Abilene Tucker finds herself in Manifest, Kansas at the start of the summer of 1936. Since her daddy will most definitely be returning for her before summer’s end, Abilene is hesitant to make herself at home. However, it’s not long before she’s trying to solve a mystery with two girls her age and listening to the stories Miss Sadie tells while Abilene works off a debt. The book alternates wonderfully between Abilene’s narrative and the stories Miss Sadie tells about the events of 1917- that may or may not involve Abilene’s daddy. Readers will likely experience as much pleasure (and anguish) as Abilene did in putting it all together. This book is the 2011 Newbery Medal winner. Meghan (J Fiction)
Turtle in Paradise by Jennifer L. Holm
Eleven year-old Turtle finds herself being driven to Key West, FL because the woman her mama works for doesn’t like children. Turtle is being delivered from New Jersey to her aunt and cousins she has never met. Aunt Minny didn’t know she was coming and neither did her cousins, Beans, Kermit or Buddy and they are less than thrilled at her arrival. It takes all of them some time to find out where Turtle fits into to this new family she has. Holm’s story is based on old family stories she heard while growing up. This is a very entertaining story! This is one of the 2011 Newbery Honor books. Kristin (J Fiction)
Amos McGee is a zookeeper who visits his animal friends every day. He plays chess with the elephant, runs races with the tortoise, sits quietly with the penguin, and at sunset, he reads stories to the owl. But one day Amos wakes up sick and cannot visit the zoo. What are his friends to do without him? Why, take the bus over to Amos’ house help take care of him, of course! This is an sweet story of friendship with illustrations that are so adorable it’s no surprise it was the 2011 Caldecott Award Winner! Alia (Picture Book)
Wolf Pie by Brenda Seabrooke
It is a time old question. One that we ALL think we know the answer to. But Brenda Seabrooke puts the question out there again, with a huge twist. What is the question??? Can a wolf and a pig be friends? They can if they are James, Marvin, and Lester Pygg and the silly wolf named Wilfong. But friendship does not come easy to these characters. The wolf has to work, beg, plead, and even freeze, before the Pyggs will even let the wolf near them. But thru a few quick chapters, the Pyggs realize that Wilfong is a great friend to have……especially when another pack of wolves come to the Pyggs house…..for some pig pie! This is a silly beginner chapter book that children will be sure to eat up! Jacquie (J Fiction)
Posts
