Wildthorn follows Louisa, a girl who is locked up in an asylum because she is not feminine enough. The book goes back and forth from her life at the hospital to her memories of her life before. She meets a worker and develops a relationship with her that leads to her escape.
I enjoyed reading the novel but it was not a fast read. While the romance was unexpected the ending of the book was fairly predictable and the story wrapped up a little to perfectly. The descriptions of the asylum felt real but weren't excessively graphic. The lesbian plot was well done (surprisingly to me) and very accessible even to those who are uncomfortable with the topic as the relationship is sweet and does not take up a huge part of the plot.
Appropriateness: The book has scenes of drug abuse and gambling and talk of sexual abuse shown in all age appropriate manner which works as a teachable moment. There is a fleeting sex scene at the end which is not excessively descriptive. I found the book appropriate for middle school and above. The story will interest a middle school and high school audience.
Dec 27, 2010
Dec 23, 2010
The Lying Game
In The Lying Game Emma finds herself stepping into the life of Sutton, her long lost (and dead) twin sister after seeing a video of a snuff film starring Sutton placed on the internet. The novel is narrated by the dead Sutton (who doesn't remember much of her life) who watches as Emma tries to find out who killed her. The matter is complicated by The Lying Game which is popular with Sutton and her friends which involves cruel pranks that often include making the victim feel as though she is the victim of a crime.
The Lying Game is by the author of Pretty Little Liars which is one of the novels that has been packaged by HarperTeen for multiple media distribution. The book reads like a TV show (and the TV show is already in pre-production) and is a very entertaining and fast read. The mystery is intriguing but does not resolve at the end of the book (all of the characters are still suspects) there is a bit of resolution regarding a clue but the reader is still left a bit unsatisfied with the ending. The back cover (of my ARC) presents the novel as part Pretty Little Liars and part Lovely bones and honestly that's giving far more credit than the novel should get. The book is fun and trashy but can't be compared with a novel like The Lovely Bones (although if you can use this to convince your child that she should read The Lovely Bones then go for it).
Appropriateness: This is one of those books that will give conservative parents lots of worry. There is plenty of sex talk (although no actual sex), lots of drinking (complete with drinking games), criminal activity, mean girl bullying and even a bit of drug use. As is common with this genre book there is also an obsessive amount of "label dropping" as the author describes all the clothing with super-high end labels (even Emma as a foster child is obsessed with designer clothes). However, the characters in the book in no way appear normal (they're super rich) and Emma quite frequently looks down on their bad behavior. I wouldn't give the book to a high reading elementary schooler but if your middle grade reader wants to read the book it would be good to use it as an opening to have discussions of how to deal with situations (such as being at a party where everyone is participating in a drinking game) that they may find themselves in when they're older.
Review Copy obtained from Amazon Vine
The Lying Game is by the author of Pretty Little Liars which is one of the novels that has been packaged by HarperTeen for multiple media distribution. The book reads like a TV show (and the TV show is already in pre-production) and is a very entertaining and fast read. The mystery is intriguing but does not resolve at the end of the book (all of the characters are still suspects) there is a bit of resolution regarding a clue but the reader is still left a bit unsatisfied with the ending. The back cover (of my ARC) presents the novel as part Pretty Little Liars and part Lovely bones and honestly that's giving far more credit than the novel should get. The book is fun and trashy but can't be compared with a novel like The Lovely Bones (although if you can use this to convince your child that she should read The Lovely Bones then go for it).
Appropriateness: This is one of those books that will give conservative parents lots of worry. There is plenty of sex talk (although no actual sex), lots of drinking (complete with drinking games), criminal activity, mean girl bullying and even a bit of drug use. As is common with this genre book there is also an obsessive amount of "label dropping" as the author describes all the clothing with super-high end labels (even Emma as a foster child is obsessed with designer clothes). However, the characters in the book in no way appear normal (they're super rich) and Emma quite frequently looks down on their bad behavior. I wouldn't give the book to a high reading elementary schooler but if your middle grade reader wants to read the book it would be good to use it as an opening to have discussions of how to deal with situations (such as being at a party where everyone is participating in a drinking game) that they may find themselves in when they're older.
Review Copy obtained from Amazon Vine
Aug 5, 2010
Halo by Alexandra Adornetto
This one's for your twilight loving daughters.
Halo follows Bethany (Beth) a teenage angel who arrives in a small town with older angels Gabriel and Ivy to fight the evil forces which have invaded. When Bethany arrives in town everything is new and exciting to her. She's never been human before so everything from clothes to ice cream is a new experience. When she's enrolled in school (with Gabriel as the new music teacher) she just hopes to make a friend. She ends up falling for Xavier, a mortal boy putting herself at great risk. Later there is an introduction of a dangerous force to the town and the risk it presents both to her and to the town as a whole.
While the book is very large (around 500 pages) there are three story arcs to keep the reader rewarded and interested and it's more than just a romance with a paranormal element. The mythology that the author created is strong and the location is beautiful. The romance is beautiful and although it's desperate at times it's sweet and lovely to read.
Appropriateness: The novel will appeal to both the younger and older end of the young adult audience. The book did not seem to be written at an overly difficult reading level so it will appeal to reluctant readers who are turned off by very difficult text. Likewise it is also appropriate for young readers who want to read super romantic stories about older kids because there is no sex or explicit violence. There is no drug use and although there is a small amount of alcohol use the alcohol is portrayed in a very negative light (it's a pretty good lesson for readers as to how quickly alcohol can make one loose control). There are discussions of sex but the main characters do not do anything more than kiss. There are some mentions of suicide, a crush on a teacher and there is some minor action.
The novel is very well written (shockingly so when the author's age is taken into account)and it's the best romance-centric paranormal I've read in a while. I'm looking forward to reading the next in the series.
Review copy acquired from Amazon Vine
Halo follows Bethany (Beth) a teenage angel who arrives in a small town with older angels Gabriel and Ivy to fight the evil forces which have invaded. When Bethany arrives in town everything is new and exciting to her. She's never been human before so everything from clothes to ice cream is a new experience. When she's enrolled in school (with Gabriel as the new music teacher) she just hopes to make a friend. She ends up falling for Xavier, a mortal boy putting herself at great risk. Later there is an introduction of a dangerous force to the town and the risk it presents both to her and to the town as a whole.
While the book is very large (around 500 pages) there are three story arcs to keep the reader rewarded and interested and it's more than just a romance with a paranormal element. The mythology that the author created is strong and the location is beautiful. The romance is beautiful and although it's desperate at times it's sweet and lovely to read.
Appropriateness: The novel will appeal to both the younger and older end of the young adult audience. The book did not seem to be written at an overly difficult reading level so it will appeal to reluctant readers who are turned off by very difficult text. Likewise it is also appropriate for young readers who want to read super romantic stories about older kids because there is no sex or explicit violence. There is no drug use and although there is a small amount of alcohol use the alcohol is portrayed in a very negative light (it's a pretty good lesson for readers as to how quickly alcohol can make one loose control). There are discussions of sex but the main characters do not do anything more than kiss. There are some mentions of suicide, a crush on a teacher and there is some minor action.
The novel is very well written (shockingly so when the author's age is taken into account)and it's the best romance-centric paranormal I've read in a while. I'm looking forward to reading the next in the series.
Review copy acquired from Amazon Vine
Aug 3, 2010
Catkid
Catkid is a series by Brian James that follows Catkid who is half cat and half kid through her life. While Catkid is half cat and half kid the rest of her peers are all kid.
They read much like any other girl book out there except for the cute twist of Catkid's cat side. In the second book for example Catkid goes to the aquarium. She encounters many difficulties because of this (like when she tries to pack a fishing pole) but still faces normal challenges when she tries to win a contest to collect answers for her teacher.
Scholastic puts these books at a mid-third grade level. The books are thin, chapters short and there are quite a few pictures through the book. They are fun and work well for younger advanced readers.
They read much like any other girl book out there except for the cute twist of Catkid's cat side. In the second book for example Catkid goes to the aquarium. She encounters many difficulties because of this (like when she tries to pack a fishing pole) but still faces normal challenges when she tries to win a contest to collect answers for her teacher.
Scholastic puts these books at a mid-third grade level. The books are thin, chapters short and there are quite a few pictures through the book. They are fun and work well for younger advanced readers.
Jul 22, 2010
Ellie McDoodle
The Ellie McDoodle books follow Ellie as she goes on vacation and moves to a new school. The book is Ellie's illustrated journal and is filled with pictures and antidotes of her adventures. As a bonus at the end of each book the author offers drawing and journaling tips to help your child create their own illustrated journal.
The books are written on a mid third grade level and would be enjoyed by any elementary aged student. My daughter loved the two novels that have been published so far and is excited for the newest novel. She thought Ellie's adventures were exciting and loved the pictures throughout the book. This is a good book for both advanced readers and for older reluctant readers. The pictures and humor are encouraging for young readers.
The books are written on a mid third grade level and would be enjoyed by any elementary aged student. My daughter loved the two novels that have been published so far and is excited for the newest novel. She thought Ellie's adventures were exciting and loved the pictures throughout the book. This is a good book for both advanced readers and for older reluctant readers. The pictures and humor are encouraging for young readers.
The Percy Jackson Series
The Percy Jackson series is one of the most popular middle grade series on the market right now. The series is more popular with the boys (while also popular with girls) and I see a copy every day when I substitute in middle school classrooms. The first novel was recently made into a movie.
The series follows Percy Jackson, a boy who finds out that his father is one of the Greek Gods his fellow demigod Annabeth and his Satyr friend Grover. In each book he goes on an adventure and fights various mythological monsters. Many of the stories mirror the stories in more famous works (such as the Odyssey) that kids will read in school and will spur interest in the original tales and research on the monsters themselves.
This series works as a great read aloud (although you may want to keep google handy so you can show your child pictures of the monsters) and is great for advanced readers. Unlike the Harry Potter books which become more difficult with each book in the series (often causing younger readers to give up on the series) these books are all at the same reading level. Scholastic lists the books at a fifth grade reading level. The books are appropriate as a read aloud for second grade and up. There is fantasy fighting and monsters. There is a hint of romance but nothing that would put off a young child.
The series follows Percy Jackson, a boy who finds out that his father is one of the Greek Gods his fellow demigod Annabeth and his Satyr friend Grover. In each book he goes on an adventure and fights various mythological monsters. Many of the stories mirror the stories in more famous works (such as the Odyssey) that kids will read in school and will spur interest in the original tales and research on the monsters themselves.
This series works as a great read aloud (although you may want to keep google handy so you can show your child pictures of the monsters) and is great for advanced readers. Unlike the Harry Potter books which become more difficult with each book in the series (often causing younger readers to give up on the series) these books are all at the same reading level. Scholastic lists the books at a fifth grade reading level. The books are appropriate as a read aloud for second grade and up. There is fantasy fighting and monsters. There is a hint of romance but nothing that would put off a young child.
Jun 21, 2010
Humphrey the Hamster
The Humphrey the Hamster series is one that is loved by both my daughter and my husband. Humphrey lives in room 26 and he helps out the families that he visits their homes and teaches kindness and friendship. For example, he unplugs a classmates television so the family can learn to have fun without the television. Humphrey's experiences make for good discussions of different problems that kids face, how to change these problems and how to help others.
This series works well as a read aloud (perfect in a classroom setting) and would be equally enjoyed by both boys and girls. The content is not age specific so it would be enjoyed and is appropriate for elementary students of any age. There are currently six books in the series and they're written on a 3-4th grade reading level.
This series works well as a read aloud (perfect in a classroom setting) and would be equally enjoyed by both boys and girls. The content is not age specific so it would be enjoyed and is appropriate for elementary students of any age. There are currently six books in the series and they're written on a 3-4th grade reading level.
Jun 14, 2010
The Hunger Games
The Hunger Games trilogy takes place in a dystopian society. In the first book Katniss our heroine is chosen to compete in a twisted death match reality show with 23 other kids for the entertainment of the citizens of the capital. Katniss and Gail the other teen chosen from her district have to fight against the other competitors to try to be the last one standing for it's the only way to survive. Katniss finds love and friendship in this unlikely environment.
While at first look The Hunger Games seems to be a terrible book about kids killing kids is more than that. The book examines the horrors of war and violence and the reader puts themselves in the shoes of Katniss examining what they would do if they were in her situation. As the trilogy continues Katniss finds herself in the middle of a revolution that she is not so sure about and the story examines the dangers of an vengeful out of control government.
This is a very quick read and one that is very hard to put down. It is one I recommend to both boys (who like the fighting) and girls (who like the love story). After reading this teens could be encouraged to read more literary dystopian tales such as Lord of the Flies
and 1984
. The dystopian genre is one of the fastest moving in YA literature and there are a wide range of other dystopian novels for teens to enjoy.I would recommend this book to the middle and high school reader. While it is very violent (I wouldn't recommend it to kids who have nightmares) there is no sexual content (aside from kissing) or substance abuse to concern parents. There are two books out currently with the third expected at the end of August and a movie based on the original is in production.
Jun 13, 2010
The Worst Witch
The Worst Witch series is a funny Harry Potter light for the beginning reader. They tell the tale of Mildred, a student at Miss Cackles Academy for witches faces many blunders in her experiences at school. She's not a very good witch and her spells often go wrong, but do not worry. The book has the terrific feel good ending that young readers love.
These books are on a 3/4th grade level (guided reading level P) and they are thin (the first one is 110 pages) so they're a quick read and good for intermediate readers. There were some UK words that my daughter had trouble with and she reported that it was just a little hard but she says that it was worth it because of the "scary and funny parts." This book would work well as a read aloud for the younger set and is fantastic for the advanced younger reader as well as readers that are ready for beginning chapter books. There was a TV series years ago based on the books (which I was able to get at the library) that is a good reward for when your child finishes the book, there was a movie also which is fantastically bad).
While this is a girl book (taking place in a girls school with female teachers) I think the story is funny enough that boys would like it also.
These books are on a 3/4th grade level (guided reading level P) and they are thin (the first one is 110 pages) so they're a quick read and good for intermediate readers. There were some UK words that my daughter had trouble with and she reported that it was just a little hard but she says that it was worth it because of the "scary and funny parts." This book would work well as a read aloud for the younger set and is fantastic for the advanced younger reader as well as readers that are ready for beginning chapter books. There was a TV series years ago based on the books (which I was able to get at the library) that is a good reward for when your child finishes the book, there was a movie also which is fantastically bad).
While this is a girl book (taking place in a girls school with female teachers) I think the story is funny enough that boys would like it also.
Baby Mouse!
Babymouse is a fantastic series of graphic novels for the young reader. They follow the trials and tribulations of Babymouse as she suffers horrors such as dodge-ball and school musical auditions.
My daughter loves these so much that she sits and reads them in one sitting without being asked and cheers when one arrives in the mail. I asked her why she loves Babymouse and she said it's because they are pink pink pink and there is always a happy ending and they are easy to read. These are girl books and because of the pinkness I wouldn't think boys would like them.
These graphic novels are perfect for the reader that's moving from picture books to chapter books. They're at a second grade reading level. There are twelve in the series and they're generally available as buy 3 get the 4th free from Amazon.com.
My daughter loves these so much that she sits and reads them in one sitting without being asked and cheers when one arrives in the mail. I asked her why she loves Babymouse and she said it's because they are pink pink pink and there is always a happy ending and they are easy to read. These are girl books and because of the pinkness I wouldn't think boys would like them.
These graphic novels are perfect for the reader that's moving from picture books to chapter books. They're at a second grade reading level. There are twelve in the series and they're generally available as buy 3 get the 4th free from Amazon.com.
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