MHL blog
‘07-’08
Millicent Min by Lisa Yee
Millicent Min is a genius, but she still has a lot to learn about life. After many frustrating tries at fitting in with the world, Milli attempts to keep her genius status secret from her new friend, Emily. She hopes that if she can just pass for a normal middle school kid, even though at age 12 she is in high school and is already starting college courses, she will have a chance at experiencing true friendship with someone her own age. She is successful up to a point, but when her new friend Emily becomes interested in Stanford, the cute, athletic jock that Milli is tutoring, the problems begin. Family love and support, truthfulness and the importance of friendship over any promises of secrecy are only a few of the lessons learned in this refreshing novel by Lisa Yee.
Locomotion by Jacqueline Woodson
Lonnie Collins (aka Locomotion) is eleven. His parents died tragically in a fire when he was seven, leaving him and his younger sister with no family. He is separated from his sister as they are both placed in different foster homes. Everything seems pretty hopeless for Lonnie when his teacher, Ms Marcus encourages him to write about his story and his feelings through poetry. As we read we realize that Lonnie has found a gift in poetry and we are inspired by the unfolding of his story that is sometimes sad, sometimes funny and in the end very satisfying.
Shredderman: Secret Identity by Wendelin Van Draanen
In Shredderman: Secret Identity
Nolan Byrd is a math whiz who has trouble keeping his shoes tied. Bubba is the school bully who is out to make his school life miserable. Nolan concocts a great plan to save himself, little kids and anyone else who has been terrorized by Bubba. Shredderman is here!
Made You Look by Diane Roberts
Jason’s dream is to be a contestant on the popular game show that he and his best friend, Freddy watch every night--Masquerade Mania. He gets a chance when his family takes a camping trip from their home in Texas to California, where the show was made. Crazy dinosaur costumes, pink underwear, mummies and Jason’s arch-rival Amberson all play a part in his chances of getting on the show and winning!
Lulu's Hat by Susan Meddaugh
The author of Lulu’s Hat also wrote the very popular Martha the talking dog books. This is a fast, funny book to read. Lulu is adopted, and she knows that she will never be able to perform “real” magic like the members of her adopted family of magicians. She is invited to perform however, and as soon as that happens some amazing twists and turn begin that make this a “magically fun” book to read!
