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Kidsreads.com Newsletter |
August 2003 |
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Hitting the Books |
We know you are heading back to school if you are not there already. When you are hitting the schoolbooks, don't forget to take some time for reading for PLEASURE. As always, we have lots of books for you to enjoy...so keep reading.
Have a great month...
Booker T. Worm |
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Cool New Books |
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We hope you're all having a very enjoyable and relaxing summer. If you are not back in school yet you may be a little tired of doing the same things day after day --- sleeping late, surfing the Net, and watching countless hours of television. So why not take a look at this month's roundup of cool new books? Judy Moody is trying to predict the future, Granny Torrelli is serving up delicious soup, and Amelia Bedelia is celebrating her 40th birthday by volunteering at the library. With characters like these, how can you possibly be bored? |
See Cool New Books for August.
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Poll |
What was the biggest entertainment highlight of your summer?
The new Harry Potter book
The Spy Kids 3 movie
The Hulk movie
The Charlie's Angels movie
Something else
Are you ready to go back to school?
Yes, I cannot wait to see my friends and get back on schedule
No, I am dreading it.
I am not sure how I feel. |
Vote in the poll here.
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Question of the Month |
What was your favorite memory about a book, a series or a character you read this summer?
Send your replies to Question@kidsreads.com. |
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Author Talk: Dav Pilkey, author of Captain Underpants |
Dav Pilkey has illustrated numerous award-winning picture books, including DOG BREATH, THE PAPERBOY and the Dumb Bunnies books. His first adventure novel, THE ADVENTURES OF CAPTAIN UNDERPANTS, was published in 1997 to rave reviews and was followed by four more books in the series, all of which were national bestsellers.
In this interview Dav talks about where the idea for Captain Underpants originated, why the books in this series are so unique, and his advice for young people who want to be writers.
CAPTAIN UNDERPANTS AND THE BIG, BAD BATTLE OF THE BIONIC BOOGER BOY, PART 1: The Night of the Nasty Nostril Nuggets by Dav Pilkey
When school brainiac Melvin Sneedly decides to transform himself into a bionic-powered superboy, things go terribly wrong --- and the Bionic Booger Boy is born instead! It's up to Captain Underpants to save the world from this massive and disgusting beast. Reviewed by Tom Donadio |
Read our Author Talk and Review here.
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Author Talk: Garth Nix, author of THE KEYS TO THE KINGDOM |
Garth Nix is the New York Times bestselling author of THE SEVENTH TOWER series, in addition to the acclaimed novels SABRIEL, LIRAEL and ABHORSEN. In this interview Garth talks about his new series, THE KEYS TO THE KINGDOM, as well as his fascination with the number 7, his role models and favorite authors, and much more.
MISTER MONDAY (The Keys to the Kingdom, Book One) by Garth Nix
In this first installment of a seven-part fantasy series by bestselling author Garth Nix, seventh grader Arthur Penhaligon enters a strange new world as he tries to unravel the secrets of a mysterious key --- and discover his true fate. Reviewed by Sarah Sawtelle and excerpted. |
Read the Author Talk, Review, and Excerpt here.
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Don't Miss: Amelia Bedelia |
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, AMELIA BEDELIA!
In 1963 Peggy Parish introduced readers to Amelia Bedelia, a housekeeper who does exactly as she is told. Her literal mind results in a number of misunderstandings that often frustrate those affected, including her two clients, Mr. and Mrs. Rogers. This year, Amelia Bedelia is celebrating her 40th birthday --- and has returned for a brand new misunderstanding! In AMELIA BEDELIA, BOOKWORM Amelia Bedelia is helping out at her local library, as Mrs. Page (the world's best librarian, according to Amelia) is anxiously awaiting the arrival of the head librarian, Mrs. Cramer. |
Read about Amelia Bedelia here.
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Harry Potter Trivia and Characters |
In case you missed it last month, we have three new Harry Potter Trivia Games --- all based on HP5! Click on the link below to play.
Also make sure to visit our "New Characters" feature to keep track of the new characters introduced in HARRY POTTER AND THE ORDER OF THE PHOENIX. Character profiles can be found at
http://www.kidsreads.com/HP/who.asp |
Play THREE new Harry Potter games here.
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New Book Reviews |
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BEN FRANKLIN'S ALMANAC: Being a True Account of the Good Gentleman's Life by Candace Fleming
As a writer, statesman, printer and inventor, Ben Franklin established himself as one of America's greatest men. This unique scrapbook, modeled on his own POOR RICHARD'S ALMANAC and organized around the key themes of his life, captures Ben's countless accomplishments. Reviewed by Marya Jansen-Gruber.
LOSER by Jerry Spinelli
Donald Zinkoff loves to ride his bike, play in the snow, and wants to be just like his dad when he grows up. But Donald also raises his hand with wrong answers and sometimes trips over his own feet. His peers think he's strange and call him a loser; fortunately, Donald feels much differently about himself. Reviewed by Melissa A. Martin.
GRANNY TORRELLI MAKES SOUP by Sharon Creech
Twelve-year old Rosie and her best friend Bailey just can't seem to get along, but Granny Torrelli --- with her warm words and secret family recipes --- knows exactly what to do to make things better. Reviewed by Marya Jansen-Gruber. |
Read our new book reviews here.
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We Asked/You Said |
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Read here to see what other Kidsreads.com readers said about our past Question of the Month questions. |
Read We Asked/You Said here.
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Want to know my favorite part about this newsletter? You can forward it to a friend by clicking the button on the bottom of the page. What could be easier? Now it's really easy to share your favorite book newsletter with friends, teachers and librarians! Can you tell I am excited? I hope you are too.
Remember to be safe online. NEVER tell anyone personal information --- which includes your real name, age, address, phone number or school. Hey, pretend you are undercover when you go online and protect yourself at all times!
Keep reading! Until next week...
Booker T. Worm and Friends |
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