We are off to see the wizard (and listen, too)...

About 5 minutes into the listening of THE WIZARD OF OZ by L. Frank Baum (Listening Library, 2012), I became acutely aware that I had somehow missed reading the original classic as a child. I do remember the first time I saw the movie. I also confess that each time it is on TV, I watch it again. I love the music and the colors and the spectacle. How, I wondered, would I react to this story that was a tad familiar but veered off in unexpected directions? As it turned out, I adored the audiobook as well. I understand why decisions were made for the movie version, but children do deserve to hear the original as well. Rich with motifs and archetypes, Baum knew how to tell a story that would not only entertain children but adults as well. Brooke Shields is the narrator for this audio version. Next road trip with the family, load this one up and enjoy the adventure. <428>

Every Day

A (that is the only name he has) wakes up each morning in a different body. The premise of David Levithan's newest YA novel, EVERY DAY (Knopf, August 2012) centers on the question: what would happen if you woke up in a different body each and every day of your life. This has been A's life for the past 16 years: every day a new body. Sometimes a girl, sometimes a boy, sometimes a kid from a nuclear family, sometimes a kid from a different kind of family. Rich, poor, gay, straight, black, Hispanic, Asian, smart, not so smart, stoner, suicidal: A has had tons of experience navigating his 24 hours. And then he meets Rhiannnon, girlfriend of Justin, A's host for the day. And he falls in love. How can A convince Rhiannon of his singularly strange existence? How can they hold on to love? Levithan explores some deeply philosophical territory here. <427>

Narrative Nonfiction Par Excellence

Generally speaking, I gravitate toward fiction if given the choice. However, after years of working with kids of all ages and a stint on the YALSA EXCELLENCE IN NONFICTION FOR YOUNG ADULTS COMMITTEE plus having encountered more than a few terrific examples of nonfiction, I am a convert. The 2012 winner of the YALSA EXCELLENCE IN NONFICTION AWARD is THE NOTORIOUS BENEDICT ARNOLD by Steve Sheinkin (Roaring Brook, 2011). I knew little about the life of Benedict Arnold. Most of what I knew was that his name was synonymous with treason and traitorous actions. What I learned in the reading, though, was the backstory, the important details that compelled Arnold to act as he did. And is that not the power of nonfiction: to give us the big picture instead of the snippet that goes into the history books in this case? Thanks Jennifer Huber Swan and committee for selecting this incredible book as your winning title. <426>

The Last Dragonslayer

I have been a HUGE fan of Jasper Fforde. Love the Thursday Next series (Well of Lost Plots, Eyre Affair, etc.) and the Nursery Crimes series (Big Over easy, Fourth Bear). And now Fforde enters the YA market with THE LAST DRAGONSLAYER (Harcourt, September 2012).

Jennifer Strange is a foundling who has been promised in service to Kazam, a magic agency (not magical agency, an agency of magicians who hire themselves out). Magic is strictly regulated, and Kazam is having its share of difficulties paying the bills. But things are about to change for Jennifer as she learns that she is the LAST dragonslayer and that the dragon appears to be violating the Dragon pact. She might have to face the dragon and slay him. Jennifer is reluctant to kill the dragon and believes that there are others who are manipulating events for their personal gain. Farcical at times, but always with a heart, Fforde's foray into YA is indeed welcome. <424>

Redefining Home

Carley is sent to live with the Murphys, a foster family, while her mother is recovering in the hospitalin ONE FOR THE MURPHYS (pENGUIN/nANCY pAULSEN bOOKS, 2012). All Charley can recall from the night she and her mother were injured is her stepfather coming after her and her own mother grabbing Carley's foot to hold her down. And now Carley has landed in the middle of the Murphys. This warm and caring family is unlike anything Carley has ever encountered, and she is reluctant to open herself to their affection and concern. She must maintain a tough exterior; it is the only way she knows to survive.



Lynda Mulally Hunt does not skirt the tough topics and issues: abuse, self-centerdness, foster care, bullies: they are all here, but always with hope hanging like an invisible knife, slowly peeling away the armor Carley has built around herself. <423>

Home is not a place

In ALMOST HOME by Joan Bauer (Viking 2012), Sugar Mae Cole is 12 and newly homeless. But Sugar knows a thing or two about tough times thanks to her grandfather, King Cole, who left her his musings in a journal. Sugar's mother, Reba, has taught her a ting to two as well, especially about gratitude. Sugar will need all the help she can get as she and her mother leave their home and head to Chicago hoping for better. Somehow, Sugar is managing with the help of her dog, Shush, who needs lots of her assistance in dealing with the noise and bustle of the big city. And then the unimaginable happens, and Sugar lands in a foster home. Suddenly, her world is stable and safe. She has friends and a job. Could she be almost home? Joan Bauer, as always, creates memorable characters who manage to survive in seemingly overwhelming circumstances. Gentle good humor, nurturing adults (best.teacher.ever) and common sense advice arm Bauer's characters and permit them to confront demons with strength and courage and conviction. <422>

plethora of picture book blaikus

TWINKLE TWINKLE LITTLE STAR by Jane Cabrera. Holiday House, 2012.

Twinkle, little star
Mother and baby gazing
At the evening sky.

<416>



RAILROAD HANK by Lisa Moser with illustrations by Benji Davies. Random House, 2012.

Railroad Hank can help
At least when he understands
What you are asking.

<417>



MAIA AND THE MONSTER BABY by Elizabeth Winthrop with illustrations by Amanda Haley. Holiday House, 2012.

Maia will be a
Big sister despite the fact
She does not want to.

<418>



BUS DRIVER by Nancy Poydar. Holiday House, 2012.

A boy and a toy
Are often separated
Until they find bus.

<419>




WHAT CAN A CRANE PICK UP? by Rebecca Kai Dotlich with illustrations by Mike Lowery. Knopf, 2012.

Cranes can do a lot
Like pick up wood, cars, and planes.
And even children.

<420>



BODY ACTIONS by Shelley Rotner with illustrations by David White. Holiday House, 2012.

Bones, muscles, and lungs
Can assist us as we ride.
Bodies in action.

<421>