On the Road by Lucy Nolan

This beginning chapter book is full of hilarious adventures—on the beach, in the woods, and at the veterinarian—all from the perspective of a dog who thinks her name is “Down Girl.”  In On the Road by Lucy Nolan, Down Girl loves her master (who she calls “Rruff”) and she's always trying so hard to be a good dog.  But why isn’t Rruff happy when he finds the little surprise Down Girl leaves in his beach bag?  Hint: it didn’t smell good!

 

 Book reviewed by Erin E., Youth Services Programming Coordinator

 

Look  at a few pages from On the Road.

Masterpiece by Elise Broach

I just finished Masterpiece by Elise Broach. Do you like mysteries, art, or beetles? Then you will enjoy reading about James and Marvin. Marvin is a beetle that lives in James' house, and he has the ability to draw beautiful delicate pictures. Marvin's drawing ability comes in handy when an art thief tries to steal art from the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Will the art thief succeed? Will Marvin and his family be discovered by the rest of James' family? Read and find out!

(For grades 3-5)

 

Book reviewed by Anne W., Youth Assistant

 

Click here to read a few pages of Masterpiece.

 

Listen to part of the audio book of Masterpiece.

 

Violet Raines Almost Got Struck by Lightning by Danette Haworth

It’s the summer before junior high for spunky Violet Raines, and everything is going fine until Melissa, the new girl from Detroit, moves to town.  Suddenly Violet’s world is turned upside down as she finds herself in competition for her best friend Lottie’s attention after Melissa befriends her.  Now everything is about makeup, boys, and soap operas, but Violet would rather be outside or at the fish fry than worry about those things.  Will Violet change her views or will her friends, Momma, and some lightning help her see that growing up doesn’t always mean changing yourself? Pick upViolet Raines Almost Got Struck by Lightning by Danette Haworth today to find out!

Book reviewed by Renee N., Youth Assistant

 

Click here to watch the video book trailer for Violet Raines Almost Got Struck by Lightning.

Click here to visit Danette Haworth's website.

 

Philippa Fisher’s Fairy Godsister by Liz Kessler

Calling all fans of Liz Kessler’s Emily Windsnap series!  Here’s her new book which may not have mermaids, but has plenty of magic and surprises of its own. Imagine for a moment that you could have anything you wanted – well, at least 3 wishes worth!  Would you wish for money, friends, fame, or world peace?  In Philippa Fisher’s Fairy Godsister, Philippa is granted 3 wishes and finds it is not as easy as she thought.  From troubles with her parents, friends, and even her very own godsister, Philippa is faced with problems and BIG decisions.  I enjoyed this story about friendship and believing in yourself and was happily surprised by the ending!  

(For grades 3-5)

Book reviewed by Carol C., Youth Assistant

 

Listen to part of the Philippa Fisher's Fairy Godsister audio book.

 

A Small White Scar by K. A. Nuzum

The cowboy’s shadow on the cover of the book helped me decide to read the Rebecca Caudill nominee A Small White Scar by K. A. Nuzum. Careful plans to ride away from his responsibilities on the farm toward the more exciting adventures of life as a professional rodeo cowboy become complicated when Will discovers his twin brother following him! Too far from home (and now with his brother in need of medical help), Will realizes he knows a lot, but he still has much to learn about having a life of independence.

Book reviewed by Jan Penner, Preschool/Childcare Liason

 

Look at a few pages of A Small White Scar.

 

 

Velma Gratch & the Way Cool Butterfly by Alan Madison

The teachers in Velma’s school remember her two older sisters for different reasons, so Velma tried doing things so that her teacher and principal would always remember her, too.  But nothing worked—until the day the class went to the Butterfly Conservatory.  In Velma Gratch & the Way Cool Butterfly by 

Alan Madison and Kevin Hawkes, something so special happened to Velma that her teacher, the principal, AND the whole school will always remember her! 

 

Book reviewed by Mary Lou H., Youth Assistant

 

Read a few pages of Velma Gratch & the Way Cool Butterfly.

 

Fashion Kitty by Charise Mericle Harper

Fashion Kitty by Charise Mericle Harper.  In a freak accident, Kiki Kitty now has the super power to save you from fashion disaster when she transforms into FASHION KITTY.  You can expect the unexpected, and maybe even a new sense of style, when you read this funny pink and purple graphic novel! 

Book reviewed by Michelle T., Youth Outreach Coordinator

 

 

Visit Charise Merickle Harper's website and scroll down to see a Fasion Kitty video.

Look at a few pages of Fashion Kitty.

Do some Fashion Kitty crafts.

 

The Robe of Skulls by Vivian French

Looks may be deceiving with this title! The Robe of Skulls by Vivian French may look creepy, but it is really a lighthearted fantasy.  Lady Lemorna wants a new dress but doesn’t have the money to pay for it so she comes up with a crazy plan to turn some princes into frogs and make their parents pay her to turn them back.  Only Prince Marcus escapes being turned into a frog, and now he must save his brother with the help of some talking bats and a brave new friend.  If you enjoy funny stories about princes, magic, and adventures, this book is for you!

Book reviewed by Keary D., Youth Collection Specialist

 

Look at a few pages from The Robe of Skulls.

Listen to part of The Robe of Skulls audio book.

 

 

Campfire Mallory by Laurie Friedman

You will enjoy this book if you have ever been to summer camp or would like to go. Mallory isn't too sure she wants to go, but her parents convince her to give it a try since her big brother Max and her best friend Mary Ann are going, too.  When Mallory arrives at Camp Blue Lake, nothing goes as planned.  She ends up in a different cabin from her best friend, and her bunkmate Carine won’t leave her alone. Carine seems to get Mallory into all kinds of trouble. Read Campfire Mallory by Laurie Friedman to find out if Mallory can survive her first summer away at camp and if she ever becomes friends with Carine. 

(For grades 3-4)

 

Book reviewed by Barb M., Youth Outreach and Programming Assistant

 

Look at a few pages of Campfire Mallory.

Visit the Mallory website!

 

The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman

Bod Owens is just like any other boy except he is being raised by ghosts, lives in a graveyard, and is being hunted by a vicious killer.  Okay, so he’s not quite like everyone else.  Bod’s unusual childhood lets him have thrilling adventures such as meeting the Indigo Man, being chased by ghouls, and learning to fade.  I was so excited when The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman won the Newbery award.  Gaiman is one of my favorite authors and his new book does not disappoint!  If you like a good ghost story, this book is for you.  (For grades 5 and up)  

Book reviewed by Mary S., Youth Services Department Head

Listen to a sample of The Graveyard Book being read.
Look at a few pages from The Graveyard Book.
Visit The Graveyard Book's website.