In this book, a boy is lost-not a dog. It has humor, twists and turns, and a likable canine character, Buddy. The mystery is solved with help from a few black-and-white illustrations. This is a mystery to be enjoyed by individual readers or to be read to younger readers.

Awards nominated: Monarch Award Nominee 2012

Reviewed by: cjones

Date read: 4/13/2011

ISBN-10: 0807509108

ISBN-13: 9780807509104

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Philip Love, 13, nicknamed Buddy after a character in an old Jerry Lewis movie, The Nutty Professor, is interested only in watching television, and watching girls. Growing up, Buddy thought cartoon characters actually lived in the TV set. He is the classic underachiever, and lackey to the cool kids in school. He never seems to take a stand of his own. Then his Dad wins a video camera at work. Triggered by his interest in TV, and making TV shows, Buddy decides to use the camera for a social studies project. The project requires him to explore his own history. Armed with the video camera, he finds out some surprising things about his relatives, and realizes that they are as interesting as the characters on TV. He also finds out things about himself that makes him a stronger person.

Similar books: Lily B. On The Brink of Love by Elizabeth Kimmel; Loser by Jerry Spinelli; Probably Still Nick Swansen by Virginia Wolff

Reviewed by: sc

Date read: 5/18/2009

ISBN-10: 0060246642

ISBN-13: 9780060246648

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Three best friends, a Boy, a Bear, and a Bug, do everything together. They fly kites, paint pictures, go for rides and even go to school together. Make Boy, Bear, and Bug your best friends too! This heart warming story is beautifully enhanced by watercolor illustrations.

Similar books: Dot and Bob by David McPhail; A Place for Nicholas by David McPhail; Rick is Sick by David McPhail

Reviewed by: mb

Date read: 7/24/2009

ISBN-10: 0439077834

ISBN-13: 9780439077835

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Meet Gussie, an exuberant twelve year old. She and her mom have recently moved into a ramshackle house on a seaside cliff by in England. Gussie explores the life around her with enthusiasm and passion; the birds, the burying beetle, the views, the house full of books, and her new friends. Gussie also tells us about her parents' divorce and her much loved Grandma and Grandpop. Maybe Gussie embraces all that life has to offer because she has an incurable heart condition and is waiting for a heart transplant. Gussie fills her days with training a seagull to eat on her porch, watching the peregrine falcon's nest, reading books that she finds in their cottage, writing poetry and hanging out with her Aussie friend, Brett. With humor and a zest for life, Gussie reminds us that every day is precious. Two additional books about Gussie are 'The Bower Bird' and 'Inchworm.'

Reviewed by: hap

Date read: 10/21/2009

ISBN-10: 1905222084

ISBN-13: 9781905222087

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Buster isn't like Phoebe, the other dog in his family. Phoebe can catch balls, and Buster cannot. Phoebe is bold, and Buster is shy. Buster doesn't know it, but he has a talent that Phoebe doesn't have. Read about Buster's triumphs in this story about a shy dog who discovers his strengths. Expressive illustrations on every page capture Buster's personality. This is a great read for dog lovers as well as anyone who has ever felt like the 'odd dog out.'(Reading Level: 3.3)

Reviewed by: emc

Date read: 1/13/2011

ISBN-10: 0395850088

ISBN-13: 9780395850084

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