Emily loves her parents, but she worries that they think she's still a baby. It's the last week of second grade, and her parents are only now letting her stop sleeping with the night-light. When Emily's friend Taylor announces she's having a sleepover party, everyone is excited except Emily. How will Emily ever persuade her parents that she's old enough to go? This early chapter book is the first in the Sleepover Squad series, and it includes instructions for the cupcake decorating project featured in the book.

Similar books: Perfectly Princess series by Alyssa Crowne

Reviewed by: emc

Date read: 8/26/2010

ISBN-10: 1416927905

ISBN-13: 9781416927907

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Baseball has always been central in Joelle's life, and she has a talent for the sport. Having played on her school's baseball team in Minneapolis, Joelle expects the same when she moves to Greendale, Iowa. When she wants to try out, however, she's told that girls play only softball in this town. Softball is considered the equivalent of baseball for girls. Yet, Joelle knows that baseball is a different sport, a sport she's not willing to quit. She tries every avenue to be allowed to play, even going to the school administration and writing a letter to the paper. When nothing seems to work, Joelle has a big idea. Can she beat the obstacles to find herself a place in the game of baseball?

Reviewed by: emc

Date read: 12/3/2009

ISBN-10: 156145222X

ISBN-13: 9781561452224

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Commenter: Ann, grade 7

Brian Higman dreads revealing that he hasn't finished his 'sloppy copy' of his writing assignment (his teacher's name for a rough draft). His teacher isn't known for her sympathy, and he's already received one zero for not doing his work. When the time comes, he tries to distract her by telling a story about why he couldn't do it. As he tells it, he draws her and the class into the tale of his quest to buy a used guitar before the neighborhood-famous Harry Harrington buys it first. The longer he distracts his teacher with the story, the more hope he has that he'll get away without failing. Brian's story within a story is entertaining, and the resolution of the tale is satisfying. The book includes Brian's tips on how to write well.

Reviewed by: emc

Date read: 2/26/2010

ISBN-10: 0823419479

ISBN-13: 9780823419470

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A boy is nicknamed Armpit. His friend comes up with a get-rich-quick scheme that seems like a good idea to Armpit. Somehow, he also gets mixed up with a famous singer. This is a follow up to Holes.

Reviewed by: St. Charles Reader

Date read: 11/12/2009

ISBN-10: 0385733143

ISBN-13: 9780385733144

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In this colorful, realistic graphic novel, we follow the dental trials and tribulations of Raina, who is only beginning her orthodontic treatment when she falls and knocks out her two front teeth. This begins years of dental treatments that take place as she learns to navigate the social dilemmas of junior high and high school. She faces awkward situations like unrequited crushes and friendships that don't fit her. To the backdrop of one harrowing dental treatment at a time, Raina comes into her own as a person.

Awards won: Rebecca Caudill Award

Reviewed by: emc

Date read: 4/13/2012

ISBN-10: 0545132053

ISBN-13: 9780545132053

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