Heat by Mike Lupica

I love baseball. It's probably the only sport I follow, so Heat appeared to be a good choice for my Caudill Nominee. It's not that I didn't enjoy the book, I did, its just, I was expecting more baseball. I guess I shouldn't judge a book by its cover huh? The story centers around a boy named Micheal Arroyo, whose father has died only a few months after bringing him, and his older brother Carlos from Cuba. Carlos is only a few months away from turning 18, and it is up to Micheal, Carlos, Manny (Micheal's best friend), and their neighbor Mrs. Cora to keep the secret of Micheal's father's death from child services and a coach of a rival little league team so that Micheal can go on to win the the little league series. As I said before, I read the book for the baseball, but stayed for the suspense. Although at times the story seemed far fetched, it was a pretty heart warming story. I would suggest it to any who likes a good story not just the 9-12 reading level it is suggested for.

STINK! and the World's Worst Super-Stinky Sneakers by Megan McDonald and Illustrated by Peter H. Reynolds

Continuing on with my series Study with book three in the STINK! series. Now, I was certain that this book would answer my question as to why James Moody is lovingly called Stink, but alas I was wrong. I did find out that Stink does have an unusually good sense of smell. In this story, Stink finds out about an annual contest for the stinkiest sneakers and decides that he wants to not only participate but win. Most of the book is about how he can smell many different things with great accuracy, but it is also about how things don't always turn out the way you expect them too. This book unlike the other two, had a pretty linear story line that it followed throughout the book. I find that this made it a lot more interesting and easier to follow than the others. As always, I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys a quick fun read.

STINK! and the Incredible Super-Galactic Jawbreaker! by Megan Mcdonald and Illustrated by Peter H. Reynolds

As you may recall, my Monarch Nominee book STINK! the Incredible Shrinking Kid! was a surprisingly good read. Well needless to say, I fell in love with the character, and decided that I would read the rest of the series for my series study. I was not disappointed. In this story after Stink is disappointed that his Super-Galactic Jawbreaker was not so Super-Galactic, he writes the Jawbreaker Company and they send him a whole box filled with Jawbreakers. This gives Stink and idea, he writes a toy company about their robot toys, and a candy company, and both respond in a similar fashion. In all the excitement Stink forgets about his best friend Webster's birthday, but makes up for it by throwing Webster a party at school putting all of the toys, candy, and jawbreakers into a pinata. I know, I basically gave away the ending, but there is a lot I didn't cover and you should really go pick it up for yourself. Once again I think this is fun read for anyone, not just the third grade reading level it is intended for.

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone by J.K. Rowling

Yes, I know. I have made it very clear that I am not a big fan of the Harry Potter series, and I still stand by that. I am not a big fan. I chose this book for my modern fantasy book because I thought since so many people love it, and so many children can't get enough of the series, I might give it one more shot. I will admit, it is well written, and the plot of a boy, who lives with his evil Aunt and Uncle, and tortured day in and day out by his cousin, finds out that his parents where in fact a witch and a wizard and he must now become one himself, was interesting, I just can't get into it's Cinderella like quality. I am not sure what it is exactly about the series I don't like, I mean there are plenty of reasons to enjoy it, I just find it, "okay". I guess it's just not my cup of tea. In any case the book does teach kids that anyone can do great things, as long as they believe in themselves and their friends. It also must be very engaging (for reasons not entirely understood by yours truly), because kids all over the world can't get enough of the books. As much as I may not understand it, and as much as I may be put off by it, kids are reading these books, and that is the most important thing. I just feel that if you want to read a story with magic and a child that overcomes impossible odds with the help of friends, read anything by Roald Dahl instead.

Green Eggs and Ham by Dr. Seuss

I know. I know. I thought I was done with the Dr. Seuss book reviews too, but I just could not think of a better example of a predictable pattern book than this great read. With each page something new gets added on to a list of places or circumstances where someone might eat Green Eggs and Ham. This book is so wonderful, and so much fun, (albeit, very redundant) that I couldn't stop laughing at all the wonderful rhymes and illustrations! Seuss (yes I know that is not his real name) must have had an amazing imagination, and I truly wish that I could have met the man. This book teaches children the importance of trying new things, and not to judge something before you try it yourself. I know that my sister has read it to my nephew and now anytime that he doesn't want something he's never had before, she tells him that it is green eggs and ham, and he devours whatever it is on his plate right away. If there is one thing to be said about Seuss, he knows how to get pretty complicated concepts across to even the smallest of children. Anyway, I've said it before, and I just might say it again, this book is not just fun for kids, but adults alike.

Where's Waldo by Martin Handford

I chose this book for my wordless picture book, mostly because it's the only picture book that I could think of without words. I will admit I did "read" this book as a child and I did enjoy it, but I am not sure how much of an educational factor there is to a book like this. I understand that it teaches kids to pay attention to little detail, but other than that, I am not sure what it brings to the table. The artwork is fantastic, but I am sure that it must have been a headache at time to create it. Honestly I am not too sure what else to say about this book. If you want to keep a kid quiet, kill some time, or give yourself a headache, go ahead and pick it up. I just feel like time can be spent on something a little more worth while.

The Missing Piece by Shel Silverstein

I chose this book for one of my picture books mostly because I remember reading it as a child, but also because I affectionately call my girlfriend, "My missing piece." In this story a circle with a missing piece is on a journey to find his missing piece, which is more of a triangle shape. The circle sings and rolls along and comes upon many different pieces, but none of them are his missing piece. Finally he comes across a triangle shape that fits just right, and they join together. Unfortunately, when joined together the circle rolls far too fast, and is unable to sing. The circle decides to let go of the missing piece and continue rolling at his own pace and keep singing. This book show children the importance of being ones self and not to worry if they are "missing a piece." This is an important lesson for both kids, and adults, but I may have to find something else to call my girlfriend though (just kidding). Anyway, as I mentioned before Silverstein is an amazing artist and it is shown even here where there is nothing but simple shapes throughout the entire book. I would suggest this to anyone who feels that they are "missing a piece."