I always love Spring Break. It's the prelude to the BEST vaca of the year --- Summer Vacation. It gives you time to practice just having fun for a change. Many of you will be on Spring Break next week...some are on a break this week...others have it to look forward to later in April.

What do we want you to think about doing while you are on your break? Can I hear you tell me LOUDLY? R-E-A-D-I-N-G!!!! This is a great opportunity to sit down with a book you have wanted to read, to discover a book you never thought about and to explore a series you may not have read before. Okay, that's three things to do.

Even if you are not headed someplace on a special vaca over your break, remember that you can head anywhere you want --- with a book.

Happy reading...

Carol Fitzgerald for Kidsreads.com

Kidsreads.com reviewer Joni Rendon interviewed Eoin Colfer, author of the enormously popular Artemis Fowl novels. Colfer, a former elementary school teacher, explains how the idea for this series came about, the ways in which his students have influenced his writing, and what he would like young people to take away from reading these books.

Click here to read our Eoin Colfer interview.

Among the titles featured in March's roundup of cool new books is WOLF BROTHER, the first installment in Michelle Paver's The Chronicles of Ancient Darkness, which follows the adventures of twelve-year-old Torak and his wolf-cub companion. Garth Nix continues his Keys to the Kingdom series with DROWNED WEDNESDAY, while Nancy Drew returns with another baffling case to solve. And for all you baseball fans, we have three picture books that are sure to keep you entertained before the regular season gets underway.

SCORPIA: An Alex Rider Adventure, by Anthony Horowitz

In Anthony Horowitz's fifth Alex Rider novel, the teen spy learns that his father was an assassin for Scorpia, the most powerful terrorist organization in the world. Now Scorpia wants Alex on their side, and he agrees to join them. But then he learns of their latest plot: an operation known only as "Invisible Sword" that will result in the deaths of thousands of young people.

UNCIVIL ACTS: Nancy Drew (All New) Girl Detective #10 by Carolyn Keene
 
A Civil War reenactment in River Heights is anything but fun when someone starts tampering with the battlefield. Nancy Drew wonders if some participants are trying to cheat and possibly hurt a few people in the process. And if so, why?

We have 68 (!) Series Features on Kidsreads.com. They all have been updated to include the latest books in each series. This is a perfect time to check out what is going on with a series that you love, or to find a new one to enjoy.

Click here to read more about our series features.

DROWNED WEDNESDAY: The Keys to the Kingdom, Book Three by Garth Nix
In Garth Nix's third installment of the Keys to the Kingdom series, Arthur Penhaligon embarks on a thrilling high seas adventure where he crosses paths with strange pirates and the infamous Lady Wednesday. As Arthur gets closer to the heart of his quest, the suspense and mystery grow more and more intense. Reviewed by Sarah Sawtelle.

PERFECT by Natasha Friend
Although PERFECT is about a girl struggling with bulimia, it's so much more than just a "problem novel." It also explores the intersections between family history and personal problems, as well as the differences between outward appearances and the complex emotions that lie beneath the surface. Reviewed by Norah Piehl.

THE CHAIN LETTER by Julie Schumacher
Livvie is not the superstitious type. So when she tears up a chain letter she receives in the mail, she doesn't think twice about it --- until she's humiliated in gym class, falls down her back stairs, and gets invited to Thanksgiving dinner at Peter Finch's house. Reviewed by Renee Kirchner.

DELIVER US FROM NORMAL by Kate Klise
Sixth-grader Charles Harrisong is the second child in a large, eccentric family. Following a cruel school prank involving his sister, the Harrisong family leaves their suburban home in Normal, Illinois to live on a dingy houseboat in Alabama. Reviewed by Sarah A. Wood.

CONFESSIONS OF A CLOSET CATHOLIC by Sarah Darer Littman
Justine Silver's best friend, Mary Catherine McAllister, has given up chocolate for Lent, but Justine doesn't think God wants her to make that kind of sacrifice. So she has decided to give up being Jewish instead! Reviewed by Sarah Sawtelle.

SCRIB by David Ives
The night before his thirteenth birthday, Billy Christmas runs away from his home in St. Louis and rides off to the Wild West, where he becomes Scrib, letter writer for lovelorn cowboys and wild-eyed outlaws. Reviewed by Renee Kirchner.

COME, LLAMAS by Jennifer Morris
It's springtime on the Kinnaman Ranch in Alaska, and nine-year-old JT is determined to become a pitcher on his school's baseball team and to raise his very own llama, just like Grandad promised. Unfortunately, life for JT and his family is anything but peaceful. Reviewed by Bob Oksner.

Does your classroom have a library in it?

Do you find books there that you like to read?