True (...sort of) by Katherine Hannigan

True (...sort of) by Katherine Hannigan
(Grade 4 - 6)

Delly Pattison is an angry 11-year-old from a large family who ends up either in a fight or running from her small town's truant officer nearly every day. Inside, though, she is filled with creativity, crafting her own 'Dellyisms' (surpresents to mean surprise presents). Delly also has a soft spot for her young brother who teaches her to count when she gets angry and begs her to do whatever it takes to avoid alternative school. When new classmate Ferris Boyd arrives at school, refusing to speak or be touched, Delly and her fellow students learn about the power of friendship and the crushing reality of abuse. Katherine Hannigan is a masterful storyteller, weaving both lighthearted humor, poetic language and a difficult theme into one unforgettable novel. Families may choose to read this book together as there is much to love but even more to discuss.

Visit www.newberglibrary.org to find this and other materials.

Reviewed by Amanda L., Children's Staff

Do You Have a Dog? by Eileen Spinelli

Do You Have a Dog? by Eileen Spinelli
(Preschool - Grade 2)

Eileen Spinelli's new picture book is filled with stories of real dogs belonging to real people throughout history, many of whom would be otherwise difficult to bring to life in the pages of a picture book. Young readers or listeners, especially those that have a favorite pooch, will be taken with the lively, rhyming mini-biographies of each of the eleven people (and their dogs!) included. The separate spreads are brought together by the common phrase, "...had a dog," as well as the vibrant acrylic illustrations by Geraldo Valerio.

Read about Meriwether Lewis' dog Seaman who "swam across rivers, trekked through snow, and saved Lewis and Clark from a buffalo!" Annie Oakley, Admiral Richard Byrd, Billie Holliday and many others all had dogs too; do you have a dog? Those that do will celebrate and those that don't will certainly be inspired. Preschoolers will love the simple rhymes and older kids may want to read more about these dog-loving folks. Don't miss the end papers that give extra historical details about each famous four-legged friend.

Visit www.newberglibrary.org to find this and other materials.

Reviewed by Amanda L., Children's Staff