If you like quirky characters with artistic personalities, test out this book about teamwork.  The main characters E.D. and Jake both learn about their personal strenths and being different is just, well, normal.

This is the third book in a trilogy after The Golden Compass and The Subtle Knife. 

I'm reading the ending of this book again because I listened to the first half during my Thanksgiving drive. I can't wait to discover details I missed during the scenes at Hogwarts the first time around.

This fourth book about Skippyjon is sure to delight fans.  The well-loved 'kitty boy' ventures out to the world of dinosaur bones and the Jurassic period.  This book came with a CD and I enjoyed listening to all of the songs and rhymes in the text.

Owly is a graphic novel series. In this second volume, Owly, Wormy, and Flutter try to make friends with a neighboring blue bird family.  I like the way the author incorporates the bird-lover practice of hanging a bluebird house.

I love the "You Read to Me" poetry books and I was thrilled to see this new addition to the series: Very Short Scary Tales to Read Together.  My students love to read ghost stories and this poetry volume has stories about mummies, witches, dinosaurs, and ghosts!  Poetry is always better read with a friend!

I'm enjoying this fantasy adventure about a boy who discovers he has a magical heritage.  Alcatraz started with a rush of action and I'm anxious to finish the book to find out what happens!  Will the Evil Librarians take over the world? Or will Alcatraz stop them?  You'll have to check the book out to see!

The third book in the series takes Scaredy on Operation: Seashell as he ventures to the beach. He needs to be wary though because he is afraid of crowds and there are many of those at the beach: lobsters, seagulls, sea monsters, and jelly fish. What Scaredy doesn't count on though are the people!

Three boys travel back in time wit the help of a magical book.  They are immediately faced with the dangerous Black Knight blocking their path.  Will they be able to get home safely after their adventure in medieval times--I sure hope so!

This book will be on the NCCBA nominee list for students to read next year.  The book is written in interview format.  The author asks many people about Melvin.  Melvin's mom discusses his dirty room, a cranky man fusses, and even the monsters under the bed share their thoughts.  Finally, the author interviews Melvin to get the true facts.

This is the 4th book in the series that began with the Lightning Thief.  Percy Jackson is off on another quest, this time under the surface of the earth into Daedalus's labyrinth.  Percy holds the key to navigating the ever-changing maze, but will he get them out in time?  I don't know--I'm not done reading yet!

What happens when you receive a lawn mower as a gift? That's what this book is all about. It starts off with a few simple mowing jobs and some extra dollars in the pockets and escalates with some zany adventures involving an investor, a wrestler and, of course, the lawn boy. This book is an NCCBA nominee and the school owns several copies. You'll definitely want to check this one out!

Greg is in 7th grade and his life is okay, but not that great. Greg writes in his journal about his life in gym class, with his best friend, being grounded, and the cheese on the playground. This book is fast to read and I think you'll enjoy it so I made sure we had several copies this year. It is an NCCBA nominee!

I loved the book Rules and it was very quick to read.  Catherine is struggling with making friends with a neighbor and trying not to be embarassed by her brother, who has autism.  She loves to draw and makes word cards for a new friend who cannot speak.

I have read all of the Gregor books, and this one came out a few years ago, but I'm enjoying this one as an audio book.  I like the details the author uses to describe Gregor's adventure and his quest.  This is a great book to read in a week or two and it's too long.

I loved this story about twins deciding to be only one person at a new school. They face many challenges in keeping their secret while along the way they get the experience of being an only child. We'll get this book this year in the library!

Just before school starts Russell's teacher dies.  I love the witty dialogue and wry tone of this book even though the opening event is serious.

This sequel to The Penderwicks is just as entertaining as the first one and is a faster book to read.  If you read this book you'll enjoy figuring out the mystery of "Bug Man" and the predicament the sisters are in when they switch homework assignments.

I just started this book and I'm hooked! It opens with a teenage boy 'tagging' (graffiti) an unusual location in New York City. I won't give it away! He has mountain climbing experience and is off on a great adventure with his father. I can't wait to find out what happens!