Barlow, Steve and Steve Skidmore. Whizzard

Barlow, Steve and Steve Skidmore. Whizzard! [#2 Tales of the Dark Forest] HarperCollins, 2002 [0-00-710864-8]
In this second book of the series Tym has always wanted to be a great a powerful Wizard but his only chance to be near magic is to work for a bumbling Wizard. Tym finds a potion which makes him travel VERY fast and thus becomes a Whizzard. In this tangled tale he puts the beautiful Lady Zamarind and must go on a wild adventure to help her. Like the previous book, this 253 page book is full of subtle humor, while not a clever as the first book, I will definately continue to read the series and get them for my library.

Petersen, P.J. Rising water

Petersen, P.J. Rising water. Aladdin, 2002 [0-689-86356-x]
Tracy and her brother work at an animal shelter. Kevin has been assigned to do community service there. It has been raining hard for several days when the town's levee breaks so the three of them go out on a rescue mission in a boat (not trusting Kevin because of his past.) They rescue a couple of animals and one person when suddenly they get mixed up with a pair of criminals who are robbing homes. Will they make it home? This 120 page book would be a good high interest book.. full of suspense.

Levitin, Sonia. Room in the heart

Levitin, Sonia. Room in the heart. Dutton, 2003 [0-525-46871-4]
This book opens in 1940 in Denmark. The Germans have just signed a treaty with the Danes to "protect" them. This story is told by several people (Danish gentiles, Jews, and a German soldiers.) It is interested to read these various people's perspective at German slowly tightens its grip on this country which continues to stick up for its people (Jews as well.) This 288 page book covers the unique situation that developed in Denmark during World War II, something of which many students may not be aware.

Horowitz, Anthony. Point Blank

Horowitz, Anthony. Point Blank [#2 Alex Rider Adventure] Speak/Penguin, 2001 [0-14-240164-1]

In book two of this series the James-Bond-like teenager, Alex Rider gets sent to an exclusive private school by MI6 because the parents of two students at the school have been murdered. The school is isolated at the top of a peak in the Alps. Of course Alex is given a series of gadgets which he uses in this exciting adventure. This 274 page book is another in a fun series which kids love.

Giff, Patricia Reilly. Pictures of Hollis Woods

Giff, Patricia Reilly. Pictures of Hollis Woods. Dell/Yearling, 2002 [0-440-41578-0]
Hollis Woods is a foster child who runs away from her placements. This is the story of her at Regan family. She develops a special relationship with a senile member of the family. Will she be able to stay with this family? Will the agency approve of the placement? What happen when she runs away with the elderly family? This 166 page book is a touching story of a foster child who expresses her feelings in her drawings. NOTE: This edition is an "exclusive teachers edition."

Barlow, Steve and Steve Skidmore. Goodknyght!

Barlow, Steve and Steve Skidmore. Goodknyght! [Tales of the Dark Forest #1]. HarperCollins, 2001 [0-00-710863-x]
William, pig farmer's son, is the whipping boy for the King's wimpy son. One day he tricks the Prince and King and gets admitted into Knight school. He gets an undefined quest of which he has always dreamed. This sets him off on a wild adventure with dragons, mythical creatures and magic. This 280 page book is an absolute riot, riddled with all kinds of jokes and plays on words. For example on character is guy, Pastafarian with braided hair who sells pizza and pasta. There is a spirit called Humphrey the Boggart (with lisp and all.) The crowing achievement is a talking harp with over the edge humor like the genie in Aladdin. This is a book I may want to read again just to catch more of the humor some of which most kids will not get, but there is plenty for them also.

Horowitz, Anthony. Stormbreaker

Horowitz, Anthony. Stormbreaker [Alex Rider adventure #1].Speak, 2000 [0-14-240166-8]
Alex is an orphan who lives with his Uncle and housekeeper. One day he gets word that his Uncle has died. After some adventure Alex finds out that his Uncle worked for MI6 as a spy and was killed on the job. Because of the special talents his Uncle taught him, Alex to sent to spy training camp so he can solve the case his Uncle was working on. This 234 page book is a spy adventure story about a 14 year-old James Bond type spy.. with gadgets and all. It is a fun, action-packed adventure and the kids in my library who have read the books in this series can't say enough about them.