#24 Skinnybones by Barbara Park

Recommended to kids ages 9-11. Alex is the main character in this hilariously funny book. (When I read it I laughed so hard that I almost cried!) The thing about this story, is that it is just so fun, funny, and real, its as if Alex is actually writing the book! For example, listen to the opening sentence: My cat eats Kitty Fritters because if she didn't... She would probably die. Barbara Park does such a good job of portraying Alex, that it is like he is talking to you the whole time! Alex is a character who is big, strong, and tough... Or so he wishes. But what he lacks in his athleticism, he more than makes up for in his mouth!  He is a class clown, and known for his tall tales and exaggerating. It all makes for a funny book!
This is another one of those books that the author wrote meaning to create a story for boys, but I think that girls will definitely enjoy the laugh-out-loud humor in it also. 1/2    

#9 Summer Ball by Mike Lupica

Recommended to kids age 12-14. (This is a sequel to "Travel Team". If you have not read "Travel Team", then do not read this review.) In this sequel to "Travel Team", a lot is different for Danny Walker. His parents are back together, and he is the hero of the travel team. Ty Ross and Danny are good friends. Danny, Will, and Ty are going to basketball camp for the summer.  Danny has his doubts about whether he is cut out for it. And then there is Tess, who is acting more interested in tennis and her tennis partner Scott, than hanging out with Danny. Read this book, and find out how the summer goes. Boys will probably enjoy more, but some girls will like this book. 1/2