by kim on February 2, 2012

The Iron Giant – by Ted Hughes
When a towering giant made of iron appears out of nowhere, young Hogarth sees him not as a monster, but a friend. The townspeople are terrified of the giant and devise a plan to bring him down. But Hogarth believes in his friend, and rescues him when no one else will. Together, they teach the people of the village and beyond to conquer their fears, for beneath the giant’s rough armor there beats a mighty heart.

Mousenet – by Prudence Breitrose
Sent to live with her chef father and his wife in Oregon after having stayed with her inventor uncle and scientist mother in Cincinnati, ten-year-old misfit Megan is lonely until she starts working with some computer-savvy mice to try to save Mouse Nation–and the planet.

Vanishing Acts: A Maggie Brooklyn Mystery – by Leslie Margolis
Life is confusing for seventh-grader Maggie, who must track down a missing person and find out who is behind a string of dog eggings at the local dog run, while also dealing with issues involving her brother and two of her friends.
by kim on January 10, 2012

Blackout – by John Rocco
When a busy family’s activities come to a halt because of a blackout, they find they enjoy spending time together and not being too busy for once.
The Little Bitty Bakery – by Leslie Muir
When an elephant pastry chef works straight through her birthday with no time for birthday cake, some industrious mice make good use of her kitchen and bake a delicious surprise.

Stuck – by Oliver Jeffers
Resolving to free his kite from a tree, young Floyd tosses his shoe into the tree to knock down the kite only to lose the shoe as well, a situation that compels him to try throwing an orangutan, his front door and many other outrageous objects.
by kim on December 28, 2011

Melonhead and the Undercover Operation – by Katy Kelly
Ten-year-old Adam “Melonhead” Melon and his fellow Junior Special Agent, Sam, investigate a fellow resident of Washington D.C.’s Capitol Hill neighborhood, believing that she is one of the FBI’s Ten Most Wanted.

Wildwood – by Colin Meloy
When her baby brother is kidnapped by crows, seventh-grader Prue McKeel ventures into the forbidden Impassable Wilderness–a dangerous and magical forest at the edge of Portland, Oregon–and soon finds herself involved in a war among the various inhabitants.

Floors – by Patrick Carman
Ten-year-old Leo’s future and the fate of the extraordinary Whippet Hotel, where his father is the maintenance man, are at stake when a series of cryptic boxes leads Leo to hidden floors, strange puzzles, and unexpected alliances.