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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Heidi It knows only the sketchiest information about her background. Twelve years ago, her mentally disabled mother showed up with the then week-old Heidi on Bernadette's doorstep. Bernadette, who is severely agoraphobic, has been looking out for Heidi, and Mama, ever since. To learn more about her past, Heidi sets out on an adventure from Reno, Nevada, to New York.

Awards won: Rebecca Caudill Award

Reviewed by: sc

Date read: 4/29/2009

ISBN-10: 0064410471

ISBN-13: 9780064410472

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Commenter: Aj, grade 9

In the story, So Far From the Sea, Eve Bunting uses the emotions and wisdom of Laura Iwasaki to gently and simply tell the story of the internment of Japanese-Americans during World War II. Through the unique use of black and white illustrations to depict the past and colored drawings to illustrate the present, we are told the story of Laura's family. As she gingerly walks through the deserted Manzanar Relocation Camp, Laura explains to us how her grandfather, father, and mother were taken from their homes after the bombing of Pearl Harbor and kept behind barbed wire to 'protect America'. She attempts to share with us her feelings and those of her family as they visit the grave of her grandfather. Laura's family will soon be moving to Massachusetts, so she must make one last visit to say good-bye to a grandfather she has never met. She tells us of her sorrow at having to leave behind her grandfather, 'a true American', who will be forever, 'so far from the sea' that he loved.

Similar authors: Ken Mochizuki; Suzanne Lieurance; Michael L. Cooper

Similar books: Baseball Saved Us by Ken Mochizuki; Remembering Manzanar: Life in a Japanese Relocation Camp by Michael L. Cooper; The Lucky Baseball: My Story in a Japanese American Internment Camp

Reviewed by: mb

Date read: 6/24/2011

ISBN-10: 0395720958

ISBN-13: 9780395720950

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