Thursday, November 25, 2010

Maus


by Art Spiegelman
Lexile: NP
Genre: Graphic Novel

This graphic novel tells the story of Vladek Speigelman, a Polish Jew, who lived during WWII and survived numerous hardships including time at the Nazi concentration camp, Auschwitz. The story is told in comic form by Vladek's son as his father recounts the years of struggle faced by he and his wife, Anja. Art learns about his younger brother whom he never met and gains insight into why his father has struggled to forget the horrors of the past.

If The Shoe Fits


by Laura Whipple
Lexile: ???
Genre: Poetic Novel

This is the classic fairy tale story of Cinderella told through a series of 33 poems told from the perspective of all of the different characters, including the glass slipper. Read this collection of poems if you want to hear a new version of this classic fairy tale come to life.

Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Ugly Truth


by Jeff Kinney
Lexile: ???
Genre: Graphic Novel

Greg is back with diary number 5. It's the beginning of a new school year and Greg is still trying to figure out how to fit in. He and Rowley have still not patched things up and figuring out boy-girl relationships continues to be a struggle. Everyone, except Greg, seems to think he should be taking on additional responsibilities. Greg continues to do as little as possible to get by.

Sabotaged


by Margaret Peterson Haddix
Lexile: 730
Genre: Science Fiction

JB is back in contact with Jonah and Katherine because he needs their help again. This time they are transported back in time to the 15th century to the lost civilization on Roanoke Island. Traveling with them is their friend Andrea and a dog, named Dare. What secrets will they uncover? Will they be able to complete their rescue mission without altering time? Read on to find out what happens in The Missing: Book 3.

Friday, November 19, 2010

Locomotion


by Jacqueline Woodson
Lexile: ???
Genre: Poetic Novel

Lonnie's life changed forever when he was 7. He's now 11 and a student in Ms. Marcus' class. She teaches him to discover the power of words and suddenly all the thoughts he's had tumbling around in his head have tumbled out onto paper. Writing helps him cope with the problems he faces dealing with his new foster mom and not being able to live with his sister.

Tuesday, November 16, 2010

Ramona the Brave


by Beverly Cleary
Lexile: 820
Genre: Realistic Fiction

Ramona is growing up! Now that she's in first grade and has a room of her own, life should be good. Until she realizes that sleeping alone in the dark is sort of scary and having a teacher that doesn't understand you can be a real problem. For Ramona, first grade is filled with unexpected adventures that will make you laugh at loud.

Monday, November 15, 2010

Edward's Eyes


by Patricia MacLachlan
Lexile: 470
Genre: Realistic Fiction

Jake is in the middle of a great childhood. He's growing up in a loving family, places baseball and above all has the greatest younger brother in the world. Jake's world is shattered when an accident takes the life of his brother. How will he go on in a world without Edward?