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

The Magician's Elephant

The Magician's Elephant, by Kate DiCamillo
(Grades 3-5)

Peter Augustus lives a quiet life. A sad life. Not just an orphan, but Peter has also lost his little sister. Or has he? When Peter meets a fortune teller she tells him that his sister lives, but to find him he must follow the elephant. Puzzled and frustrated at how to find an elephant in the middle of the harsh and cold Baltese, Peter begins to believe that his sister might still live when a magician accidentally conjures an elephant for his show.

Intricately woven in the style of The Tale of Despereaux, DiCamillo once again spins a charming tale of hope and love that will leave you asking, "What if? Why not? Could it be?"

Reviewed by Korie B., Children's Staff

Marley: A Dog Like No Other

Marley: A Dog Like No Other, by John Grogan
Grades 3-5

When Marley crashes into the lives of the Grogan family, he just keeps crashing. A large yellow Labrador Retriever, Marley is full of spunk and mischief. His family lovingly endures his rambunctious escapades, with hilarious results. This sweet story follows the real-life adventures of a family and their dog, from Marley's time as a pup until the very end. Dog lovers will surely enjoy this romp. This story is also available on audiobook, delightfully read by Neil Patrick Harris. This book is a 2010 Young Readers Choice Award nominee.

Looking for a book where the dog doesn't die? Check out No More Dead Dogs by Gordon Korman, or Because of Winn-Dixie by Kate DiCamillo.

To find library materials, please visit our website at: newberglibrary.org

Reviewed by Korie B., Children's Staff

No Talking, by Andrew Clements

No Talking, by Andrew Clements
Grades 3-5

The Laketon Elementary School fifth graders have been nicknamed "the Unshushables" by their teachers for their out-of-control talking. So when all of the 5th graders suddenly stop talking at lunch one day it takes everyone by surprise. This is a story of the power of silence, teamwork, girls vs. boys and teachers vs. students.

Andrew Clements' school stories are fun and always empowering. This story will likely appeal to kids looking for entertaining realistic fiction. If you like this story, check out my favorite Andrew Clements stories, Frindle and School Story.

No Talking is a 2010 Young Reader's Choice Award nominee.

Reviewed by Korie B., Children's Staff

Igraine the Brave

Igraine the Brave, by Cornelia Funke

(Grades 3 - 5)

Twelve-year-old Igraine's parents are famous magicians, but she has no interest in following the family business. Instead she practices her fighting skills, dreaming of becoming a famous knight. When a magical mishap turns Igrain's parents into pigs and Greedy Osmond decides to attack the family castle, only Igraine is left to to save her family, and keep their precious magical secrets from falling into the wrong hands. This book is the perfect story for every girl who wants to be the knight, and not the princess waiting to be rescued. Check out this title on CD as well - read by Xanthe Elbrick, this book is a treat for the ears!

For older readers, check out Cornelia Funke's wonderful Inkheart series (ages 12-16), before it hits the movie screen in January 2009.

Reviewed by Korie B., Children's Staff

Allie Finkle's Rules for Girls: Moving Day, by Meg Cabot

Allie Finkle’s Rules for Girls: Moving Day, by Meg Cabot
(Grades 3-5)

Allie Finkle has rules to live by like, “don’t get a pet that poops in your hand” and “if you don’t want a secret spread around, don’t tell it to Scott Stamphley.” Some rules are easier to follow than others. When Allie finds out she’s moving to a new house and a new school, life gets decidedly more difficult. She had a fight with her best friend, who wasn’t the greatest friend anyway and now isn’t speaking to her, there might not be room for her at her new school, and she isn’t entirely sure that there isn’t a zombie hand living in the attic of their new house. Allie navigates school and family life with hilarious results, standing up for herself and finding her own unique solutions.

To find this book at our library, visit newberglibrary.org.

Reviewed by Korie B., Children’s Staff

What Are Your Basic Rights? by Jacqueline Laks Gorman

What Are Your Basic Rights?
by Jacqueline Laks Gorman
(Grades 3-5)

Does your child have questions about what is means to be an American? This easy non-fiction read gives a brief overview of America's Constitution, the Bill of Rights, voting and what it means to be an American citizen. Historical photos and basic language makes this book a quick, interesting read.

To find this book at our library, visit our website at newberglibrary.org.

Reviewed by Cynthia S., Children's Staff

Dragon of Doom, Bruce Coville

Dragon of Doom, Bruce Coville

(Grades 3-5)

Our family just finished a suspenseful car ride with our ears tuned to the audio rendition of The Dragon of Doom, the first title in Bruce Coville's Moongobble and Me series. This tale of magic and adventure begins magician-in-training Moongobble's quest to complete three tasks and join the Society of Magicians. Young Edward is bored in his village of Pigbone and jumps feet first into a friendship with Moongobble and a talking toad named Urk. The full cast of voices, performed by eight actors, made us laugh and want to stay in the car even after we had arrived at our destination. Background music introduces each chapter and sound effects add to the story's suspense. Young readers will love this light-hearted fantasy that's not truly scary - just full of action and fun.

To find this and other Moongobble and Me series audio books in the library, go to our catalog at newberglibrary.org

Reviewed by Amanda L., Children's Staff