January LitWits

December LitWits Book Club!

A Patron Saint for Junior Bridesmaids by Shelley Tougas

A review from Kirkus

Author's Blog

A devoutly Catholic midwestern girl grapples with questions of religious faith and friendship in this humorous wedding story. 

Sting by Jude Watson

Ocean's 11 meets 

middle school homeroom

by the author of

the 39 Clues series

Click HERE for the author's website

Book summary from Scholastic.com:

"Never do a favor for a friend. Twelve-year-old March McQuin forgot rule number one for cat burglars, which is how he and his twin sister, Jules, found themselves dangling upside down twenty feet above a stone floor at three in the morning. Their target was a set of stunning diamonds and it should have been an easy job, in and out. Except another thief got there first. March and Jules were lucky to escape with their lives, and one measly stone. Now the botched heist has created a world of trouble. The stone they grabbed was the Morning Star, one of a trio of famous sapphires, and it's cursed. The theft put the twins and their friends in the crosshairs of Interpol, the FBI, and a vicious adult gang of international criminals. And worst of all, the only way to break the curse and set everything to rights is by somehow managing to steal the other two sapphires in the set. Break out the black gloves. Lay out the masks. There's a full moon coming, and jewels to steal..."

Bean Stalker and Other Hilarious Scary Tales by Kiersten White

Funny and creepy twists on traditional fairy tales.

Read a review here.

The author's super funny blog.

Babe Conquers the World By Rich Wallace and Sandra Neil Wallace

Babe Zaharias is considered to be one of the greatest female athletes of all time. This biography documents the adversity she faced and her fierce competitive spirit.

Here We Are: Feminism for the Real World

Feminists are simply people who feel all humans should be treated equally.  This series of essays, cartoons, and excerpts is a guidebook for young people who are curious about the label "feminist". 

Strikeout of the Bleacher Weenies & other warped and creepy tales

Awesomely funny and just-the-right-amount of scary short stories.

Grayling's Song by Karen Cushman

Enter a fanciful world of magic, wise women, enchanters, sorcerers, and forest fortune tellers. Someone or something has turned Grayling's mother into a tree.  Now it is up to her to battle this evil force.

One Half from the East by Nadia Hashimi

A story of modern-day Afghanistan, a 

young girl learns to cope with the 

oppression of the Taliban.

Graphic Novel Series: Three Theives

This series by Scott Chantler is set in the times of castles, knights, and sneaky pockets. Follow the protagonist, Dessa as she searches for her brother making her way by stealing.

Book 1 Tower of Treasure
Book 2 The Sign of the Black Rock
Book 3  The Captive Prince
Book 4 The King's Dragon
Book 5 Pirates of the Silver Coast
Book 6 The Dark Island
Book 7 (NEW! and final) The Iron Hand

Oldies but Goodies

Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson &

                                     The Twits by Roald Dahl

How to Steal a Car by Pete Hautman

It's really quite easy to steal a car. But what would make a girl want to do it?

Slog's Dad by David Almond

When you Reach Me by Rebecca Stead

What if you started receiving notes in the mail...notes that predicted the future, that helped you to prevent accidents?  What would you do?

The Name of this Book is Secret by Pseudonymous Bosch

DO NOT READ PAST THIS PERIOD.




GOOD. NOW i KNOW i CAN TRUST YOU.  

Yet, this book is a secret, and a little magical, so, I can't tell you about it. You'll just have to read it.

The Coretta Scott King Book Awards

"The Coretta Scott King Book Awards are given annually to outstanding African American authors and illustrators of books for children and young adults that demonstrate an appreciation of African American culture and universal human values.  The award commemorates the life and work of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and honors his wife, Mrs. Coretta Scott King, for her courage and determination to continue the work for peace and world brotherhood."  American Library Association website.  

We are the Ship: The Story of Negro League Baseball, Words and Paintings by Kadir Nelson

Using an "Every Man" player as his narrator, Kadir Nelson tells the story of Negro League baseball from its beginnings in the 1920's to its decline after Jackie Robinson crossed over to the majors in 1947.

Her Stories: African American Folktales, Fairy Tales, and True Tales told by Virginia Hamilton

This collection of nineteen short stories gives a wide variety of folktales, fairy tales, and true stories of African American heritage. The illustrations and the range of stories is enchanting. 

Elijah of Buxton by Christopher Paul Curtis

Elijah is the first child born in a settlement of runaway slaves in Buxton, Canada.  However, circumstances force him on an adventure back to the United States where he witnesses first hand what his parents risked their lives to flee. 

Shooting Star by Fredrick McKissack Jr.

How far with Jomo Rodgers go to realize his football dreams? If only he were bigger.

Mare's War by Tanita Davis

 On a road trip with their grandmother, two girls learn about her service during WWII in the Women's Army Corp.