Favorite MG Books for 2012

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

My Year in Review:   I found many well written and wonderful books this past year in the middle grade area. I am always happy when I find ones that have strong characters, good development and of course, positive messages for our young readers. Looking back at my list, I was disappointed that I did not have more time for reading middle grade this year. I plan on making a conscience effort next year for a better list. One thing I do know is that the books I did read were very memorable. Too many books today are promoted for middle grade readers that are advanced in content and are just not a right fit for their reading level or maturity. Here are a few that stood out as some great reads this past year for me.

I am looking forward to what the new year has to offer from a few of my favorite authors and finding many new ones as well......click on the link for my reviews!


     Listening for Lions by Gloria Whelen

     Marty McGuire Digs Worms by Kate Messner

     Elephant in the Garden by Michael Murpurgo

     Pie by Sarah Weeks

     The Adventures of Tintin by Alex Irvine

     Mo Wren, Lost and Found by Tricia Stringstubb

     Super-Sized Slugger by Cal Ripken, Jr.

     Spy School by Stuart Gibbs

Favorite Picture Books of 2012

 

My Year in Review:  This was another outstanding year for wonderful picture books. I definitely had a few favorites from old authors as well as some new ones who I hope will continue to inspire our children to read with their writing talents. I also don't know where this year has gone but boy, has it flown by! Looking back at my list today though, I wished that I had been able to find more time for searching and reading. I am sure there are plenty more I have not yet discovered and will make a conscience effort to do better next year. There were a variety of stories with good humor, sweet and heartwarming animals and characters or just wonderful messages for our little ones to learn from. Here are a few that stood out as being some of my favorites from 2012.

I am looking forward to what next year has to offer as well........click on the link for my reviews!

     Rocket Writes a Story by Tad Hills


      The Christmas Quiet Book by Deborah Underwood


     Bear has a story to Tell by Phillip C. Stead


     Me...Jane by Patrick McDonnell


     No Two Alike by Keith Baker


     Over and Under the Snow by Kate Messner


     Red Sled by Lita Judge


     Crafty Chloe by Kelly DiPucchio

Favorite YA Books for 2012

My Year in review:  As for the Young Adult category, I did not do so well....  Over the course of the year, I remember abandoning a few choices because either the characters were weak or the book was so similar to another that I read that I lost interest and it sat around for too long. I do hope to improve on this part and have two books lined up for the start of the new year already. Maybe they will spark me to find more good reads from last years favorite authors or some new debut ones. The one book that I did read was very memorable and I found that it stayed with me for quite a while. I guess that is what I am looking for when I venture into a young adult read.

I am looking forward to what the new year has to bring my way.....click on the link for my review!





The Brides of Rollrock Island by Margo Lanagan

Cold Snap review

 

As each day passes, it becomes colder and colder in Toby Mills. People are stuck on the city train, the furnace goes out at the local church and street workers make fires in metal drums. The townsfolk are trying everything to keep warm but their spirits are dwindling as the temperatures plunge lower every day. That is until the Mayor's wife has a winter surprise in store that will bring back warmth to the city.  Here is a book that is perfect for the cold winter season. After reading this, it reminded me of when I was a kid and we used to have this kind of weather in Wisconsin.  Not so much anymore, but it was nice to have the memory again. The illustrations are bold with primary colors and whimsical. The descriptive storyline really offers that small town feel facing a cold snap and in the end the community coming together for a heartwarming surprise. I think this is a "just right book" for ages  4-8.~

Title: Cold Snap
Author: Eileen Spinelli
Pub. Date: October 2012, Knopf Books
Genre: picture book
Hardcover, 40 pgs.

Penguin and Pinecone review

When Penguin finds a lost pinecone one day, an unlikely friendship blooms. But Grandpa reminds Penguin that pinecones can't live in the snow-they belong in the warm forest far away. Though he will miss his friend, Penguin returns Pinecone to his home, dreaming of the day they can reunite. And when he finally returns to the forest to check on his friend, Penguin discovers that love only grows over time-and so do little pinecones!(goodreads summary)




One day, little Penguin finds an unusual object in the snow.  Whatever it was though...it seemed cold. Penguin made it a nice warm scarf and spent many days with it. Unfortunately, the snowy ice is no place for a pinecone so Penguin packs it up for a journey back to the forest where it belongs.  This was a wonderful story about caring and friendship that will warm you from head to toe.  After the two are separated, they both are reunited and Penguin finds a big surprise. They spend a fun day together and soon it is time for Penguin to travel back home. Even though they are sad to be apart, they knew what was best for one another.  The text is simple but the illustrations are cute and heart-warming adding even more to this loving tale making it a great read on a cold winter's day. I think this is a "just right book" for ages 2-7.~

Title: Penguin and Pinecone
Author: Salina Yoon
Pub. Date: October 2012, Walker & Co.
Genre: picture book
Hardcover, 40 pgs.

Just Right for Christmas review

In this celebration of the joy of giving, one snowy Christmas eve, a king buys some soft, red cloth to make the perfect Christmas gift for his daughter. Little does he know that the left-over cloth will be used to make presents for many more of the kingdom’s inhabitants, right down to the last teeny bit of cloth which is made into a scarf just right for a mouse. (goodreads summary)



One day, a King sees the most beautiful red bolt of fabric. He decides it would make a perfect cloak for the Princess and the remaining leftover pieces are placed outside the castle door. When the kitchen maid finds them, she knows she could make the perfect gift for someone special.  As each piece dwindles down in size, it is gently passed on and picked up by another. This is a very sweet book about sharing and giving that is perfect for the holiday season.  The illustrations are joyful and large while the text flows nicely for reading aloud. The warm and generous thoughts of each individual is evident in the storyline as they hand make the perfect gift for that someone special.  In the spirit of giving, this book will show its readers that a just right Christmas is one that comes from the heart. I think this is a "just right book" for ages 2-7.

Title:  Just Right for Christmas
Author: Birdie Black,  illustrated by Rosalind Beardshaw
Pub. Date: September 2012, Nosy Crow
Genre: picture book
Hardcover, 32 pgs.

The Christmas Quiet Book review

 

 

The holidays are filled with joyful noise. But Christmas is sometimes wrapped in quiet: “Searching for presents quiet,” “Getting caught quiet,” and “Hoping for a snow day quiet.” Irresistibly cute, soft colored pencil illustrations of bunnies, bears, and more paint a magical holiday picture indeed.(goodreads summary)





With the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, sometimes we need to stop and reflect on a quiet moment or two. This sweet and charming book will help you wind down with a cup of hot cocoa and bring you back to a more peaceful and serene feeling.  With its' cute characters and illustrations, each quiet moment is portrayed with such wonderful imagery that when I read it I experienced a sense of calmness. I enjoyed the variety of quiet moments but my favorite was the Luminaria quiet.  After reading that page, I felt the outdoor sensation of slowly walking in the forest surrounded by the snow and just being one with my thoughts.  Just like in The Quiet Book and The Loud Book, the illustrations are touching and full of expression giving me a smile afterwards.  Christmas is fast approaching and old man winter will soon be knocking on our door. This book is a nice reminder that we should take a break to stop and think about cherishing those special, quiet moments in our everyday life. I think this is a "just right book" for ages 2-6.~

Title: The Christmas Quiet Book
Author: Deborah Underwood, illustrated by Renata Liwska
Pub. Date: October 2012, Houghton Mifflin Books for Children
Genre: picture book
Hardcover, 32 pgs.


You may also enjoy: (click for my reviews)

                 

Marty McGuire Digs Worms review

Marty McGuire's third-grade class has a special assignment: Save the Earth! Even more exciting, the best project wins a special award. Marty's pretty sure her classmates' ideas won't stand a chance against her plan to turn the garbage from the school cafeteria into fertilizer. All she needs is a little help from her teammate and best friend, Annie--and the worms in her grandma's garden.

When Marty arrives at school, there are three terrific things on the "Third-Grade Stars Today" list. First, it's Monday!  Next, Marty is the classroom helper for the week and lastly, a special assembly is scheduled before lunch. The students learn that the interesting person presenting is Amelia Ranidae, a woman who devotes her life to keeping the planet green. She has a special challenge for the school she calls the "Save the Earth Project". She encourages the students to each come up with a way to help the environment and will return in a few weeks to present an award for the best plan. Marty knows that she will have the best idea when she and Annie come up with a way to help reduce the amount of garbage thrown away in the cafeteria.  They set up a composting bin, with worms included, for the students food scraps. By observing daily, they will journal the progress they find. Unfortunately, it is turning out to be a longer process than Marty thought. She is trying hard to be patient but when a few things don't go as planned, Marty finds herself discouraged and wonders if this was the best idea for a project after all.

Marty Mcguire is a great character who doesn't mind rolling up her sleeves and getting her hands dirty in this book! This was a wonderful story that has a lot of learning potential for its' readers. I liked that it teaches young kids about the importance of taking care of our environment and inspiring awareness to keep our planet green. It offered a wide variety of vocabulary words pertaining to nature such as; habitat, indigenous,inhospitable, observation and environment, just to name a few. It also instructs the reader about building a composting bin and how worms play an important role in the fertilization process. All the kids in Marty's classroom came up with some very creative and funny ways to help the planet that stays true to a third grade classroom experience.  I also like that Marty makes mistakes and she learns and grows from them. There are also some wonderful adult characters where each one adds wisdom, guidance and encouragement, something kids really need in their everyday life. This is a nice chapter book series where the author really captures the spirit of the character giving her a believable voice that kids will not only find likable but learn something new as well. There is an introductory book called Marty Mcguire that kids may want to read first. I am looking forward to a third book someday hoping Marty's adventures keep going strong.  I think this is a "just right book" for ages 8-9 .~

Title: Marty Mcguire digs worms!
Author: Kate Messner
Pub. Date: April 2012,  Scholastic
Genre: realistic fiction, chapter book
Paperback, 161 pgs.

Peepsqueak! review

As soon as little Peepsqueak bursts out of his shell, he is on the move. He is determined to fly--high, High, High But is he too little to reach the sky? (goodreads summary)
 







From the moment Peepsqueak hatches, he is on the move and determined to fly. Despite what all the other barnyard animals tell him, he keeps trying to find a way to fly high up into the sky. This was a cute book that encourages a "keep on trying" theme and not letting what others say hold you back.  There are many repetitive words in the story that are larger and highlighted. Kids would have a fun time saying the words (or shouting) along while reading aloud. Although, I did find myself wanting to say pipsqueak instead of peepsqueak and had to correct myself more than once. The primary colors of the illustrations were bold, vibrant and entertaining. I liked the message of not giving up and once Peepsqueak mastered flying, he was no doubt on to the next thing. I think this is a "just right book" for ages 2-5.~

Title: Peepsqueak!
Author: Leslie Ann Clark
Pub. Date: January 2012, Harper Collins
Genre: picture book
Hardcover, 32 pgs.

One Windy Day review

Fox the Mailman loves windy days. But uh-oh! Today the wind is blowing his letters near and far, up and down and left and right. Luckily, his friends are there to help!(book jacket summary)








Fox the Mailman loves the wind! But on this day, the wind is extra strong and his mail is blowing every which way.......but lucky for Fox, there are many friends willing to help. Here is a cute and colorful story all about learning the opposites.  A great book for the little ones with its bold colors and visually appealing characters that will help teach opposites such as; high and low, over and under, open and closed, etc.  The front and back covers are padded and each sturdy page has shiny metallic leaves giving the impression they are blowing in the wind that will hold up to the touching from the tiniest hands. A simple fun read for staying in on a cold and windy day. I think this is a "just right book" for ages 1-3.~

Title: One Windy Day
Author: Tammi Salzano
Pub. Date: September 2012, Tiger Tales
Genre: picture board book
Hardcover, board book

About a Bear review

 

A bear's life is never dull when there is a butterfly to chase, trees to climb, and streams to splash in. It's even better when friends join in...and after all that excitement, every bear needs a hug before bedtime.(goodreads summary)







A very simple but wonderful book about a day in the life of a Bear living in the forest. Whether he is happy or sad or just puzzled by a turtle he finds, Bear encounters many feelings and emotions making this a cute short story for a beginning reader.  The rhyming text is large and flows nicely from page-to-page, which is a great addition to its already simple sentence structure.  The colorful and eye pleasing watercolor illustrations of gentle blues, purples, pinks and oranges helps make this a delightful read aloud for toddlers or preschoolers as well.  I could also picture it as a fun circle time story with a feelings or emotions theme and a learning project to follow.  I think this is a "just right book" for ages 2-5.~

Title: About a Bear
Author: Holly Surplice
Pub. Date: September 2012, Tiger Tales
Genre: picture book
Hardcover, 24 pgs.

Junie B., First Grader Turkeys We Have Loved and Eaten review

It's Thanksgiving time and Room One is getting ready for their very own Thanksgiving feast! There's even a contest to see which room can write the best thankful list. The winners will get a pumpkin pie! Only it turns out being thankful is harder than it looks. Because Junie B. is not actually thankful for Tattletale May. Or squash. Or scratchy pilgrim costumes. And pumpkin pie makes her vomit, anyway. (But Junie B. is thankful for yummy cranberry sauce that's shaped like a can. And biscuits that explode from their can. And nipsy doodles!) Will Room 1 win the disgusting pie? Can May and Junie B. find common ground? Or will this Thanksgiving feast turn into a Turkey Day Disaster?(goodreads summary)

Junie B. Jones is back once again and this time preparing for a holiday feast during the week of Thanksgiving. Her classmates are also putting together a "thankful list" and the classroom with the best one will win a pumpkin pie! Making a list of thankful things is harder than they thought and with each one having to find two things to be grateful for stumps the whole class.  As told from the voice of a six year old, it definitely makes for a funny and unpredictable story.  Junie B.'s high energy level, poor grammar skills and social awkwardness are all part of her unique character that makes this series so special.  I liked that her teacher did not change what the kids in the classroom thought they were thankful for (like nipsy doodles or biscuits exploding from a can) but instead, eventually accepting their ideas as actual viewpoints from children. This quick story is filled with the usual Junie B. Jones and her Classroom One antics. For fans who enjoy her many other books, they may once again laugh at the silliness. It will also open up an opportunity for kids to think about what they are thankful for this holiday season. I think this is a "just right book" for ages 6-7.~

Title: Junie B., First Grader Turkeys We Have Loved and Eaten
Author: Barbara Park
Pub. Date: August 2012, Random House
Genre: chapter book
Hardcover, 144 pgs.