December Update

Hello December!  I’m a little more limited this month with updates with one arm in a sling, so here’s the brief update of the month:

Fiction Books:
Big Fat Cow goes Kapow by Andy Griffiths, 1^st grade and up.

Hilarious stories.  The writing seems to me like a combination of Dr. Seuss and Roald Dahl.

School of Fear by Gitty Danshvari, 4^th grade and up.

I enjoyed the humor and suspense in this read that my students were quite excited about from book fair promotions.

Lawn Boy Returns by Gary Paulsen, 4^th grade and up.

I enjoyed the first Lawn Boy book and was thrilled that the sequel actually fulfilled my expectations of a smooth transition, stand alone, and partner book in one!  This book takes a hilarious look at how people are changed with a sudden influx of money into their life.

A Long Walk to Water: Based on a True Story by Linda Sue Park, 5^th grade and up.

Touching, upsetting story following two people impacted by life in the Sudan.  Well worth the read!

How Tia Lola Learned to Teach by Julia Alvarez, 2^nd-4^th grade

Wonderful family story with a special message in every chapter.

The Strange Case of Origami Yoda by Tom Angleberger, 4^th grade and up.

Entertaining, hilarious storyline following a mysterious origami yoda’s advice and how it affects various kids at a school.

The Danger Box by Blue Balliett

Fascinating character study of a developing character who learns about friendship and family through the book.

Fantasy:

Drizzle by Kathleen Van Cleve, 4^th grade and up.

One of my favorite fantasy reads this year. This is an entertaining, imaginative story with magical twists.

Keeper by Kathi Appelt, 5^th grade and up.

Mysteries swirl throughout the book with a beautiful storyline.

Hamster Magic by Lynne Jonell, 2^nd-4^th grade

Cute magical story which would be a fun introduction to an easy read fantasy.

The Clockwork Three by Matthew J. Kirby, 4^th grade and up.

Give this book a few chapters and find yourself drawn into a fascinating adventure.

The Lost Hero by Rick Riordan, 4^th grade and up.

Once again there is an excellent adventure to enjoy in the Percy Jackson world.  I enjoyed how this story jumped into the Greek and Roman mythology stories.

Science Fiction:

SPHDZ Book #1 by Jon Scieszka, 3^rd grade and up.

New student, new school, new class, possible aliens are his classmates…

Historical Fiction:

Zora and Me by Victoria Bond, 4^th grade and up.

One who tells tall tales… what could happen when she’s really close to the truth with a murder mystery?

Storyteller by Patricia Reilly Giff, 4^th grade and up.

Jump between present day storyline with a girl who goes to life with her aunt for a little while and her ancestor Zee who lived through the American Revolution.

Young Adult Books:

An Abundance of Katherines by John Green

One of my favorite authors- great storyline with an unending road trip.

Crank by Ellen Hopkins

Upsetting, realistic look at addiction and the impact on lives of all who know the character.

Adult Book:

Ape House by Sara Gruen

Excellent adult book but beware the twists, they’ll knock you off your feet.

EVERYBODY: Chester’s Masterpiece   Melanie Watt Hilarious storyline with the rascal Chester trying to tell his own story. Call Number: E WAT
NON-FICTION:  Down Down Down by Steve Jenkins Excellent non-fiction book with wonderful illustrations and information! 591.779 JEN
FICTION  Drizzle by K.D. Van Cleve This is an entertaining, imaginative story with magical twists.  One of my favorite reads of the year! Call Number: FIC VAN