Zibby Payne

The Zibby Payne series by Alison Bell continues with two new books that are as cute and original as the previous ones. Zibby is a sixth-grade tomboy, navigating her way through the difficulties of school, homework, friendship, and brothers. In the previous stories, Zibby tackled starting a club and getting out of kissing a boy in the school play. Now, in Zibby Payne & The Trio Trouble, Zibby must face the problems and jealousy that come with having two best friends. In Zibby Payne & The Party Problem, Zibby finds herself dealing with a clique that accepts her but leaves out a number of her friends.

Pirateology

Pirateology is newest in the Ology Series of books, which includes Mythology, Wizardology, Egyptology, and Dragonology, and is published by Candlewick Press. Meant for ages 8 and up, the book, which, the story tells us, was “discovered” in an underwater chest, is as beautifully created as it is fascinating. The gorgeous hard cover features a working compass, and inside are a variety of other treasures to discover, from pirates’ maps and charts to gold dust and a sundial. The illustrations are detailed and authentic, while the information about the life of a pirate and the stories from “pirates” themselves are both comprehensive and captivating. 

Into the Ravine

It’s not often that a book comes along which has the depth and ability to truly resonate with a generation of children. Richard Scrimger’s Into the Ravine is one of those books. Following the adventures that ensue after three 13-year-old boys float down a river on a homemade raft, this Huck Finn-type story is part whimsical fun and part coming of age drama. The three boys (at least one of which any young reader will relate to) embark on a one-day journey that leads them in and out of danger and exploration with a healthy dose of humor and imagination along the way. With as much suspense and as many laughs as there are life lessons, Into the Ravine is an exciting and engaging read.