Capture the Flag!

Kate Messner provides readers with a fast paced mystery in CAPTURE THE FLAG (Scholastic, July 2012). Three kids are bored at a Washington DC reception attended by their parents. Little do they suspect that they will be embroiled in a mystery the following day as they wait for grounded flights to take off. Nor do they know initially that there is a thread that connects all three. Anna, Jose, and Henry are all children of parents who are members of an elite group known as the Jaguar Society, a group dedicated to the safety of works of art. Now that the first flag has been stolen from the DC museum the three kids attended the evening before, Anna, Jose, and Henry know they must help solve this crime. Interesting, classic mystery complete with red herrings, this is a book that should appeal to lots of readers who love a good mystery. <309>

perfect middle grade reading

Robert Columbo Burnside is most definitely an average kid. When he decides to convert his closet into a science lab, however, his life is about to change drastically. Out of the closet pops a tiny man, an amalgam of Willy Wonka and Frankenstein: Wonkenstein. How much trouble can this little guy be? Plenty. Before long, Robert's entire neighborhood and school know something is wrong. For fans of Wimpy Kid, this book is bound to be a huge hit. WONKENSTEIN (Henry Holt 2012) is the first in a new series. Look for #2 which combines Chewbaca and Harry Potter! <271>




BAD KITTY FOR PRESIDENT by Nick Bruehl (Roaring Brook 2012) is a perfect primer for the upcoming election. When Old Kitty comes to the end of his second term, it is time to find some candidates to take his place. Enter Bad Kitty and Big Kitty, primaries, ballots, and more. A wonderful glossary provides even more information for young readers. And don't worry: there is plenty of humor in here for more grown up readers, too. <272>





Invisible Inkling is back in DANGEROUS PUMPKINS by Emily Jenkins (Balzer and Bray 2012). As Halloween approaches, Hank Wolowitz' dread builds. His invisible bandapat loves Halloween, particularly the pumpkins which are its main food source. That means there is going to be trouble, and it begins at home when Inkling destroys Harry's sister's intricate pumpkin carvings. Of course, since the bandapat is invisible, all the blame falls squarely on Harry. How can he mange to survive?
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two for tweens

The twins Kasey and Kelly are back in DOUBLE TROUBLE 2: APRIL FOOL'S SURPRISE by Abby Klein with illustrations by John McKinley (Scholastic 2012). As April Fool's Day approaches, the girls plan the tricks they will play on their parents and their friends at school. Short chapters with plenty of humor make this an ideal read for readers who are just feeling confident with chapter books. <124>




Another second book in a series is THE LEGEND OF DIAMOND LIL, A JJ TULLY MYSTERY by Doreen Cronin with illustrations by Kevin Cornell (Balzer and Bray 2012). JJ is a former rescue dog who lives on a farm with his owner. He is in charge of taking care of the chickens, of preventing predators from harming his charges. Into the neighborhood comes Diamond Lil, the most lustrous and beautiful dog JJ has ever seen. However, there is something a little strange about Lil. There is also something "off" in the henhouse. Can JJ solve the mystery? Will Lil be a help or a hindrance? <125>

trivia queen

Meet OLIVIA BEAN, TRIVIA QUEEN by Donna Gephart (Delacorte, March 2012). Olivia demands quiet in the house each night when "Jeopardy" airs. It was a tradition for Olivia to watch the show with her father. Since the divorce, Olivia continues this tradition alone though sometimes her mother's boyfriend Neil tries to sit alongside her. Olivia is determined to make her way to Hollywood where "Jeopardy" is filmed. She wants to meet Alex Trebek and compete on the show. Even more, she wants to reconnect with her absent father and his new family.

Gephart captures the heart of tweendom in this book. Olivia is just coming to understand her own strengths and weaknesses and to determine who her real friends are. The feelings of children of divorce is not new territory but Gephart explores a new realm with Olivia. Noting is truly resolved, but Olivia is well on the way to coming to terms with the realities of her life and how she can best deal with them. <698>