Twelve Books Done: The PS Brothers by Maribeth Boelts

The twelfth Iowa Children's Choice Award nominee I chose to read was The PS Brothers by Maribeth Boelts.

Genre: Realistic Fiction
Description: Friends Russell and Shawn really want a dog.  They decide to go into business pooping scoop to earn the money for a dog. Their plan takes an unexpected turn and they have to make a choice.  Read to find out if they make the right choice.  

Eleven Books Done: Pie by Sarah Weeks

The eleventh Iowa Children's Choice Award nominee that I chose to read was Pie by Sarah Weeks. If you enjoy Pie and are interested in learning more  about the author or her books make sure you visit Sarah Week's website.  She provides a lot of cool information there.

Genre: Realistic Fiction
Description: Alice loves spending time with her Aunt Polly in her pie shop.  When Aunt Polly passes away Alice's world is turned upside down!  To make matters a bit worse Aunt Polly leaves her famous pie crust recipe to her cat, Lardo! Or does she?

Ten Books Done: The Underdogs by Mike Lupica

The tenth Iowa Children's Choice Award nominee I chose to read was The Underdogs by Mike Lupica.

Genre: Realistic Fiction
Description: Forbes, a drying up small town, has decided to cancel the little league football season to save money. Will, a boy with a passion and talent for football, works to save his season.  Read to find out how it all turns out.  

Sports fans and non-sports fans will enjoy this story!

Nine Books Done: Eight Keys by Suzanne LaFleur

The ninth Iowa Children's Choice Award nominee that I chose to read was Eight Keys by Suzanne LaFleur. Take a minute and check the author's website for some cool insight into her writing process!

Genre: Realistic Fiction
Description: A story about struggling with growing up, friends, bullies, and school.  This story is told from the point of view of a 12 year old girl who is being raised by her aunt and uncle. Through her struggles Elise finds herself! Read to find out if she likes what she finds!

Eight Books Done: The Year of the Book by Andrea Cheng

The eighth Iowa Children's Choice Award nominee that I chose to read was The Year of the Book by Andrea Cheng. Take time to checkout the illustrator, Abigail Halpin's website, also.  

Genre: Realistic Fiction
Description: Anna, an American born Chinese girl, struggles to fit at school and retain her Chinese heritage.  She learns that life and friendship are complicated.  Read to see how Anna deals with it all.

Seven Books Done: Inside Out and Back Again by Thanhha Lai

The seventh Iowa Children's Choice Award nominee that I chose to read was Inside Out & Back Again by Thanhha Lai.

Genre: Realistic Fiction
Description: A story about a fourth grade girl who is forced to leave her home in Saigon when the Vietnam war arrives there. Her and her family relocate to Alabama and begin to adapt to a very different way of life. 

Great look and a different way of life and a reminder that different isn't bad!

Check it Out!

Check out the free summer reading resources at Scholastic.

Six Books Done: Little Dog, Lost by Marion Dane Bauer

The sixth Iowa Children's Choice Award nominee I chose to read was Little Dog, Lost by Marion Dane Bauer.  

Genre: Realistic Fiction
Description: In this book a little boy has to give up his dog, a little boy desperately wants a dog, and a little dog desperately needs a little boy.  Read on to see how the story unfolds.