A Snicker of Magic

by Lloyd, Natalie

Ages: 8 years and up (approximately grades 3+)

Felicity Pickle has never had a permanent home or a friend to call her own. Her mother has a wandering spirit and moves Felicity and her sister, Frannie Jo, from place to place. Their next stop is Midnight Gulch, the town where her mother grew up that has a history rooted in magic. Long ago in Midnight Gulch, secrets were baked into pies and people danced up real thunderstorms. Felicity has a little magic in herself, too. She can see words appear out of thin air, words that people are thinking or words that describe the objects or people around them. Felicity collects these words in a notebook because she’s too afraid to speak them herself. Slowly, Felicity eases out of her shell. She has a new best friend and becomes intrigued by the legend of a curse that banished the magic from Midnight Gulch. With her newfound confidence and her own little snicker of magic, Felicity might end the curse and finally find a place to call home.

While elements of whimsy and magic are a large part of this book, the overall theme is about the importance of love, family, and forgiveness. It shows the reader that families and love can come in many forms, and that forgiveness is more powerful than any curse. Debut author Lloyd showcases her folksy storytelling style by creating the most charming of towns in Midnight Gulch with quirky characters that are authentically human, flaws and all. This fun, heartfelt read is recommended for grades 3 and up for readers who enjoyed A Tangle of Knots by Lisa Graff and Savvy by Ingrid Law.

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Zane and the Hurricane

by Rodman Philbrick

Ages: 9 years and up (approximately grades 3+)

Zane Dupree is going to New Orleans to meet his long lost great-grandmother, Miss Trissy, the only family connection he’s got to his deceased father. Begrudgingly, Zane and his dog, Bandy, leave the familiarity of their New Hampshire home for the Crescent City. Just as Zane is settling into his visit, disaster strikes. The impending arrival of Hurricane Katrina forces Zane and Miss Trissy to evacuate New Orleans. As they are leaving the city, Bandy runs away and Zane chases after him. All alone and trapped by rising water, they are rescued by Mr. Tru, an aging jazz musician, and his young charge, Malvina. They hope to get to Algiers, a parish to the south where Tru has a relative that can provide help. Together, the trio embarks on an arduous journey filled with dangers in both natural and human form.

This is a realistic yet accessible story about Hurricane Katrina. It does not shy away from the harsher aspects of the disaster such as the racial tension, violence and atmosphere of despair that existed. However, it also shows that through adversity, we can discover new things about ourselves and what we are capable of. This experience changes Zane as he and his companions encounter both the highs and lows of humanity. The quick pacing keeps the action rolling and readers engaged with Zane’s dilemma. This title is a worthy read for the unique perspective it offers on a significant American disaster. Pair it with Jewell Parker Rhodes’ Ninth Ward for another take on Hurricane Katrina

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Escape From Mr. Lemoncello’s Library

By: Chris Grabenstein

Ages: 8+ (approximately grades 3 and up)

The twelve-year-olds in Alexandriaville, Ohio have lived without a public library their entire lives. This all changes when a mysterious and generous benefactor constructs a brand new, state-of-the-art library in town. To celebrate the library’s grand opening, a contest is held that will allow 12 lucky winners to spend one night in the library. It’s revealed that successful and eccentric game maker Luigi Lemoncello is the genius behind the library and the kids can’t wait to see what’s in store. After a fun night of exploring the library, Kyle Keeley and the 11 other contest winners are stunned to find out that their adventure has just begun. Just like one of Mr. Lemoncello’s famous games, each kid must race to find their way out of the library by finding clues and solving zany puzzles. It will take wit, patience and maybe even teamwork to escape from Mr. Lemoncello’s library and claim the life-changing prize.

With equal parts mystery, adventure and humor this fast-paced book is a very fun read. It’s a contemporary version of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory that highlights characters who are multicultural, relatable and realistic (even smarmy villain Charles Chiltington). Readers will enjoy discovering clues and solving the puzzles along with the characters. There are also plenty of references to literary works that avid readers will get a kick out of spotting. Fans of mysteries, puzzles, libraries and the books The Puzzling World of Winston Breen and The Mysterious Benedict Society should definitely check this one out! Recommended for grades 3 and up.

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A Home For Mr. Emerson

by Barbara Kerley

Ages: 5 and up (approximately grades K and up)

Many people know Ralph Waldo Emerson was a writer, essayist and poet. He was also a loyal friend, active community member, and avid naturalist. This engaging picture book biography illustrates how a city boy embraced nature and created a loving home in the friendly, tight-knit community of Concord, Massachusetts.

After moving from city to city while growing up, Emerson dreamed of a place he could make his own. This place would have open, grassy fields and deep, still woods. After college, Emerson and his new bride moved to Concord, Massachusetts. They bought a farmhouse and planted fruit trees, pumpkins, and flowers. They stocked the library with books and Emerson’s writing. Emerson’s vision was slowly coming to life. Once Emerson befriended his neighbors and fellow villagers, the buzz of happy chatting and laughing filled the house and it truly became his dream home. Years went by and all was well until disaster struck and fire ravaged the house. Devastated by the loss, Emerson embarked on an overseas trip with his eldest daughter as a way to rejuvenate his spirit. After two weeks, Emerson returned home to see that the entire village had come together to rebuild the house, a place that meant so much to everyone in Concord.

Emerson was a true literary pioneer, championing the ideas of speaking your own mind and encouraging other to embrace independence and self-reliance. While this particular version provides an overview rather than a detailed approach to Emerson’s life, the essence of his views are very apparent through direct quotes from his writings. The bright and cartoon-like illustrations convey Emerson’s spirit with intellect and whimsy. An author’s note with additional information about Emerson and a discussion guide about his writing is included in the back of the book. Overall, this picture book biography is a winning combination of Emerson’s heartfelt story and lively illustrations that are sure to engage readers. This title is recommended for grades K and up.

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Sugar

by Jewell Parker Rhodes

Ages: 9 years and up (approximately grades 4 and up)

It’s 1870 and slavery is over, but some things remain the same, at least at the River Road Plantation. Ten-year-old Sugar works hard planting and harvesting sugar cane. Even though she’s named after it, Sugar hates the stuff. She hates the sickly sweet taste. She hates how it makes her back hurt and how the cane leaves cut her arms, hands, and fingers. She hates how it made her best friend’s family leave the plantation for a better life. But most of all, she hates how sugar doesn’t make her feel free.

Sugar would rather be doing anything other than farming sugar cane. She loves hearing the tales of Br’er Rabbit, dreams about the world beyond River Road, and wants to go on an adventure. Sugar’s life continues to revolve around work until she befriends Billy, the plantation owner’s son. No one wants Sugar and Billy to remain friends so they keep their friendship a secret. The plantation experiences more changes when a group of Chinese workers are hired to help with the harvest. Open-minded Sugar greets them warmly and wants to know everything about them. The rest of the workers feel threatened by their arrival and keep their distance. By helping everyone see what they have in common, Sugar brings the two groups together and gives everyone hope for better days ahead.

This historical novel focuses on a difficult subject in a way that is easily accessible. Not many people realize that, although slavery was abolished, former masters and former slaves still worked together in roles that were relatively the same. It was an uneasy time in American history where people were uncertain of the future and many on both sides were hesitant to change. This is a moralistic story that is not heavy handed and filled with ethnically diverse characters portrayed in a realistic way. The author weaves in both Br’er Rabbit trickster tales and Chinese folk tales to entertain as well as provoke thought. Younger readers will root for this plucky heroine and relate to her humor and grace. Read alikes to this book are The Lions of Little Rock for another story about friendship against all odds set during the Civil Rights era and The Birchbark House, the poignant story of a courageous Ojibwe girl in 1847. This title is recommended for grades 4 and up.

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Jane, the Fox & Me

written by Fanny Britt
illustrated by Isabelle Arsenault

Ages: 12 years and older (approximately grade 5 and up)

Helene is a quiet, shy girl. Her former friends at school taunt her with insults, saying, “Helene weighs 216” despite her ordinary build and average appearance. Loneliness colors her world and fills it with bleak grays and muted tones of beige. Her only refuge is escaping into her beloved novel, Jane Eyre. Helene is inspired by brave Jane who, despite being orphaned and sent away to a harsh boarding school, still manages to grow up “clever, slender and wise.” The bullying at school is constant and Helene endures it until a surprise school camping trip is announced. This trip will involve swimming and Helene is dreading being in a bathing suit in front of her classmates. Her mother takes her shopping but all Helene can see is a giant sausage stuffed in decorative casing. During the trip, Helene takes her place in the “outcasts” tent and continues her strategy of social isolation. All is going according to plan until Geraldine bursts into the outcasts tent and offers warmth and friendship to Helene. Geraldine’s genuine companionship gives Helene newfound confidence. She realizes that the less she listens to the bullying, the less true the bully's words become.

This graphic novel takes on the issue of body insecurity and bullying in a way that is realistic and not overly saccharine. As the insults escalate, Helene retreats further into the world of Jane Eyre while still maintaining a droll and wry sense of humor. The gray-scale illustrations (by award-winning artist, Arsenault) convey Helene’s sadness and seclusion while depicting Jane’s story in striking reds and vivid browns. The progression of Helene’s confidence and self-assurance are shown through the growing use of bright, spring colors like green and blue. The beautiful illustrations work together with the honest and hopeful text to weave a redemptive story about the power of making connections. While this is an important message for everyone, it is recommended for readers grades five and up.

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The Dolphins of Shark Bay

written by Pamela S. Turner
photographs by Scott Tuason

Ages: 11 years+ (approximately grades 5 and up)

Dolphins have always been considered one of the most intelligent life forms. From their evolved methods of hunting to their complex social networks, dolphins are as fascinating as they are smart. The Dolphins of Shark Bay provides an in-depth look at a specific pod of dolphins in Western Australia. Janet Mann, a behavioral ecologist, has been studying these dolphins and their way of life for more than 25 years. The research she and her team have conducted has led to astounding discoveries, one of the most amazing being that some dolphins use tools in order to hunt fish. These innovative dolphins hook a piece of sea sponge onto their noses, prod the ocean floor with the sponge that then forces bottom dwelling fish out into the open prey. This inventive animal behavior is just one of the features that make the dolphins of Shark Bay so unique. This book also explores the social nature of these animals and provides new insight on the mother and calf relationship. The impact of fishing and tourism industries are also highlighted. This book provides new perspective on the cheery and playful animal we think we know.

Although the text is very content-rich, it never feels like a textbook. Readers will get to know these dolphins and their oversized personalities through engaging and dynamic stories. The vibrant photographs provide additional visual context to an edifying narrative that will engage the reader. This title could be used with the Common Core Learning Standards for informational text for grades 5 and up. The author also provides resources for further reading about dolphins and encourages interested reader to look at published research papers.

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The True Blue Scouts of Sugar Man Swamp

written by Kathi Applet

Ages: 8 years+ (approximately grade 3 and up)

The raccoons of Sugar Man Swamp have always been the eyes and ears of Bayou Toutourelle.  This honorable duty has been passed down generation to generation.  Bingo and J'miah are heading up their very first scouting mission and couldn’t be more excited.  They settle into Headquarters, an abandoned DeSoto, and vigilantly keep watch (in between forays into the swamp for food as raccoons are notoriously hungry all the time).  Bingo and J’miah discover an incoming threat (a destructive family of feral hogs!) and must launch the emergency plan: wake the Sugar Man from his decades-long hibernation.  The Sugar Man is a mythical figure who protects the swamp and has huge palmetto leaf arms, tree trunk legs, a pet python and most importantly, a very short temper (especially when his sleep is interrupted).  Although the prospect of waking the Sugar Man from his oh-so-sweet slumber seems daunting, Bingo and J’miah know it is the only way to save the swamp.  On their quest they cross paths with twelve year old Chap, a boy whose family pie café has been a staple in Sugar Man Swamp for years.  He’s on a mission to save the business from a greedy land developer and his feisty, alligator-wrestling partner.  Bingo, J’miah and Chap must learn to face their fears and stand up for what they believe in order to save their beloved home.  

This National Book Award finalist is an adventure filled with humor, quirky characters and fast-paced action.  It delivers an entertaining message of courage, family and conservation that will appeal to anyone who has ever felt like an underdog.  The folksy narrative is charming, distinctive, and vividly paints the picture of the marshy Sugar Man Swamp and its animal inhabitants.  Readers will enjoy how the different characters and plotlines intersect throughout the story and wrap up in the end.  This title is recommended for grades 3 and up.   

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Birthday Bunny Battle Bunny

written by Jon Scieszka and Mac Burnett
illustrated by Matthew Myers

Ages: 5-9 years (approximately grades kindergarten - 3)

Alex has just received Birthday Bunny as a gift from his well-intentioned Gran Gran.  It’s a sweet picture book about a gentle bunny and his forest friends who are planning a surprise birthday party for him.  This saccharine story gets a total rework when Alex uses his pencil to transform Birthday Bunny into Battle Bunny, a no-nonsense, eye-patch-wearing, villainous rabbit with his sights set on world domination. 

 

Hand-drawn sketches and doodles over the original, oil-painted artwork, as well as penciled-over text make Alex’s version of Battle Bunny an action-packed tale full of humor, wit, and creativity.  After waking up with special powers on his birthday, Battle Bunny heads into the forest to set his evil plan into motion.  He chops down trees, makes things explode, and challenges various woodland creatures to fights in his war against the world.  It looks like he might be unstoppable until Alex, our fearless author and illustrator, swoops in to save the day.

 

This book would be a fun read aloud or as a starting activity for a writing program.  Even with the cross outs and added words, the original text can still be read and both kids and adults will get a kick out of comparing the ho-hum story with Alex’s “improvements.”  While the idea of writing in a book may feel taboo, this book will inspire readers to re-imagine and recreate their own stories from beloved and not-so-beloved tales.

 

This title is suitable for ages 5 – 9 and grades K-3. The book’s publishers have also created a website www.mybirthdaybunny.com where readers can download and print the original Birthday Bunny story to create a custom version and upload it via tumblr.  Here are some of the unique and creative results!

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