The Kingfisher Book Of Family Poems
Selected by Belinda Hollyer

The Hook
"Glory Glory…
Across Grandmother’s knees
A kindly Sun
Laid a yellow quilt" (Page 127)
- Raymond M. Patterson




"Teased
Sometimes
When I’m teased
I don’t cry
I go away.
When I come back
My brother and his friends
Are doing something else
I remember
They forget" (Page 179)
- Richard J. Margolis




The Recommendation
Do you think poems can express anything?
This delightful collection captures the everyday comedy, cuddles and catastrophes that make up family life. Poems come in all shapes and sizes. Poems can have so much but mean so little. Poems can have so little but mean so much. Poems can be anything, really. If you love poems than this is the book for you.



Recommended By: Sydney Manng

Brian's Hunt

Title: Brian’s Hunt

Author: Gary Paulsen

“Hook”
“The deer did not know he was there and he waited patiently, controlling his breath, waiting, waiting.
Twenty yards to the young buck, maybe less. Fifteen… Perfect. Brian drew the broadhead back until it nearly touched the bow… then released."
(Page 57)

Recommendation:
Do you like the outdoors? Because Brian does. He was lost in the wilderness for months until an airplane rescued him. Most people would wind up dead, but Brian survives and qrows to love the wilderness.This story tells about how he hunts to find food. He finds a friend, a wounded dog, and he wonders where the dog came from. The dog has a deep rip in his skin and the dog stays with him as he looks for his friends. If you like adventure, this would be a book that you'd like.

By Matt Connors

Evermore by Alyson Noel

THE HOOK
‘‘And that’s exactly why I need you to stay away from Damen. Because his ability to charge my skin with his touch, and silence the world with his voice is a dangerous temptation I cannot indulge. I won’t risk hurting my friendship with Haven. And I can’t risk getting too close.’’ [Page 34]


Recommendation
Have you ever been embarrassed? Well I have! I was in school and I didn’t want any one to know who I liked. Somehow one of my friends found out. If you haven’t been in a situation like this, then put yourself in Ever Bloom's shoes. One day she went to school and didn’t want anyone to know she liked the new kid. However one of her friend's found out. The rest of the day she wouldn’t look at him. Everbloom and Damen start talking and then they become friends. If you want to see how Ever Bloom reacts to the relationship they start you have to read the book for yourself.

Recommended by Adeline Wagner

A Series of Unfortunate Events: Book the Fourth, The Miserable Mill

By Lemony Snicket

The “Hook”.
“Violet and Sunny stared out into the gloom, and with another creak the wooden gate swung open and revealed the short figure of a person, walking slowly toward them.
‘Klaus!’ Sunny said … And to her relief, Violet saw that it was indeed Klaus who was walking toward them. He had on a new pair of glasses that looked just like his old ones, except they were so new that they shone in the moonlight. He gave his sisters a dazed and distant smile, as if they were people he did not know so well. ‘Klaus, we were so worried about you,’ Violet said, hugging her brother as he reached them. ‘You were gone so long. Whatever happened to you?’ ‘ I don’t know,’ Klaus said … ‘I can’t remember.’(p. 82-83)

“Klaus closed his eyes in thought. ‘I wish I could tell you. But it’s like that part of my brain has been wiped clean. It’s like I was asleep from the moment I walked into that building until right there at the lumbermill.’
‘But you weren’t asleep,’ Violet said. ‘You were walking around like a zombie. And then you caused that accident and hurt poor Phil.’
‘But I don’t remember those things,’ Klaus said. ‘It’s as if I…’ His voice trailed off and he stared into space for a moment. ‘Klaus?’ Violet asked worriedly.
‘…It’s as if I were hypnotized, Klaus finished.” (p.105)

Recommendation:

Has someone you love ever acted strange? Perhaps weirder than usual? In this book, the same thing happens to Violet, Sunny, and Klaus Baudelaire. Under the care of the owner of a large lumbermill, also their fourth legal guardian after their parents died, the Baudelaire orphans find themselves from a bad situation to a worse. Not only do they have to work in the lumbermill, but they also have to be bossed around by a mean foreman, sleep in bunk beds, eat gum for lunch and a bad casserole for dinner, and they never have time to do anything except work. Of course they’ve had terrible experiences under the care of their previous guardians, with a greedy fortune-seeking man, Count Olaf, but this time things even worsen. One day Klaus breaks his glasses and goes to see the optometrist. When he returns, not only he acts strange but he can’t remember much of what’s happened. Then he causes an accident in the lumbermill hurting an innocent worker named Phil. It doesn’t take a genius to find out that Count Olaf is behind all this. But how? Read this book to find out!

Recommendation by Juan Pablo Perez Zafra.

Slam Dunk by Donna King

“Hook”
“In the high pressure world of sports, talent isn’t the only thing you need in order to be a winner. Ashlee is more determined than ever, and has a dream to be the best! ‘Go Ashlee!’ screamed a group of girls from her team sitting on the bench. Ashlee ran down the court, heart pounding like a boulder in her stomach. She bounced the basketball all the way down, staying clear of the other team. The hoop sit clear in the distance, Ashlee approaches it with the other team racing after her. Another scream is heard from the bench and Ashlee takes a deep breath. ‘This is it. This is my chance to be the best.’ A voice inside Ashlee’s mind echoed. She slowly reached her arms in the air and forced her feet off the ground. Her hands touch the metal lining around the hoop and swishhh! SLAM DUNK!!! The crowd goes wild and jumps out of their seats. Ashlee runs to her team receiving a variety of high fives and ‘nice shot’s from her teammates. Now it’s time to face the judges. ‘Sure that last shot was good but I was a little rusty during shoot out.’Thought Ashlee as she slowly approached the judging table. ‘Okay, this is it, did I make it or not?’ Ashlee asked herself. She was so nervous she didn’t even want to know.” (pages 12-14)

Recommendation

If you play sports you’d know that it’s pretty competitive game. But you’ve got your friends and family there to cheer you on. Once you start playing it’s hard to stop before you come out a winner.
Thirteen year old Ashlee Carson is tall, blonde and an incredible point guard. But is she enough to make it into the Girls Choice finals? With a former professional basketball player as a dad and team mates who are there for support, things are looking pretty good for Ashlee’s basketball career, there’s just one problem…Ashlee’s mom has other ambitions that go beyond the court. With her straight A semester it’s hard to focus more on sports for Ashlee, but for her mom who dreams of Ashlee succeeding in school, basketball is the least of her worries. Sometimes Ashlee just wishes her mom could be like the others, cheering in the stands with a big smile, or in the lobby after games with a welcoming hug waiting for you whether we won or lost. But nope, Ashlee’s mom wouldn’t be caught dead watching one of her games, she was too busy looking into collages or forcing Ashlee to study. How can she keep up with it all? Well, her determined dad being a player and all, can’t get enough of Ashlee on the court so you can imagine how pleased he was when Ashlee decided to try out for the Girl’s Choice National team. With her parents being divorced and her career being tugged between sports and school how does she play so good? Basketball is in her blood she takes after her dad, plus, she’s got a mind set on achievement and she can’t quit until she succeeds in everything her family wants for her. But when the finals for Girls Choice are moved to Miami, Ashlee is determined to chase her dream all the way to Florida! Want to find out if Ashlee can get permission to travel to Miami, or if she has to quit basketball altogether? Read Slam Dunk to find out!!

Recommended by Sarah Jacob

Zach's Lie

Zach’s Lie
By: Roland Smith

“The Hook”

November 18th
Dear Journal,
It’s hard adjusting to Elko. Especially with a new name. Luckily I haven’t slipped up yet. I met this new girl named Caitlin. I also met a boy named Peter Short. Lets just say things didn’t go well. Mom book store is coming along goods far. Joanne, I mean Wanda is planning to try out for her high school play, I hope she gets the lead, not only because it will make her happy, but maybe she’ll stop singing show tunes at 6:00 A.M. in the morning! That’s all for now
Jack, wait, I mean Zach.


November 22nd
Dear Journal,
Things are starting to get a little easier for me in school. I’ve made a couple friends and at my new school, Elko Middle School all of the teachers, well most of the teachers are nice! Sam the school janitor happens to be my first and only friend. He’s nice but a little strange. Peter’s black eye is starting to heal and I think he is planning some weird revenge. But I ‘m not worried, I’ve got bigger problems to handle. –Zach, finally got that name down!

“Recommendation”
In this super suspense novel, a boy named Jack and his family the Osbornes go through an amazing adventure you’ll love! In the beginning mysterious men break into the Osbornes house and threaten to come back if word is spread about anything. Jack finds out that his Dad, Mr. Osborne has been secretly working as an illegal pilot for a drug cartel. Featuring familiar faces of the men who had broke into their house. The family is beyond upset about the secret he was hiding."It would get us all out of trouble if you knew!” He tried to explain. His words meant nothing. Mr.Osbrone was discovered and sent to jail. The D.E.A. (Drug Enforcement Agency) interviewer interviewed Mr. Osborne soon after he was sent to jail. He refuses to tell them anything about the other man considering he has been receiving death threats for him and his family from Alonzo, the head of the drug cartel. This awful situation forces the Osbornes to join the witness protection agency and change their eye color, hair color, home everything is different. But can the family hold back long enough to save their Father? You’ll have to read to find out.
  I recomend this book to all 5th graders and higher who like making inferences and love adventurous books. This book will make you not want to stop reading.
Recommend By: Sydney Manning, Allison Jerome and Sarah Jacob

Beacon Street Girls Ready! Set! Hawaii

Ready! Set! Hawaii!
Beacon Street Girls

“The Hook”

Ma Cherie Sophie,
Bonjour from Hawaii! I’m so lucky my dad is a travel writer! Except[my dad] has the flu so he will be spending most of the trip in the infirmary. I know I’ll be writing tons since I’m helping him out with his assignment(after I write this postcard I need to research endangered species in Hawaii!). I’ll find time to send you a longer letter when I get home. I miss you!
Au Revoir,
Charlotte (pg.57)



Dear Scott
Turn your phone on! I tried to call and I know you won’t get this stupid postcard for like a week ,but anyway, Dad is getting married. NOT A JOKE!
Later,
Ave (pg.208)


Recommendation
Need a tour guide? What about a cruise around Hawaii. If you do this is the book for YOU! This book is a book full of fun and facts. It goes on a wacky adventure around Hawaii. Charlotte's Dad is a travel writer for Family Vacation and has just found out he has been assigned to write about the Teen Cruise Around Hawaii. Avery's Dad from Colorado comes and suprises Avery by bringing his new girlfriend who Avery really does not like. When she sees Andie she thinks her whole trip is going to be terrible. When her Dad propoes to Andie she thinks her life is going to get a lot wrose because of Andie. Avery does not like Andie because she wants her Mom and Dad back together. So if you like stories like this you are going to the the Novel.



Recommend By: Sydney Manning

The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane

By Kate DiCamillo

The “Hook”:“
‘Give him to me,’ screamed Abilene. ‘He’s mine.’…’Please’…Don’t throw him. He’s made of china. He’ll break.’ Martin threw Edward. And Edward sailed naked through the air…[and] went overboard.” (p.43-44)

“And then he began to sink. He sank and sank. He kept his eyes open the whole time. Not because he was brave, but because he had no choice. His painted on eyes experienced the blue water turning to green and then to blue again. They watched as it finally became as black as night…and the china rabbit landed, finally, on the ocean floor, faced-down; and there, with his head in the muck, he experienced his first genuine and true emotion. Edward Tulane was afraid.” (p.48-49)

“A man entered the freight car and shone a flashlight in Bull’s face and then kicked him awake. ‘You bum…you dirty bum. I’m sick of you guys sleeping everywhere. This ain’t no motel.’ Bull sat up slowly. Lucy started to bark. ‘Shut up,’ said the man. He delivered a swift kick to Lucy’s side that made her yelp in surprise. All his life, Edward had known what he was; a rabbit made of china…He could not move himself. And he had never regretted this more deeply than he did that night when he and Bull and Lucy were discovered in the empty railcar. Edward wanted to be able to defend Lucy. But he could do nothing. He could only lie there and wait.” (p.104-105)

“And he swung Edward by the feet, swung him so that his head hit the edge of the counter hard.
There was a loud crack.
Bryce screamed.
And the world, Edward’s world, went black.” (p.158)


Recommendation:

Have you ever experienced a miracle? In the Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane, a china rabbit goes through a life-changing voyage. He begins his life as a selfish and self-centered china rabbit named Edward that belonged to a girl named Abilene. When he got chucked overboard into the ocean, things went downhill from there. From a hobo with a dog, to a little boy with a sister on her deathbed, Edward went through the hands of many people who loved him. When Edward’s head was smashed, his whole world went black. To find out if Edward will ever see the light again, along with the people he has grown to love, you will need to read this book for yourself.

Recommendation by Mrs. Ryan’s Class

11 Birthdays by Wendy Mass

“The Hook”

"On their first birthday they learned to walk,
On their fifth birthday they planted seeds in homemade pots,
But on their tenth birthday they learned there are some words you can’t take back."[back of book]

Amanda and Leo have been together for all the birthdays they’ve had so far… 'I don’t even know why I hang out with her, I mean she’s a girl!'
Leo said to his friends on the day of his tenth birthday. Amanda had heard those words and nothing in the world was ever worse… 'I don’t understand, Leo is, or should I say was my best friend.' cried Amanda to her next best friend Stephanie. 'I’ll never spend another birthday with him again!'
'Come on Amanda you know the lady who was there when you were born, she said you must spend every birthday with him or something weird will happen.' said Stephanie. Amanda shook her head “no” sternly. And as much as Stephanie tried to talk her out of it, Amanda would not change her mind." [Pages 8-10]


Recommendation

Have you ever been in that position, where you hear something mean about yourself and it makes you feel beyond dreadful? If not, put yourself in Amanda’s shoes. She has just heard her best friend since birth telling his friends that she meant nothing to him, that she was just some girl. Just some girl, Amanda knew she was more than that and she didn’t need Leo to tell her otherwise. At least that’s what she thought, until one day Amanda wakes up on her eleventh birthday and hates the whole day through. Her first birthday without Leo was a lot worse than she thought. And great, now she has to come home to a boring birthday party in an itchy dress with only three friends who decided to come. After the awful party, Amanda is more than happy to go upstairs to her room and end turning eleven. Not for long…the next day when Amanda wakes up she glances at her alarm clock. The morning buzzer was going off. Time for school, Amanda thought as she got up to get dressed. Wait! Rewind, School!! It was supposed to be Saturday! Amanda looked at her calendar, her eyes went wide, and she couldn’t believe what she was seeing. It was Friday again!! How can this be?! She thought as she got dressed in the same clothes waiting for her from yesterday. She didn’t have much time, it was already 7:00! She hurried up and ran out the door. That day everything happened exactly the same.
68% on math test.
Check.
Forgetting lunch money.
Check.
Falling flat on face in cheerleading tryouts.
Check.
Just before she thought things couldn’t get any worse she received a note from Leo during science class. It took Amanda a few minutes to realize the note was explaining how the same thing was happening to him! Will Amanda and Leo ever find their way out of this awful situation? Will they ever be friends again? You’ll have to read the book to find out.

Recommendation by Sarah Jacob

Other Books I Recommend By This Author
Every Soul A Star

The Adirondack Kids

Author: Justin and Gary Vanriper

“The Hook”
“There are 3 adventuress kids Justin, Jackie and Nick that have a camp in the Adirondacks. While the kids were exploring an old car up on a mountain they heard a vibrant noise that sounded like a chainsaw. ‘What could that be?’ asked Nick as they heard a scream. …’Help!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!’Yelled a voice. They realized someone must be in trouble. (p.13-14)…They suddenly heard a voice shout ‘Hey get back here!’They realized it was 2 men. ‘Where did they go? ‘Asked Justin. He and Jackie stood by the bench in the square. ‘They were here just a minute ago.’
‘There they are, ‘said Jackie. ‘Up by the post office, near the library sign.’ She grabbed Justin’s arm. ‘Let’s go.’
… ‘Do you think it’s the same boy we saw on the trail?’ asked Justin. … ‘I don’t know, ‘said Jackie. (P.17 and 28).Justin and Jackie sat stunned on the rock at their secret meeting place. It was Pioneer Village-that small community the Adirondack Kids built of sticks every summer in the woods between Justin's and Nick's family canps. ...There was a low rumble of thunder as Justin laied back on the rockand staired up through the tangle of branches at the darkining sky.(pgs.34-35)...On their adventure they pick up clues along the way to find out what's happening on the mountain. ...We'll just grab our packs and get out of the woods,as quick as we can said Justin,as he kicked on his bike. ...Justin was the first to notice the proped-up sign as they approched the register. 'The trail is closed?'Justin said 'what's going on?'


My Recommendation
Do you like to read suspenseful books? If so, this book is for you because it kept me at the edge of my seat! After the kids had relaxed and tried to figure out what the mystery noises were, they went up to find their backpacks and there was the answer. To find out what the noises really were, pick up this book to find out!

Other Books I Recommend By This Author
Adirondack Kids Books #1, #2, #3, #4, #5, #6, #7, #8, #9,

Recommendation by Allison Jerome

The Graduation of Jake Moon
By Barbara Park

The "Hook":
"There are these three eighth-grade boys. They've just gotten out of school for the day. And they're about to take off in different directions, when they notice something going on in the trash Dumpster at the other end of the parking lot. They're still pretty far away from it, but they can see an old man sitting on the edge of the thing...'Hey! Don't jump, Pops! You've got everything to live for!' ...'Yeah! Plus I heard the food is much better at the dumpster down the street!' So after that, both kids totally crack up. But the third kid, see, he's just standing there not saying a word...you'd probably think he was the good kid. Only that's the weird thing about this story...On account of the third kid turned out to be the most shameful of all. Because the third kid was me. And the old man in the Dumpster was my grandfather." (p.1-3)

"Aaron was having a good time, too...but as the two of us were finishing our chicken, there was another noise at my door. It was Ma bringing dessert, I figured, so I didn't pay much attention.
But when the door pushed open, it wasn't my mother at all.
It was...guess who.
Skelly had been on his way to the shower and had heard voices. So he wandered on in and stood in the middle of my room.
And he wasn't wearing pants.
No pants at all, I mean.
No long pants.
No short pants.
No underpants.
And Aaron Friar busted out laughing so hard that orange soda came out his nose.
He didn't stop either. Not even when Ma ran in apologizing all over the place, and rushed Skelly back out the door. Not even when I explained to him about the Alzheimer's...I begged him not to say anything." (p.38-39)

Recommendation:
Have you ever felt embarrassed to be seen with someone? Maybe someone less popular, a little different, or even a relative? Most of us go through a period when we are growing up when think we are "too cool" to be seen with someone in our family. I admit, I have been there. For Jake Moon, he not only feels embarrassed, but he also feels a great resentment towards his grandfather (known as "Skelly") because of the situation he is put in. See, Jake's grandfather has a brain disease called Alzheimer's, which makes him do some pretty strange things as you will read in this book. Jake is given part of the responsiblity of taking care of Skelly but all he wants is to lead a normal teenage life. Just when things couldn't get worse for Jake, he comes home to find out Skelly has gone missing. If you want to know how things turn out for Jake and Skelly, you will have to read this book for yourself!

Other books I recommend by this author:
Mick Harte Was Here, Skinnybones

Recommendation by Mrs. Plantz