Look Who Got Caught Reading!

That would be soon to be 4th grader, Alyssa, making the most of her time between races.
(photo courtesy of the Greenwich Time)

Amelia's Notebook by Marissa Moss

Amelia, much to her dismay has to move. New city, new house, new school. Her Mom gives her a notebook to track her feelings and let off steam. And oh does she let off steam - sometimes with words, sometimes with illustrations. Her sister, Cleo, is often the victim of Amelia's illustrations since Cleo is having little trouble adjusting to their new surroundings. This is as much a book about moving to a new place as it is realizing sometimes change is okay.

The Lemonade Crime bu Jacqueline Davies

Jacqueline Davies is back with part two of this brother/sister adventure. This story is equally engaging. The school year has started, Evan and Jessie are now in the same class thanks to Jessie skipping a grade. They avoid each other as much as they can but when Scott tells the class he has the latest and greatest video game console Jessie leads the charge to prove it was Scott who stole the lemonade stand money from Evan (in book one). And because Jessie is nothing if not thorough, she sets up a playground trial complete with judge, jury, and witnesses. If you enjoyed The Lemonade War, give The Lemonade Crime a try. It's a fitting conclusion.

Extra Credit by Andrew Clements

I finished the ninth (of ten) Nutmeg Books last weekend, Extra Credit by Andrew Clements. This one is a little different for Clements as he tackles a serious subject. Nonetheless, he handles it beautifully. Abby lives in Illinois and has just found out she is in danger of repeating sixth grade if she doesn't get her act in gear. In addition to doing all of her homework, all the time and maintaining a B average on all her tests she has to take on an extra credit project. The one she chooses is to establish a pen pal connection in another country. Illinois is flat and Abby loves the idea of mountain climbing so she chooses a school in Afghanistan where mountains are plentiful. Enter Sadeed and his sister Amira. Sadeed is the best writer in his school but he's a boy and well, it wouldn't be proper for him to write letters to a girl in America. Clements does a nice job comparing and contrasting two worlds that couldn't be more different. If you're interested in that or perhaps just want to know if Abby has to repeat sixth grade, I suggest you read Extra Credit.

2nd Grader, Pip, vacationing in England is reading....

Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing. And enjoying it. How do I know? She sent me a postcard.

What and where are you reading? I'd love to hear.

The Trouble With Chickens: A J.J. Tully Mystery by Doreen Cronin

Are you a fan of Mercy Watson? Then run to the library and pick up The Trouble with Chickens. Doreen Cronin who has given us Click Clack Moo and Diary of a Spider, Fly, etc. has done it again. Without giving too much away, I'll simply ask the question that Cronin must have asked herself, "What would happen if a search and rescue dog, now retired, joined a family that includes some feisty chickens and a house dog named Vince (the funnel)? Read The Trouble With Chickens. You won't be disappointed.

The Gollywhopper Games by Jody Feldman

The Gollywhopper Games is a fun read; it's one of those books where you wish the games were real and you could participate. It's also a book about redemption. And acceptance and honesty. Gil Goodson's dad worked for Golly Toy and Game Company until he was arrested for stealing. There was a trial and even though he was found not guilty, Orchard Heights is a small town and Golly employs many of the residents; residents who aren't quick to forgive. The Gollywhopper Games are Gil's way of earning enough money so he and his parents can move. He has gone above and beyond to prepare and when his ticket number is called he has the chance to do just that. First though, he has to outlast a whole lot of other kids. Over two days Gil's leadership, problem solving and creative thinking skills are put to the test. Is he good enough to make it to the final round? Will the Golly Toy and Game Company actually allow the son of a disgraced former employee to win? And if his dad wasn't guilty of stealing the money, who was? Read The Golly Whopper Games to find out.