Lisa’s BEA Picks; High-Interest Chapter Books
The BEA show floor produced some high-interest finds for reluctant readers.
Ghost Diamond is an English import from Lerner, an early chapter book for the Cam Jansen crowd It’s a funny story about the adventures of a kid spy, illustrated with line drawings; perfect for those 2nd and 3rd grade readers who are between easy readers and big chapter books..
Ghost Diamond: Agent Amelia #1
by Michael Broad; illus. by Michael Broad
Ages 7 and up; 144 pages
Darby Creek Pub (Oct. 2011); 9780761380603
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I wasn’t expecting another Origami Yoda book; the first one, The Strange Case of Origami Yoda was a satisfying stand-alone, a school story told from multiple points of view. I know my kids will go nuts for this followup.
Darth Paper Strikes Back
by Tom Angleberger
Ages 9 and up
Amulet Books/Abrams (August 1, 2011)
9781419700279
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The Mystic Phyles: Beasts is a high interest scrapbook, reminiscent of Regarding the Fountain, an easy hand-off for the kids who can read but just don’t. Lots of details to pore over with hidden visual clues.
By Stephanie Brockway; Illus, byRalph Masiello
Charlesbridge (July, 2011)9781570917189
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Coming soon; the second in the Guys Read bookshelf; the first collection was Guys Read Funny Business. This time around, Jon Scieszka has gathered stories that “thrill.” The publisher describes it this way,
James Patterson, Anthony Horowitz, Margaret Peterson Haddix, M. T. Anderson, Walter Dean Myers, Gennifer Choldenko, Jarrett J. Krosoczka, Matt de la Peña, and more, not to mention cover and interior artwork from Brett Helquist. And in the stories, you’ll find an eleven-year-old ghost, a Somali pirate, the world’s worst private detective, and a warehouse full of snakes…and that’s just the beginning.
As with the first book, this volume will be available simultaneously in both hardcover and paperback. What more could a guy ask for?”
Guys Read Thriller by Jon Scieszka
Harper (September 20)
Hdbk, 9780061963766; pbk, 9780061963766
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Okay, full disclosure…
I had no idea who Tony Hawk was…
FYI, he’s star of the X games, the first skateboarder to ever land a 900. It was one of skating’s most gripping moments, playing out in front of a huge crowd of his peers and fans, and on national TV. That exposure, along with his successful video game, gives him rock star status.
Check it out in the YouTube video below (You can skip all the preliminary drama and begin watching 7 minutes in).
At BEA, fans among the attendees began lining up an hour before the signing.
Tony Hawk’s 900 Revolution Series: Drop In: Volume One
by Donald Lemke, illustrated by Caio Majado;
Stone Arch Books/Capstone (Aug, 2011)
Hdbk, 978-1-4342-3214-4; pbk, 978-1-4342-3451-3