Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl stars Charlie a poor boy who wins a ticket to tour the mysterious Willie Wonka chocolate factory. The other children on the tour all have distinct flawed personalities which are tested on the tour to disastrous results.
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is much like the movies that have been produced which was my daughters only complaint. She wished that she'd read the book first. It took a couple chapters before she really got into it but because she's got an author crush on Dahl so she knew that it would get better and after the first couple chapters she was hooked. My daughter loved the book and looked forward to reading it every day even though it was a difficult read. The characters are what really makes the book the other kids are exaggerated examples of all the obnoxious kids that are in a childs life and they get what is coming to them when they refuse to behave during the tour.
Appropriateness: Like most of Dahl's books this book is very twisted. Bad things happen to the kids on the tour in fantastical ways which might disturb kids that have a hard time distinguishing fiction from reality. My daughter however thought it was fantastic. The lexile is 810 and the grade level equivalent is 5.9 making it great for advanced readers. I'd recommend it for kids 9-14 who can handle the reading level.
Jul 30, 2011
Jul 29, 2011
Share Your Favorite Post Saturday
The weekends are sometimes very slow. So I thought it would be fun for everyone to post their favorite post of the week. Think of it as a hop, but one that doesn't require a post on your blog. If you post your link then visit at least the three links before yours (or after if you're the first.) You might find a new great blog!
Jul 28, 2011
Follow Friday and Book Blogger Hop
The Question is. . . .
Q. Let's step away from books for a second and get personal. What T-Shirt slogan best describes you?
http://crazy-for-books.com/2011/07/book-blogger-hop-729-81.html
The question this week is. . .“Highlight one book you have received this week (for review, from the library, purchased at the store, etc.) that you can’t wait to dig into!”
Don't you all know that I read my books the day they arrive, if I've gotten it then I've dug into it already.
I did have amazon vine this week and I'm getting a copy of Glow (Sky Chasers)
which I'm excited about. It looked awesome.
Jul 27, 2011
Waiting on Wednesday -- Bad Kitty for President
Waiting on Wednesday is hosted by Breaking The Spine where bloggers talk about books they're excited to read.
So, apparently Bad Kitty is running for PRESIDENT. There's no official description yet but I know it's going to be awesome and my daughter will read it the night it arrives at our house.
Jul 26, 2011
Why curse words are a non issue
. Before we read the book we were given a little quiz about curse words and we were told that if we were offended by all curse words we could read another novel (I think we were offered something with ten thousand pages). No one opted out because we were 17 and 18 and could handle curse words.Then the books were handed out and the absurdity began. Someone had gone through the class set of books with a sharpie and marked out all the curse words (well most of them). Really? The curse words were so harmful to us that they had to be marked out. This made the book less enjoyable to read and when reading out loud we all guessed at the words that were blacked out. We were old enough to go to R rated movies and most of us were old enough to buy porn (we read it in the late spring) but we couldn't read a novel without the curse words being censored?
A year ago I was substituting in a middle school English class and I saw a child reading black hawk down. Again someone had gone through and marked out all the curse words in pencil. When I asked him why he said it was so he could read it in school. Now this book a very difficult very violent and emotional true story that I would agree should be given to kids based on their ability to handle the content. But are the curse words what was controversial in the book? No! If a child is mature enough to handle the content in a book like that then they can handle characters that curse.
Why are curse words so scary? Why is mentioning them in a review is a waste of time?
First lets talk about why we discourage cursing in schools and at home. Is it because cursing is harmful? No. We don't curse because it's bad manners to curse. Because it's unprofessional and rude and a habit we don't want our kids to pick up. We make an extra effort not to curse around small children because we don't want them to repeat these words. However, once our kids hit school age it's assumed that they have the maturity not to repeat these words and to know that they're "bad."
How does this relate to curse words in books?
Once kids are old enough to read books that have curse words in them we as adults must realize that they're old enough and mature enough to not repeat them. To forbid a child from reading a book for language reasons only is to not respect their ability to handle a few simple words and understand that seeing them in print doesn't make them suddenly acceptable to say at school or at home. Authors frequently will use these words to demonstrate that a character is bad or destructive which generally proves the point that you've taught them of how cursing makes you appear to others.
What should I say if my child points out a bad word in a book or mentions that one of the characters curses a lot?
I'd talk to them about why the character said the word. How it made the character appear and then reenforce your values. But really this is small stuff. A word or two in a children's book or even a character that curses like a sailor in YA book isn't going to effect your child at all and can be a learning opportunity.
Jul 25, 2011
Fins are Forever
Fins Are Forever by Tera Lynn Childs is the sequel to Forgive My Fins. The series stars Lily a Mermaid living in the human world. In the last book Lilly got together with her boyfriend Quince and decided that she was going to give up her spot as princess to live in the human world. Things are made more complicated when her cousin comes to stay with her having been exiled from her underwater kingdom and Lilly has to teach her to appreciate humanity.
I like this series. It's sweet and cute. It's fairly predictable but enjoyable nevertheless. There was no endless drooling over guys that doesn't know the girl exists in this book which made it more enjoyable for me. This is a pretty typical middle school romance light and fluffy and a very fast read.
Appropriateness: There is no adult content in this book. The main character is almost eighteen but behaves more like a middle schooler. The romance is limited to very brief kisses. I would recommend this book to girls 11-14 The lexile of the first in the series is 750 putting the book around a fifth grade reading level.
I like this series. It's sweet and cute. It's fairly predictable but enjoyable nevertheless. There was no endless drooling over guys that doesn't know the girl exists in this book which made it more enjoyable for me. This is a pretty typical middle school romance light and fluffy and a very fast read.
Appropriateness: There is no adult content in this book. The main character is almost eighteen but behaves more like a middle schooler. The romance is limited to very brief kisses. I would recommend this book to girls 11-14 The lexile of the first in the series is 750 putting the book around a fifth grade reading level.
Jul 24, 2011
Small Town Sinners
Small Town Sinners follows Lacy a sixteen year old Evangelical Christian who has always seen the world as black and white. Now that she is a Junior Lacy is eligible to audition for a part in her churches hell house (a horror house that leads viewers through various sins) and Lacy wants to be the abortion girl. Through a series of events including an old friend returning to town and her sisters best friend's pregnancy Lacy starts to wonder if the world is as black and white as she has always believed.
This was a wonderful look into an evangelical community that was done with respect. Lacy is believable as a small town religious girl who has always followed her parents teaching and rules without question. The framework of the hellhouse along with the disruptions in her friends allowed for a believable trigger for Lacy to question how she viewed her faith. This book somehow manages to walk the line both respecting and criticizing religion at the same time and I feel religious readers as well as those who have viewed religion from the outside will enjoy the book. It is neither preachy nor anti-religion and I do not feel it would offend religious readers. The real message one gets from the book is not that religion is bad but that one must make their own decisions about their beliefs and being kind, forgiving and understanding is better than sitting in judgement. I was very engrossed in the story and finished the book within hours.
Appropriateness: There is no adult content in the book however the book does deal with discussions of teen pregnancy, drunk driving, abortion and bullying. There are a lot of discussions of hypocritical behavior by adults and kids and Lacy sneaks out and lies to her parents multiple times (to do things that she feels she needs to do). I would recommend this book to teens 13+
This was a wonderful look into an evangelical community that was done with respect. Lacy is believable as a small town religious girl who has always followed her parents teaching and rules without question. The framework of the hellhouse along with the disruptions in her friends allowed for a believable trigger for Lacy to question how she viewed her faith. This book somehow manages to walk the line both respecting and criticizing religion at the same time and I feel religious readers as well as those who have viewed religion from the outside will enjoy the book. It is neither preachy nor anti-religion and I do not feel it would offend religious readers. The real message one gets from the book is not that religion is bad but that one must make their own decisions about their beliefs and being kind, forgiving and understanding is better than sitting in judgement. I was very engrossed in the story and finished the book within hours.
Appropriateness: There is no adult content in the book however the book does deal with discussions of teen pregnancy, drunk driving, abortion and bullying. There are a lot of discussions of hypocritical behavior by adults and kids and Lacy sneaks out and lies to her parents multiple times (to do things that she feels she needs to do). I would recommend this book to teens 13+
Jul 22, 2011
Share Your Favorite Post Saturday
The weekends are sometimes very slow. So I thought it would be fun for everyone to post their favorite post of the week. Think of it as a hop, but one that doesn't require a post on your blog. If you post your link then visit at least the three links before yours (or after if you're the first.) You might find a new great blog
Checkpoints
Checkpoints by Marilyn Levy tells the story of seventeen year old Noa who lives in Israel. Noa lives in constant fear of suicide bombers and is frightened by Arabs in general. When an incident happens locking down her sister's college campus Noa and her sister let an Arab girl stay with them in her dorm room. This is the start of an unusual friendship.
This was a very good book that will help kids get a basic understanding of the situation in Israel. While the story follows Noa who is a Jew we learn a little bit about the Palestinian viewpoint from her friendship with Maha and how complicated the situation really is. My only real problem with the book was Noa's age. I felt like the story was not complex enough for older teen readers and is really written for the middle grade audience. If Noa was 12 or 14 this story would speak more to that audience. I enjoyed the story and felt like I learned a bit without feeling like I was stuck in an afterschool special.
Appropriateness: There is no adult content in this book. There is a bit of romance but nothing that would put off even a very young reader. I would recommend this book to readers 10-14.
Review copy provided by publisher
This was a very good book that will help kids get a basic understanding of the situation in Israel. While the story follows Noa who is a Jew we learn a little bit about the Palestinian viewpoint from her friendship with Maha and how complicated the situation really is. My only real problem with the book was Noa's age. I felt like the story was not complex enough for older teen readers and is really written for the middle grade audience. If Noa was 12 or 14 this story would speak more to that audience. I enjoyed the story and felt like I learned a bit without feeling like I was stuck in an afterschool special.
Appropriateness: There is no adult content in this book. There is a bit of romance but nothing that would put off even a very young reader. I would recommend this book to readers 10-14.
Review copy provided by publisher
Jul 21, 2011
Follow Friday and Book Blogger Hop
The Question is. . . .
Q. Name 3 authors that you would love to sit down and spend an hour or a meal with just talking about either their books or get advice on writing from?
Well, Meg Cabot because she's hilarious. Richelle Mead because I love her books and totally stalk her on the internet.The question this week is. . .
What’s the ONE GENRE that you wish you could get into, but just can’t?
I've never been a fan of non-fiction. I'll read the occasional memoir about someone raised in a cult like religion but besides that I can't do it.
http://crazy-for-books.com/2011/07/book-blogger-hop-722-725.html
http://crazy-for-books.com/2011/07/book-blogger-hop-722-725.html
The Heroes of Olympus: The Lost Hero
The Lost Hero by Rick Riordan is set in the same world as the Percy Jackson series. This series is narrated by three characters. Piper, a daughter of Athena whose movie star father has been kidnapped, Leo, a son of Hephaestus who can fix anything mechanical and who can withstand fire and Jason the son of Zeus who can not remember any of his past but who identifies with Romans. These three heroes must solve the prophecy to rescue Hera who is being held against her will.
This was a fantastic introduction to a new series. It was just enough familiar to make readers happy combined with enough new concepts and characters to make the series distinct and separate from the Percy Jackson series. I loved the book and was able to tear through it very quickly.
Appropriateness: This book is much thicker and more descriptive than the last series and it has a bit of a romance thrown which makes it a tad more mature than the last series. The Lexile is 660 putting it around a fourth grade level. Because of it's length and literary references I would recommend this book to a middle school audience (although younger advanced readers who can handle the length will enjoy the book) this is a series that boys will love.
This was a fantastic introduction to a new series. It was just enough familiar to make readers happy combined with enough new concepts and characters to make the series distinct and separate from the Percy Jackson series. I loved the book and was able to tear through it very quickly.
Appropriateness: This book is much thicker and more descriptive than the last series and it has a bit of a romance thrown which makes it a tad more mature than the last series. The Lexile is 660 putting it around a fourth grade level. Because of it's length and literary references I would recommend this book to a middle school audience (although younger advanced readers who can handle the length will enjoy the book) this is a series that boys will love.
Jul 20, 2011
The Nine Lives of Chloe King
The Nine Lives of Chloe King by Liz Brazwell contains the three Chloe King books previously written under the pen name Celia Thomson. This is a MASSIVE book. The three books together make for a book so large that it takes two hands to hold (and isn't going to work in the bathtub). If you've got an e-reader I'd suggest buying the digital copy even if it is more expensive.
The Nine Lives of Chloe King starts out with Chloe falling off of the Coit Tower on her sixteenth birthday. Aside from a little blood she is just fine. Chloe then starts to develop. She becomes confident with her sexuality and she develops strange catlike powers and finds herself being chased by an unknown assailant.
I had a hard time getting through the first of the three books in the series. Chloe is self absorbed and fairly unlikeable. She bounces from boy to boy and treats her friends badly. The plot also moves very slowly. Chloe doesn't find out who she is and the reader isn't given any answers at all until the last few pages and that still isn't much. The mytholgy is different from much of what's out there
Appropriateness: In the first few chapters Chloe drinks and gets hot and heavy with a stranger she met in a bar (although there is no sex). She does have a nice relationship with her mother (although she isn't totally truthful) There is also a minor subplot about Chloe getting her period that would turn off male readers. I would peg the interest level at 13 +
The Nine Lives of Chloe King starts out with Chloe falling off of the Coit Tower on her sixteenth birthday. Aside from a little blood she is just fine. Chloe then starts to develop. She becomes confident with her sexuality and she develops strange catlike powers and finds herself being chased by an unknown assailant.
I had a hard time getting through the first of the three books in the series. Chloe is self absorbed and fairly unlikeable. She bounces from boy to boy and treats her friends badly. The plot also moves very slowly. Chloe doesn't find out who she is and the reader isn't given any answers at all until the last few pages and that still isn't much. The mytholgy is different from much of what's out there
Appropriateness: In the first few chapters Chloe drinks and gets hot and heavy with a stranger she met in a bar (although there is no sex). She does have a nice relationship with her mother (although she isn't totally truthful) There is also a minor subplot about Chloe getting her period that would turn off male readers. I would peg the interest level at 13 +
Waiting on Wednesday -- Awake at Dawn
Waiting on Wednesday is hosted by Breaking The Spine where bloggers talk about books they're excited to read.
I'm excited about the second book in the Shadow Falls series Awake at Dawn.
Now that she’s settled in at Shadow Falls Camp, Kylie Galen’s determined to discover the extent of her supernatural abilities. But with a ghost insisting someone Kylie loves is about die, a rogue vampire on a murdering rampage, and her sixth sense telling her someone is watching her, Kylie’s quest for answers is quickly put on hold.
To make matters worse, just when she’s about to give her heart to Derek, a half-fairy, he starts pulling away. When Lucas, a werewolf with whom Kylie shares a secret past, returns, Kylie’s feels more conflicted than ever. Her weekend with her mom should have been the just the break Kylie needs, but it turns out to be her breaking point. Someone from the dark side of the supernatural world has plans for Kylie—and it'll take all her resources to get back to Shadow Falls alive...
Sounds great!
Jul 19, 2011
Texas Gothic
Texas Gothic by Rosemary Clement More follows Amy Goodnight a girl who was raised in a family of witches. Amy and her sister Phin are taking care of their aunts farm when a skeleton is found on the neighbors farm. With it comes a mystery and a ghost. Additionally all this happens on the farm of a very very hot cowboy.
This was a great paranormal ghost story. The paranormal was subtle enough that it was almost believable. The characters of the town and the history behind the mystery of the ghost was interesting and original. Amy is independent and and spunky and smart. It was not a super fast read but was enjoyable and I had no problem finishing it as I was interested in the mystery.
Appropriateness: There are quite a few scenes that take place in a bar, while Amy does not drink most of the other characters do (although they are a bit older). Amy's love interest smokes weed outside that bar. There is a scene between the two of them that could be construed as sex (or not) depending on the reader and Amy is stripped to her underwear multiple times in front of the hot cowboy (for reasons that cause her not to have clothes). Amy is seventeen and acts her age. All of the other young characters are college kids. I would recommend this book to the older end of the YA audience, readers 15+.
This was a great paranormal ghost story. The paranormal was subtle enough that it was almost believable. The characters of the town and the history behind the mystery of the ghost was interesting and original. Amy is independent and and spunky and smart. It was not a super fast read but was enjoyable and I had no problem finishing it as I was interested in the mystery.
Appropriateness: There are quite a few scenes that take place in a bar, while Amy does not drink most of the other characters do (although they are a bit older). Amy's love interest smokes weed outside that bar. There is a scene between the two of them that could be construed as sex (or not) depending on the reader and Amy is stripped to her underwear multiple times in front of the hot cowboy (for reasons that cause her not to have clothes). Amy is seventeen and acts her age. All of the other young characters are college kids. I would recommend this book to the older end of the YA audience, readers 15+.
Jul 18, 2011
We Can't All Be Rattlesnakes
We Can't All Be Rattlesnakes by Patrick Jennings stars Crusher a Gopher snake that been captured by boy who didn't always treat them well. Crusher is interested in everything about his new environment including the weird looking grass and the magical box that keeps things cold. Crusher who came from outside develops friends inside including a mouse who he names breakfast and a turtle and a tarantula.
This is a great book that looks at pet ownership from the side of the pet. Crusher comes from outside and is told of the horrible treatment that he will receive from his owner which he experiences. It could really make kids think twice about the way they treat animals. The observations about his environment had my daughter laughing and the book kept my daughter entertained even though she was only reading it in small pieces as time allowed at school.
Appropriateness: The human in this book isn't the nicest person. This is a book that has negative behavior that's put in a way that kids can learn from. I would recommend this book to kids nine and up with this being a book that boys epically will love. The lexile is 560 putting it at a mid fourth grade reading level.
This is a great book that looks at pet ownership from the side of the pet. Crusher comes from outside and is told of the horrible treatment that he will receive from his owner which he experiences. It could really make kids think twice about the way they treat animals. The observations about his environment had my daughter laughing and the book kept my daughter entertained even though she was only reading it in small pieces as time allowed at school.
Appropriateness: The human in this book isn't the nicest person. This is a book that has negative behavior that's put in a way that kids can learn from. I would recommend this book to kids nine and up with this being a book that boys epically will love. The lexile is 560 putting it at a mid fourth grade reading level.
Jul 17, 2011
My Unfair Godmother
My Unfair Godmother by Janette Rallison is a companion book to My Fair Godmother
. The story features the same fair godmother Chrissy that as in the companion book who gets her charges into terrible fairytale situations. The books can be read in any order. This book stars Tansy who has felt torn apart and neglected over her parents divorce. When Tansy's little sister gets a job singing in a touring musical Tansy has to go and live with the father whom she has felt abandoned her. Tansy's rebellious boyfriend gets her into some minor trouble with the police and she is visited by Chrissy a Fair Godmother who offers her three wishes. Tansy then has to deal with Robin Hood and his men and is thrown into the Rapunzel story.
This is a delightfully fun romantic comedy. Tansy's growth as a person was fun to read as well as was the romance that slowly builds between her and the police chief's son. The fairytale stories were carefully interwoven and presented in an entertaining and original way. Rallison is one of my new favorite authors. Her stories are consistently entertaining and present the reader with strong girls and smart guys whose relationships develop in realistic and healthy ways.
Appropriateness: There's no adult content in this book. Chrissy begins the story as a rebellious teen. She has a horrible boyfriend who gets her in some minor legal trouble. She grows up throughout the story and is able to repair the relationships in her life. The romance is limited to some minor kissing. I would recommend this book to teens 12+ and there is nothing in the book that is inappropriate for younger readers.
. The story features the same fair godmother Chrissy that as in the companion book who gets her charges into terrible fairytale situations. The books can be read in any order. This book stars Tansy who has felt torn apart and neglected over her parents divorce. When Tansy's little sister gets a job singing in a touring musical Tansy has to go and live with the father whom she has felt abandoned her. Tansy's rebellious boyfriend gets her into some minor trouble with the police and she is visited by Chrissy a Fair Godmother who offers her three wishes. Tansy then has to deal with Robin Hood and his men and is thrown into the Rapunzel story.This is a delightfully fun romantic comedy. Tansy's growth as a person was fun to read as well as was the romance that slowly builds between her and the police chief's son. The fairytale stories were carefully interwoven and presented in an entertaining and original way. Rallison is one of my new favorite authors. Her stories are consistently entertaining and present the reader with strong girls and smart guys whose relationships develop in realistic and healthy ways.
Appropriateness: There's no adult content in this book. Chrissy begins the story as a rebellious teen. She has a horrible boyfriend who gets her in some minor legal trouble. She grows up throughout the story and is able to repair the relationships in her life. The romance is limited to some minor kissing. I would recommend this book to teens 12+ and there is nothing in the book that is inappropriate for younger readers.
Jul 15, 2011
Vanished
Vanished by Sheela Chari stars Neela an Indian American who must solve a huge mystery when her Veena vanishes. Neela brings her Veena (a traditional Indian instrument) to school to show her music class as they study world instruments. While walking home she ducks into a church to escape the rain and stows her Veena in a closet. When she leaves she finds that her Veena has vanished. Neela's Veena was a gift from her grandmother in India and she finds out many special things while searching for it.
I enjoyed reading about Neela's life. Her parents are immigrants and she has to learn how to be both an American girl and an Indian daughter and her more traditional cousin. I didn't however love the story. It wasn't a light and easy read like I expect for books written for this age group. It seemed more like one of those books that's on your teachers bookshelf that you read because you have to. It's interesting enough but not anything that you would pick to read on your own.
Appropriateness: I would recommend this book to readers from 10-14. There is nothing that parents would find objectionable in the book.
I enjoyed reading about Neela's life. Her parents are immigrants and she has to learn how to be both an American girl and an Indian daughter and her more traditional cousin. I didn't however love the story. It wasn't a light and easy read like I expect for books written for this age group. It seemed more like one of those books that's on your teachers bookshelf that you read because you have to. It's interesting enough but not anything that you would pick to read on your own.
Appropriateness: I would recommend this book to readers from 10-14. There is nothing that parents would find objectionable in the book.
Jul 13, 2011
Waiting on Wednesday -- The Predicteds
Waiting on Wednesday is hosted by Breaking The Spine where bloggers talk about books they're excited to read.
Daphne is the new girl in town and is having trouble fitting in. At least she has Jesse... sort of. He wants to be more than "just friends," but there's something he's not telling her about his past. Something dangerous. When a female student is brutally attacked, police turn to PROFILE, a new program that can predict a student's capacity for drug use, pregnancy, and violent behavior, to solve the case. As the witch hunt ensues, Daphne is forced to question her feelings for Jesse-and what she will do if her first love turns out to be a killer.
Sounds AWESOME!
Jul 12, 2011
Overbite
Overbite by Meg Cabot is the sequel to Insatiable which stars Meena, a woman who has the power to tell when someone will die. The men in her life include Jason her brother, Aleric a vampire hunter in the Palatine Guard and Lucen the vampire king. This book starts with Meena meeting her ex-boyfriend who ends up being a vampire. She is rescued by Lucen which causes all sorts of conflict with her employer The Palatine Guard.
This book was not what I expect when I read a Meg Cabot. I own every book she has written and love her entertaining style. This book was different. It seemed to plod through the plot without much humor (it was missing much of the humor that was present in the first book) and without much romance. I didn't find myself caring about any of the characters enough to keep me interested and I found myself having to force myself through some of the sections. Readers who really like urban fantasy may enjoy the book but this is in no way the light comedic romance I expected. This book had an ending with quite a bit of finality that made it seem like there will not be another book in the series.
Appropriateness: Meg's YA readers will be able to read this book with little to make them (or their parents) worry. While the previous book in the series had some sex this book was sex free and there was no substance abuse (except for a drunk vampire) or even massive amounts of violence.
This book was not what I expect when I read a Meg Cabot. I own every book she has written and love her entertaining style. This book was different. It seemed to plod through the plot without much humor (it was missing much of the humor that was present in the first book) and without much romance. I didn't find myself caring about any of the characters enough to keep me interested and I found myself having to force myself through some of the sections. Readers who really like urban fantasy may enjoy the book but this is in no way the light comedic romance I expected. This book had an ending with quite a bit of finality that made it seem like there will not be another book in the series.
Appropriateness: Meg's YA readers will be able to read this book with little to make them (or their parents) worry. While the previous book in the series had some sex this book was sex free and there was no substance abuse (except for a drunk vampire) or even massive amounts of violence.
Jul 11, 2011
How To Say Goodbye in Robot
How to Say Goodbye in Robot is a contemporary young adult novel about a pair of oddball high schoolers. Beatrice moves to a new town and meets an outcast named Jacob who has been called Ghost boy by his classmates for years because of his strange behavior. They share a love for oddball late night radio and although are never involved romantically have a link and a true friendship that is unusual. Beatrice frequently has to decide between living a normal teen existence and her strange friend Jacob that she cares for.
This is a very nice contemporary romance. It strays from the predictable and is great for readers who are sick of typical high school romances about perfect girls who obsess over the high school hottie.
Appropriateness: Although this book has no sex it has a lot of illegal substance use. Justin and Beatrice go to bars and drink (and somehow get home because they drive after both drinking at a bar) and they hang with stoners at parties. They don't seem to get plastered at any time but they drink a lot. Because of this I wouldn't recommend this book to middle schoolers unless a parent is going to discuss drinking with them afterwords.
Review copy obtained from Amazon Vine
This is a very nice contemporary romance. It strays from the predictable and is great for readers who are sick of typical high school romances about perfect girls who obsess over the high school hottie.
Appropriateness: Although this book has no sex it has a lot of illegal substance use. Justin and Beatrice go to bars and drink (and somehow get home because they drive after both drinking at a bar) and they hang with stoners at parties. They don't seem to get plastered at any time but they drink a lot. Because of this I wouldn't recommend this book to middle schoolers unless a parent is going to discuss drinking with them afterwords.
Review copy obtained from Amazon Vine
Jul 10, 2011
Breaking the Beale Code
Breaking the Beale Code: The Treasure Hunters Club by Sean McCartney (available for 1.99 on Amazon) follows a group of middle school aged treasure hunters who are trying to solve the mystery of how to cypher the Beale Code. Amber is new to town and received a letter that has the key to solving the Beale code from her dying Grandfather. When an evil man trys to steal the letter and get the treasure the hunters must solve the mystery and save their friends.
This book had the problem that many books do that are published independently and by small publishers. It needed a good editor to get the author to smooth things out and flesh out the plot and the characters. The plot was very disjointed epically at first and I had trouble keeping track of what was going on as the story flipped from character to character. Additionally there was no subplot to help me understand or care about the characters. I had a hard time figuring out who was who. I did think that there was a lot of potential for it to be a great story. Once I got into the story I found an interesting and exciting plot and the code work could be something that kids could really get into. Unfortunately the negatives outweighed the positives in this one.
Appropriateness: This book did not have any adult content. There is some action and some violence but it is not disturbing. I would recommend this book to kids 10-14 (and it would be enjoyed by boys).
This book had the problem that many books do that are published independently and by small publishers. It needed a good editor to get the author to smooth things out and flesh out the plot and the characters. The plot was very disjointed epically at first and I had trouble keeping track of what was going on as the story flipped from character to character. Additionally there was no subplot to help me understand or care about the characters. I had a hard time figuring out who was who. I did think that there was a lot of potential for it to be a great story. Once I got into the story I found an interesting and exciting plot and the code work could be something that kids could really get into. Unfortunately the negatives outweighed the positives in this one.
Appropriateness: This book did not have any adult content. There is some action and some violence but it is not disturbing. I would recommend this book to kids 10-14 (and it would be enjoyed by boys).
Jul 8, 2011
Fairy School Dropout
Fairy School Dropout by Meredith Badger stars Elly who comes from a famous fairy family but doesn't like being a fairy, in fact she hates it. She doesn't like the tutu because it's itchy and doesn't like to fly because it's tiring. The book follows her through school and her adventures with a human friend.
My daughter loved this book. She wanted to read it all the time and loved how the story was written. She loved the characters and thought they were very entertaining. She liked the magical world and descriptions of the magical activities. There are pictures and the font is purple. She loved that Elly got better at being a fairy at the end.
Appropriateness: This book is a great book for girls (my daughter thinks that boys would not like it) and would work as a read aloud or a read to self. She recommends it for readers aged 5-10. The lexile is 750 putting it at a mid fourth grade reading level.
My daughter loved this book. She wanted to read it all the time and loved how the story was written. She loved the characters and thought they were very entertaining. She liked the magical world and descriptions of the magical activities. There are pictures and the font is purple. She loved that Elly got better at being a fairy at the end.
Appropriateness: This book is a great book for girls (my daughter thinks that boys would not like it) and would work as a read aloud or a read to self. She recommends it for readers aged 5-10. The lexile is 750 putting it at a mid fourth grade reading level.
Jul 7, 2011
Follow Friday and Book Blogger Hop
The Question is. . . .
Q. Let's step away from besties...What is the worst book that you've ever read and actually finished?
Can I count The Scarlett Letter that I was forced to read in High School. How about the time I sat through Waiting for Godot.
I'll think about it and post something later. (did you also detest The Scarlett Letter?)
The question this week is. . .
Uncommon Criminals
Uncommon Criminals by Aly Carter is the second book in the Heist Society series. This series follows sixteen year old Katerina, a skilled thief and and her gang. Katerina and her friends take on the the task of stealing the cursed Cleopatra Diamond so they can return it to it's rightful owner. Things don't go exactly as planned and she must pull of the impossible.
I have mixed feelings about this series. It's exciting and fresh and different but yet it's missing something. The characters don't connect with the reader or each other as well as I would like and all the planning got a little tiresome at the end. It is original and fun and being enveloped in the world of the filthy rich and the world of jewel/art thieves I just would have liked to have connected with the characters a little more.
Appropriateness: There is no adult content in the novel. There is a bit of romance but not enough to put off young readers I would recommend this book to readers 11+
I have mixed feelings about this series. It's exciting and fresh and different but yet it's missing something. The characters don't connect with the reader or each other as well as I would like and all the planning got a little tiresome at the end. It is original and fun and being enveloped in the world of the filthy rich and the world of jewel/art thieves I just would have liked to have connected with the characters a little more.
Appropriateness: There is no adult content in the novel. There is a bit of romance but not enough to put off young readers I would recommend this book to readers 11+
Jul 5, 2011
Now is the Time For Running
Now Is the Time for Running
by Michael Willams, follows Deo a young boy who is forced to leave his home in Zimbabwe after his family is killed in political violence. Deo is out playing soccer with his friends and his older mentally challenged brother Innocent when soldiers roll into town. They abuse his brother and then kill everyone in his town while Deo is trying to save his brother. Deo and Innocent escape and through the help of friends and strangers they escape and cross the border into South Africa. They face many dangers during their journey and when they get to South Africa they are faced with Xenophobia violence and poverty.
Now is the Time for Running is a very well written book that does a good job at making the African refugee experience relateable to a middle school audience. The author does not shy away from including the horrors that happen in those situations but also does not overly describe these things in a way that would traumatize a young reader, Deo's experience walk the fine line between being an adventure and being horrible. Deo's love of soccer is something that kids can relate to and the play by plays of the games are written in a way that makes the reader able to picture the game in progress.
Appropriateness: This book contains many adult situations but does so in a way that is appropriate for young readers. There are a few instances of implied rape (a woman is taken away and hurt on the inside by soldiers for example) that include very little detail. The horrifying murders and beatings that take place in the book are described simply and without a lot of detail. The drug addiction faced by the main character is handled in a realistic manner that in no way makes the drug seem positive. This is a book that boys would really enjoy. I would recommend this book to ages 12+.
Review copy received from the publisher. The book will be released on July 5th.
by Michael Willams, follows Deo a young boy who is forced to leave his home in Zimbabwe after his family is killed in political violence. Deo is out playing soccer with his friends and his older mentally challenged brother Innocent when soldiers roll into town. They abuse his brother and then kill everyone in his town while Deo is trying to save his brother. Deo and Innocent escape and through the help of friends and strangers they escape and cross the border into South Africa. They face many dangers during their journey and when they get to South Africa they are faced with Xenophobia violence and poverty.Now is the Time for Running is a very well written book that does a good job at making the African refugee experience relateable to a middle school audience. The author does not shy away from including the horrors that happen in those situations but also does not overly describe these things in a way that would traumatize a young reader, Deo's experience walk the fine line between being an adventure and being horrible. Deo's love of soccer is something that kids can relate to and the play by plays of the games are written in a way that makes the reader able to picture the game in progress.
Appropriateness: This book contains many adult situations but does so in a way that is appropriate for young readers. There are a few instances of implied rape (a woman is taken away and hurt on the inside by soldiers for example) that include very little detail. The horrifying murders and beatings that take place in the book are described simply and without a lot of detail. The drug addiction faced by the main character is handled in a realistic manner that in no way makes the drug seem positive. This is a book that boys would really enjoy. I would recommend this book to ages 12+.
Review copy received from the publisher. The book will be released on July 5th.
Waiting on Wednesday -- Bunheads
Waiting on Wednesday is hosted by Breaking The Spine where bloggers talk about books they're excited to read.
I love books about artists. This one is written by a former professional ballet dancer so it should be accurate and present a good view of the professional ballet world. The main character is 19 which is nice for the older YA audience. It sounds great.
As a dancer with the ultra-prestigious Manhattan Ballet Company, nineteen-year-old Hannah Ward juggles intense rehearsals, dazzling performances and complicated backstage relationships. Up until now, Hannah has happily devoted her entire life to ballet.
But when she meets a handsome musician named Jacob, Hannah's universe begins to change, and she must decide if she wants to compete against the other "bunheads" in the company for a star soloist spot or strike out on her own in the real world. Does she dare give up the gilded confines of the ballet for the freedoms of everyday life?
Have you given your child a banned book yet?
I recently took a look at the list of books banned or challenged in libraries after I found out that the classic Roald Dahl book I'd given my daughter has been banned and challenged (James and the Giant Peach). Reading the list is amazing because so many of the books are such great pieces that have stood the test of time. So I'd like to encourage you to give your child a book on the banned book list for them to read. There are books at every level from picture books you can read aloud to your child to classic works of literature. So check one out from your library (if you can find it there) for your child to read.
I've provided a couple lists from past years so you can see the absurdity of these challenges. Pick one for your kids to read or read one to your child.
The list below is from the ALA for the last year and here is a slideshow.
2. Alice series, by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor
3. The Chocolate War, by Robert Cormier
4. And Tango Makes Three, by Justin Richardson/Peter Parnell
5. Of Mice and Men, by John Steinbeck
6. I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, by Maya Angelou
7. Scary Stories (series), by Alvin Schwartz
8. His Dark Materials (series), by Philip Pullman
9. ttyl; ttfn; l8r g8r (series), by Myracle, Lauren
10. The Perks of Being a Wallflower, by Stephen Chbosky
11. Fallen Angels, by Walter Dean Myers
12. It’s Perfectly Normal, by Robie Harris
13. Captain Underpants (series), by Dav Pilkey
14. The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, by Mark Twain
15. The Bluest Eye, by Toni Morrison
16. Forever, by Judy Blume
17. The Color Purple, by Alice Walker
18. Go Ask Alice, by Anonymous
19. Catcher in the Rye, by J.D. Salinger
20. King and King, by Linda de Haan
21. To Kill A Mockingbird, by Harper Lee
22. Gossip Girl (series), by Cecily von Ziegesar
23. The Giver, by Lois Lowry
24. In the Night Kitchen, by Maurice Sendak
25. Killing Mr. Griffen, by Lois Duncan
26. Beloved, by Toni Morrison
27. My Brother Sam Is Dead, by James Lincoln Collier
28. Bridge To Terabithia, by Katherine Paterson
29. The Face on the Milk Carton, by Caroline B. Cooney
30. We All Fall Down, by Robert Cormier
31. What My Mother Doesn’t Know, by Sonya Sones
32. Bless Me, Ultima, by Rudolfo Anaya
33. Snow Falling on Cedars, by David Guterson
34. The Earth, My Butt, and Other Big, Round Things, by Carolyn Mackler
35. Angus, Thongs, and Full Frontal Snogging, by Louise Rennison
36. Brave New World, by Aldous Huxley
37. It’s So Amazing, by Robie Harris
38. Arming America, by Michael Bellasiles
39. Kaffir Boy, by Mark Mathabane
40. Life is Funny, by E.R. Frank
41. Whale Talk, by Chris Crutcher
42. The Fighting Ground, by Avi
43. Blubber, by Judy Blume
44. Athletic Shorts, by Chris Crutcher
45. Crazy Lady, by Jane Leslie Conly
46. Slaughterhouse-Five, by Kurt Vonnegut
47. The Adventures of Super Diaper Baby, by George Beard
48. Rainbow Boys, by Alex Sanchez
49. One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, by Ken Kesey
50. The Kite Runner, by Khaled Hosseini
51. Daughters of Eve, by Lois Duncan
52. The Great Gilly Hopkins, by Katherine Paterson
53. You Hear Me?, by Betsy Franco
54. The Facts Speak for Themselves, by Brock Cole
55. Summer of My German Soldier, by Bette Green
56. When Dad Killed Mom, by Julius Lester
57. Blood and Chocolate, by Annette Curtis Klause
58. Fat Kid Rules the World, by K.L. Going
59. Olive’s Ocean, by Kevin Henkes
60. Speak, by Laurie Halse Anderson
61. Draw Me A Star, by Eric Carle
62. The Stupids (series), by Harry Allard
63. The Terrorist, by Caroline B. Cooney
64. Mick Harte Was Here, by Barbara Park
65. The Things They Carried, by Tim O’Brien
66. Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry, by Mildred Taylor
67. A Time to Kill, by John Grisham
68. Always Running, by Luis Rodriguez
69. Fahrenheit 451, by Ray Bradbury
70. Harris and Me, by Gary Paulsen
71. Junie B. Jones (series), by Barbara Park
72. Song of Solomon, by Toni Morrison
73. What’s Happening to My Body Book, by Lynda Madaras
74. The Lovely Bones, by Alice Sebold
75. Anastasia (series), by Lois Lowry
76. A Prayer for Owen Meany, by John Irving
77. Crazy: A Novel, by Benjamin Lebert
78. The Joy of Gay Sex, by Dr. Charles Silverstein
79. The Upstairs Room, by Johanna Reiss
80. A Day No Pigs Would Die, by Robert Newton Peck
81. Black Boy, by Richard Wright
82. Deal With It!, by Esther Drill
83. Detour for Emmy, by Marilyn Reynolds
84. So Far From the Bamboo Grove, by Yoko Watkins
85. Staying Fat for Sarah Byrnes, by Chris Crutcher
86. Cut, by Patricia McCormick
87. Tiger Eyes, by Judy Blume
88. The Handmaid’s Tale, by Margaret Atwood
89. Friday Night Lights, by H.G. Bissenger
90. A Wrinkle in Time, by Madeline L’Engle
91. Julie of the Wolves, by Jean Craighead George
92. The Boy Who Lost His Face, by Louis Sachar
93. Bumps in the Night, by Harry Allard
94. Goosebumps (series), by R.L. Stine
95. Shade’s Children, by Garth Nix
96. Grendel, by John Gardner
97. The House of the Spirits, by Isabel Allende
98. I Saw Esau, by Iona Opte
99. Are You There, God? It’s Me, Margaret, by Judy Blume
100. America: A Novel, by E.R. Frank
I've provided a couple lists from past years so you can see the absurdity of these challenges. Pick one for your kids to read or read one to your child.
The list below is from the ALA for the last year and here is a slideshow.
- And Tango Makes Three, by Peter Parnell and Justin Richardson
Reasons: homosexuality, religious viewpoint, and unsuited to age group - The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian, by Sherman Alexie
Reasons: offensive language, racism, sex education, sexually explicit, unsuited to age group, and violence - Brave New World, by Aldous Huxley
Reasons: insensitivity, offensive language, racism, and sexually explicit - Crank, by Ellen Hopkins
Reasons: drugs, offensive language, and sexually explicit - The Hunger Games, by Suzanne Collins
Reasons: sexually explicit, unsuited to age group, and violence - Lush, by Natasha Friend
Reasons: drugs, offensive language, sexually explicit, and unsuited to age group - What My Mother Doesn't Know, by Sonya Sones
Reasons: sexism, sexually explicit, and unsuited to age group - Nickel and Dimed, by Barbara Ehrenreich
Reasons: drugs, inaccurate, offensive language, political viewpoint, and religious viewpoint - Revolutionary Voices, edited by Amy Sonnie
Reasons: homosexuality and sexually explicit - Twilight, by Stephenie Meyer
Reasons: religious viewpoint and violence
Top 100 Banned/Challenged Books: 2000-2009
1. Harry Potter (series), by J.K. Rowling2. Alice series, by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor
3. The Chocolate War, by Robert Cormier
4. And Tango Makes Three, by Justin Richardson/Peter Parnell
5. Of Mice and Men, by John Steinbeck
6. I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, by Maya Angelou
7. Scary Stories (series), by Alvin Schwartz
8. His Dark Materials (series), by Philip Pullman
9. ttyl; ttfn; l8r g8r (series), by Myracle, Lauren
10. The Perks of Being a Wallflower, by Stephen Chbosky
11. Fallen Angels, by Walter Dean Myers
12. It’s Perfectly Normal, by Robie Harris
13. Captain Underpants (series), by Dav Pilkey
14. The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, by Mark Twain
15. The Bluest Eye, by Toni Morrison
16. Forever, by Judy Blume
17. The Color Purple, by Alice Walker
18. Go Ask Alice, by Anonymous
19. Catcher in the Rye, by J.D. Salinger
20. King and King, by Linda de Haan
21. To Kill A Mockingbird, by Harper Lee
22. Gossip Girl (series), by Cecily von Ziegesar
23. The Giver, by Lois Lowry
24. In the Night Kitchen, by Maurice Sendak
25. Killing Mr. Griffen, by Lois Duncan
26. Beloved, by Toni Morrison
27. My Brother Sam Is Dead, by James Lincoln Collier
28. Bridge To Terabithia, by Katherine Paterson
29. The Face on the Milk Carton, by Caroline B. Cooney
30. We All Fall Down, by Robert Cormier
31. What My Mother Doesn’t Know, by Sonya Sones
32. Bless Me, Ultima, by Rudolfo Anaya
33. Snow Falling on Cedars, by David Guterson
34. The Earth, My Butt, and Other Big, Round Things, by Carolyn Mackler
35. Angus, Thongs, and Full Frontal Snogging, by Louise Rennison
36. Brave New World, by Aldous Huxley
37. It’s So Amazing, by Robie Harris
38. Arming America, by Michael Bellasiles
39. Kaffir Boy, by Mark Mathabane
40. Life is Funny, by E.R. Frank
41. Whale Talk, by Chris Crutcher
42. The Fighting Ground, by Avi
43. Blubber, by Judy Blume
44. Athletic Shorts, by Chris Crutcher
45. Crazy Lady, by Jane Leslie Conly
46. Slaughterhouse-Five, by Kurt Vonnegut
47. The Adventures of Super Diaper Baby, by George Beard
48. Rainbow Boys, by Alex Sanchez
49. One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, by Ken Kesey
50. The Kite Runner, by Khaled Hosseini
51. Daughters of Eve, by Lois Duncan
52. The Great Gilly Hopkins, by Katherine Paterson
53. You Hear Me?, by Betsy Franco
54. The Facts Speak for Themselves, by Brock Cole
55. Summer of My German Soldier, by Bette Green
56. When Dad Killed Mom, by Julius Lester
57. Blood and Chocolate, by Annette Curtis Klause
58. Fat Kid Rules the World, by K.L. Going
59. Olive’s Ocean, by Kevin Henkes
60. Speak, by Laurie Halse Anderson
61. Draw Me A Star, by Eric Carle
62. The Stupids (series), by Harry Allard
63. The Terrorist, by Caroline B. Cooney
64. Mick Harte Was Here, by Barbara Park
65. The Things They Carried, by Tim O’Brien
66. Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry, by Mildred Taylor
67. A Time to Kill, by John Grisham
68. Always Running, by Luis Rodriguez
69. Fahrenheit 451, by Ray Bradbury
70. Harris and Me, by Gary Paulsen
71. Junie B. Jones (series), by Barbara Park
72. Song of Solomon, by Toni Morrison
73. What’s Happening to My Body Book, by Lynda Madaras
74. The Lovely Bones, by Alice Sebold
75. Anastasia (series), by Lois Lowry
76. A Prayer for Owen Meany, by John Irving
77. Crazy: A Novel, by Benjamin Lebert
78. The Joy of Gay Sex, by Dr. Charles Silverstein
79. The Upstairs Room, by Johanna Reiss
80. A Day No Pigs Would Die, by Robert Newton Peck
81. Black Boy, by Richard Wright
82. Deal With It!, by Esther Drill
83. Detour for Emmy, by Marilyn Reynolds
84. So Far From the Bamboo Grove, by Yoko Watkins
85. Staying Fat for Sarah Byrnes, by Chris Crutcher
86. Cut, by Patricia McCormick
87. Tiger Eyes, by Judy Blume
88. The Handmaid’s Tale, by Margaret Atwood
89. Friday Night Lights, by H.G. Bissenger
90. A Wrinkle in Time, by Madeline L’Engle
91. Julie of the Wolves, by Jean Craighead George
92. The Boy Who Lost His Face, by Louis Sachar
93. Bumps in the Night, by Harry Allard
94. Goosebumps (series), by R.L. Stine
95. Shade’s Children, by Garth Nix
96. Grendel, by John Gardner
97. The House of the Spirits, by Isabel Allende
98. I Saw Esau, by Iona Opte
99. Are You There, God? It’s Me, Margaret, by Judy Blume
100. America: A Novel, by E.R. Frank
Top 100 Banned/Challenged Books: 1990-2001
Scary Stories (Series) by Alvin Schwartz
Daddy's Roommate by Michael Willhoite
I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou
The Chocolate War by Robert Cormier
The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain
Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck
Harry Potter (Series) by J.K. Rowling
Forever by Judy Blume
Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson
Alice (Series) by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor
Heather Has Two Mommies by Leslea Newman
My Brother Sam is Dead by James Lincoln Collier and Christopher Collier
The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger
The Giver by Lois Lowry
It's Perfectly Normal by Robie Harris
Goosebumps (Series) by R.L. Stine
A Day No Pigs Would Die by Robert Newton Peck
The Color Purple by Alice Walker
Sex by Madonna
Earth's Children (Series) by Jean M. Auel
The Great Gilly Hopkins by Katherine Paterson
A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle
Go Ask Alice by Anonymous
Fallen Angels by Walter Dean Myers
In the Night Kitchen by Maurice Sendak
The Stupids (Series) by Harry Allard
The Witches by Roald Dahl
The New Joy of Gay Sex by Charles Silverstein
Anastasia Krupnik (Series) by Lois Lowry
The Goats by Brock Cole
Kaffir Boy by Mark Mathabane
Blubber by Judy Blume
Killing Mr. Griffin by Lois Duncan
Halloween ABC by Eve Merriam
We All Fall Down by Robert Cormier
Final Exit by Derek Humphry
The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood
Julie of the Wolves by Jean Craighead George
The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison
What's Happening to my Body? Book for Girls: A Growing-Up Guide for Parents & Daughters by Lynda Madaras
To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
Beloved by Toni Morrison
The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton
The Pigman by Paul Zindel
Bumps in the Night by Harry Allard
Deenie by Judy Blume
Flowers for Algernon by Daniel Keyes
Annie on my Mind by Nancy Garden
The Boy Who Lost His Face by Louis Sachar
Cross Your Fingers, Spit in Your Hat by Alvin Schwartz
A Light in the Attic by Shel Silverstein
Brave New World by Aldous Huxley
Sleeping Beauty Trilogy by A.N. Roquelaure (Anne Rice)
Asking About Sex and Growing Up by Joanna Cole
Cujo by Stephen King
James and the Giant Peach by Roald Dahl
The Anarchist Cookbook by William Powell
Boys and Sex by Wardell Pomeroy
Ordinary People by Judith Guest
American Psycho by Bret Easton Ellis
What's Happening to my Body? Book for Boys: A Growing-Up Guide for Parents & Sons by Lynda Madaras
Are You There, God? It's Me, Margaret by Judy Blume
Crazy Lady by Jane Conly
Athletic Shorts by Chris Crutcher
Fade by Robert Cormier
Guess What? by Mem Fox
The House of Spirits by Isabel Allende
The Face on the Milk Carton by Caroline Cooney
Slaughterhouse-Five by Kurt Vonnegut
Lord of the Flies by William Golding
Native Son by Richard Wright
Women on Top: How Real Life Has Changed Women's Fantasies by Nancy Friday
Curses, Hexes and Spells by Daniel Cohen
Jack by A.M. Homes
Bless Me, Ultima by Rudolfo A. Anaya
Where Did I Come From? by Peter Mayle
Carrie by Stephen King
Tiger Eyes by Judy Blume
On My Honor by Marion Dane Bauer
Arizona Kid by Ron Koertge
Family Secrets by Norma Klein
Mommy Laid An Egg by Babette Cole
The Dead Zone by Stephen King
The Adventures of Tom Sawyer by Mark Twain
Song of Solomon by Toni Morrison
Always Running by Luis Rodriguez
Private Parts by Howard Stern
Where's Waldo? by Martin Hanford
Summer of My German Soldier by Bette Greene
Little Black Sambo by Helen Bannerman
Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett
Running Loose by Chris Crutcher
Sex Education by Jenny Davis
The Drowning of Stephen Jones by Bette Greene
Girls and Sex by Wardell Pomeroy
How to Eat Fried Worms by Thomas Rockwell
View from the Cherry Tree by Willo Davis Roberts
The Headless Cupid by Zilpha Keatley Snyder
The Terrorist by Caroline Cooney
Jump Ship to Freedom by James Lincoln Collier and Christopher Collier
Jul 3, 2011
Misfit
Misfit by Jon Skovron follows Jael who finds out after her sixteenth birthday that she's part demon. Her mother was a powerful demon (known by many names) who seduced men with her good looks and power. She fell in love with Jael's father (a demon hunting priest) but was killed for having Jael. The story follows Jael as she deals with the implications of her demon side and the story of how her father met her mom. Her uncle Dagon provides her guidance and a little comic relief.
This book had story and a romance that were interesting to read and felt original. However there were some writing quirks that I had issues with which could have been fixed with a stronger edit. The villain was nice and evil and Jael was strong and independent (and didn't need rescuing from a boy), her boyfriend was a nice guy. The mythology was believable.
Appropriateness: Amazingly a book about a teenage succubus doesn't have any sex. The romance is healthy and there is no substance abuse. There is quite a bit of violence and scenes of torture and manipulation. The plot revolves around the Catholic church in a way that might bother devout Catholics (but I think most will not be bothered). I think the sub-plot with the flashbacks that follow Jael's parents would turn off younger YA readers. I would recommend this book to fans of paranormal romance 14 and up.
ARC provided by Netgalley
This book had story and a romance that were interesting to read and felt original. However there were some writing quirks that I had issues with which could have been fixed with a stronger edit. The villain was nice and evil and Jael was strong and independent (and didn't need rescuing from a boy), her boyfriend was a nice guy. The mythology was believable.
Appropriateness: Amazingly a book about a teenage succubus doesn't have any sex. The romance is healthy and there is no substance abuse. There is quite a bit of violence and scenes of torture and manipulation. The plot revolves around the Catholic church in a way that might bother devout Catholics (but I think most will not be bothered). I think the sub-plot with the flashbacks that follow Jael's parents would turn off younger YA readers. I would recommend this book to fans of paranormal romance 14 and up.
ARC provided by Netgalley
Jul 2, 2011
Saturdays and Sundays Are Slow Hop
How it works is every week each person will post a different question or a topic or something basic to chat about and we can chat it up in the comments. No pressure to follow or visit every link but just a chance to go and be chatty and talk about something fun and have conversations in your comments. The only requirement is that you visit the two links before yours on the linky list.
If anyone wants to co-host I'd be thrilled.
My question is: What's your favorite type of food and why? I love Mexican food but have problems getting good Mexican up here in MI. I went to a place that everyone said was great and ordered tacos and they served them on puffy pita bread, and they had french onion soup on the menu. Sorry but you're not a real Mexican place if you have french onion soup on the menu.
Jul 1, 2011
Always a Witch
Always a Witch by Carolyn MacCullough is the sequel to Once a Witch. The series stars Tasmin a girl who has always felt like an outsider in her family. In the first book Tasmin discovered her unusual talent and traveled through time to save her family. In this book Tasmin must travel back in time to save her family from the evil Alistar. She works as a maid for a family that uses evil means to enhance their magic.
It has been almost two years since the original book came out so I was worried that the sequel would not be at the same level as the original. I was pleasantly surprised. The story was very entertaining and I enjoyed both the time travel aspect and the magic. The characters were well developed and I really cared about what would happen to Tasmin. I finished the book quickly and found myself thinking about what would happen next when I wasn't reading.
Appropriateness: There is no adult content in this book. There is a bit of romance as the main character has a boyfriend but it is not the focus of the book. The main character is in her late teens and she's working as a ladies maid for most of the book. I would recommend this book to teens 12 and up with it being interesting and mature enough for the older end of the YA audience.
Review copy obtained from Amazon Vine. Release date is August 1st
It has been almost two years since the original book came out so I was worried that the sequel would not be at the same level as the original. I was pleasantly surprised. The story was very entertaining and I enjoyed both the time travel aspect and the magic. The characters were well developed and I really cared about what would happen to Tasmin. I finished the book quickly and found myself thinking about what would happen next when I wasn't reading.
Appropriateness: There is no adult content in this book. There is a bit of romance as the main character has a boyfriend but it is not the focus of the book. The main character is in her late teens and she's working as a ladies maid for most of the book. I would recommend this book to teens 12 and up with it being interesting and mature enough for the older end of the YA audience.
Review copy obtained from Amazon Vine. Release date is August 1st
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