The Lost Planet

The Lost Planet by Rachel Searles
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I am glad to be done with this one. Admittedly I am not a science fiction lover. The writing was well organized and fast paced. I had trouble keeping track of names of aliens / planets.

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Half a Chance by Cynthia Lord
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A beautifully written story about a young girl, Lucy, that moves into a new house on a lake in New Hampshire. The family that lives next door are regular summer vacationers with a young boy about the same age as Lucy. While her father is away on a long photo shoot, Lucy learns about the local loons from Nate and his family. The loons also spend every summer on the lake. Lucy wants to enter a photography contest that her father is judging but is afraid he won't accept it because others will think it is unfair. Her and Nate find a way to enter and enjoy their time together working on the contest as well as protecting the loons and their babies. While working to protect the loons they also learn a lot about their own families.

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Locomotive

Locomotive by Brian Floca
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A little bit longer than I would like for a picture book but quite amazing. I found myself rereading the pages to make sure I didn't miss anything. Be sure to read the notes on the end-pages for even more information. The engines on the covers are illustrations of the two locomotives that met when the first transcontinental trains met. This book will be loved across age groups and I know just the perfect train-loving boy I will recommend it to first.

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Counting by 7's

Counting by 7s by Holly Goldberg Sloan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Such a great book! Of course there were tears, the main character loses both her parents early in the story but there is also many laughable moments. Willow Chance is a gifted middle school student that finds a way to touch the lives of everyone she meets. There were so many great quotes in this book. A must read for 4th grade and up...

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Center of Everything

The Center of Everything by Linda Urban
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I think I will like this book more if I reread it. The beginning was really slow for me and frustrating. My favorite parts of the story really didn't have much to do with the plot. I loved the library scenes and love kids (characters ) like Nero. Possible Newbery contender for 2014 based on unique storytelling elements. This book is a good, clean story for upper elementary students. Most likely girls will like this one.

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Freaky Fast Frankie Joe

Freaky Fast Frankie Joe by Lutricia Clifton
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A strong contender for Bluebonnet award. Students will be able to relate easily to Frankie. Like the Texas tie-in as well.

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More Than Anything Else

More Than Anything Else by Marie Bradby
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I once heard this book read aloud to a group of teachers at an inservice. From that day, I always urge the students I share it with to not give up. I think about how easy reading comes to some students while others are challanged. I tell the students not to waste their opportunity to learn. We all can sometimes take advantage of things that come easy to us. We need to think about those still on this planet that are not able to read, whether it is political reasons or physical reasons.

The pictures in this book are excellent as well. A perfect addition to read for Black History Month in February.

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