Provo Library Children's Book Blog

The Great Lollipop Caper by Dan Krall New York : Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, c2013. unpaged picture book A small caper is angry that kids don't like his "earthy and acidic" flavor. Never mind that adults seem to find him delicious, it is the hordes of children he wants to please. If only he were as sweet and desirable as Lollipop! Disguised as an innocent pea, Caper infiltrates the Lollipop factory to carry out a diabolical plan to become more popular than Lollipop! As the new and improved treats are distributed throughout the world the results are not quite what Caper had hoped for. As his carefully laid plans spiral out of control he has no choice but to join forces with his enemy, Lollipop. Together they make everything right and Caper realizes being favored by adults isn't so terrible after all. An entertaining story paired with fabulously fun illustrations make for a laugh-out-loud read for all ages. 

Jimmy Zangwow's Out-of-This-World, Moon Pie Adventure When Jimmy ' s mother won't let him have any moon pies for a snack, he takes a trip to the moon to get some. Ted A young boy manages to get his busy father's attention with the help of a special imaginary friend.   Kenny and the Dragon Book-loving Kenny the rabbit has few friends in his farming community, so when one, bookstore owner George, is sent to kill another, gentle dragon Grahame, Kenny must find a way to prevent their battle while satisfying the dragon-crazed townspeople.    The Spider and the Fly An illustrated version of the well-known poem about a wily spider who preys on the vanity and innocence of a little fly.   The Search for WondLa Living in isolation with a robot on what appears to be an alien world populated with bizarre life forms, a twelve-year-old human girl called Eva Nine sets out on a journey to find others like her.    A Hero for WondLa  R

The Candy Shop War By Brandon Mull When fifth-graders Nate, Summer, Trevor, and Pigeon meet the owner of the new candy store in town and are given a magical candy that endows them with super powers, they find that along with its benefits there are also dangerous consequences.   Arcade Catastrophe By Brandon Mull Nate and his friends think the new Arcadeland, where tickets can earn jets, tanks, subs, and racecars, is totally cool, until they learn that the arcade owner is hiding a secret.   Magical Mischief By Anna Dale Mr. Hardbattle, aided by his friends Miss Quint and resourceful thirteen-year-old Arthur Goodenough, seeks a new home for all of the magic that has gone out of control and taken over his bookshop and home.    The Grimm Legacy By Polly Shulman New York high school student Elizabeth gets an after-school job as a page at the "New-York Circulating Material Repository," and when she gains coveted access to its G

  Beyond Courage: The Untold Story of Jewish Resistance During the Holocaust By Doreen Rappaport Through twenty-one meticulously researched accounts-- some chronicled in book form for the first time-- Doreen Rappaport illuminates the defiance of tens of thousands of Jews across eleven Nazi-occupied countries during World War II. Women Heroes of World War II: 26 Stories of Espionage, Sabotage, Resistance, and Rescue By Kathryn J. Atwood These twenty-six stories unfold from across Germany, Poland, Great Britain, the United States, and provide an inspiring reminder of women and girls' refusal to sit on the sidelines around the world and throughout history. War Games By Audrey Couloumbis  What were once just boys' games become matters of life and death as Petros and his older brother Zola each wonder if, like their resistance-fighter cousin, they too can make a difference in a Nazi-occupied Greece. Soldier Boys By Dean Hughes Two boys, one

Welcome to Silver Street Farm by Nicola Davies, illustrated by Katharine McEwan Candlewick, 2012.  72 pgs.  Intermediate      Three kids in pre-school only want to play with the farm animals and when they get older, they want the real thing:  a farm in the city.  Sometimes dreams do come true and they do in the unlikeliest fashion for Gemma, Meera, and Karl when they find an abandoned train station right by the water that is perfect for ducks, sheep, goats, and chickens (for starters).  But where to get the animals? and what if the City Council has other plans for the old train station?  The first part turns out to be easy.  Karl's aunt is swindled by a guy claiming to be selling her poodles, but they are actually sheep.  The guard dog at the station is transformed into a farm dog by the judicious application of green jellybeans.  Meera's veterinarian employer gives her some duck eggs he thinks are no good, and so on. The City Council is a tougher nut to crack, but a po

A Big Guy Took My Ball! By Mo Willems Hyperion Books for Children, 2013. 56 pages. Easy reader. Piggie is upset, and rightfully so. She just found a fun new ball, only to have a big guy snatch it from her! She cries her heart out to her best pal, Gerald. And Gerald declares, shaking his fist, "Big guys have all the fun! What about the little guys!?" He heroically goes to get Piggie's new ball back. But the bully turns out to be big, VERY big- he's a blue whale! His size is scary, but he turns out to be a very nice new friend. He thanks Gerald and Piggie for finding his "little ball."  The three new pals then play "Whale Ball," a new game that Gerald and Piggie make up on the spot. Mo Willems' newest Elephant and Piggie adventure is as delightful as ever. Big fun!

The Stone of Fire Cavemice #1 by Geronimo Stilton Scholastic Paperbacks; 1 edition (January 1, 2013) 128 pages. Intermediate chapter book. Geronimo Stilton's ancestor, Geronimo Stiltonoot is a reporter for Mouse City's Stone Gazette. This is quite the undertaking as a copy of each issue is handcarved for every resident in the city. Geronimo is often in the wrong place at the wrong time and this leads to him getting involved in solving a mystery with his friend Hercule Poirat. They infiltrate Tiger Khan's camp only to find out the ferocious felines are planning an attack on their very own Mouse City. Will the rodents be able to fend off their invaders? Will Geronimo be able to return to the quiet life of newspaper making? (Actually, paper wasn't invented yet so I guess it was called newsstone making). This humorous adventure story will delight both boys and girls just beginning to read slightly longer chapter books.

Flood by Alvaro F. Villa North Mankato, MN : Picture Window Books, c2013. unpaged. Wordless picture book. This stunning wordless picture book tells of a family whose life is disrupted by a hurricane. Before the storm they play together, watch TV together and work together. As the weather worsens they do everything to protect their property including storm windows and sandbags. However, the powerful wind is worse than they thought and they must evacuate. While they seek shelter elsewhere the risen waters overtake their once cheerful home. When the family returns, it is to a decidedly more dismal sight than when they left. Yet they don't let this devastate them too much and they start right in rebuilding their happy home. The illustrations are moody and lively in their depictions of the storm. However, the human characters show very little facial expression. Overall a wonderfully expressive story of a family that sticks together through thick and thin. 

Cupcake Queen (Kylie Jean) by Marci Peschke North Mankato, Minn. : Picture Window Books, 2013. 105 pages. Intermediate chapter book.   Kylie Jean is the queen of everything. At least she tries to be. This time around she is shopping at garage sales with her grandparents and her mother when she notices that each sale has a kid selling something. She decides that is what she needs to do. She ponders long and hard before settling on the cupcake business. With the help of her mom and brother Kylie Jean creates a lot of inventory. She even persuades her parents to have a garage sale just so she can start her sales. Kylie Jean is sure she is going to become rich in her new business venture. Her priorities change, however, when she visits her friend Mr. Jay at the Puppy Place and finds out he is going to have to close the shelter. Kylie Jean puts her determination and sparkling personality behind saving the Puppy Place. The Kylie Jean series is a fun and shiny choice for littl

Cookie, the Walker by Christ Monroe Minneapolis : Carolrhoda Books, c2013. unpaged picture book Cookie is an adorable little dog that likes to walk on her hind legs. This style of mobility is very convenient for snatching candy and unattended bacon. She does it so much she gets the attention of everyone around her and as one thing leads to another, she becomes the star of her very own TV show. Throughout everything, her friend Kevin remains by her side encouraging her to take a break. Cookie just can't resist the attention and all the treats. Especially all the treats! Eventually she is so exhausted she asks Kevin how to stop the craziness that her life has become. Kevin simply says, "You could stand down". Cookie can't believe the simplicity of it and tries it. The results are everything she hoped for and life returns to normal. Don't worry, she still liked to stand on her hind legs now and again, she just made sure no one was watching when she did it. Wh

Auntie Yang's Great Soybean Picnic by Ginnie Lo illustrated by Beth Lo New York : Lee & Low Books, 2012. unpaged picture book, autobiographical Mama wanted the cousins to "grow up as close as four soybeans in a soybean pod." This meant that they often visited each other to share the traditions of their native Chinese culture. All the parents had come to the United States to get an education at various universities. They had been unable to return to China due to war. During the visits the children were given Chinese lessons as well as lessons in watercolor painting and paper-folding. The parents played mahjong endlessly and the kids played outside. During one weekend excursion the families discovered fields of soybeans - something the parents greatly missed from their growing up years. They found the farmer who let them pick some and they had a soybean feast like you wouldn't believe! This discovery led to a new family tradition blending their past with

And the Winner Is... Amazing Animal Athletes by Etta Kaner Illustrated by David Anderson Toronto : Kids Can Press, c2013. 31 pages. Non-fiction picture book. Welcome to the World Animal Games! Your hosts for the athletic extravaganza are Walrus and Cockatoo. Numerous amazing animals representing every corner of the world take part in the competition. Each event has four contestants who might be insect, mammal, bird, fish or reptile. Whether the creatures are vying for the title in sprinting, weight lifting or swimming (just to name a few), there will only be one winner. Some of the results might surprise you! After the animal champion is announced they are compared to us humans. The illustrations are fun and cartoony which will make a fun learning experience for all ages.

Boris on the Move Boris #1 by Andrew Joyner New York, N.Y. : Scholastic, [2013] 75 pages. Intermediate chapter book.   Although Boris is a warthog, he is a lot like you. He has a favorite sweater, he likes to read and play sports. And he likes to dream. He dreams of having adventures, BIG adventures. He lives with his mom and dad in an old bus so one would think it would be easy to pick up and head out into the big wide world. But the bus is more of a house now and his parents don't seem to have a sense of adventure. Yet one day as he is reading a book and dreaming his usual dreams, the bus does something unusual, it moves. Boris' parents are finally heading out to seek adventure. It might only be a short drive from where they live, but adventure and excitement can still be found by those who look. Scholastic Branches is a fun new imprint geared towards beginning chapter book readers. Boris' series is full of colorful pictures and simple text. There are elemen

Stranger Things Looniverse #1 by David Lubar New York : Scholastic, 2013. 90 pages. Intermediate chapter book. Ed is a normal boy in the third grade. He has a normal family and normal friends. He lives in a normal town and he does normal things. Then one day he finds a bizarre coin in the grass. Suddenly his normal life is anything but normal. Everyone and everything around him starts acting stranger and stranger. As a desperate last resort Ed seeks the advice of Mr. Sage, owner of The New Curiosity Shop. Could it be possible that Ed himself is the cause of all the strange things happening around him? Can he do anything to stop the strangeness and return to normal? Does he even want to be normal again? Scholastic's new imprint Branches has given us another wonderful series for beginning chapter book readers. This magical tale will grab the attention of kids, particularly boys, in 1st-4th grade. 

Picture Day Missy's Super Duper Royal Deluxe #1 by Susan Nees New York : Scholastic, c2013. 72 pages. Intermediate chapter book.   Melissa Abigail Rose, better known as Missy, is a very busy little girl. She has her own unique sense of style which can be a little too much for her mother to handle. Missy has the perfect outfit picked out for school picture day, but her mom has other ideas. But parents always get their way so Missy has to wear an outfit that is not Super Duper Royal Deluxe. She is not wearing any ruffles, ribbons, rainbows or sparkles...how dreadful! Luckily for Missy her friend Oscar is in a similar predicament. Together the two concoct a plant that will make both of them happy though their mothers might not feel the same when they receive their school pictures. Missy's Super Duper Royal Deluxe is another charming new series from the Scholastic Branches imprint. This series is perfect for those just leaving the beginning reader area and moving into

Kiki: My Stylish Life Lotus Lane #1 by Kyla May New York, N.Y. : Scholastic, 2013. 88 pages. Intermediate chapter book. Kiki begins writing in a diary. She tells it everything via pictures as well as words. She has two very best friends and together they have a club, The Lotus Lane Girls Club. They have a schedule of their daily and weekly events which they stick to faithfully. Kiki loves fashion almost more than anything so she is super excited when her art teacher assigns them a project they are "passionate" about. She knows immediately that she will do fashion design. A new neighbor on Lotus Lane might be a bit of a stumbling block in Kiki's path. Mika appears to be copying everything Kiki does and it's annoying. Will the teacher's idea of making them work together solve the problem? Will Mika become a member of the elite Lotus Lane Girls Club? Lotus Lane is one of the fabulous new beginning chapter book series from the Scholastic Branches

They're Coming! by Timothy Young Schiffer Pub Ltd 2012-07-28 unpaged picture book Every imaginable creature is coming! Creatures from the forest, the swamp, and the graveyard. But why are they coming? And where are they coming to? Young readers will be delightfully spooked as they see each eerie illustration. This will be a perfect Halloween read-aloud for all ages as it is spooky in a fun way, not scary.

Shadows on My Wall by Timothy Young Schiffer Pub Ltd 2012-07-28 unpaged picture book A young boy sees shadows on his bedroom wall created by the street light outside. At first he is scared and hides under his bed. Then he discovers he can join in the fun and change the scary into silly. There is a simple demonstration at the end on how to make your own shadow puppets at home. The illustrations are cute and will appeal to young children. 

Lego Man in Space: A True Story Written and Illustrated by Mara Shaughnessy W.W. Norton & Co., Inc., 2013. 32 pages. Nonfiction picture book. The true story behind this book is incredible. Two Canadian teens conceptualized and built their own vessel of household items and launched a LEGO figure into space. Unfortunately the book falls far short of the spectacular true story. The writing is tedious at best with clunky dialogue, a mix of fictitious characters and a smidge of science. The worst part is that there are no photographs of the actual event. A simple Google search provided much more interesting information, including numerous news articles and a Facebook page started by the teens who designed and implemented the project. Young LEGO fans will undoubtedly keep this book flying off the shelves, but parents shouldn't expect to find a must-read.

Perfectly Hidden: The Animal Kingdom's Fascinating Camouflage Written by Dr. Christine Schlitt Sky Pony Press, 2013. 80 pages. Nonfiction. Animals from all species rely on camouflage for survival, whether they are predator or prey. Having evolved to match their surroundings, they can blend by changing color, or (like the jellyfish) by simply being transparent. Some even mimic the movement of their hiding place- like the bittern bird who is not only the color of the reeds he hides in, but also sways with them in the wind. Perfectly Hidden , originally published in Germany, is a spectacular choice for young readers looking to learn more about the animal kingdom. It is thoroughly researched and full of amazing photography. The best part is the challenge of trying to spot each hidden creature.

Which is Round? Which is Bigger? By Mineko Mamada Kids Can Press, 2013. Unpaged. Nonfiction picture book. This fantastic nonfiction picture book teaches children all about shapes, size, length, speed, height, and color. When comparing items like an apple to an armadillo, it asks, "Which one is round?" Then, just when you think you have the right answer, the next page poses a switch. This time, the apple has been eaten to the core and the armadillo is all curled up.  The question is repeated, "Which one is round? What do you think?" With its vibrant colors and solid concept, this book is a must-check out for little ones.

Bramble and Maggie: Give and Take Written by Jessie Haas Illustrated Alison Friend Candlewick Press, 2013. 52 pages. Easy reader. In Bramble and Maggie's second book, horse and girl continue to learn the art of friendship and compromise. Maggie has to learn that she is not always the boss, and Bramble has to learn to let Maggie take the lead every now and then. Bramble and Maggie enjoy riding, and one of the best stories in this short chapter book is when they go to the beach. The art is pretty and refreshing. In the end, the twosome add a neighborhood hen to their little family, and again learn how to attend to another's needs and wants. Another wholesome, gentle book for horse lovers!

Soldier Dog by Sam Angus Feiwel & Friends, 2013.  249 pgs. Historical Fiction.      Stanley's mother has died and his father is so grief-stricken he takes his hurt out on Stanley, driving him away from home and into the British army of World War I.  Stanley lies about his age and signs up in hopes of being sent to France where his brother Tom is fighting. Instead he is assigned to the Dog Messenger Service, training animals to carry messages to and from the front lines. He doesn't expect to be called up with only one dog, but battles are waxing so hot and so many dogs have been lost that he and Bones soon find themselves in a very hot spot indeed. Stanley's story is tender, powerful, and grim. The horrors of World War I trench warfare are deftly painted, right on the edge of what a young person might be able to bear, but are softened somewhat by things turning out better for Stanley and his family than one might realistically expect could have happened.  Ms. Angus

Ice Cream Soup Written by Ann Ingalls Illustrated by Richard Watson Penguin Young Readers, 2013. 31 pages. Easy reader. This is the story of a little boy who does what little boys do best: he makes messes! With several scoops of ice cream and all kinds of colorful sprinkles, he cooks up a doozy of an ice cream "cake." With the addition of gummy bears, chocolate syrup, and cookies, the creation quickly turns into a mess. The sticky boy decides that it is better off being called "ice cream soup!" While I appreciate the sweet (ha!) illustrations, the writing doesn't suit. The rhyming sentences are really unbalanced, which might prove to be a struggle for emerging readers.

A New Friend Written by Wiley Blevins Illustrated by Ekaterina Trukhan Penguin Young Readers, 2013. 28 pages. Easy reader. Though dogs and cats are not supposed to get along, this Dog and Cat forge a sweet friendship. They are different animals, but still like to play together. When Dog's mom catches them playing, she takes Dog home and says, "No playing with cats. Dogs do not like cats." She tells him he should be chasing Cat instead of being friendly, to which Dog replies, "But I like Cat." After this matter-of-fact sentiment, all ends well, and the friendship continues on. For those looking for the very easiest of easy readers, this one is sure to please. With one to five words per page, including sight words, beginning readers will not be overwhelmed. The easy plot and brightly-colored illustrations make for a nice read.

The Meanest Birthday Girl By Josh Schneider Clarion Books, 2013. 48 pages. Easy reader. It's Dana's birthday, and she's going to do whatever she wants. This terrible redhead calls her classmates names, gifts them with pinches, and generally wreaks havoc just because it is her birthday. At the end of her glorious day, her classmate Anthony (whom she christened "Ickaborse") brings her one last gift: A giant white elephant. Dana then has to take care of this enormous elephant, with its terrible snoring and huge appetite. For a short while, it seems that this gift will teach her some humility and patience, but in the end...Dana is Dana. The little stinker regifts the white elephant to her foe, Gertrude. Josh Schneider ( Tales for Very Picky Eaters ) has created a laugh-out-loud short chapter book that will have kids rolling. Dana, for all her pink clothes and hairbows, is more Veruca Salt than Fancy Nancy- but a hysterical character nonetheless.

La Niña que caminaba entre Aromas Written by: Ariel Andres Almada  Illustrated by: Sonja Wimmer This is a story of a cute little red head girl, that learns to navigate through life with out sight through smells that are around her house. She goes beyond that and discovers she has an excellent sense of smell, with the help of her grandmother she develops into a great cook and even she can tell what spices would help people and their problems. Then one day a person comes and she can not cure, or can she? Read this book and find out who and how she helps. A very cute story, worth reading, the pictures are fantastic and it helps tell the story so much, it is a tender and fun book, a must read book! Este es un cuento de una preciosa niña peliroja, que aprende a navegar su vida sin tener vista por medio de aromas que hay en su casa, como el olor de su gato, para no pisarle la cola, y asi aprende hasta que ya esta jovencita. Su abuela la ayuda a aprender a cocinar y descubre que pu

Octopus Alone Written and illustrated by Divya Srinivasan Viking, 2013. Unpaged picture book. From Divya Srinivasan ( Little Owl's Night ) comes this magical under-the-sea story about a sweet creature named Octopus. Octopus is a homebody, but when curious seahorses entice her out of her cave, she experiences the adventures of the open ocean. After encountering many, many new friends- including hungry eels and shimmering jellyfish- Octopus is thrilled to find herself alone again. She wiggles and twirls with happiness, only to feel a rumbling from the dark waters below...! More adventure awaits her with the thundering arrival of a whale. Octopus crashes about in the bubbles left in the whale's wake, then later swims home to her cozy little cave to rest. Srinivasan's striking artwork is wonderful; she has a gift for colors and light, creating a beautiful world of discovery. Overall, a fun picture book about venturing out into the unknown.

On a Beam of Light: A Story of Albert Einstein Written by Jennifer Berne Illustrated by Vladimir Radunsky Chronicle Books, c2013. Unpaged, picture book biography. Albert Einstein was curious about life from a very young age, and this thirst for knowledge led him to many discoveries about the world. On a sunny day in his childhood, as he was riding his bike, he imagined what it might be like to be able to ride on a sunbeam that was shining down from the clouds. This event was the inspiration behind his lifelong study of light and gravity. Author Jennifer Berne has written a lovely story that is rhythmic and inspirational. Illustrator Vladimir Radunsky's pen and ink artwork is stunning, and perfectly suited to the words. With Einstein's discovery that atoms make up everything, the art is pointillisim-inspired; when his love of numbers is described, there are colorful, scattered math equations pictured. Of the many books about Albert Einstein, On a Beam of Light st

Stuart's Cape Bored because there is nothing to do in the house to which his family has just moved and worried about starting third grade in a new school, Stuart makes a magical cape out of his uncle's ties and has a series of adventures. Stuart Goes to School Our favorite worrier is back, and Stuart is about to start third grade. As he makes his way to the first day of school, wearing the worst outfit ever, what could a first-rate worrier do but worry? Stuart worries about getting stuck in the boys' bathroom, about not having anything to show for show-and-tell, but most of all, about not making any friends. With his cape, though, Stuart is bound to have a day full of wacky adventures. Clementine   While sorting through difficulties in her friendship with her neighbor Margaret, eight-year-old Clementine gains several unique hairstyles while also helping her father in his efforts to banish pigeons from the front of their apartment buil

I Hate Picture Books! by Timothy Young Published February 28th 2013 by Schiffer Publishing       unpaged picture book I Hate Picture Books is an hilarious parody of popular classic children's books. The little boy is sick and tired of the books his mom reads him being just books! She read him the one about "that kid and his purple crayon" but when he used his crayons to draw on the wall, he just got sent to bed without dinner. He is disgruntled, to say the least. He is not fooled by anything, "cows don't type and there is no possible way that a pigeon could even imagine it could drive a bus"! Even the green ham he found in the fridge was nothing like the book said it would be! As he cleans his room he decides to throw all those ridiculous books in the trash. As each one makes its way into the box he is reminded why he likes them, I mean doesn't like them. Hmm, maybe they aren't so bad after all?  Have you ever wondered what

Monkey of the Month by Adam Kramer illustrated by David Kramer Atglen, PA : Schiffer Pub. Ltd, c2012. unpaged picture book.   A boy who usually got boring presents for his birthday was surprised one year to receive notice that he was enrolled in the "Monkey of the Month Club". A monkey every month? This was sure to make life more exciting! His mother was rather fearful of this gift until the first one arrived. They dubbed her "Cinderella" because all she did was clean and clean and clean. The next one, a giant ape, loved to decorate. Just as the mom was getting used to the idea of these animals in her house, an orangutan arrived who was not at all helpful. After many months and many types of monkeys the mother finally sent them all packing as she couldn't handle it anymore. The boy was sad in his now quiet and calm house. "Then exactly one month later, there was a knocking at the door..."   This fun story is told in rhyme, though some

This weekend is the Children's Book Festival with Gail Carson Levine! Gail Carson Levine Keynote Address (Free) Friday, May 17 7:00 pm Ballroom  Author Brunch with Gail Carson Levine   Saturday, May 18 10:00 am Room #302 Tickets $20 (Only a few left! Available at Circulation desk) Children's Book Festival Activities (Free) Saturday, May 18 11:00 am - 2:00 pm Ballroom  (Face painting, crafts, fortune teller, live owls, treats, games, and more!) Some wonderful books by Ms. Levine: A Tale of Two Castles Twelve-year-old Elodie journeys to Two Castles in hopes of studying acting but instead becomes apprentice to a dragon, who teaches her to be observant and use reasoning, thus helping her to uncover who is poisoning the king. The Two Princesses of Bamarre  With her adventurous sister, Meryl, suffering from the the Grey death meek and timid Princess Addie sets out to find a cure.  Princess Sonora and the Long Sleep In this retellin

Yoo-Hoo, Ladybug! Written by Mem Fox Illustrated by Laura Ljungkvist Beach Lane Books, c2013. Unpaged picture book. Ladybug loves to hide, and she is a very good little stowaway. She hides in some peculiar places, like (spoiler alert) in the bath with Duck and Giraffe, or on the stairs with some bears. Children will have a lot of fun with this easy to read, seek-and-find book. The text is repetitive, with "Yoo-hoo, Ladybug! Where are you?" setting the reader off on each seeking mission. The pages are full of different objects, colorful patterned paper, photographs, and more, creating interesting collages that are fun to explore.

    Keeper of the Lost Cities by Shannon Messenger Aladdin, 2013.  488 pgs.  Fiction Sophie is a girl who must leave everything behind in order to save those she loves. When a mysteriously handsome boy appears one day, he reveals to her that, unlike the rest of her family, she is not human. She is of an ancient race that humans don’t even believe in anymore. She is an elf. Forced to leave the only life she has ever known, Sophie is sent to another world to learn about her true heritage and the powers that come with it. But even in the elven lands, Sophie finds that she is something out of the ordinary. And that difference just might get her killed. This fun and fast paced novel will greatly appeal to both male and female fans of series like Fablehaven, Harry Potter, and the Percy Jackson. Young readers will also soon be clamoring for the sequel which comes out later this year.