The Eyeball Collector by F.E. Higgins January 22, 2011

Have never been a mystery reader but I could NOT put this one down! Truly found it more of a suspense novel then mystery but still, I just had to know how it was going to all come together before I could go to bed. After this one, will be backtracking my way through other of Higgin’s books. I enjoyed the way the plot played out — kept me guessing the whole time!

My favorite elements were: Characters, Plot, Conflict, Resolution

I’d recommend this for grades 5-8.

Overall: I loved it!

– Kathie, McArthur Library Children’s Room

When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead

Miranda is helping her mom prepare for her appearance on the $20,000 Pyramid game show. When mysterious things start happening, notes start appearing, and her best friend distances himself from her, she starts to wonder if her life will ever be normal again. Who is sending her these notes? It’s set in the 1970s in New York City.

I really liked that the plot was confusing, but everything comes together at the end. It takes a very clever author to be so organized and keep everything in their head as they create the story.

It took awhile to get totally engaged in the mystery of it, but after the first couple of chapters, I was totally hooked. This one is in the top three books on my list for this year’s MSBA winner.

My favorite elements were: Characters, Plot, Conflict, Resolution, Engaging Voice, Original Ideas and the Connection to a Wrinkle In Time

I’d recommend this for grades 5-8.

Overall: I loved it!

– Corinne, grade 6

Dying to Meet You by Kate Klise

IB Grumply is overdue on a deadline for the latest book in his series. In order to get some writing done, he decides to move into a rickety old house that is already inhabited by a mischievous boy, his cat, and…possibly…a ghost named Olive.

The puns that fill the book are very cool, and not cheesy at all! I liked the format because it was not just plain text, the puns in names and items and the message about what makes up a family. However, the ‘detective’ guy was not really needed to make the story work.

My favorite elements were: Characters, Plot, Conflict, Resolution, Literary Devices, and the format (articles, letters, etc.). I’d recommend it for readers in 4th – 6th grade.

Overall: I loved it!

– Corinne, grade 6