Sunday, September 9, 2012
The Secret Underground by Natalie Bahm
Twelve year old Ally, and her irritating little brother Eric are surprised on their way home from the movies one night when Ally comes across a bank robbery in progress. Terrified by the dreams of the "Gauze Men", especially the robber with his scary light blue eyes who knocked Ally over, she starts isolating herself from the group of girls in her class and joins her brother and the other boys in the neighborhood who start digging holes in the backyard. Except, they aren't just building a hole! It's a series of tunnels which run all around the neighborhood. The final goal of the boys is to enter the forbidden and long abandoned steel mill across the field. What boy doesn't dream of building tunnels in your backyard to exciting destinations? But the boys and Ally are not the only ones who know about the tunnels or the abandon steel mill. Those exciting adventures can have terrible consequences!
100% of proceeds from this book will be donated to help a baby boy named Jayden, and contribute toward his family's massive medical expenses. Jayden suffers from a combination of congenital problems including Hirschsprung's disease.
This book was a treat to read! I would highly recommend it to any boy or girl who doesn't mind dirt under their fingernails and has a sense of adventure! Thrilling, adventurous and terrifying all in one!
Publisher: NLA Digital Liaison Platform LLC (September 28, 2012)
Print Length: 136 pages
disclosure: received galley copy through www.netgalley.com
Poseidon by George O'Connor
Poseidon by George O'Connor
This is the 5th is the graphic novel series by George O'Connor.
The Greek Gods comes to life with the 5th in George O'Connor's dynamic graphic novel series. In this book we learn of the illusive and often misunderstood Poseidon, King of the Seas. Readers will learn the stories of the minotaur, cyclops and founding of Athens. A treat for readers 9 and up.
Part of the Olympians Series including: Hades, Zeus, Hera, Athena and Perseus.
Publication Date: March 19, 2013
disclosure: received galley copy through www.netgalley.com
The Island Horse by Susan Hughes
Susan Hughes transports us back in time with her new novel, "The Island Horse".
This book is a gem for anyone who grew up dreaming of horses. Susan Hughes' detailed description of life on Sable Island helps visualize life on the remote islands off Nova Scotia at the early half of the 19th century. Although the characters are fictitious, the island and wild horses are not. Sable Island is now protected by the Canadian government.
The Island Horse, 160 pages is suitable for readers seven to 10 years old (grades 2-5).
disclosure: galley copy received through www.netgalley.com
Saturday, August 25, 2012
Into the Pumpkin by Linda Franklin
Into the Pumpkin
by Linda Franklin
Product Details
- ISBN-13: 9780764341830
- Publisher: Schiffer Publishing, Ltd.
- Publication date: 7/28/2012
- Pages: 48
- Sales rank: 766,183
- Age range: 4 - 7 Years
- Product dimensions: 8.70 (w) x 11.10 (h) x 0.60 (d)
Linda Franklin is the author and illustrator for this Halloween story that is sure to be one the family will take out and read-aloud for their children every Halloween night. The illustrations may be a little too scary for younger children but the poem is not. Beautifully illustrated in Fall colors and written in poem form, the story tells of the preparations the witches, ghosts, crows and other scary creatures are doing to prepare for their Halloween party.
Full disclosure: Review copy received from NetGalley Aug2012
Between the Lines by Jodi Picoult
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
If you are hoping to read a new Jodi Picoult's highly intense, ripped from the headlines, dramatic YA book..... you are probably not going to like this one.
This novel is a collaboration between Jodi Picoult and her daughter, Samantha Van Leer who presented her mother with a story idea. Her mother decided to encourage her daughter's writing ideas with this book being the result. That being said... here is my review:
Ever wonder what happens to the characters in a story once the reader closes the book? This witty and creative spin on happily ever after is told from three viewpoints: The fairy tale story "Between the Lines" as it was written, Prince Oliver's character who desperately wants to break free from his life in the book, and Delilah, the teenager who's difficult life has made her obsessed with the story and romantic Prince Oliver.
I found the story to be different yet clever although the ending was not what I was expecting. It was fun to read! I could imagine a young girl's imagination coming through the pages as we find out what happens to the characters once the fairy tale book concludes with the words "The End". Although I enjoyed the story I would, as Jodi Picoult suggests in her acknowledgments, recommend the book to readers "too young to address the issues discussed in her adult novels."
View all my reviews
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
If you are hoping to read a new Jodi Picoult's highly intense, ripped from the headlines, dramatic YA book..... you are probably not going to like this one.
This novel is a collaboration between Jodi Picoult and her daughter, Samantha Van Leer who presented her mother with a story idea. Her mother decided to encourage her daughter's writing ideas with this book being the result. That being said... here is my review:
Ever wonder what happens to the characters in a story once the reader closes the book? This witty and creative spin on happily ever after is told from three viewpoints: The fairy tale story "Between the Lines" as it was written, Prince Oliver's character who desperately wants to break free from his life in the book, and Delilah, the teenager who's difficult life has made her obsessed with the story and romantic Prince Oliver.
I found the story to be different yet clever although the ending was not what I was expecting. It was fun to read! I could imagine a young girl's imagination coming through the pages as we find out what happens to the characters once the fairy tale book concludes with the words "The End". Although I enjoyed the story I would, as Jodi Picoult suggests in her acknowledgments, recommend the book to readers "too young to address the issues discussed in her adult novels."
View all my reviews
Wednesday, August 22, 2012
Heist Society by Ally Carter
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
View all my reviews
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Book Description
Publication Date: February 9, 2010 | Age Level: 11 and up | Series: Heist Society
When Katarina Bishop was three, her parents took her on a
trip to the Louvre...to case it. For her seventh birthday, Katarina and
her Uncle Eddie traveled to Austria...to steal the crown jewels. When
Kat turned fifteen, she planned a con of her own--scamming her way into
the best boarding school in the country, determined to leave the family
business behind. Unfortunately, leaving "the life" for a normal life
proves harder than she'd expected. Soon, Kat's friend and former
co-conspirator, Hale, appears out of nowhere to bring her back into the
world she tried so hard to escape. But he has good reason: a powerful
mobster has been robbed of his priceless art collection and wants to
retrieve it. Only a master thief could have pulled this job, and Kat's
father isn't just on the suspect list, he is the list. Caught between
Interpol and a far more deadly enemy, Kat's dad needs her help. For Kat
there is only one solution: track down the paintings and steal them
back. So what if it's a spectacularly impossible job? She's got two
weeks, a teenage crew, and hopefully just enough talent to pull off the
biggest heist in history--or at least her family's (very crooked)
history.
www.amazon.com
This is a great book series by Ally Carter! Katerina Bishop is from a family of professional thieves and she wants out! But leaving the family business is a lot harder than she thinks! Soon her inherited skills comes in handy to save her father from a heist he is falsely accused of causing. "Heist Society" and her second in the series, "Uncommon Criminals" will have you on the edge of your seats. Coming soon... "Perfect Scoundrels" (book 3 in the Heist Society series). due out February of 2013.
Also check out Ally Carter's Gallagher Girls Series!!
www.amazon.com
This is a great book series by Ally Carter! Katerina Bishop is from a family of professional thieves and she wants out! But leaving the family business is a lot harder than she thinks! Soon her inherited skills comes in handy to save her father from a heist he is falsely accused of causing. "Heist Society" and her second in the series, "Uncommon Criminals" will have you on the edge of your seats. Coming soon... "Perfect Scoundrels" (book 3 in the Heist Society series). due out February of 2013.
Also check out Ally Carter's Gallagher Girls Series!!
View all my reviews
Between Shades of Gray by Ruta Sepetys
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
View all my reviews
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Book Description
Publication Date: April 3, 2012
A moving and haunting novel for readers of The Book Thief
Fifteen-year-old Lina is a Lithuanian girl living an ordinary life--until Soviet officers invade her home and tear her family apart. Separated from her father and forced onto a crowded train, Lina, her mother, and her young brother make their way to a Siberian work camp, where they are forced to fight for their lives. Lina finds solace in her art, documenting these events by drawing. Risking everything, she imbeds clues in her drawings of their location and secretly passes them along, hoping her drawings will make their way to her father's prison camp. But will strength, love, and hope be enough for Lina and her family to survive?
This powerful tale of heartbreak and hope is sure to haunt readers long after they finish the last page.
Fifteen-year-old Lina is a Lithuanian girl living an ordinary life--until Soviet officers invade her home and tear her family apart. Separated from her father and forced onto a crowded train, Lina, her mother, and her young brother make their way to a Siberian work camp, where they are forced to fight for their lives. Lina finds solace in her art, documenting these events by drawing. Risking everything, she imbeds clues in her drawings of their location and secretly passes them along, hoping her drawings will make their way to her father's prison camp. But will strength, love, and hope be enough for Lina and her family to survive?
This powerful tale of heartbreak and hope is sure to haunt readers long after they finish the last page.
www.amazon.com
Most readers hear about life in the horrifying concentration camps in
Germany during World War II. This book bring us touching realistic story
of a family's experience during World War II in Lithuania Families were
send, like cattle, to concentration camps in the farthest reaches of
Siberia, left to freeze to death or starve. The story is about
fifteen-year-old Lina and her families struggle for survival...
gripping...
View all my reviews
The Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
View all my reviews
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Book Description
Publication Date: October 18, 2011
From the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Shiver and Linger comes a brand new, heartstopping novel.
Some race to win. Others race to survive.
It happens at the start of every November: the Scorpio Races. Riders attempt to keep hold of their water horses long enough to make it to the finish line.
Some riders live.
Others die.
At age nineteen, Sean Kendrick is the returning champion. He is a young man of few words, and if he has any fears, he keeps them buried deep, where no one else can see them.
Puck Connolly is different. She never meant to ride in the Scorpio Races. But fate hasn't given her much of a choice. So she enters the competition - the first girl ever to do so. She is in no way prepared for what is going to happen.
As she did in her bestselling Shiver trilogy, author Maggie Stiefvater takes us to the breaking point, where both love and life meet their greatest obstacles, and only the strong of heart can survive. The Scorpio Races is an unforgettable reading experience. www.amazon.com
Some race to win. Others race to survive.
It happens at the start of every November: the Scorpio Races. Riders attempt to keep hold of their water horses long enough to make it to the finish line.
Some riders live.
Others die.
At age nineteen, Sean Kendrick is the returning champion. He is a young man of few words, and if he has any fears, he keeps them buried deep, where no one else can see them.
Puck Connolly is different. She never meant to ride in the Scorpio Races. But fate hasn't given her much of a choice. So she enters the competition - the first girl ever to do so. She is in no way prepared for what is going to happen.
As she did in her bestselling Shiver trilogy, author Maggie Stiefvater takes us to the breaking point, where both love and life meet their greatest obstacles, and only the strong of heart can survive. The Scorpio Races is an unforgettable reading experience. www.amazon.com
A seamless blending of reality with fantasy.... loved this book!!
View all my reviews
No Safe Harbour: The Halifax Explosion Diary of Charlotte Blackburn, Halifax, Nova Scotia, 1917 by Julie Lawson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Basic summary. Charlotte Blackburn's Diary of her life in Halifax, Nova Scotia in 1917. World War I is on and Canada's involved, young men are heading out to war including Charlotte's brother. Little did she realize that was seemed like war was going to be coming to Halifax when two ships carrying explosives collides in the harbour causing the largest made-made explosion in recorded history until the A-bombs dropped on Japan.
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Basic summary. Charlotte Blackburn's Diary of her life in Halifax, Nova Scotia in 1917. World War I is on and Canada's involved, young men are heading out to war including Charlotte's brother. Little did she realize that was seemed like war was going to be coming to Halifax when two ships carrying explosives collides in the harbour causing the largest made-made explosion in recorded history until the A-bombs dropped on Japan.
If I hadn't picked up this book at the Maritime museum in Halifax, Nova
Scotia, I never would have learned about this terrifying part of Halifax
history. Not long after Halifax's involvement is the recovery of the
passengers of the Titanic and beginning of Canada's involvement in World
War I, Halifax deals with an explosion that devastates most of Halifax,
killing thousands in seconds. Graphic, realistic, fascinating! This was
an amazing book to read and will hopefully encourage it's readers to
investigate this part of Canada's history in more detail.
View all my reviews
The Notorious Benedict Arnold: A True Story of Adventure, Heroism & Treachery by Steve Sheinkin
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
View all my reviews
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Book Description
Publication Date: November 9, 2010 | Age Level: 11 and up | Grade Level: 6 and up
Most people know that Benedict Arnold was
America’s first, most notorious traitor. Few know that he was also one
of its greatest war heroes. This accessible biography introduces young
readers to the real Arnold: reckless, heroic, and driven. Packed with
first-person accounts, astonishing battle scenes, and surprising twists,
this is a gripping and true adventure tale.
The Notorious Benedict Arnold is the winner of the 2011 Boston Globe - Horn Book Award for Nonfiction. www.amazon.com
This is a fascinating book about the turn of events leading up to the traitorous acts of Benedict Arnold. It's a look at his childhood and how it forged his overpowering need for acknowledgement and often reckless ambitions. His actions saved the American Revolution yet also caused him to betray the country he so boldly defended from the British. I absolutely loved this biography!! It reads like a high-action work of fiction. It showed me that ambition or, in some cases, lack of ambition changed the outcome of the war. I would highly recommend this book to... anyone!
View all my reviews
Uncommon Criminals by Ally Carter
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
View all my reviews
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Book Description
Publication Date: February 9, 2010 | Age Level: 11 and up | Series: Heist Society
When Katarina Bishop was three, her parents took her on a
trip to the Louvre...to case it. For her seventh birthday, Katarina and
her Uncle Eddie traveled to Austria...to steal the crown jewels. When
Kat turned fifteen, she planned a con of her own--scamming her way into
the best boarding school in the country, determined to leave the family
business behind. Unfortunately, leaving "the life" for a normal life
proves harder than she'd expected. Soon, Kat's friend and former
co-conspirator, Hale, appears out of nowhere to bring her back into the
world she tried so hard to escape. But he has good reason: a powerful
mobster has been robbed of his priceless art collection and wants to
retrieve it. Only a master thief could have pulled this job, and Kat's
father isn't just on the suspect list, he is the list. Caught between
Interpol and a far more deadly enemy, Kat's dad needs her help. For Kat
there is only one solution: track down the paintings and steal them
back. So what if it's a spectacularly impossible job? She's got two
weeks, a teenage crew, and hopefully just enough talent to pull off the
biggest heist in history--or at least her family's (very crooked)
history.
www.amazon.com
www.amazon.com
Katarina Bishop is a modern day Robin hood! She didn't want to be in the family business! Since she couldn't walk away from the world she grew up with, the world of professional thieves. Katerina has decided to use her talents to find stolen art and jewelry and give them back to their rightful owners. She likes this life and likes the powerful feeling of working on her own.
In this book Katerina is asked by Constance Miller, an elderly lady who's parents were the archeologists who discovered the tomb of Cleopatra including the famous Cleopatra emerald. Kat decides to take on the challenge of stealing the famous cursed emerald back with the help of her friends. It's a simple con but it all backfires on her. Kat is up against a new foe who knows all the cons, all the tricks and has a links to her family's past She'll have to get the emerald back with the help of her friends and by playing by her own rules. LOVED THIS BOOK SERIES!!
This book is cleverly written and full of action. I can't wait to read the next book!
View all my reviews
Feed by M.T. Anderson
My rating: 2 of 5 stars
View all my reviews
My rating: 2 of 5 stars
Book Description
Publication Date: July 17, 2012
Identity crises, consumerism, and star-crossed teenage
love in a futuristic society where people connect to the Internet via
feeds implanted in their brains.
For Titus and his friends, it started out like any ordinary trip to the moon - a chance to party during spring break and play with some stupid low-grav at the Ricochet Lounge. But that was before the crazy hacker caused all their feeds to malfunction, sending them to the hospital to lie around with nothing inside their heads for days. And it was before Titus met Violet, a beautiful, brainy teenage girl who has decided to fight the feed and its omnipresent ability to categorize human thoughts and desires. Following in the footsteps of George Orwell, Anthony Burgess, and Kurt Vonnegut Jr., M. T. Anderson has created a not-so-brave new world — and a smart, savage satire that has captivated readers with its view of an imagined future that veers nnervingly close to the here and now. http://www.amazon.com/Feed-M-T-Anderson/dp/0763662623/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1345651596&sr=1-1&keywords=feed+by+m.t.+anderson
For Titus and his friends, it started out like any ordinary trip to the moon - a chance to party during spring break and play with some stupid low-grav at the Ricochet Lounge. But that was before the crazy hacker caused all their feeds to malfunction, sending them to the hospital to lie around with nothing inside their heads for days. And it was before Titus met Violet, a beautiful, brainy teenage girl who has decided to fight the feed and its omnipresent ability to categorize human thoughts and desires. Following in the footsteps of George Orwell, Anthony Burgess, and Kurt Vonnegut Jr., M. T. Anderson has created a not-so-brave new world — and a smart, savage satire that has captivated readers with its view of an imagined future that veers nnervingly close to the here and now. http://www.amazon.com/Feed-M-T-Anderson/dp/0763662623/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1345651596&sr=1-1&keywords=feed+by+m.t.+anderson
Don't get me wrong, I love a good fantasy! I loved the overall idea of this book. Especially with our world becoming more and more technologically minded. It's a concept that's a bit too close for comfort with today's world of technology. Kids especially cannot go for more than a day without texting friends or communicating with some device. M.T. Anderson writes about a future dystopic world where feeds, or communication transmitters, quite literally link everyone to the commercial world around them from a "feed" installed in their brains. Reading, writing and even independent thought are a thing of the past. Titus meets Violet, a girl who decides to fight the feed.
Be forewarned, this story is FULL of swears, more than I feel was necessary to get his point across. The premise was good. His execution, in my opinion, went overboard and was unnecessary.
View all my reviews
Seeds of Rebellion by Brandon Mull
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
View all my reviews
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Book Description
Publication Date: March 13, 2012 | Age Level: 8 and up | Series: Beyonders (Book 2)
The second epic installment of Brandon Mull’s #1 New York Times bestselling fantasy series!After the cliffhanger ending of A World Without Heroes, Jason
is back in the world he’s always known—yet for all his efforts to get
home, he finds himself itching to return to Lyrian. Jason knows that the
shocking truth he learned from Maldor is precious information that all
of his friends in Lyrian, including Rachel, need if they have any hope
of surviving and defeating the evil emperor.
Meanwhile, Rachel and the others have discovered new enemies—as well as new abilities that could turn the tide of the entire quest. And as soon as Jason succeeds in crossing over to Lyrian, he’s in more danger than ever. Once the group reunites, they strive to convince their most-needed ally to join the war and form a rebellion strong enough to triumph over Maldor. At the center of it all, Jason and Rachel realize what roles they’re meant to play—and the answers are as surprising as they are gripping. www.amazon.com
Meanwhile, Rachel and the others have discovered new enemies—as well as new abilities that could turn the tide of the entire quest. And as soon as Jason succeeds in crossing over to Lyrian, he’s in more danger than ever. Once the group reunites, they strive to convince their most-needed ally to join the war and form a rebellion strong enough to triumph over Maldor. At the center of it all, Jason and Rachel realize what roles they’re meant to play—and the answers are as surprising as they are gripping. www.amazon.com
The second in the Beyonder's series my Brandon Mull. This book takes up right where the first book, "Seeds of Rebellion", ends. Jason Walker has made it back to his own world but can't stand the idea of leaving the world of Lyrian behind in the midst of rebellion again Maldor. More importantly he doesn't want to abandon Rachel, the other Beyonder he left in that world. Another high-action quest that will have middle-schoolers on the edge of their seats.
View all my reviews
When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead
When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
www.Amazon.comhttp://www.amazon.com/When-You-Reach-Yearling-Newbery/dp/0375850864/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1345650334&sr=1-1&keywords=when+you+reach+me
View all my reviews
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Book Description
Publication Date: December 28, 2010 | Age Level: 9 and up | Grade Level: 4 and up | Series: Yearling Newbery
This remarkable novel holds a fantastic puzzle at its heart.
By sixth grade, Miranda and her best friend, Sal, know how to navigate their New York City neighborhood. They know where it's safe to go, and they know who to avoid. Like the crazy guy on the corner.
But things start to unravel. Sal gets punched by a kid on the street for what seems like no reason, and he shuts Miranda out of his life. The apartment key that Miranda's mom keeps hidden for emergencies is stolen. And then a mysterious note arrives, scrawled on a tiny slip of paper. The notes keep coming, and Miranda slowly realizes that whoever is leaving them knows things no one should know. Each message brings her closer to believing that only she can prevent a tragic death. Until the final note makes her think she's too late.
By sixth grade, Miranda and her best friend, Sal, know how to navigate their New York City neighborhood. They know where it's safe to go, and they know who to avoid. Like the crazy guy on the corner.
But things start to unravel. Sal gets punched by a kid on the street for what seems like no reason, and he shuts Miranda out of his life. The apartment key that Miranda's mom keeps hidden for emergencies is stolen. And then a mysterious note arrives, scrawled on a tiny slip of paper. The notes keep coming, and Miranda slowly realizes that whoever is leaving them knows things no one should know. Each message brings her closer to believing that only she can prevent a tragic death. Until the final note makes her think she's too late.
I don't want to disclose any of the plot twists of this book especially since the Amazon summary doesn't hint about it... but I can say I was not expecting it to be science fiction/realistic fiction. Although I enjoyed the writing style of the book it was just a bit "heady" for the age 9 and up it's recommended for. That being said, I did enjoy the realistic interaction of the characters and the author, Rebecca Stead's, writing style. She gave such a wonderful visual image of life in the New York city neighborhood that I had difficulty in was the eventual switch to the science fiction genre during the book. Would I recommend the book? Definitely... but not to I thought I would recommend it to. I would highly recommend it to lovers of thought provoking science fiction stories.
View all my reviews
Hunger by Jackie Morse Kessler
"Thou art the Black Rider. Go thee out unto the world."
Lisabeth
Lewis has a black steed, a set of scales, and a new job: she’s been
appointed Famine. How will an anorexic seventeen-year-old girl from the
suburbs fare as one of the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse?
Traveling the world on her steed gives Lisa freedom from her troubles
at home—her constant battle with hunger, and her struggle to hide it
from the people who care about her. But being Famine forces her to go
places where hunger is a painful part of everyday life, and to face the
horrifying effects of her phenomenal power. Can Lisa find a way to
harness that power—and the courage to fight her own inner demons?
A wildly original approach to the issue of eating disorders, Hunger is
about the struggle to find balance in a world of extremes, and uses
fantastic tropes to explore a difficult topic that touches the lives of
many teens.
What an interesting look at the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse through
the life of troubled teenagers! Very different, very profound and
thought provoking. I liked it! I would recommend it to upper middle to
high school students.
Tuesday, July 3, 2012
Dead is the New Black by Marlene Perez
Welcome
to Nightshade, California—a small town full of secrets. It’s home to
the pyschic Giordano sisters, who have a way of getting mixed up in
mysteries. During their investigations, they run across everything from
pom-pom-shaking vampires to shape-shifting boyfriends to a clue-spewing
jukebox. With their psychic powers and some sisterly support, they can
crack any case!
Teenage girls are being mysteriously attacked all over town, including at Nightshade High School, where Daisy Giordano is a junior. When Daisy discovers that a vampire may be the culprit, she can’t help but suspect head cheerleader Samantha Devereaux, who returned from summer break with a new “look.” Samantha appears a little . . . well, dead, and all the most popular kids at school are copying her style.
Is looking dead just another fashion trend for Samantha, or is there something more sinister going on? To find out, Daisy joins the cheerleading squad. Summary via www.amazon.com
This book will suck in (no pun intended)all those younger middle school girls who are looking for a cute romantic fantasy with werewolves, vampires, psychics, telekinesis and of course... high school drama! This is the first of the "Dead Series" including "Dead is a Battlefield", "Dead is Not and Option", "Dead is Just a Rumor", "Dead is So Last Year", "Dead is a State of Mind".
Teenage girls are being mysteriously attacked all over town, including at Nightshade High School, where Daisy Giordano is a junior. When Daisy discovers that a vampire may be the culprit, she can’t help but suspect head cheerleader Samantha Devereaux, who returned from summer break with a new “look.” Samantha appears a little . . . well, dead, and all the most popular kids at school are copying her style.
Is looking dead just another fashion trend for Samantha, or is there something more sinister going on? To find out, Daisy joins the cheerleading squad. Summary via www.amazon.com
This book will suck in (no pun intended)all those younger middle school girls who are looking for a cute romantic fantasy with werewolves, vampires, psychics, telekinesis and of course... high school drama! This is the first of the "Dead Series" including "Dead is a Battlefield", "Dead is Not and Option", "Dead is Just a Rumor", "Dead is So Last Year", "Dead is a State of Mind".
Learning to Swim to Sara J. Henry
“If
I’d blinked, I would have missed it. But I didn’t, and I saw something
fall from the rear deck of the opposite ferry: a small, wide-eyed human
face, in one tiny frozen moment, as it plummeted toward the water.”
When she witnesses a small child tumbling from a ferry into Lake Champlain, Troy Chance dives in without thinking. Harrowing moments later, she bobs to the surface, pulling a terrified little boy with her. As the ferry disappears into the distance, she begins a bone-chilling swim nearly a mile to shore with a tiny passenger on her back.
Surprisingly, he speaks only French. He’ll acknowledge that his name is Paul; otherwise, he’s resolutely mute.
Troy assumes that Paul’s frantic parents will be in touch with the police or the press. But what follows is a shocking and deafening silence. And Troy, a freelance writer, finds herself as fiercely determined to protect Paul as she is to find out what happened to him. What she uncovers will take her into a world of wealth and privilege and heedless self-indulgence—a world in which the murder of a child is not unthinkable. She’ll need skill and courage to survive and protect her charge and herself.
Sara J. Henry’s powerful and compelling Learning to Swim will move and disturb readers right up to its shattering conclusion. www.amazon.com
This is a wonderful summer read with plenty of intrigue, suspense and romance. My only negative comment is the main character, Troy cries a lot. I suppose if I was in a similar situation, I would probably cry a lot too. That being said, Troy's character seems to be an independent and confident and self-motivated young woman yet she seems to be crying about something is most of the chapters. Personally, I chose to ignore that fact because the overall book was well written and the plot was intriguing.
When she witnesses a small child tumbling from a ferry into Lake Champlain, Troy Chance dives in without thinking. Harrowing moments later, she bobs to the surface, pulling a terrified little boy with her. As the ferry disappears into the distance, she begins a bone-chilling swim nearly a mile to shore with a tiny passenger on her back.
Surprisingly, he speaks only French. He’ll acknowledge that his name is Paul; otherwise, he’s resolutely mute.
Troy assumes that Paul’s frantic parents will be in touch with the police or the press. But what follows is a shocking and deafening silence. And Troy, a freelance writer, finds herself as fiercely determined to protect Paul as she is to find out what happened to him. What she uncovers will take her into a world of wealth and privilege and heedless self-indulgence—a world in which the murder of a child is not unthinkable. She’ll need skill and courage to survive and protect her charge and herself.
Sara J. Henry’s powerful and compelling Learning to Swim will move and disturb readers right up to its shattering conclusion. www.amazon.com
This is a wonderful summer read with plenty of intrigue, suspense and romance. My only negative comment is the main character, Troy cries a lot. I suppose if I was in a similar situation, I would probably cry a lot too. That being said, Troy's character seems to be an independent and confident and self-motivated young woman yet she seems to be crying about something is most of the chapters. Personally, I chose to ignore that fact because the overall book was well written and the plot was intriguing.
Wednesday, June 27, 2012
Charlie Joe Jackson's Guide to NOT Reading by Tommy Greenwald
Charlie Joe Jackson may be the most reluctant reader ever born. And so far, he’s managed to get through life without ever reading an entire book from cover to cover. But now that he’s in middle school, avoiding reading isn’t as easy as it used to be. And when his friend Timmy McGibney decides that he’s tired of covering for him, Charlie Joe finds himself resorting to desperate measures to keep his perfect record intact.This is the hilarious story of an avid non-reader and the extreme lengths to which he’ll go to get out of reading a book. Amazon.com
Need I say I was a bit reluctant to recommend this book. It's hard enough to get some kids to read without having a book to give them ideas about NOT reading. However, this may be a really great choice for the reluctant readers out there. Charlie Joe keeps his chapters short (Charlie Joe's Tip #1) and interesting (Charlie Joe's Tip #19). It also has a story kids can relate to (shh.... yes, I said there's actually a story line too!).
By the way, check out the cute book trailer I found on Amazon.com and also a promotional video for public libraries!
Tuesday, June 26, 2012
The Fault in Our Stars by John Green
Overview from www.barnesandnoble.com
Despite the tumor-shrinking medical miracle that has bought her a few years, Hazel has never been anything but terminal, her final chapter inscribed upon diagnosis. But when a gorgeous plot twist named Augustus Waters suddenly appears at Cancer Kid Support Group, Hazel’s story is about to be completely rewritten.
Insightful, bold, irreverent, and raw, The Fault in Our Stars is award-winning author John Green’s most ambitious and heartbreaking work yet, brilliantly exploring the funny, thrilling, and tragic business of being alive and in love.
I wish I had something more insightful to add to this review but this description pretty much sums it up for me too. It's full of witticism and is eloquently written although maybe a bit above the comfortable language level of most students below high school reading level. It's easy to fall for the two main characters, Hazel and Augustus as they confront their own mortality while yearning for some semblance of normal.
Despite the tumor-shrinking medical miracle that has bought her a few years, Hazel has never been anything but terminal, her final chapter inscribed upon diagnosis. But when a gorgeous plot twist named Augustus Waters suddenly appears at Cancer Kid Support Group, Hazel’s story is about to be completely rewritten.
Insightful, bold, irreverent, and raw, The Fault in Our Stars is award-winning author John Green’s most ambitious and heartbreaking work yet, brilliantly exploring the funny, thrilling, and tragic business of being alive and in love.
I wish I had something more insightful to add to this review but this description pretty much sums it up for me too. It's full of witticism and is eloquently written although maybe a bit above the comfortable language level of most students below high school reading level. It's easy to fall for the two main characters, Hazel and Augustus as they confront their own mortality while yearning for some semblance of normal.
I am a Genius of Unspeakable Evil and I Want to Be Your Class President by Josh Lieb
summary from www.barnesandnoble.com
Twelve-year-old Oliver Watson’s got the IQ of a grilled cheese sandwich. Or so everyone in Omaha thinks. In reality, Oliver’s a mad evil genius on his way to world domination, and he’s used his great brain to make himself the third-richest person on earth! Then Oliver’s father—and archnemesis—makes a crack about the upcoming middle school election, and Oliver takes it as a personal challenge. He’ll run, and he’ll win! Turns out, though, that overthrowing foreign dictators is actually way easier than getting kids to like you. . . Can this evil genius win the class presidency and keep his true identity a secret, all in time to impress his dad?
This book sparked my interest from the first time I saw it. I know, I know.... don't judge a book by it's cover. But this one lived up to its packaging. Oliver is a stereotypical evil genius with a blend of Stewie from Family Guy and Austin Powers's Doctor Evil complete with disdain for adult authority, secret hide-outs and high tech gadgetry. But the underlying story is a lot closer to reality. Read this book and find out why Oliver, the evil genius, has chosen to run for class president...
Just noted... it looks like they may be turning this book into a movie... I'll write more information about this as it becomes available.
Twelve-year-old Oliver Watson’s got the IQ of a grilled cheese sandwich. Or so everyone in Omaha thinks. In reality, Oliver’s a mad evil genius on his way to world domination, and he’s used his great brain to make himself the third-richest person on earth! Then Oliver’s father—and archnemesis—makes a crack about the upcoming middle school election, and Oliver takes it as a personal challenge. He’ll run, and he’ll win! Turns out, though, that overthrowing foreign dictators is actually way easier than getting kids to like you. . . Can this evil genius win the class presidency and keep his true identity a secret, all in time to impress his dad?
This book sparked my interest from the first time I saw it. I know, I know.... don't judge a book by it's cover. But this one lived up to its packaging. Oliver is a stereotypical evil genius with a blend of Stewie from Family Guy and Austin Powers's Doctor Evil complete with disdain for adult authority, secret hide-outs and high tech gadgetry. But the underlying story is a lot closer to reality. Read this book and find out why Oliver, the evil genius, has chosen to run for class president...
Just noted... it looks like they may be turning this book into a movie... I'll write more information about this as it becomes available.
Saturday, February 11, 2012
Merry Christmas to me!
Sometimes we have to splurge on ourselves, right? Our school library is introducing eBooks to our students this year! Our school system has received a technology grant. With the increasing popularity of eBooks, we thought it was time to embrace this new technology. The library media specialist has an iPad. I've been using googlebooks on my phone up to now. When searching for that perfect gift for my family, I saw the Nooks available at the nearby Barnes and Noble. Why choose Nook? #1 answer - Convenience. The store is nearby so if I should have any problems with my eBook, I could drive 10 minutes away for easy tech support.
The next decision? Which one to choose. I personally chose the Nook Simple Touch. I have a smartphone and a laptop. Although the Nook Color and Nook Tablet have intriguing features like color and... the sole purpose of my purchase was to have an eReader. The price was a factor too. (My trip out WAS to get Christmas presents for my family)
Sometimes we have to splurge on ourselves, right? Our school library is introducing eBooks to our students this year! Our school system has received a technology grant. With the increasing popularity of eBooks, we thought it was time to embrace this new technology. The library media specialist has an iPad. I've been using googlebooks on my phone up to now. When searching for that perfect gift for my family, I saw the Nooks available at the nearby Barnes and Noble. Why choose Nook? #1 answer - Convenience. The store is nearby so if I should have any problems with my eBook, I could drive 10 minutes away for easy tech support.
The next decision? Which one to choose. I personally chose the Nook Simple Touch. I have a smartphone and a laptop. Although the Nook Color and Nook Tablet have intriguing features like color and... the sole purpose of my purchase was to have an eReader. The price was a factor too. (My trip out WAS to get Christmas presents for my family)
"Best e-ink reader" -CNET, 06/01/2011
- NEW! Breakthrough E Ink® 6" display-25% faster
- NEW! Best-Text™ - ultra-crisp, just like paper
- Ultra-light plus longest battery life-over 2 months¹ (courtesy of www.barnesandnoble.com)
Mrs. Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs
Can I just say that this was a pure case of judging a book by it's cover (and pictures inside too)! When browsing Barnes and Noble for the newest arrivals, this book caught my attention. The story tells of Jacob, who's lived with his grandfather's tales of extraordinary children and the home run by Mrs. Peregrine, fondly called the Bird, as they stayed in off the coast of Wales (a part of the British Islands for those who need a geography lesson) When Jacob is young he believes the tales his grandfather tells, especially when his grandfather has pictures to prove it. However, as Jacob grows older he start to have his doubts. Jacob's father tells me of his grandfather's life as one of the many children sent away from their parents during World War II. But when Jacob witnesses his grandfathers tragic, horrific death it leaves him even more confused. Was the grandfather telling the truth? The solution, find the island and the Mrs. Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children.
I certainly don't want to give away the entire plot. The story line is about as odd as the pictures added throughout the book. Did I like the story..... yes, I guess. The story line was weaker than I would like. What kept me reading was finding out how Mr. Rigg's managed to relate the pictures to the story. Would I recommend the book. Yes, to the right person. It was an easy read and would be a good book for those young reluctant readers who enjoy a photo to help the plot.
Can I just say that this was a pure case of judging a book by it's cover (and pictures inside too)! When browsing Barnes and Noble for the newest arrivals, this book caught my attention. The story tells of Jacob, who's lived with his grandfather's tales of extraordinary children and the home run by Mrs. Peregrine, fondly called the Bird, as they stayed in off the coast of Wales (a part of the British Islands for those who need a geography lesson) When Jacob is young he believes the tales his grandfather tells, especially when his grandfather has pictures to prove it. However, as Jacob grows older he start to have his doubts. Jacob's father tells me of his grandfather's life as one of the many children sent away from their parents during World War II. But when Jacob witnesses his grandfathers tragic, horrific death it leaves him even more confused. Was the grandfather telling the truth? The solution, find the island and the Mrs. Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children.
I certainly don't want to give away the entire plot. The story line is about as odd as the pictures added throughout the book. Did I like the story..... yes, I guess. The story line was weaker than I would like. What kept me reading was finding out how Mr. Rigg's managed to relate the pictures to the story. Would I recommend the book. Yes, to the right person. It was an easy read and would be a good book for those young reluctant readers who enjoy a photo to help the plot.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)