Emma and the Blue Genie by Cornelia Funke. Random House, 2014, 90 pages.

Clearly drawn from folklore-Arabian Nights style-- a fun and well written story for elementary aged kids-- Genies, Dogs, Girls, Magic, humor, adventure-- what more could you ask for?
I love this new trend in early chapter and early fiction--  new series for younger kids  by great and well established authors with color pictures.

see also: Mo Willems/Diva and Flea
               Kate DiCamillo/ Mercy Watson
               Shannon Hale/ Princess in Black.

The Impossible Knife of Memory by Laurie Halse Anderson. Viking Books for Young Readers. 2014. 391 pages.

PTSD in the family. Daughter and her very messed up Dad. Frightenly realistic.