Darkside

Darkside by Tom Becker
Reading level: grades 5 and up

Darkside is the first book in a new horror series. Darkside is a dark and dangerous, seedy world where vampires, werewolves and criminals walk the streets. Existing alongside London, it is a hidden city established during the 19th century with freaks and criminals and was once ruled by Jack the Ripper. When Jonathan's father is hospitalized in a mental institution after one of his bad days, Jonathan discovers his father had been researching a way to cross over to Darkside. Jonathan finds himself in danger when he is almost attacked and kidnapped. Running for his life, Jonathan manages to cross over to Darkside, where he now finds himself in danger from the citizens of the city. Will Jonathan be able to find his way out?

Readers who enjoyed the Cirque du Freak series will be happy to get their hands on this series. Gorey descriptions and monsters will draw fans of horror. Jonathan is a resourceful and quick-thinking hero who will appeal to readers who like their main characters intelligent and brave.

Kit Feeny

Kit Feeny on the Move by Michael Townsend
Reading level: grades 2-5

Look out Babymouse, now there's Kit Feeny! Kit is moving to a new town, but that means leaving his best friend Arnold behind. Don't worry, they have a plan. In fact, Kit has a plan for just about everything. Readers will enjoy Kit's outlandish schemes whether it's coming up with a quiz for his classmates to find a replacement best friend or finding ways to make money to buy pizza. If you like silly adventures then this is the book for you. Kit Feeny is Babymouse for boys, but can be enjoyed by anyone.

Diamond of Drury Lane

Diamond of Drury Lane by Julia Golding
Reading level: grades 5-8

Orphan Catherine Royal, better known as “Cat” to her friends, has been living in Drury Lane since she was a baby. After she discovers the owner of the theatre has hidden a diamond in the building, she vows to help keep it safe. When a viscious street gang discovers the existence of the diamond, Cat must do whatever it takes to protect it. Will the help of her friends -- Pedro, a musical prodigy, two nobles, and another street gang – and her own cunning intelligence be enough to keep the diamond safe?

Set in the 1790’s, Diamond of Drury Lane is a fast-paced, exciting historical fiction with a little mystery for spice. Much of the book is set in the streets of London in Covent Garden. Vivid descriptions of the city and the people bring the story to life. The author uses many phrases and words of that time period which also adds to the atmosphere. There is a glossary in the back of the book for readers who want to familiarize themselves with the language of that period. Readers will be happy to know that there are more books in the series. Recommended.

I Need My Monster

I Need My Monster, by Amanda Noll
for 5- 6 year-olds

Ethan is all ready for bed, but the monster who lives under his bed has left on a fishing trip! Ethan needs a scary monster under his bed to be able to fall asleep, but none of the monsters who come are scary at all. One has no sharp claws, another has only a stumpy tail, and still another is a girl! Can Ethan find a scary enough monster in time to fall asleep? This is a great bedtime story for anyone who loves monsters.

Farmer McPeepers and His Missing Milk Cows

Farmer McPeepers and His Missing Milk Cows, by Katy S. Duffield

Farmer McPeepers needs his glasses to see, but one morning his glasses—and his cows—go missing! Farmer McPeepers is having trouble getting around, but that doesn’t stop his cows from having a good time. With bright, goofy illustrations and a rhythmic text, this is an amusing and mischievous tour through fun summertime activities.

The Graveyard Book

The Graveyard Book, by Neil Gaiman

Reading Level: Grade 6 and up

While his entire family is being murdered by a man named Jack, a small boy crawls out of his crib and down the road to the graveyard. The ghosts in the graveyard adopt the boy, naming him Nobody, or “Bod” for short, and he grows up under the protection of the graveyard. Bod finds treasure hidden deep in the oldest grave, learns how to disappear whenever he needs to, and stops a school bully. While Bod stays in the graveyard, nothing can harm him—not ghosts, ghouls, or assassins—but the man named Jack is still looking for Bod, and what happens when Bod grows up and has to learn to survive among the living?

This book is the 2009 winner of the Newbery Award. It’s a little bit scary and a little bit adventerous, and perfect for those who like something different! There are a wide range of characters, from ghost and ghouls to children and pawn shop owners, and the illustrations are both cool and creepy. Be prepared for some longer chapters, but this is a story to be savored.

Naked Mole Rat Gets Dressed

Naked Mole Rat Gets Dressed by Mo Willems

Naked Mole Rats do not wear clothes. But there is one naked mole rat who likes clothes quite a bit. Wilbur loves outfits of all kinds, fancy ones, funny ones, cool ones, or even costumes! The other naked mole rats do not understand why in the world Wilbur would ever want to wear clothes. In response to the other naked mole rats criticisms Wilbur asks a simple question, that changes everything. Naked Mole Rat Gets Dressed is a charming picture book for anyone who has ever done things a little differently!