Sunday, February 21, 2016

Homer Price, by Robert McCloskey


Homer Price is a mild-mannered boy who lives in the sleepy town of Centerburg.  Somehow, he continues to get himself involved in the most outrageous incidents, like the time when a donut-making machine ran out of control.  Even worse was the time when Homer came face-to-face with his comic book hero, the Super-Duper, and he realizes that….well, I’ll let you read this one for yourself!


Homer Price was written in 1943 so the environment might seem a little dated, although the characters are genuine and will still resonate today.  Boys will be boys, no matter the century.  Homer Price is a hilarious book for middle-grade readers, one that I’d even be willing to recommend to a girl!  

Sunday, February 7, 2016

Ricky Ricotta's Mighty Robot, by Dav Pilkey


This is the story of Ricky Ricotta, a lonely little mouse who befriends a mysterious giant robot.   The robot helps Ricky with his homework, stands up to the school bullies, and even saves the world by battling the evil Doctor Stinky McNasty!  Using an amazing graphic novel format, even the most reluctant reader will find himself whizzing through the chapters.

 Some of you might already be familiar with Mr. Pilkey’s work from his epic series, Captain Underpants.  The Ricky Ricotta series features his same brand of unique humor, although slightly turned down for younger readers.  First- and second-grade boys would probably love the juxtaposition of a tiny mouse teamed with a giant robot….at least, I sure did!