Archive for Ages 8 and up
April 2, 2013 at 7:27 am · Filed under Ages 6 - 8, Ages 8 - 10, Ages 8 and up, Poetry ·Tagged bedtime, Dial, fairy tales, Follow Follow, Josee Masse, Little Mermaid, Marilyn Singer, Nightingale, Pied Pipe of Hamelin, poetry, Puss in Boots, reverse order, reverso poems, Three Little Pigs, Thumbelina, Tortoise and the Hare, Twelve Dancing Princesses
The poems in Follow Follow are mostly short and deceptively simple. You read one poem top to bottom. Then on the other side of the page is the exact same poem written backward (only changes in punctuation or capitalization are allowed). You’ll be amazed at the new voices, details and attitudes that emerge simply from reading the words in reverse order. Following the fairy tale theme of Mirror, Mirror, each poem connects to a story either well known (The Three Little Pigs, The Twelve Dancing Princesses) or slightly more obscure (Pied Piper of Hamelin, Puss in Boots). Hans Christian Andersen is especially well represented here, with ‘Thumbelina’, ‘The Little Mermaid’ and ‘The Nightingale’ among others. Singer achieves the best results with poems connected to fairy tales with clear oppositional characters. ‘Ready, Steady, Go!’ from the Tortoise and the Hare is especially witty. Poems that present a dilemma from two points of view, such as ‘The Little Mermaid’s Choice’ are sometimes less immediately engaging. Masse’s clever illustrations make use of a split page to show either two different characters or the same character in different attitudes, as in the sweet final selection ‘Now it’s Time to Say Good-Night.’ This will be a great addition to bedtime reading or classroom shelves everywhere.
Follow Follow: a Book of Reverso Poems, by Marilyn Singer, illustrated by Josee Masse, Dial, $16.99
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March 18, 2013 at 1:09 pm · Filed under Ages 8 and up, Booksellers Diary ·Tagged cake, Lisa Graff, Talent, Tangle of Knots
A great magical story where no one dies; no one is scarily evil; and the magic of the characters consists of everyday activities: being good at knitting, baking or, as the title suggests, tying knots.
The very last part is what I loved most about Knots. Everyone has a Talent. Those Talents are things that an everyday, average person could also be good at. Some Talents were useful: baking, and some were mundane: floating two feet off the ground. No one in the story had abilities that you would typically find in a magical story: flying, spell-casting, potion-mixing. This makes this story great for those who want a little bit of magic without too much fantasy. Another aspect of these everyday Talented abilities of the characters serves as a subtle message to the reader. Everyone has a talent; something they are a natural at, you have a talent, too. It could be anything, but you do have a talent.
Knots is great for those readers who are looking for an adventure story without having too many issues to confront or on overly scary evil villain. [SPOILER ALERT] The villain is only good at stealing talents and while mean and selfish, he’s not menacing. No threatening to throw little children off cliffs here. The main characters is an orphan but the fate of her parents, and in particular her mother, is not discussed all that much. No parents who were unfortunately crushed in an freak soup can avalanche or some other tragedy that was brought on by a spell from some evil queen or vindictive king. No one gets locked in a dank, dark tower with rats or spiders either. Nope, the challenges here extend to finding the perfect family for our main character; discovering what kind of cake to bake for a national competition and solving the mystery of just what the Owner of a thrift shop emporium is after as he steals Talents from other characters.
Ms. Graff weaves all these different stories together with amazing seamlessness. She moves back and forth between the characters and action in a fast-pace way that keeps you on edge without getting you lost.
A great read-aloud for folks with good characters and a wholesome, fun story. Fans of stories like The Penderwicks, The Doll People or Ginger Pye will really enjoy this one.
Lisa Graff will be at Hooray For Books! on Friday, March 22, at 6:30 p.m. There will be CAKE!!
Please call us at 703-548-4092 to reserve your spot.
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February 20, 2013 at 7:45 am · Filed under Ages 10 - 12, Ages 10 and up, Ages 12 - 14, Ages 12 and up, Ages 8 - 10, Ages 8 and up, Award Winners ·Tagged 1890s, Anne of Green Gables, bagpipes, ballad lore, biography, changeling, Cornelia Meigs, Elizabeth Marie Pope, Eloise McGraw, fairies, Fairy Folk, fantasy, folk tales, Good Master, gypsies, hansom cabs, history, horses, Hungarian ranchers, Hungary, Invincible Louisa, Jane Dyer, Kate Seredy, legends, Little House books, Louisa May Alcott, Moorchild, New York City, newbery, Perilous Gard, pinafores, Roller Skates, Ruth Sawyer, Tam Lin, tomboy
We look forward with great excitement every year as the Newbery and Caldecott winners are announced, but it’s also a pleasure to read (or re-read) past winners. Cecilia tells us about a few of her favorites:
If you like historical books or old-fashioned classics, try…
Invincible Louisa by Cornelia Meigs
This biography of Louisa May Alcott reads like a novel, and even if you haven’t read Little Women, you’ll be drawn in by the story of this author’s struggle with poverty. Alcott had an unconventional childhood moving from place to place with her family, and her early writing attempts, games with her siblings and schemes to earn money are all detailed here. A timeline and index are included and the lovely cover by Jane Dyer is a nice additional touch. Little Brown Books for Young Readers, $7.99
The Good Master by Kate Seredy
The plains of Hungary are the backdrop for adventures in this tale of cousins Jancsi and Kate. Jancsi has low expectations for a girl when he hears that cousin Kate is coming from the city, but he soon learns that she is an energetic tomboy with the same enthusiasm for horses, village fairs and gypsies as himself. The regional customs of Hungarian ranchers are depicted in loving detail and Kate in particular is a bright, engaging character. Puffin, $5.99
Roller Skates by Ruth Sawyer
Kate would find a common spirit in Lucinda Wyman, the protagonist of Roller Skates. Set in New York City of the 1890s, it follows Lucinda through a year of living with family friends, as she struggles with her prim-and-proper cousins, experiences thrills and disappointments and makes friends with everyone from policemen to tramps to fruit sellers. References to unfamiliar things like hansom cabs and pinafores go hand in hand with games of theater and dress-up that children still love today. A great read for lovers of old-fashioned classics like Anne of Green Gables or the Little House series. Viking Penguin, $5.99
If you like folklore and fantasy, try…
The Moorchild by Eloise McGraw
Moql is half Moorfolk and half Human without key Folk traits such as the ability to shape-shift or disappear. As a result, she is banished and sent to live among humans as a changeling named Saaski. In the human world, she also faces rejection from the villagers who fear her differences. The only place she feels safe and at home is out on the moors, playing her bagpipes. As she grows up and slowly comes to understand the tangled relationship between the Folk and the humans, she becomes determined to find the real child of her human parents and bring her home. This is a great read for fans of Franny Billingsley and other authors who write fantasy based on folktales and legends. Aladdin, $6.99
The Perilous Gard by Elizabeth Marie Pope
An ambitious mix of history, ballad lore and fantasy, this story begins with Kate Sutton being exiled to the remote castle known as the Perilous Gard. There she gets pulled into a series of encounters with the Fairy Folk who live underground and eventually must use what she knows of the Tam Lin ballad to save her friend Christopher, as well as decide what she truly wants her life to be. This is a slightly creepy adventure with a strong heroine and wonderful details of fairy lore and legend. Sandpiper, $6.99
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February 18, 2013 at 10:03 am · Filed under Ages 10 - 12, Ages 10 and up, Ages 8 - 10, Ages 8 and up ·Tagged All the Wrong Questions, detective stories, Lemony Snicket, middle grade fiction, middle grade mystery, Miss Megan, Series of Unfortunate Events, The Latke Who Couldn't Stop Screaming, Who Could That Be at This Hour?
You know Lemony Snicket from his critically acclaimed and bestselling Series of Unfortunate Events books. He’s written other titles, of course, my favorite of which is the disturbing and hilarious The Latke Who Couldn’t Stop Screaming (finally, a holiday picture book for jaded grownups!).
Snicket is back with All the Wrong Questions, a new series for middle grade readers! Parents should note that some of the scary stuff that made SOUE difficult to hand to sensitive (or younger) readers is pretty much rejected here. Any tense situation is leavened by absurd characters and hilarious flights of Snicket’s signature offbeat imagination. It’s Hardy Boys meets Mysterious Benedict Society, a sure pick for fans of aspiring gumshoes and outlandish plot twists.
The plot’s simple enough: a young Lemony Snicket begins his apprenticeship with an unnamed organization and attempts to solve the mysterious disappearance of a strange object in an even stranger town. The events that ensue are, of course, strange, puzzling, and utterly entertaining!
I love this book as a pick for advancing chapter book readers—or as a read aloud choice for the whole family!
Read on, readers!
Miss Megan
Who Could That Be at This Hour? (All the Wrong Questions #1), by Lemony Snicket; Little, Brown; 15.99; Ages 8-12
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February 11, 2013 at 2:41 pm · Filed under Ages 6 - 8, Ages 8 - 10, Ages 8 and up ·Tagged 4th grade, ages 6 & up, author events, best friend, big nose, chapter books, humor, Penelope Crumb, penguin, Shawn Stout
For fans of Clementine or Katie Kazoo who are are looking for a new series, try the Penelope Crumb series by Shawn Stout. Penelope is a spunky and hilarious fourth grader with a penchant for speaking before she thinks. She loves art class until her best friend draws a picture of her, and Penelope learns she has a big nose. Her mom tells her she has a Crumb nose just like her grandpa so Penelope makes it her mission to track down this mysterious grandpa she’s never met.
For those of you who are already Penelope Crumb fans, check out the newest book. In Penelope Crumb Never Forgets, Penelope is off on more adventures; mainly, trying to ensure that she doesn’t lose her best friend, or forget anyone that is important to her. Penelope is an honest, funny fourth grader with a huge imagination. These charming chapter books are also great read alouds with enough complexity to keep older readers engaged too.
Join us for a book signing with Shawn Stout on Monday, February 18th at 7:00 p.m.
Penelope Crumb by Shawn Stout; Penguin; $5.99; Ages 7 and up
Penelope Crumb Never Forgets; $14.99
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January 28, 2013 at 10:49 am · Filed under Ages 10 - 12, Ages 10 and up, Ages 12 - 14, Ages 12 and up, Ages 14 and Up, Ages 3 - 6, Ages 6 - 8, Ages 8 - 10, Ages 8 and up, Award Winners ·Tagged Aaron Reynolds, Aristotle and Dante Discover the Universe, Benjamin Alire Saenz, Beverley Brenna, Bomb, Caldecott medal, Code Name Verity, Creepy Carrots, David Small, Dodger, Elizabeth Wein, Extra Yarn, Green, In Darkness, Jon Klassen, Katherin Applegate, Laura Amy Schlitz, Laura Vaccaro Seeger, Mac Barnett, Mary Logue, Newbery medal, Nick Lack, One Cool Friend, Pamela Zagarenski, Peter Brown, Printz award, Sheila Turnage, Sleep Like a Tiger, Splendors and Glooms, Steve Sheinkin, Terry Pratchett, The One and Only Ivan, The White Bicycle, This Is Not My Hat, Three Times Lucky, Toni Buzzeo
Earlier this morning, the American Library Association announced the Youth Media Awards. We selected our picks for Caldecott, Newbery, and Printz a couple of weeks ago, and now the committees have spoken! Behold.
Michael L. Printz Award
Winner: In Darkness, Nick Lake, Bloomsbury U.S.A. Children’s Books
Honors: Aristotle and Dante Discover the Universe, Benjamin Alire Saenz, Simon and Schuster; Code Name Verity, Elizabeth Wein, Hyperion Books (staff pick & Megan’s pick); Dodger, Terry Pratchett, HarperCollins; The White Bicycle, Beverley Brenna, Red Deer Press
Caldecott Medal
Winner: This Is Not My Hat, Jon Klassen, Candlewick Press (staff pick & Megan’s pick)
Honors: Creepy Carrots, Aaron Reynolds, illus. by Peter Brown, Simon and Schuster; Extra Yarn, Mac Barnett, illus. by Jon Klassen, Balzer & Bray/Harperteen (staff pick & Megan’s pick); Green, Laura Vaccaro Seeger, Roaring Brook Press; One Cool Friend, Toni Buzzeo, illus. by David Small, Dial Books; Sleep Like a Tiger, Mary Logue, illus. by Pamela Zagarenski, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
Newbery Medal
Winner: The One and Only Ivan, Katherine Applegate, Harper (Megan’s pick)
Honors: Bomb, Steve Sheinkin, Flash Point (Roaring Brook Press); Splendors and Glooms, Laura Amy Schlitz, Candlewick Press (staff pick & Megan’s pick); Three Times Lucky, Sheila Turnage, Dial Books for Young Readers (staff pick & Megan’s pick)
Stop by the store and check out these wonderful titles for yourself! Give us a call to check availability–we’ve got a bunch of award darlings on order just for you!
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January 17, 2013 at 7:01 am · Filed under Ages 10 - 12, Ages 10 and up, Ages 12 - 14, Ages 12 and up, Ages 14 and Up, Ages 8 - 10, Ages 8 and up, Booksellers Diary ·Tagged Code Name Verity, Elizabeth Wein, Good Masters Sweet Ladies, Jepp Who Defied the Stars, Katherine Applegate, Katherine Marsh, Laura Amy Schlitz, Liar and Spy, Newbery medal, Newbery predictions, Rebecca Stead, Sara Pennypacker, Sheila Turnage, Splendors and Glooms, Summer of the Gypsy Moths, The One and Only Ivan, Three Times Lucky, When You Reach Me
Newbery choices are tough. There are so many great books to choose from, so many rules and various criteria to consider, so many helpful opinions to process. But, in the end, I have to stick with the books that have left the greatest impression on me this year.
True, the Newbery committee doesn’t always pick the same titles I do, but I really think they should. Fingers crossed for 2013!
Splendors and Glooms by Laura Amy Schlitz; Candlewick Press; 17.99; Ages 10-16
I’m rooting for this book so hard! Code Name Verity is my favorite book of the year, but this one’s a close second. Baltimore librarian and previous Newbery medal winner Laura Amy Schlitz dazzles with lush descriptions, hilarious dialogue, and an utterly engrossing setting. I didn’t want this book to end. Brilliantly done.
Liar and Spy by Rebecca Stead; Random House; 15.99; Ages 9-13
A classic mystery in so many ways, but it feels fresh. And disagree if you like, but I prefer this title to Stead’s previous Newbery medal winner, When You Reach Me. The plot flows effortlessly, the characters are endearing and engaging, and the storyline has layers of poignancy and emotion that are handled with just the right amount of restraint. A strong contender for the medal!
Jepp, Who Defied the Stars by Katherine Marsh; Hyperion Books; 16.99; Ages 14-adult
The rules for the Newbery dictate that books written for readers up to the age of fourteen can be considered. In that case, Jepp has to be part of the discussion. The title character’s voice was one of the strongest I’ve read this year, and Marsh’s ability to make period fiction feel both historically accurate and fresh for a modern reader is commendable. This one’s a wild card for me, as it’s also a strong choice for the Printz Award, which recognizes achievement in young adult literature.
Summer of the Gypsy Moths by Sara Pennypacker; Balzer & Bray/Harperteen (HarperCollins); 15.99; Ages 9-12
Pennypacker weaves a story that packs a hefty emotional punch without feeling manipulative or forced. She handles an often overused theme in middle grade fiction—the “unlikely friendship”—in a way that is natural and engaging. I couldn’t get this novel out of my head after I read it. I still can’t! Gypsy Moths is a Newbery dark horse that I’d like to see get some (much deserved) recognition.
The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate; Harper; 16.99; Ages 8-12
A moving story of a silverback gorilla’s quest to find a better life for the baby elephant that arrives at his dilapidated zoo. Applegate handles the themes of conservancy and animal welfare with a deft hand, and it is to her credit that she writes both her animal and human characters without judgment. Even the “bad guy,” we discover, has a tender side. What could have been a heavy handed sermon is, instead, a lovely exercise in control.
Three Times Lucky by Sheila Turnage; Dial Books for Young Readers; 16.99; Ages 9-12
Like Liar and Spy, this is a mystery that’s more than just a formula. Hilarious prose and a small town full of wonderfully zany folk make this one of the most entertaining middle grade picks this year. The Newbery committee doesn’t always go for humor, but I think they should give it a go this time around. Turnage’s story is utterly fantastic.
Others to watch: Wonder, The Lions of Little Rock, The Great Unexpected
What are your picks for Newbery? Comment and let me know which titles I missed!
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January 4, 2013 at 12:13 pm · Filed under Ages 3 - 6, Ages 6 - 8, Ages 8 - 10, Ages 8 and up, Booksellers Diary ·Tagged Adam Rex, awards, Bear Has a Story to Tell, books, Caldecott picks, Caldecott shortlist, Candace Fleming, Chloe and the Lion, Eric Rohmann, Erin E. Stead, Extra Yarn, I Have a Dream, illustration, Jon Klassen, kadir nelson, Mac Barnett, Martin Luther King Jr., Oh No!, Philip C. Stead, This Is Not My Hat
Our staff has voted on our favorite picture books of the year, and we’ve agreed on our picks for the Caldecott! Check out our shortlist!
Extra Yarn by Mac Barnett, illus. by Jon Klassen; Balzer & Bray/Harperteen; 16.99
Chloe and the Lion by Mac Barnett, illus. by Adam Rex; Hyperion Books; 16.99
Oh, No! by Candace Fleming, illus. by Eric Rohmann; Schwartz & Wade Books; 17.99
This Is Not My Hat by Jon Klassen; Candlewick Press; 15.99
Bear Has a Story to Tell, by Philip C. Stead, illus. by Erin E. Stead; Roaring Brook Press; 16.99
I Have a Dream by Martin Luther King, Jr., illus. by Kadir Nelson; Schwartz & Wade Books; 18.99
What’s your pick for Caldecott? Comment and let us know, then check back on January 28th to see if your favorites made the grade!
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December 30, 2012 at 5:02 pm · Filed under Adult fiction and non-fiction, Ages 10 - 12, Ages 10 and up, Ages 12 - 14, Ages 12 and up, Ages 14 and Up, Ages 3 - 6, Ages 6 - 8, Ages 8 - 10, Ages 8 and up, Award Winners, Booksellers Diary ·Tagged A Greyhound of a Girl, Adam Rex, best books of 2012, Caldecott picks, Chloe and the Lion, Code Name Verity, Elizabeth Wein, favorite books of 2012, Jepp Who Defied the Stars, Jesse Andre, Jon Klassen, Katherine Marsh, Laura Amy Schlitz, Mac Barnett, Me and Earl and the Dying Girl, newbery picks, Printz picks, Roddy Doyle, Sara Pennypacker, Splendors and Glooms, Summer of the Gypsy Moths, This Is Not My Hat
2012 was a good year to be a reader! Ask me my favorite book and I’ll probably hem and haw before making a decision—but if I have to choose, I’ll choose from this list.
(Instead of giving you a long discussion of the merits of each book, I’m limiting myself to a Twitter-style 140-character summary for each. Here goes!)
Chloe and the Lion by Mac Barnett, illus. by Adam Rex; Hyperion Books (HarperCollins); 16.99; Ages 3-8
This discussion of author/illustrator collaboration hilariously breaks the fourth wall. Lots to look at, lots of laughs. Top Caldecott pick.
This Is Not My Hat by Jon Klassen; Candlewick Press; 15.99; Ages 3-7
A little fish steals a big fish’s bowler hat. Text follows little fish, art follows big fish. Mayhem ensues. Klassen is a comic genius.
A Greyhound of a Girl by Roddy Doyle; Amulet Books (Abrams); 16.95; Ages 9-adult
Poignant generational story about mothers, daughters, grandmothers, and great-grandmothers. Just the right length, great emotional impact.
Summer of the Gypsy Moths by Sara Pennypacker; Balzer & Bray (Harperteen); 15.99; Ages 9-12
This novel about an unlikely friendship is also a novel about two kinds of family: the kind we’re born into, and the kind we choose.
Splendors and Glooms by Laura Amy Schlitz; Candlewick Press; 17.99; Ages 10-16
A Dickensian orphan story with a magical twist. Hilarity abounds. Schlitz is the queen of engaging, descriptive prose. Top Newbery pick.
Jepp, Who Defied the Stars by Katherine Marsh; Hyperion Books; 16.99; Ages 12-adult
A young court dwarf in the Spanish Netherlands journeys on a quest to find his fate. Fantastic storytelling. Marsh is a DC author!
Me and Earl and the Dying Girl by Jesse Andrews; Abrams Publishing; 16.95; Ages 14-adult
A story of unlikely friendship without the usual cliches. A fresh voice that is hysterical and engaging. You will laugh and cry.
Code Name Verity by Elizabeth Wein; Hyperion Books; 16.99; Ages 14-adult
Part spy thriller, part friendship story, with twists you’ll never see coming. Begs to be reread. Top Printz pick. Best book of the year.
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October 30, 2012 at 8:10 am · Filed under Adult fiction and non-fiction, Ages 10 - 12, Ages 10 and up, Ages 12 - 14, Ages 12 and up, Ages 14 and Up, Ages 3 - 6, Ages 6 - 8, Ages 8 - 10, Ages 8 and up ·Tagged collector, Hooray For Books Children's Bookstore, Matthew Reinhart, Orchard Books, pop-up books, Scholastic, Star Wars
Let’s just get the truth about this book out of the way now: if you’re a Star Wars fan, you MUST have it for your collection. Absolutely must! Each page is full of fun activities to remind you of your favorite parts of all three Star Wars prequel movies. Pull-tabs, two working lightsabers, and huge, detailed pop-ups make the book visual awesome
The trivia is great for all fans and even for the true Star Wars buffs there are little known facts that are fun to read and share. And did I mention working lightsabers? How much fun is that?! . The paper engineering of the pages is just amazing.
Definitely a necessary addition to any Star Wars collection or for those pop-up collectors out there.
Have fun playing with this one!
Amanda
Star Wars: A Galactic Pop-Up Adventure by Matthew Reinhart; $36.99; Orchard Books; Ages 8+
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The poems in Follow Follow are mostly short and deceptively simple. You read one poem top to bottom. Then on the other side of the page is the exact same poem written backward (only changes in punctuation or capitalization are allowed). You’ll be amazed at the new voices, details and attitudes that emerge simply from reading the words in reverse order. Following the fairy tale theme of Mirror, Mirror, each poem connects to a story either well known (The Three Little Pigs, The Twelve Dancing Princesses) or slightly more obscure (Pied Piper of Hamelin, Puss in Boots). Hans Christian Andersen is especially well represented here, with ‘Thumbelina’, ‘The Little Mermaid’ and ‘The Nightingale’ among others. Singer achieves the best results with poems connected to fairy tales with clear oppositional characters. ‘Ready, Steady, Go!’ from the Tortoise and the Hare is especially witty. Poems that present a dilemma from two points of view, such as ‘The Little Mermaid’s Choice’ are sometimes less immediately engaging. Masse’s clever illustrations make use of a split page to show either two different characters or the same character in different attitudes, as in the sweet final selection ‘Now it’s Time to Say Good-Night.’ This will be a great addition to bedtime reading or classroom shelves everywhere.
