Provo Library Children's Book Blog

The Case of the Missing Tarts By Christee Curran-Bauer New York: Union Square Kids, 2023. Intermediate. 69 pages. The Pigeon Private Detectives work hard and Mama Pigeon likes to reward them every now and then with her famous jam tarts. One day, Martin P. Sweets, Felix Danish, and Ralph Custard find that some one has swiped the delicious treats! They put their deduction talents to use to search for the thief. This is a charming, easy Intermediate read with colored pictures on every page. The pigeons are silly and the puns are incredible. This one would be a perfect beginning chapter book for your young reader, and will even have you chuckling at the fun story.

One of the keys to helping reluctant readers find books books that they want to read, is helping them find books that appeal to them and get them excited about reading. If you have a reader who enjoys books about real life issues, challenges, friendships and family, check out one of these books. Simon Sort of Says Written by Erin Bow Los Angeles; New York: Disney-Hyperion, 2023. Fiction. 305 pages. Simon and his parents have just moved to Grin and Bear It, Nebraska, a small town located in a National Quiet Zone - with no internet, cell service, or television. Simon is looking for a fresh start in order to get away from the instant fame of surviving a school shooting. Things are going well for Simon since nobody can google him, but the worry that he will be discovered is always in the back of his mind. But as Simon makes new friends he starts to worry less about being discovered and enjoys the friendships he is making.  Simon and his friends Kevin and Agate, are eccentric fun charac...

Science fiction books have plenty of action and adventure behind a solid science background of possible alien technology, giant robots, worlds in outer space, and even dangerous experiments. If you like a good book with lots of creative stories that take place in the realm of science then check out one of these middle grade science fiction books.  The Rhythm of Time Written by Questlove and S.A. Cosby New York: G.P. Putnam's Sons, 2023. Fiction. 263 pages. Rahim Reynolds loves testing out gadgets that his friend Kasia invents. For his birthday Kasia gave Rahim her best invention yet, a cell phone. It may not look great, but it worked, and Kasia even found a sketchy network so Rahim wouldn't have to pay for services. After Rahim begins to use his new phone, the two friends discover that the phone has some unique abilities. When the phone takes Rahim back in time, he quickly learns that if you change things in the past those changes also affect the future.  This was a very enter...

These five funny fiction books will tickle your funny bone and hopefully make you laugh out loud or at least chuckle. If you enjoy a good book full of entertaining humor you will want to check out one of these five funny fiction books. They will put a smile on your face.  Link & Hud: Heroes by a Hair By Jarrett Pumphrey and Jerome Pumphrey New York: Norton Young Readers, 2023. Fiction. 231 pages.  Lincoln and Hudson are brothers who have very active imaginations. They like to spend their time hunting for yetis and going on epic quests. But sometimes their imaginary adventures cause havoc in the real world, especially for their babysitters. When Ms. Joyce comes to babysit the boys they find she isn't one to give in and bend the rules, so Lincoln and Hudson decide that she has to go. They plan the perfect battle which involves water balloons and wet tissue paper and Ms. Joyce is finally dismissed by their parents. But, the boys soon realize their mistake and now it is their ...

Leeva at Last Written by Sara Pennypacker Illustrated by Matthew Cordell New York : Balzer + Bray, an imprint of HarperCollinsPublishers, 2023. Fiction. 305 pgs. Leeva has grown up confined to her house, never being able to go to school or meet anyone else besides her dreadful parents. Her mother is the mayor of Nutsmore and her father is the treasurer. When her parents ask her the question, "What are people for?" Leeva decides to bend the rules a little and ventures off to the library to find an answer. In her search for an answer she ends up meeting all kinds of people and a badger named Bob and realizes that she can make a difference in her small community. Readers who enjoy Matilda , will love Leeva at Last . The story is an absurdist tale that will keep you laughing. Leeva's adventures are unpredictable her charming personality will warm your heart along with the other unique characters. There are illustrations throughout the book that add a fun element to help the r...

If you are looking for great books for the reluctant reader in your life, hi-lo books are a great place to turn. Hi-lo books are books written with reluctant readers in mind -- they are super high-interest, age relevant, and accessible even for struggling readers. I love hi-lo books because they tend to be slim books and the pages are designed with lots of white space -- that low page count is great for increasing confidence, especially for readers who are used to feeling slow. Here are my pick for five fave hi/lo books for tweens! A Dolphin Named Star By Emma Carlson Berne North Mankato, MN: Stone Arch Books, 2019. Fiction. Everyone is excited for three new dolphins to arrive at the Seaside Sanctuary Marine Wildlife Refuge. The dolphins are going to live in the new wild pen -- which is supposed to be healthier for marine animals. But when the dolphins start getting sick and no one can explain why, it is up to Elsa Roth to put follow the clues and save the dolphins before it is too lat...

I don't know about you, but when school first starts, my kids have a hard time getting back into the swing of things.  My less enthusiastic readers really struggle with the mandated daily reading their school requires, so I'm always looking for fun ways to get my kids psyched about reading on the regular.  One of my favorite things from when I was in elementary school were read-a-thons!  It was the most amazing activity for a book lover like me, but even kids who didn't love reading usually got excited about read-a-thons.  If you are looking for a way to keep your kids excited about back-to-school reading requirements, why not try an at home read-a-thon?  Here are some ideas pulled from the classic school read-a-thon to help make your at home one a success. 1. Location, location, location!   Part of the fun of read-a-thons at school was that you got to find a special spot you didn't normally read in.  I think the same is true at home.  I...

  Jop and Blip Wanna Know #1: Can You Hear a Penguin Fart on Mars?: And Other Excellent Questions Jim Benton  Harper Alley, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers, 2021. 87 p.  This is a brand-new series about two robots named Jop and Blip who want to find answers to questions—such as can you hear a penguin fart on Mars? The book is a series of questions and answers that kids are sure to find interesting and hilarious. Plus the graphic novel format with full-color illustrations will appeal to even the most reluctant of readers. All-around this is a funny introduction to some informational questions that kids will enjoy reading.

High School Musical: The Musical: The Series: The Road Trip By Melissa de la Cruz Los Angeles: Disney-Hyperion, 2021. Fiction. 263 pgs. The East High Wildcats are still fresh from the success of their production of High School Musical: The Musical when Carlos finds out about an HSM convention in Jackson Hole, Wyoming and proposes a last minute, road-trip field trip. Of course, all of the Wildcats and their fearless leader Miss Jenn jump at the chance to attend panels about dancing, singing, acting, and much more. Plus, rumor has it that stars from the original High School Musical cast will be in attendance. Everyone has their own reason to attend, but one thing is clear -- even if the road gets bumpy, nothing will stop our Wildcats. Fans of High School Musical, and especially High School Musical: The Musical: The Series on Disney+, will fall in love with this goofy road trip story. The novel picks up right at the end of season one of the TV show and offers an additional story for reade...