Lost and Found is the latest book from Andrew Clements. It is the story of identical twins, Jay and Ray Grayson, trying to find their individuality. They have moved to a new school, so when Jay goes to school while Ray is at home sick, Jay feels like a real individual.  But when the school makes a mistake and only Jay is enrolled and not Ray, the plan begins. They decide to share the identity of Jay. The twins switch days going to school but soon begin to face complications.

Clements writes a well paced story with lots of kid appeal. This would be a great book for third to sixth graders.

Dog Gone

Dog Gone by Cynthia Chapman Willis is a touching story of a young girl, Dill, dealing with the loss of her mother. Everything has changed around her house. Her special attachment to their dog, Dead End, becomes stronger because he was her mother's dog. Then, Dead End runs off and is suspected to be part of a dog pack attacking livestock in their rural town. Her grandfather is seriously ill while her father is busy trying to keep the family business running. With her friend, Cub, they try to catch Dead End to hide him from the townspeople. Through these events, Dill must face head on her loss.  

This is a nicely paced story that will touch readers' hearts. I would recommend if for 4th graders and above.

Turtle's Penguin Day

Turtle's Penguin Day by Valeri Gorbachev is a story of a turtle who wants to pretend to be a penguin after his father reads him a book about penguins. He goes to school and all of the students want to become penguins after the teacher reads the book. This book encourages reading and how it stimulates knowledge and imagination.  It would be great as a focus when engaging kids to become information literate.

Texas Bluebonnet Nominees

With great anticipation and excitement, the new 2009-2010 Texas Bluebonnet Book Nominee List was announced on Saturday. Here it is: TBA

Being on this committee has been an wonderful experience with some great people.  This is a fantastic list of books for Texas children to read.

Now, I will begin reading books for the next year's list.  Hopefully, I can blog about some more great books.

The Gollywhopper Games

The Gollywhopper Games

by

Jody Feldman

If you want fun and lighthearted adventure, please choose this book to read!  It is a cross between  Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and Chasing Vermeer. Gil, the hero of our story, wants to win the Gollywhopper Games held by the Golly Toy Company. He wants to win enough money for his family to move out of town because the last year of his life has been miserable.  He father was falsely accused for stealing money for the Golly Toy Company, thus hurting the character of him and his family.

This story is full of puzzles, contests, teamwork, and friendship! Will Gil get what he wants?  You must read it to find out!

Help Me, Mr. Mutt!

Okay, it's been awhile since my last post!  I have been so busy reading books for the TBA committee, that I haven't taken the time to blog!

However, I just had to write about this new book by Stevens and Crummel, Help Me, Mr. Mutt!  I just loved it!  I can't lie - I am a dog lover so I am always compelled to read any "dog" books.  This book is funny, lively, and an excellent use of  voice in the dog (and cat) characters!  It is a collection of letters from dogs written to Mr. Mutt (the dog version of Dear Abby) asking for advice with various people problems.  Even if you don't have a dog, you will have a "laugh out-bow wow" time reading this book!  

The Postcard

The Postcard is Tony Abbott's newest book.  After reading Firegirl, I was excited about reading his newest book.  These books have quite different plots but both are filled with strong writing.  

The Postcard is a mystery that will keep you turning pages.  It involves a family on the brink of falling apart, filled with secrets, with clues in a mysterious magazine story.

Fourth - Sixth graders who loves mysteries, will find this book a winner!