Patterson, J. (2009). Maximum ride: The manga. New York : Yen Press.

I found this book at the library, and couldn’t say no. I had just read James Patterson novel version of this very book, and was very curious to see how it came out as a graphic novel. I have to say that I was a bit disappointed; the text is lacking parts of the plot that I thought were pertinent to the plot. However, if I had not read the novel beforehand, I am sure that I would have been able to read the story. I know that there are many children who get excited about graphic novels, and perhaps this would be a way to bridge a gap for some reluctant readers. If you can get a student to read the graphic novel, perhaps they would be willing to pick up the novel? Maybe then they would read the rest of the Maximum Ride series? It’s definitely worth checking out.

Recommended ***

Paterson, K. (2007). Bridge to terabithia. New York: HarperEntertainment.

This Newbery Medal winning book, is about Jess Aarons, who befriends a new neighbor named Leslie Burke. As their friendship grows, they create an imaginary world called “Terabithia” where they go together, and transform as individuals. This book ends sadly, and is often challenged because of the topic of death in a children’s book, but it is not my opinion that books should be avoided because of death.

Recommended ***

Konigsburg, E. L. (1967). From the Mixed up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler. Fairfield, PA: Atheneum.

Claudia decides that she has had enough! Her parents overwork her, do not appreciate her, and definitely do not give her a big enough allowance. She is running away. She decided the place: the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Her companion?: Her brother Jamie. They run away to the Museum, hide in the bathroom during closing, and sleep in the exhibits! During their stay, they become fascinated with an exhibit that may or may not have been sculpted by Michelangelo. I decided to read this book, because I read it as a child. When I originally read this book, I thought it was a delightful book and I got lost in my own imagination after reading the story. However, with adult eyes, all I could think about, was how much this could never really happen. I had such high expectations, that it ruined my second reading of the book. This story won a Newberry Award in 1967.

Recommended ***

Say, A. (1993). Grandfather’s journey. Boston: Houghton Mifflin.

A Japanese American retells the story of his Grandfather who was born in Japan, and moved to the United States. His grandfather was able to make both countries his home, and love both lands. His grandson grows to be very much like his grandfather, who was also born in Japan. The end of the book ends with "The funny thing is, the moment I am in one country, I am homesick for the other”. This line is universally applicable to both children and adults. Grandfather’s Journey is a Caldecott Medal Book.

Recommended ***

McClellan, R. (2008). Supermoto. Minneapolis, MN: Bellweather Media.

Supermoto introduces the reader to the basic background of this extreme sport. You can find information about how the sport works, to the equipment that is needed, and basic safety information. Reluctant readers will be willing to pick up this book, and may get excited to share what they learned with others.

Recommended ***

Climo, S. (1993). The Korean Cinderella. Mexico: HarperCollins Publishers.

The young Pear Blossom is mistreated by her step mother and stepsister. They tell Pear Blossom that she may attend the villages festival after she weeds the rice patties. Of course, there was too much work for Pear Blossom to finish on her own. A black ox appears and clears the weeds for Pear Blossom, and she goes the festival she looses her shoe in the water. The magistrate finds her shoe, and believes that the show will bring him to the one he should marry. The story is very similar to the version known in the United States, with a new flavor.

Recommended ***

Cyrus, K. (2008). Tadpole rex. Orlando: Harcourt.

Tadpole Rex is a story about a young tadpole that was alive during prehistoric times. This book begs to be read aloud to young children, and then recited as a group. The use of rhyme in the story is very appealing and could be used as an introduction to poetry. Also, Tadpole Rex has an inner tyrannosaurus rex, that many children (and even adults) can relate to! The end of the story has an author’s note about the evolution of frogs, and how they in fact do have an “inner tyrannosaurus rex” as they have lived for so long on the earth.

Recommended ***

Bateman, T. (2007). Fiona’s luck. Watertown, MA: Charlesbridge.

All of the luck in Ireland has been take by the leprechauns! The big people are now unable to grow potatoes, the chickens no longer can lay eggs, and the cows are no longer giving milk! A witty girl named Fiona sets out to find the King of the Leprechauns in order to get the luck back. Fiona’s Luck could be used to supplement a unit or lesson on the potato famine or Ireland.

Recommended ***

Thomas, S. C. (2008). Cesar takes a break. New York: Sterling Pub. Co.

Cesar the iguana leaves the pet shop when he finally finds a class to adopt. When he finds out that the students of Pinebrook Elementary school are going on vacation, he feels betrayed and depressed. What is he going to do while his classmates are gone? Cesar keeps a diary of the adventures he goes on, as he decides to explore the school, and meets the other class pets in the school. At the end of the story, the author includes a fact sheet about iguanas, which is “written” by Cesar. Cesar Take a Break is a fun story to be read with students around spring break or used as a way to introduce a science unit on reptiles.

Recommended ***