms. However, Annie’s new ‘normal’ status has the unintended consequence of bringing her to the attention of the diligent local truant officer, Mrs. Newman, and she is forced to attend public school for the first time. Annie tries to befriend the one girl in school who seems even more of an outsider than herself and finds that Helen is also caught up in parental confidence schemes. At least Peg the housekeeper is on Annie’s side and seems to care more truly about her than her own mother, which makes Annie chafe all the more at her mother’s condescension toward the woman. When a new man comes into their life, first as a client and then as her mother’s boyfriend, Annie discovers that he knows their secret and is going to use it against them. Annie is an immediately likable heroine who faces some hard decisions about her loyalties, what is right and who she wants to be. Set in upstate New York in the early 1920’s, Jocelyn has done an admirable job of establishing mood and setting, creating engaging characters and sweeping the reader along with a briskly paced storyline. 2007, Wendy Lamb Books, Ages 10 to 15, $15.99. Reviewer: Paula McMillen, Ph.D.
ISBN: 978-0-375-83701-2
ISBN: 978-0-375-93701-9
How it Happened in Peach Hill
Marthe Jocelyn
Similar to Cleary’s “Ramona” books but with an individual flare, Pennypacker’s Clementine is a unique third grader whose humorous antics keep her parents, teachers, and classmates off-balance. Panicked, Clementine believes she has no talent to display at the third- and fourth-grade talent show because she cannot cartwheel, sing, or play a musical instrument. Although her discerning parents try to help her think of her talents, Clementine is dissatisfied by their suggestions. Instead, she tries to learn tap dancing from her sometimes-annoyingly-perfect best friend Margaret. Unfortunately for Clementine, gluing bottle caps to her shoes turns into a disaster. Fortunately, the principal Mrs. Rice recruits Clementine at the last-minute to help stage manage the show--a job for which she learns she is absolutely perfect. Frazee’s black-and-white pencil illustrations add to the comic tone of the novel. Clementine’s everyday dilemmas make this a novel that most kids will easily identify with, and as it is written from a first-person perspective, Clementine’s dry humor and unusual outlook make this an especially entertaining school story. 2007, Hyperion Books For Children, $14.99. Ages 8 to 10. Reviewer: Laura Ruttig (Children's Literature).
Best Books:
- Kirkus Book Review Stars, March 1, 2007; United States
- School Library Journal Book Review Stars, April 2007; Cahners; United States
ISBN: 978-0-7868-3870-7
Trouble According to Humphrey
Betty G. Birney
Humphrey is a very special hamster and he lives in Room 26. His home is a cage sitting on a table next to a window in Longfellow School. His good friend is a frog named Og. From time to time Humphrey and Og have all kinds of great adventures and, sometimes, all kinds of trouble. In this story, readers will see how Humphrey’s human classmates have come to depend on him for help. He learns about many things in life and writes in his notebook about the travels he experiences through the lives of his classmates, such as the time that he helped two young friends who had grown apart come back together again! This story of Humphrey could be good reading for a class in any setting. While listening to this story, children can learn as they hear how animals live and behave. The young reader is brought into a new world of words which can easily be added to their already growing vocabulary. Humphrey’s adventures are interesting and fun to read and listen to. 2007, G. P. Putnam’s Sons/Penguin Young Readers Group, $14.99. Ages 5 to 7. Reviewer: Denise W. McGrain (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-399-24505-7
ISBN: 978-0-399-24505-3
Twelve
Lauren Myracle
Just when you think it is safe to stay in elementary school, something magical happens: you become 12 and begin Junior High school. Myracle’s latest work is about the thrills and the trauma of being on the verge of womanhood. In this sequel to Eleven, Winnie Perry relates in unabashed candor all the emotions involved in being a pre-pubescent sixth grader, growing into a seventh grader. Winnie is the popular girl many readers wish they could be, yet she is just as normal, and at times as awkward as everyone else. Not for everyone, this is a very candid and personal account of twelve months in Winnie’s life: March--March, detailing highs and lows along the way. Her friends are there for her, even when she unknowingly betrays one, gets along with her parents and siblings (usually) and even that cute older guy seems to like her. The assortment of characters in this work proves to be a good variety, though somewhat homogeneous: dancers, kindergartners, ultra sophisticates, immature, etc., though with almost no diversity. This is the sort of book mothers will want their daughters to read and discuss with them--or used in a girl’s only reading group. It is a girly-girl book. No boys allowed! 2007, Dutton’s Children’s Books, $15.99, Ages 9 to 12. Reviewer: Elizabeth Young (Children’s Literature).
ISBN: 978-0-525-47784-6
The Wednesday Wars
Gary D. Schmidt
Seventh grader, Holling Hoodhood is convinced that his teacher, Mrs. Baker, hates him. After all, her folded arms and eyes that roll with unspoken sarcasm offer ample proof, right? When Holling, the lone Presbyterian, is left in the empty classroom on Wednesday afternoons as the other Jews and Catholics are bussed to religious instruction, real vengeance begins. Mrs. Baker requires Holling to read Shakespeare, not only in class, but aloud with her, and at home for discussion the following week. This bittersweet novel set during the days of the Vietnam conflict, peace marches, racial protests, and flower children rivals the immortal Bard for tragedy and comedy. Holling narrates, as readers assimilate the 60s, developing a fresh appreciation for a country at war from the voice of a memorable hero who is battling to discover himself. Schmidt, an award-winning author in his own right, combines the student-teacher relationships reminiscent of Andrew Clements’ Frindle with the angst of the middle school individualist depicted in Sue Stauffacher’s Donuthead, with original flare, unfolding the past at the pace of the present. This story interweaves the issues of the period with grace and power, resulting in historical fiction both entertaining and endearing. Awards predicted. 2007, Clarion Books, $16.00. Ages 10 to 14. Reviewer: Janice DeLong (Children's Literature).
Best Books:
- Kirkus Book Review Stars, May 15, 2007; United States
- Publishers Weekly Book Review Stars, April 16, 2007; Cahners; United States
ISBN: 0-618-72483-4
The Worst Witch at School
Jill Murphy
A young witch-in-training at Ms. Cackle’s academy, Mildred finds herself in one mishap after another in the two books that make this newly formed edition. In the first, The Worst Witch, Mildred’s cat can’t stay on her broom, then she turns teacher’s pet Ethel into a pig, and then her broom breaks just when she needs it for the Halloween celebration. Miss Hardbroom, her forms teacher and Ms. Cackle, headmistress, have about run out of patience with her when the last straw breaks. Midlred’s borrowed (and enchanted) broom bucks her off in the middle of the finale, sending her and her classmates into wild disarray and creating quite the opposite to the desired impression on the visiting master magician. But instead of awaiting her punishment, Mildred decides this time she’d best runs away. To her good fortune, she finds a secret gathering of wicked witches and thinks she might be able to foil their plan and restore her good name. In the second book, The Worst Witch Strikes Again, Miss Hardbroom entrusts Mildred with a new student, Enid, hoping to inspire better behavior through responsibility. However, Enid likes mischief and Mildred’s best friend Maud has joined forces with mean Ethel, making too many strikes against her good intentions. After an adventure with Enid’s cat-turned-monkey, Mildred finds herself with threat of expulsion if she makes one more mistake. But Enid is too bored to worry about Mildred’s problems, and gets them locked in a closet when they’re supposed to be at an assembly. The second book has a much better pace and story development, easily credited to Murphy’s greater experiences as a writer when it came about, but both are clever and fun stories for young readers who enjoy innocent witches’ tales. 2007 (orig. 1974), Candlewick Press, $6.99, Ages 8 to 12. Reviewer: Heidi Quist (Children’s Literature).
ISBN: 978-0-7636-1254-2
ISBN: 978-0-7636-1255-9
ISBN: 978-0-7636-3453-3
Yo-Yo Man
Daniel Pinkwater
Illustrated by Jack E. Davis
Pinkwater takes us to the first day of third grade, vividly brought to life by our narrator, who is certain it will be "ugly," with Miss Mousetrap beginning with math and spelling tests, and his tormenter Richard Newton sitting behind him. Recess, however, is enlivened by the performance of Ramon, the world yo-yo champion. Ramon explains yo-yo tricks in his books, then promises a diamond-decorated gold yo-yo to any kid who can do all of them. The yo-yo frenzy takes over the schoolyard. Meanwhile our narrator practices both his spelling and the tricks, determined to both beat Richard Newton and win the prize. His final triumph makes a satisfying conclusion. "And I can spell…" is the added note. Davis creates an appropriate array of cartoon kids and teacher, plus a Newton whose evil stare and big-toothed grin define "bully." The schoolroom and yard are crowded with an array of typical youngsters, while Ramon is a slick dude with wide smile and pencil mustache. Our triumphant hero is perhaps fulfilling the dreams from Pinkwater's childhood. 2007, HarperCollins Children's Books/HarperCollins Publishers, Ages 4 to 8, $17.89. Reviewers: Ken Marantz and Sylvia Marantz (Children’s Literature).
ISBN: 0-06-055502-5
ISBN: 0-06-055503-3
ISBN: 978-0-06-055502-3
ISBN: 978-0-06-055503-0
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