Joey Pigza Swallowed the Key

Joey Pigza Swallowed the Key by Jack Gantos

To the constant disappointment of his mother and his teachers, Joey has trouble paying attention or controlling his mood swings when his prescription medications wear off and he starts getting worked up and acting wired.

"Most teachers and students know at least one child with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and this book will surely help them become more understanding, even as they enjoy Gantos' fresh writing style and tart sense of humor."
-Booklist Review

Book Club Meeting: 8 May 2010

Ask a librarian for help getting a copy or request your copy online.

Need more Joey Pigza? Further adventures inclue:

Hana's Suitcase: a True Story

Hana's Suitcase: a True Story by Karen Levine

A biography of a Czech girl who died in the Holocaust, told in alternating chapters with an account of how the curator of a Japanese Holocaust center learned about her life after Hana's suitcase was sent to her.

"Levine successfully incorporates the two stories: a bleak story of a young girl's pointless suffering and death at the hands of fellow humans, the other a hopeful one of children, a world away in space and time from the events that deprived Hana of her future, who vow "never again."
-Kirkus Reviews

Book Club Meeting: 17 April 2010

Ask a librarian for a copy of the book or request your copy online.

Poppy

Poppy by Avi

Poppy the deer mouse urges her family to move next to a field of corn big enough to feed them all forever, but Mr. Ocax, a terrifying owl, has other ideas.

"An engaging blend of romance, suspense and parody, this fantasy is well-nigh irresistible."
-Publishers Weekly Review

Book Club Meeting: 13 March 2010

Ask a librarian for help getting a copy or request your copy online.

There's more Poppy! Give these "tails" a whirl:

Emmy and the Incredible Shrinking Rat

Emmy and the Incredible Shrinking Rat by Lynne Jonell

When Emmy discovers that she and her formerly loving parents are being drugged by their evil nanny with rodent potions that can change people in frightening ways, she and some new friends must try everything possible to return things to normal.

"A mystery is cleverly woven into this fun and, at times, hilarious caper, and children are likely to find themselves laughing out loud during some parts. A medley of endearing characters adds to an already delightful read."
-School Library Journal

Book Club Meeting: 20 February 2010

Ask a librarian for help getting a copy or request your copy online.

For more Emmy adventures, try:

The Cookcamp

The Cookcamp by Gary Paulsen
During World War II, a little boy is sent to live with his grandma, a cook in a camp for workers building a road through the wilderness.

"While the boy is very young, his experiences are universal, making this a superb book for readers just old enough to look back and remember their childhoods and grandparents with a feeling of nostalgia."
-School Library Journal

Book Club Meeting: 16 January 2010

Ask a librarian for help getting a copy or request your copy online.

The City of Ember

The City of Ember by Jeanne DuPrau
In the year 241, twelve-year-old Lina trades jobs on Assignment Day to be a Messenger to run to new places in her decaying but beloved city, perhaps even to glimpse Unknown Regions.

"Thanks to full-blooded characters every bit as compelling as the plot, Lina and Doon's search parallels the universal adolescent quest for answers. Readers will sit on the edge of their seats as each new truth comes to light."
-Publisher's Weekly Review

Book Club Meeting: 21 November 2009

Ask a librarian for help getting a copy or request your copy online.

From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler

From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler by E.L. Konigsburg
When suburban Claudia Kincaid decides to run away, she knows she doesn't just want to run "from" somewhere she wants to run "to" somewhere--to a place that is comfortable, beautiful, and preferably elegant. She chooses the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. Knowing that her younger brother, Jamie, has money and thus can help her with the serious cash flow problem she invites him along. Once settled into the museum, Claudia and Jamie, find themselves caught up in the mystery of an angel statue that the museum purchased at an auction for a bargain price of $250. The statue is possibly an early work of the Renaissance master Michelangelo, and therefore worth millions. Is it? Or isn't it? Claudia is determined to find out. This quest leads Claudia to Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler, the remarkable old woman who sold the statue and to some equally remarkable discoveries about herself.

WINNER OF THE NEWBERRY MEDAL

Book Club Meeting: 19 September 2009

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Lunch Money

Lunch Money by Andrew Clements
Twelve-year-old Greg, who has always been good at moneymaking projects, is surprised to find himself teaming up with his lifelong rival, Maura, to create a series of comic books to sell at school.

"The characters are rich with interesting quirks and motivations, including Mr. Z, a blood-phobic math teacher. Along with providing a fast-paced and humorous story line, the author examines concepts of true wealth, teamwork, community mindedness, and the value of creative expression."
-School Library Journal

Book Club Meeting: 29 August 2009

Ask a librarian for help getting a copy or request your copy online.

The Seer of Shadows

The Seer of Shadows by Avi
In New York City in 1872, fourteen-year-old Horace, a photographer's apprentice, becomes entangled in a plot to create fraudulent spirit photographs, but when Horace accidentally frees the real ghost of a dead girl bent on revenge, his life takes a frightening turn.

"Avi's latest is a fast-paced, yet haunting portrayal of an uprightàboy trying to make his way in a world that has suddenly gone strange and dangerous. Written from the point of view of Horace as an adult, this engaging novel has great immediacy andàstrong narrative drive."
-Booklist Review

Book Club Meeting: 25 July 2009

Ask a librarian for help getting a copy or request your copy online.

Everything on a Waffle

Everything on a Waffle by Polly Horvath
Eleven-year-old Primrose living in a small fishing village in British Columbia recounts her experiences and all that she learns about human nature and the unpredictability of life in the months after her parents are lost at sea.

"A laugh-out-loud pleasure from beginning to triumphant end."
-Kirkus Reviews

Book Club Meeting: 27 June 2009

Ask a librarian for help getting a copy or request your copy online.

Ivy and Bean

Ivy and Bean by Annie Barrows
When seven-year-old Bean plays a mean trick on her sister, she finds unexpected support for her antics from Ivy, the new neighbor, who is less boring than Bean first suspected.

"Readers are bound to embrace this spunky twosome and eagerly anticipate their continuing tales of mischief and mayhem."
-Kirkus Reviews

Book Club Meeting: 30 May 2009

Ask a librarian for help getting a copy or request your copy online.