Life in the Boreal Forest by Brenda Z. Guiberson
Gennady Spirin (Illustrator)
Ages 9-12
Henry Holt and Co. (BYR) (September 29, 2009)
Cautions: Survival of the fittest scenes

Kiwi Magazine Review:
Sometimes a book literally leaps from the shelf and into your hands and it insists on becoming a part of your home library. The cover alone speaks volumes about the gorgeous illustrations within this book about the Boreal Forest. This lively book is a cautionary tale about our responsibility to take care of our planet and all of its inhabitants.

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The Vampire Book by DK Publishing
Ages 9-12
DK Publishing (September 21, 2009)
Caution: Well, it is about vampires!!

Kiwi Magazine Review:
There is a vampire craze right now and this book captures all of the lure of those blood-loving mythical creatures. Well, let’s hope they’re mythical because they are dangerous dudes. This book explores the ‘lore and allure’ of Vampires, their history and their MO (modus operandi). Fortunately, this colorful, creepy book also provides some deterrents and a guide to destroy them if you are so inclined. From what I have been reading on blogs, the publisher should list the targeted age range : 9-12 plus all moms.  Why should the kids have all of the fun?

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Sky High: The True Story of Maggie Gee by Marissa Moss
Carl Angel (Illustrator)
Ages 9-12
Tricycle Press (August 11, 2009)
Cautions: None

Kiwi Magazine Review:
I had never heard of Maggie Gee before reading this book but I was completely enamored with her story. One of only two Chinese American women, she flew for the Air Force in WWII. This is an amazing story, based on Maggie’s real life experiences. Talk about a great book for following your dreams and soaring as high as you can go!

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Sunday in Kyoto by Gilles Vigneault
Reading level: Ages 9-12
Publisher: Secret Mountain - October 25, 2009
Cautions: None

Kiwi Magazine Review:
Secret Mountain is a true gem, with original and irreverent songs, creative text and clever illustrations. This new piece de resistance by Gilles Vigneault is a whirl of circus-themed tunes, staccato rhymes and sing-song playground romps (with a farting cow in the mix). I really enjoyed all of the songs on the CD, but the title track was my favorite because it was illustrated, giving me excellent visual accompaniment.

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The Boy Who Invented TV: The Story of Philo Farnsworth by Kathleen Krull
Greg Couch (Illustrator)
Reading level: Ages 9-12
Publisher: Knopf Books for Young Readers (September 8, 2009)Kiwi Magazine Review:
Kids might be lining up to pay homage to Philo Farnsworth for inventing the television. It was this amazing visionary who conceptualized and created the television.

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Looking Like Me by Walter Dean Myers
Christopher Myers (Illustrator)
Reading level: Ages 9-12
Publisher: EgmontUSA (October 27, 2009)
Cautions: None

Kiwi Magazine Review:
At first, this book seemed to be a picture book until *BAM* you open the cover and are treated to a rhythmic, refreshing, rocking verse about all of the identities a person can have all wrapped up in one. It’s ok to be a dancer and a daughter, a son and a writer. Celebrate the you that you are, even if it changes every day, or you just keep adding more you onto you.

Product Description
When you look in a mirror, who do you see?

A boy? A girl?
A son? A daughter?
A runner? A dancer?

Whoever and whatever you see-
just put out your fist and give yourself an “I am” BAM!

This jumping, jazzy, joyful picture book by the award-winning team of Walter Dean and Christoper Myers celebrates every child, and every thing that child can be.

The North Star by Peter H. Reynolds
Reading level: Ages 9-12
Candlewick - April 14, 2009
Cautions: None

Kiwi Magazine Review:
Peter Reynolds has a way with words. His text is simple and sage, speaking volumes to those who read it. And, Reynolds feels no compulsion to show off his artistic talents with grandiose illustrations, staying true to the text with simple, yet winsome pictures. Another winner.

Product Description
It is often said that life is a journey, and it’s true. But sometimes it’s hard to know which path to follow when signs point in so many directions. In this beautifully illustrated book, Peter H. Reynolds once again encourages readers to observe, to wonder, and to consider diverging from the well-worn path - to pursue their dreams. Originally published more than ten years ago, THE NORTH STAR has had a profound effect on its many readers. This edition, featuring all new art, celebrates the book’s own voyage connecting people around the world. It has inspired classroom activities, a musical, and countless thoughtful journeys.

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