_ The L.A. Dodger (Ballpark Mysteries #3)
by David A. Kelly

Publisher’s Note: Now batting third—book #3 in a brand-new early chapter book mystery series where each book is set in a different American ballpark!

It's spring break and Kate and Mike are off to Los Angeles to visit Kate's dad, a scout for the Dodgers. But all is not sunny in L.A.—strange things have been happening to Kate's dad. Pages have gone missing from his clipboard. He's gotten threatening phone calls. And he thinks he's being followed! Is someone after Mr. Hopkins's top secret scouting reports?

The L.A. Dodger includes a fun fact page about Los Angeles's Dodger Stadium.

Cross Ron Roy's A to Z mystery series with Matt Christopher's sports books and you get the Ballpark Mysteries: fun, puzzling whodunnits aimed at the younger brothers and sisters of John Feinstein's fans.

Overall Review:In the spirit of The Magic Treehouse, two children find themselves constantly in the midst of an adventure.  But instead of a magic treehouse, or even a magic anything, all the mystery and excitement revolves around baseball!  In this installment, it appears that someone is trying to get Kate’s dad fired…or does it go even further than that?  Does someone want to bring down the whole team?  Could the L.A. Dodgers be in trouble?  Kate and Mike, in the spirit of all curious children, soon discover the source of what could be the problem, but he’s always one step ahead of them (hence, the ‘L.A. Dodger’).  Can they outsmart him and help Kate’s dad keep his job (and his sanity)?  The fate of the L.A. Dodgers is in the hand of two smart kids with a plan!  The L.A. Dodger is a fun little mystery whose fast pace and easy reading level will bring joy to any young fan of baseball.  Overall rating is 3.5 out of 5 stars!

Content Review:
PROFANITY: None

VIOLENCE: One Very Mild instance

SEXUAL CONTENT: None

MATURE THEMES: None

RECOMMENDED AGE GROUP: 9+

There are a few moments when the main characters try to catch the ‘bad’ guy—there is some yelling and slight ‘tackling’ as a backpack is grabbed.  But other than that, there is absolutely nothing questionable.

The L.A. Dodger is without a doubt a Squeaky Clean read for ages 9+.

_This review was written by Cindy M.
A Squeaky Clean Reads Book Reviewer
This book was sent to Squeaky Clean Reads by Random House for a review

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Museum of Thieves
by Lian Tanner

Publisher's Note:  Welcome to the tyrannical city of Jewel, where impatience is a sin and boldness is a crime. Goldie Roth has lived in Jewel all her life. Like every child in the city, she wears a silver guardchain and is forced to obey the dreaded Blessed Guardians. She has never done anything by herself and won’t be allowed out on the streets unchained until Separation Day.

When Separation Day is canceled, Goldie, who has always been both impatient and bold, runs away, risking not only her own life but also the lives of those she has left behind. In the chaos that follows, she is lured to the mysterious Museum of Dunt, where she meets the boy Toadspit and discovers terrible secrets. Only the cunning mind of a thief can understand the museum’s strange, shifting rooms. Fortunately, Goldie has a talent for thieving.

Which is just as well, because the leader of the Blessed Guardians has his own plans for the museum—plans that threaten the lives of everyone Goldie loves. And it will take a daring thief to stop him. . . .
Museum of Thieves is a thrilling tale of destiny and danger, and of a courageous girl who has never been allowed to grow up—until now.

Overall Review:  Museum of Thieves by Lian Tanner is a solid addition to the world of children’s fantasy.  Her cast of characters, “some quite charming and some quite chilling”, are varied, likeable, and believable.  Goldie and Toadspit, the main characters, are determined, capable children and will appeal to both male and female readers.  Set within a city obsessed with protecting everyone from everything is a museum that looks like Night at the Museum with an attitude.  Tanner knows how to turn a phrase and she is given high marks to her free-flowing dialogue, quality writing, and imagery. Also excellent was the action that pushed through to the climax.  Museum of Thieves is the first in a trilogy and recommended to young fantasy and adventure lovers.  Overall Rating:  4 out of 5 stars

Content Review:

VIOLENCE:  several mild instances  

PROFANITY:  one mild instance

SEXUAL CONTENT:  none

MATURE THEMES: a few mild

RECOMMENDED AGE:  9+

Overall, violence was brief, non-detailed, and often merely reported.  Specific violence noted was as follows:  report of an explosion and the death of a child; a character almost being hit by a vehicle and being knocked into a ditch; report of a dog killing a cruel master; report of a character breaking a leg; a dog attacks some soldiers and there is blood on a dog’s muzzle; character(s) verbally threaten to kill someone; a dog attacks a group of people and  “was upon them, his great teeth snapping”; a dog is shot and injured and bleeds; there is a struggle between characters and a character is tied up; a character is shot and killed; there is a brief battle between soldiers and some of the soldiers are killed; a character is slapped.

One mild religious profanity was noted.

Themes were mild in nature and included some of the following:  independence, personal responsibility, overprotection, betrayal, thinking before acting.

The publisher recommends this book for ages 9-12 and unlike many of the books I have read recently, I agree with that recommendation.  The danger, peril, and violence are not extreme and the book feels like an appropriate fit for 9-12 aged readers.

Museum of Thieves is recommended as a clean read for ages 9+.

This review was written by Cindy M.
A Squeaky Clean Reads Book Reviewer
This book was sent to Squeaky Clean Reads by Yearling  for a review.

Related titles:  ?  Ring of Fire, just about any children's fantasy

_The Jungle Book
by Rudyard Kipling

Publisher's Note:  One of the most beloved classics in children’s literature, Kipling’s masterpiece follows Mowgli, the boy raised by wolves, and his animal friends as they fight for survival in the Indian jungle. Young readers will love the wise bear Baloo and Bagheera the black panther; shiver at the vicious tiger Shere Khan; laugh at the silly monkeys; and feel compassion for the grown-up Mowgli—who must finally acknowledge his own humanity.


Overall Review:  This retelling of the classic story of The Jungle Book is sweet, simple and sure to please young readers. The vocabulary and culture are rich.  However, it is lacking in pictures and resources to define the new words that young readers are sure to encounter in this book. Overall, The Jungle Book is a wonderful book to add to your family’s collection of children’s classics!  Overall rating is 4 out of 5 stars!

Content Review:
PROFANITY:  none

VIOLENCE:  mild

SEXUAL CONTENT:  none

MATURE THEMES: none

RECOMMENDED AGE:  9+

There is no profanity, sexuality, or mature themes in this book. Violence consists of references to hunting, killing, and occasional threats.

The Jungle Book Retold from the Rudyard Kipling original is a Squeaky Clean Read for ages 9+.

This review was written by Shelley.
A Squeaky Clean Reads Book Reviewer
This book was sent to Squeaky Clean Reads by Sterling Publishing (Barnes & Noble Classics Series)_ for a review.

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_ R my name is Rachel
by Patricia Reilly Giff

Publisher's Note:  Rachel, Cassie, and Joey live in the city with their Pop, until Pop's search for work lands the family on a run down farm. Dreamy Rachel loves to read, and doesn't know much about the country. Times are hard there, too—the school and library are closed.  When Pop gets work near Canada, he has to leave the children on the farm alone. For two months! But Rachel's the oldest, and she'll make sure they're all right. Somehow.
 
Overall Review: In R my name is Rachel, award-winning author Patricia Reilly Giff delivers a delightful and touching story about life during the Great Depression. Twelve-year-old Rachel adores life in the city. She shines at school and loves to read and write letters -- she’s even planning to write a letter congratulating Babe Ruth on hitting so many home runs! The bits of history that were sprinkled throughout these pages were charming. I loved that popular books and songs of the period, as well as presidents, were all woven into the story.

As the Depression changes everything, Rachel and her two siblings are suddenly alone on a dilapidated farm. Rachel steps up to the challenge and proves she is a one-in-a-million character. She’s charming and optimistic, not afraid of hard work and wise beyond her years. Rachel’s perseverance during difficult times is nothing short of inspiring. Her honest narrations offer a realistic view of how life during the Depression must have been. With similar economic times today, the novel’s message of hope and love will resonate with readers of any age. Lovable characters and a heartwarming plot make R my name is Rachela real winner. Overall rating is 5 out of 5 stars!

Content Review:
PROFANITY: none

VIOLENCE: none

SEXUAL CONTENT: none

MATURE THEMES: mild

RECOMMENDED AGE GROUP: 9+

There is no profanity, violence or sexual content in this book.

There are several mature themes that deal with life during the Great Depression; however, they are approached mildly and from a twelve-year-old’s perspective.  These themes include the consequences of a parent losing a job, financial hardship and emotional stress, moving, and living without parents.

R my name is Rachel is a fantastic Squeaky Clean Read recommended for all ages!

_This review was written by Rachel.
A Squeaky Clean Reads Book Reviewer
This book was sent to Squeaky Clean Reads by Wendy Lamb an imprint of Random House Children's Publishing for a review.

_Janitors
by Tyler Whitesides

Publisher's Note:  The magical, secretive society of JANITORS will sweep the country in the fall of 2011. Have you ever fallen asleep during math class? Are you easily distracted while listening to your English teacher? Do you find yourself completely uninterested in geography? Well, it may not be your fault. The janitors at Welcher Elementary know a secret, and it s draining all the smarts out of the kids. Twelveyear- old Spencer Zumbro, with the help of his classmate Daisy Gullible Gates, must fight with and against a secret, janitorial society that wields wizard-like powers. Who can Spencer and Daisy trust and how will they protect their school and possibly the world? Janitors is book 1 in a new children s fantasy series by debut novelist Tyler Whitesides. You ll never look at a mop the same way again.

_This review was written by Misty.
A Squeaky Clean Reads Book Reviewer
This book was sent to Squeaky Clean Reads by Shadow Mountain Publishing for a review.
 

_
The Jungle Book
by Rudyard Kipling

Publisher's Note:  Children will delight in this unabridged version of Rudyard Kipling’s classics, Jungle Books One and Two! Not only does this attractive volume feature the beloved tales of Mowgli, the “man cub” raised by wolves, and Rikki Tikki Tavi, but also the lesser-known but wonderful stories of Toomai, the boy who gets to see elephants dance; Quiquern, who saves his Eskimo people from starvation; and Kotick, the white seal.

Overall Review: Kipling’s masterful way with words makes it easy to see why The Jungle Book has been a classic for so long! In this collection of fifteen stories (originally published as The Jungle Book and The Second Jungle Book), Kipling weaves tales of exotic animals from the lush jungles of India to the barren ice plains of Alaska. I was captivated by the beautiful descriptions, the well-developed characters, and the plots that were sometimes stirring, sometimes amusing, and sometimes both. The stories in The Jungle Book are timeless, bringing a different world to life in their pages. Although the old-fashioned high diction of the dialogue could be difficult for a young reader to follow, this would make a great read-aloud book! Themes of courage, honor, love, loyalty, and friendship make The Jungle Book a terrific read for all ages. Overall Rating is 5 out of 5 stars.

Content Review:
PROFANITY: Very mild

VIOLENCE: Mild, some moderate

SEXUAL CONTENT: None

MATURE THEMES: Moderate

RECOMMENDED AGE GROUP: 9+

There is very mild profanity, consisting only of made-up oaths (i.e. “By the broken lock that freed me”).

There is mild to moderate violence throughout the book, consistent with stories of the animal kingdom--animals hunt and kill other animals, occasionally an animal (or group of animals) is hunted or killed by a human, occasionally mention is made of a human being hunted or killed by an animal (nothing graphic is ever shown). Animals are skinned for their pelts. An animal is killed with a large gun and it is said that he is blasted into pieces. A kite (carrion bird) is mentioned throughout the book as feeding off of corpses (nothing is ever described). Although occasional mention is made of blood or dead bodies, nothing is graphic.

Although a few characters in the stories form mild romantic attachments, and in one story a boy and a girl are trapped in a storm and must spend several nights in a snow house together (the story is completely non-sexual), there is no real sexual content.

Mature themes consist of death, jungle violence (i.e. hunting, predation, etc.), and corruption and greed.

This book is recommended as a Clean Read for ages 9+.

_This review was written by Cindy B.
A Squeaky Clean Reads Book Reviewer
This book was sent to Squeaky Clean Reads by Sterling (an imprint of Barnes and Noble) for a review.

_Shadow Magic
by Kitty Wells

Publisher's Note: This second book in the exciting new middle-grade series about the adventures of a little girl and her three tiny Pocket Cats is sure to delight young independent readers.

When Maddy discovers another one of the cats has come to life, she can't wait to get to know Nibs and start using her new magical power. But Nibs doesn't seem very friendly, and she's here for a reason.  There's a new problem to be solved.  It doesn't take long for Maddy and Nibs to figure out who needs their help. Maddy's cousin Chloe is having trouble settling into her new school. She's so miserable that she's decided to run away. Can Maddy and Nibs use their Shadow Magic to stop her?
 
Overall Review:  Shadow Magic is a cute, simple story about a girl trying to help her cousin. The imagination  sprinkled though out the story is perfect for a young girl who may also wish her toys came alive and she could be invisible! Although this book would be delightful for a young girl, it is does not have wide appeal for an older audience. Overall rating is 4.0 out of 5 stars
  
Content Review:
PROFANITY:  none

VIOLENCE:  none

SEXUAL CONTENT:  none

MATURE THEMES:  mild

RECOMMENDED AGE:  9+

Shadow Magic is perfectly clean and contains no violence, profanity, or sexuality. Mature themes may include running away from home and a negative attitude that a character uses with the family.

Shadow Magic by Kitty Wells is a Squeaky Clean Read for all ages 9+!

_This review was written by Shelley
A Squeaky Clean Reads Book Reviewer
This book was sent to Squeaky Clean Reads by Random House for a review

_Lily's Crossing
by Patricia Reilly Giff

Publisher's Note:  When Lily meets Albert, a refugee from Hungary, during the summer of 1944, they begin a special friendship. However, Lily and Albert have both told lies, and Lily has told a lie that may cost Albert his life.

Overall Review:  Lily’s Crossing by Patricia Reilly Giff is a beautiful tale of a young girl’s experiences one summer during World War II.  Giff has a great talent for making the characters in her stories feel very authentic and personable, and this tale is no exception.  Giff introduces us to Lily: a girl who is still a child, but just beginning to understand the world around her—a world with hard truths in the midst of war and loss.  And yet, in the midst of all the confusion and heartache, she is able to find a true friend and the world somehow becomes a better place.  The emotions that Lily experiences in describing a mother who died when she was young, a beloved father going off to war, and strained relationship with a grandmother who Lily perhaps resents for not being her mother are so honest and raw that it feels as though Giff is writing this story from a very personal place.  The reader can easily identify with the anger Lily feels at yet another loved one leaving her, as well as the guilt and pain she feels as she runs desperately after the train to try to wave good-bye to her father—realizing that her love for her father is so much more than the anger and sorrow.  The story of friendship blossoming between Lily and Albert is poignant and precious as two children learn to trust each other and find peace in sharing their fears and sorrows, instead of using the forced bravado that has governed so much of their lives and kept them alone.  This is an insightful and lovely story that brings both the pain of World War II and the innocence and shelter of childhood to life at the same time, in a way that only Giff can do.  The Newberry Honor for this book is well earned.  Overall Rating 5 out of 5 stars!
 
 Content Review:
 
VIOLENCE: Very Mild instances
 
PROFANITY: None
 
SEXUAL CONTENT: None
 
MATURE THEMES:  Mild Instance
 
Instances of violence are labeled as such in only the most scrupulous terms as the story describes a storm and rescue, and references to the War and Albert’s lost family in Hungary. 

There was no profanity or sexual content.

Mature themes have again to do with references to World War II, but are again labeled scrupulously.  References are very basic and appropriate for any age—especially those 9 and older who should be learning about such integral events in our history. 

Lily's Crossing is a Squeaky Clean Read for ages 9+!

_This review was written by Kristen.
A Squeaky Clean Reads Book Reviewer
This book was sent to Squeaky Clean Reads by Random House Children's  for a review

The Odyssey (Classic Starts)

Publisher’s Note: Homer's epic tale of the warrior Odysseus's decades-long struggle to return home after the Trojan War is simply and beautifully retold, with all the drama intact. Young readers will thrill at Odysseus's adventures with the man-eating Cyclops; the enchantress Circe, who turns his crew into pigs; and the angry sea god Poseidon.

Overall Review:  Ah, the joys of the Greeks and Mythology! This little book is a ‘Classic Start’—in other words, it’s a watered-down version intended to whet the appetites of young readers for the originals.  I loved reading this condensed version of Odysseus’s travels after the Trojan War.  Young people will love reading about the fight with the Cyclops, passing the Scylla monster, listening to the Sirens, and sitting in on a visit to Hades!   We get to know some of the ancient Greek gods and goddesses as they meddle in the lives of the mortals.  This abridgement of Odysseus’s journey is very well written.   For young readers interested in learning more about Mythology, this is a great place to start!  Overall rating is 4 out of 5 stars!

Content Review:

PROFANITY: None

VIOLENCE: A few very mild instances

SEXUAL CONTENT: None

MATURE THEMES: Mild

RECOMMENDED AGE GROUP: 9+

There are a few instances of mild violence.  Since it is the abridged version, it is VERY tame. When the Greek gods are involved, there are always wars and fighting and plans to kill people and take revenge on someone.  The gods are usually angry at someone or other and try to punish them—in this instance there were many storms at sea.  A Cyclops eats men for breakfast and dinner.  The men, in turn, stab the Cyclops in the eye and blind him.  A monster eats men as they pass through a spot in the ocean.  There are plots for murder and revenge; beggars are made to fistfight; there is a great fight at the end to defeat the ‘evil’ suitors.  It is all stated in a very matter-of-fact way without any blood or gore.

The mature themes are fairly mild.  There is the mythology itself with its myriad gods and goddesses.  They cast spells to make people more brave, beautiful, afraid, etc.  There is the theme of home and family: of staying faithful to those you love and never losing hope no matter what. 

The Odyssey (Classic Starts) is a Squeaky Clean Read for ages 9+!

The Very Little Princess: Rose’s Story
by Marion Dane Bauer

Publisher’s Note: In a classic storyteller's voice, Newbery Honor recipient Marion Dane Bauer tells a tale of friendship, family, and fitting in that recalls The Doll People, Rumer Godden, and Hitty, Her First Hundred Years.

Rose is a wild child. She doesn't care what her mother or teacher or schoolmates say—she does what she wants. When she finds a delicate china doll in the attic, she takes it. Then the doll comes to life in her hand. She's loud, obnoxious, selfishly bossy, and claims that she's a princess and Rose is her servant. But she's also tiny and fragile. She needs Rose to keep her safe. And maybe Rose needs Princess Regina, too.

Overall Review:  The Very Little Princess: Rose’s Story is the sweetest little princess story!  What little girl doesn’t secretly wish she is a princess…or wish that her dolls are real and can talk to her!  Of course, Rose doesn’t actually wish that—this little princess isn’t a sweet and loving doll come to life to help Rose!  Instead, ‘Princess Regina’ is all thorns and prickles, but Rose loves her!  They have all sorts of sweet adventures together such as dancing in the moonlight, exploring the woods, and even window shopping!  There are times when Rose and the princess don’t see eye to eye (well, often, actually) and there are times when Rose becomes forgetful and leaves the princess lying in different places all alone, but they are always reunited.  Rose learns some wonderful lessons along the way, and even at the end of this story, we know it’s not really The End!  This story is sweet and the pictures are lovely.  It’s perfect for any little girl who loves stories about talking dolls and princesses.  Overall rating is 4.5 out of 5 stars!

Content Review:

PROFANITY: A few very mild instances

VIOLENCE: None

SEXUAL CONTENT: None

MATURE THEMES: None

RECOMMENDED AGE GROUP: 9+

There is some slightly crude language: a character talks about her behind being sore after a long car ride (and is ashamed after she says the word), and a character says she has a ‘dog turd’ in her pocket.  There is also some name calling—a character is upset at two others who are mean to her, so she calls them ‘Dumb’ and ‘Meanie’.  Also, a character is woken up and it says there followed ‘a string of what were obviously meant to be swear words’ (even though no actual words were mentioned).  One character is grumpy and bossy much of the time.

There is no violence, no sexual content, and no mature themes.  This is a lovely story to read aloud with your ‘princess’ or to hand to a young reader.

The Very Little Princess: Rose’s Story is recommended as a Squeaky Clean Read for ages 9+!