Tuesday, March 15, 2011

Curous Garden by Peter Brown


Liam was out exploring one day when he saw a secret passageway in the old abandoned railroad station. Liam went through the entrance, up some stairs and found the old railroad tracks. Right in the middle of the tracks, he discoverd some random plants growing. The plants were dying and Liam decided he would bring them back to life. He spent many days tending to the garden, which grew and spread. The illustrations in this book bring the story to life. Liam helps bring beauty back to his city and shows us that even in the darkest areas, we can grow something beautiful.

Monday, March 14, 2011

The Magic Half by Annie Barrows


How would you feel if you were the middle sibling in your family? What if you were sandwiched between two sets of twins? Miri is the "extra" in her family. Her twin brothers are older than she is and her twin sisters are younger. When Miri's family moves to an old farmhouse, the adventure begins. Miri wished she had a twin too, just like the rest of her family. She is either watching her little sisters or trying to hang out with her brothers. Her brothers decide that there is treasure buried under their house and when Miri tries to help them, they ditch her. She is very upset about being ditched and accidentally knocks out one of her brothers. Her mother sends her to her room as punishment. While she is in her room she notices the lens of an eyeglass taped to the floorboard in her room. What happens next is amazing! Miri looks through the lens, and is suddenly sucked into another time period, 1935. Miri meets a girl named Molly who actually lives in Miri's room, in the past. Molly is so excited to see Miri, she knew a "fairy" would come and rescue her! Molly is living with her aunt and cousins, they are very mean to Molly. Miri is confused about how she got there, and how to get back to her own time. After spending time with Molly, Miri decides she has to figure out a way to get Molly away from her family. Maybe she should take Molly back home with her, but how? Miri is spying on Molly's cousin in the barn when she reaches into her pocket and puts on her own glasses. Zap! Miri is pulled back into her own world, without Molly. How can she leave Molly there? Can she figure out a way to get back to 1935 to rescue Molly? The suspense will get you! Pick up this book, I guarantee you will not put it down until you know the answers.