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Out of my Mind

Sharon Draper is the author of Out of my Mind.  Considered by many to be mentally retarded, brilliant, impatient Melody is a girl with cerebral palsy who discovers a technological device that will allow her to speak for the first time.

Melody has a photographic memory. She is one of  the smartest kids in the school, but no one knows it since she can’t speak. Her brain injury prevents her from talking, walking or feeding herself.  Her school day is filled with kindergarten lessons due to the fact that her doctors and teachers don’t think she is capable of learning.  Then she discovers something that will allow her to speak for the first time ever. At last Melody has a voice…but not everyone around her is ready to hear it.

This Golden Sower nominee for 2012-2013 is an excellent book that allows the reader into the mind of someone who is very different from himself or herself. You’ll find yourself cheering for Melody as her world opens up for her and will experience her heartbreak when she is still treated like someone who is different from everyone else.  This is a great book to teach empathy to kids.

Posted in Realistic fiction.

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By Lisa Dresbach – April 20, 2013

Infinity Ring: A Mutiny in Time

The Infinity Ring series is much like the 39 Clues series in

that each book is written by a different author, but the

characters and plot line remain the same. The first book, A

Mutiny in Time, is by James Dashner. Three kids are tasked

with saving the future of humanity but fixing “breaks” in the

past. They are able to time travel with the aid of the

Infinity Ring, an invention by one of the kids’ parents who have

now disappeared somewhere in time. The kids, Dak, Sera,

and Riq travel back in time to the voyage Christopher

Columbus took to discover America. The book is fast

paced and full of action. Anyone who enjoys the 39 Clues will

enjoy this new series created by Scholastic.

 

Posted in Adventure, Historical fiction, Science fiction/Fantasy.

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By Lisa Dresbach – April 20, 2013

Inside Out & Back Again

Inside Out and Back Again is written by Vietnamese author Thanhha Lai.  Like the main character in the story, Ha, Lai left Vietnam on a Navy ship and ended up in Alabama.  This story chronicles Ha’s life in Vietnam, her trip to Alabama, and her transition into American life.  The story is written in verse.  Although there are few words per page, they pack a punch.  This is a great story told from a refugee’s perspective.  You should check it out to learn a little about the world and the diversity of the U.S.

Posted in Historical fiction, Realistic fiction.

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By Lisa Dresbach – February 25, 2013

Eight Keys

Eight Keys is written by Suzanne LaFluer, the author of Golden Sower nominee, Love, Aubrey.  13 year old Elise lives with her Aunt Bessie and Uncle Hugh because both her parents have died. She and her best friend, Franklin, start middle school and Elise has a very hard time adapting.  She has a bully for a locker mate, she can’t seem to keep up with her classes, and she’s embarrassed by Franklin.  In addition to all that, mysterious keys begin to show up that unlock doors in the barn that have been locked for as long as she can  remember.  Where are the keys coming from?  What is behind all those locked doors?  Once she opens the doors what messages are the rooms trying to tell her?  This is a great book for anyone who has struggled with growing up and all the changes that come with it.

Posted in Mystery, Realistic fiction.

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By Lisa Dresbach – February 25, 2013

Hot Hand

Hot Hand,written by Mike Lupica, is a story about 10 year old Billy Raynor.  Billy loves basketball and plays for a really good team, coached by his dad.  The bad news is, his dad just moved out for a “trial separation” and it sends the Raynor boys into a tailspin.  Billy and his dad always seem to be arguing and Billy’s little brother is getting bullied at school.  The only good thing Billy has going is basketball.  That is until his dad benches him.  If you like sports books, this is for you.  There’s also a deeper story though about supporting one’s family.

Posted in Realistic fiction.

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By Lisa Dresbach – February 24, 2013

Beyond the Deepwoods

The Edge Chronicles: Beyond the Deepwoods is the first in a series of books by Paul Stewart and Chris Riddell. The main character is Twig, a human boy, who has been raised by Woodtrolls.  Twig doesn’t feel he belongs with the Woodtrolls and sets out  in search of The Edge, but first he has to get through the Deepwoods.  He encounters all sorts of creatures on his journey such as  flesh-eating trees, Halitoads, Slaughters, a Gloamglozer and Sky Pirates.  There is danger at every turn in the Deepwoods, but Twig is determined to find out where he came from and how he ended up with the Woodtrolls.  The illustrations throughout the book are pretty amazing and the illustrator really captures the author’s descriptions.  If you like fantastical adventure stories this book may be for you.

Posted in Adventure, Science fiction/Fantasy.

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By Lisa Dresbach – February 24, 2013

Legend of Ghost Dog

Legend of the Ghost Dog, by Elizabeth Cody Kimmel, takes place in Alaska.  Tee and her little brother Jack are in Alaska with their dad while he researches a book he’s writing about dogs and their people. While on a hike, Tee’s dog gets spooked by some unknown thing and Tee experiences a weird feeling that she is being watched. Tee learns about the legend of the ghost dog from her new friend Quin and they decide to find out who the ghost dog is and why he is still around.  As they get closer to finding the ghost dog they get trapped in a terrible blizzard and seek shelter in a run down cabin where they last saw the ghost dog.  Will they find the ghost dog?  Will they survive the blizzard?  Why is the ghost dog still roaming in the Alaska wilderness?  Read to discover the mystery surrounding this dog and his past.

Posted in Mystery.

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By Lisa Dresbach – December 30, 2012

Whatever After: Fairest of All

Whatever After: Fairest of All by Sarah Mlynowski is the first book in a proposed series of books about fairy tales turned upside down.  Abby and her little brother Jonah get sucked into Snow White’s story in Fairy Tale Land and end up messing up the story.  They keep Snow White from eating the poisoned apple, so Prince Charming doesn’t come to save her.  Abby and Jonah must figure out a way for Snow to meet the prince, find a way to defeat the evil witch, and somehow get home.  This is a fun, fast-paced story.  I think the author will have a successful series.

Posted in Adventure, Science fiction/Fantasy.

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By Lisa Dresbach – December 30, 2012

About Average

Andrew Clements is the author of About Average.  Jordan Johnston is average in just about every way.  She gets C’s on her report card, she’s not great at sports, and she’s just plain looking.  But Jordan does have a special talent for babysitting and this talent helps her save the day when potential tragedy strikes.

Posted in Realistic fiction.

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By Lisa Dresbach – December 30, 2012

When Mack Came Back

When Mack Came Back, by Brad Strickland, is set during World War II.  Maury’s brother Ben has enlisted as a soldier and has upset his whole family.  Before he left he gave away his dog, Mack.  Mack returns to the farm and Maury takes the dog as his own.  The book tells of the relationship between Maury and Mack and the relationship between Maury and his father. Maury’s  father is very upset about Ben leaving and won’t even acknowledge the dog since Mack reminds him of Ben.  Maury is a bright boy who has some opportunities at school.  This is marred by the fact that the family receives a notice that Ben is missing in action.  Will Ben survive the war and come back to the farm?  Will Maury get to have experiences beyond the farm?  Read to find out!

Posted in Animal fiction, Historical fiction, Realistic fiction.

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By Lisa Dresbach – December 30, 2012