When Life Gives You O.J. / Hound Dog True

No school, you say? Looking to read a couple great books while you are on Christmas vacation? Do not fret! Run to your local library and check out these two fun reads...

When Life Gives You O.J. by Erica S. Perl

"The whole mess started with a note:

KID,

SEE ME IMMEDIATELY WHEN YOU GET THIS. DO NOT SPEAK OF THIS TO ANYONE, NOT EVEN YOUR PARENTS OR YOUR BROTHER.

ACE
P.S. I HOPE YOU ARE READY FOR THIS."

Ten year-old Zelly Fried finds a note from her grandfather on her nightstand. It's the start of a master plan...convincing Zelly's parents that she is ready and responsible to take care of her own dog. That's all Zelly wants: a dog. Unfortunately, her parents are not in agreement.

Ace, Zelly's grandfather, has the answer: a 'dog' made out of an old orange juice jug. Zelly must demonstrate her ability to take care of a dog by walking her 'dog', feeding her 'dog', and even cleaning up after her 'dog'.

Will Zelly agree with this half-baked plan? How long will Zelly torture herself with the embarrassment of a tag-along plastic orange juice jug?

A fun read for middle school students, Erica S. Perl has convinced me that love sometimes is "the power to drive you crazy." Click HERE to watch the book trailer. Click HERE to visit Erica's website.


Hound Dog True by Linda Urban

"Mattie Breen has just one week to convince Uncle Potluck to take her on as his custodial apprentice at Mitchell P. Anderson Elementary School. One week until school starts and she has to be the new girl again. But if she can be Uncle Potluck’s apprentice, she’ll have important work to do during lunch and recess. Work that will keep her safely away from the other fifth graders. But when her custodial wisdom goes all wrong, Mattie’s plan comes crashing down. And only then does she begin to see how one small, brave act can lead to a friend who is hound dog true."

For a reader who can identify and sympathize with a shy protagonist, this is the story for you. Mattie is painfully shy. What a remarkable story Linda Urban has created to give readers a glimpse into a character like Mattie.

For an amazing interview of the author by fellow author Kate Messner, click HERE. For a visit to the author's website, click HERE.

Happy Reading!
Mrs. T :)

P.S. Reading is like breathing chocolate air!