NOVEMBER 20, 2010
Sports Camp by Rich Wallace
Although Riley had chosen to attend a sports camp, upon his arrival, he begins to doubt the wisdom of his choice. As the smallest and one of the youngest campers, he fears that he will be a drag on his cabin in the competition with the other five cabins. It's softball and basketball where he assumes he won't do well. He's fairly certain that track, water polo, and long distance swimming will be his aces. But will the older guys overlook his weaknesses and appreciate his contributions? Action-packed chapters are interspersed with Camp Olympia bulletins which summarize the cabin standings and report the high points of each day's action. A definite plus is the variety of sports events and the play-by-play reporting of them. Besides sports, such camping classics as ghost stories around the campfire, grungy food, and slowly developing friendships all play a part. But the two week race for the Big Joe trophy (named for the mythical snapping turtle that lives in Lake Surprise) occupies center state and will keep the interest of middle school readers engaged.
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NOVEMBER 17, 2010
Griff Carver, Hallway Patrol by Jim Krieg
Griff Carver is not your typical middle school kid. He is a boy with a badge. He is: Hallway Patrol. Since the first grade, Griff has worn a badge. Crossing guard, safety patrol, and now hallway patrol. Sometimes, that badge can over power everything else, to the point that Griff has gotten kicked out of school. It's a new year, and a new school. He is supposed to join the band, but it's not in him. He sees the patrol squad, and signs up. Being an enforcement officer is in his blood. At first glance, Rampart Middle School looks just as pristine as it's brochure, but Griff knows better. He knows the intricate facets of the student body like the back of his hand.
Told in a deadpan style of a police blotter, we learn of the things that make Griff tick and why he is so good at what he does. Griff has his eye on Marcus Volger, the student elect president who is just too good to be true. Griff uncovers Marcus's counterfeit hall pass operation. Griff is part Joe Friday, part Sherlock Holmes, as he attempts to put a stop to this illegal activity. Recommended for students in grades 5-8.
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NOVEMBER 17, 2010
Leaving Glorytown: One Boy's Struggle Under Castro by Eduardo F. Calcines
This is a captivating biography from the point of view of a young boy who experiences the changes to Cuba and it's citizens as Fidel Castro and communism take over the island in the early 1960's. Even as a 4-year-old, Eduardo notices the changes happening around him - the soldiers lined up on every street corner, the Voice on the radio, and especially the strange way his parents are acting. His father realizes immediately that the family must leave their home if they want to ever experience freedom again, not an easy decision considering their extremely large extended family surrounding and supporting each other. After applying for exit visas, which are awarded through a lottery, Eduardo's father is taken away to a work labor camp as a dissenter. In school, being a dissenter means daily bullying from his teachers and fellow students. Luckily, Eduardo has three close friends to defend him, including two who try to be loyal communists but who also don't believe the propaganda they are taught. As the months and years pass, Eduardo's family continues to believe that the military Jeep will drive up to their door with the telegram telling them that they will be able to leave. Time is running out, though, as Eduardo approaches 14-1/2 when he will be considered too old to leave and drafted into the army. Reading about Eduardo's story, complete with food rationing, tormenting by government thugs, and the complete loss of the most basic liberties such as public gatherings to play cards makes the reader appreciate better the problems associated with communism and the luxuries we often take for granted here in the United States. Even seemingly small things like chewing gum, comic books, and ice cream have been removed from Cuban experience. My only criticism of the book was the way the background information provided at the beginning was not incorporated into the story very well. It would have worked better as a prologue, starting the story in the second chapter when the revolution begins. Recommended for readers in grades 5 and up who might be interested in the Cuban revolution or political themes.
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NOVEMBER 16, 2010
The Year Money Grew on Trees by Aaron Hawkins
Mrs. Nelson, a sly old lady, made Jackson (a thirteen, almost fourteen-year-old) an offer he couldn't refuse. He felt caught between her proposal - care for 300 apple trees, sell the crop, give her $8000, then the orchard and any additional profit would be his - or on the other hand, his father's ultimatum - spend his summer working at the town junkyard. He knew there was really no choice. But having dealt with Mrs. N. previously, he insisted on having their agreement written and witnessed. Then, overcome by the fact that he knew nothing about producing apples, he checked out a library book on the topic and immediately realized that he needed help. He enticed his cousins and sisters to be his employees for a percentage of the "profits" - thus somehow managing to prune, weed, fertilize, spray, water, pick and sell thousands of apples. But would there be enough money to cover the $8000 for Mrs. Nelson, plus expenses, plus $ to pay his helpers their promised percentages? Is being the boss worth all the worry? Middle School readers will follow Jackson's efforts with growing admiration as he meets and overcomes numerous obstacles.
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NOVEMBER 3, 2010
The Criminal in the Caymans by Connie L. Berry
Brothers Max and Sam have just found out that they will be spending spring break in the Cayman Islands, thanks to their dad's work trip. Before they leave, two mysterious packages arrive. One, an old map with Max and Sam's names written on it, and the other, an old leather journal. Inside the journal is written this quote, " May good fortune be with you." The boys are puzzled by this. As they arrive in the Cayman Islands, Max and Sam forget about the strange gifts. The brothers enjoy the beach, but soon, their detective skills are put to the test. A man with a parrot tattoo, the FBI, and their dad's secret job, add to the suspense. What will Max and Sam discover? Read this story to find out. This is the first book in "The Incredible Journey, " series. With easy to read text, short chapters, and cool black and white illustrations, this will be sure to attract reluctant readers, as well as those who like a good mystery. Facts of the Cayman Islands are included, along with instructions to investigate the Incredible Journey website. Ufortunately, the website is no longer available. However, readers in grades 2-4 will enjoy this series.
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NOVEMBER 3, 2010
Big Nate in a Class by Himself by Lincoln Peirce
From the comic strip to a real book comes the character “Big Nate” with another book to follow soon so we are told by author, Lincoln Peirce. In this book Nate tries to eat his dad’s lumpy oatmeal hoping those lumps are raisins. He scurries off to school where his life is always centered on trying to stay out of trouble. Nate has dreams about his least favorite teacher, Mrs. Godfrey, approaching him at his desk when he doesn’t know the answer. Nate really doesn’t even remember the question. Nate’s self esteem is kept in tact by a fortune cookie message that he is “destined for greatness.” This story is funny with whit that will appeal to boys (and girls) in grades 2-5. If you are a fan of The Diary of a Wimpy Kid, you will definitely want to read Big Nate in a Class by Himself.
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NOVEMBER 2, 2010
The Frandidate by Jim Benton
From the series “Franny K. Stein Mad Scientist”
The Frandidate is the latest episode of Franny’s involvement in growing up as a bright girl who wants to become a “mad scientist.” Franny would love to take over the world and starts by wanting to be elected class president. In the process of running her campaign and using her “Frandidate” skin invention to try to please everyone and get everyone’s vote, Franny and her assistant dog, Igor, discover some of the pitfalls of politics. Franny usually brings creativity and humor into her scientific inventions. Without exception in this story, lessons of political life are woven through out to keep even adults laughing. This book is most suitable for readers in grades 1-3. It would be particularly appropriate as a family evening read aloud with discussion for children in grades 1-5.
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NOVEMBER 1, 2010
The Klipfish Code by Mary Casanova
Using as a setting the Nazi occupation of Norway during World War II, the struggles of one family exemplify the five years of privations suffered by all. After their hometown is bombed, Erik and Kirsten Gundersen join the Resistance, wanting to do anything possible that will help to defeat the German invaders. They send their children, Marit and Lars, to live in a fishing village with their loving Aunt Ingeborg and their austere grandfather, Bestefar. Never his favorite, Marit repeatedly angers him as she sides with those Norwegians who court trouble by their obstinate refusal to "go along to get along." After Marit's aunt (who is also a teacher) refuses to instruct her students in Nazi propaganda, she and many other teachers are sent off to concentration camps. This cruelty decides Marit's actions when she is asked to help hide an injured Resistance fighter - the first of many dangerous feats. Middle and junior high school students will appreciate this piece of historical fiction as it recounts the true-to-life adventures of Marit Gunderson's growing up years.
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