November 2004

Happy Thanksgiving

November sure has flown by! It feels like it was just summer and now it's already Thanksgiving. With this in mind this month we are bringing you a roundup of books about Thanksgiving-related topics that was written by Marisa Emralino. Since the holidays are right around the corner, our Poll and Question this month are all about getting books as presents. Some of my favorite presents over the years were books. Quick hint though: We have found it is best to make a list of the books you want to read. This will keep people from buying you something you have read or selecting a title that may not be of interest to you!

In case you missed this last month....Ever wonder who writes the reviews that you see on Kidsreads.com? This month we've added brief biographies on all of our reviewers. You can see these by clicking on the link at the end of this note.

Happy Thanksgiving. Enjoy your turkey and time with family and friends. Gobble gobble from all of us at Kidsreads.com.

Carol Fitzgerald (Carol@bookreporter.com)

Cool New Books for November

Among the titles featured in November's roundup of cool new books are Madonna's fourth book of children's stories, a mystery novel for middle-grade readers by popular young adult author Joan Lowery Nixon, the latest installment in the All-New Nancy Drew series, and Lynne Cheney's nonfiction account of the event that proved to be a major turning point in the American Revolution.

Thanksgiving Books

With the autumn days drifting by, we at Kidsreads.com have gathered together books about everything Thanksgiving: from the Pilgrims to festive celebrations to ... dancing turkeys? These entertaining, heartwarming stories will make you reflect on what you're most thankful for --- every single day of the year.

Series Update: Nancy Drew

Books Into Movies

Did you like the book? Well now you can see the movie! Check out the newest fall flicks that are based on books to get another dose of the stories you love. Standouts include The Polar Express, Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events, and The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie (which is based on Nickelodeon's popular animated series). Plus, Simon & Schuster has released a cool new book that ties in perfectly with the SpongeBob film!

THE SEA OF TROLLS by Nancy Farmer
Jack is kidnapped by a band of marauding Vikings, launching him on an adventure that ultimately brings him to the roots of the world tree Yggdrasil, in this highly original and well-researched work by three-time Newbery Honor author Nancy Farmer. Reviewed by Sarah A. Wood and excerpted.

THE LAST HOLIDAY CONCERT by Andrew Clements
Mr. Meinert, the chorus teacher, loses his temper and informs Hart Evans that he is now responsible for running the school's holiday concert, which is only a few weeks away. What is a sixth-grader to do? Reviewed by Hannah Gomez and excerpted.

SAMMY KEYES AND THE PSYCHO KITTY QUEEN by Wendelin Van Draanen
Say it isn't so! Sammy Keyes finds out the day before her 14th birthday that she is actually just about to turn 13 (again). However, this bad news won't stop her sleuthing activities --- especially when there's a cat-killer on the loose. Reviewed by Terry Miller Shannon.

IDA B...AND HER PLANS TO MAXIMIZE FUN, AVOID DISASTER AND (POSSIBLY) SAVE THE WORLD by Katherine Hannigan                
Fourth-grader Ida B learns how to change her plans and soften her heart in this quiet gem of a book about love, loss, and family. Reviewed by Norah Piehl.

THE SHATTERING: Guardians of Ga'Hoole - Book Five, by Kathryn Lasky
Something very strange is happening to Soren's sister Eglantine, and her behavior may put all the owls of the Ga'Hoole Tree in great danger. Reviewed by Marya Jansen-Gruber.

HERE TODAY by Ann M. Martin
In this bittersweet tale set in 1963, Ellie's family is about to fall apart. What she learns about others and about herself gives the reader much to ponder in this enjoyable story by award-winning author Ann M. Martin. Reviewed by Terry Miller Shannon.

WINTERING WELL by Lea Wait
This coming-of-age novel about choices centers on Will Ames and his eleven-year-old sister Cassie. Set in 1819 rural Maine, the choices for a young boy and girl are quite limited. Reviewed by Renee Kirchner.

BECOMING NAOMI LEON by Pam Munoz Ryan
When Naomi's mother reappears after seven years of being gone, Naomi runs away to Mexico with her great-grandmother and younger brother in search of her father. Reviewed by Sally M. Tibbetts.

DIZZY by Cathy Cassidy
Dizzy hasn't seen her mother since she walked out on Dizzy eight years ago. But she reappears to celebrate her daughter's 12th birthday --- and to convince Dizzy's father to let Dizzy spend the summer with her. Reviewed by Ashley Hartlaub.

Do you like to receive books as holiday gifts?
Yes
No
Not sure

Do you give people a list of what you want to read?

Yes, all the time
No, but that is a good idea
No, that does not interest me
Not sure