Fun Graphic Novel for the Younger Set

Now that a graphic novel has won a Newbery honor, I hope that parents and librarians take this genre seriously.  Well not always too seriously as the graphic novel I am profiling today is full of giggles and guffaws!

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Title:Bird & Squirrel On Ice

Author: James Burks

Target:Grade 2-5

Series: Yes

What this book is about: 
Bird and Squirrel are on their second adventure and find themselves at the South Pole.  As they run into a spear wielding penguin, she sees Bird can fly and declares that he is the chosen one who will save the village from the whale.  Bird loves the attention and is happy to take on the task, but Squirrel soon discovers that the penguins intend to feed Bird to the whale.  They now have to get out of their predicament … oh and save the village.

Why I love this book: 
These books never fail to incite laughter from my kids.  Bird is just funny and oblivious enough to keep the laughs coming.  Squirrel is always the voice of reason making these two friends the perfect odd couple.  

I also love that the panels are full color and large enough to see everything.  Half the fun of the book are the expressions on the animals’ faces as they get themselves in and out of trouble.

Who this book is for: 
Great book for kids starting graphic novels.  This series is funny, well drawn and the story arc is well developed.

Final thoughts: 
Can’t wait for more adventures with these two!  Keep ‘em coming!

To purchase this book:

Click on the following link to connect to Amazon: Bird & Squirrel on Ice  A portion of each purchase goes to support this blog at no cost to you.  Thank you for your support.

A Book for Kids To Inspire Change

I have read some wonderful biographies lately for kids.  They deal with being young in war torn countries and they just pull at your heartstrings.  But they are also incredibly inspiring as they show us the resolve and resilience of young people to bring about change.

Taking Flight is a beautiful look at a ballerina from Sierra Leone which I profiled a few weeks ago, and the book I am profiling today, Malala, takes us behind the scenes to the life and struggles of the youngest winner of the Nobel Peace Prize.

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Title: I Am Malala

Authors: Malala Yousafzai & Patricia McCormick

Target:Grades 5 and up

What this book is about: 
This book is about Malala, the youngest ever Novel Peace Prize winner.  It profiles her life in Pakistan as the Taliban took control of her town.  It shows how she and her father raised their voices in defense of girls going to school and how she nearly lost her life at the hands of the Taliban.  It also discusses her recovery and what she is doing to make sure girls get an education.

Why I love this book: 
This book was more difficult for me to read because I have children of my own and I could only imagine how Malala’s parents felt.  Of course understanding the courage it took for Malala’s family to stand up for the rights of girls, despite the threats leveled against them, is inspiring.

This book will make any girl appreciate the simple act of receiving and education and reinforce that despite how far women have come in the Western world, they are still so powerless and persecuted in other countries.

It will also educate kids  on what it is like to live in a war zone.  This book is appropriate for children, but it doesn’t shy away from the realities that these families face.

I actually liked the fact that Malala felt young in this book.  It was certainly written with a young girl’s voice because as mature as she is in some ways, she is also quite innocent in others.

Who this book is for:  
This is the young readers edition of the adult book.  It is great for any child who wants to see how different life can be just a plane ride away.  This is a wonderful book to discuss as a family.

Final thoughts: 
The idea that one young person who stands up for her beliefs can affect real change is incredibly powerful. 

To purchase this book:

Click on the following link to connect to Amazon: I Am Malala: How One Girl Stood Up for Education and Changed the World (Young Readers Edition)  A portion of each purchase goes back to support this blog at no cost to you.  Thank you for your support.

Kid's Book With a Feisty Heroine

I am back from a week of skiing and ready with plenty of new book recommendations.  I got the chance to read a copy of the new book by Newbery winner Rebecca Stead on the plane, which is out later this year, and I will just tell you that it is fabulous.  Review to come!

But today I am celebrating both humor and girl power.  I love a feisty heroine and today's book does not disappoint.  So don't forget to Follow One Great Book on Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest or by email for all the books that celebrate the offspring of one Captain Hook ... and you thought you knew the whole story!

Title:Hook’s Revenge

Author:Heidi Schulz

Target:Grades 4-8

Series:This is the first book in a planned series

What this book is about: 
Jocelyn is the thirteen year old estranged daughter of Captain Hook.  Her grandfather abhors her wild ways, and sends her to finishing school to force the rowdy out of her.  However, Jocelyn continues to harbor fantasies of her fearsome father coming to rescue her and including her on their adventures.  When news of his death by the jaws of the infamous Neverland crocodile reaches her, she is thrust into a adventure to avenge his death.  It turns out to be much more difficult than she ever imagined.

Why I love this book: 
This book is fabulous.  There I said it.  Even if you never wanted to read about pirates (and I can’t say they are at the top of my list) you will be completely entranced by this story. 

Jocelyn is feisty and funny and her turn as a pirate is absolutely delightful.  The narrator in this story is snarky and has a keen distaste for children, which makes him the perfect person to tell the tale and relish in Jocelyn’s pirate ways.  The writing is descriptive and delightful and I was continually impressed by how bitingly funny the story was.

As Jocelyn outwits cannibals, gets mermaids to feel sorry for her (if you have ever met a mermaid you would realize the enormity of this task), and saves a dying fairy, she interacts with all the beloved character from Neverland, who you will see in a whole new light.  Can Peter Pan be any more annoying?

Who this book is for:
Great for kids who like adventure stories and fantasy books, but they also have to like to laugh!

Final thoughts: 
Shiver me timbers, this dog-livered landlubber quite enjoyed this hearty tale.

To purchase this book:

Click on the following link to connect to Amazon: Hook's Revenge, Book 1 Hook's Revenge  A portion of each purchase goes back to support this blog at no cost to you.  Thank you for your support.

Kid's Book for President's Day

With President's Day arriving, why not use it as an excuse to teach your kids some history.  Today I have a book they can relate to that looks at the US Presidents when they were kids.  Now if you think these men were perfect upstanding little gentlemen ... think again.  They will give you renewed hope that your offspring just might have a chance at the Oval Office.

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Title: Kid Presidents

Author:David Stabler

Target:Grades 3-7

Series: No

What this book is about: 
This book is filled with stories about the American Presidents when they were kids.  It is fun to see that they got into just as much mischief as kids today.  We learn about Teddy Roosevelt’s obsession with natural history, Bill Clinton’s musical abilities and Herbert Hoover’s time living with the Native Americans, to name a few.  Not only that, these kids plucked chickens, scooped ice cream, played pranks on their teachers and got into fights with their siblings.

Why I love this book: 
The kids portrayed in this book seem no different from our kids, which is a fun way to show our children that no matter what, they too can grow up to be President.  The stories are filled with clever illustrations and share a lot of the fun these men had when they were young.

While the author does trace their interest back to things that became important to them as President, this is more of a lighthearted look at history.  I do wish there had been photographs of the Presidents since the book is not laid out in chronological order and kids may not be familiar with all the men being discussed.  However all the stories are funny and it will peak kid’s interest to learn more about these famous men.

Who this book is for: 
Great for kids who are interested in history or the Presidents.  However, given the format of short stories, fun facts and plentiful illustrations, it would also work well for most kids, especially reluctant readers.

Final thoughts: 
I am so ready for the next Presidential trivia contest.  Bring it on.

To purchase this book:

Click on the following link to connect to Amazon: Kid Presidents: True Tales of Childhood from America's Presidents  A portion of each purchase goes back to support this blog at no cost to you.  Thank you for your support.

Perfect Alphabet Book

Sometimes I am just in the mood for a great picture book and lo and behold, one of my favorite writers, Michael Escoffier has a new offering.  Perhaps his name is not familiar to you?  His clever work should be.

The Brief Thief was hands down one of my favorite picture books from 2013.  Click on the title to check it out if you want a book that will give your kids a case of the giggles.  It's an infectious disease, so only click on the link if you are ready deal with the laughter that comes from reading this quick-witted story.

But on to the book at hand.  I have literally read hundreds of alphabet books.  Did I think there could possibly be a new take on the ABC's?  No way mister.  I have seen it all .... until now!

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In fact, check out the video preview of the book below!

Title: Take Aways the A

Authors: Michael Escoffier & Kris Di Giacomo

Target: Preschool - Grade 2

What this book is about:  
In this insanely imaginative book, the author removes a letter from a variety of words to show the power of the alphabet.  Plants become Pants, Crab becomes Cab and Witch becomes Itch all to show the importance of each letter.

Why I love this book: 
Oh the litany of Alphabet books out there.  It just makes it all the more exciting when one comes out that taps into a new element of creativity.  This book not only emphasizes the letter taken away, but also shows kids how important the letters are in the words they are using.  

I also cannot say enough about the illustrations.  They are gorgeous. clever and funny with absolute sublime humor.

Who this book is for: 
Wonderful picture book for both younger and older kids.  Preschoolers will enjoy learning their letters and older siblings, who are learning to read, will appreciate getting the humor in the letter removal.  This is one all your kids can enjoy!

Final thoughts: 
Of course Escoffier wrote The Brief Thief, one of my all time favorite picture books, so there was little chance I wouldn’t love this new offering.

To purchase this book:

Click on the following link to connect to Amazon: Take Away the A  A portion of each purchase goes to support this blog at no cost to you.  Thank you for your support.

A Compelling Mystery for Kids

If you have a kid who likes a good mystery surrounded by plenty of action, do I have the book for you!  And it is the beginning of a series ... you can thank me later.

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Title:Masterminds

Author:Gordon Korman

Target:Grades 4-8

Series:This is the first book in a planned series

What this book is about: 
Eli lives in the perfect town of Serenity with a population of 185.  It has been voted #1 in the US for its standard of living.  The local cone plant employs most of the people and everyone has a house with a pool and even a treehouse.  There is no reason to leave, so no one does.  However, when Eli and his friend Randy go biking outside the town limits, Eli becomes so sick he has to be helicoptered back.  The next thing Eli knows Randy is being sent away to boarding school.  Something doesn’t feel right and when Eli and his other friends begin to investigate, they realize there is no going back.

Why I love this book: 
I love it when a book just sucks me in from the start and I am looking for chances to pick it up during the day.  This is one of those books.  

It is told from alternating character viewpoints, which I really enjoy.  I like seeing things from more than one perspective, and I also think it is a great way for kids to learn that there is always another way to look at the same set of facts.  Additionally, it allows the book to be very accessible to both boys and girls since both genders are represented.

Of course it is the heart of the mystery that is the big reveal.  No, I won’t spoil anything, but lets just say I have seen the subject dealt with in adult and YA, but never in an elementary school book, so I imagine that it will come as a surprise to most.  I am looking forward to seeing how Korman deals with the issue in subsequent books since there are  some serious ethical implications for these kids.  However, in this first book the shock is tempered with plenty of suspense and humor.

Who this book is for: 
Good for kids who like suspense and dystopian fiction.  Reminded me a bit of books like Genius Files, Codename Zero and Sylo.

Final thoughts: 
One of the best I have read by Korman.

To purchase this book:

Click on the following link to connect to Amazon: Masterminds  A portion of each purchase goes back to this blog at no cost to you.  Thank you for your support.

Valentine's Day Book

I say it every year!  Give me a funny Valentine's Day Book over a sentimental one any day, but combine the two and I am in love.  I really appreciate those stories that can weave the charm of the holiday with a sense of humor that means they have never taken themselves too seriously.

Check out my picks from last year here: The Best Valentine's Day Picture Books

Don't forget to Follow One Great Book on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest or by Email so that you won't miss any of the Valentine's Day love, combined with just the right amount of giggles.  Isn't humor the best way to a kid's heart?  Well that and chocolate.

Title: Max & Milo: The Mixed -Up Message

Author: Heather & Ethan Long

Target: Preschool - Grade 2

Series: Yes

What this book is about: 
Max likes Molly and wants to write her the perfect note.  However, his little brother Milo thinks Max’s notes are boring and that he needs a grand gesture! When Max quits writing because he feels defeated, leave it to a little brother to piece together a note with just the right amount of sentiment and humor to get the girl.

Why I love this book: 
I am a big supporter of the funny Valentine’s Day books.  These books have enough sentiment to please the fans of love on February 14th, but also enough silliness to make even the most hardened non fan of the day a believer.  This book does that in spades.  While it is not specifically written for Valentine’s Day, it is perfect for the holiday none the less.

The little brother Max is just so much fun and has so much energy in this story that he is an absolute whirling dervish, devising one grand message after another.  Milo makes the perfect foil and together they create just the right note for Molly.

Who this book is for: 
This book is for kids who like silly stories and who like to laugh.  Do you have one of those?

Final thoughts: 
The books are based on the author’s two sons and these parents know funny.

To purchase this book:

Click on the following link to connect to Amazon: Max & Milo The Mixed-up Message (Max and Milo)  A portion of each purchase goes back to support this blog at no cost to you.  Thank you for your support.

Award Winning Graphic Novel

With the big Newbery announcements this week, I am still a little amazed.  The Crossover wining the Newbery is wonderful.  I thought Brown Girl Dreaming would edge it out, but no!  However, Brown Girl Dreaming got a well deserved Honor and that felt right too.

The biggest shift for me however, was that a graphic novel, El Deafo, won a Newbery Honor.  Yes, you read right ... a graphic novel.  I have been telling parents that these books are rich genres for storytelling.  The narratives have depth, significant story arcs and can touch readers in a way that conventional stories sometimes can't.  It is so nice to see the committee acknowledge that these type of stories can be distinguished, and my hope is that parents and librarians will promote this genre as a wonderful reading experience for kids.

So enough pontificating and on to today's review.  I read this Newbery Honor book several months ago and loved it.  I hesitated to post the review, not because the story wasn't wonderful, but because all the characters are bunnies.  No that is not a typo.  Read the review to find out why.  This is one your chid wouldn't pick up off the shelf on their own because of yes, the bunnies, and I am hoping the shiny sticker will give this book the boost it needs.

I have included a video of the author discussing her book at the end of the blog.  Don't miss it.

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Title:El Deafo

Author: Cece Bell

Target: Grades 3-7

Series: No

Newbery Honor Boook

What this book is about: 
This is an autobiographical graphic novel about growing up hard of hearing.  The author’s hearing was damaged as a child and she has to navigate school and friends with a hearing aid.  While her worries and joys are those of any kid, her challenges with people’s reactions and behavior regarding her hearing are the most difficult for her.  The heart of the story is about a girl who wants to have friends and fit in, and her daily challenges provide a lovely backdrop for a story about growing up.

Why I love this book: 
This book feels absolutely authentic.  Cece’s reaction to her deafness, the loneliness and embarrassment she feels, the reaction of other kids, it all feels absolutely true.  Kids will certainly walk away from this book with a new feeling of empathy for others, but they will also love Cece and be rooting for her the whole way.  She has a sensibility and a sense of humor that is irresistible!

The characters in this book are drawn as bunnies which is an interesting play.  Obviously bunnies have big ears, and this accentuates the issues of hearing and makes the hearing aids a more prominent feature.  This analogy will probably be lost on most kids, but it was a compelling way to visually interpret the issue of deafness.

Who this book is for: 
The comparisons to Raina Telgemeir’s Smile are inevitable and kids who enjoyed that book will certainly be the right audience for this one.  The bunnies may make the book feel young at first, but the issues are sophisticated so don’t let the rabbits fool you.

Final thoughts: 
There are lots of graphic novel memoirs out this year.  Check out Sisters and The Dumbest Idea Ever for more great stuff in this genre.  I keep telling you graphic novels are getting better and better!  Has the Newbery Honor convinced you yet?

Fun fact: The author is married to Tom Angleberger, the writer of Origami Yoda.  

To purchase this book:

Click on the following link to connect to Amazon: El Deafo  A portion of each purchase goes to support this blog at no cost to you.  Thank you for your support.

Science Fiction Book for Kids

When I was a kid, science fiction books were all the rage.  I mean Star Treck was out, Disneyland had Tomorrow Land and we could see a future with metallic clothing, flying cars and meals on demand (from a computer ... not your mother.)

Somewhere along the line science fiction books just stopped being as prevalent, maybe in place of dystopian books.  But now that STEM is back in vogue we are seeing books that involve technology and inventions and science fiction is peeking it's head back in.  Maybe it's not always in the form of interplanetary travel but it does have an emphasis on inventions and industrial science.

Today I have a wonderful science fiction book for you. Any kid who loves inventions will marvel at the things developed in this story.  Both my son and I declare this one a can't put down read!

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Title: Tesla’s Attic

Authors:Neal Shusterman & Eric Elfman

Target:Grade 4-7

Series:Yes

What this book is about: 
Nick finds an attic full of junk in the new house his dad inherits.  He decides to have a garage sale to clear it all out and strangely people are drawn from all over to pay top dollar for seemingly useless items.  But it turns out the items have special abilities.  A wet battery cell can bring dead things back to life, an old baseball mitt can change the direction of balls in the air and a reel to reel recorder plays back not what you say, but what you are really thinking.  When it becomes evident that a secret society, the Accelerati are after these inventions, Nick is on a quest, with his friends, to not only find the items, but fend off this menacing group.

Why I love this book:
I read quite a few book where kids are taking on secret societies, but I loved the scientific and gadget take on this one.  I also really enjoyed the cast of friends surrounding Nick.  They are quirky, funny and they made me laugh.  

The book itself is a little scary with some sad moments, but the authors always seems to interject some levity into a situation with one of their idiosyncratic characters.  The action was nonstop and it was a can’t put down read.

Who this book is for: 
Kids who like action and science should be drawn to this book.  Nice entrant into the science fiction category for kids.

Final thoughts: 
I had seen this book for several months and loved the title, but the cover just never inspired me to pick it up.  Wish they had spent more time creating a compelling cover because it pales in comparison to excitement of the book.

To purchase this book:
Click on the following link to connect to Amazon: The Accelerati Trilogy Book One Tesla's Attic  A portion of each purchase goes back to this blog at no cost to you.  Thank you for your support.