SASQUATCH 2012

NOMINEES

By Vida Zuljevic, Ed.D.Teacher-Librarian

Robinson Elementary School

Pasco, WA

TANGO: THE TALE OF AN ISLAND DOG BY EILEEN BEHA Tango lives the good life—a silver charm for his dog collar, a luxurious doggy bed, even tailor-made booties for walks in Central Park. Then, when his owners sail into stormy waters, the little Yorkie goes overboard! Washing up on an island far from home, Tango learns that sometimes it takes getting lost to find what matters most. This wonderfully fresh novel is perfect for fans of E. B. White and other classic animal stories.From www.shelfari.com

NERDS: NATIONAL ESPIONAGE,

RESCUE, AND DEFENSE SOCIETYBY MICHAEL BUCKLEY AND JOHNNY HELLER   Combining all the excitement of international espionage and all the awkwardness of elementary school, NERDS , featuring a group of unpopular students who run a spy network from inside their school, hits the mark. With the help of cutting-edge science, their nerdy qualities are enhanced and transformed into incredible abilities! They battle the Hyena, a former junior beauty pageant contestant turned assassin, and an array of James Bond–style villains, each with an evil plan more diabolical and more ridiculous than the last.From www.shelfari.com

ALLIE FINKLE'S RULES FOR GIRLS #1:MOVING DAY

BY MEG CABOTWhen nine-year-old Allie Finkle's parents announce that they are moving her and her brothers from their suburban split-level into an ancient Victorian in town, Allie's sure her life is over. She's not at all happy about having to give up her pretty pink wall-to-wall carpeting for creaky floorboards and creepy secret passageways-not to mention leaving her modern, state-of-the-art suburban school for a rundown, old-fashioned school just two blocks from her new house. With a room she's half-scared to go into, the burden of being "the new girl," and her old friends all a half-hour car ride away, how will Allie ever learn to fit in?From www.shelfari.com

LOST AND FOUND

BY ANDREW CLEMENT The Grayson twins are moving to a new town. Again. Although it's a drag to be constantly mistaken for each other, in truth, during those first days at a new school, there's nothing better than having a twin brother there with you. But on day one of sixth grade, Ray stays home sick, and Jay is on his own. No big deal. It's a pretty nice school, good kids, too. But Jay quickly discovers a major mistake: No one seems to know a thing about his brother. Ray's not on the attendance lists, doesn't have a locker, doesn't even have a student folder. Jay almost tells the school -- almost -- but then decides that this lost information could be very...useful. And fun. As Ray and Jay exploit a clerical oversight, they each find new views on friendship, honesty, what it means to be a twin -- and what it means to be yourself. Entertaining, thought-provoking, and true-to-life, this clever novel is classic Andrew Clements times two: twins!From www.shelfari.com

THE GOLLYWHOPP

ER GAMES BY JODY FELDMAN

Ladies and gentlemen! Boys and girls! Welcome to the biggest, bravest, boldest competition the world has ever seen! The Gollywhopper Games! Are you ready? Gil Goodson sure hopes he's ready. His future happiness depends on winning the Golly Toy & Game Company's ultimate competition. If Gil wins, his dad has promised the family can move out of Orchard Heights—away from all the gossip, the false friends, and bad press that have plagued the Goodsons ever since The Incident. Gil's been studying for months. He thinks he knows everything about Golly's history and merchandise. But does he know enough to answer the trivia? Solve the puzzles? Complete the stunts? Will it be more than all the other kids know? Gil's formidable opponents have their own special talents. He must be quicker and smarter than all of them. The ride of Gil's life is about to begin. Win! win! Win!From www.shelfari.com

DYING TO MEET YOU BY KATE KLISE

Ignatius B. Grumply moves into the Victorian mansion at 43 Old Cemetery Road hoping to find some peace and quiet so he can crack a wicked case of writer's block. But 43 Old Cemetery Road is already occupied by eleven-year-old Seymour, his cat Shadow, and an irritable ghost named Olive. It's hard to say who is more outraged. But a grumpy old ghost just might inspire this grumpy old man--and the abandoned kid? Well, let's just say his last name's Hope. Sisters Kate and M. Sarah Klise, the creators of the award-winning Regarding the . . . series, offer up this debut volume in a clever new series told in letters, drawings, newspaper articles, a work-in-progress manuscript, and even an occasional tombstone engraving.From www.shelfari.com

THE FLIGHT OF THE PHOENIX

BY R. L. LA FEVERSNathaniel Fludd’s life has taken a turn for the worst. With his parents lost at sea, he lands on the doorstep of a distant cousinthe world’s last remaining �beastologist. Soon Nate is whisked off on his first expedition, to Arabia, where the world’s only phoenix prepares to lay its new egg. When disaster strikes, Nate quickly finds himself all alone.        Will he be able to see the phoenix safely hatched, keep his accidental pet gremlin out of trouble, and rescue his guardian from the Bedouin? If he fails, nothing will stand between the world’s mythical creatures and extinction. Too bad Nate’s not the sort of boy who enjoys adventure . . .yet.From www.shelfari.com

ALVIN HO ALLERGIC TO

GIRLS, SCHOOL, AND OTHER SCARY

THINGS BY LENORE LOOK

ALVIN HO IS an Asian American second grader who is afraid of everything —elevators, tunnels, girls, and, most of all, school. He’s so afraid of school that, while he’s there, he never, ever, says a word. But at home he’s a very loud superhero named Firecracker Man, a brother to Calvin and Anibelly, and a gentleman-in-training, so he can be just like his dad. From the author of the ALA Notable Ruby Lu series comes a funny and touching chapter book—perfect for both beginning and reluctant readers— that introduces a truly unforgettable character.From www.shelfari.com

LONG SHOT BY MIKE LUPICA

Pedro Morales has always been content helping others look great. The epitome of a point guard, he plays the game to set up his teammates—Ned, in particular, the star forward on the receiving end of Pedro’s pinpoint passes. Pedro wants to make his father proud, and so he runs for class president. Yet doing so means going one-on-one against Ned, easily the most popular boy in school. And Pedro learns the hard way that being a good teammate doesn’t mean that others will return the favor. Now Pedro wants to win more than ever—but this time, it’s for himself.From www.shelfari.com

11 BIRTHDAYS BY WENDY MASS

Amanda and Leo were born on the same day. After a coincidence where they celebrated their first birthdays together, they were inseparable. Then on their 10th birthday, Amanda overheard Leo saying that he really didn't like her. Now, on their 11th birthday, Leo and Amanda's parties are on the same day. No one comes to Amanda's, instead opting for Leo's blowout bash. When Amanda wakes up the next day, she relives yesterday over again. Is this a trick? Or is Amanda really going to relive her birthday 11 times?From www.shelfari.com

WILD RIVER BY P.J.PETERSEN

It’s Ryan versus the river in a race against time to save his brother’s life. When twelve-year-old Ryan reluctantly agrees to join his experienced older brother Tanner on a camping trip, he could never have dreamed this would turn into the most frightening day of his life. Ryan’s no good at sports or outdoor stuff. He’d rather be home playing video games. But Tanner says it’s an easy trip. They’ll kayak down the Boulder River, catch fish, and roast marshmallows. But the river is higher than usual, and the kayaking is scary. Tanner isn’t worried. But soon after, he’s badly hurt in a kayaking accident, leaving Ryan alone and afraid he can’t save his brother’s life. He’s only faced danger in video games. What good are games now when Ryan faces a real-life battle? From the Hardcover edition.From www.shelfari.com

DRAGONBREATH

BY URSULA VERNON

It’s not easy for Danny Dragonbreath to be the sole mythical creature in a school for reptiles and amphibians—especially because he can’t breathe fire like other dragons (as the school bully loves to remind him). But having a unique family comes in handy sometimes, like when his sea-serpent cousin takes Danny and his best iguana friend on a mindboggling underwater tour, complete with vomiting sea cucumbers and giant squid. It sure beats reading the encyclopedia to research his ocean report . . . Using a hybrid of comic-book panels and text, Ursula Vernon introduces an irresistible set of characters with a penchant for getting themselves into sticky situations. It’s perfect for both the classroom and the Wimpy Kid set.From www.shelfari.com

HAPPY READING!