Eragon by Christopher Paolini

Great story and adventure.  It's a great fantasy choice if you want something more adult than Harry Potter.  --Michael

August 4, 2008 

Jumper by Steven Gould 

Davy Rice can teleport. Regardless of distance, he can be anywhere he wants so long as it's someplace familiar to him. He uses this ability to escape his abusive father and other dangers. He struggles to maintain a low profile and maintain some sense of morality while using his strange ability to his advantage.

This is one of my favorite sci-fi books; one of the few hits I've made in my search for superhero books where the characters aren't super or even really heroes. It's simple in that it doesn't blow you away with science and physics and so forth, and keeps the characters real. I found Davy to be realistic and sympathetic. Gould seems to know every little intimate detail, and it aids in suspending disbelief. The situations seem almost natural despite the subject matter.

I haven't seen the movie, and I doubt they're much alike. If you're looking for something closer to the film you might try Jumper: Griffin's Story first (I haven't finished it yet).  --Alyssa

 Emeril's There's a chef in my soup:  recipes for the kid in everyone by Emeril Lagasse

These "recipes for the kid in everyone" are great!  While broken down into basic steps for beginning cooks, these are not "how to make a peanut butter sandwich" recipes.  The book illustrations are bright and cheery, and each entry has an introduction in which Emeril talks to the young reader, not down to them.  In his book introduction, he shares his fond kitchen memories with his mother, and it made me realize it's time I stop sending the kids out to play while I make dinner and instead involve them, teach them, spend time with them, and create a whole new style of memories for them.  While this book is geared for young cooks and their adult counterparts (heating and cutting are marked for adult help in each recipe), I'm learning a lot since I've never been much of a chef.  So I could see giving this book to a student headed for college or other beginning cook--regardless of their age.  One of the best parts is when Emeril lists the basics of cooking, my favorite being "Be Clean!"  Meals are more enjoyable when we clean as we go, as he suggests, rather than wait until after dinner and head into a mountain of dirty dishes and counters.  Great book!  --Julie 

 Officer Buckle and Gloria by Peggy Kathmann

The children at Napville Elementary School always ignore Officer Buckle's safety tips, until a police dog named Gloria accompanies him when he gives his safety speeches.  Very cute.  You never know where your true friends will come from.  --Gretchen

April 28, 2008