Saturday, January 22, 2011

The Black Book of Buried Secrets (39 Clues)


by Mallory Kass
Lexile: 1010
Genre: Mystery

This is a must read book for any fans of the 39 Clues series. You probably want to wait to read it until after you've finished the series because within the book are all kinds of branch secrets and information which might spoil your quest to figure out who is going to win the hunt!

The Dreamer


by Pam Munoz Ryan and Peter Sis
Lexile: 650
Genre: Poetic Novel/Biography/Fiction

As long as he can remember, Neftali has felt different. He loves words and writing and hears the call of a mysterious voice. He must heed the call even when it means disobeying his cruel father. Neftali is determined to make a difference with his life and do things on his own terms. With the help of his older brother and his uncle, he is able to share his many gifts.

Sunday, January 16, 2011

The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner


by Stephenie Meyer
Lexile: 680
Genre: Fantasy

Bree can scarcely remember her life as a human now that she has become a newborn vampire. She's been adopted by a coven who seems to be in the process of being trained for...something. She befriends Diego, another new vampire, and together the two of them set out to discover the truth. Those of you who have read the Twilight series will remember her from Eclipse. She makes a brief appearance during the showdown between the Cullens and Victoria. This is Bree's story.

The Lightning Thief (Graphic Novel)


by Rick Riordan, adapted by Robert Venditti
Lexile: 470
Genre: Graphic Novel/Fantasy

Percy Jackson is back - this time in graphic novel form! Follow is first series of adventures as he learns the truth about who he is. Without realizing who he is, he has managed to anger many of the Greek Gods who think he has stolen Zeus' master lightning bolt. Will he be able to return it in time?

Who was Jim Henson?


by Joan Holub
Lexile: ???
Genre: Biography

Who was Jim Henson? If you've ever watched Sesame Street then you've seen some of his creations. Jim Henson was the creator of the world famous Muppets who have appeared on many television shows and have starred in their own movies. This book tells the life story of Jim Henson who was a boy who loved to draw who turned out to be a world famous puppeteer who brought joy to millions of adults and children.

Sunday, January 9, 2011

A Coal Miner's Bride (Dear America Series)


by Susan Campbell Bartoletti
Lexile: 800
Genre: Historical Ficiton

Anetka Kaminska is happy living in a tiny village in Poland with her grandmother and younger brother until one day a letter arrives from her father who is working in America. Included with the letter are 3 tickets for passage to join him in Pennsylvania. Anetka is excited until she learns that her father has arranged for her to be married to a man she has never met. When her grandmother refuses to leave Poland, she gives her ticket to a soldier in their village who promises to accompany Anetka and Josef to America. What will Anetka's new life in a new country as a new bride be like?

Thursday, January 6, 2011

The One Left Behind


by Willo Davis Roberts
Lexile: 850
Genre: Realistic Fiction

For the first time ever, 11 year old Mandy is home alone. Still recovering from the sudden death of her twin sister, her family all goes their separate ways, each thinking she is with someone else. Mandy enjoys being home alone at first - until strange things start to happen. A window is left open, the television is on, food is missing...is someone trying to scare her or does someone need her help?

Monday, January 3, 2011

I Survived: The Sinking of the Titanic, 1912

by Lauren Tarshis
Lexile: 590
Genre: Historical Fiction

George and his sister Phoebe are among the excited passengers who have boarded the Titanic, the greatest ship ever built. George, ever the curious one, has explored every inch of the ship during their first few days. Little does he know that his exploring will ultimately give his sister and others a fighting chance to survive one of the world's greatest disasters.


Ask Me No Questions


by Marina Budhos
Lexile: 790
Genre: Realistic Fiction

Nadira and her family are illegal aliens who have decided to flee to Canada in hopes of not having to return to their native Bangladesh. Their visas have expired, so if Canada will not accept them, they will most likely be arrested when they try to return to the US. All Nadira and her sister want is to continue to live in New York City which they have come to think of as their home. Carrying around their family secrets is tough for two high school girls, and things are about to get a whole lot worse.

Saturday, January 1, 2011

Ways to Live Forever


by Sally Nicholls
Lexile: 580
Genre: Realistic Fiction

One day, Sam's homeschool teacher decides that he and his friend Felix should do more writing. What evolves from that suggestion becomes Sam's book. Sam has leukemia and isn't sure how much time he has left. Like any young boy, he has lists of things that he'd like to do during his life. This book is a collection of questions he has, facts about things, lists, pictures, but ultimately, it is Sam's personal story.