That Book Woman by Heather Henson - Wow, I loved this one. I challenge any librarian, teacher or book lover to read this and not choke up at the simple but awe-inspiring story told in lovely, sparse free verse.
Tap Dancing on the Roof by Linda Sue Park - Gorgeous short poems in sijo style. I love the kid-centric imagery and the clever twists and jokes in each last line.
Sparrow Girl by Sara Pennypacker - Not my favorite on the list, but nevertheless a sweet and inspirational story of a girl who fought to save animals during the Chinese "Sparrow War".
Mudshark by Gary Paulsen - A deliciously snarky book about a smartypants cool kid named Mudshark who seems to always know the answer to everything. I'm not sure when Gary Paulsen became hilarious (I always think of boring Hatchet when I hear his name, but this book and Lawn Boy are both such a hoot!), but I like it a lot. He also seems to really love librarians (yay!), calling the one in this book brilliant, joyous, thoughtful, kind, and wonderfully unhinged.
Dying to Meet You: 43 Old Cemetery Road by Kate Klise - Clever epistolary chapter book about a grumpy old children's author who moves into a haunted house, where a ghost, a young boy and a cat do their best to make him feel unwelcome. I really enjoyed the hilarious letters from the entire cast of characters and the overall dry, Lemony Snicket-like tone.
Down, Down, Down: A Journey to the Bottom of the Sea by Steve Jenkins - Eye-popping and dynamic undersea artwork and clear educational text about a progressive journey to the bottom of the sea. I love the color and textures in his images.
Calvin Coconut: Trouble Magnet by Graham Salisbury - Fun boy-friendly chapter book about a kid who's always getting into scrapes.
All Stations! Distress!: April 15, 1912: The Day the Titanic Sank by Don Brown - Gorgeous illustrations and good simple text that describes the people and events of the Titanic.
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