This Librarian's Quick Picks: All's Faire in Middle School

All's Faire in Middle School

by Victoria Jamieson
Dial Books (2017)
Graphic Novel

What It's All About:

Homeschooled by Renaissance Fair enthusiasts, eleven-year-old Imogene has a hard time fitting in when her wish to enroll in public school is granted.

Why You'll Love It:

• Jamieson masterfully taps into the voice and concerns of middle-schoolers, and the offbeat setting of the Renaissance faire adds some lively texture.
• Jamieson’s appealing, naturalistic artwork, full of warm tones, realistic-looking characters, and saturated colors, playfully incorporates medieval imagery along with Imogene’s more mundane homelife, particularly when Imogene fears that her misbehavior at home, thanks to frustrations at school, makes her more of a dragon than a knight.
• Jamieson portrays a diverse cast of expressive, naturally posed figures occupying two equally immersive worlds.

Who Should Read It:

Perfect for 4th-8th graders...and here's the book trailer!



What Else You Should Read:

• Drama by Raina Telgemeier
• Chiggers by Hope Larson
• Sunny Side Up by Jennifer Holm

Kid Lit Quick Pick: Frazzled - Everyday Disasters and Impending Doom

Frazzled: Everyday Disasters and Impending Doom
by Booki Vivat
Harper Collins, 2016
Fiction chapter book

Summary:

Nervous about middle school because her family does not get her and her friends know exactly what they want to do, Abbie Wu searches for her own passion before discovering a knack for leadership when injustices in the cafeteria come to light.

Why You'll Love It:

• This one's perfect for fans of the Wimpy Kid series and anyone who will appreciate rooting for a witty underdog.
• The humorous, doodlelike artwork makes her struggles entertaining and relatable.
• The multicultural cast of characters, including kooky Aunt Lisa and scary Ms. Skelter, turns up the charm and humor scale.

Who Should Read It:

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



What Else You Should Read:

• Sunny Side Up by Jennifer L. Holm
• Diary of a Wimpy Kid series by Jeff Kinney
• Jessie Elliot is a Big Chicken by Elise Gravel

This Librarian's Quick Picks: The Key to Extraordinary

The Key to Extraordinary
by Natalie Lloyd
Scholastic (Feb. 23, 2016)
Fantasy Chapter Book

“Some books are so special that you never forget where you were the first time you read them.”

 Summary:

Twelve-year old orphan Emma Casey lives by a haunted graveyard in her Tennessee town, giving tours, and helping her brother and Granny Blue with the family bakery, and waiting for the destiny dream of her ancestors--but when it comes it shows her only a key, and she finds that she must solve a ghostly mystery that has haunted her town for generations.

Why You'll Love It:

• The book's evocative setting and cast of eccentric minor characters will draw readers into Emma's world-one warmed by friendship, love, and hope-to share in her discovery that the most valuable treasures lie within.
• Despite ghosts and graves, the story avoids the macabre and instead focuses on the relationships among memory, sadness, and joy, especially as Emma's still recovering from her mother's death.
• This novel will be appreciated by younger middle grade readers who enjoy mysteries with an ample dose of magic and whimsy.

Who Should Read It:

Great for 3rd-6th graders...and here's the book trailer from Scholastic.



What Else You Should Read:

• A Snicker of Magic by Natalie Lloyd
• A Tangle of Knots by Lisa Graff
• Savvy by Ingrid Law

This Librarian's Quick Picks: Crenshaw

Crenshaw
by Katherine Applegate
Feiwel & Friends (Sep. 22, 2015)
Fantasy Chapter Book

Summary:

Jackson can’t believe his eyes when his imaginary friend—a huge, talking, skateboarding cat—returns. Meanwhile, his family’s financial troubles are all too real to ignore.

Why You'll Love It:

•  Though the story is weighty, it is a quick read that encourages people of all ages to be honest with one another and value family and friends (real and imaginary!).
• The tone is warm and, occasionally, quirkily funny, but it doesn’t sugarcoat the effects of hunger and vulnerability.
• While sardonic Crenshaw may not be the warm and cuddly imaginary friend readers are expecting, he's the companion that Jackson truly needs as he begins to realize that he doesn't need to carry the weight of the world upon his shoulders. 

Who Should Read It:

 Great for grades 4-6...and here's the book trailer.

What Else You Should Read:

• Winterfrost by Michelle Houts
• The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate
• Pie by Sarah Weeks

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: Glamourpuss

Glamourpuss
by Sarah Weeks; illustrations by David Small
Scholastic (Feb. 24, 2015)
Picture Book

Summary:

A cat named Glamourpuss who likes being the center of attention fears she might fall out of fashion when Bluebelle the dog arrives.


Why You'll Love It:

•  What a personality! Glamourpuss doesn't lie down, she reclines! She doesn't stretch, she extends!
• I see myself using this book as a mentor text for vivid verbs and word choice. 
• The book jacket is pink and sparkly. Duh.
• This book is a great read-aloud and best introduced by an expressive reader. Even more fun would be introducing students to some of the influences behind the characters in the book -- Scarlett O'Hara & Carmen Miranda.

Who Should Read It:

A great read-aloud for K-3rd grade; even older for a minilesson on word choice/vivid verbs.

What Else You Should Read:

• Mr. Putter and Tabby Turn the Page by Cynthia Rylant
• Fancy Nancy series by Jane O'Connor
• Bow-Wow's Nightmare Neighbors by Mark Newgarden

This Librarian's Quick Picks: EllRay Jakes Rocks the Holidays!

EllRay Jakes Rocks the Holidays!
by Sally Warner; illustrations by Brian Biggs
Viking Books (October 16, 2014)
Chapter Book

Summary:

Third-grader EllRay dreads the upcoming Winter Wonderland school assembly in which he must emcee and sing "Jingle Bell Rock."

Why You'll Love It:

• I know I'm always looking for more holiday-themed chapter books. The kiddos can't get enough of them!
• I love that the main character is someone my boys can relate to.
• The quick pace, authentic dialogue, and cartoon illustrations scattered throughout are great for reluctant readers who need that extra nudge to get started on a great series.

Who Should Read It:

Perfect for grades 2-4...and here's the curriculum guide! 

What Else You Should Read:

• Other books in the EllRay Jakes series
• Zero Degree Zombie Zone by Patrik Henry Bass

This Librarian's Quick Picks: Blizzard

Blizzard
by John Rocco
Disney-Hyperion (October 30, 2014)
Picture Book

Summary:

Author John Rocco presents a story of New England's blizzard of 1978, based on his own childhood experience.

Why You'll Love It:

•  Rocco's artwork is center stage here -- a double gatefold shows the extent of the detours John takes to gather grocery orders from his housebound neighbors and make his way to the store.
• The white negative space around some of his images effectively portrays the vastness of the snowstorm in a minimalist way.
• The kid is the hero! What a great message for our readers.

Who Should Read It:

Great for Grades K-2...and here's the book trailer.



What Else You Should Read:

• Blackout (also by Rocco)
• Big Snow by Jonathan Bean
• Bunnies on Ice by Johanna Wright

This Librarian's Quick Picks: Violet Mackerel!

Violet Mackerel's Pocket Protest
by Anna Branford
Atheneum (Sep. 2nd, 2014)
Chapter Book

Summary:

Violet and Rose organize a protest to save the big oak tree in Clover Park.


Why You'll Love It:

• Aussie Violet's world is just different enough to provide an interesting change for readers entering the chapter book stage.
• This quiet story, told in third person, is liberally illustrated with grayscale drawings.

Who Should Read It:

Great for grades 2-4.

What Else You Should Read:

Definitely the other books in the Violet Mackerel series.

Also try The Critter Club series and Heidi Heckelbeck books.

Who Else Is Talking About It:

Ellie's Booklist