Tuesday, July 31, 2012

Guardians of Ga'Hoole: The Capture by Kathryn Lasky

From chapters.ca: In the first book in the Guardians of Ga'Hoole series, readers will meet Soren, a barn owl who discovers a great evil in the owl kingdom which he must work to vanquish. When Soren is pushed from his family's nest by his older brother, he is rescued by representatives from a mysterious school for orphaned owls, St. Aggie's. When Soren arrives at St. Aggie's, he suspects there is more to the school than meets the eye. He and his new friend, a clever female elf owl named Gylfie, find out that St. Aggie's is actually a training camp where the school's leader is grooming young owls to help achieve her goal, which threatens the lives of owls everywhere. First Soren and Gylfie must escape. Then they embark on a long and perilous journey to find a way to save all owls from the danger that lurks at St. Aggie's.

Monday, July 30, 2012

Trout, Trout, Trout (A Fish Chant) by April Pulley Sayre, illustrated by Trid Park

From chapters.ca: This hilarious fish chant has had fish lovers laughing since 2004 when the hardcover was released. Now available in paperback, the jaunty text still begs to be chanted out loud. Wacky, bold illustrations add even more humor, yet accurately depict dozens of freshwater fish. This unique concept teaches kids the names of fish in an entertaining way. Trout, Trout, Trout! is more than just laugh- out- loud fun. Four pages of fact- filled end matter provide lots of information to satisfy teachers, parents and kids who want more, more, more! Even non- fish lovers will giggle their way through this book. Sayre and Park make an unbeatable author/illustrator team. The interactive chant and repetition of words is perfect for classrooms, storytime read- alouds or for bedtime.

Where the Mountain Meets the Moon by Grace Lin

From chapters.ca: This Newbery Honor book features magic, adventure, friendship, and even a dragon who can't fly! In the valley of Fruitless Mountain, a young girl named Minli lives in a ramshackle hut with her parents. In the evenings, her father regales her with old folktales of the Jade Dragon and the Old Man on the Moon, who knows the answers to all of life's questions. Inspired by these stories, Minli sets off on an extraordinary journey to find the Old Man on the Moon to ask him how she can change her family's fortune. She encounters an assorted cast of characters and magical creatures along the way, including a dragon who accompanies her on her quest for the ultimate answer.

Sunday, July 29, 2012

The Manatee Scientists: Saving Vulnerable Species by Peter Lourie

From chapters.ca: In The Manatee Scientists, John Reynolds does an aerial count of manatees from the Florida sky; Lucy Keith spends a weekend rescuing manatees trapped in a dam in Senegal; and Fernando Rosas takes the author on an Amazonian boat trip, looking for a young manatees he released back into the wild, with emotional results. These scientists are working hard to save manatees: docile, large sea mammals who are eaten in some parts of the world, feared in others, and adored in still others. But factors such as human encroachment, disease, environmental hazards, and being hunted are causing their numbers to decline: they are an endangered species, in need of help.

Annexed by Sharon Dogar

From chapters.ca: Everyone knows about Anne Frank and her life hidden in the secret annex - but what about the boy who was also trapped there with her? In this powerful and gripping novel, Sharon Dogar explores what this might have been like from Peter's point of view. What was it like to be forced into hiding with Anne Frank, first to hate her and then to find yourself falling in love with her? Especially with your parents and her parents all watching almost everything you do together. To know you're being written about in Anne's diary, day after day? What's it like to start questioning your religion, wondering why simply being Jewish inspires such hatred and persecution? Or to just sit and wait and watch while others die, and wish you were fighting. As Peter and Anne become closer and closer in their confined quarters, how can they make sense of what they see happening around them? Anne's diary ends on August 4, 1944, but Peter's story takes us on, beyond their betrayal and into the Nazi death camps. He details with accuracy, clarity and compassion the reality of day to day survival in Auschwitz - and ultimately the horrific fates of the Annex's occupants.

Saturday, July 28, 2012

Zelda and Ivy: The Big Picture by Laura McGee Kvasnosky

From chapters.ca: After Zelda, Ivy, and their best friend Eugene watch the new Secret Agent Fox movie (some more bravely than others), they are inspired to do a little detective work themselves. With top- secret agent names chosen and notebook in hand, they're ready to get to the bottom of neighborhood mysteries. But when a rainstorm threatens to ruin the agents' campout, can the three foxy friends come up with an undercover alternative? Sly humor, lively illustrations, and a genuine eye for the everyday dynamics among siblings make this a perfect choice for beginning readers, whether old fans or new.

Planting Seeds by Nancy Elizabeth Wallace

From chapters.ca: Bunnies plant seeds that grow carrots.

Friday, July 27, 2012

In Front of My House by Marianne Dubuc

From chapters.ca: In Front of My House is a whimsical celebration of a child's imagination and all the places it can travel. This circular story begins and ends in a tidy front yard, but in between takes the reader to mountains and mysterious caves, up to outer space, down into the ocean and beyond. It's a journey as boundless and surprising as young imaginations. Filled with inventive and delightful twists, this charming story reveals a child's fancy taking flight, showing how imaginative play can begin in a place as mundane as a front yard, reach to the stars, then return back to the same place. Children will recognize a kindred imagination in Marianne Dubuc's joyful illustrations and simple text.

Talking Tails: The Incredible Connection Between People and Their Pets by Ann Love and Jane Drake, illustrated by Bill Slavin

From chapters.ca: Pets and their owners appear together in a book as heartwarming as it is informative. From our earliest beginnings, we have shared our lives with animals. Jane Drake and Ann Love explore the ties that humans and their pets have formed. With fun and fascinating facts, they address Dog People and Cat People. (Why does a cat wind around her owner's legs? She's rubbing her owner with glands on her face to say "you're mine.") They also introduce us to more unusual pets. There's Polly the parrot, who lived through the Klondike Gold Rush to be 126 years old by belting back whiskey, swearing, and biting gold miners. And, of course, there are fish and reptiles, rodents and horses, all of whom can be beloved pets. As useful as it is fun, Talking Tails is a must for children who have or want a pet.

Thursday, July 26, 2012

The Secret Lives of Princesses by Philippe Lechermeier, illustrated by Rebecca Dautremer

From chapters.ca: Go beyond Sleeping Beauty and Cinderella! Some princesses are well- known to all children—but others, equally magical (and sometimes, a lot funnier) have remained anonymous, mysterious, and far from the fairy- tale crowd. Now these captivating ladies are finally stepping out of the shadows where they've remained hidden for far too long. With wit, sublime humor, and beautiful art, The Secret Lives of Princesses introduces a bevy of royal daughters to the court of young readers. While it alludes to some of their more famous sisters, this large and lusciously illustrated compendium presents such unique and unforgettable characters as the petite Princess Claire Voyant, who can see very far into tomorrow (but muddles her predictions); Princess Oblivia, who forgets everything and misses all her appointments; Princess Tangra- La, who does the tango, the fandango, and any dance that comes her way; and Princess Babbling Brooke, who chatters on and on about everything and nothing. Plus, you'll learn about such princessy matters as the language of fans; coats of arms; and how not to offend dangerous fairies who cast evil spells. Poetic, often humorous, and always enchanting, this is the perfect collection for princess- loving girls who long for more than just the traditional fairy tale.

Todd’s TV by James Proimos

From chapters.ca: This is Todd. These are Todd's parents. And this is Todd's TV. Todd's parents are always busy. But Todd's TV isn't busy. It just sits there. So one day, Todd's TV decides to lend a helping hand. This is the heartwarming story of that day, and what happened afterward. You'll laugh, you'll cry - but most of all, you'll be giving your TV a break. It probably needs it.

Wednesday, July 25, 2012

Yummy Ice Cream by Emma Quay, illustrated by Anna Walker

From chapters.ca: Panda, Sheep, and Owl may be different, but that's what makes playing together so much fun. Whether they're pretending to be jellyfish (blob blob blob), creating ice- cream masterpieces, bravely confronting puddles, or snuggling up to sleep, these three best friends know just how to make everyday things extraordinary. With adorably stylish illustrations and gently repetitive, sweet- as- can- be stories, each book in the Hello, Friends! series addresses a different preschool concept, like sharing, imagination, bravery, and bedtime. So gather up all four and prepare to have your socks charmed off!

Tuesday, July 24, 2012

Cross My Heart and Hope to Spy by Ally Carter

From chapters.ca: After staking out, obtaining, and then being forced to give up her first boyfriend, Josh, all Cammie Morgan wants is a peaceful semester. But that's easier said than done when you're a CIA legacy and go to the premier school in the world... for spies. Cammie may have a genius I.Q., but there are still a lot of things she doesn't know. Like, will her ex- boyfriend even remember she exists? And how much trouble is she really in after what happened last semester? And most of all, why is her mother acting so strangely? Despite Cammie's best intentions to be a normal student, danger seems to follow her. She and her friends learn that their school is going to play host to some mysterious guests - code name: Blackthorne. Then she's blamed for a security breach that leaves the school's top secret status at risk. Soon, Cammie and her friends are crawling through walls and surveilling the school to learn the truth about Blackthorne and clear Cammie's name. Even though they have confidence in their spy skills, this time the targets are tougher (and hotter), and the stakes for Cammie's heart - and her beloved school - are higher than ever.

Spork by Kyo Maclear, illustrated by Isabelle Arsenault

From chapters.ca: His mum is a spoon. His dad is a fork. And he's a bit of both. He's Spork! Spork sticks out in the regimented world of the cutlery drawer. The spoons think he's too pointy, while the forks find him too round. He never gets chosen to be at the table at mealtimes until one day a very messy thing arrives in the kitchen who has never heard of cutlery customs. Will Spork finally find his place at the table? This "multi- cutlery" tale is a humorous and lively commentary on individuality and tolerance. Its high- spirited illustrations capture the experience and emotions of anyone who has ever wondered about their place in the world.

Monday, July 23, 2012

Gilgamesh the King retold and illustrated by Ludmila Zeman

From chapters.ca: Gilgamesh, half- god and half- man, in his loneliness and isolation becomes a cruel tyrant over the citizens of Uruk. To impress them forever he orders a great wall to be built, driving his people to exhaustion and despair so that they cry to the Sun God for help. In answer, another kind of man, Enkidu, is sent to earth to live among the animals and learn kindness from them. He falls in love with Shamhat, a singer from the temple, and he follows her back to Uruk. There, Enkidu, the "uncivilized" beast from the forest, shows the evil Gilgamesh through friendship what it means to be human.

The Taking Tree: A Selfish Parody by Shrill Travesty, illustrated by Lucy Ruth Cummins

From chapters.ca: We all know the story of the "selfless" tree that gave all she had just to make sure a young boy was "happy". Snore. This is a different tree. This is a different boy. This is a very different book. The Taking Tree is not so happy when the boy takes her twigs to pick on his sister, or takes her apples to sell for college (she's an oak tree for goodness sake), or when he cuts off her branches to build a house that he burns for insurance money. And the boy is not sorry at all. Ever. In fact, he's kind of a jerk. And the boy asks for more, and more, and more until the oak tree is so fed up she just can't take it any longer. While another story might end sweetly with an old man sitting on a stump. This one does not.

Sunday, July 22, 2012

Pig Kahuna by Jennifer Sattler

From chapters.ca: Fergus and his little brother, Dink, love collecting the things that wash up on the beach, especially if it means that Fergus doesn't actually have to go in the water. Then one day, they spy the greatest treasure of all - an abandoned surfboard. When no one comes to claim it, they make it the star of their collection and name it Dave. But when Dave accidentally (on purpose?) gets cast back into the ocean, can Fergus find the courage to rescue him? Whimsically brought to life with Jennifer Sattler's bright, comedic style, here's a story about bravery and brotherhood that little kahunas (and their parents) are sure to love.

Saturday, July 21, 2012

Aladdin: Legacy of the Lost by Ian Edginton, illustrated by Patrick Reilly and Stjepan Sejic

From chapters.ca: After his descent into the perilous caverns for the sorcerer Qassim, the thieving rogue known as Aladdin has reappeared in the city of Shambhalla. He is no longer a pauper, but a rich and decadent prince, transformed by the power of the Djinn of the Lamp! However, when Qassim exposes Aladdin and kidnaps the lovely Princess Soraya, there's only one man Aladdin can turn to: Sinbad, the mariner of legend. With Sinbad's help, Aladdin must journey to the hidden depths of the city to parlay with the world's deadliest sovereign. She'll help the duo track Qassim... but for a price far beyond even Aladdin's imagination.

Today I Feel Silly and Other Moods that Make my Day by Jamie Lee Curtis, illustrated by Laura Cornell

From chapters.ca: Silly, cranky, excited, or sad - everyone has moods that can change each day. Jamie Lee Curtis's zany and touching verse, paired with Laura Cornell's whimsical and original illustrations, helps kids explore, identify, and, even have fun with their ever- changing moods. Here's another inspired picture book from the bestselling author- illustrator team of Tell Me Again About the Night I Was Born and When I Was Little: A Four-Year-Old's Memoir of Her Youth.

Friday, July 20, 2012

Nic Bishop Lizards

From chapters.ca: One hundred and fifty million years ago, dinosaurs were the biggest reptiles to walk on earth. But another amazing group of reptiles has been around just as long - and they're not extinct! Smaller than dinosaurs, and a bit less scary, lizards lead lives that are full of surprises. Join Sibert Honor author, photographer, and biologist Nic Bishop as he introduces young readers to the beauty and diversity of these amazing animals with breathtaking full- page images, including a double- gatefold spread. Nic's simple, engaging text presents both basic information and fun, quirky facts about lizards' appearance, habits, and life cycle, while his eye- catching photographs are sure to enchant readers of all ages. An index and glossary are included at the end of the book.

Thursday, July 19, 2012

Thunderboom! Poems for Everyone by Charlotte Pomerantz, illustrated by Rob Shepperson

From chapters.ca: Playful, humorous, and poignant poems from a well- loved and award- winning children's author and poet. The sound and rhythm of the words will draw listeners to this collection of 51 verses, and line- and- watercolor pictures reflect both rambunctious nonsense and the occasional quiet moments.

Hen Hears Gossip by Megan McDonald, illustrated by Joung Un Kim

From chapters.ca: Hen hears Pig whisper a secret to Cow ("Psst. Psst. Psst."), and in no time at all Hen tells Duck ("Psst. Psst. Psst.") who tells Goose ("Psst. Psst. Psst.") who tells Turkey ("Psst. Psst. Psst.") who tells Hen ("Psst. Psst. Psst.") something not so nice about Hen herself. "Whhaat?" Hen is outraged. She's got to figure out who's behind the rumor. But will she discover even more than she bargained for?

Wednesday, July 18, 2012

Yummy: Eight Favorite Fairy Tales by Lucy Cousins

From chapters.ca: Eight classic stories take on new energy as Lucy Cousins ramps up her artwork. In this bold, funny, and unflinching collection, the beloved author- illustrator retains all the emotion and humor of the original fairy tales: the heroes are courageous, the villains are horrible, and the children are tasty. With her sly, simple language and vibrant illustrations, even the scariest fiends become the stuff of shared hilarity and shivery thrills.

Tuesday, July 17, 2012

Zita the Spacegirl Book One: Far from Home by Ben Hatke

From chapters.ca: Zita's life took a cosmic left turn in the blink of an eye. When her best friend is abducted by an alien doomsday cult, Zita leaps to the rescue and finds herself a stranger on a strange planet. Humanoid chickens and neurotic robots are shocking enough as new experiences go, but Zita is even more surprised to find herself taking on the role of intergalactic hero. Before long, aliens in all shapes and sizes don't even phase her. Neither do ancient prophecies, doomed planets, or even a friendly con man who takes a mysterious interest in Zita's quest. Zita the Spacegirl is a fun, captivating tale of friendship and redemption from Flight veteran Ben Hatke. It also has more whimsical, eye- catching, Miyazaki- esque monsters than you can shake a stick at.

Monday, July 16, 2012

Loonies and Toonies: A Canadian Number Book by Mike Ulmer, illustrated by Melanie Rose

From chapters.ca: What do Shakespeare, salmon, sled dogs and the Queen of England have in common? They all play a part in Canadian life, and they are just a few of the topics covered in this book. Taking its name from the one- dollar and two- dollar coins in Canadian currency, Loonies and Toonies provides a well- rounded view of the country's past and present. This virtual tour briefs children on the metric system, as well as on Canada's ceremonial link to the British monarchy. En route, they'll be inspired by stories of Terry Fox's courageous run for cancer research and the undefeated record of the Bluenose sailing schooner. Before the trip ends, they'll also discover why its not a good idea to go over Niagara Falls in a barrel!

Sunday, July 15, 2012

Stompin' Tom Connor's Bud the Spud illustrated by Brenda Jones

From chapters.ca: Here is Stompin' Tom Connors's famous and irresistible song about potatoes, in a sturdy board book edition perfect for young readers. Travel with Bud as he steers his rig down the highway with a load of "the best doggone potatoes that's ever been growed." A Canadian classic by a legendary folk hero.

Saturday, July 14, 2012

The Adventurers’ Handbook: An Extreme, Extraordinary, and Exciting Journey Around the World by Anita Ganeri, illustrated by Dusan Pavlic

From chapters.ca:
Pack your knapsack and get ready, adventurers, we're going on a trip around the world! Make sure you have your compass and hiking boots and are prepared for the coolest and craziest adventures, but most importantly, don't forget to take your Adventurers' Handbook that will serve as a guide for any situation you might find yourself in. You'll learn to say hello in sixteen languages, how to beat jet lag, and properly use chopsticks. But most importantly, you'll get the directions to race a dog team across polar ice, survive barreling over Niagara Falls, and ride a camel across the Sahara Desert. Are you ready to see the world?

Friday, July 13, 2012

Ribbon Rescue by Robert Munsch, illustrated by Eugenie Fernandes

From chapters.ca: Everyone is late for the wedding and nothing is going right. But Jillian and her wonderful ribbon dress can fix almost anything - from the groom's shoelaces to the bride's unruly hair. But now Jillian's dress is a mess. Who is going to fix it for her?

Thursday, July 12, 2012

An Uncommon History of Common Things by Bethanne Patrick and John Thompson

From chapters.ca:
Sometime about 30,000 years ago, somebody stuck a sharp rock into a split stick — and presto! The axe was born. Our inquisitive species just loves tinkering, testing, and pushing the limits, and this delightfully different book is a freewheeling reference to hundreds of customs, notions, and inventions that reflect human ingenuity throughout history. From hand tools to holidays to weapons to washing machines, An Uncommon History of Common Things features hundreds of colourful illustrations, timelines, sidebars, and more as it explores just about every subject under the sun. Who knew that indoor plumbing has been around for 4,600 years, but punctuation, capital letters, and the handy spaces between written words only date back to the Dark Ages? Or that ancient soldiers baked a kind of pizza on their shields — when they weren't busy flying kites to frighten their foes?

Going, Going, Gone! With the Pain and the Great One by Judy Blume, illustrated by James Stevenson

From chapters.ca: The Pain and the Great One are going places! In these new stories the kids are on the go - the Pain needs a trip to the emergency room; the family goes to the mall and not everyone stays together; the kids visit a county fair and want to ride the Super Slide; and a beach outing includes a boogie board. Lots more action and adventure for the dynamic duo who never stay still.

Wednesday, July 11, 2012

The Sleeping Porch by Ian Wallace

From chapters.ca: On a hot, steamy summer night, young Brando and his parents move out onto the porch to sleep, hoping they might catch a hint of the breeze. They soon fall asleep, but around midnight Brando stirs. And in the flicker of a firefly, the cat from the nearby graveyard lands on his cot... and so begins an amazing adventure. Together, Brando and the Graveyard Cat soar over the city that is melting in the heat and leap into the night sky, as high as the rings of Saturn. They head north where the arctic seas are full of seals and whales and shimmering icebergs. They scale jagged cliffs and slide down whistling slopes. But when the iceberg they're riding on begins to melt and they both nearly fall into the frigid water, their cries fill the hot summer night. When Brando wakes up the next morning, it all seems to have been a dream... or was it?

Tuesday, July 10, 2012

Splish-Splash by Nicola Smee

From chapters.ca: Who wants a ride in my little boat? The whole lovable gang from Clip- Clop and Jingle- Jingle is back - and this time they're taking to the high seas. But the ocean's looking choppy, and the waves are getting bigger! Will the farmyard friends manage to stay dry… or will they tumble out of their little boat, SPLISH, SPLASH, SPLOSH, and take a wild watery ride?

Monday, July 09, 2012

Encyclopedia Brown Cracks the Case by Donald J Sobol, illustrated by James Bernardin

From chapters.ca: For the first time in twenty- five years, Encyclopedia Brown is back with ten new cases! Leroy Brown, aka Encyclopedia Brown, is Idaville's ten- year- old star detective. With an uncanny knack for trivia, he solves mysteries for the neighborhood kids. But his dad also happens to be the chief of the police department, and every night Encyclopedia helps him get to the bottom of his most baffling crimes. Join Encyclopedia Brown as he solves ten of his newest and most confounding mysteries, including a case of a missing butterfly brooch, some stolen Confederate stamps, a forgetful jewel thief, and more. With the clues given in each case, readers will have a chance to solve the mystery themselves! Interactive and chock- full of interesting bits of information - it's classic Encyclopedia Brown!

Sunday, July 08, 2012

Out on the Prairie: A Canadian Counting Book by Cora Taylor, illustrated by Pat Stephens

From chapters.ca: This enchanting adaptation of the traditional rhyme "Over in the Meadow" is set on the Canadian prairie. Antelope play, badgers bask in the sun, meadowlarks sing and deer mice make their nest of twine against a backdrop of the dramatic landscape of the prairie. Beautiful illustrations combine with flowing lyrics to inspire children to sing, read, or count their way across the Canadian landscape. This sweet, heartwarming book includes information about each animal plus music so families can sing the familiar tune. Perfect for sharing with young readers at story time or bedtime!

Saturday, July 07, 2012

Canada from Above: A Photo Journey by Heather Patterson

From chapters.ca: In this wonderful new book, Canada's most spectacular natural and man- made features are celebrated in 30 striking photographs, all shot from above. This unique perspective will surprise and educate young readers who have never seen Canada quite like this! These breathtaking images are in full- colour, and their subject matter includes an old- growth forest in B.C., the Manicouagan crater in Quebec, Fort Prince of Wales in Manitoba, the Horseshoe Falls in Ontario, a beluga migration in Nunavut - and many more! Every province and territory is represented, and each photo is enhanced by fascinating background information.

Friday, July 06, 2012

The Good Neighbors Book One: Kin by Holly Black and Ted Naifeh

From chapters.ca:
The bestselling author of The Spiderwick Chronicles and Tithe creates a faerie world that moves closer to our own. Rue Silver is about to discover that her life isn't at all what it appears to be. She returns home one day to find her mother missing - and her father blamed for her disappearance. Did he commit murder? Or is there another truth beneath it all?

Thursday, July 05, 2012

The Boss Baby by Marla Frazee

From chapters.ca:
From the moment the baby arrived, it was obvious that he was the boss...
The boss baby is used to getting his way - drinks made to order 24/7, his private jet plane, and meetings around the clock. But when his demands aren't getting proper responses, he has to go to new lengths to achieve the attention he deserves.
Two- time Caldecott Honor medalist Marla Frazee combines her signature wit and style with endearing illustrations in this clever take on one family's very unusual new arrival.

Wednesday, July 04, 2012

10 Little Penguins by Jean-luc Fromental, illustrated by Jolivet

From chapters.ca:
This inventive pop-up, featuring the mischievous stars of Jean-Luc Fromental and Joëlle Jolivet's 365 Penguins, starts with ten penguins on an icy shore. One by one, they playfully disappear from the scene as the text counts down from ten to zero. The flaps embedded in the book facilitate the story- readers can make the penguins disappear and reappear! It's a stylish, humorous take on a counting book with winter-friendly, penguin- filled pop- ups.

Mile-High Apple Pie by Laura Langston and Lindsey Gardiner

From chapters.ca: A wonderfully moving account of a girl's relationship with her grandmother. As time passes, this little girl grows up and her grandma grows older. Even if at times coming to terms with Grandma's not remembering is difficult, there are still some very special things Grandma does remember - like how to make mile- high apple pie. And when Grandma suddenly can't remember who Margaret is, Margaret reassures her: "I am Margaret. I am your remembering."

Tuesday, July 03, 2012

For the Win by Cory Doctorow

From chapters.ca:
At any hour of the day or night, millions of people around the globe are engrossed in multiplayer online games, questing and battling to win virtual "gold," jewels, and precious artifacts. Meanwhile, others seek to exploit this vast shadow economy, running electronic sweatshops in the world's poorest countries, where countless "gold farmers," bound to their work by abusive contracts and physical threats, harvest virtual treasure for their employers to sell to First World gamers who are willing to spend real money to skip straight to higher- level gameplay.

Mala is a brilliant 15-year-old from rural India whose leadership skills in virtual combat have earned her the title of "General Robotwalla." In Shenzen, heart of China's industrial boom, Matthew is defying his former bosses to build his own successful gold- farming team. Leonard, who calls himself Wei- Dong, lives in Southern California, but spends his nights fighting virtual battles alongside his buddies in Asia, a world away. All of these young people, and more, will become entangled with the mysterious young woman called Big Sister Nor, who will use her experience, her knowledge of history, and her connections with real- world organizers to build them into a movement that can challenge the status quo.

The ruthless forces arrayed against them are willing to use any means to protect their power- including blackmail, extortion, infiltration, violence, and even murder. To survive, Big Sister's people must out- think the system. This will lead them to devise a plan to crash the economy of every virtual world at once - a Ponzi scheme combined with a brilliant hack that ends up being the biggest, funnest game of all.

Imbued with the same lively, subversive spirit and thrilling storytelling that made Little Brother an international sensation, For the Win is a prophetic and inspiring call- to- arms for a new generation.

Monday, July 02, 2012

How Figure Skating Works by Keltie Thomas

From amazon.com:
One of the Olympic Games’ most popular winter sports, figure skating’s appeal lies in its combination of gymnastic grace, athletic accuracy, and creative expression — with a healthy dash of personal drama mixed in. A new entry in the How Sports Work series, How Figure Skating Works investigates the slippery science behind the sport. With the same grace and joy as skating itself, the book leaps into all aspects of the sport, from its history and dazzling moves to its most famous competitors. Readers learn how certain ice surfaces can improve a skater’s performance; how skates allow skaters to glide, twist, stop, and turn with breathtaking ease; skating’s most inventive (and strangest) moves; the stories behind the spectacular costumes; how skaters stave off dizzy spells during their stunning spins; and much, much more. Extras like pop- up factoids, tips for improving moves, a rules- and- regulations section, and a glossary with all the need-to-know terms make any reader a master of the sport.

Sunday, July 01, 2012

Once upon MacDonald’s Farm by Stephen Gammell

From chapters.ca:
MacDonald tries farming with exotic circus animals, but has better luck with his neighbor's cow, horse, and chicken - or does he?
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