The Absolute Value of Mike

Title: The Absolute Value of Mike
Author: Kathryn Erskine
ISBN: 978-0-399-25505-2

Kathryn Erskine's The Absolute Power of Mike is the middle grade novel equivalent of John Green's young adult books.  Since I am a huge fan of John Green's books and since I have always been disappointed that I don't work with children old enough to read them, The Absolute Value of Mike was just the answer I have been looking for.  Finally we have a children's book with a strong male character dealing with family problems and situations that are only too familiar to children everywhere. 

Mike has dyscalculia (a math learning disability) that many children can only wish they had to justify poor grades.  Despite this Mikes father has the delusional idea that if he only applied himself that Mike would be able to get into Newton High a math magnet high school.  That is like all math all the time, simply said Mikes worst nightmare.  Even worse then having a college professor for a parent is having a delusional, socially inept college professor for a dad and that is exactly what Mike has. 

When his father gets offered a teaching position in Romania where no unsupervised minors are allowed.  Mike is shipped off to his elderly (absolutely ancient) great aunt and uncle aptly named Poppy and Moo in rural Pennsylvania for the summer.  While there our math deficient protagonist is supposed to undertake an engineering project the creation of an artesian screw that will be so awesome that Mike will woo Newton High into overlooking his discalculia and admitting him to the prestigious high school. 

Unfortunately, when Mike arrives in Pennsylvania he learns that Poppy and Moo are dirt poor (the phone, electricity, and water have been shut off) and there is no Artesian Screw Project instead there is the save the whole town and raise 40,000 dollars in 6 weeks project.  At least that is a project that Mike will be good at, as long as his father doesn't find out!  The entire book is filled with intriguing and downright unusual characters all of which need a little bit of help just to get by.

Pie by Sarah Weeks

Title:  Pie
Author: Sarah Weeks
ISBN: 978-0-545-27011-3

What better way to start Thanksgiving week then with a book all about Pie!  Polly Portman lives in a small town.  The book takes place in the 1950's and like all small towns the naming is uncreative.  Polly's pie shop is simply called PIE.  Also like all small towns Polly refuses to accept any money for her pies.  Instead she bakes to make people happy, and the people sure are happy!

That is until Polly dies leaving behind her cat LARDO and her niece and biggest fan Alice.  If a book about all about Pie isn't weird enough just wait until the town finds out that she left her beloved pie recipe to her cat!  Now everyone wants a piece of the cat and the fortune that would come with him. 

This is a quick but well written and emotional book.  Plus each chapter starts with one of Polly Portman's patented pie recipes!

Big Red Lollipop

Title:Big Red Lollipop
Author: Rukhsana Khan
Illustrator: Sophie Blackall
ISBN: 978-0-670-06287-4

Do you remember the first birthday party you ever attended?  I sure do there was candy everywhere, pin the tail on the donkey, dancing, and lots of cake.  I wore my fanciest outfit and couldn't wait for mom to leave me at the party. 

Rubina in the Big Red Lollipop is sure to never forget the first birthday party she attends either, especially when her mother insists that her younger sister Sana has to attend also.  What could possibly be worse to a young girl then needing to attend a party with her baby sister?

For children with younger siblings the Big Red Lollipop will be an unforgettable story.  Rukhsana Khan weaves a tale filled with humor, cultural differences, and childhood angst.  While all Rubina wants is to fit in with her classmates, her mother believes in a sticking to the beliefs that she grew up with. 

"I can't take her!  She's not invited."
"Why Not?" says Ami
"They don't do that here!"
Ami says, "Well that's not fair.  You call up your friend and ask if you can bring Sana or else you can't go."
"But Ami!  They'll laugh at me!  They'll never invite me to another party again!"

What Rubina doesn't realize is that the party will only be the beginning of her problems with Sana.  Now you'll have to check out the book in order to figure out what else can possibly go wrong. 

Korgi: Sprouting Wings

Title: Sprouting Wings
Series: Korgi
Author: Christian Slade
ISBN: 978-1-4395-9102-4

While typically I try to only blog about new books that have come out, sometimes I feel that an older book deserves a little love and attention.  Korgi by Christian Slade, is just such a book.  This is by far one of the most awwwww-inspiring books that I have read recently and in fact it is a series!  Book 1- Sprouting Wings, Book 2- The Cosmic Collector, and Book 3- A Hollow Beginning (published September 2011, the library hasn't bought a copy yet, but trust me we will!) are all beautiful wordless graphic novels. 

While Korgi is a wordless graphic novel (just like Owly- another favorite at the library).  There is an introduction told Wart the scrollkeeper of Korgi Hollow.  "Hello there!  I've been waiting for you.  I knew you would find your way here.  Korgis as you are about to discover, have a magical way about the.  Travelers have always been drawn to these fox-like creatures.  To be near them, is to feel more alive and happy than one has ever known.  This is the great gift of the Korgi.  They make the world around them more beautiful."

This book is perfect for all ages who loves dogs and magic.  The main character Korgi named Sprout starts as a young playful pup who goes on to grow up (rather quickly) and his friend Ivy after they accidentally wander away from Korgi Hollow.  The book is filled with raw emotion, action, and beautiful illustrations that are sure to entertain any reader. 

A Tale of Two Castles

Title: A Tale of Two Castles
Author: Gail Carson Levine
ISBN:978-0-06-122965-7

From the author who brought you the delightful tale Ella Enchanted comes her newest fantasy novel A Tale of Two Castles about the passionate Elodie.  At the age of twelve Elodie leaves her parents and her home in a remote town near the sea to journey to the capitol of Lepai, Town of Two Castles.  While on board the boat Elodie learns many things from her fellow passengers: everyone has cats, there is a fearsome ogre, a dreadful dragon (who must be referred to as IT), and a lazy king.  Most important of all, she learns that Apprenticeships "In June the guilds abolished ten-year apprenticeships.  Now everyone must pay to learn a trade."  Her parents not knowing about the change sent Elodie without money.  Determined to become a mansioner (actress) by any means possible, she decides to offer herself for free for a fifteen year apprenticeship.  Surely no one will be able to refuse such an offer. 

As the story continues Elodie finds herself not apprenticed to the mansioners, but instead to IT the dragon.  Before she knows it she is entangled in plots to murder the king, poison, intrigue, and surrounded by evil.  Strong as she is, Elodie will not be held back and sets off to find out what has really happened within the Town of Two Castles, even if it means she must go to jail.