Kidsreads.com Updates

July 2011

noreply@blogger.com (--- Jordana Frankel) — Sat, 30 Jul 2011 21:54:00 +0000

June 2011

noreply@blogger.com (--- Jordana Frankel) — Wed, 29 Jun 2011 21:45:00 +0000

REVIEWS

THEODORE BOONE: THE ABDUCTION by John Grisham (Mystery)
Thirteen-year-old Theodore (Theo) Boone is awakened in the middle of the night with the news that April Finnemore has disappeared and is feared abducted. As the last person to talk to April on the night of her disappearance, Theo is questioned by the police, but even he doesn't know what has happened to his friend. Reviewed by Donna Volkenannt and excerpted.

MIDDLE SCHOOL, THE WORST YEARS OF MY LIFE written by James Patterson and Chris Tebbetts, illustrated by Laura Park (Fiction)
Rafe Khatchadorian has enough problems at home without throwing his first year of middle school into the mix. Luckily, he has an ace plan for the best year ever, if only he can pull it off: With his best friend Leonardo the Silent awarding him points, Rafe tries to break every rule in his school's Code of Conduct. Reviewed by Chris Shanley-Dillman.

THE EMPIRE OF GUT AND BONE by M. T. Anderson (Fantasy/Action & Adventure)
Brian and Gregory have come to New Norumbega for a reason --- to get the Norumbegans to help them thwart an alien attack back home on earth. But instead, the two boys find themselves caught up in both a robot rebellion and a murder mystery after one of the Norumbegan leaders is sent to sleep...permanently. Reviewed by Norah Piehl and excerpted.

NOAH BARLEYWATER RUNS AWAY by John Boyne (Fantasy)
A runaway child discovers a mysterious toyshop in a tree poised at the edge of an enchanted forest. Within dwells a delightful old miser with secrets and stories to tell, giving readers insight into the many dangers of choosing to run away or chasing one's dreams to distraction. Reviewed by Melanie Smith.

TRUE (...SORT OF) by Katherine Hannigan(Fiction)
Delly is a fast-talking mischief-maker. Ferris is a traveler and a loner, with a special affinity for animals. Delly is trouble. Ferris is in trouble. And their friendship, unexpected as it is, is true and real. Reviewed by Jana Siciliano.

FIBBLE: The Fourth Circle of Heck, by Dale E. Basye (Fantasy)
After having their souls switched, siblings Marlo and Milton Fauster must act like each other while trying to avert disaster on earth from the powers that be evil. This time it's a three-ring media circus that's pumping fresh lies up to the surface, and it's hard to stop the power of television. Reviewed by Benjamin Boche.

WILLIAM'S MIDSUMMER DREAMS by Zilpha Keatley Snyder (Fiction)
A year after escaping his abusive family, William S. is back in the spotlight as he stars in Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream. This time William has to juggle newfound fame, admirers and jealous actors, all while trying to forget his past. Will it be all's well that ends well this time around? Reviewed by Benjamin Boche.

THE GLORIOUS ADVENTURES OF THE SUNSHINE QUEEN by Geraldine McCaughrean (Historical Fiction/Action & Adventure)
Cissy longs for a life in show business, while Kookie craves adventure. When a diphtheria outbreak interrupts their dull routine, Cissy and Kookie are evacuated to the doubtful safety of the Bright Lights Theater Company's summer home --- a shipwrecked paddle steamer on the flooded Missouri River. Reviewed by Norah Piehl.

THE RESISTERS by Eric Nylund (Science Fiction/Action & Adventure)
Twelve-year-old Ethan Black's life is a sham. Rather than striving all of his life to be an athletic superstar and genius, he's just a few short years away from being absorbed into the alien Ch'zar collective that has invaded earth. His only choice is to be absorbed --- or resist! Reviewed by Benjamin Boche.

THE SUMMER OF MAY written by Cecilia Galante and illustrated by Tad Carpenter (Fiction)
Twelve-year-old May often finds herself picking fights and getting into trouble. But when she's caught graffiti-ing her least favorite teacher's classroom, May is faced with a choice: expulsion or one-on-one summer school with the teacher she most detests. Begrudgingly, she chooses summer school and ultimately learns that her teacher has a secret past. Reviewed by Kathleen M. Purcell.

THE MEGASAURUS written by Thomas Weck and Peter Weck, illustrated by Len DiSalvo(Illustrated Fiction)
What's the King of Beandom to do? The tiny, multi-colored bean-shaped bears of Beandom are under attack by a monster. Even the King's wisest advisors seem unable to find a solution. Who will save Beandom? Can an ordinary tiny bear step forward with a plan that works? Reviewed by Elinor Nuxoll.

THE HARDY BOYS: THE NEW CASE FILES #1: CRAWLING WITH ZOMBIES written by Gerry Conway and illustrated by Paulo Henrique
Frank and Joe go undercover as the Living Dead to infiltrate a "Zombie Crawl" that has acquired a notorious reputation --- a teenager in Zombie makeup appears to "accidentally" die in the last Zombie Crawl through Bayport. Will the Undercover Brothers and Agents of A.T.A.C. discover what's really going on in Zombieland or become the next accidental victims? Reviewed by Danica Davidson.

AVATAR: THE LAST AIRBENDER, Volume 1
At the South Pole, a lone water tribe village struggles to survive. Young waterbender Katara and her warrior brother Sokka rescue a mysterious boy named Aang, who is an airbender --- a race of people no one has seen in a century. Soon, everyone discovers that Aang is the long-lost Avatar. Now it's up to Katara and Sokka to make sure that Aang faces his destiny: to save the world! Reviewed by Danica Davidson.

GABBY & GATOR written and illustrated by James Burks
Flushed down the toilet as just a little snapper, Gator spends his days alone in the sewers. On the streets above, little Gabby occupies her time collecting bottles and practicing her tuba, but it does get lonely being the only vegetarian on the block. When Gabby and Gator meet, their fun and adventures prove that the best friends are those who accept you as you are. Reviewed by Danica Davidson.

TARO AND THE CARNIVAL OF DOOM written and illustrated by Sango Morimoto
Before his comic book drawings came to life, Taro was an ordinary boy. Now his characters are in danger, and it's up to him to save them. With the flick of a magic pencil, Taro transforms into Terrie (a terrier) and enters his comic book world. The adventures ahead are more amazing than anything he ever imagined. Reviewed by Danica Davidson.

CONTESTS

Win a Copy of RAIDERS' RANSOM #2: FLOOD AND FIRE by Emily Diamand
In RAIDERS' RANSOM, Lilly, Lexy and Zeph were thrown together by fate, as Lexy --- the Prime Minister's daughter --- was stolen from a village in a clan skirmish by Zeph's very own father. Now, in FLOOD AND FIRE, Lilly must return Lexy to her home, and Zeph wants to gain leadership over his clan before more savage raids take place. But there's something else afoot the three will have to overcome before they each reach their goals.

To celebrate the release of FLOOD AND FIRE by Emily Diamand, Kidsreads.com is giving 100 readers the chance to win a copy of the book. The deadline for entries is Thursday, July 28th at noon ET.

RAIDERS' RANSOM #2: FLOOD AND FIRE by Emily Diamand(Science Fiction)
She survived the epic battle of the raiders on the rough waters that flood England. Now poor fishergirl Lilly is determined to return Lexy, the Prime Minister's kidnapped daughter, to her home. And since his father was killed in the clash, Zeph is equally determined to claim leadership of his family's clan before more savage tribes invade the marshlands. But will the electromagnetic pulse of an omnipotent computer set the world aflame and wipe out all humans so that artificial intelligence can take over the future?! It's up to the unlikely trio of children --- and their petulant, unpredictable gameboard PSAI --- to rage against the machines!

» Click here to read all the contest details.
» Click here to read more about RAIDERS' RANSOM #2: FLOOD AND FIRE.
» Click here to read a review of RAIDERS' RANSOM #2: FLOOD AND FIRE.
» Click here to read an excerpt from RAIDERS' RANSOM #2: FLOOD AND FIRE.

SERIES UPDATE

SEPTIMUS HEAP, Book Six: DARKE by Angie Sage (Fantasy)
As Septimus and Jenna turn 14, Septimus is determined to rescue the Banished ghost Alther from the Darke. Meanwhile, the deadly Darke Domaine oozes throughout the Castle, inciting a tremendous battle for power --- and making the latest Septimus Heap book a suspenseful, brilliant and humorous page-turner. Reviewed by Terry Miller Shannon.

» Click here to read a review of DARKE.
» Click here to read our Septimus Heap series feature with updated trivia and characters.

BOOKS INTO MOVIES

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Part 2
On July 15th, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Part 2, the long-awaited final film in the magical world of Harry Potter --- and the very last time you'll fly alongside Harry --- lands in theaters.

Many of you have grown up alongside Harry, Ron, Hermione and even Draco --- even if you can't wave a wand quite like they can --- and so this year marks the end of an era. But shed no tears. You can keep reading the books and watching the movies to your heart's content!

In this epic finale, Harry Potter and the battle between the good and evil forces of the wizarding world will escalate into an all-out war. The stakes have never been higher, and no one is safe. But it is Harry who may be called upon to make the ultimate sacrifice, as he draws closer to the climactic showdown with Lord Voldemort. It all ends here, and you won't want to miss a second of it.

» Click here to read more about Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Part 2.

Winnie the Pooh
Also on July 15th, you can take a stroll through the Hundred Acre Wood with Winnie the Pooh and all his friends. For the first time in more than 35 years, Pooh is back on the big screen, in traditional animation. The first volume of stories about the famous teddy bear was published way back in 1926, and author A. A. Milne based his characters on the stuffed animals owned by his son, Christopher Robin. Now, in this brand new Disney film, very wise Owl sends the whole gang --- Pooh, Tigger, Rabbit, Piglet, Kanga, Roo and Eeyore --- on a wild quest to save Christopher Robin from an imaginary culprit. All Pooh wanted to do was find some hunny, but it looks like it's going to be a very busy, perhaps even blustery, day instead!

» Click here to read more about Winnie the Pooh.

Judy Moody and the NOT Bummer Summer and Mr. Popper's Penguins
Kidsreads.com's Books into Movies feature is back with two magical movies to help you cool off when the sun gets a little too hot.

We're very excited about Judy Moody and the NOT Bummer Summer, which marks the big screen debut of Megan McDonald's popular character, Judy Moody. The third grader planned to spend the summer with her two best friends. But when they head off to exotic summer camps, a majorly bummed Judy is stuck in town with her second-best friend, Frank, and her little brother, Stink. Things go from bad to worse when her parents leave for a trip and her wacky Aunt Opal comes to say. Who knew the summer would take a turn for the surprising and adventuresome?

Another fun flick, Mr. Popper's Penguins, sees the very funny Jim Carrey trying to train a group of penguins for a circus act. We're guessing that isn't the easiest thing to do! This is also the first time Mr. Popper has appeared in theaters, since Richard and Florence Atwater's children's book of the same name was published in 1938. Seems like he's long overdue for some screen time.

» Click here to read more about June's films.

MOVIE TIE-IN BOOKS

JUDY MOODY AND THE NOT BUMMER SUMMER by Megan McDonald (Fiction)
In this book based on the movie screenplay of the same name, Judy Moody is being abandoned for the summer. With her parents and her best friends off on adventures, leaving Judy and Stink with "Aunt Awful," surely this will be the worst summer in Judy Moody history. Or will it? Reviewed by Terry Miller Shannon.

JUDY MOODY GOES TO HOLLYWOOD: Behind the Scenes with Judy Moody and Friends, by Megan McDonald (Movie Tie-In)
Here's the inside scoop on the Judy Moody and theNOT Bummer Summer film! It's fun to read this collection of all kinds of trivia, including photos of the movie being filmed, interviews with the cast, quizzes about the actors, information on how a movie is made, and much more. Reviewed by Terry Miller Shannon.

COOL NEW BOOKS

June's roundup of Cool New Books includes John Grisham's THEODORE BOONE: THE ABDUCTION, which marks the return of Theo, a young lawyer (in his own mind) who sets out to solve the disappearance of his best friend; MIDDLE SCHOOL, THE WORST YEARS OF MY LIFE by James Patterson and Chris Tebbetts, in which an incoming sixth-grader tries to break every rule in his school's Code of Conduct; THE EMPIRE OF GUT AND BONE, a third visit to the world of The Game of Sunken Places created by M.T. Anderson, which finds two boys caught up in a robot rebellion and murder mystery; and CHRONICLES OF THE RED KING: THE SECRET KINGDOM, the beginning of a brand-new series from Jenny Nimmo chronicling the origin and the adventures of Charlie Bone's magical ancestor, the Red King. » Click here

NEW IN PAPERBACK

June's roundup of New in Paperback titles includes STARGAZER, the fourth book in Patrick Carman's Land of Elyon series and a continuation of Alexa Daley's heroic adventures after a tragic attack by an evil force; COSMIC by Frank Cottrell Boyce, a funny and touching story of the many ways in which grown-upness is truly wasted on grown-ups; FAITH, HOPE, AND IVY JUNE, Phyllis Reynolds Naylor's novel about two girls from different parts of Kentucky who participate in the first seventh-grade student exchange program; and TUMTUM & NUTMEG: ADVENTURES BEYOND NUTMOUSE HALL by Emily Bearn, a delightful peek into the lives of a pair of mice who, in three captivating stories, are called on time and again to save the day. » Click here

May 2011

noreply@blogger.com (--- Jordana Frankel) — Mon, 30 May 2011 21:35:00 +0000

REVIEWS

THE ROGUE CREW: A Tale of Redwall, by Brian Jacques (Fantasy)
Redwall Abbey has never seen a creature more evil or hideous than Razzid Wearat. Captain of theGreenshroud, a ship with wheels that can sail through water as well as the forest, this beast is a terror of both land and sea, traveling Mossflower Country, killing nearly everything --- and everyone --- in his path. And his goal? To conquer Redwall Abbey. Reviewed by Sally M. Tibbetts.

» Click here to read a review of THE ROGUE CREW.
» Click here to read our Redwall series feature with updated trivia.

THE THRONE OF FIRE: The Kane Chronicles, Book 2 by Rick Riordan (Fantasy/Action & Adventure)
Saving the world has become a regular occurrence for siblings Carter and Sadie Kane. Apophis, the god of chaos, threatens to destroy the world again, and the only way to stop him is to resurrect Ra, the powerful sun god. One little problem, though: Nobody knows how to do it! Reviewed by Benjamin Boche and excerpted.

THE WIMPY KID DO-IT-YOURSELF BOOK (Revised and Expanded Edition) by Jeff Kinney(Humor)
Wimpy kids everywhere can continue to follow Greg Heffley's example in this revised and expanded edition of 2008's DIARY OF A WIMPY KID DO-IT-YOURSELF BOOK. They can record all kinds of facts about themselves in this diary…I mean "journal." Of course, because this is a Wimpy Kid journal, Greg stars. He offers tips and advice, as well as fill-in-the-blank tidbits, lists, quizzes and much more. Reviewed by Terry Miller Shannon.

TROUBLETWISTERS by Garth Nix and Sean Williams (Fantasy)
Jack and Jaide Shields aren't sure what to think when their mysterious Grandma X invites them to come and stay with her. She and her house are odd and puzzling, as well as the evil presence that is slowly making its way into town. Can the twins save the day? Reviewed by Benjamin Boche.

JUNONIA written and illustrated by Kevin Henkes (Fiction)
Alice Rice is turning 10 --- double digits --- and the world is full of promise. She has friends and family to celebrate with her, as well as an eagerly anticipated beach vacation ahead of her, and she knows exactly how everything will be: perfect. But what happens when life isn't exactly what Alice expects? Reviewed by Norah Piehl.

THE PENDERWICKS AT POINT MOUETTE by Jeanne Birdsall (Fiction)
When summer comes around, it's off to the beach for Rosalind, and off to Maine with Aunt Claire for the rest of the Penderwick girls, as well as their old friend, Jeffrey. That leaves Skye as the Oldest Available Penderwick. Things look good as they settle into their cozy cottage. But can Skye hold it together long enough to figure out Rosalind's directions about not letting Batty explode? Reviewed by Norah Piehl.

SKELETON CREEK #4: THE RAVEN by Patrick Carman (Mystery/Suspense)
Strange things happen in Skeleton Creek --- and when they do, Ryan writes them down and Sarah captures them on video. They've solved old mysteries. They've followed clues all over the country and underground. They've investigated secret societies. They've found their answers. Or so they thought. Because there's still a shadowy figure standing in their path who doesn't want Ryan and Sarah digging up any more of the past. Reviewed by Sally M. Tibbetts.

A TALE OF TWO CASTLES by Gail Carson Levine(Fantasy/Mystery)
Newly arrived in the town of Two Castles, Elodie unexpectedly becomes the assistant to a brilliant dragon named Meenore, and together they solve mysteries. Their most important case concerns the town's shape-shifting ogre, Count Jonty Um: Someone is plotting against him. Elodie must disguise herself to discover the source of the threat amid a cast of characters that includes a greedy king, a giddy princess and a handsome cat trainer. Reviewed by Sarah Rachel Egelman.

JAKE RANSOM AND THE HOWLING SPHINX by James Rollins (Thriller/Action & Adventure)
Jake Ransom survives a near-death experience during Tae Kwon Do practice, and then is rescued from a botched burglary and a kidnapping attempt. But when the middle-grade student and his older sister visit the American Museum of Natural History in New York, they're plunged into a strange and dangerous world. Reviewed by Donna Volkenannt.

WARP SPEED by Lisa Yee (Fiction)
Rancho Rosetta Middle School seventh-grader Marley Sandelski is an avid "Star Trek" fan, a dedicated member of the Technical Services Club (aka one of the audiovisual geeks) and a super-fast runner. Marley is also invisible --- at least that's how he feels --- until he gets thrust into the spotlight at school. Reviewed by Donna Volkenannt.

THE SILVER BOWL by Diane Stanley (Historical Fantasy)
Unwanted at home, Molly goes to work for the king of Westria as a humble scullery maid. Whenever she polishes the large ceremonial hand basin used by the royals, it quite literally comes to life, and its swirling patterns dissolve into visions that only she can see. The visions tell of a curse that has befallen each generation of the royal family --- and now it rests on Prince Alaric's shoulders. Molly is the only one who can destroy the curse and save the prince. Reviewed by Norah Piehl.

GRAPHIC NOVELS & MANGA

MOUSE GUARD: LEGENDS OF THE GUARD written and illustrated by David Petersen
At the June Alley Inn, a bet is made to tell a story that is neither entirely true nor entirely false, and one that has never before been heard. What follows is a collection of short stories surrounding the heroics and heartbreaks of mice, each tale the stuff of legend. Spinning off from David Petersen's Mouse Guard, LEGENDS OF THE GUARD offers a strong group of artists and writers the chance to lend their voices to a rich, developing epic. Reviewed by Michael Hicks.

BEAUTY AND THE SQUAT BEARS written and illustrated by Émile Bravo
When Stepmother's magic mirror declares that Snow White is the fairest in the land, Snow flees the kingdom and finds herself at the doorstep of the seven squat bears' cabin. But the squat bears aren't interested in harboring fugitive princesses. Setting off to find a prince for her, they quickly learn that the lives of royalty are far more trying than they seem. Reviewed by Danica Davidson.

CONTESTS

To celebrate the release of FLOOD AND FIRE by Emily Diamand, Kidsreads.com is giving 100 readers the chance to win a copy of the book. The deadline for entries is Thursday, July 28th at noon ET.

Win a Copy of BIRD IN A BOX by Andrea Davis Pinkney
Famed boxer Joe Louis is miles away from Otis, Willie and Hibernia, but that doesn't stop them from looking to him during times of hardship. Like Joe Louis, these three children are fighters in their own right --- when loss strikes their families, they refuse to let go of their dreams. And when the three finally meet, they'll have not only their idol to look to, but each other as well.

To celebrate the release of BIRD IN A BOX by Andrea Davis Pinkney, Kidsreads.com is giving 10 readers the chance to win a copy of the book. The deadline for entries is Tuesday, June 28th at noon ET.

BIRD IN A BOX by Andrea Davis Pinkney (Historical Fiction)
Otis, Willie and Hibernia are three children with a lot in common: they've all lost a loved one, they each have secret dreams, and they won't stop fighting for what they want. And they're also a lot like their hero, famed boxer Joe Louis. Throughout this moving novel, their lives gradually converge to form friendship, family and love. Their trials and triumphs echo those of Joe Louis, as he fights to become the first African-American heavyweight boxing champion.

» Click here to read all the contest details.
» Click here to read a review of BIRD IN A BOX.
» Click here to read an excerpt from BIRD IN A BOX.
» Click here to see the reading group guide for BIRD IN A BOX.
» Click here to visit the book's official website.
» Click here to read our interview with Andrea Davis Pinkney.
» Click here to read Andrea Davis Pinkney's bio.

- IN FRONT OF GOD AND EVERYBODY: The Confessions of April Grace by K.D. McCrite
- IZZY'S POPSTAR PLAN by Alex Marestaing
- NO PLACE LIKE HOLMES by Jason Lethcoe
- THE SECRETS BENEATH by Kathleen Fuller

The deadline for entries is Wednesday, June 15th at noon ET.

» Click here to read all the contest details.
» Click here to read more about the prize books.

SERIES UPDATES

CANNONS AT DAWN: THE SECOND DIARY OF ABIGAIL JANE STEWART: Valley Forge, Pennsylvania, 1779 by Kristiana Gregory(Historical Fiction)

Abigail Stewart's life falls into unbelievable hardship after a fire destroys her family home in 1779. With nowhere else to go, she, her mother and her siblings join the group of families that follow along behind their husbands in George Washington's army. While they cook and do laundry for the soldiers, they face starvation, blizzards and the powerful British military. Throughout the few good times and overwhelming bad, Abigail records it all in her diary. Reviewed by Chris Shanley-Dillman.

» Click here to read our Dear America series feature.

GOOSEBUMPS HORRORLAND: HALL OF HORRORS #2: NIGHT OF THE GIANT EVERYTHING by R.L. Stine (Horror)

When 11-year-old Steven Sweeney is tricked into drinking an odd mixture of chemicals by his classmates, things begin to get strange. Either his toothbrush is growing, or he is shrinking! Steven has to navigate his way through gigantic dust bunnies, enormous birds, and other once seemingly harmless, everyday items to get to his best friend's house for help. Reviewed by Jana Siciliano.

» Click here to read a review of NIGHT OF THE GIANT EVERYTHING.
» Click here to read our Goosebumps Horrorland series feature with updated trivia and characters.

BOOKS INTO MOVIES

Judy Moody and the NOT Bummer Summer and Mr. Popper's Penguins
Kidsreads.com's Books into Movies feature is back with two magical movies to help you cool off when the sun gets a little too hot.

We're very excited about Judy Moody and the NOT Bummer Summer, which marks the big screen debut of Megan McDonald's popular character, Judy Moody. The third grader planned to spend the summer with her two best friends. But when they head off to exotic summer camps, a majorly bummed Judy is stuck in town with her second-best friend, Frank, and her little brother, Stink. Things go from bad to worse when her parents leave for a trip and her wacky Aunt Opal comes to say. Who knew the summer would take a turn for the surprising and adventuresome?

Another fun flick, Mr. Popper's Penguins, sees the very funny Jim Carrey trying to train a group of penguins for a circus act. We're guessing that isn't the easiest thing to do! This is also the first time Mr. Popper has appeared in theaters, since Richard and Florence Atwater's children's book of the same name was published in 1938. Seems like he's long overdue for some screen time.

» Click here to read more about June's films.

MOVIE TIE-IN BOOKS

COOL NEW BOOKS

May's roundup of Cool New Books includes THE ROGUE CREW, the final installment of Brian Jacques's Redwall series, featuring an evil and hideous creature threatening to conquer Redwall Abbey; THE THRONE OF FIRE, Book Two in Rick Riordan's The Kane Chroniclestrilogy, which sees the offspring of the brilliant Egyptologist Dr. Julius Kane on a worldwide search for the Book of Ra; TROUBLETWISTERS, a spectacular new middle-grade fantasy series from Garth Nix and Sean Williams, in which a set of twins must act as wards against a threatening evil; and JUNONIA by Kevin Henkes, a fanciful tale of a girl who is hoping to find a junonia shell at the beach this summer --- and some luck to boot! » Click here

NEW IN PAPERBACK

May's roundup of New in Paperback titles includes THEODORE BOONE: KID LAWYER by John Grisham, which sees a 13-year-old dragged into the middle of a sensational murder trial; FIRE IN THE SKY, Book Five in Erin Hunter's Seekers series, in which shape-shifter Ujurak learns firsthand what lurks beneath the ice; CLEMENTINE, FRIEND OF THE WEEK, the fourth installment in Sara Pennypacker's series starring Clementine, who learns the true meaning of friendship when she's picked for Friend of the Week; and ADVENTURES OF A CAT-WHISKERED GIRL by Daniel Pinkwater, a sequel of sorts to the hilarious and zany THE NEDDIAD and THE YGGYSSEY, in which Big Audrey sets off on an adventure to solve the mystery of the cat-whiskered doppelganger. » Click here

April 2011

noreply@blogger.com (--- Jordana Frankel) — Sat, 30 Apr 2011 20:42:00 +0000

REVIEWS

THE EMERALD ATLAS by John Stephens(Fantasy/Action & Adventure)
Orphans Kate, Michael and Emma P (that's right, P) stumble upon an old atlas that has the power to transport them through time. At first, the children seek answers to their mysterious past. But they eventually come to realize that before they learn the truth, they must save the world. Reviewed by Benjamin Boche and excerpted.

SHIMMER: A Riley Bloom Book, by Alyson Noël(Supernatural Fantasy)
After the successful completion of her first assignment as a Soul Catcher, Riley Bloom gets to enjoy a much-needed vacation with her dog Buttercup and guide Bodhi. But their fun is interrupted by a very disturbed lost soul who has managed to trap other lost souls in her own personal nightmare. Despite warnings from Bodhi to leave the situation alone, Riley sets off to save them all. Reviewed by Chris Shanley-Dillman and excerpted.

BEYONDERS: A WORLD WITHOUT HEROES by Brandon Mull (Fantasy/Action & Adventure)
After being transported to the mysterious world of Lyrian, teenagers Jason and Rachel embark on a quest to defeat the evil wizard Maldor and end his terrible reign. They must collect all six parts of a word that, when uttered in his presence, will destroy him. But it won't be easy. Reviewed by Benjamin Boche and excerpted.

BEST OF THE BEST: A Baseball Great Novel, by Tim Green (Fiction)
Josh is still flying high from his baseball team's win when his parents start talking divorce. Now his dad is challenging him to play the best of the best at the Little League World Series. Does he just want Josh out of the way? With the help of two friends, Josh races to get the facts that can help keep his family together. Reviewed by Joy Held.

STINK: THE ULTIMATE THUMB-WRESTLING SMACKDOWN written by Megan McDonald and illustrated by Peter H. Reynolds (Fiction)
Stink Moody, family brain, brings home a report card that isn't perfect. It's time for him to get into fighting shape and beat back that U for Unsatisfactory in gym! A scan of the sports channel leads to a knock-out find: world-class thumb wrestling. But then Stink gets an even better idea: he'll kick and punch his way to a yellow belt with the help of a Dragon Master, a seeing-eye Moose, and a mind as still as a pond. Reviewed by Terry Miller Shannon.

THE MIDNIGHT TUNNEL: A Suzanna Snow Mystery, by Angie Frazier (Historical Mystery)
In 1904, 11-year-old Suzanna Snow spends most of her summer working at a fancy hotel in a coastal Canadian town. Rather than follow in her parents' footsteps of hotel management, she wants to be a detective, just like her famous uncle in Boston. Then a real-life mystery opens up right in front of her when a seven-year-old hotel guest disappears in the middle of a storm. Zanna is on the case! Reviewed by Chris Shanley-Dillman.

A TRUE PRINCESS by Diane Zahler (Fantasy)
Twelve-year-old Lilia is a terrible servant. She daydreams, breaks dishes, and her cooking is awful. Still, she hardly deserves to be sold off to the mean-spirited miller and his family. Refusing to accept that dreadful fate, she decides to flee with her best friend, Kai, and his sister, Karina. But danger awaits in the elves' domain, where Lilia must find a jewel of ancient power that lies somewhere in the North Kingdoms. Reviewed by Norah Piehl.

THE UNSEEN WORLD OF POPPY MALONE: A GAGGLE OF GOBLINS by Suzanne Harper(Fantasy/Humor)
Unlike her ghost-chasing parents, Poppy Malone isn't the kind of girl who sees goblins. But then she begins to collect evidence: a snicker, soft but clear, and white teeth gleaming in the shadows. What could it be? Vampires, ghosts, werewolves, fairies, or (gulp) goblins? She needs to record all the evidence in a logbook, set a trap, employ a motion-sensor camera, and maybe even ask her siblings for help. Reviewed by Kathleen M. Purcell.

A DOG'S WAY HOME by Bobbie Pyron (Fiction)
Abby loves her Shetland sheepdog, Tam. When an accident separates them, it feels as though nothing will ever be right again. As the days between them turn to weeks and then months, dangers and changes fill up Abby's and Tam's lives. Will they ever find their way home to each other? Reviewed by Kathleen M. Purcell.

GRAPHIC NOVELS AND MANGA

BABYMOUSE #13: CUPCAKE TYCOON written by Jennifer L. Holm and illustrated by Matthew Holm
When Babymouse accidentally destroys her school library, the school has a cupcake sale to help pay to replace it. Babymouse longs to win the grand prize, but an aggressive classmate is way ahead of her. What's a little pink mouse to do? Reviewed by Brigid Alverson.

CONTESTS

To celebrate the release of BIRD IN A BOX by Andrea Davis Pinkney, Kidsreads.com is giving 10 readers the chance to win a copy of the book. The deadline for entries is Tuesday, June 28th at noon ET.

Win a Copy of THE LOSER LIST by H.N. Kowitt
Being a loser is bad enough, but now comics-obsessed Danny is actually on the list: the Loser List --- it's right there, hanging in the girls' bathroom, for everyone (and one girl in particular) to see. There's only one thing for him to do about it. He must get his name off. But just when his world starts looking up again, Danny may find that being cool isn't all it's cracked up to be.

To celebrate the release of THE LOSER LIST, Kidsreads.com is giving 100 readers the chance to win a copy of H.N. Kowitt's illustrated book. The deadline for entries is Thursday, May 26th at noon ET.

THE LOSER LIST by H.N. Kowitt (Illustrated Fiction/Humor)
When Danny gets caught trying to cross his name off the "Geek" list in the girls' bathroom, he's sent to detention. Bullies torment him mercilessly --- until they discover that Danny can draw. He enjoys his new "bad boy" status, supplying tattoos and graffiti, until he's unknowingly drawn into a theft. Turns out the bullies took a comic book from Danny's favorite store. Can he steal it back before they get caught --- and break off with the bullies before he gets in too deep?

» Click here to read all the contest details.
» Click here to read a review of THE LOSER LIST.
» Click here to look inside THE LOSER LIST.
» Click here to read our interview with H.N. Kowitt.
» Click here to read H.N. Kowitt's bio.

Announcing Kidsreads.com's First "Bunch o' Books" Giveaway!
In our first-ever Bunch o' Books Giveaway, Kidsreads.com is giving 20 lucky readers the chance to each win four books that we think they'll enjoy!

Each winner will receive:

- IN FRONT OF GOD AND EVERYBODY: The Confessions of April Grace by K.D. McCrite
- IZZY'S POPSTAR PLAN by Alex Marestaing
- NO PLACE LIKE HOLMES by Jason Lethcoe
- THE SECRETS BENEATH by Kathleen Fuller

The deadline for entries is Wednesday, June 15th at noon ET.

» Click here to read all the contest details.
» Click here to read more about the prize books.

COOL NEW BOOKS
April's roundup of Cool New Books includes John Stephens's much-talked-about debut, THE EMERALD ATLAS, which finds three orphaned siblings on a journey to secret corners of the world, where magic and mayhem await; VESPERS RISING, a multi-authored addition to the 39 Clues series, bringing the Cahills up against the powerful Vespers, who have been waiting in the shadows for their time to rise; THE EMPEROR OF NIHON-JA by John Flanagan, the final adventure in the worldwide phenomenon Ranger's Apprentice,which sees Will and his band of Araluens fending off master Senji warriors intent on overthrowing the emperor; and ARTHUR TURNS GREEN, the long-awaited return of Marc Brown's beloved aardvark, who is making a poster listing all the ways to save energy at home --- and go green! » Click here

NEW IN PAPERBACK
April's roundup of New in Paperback titles includes THE SUMMER BEFORE, Ann M. Martin's prequel to The Baby-sitters Club, which marks the long-awaited return of a much-loved group of friends; the opening volumes of two new series by Newbery Medal-winning author Kathryn Lasky, Wolves of the Beyond and The Deadlies; THE BRIMSTONE KEY, the first installment in Derek Benz and J.S. Lewis'sClockwork Chronicles trilogy, starring the Grey Griffins, who are now monster-hunters, celebrated heroes, and allies to the legendary Templar knights; and DEWEY THE LIBRARY CAT, a middle-grade adaptation of Vicki Myron's nonfiction bestseller about a cat who was abandoned in a library book drop slot and gained worldwide fame as a symbol of hope that one small cat could change a town, one reader at a time. » Click here