Skeleton Creek

Skeleton Creek

Author: Patrick Carman

Rating: 5/5 Stars

Reviewer: Denise Z. 

Summary: Although housebound following an eerie accident, teenaged Ryan continues to investigate the strange occurrences in his hometown of Skeleton Creek, recording his findings in a journal and viewing email video clips sent by fellow detective Sarah. The reader may view Sarah's videos on a website by using links and passwords found in the text.

Review:  A young, enthusiastic reader introduced me to this series. Patrick Carman does an excellent job intertwining mystery with horror with his unique writing style. The book is written in diary form, making it seem real and believable. There’s also videos that you can access online to make the story come to life even more and will keep young readers intrigued and wanting to know what happens next. This book can be too scary for those who spook easily, but perfect for older readers.

Unplugged

Unplugged
Author: Steve Antony
Rating: 5/5 Stars
Reviewer: Aleece

Summary: Blip liked to be plugged into her computer but one day a blackout happens and Blip becomes unplugged and stumbles out the door into the colorful outdoors.

Review: A simple story about how being plugged in is great but being outside and making new friends is just as great.  The gray drab indoors is offset by the colorful outdoors and simple yet soothing illustrations of nature are very enticing.  A great book for kids to think about putting down their devises and discover the world around them.

Where Do Balloons Go?

Where Do Balloons Go?
Author: Jamie Lee Curtis
Rating: 4/5 Stars
Reviewer: Yolanda

 

Summary: With a poetic rhythm, this book questions where balloons go and do when it is let go. The whole book follows what a balloon’s life might be like. The balloons in this book take on human characters in a way to answer the overall question of “Where do balloons go?”

Review: There were a lot of good themes throughout the whole book that made the reader, especially a young reader, think about life situations. Life could be good and bad, so Jaime Lee Curtis really put a whimsical and endearing touch to how the story was told. The illustrations were also very eye catching and made you engage with the story line. The rhythm of the author’s writing made it really fun to read. I really enjoyed reading this book out loud.

Refugee

Refugee

Author: Alan Gratz

Rating: 4/5 Stars 

Reviewer: Juan 

Summary: Josef is Jewish boy in 1930s Nazi Germany. Isabel is a Cuban girl in 1994. Mahmoud is a Syrian boy in 2015. Three different kids each with a different background but one thing binds them together, escape and survive.

Review: A suspenseful book that focuses on 3 different children and their journey to refuge. All three will face the unknown with unimaginable dangers along the way. One thing they share is the hope for tomorrow that may lead to a brighter future.

Dear Girl,

Dear Girl,
Author: Amy Krouse Rosenthal and Paris Rosenthal
Rating: 5/5 Stars
Reviewer: Denise Z.

Summary: Encourages readers to accept and love themselves as they are and advises them to be confident, curious, adaptable, and willing to speak up. For ages 4-8.

Review: I found out about this book and the message of this book online and had to check it out. The words really tugged at my heartstrings! Every line is such a great message and is a perfect book for self-esteem and for a mom to give to her daughter. I loved this book! If you know about the author’s blog and her battle with cancer, this will really bring out your emotions. More picture books like this need to be written.

“Dear Girl, Keep that arm raised! You have smart things to say!”