Love2Read Children's Books

How to Survive Middle School

2010-04-01T15:08:00.000-07:00

David Greenberg is scared. He is getting ready to embark on the most terrifying journey he could imagine. David is starting middle school. Why is this terrifying? Don’t you know that sixth graders get their heads flushed in toilets on their birthdays? When David’s plans to spend the summer preparing to survive middle school are ruined by his ex-best friend Elliot, he is forced to start the school year completely unprepared. Will David survive sixth grade? Will he ever realize his dream of becoming the next Jon Stewart? Once readers start this book they will not be able to stop.

Mudshark

2010-01-08T15:33:00.000-08:00

Quirky! Mudshark tells the tale of one boy’s claim to fame - his uncanny ability to solve mysteries at school. Mudshark has his own detective agency and he is on the case of the missing erasers. Unfortunately he is not the only detective in town? What will happen when a Psychic Parrot shows up in the library trying to outwit Mudshark? Which detective will be up to the challenge of finding Mr. Patterson’s missing gerbil? Read Mudshark by Gary Paulsen to discover the truth.

Matisse on the Loose

2010-01-08T15:31:00.000-08:00

Matisse (named after the artist) seems like an ordinary kid. The cool thing is he too is an artist and he loves to copy the work of the masters. When a Henri Matisse exhibit comes to the museum where his mom is in charge of security, Matisse is excited. Matisse likes to spend his afternoon painting in the exhibit rooms but then the unthinkable happens and the security system has problems. What was Matisse thinking when he replaced an original Henri Matisse with his copy and then takes the original home. Will he be able to fix this mistake? Read Matisse on the Loose to find out.

The Curse of the Romany Wolves

2010-01-08T15:28:00.000-08:00

The Curse of the Romany Wolves is filled with adventure and danger at every turn. Penhaligon, the town apothecary, is determined to save the town by searching for a secret ingredient only found on Howling Island. To retrieve the ingredient, he and his friend Hotchi set off aboard a dangerous pirate ship only to be kidnapped by another pirate looking for a sea serpent. Along the way Penhaligon is discouraged to discover the secret ingredient may not cure the town’s youngsters. What is Penhaligon to do and why does it seem like the scary sea serpent is trying to help him. Can Penhaligon return in time to save everyone he loves?

Wild Girl

2010-01-08T15:26:00.001-08:00

Living in Brazil is the only life Lidie has known but now that she is 12 it is time to go to New York to be with her brother and father. Luckily Lidie has a huge love of horses because her dad runs a stable at a famous race track and her brother is a jockey. New York isn’t everything she expected. She discovers that it is hard to get used to a new place, new school, and a new culture. She hasn’t seen her brother or her dad for many years and they still see her as a child. A new filly, Wild Girl, is also learning about her new life as she travels to her new home. Will Lidie be able to help Wild Girl find happiness at the stables or will Lidie’s struggles in New York continue?

Horse Diaries-#1 Koda

2010-01-08T15:23:00.000-08:00

The early pioneers faced a hard life while traveling in wagon trains into the frontier. Everyone experienced hardships, even the animals. Then difficulties of the wagon train were especially difficult for a young horse name Koda. Koda tell us of his journey with his family into the West. While on the trail there are threats from Indians, wolves and from Mother Nature. Jasmine is Koda’s human and she takes care Koda and his mother. Along the trail Jasmine gets to watch Koda grow become a valuable member of the wagon train. This is a wonderful firsthand account of Koda’s life in 1846.

Your Life But Better

2010-01-08T15:15:00.000-08:00

Have you ever wanted to be part of the story that you are reading? You can with Your Life But Better, a book that allows the reader to take control of the story and its ending. In this book for tweens, the reader is completely involved in the story and takes quizzes to decide which chapters to read next. Since the reader’s answers control the direction of the story, the books outcome is different for everyone. You can be a supermodel and win tickets to a fabulous birthday party or just hang out at the mall with friends. Pick up Your Life but Better and become part of the story.

Calendar Mysteries #1-January Joker

2010-01-08T13:31:00.000-08:00

Meet Bradley, Brian, Lucy, and Nate - the younger siblings of the A to Z Mysteries gang. This new generation is solving their own mysteries in the new Calendar Mysteries series. In January Joker, the kids believe that aliens have invaded and are abducting people from the town of Green Lawn. Bradley has seen spooky lights that wake him from a sound sleep. There are strange prints in the snow and their pony suddenly disappears. Who could be causing all this trouble? Have aliens really invaded Green Lawn? Will the kids be able to solve the mystery in time?

Spring Reading Thing 2009

2009-03-22T17:51:00.000-07:00

It has been to long since my last post so I have decided to take up a challenge. I am joining Callapidder Days and her Spring Reading Thing 2009. Between now and June 15th I will read the following books.
The Five Ancestors #6 Mouse- Jeff Smith

Watch Me Throw a Ball-Mo Willems

39 Clues #3 The Sword Thief-Peter Lerengis

Sisters 8 #3 Georgia’s Greatness-Lauren Baratz-Logsted

Inkspell-Cornelia Funke (Listening)

Mudshark-Gary Paulsen-Book Talk for Random House

Sisters 8 #4-Jackie’s Jokes-Lauren Baratz-Logsted

Harriet Bean and the League of Cheats-Alexander McCall Smith (listening)

Sister’s Grimm #6-The Everafter War-Michael Buckley

Elephants Can’t Dance-Mo Willems

Who was Walt Disney?-Whitney Stewart

Charlie Bone and The Shadow-Jenny Nimmo

And more…
Ok, so this is my ongoing list, I have confidence that these will be easy to complete. I will turn items pink when I have read them and then add to this list as I go. Happy Spring to all.

100 Cupboards

2009-01-31T17:23:00.000-08:00

As I drove to work every day I listened intently to 100 cupboards in my CD player. I love all of the characters expecially Anastasia's mannerisms. Henry has come into a loving family and wild adventures. How fun would it be to have cupboards in your bedroom moving you to different places. I also love the post office box. Can't wait for Dandelion Fire to come out. I hope it is soon.

Other blogs talking about this great book: BESTBOOKSIHAVENOTREAD'S, and Some Read's

Durinda's Dangers

2009-01-31T17:12:00.000-08:00

The Sisters 8 book #2 is just as good as the first. Durinda gets her chance to find her talent and gift. Lots of the adults in their lives are trying to figure out what is going on with these 8 girls and their 8 cats. I love how well the girls keep everything going and are still looking for clues to find their parents. What fun! Looking forward to book 3 in March.

Other blogs mentioning this book...Alyson Noel, GreenBeanTeenQueen, and Jen Robinson

The Sister's 8

2009-01-25T16:52:00.000-08:00

I am so excited for the new series The Sisters 8 written by Lauren Baratz-Logsted, Greg Logsted, and Jackie Logsted. By the way Jackie is only 8 years old. This wonderful new series tells the story of 8 sisters and their 8 cats. The first book is about Annie's Adventures, she is the oldest and tallest sister. The second book is about Durinda's Dangers the second oldest and according to their website, there will be nine books in all. Each book will tell more about a sister, her cat, her secret gift, and her talent. The third book titled Georgia's Greatness will be released March 23, 2009, and the fourth book Jackie's Jokes debuts April 20, 2009. A fun read for all ages. I also love the illustrations.

Other blogs talking about this series: Kid's Books and GreenBean Teen Queen.

3 Willows

2009-01-18T17:30:00.000-08:00

My first Random House book talk for 2009 is now posted. Here is the booktalk I published.

3 Willows by Ann Brashares

Entering high school marks a new chapter in a young person’s life, which is marked by many changes. Not only do you change schools but your body changes, your attitudes and desires can change, and so too can your friendships change. 3 Willows explores the summer before three childhood friends start high school. Polly, Jo, and Ama have been friends for as long as they can remember. In third grade they planted three willow trees and have watched them grow over the years. But just like the willow tree their friendship can either grow and branch out or shrivel and die. The three girls are in separate summer locations but they find that they still need each other. Polly is coming to grips with her weight and not-so-perfect body, Jo finds her first true love, and Ama discovers a love of the great outdoors. Only time will tell if their friendship will continue to blossom.

I enjoyed this book. I have never read the Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants series so I don't have a lot to compare to, but I have seen the first movie therefore I understand what it was about. I think this new book will be great for middle school readers to help them understand how life changes as you get older. Well written.

Book Talks for 2008

2009-01-04T15:55:00.000-08:00

Lizzie Bright and the Buckminster Boy
by Gary D. Schmidt

The Hope Chest
by Karen Schwabach

Charlie Small 1-Gorilla City
by Nick Ward

Charlie Small 2-Perfumed Pirates of Perfidy
by Nick Ward

The Winter War
by William Durbin

Lost Boy
by Linda Newbery

Nim at Sea
by Wendy Orr

Love Me Tender
by Audrey Couloumbus

Thumbelina: Tiny Runaway Bride
by Barbara Ensor

Roots and Wings
by Many Ly

Rogelia's House of Magic
by Jamie Martinez Wood

The Seance'
by Ian Lawrence

1001 Cranes
by Naomi Hiroshara

Up & Down the Scratchy Mountains
by Laurel Snyder

Gran, You've Got Mail
by Jo Hoeslandt

Thornspell
by Helen Lowe

Catcall
by Linda Newbery

Fern Verdant and the Silver Rose
by Diana Leszczynski

The Goodbye Time
by Celeste Conway

Random House Book Talks 2008

2008-12-24T18:47:00.001-08:00

Well my first year as a Random House book talker has come to an end. It was a blast and I feel very priveledged to read and review their wonderful books. Year 2 starts with a book talk of 3 Willows, which I am working on now. But I wanted to start this blog. My hope is that one day it will be like some of the other great Children's Literature blogs I have read. I only discovered blogging a few months ago through my MU course and now have a long list I check daily, just like my email. Fun fun... I wish everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. We are at the beginning of a beautiful friendship.

Sister's Grimm- Michael Buckley

2008-12-24T18:44:00.000-08:00

I am so proud of our girls for reading all six of the Sister's Grimm books. We are all eagerly waiting the entrance of book 7 in May 2009. Some of our girls only finished one and some finished all of them, that is awesome.

Blog On Series

2008-12-24T18:42:00.000-08:00

Hello to you all, I wanted to mention some great books and I will start with the Blog On Series- written by Dandi Mackall. The first book is Grace Notes and the second is Love, Annie. Both of these books are very book and will be great for our book club. I will start reading books 3 & 4 soon.

Initial Posting

2008-12-22T12:39:00.000-08:00

Welcome