#30 -- Charlie Joe Jackson's Guide to Not Reading

This book by Tommy Greenwald is a funny look at one middle school boy's quest to never read a book. He pays people off with ice cream to read his books for him, he guilts his sister into reading books for him, he comes up with a system of only reading the first and last chapters of the books, and many other crazy schemes. What does he eventually learn about his quest to not read?  Does it pay off in the end?

This was a very good book told from a middle school boy's prospective. It is about middle school life in general and not just about not reading. I feel this book will be a big hit with boys from 4th grade and up who are reluctant readers since they will understand where Charlie Joe is coming from. 

#29 -- Ashes, Ashes

This book by Jo Treggiari is very similar to The Eleventh Plague. The world has been hit with multiple natural disasters then a plague that kills of all but 1% of the population. The survivors are hunted by a group called the Sweepers who want to do tests on these survivors to see how and why they survived. Lucy was never infected with the plague and has survived on her own since the outbreak. A close call sends her running and she eventually teams up with a group of scavengers. The Sweepers keep getting closer and closer. Who is it they are searching for?  Is it Lucy?  What do they want?  You will have to read to find out!!

This was a great book of survival that would appeal to grades six and up. Once I started the book I couldn't put it down. I assume it is the first in a series since many plot lines were left open at the end. I can't wait for book two!

#28 -- Lunch Walks Among Us

This is book #1 in the extremely popular Franny K. Stein series by Jim Benton.  Franny is a little strange.  She has bats in her room, she eats weird lunches, she is always making potions, and she dresses funny.  When she moves to a new town the other kids at school don't know how to take her and her weirdness.  Franny decides to change herself to be like everyone else.  She even decides to take a sandwich for lunch!  But Franny just cannot be like everyone else.  Eventually one of her experiments goes very wrong.  What happens with the experiment?  You will have to read to find out.

I had to read this book to see what all of the fuss was about and why the series always stays checked out from the library.  It was an extremely quick read (with a lot of pictures), but very entertaining - especially to the middle school aged brain!

#27 -- Skipping Christmas

This book by John Grisham was originally written for adults, but has a theme that would appeal to anyone.  The Kranks have decided that since their only child will be away on Christmas they will skip the holiday and go on a cruise instead.  Their neighbors find out about their plans and do not agree with their decision.  Everyone tried to talk them out of it.  Their neighbors even try to demand that they not skip Christmas.  Just as they are about to go on their cruise they dramatically change their minds.  What caused their abrupt decision?  You will have to read to find out!!

This was a good read about being in the holiday spirit (or in their case -- not being in the holiday spirit).  It is great for all grade levels.