Sparrow Road by Sheila O'Connor

Sparrow Road by Sheila O'Connor. It's so odd--really! For no good reason that Raine can figure out, her mom decides all of a sudden the two of them have to leave their home in Milwaukee and move to creepy old Sparrow Road, an artist retreat out in the middle of nowhere. Turns out, there are secrets everywhere in and around Sparrow Road, and Raine makes some very personal discoveries about friendship, family, forgiveness and love.  If you like stories that tug at your heart a bit, you'll like this one. 

Book reviewed by Mary Ann S., Assistant Head of Youth Services

Emmy and the Incredible Shrinking Rat, by Lynne Jonell

In Emmy and the Incredible Shrinking Rat, Emmy longs for the way things used to be, before her parents became rich.  Like when her parents actually liked to spend time with her.  Like when her parents actually cared about her.  Now, Mom and Dad almost act as if  they are under some sort of mean, ignore-our-daughter kind of spell.  Turns out, they ARE!  Watch out for the evil nanny in this story, and watch out for the despicable potions she concocts from magical rodents.  It’s up to Emmy to save the day -- can she do it?  Try this book, especially if you like fantasy adventure and a plucky heroine.

Book reviewed by Mary Ann S., Assistant Head of Youth Services

A Tale Dark and Grimm by Adam Gidwitz

A Tale Dark and Grimm by Adam Gidwitz. You’ll recognize Hansel and Gretel as the heroes of this collection of fractured fairy tales.  But it’s not just their familiar story.  They take you on a tour of nine other lesser know Grimm tales, too.  Be warned, however, and don’t expect all sweetness and light …no sir!  You’ll get big doses of gore, gruesomeness and dark humor, along with the usual adventure.  If you don’t mind a little bit of horror in your “happily ever after,” you will like this book.

Book reviewed by Mary Ann S., Assistant Head of Youth Services

 

The Battle of the Red Hot Pepper Weenies and Other Warped and Creepy Tales by David Lubar

The Battle of the Red Hot Pepper Weenies and Other Warped and Creepy Tales by David Lubar.  Are you looking for something slightly weird to read, kind of bizarre but still kind of funny, maybe even a little scary?  Try one of the “what if” stories in this collection and you are likely to get the creeps.  Like “what if…” the wildest adventure ride at the carnival got a man-eating mean streak?   Read just one of stories, or maybe two, or eat up whole bunch when you’re in the mood for something a little far-fetched, spooky and funny all at the same time.

Book reviewed by Mary Ann S., Assistant Head of Youth Services 

Click here to read a few pages from The Battle of the Red Hot Pepper Weenies.

Click here to listen to the author read part of The Battle of the Red Hot Pepper Weenies.

The Mozart Question by Michael Morpurgo

Stories of the Holocaust can pull at your heart, and that is certainly true of The Mozart Question by Michael Morpurgo.  Even as a very young boy in post World War II Venice, Paoli Levi was drawn to play and study the violin.  He knew his parents would never approve though--but why?  Slowly, gently, he learns the reason that lay hidden for many years in his parents' memories of their imprisonment in a concentration camp.  A story told through words and drawings, this book looks not only at the cruelty and sadness of war, but also at the healing power of music and family.  I recommend it to 4th through 7th graders who would like to read a heartfelt, sensitive book.      

Review by Mary Ann S., Assistant Head of Youth Services

When young journalist Lesley is sent to Venice to interview world-renowned violinist Paolo Levi, she is warned not to ask the forbidden “Mozart Question”. As she meets Paolo, it is the musician himself who decides to speak about his mysterious background. Paolo heartfully reveals the truth about his haunting past, and the journalist begins to see how one group of musicians were kept alive by playing their music. This story reveals the beauty of music to bring people together, and inspire the heart even through the most difficult times.

Review by Darice C., Youth Services Assistant

The Underneath by Kathi Appelt

The Underneath by Kathi Appelt is a wonderful book to read or to listen to!  Ranger the old hound dog has a sad, sad life.  Chained up and tormented by a hateful owner, he barely gets enough food, and he is very, very lonely underneath the old shack.  That is, until he is "adopted" by a stray cat who needs a safe place to have her kittens.  The affection and loyalty that grows in this unusual little family is heartwarming, and you cheer at their courage in the face of the bayou's dangers and mysteries.    

 

Book read by Mary Ann S., Youth Services Assistant Department Head

Room One: A Mystery or Two by Andrew Clements

  If you like a good mystery, take a look at the clues in Room One: A Mystery or Two by Andrew Clements, and see what you make of it.

There's more than one mystery going on in the tiny farm town of Plattsford, and Ted Hammond is in on all of them.  The only sixth-grader in the one-room, one-teacher school, Ted has always been a big fan of mysteries.  He reads at least three a week, and he doesn't just read them.  He solves them, too. He stops half way through the book, takes notes on suspects and evidence, and works through the theories.  Eight times out of ten, he's right.

It's not surprising then that Ted notices the face in a second-floor window of the old Anderson place.  Only problem is, the Anderson moved away two years ago and the farmhouse has been abondoned and boarded up ever since.  He investigates, and what he finds is a homeless family - a mom and two kids in desperate need of shelter and secrecy ever since their dad was killed in Iraq.  What will Ted do?  Help the family and keep their secrecy?  Turn them in to the authorities as trespassers?  Ted makes some surprising choices that have some big, big consequences.

Book read by Mary Ann S., Assistant Head of Youth Services

Diary of a Wimpy Kid by Jeff Kinney

I read Diary of a Wimpy Kid by Jeff Kinney.  Are you stressed out about middle school?  Greg Heffley is, too -- big time!  So take a look at his diary and maybe you'll feel better.  At least you'll know you're not the only one trying to make sense out of middle school mayhem.  Serious and hilarious at the same time, he really tells it (and draws the cartoons) just like he sees it.  I liked it a lot!       

Book read by Mary Ann S., Assistant Head of Youth Services

Larry: The King of Rock and Roll by Iris Dart

You'll be surprised that the title character of Larry: The King of Rock and Roll by Iris Rainer Dart is not a person at all.  Larry is a dog who not only talks but can also sing.  Well, he becomes famous and kind of full of himself, and like lots of famous people, he has to make some tough decisions.  Is fame and fortune worth losing the love and cuddles he used to get from his human family?  Is it worth making all his dog-friends mad at him?  What would you do if you were Larry?  If you like funny stories about dogs and friends and rock-and-roll, you'll get a kick out of this one.   

Book reviewed by Mary Ann S., Assistant Head of Youth Services

A Small White Scar by K.A. Nuzum

Enough, already!  Sure, you love your family, but sometimes you have to get away!  Did you ever feel like that?  Well, that's how it is with Will in A Small White Scar by K.A. Nuzum.  Will has always looked after his twin brother, Denny, who has Down syndrome.  But now that they are fifteen, Will has his sights set on something for himself for a change.  He wants to join the rodeo circuit and prove he is a real cowboy, a grown man, and more than just a nursemaid.  When Denny decides to follow Will on his journey through the Colorado wilderness, however, their very survival depends upon the choices that Will must make for both of them.
Review posted my Mary Ann S., Assistant Head of Youth Services