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This is a fascinating biography of Charles Darwin. Details are given about his wealthy family, his early travels and research, as well as his hard decision on whether or not he should marry. Once Darwin decided, he believed it was the right choice for him to marry Emma Wedgewood, his first cousin (a common practice at that time). This couple remained very close for their entire lives. Charles' first concern was Emma and their children. He always showed her his writing, as she became his best editor and critic. Because he was so sickly, Emma usually nursed him like she did the young children. His biggest concern was denying any belief in religion while staying married to a deeply religious woman. Her hope to be with Charles for eternity was constantly in her mind. This book will be a good read for those ages 10 and up.

WPL Call Number: Y921 Darwin
Reviewer: Alice J.   (3/10/10)

Follow sixteen-year-old "reclusive music junkie" Allie through the ups and downs of a summer. Allie works at the failing Bob & Bob Records on funky Telegraph Avenue in Berkeley. She's also got an anonymous music blog. As a record lover in an i-pod age, Allie sometimes feels very alone. But over the course of the summer, Allie finds like-minded music fans, and she may even find love. But will she still have a job at the record store? Music fans in about seventh grade and up will enjoy this funny, apt book that gets those music junkies just right.

WPL Call Number: Y Prinz
Reviewer: Janet P.   (3/1/10)

After Katya's exciting and empowering summer at wilderness camp, sitting at a desk in middle school sounds like torture. Instead, she wants to pursue her own interests, especially botany, at her own pace. Convincing her parents to let her homeschool, though, is a major project of its own! As Katya fights for her right to self-educate, she meets teens and adults who give various perspectives on homeschooling. This would be an interesting read for kids who are curious about schooling options that don't involve sitting in a desk every day. For grades 6 and up.

WPL Call Number: Y Frank
Reviewer: Lisa C.   (2/23/10)

This is a story told in verse of a 13 year old Jewish boy sent to Cuba by his parents to protect him from the Nazi Holocaust in Germany. While Daniel hopes to be reunited with his musician parents, he must learn to adapt to his new life on this tropical island. His new friend, Paloma hesitates to reveal the role her father plays in securing safe landing for European refugees. This is an interesting yet little known chapter from history suitable for ages 10 and up.

WPL Call Number: Y Engle
Reviewer: Alice J.   (2/16/10)

Minli and her parents live a hard life on Fruitless Mountain. The only bright spot is the magical stories her father tells. The stories inspire Minli to journey in search of the mystical Old Man of the Moon, who may, it is said, have the power to change her fortune. Woven among Minli's adventures are stories she hears from people (and dragons!) she meets along the way. This beautifully illustrated chapter book is reminiscent of a fairytale and, indeed, draws on Chinese folklore. It also won a Newbery Honor. It would make a wonderful read-aloud for a family or classroom. Highly recommended for grades 2 and up.

WPL Call Number: J Lin
Reviewer: Lisa C.   (2/11/10)

Not many people know it, but Rosa Parks wasn't the first person to make civil rights history by refusing to give up her seat on a Montgomery, Alabama, bus. Nearly a whole year before, a 15-year-old girl named Claudette Colvin took a stand. When the bus driver told her to move for a white passenger, she refused -- and was arrested and thrown in jail as a result. So why don't more people remember her? In this fascinating nonfiction book, learn the whole story of this remarkably brave teenager and her important role in ending segregation on the Montgomery buses. This book has also won multiple awards, including a Newbery Honor. Highly recommended for grades 6 and up.

WPL Call Number: Y921 Colvin
Reviewer: Lisa C.   (2/10/10)

This is the second installment in a series of books about Dyamonde Daniel, a poetry-writing third grader. Dyamonde has a best friend named Free who dreams of buying video games with a cash prize he hopes to win from entering a poetry contest. Another poetry contestent is the quiet girl, Damaris, who lives in a homeless shelter and befriends Dyamonde and Free. Damaris teaches them that there is more than one way to be "rich" and it doesn't even involve money. With nice pencil drawings, this is good beginning chapter book for grades 2-3.

WPL Call Number: J Grimes
Reviewer: Sue K.   (2/10/10)

When Tyler's family hires undocumented Mexicans to work on their Vermont farm while his father recovers from an accident, he thinks they are being unpatriotic. After befriending the oldest daughter, Tyler realizes the dangers Mari and her family live with. He and his family try to help and hope they will not be sent back to Mexico. An unusual but timely topic for grades 4-8 with a lot of Spanish words and an introduction to Mexican culture.

WPL Call Number: Y Alvarez
Reviewer: Alice J.   (2/9/10)

Trevor Musgrove moves with his mother and younger brother and sister to a housing project. His mom has to work hard to keep the family afloat; but Trevor has a lot going for him. He is funny, he's good at soccer, and he's a gifted artist. Trevor is determined that seventh grade will be his year. He is happy to be going to a new school even though some of the rich students view the kids from "Deadly" Gardens as the dregs. Junior high readers will enjoy reading about Trevor's challenges and successes.

WPL Call Number: Y Amato
Reviewer: Kathleen O.   (2/2/10)

The merry little adventures (and misadventures)of two mice, Mr.Tumtum, and Mrs. Nutmeg, who have a fancy home behind the broom cupboard in a rundown house called Rose Cottage. The mice do secret, kindly deeds for the Mildew children who are quite poor, and who think there must be fairies helping them. A great old fashioned chapter book which would be fun to read aloud to preschoolers and first graders.

WPL Call Number: J Bearn
Reviewer: Joanna N.   (1/26/10)