The Princess and the Frog Junior Novelization by Irene Trimble
Ages 9-12
RH/Disney (October 13, 2009)
Caution: There is a scary mean guy in this story, as in all Disney stories. He’s less scary in print than on screen.

Kiwi Magazine Review:
Disney’s newest Princess has alot of pluck. She’s not the type to sit around and wait for a prince or nap for years. Nonetheless, Tiana is a strong and confidant woman with alot of ambition and a great role model for girls. She still has the trademark Disney impossibly small waist and gigantic doe eyes, but this is a princess of substance. Can’t wait to see the movie!
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I Am Jack by Susanne Gervay
Cathy Wilcox (Illustrator)
Ages 9-12
Tricycle Press (October 13, 2009)
Cautions: None

Kiwi Magazine Review:
We receive alot of nonfiction books about recognizing and stopping bullying. They’re not exactly easy to read or share with a student who is being bullied. This book fills that gap by telling the story of a bullied kid from his perspective. Jack is 11 and it seems that all of his friends have turned on him. Walk in Jack’s shoes and see how he and his school handle this difficult situation. No worries - this book does have some light moments and Jack is an engaging character. You won’t have to convince your child or, if you’re a teacher or counselor, your student to read this book.

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The Encyclopedia of Immaturity Volume 2 by Klutz
Ages 9-12
Klutz; Pap/Toy edition (September 1, 2009)
Cautions: Often gross

Kiwi Magazine Review:
The first Encyclopedia of Immaturity was stellar, we’re not sure how Klutz managed to come up with even more antics, anecdotes and advice. For example, some people subtly adjust to fix a wedgie, but this book encourages everyone to fly their underwear flag and discuss the wild world of wedgies (self-inflicted or from a naughty brother). I thought of dozens of people who would really appreciate this book and I wished something this important had been published in my childhood so I could have been informed about the right way to convince my mom that I was really too sick for school. Every. Single. Monday. Shenanigans are the new manners. The age range for the book is a complete farce (it says 9-12); I can think of numerous 50+ males who will have root beer coming out of their noses when they read this.

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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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The Magical Ms. Plum by Bonny Becker
Illustrated by Amy Portnoy
Ages 9-12
Knopf Books for Young Readers; 1 edition (September 8, 2009)
Cautions: None

Kiwi Magazine Review:
Ms. Plum is the ideal teacher and reminds me a bit of Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle; both know what is best for children, even if the child doesn’t realize it himself.

Ms. Plum is pure magic and her supply closet is even more spectacular. Each child who enters comes out with an animal companion that somehow diagnoses and treats that particular child’s challenge (shyness, aggression, etc…). A stubborn donkey or mischievous monkey help the child work through their challenge and make for a very interesting classroom experience. Caution: you may find your child begging to visit some of your closets in the hopes that a magical furry creature will appear. This book is going to be a family favorite.  There are lots of laughs and some great, positive messages throughout the book.

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A Nest for Celeste: A Story About Art, Inspiration, and the Meaning of Home by Henry Cole
Ages 9-12
Katherine Tegen Books (February 23, 2010)
Cautions: There are some scary parts and critters are chased and then eaten.

Kiwi Magazine Review:
I couldn’t put this book down. Although I am very sensitive to books with scary parts (I am related to some kids with no tolerance for scary bits), the violence is brief and not at all gratuitous. Since the story is about a little mouse who is looking for the perfect nest, you can imagine what happens when she meets up with cats and other predators. Thankfully, little Celeste has some wild adventures but manages to make friends and remain safe, happy and stuffed with food.

One aspect of this book that I loved was that two of the characters addressed the notion of having to kill animals to be able to paint or draw them. The book references Mr. Audubon and his assistant and readers can see the evolution of their thought process that it was more humane and natural to simply draw birds in their natural habitats than capture or kill them.

The story is compelling and the characters, both animal and human, are multidimensional and interesting. The author, Henry Cole, is also a talented illustrator who enhances the book with charming charcoal drawings.

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 Witch’s Guide to Cooking with Children by Keith McGowan
Yoko Tanaka (Illustrator)
Reading level: Ages 9-12
Publisher: Henry Holt and Co. - September 1, 2009
Cautions: the classic tale is updated so beware of witches and mean stepmothers

Kiwi Magazine Review:
Oooooh. That witch from Hansel and Gretel is back and she very well may be living right…next…door. In a conspiracy of lunacy, a whole town seems to be in cahoots with chaos to get those two little urchins to succumb to being the entree on the witch’s table. This updated book is still deliciously naughty.

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Product Description:

When Sol and Connie Blink move to Grand Creek, one of the first people to welcome them is an odd older woman, Fay Holaderry, and her friendly dog, Swift, who carries a very strange bone in his mouth. Sol knows a lot more than the average eleven-year-old, so when he identifies the bone as human, he and Connie begin to wonder if their new neighbor is up to no good.

In a spine-tingling adventure that makes them think twice about who they can trust, Sol and Connie discover that solving mysteries can be a dangerous game-even for skilled junior sleuths.

Kaleidoscope Eyes by Jen Bryant
Alfred A. Knopf Books for Young Readers, May 2009
Ages: 9-13
Cautions: None

Kiwi Magazine Review:
History mixes seamlessly with the adventures of three young teenagers in Jen Bryant’s brilliant novel. Its 1968, her family is as dysfunctional as ever, and as her neighbors are getting drafted, Lyza is embarking on her very own mission.

Her grandfather left behind maps “for Lyza only” and she would soon discover they were full of more than history - they’d actually lead to real treasure. Bryant details the story of Lyza and her two best friends as they uncover what turns out to be a lot more than pirate’s treasure, but a welcomed distraction and beam of hope in a truly troubled time.

The distinct, poetic format of Bryant’s words keeps the novel constantly exciting, with sentences getting more disheveled as emotions rise. Lyza tells the story herself and you get some very real insight on the world of an eighth grade girl.

Kaleidoscope Eyes is a perfect summer read. Its fun and exciting all alongside a critical year in U.S. history, and I thoroughly enjoyed reading as Lyza and her friends snuck around on their secret adventure.

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