The Buddy Files: The Case of the Lost Boy by Dori Hillestad Butler

Texas Bluebonnet 2011-2012 Book

Age Range:  K-3rd grade

This is an entertaining chapter book for students in the lower elementary grades.  The Buddy Files are a series of books about a special golden retriever named, Buddy.  The book begins with King (Buddy) at the pound.  His previous family went away and after being taken care of by many different people, King ends up at the pound.  He is very upset and wants to find his former family, Kayla and her dad.  A mom and her son, Connor, have just moved into town and they come to the pound and adopt King.  They don't know he already has a name and they name him Buddy.  Buddy is excited because Connor and his mom live in the same neighborhood that Kayla did.  Connor is very homesick and decides to run away from home.  Buddy, being the smart dog that he is, helps in the search for Connor.

Matched by Ally Condie

The New York Times 2011 Best Children's Chapter Book

Age Range:  Young Adult

Below is a book trailer from "Book Trailers For All" created by Alicia Vandenbrook.

In Cassia's society, everything is chosen and decided for them. They are told what they can read, what songs they can listen to, and what they can eat.  She decided that she wants to be "Matched" and gets to wear a beautiful green dress to her match banquet.  At the banquet, she finds out that she is matched to her best friend, Xander.  They are both very excited and happy and find it a little strange that they can think differently about each other now.  The next morning, Cassia inserts her match card into the computer to find out the "official" details about her match.  After Xander's information comes up, a picture of Ky appears.  Cassia is soon contacted by an official who tells her it was all a mistake.  Cassia begins to question her match and decides to get to know Ky better.  Will she choose the safer, Xander, or will she follow her heart and choose Ky? 

This was my favorite book of the semester.  It is part of a trilogy.  The second book, Crossed, will be released on November 1st, 2011.  I can't wait! Here is a link to Ally Condie's website:  http://www.allysoncondie.com/.