Crispin: The Cross of Lead by Avi

Could you ever imagine yourself living in 14^th century England, in a land of lords and bishops, knights and pilgrims, a  strange place eloquently landscaped with medieval castles and  cathedrals, small  towns  and....devastated by The Plague?  Avi's mystery, Crispin: The Cross of Lead, begins with a 13 year-old boy who lives in a poor peasant village. Soon after his mother’s death, the evil village steward, John Aycliffe, falsely accuses the young orphan of stealing and even murder. Afraid and  alone, Crispin flees for his life, through the vast wilderness to a nearby town, where he meets a large, gruffy street juggler who calls himself "Bear." Crispin, in fear for his own safety, reluctantly swears to become Bear’s servant. The mystery grows, as Crispin learns his friend is involved with an underground society and this digs them into a more dangerous plot.  Off they go together, anxiously in pursuit of freedom: Crispin, searching for his real identity, and Bear, defending his new friend and his own life as well. Terror at every corner, filled with complicated turns and twists, this adventure story is guaranteed to be a page turner for all ages.

Book reviewed by Darice C., Library Assistant

Cowlick by Christin Ditchfield

Cowlick! by Christin Ditchfield is a hilarious story in rhyme explaining one person’s theory on how children get cowlicks.  For those of you who don’t know, a cowlick is a name for an area of hair on someone’s head that tends to stick up or look all crazy, sometimes defying the laws of gravity.  Some people often find they have cowlicks after they wake up and can never figure out why.  Well, ask no more because this book explains that while you are sleeping, cows sneak in and lick your head, causing your hair to end up in all sorts of positions.  The pictures are funny and the cover even looks like a cow has taken a big lick on the book itself.  I hope you laugh as much reading this book as I did. And I also hope you don’t wake up to find cows in your bedroom!!

Book reviewed by Michelle T., Youth Outreach Coordinator

Gregor and the Marks of Secret by Suzanne Collins

Gregor and the Marks of Secret is the fourth book in the Gregor series by Suzanne Collins. It begins a little slowly, as Collins brings her readers up to scratch on previous events in the series, but the pace quickly reverts to the excitement readers have come to expect from this author. Once again Gregor returns to the Underworld, for the purpose of visiting his ailing mother (who is still recuperating from the plague of book three), and is soon carried into Underworld events as the Gnawers attempt to eliminate the Nibblers. There are allusions to yet more prophecies, so the Gregor series will be continuing!

 

Posted by Loreen S., Library Assistant

I, Jack by Patricia Finney

I, Jack, by Jack the dog as told to Patricia Finney, tells the story of Jack, a yellow Labrador who lives with a family of 5 humans and 3 cats.  Jack has written a book (all by himself except for little help from the cats who provided the footnotes).  It is about his adventures with the next door neighbor's dog Petra.  When Jack meets Petra, it is love at first sight.  Now Petra is getting fat and her owners have put on a diet so Jack is forced to hunt for her food.  He invites Petra into his house, and they go into his big white cold cupboard where they find chicken, pizza, and lamb.  Oh yum!   Jack is such a clever packleader, he thinks but no, his owner are very, very mad.  They call him a bad dog and tell him he can't have any dinner.  Jack is so sad.  And now Petra is acting weird.  Is she sick?  She is smelling very strange and even threatens to bite him.  "GRR," she says, "Go away or I will eat you."  What will Jack do?

This a great book for kids in grades 3-5.  Jack's antics will tickle your funnybone.  As a pet owner, I enjoyed reading about life from a dog (and the cats') point of view. 

Reviewed by Mary S., Head of Youth Services

Out and About at the Baseball Stadium by Bitsy Kemper

Out and About at the Baseball Stadium by Bitsy Kemper is a cool book. First, it talks about different parts of the ballpark, including parts you wouldn’t normally think about, like that there's a hot tub for the players to soak their aching muscles.  Our guide Pete takes us through the training rooms, the concourse, the dugout, and many other places found in the ball park.  Exciting facts are highlighted on a pad of paper in the corner of every page. Did you know that new baseballs can be too slippery so players rub dirt on them to make them easier to handle?  This book is a great read for any baseball fan. 

Review by Renee R., Youth Services Library Assistant