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Kidsreads.com Newsletter |
Early June 2007
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Here Comes SUMMER VACATION!
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We here at Kidsreads.com are READY for summer vacation. For some of you, it's here. For others, it's days away. The weather here is screaming summer and we can feel the sand between our toes, at least in our imaginations. Why do we love summer? There's time to read what you want! And do we have ideas for you for that.
We know this newsletter is arriving in early June, not late May like usual. And we have a reason. Seriously. This is not a "dog ate my homework" excuse! We totally redesigned and relaunched our Harry Potter feature on Kidsreads.com, calling it Harry Central. Leading up to the release of the final book on July 21st (we know you have your calendars marked for this one), we will continue to add updates. Check it out. It will help you pass the time until HARRY POTTER AND THE DEATHLY HALLOWS hits stores.
But you don't need to wait for Harry to get reading this summer...our lineup below will have you making notes to take to your local bookstore or library right now. Whether you are looking for Cool New Books or New in Paperback titles or want to get into a new series, we have something for you.
Our poll and question ask about your nightime reading habits. Do you read before you fall asleep? I know that no matter how tired I am, I have to read before I sleep. And my boys are the same way. Often I am so tired that I need to re-read the last page the following day, but somehow words are what get me to sleep every night.
One final note: Don’t forget that June 17th is Father's Day! May we suggest that you buy your dad a book? After all, it's what YOU would want.
Enjoy the rest of June....
Carol Fitzgerald for Kidsreads.com
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New Series Feature: Warriors: Power of Three by Erin Hunter
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WARRIORS: POWER OF THREE by Erin Hunter
Warriors fans worried that the conclusion of The New Prophecy may have spelled the end of the fascinating stories of these cat Clans. So we can all breathe a huge sigh of relief with the release of THE SIGHT, the first book in an exciting new story arc. Filled with the series' trademark omens, personality plays, heroic deeds, revelations and battles, Warriors: Power of Three begins with a breathless bang that never lets up, giving readers the assurance that this will be a valuable new installment in the beloved Warriors saga. Reviewed by Terry Miller Shannon.
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Click here to read our Warriors: Power of Three series feature.
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Series Feature: Red Rock Mysteries by Jerry B. Jenkins and Chris Fabry
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RED ROCK MYSTERIES Series by Jerry B. Jenkins and Chris Fabry
Bryce and Ashley Timberline are normal 13-year-old twins, except for one thing --- they discover action-packed mystery wherever they go. Whether it's tracking down a missing groom or uncovering a drug-dealing ring, Bryce and Ashley never lose their taste for adventure. Wanting to get to the bottom of any mystery, these twins find themselves on a nonstop search for the truth. Reviewed by Michele Howe.
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Click here to read our Red Rock Mysteries series feature.
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Series Feature: Winnie the Horse Gentler by Dandi Daley Mackall
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WINNIE THE HORSE GENTLER Series by Dandi Daley Mackall
Twelve-year-old Winnie Willis has a way with horses. She can gentle the wildest mare, but other parts of her life don't always come as easily. Along with her dad and sister, Lizzy, Winnie is learning how to live without her mom, who was also a natural horse gentler. As Winnie teaches her horses about unconditional love and blind trust, God shows Winnie that he can be trusted too. Reviewed by Michele Howe.
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Click here to read our Winnie the Horse Gentler series feature.
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Special Feature: SKULDUGGERY PLEASANT by Derek Landy
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SKULDUGGERY PLEASANT by Derek Landy
Meet Skulduggery Pleasant. Sure, he may lose his head now and again (in fact, he won his current skull in a poker match), but he is much more than he appears to be --- which is good, considering that he is, basically, a skeleton. Skulduggery may be long dead, but he is also a mage who dodged the grave so that he could save the world from an ancient evil. But to defeat it, he'll need the help of a new partner: a not-so-innocent 12-year-old girl named Stephanie.
To coincide with the release of SKULDUGGERY PLEASANT, HarperCollins Children's Books has created an amazing website, www.SkulduggeryPleasant.com/us. Here, you can read more about the book, enter the Skulduggery Pleasant Sweepstakes for your chance to win some fabulous prizes (entries must be received by June 13th), watch the Skulduggery video (and send your friends a personalized Skulduggery Pleasant video), play a cool game, and much more!
-Click here to read a review of SKULDUGGERY PLEASANT.
-Click here to read an excerpt from SKULDUGGERY PLEASANT.
-Click here to read Derek Landy's bio.
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Visit the official website of SKULDUGGERY PLEASANT here.
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Don't Miss: ENCYCLOPEDIA PREHISTORICA: MEGA-BEASTS by Robert Sabuda & Matthew Reinhart
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ENCYCLOPEDIA PREHISTORICA: MEGA-BEASTS by Robert Sabuda & Matthew Reinhart
In this third and final volume of the wildly successful Encyclopedia Prehistorica series, 3-D masters Robert Sabuda and Matthew Reinhart team up to construct a pop-up book of gargantuan proportions. Within these pages lurk fearsome saber-toothed cats, bears taller than basketball hoops, and everyone's favorite Ice Age giant --- the woolly mammoth. Reviewed by Norah Piehl.
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Click here to read our review of ENCYCLOPEDIA PREHISTORICA: MEGA-BEASTS.
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Don't Miss: WARRIORS FIELD GUIDE: Secrets of the Clan, by Erin Hunter
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WARRIORS FIELD GUIDE: Secrets of the Clan by Erin Hunter
Warriors fans, prepare to swoon in pleasure! Within the pages of this beautifully illustrated volume, you will find the answers to questions you have pondered (including some you haven't even thought of) about the past and present lives of the warrior cats, as well as information about felines outside the Clans. Reviewed by Terry Miller Shannon.
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Click here to read our review of WARRIORS FIELD GUIDE.
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Books Into Movies: Nancy Drew --- In Theaters June 15th
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Boys and girls, it's time to pick up your magnifying glasses and get a clue --- because America's most popular female detective is coming to the big screen! While on a business trip to Los Angeles with her father, Nancy Drew stumbles across evidence about a long-unsolved crime involving the mysterious death of a beautiful movie star. So she decides to take matters into her own hands and find out who is responsible. Watch the mystery unfold beginning June 15th, when Nancy Drew creeps its way into theaters.
In anticipation of the film's release, Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing has made available a number of movie tie-in books that fans of the series will want to investigate. Happy sleuthing!
-Click here to see the Nancy Drew movie tie-in books.
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Click here for more details about the film.
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Visit Our All-New Harry Potter Site!
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In anticipation of that certain Saturday in July, we at Kidsreads.com are thrilled to unveil our all-new Harry Potter site!
All of your fun favorites are still here, including an extensive Harrypedia, perfect for brushing up on the who, what and where in the magical world of the most famous boy wizard of all time. Peruse the fascinating Harry’s Spellbook for your favorite jinxes, potions and curses. And, just in time for the release of HARRY POTTER AND THE DEATHLY HALLOWS, Hogwarts’s most confusing and mysterious Professor offers her predictions for the seventh and final exciting installment.
Have you always wanted the inside scoop on the writing mastermind behind it all? Check out one fan's account of a live reading given by wizard-creator J.K. Rowling. There's terrific insight into the author herself –-- and a few great hints at what’s coming up for Harry, Hermione, Ron and the rest of the wizarding world.
More cool content will be added in the weeks to come, so be sure to check back often!
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Click here to visit the all-new Harry Potter site on Kidsreads.com.
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Series Update: Little House --- Meet Other Members of Laura's Family!
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LITTLE HOUSE IN THE HIGHLANDS: The Martha Years by Melissa Wiley
It's 1788 and Martha lives in a little stone house in Glencaraid, Scotland. Her father is Laird Glencaraid, which means Martha must behave like a young lady even when she would much rather run around the Scottish hillside! Reviewed by Terry Miller Shannon.
LITTLE HOUSE BY BOSTON BAY: The Charlotte Years by Melissa Wiley
It's 1814 and Charlotte lives just outside the city of Boston. She always has something to look forward to --- tending Mama's garden, visiting Papa's blacksmith shop and embarking on her very own Scottish adventure! Reviewed by Terry Miller Shannon.
LITTLE HOUSE IN BROOKFIELD: The Caroline Years by Maria D. Wilkes
It's 1845 and Caroline lives in the bustling frontier town of Brookfield, Wisconsin. With trips to town, taking care of farm chores and getting through the first frost, Caroline is busy discovering new things every day. Reviewed by Terry Miller Shannon.
LITTLE HOUSE ON ROCKY RIDGE: The Rose Years by Roger Lea MacBride
It's 1893 and Rose and her parents, Laura and Almanzo, are moving to Missouri, the land of the Big Red Apple! They say good-bye to Ma and Pa Ingalls and Laura's sisters, and set off on an exciting journey. Reviewed by Terry Miller Shannon.
-Visit LittleHouseBooks.com for more about this series.
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Click here to read our Little House series feature.
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Book #12 in R.L. Stine's Rotten School Series Has Been Released
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BATTLE OF THE DUM DIDDYS: Rotten School #12 by R.L. Stine
Hey! Where Is Everyone?
That's what Bernie Bridges wants to know when he can't find any of his friends. Everyone has disappeared! And when he finally does find them, they're acting really weird. For instance, his shy friend Chipmunk thinks he is a fearless warrior, and football star Jennifer Ecch thinks she is a princess. What is going on?
Soon Bernie realizes that everyone at Rotten School is acting! They are all playing parts in a big battle. A battle between the Dum Diddys and the Knighty Knight Knights. But it's not a real fight. It's a video game called Wungo Warriors --- and everyone has to pay that spoiled rich kid Sherman Oaks to play.
Bernie can't let Sherman get away with this. He has a plan to outsmart Sherman --- by bringing the Wungo Warriors to life!
What Bernie doesn't know, though, is that a real-life battle between the Dum Diddys and the Knighty Knight Knights could shut down Rotten School forever.
-Click here to play the Rotten School game!
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Click here to read our Rotten School series feature.
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Cool New Books for May
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May's roundup of Cool New Books includes SUMMER BALL, the sequel to Mike Lupica's #1 bestseller TRAVEL TEAM that reintroduces readers to Danny Walker, a boy who's passionate about basketball; THE TITAN'S CURSE by Rick Riordan, the third adventure featuring Percy Jackson and the other half-blooded Olympians who populate Camp Half-Blood; SUMMERHOUSE TIME, a story about change, values and the importance of family from acclaimed author Eileen Spinelli; and two titles that focus on a lovable and an irresistible Labrador retriever --- MARLEY: A DOG LIKE NO OTHER, a middle-grade version of John Grogan's bestselling memoir MARLEY & ME, and an original picture book inspired by this true story.
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Click here to read our roundup of Cool New Books.
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May's New in Paperback Roundup
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May's roundup of New in Paperback titles includes THE KINGDOM KEEPERS by Ridley Pearson, in which five young teens are pitted against Disney villains and witches that threaten both the future of Walt Disney World and the stability of the world outside its walls; THE ADVENTURES OF VIN FIZ, Clive Cussler's first novel written just for kids that revolves around an enchanted box capable of transforming any toy into a life-sized reality; SAMMY KEYES AND THE DEAD GIVEAWAY, a funny, creepy and dastardly addition to Wendelin Van Draanen's series about a spunky girl detective; and SIDEWALK CIRCUS presented by Paul Fleischman and Kevin Hawkes, a spectacular, almost wordless picture book that will spark the imaginations of all who read it.lman.
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Click here to see what's New in Paperback for May.
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This Month's Reviews
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MARLEY: A DOG LIKE NO OTHER by John Grogan
Marley, a lovable Labrador retriever, is always getting himself into trouble. Some may say he is the world's worst dog. But those who know and love Marley understand that nothing can stop his loyalty, exuberance and passion --- not even the Grogans' screen door! Reviewed by Patsy Side.
-Click here to read an excerpt from MARLEY: A DOG LIKE NO OTHER.
THE TITAN'S CURSE: Percy Jackson & the Olympians, Book Three by Rick Riordan
In this third novel featuring Percy Jackson and the other half-blooded Olympians who populate Camp Half-Blood, Percy and his friends must set off on their most perilous quest yet --- to rescue a goddess and fulfill a threatening prophecy. Reviewed by Norah Piehl.
SAMMY KEYES AND THE WILD THINGS by Wendelin Van Draanen
Sammy Keyes hates camping! She discovers this in the midst of a nightmare of a camping trip, complete with slithering and biting creatures, poison oak and weirdo campers. But farther out in the wild than she ever would want to be, Sammy can still find a mystery --- this time in the form of an injured condor. Reviewed by Terry Miller Shannon.
-Click here to read our Sammy Keyes series feature.
THE SECRET HISTORY OF TOM TRUEHEART by Ian Beck
Until he goes on a quest to find and rescue his big brothers, 12-year-old Tom Trueheart doesn't know how much courage he has. With a sprite-turned-crow as a friend and a big lunch packed by his Mum, the youngest of the Trueheart clan sets out to discover why his brothers never returned home from their own adventures. Reviewed by Joy Held.
SUMMERHOUSE TIME by Eileen Spinelli
This clever and creatively structured book for middle-grade readers is about change, values and family traditions. On the surface SUMMERHOUSE TIME is a light and breezy story, but underneath it tackles more serious topics such as guilt, loneliness and sadness. Reviewed by Donna Volkenannt.
VIOLET BING AND THE GRAND HOUSE by Jennifer Paros
Violet Odelia Bing, a precocious seven-year-old, spends the summer with her great-aunt Astrid when she refuses to go on vacation with her family. As usual, she is determined to dislike everything about her stay. But will a stray dog, a new friend and an old diary change her perspective? Reviewed by Renee Kirchner.
ELLIE MCDOODLE: HAVE PEN, WILL TRAVEL by Ruth McNally Barshaw
In this charming tale, Ellie McDougal (better known to her friends as Ellie McDoodle because she loves to draw) reluctantly goes camping with relatives, but she is able to console herself by keeping an illustrated journal of her trials and tribulations. Reviewed by Terry Miller Shannon.
LEEPIKE RIDGE by N. D. Wilson
When Tom Hammond can't sleep, he sneaks out of the house and goes down to the river where he often finds solace. This time he discovers a huge piece of packing foam on which he decides to climb aboard and float downstream. But the current grows wild and sucks him into a system of underground caves deep beneath the mountain! Reviewed by Chris Shanley-Dillman.
PETE & FREMONT by Jenny Tripp
Can over-the-hill circus star Pete (a pink poodle) and the other animals save grizzly bear Fremont from being sold to the zoo? Find out in this rollicking story featuring friendship under the big top. Reviewed by Terry Miller Shannon.
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Click here to read our reviews.
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Poll and Question of the Month: Reading Before You Sleep
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Poll:
Do you read before you go to sleep at night?
Every night
Most nights
Some of the time
Never
-Click here to answer our poll.
Question:
What is the last book that kept you up reading longer than you planned?
-Click here to answer our Question of the Month.
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Want to know my favorite part about this newsletter? You can forward it to a friend by clicking the button at the top 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.
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Keep reading!
Booker T. Worm and Friends
Kidsreads.com
The Book Report Network
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