This is about Isabel—a shape-shifter. Isabel knows that she exists to protect the king, but for the longest time she cannot remember her past or why she should protect the king. She must survive the dangers of court, learn about her past by learning about her magic legend and keep the young king alive even if it means her own end. I hope you read and enjoy. I found it difficult to put this one down. (Teen, ages 12 and up)

I’d say I’m pretty much a Junie B. Jones expert (the B. stands for Beatrice, but she doesn’t like Beatrice – just B.) For the last few weeks I’ve averaged a Junie B. Jones book a day. Sometimes before I go to work in the morning I have to read the previous night’s book over again – or at least a portion. Yes, these books are written for six year old girls to read to themselves, but I guess I didn’t want Harper to miss out on any of the fun. Yesterday afternoon Junie B. rolled into town and all of our hard work payed off. We knew all about the bus. When Harper saw it she said “there’s that meanie Jim” and of course Jim was right there in the back window of the bus. When Junie bounded onto the stage Harper didn’t run to the front of the room like all of the big kids, but she did stand on my lap the whole show then climb up onto my shoulders. Did she have a good time? I’d say so – even though she was wise to the fact that this wasn’t the real Junie B. she is still talking about the loud cymbals, the funny hats, and Mr. Woo the bus driver. And just so you aren’t confused this is Harper in the picture – not Junie. B.

If you have enjoyed fairy stories or ever wanted to be a fairy, this a good book for you. Laurel has been home schooled for the first 10 years of education, when all of a sudden, her parents decided that they would move to a small town and Laurel should attend a public school. The first day of class Laurel meets David, and they become close friends. Shortly thereafter, a bump appears on Laurel’s back. You guessed it, it’s the making of fairy wings. Come enjoy the adventure and learn how Laurel copes with the realization of being a fairy. Enjoy Book 2–Spells! (Teen, Ages 12 and up)

If you are looking for romance and mystery, read The Body Finder.  Violet Ambrose discovered at a very early age that she had a very special talent – she could find dead bodies, at least those that were murdered.  She can sense the echoes that the victim leaves behind and the imprints left on the killer.  During Violet’s junior year, a serial killer is loose in her hometown and she is maybe the only person to stop him.  An intense read.

(Teen, ages 12 and up)

According to the author, “The Dreamer is a work of fiction based on the events of Pablo Neruda’s childhood.”  Pablo Neruda (1904 – 1973) received the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1971 and is considered one of the most widely read poets of the 20th century.

In this story, Neftali Reyes (Pablo Neruda) is a young boy who has a vivid imagination, daydreams, hears voices, and loves to read.  He is easily distracted and can spend hours observing and investigating everything.  This is all well and good unless you have a father that has high aspirations for his young son and is a very no-nonsense man.  The father wants his son to be a doctor or dentist and finds Neftali’s writings and daydreams to be an embarrassment to the family.  Neftali is a very persistent  young boy and lets nothing stand in his way of achieving his goals in spite of being bullied and called stupid.

(Young Adult Middle/Young Adult, ages 9 – 12)

I am so happy to finally be telling y’all about this…Junie B.’s Stupid Smelly Bus Tour is coming to town and we are hosting it! We are so lucky to bring you this event along with Random House. It starts at 1:00 on Monday June 14th at Madison Station Elementary, and it’s going to be a blast! The people who go on tour have this whole Junie B. skit and talk about the books and just have a great time! Tickets to this grand event are $5 and include admission and each ticket is redeemable for one paperback Junie B. Jones book at the event. So on June 14th, come on out for this amazing event. Learn more details about the event and just how fantastic it is at the Junie B. website.