This Librarian's Quick Picks: Posted by John David Anderson

Posted

by John David Anderson
Walden Pond, 2017
Realistic Fiction

What It's All About:

In middle school, words aren't just words. They can be weapons. They can be gifts. The right words can win you friends, or make you enemies. 

Why You'll Love It:

• Acute observations about social media and school life and a smart, engaging narrator make this a journey well worth taking.
•  Anderson reminds us that bullying takes place in many forms: when cellphones are banned from Branton Middle School, the student population is thrown into a frenzy, which only increases when kids find a new way of communicating throughout the day—Post-it notes.
• The characters, both adult and teen, are vivid, flawed, and approachable. Anderson dives into the world of middle school with a clear sense of how it works and what it needs.

Who Should Read It:

Great for grades 5-8...and here's the teaching guide!

What Else You Should Read:

• Mr. Bixby's Last Day by John David Anderson
• The Best Man by Richard Peck
• Restart by Gordon Korman

This Librarian's Quick Picks: Real Friends

Real Friends
by Shannon Hale
Illustrations by LeUyen Pham
First Second Books (2017)
Graphic Novel (Memoir)

What It's All About:

Shannon and Adrienne have been best friends ever since they were little. But one day, Adrienne starts hanging out with Jen, the most popular girl in class and the leader of a circle of friends called The Group. Everyone in The Group wants to be Jen's #1, and some girls would do anything to stay on top . . . even if it means bullying others.
Why You'll Love It:

• Pham’s brightly colored panels are the perfect complement to Hale’s nuanced story, particularly when she zooms in on reactions, subtle gestures, and facial expressions that add captivating emotional depth.
• It's bound to resonate with most readers, especially kids struggling with the often turbulent waters of friendships and cliques.

Who Should Read It:

Perfect for 3rd-6th graders...and here's the book trailer!



What Else You Should Read:

• Smile by Raina Telgemeier
• El Deafo by Cece Bell

This Librarian's Quick Picks: Big Nate Blasts Off

Big Nate Blasts Off
by Lincoln Peirce
Balzer + Bray (Feb. 16, 2016)
Chapter Book

Summary:

Nate has a crush on Ruby. But after his scrap with Randy Betancourt makes headlines in the Weekly Bugle, he's got a problem WAY worse than detention! Can Nate bounce back? And will the annual Mud Bowl be a blast . . . or a bust?

Why You'll Love It:

• It's an entertaining addition to the popular Big Nate series and a sure-fire circulator.
• Quick pacing, frequent jokes, and an appealing graphic-novel format make this a crowd pleaser. The plentiful illustrations include several comics penned by Nate. His believable middle-school perspective covers topics such as his dream job (Cheez Doodles taste consultant), and the horrors of running into Principal Nichols (in “casual” clothes) on the weekend.
• Lincoln Pierce is adept at including humor without diminishing serious situations. For instance, when Nate is worrying in school that bully Randy has it in for him, Nate’s art teacher is pictured scratching his head over Nate’s latest painting—an angry-looking portrait of Randy.
• Randy, who has appeared in other Big Nate books, is further developed here. While Randy’s bullying behavior hasn’t earned him any friends, Nate’s insensitive treatment of him in a published comic may have readers feeling sympathetic. As the story progresses, Nate’s growing compassion toward Randy is heartwarming.

Who Should Read It:

 Great for 3rd-6th grades.

What Else You Should Read:

• The 39 Story Treehouse by Andy Griffiths (and others in the series)
• The Terrible Two by Mac Barnett
• Dinosaur Boy by Cory Putman Oakes

This Librarian's Quick Picks: Dinosaur Boy

Dinosaur Boy
by Cory Putman Oakes
Jabberwocky Books (Feb. 3, 2015)
Science Fiction chapter book

Summary:

Sprouting a tail and spikes over the summer before fifth grade, Sawyer, a boy with the dinosaur gene, is bullied in school, but when his tormentors begin to disappear, it is up to Sawyer, his best friend Elliot, and a mysterious new girl to rescue them from a galactically horrible fate.

Why You'll Love It:

•  A fast-paced narrative and mixture of science fiction and humor will appeal to reluctant readers.
• Themes of bullying and racial identity are woven into an entertaining story that never stops moving.
• If you loved Wonder and would like to read another book with similar ideas about acceptance, this is a great choice.

Who Should Read It:

Great for grades 3-6...and here's the teacher guide.

What Else You Should Read:

• Blast Off! by Nate Ball
• Pickle by Kim Baker
• Spaceheadz series by Jon Scieszka

This Librarian's Quick Picks: Zero Degree Zombie Zone

The Zero Degree Zombie Zone
by Patrik Henry Bass
Scholastic (Aug. 26, 2014)

Summary:

Fourth-grader Bakari Johnson is having a really bad day--class bullies Tariq and Keisha are mad at him, his best friend Wardell has nominated him for hall monitor, a pack of ice zombies from a frozen world are demanding he return the magic ring that Keisha has, and somehow he has to find a way to save the school.

Why You'll Love It:

• Kids will enjoy this school story that includes familiar details such as class elections and library time, while offering an exciting sci-fi twist.
• A fun middle-grade fantasy featuring African American characters.
• Zombie-fighting action will keep readers engaged.
• Jerry Craft’s expressive, bold-lined illustrations complement the story.

Who Should Read It:

Great for grades 3-6.

What Else You Should Read:

• For more great chapter books with diverse main characters, try the STAT series or the EllRay Jakes series. 
• For great zombie fantasy, try Zombie Baseball Beatdown.