The Graveyard Book , by Neil Gaiman

The Graveyard Book, by Neil Gaiman
(Grades 4-6)

If you are a fan of audiobooks, this is a must-listen-to story read by the author. If you are not a fan of audiobooks, you should listen to this story anyway. I think many authors should not be allowed to read their own stories, but Neil Gaiman has a voice that would make a car manual intriguing.

I talked about this audiobook to my husband so much that he started listening to it too. After I put our son to bed we sat in bed with our headphones on making faces at each other and saying things like, "What! Don't look sad! What part are you at?! Wait, I'm not there yet, don't tell me!"

In this story an entire family, save the baby, is murdered in the opening chapter of this book, yet it wasn’t quite as dark as I expected. The baby escapes to a graveyard where he is protected (for a time) and raised by its inhabitants. But the assassin is still looking for the baby/boy/young man and the secrets of the graveyard can't keep him safe forever...

Don't get me wrong, this book isn’t bubbles and lollipops, but it was lovely and by far the best Newbery Medal book I've read in a long time.

To find this book or audiobook, please visit our website at www.newberglibrary.org

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

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

A Bad Case of Stripes, by David Shannon (audio book)

A Bad Case of Stripes, by David Shannon (audio book)

(Kindergarten - Grade 2)

Camilla Cream is getting ready to start school and longs to fit in perfectly. So much so that she denies her love of lima beans because everyone else hates them. Imagine her horror when her skin breaks out in rainbow-colored stripes as she is dressing for her first day of school. The whole town is overcome by her predicament as her stripes change with classmates' comments or as doctors prescribe new treatments. This book is visually impressive and serves up bold images that make the fantasy come alive for the reader. The book has a moral lesson to share that speaks to the challenge kids face in trying to 'be themselves' or make an independent decision. Young children (under age five) may be intimidated by the illustrations or story line without a solid understanding of fantasy and reality. The audio version is lighthearted and comical with sound effects and music throughout.

To find this book in our library, go to our web site at www.newberglibrary.org

Reviewed by Amanda L., Children's Staff