The Mark of the Dragonfly

by Jaleigh Johnson

Oh my, what a page turner this book is!  Fast pace action adventure that kept me coming back until the end. As with all destinies, they come when you least expect it.  

During a horrific meteor storm, a stubborn scrapper named Piper finds herself responsible for an unconscious girl.  Anna has no recollection of her past but her Dragonfly tattoo shows that she is someone importance.  Pursued by a mysterious man, the two find themselves on a train to escape and, then, the adventure begins.  A worthy Steampunk Fantasy for kids.

Recommended for ages 10 and up.

Summer Reading - Book 7

Platypus Police Squad, The Frog Who Croaked by Jarrett J. Krosoczka

A new series from the author of Lunch Lady is sure to be a hit.  Written like an adult crime mystery but in good clean fun.  The new police detective, Zengo, is paired with the police veteran, O'Malley.  First day on the job and the pair are assigned a missing person's case that smells a little fishy.  Could the missing beloved teacher be involved in the synthetic fish that is making so many sick?  Or will Zengo botch the case and let the culprits go free?  Find out in this fast paced novel that will grab even reluctant readers  Grades 3 and up.

Summer Reading - Book 6

Rump, The True Story of Rumpelstiltskin by Liesl Shurtliff

Always portrayed in fairy tales as the evil one, Liesl Shurtliff gives us a different Rumpelstiltskin, one who is kind and just a little naive. An orphan who must spin straw into gold just to have food to eat, Rump finds that magic always comes with consequences beyond his control.  His best friend, Red, tries to warn him but the evil miller, Oswald, pushes him to spin more straw into gold.  Now a whole slew of his friends as well as enemies are in trouble.  Is his destiny really in his name or does he have the power to overcome?  Many twists and turns with gold hungry pixies and wise trolls.  Grades 3-6
About the author, Liesl Shurtliff



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Summer Reading - Book 5

The Expeditioners by S.S. Taylor is a real page turner.  The kind of book that slowly draws you in and keeps you reading "just one more chapter."  Kit Wests' father, the real Expeditioner in charting unknown territories, has recently passed away under suspicious circumstances.  Under the ever watchful eye of the dominate government in a society where electricity no longer exists and computers are considered untrustworthy, Kit is given a secret journal from an unknown stranger which leads to double hidden maps.  Can it be a message from their dad?    Is the government trying to cover up something or is there more to the story?  The three West kids head out on an adventure they could not have even imagined.  For 4th grade readers and up.

Summer Reading - Book 4

Looking for a spine-tingling, cover-your-head, sleep-with-the-light-on kind of book?  Check out Holly Black's Newbery Honor book, Doll Bones.  

Zach, Poppy, and Alice have been friends forever.  Their continuous imaginary game with pirates, thieves, mermaids, and warriors  takes a turn for the dark side when Polly brings out the doll they have dubbed Great Queen.  Will they survive their over night adventure sneaking out, stealing a boat, just to find a long forgotten grave?  This spooky thriller is sure to keep you on the edge of your seat.  For 10-12 year-old readers

Summer Reading - Book 3

Operation Bunny: Book One by Sally Gardner, illustrated by David Roberts

A new series about Emily Vole who was adopted by Daisy and Ronald Dashwood after being abandoned in a hat box.  At the age of nine, Emily becomes the housekeeper and nanny for the Dashwood triplets.  To her rescue comes the eccentric neighbor, Mrs. String and her cat, Fidget, and the magical adventures begin with fairies, magical keys, talking bunnies, and occasional mayhem.  Looking for a quirky summer read, something really different?  Checkout Operation Bunny: Book One.  For 3rd grade readers and up.

Summer Reading - Book 2

A Snicker of Magic by Natalie Lloyd
What a fantastic book filled with quotable quotes, beautiful words, and, of course, a little (snicker) of magic.
This middle grade fantasy books is about Felicity Pickle who collects words.  Some glow, some sparkle, some dance.  Her gift the ability to see the unspoken words of others.  Upon returning to the Pickle's hometown of Midnight Gulch, Felicity finds her first best friend, the purpose of her gift, and hope for a town.  A delicious summer read! For 3rd grade readers and up.

Summer Reading - Book 1

Summer is such a fun time to read some deliciously good books. I think it will be fun to see how many books I can read and keep track of them here, on the Goforth Blog.
R My Name Is Rachel by Patricia Reilly Giff I chose this book because this author has written so many notable books that this was bound to be a good book. A historical fiction taking place in 1936, smack dab in the middle of the Depression. Twelve year-old Rachel is the oldest of three. After her father loses his job, he packs up his family to move to the country only to find their new home is a run down farm and the new job does not pan out. With money running out, the family has to work together to survive. A great story about the Depression through the eyes of a child. Recommend!

Reading just for fun!

Just finished Pickle, The (Formerly) Anonymous Prank Club of Fountain Point Middle School by Kim Baker.  A fast read and fun read!  An unusual group of students form a club under the guise of an after school club called the League of Pickle Makers.  Their real purpose is to pull pranks on their campus under the watchful eyes of their strict principal, Mrs. Lebonsky.  Oh, the lengths they go to not get caught!  Stop by the library soon to pick up a copy of this 2014-2015 Bluebonnet nominee.