We have a SNOW DAY today at our house. Snow days are like little unexpected presents. Sure the kids in our house were all doing the "snow dance" last night, but till the moment the phone rings and you hear "NO SCHOOL," it's really never a sure thing, no matter what the weatherman says.

After the snowcave and snowman building, the snowball fights and the sledding, it's time to settle down and relax. And what better way to do that than with a book? Lots of new titles to choose from this month.

Our poll question asks you about using the library. Vote and let us know what you do when you go to the library!

Have you been to see the movie, Because of Winn-Dixie? Of course, you know it's based upon the award-winning book by Kate DiCamillo, right? Doesn't that sound like a fun thing to do this weekend?

Have a great month....happy reading.

Carol Fitzgerald for Kidsreads.com

February is Black History Month. Kidsreads.com would like to honor Africans and African Americans for their rich heritage, unimaginable hardships, and courageous, selfless acts to put an end to slavery and discrimination in their struggle for equality. We have gathered books brimming with heroes of all ages who are willing to stand up for what they believe in. We hope these amazing individuals and their remarkable lives inspire you long past the month of February, so you can celebrate their achievements all year long.

February's roundup of cool new books includes THE VALLEY OF SECRETS, Charmian Hussey's haunting and suspenseful tale about an orphan who suddenly finds himself the only heir to a great estate in the countryside, and John Feinstein's LAST SHOT, in which eighth graders Stevie and Susan Carol (reporters at the NCAA Final Four) have just 48 hours to figure out who is blackmailing a star player --- and why. We also have picture books that focus on Mother Teresa, Hans Christian Andersen, and the upcoming Easter and Passover holidays.

THE LADY GRACE MYSTERIES, Book #3: CONSPIRACY by Lady Grace Cavendish

The Royal Court is on its summer travels and Lady Grace believes something strange is going on. As Queen Elizabeth narrowly escapes a series of mysterious accidents, Grace must investigate just who might be behind the conspiracy.

GERONIMO STILTON, Book 16: A CHEESE-COLORED CAMPER by Geronimo Stilton

Geronimo's grandfather wants to publish a guidebook to Ratzikistan, the Siberia of Mouse Island, and he orders his beloved grandson to go there to write it. Geronimo hates traveling but accepts the assignment nonetheless. This is one trip that he won't soon forget --- for a number of reasons.

MOSTLY GHOSTLY #3: ONE NIGHT IN DOOM HOUSE by R.L. Stine

In order to ace social studies class, Max and his buddy Aaron visit a haunted house. Can they save Aaron from repeating fifth grade? And --- maybe slightly more importantly --- will they survive their encounters with a ghost who can actually melt people?

Because of Winn-Dixie

To celebrate the film release of Because of Winn-Dixie, Candlewick Press has published a movie tie-in edition of Kate DiCamillo's bestselling novel as well as the official movie scrapbook. Click here for all the exciting details and for more information about this highly anticipated film.

THE VALLEY OF SECRETS by Charmian Hussey
British orphan Stephen Lansbury suddenly finds himself the only heir to a great estate in the countryside, and he sets off to claim his inheritance. But when he arrives at Lansbury Hall, there is nothing to greet him but a mystery. Reviewed by Terry Miller Shannon and excerpted.

LAST SHOT: A Final Four Mystery by John Feinstein
Eighth graders Stevie Thomas and Susan Carol Anderson have won the U.S. Basketball Writers Association's contest for aspiring journalists, and their grand prize is a trip to the Final Four in New Orleans. But when they overhear what sounds like a threat to throw the championship game, Stevie and Susan Carol have just 48 hours to figure out who is blackmailing one of MSU's star players --- and why. Reviewed by Kristi Olson.

CHINESE CINDERELLA AND THE SECRET DRAGON SOCIETY by Adeline Yen Mah
Born into a family of wealth and privilege in 1940s Shanghai, Chinese Cinderella is sheltered from the harsh brutalities of the Japanese invasion in China. But after enduring abuse at the hands of her cruel stepmother, she seeks refuge at a martial-arts school and joins a secret dragon society. Reviewed by Sally M. Tibbetts.

THE ILLUSTRATED MUM by Jacqueline Wilson
Sometimes Dolphin's small, unconventional family seems held together by just a thread --- but when her mother's mental illness causes a family crisis, Dolphin discovers just how strong that thread of love can be. Reviewed by Norah Piehl.

OUT STANDING IN MY FIELD by Patrick Jennings
Ty Cutter was named after baseball legend Ty Cobb, but he is not living up to his namesake's reputation when it comes to America's pastime. In this humorous and deeply poignant novel, Ty must figure out exactly who he's trying to please --- his father, his teammates, or himself. Reviewed by Renee Kirchner.

GUARDIANS OF GA'HOOLE, Book Six: THE BURNING by Kathryn Lasky
Once again Soren and his friends must find ways to protect the owls of the Ga'Hoole tree from the evil intentions of the Pure Ones, who are still led by Soren's twisted brother Kludd. Reviewed by Marya Jansen-Gruber.

SURVIVING AUNT MARSHA by Sofie Laguna
The dreaded Aunt Marsha will be taking care of the Wendle children for three long weeks while Mum and Dad go off to Paris to "find romance again." Bettina and her two younger brothers groan when they hear this news --- and for very good reason. Reviewed by Bob Oksner.

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