Best Book Club 2012

1. Best Book Club 2012 Edmonds School District Created by Marianne Costello, LIS, Cedar Valley Elementary 2011 Sasquatch Award Winner Click on the picture to go to the Sasquatch Website. 2011 Young Reader’s Choice Award Winner Click on the picture to go to the YRCA Website

2. ALVIN HO IS an Asian American second grader who is afraid of everything—elevators, tunnels, girls, and, most of all, school. He’s so afraid of school that, while he’s there, he never, ever, says a word. But at home he’s a very loud superhero named Firecracker Man, a brother to Calvin and Anibelly, and a gentleman-in-training, so he can be just like his dad. source source Author Lenore Look Biography This is the 1st book in the Alvin Ho series. There are 4 books total: Alvin Ho Allergic to Girls, School and other Scary Things by Lenore Look RL 4.2 Teacher Made Video

3. Ignatius B. Grumply moves into the Victorian mansion at 43 Old Cemetery Road hoping to find some peace and quiet so he can crack a wicked case of writer's block. But 43 Old Cemetery Road is already occupied by eleven-year-old Seymour, his cat Shadow, and an irritable ghost named Olive. It's hard to say who is more outraged. But a grumpy old ghost just might inspire this grumpy old man--and the abandoned kid? Well, let's just say his last name's Hope. Overview from http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/dying-to-meet-you-kate-klise/1100156625 Dying to Meet You by Kate Klise RL 4.9 Click the Picture to go to Kate and Sarah’s website Watch this video to learn all about sisters, Kate and Sarah Klise and about their book, “Dying to Meet You,” which is the 1st book in the “43 Old Cemetery Road” series. The fourth book in the series is due in the Spring. Other Books by Kate and Sarah Klise

4. Are you ready? Gil Goodson's future happiness depends on winning the Golly Toy & Game Company's ultimate competition. If Gil wins, his dad has promised that the family can move away from all the gossip, false friends, and bad press that have plagued them ever since The Incident. Inside the toy company's fantastic headquarters, Gil will have to master trivia, solve puzzles, and complete physical stunts—and he'll have to do it better than all of the other kids competing. Oh, and did we mention that Gil's every step—and every mistake—will be broadcast on national television? Hold on tight, because the ride of his life is about to begin! Description from Amazon.com Click on Jody’s picture to visit her awesome website and read her biography Book Trailer Golly-Whopper Challenge Video Golly-Whopper Website The Gollywhopper Games By Jody Feldman RL 3.9

5. ABOUT THE BOOK The Grayson twins are moving to a new town. Again. Although it’s a drag to constantly be mistaken for each other, in truth, during those first days at a new school, there’s nothing better than having a twin brother there with you. But on day one of sixth grade, Ray stays home sick, and Jay is on his own. No big deal. It’s a pretty nice school—good kids, too. But Jay quickly discovers a major mistake: No one seems to know a thing about his brother. Ray’s not on the attendance lists, doesn’t have a locker, and doesn’t even have a student folder. Jay almost tells the school—almost— but then decides that this lost information could be very useful. And fun. As Ray and Jay exploit a clerical oversight, they each find new views on friendship, honesty, what it means to be a twin—and what it means to be yourself. Entertaining, thought-provoking, and true-to-life, this clever novel is classic Andrew Clements times two: twins! From “School Days: A Guide to Books” by Andrew Clements Andrew Clements Website and Biography Andrew Clements has written over 56 books. Here is a link to his other books. An Interview with Andrew Clements video Lost and Found by Andrew Clements RL 5.0

6. Video of Meg Cabot talking about the Allie Finkle series Finally! A heroine you can share with your little sister! Allie is nine years old and trying to learn the rules of friendship...which isn't easy when you've got two annoying little brothers, are starting a whole new school, and just got a brand new kitten.http://www.megcabot.com/alliefinkle/index.php Click on Meg’s Picture to read her biography. Moving Day is the the first book in the “Allie Finkle’s Rules for Girls” Series. Check out the Website. #2 #3 #4 Moving Day By Meg Cabot RL 5.0 #5 #6

7. NERDS combines all the excitement of international espionage with all the awkwardness of elementary school, and the results are hilarious. A group of unpopular fifth graders run a spy network from inside their school. With the help of cutting-edge science, they transform their nerdy qualities into incredible abilities! Their enemies? An array of James Bond–style villains, each with an evil plan more diabolical and more ridiculous than the last. Source for pics and text Click on the picture to go to Michael Buckley’s website Video of Michael Buckley talking about NERDS. Read a few pages online (teaser) Fun Website about the book and author NERDS: National Espionage, Rescue, and Defense Society By Michael Buckley RL 5.3 #2 #3

8. Tango is used to the good life. He has a silver heart charm for his dog collar, a luxurious doggy bed—even specially-made booties for taking walks in Central Park. But disaster strikes when Tango’s owners sail into stormy waters off the coast of Nova Scotia and the little Yorkie is swept overboard. Washed ashore on Prince Edward Island, Tango waits for his owners to come for him. As days turn into weeks, Tango despairs of ever getting back to Manhattan—unless he does something about it himself. Told by an omniscient narrator, Tango's tale shifts perspectives, alternating chapter by chapter between three animal and two human characters: Tango, a shipwrecked Yorkshire terrier; Beau, an island fox with a long-held secret; Augusta, a broken-hearted widow; Nigel, a three-legged cat fallen on hard times; and McKenna, a young Mi'kmaq girl who is on the run. Will the little dog who is used to the good life find a place that his heart calls home? Click on the picture to go to Eileen’s Website. by : Tale of an Island Dog By Eileen Beha RL 4.8

9. It chronicles the adventures of young Nathaniel "Nate" Fludd, a beastologist in training who travels the world in search of mythical beasts, with his mentor Aunt Phil and pet gremlin Greasle.From London to Bamako, from Beddegelert to Broceliande, join Nate on his quests to rescue the world's last Phoenix, the deadly Basilisk, Wyverns and many more! Click on R.L LaFevers picture to read her biography Book Trailer Video Nathaniel Fludd’s Website Other Books in the Series: #2 #3 #4 The Flight of the Phoenix By R. L. LaFeves RL 4.2

10. When a mysterious envelope arrives for Jake Ransom, he and his older sister, Kady, are plunged into a gripping chain of events. An artifact found by their archeologist parents on the expedition from which they never returned leads Jake and Kady to a strange world inhabited by a peculiar mix of long-lost civilizations, a world that may hold the key to their parents' disappearance-if Jake and Kady can survive long enough to solve the mystery. Information from James Rollins website. Author’s Biography Video: James Rollins introduces the book. Sequel: Jake Ransom and the Skull King’s Shadow By James Rollins RL 5.0

11. t’s Ryan versus the river in a race against time to save his brother’s life.When twelve-year-old Ryan reluctantly agrees to join his experienced older brother Tanner on a camping trip, he could never have dreamed this would turn into the most frightening day of his life. Ryan’s no good at sports or outdoor stuff. He’d rather be home playing video games. But Tanner says it’s an easy trip. They’ll kayak down the Boulder River, catch fish, and roast marshmallows. But the river is higher than usual, and the kayaking is scary. Tanner isn’t worried. But soon after, he’s badly hurt in a kayaking accident, leaving Ryan alone and afraid he can’t save his brother’s life. He’s only faced danger in video games. What good are games now when Ryan faces a real-life battle? Source Author Information P.J. Petersen has written over 27 books during the past 30 years. Wild River By P. J. Petesen RL 3.4

12. On their first birthday, they learned to walk. On their fifth, they planted seeds in handmade pots. On their tenth, they learned there are some words you can never take back. Amanda's eleventh birthday should have been a happy occasion. Instead she's dressed in an itchy costume her mother picked out for her Hollywood-themed party (Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz, even though the flying monkeys have always creeped her out). Meanwhile, across town, her ex-best friend Leo is celebrating their joint birthday with a huge bash including a hypnotist, a football star, a giant iguana, and a rock band. SO not fair! Amanda can't wait for the day AFTER her birthday so she can stop thinking about the fight that led to her and Leo having separate parties for the first time in their lives. There's just one problem. The next day is her birthday all over again. source  Wendy Mass Biography Video: Wendy Mass talks about 11 birthdays, Finally and 13 Gifts Website Series: 11 Birthdays by Wendy Mass RL 4.1

13. A boy named Happenstance awakens in a lost city buried under tons of volcanic ash. Soon a strange trio arrives to take him away. They are led by the extraordinary Lord Umber: a merchant, explorer, inventor, and chronicler of all things monstrous and magical. This begins a dazzling adventure in a world filled with frightening and majestic creatures, strange and wonderful places, new friends and terrible foes. As the boy tries to unravel the mystery of his own origin, he also begins to wonder: Who is this Umber? And what is the secret he's desperately trying to keep? You can read the beginning of Chapter One here. To read more go to the source of this information. About the Author Website Video About the Books of Umber Trilogy Happenstance Found By P. W. Catanese RL 4.9

14. Mrs. Starch – fearsome biology teacher – never returned from a field trip to Black Vine Swamp. The principal says she was called away on a "family emergency," but Nick and Marta don't buy it. They think Smoke, the class delinquent, has something to do with her disappearance. And he does! But not in the way that they think. There's a lot more going on in Black Vine Swamp than any one player in this twisted tale can see. And Nick and Marta will have to reckon with an eccentric eco-avenger, a stuffed rat named Chelsea, a wannabe Texas oilman, a singing substitute teacher, and a ticked-off Florida panther before they'll really begin to see the big picture. That's life in the swamp, kids. Source Website Author Biography Scat’s Website with audio clip Video Booktalk Other Books by Carl Hiaasen for kids. SCAT By Carl HiaasenRL 5.5

15. Truth or Fiction Either way it’s a beautiful story. How do you feel about it? Would you donate money ? Picture source 3 Cups of Tea Website Barnes and Noble Book Talk of Three Cups of Tea before the controversy. 60 minutes investigation of Greg Mortenson PBS Newshour Questions the author’s credibility Three Cups of Tea By Sarah L. Thomson RL 6.

16. It's not easy for Danny Dragonbreath to be the sole mythical creature in a school for reptiles and amphibians - especially because he can't breathe fire like other dragons (as the school bully loves to remind him). But having a unique family comes in handy sometimes, like when his sea-serpent cousin takes Danny and his best iguana friend on a mindboggling underwater tour, complete with vomiting sea cucumbers and giant squid. It sure beats reading the encyclopedia to research his ocean report . . . Source Website Ursula Vernon’s Website Dragonbreath Webisode #2 #3 #4 #5 Photos from Barnesandnoble.com Dragonbeath By Ursula Vernon RL 4.3 #6

17. Pedro Morales has always been content helping others look great. The epitome of a point guard, he plays the game to set up his teammates—Ned, in particular, the star forward on the receiving end of Pedro's pinpoint passes. Pedro wants to make his father proud, and so he runs for class president. Yet doing so means going one-on-one against Ned, easily the most popular boy in school. And Pedro learns the hard way that being a good teammate doesn't mean that others will return the favor. Now Pedro wants to win more than ever—but this time, it's for himself. Source Website Mike Lupica’s Website Comeback Kids Book Series Penguin Audio Book Break (10 min.) If you like Long Shot, you might like the series. Long Shot By Mike Lupica RL 5.2

18. The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate 2010 Newbery Honor Award As eleven-year old Calpurnia Virginia Tate explores the natural world around her, she comes up against just what it means to be a girl at the turn of the century. From Jacqueline Kelly’s Website This is the first book for Jacqueline Kelly. Click on her picture for more information The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate By Jacqueline Kelly

19. Treated like an enemy in her own country Nine-year-old Michiko Minagawa bids her father good-bye before her birthday celebration. She doesn’t know the government has ordered all Japanese-born men out of the province. Ten days later, her family joins hundreds of Japanese-Canadians on a train to the interior of British Columbia. Even though her aunt Sadie jokes about it, they have truly reached the “Land of No”. There are no paved roads, no streetlights and not streetcars. The house in which they are to live is dirty and drafty. At school Michiko learns the truth of her situation. She must face local prejudice, the worst winter in forty years and her first Christmas without her father. Source website Jennifer Maruna is a retired Principal in the Canadian province of Ontario. This is her first novel. When the Cherry Blossoms Fell By Jennifer Maruno

20. 2010 Newbery Honor Book. In the valley of Fruitless mountain, a young girl named Minli lives in a ramshackle hut with her parents. In the evenings, her father regales her with old folktales of the Jade Dragon and the Old Man of the Moon, who knows the answers to all of life's questions. Inspired by these stories, Minli sets off on an extraordinary journey to find the Old Man of the Moon to ask him how she can change her family's fortune. She encounters an assorted cast of characters and magical creatures along the way, including a dragon who accompanies her on her quest for the ultimate answer. source Book Trailer and Author Interview Grace Lin’s Biography Grace Lin’s Website Where the Mountain Meets the Moon by Gace Lin RL 5.5

21. Watching Jimmy is about a feisty twelve-year-old girl named Carolyn, who sees her next-door neighbour and friend bullied by an adult. She decides to keep this a secret for a number of reasons but in the end tells everything in a very public way. Eventually, we find out why Uncle Ted, the bully, is so mean, but that doesn’t excuse his behaviour and he’s banished from the family. The book is about truth conquering all. Source Video: Launching of Watching Jimmy WINNER 2010 - Canadian Library Association - Book of the Year for Children This is Nancy Hartry’s first novel. Watching Jimmy By Nancy Hartry RL 4.3