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March 2009

Hi folks!

I urge you to turn off the television news and open up a great book. I can already tell you what is on the news tonight: the world is coming to an end, and our economy is going down the toilet. It is the same negative news every night. I’ve been reading tons of books to divert my attention – with a heavy emphasis on colorful childhood tales with lots of pictures and laughs (translation: Dr. Seuss and Roald Dahl, with a sprinkle of Richard Peck and Sarah Weeks).

Anyhow, enjoy this month’s book selections below. I hope you are all reading some wonderful books. Make sure to tell me all about them. If you're an author or a publisher and would like to send me review copies of your book(s), please send them to the address listed for authors and publishers.

I hope you are reading some wonderful books. Make sure to tell me about them by This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Have a wonderful March, and enjoy your books!

Danny ;-)
From the Mountain, From the Valley

From the Mountain, From the Valley

By James Still 176 pages Adult

Danny Says

I spoke throughout Kentucky this past summer and fell in love with the Bluegrass State. My friends, the teachers of Hindman, presented me with this wonderful collection of poems about Kentucky. Still’s writing provides a lyrical Appalachian tongue with observations that leave the reader craving for more. 
Buy on Amazon
The Sign for Drowning

The Sign for Drowning

By Rachel Stolzman 192 pages Adult

Danny Says

Poignant look at one woman’s efforts to overcome the personal childhood tragedy of losing her sister. I like stories about hope, and this one fits the bill. Just beware that you may shed a few tears on the way. Remarkable debut novel.
Buy on Amazon
Great Peacemakers: True Stories from Around the World

Great Peacemakers: True Stories from Around the World

By Ken Beller,Heather Chase 208 pages Adult

Danny Says

Too much found in history books focuses on wars and the people who participate in them. What I love about this uplifting book is that it exposes audiences to 20 significant examples of a better way to live. The chapters are brief enough to make ideal read alouds for teachers and parents of students of all ages. The best part of this book: its focus on the good on this planet.
Buy on Amazon
Imaginary Enemy

Imaginary Enemy

By Julie Gonzalez 256 pages Young Adult

Danny Says

Many children grow up with an imaginary friend. Slacker teen Jane White, on the other hand, created an imaginary enemy that she can blame all of her problems on. Nothing is ever Jane’s fault (sounds like a typical American, yes?), so when Jane’s imaginary friend writes her back, silliness sure to bring a smile to your face ensues.
Buy on Amazon
High Dive

High Dive

By Tammar Stein 208 pages Young Adult

Danny Says

I think a lot of us could use a book to escape with right about now, so grab a copy of this tale of one girl’s European travel adventures as she tries not to think about her father’s recent death or her mother’s deployment to Iraq. Moving and extremely well-written.
Buy on Amazon
Lost Boy

Lost Boy

By Linda Newbery 208 pages Young Adult

Danny Says

I guess I was on a British authors’ kick this past month. Linda Newbery crafts a compelling mystery around Matt, “a new kid in town,” who feels a connection to a boy with the same initials who died on a road where Matt bicycles. Matt’s new chums, Robbo and Tig, torment the boy’s killer, but maybe there is more to the story than Robbo and Tig let on. This one is sure to entice middle schoolers.
Buy on Amazon
Same Birthday

Same Birthday

By Carol Galusha 128 pages Young Adult

Danny Says

An intriguing story that follows the lives of Molly, Janine and Mary Anne. All are born on the same date in the heart of the Midwest, and this easy-to-read and compelling tale examines the effects of their different families on the fulfillment, or lack thereof, of their childhood dreams. 
Buy on Amazon
Bad to the Bone

Bad to the Bone

By Lucy A. Nolan 66 pages Children

Danny Says

Another in the delightful series of two dogs, Down Girl and Sit. Down Girl narrates her adventures with Sit as they deal with obedience school and proffer important advice like “ cats and squirrels are dangerous” and “dogs need attention.” Kids get a giggle, and they especially enjoy Mike Reed’s illustrations.
Buy on Amazon
Super Zero: Zinc Alloy

Super Zero: Zinc Alloy

By Donald Lemke 40 pages Children

Danny Says

Part of the funny Zinc Alloy graphic comic novel series, this episode follows Zack Allen as he constructs his very own robot suit to combat noogies and super-slimy wet willies.
Buy on Amazon
Hieroglyphs

Hieroglyphs

By Kremena T. Spengler 24 pages pages Children

Danny Says

Great introduction to the history of “picture writing” and how to crack different writing codes. Also provides some fun writing activities for kids.
Buy on Amazon

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