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 His mom does the best she can, but money is scarce. It looks like they
might be losing another home. His parents try to deal with the setbacks with
humor, glossing over the fact that they may have to live in their car for a
while. Jackson tries to be strong for his little sister but he’s feeling
torn apart inside. And that’s when Crenshaw returns. Crenshaw, a
wise-cracking talking cat over six feet tall, Jackson’s imaginary friend
that originally appeared years ago when he first needed him. Can Crenshaw
help him navigate this newest challenge?
In her new novel, Katherine Applegate, winner of the Newbery award, spins a
sweet story of family, friendship, heartbreak and hope. This is a great
discussion book and is geared towards readers, grades 3 – 6.
The Contract
by Derek Jeter and Paul Mantell,
c2014
Do you have a sports lover in grades 3 – 7? Check out The Contract by Derek
Jeter, New York Yankees short stop and World Series champion! The Contract
is the first title in a fictionalized series based on Derek’s life growing
up. As a young boy, Derek is given a writing assignment at school in which
he’s encouraged to share his dreams for the future. He writes about playing
short stop for the Yankees. Derek’s classmates, and even his teacher, try to
temper his ideas, giving him a grim reality check. When he tells his
parents, they come up with a plan to help Derek make his dreams come true.
They develop a contract for Derek that he signs, listing things they expect
from him, such as keeping up in school and always having dinner with the
family. In turn they promise to do their best to help him reach his goals.
This book is a winner because it emphasizes the values of hard work and
determination, reinforces the importance of education and shows what an
incredible support system a loving family can provide. Reluctant readers
will fly through Derek’s story and want to move on to the next title, Hit
and Miss, also available at the library.
A Handful of Stars
by Cynthia Lord,
c2015
(grades 4 – 7)
Lily loves her dog, Lucky, and is determined to raise the money needed for
an operation that could alleviate his blindness. After a chance meeting with
Salma, the daughter of area migrant workers, the girls decide to work
together to raise money by painting and selling bee houses. But Lily and
Salma are about to learn some tough lessons. What will happen when Salma
decides to run for Blueberry Queen in the upcoming pageant? Can their
friendship stand the strain of unspoken rules about who belongs in their
community---and who doesn’t? When do you fight for the ones you love, and
when do you let go?
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This simply beautiful book made me cry. It touches on real world
issues, introducing children to the history and current reality of
migrant workers in the United States in a gentle, respectful way.
The writing is gorgeous and the characters (including Lucky, the
dog) find a special place in your heart. It’s a perfect fit for
children, grades 4 – 7.
The Terrible Two
by Mac Barnett, Jory John and Kevin Cornell (illustrator)
c2015
The Terrible Two is the story of Miles Murphy, the new kid in town.
In his old school, he’d been known as the prankster, and he came by
that reputation honestly. But Yawnee Valley already has a prankster,
and he’s out-of-this-world awesome! He’s so good, that Miles doesn’t
even know who he is---until the jokester introduces himself and
invites Miles to join forces with him. What’s a kid to do? Well,
Miles isn’t ready to give up his title as top prankster, and so
begins a practical joke war of epic proportions. Who will win? Will
they survive? Can they ever be friends?
I am not a practical joker or prankster by nature, so in ways this
book made me cringe! I can see, though, why it appeals hugely to
boys and girls, grades 3 - 6. It's a fun fast read with lots of
action and humor, interspersed with wonderful illustrations, and is
an especially good pick for fans of The Diary of a Wimpy Kid series
and those that love the graphic novel format. The follow-up title,
The Terrible Two Get Worse will be coming out in mid-January and
will be available at the library for checkout.
To check out these books or get recommendations for other great
reads, please come see us at the Lincoln Public Library, 725 Pekin
Street.
[By
MELISSA OXBORROW,
Lincoln Public Library District]
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