Madeline Finn and the Library Dog, Written and Illustrated by Lisa Papp

Madeline Finn hates to read. She especially hates to read out loud. She sometimes can't figure out the words, and some classmates giggle when she makes a mistake. Her teacher encourages Madeline to keep trying. Madeline would love to get a star sticker from her teacher, but stars are for good readers. The only sticker Madeline gets tells her to keep trying! Stars are for wishes, so Madeline wishes for a star sticker, but the whole week, Madeline doesn't get a star. When her mother takes Madeline to the library, she tells the librarian that she doesn't like to read. Today the library is special. the librarian takes Madeline to a room where there are dogs. Dogs in the library! She introduces Madeline to Bonnie, a beautiful white dog, and asks Madeline if she would like to read to Bonnie. Madeline decides to give it a try. As she reads to Bonnie, she makes many mistakes, but Bonnie doesn't giggle and listens patiently. Every Saturday Madeline reads to Bonnie. One day, Bonnie is not there, and Madeline is disappointed. On top of that, she is worried about reading at school, her mother tells her to pretend she's reading to Bonnie. Madeline is asked to read at school. She quietly starts to read, and before she knows it, she's done! Madeline has earned her star! Madeline goes to the library to tell the librarian she wants to give Bonnie her star. The librarian tells her that Bonnie has a surprise for her as well. She takes Madeline to Bonnie, and there she is...with her puppies!

A sweet book with a clear message for reluctant readers...keep reading! The pencil and watercolor drawings have a soft, vintage look to them and complement the tone of the text.

Mark's Book Picks Score: 3.5

Reading Level: 2.3 • Interest Level: K-3 • AR Points: 0.5 • Lexile Level: 520 • Publisher: Peachtree • Pages: 32 • Copyright: 2016 • ISBN: 978-1-561-45910-0 • Available in Perma-Bound Binding

CYRM 2020/21 Nominee, Primary

Poor Louie, Written and Illustrated by Tony Fucile

Louie is a spoiled chihuahua, used to total and undivided attention from his 'parents'. Going on walks, going shopping, getting ice cream, dinner, a movie and a kiss goodnight. Then one day, things started to change. Unexpected guests with small creatures that wouldn't leave Louie alone. Louie's parents have kicked him out of their bed. And most unusual, Mom's stomach has been getting bigger! Then they started buying things in twos! Could it be there will be two new creatures in the house! Suddenly, Mom and Dad left in a hurry, and left Louie alone. That was the last straw for Louie. It was time for Louie to gather his things and runaway.

The illustrations are simple but expressive with mostly white backgrounds, line drawings and fill color. The use of scale, composition and text size help convey Louie's feelings. Poor Louie is a perfect allegory for how kids might feel when they are expecting a new sibling. 

Mark's Book Picks Score: 4

Reading Level: 1.8 • Interest Level: P-2 • AR Points: 0.5 • Lexile Level: 480 • Publisher: Candlewick • Pages: 40 • Copyright: 2017 • ISBN: 978-0-7636-5828-1 • Available in Perma-Bound Binding

CYRM 2020/21 Nominee, Primary

Alfie: The Turtle that Disappeared written and illustrated by Thyra Heder

A sweet story about Nia, who gets a pet turtle on her sixth birthday. Nia  calls the turtle Alfie and for the next year becomes her best friend, reading him stories, making him gifts and teaching him to wiggle dance. Approaching her seventh birthday, here interest is waning, but then Alfie disappears. 

Now told from Alfie's point of view, Alfie appreciates all that Nia has done for him. He wantsbto make her as happy as she has made him by finding her a present for her seventh birthday. He leaves his aquarium to search for the perfect gift.

The ink and watercolor illustrations are sweet, and fill the pages with compositions that show the alternate perspectives of Nia and Alfie. A fun read aloud that is sure to bring up conversations about a variety of pet experiences.

Mark's Book Picks Score: 3.5

Reading Level: 2.5 • Interest Level: K-3 • AR Points: 0.5 • Lexile Level: 490 • Publisher: Harry N. Abrams • Pages: 48 • Copyright: 2017 • ISBN: 978-1-419-72529-6 • Available in Perma-Bound Binding

CYRM 2020/21 Nominee, Primary 

Queen of the Sea by Dylan Meconis

Margaret is part of the St. Elysia Convent located on a tiny island off the eastern coast of the island kingdom of Albion. There are ten others on the island, comprised mostly of nuns and a few workers, of which Margaret is one. She was brought to the island when she was a baby, for reasons that are a mystery to her. Twice a year the island is visited by a ship that brings supplies, and sometimes new residents. A ship appears on the horizon, but the supply ship is not due for months. Worried that the ship may have nefarious purposes, the nuns quickly lock away important items and documents, preparing to protect themselves and the convent. It turns out that the ship brings a mysterious visitor cloaked in secrecy, accompanied by Her Reverence, Mother Mary Clemence and two guards, the nuns take them in as ordered by Albion's Queen Catherine.  Mother Mary and her guards watch every move the mysterious visitor takes, limiting where she goes on the island, and whom she talks to.


The visitor will eventually help to reveal what this island convent actually is, why the visitor is so carefully guarded, and ultimately who Margaret really is and why she was sent there.  

This historical graphic novel is loosely based on the exile of Queen Elizabeth I by her sister, Queen Mary during Renaissance England. Woven in the story is information about cultural, convent and religious rituals. I felt these interludes interrupted the story, and more often than not, didn't really add to understanding. The ending is a bit disappointing as it is clear that this will be a series, and leaves you hanging. The art work is well done, and its range of cold grays to warm earth tones help convey the mood. Good, but not great.

Mark's Book Picks Score: 3.5

Reading Level: 4.7 • Interest Level: 5-9 • AR Points: 10 • Lexile Level: GN710 • Publisher: Candlewick Press • Pages: 400 • Copyright: 2019 • ISBN: 978-1-536-20498-8 • Available in Perma-Bound Binding

The Important Thing about Margaret Wise Brown, Written by Mac Barnett, Illustrated by Sarah Jacoby

Many of you know the book Good Night Moon. Many of you don't know its author, Margaret Wise Brown. Mac Barnett has made sure that people know the author of some of our most beloved  children's books, and why she is important.

Barnett writes the book in a very conversational style, taking on some of Margaret Wise Brown's unique stylizations. He admits early on that in 42 pages he cannot cover her entire life, so he will cover what is important. He goes on to reveal Brown's love of animals, especially rabbits, and some of her quirky, unpredictable behaviors. Why is this important you ask? They are important, because they help you understand the basis for, and the reason behind her unique, quirky, and groundbreaking children's books. He then goes on to talk about her difficulty in getting them published, recognized and read. He spends several pages talking about Anne Carroll Moore, the children's librarian at the New York City Public Library. Her influence on library purchases across the country was profound. If she didn't like a book, it was not recommended for purchase, and she did not like Margaret Wise Brown's books. At all.

Eventually, Anne Carroll Moore retired, and although Margaret Wise Brown's books were unusual, people liked them, and the word spread. At the end Barnett touchingly explains that every good book will have a reader that doesn't like it. That while a book may be strange and unusual, so is life. Books like this are true, and books that are true are important. Children need important books, and it was important that Margaret Wise Brown wrote books. 

For read alouds, I would introduce and read some of Brown's books first, so children are familiar with the stories, subject and tone of her writing. With younger ones, you'll need to do a lot of explaining and editing. For older kids, especially ones already familiar with her work, the book can lead to discussions about writing, writing style, author's, and the influence of author's lives on their work.

Mark's Book Picks Score: Non-Fiction

Dewey: 921 • Reading Level: 4.2 • Interest Level: K-3 • AR Points: 0.5 • Lexile Level: 620 • Publisher: HarperCollins • Pages: 42 • Copyright: 2019 • ISBN: 978-0-06-239344-9 • Available in Perma-Bound Binding

Emmanuel's Dream: The True Story of Emmanuel Ofosu Yeboah by Laurie Ann Thompson, Illustrated by Sean Qualls

Born in Ghana, Emmanuel Ofosu Yeboah, faced a difficult life, born with only one functioning leg. While his mother, Comfort, had hope and love for Emmanuel, the village thought he was cursed and his father abandoned the family.  Emmanuel prospered through determination and grit. With his mother falling ill, Emmanuel, only thirteen,  left home to go earn money to help support his family. At fifteen, his mother's condition became very grave, so he came home to say goodbye. His mother's parting words inspired him to bicycle around Ghana. No one at home would support his idea, so he wrote to Challenged Athletes Foundation in San Diego, who sent him all the equipment he needed.

Wearing a shirt printed with "The Pozo" or "the disabled person," he rode through Ghana, gaining notoriety, as he talked  to disabled and able bodied people about the value of disabled people. Completing his journey in 10 days, Emmanuel became a national hero. Using his fame he became an agent of change in Ghana, helping to pass the Persons with Disabilities Act, ensuring the rights of the disabled in Ghana.

The mixed-media illustrations are bold, graphic, and beautifully help to convey the story. An inspirational story for both younger and older children, and will help teach that despite our limitations our potential is limitless.

Mark's Book Picks Score: Non-Fiction

Dewey: 362.4092 • Reading Level: 4.4 • Interest Level: K-3 • AR Points: 0.5 • Lexile Level: 770 • Publisher: Random House • Pages: 40 • Copyright: 2015 • ISBN: 978-0-449-81744-5 • Available in Perma-Bound Binding

The Very Impatient Caterpillar, Written andI llustrated by Ross Buach

Ever have a feeling of being left out? Being behind the curve? Being impatient? Being the one that everyone else is impatient with? Well, THATS the impatient caterpillar!

When impatient caterpillar sees his buddies leaving, he wants to know where they are going. "We're going to metamorphize." Having no idea what they are talking about, he has to catch up quickly. The story takes us through the metamorphosis process, with impatient caterpillar clueless and impatient each step of the way. The pencil and acrylic illustrations are bold, colorful, and clearly evoke the bewilderment and anxiety of the impatient caterpillar. The text is just as bold and expressive. This is a fun read aloud, that if done with the same expressiveness as the text and pictures, will have the audience roaring with laughter. Perfect as an introduction to a science unit, but a good read at any time.

Mark's Book Picks Score: 5

Reading Level: 1.7 • Interest Level: K-3 • AR Points: 0.5 • Lexile Level: 260 • Publisher: Scholastic • Pages: 32 • Copyright: 2019 • ISBN: 978-1-338-28941-1 • Available in Perma-Bound Binding

The Undefeated by Kwame Alexander, illustrated by Kadir Nelson

The Undefeated is Kwame Alexander's (author of The Crossover) poem written as a tribute to his new born daughter and the election of Barack Obama, the first African American president. It honors the rich history of African Americans as well as recognizes their hardship and struggle for freedom and equity that continues to this day. It beautifully rejoices achievements in the arts, sports, civil rights and culture as well as pays somber tribute to events and sacrifices made in slave trade, the Civil War, and the lives of African Americans taken by prejudice and hate.

 

Kadir Nelson's oil on panels are rich and powerful. The pages of black text on blank white pages help communicate the message and its importance. This is appropriate for all age groups and can spark a multitude of conversations regarding all aspects of race, slavery, heroism, as well as personal and communal achievement. 

Mark's Book Picks Score: Non-Fiction

Dewey: 811 • Reading Level: 2.6 • Interest Level: K-3 • AR Points: 0.5 • Lexile Level: NA • Publisher: Houghton Mifflin • Pages: 40• Copyright: 2018 • ISBN: 978-1-328-78096-6 • Available in Perma-Bound Binding

Americanized; Rebel Without a Green Card by Sara Saedi

Sara Saedi's funny and sometimes poignant memoir takes us through her life growing up in the bay area of California. Emigrating from Iran to America with her family when she was just two years old, Sara recounts her struggles and follies balancing her life as a teenage girl, who has whole heartedly adapted to American culture, with her traditional Persian extended and immediate family. She doesn't hold back, letting us in on her puberty, crushes, drug use, devotion to family and the fear of deportation, growing up as an undocumented immigrant.  She provides plenty of background information without judgement to provide context to her life and what is happening to her.  The introduction that provides historical background on the fall of the shah in Iran is one of the best I've read. 

Excellent to use in classrooms to open discussion on immigration, "illegal" aliens, Dreamers, and what their American experience is. 

Mark's Book Picks Score: Non-Fiction

Dewey: 921 • Reading Level: 7.5 • Interest Level: 9-12 • AR Points: 11 • Lexile Level: 1030 • Publisher: Random House • Pages: 291 • Copyright: 2019 • ISBN: 978-1-524-71782-7 • Available in Perma-Bound Binding

Her Right Foot by Dave Eggers, Art by Shawn Harris

A fun, engaging and informative lesson on the history behind the Statue of Liberty, focusing on a rarely discussed aspect of the statue, the statue's right foot.

Dave Egger's text speaks to the reader with sarcasm and wit, which draws your attention, and makes this an especially fine read aloud. Some younger children will not get some of the NY centric references, but they will surely sense the humor behind it. Shawn Harris's illustrations are simple and bold, created in construction paper and India ink. You will instantly recognize the colors from old-school construction paper.

Most importantly, the book speaks to the idealism of the statue and what it represents. While our country is currently battling the immigration question, the book addresses the ideals the country was founded on, how the statue symbolizes those ideals, and how we must continue to move towards those ideals. A fantastic non-fiction picture book for all ages.

Mark's Book Picks Score: Non-Fiction

Dewey: 973 • Reading Level: 4.5 • Interest Level: K-3 • AR Points: 0.5 • Lexile Level: NC800L • Publisher: Chronicle • Pages: 104 • Copyright: 2017 • ISBN: 978-1-452-16281-2 • Available in Perma-Bound Binding

New Kid by Jerry Craft

Jordan Banks is a gifted artist and now that he's entering 7th grade, wants to go to a school of the arts. His mother and father have a different idea. Jordan is smart, very smart and they want him to attend one of the best, and most expensive prep schools in NYC. A far cry from his Washington Heights neighborhood. Jordan relents, but now must learn how to fit in to a foreign environment. Jordan is only one of two people of color at rich and white Riverdale Prep. He now must learn to navigate the rich, elitist culture at his school, while balancing it with his friends from his working class neighborhood.  How does he fit in with both worlds and stay true to himself? Jordan deals with the hidden racism and social pitfalls in a sweet poignant way. He navigates insensitive bullies, problematic girls, and a foreign school culture. His parents are supportive and loving, but oft times embarrassing, as most parents are for middle schoolers. Readers will laugh, but be endeared to Jordan, and cheer for him throughout.

Jerry Craft's artwork is graphic and creative. I also liked how each chapter title is a parody of a movie title. I highly recommend this to all readers, but in particular to those teachers how find graphic novels unacceptable literature. Graphic novels are an excellent bridge for reluctant readers, and contain all aspects of literature, allowing them to be easily adapted into a literature curriculum.

Mark's Book Picks Score: 4

Reading Level: 2.9 • Interest Level: 4-7 • AR Points: 2 • Lexile Level: 320 • Publisher: HarperCollins • Pages: 249 • Copyright: 2019 • ISBN: 978-0-06-269119-4 • Available in Perma-Bound Binding

The 57 Bus by Dashka Slater

A true account of a crime that occurred in a bus on the 57 line in Oakland CA in November of 2013. Sasha, a non-binary white teen from middle-class Oakland, regularly rides the 57 bus to get to their private school. Richard, a black teen from a poverty and crime ridden area, rides the 57 bus to get to his large public school. As Sasha is sleeping on the bus, Richard acts on a dare from his friends to use his lighter to set Sasha's clothes on fire. The singular, impulsive act, will change Sasha's and Richard's life forever. Sasha suffering from disfiguring burns, and Richard charged as an adult with two hate crimes facing a life time in prison.

Dashka Slater unfolds the event in a narrative style, but is very even handed in her treatment of Richard and Sasha. Detailed background information gives a very complete picture of the two youths; of where they come from and who they are. Richard is not presented as an evil demon, nor is Sasha portrayed as the perfect upper-middle class white teen. Both their stories are told with empathy and compassion, but does not take a position that points a finger as to guilt or innocence. 

A truly compelling story that requires thoughtful reading. The wish of Sasha to be referred to with non-binary pronouns in the text make the reading a little more difficult. While there is nothing inappropriate for the middle schooler (except the singular act of violence), because of the content, I would keep this in the high school. Will spark many conversations along a multitude of topics. 

Mark's Book Picks Score: Non-Fiction

Dewey: 920 • Reading Level: 6.5 • Interest Level: 7-12 • AR Points: 8 • Lexile Level: 930 • Publisher: Farrar, Straus, Giroux • Pages: 305 • Copyright: 2017 • ISBN: 978-0-374-30323-5 • Available in Perma-Bound Binding

Ghost by Jason Reynolds

Castle Cranshaw, who calls himself Ghost, knows his game. He's always running from trouble and prefers to be on the basketball court over school. On his way home from school, Ghost is intrigued when he sees a group being coached to run. As he watches, he gets cocky and challenges one of the best runners to a race. The coach, fed up with Ghost allows it. The race was close, and the coach is impressed. So impressed that he offers Ghost a position on the team.

Ghost is reluctant, and knows his mother will not allow it, but the coach is insistent and his mother relents. The relationship between Coach Brody and Ghost is now cemented and it will have a profound effect on Ghost. What the coach doesn't know is why Ghost runs, and what he is running from...

The relationship between Ghost and his coach will frustrate you and warm you. A beautiful coming of age story. Jason Reynolds is a gifted writer. The verse flows and the word choice makes the text melodic. My first Jason Reynolds novel, but not my last. 

Mark's Book Picks Score: 4

Reading Level: 4.6 • Interest Level: 4-7 • AR Points: 6 • Lexile Level: 730 • Publisher: Atheneum • Pages: 181 • Copyright: 2017 • ISBN: 978-1-481-45016-8 • Available in Perma-Bound Binding

Pay Attention, Carter Jones by Gary Schmidt

Carter Jones, a sixth grade student at Longfellow Middle School, has a messy life. With his father in the military and stationed overseas, it leaves his mother to keep Carter and his sisters—Emily (a second-grader), Charlie (fourth-grader), and Annie (fifth-grader)—on schedule and in order. A new school year is starting and chaos ensues getting ready for the first day. The doorbell rings and an unexpected person enters their lives. Mr. August Paul Bowles-Fitzpatrick is going to bring order to their house and profoundly change their lives.

Mr. Bowles-Fitzpatrick has been employed by Carter's recently passed paternal grandfather, who bequeathed the services of  his butler to the family. Mr. Bowles-Fitzpatrick quickly assumes control, easing stress on Carter's mother by directing the kids to do their part around the house. He is firm but fair, and the kids reluctantly acquiesce to his demands. Mr. Bowles-Fitzpatrick drives the kids to school every day in his British Bentley, a bold, purple car that Carter dubs "the Eggplant". The Butler never fails to send each young Jones off to school with the same advice: "Make good decisions and remember who you are." 

Mr. Bowles-Fitzpatrick recruits Carter and his best friend, Billy Colt, to learn the British sport of cricket, having to share limited field time with the cross-country team. Coach Krosoczka and the cross-country running team are intrigued, and soon the Butler teaches the eighth-grade runners to play and excel at cricket, a game he perceives as superior to baseball.

Carter's life seems to be settling, but he harbors a past that haunts him and he is unwilling to share. When he learns that his father is not returning anytime soon, his disappointment turns to anger. It becomes apparent that Mr. Bowles-Fitzpatrick was sent for more important reasons; to help Carter rise above adversity and unlock his potential.

While a good read, it's not among Gary Schmidt's best. See my reviews for Lizzie Bright and the Buckminster Boy, The Wednesday Wars, Okay for Now, or Orbiting Jupiter for  better reads.

Mark's Book Picks Score: 3.8

Reading Level: 5.3 • Interest Level: 4-7 • AR Points: 7 • Lexile Level: 840 • Publisher: Houghton Mifflin • Pages: 217 • Copyright: 2019 • ISBN: 978-0-544-79085-8 • Available in Perma-Bound Binding

Ghost Boys by Jewell Parker Rhodes

In a scene that has happened all too often, this book has become even more relevant since I first read this book.

Jerome is a 12 year old African American boy who is shot and killed by a police officer while playing with his toy gun. As his spirit rises, as a ghost, he is able to observe the heartbreak wrought upon his family, as well as the devastation and acrimony brought upon his community.

We get to know Jerome from chapters alternating between when he was alive and his current state as a ghost. We learn that Jerome was a very average, unassuming young man with potential. As a ghost, he is confused as to why he was killed, and needs answers. He meets the ghost of Emmitt Till, the African American boy lynched in the 50's, who helps Jerome understand and process what has happened to him. As he visits the home of the police officer who shot him, he discovers that there is one living person that can see and communicate with him...the young daughter of the police officer.

What this situation sets up allows the story to explain and explore the systemic racism our country faces, the devastation wrought upon the families and communities in which it occurs, and allows us to explore both sides; the side of the victim of the racism, and the perpetrator. 

Well written, Jewell Parker Rhodes as created a perfect vehicle, at a perfect time, to learn, discuss and explore our options/solutions to the systemic racism/#BlackLivesMatter facing our country to young people. 

Mark's Book Pick Score: 4

Reading Level: 3 • Interest Level: 5-9 • AR Points: 3AR • Lexile:360L • Publisher: Little, Brown • 217 Pages • Copyright: 2019 • ISBN: 978-0-316-26226-2 • Available in Perma-Bound binding

The Toll by Neal Shusterman

The final installment to the Arc of a Scythe trilogy is an intense and explosive ending to what I believe is Neal Shusterman's finest dystopian series (my favorite singular novel is Bruiser).

If you're reading this review, you've probably already read the first two installments; Scythe and Thunderhead.  I can't reveal too much without spoilers. I will tell you that there is resolution. Thundering, earth shattering resolution.  I can also tell you that there is much political commentary here, with so many parallels to the current political climate.

Marks Book Pick's Score: 5

Reading Level: 6.6 • Interest Level: 7-12 • AR Points: 24 • Lexile:850L
Publisher: Simon & Shusterman • 625 Pages • Copyright: 2019 • ISBN: 978-1-481-49706-0 • Available in Perma-Bound binding

When Angels Sing; The Story of Rock Legend Carlos Santana by Michael Mahin, art by Jose Ramirez

This picture book is as colorful and beautiful as the music of the subject of this book, Carlos Santana. Jose Ramirez's illustrations in acrylic and enamel markers pop from the page with their color, graphic simplicity and latin flavor. Michael Martin's text brings Santana's story to life in an unconventional way. The story of Carlos Santana is told in the second person to Carlos Santana himself. It's as if "the angels" are telling Carlos the story of his life.

Carlos was born into a supportive family in Mexico. His father was a traveling violinist. He felt his father's music made angels real, made them sing for people. Carlos wanted that too, so he started playing the clarinet, trumpet and violin, but none satisfied him. He heard the blues and the guitar and that was what he wanted. His father sent him an old battered guitar, which he learned to play himself, from his heart. His family was poor, but eventually immigrated to San Francisco. Life was hard but eventually Carlos found that a combination of blues, jazz and rock was unique and drew a following for his Santana Blues Band. It was not until he performed in front of 400,000 people at the Woodstock Music Festival did Carlos discover that he was looking for the angels in the wrong place, the angels were inside himself all the time. Carlos became and is a world famous musician that makes people feel and enjoy music in a way that they never had before.

The book speaks to the struggle success comes with, and that failure is what pushes us forward. A picture book for older readers. A fine read-aloud, but would be best accompanied by Santana's music.

Mark's Book Picks Score: Non-Fiction

Dewey: 921 • Reading Level: 4.0 • Interest Level: K-3 • AR Points: 0.5 • Lexile Level: 610 • Publisher: Atheneum • Pages: 48 • Copyright: 2018 • ISBN: 978-1-534-40413-7 • Available in Perma-Bound Binding

Max & the Midknights by Lincoln Peirce

After reading such heavy, depressing books, I needed something light. Sent to me a few months ago as an advance reader copy, Max & the Midnights sat with a pile of other books. In my depression, I looked at the cover, saw that the author is the writer of the Big Nate series, and decided that this just might be the right medicine...

Max travels from town to town with his troubadour uncle, Budrick. This is the middle ages, and travel like this can be dangerous. Max is frustrated with Uncle Budrick, as he is a poor business man, and consistently loses focus on what he's doing. Max is bored, and wants nothing to do with this troubadour business. Max wants to be a knight! They approach a town called Byjovia, which Max finds out is Uncle Budrick's hometown, and was once in knight school there.  This amazes Max, as Uncle Budrick is such a wuss...the reason he is now a troubadour.  Lo and behold, as they travel to Byjovia they are threatened by a robber. While Uncle Budrick freaks out, Max hits him in the head with a rock. It's lights out for the robber, and Max takes his knife. As they approach Byjovia, Uncle Budrick talks of Byjovia's kind king, King Conrad. When they get to the city gates, they notice that people are cold and mean. They find out King Conrad has died, and has been replaced with his scalawag brother, Gastley. King Gastley's cruelty has rubbed off on his subjects, making Byjovia an unwelcoming place. Max can't put up with this, and speaks up to the King. King Gastley takes Max, but Uncle Budrick pleads mercy and offers himself. King Gastley takes Uncle Budrick captive as his personal troubadour. And so the adventure starts, how will Max save Uncle Budrick?

Max & the Midknights is half graphic, and half text...well, maybe a little more graphic than text. It is a fun romp with puns and jokes galore. It's a simple story, and while somewhat predictable, who cares? It's what we look for in a story like this! While fun, there is a  strong agenda here in gender equity, family, and friendship. Ideal for upper elementary and middle school.
Marks Book Pics Score: 3.5

Reading Level: 3.0 • Interest Level: 3-6 • AR Points: NA • Lexile: NA 
Publisher: Crown Publishers • 279 Pages • Copyright: 2019 • ISBN: 978-1-10-193108-0 • Available in Perma-Bound binding.

Bridge of Clay by Markus Zusak

Matthew Dunbar is pecking away on an old Remington typewriter to tell the story of his brother Clay. The story comes out as jumbled memories, with no time continuity, that ultimately goes beyond his brother Clay and becomes a sweeping saga of the Dunbar Family. There are five Dunbar boys, Matthew, the narrator, Rory, Henry, Clay, and Tommy. The boys live by themselves in a house on Archer Street. Their father, who abandoned them, is thought of as The Murderer, because the boys feel he took their lives when he left.  He suddenly reappears, and is greeted with hurt and anger. Their father lives several hours away in the country, and has come back to ask his boys to help him construct a bridge. All his sons refuse, except one, the one that said "Hi, Dad." That one is Clay. Clay leaves his brothers, with much resentment on their part, to help his father build a bridge. A bridge that ultimately becomes a metaphor for the bridge that brings the Dunbar family back together. The story beautifully unfolds revealing the back stories of their father, Michael, their mother Penny, and of Clay. This is a story of warmth, love, family and extreme grief.

I will not lie, this is a difficult book. The story jumps time and place; there is no continuity. Parts drag on with horse racing details that add little to the story's progression. Yet it's a story that is so poetic, told with such love, that I couldn't help but embrace it and read with tears often streaming. I well up just writing about it. This book will be with me for a very long time.

Bridge of Clay  is really an adult book. While marketed as YA in the U.S., it is considered adult elsewhere. For mature high school readers and beyond. The story's value is in the way these five brothers hold together, overcome their hardships and grief, and how the strength of family provides a bond that can't be broken.
Mark's Book Picks Score: 5

Reading Level: 5.3 • Interest Level: 9-12 • AR Points: 19 • Lexile: HL650L 
Publisher: Alfred A. Knopf • 537 Pages • Copyright: 2018 • ISBN: 978-1-9848301-5-9 • Available in Perma-Bound binding.

Dry by Neal and Jarrod Shusterman

Living in Southern California my entire life, I get earthquakes, fire and drought. I made it through the Northridge earthquake, I was recently evacuated because of the Woolsey fire, and my grass is a parched brown in the summer. I conserve water, as a good citizen should, but have never given a second thought to the thought of the tap running dry. Until Now.

Dry, while somewhat dystopian, explores what would happen if the tap went dry, called the Tap-Out. Taking place in a quiet suburban Orange County neighborhood, Dry is told through the voice of alternating characters, but primarily Alyssa. Alyssa, lives with her parents and 10 year-old brother Garrett. The government, warning that water supplies are extremely low, has turned off all water. Her parents seem unconcerned, feeling the crisis will end soon. Slow to react, by the time they go to Costco to get water, all supplies are gone, and the atmosphere has become every-man-for-himself. With supplies running low, her parents go to get water from a desalinization facility set up on the beach. They never come back. Left to their own resources, Alyssa and her brother turn to their survivalist neighbors, the McCrackens. Kelton McCracken is your Boy Scout geek that always has an answer. Kelton's one weakness is Alyssa, having had a long crush on her. Kelton warns Alyssa that society will break down very soon. Against his better judgement, Alyssa convinces Kelton to go with her to look for her parents. As society quickly disintegrates, and not finding her parents, Alyssa and Kelton return to find their neighborhood a war zone. Now it is all about survival.

As Alyssa, Kelton and Garrett struggle to survive, they meet some nefarious characters along the way; Jacqui, a fiercely independent squatter, living in unoccupied vacation homes, and Henry, a slimy conniving self-serving huckster. The story unfolds through their four voices (Garrett only gets one little chapter). Occasionally the story is interspersed with informational "snapshots"  that add to the understanding of the situation and what is going on.

Dry hits very close to home. In fact, I was reading it as the hills behind my house were burning and we were evacuated. Seeing the way first responders mobilized, and the way the community responded, made the premise more difficult for me to accept. Shusterman, and his son, Jarrod, do an excellent job of setting the ground work, building the characters, and creating an exciting story arc. While not my favorite Shusterman stand-alone novel (that would be Bruiser), it is very good.
Mark's Book Picks Score: 3.5

Reading Level: 7.0 • Interest Level: 7-12 • AR Points: NA • Lexile: NA  
Publisher: Simon & Shuster • 390 Pages • Copyright: 2018 • ISBN: 978-1-481-48196-0 • Available in Perma-Bound binding.