You Say It's Your Birthday

There are a lot of new books on the market for preteen girls. I've noticed one particular author is quite prolific. I have read several of her books, so I thought I would review one here for you.

“13 Gifts”

By Wendy Mass

For Ages 9 - 14

Wendy Mass returns to the familiar setting of Willow Falls for “13 Gifts,” a coming of age story about friendship, birthdays and finding where you belong. Throw in a stage production, a stolen goat and a little magic and things get interesting. Rated 4.25 (adventure, preteen, magic)

     Twelve-year-old Tara is a loner. Her family moves a lot so she keeps to herself. When she does finally try to fit in, Tara gets caught stealing the principal’s prized goat as a prank. Sent to live with her cousin for the summer in the small charming town of Willow Falls, Tara makes a new beginning. Unfortunately she gets into another jam. To stay out of trouble Tara makes a deal with a mysterious old woman in the local collector’s shop. Now she has to find 13 random objects or face the consequences.

     Magic and mystery are present throughout the search, but only enough for a hint of fantasy. This tale is in no hurry to unfold, which is fine by me. The time is used well to develop believable characters and relationships. Tara makes friends and finds her inner leader, just in time for her thirteenth birthday and a stage production of “Fiddler on the Roof.”

     The only real drawback to “13 Gifts” is the many storylines being woven together. A lazy reader may get distracted and lose interest. Will this keep middle school girls from enjoying this adventure? Absolutely not. They are going to love it.

Middle School Blogging

Social media seems to be all over the news these days. Whether it is Facebook going public or Spike Lee tweeting incorrect addresses, social media has become a legitimate source of news, entertainment and harassment. Cyberbullying is a big concern too. Here are two books that are "blogtastic," as their titles suggest.

"Rumors from the Boys' Room: A Blogtastic! Novel"

By Rose Cooper

For Ages 9 - 12

     Think "Diary of a Wimpy Kid" or "Dork Diaries" with a female lead and a blog instead of a diary. Rated 3.75 (social media, school, preteen)

     Sophia is an anonymous middle school blogger who writes about the conversations she overhears (which are not always accurate.) There is a teacher in the story that seems to keep her from getting out-of-hand, but only just. And there is always a conflict! It is a crazy look into the lives of middle school kids, relationships and how they see their teachers, first crushes and exchange students.

"Gossip from the Girls' Room: A Blogtastic! Novel"

By Rose Cooper

For Ages 9 - 12

     Think "Diary of a Wimpy Kid" or "Dork Diaries" with a female lead and a blog instead of a diary. Rated 3.75 (social media, school, preteen)

     Sophia’s attempts at being one of the popular girls at Middlebrooke Middle School have been unsuccessful. So she uses her anonymous middle school blog to post gossip to knock the popular girls down a few pegs. She soon discovers that one of the girls isn’t as bad as she thought.

Thin Mints and Tagalongs

Over the past few weeks my eldest son earned his Cub Scout Arrow of Light and began Boy Scouts. He has been at it for a few years and really enjoys all the activities that scouting offers. My younger son is also in scouts. Like most kids his favorite events are camping and pinewood derby. All this scouting got me to thinking about a book I recently read on the formation of the Girl Scouts.

“Here Come the Girl Scouts!”

By Shana Corey

Illustrated by Hadley Hooper

For Ages 4 - 8

          You won't find any cookies in this book, but you will learn a great deal about the girl scouts and the indomitable Julie Gordon Low. Rated 4.25 (girl scouts, biography, humor)

         Daisy grew up in Savannah, GA during a time when proper young ladies were dainty and delicate. But Juliette Gordon Low, who was always called Daisy, wanted adventure and travel. She did not conform to any of the expectations of the day and she never let anything stand in her way -- even severe hearing loss. Daisy trained as a blacksmith, rode elephants, flew planes and travel the world. On one of her travels in England she learned about the Girl Guides. She was so taken by the idea of teaching girls about the outdoors that she immediately formed the Girl Scouts upon arriving back in Savannah. The year was 1912.

          Shana Corey, who was also born in Savannah, shows an obvious kinship to Daisy in the exuberance for which she tells this great tale. Hadley Cooper, who was also a Girl Scout, has fun with the fresh and energetic illustrations. Both author and illustrator show some of Daisy’s favorite traits – gumption, spunk and wit. The last spread in the book is a more in depth look at Juliette Gordon Low and the Girl Scouts that adults will find very intriguing. Girls, even those who are not scouts, will find a lot to enjoy about “Here Come the Girl Scouts!”

Hail to the Chief

President's Day has come and gone but don't worry. If you are not getting your political fix with all the primaries and debates I have the book for you. And if you just want your kids to know more about American independence this is the right book is right for you.

“Those Rebels, John & Tom”

By Barbara Kerley
Illustrated by Edwin Fotheringham
For Ages 6 - 10
Think the The Odd Couple and mix in the American struggle for independence and you'll end up with something like “Those Rebels, John & Tom.” Rated 4.5 (Historical, American Independence, Humor)


The early days of American independence are brought to life through a comparison of contrasting lives and personalities. John Adams and Thomas Jefferson were very different. From their political beliefs to their outward appearances. But these two heroes and, eventually presidents, had two things in common. Both abhorred King George and both believed the colonies needed to unite and declare independence. Adams used his quick wit and keen public speaking skills to gain favor and support at the Continental Congress. Jefferson used quick wit and a sharp quill to pen an “expression, in terms plain and firm, of American Independence.” Together they formed a friendship and forged the beginnings of a new country.

An excellent portrait of American strength, formed from the very thing that makes this country so great -- our differences. “Those Rebels, John & Tom” is a little long, but the humor and lively illustrations will keep readers interested until the end.

Back to School

I have been doing a lot of thinking about schools recently. My oldest child moves into middle school next year, so we have to decide which middle school it will be. Luckily we have that opportunity. needless to say, everywhere I go school themed stuff seems to jump out at me. The book store is no exeption.

“Skippyjon Jones: Class Action”

By Judy Schachner
For Ages 4 - 8
Skippyjon Jones heads to school for a grand adventure in learning and imagination. Rated 4 (school, imagination, bullying)
Fans of Skippyjon Jones will jump for joy as the little Chihuahua returns for an eventful day at school. He wants nothing more than to attend school, but Skippyjon’s mom explains that it’s not a place for cats. School is where dogs go to be trained. Will that stop Skippyjon? If you know Skippyjon Jones, then you know he will find a way to attend school.
The Skippyjon Jones books are each a celebration of childhood imagination. This one is no different. Skippyjon enters his closet and enrolls at Barker Academy as his alter ego Skipito Friskito, a smart little Chihuahua. The action is erratic and entertaining. Skipito mingles with poodles and beagles. He learns a little French and howls in music class. He even has a spin in a teacup with the schoolyard bully.

The text jumps back and forth between verse and prose with a liberal sprinkling of Spanish words thrown in. It can be confusing, but kids will be too wrapped up in the fun to care. As always, these books are fun to read aloud, especially if you can manage different voices. The book also comes with a bonus CD including a reading by Judy Schachner.

This Little Piggie

I was at the book store a couple months ago and stumbled across "Bumble-Ardy." I immediately picked it up to review for my monthly book review column in Palmetto Parent, Lowcountry Parent, and Upstate Parent magazines, as well as, The Post and Courier newspaper. Now I can put it online for everyone else. Enjoy.

“Bumble-Ardy”

By Maurice Sendak

For Ages 4 – 8

Maurice Sendak, pigs, birthday parties and morals. It's Sendak – need I say more? Rated 4.75 (Humor, Morals, Sesame Street)

     

      For the first time in 30 years, a new Maurice Sendak picture book, which he has both written and illustrated, is on bookstore shelves. At 83 years old, the illustrations and text of his newest work are as vibrant, fanciful and detailed as “Where the Wild things Are.” Based on a 1970’s animated segment for Sesame Street, “Bumble-Ardy” is the story of a mischievous pig that has never had a birthday party. On his tenth birthday he decides to invite all of his friends and throw himself a party. But the wild masquerade soon gets out of hand.

      As in many of Sendak’s books the tales are as much for adults as they are for children. The stories can be harsh and even offensive by some standards, but that is also what makes them touching and authentic. Children tend to see past the challenges and revel in the fantasy. “Bumble-Ardy” is no exception. Like his classic, “Where the Wild Things Are,” Sendak explores childhood exuberance and energy, as well as familial bonds that cannot be broken.

      It took 30 years to get a new work of art from this master of children’s picture books and it is excellent. Let’s hope it is not his last.

To Nook Or Not To Nook

I decided to Nook. That's right I received a Nook Tablet for Christmas. Actually, my wife and I got it as a joint gift so we are sharing. That's fine, we're good at sharing. After setting up the Nook, I immediately went to the library and began checking out books to read on the Nook. That is where I got this first book to review. Enjoy.

“City of Lies”

By Lian Tanner
For Ages 9 –15
      Goldie and Toadspit are back in this follow up to "Museum of Thieves." The mystery, magic and fantasy have returned with a touch of the creeps, kidnapping and adventure. Rated 3.5 (fiction, danger, magic)
      The children of Jewel are no longer kept under lock and key until their 16th birthdays. But now they have to face the dangers of the world. Although he is gone, the Fugleman is still working behind the scenes to take over Jewel. When Toadspit's sister Bonnie is kidnapped, the adventure heads to the town of Spoke full of strangers, dangers, creeps and lies. Surrounded by new friends, Goldie finds a way to expose the Fugleman's plot, save Bonnie and keep the museum quiet. That's right, the museum is acting up again.
      It's a dark tale with a fantastic landscape, interesting festivals and a lot of fun with language. I look forward to the final installment of the trilogy. In the meantime I am going to spend some time on the Museum of Thieves app.