Picks of the Week

I know, it's been awhile, but in honor of Read Across America Month (and the birthday of Dr. Seuss), I have decided to really get into this. So every Thursday, I'll be bringing you my picks of the week. Here goes the first installment.

In the Picture Book Department:

Roly Poly Pangolin by Anna Dewdney
What is a pangolin, you ask? Well, pangolins are an endangered species rather like a hedgehog. They have no teeth & curl into tight balls using their scales to protect themselves. Check them out here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pangolin
The author of the Llama Llama books introduces us to Roly Poly, a very shy pangolin, who is overwhelmed by all the new things in the world around him. Dewdney uses her signature rhyme scheme and soothing iambic rhythm to encourage children to explore the world and make new friends with Roly Poly. Sure to be a hit in preschool circles.


In the Young (and Young at Heart) Department:

The Strange Case of Origami Yoda by Tom Angleberger
Tommy and his friends don't know what to think when the weirdest loser in the 6th grade starts carrying around an origami Yoda on his finger. But even though Dwight seems to be completely clueless, Origami Yoda is incredibly wise. He can predict pop quizzes, show a classmate how to get rid of the annoying nickname Cheeto Hog, and give boys the courage to talk to girls. A great book for any fan of Diary of a Wimpy Kid and those who like a little Star Wars in their every day life. Somedays I think having an Origami Yoda to give me advice sounds like a pretty good idea.





In the Life After Twilight Department

Perfect Chemistry by Simone Elkeles
When the captain of the cheerleading squad and a tough-as-nails Latino gang member get paired as chemistry partners, sparks fly (and not necessarily the good kind). But they soon discover that their preconceptions of each other are far from true. Brittany works so hard to portray a mask of perfection, while she's falling apart on the inside. Alex has joined the gang that cost his father his life, all to guarantee that his younger brothers will have a chance at a better life. Can this new relationship survive the challenges of racism and violence?
Told in alternating chapters from both characters, Elkeles weaves a love story with more power and heart than Twilight.




Those are my picks this week. All of them I've read. I'll never recommend something that I haven't. Let me know what you think.