Hamster Magic, Humor

HAMSTER MAGIC By: Lynne Jonell
There are four children in this family. One is, let's say the
runt of the family. Celia is sick of being the baby of the'
family. So when they find out they have a a hamster
that can not only talk, but can grant one hamster like
wish, Celia blurts out she wishes she could be big.
Mush to her surprise she is now a giant hamster!
Will she ever be able to be human again? You will
just have to read the book to find out. Ages 6-9
$12.99 Random House books for young readers

Fast and Furriest, humor, boy book

FAST AND THE FURRIEST By: Andy Behrens

Kevin Pugh is 12 years old and he spends most of his time in the basement playing video games and sitting next to his dog Cromwell. Cromwell is part beagle and part coach potato dog. One day he sees a dog show on television and Cromwell goes crazy. He is overweight and hardly moves, but he is determined to do all the things the dog did in the agility competition. Thsi gets Kevin off the coach and in search of a class for Cromwell. His father doesn't want him to do this, he thinks he should play football. Kevin isn't interested. So he goes off and doesn't paly ball the way is parents think. it is extremely funny to read. Ages 9 up $15.99

Cardturner by Louis Sachar, bridge

CARDTURNER By: Louis Sachar
Alton Richards is seventeen years old and a junior in high school. He doesn't have a job or even a girlfriend. So starts his summer driving his blind great-uncle Lester to bridge club four times a week as a cardturner. Because his uncle is blind Alton has to read the cards to him. Alton becomes intrigued by the game and his uncle. (His parents only want him to be nice to his uncle so they will inherit his money when he dies.) Alton wants no part of this ruse. Alton makes friends with a young girl Toni and they both start playing the game. The book has the rules of the game, but the author gives you permission to ignore them if they don't interest you. I found the book heartwarming. Ages 12 up $17.99 Delacorte Press

Guinea Dog, book for boys and girls, humor

GUINEA DOG By: Patrick Jennings
Rufus is in fifth grade and really wants a dog. But his mom buys him a guinea pig instead. This is more than an ordinary pig, he can fetch, bark and even know what you need! Hilarious is the only word to describe this book. I read it to my grandsons and they loved it. Ian was 9 and Daniel was 6 at the time. They recommend this book to everyone who wants to laugh. Ages 8-12 $15.99

Is It Day or Night?, Holocaust, One Thousand Children Foundation

IS IT NIGHT OR DAY? By: Fern Schumer Chapman
We all know about the holocaust and what happened to six million Jews, but this is an extension of that horrific event. The story is about immigration of the One Thousand Children Foundation. This is Edith's story. Raised in Germany in a small village hers was the only Jewish family. Edith is going to be sent to America on an ocean liner alone to Chicago to live with her "Onkle and Aunt". for Ten days she travels with other children that are being rescued by this foundation. When she arrives she isn't welcome. But she promised to be good for her parents and not cause trouble. This is her true story of a time when she had hope her parents would join her in America. Edith's story will make you ache for her and realize how important a hug can be to a child. Please read it, it will change you forever. Ages 11 up $ 16.99 Farrar Straus Giroux

OUT OF MY MIND By: Sharon Draper
Melody is an eleven year old girl who has never spoken. She is trapped in her body that doesn't work the same as other children. This is Melody's story of how she remembers every word that was ever spoken to her. Her parents treat her as if she understands everything, and really does. When sent to school she is placed in a handicapped room. Some teachers are good and others treat her like a baby. Then something wonderful happens, she finds that if she could get a device that spoke her thoughts she could participate in a main streamed classroom. Melody tries out for the team and gets chosen. Now she hopes that the children will treat her the same as everyone else. Ages 10 up $16.99

A Nest for Celeste, Henry Cole

A NEST FOR CELESTE: A STORY ABOUT ART, INSPIRATION, AND THE MEANING OF HOME By: Henry Cole
In this delightful story, Celeste, a kind little mouse who lives under the floorboards of a Louisiana plantation home, is bullied by two rats who help themselves to her food and the comforts of her nest. Celeste's fortunes change when the naturalist John James Audubon and his young assistant, Joseph, come to stay so they can study and paint the birds of the bayou. As she watches Joseph struggle to paint backgrounds for Audubon's bird paintings, Celeste puts her artistic talents to use, helping Joseph improve his work and making a friend. She also become friends with a thrush, an osprey and a wren who help her through frightening encounters with the household cat, and a storm-swollen creek. the illustrations are detailed and lovely, adding to the enjoyment of this book. Ages 8 up $16.99
This book was reviewed by Phyllis Quick, media specialist at Maumee Valley Country Day School. On a personal note I loved the book too and hope you will share it with your children.