Fourth grader Riley wants to play the saxophone in the school band, but his mom can't afford to rent one for him. When his class is assigned historical characters for a project, Riley finds himself as Teddy Roosevelt. He asks himself what Teddy would have done to earn something he wanted? Read this book to find out, and enjoy the hilarious biography tea at the end where he and all his classmates show up in costume.

Awards nominated: 2011 Bluestem Nominee

Reviewed by: msp

Date read: 8/12/2010

ISBN-10: 0374306575

ISBN-13: 9780374306571

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Commenter: Michele, grade 0

One day, Bushi is chased by a group of older kids, 'The Bullfrogs.' They like nothing more than to dominate younger students. Bushi runs until he finds a door, which he enters, escaping his pursuers. There, he finds the black belt of a karate master, and strapping the belt around him transports him to a long ago world. When he arrives, the Master teaches him a lesson he can use to adopt the spirit of a tiger and triumph over the bullies. This title is in picture book format, but suitable for older readers.

Reviewed by: emc

Date read: 2/26/2010

ISBN-10: 0375901574

ISBN-13: 9780375901577

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James lives in a biracial, musical family which he finds tedious at times. When the family is called to London for his mother to perform, James goes sight-seeing with his father. (Oh, no, not again). On one of these visits in London, James discovered a portal that leads him to the 1600's. What happens theatrically and politically during the 1600's leads to a real education for James (and the reader). What a difference in how people lived then and now. He must solve a problem from the 1600's before he can return to present London. A great book for boys that like history from the point of time travel.

Reviewed by: cj

Date read: 9/20/2010

ISBN-10: 0689864787

ISBN-13: 9780689864780

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Meet 'Bones', Jeffrey Bones--boy detective. Jeffrey can solve any case no matter how big or how small. That works out perfectly for Mr. Green, who needs Jeffrey's help in finding his BIG yellow school bus that is now missing! Will Jeffrey's bag of detective tools help him follow the many clues in this puzzling case? Will 'Bones' uncover the mystery behind Mr. Green's missing yellow school bus? This funny and enjoyable detective story will have you laughing out loud and is perfect for the Level 2 Reader.

Similar authors: Majorie Weinman Sharmat

Similar books: Nate the Great by Margoie Weinman Sharmat; Young Cam Jansen by David A. Adler; Bones and the Dog Gone Mystery by David A. Adler

Reviewed by: mb

Date read: 7/13/2009

ISBN-10: 014241042X

ISBN-13: 9780142410424

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Jeffrey Bones loves solving mysteries but does not like taking Math Tests, especially the one that he forgot to study for. Read how Jeffrey helps his teacher find his glasses and how he solves the mystery of his missing Math Test. Read along and help Jeffrey follow the clues. Is Jeffrey a good detective after all?

Similar authors: Patricia Reilly Giff

Similar books: Nate the Great by Marjorie Weinman Sharmat

Reviewed by: mb

Date read: 7/1/2009

ISBN-10: 0670062626

ISBN-13: 9780670062621

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