Kidsreads.com Updates

This blog has moved

2010-04-01T11:20:00.001-04:00

This blog is now located at http://updates.kidsreads.com/.
You will be automatically redirected in 30 seconds, or you may click here.

For feed subscribers, please update your feed subscriptions to
http://updates.kidsreads.com/feeds/posts/default.

February 2010

2010-02-26T13:48:00.003-05:00

The following reviews, interviews and features are running on Kidsreads.com for the month of February.

Reviews and Excerpts
THE 39 CLUES, Book Seven: THE VIPER’S NEST by Peter Lerangis
In book seven of The 39 Clues, Amy, Dan and Nellie jump a plane for South Africa to follow the footsteps of Shaka Zulu, Winston Churchill, and their own grandmother, Grace Cahill. There they encounter more clever puzzles, another essential clue, further life-threatening escapes --- and the long-awaited truth about their own Cahill branch history. Reviewed by Chris Shanley-Dillman.

THE SIXTY-EIGHT ROOMS by Marianne Malone
Marianne Malone’s inspiration for her debut novel is a beloved exhibition at the Art Institute of Chicago. Millions of visitors love the Thorne Rooms, a collection of 68 exquisitely crafted miniature rooms, each of which are designed in the style of a different historic period. But what if the view they can see is only the beginning of their magic? Reviewed by Norah Piehl and excerpted.
- Click here to read an excerpt from THE SIXTY-EIGHT ROOMS.

FREEFALL by Roderick Gordon and Brian Williams
FREEFALL, the third book in the Tunnels series, finds Will, Chester and Elliott thousands of miles deep in the earth after falling into the mysterious and deadly Pore. Rumors have it that only one person has ever managed to escape the depths of the Pore. Will our heroes be so lucky? They will escape…or die trying! Reviewed by Chris Shanley-Dillman.

LYONESSE, Book 2: DARKSOLSTICE by Sam Llewellyn
DARKSOLSTICE finds Idris, the rightful king of Lyonesse, in exile from his kingdom, still ruled by the evil Fisheagle. He travels to the ancient land of Aegypt to try to find his sister Morgan, who has been abducted by corsairs. Along the way, he meets a series of companions who will become the famed Knights of the Round Table. Can they save Morgan and Lyonesse together, or will the land and its tales sink forever into oblivion? Reviewed by Sarah A. Wood.

ONE CRAZY SUMMER by Rita Williams-Garcia
Acclaimed author Rita Williams-Garcia tells the moving story of three sisters who travel to turbulent Oakland, California, in 1968 in search of the mother who abandoned them. In her first novel for middle graders, Williams-Garcia writes with insight and humor about family, politics and identity. Reviewed by Jana Siciliano.

THE NIGHT FAIRY written by Laura Amy Schlitz and illustrated by Angela Barrett
What would happen to a fairy if she lost her wings and could no longer fly? Flory, a young night fairy no taller than an acorn and still becoming accustomed to her wings --- wings as beautiful as those of a luna moth --- is about to find out. What she discovers is that the world is very big and very dangerous. But Flory is fierce and willing to do whatever it takes to survive. Reviewed by Joy Held.

LUCKY: Maris, Mantle, and My Best Summer Ever, by Wes Tooke
Louis isn’t very good at playing baseball, but he knows and loves the game more than anybody. He loves the purity of the sport, the sound of the crack of a bat, and the smell of freshly cut grass in the stadium. And more than anything, he loves the New York Yankees. So when he becomes a bat boy for the team during the summer of 1961, it’s a dream come true. Reviewed by Jana Siciliano.

TO COME AND GO LIKE MAGIC by Katie Pickard Fawcett
Twelve-year-old Chili Sue Mahoney has never been outside of her small Appalachian town. She longs to see the world --- to have the freedom to leave and to explore. So when Miss Matlock, who has traveled around the globe, is brought in as the seventh grade substitute teacher, Chili and her classmate Willie Bright are thrilled. Reviewed by Christine M. Irvin.

Don’t Miss Review
ENCYCLOPEDIA MYTHOLOGICA: GODS & HEROES by Matthew Reinhart and Robert Sabuda
For all of recorded history, humans have sought to understand Earth’s mysteries in the realm of the divine --- and aspired to conduct themselves as heroes. Only gods, of course, could push the sun across the sky, forge entire continents and impel mountains to touch the clouds. In GODS AND HEROES, Matthew Reinhart and Robert Sabuda team up again for a three-dimensional exploration of the tales of the ancient world. Reviewed by Sarah Rachel Egelman.

Graphic Novel Reviews
OWLY: THE WAY HOME & THE BITTERSWEET SUMMER illustrated by Andy Runton
Owly is a kind yet lonely little owl who is always on the lookout for new friends and adventure. The first installment in this wordless graphic novel series contains two enchanting novellas, "The Way Home" and "The Bittersweet Summer," wherein Owly discovers the meaning of friendship and that saying goodbye doesn't always mean forever. Reviewed by Brigid Alverson.

COPPER written and illustrated by Kazu Kibuishi
Copper is a boy with an eye for adventure and a heart as big as the sea. He is aided in his wonder-filled life by his trusty companion and loyal friend Fred, who just happens to be a talking dog. Reviewed by John Hogan.
- Click here to read GraphicNovelReporter.com’s interview with Kazu Kibuishi.

SILLY LILLY AND THE FOUR SEASONS written and illustrated by Agnes Rosenstiehl
Lilly is a spunky little girl who delights in the unexpected pleasures of each season, peering inside shells in the summer and tasting different kinds of apples in the fall. In this charming and subtle book, Lilly learns more about the outdoors and introduces young readers to the colors, words and shapes that arise in nature. Reviewed by Brigid Alverson.

OLYMPIANS: ZEUS, KING OF THE GODS written and illustrated by George O'Connor
In Olympians, George O'Connor draws from primary documents to reconstruct and retell classic Greek myths. This first volume introduces readers to the ruler of the Olympian Pantheon, telling his story from his boyhood to his ascendance to supreme power. Reviewed by John Hogan.
- Click here to read GraphicNovelReporter.com’s interview with George O’Connor.

Author Interviews
Jim Benton
Jim Benton is an artist and the author of numerous books for children, including the It's Happy Bunny and Franny K. Stein series. His most recent book, THAT'S WHAT FRIENDS AREN'T FOR, is the ninth installment of Dear Dumb Diary, which follows Jamie Kelly as she chronicles her middle-school exploits through her private journal. In this interview with Kidsreads.com's Sarah Rachel Egelman, Benton discusses how he accurately captures his protagonist's witty but honest and realistic voice, and explains the inspiration behind "automatic friendships," a concept he tackles in this latest work. He also describes how Jamie's character has developed over the course of the series and gives us a hint about what we can expect from her next adventure in THE WORST THINGS IN LIFE ARE ALSO FREE.

Dr. Cuthbert Soup
In this interview with Kidsreads.com's Melanie Smith, Dr. Cuthbert Soup --- author and narrator of A WHOLE NOTHER STORY --- recounts the series of events that inspired him to chronicle the madcap adventures of Ethan Cheeseman and his children, and discusses the similarities between his own family and the characters in his debut. He also shares his thoughts on nurturing creativity in young minds, names a few of his favorite humor writers, and muses on the possibility of carrying on the Cheesemans' story in several sequels.

Kathryn Lasky
Kathryn Lasky is the author of over 100 books for children, teens and adults, most notably the 15-part Guardians of Ga'Hoole series, as well as installments of Dear America and The Royal Diaries. In this interview with Kidsreads.com's Donna Volkenannt, Lasky discusses her latest novel, LONE WOLF --- the first chapter of a new series called Wolves of the Beyond --- and the surprising amount of research and attention to detail needed in order to write this fantasy story. She also gives some insight into her writing process, explains why she would prefer that her work provide a sense of validation for her readers rather than send them messages, and shares details about an upcoming film based on the Ga'Hoole series.

Special Chat Opportunity for Kidsreads.com Readers
Kidsreads.com has some exciting news to share with you. Cornelia Funke, the internationally bestselling author of THE THIEF LORD and the Inkheart trilogy, will be answering questions from our readers! If you have a question you’d like to ask her, click here and send it along by Monday, March 15th. Funke will be responding to some of your questions in an online video from her home in California, and we will let you know where you can see the interview as soon as it’s available. Fans also will be thrilled to know that RECKLESS, the first installment in Funke’s new fantasy series, will be releasing on September 14th. If you’d like more details about the book, now would be the perfect time to ask her!

Special Features
PET TROUBLE #5: OH NO, NEWF! by T.T. Sutherland
Heidi always thought that she was energetic enough for any dog. She loves to play and run around and wants a big, enthusiastic dog to play with her and love her. But Yeti the Newfoundland might be a little more love than Heidi bargained for. He’s HUGE, and massively furry, and everything he does --- jumping, wrestling, flopping --- makes the whole house shake. Heidi loves Yeti, and she loves how much he loves her…but is there really room enough for both of them?
- Click here to read an excerpt from PET TROUBLE #5: OH NO, NEWF!.
- Click here to read T.T. Sutherland’s bio.

A WHOLE NOTHER STORY by Dr. Cuthbert Soup
In a story that’s like no other, you will meet: three attractive, polite, relatively odor-free children, a psychic hairless dog, top secret government agents, international superspies (one of whom happens to be a chimpanzee), corporate villains, a cowboy poet, various members of a traveling circus, and, of course, a sock puppet named Steve.

The Cheesemans are a family on the run. Mr. Cheeseman and his late wife invented a device so powerful and totally unique that all sorts of evildoers want to get their greedy hands on it. Mr. Cheeseman and his three children must keep their identities secret and stay one step ahead of the villains as they run from town to town, escape dangerous situations, and even change their names. Luckily, though they may not have the names they were born with, they do have their smarts --- and quite a bit of good luck. The Cheesemans are about to encounter a bunch of unusual but helpful characters, some of whom are far more than they appear to be.
- Click here to read an excerpt from A WHOLE NOTHER STORY.
- Click here to read Dr. Cuthbert Soup’s bio.

DEAR DUMB DIARY #9: THAT’S WHAT FRIENDS AREN’T FOR by Jim Benton
Making new friends is hard. How can you tell which ones will always be there for you, doing what you tell them, and giving you junk?

Jamie Kelly and BFF Isabella have finally decided that Angeline might not be totally terrible. She might even be OK to hang out with now and then. But in a group of three, someone is always the odd girl out….
- Click here to read an excerpt from THAT’S WHAT FRIENDS AREN’T FOR.
- Click here to read our interview with Jim Benton.
- Click here to read Jim Benton’s bio.

MISSILE MOUSE: THE STAR CRUSHER written and illustrated by Jake Parker
Missile Mouse, a secret agent for the Galactic Security Agency, is a risk taker and a rule breaker, which is why he’s in hot water at GSA headquarters. Then RIP, the Rogue Imperium of Planets, kidnaps a scientist who knows about the Star Crusher, a doomsday machine capable of destroying the entire universe.

Time to let loose the mouse!

Missile Mouse battles giant space slugs, corrupt agents, killer bugs, and a pair of shark-headed thugs to save the day (and the scientist!).
- Click here to look inside MISSILE MOUSE: THE STAR CRUSHER.
- Click here to read Jake Parker’s bio.

WOLVES OF THE BEYOND #1: LONE WOLF by Kathryn Lasky
A wolf mother has given birth, but the warm bundle snuffling next to her brings only anguish. The pup, otherwise healthy, has a twisted leg, and the mother knows what the harsh code of the pack demands. Her pup will be taken from her and abandoned on a desolate hill. The pack cannot have weakness --- the wolf mother knows that her pup is condemned to die.

But alone in the wilderness, the pup, Faolan, does not perish. This is his story --- a story of survival, of courage, and of love triumphant. This is Faolan's story, the wolf pup who rose up to change forever the Wolves of the Beyond.
- Click here to read an excerpt from LONE WOLF.
- Click here to read Kathryn Lasky’s bio.

Black History Month Roundup
Kidsreads.com’s 2010 Black History Mouth Roundup includes:
BACK OF THE BUS by Aaron Reynolds, illustrated by Floyd Cooper
CHILD OF THE CIVIL RIGHTS MOVEMENT by Paula Young Shelton, illustrated by Raul Colon
THE HALLELUJAH FLIGHT by Phil Bildner, illustrated by John Holyfield
HENRY AARON’S DREAM by Matt Tavares
JANUARY’S SPARROW by Patricia Polacco
THE LITTLE PIANO GIRL: The Story of Mary Lou Williams, Jazz Legend by Ann Ingalls and Maryann MacDonald, illustrated by Giselle Porter
MAMA MITI: Wangari Maathai and the Trees of Kenya by Donna Jo Napoli, illustrated by Kadir Nelson
MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. by Marion Dane Bauer, illustrated byJamie Smith
MUHAMMAD ALI: The People’s Champion by Walter Dean Myers, illustrated by Alix Delinois
ONE CRAZY SUMMER by Rita Williams-Garcia
OUR CHILDREN CAN SOUR: Celebration of Rosa, Barack, and the Pioneers of Change by Michelle Cook
A SAVAGE THUNDER: Antietam and the Bloody Road to Freedom by Jim Murphy
SIT-IN: How Four Friends Stoop up by Sitting Down by Andrea Davis Pinkmey, illustrated by Brian Pinkney
SOUJOURNER TRUTH’S STEP-STOMP STRIDE by Andrea Davis Pinkney, illustrated by Brian Pinkney
SWEETHEARTS OF RHYTHM: The Story of the Greatest All-Girl Swing Band in the World by Marilyn Nelson, illustrated by Jerry Pinkney
TESTING THE ICE: a True Story about Jackie Robinson by Sharon Robinson, illustrated by Kadir Nelson

Series Features
REDWALL by Brian Jacques
For those not in the know, Redwall is a magic place populated by animals. The book series name comes from Redwall Abbey, the community most of the characters live in. Author Brian Jacques brings to life these animals in astounding detail, making each one a true character. But don't think these books are too sweet. They are actually thrilling action-adventure stories. Jacques pits the peaceful mice, squirrels and moles who live in the Mossflower Wood and Redwall Abbey against evil animal villains --- weasels, foxes, stoats and the like --- who want to take over the Abbey and enslave its inhabitants. Good guys like Martin the Warrior (a sword-wielding mouse) triumph against baddies like Cluny the Scourge, a wicked one-eyed rat. Once you start reading, you'll be addicted to the world of Redwall!

In anticipation of the February 23rd release of THE SABLE QUEAN, we offer you a sneak peek at this newest Redwall adventure and spotlight the previous three installments of the series, including the new paperback edition of DOOMWYTE.
- HIGH RHULAIN: Read a review, excerpt and about the book.
- EULALIA!: Read a review, excerpt and about the book.
- DOOMWYTE: Read a review and about the book.
- THE SABLE QUEAN: Read an excerpt and about the book.

Contests
Win a Copy of NOTHING BUT THE TRUTH by Avi
A ninth-grader's suspension for singing "The Star-Spangled Banner" during homeroom becomes a national news story in this 1992 Newbery Honor Book that addresses themes of freedom, patriotism and respect.

For your chance to learn more about the hum that was heard around the world, Kidsreads.com is giving away 15 copies of NOTHING BUT THE TRUTH by Avi, which is now available in a new paperback edition.

NOTHING BUT THE TRUTH by Avi
Ninth-grader Philip Malloy has one thing on his mind: running. When a failing English grade keeps him from joining the track team, he believes his teacher, Mrs. Narwin, has it in for him. One morning during announcements, he disregards the school’s policy of observing the “The Star-Spangled Banner” in respectful silence and hums along, hoping to get transferred out of her class. Little does he know that his minor infraction will make him the subject of national media attention. What truly happened that morning in Mrs. Narwin's class? Examine the events and reach your own conclusion. But --- can you swear to tell the truth and nothing but the truth?
- Click here to read a review of NOTHING BUT THE TRUTH.
- Click here to read an excerpt from NOTHING BUT THE TRUTH.
- Click here to read Avi’s bio.

Win a Copy of THE TOTAL TRAGEDY OF A GIRL NAMED HAMLET by Erin Dionne
Kidsreads.com is giving away 15 copies of THE TOTAL TRAGEDY OF A GIRL NAMED HAMLET, Erin Dionne’s second novel. This humorous, Shakespearean-inspired tale follows Hamlet, an eighth grader who yearns for a simple, normal life. But with a name like Hamlet, life is doomed to be anything but average.

THE TOTAL TRAGEDY OF A GIRL NAMED HAMLET by Erin Dionne
Hamlet Kennedy just wants to be your average, happy, vanilla eighth grader. But with Shakespearean scholar parents who dress in Elizabethan regalia and generally go about in public as if it were the 16th century, that’s not terribly easy. It gets worse when they decide that Hamlet’s genius seven-year-old sister will attend middle school with her --- and even worse when the Shakespeare project is announced and her sister is named the new math tutor. By the time an in-class recitation reveals that our heroine is an extraordinary Shakespearean actress, Hamlet can no longer hide from the fact that she --- like her family --- is anything but average.

In a novel every bit as funny as her debut, Erin Dionne has created another eighth grader whose situation is utterly unique --- but whose foibles and farces will resound with every girl currently suffering through middle school.
- Click here to read a review of THE TOTAL TRAGEDY OF A GIRL NAMED HAMLET.
- Click here to read an excerpt from THE TOTAL TRAGEDY OF A GIRL NAMED HAMLET.

Books into Movies Roundup
Whether it’s Tim Burton’s whimsical Alice in Wonderland, the hilarious “survivor tale” Diary of a Wimpy Kid, or the animated action/adventure comedy How to Train Your Dragon, a trip to the movies in March offers the perfect escape from this seemingly never-ending winter. The three films spotlighted in our latest Books into Movies feature promise to transport you to mysterious and faraway lands for larger-than-life adventures --- from overthrowing an evil monarch of the fantastical Underland, to taming mythical beasts on the dragon-inhabited island of Berk, to…dodging the bullies of Crossland Middle School? Well, two out of three ain’t bad!

Cool New Books Roundup
February’s roundup of Cool New Books includes THE SABLE QUEAN, the latest Redwall saga from Brian Jacques that asks the question “Will the Redwallers risk the fate of their Abbey and all of Mossflower Wood to save their precious young ones from imprisonment?”; THE VIPER’S NEST, book six in The 39 Clues series, in which Amy and Dan flee to a distant land and trace the footsteps of their most formidable ancestor yet: a military leader of mythic proportions; THE LAST WILDERNESS, the fourth installment in Erin Hunter’s Seekers series, which finds one bear pushed to the brink of death (and saving him means venturing into the dangerous territory of the human world); SWEET AND SUNNY by Coleen Murtagh Paratore, which marks the return of Sunny Holiday, whose mission as Junior Deputy Mayor of Riverton, New York is to help create a Kid’s Day and turn it into a national holiday; and Marianne Malone’s THE SIXTY-EIGHT ROOMS, an exciting art adventure reminiscent of CHASING VERMEER and FROM THE MIXED-UP FILES OF MRS. BASIL E. FRANKWEILER.

New in Paperback Roundup
February’s roundup of New in Paperback titles includes BEST FRIENDS AND DRAMA QUEENS, the third installment in Meg Cabot’s tween series starring Allie Finkle, who is excited (at first) not to be the new girl at school anymore; SUPERIOR SATURDAY, the next-to-last Keys to the Kingdom novel, which finds Garth Nix’s protagonist, Arthur Penhaligon, struggling to gain possession of the Sixth Key from its immortal guardian; THE EYE OF THE FOREST, the fifth book in P. B. Kerr's Children of the Lamp series featuring djinn twins John and Philippa Gaunt; BASEBALL GREAT, Tim Green’s first novel about America’s national pastime, in which two friends find themselves in a desperate struggle with a dangerous man who doesn’t want them to expose the nasty secrets they uncover; and JAKE RANSOM AND THE SKULL KING'S SHADOW, a breathlessly paced adventure thriller from James Rollins, whose debut for young readers plunges two siblings into a gripping chain of events as they try to solve the mystery of their parents’ disappearance.

Click here to read the full newsletter.

January 2010

2010-01-31T14:14:00.000-05:00

The following reviews, interviews and features are running on Kidsreads.com for the month of January.

Reviews
RANGER’S APPRENTICE, Book 7: ERAK’S RANSOM by John Flanagan
A few months shy of his graduation from the Ranger Corps, Will is unsure of what the future holds. Feelings are put on hold, however, as the capture of the Skandian Oberjarl, Erak, prompt Will and Halt to launch a rescue mission into the harsh desert region of Arrida. Reviewed by Benjamin Boche.

WISHING FOR TOMORROW: The Sequel to A Little Princess, by Hilary McKay
A LITTLE PRINCESS, which features the riches-to-rags-to-riches adventures of Sara Crewe, has been a children’s classic for 100 years. Picking up where Frances Hodgson Burnett left off, WISHING FOR TOMORROW is the story of what happened to the girls left behind at Miss Minchin’s Seminary for Girls after Sara’s departure. Reviewed by Sarah A. Wood and excerpted.

STEEL TRAPP: THE ACADEMY by Ridley Pearson
Steven "Steel" Trapp has been placed in an East Coast boarding school for gifted kids by his FBI agent father. He soon discovers that there's a clubby element of the faculty and upper classmen that is very secretive and protective. To his surprise, his friend Kaleigh arrives to board at the school, and it isn't long before the two realize that this is not your normal boarding school. Reviewed by Chris Shanley-Dillman.

A MILLION SHADES OF GRAY by Cynthia Kadohata
Cynthia Kadohata, author of the Newbery Medal-winning novel KIRA-KIRA, returns with a well-researched, emotionally harrowing exploration of what happened in Vietnam after the American troops pulled out. Reviewed by Norah Piehl.

THE GECKO & STICKY: SINISTER SUBSTITUTE written by Wendelin Van Draanen and illustrated by Stephen Gilpin
Seventh-grader Dave Sanchez is thrilled when his strict science teacher, Ms. Veronica Krockle, is uncharacteristically absent on frog-dissecting day. She has been replaced by nattily dressed substitute teacher Dr. Schwarz, who is funny and cool. But after he shows an unusual interest in finding out which students own geckos, Dave gets suspicious. Reviewed by Donna Volkenannt.

RICH: A Dyamonde Daniel Book written by Nikki Grimes and illustrated by R. Gregory Christie
Dyamonde Daniel is excited about the local library’s poetry contest, and so is her friend Free. The prize is $100 --- just think what they could buy with that much money! But when they find out that Damaris, one of their classmates, has been living in a homeless shelter, their ideas about what it means to be rich or poor start to change. Reviewed by Christine M. Irvin.

GREEN by Laura Peyton Roberts
Laura Peyton Roberts’s latest novel is a sweet and original exploration of growing up and being true to yourself. There is plenty of adventure and wisdom in these pages, as 13-year-old Lily goes to the land of the leprechauns and tries to understand the birthright she has inherited and the position she is being asked to earn. Reviewed by Sarah Rachel Egelman.

THE EVER BREATH by Julianna Baggott
Truman and his twin sister, Camille, have just met their grandmother...and she’s a little strange. She whispers a tale about something called the Ever Breath, an amber orb that maintains the balance between our world and a dreamy one of imagination --- and evil. Soon Truman and Camille find themselves in the Breath World, a magical place where ogres clash and a mouse holds the key to a mystery. Reviewed by Kristi Olson.

Graphic Novel Reviews
CALAMITY JACK written by Shannon Hale and Dean Hale , illustrated by Nathan Hale
Jack is back in this sequel to RAPUNZEL’S REVENGE --- but when Jack and Rapunzel head to the big city to find Jack's momma, they discover that Jack left behind a world of trouble when he ran away from home. Reviewed by Snow Wildsmith.

THE SECRET SCIENCE ALLIANCE AND THE COPYCAT CROOK written and illustrated by Eleanor Davis
Three preteen science geniuses create their own alliance. Unfortunately, someone else is interested in stealing their hard work. Reviewed by Danica Davidson.

Manwha Review
THE STARRY NIGHT written and illustrated by Kimjin
Four short stories reveal different sides of children’s lives. These include stories about a schoolgirl crush and enchanted dolls. Reviewed by Danica Davidson

Author Interviews
Kathryn Lasky
Kathryn Lasky is the author of over 100 books for children, teens and adults, most notably the 15-part Guardians of Ga'Hoole series, as well as installments of Dear America and The Royal Diaries. In this interview with Kidsreads.com's Donna Volkenannt, Lasky discusses her latest novel, LONE WOLF --- the first chapter of a new series called Wolves of the Beyond --- and the surprising amount of research and attention to detail needed in order to write this fantasy story. She also gives some insight into her writing process, explains why she would prefer that her work provide a sense of validation for her readers rather than send them messages, and shares details about an upcoming film based on the Ga'Hoole series.

Dr. Cuthbert Soup
In this interview with Kidsreads.com's Melanie Smith, Dr. Cuthbert Soup --- author and narrator of A WHOLE NOTHER STORY --- recounts the series of events that inspired him to chronicle the madcap adventures of Ethan Cheeseman and his children, and discusses the similarities between his own family and the characters in his debut. He also shares his thoughts on nurturing creativity in young minds, names a few of his favorite humor writers, and muses on the possibility of carrying on the Cheesemans' story in several sequels.

Special Features
A WHOLE NOTHER STORY by Dr. Cuthbert Soup
In a story that’s like no other, you will meet: three attractive, polite, relatively odor-free children, a psychic hairless dog, top secret government agents, international superspies (one of whom happens to be a chimpanzee), corporate villains, a cowboy poet, various members of a traveling circus, and, of course, a sock puppet named Steve.

The Cheesemans are a family on the run. Mr. Cheeseman and his late wife invented a device so powerful and totally unique that all sorts of evildoers want to get their greedy hands on it. Mr. Cheeseman and his three children must keep their identities secret and stay one step ahead of the villains as they run from town to town, escape dangerous situations, and even change their names. Luckily, though they may not have the names they were born with, they do have their smarts --- and quite a bit of good luck. The Cheesemans are about to encounter a bunch of unusual but helpful characters, some of whom are far more than they appear to be.
- Click here to read an excerpt from A WHOLE NOTHER STORY.
- Click here to read Dr. Cuthbert Soup’s bio.

DEAR DUMB DIARY #9: THAT’S WHAT FRIENDS AREN’T FOR by Jim Benton
Making new friends is hard. How can you tell which ones will always be there for you, doing what you tell them, and giving you junk?

Jamie Kelly and BFF Isabella have finally decided that Angeline might not be totally terrible. She might even be OK to hang out with now and then. But in a group of three, someone is always the odd girl out….
- Click here to read an excerpt from THAT’S WHAT FRIENDS AREN’T FOR.
- Click here to read Jim Benton’s bio.

MISSILE MOUSE: THE STAR CRUSHER written and illustrated by Jake Parker
Missile Mouse, a secret agent for the Galactic Security Agency, is a risk taker and a rule breaker, which is why he’s in hot water at GSA headquarters. Then RIP, the Rogue Imperium of Planets, kidnaps a scientist who knows about the Star Crusher, a doomsday machine capable of destroying the entire universe.

Time to let loose the mouse!

Missile Mouse battles giant space slugs, corrupt agents, killer bugs, and a pair of shark-headed thugs to save the day (and the scientist!).
- Click here to look inside MISSILE MOUSE: THE STAR CRUSHER.
- Click here to read Jake Parker’s bio.

WOLVES OF THE BEYOND #1: LONE WOLF by Kathryn Lasky
A wolf mother has given birth, but the warm bundle snuffling next to her brings only anguish. The pup, otherwise healthy, has a twisted leg, and the mother knows what the harsh code of the pack demands. Her pup will be taken from her and abandoned on a desolate hill. The pack cannot have weakness --- the wolf mother knows that her pup is condemned to die.

But alone in the wilderness, the pup, Faolan, does not perish. This is his story --- a story of survival, of courage, and of love triumphant. This is Faolan's story, the wolf pup who rose up to change forever the Wolves of the Beyond.
- Click here to read an excerpt from LONE WOLF.
- Click here to read Kathryn Lasky’s bio.

Black History Month Roundup
Kidsreads.com’s 2010 Black History Mouth Roundup includes:
BACK OF THE BUS by Aaron Reynolds, illustrated by Floyd Cooper
CHILD OF THE CIVIL RIGHTS MOVEMENT by Paula Young Shelton, illustrated by Raul Colon
THE HALLELUJAH FLIGHT by Phil Bildner, illustrated by John Holyfield
HENRY AARON’S DREAM by Matt Tavares
JANUARY’S SPARROW by Patricia Polacco
THE LITTLE PIANO GIRL: The Story of Mary Lou Williams, Jazz Legend by Ann Ingalls and Maryann MacDonald, illustrated by Giselle Porter
MAMA MITI: Wangari Maathai and the Trees of Kenya by Donna Jo Napoli, illustrated by Kadir Nelson
MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. by Marion Dane Bauer, illustrated byJamie Smith
MUHAMMAD ALI: The People’s Champion by Walter Dean Myers, illustrated by Alix Delinois
ONE CRAZY SUMMER by Rita Williams-Garcia
OUR CHILDREN CAN SOUR: Celebration of Rosa, Barack, and the Pioneers of Change by Michelle Cook
A SAVAGE THUNDER: Antietam and the Bloody Road to Freedom by Jim Murphy
SIT-IN: How Four Friends Stoop up by Sitting Down by Andrea Davis Pinkmey, illustrated by Brian Pinkney
SOUJOURNER TRUTH’S STEP-STOMP STRIDE by Andrea Davis Pinkney, illustrated by Brian Pinkney
SWEETHEARTS OF RHYTHM: The Story of the Greatest All-Girl Swing Band in the World by Marilyn Nelson, illustrated by Jerry Pinkney
TESTING THE ICE: a True Story about Jackie Robinson by Sharon Robinson, illustrated by Kadir Nelson

Contests
Win a Copy of NOTHING BUT THE TRUTH by Avi
A ninth-grader's suspension for singing "The Star-Spangled Banner" during homeroom becomes a national news story in this 1992 Newbery Honor Book that addresses themes of freedom, patriotism and respect.

For your chance to learn more about the hum that was heard around the world, Kidsreads.com is giving away 15 copies of NOTHING BUT THE TRUTH by Avi, which is now available in a new paperback edition.

NOTHING BUT THE TRUTH by Avi
Ninth-grader Philip Malloy has one thing on his mind: running. When a failing English grade keeps him from joining the track team, he believes his teacher, Mrs. Narwin, has it in for him. One morning during announcements, he disregards the school’s policy of observing the “The Star-Spangled Banner” in respectful silence and hums along, hoping to get transferred out of her class. Little does he know that his minor infraction will make him the subject of national media attention. What truly happened that morning in Mrs. Narwin's class? Examine the events and reach your own conclusion. But --- can you swear to tell the truth and nothing but the truth?
- Click here to read a review of NOTHING BUT THE TRUTH.
- Click here to read an excerpt from NOTHING BUT THE TRUTH.
- Click here to read Avi’s bio.

Win a Copy of THE TOTAL TRAGEDY OF A GIRL NAMED HAMLET by Erin Dionne
Kidsreads.com is giving away 15 copies of THE TOTAL TRAGEDY OF A GIRL NAMED HAMLET, Erin Dionne’s second novel. This humorous, Shakespearean-inspired tale follows Hamlet, an eighth grader who yearns for a simple, normal life. But with a name like Hamlet, life is doomed to be anything but average.

THE TOTAL TRAGEDY OF A GIRL NAMED HAMLET by Erin Dionne
Hamlet Kennedy just wants to be your average, happy, vanilla eighth grader. But with Shakespearean scholar parents who dress in Elizabethan regalia and generally go about in public as if it were the 16th century, that’s not terribly easy. It gets worse when they decide that Hamlet’s genius seven-year-old sister will attend middle school with her --- and even worse when the Shakespeare project is announced and her sister is named the new math tutor. By the time an in-class recitation reveals that our heroine is an extraordinary Shakespearean actress, Hamlet can no longer hide from the fact that she --- like her family --- is anything but average.

In a novel every bit as funny as her debut, Erin Dionne has created another eighth grader whose situation is utterly unique --- but whose foibles and farces will resound with every girl currently suffering through middle school.
- Click here to read a review of THE TOTAL TRAGEDY OF A GIRL NAMED HAMLET.
- Click here to read an excerpt from THE TOTAL TRAGEDY OF A GIRL NAMED HAMLET.

Series Features
REDWALL by Brian Jacques
For those not in the know, Redwall is a magic place populated by animals. The book series name comes from Redwall Abbey, the community most of the characters live in. Author Brian Jacques brings to life these animals in astounding detail, making each one a true character. But don't think these books are too sweet. They are actually thrilling action-adventure stories. Jacques pits the peaceful mice, squirrels and moles who live in the Mossflower Wood and Redwall Abbey against evil animal villains --- weasels, foxes, stoats and the like --- who want to take over the Abbey and enslave its inhabitants. Good guys like Martin the Warrior (a sword-wielding mouse) triumph against baddies like Cluny the Scourge, a wicked one-eyed rat. Once you start reading, you'll be addicted to the world of Redwall!

In anticipation of the February 23rd release of THE SABLE QUEAN, we offer you a sneak peek at this newest Redwall adventure and spotlight the previous three installments of the series, including the new paperback edition of DOOMWYTE.
- HIGH RHULAIN: Read a review, excerpt and about the book.
- EULALIA!: Read a review, excerpt and about the book.
- DOOMWYTE: Read a review and about the book.
- THE SABLE QUEAN: Read an excerpt and about the book.

Series Books
GOOSEBUMPS HORRORLAND #13: WHEN THE GHOST DOG HOWLS by R.L. Stine
Twelve-year-olds Andy and Marnie had an awesome week in HorrorLand --- despite their freaky encounter with Murder the Clown and the zombie mob. Then they think they've won big when they get a FREE souvenir from HorrorLand's Chiller House. But when Andy hears howling at night and Marnie starts acting strange, they begin to rethink the gift from HorrorLand. Unlucky book #13 of the Goosebumps HorrorLand series kicks off an entirely new type of terror that will keep you guessing and quaking until book #19. Reviewed by Jana Siciliano.
- Click here to play the updated Goosebumps HorrorLand trivia game.
- Click here to read our Goosebumps HorrorLand series feature.

THE KARATE MOUSE by Geronimo Stilton
Geronimo Stilton gets caught up in the World Karate Championships, thanks to the efforts of Bruce Hyena and Piccolo Tao, Bruce's super-sporty cousin. Geronimo only has a week to become real champion material. Will Geronimo manage to overcome his fears in order to win the competition? Reviewed by Jana Siciliano.
- Click here to play the updated Geronimo Stilton trivia game.
- Click here to read our Geronimo Stilton series feature.

Books into Movies Spotlight
Kidsreads.com’s Books into Movies feature is spotlighting a buzzworthy new film based on the first installment of one of our favorite fantasy adventure series, Percy Jackson & the Olympians by Rick Riordan. Hitting theaters on February 12th, Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Lightning Thief --- directed by Chris Columbus, who brought us the first two Harry Potter movies --- follows a seemingly ordinary high school student who discovers he’s the son of a Greek god and finds himself caught up in a war being fought among the other residents of Mount Olympus.

Cool New Books Roundup
January’s roundup of Cool New Books includes WISHING FOR TOMORROW, Hilary McKay’s magical, long-awaited sequel to the beloved classic A LITTLE PRINCESS; ERAK’S RANSOM, the seventh installment in John Flanagan’s Ranger’s Apprentice fantasy/adventure series; A MILLION SHADES OF GRAY, Newbery Medal winner Cynthia Kadohata’s novel about a boy and his elephant who escape into the jungle when the Viet Cong attack his village immediately after the Vietnam War; COSMIC by Frank Cottrell Boyce, a funny and touching story of the many ways in which grown-upness is truly wasted on grown-ups; and CALAMITY JACK, a follow-up to Shannon and Dean Hale’s RAPUNZEL’S REVENGE, in which Jack (with the help of Rapunzel and her trusty braids) attempts to free his beloved city of Shyport from a crew of enormous Ant-People who have been terrorizing the townspeople.

New in Paperback Roundup
January’s roundup of New in Paperback titles includes CHAINS, Laurie Halse Anderson's compelling examination of the very different implications of freedom and loyalty for slaves during the American Revolution; DOOMWYTE by Brian Jacques, a thrilling tale from Redwall featuring a hunt for long-lost treasure; SEEKERS #2: GREAT BEAR LAKE, the second installment in Erin Hunter’s bestselling bear fantasy series; THE UNDERNEATH by Kathi Appelt, the 2008 National Book Award finalist about the unlikely friendship between an abandoned calico cat and a chained-up, abused hound dog; and SASSY: LITTLE SISTER IS NOT MY NAME!, Sharon M. Draper’s middle-grade girl book debut that features an unforgettable heroine, a loving family, a diverse cast of teachers, friends and neighbors --- and a little magic.

Click here to read the full newsletter.

December 2009

2009-12-23T19:22:00.002-05:00

The following reviews, interviews and features are running on Kidsreads.com for the month of December.

Reviews
MILLION-DOLLAR THROW by Mike Lupica
Nate Brodie wins the chance to throw a pass through a target at a New England Patriots game for one million dollars. Nate, who’s the biggest Tom Brady fan, should be excited. But things have been tough lately. His dad is now unemployed and his family is losing their home. It’s no secret that the money would go a long way. So all Nate feels is pressure --- and just when he needs it most, his golden arm begins to fail him. Reviewed by Sarah Sawtelle.

THE GIANT-SLAYER by Iain Lawrence
When Laurie Valentine's only friend, Dickie Espinosa, contracts polio, she is devastated. As she spins an ongoing fantasy adventure for his and his fellow patients' entertainment, Laurie's fable and real life interweave --- in an original and emotionally powerful read. Reviewed by Terry Miller Shannon.

SKULDUGGERY PLEASANT: THE FACELESS ONES by Derek Landy
Those pesky Faceless Ones just won’t go away. Detective Skullduggery Pleasant and his 14-year-old assistant, Valkyrie Cain, are on the case to stop the destruction of the world --- again. The usual (or unusual) cast of characters lends a hand, but you won’t see this ending coming! Reviewed by Benjamin Boche.

OGGIE COODER, PARTY ANIMAL! by Sarah Weeks
Oggie Cooder returns! This time he has received an invitation to Donnica Perfecto's swimming party, but while Oggie yearns to go swim in her pool, she's scheming to keep him from actually attending. Can there be a happy ending? Reviewed by Terry Miller Shannon.

LOOKING FOR MARCO POLO by Alan Armstrong
In his award-winning debut novel, WHITTINGTON, Alan Armstrong told the historical story of London mayor Dick Whittington and his cat through the voice of one of that cat’s descendants. In LOOKING FOR MARCO POLO, Armstrong again integrates history, fantasy and fiction, this time in the more exotic and evocative setting of Venice. Reviewed by Norah Piehl.

THE FLIGHT OF THE PHOENIX: Nathaniel Fludd, Beastologist, Book One written by R. L. LaFevers and illustrated by Kelly Murphy
Ten-year-old Nathaniel Fludd comes from a long line of Beastologists --- except he doesn’t know it yet. When his parents go missing, Nate hooks up with his Aunt Phil and immediately discovers that mythological beasts actually exist. However, he isn’t sure he’s ready to tackle such a dangerous profession. Reviewed by Benjamin Boche.

A PEARL AMONG PRINCES by Coleen Murtagh Paratore
Gracepearl has lived her entire life on the small but beautiful island of Miramore, which has the honor of hosting the annual training program for young princes. While Gracepearl loves her home and her family and friends, deep down she feels a strong yearning to travel beyond the treacherous seas. The only way to leave the island is to marry one of the princes in training. But that would mean turning her back on her heart’s true love. Reviewed by Chris Shanley-Dillman.

THE UNUSUAL MIND OF VINCENT SHADOW by Tim Kehoe
Vincent Shadow’s unusually creative mind truly separates him from other kids his age. His top-secret attic lab is crammed with toy prototypes, and he has a sketchbook filled with drawings of toys he still wants to build. So when a chance encounter with an eccentric toy inventor offers him the opportunity to become a toy inventor extraordinaire, Vincent realizes it’s time to get serious about toys. Reviewed by Joy Held.

RAIDERS’ RANSOM by Emily Diamand
It’s the 23rd century, and much of what used to be the United Kingdom is now underwater. Lilly helps her grandmother, and the rest of her village, by venturing out into her fishing boat with her best mate, Cat. But then one day, Lilly and Cat return to find that raiders have attacked the village and kidnapped the Prime Minister’s daughter. They set out to rescue her, armed with an ancient artifact for ransom --- a valuable computer with a sarcastic attitude. Reviewed by Chris Shanley-Dillman.

Graphic Novel Review
CASPER THE FRIENDLY GHOST 60th ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL
Casper the Friendly Ghost first flunked out of ghost finishing school 60 years ago. This new collection presents two of his earliest comic books, full of short stories that are all kid-friendly. Reviewed by John Hogan.

Manga Review
VERMONIA #1: QUEST FOR THE SILVER TIGER written and illustrated by YOYO
Best friends Mel, Doug, Naomi and Jim are about to have their simple world turned upside down. When the evil General Uro from Vermonia kidnaps Mel, it is up to her friends to travel to another world to rescue her. It is there, in the Turtle Realm, they discover that they are the reincarnations of Queen Frasinella’s four most trusted ministries. Only they can restore the balance between Earth, the Turtle Realm and Vermonia. Reviewed by Courtney Kraft.

Author Interview
Matthew Cody
Part comic-book adventure and part Sherlock Holmes-inspired mystery, Matthew Cody's debut novel POWERLESS introduces readers to 12-year-old Daniel, an ordinary boy who recently moved to a town full of young superheroes in danger of losing their abilities when they reach their 13th birthdays. In this interview with Kidsreads.com's Norah Piehl, Cody talks about what inspired the book's unique plot and explains why he chose to balance the story's fun and exciting aspects with a more solemn subplot. He also discusses how he thought up some of the characters' unusual superpowers, gives advice to aspiring young writers, and shares details about his next work-in-progress.

Series Books
CROCODILE TEARS: An Alex Rider Novel, by Anthony Horowitz
Nearing his 15th birthday, Alex Rider may finally be leaving behind the role of secret agent. That is, until he manages to find himself tangled in a genetic engineering plot that threatens millions of lives. Once Alex gets involved, you know you can expect thrills, chills and bloodthirsty crocodiles. Reviewed by Benjamin Boche.
- Click here to play the updated Alex Rider trivia game.
- Click here to read our Alex Rider series feature.

Special Features
WOLVES OF THE BEYOND #1: LONE WOLF by Kathryn Lasky
A wolf mother has given birth, but the warm bundle snuffling next to her brings only anguish. The pup, otherwise healthy, has a twisted leg, and the mother knows what the harsh code of the pack demands. Her pup will be taken from her and abandoned on a desolate hill. The pack cannot have weakness --- the wolf mother knows that her pup is condemned to die.

But alone in the wilderness, the pup, Faolan, does not perish. This is his story --- a story of survival, of courage, and of love triumphant. This is Faolan's story, the wolf pup who rose up to change forever the Wolves of the Beyond.
- Click here to read an excerpt from WOLVES OF THE BEYOND #1: LONE WOLF.
- Click here to read Kathryn Lasky’s bio.

POWERLESS by Matthew Cody
Superheroes soar in this promising debut --- and they’re kids!

Twelve-year-old Daniel, the new kid in town, soon learns the truth about his nice --- but odd --- new friends: one can fly, another can turn invisible, yet another controls electricity. Incredible. The superkids use their powers to secretly do good in the town, but they’re haunted by the fact that the moment they turn 13, their abilities will disappear --- along with any memory that they ever had them. Is a memory-stealing supervillain sapping their powers?

The answers lie in a long-ago meteor strike, a World War II–era comic book (Fantastic Futures, starring the first superhero, Johnny Noble), the green-flamed Witch Fire, a hidden Shroud cave, and --- possibly, unbelievably --- “powerless” regular-kid Daniel himself.

Superhero kids meet comic book mystery in this action-filled debut about the true meaning of a hero.
- Click here to read more about POWERLESS.
- Click here to read an excerpt from POWERLESS.
- Click here to read Matthew Cody’s bio.

Kidsreads.com Reviewers Pick Their Favorite Books of 2009
Recently we asked our reviewers to provide us with a list of some of their favorite books from 2009. Though it was difficult to narrow down, each reviewer chose up to 10 books that he or she enjoyed the most this year. Take a look and see if any of their selections match yours --- and which titles you may want to consider reading in the future. Please note that due to personal and professional commitments, some reviewers were not able to participate in this feature.

Author Interviews of 2009
As 2009 comes to a close, we invite you to take a look at the author interviews that were featured throughout the year on Kidsreads.com. This is a great way to catch up on the discussions you may have missed --- and to re-read what some of your favorite authors had to say about their books.

WHAT TO GIVE, WHAT TO GET
We’ve created a special What to Give, What to Get Guide with you in mind --- it’s just for kids! We have books that we know you’ll love to unwrap this season, so check it out. We’re sure you’ll end up spotting a title or two that you can add to YOUR holiday list.

2009 HOLIDAY ROUNDUP
Celebrate “the most wonderful time of the year” with Kidsreads.com! In our annual roundup of outstanding winter reads, we’ve compiled a number of titles that promise to put a smile on your face and a warm feeling in your heart. The holidays are a great time to reconnect with the ones we love. And what better way to do so than through the pages of a book? Fill this season with adventure, mystery, laughs and kind lessons that will stay with you for a lifetime.

Cool New Books
November and December’s roundup of Cool New Books includes CROCODILE TEARS, the highly anticipated eighth installment in Anthony Horowitz’s action-packed series starring teenage superspy Alex Rider; MILLION-DOLLAR THROW, Mike Lupica’s newest sports novel about a 13-year-old who wins the chance to throw a pass through a target at a New England Patriots game for one million dollars; IN TOO DEEP by Jude Watson, book six in The 39 Clues series that finds Amy and Dan on the trail of secrets their grandmother Grace never would have wanted them to know; LONE WOLF, Kathryn Lasky’s story of a courageous wolf pup who rises up to change the Wolves of the Beyond forever; the latest additions to the Fancy Nancy and Amelia Bedelia series of picture books; and THE EVER BREATH, a fast-paced tale from Julianna Baggot in which two young siblings are involved in an epic battle to save not just one world, but two.

New in Paperback
November and December’s roundup of New in Paperback titles includes LONG SHADOWS, Erin Hunter’s fifth Warriors: Power of Three book that finds three young cats having to put their powers to the ultimate test to save the Clans from destruction; MERCY WATSON TO THE RESCUE and MERCY WATSON GOES FOR A RIDE, the first two installments in Kate DiCamillo’s series starring the porcine wonder whose favorite food is hot buttered toast; THE SÉANCE by Iain Lawrence, a murder mystery set during the Roaring Twenties in which a boy discovers a dead man in Harry Houdini's Burmese Torture Tank; IGNATIUS MACFARLAND: FREQUENAUT!, the first book in a series by Paul Feig that features a seventh grader who decides to build a rocket after being teased one too many times at school; and THIS IS THE DREAM, a picture book that sweeps readers along on a compelling journey through American history to show how far we have come in attaining freedom and justice for all.

Click here to read the full newsletter.

October 2009

2009-10-30T11:29:00.000-04:00

The following reviews, interviews and features are running on Kidsreads.com for the month of October.

Reviews and Excerpts
THE ISLANDS OF THE BLESSED by Nancy Farmer
Jack, an apprentice bard, and his friend Thorgil, a shield maiden, have survived many adventures together. They have traveled the Hollow Road deep underground. They have visited Jotunheim, land of the trolls. They have even seen Yggdrasil, the world tree. The ringing of a magic bell sets their third adventure into motion. Visiting the realm of the fin folk and quelling unrestful spirits are just a few of the stops in Nancy Farmer’s final volume of her Sea of Trolls trilogy. Reviewed by Sarah A. Wood and excerpted.
- Click here to read an excerpt from THE ISLANDS OF THE BLESSED.

RETURN TO THE HUNDRED ACRE WOOD written by David Benedictus and illustrated by Mark Burgess
It was 80 years ago, on the publication of THE HOUSE AT POOH CORNER, when Christopher Robin said good-bye to Winnie-the-Pooh and his friends in the Hundred Acre Wood. Now they are all back in new adventures, for the first time approved by the Trustees of the Pooh Properties. This is a companion volume that truly captures the style of A. A. Milne --- a worthy sequel to THE HOUSE AT POOH CORNER and WINNIE-THE-POOH. Reviewed by Jana Siciliano.

THE MYSTERIOUS BENEDICT SOCIETY AND THE PRISONER’S DILEMMA by Trenton Lee Stewart
Join the Mysterious Benedict Society as Reynie, Kate, Sticky and Constance embark on a daring new adventure that threatens to force them apart from their families, friends, and even each other. When an unexplained blackout engulfs Stonetown, the foursome must unravel clues relating to a nefarious new plot, while their search for answers brings them closer to danger than ever before. Reviewed by Norah Piehl.

DIARY OF A WIMPY KID: DOG DAYS by Jeff Kinney
In the fourth installment of the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series, Greg Heffley suffers through summer vacation, which doesn't quite turn out to be the three-month-long video game marathon of his dreams. Greg's droll commentary on his life, complete with dead-pan illustrations, is guaranteed to make even the dourest reader laugh out loud. Reviewed by Terry Miller Shannon.

SKELETON CREEK #2: GHOST IN THE MACHINE by Patrick Carman
Strange things are happening in Skeleton Creek --- and Ryan and Sarah are trying to find out why. Ryan writes down everything in his journal, and Sarah records everything on her videocam. The two move deeper into the mystery they've uncovered, determined to discover the secrets buried in Skeleton Creek, in the conclusion to Patrick Carman's thrilling series. Reviewed by Sally M. Tibbetts.

THE DOOM MACHINE by Mark Teague
THE DOOM MACHINE is a first-class adventure story from long-time illustrator Mark Teague. Readers will be caught up in the page-turning action, while at the same time they will love Teague's beautifully drawn evil space aliens --- and an unlikely friendship between Jack and Isadora, who seem to have nothing in common at the beginning of the tale. Reviewed by Norah Piehl.

THE CIRCLE OF GOLD: The Book of Time III, by Guillaume Prevost
In THE CIRCLE OF GOLD, the final installment in The Book of Time trilogy, 14-year-old Samuel Faulkner once again travels through time to exotic and frightening places. During this quest, he risks his health and his life to rescue his love interest, Alicia, bring his father out of a coma and try to reverse his mother’s death. Reviewed by Donna Volkenannt.

RUNAWAY TWIN by Peg Kehret
Thirteen-year-old Sunny Skyland has bounced between foster homes for most of her life, and not one of them has made her feel like a part of a real family. But when she stumbles upon a bag of unclaimed money, she sees it as a chance to make some changes. Sunny takes off across the country to find her twin sister, whom she hasn’t seen or heard from in 10 years. Reviewed by Chris Shanley-Dillman.

THE MONSTEROLOGY HANDBOOK: A Practical Course in Monsters, by Dr. Ernest Drake
Is it true that a humble stone can summon a sea serpent to your aid? Do you know the best way to remedy a cyclops’s "lazy eye"? How does one reliably tell true beasts from false, and what do stitches and glue have to do with it? Even monsterologists who know their bigfoots from their bakus can be stymied by the unexpected, and here is a no-nonsense source brimming with fun hands-on lessons guaranteed to leave the reader confident and prepared. Reviewed by Usha Reynolds.

Graphic Novel and Manga Reviews
LITTLE MOUSE GETS READY written and illustrated by Jeff Smith
There is a lot to do before Little Mouse is ready to go visit the barn. Will he master all the intricacies of getting dressed, from snaps and buttons to Velcro and tail holes? Jeff Smith, creator of the Bone series, gives us another comic book perfect for the youngest readers. Reviewed by John Hogan.

THE STORM IN THE BARN written and illustrated by Matt Phelan
Eleven-year-old Jack Clark’s life is as bleak as the dust fields that used to be his family's farm. But when a mysterious figure appears in an abandoned barn, Jack finds an adventure he may not be prepared for. Reviewed by Snow Wildsmith.

OUTLAW: The Legend of Robin Hood, written by Tony Lee and illustrated by Sam Hart and Artur Fujita
How did Robin of Loxley become Robin Hood? Why did he choose to fight injustice instead of robbing for his own gain? Expressive and gritty, this graphic novel whisks readers back to Crusades-era England, where the Sheriff of Nottingham rules with an iron fist. Reviewed by Snow Wildsmith.

ROAD TO REVOLUTION!: The Cartoon Chronicles of America, written by Stan Mack and illustrated by Susan Champlin
Nick, an orphan and a pickpocket, and Penny, the daughter of a tavern owner, find themselves caught up in politics, war and espionage when the residents of Boston decide to fight back against the British government in 1775. Reviewed by Snow Wildsmith.

STONE RABBIT: DEEP-SPACE DISCO written and illustrated by Erik Craddock
In his latest adventure, Stone Rabbit is transported to another planet while the evil Melvin the Plutarkian rampages across his hometown. Fortunately, Stone Rabbit has his wits, his friends and a lot of dumb luck on his side as he battles aliens and giant robots to save the earth. Reviewed by Brigid Alverson.

PEACH FUZZ, Volumes 1–3 written by Lindsay Cibos and illustrated by Jared Hodges
Nine-year-old Amanda gets a new ferret as a pet and names her Peach. Peach Fuzz is seen through the eyes of both Amanda and her animal companion, making for a cute and interesting story. Watch out for the handras! Reviewed by Danica Davidson.

Author Interviews
Angie Sage
In this interview with Kidsreads.com's Terry Miller Shannon, Angie Sage --- author of the Septimus Heap series --- explains what drew her to writing fantasy novels and discusses the real-life inspirations behind a few of the quirky animals featured in her books. She also talks about why she chose not to create the art for the series despite her background in illustration, ranks some of her books in terms of the difficulty she had writing them, and shares details about what's in store for her characters after SYREN.

Special Features
MAIN STREET #8: SPECIAL DELIVERY by Ann M. Martin
Flora and Ruby couldn’t be more excited that their Aunt Allie is adopting a baby --- they’ve never had a cousin before, and they are full of helpful suggestions. Soon the whole family is going to New York City for the big event…a special delivery of the best possible kind. There’s only one question: Will it be a boy or a girl?
- Click here to read an excerpt from SPECIAL DELIVERY.
- Click here to read Ann M. Martin’s bio.

SYREN: Septimus Heap, Book Five by Angie Sage
In this fifth book in the Magykal series, Septimus ends up on a captivatingly beautiful island --- one of seven set in a sparkling sea. He’s stranded there with his badly injured dragon, Spit Fyre, along with Jenna and Beetle. There are some strange things about the island, including a Magykal girl named Syrah, a cat-shaped lighthouse that has lost its Light, and an eerie presence that sings to Septimus --- can he escape the persistent call? Trouble is also brewing for Lucy and Wolf Boy, who have become entangled with nefarious sailors at sea, and for Milo Banda, Jenna’s father, who is harboring a mysterious treasure chest in his ship’s hold…

Charismatic storyteller Angie Sage continues Septimus Heap’s Magykal journey with more laugh-out-loud adventures, more enchanting charms and spells, and an ever-deepening understanding of the rich interior life of a young hero.

To celebrate the release of this latest installment in the series, Kidsreads.com is giving 15 readers the chance to win a copy of the book.
- Click here for all the contest details.
- Click here to browse inside SYREN.
- Click here to read Angie Sage’s bio.
- Click here to read our Septimus Heap series feature.
- Click here to play the updated Septimus Heap trivia game.

AL CAPONE SHINES MY SHOES by Gennifer Choldenko
Moose and the cons are about to get a lot closer in this much-anticipated sequel to AL CAPONE DOES MY SHIRTS.

It’s 1935. Moose Flanagan lives on Alcatraz with his family, the other families of the guards, and a few hundred no-name hit men, con men, mad dog murderers and a handful of bank robbers too. And one of those cons has just done him a big favor.

You see, Moose has never met Al Capone, but a few weeks ago Moose wrote a letter to him asking him to use his influence to get his sister, Natalie, into a school she desperately needs in San Francisco. After Natalie got accepted, a note appeared in Moose’s freshly laundered shirt that said: Done.

As this book begins, Moose discovers a new note. This one says: Your turn. Is it really from Capone? What does it mean? Moose can’t risk anything that might get his dad fired. But how can he ignore Al Capone?
- Click here to read an excerpt from AL CAPONE SHINES MY SHOES.
- Click here to read our interview with Gennifer Choldenko.
- Click here to read Gennifer Choldenko’s bio.
- Click here to see the winners of our AL CAPONE SHINES MY SHOES Giveaway.

FLAWED DOGS: THE NOVEL: The Shocking Raid on Westminster, by Berkeley Breathed
Sam the Lion is actually a priceless dachshund, bred to be a show dog. More important, he is Heidy's best friend --- and she needs one like never before. Living with her reclusive uncle is hard, but Sam has a way of making her feel soft and whole. Until the day Sam is framed by the jealous poodle Cassius, and is cast out by Heidy's uncle, alone on the wild streets, where he is roughed up by a world he was not bred for. Sporting a soup ladle for a leg, Sam befriends other abandoned dogs and journeys all the way to the Westminster Dog Show, where his plan for revenge on Cassius takes an unexpected turn when he and Heidy spot each other after years of being apart.

Pulitzer Prize winner and New York Times bestselling author Berkeley Breathed's first illustrated novel is a heartwarming and humorous ode to the unconditional and lasting love we and our pets share.
- Click here to read more about FLAWED DOGS: THE NOVEL.
- Click here to read an excerpt from FLAWED DOGS: THE NOVEL.
- Click here to read Berkeley Breathed’s bio.

Contests
Win a Copy of MAIN STREET #1: WELCOME TO CAMDEN FALLS by Ann M. Martin
WELCOME TO CAMDEN FALLS, the first installment in the Main Street series, introduces readers to Flora and Ruby, orphaned sisters who move to Camden Falls to live with their grandmother. Much to their surprise, the new town soon becomes their home. To learn more about Flora and Ruby and their stories in Camden Falls, enter the WELCOME TO CAMDEN FALLS Giveaway to be one of 25 readers to win a copy of the book.
- Click here to read more about WELCOME TO CAMDEN FALLS.
- Click here to read an excerpt from WELCOME TO CAMDEN FALLS.

Win a Copy of SINGING SENSATION by Geronimo Stilton
After being enrolled in the Song Festival, Geronimo Stilton's song, "Welcome to New Mouse City," goes to the top of the charts and makes him a star. But very few CDs are sold after the festival. Will Geronimo and his detective friend, Hercule Poirat, be able to solve the mystery? To find out, enter the SINGING SENSATION Giveaway and join Geronimo and Hercule as they try to crack this case. You could be one of 25 readers to win a copy of the book.
- Click here to read a review of SINGING SENSATION.
- Click here to read an excerpt from SINGING SENSATION.
- Click here to play the updated Geronimo Stilton trivia game.
- Click here to read our Geronimo Stilton series feature.

Win a Copy of THEA STILTON AND THE MOUNTAIN OF FIRE by Thea Stilton
In THEA STILTON AND THE MOUNTAIN OF FIRE, Thea's friends the Thea Sisters take off for Australia to solve a mystery. A flock of sheep at Nicky's family's ranch is losing all its wool, and the five mouselings are determined to search for a cure. Kidsreads.com is giving away 25 copies of this truly memorable outback adventure.
- Click here to read a review of THEA STILTON AND THE MOUNTAIN OF FIRE.
- Click here to read an excerpt from THEA STILTON AND THE MOUNTAIN OF FIRE.
- Click here to play the updated Geronimo Stilton trivia game.
- Click here to read our Geronimo Stilton series feature.

Books into Movies
The month's Books into Movies Feature includes:

A Christmas Carol
The Fantastic Mr. Fox

Cool New Books
October’s roundup of Cool New Books includes RETURN TO THE HUNDRED ACRE WOOD by David Benedictus, the first authorized sequel to A. A. Milne's classic Winnie-the-Pooh books in over 80 years; THE ISLANDS OF THE BLESSED, the final volume in Nancy Farmer’s trilogy that started with THE SEA OF TROLLS and continued with THE LAND OF THE SILVER APPLES; THE MYSTERIOUS BENEDICT SOCIETY AND THE PRISONER’S DILEMMA, the much anticipated third installment in Trenton Lee Stewart’s Mysterious Benedict Society series; DIARY OF A WIMPY KID: DOG DAYS by Jeff Kinney, which marks the return of Greg Heffley, whose vision of the ideal summer vacation is completely different from that of his parents; GHOST IN THE MACHINE, the conclusion to Patrick Carman's thrilling Skeleton Creek series; and THE DOOM MACHINE, award-winning author and illustrator Mark Teague’s novel about the out-of-this-world adventures of a small, sleepy town invaded by a flying saucer filled with hilariously bizarre space aliens.

New in Paperback Roundup
October’s roundup of New in Paperback titles includes RUNEMARKS, a fresh, funny and wonderfully irreverent new take on the old Norse tales, marking the fantasy debut of acclaimed author Joanne Harris; THE MAYFLOWER AND THE PILGRIMS’ NEW WORLD, an adaptation for younger readers of Nathaniel Philbrick’s New York Times bestseller MAYFLOWER: A Story of Courage, Community, and War; ALCATRAZ VERSUS THE SCRIVENER’S BONES, a sequel to Brandon Sanderson’s ALCATRAZ VERSUS THE EVIL LIBRARIANS, in which Alcatraz Smedry finds himself on a mission to save Grandpa Smedry when he gets swept up by a flying glass dragon; and THE HUNT FOR THE SEVENTH by Christine Morton-Shaw, a chilling and suspenseful supernatural mystery that will keep readers guessing until the very end.

Click here to read the full newsletter.

September 2009

2009-09-30T18:29:00.001-04:00

The following reviews, interviews and features are running on Kidsreads.com for the month of September.

Reviews and Excerpts
THE MAGICIAN’S ELEPHANT written by Kate DiCamillo and illustrated by Yoko Tanak a
Welcome to the city of Baltese --- where an old magician gets one last chance to prove himself, where elephants fall from ceilings onto the laps of rich ladies, where a fortuneteller changes the life of an orphan boy soldier, and where magic shows that it is indeed possible, if only the world would just believe. Reviewed by Jonathan Stephens and excerpted.
- Click here to read an excerpt from THE MAGICIAN’S ELEPHANT.

ALLIE FINKLE’S RULES FOR GIRLS: Book Four – Stage Fright, by Meg Cabot
Mrs. Hunter's fourth grade class is putting on a play. But Allie's theatrical hopes are crushed when she doesn't get cast as the princess --- the part that she wanted. Instead, Allie is cast as the evil queen. But as opening night approaches, Allie learns it’s not the size of the part, it's the size of the heart that really matters. Reviewed by Jana Siciliano and excerpted.
- Click here to read an an excerpt from STAGE FRIGHT.

ODD AND THE FROST GIANTS written by Neil Gaiman and illustrated by Brett Helquist
Odd has had some terrible luck: His father perished in a Viking expedition, a tree shattered his leg, the freezing winter might never end, and his neighbors are growing dangerously grumpy. But Odd’s luck may be about to change when he rescues a bear who is more than what he seems to be. Reviewed by Sarah Rachel Egelman.

THE WYRM KING: Beyond the Spiderwick Chronicles, Book 3 by Tony DiTerlizzi and Holly Black
Are you ready? Well…ready or not, here it is: the final book in Tony DiTerlizzi and Holly Black’s Beyond the Spiderwick Chronicles series, in which Nick and the others must battle a terrible force with the power to end the world. The worst part? They are the ones who set the force free. Reviewed by Terry Miller Shannon.

ZOOBREAK by Gordon Korman
In this long-awaited sequel to SWINDLE, Griffin Bing’s pal, Savannah, loses her beloved pet monkey. After searching everywhere, they finally find the monkey --- held captive on a horrible, filthy floating zoo. Griffin and his friends join together to execute their best plan yet: Operation Zoobreak. Reviewed by Chris Shanley-Dillman.

THE GEORGES AND THE JEWELS by Jane Smiley
In the 1960s, seventh grader Abby Lovitt lives on a small California horse ranch with her strict but kind parents. Normally, Abby loves helping to train the horses and rarely does she encounter a problem that she can’t handle --- until she meets Ornery George. The two of them just can’t seem to speak the same language. But then an unusual man drops by and shows Abby another way to communicate with the horses. Reviewed by Chris Shanley-Dillman.

WILD GIRL by Patricia Reilly Giff
Lidie lives in Jales, Brazil, where she’s free to ride, to be a wild girl, and to dream of going to live with her father and older brother, Rafael, in New York City. Finally Lidie is 12 and ready to leave Brazil for New York. Meanwhile, a filly is born and begins her journey to a new home. As Lidie’s story unfolds, so does the filly’s. Reviewed by Norah Piehl.

THE LOST CONSPIRACY by Frances Hardinge
Hathin feels that her only purpose in life is to care for her older sister, Arilou. And part of caring for Arilou is hiding a secret --- that Arilou may not be who everyone thinks she is. But then the girls get caught up in a mysterious conspiracy and are accused of murder. As they run for their lives, trying to prove their innocence, Hathin begins to discover the importance of herself apart from her legendary sister. Reviewed by Chris Shanley-Dillman.

THE MAGIC THIEF: LOST by Sarah Prineas
Young wizard-in-training Conn's dire search for a way to communicate with "the magic" that is necessary to his city's survival leads him to the dangerous desert city of Desh and a showdown with its sorcerer king, En Sindaval. Has Conn learned enough to outwit such a powerful opponent without the help of his master wizard, Nevery? Reviewed by Usha Reynolds.

THE FAIRY GODMOTHER ACADEMY #1: BIRDIE'S BOOK by Jan Bozarth
When Birdie goes to visit her grandmother for the first time, she learns that her grandmother is a fairy godmother --- which means Birdie is a fairy godmother too! Birdie’s family talisman, a singing stone, has been broken, and now only Birdie can use the stone to travel to a magical land called Aventurine to repair it. Reviewed by Sarah Rachel Egelman.

THE BOOK OF GHOSTS written and illustrated by Michael Hague and Devon Hague
Looking for a collection of stories that will send chills down your spine? THE BOOK OF GHOSTS contains classic ghost stories from Edgar Allan Poe, Washington Irving and others that are sure to keep you reading late into the night --- if you can stand the dark. Reviewed by Benjamin Boche.

Graphic Novel Reviews
BONE PREQUEL: ROSE written by Jeff Smith and illustrated by Charles Vess
Princess Rose faces both a treacherous sister and a possessed dragon in this new tale from Jeff Smith. BONE: ROSE is a prequel to his long-running series and introduces readers to Gran'ma Ben in her glorious youth. Reviewed by John Hogan.

STAR WARS ADVENTURES, Volume 1: HAN SOLO AND THE HOLLOW MOON OF KHORYA written by Jeremy Barlow, illustrated by Rick Lacy, Matthew Loux and Michael Atiyeh
Han Solo and Chewbacca find themselves in deep water when a scam goes bad. Now, while Chewie fights for his life in a deadly battle arena, Han must pair up with an old “friend” to try to steal…from the Empire! Reviewed by Snow Wildsmith.

BINKY THE SPACE CAT written and illustrated by Ashley Spires
Binky has all the materials he needs to blast off into space (or the backyard, as we might call it). His attempts to become a cat astronaut are a fun new addition to kids’ libraries. Reviewed by John Hogan.

BILLY & BUDDY, Volume 1: REMEMBER THIS, BILLY? written and illstrated by Jean Roba
Together, Billy and Buddy get up to all sorts of mischief, gently tormenting those around them. The family setting overflows with love and tenderness, and the duo's pranks are guaranteed to give reaers of all ages a good chuckle. Reviewed by Brigid Alverson.

Don’t Miss
THE LION AND THE MOUSE illustrated by Jerry Pinkney
In award-winning artist Jerry Pinkney's wordless adaptation of one of Aesop's most beloved fables, an unlikely pair learn that no act of kindness is ever wasted. After a ferocious lion spares a cowering mouse that he'd planned to eat, the mouse later comes to his rescue, freeing him from a poacher's trap. With vivid depictions of the landscape of the African Serengeti and expressively-drawn characters, Pinkney makes this a truly special retelling, and his stunning pictures speak volumes. Reviewed by Nicole Bruce.

Author Interviews
Patrick Carman
The bestselling interactive series The 39 Clues is a collaborative effort among seven acclaimed YA authors --- including Rick Riordan, Gordon Korman and Jude Watson --- that chronicles the adventures of Dan and Amy Cahill, who travel the world in search of clues said to reveal secrets about their family's history. Patrick Carman --- the author of the series' newly released fifth book, THE BLACK CIRCLE --- recently spoke with Kidsreads.com's Chris Shanley-Dillman about how he became involved in the project and how he prepared for contributing to an already-established story arc. He also names his favorite character, hints at what future installments might hold for the Cahill kids, and shares details about some of his own projects in the works.

Gennifer Choldenko
Gennifer Choldenko is the author of seven books for young readers, including MOONSTRUCK, IF A TREE FALLS AT LUNCH PERIOD, AL CAPONE DOES MY SHIRTS and its newly released sequel, AL CAPONE SHINES MY SHOES. In this interview with Kidsreads.com's Norah Piehl, Choldenko explains why she chose to write Moose's story on Alcatraz as a trilogy and discusses the difficulties she experienced in finding the voice of her main character --- a 12-year-old boy in 1935. She also sheds light on how mental illness was viewed in that era, shares surprising facts about the real Al Capone, and gives advice to aspiring writers.

Berkeley Breathed
Berkeley Breathed is the creator of the Pulitzer Prize-winning comic strip “Bloom County”as well as the author of eight books for children, including MARS NEEDS MOMS!, GOODNIGHT OPUS and his first illustrated novel, FLAWED DOGS: The Shocking Raid on Westminster. In this interview with Kidsreads.com's Alexis Burling, Breathed discusses his inspiration for main character Sam the Lion and describes a surprising letter he received from a fan. He also shares his thoughts on the real Westminster Dog Show as well as the classic canine film Old Yeller, reveals his favorite music to listen to while working, and explains how his children have influenced his work.

Lisa Yee
In this interview with Kidsreads.com's Donna Volkenannt, Lisa Yee --- author of six novels for middle-grade and YA readers --- discusses what led her to write her latest book, BOBBY VS. GIRLS (ACCIDENTALLY), for a slightly younger audience than her usual fare, and explains who and what inspired her colorful characters. She also shares some of the positive feedback she has received from the Asian-American community, reveals what she finds most satisfying about her work, and gives details on her upcoming projects due out in the next few years.

Special Feature
SYREN: Septimus Heap, Book Five by Angie Sage
In this fifth book in the Magykal series, Septimus ends up on a captivatingly beautiful island --- one of seven set in a sparkling sea. He’s stranded there with his badly injured dragon, Spit Fyre, along with Jenna and Beetle. There are some strange things about the island, including a Magykal girl named Syrah, a cat-shaped lighthouse that has lost its Light, and an eerie presence that sings to Septimus --- can he escape the persistent call? Trouble is also brewing for Lucy and Wolf Boy, who have become entangled with nefarious sailors at sea, and for Milo Banda, Jenna’s father, who is harboring a mysterious treasure chest in his ship’s hold…

Charismatic storyteller Angie Sage continues Septimus Heap’s Magykal journey with more laugh-out-loud adventures, more enchanting charms and spells, and an ever-deepening understanding of the rich interior life of a young hero.

To celebrate the release of this latest installment in the series, Kidsreads.com is giving 15 readers the chance to win a copy of the book.
- Click here for all the contest details.
- Click here to browse inside SYREN.
- Click here to read Ange Sage’s bio.
- Click here to read our Septimus Heap series feature.
- Click here to play the updated Septimus Heap trivia game.

AL CAPONE SHINES MY SHOES by Gennifer Choldenko
Moose and the cons are about to get a lot closer in this much-anticipated sequel to AL CAPONE DOES MY SHIRTS.

It’s 1935. Moose Flanagan lives on Alcatraz with his family, the other families of the guards, and a few hundred no-name hit men, con men, mad dog murderers and a handful of bank robbers too. And one of those cons has just done him a big favor.

You see, Moose has never met Al Capone, but a few weeks ago Moose wrote a letter to him asking him to use his influence to get his sister, Natalie, into a school she desperately needs in San Francisco. After Natalie got accepted, a note appeared in Moose’s freshly laundered shirt that said: Done.

As this book begins, Moose discovers a new note. This one says: Your turn. Is it really from Capone? What does it mean? Moose can’t risk anything that might get his dad fired. But how can he ignore Al Capone?
- Click here to read an excerpt from AL CAPONE SHINES MY SHOES.
- Click here to read Gennifer Choldenko’s bio.
- Click here to see the winners of our AL CAPONE SHINES MY SHOES Giveaway.

FLAWED DOGS: THE NOVEL: The Shocking Raid on Westminster, by Berkeley Breathed
Sam the Lion is actually a priceless dachshund, bred to be a show dog. More important, he is Heidy's best friend --- and she needs one like never before. Living with her reclusive uncle is hard, but Sam has a way of making her feel soft and whole. Until the day Sam is framed by the jealous poodle Cassius, and is cast out by Heidy's uncle, alone on the wild streets, where he is roughed up by a world he was not bred for. Sporting a soup ladle for a leg, Sam befriends other abandoned dogs and journeys all the way to the Westminster Dog Show, where his plan for revenge on Cassius takes an unexpected turn when he and Heidy spot each other after years of being apart.

Pulitzer Prize winner and New York Times bestselling author Berkeley Breathed's first illustrated novel is a heartwarming and humorous ode to the unconditional and lasting love we and our pets share.
- Click here to read more about FLAWED DOGS: THE NOVEL.
- Click here to read an excerpt from FLAWED DOGS: THE NOVEL.
- Click here to read Berkeley Breathed’s bio.

THE 39 CLUES, Book Five: THE BLACK CIRCLE by Patrick Carman
The hunt for the 39 Clues leads Amy and Dan to their most treacherous destination yet --- a frozen land of Cahill secrets and betrayals. With danger chasing close behind, the siblings must track down one of history’s greatest lost treasures. Governments were toppled and rulers were killed during the last attempt to find it. Do Amy and Dan even stand a chance?

Kidsreads.com is giving 25 readers the chance to win a copy of THE BLACK CIRCLE. Enter the giveaway today and join the international clue hunt!
- Click here for all the contest details.
- Click here to read an excerpt from THE BLACK CIRCLE.
- Click here to read Patrick Carman’s bio.

BOBBY VS. GIRLS (ACCIDENTALLY) written by Lisa Yee and illustrated by Dan Santat
Meet Robert Carver Ellis-Chan --- a perfectly normal fourth grader who gets into perfectly crazy situations! Like when he was running for class president and discovered his big sister's panties (static-) clinging to the back of his sweater. Or when he got stuck to the rare, sticky (and stinky) Koloff tree on a field trip…. Then there's his family --- busy mom, ex-pro football player dad, a bossy older sister, and an adoring younger one --- and best friends (one of whom is a secret, because she's a *girl*). Life may be complicated for Bobby, but it's going to turn out just fine.
- Click here to read an excerpt from BOBBY VS. GIRLS (ACCIDENTALLY).
- Click here to read Lisa Yee’s bio.

Halloween Roundup
The leaves are beginning to change colors, pumpkins are appearing on doorsteps, and a cool breeze now fills the air. But don’t be fooled by the peaceful signs of Halloween. Grab a flashlight and check for ghosts in the closet and monsters under the bed, as Kidsreads.com’s 2009 Halloween Roundup is now on the loose. Watch out! There are wandering ghost brides, runaway mummys, phantom text messengers and games of hide-and-shriek around every dark corner. You may want to hold on to your night light for another year --- this is our spookiest Halloween collection yet. Enter…if you dare!

Books into Movies
One of the most beloved children’s books of all time comes to life on the big screen October 16th in a heartwarming and wildly imaginative, albeit slightly creepy, retelling of Maurice Sendak’s WHERE THE WILD THINGS ARE. Join Max, who --- after being sent to his room for his mischievous behavior --- escapes into a magical forest and sets sail to an island populated by make-believe monsters who crown him as their ruler. Let the wild rumpus start!

Already in theaters, and sure to whet your appetite, is Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs. This modernized adaptation of the classic children’s book by Ron and Judy Barrett follows an ambitious but misguided budding inventor whose latest project goes awry, leading to disastrous --- but tasty! --- consequences.

Cool New Books
September’s roundup of Cool New Books includes THE MAGICIAN’S ELEPHANT by Kate DiCamillo, a haunting fable about trusting the unexpected --- and making the extraordinary come true; Neil Gaiman’s ODD AND THE FROST GIANTS, a novel inspired by traditional Norse mythology that takes readers on a wild and magical trip to the land of giants and gods and back; STAGE FRIGHT, book four in Meg Cabot’s tween series that finds Allie Finkle’s theatrical hopes crushed when she doesn't get cast as the princess in the school play; THE WYRM KING, the final installment of Tony DiTerlizzi and Holly Black’s Beyond the Spiderwick Chronicles, in which the Grace kids come back to inform Nick and Laurie that more trouble may be coming their way; and THE LION & THE MOUSE, award-winning artist Jerry Pinkney's wordless adaptation of one of Aesop's most beloved fables, featuring an unlikely pair who learn that no act of kindness is ever wasted.

New in Paperback
September’s roundup of New in Paperback titles includes IF YOU’RE READING THIS, IT’S TOO LATE, a sequel to the Edgar Award-nominated THE NAME OF THIS BOOK IS SECRET, which marks the return of mysterious narrator Pseudonymous Bosch; WELL WITCHED, a contemporary fantasy from Frances Hardinge, whose main characters steal some tarnished coins from a wishing well --- and the witch who lives at the bottom of the well demands a sinister form of payback; EVERY SOUL A STAR by Wendy Mass, a powerful yet humorous novel about three young strangers who are brought together by the total eclipse of the sun; and THE GATE OF DAYS, the second installment in Guillaume Prėvost’s The Book of Time trilogy, which finds Sam Faulkner on a desperate journey through the ages to collect the coins that will allow him to locate his father, who is trapped in a dungeon in Transylvania.

Click here to read the full newsletter.

August 2009

2009-08-31T16:41:00.001-04:00

The following reviews, interviews and features are running on Kidsreads.com for the month of August.

Reviews
RANGER’S APPRENTICE, Book 6: THE SIEGE OF MACINDAW by John Flanagan
In this latest installment of John Flangan’s Ranger’s Apprentice series, the Ranger Will and his Knight friend Horace are at odds with the traitorous Sir Keren, who has overtaken the Castle Macindaw. The future of Araluen is threatened, and it’s up to the young warriors to defend those they love. Reviewed by Benjamin Boche.

CHANGE-UP: Mystery at the World Series by John Feinstein
An underdog team stuns the baseball world by winning the National League Championship Series. An obscure minor leaguer is called up late to pitch in the “Bigs.” In John Feinstein’s latest sports mystery, teen reporters Stevie Thomas and Susan Carol Anderson uncover a secret that could affect the outcome of the World Series. Reviewed by Donna Volkenannt.

JUDY MOODY & STINK: THE MAD, MAD, MAD, MAD TREASURE HUNT written by Megan McDonald and illustrated by Peter H. Reynolds
Judy Moody and Stink travel with their parents to "Artichoke Island" (otherwise known as North Carolina's Ocracoke Island), where they meet a swashbuckling pirate and join forces in an exciting hunt for pirate treasure. Reviewed by Terry Miller Shannon.

SENT: The Missing, Book 2 by Margaret Peterson Haddix
In FOUND, Jonah’s life turns completely upside down when he finds out that he is a stolen kid from history. Now J.B., a time officer, is trying to fix the damages by sending the children back in time to “when” they belong. Jonah’s friend, Chip, is one of the first, and Jonah and his sister, Katherine, latch onto Chip and Alex as they speed back in time. They end up in the year 1483, where Chip and Alex are the king and prince of England --- and someone is out to murder them. Reviewed by Chris Shanley-Dillman.

OATH BREAKER: Chronicles of Ancient Darkness, Book Five by Michelle Paver
Nine moons ago, Torak was an outcast --- the hunted. Now he turns hunter when he vows to avenge the murder of his kinsman. Torak follows the killer into the Deep Forest, where the clans are on the brink of war, for they have succumbed to the lies of the Soul Eaters. Here Torak must face fire, violence and, ultimately, overwhelming evil as he comes face to face with his kinsman’s murderer at last. Reviewed by Sally M. Tibbetts.

JAKE RANSOM AND THE SKULL KING’S SHADOW by James Rollins
When a mysterious envelope arrives for Jake Ransom, he and his older sister, Kady, are plunged into a gripping chain of events. An artifact found by their archaeologist parents on the expedition from which they never returned leads Jake and Kady to a strange world inhabited by a peculiar mix of long-lost civilizations, a world that may hold the key to their parents' disappearance --- if Jake and Kady can survive long enough to solve the mystery. Reviewed by Chris Shanley-Dillman.

THE GECKO & STICKY: VILLAIN’S LAIR written by Wendelin Van Draanen and illustrated by Stephen Gilpin
Thirteen-year-old Dave Sanchez finds himself mixed up with a talking kleptomaniac gecko lizard, Sticky, who has stolen an ancient Aztec wristband that promises the wearer special powers. The dastardly Damien Black, however, possesses the power ingots that click into the wristband. Thus begins Dave and Sticky’s zany quest to become superheroes. Reviewed by Benjamin Boche.

THE GECKO & STICKY: THE GREATEST POWER written by Wendelin Van Draanen and illustrated by Stephen Gilpin
The evil treasure hunter Damien Black needs some quick cash --- so he robs the local bank. But Damien Black didn’t figure Dave Sanchez into his plan. Dave has been itching to try out the Invisibility Ingot in his magical wrist band, and here’s the perfect opportunity to make like a superhero! So Dave and Sticky set off after the robber, determined to retrieve the bank’s money. Reviewed by Donna Volkenannt.

RAPACIA: The Second Circle of Heck, by Dale E. Basye
Siblings Marlo and Milton Fauster are once again subject to the whims of Heck. Marlo is drawn to a large metal rabbit that has mysterious plans for her kleptomaniac skills. Back on the surface, Milton has his own struggles as he attempts to reach Marlo and somehow reconnect his body and soul. Reviewed by Benjamin Boche.

STRAWBERRY HILL by Mary Ann Hoberman
When 10-year-old Allie learns that her family will be moving from their two-family home to their very own house in the country, she's hesitant until she finds out they will be living on a street with the magical name of Strawberry Hill. From her struggle to find a new best friend, to her quest for acceptance at her new school, Allie takes readers on her journey to make Strawberry Hill feel like home. Reviewed by Jana Siciliano.

CONFETTI GIRL by Diana López
Lina Flores and her father are recovering from her mother's death. Meanwhile, she invents quite the sock system, fumbles in academics (and so loses out on her beloved sports), embarks on her first romance, and tries to maintain best friendship equilibrium. Reviewed by Terry Miller Shannon.

THE CURSE OF THE ROMANY WOLVES written by S. Jones Rogan and illustrated by Christian Slade
The creatures of Porthleven are suffering from a mysterious illness that looks like Febra lupi, the curse of the Romany wolves, which has no known cure. The dashing apothecary fox Penhaligon must find a cure or risk losing everyone he holds dear. Reviewed by Sarah Rachel Egelman.

DARKWOOD by M. E. Breen
Darkness falls so quickly in Howland that the people there have no word for evening. But darkness comes in other forms, and for 13-year-old Annie, the misery she endures in her uncle’s household makes the black of night seem almost soothing. When Annie escapes, her route takes her first to a dangerous mine where a precious stone is being stolen by an enemy of the king, and later to the king’s own halls, where a figure from Annie’s past makes a startling appearance. Reviewed by Norah Piehl.

Don’t Miss Review
OCEANOLOGY: The True Account of the Voyage of the Nautilus, written by Ferdinand Zoticus deLessups and edited by Dugald A. Steer
What if a 16-year-old assistant traveled aboard the storied Nautilus, the narwhal-shaped submarine of 20,000 LEAGUES UNDER THE SEA? And what if he were the sole survivor of the ill-fated voyage and went on to relay his adventures to a certain…Jules Verne? Find this brave young man’s own account in OCEANOLOGY, a tale of an 866 voyage of discovery that investigates diving bells and shipwrecks; coral reefs and ice canyons; sharks, giant octopi and luminous sea monsters; underwater volcanoes; and even the legendary island of Atlantis. Reviewed by Sarah Rachel Egelman.

Graphic Novel Reviews
AMULET, BOOK TWO: THE STONEKEEPER’S CURSE written and illustrated by Kazu Kibuishi
After running into deadly trouble in the magical kingdom they've been led to, Emily and her brother Navin must go on separate quests in order to rescue their mother from death. Reviewed by John Hogan.

KNIGHTS OF THE LUNCH TABLE #2: THE DRAGON PLAYERS written and illustrated by Frank Cammuso
Knights of the Lunch Table must do battle with the school bullies --- not in person, but with remote-controlled robots. There’s a touch of medieval magic in this story, but the real appeal lies in its kinetic humor and kid-first point of view. Reviewed by Brigid Alverson.

Author Interviews
Jennifer L. Holm and Matthew Holm
Growing up in Pennsylvania, siblings Jennifer L. Holm and Matthew Holm developed a love of comics early on. Years later, the two parlayed their reading habits into one of the most successful series for kids: Babymouse. With nearly a dozen books in the Babymouse series already published, the duo is now releasing BABYMOUSE: DRAGONSLAYER, a hilarious book that pits Babymouse against a might dragon. The two talked to GraphicNovelReporter.com’s John Hogan about how they work together, how the series came about, and what’s next for their tiny protagonist.

Special Features
THE 39 CLUES, Book Five: THE BLACK CIRCLE by Patrick Carman
The hunt for the 39 Clues leads Amy and Dan to their most treacherous destination yet --- a frozen land of Cahill secrets and betrayals. With danger chasing close behind, the siblings must track down one of history’s greatest lost treasures. Governments were toppled and rulers were killed during the last attempt to find it. Do Amy and Dan even stand a chance?

Kidsreads.com is giving 25 readers the chance to win a copy of THE BLACK CIRCLE. Enter the giveaway today and join the international clue hunt!
- Click here for all the contest details.
- Click here to read an excerpt from THE BLACK CIRCLE.
» Click here to read Patrick Carman’s bio.

BOBBY VS. GIRLS (ACCIDENTALLY) written by Lisa Yee and illustrated by Dan Santat
Meet Robert Carver Ellis-Chan --- a perfectly normal fourth grader who gets into perfectly crazy situations! Like when he was running for class president and discovered his big sister's panties (static-) clinging to the back of his sweater. Or when he got stuck to the rare, sticky (and stinky) Koloff tree on a field trip…. Then there's his family --- busy mom, ex-pro football player dad, a bossy older sister, and an adoring younger one --- and best friends (one of whom is a secret, because she's a *girl*). Life may be complicated for Bobby, but it's going to turn out just fine.
- Click here to read an excerpt from BOBBY VS. GIRLS (ACCIDENTALLY).
- Click here to read Lisa Yee’s bio.

Contests
AL CAPONE SHINES MY SHOES by Gennifer Choldenko
Moose and the cons are about to get a lot closer in this much-anticipated sequel to AL CAPONE DOES MY SHIRTS.

It’s 1935. Moose Flanagan lives on Alcatraz with his family, the other families of the guards, and a few hundred no-name hit men, con men, mad dog murderers and a handful of bank robbers too. And one of those cons has just done him a big favor.

You see, Moose has never met Al Capone, but a few weeks ago Moose wrote a letter to him asking him to use his influence to get his sister, Natalie, into a school she desperately needs in San Francisco. After Natalie got accepted, a note appeared in Moose’s freshly laundered shirt that said: Done.

As this book begins, Moose discovers a new note. This one says: Your turn. Is it really from Capone? What does it mean? Moose can’t risk anything that might get his dad fired. But how can he ignore Al Capone?
- Click here for all the contest details.
- Click here to read an excerpt from AL CAPONE SHINES MY SHOES.

BEDEVILED: DADDY'S LITTLE ANGEL by Shani Petroff
“Mom always said my dad is the devil. I never knew she meant it literally!”

All Angel’s father (a.k.a. the Devil) wants is to be a part of her life. And in return he has the power to give her anything she wants --- including popularity and a date with her long-time crush, Cole Daniels. But Angel will only accept him on her terms: get out of the devil business and leave his special powers out of the equation. Is Angel condemning herself to an eternity of lunch at the losers’ table? Or can she and Daddy Dearest strike some kind of deal?
- Click here for all the contest details.

Cool New Books
August’s roundup of Cool New Books includes THE SIEGE OF MACINDAW, the sixth installment in John Flanagan’s Ranger’s Apprentice fantasy/adventure series; THE BLACK CIRCLE by Patrick Carman, book five in The 39 Clues series, in which the hunt for the 39 Clues leads Amy and Dan to their most treacherous destination yet --- a frozen land of Cahill secrets and betrayals; WILD GIRL, an irresistible story from Patricia Reilly Giff about a girl who is determined to befriend and ride the wild filly her father has just bought; THE FACELESS ONES, the third outrageous adventure of Valkyrie Cain (aka 14-year-old Stephanie Edgley) and snappy sidekick Skulduggery Pleasant, skeleton detective; and Lauren Child’s delightful retelling of the classic fairy tale “Goldilocks and the Three Bears.”

New in Paperback
August’s roundup of New in Paperback titles includes THE TIME PARADOX, the sixth installment in Eoin Colfer’s fantasy series that continues the story of teenage criminal mastermind Artemis Fowl; THE LAND OF THE SILVER APPLES, the highly anticipated sequel to THE SEA OF TROLLS from National Book Award winner and Newbery Honor author Nancy Farmer; KINGDOM KEEPERS II: DISNEY AT DAWN, which marks the return of our heroes from Ridley Pearson’s DISNEY AFTER DARK as they embark on another adventure to save Walt Disney World; THE NEW GIRL, book two in Meg Cabot's middle-grade series featuring Allie Finkle, who's starting fourth grade at a brand-new school; and THE GOLLYWHOPPER GAMES by Jody Feldman, an inventive and interactive page-turner in which a determined young boy sets out to win the Golly Toy & Game Company's ultimate competition --- his future happiness depends on it.

Click here to read the full newsletter.

July 2009

2009-07-31T16:52:00.002-04:00

The following reviews, interviews and features are running on Kidsreads.com for the month of July.

The titles below are also mentioned in the Kidsreads.com Newsletter Opener, which can be read here:

THE LION & THE MOUSE by Jerry Pinkney
BEDEVILED: DADDY'S LITTLE ANGEL by Shani Petroff
SAVVY by Ingrid Law

Reviews and Excerpts
WHEN YOU REACH ME by Rebecca Stead
By sixth grade, Miranda and her best friend, Sal, know how to navigate their New York City neighborhood. But things start to unravel. Sal gets punched by a new kid for what seems like no reason, and he shuts Miranda out of his life. The apartment key that Miranda’s mom keeps hidden for emergencies is stolen. And then Miranda begins receiving mysterious notes --- notes that will change her life forever. Reviewed by Norah Piehl and excerpted.
- Click here to read an excerpt from WHEN YOU REACH ME.

SKELLIG: 10th-Anniversary Edition, by David Almond
Ten-year-old Michael was looking forward to moving into a new house. But now his baby sister is ill, his parents are frantic, and Doctor Death has come to call. Michael feels helpless. Then he steps into the crumbling garage…. What is this thing beneath the spiders' webs and dead flies? A human being, or a strange kind of beast never before seen? The only person Michael can confide in is his new friend, Mina. Together, they carry the creature out into the light, and Michael's world changes forever. Reviewed by Sarah Rachel Egelman and excerpted.
- Click here to read an excerpt from SKELLIG.

DORK DIARIES: Tales from a Not-So-Fabulous Life, by Rachel Renée Russell
Eighth-grader Nikki Maxwell has just moved to a new school, one in which she doesn’t fit and where she definitely feels unwelcome. But that’s nothing compared to what she really wants: an iPhone. As this “dork” makes her way through the travails of school life, writer and artist Rachel Renée Russell introduces us to a lovable character along the lines of Jeff Kinney’s Diary of a Wimpy Kid and Bryan Lee O’Malley’s Scott Pilgrim. Reviewed by John Hogan.

FOOTBALL CHAMP by Tim Green
When Troy White proved his remarkable "football genius" to the Atlanta Falcons, they brought him on board as a team consultant. Now, thanks to Troy's ability to predict winning plays, the Falcons are pulling in victories. Troy is thrilled to have NFL star linebacker Seth Halloway (who's dating Troy's mom) to coach his own Duluth Tigers team on their way to a state championship. But then Troy's perfect world comes crashing down. Reviewed by Joy Held.

MERCY WATSON: SOMETHING WONKY THIS WAY COMES written by Kate DiCamillo and illustrated by Chris Van Dusen
In Kate DiCamillo’s latest Mercy Watson adventure, the Watson family and assorted guests attend the drive-in to watch a movie with the intriguing title When Pigs Fly. Here, our favorite "porcine wonder" is a little too enthralled by the buttery scent in the air, which tempts her into calamity and excitement galore. Reviewed by Terry Miller Shannon.

FAITH, HOPE, AND IVY JUNE by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor
Beloved author Phyllis Reynolds Naylor turns her perceptive, compassionate eye to the heart of Kentucky coal country in FAITH, HOPE, AND IVY JUNE, a thoughtful novel about how a simple student exchange program results in profound new insights about oneself and others. Reviewed by Norah Piehl.

EXTRA CREDIT written by Andrew Clements and illustrated by Mark Elliott
Abby Carson has far more important things to do than homework. At least she thinks she does, until the school threatens to hold her back to repeat the sixth grade. Determined to pass, Abby agrees to work hard the rest of the year, including taking on an extra credit project --- writing to a pen pal in Afghanistan. Reviewed by Chris Shanley-Dillman.

THE DRAGON DIARY: The Dragonology Chronicles, Volume Two written by Dugald A. Steer and illustrated by Douglas Carrel
Apprentice dragonologists Daniel and Beatrice Cook eagerly await the hatching of the dragon’s egg in their care. But just as the shell begins to crack, their mentor, Dr. Ernest Drake, is called off to India to look for their missing parents and tend to the gravely ill naga dragons they’ve left behind. Meanwhile, the siblings receive a tip that the secret to curing dragons may lie in an age-old Dragon Diary --- if only they could decipher it. Reviewed by Sally M. Tibbetts.

SLUGGERS #4: WATER, WATER EVERYWHERE by Loren Long and Phil Bildner
Ruby, Graham and Griffith Payne accompany the Travelin’ Nine as they barnstorm across the Midwest. In Game 4, the Travelin’ Nine arrive in Minnesota, where they are tricked into playing a winner-take-all game against a professional team --- the Minneapolis Millers. Reviewed by Donna Volkenannt.

THE IMMORTAL FIRE: The Cronus Chronicles, Book Three by Anne Ursu
In the final book of the Cronus Chronicles trilogy, cousins Charlotte and Zee face their biggest test yet. After strolling through the underworld to stop a shadow army and living it up on Poseidon’s yacht afloat with deadly sea creatures, confronting Zeus at Mount Olympus should be easy, right? Right? Reviewed by Benjamin Boche.

KALEIDOSCOPE EYES by Jen Bryant
In this gripping and poignant page-turner from Jen Bryant, Lyza tells her story in a series of poems set in 1968 during the Vietnam War. When her grandfather dies, he bequeathes Lyza a mysterious envelope, which leads her to a quest for pirates’ treasure. Reviewed by Terry Miller Shannon.

UMBRELLA SUMMER by Lisa Graff
Ever since her brother died, 10-year-old Annie Richards spends every moment being extra careful to keep safe in this dangerous world. She even gives up her favorite activities, like racing bikes and obstacle courses. But then she meets a new neighbor who helps her to see that by worrying so much, she may be missing out on life. Reviewed by Chris Shanley-Dillman.

BORN TO FLY by Michael Ferrari
Eleven-year-old Bird McGill loves airplanes and flying with her father. But when the United States enters World War II, Bird’s father leaves to join the military and a Japanese-American joins Bird’s school. Everyone turns against the new student just because of his ancestry, but when Bird gets to know him, they quickly become best friends. Soon after, they discover a real enemy in town, one who threatens the very safety of the entire country. Reviewed by Chris Shanley-Dillman.

THE BROOKLYN NINE: A Novel in Nine Innings, by Alan Gratz
What happens when you combine America’s favorite pastime with a journey through history? You get a compelling look at how baseball can unite a family. Nine generations of one family and their love of baseball are told in nine innings that any sports fan will appreciate. Reviewed by Benjamin Boche.

Graphic Novel Review
JOEY FLY, PRIVATE EYE IN CREEPY CRAWLY CRIME written by Aaron Reynolds and illustrated by Neil Numberman
A six-legged detective and his scorpion sidekick set out to find a stolen pencil box in this clever spoof of private-eye movies. While some of the references may go over kids' heads, the humor in this book is broad enough to appeal to all readers. Reviewed by Brigid Alverson.

Manga Reviews
DINOSAUR HOUR!, Volume 1 written and illustrated by Hitoshi Shioya
Who would have thought that Jurassic Park could be such a fun-filled playland? If dinosaurs really were as wacky as the ones featured in Dinosaur Hour!, it's no wonder they went extinct! Reviewed by Casey Brienza.

LEAVE IT TO PET!, Volume 1 written and illustrated by Kenji Sonishi
Nine-year-old Noboru does the responsible thing and recycles a plastic bottle. But little does he know that the bottle is about to come back to life as PET, a robot with a mission: to pay Noboru back for recycling him! The only problem is that PET's sense of "helping" isn't quite in touch with reality. Reviewed by Casey Brienza.

SWANS IN SPACE, Volume 1 written and illustrated by Lun Lun Yamamoto
Corona is just your average overachieving sixth-grader until the day she is recruited to join Space Patrol. Now she flies around in a swan-shaped boat, scooping up spilled Martian papayas and straightening out slacker aliens in this colorful, supercute kids' manga. Reviewed by Brigid Alverson.

Author Interviews
Rachel Renée Russell
John Hogan, the Editorial Director for GraphicNovelReporter.com (the newest site in The Book Report Network), recently spoke with Rachel Renée Russell, author and illustrator of DORK DIARIES: Tales from a Not-So-Fabulous-Life. While primarily a prose novel, this first installment in the series is accompanied by comic art throughout. In this interview, Russell discusses the "dorky" qualities of the book's main character, Nikki Maxwell, and the real-life inspirations behind some of the things she experiences. She also shares a few memories of her own awkward middle-school years and names the authors and illustrators who have influenced her work.

Jarrett J. Krosoczka
Jarrett J. Krosoczka is the author and illustrator of such books as GOOD NIGHT, MONKEY BOY, MAX FOR PRESIDENT, and the newly released Lunch Lady graphic novel series --- which so far consists of LUNCH LADY AND THE CYBORG SUBSTITUTE and LUNCH LADY AND THE LEAGUE OF LIBRARIANS. Bridget Alverson, a contributor to GraphicNovelReporter.com (the newest site in The Book Report Network), spoke with Krosoczka, who talks about what inspired him to create this rather unusual character and explains what sets her apart from your average superhero. He also discusses how he decided to tell her story in comic form instead of through picture books or even a television series, elaborates on the books' color scheme, and shares when we can expect to see the next two Lunch Lady adventures.

Special Features
MACKENZIE BLUE by Tina Wells
Meet Mackenzie Blue, aka Zee.

She has it all --- smarts, talent, humor and style. Is it enough to survive middle school?

Countdown to a 7th Grade Meltdown:

1. Your BFF moves away.
2. Someone steals your diary and reveals your deepest secrets --- to the ENTIRE class.
3. You have one chance to become a rock star and one chance to totally blow it.

Guess what!? All three happened to me! School's a disaster already. Don't get me wrong --- I love Brookdale Academy and I have a fabulous crew of friends. (At least, I think I do.) But, if I'm going to survive, I need all the help I can get!

Now that her secrets are out, Mackenzie’s world is turned upside down. Who can she trust?
- Click here to read a review of MACKENZIE BLUE.
- Click here to browse inside MACKENZIE BLUE.
- Click here to read our interview with Tina Wells.
- Click here to read Tina Wells’s bio.

SHERLOCK HOLMES AND THE BAKER STREET IRREGULARS by Tracy Mack and Michael Citrin
CASEBOOK NO. 1: THE FALL OF THE AMAZING ZALINDAS
Few know that Sherlock Holmes was assisted by a band of devoted boys, street urchins who loved to solve mysteries, called the Baker Street Irregulars. When a murder at the circus unravels to reveal another far more treacherous crime, Holmes calls on the gang for help. Can the Baker Street Irregulars solve the mystery before it’s too late?

CASEBOOK NO. 2: THE MYSTERY OF THE CONJURED MAN
Casebook No. 2 in this exciting series gives Sherlock Holmes and the Baker Street Irregulars a most unusual case to crack. A young woman named Elsa Hoffman seeks out the detective when her aunt dies mysteriously. As Ozzie, Wiggins and the gang start investigating, seemingly real ghosts suddenly appear and Elsa is followed by shady characters. Holmes must decide if he and his assistants can solve the case without facing mortal danger. Join the Irregulars for a mysterious and fright-filled adventure and decide if this is a case of the supernatural --- or dark con men, thieves and murderers!

- Read reviews of THE FALL OF THE AMAZING ZALINDAS and THE MYSTERY OF THE CONJURED MAN.
- Read excerpts from THE FALL OF THE AMAZING ZALINDAS and THE MYSTERY OF THE CONJURED MAN.
- Click here to read bios of Tracy Mack and Michael Citrin.

Series Books
A FABUMOUSE SCHOOL ADVENTURE by Geronimo Stilton
When Geronimo's nephew Benjamin invites him to speak at his school during Career Day, Geronimo has a big goal: to make Benjamin proud. However, things don't go quite the way Geronimo pictured. Reviewed by Terry Miller Shannon.
- Click here to play the updated Geronimo Stilton trivia game.
- Click here to read our Geronimo Stilton series feature.

GOOSEBUMPS HORRORLAND #11: ESCAPE FROM HORRORLAND by R.L. Stine
Siblings Lizzy and Luke are concerned about the 14 Very Special Guests who are in a dangerous situation in HorrorLand. Can they help the kids escape a dreadful fate? (Fair warning: Readers should be prepared to be completely creeped out. Don't say I didn't caution you!) Reviewed by Terry Miller Shannon.

GOOSEBUMPS HORRORLAND #12: THE STREETS OF PANIC PARK by R.L. Stine
Yes, it's true: In the final book of the Goosebumps HorrorLand series, the kids have been captured by The Menace, the ultimate in Evil, who claims he must terrify them --- and then proceeds to do just that, in the most horrifying ways imaginable. Is there hope for any survivors? Reviewed by Terry Miller Shannon.
- Click here to play the updated Goosebumps HorrorLand trivia game.
- Click here to read our Goosebumps HorrorLand series feature.

Cool New Books
July’s roundup of Cool New Books includes WHEN YOU REACH ME by Rebecca Stead, a thought-provoking and compelling novel in which four mysterious letters change a sixth-grader’s world forever; MERCY WATSON: SOMETHING WONKY THIS WAY COMES, the latest installment in Kate DiCamillo’s series starring the porcine wonder, who is off to the drive-in --- and driven to follow that buttery smell; Megan McDonald’s THE MAD, MAD, MAD, MAD TREASURE HUNT, a swashbuckling adventure of puzzles and pirates featuring Judy Moody and Stink, who are racing in search of gold; STRAWBERRY HILL, a heartfelt coming-of-age novel from National Book Award winner Mary Ann Hoberman; and MARLEY GOES TO SCHOOL by John Grogan, a follow-up to BAD DOG, MARLEY! and A VERY MARLEY CHRISTMAS that finds the lovable and rowdy dog roaming the halls, looking for Cassie on her first day of school.

New in Paperback
Internal and external struggle, and, eventually, peaceful resolution, are the key ingredients in the heady potion that is HARRY POTTER AND THE DEATHLY HALLOWS. The final installment in J. K. Rowling’s classic series is now available in paperback.

July’s roundup of New in Paperback titles also includes ECLIPSE, the fourth installment in Erin Hunter’s Warriors: Power of Three series, in which Firestar’s three grandchildren begin to discover what their prophesied power might mean for the future of the Clans; HAUNTED HIKE by Patrick Carman, the second Elliot’s Park chapter book that finds Elliot and his friends trying to figure out who is haunting the park on Halloween after they think they see a ghost in Camp Canyon; and SPELLBOUND, Anna Dale’s novel about an innocent summer holiday that turns out to be anything but for Athene and her younger brother, Zach, when they find themselves caught up in a skirmish between two groups of gnome-like creatures.

Click here to read the full newsletter.

June 2009

2009-06-30T14:21:00.001-04:00

The following reviews, interviews and features are running on Kidsreads.com for the month of June.

Reviews and Excerpts
THE CASE OF THE CRYPTIC CRINOLINE: An Enola Holmes Mystery by Nancy Springer
Enola Holmes is back on the case when her beloved landlady Mrs. Tupper is kidnapped over a mysterious message. It doesn’t help that her pesky older brother, Sherlock, is involved. Will Enola be able to keep her freedom from the overbearing Sherlock Holmes and find Mrs. Tupper in time? Reviewed by Benjamin Boche.

MAKE WAY FOR DYAMONDE DANIEL written by Nikki Grimes and illustrated by R. Gregory Christie
Dyamonde Daniel may be new in town, but that doesn’t stop her from making a place for herself in a jiffy. With her can-do attitude and awesome brain power, she takes the whole neighborhood by storm. The only thing puzzling her is the other new kid in her class. He’s awfully grouchy --- but Dyamonde is determined to get to the bottom of his frowning attitude and make a friend. Reviewed by Christine M. Irvin.

OTTOLINE GOES TO SCHOOL by Chris Riddell
Intrepid Ottoline Brown and her hairy sidekick, Mr. Munroe, decide to join new friends at the Alice B. Smith School for the Differently Gifted. But Mr. Munroe is afraid of the ghost rumored to haunt the school halls at night. And Ottoline soon worries that she may not even have a special gift --- although she of course does! Reviewed by Sarah Rachel Egelman.

THE DEEP by Helen Dunmore
Return once again with Sapphire to the underwater world of Ingo and the Mer people. In the third installment of this creatively combined land and nautical series, Sapphire must go back to the dangerous Deep, this time to confront the evil Kraken who has awoken and now demands a sacrifice. Reviewed by Chris Shanley-Dillman.

CORYDON & THE SIEGE OF TROY by Tobias Druitt
In this satisfying conclusion to the ancient Greece Corydon trilogy, Corydon reunites with his “monster” friends to help the besieged city of Troy fight against the impenetrable Akhilleus and the Greek army. It is up to Corydon to thwart the mighty Zeus and save his friends and Troy from destruction. Reviewed by Benjamin Boche.

HERBERT'S WORMHOLE by Peter Nelson and Rohitash Rao
It is a familiar but compelling story: two heroes, of different temperaments and philosophies, must unite to defeat a common enemy. HERBERT'S WORMHOLE by Peter Nelson and Rohitash Rao takes this literary theme and adds cartoon graphics, video games, space aliens and time travel for a rollicking and fantastic chapter book. Reviewed by Sarah Rachel Egelman.

THE PIRATES OF CROCODILE SWAMP by Jim Arnosky
In 1982, an abusive father takes off running with his sons, Sandy and Jack, to the Florida Keys. Fearing that their mother is dead, and fearful of their father’s wrath, the two boys sneak away from his fists. Survival and freedom become their goals as they hide out in the dangerous, life-filled Crocodile Swamp, preferring the company of sharks, snakes and crocodiles to their own father. Reviewed by Chris Shanley-Dillman.

THE PRINCE OF FENWAY PARK by Julianna Baggott
Fenway Park, home of the Boston Red Sox, has been the site of some of the most legendary (and infamous) episodes in baseball history. And now, in the pages of Julianna Baggott’s terrific new novel, it also plays a starring role in a great story about fathers, sons, history and the enduring power of baseball. Reviewed by Norah Piehl.

Graphic Novel Reviews
CORALINE: THE GRAPHIC NOVEL written by Neil Gaiman and illustrated by P. Craig Russell
Neil Gaiman’s CORALINE gets reenvisioned as a graphic novel in this treatment from P. Craig Russell. It turns out there just isn’t a bad adaptation of this story to be found. Reviewed by John Hogan.

G-MAN: LEARNING TO FLY by Chris Giarrusso
How hard can it be to fly? Not too hard if you have the right book. A magic cape helps too. All these things come in very handy for two young brothers in G-MAN: LEARNING TO FLY. Reviewed by John Hogan.

Manga Review
NINJA BASEBLL KYUMA!, Volume 1 by Shunshin Maeda
He is a lone ninja honing his skills in the mountains and waiting to be sent to battle. They are a ragtag baseball team with a gaping hole in their lineup. Throw in a cute dog, and you have a great summer manga. Reviewed by Brigid Alverson.

Author Interviews
Tina Wells
In this interview with Kidsreads.com's Sarah Rachel Egelman, Tina Wells compares herself to Zee, the 12-year-old main character of her new novel MACKENZIE BLUE, and explains why she chose to write this story for middle-grade readers. She also mentions some of her favorite books from childhood, stresses the importance of writing as a form of self-expression, and shares what we can look forward to in future installments of the series.

Tracy Mack and Michael Citrin
Tracy Mack and Michael Citrin are the co-authors of Sherlock Holmes and the Baker Street Irregulars, which chronicles the adventures of a group of street children who aid the world-famous Victorian detective in solving some very tricky cases. In this interview with Kidsreads.com's Donna Volkenannt, the husband-and-wife team talk about why they chose to devote their series to these figures who played miniscule roles in the original Arthur Conan Doyle stories and recall the true inspiration behind the characters' charming, ragamuffin personalities. They also explain how they divide their collaborative duties, discuss their hands-on research while visiting London, and share details about the third installment of the series.

Andy Briggs
Screenwriter Andy Briggs is the author of a new series for young readers, Hero.com, as well as its parallel anti-series, Villain.net, which both follow ordinary teenagers who stumble upon websites that allow them to download superhuman abilities to be used for good or evil. In this interview with Kidsreads.com's Sarah A. Wood, Briggs discusses why he chose to write these stories as novels instead of the more typical comic-book format, and muses on the books’ theme regarding the fine line between heroes and villains. He also explains why he chose to give his characters seemingly strange and unusual superpowers, describes his need to balance action with humor, and shares details about the series' interactive website, www.heroorvillainbooks.com.

Special Features
MACKENZIE BLUE by Tina Wells
Meet Mackenzie Blue, aka Zee.

She has it all --- smarts, talent, humor and style. Is it enough to survive middle school?

Countdown to a 7th Grade Meltdown:

1. Your BFF moves away.
2. Someone steals your diary and reveals your deepest secrets --- to the ENTIRE class.
3. You have one chance to become a rock star and one chance to totally blow it.

Guess what!? All three happened to me! School's a disaster already. Don't get me wrong --- I love Brookdale Academy and I have a fabulous crew of friends. (At least, I think I do.) But, if I'm going to survive, I need all the help I can get!

Now that her secrets are out, Mackenzie’s world is turned upside down. Who can she trust?
- Click here to read a review of MACKENZIE BLUE.
- Click here to browse inside MACKENZIE BLUE.
- Click here to read our interview with Tina Wells.
- Click here to read Tina Wells’s bio.

SHERLOCK HOLMES AND THE BAKER STREET IRREGULARS by Tracy Mack and Michael Citrin
CASEBOOK NO. 1: THE FALL OF THE AMAZING ZALINDAS
Few know that Sherlock Holmes was assisted by a band of devoted boys, street urchins who loved to solve mysteries, called the Baker Street Irregulars. When a murder at the circus unravels to reveal another far more treacherous crime, Holmes calls on the gang for help. Can the Baker Street Irregulars solve the mystery before it’s too late?

CASEBOOK NO. 2: THE MYSTERY OF THE CONJURED MAN
Casebook No. 2 in this exciting series gives Sherlock Holmes and the Baker Street Irregulars a most unusual case to crack. A young woman named Elsa Hoffman seeks out the detective when her aunt dies mysteriously. As Ozzie, Wiggins and the gang start investigating, seemingly real ghosts suddenly appear and Elsa is followed by shady characters. Holmes must decide if he and his assistants can solve the case without facing mortal danger. Join the Irregulars for a mysterious and fright-filled adventure and decide if this is a case of the supernatural --- or dark con men, thieves and murderers!

- Read reviews of THE FALL OF THE AMAZING ZALINDAS and THE MYSTERY OF THE CONJURED MAN.
- Read excerpts from THE FALL OF THE AMAZING ZALINDAS and THE MYSTERY OF THE CONJURED MAN.
- Click here to read bios of Tracy Mack and Michael Citrin.

THE 39 CLUES Book 4: BEYOND THE GRAVE by Jude Watson
A Clue found in Book 3 sends Amy and Dan jetting off to find out just what’s behind the fierce rivalry between the Tomas and Ekaterina branches of the Cahill family. Was a Clue stolen from the Tomas branch? Where is it now? And most important, can Amy and Dan get their hands on it before their rivals do?
- Click here to read an excerpt from BEYOND THE GRAVE.
- Click here to read a Q&A with Jude Watson.
- Click here to read Jude Watson’s bio.

HERO.COM: RISE OF THE HEROES (#1) by Andy Briggs
Toby, Pete, Lorna and Emily are just average kids --- until they stumble upon a Web site that turns them into real heroes. Hero.com allows them to download flying, invisibility, or teleportation abilities, and suddenly, Toby’s rivalry with his sister, Lorna, and Pete’s trouble with Jake Hunter, the school bully, don’t seem so bad! But when the supervillain Doc Tempest kidnaps Toby’s and Lorna’s mom, will they be able to combine their powers to fight evil and bring their mother home? Of course, little do they know that Villain.net is out there too, recruiting teens for the other side…

VILLAIN.NET: COUNCIL OF EVIL (#1) by Andy Briggs
Jake Hunter is your quintessential bully --- tough, mean and misunderstood. While he likes the power gotten from picking on the nerdy kids, he’s sick of his dumb buddies, and he craves some adventure in his dull life. So when he stumbles upon a Web site called Villain.net that lets him download superpowers, he’s eager to try out the laser vision and the radioactivity. But when he joins forces with a supervillain named Basilisk, Jake must decide if he truly wants to accept the consequences of being a villain. And of course, little does he know that Hero.com is out there too, recruiting teens for the other side….

Good or evil, would you be a HERO or a VILLAIN?
- Read excerpts from HERO.COM: RISE OF THE HEROES and VILLAIN.NET: COUNCIL OF EVIL.
- Click here to read our interview with Andy Briggs.
- Click here to read Andy Briggs’s bio.

Series Books
GOOSEBUMPS HORRORLAND #11: ESCAPE FROM HORRORLAND by R.L. Stine
Siblings Lizzy and Luke are concerned about the 14 Very Special Guests who are in a dangerous situation in HorrorLand. Can they help the kids escape a dreadful fate? (Fair warning: Readers should be prepared to be completely creeped out. Don't say I didn't caution you!) Reviewed by Terry Miller Shannon.

GOOSEBUMPS HORRORLAND #12: THE STREETS OF PANIC PARK by R.L. Stine
Yes, it's true: In the final book of the Goosebumps HorrorLand series, the kids have been captured by The Menace, the ultimate in Evil, who claims he must terrify them --- and then proceeds to do just that, in the most horrifying ways imaginable. Is there hope for any survivors? Reviewed by Terry Miller Shannon.
- Click here to play the updated Goosebumps HorrorLand trivia game.
- Click here to read our Goosebumps HorrorLand series feature.

SEPTIMUS HEAP: THE MAGYKAL PAPERS by Angie Sage
Have you ever wondered about the behind-the-scenes goings-on of the people and places surrounding that seventh son of a seventh son, the amazing Septimus Heap? In this highly illustrated supplementary book, generously larded with the series' trademark hilarious comments and asides, you can browse through a plethora of histories, tours, restaurant guides, journals, maps, and much more. Reviewed by Terry Miller Shannon.

Books into Movies
Though J.K. Rowling's spell-binding series ended with a bang last year, I'm sure many of you --- like all of us here at Kidsreads.com --- are having a hard time saying goodbye to Harry, Ron, Hermione and the rest of the Hogwarts clan. Luckily, we still have a chance to see our favorite wizard trio on the big screen. So mark your calendars and let the countdown begin, as Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince hits theaters on July 15th. This sixth installment of the epic good-vs.-evil saga promises plenty of magic, mystery, heart-pounding adventure and hair-raising suspense, not to mention some long-sought answers to dark secrets, raging teenage hormones and a jaw-dropping, gasp-worthy ending.

Cool New Books
June’s roundup of Cool New Books includes BEYOND THE GRAVE by Jude Watson, the fourth installment in the multimedia series The 39 Clues; FOOTBALL CHAMP, Tim Green’s newest sports thriller and a sequel to his bestselling FOOTBALL GENIUS; EXTRA CREDIT, a middle-grade novel from Andrew Clements that tells of the growing friendship between a girl living in Illinois and a boy from Afghanistan; THE MAGYKAL PAPERS, a fully illustrated companion book to Angie Sage’s Septimus Heap fantasy series; and WARRIORS: CODE OF THE CLANS, Erin Hunter’s in-depth guide to the code that governs all warrior cats.

New in Paperback
June’s roundup of New in Paperback titles includes THE SORCERER OF THE NORTH, book five in John Flanagan’s Ranger’s Apprentice fantasy/adventure series; PETER AND THE SECRET OF RUNDOON, the action-packed finale to Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson’s Starcatchers trilogy; QUESTE, the fourth installment of Angie Sage’s Septimus Heap series, in which the protagonist continues his journey of Magykal self-discovery; and NO TALKING, a middle-grade novel from Andrew Clements that pits boys against girls in an experiment that will determine which team can say the fewest words during the course of two full days.

Click here to read the full newsletter.

May 2009

2009-05-30T12:53:00.002-04:00

The following reviews, interviews and features are running on Kidsreads.com for the month of May.

Reviews and Excerpts
THE LAST OLYMPIAN: Percy Jackson & the Olympians, Book 5 by Rick Riordan
In this momentous final book in the New York Times bestselling Percy Jackson & the Olympians series, the long-awaited prophecy surrounding Percy's 16th birthday unfolds. And as the battle for Western civilization rages on the streets of Manhattan, Percy faces a terrifying suspicion that he may be fighting against his own fate. Reviewed by Norah Piehl.

ATHERTON #3: THE DARK PLANET by Patrick Carman
When Edgar discovers a way to leave the mysterious satellite world of Atherton, he couldn't have imagined the gloom that awaited him on the dark planet, where the oceans are toxic, the forests are full of mutant monsters, and children toil in darkness, controlled by ruthless maniacs. Edgar's quest to discover Earth's dark secret leads to an out-of-this-world adventure in the final book of the Atherton trilogy. Reviewed by Sally M. Tibbetts.

SEEKERS #3: SMOKE MOUNTAIN by Erin Hunter
There is a place where bears can live in peace, where there is sea-ice all year, where the forests are full of prey, where flat-faces never go. Polar bears Kallik and Taqqiq, black bear Lusa, grizzly Toklo, and the shape-shifting Ujurak believe that this fabled bear paradise must be the destination of their quest. But the path they follow is dangerous. Reviewed by Chris Shanley-Dillman.

DORMIA by Jake Halpern and Peter Kujawinski
With the ability to do powerful things in his sleep, 12-year-old Alfonso always knew he was different. It isn’t until he begins to grow a mysterious plant that Alfonso learns he is a Great Sleeper destined to save Dormia, an ancient kingdom deep in the Ural Mountains, from extinction. Reviewed by Benjamin Boche.

MUDSHARK by Gary Paulsen
Mudshark is the go-to guy for any mysteries that need solving. That is, until the Psychic Parrot takes up residence in the school library and threatens to overturn Mudshark’s position as the guy who knows all the answers. When Mudshark solves the mystery of who’s stealing erasers, he discovers the culprit has the best of intentions. Now he has to think of a way to prevent the Psychic Parrot from revealing the eraser-thief’s identity. Reviewed by Christine M. Irvin.

ORACLES OF DELPHI KEEP by Victoria Laurie
In the 1930s, 13-year-old Ian Wigby and his younger sister, Theo, love to explore the tunnels near their English orphanage. One day they discover a mysterious box buried in the tunnels that changes their lives forever. It contains an ancient prophesy about Ian and Theo themselves, and sets them off on an adventure filled with amazing psychics, deep mystery, rich treasure and terrifying danger. Reviewed by Chris Shanley-Dillman.

PETE'S DISAPPEARING ACT written by Jenny Tripp and illustrated by John Manders
After things go from bad to worse during a performance, Pete's circus mates give him the silent treatment. With a wink and a nod of the tail to THE WIZARD OF OZ, Pete finds himself air-lifted and twirled away from his problems at home…only to land in much bigger trouble. Reviewed by Terry Miller Shannon.

EMMA-JEAN LAZARUS FELL IN LOVE by Lauren Tarshis
Emma-Jean is experiencing something new and unsettling, but not entirely unpleasant. It’s a fluttering in her heart when she imagines herself asking Will to the seventh-grade dance. Her best friend Colleen is worried that Will might laugh if Emma-Jean invites him. Reviewed by Jana Siciliano.

HIGHWAY ROBBERY by Kate Thompson
Small in stature but big in imagination, a down-on-his-luck orphan is forced to wander the streets begging for food after his mother dies. One cold and miserable day, the boy’s luck appears to change when a gentleman promises him a gold guinea for keeping an eye on a horse. Reviewed by Donna Volkenannt.

Graphic Novel Reviews
WOLVERINE: WORST DAY EVER by Barry Lyga
Somewhere between epistolary and graphic novel, WOLVERINE: WORST DAY EVER tells the story of a student at Professor Xavier’s School for Mutants who doesn’t quite love the powers he possesses and wants to emulate someone like Wolverine. Reviewed by John Hogan.

THE ADVENTURES OF DANIEL BOOM, AKA LOUDBOY: GAME ON! written by D.J. Steinberg and illustrated by Brian Smith
Daniel and his friends are back in the third installment of this superhero-light series that is perfect for grade school–level readers. Reviewed by Eva Volin.

ADVENTURES IN CARTOONING: How to Turn Your Doodles Into Comics, by James Sturm, Andrew Arnold and Alexis Frederick-Frost
It’s nonfiction! It’s a story! It’s possibly the best how-to book on cartooning for kids that has been disguised as an actual comic book ever! No, really! Reviewed by Eva Volin.

Manga Reviews
THE BIG ADVENTURES OF MAJOKO, Volume 1 written and illustrated by Tomomi Mizuna
Friendship and magic are on the same page when Nana, an ordinary girl, and Majoko, a witch with more confidence than skill, team up to catch a thief, meet a mermaid, and go on other adventures in this charming, timeless manga. Reviewed by Brigid Alverson.

FAIRY IDOL KANON, Volume 1 written and illustrated by Mera Hakamada
FAIRY IDOL KANON is a story of aspiration, empowerment and teamwork, all wrapped up in sparkly fairy magic. Grownups may find this tale too sweet to handle, but for young fans of music and fairy stories, it’s a winner. Reviewed by Brigid Alverson.

Author Interviews
Andy Briggs
Screenwriter Andy Briggs is the author of a new series for young readers, Hero.com, as well as its parallel anti-series, Villain.net, which both follow ordinary teenagers who stumble upon websites that allow them to download superhuman abilities to be used for good or evil. In this interview with Kidsreads.com's Sarah A. Wood, Briggs discusses why he chose to write these stories as novels instead of the more typical comic-book format, and muses on the books’ theme regarding the fine line between heroes and villains. He also explains why he chose to give his characters seemingly strange and unusual superpowers, describes his need to balance action with humor, and shares details about the series' interactive website, www.heroorvillainbooks.com.

Emily Bearn
In this interview with Kidsreads.com's Alexis Burling, author Emily Bearn recalls the incident that sparked the idea for her debut, TUMTUM AND NUTMEG: Adventures Beyond Nutmouse Hall, and explains why she decided to write for children, despite working as a journalist for many years. She also muses on why many people are afraid of mice --- regardless of the obvious difference in size --- names some of her favorite books from childhood, and shares what readers can look forward to in Tumtum and Nutmeg's next adventure.

Special Features
THE 39 CLUES Book 4: BEYOND THE GRAVE by Jude Watson
A Clue found in Book 3 sends Amy and Dan jetting off to find out just what’s behind the fierce rivalry between the Tomas and Ekaterina branches of the Cahill family. Was a Clue stolen from the Tomas branch? Where is it now? And most important, can Amy and Dan get their hands on it before their rivals do?
- Click here to read an excerpt from BEYOND THE GRAVE.
- Click here to read a Q&A with Jude Watson.
- Click here to read Jude Watson’s bio.

HERO.COM: RISE OF THE HEROES (#1) by Andy Briggs
Toby, Pete, Lorna and Emily are just average kids --- until they stumble upon a Web site that turns them into real heroes. Hero.com allows them to download flying, invisibility, or teleportation abilities, and suddenly, Toby’s rivalry with his sister, Lorna, and Pete’s trouble with Jake Hunter, the school bully, don’t seem so bad! But when the supervillain Doc Tempest kidnaps Toby’s and Lorna’s mom, will they be able to combine their powers to fight evil and bring their mother home? Of course, little do they know that Villain.net is out there too, recruiting teens for the other side…

VILLAIN.NET: COUNCIL OF EVIL (#1) by Andy Briggs
Jake Hunter is your quintessential bully --- tough, mean and misunderstood. While he likes the power gotten from picking on the nerdy kids, he’s sick of his dumb buddies, and he craves some adventure in his dull life. So when he stumbles upon a Web site called Villain.net that lets him download superpowers, he’s eager to try out the laser vision and the radioactivity. But when he joins forces with a supervillain named Basilisk, Jake must decide if he truly wants to accept the consequences of being a villain. And of course, little does he know that Hero.com is out there too, recruiting teens for the other side….
Good or evil, would you be a HERO or a VILLAIN?
- Read excerpts from HERO.COM: RISE OF THE HEROES and VILLAIN.NET: COUNCIL OF EVIL.
- Click here to read Andy Briggs’s bio.

Books into Movies
Though J. K. Rowling's spell-binding series ended with a bang last year, I'm sure many of you --- like all of us here at Kidsreads.com --- are having a hard time saying goodbye to Harry, Ron, Hermione and the rest of the Hogwarts clan. Luckily, we still have a chance to see our favorite wizard trio on the big screen. So mark your calendars and let the countdown begin, as Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince hits theaters on July 15th. This sixth installment of the epic good-vs.-evil saga promises plenty of magic, mystery, heart-pounding adventure and hair-raising suspense, not to mention some long-sought answers to dark secrets, raging teenage hormones and a jaw-dropping, gasp-worthy ending.

Cool New Books
May’s roundup of Cool New Books includes THE LAST OLYMPIAN, the conclusion to Rick Riordan’s Percy Jackson and the Olympians series, in which the long-awaited prophecy surrounding Percy's 16th birthday unfolds; THE DARK PLANET, the final book in Patrick Carman’s Atherton trilogy, which continues Edgar's quest to discover the truth about a mad scientist’s plan to save the Earth from self-destruction; THE CASE OF THE CRYPTIC CRINOLINE by Nancy Springer, the latest Enola Holmes mystery that finds the much younger sister of Sherlock Holmes investigating the kidnapping of Mrs. Tupper, her beloved landlady; and DORMIA, Jake Halpern and Peter Kujawinski’s debut novel about a 12-year-old boy who learns he is a Great Sleeper destined to save Dormia, an ancient kingdom deep in the Ural Mountains, from extinction.

New in Paperback
May’s roundup of New in Paperback titles includes AIRMAN, a story of high adventure from Artemis Fowl creator Eoin Colfer about a boy whose happy, carefree life is changed forever when he discovers a conspiracy to overthrow the king; ONE SMALL STEP by Children of the Lamp author P. B. Kerr, in which a 13-year-old recruited by NASA for their secret space program journeys to the moon with two chimps as his partners; THE CASE OF THE BIZARRE BOUQUETS, the fourth installment in Nancy Springer’s Enola Holmes Mystery series that finds the much younger sister of Sherlock Holmes investigating the disappearance of Sherlock’s right-hand man, Dr. Watson; and a graphic novel adaptation of Neil Gaiman's enchanting, nationally bestselling children's book CORALINE.

Click here to read the full newsletter.

April 2009

2009-04-30T20:33:00.001-04:00

The following reviews, interviews and features are running on Kidsreads.com for the month of April.

Reviews and Excerpts
BASEBALL GREAT by Tim Green
Josh’s dad signs him up with Coach Rocky Valentine's youth championship team, the Titans. As Josh gets in deeper with the team, there are questions he needs to ask. As Josh and his new friend Jaden investigate their suspicions, they find themselves in a dangerous struggle with a desperate man who doesn't want them to expose the nasty secrets they uncover. Reviewed by Joy Held and excerpted.

NEWS FOR DOGS by Lois Duncan
Now that Andi is no longer running a hotel for dogs, she decides to start a new project --- a newspaper for dogs! With her brother Bruce and a few friends, the kids make a hit out of their paper. But they also attract the attention of some mysterious dognappers. Can the kids find the criminals and bring their dogs safely home? Reviewed by Jana Siciliano.

ANYTHING BUT TYPICAL by Nora Raleigh Baskin
Jason Blake is an autistic 12-year-old living in a neurotypical world. Most days it's just a matter of time before something goes wrong. But Jason finds a glimmer of understanding when he comes across PhoenixBird, who posts stories to the same online site as he does. Reviewed by Norah Piehl.

SCIENCE FAIR: A Story of Mystery, Danger, International Suspense and a Very Nervous Frog, by Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson
Grdankl the Strong, president of Kprshtskan, is plotting to take over the American government. His plan is to infiltrate the science fair at Hubble Middle School, located in a Maryland suburb just outside Washington. What transpires is a hilarious adventure filled with mystery, suspense and levitating frogs. Reviewed by Sarah Sawtelle.

TIMOTHY AND THE DRAGON’S GATE by Adrienne Kress
In this sequel to ALEX AND THE IRONIC GENTLEMAN, Timothy Freshwater finds himself keeper of an ancient dragon confined in human form. Numerous obstacles stand in the way as Timothy races to overcome his disappointing past and, with the help of Alex Morningside, free the dragon. Reviewed by Ben Boche.

BARNABY GRIMES: RETURN OF THE EMERALD SKULL by Paul Stewart and Chris Riddell
After collecting a strange parcel from a deserted ship in the fog of the docks and delivering it to the local schoolmaster, Barnaby Grimes soon realizes that all is not well at the school. But is the problem quite as he expects it? RETURN OF THE EMERALD SKULL is a gruesome tale of a school overrun by a terrible curse. Who will survive? Reviewed by Sarah Rachel Egelman.

THE YEAR THE SWALLOWS CAME EARLY by Kathryn Fitzmaurice
Eleanor "Groovy" Robinson loves cooking and plans to go to culinary school just as soon as she's old enough. But even Groovy's thoughtfully planned menus won't fix the things that start to go wrong the year she turns 11. Forgiveness and self-confidence intermingle with a memorable setting in Kathryn Fitzmaurice’s debut novel. Reviewed by Norah Piehl.

THE RED BLAZER GIRLS: THE RING OF ROCAMADOUR by Michael D. Beil
This is an intriguing mystery, complete with adventure, excitement, clues, danger, treasure, puzzles, snooping, friendship, romance, and lots of hysterical humor. Join seventh graders Sophie, Margaret and Rebecca as they stumble into a 20-year-old mystery, where they have to depend on each other, and their brains, to help a new friend. Reviewed by Chris Shanley-Dillman.

CROWS & CARDS by Joseph Helgerson
In 1849, when Zebulon Crabtree turns 12, his father decides it’s time for him to learn a trade. After his folks scrape together enough money, they ship him off to apprentice as a tanner with his Great-Uncle Seth. On the voyage to St. Louis, Zeb meets a fancy riverboat gambler who has other plans for the impressionable young lad. Reviewed by Donna Volkenannt.

TOBY ALONE by Timothee de Fombelle
Thirteen years old and one and a half millimeters tall, Toby Lolness is on the run from his own people throughout the great oak Tree they call home. Toby carries with him the secret of the Tree’s power, and his pursuers will do anything to possess it --- even kill. Reviewed by Benjamin Boche.

THE PROBLEM WITH THE PUDDLES written by Kate Feiffer and illustrated by Tricia Tusa
Meet the Puddles: Mr. and Mrs. Puddle, who agree to disagree about nearly everything; their son, Tom; and their daughter, Baby, who has three names because her parents could not agree on one. The Puddles have two dogs, a teacup Chihuahua and a Great Dane, both named Sally. Since Mr. and Mrs. Puddle disagree about so many things, their lives are often filled with confusion and chaos. Reviewed by Carole Turner.

THE DOG DAYS OF CHARLOTTE HAYES by Marlane Kennedy
Charlotte Hayes just does not get why everyone adores dogs so much. She doesn't detest them, but she could take or leave them. So it's ironic that she ends up taking care of a Saint Bernard named Killer (Charlotte nicknames him Beauregard). She has a plan that should result in a happy ending for both Charlotte and Beauregard, but she keeps running into one roadblock after another. Reviewed by Terry Miller Shannon.

Graphic Novel Reviews
AMULET, BOOK ONE: THE STONEKEEPER by Kazu Kibuishi
Kazu Kibuishi begins a new fantasy series in AMULET, BOOK ONE: THE STONEKEEPER. As a young girl and her brother seek to rescue their mother from an evil power, they also try to understand the strange new power that has come their way in the form of the young girl’s necklace. Reviewed by John Hogan.

BENNY AND PENNY: THE BIG NO-NO! by Geoffrey Hayes
Benny and Penny sneak into a new neighbor’s garden and accidentally wreck her mudpies, then scurry into the tall grass to hide. The situation descends into mudslinging, literally, but Geoffrey Hayes’s super-cute art and charmingly human characters keep the story light. Reviewed by Brigid Alverson.

LUKE ON THE LOOSE by Harry Bliss
A bored little boy chases a flock of pigeons through Manhattan and Brooklyn, leaving chaos in his wake, in this energetic slapstick comedy told with a cheery palette and charming details --- including a few winks to the grownups. Reviewed by Brigid Alverson.

SUPERMAN: PAST AND FUTURE
Superman has always been a hero for the ages. This collection proves how true that is, reprinting stories from Superman's decades of comics history, all taking place in various points in the time stream. The Man of Steel translates in any period he finds himself in, thankfully. Reviewed by David Serchay.

Manga Review
VIDIA AND THE FAIRY CROWN by Haruhi Kato
Vidia has never quite fit in with the rest of the Never Fairies in Pixie Hollow. But when she is framed for a crime she never committed, she will stop at nothing to clear her name. This manga is a delightful East/West amalgamation based upon the Disney Fairies franchise. Reviewed by Casey Brienza.

Special Feature
TUMTUM & NUTMEG: Adventures Beyond Nutmouse Hall, stories by Emily Bearn and pictures by Nick Price
Deep inside the broom cupboard of Rose Cottage, two mice live in great style.

Tumtum and Nutmeg lead cozy and quiet lives, secretly looking after Arthur and Lucy, the disheveled human children of the cottage, never dreaming that so many exciting adventures will soon find them. But when evil Aunt Ivy, a squeamish school-teacher named Miss Short, and pirating pond rats threaten the safety of those they hold dear, the courageous pair will stop at nothing to save the day.

In three thrilling tales of daring and wit, Tumtum and Nutmeg --- along with the valiant efforts of veteran hero General Marchmouse, Ms. Tiptoe’s bouncing ballerina army, and a team of caged gerbils --- prove that small-size mice can have world-size hearts.
- Click here to read an excerpt from TUMTUM & NUTMEG.
- Click here to read Emily Bearn’s bio.
- Click here to read the full first adventure of TUMTUM & NUTMEG.

Series Books
WARRIORS: POWER OF THREE #6: SUNRISE by Erin Hunter
In the gripping (and shocking) conclusion to the Power of Three series, the Clans search for a murderer. Meanwhile, Jayfeather, Hollyleaf and Lionblaze are on a more personal investigation, as they attempt to discover their true identities. Now that they know enough about their background to wonder about the gaps in their knowledge, the bigger question remains: What about the prophecy? Reviewed by Terry Miller Shannon.
- Click here to read our Warriors: Power of Three series feature.

GOOSEBUMPS HORRORLAND #9: WELCOME TO CAMP SLITHER by R.L. Stine
Boone and his sister head off to summer camp. Boone is excited even though Roddy, a fellow camper on the bus, informs him there is major creepiness in their near future (swimming across a lake filled with snakes, for example). Boone knows Roddy is just the nervous sort…or is he? Reviewed by Terry Miller Shannon.

GOOSEBUMPS HORRORLAND #10: HELP! WE HAVE STRANGE POWERS! by R.L. Stine
Twins Jillian and Jackson get a (literally) shocking surprise when a fortune teller's booth malfunctions. Now they have super powers! So that means life will be easy from now on, right? Not unless you consider it pleasant to have someone who just happens to want to drain your brains stalking you. Reviewed by Terry Miller Shannon.
- Click here to read our Goosebumps HorrorLand series feature.

THEA STILTON AND THE DRAGON'S CODE: Geronimo Stilton Special Edition , by Geronimo Stilton
Geronimo's adventurous journalist sister stars in this special edition of the Geronimo Stilton series. When she returns to Mouseford Academy as an adult, she's ready to teach a journalism class. But as she sets sail for the remote school, little does she know that she is heading straight into an intriguing mystery. Reviewed by Terry Miller Shannon.
- Click here to read our Geronimo Stilton series feature.

Cool New Books
April's roundup of Cool New Books includes NEWS FOR DOGS, a sequel to Lois Duncan's HOTEL FOR DOGS that finds Andi, who's no longer running a hotel for dogs, starting a newspaper for dogs; WATER, WATER EVERYWHERE, the fourth installment in Loren Long and Phil Bildner's newly titled Sluggers series (formerly Barnstormers) featuring the return of the Travelin' Nine; JAKE RANSOM AND THE SKULL KING'S SHADOW, James Rollins's first book for young readers, in which the arrival of a mysterious envelope plunges Jake Ransom and his older sister, Kady, into a gripping chain of events; TUMTUM & NUTMEG 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; and two picture books --- MOONSHOT and ONE GIANT LEAP --- that celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon landing.

New in Paperback
April's roundup of New in Paperback titles includes THE MYSTERIOUS BENEDICT SOCIETY AND THE PERILOUS JOURNEY, the sequel to Trenton Lee Stewart's bestseller about four children who are brought together to go on secret missions that only the most intelligent and inventive youngsters can complete; RIVERS OF FIRE, a riveting follow-up to Patrick Carman's ATHERTON: THE HOUSE OF POWER, in which the world collapses and a new danger emerges; THE TRUTH ABOUT MY BAT MITZVAH, Nora Raleigh Baskin's novel about a seventh grader who has a growing interest in her Jewish identity; ELEVEN, a psychological mystery from Patricia Reilly Giff whose main character is a soon-to-be 11-year-old desperate to find out who he really is; and OGGIE COODER by Sarah Weeks, a chapter book that introduces readers to a fourth grader whose talent for charving (the carving and chewing of a piece of cheese with one's teeth) leads him on the path to fame and fortune.

Click here to read the full newsletter.

March 2009

2009-03-31T13:47:00.011-04:00

The following reviews, interviews and features are running on Kidsreads.com for the month of March.

Reviews and Excerpts
THE 39 CLUES, Book Three: The Sword Thief, by Peter Lerangis
Amy and Dan Cahill are back for the third installment in this bestselling, multimedia series. In THE SWORD THIEF, Amy and Dan follow the latest clue and race to Japan. Unfortunately they lose Nellie, their au pair, at the airport, and reluctantly agree to join forces with their rivals. But can Amy and Dan trust them? Do they have any other choice? Reviewed by Chris Shanley-Dillman and excerpted.
- Click here to read an excerpt of THE SWORD THIEF.

ALLIE FINKLE’S RULES FOR GIRLS: Book Three – Best Friends and Drama Queens, by Meg Cabot
Allie Finkle is excited when a new girl, who comes all the way from Canada, joins her class at Pine Heights Elementary. Now Allie won’t be the new girl anymore! But her excitement turns to dismay when the new girl, Cheyenne, starts telling everyone in the fourth grade what to do. Reviewed by Jana Siciliano and excerpted.
- Click here to read an excerpt from BEST FRIENDS AND DRAMA QUEENS.

LUCKY BREAKS written by Susan Patron and illustrated by Matt Phelan
In this sequel to Susan Patron’s Newbery Award-winning THE HIGHER POWER OF LUCKY, Lucky Trimble approaches age 11 with a new-found sense of intrepidness. But will the town of Hard Pan, California, and the assortment of new and familiar faces be able to handle all that Lucky throws at them? Reviewed by Benjamin Boche.

SEEKERS #2: GREAT BEAR LAKE by Erin Hunter
GREAT BEAR LAKE marks the return of Kallik, Lusa and Toklo. These three cubs --- a polar bear, a black bear and a grizzly bear --- come from different families and very diverse backgrounds. But they do have something in common --- they are alone and orphaned in a huge and dangerous world. Will they be able to survive long enough to complete their quests? Reviewed by Chris Shanley-Dillman and excerpted.
- Click here to read an excerpt of GREAT BEAR LAKE.

SASSY: LITTLE SISTER IS NOT MY NAME! by Sharon M. Draper
Nine-year-old Sassy Simone Sanford is not only the youngest sibling in her family, she’s also the tiniest. In fact, Sassy is generally small, physically, but she has an enormous personality. It sure does bother her when her family calls her "Little Sister" instead of her real name. On the other hand, Sassy has quite the delightful life, which she shares with us in this big-hearted and heartwarming story. Reviewed by Terry Miller Shannon.

THE YGGYSSEY: How Iggy Wondered What Happened to All the Ghosts, Found Out Where They Went, and Went There, by Daniel Pinkwater
Daniel Pinkwater offers readers another exuberant, creative road trip novel with THE YGGYSSEY, a follow-up to 2007’s THE NEDDIAD, featuring many of the same characters --- including Iggy, Neddie and Seamus --- and a quest to another plane of existence. Reviewed by Norah Piehl.

DEEPER by Roderick Gordon and Brian Williams
In this long-awaited sequel to TUNNELS, 14-year-old Will Burrows finally reunites with his best friend, Chester, and long-lost brother Cal. But that’s about the only good news. The three are now banished from the Colony, heading down to the dangerous Deeps. Will is determined to find his missing father, but in the chaotic war zone of the Deeps, mere survival becomes the first priority. Reviewed by Chris Shanley-Dillman.

THE KIND OF FRIENDS WE USED TO BE by Frances O'Roark Dowell
In this sequel to Frances O'Roark Dowell’s THE SECRET LANGUAGE OF GIRLS, Kate and Marylin have both come to terms with their status as no longer BFFs. Yet each reveals a yearning to revisit that old connection in dual tales readers will find easy to relate to. Reviewed by Terry Miller Shannon.

THE MOUSEHUNTER by Alex Milway
For Emiline, a mousekeeper in the employ of wealthy Isiah Lovelock, there is no greater dream than becoming a famous mousehunter. So when she is given the opportunity to join the hunt for the legendary pirate Mousebeard, she sets off on the most dangerous, most thrilling, most swashbuckling adventure of a lifetime. Reviewed by Sarah Sawtelle.

THE FARWALKER’S QUEST by Joni Sensel
When Ariel and her best friend Zeke stumble upon a mysterious old telling dart, Ariel feels an unexplained need to figure out what it means. Magically flying great distances and only revealing their messages to the intended recipient, telling darts haven’t been used for years, and no one knows how they work. So when two strangers show up looking for the dart, Ariel and Zeke realize that their discovery is not only interesting but very dangerous. Reviewed by Norah Piehl.

SMOKE by Mavis Jukes
Twelve-year-old Colton “Colt” Hudson isn’t happy about leaving Idaho to move to Northern California, where he and his mom Celeste can live rent-free on her great-uncle’s ranch. Colt misses his friends, his grandfather and his bull-riding dad. After Colt’s 20-pound Maine coon cat, Smoke, disappears one night, Colt longs for his old life even more. Reviewed by Donna Volkenannt.

Don't Miss Reviews
THE COMPOSER IS DEAD written by Lemony Snicket and illustrated by Carson Ellis
If you’ve ever heard an orchestra play, then you know that musicians are most certainly guilty of the_composer_is_dead. Where exactly were the violins on the night in question? Did anyone see the harp? Is the trumpet protesting a bit too boisterously?

In this perplexing murder mystery, everyone seems to have a motive, everyone has an alibi, and nearly everyone is a musical instrument. But the composer is still dead. Reviewed by Norah Piehl.

PERCY JACKSON & THE OLYMPIANS: THE DEMIGOD FILES by Rick Riordan
How do you handle an encounter with Medusa on the New Jersey interstate? What's the best way to take down a minotaur? Become an expert on everything in Percy's world with this must-have guide to the Percy Jackson and the Olympians series. Complete with interviews, puzzles, games and original short stories by Rick Riordan, THE DEMIGOD FILES is perfect for those who can’t wait to get their hands on the fifth and final book in the series, THE LAST OLYMPIAN. Reviewed by Norah Piehl.

THE MYTHOLOGY HANDBOOK: A Course in Ancient Greek Myths, by Lady Hestia Evans
Which god never leaves Olympus without his winged sandals? How do you stop a hydra from growing more heads? Who was Nike before she inspired running shoes? Can you find your way out of the Underworld? Sure to fascinate both avid mythologists and new fans alike, this lavish, highly informative handbook is brimming with facts and special features. Reviewed by Sarah Hannah Gómez.

Series Books
FROM RUSSIA WITH LUNCH: A Chet Gecko Mystery, by Bruce Hale
A mixture of supernatural crossed with high-tech shakes up Emerson Hicky Elementary, starting with the introduction of a bizarre invention during library period. Who can the beleaguered student body call? You guessed it: Chet Gecko, top lizard detective. Reviewed by Terry Miller Shannon.

THE RACE ACROSS AMERICA by Geronimo Stilton
Geronimo is not the sportiest sort of mouse, so when his buddy talks him into biking in the Race Across America, you know it's going to be quite the wild ride. The "fun" starts with grueling training, and then things really get difficult. Reviewed by Terry Miller Shannon.

Graphic Novels and Manga
AMELIA RULES! Volume 1: THE WHOLE WORLD'S CRAZY by Jimmy Gownley
AMELIA RULES! shows a nine-year-old’s world from the inside out, complete with well-intentioned adults, crazy nerd friends, battles with ninjas, scary walks through the woods, and the dreaded sneeze-barf. Reviewed by Brigid Alverson.

BAKUGAN BATTLE BRAWLERS: The Battle Begins!
Pokémon meets Yugi-Oh in this vivid interpretation of the Bakugan Battle Brawlers anime series. Dan is a talented brawler, but when the fate of the Bakugan monsters' universe falls into his hands, he will soon discover that Bakugan is much more than a game. Reviewed by Courtney Kraft.

BEN 10 ALIEN FORCE: Ben 10 Returns
Ben Tennyson is back! After walking away from his alien powers to live a normal life five years ago, Ben is faced with a new threat. In order to save the world, he must don the Omnitrix once again and team up with his superpowered cousin Gwen and his rival Kevin to stop aliens from using powerful stolen technology to destroy Earth. Reviewed by Courtney Kraft.

MY MOMMY IS IN AMERICA AND SHE MET BUFFALO BILL by Jean Regnaud and Emile Bravo
MY MOMMY IS IN AMERICA AND SHE MET BUFFALO BILL builds an elegant, transitional bridge between children's picture books and graphic novels. But you don't need to be a child to like this book. Adults will find it rewarding as well. Reviewed by Casey Brienza.

Special Feature
The Nickelodeon Magazine Comics Awards
On March 26th, Nickelodeon Magazine announced the winners of the first-ever Nickelodeon Magazine Comics Awards. Over 17,000 readers of this leading entertainment and humor publication for kids selected winners in eight categories, which will be featured in the April 2009 issue. The Nickelodeon Magazine Comics Awards recognizes best comic books, strips and graphic novels for young readers published in the U.S., and marks the first major comics awards for kids.

Cool New Books Roundup
March’s roundup of Cool New Books includes LUCKY BREAKS, the sequel to Susan Patron’s Newbery Award-winning THE HIGHER POWER OF LUCKY, which returns readers to the desert community of Hard Pan; THE SWORD THIEF by Peter Lerangis, the third installment in the multimedia series The 39 Clues; BEST FRIENDS AND DRAMA QUEENS, book three in Meg Cabot’s tween series that finds Allie Finkle excited (at first) not to be the new girl at school anymore; outstanding picture books from beloved authors Lemony Snicket (THE COMPOSER IS DEAD) and Neil Gaiman (BLUEBERRY GIRL); and FANCY NANCY: EXPLORER EXTRAORDINAIRE!, in which the fanciest girl in the world and her best friend set out to explore the Great Outdoors.

We’re also spotlighting a number of baseball-themed books just in time for the start of the Major League season. In the leadoff spot is Tim Green’s latest sports thriller, BASEBALL GREAT, followed by THE BROOKLYN NINE, THE PRINCE OF FENWAY PARK, THE DESPERADO WHO STOLE BASEBALL and ONE LAST TIME: Good-bye to Yankee Stadium.

New in Paperback Roundup
March's roundup of New in Paperback titles includes THE CASTLE CORONA, in which Newbery Medal winner Sharon Creech weaves together two worlds that just might have more in common than meets the eye; OUTCAST, a continuation of Erin Hunter's Warriors: Power of Three series and a thrilling new chapter in the chronicles of the Clans; FOOTBALL HERO, an action-packed novel from Tim Green that will have readers on the edge of their seats rooting for the young protagonist; CASEY BACK AT BAT by Dan Gutman, a picture book sequel to the beloved poem "Casey at the Bat"; and RALEIGH'S PAGE, Alan Armstrong's tale of an 11-year-old boy who joins Sir Walter Raleigh's staff as a page and earns the opportunity to sail across the ocean to explore America.

Click here to read the full newsletter.

February 2009

2009-02-27T14:44:00.004-05:00

The following reviews, interviews and features are running on Kidsreads.com for the month of February.

Reviews and Excerpts
SKELETON CREEK by Patrick Carman
Strange things are happening in Skeleton Creek --- and Ryan and Sarah are trying to get to the heart of it. But after an eerie accident leaves Ryan housebound and forbidden to see Sarah, their investigation takes two tracks: Ryan records everything in his journal, while Sarah uses her videocam to search things out…and then email the clips for Ryan to see. In a new, groundbreaking format, Patrick Carman’s story is broken into two parts --- Ryan's text in the book, and Sarah's videos on a special website (www.skeletoncreekisreal.com), with links and passwords given throughout the book. Reviewed by Sally M. Tibbetts and excerpted.
- Click here to read an excerpt of SKELETON CREEK.

SCAT by Carl Hiaasen
Mrs. Bunny Starch, the most feared biology teacher ever, was last seen during a field trip to Black Vine Swamp. The school’s headmaster and the police seem to have accepted the sketchy, unsigned note explaining that her absence is due to a “family emergency.” There’s no real evidence of foul play. But still, Nick and Marta don’t buy it. Something weird is definitely going on. Reviewed by Norah Piehl and excerpted.
- Click here to read an excerpt from SCAT.

THE EYE OF THE FOREST: Children of the Lamp, Book 5 by P. B. Kerr
In their latest adventure, John and Philippa Gaunt find themselves tangled up in a spellbinding mystery that takes them deep into the heart of the Amazon jungle. When a collection of Incan artifacts goes missing, the Blue Djinn of Babylon dispatches the twins and Uncle Nimrod to recover them. Along the way, though, John and Philippa encounter their friend Dybbuk, who was drained of his djinn powers but is determined to get them back. Reviewed by Sally M. Tibbetts.

HEROES OF THE VALLEY by Jonathan Stroud
Fourteen-year-old Halli Sveinsson longs for adventure. However, thanks to his ancestors, the Valley lands are now peaceful and safe, and the horrid monsters called Trows are forbidden to enter. But when Halli pulls a prank that leads to the digging up of old grudges, war returns to the Valley. Does Halli have it in him to be a hero, like the ancestor he so admires? Reviewed by Chris Shanley-Dillman.

BLOOD TIDE: A Never Land Book, by Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson
An earthquake that strikes Neverland Island floods the Lost Boys' underground hideaway, forcing them to leave. Meanwhile, a mysterious barrel washes ashore and falls into the hands of the pirates. When their leader, Captain Hook, finds out what's in the barrel, he hatches an evil plan. But worst of all is the change in the mermaids. When these once-peaceful friends of the natives injure some members of the native Mollusk tribe, the Mollusk leader, Fighting Prawn, feels he has no choice but to fight back. Reviewed by Sarah Sawtelle.

THE MOSTLY TRUE ADVENTURES OF HOMER P. FIGG by Rodman Philbrick
Through a series of fascinating events, Homer P. Figg's older brother has been illegally sold to the Union army. It is up to the young orphan to find him and save him. Along the way, he encounters many strange but real people of that era who will engage and educate young readers about our nation's past --- in one of the most decisive moments of American history. Reviewed by Norah Piehl.

RETURN TO SENDER by Julia Alvarez
After Tyler's father is injured in a tractor accident, his family is forced to hire migrant Mexican workers to help save their Vermont farm from foreclosure. Oldest daughter Mari and her family lives in constant fear of being discovered by the authorities and sent back to the poverty they left behind in Mexico. Can Tyler and Mari find a way to be friends despite their differences? Reviewed by Jana Siciliano.

THE SEVEN KEYS OF BALABAD by Paul Haven
Twelve-year-old Oliver Finch misses his friends back home in New York City. Living halfway around the world in the Middle Eastern country of Balabad with his journalist father and art historian mother, Oliver is homesick and bored --- until he gets involved in a centuries-old mystery that involves a sacred carpet, hidden keys and buried treasure. Reviewed by Donna Volkenannt.

THE BEST BAD LUCK I EVER HAD by Kristin Levine
The last thing Harry “Dit” Sims expects when Emma Walker comes to town is to become friends. Proper-talking, brainy Emma doesn’t play baseball or fish too well, but she sure makes Dit think, especially about the differences between black and white. But soon Dit is thinking about a whole lot more when the town barber, who is black, is put on trial for a terrible crime. Reviewed by Chris Shanley-Dillman.

I, LORELEI by Yeardley Smith
Lorelei Connelly decides to start keeping a diary after her beloved cat, Mud, dies. It’s a good thing she does, because sixth grade turns out to be a year full of changes --- from school plays to cute boys to family fights. Luckily, Lorelei is smart and resourceful, and ready to deal with anything sent her way. Reviewed by Sarah Hannah Gomez.

THE GOODBYE TIME by Celeste Conway
Anna and Katy have been best friends since kindergarten. Now that they are about to graduate from fifth grade and enter middle school, their lives are changing and their friendship is on the verge of collapse. Reviewed by Donna Volkennant.

Series Books
GOOSEBUMPS HORRORLAND #6: WHO'S YOUR MUMMY? by R.L. Stine
When Abby and her brother Peter go to visit their Uncle Jonathan, creepy things start happening immediately. A village woman warns them to stay away. Jonathan's big old house is crammed full of weird Egyptian artifacts --- including a mummy. Abby sees bats circling Jonathan's roof in broad daylight. Will Abby survive long enough to get an invitation to HorrorLand Theme Park? Reviewed by Terry Miller Shannon.

GOOSEBUMPS HORRORLAND #7: MY FRIENDS CALL ME MONSTER by R.L. Stine
Michael "Monster" Munroe is having a difficult time with his extremely weird teacher, Mrs. Hardesty. To get back at her, he and his friends pull a little prank on her --- and it backfires like you cannot believe, in yet another horrorfest by the master of gore. Reviewed by Terry Miller Shannon.

GOOSEBUMPS HORRORLAND #8: SAY CHEESE --- AND DIE SCREAMING by R.L. Stine
Julie has a goal. She wants to be the major photographer for her school's yearbook. If she gets the job, her dad will give her a new camera. But Julie hasn't taken into consideration the fact that her new-to-her camera may have a terrifying goal of its own. Reviewed by Terry Miller Shannon.

Features
LYONESSE, BOOK 1: THE WELL BETWEEN THE WORLDS by Sam Llewellyn
Idris lives in Lyonesse, the noble island where King Arthur once resided with Merlin and his Knights of the Round Table. Yet thousands of years after the great king walked this country, it has become a place of shadows, where men hunt and capture the monsters that dwell in the dark depths of the sea. Under the reign of a corrupt ruler, Lyonesse is slowly drowning --- and now the fate of the land and all its citizens depends on Idris. But can one boy stop the wickedness that's been growing for centuries?
- Click here to read an excerpt from LYONESSE: THE WELL BETWEEN THE WORLDS.
- Click here to read Sam Llewellyn’s bio.

PAINT THE WIND by Pam Munoz Ryan
In Grandmother's house in California, Maya's every word and action are strictly monitored, and even Maya's memories of her mother have been erased.

In the rugged Wyoming wilderness, a Tobiano Paint horse called Artemisia runs free. She embodies the spirit of the wild --- and she holds the key to Maya's memories.
- Click here to read an excerpt from PAINT THE WIND.
- Click here to read Pam Munoz Ryan’s bio

Interviews and Author Talks
Patrick Carman
Children’s author Patrick Carman’s latest work, SKELETON CREEK, is the first installment of an innovative new series that tells its tale in two parts: Ryan, one of the main characters, shares his journals within the text of the book, while his friend Sarah --- an amateur filmmaker --- tells her side of the story through videos that readers can watch by visiting her website. In this interview, Carman and his editor, David Levithan, discuss what inspired this multimedia project and reveal the initial insecurities about taking on this new method of storytelling. Carman also shares some behind-the-scenes information about shooting the videos, explains why it’s so important to think outside the box as a way to encourage young readers, and talks about why he chose to end the book with a cliffhanger.

Sam Llewellyn
Sam Llewellyn's most recent book for young readers, LYONESSE: THE WELL BETWEEN THE WORLDS, is the first installment of a series that reworks the folklore of King Arthur and the Knights of the Roundtable. In this interview with Kidsreads.com's Sarah Wood, Llewellyn describes what inspired his twist on the centuries-old legends and recalls some of his own experiences growing up on an island that helped shape elements of the narrative. He also discusses the novel's underlying themes about nature and environmentalism, raises questions he hopes readers will explore when they finish the story, and shares details about the series's next book due out in 2010.

Pam Muñoz Ryan
In this interview with Kidsreads.com's Chris Shanley-Dillman, award-winning author Pam Muñoz Ryan explains how both her childhood love of horses and a suggestion from an editor prompted her to write her 2007 novel PAINT THE WIND (now available in paperback) and describes learning how to horseback ride as part of her research. She also reveals the inspirations behind her characters' unique names and shares details about a future book set to be released next year.

Cool New Books Roundup
February’s roundup of Cool New Books includes SKELETON CREEK, a groundbreaking interactive ghost story courtesy of bestselling author Patrick Carman that plays out on both the written page and in special videos that can be viewed online at www.skeletoncreekisreal.com; THE DEMIGOD FILES, a must-have guide to Rick Riordan’s Percy Jackson & the Olympians series that will build even more anticipation for the fifth and final book, THE LAST OLYMPIAN, releasing in May; THE YGGYSSEY, a sequel to THE NEDDIAD that reunites readers with Iggy, Neddie, Seamus and the usual apparitional entourage for another weird and wonderful adventure by Daniel Pinkwater; and SASSY: LITTLE SISTER IS NOT MY NAME!, Sharon Draper’s middle-grade girl book debut that features an unforgettable heroine, a loving family, a diverse cast of teachers, friends and neighbors --- and a little magic.

New in Paperback Roundup
February’s roundup of New in Paperback titles includes MOVING DAY, the first installment in Meg Cabot’s debut middle-grade series, Allie Finkle’s Rules for Girls; THE BIG FIELD by Mike Lupica, the story of a star shortstop who is replaced by a better player with a questionable attitude; THE AURORA COUNTY ALL-STARS, the third book in Deborah Wiles’s trilogy set in Aurora County, Mississippi, this time featuring a 12-year-old boy as the main character; EDWARD’S EYES, Patricia MacLachlan’s deeply stirring, delicately lyrical portrait of a child, a son, a family and a brother; and THE NEDDIAD, a rollicking and totally bizarre adventure from Daniel Pinkwater in which circus beasts, ghostly bellboys, ancient mythology and 1940s Los Angeles collide.

Click here to view the full newsletter.

January 2009

2009-01-30T11:17:00.001-05:00

The following reviews, interviews and features are running on Kidsreads.com for the month of January.

Reviews and Excerpts
DIARY OF A WIMPY KID: THE LAST STRAW by Jeff Kinney
In the third installment of Jeff Kinney’s Diary of a Wimpy Kid series, Greg Heffley's dad hopes to change his son's wimpy ways. Yes, he's actually talking soccer teams and military school here. Meanwhile, Greg has plans that go hilariously wrong, including never to wash his clothes, to somehow impress Holly Hills, and to let nobody know about his Wonder Woman Underoos. Reviewed by Terry Miller Shannon.

THREE CUPS OF TEA: One Man's Journey to Change the World...One Child at a Time - The Young Reader’s Edition, written by Greg Mortenson and David Oliver Relin, adapted by Sarah Thomson
This edition of the worldwide bestseller THREE CUPS OF TEA has been specially adapted for younger readers and updated by Greg Mortenson to bring his remarkable story of humanitarianism up to date for the present. It includes new photos and illustrations, as well as a special interview by Greg’s 12-year-old daughter, Amira, who has traveled with her father as an advocate for the Pennies for Peace program for children. Reviewed by Jana Siciliano.

PEACE, LOCOMOTION by Jacqueline Woodson
Lonnie Collins Motion, the kid poet from Jacqueline Woodson’s LOCOMOTION, is back, this time writing letters instead of poems. He and his younger sibling Lili live in separate foster homes, and as the older brother, Lonnie believes it's his job to remember everything and record it for his baby sister. Reviewed by Sarah Hannah Gómez.

11 BIRTHDAYS by Wendy Mass
It's Amanda's 11th birthday and she is super excited. After all, 11 is so different from 10. But from the start, everything goes wrong. Combining realism, fantasy and family history, Wendy Mass's new novel also cleverly explores the dynamics of preteen friendships and boy-girl relations --- 11 entertaining times. Reviewed by Norah Piehl.

HOTEL FOR DOGS by Lois Duncan
Ten-year-old Andi Walker and her older brother, Bruce, love dogs. But as long as they are living with their Aunt Alice --- who is extremely allergic to canines --- they cannot have a pet. So when a stray shows up on Aunt Alice’s doorstep, Andi and Bruce must find a way to care for it. Reviewed by Donna Volkenannt.

GOLDEN & GREY: A GOOD DAY FOR HAUNTING by Louise Arnold
Following the defeat of the Collector, numerous new hauntings were reported across England, as ghosts and humans alike enjoyed the holiday season. It seemed like the joy would never end. Then January arrives, along with the First Day Back to School, a day often filled with excitement and dread for students of Thorbleton Secondary School. But for Tom Golden, it is also the beginning of yet another daring adventure involving the Ghost World. Reviewed by Sarah Sawtelle.

THE SECOND SIEGE: Book Two of The Tapestry, by Henry H. Neff
Thirteen-year-old Max McDaniels is psyched for his second year at Rowan Academy. Both he and his best friend, David, already have soared past the abilities of even the oldest students, but they still have much to learn. However, their classes are interrupted by another, far greater task --- they must decipher a coded message, find a key and get their hands on the powerful Book of Thoth before the evil demon Astaroth does. Reviewed by Chris Shanley-Dillman.

WE CAN'T ALL BE RATTLESNAKES by Patrick Jennnings
One day in the hot Arizona desert, a gopher snake was spied and then abducted by a fierce and ruthless predator. She was forced to live in a small box, and a dead mouse was thrown at her for food. The gopher snake tried to scare the predator, hissing and rattling her tail, but her captor was not impressed and kept her prisoner despite her threats and pleas. In his new book, Patrick Jennings tells the tale of that wild and proud gopher snake and the boy who tries to tame her. Reviewed by Sarah Rachel Egelman.

SUNNY HOLIDAY by Coleen Murtagh Paratore
Sunny Holiday thinks that every month should have a kid-friendly holiday. So she takes it upon herself to make new holidays for the months that need them, getting her friends and family involved. Sunny is headstrong, funny and trying to make the best out of every situation --- whether it involves holidays or family problems. Reviewed by Sarah Rachel Egelman.

Series Books
GOOSEBUMPS HORRORLAND #6: WHO'S YOUR MUMMY? by R.L. Stine
When Abby and her brother Peter go to visit their Uncle Jonathan, creepy things start happening immediately. A village woman warns them to stay away. Jonathan's big old house is crammed full of weird Egyptian artifacts --- including a mummy. Abby sees bats circling Jonathan's roof in broad daylight. Will Abby survive long enough to get an invitation to HorrorLand Theme Park? Reviewed by Terry Miller Shannon.

GOOSEBUMPS HORRORLAND #7: MY FRIENDS CALL ME MONSTER by R.L. Stine
Michael "Monster" Munroe is having a difficult time with his extremely weird teacher, Mrs. Hardesty. To get back at her, he and his friends pull a little prank on her --- and it backfires like you cannot believe, in yet another horrorfest by the master of gore. Reviewed by Terry Miller Shannon.
-- Click here to play the updated Goosebumps Horrorland trivia game.
-- Click here to read our Goosebumps Horrorland series feature.

GERONIMO'S VALENTINE by Geronimo Stilton
Valentine's Day is one of Geronimo’s favorite holidays. This year he has a date with a very special rodent --- Petunia Pretty Paws. But then he gets a call from his private investigator friend Hercule Poirat, who desperately needs his help in solving a mystery. Now Geronimo must assist Hercule AND impress Petunia at the same time.
-- Click here to play the updated Geronimo Stilton trivia game.
-- Click here to read our Geronimo Stilton series feature.

Series Feature
STAR WARS: THE CLONE WARS
Fans of Star Wars just can’t get enough of that galaxy far, far away. That’s one of the reasons why Lucasfilm developed an animated television series focusing on the events of the pivotal Clone Wars that helped shape the career, and eventual downfall, of Anakin Skywalker. During the summer of 2008, the creators of Star Wars kick-started the launch of the program with an animated feature film, Star Wars: The Clone Wars, which itself sparked a whole range of books designed to appeal to the epic’s younger set. The movie was a box office hit, and the books are likely to be just as popular.

CELEBRATING BLACK HISTORY MONTH
Each February we reflect upon the significant role that African Americans have played in the formation of our country. Through the struggles of extraordinarily courageous men and women, the “dream” for human equality has become a reality. Although the days of slavery and legal segregation are gone, we remember the hardships and obstacles once faced by people of color in the United States and celebrate the culture born out of that experience.

Therefore, in honor of Black History Month, Kidsreads.com has compiled a list of titles that are sure to both enlighten and inspire. In this roundup, readers will march hand in hand with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., paint southern landscapes with Clementine Hunter, sing with Doo-Wop Pop and engage in stirring conversations with Larnel and Mrs. Katz. Through these characters, we discover the meaning of togetherness, the resilience of the human spirit and the overall power of love. Most importantly, we learn never to stop dreaming.

Books into Movies
With the latest book-inspired films teeming with talking animals, alternate universes, escaped fairy tale villains, havoc-wreaking children and an entire neighborhood full of strays, a trip to the local theater is bound to be a bit chaotic. But the three offerings in January and February’s Books into Movies feature promise to be the perfect antidote for the winter doldrums that are oh so common this time of year.

Inkheart is an action-packed fantasy adventure about a father and daughter who possess the ability to bring storybook characters to life --- and its unexpected and disastrous consequences. Coraline is a delightfully creepy animated film à la The Nightmare Before Christmas featuring a young girl who stumbles upon an alternate mirrored universe and risks becoming trapped “on the other side” forever. And Hotel for Dogs is an adorable family- (and pet-) friendly flick that follows two foster kids who manage to turn an abandoned building into a home for themselves, along with nine cuddly canines.

Cool New Books Roundup
January’s roundup of Cool New Books includes THE LAST STRAW, the highly anticipated third installment in Jeff Kinney’s Diary of a Wimpy Kid series, which takes the art of being wimpy to a whole new level; SCAT by Carl Hiaasen, a mystery involving the disappearance of a fearsome biology teacher while on a field trip to Black Vine Swamp; HEROES OF THE VALLEY, an epic fantasy thriller from Jonathan Stroud, who follows up his Bartimaeus Trilogywith a tale featuring murder, revenge and a slightly diminutive protagonist; THE EYE OF THE FOREST, the fifth book in P. B. Kerr's Children of the Lamp series featuring djinn twins John and Philippa Gaunt; and a young readers edition of the worldwide bestseller THREE CUPS OF TEA, Greg Mortenson’s remarkable story of humanitarianism.

New in Paperback Roundup
The fourth installments of two popular fantasy/adventure series are now available in paperback: THE CURSE OF THE GLOAMGLOZER (The Edge Chronicles by Paul Stewart and Chris Riddell) and THE BATTLE FOR SKANDIA (Ranger’s Apprentice by John Flanagan). January’s roundup of New in Paperback titles also includes FEATHERS, a novel about differences, understanding, faith and hope from award-winning author Jacqueline Woodson, who introduces her audience to two memorable characters; CLEMENTINE’S LETTER, Sara Pennypacker’s third chapter book starring third-grader Clementine, who this time hatches a plan to return her beloved teacher to the classroom; and SWORD QUEST, teen author Nancy Yi Fan’s richly layered novel full of adventure, bravery, heroism and a fascinating bird world.

Click here to view the full newsletter.

December 2008

2008-12-23T17:58:00.014-05:00

The following reviews, interviews and features are running on Kidsreads.com for the month of December.

Reviews and Excerpts
THE 39 CLUES, Book Two: ONE FALSE NOTE by Gordon Korman
Amy and Dan Cahill are back in this second installment of the multimedia series The 39 Clues. Ride along with the siblings as they follow their next clue into Vienna, the Austrian Alps and Venice on their quest for the ultimate treasure. But their opponents, their cousins, are right there with them, still very willing to do whatever it takes to win the game --- even murder! Reviewed by Chris Shanley-Dillman and excerpted.
-- Click here to read an excerpt.

RANGER'S APPRENTICE, Book 5: THE SORCERER OF THE NORTH by John Flanagan
Will Treaty is an apprentice no more as he returns in this fifth installment of John Flanagan's bestselling series. Will sets out to take on his new assignment, a post of his own in the kingdom. But soon after settling in, he receives a special assignment --- to go undercover as a traveling musician to investigate a mysterious illness rumored to be caused by a sorcerer. Reviewed by Chris Shanley-Dillman.

BARNABY GRIMES: CURSE OF THE NIGHT WOLF by Paul Stewart and Chris Riddell
Barnaby Grimes is a tick-tock lad, running errands in his city, day and night, and "highstacking" around the rooftops in search of new mysteries to solve. In this first adventure, Barnaby is attacked one night by an enormous dog and soon finds himself swept up in a world of crooked doctors, poor and ill-advised patients, strange tonics and very expensive furs. Reviewed by Sarah Rachel Egelman.

RUNEWARRIORS by Jim Jennewein and Tom S. Parker
It's the eve of the Festival of Greatness, and Dane has a big problem: he has yet to choose his nickname. But when he sees his proud father shamed by the evil tyrant Thidrek the Terrifying, Dane's indignation earns him a moniker that sticks: Dane the Defiant! And when Thidrek kidnaps Dane's beloved Astrid in hopes of trading her for the ultimate power of the gods, Dane defiantly goes after him. Reviewed by Joy Held.

MIGHTY MONTY written by Johanna Hurwitz and illustrated by Anik McGrory
First grader Monty Morris is back in his second exciting chapter book following MOSTLY MONTY. This sweet and eager boy gears up for some new adventures, including a school play, karate class and a birthday party. Join Monty as he faces his fears and makes new friends in his amazing quest of life. Reviewed by Chris Shanley-Dillman.

THEODOSIA AND THE STAFF OF OSIRIS by R. L. LaFevers
Eleven-year-old Theodosia Throckmorton is an odd duck living in London during the early 20th century, a time when children should be "seen and not heard." Theodosia, not one to stay quiet, has a gift that comes in handy after mummies run loose on the streets of London and her father is accused of theft. Reviewed by Donna Volkenannt.

CATCALL by Linda Newbery
Although Josh has always had an affinity with animals, it's his younger brother Jamie who falls under the all-pervading wild cat spell. "Leo' seems to have taken over Jamie's life. He eats whatever he wants and speaks only when he needs to. Soon it becomes impossible for the family to cope with his frightening, unpredictable behavior. Reviewed by Norah Piehl.

THE TALES OF BEEDLE THE BARD by J.K. Rowling
Loved the Harry Potter series, did you? Then read the five magical stories that Hermione herself translated from the ancient runes. For centuries, Beedle's stories have been read to little wizards and witches as they ready themselves for bed. For you Potter aficionados out there, you now know that Beedle's stories are more than that. Sure, they work as bedtime stories, but they hold in them a legendary power. How else could they have held so many secrets for Harry, Ron and Hermione? Reviewed by Jonathan Stephens.

PETER PAN: A Classic Collectible Pop-Up, written and illustrated by Robert Sabuda
Readers will delight in this retelling of the classic story of Neverland, pirates and flying. Robert Sabuda's elegant text and paper engineering give new life to favorite characters like Tinkerbell, Wendy, Michael, John and, of course, Peter Pan. His beautiful pop-ups are further complemented by full-color illustrations that pull readers even deeper into the magical world that is Neverland. Reviewed by Jana Siciliano.

THE FROST DRAGON: Dragonology Tracking and Taming Dragons, Volume 2 written by Dr. Ernest Drake and edited by Dugald A. Steer
Open this deluxe guidebook and model package and find the complete, 24-page TRACKING AND TAMING FROST DRAGONS, in which preeminent dragonologist Dr. Ernest Drake shares the special skills needed to set out on the trail of these coldweather dragons. In addition, each package features an easy-to-assemble, lifelike hanging model of the Draco occidentalis maritimus, or frost dragon, with a 24-inch wingspan and movable wings! Reviewed by Sarah Rachel Egelman.

Series Books
WARRIORS: POWER OF THREE #5: LONG SHADOWS by Erin Hunter
In yet another exciting Warriors: Power of Three adventure, unrest stalks the Clans as the question of who believes in StarClan and the warrior code becomes a deadly dividing point --- and the odd loner Sol makes predictions that cast the blackest shadow over the cats' future. Reviewed by Terry Miller Shannon.
-- Click here to play the updated Warriors: Power of Three trivia game.
-- Click here to read our Warriors: Power of Three series feature.

Author Talk: Gordon Korman
The Lucian branch of the Cahill family has been spying on Gordon Korman, author of THE 39 CLUES, BOOK 2: ONE FALSE NOTE. The Lucians have sent top agent Ian Kabra to find out what Gordon really knows about the Cahills and the 39 Clues hidden around the world that lead to the source of their power. Read this interview to find out what confidential information Gordon is willing to spill, and what secrets he's keeping for himself!
-- Click here to read a review of ONE FALSE NOTE.

Books into Movies
There's never a more perfect time of year for a fairy tale than the holiday season, so be sure to catch The Tale of Despereaux, which has crawled its way into theaters. This quirky and charming modern fable based on the beloved book by Kate DiCamillo follows a tiny little mouse with big ears and an even bigger heart who manages to become the most unlikely knight in shining armor.

Celebrate this major theatrical release with a number of outstanding special edition books, including a junior novelization of the film (complete with an eight-page full-color insert of stills from the movie), a graphic novel adaptation, a deluxe picture book, a coloring and activity book, a glow-in-the-dark sticker book, and three full-color storybooks.
-- Click here for more details about this film.
-- Click here to see the movie tie-in books for The Tale of Despereaux.

Series Feature: STAR WARS: THE CLONE WARS
Fans of Star Wars just can't get enough of that galaxy far, far away. That's one of the reasons why Lucasfilm developed an animated television series focusing on the events of the pivotal Clone Wars that helped shape the career, and eventual downfall, of Anakin Skywalker. During the summer of 2008, the creators of Star Wars kick-started the launch of the program with an animated feature film, Star Wars: The Clone Wars, which itself sparked a whole range of books designed to appeal to the epic's younger set. The movie was a box office hit, and the books are likely to be just as popular.

Best Books of the Year
As 2008 comes to a close, we at Kidsreads.com have compiled some of our favorite books of the year for children. Along with THE TALES OF BEEDLE THE BARD, a collection of five fairy tales courtesy of J.K. Rowling that gives new insight into the world of Harry Potter, we spotlight THE MYSTERIOUS BENEDICT SOCIETY AND THE PERILOUS JOURNEY, the sequel to Trenton Lee Stewart's bestseller about four children who are brought together to go on secret missions that only the most intelligent and inventive youngsters can complete; The 39 Clues, an exciting multimedia series consisting of 10 books, 350 trading cards and an online game where readers play a part in the story and compete for over $100,000 in prizes; and INKDEATH, the conclusion to Cornelia Funke's absorbing Inkheart fantasy trilogy.

Additional standouts include CHAINS, Laurie Halse Anderson's compelling examination of the very different implications of freedom and loyalty for slaves during the American Revolution; THE GRAVEYARD BOOK by Neil Gaiman, a chilling tale about an unusual boy who is the only living resident of a graveyard; RAPUNZEL’S REVENGE, Shannon and Dean Hale's graphic novel adaptation of the classic story as you've never seen it before; and THE WILLOUGHBYS by two-time Newbery Medal winner Lois Lowry, in which four thoroughly old-fashioned children seek happiness, fortune --- and a way to get rid of their parents.

Cool New Books Roundup
November and December's roundup of Cool New Books includes ONE FALSE NOTE, the second installment in The 39 Clues, a blockbuster series consisting of 10 books, 350 trading cards, and an online game where readers play a part in the story and compete for over $100,000 in prizes; THE SORCERER OF THE NORTH, book five in John Flanagan's Ranger's Apprentice fantasy/adventure series; LONG SHADOWS by Erin Hunter, the newest Warriors: Power of Three novel that finds three young cats having to put their powers to the ultimate test to save the Clans from destruction; THE FROST DRAGON, the second volume of Dr. Ernest Drake's Tracking and Taming Dragons, in which the preeminent dragonologist shares the special skills needed to set out on the trail of these cold-weather dragons; and a spectacular pop-up edition of the classic story of Peter Pan, courtesy of paper engineer extraordinaire Robert Sabuda.

New in Paperback Roundup
November and December's roundup of New in Paperback titles includes THE HIGHER POWER OF LUCKY, Susan Patron's Newbery Medal-winning novel about a 10-year-old girl who doesn't expect running away to turn into such a complicated adventure; THE PILGRIMS OF RAYNE, the eighth installment in D. J. MacHale'swildly popular Pendragon series; THE DAY OF THE DJINN WARRIORS by P. B. Kerr, the fourth Children of the Lamp book featuring djinn twins John and Philippa Gaunt; DARK RIVER, a continuation of Erin Hunter's Warriors: Power of Three series and a thrilling new chapter in the chronicles of the Clans; COVER-UP, a John Feinstein mystery that finds Steve Thomas and Susan Carol Anderson sitting on the biggest sports scandal of the decade; and GEMINI SUMMER, Iain Lawrence's poignant story of a boy who won't allow anyone to separate him from his very special dog.

Click here to read the full newsletter.

October 2008

2008-11-13T11:54:00.004-05:00

Series Feature
STARLIGHT ANIMAL RESCUE by Dandi Daley Mackall
Meet 16-year-old Dakota Brown. She used to love all things "horse" until she lost everything, including hope. The minute she sets foot on her foster parents' farm --- Starlight Animal Rescue --- she plans her escape. But can an "impossible" horse named Blackfire and this quirky collection of animal lovers be the home she's always dreamed of?

Starlight Animal Rescue: Where problem horses are trained and loved, where abandoned dogs become heroes, where stray cats become loyal companions. And where people with nowhere to fit in find a place to belong.

Don't Miss
SPYOLOGY: The Complete Book of Spycraft, written by Spencer Blake and edited by Dugald A. Steer
The art of spying and secret identities is one of those typical and wonderfully creative childhood fantasies. With SPYOLOGY, young people now have a fun and fascinating introduction and guide to the fantasy. This large book is chock-a-block full of information, games and stories to inspire and challenge. Like all the volumes in the 'Ologies series, readers will come across fantastic illustrations and flaps and pockets galore. The red jewel on the cover is even a "magnifying filter decoder" that can be used to find hidden messages and pictures in the book. Reviewed by Sarah Rachel Egelman.

Contests:
GOOSEBUMPS HORRORLAND Giveaway
Are you looking for a hilarious series that will also give you a serious case of the heebie-jeebies? The master of spooky storytelling, R.L. Stine --- author of the incredibly popular Goosebumps books --- has just the thing: a 12-book series called Goosebumps HorrorLand. Kidsreads.com is giving 10 readers the opportunity to win the first two books in this series: REVENGE OF THE LIVING DUMMY (signed by the author himself!) and CREEP FROM THE DEEP.

Features:
THE 39 CLUES, Book One: The Maze of Bones, by Rick Riordan
Grace is the last matriarch of the Cahills, the world's most powerful family. Everyone from Napoleon to Houdini is related to the Cahills, yet the source of the family power is lost. Thirty-nine clues hidden around the world will reveal the family's secret, but no one has been able to assemble them. Now the clues race is on, and young Amy and Dan must decide what's important: hunting clues or uncovering what REALLY happened to their parents.

The 39 Clues is Scholastic's groundbreaking new series, spanning 10 adrenaline-charged books, 350 trading cards, and an online game where readers play a part in the story and compete for over $100,000 in prizes.

SNAKEHEAD: Alex Rider #7 by Anthony Horowitz
Now Available in Paperback
When Alex Rider crash-lands off the coast of Australia, the Australian Secret Service recruits him to infiltrate one of the ruthless gangs operating across Southeast Asia. Known as snakeheads, the gangs smuggle drugs, weapons, and worst of all, people. Alex accepts the assignment, in part for the chance to work with his godfather and learn more about his parents. What he uncovers, however, is a secret that will make this his darkest and most dangerous mission yet…and the knowledge that his old nemesis, Scorpia, is anything but out of his life.

Series Updates
AMELIA BEDELIA AND THE CAT written by Herman Parish and illustrated by Lynn Sweat
Leave it to Amelia Bedelia to find a real cat on a day it's "raining cats and dogs." She names him Tiger, and in no time, the two are inseparable and as happy as clams. But then Tiger gets into trouble. Will Amelia Bedelia go out on a limb to save him? Reviewed by Tom Donadio.

AMELIA BEDELIA TALKS TURKEY written by Herman Parish and illustrated by Lynn Sweat
When Amelia Bedelia is put in charge of the school Thanksgiving pageant, things are bound to get a little mixed up. After all, she thinks roles are a type of bread, the dressing room is where the turkey's stuffing goes, and that a cast party happens after you've followed a well-wisher's command to "break a leg!" Will Amelia Bedelia bring the house down…literally? Reviewed by Tom Donadio.

GERONIMO STILTON, SECRET AGENT by Geronimo Stilton
Unlike Geronimo, his sister Thea is a mystery-loving rodent. But somehow he finds himself going undercover to get to the bottom of a case, and he hardly knows where to start. Geronimo Stilton, Secret Agent Mouse? Maybe he could get used to that. Reviewed by Terry Miller Shannon.

Cool New Books:
October's roundup of Cool New Books includes the National Book Award finalist CHAINS, Laurie Halse Anderson's compelling examination of the very different implications of freedom and loyalty for slaves during the American Revolution; IF YOU'RE READING THIS, IT'S TOO LATE, a sequel to the Edgar Award-nominated THE NAME OF THIS BOOK IS SECRET, which marks the return of mysterious narrator Pseudonymous Bosch; DOOMWYTE by Brian Jacques, a thrilling tale from Redwall featuring a hunt for long-lost treasure; and THE GATE OF DAYS, the second novel in Guillaume Prėvost's The Book of Time trilogy, which finds Sam Faulkner on a desperate journey through the ages to collect the coins that will allow him to locate his father, who is trapped in a dungeon in Transylvania.

New in Paperback:
October's roundup of New in Paperback titles includes ON THE WINGS OF HEROES, award-winning author Richard Peck's unforgettable portrait of the World War II homefront and a family's love; FIRST LIGHT, a dazzling tale of mystery, science and adventure at the top of the world from first-time author Rebecca Stead; MOSTLY MONTY, a chapter book by Johanna Hurwitz about a six-year-old boy who refuses to let his asthma get in the way of a happy and fun-filled childhood; and the 1994 Newbery Medal-winning GRANDFATHER'S JOURNEY, Allen Say's deeply personal tale of one man's love for two countries and his constant desire to be in both places.

Reviews and Excerpts:
THE GRAVEYARD BOOK written by Neil Gaiman and illustrated by Dave McKean
Bod is an unusual boy who inhabits an unusual place --- he's the only living resident of a graveyard. Raised from infancy by the ghosts, werewolves and other cemetery denizens, Bod has learned the antiquated customs of his guardians' time as well as their timely ghostly teachings --- like the ability to Fade. Can a boy raised by ghosts face the wonders and terrors of the worlds of both the living and the dead? Reviewed by Brian Farrey and excerpted.

INKDEATH by Cornelia Funke
It's been five years since German author Cornelia Funke's novel INKHEART was first published in English. Since then, the absorbing fantasy, which focuses on characters who can travel in and out of worlds simply by reading books aloud, has captivated millions of fans and will even be made into a feature film in 2009. Now, the story that began with INKHEART and continued in INKSPELL comes full circle with INKDEATH. Reviewed by Norah Piehl and excerpted.

STARGAZER: The Land of Elyon, Book 4 by Patrick Carman
In this fourth book of The Land of Elyon, Alexa and Yipes finally reach their mysterious destination called the Five Stone Pillars. But unknowingly, they also led the evil Abaddon to this amazing colony. Now Abaddon is determined to rule the Pillars…or destroy them in the process! Reviewed by Chris Shanley-Dillman and excerpted.

IF YOU'RE READING THIS, IT'S TOO LATE by Pseudonymous Bosch
As oath-bound members of the secret Terces Society, Cass and Max-Ernest once again battle the evil Masters of the Midnight Sun: Dr. L. and Ms. Mauvais. This time, they get help from some old friends --- and a few new ones --- in this sequel to THE NAME OF THIS BOOK IS SECRET. Reviewed by Donna Volkenannt.

THE CASE OF THE PECULIAR PINK FAN: An Enola Holmes Mystery, by Nancy Springer
When Enola Holmes encounters her friend Lady Cecily hiding behind a pink fan, she finds it peculiar. In fact, she realizes Cecily is in danger. But what exactly is the matter? And how can Enola help? After examining the clues, Enola discovers that Lady Cecily is being held hostage in an abysmal orphanage, and if she isn't rescued, she'll be forced into a miserable marriage. Reviewed by Sally M. Tibbetts.

THE MAYFLOWER AND THE PILGRIMS' NEW WORLD by Nathaniel Philbrick
Nathaniel Philbrick has adapted and abridged his New York Times bestselling historical narrative MAYFLOWER: A Story of Courage, Community, and War for a younger audience. THE MAYFLOWER AND THE PILGRIMS' NEW WORLD includes numerous sketches, maps and photographs of artifacts, detailed timelines and insets of historical biographies, all of which add to its accessibility. Reviewed by Usha Reynolds.

GULLY'S TRAVELS written by Tor Seidler and illustrated by Brock Cole
Gulliver is a dog who enjoys the finer things in life and looks forward to his annual trip to Paris, where he and his girlfriend Chloe share fabulous French cuisine. But it's there that his master, Professor Rattigan, falls in love with a woman who turns out to be allergic to long-haired dogs. Forced to choose between his prospective wife and his beloved pet, Professor Rattigan sadly gives Gulliver up --- to his doorman. Reviewed by Norah Piehl.

LIFEBLOOD: Darkside, Book 2 by Tom Becker
A series of unexplained murders on the Darkside of London has Jonathan tangled up in another dangerous mystery. He becomes obsessed with solving the crimes and finding his mother, who was investigating similar murders before she vanished. Meanwhile, the Ripper family is involved in a deadly scandal that goes right to the heart of Darkside society --- and they're watching Jonathan. Reviewed by Sarah Sawtelle.

NIGHTMARE AT THE BOOK FAIR by Dan Gutman
Trip Dinkleman hates to read and is not exactly happy when he's asked to help set up the book fair. All he wants to do is go play lacrosse with his buddy Lionel. When a stack of books knocks him out, he awakens to find himself the main character in one book genre after another. Reviewed by Terry Miller Shannon.

TURKEY BOWL written by Phil Bildner and illustrated by C. F. Payne
Nine-year-old Ethan has been waiting his entire life to join in on his family's traditional Thanksgiving football game. Finally he's old enough! So imagine his woe when Thanksgiving brings such heavy snow that his teammate relatives aren't able to show up for the game. Sounds like a ruined Turkey Bowl. Or does it? Reviewed by Terry Miller Shannon.

September 2008

2008-10-15T15:17:00.006-04:00

Features:
THE 39 CLUES, Book One: The Maze of Bones, by Rick Riordan
Grace is the last matriarch of the Cahills, the world's most powerful family. Everyone from Napoleon to Houdini is related to the Cahills, yet the source of the family power is lost. Thirty-nine clues hidden around the world will reveal the family's secret, but no one has been able to assemble them. Now the clues race is on, and young Amy and Dan must decide what's important: hunting clues or uncovering what REALLY happened to their parents.

The 39 Clues is Scholastic's groundbreaking new series, spanning 10 adrenaline-charged books, 350 trading cards, and an online game where readers play a part in the story and compete for over $100,000 in prizes.

SNAKEHEAD: Alex Rider #7 by Anthony Horowitz
Now Available in Paperback
When Alex Rider crash-lands off the coast of Australia, the Australian Secret Service recruits him to infiltrate one of the ruthless gangs operating across Southeast Asia. Known as snakeheads, the gangs smuggle drugs, weapons, and worst of all, people. Alex accepts the assignment, in part for the chance to work with his godfather and learn more about his parents. What he uncovers, however, is a secret that will make this his darkest and most dangerous mission yet…and the knowledge that his old nemesis, Scorpia, is anything but out of his life.

JUDY MOODY GOES TO COLLEGE written by Megan McDonald and illustrated by Peter H. Reynolds
Judy Moody is in a mood. Not a good mood. And definitely NOT a math mood. The substitute teacher in Class 3T thinks Judy's math skills need improving. So Judy has to start meeting with a math tutor. Does this mean flash cards? Does this mean baby games? Does this mean school on weekends? But when Judy meets her tutor --- a sick-awesome college student with an uber-funky sense of style --- and gets a glimpse of college life, Judy's bad math-i-tude turns into a radical glad-i-tude. Pretty soon, Judy's not only acing her math class; she's owning it. Time to say good-bye to Judy Moody, old skool third-grader, and say hello to Miss College! Small-tall upside-down backward non-fat capp with extra whip, anyone?

It's her funniest adventure yet! A few sessions with a college-age math tutor turn Judy into a jargon-spouting polygon princess. Crucial!

Interviews:
Megan McDonald
Kidsreads.com's Terry Miller Shannon recently spoke with Megan McDonald, author of the popular and long-running Judy Moody series. In this interview, McDonald describes how she came up with some of the innovative games and ideas from the series's latest installment, JUDY MOODY GOES TO COLLEGE, and discusses the real-life counterpart to her rambunctious main character. She also explains how she is able to accurately capture the voices of children from a wide range of ages, recalls how her very first book was published, and shares details about her latest project --- a sequel to her novel THE SISTERS CLUB.

Contests:
GOOSEBUMPS HORRORLAND Giveaway
Are you looking for a hilarious series that will also give you a serious case of the heebie-jeebies? The master of spooky storytelling, R.L. Stine --- author of the incredibly popular Goosebumps books --- has just the thing: a 12-book series called Goosebumps HorrorLand. Kidsreads.com is giving 10 readers the opportunity to win the first two books in this series: REVENGE OF THE LIVING DUMMY (signed by the author himself!) and CREEP FROM THE DEEP.

Books into Movies:
With the arrival of autumn, it's difficult not to notice that the air is getting cooler, the days are getting shorter and the sun is starting to set a few hours earlier than we'd like. While it's hard to say goodbye to those gloriously long, sunny summer days, can you imagine what it would be like to never see daylight at all? October's Books into Movies feature gives audiences of all ages a taste of just how insane that could be with City of Ember, based on the first book in Jeanne DuPrau's sci-fi/fantasy series about a mysterious, crumbling underground city lit entirely by electric floodlamps. On October 10th, join 12-year-olds Lina and Doon as they race against the clock --- as well as some shady politicians --- not only to discover the city's secrets but also to keep Ember's generator from going out forever.

Special Features: Halloween Roundup
Spooky greetings, trick-or-treaters! We at Kidsreads.com have lots of goodies for you in our roundup of this year’s scariest, funniest and all-around Halloween-iest titles. Do you happen to be the only living resident of a graveyard? Is your dad married to a Kreep? Has your best friend ever been kidnapped by goblins? No? You must be kidding. These are just some of the experiences faced by the characters in our featured books. Well, count yourself among the lucky few, dig into your candy stash and turn the pages of these ghostly tales.

Series Updates
WARRIORS: POWER OF THREE #4: ECLIPSE by Erin Hunter
When a mysterious stranger approaches the Clans with dire warnings, Jaypaw, Hollypaw and Lionpaw must acknowledge the importance of their destiny since they now realize that they hold the future of the warriors. This fourth book in the Power of Three series meets all fans' expectations of continuing intrigue and drama. Reviewed by Terry Miller Shannon.

GOOSEBUMPS HORRORLAND #5: DR. MANIAC VS. ROBBY SCHWARTZ by R.L. Stine
Robby enjoys creating web comic strips about the evil scoundrel he calls "Dr. Maniac" --- until Dr. Maniac escapes the computer and becomes a danger in real life. Can Robby overcome his own creepy villain long enough to help the seven kids trapped in the HorrorLand Theme Park? Reviewed by Terry Miller Shannon.

RAPUNZEL’S REVENGE written by Shannon and Dean Hale, and illustrated by Nathan Hale
An old fairy tale gets a new face in RAPUNZEL’S REVENGE, complete with a sassy heroine who takes no nonsense from evil stepmothers or pompous princes. This Rapunzel is much more fun (and a whole lot more adventurous) than any version you may have encountered before. Reviewed by John Hogan.

Cool New Books:
September’s roundup of Cool New Books includes The 39 Clues, an exciting series from Scholastic consisting of 10 books, 350 trading cards and an online game where readers play a part in the story and compete for over $100,000 in prizes; INKDEATH, the conclusion to Cornelia Funke's Inkheart trilogy; A GIANT PROBLEM, the second installment in Tony DiTerlizzi and Holly Black’s Beyond the Spiderwick Chronicles; STARGAZER, the sequel to Patrick Carman’s Land of Elyon trilogy and a continuation of Alexa Daley’s heroic adventures after a tragic attack by an evil force; THE CASE OF THE PECULIAR PINK FAN, the latest Enola Holmes mystery from Edgar Award-winning author Nancy Springer; and THE GRAVEYARD BOOK by Neil Gaiman, a chilling tale about an unusual boy who is the only living resident of a graveyard.

New in Paperback:
September’s roundup of New in Paperback titles includes SNAKEHEAD, the seventh installment in Anthony Horowitz’s action-packed series starring 14-year-old secret agent Alex Rider; THE NAME OF THIS BOOK IS SECRET, an exceptional novel featuring two intrepid 11-year-olds, evil villains and a mysterious box with secret potions, narrated by the unknown Pseudonymous Bosch; STARCROSS, the sequel to Philip Reeve’s LARKLIGHT, in which the main characters hurtle into an adventure complete with time travel, mind-controlling headwear, dastardly foes and heroic exploits; THE JADE DRAGON, Carolyn Marsden and Virginia Shin-Mui Loh’s story of a young girl who delicately navigates between her Chinese culture and her friendship with the new girl in second grade; and three books that will get readers in the holiday spirit early this year: JUDY MOODY & STINK: THE HOLLY JOLIDAY, THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS and CHRISTMAS TAPESTRY.

Reviews and Excerpts:
KINGDOM KEEPERS II: DISNEY AT DAWN by Ridley Pearson
It's supposed to be a happy day at the Magic Kingdom --- the return of the teenaged holographic hosts. But things go very wrong when a sudden lightning storm disrupts the celebration, and Amanda's mysterious sister, Jez, disappears. The only clue is the sighting of a wild monkey in the Magic Kingdom during the storm. Reviewed by Sarah Sawtelle and excerpted.

A GIANT PROBLEM: Beyond the Spiderwick Chronicles, Book 2 by Tony DiTerlizzi and Holly Black
In this sequel to Tony DiTerlizzi and Holly Black’s THE NIXIE'S SONG, Nick and Laurie know they must band together to save Florida by killing the giants that threaten the state. Taking care of the problem would be so much easier if Laurie stopped trying to make the new creatures they encounter her pets, but at least they find help in giant hunter Noseeum Jack; Nick’s skeptical older brother, Jules; and even some singing mermaids (who may or may not be trusted). Reviewed by Terry Miller Shannon.

HATE THAT CAT by Sharon Creech
Jack, the boy who loved that dog in LOVE THAT DOG, is back for another school year and another batch of poems. School has just started, and Jack is lucky enough to have the same teacher from last year, Miss Stretchberry. But that means he's in store for a lot more poetry. Reviewed by Sarah Hannah Gómez.

FOOTBALL HERO by Tim Green
Ty’s big brother, Thane “Tiger” Lewis, has graduated from college and has been drafted into the pro leagues by the New York Jets. That couldn’t be better news for young Ty because he lives in New Jersey with a disagreeable uncle, but now he gets to see Thane every week. They have gotten even closer since their parents died six months earlier in a car accident and need each other in more ways than one. Reviewed by Joy Held.

THE SÉANCE by Iain Lawrence
In the midst of the Roaring Twenties, Scooter King performs illusions behind the scenes at his mother's séances, giving the impression that Madam King communicates with the dead. Scooter also admires Harry Houdini and can hardly wait to see the famed magician escape from his razzle-dazzle Burmese Torture Tank. But when Scooter stumbles upon a dead body in the visiting Houdini's tank, it's no illusion. Reviewed by Joy Held.

SAMUEL BLINK AND THE RUNAWAY TROLL by Matt Haig
When Troll-Son runs away from home, he decides to leave the Shadow Forest behind and move in with his idol, Samuel Blink. Samuel isn’t thrilled with the idea of hiding a runaway troll, especially one who copies everything he does, even using his toothbrush. But should Samuel return Troll-Son to the Shadow Forest? What danger still lurks there? Reviewed by Norah Piehl.

THE HUNT FOR THE SEVENTH by Christine Morton-Shaw
Jim Brown and his family are trying to start over after the death of his mother. His father gets a new job as head gardener at a fancy historical English mansion. Unfortunately, the cranky owner detests kids and warns Jim and his sister to behave themselves. But Jim has far more serious concerns on his mind, like the feeling that he’s being watched and the voices whispering to “find the seventh.” Reviewed by Chris Shanley-Dillman.

PIRATE WARS: The Wave Walkers #3 by Kai Meyer
The entire population of the floating coral island Aelenium prepares for battle against the monstrous kobalins, while the two polliwogs, Jolly and Munk, set off to confront the evil Maelstom. Will our band of misfit heroes save the day, or will the horrors of the Maelstom take over the Caribbean? Reviewed by Chris Shanley-Dillman.

BRINGING THE BOY HOME by N. A. Nelson
Two very different boys, both on the eve of becoming men, must prove their worth to their society --- and themselves --- in the heart of the Amazon rainforest. BRINGING THE BOY HOME is N. A. Nelson’s compelling debut novel about family, determination and what it means to become a man. Reviewed by Norah Piehl.