Guyku: A Year of Haiku for Boys by Bob Racza

Riding bikes, flying kites and pushing sisters in puddles, what do these three things have in common? They are all time honored traditions among boys! Guyku manages to capture an entire year of fun in just 24 haikus (that's only 408 syllables- if you were counting). Author Bob Racza emphasizes that haikus take place in present tense, which makes them perfect for boys, because boys are always interested in what's going on right now! The pictures support the text perfectly, each one illustrates the fun and excitement of the moment.

Every single haiku managed to make me either smile or laugh out loud! Give this one to anyone who enjoys wading in streams, climbing trees or having fun outside grades k thru 5.

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by Patrick

The Boy in the Dress by David Walliams

Dennis' mother has left, and his dad spends a lot of time driving his truck for work. When Dennis discovers a magazine at the market with a woman on the cover who reminds him of his mum he buys it, even though it feels a bit odd to buy a ladies magazine. Looking through the pages he realizes that he likes all the fashion, and when he ends up in detention with Lisa, the most beautiful girl in school, they strike up a friendship around this. He has a crush on Lisa and though reluctant, eventually goes for her plan of trying to pass as a girl foreign exchange student for a day. He's ultimately found out, and his soccer team has to band together in an unexpected way if he's going to be allowed to play in the most important game of the season.

The well developed relationships could be a bit overbearing were it not for Williams' wit in writing. The characters all feel quite genuine, and the a-typical protagonist makes for a fresh story. This book demonstrates the need to stay open minded about others, and yourself. Quentin Blake's illustrations (of Roald Dahl renown) feel right at home in this off beat novel.

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by Scott

Jonathan Stroud Interview

The Greatest Snowman in the World! by Peter Hannan

Charles want to make the most of the snowfall, so he convinces his friends to help him make the greatest snowman in the world. Keeping their minds open they are able to create a truly unique snowman, when disaster strikes. The sun has come out and their creation is being ruined! They rush it to the freezer, but it melts before they can save it. Then Charles has another idea, for truly the best snowman in the world!

A wonderfully inventive book, with vibrant visuals that perfectly accompany the exuberant text. I would have loved this book growing up, and I love it as a grown up. And for those kids who might be disappointed when there isn't enough snow to make a snowman, it provides the perfect solution.

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~by Scott

The Boys by Jeff Newman

Told entirely through picture, this is a poignant story of a boy who's left out of the other kids games. He finds it easier to fit in with three old men who sit on the bench and watch, rather than get involved. Eventually, the old men decide that just sitting and watching isn't enough. They revert to their childhood antics in order to include the left out child.

Beautifully illustrated in a retro style. The zany pictures would be enough to keep children entertained for viewing on their own. They would likely miss the overall arc of the story, so it's a great opportunity to engage a child in discussion about feeling left out.

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by Scott

For Octavia Boone seventh grade starts out well enough but when Octavia’s mother, a life-long seeker of faith, joins the Fellowship of the Redeemer church, her world rapidly changes. For her artist father, Henry David Thoreau seems to have had all the answers but her mother finds very different answers and wants Octavia to accept them as well. Then, when her parent’s disparate world views collide and Octavia is forced to live with her mother and a couple of fellow “Redeemers” Octavia’s anger overflows. Octavia must confront her own prejudices, explore her feelings about God, and discover a way to move forward without her ideal life in tact. Reader, Ellen Grafton, does an excellent job giving voice to Octavia’s emotional turmoil. Her pacing will keep readers engaged as will her variety in tone and pitch. Listeners will quickly connect with this engaging young character and will come away hoping for an encore.

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by Deanna

The Amulet of Samarkand by Jonathan Stroud

Nathaniel is a 12 year old magician's apprentice, which means: he is being raised by a complete stranger, is forced to live in a small attic room and has the power to summon deadly demons of incredible power. Usually 12-year old magician's apprentices are content to summon small mites and minor imps- demons that are easily controlled. Nathaniel, however, is an ambitious one, so he summons the powerful and willful djinni, Bartimaeus. He then sends him on mission to steal an artifact from one of the most powerful magicians in England. What could go wrong? Oh did I mention that powerful magicians generally eat young apprentices for breakfast?

Nathaniel is a great character, but the real gem in this book is Bartimaeus the wise-cracking djinni. Bartimaeus is part shape-shifting action hero, part comedian and part celebrity insider for all of history (it's seems like he's met just about every important person who has ever lived). Combine Bartimaeus with an awesome magic filled adventure, conniving magicians and a deadly plot and you end up with one of the best fantasy stories that I've read in long time. Give this one to kids who love magic, adventure and good books grades 4+.

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Also check out this interview with author Jonathan Stroud!

by Patrick