1

KUCLC 15 Gr. 5&up Karen E. Maurer

KUCLC 2015 Book Review Grades 5 and up

Middle Grade Fiction
I Kill the Mockingbird by Paul Acampora. (9781596437425) Because they love the book, a trio of
teens decides to hide all the copies of To Kill a Mockingbird in bookstores and libraries
everywhere. They create a website dedicated to their work to make the book more popular.
This is a fun read. Contemporary
The Crossover by Kwame Alexander. (9780544107717) Josh feels estranged and angry when
his twin, JB, abandons him for the new girl. His fathers refusal to see a doctor after several
bouts of weakness causes Josh to lose control. Told from Joshs point of view, in verse, this
book is fun to read and sobering at the same time. Sports, Verse, Contemporary
The Night Gardener by Jonathan Auxier. (9781419711442) An orphaned girl and her younger
brother take jobs in a dark and isolated manor house. A mysterious tree seems to enslave the
family that lives there. Pretty creepy. Fantasy, Horror.
Catch You Later, Traitor by Avi. (9781616203597) When a teacher accuses a boy of being a
Commie in front of the entire class, the boy searches for the truth. Awesome mix of hard-boiled
detective mystery and historical fiction makes this book a page-turner. Historical Fiction
Pieces and Players by Blue Balliet. (9780545299909) This confusing novel brings all five of
Balliets past heroes together to find missing artwork from the Farmer Museum. Lots of prime
numbers, black leather jackets, Mother Goose rhymes swirl around in this mystery.
Contemporary, Mystery, Puzzles
Audrey (cow) by Dan Bar-El. (9781770496026) A close look at meat animals and how one tries
to escape is told in many animal - even the skunk weighs in - and human voices. Fantasy,
Animals,
The Terrible Two by Mac Barnett. New in school, Niles tries to assert himself as Prankster
Supreme. But he is no match for Miles who suggests a partnership. Humor.
Curiosity by Gary Blackwood. (9780803739426) When Rufuss father lands in Debtors Prison,
Rufus has only his mastery of chess to fall back on. He lands a job operating The Turk, an
automaton that plays chess. Based on the legend of the clockwork Turk, this novel is an
exciting look at the entertainments and lifestyles of mid 19th century America. Historical
Fiction
The Spy Catchers of Maple Hill by Megan Frazer Blakemore. (9781619633483) A smart aleck
girl is sure that the cemeterys new caretaker is a Commie spy. The new kid, who turns out to
be just as smart, helps her investigate. Historical Fiction
The War that Saved My Life by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley. (9780803740815) Isolated in their
small flat, a crippled girl is forced to do all the housework and care for her younger brother.
When her younger brother is sent to the country, the girl manages to limp along, finding a new

KUCLC 15 Gr. 5&up Karen E. Maurer

family and a new life. This books only flaw was that is was not long enough!! Historical
Fiction
The Runaways Gold by Emilie Christie Burack. (9781419713699) Chris Robertson flees the
Shetland Islands after his brother frames him for theft and fingers him for killing a sheep. Chris
is in search of the gold coins an American spy hid in the islands during the Revolutionary War.
A young Boss Tweed is a character in this historical fiction novel for teens. Historical Fiction
Somebody on This Bus Is Going to Be Famous! by J. B. Cheaney. (9781402292972) Nine
students wonder why their bus driver, Mrs. B, stops by an abandoned bus shed every morning.
Solving that mystery takes some of the students into the past of their town. It isnt until a flash
flood threatens the safety of their friends and families that the mystery is solved.
Contemporary, Mystery
Rutabaga, the Adventure Chef #1 by Eric Colossal. (9781419713804) Rutabaga is on a quest to
cook all the magical food he can find. He manages to bumble into one adventure after another.
Actual recipes are included. Graphic Novel.
The Madman of Piney Woods Christopher Paul Curtis. (9780545156646) There is a
dreadlocked boogie man who lives in the Piney Woods, between the black community of Buxton
and the town of Chatham, Ontario. Benji from Buxton and Red from Chatham see this man,
survive and become friends with him and each other. Historical Fiction
Stella by Starlight by Sharon M. Draper. (9781442494978) Stellas father is one of three men
to accept the Pastors challenge to register to vote and he takes Stella with him to be his
standing stone. A cruel Klan leader, a misunderstood white girl add to this story of life in the
South in the 1930s. Historical Fiction
The Luck Uglies by Paul Durham. (9780062271501) When a young Bog Noblin is captured by
the leader of Village Drowning, horrible things start to happen. Only a secret society so
nefarious that their name is forbidden can help. Young Rye OChanter must summon these
miscreants in this adventure. The first of three. Fantasy
The Key That Swallowed Joey Pigza by Jack Gantos. (9780374300838) When Joeys Mom
goes into the hospital, and a blind college student moves in to care for the baby, Joey becomes
convinced that he can find his Dad and glue his family back together again. Yikes. This book is
a harrowing conclusion to Gantos acclaimed series. Contemporary
The Clockwork Scarab by Colleen Gleason. (9781452110707) Evaline Stoker (Brams sister)
and Mina Holmes (Sherlocks niece) must work together, using their family talents, to solve the
mystery of disappearing ladies of society. Steampunk
Island of Dr. Libris by Chris Grabenstein. (9780385388443) Billy Gillfoyle must spend a devicefree summer at Dr. Libris cabin. He breaks into a locked bookcase, boats to the island in the
middle of the lake and discovers characters from the books living out their adventures. Dr.
Libris has set this all up as an experiment and plans to make a mint out of Billys imagination.
Mwahahahah. Fantasy

KUCLC 15 Gr. 5&up Karen E. Maurer

Absolutely Almost by Lisa Graff. (9780399164057) Albie is not too good at a lot of things. But
his new babysitter, Calista, is great at finding out what Albie IS good at and helping him see his
own talents. Then, Calista makes a big mistake. Contemporary
Dangerous By Shannon Hale. (9781599901688) A group of gifted students are invited to Space
Camp where they manage to unleash powers beyond their wildest dreams and beyond their
control. This is a roller coaster of a novel. Whom should you trust? Sci-Fi
The Detectives Assistant by Kate Hannigan. (9780316403511) Cornelia has no place to go and
lands with her Aunt Kitty (Kate), one of Pinkertons few women operatives. Cornelias narration
is fun and funny. Historical Fiction, Mystery
Courage for Beginners by Karen Harrington. 9780316210485) Ah, middle school - when a
friends abandonment means all the world! Mysti has enough to deal with an agoraphobic
mother. Her bestie ditches her and strands her with the nerds. But a 6th grader named Rama
Khan manages to keep Mystis head above water, even when her father goes into the hospital.
Contemporary
The Children of the King by Sonya Hartnett. ( 9780763667351) A privileged family flees to their
country estate as Britain waits for Germany to invade. There, Cecily and Jeremy and an 11 year-old evacuee, May, listen to tales of kidnapped princes of old. Jeremy goes missing and the
girls turn to mysterious boys in the ruined castle on the estate for help. A touch of fantasy.
Historical Fiction, Fantasy
The Fourteenth Goldfish by Jennifer L. Holm. (9780375870644) That boy seems awfully
familiar, and sounds incredibly like Ellies grandfather. Is it possible her grandfather has found
the secret of eternal youth? Humor, Sci-Fi
Lord and Lady Bunny -- Almost Royalty by Polly Horvath. (9780307980656) Lady Bunny wants
to be Nobility. Really, if youve read the first book, thats all I need to say. There is quite a lot of
delightful nonsense in here. Fantasy, Animals
Fish in a Tree Linda Mullaly Hunt. (9780399162596) Unable to read, a smart 6th grader has a
reputation for causing trouble. Her new teacher discovers her secret and helps her learn.
Suddenly, she understands why her clever and capable older brother does poorly in school and
gets him the helps he needs. Contemporary
The Mark of the Dragonfly by Jaleigh Johnson. (9780385376150) Piper finds a strange girl on
the Meteor fields and must return her to the Dragonfly Territories. But the only way there is on
the 401, a beauty of an old train. Set on another world, this fantasy includes heroic chimera and
lots of mystery. Fantasy, Steampunk.
The Islands of Chaldea by Diana Wynne Jones.( 9780007542239) Ursula Jones completes her
sisters last novel. When the 12-year-old heroine does not have a vision in the barrow, she and
her Aunt are sent to remove the barrier between the Islands of Chaldea. The Aunt is the magic
worker for the kingdom, until, our heroine discovers that she has more power. Fantasy.

KUCLC 15 Gr. 5&up Karen E. Maurer

Constable & Toop by Gareth P. Jones. (9781419707827) A teen works for a funeral home and
finds that he can hear ghosts. He must work with the ghost bureaucracy to stop a man who is
eradicating ghosts everywhere and causing homes to crumble. Fantasy, Horror
Half a World Away by Cynthia Kadohata. (9781442412750) An adopted boy has never learned
to let his parents into his heart. Now, they take him with them to adopt a baby - back to the land
of his birth. This book is heart breaking and hopeful. Contemporary
Listen, Slowly by Thanha Lai. (9780062229182) Mai has absolutely no interest in spending her
summer in Viet Nam helping her grandmother search for the truth about Mais grandfathers
disappearance. But this time spent in the land of her grandparents teaches Mai more than
patience. Contemporary
The Misadventures of the Family Fletcher by Dana Alison Levy. (9780385376549) A family of
four adopted boys and two dads spends the first semester of the new school year adjusting to a
grouchy neighbor, difficult school assignments, new schools, new friends and stepping outside
their comfort levels. Each boy, a 6th grader, two 4th graders and a Kindergartner, has a story
line and challenges. Contemporary
Egg and Spoon by Gregory Maguire. (9780763672201)Two girls meet on an abandoned rail line
in an impoverished village in the Russian forest. One is starving; the other is on her way to
meet the godson of the Tsar. Maguire tells the story of the girls and of the destruction of
Russias environment through the cultured, bored and slightly annoying voice of an imprisoned
monk who is awaiting release or death at the whim of the Tsar. Fantasy, Historical Fiction
Rain Reign by Ann Martin. (9780312643003) Rose is obsessed with homonyms which is why
she calls her dog, Rain. Roses dad cant handle Roses Asperger Syndrome and the problems
it creates. When Rain is lost in a storm, Rose has to find him. She also finds Rains original
owners. Gulp. Contemporary
Greenglass House by Kate Milford. (9780544052703) Milo expects a quiet Christmas break but
guests keep showing up in the Inn his parents own. Each guest is looking for something in the
house famous for its windows of different shades of green. When things go missing, it is up to
Milo and the cooks daughter to solve the mystery. Role playing games and puzzles abound.
Mystery, Fantasy
The Boundless by Kenneth Oppel. (9781442472884) This fantasy tells the story of the longest,
most powerful train in all of Canada and of the legendary creatures the train disturbs. Circus
performers, social class differences, and lots of railroadiana add up to an absorbing read.
Fantasy, Historical Fiction.
Cartwheeling in Thunderstorms by Katherine Rundell. (9781442490611) Raised on the
savannah, Wilhelmina Silver is forced into a British boarding school when her father dies and
the ranchs owner remarries. A wild girl, she tries to escape into the city until she meets a boy
whose family provides her with an anchor. Contemporary,
Echo by Pam Munoz Ryan. (9780439874021) Three young people find something that speaks
to the music inside them and changes their lives. At the end of the novel all three lives seem to
mesh. If I told you more, it might spoil the book for you. Historical Fiction, touch of Fantasy

KUCLC 15 Gr. 5&up Karen E. Maurer

Moonpenny Island by Tricia Springstubb. (9780062112934) The only two 11 year-olds on

Moonpenny Island, Flor and Sylvie are perfect friends. When Sylvie is sent to boarding school,
Flor has to change the way she looks at herself, the island and the people she has always
known. Contemporary.
The Whispering Skull by Jonathan Stroud. (9781423164920) Lockwood and Co. are back and
Lucy finds that she can hear stories told by a ghostly skull. This small team of ghost-fighters
must cooperate with their biggest rivals, Fittes, to end the worst ghost infestation of all. Horror.
The Graham Cracker Plot by Shelley Tougas. (9781596439887) Daisy Bauer knows that her
Dads is in prison by mistake. She gets her best friend, Graham, to help her break her dad out
of prison. In the letters she has to write to the judge, she describes the whole hilarious, cringeworthy escapade. Humor, Contemporary
The Accidental Highwayman by Ben Tripp. (9780765335494) When a servant boy borrows his
masters black steed and cloak to go for help, he finds himself accused of robbery and is chased
across the width and breadth of Britain. Adventure, Historical Fiction, Fantasy
The Thickety by J. A. White. (9780062257246) Since their mother was accused of and
executed for being a witch, two children try hard to survive in their isolated community. When
their own father turns against them, they must find the truth and escape. More to follow.
Fantasy,
The Treasure of Way Down Deep by Ruth White. (9780374380670) Ruby Jolene Hurley, a
foundling, turns thirteen as the mines are closing in her West Virginia town. She sets out to find
the legendary treasure of Way Down Deep and finds her family as well. Contemporary,
Princeless #1 by Jeremy Whitley and M. Goodwin. (9781939352545) Princess Adrienne is
locked in a tower, guarded by a dragon when she finds a sword under her bed. So, she rescues
herself and rides the dragon off to save her sisters. Graphic Novel, Fantasy
The Boys of Blur by N. D. Wilson. (9780449816738) New to the town of Taper, Charlie joins his
step-second cousin in chasing down muck rabbits in the burning sugar cane fields. The boys
uncover strange things in the churchyard and become involved in a fight against an ancient evil
in the swamps. Fantasy, Horror
Centaur Rising by Jane Yolen. (9780805096644) When a centaur is born to an aging pony, a
whole community conspires to keep the foals existence a secret. Fantasy
YA Titles - for readers 14 and up
Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard. (9781409151173) Silver Bloods have special powers and
privilege. Red Bloods are the servants. Mare is a Red Blood with fatal powers and that
threatens the balance of power and puts her in danger. Fantasy

KUCLC 15 Gr. 5&up Karen E. Maurer

All Fall Down by Ally Carter. (9780545654746) Grace is back on Embassy Row in the imaginary
nation of Adria, three years after her mother dies in an explosion and fire. Grace claims that she
saw a man with a scar the night of her mothers death. No one, not her family, not the other
teens on Embassy row, believes her. Danger and suspense ensues. Expect a fast paced
series. Action, Contemporary
Shadow Scale by Rachel Hartman. (9780375866579) Seraphina is back, collecting all the part
dragon/part humans that she can find. These people, her kind, have the power to block dragon
flight if they work together. She realizes that all the creatures that she has collected in the
garden she keeps in her mind are real and valued colleagues. But one of these people has
her own agenda. Fantasy
The Cracks in the Kingdom by Jaclyn Moriarty. (9780545397384) The Royal Family of Cello has
been abducted and one remaining princess and a handful of teens are the only hope to get into
our World and bring the family back. When Elliott manages to fall into our World where
Madeline is waiting, things get very, very sticky indeed. Second book in a trilogy. Fantasy
Enchantment Lake: a Northwoods Mystery by Margi Preus. (9780816683024) When a 17-yearold gets a cell phone call from her great aunts telling her that someone is trying to kill us, she
races to North Woods of Minnesota to uncover the truth behind frequent fatal accidents.
Contemporary, Mystery
Sinner by Maggie Steifvater. (9780545654579) St. Clare is in Los Angeles as the star of a
reality show about getting his band back together. Actually, hes there to hunt down and win
back the heart of Isobel Culpeper. This Wolves of Mercy Falls spin-off offers some excellent
minor characters. Fans of the series either LOVE this book or HATE it. Paranormal
Im Glad I Did by Cynthia Weil. (9781616953560) JJ Greene is a 16-year-old songwriter
determined to make her name in Pop music. The book delves into the record industry of the
60s and throws in a murder mystery, too. The author is an award winning songwriter.
Historical Fiction
Afterworlds by Scott Westerfield. (9781481422345) This novel is two books in one. It is the
story of Darcy whose first novel is purchased with great acclaim and it is that novel, a
paranormal tale about Lizzie who survives an attack in an airport and returns to the Afterworlds
to guide the spirits who live among us onward. Both Darcy and Lizzie fall in love. Both Darcy
and Lizzie must move on. Paranormal, Romance, Contemporary
Non-Fiction
Secrets of the Sky Caves: Danger and Discovery on Nepals Mustang Cliffs by Sandra K.
Athans. (9781467700160) The cliff caves of Nepal can only be reached by experienced
mountain climbers. This book about modern explorers and researchers describes the arduous
climbs and the treasures in the sharp striated rocks; mummies, artifacts and pages of ancient
manuscripts. Archaeology

KUCLC 15 Gr. 5&up Karen E. Maurer

A Woman in the House (and Senate): How Women Came to the United States Congress, Broke
Down Barriers and Changed the Country by Ilene Cooper. (9781419710360) The title actually
accurately describes this book. In chronological order, with historical background inserted
where needed, the author gives background on all the women who have served in the House
and Senate up to the present day. Politics, Womens Issues, US History
Eyes Wide Open: Going Behind the Environmental Headlines by Paul Fleischman.
(9780763671020) Looking not just at the science of environmental issues, but also at the
economics of those issues, Fleischman gives an overview of todays hot topics; energy, food,
water and air pollution, and climate change. His appendix, How to Weigh Information is a
thorough guide to researching anything in the media. Current Events
The Family Romanov: Murder, Rebellion and the Fall of Imperial Russia by Candace Fleming.
(9780375867828) This eye-opening book describes the characters of the Romanov family in the
last days of Imperial Russia and chronicles the Fall and demise of the Romanovs. Couple this
book with Egg and Spoon for an interesting look at early 20th century Russia. World history
Angel Island by Russell Freedman. (9780547903781) Once excluded from landing in California
and trapped in sheds that hung over the ocean, soon all immigrants in California had to go
through Angel Island, an emigration station similar to Ellis Island. Immigrants imprisoned there
scratched their stories into the walls as they waited weeks and even months to be allowed on to
the mainland. US History
At Home in Her Tomb: Lady Dai and the Ancient Chinese Treasures of Mawangdui by Christine
Liu-Perkins. (9781580893701) A beautifully photographed history of the incredibly wellpreserved tomb and body of Lady Dai, a high ranking lady of the Han dynasty - over 2000 years
old. Archaeology
Stand There, She shouted: The Invincible Photographer, Julia Margaret Cameron by Susan
Goldman Rubin. (9780763657536) Camerons photos steal the show in this book which
chronicles not only the life of Julia Margaret Cameron but the very early days of photography
and the time consuming task of taking, developing and even posing for those shots. Biography
Winter Bees & Other Poems of the Cold by Joyce Sidman. (9780547906508) A collection of
poetry about nature in winter is coupled with beautiful illustrations and scientific information. and
naturalism. Poetry
Brown Girl Dreaming by Jacqueline Woodson. (9780399252518) Woodson lyrically recounts
her early years traveling between lush and segregated North Carolina and liberating but
crowded Chicago. Then, her mother moves to NYC and takes the children along. Memoir,
National Book award Winner
El Deafo by Cece Bell. (9781419710209) When Cece is mainstreamed her powerful hearing aid
makes it hard to make friends. When she discovers that the hearing aid lets her eavesdrop on
her teacher ANYWHERE in the building, its like she has a superpower. But will this power help
or hinder in her attempts to fit in? Memoir, Graphic Novel

KUCLC 15 Gr. 5&up Karen E. Maurer

New or Upcoming titles: (due out this month or later)

The Great War : Stories Inspired by Items from the First World War by Various authors.
(9780763675547) 11 authors choose an item from WWI and write a story about it. The book
shows photos of the items, and gives their history. Sounds fascinating. Short Stories - NonFiction
There Will Come a Time by Carrie Arcos. (9781442495852) Mark lost his twin, Grace, to an
accident. His grief tempts him to follow her. Graces best friend, Hanna, convinces Mark to
fulfill Graces bucket list. Grief, anger and perhaps romance haunt Marks days. YA,
Contemporary
I Will Always Write Back: How one Letter Changed Two Lives by Caitlin Alifirenka and Martin
Ganda with Liz Welch.( 9780316241311) A true story of pen pals. Caitlin writes to Martin in
Zimbabwe. When Martin writes a letter on a popsicle wrapper, Caitlins shock motivates her to
send money to Martin for paper and school supplies. Non-Fiction Memoir
Saint Anything by Sarah Dessen. (9780451474704) Parents forget and neglect their daughter in
trying to support the older brother in prison. Sounds typically Dessen-ish and should be very
popular. YA, Contemporary Fiction
Silver in the Blood by Jessica Day George.( 9781619634312) Dacia and Lou return to Romania
of the 1890s to find husbands, to meet their family and to uncover their secret heritage as
shapeshifters. Due out in July 2015. YA, Paranormal
The Curious World of Calpurnia Tate by Jacqueline Kelly. (9780805097443) Callie Vee is back,
challenging social conventions of what a girl at the turn of the 20th century can do and be.
Hidden stray pets and a visiting veterinarian show Callie a new direction in her life. Middle
Grade, Historical Fiction
A Handful of Stars by Cynthia Lord. (9780545700276) Set in Maine, this is about the friendship
of the daughter of migrant workers and a small town girl. A lost dog brings the girls together. But
when one girl tries out for the local beauty pageant, trouble begins. Due out in summer of 2015.
Contemporary Fiction, Middle Grade
The Tapper Twins Go to War by Geoff Rodkey. (9780316297790) When one twin insults the
other twin in the cafeteria, the insulted twin decides to get revenge on her brother. Food Fight!!.
Middle Grade, Contemporary
Challenger Deep by Neal Shusterman. (9780061134111) Caden Bosch is an explorer in the
deepest trench of the ocean and/or a brilliant high school student whose odd behavior begins to
trouble his friends. YA, Contemporary, Sci-Fi
Goodbye Stranger by Rebecca Stead. (9780385743174) Three 7th grade friends, one rule - No
fighting. Enter a boy and a high school student who tries to be invisible. This sounds intriguing.
Not out until August. Middle Grade, Contemporary

KUCLC 15 Gr. 5&up Karen E. Maurer

Websites, booklists and other Internet stuff

School Library Journals Battle of the Kids Books - http://blogs.slj.com/battleofthebooks/
Its over for 2014 but check the SLJ Blogs for all kinds of stuff and like them on Facebook, too.
A Fuse#8 Production - http://blogs.slj.com/afuse8production/ Another SLJ blogger, Betsy Bird,
works for the NYPL and reviews books for kids up to the middle grades. I LOVE her blog
because you can find all the Best of the Best booklists here and she does some great Award
Predictions, as well.
Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA) - http://www.ala.org/yalsa/ Here is the
American Library Associations one-stop shop for all things Young Adult.
Association for Library Services to Children (ALSC) -http://www.ala.org/alsc/ - ALAs younger
kids division.
Shelf Awareness - www.shelf-awareness.com - This booksellers site offer reviews months
before publication. They have two newsletters - Shelf Awareness Pro - perfect for small libraries
- AND Shelf Awareness for Readers. I suggest you sign up for Shelf Awareness for Readers.
Twice a week, you will get reviews of the best books that are currently available for sale,
including at least one Childrens or YA title.
Like The Niblings on Facebook to receive posts from 7 different childrens and YA SLJ
bloggers. I find about a lot of good books from the Niblings.

Check out my blog - http://booksnstories.blogspot.com This list and addenda will be on my

booklist page.
Thanks and keep reading!
Karen E. Maurer
610-419-0232
bookkm@gmail.com