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*New Shoes by Sara Varon

By Janie Cheaney | Apr 27, 2018
A delightful journey into the jungle awaits Francis the Donkey on his quest to make new shoes for his favorite Calypso singer. *New Shoes by ...
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The Wishmakers by Tyler Whitesides

By Janie Cheaney | Apr 17, 2018
This fantasy series opener sends one young “wishmaker” and his personal genie on a wild ride to save the world—with consequences attached. The Wishmakers by ...
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The Thrifty Guide to the American Revolution by Jonathan Stokes

By Janie Cheaney | Mar 16, 2018
This jokey introduction to the American Revolution, latest in the “Thrifty Guide” series, presents accurate history along with the laughs.  Ages 10-15 The Thrifty Guide ...
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no good at rhyming

*I’m Just No Good at Rhyming by Chris Harris and Lane Smith

By Megan Saben | Feb 2, 2018
If you want to read this hilarious and thoughtful poetry book, hide it from your kids or else you'll never get a turn. I'm Just ...
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Newt’s Emerald by Garth Nix

By Alysha | Jan 18, 2018
Newt’s Emerald by Garth Nix. Katherine Tegan Books, 2015. 304 pages.  Ages 12-15   Reading Level: Young Adult Ages 12-15 Recommended For: Young Adult 15+ ...
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The Real McCoys by Matthew Swanson and Bobbi Behr

By Janie Cheaney | Jan 2, 2018
A fun middle-grade series mixes classic mystery elements with wacky situations and wordplay. The Real McCoys by Matthew Swanson and Bobbi Behr.  MacMillan Imprint, 2017, ...
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Funny Girl: Funniest. Stories. Ever. Edited by Betsy Bird

By Betsy Farquhar | Dec 11, 2017
Quirky, funny stories written with middle school girls in mind.  Funny Girl: Funniest. Stories. Ever. Edited by Betsy Bird. Viking, 2017. 224 pages. Reading Level: Middle ...
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best christmas pageant ever cover

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever by Barbara Robinson: the Kids Discuss….

By Betsy Farquhar | Dec 5, 2017
Four middle grades kids discuss The Best Christmas Pageant Ever: what stands out in this funny, modern Christmas classic? The Best Christmas Pageant Ever by Barbara ...
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*The Pushcart War by Jean Merrill

By Megan Saben | Nov 29, 2017
Bottom line: When the big trucks take over the streets of New York, the pushcarts push back. Support your local vendor. The Pushcart War by ...
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Retro Read: Mr. Revere and I by Robert Lawson

By Megan Saben | Nov 21, 2017
Mr. Revere and I: History as told by a horse in this humorous middle grades historical fiction. Mr. Revere and I: An account of a ...
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Sputnik’s Guide to Life on Earth by Frank Cottrell Boyce

By Janie Cheaney | Oct 3, 2017
In this far-out fantasy, an alien named Sputnik has to prove earth is worth saving. Sputnik's Guide to Life on Earth by Frank Cottrell Boyce. ...
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Bird Boy Project: Discussion Forum 3 (and our third giveaway!)

By Janie Cheaney | Sep 22, 2017
Chapters 14-19 This section sees Roy Ray delivered to an entirely new setting, with new characters that, as we learn, are not entirely new.  We’re ...
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Panda-monium by Stuart Gibbs

By Betsy Farquhar | Sep 18, 2017
Panda-monium offers plenty of hi-jinks, animal facts, and quirky characters as Teddy solves the mystery of the theft of a prized giant panda. Panda-monium by ...
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Bird Boy Project: Discussion Forum 2 (and another great giveaway!)

By Janie Cheaney | Sep 15, 2017
By chapters 8-13, we’re well into the development part of the novel, which (you may recall) I mentioned is the often the most difficult part ...
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Project Bird Boy: Launch! (with one free download)

By Janie Cheaney | Sep 1, 2017
To be fair, doubts about Roy Ray Rappaport were perfectly understandable.  Except for bats, winged mammals are so rare they're assumed to be myths.  Even ...
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*The Emperor’s Ostrich by Julie Berry

By Janie Cheaney | Aug 31, 2017
A light-hearted adventure for middle-graders combines humor and redemption. T*he Emperor’s Ostrich by Julie Berry.  Roaring Brook, 2017, 274 pages Reading Level: Middle grades, ages ...
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No Good Deed by Goldy Moldavsky

By Janie Cheaney | Aug 24, 2017
In spite of language and sexuality issues, this satiric YA novel skewers Political Correctness and provides some welcome perspective on “Social Justice Warriors.” No Good ...
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The Lemonade War by Jacqueline Davies

By Betsy Farquhar | May 8, 2017
Winner takes all in a bet between siblings Jessie and Evan Treski as they battle it out lemonade-stand style in this realistic fiction novel for ...
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The Bad Guys by Aaron Blabey

By Janie Cheaney | Apr 3, 2017
This light, quick series-opener will keep reluctant readers reading between the laughs. The Bad Guys by Aaron Blabey.  Scholastic, 2015, 137 pages Reading Level: Picture ...
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The Infamous Ratsos by Kara LaReau

By Janie Cheaney | Apr 3, 2017
This fun, award-winning early reader series features two tough siblings who can't help being nice. The Infamous Ratsos by Kara LaReau, illustrated by Matt Myers.  ...
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Don’t Take Yourself (or Your Reading) Too Seriously!

By Betsy Farquhar | Apr 1, 2017
Today, in my leisure reading, I came across some good "fifty cent" words: pandemonium, benefactors, stratosphere, maligned, facilitate, photons,... I also noticed some terrific literary ...
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A Complicated Case by Ulf Nilsson

By Betsy Farquhar | Aug 30, 2016
A funny, chapter book mystery for newly independent readers! A Complicated Case (Detective Gordon) by Ulf Nilsson and illustrated by Gittee Spee. Gecko Press, 2016. ...
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Little Dee and the Penguin by Christopher Baldwin

By Janie Cheaney | Jun 15, 2016
Sunny and warm, this graphic novel combines a wildly implausible plot with distinct personalities—and lots of laughs. Little Dee and the Penguin by Christopher Baldwin.  ...
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The Unmapped Sea (Incorrigible Children of Ashton Place #5) by Maryrose Wood

By Betsy Farquhar | Jun 6, 2016
Miss Penelope Lumley starts to solve some of the Ashton Place mysteries while on holiday by the sea in this fifth volume of the series. ...
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The Unseen Guest (Incorrigible Children of Ashton Place #3) by Maryrose Wood

By Betsy Farquhar | Jun 6, 2016
Volume 3 of this funny middle grades series has Penelope, Alexander, Beowulf, and Cassiopeia back in London attempting to save the Swanburne School for Poor ...
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The Hidden Gallery (The Incorrigible Children of Ashton Place #2) by Maryrose Wood

By Betsy Farquhar | Jun 6, 2016
Miss Penelope Lumley and her three young charges are off to London in this humorous, satisfying follow-up to the first in the series. The Hidden ...
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Frank Einstein and the Anti-Matter Motor by Jon Schieszka

By Janie Cheaney | Jun 1, 2016
Though not to be taken at all seriously, this wacky series by Jon Schieszka threads some real science into its far-out storylines. Frank Einstein and ...
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The Terrible Two by Mac Barnett and Jory John

By Janie Cheaney | Jun 1, 2016
A fifth-grade prankster meets his match, joining forces with his rival to pull off the greatest fifth-grade prank of all time. The Terrible Two by ...
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*McBroom series by Sid Fleischman

By Megan Saben | May 30, 2016
This post is part of our "Summer of Great Family Reads" series. Don't miss the initial post full of more excellent recommendations! McBroom’s Wonderful One-Acre ...
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chocolate moose for dinner, book cover

*A Chocolate Moose for Dinner by Fred Gwynne

By Megan Saben | Sep 28, 2015
A Chocolate Moose for Dinner is a whimsical, unique classic that invites readers to play with words as it explores idioms. A Chocolate Moose for ...
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McSweeney's The Goods, vol. 1

McSweeney’s The Goods, vol. 1

By Betsy Farquhar | Jul 13, 2015
The Goods, vol. 1 by McSweeney's. Big Picture Press, 2013. 96 pages. Reading Level: Middle Grades, ages 8-12 Recommended For: Ages 8 and up Bottom ...
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Goblins by Philip Reeve

By Hayley Morell | Jun 16, 2015
Goblins by Philip Reeve.  Scholastic Press, 2012.  340 pages.  Reading Level: Young Adults, ages 12-15 Recommended for: Ages 12 and up Bottom Line: The Hobbit meets Septimus Heap, with a ...
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cover of mr. squirrel and the moon

*Mr. Squirrel and the Moon by Sebastian Meschenmoser

By Megan Saben | Jun 10, 2015
Mr. Squirrel and the Moon is a delight for the ears and the eyes. This picture book is highly recommended! *Mr. Squirrel and the Moon ...
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My Near-Death Adventures by Alison DeCamp

By Janie Cheaney | May 22, 2015
My Near-Death Adventures (99% True!) by Alison DeCamp. Crown, 2015. 252 pages Reading Level: Middle grades, ages 10-12 Recommended for: ages 10-12 (especially boys) Bottom ...
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*Rabbit and Robot: The Sleepover by Cece Bell

By Megan Saben | May 13, 2015
*Rabbit and Robot: The Sleepover by Cece Bell. Candlewick, 2014. 50 pages. Reading Level: Easy Readers, Ages 4-8 Recommended For: Age 4-8 Rabbit’s friend Robot ...
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A Pet for Fly Guy (Fly Guy Series) by Tedd Arnold

By Betsy Farquhar | May 11, 2015
A Pet for Fly Guy by Tedd Arnold. Orchard Books, 2014. 32 pages.  Reading Level: Early Reader, ages 4-8 Recommended For: Ages 4-8, especially boys ...
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cover of Ah

Ah! by Geraldine Collet, illustrated by Estelle Billon Spagnol

By Betsy Farquhar | Apr 20, 2015
Ah! by Géraldine Collet, illustrated by Estelle Billon Spagnol. Holiday House, 2015. 32 pages. Reading Level: Picture Books, ages 0-4 (plus older readers—see review) Recommended for: ...
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cover of Bink and Gollie: Best Friends Forever

Bink and Gollie: Best Friends Forever by Kate DiCamillo and Alison McGhee

By Betsy Farquhar | Apr 13, 2015
Bink and Gollie: Best Friends Forever by Kate DiCamillo and Alison McGhee, illustrated by Tony Fucile. Candlewick, 2013. 80 pages. Reading Level: Chapter Books, ages 4-10 ...
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cover of Click, Clack, Peep

Click, Clack, Peep! by Doreen Cronin, illustrated by Betsy Lewin

By Betsy Farquhar | Apr 9, 2015
Click, Clack, Peep! by Doreen Cronin, illustrated by Betsy Lewin. Atheneum Books for Young Readers, 2015. 40 pages. Reading Level: Picture Books (ages 0-4) Recommended for: Ages ...
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cover of This Book Just Ate My Dog

This Book Just Ate My Dog! by Richard Byrne

By Betsy Farquhar | Apr 6, 2015
This Book Just Ate My Dog! by Richard Byrne. Henry Holt and Co., 2014. 32 pages. Reading Level: Picture Books, ages 4-8 Recommended for: Ages 4-8 ...
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cover of Jasper John Dooley

Jasper John Dooley: You’re in Trouble! by Caroline Adderson

By Betsy Farquhar | Mar 23, 2015
Jasper John Dooley: You're in Trouble! by Caroline Adderson and illustrated by Ben Clanton. Kids Can Press, 2015. 124 pages. Reading Level: Chapter Books, ages ...
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*The Dirty Cowboy by Amy Timberlake, illustrated by Adam Rex

By Megan Saben | Mar 14, 2015
*The Dirty Cowboy by Amy Timberlake, illustrated by Adam Rex. Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 2003. 32 pages. Reading Level: Picture Books, ages 4-8 Recommended For: ...
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Sir Thomas the Hesitant by Liam Perrin

By Hayley Morell | Dec 12, 2014
Sir Thomas the Hesitant by Liam Perrin.  CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform,  2013.  254 pages.   Reading Level: Young Adults, ages 12 and up Maturity Level: 4 ...
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The Chicken Squad by Doreen Cronin and illustrated by Kevin Cornell

By Betsy Farquhar | Dec 1, 2014
The Chicken Squad includes 4 intrepid sleuths who are on a quest in this funny early chapter book. The Chicken Squad: The First Misadventure by ...
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cover of Fix This Mess

Fix This Mess! by Tedd Arnold

By Betsy Farquhar | Nov 24, 2014
This book is a "Best of the Best" pick from ourWinter Book Fair. CLICK HERE to see more gift ideas! Fix This Mess! by Tedd Arnold. I ...
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cover of The Great Turkey Walk

The Great Turkey Walk by Kathleen Karr

By Betsy Farquhar | Nov 3, 2014
The Great Turkey Walk by Kathleen Karr. Square Fish, 2000 (reprint; original pub. date 1998). 208 pages. Reading Level: Middle Grades (ages 10-12)Recommended for: Ages ...
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*Centerburg Tales by Robert McCloskey

By Megan Saben | Sep 17, 2014
Centerburg Tales by Robert McCloskey. Viking, 1979, 191 pages. Reading Level: Middle Grades, 8-10Maturity Level: 2 (ages 4-8) and up Centerburg Tales is set in ...
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Vigilante Poets

By Hayley Morell | Sep 5, 2014
The Vigilante Poets of Selwyn Academy by Kate Hattemer. Alfred A. Knopf, 2014, 323 pages. Reading Level: Young Adult, Ages 15 - 18 Maturity Level: 6 (ages 15 ...
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Almost Super by Marion Jensen

By Janie Cheaney | Aug 26, 2014
Almost Super, by Marion Jensen. Harper, 2014, 251 pages. Reading Level: Middle Grades, Ages 8-12 Maturity Level: 3 (ages 8-10) Every four years, on February ...
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Mr. Wuffles! by David Weisner

By Janie Cheaney | Nov 18, 2013
Mr. Wuffles! by David Weisner.  Clarion, 2013, 32 pages.  Reading Level: Picture books, Ages 4-8 Recommended for: ages 4-8 and up Bottom Line: Mr. Wuffles, ...
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Summer Reading Challenge, Week 2: The Middle of Somewhere by (our very own) J. B. Cheaney

By Betsy Farquhar | Jun 10, 2013
If you're new to our Summer Reading Challenge, welcome! If you started our Around the World adventure last week with us, congratulations and let's continue ...
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Cover of My Lucky Day

*My Lucky Day by Keiko Kasza

By Megan Saben | Apr 1, 2013
My Lucky Day by Keiko Kasza. Puffin, 2005. 32 pages. Reading Level: Picture Books, ages 4-8 When a fat pig shows up at a hungry ...
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Proverbs, Tricksters and Fools

By Megan Saben | Apr 1, 2013
The book of Proverbs is full of instructions for the simple to obtain wisdom and avoid disaster. Stories about tricksters demonstrate common-grace examples of using ...
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The Hero’s Guide to Saving Your Kingdom by Christopher Healy

By Janie Cheaney | Jul 17, 2012
The Hero’s Guide to Saving Your Kingdom, by Christopher Healy (drawings by Todd Harris).  HarperCollins, 2012, 436 pages. Reading Level: Middle grades, ages 10-12 Recommended ...
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Enthusiasm by Polly Schulman

Enthusiasm by Polly Schulman

By Janie Cheaney | Jun 7, 2011
Enthusiasm, by Polly Schulman. G. P. Putnam’s Sons, 2006, 198 pages.  Reading Level: Young Adult, ages 12-15 Recommended for: Ages 12-14 Bottom Line: Enthusiasm, a ...
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Dust Devil by Anne Isaacs

*Dust Devil by Anne Isaacs

By Janie Cheaney | Apr 5, 2011
Dust Devil, by Anne Isaacs, Illustrated by Paul Zelinsky, Schwartz & Wade, 2011. Reading Level: Picture Books, ages 4-8 Recommended for: Ages 4-8 and up ...
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Author Interview: Caldecott Finalist Ima B. Twitt

By emily | Apr 1, 2011
Now that April Fool's Day is over, I should probably introduce this as my post on April 1st... Recently I had the extraordinary opportunity to ...
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