humor

The Thrifty Guide to the American Revolution by Jonathan Stokes

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

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

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

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

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….

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

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

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

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!)

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

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 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)

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

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

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

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

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

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!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

*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

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

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

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

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

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

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

*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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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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