Who Needs Magic? (Book #2) by Kathy McCullough –ADVISABLE

McCullough, Kathy Who Needs Magic? 320 pgs. Delacorte Press, 2013. $12.67.  Content: Language: G (1 (B) swear); Mature Content: PG13; Violence: G.

Delaney is a spunky, once reluctant, fairy godmother. Without a client. She is getting desperate. Even worse, at her summer mall job, she meets another fairy godmother, Ariella is sparkly and sickly sweet, and successful. When Delany finally gets a client, Jeni, she will do anything it takes to grant her wish. Including going head to head with Ariella and even maybe even losing her own boyfriend.

Wow, want a dip in the teen angst end of the pool? I am still recovering. Teens will relate to this main character and all her brooding. The cover and the magic will help drawn in readers as well. I thought the book was a bit long but I think once a reader is hooked into the story, they won’t mind. Here is my review of Book #1 Don’t Expect Magic.

HS  -ADVISABLE Reviewer: Stephanie Elementary School Librarian & Author.

The Nameless Hero (Joshua Dread #2) by Lee Bacon –ADVISABLE

Bacon, Lee The Nameless Hero (Joshua Dread #2) 304 pgs. Delacorte Books for Young Readers, 2013. $12.18.  Content: Language: G (0 swears); Mature Content: G; Violence: PG.

When Joshua received a special invitation for Gyfted & Talented program, he is a bit nervous. But his two best friends, Sophie and Milton are going, so it can’t be that bad. This secret training program creates teams of kids with superpowers. After one scary incident, Joshua finds himself a surprise hero! Luckily he has a mask, because he is all over the news. Will his Super Villain parents find out that Josh is now a hero? Worst yet, an old nemesis waits in the wings, and Joshua is his target. Will his new found fame alienate his friends just when he needs them the most?

This second book in a series was a fast paced fun read. Here is my review of the first book, Joshua Dread. Joshua is at the stage where he is learning how to stand up for himself, so its interesting to see him develop as a character. Students will love this book and the cover is dynamic and eye catching. Superhero's have been having a resurgence for years, so students will love to have some new hero's their own age, to read about. 

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

Life in Outer Space by Melissa Keil –ADVISABLE

Keil, Melissa Life in Outer Space 320 pgs. Peachtree Publishers, 2013. $12.84  Content: Language: PG (1 swear: but many Australian slangy swears); Mature Content: PG-13 (Gay character & Porn references), Violence: G.

Sam’s dream girl is Princess Leia, but honestly his mind is mostly on surviving school. He and his geeky friends are constantly bullied, and can no longer even eat in the lunch room. When a gorgeous quirky new girl named Camilla, starts at his school, Sam doesn’t even consider the possibility that he might have a chance. To his shock, they become friends, and Camilla presence is more like magic than anything else. Once he realizes he has feelings, Sam will do anything to crush them.

This is a well written book with multi-faceted plot elements, realistic characters, and various setting and plot points that will resonate with a teenager. However, it is pretty unrealistic, in the exact way that every Michael Cera movie is; the geek that catches the attention of the most amazing girl. Also that confessing your love to a “friend” is ever a good idea; one that ends well, sure.  Lots of great life lessons thrown in the mix too.

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

Francis the Little Fox by Veronique Boisjoly –NOT RECOMMENDED

Boisjoly, Veronique Francis the Little Fox 92 pgs. Kids Can Press, 2013. $13.84.  Content: Language: G (0 swears); Mature Content: G; Violence: G.

Francis is a little fox who loves to go the Laundromat with his dad. They go every Sunday. Although it’s better than home with his little sister Lola, there is a little girl there who likes to play tricks, which mild mannered Francis doesn't like. Today is going to be no different, lots of tricks and even a rescue.

I was smitten by the illustrations, featuring an adorable fox. The artwork is simple, clean, and has a harmonious color palate. The story, though quirky, was kind of oddly boring. For example Francis says “what could be better than freshly washed clothes and bedsheets”; I think students will have trouble relating to both the content and wording. This kind of goes for the whole book. I know that the ending is supposed to be funny, but the rest of the book is so sweet and wholesome that it actually jarred me.  

EL (K-2) –NO Reviewer: Stephanie Elementary School Librarian & Author.

Calvin Coconut: Extra Famous by Graham Salisbury - ADVISABLE

Salisbury, Graham Calvin Coconut: Extra Famous, 161 pgs. Wendy Lamb Books; 2013. $12.99. Language: G; Violence: PG; Mature Content: G.  

4th Grader Calvin and his friends have the opportunity to be extras in a zombie movie.  Benny’s uncle is a real life movie producer and he’s filming on their local beach.  But Benny is such a liar, can the kids trust that everything he tells them is true?  

Book 9 in the series brings the friends together again for another fun adventure.  Well written for the elementary boys, this series (and this story) will not disappoint.  Wanna make a movie?  EL ADVISABLE Lisa Librarian

The Boy on the Porch by Sharon Creech - ADVISABLE

Creech, Sharon The Boy on the Porch, 151 pgs. Joanna Cotler Books. 2013. $16.99.  Language: G; Violence: G; Mature Content: G;  

When John and Marta find a small boy left on the porch of their remote farm, they take him in.  Although the boy, Jacob, doesn’t talk, he communicates through art and music.  The longer he stays, the more they love him, but will his parents return to claim him as they promised in the note?  

Another beautiful short read by Creech, it seems more an adult read than a book for children.  No content issues or anything, but the story is more about how the adults are changed than about what happens to the boy. Perhaps kids need to learn this too.  I think the teachers would love it! EL MS ADVISABLE Lisa Librarian

My Life in Books: Series Four

Well, one book review down (read it; the book is great!) and already I'm turning my attention to other matters - the very-much-delayed fourth series of My Life in Books.  It was another victim of DPhil-craziness, and I've had an inboxful of wonderful responses for a while.  So, from Monday to Sunday next week, another 14 bloggers will be telling you about their lives in books.

If you haven't read any of the previous series (all available here) or seen the original TV show, then here's a quick breakdown: each blogger talks about a book which was important to them at four stages in their life (childhood, early adulthood, 20s/30s, blogging) and then admits to a guilty pleasure or a much-loved book which might surprise people.

Here's the twist: I pair up bloggers, but don't tell them who their partner is.  I do tell them the books their partner has chosen, and ask them to guess or assess what sort of person is revealed by their choices...

So, I'll see you in a week's time!  Make my visitors welcome - and I hope the bloggers who answered the questions will also chip in and reply to your comments.