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.