CHASING VERMEER by Blue Balliett

Chasing Vermeer by Blue Balliett

Mystery, Art, Math

254 pages

Description

Kirkus Reviews starred (May 15, 2004)

Art, intrigue, and plenty of twists and turns make this art mystery a great read. Petra Andalee and Calder Pillay set out to find the connection between their teacher (a freewheeling constructivist teacher), the eccentric woman in their neighborhood, the bookstore owner, and an international art thief. Balliett intersperses fascinating information about Johannes Vermeer and his paintings throughout the two friends' quest to solve the mystery-a mystery layered with pentominoes (a mathematical tool consisting of 12 pieces), puzzling clues, and suspicious strangers. Helquist's detailed black-and-white chapter illustrations hold hidden messages, clues related to the pentominoes, and more puzzles. Fans of E.L. Konigsburg's From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler or Ellen Raskin's The Westing Game will find equal pleasure in this debut by a talented writer. (Fiction. 11-14)

 My Comments
Timeless, fun, quick-paced mystery. It would be great to pair this with a biography of Vermeer as well as a book of his paintings. A good choice for sixth graders.

ODDER by Katherine Applegate

 

Odder by Katherine Applegate

 

274 pages

 

Animal Fiction (inspired by true story), Sea Otters, Wildlife Conservation, Novel in Verse
Note: could be classified as realistic although through the lens of a sea otter

 

 

 

 

Description
Odder spends her days off the coast of central California, practicing her underwater acrobatics and spinning the quirky stories for which she's known. She's a fearless daredevil, curious to a fault. But when Odder comes face-to-face with a hungry great white shark, her life takes a dramatic turn, one that will challenge everything she believes about herself--and about the humans who hope to save her.

Inspired by the true story of a Monterey Bay Aquarium program that pairs orphaned otter pups with surrogate mothers, this poignant and humorous tale told in free verse examines bravery and healing through the eyes of one of nature's most beloved and charming animals.

 

My Comments
Educational and thoroughly engaging. An important book that shows the important rescue efforts of scientists to protect the endangered sea otter. Give this one to anyone, any age, but especially to animal lovers. This book could inspire students to grow up to be marine biologists or to go into other fields that help protect wildlife and the environment. A lovely and vitally important book. A favorite!

GUEST by Mary Downing Hahn

 

Guest by Mary Downing Hahn

Folklore, Fantasy, Horror (not too scary)

218 pages

Description

School Library Journal (September 1, 2019)

Gr 4-7-It's Mollie's fault when the Kinde Folke (a group of spiteful fairies who are neither delicate nor kind) kidnap her brother and leave Guest in his place-a sickly fairy halfling who does nothing but bite, pinch, eat...and tear her family apart. Eventually, a desperate Mollie treks to the Darklands with Guest in tow, determined to make the fairies give her brother back now that Guest is healthy again. Everyone they meet along the way has their own secret agenda, but worst of all is the Queen of the Kinde Folke. And Mollie's brother, once discovered, has no wish to leave his new family to return to a life of poverty with his old one. Can Mollie's bravery make up for her habit of speaking before she thinks? This tale by Hahn, notable for her "just right" scary stories for the upper elementary school crowd, is somewhat different than her usual offerings, veering more toward fantasy than horror. The creepy atmosphere and Mollie's determination offset her rather slow-moving journey to the Darklands, and the absence of neat endings lends a touch of reality. VERDICT A solid purchase for upper elementary school students who like a dark tale grounded in myth.-Elizabeth Friend, Wester Middle School, TX © Copyright 2019. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

My Comments

This is a great choice for grades 6-8, especially for those students looking for a short, engaging story. It offers a lot to think about and would be a great book for discussion, especially in terms of Mollie's growth. Hahn portrays Mollie growing into a kinder, less selfish girl as she grows more protective of the changeling who is shunned by all. I loved reading about Irish folklore. Highly recommend!

BOOKS FOR AVID 6th GRADE READERS!

BOOKS FOR READERS!

FANTASY

The Girl Who Drank the Moon by Kelly Barnhill

 2017 Newbery medal, the epic fantasy story in which a young girl raised by a witch, a swamp monster, and a Perfectly Tiny Dragon must unlock the dangerous magic buried deep inside her.

Kelly Barnhill

The Singer of All Songs by Kate Constable

Calwyn, a young priestess of ice magic, or "chantment," joins with other chanters who have different magical skills to fight a sorcerer who wants to claim all powers for his own

The Strangers (Greystone Secrets) by Margaret Haddix

Told from separate viewpoints, Chess, Emma, and Finn Greystone, ages twelve, ten, and eight, investigate why their mother went missing and uncover their ties to an alternate world.(Supernatural)

Seraphina by Rachel Hartman

In a world where dragons and humans coexist in an uneasy truce and dragons can assume human form, Seraphina, whose mother died giving birth to her, grapples with her own identity amid magical secrets and royal scandals, while she struggles to accept and develop her extraordinary musical talents. (Supernatural)

Rachel Hartman

note: mostly a YA author

Stravaganza: City of Masks

While sick in bed with cancer, Lucien begins making journeys to a place in a parallel world that resembles Venice, Italy, and he becomes caught up in the political intrigues surrounding the Duchessa who rules the city.

Stravaganza

Eye of the Moon by Dianne Hofmeyer

Isikara and her father tend the sacred crocodiles and assist at mummifications of both humans and animals. One day, they are ordered to a tomb. Two bodies are waiting for them--Queen Tiy and her eldest son, Tuthmosis. Tuthmosis has been poisoned but is clinging to life. With no time to spare, Isikara rescues the young prince and runs away with him. The pair find themselves on a journey across Egypt, searching for allies who will help Tuthmosis regain his throne. Their travels lead them along the Nile, across the desert, and through bustling market towns. All the while they must avoid their pursuers, the High Priests who wish to silence them. But there are dangers in the desert and all around. Who can they trust? And where will their adventure lead them?

In this gripping tale, published for the first time in the U.S., author Dianne Hofmeyr spins a web of intrigue, mystery and adventure, woven throughout with fascinating historical details about Ancient Egypt. (Publisher)

Warriors (series) Into the Wild by Erin Hunter

Rusty, a bored house kitten, is apprenticed by the ThunderClan and must struggle to fit in when the group of feral cats is threatened by ShadowClan, the enemy.

Phenomenal series! Adventure, courage, loyalty, betrayal...excitement. This series is addictive!

Warrior Cats

When the Sea Turned to Silver by Grace Lin

"Pinmei, a storyteller's granddaughter, must find the Luminous Stone that Lights the Night to rescue her grandmother, who has been kidnapped by the Tiger Emperor"--Provided by publisher. (China-History, Fiction/Storytelling/Fantasy)

Grace Lin

HISTORICAL FICTION

The War that Saved by Life (and sequel) by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley

A young disabled girl and her brother are evacuated from London to the English countryside during World War II, where they find life to be much sweeter away from their abusive mother.

Fever 1793 by Laurie Halse Anderson

Sixteen-year-old Matilda Cook, separated from her sick mother, learns about perseverance and self-reliance when she is forced to cope with the horrors of the yellow fever epidemic in Philadelphia in 1793.

Show Me a Sign by Ann Clare LeZotte

It is 1805 and Mary Lambert has always felt safe among the deaf community of Chilmark on Martha's Vineyard where practically everyone communicates in a shared sign language, but recent events have shattered her life; her brother George has died, land disputes between English settlers and the Wampanoag people are becoming increasingly bitter, and a "scientist" determined to discover the origins of the islands' widespread deafness has decided she makes the perfect "live specimen"--and has kidnapped her.

REALISTIC FICTION (sort of, but not always!)

Barbara Dee

"Misfit Tally is forced to room with queen bee Ava on the seventh grade's extended field trip to Washington, D.C., and discovers several surprising things about her roommate, including the possibility of an eating disorder"--Provided by publisher.

Tae Keller

The Science of Breakable Things by Tae Kellar

Natalie's year-long assignment to answer a question using the scientific process leads to truths about her mother's depression and her own cultural identity.

When You Trap a Tiger by Tae Keller

When Lily, her sister Sam, and their mother move in with her sick grandmother, Lily traps a tiger and makes a deal with him to heal Halmoni. (bits of fantasy mixed in with realistic fiction)

Tae Keller

Lynne Kelly

Song for a Whale by Lynne Kelly

Iris and her grandmother, both deaf, drive from Texas to Alaska armed with Iris's plan to help Blue-55, a whale unable to communicate with other whales. Compelling tale of a girl's search for a whale.

Lynne Kelly

Hello Universe by Lynne Kelly

The lives of four misfits are intertwined when a bully's prank lands shy Virgil at the bottom of a well and Valencia, Kaori, and Gen band together in an epic quest to find and rescue him.

Lynne Kelly

SCIENCE FICTION

Among the Hidden by Margaret Peterson Haddix (Shadow Children series)

In a future where the Population Police enforce the law limiting a family to only two children, Luke has lived all his twelve years in isolation and fear on his family's farm, until another "third" convinces him that the government is wrong.

Margaret Peterson Haddix

A Wrinkle in Time by Madeline L'Engle 

Meg Murry, her brother Charles, and their friend Calvin, embark on a journey through space and time, assisted by three otherworldly women, when they set out to find Meg's father, a physicist who disappeared while experimenting with time travel. (Space and time)

Madeline L'Engle

The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee Stewart (series)

Orphan Reynie Muldoon becomes a member of a crack team tasked to infiltrate the Learning Institute for the Very Enlightened. Their job: to discover the purpose behind subliminal messages emitted from the school. The children face danger and discovery, puzzles and plots, and their own mortal weaknesses. With its lively style, fresh character portrayals, and well-timed revelations, this story flies along. (Hornbook starred review)

LEONARD (MY LIFE AS A CAT) by Carlie Sorosiak

 

Leonard (My Life as a Cat) by Carlie Sorosiak

Description

School Library Journal (March 1, 2021)

Gr 4-7-On a helium planet far, far away, an unembodied species has the opportunity, on their 300th birthday, to travel to Earth and experience life as a human-at least, that's the plan. Our hero has decided he wants to be a park ranger in Yellowstone, but getting distracted while traveling via energy beam causes him to end up as a cat, rescued from a tropical storm in South Carolina by Olive, who names him Leonard. Problem is, at the end of his 30-day window, he'll need to be blown out of the Old Faithful geyser at Yellowstone, or he'll be stuck on Earth forever, and no longer immortal. As the days pass, Leonard comes to learn the joys of having a body (even if he does hack up a fur ball) and, even more, of love. His obligation to meet up with his own kind at Yellowstone, and the challenges of making the nearly 2,000-mile trip, grows more daunting every day. It's only when Leonard enlists the help of Olive and her family that things finally begin to make sense. While this charming story exists in the realm of science fiction, it is more an animal story than anything else, and perfect to hand to young cat lovers. Leonard's surprise at, and observations of, life in a cat's body is spot-on and frequently very funny. His authentic, deepening relationship with Olive-who has been told that she's "weird" because she loves to talk about animals-allows her to stand up and make her voice heard at an important juncture in her life. VERDICT Purchase where eccentric, humorous animal stories are popular.-Elizabeth Friend, Wester M.S., TX © Copyright 2021. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

My Comments

Wonderful! Leonard's observations about humans and life on earth create a very funny yet tender page turner. I absolutely could not put it down. This would be a great book for discussion groups. Quirky, adorable, but gives a lot to ponder. Love, love this one. A favorite!

NOTHING BUT TROUBLE by Jacqueline Davies

 

Nothing But Trouble by Jacqueline 

Realistic Fiction, Creativity, Hacks, Comedy, Girls and Arts/Engineering

314 pages

Description

From Follett

"Two smart girls in one small town use their combined genius to liven up their world--one prank at a time"--Provided by publisher.

From the Publisher

From the acclaimed author of The Lemonade War comes a new book starring two smart girls determined to liven up their town'one epic prank at a time. Odawahaka has always been too small for Maggie's big scientific ideas. Between her stuck-in-a-rut mom, her grumpy grandpop, and the lifetime supply of sludgy soda in the fridge, it's hard for Maggie to imagine a change.  But when Lena moves in with her creative spirit and outrageous perspective, middle school takes off with a bang. Someone starts pulling the kind of pranks that send their rule-loving new principal into an uproar'complete with purple puffs of smoke, parachuting mice, and a scavenger hunt that leads to secret passageways. Suddenly the same-old football games, election for class president, and embarrassing stories feel almost exciting. And for the first time in her life, Maggie begins to wonder if there might be more to Odawahaka than she ever saw coming! Humorous, smart, and full of small-town heart, Nothing But Trouble will have mischief-loving readers caught up in the cleverness and determination of two girls who can't be held down.

My Comments

Good depiction of middle school, friends and family. Funny, clever story that encourages curiosity and determination. Could be good for grades 6-8 except that it is specifically about 6th grade.

WHATEVER AFTER: FAIREST OF ALL (Book 1) by Sarah Mlynowski

Whatever After: Fairest of All by Sarah Mlynowski

Fantasy, Fairy Tales, Humor, Elementary & Grade 6

170 pages

Description

Booklist (April 1, 2012 (Vol. 108, No. 15))

Grades 4-6. There’s “once upon a time” and “happily ever after,” but what happens when the story “gets all tangled up” in the middle? That question is at the heart of this debut title in a new fairy-tale-themed series. Ten-year-old Abby and her seven-year-old brother, Jonah, are living a normal life in a new town until they discover the mirror in the basement. When they knock on its surface three times, they’re whizzed away to fairy-tale land and find themselves at the home of Snow (yes, White). Just as Evil Evelyn, her wicked stepmother, is about to hand over the infamous poison apple, Jonah intervenes. But if Snow doesn’t eat the poison apple, then the prince can’t save her, and that means Snow’s love life is ruined, not to mention Disney’s whole movie. There’s lots of hilarious artistic license here (three of the seven dwarfs are women; one has pink hair), along with unexpected plot twists and plenty of girl power. Tween girls who may not be quite ready for Donna Jo Napoli and Gail Carson Levine’s fractured-fairy-tale novels will find this title is just right.

My Comments

Charming and funny! I just wish the author hadn't mentioned their ages as being 10 because that could turn off 6th graders because it can easily appeal to older readers just looking for a light, funny, entertaining read. Loved it!

 

ARU SHAH AND THE END OF TIME (Pandava, Book 1) by Rashani Chokshi

Aru Shah and the End of Time by Rashani Chokshi

Fantasy, Indian Mythology

Description
Booklist (March 1, 2018 (Vol. 114, No. 13))
Grades 4-6. Aru Shah is a lover of tales, and was hoping to survive seventh grade through spinning slightly altered tales about her life to classmates. When a group of friends confronts her at the Museum of Ancient Art and Indian Cultures about her lies, Aru Shah would do anything to get them to believe her. Even if that means taking their dare to light a lamp that—wouldn’t you know it?—might bring about the end of the world. Readers will be delighted by this adventurous dive into Hindu mythology and the chance to cheer along a heroic young protagonist. Chokshi makes it easy to connect with Aru by showing her learn from her mistakes (with the help of a sarcastic sorcerer pigeon), and readers will experience wonder as they are met with such surprises as a forest of giant fireflies. This series starter also doesn’t skimp on important lessons about friendship, family, and love. Chokshi is a talented writer who breathes fresh air into her mythological world.

My Comments

Exciting, nail-biting, high action, funny. I like how the author skillfully weaves an education of Indian mythology into the story. Well written in that way.

 

EFREN DIVIDED by Ernesto Cisneros

Efren Divided by Ernesto Cisneros

Immigration, Children of Immigrants, Deportation, Mexican-Americans

263 pages

Description
Booklist starred (February 1, 2020 (Vol. 116, No. 11))
Efrén Nava has a tight-knit family—Max and Mia, his younger twin siblings; his hard-working father, Apá; and his mom, Queen of the Best Sopes, Amá (otherwise known as "Soperwoman" in Efrén’s mind), who is the glue that keeps the family together. 
Efrén is happy with the way his life is going—he's working hard at school, spending time with his best friend David, and visiting his school library. But one day, Efrén’s world comes crashing down when his beloved Amá gets deported. Now he must do his part in supporting his family, which means helping take care of his siblings, managing money, and being strong for his father, all while keeping up at school and helping David become class president. How long, he wonders, can the family go on without Amá? With matter-of-fact storytelling from Efrén’s point of view, Cisneros' debut offers a vivid glimpse into the difficult, tenuous lives of immigrant families, succinctly communicates the heartbreaking impact of deportations, and demonstrates the resiliency of those affected, all grounded in the perspective of a relatable protagonist. This timely middle-grade novel will not only open dialogue with children on the issue of immigration but also encourage conversations on the subjects of kindness, empathy, and activism. A moving novel perfectly pitched to its audience.

My Comments

This accessible novel provides material for book group or class discussions on empathy and cultural perspectives. Cisneros shows how fear keeps children of immigrants from sharing their difficulties and heartbreaks with teachers or adults who could help them. Some background information on the Mexico-United States border would be helpful, but Cisneros does a wonderful job portraying the experience of one family that is easily understood by a middle school reader.

 

THE BRIDGE HOME by Padma Venkatramen

The Bridge Home by Padma Venkatraman

India, Homelessness, Child Labor, Survival, Families

194 pages

Description

Booklist starred (February 1, 2019 (Vol. 115, No. 11)) Grades 5-7. In India, 11-year-old Viji and her 12-year-old sister, Rukku, run away to Chennai after their violent father strikes out at them. Unprepared for living on the streets, they befriend two homeless boys: Arul, who lost his family in a tsunami, and Muthu, who escaped from a so-called school where he was confined and forced to work. Together they pick through garbage dumps for glass and metal scraps to sell, sleep on an abandoned bridge, and form their own family. Rukku’s intellectual disability has made her dependent on Viji, who gradually learns that her sister is more capable than she had thought. When Rukku and Muthu fall ill, Viji makes tough decisions in hopes of saving their lives and later must cope with her grief before she can move on. The four children and their tight-knit relationship are portrayed with conviction and finesse. Written in the form of a letter from Viji to her sister, the affecting narrative transports readers to a faraway setting that becomes vivid and real. Although the young characters face unusually difficult challenges, they nevertheless find the courage they need to move forward. The author of A Time to Dance (2014), Venkatraman offers an absorbing novel of love, loss, and resilience.

My Comments This book is one of those rare finds that you can give to almost anyone. It brings alive the plight of children in heartbreaking circumstances, but also how the human spirit can often prevail. Absolutely love this one.

 

THE BOY, THE MOLE, THE FOX AND THE HORSE by Charlie Makesy

The Boy, The Mole, The Fox and The Horse 

by Charlie Mackesy

Description

From the revered British illustrator, a modern fable for all ages that explores life's universal lessons, 

featuring 100 color and black-and-white drawings.

"What do you want to be when you grow up?" asked the mole.

"Kind," said the boy.

Charlie Mackesy offers inspiration and hope in uncertain times in this beautiful book based on his famous quartet of characters. The Boy, the Mole, the Fox, and the Horse explores their unlikely friendship and the poignant, universal lessons they learn together.

Radiant with Mackesy's warmth and gentle wit, The Boy, the Mole, the Fox, and the Horse blends hand-written  narrative with dozens of drawings, including some of his best-loved illustrations (including "Help," which has been shared over one million times) and new, never-before-seen material. A modern classic in the vein of The Tao of Pooh, The Alchemist, and The Giving Tree, this charmingly designed keepsake will be 

treasured for generations to come.

My Comments

This book opens your heart. It's like drinking a refreshing glass of water when you didn't even know you were thirsty. Highly recommended for all ages!

TROPHY KID: OR HOW I WAS ADOPTED BY THE RICH AND FAMOUS by Steve Atinsky

 

Trophy Kid by Steve Atinsky

Realistic Fiction, Adoption, Celebrities, Croatia-War, Humor,  Satire

184 pages

Description

Since his much-publicized adoption at age three by American movie stars, thirteen-year-old Josef's carefully scripted public life has hidden the isolation he feels at home, but writing a book with a ghostwriter reveals much about his adoptive family and the one he lost during the war in Croatia.

Horn Book Guide (Spring 2009)

Thirteen-year-old Joe, a Croatian war orphan at age three who was adopted by Hollywood stars, is asked by his famous parents to write an autobiography. What starts out as a PR extravaganza soon turns into a life-changing journey as Joe revisits his birthplace and discovers the true meaning of family. The story is funny, well-written, and surprisingly touching.

My Comments

Excellent choice for kids who are having difficulty finding a book to read. The plot moves quickly. It is sad, but Josef's wry observations lend humor to the story. It is definitely satirical, but ends on a positive note. Great choice for grades 6-8.

CRENSHAW by Katherine Applegate

Crenshaw by Katherine Applegate

Fantasy, Cats, Homelessness, Poverty

245 pages

Description
Publishers Weekly (June 22, 2015)
Although he is "not an imaginary friend kind of guy," rising fifth-grader Jackson recognizes Crenshaw immediately. The cat, who walks on two legs and likes purple jellybeans, first appeared to Jackson three years ago when his family was living in their van. Although life has been stable since then, Jackson notices "Big piles of bills. Parents whispering. Parents arguing. Stuff getting sold." When he asks his parents if they have "a plan for making everything okay," they respond with evasive answers like "maybe they could plant a money tree in the back yard." Newbery Medalist Applegate (The One and Only Ivan) poignantly conveys Jackson's memory of hunger and homelessness and his realization that both threaten his family again. Certain that he has outgrown Crenshaw, Jackson feels both dismay and wonder that his friend has returned, with his playful, attention-getting antics (taking bubble baths, doing cartwheels and handstands) and thought-provoking answers to Jackson's questions. This accessible and moving novel demonstrates how the creative resilience of a child's mind can soften difficult situations, while exploring the intersection of imagination and truth. Ages 10-14. Agent: Elena Giovinazzo, Pippin Properties. (Sept.) © Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.

My Comments
A heartbreaker, but in a gentle way. This is the kind of book that helps the reader truly feel the insecurity and loneliness of poverty, and understand that falling into poverty is not always in a family's control. Jackson's family is loving, but they have to make painful choices. Beautifully written. An important book. So, so important. Recommended for everyone.