Guys Read – Jon Scieszka

Title: Guys Read

Author: Jon Sczieska

Summary: The GUYS READ LIBRARY OF GREAT READING is a multi-volume set of original short stories and illustrations that will inspire boys to want to keep reading. Each volume will feature ten of the very best writers in different genres. Each volume will serve as an introduction to writers and illustrators guys will want to know better.
The entire collection will be the answer to the question, “What will help get my guy reading?”

Website: http://www.guysread.com/

My take: A wonderful assortment of short stories to keep your young boy (or girl) reading for days. Funny, touching, weird and wild. You'll love this book! And check out Guys Write for Guys Read too.
Our kids found another giant list of new authors by reading this book. That alone is well worth you're reading this book to and with your kids.

A Whole Nother Story – Dr. Cuthbert Soup

Title: A Whole Nother Story

Author: Dr. Cuthbert Soup

Summary: The three Cheeseman children, their father, and their psychic dog are all on the run. From whom? Well the CIA, naturally. But also corporate agents #5, #29, and # 207, plus two international superspies -- one of whom happens to be a chimpanzee. They all want Dr. Cheeseman and his late wife's greatest invention-a machine with unspeakable powers-OK, I'll say it. It's a time machine. But it's not working right yet, so put all ideas of time travel out of your head.

Author's Website: www.awholenotherbook.com

My Take: I loved this book! It is wacky, funny, and full of adventures. My two kids, aged 9 and 7, just loved it too and we laughed often. The agenies and spies who try to steal the LVR (I'm not telling, you have to read it), are stumblin' rumblin', bumblin' and it's hilarious. Our family quote the book on a daily basis, as the lines just great.
Take my unsolicited advice and have fun with this book!

Perloo the Bold - Avi

Title: Perloo, The Bold

Author: Avi

Author Website:  www.avi-writer.com

Summary:  The reluctant hero of this fantasy, Perloo, is a mild-mannered, shy, reclusive member of the Montmer tribe — animals that are a cross between jackrabbits, prairie dogs, and humans. Dragged unwillingly from his comfortable mountain burrow by his friend Lucabara and brought to the tribe's headquarters, Perloo is astonished to learn that he has been selected to become the new "granter," or leader, of the Montmers. Hair-raising adventures ensue as Perloo finds himself involved in a power-struggle with the villainous Berwig the Big, the jealous son of the former granter, Jolaine, who feels that the title should rightly be his. Escaping from the burrow, Perloo is captured by the Felbarts, a tribe of fox-like creatures against whom Berwig is planning to start a war. When Perloo is forced into the role of leader and peace-maker between the tribes, his qualities of modesty, honesty, and integrity eventually win through, but his biggest decision comes at the end of the novel when he must choose how to handle his new-found responsibilities while remaining true to himself.

My Take: A wonderful book, well-written, as all Avi books I've read have been. What would you do if lead was given to you and don't want it but if you don't take it, evil will triumph?

Good over evil. A must read for all kids 9-12, or even younger. I highly recommend this book!