Andy Shane: Hero At Last by Jennifer Richard Jacobson

Andy Shane: Hero At Last by Jennifer Richard Jacobson
(Kindergarten - Grade 2)

The newest book in the Andy Shane series, Andy Shane: Hero At Last, is now at our library! Andy is a tenderhearted, creative gradeschooler with an understanding Granny and a pesky neighbor, Dolores Starbuckle. Early readers new to chapter books will appreciate the illustrations on each page, larger text and short chapters. In Hero At Last, Andy longs to be heroic with his specially prepared hero backpack and a plan to lead the Home Sweet Home parade. He has an inventive idea for decorating his bike for the parade but little patience for Dolores' plans to steal the show. As the whole town prepares and the parade gets underway, Andy learns that there are many different ways to be a hero. This dependable series is creative and funny as it tackles small problems with sweet resolutions. A sure winner for young readers.

Visit www.newberglibrary.org to find this book at our library.

Reviewed by Amanda L., Children's Staff

Extra Credit by Andrew Clements

Extra Credit by Andrew Clements
(Grades 3 - 5)

Abby Carson is an Illinois 6th grader who doesn't always love school. By mid-year her teachers inform her that she may not move on the 7th grade. Unthinkable! Unaccpetable! Abby is determined to turn things around though her teachers are skeptical. An understanding teacher gives Abby an extra credit project that just may bump her grade. She is to find a pen pal in another country and create a bulletin board tracking their correspondence. Abby's letters finally reach Sadeed, a 10-year-old boy in Afghanistan who has studied English and likes to write. His country's custom discourages girls and boys from corresponding, however, so they enlist the help of Sadeed's younger sister Amira. Soon, even this arrangement puts the siblings in jeopardy. Abby's newfound friendship and her project is at risk of falling apart. What will happen to Sadeed and Amira? will Abby find a way to love learning? Will she move on to 7th grade? This new release from beloved author Andrew Clements (Frindle, No Talking) tackles difficult cultural issues with humor, grace and creativity. A fabulous read for the middle elementary grades with full-page illustrations sprinkled throughout.

Visit www.newberglibrary.org to find this book at our library.

Reviewed by Amanda L., Children's Staff