Blackout

by John Rocco 

 

It's a hot summer night in the middle of a big city. The whole family is busy doing their own things in different parts of the house. Then the power goes out. Coming together to find the flashlights and candles the family huddles around the kitchen table until the heat forces them to the roof. And what do they find there? Stars and shadow games and rooftop parties--all sorts of fun is going on. Down in the street there are ice cream carts, water games in open fire hydrants, and neighbors chatting away. Who knew that no lights, no tv, no computers could be so much fun? With Rocco's lush illustrations (even in the blue/black color pallete of a blackout) and quality storytelling skills, this is one for the whole family to share and love. Ages 3-8 ($16.99)     

 

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by Kathryn Erskine

 

Mike's dad thinks math, especially calculus, is the most important thing. Unfortunately for Mike, who has a math learning disability, nothing he does seems to please his father. Sent off to rural Pennsylvania to stay with his 80-year-old aunt and purportedly to work on an engineering project, Mike plans to change his life over the summer, proving himself once and for all to his dad. But the engineering project is nonexistant. Instead Mike finds himself working with some unusual characters on a town project to adopt a boy from Romania. He may not learn engineering, but he learns a lot about people and families. Hilarious and heart-warming, a great growing up story about being true to yourself and your family.. Ages 9-14 ($16.99)     

 

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