The Hunchback Assignments

by Arthur Slade
Ages: 13+

A mysterious Mr. Socrates saves Modo from a traveling freak show as a boy.  He is trained to be a first class secret agent for Permanent Association.  Finally, at the age of 14 he is able to have his first assignment in London.  Modo investigates the disappearences of several children.  While using his shape-shifting gift, he discovers The Clockwork Guild (a secret organization).  During his mission, he teams up with another young agent, Octavia Milkweed.

What a unique modern adaption of Victor Hugo's Hunchback of Notre Dame.  Modo is a character you really fall in love with.  This book is about the dark underground of London in the Victorian era.  Arthur Slade is able to keep the topic kid friendly in the setting.  I enjoy the book and recommend it for readers who enjoy secret agent books like Alex Rider series.

Racing the Sun

by Paul Pitts
Ages: 8-14
Brandon Rogers is a 12 year old American Indian and self-proclaimed underachiever.  His father had left his heritage behind during college and Brandon had grown up in suburbs.  Brandon just wanted to a regular kid.  Then, his grandfather moved off the reservation into the bottom bunk of Brandon's room.  Brandon finds it difficult to deal with chanting at night and getting up before the sunrise to run. He learns the importance of embracing his heritage without giving up the new.

The book is a great insight into the southwest American Indian culture.  It is an inspiring story about a young boy learning about his background.  A grandfather wanting to share his story and a father than learns a lesson about how to love the new and old ways of life.

The Little Red Pen

written by Janet Stevens and illustrated by Susan Stevens Crummel

ages: kindergarten through 4th grade

The Little Red Pen is working so hard to correct a mountain of homework. When she asks the stapler, scissors, eraser, pencil, and highlighter for help they all say, "no!" When the Little Red Pen becomes so exhausted with work, she falls into The Pit of No Return (the trash can). Will the school supplies learn to work together to save the Little Red Pen?

Run, run, run to get this from your local library or bookstore. This is quite possibly the most creative and clever take on The Little Red Hen that I have ever read. We have read this book enough that we have some parts memorized. Sisters and long time corroborators Janet Stevens and Susan Stevens Crummel have crafted a truly delightful story. Although there are numerous speaking parts and a somewhat complicated plot, it is just plain fun for everyone.

Frank and Ernest

written and illustrated by Alexandra Day

ages: preschool-age 6

"Business sitters" Frank the elephant and his friend Ernest the bear are hired by Mrs. Miller to run her diner while she is away. The two friends want to do their very best, so they learn diner speak, the language used by diner servers and short order cooks. The two friends give it their all as they whip up amazing diner delicacies.

Best known for her Good dog, Carl books, Alexandra Day creates charming characters with beautiful illustrations. I am always a fan of diner books (see the Two Eggs Please post) and was tickled by this book's clever illustrations and admirable use of diner speak. My kids and I had a great time trying out the diner dictionary that covers the front and back inside cover of the book. Just thinking about it makes me hungry for an eve with a lid and some moo juice (that's apple pie and a glass of milk).

Hug

written and illustrated by Jez Alborough

ages: baby through preschooler

Swing through the jungle with Bobo the monkey as he watches lots of mommies and babies give hugs. Sweet Bobo realizes that he needs a hug of his own from mommy. Will he get his own hug?

This sweet and simple picture book is a surefire hit for the preschool and baby set. This would make a lovely Valentine for the smallest person on your sweets list.

Peter and the Starcatchers (Starcatchers Series #1)

written by Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson

illustrated by Greg Call

grades: 4-6

Peter is a lost and lonely orphan who has been put on the ship The Neverland in order to become a servant in the court of the evil King Zarboff. When Peter discovers a mysterious trunk aboard the ship, he takes it upon himself to discover its secret. Little does he know, but the trunk will change his life forever.

The adventurous prequel to Peter Pan is fast paced and exciting. Authors Barry and Pearson answer the questions of how Captain Hook lost his hand, how Peter learned to fly, and how he ended up on an island with mermaids, a group of boys, and pirates. Consider this book only if you have plenty of time and a very comfy chair!

Pacific Crossing

by Gary Soto

Ages 10+

Lincoln Mendoza has an opportunity to leave San Francisco for the summer and spend it in Japan.  Lincoln thinks that Japan only has Martial Arts, but learns about Japan's history, family life, baseball, and traditions.  As he learning from his host family, they want to learn about him.  He tries to find a way to explain what it means to be both Mexican and American to his host family. 

This book reminds me of the "The new Karate Kid" movie.  A young boy travels to a foreign country and then finds himself while learning new things about where he is living.

The Twits

by Ronald Dahl

Ages 8+

Mr. and Mrs. Twit are the nastiest, meanest, ugliest, and smelliest people in the world.  They hate everything except playing jokes on each other, catching birds to make bird pie, and making the Muggle-wumps (caged monkeys) stand on their head all day.  Finally, the Muggle-wumps have had enough and seek revenge.

I normally enjoyed Ronald Dahl.  This book has highs and lows for me.  It is typical interesting Dahl book, but I didn't enjoy how mean the Twits are others.  If you are concerned with your child reading about bad behavior this book may not be for your children.  It is funny, but didn't finish the book feeling good.  

The Mother-Daughter Book Club (The Mother-Daughter Book Club Series #1)

written by Heather Vogel Frederick

ages: 12 and up

Sixth grade is never easy-especially when your mother decides to start a mother-daughter book club. This novel follows four unlikely friends throughout a year of reading Louisa May Alcott's Little Women. Cassidy would rather be playing hockey, Jess loves animals, Megan has her mind on the world of fashion, and Emma loves to read. Together the girls will learn to navigate crushes, stolen journals, Halloween pranks, first dances, and the difficulties that come with growing up.

Although this is written as a children's book, it is probably most appropriate for girls who are preparing for or are already in the 6th grade. Frederick touches on challenging issues of family and death with heart and candor. Kudos to Miss Frederick for writing with clean language and subject matter that is as appropriate as it is charming. Maybe this will inspire you to start your very own mother-daughter book club; it did for me.

Pleasing the Ghost

by Sharon Creech

Ages: 8+

Award winning author Creech writes a light hearted book about ghosts.  Dennis's father recently passed away and since then he has been receiving a parade of ghosts through his bedroom window.  When the ghost of his uncle arrives, Dennis is not surprised his uncle needs something done for him.  Dennis would love to help Uncle Arvie, but he is difficult to understand.  Dennis has to figure out what his uncle is saying and please the ghost.

This book is great book about a young boy dealing with death of his father.  His able to deal with death by helping other ghosts.