CHILDREN'S
Released: Jan. 24, 2012
"In the end, Houdini realizes that writing has changed him and altered his perspective on people and life. Readers will feel the same way. And just try to get kids not to make their own lists or attempt their own novels. (Fiction. 9-12)"
A middle-schooler writes a kids' novel; an author writes an engaging, amiable read--and, presto, a tale about a boy nicknamed Houdini turns out magical.
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CHILDREN'S
Released: March 1, 2010
"A believable, satisfying read. (Fiction. 9-13)"
CHILDREN'S
Released: March 1, 2010
"The somewhat heavy-handed metaphor about God-as-umpire works fairly well, but it is the courage and faith of the mother, as well as her love, that is most comforting. (Fiction. 8-12)"
The umpire in the title refers to God, as 11-year-old Kate has a summer that starts with a spectacular baseball game–winning hit and ends with the death of her mother from cancer.
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CHILDREN'S
Released: March 24, 2009
"This is me," as one of his characters says. (Fiction. 10-14)"
CHILDREN'S
Released: Feb. 1, 2007
"A mighty inspiring debut. (Fiction. 10-12)"
To be popular with the "princesses" in her Australian elementary school is not Jillian's destiny, especially with King-Nerd Nigel and the rest of the "misfits" tagging along.
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CHILDREN'S
Released: Dec. 15, 2006
"Along with warming the cockles of any educator's heart, this record of successful class dynamics will draw reluctant readers with its funny dialogue and please fans of Kate Klise's illustrated romps. (Fiction. 9-11)"
When a teacher leaves an enticingly blank book in a corner, it becomes a record of classroom rivalries, diplomacy and growth in this deceptively lighthearted offering from the creator of the Riot Brothers.
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CHILDREN'S
Released: April 10, 2006
"Sweet and fun and remarkably timely given the current spate of faux memoirs. (Fiction. 7-10)"
The assignment on the chalkboard is to write about the most interesting person in your family, but what if you are the most interesting person?
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CHILDREN'S
Released: March 1, 2006
"Supporting an atmosphere for creative writing, DiSalvo developed fun-loving characters and a well-paced plot with her usual aplomb. (Fiction. 7-9)"
As Brian Higman, alias the Big Hig, tells it, he's due a detention, because he can't turn in his English homework to "The General," his fourth-grade teacher Miss Fromme.
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CHILDREN'S
Released: Sept. 1, 2005
"Heartwarming and funny, with supporting characters who are just as cleverly constructed as the heroine. (Fiction. 9-14)"
CHILDREN'S
Released: April 1, 2003
"An absolutely lovely debut for children from the author of Educating Esmé (1999). (Fiction. 10-14)"
CHILDREN'S
Released: Aug. 1, 2001
"This really special triumph is bound to be widely discussed by teachers and writers, and widely esteemed by Creech's devoted readers. (Fiction/poetry. 9-13)"
Versatile Newbery Medalist Creech (A Fine, Fine School, p. 862, etc.) continues to explore new writing paths with her latest, written as free verse from the viewpoint of a middle-school boy named Jack.
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CHILDREN'S
Released: April 1, 2001
Eleven-year-old Archie habitually protects and insulates little brother Oggie, who is overcome with uncontrollable shivering when frightened, and given to hiding from the school bully in a closet.
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CHILDREN'S
Released: May 1, 1998
"From the first sentence ("I hate writing") to the last, the tone of the book is engaging and true to life; Richard not only gains understanding, but discovers his own voice as well. (Fiction. 9-12)"
Siebold gives an 11-year-old boy the chance to gain a better understanding of himself and his family through effective use of a well-worn device—a class assignment.
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CHILDREN'S
Released: Sept. 1, 1995
Booker Jones is an aspiring novelist, having already completed several works including Worms from the Planet Spaghetti and Moon Mummy.
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CHILDREN'S
Released: Sept. 20, 1991
"Zelinsky's perceptive drawings are an excellent bonus. (Fiction. 9-14)"
Leigh Botts, of Newbery-winning Dear Mr. Henshaw, is still learning to cope with his parents' divorce—a task to which he brings his earlier sensitivity and a new self-confidence.
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