Please enable JavaScript
8 - 12 | Page 87 | LitPick Book Reviews
8 - 12
Toby and the Secrets of the Tree
Toby and the Secrets of the Tree
Sarah Ardizzone, Francois Place, Timothee de Fombelle
A breathless, high-stakes quest to save the miniature world of the Tree —and reunite loved ones lost —unfolds with wit, suspense, and startling revelations. (Ages 9 and up)Toby’s world is under greater threat than ever before. A giant crater has been dug right into the center of the Tree, moss and lichen have invaded the branches, and one tyrant controls it all. Leo Blue, once Toby’s best friend, is holding Toby’s beloved Elisha prisoner, hunting the Grass People with merciless force, and inflicting a life of poverty and fear on the Tree People. But after several years among the Grass People, Toby has returned to fight back. And this time he’s not alone: a resistance is forming. In the much-anticipated sequel to the award-winning TOBY ALONE, the compelling eco-adventure reaches its gripping conclusion.

Book Details

The Night Fairy
The Night Fairy
Angela Barrett, Laura Amy Schlitz
From 2008 Newbery Medalist Laura Amy Schlitz comes an exhilarating new adventure — and a thoroughly original fairy who is a true force of nature. (Ages 7-11)What would happen to a fairy if she lost her wings and could no longer fly? Flory, a young night fairy no taller than an acorn and still becoming accustomed to her wings — wings as beautiful as those of a luna moth — is about to find out. What she discovers is that the world is very big and very dangerous. But Flory is fierce and willing to do whatever it takes to survive. If that means telling others what to do — like Skuggle, a squirrel ruled by his stomach — so be it. Not every creature, however, is as willing to bend to Flory’s demands. Newbery Medal winner Laura Amy Schlitz and world-renowned illustrator and miniaturist Angela Barrett venture into the realm of the illustrated classic — a classic entirely and exquisitely of their making, and a magnificent adventure.

Book Details

Samurai Kids #4: Monkey Fist
Samurai Kids #4: Monkey Fist
Rhian Nest James, Sandy Fussell
The diversely talented Samurai Kids set off to rescue their friend — and find secrets in their midst -as the action-packed martial-arts series continues.The Samurai Kids are ready to travel back from China to the Cockroach Ryu, nestled in Japan's Tateyama Mountains. But then the unthinkable happens: Kyoko, one of the Cockroaches, is kidnapped. Sensei knows it is the mark of his old enemy Lu Zeng, an evil minister of the Forbidden City who is obsessed with eternal life. The Cockroaches must make a perilous journey to the Forbidden City, during which they encounter the mysterious, forest-dwelling Lin people. But Niya, the boy with one leg, has his trust tested when he learns that his best friend, Yoshi, is keeping secrets. Even worse, it seems that Sensei is not revealing all he knows either. Will all these secrets keep the Cockroaches from achieving their most important mission yet- rescuing Kyoko before Lu Zeng performs horrible experiments on her?

Book Details

The High Skies Adventures of Blue Jay the Pirate
The High-Skies Adventures of Blue Jay the Pirate
Scott Nash, Scott Nash
Hoist the Jolly Robin! Fly with a swashbuckling crew as they soar through the air — and evade danger on the ground — in search of treasure and lofty adventure.Captain Blue Jay, notorious and feared pirate of the skies, has a fondness for collecting treasure, especially eggs. Unfortunately, sometimes his treasure hatches, and this time the hatchling is the strangest one the Grosbeak has ever seen. No sailor is certain whether the chick is a young god or just an oversized bird who needs too much food, but one thing is clear: the winds over Thrushland are shifting, and dramatic changes are in store for all. Whether outwitting a gang of thieving crows, outrunning murderous fishers and weasels, or rallying Briarloch’s beleaguered sparrows, this motley crew must do all they can to stay together and stay alive. And that’s just the tip of the bird’s feather! Offering a bounty of illustrations and a host of memorable characters — from an endearing star-nosed mole to an unlikely little warrior with a vendetta — here is a treasure for anyone who has ever wanted to take to the skies and see where fortune blows.

Book Details

A Drowned Maiden's Hair: A Melodrama
A Drowned Maiden's Hair
Laura Amy Schlitz
"People throw the word 'classic' about a lot, but A DROWNED MAIDEN'S HAIR genuinely deserves to become one." — WALL STREET JOURNALMaud Flynn is known at the orphanage for her impertinence. So when the charming Miss Hawthorne chooses her to take home, the girl is pleased but baffled, until it becomes clear that she’s needed to help stage elaborate séances for bereaved patrons. As Maud is drawn deeper into the deception, playing her role as a "secret child," she is torn between her need to please and her growing conscience – until a shocking betrayal shows just how heartless her so-called guardians are. Filled with fascinating details of turn-of-the-century spiritualism and page-turning suspense, this lively novel features a feisty heroine whom readers will not soon forget.

Book Details

The Boy Who Climbed into the Moon
The Boy Who Climbed into the Moon
Polly Dunbar, David Almond
Crackpot notions, community spirit, and sky-high aspirationstransform a quiet boy’s life in this whimsical tale from the stellar team of David Almond and Polly Dunbar. (Ages 8-12)There are some strange ideas floating around in Paul’s apartment block. There’s Mabel, who now calls herself Molly and whose brother hides under a paper bag. Then there’s Clarence, the poodle who thinks he can fly. But the strangest notion of all is Paul’s. You see, Paul believes that the moon is not the moon but a great hole in the sky. And he knows that sausages are better than war. How on earth (or not) will he find out if he is bonkers or a genius? With a few equally bonkers (or genius) helpers and a very long ladder, that’s how! From a master of magical realism and a celebrated artist comes another delightfully outrageous expedition.

Book Details

Scream Street: Attack of the Trolls
Scream Street: Attack of the Trolls
Tommy Donbavand
Why is our trio beset with trolls? The shrieks keep coming as the spine-tingling series surges ahead!Luke, Resus, and Cleo are eager to begin their new quest. First stop, Count Negatov's castle! As the three make their way through the bleak, murky wilds of Transylvania, it looks like this adventure will be dull, but easy. Until they are kidnapped by trolls.

Book Details

The Flight of Dragons: The Fourth Tale from the Five Kingdoms (Tales from the Five Kingdoms)
The Flight of the Dragons
Ross Collins, Vivian French
How long does a dragon’s egg take to hatch? Find out as this hilariously macabre series continues. (Age 8 and up)In this deadly funny fourth Tale from the Five Kingdoms, it’s Gracie Gillypot’s birthday, and Prince Marcus plans to show her a flight of dragons as a special gift. But when greedy, chocolate-hungry twins awaken the banished Old Malignant One, evil magic and Total Oblivion threaten the Five Kingdoms. Gracie must find a powerful, long-forgotten dragon’s egg before the Old Malignant One does in order to save the day. With the help of a wayward troll, two chatty bats, and the ancient crones, can Gracie foil his rotten plans? And can she overcome a spoiled princess, a malicious crow, and loads of chocolate cake to do so?

Book Details

Roman Diary: The Journal of Iliona, A Young Slave (Historical Diaries)
Roman Diary
Relive the drama of the Roman Empire through the eyes of a young Greek slave in this latest installment in an acclaimed historical series.Iliona never imagined that her sea voyage from Greece to Egypt would lead her to Rome. But when her ship is boarded by pirates, that’s where she ends up — as a slave. Separated from her brother, Apollo, Iliona is soon at the whim of her owners, and the chance of regaining freedom seems like a distant dream. But unlike her brother’s plight, Iliona’s life as a slave isn’t as bad as she feared: her new family provides clothing, food, and even schooling, and best of all, she is free to explore the wonders of Rome. Step back to AD 107 and take in the luxury of the baths, the splendor of the Senate, the thrill of gladiatorial combat, and the excesses of Roman feasts in a fictional diary full of excitement, humor, and accurate historical detail.Back matter includes notes for the reader, a glossary, an index, and sources.

Book Details

31 Ways to Change the World
31 Ways to Change the World
We Are What We Do
Children have lots of ideas for changing the world — and here are thirty-one fun and simple ways to get started. (Ages 8-12)Small actions multiplied by lots of people equals big change! That’s the driving belief behind the social change movement We Are What We Do — and it infuses this lively, motivating book packed with action steps for younger readers. Incorporating the suggestions of thousands of children, tips range from stirring (stand up for something) to silly (walk your dad); from earth-friendly (don’t charge your phone overnight) to eye-opening (where is that Waldo?); from social (teach your granny to text) to downright surprising (speak soccer!). These thirty-one creative, original ideas are contributed by kids for kids — and each is guaranteed to have a clear and positive impact. Of course, the book would not be complete without a final question to the reader: what’s the one thing you would do to change the world?Back matter includes an author’s note and information about how to get involved.

Book Details

Pages



RECENT BOOK REVIEWS