Juvenile Fiction
Selected by Janet Kreason, Head of Youth Services.
Scheduled to be published in the Times Union on 6/2007.
| Title: Return of the Killer Cat Author: Fine, Ann 2007 For ages 7-10. When his human family goes away for the week, Tuffy is determined to outwit the strict house-sitting vicar and do whatever he pleases. In an attempt to escape, the cocky cat falls into the hands of the little girl next door, who dresses him in baby clothes and coos over him. Resourceful and unrepentant Tuffy has the last laugh in a snappy tale which will keep early chapter book readers chuckling. |
| Title: Being Teddy Roosevelt Author: Mills, Claudia 2007 For ages 7-10. Riley longs for a saxophone so he can participate in instrumental music, but his mother can’t afford to rent him one. As Riley reads a biography of Teddy Roosevelt in preparation for acting and dressing like the president at a fourth-grade biography tea, he begins to wonder how the determined president would have tackled the problem. With a little inspiration from Roosevelt, Riley’s own resourcefulness, and some help from classmates Mahatma Gandhi, Helen Keller and Elizabeth I, Riley achieves his goal. |
| Title: Trouble According to Humphrey Author: Birney, Betty G. 2007 For ages 8-10. Believing that you can learn a lot by taking care of another species, Humphrey the hamster observes and learns with interest as the teacher and kids create a community in Room 26. Friendly and sympathetic Humphrey is so popular that the students name the community after him, and his desire to help his human friends also manifests itself during weekend visits to students’ homes. When Humphrey accidentally gets one of his favorite young humans into trouble, he must decide whether to “squeak up” and clear her name or to remain free to roam the classroom at night and help others. |
| Title: Hitler’s Canary Author: Toksvig, Sandi 2007 For ages 11-13. When the Germans invade Denmark, young teen Bamse, his lively family and their neighbors face increasingly dangerous and painful moral choices in response. Bamse and his Jewish friend Anton become involved in the resistance movement, but as the political situation continues to deteriorate, the larger community must act if they are to save the lives of Anton and others. Bamse’s mother draws on her formidable theater background to play a pivotal role in the gripping climax of a heart-wrenching human drama. |
| Title: I Hate Books! Author: Walker, Kate 2007 For ages 7-9. Hamish thinks reading is what his grandfather does—standing before a group and delivering a story in dramatic style, with a book open in front of him. However, Hamish makes up his own stories, and manages to cover for not really being able to read until his third-grade teacher discovers the truth and sends him to remedial reading. Hamish’s parents and teachers try to help, but it is his beloved older brother’s solution which finally saves the day in a book which will captivate young readers just as much as the stories which Hamish creates. |