Albert has always been a little afraid of the Pine Manor Nursing Home. But when Mr. Spears, a volunteer friend who helps Albert with his reading, has a stroke, and can no longer live alone, Albert must overcome his fear.

Reviewed by: sc

Date read: 3/27/2009

ISBN-10: 0374356254

ISBN-13: 9780374356255

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Joel's friend Tony is always talking him into doing risky things. Joel likes to be more cautious, but he has to admit that Tony is an exciting friend to have. When Tony wants to climb the bluffs at Starved Rock State Park, however, Joel thinks Tony has gone too far. Someone died climbing the bluffs last year. When Tony stops at the river on the way to the park, Joel thinks he can avoid disaster if they stop to swim instead. Joel doesn't realize that Tony cannot swim and that the river has powerful currents. When the worst possible outcome occurs, it's up to Joel to face the consequences. How can he admit what happened when he promised, on his honor, that he would be responsible? The book handles difficult and potentially upsetting subject matter, and may be a title that families will want to discuss together.

Awards won: Newbery Honor 1987

Reviewed by: emc

Date read: 2/24/2010

ISBN-10: 0899194397

ISBN-13: 9780899194394

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After World II, sixth-grader Norm loved to play baseball and to look at the new cars that were being produced in 1946. His parents owned a small store with a fresh meat department. Norm's father was the butcher. Sometimes Norm needed to help out in the store which leads to the plot of the story because he had an accident in the meat department. Norm has a best friend, Leon, who is opposite in character to Norm. Their friendship is an important part of the story and how Leon helps Norm overcome the effects of the accident. Ellie surprises Norm by being more than a pesky little sister. Norm gains new appreciation for his mother's strength and his father's feelings.

Awards nominated: Rebecca Caudill Award Nominee 2012

Reviewed by: cjones

Date read: 5/9/2011

ISBN-10: 0805079009

ISBN-13: 9780805079005

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Hall Braxton lives and breathes tennis, and she's a top-ranked player. At thirteen, it's not too early to be serious about training for a professional career. Ever since her doubles partner, trained by her coach, had a breakdown during a match and had to be taken to a mental health facility, Hall has been doubting her own dedication to the sport. Does she have what it takes to be a winner? Could the pressure take her out of the game? With her parents scoping out tennis academies, elite training schools for young tennis players, Hall needs to figure out what she wants before tennis takes over her entire future.

Reviewed by: emc

Date read: 12/3/2009

ISBN-10: 0375840494

ISBN-13: 9780375840494

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A simple fence that cut through the middle of Clover's town was meant to separate the white side of town from the black side of town. This fence, for Clover, stood for a whole lot more. It kept people from playing, talking, and being friends. Until one day Annie and Clover, girls from opposite sides of the fence, decided to overlook what the fence was meant to represent and sat together,'on top of the fence'. In 'The Other Side' by Jacqueline Woodson, Clover simply, yet eloquantly, tells her story as she reaches beyond her side of the fence to find a friend. 'Someday, somebody's going to come along and knock this old fence down,' is Annie's and Clover's fervent wish and hope for the future.

Similar authors: Gwendolyn Battle-Lavert; Pat McKissack; Deborah Wiles

Similar books: Freedom Summer by Deborah Wiles; Goin' Someplace Special by Pat Kissack; Rosa's Bus by Jo S. Kittinger; Coming on Home Soon by Jacqueline Woodson; Back of the Bus by Aaron Reynolds; Papa's Mark by Gwendolyn Battle-Lavert

Reviewed by: mb

Date read: 7/27/2011

ISBN-10: 0399231161

ISBN-13: 9780399231162

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