Leaping at Shadows by Megan Atwood-ADVISABLE

Atwood, Megan, Leaping at Shadows. Pgs. 100. Darbycreek, 2013. $23.95. Content: Language: G, Mature Content: G, Violence: PG

Madeline is a new scholarship student at the Dario Quincy Academy of Dance. She is a late admission, so she stuck out, but she’s determined to make her mom proud by fitting in and doing well. When her necklace gets stolen, she assumes the mean, popular girls at school took until other items of other students start going missing. So, she starts trying to figure out what is really going on. Who are her allies and who are her enemies? What is really going on beneath the school?

A fast-paced, engaging mystery ideal for reluctant reader girls. The characters are likable and realistic. The plot is well-developed and intriguing. Readers who like mysteries and school-related stories will enjoy reading this book. MS, HS. ADVISABLE. Reviewer: Jessica Moody, Library Media Specialist, Olympus Jr. High.

Blind Curve by Elizabeth Karre-ADVISABLE

Karre, Elziabeth, Blind Curve. pgs. 95. Darbycreek, 2013. $23.95. Content: Language: G, Mature Content G, Violence: PG

Penny has one love-her Acura Integra. But, one day while she’s at school, a boy classmate is hit and injured by a car that looks just like hers. Did her brother borrow, race her car, and hit the boy? Penny is determined to find out. In order to do so, she’ll have to ditch class. Can she save her brother without getting caught breaking all the rules? This hi-lo reader is perfect for reluctant readers who love cars and their culture. MS. ADVISABLE. Reviewer: Jessica Moody, Library Media Specialist, Olympus Jr. High.

Nowhere to Run (The 39 Clues: Unstoppable Book #1) by Jude Watson –ADVISABLE

Watson, Jude Nowhere to Run (The 39 Clues: Unstoppable Book #1) 272 pgs. Scholastic Inc., 2013. $12.09.  Content: Language: G (0 swears); Mature Content: G; Violence: PG13.

Dan Cahill and his older sister Amy are the guardians of a secret serum, that has 39 ingredients. When taken by a person, the combined these ingredients make them the most powerful person in the world. Dan isn't very careful and when he creates a bit of the serum, it gets out. Now the siblings must contend with the growing power of a mad man.

The 39 clues books are quite popular with students at my library, and I can see why. They are fast paced, technology infused, and dangerous mysteries.  There is so much violence, that these books might be better for middle school than elementary. (Unless you like dealing with enraged parents, I don’t). For example the siblings are being forced to jump off a bridge to their deaths, but when Amy falls, Dan manages to catch her, while he is being strangled. This book starts off a new round of creative trouble, so if this series is popular in your library, this one is worth picking up.

MS –ADVISABLE Reviewer: Stephanie Elementary School Librarian & Author.

Secrets of Shakespeare’s Grave by Deron Hicks - ADVISABLE

Hicks, Deron Secrets of Shakespeare’s Grave, 267 pgs. Houghton Mifflin, 2012. $16.99. Language G (0 swears); Mature Content: G; Violence: G; 

It’s Thanksgiving break and Colophon is excited to catch up on homework and spend time reading, but her life is about to change. Colophon is  set on a quest. She must convince her brother, Case, to go to New York and help her father save the publishing company and she must find the family’s treasure with the help of her second cousin, Jerry. 

This was a perfect mystery-adventure story for a young adult reader. It leaves you at the edge of your seat wanting to know what is going to happen next. The references to Shakespeare provide good points for discussion. 

MS-ADVISABLE. AHoyleTeacher.

Turn Left At the Cow by Lisa Bullard - OPTIONAL

Bullard, Lisa Turn Left At the Cow, 297pgs. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2013, $16.99.  Language: G; Mature Content: G; Violence: G:

In this fast paced story, a boy tries to solve the mystery of his father’s disappearance 14yrs. ago. Travis finds he is the subject of much gossip and animosity by the townspeople because of his resemblance to his father who is suspected to have robbed a bank before he vanished. He has some close calls before the surprise ending solves the mystery.

Upper elementary and middle school students will enjoy the characters and the mystery of the stolen money. There is some mildly crude language.  

EL, MS -  OPTIONAL.  Written by Mary Jo Montoya,

Special Education Teacher/Reading Specialist