Greetings from Nowhere by Barbara O’Connor

Most people send postcards from fun and exciting places they have visited such as Florida, Hawaii, or Australia.  In the book entitled Greetings from Nowhere by Barbara O’Connor, you probably wouldn’t find anyone sending a postcard from the Sleepy Time Motel in the Great Smoky Mountains.  Even the name sounds dull! 

It is a run-down motel in the middle of nowhere, and there has not been a visitor there in almost three months!  But something very interesting happens when four families meet under somewhat unusual circumstances.  Read this book to find out how sometimes with a little bit of hope, you can find exactly what you need even in the middle of nowhere. 

Book reviewed by Carol C., Youth Services Assistant

The Reinvention of Moxie Roosevelt by Elizabeth Kimmel

Moxie Roosevelt Kipper is a pretty ordinary girl with an extraordinary name.  In The Reinvention of Moxie Roosevelt by Elizabeth Kimmel, Moxie decides to reinvent herself when she starts at a new boarding school.  She uses many different personalities depending on the group of friends she encounters.  She is earthy and green for the environmental friends, cool when she is with her cool group, and sporty to fit in with the athletes.  It can get pretty confusing keeping track of these numerous personalities, so she writes all of her notes in a journal which may not be the best idea.  This is a funny and realistic book that may make you realize that it is easier to just be yourself! 

Book reviewed by Carol C., Youth Services Assistant

Click here to read a few pages of The Reinvention of Moxie Roosevelt.

After Ever After by Jordan Sonnenblick

Fans of Drums, Girls, and Dangerous Pie by Jordan Sonnenblick (2008 Rebecca Caudill winner) will enjoy the continuing story in the new release entitled After Ever After.  In this book, 5 year old Jeffrey is now in 8th grade and struggling with the effects of his cancer treatment, standardized school testing, girls, and his best friend Tad.  What makes matters worse is that his big brother Steven is away in Africa and can’t be reached for brotherly advice!  Life after cancer can be quite difficult and confusing, but his best friend and fellow cancer patient inspires him to do something selfless and “completely magnificent!"  Sonnenblick has a way of inspiring readers and making them laugh and cry right along with the characters.  This is an excellent book on its own and even better if read as a sequel.
Recommended for 5th grade and up.

Book reviewed by Carol C., Youth Services Assistant

Click here to read a few pages of After Ever After.

My Life in Pink and Green by Lisa Greenwald

Never underestimate the difference that one person can make in the world!  In My Life in Pink and Green by Lisa Greenwald, 12-year-old Lucy surprises the reader with her determination, business-sense, environmental awareness and talent.  Her family’s pharmacy is on the brink of going out of business but Lucy is not willing to let that happen.  Since she is only in 7th grade and most adults don’t take her ideas seriously, what will happen when her grandmother ignores her suggestions and attempts to sell their house and possibly the pharmacy?  Find out how Lucy handles problems with her friends and uses her talents in ways she never imagined!  Pick up some beauty, business and environmental tips as well...Go Green!  Recommended for 4th grade and up.

Book reviewed by Carol C., Youth Services Assistant

A Crooked Kind of Perfect by Linda Urban

I’ll admit that the striped socks on the cover of A Crooked Kind of Perfect by Linda Urban caught my attention. I’m certainly glad that I read it!  Ten year old Zoe is a believable and lovable character who longs to play the piano but to her dismay, receives an organ instead. She has a mother who works too much, a father who rarely leaves the safety of home, troubles with friends, yet enough T.P. stockpiled in the basement to last the entire family until she goes to college!  This is a humorous and touching story that makes you realize that even the craziest of lives can be surprisingly perfect.

 

Book read and reviewed by Carol C., Youth Assistant

 

Click here to listen to part of the audio book of A Crooked Kind of Perfect.

 

Click here to look at a few pages from A Crooked Kind of Perfect.

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.

 

Butterflies in My Stomach and Other School Hazards by Serge Bloch

Have you ever gotten up on the wrong side of the bed or seen it raining cats and dogs? In the picture book Butterflies in My Stomach and Other School Hazards by Serge Bloch, you can see these and other idioms come to life!  The illustrations are part real and part doodles which add to its humor and enjoyment. So if you’re feeling blue or in a pickle about the first day of school, keep an eye out for this amusing book!

 

Book read by Carol C., Youth Library Assistant

Alabama Moon by Watt Key

  Can you imagine living alone?  Now imagine living alone in the forest, and you are only 10 years old!  In Alabama Moon by Watt Key, Moon has lived in the forest for as long as he can remember. He and his dad survived by hunting, growing food and making everything that they needed.  After the death of his parents, how will ten year old Moon survive?  How will he escape the law?  Why did his dad hate the government?  Most of all, how will he handle being alone for the first time in his life? If you enjoy adventure books, this is a great book about survival, trust and friendship.

 

Book read by Carol C., LIbrary Assistant

The Willoughbys by Lois Lowry

Fans of Lemony Snicket are sure to enjoy The Willoughbys by Lois Lowry.  This book has everything you could imagine including horrible parents, unusual children who want to be orphans, a millionaire candy maker, a clever nanny and a baby left on the doorstep!  For a wickedly amusing tale, check out this book and don't forget to read the glossary for a good laugh, too!

Book read by Carol C., Library Assistant 

Soupy Saturdays With the Pain & the Great One by Judy Blume

Meet first grader Jake, aka "The Pain," and his third grade sister Abigail, aka "The Great One".  These lovable, funny characters first appeared in a picture book over 20 years ago and now they are the stars of Judy Blume's Soupy Saturdays with the Pain & the Great One. If you have a brother or sister, I bet that you can relate to the humorous sibling rivalries that occur over haircuts, bike riding, soccer, and birthday parties.  Jake even tries to wash a dog with his shampoo and brush the dog's teeth with, of course, his own toothbrush.  Yuck!  Early readers can enjoy the short chapters and the adorable illustrations that truly bring the characters to life.

Reviewed by Carol C, Youth Services Library Assistant