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: Fear the Amoeba

Fear the Amoeba (Squish #6)
by Jennifer Holm & Matthew Holm
Random House (Jul. 8, 2014)
Graphic Novel

Summary:

Afraid to watch horror movies with his friend, Pod, Squish the amoeba feels better after learning that even comic book superheroes get scared sometimes. 

Why You'll Love It:

• This graphic novel sympathetically and realistically depicts Squish’s two competing fears: first, of the frightening Water Bear movies his friends enjoy, and second, his worry that if he admits he is scared, he will “look, you know, lame in front of other kids.”
• Squish’s outsized panic after seeing the first two movies is humorously conveyed in the fluid and energetic illustrations. Super Amoeba’s subplot also provides comic relief, as he is terrified of a dark mist paralyzing Small Pond.
• Pod and Peggy, Squish’s friends, prove to be consistent and supportive in their reactions to his predicament. Pod doesn’t mind when Squish declines to see the new Water Bear sequel, and Peggy is thrilled to have someone with whom to watch Zweebort Beach Party!

Who Should Read It:

Great for grades 2-5.

What Else You Should Read:

• The rest of the Squish series.
• The Lunch Lady graphic novel series by Jarrett Krosoczka.
• The Glorkian Warrior Delivers a Pizza by James Kochalka.