What’s New at Smiley? Chapter books – that’s what’s new! The Young Readers’ Room has stocked the New Book shelf with some great new fiction titles for library patrons, young and older. Come and peruse the shelves for these titles and more!
The first selection for you to consider this week is the second book of the series by Megan McDonald: Bunny and Clyde. This second installment of the series is entitled “On the Lam.” Friends Bunny and Clyde, a rabbit and a chipmunk, make quite the pair. This story will have you guessing and second guessing yourself if you think Bunny and Clyde actually did do the shameful act of stealing, or, have they been framed? If you’ve already read the first book in the series, “Bunny and Clyde,” you may have an idea. If you haven’t yet read the first book, then skedaddle on down to the Young Readers’ Room and check out both books at the same time to finish the tales of woe for these two friends.
“The Mighty Macy,” written by the accomplished Kwame Alexander, will have you turning each page in delight of getting to the next page as quickly as possible. Written in verse form, Macy is facing a library closure due to budget cuts, and she is appalled at the thought of not being able to check out the next book in the series she is reading. Macy puts her shocked attitude to work, without her father there to help her in person this time. With help from her mother, her third-grade classmates, and through poetry from her father, Macy learns what it means to take a stand in something you believe in. Check out this new title today and learn what a little bit of determination, love of libraries, and friends and families can accomplish for a good cause.
The third selection for this week’s article is an adventurous tale, perfect for a hot, end-of-summer read. Reminiscent of “Hatchet” by Gary Paulsen, “Wilderness Hacks” by Joslin Brorsen will have you on the edge of your seat as you read through the adventures of Rad and Sadie. Everyone wants to be a YouTube star in this Colorado-based story. Big sister Sadie is more than willing to help out her younger brother, Silas, no matter what. Little did she know she would have to accomplish some pretty weird activities to do just that. Survivalist Radley Shaw opened a contest to kids 12 – 16 in Colorado. Sadie is in; Silas is out. It’s up to Sadie to win this opportunity; will she win the contest? Will Silas get to meet Radley Shaw? The book also touches on ADHD, celiac disease, and autism. Be sure to stop by the Young Readers’ Room and check out this page-turner.
Linda Sue Park has done it again. I absolutely love all of her books. Her newest one is “Just One Gift.” Written in verse, imitating Sijo, a class assignment from Mrs. Chang’s first period Language Arts class is an insightful story for the reader. The students must come up with a name, from categories given, to give a gift to this person. The story is uplifting, and thoughtful, full of great ideas. If you’re a teacher, I can see this book making the rounds in the schools. If you’re a parent, this would be a great family read and activity. Be sure to check out this latest book from one of Miss Pamela’s favorite authors.
The final selection for today’s article is going to get you ready for the scariest month of the year, October. From “R.L. Stine’s Ghosts of Fear Street” series, “Stay Away from the Tree House” will have youngsters searching for the nearest tree house to explore. Friends Dylan and Steve decided to take a walk into the woods, because, well, why not? But not just any woods. These are the Fear Street Woods, where nobody usually is strolling through. Will Dylan and Steve be able to brave the walk through? What will they see? Will staying the night in the tree house be safe? Check out this book soon to find out if you think you are brave enough to saunter through the Fear Street Woods.
– Youth Services Senior Librarian Pamela Martinez