End of the Year: Middle Grade Book Picks of 2010

Recently, I listed my top picture books for 2010 (click here to read the post).  Just as with the picture book category, there are a lot of great books that fall within the reading level of first grade to sixth to choose from.  I have limited my choices to releases within the 2010 release year.  The books listed below are not in any particular order of preference.  I loved them all because each spoke to me in their own way.  There may have been some better written books out there and even some that will win awards but these were books that I just plain loved - simple as that.

LULU & THE BRONTOSAURUS by Judith Viorst, illustrated by Lane Smith - Lulu wants a brontosaurus for a pet.  Lulu is use to getting her way.  Brontosaurus has other plans.  I found myself laughing as I read this book.  I have used this as a read aloud for first and second graders and have lent out my personal copy to so many children that I have lost count.  If you haven't read Lulu, what are you waiting for.

BINK & GOLLIE by Kate DiCamillo and Alison McGhee, illustrated by Tony Fucile - Graphic Novel? Comic Book? Early Reader? Call it what you may but this story of friendship, imagination, and adventure between an unlikely pair is just so fun.  I can't wait for the next Bink & Gollie book. 

GABBY & GATOR by James Burks - This comic-book style story about a friendship between the list making vegetarian (Gabby) and the meat eating, toilet fearing Gator is another fun read that makes you want more.  I need to particularly give this book some love and shout outs since it is only available on-line (Amazon, Borders, Barnes & Noble, etc.). This is local Los Angeles author/illustrator Burks' first book and I am looking forward to more from him. 

THE CLOUD SEARCHERS (AMULET BOOK #3) by Kazu Kibuishi - Emily, Navin, and an unusual crew are in search of a mythical city.  There is adventure, trouble, and a struggle to make the right decisions.  I don't know if I just love Kibuishi's illustrations or the fantastical element of this story or the combination but I will say that there are a lot of fans of this graphic novel series over at my school.  This and the previous two books were a big hit at our Winter Book Fair and the copies in my office are checked out as soon as they are returned.

THE STRANGE CASE OF ORIGAMI YODA by Tom Angleberger - Is the origami Yoda on Dwight's finger really dispensing wise advice or is it all a joke that Dwight is playing?  Follow along as a group of students try to navigate friendship, pop quizzes, and crushes while trying to figure out the answer to the question about Origami Yoda's advice.

This was one of the books I bought in the summer and finally had to buy a second copy because students kept taking it from me before I had a chance to read it.  This is a great book to recommend to kids who are fans of The Diary of a Wimpy Kids Series but need prompting to move to something else.  I was thrilled to hear that there would be a sequel to this book. 

A TALE DARK AND GRIMM by Adam Gidwitz - This debut offering by Gidwitz does the Brothers Grimm proud while offering an interesting re-telling of the story of Hansel and Gretel.  I loved this book and couldn't put it down.  Children who love scary tales will find this book to be just right for them. 

TORTILLA SUN by Jennifer Cervantes - A debut novel that mixes loss, hope, love, friendship, magical realism & homemade tortillas and produces a winner.  I read this aloud to my fourth graders who loved it.  Cervantes' book inspired our first Book Cafe which was a huge success and it sold out at our Winter Book Fair. 

OUT OF MY MIND by Sharon M. Draper - This story of a 10 year old girl with severe Cerebral Palsy who finally discovers her voice moved me deeply and reminded me of why I first went into teaching children with Special Needs so many years ago. As I read the book the first time, I find myself nodding in agreement - I knew and worked with many Melodies. What a powerful story.  I read this to the same class as I did Tortilla Sun and the discussion and thought that the book provoked was phenomenal.  If this book doesn't win an ALA award (Newbery, Schneider Family Award) I just may scream.

ONE CRAZY SUMMER by Rita Williams-Garcia - As much as I loved OUT OF MY MIND and want it to win an award, this is very likely the book that will challenge it for the Newbery.  Delphine and her sisters are sent to stay with their mother in Oakland during the summer of 1968.  The same mother who had walked out on them 7 years earlier.  This book left me feeling sad in some ways.  I think that despite the strong sense of place & history for the story (Oakland, 1968, Civil Rights) the message is timeless.  There are still children that parents have walked out on and children who are still trying to find a connection to those same parents.  But books that move me are often the ones I want to share with others and to read aloud with students.  And this is one of them. 

THE KNEEBONE BOY by Ellen Potter - I love watching an author grow as a writer and to develop his or her craft.  After reading SLOB by Potter in 2009, I really didn't think her next book could be better, but  I was so wrong.  Potter knocks it out of the park with this tale of 3 siblings in search of the mysterious Kneebone Boy but who eventually discover a more powerful truth.  Beautifully written and a personal favorite of the year and worthy of an award.

IT'S RAINING CUPCAKES by Lisa Schroeder -  This book is deceptive.  The title and cover may seem whimsical and light and sure there are recipes for cupcakes, but there is also a powerful little story here.  Isabel's mother decides to open a Cupcake shop but it is Isabel who needs to keep her mother from giving up when a mega-bakery opens nearby.  Isabel must also decide whether to please her mother by entering a cupcake recipe in a Baking Contest or to honor her own creativity and submit a completely different recipe that she has personally created.  Schroeder does an amazing job at capturing the struggles of living in the shadow of others and learning to grow into your own person. 

SPILLING INK: A YOUNG WRITER'S HANDBOOK by Anne Mazer & Ellen Potter - I had a chance to review this book before it was released and to try out the writing exercises with my sixth graders last winter.  I knew the book would be a winner when I read it but I didn't realize how much my reluctant writers would love this book until we started using it with them.  It did more for encouraging them to write then any other thing we tried.  If you are looking for a gift for a teacher in your life, I would highly recommend this one.

Now that I shared my favorite Middle Grade books of 2010, leave me a comment with what books moved you?

End of the Year: Thoughts on Picture Books of 2010

Image for Google

Last year, I was barely blogging and I did one "End of the Year" post and featured mostly YA books.  This year I have read more widely and will need to do 3 post because I have at least 5 to 10 favorites for Picture Books, Middle Grade Books and Young Adult.  Since I have read nearly 270 pictures books this year, I am limiting the selections to 2010 releases. 

Here are my top five:

CHALK by Bill Thomson - This wordless picture book has the most amazing illustrations.  When I gave it to my teachers for Christmas, I felt like I was giving more than just a book but a true piece of art.  I am already conspiring to do a school-wide activity around this book. I would love to see this book win a major award though unfortunately I have not seen enough buzz for this one.  I will still keep my fingers crossed. 

MIRROR, MIRROR! by Marilyn Singer - Every time I open this book, I am utterly and thoroughly amazed by it.  This book of reversible verse and the images that reflect it as well.  I can barely write a poem in one direction let alone make it reversible.  And then to have the pictures so thoroughly capture the words.  Amazing! 

ART & MAX by David Wiesner - This book about an odd pairing is complex, and one of those books that can be used with older students for discussion and inspiration.  Every time I have read it, (yes, my top 5 have been read multiple times), I smile.  I love how the book starts in one place and how the characters grow and evolve through the book.

OH NO! OR HOW MY SCIENCE PROJECT DESTROYED THE WORLD by Mac Barnett and illustrated by Dan Santat - This is truly an example where the illustrations moved this from a fun book to brilliant.  Santat's illustrative nod to Japanese Monster movies adds another level to this book.  You have to read it more than once just to get all of the references and little additions. 

SHARK VS. TRAIN by Chris Barton, Illustrated by Tom Lichtenheld - I loved the illustrations in this book.  Bright, fun, imaginative!  The text and illustrations work beautifully together in this story.  I suggest covering the initial page (which I feel is kind of spoilerish) when reading it for the first time. 

Not to be forgotten or left out....

CITY DOG, COUNTRY FROG by Mo Willems, Illustrated by Jon J. Muth - There is a lot of buzz around this book.  The illustrations are lovely, and emotion evoking.  The story is tender and touching and grab a tissue worthy. 

THE BOSS BABY by Marla Frazee - It's Marla Frazee - what is not to love.  This is a creative twist on the nature of a being first time parents.  What a great book to give as a gift. 

DAVE THE POTTER: ARTIST, POET, SLAVE by Laban Carrick Hill, illustrated by Bryan Collier - This non-fiction picture book takes a look at the life of man who despite being a slave found a way to leave his mark.  Collier's paintings are phenomenal and this book needs more buzz. 

MAMA MITI by Donna Jo Napali, illustrated by Kadir Nelson - If Nelson illustrates a book it will likely be on any top ten list.  I loved the illustrations.

THE QUIET BOOK by Deborah Underwood, Illustrated by Renata Liwska - A look at all the different ways a child can be quiet throughout the day.  Simple text supported by beautiful, gentle illustrations.  I hope it comes out in a Board Book format. 

I feel sad that I limited myself to only 10 but this post would have gone on and on if I mentioned every picture book that I loved this year.  Looking forward to more in 2011.  So what is on your top 10 picture books for 2010? 

Merry Christmas and Congratulations to Mid-Winter Giveaway Winners!

I hope that everyone had a wonderful Christmas Day filled with good friends and families, lots of food, and special gifts.  And I hope that there were a few books under the tree. 

Happy Holidays to the following winners:

Congratulations to Alex from Colorado who will be receiving the signed copy of Thirteen Plus One by Lauren Myracle. 

Congratulations to Maria from Venezuela who won the signed copy of Only the Good Spy Young by Ally Carter.












Congratulations to Misha in India who won the signed copy of The Reckoning by Kelley Armstrong.

Welcome to the Mid-Winter's Eve Giveaway Hop

Midwinter's Eve is the longest night of the year so why not spend it entering some great giveaways.

The is a quick hop that runs from 12:01 AM on Tuesday, December 21st to 11:59 PM on Wednesday, December 22nd.  Kathy from I am a Reader, Not a Writer is hosting this wonderful event and I am so excited to be a part of this Giveaway Hop. 

Giveaway #1:

A signed hardcover copy of Thirteen Plus One by Lauren Myracle

Description from GoodReads:
Winnie Perry is fourteen now, and the countdown to high school is shaping up to be as eventful as an entire year of middle school. Not only are things shaky with her boyfriend, Lars, but BFFs Dinah and Cinnamon have been acting weird, big sister Sandra is college-bound, little brother Ty has smuggled a stolen penguin home in his backpack, and new baby sister Maggie has everything turned upside down. It’s a lot for anyone to handle, and loyal Winnie is so busy worrying about everyone else that she hardly notices that she might just be struggling a little bit herself.

With humor and honesty, Lauren Myracle brings us another pitch-perfect novel featuring the characters that her legions of fans have grown up loving.

Giveaway #2:

A signed hardcover copy of Only The Good Spy Young (Gallagher Girls, Bk 4) by Ally Carter

Description from GoodReads:
When Cammie Morgan enrolled at the Gallagher Academy, she knew she was preparing for the dangerous life of a spy. What she didn’t know was that the serious, real-life danger would start during her junior year of high school. But that’s exactly what happened two months ago when Cammie faced off against an ancient terrorist organization dead set on kidnapping her.

Now the danger follows her everywhere, and even Cammie “The Chameleon” can’t hide. When a terrifying encounter in London reveals that one of her most-trusted allies is actually a rogue double-agent, Cammie no longer knows if she can trust her classmates, her teachers—or even her own heart.

In this fourth installment of the New York Times best-selling series, the Gallagher Girls must hack, spy, steal, and lie their way to the truth, as they go searching for answers, recognizing that the key to Cammie’s future may lie deep in the past.

Giveaway # 3:

A signed hardcover copy of The Reckoning (Darkest Powers, #3) by Kelley Armstrong

Description from GoodReads:
My name is Chloe Saunders. I'm fifteen, and I would love to be normal.

But normal is one thing I'm not.

For one thing, I'm having these feelings for a certain antisocial werewolf and his sweet-tempered brother—who just happens to be a sorcerer—but, between you and me, I'm leaning toward the werewolf.

Not normal.

My friends and I are also on the run from an evil corporation that wants to get rid of us—permanently.

Definitely not normal.

And finally, I'm a genetically altered necro-mancer who can raise the dead, rotting corpses and all, without even trying.

As far away from normal as it gets.

Happy Holiday! And have fun entering all of the giveaways! - Aly

Rules for the Contest:

1. Please do not enter any personal information in the comments section, you must complete the Entry Form to officially enter the contest.
2.  The Contest runs from 12:00 a.m. December 21st to 11:59 p.m. PST on December 22nd.
3.  You must be a follower of this blog to enter.
4.  You must be 13 or older to participate in this contest.
5.  Comments are nice and always appreciated but will not enter you into the contest.
6.  You must indicate at least two giveaways that you would like to enter.  There will be a total of 3 winners selected.  If one of your choices were already selected, you will receive the second choice. 
7.  If you are selected as a winner, I will notify you by e-mail.  If you do not respond within 48 hours, I will select a new winner.
8.  International participants are welcome to enter the contest.



Here is a list of all the participating blogs:

Book Review - The Twelve Bots of Christmas

Author/Illustrator: Nathan Hale
Publisher: Walker Books for Young Children (October 1, 2010)
Reading Level: 4 to 8 years old
Source: Personal Copy
Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars

Description from GoodReads:
Take one robotic Santa, nine cyber-reindeer pulling his techno-sleigh, and twelve days of Christmas circuitry and wizardry—and this incredible holiday offering is guaranteed to add up to every gear-head's delight!
This unique spin on the familiar song just begs to be read aloud, as it retains the cadence and lyricism of the original. With two turbo doves and three wrench hens leading the way, young readers will be thrilled to join Robo-Santa on his annual round of gift giving. Nathan Hale has created a special delivery for all robot fans.

If you are a fan of The Twelve Days of Christmas and like collecting various versions of the same book, then Nathan Hale's The Twelve Bots of Christmas would be a fun addition to a collection.  The verse follows the traditional song with substitutions such as "Two Turbo-Doves" for "Two Turtle Doves" or "Four Calling Borgs" vs. "Four Calling Birds" which allows for children to sing the song as you would its traditional counterpart. 

The brilliant part of this book for me was the illustrations.  The book opens with Robo-Santa in a space-ship like sled led by eight mechanical reindeer.  Rather than a partridge in a pear tree though there is a"cartridge in a gear tree".  The realistic eyes of the "wrench hens" are designed from screws and the neck/head/beak of the "geese-o-matics" truly conjure up images of geese.  I admire the work and illustrations of Hale.  He uses bright colors, and sharp images that make the imaginative pictures pop on the page.  Readers will pick up new things with each perusal through the book.  And I have feeling that if I was more of a sci-fi fan that there may be some nods to the work of other famous robots.

If there is a robot fan in your life, then this would make a great gift.