Treasure, Survival, Spelunking

 Wilson, N.D. (2007). Leepike Ridge (Gr. 4-8)

Tom Hammond lives in a strange house that is chained to the side of a mountain.  His father died three years ago, and now some lousy guy wants to marry his mom.  Perhaps unwisely, Tom takes a nighttime float down the nearby creek on a large piece of packing foam that came with a new refrigerator.  When the river dumps him into partly flooded caves, Tom has no idea what terrifying and thrilling adventures are in store for him.  Above ground, treasure hunts, search parties, and shady characters abound in Tom's absence.

You'll have to decide for yourself if you think that the treasure is worth the effort!

Poetry (even for people who don't like poetry)

Not all poems are made the same.  Some rhyme, some don't.  Some are funny, some are serious.  Some are very long, some are really short.  Others, like concrete poems, use words or letters to create shapes and pictures.  Today's review looks at an entire book of concrete poems.

Grandits, John (2004).  Technically, It's Not My Fault (Gr. 4-8)

A school bus that eats children, the autobiography of a fart, an annotated thank you letter for a hideous sweater, and the best excuse for not mowing the lawn are just a few of the poems in this collection.  Each concrete poem is told from the perspective of Robert, an 11-year-old boy who likes skateboards, video games, and tricking the class bully.  The poems are funny, gross, goofy, sarcastic, and insightful--much like a pre-teen boy.  Even readers who don't like poetry can get into these poems.

Chilling Gothic Tales

Del Negro, Janice M. (2007). Passion and Poison. 64 pages. Grades 4 and up.

These eight tales are about strong women who are determined to stand up for what is right, even beyond the grave. Del Negro uses vivid imagery and detailed language in each story, from Elizabeth Frye who could change into a cat to Giovanna who avenged her sister's death. Eerie pencil illustrations set the mood. These are spine-tingling stories to read aloud on a spooky night.