November Book Buzz

Letters from Camp by Kate Klise
If you are a fan of Kate Klise’s “Regarding” series then you don’t want to miss this fun summer camp mystery. The story is unfolded through a series of letters, memos, post-its, news articles, and shopping receipts. It takes place at Camp Happy Harmony, a summer camp run by the once famous Harmony Family Siblings, who topped the charts decades ago. The camp was created to help siblings who don’t get along improve their relationships with one another. The campers discover that the Harmony Siblings are not who they appear to be and they begin to piece together a devastating mystery. Jaclyn (YA Fiction Grades 5-8th)

The Maze of Bones, The 39 Clues series by Rick Riordan
This is a great mystery starring Amy and Dan Cahill, a brother and sister, who are orphaned, and in the care of their elderly aunt. Their grandmother passes away, whom they love, and she leaves all the heirs with a choice of 1 million dollars or solve a centuries old Cahill family mystery. They must go on to solve 39 clues to win the prize, only one team will win and the competition is tough. Kristin (J Fiction)

A Season of Gifts by Richard Peck
Though Mrs. Dowdel “doesn’t neighbor”, she manages to have quite an impact on the new preacher and his family who moves in next door. She helps bring big crowds to the struggling church with a funeral for an authentic Kickapoo princess, and she adopts little Ruth Ann as her shadow (and partner in crime). Mrs. Dowdel shares important gifts with each member of the Barnhart family in this hilarious new book. Meghan (J Fiction)

When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead
When sixth grader Miranda receives a note that says, “I am coming to save your friend’s life, and my own.” she ignores it. Her life’s already complicated since her best friend Sal stopped talking to her out of nowhere and she has to make all new friends at school. But the mysterious notes keep coming and whoever is leaving them knows things about her, things that have not even happened yet. Could it really be a message from the future? And if it is, can Miranda figure it out in time to save a life? Alia (YA Fiction)

Al Capone Shines My Shoes by Gennifer Choldenko
This was a great book and as soon as I read the first chapter I remember why I loved the first book! Meet the families of the guards who work on Alcatraz in 1935. Moose, being the ultimate nice guy and good kid tries to make everyone happy, but ends up getting everyone mad at him in the process. He and his friends get into a bit of trouble with the cons and Piper, the warden’s daughter, doesn’t help the situation. This is the sequel to Al Capone Does My Shirts which was also an excellent book. Kristin (YA Fiction)