Umbrella Summer by Lisa Graff

What does it mean to "put down your umbrella"? After reading this book, you will understand a new meaning for that term. Ten year old Annie is dealing with the sudden death of her twelve year old brother, Jared. Annie meets a new elderly neighbor lady who recently lost her husband. Together Annie and the lady learn how to "put down their umbrellas". This book is a wonderful story about friendship, family, and life.

Who Put That Hair in My Toothbrush? by Jerry Spinelli

This is the first book that I have read by Jerry Spinelli. I loved the humor he used throughout the story. Greg," Grosso", and Megan, "Megamouth", are the main characters. The story centers around their intense siblilng rivalry.

I listened to the audio version of the book which I would highly recommend. The two readers had great talent creating many voices.

This story will keep you laughing and also show you there is hope for a brother and sister to learn to respect each other.

Camp Confidential Natalie's Secret by Melissa J. Morgan

Eleven year old, Natalie is a New York City girl. Her mother decides that Natalie needs a summer camp experience, so Natalie is reluctantly going to Pennsylvania to summer camp leaving her city friends behind. As Natalie begins her camping days, she is in culture shock. However, she soon learns to make new friends and embrace new experiences.

Natalie has one huge secret she is hoping to hide. She wants her new friends to like her for the person she is, not for other reasons.

I really liked this book and may now want to read more books in this series! Why don't you try one and let me know what you think!

The Pool Party by Gary Soto

Gary Soto often writes about growing up Mexican American. In this story, the main character

Rudy has been invited to a pool party. The invitation is from the richest, most popular girl in school. Rudy's family is concerned about Rudy being accepted, so they try to teach him proper ettiquette. All Rudy is cares about is what kind of dives he can make in the pool, and what he should wear. This is a fun story teaching the importance of being yourself.

Sammy Keyes and the Runaway Elf by Wendelin VanDraanen

Thirteen year old Sammy is on yet another mystery solving adventure. Rich Mrs. Landvogt's dog has been kidnapped and Mrs. Landvogt has threatened Sammy to find her precious little dog or ELSE she will make some real trouble for Sammy. During Sammy's hunt for Merek the little pooch, Sammy comes upon a little girl, Elyssa who keeps running away from home. Elyssa has had some sadness in her life and needs a friend.

If you haven't yet read a Sammy Keyes mystery, this would be a good one for starters! You will want to read another when you finish!

Blue Like Friday by Siobhan Parkinson

Hal and Olivia are best friends. Hal is someone who sees the world a little differently. For example, he describes Fridays as blue.

Most recently Hal has a dilema in his life. His mother is going to marry her boyfriend. This is when Hal decides that it is time to get rid of Alec and he needs Olivia's help in this plan.

This is a great story about friendship and family!

The Year the Swallows Came Early by Kathryn Fitzmaurice

Eleven year old Groovy loves cooking and dreams of going to culinary school when she grows up. Her life begins turning upside down when her dad spends her future college money and goes to jail. Annually the community awaits for the swallows to return. Surprisingly, the swallows return early this year early. Groovy and her friends begin learning some valuable life lessons.

Chu Ju's House by Gloria Whelan

To save her baby sister from being given away, 14 year old Chu Ju leaves her home beginning a journey to find another place to live. In the Chinese culture, the government prefers that parents only have two children and it is hoped that one of the children be a boy. Chu Ju has many adventures and does finally find a new home.

Mercy Watson Princess in Disguise by Kate Dicamillo

Mercy, the pig, is dressing up as a princess for Halloween. The illustrations are very colorful and you will be laughing at Mercy's adventures! The Halloween treat Mercy wants the most is just some DELICIOUS buttered toast. We have several other Mercy, the pig books which you may want to read too! These books are great very beginning chapter books.

Fairy Chronicles Dragonfly and the Web of Dreams by J.H. Sweet

The web of dreams has been destroyed causing many people to have bad dreams. The fairy friends must now come to the rescue.

We have a series of these fairy books which you may want to check out!

Deep and Dark and Dangerous by Mary Downing Hahn

This was the first ghost story that I have read in many years. Now I am hooked on this author. In this book, 13 year old Ali is spending her summer babysitting for her 5 year old cousin when the two of them meet a ghost of their mothers' past. The ghost, Sissy, will not rest until she has some revenge for the life she has had to endure. Be sure to read this if you are looking for a great ghost story!

Sunny Holiday by Coleen Paratore


My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Sunny Holiday and her friend,Jazzy, believe every month should have a holiday included for kids to look forward to. They set out to create several new holidays. You will soon learn to love Sunny and admire the way she tackles any situation she faces.

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Friend or Fiend? with the Pain and the Great One by Judy Blume



This is a great "little brother/big sister" story. Jake,the Pain, and Abigail, the Great One share several fun adventures includng visiting their very strange relatives who live in New York and then celebrating their cat, Fluzzy's birthday. This book will keep you laughing and wanting to read more about the Pain and the Great One.

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Slant by Laura Williams


My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Thirteen year old Lauren is tired of looking "different". She divises a plan to have surgery on her eyelids to be rid of the "slant" tauntings from her peers. But when her father finds out, he forbids the surgery. The entire situation is eventually resolved and Lauren learns to like being herself.


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Moose Crossing

Moose Crossing by Stephanie Greene


My rating: 3 of 5 stars
This is a very easy beginning chapter book. Moose & Hildy, the pig, are best friends. Moose suddenly becomes famous when a "Moose Crossing" sign is placed near his home. He soon learns that fame comes with a price.....one he doesn't wish to pay. Moose learns that friendship is more valuable than fame. There are other easy chapter books featuring these characters, Hildy the pig and Moose.


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Dog Lost

Dog Lost by Ingrid Lee


My rating: 3 of 5 stars
This book is based on a true story. It is a very emotional read. Mackenzie's Dad, who is verbally abusive to him, gives Mackenzie a pit bull puppy. Mackenzie loves the dog, but Mackenzie's Dad in a fit of rage dumps the dog, Cash, and that is when the real adventures begin. It all turns out fine in the end. Cash becomes known as the Wonder dog. Get ready for an emotional ride.


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Scaredy-Cat Catcher by Betty Hicks


My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Rocky, the catcher, was injured in a previous game causing him to have a reflex which is hindering him from playing his best now. After much frustration, the problem is solved with the help of Rocky's friends and his dog. This is a good beginning chapter book.


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The Cabinet of Wonders by Marie Rutkoski


My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is a wonderful fantasy story, the first in a new series. Petra is a young girl who lives in a world of magic. Her father has built a beautiful clock for the Prince. The prince blinds the builder and steals his eyes. Petra is on a mission to retrieve her father's eyes.


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Gooney Bird Is So Absurd

Gooney Bird Is so Absurd is written by Lois Lowry. Meet Gooney Bird Greene, a very curious, entertaining 2nd grader who dares to be different. Gooney is continually introducing you to new vocabulary. You will love reading about Gooney Bird's adventures. She even dares to wear underpants on her head as a hat! When you finish one Gooney Bird book, I bet you will be ready to read another.

The Cabinet of Wonders

The Cabinet of Wonders by Marie Rutkoski


My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is a wonderful fantasy story, the first in a new series. Petra is a young girl who lives in a world of magic. Her father has built a beautiful clock for the Prince. The prince blinds the builder and steals his eyes. Petra is on a mission to retrieve her father's eyes.


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Rosalie the Pet Duck

Rosalie, My Rosalie: The Tale of a Duckling by Jacquelyn Mitchard


My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Henry(a girl) wants a pet. But when Rosalie, a duck, becomes her pet, the adventures begin. This is a good beginning chapter book.


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