Mission: READ

Did you know that a few Rebecca Caudill books are less than 100 pages? Here’s a short book that still has a lot to say: Locomotion by Jacqueline Woodson. Lonnie Collins Motion’s life changed forever four years ago. He has had to call many places “home” since his parents died in a fire and he was separated from his sister–but none of them have felt like home. When he gets to Miss Edna’s house he assumes it will be just like all the others, ut it turns out to be different. And Ms. Marcus, his teacher, encourages him to share his thoughts and feelings by writing poems. We get to read his poems to find out about Lonnie’s life and how it may be changing for the better….

Naomi Solidad Leon Outlaw has a life that’s changing as well. She and her little brother Owen, who has some disabilities, have lived with Gram in Baby Beluga, an old silver trailer home, ever since their mother left them with Gram years ago. The three have a peaceful life in the town of Lemon Tree, and while they don’t have a lot of things, they share a lot of love. Then one day their mother, Skyla, surprises them by knocking at the door. At first Naomi is thrilled to see her mother and enjoys the attention and new clothes she gets. But then she begins to notice a few things about Skyla: she is uncomfortable with Owen because he is different; she “forgets” to attend student conferences, heading to Las Vegas with her boyfriend for a long weekend; she seems to be drinking again. So when Skyla suggests that only Naomi should come live with her and Clive to keep Clive’s daughter company, Naomi doesn’t want to go and she and Gram must come up with a plan to keep that from happening. Can they do it? Read Becoming Naomi Leon by Pam Munoz Ryan to find out.

ARRGGGHHHH! Did you know that September 19th was “Talk Like a Pirate Day?” If you missed it, this next book gives you the perfect opportunity to get caught up! Peter and the Starcatchers by Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson is full of swashbuckling adventures that rival those of Pirates of the Caribbean!

Here’s the book’s recipe for greatness:

• One part mistreated orphans with a leader named Peter en route to slavery on a faraway island
• One part terrible, greedy pirates like Black Stache and Mr. Grin
• One part increduble treasure hidden in an ordinary travel trunk
• One part sweet but sophisticated Molly, who is not what she seems
• Mix all of the above together in a greasy galley stewpot and let the roaring waves and splashing surf mix it up into a great prequel to Peter Pan
• Read and enjoy, mateys!

Mission: Accomplished