Back again and this time I am highlighting authors and series. I have over 3000 reviews to go through so I will be adding names to them as we go along. Here we go with books that lots of kids enjoyed this summer.

Blue Balliot - The Wright 3.

Reviewed by Danielle, Hannah, Richard, Sam, Sheridan.

Judy Blume - It’s Not the End of the World, Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing, Super Fudge, Fudge-a-Mania, Otherwise Known as Sheila the Great, Double Fudge, Blubber.

Reviewed by Tiaren, Maishmi, Ally, Megan, Tyler, Wesley, Maddie, Emma, Molly, Kara, Morgan, Jordyn, John, Emily, Keely, Will, Darby, Travis, Katie.

Georgia Byng - Molly Moon series.

Reviewed by Mackenzie, Olivia, Katie.

Beverly Cleary - Dear Mr. Henshaw, Ramona and Her Mother, Mouse and the Motorcycle.

Reviewed by Logan, Haleigh, Michael, Heather, Rachel, Andrew, Trevor, Jillian, Jocelyn, Ally, Molly, Clare.

Kate DiCamillo - Tale of Despereaux, Because of Winn-Dixie.Reviewed by Sara, Lauren, Katie.

 Dan Gutman - The Kid Who Became President, Million Dollar Putt, Ms. Krup Cracks Me Up.

Reviewed by Kelli, Chris, Nathan, Abby, Ben, Kyle, Gabriela, Kayla, McKenzie, Dylan, Emily, Anna, Cory, Edward, Diane. 

Erin Hunter - Warriors: Cats of the Clan , Midnight, Into the Wild.

Reviewed by Ellie, AnickaHollynn.

Peg Kehret - The Blizzard Disaster, Small Steps: The Year I Got Polio.

Reviewed by Melissa, Holly, Cody, Megan.

Jeff Kinney - Diary of a Wimpy Kid - Rodrick Rules, Diary of a Wimpy Kid - Greg Heffley’s Journal.

Reviewed by Jonathan, Alex, Jacob, Grant, Mark, Sophie, Jensen, Lauren, Luke, Mike, Patrick, Jessica, Sam, Abby, Ryan, Isaac, Kelly, Max, Muhammad, Courtney, Katrina, Patrick.

Megan McDonald - Judy Moody Series. 

Reviewed by Joy, Brooke, Emilie, Carlie, Jordyn, Madison, Mary.

Phyllis Reynolds Naylor - Shiloh, Shiloh Season.

Reviewed by Daniel, Sarah.

Mary Pope Osborne - Magic Tree House Series.

Reviewed by Ryan, Savannah, Grace, Maria, Drew, Alex, Will, Michael, Zachary, Kaylee, Lucas, Nicholas, Lexi, Reannen, Molly, Jared, Christie, Jaeden, Landon, Kimberly, Alison, Brittany, Dylan, Lex, Robert, Hunter, Noah, Hannah, Abigail, Derek, Jacob, Emily, Marissa, Kayla, Matthew, Brianna, Delaney, Alla, Lexi, Gabe, Lindsey, Caitlin, Nathaniel, Grace, Emily, Brett, Paige, Reece.

Christopher Paolini - Eragon, Eldest.

Reviewed by Alex, Parker, Helen.

Barbara Park - Junie B. Jones series.

Reviewed by Ronnie, Taylor, Lizzie, Abbie, Eric, Breanna, Colette, Megan, Kaitlyn, Kirsten, Luke, Caitlin, Alyssa, Alisa, Mackenzie, Hannah, Kimberly, Kalista, Emily, Alejandra, Marina, Nick, Tabitha, Jinal, Jared, Ally, Macy, McKinleigh, Amara, Lauren, Hanna, Morghen, Nicole, Kathryn, Camryn, Madison, Natalie, Abbie, Alisa, Jayla, Gus, Lily.

Dav Pilkey - Captain Underpants, Super Diaper Baby.

Reviewed by Wil, Orion, Drew, Megan, Benjamin, Dylan, Haley, Sean, Benjamin, Brett.

Johnathan Rand - The American Chillers:  South Carolina Sea Creatures, Dangerous Dolls of Delaware.

Reviewed by Brian, Michael, Jared.

Rick Riordan - Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Lightning Thief, The Sea of Monsters, The Battle of the Labyrinth.

Reviewed by Marissa, Emma, Tyler, David, Chris, Paige, Anthony, Katelynd, Nathan, Zach, Karen, Ashley, Sam, Erin, Alex.

J.K. Rowling - Harry Potter series.

Reviewed by Vivian, Olivia, Camden, Claire, Ben, Kelsey, Kimani, Rachel, Krystal, Allison, Emma, Teegan, Blake, Ricky, Trevor, Brendan, Amanda, Bailey, James, Jake, Marshall, Brett, Ryan, Matt, Pournika, TJ, Sam, Bailey, Jordan, Zachary, Will, Riley, Sam, Amanda, Hope, Clayton, Alex, Jamie, Ryan, Emily, Zac, Lexie, Nathan, Jade, Kayliani.

Ron Roy - A to Z Mysteries: The White Wolf, The Zombie Zone, Mayflower Treasure Hunt.

Reviewed by Dremia, Chandler, Milla, Rachel, Dremia, Hannah, Ryan.

Dr. Seuss - I Can Read With My Eyes Shut, Hop On Pop, The Cat In the Hat, Green Eggs and Ham, Hooray for Diffendoofer Day, How the Grinch Stole Christmas, Horton Hears a Who, Ten Apples Up on Top, Dr. Seuss’ Sleep Book, Cat in the Hat Comes Back, The King’s Stilts, Marvin K. Mooney Will You Please Go Now!, There’s a Wocket in my Pocket, Fox In Socks, One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish.

Reviewed by - Joey, Eric, Raphael, Corey, Rory, Sam, Armon, Colin, Melanie, Genevieve, Brody, Joshua, Claire, Anastasia, Melissa, Delaney, Ashley, Ryan, Leila, Hayden, Hayden, Connor, Aylin.Grace, Maddie, Austin, Max, Lily, Joseph, Jacob, Violet, Madison, Josh, Kyle, Samantha, Molly, Kayla, Lucy, Teresa, Chloe, Ethan, Belle, Anna, Quinton, Josie, William, Anna, Kenneth, David, Brad.

Shel Silverstein - Where the Sidewalk Ends, Falling Up.

Reviewed by Danielle, Brooke, Parker.

Lemony Snicket - A Series of Unfortunate Events.

Reviewed by Noah, Andrew, Victoria, Sierra, Paige, Nathan, Courtney, Cora, Jenny, Patricia, Samantha, David, Taylor.

R. L. Stine - The Goosebumps Series.

Reviewed by Julie, Anna, Tyler, Morgan, Rebecca, Julie, Madelyn, Eric, Taylor, Kate, Dylan, Olivia.

Bill Wallace - No Dogs Allowed.

Reviewed by Makenzie, Alyssa.

Gertrude Warner - The Boxcar Children series.

Reviewed by Aaron, Hannah, Caroline, Cole.

Mo Willems - The Pigeon Finds a Hot Dog.

Reviewed by Ashley, Lauren, Ronan, Aaron.

What a great reading program in 2008! I think most of St. Charles County caught the reading bug this summer and we are so excited. I have received over 3000 reviews from all ages and I have been highlighting a few of them individually but I am going to put out a fun reading list - right from the 8 year olds pencil. Here is a selection of recommended reading and partial reviews from selected 8 year olds:

Special Gifts by Cynthia Rylant                   Reviewed by Kameryn

I liked that they made pillows and dolls and vests. They also learned to sew.

The Blizzard Disaster by Peg Kehret            Reviewed by Arron

My favorite part was when she almost freezed to death because it was really scary. That was a really good book.

Whitewater Scrubs by Jamie McEwan          Reviewed by McKensy

The funniest part of this story is when Carla’s kayak tipped over. My friends should read this book because it is a good story about not giving up.

Season of the Sandstorms by Mary Pope Osborne                        Reviewed by Ryan

 I would like to meet Jack and Annie because they go on adventures. They go on lots of trips through history.

Ramona and her Mother by Beverly Cleary        Reviewed by Heather

I liked this story because Beezus is 8, too. The funniest part is when Mr. Quimby and Mrs. Quimby start to fight. My friends should read this book because it is funny.

Judy Moody Gets Famous by Megan McDonald        Reviewed by Joy

I love the Judy Moody books because Judy Moody is funny and nice to all of her friends.

A Little Princess by Frances Hodgson Burnett                                                                                                   Reviewed by Madison

I liked this book because the little girl is just so nice. She makes alot of friends.

Walter’s Tail by Lisa C. Ernst                             Reviewed by Payton

The book was about a dog named Walter. He could not stop wagging his tail. If you like dogs you should read this book.

American Chillers: South Carolina Sea Creatures by         Johnathan Rand                               Reviewed by Brian

I liked this book alot. It was cool when the sea serpents attacked. I thought it was funny when they had to throw waffles to get rid of the sea serpents. The story was full of action and funny at the same time.

Henry and Mudge and Puddle Trouble by  Cynthia Rylant                                                 Reviewed by Kate

I liked when they played in the puddle. It was fun when they got all wet. They got in trouble and they had to go home. I loved this book it is for all ages.

I hope you found a fun book from this list and be sure to comment about any of them or to make recommendations of your own. I will be adding another post soon with other fun lists of great reading.

I thought that you might be waiting anxiously for some fun suggestions of great books to try. We have had over 800 reviews turned in and they have been so interesting and exciting to read. Well, here are some highly recommended books for you to try:

Three Little Rigs by David Gordon

reviewed by Ian age 4

We love all of the David Gordon books! The Three Little Rigs is our favorite! The pictures are great and my son loves to pretend he’s the Big Bad Wrecking Ball! He has memorized the story and when we get to the wrecking ball he says, in a deep voice, “Little Rigs, Little Rigs let me in!” Just like the Big Bad Wrecking Ball! We have so much fun reading this book!

That’s Good! That’s Bad in Washington D.C. by Margery Cuyler

reviewed by Tyler age 4

We loved this book because it was read right after a trip to Washington, D.C. Tyler liked that he had seen the same sights as the boy in the book saw. Tyler also liked that the boy in the book got ice cream from a street vendor because he didn’t. We like to continue these “That’s Good! That’s Bad” stories about our daily life - they come out pretty funny sometimes.

Blaze and Thunderbolt by C. W. Anderson

reviewed by Paige age 7

I like now he took a wild horse and trained him. Billy loves horses just like me. I wish I could ride with Billy and Blaze. I like Reading about all their adventures in all the other Billy and Blaze books.

Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules by Jeff Kinney

reviewed by Andrew age 9

Diary of a Wimpy Kid Roderick Rules is best book I ever read because it was really funny and it’s pictures were awesome. Most books don’t have pictures, but it does. I would have given it ten stars if I could.

Ramona Quimby, Age 8 by Beverly Cleary

reviewed by Lizzie age 9 1/2

Ramona Quimby, Age 8 is a really exciting book. Ramona’s family is saving up their money so their dad can go back to school. So a small present like an eraser is a big suprise to Ramona and her older sister Beezus. When Ramona’s eraser is stolen by Yard Ape, the school bully, it starts a war between them that is really exciting. Ramona has some really interesting things happen to her like the time she cracked a raw egg on her head. Over all this is one of the most exciting books I have ever read and I recommend it to other readers.

Soccer Duel by Matt Christopher

reviewed by Evan age 9

I read the book “Soccer Duel” because I thought it would be a very good book and soccer is my favorite sport. The story was about a new teenager named “Renny”. He was very good at center sticker until he moved. His coach would hardly give him a chance until the center sticker Isaac got a serious injury. The rest of the story is about Brice becoming friends with Renny playing soccer and going to high school as a freshman at soccer.

I hope one of these books sounds fun and that you want to read them also, I love “The Three Little Rigs” and since I am a horse fan “Blaze and Thunderbolt” is one of my favorite all time books since I was a kid. I was thrilled that readers are still enjoying some of the books I read when I was their age. I will put out more reviews every week and I hope you will find something that you will enjoy. See you at the library, I have to go and check out “Blaze Finds Forgotten Roads” and another David Gordon book.

This year we are trying something new and exciting in our summer reading program. We will be publishing some of the book reviews that participants have shared with us and I am sure you will find them interesting and hopefully they will guide you to new fun reads. Keep looking and maybe you will see your review on our blog. We may put these out throughout the year, so keep your eyes open to see if your review was picked.  Our first 5 star review is by Alyssa, age 9, and she reviewed Shel Silverstein’s “Falling Up”.

Falling Up is poems or should I say really funny poems! The book is the best poem I heard in my life, and I’m only nine! and it will make the saddest reader even laugh!!!!!!!!

Our next review is by Justin, age 7, and his 5 star rated book is by Sean Taylor, “When a Monster Is Born”.

We enjoyed this book because it was silly and fun. The story has some big words but they were repeated several times, so you get to say and read them many times. It’s about monsters so it is really cool and fun to read. I would recommend this book for all 1st and 2nd graders.

To find these books in our catalog please visit our website www.youranswerplace.org and click on the Library Catalog button. They are both great books and fun reads and I am sure you will enjoy them as much as Alyssa and Justin did.

Are you ready to be snug as a bug? Sign up at your closest library to see Jay & Leslie Cady. Jugglers Jay and Leslie Cady know a thing or two about catching. In “Bugaboo and Other Catch Phrases” they are also busy as bees with catch phrases about our insect friends. Enjoy the tangled web they weave using circus skills and wacky wordplay. It’s the bee’s knees! 

If you are looking for another exciting adventure at the library check out Rick Kelley’s entertaining library show “Don’t Just Sit There … Read Something”, it is a fun interactive musical performance with songs that encourage children to read and search for new subjects. His song “read it in a Book” captures children’s attention by describing how one can discover endless adventures through books. He will be appearing at the following branch libraries:

 Middendorf - Kredell Branch Library - Thursday, July 10   10:00 a.m.

McClay Branch - Thursday, July 10       2:00 p.m.

Spencer Road Branch - Thursday, July 10      7:00 p.m.

I just got back from vacation and it hit me, I need to get something on our blog about the Summer Reading Program! Our theme this year is “Catch the Reading Bug!” and it is so exciting and fun, with lots of great buggy prizes. The program is June 2 - August 2 and it is free to all kids. Sign up at any branch of the St. Charles City County Library starting June 2nd.  The best part of this program is you can read what you like!!!! Comics, magazines, graphic novels, newspapers! You will get 2 buggy prizes including toys, books, free kids meal at Red Robin and Rascal tickets if you complete the program. You will also be entered in a prize drawing that includes gift cards for local stores, MP3 players and Cardinal tickets. This year you can sign up again and again and each time you finish, you will be entered into the grand prize drawing.  If you write a review on one of the books you read you can pick a free book and your review might be featured in our blog or the Kids Pick Book News. We will also send your accomplishment to your school and many local schools reward students that participated in our reading program. We want to thank the Friends of the Library for sponsoring this free program and all of our wonderful sponsors for providing coupons and tickets to reward all of our summer readers; Red Robin, Cardinals Baseball and the River City Rascals.  Looking forward to receiving your book reviews to highlight here and any other comments you might have about the Summer Reading Program or programs that we will be offering this summer. To see what we will be doing at the branches check out our webpage http://www.youranswerplace.org and go to Library Programs or check my blogroll. I’ll be highlighting some of the exciting programs later. Also if you know some teens, don’t leave them out, have them sign up for the Teen Summer Reading Program ”Metamorphosis”.  Check out the teen page for more info. Well, I’ll sign off till next time and have a wonderful end to the school year.

MLA just announced the winners for the Mark Twain and Show Me Awards. Since we had a great thread going with who won at our local schools, I thought you would all be interested in the winners from the state of Missouri. Well, here is the list:

Mark Twain Award 2007-08 Winners

1st Place: Lightning Thief
Riordan, Rick

2nd Place: Double Identity
Haddix, Margaret Peterson3rd Place: Cryptid Hunters
Smith, Roland

Show Me Award 2007-08 Winners

1st Place: Magnus at the Fire
Armstrong, Jennifer

2nd Place: Police Cat
Hinkes, Enid

3rd Place: Great Fuzz Frenzy
Stevens, Janet and Susan Stevens Cummel

Waiting to hear about what you think, just click on the comment or no comment and be the first to tell us.

I just wanted to let you know about 3 great spring programs that we are offering at many of our branches. St. Louis Science Center staff is will be offering three ecology programs: Soil Sammy, Handy Garden and Bottle Ecosystem. You get to make a chia-pet like creature, a glove garden or your own ecosystem in a bottle. Check out the spring calendar on my blogroll to see which program is offered where and when. The program is open to children grades 1-5.  These are so much fun and what a great way to get ready for spring.

You ask and we will blog about it! Lynn sent in a comment and wanted to start a thread about the Mark Twain Nominees and couldn’t have picked a better day to ask. The votes for the 2007/2008 nominees have to be entered to MASL (Missouri Association of School Librarians) by midnight tonight. Well, I am ready to hear what you thought of the nominees that you read from this year. I think you are all great book talkers and you will make many people want to pick up your favorite and read it. Here is a list of the 2007/2008 nominees and I will add the Mark Twain Award website to my blogroll. They have next year’s nominees already listed, so you can get a head start and check them out before anyone else. You can also recommend a book to be considered, be sure to check the requirements before you send it in. Here’s the list and I am waiting anxiously to hear from all of you that have read the Mark Twain Award books.

Amato, Mary. Naked Mole-Rat Letters. Holiday House.
GL 3rd-6th RL 4.6.

Auch, M. J. Wing Nut. Henry Holt.
GL 5th-8th RL 6.3.

Barrett, Tracy. On Etruscan Time. Henry Holt.
GL 5th-8th RL 5.5.

Broach, Elise. Shakespeare’s Secret. Henry Holt.
GL 5th-8th RL 6.1

Butler, Dori Hillestad. Do You Know The Monkey Man. Peachtree.
GL 5th-8th RL 5.8

Clements, Andrew. Lunch Money. Simon and Schuster.
GL 3rd-6th RL 5.4

Haddix, Margaret Peterson. Double Identity. Simon and Schuster.
GL 5th-8th RL 5.8

Hobbs, Valerie. Defiance. Farrar and Straus.
GL 5th-8th RL 5.8

Madden, Kerry. Gentle’s Holler. Penguin.
GL 5th-8th RL 6.1

Patneaude, David. Deadly Drive. A Whitman.
GL 5th-8th RL 4.3

Park, Linda Sue. Project Mulberry. Clarion.
GL 5th-8th RL 4.8

Pearson, Ridley. Kingdom Keepers. Hyperion.
GL 5th-8th RL 6.0

Riordan, Rick. Lightning Thief. Hyperion.
GL 5th-8th RL 4.9

Schmidt, Gary. First Boy. Henry Holt.
YA

Smith, Roland. Cryptid Hunters. Hyperion.
GL 5th-8th RL 6.8

Smith, Roland. Jack’s Run. Hyperion.
GL 5th-8th RL 6.5

White, Ruth. Search for Belle Prater. Farrar and Strauss.
GL 5th-8th RL 5.3

Wiles, Deborah. Each little bird that sings. Harcourt.
GL 3rd-6th RL 4.0

Wilson, Diane Lee. Black Storm Comin‘. Simon and Schuster.
GL 5th-8th RL 6.7

Woodworth, Chris. When Ratboy Lived Next Door. Farrar and Strauss.
GL 3rd-6th RL 4.5

Who says that libraries are old fashioned and stodgy? Not me since our library always seems to be on the cutting edge with technology. I am so excited that the library now has downloadable audio books available to everyone with a library card. The library has nearly 1000 popular, classic, fiction and nonfiction title for adults, teens and KIDS!!!! So when you run out of books, get tired of your computer games or you are getting ready for a trip with the family and you can’t get to the library to check out something to listen to, you can access great audio books right from your home. They are available 24/7 from the library’s website www.youranswerplace.org, all you have to do is click on the eMedia button and have your library card and you will be downloading before you know it. You can download to a computer and transfer it to an MP3 player (they tell you compatible devices on the website)  and some of them can be burned to a CD so you can play it in your CD player at home or in the car. They are checked out for 2 weeks after which they automatically check themselves back in so there are never any late fees. I love listening to audio books and this will make it so fun and easy to do from home. Check out some of the titles that are available in the kids collection:                                                                                         

A to Z Mysteries by Ron Roy

Charlie Bone & the Invisible Boy by Jenny Nimmo

Disney Fairies Collection by Kiki Thorpe

Junie B. Jones by Barbara Park

Peter & the Starcatchers by Dave Barry/Ridley Pearson

The Titan’s Curse by Rick Riordan

The WaterHorse by Dick King-Smith (just out as a movie)

and tons and tons more are available. I’m going to stop and buy myself a MP3 player on my way home tonite so I can start downloading and listening to all of the books I want to read but haven’t found the time. Be sure to let me know how you liked the downloadable audio and what books you liked or disliked, I’ll be waiting to hear from you.