When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead

A strange and wonder-full book.  If you haven't read A Wrinkle in Time by Madeline L'Engle, you may feel a bit lost at the beginning of this tale, but don't worry; everyone who reads this book will be a bit lost at some point or another.  It seems, at first, to have too many weird and unconnected characters, to be disjointed and awkward, and for awhile, I thought that was a mirror of the feelings of main character.  As I read further, however, I realized that, while she is the connection between all these strange and quirky people, the real action of the story was occurring somewhere else.  The strange notes and little clues made it clear that, as in A Wrinkle in Time, someone else, from some other time, was the key.  In the end, when it all came together, I was filled with wonder at how this author made it all work.  While I wouldn't recommend this for someone who struggles with reading, this is a definite must for those who need something with more sophistication and deeper character development.  Now, I may have to go back and re-read A Wrinkle in Time!

Merlin's Dragon by T.A. Barron

I like T.A. Barron's books.  They show a depth of thought and an understanding of how all things are connected without being preachy.  Also, he knows how to tell a story without having to make a 12 volume set out of it.  One of his strengths is pacing, so I was somewhat disappointed to find so little actual story in Merlin's Dragon.  He introduces a very interesting, likable character -- Basil, the...well, no one is sure exactly what Basil is, but he is little, curious, and brave.  The book takes us along on Basil's journey of discovering who -- and what -- he is.  Along the way, he meets Merlin a couple of times, but readers have to wade through a lot of description before hitting any action.  Basil's frantic journey to save Merlin from a deadly foe makes for some good reading, but it is a long reading journey to get to that point.  Those who haven't read the Tree of Avalon or Lost Years of Merlin books may get lost and discouraged along the way.  I know the story will continue, but like most introductions, this one was a slow read.

14 Cows for America by Carmen Agra Deedy

This one brought tears to my eyes.  In simple, yet eloquent, prose, the author tells how Wilson Kimeli Naiyomah of the Masai brought news to his village of the September 11 attack on New York City.  He wished the elders' permission to give his one true possession, his cow, to America as a way to help them during their time of tragedy.  The response of his village, while seemingly insignificant in our technology-ruled lives, shines as an example of the great generosity and kindness of spirit that exists in the world.  This book serves as a reminder that we are not alone in our struggles, that it is not America vs the world, and that even the smallest of us can reach out a hand and offer to help.  Rather than dwelling on the destruction of that day, this book celebrates our connections.  An excellent read-aloud any time, but especially powerful on the anniversary of 9/11.

January's Sparrow by Patricia Polacco

Short enough for a one-day read-aloud, this beautifully illustrated book tells the story of a family of runaway slaves and the people who help them gain their freedom.  Having witnessed the brutal whipping of their friend, the Crosswhite family decides to risk everything and leave the plantation.  With the help of the Underground Railroad, they make it to safety, but the burden of their secret weighs heavily on them.  When they are eventually discovered, an entire town must take sides.  An excellent look at the effects of slavery on all of society, told with all the heartwarming eloquence we have come to expect of Ms. Polacco.  This is one worth sharing.

The War by Anais Vaugelade

This is a seemingly simple picture book with a big message.  It includes a long-standing war with a long-forgotten beginning, an accidental death, and a prince who does not want to fight.  How the prince solves his problem and manages to bring the two warring kingdoms together is the crux of the story.  This would be a great discussion starter and would be excellent paired with the classic The Butter Battle by Dr. Seuss.

Readicide by Kelly Gallagher

The subtitle pretty much says it all:  How Schools are Killing Reading and What You Can Do About It.  This is an unflinching look at some of the all-too-common practices that actually destroy motivation and interest in reading while professing to help the student.  The usual culprits of too much test prep and relying on multiple choice to show comprehension are included, but other, more insidious causes of the death of reading are identified.  For example, the author shows that basals and anthologies, which do not include full-length texts and novels, are actually keeping students from becoming adept readers.  Even if you don't agree with everything that is said, this book will at least get you thinking about current practices and will provide some ideas of how to change them.

Zach's Lie by Roland Smith

Think you have problems?  Try having a dad who gets involved with drug dealers and now you have to change your identity and move to some strange town while he sits in prison.  That's what Jack -- oops, Zach -- has to live with in this fast-paced story.  Add in some interesting characters -- a janitor who seems to know a lot about self defense, for example -- a little danger, lots of suspense, and just a touch of romance and you have a good read.  Try this one -- you might like it.