Books With Alternating Narrators

You need to hear both sides of the story.  Here are a few books that are told from different points of view.

The Homework Machine by Dan Gutman
Four unlikely friends get involved in a crazy scheme to get out of doing their homework.  The chapters rotate between each of the four fifth-graders telling their part in the crime as it's told to the police during their interviews.  The machine was Brenton's idea, and at the first the others were skeptical.  Judy, Kelsey and Sam think Brenton and his homework machine are weird, but once they see it in action, they're all true believers.  Everything is going great: the machine does their homework, they get As, and they have extra time for fun!  Until it goes too far, of course. This is a moving plot and a great choice for reluctant readers and kids who would do anything to get out of doing their homework.  Recommended for grades 4-6.





Because of Mr. Terupt by Rob Buyea
First year teacher, Mr. Terupt, brings some interesting new techniques to his fifth grade class. This book tells the story of seven students and their experiences.  The students aren't really friends, but because of interactions in and out of the classroom, they become close.  In the end, a tragic event helps all of them learn a valuable lesson.  Recommended for grades 4-6.







Wonder by R.J. Polacio
Auggie Pullman has never been to school before.  He's been home schooled because he's had
numerous surgeries and medical problems from his facial abnormalities.  But in fifth grade, his parents have decided it will be good for him to be around kids his own age.  The chapters are short and each narrator is a realistic, believable character.  The reader enjoys the perspective of Auggie, his sister, Via, his friends, his classmates, his parents, and Via's friends.  This is also an excellent audio book with three readers playing multiple parts in the story.  Recommended for grades 4-7.



Flipped by Wendelin Van Draanen
Juli and Bryce have been neighbors for years.  But now, in eighth grade, Juli is starting to see that handsome and popular Bryce isn't as great as he seems.  At the same time, Bryce realizes that eccentric earth-loving Juli is much more amazing than he ever expected.   The story "flips" back and forth between the two of them,  It's an adorable story of first love and seeing that there's always more to a person than what you see on the outside.  This book was adapted into a major motion picture, and it is fantastic.  Great for a family movie night.  Recommended for grades 6 and up.



--Angie RH, Headquarters

Book Trailer: "Sam and Dave Dig a Hole" by Mac Barnett and Jon Klassen

I have great news for everyone! Mac Barnett (of "Count the Monkeys") and Jon Klassen ("I Want My Hat Back") have teamed together for another fantastic picture book, "Sam and Dave Dig a Hole." It's a guaranteed delight to read. Watch the trailer and reserve your copy here.

--Andrea W., Headquarters

Early Literacy Calendars Available

St. Louis County Library is all about early literacy for our youngsters! We provide lots of tips during our lap times and story times but there is a lot that you can do at home. To help with that, we have created a monthly calendar with ideas of what you can do at home to encourage learning. 

You can pick up a copy at a branch story time or you can download it at your home. Check back each month for new fun!

--Desiree S., Headquarters

Kids Music Friday: "I'm a Little Fish" by Laura Doherty

Need a little swim to brighten your day? Strap on some fins and join these adorable sea creatures as Laura Doherty sings "I'm a Little Fish." Keep your eyes open for the banjo-playing octopus!

--Andrea W., Headquarters

Dewey Discoveries: "Mission: Wolf Rescue" by Kitson Jzynka with Daniel Raven-Ellison

Wolves are beautiful animals with a complex social structure that scientists have been studying for years. "Mission: Wolf Rescue" by Kitson Jazynka is packed full of facts about wolves, ideas for getting involved in conservation, and the gorgeous photographs that National Geographic is famous for. Check it out for the young scientist in your house by clicking on the link above.

Dewey Number: 599.773

--Andrea W., Headquarters

Staff Review: "Bluebird" by Lindsey Yankey

In the face of beauty, sometimes words aren't enough. I know that's a bit ironic of me to say, since I have to use my words to tell you about "Bluebird" by Lindsey Yankey, a picture book so lovely that words fail me. Which means you'll just have to check it out and experience it for yourself!

The plot centers around a little painted bluebird who wants to fly, but can't find his friend, the wind, to help him out. So he hunts and hunts for his friend in its favorite haunts, but all for naught. In the end, the bluebird discovers that his friend has been waiting for him to learn to fly on his own. It's a nice little story, but the mixed media illustrations of a quaint European town and people going about their daily lives in rich detail steal the show. Ms. Yankey did such a smashing job that I'd like to crawl inside her book and stay for a day or two. This story is wonderful for anyone age three and up, and you can reserve a copy by clicking on the link above.

--Andrea W., Headquarters

American Girl Beforever Series

American Girl's newest series makes YOU the main character!  Imagine if you could go back in time Julie.  Or you were transported back to the Great Depression with the young journalist, Kit.  The Beforever books are a choose your own adventure story with the historic girls at a faster pace than the other titles.  You decide if you give Samantha a bike riding lesson or give her a friendship bracelet.  It's similar to the Innerstar University books, but it isn't set in present-day.  Don't worry about making choices because you can go back and reread them and choose differently again and again!
to 1970s San Francisco with big dreamer
This week on Project Runway, on Lifetime, there will be a special American Girl challenge featuring the fresh, new Beforever dolls.  You can tune in to see what the professionals think these girls should be wearing.  Maybe it will even inspire you to design your own clothes like the 2014 Girl of the Year, Isabelle.

If you like American Girl books, you might also like these:

--Angie RH, Headquarters