Off The Shelf

I am currently in the midst of reading Peter and the Shadow Thieves which is the second book about Peter Pan by Ridley Pearson and Dave Barry. This book had me hooked right away with it's plot and characters. The book consists of all the original characters (Peter, the Lost Boys, Captain Hook etc.) but a few new ones are thrown in as well. Molly Aster is introduced, as well as William Slank and Little Richard. This series of books takes place before the real story. Taking you back to what happened before the classic book by J.M Barrie. These books offer an origin for Captain Hook, fairies, and the Lost Boys. Each book is about 400 pages long and divided into many chapters. The novels are also illustrated by Greg Call. The series is as follows: 1. Peter and the StarCatchers 2. Peter and the Shadow Thieves 3. Peter and the Secret of Rundoon 4. Peter and the Sword of Mercy Don't even think about reading this book unless you have a comfy chair and plenty of time. It'...

Nora Raleigh Baskin is a middle grade novelist who has written several award winning books. About Nora Nora grew up in Brooklyn, New York where her childhood was filled with books and the theater. Nora was one of five children. She started writing seriously in the 5th grade. Writing has always been her way of dealing with the drama of life. Before publishing her first book, Nora worked as a preschool teacher for several years. Nora's Books Anything But Typical Jason is an autistic 12-year-old struggling to survive in a neurotypical world. Most days, it's just minutes before something goes wrong. Then, he meets PhoenixGirl, who posts stories similar to his on an online story chat. PhoenixGirl knows nothing of his Autism, so when they meet at a writer's conference out-of-state, Jason wonders if she will like him for who he really is. Winner of the ALA Schneider Award. The Summer Before Boys Julia and Eliza are best friends. They've shared everything, ...

Get ready to laugh as you read Everything on a Waffle by Polly Horvath! Primrose Squarp's journey is  full of humorous experiences that will leave you wanting more. Primrose's (the main character in this story) parents have disappeared in a terrible storm at sea, but she refuses to believe they are dead. Although the towns-people try to persuade her otherwise, Ms. Bowzer the owner of the restaurant Girl on the Red Swing keeps Primrose's spirits up. At the Girl on the Red Swing, where everything is served on a homemade waffle, Primrose learns to cook. This book is beautifully written and although it is short, it leaves a big impact. So, join the journey as Primrose discovers the answer to this question: Have you ever known something deep in your heart, even though you don't know why?  At the end of each chapter, the author includes a special recipe from the book. Everything   on a Waffle is a Newbery Honor book, as well as a bestselling novel.

I've been anxiously waiting the arrival of several books. Series such as The Mother Daughter Book Club, and The Moon Books always leave me excited for the next installment. Please remember that these are tentative release dates. They are subject to change. The following books are coming soon to shelves near you! 1. 13 Gifts, Wendy Mass  - the sequel to 11 Birthdays and 12 Finally is to be released this coming Thursday, September 1st. Tara will soon be turning 13 and she figures this will be a good time to break out of her shell. Of course, nothing ever goes quite right in Willow Falls though... 2. Ashes,   Laurie Halse Anderson - this novel is the sequel to Chains and Forge and will be released on October 1st. All three books take you back to the Revolutionary War era. Two young slaves are on the run from the rich families they were bound too. One has joined the patriot forces, and must help defend the country during these desperate times. 3. Home for ...

I was drawn to this book, by it's unique title and the author. Previously, I had read several other books by Jacqueline Woodson including Feathers, Peace Locomotion, and Last Summer with Maizon. The following poem by Audre Lorde was her inspiration for this novel: If you come softly, as the wind within the trees. You may hear what I hear. See what sorrow sees. Miah and Ellie both attend a private school in New York City where they first fall in love. Throughout their relationship, people whisper behind their backs and give them disapproving looks. Why? Ellie is a white, Jewish girl and Miah is black. Can their love survive high school and their parents reactions? This story will break your heart and touch a chord. You might even shed a tear. Here are a couple of quotes I felt inspiring from the story: "You think it will always be like this, Miah?"..... "Think of it as rain - the people who got problems with us being together - let's call ...

Not five minutes ago, I turned the last page in this quality read. It was fantastic. From Willa, With Love by Coleen Murtagh Paratore is the 6th book in the Life of Willa Havisham series. It was released in July 2011. This book takes place in the fictional town of Bramble, Cape Cod in the height of summer vacation. Willa lives at her family's inn, The Bramblebriar Inn. This story is geared for teenagers (age 12+) therefore, you can find this series in the Young Adult section of your library. From Willa, with Love is written in the first person narrative, which makes the reader feel as if they are there alongside Willa. Each chapter is started using a quote. These quotes introduce the chapter and are very inspiring. At the end of each novel, you will find a "Willa's Pix List", which is a list of recommended reading material by Willa herself. These are books the character read in the story. Overall, the author sets an exciting scene in all of the From the Life of...

With the summer winding down, I find myself scavenging for a good read. I've exausted my own collection, as well as the library's. I'm sure I'm not the only one in this situation though. Many of you might also be out of good book choices. The following is a list of short, but fantastic reads. Whether you are taking them to that last trip to the beach, your backyard pool, or your plane ride home, they will surely speak everything summer! 1. The Summer Before Boys, Nora Raleigh Baskin - two best friends struggle to stay together during their "summer before boys". One deals with changing a family, the other the idea of growing up. A touching novel about the power of friendship. 2. Turtle in Paradise, Jennifer L. Holm - visit Key West, Florida as you meet eleven-year-old Turtle and her interesting family. Staying with relitives she's never met, Turtle discovers the changes that 1935 brings to her life, and her summer. 3. The Penderwicks, Jeanne Birdsa...