Category Archives: Series

The Cruisers

Posted on February 15, 2012 by

While set in the present day, Walter Dean Myers‘ The Cruisers takes us back to the mindset of the Civil War era through eighth grade students. Zander and his friends, the Cruisers, have to prove their potential at Da Vinci Academy, a … Continue reading →

Posted in Character-driven, Children's novels, Series, social issues, strong characters, Voice | Tagged , , , , , | 2 Comments

The Twelve Days of Christmas in Michigan

Posted on December 9, 2011 by

Katie visits her Michigander cousin, Will, who gives her uniquely Michigan gifts for the twelve days of Christmas.  In Katie’s letters home, the reader learns all sorts of fun facts about Michigan.  A great collage at the end filled with … Continue reading →

Posted in Books with social studies links, Michigan author/illustrator, Picture books, Series | Tagged , , | 3 Comments

Toys Come Home

Posted on December 1, 2011 by

The full title is Toys Come Home: Being the Early Experiences of an Intelligent Stingray, a Brave Buffalo, and a Brand-New Someone Called Plastic, and the book is most worthy of such a lengthy subtitle.  The third in Emily Jenkins’ … Continue reading →

Posted in Chapter Books, Series, strong characters, Voice, Word choice | Tagged , , , , | 4 Comments

Catwings

Posted on November 28, 2011 by

Born in an alley,  Mrs. Jane Tabby’s kittens all had wings.  Sent off to the country to fend for themselves, Harriet, Thelma, James and Roger fly to the woods, discovering predators, food and the beginnings of friendship with a girl … Continue reading →

Posted in Chapter Books, Power of pets, Series | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment

The Scorch Trials

Posted on November 18, 2011 by

Thomas and the Gladers solved the maze, but now they have to endure the Scorch and find the safe haven WICKED promised.  Minho, Teresa and Newt from The Maze Runner are back for The Scorch Trials, along with new Cranks, Jorge … Continue reading →

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The Maze Runner

Posted on October 25, 2011 by

For a page turning adventure in a world with no memories, read James Dashner’s The Maze Runner, first in a dystopian trilogy.  Thomas arrives at the Glades in a box, his memory wiped clean and his environment controlled.  The boys already … Continue reading →

Posted in Series, Teen/Young Adult | Tagged , | 1 Comment

Mercy Watson Goes for a Ride

Posted on September 29, 2011 by

Mercy Watson is a pig who loves toast.   She lives with Mr. and Mrs. Watson, who love Mercy and treat her like their child except they won’t let Mercy drive the convertible. Watch Mercy take matters into her own … Continue reading →

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Ellie McDoodle: Best Friends Fur-Ever

Posted on September 16, 2011 by

Animals.  Siblings.  Cartoons.  What more could a kid ask for?  In Ruth McNally Barshaw’s third sketch diary featuring Ellie McDoodle, Ellie has to overcome her fear of presentations, find her neighbour’s bird (that escaped during Ellie’s pet-sitting adventure) and deal … Continue reading →

Posted in Children's novels, Michigan author/illustrator, Series | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day

Posted on June 24, 2011 by

Alexander’s horribly bad day is something we all need to read sometimes.  It’s strangely comforting knowing that someone else out there has terrible days where nothing works out, even if that someone is a character conceived by Judith Viorst and … Continue reading →

Posted in Love that prose, Picture books, Series, Voice | Tagged , , , | 2 Comments

Brown: Seeing Brown All around Us

Posted on June 22, 2011 by

A rhyming non-fiction book about the colour brown engages children with big photos and fun facts about each brown item.  For example, a Brownie (Girl Scout) eating a brownie or the Brown that does tricks (a chocolate labrador).  The rhyming … Continue reading →

Posted in Easy Readers, Nonfiction, Picture books, Rhyme, Series | Tagged , , | Leave a comment