Sadie knows she'll be a nobody at her new school if she doesn't find a way to stand out. The solution? Fake a peanut allergy! Sadie buys a medical alert bracelet and everything. The plan works: soon Sadie is making friends left and right. But Sadie's little fib becomes complicated as teachers freak out, friends dig for details, and one very special boy gives her a bronzed peanut necklace. How long can Sadie conceal the truth? This slice-of-life tale of teen drama will appeal to readers who like Raina Telgemeier's books Drama and Smile.

WPL Call Number: Y Comic HA
Reviewer: Lisa B.   (5/13/13)

Sixth grader, Eric Haskins believes there is a book which tells his classmates how to bully and pick on a student. It seems to him that each year one student is selected to be the "Grunt" and everyone else agrees. Since he has been chosen, he keeps a journal as he tries to find out how and why he was chosen and what he can do to change this. Eric seeks older students who have experienced this horrendous bullying to solve his problem. Author Eric Kahn Gale claims that this story is based on his life as a bullied sixth grader. Good for a discussion on bullying for grades 4-7.

WPL Call Number: J Gale
Reviewer: Alice J.   (5/10/13)

Ever since the unfortunate incident that has rude boy Joshua calling her "Smella," Stella Batts hasn't liked her name. Then one of her friends has a great idea: change it! Soon all of Stella's friends are changing their names, too, causing confusion, arguments, and even hurt feelings. Is changing her name worth it, or is Stella Batts better off as Stella Batts? This chapter book, the first in a series, should appeal to readers who like Judy Moody, Clementine, and Junie B.. Suggested for grades 2-3.

WPL Call Number: J Sheinmel
Reviewer: Lisa B.   (5/9/13)

Think your parents are embarrassing? Imagine having supervillains as parents! Joshua's parents are the Dread Duo, the Botanist and Dr. Dread. Joshua can barely get through the day without them trying to destroy the earth. Usually they're thwarted by Captain Justice. But when mysterious smoke creatures start whisking away supervillains, Joshua starts to worry about his parents. At the same time, he finds out he has his own super power. When the time comes, can Joshua save his parents? And whose side is Captain Justice really on? Fourth through sixth graders will enjoy this lively and humorous fantasy adventure.

WPL Call Number: J Bacon
Reviewer: Janet P.   (4/29/13)

If you liked The Fourth Stall by Chris Rylander, you'll like this book about another middle school fix-it artist. Riley and his friends are known at their school for defending kids from bullies and solving all manner of problems. When the town police chief and his son pick a fight with Riley, Riley does his best to stay away from them. But when a dog-napping and trouble at the local bank both point to the police chief's family, Riley knows he has to act. Riley's crew's problem-solving skills are impressive, and also hilarious. For kids in about fourth through seventh grades who like far-fetched but fun adventures.

WPL Call Number: J Grabenstein
Reviewer: Janet P.   (4/29/13)

Kindly Doc the bear lives a fulfilling life in the children's ward of the hospital. But when the playroom is remodeled, he's unceremoniously sent to the dump. There, he finds a new life with other lost and rejected toys. Despite their scroungy surroundings, the toys, each one with a distinct and appealing personality, have thrilling adventures. This would make a great family read-aloud, with appeal for kids who are Toy Story fans. Adults who enjoy Downton Abbey or Monarch of the Glen may enjoy finding out just what a children's book by Julian Fellowes is like.

WPL Call Number: J Fellowes
Reviewer: Janet P.   (4/29/13)

Poetic and wise story about a family that rescues dogs, a bird and, once, even a boy. Beautifully written and realized, the book will appeal most to girls looking for GREAT dog stories, but everyone can and should read and enjoy it! White Fur Flying is written by the author of Sarah, Plain and Tall and is highly recommended.

WPL Call Number: J MacLachlan
Reviewer: Martha M.   (4/29/13)

Fascinating story of modern Burma (Myanmar) from the perspective of 2 boys, one Burmese and one Karenni, caught in a war between the Burmese government and ethnic minorities. It is an adventure story, a war novel and a simply engrossing page turner. Bamboo People is on the 2014 Master List for the Rebecca Caudill Young Readers' Book Award.

WPL Call Number: Y Perkins
Reviewer: Martha M.   (4/29/13)

Skinny Sam Lewis tries to prepare for the fight his former best friend warns him about. The seventh graders are to meet on the playground after lunch. Sam tries to figure out why Morgan wants to do this when they used to be so close. Their friendship changed with middle school and the arrival of new friend Chris. While Morgan has become a star football player, Sam has his reputation as math geek, a math genius that nobody cares about. While Sam counts down the minutes before his impending doom, he also tells about their past. Typical middle school story will be popular with it's funny hero and simple drawings. For ages 10 and up.

WPL Call Number: Y Hasak-Lowy
Reviewer: Alice J.   (4/23/13)

Lula Bell Bonner is not popular. In fact her former best friend Kali Keele has made her the target of some mean bullying. Lula tries to develop tactics to avoid Kali's taunts but they always seem to backfire. She doesn't think the advice of her friend Alan, the science nerd, will help her become part of the in-crowd. Lula is lucky that she has her beloved grandmother Bernice to help her cope. Lula Bell is a talented musician. She hopes that the annual talent show will help her "shine her light." Unfortunately Kali's teasing at the audition keeps Lula from trying out. Then a death in her family shakes Lula's world even more. How Lula Bell learns to deal with her problems is real and hopeful. Sometimes this book is sad, but readers is grades 4 through 6 will relate to Lula Bell's situation.

WPL Call Number: J Payne
Reviewer: Kathleen O.   (4/16/13)