Milton Fauster doesn't think that life is fair, and neither, for that matter, is death. One moment, he was dragged along on his sister Marlo's spectacular shop-lifting spree (on top of some top-of-the-line cosmetics, she also stole an oar and smashed the mall cupids with it), the next moment he was trapped in the explosion of a marshmallow grizzly bear and died. He and his sister plunged directly to Heck, the nether-world reformatory school. Milton knows he doesn't belong there, while his sister most certainly does. To make matters worse, they were followed by the school bully, Damian, who had it in for Milton. This story is told with great tongue-in-cheek humor, for instance, the ethics teacher is Richard M. Nixon. Will Milton survive Heck and escape the clutches of Principal Bea 'Elsa' Bubb? This is book 1 in the Circles of Heck series.

Similar authors: Lemony Snicket, Pseudonymous Bosch

Similar books: Series of Unfortunate Events

Reviewed by: vfv

Date read: 12/26/2012

ISBN-13: 9780375840753

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Mr. Mutt should be Dr. Mutt, as he gives multiple dogs multiple solutions to their problem. Some of his solutions are 'small dogs use teamwork,' big dogs 'look on the countertop,' and 'bark when you are told to and get the treats.' Dogs write Mr. Mutt about their problems, usually about what people expect of them. These dogs are discouraged, but Mr. Mutt tries to give them advice that will help them. Cats are also discussed as part of a dog's life. What do you think of Mr. Mutt's solutions to the dogs' problems? Also, there are pictures of things to find in the book, such as pink bunny ears, paper clips and tennis balls.

Awards nominated: Monarch Award Nominee 2011

Reviewed by: cj

Date read: 4/5/2010

ISBN-10: 0152046283

ISBN-13: 9780152046286

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Henry, his parents, and (of course) Mudge the dog go to visit Henry's Grandpa who lives with other 'Grandpas' in senior housing. All the Grandpas delight in the company of young Henry and the sloppy kisses they get from Mudge. When Henry finds a nearby pond, they all go swimming, relax in the warm grass, and tell stories. A cheerful installment in the popular Henry and Mudge series.

Reviewed by: sc

Date read: 6/8/2009

ISBN-10: 0689811705

ISBN-13: 9780689811708

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Henry finds Ribsy, a skinny dog, who looks like he needs a home. Then his adventures begin. Along the way, readers meet Henry's friends on Klickitat Street--including Beezus and her little sister, Ramona--and enjoy lots of funny happenings. This is the 50th anniversary edition of this classic book. Look for other titles featuring Henry.

Reviewed by: sc

Date read: 4/29/2009

ISBN-10: 0688213855

ISBN-13: 9780688213855

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Born into slavery, Henry experiences the heartache of seeing his wife and children sold to other owners. Henry wants to live as a free man, but how can he get to a place where there are no slaves? One day, Henry has an idea. He will mail himself in a large wooden box from Richmond to Philadelphia. Two men help him into the box, nail on the cover, and then Henry's journey begins. The box travels on trains and a steamboat, and sometimes Henry is upside down or sideways, unable to move in the small box! After 27 hours, he arrives in Philadelphia and is helped out of his box. Henry is now a free man! The beautiful illustrations convey the story of this picture book.

Awards nominated: Bluestem 2011

Awards won: Caldecott Honor Book 2008

Reviewed by: msp

Date read: 6/17/2010

ISBN-10: 043977733X

ISBN-13: 9780439777339

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