Here's an old favorite - ready for new readers.

Snow Bear by Jean Craighead George. Illustrated by Wendell Minor. New York: Hyperion Books for children, 1999.  28p.  ISBN 0-7868-0456-4 hc. $15.99  Gr. K-2  E PIC

This story can almost be considered an Arctic version of "Blueberries for Sal."  It takes place on the shores of the Arctic Ocean when Bessie Nivyek decides to explore a huge chunk of ice that looks like a ship.  Bessie meets a baby polar bear cub and the two have a time of carefree play together, while being anxiously watched by both Bessie's brother and the mother polar bear.  The arrival of an enormous male polar bear changes the circumstances, but all ends well.  The illustrations are wintery, yet brilliantly colorful.  As an imaginative story, this is amusing and entertaining but, as a story view into another culture, it is misleading.  It would be an excellent public library book, but a judgment call for a school library.
Kay T. Elzinga, Superiorland Library Cooperative Board Member

BEDTIME MONSTERS by Josh Schneider. New York: Clarion Books, 2013. 32p. ISBN 978-0-544-002708 hb. $16.99    Gr. PreK - 3   E PIC

I knew I was going to enjoy BEDTIME MONSTERS from the first page where Arnold is pictured destroying New York. The illustrations of the animals running out of the cookie box leads children to imagination and creativity. When each monster shows up scared and climing into bed with Arnold, you can't wait for the next one to appear. Of course, the ending is also very unique with the monsters being scared off by "Arnolds."  Arnold falls asleep in a monster-free bed at last.  Besides being a good bedtime story or read-aloud, it would make a cute play for the classroom.
Mary Kashorek, Library Assistant, Spies Public Library, Menominee, MI

THE IMPOSSIBLE KNIFE OF MEMORY by Laurie Halse Anderson.  New York: Viking, published by Penguin Group, 2014.  391p. ISBN: 9780670012091 hc.$18.99.  Y.A.FIC

Hayley's used to life on the road so when her veteran father decides they're going to put down roots in his old hometown, she is less than excited. Going to school every day and being expected to take the SATs turn out to be the least of her worries as her father's PTSD rules both their lives. Friends, and the possibility of a boyfriend, allow Hayley to cultivate connections outside of her small family unit until the return of a familiar face brings back memories long buried. Ultimately, Hayley realizes she must confront her father as they both struggle to understand what they need from each other.

What I loved the most about "The Impossible Knife of Memory" is the relationship between Hayley and her father. It is in no way entirely positive, or even healthy, but there is a strong connection between them that is real and palpable. Hayley herself is snarky, sure of herself, and bristly, though her people skills improve as time passes. I enjoyed her relationship with Finn; their mix of reality and fantasy in conversation is adorable. Mostly, I'm a sucker for a dramatic, emotional ending and this book delivers in spades.
Jesse Shirtz, Library Director, Ishpeming Carnegie Public Library

BLUFFTON by Matt Phelan. 2013.   Gr. 6-8    JUV

Phelan’s graphic novel takes readers back in history to The Actors’ Colony at Bluffton, in Muskegon, Michigan in 1908.  The famous actor, Buster Keaton, was one of the children who spent summers there after working the vaudeville circuit with his family for the rest of the year. BLUFFTON is told through the eyes of Henry, a local boy who envies Buster’s life as a performer.In contrast, Phelan portrays Buster Keaton as a talented performer who would rather spend his time playing baseball than anything else. There are plenty of discussion points for students, as the author includes controversial topics such as allegations of child abuse connected to the physical nature of the Keatons’ stage act. The superb illustrations leave some room for interpretation and will inspire readers to research the names of other actors in the story.  By the way, this book was included in the Michigan Notable Books for 2014.

Lynette Suckow, Peter White Public Library, Marquette, MI

THE SWEETEST WITCH AROUND by Alison McGee. Illustrated by Harry Bliss. New York: Simon & Schuster/Paula Wiseman Books, 2014. 32p. ISBN: 978-1442478336  $15.99.
E PIC Gr. PreS-3

Although The Sweetest Witch Around takes its inspiration from Halloween, this is one holiday book you won't have to pack away with your decorations!  The storyline supports several touching themes including bravery, sisterly love, sugar addiction, and Halloween.  The narrator is a brave witch who is not afraid of humans like all the other witches.  It is her goal to teach her younger "witchling" sister to be brave, too.  In her first lesson, the witchling learns about Halloween and
candy-yuck.  Trouble begins when the younger sister tastes candy and determines it isn't yuck, but YUM!  The witchling steals her sister's broom, flies into town, and discovers it is Halloween night.  What will happen when the witchling lines up behind the costumed children for trick or treat? 
Your child will love the story and the wonderful costumes, but parents will love the book, too.  Artistic details, such as parents walking with their children on Halloween, children in great costumes, and attention to landscaping decorations, will give you and your child something to talk about after you've memorized the story.  Like end credits of your favorite movies, don't forget to check out the inside covers for an extra -ghoulish treat!
Christine Rathje, Librarian Assistant, Tahquamenon Area Library

Curley, Marianne.  HIDDEN.   New York:  Bloomsbury Children’s Books., 2013.  325p.  978-1-59990-840-3;  hc.,  $17.99.    Gr.6 & up   YAF

For as long as she can remember, Ebony has had the uncomfortable feeling that her overprotective parents are strangers. Now sixteen, she often looks in the mirror and feels that she is a stranger to herself. Bewildering changes have begun to occur on her body and her hair changes color with her emotions. Frightened by the weird growths with feathers poking out which have suddenly appeared on her shoulders, she looks to her parents for answers to the questions swirling in her head and finally, the answers to her true identity.  Instead of giving her assurance and answers, they become frightened and warn her not to ask questions.

 When there is fire and explosion at the family farmhouse, Ebony’s parents are presumed dead and she is offered a home with her close friend Amber’s family, who welcome her with kindness and caring. Unfortunately  Ebony soon discovers that there is no safe haven for her. Luca, the dark prince wants Ebony’s soul, confusing her with his lies and trickery. Her friend Jordan feels a strong attraction to Ebony, and handsome magnetic Nathaneal comes to protect her and fight the dark forces as she falls in love with him.

Readers will be on alert for a sequel of this satisfying, if somewhat intricate story. Curley has created characters and a story that teens will enjoy.
Barbara Ward, Retired Children’s Librarian, Dickinson County Library

Some of your favorite detective series are now three dimensional – books in print for reading, books on CD for listening, and DVD for a total storytelling experience, often featuring well-known movie stars. 

INSPECTOR LYNLEY mysteries by Elizabeth George are set in contemporary England - the New Scotland Yard.  Detective Inspector Thomas Lynley, also the 8th Earl of Asherton, teams up with Detective Sergeant Barbara Havers to form an unlikely, but effective partnership of detectives who solve some very complex crimes. Although the stories revolve around the crime-fighting duo of the aristocratic Lynley and working-class Havers, there’s a large cast of characters who are connected to each other in the most interesting ways.  Elizabeth George thoroughly explores their relationships and motivations in each book.  The newest in the series is titled, JUST ONE EVIL ACT. The DVD series, originally part of Masterpiece Mysteries from PBS, narrows down the storyline to the two main characters and the crimes themselves in order to fit the story into a 90 minute time frame. 
Lynette Suckow, Peter White Public Library, Marquette, MI