Emily and Jackson Hiding Out by Naylor - ADVISABLE

Naylor, Phyllis Reynolds  Emily and Jackson Hiding Out, 167 pgs.  Delacorte Press, 2012.  $14.99.  Language: G; Mature Content: G, Violence: G; 

The happy ending young Emily Wiggins was hoping for in Redbud is put on hold as she and new best friend, Jackson, must tango with some dastardly dudes in this early reader sequel to Emily's Fortune.  

Short chapters and fast paced action will keep the reader engaged.  Perfect for students that are just beginning in chapter books, or a great read-aloud for 1-3 grades.  I had not read the first book, but was able to follow along easily and enjoy the story.   Emily and Jackson Hiding Out is a fun, fast-paced adventure beautifully set in the frontier.  

EL- ADVISABLE.  J. Hafen

A City Tossed and Broken by Judy Blundell - ADVISABLE

Blundell, Judy A City Tossed and Broken: San Francisco, California, 1906: The Diary of Minnie Bonner (Dear America), 197 p. Scholastic, 2013.  Content: PG (danger from the earthquake and threats).  

Minnie Bonner is a virtual slave – sold for two years of work as a lady’s maid to a family moving from Philadelphia to San Francisco, working off a debt incurred by her father.  The man of the house is involved in shady dealings and he is the actual cause of her family’s downfall.  So when a gigantic earthquake puts opportunity in her way, Minnie decides to grasp a better life with both hands.  Sometimes it takes a real danger to keep us honest.  Blundell does a reasonable job of integrating the earthquake into Minnie’s story.  What she does best is show life at the time, including the good and the ugly of humanity, from friendships to scheming businessmen.  

It is very nice to see new entries in the Dear America series and new covers for the older books.  I am hoping that my students will enjoy them as much as the kids did ten years ago.  

EL, MS – ADVISABLE.  Cindy, Library Teacher

Down the Rabbit Hole by Susan Bartoletti - OPTIONAL

Bartoletti, Susan Campbell Down the Rabbit Hole: The Diary of Pringle Rose, 320 p. Scholastic, 2013.  $13.  Violence: PG. 

 Pringle Rose, 14, is at the mercy of her indifferent uncle and horrid aunt, after her parents are killed in a carriage accident.  When they talk of committing her brother Gideon to an asylum, Pringle Rose decides that it is time to run, so they sneak away to Chicago, to hopefully find refuge with an old friend of their mother’s.  Instead, however, the pair find themselves living with some people they met on the train.  Just as life seems to be settling in, Pringle Rose learns an awful truth, is severely betrayed and then the whole town is engulfed in fire.  

I don’t know if the authors are limited to a certain amount of pages with this format, but I felt cheated once the fire appeared on the scene.  All of the angst and problems resolved themselves too quickly and in too pat a manner.  The prologue only makes it worse as it involves Pringle Rose’s very indifferent attitude to the San Francisco Earthquake several years later.  Up until that end, however, everything is interesting.  I just wanted more and I know that Bartoletti is fully capable of delivering.  

EL, MS – OPTIONAL.  Cindy, Library Teacher

In the Land of Milk and Honey by Jpyce Carol Thomas - ADVISABLE

Thomas, Joyce Carol In the Land of Milk and Honey, PICTURE BOOK. Amistad, 2012. $16.99. Content: G. 

Follow along on one family’s journey to California; the Land of Milk and Honey.  The main character is a little girl in anticipation of her new home, describing what she sees along the route and how she feels once she arrives.  

The writing comes off as an enchanting poem with thought-provoking vocabulary that will encourage investigation by readers.  The descriptive language and graceful pictures help to create a warm atmosphere of expectation that is translated well to the reader.    A strong author’s note at the end of the book helps to tie the whole piece together.  

EL - ADVISABLE.  Reviewed by: Shay, School Librarian

Tracks by Diane Wilson - ESSENTIAL

Wilson, Diane Lee Tracks. Margret K. McElderry Press, 2012. $16.99, 276 pages. Language: PG (mostly ‘god’ and ‘jesus’ – it’s the wild west) Violence: PG (several fistfights, nothing bloody) Mature content: G.

Tracks follows the physical and emotional journey of a young Irishman named Malachy as he works on the railroad in the last frantic days to complete the transcontinental line. He’s on the line with rough white men and a large group of Chinese migrants, and through his interactions with both he learns how to be a man and how to treat others.

This book is a great read for kids interested in the transcontinental railroad (especially 7th graders in Utah Studies). It gives historical insight on the men who left everything to finish the railroad. It’s also valuable for the lessons taught about tolerance and honesty. The lead character goes through the ringer, and comes out a better young man for it. 

Upper EL/MS – ESSENTIAL.  Reviewer: Ben

May B by Caroline Starr Rose - ADVISABLE

Rose, Caroline Starr May B, 231 pgs.  Schwarz and Wade Books, 2012            $15.99 Language: G, (0 swears, 0 “f”); Mature Content: G; Violence: G.  

This historical novel written in verse takes you on a journey into the Kansas prairie.  May B is forced by her parents to leave the comforts of home just until Christmas to live with another family who she doesn’t know.   Through a drastic turn of events she finds herself alone and figuring out how to survive on her own as winter approaches.  

Due to the fact that it is written in poetry form it took me awhile to get used to reading a story as a poem.  I enjoyed the plot as my mind was captivated as it painted a picture of the prairie and the struggles of that time period.  For example, that making ends meet is more important than going to school.  I found it ended more abruptly than I was expecting.  The resolution came way to quickly in my opinion.  It’s a fun feel good read.  

EL, MS, HS, – ADVISABLE. Emilee, Teacher Librarian