New Juvenile Chapter Book Review: Ruby Lu, star of the show

By Lenore Look

Call Number: J LOOK, L

Pages: 136

Grades 1-3



Ruby Lu is back and starting the 3rd grade! In the latest of the Ruby Lu series, we follow Ruby as she deals not only with the changes of starting a new school year but with the changes that come when her father loses his job. Her cousin, Flying Duck, who communicates through Chinese sign language, her brother Oscar, dog Elvis, and neighborhood friends as usual, are always there to help her get through these changes.



When Ruby realizes how desperately the family needs extra money, she and her friends come up with some ideas that can save the family. Though Ruby has the best of intentions, some of these schemes are more troublesome than helpful and produce hilarious results. The author takes a realistic look at a family struggling with a job loss and treats it with humor, sensitivity, and a lightheartedness that keeps the story uplifting. Ruby is charming and entertaining and the cartoonish illustrations add humor to the text.



As a Chinese American who grew up in the San Francisco Bay Area, I love reading the Chinese words, phrases, and cultural references that are sprinkled throughout the books and would have enjoyed reading a series with a character like Ruby Lu when I was a girl.



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If you enjoy this book, check out the others in the series!



Ruby Lu, brave and true



Ruby Lu, empress of everything



~ML

Chapter Book Chips - "Benjamin Pratt & The Keepers of the School" Series

Andrew Clements has an exciting new series, "Benjamin Pratt & The Keepers of the School". Perfect for upper elementary grades, it combines adventure with history and a bit of sleuthing too. Benjamin is a sixth grader facing changes at home and at his school, Captain Oakes Elementary. His parents are separated and his school is going to be torn down and turned into an amusement park. When the school's janitor gives him a mysterious coin with strange engravings on it and then dies, Benjamin unwittingly becomes the new "Keeper of the School". He and his best friend, Jill, must decipher what the engravings on the coins mean and find the items hidden in the school by the real Captain Oakes over two hundred years ago. Those items may help Benjamin save the school from destruction. But Benjamin and Jill also have to deal with the new school janitor, Mr. Lyman. He is determined to stop them from saving Captain Oakes Elementary.

The first title in the series is called "We the Children" and the second installment is "Fear Itself". Six books are planned for the series and here is fair warning - each book ends with a cliff-hanger and you have to wait until the next book is published to find out what happens next. If you can stand the suspense, you will have fun and adventure with Benjamin and Jill as they try to decipher the clues and save their historic school. And try to outsmart the nasty Mr. Lyman.

Check our catalog for "We the Children."

Check our catalog for "Fear Itself."

-gw-

Chapter Book Chips - "Clara Lee and the Apple Pie Dream" by Jenny Han

Clara Lee and the Apple Pie Dream by Jenny Han
Clara Lee is a fourth grader who likes her best friend, Shayna, her family, autumn and the Apple Blossom Festival. Every year in her town, the festival is held at the beginning of October and kicks off the holiday season. And each year a "Little Miss Apple Pie" is selected to ride on a float during the festival's parade. Clara Lee would love to try out for the pageant but after having a bad dream, she's not so sure. Her grandfather tells her bad dreams bring good luck and sure enough, Clara Lee has a whole day full at school. But luck can change and Clara Lee has a fight with her friend and gets sent to her room for arguing with her sister. Will her good luck return? And will she try out for "Little Miss Apple Pie"? Will she win? This is a delightful story, perfect for third graders. -gw-

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Chapter Book Chips--"Chains: Seeds of America"

Title: Chains: Seeds of America

Author: Laurie Halse Anderson

Call number: J Anderson

Best for ages 10 and up

Isabel, an 11-year-old slave, has no family other than her little sister. It’s New York in the spring of 1776, and Isabel desperately wants her freedom. She just might get it if she acts as a spy for the rebels (those Americans who want their freedom from English rule). Whom can she trust? Will she win her freedom before her new master’s wife (a Loyalist) sells them off? Read all about it in this compelling, heart-wrenching, fast-paced, and well-researched book. Chains: Seeds of America is a winner of the Scott O’Dell Award for Historical Fiction and is also an Oregon Reader's Choice Award (ORCA) 2011 nominee.

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-sv-

Chapter Book Chips - "Dear Hound" by Jill Murphy

Dear Hound by Jill Murphy
Did you know that deerhounds have at least nine different ear styles? And that they love cheese more than anything else in the world? And they are serious couch potatoes? "Dear Hound" is a story about Alfie, a deerhound puppy, who has to spend the weekend with dog-sitter Jenny. But Alfie is not happy at having to leave his boy, Charlie, and the comforts of home. When Alfie accidently tangles with an electric fence while staying with Jenny, he makes a break for it and then gets lost in the nearby woods. Terrified, he finds two foxes, Sunset and Fixit, who take him in and help him survive in the wild. They also teach him how to raid the dumpsters at a restaurant at the edge of the woods. Meanwhile, Charlie and his mom and Jenny keep searching for Alfie. Alfie comes close to being reunited with Charlie but something always goes wrong. And his troubles multiply when he is captured by two hunters who want to use him for hunting rabbits. Will Alfie ever make it home? Find out by reading "Dear Hound", an entertaining adventure for third and fourth grade dog lovers. And for more information on these gentle dogs, visit the American Kennel Club's website. -gw-

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Chapter Book Chips - "The Year Money Grew On Trees" by Aaron Hawkins

Jackson Jones faces the prospect of a summer vacation spent working in a scrap yard. But fate intervenes in the form of his neighbor, Mrs. Nelson. She wants to find someone to take care of her late husband's apple orchard. She and Jackson sign a contract that says if he can sell $8,000.00 worth of apples she will sign over the orchard to him. Jackson thinks this sounds like a much better way to spend his summer. He enlists the help of his siblings and his cousins and together they set to work to raise and harvest the apples from 300 trees. But they have no idea what hard work they have let themselves in for. First the trees need pruning, then there is the danger of a freeze. After that, they must protect the trees from worms. And they need manure spread to fertilize them and an irrigation system set up to water them. They accomplish all of this with incredible dedication, but just when the apples are ready to harvest they face some bad luck. Will they get the apples picked in time? And will Mrs. Nelson live up to her agreement to give Jackson the orchard if he is successful? "The Year Money Grew on Trees" is a story of the satisfaction of seeing a project through to the finish and the joy of growing and harvesting a crop of your own.

-gw-


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Chapter Book Chips - "The Tilting House" by Tom Llewellyn

The Tilting House by Tom Llewellyn
The Peshik family has finally found a house they can afford. There are a few problems. All the floors in the house tilt. And there are funny diagrams drawn on almost every wall. But they decide to buy the house anyway and so begins their adventure in "The Tilting House." Slanting floors and pictures on the wall are just the start of their troubles. Mr. Peshik accidently makes an enemy out of a family of talking rats living in the attic. Josh and Aaron, the Peshik boys, find some magic grow powder which turns a hiking trip into a survival test. Next, the dimmer switch in the dining room goes on the blink and makes the house disappear from sight . The biggest mystery of all is the story of the man who built the house and the treasure that might be hidden deep inside the basement. A good read for 4th and 5th graders, "The Tilting House" is just spooky enough for this haunting time of year. And for more about this story, visit www.thetiltinghouse.com. -gw-

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Chapter Book Chips - "Emily's Fortune" by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor

Emily's Fortune by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor

Tumblin' Tarnation! What is poor Emily Wiggins going to do? She's been orphaned and only has her pet turtle, Rufus, to ease her sorrows. She wants to go and live with her Aunt Hilda, but some mean grown-ups have other ideas. Miss Catchum of Catchum Child-Catching Services and Emily's despicable Uncle Victor are both after her and the money she inherited. But Emily finds some confidence and inspiration from three ladies with funny names. And she meets a boy named Jackson, who helps her make her way to the town of Redbud and her Aunt Hilda. Along the way, Emily and Jackson take the ride of their lives on the stagecoach and discover just how brave they really are. Best of all, Emily isn't alone anymore. This is a fun, fast-paced adventure and a good read for third and fourth graders. - gw-

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Chapter Book Chips - "Henrietta Hornbuckle's Circus of Life" by Michael de Guzman

Have you ever longed to run away and join the circus? Then meet Henrietta Hornbuckle, a girl who was born into a small traveling clown circus. Her parents are both clowns, as are all her friends. She has spent her life growing up and peforming with her parents in Filbert's Traveling Clown Circus. And she loves being a clown more than anything in the world. When the circus begins to run into money problems, Henrietta is adamant that the group stay together and keep performing. But then the very worst kind of sorrow finds Henrietta and her family. Will the circus stay together or will Henrietta have to adjust to a new life that means just staying in one place all the time? Take a peek under the big top and read this sweet story about an unusual young girl who marches to the beat of her own drummer. For grades four and five.-gw-

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Chapter Book Chips - "The Treasure of Dead Man's Lane And Other Case Files" (Saxby Smart Private Detective) by Simon Cheshire

Meet Saxby Smart, a genius detective who just happens to be in grade school. In this, the second volume in the series, Saxby has three cases to tackle. His methods include spending quality time in his "Thinking Chair" and help from his two best friends, Izzy and Muddy. Whether tracking down a valuable comic book or finding hidden treasure in an old house, Saxby's on the job. And he solves these difficult cases. Just look for him out back in his office in the toolshed behind his house. But pay attention, because he may ask you questions! Be sure and read Saxby's first adventure, The Curse of the Ancient Mask and Other Case Files.

-gw-

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Chapter Book Chips - "Turtle in Paradise" by Jennifer L. Holm

Eleven-year-old Turtle is used to living with just her Mama. But Mama's new job as a housekeeper is with a woman who doesn't like children. That means Turtle must go and stay with her aunt and her cousins in Key West, Florida. The year is 1935 and America is in the middle of the Great Depression. Her aunt Minerva and her three boys are struggling to survive the hard times, but they take Turtle in. At first, living with three boys proves to be almost more than Turtle can handle. The "Diaper Gang", made up of her cousins and the neighborhood boys, won't let Turtle in the club. But she is whip-smart and clever and finds friends in her new home and wins over the boys. And she wins over the grandmother she has never known too. An adventure to dig up pirates' treasure puts her and her cousins in the middle of a hurricane. She survives that but it results in another disappointment for Turtle and her mother. But in the end, she finds that the very best thing is to be part of a family. -gw-

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New Book Review: It’s Raining Cupcakes

By Lisa Schroeder (Oregon Author)
Best for Grades: 4-7
Call Number: J Schroeder

Twelve year old Isabel has a lot on her plate… literally! When her mom, who suffers from what her grandma calls a 'lack of gumption,' decides that what will make her most happy is opening a cupcake shop, the family packs up and moves to an apartment above what will soon be ‘It’s Raining Cupcakes’-- the newest confectionery in fictitious Willow, Oregon.

That’s right—I said Oregon. Isabel has never been out of our very own state, and she spends the summer watching her friends and neighbors go on their fascinating vacations. She takes notes of what she’ll do when she can travel, and tries everything she can to see the world, from earning money babysitting twins to entering a baking contest.

In addition to scrumptious chapter titles, the most fascinating part of the book is Isabel’s often strained relationship with her mom and best friend, especially in the face of the famous national chain--Beatrice’s Brownies--moving a few blocks away and offering stiff competition.

Be sure to flip to the back for a couple delicious cupcake recipes you can try yourself.
If you’re looking for fun quick read to make you drool, check out It’s Raining Cupcakes.

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-JW-

Chapter Book Chips "Felix Takes The Stage" (The Deadlies) by Kathryn Lasky

Meet the Deadlies, a delightful family of four. There is Edith, the mother and her three children, Julep, Jo Bell and Felix. They live in the basement of the philharmonic hall. Felix has a love of music and especially enjoys having his web in this spot. Did I forget to mention that the Deadlies are a family of brown recluse spiders? They are very friendly but deeply misunderstood as they are incredibly toxic to people. One night, Felix decides to meet the maestro who conducts the orchestra at the philharmonic. The poor man faints at the sight of Felix and that spells the end of the Deadlies time in the basement. They must pack up and move before the "E" men (exterminators)arrive. Their next stop is an antique store but their adventures don't end there. Along with their devoted feline friend, Fatty, the Deadlies search for the "Place Where Time Has Stopped" and a home they can finally settle in. Come join them in their travels. -gw-

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Chapter Book Chips - "Nick of Time" by Ted Bell

Do you long for adventure? Do you dream of time travel? Would you like to fight pirates? Nick McIver does all these things and more in "Nick of Time" by Ted Bell. The year is 1939 and Nick lives with his family in a lighthouse on Greybeard Island off the coast of England. War with Germany is looming and Nick longs to be part of the action. His wish comes true the day he discovers a mysterious sea chest in a cave. The chest contains the "Tempus Machina" a time travel device invented by Leonardo Da Vinci. He takes the device to Lord Hawke, a mysterious figure who lives in a great castle on Greybeard Island. The device has been sent through time by his great-great-great-great grandfather and inside is a letter asking for Nick's help. But Billy Blood, a ruthless pirate, also has a time machine, and he wants Nick's as well. Billy will stop at nothing to capture both time machines. With Lord Hawke's help, Nick travels to the year 1805 and becomes involved in a naval battle with Billy Blood. Along with the danger Nick must face in the past, there is also the present day menace of Nazi Germany in the form of a dangerous new submarine, U-33. This sub is lurking off the waters of Nick's island and its' captain will stop at nothing to get inside Lord Hawke's castle and capture him and his assistant, Hobbes. This is an edge-of-your-seat adventure, perfect for fifth and sixth graders. And if you enjoy this book, be sure and read the newest Nick McIver adventure, The Time Pirate.

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-gw-

Chapter Book Chips - "Confetti Girl" by Diana Lopez

Apolonia "Lina" Flores loves socks, science, and her Dad. She is a best friend to her neighbor, Vanessa and has a crush on her school friend, Luis. And Lina is also a pobrecita because her mom died just two years ago. Lina tries to make sense of her world since her mom has been gone. Her dad is struggling too and sometimes the two of them don't understand one another. Vanessa's mom is also struggling since her husband and Vanessa's dad left them. Lina's dad hides from his sorrow by spending all his time reading books. Vanessa's mom devotes her time to making cascarones and watching TV.

But over the course of the school year, Lina grows up and matures and begins to find her way again. And she learns that after such a terrible sorrow you can begin to find your way back to happiness. This is a heartwarming story, perfect for girls in fifth and sixth grades. What are cascarones? You'll have to read the bittersweet story of "Confetti Girl" to find out.

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-gw-

Chapter Book Chips - "A Nest for Celeste: A Story About Art, Inspiration, and the Meaning of Home" by Henry Cole

Celeste is a tiny little mouse in search of a home she can call her home. Celeste lives at a Louisana plantation in the early 1800s. Celeste is no ordinary mouse. She can weave beautiful baskets and can talk with other animals. Her troubles begin with two rats who chase her out of her home under the dining room floorboards. Then she is pursued by the gray cat who lives in the house. When she seeks refuge in an old boot, Celeste makes a human friend. The owner of the boot is Joseph, a young boy who is working with John James Audubon, the wildlife artist. Joseph is lonely for his family and he dosen't always approve of the way Mr. Audubon goes about his work. In fact, some of this methods seem cruel. Joseph confides in Celeste and the two become inseperable as Celeste travels with Joseph in his shirt pocket. But Celeste's troubles are far from over. She must endure a terrible storm and more trouble from one of the rats before she can finally find a safe, warm spot for herself. Along the way, she makes more friends and discovers that having a nice nest isn't enough. You need friends to share it with. For grades four and five. -gw-

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Chapter Book Chips - "The Fast and the Furriest" by Andy Behrens

Twelve-year-old Kevin Pugh is the son of a former Chicago Bears star football player. Unfortunately, Kevin is not a chip off the old block. He is much better at gaming with Madden football than playing the real game. His dog, Cromwell, is a couch potato too. One day, while lying on the couch, Kevin and Cromwell watch a dog agility contest on TV. Cromwell is mesmerized by the event and this is the beginning of new chapter in Kevin and Cromwell's life. They enroll in Paw Patch, a dog agility training school. And they meet Elka, Paw Patch's slightly mystic trainer. Over the summer, the two begin their transformation from loafers to athletes. And when Paw Patch holds its' yearly dog agility championship, Kevin and Cromwell surprise everyone. But the race isn't over yet. Will they succeed beyond even their wildest dreams? Read, "The Fast and the Furriest" to find out. A great sports book for fifth and sixth graders. And a great story for dog lovers too. -gw-

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Chapter Book Chips - "The Sixty-Eight Rooms" by Marianne Malone

Ruthie is a sixth-grader who thinks her life is pretty boring. She hopes that something "great" will happen. Her class goes on a field trip to the Art Institute of Chicago and while visiting the exhibits something "great" does happen. Ruthie and her best friend, Jack, find a very unusual key in front of the Thorne Rooms. The Thorne Rooms are a collection of sixty-eight miniature rooms from various periods in history. Ruthie discovers that this key allows her to shrink to five inches in size. She and Jack decide to explore the Thorne Rooms and they manage to sneak into the museum over a weekend, shrink down and discover the secret world hidden inside the rooms. What is the magic of these rooms and are Ruthie and Jack the first to discover their mystery? "The Sixty-Eight Rooms" is a fantasy adventure, perfect for grades four through six. -gw-

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Chapter Book Chips - "Lucky: Maris, Mantle, and My Best Summer Ever" by Wes Tooke

Just in time for Spring Training, a baseball story of the summer of 1961, when Roger Maris and Mickey Mantle chased Babe Ruth's season home run record. Louis May is a devoted New York Yankees fan. He has a large baseball card collection and can recite almost any player's statistics. But he sees himself as a poor player who lacks luck. The summer of 1961 is a difficult one for Louis. His parents have divorced and he is living in a new house, with a new stepmother and stepbrother and facing a new school in the fall. The only thing that takes his mind off all these changes is the Yankees. While attending a game at Yankee stadium with his father, luck presents itself to Louis when he is given the opportunity to be a batboy for the team. Louis spends his summer gaining confidence in himself and his baseball skills. And he has a front row seat for one of the greatest moments in baseball. "Lucky" is a perfect book for any young sports fan in grades four through six and a great read for adults too. -gw-

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Chapter Book Chips - "Where the Mountain Meets the Moon" by Grace Lin

Where the Mountain Meets the Moon by Grace Lin
Minli and her parents live on Fruitless Mountain, in a small village next to the Jade River. Her family is very poor and her parents must work very hard just to survive. Minli's father tells her stories about the Old Man of the Moon, who knows everything and can answer any question. Minli decides to try and find The Old Man of the Moon and ask him how to bring good fortune to her house and her family. But where does the Old Man of the Moon live? The answer comes from a talking goldfish who tells her to journey to the Never-Ending Mountain. Minli leaves home and begins her quest to change her family's fortune. Along the way, she finds friendship with a dragon, meets a great king, and nearly loses her life to the evil Green Tiger. But will she ever find the Old Man of the Moon and ask her question? This is a heartwarming story about love and family and the discovery of the true meaning of good fortune. "Where the Mountain Meets the Moon" by Grace Lin is a 2010 Newbery Honor book. -gw-

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