Ruins of Gorlan by John Flanagan

Okay, so the boys convinced me that I needed to read something from the Ranger's Apprentice series, and I decided that the best place to start would be at the beginning.  After reading The Ruins of Gorlan, I have to admit that I am hooked.  Flanagan has crafted a very believable world with characters that I could easily come to see as friends.  The action is balanced well with character and plot development, a hard thing to accomplish when beginning a long series.  The book had a satisfying end -- even though we know there is more to come.  I would highly recommend this series for your fantasy lovers.

Two Bobbies: A True Story of Hurricane Katrina, Friendship and Survival

This lovely little picture book written by Kirby Larson and Mary Nethery tells the story of a rescued dog and cat with an unusually close relationship.  Without dwelling on the devastation on this huge disaster, the authors manage to portray the serious situation many people and their pets were in when the hurricane hit and people were forced to leave their pets behind.  Piecing together the story of these two animals, who refused to be separated from each other, and discovering the reason they remained so close and devoted to each other makes a beautiful and satisfying story.  Animal lovers of all ages will enjoy this book.

Sylvia & Aki by Winifred Conkling

It's 1942 in California.  Pearl Harbor was recently bombed.  Japanese Americans have been removed from their properties and placed in "camps" because they are security risks.  For the Mendez family, this provides an opportunity to lease a farm and live in a real house rather than being migrant workers.  The Munemitsus, on the other hand, have to leave their farm behind and trust strangers to take care of it.  When Sylvia Mendez discovers a doll hidden in her new yellow bedroom, she wonders about Aki Munemitsu, who was forced to leave her doll behind when her family was moved to Poston, Arizona.  Both girls endure their own versions of imprisonment when the local school district forces Sylvia to attend the Mexican school.  While her father fights the school district in the courts, Sylvia and Aki form a friendship that will last long after both of them are free.  This is a wonderful novel that deals with complex issues in such a way that kids can understand them.  

Summer Plans

When most people talk about their summer plans, they mention vacation destinations or family visits.  My summer plans always include what I plan to read.  I have a stack on my desk to go home with me today.  I'll try to keep you posted as I make my way through them, but there is one other plan I always make -- to stay away from my computer for awhile!  Happy reading!

Moon Over Manifest by Vanderpool

It's no wonder that this charming novel was awarded the Newbery Medal.  The heroine, Abilene, is unexpectedly sent to her father's home town of Manifest when he decides that his rough life on the road is no longer suitable for her.  Of course, she is not happy about this change and has some trouble finding a place to belong.  During the course of her stay, she learns, through seamless flashbacks, more about the history of this sad town and the mystery that is her father.  How she comes to terms with her own past and helps the town move out of the shadow of its past is the heart of this story.  It would make a wonderful read aloud and would be an excellent addition to any unit on the Depression.

Alcatraz versus the Scrivener's Bones / Sanderson

I am in love with this witty, wonderfully wacky series.  Of course, any series where the librarians are the villains bent on dominating the world works for me.  Still, Sanderson cracks me up with his sneaky asides, his insistence that his hero is really a coward, and his irreverent pokes at librarians.  In this, the second book of the series, our hero goes to the famed library at Alexandria to find his missing father and grandfather.  Unfortunately, the library is guarded by soulless spirits who continually tempt you to ask for a book, any book.  The problem is, once you touch a book or take it from the shelves, your soul is theirs, and you become one of them.  Makes it very hard to do any research!  To add to the intrigue, Alcatraz and his friends are being hunted by a half-man, half-machine monster --a.k.a. Scrivener's Bone -- that is relentlessly determined to destroy them.  How he defeats the Bone and saves his father's soul is a fast-paced, highly entertaining read.

Turtle in Paradise by Jennifer Holm

Holm, most known for her Babymouse series, has created a charming and quirky piece of historical fiction with Turtle in Paradise.  The story takes place in the Florida Keys and introduces the reader to a delightful group of young boys who make their extra cash by taking care of the babies.  When the new girl in town becomes part of their activities, things become very interesting.  Throw in a pirate's treasure, a con man, and a spooky old lady and you have all the elements of a great read.  This book was fun, interesting, and would make a great read-aloud.