CLARICE THE BRAVE by Lisa McMann

 

What happens when a little mouse named Clarice, who's only known life on a ship, gets wrapped up in a mutiny? CLARICE THE BRAVE by Lisa McMann weaves an adventurous tale about mice and cats and their struggle to survive the treacherous actions of humans.

Clarice was born on a ship. Life hasn't always been easy. She lost her mother and her sister, but not before she learned some valuable lessons she knows will serve her well. Now it is just her and her brother Charles Sebastian. They manage to find food and water despite the onboard cats and chickens that present constant dangers.

One day some of the humans on the ship stage a mutiny against the captain. In mere moments Clarice is being thrown off the ship into a small boat along with the captain, some of his loyal crew, and a cat named Special Lady. As the small boat drifts away from the ship, Clarice realizes that her brother is still on the larger vessel. He is not the most resourceful mouse, leaving Clarice to fear the worst.

Clarice uses her cleverness to stay hidden from the humans while at the same time befriending the cat. She never imagined that her survival would depend on making friends with one of her worst enemies, but Clarice finds life is full of surprises.

Back on the ship Charles Sebastian faces his own challenges. Learning quickly becomes his only chance for survival. Both mice wonder if they will ever be reunited or sail off in different directions to lives of their own.

Author Lisa McMann deftly handles the connections between the human and animal world with unexpected friendships and acts of courage that will have readers glued to the pages of this wild adventure. The narration alternates between Clarice and Charles Sebastian so readers are kept on the edges of their seats as the battle to survive unfolds. Perfect for middle grade classrooms and libraries everywhere.

THE GENIUS UNDER THE TABLE by Eugene Yelchin

 

Author Eugene Yelchin shares this memoir of his childhood in Cold War Russia. Living with his father, mother, grandmother, and brother in a single room in a communal apartment is a life-style little known and understood by Americans then or even now. 

Life was tense and rule-driven. When Eugene wasn't at school, he was helping the family. Each family in the communal apartment was given weekly chores such as scrubbing the floors in the common areas. His brother was kept busy with his figure skating practices. It was hoped that he would compete at a level that allowed him to travel to foreign places and perhaps one day have his own private apartment.

Eugene's mother worked with the Vaganova Ballet Company. She had an often unhealthy fascination with the famous ballet dancer Mikhail Baryshnikov. If only one of her sons had the talent for ballet. According to Eugene's parents, the only way to be successful in the USSR was to have a special talent for something. Eugene was a disappointment in that department. He failed at sports, dance, skating, and even chess.

One thing that brought Eugene pleasure was art. In their cramped room, the only place for his bed each night was under his grandmother's antique dining table. While the rest of his family slept, he drew pictures on the underside of the table. When he was eventually discovered, and was thrilled to learn that this may be his special talent.

THE GENIUS UNDER THE TABLE describes the strict life of those living in Russia, the temptations presented by visiting American tourists, and the ever present fear of being revealed by a Soviet spy like the one living in their apartment. Eugene knew there were secrets involving his grandfather and maybe more unknowns that he wanted to learn about but that could have been threats to his family's safety and welfare. Reading Yelchin's memoir brings to light an era not often present in books and stories.

WORLD WAR II HISTORY FOR KIDS by Kelly Milner Halls

 

500 Facts!!! Can you imagine learning so much in one book? Take a look at WORLD WAR II HISTORY FOR KIDS and you will be amazed!

Yes, it is written for kids, but the amount of material in this book is unbelievable. There are 11 chapters beginning with Before the War (1914-1929) all the way to the Aftermath of WW II. Each chapter is filled with two page spreads that tackle topics with quick facts and colorful illustrations.

Readers will learn about what led up to the second world war as they read about Germany and the effects of WW I. Fighting in trenches was new in WW I, the Spanish Flu had a major impact around the world and like today folks were encouraged to wear masks to prevent spreading the disease, and a worldwide depression hit after the WW I soldiers returned home. I was surprised to learn that food shortages during this time were what inspired the creation of casserole dishes. Who knew?

The chapters that follow highlight the rise of Hilter and his beliefs, the Holocaust, and Japan's attack on America. Readers will learn facts about life on the homefront here in the U.S., as well as new weapons in the sky and on the land, and the secret life of spies. 

Author Kelly Milner Halls spreads these facts over 150+ pages that can be read straight through or in small doses as time permits. WORLD WAR II HISTORY FOR KIDS is perfect as a supplement to classroom instruction or for readers looking to find out more about this monumental time in history.

BRAVE LIKE THAT by Lindsey Stoddard

 

Eleven years ago Cyrus Olsen was left outside the fire station. The firefighters on duty that night heard his cries and found him wrapped tightly in a blanket. The only person who could calm Cyrus's cries was Brooks Olsen, and as a surprise to everyone, Brooks decided to adopt Cyrus.

Now eleven years later to the day, there are cries outside the fire station again, only this time they are the whimpers of a scraggly dog left right where Cyrus was left outside the door. Cyrus convinces his father to take the dog to the vet, but not before he falls in love with the pup just like his father fell in love with him. No matter how much Cyrus begs and pleads, his father says no to keeping the dog, so Parker ends up at the local humane society, and Cyrus is given orders not to visit him because he will become attached.

Everyone expects Cyrus to play football like his dad who was a star wide-receiver. Cyrus didn't mind playing in the little kids' touch football league, but now they will be playing tackle, and Cyrus knows he isn't brave like his father. Next begins a string of lies as Cyrus tries to avoid football, visit the forbidden Parker, and keep his reading problems a secret. Will the lies catch up with him? Will what he believes is his lack of bravery disappoint his father and everyone else?

Author Lindsey Stoddard cleverly portrays a young boy's worry about not living up to what he believes is expected of him. Readers' hearts will melt as they get to know Cyrus and his family. BRAVE LIKE THAT is perfect for both male and female readers ages 8-12.

VIOLETS ARE BLUE by Barbara Dee

 

Wren is still adjusting to her parents' divorce. She lives with her mother near Chicago, and her father and his new wife live in Brooklyn, NY. It's been decided that Wren should start visiting her father so she can reconnect with her dad and get to know Vanessa and the soon to be born twins. Turns out these visits are comfortable and fun until Wren gets back home where she is hesitant to share her experiences with her mother in case it upsets her.

Another change involves moving to a new town for what her mother calls a fresh start. Since her mother spends lots a time at the hospital where she works as a nurse, Wren fends for herself most days and evenings after school. Her passion is watching YouTube tutorials by a makeup artist named Cat FX. Wren loves that the makeup isn't your average everyday makeup. Cat FX specializes in characters and Wren's favorite is the mermaid. She watches every video and then tries to repeat the process on herself, her mother, if she has time, and even her new friend Poppy.

While Wren is trying to get more involved at school, her mother begins acting strangely. She comes and goes at random times, and when she is home she either falls asleep on the couch or locks herself in her bedroom. Wren is never sure what mood will greet her when her mother makes an appearance. Something isn't right, but Wren doesn't know who to talk to about her concerns.

Author Barbara Dee's new middle grade novel will not be staying on the shelf long once girls learn about it. The fascinating makeup tutorials combined with relatable family struggles will speak to many readers. I think this may be Dee's best work yet.

BEN Y AND THE GHOST IN THE MACHINE by K. A. Holt

 

Readers are now able to rejoin the Kids Under the Stairs in K. A. Holt's new release. Ms. J. is now in the library offering her kids a safe place to hang out as she continues the after school Newspaper Typing Club.

Ben Y is struggling at home and in school. At home memories of her older brother Benicio dominate everything. Ben Y hangs out in Benicio's old room and visits their secret hideout in the online game Sandbox to chat about current problems and remember how things used to be. At school Ben Y is taunted and teased by those who don't understand she just wants to be left alone.

Two new things threaten to derail Ben Y's fragile existence even more. There's a new kid named Ace. He makes Ben Y uncomfortable and comfortable at the same time, as if that's even possible. The other thing is Benicio's avatar is showing up in the chats in their secret place. It can't really be him or can it?

Holt's new novel is written in verse with chatroom conversations scattered throughout. Her take on divergent thinkers and learners makes Ben Y's continuing story a delight to read.

WELCOME BACK MAPLE MEHTA-COHEN by Kate McGovern

 

Can life be over for a 5th grader? When Maple Mehta-Cohen learns that she will be held back for a second year in 5th grade, she is fairly certain her life is over. How was she to know the secret she had been keeping from her family and friends would end up causing this disaster? Maple can't read.

Maple's teacher breaks the news to Maple's parents by saying the school believes Maple needs to repeat the 5th grade so her reading skills can improve before she begins middle school. This is definitely news to her parents, and she realizes it will be news to her best friends who will be moving on to 6th grade in a few short weeks. How will she ever explain things to them? 

It turns out Maple has characteristics of dyslexia. That explains why words look like little moving snakes shifting around on the page. Maple knows she has always been a slow reader, and she has always sort of copied her way through assignments so no one would know just how difficult reading was for her. Not only will she be in 5th grade again, she will be going to work in the library with the other kids in the low reading group.

Author Kate McGovern captures the fear and frustration of someone hiding a secret like Maple. Thinking everyone will think less of her and fearing her parents will be disappointed to have a kid who isn't smart, Maple believes she is living a nightmare. Readers of all abilities will learn from Maple and her experiences.

HOUND DOG TRUE by Linda Urban

 

Mattie Breen has been the new girl in school more times than she cares to remember. She and her mother have recently moved again; this time they are living with Uncle Potluck. School will be starting in a few short weeks, and Mattie is dreading it.

In the meantime Uncle Potluck, the school custodian, has invited Mattie to tag along as he get things ready at the school. Mattie finds the time with her uncle and the organized way he operates to be quite calming. She has always loved to write so she begins taking notes about all things custodial. As her notebook fills up, Mattie dreams of being an apprentice custodian once school starts. Having the excuse of helping her uncle could help her avoid the parts of school she hates the most like recess and lunch. Mattie doesn't think she is very good at making friends which tend to be essential during free times like lunch and recess.

Author Linda Urban creates a likeable character with Mattie Breen. Readers are sure to become her friend as she navigates her new surroundings and learns to voice her needs and wants.

Thank you to Michigan teacher Colby Sharp for recommending this little gem.

STEALING HOME by J. Torres & David Namisato

 

Sandy lives for baseball. The Asahi team in Vancouver, British Columbia is his favorite. Some of his best memories are going to games with his father and then playing catch in hopes of someday playing on the team himself.

The attack on Pearl Harbor changes everything. Sandy is teased by the kids at school and his family is forbidden from going places because they are seen as the "enemy." His father's services as a doctor are still needed, but he finds it difficult to carry them out because of the curfew and limits on his ability to travel where he is needed.

Some families are moving out of the city voluntarily, seeking shelter in makeshift camps. Then the day arrives that Sandy's father is sent away and Sandy and his mother and little brother are given hours to pack what they can in two suitcases before they are forced to board a train for who knows where.

What follows is living in tight quarters with another family in a ill-constructed cabin. Sandy learns that even though his family is not a war threat they will be living in this camp indefinitely. His father returns only to work long hours at the camp sanitorium caring for the sick while living in the men's dormitory away from his family.

Authors and illustrators J. Torres and David Namisato use their storytelling and artist talents in this graphic novel to recount the history of the imprisonment of citizens of Canada. Much like the camps in the U.S. during WWII, families were taken from their homes never to return to the lives they knew.

THIS GREAT STORYTELLER WILL BE MISSED

 

So sorry to hear about the loss of author Gary Paulsen. I was reading his latest book HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DAD on the day he died.

HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DAD by Gary Paulsen

 

Carl knows his dad is really smart, but when you are interested in a girl named Peggy and want to go to school looking what his best friend Pooder calls "lookatable," having a smart dad just isn't what Carl needs. Carl's dad is a live off the grid kind of guy. There's the dumpster diving for still useable items and food for their pigs and chickens. There's the garage sales where Carl cringes when his dad barters for stuff that might be good, but he's not always sure good for what. Spending money on new stuff isn't part of his dad's way of life so Carl wears garage sale clothes or thrift shop finds whether they actually fit or not.

Carl would love to talk about these things with his dad, but he isn't sure exactly how to approach it. When he finds a pamphlet with simple instructions on how to train a puppy, Carl thinks maybe with a few tweaks, he could use a similar method on his dad. With some well-meaning advice and a few suggestions from his friend Pooder, Carl begins implementing some positive and negative reinforcement techniques on dear old dad.

Author Gary Paulsen's latest book is a fun-filled read reminiscent of HOW ANGEL PETERSON GOT HIS NAME and HARRIS AND ME. Paulsen fans new and old are sure to love the quirky characters and laugh out loud humor of HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DAD.

PONY by R. J. Palacio

 

It is difficult to top a hit like WONDER, but R. J. Palacio may have done just that. PONY is the tale of a young boy setting out to rescue his kidnapped father. Set in a time and place so different than WONDER, with a cast of characters readers wouldn't even imagine in a Palacio novel, PONY offers non-stop adventure, twists and turns, and highs and lows that will amaze both old and new fans.

One night three men arrive at the home of Silas and his father. The men are convinced that Silas's father has the ability to help them perfect their counterfeiting business in a way no one else can. Silas knows his father is a genius, but he has never used his talents in a criminal pursuit. Silas is shocked when his father says he will go with the men as long as they leave his son unharmed.

Shortly after his father and the men gallop off on horseback, a bald-faced pony running with them returns. Silas sees this as a sign that he should follow the men and rescue his father. Having lost his mother the day he was born, Silas is the only chance his father has and the only chance Silas has of not becoming an orphan.

With the help of what he comes to think of as a magical pony, a couple of law men, and a ghost named Mittenwool, Silas uses all his courage and determination to track down the men who stole his father. Dangerous terrain, mysterious spirits, and life-threatening situations fill the pages of PONY as Silas's journey unfolds.

Author R. J. Palacio takes her readers in a totally different direction in PONY, but it is one they won't soon forget.

DOWN TO EARTH by Betty Culley

 

Henry Bower knows about rocks and water. He comes from generations of water diviners. His grandfather, his father, and one of his uncles can find water under the ground by using a forked stick. Henry doesn't know if he has inherited the skill because he hasn't tried yet. He hopes that his passion for rocks and the knowledge he has gained from reading the encyclopedia will help him become a dowser like his ancestors.

One night Henry witnesses a meteorite fall onto his family's land. He finds the huge rock, but keeps it a secret until he can determine how important it might be. When water begins to flow from the ground around the rock, Henry's secret is no more. The water continues to come causing a flood that covers the roadway and eventually washes away Henry's house. In the meantime, the town's well dries up. Now everyone seems to think Henry's rock and Henry's family is to blame for the town losing its water.

DOWN TO EARTH by Betty Culley is filled with information about meteorites, water, and more. Her own fascination with meteors and meteorites inspired her to create Henry's tale. Science, mystery, intrigue, and humor all combine to make this middle grade novel a fun read.