Age Group:
Young Adult

Genre:
Young Adult, American Fiction, Realistic Fiction, Coming-of-age, Romance

Summary:
Far from love at first sight, Jen and Wes slowly begin to encounter each other in ordinary situations, eventually discovering that they share a strong chemistry. But Jen has always been a drifter, leaving city after city because of her father’s job. When it’s time for Jen to move again, the two must decide if the relationship is worth salvaging.

My Thoughts:
Like the movie Going the Distance (starring Drew Barrymore and Justin Long), Wes and Jen, an average young couple, must decide if their intense connection can overcome the miles that separate them. Hautman has created a refreshing novel that challenges the conventional boy meets girl love story.

Borrow The Big Crunch from your local Vaughan library today! For a movie to go along with the novel try Going the Distance.

Share: Do you think long distance relationships are harder and if so why?

Full Title:
The Trouble with Chickens: A J.J. Tully Mystery

For Ages:
8-12

Genre:
Children’s Literature, Fiction, Humourous, Mystery, Animals

Reviewed and Approved by:
Girl Guides of Canada

Summary:
Retirement? Pah! Not for this dedicated veteran of search-and-rescue! J.J. Tully is about to embark on his next great case, with the help of two feebly chicks, Dirt and Sugar, “who look like popcorn on legs.” Their two little siblings are missing and J.J is the only one who dares to solve this mystery!

With the unflappable Moosh (chicken mom) by his side, J.J. Tully will take on his nemesis Vince the Funnel (the indoor dog) and save the day in this funny, fast-paced read by New York Times bestselling author Doreen Cronin.

My Thoughts:
Best known for favourite picture books such as Click, Clack Moo: Cows that type, Wiggle and Bounce, Cronin’s first attempt at a novel succeeds at being both witty and cute. The illustrations by Kevin Cornell are truly one of the best features of this novel. This would be a great spin-off book for dedicated young fans of the humour genre.

Borrow The Trouble with Chickens: A J.J. Tully Mystery from your local Vaughan library today!

Share: Are you a fan of Doreen Cronin’s picture books?
Let us know!

Full Title:
Mockingbird (mok’ing-bûrd)

Ages:
10 and up

Genre:
Mental Health, Asperger’s syndrome, Realistic Fiction, Children’s Literature

Awards:
National Book Award

Summary:
Ten-year-old Caitlin and her father suffer a traumatic blow when Caitlin’s brother Devon is killed in a senseless tragedy. Getting over the death of any family member is a challenge, but for Caitlin especially, who suffers with Asperger’s syndrome, the loss is all the more confusing. Devon was Caitlin’s rock, helping her develop socially acceptable behaviours and providing comfort and security.

Join Caitlin and her father as they try to find “Closure.” Get a glimpse into the special challenges of living with Asperger’s syndrome in this eye-opening, National Book Award winner by Kathryn Erskine.

My Thoughts:
Erskine writes a poignant novel that cleverly and sensitively unveils the mysteries of Asperger’s syndrome. Through a first person narrative, the reader becomes a front row spectator to the inner workings of a child living with this syndrome. Caitlin shows us how challenging it is for her to make friends and control her natural impulses to ‘tic’ and hide. This is an important book for teaching children compassion and for exploring themes of loss and the renewal of hope.

Borrow Mockingbird (mok’ing-bûrd) from your local Vaughan library today!

Share: Do you know some other books that help children learn tolerance, and most especially acceptance?