by Mike Costanzo | Jul 27, 2009 | Mystery
Do you like beetles? Imagine a beetle, Marvin, who can draw as well as one of the old Masters, Albrecht Durer. Now imagine a boy, James, who makes friends with Marvin, and finds himself caught in a plan to trap an art thief. The thief, however, isn’t who they...
by Mike Costanzo | Jul 27, 2009 | Realistic/Contemporary Fiction
Oh wow! How do you say, ‘What a great book about depression!’? As the author says in her notes, depression is about shame and isolation. This book is about Dora, a teenager who suffers from depression and is hospitalized for it. It is also about...
by Mike Costanzo | Jul 27, 2009 | Fiction
Twelve-year-old Willow has a hard time fitting in at school. She’s happiest when she’s with her dog, Roxy. She’s also growing up, and the day comes when she wants to be able to drive the dog-sled on her own to her grandparents. Permission is granted,...
by Mike Costanzo | Jul 27, 2009 | Fiction
Martine is gifted with the ability to heal animals. She has a white giraffe at home named Jemmy, and she is known throughout Africa as the girl who rides the white giraffe. This time, however, she is on board ship away from Jemmy and fearful of drowning. It’s a...
by Mike Costanzo | Jul 27, 2009 | Humor
Need a good laugh? Anyone, who has ever put birdseed out in a birdfeeder only to see an army of squirrels descend and eat it all, will relate perfectly to the plight of old man Fookwire. Old Man Fookwire hates puppies and pie. He’s a real grump, but he loves to...
by Mike Costanzo | Jul 27, 2009 | Picture Book
A crew of playful cats has gathered in this book and are ready to play with YOU. You can toss them a ball of yarn or have a pillow fight. You can save them from a tidal wave! It’s a wonderfully interactive book for a young listener.
by Mike Costanzo | Jul 27, 2009 | Historical Fiction
It’s 1963 in Kuckachoo, Mississippi, and Addie Mae Pickett is about to start junior high school. She’s also about to enter into the heart of the Civil Rights movement in the deep South. Addie is going to watch as her brother has to go into hiding to avoid...
by Mike Costanzo | Jul 27, 2009 | Humor
This is the funniest book I’ve read in a long time. Eighth-grader Toby Harbinger needs money desperately. He has sold his parents’ authentic Star Wars blaster on Ebay, and now the buyer wants his money back. Toby’s plan is to win the $5,000 prize at...
by Mike Costanzo | Jul 27, 2009 | Picture Book
If I say ‘dyslexic,’ do you immediately think of a Nobel Prize winner? Well, maybe you should. Eight-year-old Katie is about to find out that her brilliant, lawyer father can’t spell. In fact he’s a lot like that boy in her class, Mark Twingle,...
by Mike Costanzo | Jul 27, 2009 | Realistic/Contemporary Fiction
The nightmare comes back to Dessa Dean over and over again even in the daytime. She’s out in the snow with Mama, and it just gets colder and colder. Mama’s insulin is low, and she doesn’t have the energy to go on. There is snow all around. Dessa Dean...
