Day 43: 45 Days of Summer

Disenchantments by Nina LaCour

All summer long I've been making a list of "Road Trip" books so that I could do an entire post listing all of my favorites. 

Um, well, summer is almost over and I never really sat and wrote the post. But I have LOTS of great books for the list. Alas, I guess I will just save it for next summer? 

But I didn't want to let the entire summer go by without highlighting one or two. This is one of my favorite books from the past couple of years. And, even though the cover doesn't look like it, it is actually a great road trip story with a boy main character. (Sometimes I wonder about publishers...). So, if you're a fan of road trips, musicians, roadies, adventure, music, and maybe a little romance, this is an enjoyable book on so many levels!

Perfect for: high school and up...adults, too!

Day 41: 45 Days of Summer

Roomies by Sara Zarr and Tara Altebrando

This is the summer that many of my friends have been sending their kids off to college. And many more, like myself, have kids about to start senior year.

This is a great book for anyone about to go to college, or wondering what having a roommate will be like. Told in alternating perspectives, Roomies tells the story of two girls who are given their college roommate contact information well in advance of arriving on campus and the friendship that does (or doesn't) develop between the girls.

Perfect for: high school...and up.

Day 37: 45 Days of Summer

Blind Spot for Boys by Justina Chen

Okay, I cannot do justice to this book in a few sentences. But I will say that reading this book a few weeks ago was one of the most moving experiences I've ever had reading a book. This book completely resonated with me. I will never be the same.

I will be hosting the author on this blog in September, so I will save a lot of what I have to say for then.

Until then, READ THIS BOOK!

Perfect for: high school, and adults. Though, a sophisticated middle school reader that likes "romance" kind of stories would enjoy this also.

Day 26: 45 Days of Summer

The Cat with Seven Names by Tony Johnston, Illustrated by Christine Davenier.

Animal lovers of all ages, have I got a book for you.

A quiet gem about belonging, this is the story of one cat who is different things to different people. And how that cat brings a community together.

The cat's adventures are fun to follow throughout, and the illustrations add so much to the story elements.

While this is perfect for Kindergarten-3rd grades, this would be great for families of all ages to share together. I dare you not to get a little teary-eyed at the end.

Day 23: 45 Days of Summer

My Most Excellent Year by Steve Kluger

For Throwback Thursday, I discovered this GEM only a few weeks ago (even though it was published in 2003?)

I am completely in love with everything about this book. Seriously. In. Love. 

The story of three teens and the year they learn about friendship, love, family...and Mary Poppins...and the Red Sox. 

Honest, it'll all make sense! 

Best for: This book is perfect for so many readers looking for "NOT dystopian," grades 7+, girls or guys. Or adults. Even a mother-daughter book club read.

Day 18: 45 Days of Summer

The Vigilante Poets of Selwyn Academy by Kate Hattemer

Who hasn’t wanted to participate in a reality TV show? 

What if one was filmed at your high school? 

That’s exactly what happens in The Vigilante Poets of Selwyn Academy. 

When Ethan and his crew figure out that “reality” doesn’t necessarily mean “real,” they set out to bring down the TV show…and the villainous school principal.

Best for: 8th-12 grades.

Day 2: 45 Days of Summer

 Going Places by Peter and Paul Reynolds

It’s summer! And while you definitely should be reading, it’s also fun to get outside and DO something. 

Make friends…build things…use your imagination. 

Going Places will give young readers just the inspiration they need to be creative and take their own imaginary journey this summer.

Best for: Kindergarten - 2nd grades

Day 1: 45 Days of Summer

We Were Liars by E. Lockhart

One of the best books I’ve read in a long time, We Were Liars will stay with you long after you finish it. 

Without giving too much away, this is about money, power, summers on Cape Cod, and scary family secrets.

Best for: High school and adult readers.

Seriously, you MUST READ THIS BOOK!

Review: Escape from Mr. Lemoncello's Library (Grabenstein)

Title: Escape from Mr. Lemoncello's Library
Author: Grabenstein
Genre: Fiction, Games, Libraries, Reading, Friendship, Mysteries
Pages: 291
Rating: 3 1/2 out of 5 stars
Ages: 4th-8th grades (and fans of children's literature of any age)

If you've been keeping up here on the blog, you know that my reading the past couple of weeks have fallen into two categories: (1) books not-yet-published which I LOVE but don't want to review until you can get your hands on a copy also; or (2) books already published that I feel are "meh" and don't feel excited enough about to review. 

Finally, I have found a book that is already published AND that I liked...a lot.

From the Publisher: 
Kyle Keeley is the class clown, popular with most kids, (if not the teachers), and an ardent fan of all games: board games, word games, and particularly video games. His hero, Luigi Lemoncello, the most notorious and creative gamemaker in the world, just so happens to be the genius behind the building of the new town library.

Lucky Kyle wins a coveted spot to be one of the first 12 kids in the library for an overnight of fun, food, and lots and lots of games. But when morning comes, the doors remain locked. Kyle and the other winners must solve every clue and every secret puzzle to find the hidden escape route. And the stakes are very high.

It only takes about 10 pages to figure out why I love this book so much. Libraries, board games, contests, riddles, library lock-ins, a continual references to many of my favorite books. This is a no-brainer for me. However, I do think that this book is definitely deserving of all of it's "starred" reviews, and will likely be on several "Top 10" lists at the end of the year.

As the main character, Kyle is a clever, likeable guy with a good sense of humor. It is obvious that he has friends. But, he's also kind of a slacker and yet super-competitive when it comes to games (is it possible to be a slacker and super-competitive? I'm not sure that even makes sense, but it is what it is). I think he is a narrator that kids can relate to, and would probably want to be friends with. I like how he leads a group of kids to band together to solve the puzzle so that they can win as a group. Teamwork is everything.

Imagine that you took "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory," "Night at the Museum," "The Westing Game," "From the Mixed up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler," and a host of titles by Blue Balliett and put them in a box and shook vigorously. The result would be this terrific adventure from Grabenstein. Luigi Lemoncello is very much a modern-day Willy Wonka, who is determined to pay tribute to his favorite childhood librarian. But to credit all these works that have gone before would be to do a disservice to the inventive tale that the author has given us. 

Obviously the crowd for the book is supposed to be the tween/teen group, and I already purchased a copy for my library. However, with so many references (and groan-worthy puns) to some of the best that children's literature has to offer, this is one that grown-ups will also enjoy as it will remind them of their childhood. A fun read for the whole family!

P.S. If there really is a Mr. Lemoncello out there, have I got some ideas for how we could make the Evergreen Library even better! You and I could have a lot of fun putting our ideas into action.

Throwback Thursday: Pay it Forward (Hyde)

Title: Pay it Forward
Author: Hyde
Genre: Fiction, School, Kindness, Conduct, Family, Friends
Pages: 311
Rating: 4 1/2 out of 5 stars
Ages: 7th grade and up (adults, too!)

I picked this week's "Throwback" title because I was watching the movie based on this book over the weekend. And it doesn't matter how many times I watch the movie, I still love it. Probably because I have always been in love with this title.

From the Publisher: 
Catherine Ryan Hyde's international sensation, Pay It Forward, is the moving story of Trevor McKinney, a twelve-year-old boy who accepts his social studies teacher's challenge to come up with a plan to change the world.

Trevor's idea is simple: Do a good deed for three people and ask them to "pay it forward" to three others who need help. He envisions a vast movement of kindness and goodwill spreading beyond his small California town and across the world. However, when Jerry, a bum to whom Trevor gave his allowance, returns to a life of dissolution, the project seems valuable only as a lesson on the dark side of human nature. But ultimately Trevor is vindicated. At first people don't know how to explain the odd dip in crime rates across the nation, but a journalist with a story of his own tracks down the source of the epidemic of random acts of kindness and makes Trevor a celebrity. 

Yet Trevor has problems closer to home: he wants his pretty, hardworking mother to see the softer side of his beloved teacher, Reuben St. Clair, a scarred Vietnam veteran who seems to come alive only when he's in front of his class.

Anyone who has ever despaired of one person's ability to effect change will rejoice in Trevor's courage and his determination to see the good in everyone.

This book came out when my now-16-year-old was just a little guy, so it is possible that you have come across it. And the author has written many other titles since then (all of which I LOVE, BTW. Seriously, just check out every book you can find by her and you won't be disappointed). In fact, you have probably even seen this movie (starring Helen Hunt and Kevin Spacey...and Jim Caviezel...bonus!). If not, you must rent it. No, wait! read the book first and then go rent the movie.

Did this book spark the "Pay it Forward" movement or did she simply make it popular?  I'm not sure, but I do know that this book is so powerful that it's impact has stayed with me all these years later. 

Must Read Monday

Every year I create Summer Reading lists for all ages, Kindergarten through High School. You can find them by clicking here. Friends and family usually start asking for this list around the 1st of May, and typically I finish/publish it the first week of June. For each grade level, I try and "star" some of my absolute favorites, ones that I think either have wide appeal, are outstanding books not to be missed, or simply ones that left such a remarkable impact on me that I can't imagine not sharing them with you.

All summer long, my own friends have been asking for reading suggestions, so I thought that I would highlight the titles that I have been recommending to them. Plus, I thought it better that I highlight these titles all in one post rather than consecutive posts that all said the same things...

Amazing!
Must Read!
Incredible!
Could not put it down!
In LOVE with this book!

I was seriously worried about sounding like a broken record and/or gushing like a school girl.

It goes without saying that I always recommend "Code Name Verity" and "The Fault in our Stars" with the caveat that you can no longer be my friend if you haven't read those. However, these were books that I highlighted on last summer's lists, so you should already know that they are "Must Reads."



This summer's "you must read these if you still want to be my friend" titles include:

"The Moon & More" by Sarah Dessen. No really, I would be gushing like a school girl over this book (and every title by Ms. Dessen. Okay, let's be honest, I've been known to gush like a school girl in her presence. Don't believe me? Ask any of my library friends...there are pictures to prove it). There is just something about the way that she writes that draws you in and makes you feel so much a part of what is going on. The entire experience is so real and authentic. As one review put it best, "it's just not summer without Dessen." AMEN! What I most love about these books is that I share a love of the author with my now 24 year old niece. Oh no, "teen books" are not just for teens.


"This is What Happy Looks Like" by Jennifer E. Smith. Last summer it was the author's "The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight." This year, it is this perfect summer read. The set-up for this book draws you in, and the characters keep you reading. The sense of place is also very strong and will make you feel like you are there.


"Winger" by Andrew Smith. Wow! is about all I can say about this book. Seriously, I don't even know how to describe it. Other than to say that I couldn't put it down, and at 438 pages, that is saying something. This is not a light summer beach read, but it also feels like just the right story to read. It's reminiscent of Dead Poet's Society, but also in a league of it's own. Humor, and heart, and a story that will stay with you long after you read it. I dare you not to fall in love with Ryan Dean West by the end. (A good title for boys or girls).

"Eleanor & Park" by Rainbow Rowell. LOVE. LOVE. LOVE. I am seriously in LOVE with these characters. If you were looking for a new book to take the place of TFIOS (not that anything could), this is the book that you want. But it is so much more than just a "if you like this, read that" kind of book. I can't even describe it other than to say that my heart still feels the emotional ride I was on with this book. Unforgettable.

Review: Paperboy (Vawter)

Title: Paperboy
Author: Vawter
Genre: Fiction, Historical Fiction, Friendship, Coming of Age, Race Relations
Pages: 224
Rating: 3 1/2 out of 5 stars
Ages: 6th-9th grades

This book has been getting starred reviews from many sources this year. I was lucky enough to review it for the publisher and write a "booktalk" that is posted on the publisher's website (for educators and librarians around the country to use). 

Here is a copy of my booktalk:

Memphis, Tennesse, summer 1959. A soon-to-be seventh grade boy agrees to take over his friend Rat’s paper route for a month. And what an adventure our unnamed hero has. First, you must know that he doesn’t have very many friends because he stutters and most of the kids make fun of him. Second, he is an amazing pitcher to Rat’s catcher and the two boys have become great friends. When Rat leaves for July to visit his grandparents, his friend agrees to become the substitute paperboy, even though he is terrified to talk to the customers because of his stutter. There are quite a collection of customers in the neighborhood to be frightened of including a drunk housewife and a merchant marine. But it’s the neighborhood junk man who our hero should really be frightened of, especially after a run-in with this man puts the paperboy and others in danger. Will the paperboy learn to overcome his stutter and make friends? Will he survive his run-in with danger? No matter what, it will definitely be a summer he won’t soon forget.

Review: Code Name Verity (Wein)

Title: Code Name Verity
Author: Wein
Genre: Fiction, Historical Fiction, War, Friendship, Spies
Pages: 343
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars...can I give it more?
Ages: High school, Adults of all ages, and maybe a sophisticated middle school reader (I have it in our library)

It's likely that I do not even need to mention this book to you because it was on more "Top 10" and award lists in 2012 than I can count. I had it at the top of last summer's high school reading list. It's even in paperback already (albeit, with what I think is a horrible cover compared to the hardback. Seriously, truly horrible...see below...did the publisher not really read the book? That cover does not set the right tone AT ALL). 

So why the heck am I mentioning it today? Well, a couple of reasons, not the least of which, it's just so good that you must read it!

The main reason I decided to make today's post about an "old" book is that I recently went back and listened to it on audio and I fell in love with it all over again. FELL. IN. LOVE. AGAIN. The audio production on this book is BRILLIANT! The narrators give a tremendous reading. A must to listen to! Perfect for long road trips, plane rides, or just sitting by the pool and relaxing. 

Grownups, PLEASE do not care that this book was published for "young adults." This is one of the best books that you'll read in a long time, and I recommend it to my teachers, friends, and neighbors all the time. Also, did you love "Fault in our Stars" and in desperate need of a book to make you feel like that? This is the one for you.



From the Publisher:
Oct. 11th, 1943-A British spy plane crashes in Nazi-occupied France. Its pilot and passenger are best friends. One of the girls has a chance at survival. The other has lost the game before its barely begun. When "Verity" is arrested by the Gestapo, she's sure she doesn't stand a chance. As a secret agent captured in enemy territory, shes living a spy's worst nightmare. Her Nazi interrogators give her a simple choice: reveal her mission or face a grisly execution. As she intricately weaves her confession, Verity uncovers her past, how she became friends with the pilot Maddie, and why she left Maddie in the wrecked fuselage of their plane. On each new scrap of paper, Verity battles for her life, confronting her views on courage, failure and her desperate hope to make it home. But will trading her secrets be enough to save her from the enemy?


This is an incredible story of war, friendship, fighting for what you believe in, love, hope, and truth. It will stay with you long after you read it. It is crushingly sad, incredibly hopeful, and yet, not sappy or sentimental in any way. And the historical detail in it makes you rush to the author's notes at the end to find out if Maddie and Verity were real people.

Review: Nine Days (Hiatt)

Title: Nine Days
Author: Hiatt
Genre: Fiction, Adventure, Mystery, Travel
Pages: 241
Rating: 3 1/2 out of 5 stars
Ages: 7th grade and up

The entire time I was reading this book I kept thinking, wow, this would make a good classroom read for our 9th grade social studies classes. Alas, we don't have 9th graders in our building anymore (and I do miss them), but I still think that this page-turner will find an audience!

From the Publisher: 
A contemporary thriller in the vein of James Patterson and Anthony Horowitz set against the bustling backdrop of Hong Kong, Vietnam, and the border of China. This heart-pounding adventure takes place as two teens, an American teenage boy and his friend, a Chinese girl from his Washington, DC-area high school, must find her father who has been kidnapped--and they only have nine days. Although the characters in the novel are fictionalized, they are based on a real Chinese family who were part of the Chinese Democracy Movement and inspired this story.

"Heart-pounding," "action-packed," "fast-paced." These are all terms that have been used to describe this book. At only 241 pages, this adventure/mystery almost begs to be read in one sitting. Ethan and Ti-Anna plan a covert operation to Hong Kong in an attempt to rescue Ti-Anna's kidnapped father from Chinese government agents. The two high schoolers believe they have a shot at this (when no one else can) because, as an American, Ethan is unlikely to be silenced by the Chinese government...and will also be reported missing if something goes wrong.

The compelling plotline drives the story, but there is also some terrific cultural and historical information to be gleaned. The underlying friendship between the two teens is the perfect balance to the adventure. And the mystery of what happened to Ti-Anna's father (and did the teens succeed) will keep readers' attention. After all, Ethan is "writing" this story as a letter to a judge, so we know right from the start that something might not have gone as planned...

Review: Dunk (Lubar)

Title: Dunk
Author: Lubar
Genre: Fiction, Summer, Humor, Friendship
Pages: 260
Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
Ages: 8th grade and up

I am a fan of David Lubar. I often recommend his titles to my students. "Hidden Talents" is a classic "go to" recommendation for me; his "Weenies" short story collections are a good mix of  funny and spooky (perfect for the tween and young teen crowd); and I cannot tell you how much I LOVE "Sleeping Freshmen Never Lie." But somehow, I have never seen this book, which actually predates many of the aforementioned titles. So I decided to take full advantage of the public library and check this one out.

From the Publisher: 
Chad finds a whole new summer occupation--he wants to be the Bozo, the clown who sits inside the dunk tank and goads people into taking a shot. What could be better than using his razor-sharp wit against a random stranger? But Chad soon discovers he's entered a strange and twisted world where humor packs a loaded punch.

Seriously, how could you not like a book where the main character wants to be a dunk tank clown? Who comes up with a premise like that? Lubar has written a really witty character in Chad. But this book is actually more than just yelling funny insults at people as they pass by (although the insults are quite funny). 

Beneath the humor, there is quite a bit going on here: a story about taking care of your friends and family, having fun, falling in love, and growing up. It is also a terrific look at what it is like to live in a town that people flock to for summer vacation but you're stuck in all year long. This is a glimpse at the life of one such young man during the summer when everything doesn't go quite as he had planned. 

Review: Thou Shalt Not Road Trip (John)

Title: Thou Shalt Not Road Trip
Author: John
Genre: Fiction, Road Trip, Family, Friendship, Love, Religion
Pages: 329
Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
Ages: 7th-11th grades

This is not a new title but somehow I missed reading this when it came out. (That could have something to do with the neighbor girl borrowing it and maybe not getting it back to me right away). This is a definite must-read for summer, especially for anyone that will be traveling by car...with your crazy family.

From the publisher:
When sixteen-year-old Luke's book, Hallelujah, becomes a national bestseller, his publishing house sends him on a cross-country book tour with his older brother, Matt, as chauffeur. But when irresponsible Matt offers to drive Luke's ex–soul mate, Fran, across the country too, things get a little crazy. On the trip, Luke must loosen up, discover what it truly means to have faith, and do what it takes to get the girl he loves.

This book should resonate with teens, especially ones looking for an upbeat read this summer. Luke thinks he has all the answers but quickly finds out that he is in over his head (and who doesn't feel like that all the time?!). There is humor, adventure, and a little romance thrown in for good measure. The settings are great, and the quirky characters they encounter along the way add to the fun.

Review: How My Summer Went Up in Flames (Doktorski)

Title: How My Summer Went Up In Flames

Author: Doktorski
Genre: Fiction, Summer, Road Trips, Love gone wrong, Friendship

Pages: 302

Rating: 3 1/2 out of 5 stars
Age: 7th grade and up

From the publisher:

Rosie’s always been impulsive. She didn’t intend to set her cheating ex-boyfriend’s car on fire. And she never thought her attempts to make amends could be considered stalking. So when she’s served with a temporary restraining order on the first day of summer vacation, she’s heartbroken—and furious.

To put distance between Rosie and her ex, Rosie’s parents send her on a cross-country road trip with responsible, reliable neighbor Matty and his two friends. Forget freedom of the road, Rosie wants to hitchhike home and win back her ex. But her determination starts to dwindle with each passing mile. Because Rosie’s spark of anger? It may have just ignited a romance with someone new…

I really liked this book. And I LOVE Rosie's snarky personality, especially her observations of her male road trip companions. In addition to snark, Rosie is honest, sassy, and impulsive. Some of this clearly gets in the way of her common sense. But all of it makes her an endearing narrator that you can't help but root for. 

This book is a great ride from start to finish!

Review: Nugget & Fang (Sauer)

Title: Nugget & Fang
Author: Sauer
Genre: Fiction, Picture Books, Friendship
Pages: 40
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Ages: K-2nd grade

I know, I know, this is a picture book. But it's really cute, and I'm sure that some of you have to babysit little brothers and sisters (cousins, neighbor kids, etc) this summer and need books that you can read to them. And honestly, nothing says summer like a shark as a main character.

From the publisher:
In the deep ocean, tiny Nugget and big, toothy Fang get along swimmingly-until Nugget's first day of minnow school. There Nugget learns that minnows are supposed to be afraid of sharks! To regain Nugget's trust, Fang takes desperate (and hilarious) measures. But it's not until his big sharp teeth save the entire school that minnows learn this shark is no foe. 

I don't really have a whole lot to add to this summary other than the artwork really lends itself to this book and I think that it's a fun one for any kid who's a fan of Finding Nemo. Enjoy!

Holiday Gift Ideas: Ungifted (Korman)

Title: Ungifted
Author: Korman
Genre: Fiction, Funny, Middle School, Friendship, Robots
Pages: 280
Rating: 4 1/2 out of 5 stars

After pulling a major prank that lands him in the district superintendent's office, troublemaker Donovan Curtis is accidentally sent to the Academy of Scholastic Distinction, a special program for gifted and talented students. Needless to say, Donovan knows he's dodged a bullet and intends to do whatever it takes not to let on that he doesn't belong in the gifted program.

Before we go any farther, I have to admit to being a HUGE Gordon Korman fan. Seriously...top 10 all-time authors. I recently convinced our 6th grade team to make his title "Schooled" an all-grade read. Big fan! And this latest book did not disappoint.

Written much like "Schooled," with multiple characters' first-person narration propelling the story forward, this has something to offer every reader. Yes, there is a subtle message of tolerance and many ideas to ponder while reading, but it is also a funny story that is universal to all middle school students. Donovan is a charming character with heart, and his story has broad appeal.

And who could say no to that cover?

On a recent online auction to raise money for Hurricane Sandy relief efforts, I won an autographed copy of this book. I was quite excited (even though I missed out on some other great things...that's a post for another day) and looked forward to having some sort of clever contest at Evergreen with this book as a prize. However...the more I think about it...is it bad that I kind of want to keep it for myself?

Holiday Gift Ideas: One and Only Ivan (Applegate)

Title: One and Only Ivan
Author: Applegate
Genre: Fiction, Animals, Friendship
Pages: 305
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Having spent the majority of my life in the Northwest, the story of Ivan the Gorilla is not a new one to me. Ivan lived in the B & I, a store in Tacoma, Washington for decades before finally moving to Zoo Atlanta (where he passed away this summer).

In this book, the author writes Ivan's story from the gorilla's perspective. When Ivan, who has lived for years in a down-and-out circus-themed mall, meets Ruby, a baby elephant that has been added to the mall, he decides that he must find her a better life. 

Having Ivan narrate this story is an unusual construct that completely works. It adds immediacy to this story of friendship that will resonate with tween (and teen) animal lovers. This book will capture the hearts of readers for quite some time. (And don't let the page count deter younger readers...there's lots of white space and perfect illustrations scattered throughout). I have recommended this one to several of my friends for their own children this holiday season, as well as touting it at school, where it has garnered a hold list.