The Invention of Hugo Cabret

The Invention of Hugo Cabret
by Brian Selznik

I've never experienced a book like this. The story is told not only through text, but also through pictures. Brian Selznik has created incredible black and white sketches that capture the action of the story - incredible enough to win the Caldecott Award for this year.

It's 1931 and Hugo Cabret lives within the walls of a Paris train station. You are immediately filled with tons of questions - Where are his parents? Why does he look after the clocks? Why is his notebook so important to him? Why did the old man at the toy booth become so angry when he saw Hugo's notebook? What are the drawings in Hugo's notebook? Why are they important to him? These questions begin your action-filled journey with Hugo. Trust me - you will not want to put this book down. The story was like a puzzle to me - as I read, I continued to gather small clues that I tried to piece together. I love how the story unfolded. Don't let the thickness of the book intimidate you. There are over 200 pages of illustrations, so it's a really quick read. Boys - I think you'll like it. Girls - you'll probably like it, too. If you have a chance to read it this summer, let me know what you think.

The Young Man and the Sea

The Young Man and the Sea
by Rodman Philbrick

I couldn't put it down. I read it all in one day - all 192 pages. But don't be too impressed - the font size is large and there's a nice space between each line.

Skiff is a boy who lives near the waters of Maine - his father is a fisherman, and Skiff has spent his life on the water. Skiff's mother passed away a few months ago, and his dad isn't dealing with it very well. Their boat sank, and Skiff's dad spends his days on the couch - not working or fishing or helping out Skiff. Skiff is resolved to revive the boat, repair the engine, and get his and his dad's life back on track. Unfortunately, the engine will costs upwards of $5000 to repair, money Skiff does not have. Skiff is also being terrorized by the town bully (whom you meet in the first chapter). There are so many things going against Skiff - but he has the resolve and determination to overcome them. I don't want to give it away, but the final few chapters are incredible. Truly incredible. Skiff tells the story, and I loved hearing it being told through his voice.

Belle Prater's Boy

Belle Prater's Boy
by Ruth White

This is one of the best books I've read in a while. I loved Ruth White's Buttermilk Hill, but I think Belle Prater's Boy is even better. It's the early 1950's in a small coal town in the hills of Virginia. Woodrow Prater's mom disappears one day. Since his father is not handling it very well, Woodrow comes down from the hills and lives in town with his grandparents. Gypsy, Woodrow's cousin, lives next door and the two of them become fast friends. Woodrow and Gypsy are two of the most endearing and likable characters I've met in a while. Woodrow is hilarious, compassionate, and loyal. As the story unfolds, you learn more clues about Woodrow's mom and the struggles she faced. You learn more about Gypsy's family - and how she comes to grips with her own past. I really didn't want the story to end, and that's why I'm so glad there is a sequel - The Search for Belle Prater. I know that Naomi and Anna C. have both read this book and enjoyed it as much as I did. I remember Anna C. reading it during our end of the year testing - I watched her laugh and smile as she read (always a good sign).

Hank Zipzer - Niagra Falls, or Does It?

Hank Zipzer - Niagara Falls, or Does It?
by Henry Winkler and Lin Oliver

A former colleague of mine always reads this book to her 4th grade class. I now see why. Hank is funny, quick witted, creative, smart, and very true-to-life. At the start of his 4th grade year, Hank's teacher asks the class to describe their summer using a five paragraph essay. Instead of writing, which is extremely difficult for Hank, he decides to create a "living" essay of his family trip to Niagara Falls. When he brings his 3-D model into class, chaos breaks out.

I think a lot of the boys in my class would enjoy this book. It has a boy main character, lots of humor, and is a fairly quick read (only 133 pages). I'm looking forward to reading more in the series - I think there are about 10 books out right now. (And for you parents - yes, the "Fonz" wrote this book!)

A Dog's Life

A Dog's Life
by Ann Martin

This book came recommended to me by Madison (one of our own members of Room 241). I was excited to read something by Ann Martin. Ann Martin wrote all of the Babysitter Club books (which I'm not a huge fan of), but she's branched out and has actually won numerous awards for her writing. She did not disappoint.

Squirrel (the dog you see on the front cover) is born a stray. He is born in an old shed behind a summer house located in the country. He and his brother learn to hunt in the forest and knock over trash cans in order to find food. Their mother teaches them to be extremely wary of humans - which turns out to be incredibly good advice. One day Squirrel is forced to leave his home and this begins his journey. He is constantly on the move, meeting humans, other animals, towns, cities, farms, forests, and all kinds of weather. There is very little narration in the story as Squirrel describes his journey from one place to the next. You really get to see and understand how an animal survives in the wild. It developed a lot of compassion within me for all kinds of animals. If you are an animal lover, you will connect to this book. It wasn't my favorite book of the summer so far, but it was a good read. Thanks Madison!