This Librarian's Quick Picks: Nothing But Trouble

Nothing But Trouble
by Jacqueline Davies
Katherine Tegen Books (Nov. 2016)
Humorous fiction

What It's All About:

Odawahaka has always been too small for Maggie's big scientific ideas. Between her stuck-in-a-rut mom, her grumpy grandpop, and the lifetime supply of sludgy soda in the fridge, it's hard for Maggie to imagine a change. But when Lena moves in with her creative spirit and outrageous perspective, middle school takes off with a bang. Someone starts pulling the kind of pranks that send their rule-loving new principal into an uproar—complete with purple puffs of smoke, parachuting mice, and a scavenger hunt that leads to secret passageways. Suddenly the same-old football games, election for class president, and embarrassing stories feel almost exciting. And for the first time in her life, Maggie begins to wonder if there might be more to Odawahaka than she ever saw coming.

Why You'll Love It:

• This series starter, full of unapologetic girl power and complete with appended activities based on Maggie’s interest in physics and Lena’s in Dadaism, might especially appeal to lonely studious-and-creative types, with its reassurance that they’re not as alone as they may think.
• A vividly realized present-day setting, distinctive, believable characters, subversive humor, and a satisfying ending give this title solid kid appeal.
• The story's high entertainment value is balanced by more serious moments when the girls reflect on tricks that backfired or cope with family problems.

Who Should Read It:

Great for 5th-8th graders.

What Else You Should Read:

• Homework Strike by Greg Pincus
• Revenge of the Green Banana by Jim Murphy
• Slacker by Gordon Korman

This Librarian's Quick Picks: Word of Mouse

Word of Mouse

by James Patterson & Chris Grabenstein

illustrated by Joe Sutphin

Jimmy Patterson Books/Little, Brown (2016)

Fantasy Chapter Book

Summary:

What makes Isaiah so unique? First, his fur is as blue as the sky--which until recently was something he'd never seen, but had read all about. That's right--Isaiah can read, and write. He can also talk to humans...if any of them are willing to listen! After a dramatic escape from a mysterious laboratory, Isaiah is separated from his "mischief" (which is the word for a mouse family), and has to use his special skills to survive in the dangerous outdoors, and hopefully find his missing family. But in a world of cruel cats, hungry owls, and terrified people, it's hard for a young, lone mouse to make it alone. When he meets an equally unusual and lonely human girl named Hailey, the two soon learn that true friendship can transcend all barriers.

Why You'll Love It:

• A book by best-selling Patterson or Grabenstein is pretty much a done deal.
• Sutphin provides black-and-white spot illustrations that recall the great mouse protagonists of the mid-20th century.
• The authors manage to seamlessly integrate clever wordplay (including Isaiah’s snarky perspective), advanced vocabulary, and basic science information into the story without becoming didactic.

Who Should Read It:

Great for 3rd-6th graders.

What Else You Should Read:

• Stuart Little by E.B. White
• Nuts to You by Lynne Rae Perkins
• Mouse and the Motorcycle by Beverly Cleary

This Librarian's Quick Picks: If the Magic Fits

If the Magic Fits
by Susan Maupin Schmid
Random House, 2016
Fantasy Chapter Book

Summary:

Inside an enchanted castle, there's a closet--a closet with one hundred dresses that nobody ever wears. Dresses like those need a good trying-on, and Darling Dimple is just the girl to do it. When she tries on Dress Number Eleven, something unbelievable happens. She transforms into the castle's Head Scrubber! It turns out that each dress can disguise her as someone else. And Darling is about to have an adventure that calls for a disguise or two . . . or a hundred.

Why You'll Love It:

• Kids who enjoy magical adventures with a healthy dose of sleuthing will like this series opener
• Darling’s engaging, entertaining first-person narrative is nicely paced, and small illustrations of the dresses, each with a unique design, open up each chapter.
• The carefully plotted mystery moves along at a quick pace with enough ups and downs to keep readers excited.

Who Should Read It:

Great for 4th-7th graders.

What Else You Should Read:

• Disenchanted: The Trials of Cinderella by Megan Morrison
• Anything by Jessica Day George
• Princess Academy series by Shannon Hale

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

Kid Lit Pick of the Week: Wish

Wish
by Barbara O'Connor
Farar, Strauss, and Giroux (Aug. 30, 2016)
Fiction chapter book

Summary:

A story about a girl who, with the help of the dog of her dreams, discovers that family doesn't always have to be related--they are simply people who love you for who you are.

Why You'll Love It:

• At school, at home, and in the community, the characters and settings are well drawn, but it’s the narrator’s convincing, compelling voice that will draw readers into the novel and keep them there until her wish finally comes true.
• Poignant and genuine, this is a tale that will resonate with readers long after they finish it and have them cheering for the underdogs-both of the two-legged and four-legged varieties.
• In this first-person narrative, Charlie’s emotions are as evident as the events she records and her occasional misreading of other people’s lives and intentions. 

Who Should Read It:

Great for grades 4-6...and here's the reader's guide.



What Else You Should Read:

• The Education of Ivy Blake by Ellen Airgood
• A Handful of Stars by Cynthia Lord
• Dear Hank Williams by Kimberly Willis Holt

 

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: Firefly Hollow

Firefly Hollow
by Alison McGhee
illustrations by Christopher Denise
Atheneum Books (Aug. 18, 2015)
Fantasy Chapter Book

Summary:

Firefly and Cricket each have been taught that “giants” are dangerous, but when they each leave the Hollow to pursue their dreams, they end up befriending one (albeit a small one).

Why You'll Love It:

•  McGhee sensitively portrays the pains of growing up as well as themes of prejudice, death, overcoming fears, and the power of friendship.
• Illustrations reminiscent of The Wind in the Willows further enhance a wise and lovely reading adventure. One can definitely imagine a film version of the book, and it is much deserved!
• Author Alison McGhee has created a tiny world of wonder with a gentle, never heavy-handed, message. 

Who Should Read It:

For independent readers (grades 3-5) although this would be a great read aloud for younger children as well. Also check out this reader's guide for discussion questions and enrichment activities.

What Else You Should Read:

•  The works of Kate DiCamillo (especially Despereaux and Edward Tulane)
• The works of E.B. White (especially Charlotte's Web and Stuart Little)

This Librarian's Quick Picks: A Handful of Stars

A Handful of Stars
by Cynthia Lord
Scholastic (May 26, 2015)
Realistic Fiction Chapter Book

Summary:

Lily’s lost dog leads to her friendship with Salma, a young migrant who works in the blueberry barrens near Lily’s home. Lily worries Salma will challenge conventions when she enters a local pageant.

Why You'll Love It:

•  Seriously. The cover. This will be a great attention-grabber for kiddos; it will move off the library shelves without too much prodding :)
• This book is also a perfect read-aloud for upper elementary classroom teachers. 
• Lord conveys a great message without being over the top or preachy. The characters embrace each other's differences and really practice empathy.

Who Should Read It:

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

What Else You Should Read:

• Return to Sender by Julia Alvarez
• Until I Find Julian by Patricia Reilly Giff
• Unusual Chickens for the Exceptional Poultry Farmer by Kelly Jones

This Librarian's Quick Picks: Hamster Princess

Hamster Princess: Harriet the Invincible
by Ursula Vernon
Dial Books (August 18, 2015)
Graphic/fantasy hybrid chapter book

Summary:

Never a conventional princess, Harriet becomes an adventurer after learning she is cursed to fall into a deep sleep on her twelfth birthday, but after two years of slaying ogres, cliff-diving, and more with her riding quail, Mumfrey, things go awry at home and she must seek a prince to set things right. 

Why You'll Love It:

•  Vernon already has a following in our library with the Dragonbreath series, and those kiddos will love Harriet! Also a ready-made booktalk for lovers of Holm's Babymouse graphic novel series. 
• Shifting between prose passages and indigo-tinted cartoon sequences, Vernon upends fairy-tale conventions and gender stereotypes left and right.
• Harriet breaks all the "princess" rules. She's cursed from birth to prick her finger when she's 12 and decides she's got to make the best of it 'till then. There's a great twist that leaves Harriet scrambling to find a prince--not to kiss HER awake, but everyone else in the castle.  

Who Should Read It:

Great for grades 3-5...and here's the book trailer.

What Else You Should Read:

• The Dragonbreath series (also by Ursula Vernon)
• Half Upon a Time by James Riley
• The Babymouse series by Jennifer Holm 

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: Public School Superhero

Public School Superhero
by James Patterson/Chris Tebbetts
illustrations by Cory Thomas
Little, Brown Books (March 16, 2015)
Chapter Book

Summary:

In Kenny Wright's active imagination he's a world famous superhero, but in the real world he's a sixth grade 'Grandma's Boy' whose struggles to fit in at his Washington D.C. inner city school will put his grades and family loyalty to the test.

Why You'll Love It:

• Students already familiar with the Middle School and I Funny series will welcome a new Patterson book.
• Underlying the humor is a commentary on inner-city schools, a subsection of our educational system plagued by budget cuts, principal-hopping and a society that may have written them off entirely.
• Kenny is African American and his classmates include kids from a rich and realistic diversity of racial and ethnic backgrounds, adding to the overall appeal of this novel.

Who Should Read It:

Great for grades 5 and up ...and here's a book trailer.



What Else You Should Read:

• I Funny Series by James Patterson
• The Zero Degree Zombie Zone by Patrik Henry Bass
• Big Nate series by Lincoln Peirce

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: Nuts to You!

Nuts to You!
by Lynne Rae Perkins
Greenwillow Books (Aug. 26, 2014)
Chapter book (Adventure)

Summary:
A squirrel trades a story for a taste of peanut butter and weaves a yarn about Jed, a squirrel who’s carried off by a hawk, and the friends who rescue him.

Why You'll Love It:

• Some deeper themes may prompt readers to question their interactions with the natural world.
• Readers, especially animal lovers and the environmentally minded, will relish the squirrels' adventures, as well as Perkins's laugh-aloud illustrations and equally witty footnotes.
• The squirrel POV includes clever wordplay: power lines are “buzzpaths,” for example.

Who Should Read It:

Great for grades 3-6...and here are some 'squirrelebrations' on Perkins' website

What Else You Should Read:

• Flora & Ulysses by Kate DiCamillo (I love the new paperback cover art!)
• The Underneath by Kathi Appelt