This Librarian's Quick Picks: Dory and the Real True Friend

Dory and the Real True Friend
by Abby Hanlon
Dial Books (July 7, 2015)
Early Chapter Book

Summary:

Dory, a highly imaginative youngest child, makes a new friend at school but her brother and sister are sure Rosabelle is imaginary, just like all of Dory's other friends. 

Why You'll Love It:

• Dory’s lively first-person narrative is illustrated with similarly expressive line drawings, which take up about as much space as the text in this appealing early chapter book.
• The humor and familiar school setting will invite new fans. Old friends and new will hope this highly successful sequel will not be the last starring this inventive, original child.
• Fans of Annie Barrows's "Ivy and Bean", Barbara Park's "Junie B. Jones", and books with a little bit of humor and fantasy mixed into a school setting will enjoy reading this second installment in the "Dory" series.  

Who Should Read It:

Great for grades 2-4.

What Else You Should Read:

• Princess in Black by Shannon Hale
• Violet Mackerel series by Anna Branford
• Ivy and Bean books by Annie Barrows

This Librarian's Quick Picks: First Grade Dropout

First Grade Dropout
by Audrey Vernick
illustrations by Matthew Cordell
Clarion Books (July 7, 2015)
Picture Book

Summary:

Everyone laughs when a boy does something embarrassing in class. He considers his options: magic, time travel, disguise. Or maybe he can just quit school. . . . 

Why You'll Love It:

•  Readers will sympathize with this first grader as he describes being laughed at by a “big marching band“ of classmates (including his best friend!) after he accidentally calls his teacher “Mommy.“
• From the opening lines, the narrator’s voice stands out (“I’ve been lots of things. Hungry. Four years old. Crazy-bored. Soaking wet.“) and makes for an amusing read. For example, after he decides he has no choice but to drop out of school, he says, “It’ll be fine. I’ll stay at home for a bunch of years, no big deal, work on my jump shot, and maybe when I’m a teenager, I’ll get a job.“
• The story concludes in an entertaining and satisfying way: at soccer (the first grader is ready to drop out of that, too), his best friend, Tyler, doesn’t remember—or care about—the narrator’s mistake earlier in the day. And then Tyler makes his own verbal faux pas, providing some gentle and valuable perspective.

Who Should Read It:

Great for K-grade 2.

What Else You Should Read: 

• My Teacher is a Monster by Peter Brown
• The Invisible Boy by Trudy Ludwig
• Ben Draws Trouble by Matt Davies

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: The Terrible Two

The Terrible Two
by Mac Barnett and Jory John; illustrations by Kevin Cornell
Amulet Books (Jan.13, 2015)
Chapter Book

Summary: 

When master prankster Miles Murphy moves to sleepy Yawnee Valley, he challenges the local, mystery prankster in an epic battle of tricks but soon the two join forces to pull off the biggest prank ever seen.

Why You'll Love It:

• The humor is deadpan and slightly quirky. For example, the fictional town of Yawnee Valley is famous for one thing -- cows -- and random cow facts are peppered throughout the book.
•  The short chapters and fast pace build confidence in struggling readers. 
• It's a great new book to suggest to students who have already read all of your "Diary of a Wimpy Kid" read-alikes. 

Who Should Read It:

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



What Else You Should Read:

• I Funny series  by James Patterson
  
• Timmy Failure series by Stephan Pastis
• Pickle: The (Formerly) Anonymous Prank Club of Fountain Point Middle School by Kim Baker

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: 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.