The Frog Princess

by Ellen Conford
Ages: 10+

Chandler has everything money could buy except what she really wanted. She was an orphan at the age of nine and has longed for someone to like her for her and not her money. One day Danny, the cutest boy in the whole school, asks if he can kiss her and she was very excited. When Danny kissed her, she turned into a frog. Now she has to rely on Danny to help her find a cure to her curse.

Cute book! It was a great remix on the princess and the frog story. It is a modern version of Disney movie version, recently released. Chandler who doesn't trust anyone has to trust Danny. You journey with her as she learns what true friends are.

Save Queen of Sheba

by Louise Moeri
Ages: 10+

David finds himself and his sister alone after the vicious attack on their wagon train. He survived a failed scalping attempt and now has to find a way to survive with his sister, whom he calls the Queen of Sheba. David has to use his wits and whatever supplies they can scavenge. The Queen of Sheba is counting on him and he is seriously hurt. He only hopes that their parents are somewhere up ahead and if he can find them.

I enjoyed this book. David and Sheba have the typical older brother and younger sister relationship. Sheba is the baby girl and David has always had to take care of her. David often resents her and is frustrated, but ultimately he realizes how much he cares for her.

The Inside Story (Sister's Grimm Series #8)

written by Michael Buckley and illustrated by Peter Ferguson

ages: 8- adult

Sabrina and Daphne Grimm are storybook detectives. In the small town of Ferryport Landing where they live, all kinds of strange things can happen; the Queen of Hearts is the mayor and Snow White teaches self defense classes. Descendants of the famous Brothers Grimm, who chronicled the lives of the Everafters (or characters in fairy tales), Sabrina and Daphne are off on another adventure to help solve a crime involving the evil Master and the mysterious Book of Everafter. As Sabrina and Daphne navigate their way through the book, they must watch out for the Editor and his monster-like story editing revisers. The future of the Master, their family, and ultimately, the whole world lies in the girls ability to succeed. The Grimm sisters are certainly becoming more savvy in the ways of the Everafters, but will it be enough to save their family?

Buckley succeeds in creating yet another fun page turner. Readers will not be disappointed as book eight is just as engaging and intelligent as book one. Smart and sassy, the Grimm sisters are delightful characters. The Sisters Grimm is a series to add to your summer reading list!

Julius: the Baby of the World

written and illustrated by Kevin Henkes

ages: pre-reader through age 8

Before Julius is born, Lilly is a wonderful big sister. She shares with him and tells him secrets. But after the baby, things change for Lilly. Lilly begins to pinch his tail and say ugly things to him in his crib. Her parents even say that Julius is, "the baby of the world." Of course, Lilly thinks that this is, in her own words, disgusting. Lilly has her own ideas of how to get rid of Julius: she tries learning magic to make him disappear, ignoring him, and even scaring him with her clever disguises. Needless to say, Lilly spends a lot of time in the uncooperative chair. It isn't until her parents throw a party in Julius's honor and her cousin Garland remarks on his "slimy nose...beady eyes...and stinky fur" that Lilly begins to rethink her baby brother.

Julius: the Baby of the World is the perfect book for any family expecting a baby. Henkes demonstrates his understanding of the struggles of children and of sibling rivalry. The endearing Lilly has spirit and spunk. Look for her in Lilly's Purple Plastic Purse and Lilly's Big Day. Wildy funny and clever, both parent and child will enjoy the humor and delightful illustrations that Henkes creates.

Catching Fire

by Suzanne Collins
Ages: 12+

Second Book in the Hunger Games: Katniss afer winning the Hunger Games finds a new set of challenges. She is older now and realizing that she can't resist the feelings of injustice she has witnessed.

I would like to write more about this book but it would ruin the intensity of the first book "The Hunger Games." Collins leaves in suspense the entire read. Every page brings a new surprise. The best and worst part is that the next book in the series is not due out until late August. I don't know if I can wait that long.

The Hunger Games

by Suzanne Collins
Ages: 12+

Katniss, a teenager, finds herself volunteering to replace her 12 year old sister in this year's Hunger Games. Katniss has practice surviving, after her father was killed in a coal mining accident and mother went into a deep depression. She find herself making difficult decisions and choices. The Games were created to remind the 12 districts that the Capital stills controls them. She and 23 other teenagers must fight to the death in a televised arena after being chosen this year. Her whole world is turned upside down after her name is selected.

I LOVE THIS BOOK! A MUST READ! I recommend it for everyone, not just young adult. It is like The Giver and Fahrenheit 451. Even if you don't like science fiction, you will still enjoy this book. It is a parody on society and control. The State of Panem needs to keep control of the tributaries and the gluttony of the rich people living in the Capital. You fall in love and relate to Katniss and her situation. Then, just when you think you know what is going to happen next, Collins throws you for a another loop. Warning: I couldn't put this book down and you are going to immediately want to read the next book in the series, Catching Fire.

The Boggart

by Susan Cooper
Ages: 9-14

What is a Boggart? The Volnik family finds out after they inherit a old castle on an island off Scotland. Once they return home, Emily and her brother Jessup notice strange things happening. They realize that a mischievous boggart was accidently trapped in a piece of furniture the family shipped home to Canada. Of course, no adults believe them. After a crazy Halloween incident, doctors believe Emily is a troubled adolescent in need of hospitalization. They have to find a way to return the boggart back to Scotland, but HOW!

I was a little worried when I read the premise of this book. I thought it might be another silly ghost story, but the author is able to take an old-story creature and infuse him into a modern times creating a good story.

Report to the Principal's Office

by Jerry Spinelli
Ages: 10+

Plumstead Middle School is opened for the first time and Principal Brimlow is determined that this new school with start off well. He memorizes every student's profile. He decides to befriend a few 6th graders; Sunny Wyler, Eddie Mott, Salem Brownmiller, and Pickles Johnson. Sunny has decided to not bathe until she is transferred to the old middle school to be with her best friend. Eddie hopes to survive the 6th grade by being friendly and avoiding 8th graders. Salem is an aspiring writer and is in everyone's business. Pickles is an inventor of gadgets and getting into trouble. Principal Brimlow names the sixth graders his Principal Posse and assigns them, among other things, to come up with a name for the new school mascot. He can't control everything that happens in the middle school. These students have to learn how to survive middle school on their own.

A very delightful, lighthearted book about surviving middle school from many perspectives.

Heist Society

written by Ally Carter

Katarina Bishop has tried to leave the family business by going to boarding school. However, leaving her former life proves harder than expected when she is unjustly kicked out of school. Katarina's family is not typical, nor is their chosen profession. Katarina's family appreciates fine art and culture-so much so that they steal it. When her father is accused of stealing priceless paintings from a very dangerous man, Katarina and a motley crew work to save him. As Katarina returns to the life that she so desperately wanted to leave, she finds strength in her family, friends, and most importantly, herself. Will the love that she has for her father be enough to help her outwit a dangerous villain as well as a brilliant thief?

Heist Society is the second series penned by author Ally Carter. Although not as well written as the previous Gallagher Girls Series, Heist Society is still a well executed story. Hopefully the remainder of this series will provide Carter with the opportunity to return to a more engaging and thoughtful writing style.

Police Officers on Patrol

written by Kersten Hamilton
illustrated by R.W. Alley

Who are police officers? What do they do? How can they help you when you are in trouble? All of these questions are answered in this rollicking tale. Fun illustrations and catchy writing make this book fun to read and share. This great book is a wonderful way to introduce preschoolers to police officers and what they do to help the community. Not only is this a perfect book for fans of police officers, but also for those who are hesitant of them.