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The Thrifty Guide to the American Revolution by Jonathan Stokes
By Janie Cheaney |
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 ...
Read More *I’m Just No Good at Rhyming by Chris Harris and Lane Smith
By Megan Saben |
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 ...
Read More Newt’s Emerald by Garth Nix
By Alysha |
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+ ...
Read More The Real McCoys by Matthew Swanson and Bobbi Behr
By Janie Cheaney |
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, ...
Read More Funny Girl: Funniest. Stories. Ever. Edited by Betsy Bird
By Betsy Farquhar |
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 ...
Read More The Best Christmas Pageant Ever by Barbara Robinson: the Kids Discuss….
By Betsy Farquhar |
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 ...
Read More *The Pushcart War by Jean Merrill
By Megan Saben |
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 ...
Read More Retro Read: Mr. Revere and I by Robert Lawson
By Megan Saben |
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 ...
Read More Sputnik’s Guide to Life on Earth by Frank Cottrell Boyce
By Janie Cheaney |
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. ...
Read More Bird Boy Project: Discussion Forum 3 (and our third giveaway!)
By Janie Cheaney |
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 ...
Read More Panda-monium by Stuart Gibbs
By Betsy Farquhar |
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 ...
Read More Bird Boy Project: Discussion Forum 2 (and another great giveaway!)
By Janie Cheaney |
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 ...
Read More Project Bird Boy: Launch! (with one free download)
By Janie Cheaney |
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 ...
Read More *The Emperor’s Ostrich by Julie Berry
By Janie Cheaney |
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 ...
Read More No Good Deed by Goldy Moldavsky
By Janie Cheaney |
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 ...
Read More The Lemonade War by Jacqueline Davies
By Betsy Farquhar |
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 ...
Read More The Bad Guys by Aaron Blabey
By Janie Cheaney |
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 ...
Read More The Infamous Ratsos by Kara LaReau
By Janie Cheaney |
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. ...
Read More Don’t Take Yourself (or Your Reading) Too Seriously!
By Betsy Farquhar |
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 ...
Read More A Complicated Case by Ulf Nilsson
By Betsy Farquhar |
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. ...
Read More Little Dee and the Penguin by Christopher Baldwin
By Janie Cheaney |
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. ...
Read More The Unmapped Sea (Incorrigible Children of Ashton Place #5) by Maryrose Wood
By Betsy Farquhar |
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. ...
Read More The Unseen Guest (Incorrigible Children of Ashton Place #3) by Maryrose Wood
By Betsy Farquhar |
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 ...
Read More The Hidden Gallery (The Incorrigible Children of Ashton Place #2) by Maryrose Wood
By Betsy Farquhar |
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 ...
Read More Frank Einstein and the Anti-Matter Motor by Jon Schieszka
By Janie Cheaney |
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 ...
Read More The Terrible Two by Mac Barnett and Jory John
By Janie Cheaney |
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 ...
Read More *McBroom series by Sid Fleischman
By Megan Saben |
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 ...
Read More *A Chocolate Moose for Dinner by Fred Gwynne
By Megan Saben |
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 ...
Read More McSweeney’s The Goods, vol. 1
By Betsy Farquhar |
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 ...
Read More Goblins by Philip Reeve
By Hayley Morell |
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 ...
Read More *Mr. Squirrel and the Moon by Sebastian Meschenmoser
By Megan Saben |
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 ...
Read More My Near-Death Adventures by Alison DeCamp
By Janie Cheaney |
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 ...
Read More *Rabbit and Robot: The Sleepover by Cece Bell
By Megan Saben |
*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 ...
Read More A Pet for Fly Guy (Fly Guy Series) by Tedd Arnold
By Betsy Farquhar |
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 ...
Read More Ah! by Geraldine Collet, illustrated by Estelle Billon Spagnol
By Betsy Farquhar |
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: ...
Read More Bink and Gollie: Best Friends Forever by Kate DiCamillo and Alison McGhee
By Betsy Farquhar |
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 ...
Read More Click, Clack, Peep! by Doreen Cronin, illustrated by Betsy Lewin
By Betsy Farquhar |
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 ...
Read More This Book Just Ate My Dog! by Richard Byrne
By Betsy Farquhar |
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 ...
Read More Jasper John Dooley: You’re in Trouble! by Caroline Adderson
By Betsy Farquhar |
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 ...
Read More *The Dirty Cowboy by Amy Timberlake, illustrated by Adam Rex
By Megan Saben |
*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: ...
Read More Sir Thomas the Hesitant by Liam Perrin
By Hayley Morell |
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 ...
Read More The Chicken Squad by Doreen Cronin and illustrated by Kevin Cornell
By Betsy Farquhar |
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 ...
Read More Fix This Mess! by Tedd Arnold
By Betsy Farquhar |
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 ...
Read More The Great Turkey Walk by Kathleen Karr
By Betsy Farquhar |
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 ...
Read More *Centerburg Tales by Robert McCloskey
By Megan Saben |
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 ...
Read More Vigilante Poets
By Hayley Morell |
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 ...
Read More Almost Super by Marion Jensen
By Janie Cheaney |
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 ...
Read More Mr. Wuffles! by David Weisner
By Janie Cheaney |
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, ...
Read More Summer Reading Challenge, Week 2: The Middle of Somewhere by (our very own) J. B. Cheaney
By Betsy Farquhar |
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 ...
Read More *My Lucky Day by Keiko Kasza
By Megan Saben |
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 ...
Read More Proverbs, Tricksters and Fools
By Megan Saben |
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 ...
Read More The Hero’s Guide to Saving Your Kingdom by Christopher Healy
By Janie Cheaney |
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 ...
Read More Enthusiasm by Polly Schulman
By Janie Cheaney |
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 ...
Read More *Dust Devil by Anne Isaacs
By Janie Cheaney |
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 ...
Read More Author Interview: Caldecott Finalist Ima B. Twitt
By emily |
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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