Plymouth Librarians' Choice

DON'T MENTION PIRATES by Sarah McConnell
Youth New Book Shelves Lower Level - MCC
Scarlet Silver may be the granddaughter of famous pirate Long Joan Silver. And she may live in a ship-shaped house. But she still has to conceal her talents for making people walk the plank and searching for treasure, because the only rule in the Silver family is, “Don’t mention pirates!” Then one day, she finds gold in her yard, and it looks like Scarlet might not be the only Silver with piratical leanings. This silly story with light-hearted watercolor and ink illustrations will delight the pirate lovers in your family.

HEAT by Mike Lupica
Youth Fiction: LUPICA. Teen Zone Fiction: LUPICA

This heart-warming, come-from-behind sports story will have you cheering from the first chapter right through to the exciting conclusion. Michael and Carlos Arroyo came to New York from Cuba with their father to pursue a better life. When their father dies, the brothers must find a way to stay together until Carlos comes of age. Complications arise when Michael’s talent as a pitcher brings him some unwelcome notoriety and unfounded accusations from an opposing team. Michael is benched just when the team needs him most. The story ends with a baseball dream come true, it’s just a different one than Michael expected. (Journalist and sportswriter Mike Lupica, has written many novels about sports for adults and children.)

The Trouble with Wishes by Diane Stanley
Youth New Book Shelves Lower Level – STA

Elementary school-age readers will be delighted with the clever illustrations and subtle humor in Diane Stanley’s off-beat version of Pygmalion. The story begins when Pyg (short for - you guessed it – Pygmalion) creates a sculpture of his ideal, perfect goddess. When his wish is granted and the statue comes to life, Pyg discovers that his perfect creation is perfectly rude and cold-hearted. Pyg’s friend, Jane watches with growing dismay as Pyg pursues his goddess and then she decides to create her own ideal companion. The story ends with everyone finding happiness in unexpected places.

WHEN OWEN’S MOM BREATHED FIRE by Pija Lindenbaum. Youth New Book Shelves - Lower Level - L

Imagine waking up one day to find your mother turned into a dragon! That is exactly what happens to young Owen in this delightful new picture book by Pija Lindenbaum. Owen and his mother often share hectic mornings of making breakfast while trying to get ready for school and work. During these mornings, Owen always wears a dragon mask over his head which seems to match his mother’s frequent bad moods. One day, Owen wakes up to find his mother has turned into a pink dragon that doesn’t know how to cook breakfast or how to work! Owen and his mother share a hilarious day of visiting the zoo, the doctor, the local park, and Owen’s grandmother. At first Owen finds this predicament kind of funny, but he soon begins to miss the mother that knew he needed nutritious food and rules. The next day when Owen awakens, his old mother is back in the kitchen making breakfast and ready to spend the day with him. Was Owen’s day with his dragon mother all a dream or did his mother really turn into a dragon? To find out and share a few chuckles along the way, pick up a copy of When Owen’s Mom Breathed Fire by Pija Lindenbaum!

LITTLE BEAR’S VISIT by Else Holmelund Minarik Easy Reader Shelves - Lower Level M

This is a sweet book for the beginning reader to enjoy. It displays the special bond that many grandparents and grandchildren share with one another. In this short and compact read, Little Bear visits Grandfather Bear and Grandmother Bear for a day filled with good food, fun stories, and playful moments. At the end of his fun day, Little Bear drifts off into a peaceful sleep as his parents return to take him home. The illustrations within the text are sweet and truly show the love between Little Bear and his grandparents. Your little ones will enjoy this book, whether reading it by themselves or sharing it with you. Little Bear’s Visit is a Caldecott Honor Book and is truly a classic piece of children’s literature to be shared and enjoyed!

SLUGS IN LOVE by Susan Pearson Youth New Book Shelves Lower Level - P

Who knew slugs could fall in love? That is the premise of this wonderful engaging new picture book which is beautifully illustrated by Kevin O’Malley. Sweet Marylou writes loving poems to her crush Herbie in slime. Herbie reads these messages, but unfortunately, his answers to her poetry and requests of getting to know one another are either erased or not seen by Marylou. This situation makes Marylou sad, and it also makes Herbie ponder who is this wonderful Marylou that loves him so much? Herbie tries to find her, but to no avail. Finally one day, Herbie decides to write a message to her in a place she cannot miss! Luckily his idea works, and alas Marylou and Herbie meet and fall in love. This is a wonderfully sweet and well-written picture book that is sure to bring joy to readers of every age!

Miracles on Maple Hill by Virginia Sorensen
Youth Fiction Shelves – Lower Level - Sorensen

Ten year old Marly is very aware of her family’s troubles. Her father is depressed and seems angry much of the time ever since he got back from the war. Set in the era after World War II, Miracles on Maple Hill is a touching and sweet story of a family who begins to heal in a magical place called Maple Hill. Maple Hill is in the countryside of Pennsylvania and is surrounded by many hills, trees, and wildlife. After living in Pittsburgh for many years, the family moves to Maple Hill. Slowly they begin to enjoy many “miracles” in their new home. They learn to enjoy the sweet and simple pleasures of gardening, farming, and sugaring for maple syrup. Watching animals come close to their surroundings and spending more time together begins to heal this family as they make amazingly loyal friends such as the Chris family and Harry the hermit. Marly and her older brother Joe learn how to live off of the land and spend some hilarious adventures together. Their parents grow closer as they realize how healing nature can be to the spirit, mind, and soul. Speckled with lovely illustrations by Beth and Joe Krush, this novel is so wonderfully captivating for young readers interested in chapter books set in a past era. However, this novel transcends age and will appeal to many adults as well because its messages of hope, healing, and goodness are universal to all human beings. The winner of the 1957 Newbery Medal, Miracles on Maple Hill by Virginia Sorensen is a can’t miss read that will warm your heart!

The Outcasts of 19 Schuyler Place by E.L. Konigsburg
Youth Fiction- Lower Level- Konigsburg
Teen Zone Fiction- Main Level- Konigsburg
CD Book- Lower Level

Margaret Rose Kane’s summer at Camp Talequa is not going as planned. She had hoped to stay with her two great-uncles during her parents’ trip to Peru, and she finds that camp is a difficult place to express her freewill and individuality. Eventually Uncle Alex and his dog Tartufo arrive to rescue her and bring her back to 19 Schuyler Place, familiar and beloved to her with its looming clock towers in the backyard. The uncles have spent decades constructing the sculptures from bits and fragments of whatever they can find, and have decorated them with paint and shining, smooth pieces of glass. Margaret adores them.

However, some of the neighbors do not. The towers are scheduled to be taken down in the name of property values, and the uncles are resigned to this fate. Can one twelve-year-old girl save three tall towers from destruction? Not alone- she’ll need all the help she can get. Check this out for an entertaining read on individuality and art from an award-winning author.

Jack Plank Tells Tales by Natalie Babbitt
Youth New Book Shelves - Lower Level - Babbitt

Long-time favorite Natalie Babbitt (Tuck Everlasting) returns with this delightful collection, sure to be a hit. Cutting the microphone, Jack Plank is a retired pirate, looking for a new career. Every day, he heads out with his landlady’s daughter to try to find a job. Every night, he returns unsuccessfully, but with a tale to tell of why that particular career could never work for him. He couldn’t possibly do work that involved crossing a bridge, for example, because of the experience that a shipmate had with something closely resembling a troll in Nova Scotia, and another shipmate had an experience that put him off wigs forever. Jack Plank does find a job in the end, of course, but by that time, all we want is more stories. The stories belong to that wonderful variety, which are entertaining for an adult without being too scary for the beginning chapter book reader.

The Thief of Always by Clive Barker
Youth Fiction Shelves - Lower Level - BARKER

Harvey Swick is like any other ten-year-old boy stuck in the “great gray beast of February,” he’s bored out of his mind. With the wonders of the holiday season fading and the promise of the summer far away, slushy treks to school and piles of homework await Harvey. However, this all soon changes when a smooth talking man named Rictus flies through his window and tells Harvey of a magical place known as the Holiday House. Within this realm the seasons of the year span like hours, where one can enjoy a spring morning, a long summer day, the eerie twilight of Halloween, and a Christmas night where any gift you wish will be yours. With these possibilities too tantalizing to resist Harvey sets off to the Holiday House and for the first few days he almost forgets about his home completely. However, he soon realizes that there is a darkness hidden under the house's façade of wonder and getting back home might be harder than he thinks.

The Thief of Always is Clive Barkers first youth oriented novel and he succeeds in both capturing the voice and perspective of a child, while crafting a story that would intrigue a more mature reader. The cast of characters are both fascinating and frightening, and the world is one that most of us have probably imagined ourselves as kids. No matter what age you are, The Thief of Always will sweep you up in its spell and you may not want to leave the world yourself.

Love You Forever by Robert Munsch – Picture Book Shelves – Lower Level – MUN
This is a touching yet simple picture book that celebrates the unconditional love between parents and children. A young mother has a baby and rocks him to sleep singing “I’ll love you forever, I’ll like you for always, As long as I’m living my baby you’ll be.” As he grows up, her little boy gets into trouble, and she feels the normal frustrations of many parents. Yet she still sings him the “I’ll love you forever” lullaby. In fact, she sings it to him until he is a grown man. Finally, when she is old and sick her son returns the favor and lovingly cradles her as he sings the familiar lullaby. Sheila McGraw adds beautiful illustrations to the text that portray just the right emotional touch. Love You Forever by Robert Munsch is a classic picture book for all generations to cherish!

Katie Kazoo, Switcheroo: Anyone But Me Written by Nancy Krulik. Illustrated by John & Wendy. Easy Reader Shelves – Lower Level – K
Are you looking for a fun series that your young reader can enjoy? Well, you won’t have to look much further than Katie Kazoo, Switcheroo by Nancy Krulik. This series follows 3rd grader Katie Carew and her best friends Jeremy and Suzanne as they experience normal every day childhood experiences such as school, friendships, and teasing.

Katie Kazoo, Switcheroo: Anyone But Me is the first book in this fun and relatable series. Katie is a typical 8 year-old with two best friends, homework, and fun hobbies. In this story, Katie and all of her classmates are picked on by a new kid named George. George teases everyone mercilessly, and it makes getting through the day at school difficult. One night Katie wishes she wasn’t herself, and the next day when a wind appears she magically turns into a hamster. Interestingly enough this switch teaches George a lesson, and by the end of the story the children have learned to be kind to one another.

The illustrations by George & Wendy have a vibrant cartoon-like feel to them and are sure to be enjoyable for young readers. Children in the early elementary grades will feel great satisfaction that they can read a full chapter book by themselves. Furthermore, they are also sure to find a fun friend in Katie Carew who can magically turn into anyone or anything!

Rain Makes Applesauce by Julian Scheer. Illustrated by M. Bileck.
Picture Book Shelves - Lower Level - SCH

Somehow this book stuck in my head from reading it when I was four or five – but it turns out that it was a Caldecott runner-up in ’64. Marvelously detailed pen-and-ink with watercolor drawings accompany the rhythmic hand-lettered text: “The stars are made of lemon juice” or some other “silly talk” with a repeated chorus of “and rain makes applesauce.” Every so often the response, “Oh you’re just talking silly talk” is thrown in. The big double-spread picture illustrates the silly talk, while a tiny inset on each page follows a boy and girl in the rain planting an apple tree, watching it grow, and finally making the apples into applesauce. “I know I’m talking silly, silly talk, but rain makes applesauce.” It’s as delightful now as it was over forty years ago.

Kira-kira by Cynthia Kadohata. Youth Cd Books - Lower Level - KADOHATA

This is the story of two incredibly close sisters, Katie and Lynn Takeshima. They are Japanese-American sisters growing up together in Iowa and Georgia during the 1950s. Katie adores Lynn and feels she can do anything. Sometimes the girls are shunned by their white classmates, but these occurrences only bond the sisters together more tightly. The two girls love to stare at the stars in the night sky and chant “Kira-kira Kira-kira” which is the Japanese word for glittering. In fact, Katie starts using the word to describe anything she finds beautiful even colored Kleenex! Their parents are so busy with work that often the children, which includes a younger brother named Sammy, are left alone or in others care. Still the children know that their parents are working hard to make the family’s life better, and the children admire and love them deeply.

The girls’ idyllic life starts to change when Lynn is 14 and Katie is 10 and a half. Lynn gets more and more fatigued during her 14th year. She also starts to hang out with a popular girl named Amber. Suddenly, Lynn is interested in boys and making her posture straight, while Katie still wants to play games with the neighborhood children. Thus, they experience a slight drift in their closeness. As Lynn grows more ill, the family struggles to cope with her suffering and her mood swings. Through it all though, Lynn and Katie remain extremely close.

Elaina Erika Davis acts out all of the character parts in this audio version of Kira-kira. She does a very good job at portraying their different emotions. Listening to the unfolding of the sister’s close bond should draw many listeners into this touching story—which is essentially a love story between two sisters. The book won the 2005 Newbery Medal Award and while this is a youth fiction selection, it could and should be enjoyed by people of all ages!

Dealing with Dragons
Youth Fiction - Wrede

This is not your usual fairy tale. Princess Cimorene (smart, adventurous & bored with princess duties) runs away from home, seeks employment with a dragon and refuses to be rescued. Yes, there is a fairy godmother, but the Princess ignores her advice, listening instead to an ordinary frog (well… a talking frog… not an enchanted prince, though). Enjoy numerous references to ordinary fairy tales as the Princess ignores expectations, overcomes the mantra “it just isn’t done”, and works on a fireproofing spell to protect herself and other princesses from over-emotional dragons. Keep in mind Princess Cimorene has “always been more interested in what the knights and dragons were supposed to say than in memorizing the places where she was supposed to scream.”

Mama, I’ll Give You the World by Roni Schotter.
Picture Book Shelves – Lower Level - SCH

Young Luisa adores her mother, and her mother loves her very much as well. That is the main truth found within this beautiful picture book Mama, I’ll Give You the World by Roni Schotter. Luisa’s mother is a single mom trying her best to make ends meet and be a good mother. She works as a beautician at a place called “Walter’s World of Beauty.” After school, Luisa comes by, does her homework, and helps her mother style the customers. Their days are long, but their hearts are filled with warmth and love.

Mama is saving money for a special college fund for Luisa so that she can have the world someday. However, Luisa is determined to give her mother the world for her birthday.

Read this lovely and touching picture book and experience the everlasting bond these two share as mother and daughter. The illustrations are lush and gorgeous, and the text is lovingly written for all generations to enjoy!

The Cricket in Times Square by George Selden.
Youth Fiction– Lower Level - Selden
What will Chester Cricket do? He is from the country in Connecticut, but accidentally finds himself in bustling New York City after jumping into a picnic basket! While there he is taken in by a young boy named Mario Bellini whose family owns a non-profitable newsstand above the subway station. Mario is a kind and caring young man, but his mother doesn’t like having a pet cricket live in her newsstand. Luckily, Chester is kept company by Tucker the Mouse and Harry the Cat, and the three spend many nights talking, laughing, and eating together.

One night there is a terrible fire in the newsstand, and Mama Bellini is fed up with Chester whom she blames for the fire. However, something magical occurs that not only softens Mama Bellini’s heart, but the hearts of all those in New York—Chester’s singing.

Will Mama ever grow to accept Chester? Will Chester be able to help the Bellini’s out of their financial despair? Most importantly, will Chester stay in New York City with his new friends or return to his country home? If you want to find out the answer to these questions and read a funny and touching children’s classic, you should pick up a copy of The Cricket in Times Square by George Selden!

Sorcery and Cecilia, Or, The Enchanted Chocolate Pot by Patricia Wrede and Caroline Stevermer
This book (and two sequels) are set in just post-Napoleonic War. Our little tagline might be something like "Jane Austen's World Meets the Society of Wizards with Nail-Biting Yet Hilarious Consequences." Both novels were written as actual letters sent from one author to the other. Sorcery and Cecilia consists of letters between two cousins used to carrying on adventures together. Cecy, at home in the country, begs for news of the city from her cousin Kate, who is coming out and having her first London Season. Kate starts out bored and awkward, until a witch mistakes her for a rival wizard and tries to poison her, using the enchanted chocolate pot of the title. Her hairpins still won’t stay in, but now she needs to find the other wizard to warn him. Meanwhile, someone keeps spying, very badly, on the social events that Cecy is attending. Should she report him or give him tips? The girls might be in over their heads, but at least they’re having a fabulous time. The writing is snappy in a nicely authentic-sounding way, the fashion impeccable and the characters intrepid.

The Linden Tree by Ellie Mathews.
Youth New Book Shelves – Lower Level - Mathews

Ten year old Katy Sue Hanson draws pictures. These pictures remind her of the life she once had and the life she has now. In March of 1948, Katy Sue and her family lose their beloved Mama to meningitis. The family tries to make sense of this tragedy while turning to each other for support. Along the way they learn to understand that life has its ups and downs, but that a new day is always around the corner. A few months after Mama’s death, their Aunt Katherine comes to live with them. At first Katy Sue struggles with accepting her aunt while still grieving for her mother, but she soon learns to appreciate Aunt Katherine for who she is as does the rest of the Hanson family.

Told in lyrical and lush language, this book is truly heart-warming. There are a few books out there that leave a lasting impression, and I believe The Linden Tree by Ellie Mathews is one of those novels. It’s a timeless piece of art with deep symbolism, meaning, and hope. This book is the winner of the Milkweed Prize for Children’s Literature 2007. Milkweed Editions present works that will touch the human spirit. To find out more about them please visit Milkweed Editions.

Weslandia by Paul Fleischman
Picture Book Shelves - Lower Level FLE

A winner of numerous awards including the New York Public Library’s 100 best Children’s books of the year, A “School Library Journal” best book of the year, and a “Child” best books award, Weslandia deserves the praise. Weslandia tells the story of a unique boy named Wesley who loves reading, hates pizza, and is tormented by his classmates. However instead of changing himself to meet the needs of his family and classmates, he creates a civilization of his own.

The thing that stands out the most with Weslandia is the art work. Kevin Hawkes illustrations are lush, vibrant, and full of color. Spreading each illustration across two full pages really helps capture Wesleys world. One particular piece, that of Wesley lying in a hammock under the stars playing his flute could stand on it’s own in any art gallery. Of course the artwork isn’t the only thing that’s great about Weslandia.

Fleischman paints a picture with his words that serves as hope to any child who feels like they might not belong. Instead of caving to peer pressure and following someone elses path, Wesley follows his own. In fact most of the events that occur within Weslandia follow the theme of self preservation. This can be seen when Wesley is building furniture, clothes, and even farming his own crops. The fact that learning how to do all these things can not only be fun, but can also serve as confidence building makes Weslandia a great picture book.

The Secrets of Droon: The Hidden Stairs and the Magic Carpet by Tony Abbott.
Youth Early Chapter Books – Lower Level - SECRETS

Who wouldn’t want to find a magical world in their basement? That is just what three best friends Eric, Neal, and Julie discover one day. When a soccer ball goes missing, they enter the magical world of Droon and nothing is ever the same! In Droon, the three kids encounter the evil Lord Sparr, his servants who are called Ninns, sweet and beautiful Princess Keeah, wise wizard Galen Longbeard, and a friendly spider named Max. In a soaring fantasy, Eric, Neal, and Julie join forces with Princess Keeah and her friends to try and stop the mean Lord Sparr from spreading evil.

Written with intensity and great description, The Secrets of Droon series is a wonderful choice for those just starting to find interest in chapter books. There are detailed illustrations throughout the text, and the storyline is sure to entice the younger set to keep reading all 31 titles plus the 5 special editions!

Atherton: the House of Power by Patrick Carman.
Youth Fiction– Lower Level - CARMAN

Atherton is a planet that has been created in an attempt to live in a peaceful, problem free world. The planet is divided into three levels: the highest level inhabited by the ruling upper class, the middle level inhabited by common workers, and the lower uninhabited level. Edgar, an orphan, is one of Atherton’s inhabitants who harvests figs. Edgar rebels and tries to escape his tedious daily life and embarks on the adventure to uncover Atherton’s buried secrets. Instead of living in the utopia that they imagined, all of the inhabitants, Edgar included, find themselves living in a nightmare as the world begins to collapse beneath their feet.

The hero is 12 years old, and the book is written for older children. However, many of the problems in the societal structure of Atherton are not all that dissimilar to our own, making it appropriate for older readers as well. Carman’s novel is an excellent choice for reading for pleasure or as a starting point for discussing differences in classes within a civilization.

Up in Heaven by Emma Chichester Clark.
Picture Book Shelves - Lower Level - CLA

Arthur and Daisy are best friends who do everything together. Daisy is old, and one day she passes away. Arthur desperately misses her, but through touching dreams Daisy is able to convey to Arthur that she is happy and wants him to be happy too.

Up in Heaven by Emma Chichester Clark is a sweet story of love between a young boy and his beloved dog. Losing a pet is never easy, but this book will provide comfort, hope, and peace to the grieving child. The illustrations are bright and emotional--the perfect touch to this memorable picture book!

The Field Guide by Tony DiTerlizzi and Holly Black.
Youth Fiction - Lower Level - SPIDERWICK

Young Mallory, Simon, and Jared Grace have just moved into their old Great Aunt Lucinda’s home, and strange situations are occurring. For example, one night Mallory’s hair is tied to her bed. Another time, the kitchen is turned upside down during the middle of the night. While their mother blames Jared, he and his siblings soon find out that these mysterious circumstances can be explained by the magical world of faeries. This world is “closer than you think” and sets the intriguing The Spiderwick Chronicles series into motion.

The first of the five books in The Spiderwick Chronicles series, The Field Guide, is written in simple yet wonderfully descriptive prose and is an enjoyable read for all ages. Moreover, the books in the series are uniquely packaged with black and white photos and riddled passages. Who doesn’t feel intrigued or excited by the idea of a magical world all around you? If you want to enter this world, then you should pick up a copy of The Field Guide and get lost in all things imagination!

Every Day and All the Time by Sis Deans.
Youth Fiction - Lower Level - Deans

If you are in the mood for a touching story of love, faith, family, and healing, then Every Day and All the Time by Sis Deans is a good choice. This novel tells the story of Emily Racine, a 12 year old ballerina who grapples with the death of her brother Jon while trying to emotionally and physically heal. Her brother dies in the car accident in which her leg is badly injured. This leg injury threatens to thwart Emily’s dancing career.

In the year after the accident, Emily and her parents begin to heal in different ways. Emily’s parents want to sell their home because it is a reminder of their son Jon. However, Emily is against this move because she feels her brother's spirit so powerfully within the cellar of the home. However, after many therapy sessions, dancing practices, and conversations with Jon, Emily realizes that Jon will always be with her and the family no matter where they go.

A touching novel of inpiration and hope in spite of grief, Every Day and All the Time will leave an imprint upon your heart!