Tuesday, July 26, 2016
Saturday, July 23, 2016
Ratscalibur by Josh Lieb
Summary: Joey and his mom move to New York City where his mom hope that she can make a better life for the two of them. When Joey's uncle brings him a welcome gift, things get strange. His gift is a sickly looking rat. When Joey is bitten by the rat, he turns into a rat too. It is up to him to save the rat kingdom. Can he do it? Does this mean he must stay a rat forever?
Impression: I found this book to just be okay, but it definitely has its place in the library. This book will be snatched up by kids who love books with animals and magic. It will definitely has its audience, but it was not a great fit for me. This book is another bluebonnet nominee so is technically appropriate for 3rd grade and up. While this book is appropriate for upper elementary, Lieb's other works are better for an older crowd.
Reviews:
Grades 4-6. Joey’s destiny takes an unforeseen turn when his uncle gives him a pet rat that is anything but ordinary: he is Gondorff, a “ragician” from the realm of Ravalon, which is in dire need of help. Gondorff, who is dying, magically turns Joey into a rat and saddles him with the task of delivering a message to his kingdom. Upon finding Ravalon, hunger leads Joey to pull a spork from a scone, and he is named the hero who will fulfill a long-told rat prophecy. Teaming up with the princess, a loyal guinea pig, a rat knight, and a herd of cats, Joey sets off on a quest to stop the evil Salaman from taking over Ravalon. Full of clever dialogue and hilarious puns, this is a delightful homage to Brian Jacques’ Redwall series, Lord of the Rings, and Arthurian legend. While the plot holds few surprises, the play on the fantasy trope is well done. Expect more to come from Joey and Ravalon. Perfect for readers who enjoy animal fantasy brushed with humor and charm.HIGH-DEMAND BACKSTORY: Having worked with many of television’s comedy greats, Lieb has a strong handle on humor and parody. Don’t be surprised if this novel achieves best-seller status like his first, I Am a Genius of Unspeakable Evil and I Want to Be Your Class President (2009).
Ratscalibur. Rev. of Ratscalibur by Josh Lieb. Booklist. Vol. 111 No. 15. 1 April 2015. Web. 23 July 2016.
After the impressive feat of pulling Ratscalibur, the legendary Spork, from the Scone, human-boy-turned-hero-rat Joey is sent on a quest to save the Kingdom Ravalon. Lieb borrows from classic legends and Tolkien with abandon; it's all a bit over-the-top, but the fast pace keeps the plot moving and Joey is a likable reluctant hero. Black-and-white drawings enhance Joey's heroic adventures.
Ratscalibur. Rev. of Ratscalibur by Josh Lieb. Horn Book Guide. Fall 2015. Web. 23 July 2016.
A young New York City newcomer becomes a rat and then a hero in this tale of knightly derring-do.Transformed by the bite of dying Ragician ("Man does Magic. Rats do Ragic") Gondorff the Gray, Joey finds himself in the ankle-height kingdom of Ravalon, where he instantly earns widespread awe by pulling a plastic spork from a dried biscuit: "He's drawn the Spork from the Scone!" A quest into Central Park to seek help from the renowned but difficult mage Squirrelin the Squagician against a shadowy menace leads to furious battles with crows and Berzerker rats, devastating treachery, courageous acts aplenty, and even a kiss from princess/apprentice mage Yislene. Appearing on nearly every spread and ranging from small spot portraits to full-sized melees, Lintern's finely detailed drawings place Joey--intrepidly wielding his glowing utensil--and the rest in urban nooks and crannies only rarely noticed by crowds of human passersby. Along with the parodied names and puns, Lieb slips in gags of more than one sort with a ratcentric view of odors and foods ("Mmm, there's a cockroach leg stuck to the cheese. Bonus!") and a broad range of species-specific "-agics."A crowd-pleasing mix of quick action, true valor, clever wordplay, and gross bits. (Animal fantasy. 9-11)
Ratscalibur. Rev. of Ratscalibur by Josh Lieb. Kirkus Reviews. 1 March 2015. Web. 23 July 2015.
Thread of Hope by Jeff Shelby
Summary: Adult book alert! After Jeff's daughter is abducted and they can't locate her, everything falls to pieces. He loses his job, his marriage dissolves, and he decides it would be best to leave town. In his new life, he works as a private investigator to help other families find their lost children. When he discovers his best friend from home is in the hospital, he's lured back to town to try and help his friend. He quickly discovers that his friend is being accused of having an inappropriate relationship with a high school girl which he knows can't be true. When he begins investigating this relationship, the girl goes missing and her parents hire him to find her. Will he find the girl and is his friend innocent?
Impression: This book is FREE for kinde right now. Take advantage before the deal run out. This is the first book in a series and I felt it was very well done. Shelby provides just enough details and clues to keep you guessing and still manages to surprise you. I will definitely be following this series to see what happens next. This was a quick read for me.
Sunday, July 10, 2016
Space Case by Stuart Gibbs
Summary: 12 year old Dashiell and his family are the first to live on a base on the moon. Life is pretty boring for Dash on the moon. That is until things take a turn for the worst and a well respected physician dies. NASA insists that the death was an awful accident, but Dash knows there is more to the story. The night before his death, Dash overhears a conversation the physician is having declaring that he is going to reveal a huge discovery the next morning. As Dash begins to investigate the murder on his own, he begin to receive threats and it looks like his life just might be in danger too.
Impression: This book is a bluebonnet nominee, so technically it is for grades 3+. If my 3rd or 4th grader were reading this book, I would be sure to be talking to them about it since death/possible murder is involved. That being said, this book is wonderful. I found it to be far superior to his Spy School series which was a hit with all the kiddos. This is definitely a must read. Who knew there could be so much action on the moon?
Reviews:
Grades 5-8. Here’s a whodunit set on the moon. The sudden, mysterious death of Moon Base Alpha’s physician threatens the entire underfunded lunar-colonization program. Worse, though the base commander and her NASA superiors insist it was an accident, an overheard conversation leads 12-year-old Dashiell to suspect that it was nothing of the sort. Shrugging off hostility from the powers that be and even an anonymous threat, he enlists the aid of a pair of tech-savvy peers and—encouraged by an oddly elusive new arrival—goes digging. Gibbs stocks the cast with multiple suspects and red herrings, suggestive (if sometimes contrived) clues, hints of secret agendas, and unexpected encounters. Ultimately, the investigation culminates in a suspenseful murder attempt out on the lunar surface, followed by a game-changing revelation. Though relatively standard issue as murder mysteries go, this is notable for its unusual setting and features a narrator who displays a realistic mix of wonder at his location and annoyance at having to deal with the Spartan life on another planet. The exposed killer’s rationale actually has merit, too.
Space Case. Rev. of Space Case by Stuart Gibbs. Booklist. Vol.111, No. 1. 1 September 2014. Web. 10 July 2016.
Life is pretty weird living in the moon's first colony. But it gets weirder fast when a scientist turns up dead. Twelve-year-old Dash is determined to solve the mystery, whether or not anyone else believes it was murder. Details about the logistics of everyday life functions, such as eating and exercise, make the lunar setting fully realized, and the mystery is tightly paced.
Space Case. Rev. of Space Case by Stuart Gibbs. Horn Book Guide. Spring 2015. Web. 10 July 2016.
As a Moonie, 12-year-old Dashiell has fans that watch his weekly video. While everyone is led to believe that life on the moon is an extreme adventure, Dashiell and the rest drink recycled urine, eat dehydrated food, have small living quarters, and share three bathroom stalls with the community. Their world changes when renowned scientist Dr. Holtz dies; Dashiell believes it was murder. Dashiell thought that everyone respected Dr. Holtz, but he finds many suspects. It is clear to Dashiell that he needs assistance and he receives help from a new resident, Kira, who obtains technology help from Roddy, an enthusiastic gamer. Excerpts from the guide to living on the moon published in 2040 are sprinkled in-between chapters, adding insight. This futuristic space tale, part of Moon Base Alpha, will inspire readers, as did The Westing Game by Ellen Raskin. Beth McGuire, Librarian, Hempfield Area School District, Wendover Middle School, Greensburg, Pennsylvania [Editor's Note: Available in e-book format.] HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
McGuire, Beth. Rev. of Space Case by Stuart Gibbs. Library Media Connection. March/April 2015. Web. 10 July 2016.
Canary by Duane Swierczynski
Summary: Sarie Holland is a 19 year old honors student with outstanding conduct. She knows how to work a party to fit in without having to suffer the consequences of truly partying. When a cute guy approaches her at a party, she finds herself driving him to a friends house to pick up a book. She quickly realizes it is not a book he after, but drugs. After he picks up his "book," she is pulled over by a cop while she wait for him to grab some food. The officer finds the drugs in her back seat and she is forced into becoming a confidential informant or give up her friend. She must keep this a secret and the last person she would ever want to find it is her father. They are all struggling after the loss of her mother and this is the last thing she wants to add to his or her younger brother's plate. Can Sarie be successful as a CI or will she have to reveal the identity of her friend?
Impression: (adult read) This book was another GREAT read for me. Although it wasn't the best book I have ever read, it had so much action and I didn't want to put it down until I was done. It is full of colorful language which I am typically opposed to, but I imagine it is appropriate for the scene this book is set in.
Reviews:
For nearly a decade, Swierczynski (Point & Shoot, 2013) has been firing off adrenaline-fueled, ultraviolent thrillers that mix pulp fiction, sci-fi, crime, and fantasy into a unique brew. Canary is a change-up, a riveting conventional thriller about Philadelphia’s drug trade; Philly cops, both righteous and corrupt; and Serafina “Sarie” Holland. Sarie is a very smart and conscientious 17-year-old college freshman who innocently agrees to give a friend a ride and ends up forced to be a confidential informant for narcotics cop Ben Wildey. She risks jail by refusing to give up her friend, but she convinces Wildey she can lead him to other dealers. Her efforts toss her into an escalating war over control of the city’s drug trade, corrupt cops, and some of Swierczynski’s signature spectacular violence—and all this goes down as Sarie’s semester finals loom. Sarie is a luminous character, and she’s part of a realistically imagined family grieving over the death of a wife and mother. Her father is bending under the weight of their loss. Her insightful 12-year-old brother, Marty, broods silently and intuits that Sarie is in big trouble. Swierczynski’s Philly is painted in dark and gritty photorealistic detail and includes some hilarious bits of historical arcana. Memorable characters, suspense, a native’s portrait of a fascinating city, eruptions of spectacular violence—fans of hard-edged crime will love this one.
Canary. Rev. of Canary by Duane Swierczynski. Booklist. Vol. 111, No.9. 1 January 2015. Web. 10 July 2016.
When police coerce a whip-smart college student into being a confidential informant, they get more than they bargained for. In a long, rambling and cheeky letter to her mother, Sarie Holland describes her arrest and incarceration on a drug charge. A more prosaic account from the perspective of undercover narcotics officer Benjamin F. Wildey counterpoints segments of Sarie's letter. Wildey gives his catch a cheap burner phone and demands that she become his informant or face harsh prosecution. Shrewd Sarie immediately begins living a double life, lying to her clueless father as she fields persistent texts from Wildey and behaves with uncharacteristic abruptness. Wildey feels guilty but not guilty enough to cut Sarie loose. Meanwhile, Sarie's suspicious brother, Marty, notes the change in his sister's behavior and wonders what she could be up to. Soon after Wildey sets Sarie up to trap users with fake packets of drugs, Sarie, chafing under the officer's control, starts to revolt in little ways. A close brush with mortality pulls her up short. Sensing her skittishness, Wildey begins to monitor her more closely. As the two seem headed for a showdown, Sarie's family begins probing the situation, which can't possibly end well. Inventive Swierczynski, author of the popular Charlie Hardie trilogy (Point and Shoot, 2013, etc.), breathes fresh life into a familiar plot with shifting perspectives, sly humor, puckish chapter titles and a crackerjack pace.
Canary. Rev. of Canary by Duane Swierczynski. Kirkus Reviews. 1 January 2015. Web. 10 July 2016.
Orphan Train by Christina Baker Kline
Summary: Foster kid Molly Ayer find herself in some trouble when she steals a book from the library. Her foster mom is already trying to get rid of her and now she is faced with community service hours to make up for her theft. Thanks to her boyfriend, she finds a job with an older lady Vivian Daly. As she helps Vivian sorts through boxes in her attic, she discovers that she isn't the only one with baggage. Will she be able to work through her troubles? What secrets does Vivian's attic hold?
Impression: (adult read) I really loved this book. Set in the mid-nineteenth century during the time the orphan trains ran from the northeast to the midwest, this is great for those who enjoy historical fiction. I think Kline does a great job with character development and weaves together a beautiful story of two young women who are dealt with a hard life and are trying to make it through. This is one I could reread!
Reviews:
A long journey from home and the struggle to find it again form the heart of the intertwined stories that make up this moving novel. Foster teen Molly is performing community-service work for elderly widow Vivian, and as they go through Vivian’s cluttered attic, they discover that their lives have much in common. When Vivian was a girl, she was taken to a new life on an orphan train. These trains carried children to adoptive families for 75 years, from the mid-nineteenth century to the start of the Great Depression. Novelist Kline (Bird in Hand, 2009) brings Vivian’s hardscrabble existence in Depression-era Minnesota to stunning life. Molly’s present-day story in Maine seems to pale in comparison, but as we listen to the two characters talk, we find grace and power in both of these seemingly disparate lives. Although the girls are vulnerable, left to the whims of strangers, they show courage and resourcefulness. Kline illuminates a largely hidden chapter of American history, while portraying the coming-of-age of two resilient young women.
Orphan Train. Rev. of Orphan Train by Christina Baker Cline. Booklist. Vol. 109, No. 14. 15 March 2013. Web. 10 July 2016.
Kirkus Reviews (February 1, 2013)
Kline (Bird in Hand, 2009, etc.) draws a dramatic, emotional story from a neglected corner of American history. Molly is a troubled teen, a foster child bounced from one unsuitable home to another. Vivian is a wealthy 91-year-old widow, settled in a Victorian mansion on the Maine seashore. But Vivian's story has much in common with Molly's. Vivian Daly, born Niamh Power, has gone "from cobblestoned village on the coast of Ireland to a tenement in New York to a train filled with children, steaming westward through farmland, to a lifetime in Minnesota." Vivian's journey west was aboard an "Orphan Train," a bit of misguided 1900s-era social engineering moving homeless, destitute city children, mostly immigrants, into Midwest families. Vivian's journey wasn't entirely happy. She was deposited with the Byrnes, who wanted only child labor in a dressmaking enterprise. Then, as the Great Depression began, Vivian was dumped into the Grote household, where she suffered neglect and abuse. Only after the intervention of a kind teacher did Vivian find a home with a decent, loving family. The story unfolds through chapters set in the present day, with Molly, caught in a minor theft, forced into community service work and agreeing to help Vivian clean an attic. Other chapters flash back to the period from 1929 through World War II. In those decades, Vivian travels West, endures the Byrnes and Grotes, finds a loving home with the Nielsens, reconnects with Dutchy, another orphan-train refugee, marries and is widowed when Dutchy dies in the war. Molly's life story unfolds in parallel--a neglected half--Native American child, whose father was an accident victim and whose mother drowned in drugs and crime--and Molly slowly opens up to Vivian. Kline does a superb job in connecting goth-girl Molly, emotionally damaged by the "toll [of] years of judgment and criticism," to Vivian, who sees her troubled childhood reflected in angry Molly. The realistic narrative follows characters as they change and grow, making a poignant revelation
Orphan Train. Rev. of Orphan Train by Christina Baker Kline. Kirkus Reviews. 1 February 2013. Web. 10 July 2016.
Tuesday, June 28, 2016
Woof by Spencer Quinn
Summary: 11 year old Birdie Gaux lives with her Grandmother in Louisiana. Her father passed away and her mother works off shore. She finally convinces her grandmother to let her adopt a dog for her birthday. Upon returning to her grandmother's bait shop after adopting Bowser, they discover that her prize fish has been stolen. Birdie and Bowser are determined to solve this mystery with or without help from the authorities. Will they be able to safely solve this mystery? Read to find out.
Impression: Readers will love that this book is told through the dog's point of view, and what kid doesn't love a good mystery? The dog narrating can be confusing at times but I think this book will definitely appeal to kids who love a good dog book! (3rd grade +)
Recommendations: How to Steal a Dog by Barbara O'Connor, Rain Reign by Ann Martin
Reviews:
Grades 3-5. Since Birdie’s dad died and her mom is often gone working on an oil rig, she lives with her grandmother, who operates Gaux Family Fish and Bait. For her birthday, Birdie gets to adopt slobbery, distractible mutt Bowser, but when they bring him home from the pound, they discover her grandmother’s prized stuffed marlin has been stolen from the wall of their store. After Bowser discovers a cigar butt by the boat dock, Birdie starts investigating the theft. Her prime suspect is Old Man Straker, their family’s archrival, but the sheriff brushes off her concerns. Undeterred, she keeps sleuthing and uncovers stories of a treasure map hidden in the marlin. Narrated by the flighty and unreliable Bowser, much of the book’s humor and foreshadowing comes thorough the dog’s flawed retelling of events. Quinn’s sense of place and cast of eccentric characters really shine through from Bowser’s perspective, and though the dog’s relentlessly poor memory wears thin at times, overall, the story is an engaging, promising start to a new middle-grade mystery series.
"Woof." Rev. of Woof by Spencer Quinn. Booklist. 1 June 2015. Web. 28 June 2016.
As in Quinn's Chet and Bernie mystery series for adults, Woof is written from a dog's point of view. Bowser, a big, lovable mutt, adores Birdie, his new owner, and is determined to help her solve the mystery of her grandmother's missing stuffed marlin. A possible hidden treasure, family secrets, and a hilarious dog combine to make this an entertaining Louisiana-bayou-set mystery.
"Woof." Rev. of Woof by Spencer Quinn. Booklist. Fall 2015. Web. 28 June 2015.
In a Louisiana bayou town, a girl and her dog set out to solve a mystery, battling bad guys and big gators along the way.This original whodunit is narrated by an exuberant dog named Bowser, who has just been adopted by 11-year-old Birdie Gaux. Birdie and her grandmother are shocked to discover that a prized stuffed fish, Black Jack, has just been stolen from the family's fish-and-bait store. How could a stuffed fish be worth stealing? Maybe if there's a treasure map hidden inside. Birdie and Bowser begin to investigate in earnest, their sleuthing involving everything from breaking into rival establishment Straker's World Famous Fishing Emporium, gathering clues at the library and the local assisted living facility, and traipsing through the bayou at night in search of the treasure that Birdie's grandfather supposedly hid there so many years ago. Although it's Birdie and Bowser who keep the plot zipping along, the unlikely detectives are surrounded by memorable characters both good and bad. And despite the villains, silliness and humor are paramount here, thanks to Bowser's playful narration. Utterly charmed by a spunky girl and her charismatic canine, mystery fans will find themselves looking forward to a return to the little bayou town of St. Roch. (Mystery. 8-12)
"Woof." Rev. of Woof by Spencer Quinn. 15 February 2015. Web. 28 June 2016.
Monday, May 30, 2016
The Fog Diver by Joel Ross
Summary: In an attempt to eliminate pollution, humans created nanites, tiny robots built to destroy it. The robots discover that the humans are responsible for creating pollution and turn against them. They ban together, creating a poisonous fog that humans cannot survive in. The humans are forced up the mountain where they can stay out of the fog. The upper class, led by evil Lord Kodoc, live at the top of the mountain and the poor live in the slum located lower on the mountain. Four slum kids Hazel, Chess, Swedish, and Bea fly the skies searching for items they can salvage for money to buy food to stay alive. Chess, the tetherboy, dives into the fog looking for these items. Chess has a secret that allows him to stay in the fog longer and travel it more effortlessly than others. He was born in the fog and part of it is trapped in his eye which has given him these abilities. If Lord Kodoc finds out, he will work him to death. Will the crew be able to find something big enough to save their lives? Will Chess be able to stay hidden from the evil Lord Kodoc?
Impression: I loved this book. It is very entertaining. I couldn't put it down until I was down. This Texas Bluebonnet Nominee comes highly recommended. It does use one bad word, but content of the book is appropriate for readers 3rd grade and up.
Reading Recommendations: Readers will also love last years blubonnet nominee Sky Jumpers by Peggy Eddleman; Surviving Antarctica: Reality TV 2083 by Andrea White; The City of Ember by Jean DuPrau;The Chronicles of Egg by Geoff Rodkey and The Giver by Lois Lowry
Reviews:
Adult novelist Ross (White Flag Down, 2007, etc.) makes his middle-grade debut with a boy's desperate search to save himself and his crew from a horrible fate in a post-apocalyptic future. Scientists didn't realize the nanites they invented to eat smog would decide humans were a sort of pollution too, pushing them to the mountaintops and covering the rest of the land with a white fog. After hundreds of years, the highest heights are now controlled by the Five Families, with everyone else consigned to the slums below. Chess and his scavenger crew patrol the margins of the Fog by airship, "diving" to retrieve anything of value within reach of his tether. They've managed to scrape by, but Lord Kadoc has heard about his abilities to dive into the Fog and wants to enslave Chess to scavenge only for him...for as long as Chess can last. Ross wastes no time with his worldbuilding, establishing Chess and his crew as a misfit found family working the Fog by day and sharing stories by night. Readers will chuckle at the garbled remnants of their times in such tales as "Skywalker Trek," in which the Klingons battle the Jedi when they are not fighting Tribbles and Ewoks. It's a fresh approach, convincingly delivered, with overtones reminiscent of Dickens...the only thing missing is a sequel, which readers will hope won't be far behind. (Science fiction. 8-12)
"Fog Diver." Rev. of Fog Diver by Joel Ross. Kirkus Reviews. 15 March 2015. Web. 30 May 2016.
Lethal fog covers the earth, forcing humans to live in the skies. Among them are four young scavengers on an airship desperate to save their guardian from a deadly illness but without money to do it--until they find a diamond. Despite its neat futuristic setting, the plot feels charmingly nostalgic (think The Goonies). The crew's banter is amusing if sometimes hokey.
"Fog Diver." Rev. of Fog Diver by Joel Ross. Horn Book Guide. Fall 2015. Web. 30 May 2016.
Harriet the Invincible by Ursula Vernon
Summary: Harriet Hamsterbone is cursed by the evil fairy Ratshade. On her 12th birthday she will prick her finger on a hamster wheel sending her into a deep sleep that can only be broken by the kiss of a prince. Her parents prepare the castle and already have a prince on hand, but Harriet has a plan of her own. The only way the curse can be fulfilled is if Harriet remains alive so she discovers that the curse has made her invincible until her 12th birthday. She decides to embark on a journey fighting ogres. Will she be able to evade the evil curse? Read to find out!
Impression: Don't be fooled by the pink, purple, and glitter on the cover. This book will appeal to all readers. Fairy tale lovers, adventure seekers, graphic novel gurus, this book has a place for everyone. It is a fun quick read and also on the 2016-2017 Texas Bluebonnet Nominee list. Ages 8+
Reviews:
Grades 3-6. Princesses don’t cliff-dive. They don’t joust, they don’t slay monsters, and they don’t rescue anyone. But Princess Harriet Hamsterbone (yes, she’s a hamster) is a princess, and, “If I do it,” she says, “it’s got to be something princesses do! Who makes these rules?!” Not content to wait around to prick herself on a hamster wheel on her twelfth birthday—she was cursed at birth, Sleeping Beauty style—Harriet makes the curse work for her. Curses, she reasons, are specific, and this one will keep her alive until she’s 12, making her all but invincible for the time being. And so off she goes, riding her faithful quail and ignoring her parents’ dry commentary, saving princesses from dragons (and dragons from princesses), and maybe finding the skills to save herself in the process. And, oh yeah, she’ll do anything to avoid having to kiss some stuck-up prince. The spunky, slightly bonkers Harriet is a delightful heroine who turns this fairy tale on its head, and the book is peppered with clever two-color cartoon illustrations that will attract even the more reluctant readers. It’s a joy to read, and we can only hope that Harriet—long may she reign—will return in later installments.
Hamster Princess. Rev of Hamster Princess: Harriet the Invincible. Booklist. July 2015. Web. 30 May 2015.
This new series from Dragonbreath's Vernon puts a wild spin on "Sleeping Beauty." A droll opening introduces Harriet Hamsterbone ("who, as her name indicated, was a hamster"), an adventurous princess chafing against deportment, the requirements of her role, and other limitations imposed by her parents. When they reveal the source of their overprotectiveness (the "Sleeping Beauty" curse, with a hamster wheel on her 12th birthday substituting for the spinning wheel), Harriet takes a seemingly counterintuitive stance: since the curse requires her to be alive on her fateful birthday, until then she must be invincible. She gallivants around as an unstoppable hero before returning home for her birthday--to discover that her mother has prepared for the curse by picking a wretched, male-chauvinist prince to kiss and wake her once the curse sets in. Before it can, the evil fairy shows up to gloat, and a hilarious sequence leads to the backfiring of the curse, leaving Harriet the castle's only hamster still awake. Now she must find a prince willing to kiss every last sleeping creature in the castle. Vernon deploys the same winning elements found in her Dragonbreath books, a mix of boldly drawn, two-tone cartoons, occasional speech bubbles, and a boisterously humorous text. Harriet is her own hamster, but she takes her place proudly alongside both Danny Dragonbreath and Babymouse. Creatively fresh and feminist, with laughs on every single page. (Graphic/fantasy hybrid. 8-12)
Hamster Princess. Rev. of Hamster Princess: Harriet the Invincible. Kirkus Reviews. 1 May 2015. Web. 30 May 2016.
The Girls of August
Summary: This is for my mom readers. Maddy, Rachel, Barbara and Melinda were destined to be friends forever. Their bond began when their significant others where in their residency. As they began to move away from one another, they began a summer tradition of spending one week together at a remote beach house. When one of the marriages ends in divorce and another in death, will the girls be able to keep their bond strong? After a few years break from their August get away, they give it one more shot to see if they can keep their frienships strong.
Impression: This was not the best book I have ever read, but it is definitely worth putting on your list of books to read at the beach or poolside. It was quick, light, fun and worth the read.
Reading Reviews:
Maddy, Rachel, Barbara, and Melinda met when their husbands were in medical school and started a tradition of spending a week at a beach house every August that lasted until Melinda died in an automobile accident. Years later, when Melinda’s husband remarries, they invite his new wife, a ditzy twentysomething nicknamed Baby, to join them and end up at her family’s home on the South Carolina coast. Petty jealousy is the reigning emotion, and Baby makes a point of flaunting her youth and beauty and playing up the fact that the other women are old enough to be her mother. Making matters worse, each of the women has a life-changing secret. Their anguish boils over during a storm, and all four must come together to survive. Siddons’ (Burnt Mountain, 2011) latest is a thoughtful portrait of women in crisis, the three older of them faced with an all-too-vivid reminder that they’re aging while the youngest matures, thanks to their shared experience, and all recognize that friendship is a sustaining force. Siddons’ many fans will feel right at home with this emotionally gripping, beach-themed read. --Nanette Donohue
Donohue, Nanette. Rev. of The Girls of August. n.d. web. 30 May 2016.
Wednesday, May 18, 2016
Diva and Flea by Mo Willems
Summary: Diva, dog of a Parisian gardienne, lives her life helping watch over the grounds of 11 avenue La Play. When she meets Flea, a large cat, she realizes there is so much more to the world. Will she ever find the courage to step beyond the gates and out into the streets of Paris?
Impression: This is a cute, sweet, fun, family read. It doesn't make the top of my list but there are definitely kids out there who will enjoy this book. I do love the unlikely friendship that is formed and how the characters transform. It is also a fun way to spark interest in travels and other countries. I read it with my 5 year old and he enjoyed it!
Reading Recommendations: Down Girl and Sit series by Lucy Nolan; Mercy Watson series by Kate DiCamillo
Reviews:
Booklist starred (September 1, 2015 (Vol. 112, No. 1))
Grades 1-3. Diva is a tiny white dog who lives in a grand, old apartment building in Paris, France. As the pet of the building’s gardienne, she patrols the courtyard, making sure that all is well. Flea, on the other hand, is a large cat who roams Paris’ streets. He is a great flâneur—“someone (or somecat) who . . . has seen everything, but still looks for more, because there is always something more to discover.” One day Flea’s flâneur-ing takes him past Diva’s courtyard, and the two strike up a friendship. Diva, who is skittish and has never traveled, loves hearing of Flea’s adventures, particularly the one about the “tower so tall and so pointy that it could cut a cloud in half.” Eventually, Flea suggests that Diva go wandering with him, and after some gentle encouragement, Diva takes her first brave steps beyond the courtyard. In return, Diva takes Flea inside her apartment, introducing him to a friendly broom that won’t swat cats and the miraculous occurrence known as breakfast. Willems has written a story with winning characters and bursting with tender charm, which is further amplified by DiTerlizzi’s expressive, vintage-style illustrations. Humor and sincerity walk paw in paw through this simple chapter book, inspiring exploration, bravery, and making friends. Be warned: excessive smiling may occur while reading. HIGH-DEMAND BACKSTORY: Willems and DiTerlizzi are a children’s book dream team. Stock up!
"Diva and Flea." Rev. of The Story of Diva and Flea. Booklist. 1 September 2015. Web. 18 May 2016.
Horn Book Guide (Spring 2016)
Willems's amiable chapter book introduces us to the sweet friendship between Diva, a tiny "guard" dog in a Paris apartment building, and Flea, a wandering city cat, or flbneur. DiTerlizzi's bright, expressive animal faces and elegant rendering of Paris, combined with an attractive, refined book design, elevate this simple but appealing story of bravery and trust. Author and illustrator notes are appended.
"Diva and Flea." Rev. of The Story of Diva and Flea. Horn Book Guide. Spring 2016. Web. 18 May 2016.
Kirkus Reviews (August 1, 2015)
A large cat and a small dog strike up an unlikely friendship in this early chapter book.Set in Paris--a setting charmingly brought to life in DiTerlizzi's illustrations--the book introduces readers to Flea and Diva. Flea is a large cat who is also a flaneur: "someone (or somecat) who wanders the streets...of the city just to see what there is to see." Flea's flaneur-ing is how he chances to discover Diva, a very small dog who guards the courtyard of the grand apartment building where she lives. At first Diva is afraid of Flea (as she is most things) and yelps and runs away. This makes Flea laugh, and he visits the courtyard daily. Eventually Diva strikes up the courage to ask Flea if he enjoys hurting her feelings, and Flea feels ashamed. The two become friends. Clever plot twists are woven into the storyline, as is the occasional French word, including the chapter headings. Willems' adroit storytelling is on display as Flea encourages Diva to try flaneur-ing herself and helps her overcome her fear of feet, while Diva encourages Flea to try indoor living complete with regular Breck-Fest--a novelty in Flea's scavenging street life--and helps him overcome his fear of brooms. The message--about the value of trying new experiences and learning to trust--lies lightly on this lively tale. (author's note, illustrator's note) (Animal fantasy. 6-8)
"Diva and Flea." Rev. of The Story of Diva and Flea. Kirkus Reviews. 1 August 2015. Web. 18 May 2016.
Monday, May 16, 2016
Roller Girl by Victoria Jamieson
Summary: Astrid's classmate saves her from being humiliated by a bully and instantly becomes her best friend for life, or so she thinks. 12 year old Astrid faces many changes as she loses her best friend to the very bully that used to torment her and she embarks on a new summer adventure alone......roller derby. Her initial excitement about roller derby is crushed when she soon discovers her roller skating skills are not up to par. Will she be able to improve her skills and make new friends at roller derby? Read, Roller Girl!
My Impression: This graphic novel teachers young girls a great lesson about finding themselves and appreciating other despite their differences. I would recommend this for 5th grade and up. Astrid refers to childhood nickname, "Ass-turd." Fellow students ask her if she is on drugs because she colors her hair to take on the roller derby role, and the girls are boy crazy (awaiting a kiss on a ferris wheel). That being said, I enjoyed this book and think it is great for students who are mature enough to handle the content.
Recommendations: Any Raina Telgemeier graphic novel, Dork Diaries by Rachel Russell
Reviews:
Booklist (March 1, 2015 (Vol. 111, No. 13))
Grades 4-8. Almost-middle-schooler Astrid (“Ass-Turd” to the mean girls) just isn’t interested in the kinds of things everyone else is. Her BFF Nicole likes boys and ballet and the color pink, but Astrid’s new obsession is tough, fast-paced Roller Derby. She thinks she and Nicole can spend their summer together at junior Roller Derby camp, but Nicole opts instead for ballet camp with Astrid’s archnemesis. And when it turns out that Astrid isn’t quite the Roller Derby prodigy she had hoped to be (she can barely master falling!), it seems both her summer and the impending start of junior high will be disasters. The bright, detailed, and colorful illustrations convey Astrid’s scrappy personality while also focusing on the high-contact aspect of Roller Derby: the girls hip check and elbow one another right out of the panels. While learning the game, Astrid learns how to be a friend and, maybe, that not all friendships are forever. A touching look at the ups and downs of following one’s dreams, in addition to introducing readers to a relatively unknown sport.
"Roller Girl." Rev. of Roller Girl by Victoria Jamieson. Booklist. 1 March 2015. Web. 16 May 2016.
Horn Book Magazine (March/April, 2015)
When Astrid's best friend Nicole starts harping on ballet, fashion, and dating, Astrid is left behind (read: not interested). She's behind on the roller derby track, too, where she's signed up for summer boot camp even though she can't do a crossover to save her life or skate five seconds without disaster. Practice makes better, and Astrid's skills and cred build with every bruise and scrape. Coaches, teammates, and celebrity roller Rainbow Bite cheer Astrid on as she faces the challenges of derby as well as tweendom -- including mean-girl moments, changing friendships, and the worst of the worst: clothes shopping with Mom. When the time comes for her big end-of-summer bout, "Asteroid" is blue-haired, brimming with confidence, and ready to roll. This graphic novel also serves as a surprisingly informative derby primer. Jamieson's dialogue captures coming-of-age within a subculture so authentically that readers will forgive the art's occasional inconsistencies in draftsmanship. The comics format is used resourcefully, with the artist occasionally placing Astrid before exaggerated, out-of-this-world backdrops (a desert on a long, hot walk home, for instance) and pausing action to address readers directly. Tweens and young teens will identify with Astrid's journey to find her unique voice in the world and derby name on the track. Have it at the ready for Telgemeier fans racing to find something new. elisa gall
Gall, Elisa. Rev. of Roller Girl by Victoria Jamieson. March/April 2015. Web. 16 May 2016.
Kirkus Reviews starred (December 15, 2014)
One summer changes everything for two 12-year-old girls whose friendship is tested when their interests--and attitudes--diverge.Astrid and Nicole have been BFFs truly forever. When the girls go to the roller derby one night, Astrid is immediately hooked and jumps at the chance to attend a roller-derby camp, skating alongside the tough, dyed girls. Nicole, however, who's passionate about ballet, decides not to follow along with Astrid, creating the first real rift the girls have known. The two quickly make new friends in their new circles: Astrid with her roller-derby cohorts and Nicole with the popular ballet crowd. As Astrid navigates the rough-and-tumble sport she's fallen in love with (and the bumps and bruises that come with it), she must also deal with what happens when friends just stop being friends and grow apart. Jamieson captures this snapshot of preteen angst with a keenly decisive eye, brilliantly juxtaposing the nuances of roller derby with the twists and turns of adolescent girls' friendships. Clean, bright illustrations evince the familiar emotions and bring the pathos to life in a way that text alone could not. Fans of Raina Telgemeier or Jimmy Gownley's Amelia series should certainly skate on over to this gem. Full of charm and moxie--don't let this one roll past. (Graphic fiction. 9-13)
"Roller Girl." Rev. of Roller Girl by Victoria Jamieson. 15 December 2014. Web. 16 May 2015.
The Terrible Two by Jory John and Mac Barnett
Summary: Have you every wished that you could pull the biggest prank on a friend or even on your school? Instead of facing a heap of trouble, I suggest you join Miles as he attempts to prank his new school. Let him take the heat.
Miles is a pranking genius. Just when he has all his pranks lined up for his new school, he has to move across the country to boring Yawnee Valley. A place known for having lots of cows. Ready to make his mark as a prankster at his new school, he arrives to find that someone has beat him to it. His new principal's car is parked in front of the school's main entrance. In a panic, the principal forget they have a back entrance and instructs the students to crawl through his car to enter the school. He notices the new kids, Miles, and instantly accuses him of the prank. Will Miles make his mark as a prankster at his new school or has someone else already filled this identity? Read The Terrible Two to find out.
My Impression: I loved this book. This book is full of exciting twists and turns. Kids that like Diary of a Wimpy Kid and Big Nate are sure to be fans of this new series. Great for students 3rd grade and up. I would even suggest this to a 2nd grader with a high reading level. This is bound to be a library favorite.
Suggestions: If you like The Terrible Two you should try the Tapper Twins series by Geoff Rodkey and P.I.C.K.L.E. by Kim Baker.
Reviews:
Booklist (January 1, 2015 (Vol. 111, No. 9))
Grades 4-6. Miles Murphy isn’t happy about moving to small Yawnee Valley (Welcome sign: “Come look at our cows”) or leaving his friends, but he is determined to be Yawnee Valley Science and Letters Academy’s number one prankster, the title he proudly held at his old school. He is facing serious competition, however, when an anonymous—and, Miles admits, inspired—trickster delays the first day of school by somehow blocking the school’s entryway with the principal’s car. Worse, aptly named Principal Barkin blames Miles and pairs him with goody-two-shoes Niles Sparks; then he is targeted by bully Josh. Undaunted, Miles focuses on achieving premiere prankster status, but he is continually thwarted. Thus begins a rivalry of pranking one-upmanship, but perhaps an alliance is better—and ultimately rewarding in multiple ways. With plenty of humor, quirky characters, interspersed drolly related cow factoids, and fantastical, over-the-top pranking, this entertaining, enjoyable read will especially appeal to Wimpy Kid aficionados. Throughout, lively black-and-white cartoon illustrations depict characters, scenarios, and sundry ephemera with witty details. Readers will be anticipating the prankster pals’ further escapades.
"The Terrible Two." Rev. of The Terrible Two, by Jory John and Mac Barnett. Booklist. 1January 2015. Web. 16 May 2016.
Horn Book Guide starred (Fall 2015)
Forced to leave behind his proud reputation as class prankster, Miles Murphy dreads starting over in a new town. Miles finds himself paired up with do-gooder Niles at Yawnee Valley Science and Letters Academy and is disappointed to discover that an impressive, anonymous prankster already attends the school. Miles must either out-prank this character...or join forces. Punchy line drawings magnify the text's well-timed comedy and clever details.
"The Terrible Two." Rev of The Terrible Two by Jory John and Mac Barnett. Horn Book Guide. Fall 2015. Web. 16 May 2016.
Kirkus Reviews (November 1, 2014)
Miles used to live near the sea. Miles had friends. Miles was his school's greatest prankster...how will he survive a move to Yawnee Valley? Yawnee Valley is famous for one thing: cows. All new students at Yawnee Valley Science and Letters Academy receive a booklet of 1,346 interesting cow facts from fussbudget fifth-generation principal Barry Barkin. On the first day of school, when Principal Barkin's car is found mysteriously parked on the school's steps, Barkin suspects Miles and assigns Niles Sparks to be Miles' buddy. Miles can't think of anything more awful than spending every moment of every day with smiling, officious, king-of-the-obvious Niles. On top of that, Barkin's son, Josh, has decided Miles is a good bullying target. To make life interesting, Miles plans a perfect prank in his pranking notebook, but it's foiled. That's followed by an invitation to join forces in pranking from an unexpected source...no way! Let the prank war commence! Barnett and John launch their cow-resplendent illustrated series with the humorous origin story of the pranking duo who lend the series its name. Characters may be stock; however, the pranks are anything but, and it's peppered with cow facts. Cornell's goofy cartoon illustrations (especially the blase cows) add giggles aplenty. Fluffy, fast, fun reading for fans of Clueless McGee and the Wimpy Kid. (Fiction. 7-11)
"The Terrible Two." Rev. of The Terrible Two by Jory John and Mac Barnett. Kirkus Reviews. 1 November 2014. Web. 16 May 2016.
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