January 2014

Guest Librarian FAQ: How Do I Determine Which Books Are Right For My Child?

Earlier this week, I shared my reflections on helping parents determine whether a given book is appropriate for their child, based on both content and reading level. Here is a list of online resources I have found to be especially useful in assisting parents with questions regarding appropriateness: CommonSense Media’s Book Reviews The reviews on… Read more »

The Templeton Twins Make A Scene

The Templeton Twins Make a Scene by Ellis Weiner, illustrated by Jeremy Holmes (Chronicle Books, 2013) This sequel to The Templeton Twins Have an Idea finds brother and sister team, John and Abigail, at TAPAS (the Thespian Academy of the Performing Arts and Sciences), where their father, Professor Templeton, has been hired to create another of his brilliant one-of-a-kind… Read more »

Goldy Luck and the Three Pandas

GOLDY LUCK AND THE THREE PANDAS by Natasha Yim, illustrated by Grace Zong (Charlesbridge, 2014) In this spirited retelling of the classic fairy tale Goldilocks and the Three Bears, Goldy doesn’t go looking for bad luck on Chinese New Year. But she finds it anyway. Not only does Goldy ruin the turnip cakes she delivers… Read more »

THE MARBLE QUEEN – meet Freedom Jane McKenzie

Marbles?  YES. And Freedom Jane McKenzie is determined to be THE champion winner, a Marble Queen.  She is determined to enter the marble competition at the Autumn Jubilee and show the neighborhood boys – especially those boys that tease and bully her – that she is the best marble player around. Better than any boy… Read more »

Pinkbeard’s Revenge (The Adventures of Jo Schmo)

The Adventures of Jo Schmo: Pinkbeard’s Revenge by Greg Trine, art by Frank W. Dormer (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2013) Fourth Grade Superhero, Jo Schmo, speeds through the streets of San Francisco with her dog Raymond ready to take-on trouble at a moment’s notice. This time around, the nasty Dr. Dastardly, his accomplice Numb Skull, and a… Read more »