'I've played Little League baseball for six years now. But to tell you the truth, I'm not exactly what you'd call a real good athlete. Actually, I'm not even real okay. Basically, what I'm trying to say here is, I stink.' Alex 'Skinnybones' Frankovitch uses his sense of humor to get by in a hectic world, but occasionally his big mouth gets him into trouble, like the time he brags his way into a pitching contest with the best baseball player in the entire school. Can he talk his way out of this one? Find out by reading Skinnybones and look for the sequel: Almost Starring Skinnybones.

Reviewed by: sc

Date read: 4/29/2009

ISBN-10: 0394949889

ISBN-13: 9780394949888

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Every morning, Skippyjon Jones wakes with the birds in their nest. This would not be strange if Skippyjon were a bird, but he is a Siamese cat. On this particular morning, Skippyjon's mother brings him home to his room to think about what it means to be a Siamese cat. Once by himself, Skippyjon begins to sing, 'Oh, I'm Skippyjon Jones, and I bounce on my bed, and once or SIX times, I land on my head.' As he looks at his reflection in his mirror, he concludes that he is not a Siamese cat, but a Chihuahua! He walks into his closet and his thoughts take him to Mexico. In Mexico, he meets a menagerie of animals that fall in love with Skippyjon. Will Skippyjon stay in Mexico forever? Read Skippyjon Jones and find out. Then, look for other picture books featuring Skippyjon Jones by Judy Schachner.

Reviewed by: sc

Date read: 6/8/2009

ISBN-10: 0142404039

ISBN-13: 9780439836968

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Soon after 12-year-old Stephanie's eccentric Uncle Gordon dies, she attends the reading of the will, and realizes that she will inherit her uncle's mansion. During the reading, a mysterious man, bundled in an overcoat, scarf, sunglasses, and a hat, also shows up, and introduces himself as her late uncle's friend, Skulduggery Pleasant. Skulduggery Pleasant, a walking, talking skeleton, who rescues Stephanie when she is attacked while alone in the house, teaches Stephanie a whole new world - the world of magic. Follow the adventures of Stephanie and Skulduggery, as they fight off the evil, Serpine. Will they survive, and keep evil at bay? Read this action-packed book to find out.

Reviewed by: sc

Date read: 3/27/2009

ISBN-13: 9780061231162

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Life is perfect in Suburb HM1. The people live inside domes that protect them from pollution and weather. Yard work consists of changing your window decorations each season. When you want a child, you simply order one from the government. But the newest 'Wonder Babies' are starting to grow up. They are so smart that as soon as they start school, they run their own classrooms. However, they also ask questions that nobody wants to answer. The Wonder Babies are finally recalled, like a faulty product. When a rail car comes to take the children away, 13-year-old Martin decides he needs to find out what happened to them. After all one of those children is his own sister.

Reviewed by: caroll

Date read: 11/30/2010

ISBN-10: 1416924221

ISBN-13: 9781416924227

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Commenter: Scpl Reader, grade 7

Coming home one night, a young man is kidnapped, a large bag is thrown over his body, and he is tossed on a ship headed out to sea. Naturally he's scared, and angry, when he learns the voyage will last for 4 months. His fear and anger double when he finds out that the ship he is on is a slaver, headed to Africa, and his job on board will be to 'dance the slaves' brought on board so their bodies will stay strong, and, more importantly, profitable. This book is an ocean adventure, a historical novel, a tale of suspense, and survival set during one of our nation's darkest times in history. This is the winner of the 1974 Newbery Medal.

Awards won: John Newbery Medal

Reviewed by: sc

Date read: 4/13/2009

ISBN-10: 0027355608

ISBN-13: 9780027355604

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