Triangle Choke by Patrick Jones-ADVISABLE

Jones, Patrick, Triangle Choke. Pgs. 125. Darbycreek, 2013. $23.95. Content: Language: G, Mature Content: PG, Violence: PG

Hector’s father used to be a boxing champion and he taught Hector how to fight. His mom, however, doesn’t want him to fight. Dad’s not really around and is an alcoholic. Wanting to train for his first amateur fight, he goes against mom’s wishes and seeks out a dojo to help himself further his skill. Will Hector succeed or will his desires ruin his relationship with his mom?

Reluctant reader boys will connect with the realistic characters and well-written plot. Great for fans of fighting, family problems, and realistic fiction. MS, HS. ADVISABLE. Reviewer: Jessica Moody, Library Media Specialist, Olympus Jr. High.

Zigzag Zoom by Patricia Reilly Giff -- OPTIONAL

Giff, Patricia Reilly Zigzag Zoom, illustrated by Alasdair Bright, 64 pgs. Wendy Lamb Books, 2013. $12.99. Content: G

When Gina sees a poster saying Help! in the hallway as she's headed to her after-school group, she sprints off to see who needs saving. It turns out that no one is injured; instead, their program has been challenged to race another program, and they need ideas on how to earn the bus money to attend the race. Because someone witnessed Gina's earlier sprint and told the entire group about it, everyone is now convinced that she is the fastest runner -- and their only hope. The pressure's on. Too bad Gina doesn't even like to run and is actually, in her words, as slow as a turtle.

Children who are already fans of the Zigzag series might enjoy this one. The focus on after-school programs is a wonderful choice and is ripe for exploration. The illustrations at the beginning of each chapter are clever as well; they show the decline of Gina's brand new white sneakers as she runs, plays, and works in them. Unfortunately, there were simply too many plot holes to overlook. For example, the poster that said Help! was never adequately explained. Why such a cryptic message? And why would a simple poster make Gina panic and go running off? Why would all the teachers and students in the program become convinced that Gina was the best runner simply because one girl saw her run pretty fast one time? Why would Gina work so hard to help the school earn the money to go to the race -- including spending her life savings on pretzels and suggesting fundraising ideas -- when she dreads the very thought of running? Why would a school program that is trying to raise money sell homemade cookies and pretzels for only five cents each? What happens to the scant money the program did raise when the students end up having to walk instead?  How is it possible for Gina to constantly wander away from her after-school program because she doesn't feel like practicing running? Is there no supervision at all? What about the other students? Wouldn't they see? And, finally, how is an emerging reader going to keep track of that many different characters?

Wave Warrior by Lesley Choyce - - Advisable

Choyce, Lesley Wave Warrior, 123 pgs. Orca Book Publishers; 2007. $9.95 Language: PG (15 swears); Mature Content: PG; Violence: PG.

Ben lives in a surfing town, but, at 16 he has yet to try to surf.  His first attempt is a disaster and he decides to give up; until he meets Ray, a “Big Kahuna” from California who takes Ben under his wing and teaches him how to surf and how to be a wave warrior.

This short book is part of the Orca Soundings series of easy read, high interest books for high school students. With a simple plot, this title has lots of surfing action and will keep the surf enthusiast (or sports fan) interested from beginning to end.  A great read with no issues.  

MS HS Advisable. Lisa Librarian

Who’s On First ill. by Martz - ESSENTIAL

Who’s On First by Abbott & Costello, illustrated by John Martz, Quirk Books 2013, $18.95. PICTURE BOOK. Content: G.  

Martz uses a bear and a rabbit to illustrate Abbott and Costello’s classic comedy bit.  This is a faithful recounting of the bit, with a few visual clues to help younger reader’s follow along what is usually rapid fire comedy.  Depend on the age of the reader or listener, it would require the same explanations of the confusion, but is still very fun to read.  And it is a great tool for a classroom teacher who is introducing the topic of indefinite pronouns, or as a fun culminating activity.  

EL – ESSENTIAL; MS – OPTIONAL.  Cindy, Library Teacher

Archenemy by Paul Hoblin-OPTIONAL

Hoblin, Paul, Archenemy. DarbyCreek, 2013. Pgs. 109. Language: G, Violence: G, Sexual Content: PG

Addie loves soccer. When she meets Eva, they enjoy hanging out and playing soccer. Then, one summer day, Addie tells Eva she’s attracted to women. Eva reciprocates, but her religious values conflict with her feelings. Soon, Eva is harassing Addie. Will their feelings hurt the soccer team? Will everything unravel?

The characters in this book are realistic and. The plot is engaging. Readers who need a hi-low book and/or enjoy books dealing with controversial topics, teen angst, and/or realistic fiction will enjoy reading this book. MS, HS. OPTIONAL. Reviewer: Jessica Moody, Library Media Specialist, Olympus Jr. High.

The Beast by Paul Hoblin-ADVISABLE

Hoblin, Paul, The Beast.Darbycreek, 2013. Pgs. 109. Language: G, Violence: G, Sexual Content: PG

 Alyssa is the team’s star goalie. She has a great boyfriend and tons of confidence. Then, one ball to the head leaves her with a concussion and time off. The coach picks Becca as her temporary replacement. But, Becca has natural goalie talent. Will Becca steal everything from Alyssa? Wither her position, boyfriend, and health on the line can Alyssa pull it together?

The characters are believable and loveable. The plot is developed and interesting enough to hold reader’s interest. This is a good hi-lo for reluctant reader girls who love sports and soccer. MS, HS. ADVISABLE. Reviewer: Jessica Moody, Library Media Specialist, Olympus Jr. High.