City On Fire By Garth Risk Hallberg Let me start by saying that City on Fire requires a bit of a commitment. At over 900 pages, some have argued that it’s far too long. But if you’re up to the task, this novel is worth it. Set in the crime-ridden, dirty and corrupt New York […]
Valentine’s Day Is…By Gail GibbonsI thought this would be a wonderful pick for this week. We are nearing Valentine’s Day and many children have begun to ask us what is Valentine’s day? Why do we celebrate it? Why do we give cards? This delightful book is filled with fun facts about this special day. Children […]
By Nick Hornby This story is set in the 1960’s about a girl from Blackpool England who dreams about becoming a comedic actor. While I don’t think that this is one of Hornby’s best work – I felt disconnected from the protagonist, especially since the book jumps back and forth to different characters. I did […]
The Dark By Lemony Snicket, illustrated by Jon KlassenLike many children, Laszlo is afraid of the dark. The dark lives in his basement, where Laszlo does not go. Every morning, Laszlo opens the basement door, peeks at the dark and says, “Hi, dark.” Maybe this way he can keep the dark at bay. But the […]
by Dr. Seuss,Dr. Seuss is a classic in any library and a must in any child’s literary repertoire. This adventure of the alphabet uses rhyme and alliteration to bring each letter to life. With whimsical illustrations Dr. Seuss makes learning your ABC’s really fun. You can find this and other wonderful ABC books in the […]
Auggie & Me: Three Wonder Stories By R.J. Palaccio Those of you who read Wonder will never forget Auggie – “the ordinary boy with the extraordinary face.” Auggie’s face was the subject of both ridicule and redemption; his unusual appearance led to bullying and victimization, but also to deep friendships. Auggie & Me is the […]
By Frank Cammuso Little Salem Hyde is a witch. She hasn’t mastered her magic yet so sometimes her spells go terribly wrong. That’s where Whammy the cat comes in. He’s a familiar or better known as a magical animal companion who will help Salem refine her magic skills so she doesn’t continue to get in […]
Chasing Secretsby Gennifer Choldenko Thirteen-year-old Lizzie Kennedy is living in San Francisco. The year is 1900. Many people in the city are leading very glamourous lives, but there is a dark side. Lizzie aspires to be a doctor, like her father. When Lizzie’s father is away she is supervised by her rich aunt and uncle. […]
The NestBy Kenneth Oppel Steve is a boy with deep anxiety, obsessive tendencies and nightmares. His very caring parents have tried to help him cope. But when they arrive home with Steve’s new baby brother, Theo, their attention becomes focused on the baby. Theo has many medical problems and may not survive. In the face […]
Fuzzy Mud By Louis Sachar Tamaya attends Woodridge Academy, an exclusive private school. She’s a good student, has good behaviour, and would never do anything to break the rules. Tamaya has been walking to school with Marshall for several years, and both can be counted on to come straight home. But when Chad Hilligas starts […]