February 2017

Granddaddy’s Turn: A Journeyy to the Ballot Box

Author: Bandy, Michael S. and Eric Stein

Illustrator: James E. Ransome

Candlewick, 2015

ISBN: 9780763665937

$16.99

Grades 4 - 5, Grades 6 - 8, Grades 9 - 12, Adult: Michael lives and works with his grandparents. Granddaddy's favorite response to him is "Patience son, patience." They grow vegetables, fish and cut wood together. One day, not a Sunday, Grandma gives Granddaddy his newly pressed suit. He hugs her, puts on the suit and a camera. With Michael in tow he is off to vote for the first time, the happiest day in his life. After he picks up the ballot Michael takes his photograph. Ready to turn it in, a registrar throws down a book and tells Granddaddy to read it. He cannot and the registrar tears up the ballot. Though angry, he only turns and leaves. He dies without ever having voted. But Michael takes the photograph of Granddaddy with him when HE votes. Verdict: Come on! Ransome illustrations? Heart-rending family story? What is not to love about this well-crafted picture book that shares a dark time in African American history and yet gives the reader hope.

Curricular Use: U.S. History teachers can use this to introduce a lesson on the civil rights struggles of the 1950s and 60s. Students can write about a personal injustice and how patience helped or did not help in the situation.

Reviewer: Joan Enders, Former Librarian, Follett School Solutions Trainer, Follett School Solutions

A Whole New Ballgame

Author: Bildner, Phil

Illustrator: Tim Probert

Farrar Straus Giroux, 2015

ISBN: 9780374301309

$15.99

3rd-6th: This book is a MUST! I don’t believe I’ve ever given an R+ for a book before, but this book demands it! I thought the book would be about basketball, but it is so much more! Rip and Red are the best of friends and have been for quite some time. They have a very specific routine for getting to school, but this year they find out that many changes have taken place. There are new people at school, including their teacher, Mr. Acevedo. He is a teacher like they’ve never seen or experienced before. It just so happens that Mr. Acevedo is the new basketball coach also! These two friends help each other at every turn and are stretched to learn about other people, as well. Rip has to work with Avery Goodman, a feisty girl who uses a wheelchair. They work on a class project and it’s tough at first. However, over time they grow to respect and like each other. Bildner develops his characters so well that the reader sees their growth, as people, over the course of the book. The complexity that is Red is magnificent and Bildner is so careful with his character development. Red is on the autism spectrum and the reader subtly starts to understand this as the story continues. Rip is an incredible friend and one that all of us would like to emulate. This is a beautiful story about kids being kids, doing kid things, but with an abundance of empathy for others. It doesn’t mean they don’t face difficult people or situations, but they help each other put their best foot forward and shine brightly. Verdict: My words do not do this book justice. I was touched by the friendship of the two boys, but also in their teacher’s approach to many things. There are subtle lessons to be learned here, and many may go right over the heads of the elementary clientele. However, there will be those who realize the specialness of this book and get the deeper message. A second book, Rookie of the Year, was published in July 2016.

Curricular Use: This would be a great read aloud and discussion piece for identifying and building empathy.

Reviewer: N. Williams, CLC Teacher, Castle Rock Elementary

Milk Goes to School

Author: Border, Terry

Illustrator: Terry Border

Philomel Books, 2016

ISBN: 9780399176197

$17.99

P - K, Grades 1 - 3: Students enjoy these books with bent objects by Terry Border. In this story, Milk is getting ready for her first day of school and her dad mentions that she is “la crème de la crème.” She mentions this at school and Waffle immediately thinks she is spoiled! There are several play on words in this story as Milk goes about her day interacting with Cupcake, Carrot, Miss Pear, Potato and others. The pictures are interesting and Border does a great job of using everyday objects in such a clever way. In the end, Waffle and Milk decide that the other is okay and they can be friends. Verdict: This is a very clever book and students recognized many of the characters from other books.

Curricular Use: This book is a great read aloud and can help students stretch their imaginations when observing how Border used common, everyday objects to create such entertaining stories.

Reviewer: N. Williams, CLC Teacher, Castle Rock Elementary

Du Iz Tak?

Author: Ellis, Carson

Illustrator: Ellis, Carson

Candlewick Press, 2016

ISBN: 9780763665302

$16.99

P - K, Grades 1 - 3, Grades 4 - 5: A plant starts to grow and all of the bugs want to know what it is. From sprout to full-fledged flower, there is danger, like a spider building its web over the plant, and surprise. Oh! The best part is that the text is not in familiar english words, meaning that the reader must infer based on illustrations and unusual text. What a puzzle! What great fun! Verdict: Excellent thinking book. The pictures aid the text so well. Educational and interesting.

Curricular Use: Great text for teaching inference and decoding. Genius.

Reviewer: Katy Olson, Elementary Librarian, St. Helens Library

Thousand-Mile Fliers and Other Amazing Migrators

Author: Hirsch, Rebecca E.

Illustrator: NA

Lerner, 2017

ISBN: 9781512425468

$22.99

Grades 1 - 3, Grades 4 - 5: Part of the Animal Superpowers series. This nonfiction book highlights the migration of wildebeests, monarch butterflies, leatherback sea turtles and arctic terns, as well as snapshots of several other animals. The colorful photographs add further engaging details to the rich text. While geared toward elementary students, this one would also appeal to midle school students who need books at a lower reading level. Verdict: This one is sure to be a hit with elementary animal lovers!

Curricular Use: Migration, animal habitats

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

Lost and Found Cat: The True Story of Kunkush's Incredible Journey

Author: Kuntz, Doug & Amy Shrodes

Illustrator: Sue Cornelison

Crown Books for Young Readers, 2017

ISBN: 9781524715472

$17.99

Grades 1 - 3: This beautiful picture book details the story of a refugee family that flees Mosul, Iraq to a new home in Oslo, Norway. When their rubber raft land in Greece, their cat, Kunkush, escapes his broken carrier and runs into the woods. The family is heartbroken to leave him behind. Later a volunteer finds Kunkush and gets him medical attention before trying to locate his family. Fours months later Kunkush is reunited with his family. Also included are a series of photographs of the family when they are reunited. Verdict: A powerful book showing the plight of refugees as they try to keep their entire family, including pets, together.

Curricular Use: Cats, refugees, lost pets

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

Sharing the Bread: An Old-Fashioned Thanksgiving Story

Author: Miller, Pat Zietlow

Illustrator: Jill McElmurry

schwartz & wade, 2015

ISBN: 9780307981820

$17.99

Grades 1 - 3, Grades 4 - 5, Grades 6 - 8, Grades 9 - 12, Adult: Four-line verses share how a family prepares their Thanksgiving feast: mama, daddy, sister, brother, grandpa, grandma, auntie, uncle and the baby who contributes by sleeping through the preparations. The costuming indicates Edwardian times in a country home. Verdict: The perky verses with its the period costuming and home are authentically represented. Showing how an entire family works together to make the feast demonstrates a great model for togetherness.

Curricular Use: Instructors may use this as a segue/introduction for creative writing projects on either students' Thanksgiving stories, or their perfect Thanksgiving.

Reviewer: Joan Enders, Former Librarian, Follett School Solutions Trainer, Follett School Solutions

Dig Too Deep

Author: Allgeyer, Amy

Illustrator: NA

Albert Whitman & Company, 2016

ISBN: 9780807515808

$16.99

Grades 9 - 12: Part "Veronica Mars", part "Erin Brokovich", part "A Civil Action" this title by Amy Allgeyer is heavy on environmental responsibility. Liberty Briscoe's mother has always been an activist in Washington, D. C. Unfortunately, Liberty doesn't share her mother's extremist proclivities, so when Liberty's mother lands in jail for a bombing associated with one of her groups and Liberty is shipped to the backwoods of a small Kentucky coal mining town, Liberty would like to wash her hands of her mother and call the relationship ended. Liberty isn't a complete stranger to Ebbotsville, but her extended absence renders her an outsider. Nothing about Ebbotsville--with the exception of Liberty's much loved grandmother--fits with her more cosmopolitan lifestyle and former prep school. Her plan: keep her head down, try not to attract too much attention, and finish high school. It doesn't take long for Liberty to discover that her grandmother is dying. It doesn't take much longer for Liberty to figure out that it is the coal mining company's new way of mining that is stirring up toxins and poisoning the water. Sure enough, everyone living on the east side of Tanner's Peak is dying by inches, and Liberty is determined to change that. Allgeyer does an excellent job of creating the tensions between citizens who are watching their livelihood dry up, corporate desires for improved profits, and those who suspect the health issues are caused by the industry but who are equally tied to it for financial reasons. The cover isn't much to recommend it, but students who have checked this title out have declared it good. Verdict: This environmentally conscious title requires a little book talking, but is one that has enough romance, racketeering, and heart to keep students reading. The strength of the plot ties to Next Generation Science Standards make this a solid purchasing choice.

Curricular Use: This is a title that I book talk for U. S. History and Contemporary World Problems classes. Though the corporate owner is a little overblown, the issues are worthy of discussion. This title could be used very successfully with the Next Generation Standards of Interdependent Relationships in Ecosystems (HS-LS2). It provides ample fodder for research and argument based on the plot points and nonfiction research on coal mining methodology.

Reviewer: Jodi Kruse, Teacher Librarian, R. A. Long High School

Mission to Pluto: The First Visit to an Ice Dwarf and the Kuiper Belt

Author: Carson, Mary Kay

Illustrator: Tom Uhlman (photographer)

Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2016

ISBN: 9780544416710

$18.99

Grades 6 - 8, Grade 5: Part of the Scientists in the Field series. This information-packed nonfiction book chronicles the New Horizons NASA misson that has taken and sent back the first photographs of Pluto and its surrounding moons while on its journey to the Kuiper Belt. The clearly written text brings the complex subject of space travel to a level that middle school students can readily understand. The rich photographs and computer generated illustrations really make the reader feel a part of the story. Also includes glossary, index and references. Verdict: A great addition for every middle school library!

Curricular Use: Pluto, space travel

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

When Friendship Followed Me Home

Author: Griffin, Paul

Illustrator: NA

Dial Books for Young Readers, 2016

ISBN: 9780803738164

$16.99

Grades 6 - 8, Grades 9 - 12: Ben is claimed by a small dog right before his own world changes dramatically. An orphan himself, Ben Coffin was adopted by a wise and free spirit who soon dies leaving Ben behind. Through his following challenges, the 12 year old boy finds, with the mutt beside him, how the magic of friendship, compassion, and love can bring on new adventures and healing. The language is simpler than the concepts, which allows the reader to find their way through the ideas and perspectives explored by the author. Though there is a high level of acceptance amongst the people in the story, the characters still reflect people in the real world. Verdict: This is an incredibly well written book embracing themes of acceptance, compassion, and healing with a large dose of humor to keep the story palatable to the younger reader.

Curricular Use: Though this heart filled book is an excellent read in and of itself, I recommend it for any teen dealing with family issues of cancer, death, and/or dying.

Reviewer: Mars Datura, Guest Reviewer, Cathlamet Public Library

To Stay Alive

Author: Skila, Brown

Illustrator: NA

Candlewick Press, 2016

ISBN: 978-763678111

$17.99

Grades 6 - 8, Grades 9 - 12: "To Stay Alive" is a historical fictional account of the journey of the Donner Party, as told in verse by Mary Ann Graves. Mary Ann, nineteen, and her family, journey from Lacon, Illinois, to Sutter's Fort, California. The journey by wagon, begins during the Spring of 1846, and ends, on foot, in the Spring of 1847. 1,700 harrowing, unimaginable miles filled with dirt, disease, murder, malnutrition, taking the wrong route, being lost, disoriented, separated from family, starvation, death, cannibalism, and finally, reaching the promised land. The novel-in-verse is excellently executed. The economy of words conveys the tension, the emotion, the despair, the anger, and the hope, and it creates vivid imagery. '"We'll get to water soon," I say. But then I close my lips because letting out words, letting in air, makes my throat crack with dry. Ahead I only see waves of heat curving the land smearing the sky.' The Donner Party is best known for cannibalism. Brown does not gloss over or sugar-coat the fact that in order to survive, members of the Donner Party had to eat those who perished during the winter. Game was scarce or non-existent in the high, snow-packed Sierra Nevadas. Brown includes an Epilogue and Historical Facts at the end of the book, meshing fact with fiction. "To Stay Alive" is a book that stayed with me long after I finished reading it. The strength, fortitude, courage, sheer will and determination the pioneers had to survive astound me. I don't know if I would have been so brave. Verdict: "To Stay Alive" is a quick read, and because it is told in verse, the story is not bogged down with unnecessary details or descriptions. I liked the novel-in-verse format. I recommend this book, especially to students who are interested in historical fiction.

Curricular Use: Independent reading, creative writing, poetry writing, history lessons on Western Expansion.

Reviewer: Debbie Rock, Library Media Specialist, Kelso High School

Duct Tape Costumes

Author: Bernhardt Carolyn

Illustrator: Bernhardt Carolyn

Lerner, 2017

ISBN: 9781512426670

$NA

P - K, Grades 1 - 3, Grades 4 - 5: This book will be great for enthusiastic young crafters. It gives lots of fun ideas of different things you can do with duct tape. There are step by step instructions with illustrations showing how to do each step. Verdict: Recommended.

Curricular Use: Use with learning how to follow written instructions. You could also use it with writing, how to write instructions.

Reviewer: Tracy Robinson, Librarian, Robert Gray Elementary

Circle

Author: Baker, Jeannie

Illustrator: Jeannie Baker

Candlewick Press, 2016

ISBN: 9780763679668

$17.99

P - K, Grades 1 - 3: Jeannie Baker writes about the migration of the godwit bird from one end of the world to the other. The text is arranged in poem-form. The illustrations include different textures like fabric for clothing. Before the title page, the author includes a page of a boy lying in bed, with a wheelchair next to his bed, and a thought bubble that reads: “Ahhhh - I wish I could fly!”

Then, on the official first page, the reader sees the boy sitting in his wheelchair looking at the flock of godwits through his binoculars. It seems the boy is going on a journey himself, from not being able to walk and being pushed in a wheelchair to being able to walk on crutches to chasing after a dog on the beach at the end of the book.

The Australian author/illustrator includes the struggles the godwits have to find a place to feed as the Asian wetlands increasingly disappear due to the land being developed.

The book “Circle” includes an author’s note and a godwits’ migration map.

Verdict: The book covers important topics and is beautifully illustrated.

Curricular Use: The book lends itself to discuss bird migration, and how changes have consequences.

Reviewer: Sonja Sample, Child and Family Liaison, Lower Columbia College Head Start

Bad Kitty Scaredy-Cat

Author: Bruel, Nick

Illustrator: Bruel, Nick

Roaring Brook Press, 2016

ISBN: 9781596439788

$16.99

P - K, Grades 1 - 3: It's Halloween and Bad Kitty gets spooked by all of the trick-or-treaters in her neighborhood, until she remembers she's not a scaredy-Kitty, she's a BAD kitty. Verdict: Buy it. The kids eat them up.

Curricular Use: One could use this book to discuss/define adjectives and verbs.The alphabet is used several times throughout to describe Bad Kitty and the trick-or-treaters, as well as to give action words of ways Bad Kitty interacts with them.

Reviewer: Katy Olson, Elementary Librarian, St. Helens Elementary

Grover Cleveland, Again!

Author: Burns, Ken

Illustrator: Gerald Kelley

Alfred A. Knopf, 2016

ISBN: 9780385392099

$25.00

3-6: I was a little surprised that the title of this book was called Grover Cleveland, Again, when the book is about all of the American Presidents. However, once I read the note from the author, it made complete sense and he had a very endearing reason. Ken Burns does a great job describing each president with a few short paragraphs on each one. He writes about each president's most important feat during their term along with a few fun facts. Besides the important things each president accomplished while in office, Ken "talks about who they were or are as people. Verdict: The author did a very nice job of putting it into an easy read context for kids.

Curricular Use: A great book on American Presidents.

Reviewer: Katie Walling, CLC Para, CRES

My Little Pony: Friends Forever Pinkie Pie & Apple Jack

Author: De Campi, Alex

Illustrator: McNeill, Carla Speed

ABDO, 2017

ISBN: 9781614795087

$17.99

Grades 1 - 3, Grades 4 - 5: It's a bake -off for Pinkie Pie and Apple Jack. Lots of high jinks and hilarity in this episode of My Little Pony. Verdict: My students love these books... high appeal for kids.

Curricular Use: Entertainment

Reviewer: Katy Olson, Elementary Librarian, St. Helens Elementary

Wally Does Not Want a Haircut

Author: Driscoll, Amanda

Illustrator: Amanda Driscoll

Alfred A. Knopf, 2016

ISBN: 9780553535792

$16.99

P - K, Grades 1 - 3: Wally does not want a haircut, even though his hair tends to trip him up and prevents him from giving his mama a hug. All the barnyard animals get fun new hairstyles to try and convince Wally to get a haircut, but he still won't get one. Then when all the animals have a hoedown, Wally wants to join. However, Wally's hair is stuck in the hay. Will Wally change his mind and get a haircut so he can join his friends? Verdict: This is an adorable story.

Curricular Use:

Reviewer: Katie Walling, CLC Para, CRES

The Unexpected Love Story of Alfred Fiddleduckling

Author: Ering, Timothy Basil

Illustrator: Ering, Timothy Basil

Candlewick Press, 2017

ISBN: 9780763664329

$15.99

P - K, Grades 1 - 3: Captain Alfred makes a journey across the sea to get more ducks for his farm. The animals dance as he plays his fiddle to entertain them on their way home. But a large storm capsizes the ship and a lone duck makes it to shore with Captain Alfred's fiddle. Will the ducks and Captain Alfred make it back to shore alive? Verdict: A sweet love story and great read aloud. The illustrations visually show music, adding charm and a creative solution to the story.

Curricular Use: Entertainment. Comprehension strategies: have kids create predictions of the ending.

Reviewer: Katy Olson, Elementary Librarian, St. Helens Elementary

The Ghosts in the Clouds

Author: Ferrier, Katherine & Florian

Illustrator: Katherine Ferrier

Graphic Universe, 2013

ISBN: 9781467785877

$19.99

Grades 1 - 3: Hotel Strange book 4. The crew at Hotel Strange is preparing for the upcoming winter, when one of the caretakers, Mr. Snarf, is taken away by the ghost police for being nice. It's up to the gang to find out where he's been taken and to get him released. One of the friends, Mr. Leclair, finds an overlooked rule and they are all set free. This is a fun, full-color graphic novel for young readers. The text is clear and engaging and the colorful illustrations bring the story to life. Also included is a recipe for homemade caramels. Verdict: This postive story is a great way to introduce young readers to graphic novels.

Curricular Use: Introducing graphic novels, perserverance

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

New York : The Empire State

Author: Hamilton, John

Illustrator: NA

Abdo Publishing, 2017

ISBN: 9781680783346

$21.95

4-8: New York is a good non-fiction read. Learn all about New York's geography, climate, industry, and natural resources. Read how New York City, New York's largest city, has become a prominent city for entertainment and business. Discover famous faces that have been born in New York, such as Franklin D. Roosevelt and Lou Gehrig. Verdict: This is a nice book to add to your state book collection.

Curricular Use: This is a nice reference book to use if you are doing a report on New York.

Reviewer: Katie Walling, CLC Para, CRES

Real Cowboys

Author: Hoefler, Kate

Illustrator: Bean, Jonathan

Houghton Mifflin Harcourt , 2016

ISBN: 9780544148925

$16.99

P - K, Grades 1 - 3: Real Cowboys is a nonfiction book written like prose. It lists the qualities and duties of cowboys in tender ways by breaking through stereotypes, displaying softer aspects of their job, and their partnership with the land. Verdict: This is a beautifully written and compassionate book about the realities and hardships of cowboy life. Illustrations complement the text meaningfully.

Curricular Use: Cowboy content area. Word choice.

Reviewer: Katy Olson, Elementary Librarian, St. Helens Elementary

Cecil's Pride : The True Story of a Lion King

Author: Hatkoff, Craig / Hatkoff, Juliana / Hatkoff, Isabella

Illustrator: NA

Scholastic Inc., 2016

ISBN: 9781338034455

$17.99

Grades 1 - 3: We all know that the lion is considered the king of all beasts. But, Cecil, a lion from the Hwange National Park in Zimbabwe, earned the title Lion King. Brent Stapelkamp, a researcher from Oxford University, tracked and documented every move of Cecil's life. Discover an unlikely friendship forged between Cecil and anther male lion, Jericho. Beautiful photographs of Cecil along with his pride and cubs, accompany Cecil's story. Verdict: Cecil's Pride is a very touching story, that will touch your heart.

Curricular Use:

Reviewer: Katie Walling, CLC Para, CRES

Dead of Night

Author: Hunter, Erin

Illustrator: NA

Harper, 2016

ISBN: 9780062343376

$16.99

Grades 4 - 5, Grades 6 - 8: Survivors: Gathering Darkness series, book 2. The pack finds the corpse of Whisper and as Storm inspects the body she realizes that only a dog could have killed him. As more and more mysterious events happen such as poisoned prey, a murdered fox cub, and glass shards in their prey, the pack has to face that one of their own members is a traitor. Storm's realization that she has been sleepwalking, and the pack's clashes with a fox pack, put her into turmoil. The author leaves it to the next book to reveal the identity of the traitor. Verdict: Buy where the series is popular.

Curricular Use: Useful for recreational reading as an animal fantasy series.

Reviewer: Carol Blix, Town Librarian, Cathlamet Public Library

The Endless Lake

Author: Hunter, Erin

Illustrator: NA

Harper, 2014

ISBN: 978006210272

$16.99

Grades 4 - 5, Grades 6 - 8: Book 5 of the Survivors series. A rescue party for Fiery returned empty-handed to the rest of the pack. They had faced Terror's pack and defeated the mad dog on their way home. Once home, they were forced to flee from the fierce dog pack, but they couldn't run forever. What would happen when they finally faced off with the fierce dogs? Single combat to the death would decide the battle. When Fang and his former litter-mate Storm fought, Storm left Fang injured, but alive to keep from having to become a member of the fierce dog's pack. The leader of Lucky's pack had betrayed them and became the lowest ranking dog in the fierce dog pack thinking they would be victorious. Verdict: Readers who are enjoying the series will consider this, and the sixth and final book as essential purchases.

Curricular Use: This is useful for recreational reading for fantasy fans.

Reviewer: Carol Blix, Town Librarian, Cathlamet Public Library

Imagine a City

Author: Hurst, Elise

Illustrator: Hurst, Elise

Doubleday , 2014

ISBN: 9781101934579

$16.99

P - K, Grades 1 - 3, Grades 4 - 5: A young girl and her mother travel to a magical city where animals walk and talk, fish fly in the sky, and people can too. This book is an invitation to imagine the impossible, learn from the world, and create your own dreams. Verdict: This is a creative book, with more going on in illustrations than text, but rich drawings opening the door for kids to wonder.

Curricular Use: Read book and have students dream up their own imaginative city. Students could write about their books and then draw pictures to go with it.

Reviewer: Katy Olson, Imagine a City, St. Helens Elementary

Charlotte's Very Own Dress

Author: Krauss, Trisha

Illustrator: Krauss, Trisha

Random House, 2016

ISBN: 9780553520958

$16.99

P - K, Grades 1 - 3: As the youngest of six sisters, Charlotte frequently wears her older sisters' hand-me-downs. She has no problem fixing up the toy hand-me-downs, but when their family hosts a dress up party, Charlotte starts to despair. Will she ever get a beautiful dress all her own? Verdict: Great story of sisterly love, not competition, which was refreshing. If you know young readers who are into fashion and dress up, (like Fancy Nancy or Princess books) this is the book for them.

Curricular Use: Fairytale retelling. This is loosely based on Cinderella. Find a fairytale and put a modern spin on it.

Reviewer: Katy Olson, Elementary Librarian, St. Helens Elementary

A New Class

Author: Krosoczka, Jarrett J.

Illustrator: author

Scholastic, 2016

ISBN: 9780545875738

$12.99

Grades 4 - 5: Krosoczka takes over for Jeffrey Brown to continue the Star Wars Jedi Academy series as a half journal/half graphic novel. Victor Starspeeder is pumped to leave his old school (where his use of the Force was rather chaotic) and head for the Coruscant campus where Master Yoda is one of the instructors. He still has trouble making wise decisions, but Yoda and Victor's sister Christina are there to advise and/or rescue as the need rises. Victor discovers that a supposed friend wasn't to be trusted, while the classmates he initially thought were nerds or Sith, became his best friends. The text is given as either one to two page journal entries, or speech balloons in two to four pages of graphic action. In between the reader is shown the latest editions of The Padawan Observer student newspaper (complete with Spot the Droiderences [droid differences], and Star Wars parodies of Family Circus, Garfield and Peanuts comic strips. Verdict: The short bursts of hand-lettered text, movie tie-in, and graphic comic-style action would make this ideal for reluctant readers.

Curricular Use: This could be used as an example of an imaginary journal or producing simple storyboards.

Reviewer: Carol Blix, Town Librarian, Cathlamet Public Library

Stowaway in a Sleigh

Author: Mader, C. Roger

Illustrator: C. Roger Mader

Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2016

ISBN: 9780544481749

$17.99

P - K, Grades 1 - 3: Slipper, the cat, meets Mr. Furry Boots in her home one night. As she investigates she finds herself in a bag and transported home with Mr. Furry Boots….aka Santa. At first, she enjoys meeting new friends and seeing behind the scenes of Mr. Furry Boots’ operation. However, she soon starts to long for home and sets out to find it. Santa understands and takes her home. The illustrations in this book are quite lovely and help to make it a special book. Verdict: The story is entertaining without giving too much away, while the illustrations are quite endearing.

Curricular Use: This will be a nice read aloud in December.

Reviewer: N. Williams, CLC Teacher, Castle Rock Elementary

Rabbit Magic

Author: McLaren, Meg

Illustrator: McLaren, Meg

Clarion Books, 2016

ISBN: 9780544784697

$16.99

P - K, Grades 1 - 3: Houdini is the perfect bunny assistant for any magician. But when Houdini accidentally turns the magician into a bunny, how will he turn him back? Verdict: Great read aloud about a subject that interests children. The ending is a bit weak, but lots of entertainment value.

Curricular Use: This book is a great read aloud with potential for pairing with nonfiction magic.

Reviewer: Katy Olson, Elementary Librarian, St. Helens Elementary

Make Me the Best Football Player

Author: Myers, Dan

Illustrator: NA

Sportszone, 2016

ISBN: 9781680784886

$22.95

Grades 1 - 3, Grades 4 - 5: How does one go about becoming an all-star football player? This engaging library bound book is a good introduction. The table of contents introduces the five offensive and defensive positions the book will cover. Myers selected some of the current top players in the positions of quarterback, running back, wide receiver, middle linebacker, and defensive end. In just a few paragraphs, Myers gives a little bit of the player's history. Sidebars and callouts tell students how to play like the featured player. Additional callouts provide information for some of the best players at that position of all time. Each chapter ends with a "Drill Down" section that describes drills that will help young readers become adept at the position. The endmatter includes a glossary of ten football terms and a relatively weak selection of books and websites. The sturdy construction of the library binding and the set up of the sections make this a highly usable book. Verdict: This is not as strong as the Lerner Publications book "Playing Pro Football" by Paul Bowker, but it does contain complementary information. The drills and popular football players make this a solid purchase for libraries that cater to football fans.

Curricular Use: This is a good book for teaching text features and how those are used in informational text. Each chapter contains a book that teaches readers how to do a specific skill like the featured player. This would provide a good template for students who are learning how to write a sequence of instructions (CCSS W.1.7).

Reviewer: Jodi Kruse, Teacher Librarian, R. A. Long High School Library

Andrew the Seeker

Author: Nordling, Lee

Illustrator: Scott Roberts

Graphic Universe, 2017

ISBN: 9781512413304

$18.99

P - K: Game for Adventure book 1. This full-color, hardcover story is a great introduction to graphic novels. While the story is wordless, the illustrations clearly convey the story of a young boy whose monster drawing comes to life. The boy goes on an adventure, trying to find the monster, but gets frustrated as the monster is very good at hiding in plain sight. When the monster finally is ready to come out, the frustrated boy has gone home. The monster then leaves adventure gear on the front step and the boy sets off to find him. I was initially hesitant to pick up a wordless book, but realized that it holds a lot of potential for story telling and story writing. Verdict: A great story for young children to learn to verbalize what is happening in a story or as a story starter for older children.

Curricular Use: Graphic novels, beginning literacy, creative writing

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

High? Low? Where Did It Go?

Author: Rabe, Tish

Illustrator: Aristides Ruiz and Joe Mathieu

Random House, 2016

ISBN: 9780449814963

$9.99

P - K, Grades 1 - 3: With the winning Dr. Seuss formula, how can you go wrong? This book teaches all about animal camouflage in a fun, rhyming way. It utilizes all that made Dr. Seuss books so special including the Cat in the Hat and rhymes to teach these lessons. If one didn’t know better, they would think Dr. Seuss himself had written this book. Verdict: You can’t beat Dr. Seuss, and Tish Rabe does a great job of emulating his style and teaching at the same time. There is a lot to be learned in this book, and it is all done in a fun way.

Curricular Use: Reading this book during a study of animals, their habitats and how they protect themselves is one use for this tale.

Reviewer: N. Williams, CLC Teacher, Castle Rock Elementary

Richard Scarry's Busytown Treasury

Author: Scarry, Richard

Illustrator: Scarry Richard

Random House, 2016

ISBN: 9780553538991

$12.99

P - K, Grades 1 - 3: Busytown Treasury includes several of Richard Scarry's books. Learn about the fire station, police station, and the doctor's office. Several bedtime stories are also included as well as characters like Sergeant Murphy and Lowly Worm. Verdict: Great for the preschool and little kids, especially for those interested in learning about parts of their community and what to expect. Best part of this is that all these titles are in one compilation.

Curricular Use: This book could be used to teach about the interdependence of people in a community.

Reviewer: Katy Olson, Elementary Librarian, St. Helens Elementary

Splashdance

Author: Starin, Liz

Illustrator: Starin, Liz

Farrar Straus Giroux, 2016

ISBN: 9780374300982

$16.99

P - K, Grades 1 - 3: After training and training for the water ballet competition, Ursula bear is no longer allowed at the pool because of a new 'no bears allowed' rule. Though disappointed, she makes a splash at the end of the competition. Will her performance help change the pool's 'No Bear' rule? Verdict: Excellent book for demonstrating how one person can change things by using their brain.

Curricular Use: Great for teaching inclusion, social change, and finding creative ways to solve problems.

Reviewer: Katy Olson, Elementary Librarian, St. Helens Elementary

Becoming Babe Ruth

Author: Tavares, Matt

Illustrator: Matt Tavares

Candlewick Press, 2013

ISBN: 9780763687687

$4.99

Grades 1 - 3, Grades 4 - 5: This was an interesting biography about one of baseball’s greatest players. It tells of George Ruth’s life in the early 1900s when he lived with his family in Baltimore, the choices he made that led his parents to enroll him in Saint Mary’s Industrial School for Boys, the positive influence Brother Matthias had on his life and how he became known as Babe Ruth. It chronicles his good works on behalf of others, his baseball skills and life in general. There are many illustrations though no actual photographs. There are also stats in the back of the book and an intriguing author’s note. The writing is fairly small, and the illustrations plentiful. The book is broke up into chapters. Verdict: This would be a good chapter book for a struggling reader. The content is interesting and although the text is small, there are a lot of pictures and not an overwhelming amount of pages.

Curricular Use: This book would be useful when studying biographies and could also be used in a math lesson with the Babe’s stats.

Reviewer: N. Williams, CLC Teacher, Castle Rock Elementary

A Piece of Home

Author: Watts, Jeri

Illustrator: Hyewom Yum

Candlewick, 2016

ISBN: 9780763669713

$16.99

Grades K - 2: Young Hee Jun struggles when his family moves from Korea to West Virginia for his dad's new job. He doesn't speak English and doesn't understand much of what is said at school. Compounding the problem is that his younger sister and grandmother are also struggling with the move. Slowly Hee Jun makes friends and is delighted when he visits his new friend's house and see's his grandmother's favorite flower. His friend's family sends him home with a shoot from the plant for their new yard. The beautiful watercolor illustrations compliment the powerful text. Verdict: This is a great read aloud to show how some immigrants feels when they are suddenly thrust into a new situtation. Great to use when teaching patience and empathy.

Curricular Use: Empathy, patience, friendship, ELL student's feelings

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

One Vote, Two Votes, I Vote, You Vote

Author: Worth, Bonnie

Illustrator: Bonnie Worth

Random House, 2016

ISBN: 9780399555985

$9.99

P - K, Grades 1 - 3, Grades 4 - 5: Utilizing the great Dr. Seuss’ style and characters, Worth explains much of what there is to know about the voting process and one’s responsibility with this right. Told in rhyme, the book explains ways we vote, and then gets into the specifics of voting for President. It talks about the different parties, campaigning and the winners and losers in an election and how that should be handled. Verdict: This book has all the elements of a classic Dr. Seuss story and you just can’t go wrong with that. In the process, it also aims to teach about a significant right and responsibility of our society.

Curricular Use: Teaching students about democracy and the process of voting would be a great use for this book with elementary students.

Reviewer: N. Williams, CLC Teacher, Castle Rock Elementary

How Do Dinosaurs Stay Friends?

Author: Yolen, Jane

Illustrator: Mark Teague

The Blue Sky Press, 2016

ISBN: 9780545829342

$16.99

P - K, Grades 1 - 3: What happens when two, formerly friendly, dinosaurs have a knock down drag out fight? In typical fun style, Jane Yolen provides several anti-model behaviors for feuding friends: starting rumors, telling lies to teachers, egging the former friend's house. The second half of the book, also in rollicking rhyme, is devoted to providing examples of good ways to mend a break in a relationship. Teague completes the collaboration by providing bright illustrations of less well known and perfectly labelled dinosaurs. The story ends with the admonition that friends fight, but there are ways to preserve the relationship. Verdict: This is a cute story that children will love to read.

Curricular Use: This book has multiple uses. It has a place in health curriculum for children in grades K - 3 under the Social Emotional Health Core Idea and Expressing Emotions topic and even touches on the topic of Harassment Intimidation and Bullying. The choice to label each dinosaur is a good way to encourage students to do additional research in order to compare how the illustrator portrayed the various dinosaurs.

Reviewer: Jodi Kruse, Teacher Librarian, R. A. Long High School

Unplugged

Author: Freitas, Donna

Illustrator: NA

Harper Teen, 2016

ISBN: 9780062118608

$17.99

Grades 6 - 8, Grades 9 - 12: Skylar is just like any other Single in the virtual city of New Port. She lives with her adopted family and her adopted sister, Inara, is her best friend. She goes to school and loves to game but none of it is real. She has a few memories of time before she “plugged in”- going into a dreamlike state in the real world to live out your life in the app world where you can leap off buildings after downloading a wing app and follow the famous people with voyeur apps. But she knows she’ll see her sister and mother again when she “unplugs” for her year of service, something that all seventeens must do. However while she is still in her sixteenth year, Prime Minister Holt’s hologram appears all over the city to announce that “the border” has closed. Keepers who tend the plugged in bodies in the real world are unhappy and there is unrest. So everyone who has already unplugged for their year of service is stuck in the real world and those in the virtual world cannot get out of the app world. Groupies who have followed PM Holt’s dreamy son, Rain, are in anguish because he is out doing his service year when the ban is placed. Sky is determined to see her family again so she gets involved in a scheme arranged by Rain’s famous (and nasty-mean) girlfriend to rescue him. But nothing is as it seems. She gets cryptic warnings and upon waking in the real world finds herself laid out as a kind of sacrifice, surrounded by a crowd. Double cross, romance, intrigue, conspiracies, all figure into this novel that was inspired by Descartes! The cliffhanger ending was brutal; I’m waiting for the sequel. Verdict: Fas- paced, enagaging and though provoking as an outside read.

Curricular Use: This could be used with philosophy readings, especially Descarte or moral considerations regarding technology. Engaging as an outside reading book.

Reviewer: Lisa Sudar, Teacher Librarian, Mark Morris High School

We Were Never Here

Author: Gilmore, Jennifer

Illustrator: NA

Harper Teen, 2016

ISBN: 9780062393609

$17.99

10-12: Lizzie’s life changes in a moment: one second she is a counselor in training, dreaming of who her boyfriend will be and the next she is doubled over by a blinding pain in her side. She ends up in the hospital, with doctors and specialists poking her and trying to decide what is wrong with her. Her family is supportive and terrified by her illness; she is in bed while school starts, her field hockey team suits up and her roommate offers suggestions from behind the curtain that separates them. Then a boy walks into her room, with his dog to comfort patients. When he reveals that he is scarred because he witnessed a hit and run of a little girl, she is drawn into a relationship that will have twists and turns and include first sex. She will have her colon removed and have to deal with returning to her life with an ostomy bag. This is a story about being strong and true, to oneself and to others. Spoiler alert: her golden boy wasn’t the witness to the hit and run, he did it. Underage and stoned, with an older girl’s car. He is remorseful but his powerful lawyer mother is making the crime go away. I wasn’t impressed by Lizzie’s choice to have sex without much preparation; I think that is a dangerous model to portray, but it suits the balance of power in the story: she is delicate from her illness and he is still playing the rich boy. Ultimately the roles begin to switch as she embraces her fears and learns to accept them, while he is caught in more lies as he struggles to deal with his guilt. Lizzie gets support and gains direction; Connor, her golden boy, gets a different kind of support and seeks redemption. This is a good story for mature readers. Verdict: Pithy treatment of choices, self-image and friendships

Curricular Use: Could be of interest to Medical Science students, health students for outside reading.

Reviewer: Lisa Sudar, Teacher Librarian, Mark Morris LIbrary

Being Jazz

Author: Jennings, Jazz

Illustrator: NA

Crown Books for Young Readers, 2016

ISBN: 9780399554643

$17.99

Grades 6 - 8, Grades 9 - 12: Sixteen-year-old Jazz Jennings is already known to many Americans from the TLC reality series “I am Jazz,” which follows Jazz and her family through their daily lives and the particular challenges Jazz faces as a transgender girl. In her book, Jazz begins her story from her earliest memories and family stories about how she always knew she was a girl. Jazz first saw a therapist at age three and began her public transition at age six. Jazz’s narrative voice is very candid and youthful – it is clear that she wrote this book herself. She writes about her hobbies, friendships, and struggles through elementary and middle school in an upbeat and positive manner, even when describing her bouts with depression. In many ways, Jazz’s story is a testament to her remarkable parents, who, she describes, often shielded from her how hard they had to fight for her rights, and fostered her drive, confidence, and sense of social responsibility. The book features fifteen pages of color photographs, interviews with family members, and a list of resources. Verdict: Jazz’s story humanizes the trans rights issues in the news today and works both as a window for learning more about being transgendered and as a mirror for trans kids. Recommended for middle and high school.

Curricular Use:

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

Run

Author: Keplinger, Kody

Illustrator: NA

Scholastic Press, 2016

ISBN: 9780545831130

$$17.99

Grades 9 - 12: Run by Kody Keplinger is a story about friendship. Romance is put on the back burner and friendship is put front and center. Bo Dickinson is the outcast because of ridiculous rumors and the Dickinson family’s bad reputation. And when she’s at school, Bo is constantly judged and patronized. Agnes Atwood has a difficult home life but in a different way. Her parents constantly suffocate her with their overprotectiveness and worries. She is desperate to be seen as more than just the sweet blind girl. Agnes and Bo bond over their love of country music and poetry and their desire to get out of Mursey. Run is a book of discovery and breaking out of firm-set small town ideals. Bo makes Agnes question everything. They share secrets with each other that they wouldn’t share with anyone else. This book discusses the truth about real life friendships and their struggles. You can’t always agree with someone about something. Sometimes that can hurt a friendship. This book also sheds light on the fact that everyone has their own problems and deals with them their own way. Just because someone may seems like they’re doing alright, doesn’t mean they actually are alright with their situation or things going on. The way Keplinger’s book is set up is perfect for the story. You get to read one point of view at one point in time and a different point of view at a different point in time. Through Bo’s eyes, you get to run away with Bo and Agnes. Through Agnes’s eyes, you follow along with her as she breaks out of society’s molds, drinks her first beer, and becomes friends with Bo despite what others think of her. You get to accompany Bo and Agnes on their expedition of discovery. Run is perfect for one in search of something that will put your life in perspective and focus on the trials and tribulations of having a friend. Verdict: Book about expectations and friendships.

Curricular Use: Good books for investigating point of view and possible self image discussions for health classes.

Reviewer: Student Alexa M. vetted by Lisa Sudar, Teacher Librarian, Mark Morris High School

Smash! Exploring the Mysteries of the Universe With the Large Hadron Collider

Author: Latta, Sara

Illustrator: Jeff Weige

Graphic Universe, 2017

ISBN: 9781467785518

$24.99

Grades 9 - 12, Grades 7 - 8: This black and white hardcover nonfiction graphic novel introduces the reader to particles, atom, quarks and more via teen cousins Nick and Sophie. The teens are visiting CERN, the European Organization for Nuclear Research where they learn all about the history of the universe. The information is provided in a clear and interesting way. I do wish the illustrations were in color! Verdict: This one will be popular with upper middle and high school students interested in science.

Curricular Use: Science, graphic novels

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

Inside the Oil Industry

Author: Mara, Will

Illustrator: NA

ABDO, 2017

ISBN: 9781680783728

$24.95

Grades 6 - 8, Grades 9 - 12: Part of the Big Business series. This nonfiction book for secondary students tells the history of the oil industry and how we've become a global society based on this industry. It also goes on to discuss the possible future of the industry. The text is clear and engaging and the accompanying photos add deeper perspective to the book. A great choice for middle and high school libraries. Verdict: A great secondary nonfiction choice that takes a complex topic and makes it accessible to students.

Curricular Use: Nonfiction, oil industry

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

Frost Like Night

Author: Raasch, Sara

Illustrator: NA

Balzar + Bray, 2016

ISBN: 9780062286987

$$17.99

Grades 9 - 12: This is not a stand alone, but I had not read the previous two books and I was able to follow along. And now I’d like to read the first ones! In a world where kingdoms are ruled by monarchs who possess magic or conduits that channel magic, Angra is taking over with Dark Magic. He takes over the minds of those he conquers and twists them to do his will. The kingdoms, based on our seasons: Winter, Autumn, etc. have already been at war and some have succumbed so this book opens with Meira, destined queen of Winter, breaking out of the dungeon in Ventralli. She follows a man she doesn’t even know and feels like she is abandoning her friends. But her friends follow another path that will take them to a refugee camp to prepare there to meet Angra’s armies. Meira “travels” (using the stranger’s magic) to Paisly, a kind of lost kingdom that “took” the magic of their ruler hundreds of years before and has stayed hidden from Angra’s aggressions, and indeed most of the other kingdoms. In Paisly Meira finally learns how to control her magic and she also learns that she must journey to the chasm of magic to offer herself as a sacrifice to rid all of the world of magic, good and bad, once and for all. This is a book that ties up loose ends and resolves old problems. Old friends meet, sweethearts are married, new alliances form. If you’ve read the other books this is a must read; I have a student waiting for my copy! Marriages and some references to “sex” in that context but they are very obtuse and won’t offend.

Verdict: You "need" this book to finish the trilogy.

Curricular Use: Good to inspire outside reading.

Reviewer: Lisa Sudar, Teacher Librarian, Mark Morris High School

This Savage Song

Author: Schwab, Victoria

Illustrator: NA

Greenwillow Books, 2016

ISBN: 9780062380852

$$17.99

Grades 9 - 12: The book takes place during modern times, or sometime in the future, in a divided city called V-City. Before the book started, there was an explosion that tore V-City in half. The land between the two halves of the city is called the Seam, and is mostly barren land. One half is lead by Callum Harker, a ruthless leader who enslaved the monsters the Corsai, and the Malchai. The other side is led by Henry Flynn, a more morally upright leader, who works with the Sunai, another type of monster. The only thing holding the city together is a temporary truce between the two leaders, who both think it will break at any time.The main characters are Katherine Harker, the heir to Callum Harker, who wishes to be just as ruthless as her father, and August Flynn, a Sunai under Henry Flynn. They both attend a school called Colton. After an attack at the school, they both work together to solve who was behind the attack. There is some violence, but nothing I found too gory. The book is a thriller/fantasy, it is a bit slow at first, but once it got rolling I enjoyed it to the end. This is a good book. I recommend it. Verdict: This is a good book. I recommend it.

Curricular Use: Outside reading.

Reviewer: Student Zac K. vetted by Lisa Sudar , Teacher Libraria, Mark Morris High School

Guys Read: True Stories

Author: Scieszka, Jon

Illustrator: Brian Floca

Walden Pond Press, HarperCollins, 2014

ISBN: 9780061963827

$16.99

Grades 6 - 8: Sixth in the Guys Read short story series edited by Jon Scieszka, this collection of ten non-fiction tales from as many different authors include a shipwreck to the desert survival story, hunting tarantulas with an arachnologist in French Guiana, Hugh Glass's desperate crawl after being mauled by a grizzly bear (as a graphic-style tale), the life of PT Barnum's prize elephant Jumbo, 13 science-themed poems, a history of early dental "care", growing up in Vietnam, an early Blues musician, becoming a cartoonist, and a death-defying canoe fishing trip. Verdict: Short non-fiction with appeal to young teen males.

Curricular Use: Examples of factual narratives, aligned with Common Core Standards, many with bibliographies.

Reviewer: Carol Blix, Town Librarian, Cathlamet Public Library

The Crown's Game

Author: SKye, Evelyn

Illustrator: NA

Balzer & Bray, 2016

ISBN: 9780062422583

$17.99

Grades 9 - 12: It is 1825 in an alternate Russia. Tsar Alexander I has bested Napoleon, and his children--Pasha and Julianna--are reaching the age at which they are participating in matters of state. Pasha bristles under the strictures of rulership, Julianna is born to lead. Unrest among the subjugated people under the Tsar's rule and concerns that his son is too weak to lead inspire the Tsar to begin the Crown's Game, a dual only enacted when there are two enchanters in Imperial Russia. The outcome of the battle means one will be elevated to the title of Imperial Enchanter. The other will be consumed in a fiery death. Vika, a striking young woman, is mentored by Sergei--the man she believes to be her father. He has taken her to a remote island in order to train her. Nikolai has been taken and trained by Galena, Sergei's sister. Skye introduces an unexpected love triangle but does it so deftly that readers don't feel like they are getting the same old tired trope. Readers looking for nonstop action are going to be disappointed in this book. This is a literary meal to savor rather than a fast food selection. Fans of Leigh Bardugo's two series will like this title that appears to be a rare stand alone novel. Verdict: Hopeless romantics will fall in love with this fantasy by the end, but this is not a title that will appeal to all readers.

Curricular Use: The connections to historical Russia combined with the author's note at the end provide opportunities to research the history and discuss the author's choices. This would be a good book to pair with the nonfiction work "The Family Romanov" by Candace Fleming.

Reviewer: Jodi Kruse, Teacher Librarian, R. A. Long High School Library

The Flame Never Dies

Author: Vincent, Rachel

Illustrator: NA

Delacourt, 2016

ISBN: 9780385744195

$17.99

Grades 6 - 8, Grades 9 - 12: “The Flame Never Dies” is the sequel to “The Stars Never Rise.” In the first book, Vincent sets up a world where soul-devouring demons have depleted the number of souls available for new babies, and the people of the former United States live mainly in closed communities governed by the Church, which regulates every part of life, including birth and death. Nina discovers in rapid succession that her little sister is pregnant, that the mother who raised them is a demon (and has been all their lives), that the entire Church is, in fact, run by immortal demons possessing the bodies of the leadership, and that she is one of the few gifted in exorcising them. At the end of “The Stars Never Rise,” Nina escapes her town with her sister and a group of young exorcists, including Finn, her love interest, a disembodied soul who can inhabit others' bodies, though unlike the way demons do. In “The Flame Never Dies,” the group are traveling through the badlands, the lawless land between Church controlled cities, and Nina is preoccupied with finding a soul for her unborn nephew. Without one, he’ll die soon after birth. Along the way, they fight zombie-like demons called degenerates, meet a group of nomads committed to fighting demons, and try to keep from being possessed themselves. But in the west is an all-demon city called Pandemonia, and its leader is hunting them.

This two book series is a fun mash-up of genres, part dystopia, part sci-fi, part western. The action-packed demon fighting stops just short of repetitive, and the threat of possession creates a strong thread of tension that carries the book towards its explosive ending. Nina is a well-developed character. Her romance is interesting, but it never overtakes the narrative and doesn’t distract her from the task at hand. The conclusion ties up the narrative threads in a satisfying way, though it isn’t a happily ever after.

Verdict: Recommended for fans of paranormal romance, zombie novels, and dystopias.

Curricular Use:

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