Juvenile Fiction
Selected by Janet Kreason, Head of Youth Services.
Scheduled to be published in the Times Union on 8/2008.
| Title: Obi, Gerbil on the Loose! Author: Delaney, Michael For Ages 8-11.Obi leads a pampered life with her adored fourth-grade adopted human mother. When Rachel’s family goes on a long trip, though, the neighbor boy caring for numerous household pets does not feed or even notice the increasingly desperate gerbil. Obi manages to escape from her cage but needs all her daring and wits to evade three cats, a tarantula, a snake and a crazy parrot and then to capture the teen’s attention. Told with just the right blend of sympathy and humor, this adventure will keep young pet lovers cheering for Obi's success. |
| Title: When the Sergeant Came Marching Home Author: Lemna, Don For Ages 9-12. Ten-year-old Donald is delighted when his father returns from the war in 1946, but resents having to leave his city home for the ramshackle farm his father purchases in the neighboring Montana countryside. Bored to tears, he secretly vows to save enough money to run away to Hollywood. However, building a tree house and spaceship, imprisoning his obnoxious cousin in the outhouse, singing pirate songs at school, meeting quirky neighbors, and trying to get his younger brother in trouble provide unexpected and often hilarious diversions during a memorable year of change and growth. |
| Title: Eleven Author: Giff, Patricia Reilly For Ages 9-12. While searching odd places for presents on the eve of his eleventh birthday, Sam discovers part of an old newspaper clipping which leads him to question his identity and past. As he and classmate Caroline construct an elaborate wooden castle for a class project, they also secretly race to solve Sam’s mystery before Caroline moves away. Meantime, flashes of Sam’s past begin to return in both waking moments and dreams, with everything bafflingly tied to the number eleven. Giff’s pacing is perfect as she unfolds an intriguing tale full of memorable characters. |
| Title: The Adventures of Sir Lancelot the Great Author: Morris, Gerald For Ages 8-11. The trouble with being the greatest knight in England is being continually challenged to combat by those wishing to win a victory and claim the title for themselves. Finally Sir Lancelot decides to venture out only on lonely paths where he will be unknown. He still must use his wits as well as his skills to defeat recreant knights and stave off ambitious ladies. After much thought, Lancelot retires from King Arthur’s court—until Queen Guinevere is falsely accused by a wicked man and Lancelot considers the true purpose of his calling. Morris makes some of the great characters of literature accessible to young readers through his action-packed and humorous retelling of legend in what promises to be the first of a series about famous knights. |
| Title: Happy Birthday, Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle Author: MacDonald, Betty & Ann MacDonald Canham For Ages 8-11. A beloved classic character returns in a newly discovered short story as well as in others outlined by the original author and recently completed by her daughter. Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle continues to show a sure touch as she combines a practical knowledge of psychology with a pinch of magic to help frustrated, baffled parents break kids of bad habits such as insulting others, not brushing their teeth, and picky eating. Meantime, Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle herself is in for a few surprises from her many neighborhood friends in this warm, humorous reunion. |