Peter and the Starcatchers by Barry and Pearson JFIC Fantasy/Adventure

Did you ever wonder how Peter Pan learned to fly or ended up in Neverland? This first adventure tale in the trilogy answers both of these questions and more. It was a delightful action packed adventure with brave children, talking porpoises and vicious pirates. My favorite was Captain Hook. He was both scary and humorous. I cannot wait to read the others! It's a great read aloud book for both parents and children.

Food for thought: Before reading this book, how do you think Peter arrived on Neverland?

The Lightning Theif by Rick Riordan JFIC Fantasy

Did you ever wonder what would happen if ancient gods and goddesses from myths were alive today? 6th grader, Percy Jackson, was considered a deliquent. He had been kicked out of every school he's attended. With an arrogant smelly stepdad, he did not have too much to look forward when he came home. When strange things begin to happen on his way, Percy begins to wonder if he really was hallucinating that his Math teacher turned into a monster and tried to kill him. As Percy discovers who his real father was, he begins an adventurous quest worthy of the gods. Riordan conjured up a wonderful mythic world in the United States. Percy is very comical with many realistic and mythical connections with mentions of reality tv and Mount Olympus. I especially liked his description of the Oracle. A good adventure story for grades 5 and up.

Food for thought: If you had the choice of being a normal kid or an adventurous hero in constant danger, which would you chose?

No Talking by Andrew Clements JFIC Realistic Fiction

The fifth grade class at Laketon Elementary are known as the "Unshushables" until one day David Packer begins a no talking contest inspired by Ghandi. In this girls versus boys contest, no one is allowed to say more than 3 words at a time to a teacher for two days. When they come home from school, they are not allowed to talk at all. The kids must learn how to communicate in other ways. Who will win the contest? Will they get in trouble with their teachers? This is another great novel from Clements about the power of words.

Food for though: Do you think you could go a whole day without talking?