FRIENDSHIP EXPERiMENT By: Erin Teagan

FRIENDSHIP EXPERIMENT  By: Erin Teagan
Imagine being so smart that you are allowed to help in a university lab, but of course everything has its trade offs. Madeline has a hard time making friends due to the fact she treats most things like a science experiment. Going into middle school is hard for most people but even harder for Madeline because she has a bleeding disorder called Von Willebrand disease, which causes her to have blood that does not clot well. This leads to long and unexpected bloody nose which complicate matters more. Also her one and only best friend is going to a fancy private school, Madeline is stuck at the normal public school. To make matters worse her famous scientist grandpa just died, plus at the estate sale her mom found a painting of a naked lady that she insists they keep. Things are not in great shape for Madeline.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys realistic fiction that is funny and full of mishaps. Readers who are in 4th -7th grade would probably like this book the most, but it would be a great read for everyone.  Reviewed by Ella age 13  Harcourt Childrens Books $16.99

BOOMERANG EFFECT By: Gordon Jack

BOOMERANG EFFECT  By: Gordon Jack
Things always seem to go wrong for Lawrence. After majorly disrupting a school assembly Lawrence is incredibly close to being kicked out of school. As an alternative, he gets placed in a buddy program that pairs a freshman with an older student. Lawrence gets paired with the newly immigrated Norwegian, Spencer. Spencer is super smart, but he is totally different than anyone Lawrence has ever known, Lawrence's quest to make Spencer fit in while he is working on this her manages to get involved in quite a few problems with quite a few people. This is a very fast moving funny books. Perfect for grades 8-12. Harper Teen $17.99  Reviewed by Ella age 13

Eva's review age 10
I really liked this book because it was kind of a mystery, very exciting, and had lots of adventure. The main character Lawrence was paired with Spencer in a freshman buddy program. Spencer was smart and funny and her was my favorite character. Spencer called plans that were supposed to be good and failed the boomerang effect.

NOTHING BUT TROUBLE By: Jacqueline Davies

NOTHING BUT TROUBLE  By: Jacqueline Davies
Maggie is unlike all of her peers. The main difference is that she hacks. Hacks are harmless tricks and jokes that make people laugh, but all hacks must be safe and easy to dismantle. When a new girl, Lena, moves to the small town that Maggie lives in it is big news. Maggie quickly becomes friends with Lena and their hacking adventures begin. From making the gym floor explode safely to rigging the class presidential election Maggie and Lena are two very unique girls who are sure to have you laughing. This is a great book for any middle schooler who wants to have fun reading! Reviewed by Ella age 13. Katherine Tegen Books $16.99

COOKIE FIASCO By: Dan Santat WE ARE GROWING By: Laurie Keller

Cookie Fiasco and We Are Growing
Two wonderful beginning reading books inspired by Mo Willems, Elephant and Piggie Books.
Authors, Dan Santat and Laurie Keller make beginning reading fun. Great illustrations will delight your children. I hope you add them to your library. $9.99 Hyperion Books

WISH By: Barbara O'Connor

WISH  By: Barbara O'Connor
Charlie has been wishing everyday since fourth grade. She wishes on everything, stars, numbers, birds among many. But Charlie's world turns upside down when she is sent to live with an her Aunt Bertha and Uncle Gus. She didn't even know them. Aunt Bertha was the opposite of her sister, she is kind and loving. Charlie learns what being a family is really about, and what a real friendship can be when she meets Howard her neighbor and school mate and a scrappy stray dog. Get the tissues and be prepared to smile. Ages 8-12 $16.99  Farrar Straus Giroux

MARK OF THE PLAGUE By: Kevin Sands

MARK OF THE PLAGUE   By: Kevin Sands
This is the sequel to Blackthorn Key and a fabulous one indeed. The black death has come to London and this is where Christopher lives as an apprentice for his apothecary Blackthorn. But when Blackthorn is murdered and strange things start happening at the apothecary, Christopher and his friend Tom have to find out the real truth. Will they be able to save the people of London in time? Couldn't put it down. $17.99  Aladdin  Ages 10-14

LION ISLAND By: Margarita Engle

LION ISLAND  By: Margarita Engle
I must admit that I learn more about history reading historical fiction than I ever did in school. This is true when I read Engle's new novel. Cuban, Chinese, and African history all comes together from the years 1871-1878. Told in prose by the voices of the children whose parents are either slaves or writing to help the slaves find freedom. Cuba from another view. Ages 10 and up. $16.99 Antheneum

FROZEN By: Matthew Reinhart

FROZEN  By: Matthew Reinhart
Another stunning pop-up masterpiece by Reinhart. If you have a child who loves the movie Frozen and want to gaze at beautifully crafted pop-ups, this is a book for you. We collect pop-up books at our house and this will be added to our collection. I had the opportunity of meeting Matthew Reinhart and hearing how he crafts his books. The engineering involved is incredible. A great gift. $40.00
Disney Editions  All ages

IF YOU GIVE A MOUSE A BROWNIE By: Laura Numeroff

IF YOU GIVE A MOUSE A BROWNIE  By: Laura Numeroff
Well this is another in the series of Numeroff stories. One that will delight your little ones and make you want to go and bake a pan of brownies. I know I am headed to the kitchen after reading all about mouses adventures, and I might even have a glass of milk to go with it. Ages 4-8  $17.99  Harper

LUCY AND COMPANY By: Marianne Dubuc

LUCY AND COMPANY  By: Marianne Dubuc
In this series of short stories of Lucy and her animal friends you will come to love her and her cast of characters.  Lucy has a picnic on a tree branch, digs for treasure and finds the perfect home for hatchlings. Your little ones will enjoy all her adventures. Ages 3-6  $16.95  Kids Can Press

GHOST By: Jason Reynolds

GHOST  By: Jason Reynolds
Castle Cranshawl is a trouble maker at school and is often sent to the principals office. His life isn't easy for his father is in prison for trying to shoot he and his mom as they ran away. That is why Castle aka Ghost is a very fast runner. Not until he runs across Coach working with a bunch of runners that he begins to find his place and release some of his anger. Powerful story that is thoughtfully written. Ages 10 and up $16.99 Simon and Schuster

HOTEL BRUCE By: Ryan T. Higgins

HOTEL BRUCE  By: Ryan T. Higgins
Bruce is not too happy that he is missing his hibernation to take his goslings south. But more trouble awaits when he arrives home and finds that the mice have turned his beloved home into a hotel. In this funny sequel to Mother Bruce I am sure your children will love as Bruce confronts not only the mice, but the guests. Ages 4-8  $17.99 Hyperion

FANCY NANCY BEST READING BUDDIES By: Jane O'Connor

BEST READING BUDDIES  By; Jane O'Connor
A delightful I Can Read book about Nancy who has a reading buddy from the fifth grade. She absolutely loves Violet and can't wait to read to her. But Violet isn't around for a few sessions and Nancy is really sad. Will Violet return to help Nancy? Your children will love her wit. 
HarperCollins Ages 4-8 $16.99

LITTLEST BIGFOOT By: Jennifer Weiner

LITTLEST BIGFOOT  By: Jennifer Weiner
What would you do if you were a girl who didn't look as petite as your mom or was teased and bullied at each school you attend. Here we find Alice, who is on her way to her eighth boarding school. But what she begins to find here isn't so bad, until one more girl joins her cabin. 
There is another girl who lives across the pond, Millie. Millie has golden hair and is small for her family. She is also a member of the bigfoot clan. When Alice and Millie find each other they find acceptance. And more importantly someone who is a friend. 
Will the bigfoot clan be found out and exploited? Will Alice be able to stop the bullying and enjoy her school? A great read that will have you rooting for the characters. Ages 8-12  $16.99 Aladdin

ASHES By: Laurie Halse Anderson

ASHES  By: Laurie Halse Anderson
The conclusion of The Seeds of America series. If  you haven't read Chains and Forge, get going so  you can read this stunning conclusion. Isabel and Curzon are trying to find Isabel's younger sister who was separated from her when she was taken into slavery. Isabel has crafted papers that say they are free and she and Curzon set out to find Ruth. But the American Revolution gets in the way when Curzon signs up to serve. What happens to them is finely crafted in historical fiction. What is it like trying to fight for a country that tells you will have freedom after the war.  A must read. Ages 10-14 $16.99 Antheneum

SAM THE MAN AND THE CHICKEN PLAN By: Frances O'Roark Dowell

SAM THE MAN AND THE CHICKEN PLAN  By: Frances O'Roark Dowell
Sam is a very thoughtful young man and he really wants something great to share for show and tell. He gets a red feather and a blue feather happiness. He is going to show it to his classmates, but he wants to have a special box. So he asks his sister. Sam had just earned twenty dollars sitting for a neighbors chickens and that is how much his sister charges him for the box. But things go wrong and his feathers are lost. So Sam decides to earn money for a pet, a chicken that lays blue eggs. Will he be  able to come up with enough money. Sam really learns that being nice can bring a lot of joy. Ages 6-9 $15.99  Anthenum

CLOUD AND WALLFISH By: Anne Nesbet

CLOUD AND WALLFISH  By: Anne Nesbet

Historical fiction at its best.

 Noah Keller lives in Virginia and has a tortured life as a stutterer. But one day everything comes crashing down on Noah. His parents pick him up at school and tell him he has to have a new name and he is now called Jonah Brown. He also has to have a new birthday and be six months younger. Then they whisk him off to East Berlin behind the Iron Curtain. The year is 1989 and he isn't allowed to talk about normal things in the apartment, for it is being monitored. The only time he is allowed to ask questions is outside and only with a smile on his face. Then he meets the girl downstairs, Claudia. But that relationship isn't allowed by her grandmother. With a lot of sneaking around Cloud-Claudia and Jonah become friends. Tucked in every chapter is the information about about Germany and the wall. A great history lesson with a wonderful story. Ages 12 on up, or a really good reader. $16.99  Candlewick Press

THE SNURTCH By: Sean Ferrell

THE SNURTCH  By: Sean Ferrell
Ruthie has big problems at school. It isn't the other children, teacher, reading, writing or math. It isn't even the classroom. It is the Snurtch. He is a rude monster who shares her desk and gets her in a lot of trouble. Will she ever be able to rid herself of this pest. Read and find out. Ages 4-8  $17.99  Antheneum

IS THAT WISE, PIG? By: Jan Thomas

IS THAT WISE, PIG?  By: Jan Thomas
Pig is making soup and he is counting what he puts in the soup. One onion, two cabbages and here are three umbrellas. The other animals ask if that is wise to put in the soup. So he goes and gets something else. The children will want to read this over and over again. It is so silly. Ages 3 up. $14.99  Simon and Schuster

CLICK, CLACK, SURPRISE! By: Doreen Cronin and Betsy Lewin

CLICK, CLACK, SURPRISE!  By: Doreen Cronin and Betsy Lewin
Little Duck is having a birthday and Farmer Brown is making a cake. As little duck watches all his fiends get ready for the party her has to follow what they do. So when "sheep snippity-clip" and "chickens shimmy-shake" so does duck. It is a riot when he finally appears for his first birthday. 
Ages 3 up. $17.99  Atheneum for Young Readers

WHERE, OH WHERE, IS ROSIE'S CHICK? By: Pat Hutchins

WHERE, OH WHERE, IS ROSIE'S CHICK?  By: Pat Hutchins
Rosie's Walk was our favorite picture book when my children were little. We read it over and over again to see if the fox would get Rosie and that would be her end. But Rosie just kept on walking. Now the sequel to this simple classic is back. 
Rosie has a chick and she just can't find him. The children will delight in seeing Rosie's chick covered with a shell on top of her head. There is a fox and his little kit. But Rosie keeps looking and so will your children. The book says ages 4-8, but I feel it's 2 on up. I think my little 17 month old granddaughter would love it. $17.99  Simon & Schuster

POND By: Jim LaMarche

POND  By: Jim LaMarche
Here is a wonderful author who also does astounding illustrations. Pond is a simple premise of  a boy named Matt who finds a small, but littered junk pit where there is some water. So with the help of his sister and his friend Pablo they clean up the mess and water begins to flow. As the seasons change so do the animals that come to inhabit this beautiful new body of water. Ages 4-8  $17.99 Simon and Schuster

THE PROS & CONS OF BEING A FROG By: Sue deGennaro

THE PROS & CONS OF BEING A FROG  By: Sue deGennaro
When you have a friend who decides to dress up in as a cat and is frequently chased by other animals you have to step in and help him out, so another costume is in order. After trying a giraffe without much success a frog seems to be the perfect choice. But when your friends thinks you also need to be a frog and the only thing you really love is numbers will your friendship prevail? Ages 4-8 $17.99  Simon and Schuster

LUCY By: Randy Cecil

LUCY  By: Randy Cecil

Everyday the music begins and the dog heads off to see what is happening in the neighborhood. She knows that when she gets to a certain house with the red door that a little girl will be in the window sending down food on a string. The little girl would love to have a dog. As time goes by you see that her father works during the day and is terribly shy. He likes to juggle and he is really good. But when he gets on stage he gets scared of the people. With the help of the dog and the people in the neighborhood things begin to change. A marvelous book about a dog that finds a home again. Illustrated in black and white it will leave you feeling good. The book is written in acts. Candlewick Press  $19.99

THIS IS MY BOOK By: Mark Pett

THIS IS MY BOOK  By: Mark Pett
A clever book with the author thinking he is in charge of what is going to happen in his book. Little does he know that panda has other ideas of what should really be in the book. Children will love the scribbles on the pages and the interactive pop-up. Fun to read. Alfred Knopf Publishers $17.99 

LITTLE BLUE TRUCK'S HALLOWEEN By: Alice Schertle

LITTLE BLUE TRUCK'S HALLOWEEN  By: Alice Schertle

Here comes another Little Blue Truck, that is sure to make you children want you to read it again and again. As the truck goes down the road he picks up all the animals in costume, and under each flap it reveals the sound the animal makes. A sure winner for the younger set. $12.99 Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

FEROCIOUS FLUFFITY By: Erica Perl

FEROCIOUS FLUFFITY  By: Erica Perl
The kids in room 2-D got a new class pet, Fluffity. They were so excited, that was until Fluffity came out of her cage. Fluffity proceeded to bite all the children in the classroom. The kids ran to the safest place they could find, the library. But Fluffity soon followed. Even the teacher was bit. But now she is safely back in her cage and new pet was introduced to the classroom. Wait till you see what comes next! Ages 4-8 Abrams $16.95

THE INFAMOUS RATSOS By: Kara Lareau

THE INFAMOUS RATSOS  By: Kara Lareau
When Louie and Ralphie Ratso set out to be the worst notorious rats, things don't go as planned. Everytime they do something bad it turns out they do something great. Will they become the worst rats, or will they get a new reputation. A great read for those that have finished beginning reader books and want one with chapters! Ages 6-9 $14.99  Candlewick Press

EEK! HALLOWEEN! By: Sandra Boynton

EEK! HALLOWEEN!  By: Sandra Boynton
Absolutely laugh-out-loud outrageous Boynton. When the chickens freak out over the characters dressed up for Halloween. What will they do. Your little ones will enjoy this again and again. Can't wait to send it my Granddaughter! Workman Publishing $6.95 Board book for little folk.

GERTIE'S LEAP TO GREATNESS By: Kate Beasley

GERTIE'S LEAP TO GREATNESS  By: Kate Beasley
Gertie's mom has decided to leave their home in Alabama and send her to live with her father and her Great-Aunt Rae. Gertie is fine with the move, she is going to transform herself into the best student! All she has to do is write the best speech about her summer. So Gertie decides to bring a frog to school, that will show them. But the frog has different plans, Gertie must come up with something else. Only a new perfect girls comes to school, Mary Sue and the competition begins. A laugh out loud read that will leave you rooting for Gertie. Ages 8-12  Farrar Straus Giroux  $16.99

FINDING PERFECT By: Elly Swartz

FINDING PERFECT  By: Elly Swartz
Molly and her father live together after her mother leaves for a new job in another city. Molly is sure if she does everything perfectly and becomes the best in the Poetry Slam Contest at her middle school that her mother will come to see her there. So Molly set out to do everything she can to get top grades so this will happen. But in the process she begins to alienate her best friend. Will counting, cleaning and organizing be enough to make her mother come home? A realistic view of being OCD and not knowing what is causing the problem. A new author with a remarkable book. Ages 8-12  Farrar Straus Giroux  $16.99

CINNAMON MOON By: Tess Hilmo

CINNAMON MOON  By: Tess Hilmo
Did you know that on the day of the great fire that burned down Chicago that their was a devastating fire in Peshtigo, Wisconsin. Here begins the story of Ailis and Quinn who survived the fire in Wisconsin and were placed in an boarding house in Chicago. Nettie an orphan lives at the house too. The person in charge of the boarding house hates the Irish, which Ailis and Quinn so happen to be. When six year old Nettie disappears, Ailis and Quinn know they have to find her. What they uncover is horrible, will they be able to find a new home for themselves and find Nettie in time? A great historical fiction novel.  Ages 10-12 $16.99 Farrar Straus Giroux

WOLF KEEPERS By: Elise Broach

WOLF KEEPERS  By: Elise Broach
Intrigue is what comes to mind when reading this novel. Lizzie lives with head zookeeper father at a zoo in California. The park is named after the naturalist John Muir. Lizzie pretty much has the run of the whole zoo, since she has grown up there. One day Lizzie stumbles across a boy that steals food from one of the patrons. Lizzie sets out to find the boy and sees he is living at the zoo. Instead of turning him in, she helps him. But while doing so they realizes that someone is hurting the wolves, her favorite animals. Will they be able to figure it out in time. Elise Broach is one of my favorite authors, she always has a twist that will leave you breathless. Ages 9-14  Henry Holt $16.99

THE UNCORKER OF OCEAN BOTTLES By: Michelle Cuevas

THE UNCORKER OF OCEAN BOTTLES  By: Michelle Cuevas  Illustrated by: Erin Stead
Probably my favorite book of the fall season. With fabulous illustrations helping to match the perfect text. The Uncorker of Ocean bottles lived by the sea. He watched for bottles that came his way, and would deliver the messages. It took a lot of work but he kept to the task. He wished that he would get a message someday, for he was lonely. Then one day he finds a bottle with a message of a party. He asks everyone around but it was a mystery. Will he find out, you need to read it yourself. A good book for letter writing. Will leave you feeling happy. Ages 4 and up. I read it to my Mom who is 96 and she loved it. $17.99 Dial Books

EVERYONE LOVES CUPCAKE By: Kelly DiPucchio

EVERYONE LOVES CUPCAKE  By: Kelly DiPucchio
Cupcake is so perfect and she lets everyone in the bakery know just how perfect. Soon the other bake goods get tired of her bragging. It only takes one smart fortune cookie to give her advice. "Be true, Be you." So heeding this advice Cupcake lets everyone know how she really feels about birthday parties and thus begins a new friendship at the bakery. $17.99 Farrar, Straus and Giroux  Ages 3-7

LITTLE ELLIOT, BIG FUN By, Mike Curato

LITTLE ELLIOT, BIG FUN  By: Mike Curato
Little Elliot and Mouse are on their way to the boardwalk. Mouse tells him they have games,rides and lots of fun. But Little Elliot is not so sure the rides are either too wet or too scary. So Mouse finds just the perfect thing for Little Elliot to do. A wonderful book about friendship. $17.99  Ages 3 and up  Henry Holt

SKUNKED By: Jacqueline Kelly

SKUNKED  By: Jacqueline Kelly

Callie Vee and her brother Travis are really getting into mischief. Travis has found a baby kit skunk in the hollow of a tree. He comes home with it and his sister finds out. Feeding the skunk scraps of food is working out well, until Travis finds another kit in the same tree. He is almost gone, enters Callie who finds out what they should do. Mix a dog into the mix and you might just have something a little smelly. Ages 7-10 $15.99  Henry Holt

SAMSON IN THE SNOW By: Philip Stead

SAMSON IN THE SNOW  By: Philip Stead

Samson sees a red bird gathering yellow flowers for a friend that is having a bad day. Soon the bird flies off and snow begins to fall. Samson is worried about the bird and start to go looking for it. Along the way he finds a mouse who is having a bad day, Samson asks him if he wants to come along, so the mouse "made the long journey up Samson's trunk past his vast ears, and under his thick blankets of fur." Together they went through the storm to find the bird. And when they did the bird had the yellow flowers for her friend the mouse. Samson took them to a cave to be safe from the storm. A finely crafted picture book with perfect illustrations, sure to delight your children. $17.99 Roaring Brook Press

THE SCOURGE By: Jennifer Nielsen

THE SCOURGE  By: Jennifer Nielsen
Ani is off trying to get some vinefruit when she slips from the tree and gets tangled in the vines. Here she is captured by the governor's wardens and sent off for testing to see if she has the scourge, a plague. She is about to shipped off to the colony where all people with the scourge are sent never to return. As she is about to be loaded into the boat her best friend Weevil says he has the scourge too. What happens to two river kids will astound you with their pluck and courage. It is an awful place and one they should never have been sent too. Nielsen is a brilliant writer that grabs your attention from the very start. A must read.  Scholastic Ages 12 and up $16.99

GOING WILD By: Lisa McMann

GOING WILD  By: Lisa McMann
Suspenseful and intriguing are words that come to  mind when you read this new book by Lisa McMann. Charlie short for Charlotte is moving with her family to Arizona. Her stay at home Dad is becoming a professor at a college and her Mom has a new position as a doctor at the local hospital. Before leaving Charlie gets a gift of a bracelet, when she puts it on strange powers come to her. With the help of her new friends, Maria and Mac, Charlie is learning that having superpowers may not be so wonderful. A must read and I won't give any more away. Can't wait to hear what  you think. Ages 8-12 $16.99 Harper.

FORGETTING By: Sharon Cameron

FORGETTING  By: Sharon Cameron
Nadia lives in Canaan, a city within walls. No one ventures outside of the those walls, and every twelve years they forget the past and start fresh. Everyone has a book tethered to their clothing that they write the truth in everyday, so the can remember. But Nadia is different than the rest, she has memories and she does go over the wall to find out what is outside. Only going during the resting so no one will notice. 
I would tell you more, but then I would spoil this unforgettable book. Cameron's style reminds me of the first time I read a Margaret Peterson Haddix novel. It take off at the first paragraph and keeps the reader engrossed till the very end. Personally I would recommend this novel to adults too. Ages 12 and up. Scholastic  $18.99

MAXI'S SECRETS By: Lynn Plourde

MAXI'S SECRETS  By: Lynn Plourde
Timminy is the smallest boy in the sixth grade at his new school, and to make matters worse his father is the vice-principal. When they have to move his parents let him get a dog as a pet. They go and pick out the perfect dog from a big litter and name him Maxi. Timminy is bullied from the very first day he arrives at school. He is shut in his locker, called shrimp and a host of other names. Then he befriends his neighbor Abby who is blind. Their friendship helps Timminy, but his dog becomes his comfort. This book needs a big box of tissues, but I would read it again for all the lessons it offers. Ages 10 and up. Nancy Paulsen Books  $16.99

ONE HALF FROM THE EAST By: Nadia Hashimi

ONE HALF FROM THE EAST  By: Nadia Hashimi
This is one cultural experience that I had little knowledge. Obayda is the youngest of four girls. She lives in modern day Afghanistan. When Obayda's family is forced to move to a small town after her father was hurt by a bomb, life really changes. Boys are valued more than girls and since she is still only ten she is chosen to be a bacha posh. So her name is changed to Obayd and she is transformed into a boy. There are no more chores, now she can wear pants and even get extra meat at dinner. But it is hard to go to school where the boys are on one side and the girls on the other. But in the school yard she is befriended by Rahim, formerly Rahima. What happens to these girls-boys is hard to imagine. A must read. Harper Ages 8-12 $16.99

WHEN FRIENDSHIP FOLLOWED ME HOME By: Paul Griffin

WHEN FRIENDSHIP FOLLOWED ME HOME  By: Paul Griffin
Ben Coffin is a former foster kid. He doesn't really fit in with other kids, but loves to read and spends countless hours at the library. Then one day he happens across a stray dog. Little does he know that this dog is about to change his life forever. Enter, Halley. Named after Halley's Comet they become fast friends. There are so many twists and turns to their friendship and some of them will need a big box of tissues. I don't want to give anything away, but it is a gut wrenching story that will leave stay with you. Ages 10 and up. Dial books. $16.99

NO FAIR! NO FAIR! AND OTHER JOLLY POEMS OF CHILDHOOD By: Calvin Trillin

NO FAIR! NO FAIR! AND OTHER JOLLY POEMS OF CHILDHOOD  By: Calvin Trillin

Funny poetry you will love to read-a-loud. Reminds me of Silverstein and Prelutsky. Sure to be a winner in your collection. Scholastic  $17.99

LAUGH-OUT-LOUD HOLIDAY JOKES FOR KIDS By: Robert Elliot

LAUGH-OUT-LOUD HOLIDAY JOKES FOR KIDS  By; Robert Elliot
Filled with spooky jokes and Christmas jokes a great book for the joker in your life.
"Q: What is Frankenstein's favorite food a a cookout?
A: Hallo-weenies"

"Q: Why did the snowman's mouth hurt?
A: Because he had a coal sore."
Kids will crack up and you may groan a little, but it will be well loved.  $10.99 HaperCollins

THE OTHER BOY By: M.G. Hennessey

THE OTHER BOY  By: M.G. Hennessey
Our culture is changing right before our eyes. It has always been this way, but we have chosen to ignore it. Now a bold new book has come out to educate us on how to respond to those who chose another path. So powerful a subject I had little knowledge of, but surely got a proper education. 
Twelve-year-old Shane Woods is just a regular, baseball playing boy. With his best friend Josh they both love the same things. Shane moved from one town to another with his mother. At his old school he was known as a girl. So when someone mentions his old school he thinks nothing of saying it was a good school. Little did he know that person would check up on him. This book gives you an inside view of what it is like to be transgender and how terrible bullying can make them feel. But true friendship will help you endure anything.  $16.99 HarperCollins  Ages 12 on up.

POET'S DOG By Patricia MacLachlan

POET'S DOG  By: Patricia MacLachlan
The story begins with a dog. He finds two children lost in the woods and they follow him. The children can understand the dog, as he learned to communicate when his owner was alive. He was a poet and read it to the dog. So off they go to the cabin. There are supplies in the cabin and they cook up food to eat. There is even a blizzard and they get stranded there. But the Irish Wolfhound, Teddy comforts Flora and Nickle and they read poetry that is in the cabin. A charming read that will captivate your imagination. Ages 6-10  $14.99  Harper

MOO By: Sharon Creech

MOO  By: Sharon Creech
The most fun read aloud, I laughed so hard at the descriptions of the children when they were told they were going to have to muck out the barn for Mrs. Falala. You are right with the children as they smell the hay, cow drippings and the annoying flies. What a cantankerous old lady: She even scared me. Poor Luke when he can't bear to be touched and she holds onto his arm. Reena really comes around to that wonderful cow Zora. For city kids to adapt to their life in Maine where there is a slower pace of life. 
When Luke starts teaching Mrs. Falala who to draw, Creech really got my heart with all her imagery.
Everyone will love their adventure. Ages 8-12  $16.99  Harper