This book is about polar bears and what their habitats are like. Also, it describes how scientists discover things about polar bears. There are several books in the Adventures of Riley series. If you like this one, read them all!

Reviewed by: St. Charles Reader

Date read: 11/28/2009

ISBN-10: 1600400043

ISBN-13: 9781600400049

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Poppy loves ballet more than anything. Her dearest wish is to take the exam to move to the next level with her best friend, Jasmine. On the day their teacher chooses the girls who will take the test, a new girl from Poppy's school shows up at class and distracts Poppy. Poppy is devastated when Miss Coralie passes her over for the exam. Can Poppy and Jasmine find a way to persuade Miss Coralie that Poppy deserves a chance to move to the next level? Will the new girl ruin everything?

Reviewed by: emc

Date read: 8/26/2010

ISBN-10: 0746060246

ISBN-13: 9780746060247

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When Omakayas, an Ojibwe girl, is twelve years old, her family is forced by white settlers to find a new home. Along the way, her brother has a run-in with a porcupine which he decides to keep as his medicine animal. For awhile the porcupine seems to bring them good luck, but then two of their men are kidnapped and later their supplies are stolen. Omakayas is also worried about Old Tallow, the woman who rescued Omakayas as a child and whom Omakayas loves like a mother. The journey is long and the winter is harsh but Omakayas' family finally reaches the lake where her extended family has settled. This beautiful story weaves in Ojibwe culture and family life. The sequel to The Birchbark House and The Game of Silence.

Reviewed by: hap

Date read: 3/24/2010

ISBN-10: 0060297883

ISBN-13: 9780060297886

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Twelve year old Daniel isn't happy when his parents suddenly move their family to the town of Noble Green to help care for his ailing Grandmother. Then, he meets an unusual group of friends who have special powers others only dream of. Flying, becoming invisible, super-human strength..and they use their talents only for good; to help others in need or rescue those in danger. The only drawback is they know they will not only lose their special gifts then they turn thirteen, but all of their memories associated with them. Although Daniel isn't equipped with super powers, he does have first rate dectective skills. But will these skills be powerful enough to solve the mystery and save his friends, and the town, in time?

Awards won: Rebecca Caudill Award

Reviewed by: ewl

Date read: 4/8/2011

ISBN-10: 9780375955952

ISBN-13: 9780375955952

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Commenter: Ellie, grade 5

Commenter: Jonathan, grade 2

Callie is an awkward, lonely, 15-year-old girl who has convinced her mother to send her on a class trip to England. This would be her opportunity to make friends with the popular girls. Instead, she is left behind all alone at the hotel. Unwisely, she sets off to buy a great pair of expensive shoes with her mother's credit card. On her way home, she trips and wakes up to find herself in the middle of the woods back in time to 1815. She finds friendship and romance in a time that she doesn't belong in. Can she find her way back and does she want to?

Reviewed by: rn

Date read: 9/29/2010

ISBN-10: 1595142606

ISBN-13: 9781595142603

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