Danger in the Darkest Hour

Danger in the Darkest Hour by Mary Pope Osborn

The tree house is back and Jack and Annie are ready for a new adventure.  But, when they start their newest adventure they didn’t realize how much danger their lives would be in.  They land in England on June 5, 1944 and they are asked to enter France at night by an illegal parachute drop.  It’s World War II and Teddie has asked them to find and rescue Cathleen from inside Nazi occupied France.  This is an extremely dangerous job, probably their most dangerous job ever, and if they fail Cathleen could die. To find more Magic Tree House adventures, visit http://www.magictreehouse.com/#home.

Shared by Mrs. Manore from Orenda

Lily Renee, Escape Artist: From Holocaust Survivor to Comic Book Pioneer

Lily Renee, Escape Artist: From Holocaust Survivor to Comic Book Pioneer by Trina Robbins and illustrated by Anne Timmons and Mo Oh

During the 1930s life in Vienna, Austria was wonderful for Lily Renee.  Days filled with family, friends, school, museums, the theater…a typical life for a girl from a wealthy family.  But in 1939, everything changed when Austria joined Germany under the leadership of the Nazi Party.  After that, Lily’s life was in danger.  She was in danger because she was Jewish and the Nazi Party did NOT like people of Jewish descent.  The only way for Lily to be safe was to leave Austria, but she would have to leave without her parents.  Would Lily be brave enough to save her life without her parents with her, would the Nazi Party let Lily and hundreds of other Jewish children leave Austria, and would her love be enough to save her own parents if she left Austria?  Only time would tell.  To learn more about Lily Renee visit, http://www.nywici.org/features/blogs/aloud/womens-history-month-lily-renee-wilhelm---holocaust-survivor-comic-book-pioneer.

 

Shared by Mrs. Manore from Orenda

 

The Princess in Black

The Princess in Black by Shannon Hale & Dean Hale and illustrated by LeUyen Pham

Somewhere in a land far away from here there lives a girl named Princess Magnolia.  Like all princesses, Princess Magnolia wears nothing but pink, knows how to make hot chocolate and sweet scones, and of course, she own a lovely unicorn.  But, Princess Magnolia has a secret.  She is really The Princess in Black and when no one is looking she defends her kingdom from danger, especially big blue monsters that like to eat goats.  Unfortunately, Duchess Wigtower is determined to discover ALL of Princess Magnolia’s secrets.  So, will Duchess Wigtower discover the secret, will the blue monster eat all the goats, will the goat boy trust his instincts about the Princess in Black, will Princess Magnolia be able to hide her black socks?  This is the first book in a new series by Shannon Hale and Dean Hale of Rapunzel’s Revenge fame.  To learn more about The Princess in Black visit, http://www.candlewick.com/book_files/076366510X.art.1.PDF.

Shared by Mrs. Manore from Orenda

Because of Mr. Terupt, by Rob Buyea

Seven fifth graders find themselves in a classroom with a first year rookie teacher named Mr. Terupt. Jessica is having a hard time fitting in, Alexia is a bully, Peter is a class prankster, and Jeffrey hates school. Luke is a brain, and Danielle just cannot stand up for herself, and Anna has a troubling home situation. They all have trouble getting along with each other, and Mr. Terupt has his hands full trying to deal with it all. Each of the seven students narrate a part of the book, and give the reader their own unique perspective on their new teacher, who slowly but surely begins to make progress getting them to work as a team. Just as things begin to get more cohesive in the classroom, an event occurs that will change everything...for each student, but especially for Mr. Terupt. This book, by first time novelist Rob Buyea, is being made into a movie! Reviewed by Mrs. Bailey at Okte

Jack Plank Tells Tales by Natalie Babbitt

Reviewed by Mrs. Bruno at Arongen

Jack Plank used to be a good pirate and his friends liked him a lot. However, Jack was sent back to land because there was one thing he wasn't good at: plundering. He decides to look for a job that suits him. During his stay at a boardinghouse, he explains to everyone the reasons why he can't do the jobs they recommend. Nothing seems right for him. But with every explanation his gives, has the guests helping Jack find his most suitable career yet.

The Postcard by Tony Abbott

Reviewed by Mrs. Bruno at Arongen

Jason travels to Florida after the sudden passing of his grandmother whom he has never met. He is disappointed about having to leave his friends in Boston and is cranky that the weather is so hot. As he helps his dad get his grandmother's affairs in order, strange occurences start to happen. A mysterious phone call, an old faded postcard from the past, a bizarre funeral with suspicious guests and an old magazine story spark a mystery that Jason is determined to unravel about his grandmother's life.

The Pirate Captain's Daughter by Eve Bunting

Reviewed by Mrs. Bruno at Arongen

After the death of her mother, Catherine decides that she would like to embark on adventure and join her father on his next voyage. She knows he is pirate and a captain of the ship the Avarice. It is forbidden to take a girl onboard the ship. Catherine has to disguise herself as a boy, but if the secret is discovered, Catherine and her father will experience severe consequences for their betrayal.

Emily's Fortune by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor

Reviewed by Mrs. Bruno at Arongen

Emily becomes an orphan after her mother dies in a tragic carriage accident along with her employer, Miss Nash. On her way to her aunt's house, traveling alone with her pet turtle Rufus, she meets Jackson. Shy and innocent, Emily is unaware of the danger that lurks around her and is lucky to have Jackson's protection, especially with the "Catchum Child-catching Service" looking to snatch up strays and orphans. Street-smart Jackson helps Emily outsmart her wicked uncle Victor who is relentless in finding her. But will Jackson's tricks work? Will Emily stay safe and make it to her aunt's house? Read Emily's Fortune and find out...

Welcome to the Shen Kids Read Blog!

Your Shenendehowa Elementary librarians would like to share some books with you! Check back here on this blog to see some of the great reading choices for elementary students. We hope that you will enjoy reading for fun this summer and any time during the year!
We would like to see your comments, but please remember to only post your first name and last initial in order to keep safe on the web.

A Beginning, A Muddle, and an End: The Right Way to Write Writing by Avi

Reviewed by Mrs. Bruno at Arongen

In his pursuit to write a book, Avon the snail, realizes that the process is very challenging and difficult. He starts writing his book with one word, "Something," and that is all he can capture on the page. But what should he write next? Discouraged, he turns to his friend Edward the ant for wisdom and inspiration. In their quest to find "something" to write about, an adventure brings them closer to the story. Lucky for Avon, he has Edward to encourage him.

Savvy by Ingrid Law

Reviewed by Ms. Pierce at Tesago

Do you think your family is weird? I'll bet they're not nearly as weird as the Beaumont family! Mibs Beaumont cannot wait to turn 13. In the Beaumont family, 13 is when you get your savvy (a supernatural magical power). Each one of Mibs's family members has a totally different savvy. Her brother Fish causes hurricanes, her Grandma could capture songs from the radio and store them in glass jars, her cousin Olive can melt ice just by looking at it. Mibs is excited (and nervous) to find out what her savvy will be, but suddenly her Poppa is injured in a car accident. Mibs is left at home to take care of Grandpa and her younger brothers and sisters and, oh yeah - it's her 13th birthday! Yikes! Suddenly Mibs is off on a huge adventure to figure out her savvy, find Poppa and get everything back to normal. Why does she sneak onto a school bus? Why is she so afraid of people drawing on their hands? How will this amazing story end? Read the book and then figure out what your savvy is - click here.

Swindle by Gordon Korman

Reviewed by Mrs. Bruno at Arongen

Griffin Bing has a crazy idea to camp out in a spooky house. He tries to get his classmates on board but the only one to show up is his best friend. While inside, Griffin discovers a rare Babe Ruth baseball card. He brings it to shifty S. Wendell Palomino to sell. Believing this will help with the family’s money problems, he agrees to the deal. When he realizes the card has been “swindled” from him, he enlists the help of his classmates to get the card back. They take the ultimate risk to get it back.

Blood on the River: James Town 1607 by Elisa Carbone

Reviewed by Mrs. Bruno at Arongen

Samuel Collier is an orphan, thief and lives on the streets of London. His life makes a sudden change as he becomes a page for Captain John Smith. His journey to the New World seems an exciting adventure. But life in Jamestown is extremely difficult. Then trouble befalls the settlers. As a page, Samuel learns to speak Algonquian. With the help of Samuel, will Captain John Smith bring peace and trust to the Native Americans? If you are a fan of historical fiction, this is just the book for you. For more information on the Jamestown Settlement visit http://www.historyisfun.org/Jamestown-Settlement.htm

Everest (Book One: The Contest) by Gordon Korman

Reviewed by Mrs. Bruno at Arongen

When a fierce competition to climb Mount Everest is made into a contest of endurance, four kids set out on an adventure to be the youngest to ascend the mountain. But before they begin, there is a test of endurance and some kids will not make the cut. Abilities range, tempers flair, competition is fierce and led by Cap Cicero, an amazing, but rigorous climber. But who will he choose? Who has what it takes to work as a team? Read this trilogy and find out more. If you like his books, Gordon Korman will be visiting Clifton Park-Halfmoon Library on April 29th. Registration for this event begins on April 1st at the public library. More information about Gordon Korman's other books can be found at http://www.gordonkorman.com/

Victory by Susan Cooper

Reviewed by Ms. Pierce at Tesago

It's 1805 and Sam Robbins has been kidnapped! Taken away from his home by a rowdy bunch of men, Sam is forced into serving on the HMS Victory, the biggest warship in the English Royal Navy. And now, the HMS Victory is sailing straight into a ferocious battle with the French.

Molly Hibbert is an English girl living in modern times who is forced to move to Connecticut when her mother gets married. She hates living in the States.

Suddenly Molly starts having weird dreams where she is living and working aboard a huge warship. What is the connection between Molly and Sam? How could these two people, living 200 years apart possibly have anything to do with each other? And what does a tiny scrap of dirty cloth have to do with it? Start reading and find out!

Oh Say, I Can't See by Jon Scieszka

Reviewed by Ms. Gulotta-Bruno from Arongen

Joe, Fred and Samantha are whisked back in time to the year 1776. They are looking for “the book” and Samantha’s cat. However, they get captured by soldiers who believe them to be Tory spies. While George Washington’s plans have been put on hold, Samantha encourages them to go through with it and shows them the plan of attack. Will they find the magical book that will take them back home to Brooklyn? Will they be forced to fight in the American Revolution? This is one of the many humorous, historical fiction series books from the Time Warp Trio by Jon Scieszka that kids love. Two great websites for more of Jon Scieszka's books or to learn about what others kids are reading go to: http://www.guysread.com/ and http://www.jsworldwide.com/

The Secret Soldier: The Story of Deborah Sampson by Ann McGovern

Reviewed by Ms. Gulotta-Bruno from Arongen

Deborah Sampson was destined to do great things. In 1765, her mother left her at five-years-old because she could not care for her. She was sent around to different families. At eight, she very much wanted to learn and go to school and to keep a diary. After being a servant for a family, she gained her freedom in 1778 and became a teacher. But Deborah Sampson craved adventure and a life of her own. She wanted to be a soldier. So she put her plan into action, bought men’s clothes and pretended to be a man. After testing out her plan to see if she went unnoticed, she enlisted in the Continental Army for three years as a soldier named Robert Shurtliff. What if her secret is discovered? She could get wounded and be forced to reveal the truth? To find out more about the life of Deborah Sampson and the courage and bravery she had to live out her dreams read this great biography by Ann McGovern.

Revolutionary War on Wednesday by Mary Pope Osborne

Reviewed by Ms. Gulotta-Bruno from Arongen

Jack and Annie time travel back to the American Revolution in 1776. They meet Patriots and the Commander in Chief, George Washington. It is Wednesday, December 25, 1776, and there is a secret plan to cross the Delaware River and take the British by surprise. Can Jack and Annie inspire George Washington with the words of Thomas Paine to forge ahead with the mission? This thrilling magic tree house series is filled with historical facts. Visit the website for more books in the series http://www.randomhouse.com/kids/magictreehouse/

The Battlefield Ghost by Margery Cuyler

Reviewed by Ms. Gulotta-Bruno from Arongen

John and Lisa have moved with their parents to a historic home in Princeton, New Jersey. There are many unexplained happens that make John wonder if his imagination is getting the better of him or if the happenings are real. Should he believe the legends that have been passed down claiming his home is haunted?

After some bizarre encounters with the ghost, who is thought to be a Hessian (German) soldier that fought during the American Revolution for the British side, he finally makes contact with John and Lisa. But what does he want? The solider has made a strange request that sends them on a mission that could be dangerous on the anniversary of the Battle of Princeton. Do John and Lisa succeed in their plan to help the soldier? Do they have the courage? Or will they let their fear get the better of them? If you like excitement and suspense, this story if full of adventure for you.

Emmy and the Incredible Shrinking Rat by Lynne Jonell

Reviewed by Ms. Pierce at Tesago
Everyone ignores Emmy. Her teacher never looks at her, her classmates never talk to her, she's got zero friends and her parents are always away on really long trips. One day while Emmy is sitting quietly in her classroom, wondering why no one ever seems to notice her, the class Rat starts talking. And Emmy is the only one who seems to hear him.

Soon Emmy and Rat are working together, trying to figure out why Emmy's nanny keeps feeding her strange things, playing some squirrel soccer, and spending a lot of time at The Antique Rat - a store full of very weird rodents. Pick up this book and find out if Emmy outwits her evil nanny, what exactly a Shrinking Rat of Schenectady is, and why on earth anyone would ever want two of them.