How to Steal A Dog

Georgina is 12 and is very desperate to help out her mother in any way that she can possibly come up with. Georgina 's father has left her mother to fend for herself and her 2 children. The mother is trying to work 2 jobs in order to get a home for her family. The family lives in the car and when Georgina is not in school, she is in charge of taking care of her younger brother Toby.

Could a "Reward for A Lost Dog" sign be the answer to the family's problems? Georgina comes up with a plan to earn a $500 reward for returning a lost dog. She must first find a dog whose owner will post a reward for its safe return. She decides to steal Willy. She is very detailed in planning out what steps she will take. She keeps all of her plans written in a notebook. What she doesn't plan on is, the interesting characters she encounters in carrying out her plan. She develops a friendship with Willy's owner and an elderly gentleman by the name of Mookie who has similar living conditions to Georgina 's family.

This is an excellent story for the middle graders! Barbara O'Connor does a terrific job in bringing out important issues like homelessness, dealing with elderly, and doing what is right in all situations. This book will have kids having a hard time laying this book down until the final page. I know many of my classmates (both dog lovers and non dog lovers) are anxious to read this delightful book!

Christmas at Snowy Creek

Title Christmas at Stony Creek
Author: Stephanie Greene
Published by Greenwillow Books, 2007.
ISBN: 978-0-121486-8

Have you ever missed your father? Has your father ever made any sacrifices for his family? Have you ever thought you were starving? Well, Pipsqueak's family ran out of food so Pipsweaks father has gone to get food. She misses her father and Christmas is just days away.
Pipsqueak's brother Will is handicapped but has an idea to help. So Pipsqueak and Will set off on an adventure to get food. They are armed with only a stick, their creativity and their goal of survival. Will they make it back to celebrate Christmas with their family? Will Father be there too?
This is a very exciting book which has loveable mice trying to take care of their family. A brother and sister working together towards a common goal. Family taking care of family and togetherness are what's important at Christmastime and always. This is a delightful story for all families to read together. The pictures add to the delight of the book.

Come and enjoy "Christmas at Stony Creek" this year with your family!