Heat

by Mike Lupica
Ages- 12+

Micheal Arroyo has pitched is Bronx-All Star team to the District Finals and has a shot at the Little League World Series. Michael is good, maybe too good and it creates problems. Rival coaches and players can't believe Michael is only twelve years old. He also has no way to prove it because he has no mother, no father, and his birth certificate is in Cuba. If social services finds out his secret, he will create more problems: being separated from his older brother Carlos. In baseball games, you have winners (with champion hearts) or losers (crushed dreams). For Michael, life and baseball have collided.

Lupica uses sports as metaphor for life. If you like sports, like me, you will enjoy reading this book. Something about Lupica's writing style allow me to connect to Michael. He is only 12 years old and he has to carry a big secret. He deals with the fear of the unknown and whom to trust.

The Tiger Rising

by Kate DiCamillo
Ages-10+

Rob Horton, 12 years old, recently moved with his father to a seedy motel in Lister, Florda. Following his mother's death, Rob has shut his feeling in a big "suitcase." He vowed nothing would make him cry again, including the bullies at his new school and the weird rash on his legs. Two amazing things happen to Rob, he discovers a real-life tiger in a cage near the motel where he lives and meets Sistine Bailey. Sistine is feisty girl, who doesn't hold back her feelings. They learn to trust each other and become friends. They show that some things like memories, heartaches, and tigers are not meant to be locked up forever.

Kate DiCamillo has become one of my favorite authors. I found myself hurting for Rob and hoping that he would be able to deal with his mother death and gain a better relationship with his father. Death of a loved one is a difficult subject and again, Kate is able to write about dealing with that loss. Sistine and Rob are dealing with changes, loss, and growing up, but found friendship in their growth to understanding the world.

Too Many Toys

written and illustrated by David Shannon

ages: pre-reader through grade 3

Spencer has toys of all kinds: wooden pull toys, big toys, small toys, and electronic toys. But his toys are starting to take over the house. When Spencer's Mom tells him that some of the toys will have to go, the battle begins. Which toys will Spencer get to keep? Will Mom prevail? Will they ever see the floor of his room again?

David Shannon is a shining example of an author who combines creative storytelling with wonderful illustrations. The result is a story that both parents and children will enjoy; in our house we have read it multiple times in one day! Any family that has more than just a few toys will find that this book hits home-especially for Moms who get to take care of all of them. Witty and fun, Too Many Toys is a great read for preschool through the early elementary years. Look for Shannon's other picture books: Alice the Fairy and the David series.

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.