✯CCA Reads

Legend

2012-01-26T19:04:00.001-06:00

by Marie Lu

Goodreads Summary:
What was once the western United States is now home to the Republic, a nation perpetually at war with its neighbors. Born into an elite family in one of the Republic's wealthiest districts, fifteen-year-old June is a prodigy being groomed for success in the Republic's highest military circles. Born into the slums, fifteen-year-old Day is the country's most wanted criminal. But his motives may not be as malicious as they seem.

From very different worlds, June and Day have no reason to cross paths - until the day June's brother, Metias, is murdered and Day becomes the prime suspect. Caught in the ultimate game of cat and mouse, Day is in a race for his family's survival, while June seeks to avenge Metias' death. But in a shocking turn of events, the two uncover the truth of what has really brought them together, and the sinister lengths their country will go to keep its secrets.

My Review:
I picked this up after getting a Barnes and Noble giftcard for Christmas. It is unusual for me to just stumble across a book I haven't heard much about, but was glad I tripped over this one. The characters tell this story from alternating points-of-view. For awhile I felt frustrated that their paths had not crossed yet, but it was worth the wait. The author spends a lot of time on each character, crafting them into people you like even though each one is incredibly different from each other.

The biggest complaint I have heard about this story is what people are calling "world-building". Some readers were disappointed that we weren't given more information on the natural disasters that destroyed the East coast. There is some mention of a rebel part of the United States, but isn't central to the story (yet?) so not much detail is given. I am witholding judgement on this part of the story since this is the first in a series, and I wouldn't be surprised if Lu adds to the setting as the story continues to develop.

Dark Life

2012-01-26T18:51:00.001-06:00

by Kat Falls

Goodreads Summary:
A thrilling futuristic adventure set deep undersea, Dark Life follows the settlers of the world's first subsea settlement as they defend their homesteads against a brazen band of outlaws.

Set in an apocalyptic future where rising oceans have swallowed up entire regions and people live packed like sardines on the dry land left, DARK LIFE is the harrowing tale of underwater pioneers who have carved out a life for themselves in the harsh deep-sea environment, farming the seafloor in exchange for the land deed.

The story follows Ty, who has lived his whole life on his family's homestead and has dreams of claiming his own stake when he turns eighteen. But when outlaws' attacks on government supply ships and settlements everything changes.

My Review:
I could kick myself for not reading this story, and its sequel Riptide, sooner. The story is so different from the wave of dystopian stories which makes me wonder if people don't read it because they assume it will be more of the same. The simple change in setting-with much of it taking place underwater-makes it unique. With the pioneers that brave the deep, there is almost a feel like it is the Old West. I liked the voice of Ty, also. He is brave, but is scared, like you would expect a kid to be. This is a must read!

Here Lies Linc

2012-01-26T18:40:00.003-06:00

by Delia Ray

Goodreads Summary:
When 12-year-old Linc Crenshaw decides he wants to go to public school, his professor mom isn't so happy with the idea. He's convinced it will be the ticket to a new social life. Instead, it's a disaster when his mom shows up at their field trip to the local cemetery to lecture them on gravestones, and Linc sees her through his fellow-students' eyes. He's convinced his chances at a social life are over until a cemetery-related project makes him sought-after by fellow students he's not so sure he wants as friends, helps him make a new, genuine friend, and brings to light some information about his family that upends his world.

My Review:

While the cover of this book may hint to a creepy fantasy story, this is a great realistic fiction read that gives us Linc, a great kid who is so unusual, but still relatable. He makes a lot of mistakes, including hurting his eccentric mom's feelings, but they lead him to figure out a lot about himself.

I love that the setting for this story is Oakland Cemetary (where my grandparents are both buried) in Iowa City, Iowa-right down the road. This is a special place for many people in the area because of the legend of the Black Angel, which is looked at closely in this story.

If I Stay

2012-01-26T15:36:00.001-06:00

by Gayle Forman

Goodreads Summary:
In a single moment, everything changes. Seventeen year- old Mia has no memory of the accident; she can only recall riding along the snow-wet Oregon road with her family. Then, in a blink, she finds herself watching as her own damaged body is taken from the wreck...

My Review:
This story takes the idea of one's life flashing before your eyes to a new level. I must start by first saying, as someone who has been in a car accident, the details and vivid description given during that moment made me shake. It was so scary and sad-and so well written. The battle that Mia wages within herself, watching herself fight and wondering if it is time to just give up is heart-wrenchingly real. It is the story of choices and family, including what actually makes someone family.

The Limit

2012-01-26T15:15:00.001-06:00

by Kristen Landon

Goodreads Summary:
An eighth grade girl was taken today . . . With this first sentence, readers are immediately thrust into a fast-paced thriller that doesn't let up for a moment. In a world not too far removed from our own, kids are being taken away to special workhouses if their families exceed the monthly debt limit imposed by the government. Thirteen-year-old Matt briefly wonders if he might be next, but quickly dismisses the thought. After all, his parents are financially responsible, unlike the parents of those other kids. As long as his parents remain within their limit, the government will be satisfied and leave them alone. But all it takes is one fatal visit to the store to push Matt’s family over their limit—and to change his reality forever.

My Review:
It is so easy to want what others have, but would you be willing to trade your life as you know it? The idea of sending children to workhouses to support family spending habits seems very disturbing, but also very realistic. It is a book that takes place in the future, but seems to show flashes of our past mistakes in regards to child labor. The parents in this story are particularly frustrating-they seem inept with taking care of their finances, and don't fight enough to help Matt. Thrilling at times, disturbing at others, this is a great read for those who like realistic fiction and are ready to try sci fi.

Empty

2012-01-26T14:19:00.002-06:00

by Suzanne Weyn

Goodreads Summary:
It's the near future - the very near future - and the fossil fuels are running out. No gas. No oil. Which means no driving. No heat. Supermarkets are empty. Malls have shut down. Life has just become more local than we ever knew it could be.

Nobody expected the end to come this fast. And in the small town of Spring Valley, decisions that once seemed easy are quickly becoming matters of life and death. There is hope - there has to be hope - just there are also sacrifices that need to be made, and a whole society that needs to be rethought.

Teens like Niki, Tom, and Gwen may find what they need to survive. But their lives are never going to be the same again.

My Review:
This book really helped me think. What would life be like without gas? How would we survive without cars? The characters could be somewhat flaky at times, but were pretty consistent to who they were made to be. They also helped to show what would happen to all of us-no matter how rich, smart, or popular-if the world ran out of oil. The great thing about this book is the "What ifs..." that come to your mind while reading it. Especially, what if this happened to me?

Accomplice

2012-01-26T13:11:00.005-06:00

by Eireann Corrigan

Goodreads Summary:
They've gotten good grades - but that's not good enough. They've spent hours on community service - but that's not good enough. Finn and Chloe's advisor says that colleges have enough kids with good grades and perfect attendance, so Chloe decides they'll have to attract attention another way. She and Finn will stage Chloe's disappearance, and then, when CNN is on their doorstep and the nation is riveted, Finn will find and save her. It seems like the perfect plan - until things start to go wrong. Very wrong.

My Review:

This book has an interesting premise, especially with all the pressure students feel to stand out, to be special or extraordinary. The quick fix these girls come up with has bad idea written all over it, and when things really start to get scary my gut was twisted in knots. There were a few slow parts, sections that seemed unnecessary to the main story, but the idea is so unique it makes it a fun read.

Anya's Ghost

2011-11-03T10:42:00.000-05:00

by Vera Brosgol

Goodreads Summary:
Anya could really use a friend. But her new BFF isn’t kidding about the “Forever” part . . .
Of all the things Anya expected to find at the bottom of an old well, a new friend was not one of them. Especially not a new friend who’s been dead for a century.
Falling down a well is bad enough, but Anya’s normal life might actually be worse. She’s embarrassed by her family, self-conscious about her body, and she’s pretty much given up on fitting in at school. A new friend—even a ghost—is just what she needs.
Or so she thinks.
Spooky, sardonic, and secretly sincere, Anya’s Ghost is a wonderfully entertaining debut from author/artist Vera Brosgol.

My Review:

Again, I am not really a graphic novel reader, but if Neil Gaiman suggests something, I will probably try it out. This book has some funny parts, and I like how Brosgol was able to show the complexities of real high school friendships using Anya and Emily-even though Emily is a ghost. I have a tough time when I don't like the main character that much, though. And I really didn't like Anya. She is mean and self-loathing which makes her tough to root for. However, I did like how the author showed a transformation in her personality.

Smile

2011-11-03T09:41:00.001-05:00

by Rainia Telgemeier

Goodreads Summary:
Raina just wants to be a normal sixth grader. But one night after Girl Scouts she trips and falls, severely injuring her two front teeth, and what follows is a long and frustrating journey with on-again, off-again braces, surgery, embarrassing headgear, and even a retainer with fake teeth attached. And on top of all that, there's still more to deal with: a major earthquake, boy confusion, and friends who turn out to be not so friendly.

This coming-of-age true story is sure to resonate with anyone who has ever been in middle school, and especially those who have ever had a bit of their own dental drama.

My Review:
I really enjoyed this book, even though I am not usually a fan of graphic novels. I could connect easily to Raina since I endured lots of work on my teeth-including braces for several years. I like how she used her tooth troubles as a way to describe how she became her own person. Since finding yourself- to use a cliche-is something that most middle school students can relate to, so I believe that many would like this story.

The Lost Hero

2011-10-09T13:43:00.001-05:00

by Rick Riordan

Goodreads Summary:
Jason has a problem. He doesn’t remember anything before waking up in a bus full of kids on a field trip. Apparently he has a girlfriend named Piper and a best friend named Leo. They’re all students at a boarding school for “bad kids.” What did Jason do to end up here? And where is here, exactly?
Piper has a secret. Her father has been missing for three days, ever since she had that terrifying nightmare. Piper doesn’t understand her dream, or why her boyfriend suddenly doesn’t recognize her. When a freak storm hits, unleashing strange creatures and whisking her, Jason, and Leo away to someplace called Camp Half-Blood, she has a feeling she’s going to find out.
Leo has a way with tools. When he sees his cabin at Camp Half-Blood, filled with power tools and machine parts, he feels right at home. But there’s weird stuff, too—like the curse everyone keeps talking about. Weirdest of all, his bunkmates insist that each of them—including Leo—is related to a god.
Join new and old friends from Camp Half-Blood in this thrilling first audio book in The Heroes of Olympus series.

My Review:
I really enjoyed the new twist-or addition- to the Percy Jackson and the Olympians series. As readers, this book gives us the opportunity to continue in story we love, but gives it a fresh new feeling. It helps those of us who felt 'that can't be it' at the end of the The Last Olympian understand that there is so much more to come in the land of the gods.

Al Capone Does My Shirts

2011-09-22T15:17:00.000-05:00

by Gennifer Choldenko

Goodreads Summary:
A twelve-year-old boy named Moose moves to Alcatraz Island in 1935 when guards' families were housed there, and has to contend with his extraordinary new environment in addition to life with his autistic sister.

Review:
If you go into reading this book with the understanding that Al Capone is NOT a major character, even though he is mentioned, you will probably enjoy it. I like Moose-he is funny and caring. He truly wants to do what is best for his sister and has a fierce loyalty to his family. The setting of Alcatraz is definitely a plus for this book, mainly because there are so many things that could happen in the story! With prisoners wandering everywhere- working in the gardens and houses of the people on the island, there is a tension created that few other places could replicate.

As much as I liked this book, I really would recommend reading it to get to the second book, which I thought was even better.

The Little House Series

2011-09-22T13:09:00.005-05:00

by Laura Ingalls Wilder

Summary of The Little House in the Big Woods from Goodreads:
Wolves and panthers and bears roam the deep Wisconsin woods in the late 1870's. In those same woods, Laura lives with Pa and Ma, and her sisters, Mary and Baby Carrie, in a snug little house built of logs. Pa hunts and traps. Ma makes her own cheese and butter. All night long, the wind howls lonesomely, but Pa plays the fiddle and sings, keeping the family safe and cozy.

Review:
Everyone who lives in the Midwestern United States should read these books. I am rereading them with my 5-year-old daughter, who is loving every minute. These stories give modern-day readers a chance to look back into the late 19th century and learn about how life used to be. The exciting stories of bears attacking pigs and dogs saving people from panthers are weaved in with everyday routines, such as how Pa cleans his gun and prepares for each day. Grace and I both love the stories that Pa tells Laura and Mary about when he-or his father, their Grandpa-were their age. It seems like the mix of this information should make it confusing, but Wilder's tale is told smoothly.

I love reading these books, looking out into the fields now, and wondering what life like a pioneer would have been like.

Ashes, Ashes

2011-09-22T12:54:00.001-05:00

by Jo Treggiari

Goodreads Summary:

A thrilling tale of adventure, romance, and one girl's unyielding courage through the darkest of nightmares.

Epidemics, floods, droughts--for sixteen-year-old Lucy, the end of the world came and went, taking 99% of the population with it. As the weather continues to rage out of control, and Sweepers clean the streets of plague victims, Lucy survives alone in the wilds of Central Park. But when she's rescued from a pack of hunting dogs by a mysterious boy named Aidan, she reluctantly realizes she can't continue on her own. She joins his band of survivors, yet, a new danger awaits her: the Sweepers are looking for her. There's something special about Lucy, and they will stop at nothing to have her.

Review:

I enjoyed this look at the future of New York City and thought Lucy was a well-developed character who was easy to relate to. She is fiercely independent in the beginning, but obviously needed to have some sort of human interaction when she meets Aiden.

There are some slow points to the story, where the mystery and action seem to stop and the characters make no progress emotionally or physically. Those parts brought the book down a bit for me, but overall I really enjoyed the story.

She Said Yes: The Unlikely Martyrdom of Cassie Bernall

2011-09-22T12:06:00.002-05:00

by Misty Bernall

Goodreads Summary:

She Said Yes is a story of growing up in the '90s, of peer pressure, adolescent turmoil, and the tough choices parents make. It is the story of a mother's loss - of dreams and hopes dashed by the cruel reality of death at an early age. But it is also a story of redemption more enduring than the tragedy that cut a young life short.

When 17-year-old Cassie Bernall walked into the library of her suburban high school around 11:00 on the morning of April 20, 1999, she had little more on her mind than her latest assignment for English class: another act of Macbeth. How could she know that by the end of the hour, two classmates would storm the school, guns blazing, and kill as many people as they could, including her?
As the wounded were carried from the bloody scene, several stories of bravery emerged, but one spread faster and farther than the rest. Confronted by her killers, Cassie was asked, "Do you believe in God?" She answered, "Yes."

Review:

It took me quite a few years before I finally decided to read this book. I knew it would be emotional-reading a daughter's story, written by her mother, after being lost is such a tragic way. I also knew, because I remembered the Columbine High School shootings from when I was in college, that it would bring back that scared and lonely feeling many of us had. Even when we were watching the footage, crammed around the TV in our apartment, millions of miles away in Iowa, Columbine made many of us feel very alone.

I was really impressed by how Misty Bernall portrayed her daughter's story. She explained how Cassie got to where she was when she was killed-emotionally and spiritually. She didn't pretend her child was perfect, but she knew that there were perfect things about her that the world needed to know. She let others add their own thoughts-Cassie's dad, brothers, and friends-as well as Cassie herself, though diary entires and letters. While there was nothing that could change this from being a sad story, Misty Bernall does an excellent job showing that even in tragedy, there are things that we can all believe in.

Lament

2011-08-21T22:21:00.000-05:00

by Maggie Stiefvater

I realized with my last post about Stiefvater's newest novel that I had not taken the opportunity to write about one of her earlier published works-Lament. While I did not enjoy this book, or its sequel Ballad as much as The Wolves of Mercy Falls series, they were still good book choices.

Goodreads Summary:
Sixteen-year-old Deirdre Monaghan is a painfully shy but prodigiously gifted musician. She's about to find out she's also a cloverhand—one who can see faeries. Deirdre finds herself infatuated with a mysterious boy who enters her ordinary suburban life, seemingly out of thin air. Trouble is, the enigmatic and gorgeous Luke turns out to be a gallowglass—a soulless faerie assassin. An equally hunky—and equally dangerous—dark faerie soldier named Aodhan is also stalking Deirdre. Sworn enemies, Luke and Aodhan each have a deadly assignment from the Faerie Queen. Namely, kill Deirdre before her music captures the attention of the Fae and threatens the Queen's sovereignty. Caught in the crossfire with Deirdre is James, her wisecracking but loyal best friend. Deirdre had been wishing her life weren't so dull, but getting trapped in the middle of a centuries-old faerie war isn't exactly what she had in mind . . .

Lament is a dark faerie fantasy that features authentic Celtic faerie lore, plus cover art and interior illustrations by acclaimed faerie artist Julia Jeffrey.

Review:
I enjoyed this book, and found glimpses of Stiefvater's writing-style from The Wolves of Mercy Falls series. I liked James the best of all the characters. Parts of him-the goofiness and loyalty- reminded me of my favorite Harry Potter character, Ron Weasley. This is a great few books if you are looking for something with Celtic lore-faeries and romance.

The Scorpio Races

2011-08-11T22:02:00.000-05:00

The Scorpio Races is a new book by Maggie Stiefvater, author of the Wolves of Mercy Falls (Shiver, Linger, and Forever) that I love so much. It isn't out yet, but this description was posted on Goodreads, with another fantastic trailer on YouTube.

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 chance. So she enters the competition — the first girl ever to do so. She is in no way prepared for what is going to happen

The Candy Shop War

2011-08-09T21:11:00.002-05:00

by Brandon Mull

Goodreads Summary:

Welcome to the Sweet Tooth Ice Cream & Candy Shoppe, where the confections are a bit on the . . . unusual side. Rock candy that makes you weightless. Jawbreakers that make you unbreakable. Chocolate balls that make you a master of disguise. Four young friends--Nate, Summer, Trevor, and Pigeon--meet the grandmotherly Mrs. White, owner of the Sweet Tooth, and soon learn about the magical side effects of her candies.

In addition, the ice cream truck driver, Mr. Stott, has arrived with a few enchanted sweets of his own. But what about the mysterious man in the dark overcoat and fedora hat? Why are all these "magicians" trying to recruit Nate and his friends? Who should they trust?

The mystery deepens and the danger unfolds as the four youngsters discover that the magical strangers have all come to town in search of a legendary, hidden treasure--one that could be used for great evil if it fell into the wrong hands. The kids, now in over their heads, must try to retrieve the treasure first. And so, the war begins . . .

Review:
Who knew candy and little old ladies could be so dangerous! The main group of characters are funny and relatable. They mesh well together but are different enough that every reader can find someone they identify with. There are some parts that are pretty terrifying, but not too many that it takes over the book.

This is another book where the cover is very deceptive. It wasn't until after I read and loved the Fablehaven series that I decided to read this book. I also had a former student literally shove it into my hands on the last day of school and make me promise to read it.

Middle School, The Worst Years of My Life

2011-08-07T11:44:00.006-05:00

by James Patterson

Goodreads Summary:
Rafe Khatchadorian has enough problems at home without throwing his first year of middle school into the mix. Luckily, he's got an ace plan for the best year ever, if only he can pull it off: With his best friend Leonardo the Silent awarding him points, Rafe tries to break every rule in his school's oppressive Code of Conduct. Chewing gum in class-5,000 points! Running in the hallway-10,000 points! Pulling the fire alarm-50,000 points! But when Rafe's game starts to catch up with him, he'll have to decide if winning is all that matters, or if he's finally ready to face the rules, bullies, and truths he's been avoiding.

Review:
This story is funny and touching at the same time. Rafe's life isn't easy, and as a reader I realized that he was lonely and trying to do everything he could to fight it. It made me sympathetic to his character in a way that wasn't cheesy or sappy. For example, he cares a great deal about his sister, but still teases her like a brother would and tells her to get out of his room. There were even a few twists that kept the story from being stale. I was surprised that I enjoyed this book as much as I did.

Switched

2011-08-07T11:31:00.006-05:00

by Amanda Hocking

Goodreads Summary:
When Wendy Everly was six-years-old, her mother was convinced she was a monster and tried to kill her. It isn't until eleven years later that Wendy finds out her mother might've been telling the truth. With the help of Finn Holmes, Wendy finds herself in a world she never knew existed - and it's one she's not sure if she wants to be a part of.

Review:
I enjoyed this self-published book a great deal. Wendy is not perfect-she's even kind of a brat-but you still want what is best for her. I really enjoyed her brother Matt and his fierce loyalty. This book reminds me of a cross between Twilight and The Replacement. I have a paperback of this book, but they are now currently unavailable until 2012 because they are being republished by a company. It might be a little wait for the sequels in this trilogy-Torn and Ascend- are republished.

Divergent

2011-07-26T23:01:00.002-05:00

by Veronica Roth
The future is here and the world is a scary place. Beatrice has turned sixteen, and now she must make the most important decision of her life. She must join a faction and go through the initiation to be a member. Being factionless is not an option if you want to survive. The question is, which faction? Each represents what the members feel is the most important for the survival of man: Abnegation-her current faction-prizes selflessness above all else; Dauntless strives for courage and being a warrior; Candor believes in telling the truth no matter how hurtful or trivial; Euradite guards the need for knowledge at all costs; and Amity cherishes nurturing and caring for all citizens. Beatrice can chose her current faction, or forge a new path, breaking all ties with her family and the past.

This book series is the next Hunger Games. The action is amazing, the idea is fresh and the twists keep it that way, the morality it forces the reader to ponder keeps it in your brain constantly. I loved it. I read along with Beatrice, wondering at her decisions as I made my own. I can not recommend this strongly enough.

Matched

2011-07-26T22:17:00.004-05:00

by Allie Condie

Cassia has trusted those around her to run her life. The Society makes all decisions, using data that is collected in every possible way, and she's fine with that. When her matching ceremony occurs, and her best friend Xandar's face shows up on the screen, she is relieved that the Society's plan seems perfect for her. She just needs to figure out how to ignore the fact that Xandar's wasn't the only face to show on the screen-a boy she barely knows, a loner and an outsider named Kyle, was there before. She knows she should be logical, agree that it was a rare malfunction as the Society tells her, and move on. But she can't.

I loved the cover of this book, and that is what compelled me to finally buy it after picking it up multiple times. I was surprised that this didn't end up being the cheesy, love-triangle story that I expected. The complications at the matching ceremony do lead to romance, but the story seems to be more about the importance of finding out who you are-being the one who makes that choice-and not allowing someone else that right, even if it is just easier.

Diary of a Wimpy Kid

2011-07-26T16:28:00.002-05:00

by Jeff Kinney
Greg is just starting middle school and decides to keep a journal (NOT a diary) of his life. He figures that it will make things much easier to hand over his writing when he is rich and famous then have to recount everything to all his adoring fans. Through his writings we meet Greg's best friend Rowley who he is often humiliated by; he's just so uncool. We also meet some of Greg's other friends, like Fregley who seems to just be from another planet. We learn about Greg's family, especially his older brother Roddrick who Greg seems to love-hate-worship-fear, all at the same time.

This series chronicles Greg's life from his point of view, and I find him pretty hard to like. He is selfish and looks down on a lot of his friends, but his redeeming quality is that he comes through in the end. I do enjoy the portrayl of the family and how they seem to have high hopes. I also enjoyed how sketches are included to make different points; they add authenticity to the story. I don't know how strongly I would recommend the series-I could take them or leave them-up till the 3rd book. There were parts in The Last Straw where I laughed so hard I cried! Overall, they are an easy fun read.

Gone

2011-07-26T15:01:00.002-05:00

by Michael Grant
You live this day just like every other. You get up, get ready, go to school. You look down at your doodle in the middle of class, and when you look up again something is different. The teacher is gone-vanished. This is what happens at the beginning of the Gone series. Everyone over the age of 15 has just poofed; to where, no one knows. Not even Astrid the Genius can figure it out. Surrounded by some type of force field, nicknamed the FAYZ, there is also no internet, phones or television. At first, it's a party. Then Sam, Astrid, and the others begin to realize that things are wrong. Who will take care of the babies and toddlers? Who will organize the food and stop the bullies? In short, who will be the adults now that they are gone?

This series sucks readers in. You want to know more. You need to know what will happen to all of the kids-the bullies and the heroes alike. On top of that feeling, author Michael Grant adds so many twists and turns that you have to read at least one more chapter to see how things unfold. The disappearance of the adults and FAYZ are some of the least terrifying things that happen in the strange new world. No one knows what the FAYZ will create next.

I Never Had It Made

2011-07-26T14:48:00.001-05:00

by Jackie Robinson
Jackie Robinson is someone everyone should learn about in school-just as we learn about others who have changed our country. The man who changed the sport of baseball by integrating African-Americans into the players' ranks realized his life was not to be just about baseball, but that he held the future of how people will be treated in his actions. The book looks at all parts of his life- UCLA, his time in the army, his family-and how they all made him the man who was able to change our country forever through determination and strength.

He was often described as quiet man, but after reading this autobiography you can't help but realizing that wasn't true. He realized that actions were what would speak loudest and most effectively. His critics couldn't argue with his actions, so he contained his voice until it was time to tell his story. It also tells of the man after baseball, and Robinson's dedication to his race through politics even when he no longer played and had already sacrificed too much. A read for those who are ready to learn about his journey from his words.

The Forest of Hands and Teeth

2011-07-25T20:33:00.001-05:00

by Carrie Ryan
A tiny village in the middle of the woods is forgotten to all. It might be the last of its kind since the Unconcencrated have run in the forest. Surrounded by the fence that seperates them from the once-human, now beasts, the residents try to live normal lives.

Mary wants to try to survive, but the truths she depends on are starting to crumble in front of her. Will the Sisterhood keep them safe? Is there a world outside the forest with other people? Mary will soon be forced to discover what is real and what is myth.

This book by Carrie Ryan, as well as the two sequels that follow, are fantastic zombie adventures that delve past all of the gross-out factor found in some books about the undead into true questions about love and what makes us truly human. Mary is an authentic character who the reader relates to in even the most unrelateable situations. I would recommend these to readers who enjoy realistic fiction and are ready for something a little different.

Cryer's Cross

2011-04-08T10:17:00.009-05:00

from The Bookologist by Mavie

The small town of Cryer’s Cross is rocked by tragedy when an unassuming freshman disappears without a trace. Kendall Fletcher wasn’t that friendly with the missing girl, but the angst wreaks havoc on her OCD-addled brain.

When a second student goes missing—someone close to Kendall’s heart—the community is in an uproar. Caught in a downward spiral of fear and anxiety, Kendall’s not sure she can hold it together. When she starts hearing the voices of the missing, calling out to her and pleading for help, she fears she’s losing her grip on reality. But when she finds messages scratched in a desk at school—messages that could only be from the missing student who used to sit there—Kendall decides that crazy or not, she’d never forgive herself if she didn’t act on her suspicions. Something’s not right in Cryer’s Cross—and Kendall’s about to find out just how far the townspeople will go to keep their secrets buried.

McMann’s Cryer’s Cross is hauntingly creepy and scary, but yet, original and refreshing. It’s dark and mysterious with its unique concept; mysterious disappearances happening in a small town.

Constantly, McMann throws mind baffling twists and turns that are totally unexpected. Cryer’s Cross is plot-driven, it was the one that drove the whole story to flow and work. Also, McMann’s writing is so distinctive and dominant writing, that it is easy for readers to feel the emotions of the characters. The only lowlight to the way McMann brought this story together is that she could have thrown in more hints or a little more knowledge on what happened to the people who were missing.

Refreshing and interesting, Kendall’s OCD added so much to the story. It was easier to get her personality through. The fact that she had to deal with so many compulsions, but yet was able to stay calm on the outside was pretty fascinating. Jacien, at the start, was a jerk. He shined his angriness that he had moved to the town.

The relationship between Kendall and Jacien was, not surprisingly, startling. McMann’s way of building up romance in a story has never ceased to amaze me. When Kendall and Jacien immediately start to connect, Jacien unfolds and starts to change.

Cryer’s Cross is a haunting thriller that psychological horror enthusiasts are sure to enjoy. A great stand-alone from McMann!

The Year We Disappeared

2011-03-30T16:06:00.003-05:00

From: Guys Lit Wire: THE YEAR WE DISAPPEARED by Cylin Busby and John Busby

If you like your stories to have closure, or even poetic justice, don't expect it out of this one. It's gritty, it's frightening, it's messy—and it's true. And just like real life, not everything gets tied up in a neat bow in the end.

The Year We Disappeared: A Father-Daughter Memoir is a true story. In 1979, Massachusetts police officer John Busby was brutally shot while starting his shift, losing much of his lower jaw. He survived, but his life and the lives of his family members were irrevocably altered. The story is told in alternating first-person chapters from the point of view of John Busby and his daughter Cylin, who was nine years old at the time of the shooting.

It's not an easy story to read. First, John does not pull any punches in his description of the horrific shooting or his long, painful recovery.
Similarly, Cylin unflinchingly shows us how the rest of the family copes—or fails to cope—in the weeks and months to follow. The family has little privacy or freedom; they're being guarded around the clock in case the shooter decides to try to finish the job or get to John's wife or children. Cylin's two older brothers, their mother Polly, Cylin herself—each of them faces their own challenges, and of course John Busby must undergo some of the greatest challenges of all in his physical recovery. The level of detail, both with respect to the fear and frustration that Cylin feels, and with respect to John's painful recovery and nearly homicidal need for revenge, is almost overwhelming at times—as, indeed, it must have been for them.

It might make you angry. It probably should make you angry. I was appalled by the end, after feeling John's frustration and rage at what had been done to him and the unfairness of how his case was handled. The fear, cronyism, and corruption endemic to the law enforcement structure of the small town in which he lived made completely impossible any effective investigation into who had perpetrated the crime--someone John Busby was very much convinced he already knew.

So, no, this one isn't an easy story to swallow. But it IS riveting, I promise you that.

Random Notes:
The Year We Disappeared won a Cybils Award in 2008 for YA/MG Non-Fiction. Also, CBS did a 48 Hours special on the Busby family's story back in 2009. I'd be interested to know if anyone has seen it, and if so, what you thought of the TV version of the story.

I am Number Four

2011-01-18T20:37:00.002-06:00

Hunted his entire life, Number Four has lived with the knowledge that he is safe. Safe until Number One, Number Two, and Number Three are killed. Then it happens. They caught Number One in Malaysia. Number Two in England. And Number Three in Kenya. They killed them all.

His planet was attacked when he was just a toddler. He fled with his adult Cepean-charged with his safety and helping him as his special abilities begin to show. His life was spent on the run, hoping that the Mogadorians that attacked his planet and destroyed its resources, won't find him-or the others. He finally settles in as John Smith and lives in rural Ohio, leading a fairly normal life. That is, until he is discovered.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book, with its fast action and interesting plot line. I was able to spot influences by superheroes-specifically Superman. The idea of a race depleting and destroying their planet, and invading other peace-loving planets, hints to concerns of ecology and war. This books will be a quick read for most anyone.

After

2011-01-17T22:11:00.000-06:00

After a school shooting in nearby Pleasant Valley, everyone at Tom Bishop's school, Central High, is a little on edge. When Central starts to up safety expectations, adding metal detectors at the door, most people don't like it but go along. Then Dr. Willard, the new and extremely stern guidance counselor begins pushing the rules into the bizarre-no wearing the color red, random drug tests, and more-Tom knows things are not as they seem. Kids that are labeled trouble-makers are sent to "rehabilitation camps", so Tom keeps his mouth shut. When some of those kids don't ever make it home, he knows it is time to get out of Central for good.

After by Francine Prose is a book that isn't for everyone. It is for the readers who enjoy thinking and puzzling about a world that doesn't quite fit. It has some action, but that isn't the base of the book. I enjoy it because it really takes your mind into the "what if" places-What if this happened at my school? What would people say? Who would be sent away? Who would just walk with their heads down? Who would stand up?

Hero

2010-11-28T19:07:00.000-06:00

When Tom Harriman dies, the nation mourns a hero. When Tom Harriman dies, Billy also mourns a hero-but that hero happens to be his father. His dad worked for the president, and was always there to keep things under control. After his plane crashes, Billy knows something is wrong. Heroes don't just die in accidents.

Billy insists on pretending that he is moving on after this horrible family tragedy, but in reality he is searching for answers. He believes that his father's accident was no mistake. While he continues to look, Billy himself is beginning to change. He is faster, stronger, more confident. What he doesn't realize is his father's deepest secret, he was an actual superhero, is going to be revealed to him. He will know because his superhero powers are now being passed on to Billy.

I enjoyed this quick read by Mike Lupica. It is a daring thing to branch away from his usual topic of sports (although they are referenced quite a lot during the story) into one of superheroes. It is not my favorite superhero book, but the idea of powers being passed on (see Thirteen Days to Midnight) is an interesting one. It seemed like this book wrapped up way to quickly, with a large realization at the end that wasn't explored as much as it should have been. I hope that there is more about Billy and his new life in a follow-up book. I believe this is a good opportunity for fans of Lupica's other works to read a fantasy story.

Harriet the Spy

2010-11-22T12:16:00.001-06:00

A classic from when I was a lot younger, Harriet the Spy is a book that could be truly called timeless. It is the story of Harriet, an 11-year-old girl who lives in the city. An only child, her best companions are books and her wish is to grow up and be a writer. To practice, she is an observer. She watches everyone: her parents, the kids at school, and people on her 'spy route' that she walks daily. She records everything in her notebook.

Harriet's notebook is found by her classmates who subsequently read it. They are shocked and hurt by the observations she has recorded, which confuses Harriet. She doesn't understand why her writing has hurt everyone so much, why they think her comments about them come off as petty. They create a united front against her, and seek revenge. This makes Harriet, an already lonely observer, feel even more alone.

Don't judge this book because it is older, or on the Disney movie made on the general idea of it. The book is a classic, one that could not be outdated. It deals with the feelings that many people have when they try to understand the world they face. I remember reading this book, and even though sad things happened for Harriet, a part of me wanted to be her. Any book that can feel that real should be read by many.

Shiver-The Wolves of Mercy Falls Series

2010-11-12T19:47:00.001-06:00

I am sad to say that there are books that I dig my heels in and say, "No, I'm not going to read that. I will never read that." Usually it is because of the impression I get from the cover, or the things I have read about it from other people. Well, I need to learn that these often become my favorite, or at least well-liked books, in my library.

This book is a perfect example. The first in the Wolves of Mercy Falls series is the beautifully written story of Grace and Sam, two that are destined to be together. Sam saved Grace when a wolf-pack attacked her when she was just a child. He checked on her every winter after that. Grace saw him, but never knew who he was, because she only saw him when he was a wolf.

Sam is a werewolf, but the moon doesn't cause him to change form. Instead, heat and cold force him from human to animal. During the winter he is trapped in his wolf body. Soon, the time he stays there will become longer and longer, until he doesn't change back to a person.

This is the story of how they meet as people and fall in love. It is propelled by beautiful description, unique but believable characters, and storyline that may sound like one you've heard before-but definitely is not.

Chelsey & the Green-Haired Kid

2010-11-11T20:19:00.002-06:00

Every since she was a toddler, Chelsey has been confined to a wheelchair. Now 13, she strives for independence and uses the community bus service to get around. Because she doesn't fit into the bleachers at the high school to watch the basketball game with the rest of the fans, she has to sit behind them. This creates an unusual vantage point-not of the game, but of a murder. No one believes her, so she teams up with Jack, a misunderstood teenager with green hair, to try and figure out what happened. They discover that the murder goes deep into the town and the drug underworld.

I like this book for a few reasons. 1-It is a very quick read. The suspense in the story motivates the reader to continue until the end of the story. There is some predictability, but even the use of a drug ring in a small, Midwestern town is an interesting twist. 2-The author is from Iowa City, and the setting in the story is definitely influenced by this. One of the best scenes takes place on a steep hill that could only be the hill in downtown Iowa City. 3-Chelsey's disability is not a hindrance, or even a big deal. She deals with her chair in a matter-of-fact way, never pitying herself, instead being mature and realistic about it. Overall, this is a good, fun, mystery.

Beautiful Creatures

2010-11-10T18:11:00.001-06:00

Ethan is tired of living in the small Southern town of Gaitlin, a place her rarely gets away from, and is counting the days until graduation when he can be long gone. The loss of his mom still pains him every day. Life is boringly normal, except for his dreams- dreams that are more like visions. The drowning girl and his unsuccessful attempts to save her. Waking up covered in mud, drenched in river water.

When Lena Duchannes shows up in town, Ethan is even more bewildered. Why is the girl from his dreams here? How can she be the niece of the local nut? Life seems to spinning out of control, and when he discovers the true secret behind the new girl, it spins a million times faster.

Some people are totally turned off when they hear about this book-it sounds like any other cursed paranormal romance that is out there. But it isn't. It is so much more. For starters, as unbelievable as the story may be, the characters seem one-hundred percent real. They do things that you could see yourself doing, sadness seeps through their their thoughts, happiness glows. The setting acts as another character all together. The small Southern town captures the secrets of those who live there, young and old, and pulls you under.

The Enemy

2010-11-08T18:57:00.001-06:00

Your 16th birthday is a dreaded day in dystopian London. After the sickness came, every adult became ill. Some died. Some remained sick, confused, and hungry--and they'll feed on you. Children are fighting to survive, and hear of safe places where kids are living together. The gang that has been living in the grocery store, Waitrose, have decided that there has to be a better place-a place where there isn't the constant fear of who is next to be snatched. The group teams up with the Morrison group (from another store) to travel to Buckingham Palace where there is rumor of a large group of kids working to live together. On the way, some are lost.

This book is gross at times, and is not for the fainthearted. It is a zombie book (well, not technically since the 'Grown-Ups' aren't dead and coming back to life, in the true definition of zombies). There are some pretty gory places, and many more intense ones. Action-packed, thrilling, but still thought provoking. There is also sadness when the one child you really like, or can really connect to, dies. When children who have had all the adults they have trusted ripped away from them must lose their friends, too. And it leaves you wondering at the end...who is the real enemy?

Mike Lupica

2010-11-07T21:40:00.002-06:00

For the athletes who recognize that sports is life, Mike Lupica's books are for you. Lupica is an author of some very popular realistic fiction books and sports journalist for ESPN and other news outlets. His experience in the sports world definitely shows in his writing which rings realistic with each description, whether it is about baseball, football, or basketball. While showing the importance of athletics in each character's life, Lupica also weaves the life the characters live outside of the game they love into the story. He creates a whole person, not allowing his characters to be defined by sports, or any one thing. Summarized below are some of Lupica's most popular works. I will mention that The Big Field is my favorite.

The Big Field

For Hutch, shortstop has always been home. It's where his father once played professionally, before injuries relegated him to watching games on TV instead of playing them. And it's where Hutch himself has always played and starred. Until now. The arrival of Darryl "D-Will" Williams, the top shortstop prospect from Florida since A-Rod, means Hutch is displaced, in more ways than one. Second base feels like second fiddle, and when he sees his father giving fielding tips to D-Will—the same father who can't be bothered to show up to watch his son play—Hutch feels betrayed. With the summer league championship on the line, just how far is Hutch willing to bend to be a good teammate?

Heat

Twelve-year-old Michael Arroyo lives in the shadows of Yankee Stadium, home of his heroes, but a place that might as well be on a different continent since he can't afford to see the inside. He also lives in the shadows of his Bronx neighborhood, hiding from the bill collectors and the officials who would separate him from his seventeen-year-old brother if they knew the two boys were living on their own. Baseball is Michael's only salvation, along with his dream of playing in the Little League World Series-until a rival accuses Michael of being older than the league limit. With no parents and a birth certificate that is stuck in his native Cuba, the shadows in Michael's life grow darker. But that is when heroes emerge, and for Michael, heroes don't come any bigger than the Yankees.

Travel Team

Twelve-year-old Danny Walker may be the smallest kid on the basketball court—but don't tell him that. Because no one plays with more heart or court sense. But none of that matters when he is cut from his local travel team, the very same team his father led to national prominence as a boy. Danny's father, still smarting from his own troubles, knows Danny isn't the only kid who was cut for the wrong reason, and together, this washed-up former player and a bunch of never-say-die kids prove that the heart simply cannot be measured.

Miracle on 49th Street

Josh Cameron has it all: a World Championship ring with the Boston Celtics, an MVP award, a clean-cut image, and the adoration of millions. What he doesn't have is family. Until the day 12-year-old smartaleck Molly Parker confronts him in a parking lot and claims to be his daughter—the only daughter of Jen Parker, Josh's college sweetheart and the still the only girl he's ever loved. Trouble is, Jen Parker died last year, and now Molly has tracked down the father she never knew, the one her mother never wanted her to know about. Josh Cameron cares about two things only: himself, and basketball. The last thing this superstar wants or needs is a 12-year-old daughter. Yet this isn't just any 12-year-old. Mr. World Champion has finally met his match.

Million-Dollar Throw

What would you do with a million dollars, if you were thirteen? Nate Brodie is nicknamed "Brady" not only for his arm, but also because he's the biggest Tom Brady fan. He's even saved up to buy an autographed football. And when he does, he wins the chance for something he's never dreamed of—to throw a pass through a target at a Patriots game for one million dollars.

Nate should be excited. But things have been tough lately. His dad lost his job and his family is losing their home. It's no secret that a million dollars would go a long way. So all Nate feels is pressure, and just when he needs it most, his golden arm begins to fail him. Even worse, his best friend Abby is going blind, slowly losing her ability to do the one thing she loves most—paint. Yet Abby never complains, and she is Nate's inspiration. He knows she'll be there when he makes the throw of a lifetime.

Black Duck

2010-11-07T12:46:00.002-06:00

In this historical fiction novel, a boy named David goes after the impossible news story. Desperate to prove himself as a true reporter, he seeks to interview Mr. Rueben Hart about the times of prohibition and if he was involved. Hart refuses him, but finally concedes when David asks the key question He wants to know what happened with the boat the Black Duck?"

Long after it has happened, Hart recalls his story to David. It is not one of just alcohol prohibition (when the selling, creating, and consuming of alcohol was illegal in the United States in the late 1920s and early 1930s). It is also the story of Ruben and his friend Jeddy, who happen to find a dead mobster on the beach near their New England hometown. And of the Black Duck, a rum-running boat that has never been caught by the authorities, and its mysterious crew. This is a tale that will make you think about the strict line drawn between right and wrong, and what you truly believe.

While I am not one to classify myself as a historical fiction fan, the book Black Duck is still one of my favorites. It isn't drug down by facts; they are embedded naturally into the story. The action is intense, the characters believable, the story touching and memorable.

Tales from Outer Suburbia

2010-11-06T18:13:00.005-05:00

Tales from Outer Suburbia by Shaun Tan is weird. That's probably why I like it so much. This collection of short stories is all over the map. Sometimes they are hilarious, like the kids of the neighborhood who all get advice from a water buffalo. Sometimes they are heartbreaking, but still satisfying, like when the area dogs get revenge on the owner who beat one of their own to death.

My favorite story in the collection is about Eric, the foreign exchange student. Sounds like a pretty normal thing, until you see Eric, who lives in the pantry. The greatest concern for the family is if Eric is happy where he is, and I love how their question is answered.

While the stories themselves make this anthology a good read, the pictures make it breathtaking. Together, they tell a story with a normal setting that isn't so normal.

Heroes of the Negro Leagues

2010-11-04T14:16:00.005-05:00

Information about Negro League players are accompanied by striking watercolor portraits in this book honoring baseball at its finest. Each page is dedicated to a specific player influential to the league, and gives wonderful and precise facts about the person as a player and an individual.

Originally designed to be baseball cards for these amazing players that never had the opportunity to be immortalized with a piece of stale gum, these glimpses give wonderful insight to the lives of players in the Negro Leagues. It includes many well known, as well as some unknown, players. Some of my personal favorites include Josh Gibson, Cool Papa Bell, Satchel Paige, Hank Aaron, and of course Jackie Robinson and Ernie Banks.

Thirteen Days to Midnight

2010-11-04T12:22:00.008-05:00

Jacob has finally found a foster parent he truly cares about when he is killed in a horrible car crash. Right before he dies, Mr. Fielding whispers his last words to Jacob, "You are indestructible." A week later, Jacob writes these same words on the arm cast of a new friend, Ophelia. Soon after, she survives a horrible skateboarding crash without a scratch.

Soon, Jacob and his friends begin to realize there is much more to those three words, a superpower that can be passed from Jacob to others to keep them safe and alive. After discovering this, Jacob, Ophelia (Oh), and Milo (his best friend) begin to fulfill their superhero fantasies. They soon realize they could actually be superheroes, saving others with this power. But how do they decide who to save? What happens when they realize they can't keep death waiting forever.

This suspenseful and scary book full of twists and turns will keep readers on the edge of their seats and biting their nails at the same time. The moral debate that this book raises about who deserves to live over others alone makes it a great read. Highly recommended to those who like fantasy and horror books, Thirteen Days To Midnight by Patrick Carman.

Maze Runner

2010-11-03T22:53:00.006-05:00

Once every 30 days the elevator delivers another boy to the Glade. Thomas was expected the day he came. The fact that he remembers nothing of his life but his name was also expected, all the Gladers, the boys who live there, have the same experience. Stuck in an area surrounded by stone walls that only open during the day, they are just struggling to survive. They think the key to escape is solving the maze, the puzzle beyond the walls. Runner leave every day to try, but no one wants to be left in the maze at night.

The girl who arrives in the lift the next day is a shock. The message she delivers before entering a coma is even more confusing to the Gladers, but it especially effects Thomas who starts to wonder if he is the key to finding the answers they so desperately seek. If he could just remember...

The Maze Runner by James Dashner is a science fiction book that keeps the reader guessing and surprised. The book seems to be Lord of the Flies meets Hunger Games. Driven by great visual descriptions, suspense, and a "keep you on your toes" plot makes many readers eager to read the next two books in the trilogy.

911 The Book of Help

2009-11-23T09:19:00.009-06:00

911 The Book of Help edited by Michael Cart

This is a book about the 9/11/01 tragedy of the World Trade Center. In this tragedy, 3,497 people were killed. This book tells about people before, during and after the incident either in poems or short stories. This book is for people affected by the crash to help them recover from their grief and misery. The mood of the book is heartfelt grief and sadness.
We highly recommend this book to people who need to recover from the grief of the September 11th attacks.

Recommendation by Grant, Jeremiah and Denton

In the Land of the Lawn Weenies

2009-11-23T08:17:00.005-06:00

In the book, In the Land of the Lawn Weenies by David Lubar, we read the story, "A Fairy in a Jar."
"A Fairy in a Jar" is about a child catching fireflies in his backyard. He sees an extra spectacular light. He sweeps the net near the light, puts it in his room and turns on the light revealing the fairy in his jar. The fairy promises the child a diamond for her release. If you want to find out what happens next in "Fairy in a Jar," check out this fabulous book from your local library.
People that like reading short stories and fantasy would highly enjoy this series of short stories by David Lubar.

Recommended by Sarah and Dacia

Guys Write for Guys Read

2009-11-23T07:46:00.006-06:00

Guys Write for Guys Read edited by Jon Scieszka

We read the short story, "My French Teacher Tried to Kill Me" by Anthony Horowitz. This story is from the book, Guys Write for Guys Read. If you hate long stories, but love an action book, this is the book for you.
The genre of this book is short story,and the subgenre is realistic fiction.
The setting of this story is a French teacher's classroom in the present day. The French teacher is actually an assassin stalking Anthony. Anthony has meddled in his affairs once too many times. Will Anthony survive when the French teacher takes this situation too far, or will the French teacher get his revenge?
This is an easy to read, but suspenseful short story. This is obviously a short story for a guy who likes action packed stories.

Recommended by Connor and Riley

Best Shorts

2009-11-23T07:23:00.008-06:00

Best Shorts selected by Avi

Best Shorts is a book of short stories for people who like a mix of emotions. The genre of this book is realistic fiction and the main characters in the short story, "The Caller", are Aunt Margaret, Lindsay Walters, Missy and Ms. Walters. This short story takes place in a town suburb and it is present time.
The mood of this story is filled with anger, hatred and sadness. The first thing that happens in this story is that Lindsay and her whole family have to go to a funeral which ruins her plans to go hang out with her friends. She is secretly trying to sneak away from the funeral but gets caught and gets in trouble. The rest of the short story is filled with Lindsay's troubles and conflicts with not being able to hang out with her friends.
We think people who would like this book are people who enjoy conflicts and solving problems.

Recommeded by Anthony and Braxton

Invasion of the Road Weenies

2009-11-17T10:37:00.008-06:00

Invasion of the Road Weenies by David Lubar

We have read short stories from the book, Invasion of the Road Weenies by David Lubar.

"The Last Halloween" is about a girl who doesn't want to go trick-or-treating because of something a few boys did last year when she went. Her mind is quickly changed when she finds a special pair of gloves in her basement and then she decides to be a veiled lady. Once she hits the streets for trick-or-treating, she encounters the boys once again, but something amazing happens. You'll have to read it to find out.
This bone-chilling story by David Lubar will leave readers wanting more. There are many great stories from paranormal and freaky to funny and weird.

Recommended by Noland and Jon

The Tales of Beedle the Bard

2009-11-17T09:33:00.008-06:00

The Tales of Beedle the Bard by J. K. Rowling

"Babbity, Rabbity and her Crackling Stump"

The Tales of Beedle The Bard gives you a whole new perspective on the fantasy world, starting with a devious tale of a cunning charlatan, foolish king, and Babbity, the washer woman witch. This tale takes place in a far off land.

The foolish King sets out a proclamation asking to be taught magic. No true witch or wizard would dare volunteer for the post. They are in hiding from the Brigade of Witch-Hunters. A greedy charlatan sees his chance for a "get rich quick" plan, so he goes to the King pretending to be a wizard of great power.
He demands gold to buy wands and rubies to be used in the casting of charms, but the charlatan keeps the gold and snaps two twigs from a tree, saying they are powerful wands. All this time Babbity, the washer woman witch, is watching him.
Once Babbity sees their foolishness, she laughs out loud. The King grows impatient, demanding to show the world his magic, so the charlatan knows it is time to run. He says he is leaving for a long voyage. The King won't take no for an answer and says he will have him beheaded.
The charlatan threatens to reveal Babbity as a witch (He sees her polishing her wand) if she doesn't perform the tricks for the King. When the King attempts to bring a dog back to life, even Babbity knows that her magic can't do that. The King grows angry at the charlatan, so the charlatan, (attempting to bring it off himself) yells, "There your Majesty, there! I see her plain, a wicked witch who is blocking magic with her own evil spells! Seize her! Somebody, seize her!"
What will happen to Babbity? Will the Brigade of Witch-Hunters catch her? Will the charlatan's cunning tricks pay off, or will Babbity's magic reveal his true identity to the foolish king?

Recommended by Grace and Maddie

More Horowitz Horror

2009-11-17T09:19:00.008-06:00

More Horowitz Horror by Anthony Horowitz

We read "The Hitchhiker" by Anthony Horowitz. On a highway between Ipswich and Southwold, Jacob and his family pick up a hitchhiker near an insane asylum. His name is Mr. Rellik. Notice anything about the name? Well, Jacob does. When Jacob thinks his family is in danger, he may do anything to save them and himself. Will Jacob be able to save his family in time? Or will they all be lost forever? Find out in this horror story, "The Hitchhiker."
This book is an easy read that holds darkness and many ominous things. This book is for anyone who loves surprises and likes easy reads.

Recommended by Lauren and Moriah

The Curse of the Campfire Weenies

2009-11-17T09:13:00.007-06:00

The Curse of the Campfire Weenies and other Warped and Creepy Tales by David Lubar

We read The Curse of the Campfire Weenies by David Lubar. In this book there was a short story called "Spin". If you like weird books read this. This story is about a couple of boys named Jimmy and Darin. Ray is their friend. When Darin's brother, Jimmy, finds something that looks spinnable, he spins it on his finger. Darin gets really annoyed by this. Will Darin succeed in helping Jimmy stop spinning everything he sees? This book is very easy to read and has very wacky subjects. You might like to read this if you like funny and weird books. We would recomend this to anybody, boys and girls, or to anyone who likes fantasy.

Recommended by Megan and Alexa

Unexpected

2009-11-17T07:52:00.006-06:00

Unexpected: 11 Mysterious Stories edited by Laura E. Williams

"Who Broke Harry's Head?" by Graham Salisbury

This book really is unexpected! In the short story, "Who Broke Harry's Head?", Joey's mom is having tough times, and doesn't need any more trouble. But when his sister's rocking horse's head is broken, who is to blame? His mom's boy friend? His babysitter? His sister? Him? In the story, three major events happen. First, his babysitter's bird goes missing. Second, Joey's mom has a break down. Third, his sister's rocking horse's head is broken. This book would be a middle paced read for most people. People who like a combination of strange science fiction and mystery, would like this book. This collection of short stories is for anyone looking for something good.

Recommended by Garret, Trevor and Zach

The Complete Horowitz Horror

2009-11-17T07:14:00.005-06:00

The Complete Horowitz Horror by Anthony Horowitz

"Bath Night" is not for the weak hearted, in fact it may not even be best for the strong hearted. Bath Night is not a pleasant night for Isabel. Isabel has a mother and a father who are always fighting and never agreeing on anything. Isabel's mother and father don't believe anything she says about Bath Night. It all started when her mother and father traded in their old bathtub for a Victorian bathtub used by a murderer. Isabel finds out who last owned the tub and tries to destroy it...This collection of short stories is horror filled.

Recommended by Tanner, Killian and Mitch

Shattered

2009-11-10T12:25:00.007-06:00

We read the book, Shattered, by Jennifer Armstrong. It is a short story book. We read the short story, "The Second Day." It is historical fiction. It takes place during wartime in the Middle East. It is about a girl, her parents and her siblings. This is a sad, aggressive and emotional story that will hook you from the start. This family has to run away from home. On their way a tank almost hits them. They have to keep moving until they hit the border. This is about real people or based on real people.
I would say that this book is on the easy side. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes sad emotional books.

Recommended by Gabby and Hannah

Losing Is Not an Option

2009-10-28T12:00:00.005-05:00

This book of short stories is definitely for those who can identify with athletes. From football stories to great track stories, Losing Is Not An Option by Rich Wallace will resonate with readers who have experienced the ups and downs of competing in the athletic world.
In the title story, "Losing is Not an Option", a High School Senior, Ron, is a school track star. He is a long distance runner, and has won honors in Cross Country, but now in the Spring, is competing in track events. Despite distractions, like girls, card games and separated parents, Ron devotes himself to pushing his body every day to increase its endurance and strength. He often recalls his domineering father's words that "losing is not an option," and steps up his efforts to be the best runner he can be. Ron is confident he can win each race he runs until he faces the big state tournament. Self doubts threaten to take control.
Ron wants more than anything to win that State title...will all of his hard work pay off?
The author of Losing is Not an Option, Rich Wallace, seems to know what it takes to make an outstanding athlete. This book is geared toward High School students, but Middle School teens will enjoy it as well. Readers will not be disappointed with the realistic tension created by the characters as they enter high stakes sports contests.

The Pit and the Pendulum and Five Other Tales

2009-10-26T11:57:00.009-05:00

The Pit and the Pendulum and Five Other Tales by Edgar Allan Poe

This is a collection of short stories written by one of the most respected authors of horror stories, Edgar Allan Poe. The lead story, "The Pit and the Pendulum", is riveting in its ability to draw in the reader. In the first line of the story, we learn that someone has been sentenced to death by the Spanish Inquisition. The prisoner's hands and feet are bound. When he comes to, he finds himself in a dark dungeon. He is blinded by the blackness, but begins to desperately explore his cell by feeling along the wall and floor. When he trips, he finds his chin hard against a cold slimy surface, but his nose and cheek contact nothing, nothing at all...that is his first inkling that there is a deep, seemingly endless pit in the middle of his dungeon.
Inventive torture is a specialty of the Spanish Inquisition. After the prisoner does not fall into the pit, the jailers need to find another method to torture him to death. When he wakes up next, he finds himself completely bound, lying on a table. The only part of him that can move is his left elbow and hand. The prisoner is extremely hungry and thirsty. He finds a bowl full of meat just within reach of his hand. He begins to eat bits of meat...then he hears rats creeping out of the pit. The rats are horrifying enough,but when he sees a strange pendulum moving back and forth above him, he realizes it is swinging lower toward him with each pass. The pendulum is posed exactly above his heart.
Will the prisoner survive the pit and the pendulum? Will the torturers break his willl to live, or will he lose his sanity to the evil devices of those who conspire against him?
Edgar Allan Poe user a large vocabulary and is fond of making descriptive passages, but this is part of the intrigue and helps set the eerie quality of his stories.
Edgar Allan Poe's stories are classics and will be something you hear about the rest of your life. His stories will haunt you for years to come.

The Giver, Gathering Blue, Messenger

2009-09-14T18:23:00.007-05:00

This is one of the most debated book series that I have encountered in my time teaching. However, it also one of the most moving. Never has a book caused more questions, deep thinking, and introspection on the part of the readers as The Giver. This happens every time I read any book in the series; the big life-altering, brain-filling questions take over, accompanied by a great story.

The series begins with The Giver, published in 1993 and winner of the Newbery medal the same year, is set in a future society that, at first, seems perfect. They embrace the idea of Sameness-a plan that has eliminated pain and sadness from the lives of their citizens. However, the citizens have also given up most emotional meaning in the trade. The story beings by following the main character Jonah as he turns twelve and learns about his future career. Jonah inherits the position of "receiver of memories". This is important in case anyone needs help making a decision based on the time before Sameness. While receiving the memories from The Giver, Jonah begins to see the scary truth behind his community, and must decide what to do with this new knowledge.

The next book, Gathering Blue, takes place in a society completely different from the world in The Giver. After her mother's death leaves her an orphan, Kira does not know what her future holds. The Council steps in, and gives her room and board in exchange for repair of the cloak that is worn at the Ruin Song Gathering by the singer. This cloak shows the history of the culture, and Kira realizes that it also holds the future. The title references her need to create blue dye, and create a future that is better for herself and those of her world.

Messenger looks into the future for Matty, a character that has appeared in a supporting role in both The Giver and Gathering Blue. Matty is a messenger for the village he lives in, a village that takes in the outcasts from the surrounding communities and uses them as a way to create a whole community where no one feels unwanted or turned away. Something is changing, and the once welcoming place decides to close its doors to newcomers. Frightened by what this means for him, and his job as messenger, Matty must make one last trip to seek Kira (from The Giver).

Hunger Games

2009-09-13T18:00:00.008-05:00

Katniss lives in our world...in the (hopefully) far away future. She lives a tough life in District 12 where she spends most of her time trying to provide for her mother and sister after her father died. She does this by hunting in an area that is forbidden, and she is darn good at it.

Every year, her life takes an even deeper dip on reaping day. This is the day when the government makes each district pay for the uprising against the government years before by selecting two of its children-1 boy, and 1 girl-to participate in The Hunger Games. At District 12's reaping, Prim, Katniss's sister, is called to participate. Katniss quickly volunteers to stand next to Peeta, the baker's son, and participate in her sister's place.

The Game is televised nationwide, and the only way to win is to win over your audience. This isn't Katniss's area of expertise, and she leans on the help of her fashion designer and coach, as well as Peeta to prepare. Unfortunately, when it is revealed that the only way to win is survive-it is kill or be killed, literally- Katniss realizes the only one she should truly depend on is herself.

I think that there are a lot of reasons that I love this book. Again, the kick-butt female character who needs no one, especially not a boy. I also like that it moves quickly, and seems like it could get even the most reluctant reader involved. It has a girl as a main character, but Peeta has quite a large role as well. There is romance, but there is fast-action that focuses on hunting, fighting, and survival. It is not a book for boys, girls, or just young-adults. It has something for everyone.

Read the Time Magazine article at the link below about The Hunger Games and Catching Fire, the sequel.
http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1919156,00.html

Graceling

2009-09-13T17:45:00.009-05:00

Bought for me by my husband, this book quickly became one of my all-time favorites. Always the center of great reviews, this features a fantasy world with strong characters, but none are stronger then Katsa. She is the female lead, who quite frankly, kicks butt. But she hates herself. She is Graced, which means she has a special talent-one that she was born with. This is marked by her eyes being two different colors. For some people, being Graced means they have the ability to predict the weather, or cook a fantastic meal. Unfortunately for Katsa, she is Graced with the ability to kill. Because of this, she is used by her uncle, and kin,g as an assassin. Katsa trudges through her life miserably, until she meets a prince from another kingdom who helps her find another way to live.

I truly can not explain how much I loved this book, with characters that are fully developed and with easy to relate to problems, a plot that sucks you in right away, and a good balance of story and action. I hope that it is open to a sequel that will feature characters that I have grown fond of.

Chasing Lincoln's Killer

2009-09-13T10:23:00.007-05:00

Nonfiction is not my thing, usually. When I read a book, I usually am choosing to escape the world that I live in and find a more magical place- which is why I am such a fan of fantasy and sci fi. If more nonfiction were fast-paced and exciting like this story, I would probably enjoy it more!

This book is based on the best-selling adult novel Manhunter, also by James Swanson. Chasing Lincoln's Killer is the story of how John Wilkes Booth organized and carried out the assassination of President Abraham Lincoln, and tried to organize the simultaneous murders of other high-ranking members of the government, such as the vice president. It also chronicles the twelve days that Booth dodged the manhunt by hiding in houses of unwitting supporters, barns, and the woods. It also tells of his purpose- to seek revenge on the Union Yanks, and hopefully inspire those that still believes in the Confederacy to rise up and fight again.

I enjoyed the story that was told by this book, and the minor stories that were woven within. I thought it was an interesting way to approach one of the most important events in American history, and liked the way it is told following Booth. A definite nonfiction selection for my book shelf.

The Underland Chronicles

2009-07-11T22:36:00.005-05:00

The Underland Chronicles are another example of a series that I wish I had read years ago. I loved The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins, and that finally convinced me to give them a try.

These books tell the story of Gregor, a boy who has a tough life. Growing up in poverty, Gregor's dad disappeared suddenly, leaving his mother in constant worry and stress to take care of the family. Gregor does his best to help, and one day is assisting with the laundry while watching his baby sister Boots. Suddenly, Boots is gone. Gregor desperatly searches for her, and falls down a very curious tunnel that was hidden behind one of the machines in the laundry room. This tunnel takes him to The Underland, a place deep in the earth where people exist in complete darkness. They live with an uncomfortable truce with giant cockroaches, spiders, and rats. When Gregor and Boots arrive, there is a war brewing. Gregor just wants to get home, but the people in Underland believe that he is the warrior that their prophecies told about, he is forced to stay. Gregor then realizes there are secrets rampant, and some could involve his father's disappearance. He decides to embark on the adventure of a lifetime to save the people he just met.

And so begins Gregor's journies an life in the Underland. Collins does an excellent job creating an alternate world that at first seems creepy, but then grows on the reader. One can only marvel at how Gregor keeps his life together, but he still seems like a very "real" kid. There is action, adventure, and suspense abound in these stories that are very addicting.

Sarah Dessen

2009-07-03T09:41:00.014-05:00

I admit, I judge books based on their covers. I know that I am not supposed to, in theory, but I think everyone does to a certain degree. That is why it took so long for me to read any of Sarah Dessen's books. They just seemed so...girly. And I am not a girly girl. So I just bought them for my students who loved them, and didn't really think they were worth my time. Then, I had a student finally talk me into giving one a try- The Truth About Forever. While it isn't my favorite Dessen book, I really enjoyed it. Dessen keeps common themes through her stories, but makes them different enough that each is enjoyable. Each has a romance element, but the focus is more about the main character- a teenage female girl- who is struggling with a problem. The problems are often ones that many of us can identify with: divorce, body images, friends. Check out some of my favorite Dessen books below, and give one a try. I have read them all, and would reccommend most to lovers of realistic fiction.

Just Listen- My absolute favorite Dessen book because it combines a story with music. Annabel was "the girl who has everything; at least that's the part she played in the television commercial for Kopf 's Department Store. This year, she's the girl who has nothing: no best friend because mean-but-exciting Sophie dropped her, no peace at home since her older sister became anorexic, and no one to sit with at lunch. Until she meets Owen Armstrong. Tall, dark, and music-obsessed, Owen is a reformed bad boy with a commitment to truth-telling. With Owen's help, maybe Annabel can face what happened the night she and Sophie stopped being friends.

Keeping the Moon- A close second to Just Listen, this is my least favorite book cover. I like the story of individuality and weight issues. Probably some of Dessen's strongest characters are contained in this book...Fifteen-year-old Colie is spending the summer with her eccentric Aunt Mira while her mother travels. Formerly chubby and still insecure, Colie has built a shell around herself. But her summer with her aunt, her aunt's tenant Norman, and her friends at the Last Chance Diner & teaches her some important lessons about friendship and learning to love yourself.

Someone Like You-Maybe the most far-fetched of her stories, this is still a good read. Sad, but the focus on friendship is definitely a plus. Halley has always followed in the wake of her best friend, Scarlett. But when Scarlett learns that her boyfriend has been killed in a motorcycle accident, and that she's carrying his baby, she's devastated. For the first time ever, Scarlett really needs Halley. Though their friendship may be tested by the strain, like a true friendship, it will endure.

The Mortal Instruments Trilogy

2009-06-30T21:35:00.007-05:00

This is the story of Clary, a normal fifteen-year-old growing up in New York City accompanied by her best friend Simon. That is, until she witnesses a murder committed, oddly enough, by three other teenagers. She soon discovers the truth behind the group- they are Shadowhunters; warriors specially trained from a young age to fight and kill demons that inhabit our world. The "person" they killed was actually a demon.

The Shadowhunters become interested in Clary. Why can she see them? What is her past? Clary realizes that she doesn't really know about her childhood, or her mom's life before her, but she realizes it too late. Her mom has disappeared, and Clary is attacked by a monster. Without the help of Shadowhunter Jace, Clary would never make it through this journey, and the search for her mom, alive. This creates a bond between the two that they cherish, and hate. It doesn't make Simon too happy either.

I claim this trilogy as my most recent favorite fantasy series. It has everything I loved from the Twilight series- romance and action, as well as an interesting plot that takes place during present day- but in the right proportion. There is a great deal of action, with an underlying storyline of the love-triangle between Clary, Jace, and Simon. There are some parts that are PG-13 in both violence and relationships. However, I do not rate it as more mature then Twilight.

Wendy Mass

2009-06-20T21:45:00.013-05:00

I just finished my third book by Wendy Mass- A Mango-Shaped Space. Ms. Sauer recommended it to me, along with a number of students who read it. I have avoided it for the sole reason that I knew part of the plot dealt with the main character's cat Mango. And anyone who knows me as a reader knows I have a tough time handling books dealing with animals, especially because the animals often die, and that just breaks my heart.

I promise that I won't give anything away about Mango, but I will tell you that I have found out that Wendy Mass is a truly gifted author. She does an excellent job presenting characters that are different, but likable. There are no parts in her books where I might think to myself, "This is so not-likely. It almost seems fake." Instead, I catch myself surprised that she handles such odd situations, ones I have not and will not experience, by making them seem like they are everyday problems. Below are the reviews/summaries of three of Mass's books that I have read.

A Mango-Shaped Space: Mia's family, and life, are normal. She lives in a rural area and is the middle child. Her younger brother Zack is a little odd since he keeps track of all the McDonald's hamburgers he's eaten, but everyone loves him anyway. Her teenage sister Beth is kind of snotty, but sweet at heart. Mia, well, she has a secret. Whenever she hears sounds, she sees colors and shapes. For so long, Mia thought everyone was this way. Now she figures she is the only one, she hopes to keep that secret between her and her cat Mango.

I truly loved this story. It was not action-packed, but was very 'real'. While I could put this book down, I know it is a story that will stay with me for a long time.

Jeremy Fink and the Meaning of Life: Jeremy is kind of a chicken. He is afraid to go farther than a few blocks from his house, and really hates surprises. His best friend Lizzie is almost the complete opposite. When Jeremy gets a box that claims to hold the meaning of life, he knows he is going to have to change in order to open it by his 13th birthday. He can not open it without the keys, which are missing, and must enlist Lizzie's help to discover a new side to himself, and find the keys.

I was surprised by how the twists in plot, intriguing themes, and interesting characters really drove this novel and made it an enjoyable read.

Every Soul a Star: Mass uses three very different characters to narrate the story of a total solar eclipse at Camp Moonshadow. Ally, whose family runs and lives at the camp has been preparing for this day for most of her life. Bree, whose family is moving to take over the camp, wants nothing to do with the eclipse. Jack is an underachiever, along for the ride to make up for failing science. These three start off in stereotypical roles, but soon the reader sees glimpses of their true characters.

I was impressed by the seemless plot, even though each chapter was narrated by a different character. I loved how, like all of us, Ally, Jack, and Bree seemed one way- but surprised everyone in the end. If you need one good reason to read this book, you have to get to the description of the eclipse. It is amazing.

Scott Westerfeld

2009-06-13T21:38:00.011-05:00

I just finished So Yesterday by Scott Westerfeld, which I found intriguing. I have read two other trilogies/series that he authored, that I will discuss later on in this post. What I would like to pose to all of you, before I begin reviewing Westerfeld's books that I have read, is doing an author investigation. Think about an author that has multiple books out, one that you enjoy, and read what you can by him or her. Then, after you have finished, continue your thoughts into what you might be able to infer about the writer from the text you just read. I have done this before, but after finishing So Yesterday, which is frankly very different from all of Westerfeld's novels I have read, I feel like I know some things that he would agree are important to him. I almost get a better idea of an overall 'so what' after reading all of these books, instead of looking at just one. I'm not going to blab what I think it is- that's for some of you to discover on your own.

Uglies Triology + Extras (a companion book): These books focus on Tally, a girl eagerly awaiting her sixteenth birthday. Not so unusual, you might think. When you discover that Tally lives in a futureworld, and sixteen means you change from being an Ugly (what we would consider normal) to a Pretty-all through an operation provided by the governement. Being Pretty leads to being bubbly; partying, having fun, and not caring about anyone. After meeting Shae, a rebel Ugly who introduces her to people known as The Smoke, Tally starts to reconsider. She's always wanted to be Pretty, but is it all that it cracks up to be? What is the sinister secret behind being Pretty, and what choice does Tally really have? The Uglies triology will pull you into a world of the future, one that you may not want to envision. You'll find you can't escape-just like Tally.

The Midnighters: Jessica Day arrives in the small, sleepy town of Bixby, Oklahoma not expecting much. What she discovers freezes her in her steps- well, actually it freezes everyone around her. At midnight, Jessica discovers that time, and everything and every person around her, freezes for an hour. Every person except those that call themselves The Midnighters. During this secret hour, Jessica discovers new things about her and her group of friends. She also realizes that she is the focus of other things that wake up only during this secret hour- dark and sinister things who want her. The question is not just why, but what will they go to in order to get her?

So Yesterday: Hunter Braque lives in New York City and has an unusual job, one for only the elite. He finds the Innovators, the ones who start the fads, the ones on the cutting edge of cool, for the retail market. Hunter's life is overall cool, but then his boss disappears and he must use his hunting skills, as well as his new found friendship with Jen, to find her.

Catch a Tiger by the Toe

2009-06-11T21:43:00.005-05:00

Pretty much anyone who knows me, knows me as a reader. One thing I struggle with is reading books in the historical fiction genre. I guess it is because the setting, especially the time period, can often take away from the story instead of adding to it. I did just finish a historical fiction novel by Ellen Levine titled Catch a Tiger by the Toe. I decided to read this book for two reasons: 1- It is a time period I don't know much about, post World War II. 2- I have to read some historical fiction to feel like I am a well-rounded reader!

I liked this book because it focused on a time that many people who didn't live it don't understand. When the Soviet Union became a Communist state, and the US began fighting with them after World War II, being considered a Communist or 'Red' was pretty scary. During this time, a lot of people forgot what was fought for in World War II- freedom for everyone- and began to discriminate against people who were rumored to be Communists. A senator named McCarthy fueled everyone's fear by calling people to testify in front of the Senate about being a Communist, and asking them to name other people they knew who were part of that political party. People lost jobs, were shunned by their neighbors, and treated poorly because of this. The ironic thing is, it has never been illegal to be part of any political party!

This book centers around Jamie and her family. Jamie hints often to a secret her family has. It is why her best friend can't come over, and why her mom is often reminding her to keep her lips sealed. For much of the book, the exact secret is unknown, but readers can infer her family is connected to the Communist party somehow. She wants to be a normal kid, so she lies to cover up her family's secret. Soon, the cat-or tiger-is out of the bag, and Jamie must learn how to deal with it.

I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys historical fiction. I liked learning about the McCarthy era, and want to know more about it. I am disappointed that I didn't learn more in school about this time period, which is similar to the little I learned about Japanese-American internment camps. I guess that textbook authors may feel it is easier to forget a mistake and move on instead of educate and learn from it.

The Secrets of The Immortal Nicholas Flamel

2009-06-11T00:23:00.007-05:00

You may have read the title of this post, of this series, and thought, "I know that name...How do I know Nicholas Flamel?" Well, you may realize that he is a character that is featured in Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone as the owner of the stone.

This Nicholas Flamel, although based on the same man, is very different. In this series (of five books, with three released) we meet Nicholas through the eyes of Josh and Sophie. They are fifteen-year-old twins who are working boring jobs in San Francisco while their archeologist parents are on a dig. Life is normal, until a strange man shows up at the book shop where Josh works. John Dee shows up, looking for Nick Fleming, aka Nicholas Flamel, and his wife, owners of the shop. The first of many magical battles begins as Josh, and Sophie, have their lives changed forever.
In the three books released, Josh and Sophie discover they are no normal teenagers. Magic and science meet to shape their lives and futures. They are constantly bombarded with battles- both internal and external. Who do we trust? Who's motives are to help us, and not further themselves? And why is that man suddenly turning into a huge deer?

I truly enjoyed this face-paced story. I wanted to read more, and even when the story line switched to another, I was never disappointed. The twins, Josh and Sophie, are likeable. They remind me a lot of Kendra and Seth from the Fablehaven series. One complaint I have is, while they do show love for one another like the Fablehaven siblings do, they never show irritation. This makes their relationship seem slightly less realistic. I have yet to meet a brother and sister who do not grate on each other's nerves, especially after being worn out through battles and chased all over Europe. I do like how you never know who to trust- enemies don't seem so bad, and allies don't seem so great. It makes predicting much more challenging, and fun! A must read for fantasy readers, or anyone who loves the cross-bred genre discussed earlier.

What-the-Dickens

2009-06-01T21:50:00.004-05:00

I just finished What-the-Dickens by Gregory Maguire. I have to be honest, I bought this at a used book store and was totally taken in by the cover. I was intrigued by the story, but the cover sold me.

This is the story of a girl named Dinah, her brother Zeke, her toddler sister Rebecca Ruth, and their older cousin Gage. They are in the middle of a horrible storm, and are trying to get through the night without their parents. This is no ordinary storm, it has driven many neighbors to evacuate, but the group is scared to leave.

To pass the time, Gage begins to tell the story of What-the-Dickens. He is a young skibberee, or tooth fairy, that was born alone in a tin can. What-the-Dickens knows nothing of who he is, and seeks to find answers. He comes across many creatures, most notably Pepper, a fellow skibberee who has enough fight to back up her name.

I enjoyed this story, although I can't claim it as one of my favorites. What-the-Dickens is a likeable, but frusturating character. I didn't feel like Dinah, Zeke, or Gage got developed enough. I liked the twisting together of the two plots, but felt like it was strained at times. Overall, a fun read, if you are looking for something different.

Cross-bred Genre

2009-05-23T10:48:00.012-05:00

Has anyone else noticed a surge in a new genre that seems to be a cross between fantasy and mythology/traditional tales? I have, and I love it! I hesitate to say that they are also realistic fiction, but it seems as though these books also often star a character who is a teenager that deals with "normal" problems like school, family, friends, and love. The four series that I especially like, pictured here, also take place during present day and in America. The mixture of things that we can all relate to, plus the impossible monsters and quests, make this a pretty amazing mutt! Here is a description of some of my favorite series that fall into this category:

Warrior Heir: This triology (Warrior Heir, Wizard Heir, and Dragon Heir) by Cinda Williams Chima feature kids (Jack is the main character in the first book) who are part of the magical community known as Weirland. These magical kids live among us, and many do not even know of their own powers. They have stones that are next to their hearts which give them their abilities- such as being a warrior or wizard. Soon, these kids are engulfed in the politics of the Weir, which involves brutal battles, feuding wizards, and constant vies for power.

Fablehaven: These are four books, with a fifth one coming out in 2010, are centered around siblings Seth and Kendra who discover the truth behind their grandparents' nature preserve- it is actually a preserve for magical creatures! At this preserve, called Fablehaven, they encounter both creatures of light and dark. Unfortunately, their biggest problem is off the preserve with a group called The Society of the Evening Star. These people want to release all the creatures to live and do as they want. To stop them, Kendra, Seth, and their friends must collect or protect the magical artifacts hidden around the world that also serve as a key to destruction. This series is written by Brandon Mull.

Percy Jackson and the Olympians: Percy doesn't understand why he is always getting in trouble, why things always seem to happen to him. Well, until he finds out that his father is actual a god, and that Greek mythology is not myth at all. Percy finally finds a place where he fits in, sort of, at Camp Half-Blood, a camp for demigods. He is helped there by his friend Grover, who he actually discovers is a satyr. In this series by Rick Riordan, Percy and his friends go on numerous quests to keep the world of the Olympians and the mortal world in balance and safe.

Alfred Kropp: Written by Rick Yancey, this series is about poor Alfred Kropp. He is what we call an antihero; he is a hero, even though he doesn't want to be. Alfred has never really known his dad, his mom recently passed away from cancer, he is not good at athletics (even though he is quite strong, he's clumsy), and he just isn't that bright. He has been referred to as the Forrest Gump of antiheroes. Alfred gets involved in a plot to steal the sword Excalibur after his uncle, and guardian, signs on to participate. While the mission goes poorly (to say the least), it is the beginning of Alfred's discovery into the truth about who he is and his destiny.

Mrs. Frisby & the Rats of Nihm

2009-05-21T21:51:00.011-05:00

Mrs. Frisby is an ordinary mouse, whose child has become ill with pneumonia. Their home in danger from the impending plowing of the fields, so she turns to her late husband's friends, the mysterious rats who live under the rosebush. She discovers the rats of NIHM are intelligent and far more sophisticated than anticipated. With intelligence comes even yet more dangers than ordinary animals face!

This Newberry Award winning book, by Robert O'Brien, is a fantastic fantasy book for young readers and I also recommend it as a re-read for adults. The themes deserve a re-read as this book can bring new meaning with every re-read. The characters are multi-dimensional and quite interesting. I also think if you love animals, this will give you more to love. I have loved this book for many years and think you will find it a favorite too!

Jerk, California

2009-05-20T16:57:00.014-05:00

Fablehaven

2009-05-13T20:59:00.005-05:00