The Wells Bequest by Polly Shulman - ADVISABLE

Shulman, Polly. The Wells Bequest. 253 pages.  Nancy Paulsen Books (Penguin), 2013.  $16.99. Content: G.  A companion novel to the charming The Grimm Legacy, which is well worth a read, but doesn’t need to be read first.  The narrator is Leo, a self-deprecating, smart kid who feels out of place in a family of geniuses.  His whole world changes when a miniature Leo appears on a time machine with a beautiful girl.  His mini-me from the future tells him to read The Time Machine by H. G. Wells.  A science project leads him to the New York Circulating Materials Repository (a kind of library for things), where he meets a life-sized version of the beautiful girl.  Her name is Jaya and she is the head page.  In an attempt to get to know Jaya better, Leo begins a job as a page and soon learns that there are all sorts of magical and scientifically impossible items at the library—including a time machine.  While the novel’s pacing is steady and plot imaginative, the book is a little quark-y.  “Quark” is not a misspelling; it’s a scientific term that is used as a creative cuss word.  There are a whole lot of scientific terms and science fiction literary references.  The time travel is actually only a very small part of the book, which disappointed me as a reader.  The “bad-guy’s” motivation seemed contrived and his overall character never convinced me.  The two main characters, however, are positively delightful and make reading it worthwhile. 

MS,  HS—Advisable.  Samantha Hastings, MA, MLS. 

Endangered by Eliot Schrefer - ESSENTIAL

Schrefer, Eliot Endangered, 264 pgs. Scholastic Press, 2012. $10.50. Language: G (2 God); Mature Content: G; Violence: PG

Sophie travels to Congo where her mom runs a sanctuary for rescued bonobos. Sophie’s mom leaves Sophie to release bonobos into the wild. Soon after, war strikes and Sophie is forced to flee into the jungle with a baby bonobo named Otto. As they travel across the Congo, amid conflict and despair, they help each other survive.

The reader learns a lot about bonobos, politics, life outside the United States, family, and the value of life. Endangered provides this information but never dumps it on the reader; it is always conveyed as part of the story of what Sophie is learning as she takes care of Otto.

This adventure story about animals and survival is a page turner that both male and female readers will enjoy.

EL, MS, HS-ESSENTIAL. PJ Teacher

The Kingfisher Encyclopedia of Life by Graham L. Banes-ADVISABLE

Banes, Graham L., The Kingfisher Encyclopedia of Life. Kingfisher, 2012. Pgs. 160. INFORMATION.

How long can life last on Earth? Anywhere from a mere few minutes to thousands and thousands of years. Learn all about these magnificent creatures in this book.

A fun layout with an appealing timeline on the bottom. Readers will enjoy teasing their senses and defying their knowledge by reading this book. EL (4-6), MS. ADVISABLE. Reviewer: Kira M, Youth Services Librarian, WHI Public Library.

Alien Investigation by Kelly Milner Halls-ESSENTIAL

Halls, Kelly Milner, Alien Investigation: Searching for the Truth About UFOs and Aliens. Meadowbook Press, 2012. pgs. 64. NON-FICTION.

Since 1947, sightings of UFO have been recorded all over the world. Some have been hoaxes, some possibly real. Do aliens really exist? This book will help you to decide for yourself.

With primary source documents like interview, photos, and scientific experts’ evidence, this book does a good job of exploring the possibility that aliens do exist while still paying attention to the fact that some sightings have been hoaxes. The layout is excellent and is easy to follow. Each chapter is opened with an opportunity for readers to imagine the possibility that aliens do exist. The glossary and index is extensive and helpful. Readers who are interested in aliens and space will enjoy reading this book. EL (4-6), MS, HS. ESSENTIAL. Reviewer: Kira M, Youth Services Librarian, WHI Public Library.

The Camping Trip that Changed America by Barb Rosenstock - ADVISABLE

Rosenstock, Barb  The Camping Trip that Changed America: Theodore Roosevelt, John Muir, and our National Parks  Illustrated by Mordicai Gerstein  Dial Books for Young Readers, 2012.  $16.99  PICTURE BOOK  Content: G.  

Theodore Roosevelt convinces naturalist John Muir to take him camping in what is now known as Yosemite National Park.  After John Muir shows Roosevelt the beautiful wilderness, Roosevelt becomes proactive in preserving America’s wilderness.  

Great illustrations tell this fun story about two outdoor-loving men.  This would be a great book to teach the importance of environmentalism and the ideas behind our National Parks.  EL, MS-ADVISABLE.  Reviewer, C. Peterson.