Wanda Petronski only has one faded blue dress that she wears to school every day. One day, Wanda boasts that she has 100 dresses at home in her closet. After that, Peggy and the other girls tease Wanda about her dresses. Maddie feels bad about the teasing, but does nothing to stop it. After Wanda disappears from school, Maddie regrets standing by while she was treated unkindly. The surprising ending shows that Wanda wasn't making things up, after all. This is a gentle book with a powerful message about kindness and accepting those who are a bit different.

Awards won: Newbery Honor book 1945

Reviewed by: msp

Date read: 10/7/2010

ISBN-10: 0152051708

ISBN-13: 9780152051709

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Three pets (a young Labrador retriever, a Bull Terrier, and a Siamese cat) set out on a long and difficult journey to their home. How these animals manage to survive in the Canadian wilderness is an amazing story of resourcefulness and good luck. Any animal lover will enjoy this classic story and will be thrilled with the happy ending after the animals have faced many dangers and challenges.

Reviewed by: msp

Date read: 12/9/2010

ISBN-10: 0440226708

ISBN-13: 9780440226703

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Commenter: Alan, grade 2

This is the third edition of this classic collection first published in 1953. Here you will meet 'Peach Boy,' a one inch tall child who was found by a childless couple as he floated down the river inside the stone of a peach. Also meet the kind man and his foolish wife, who each get what they deserve from the 'Tongue-Cut Sparrow.' These and the other stories in the collection have bright new illustrations to bring them to life.

Reviewed by: caroll

Date read: 8/4/2010

ISBN-10: 0804834490

ISBN-13: 9780804834490

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An Arabian stallion born in Morocco has a spot of white on his heel which is a mark of speed. The stallion, Sham, his stableboy, Agba, and Grimalkin the cat have a lot of good adventures together.

Awards won: John Newbery Medal

Reviewed by: St. Charles Reader

Date read: 11/5/2009

ISBN-10: 0027436292

ISBN-13: 9780027436297

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A modern retelling of the Wizard of Oz story, this graphic novel updates the characters from the classic tale while keeping the adventure intact. Fans of the original tale or the movie will recognize the plot, and enjoy the new twists to the story, all told using eye-catching black and white graphic illustrations. This is the story of Dorothy and Toto, who are whisked away from Aunty Em's home in the city, not a farm, but still end up in Oz, and venture into this new land with characters like the Scarecrow, and the Cowardly Lion.

Similar books: Black Beauty adapted by June Brigman & Roy Richardson; Frankenstein adapted by Gary Reed; Treasure Island adapted by Tim Hamilton

Reviewed by: sc

Date read: 3/26/2009

ISBN-10: 0142404713

ISBN-13: 9780142404713

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