Your PJ Our Way Books for April
Check out PJ Our Way’s choices for April! Help Theodora Tenpenny solve the mystery behind a secret painting, learn about the life of Albert Einstein, follow David as he deals with the Cold War and his warring grandmothers, or pore through Katie’s diary as she attempts to survive seventh grade.
Under the Egg
by Laura Marx Fitzgerald
Ages 11+
352 pages
When 13-year-old Theodora Tenpenny’s grandfather is hit by a car, his final words are about a treasure and a letter. Theo’s search through the family home reveals an old painting, which she suspects might be the work of Raphael, the Renaissance master. It could be the answer to all her problems. Theo’s mother is lost in her own brain, constantly distracted by an unfinished dissertation in mathematics, and Theo is trying to keep the family fed and the bills paid with the little cash her grandfather had. With the help of a new friend, Bodhi, Theo sets out to solve the mystery of the painting, and their search takes them across New York City. Eventually, she is able to solve the mystery of the painting and her grandfather’s role in it.
DK Life Stories: Albert Einstein
By Wil Mara
Ages: 9+
128 pages
Part of the DK Life Stories series, this biography of Albert Einstein is filled with photographs, illustrations, and fascinating facts. In addition to details about Einstein’s life and work, this book offers a broader context of the world in which he was living, including information about World War II, Hitler’s rise to power, the making of the atomic bomb, and the creation of the State of Israel.
This Is Just a Test
By Madelyn Rosenberg & Wendy Wan-Long Shang
Ages: 10+
237 pages
Between preparing for his bar mitzvah, memorizing random facts with his trivia team, and mediating between his Jewish Granny M. and his Chinese grandmother Wai Po, David Da-Wei Horowitz has a lot on his mind. But when he realizes that the Soviet Union could start a nuclear war, that starts to make all his other worries seem irrelevant. Set in 1984 with plenty of vintage Cold War references, this book showcases David’s efforts to keep the peace between his friends, within his family, and across his country. Kids will identify with his relatable struggles and realistic voice.
The Great Green Notebook of Katie Roberts
By Amy Hest
Ages: 9+
116 pages
In this stand-alone sequel to The Private Notebook of Katie Roberts, Katie has entered seventh grade, and things aren't running smoothly at home. Her mother pays more attention to her twin baby brothers than to Katie, and she won’t let Katie wear lipstick to school. Plus, Katie’s stepfather, Sam, has bought a restaurant and is struggling to make ends meet. If that’s not bad enough, Katie is forced to tutor the annoying new boy in class, who came from Italy to live with his grandfather after his parents died in World War II. Set in 1948-9, Katie’s fresh voice and the fun diary format – complete with cute drawings – make this a great, kid-friendly choice.
What do you think of this month’s books? Comment below to let us know.