A Fine, Fine School

Imagine going to a school where everything is perfect - the kids are happy and learning, the teachers are making school fun, and the principal takes notice of all the fine, fine things accomplished everyday. This inspires him to expand that greatness to have school on Saturdays, then Sundays, then.... How will the kids feel? How will the families feel? Will the kids learn more? Read and find out!

Frogs

This Bluebonnet nominee for the 2009-2010 award year features amazing photography on all kinds of frogs. It has dozens of facts about frogs that I had never heard of. I learned that some frogs can change color! I also read how they shed their skin just like a snake! You are certain to love this book even if you are not a frog lover! Personally, I think the cover is boring! So don't judge this book by its cover!

Clementine

If you love Judy Moody or Just Grace books, then you will love reading about Clementine. She doesn't have a mean bone in her body, but manages to get herself into trouble with friends, parents, her friend's parents, the principal, and her teachers. See how she problem solves when a friend gets glue in her hair! A funny series that will keep you flipping your pages!

Gentle Giant Octopus

I was amazed with the facts about octopuses packed into this book. I never knew an octopus could change its color! But as you will find, it doesn't happen the same as a chameleon. They also lay 60,000 eggs at one time. This simple "circle of life" reality, also leads to some surprisingly sad results. Read to learn more about this unique animal of the sea.

Clementine

What a great character! Clementine always means well, but gets herself in these "historical" situations. Poor Margaret gets glue in her hair at art class and Clementine finds her crying in the bathroom. Trying to be helpful, she gets Margaret's permission to cut it all off and lands herself in the principal's office! This is the first event in a long line of innocent troubles for this fun, and funny, girl!

Help Me, Mr. Mutt

This book cracks me up! Mr. Mutt publishes an advice column to help pets with people problems. The letters are funny, but rooted in truth, as you will see when you enjoy this story that weaves through all the letters from beginning to end. This book is a 2009-2010 Bluebonnet nominee, and by my guess, I think it will win.

Alvin Ho: Allergic to Girls, School, and Other Scary Things

Alvin is pretty much scared of everything. So scared, in fact, he carries around a special kit to use in case he needs some sort of protection! Because of his fears, Alvin cannot bring himself to talk in school. Ever! This can be a problem because Alvin i looking to make friends. The book takes us through Alvin's days and some situations that make him nervous, like getting stuck hanging upside down from a tree.

The Amazing Days of Abby Hayes: All That Glitters Isn't Gold

This is book #19 in a series I had never heard of! Abby Hayes is a very likeable girl who never really cared about having all the newest gadgets like everyone else. That was until the MePhone made it to school. She hadn't even wanted a cell phone at all, but now wants the coolest one ever. She can to come up with a plan to convince her parents, or possibly keep the one she finds. Which will she choose? What would you do?

Back to School, Mallory

This is a cute "girl" series I just learned about this week. There are several books, but they are not in any particular order - so you can read any of them at any time. Mallory reminds me of Just Grace or Judy Moody, so if you like those books, you will like these!

Mallory has just moved. If it isn't bad enough to adjust to new friends and a new school, her mom was just hired to be the school music teacher. Mallory tries to make friends, build trust, and get a good part in the Fall Festival music performance her mother is planning. Read more to see if these work out for her.

Sarah, Plain and Tall

I keep telling myself that I am not much of a historical fiction fan, but then I surprise myself! I really enjoyed this Newbury Medal winner, which is based on a true story by the author. After the passing of their mother, Anna and Caleb learn their father has advertised in the paper for a new wife. Together with the kids, they send letters to Sarah, who lives in faraway Maine. They ask her to come for a one month visit. Will she come? Would she stay? Will they like each other? Will Papa find a wife and mother for his kids?

Not So Weird Emma

Third grader Emma McGraw has been having a time being "friends" with Cynthia Harbison. Always trying to please her, she snaps and calls her a mean nickname - Bossy Pants - that gets the school talking! Emma has to do some damage control, and make some decisions on whether the friendship is worth it. She wrestles with trying to force a friendship or to be true to herself.