The Book Thief

Zusak, M. (2005). The Book Thief. New York:  Knopf.

There have been many, many books written involving stories of children and adolescents during World War II.  Australian writer, Markus Zusak takes a different approach.  He chooses to write about a young German girl, rather than take a Jewish voice.  This fresh perspective is just what I needed for summer reading.

One of a Kind

Winter, A. (2012). One of a kind. New York:  Aladdin.

With an opening sentence like "Lysander Singleton was the only only child at Twin Oaks Elementary," how could anyone pass up this book?  One of a Kind is definitely a one of a kind read.  Ariel Winter tells the story of Lysander, who is the only child at his school who is not a twin.  Lysander fells very left out, because everyone knows that twins are best friends.  Annually, the school host an event known as Twindividuation, a program meant to foster individuality among the sets of twins.  Since Lysander is the odd man out, literally, he has to participate for both teams.  A surprise turn of events, makes Lysander the most popular boy in school.

Once Upon MacDonald's Farm

Gammell, S. (1981). Once Upon MacDonald's Farm. New York:  Simon & Schuster.

Everyone knows the story of Old MacDonald's Farm with the cows and the chickens. But what about MacDonald before his farm had cows and chickens? He had an elephant, lion and baboon; believe it or not.

The Book at Eats People

Perry, J. (2009). The book that eats people. Berkeley:  Tricycle Press.

I have seen these kind of books before, the books that tell a story about the book itself. This particular book is very cute in a strange sort of way. The Book that Eats People shares the story of the book and how it has a ravenous appetite for its readers. People have tried to retain it in libraries, prison, and even a zoo. But somehow the book keeps fulfilling its desire for flesh and succumbs to such tactics as disguising itself in order to be checked out the library.

Ivan the Terrier

Catalanotto, P. (2007). Ivan the Terrier. New York:  Atheneum Books.

Peter Catalanotto's picture book, Ivan the Terrier is a play on the viking by the similar name "Ivan the Terrible."  However, Catalanotto's Ivan is not a viking; he is a small dog.  Yet, like his namesake, Ivan likes to cause trouble and wreak havoc.

The Outcast

Petersheim, J. (2013). The Outcast. Carol Stream, Illinois: Tyndale House Publishers. 

I have the pleasure of personally knowing the author of the debut novel The Outcast. I had many, many classes with Jolina Petersheim, before she married and become a published author. Once upon a time I was an editor of my college newspaper and Jolina was a writer. Now, I'm not sure how I feel about editing such a talented writer's work.

All joking aside, The Outcast is a wonderful first novel for Jolina. It is subtitled "A modern reselling of The Scarlet Letter."  Yet, while Jolina's novel has a basis and allusions to the American classic, The Outcast stands on its own without the endorsement. 

Mister Seahorse

Carle, E. (2004). Mister Seahorse. New York:  Philomel Books.

Eric Carle's beautiful book art has done it again.  This time Carle takes his readers under the sea to explore the world of marine fathers.  Most know that the father seahorse cares for the eggs before they hatch. Carle educates his audience on other sea animals that are similar to the seahorse in that respect, such as the tilapia, pipefish, bullhead catfish, etc.