The Incorrigible Children of Ashton Place: The Mysterious Howling by Maryrose Wood

For more information visit Maryrose Wood's site- www.maryrosewood.com

The Strange Case of Origami Yoda by Tom Angleberger

Ms. Dobbs reads My Life as a Book by Janet Tashjian

I just finished reading My Life as a Book by Janet Tashjian and had to take a minute to say that I totally enjoyed this story of a "reluctant reader" named Derek Fallon. Derek, who can see no reason to read anything other than Calvin and Hobbes, has no plan to actually read the 3 books on his summer reading list until his parents decide the best place for him to spend his days is at camp....a Learning Camp where he can not only get his reading done but work on some of those other academic skills that he normally would not even think about until school starts again in the fall. Summer does not go exactly as his parents have planned however, and Derek's time at camp is interrupted.

During the course of the summer, Derek never does get his reading assignments completed but he does make some new friends and even meets a brave, trained monkey named Pedro. He also learns a lot about his mom, his dad, his dog Bodie, and even himself while uncovering the answer to a family secret involving a girl who drowned and her best friend who was left behind. Actually, one of the most amazing parts of Derek's summer is that he discovers that knowledge, change, and stories are a part of life - a really good part of life.

A fun "feel good" read and you'll enjoy the illustrations which were done by the author's 15 year old son, Jake.

The Dreamer by Pam Munoz Ryan