Book Buzz: February 2010

The Dragonfly Pool by Eva Ibbotson
During the early days of World War I, young Tally Hamilton is sent off to a boarding school in the countryside of England. She can’t think of anything worse than leaving her father. However, once she gets there, makes new friends and meets her teachers, she thrives. This school is unlike traditional boarding schools and a group of them go off to perform in a folk dance festival in Bergania. Once there she meets young Prince Karil and they form a lasting bond at the Dragonfly Pool. It is unlikely, but can a Prince can have a ‘friend’ that is a commoner? Kristin (J fiction audio book)

Jeremy Draws a Monster by Peter McCarty
“Jeremy lived on the top floor of a three-story apartment building. He had his very own room. He never left. He never went outside.” One day, out of boredom, Jeremy draws himself a playmate…a big blue monster! But Jeremy never anticipated his new pal to be so rude and demanding. Readers will laugh out loud as they turn each page to see what Jeremy’s monster will ask for next. Will Jeremy be able to get rid of his annoying pal? Read Jeremy Draws a Monster to find out! Michelle (Picture book ages 3-6)

Odd and the Frost Giants by Neil Gaiman
Long ago, in a village in the cold far north, there lived a boy named Odd. Odd’s village was a nice enough place in the summer, but due to a strange, unending winter the villagers were becoming grumpy and mean and the village was becoming more and more dangerous. Then one day, out in the forest Odd encounters a bear, a fox, and an eagle. The three creatures are not what they seem and they have a job for Odd – defeat the Frost Giants who have invaded Asgard, city of the gods. Now it’s up to Odd to save Asgard and his village. If he can’t, then it may be winter forever… Alia (J Fiction)

Anything But Typical by Nora Raleigh Baskin
Jason is an autistic sixth-grader surrounded by NTs (neurotypicals). He feels his differentness in school and at home, but finds acceptance in a virtual world of writers. When Jason posts his work and converses with other writers on the Storyboard website he is just as “normal” as they are. He develops a special relationship with Phoenixbird (real name- Rebecca) and is horrified when he realizes that they will both be attending a Storyboard conference. Rebecca may be Jason’s first real friend, possibly even a girlfriend. How will she react when she finds out that Jason is not the NT she assumes him to be? Meghan (YA fiction)