The Raft

Another good example of writing about what you know. The author based Nicky, the main character, off of himself as he tells the story about his summer at TV-less Grandma's. He reluctantly goes, but finds by the time his summer ends he finds there are other, more meaningful ways to spend his time.

The writing and illustrations are description of the scene as well as the emotions Nicky experiences while learning about nature, rafting, art, and himself.

Lunch Lady and the Cyborg Substitute

You may think a lunch lady just serves food all day, but not this one. She's off fighting injustice in her spare time. This graphic novel has Lunch Lady with al the gadgets you would expect from Batman as she tries to figure out the story behind the mysterious substitute who is covering for the beloved teacher who hasn't missed a day in 20 years!

Notes from a Liar and her Dog

Antonia McPherson is a middle child who feels very unloved in her constantly relocating family. Her sisters are pretty much perfect, she is convinced the adults she lives with are not her real parents, and her only friends are Harrison the weirdo and a sickly dog named Pistaccio.

"Ant" has almost a destructive relationship with her mother and manages to put her own life in harms way to save her dog. She is a tough nut to crack, and her sister refers to her as "a country unto herself," meaning she thinks she can do it all on her own without anyones help.

Will her family be able to "crack" her? Will it take an outsider to wake everyone up? Will moving again make for a better situation?

In Business with Mallory

Mallory has a lot to deal with for an almost nine year old girl. She and her best friend from her old house are watching Fashion Fran on TV via phone and become determined to purchase the Perfect Purse. This way they can be the same when Mary Ann comes to visit in a week. Mallory asks her parents repeatedly for the purse, but to no avail.

After advice from Grandma, Mallory starts not one, not two or three, but four businesses. Each one was a failure and she is no closer to the purse her friend's mom has already purchased. Being less than honest, Mallory tells her family part of the money will go towards her brother's birthday present and the rest toward the purse.

Mallory makes a bunch of money, but is it enough to do all that she wants? She has pressure from her mom, her friend, and her brother and wants to make a choice she is happy with. Good economic lessons on opportunity cost!

Klooz: The Puzzle of the Power Drain

I had never heard of this series, but found tons of them at the McKinney Public Library this summer. Klooz is a nickname for a kid detective who, according to his biggest fan and gum-provider Olga, is the best in the city.

The local carnival is having trouble with its historic merry-go-round owned by William. Klooz is sent over to help solve the mystery of who is damaging the power cord that runs the ride and making it spin around crazily! Could it be the man trying to buy the ride? Is it the other ride owners who have been bugging William to raise his ticket price? Or is there another character?