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

10 Things I Can Do To Help My World by Melanie Walsh

10 Things I Can Do To Help My World by Melanie Walsh
Preschool - Grade 1

As Spring approaches thoughts often turn to improving household habits. Helping the environment is at the top of our list, but it is often difficult to explain the concept to our young son. Author Melanie Walsh has come to the rescue with her new book (made out of 100% recycled material no less). These are tips that children can actually do, and "help my world" seems to resonate better than "save my world" which can be overwhelming. The bold illustrations, creative die-cuts and simple text are perfect for teaching young children about the world around them. The die-cuts are especially well-done with each tip divided into a unique page turn. For instance, the text reads " I help..." over a page full of recyclables which, when turned, reveals each item in its appropriate container and the words, "sort the recycling." The storyteller can choose to read only the large text for read-alouds or to include Walsh's additional explanation for one-on-one time with older children. The book is never preachy or confusing - just inspiring and fun. Perfect for Earth Day or any other day of the year.

To find this book in our library, visit www.newberglibrary.com. 

Reviewed by Amanda L., Children's Staff

The Maze of Bones

39 Clues: The Maze of Bones (book 1)
by Rick Riordan
(Grades 4-6)

Orphans Dan and Amy Cahill are in a race for their lives - against their own family members. When their grandmother Grace dies, she leaves in her will a choice: a million dollars or the first clue in a hunt for wealth and power beyond imagining. When Dan and Amy take the first clue they become the prime target of their evil cousins, aunts and uncles.

This global fast-paced adventure begins with a bang and doesn't stop. At this time 3 books in the series exist, but the other 7 are coming out in quick succession. It also looks like Steven Speilberg might be making the movie...

Click HERE to visit the related website.

Book 2: One False Note
Book 3: The Sword Thief
Book 4: Beyond the Grave (coming out June 2, 2009)

Reviewed by Korie B.

The Pencil by Allan Ahlberg

The Pencil by Allan Ahlberg
(Preschool - Grade 1)

Allan Ahlberg and Bruce Ingman are reunited in the whimsical The Pencil, a stand-alone sequel to The Runaway Dinner. The sequel opens with a "lonely little pencil" that decides to draw a boy for companionship. The boy instantly demands a name and a dog, and the pencil is happy to oblige. Our characters are off on a quirky adventure until they realize that their entire world is void of color. The pencil solves this supposed dilemma (and many more) with quick wit and hilarity. It can not seem to please everyone however, so the drama continues, much to the delight of my son who loved the child-like illustrations and mischevious characters. My son mentioned Harold and the Purple Crayon while we read, a compliment of the highest order.

To find this book in our library, visit www.newberglibrary.org

Reviewed by Amanda L., Children's Staff

Moonpowder by John Rocco

Moonpowder by John Rocco
(Kindergarten - Grade 2)

The Moonpowder Factory is on the fritz! Only one person can fix this terrible problem: Young Eli Treebuckle "fixer of all things fixable." Can he do it? Can he stop the nightmares he has every night? Will the world ever have sweet dreams again? The author's illustrations are vivid, colorful and very engaging. The journey Eli takes with Mr. Moon is a perfect read-aloud for parents and school-age children.

To find this book in our library, visit www.newberglibrary.org

Reviewed by Mary Lynn T., Children's Staff

The Many Rides of Paul Revere

The Many Rides of Paul Revere, by James Cross Giblin
(Grades 4 and up)

Award-winning author James Giblin explores the myth and facts of Paul Revere's rides. Beautifully written and crafted, this book features photographs of Revere's silver craftsmanship and other artifacts, portraits of historical figures and illustrations of historical events and places. For anyone (including adults) interested in American history this book is delight. Giblin's writing style is accessible to older grade-schoolers, and Revere's life is certainly entertaining. Giblin also compares Henry Wadsworth Longfellow's account of Paul Revere's ride to the actual event, while acknowledging Longfellow's intent to make Revere an American legend.

Reviewed by Korie B.

The Twin Giants

The Twin Giants, by Dick King-Smith, illustrated by Mini Grey
(Preschool - 3rd Grade)

The twin giants are alike in nearly every way, except that one is a vegetarian and one prefers meat. As the giants grow up they decide to head down the hill to find wives for themselves, which proves harder than expected (go figure). Short, sweet and entertaining, young readers will delight in the illustrations and story.

To find this and other titles, visit: newberglibrary.org

Reviewed by Korie B., Children's Staff