CHAPTER BOOK: The Sasquatch Escape by Suzanne Selfors

Ben is stuck living with his grandfather over the summer while his parents work out "their differences." Ben's grandpa lives in a run down old town where the big excitement is pudding day at the senior center. Ben is sure this summer will be a total waste. But then he finds the dragon.

Buttonville may seem like a boring old town, but someone is using the closed button factory as a hospital for mythical animals. And Ben lets a huge, hairy sasquatch loose in the town. He'll have to track it down with the help of his new friend Pearl before the local busy-bodies catch on to what's really going on. This was a fun story and a great beginning to a new series.

3.5 out of 5 stars
No AR reading level yet.

Recommended for: fans of fantasy stories and fantasy creatures, fans of Suzanne Selfors' other books (like the Smells Like Dog series).

PICTURE BOOKS related to September 11th

   

These two books were in our recent Scholastic Book Fair and both were related to September 11th, 2001. I was thrilled with the quality of non-fiction books Scholastic provided for our fair this spring, including these two books.

America Is Under Attack includes detailed, personal stories of rescuers along with the details of what happened on that day in New York City. This was completely engrossing! My students, most of whom were babies or not yet born when the attacks took place, can't get enough information on what happened that day. They will devour this book! Rescuers and victims are mentioned by name - some survived and others did not. The information is honest while not being emotionally overwhelming.

Five out of 5 stars - excellent!
AR Reading Level of 5.8

14 Cows for America is also a picture book, this time a touching story of how a tribe in Africa responded to the tragedy of September 11th with a gift of cherished cows. Yes, cows. It sounds odd, but as you read the story and understand the culture of the Maasai in Kenya, readers see the beauty and heart of the gift. Lovely story, lovely pictures

Four out of 5 stars
AR Reading level of 4.1

Recommended for: readers interested in the events of September 11th, readers who enjoy stories about global culture or about non-American culture.

CHAPTER BOOK: Pegasus: The Flame of Olymps by Kate O'Hearn

When war breaks out on Olympus, Pegasus is injured and falls onto a rooftop in Manhattan. Emily discovers Pegasus and so begins a mythological adventure not unlike the Percy Jackson series. Emily eventually partners with a goddess, a thief, and a mortal boy to save Olympus - and to save themselves.

For readers looking for new material like Percy Jackson, steer them to the Pegasus series. It is based on Roman mythology (The original Percy series is based on Greek mythology, but the second series that is in process right now is both Greek and Roman). This was a fast read - plenty of adventure. The big "reveal" was not unexpected, but that didn't keep me from turning page after page to find out what would happen. The most memorable parts for me came when the team was captured - by other humans. You expect problems with the mythological creatures in the larger story, but the things done by "our own" people gave this story a little something different.

4 out of 5 stars
AR reading level of 4.4

CHAPTER BOOK: Lawless by Jeffrey Salane

A great mystery staring a girl named M who gets into The Lawless School - a school that trains criminals. At first, M is just there to hone her heisting skills, but it's possible that Lawless holds the secrets she wants to know about her deceased father.

My husband is the one who discovered this book on the shelves of our spring Scholastic book fair. It somehow escaped my notice for a couple days, but when I started reading it, I couldn't put it down. It was terrific - great adventure, some great pranks and challenges for M and her friends at school, and lots of twists and turns to keep the reader wondering who are the good guys and who are the bad guys. No word yet on a sequel, but this is billed as a "book 1." There's also no AR quiz at the time of this writing, but I hope there is one soon - my students are eager to get their hands on this one!

4 out of 5 stars
No AR rating at this time

Recommended for: fans of action/adventure stories, mysteries, strong female characters

CHAPTER BOOK: Starring Jules (as Herself) by Beth Ain

Seven year old Jules gets "discovered" and has a chance to be in a commercial. But she'll need help from her ex-best friend, her new best friend, her best guy friend, and her awesome family to even get through the audition. [First in a new series. Book 2 debuts on September 1.]

Very nice story about friendship with a fun main character. This could make a great read aloud in a classroom - quick pace, plenty of events to respond to in discussion.

4 out of 5 stars
AR reading level of 4.0

Cautions: One of Jules' friends is into astrology. Jules dad calls it "hooey" but Jules wonders if she should believe it. I don't know if that is going to be a factor in future stories or if it was just a small thing here. Families that don't believe in astrology can enjoy good discussion about their beliefs as they read Jules together.

GRAPHIC NOVEL: Gabby and Gator by James Burks

An outcast girl and an alligator that survived flushing find friendship together.

This was absolutely delightful! I liked it so much, I bought two for our school library because I think my students will enjoy it, too. The story starts by establishing each of the characters separately and establishing the "mystery" of a monster in the sewer. Then, when the two meet, they develop this wonderful, quirky relationship that is just right for both of them. Gabby and Gator make a great team. As a fun little bonus, there are line drawings at the bottom of the right-hand pages, and if you flip them quickly you can see Gabby and Gator dance. Great fun!

5 out of 5 stars
AR reading level of 2.1

Recommended for: everyone!

PICTURE BOOKS: Blackout by John Rocco AND Gilbert Goldfish Wants a Pet by Kelly DiPucchio

A busy contemporary family experiences a blackout and in the experience they rediscover what matters to them. Very simple text and beautiful pictures. Great book for new readers to test their skills.

3 out of 5 stars
AR reading level of 1.0

Such a cute story about a goldfish who desperately wants a pet. But the one he gets may be more dangerous than he realizes.

I don't want to ruin the surprise on this one, but I will say this is great for a read-aloud, especially with kindergarten as they start to read the pictures and guess what is going to happen next before you reveal the surprise at the end. Great fun!

4 out of 5 stars
AR reading level of 2.3