Tuesday, December 31, 2013

Chinese Cinderella

Chinese Cinderella: The True Story of  an Unwanted Daughter By: Adeline Yen Mah

Adeline has never been the favorite daughter. In fact, she is the most not liked. She is blamed for her mother's death, as her mother died two weeks after giving birth to her.  When Adeline's father remarries, it is apparent that things are only going to get worse for her and her siblings.  They are not as favored as the new siblings, and they are mistreated.  Adeline works her hardest in school and outside her house to be the best she can be, she is given many awards, but never once does anyone come to see her.  Eventually Adeline is sent to live at two different boarding houses, and is never contacted by her family.  But throughout all of this she eventually makes a name for herself by winning a writing contest, that starts her career as an author.

Such a beautifully sad story.  I cannot imagine what her childhood was like, and it makes me very thankful that I lived with parents who loved me, and cared for me. What I also found heartbreaking was that there were other girls that lived in the boarding houses and orphanages with Adeline that were going through the same types of things.  A wonderful book.

I purchased this from Barnes and Nobel
ISBN: 978-0-385-74007-4

Unspoken

Unspoken: A Story From the Underground Railroad By: Henry Cole

This is one of the most beautifully illustrated wordless books I have seen.  It tells the story of a farm girl that finds a slave hiding in their barn. The girl brings the slave food and keeps the secret of the slave hiding there.  Even without words this is a powerful book. The author's note at the end tells the author's story of hearing about the brave  people that helped hide slaves during the Civil War.  The illustrations are charcoal,  and simply beautiful with so much detail. Great book!

I borrowed this from the public library
ISBN: 978-0-545-39997-5

Monday, December 30, 2013

Killer Species

Killer Species Menace From the Deep   By: Michael P. Spradlin


Emmet is moving again, his father is a biologist and so they move around where his dad is asked to work.  Emmet hates moving and especially now since his mother is gone.   He meets Calvin and they become friends, but as their parent's research continues they find a strange new species and a crazy man behind them. Dr. Catalyst wants to ride the Everglades of harmful species and so he has created monster creatures. He uses these creatures to fend off people he believes are in his way, and he is now focused on Emmet, Calvin and their parents.

Killer Species Feeding Frenzy By: Michael P. Spradlin

Dr. Catalyst is back in this next thriller adventure. This time he has moved to the water to create a dangerous type of fish.  He is out to get back at Emmet and his family again, and so he targets them each time he releases his fish.  Emmet thinks he has figured out just who Dr. Catalyst is though, and so he leads the chase to find him. Especially after Dr. Catalyst takes Emmet's dog.

These two books are perfect for any reader who likes thrillers, and  science fiction all in one. I know that readers will instantly like Emmet, and feel an instant creepiness  about Dr. Catalyst.  Being a book for upper elementary and middle school readers, this book is definitely a good one. It has the creepy element of the bad guy narrating some chapters and the good guys having no idea what is going on, but you know.  I know my son will love them.  The adventure does continue in the third book Killer Species Out For Blood

I purchased these books at the Scholastic Book Fair
ISBN: 978-0-545-56366-6 and 978-0-545-62200-4


Peter H. Reynolds

The Dot
    Vashti doesn't think she is good at art.  Her art teacher gives her advice, "Just make a mark and see where it takes you."  This leads Vashti to her own collection of art dots.  Everyone is amazed at the beautiful art that Vashti has created.

Ish
  Ramon loves to draw. But one day his brother, Leon, makes fun of him.  Ramon no longer loves to draw and destroys his work.  But his little sister, Marisol,  changes his mind when she hangs all of his work and tells him that she likes them. Ramon learns to love his work and drawing again.

Both of these books are very simple, but really great.  Each book shows a child that learns to accept themselves for the work that they do.  I love the simpleness of them both. Perfect little reads.

I borrowed these from the public library
ISBN:0-7636-1961-2 and 0-7636-2344-X



Sunday, December 29, 2013

Graceling

Graceling By: Kristin Cashore

Katsa is basically at the mercy of her uncle the King. He tells her what to do and who to hurt. Katsa has a Grace, that makes her very strong and a skilled fighter. She does not like doing the King's bidding and wishes she could leave.  When she meets Prince Po, she is not expecting to find a friend.  As they train together and get closer, she is scared that she has someone that she can lean on and trust.  But on one assignment things do not go as planned for Katsa and she is in a lot of trouble.  She decides to take Po up on his offer and flew with   him on his quest to avenge the kidnapping of his grandfather.  But as they embark on this journey and find much more for them to fight for, they also find each other.

I loved this book and didn't put it down until I was done.  The story of Katsa, a strong independent girl, who really just needs a friend was just great.   I found myself sad for her, and then ultimately happy when she realized what it was like to have a friend that she could trust.  I also liked that she was a strong fighter, and protective as well.  All around a great read.

I borrowed this from the public library

ISBN: 978-0-547-25830-0

Saturday, December 28, 2013

The Sherlock Files Book 1

The Sherlock Files: Book 1 The 100 Year Old Secret By: Tracy Barrett

Xander and his sister Xena love mysteries.  They are playing a game about guess the person's job, when they are given a mysterious note with disappearing ink.  After working out what the message is telling them to do, they find out that they are descendants of Sherlock Holmes himself.  They are asked by the Society for the Preservation of Famous Detectives to help them solve a mystery. Find a painting that has been missing for a long time Girl in the Purple Hat.  As they work to solve this crime and start at a new school working together has never been more important.

I thought this was a great mystery read for upper elementary readers.  My son is doing his book report on this book, so I thought I would read it to.  The storyline is a good one, with lots of mystery solving adventure.  Mystery readers will love the tie to Sherlock Holmes stories in this book, as the adventure continues with his great great great grandchildren.

I borrowed this from the public library
ISBN: 978-0-312-60212-3

A Day With Wilbur Robinson

A Day With Wilbur Robinson By: William Joyce

The Robinsons are a different group of people. Wilbur introduces us to all of them Aunt Billie plays with her train set, that appears to be actual size compared to her. Uncle Wormly is hanging out with his bug friends, The time machine was left on so there was dinosaurs by the pool.  A different family for sure.  I really enjoyed this book, it was another great William Joyce original work.  The illustrations are what make it great, the way he mixes pasty styles with future twists always drag me in.   Great read for elementary and up.

I borrowed this from the public library.
ISBN: 978-0-06-089098-8

Friday, December 27, 2013

Bang

Bang: Visions Book Two By: Lissa McMann

Sawyer is now having visions of a terrible thing happening. With the support of Jules, he is able to talk through what he sees.  When they realize that they are dealing with a school shooting, they know they need to act fast and find out where and when to try to stop the event.  Jules brother, Trey, agrees to help them figure it out. As they piece the puzzle together, Sawyers visions are constant and making him freak out.  They just need to stop it from happening.

I have to say that I was not thrilled with this book, which is not often what I have to say. I didn't like that the vision dealt with a school shooting, it bothered me.  I did finish it though and could say that I was happy with the ending, which leaves it open for another.  With some pretty mature topics and language, not a book I would recommend to teens. 

I borrowed this from the public library
ISBN: 978-1-4424-6625-8

Thursday, December 26, 2013

Skyship Academy: The Pearl Wars

Skyship Academy: The Pearl Wars By: Nick James

Jesse lives with the Skyship dwellers and is training to help fight against the Surface.  Each force is looking for Pearls that help supply energy to them. Jesse has not been taking his training seriously, and on a mission he runs into Cassius.  Cassius has only every known what Madame has told him, and he is very loyal to her, so when he tells her of his encounter with Jesse and she tells him that he is the enemy, Cassius does what she asks him to and seeks to finish his work.  Jesse's friend Avery is instrumental in having Jesse find out more than the truth about his life, that really he has been living a complete lie that others have told him.  Jesse and Cassius end up not being enemies, but finding out that they both have been lied to and they have to work together to solve their problems.

This was a really interesting book. My summary in no way gives the best of what really happened in the book.  It is a hard book to explain and summarize. I really enjoyed the plot line in this story and both of the main characters. The way the book goes back and forth between the two leads makes it more interesting as they are living somewhat parallel lives and lies.  Any science fiction loving young adult would like this book.  Great read.

I borrowed this from the public library
ISBN: 978-0-7387-2341-9

What Does the Fox Say?

What Does the Fox Say? By: Ylvis Illustrated by: Svein Nyhus

This is a picture book based on the popular song "The Fox".  The illustrations fit this quirky song and make the song come to life for kids.  My children are obsessed with this song and so this was the perfect gift for them from my mother.  I find this song totally annoying, but the illustrations are funny.

My kids were given this as a gift
ISBN: 978-1-4814-2223-9

Wednesday, December 25, 2013

The Sparkle Box

The Sparkle Box By: Jill Hardie Illustrated by Christine Kornacki

This is the story of Sam. His mother gives him a sparkly box and tell him that this Christmas they are going to be filling it with the things they do for others. So as Christmas approaches Same and his family do things for others in their lives and people they do not even know.  Then on Christmas morning they open the box and read all the things that they did for others.  Sam's mother explains that these things are the gifts they gave to Jesus this Christmas, because in serving others you serve Him.  This is a great story of how we should focus on helping others in our lives. Christmas is about giving to others not just getting yourself. 

I was given this book as a gift.
ISBN: 978-0-8249-5647-9

Monday, December 23, 2013

Towering

Towering By: Alex Flinn

Rachel has been locked in a tower with only her mother as company for as long as she remembers. Her mother says it is not safe to go out that someone will get her.  She also has hair that has to be cut each week for it grows so quickly.  Wyatt is trying to escape his life and the death of his best friends.  He comes to live with a strange old woman, who lost her daughter many years ago.  When Wyatt starts to hear singing in the forest he knows he must find out who it is.  Neither of them are expecting each other and yet they are at the  same time.  Each of them needs each other and together they can save themselves.

I love retelling of fairy tales and Alex Flinn always provides great new twists on the classic stories. I loved this book as much as her others and thought it was perfect.  I enjoyed the focus on not just Rachel but on Wyatt and how he was in need of
rescuing too. Great read!

I borrowed this from the public library
ISBN: 978-0-06-202417-6

The Beatrice Letters

The Beatrice Letters By: Lemony Snicket

This is a book of letters to and from Beatrice and Lemony.  It is part of the Series of Unfortunate Events books.  The letters are from different times and places and somehow connect Beatrice with Lemony, as his love. What I love about this book is that the letters are made to look old and it comes with punch out letters and a poster, so that the book is completely interactive.This book is just another terrific Snicket book, and so unique.

I borrowed this from the public library.
ISBN: 978-0-06-058658-4

Sunday, December 15, 2013

Black Gold

Black Gold: The Story of Oil in Our Lives By: Albert Marrin

This is the history of how we began to use oil.  It traces the roots of oil back to its beginning and how it was created.  As an informational book written for middle school readers to high school readers it instantly captured my attention.  I do not believe that most kids know how oil is created and why it is so important in our lives. It also talks about how oil is something that we are not going to create, so we need to know that once it is gone, its gone.  The history of wars over oil are also discussed in this book, the extent to which some people went to, to control oil is quite fascinating.  This is a book that I would recommend to anyone, as I learned quite a bit.

I bought this at the Scholastic Book Fair
ISBN: 978-0-375-85938-7

Saturday, December 14, 2013

The Dark

The Dark By: Lemony Snicket Illustrated By: Jon Klassen

This is the story of Laszlo and The Dark.  Laszlo is afraid of the dark, and hopes that the dark will never come to him.  But one night The Dark comes and talks to Laszlo and wants him to do something.  This book is so great!  My children and students loved it, the 5th graders said that it was creepy.  With simple pictures that help tell the story it truly is a winner. One of my good friends recommended this book and it made me smile.

I borrowed this from the public library
ISBN: 978-0-316-18748-0


Cinders A Chicken Cinderella

Cinders A Chicken Cinderella By: Jan Brett

Jan Brett retells the story of Cinderella in a whole new way in this chicken version.  I love the illustrations and the twist in the book.  My students and children laughed about the clothing the chickens wear and how the sisters are named Pecky and Bossy. Great read!

I borrowed this from the public library
ISBN: 978-0-399-25783-4

Wednesday, November 27, 2013

Highway Rat

Highway Rat By: Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler

Highway Rat is stealing everyone's food.  He rides his horse around and takes whatever he wants.  The other animals are sad and hungry and don't know what to do.  One day duck has had enough and leads Highway Rat to a cave where she says her sister lives on piles of food.  Highway Rat enters the cave and duck takes off with his horse and shares all the stolen food with the other animals. When at last Highway Rat is able to get out of the empty cave, he is now just as poor as the others and must clean the floor of a bakery.

My boys like this book a lot.  They were interested in the story from the beginning and they loved the pictures. We spent a lot of time looking through it.  This book is also a rhyming book, so it is perfect for young readers.

I borrowed this from the public library
ISBN: 978-0-545-47758

The House of the Scorpion and The Lord of Opium

The House of the Scorpion and The Lord of Opium By: Nancy Farmer

Matt does not understand why he is to stay away from everyone, but Celia told him to stay hidden.  But when the chance arrives, Matt is desperate to talk to the other kids, so he smashes the window and gets out.  This is the event that leads to Matt finding out that he is a clone for El Patron. Others think he is a dirty disgusting animal, but El Patron wants him to learn things.  Matt is just trying to find a place for himself. But Matt can never fit in because he is not accepted as a person.  He must run away and figure out the way of the world himself.  When El Patron dies though, Matt becomes him. He is the new Lord of Opium.  This job comes with many duties that Matt thinks might need to change form the way El Patron did it. This presents a whole new problem for Matt as he still just wants to find himself.

I am sorry for those that maybe want to read the books separately, to me they definitely have to go together.  I am still undecided on whether I liked these books. I think that true science fiction fans would enjoy them more than I did.  The whole notion of clones, was a fascinating thing to me, but the way that Matt was treated was hard for me to read. And then there is the whole drug lord piece that I just don't connect with.  Some teens out there will really enjoy these.

I borrowed them from the public library
ISBN: 978-0-689-85223-7 and 978-1-4424-8254-8


Sunday, November 24, 2013

The Secret Zoo

The Secret Zoo By: Bryan Chick

Megan loves animals, but one day disappears into the unknown.  Her brother Noah is upset because after a few weeks hardly anyone cares that she is gone.  But when a bird brings a message that shows that Megan is still out there, Noah decides to find her.  His friends and him set off on a hunt through the Clarksville Zoo, to hunt her down. What they discover is a world that they never imagined, where animals are going between two different zoos and they don't really know which animals they can trust.

This was a great adventure book. Any reader who loves animals will find this book enjoyable.  Noah was a great character that really knew that his sister was out there and wanted her back.  The twists of the different animals that were helping or not helping and the mysterious zoo that existed behind the real one was quite interesting.

I borrowed this from the public library
ISBN: 978-0-06-198750-2

The Roar

The Roar By: Emma Clayton

Ellie was taken by Mal Gorman when she was young, this is something her twin Mika has never forgotten and refuses to believe that she is dead.  Ellie and Mika are mutants, and they have somethings specail about them.  Ellie is trying her best to escape and Mika is trying his best to find her.  Mika thinks if he can win the reality video game competition it just might help him find her.  The adventure that Mika sets out on is not the one that he is prepared for and he just hopes that eventually it will lead him to his sister.

This was a great science fiction adventure.  I know a few of my students who would love this book.  The bond between Ellie and Mika in their twinness shines through. I thought that both of them were great inspirational characters that knew in their heart that the other was there and would do anything to get back to each other.

I borrowed this from the public library
ISBN: 978-0-439-92593-8

Thursday, November 14, 2013

Crash

Crash Visions Book One By: Lisa McMann

Jules has a different family.  They own and run one of the popular restaurants in town that is at war with the other restaurants owner. The only problem is the Jules loves the son of the other family, and she is having visions of something terrible happening to them. As Jules deals with her hoarding, depressed father, helps run the restaurant, be a part of the family, and tries to figure out the scary visions she is having, she begins to drive herself crazy.  If only she could find a way to prove that something bad is going to happen, and be able to tell Sawyer how she really feels and the hurt that she has.

This was a great teen read.  I loved Jules and felt so connected and terrible for her.  Living with a father that hoards and is depressed is very hard for her and her family, and they work really well together to avoid him and take care of each other. With the classic Romeo and Juliet theme, this book makes you wish for the best for Jules and Sawyer.  I cannot wait to see what happens in the next book

I borrowed this from a friend
ISBN: 978-1-4424-0391-8

Monday, November 11, 2013

A Beautiful Dark and A Fractured Light

A Beautiful Dark By: Jocelyn Davies

Something is up, and Skye knows it, but she just cannot put her finger on it. Her friends have once again thrown her a party for her birthday that she did not ask for.  But this night is strange, and ends with an explosion after Skye meets Asher.  Asher and Devin do not get along at all, but both of them seem very intesrested in Skye. She does not understand their attention until more things begin to happen.  They tell her that she is the child that both sides of the angel world are wanting. She is the one in the middle of a battle and they are there to help her use her powers. But as these new things are happening to Skye, other parts of her life are falling apart and she does not know which side of the fight to join. All she knows is that she is torn between both Asher and Devin.

A Fractured Light 

After waking up from almost being dead, Skye is more confused than ever.  She at least is clear on what side of the coin she wants to fall on.  But as Asher helps her to continue to grow stronger, Skye knows that she has more than what is known. She begins to have visions and gains another new ability.  But her powers are very unstable and she will have to rely on the one person she does not trust.  Skye also learns more about her past, and is shocked about what she finds out. 


These are great teen reads.  So hard to describe in words without tell the whole story.  I defiantly enjoyed them and read them very fast.  The next book, A Radiant Sky, comes out soon and I cannot wait.  Skye is a character that I cannot wait to see what happens to her.

I borrowed these from the public library
ISBN: 978-0-06-199065-6 and 978-0-06-199068-7

Hero

Hero By: Alethea Kontis

Saturday Woodcutter continues to struggle with being the only person in her family that has no magical talent.  But she is determined to learn the skill of using swords.  Her plans go astray when her brother Trix uses a sleeping potion on her whole family, to run to where is mother has died.  Saturday attempts to chase after him, but is taken to the top of a mountain, captured by the witch who thinks that she is her brother, Jack.  She finds Peregrine there, who has been held captive for a very long time.  He is dressed as a girl because the witch believes he is her daughter.  Together they must find a plan and way to escape.

A great book, that continues the story in Enchanted. Saturday still proves to be a strong female character, who really is looking for a place to belong. I like that she finds Peregrine, who has no idea how long he has been gone and is still hoping to get back to his betrothed. Again, this book is able to mix many different fairy tales into one greatly unique story. 

I borrowed this from the public library
ISBN: 978-0-544-05677-0

Thursday, November 7, 2013

Diary of a Wimpy Kid Hard Luck

Diary of a Wimpy Kid Hard Luck By: Jeff Kinney

Greg just can't get a break in this, the 8th book in the series.  He is completely mortified that Rowley has a girlfriend and is no longer spending time with him.  He tries to help find a missing diamond ring with a Magic 8 Ball, but instead finds his Mother's hidden stash of parenting books.  Then he gets a Body Blankie and wears it to school. 

Even though I am an adult, this book made me laugh as hard as I did reading the last seven.  I love the humor and the characters!

I purchased this from Scholastic
ISBN: 978-1-4197-1176-3

Tuesday, November 5, 2013

The Dream Thieves

The Dream Thieves Book II of The Raven Cycle By: Maggie Stiefvater

Blue and the boys are still on the hunt for Glendower.  But no matter what they try, they are not having any luck.  Blue is trying to figure out what to do about Adam and Gansey, and avoid kissing them both.  Ronan on the other hand is having some terrible dreams.  In his world though, the dreams are nightmares and he takes things from them.  In the midst of all of these things The Grey Man has come to town, and is after someone.  The magic is making things difficult for everyone, as it keeps changing the rules.

Another great installment in this series by Stiefvater.  The story is very complex and makes you have to pay attention to what is happening so that you do not miss anything.  I still love the character Blue, who is trying to help but knows that she will in the end probably kill one or all of the boys. It was interesting to get to know Ronan more in this book.  If you haven't read The Raven Boys you need to read that one first.

I purchased this from Amazon.com
ISBN: 978-0-545-42494-3

Thursday, October 31, 2013

Midnight Frost

Midnight Frost: A Mythos Academy Novel   By: Jennifer Estep

Gwen is still heartbroken that Logan has disappeared.  She knows that he only left because he was freaked out after stabbing her, and she just wants to talk to him and tell him that she is okay, and knows that he will not turn back into a Reaper.  But now Gwen has a new problem, someone tries to poison her, but instead her boss Nickamedes.  Gwen researches and finds that she has only one option to save him, going to find a very rare flower.  Her and her friends fly to Colorado to another Mythos Academy, here she meets Rory, her cousin, and Gwen finds out much more about her family's past and how there are Reapers that she never knew of. Gwen knows that this whole mission is a trap but, they must move forward to save Nickamedes, and she does get help from a couple unlikely places.

This was another great addition to the Mythos Academy novels.  Gwen continues to move forward with each heartbreaking event in her life.  Gwen also learns more about herself in this novel, and is stronger in the end. As always, I love the storyline of this novel, the creatures and events make me not want to put it down.  If you haven't read the other books in the series, pick them up first!  Perfect teen read.

I borrowed this from the public library.
ISBN: 978-0-7582-8149-4

Other books in the series are First Frost, Touch of Frost, Kiss of Frost, Dark Frost, Crimson Frost

Saturday, October 26, 2013

Emerald Green

Emerald Green: Book 3 of the Ruby Red Trilogy By: Kerstin Gier

Gwen is very confused and sad, Gideon told her that telling her he loved her was all a game and he really didn't.  Gwen is determined to continue on and do what she needs to do even with her broken heart.  When she returns to visit her grandfather in the past, she finds the clue that she has been looking for, and is able to find the hidden object that everyone is looking for.  But as the prophecy foretells, Gwen must die, and things don't always go according to plan when you find out something about you that you were not expecting.

This was a great end to a wonderful trilogy, although I was very frustrated at the end and was left wanting to know more of what happens to the characters.  I again loved the Gweneth was a strong girl, who even with a broken heart was going to do what she needed to do.  Gier is a great author that drags you into a story that you don't want to leave.

I borrowed this from the public library
ISBN: 978-0-8050-9267-7

Wednesday, October 23, 2013

Daisy Gets Lost

Daisy Gets Lost  By: Chris Raschka

This is a beautiful wordless book about a dog named Daisy that gets lost.  I picked it up because we had a beautiful dog with that name and I was not disappointed.  Great pictures and fun read.


I borrowed this from the public library
ISBN: 978-0-449-81741-4

How to Hide a Lion

How to Hide a Lion By: Helen Stephens

How would you hide a lion in your house?  I don't think it is possible, but Iris is going to try. She finds all sorts of places that her friend lion can hide. Until her parents find him and get scared. Lion runs away and hides from the people, until he finds some burglars.  This was a cute read aloud for elementary school readers.  The story is funny and the pictures are great.

I borrowed this from the public library
ISBN: 978-0-8050-9834-1

A Moose That Says Mooooooo

A Moose That Says Mooooooo By: Jennifer Hamburg Pictures By: Sue Truesdell

This is the story of a girl who wants to invent her own zoo.  The first thing would be a moose that says "Mooo".  As the funny animals keep getting added to the zoo, the girl finds out that maybe running a zoo of funny animals is not the best idea. With great pictures and fun rhymes this is the perfect read aloud book for any age.

I borrowed this from the public library
ISBN: 978-0-374-35058-1

The Ward

The Ward By: Jordana Frankel

Ren lives in what used to be New York. Now the ocean has taken over most of the ground and the people have moved higher.  Ren is a racer, and must make money to help her sister who has the virus.  But Ren also has a secret, she works for the Blues, making extra money to try to find fresh water.  When her two worlds collide and she is used by the people around her Ren gets herself into a bad position, but she knows that she will do anything to help find the cure and keep her sister and the world alive.

This book was pretty good. At first I felt is was slow going because I was trying to piece together what had happened to the world  and learn the characters.  I loved the character Ren, who was devoted to helping people no matter the cost.  I liked that the end turned out different than I was anticipating.  Great teen read.

I borrowed this from the public library
ISBN: 978-0-06-209534-3

Friday, October 18, 2013

Confessions of a Murder Suspect

Confessions of a Murder Suspect By: James Patterson and Maxine Paetro

Tandy and her siblings were home the night that their parents were murdered.  None of them heard what happened and now they are confused and want answers. But when Tandy becomes the prime suspect and begins to dig into their parent's lives, she finds much more than she thought.  While trying to prove her innocence she is not prepared for what she finds out about her family.

I cannot say that I really enjoyed this book.  I tried to like it because it was recommended.  It just was not that interesting for me. But teens out there might find that the plot is a good one.  I really liked the title of the book and was excited to read it.

I borrowed this from the public library.
ISBN: 978-0-316-20698-3

Tuesday, October 15, 2013

Waking Dragons

Waking Dragons By: Jane Yolen Illustrated By: Derek Anderson

This is a short cute book about a knight that has to wake up and care for a couple dragons before he goes to school.  The illustrations make this book, they are bright and inviting.
It is simple and fun for young readers. My 4 year old really enjoyed it. 

I borrowed this from the public library
ISBN: 978-1-4169-9032

The 5th Wave

The 5th Wave By: Rick Yancey

Cassie is all alone and trying to survive.  She believes is the lone survivor from her family since the Others have come.  It has been 4 waves of terror for the world as they have taken over, killed, and infected people with a deadly virus. She just wants to find out if her brother is alive and she is trying to get to the place she believes he was taken.  But to get there is a struggle and a terrifying journey filled with pain and memories.

I thought that this book was just alright. I know that some teens will definitely get interested in it though and so I would recommend it to those that like alien take overs.  I did get hooked on the main character Cassie and wanted her to find her brother.  I think I just got lost in all the details, that didn't make a clear picture for me.

I borrowed this from the public library
ISBN: 978-0-399-16241-1

Thursday, October 10, 2013

Homesick

Homesick By: Kate Klise

Benny just wants a normal life. He lives with his father, his mother left because his father cannot stop collecting so much junk.  Benny wants his mom to come home and wishes that things could go back. But as he lives with his hoarder father he knows that he needs to help take care of him.  Benny finds one thing that he enjoys, helping his neighbor with his radio show.  When a huge tornado takes everything away from them, and Benny's mom comes back to take him away, Benny knows that things are not going to be the same and that is ok. He knows that he will be ok if he believes in what he can do.

This book was good, but at times I wanted more from it. I felt that it was an interesting story because it shows a little about what goes on in the life of the children of people that hoard.  It didn't got into to much emotional details, but you could tell that Benny didn't like the house he lived in and it was hard for him.  I would recommend this book for upper elementary and beginning middle school readers.

I borrowed this from the public library

ISBN: 978-1-250-00842-8

Wednesday, October 9, 2013

The Diviners

The Diviners By: Libba Bray

This is the story of an ancient magic that is being released to do evil on the earth.  The characters in the story have no idea that they are all playing into the game of an evil force that will try to destroy  them and everyone around them.  Evie has been sent to live with her uncle in New York after she tells a secret of one of the most important people in her small town of Ohio.  She has always had the power to know things by touching objects and reading the memories she just didn't know she could use it to help solve a murder.  Sam has always been able to go unseen. This makes him a great thief.  But he needs to use his power for good to help those around him. Henry can dream walk, but lately the dreams are different and he sees real people he knows and they see him back. And finally Jericho, who is hiding a huge secret.  He doesn't want anyone to know just how different he is but knows that someday someone will find out.

This book is to complex to tell a good summary. It was a great one though. It had magic, murder, mystery, and dram.  Everything about it was great. I thought that each character started as a selfish one and in the end they saw that they needed to be more open to helping each other. There was love drama that got interesting. And of course the evil that was coming to get them all.  Great teen read, but recently I saw an internet article that said that this was one of the teen reads that adults must read.

I borrowed this from the public library
ISBN: 978-0-316-12611-3

Treasure Hunters

Treasure Hunters By: James Patterson

The Kidd family is not your ordinary family.  They live on a ship, and search the world for treasure.  One terrible day on the open sea a storm takes Mr. Kidd and he is lost at sea.  This leaves Tommy, Storm, and our narrators Bick and Beck all alone.  The four kids decide to try to keep going, and then they run into some trouble with a costumer of their father's that wants his treasure. The Kidd kids, must search for the lost treasure, look for their father, and stay out of harms way.  But they do get a great adventure.

This was a fun pirate adventure for any upper elementary reader.  The book is full of fun, and Beck the illustrator does a great job of bringing the story to life.  I enjoyed that the narrators were the kids in the story writing down their journey.  I know that any adventure seeking reader will love this fun book. Also, the ending is not an ending but the opening of a sequel.


I borrowed this from the public library
ISBN: 978-0-316-20756-0

far far away

far far away By: Tom McNeal

Jeremy has a hard life, his mother is gone and his father is a recluse.  He spends his days trying to go to school and knowing that the book store that they live in will soon be gone. Jeremy has a ghost friend that listens to his problems and gives him advice.  This ghost is very helpful to Jeremy, but the others in town laugh at him because he talks to himself so much.  Ginger is Jeremy's human friend and they do a lot together.  But there is something strange going on in their little town.  Kids are disappearing and there is something strange about the town baker, and you just can't put your finger on it.

This was a good book.  It had a very different story line that I liked.  I felt sorry for Jeremy, as he did have to struggle through life to make things work out the good way.  The ghost narrator of the book was an interesting character that kept the story interesting with his side comments and the back story of his life too.  Good teen read.

I borrowed this from the public library
ISBN: 978-0-375-84972-5

Sunday, October 6, 2013

The Nazi Hunters

The Nazi Hunters By: Neal Bascomb
This is the true story of a group of Holocaust survivors that were able to find one of the men that helped to torment Jewish people during the Holocaust.  Adolf Eichmann was a terrible man, who interestingly enough did not agree with the torment of the people in the beginning of the Holocaust but then turned into one of the most horrible men of the war.   In this book the survivors take matters into their own hands and hunt for Eichmann determined to bring him to justice.

A fascinating story of horrible tragedy and cunning detective work.  Of course this book brings some very sad and depressing things to light but I was interested in the people that decided they would work to make sure that this man was tried for the crimes he committed.  What a tale of bravery.  Great teen nonfiction read!

I borrowed this from the public library
ISBN: 978-0-545-43099-9