SOMETHING TO READ

“Dani Noir” by Nova Ren Suma; Aladdin, ($15.99). Ages 9 to 14.

It’s the summer before eighth grade, and 13-year-old Dani Callanzano is facing a summer with nothing to do in the tiny town of Shanosha in upstate New York. Her best friend has moved away and never calls, her brother is at soccer camp, and worst of all, her parents have gotten divorced and her father is living with his new girlfriend in another town. All that keeps Dani going is the old “noir” movies at the Little Art theater in town and her friendship with the owner and the projectionist.

But what if life were like the movies and you had a real mystery to untangle? Dani turns detective, and ends up looking at herself, her favorite movies, and the people around her in a new light. This terrific first novel combines humor, suspense and insights about growing up. (This book may inspire you to rent some old black and white movies!)

– Jean Westmoore

TOTALLY TUBULAR

Everyone accumulates trinkets. To display and store them, why not use what you’ve got on hand? Trim cardboard tubes to fit standing up in a shoe box (make them short enough so that the lid can close). If desired, cut and glue colored paper to line the box’s interior. Dip one end of each tube in white glue, then stick it, glue side down, into the box. The really cool feature of this tubular storage unit? When done admiring your collection, you can put the box lid back on and stow away everything until the next play session.