The Shadows

West, J. (2010). The Shadows. New York: Dial Books.

In the 1940's, there was an old radio show that used the catch phrase, "Only the Shadow knows what lurks in the hearts of men." Jacqueline West plays on our fear of shadows with this first-in-a-series supernatural thriller. Okay, initially it may not seem like a "thriller". However, once the action gets going, I think you would agree with my description.

Olive, the protagonist of the story, has moved with her family from a non-descript, bland, vanilla apartment to a fully-furnished home with all manner of furniture, decorations, and paintings to explore. As she acquaints herself with her new abode, Olive discovers there is more to the paintings (and the house itself) than meets the eye. In fact, when she comes across a pair of rather interesting spectacles (that's glasses to us modern day people), a whole new world in the paintings is opened up to Olive's wondering eyes. If you have ever had the thought that the eyes in a painting are watching you, Olive will give you new reason to believe. Her adventures with the characters in the paintings and what she discovers about them (and herself) will keep you entertained and on the edge of your seat!

The Duchess of Whimsy

de Seve, R. (2009). The Duchess of whimsy. New

York: Philomel.

Readers who are out of high school or at least middle school will identify with this sweet picture book.  The Duchess of Whimsy, is a really busy noblewoman who must plan a dinner party.  She is caught up in the how's and why's and doesn't have time for "the little people"---those people who aren't cool or powerful or beautiful.  These are the people that others don't have time for and usually ignore.  Only every now and then do we get the chance or take the opportunity to actually look around.  That is what happens to the Duchess.  This fellow who is not cool or part of the "in" crowd, finally gets the attention of the Duchess (whom he has admired for some time but from whom can't even get the time of day!).  He doesn't do it by being flashy or pouting or doing something dramatic.  He simply steps out of the hustle and bustle that is characteristic of the life of a cool or powerful person.  When the Duchess sees what he is doing (or not doing, in this case), she finally sees HIM.  Readers will enjoy this story and, likely, will see something in common with their own lives and experiences.  The pictures aren't hard on the eyes either!

Turtle in Paradise

Holm, J. (2010). Turtle in paradise. New York:

Random House.



 Jennifer Holm (creator of the Babymouse graphic novel series) tries her hand at historical fiction with resounding success.  Holm doesn't create merely a historical novel, but she brings to life her own grandmother's story of growing up in Key West in the 1930s.  Flanked by such contemporary figures such as Shirley Temple and Ernest "Papa" Hemingway, Turtle weaves connections with the community to which she never intended to come.  As Turtle settles into her new home, the reader gets to settle in, too, with such engaging characters as Pork Chop and the Diaper Gang.  The humor, love, and warmth of a sadly bygone era in America shine through in this story.  Holm leaves her audience with both a sense of longing and a sense of satisfaction with a tale well-crafted.

Out of My Mind

Draper, S. (2010). Out of my mind.  New York:

Atheneum.



If you have ever rooted for the underdog, cheered for an u nlikely champion, or simply have a keen sense of justice, this is your kind of story. Out of My Mind is the story of Melody, a girl born with cerebral palsy.  Because she cannot walk or talk as other kids do, Melody is discriminated against and devalued as both a student and as a human being.  Teachers and fellow students set Melody aside, literally and figuratively.  They think there is nothing inside Melody's head because they can't see anything on the outside.  It turns out that she is a better person and a brighter mind than most of the people around her.  Even when other kids treat her very badly, Melody rises above, thanks to her good heart and the people who love her and have always been there for her.  Sharon Draper tells this story that could be the story of any one of us with humor and grace.

The Witch's Guide to Cooking with Children

McGowan, K. (2009).The Witch's guide to

cooking with children. New York:Henry Holt.



The title should be a dead giveaway (every pun intended). The Witch's Guide to Cooking with Children might sound like a normal cookbook, but it is most definitely not!  When it says "with children", it does not mean they are helping out with the meal.  They ARE the meal!  McGowan puts a new twist on the Grimm brothers' fairy tale of Hansel and Gretel with modern day conveniences like cell phones, cars, and internet searches at the local public library.  The author's creepy touches give new meaning to everyday situations such as children who go missing (the witch cooked them in her oven) and how parents deal with children who are bad or who argue with their siblings (dropped them off at the witch's pickup stations cleverly disguised as mailboxes or storefronts).  Of course, our hero and heroine, brother and sister Sol and Connie, end up on the run (this time without the forest or the candy-covered cottage) and dodge danger at every turn.  Will there ever be a happy ending for these kids?

The Strange Case of Origami Yoda

Angleberger, T. (2010). The Strange Case of

Origami Yoda. New York: Amulet Books.

Middle school is difficult at best for most kids.    Dwight, however, is different.   He moves through sixth grade unaffected by the angst around him.    Not known for his brilliance, Dwight appears one day with his own creation, Origami Yoda.   Origami Yoda is a genius.   He always gets it right. Origami Yoda is the total opposite of his owner/operator/creator.   One question remains to be answered: Is Origami Yoda real? Stories abound, but it is up to you, dear reader, to decide.



YouTube video contributed by MsJB1997 at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z6_ekKrLO74 (retrieved July 11, 2011).

An Invitation and Statement of Purpose

Welcome to my newest edtech venture! This blog will be about...well...just what it says: BOOKS!!!

There are so many stories out there.  Some are good.  Some are bad.  They ALL make us feel SOMETHING.  This blog is an opportunity to combine Web2.0 with the invitation to respond.  To students, teachers, teacher librarians, readers of all stripes...the call goes out! 

In the words of the venerable Bill O'Reilly...What say you?