Mrs. Millie Goes to Philly, by Judy Cox

Rating: Very Good

Illustrated by Joe Mathieu
Marshall Cavendish, 2008, $15.99

ISBN: 0761453873

Age/Grade Level: Ages 4-7

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The main character, the teacher Mrs. Millie, plays on words and phrases that her students re-interpret with great amusement. This is a delightful book that would be a great read-a-loud, with great illustrations, a little bit of history and other facts as the class takes a trip to Philadelphia.

Reviewer: Katherine Robinson, Richman Elementary School

The Fisherman and the Turtle, by Eric A. Kimmel

Rating: Very Good

Illustrated by Martha Aviles

Marshall Cavendish, 2008, $16.99
ISBN: 0761453873
Age/Grade Level: Ages 4-8

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A slight twist of "The Fisherman and His Wife," a tale from the Grimm's fairy tale collection, but with the same moral: "Be careful what you wish for." The illustrations are bright and appealing, with Aztec flavor. An AR book, level 3.0.

Reviewer: Katherine Robinson, Richman Elementary School

The Explosionist, by Jenny Davidson

Rating: Very Good
HarperTeen, 2008, $17.99

ISBN: 9780061239755
Age/Grade Level: Older teen

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The Explosionist is a unique book, combining elements of science fiction dystopias, alternative history, mystery, and a touch of romance. Set in an alternate 1937 Scotland, main character Sophie is a fairly ordinary girl at a boarding school who finds herself embroiled in politics and terrorism. The story has twists and turns, and events within the story have enough resonance within today's society to encourage teens to think about what terrorism/patriotism is.

This book is recommended for older teens, 14 and up. Younger teens could read it; however, they might miss some of the references to historical figures.

Reviewer: Shirley Ku, Fullerton Public Library

Prom Kings and Drama Queens, by Dorian Cirrone

Rating: Marginal

HarperTeen, 2008, $17.99
ISBN: 9780061143731

Age/Grade Level: Teen

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Emily is on the school newspaper staff and wants to be the editor during her senior year. A boy on the newspaper staff has a crush on Emily. She has a crush on the next-door neighbor boy.

I thought this book could have been a good story if the characters had been developed a bit more. Emily befriends the next door neighbor's grandmother, but their friendship didn't really grab me. Nor did the relationship Emily has with her crush, Brian. The author really needed to write another hundred pages or so developing relationships and characters.

Reviewer: Kim Bell, Orange County Public Library/Cypress Branch

The Greatest Story Never Told, by Ray Negron

Illustrated by Laura Seeley

Rating: Marginal
HarperCollins, 2008, $17.99

ISBN: 9780061471612
Age/Grade Level: Ages 6-8

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A well-meaning but awkward picture book that will have the greatest appeal to serious baseball fans. Hospital roommates Skippy and Connor, one black and one white, don't get along. Then Yankees batboy Ray takes them on a magic trip to meet Babe Ruth and Jackie robinson, who make them realize that they can be friends despite their differences. A former Yankees batboy himself, author Negron manages a cameo appearance for his current employer, Yankee manager George Steinbrenner (The Boss). This story belongs in the Yankee Stadium gift shop, but most libraries can live without it.

Reviewer: Mary Smith, Orange County Public Library/El Toro Branch

Smiles to Go, by Jerry Spinelli

Rating: Recommended

HarperCollins/Joanna Cotler, 2008, $16.99
ISBN: 978-0-06-0231330-5

Age/Grade Level: Ages 12-14

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Will Tuppence is a high school freshman whose world revolves around skateboarding, stargazing, protons and Monopoly pizza parties with his two best friends, BT and Mi-Su. His whole outlook changes when he finds out protons can die, so he is constantly concerned with how life lasts. He struggles with several issues in his life: The notion that nothing lasts forever, competition with his best friend BT, jealousy for the affections of a mutual friend, his first kiss, and a relationship with his annoying sister.

Reviewer: Pat Campbell, Orange County Public Library