Ivy and Bean by Annie Barrows. Chronicle Books, 2007, 120 pages

Elementary aged fiction- part of the 3rd Grade Book Club in the library. 2 friends, different but the same, share everyday adventures and friendship. Great series for girls.

Nothing But The Truth: a documentary novel by AVI. Avon Books, 1991. 212 pages

School Room classic recommended by an 8th grade class. Realistic Fiction is still my favorite. I loved it. For thoughtful and sophisticated readers.

The Shark King: A Toon Book by R. Kikuo Johnson. Toon Books, 2012. 39 Pages

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Graphic novel, easy reader-ish version of the Hawaiian folk legend -- the shape shifting shark king, Kamohoalii. Well done and patron recommended. Great series of early readers  graphics with parent teacher guides included. Loved it.

Bad Kitty vs Uncle Murray by Nick Bruel. Square Fish, 2011. 176 pages.

Three Times Lucky by Sheila Turnage. Dial Books for Young Readers, 2012. 312 pages

The Ice Dragon by George R.R. Martin. A Tom Doherty Associates Book, 2006. 107 pages.

A small and beautifully written book. Rich and luscious language, dragons, danger, secrets, myth, melancholy, battle-- Martin does not disappoint. A small but deep  book for thoughtful and sophisticated kids. a short story for adults.

Because of Mr. Terupt by Rob Buyea. Delacorte Press.2010, 268 pages.

I was so disappointed with this-- I liked the first half of the book-- the classroom, the kids, the types, the issues, the new teacher who is not easy to fool, etc. I did notice though that it is not written in an authentic voice of kids-- not like Sharon Draper or Judy Blume or Rita Garcia Williams-- but i still did like it alot. Then,-- the accident--and it becomes very heavy handed cautionary tale-- Play Nice or someone you love might have a terrible accident .   I wanted to love it but was disappointed instead. Am interested to find out what the kids think of it.