Held each October since 1991, the Public Library of Charlotte and Mecklenburg County's award-winning Novello Festival of Reading is a celebration of reading and books. Browse our reviews of titles by this year's line-up of children's book authors.

41 book reviews found (page 1 of 9 pages). Narrow reviews by book audience:

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How I Survived Middle School: Caught in the Web Nancy Krulik (2009) , 80-120 pages Illustrated by Audience: Intermediate (4th-6th grade) Category: Novello, Realistic Fiction Add Your Comments | Add to Booklist | Request from Library Looking for a fun book to read about Middle School Friendships? Do you like taking personality quizzes? If so, then this is the book for you. Enjoyable personality quizzes are sprinkled throughout the story of sweet Jenny and her tightly woven group of friends. These go-getting sixth grade friends have decided to produce a webcast for their Middle School. "Webcast Underground" becomes a hit and Jenny and her friends are center stage at school. The “pops,” the popular crowd, are not use to sharing the spotlight with anyone. So the battle begins, as the pops create their own webcast, School Style. Will Jenny and her friends be able to compete with the pops? Who will have the best webcast? Reviewed by: Jill / Steele Creek Library If you liked this book, you may also like:

Cherish Today: A Celebration of Life's Moments Kristina Evans (2007) , under 40 pages Illustrated by Bryan Collier Audience: Primary (k-3rd grade), Intermediate (4th-6th grade) Category: African-American, Non-Fiction, Novello, Read Aloud (This book has outstanding illustrations) Add Your Comments | Add to Booklist | Request from Library Today is terrific! Today is tremendous! So why not cherish it? This story encourages you to celebrate you and the things you have done. It encourages you to feel good about where you are now and where you are going. The story and the illustrations will remind you that it's not only about getting to your destination but it's also about the journey that gets you there! Reviewed by: Annie / West Boulevard Library Comments from Readers melissa, age 12 from Georgia It's a very true, realistic story that makes very real and interesting reading.

Cracker!: the best dog in Vietnam Cynthia Kadohata (2007) , 200+ pages Illustrated by Audience: Intermediate (4th-6th grade), Adult/Parent Category: NCCBA, Novello Add Your Comments | Add to Booklist | Request from Library Cracker is a pure-bred German Shepherd who cannot participate in dog shows after he breaks his leg. Once Cracker is trained in sniffing out bombs and sent to the war in Vietnam, his life changes forever. Cracker holds onto wonderful memories from his early life and yet is still able to bond with his new master even among all the dangers of war. Included at the back of this book are pictures of real handlers and their dogs during the time of the Vietnam War. Author Cynthia Kadohata has written another gripping novel that is sure to catch the reader's attention right away. Reviewed by: Emily / South County Regional Library If you liked this book, you may also like:

The Purple Balloon Chris Raschka (2007) , under 40 pages Illustrated by Audience: Primary (k-3rd grade), Intermediate (4th-6th grade), Adult/Parent Category: Fantasy, Novello (This book has outstanding illustrations) Add Your Comments | Add to Booklist | Request from Library "No one likes to talk about dying. It's hard work. Dying is hard work." The beginning text of this book introduces you to this simple and touching book about death. It is illustrated with balloon characters full of facial emotions. A beautiful book for anyone involved in the grief process. Reviewed by: Cathy / Morrison Regional Library

Amelia Rules! 3, Superheroes Jimmy Gownley (2006) , 160-200 pages Illustrated by Audience: Intermediate (4th-6th grade) Category: Fantasy, Graphic Novels, Humor, Novello (This book has outstanding illustrations) Add Your Comments | Add to Booklist | Request from Library Amelia and her friends are out of school for the summer. It starts out wonderfully and then Amelia learns that her mother has inherited a house and they will be moving across town. But, things work out when her Aunt Tanner takes the house instead and Amelia can stay close to her friends. Many of the adventures in this volume happen in Aunt Tanner’s neighborhood. They include encounters with a “ninja” gang, a group who publishes a magazine called “Tweenie Zeenie," and her superhero-crazy friend’s determination to stop all the evil Steves of the world. What!?!, you say? You will have to read this book to learn how all of this is related. This volume is truly mini-comic books within a big graphic novel, as Gownley has some of the kids thinking or dreaming about being superheroes themselves. Reviewed by: Anonymous / Anonymous If you liked this book, you may also like: Amelia Rules!: What Makes You Happy Parental Notes