Turtle in Paradise, by Jennifer L. Holm

Turtle in Paradise by Jennifer L. Holm
Grades 4 - 6

Turtle’s mom has just gotten a job as a housekeeper with an elderly woman who does not like children, and a job is very important to have in the 1930’s. So Turtle is sent to live with an aunt and uncle in a little community in Key West Florida. There she grapples with getting along with a houseful of cousins, a grumpy grandmother, and a different style of living. She begins to find her place, but also continues to dream of the little house that she and her mom and her mom’s boyfriend have planned to have someday. Just when it looks like her dream will come true, she discovers that family and community may be the real treasure for which she is searching.

Reviewed by Susan A., Children's Staff

Garbage Helps Our Garden Grow

Garbage Helps Our Garden Grow: a Compost Story
by Linda Glaser, photographs by Shelley Rotner
(All ages)

This compost story is told with simple text and vibrant photographs. The reader is given a look at one family's year long journey through composting, culminating in fresh produce at the table. Those looking to delve further into composting can find more information on the last two pages of compost questions.

This is a great read for young children, especially if you are composting, or getting ready to start. Young grade-schoolers will be able to handle the text on their own.

Reviewed by Korie B., Children's Staff

Theodore Boone, Kid Lawyer, by John Grisham

(Grades 4 - 6)

Theodore Boone, Kid Lawyer, by John Grisham is a thoughtful read about a young man (13 yrs. old) who is trying to help solve the mystery of a murder committed in his hometown. Theodore's parents are both lawyers, so he has grown up listening to legal talk around the dinner table. Being an only child with busy parents, he has grown up entertaining himself by learning about the law. He usually just helps kids at school, but now he has a chance to help in a real murder case. However, he has to tread lightly because the main suspect has hired a well-known, hard hitting lawyer, and if Theodore tells what he knows, he may jeopardize the future of a young man who is an illegal immigrant. The ending is a good set-up for a sequel.

Reviewed by Susan A., Children's Services Staff

Nubs: The True Story of a Mutt, a Marine & a Miracle

Nubs: The True Story of a Mutt, a Marine & a Miracle
by Major Brian Dennis, Kirby Larson and Mary Nethery
(Grades 2 and up)

Don't worry, the dog doesn't die. This is an amazing true story of a wild dog who befriends a Marine. With determination and strength, both man and dog overcome obstacle after obstacle to be together.

Big pictures and type will make this story friendly to young grade-schoolers, or perfect for reading aloud together. Basic maps throughout the story will help kids to better understand the distance traveled by Nubs.

Find this story and more at www.newberglibrary.org

Reviewed by Korie B., Children's Services Staff

The Quiet Book by Deborah Underwood

The Quiet Book by Deborah Underwood

(Preschool - Grade 1)

"Be quiet! Quiet down! Shhhh..." we tell our children, preparing them for life's many quiet moments: bedtime, a school lesson, a library trip, someone else's phone call. Rarely do we have the opportunity to ponder the many kinds of quiet filling a child's day. The Quiet Book does so beautifully with love and respect. Author Deborah Underwood fills her gentle picture book with quiet moments like first snowfalls, best friends and sleeping babies. She also includes quiet moments with hidden emotion such as whispered secrets, getting caught, shots at the doctor's office and so much more. Pencil illustrations by Ranata Liwska are soft and sweet, much like any quiet book should be. Enjoy this picture book with the children in your lives in your next quiet moment.

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

Reviewed by Amanda L., Children's Staff

The Birthday Ball

The Birthday Ball, by Lois Lowry
Grades 3 - 5 (Kindergarten and up if you are reading aloud)

A few days before her sixteenth birthday, on which she is to choose her prince, Princess Patricia Priscilla wakes up bored. Yes, she is a princess, but sometimes the high life just isn't what it's cracked up to be. To escape the castle monotony, Princess Patricia Priscilla decides to become just "Pat," and attend the village school.

As Princess Priscilla discovers life beyond the castle (and how people, rich or poor, are really not so different) her potential suitors are making their way to the castle for a climactic Birthday Ball.

Lois Lowry weaves together a lovely story of friends, family and love. With delightful vocabulary, feisty characters and hilarious situations, this story is great for reading aloud or just enjoying on your own.

For more books by Lois Lowry please visit: www.newberglibrary.org

Reviewed by Korie B., Children's Services staff

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