Something Upstairs

by Avi
Ages 10+

Kenny moves with his family to Providence, Rhode Island. He finds himself intrigued by a 100 year old murder of a teenager slave, Caleb, who used to live in the house he moved into. Kenny is haunted by Caleb and the injustice of his murder and finds himself back in time trying to solve the murder or stop it. Kenny finds himself making difficult choices whether to return to his time or save Caleb.

I really enjoy reading this book. It keeps you on the edge of your seat. You think you have it figured out, but Avi changes the pace on you. This book will spark discussion of slavery and violence of the past.

Touching Spirt Bear

by Ben Mikaelsen
ages 12+

Cole has no other options left. The Circle Justice was the only way of avoiding jail time, after he beat up a fellow classmate brutally. He didn't care or understand why they decided to send him to an island on Alaska by himself for year. Who cared? Garvey, his parole officer, was the one who suggested it. Once banished to find himself and prove his is sorry for his actions, he allows his arrogance to set him directly in the path of a mysterious, legendary white bear. Mauled almost to death, Cole awaits his fate and begins the transition from anger to humility.

I loved this book. I couldn't put it down. It is not a typical story. I thought he would just go to the island and find himself in nature and learn his lesson. Oh, no, Cole makes some decisions that cause the story to have many twists and turns that happened in real life.

The Trumpeter of Krakow

by Eric P. Kelly
Ages 12+

A fictional story based on the history of Krakow. Joseph and his family are forced from Ukraine to Krakow, Poland in 1461 after their home is burned to the ground by Cossack-Tarters. His family tries to hide in the city but they are hunted by the infamous "Peter the Button Face" (for a birthmark on his cheek). Peter knows Joseph's father is hiding the "Great Tarnov Crystal" and has been asked to obtain it by any means. Joseph settles into his new identity making friends with his neighbors, Elizabeth and her uncle, an alchemist. Joseph's father takes the job of the trumpeter in the evenings to keep his face hidden. The book shares the many attempts by Peter to steal the crystal.

This book won the Newbery Medal in 1929. I was easily confused by this book. It is a great story, but times have changed. I had a hard time keeping focused on what was happening in the story and had to reread many parts again to understand the plot. I think children who have heritage from this part of Europe or interest in Polish history may enjoy this book, not my favorite.

Pony Brushes His Teeth

written by Michael Dahl and illustrated by Oriol Vidal

Pony likes to do the same things as his Dad. After they eat the same things, Pony brushes his teeth, runs the water, and swishes just like Dad. Pony does a great job of brushing his teeth until he swishes, then oops- watch out Dad!

This is a great book for any reluctant brusher in your family. The illustrations are punchy and fun and the text is simple and easy for younger listeners to understand and enjoy.

Cook It In a Cup

written by Julia Myall with photographs by Greg Lowe

This is a wonderful book for the budding chef in your home. With 29 recipes ranging from breakfast in a cup to sweet treats, you and your child are sure to find something that sounds appealing. The book comes with 6 colorful silicone cups that look like cupcake holders. Author Julia Myall covers kitchen safety as well as how to care for the cups in the beginning of the book.

This cookbook has gotten quite a bit of use in our home. The recipes are easy to follow with simple, step by step instructions. The results have been tasty and appreciated by even the smallest eater in our family (and that is no small feat!).

Ella Enchanted

by Gail Carson Levine
ages-11+

It was written in 1997 and a movie made in 2004 with Anne Hathaway. I was nervous about reading this book because I had already seen the movie. I was pleasantly surprised at the differences between the two. THE BOOK IS BETTER!

Ella is given a "gift" of obedience at birth by a fairy named Lucinda. She has to obey all commands. The story is the same as the movie, where Ella tries to overcome her gift and falls in love with the prince during her journey. In the book, the adventures are different. She meets the prince off and on in her adventures. She is forced to attend finishing school, so she can attract a rich husband for her father. She is able to pick up languages of the elves and ogres. The prince and Ella find glass slippers which fit her perfectly. They come into play during a ball where the prince has to pick his bride, after Ella "protects" the prince by refusing his love. She believes her curse could be used against him. How Ella breaks the curse is very inventive? Read the book.

Jack and the Beanstalk

retold by Ann Keay Beneduce and illustrated by Gennady Spirin

ages- K-5

This richly woven fairytale set in Elizabethan times finds Jack and his mother destitute. Jack

goes to market to sell the family cow 'Milky White.' When he brings home magic beans, his mother is deeply troubled and knows that they will soon meet with disaster. Jack plants the beans and in the morning bravely climbs up. It is on the beanstalk that Jack meets a beautiful fairy all dressed in white. She explains that it was she who enchanted the beans and that poor Jack was indeed tricked into trading his cow for worthless beans. Jack presses her for news of his father and she tells him the story of losing her powers and, although she ultimately gains them back, being unable to save his father who is killed by the evil and greedy giant. Upon hearing the story, Jack feels that he must avenge his father and secure his mother's happiness. The clever Jack enters the giants house and, aided by the giant's unknowing but kindhearted wife, is able to retrieve what is so rightfully his family's fortune.

I seem to be on a bit of a Jack and the Beanstalk kick these days; I can't help myself- I love a good fairytale! This tale has a very different feel to it as Jack understands that he has a duty to kill the giant rather than robbing him through trickery. This Jack has a moral compass and feels duty bound to honor his family and the memory of his father. The illustrations are bewitching and beautifully rendered. Don't be put off by the length of the story- children will stay riveted not only to the story but to the intricate illustrations. Share this enchanting version of Jack and the Beanstalk with your children or grandchildren.

Look out, Jack! The Giant is Back!

written by Tom Birdseye and illustrated by Will Hillenbrand

What happened after Jack stole the Giant's gold, the goose that lays the golden eggs, and the singing harp? What happened after the Giant fell to his death and Jack made it to safety? Wouldn't you know that the Giant had a brother- a bigger and meaner brother- who began to make a rope ladder the minute that Jack chopped down the bean stalk. Well, Jack and his mother hightailed it to the mountains of North Carolina where they set up shop and lived a peaceful life growing the most beautiful smelling roses around. But that mean old giant finds Jack and demands to have the gold, the goose, and the harp returned- or else. Jack is clever and quick, but is he quick enough to outsmart yet another giant?

This book is absolutely wonderful! The illustrations are entertaining and the insight into Jack's life is fun and witty. Introduce your kids to a new side of Jack and the beanstalk!

Bud, Not Buddy

by Christopher Paul Curtis
Ages: 12+

Ten year old Bud lost his mother 3 years ago and has been in an orphange and recently was placed in a foster home that was abusive. He escapes and decides to look for his father, whom he is convinced is famous musician, Herman F. Calloway. He decides to walk from Flint, Michigan to Grand Rapids. He experiences many setbacks and kindness of many strangers. At the mission where Bud is too late for the evening meal, another homeless family pretends that he's with them. Once Bud reaches his destination, Bud's search must continue because it turns out the musician cannont possibly be his father.

Bud is a loveable character and good nature. He survival skills make memorable. The setting is in the 30's, the height of the Great Depression and the small tastes of racism that the author carefully intergrates into the book. Great Read!

Olivia Helps with Christmas

written and illustrated by Ian Falconer
ages: pre-readers, k-3

Last minute preparations are underway for Olivia and her family; after all, it's Christmas Eve. Olivia is exhausted as she finishes trimming the tree, preparing Christmas Eve dinner, and keeping watch over the weather and the fireplace (ideal conditions are essential for successful Santa-ing). Join Olivia and her family as they celebrate Christmas as only she can.

Any Olivia devotee will tell you of this delightful piglet with spunk, brimming with creativity and boundless energy. Simply written with charming illustrations, Olivia is sure to become a favorite.