April 2018

Grades 6 - 8: The only thing fourteen-year-old David Miller is really good at is eating. He can eat an entire sixteen-inch pepperoni pizza in four minutes and thirty-two seconds. When he accidentally places a successful $2,000 bid on the half-eaten hot dog that symbolizes the loss his favorite competitive eater Jooky Garafolo suffered at the last Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest, David suddenly needs money fast, before his mom gets the credit card bill. Luckily, his local pizza parlor will be hosting a pizza eating contest at the Iowa State Fair. The grand prize is $5,000. David convinces his friends Heyman and Cyn to invest and uses their money to start training, eating raw cabbage to stretch his stomach and practicing technique with pizzas. At the same time, David spends most of his summer babysitting his younger brother Mal, who has autism. David’s relationship with Mal is the heart of “Slider,” though the competitive eating aspects are interesting and often hilarious. Through their relationship, as well as those between the rest of the family members, David’s college-age sister Bridgette and his parents, the book explores family dynamics and expectations. In a poignant scene, David asks his parents why they can accept Mal completely but can’t accept his mistake or his talent. He also learns, slowly, that he’s good at more than just eating. Verdict: Funny and sweet, “Slider” is a great bridge book between middle grade and YA.

Curricular Use: Reviewer: Becky Standal, Youth Services Specialist, Longview Public Library

P - K, Grades 1 - 3, Grades 4 - 5, Grades 6 - 8: The true story of Jessica Kensky, survivor of the Boston Marathon Bombing, and Rescue, the service dog who came to live with and help her. The story is told from the points of view of both Rescue and Jessica as they go on their journey of a new life. Rescue was supposed to start out as seeing eye dog but the trainers decided to make him a support dog instead. Jessica was used to walking and running on two legs but suffered a major injury that cost her a leg. Jessica had to relearn how to walk and function in life. Rescue had to learn how to carry, fetch, open doors, and other tasks to become a support dog. One day while Jessica was in the hospital she saw a support dog demonstration and signed up to receive one. Rescue became that dog and her best friend, especially since Jessica had to lose her other leg as well. Jessica and Rescue developed a strong bond that helped both of them become better. Verdict: This is a great book to read to students to teach that they can overcome obstacles. I also like how this book goes back and forth between the dogs perspective and Jessica's making it a fun read for children.

Curricular Use: Social skills, learning to overcome obstacles, teaching perseverance.

Reviewer: Christopher Anderson, Librarian/Media Specialist, St. Helens/Columbia Heights Elementaries

Grades 4 - 5, Grades 6 - 8: Star Scouts book 2. In this paperback, full-color graphic novel Avani's troop meeting is interrupted when Avani gets an invite to join the elite League of Lasers scouts. At the tryout her spaceship crashes on an unknown planet and she discovers her nemisis, Pam, has also crashed there. The duo is helped by a boy named Frank who is thrilled to learn that aliens are real. He helps the girls evade the local police and gets them to a scientist who gives them a spaceship to get home. Verdict: This beautifully illustrated graphic novel shows strong, smart girls and the value of friendship. A great addition to any elementary or middle school library!

Curricular Use: Graphic Novels, Space Fiction, Aliens Fiction

Reviewer: Debby Iverson, Library Media Specialist, Coweeman Middle School

Grades 4 - 5, Grades 6 - 8: Max Tilt book 1. Thirteen-year-old Max is Jules Verne's great great great grandson and is "on the spectrum." He knows he's obsessive, quirky and smells different things based on his emotions. When his mother becomes seriously ill, his eighteen-year-old cousin, Alex, comes to live with him while his parents seek treatment for his mom. Alex discovers that the family is far behind in paying their bills and the electricity gets turned off. She decides they need to sell some things to get back on track and they discover an old trunk in the attic belonging to Jules Verne. They find an old book in the trunk and learn he left his descendants a small fortune, they just have to solve clues to find it. The teens end up running from a man who comes to buy the chest as he knows about the treasure and wants to find it for himself. They end up on a crazy submarine adventure following the footsteps of Verne's 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea.This story wraps up fairly well so it will be interesting to see where the next installment leads. Verdict: This is an action packed adventure that hooks readers from the first pages and keeps them reading until the end!

Curricular Use: Adventure Fiction, Pleasure reading

Reviewer: Debby Iverson, Library Media Specialist, Coweeman Middle School

Grades 4 - 5, Grades 6 - 8: Gustave and his family come to New York to escape the dangers of Nazi occupied France. The story follows his adventures, challenges, and friendships during the months that follow. Though some of the same issues arise in the New World, Gustave realizes life here is much better than it was in France. The story unfolds in a rich manner with many side bits filling out the protagonist's day to day experiences. Verdict: The 3 dimensional characters and lesser known historical elements make this story a satisfying historical fiction.

Curricular Use: Skating with the Statue of Liberty can easily be used as supplemental reading for a sociology class or American history class. It certainly stands on its own as an excellent book to read.

Reviewer: Mars Datura, Guest Reviewer, Cathlamet Public Library

Grades 4 - 5, Grades 6 - 8: The Apprentice Witch book 1. Young Arianwyn is dejected after failing her witch's examine. She has been placed as an apprentice witch in a small town far away from her home. Things get off to a rough start when a variety of magical critters get the best of her. She really begins to doubt herself when she begins seeing a strange gylph more frequently and when she gives it a try dark shadows appear. When her school nemesis ends up in town with her, Arianwyn it as her wit's end. When a rift is opened and a dark creature comes through, it is up to Arianwyn to dig deep and save the village. Readers will be rooting for Arianwyn as they turn the pages in this refreshing story. Verdict: This is a fabulous fantasy adventure about believing in yourself and overcoming fears. I can't wait until the next installment comes out!

Curricular Use: Fantasy, Pleasure reading

Reviewer: Debby Iverson, Library Media Specialist, Coweeman Middle School

Grades 1 - 3, Grades 4 - 5: Jack and Annie are hesitant to go to baseball try outs because they were not successful last year. A baseball falls in front of them. They run and climb the Magic Tree House to find two magic baseball caps and a book of the History of Baseball. Wishing to go there they end up in Brooklyn, New York, in 1947. They are bat boys and the hats make them knowledgeable and all around them believe they are who they say they are. Befriended by twins Olive and Otis they help them to Ebbets Field. At the field they are greeted as Bat Boys and lead into the locker room to get all the gear ready. Strangely, Jack and Annie know everything they are to do. It is a special day at the field and they learn that it was the first day Jackie Robinson played on a white major league baseball team. The crowd was split in their support of this event. Jack and Annie were discovered and run out of the field. They were taken to Otis and Olive's house to meet the grannies. Their great, great granny was baseball wise and had a collection of baseballs from the field. So Jack and Annie presented her with their ball that was signed by Jackie Robinson. Their adventure was over and they returned home. Now anxious to get to the try outs of their own. Verdict: Another great adventure with Jack and Annie to introduce history to the young readers this book will entertain many.

Curricular Use:

Reviewer: Debbie Johnson, Library/Media Specialist, Wallace Elementary School Library, Kelso

P - K, Grades 1 - 3, Grades 4 - 5, Grades 6 - 8: A wonderful book that is just illustrations but captures the emotions of the two characters. This is the story of two boys who are drawing lines opposite each other and end up bumping into each other. The boys realize they can connect their lines together to become a three dimensional string to play with. However, one boy doesn't pay attention and ends up wrapping it around the other,knocking him down, and laughing. The second boy becomes angry and pulls back knocking the first down. As they argue a rift in the string begins to form a deep fissure between the two boys leaving them upset and sullen. The second boy realizes that the fissure is a drawing that can be erased and redrawn into something new. The boys work together to fix the fissure and their argument ending with the pair walking off together as friends. Verdict: I love the way the author/illustrator uses the boys clothes and hair as contrasting black and white along with the changes in background color to depict the mood as the story progresses. Though there are no words a lot can develop in discussions with students about what the story is trying to convey.

Curricular Use: Social skills, creative writing, analysis of behavior.

Reviewer: Christopher Anderson, Library/Media Specialist, St. Helens/Columbia Heights Elementaries

Grades 6 - 8, Grade 5: Maverick lives a tough life and middle school is off to a rocky start. His dad died in the military when he was three and his mom, who has a problem with alcohol, has had a long string of drunken abusive boyfriends ever since. Maverick decides that he wants to help other kids who get bullied by silently becoming the sheriff of sixth grade as a honor to his dad who had given him a plastic sheriff's badge. However, his interventions always go wrong and he ends up in the assistant principal's office often. Maverick gets in a real fight that and he ends up seriously injured in a fight (his hidden badge breaks and gets imbedded in his chest). To make matters worse, a fire in his apartment injures his mom and kills his hamster. At this point his mom seeks treatment and Maverick's former enemies become some new friends. Verdict: An honest account of a student who lives in poverty and sees domestic violence happen to his mom. It is a story of hope and overcoming obstacles. This one will stick with readers long after the book has been read.

Curricular Use: Realism, Domestic Violence Fiction, Poverty Fiction

Reviewer: Debby Iverson, Library Media Specialist, Coweeman Middle School

Grades 4 - 5, Grades 6 - 8: This paperback, full-color graphic novel is based on the novel by the same name. A set of dragon eggs were taken and hatched in hopes of following the prophecy and ending the dragon wars. However, not all of the eggs are the correct kind and the young dragons, dragonets, don't seem to be matching up to their breed characteristics. The dragonets learn their safety is in jeopardy and escape, only to be captued by Queen Scarlet who wants to perpetuate the war. The dragonets slowly learn about their true skills/abilities and eventually injure Queen Scarlet and escape. Verdict: This will certainly create new readers for this wonderful fantasy novel series!

Curricular Use: Graphic Novels, Fantasy, Dragons Fictin

Reviewer: Debby Iverson, Library Media Specialist, Coweeman Middle School

P - K, Grades 1 - 3: This story is done in a lyrical rhyme. I can almost envision a melody going along with this story. The message this story brings is impressive. Love who you are, you are enough. Be kind to others and respect all. The illustrations really help add to the story. Verdict: I love the positive message this story tells.

Curricular Use:

Reviewer: Tracy Robinson, Librarian, Robert Gray

P - K, Grades 1 - 3, Grades 4 - 5: Taylor was building an amazing building out of blocks. A flock of birds came swooshing down and knocked down all the blocks. This made Taylor feel sad. Many animals came and tried to give her suggestions on things that maybe would help her feel better. Taylor didn't feel like doing and of the suggested things, and she still felt bad. A rabbit came and just sat by her. This made Taylor feel a little better. Then Taylor started talking and talking. Rabbit just listened. By the time Taylor stopped talking she felt much better. Verdict: I loved this book because it shows how powerful it is to just listen. This would be a great model for children.

Curricular Use:

Reviewer: Tracy Robinson, Librarian, Robert Gray

P - K, Grades 1 - 3: In the tone of a leopard can't change its spots, A Lion is a Lion questions is a lion a lion if you give it a hat, an umbrella to carry, if he skips down the street singing, invites himself in, shows, manners, dances, invites himself to lunch even if you are the lunch? Of course it is still a lion and you can't change that. But make sure to tell the lion to "Go" and say "No" and "Now...Shooo!" or he may still try to eat you. Verdict: A fun book that kids of younger ages will enjoy, and help teach that somethings just can not be changed no matter how hard you try.

Curricular Use: Read aloud or social skills.

Reviewer: Christopher Anderson, Library/Media Specialist, St. Helens/Columbia Heights Elementaries

Grades 1 - 3, Grades 4 - 5, Grades 6 - 8: This is a collection of poems, written in Spanish, about famous hispanic people from around the world. The text is interesting to read and the bright illustrations provide a face for readers to associate with the name. Two standout poems for this reader were about Arnold Rojas and Julia de Burgos. The book was read by student, Grissele, and discussed with me with some help from our interpreter. Verdict: A good book to add to your collection of Spanish materials. Works well as a read aloud or independent reading.

Curricular Use: Spanish Materials, Poetry, Biographies

Reviewer: Debby Iverson, Library Media Specialist, Coweeman Middle School

Grades 2 - 4: Cucumber Quest book 1. This hardcover, full color graphic novel finds Cucumber, a boy who is ready to go off to magician school, and his adventerous sister, Almond, in a battle with evil Queen Cordelia's henchmen over the destiny of their kingdom. Cucumber and Almond must find the Dream Sword in hopes of defeating the Nightmare Knight. The siblings make new friends as they journey around the Doughnut Kingdom trying to find Saturday, who has stolen the sword. Cucumber and Almond visit Saltine to cross the sea and are thrown from the boat when it's attacked by a giant squid, leaving us waiting for the next installment. Verdict: This quirky, sassy graphic novel is perfect for elementary students and funny enough for middle schoolers who need a lower reading level.

Curricular Use: Graphic Novels

Reviewer: Debby Iverson, Library Media Specialist, Coweeman Middle School

Grades 6 - 8: TBH book 1. Three girls have been BFFs for a long time and are excited about starting middle school and the sixth grade. Their friendship becomes strained as a new girl comes into their lives. The new girl tries to make friends with them, but the trio isn't really interested and the new girl's mom makes a stink about it. The principal makes an issue about social cruelty and parents take phones away leaving the girls to communicate through archaic email. Life lessons are learned and new friendships made during this turbulent year. While don't the new girl's mom's character is over the top, it does bring the consequences of texting before one thinks to life. Verdict: Young middle school girls will enjoy this story!

Curricular Use: Pleasure readings, Bullying Fiction, Middle Schools Fiction

Reviewer: Debby Iverson, Library Media Specialist, Coweeman Middle School

Grades 1 - 3, Grades 4 - 5: This book is a brief introduction to the national park. Harry S Truman dedicated the Everglades in 1947. It is 1.5 million acres filled with unusual flora and amazing wildlife. Many ecosystems can be found in the Everglades.

The reader will be impressed with this location. Verdict: It is so important to introduce our country to our young readers and seeing it through our national parks is prime.

Curricular Use:

Reviewer: Debbie Johnson, Library/Media Specialist, Wallace Elementary School Library, Kelso

Grades 1 - 3, Grades 4 - 5: This book has easy to follow instructions to do home experiments. Many of the experiments can be done completely by children without any adult supervision.

Each experiment tells what you will be making, the supplies you will need, and step by step instructions. Then it tells what is happening, and what if? Verdict: Then will be awesome for curious minds that love knowing more about science.

Curricular Use: Science

Reviewer: Tracy Robinson, Librarian, Robert Gray

P - K, Grades 1 - 3, Grades 4 - 5: This is the story of Harper Lee, the author of To Kill a Mockingbird. It tells how she came to be a writer, and what inspired her to write this book. Verdict: I love the story "To Kill a Mockingbird" so I was excited to read the inspiration that went into writing this novel.

Curricular Use: Great read for biographies

Reviewer: Tracy Robinson, Librarian, Robert Gray

Grades 4 - 5, Grades 6 - 8: This nonfiction book investigates the declining Monarch butterfly numbers. It looks at its migration, habitat loss, loss of food source and what people are doing to trach the Monarchs as well as ways to help them increase their numbers. Readers will be drawn in by the rich photographs and interesting text. Verdict: A good pick for upper elmentary and middle school libraries.

Curricular Use: Nonfiction, Butterflies, Migration

Reviewer: Debby Iverson, Library Media Specialist, Coweeman Middle School

P - K, Grades 1 - 3: Elephant needs his back scratched. Every animal he asked was unable to scratch his back until he meets up with wither a porcupine or a hedgehog. Elephant was able to pick him up and scratch his back with his quills, and it worked perfectly. Verdict: Cute and funny story.

Curricular Use: You could talk about being aware of others needs.

Reviewer: Tracy Robinson, Librarian, Robert Gray

Grades 4 - 5, Grades 6 - 8, Grades 9 - 12: This book highlights the work of artist Sean Kinney, who creates small and large, life-like sculptures out of Lego bricks. Mr. Kinney discusses the inspiration and a few building details about many of his famous creations. This coffee table size book has beautiful clear photographs that vividly capture the creations. I do wish it included a few directions for children to be able to create/relicate something, even very small, in this fabulous book. Verdict: While I do wish the binding was sturdier for library usage, Lego fans young and old will find inspiration to create.

Curricular Use: Legos, Pleasure reading

Reviewer: Debby Iverson, Library Media Specialist, Coweeman Middle School

Grades 4 - 5, Grades 6 - 8: Monsters Unleashed book 1. Freddy is the new kid in 6th grade and tired of getting bullied. He and his only friend decide to printer the monster drawings that Freddy has created of the three worst bullies and will make a movie with them. However, something goes awry and the three monsters that are printed actually are alive and bent on destruction. Freddy must enlist the help of the bullies to save their school and town from utter destruction. This is a fast read and would be good for reluctant readers. The illustrations are fabulous and really bring the monsters to life. Verdict: This is a fun, unique fantasy adventure that will appeal to a broad range of upper elementary and middle school students.

Curricular Use: Reluctant readers, Fantasy, Monsters Fiction (not scary!)

Reviewer: Debby Iverson, Library Media Specialist, Coweeman Middle School

Grades 1 - 3, Grades 4 - 5: It is a good tactic to take and compare animals. Kids like to read comparisons of similar animals. Compare and contrast is an important less to teach and these books will help demonstrate.

Frogs have some distinct features that are visible different than toads.

Frogs eyes and nose are on top of their head and their eyes bulge. They have longer legs than toads. Frogs have longer pointed noses. Toads are more rounded body shape. Frogs have smooth bodies and toads are bumpy. Some similarities include the life cycle, food, safety.

The reader will find this book interesting and useful.

I believe it is an "Aha!" book. Verdict: Use with contrast and compare lessons.

Curricular Use:

Reviewer: Debbie Johnson, Library/Media Specialist, Wallace Elementary School Library

Grades 2 - 6: Part of the Wild Weather series. Dash! Leveled Readers Level 3. This nonfiction book looks at the basics of what a flood is, what causes it and the three types of floods. The simple text will appeal to young readers. The photographs are interesting and will appeal to older readers needing a lower reading level. The four words included in the glossary are in bold type. Verdict: This is a good book for introducing the concept of floods to young students. It also works for upper elmentary and middle school students needing a lower reading level.

Curricular Use: Nonfiction, Floods, Hi-Low

Reviewer: Debby Iverson, Library Media Specialist, Coweeman Middle School

Grades 4 - 5, Grades 6 - 8: When the school thug, Arthur, gets hired by Darius to accompany him to a scary house near a rough nieghborhood, Arthur gets much more than he bargained for. Arthur gets pulled into a mystery of long lost diamonds and learning the truth about the death of Darius' parents. Darius is determined and Arthur, who is really a teddy bear at heart, learns about courage and facing fears. This will especially appeal to upper elementary and middle school boys. Verdict: A interesting, fast-paced mystery that will keep readers turning pages to see if the diamonds will ever be found.

Curricular Use: Mystery and Detective stories

Reviewer: Debby Iverson, Library Media Specialist, Coweeman Middle School

P - K, Grades 1 - 3: Young Kate solves the wind problem for the man who lives at the very top of a very steep hill by bringing him some saplings to plant. Over time, the trees grow, along with their friendship, keeping the soil on the hill and stopping the wind from blowing so hard against the house. Told in repetitive verse, this story brings to life the important roles trees play in the environment. Also included is an end page with facts and resources about trees. Verdict: This will make a fun, engaging read aloud for young students.

Curricular Use: Picture books, Environment units

Reviewer: Debby Iverson, Library Media Specialist, Coweeman Middle School

Grades 4 - 6: The Lost Rainforest book 1. Orphaned panther sisters, Mez and Chumba, are living with their aunt's family. They are nightwalkers and only rise night comes. However, Mez finds it difficult to sleep during the day and breaks the family rule and ventures out during daylight. She encounters a snake that tells her she is a shadowwalker with magical powers and their are others like her who can help stop the reawkening of the evil Ant Queen. Mez is befriended by other animals that she wouldn't normally associate with and they gallant trek toward the ziggurat where they will keep the Ant Queen bound. However, the snake is a traitor who is taking their magical powers for himself and betrays both the shadowwalkers and the Ant Queen. Despite their best efforts, the Ant Queen awakens and escapes into the jungle. The shadowwalkers believe it is safer to return to their families and will meet back in one year to see what has happened and develop a plan from there. The ornamentations at neatly drawn and very cute. The author's note provides answers to questions, as well as some photographs, from his time spent in the Amazon Rainforest researching the book. Verdict: This will be popular with upper elementary animal and fantasty lovers alike!

Curricular Use: Fantasy

Reviewer: Debby Iverson, Library Media Specialist, Coweeman Middle School

Reviewer: Tracy Robinson, Librarian, Robert Gray

P - K, Grades 1 - 3: This book starts out telling why we celebrate Thanksgiving. It then gives a list of materials you will need to complete any project in the book. The crafts are easy, easy enough for children to do on their own. They are very cute and yummy crafts. There is quite a selection to choose from. Verdict: Great book for the crafters!

Curricular Use:

Reviewer: Tracy Robinson, Librarian, Robert Gray

Grades 3 - 5: Gabby's fairy (like) friend sneaks into her school bag, curious about what school is like. Gabby's classmate captures and steals the tiny Spinner to take him home with her. The classmate finds she can't make a pet out of a tiny Sparrow Man. The text flows easily, the adventures are gentle, yet there are a few challenging words to add up to a pleasant early chapter book in The Never Girls series. Verdict: This decent story is about friendship, how to treat others, and choosing acceptance/forgiveness over mistrust. It can stand alone or be included in the shelves with the rest of the series.

Curricular Use: Though the story could introduce a child to the concept of the rights of other beings, it is a sweet book to read - especially for summer fun.

Reviewer: Mars Datura, Guest Reviewer, Cathlamet Public Library

Grades 6 - 8: The Applewhites book 3. The homeschooled artist clan has just finished hosting their annual summer camp when a family friend announces that they would be a perfect fit for a cross-country contest sponsored by a wealthy art foundation. He also announces that his troubled neice, Melody, will be joining them. E.D. is usually excited about organizing the family's activities but she is reluctant to help with this one. Eventually E.D. comes on board and the chaotic adventure begins. It soon becomes apparent the Melody will do anything to get on the winner's tv show, even stealing one of the family's buses to get to California. Verdict: This is a humorous adventure that will lift the reader's spirits and create and interest in the arts.

Curricular Use: Pleasure reading, Artists Fiction, Action and Adventure

Reviewer: Debby Iverson, Library Media Specialist, Coweeman Middle School