Going Wild by: Lisa McMann

One month from today on September 27, 2016, I high recommend that you go to a bookstore and buy this book!  I was lucky enough to receive an Advanced Readers Edition and I know you will enjoy this new book series from author Lisa McMann.  Going Wild is the first of trilogy which will keep you up late at night turning page after page to see what happens next.  This is one exciting adventure.

Charlie and her family move from Chicago Illinois to Navarro Junction Arizona right before the beginning of a new school year.  Charlie isn't sure that this small town will be as much fun as Chicago was because in Chicago she had friends and soccer.  On the day of the move an anonymous package arrives that says "Charlie, you will know what to do".  Charlie just throws the package into the moving van with the rest of her things and doesn't think about it until unpacking a few days later.  When she opens the package she finds a strange looking bracelet.  She wears the bracelet and when she tries out for the school soccer team she is suddenly running VERY fast.  She isn't sure why she was able to run so fast but is thrilled when she makes the team and makes new friends.

One day running into class just a bit late she notices increased strength.  She cannot explain what is happening and she cannot remove the bracelet either.  As she goes through the first few months of  school a few different things begin to happen to her, once when she is angry she accidentally damages a school bathroom!  Her new friends try to help her remove the bracelet and to try to figure out why Charlie has these super powers that seem to be out of control.  Charlie is never sure when the powers will begin to work.  As her friends help her she begins to see the patterns that help her use the bracelet to her advantage.

Her powers are noticed by the wrong people and when a friend is kidnapped she is soon on the chase to rescue him.  As he is rescued a handful of other bracelets are found.  Her friends are excited to see what these other bracelets will do and it looks like Charlie's family is in danger.  Will she be able to help her family?

This is a great story that will keep your interest from the very first page.  There are lots of soccer references as Charlie is a good player with or without the bracelet.  Many of Charlie's school experiences are those that we all face in school.  We are also entertained by comics and superheroes throughout the story.  I am sure all readers grades 4 and up will love this new series. I don't want to give away too much information but after you read this book I would recommend a visit to your local zoo.

Happy Daily Reading
Deanna

Roller Girl by: Victoria Jamieson

Another Graphic Novel (Comic Book Style) that surprised me at how much I enjoyed the story.  This isn't just a "picture" book it is a story that we can all relate to.  It is also a 2016 Newbery Honor book.  You will want to read this book very soon.

Roller Girl is the first book by author/illustrator Victoria Jamieson and I am looking forward to more books by her after reading Roller Girl.  Astrid and Nicole have been friends since the first grade but as they enter the summer before Junior High things begin to change.  When Astrid's mom takes the girls to a Roller Derby game Astrid is thrilled and cannot wait to begin a Roller Derby summer camp.  She is sure Nicole will join her at this camp.  However, Nicole has other plans, she wants to attend Dance summer camp.  As each girl begins to make new friends doing their new interests they begin to not get along like they used to.  Will their friendship survive the summer and Junior High?

This book will show the ups and downs of friendship and you will learn about the sport of Roller Derby.  Astrid loves the game but learns that it is harder than she thought.  Through hard work and lots of practice her skills become better and I'm sure she will continue playing the sport she loves.

Thank you, Victoria Jamieson for helping me see how wonderful a graphic novel can be for all readers.

After reading this book go out and roller skate!

Happy Daily Reading
Deanna

Bounce, Stretch, and Wiggle by: Doreen Cronin

These three books might be books that you have already read but I just discovered them and shared them with my younger students.  We all fell in love with these stories and had a fun time wiggling and stretching with the dog who stars in the stories.  Thank you Doreen Cronin for writing these books, Bounce, Stretch, and Wiggle.  I love them all and plan on giving these as gifts to many of my young reader friends.

As you read these alone or with your child you will have a fun time getting up and moving.  These books make reading more than just a sitting activity.

Happy Daily Reading
Deanna