Jackpot

 Jackpot 
Gordon Korman
New York: Scholastic Books, 2014, Ages 9-13

The action-filled novel titled Jackpot, by Gordon Kormon is the 6th novel in the mystery series Swindle. A young and ambitious Griffin Bing, also formerly known as the “man with a plan” competes over a lottery ticket. His competitor, the new “man with a plan” Victor Pheonix, is the latest addition to the city, Cedarville. There is an unclaimed lottery ticket worth $30 million dollars that is lost and soon to be expired. Friends have to overcome emotional obstacles in this novel, all the time hoping to find the lottery ticket that is lost somewhere in Cedarville. Jackpot captures middle school friendship drama realistically.

This fictional novel reflects Korman’s style very well. It is mainly a narrative tale, as it is largely trying to tell a short story. Korman is also a very descriptive writer, especially when developing his characters throughout the novel. There is much dialogue, showing conversation among characters, to further their development. 

There are not many pictures throughout Jackpot. However, the book cover is something that can catch the younger student’s attention. Pointing his head through the dollar bill is a picture of Savannah’s dog, Luthor. Throughout the novel the protagonist, Griffin, feels a companionship with Luthor. Both of these characters have been sent away from their friends by Victor. The cover of the novel clearly suggests that it is a narrative that will have to do with currency.

I thought this was a great book by Gordon Korman! It definitely kept me on the edge of my seat, with all of the action going on. I would say it was a page-turner, always getting me to want to know what happens next! I thought the novel was very action-packed, and I just wanted to know who had the lottery ticket! The book made me feel like I was in it because the characters were thoroughly developed. The shifting point of view and the foreshadowing captured my attention very well. There was much description and anticipation built up. I feel that Jackpot is meant for the younger middle school students, although I thoroughly enjoyed it as a college student. 

Reviewed by Olivia Webb 

Revenge of the Flower Girls

Revenge of the Flower Girls
 Jennifer Ziegler 
New York: Scholastic Books, 2014, Ages 9-15

Triplet sisters take turns telling the story of their older sister's wedding. Or rather, how they try to stop the wedding, and why. They love social studies as much as they love their sister's ex-boyfriend, and get up to all sorts of antics as they work together to try to get the two back together and stop the wedding.

The author manages to make the three girls' perspectives different from each other, in keeping with each girl's personality and temperament as described by the other two. Ms. Ziegler used highly effective descriptors to get inside the heads of her characters. One of my favorites was the following; to express a moment of the disillusionment that accompanies change, particularly for preteens: "As if someone grabbed the world and shook it like a snowglobe, stirring everything up."

There is one picture on the front cover depicting the wedding. The bride and groom have their backs turned. In front of them stand the three girls in pink dresses matched with high-top tennis shoes. One looks like she's plotting something, one looks miffed, and the other looks amused. Since all three wore all of these expressions throughout the book, it's hard to tell which is which. Maybe that's the author's intent!

I enjoyed this book thoroughly! The three narrators evoke the reader's empathy. The ways they talk about their struggles- dealing with the aftermath of their parents' divorce, the change of their sister getting married, and just being eleven- ring very true, even if they adore U.S. history and government more than any sixth-graders I've ever met. I recommend for all ages, but especially for grades 5-8.

Reviewed by Abigail Kruse

My Blue Bunny, Bubbit

My Blue Bunny, Bubbit
Maggie Smith
Boston: Clarion Books, 2014, Ages 5-8

This story is about a little girl and her shared interest in sewing with her grandmother (whom she calls "Nonni"). Since Nonni made her granddaughter a stuffed animal when she was just a baby, the little girl wants to make her new little brother a stuffed animal so he isn't lonely in his crib. Together they build the little girl's new baby brother a stuffed animal elephant. 

The book is a narrative given by the little girl. There is dialogue, punctuation, and full sentences used throughout the book. The book is not necessarily a quick read, but a cute story to incorporate into the classroom. It would be good to recommend this to a student who has a new baby sibling on the way. Alliteration is also featured in the title "My Blue Bunny, Bubbit." 

The illustrations are very beautiful and colorful. At the very front and very back of the book there is illustrations of what is "in my sewing basket" which includes labels of all the different items used in sewing such as a "seam ripper" and "felt for practicing." Children will enjoy all that is going on in the pictures. 

I would recommend this to a child who has a new baby sibling or family member on the way. It would a great book to expand on by making something special for that new baby sibling. This is also a fabulous book for a child who is interested in making things, sewing, or has a family member who sews often. 

Reviewed by EmKAsh

Princess Sparkle-Heart Gets a Makeover

Princess Sparkle-Heart Gets a Makeover

Josh Schneider

Boston: Clarion Books, 2014, Ages 3-5

Amelia's favorite doll gets destroyed by her dog because she left her toys on the floor unsupervised. She is heartbroken, however her mother makes a new doll for her. Amelia designs her new doll all by herself.

The author used very short sentences that have lots of description in them. It is more of a picture book than a reading book.

The illustrations really reflect the sentences well and will hold younger children's attention. The dog looks mean, and acts mean while tearing up her doll and then looks afraid of it once she gets a "makeover" and also really demonstrates how a child would really feel after their favorite toy was destroyed.

I like that Amelia got to design her new doll and loved it just the same even though it wasn't as "pretty" or "feminine" as her first doll. I would like to read it to a preschool or kindergarten class, they would really like the pictures and they may think twice about leaving their toys on the floor. 

Reviewed by SC

The Meanest Birthday Girl

The Meanest Birthday Girl

Written by Josh Schneider
Boston: Clarion Books, 2013, Ages 7-9

The book tells the story of how a mean girl, Dana, got everything she wanted for her birthday, including an elephant. The elephant is so much hard work that it takes up all her time and energy then she starts to become bullied by another girl, Gertrude. Later, Dana gives Gertrude the elephant for her birthday.

There is dialogue, and does everything in a logical order with longer sentences. The book is also broken up into chapters to give an overview of what the chunks of the story are about.

The illustrations are very nice, and makes the elephant look fun to have, and also shows very well how stressed out Dana gets from caring for it. Also displays very well the children's attitudes that are reflected in the text.

I feel passing on the elephant is indirect bullying as the kids who have had it know how hard it is, and they pawn it off on the next kid when they are done with it. It does show kids though to have empathy and understanding (with the elephant) and that no matter how mean someone is, they can change their ways and people will still like them and give them presents even if they are mean. I disagree with that method because it is praising bad behavior, when no kids should have brought her gifts if she was mean to them, and have them explain why. I wish the book would go into more detail about why the children changed their attitude when given the elephant.

Reviewed by SC

Tony Baloney: School Rules

Tony Baloney: School Rules
By Pam Munoz Ryan and Edwin Fotheringham
New York: Scholastic Books, 2013, Ages 3-6

Tony Baloney the penguin learns about the rules at school and how to follow them. He learns things the hard way however, but later improvises when he understands that there is a situation that would be against the rules, however his friend needed help so he broke the rule and the teacher explained why that was a good thing. 

Has a dialogue with Tony and his stuffed animal. The stuffed animal talks about common fears children have before going to school about rules, and Tony is more optimistic about how fun school will be despite the common fears. 

The illustrations are really cute and demonstrate what would really happen at school. Everyone is a penguin. 

I think it's cute and I would read this to a group of Pre-K and Kindergarten students at the beginning of the year. I think telling the consequences through Tony's bad experiences will help students realize the bad things that might happen if they do not follow rules. I wish they would have added a rule about how to stand in line, I think first graders have a particularly difficult time with this concept.

Reviewed by SC

I Have a Garden

I Have a Garden

Written and illustrated by Bob Bamer

New York:  Holiday House, 2013, Ages 2-4

This story is all about different animals in a dog's garden. The writing style is simple, using action verbs and common nouns. The illustrations fill the entire page and focus in on the subject of the page.  

I recommend placing this book in a toddler or preschool room. It's an easy one for kids 2-4 years of age. It's a good book to integrate with a lesson about gardening or what animals you may find in a garden.

--review by EmKAsh

Tea Time with Sophia Grace and Rosie

Tea Time with Sophia Grace and Rosie
By Sophia Grace Brownlee and Rosie McClelland, Illustrated by Shelagh McNicholas
New York:  Orchard Books, 2013, Ages 4-7

This story is about two little girls who love girly things like pink, fairies, tutus, and tea parties. The story is told by the two little girls featured in the story.

The writing style is descriptive and enthusiastic! The illustrations are colorful in pink and purple, and are very detailed. The pictures complement the text.

I recommend this book for parents with little girls who absolutely love dressing up and pretending. The book encourages pretend play which enhances the pragmatic knowledge. It supports the use of imagination and creativity. These cousins (the authors) were even featured on the Ellen Degeneres show with famous actresses like Katy Perry. However, it is a little over the top with all the girly things!

--review by EmKAsh

The Children Who Loved Books

The Children Who Loved Books

Written and illustrated by Peter Carnavas

Tulsa, Oklahoma:  Kane Miller Books, 2013, Ages 3-6

This story is about a family that loves books. The author uses simple words. There is cause for anticipation when sentences end with ellipsis. The illustrations are bright, colorful and realistic. 

It was hard to find meaning in this book besides that reading can be a fun hobby. The author's purpose is unclear. I would only recommend this for children that love books. It may be an aid to teaching why reading is important even though it doesn't directly state why reading is beneficial. The text is short making it an easy read for beginner readers.

--review by EmKAsh

Picture Book of Daniel Boone

Picture Book of Daniel Boone

By David A. Adler and Michael S. Adler, illustrated by Matt Collins

New York:  Holiday House, 2013, Age 7-12

This story depicts the life of Daniel Boone. The struggles Boone experiences are exciting and the reader wonders if he will make it or not.

The author's writing style is descriptive, accurate and uses strong verbs like "toll" and "trapped," as well as challenging vocabulary like "expedition" and "rugged."

The illustrations are very detailed in a painted medium. They are clear and complement the text.

I thought this book was informational and a great learning resource for information about Daniel Boone. The text includes an author's note, important dates, source notes, selected bibliography and websites. The book had a lot of great information and I think children would enjoy the pictures as long as the lengthy text keeps their attention. Perhaps boys will especially relate to Boone's desire for adventure.

--review by EmKAsh

The U. S. Constitution and Bill of Rights

The U. S. Constitution and Bill of Rights

By Maegan Schmidt

Minneapolis:  Core Library, 2013, Ages 8-11

This is a non-fiction book discussing the US Constitution and Bill of Rights and the road to their place in our nation.

The author has illustrations and pictures which complement the text. The writing is informative and summarizes a lot of information in a clear manner.

The illustrations vary from diagrams to paintings to digital pictures. All work to set the scene.

This book is lengthy making it appropriate for children in grades 3-6.  It comes from the Core Library so it contains information that supports the common core state standards. I recommend this for use in the classroom. It also provides several lesson plan ideas and additional online resources.

--reviewed by EmKAsh

The Dinosaur Tooth Fairy

The Dinosaur Tooth Fairy

By Martha Brockenbrough, illustrated by Israel Sanchez

New York:  Arthur A. Levine Books, 2013, Ages 4-7

The story is about a dinosaur tooth fairy who ventures to get a little girl's tooth. The dinosaur wants this tooth because it is much different and much smaller than a dinosaur's tooth.

The author's writing style is repetitive and confusing to follow.  The illustrations are kid-friendly and childish, but also confusing to follow.

I did not really enjoy this story because the text is not easy to follow and would be hard for a young child to understand. Readers must still believe in the tooth fairy, but understand figurative language and have a fairly stable awareness of semantic knowledge.

--review by EmKAsh

I Wish I Had...

I Wish I Had...
By Giovanna Zoboli, illustrated by Simona Mulazzani
Grand Rapids, Michigan:  Eerdmans Books for Young Readers, 2013, Ages 4-7

This book has many different animals in it and each animal has a specific trait. The author's writing style is repetitive, but also very descriptive. Illustrations in the book are large, great and detailed.

I would recommend this book to other children. I would recommend it to the ages of 4-7 preferably.

I enjoyed this book. It was very descriptive and it kind of gets you thinking.

--review by M. B.

Jasper & Joop

Jasper & Joop a Perfect Pair: One Tidy, One Messy

Written and illustrated by Olivier Dunrea
Boston: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2013

Jasper & Joop will appeal to toddlers and young children. It follows two ducks, both completely different in character and personality. Jasper is a small, white duck who is very neat and tidy and doesn't take risks. Joop, on the other hand, is a small grey duck who is very messy and doesn't seem to take life too seriously-always getting himself into all sorts of trouble. Soon, they come across a bee hive and this event tests their friendship.In the end, both shift a little so that the friendship grows stronger than ever before.

Readers will love this sweet and easy to read book. Dunrea's writing is laid out in a way that each page belongs to one of the ducks, making it easy to compare Jasper and Joop, and to see how they come together by the end of the story. The illustrations are fun-filled and you see the duck's expressions and personality through them. The illustrations even show the journey the ducks take to get away from the bees in great detail. The scenes are simple to go perfectly with the short, yet fun text. I loved this book! It was a fun read and I think toddlers and young children would love to see the friendship between Jasper and Joop. It can bring wonderful discussion about how even though we are all different, we can still work together and get along with each other.

Reviewed by Katie Shearer

Nat the Cat's Sunny Smile

Nat the Cat's Sunny Smile
By Jez Alborough
Tulsa, OK : Kane Miller, 2013, Ages 3-7

Nat the Cat wanted to go on a picnic with her friends Billy Goat and Hugo Hare.  Nat the Cat arrived at each of his friend's home with a huge smile and a picnic basket in his hand. But one by one his friends declined her invitation to join him. Will Nat the Cat have a picnic alone?

The author uses a lot of rhyming in this book which makes it an easy read. The bright colored and descriptive illustrations add to this delightful story.

I would recommend this book to other kids.  It was an enjoyable easy read. The song music and lyrics are included so after you read the story, you can sing the song.

Reviewed by MB

Volcano Rising

Volcano Rising
By Elizabeth Rusch, Illustrated by Susan Swan
Watertown, MA: Charlesbridge, 2013

In this book, the author provides information about volcanoes such as where volcanoes may be found, how they form, and what happens when they erupt. The writing style used by Rusch is very entertaining. She adds sounds to keep readers entertained. Large words are not used so this title may work well for all grade levels. The illustrations are well drawn and very colorful. They capture the eye and also serve to entertain. Volcano Rising is informative and would be a good read for students doing research on volcanoes. The title would work best for 5th through 8th graders.

Reviewed by B.A.

Gorgeous

Gorgeous
By Paul Rudnick
New York : Scholastic Press, 2013, Ages 10 to 14

Gorgeous is about an 18 year old girl named Becky, living a seemingly average life in a small town. Her life was normal until her mother suddenly  died and left her a mysterious message that would change everything she thought she knew. With the help of the billionaire Tom Kelly, Becky will transform her entire life.

Paul Rudnick has a very humorous and mysterious writing style. He gives just enough information to keep you informed and interested but leaves out enough to keep you wanting more to read.

There are no illustration aside from the cover. The cover is simply black with a girl in a red dress running off the page. It is very intriguing and even a little dangerous. 

I loved reading this book! It has a great mix of mystery, romance, and humor. I would recommend it for middle school students who are looking for a twist on a typical story about a girl trying to find herself.

Reviewed J.S.

Whitney Houston: Recording Artist and Actress

Whitney Houston: Recording Artist and Actress
By Christine Heppermann
Minneapolis, MN : ABDO Pub. Co., 2013, Ages 10 to adult 

This book explored the life of Whitney Houston. The author tell the reader about the good and the bad of her life. She even gave details about the people who Whitney was close to during her life.

The author's style is very graceful. The book flows together connecting the major accomplishments of her life.

I really loved the pictures. It was nice to see pictures of her from childhood rather than the ones of her singing. The pictures gave me a good sense of what happened. 

I would recommend this book to kids around the ages of about fifth grade and up. The author mentions Whitney's drug usage, and I feel students below fifth grade level may not understand what was going on.

Reviewed by B.A. 

Happy Cat

Happy Cat
By Steve Henry
New York : Holiday House, c2013, Ages 4-7

A cat finds shelter in a building on a very cold winter day.  As the cat climbs the stairs, he receives a gift from those living on each floor.The cat reaches the top and is not the only one living happily in the building.

The author's writing style allows young readers to follow along easily. The three to four word sentences and repetition makes it an easy reader.

The illustrations are very detailed and colorful which gives the younger reader lots to look at on each page.

I think young readers would enjoy this story.

Reviewed by L.I.

Bug Patrol

Who Stole the Veggies from the Veggie Patch?
By Precious McKenzie, Illustrated by Jenny Snape
Vero Beach, Florida: Rourke Educational Media, 2013

In this title, veggies go missing from the patch and the animals keep asking each other about it. In the end, the culprit is found out. The author uses repetitive phrases such as: "who, me? yes, you!" The illustrator uses quite cheerful and light colors such as green and light blue. Also, most of the pages are double spreads which help children see the full scene. The book is an easy read and would be best suited for introduction in a Kindergarten or first grade classroom.