Book Room

Voice and the Power of Words

Exploring new things, finding out who you are and who you were meant to be, being true to the you that is you. All these are part of unlocking one’s voice. Each of this week’s books shines a light on voice and the power of words. LOVE THAT DOG by Sharon Creech When LOVE THAT… Read more »

Many Voices, Many Ways to be Heard

Each of this week’s selections tells the story of one or more people – some young, some old, boys, girls, women, men – who’ve made a difference in the world.  Each one has taken the talents he or she has been given, the obstacles s/he has had to overcome, and his or her own voice… Read more »

Disruptive Boys and Splurch!

Another fun book for Halloween – or any time of year – is SPLURCH ACADEMY FOR DISRUPTIVE BOYS by Julie Berry, illustrated by Sally Faye Gardner. Cody Mack is in big trouble  He’s an unruly boy and his parents don’t know what to do.  The reports on his bad behavior are enough to fill two… Read more »

Scary and Not-So-Scary Stories

Ask a kid what his or her favorite holiday is, and Halloween is sure to be near the top of the list.  Not only is it a day to dress up in a wacky wig or slip on a pair of clown shoes, but it’s the night of homemade hobos and  scary store-bought Draculas. THE… Read more »

Unique, Yet Still the Same

LOUD EMILY by Alexis O’Neill, illustrated by Nancy Carpenter is the perfect book to pair with Author-In-Residence Cynthia Leitich Smith’s new picture book, HOLLER LOUDLY. Another boisterous tale about another loud voice, LOUD EMILY is charmingly full of vim and verve.  Of course, Emily doesn’t mean to rattle the brasses and shatter the plates, but… Read more »

Perfect Picture Book Friends

JULIUS by Angela Johnson, illustrations by Dav Pilkey Granddaddy’s mailed a gift for Maya, all the way from Alaska! She’s been hoping for a horse. Or an older brother. Instead, out of the crate comes Julius.  A big and busy pig who quickly becomes Maya’s very best friend. Julius leaves huge messes, eats too much… Read more »

Elves, Tigers, Cavemen. Oh, My!

Afternoon of the Elves by Janet Taylor Lisle They were neighbors before they were friends. Sarah-Kate’s yard backed up to Hillary’s and now Sarah-Kate is claiming elves live in the junky overgrown space around her house. At first, it seemed impossible.  Elves! But Hillary’d seen the tiny houses made of stick and bits of wire. … Read more »