Don't Swap Your Sweater for a Dog
by Katherine Applegate
Published 2008 by HarperCollins

Hardcover, English. ISBN: 9780061148866

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Jacket Notes:

A trophy for Roscoe? It seems like everyone has an award of some kind. Except Roscoe. But a pet-trick contest is coming up, and first prize is a big, shiny trophy. Roscoe really wants that trophy--would he even borrow someone else's dog to win?

09/01/2008 REVIEW: School Library Journal

Gr 1-2-These early chapter books begin and end in the time-out chair. In Friends, Roscoe's first-grade class is getting ready for open house. It's supposed to involve a performance of singing bumblebees followed by dessert. However, add one hyper, trouble-finding boy (Roscoe) with a tube of Super-Mega-Gonzo Glue and too many bright ideas and you've got a recipe for disaster. In Sweater, Roscoe trades an itchy sweater that his grandmother made him for his neighbor's dog so he can enter the animal in a pet show. The protagonist always means well and the adults can usually see a big heart behind his antics-after they've calmed down a bit. Both stories are fun reads with simple and amusing cartoon illustrations. Good choices for children transitioning from beginning readers to chapter books.-Kelly Roth, Bartow County Public Library, Cartersville, GA

Hard Gold: The Colorado Gold Rush of 1859: A Tale of the Old West
by Avi
Published 2008 by Hyperion

Hardcover, English. ISBN: 9781423105190

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A young boy heads for the Rocky Mountains in search of his missing uncle. Early Wittcomb's Uncle Jesse claims to have struck gold near Pike's Peak, but his life is now in danger. Illustrated with period engravings, photographs, and maps.

09/01/2008 REVIEW: School Library Journal

Gr 4-7-Fourteen-year-old Early Whitcomb's family is trying desperately to hold onto their Iowa farm during hard times. The local banker is pressuring the Whitcombs to sell their land to the Chicago and North Western railway, promising to foreclose on their mortgage if they refuse. This prompts Early's Uncle Jesse, 19, to head west and find gold, disappearing under suspicion of bank robbery. After he writes that he has found gold but suspects that it will be stolen, Early sneaks away and signs on to a wagon train destined for Cherry Creek and Pike's Peak. A representative of the railroad is also traveling with the wagon trains, and the boy suspects that he wants to find Jesse and prevent him from helping his family save the farm. Early makes an unlikely ally in Lizzy Bunderly, the free-spirited daughter of his wagon-train employer, and the two friends face heartache, hardship, and loss while learning the value of endurance on this journey that takes them across the wild, unsettled territory. The novel deals with difficult times in the life of a young person, but emphasizes Early's optimism and hope for better days. The lessons he learns as a result of the choices he makes, as opposed to those made by his uncle, reveal the importance of making decisions wisely. The period reproductions add much to the understanding of an earlier way of life. The chapters are short and broken up into diary format so as to mimic travel journals of the early wagon train adventurers. A rewarding addition.-Debra Banna, Sharon Public Library, MA

Emmy and the Home for Troubled Girls
by Lynne Jonell
Published 2008 by Henry Holt & Company

Hardcover, English. ISBN: 9780805081510

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In this sequel to "Emmy and the Incredible Shrinking Rat," it's only been a few weeks since Emmy Addison and her friends got rid of the evil Miss Barmy, the nanny who nearly ruined Emmy's life. Miss Barmy is now a rat. How much harm can she do? Illustrations.

08/01/2008 REVIEW: School Library Journal

Gr 3-6-In this sequel to Emmy and the Incredible Shrinking Rat (Holt, 2007), Emmy discovers the fate and whereabouts of the five missing girls pictured on evil Miss Barmy's cane. Although the woman is no longer Emmy's nanny-in fact, she is now a rat-her plots are as wicked as ever. Using the powers of their talented rodent friends to change sizes, the protagonist and her friends seek to thwart Miss Barmy's attempts to subvert the rodent community while also attempting to rescue the girls, who are the four-inch-high prisoners of Miss Barmy's nasty parents. Emmy's uncertainty about her ability to make human friends and about her role within the rodent community cause her to make bad decisions when these two worlds come in contact with one another; luckily, she redeems herself by the end. The plot moves in fits and starts, lacking the fizzy energy of the first book-possibly because the sassy Rat plays a smaller role this time-but fans will find plenty of adventure, fun, and all the rodents they could wish for.-Eva Mitnick, Los Angeles Public Library

Urchin and the Raven War
by M. I. McAllister
Published 2008 by Hyperion

Hardcover, English. ISBN: 9781423101833

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Urchin of the Riding Stars has taken his place as a trusted member of the Circle in King Crispin's court. Life on the island is back to normal--until Lord Arcneck and other inhabitants of Swan Isle come to Mistmantle asking for help after bloodthirsty ravens take over their home. Illustrations.

Dark Whispers
by Bruce Coville
Published 2008 by Scholastic Press

Hardcover, English. ISBN: 9780590459518

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Jacket Notes:

The long-awaited third volume in Coville's series is a tale of two quests: Cara Diana Hunter's search for an ancient story that may unravel the secret of the long enmity between the unicorns and the delvers, and her father's journey to free Cara's mother from the Rainbow Prison.

If You're Reading This, It's Too Late
by Pseudonymous Bosch
Published 2008 by Little, Brown Young Readers

Hardcover, English. ISBN: 9780316113670

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Cass and Max-Ernest ("The Names of This Book Is Secret") discover the secret of the Terces Society and join in the fight to stop the evil Ms. Mauvais and Dr. L. The kids soon stumble upon the Museum of Magic, where they finally meet the amazing Pierto, leader of the Terces and brother to Dr. L.

Blood Tide
by Dave Barry
Published 2008 by Disney Editions

Hardcover, English. ISBN: 9780786837915

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After an earthquake strikes Never Land, the mermaids change. The once-peaceful friends of the natives have turned violent. After they injure members of the Mollusk tribe, Fighting Prawn feels he has no choice but to fight back, in this third entry of a new Never Land series.

Something to Sing about
by C. C. Payne
Published 2008 by Eerdmans Books for Young Readers

Paperback, English. ISBN: 9780802853448

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Jamie Jo's fear of bees has been not much more than an annoyance for the Morgan family - that is until the summer their church explodes. While trying to make sense of this event, Jamie Jo deals with overcoming other struggles: she fears reaching out to a new girl in the neighborhood, she worries about taking on the responsibility of a puppy, and she doesn't know why her older brother's return to town has caused tension in the family. She has to deal with all of this without going outside (where the bees live) alone! Readers will be captivated by Jamie Jo's humor, wit, and small-town charm as she begins to see her world and her faith in a new way.

It Was September When We Ran Away the First Time
by D. James Smith
Published 2008 by Atheneum Books

Hardcover, English. ISBN: 9781416938095

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In a funny, moving, and lyrical story, three boys learn a thing or two about the way a person relates to his fellow man, and along the way they grow up, just a little, despite their best efforts not to.

Rat Trap
by Michael J. Daley
Published 2008 by Holiday House

Hardcover, English. ISBN: 9780823420933

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In this adventure of genetically engineered rats, evil scientists, and some scientists who may just save the day, young readers will be thrilled to welcome back Jeff and Rat in this charming sequel to Space Station Rat.

Going, Going, Gone! with the Pain and the Great One
by Judy Blume
Published 2008 by Delacorte Press Books for Young Readers

Hardcover, English. ISBN: 9780385733076

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Jacket Notes:

The Pain and the Great One are on the go--the Pain needs a trip to the emergency room; the family goes to the mall and not everyone stays together; the kids visit a county fair and want to ride the Super Slide; and a beach outing includes a boogie board. Illustrations.

09/01/2008 REVIEW: School Library Journal

K-Gr 3-Abigail (the Great One) and Jake (the Pain) are back. The theme for this book is traveling, whether it is as close as the local mall, showcasing the Pain's attempt to walk down the up escalator, or as far as the Florida Everglades, where the Great One tries to keep from being bitten by alligators by wearing her leather cowboy boots. An emergency room trip to get a pussy willow removed from the Pain's nose will make readers laugh out loud. The nine short stories beautifully capture the experiences of siblings who love one another but who don't always get along. Their long-suffering cat, Fluzzy, gets his own chapter at the end. Stevenson's drawings perfectly complement the tales. Blume has delivered another funny story collection about two memorable characters.-Kathleen Meulen, Blakely Elementary School, Bainbridge Island, WA

Eve of the Emperor Penguin
by Mary Pope Osborne
Published 2008 by Random House Books for Young Readers

Hardcover, English. ISBN: 9780375837333

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Jacket Notes:

Jack and Annie continue their quest for the secrets of happiness--secrets they need to save Merlin. This time, the Magic Tree House takes them to the one continent they haven't visited before: Antarctica. What can they hope to learn about happiness in such a barren place? Only the penguins know for sure.

Toy Dance Party: Being the Further Adventures of a Bossyboots Stingray, a Courageous Buffalo, and a Hopeful Round Someone Called Plasti
by Emily Jenkins
Published 2008 by Schwartz & Wade Books

Library Binding, English. ISBN: 9780375939358

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Jacket Notes:

LUMPHY, STINGRAY, AND Plastic are back! In this sequel to the hugely successful "Toys Go Out," the lovable trio finds that their little girl has left for winter vacation and taken a box of dominoes, a stegosaurus puzzle, and two Barbie dolls--but not them. Could she have forgotten them?

As the girl starts to grow up, the three best friends must join together to brave a blizzard, save the toy mice from the vacuum, and make sure that they'll always have the little girl's love. (And they still have time to throw an all-out dance party with the washing machine!) "From the Hardcover edition."

As If Being 12 3/4 Isn't Bad Enough, My Mother Is Running for President!
by Donna Gephart
Published 2008 by Delacorte Press Books for Young Readers

Hardcover, English. ISBN: 9780385734813

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Jacket Notes:

As if being 12 3/4 isn't bad enough, Vanessa Rothrock's mother is running for president and it's ruining her life. Isn't it enough that her enormous feet trip her up all the time, even on stage during the school spelling bee? Isn't it enough that Reginald Trumball, love of Vanessa's pathetic life, read her personal and private list of deficiencies to some boy she doesn't even know? And that the Boob Fairy hasn't visited her even once?! Doesn't Mom realize that Vanessa needs her more than the rest of the country? More importantly, doesn't she realize that she may be in grave danger? Vanessa's receiving threatening notes at school-notes that imply some psycho has it out for her mother at the Democratic National Convention. Vanessa might be the only person who can save her. But does she have the courage to do what that requires?

REVIEW: Publisher's Weekly 02/11/2008

Even though her breasts are "the size of cherry pits" and her widowed mother-the governor of Florida and a frontrunner in the Democratic presidential primaries-is rarely around, wonderful things are happening for seventh-grader Vanessa Rothrock. She wins the school spelling bee, and love notes from a secret admirer appear in her locker. Vanessa is proud of her mother's political success, but she grows weary of receiving motherly advice via telephone, e-mail and hastily scribbled notes. First-novelist Gephart adds a good degree of tension as Vanessa accidentally finds hate mail addressed to her mother; Vanessa is sure her mother is in imminent danger, but her mother-who happens to be meeting with Governor Schwarzenegger-explains that she receives dozens a day ("You should have seen the ones I got during the budget crunch," says Gephart's Schwarzenegger. "Half the state wanted to pummel me to death with oranges"). Soon afterward, Vanessa begins receiving threatening letters at school from someone who wants her to pressure her mother into dropping out of the race. Gephart maintains the humor even as the stakes rise; she also successfully captures life in the public eye. She delivers a diverting story that also gives readers an intelligent look at primaries, caucuses and nominating conventions. Ages 8-12. (Feb.)

02/01/2008 REVIEW: School Library Journal

Gr 5-7-Vanessa Rothrock is much like any girl her age. She studies hard for spelling bees, loves her best friend, hates P.E., frets about her flat chest, and has a crush on the most popular boy in school. In other ways, she is very unusual. Vanessa has a bodyguard and fan mail. And her mom has little time for her because she is the governor of Florida, running for president. Likewise, this book is much like others for this audience. It is written in friendly first person and teaches nice lessons about growing up. When Vanessa and the candidate receive death threats, the girl's concern for her mother's safety is tender and adds an exciting mystery and climax to an already compelling story. Readers learn about the political process and motivations of people who work in this milieu despite the considerable risks and sacrifices. Information is woven seamlessly into the narrative. Vanessa's mother runs on a Democratic ticket, and the book is clear about the issues that motivate her, particularly gun control. Issues and relationships are somewhat simplified, but appropriately so.-Amelia Jenkins, Juneau Public Library, AK

Samuel Blink and the Runaway Troll
by Matt Haig
Published 2008 by Putnam Publishing Group

Hardcover, English. ISBN: 9780399247408

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Jacket Notes:

When Troll-Son runs away from home, he decides to leave the Shadow Forest behind and move in with his idol, Samuel Blink. Samuel isnat thrilled with the idea of hiding a runaway troll, especially one who copies everything he does, even (ugh!) using his toothbrush. But should Samuel return Troll-Son to the Shadow Forest? After all, heas running from something . . . what danger still lurks there? This engaging adventure showcases Matt Haigas wry sense of humor, drawing readers deeper into the imaginative world introduced in "Samuel Blink and the Forbidden Forest,"

09/01/2008 REVIEW: School Library Journal

Gr 5-8-This book is just as delightful as Samuel Blink and the Forbidden Forest (Putnam, 2007). It continues the story of Samuel and Martha, along with their Norwegian aunt and uncle and the trolls who live in the neighboring forest. The siblings are starting school, which is not an easy thing when you only speak English. Samuel has enough problems without the arrival of Troll-Son, who is hiding from the Betterer, an adult troll who uses various torture techniques to make the trolls more human. Meanwhile, Martha is becoming friendly with Cornelia, who has motives other than friendship for spending time with her. When the worlds of the trolls and the humans fully connect, there is no guessing what will happen. Enthusiastically portrayed with all of their quirks, the characters are engaging. Fast pacing adds to the readability of the book, and the combination of fantasy and broad humor is very well done.-Tasha Saecker, Menasha Public Library, WI

Zorgamazoo
by Robert Paul Weston
Published 2008 by Sleuth RazorBill

Hardcover, English. ISBN: 9781595141996

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In this debut novel, Weston spins the tale of Katrina Katrell, a girl full of courage (and daring, as well!), who down in the subway, under the ground, sees something fantastical roaming around. What is it she sees?

Into the Volcano
by Don Wood
Published 2008 by Blue Sky Press (AZ)

Hardcover, English. ISBN: 9780439726719

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Jacket Notes:

Bestselling Caldecott Honor illustrator Wood creates this explosive page turner, as readers follow brothers Sumo and Duffy as they overcome seemingly insurmountable odds. Their expedition to help a mysterious aunt takes them on a wild boat ride straight into an erupting volcano.The Blue Sky Press

REVIEW: Publisher's Weekly 10/13/2008

Wood's (The Napping House) first foray into graphic novels is a visual stunner. Sumo and Duffy Pugg are called out of class by their father, who insists they immediately go off with their long-lost, oddly named cousin, Mr. Come-and-Go, to visit their (also unknown to them) Aunt Lulu on Kocalaha, the island where their absent mother was born. Blunt, bald and broad as a refrigerator, Come-and-Go does not inspire confidence in Sumo, the less adventurous of the brothers, and his reluctance looks reasonable when Lulu hustles them off on a mysterious expedition, which involves entering Kocalaha's volcano as it is erupting. Wood's full-color digital illustrations vividly depict fabulous scenery-lava flows, ocean swells, lush foliage-and the muscularity of the action will impress thrill-seeking readers. The boys repeatedly face peril, including a terrifying and surreal episode in which deathly specters surround Sumo while he tries to rescue Duffy. The plot does not answer all the questions it raises: the boys' trip is eventually explained, but not why their father has sanctioned it. The audience will likely be too busy living vicariously through Sumo and Duffy's ultimately excellent adventure to mind. Ages 7-up. (Oct.)

09/01/2008 REVIEW: School Library Journal

Gr 5-8-This intense mystery-adventure coming-of-age chapter book is done in comic-book style-something of a departure for Wood. Two brothers, Duffy and Sumo, are sent to Hawaii to visit their mysterious aunt, who hustles them off on a perilous expedition into the bowels of an erupting volcano, accompanied by strangers whose skills are obvious, but whose trustworthiness is not. The dangers the boys face are terrifying, especially an interlude during which Sumo, wracked by guilt and indecision after he thinks his brother has fallen to his death, is trapped in the dark on an underground cliff and is visited by the specter of Death. That the children, who appear to be 10 or 12, have been exposed to such peril knowingly by an adult who has been entrusted with their care is a dark vein running through the story. Wood's vividly colored artwork brings the perils the siblings face into startling focus. Keenly observed depictions of the Hawaiian landscape and geological processes lend an impressive veracity to this exciting and unusual offering. It is a rare example of a graphic novel for young people that is neither manga nor mainstream.-Paula Willey, Baltimore County Public Library, Towson, MD

Rapunzel's Revenge
by Shannon Hale
Published 2008 by Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

Hardcover, English. ISBN: 9781599900704

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Jacket Notes:

Once upon a time, in a land you only think you know, lived a little girl and her mother . . . or the woman she "thought" was her mother.Every day, when the little girl played in her pretty garden, she grew more curious about what lay on the other side of the garden wall . . . a rather enormous garden wall. And every year, as she grew older, things seemed weirder and weirder, until the day she finally climbed to the top of the wall and looked over into the mines and desert beyond.Newbery Honor-winning author Shannon Hale teams up with husband Dean Hale and brilliant artist Nathan Hale (no relation) to bring readers a swashbuckling and hilarious twist on the classic story as you've never seen it before. Watch as Rapunzel and her amazing hair team up with Jack (of beanstalk fame) to gallop around the wild and western landscape, changing lives, righting wrongs, and bringing joy to every soul they encounter.

REVIEW: Publisher's Weekly 08/04/2008

The popular author of Princess Academy teams with her husband and illustrator Hale (no relation) for a muscular retelling of the famously long-haired heroine's story, set in a fairy-tale version of the Wild West. The Hales' Rapunzel, the narrator, lives like royalty with witchy Mother Gothel, but defies orders, scaling villa walls to see what's outside-a shocking wasteland of earth-scarring mines and smoke-billowing towers. She recognizes a mine worker from a recurrent dream: it's her birth mother, from whom she was taken as punishment for her father's theft from Mother G.'s garden. Their brief reunion sets the plot in motion. Mother G. banishes Rapunzel to a forest treehouse, checking annually for repentance, which never comes. Rapunzel uses her brick-red braids first to escape, then like Indiana Jones with his whip, to knock out the villains whom she and her new sidekick, Jack (of Beanstalk fame), encounter as they navigate hostile territory to free Rapunzel's mom from peril. Illustrator Hale's detailed, candy-colored artwork demands close viewing, as it carries the action-Rapunzel's many scrapes are nearly wordless. With its can-do heroine, witty dialogue and romantic ending, this graphic novel has something for nearly everybody. Ages 10-up. (Sept.)

09/01/2008 REVIEW: School Library Journal

Gr 5 Up-This is the tale as you've never seen it before. After using her hair to free herself from her prison tower, this Rapunzel ignores the pompous prince and teams up with Jack (of Beanstalk fame) in an attempt to free her birth mother and an entire kingdom from the evil witch who once moonlighted as her "mother." Dogged by both the witch's henchman and Jack's outlaw past, the heroes travel across the map as they right wrongs, help the oppressed, and generally try to stay alive. Rapunzel is no damsel in distress-she wields her long braids as both rope and weapon-but she happily accepts Jack's teamwork and friendship. While the witch's castle is straight out of a fairy tale, the nearby mining camps and rugged surrounding countryside are a throwback to the Wild West and make sense in the world that the authors and illustrator have crafted. The dialogue is witty, the story is an enticing departure from the original, and the illustrations are magically fun and expressive. Knowing that there are more graphic novels to come from this writing team brings readers their own happily-ever-after.-Cara von Wrangel Kinsey, New York Public Library