Synopses & Reviews
I hate camp. I just hate it. I wish I didnand#8217;t. But I do. Being here is worse than bug juice on a burger. Or homework on Thanksgiving. Or water seeping into my shoes. In this sequel to the critically acclaimed
Like Pickle Juice on a Cookie, Eleanor is off to summer camp. At first sheand#8217;s excited to carry on the family tradition at Camp Wallumwahpuck, but when she gets there she finds icky bugs, terrible food, and worst of all: swim class, where she just canand#8217;t seem to keep up with everyone else. But as the days go on, Eleanor realizes that even the most miserable situations can be full of special surprises and that growing up is full of belly flops.
Praise for Like Bug Juice on a Burger
"Eleanor doesnand#8217;t just survive, she growsand#133;Readers will celebrate and look forward to more."
and#151;Kirkus Reviews
"Sternberg gets all of the details exactly right, from the and#147;orange, oozing sloppy joesand#8221; to the frustrations of trying to swim in a life jacket. susan dove lempke."
and#151;The HornBook
"This is a really sweet novel in verse and a good sequel to Like Pickle Juice on a Cookie (Abrams, 2011), though it works fine as a stand-alone."
and#151;School Library Journal
"Eleanorand#8217;s tentative yet heartfelt voice comes through as clearly as in the first volume, with the short, ragged-right-margin lines as approachable as her personality. Sternberg is particularly deft at leaving young-reader-sized room for interpretation and extrapolation."
and#151;The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books
"This sequel to Like Pickle Juice on a Cookie (2011) is just as endearing and wise, illustrating how small triumphs can help children survive what, at the time, seems an insurmountable trial."
and#151;Booklist
Award
Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books Blue Ribbons List 2013
Honor list - 2014 Gryphon Award
Review
“A really special triumph.” Kirkus (*Starred Review*)
Review
“A poignant, funny picture of a childs encounter with the power of poetry. This book is a tiny treasure.” School Library Journal (*Starred Review*)
Review
“Readers will love that dog, and this book.” Publishers Weekly (*Starred Review*)
Review
Praise for Serendipity and Me by Judith Roth: "Roth welcomes readers with spot-on depictions of kitten antics and feelings common to middle-schoolers." —Booklist
"...evocative and frequently poignant." —BCCB
"This is a compassionately told tale, reminiscent in tone of Katherine Patersons Bridge to Terabithia (HarperCollins, 1977) and Cynthia Rylants Missing May (Orchard, 1991)." —School Library Journal
Review
"Just the thing for readers with a burgeoning interest in poetryand#8212;or angling."
and#8212;Publishers Weekly
"A playful verse narrative of the joys and perils of a family fishing trip. . . . This tender, well-crafted sibling story should hook many readers."
and#8212;Kirkus
"Engaging verse that's just the right depth and length for chapter-book readers. . . A solid, entertaining story to hook children on poetry."
and#8212;Booklist
"All of Sam's episodes take the form of poems, each discreetly labeled by its poetic form, which is then defined at the end of the book. . . most will enjoy the notion that there are as many ways to tell a tale as to catch a fish."
and#8212;Bulletin
"This novel in verse successfully builds a story filled with anticipation, family humor, and sibling rivalry. . . . Wissinger deftly plies her craft to ensure that the use of poetry enhances the readability of the story"
and#8212;School Library Journal, starred review
Review
"Another rewarding chapter book from the Lemonade War series."
and#8212;Booklist
"A terrific tie-in to Valentine's Day, but a good anytime school story for boys and girls alike."
and#8212;Read Kiddo Read
Review
"Rosenthal's spare writing superbly captures the emotional growth of a girl on the cusp of adolescence, despite its specific historical context."--School Library Journal "The overall tone is one of solidarity in spite of difficulties."--Booklist "This would serve as an excellent class readaloud as well as appealing to fans of both poetry and memoir."--Bulletin
Synopsis
With a fresh and deceptively simple style, acclaimed author Sharon Creech tells a story with enormous heart. Written as a series of free-verse poems from Jack's point of view, Love That Dog shows how one boy finds his own voice with the help of a teacher, a writer, a pencil, some yellow paper, and of course, a dog. With classic poetry included in the back matter, this provides the perfect resource for teachers and students alike.
"I guess it does
look like a poem
when you see it
typed up
like that."
Jack hates poetry. Only girls write it and every time he tries to, his brain feels empty. But his teacher, Ms. Stretchberry, won't stop giving her class poetry assignments--and Jack can't avoid them. But then something amazing happens. The more he writes, the more he learns he does have something to say. Supports the Common Core State Standards
Synopsis
Newbery Medal-winning author of Walk Two Moons, Sharon Creech, tells a coming of age story with enormous heart. Love That Dog shows how one boy named Jack finds his voice with the help of a teacher, a pencil, some yellow paper, and of course, a dog. Written as a series of free-verse poems from Jack's point of view, and with classic poetry included in the back matter, this novel is perfect for kids and teachers, too.
-I guess it does
look like a poem
when you see it
typed up
like that.-
Jack hates poetry. Only girls write it and every time he tries to, his brain feels empty. But his teacher, Ms. Stretchberry, won't stop giving her class poetry assignments--and Jack can't avoid them. But then something amazing happens. The more he writes, the more he learns he does have something to say.
Synopsis
The Newbery Medal-winning author of Walk Two Moons, Sharon Creech, brings readers a story with enormous heart. This middle grade book is an excellent choice for tween readers in grades 5 to 6, especially during homeschooling. It's a fun way to keep your child entertained and engaged while not in the classroom.
Love That Dog shows how one boy named Jack finds his voice with the help of a teacher, a pencil, some yellow paper, and of course, a dog. Written as a series of free-verse poems from Jack's point of view, and with classic poetry included in the back matter, this novel is perfect for kids and teachers, too.
Jack hates poetry. Only girls write it and every time he tries to, his brain feels empty. But his teacher, Miss Stretchberry, won't stop giving her class poetry assignments--and Jack can't avoid them. But then something amazing happens. The more he writes, the more he learns that he does have something to say.
"I guess it does
look like a poem
when you see it
typed up
like that."
Synopsis
The Newbery Medal-winning author of Walk Two Moons, Sharon Creech, brings readers a story with enormous heart.
Love That Dog shows how one boy named Jack finds his voice with the help of a teacher, a pencil, some yellow paper, and of course, a dog. Written as a series of free-verse poems from Jack's point of view, and with classic poetry included in the back matter, this novel is perfect for kids and teachers, too.
Jack hates poetry. Only girls write it and every time he tries to, his brain feels empty. But his teacher, Miss Stretchberry, won't stop giving her class poetry assignments--and Jack can't avoid them. But then something amazing happens. The more he writes, the more he learns that he does have something to say.
"I guess it does
look like a poem
when you see it
typed up
like that."
Synopsis
"I guess it does
look like a poem
when you see it
typed up
like that."
Jack hates poetry. Only girls write it and every time he tries to, his brain feels empty. But his teacher, Ms. Stretchberry, won't stop giving her class poetry assignments -- and Jack can't avoid them. But then something amazing happens. The more he writes, the more he learns he does have something to say.
With a fresh and deceptively simple style, acclaimed author Sharon Creech tells a story with enormous heart. Written as a series of free-verse poems from Jack's point of view, Love That Dog shows how one boy finds his own voice with the help of a teacher, a writer, a pencil, some yellow paper, and of course, a dog.
Synopsis
Sara has always loved cats. She surrounds herself with pictures of cats, stuffed cats, even cat-headed slippers. But she’s never been allowed to have a real cat of her own. Her father has always told her no, for reasons he won’t explain.
So when a fluffy snowball of a kitten darts through their front door and into her life, Sara believes her dream might finally come true. But convincing her father to break his strict No Cats policy seems impossible. She has less than a week to persuade him that this kitten is exactly what their lonely, broken family of two needs to heal.
Told in lyrical, spare verse, Serendipity & Me is a sparkling novel that elegantly handles the topic of loss for a middle grade audience.
Synopsis
Join nine-year-oldand#160;Catfish Sam as he captures a day of adventure in his netand#8212;and in verse and#8212; in this unique middle grade novel told through poems and comic illustrations.
Synopsis
Nine-year-old Sam loves fishing with his dad. So when his pesky little sister, Lucy, horns in on their fishing trip, heand#8217;s none too pleased: and#8220;Whereand#8217;s my stringer? / Somethingand#8217;s wrong! / The princess doll does not belong!and#8221; All ends well in this winsome book of poemsand#8212;each labeled with its proper poetic form, from quatrain to tercet. Together the poems build a dawn-to-dusk story of a father-son bond, of sibling harmony lost and foundand#8212;and most of all, of delicious anticipation. Charming line drawings animate the poetry with humor and drama, and the extensive Poetand#8217;s Tackle Box at the end makes this the perfect primer to hook aspiring poets of all ages.
Synopsis
Poignant and funny, theand#160;fourth book in theand#160;best-selling Lemonade War series explores the distinctive power of poetry and loveand#8212;fourth grade style.
Synopsis
Jessie and Evan Treski have waged a lemonade war, sought justice in a class trial, and even unmasked a bell thief. Now they are at opposite ends over the right to keep secrets. Evan believes some things (such as his poetry) are private. Jessie believes scandal makes good news. When anonymously sent candy hearts appear in Class 4-0, self-appointed ace reporter Jessie determines to get the scoop on class crushes. and#12288;
Synopsis
A poignant and historical novel in verse about a Jewish family of twelve children told from the point of view of "just plain Edith, number four" as she tries to figure out her place in both her family and the world at large. Set in the depression era Baltimore, Looking for Me is filled with the joy, pain, humor, and sadness of a real immigrant family pursuing the American dream.
Synopsis
One of 12 siblings growing up in depression-era Baltimore, Edithand#160;isn't quite sure of who she is. Between working at her fatherand#8217;s diner, taking care of her younger siblings, andand#160;living in the shadow of her more mature sisters, Edith feels lost in a sea of siblings. When a kind teacher encourages Edith to be a teacher herself one day, Edith sees prospects for a future all her own. Full of joy, pain, humor, and sadness, thisand#160;novel in verse isand#160;a wonderful look atand#160;the life of Edith Paul,and#160;the author's mother, and is an enduring portrait (complete with family photos and an author's note at the end)and#160;of one family's pursuit of the American dream.
Synopsis
In this middle grade novel-in-verse by the Newbery Medal-winning and Coretta Scott King Honor Award-winning author of The Crossover, a twelve-year-old, soccer-loving boy named Nick, absolutely hates books. In Kwame Alexander's latest poetic tour de force, it's books versus soccer balls in a match-up you won't want to miss!
Synopsis
Nicky Flynns life just got a whole lot harder. His parents are going through a messy divorce, and as a result hes starting a new life, in a new city, in a new school. Now his mom has brought home Reggie, a German shepherd from the animal shelter. At first Nicky isnt sure about Reggie, but soon he discovers that Reggie—who used to be a seeing-eye dog—is a true friend he can rely on. But when Nick tries to reconnect with his dad, he puts everything on the line, including the life of his new best friend.
Art Corriveau is a brilliant voice in middle-grade fiction, and How I Got a Life and a Dog is a heartfelt and honest look at the effects of divorce and the wonders of friendship.
About the Author
Known for writing with a classic voice and unique style, Sharon Creech is the best-selling author of the Newbery Medal winner
Walk Two Moons, and the Newbery Honor Book
The Wanderer. She is also the first American in history to be awarded the CILIP Carnegie Medal for
Ruby Holler. Her other works include the novels
Love That Dog,
Bloomability,
Absolutely Normal Chaos,
Chasing Redbird, and
Pleasing the Ghost, and two picture books:
A Fine, Fine School and
Fishing in the Air. These stories are often centered around life, love, and relationships -- especially family relationships. Ms. Creech's first novel for children,
Absolutely Normal Chaos, was based on her own "rowdy and noisy" family. Growing up in a big family in Cleveland, Ohio, helped Ms. Creech learn to tell stories that wouldn't be forgotten in all of the commotion: "I learned to exaggerate and embellish, because if you didn't, your story was drowned out by someone else's more exciting one."
With a knack for storytelling and love of reading, a young Ms. Creech aspired to become a novelist: "To be able to create other worlds, to be able to explore mystery and myth -- I couldn't imagine a better way to live. . .except perhaps to be a teacher, because teachers got to handle books all day long." In college, Ms. Creech took her first writing courses and attended writing workshops. This renewed her enthusiasm for becoming a novelist. Following her studies in college and graduate school, Ms. Creech worked as an editorial assistant before deciding to become a teacher overseas. Now, after spending eighteen years teaching and writing in Europe, she and her husband have returned to the United States to live.