Down the Rabbit Hole by Peter Abrahams

Book Summary
Thirteen year old Ingrid Levin-Hill has a love for acting, soccer, and Sherlock Holmes. When she takes a wrong turn on her way to soccer practice, Ingrid finds herself in the middle of a real life mystery. Cracked-Up Katie helps her get back home, then winds up murdered. Ingrid fears that she will become a suspect and returns to crime scene to retrieve the soccer cleats she had accidentally left behind. Now, having committed a crime herself by tampering with a crime scene, Ingrid feels trapped. In an effort to avoid trouble, she decides to solve the crime herself proving that she and the current suspects are innocent. All this, along with soccer, school problems and the lead role in the local theatre play turns out to be more than Ingrid can handle.

My Thoughts
Less than half way through this book, I was still forcing myself to go on and had already solved the mystery. The story seems to drag on with little to no action. Ingrid makes so many bad decisions it is impossible to like her. The relationships she has with her family & friends are completely artificial. There is not a believable character in this story.

Library Usage
This book could be used as part of a young adult book club.

Journal Reviews
Publishers Weekly
"In his first novel for kids, bestselling author Abrahams unspools a tale that fittingly gets curiouser and curiouser. The fresh dialogue and believable small-town setting will tempt fans to visit Echo Falls again for any sequels." Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

School Library Journal
"She [Ingrid] and the other main characters are all solidly drawn, including the newest member of her family, a droopy-eyed dog named Nigel. Deft use of literary allusions and ironic humor add further touches of class to a topnotch mystery."–Susan W. Hunter, Riverside Middle School, Springfield, VT, Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Twilight by Stephanie Meyers

Book Summary
Bella Swan's mom has decided to get remarried and go on the road with her sports playing husband. In order to give her mom the freedom she needs, Bella moves to a small town called Forks to live with her dad. While in Forks she meets Edward and his very strange family. Clumsy Bella is always getting in trouble and somehow Edward is always there to save her. She soon learns of Edward's secret. He is a vampire. Edward and Bella fall in love and learn that being in love with a vampire has it definite disadvantages.

My Thoughts
This is a great, easy to read book for female readers. While Bella's whining can be quite annoying, the story itself is entertaining enough to get past it. It is easy to see why so many teens have fallen in love with Edward and his family and have become obsessed with Bella's world. The love they have is one that young girls fantasize about.

Library Usage
Due to the popularity of this book, there is a great opportunity to introduce young adult readers to other books as well. I would create a Reader's Advisory brochure (and web page) recommended books to read for those who enjoyed the Twilight series. I would also create programs for young adults that are related to Twilight.

Journal Reviews
School Library Journal, February 01, 2006
"One of the more original vampire constructs around... Although Edward and Bella's romance and subsequent danger develops slowly, the pacing is appropriate for teens who want learn all the details in this suspenseful tale. An excellent purchase for both school and public libraries." -Charli Osborne, Oxford Public Library, MI Copyright 2006 Reed Business Information.

Booklist, November 15, 2005
"This is a book of the senses: Edward is first attracted by Bella's scent; ironically, Bella is repelled when she sees blood. Their love is palpable, heightened by their touches, and teens will respond viscerally. There are some flaws here--a plot that could have been tightened, an over reliance on adjectives and adverbs to bolster dialogue--but this dark romance seeps into the soul." --Ilene Cooper Copyright 2005

The City of Ember by Jeanne DuPrau

Book Summary
Lina & Doon were born and raised in the City of Ember. There is no sun in Ember and no neighboring cities. Ember's power is supplied completely by a generator and it's obvious to everyone that the generator is dying. In an effort to fix the generator and save Ember, Lina & Doon discover a way out and soon learn the history of how Ember came to be.

My Thoughts
I couldn't put this book down. The characters were very well developed as was the City of Ember itself. It was easy to create a visual image of the city in my mind complete with streets and buildings. I rooted for Lina & Doon and enjoyed being a part of their growing friendship.

Library Usage
This book would be a great book club read. It is an easy read for middle schoolers and offers many points for discussion.

Journal Reviews
School Library Journal, May 01, 2003
"DuPrau debuts with a promisingly competent variation on the tried-and-true "isolated city" theme. ...the quick pace and the uncomplicated characters and situations will keep voracious fans of the genre engaged" .-John Peters, New York Public Library

Booklist, April 15, 2003
"Readers will relate to Lina and Doon's resourcefulness and courage in the face of ominous odds." --Sally Estes

Hoot by Carl Hiaasen

Book Summary
When Roy moves from Montana to Florida, he expects the usual attacks by bullies and loneliness in the cafeteria at lunch but he never counted on the running boy that he sees from the school bus. His curiosity gets the best of him as he follows the boy in an effort to learn more about him. He does learn about the boy and soon becomes friends with him and his sister. He also learns of the burrowing owls who are about to get buried by the construction of a new pancake house. Will Roy and his friends be able to stop the construction and save the owls?

My Thoughts
In a time when the state of our environment is a pressing issue, this story makes young adults aware of some of the problems that come along with land development. It also shows them that even students can make a big difference when they set their minds to it. This book presents an excellent environmentally proactive story that, while a little slow at times, is interesting to the reader. It also addresses the issues of bulling and being the new kid in town.

Library Usage
This is a great book to booktalk in the schools around Earth Day in April. It would also be a good introduction to a community service project or a trip to a bird sanctuary.

Journal Reviews
Publishers Weekly, May 17, 2004
"With a Florida setting and pro-environment, anti-development message, Hiaasen returns to familiar turf for his first novel for young readers. Several suspenseful scenes, along with dollops of humor, help make this quite a hoot indeed."

Booklist, October 15, 2002
" The story is full of offbeat humor, buffoonish yet charming supporting characters, and genuinely touching scenes of children enjoying the wildness of nature. He [Hiassen] deserves a warm welcome into children's publishing." --Bill Ott

Monster by Walter Dean Myers

Book Summary
Sixteen year old Steve Harmon is on trial for murder after supposedly taking part in a convenience store robbery that results in the killing of the store owner. Steve decides to deal with his situation by turning the events that unfold into a movie and so the book "Monster" is born. His script depicts the trial itself and includes all stage/camera directions. Every statement made by the lawyers and judges and every testimony given by every witness is included. When the trial is not in session, Steve writes journal pages where he writes about his life in jail and his personal thoughts on what has happened to him. Throughout the trial, Steve often wonders whether or not he is the monster that he has been accused of being.

My Thoughts
A good book for high school students and one that can be enjoyed by both sexes. I thought the script format of the book allowed the reader to really get into Steve Harmon's head and watch the trail as it unfolds along with him. There were certain parts of the trial that seemed to me a little unrealistic but seeing as I have never studied any type of law, I could be completely wrong. Overall, this is a good realistic fiction book that focuses on a situation that could happen to students that get involved in the wrong crowd.

Library Usage
A good book talk book for high school classes focusing on criminal justice or social studies classes discussing the legal system or gangs.

Journal Reviews
School Library Journal, 1999
"Monster will challenge readers with difficult questions, to which there are no definitive answers. Monster lends itself well to classroom or group discussion. It's an emotionally charged story that readers will find compelling and disturbing." - Edward Sullivan, New York Public Library, Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Booklist
"Myers combines an innovative format, complex moral issues, and an intriguingly sympathetic but flawed protagonist in this cautionary tale of a 16-year-old on trial for felony murder." - Debbie Carton

The School Story by Andrew Clements

Book Summary
In The School Story, Natalie and Zoe (two best friends) decide to get Natalie's first novel professionally published. Zoe decides that Natalie's novel is too good not to be published and comes up with a plan to make it happen. Natalie finishes her novel, takes on the pen name Cassandra Day and sends her novel to the publishing company where her mom is an editor. With Zoe as her literary agent, Ms. Clayton as their adult adviser, and eventually the help of Zoe's lawyer dad, the girls manage to get the novel edited by Natalie's unsuspecting mother and published by her company. A reveal of the author to her editor (mother) at the end of the story in a publicity stunt pulled of by Zoe, launches the book onto the children's bestseller list.

My Thoughts
While I often question the possibility of the events in the book actually happening, I was drawn into this book through the interesting characters and the adventure they embark on. It is easy to envision myself at their age wanted to write and publish a book on my own without anyone knowing. Although the ending is somewhat predicable, the story itself was enough to keep me interested the entire time I was reading.

Library Usage
This book would make for a great discussion when talking to elementary age students about books for recreational reading. It could be used to offer a challenge for children to create their own story for "publication" at the library.

Journal Reviews
From Publishers Weekly, September 2002
"In a starred review, PW called this book about a 12-year-old aspiring author a "standout. Indeed a 'school story,' this is at heart a tale about the love between a father and a daughter." Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.

School Library Journal
"The girls are believable characters, completely different, yet better friends because of it. Selznick's black-and-white illustrations add humorous details. A comic novel that's a sure winner." - Terrie Dorio, Santa Monica Public Library, CA. Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

Booklist
"Clements' story of how two 12-year-olds sell a book is amazingly believable, and his characters are as real as the reader's best friends. Children will connect with thoughtful, talented Natalie as she comes to terms with her father's death through her story, and with brash, loyal Zoe, who gets things done. They'll be drawn quickly into the story's action as the girls plan, connive, write and rewrite, and ultimately celebrate the book's publication. Brian Selznick's occasional illustrations add zest. Be prepared for kids lining up to read this one." - Chris Sherman, Copyright © American Library Association.

The Stinky Cheese Man and Other Fairly Stupid Tales

Book Summary
In this story narrated by Jack (as in Jack and the Bean Stalk), popular
fairy tales turn into "fairly stupid tales" that will make any reader, young or old or somewhere in between, giggle to themselves (and maybe even out loud). Each tale is a favorite retold in a shorter , cut to the chase way with a sarcastic tone and abstract illustrations. Stories like "The Princess and the Bowling Ball", where the prince takes the selection of his bride into his own hands, offer a refreshing new take on happily ever after.

My Thoughts
The Stinky Cheese Man is a must read for everyone. After finishing it at the library, I knew this was a book that must be added to my home collection. Simply put, it is a fun.

Library Usage
I would recommend this book be used in a storytime setting with elementary school children. It's also a book I would recommend to parents who are trying to get their children more interested in reading.

Journal Reviews
Booklist Review, Sept. 1, 1992
"It will take older children (that's teens along with 10s) to follow the disordered story lines and appreciate the narrative's dry wit, wordplay, and wacky, sophomoric jokes. There's more than a touch of black humor, too. Smith's New Wave art is an intricate part of the whole, extending as well as reinforcing the narrative; the pictures are every bit as comically insolent and deliberately clever as the words, with Smith's dark palette giving them a moody feeling. Every part of the book bears the loving, goofy stamp of its creators, and while their humor won't appeal to everyone, their endeavors will still attract a hefty following of readers--from 9 to 99." -- Stephanie Zvirin

Kirkus Reviews, September 15, 1992
"From the front jacket copy to the Little Red Hen's hack-cover diatribe, the parodic humor here runs riot. AH of this is fairly amusing, but what's most unusual is the innovative play with typography and Smith's wondrously bizarre and expressive art. Irrepressibly zany fun."