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Paper Covers Rock
Paper Covers Rock written by Jenny Hubbard reminded me of another book I read called The Tragedy Paper by Elizabeth LeBan. It has a similar feel with a male main character at a boarding school where secrets are being kept about a horrible situation that has occurred. Without giving too…
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The Raven Boys
I finally had the chance to read Maggie Stiefvater’s The Raven Boys and I want to start the second book right away. I picked up The Raven Boys for a few reasons, it’s something I’ve been meant to read for awhile now and when I picked it up I was…
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The Wizard of Dark Street
The Wizard of Dark Street written by Shawn Thomas Odyssey is a fun and entertaining read, mixing a touch of magic with a tale of mystery and the off-beat humor expected from authors like Lemony Snicket. Oona Crate is a Natural Magician and the Apprentice to the Dark Street Wizard,…
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Spy School
This is another book I read on vacation. Spy School is about Ben Ripley, a awkward, science geek whose dream job would be to work for the CIA. Ben is not surprised to be selected to attend a magnate school with a focus on science, but he is surprised to…
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Escape From Mr. Lemoncello’s Library
I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of Chris Grabenstein’s book, Escape from Mr. Lemocello’s Library – what more could you want? A library that is also a puzzle with plenty of clues, children’s book references, and enough action to keep you turning the pages to the end! Kyle Keeley loves to…
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Ripper
Unsolved mysteries are always intriguing and the sensationalized serial killer Jack the Ripper is no different. Stefan Petrucha created a new twist in the historical fiction/steampunk novel, Ripper. Carver Young is adopted by ex-Pinkerton detective, Harking at the age of 14 and soon becomes entangled in the pursuit of Jack the Ripper…
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Summer Book Discussion Group for Middle School Students (Grades 5-8)
The job of a children’s librarian is never done. Just as I’ve finally caught my breath with a number of programs and projects, the summer planning is looming ahead of me. Each year we offer our rising 5th – 8th graders two different book discussion opportunities. The first is called…
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Hold Fast
I fell in love with Blue Balliett’s writing after reading her first middle grade novel – Chasing Vermeer. She was able to combine so many unique elements into one story that held me spellbound from beginning to end. In fact, Chasing Vermeer, was the first book discussion book choice that I…
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Mr. and Mrs. Bunny – Detectives Extraordinaire!
Mr. and Mrs. Bunny – Detectives Extraordinaire! written by Polly Horvath is full of quirky, memorable characters, a hysterical plot, and enough details to keep adults engaged as well. When Madeline’s parents get kidnapped from their homes by a group of foxes led by the Grand Poobah, it is up to…
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The Composer is Dead
I would have to say that Lemony Snicket is one of the most interesting authors that is currently writing for children. From A Series of Unfortunate Events to The Lump of Coal his work is definitely different and kids go crazy for it! With that being said, I picked up The Composer is…