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October 2012 Book Reviews 2012-09-28 Author: Hill Country Bookstore |
For Younger Readers
Waiting for Magic
by Patricia MacLachlan
Take a sensitive fifth grade boy, William, his droll four-year-old sister, Elinor and their Mama. Now, go to the pet shelter to select a dog (to replace Papa who has just left) and come home with four dogs and a cat named Lula. You’ve got the making of a good story! Throw in some loving grandparents and an eccentric friend for spice. Oh, and did I mention the kids can hear the dogs talking? Rich characterization, illustrative charcoal drawings and Patricia MacLachlan weaving her story-telling magic make for an enjoyable read. For ages 7 to 12.
Pie
by Sarah Weeks
Pie is a nostalgic story from the 1950s, when times were simple and making the perfect pie was an act of pride. Ten-year-old Alice’s Aunt Polly was the town pie expert who brought fame and profits to the small town of Ipswitch. But when Aunt Polly dies and leaves her secret recipe to her cat Lardo, what will become of the town’s future? As the adults try desperately to make worthy pies, someone actually “catnaps” Lardo. Alice and her friend Charlie become amateur sleuths to solve the case and save the town. The story is funny, endearing and gives the reader a warm feeling about friendships and an appreciation for everyone’s unique talents…and pie (yes, there are recipes!).
For ages 8 to 12.
For Older Readers
Guys Read: Thriller
by Jon Scieszka
Jon Scieszka has been putting a library together to promote reading among boys. This is the second in the series and contains stories with a scary or mysterious slant. He has compiled 10 short stories written by award-winning authors (including Anthony Horowitz, James Patterson and Margaret Peterson Haddix) specializing in books appealing to the young adult audience. These stories are fast-paced with a variety of plot designs and characters ranging from pirates, ghosts, detectives, trolls and even supernatural pudding that will keep readers captivated. Action, suspense, unexplained phenomena and a splattering of humor will keep reluctant readers engaged. For ages 11 and up.
True Legend
by Mike Lupica
Mike Lupica is known for writing inspiring sports novels for middle school and high school readers. True Legend is about a basketball phenom who is nicknamed True because of his amazing talent. True’s ego starts to expand as influential adults start manipulating his circumstances for their gain. School academics start taking a backseat and trouble starts finding its way into True’s life. Luckily Legend, a mysterious almost-great basketball player, crosses True’s path late one night on the playground court. Legend’s mentorship helps True learn the necessary lessons to steer his way clearly through the obstacle course of temptations and motivations that he faces. For ages 12 and up.
