More New Books

Annie Rossi never, ever thought her father would let her have a dog. But now that he’s finally given in, she’s found the perfect ear for the stories of her day. She just writes them in a notebook hidden under the bed and reads them to Leo in her soft night voice, like the one her mother used when reading to Annie at bedtime before she died. And Annie sure has a million stories to tell! There’s mean Edward, who brags about his "noble goldfish" and gets her in trouble for accidentally lobbing a volleyball into his nose. There’s her best friend, Jean-Marie, who ups and moves to New Jersey (and wants to borrow Leo for company!). There’s the poem Annie writes about her mom, which Miss Meadows asks her to read for the class. And there’s her professor dad, who is finally coming out of his shell, even though he is an elderly forty-year-old with a serious personality.

I really enjoyed this book. The letters that Annie writes to her dog are funny, poignant and seem to have the true voice of a 4th grade girl. Her perspective of her friends, teachers and father seem to be accurate for someone that age. This is definitely a girl's book. I would suggest it to any girl in 3rd grade or up or to a parent whose spouse has passed away and would like a book for their daughter.

With the first ice—a skim on a sheep pail so thin it breaks when touched—one family’s winter begins in earnest. Next comes ice like panes of glass. And eventually, skating ice! Take a literary skate over field ice and streambed, through sleeping orchards and beyond. The first ice, the second ice, the third ice . . . perfect ice . . . the last ice . . .

This was a very interesting and unique read. I really enjoyed the nostalgic feel to it. I could picture the setting and was envious of such a seemingly idyllic childhood! This is a very short read, but worth it. I am just not sure it will hit the spot with children. I think adults will enjoy it and it will take them back to a simpler time.

Jo Schmo comes from a long line of crime fighters, but she’s just a normal fourth grade girl into boys and skateboards—until her uncle’s cape arrives on her San Francisco doorstep. Time to join the family business! Gramps shows Jo the tricks of the trade, and her dog, Raymond, becomes her slobbery sidekick. Just in time, too. Can Jo stop Dr. Dastardly and his deadly gang of dead dinos?

Loved this book! Hilarious! Perfect for girls who want a series of their own that has the same quirky sense of humor as the ton of boy books out there! I was laughing aloud. Silly, nonsensical, perfect fun read!