Reading Ahead - Books for Ages 9 to 12 (September/October 2008

Books for this age group cover the waterfront not only for subjects but also in readability. Some kids in this range still prefer picture books, but they need more sophisticated content. Some are ready for full-length stories that verge on YA. Thankfully, authors and publishers cover the whole range. Here are a few things that we're looking forward to reading over the winter.

Click the book's title to visit our website and get more details. Click the cover to connect with a bookseller. The Reading Tub uses its earnings from purchases to donate books to at-risk readers and keep the website subscription-free.

Becoming Charlemagne: Europe, Baghdad, and the Empires of A.D. 800 by Jeff Sypeck. Unless you are in a parochial school or in AP history, this isn't a period of time you know much about. This is a non-fiction book, but it has the look and feel (I skimmed a couple pages) of a novel. The more robust, informative footnotes caught my attention, too. (Ecco, an Imprint of HarperCollins Publishers, 2007) Reading Level - not yet determined

Little Leap Forward, a Boy in Beijing written by Guo Yue and Clare Farrow, illustrated by Helen Cann. I'm sure this book came out in time for the 2008 Summer Olympics, but it just arrived here. This is a middle-grade chapter book set in China during the summer of 1966, and the arrival of the Cultural Revolution. It sounds fascinating. (Barefoot Books, 2008) Reading Level 5.5


Looking at Paintings: An Introduction to Fine Art for Young Readers by Erika Langmuir. What caught my attention was the effort to connect Mickey Mouse and Goofy to fine art. Thumbing through, various classic Disney characters (not the princesses) introduce kids to the elements of paintings and various media. I particularly like that it's a hand-held book, about the size of an easy reader. (Bunker Hill Publishing, 2002) Reading Level 5.7

The Summer of Cecily written by Nan Lincoln, illustrated by Walt Smith This is a lightly-illustrated, semi-autobiographical story of a Harbor Seal pup who is orphaned and then rescued by a family in Maine. The author, who was part of the rescue, tells the story. When I hold this book, Trumpet of the Swan comes to mind ... but I don't know why. (Bunker Hill Publishing, 2004) Reading Level 4.4

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Reading Ahead - Books for Ages 9 to 12 (September/October 2008

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Reading Ahead - Books for Ages 5 to 8 (November/December 2008)

The bulk of our new books these past two months have been seasonal titles for the holidays. Now that we have reviewed them, we're looking forward to some of the others. Here are three that are resting near the top.

Click the book's title to visit our website and get more details. Click the cover to connect with a bookseller. The Reading Tub uses its earnings from purchases to donate books to at-risk readers and keep the website subscription-free.

Mama Panya's Pancakes: A Village Tale from Kenya written by Mary and Rich Chamberlain, illustrated by Julia Cairns. The illustrations in this book are wonderful. I haven't read a word, but have spent some time just flipping through the pages to explore the colorful images. (Barefoot Books, 2005) Reading level 3.8

Bugged! (Science Solves It) written by Michelle Knudsen and illustrated by Blance Sims. This is an easy reader (Flesch-Kincaid 2.1). It's classified as fiction, but it's part of the "Science Solves It" series, which gets kids interested in thinking, too. I'm hoping to find an answer that puts an end to my days as a mosquito magnet. (Kane Press, Inc., 2008) Reading Level 2.1

Jack and the Box written and illustrated by Art Spiegelman. Bright colors, repetitive text and linear comic strip illustrations caught our eye. This is designed to be an early reader graphic novel. (Little Lit Library, a Division of RAW Junior, LLC, 2008) Reading level .9

Mo and Jo; Fighting Together Forever written and illustrated by Dean Haspiel and Jay Lynch . This is an early reader graphic novel that introduces chapters. Mo and Jo are fighting siblings who need to work togethr to fight crime. (Little Lit Library, a Division of RAW Junior, LLC, 2008) Reading Level .7


Nanuq: A Baby Polar Bear's Story written by Kathleen Duey, illustrated by Lara Gurin. It's hard to classify this book. It is a picture book, but it's also an easy reader (2.8 Flesch-Kincaid readability). Like Bugged! It is listed with fiction, but the story itself seems to offer lots of factual detail about a polar bear's life. It comes with a CD, which makes it attractive for pre-readers and emerging readers. (Smart Kids Publishing, Inc., 2008) Reading Level 2.8

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Reading Ahead - Books for Ages 5 to 8 (November/December 2008)

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Reading Ahead - Books for Ages 0 to 4 (November/December 2008)

In the coming month's we'll be reviewing these colorful board books for toddlers. More and more, books are coming out as "set," which is nice for this age group. They like familiar characters and repetition.

Click the book's title to visit our website. Click cover to connect with a bookseller. The Reading Tub uses its earnings from purchases to donate books to at-risk readers and keep the website subscription-free.

Cleo's Alphabet and Cleo's Color Book written and illustrated by Caroline Mockford. These are brightly colored titles with simple illustrations. What particularly grabbed my attention was their sturdiness (and some very cute kittens). (Barefoot Books, 2008)



We recently received advance copies of four titles in the Just Like Us series: Having Fun, Together, Taking it Easy, Making Friends. These are brightly colored lift-the-flap books featuring babies and baby animals in familiar activities. (Childs Play, 2009)

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Reading Ahead - Books for Ages 0 to 4 (November/December 2008)

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The Book Bag, Books for Ages 9 to 12 (September/October 2008)

Some wonderful stories -- seasonal, valuable, and just plain fun -- fill this edition of the book bag for independent readers. If you've read and reviewed any of the books, be sure to click on the titles. That way you can add your link via Mr. Linky on the Reading Tub website and as a comment on the Just One More Book! website.

When I Grow Up written by Jessica Loy. This photo-illustrated picture book introduces kids to 14 non-traditional career choices (cheese maker, chocolatier, robotics engineer, etc.). A byproduct is they also get to see how things are made (like cheese). Here's what reviewer Bob Walch had to say: "Everyone can enjoy this book that has good information about career choices. The color photos used to illustrated each occupation are excellent." (Henry Holt and Company, 2008)


Declare Yourself: Speak. Connect. Act. Vote. written by Declare Yourself. Declare Yourself is a national, nonpartisan, nonprofit organization focused on increasing citizen participation in local, state, and national campaigns. %ifty celebrities from political writers to rappers offer personal stories about the importance of participating in the voting process. "Everyone will benefit from reading this interesting and creative approach the subject of the importance of the electoral process. This is an excellent tool." (HarperTeen, 2008)


The Dragon's Child written by Laurence Yep with Dr. Kathleen S. Yep The year is 1922, and Gim Lew Yep (10) and his family are emigrating from China to the United States. To live in America, they must all pass a rigorou exam. For Gim Lew, this seems insurmountable. He is left-handed, and when he gets excited, he stutters. "This is a powerful story with solid characters and a strong plot. The immigration and cross-generational themes, as well as the historical context, create a wonderful mosaic." (HarperCollins, 2008)


MySpace/Our Planet; Change is Possible by the MySpace Community. This a comprehensive program that identifies the problems; shares up-to-date environmental data; and offers suggestions for short and long term change. This is a handbook to help teens promote making change. "This handbook is exceptionally well written and illustrated. The suggestions, if adopted, will have a positive impact on the global environment." (HarperCollins, 2008)



Coraline adapted by Neil Gaiman and P. Craig Russell. Coraline and her parents just moved into a very old house. It was too large for a single family to maintain so they rented out sections of the house. Along with the tenants, there is a ghost family who is trying lure Coraline to live with them in another part of the house. Will Coraline realize what’s happening in time to free herself? or will the ghost family entrap her forever? This is a verbatim transformation of the classic novel into a graphic novel. "The author's and illustrator's collaboration on this project has produced an extraordinary and enjoyable piece of literature." (HarperCollins Publishers, 2008)

My Dad's a Birdman written by David Almond, illustrated by Polly Dunbar. The Great Human Bird Competition is coming to town and Lizzie’s Dad, Jackie, is preparing to enter the contest. Hoping to find her "old dad," Lizzie decides to help him. Family and friends think the contest is too dangerous and try to persuade them not to participate. Are their fears justified? " This is a quality piece of work. I would place it in top 10% of children's literature for both the author and the illustrator." (Candlewick Press, 2008)


"A podcast about the children's books we love and why we love them -- recorded in our favourite coffee shop." As I mentioned in the Book Bag of books for kids ages 5 to 8, Andrea has selected a collection of books for Remembrance Day (November 11). These are her chapter book recommendations. As she points out "they are all great for ages 4-12 (well, for all ages). The issues of war and peace highlighted in these books are ones we should read throughout our lives."


What We Remember written by Leslie Airth, illustrated by Mervyn Finch. Six simple, stirring stories help us slip into the shoes of real children as they deal with the impacts of war. (General Store Publishing House, 2005)

Lugalbanda: The Boy Who Got Caught Up In A War written by Kathy Henderson, illustrated by Jane Ray. This warmly worded and intricately illustrated epic enchants our daughters with its exotic beauty and its underlying themes of kindness and generosity, in spite of its war and gore and shark-toothed, eagle-taloned Anzu birds. (Candlewick Press, 2006)

If I Die Before I Wake: The Flu Epidemic Diary of Fiona Macgregor, 1918 written by Jean Little. Beautifully bound in a soft unevenly edged journal and told with humour, innocence, intimacy and affection, the daily entries of a fictional twelve year old disclose the spellbinding details of life during the Spanish flu epidemic of 1918-19. (Scholastic, 2007)

Janusz Korczak's Children written by Gloria Spielman, illustrated by Matthew Archambault. Uncommonly rich illustrations and detailed, yet accessible, early reader text relay the haunting, true story of Janusz Korczak — doctor, writer, educator and champion of children’s rights. (Kar-Ben Publishing, 2007)

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The Book Bag, Books for Ages 9 to 12 (September/October 2008)

https://thereadingtub.blogspot.com/2008/10/book-bag-books-for-ages-9-to-12.html

Reading Ahead - Books for Ages 9 to 12 (September/October 2008

In these last two months, chapter books have been the biggest collection of "new additions" to the Tub ... by far. It looks like there will be something for everyone, covering every genre and every reading level. Here were a few that really stood out.

Enchanted Thyme (Book 1: The Delicious Adventure Series) by Adriane Smith, with recipes by Chef Michael Wilson. A middle grade reader with recipes. It sounds so fun (Big Word Press, 2008)


The Porcupine Year by Louise Erdrich This is the third book in this trilogy of a young Native American girl. I have not heard of the others, but this one caught my attention. It is billed as just as fun for new readers as people who have read the previous titles. We'll see. (HarperCollins, 2008)


America: The Making of a Nation by Charlie Samuels, illustrated by Sally Launder, Michael WOods, and Tom Connell. This interactive book, with all it's flaps and illustrations looks like it could keep you busy for days. It strikes me as a book kids will love to explore. (Little, Brown and Company, 2008)

Football Double Threat (Matt Christopher series) text by Stephanie Peters We're in the throes of football season now, and this one looks like it might just catch a reluctant reader's eye: sports, friendship, suspense. (Little, Brown and Company, 2008)

Kris Kringle by Maria L. Ciampi This book is set out as a script for a play. That helps bring the reading level down and get kids engaged in the reading. I liked this twist: Charles Dickens had a private writing study, where he would develop his characters through acting. (AuthorHouse, 2008)


Hiding Glory by Laura Chester, illustrated by Gary A. Lippincott. This is an illustrated, chapter-book fairy tale about a girl, a horse, and a magical kingdom. The presentation has that timeles look about it, particularly the pen and ink sketches. (Willow Creek Press, 2008)


Ghost Medicine by Andrew Smith I am so excited about this book. I met Andrew before BEA, when he was still waiting for the book to launch. It is a high interest/low readability book that looks like it will have great appeal for reluctant readers, particularly boys.This coming-of-age novel about three friends that has the sense of being Western and modern all at the same time. (Feiwel and Friends, 2008)

The Mystery of Journeys Crown: An Adventure Drawing Game written and illustrated by K. Michael Crawford This one is hard to nail down. It's part puzzle book, part workbook, and part mystery. It looks very clever and very engaging ... perfect for reluctant readers or kids who want something "to do" when they read. (VirtualBookworm.com, 2008)


Humpty Dumpty Jr: Hardboiled Detective by Nate Evans and Paul Hindman, illustrated by Vince Evans and Nate Evans. The subtitle grabbed me on this one! We have two cases we're going to solve: The Case of the Fiendish Flapjack Flop and The Mystery of Merlin and the Gruesome Ghost. (Jabberwocky, an Imprint of Sourcebooks, Inc., 2008)


If you've read any of these books, be sure to click the title. That will take you to our review page, and you can add your link with Mr. Linky.

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Reading Ahead - Books for Ages 9 to 12 (September/October 2008

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Reading Ahead - Books for Ages 5 to 8 (September/October 2008)

To put together the Reading Ahead column, I jot notes about books as they come in. So it isn't until I come back to do the final tweaks that I see the collection that has come together. I am really tickled to see the diversity: biographies, poetry, picture books, and chapter books, too.

One written and illustrated by Kathryn Otoshi. This book has lots of white space, which makes the colors (who are the characters) really stand out. On first impression, it strikes me as one of those books you'll treasure "just because." (KO Kids Books, 2008)


Seven Miles to Freedom: The Robert Smalls Story by Janet Halfmann, illustrated by Duane Smith. This is the story of a South Caroline slave who, as a wheelman, steered his boat toward the Union fleet. I haven't read more than the blurb, I'm just captivated by the illustrations. They are just incredible. (Lee & Low Books, Inc., 2008)

Oscar & Otis Fat Fighters by Alicia Kirschenheiter, illustrated by Maciej Zajac Books about healthy choices must be on the rise, because we have had several in the last few weeks. This one caught my eye, because Oscar and Otis look like "cool cats" that kids can relate to. (Book Surge, 2008)

The Adventures of Buttons and Bows: The 3-Wheeled Wagon by Jane Croxton, illustrated by Molly M. Green. On the cover, there is a baseball in the spot where you'd expect to find a wagon wheel. This looks like a clever story about problem solving and teamwork. (AuthorHouse, 2008)


Happy Birthday Mrs. Piggle Wiggle by BettyMacDonald & Anne MacDonald Canham, illustrated by Alexandra Boiger This is a new title, based on a manuscript that Betty MacDonald's daughter found. I loved Mrs. Piggle Wiggle as a girl, and I'm looking forward to this one. (HarperCollins Publishers, 2008)

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Reading Ahead - Books for Ages 5 to 8 (September/October 2008)

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Reading Ahead - Books for Ages 0 to 4 (September/October 2008)

There were few, toddler-preschool books that really stuck out these past two months. There are a number of picture books for the 5 to 8 year-old audience that will be fun for this audience. Those book bags are coming up next! In the meantime, we have two new books we're looking forward to reading.

South written and illustrated by Patrick McDonnell. Wordless books are such a wonderful way to explore reading in its purest form: storytelling. McDonnell has paired Mooch with a bird (and some falling leaves) for this one. (Little, Brown and Company, 2008)




Broccoli, Carrots, and Beans by C. B. Chrismas, illustrated by Dan Cooper. Brightly colored illustrations and repetitive text work together to encourage kids to eat their veggies. Will it work? We don't know yet. (AuthorHouse, 2008)

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Reading Ahead - Books for Ages 0 to 4 (September/October 2008)

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What's On Your Nightstand

I'm going to try something new. I'm going to commit to participating in the What's on Your Nightstand? Carnivall. I have hesitated to post for carnivals, because they are so fun they can eat up my life. I've also been reticent about publishing our Reading Ahead and Book Bag columns every month because they, too, can be time consuming ... and I want them to have meaningful content, which 30 days' notice doesn't always guarantee.

The What's on Your Nightstand? Carnival may be just what I need to bridge the gap. A little taste of what has landed on my desk and what we're reading, without going over the top. So here goes ...

What's New in the Tub?

Books on a Theme

The Queen of Halloween by Mary Einglebreit. My daughter snagged this one and has asked for it several times already. (HarperCollins Publishers, 2008)

Ghostsitters (Araminta Spookie 5)as told to Angie Sage. (HarperCollins Publishers, 2008)


Books that Landed on the Top of the TBR pile

Marvel the Marvelous by Laura Chester, illustrated by Gary A. Lippincott. The pen-and-ink illustrations in this book take me back to reading those collector's quality fairy tales and fables. (Willow Creek Press, 2008)



A Very Special Snowflake by Don Hoffman, illustrated by Todd Dakins. This one is a seasonal story, so we'll try to turn it around pretty quick. (Cartwheel Books, an Imprint of Scholastic, 2008)



Books We've Read, Reviewed, and Loved

The Princess and the Hound by Mette Ivie Harrison. This is one fantastic book ... I took it with me EVERYWHERE. I read it waiting for the ATM to process, for the pediatrician to see us, and with great restraint, not at the stoplights. Here's my review. It's not on the site yet, 'cuz we're in the midst of an upgrade.

Ruthie Bon Bair, Don't Go To Bed with Wringing Wet Hair by Susan Lubner, illustrated by Bruce Whatley . Ruthie loves her long, curly hair, but not the tangles. But, when you don't dry your hair, strange things can happen. We read this more than a year ago, but it has resurfaced as my daughter's current favorite. (Abrahms Books for Young Readers, 2006)

Junie B. Jones First Grader: One-Man Band by Barbara Park, illustrated by Denise Brunkus. My first grader picked this as her "free" book at Barnes and Noble this summer. As we expected, she laughed her way through it. (Random House Books for Young Readers, 2004) Not yet reviewed on the site.

What We're Reading Now

On my nightstand is a mixed pile of books. I have two graphic novels (Magic Trixie, Warriors: Firestar and Sasha), an ARC (Burn), and a middle-grade novel (The Wild Women of Lake Anna, a Bailey Fish Adventure).

On my daughter's dresser and nightstand, we have A Camping Spree with Mr. Magee, The Queen of Halloween, Barbie Mariposa, When Dinosaurs Came with Everything, One-Eyed Jake (a pirate story), and Dirk Bones and the Mystery of the Haunted House. These are her current favorites ... some we read as partners, some she can snuggle in and listen to.

Read more!

What's On Your Nightstand

https://thereadingtub.blogspot.com/2008/09/whats-on-your-nightstand.html

Bilingual Books (July/August 2008)

There were only a few bilingual and foreign-language children's books this time. Rather than write two bare-bones posts, I'm combining the Reading Ahead (previews) and Book Bag (review) columns for Bilingual Books.

First I'd like to call attention to the Step by Step Reading Corner, a non-profit publisher dedicated to literacy. They create children's picture books in many languages, including French, Spanish, and Slavic languages (think: Russia and Eastern Europe). These are not bilingual books, but you can buy the same book in English and the language of your choice. Check out the Step by Step Reading Corner store at Big Universe to read the stories online. Here are some of the titles that have caught our eye. They were all published by the International Step by Step Association in 2007.

A Mango for Grandpa by Caroline Hudicourt, illustrated by Ismer Saincilus We are interested in the growing collection of stories that help a child deal with an aging/dying grandparent. Read this book online at Big Universe.


Moush Wants to Get Lost by Rouzanna Baghdasaryn, illustrated by Yulia Lushnikova. Moush is a little boy having a bad day. He thinks running away will help. Read this book online at Big Universe.


The Doll's Nose by Miranda Haxhia, illustrated by Ursula Kohrer. Clara and Ana invited Mary to play dolls with them. But Mary was too embarrassed, she didn't have a doll. So when she couldn't buy one, she made one. Achoo! Oh, no. Mary had forgotten about her doll's nose! What could she use? "This is a creative, well-balanced story. It doesn't overplay the family's poverty and Ana and Clara are not mean about having dolls. It has just the right blend of independence and creativity you hope to see in a story, and I love how the other girls want to have dolls that are just like Mary's. It would be nice to find more stories like this one." Read this book online at Big Universe.

Here are the other attention-grabbers.

Keisha's Doors / Las Puertas de Keisha and Tacos Anyone / Alguien quiere tacos? by Marvie Ellis, illustrated by Jenny Loehr These are the first two titles in a picture book series about children with autism. I am encouraged to see picture books to help children understand autism in their peers, and they are bilingual to boot! (Speech Kids Texas Press, Inc.)

Mandy and Pandy Visit China and Mandy and Pandy Play Sports by Chris Lin, illustrated by Ingrid Villalta These are two titles in Mandy and Pandy, a bilingual boardbook series in English and Chinese. Each book comes with a CD so that you can follow along and also hear pronunciation. The book is read three times: Slow dialogue, alternating English and Chinese; word-by-word in Chinese; and
conversational Chinese. These would have been fun to have BEFORE the Olympics!(Mandy and Pandy, LLC, 2008)

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Bilingual Books (July/August 2008)

https://thereadingtub.blogspot.com/2008/08/bilingual-books-julyaugust-2008.html

Reading Ahead - Books for Ages 0 to 4 (July/August 2008)

These books look so sweet. I don't have a little girl I can read them too, anymore ... I have a big girl who can read them "all by myself, Mommy." (sigh) These are in the rotation to go out to family reviewers in the next month, so stay tuned!

Baby Gym Series: Calm and Soothe, Touch and Tickle, Bounce and Jiggle, Wiggle and Move This collection of board books is for infants and toddlers. These are all classic nursery rhymes and songs. What intrigues me is the parent guide for encouraging you to play your way through reading. It's something we have talked about in Reading Round-Ups (Child's Play, 2008)


Animal Exercises: Poems to Keep Fit by Mandy Ross, illustrated by Sanja Rescek Each of these poems is a different animal, and kids are invited to act like the animals do. (Child's Play, 2007)

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Reading Ahead - Books for Ages 0 to 4 (July/August 2008)

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Reading Ahead - Books for ages 5 to 8 (July/August 2008)

Children this age -- whether you are reading to them or they are beginning to read on their own -- soak up so much. They're still sorting feelings, polishing social behavior, pushing their imaginations in every inconceivable direction, and soaking up new things. It is wonderful to find such a diversity of books for this audience. It can't help but plant the seeds of lifelong reading!

Max and the Doglins written and illustrated by Amanda Montgomery-Higham This looks like an interesting story with several layers. The idea that the "bullies" are actually a positive catalyst intrigues me. (Child's Play, 2008)



Amadi's Snowman by Katia Novet Saint-Lot, illustrated by Dimitrea Tokunbo This is a story about a boy who doesn't think he needs to know how to read. The illustrations are just beautiful and make you want to stop what you're doing (so far I've resisted). (Tilbury House, Publishers, 2008)



Night of the Moon: A Muslim Holiday Story by Hena Khan and Julie Paschkis The bright colors alone will draw you to this book. From the blurb: the main character is Yasmeen, a 7-year-old Pakistani American. I'm always excited about kid-to-kid books that expand a child's cultural awareness.



Keisha's Doors / Las Puertas de Keisha and Tacos Anyone / Alguien quiere tacos? by Marvie Ellis, illustrated by Jenny Loehr These are the first two titles in a picture book series about children with autism. I am encouraged to see picture books to help children understand autism in their peers. It is so important that kids understand and not mock peers who struggle with challenges they cannot control. (Am there, live that!)

Read more!

Reading Ahead - Books for ages 5 to 8 (July/August 2008)

https://thereadingtub.blogspot.com/2008/07/reading-ahead-books-for-ages-5-to-8.html

Reading Ahead - Books for Ages 9 to 12 (July/August 2008)

The bookshelves continue to fill up with largely fantasy and science fiction ... all of which are one volume or another of a series. Specific plot elements and character names aside, they are running together. Here's what looks cool ... and distinguishes itself because it's NOT in that mix.

Man in the Moon by Dotti Enderle This is a story set in Texas in the summer of 1961. What catches my eye about it is this part of the blurb: "When Ricky takes sick, really sick...Janine feels powerless to help her brother, but Mr. Lunas has a plan." More and more, kids are having to deal with seriously ill relatives. This may be a story that helps them understand life. (Delacorte Press, an Imprint of Random House, Inc., 2008)

Reaching for the Moon by Buzz Aldrin, illustrated by Wendell Minor. I am always happy to highlight potentially great books that are (a) non-fiction and (b) books that can engage boys. This illustrated biography (reading level 6.1) looks like it could be perfect for reluctant and remedial readers. (Collins, an Imprint of HarperCollins Publishers, 2008)


Listen! by Stephanie S. Tolan. There are lots of books about kids and pets, but usually they're for younger kids. This is the story of a young girl who, while dealing with her own pain, crosses paths with an abused dog. It's nice to see something that ISN'T princess or intergalactic! (HarperTrophy, an Imprint of HarperCollins Publishers, 2008)


Out of Bounds; Seven Stories of Conflict and Hope by Beverely Naidoo. We loved Web of Lies, and this collection of short stories looks like they could be as equally compelling as that novel was two years ago. These are stories about apartheid in South Africa, in a "youth voice." HarperTrophy, an Imprint of HarperCollins Publishers, 2008)



Ghost Files by the Ghost Society Just thumbing through this book is neat. There are pages within pages, tabs to pull, and things to move as you learn about ghosts and ghost-lore. The reading level is grade 8, so it offers something for kids who want/need to keep busy while they read. NOTE: The book will be available next month (which in reality is next week). (HarperCollins Publisher, 2008)

Read more!

Reading Ahead - Books for Ages 9 to 12 (July/August 2008)

https://thereadingtub.blogspot.com/2008/08/reading-ahead-books-for-ages-9-to-12.html