Scarlett's in trouble at school, AGAIN. Since her parents' divorce 2 years ago, Scarlett Flynn has been expelled from 5 different schools. With black fingernails and dyed ketchup-red hair, Scarlett certainly is not your average 12 year old Londoner. So after Scarlett gets expelled once again for causing a food fight in the cafeteria, her mother decides to send her off to her father's cottage in Ireland. Realizing that she will have to learn Gaelic in a one-room schoolhouse and enduring a new stepmom and younger stepsister is JUST TOO MUCH. So Scarlett climbs out the window and tries to 'walk' back to London. After walking until twilight, she comes across a lough where she meets Kian and his horse, Midnight. Kian alone allows Scarlett to be herself and Scarlett finally finds someone that will accept her for who she is. Can Kian teach Scarlett to let go of the anger she harbors within herself because of her parents' divorce and become the loving child she used to be or will Scarlett continue to put a wall against everyone that she cares for?

Awards nominated: Rebecca Caudill Award 2011

Reviewed by: bklyczek

Date read: 5/4/2010

ISBN-10: 0670060682

ISBN-13: 9780670060689

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Commenter: Hap, grade 8

Nick Waters was not looking forward to his 3rd period Biology class. His teacher, Miss Bunny Starch, the most feared teacher in the school, had a habit of belittling students and calling on those who were most likely not ready to answer her questions. On top of that, his father, who was fighting in Iraq, hadn't been heard from in days. One thing he was looking forward to was the class field trip to Black Vine Swamp, where Nick hoped to spot the endangered Florida panther. The field trip was interrupted by a fire and the classmates hurriedly made their way to the bus, when one classmate realized that she had dropped her inhaler. The last thing Nick saw, as the bus pulled away, was Miss Bunny Starch bravely walking back to find the inhaler. The next morning, Miss Starch had still not returned and one of his classmates, 'Smoke,' was accused of setting the fire. Nick did not believe that Smoke was responsible and set about looking for clues. That was when he found himself dragged into the battle between a maverick ecologist and a big oil company.

Similar authors: Dave Barry

Similar books: Hoot by Carl Hiaasen and Flush by Carl Hiaasen

Awards nominated: Rebecca Caudill Award 2011

Reviewed by: vverscaj

Date read: 6/21/2010

ISBN-10: 0375834869

ISBN-13: 9780375834868

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A small cat is lost. Everywhere, everyone says, 'Scat, Cat!' The cat has no place to go. Will the small cat ever find home? Follow the small cat on this journey to find a place to be welcomed. (Reading Level: 2.6)

Reviewed by: emc

Date read: 5/13/2011

ISBN-10: 0061177547

ISBN-13: 9780061177545

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Six-year-old Beansie is quite capable of doing chores at his home in the 1828 Indiana wilderness. Even though he is small for his age, and the youngest of his family, he tends the family cow, and helps his father in clearing a path through the woods. When his father announces that he will be attending school with his older sister, Louisa, Beansie can't believe his ears - who needs school when he is already learning all he needs to know from his Pap? Besides, Louisa's stories about the mean things other children at school sometimes do make him feel even less like going. The first day of school dawns snowy and cold, and Beansie is sure that all his feelings are justified. Will he ever survive schooling? Something happens on the way home from school that makes Beansie feel differently about himself, school, and even the other students. This is an easy chapter book, with 80 pages, and a lovely, full-page illustration in each chapter.

Reviewed by: sc

Date read: 5/18/2009

ISBN-10: 082341812X

ISBN-13: 9780823418121

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It's hard enough for Kat to fit in at school with a mother who speaks to ghosts for a living. Then Kat turns thirteen and starts seeing ghosts herself, including a spirit in the school library who seems to want her help. Can Kat find a way to adjust to her new ability and make friends at the same time? This light, humorous, and slightly scary read is the first in the Suddenly Supernatural series about Kat, her unusual talent, and her friendships.

Reviewed by: emc

Date read: 12/30/2010

ISBN-10: 0316066834

ISBN-13: 9780316066839

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