Hildy Biddle is a 16 year old investigative reporter for her local high school newspaper called The Core. She has an incredible knack for covering events as they unfold in her small and sleepy town of Banesville, NY. But, Hildy yearns for the day when she can actually write that breakout story. As fate would have it, Hildy didn’t have to wait long. As a mysterious death and ghostly sightings begins to feed the fears of the local residents, Hildy has her work cut out for her.
Age recommendation: 13+
Genre: Mystery, Humor
Friday, October 30, 2009
Book review: "Beating Heart" by A.M. Jenkins
17 year old Evan moves into an old house with his mother and sister and he begins to experience some rather strange occurrences at night. Evan later discovers some very old newspaper clippings and photographs in the house and begins to piece together this mystery.
Writing is superb with words that flow and ebb along with the innermost thoughts.
Mild profanity and some minor sexual references
Audience: 16+
Genre: Mystery, Ghosts
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Book review: "Riding the Flume" by Patricia Pfitsch
Patricia Pfitsch entertains us with an engaging tale of adventure and mystery involving giant sequoias, logging operations, and a fiesty young girl named Francie Cavanaugh. Set in the 1890s in the fictional town of Connorsville in Northern California, Francie is enthralled to be surrounded by majestic sequioas and is somewhat saddened to see the large trees being felled on a daily basis. However, things heat up when she finds a mysterious message tucked inside a sequoia that has been hidden there for over 6 years by her dead sister Carrie.
What is the meaning of that cryptic message? If she is to solve this mystery, she must break almost every rule she has grown up with including going against her father's wishes. A heavy price to pay.
Althougth the book is primarily intended is for tween/teen girls, boys will certainly appreciate the descriptions of the flumes and how dare devils in the day tried to ride it even under the threat of death.
A touching tale with lush and vivid descriptions of how a sequoia forest must have been like in the late 1800s.
Genre: Historical fiction
Age recommendation: 12+
What is the meaning of that cryptic message? If she is to solve this mystery, she must break almost every rule she has grown up with including going against her father's wishes. A heavy price to pay.
Althougth the book is primarily intended is for tween/teen girls, boys will certainly appreciate the descriptions of the flumes and how dare devils in the day tried to ride it even under the threat of death.
A touching tale with lush and vivid descriptions of how a sequoia forest must have been like in the late 1800s.
Genre: Historical fiction
Age recommendation: 12+
Sunday, August 16, 2009
Book review: "Wild Man Island" by Will Hobbs
Imagine being stranded on an island in Alaska with nothing except your clothes and your wits. As the days go by, your hunger begins to sap all your strength and you begin to eat all kinds of things you never thought of. Scary.
Now imagine that you are only 14 years old. Will Hobbs has written a compelling story about survival and exploration from the viewpoint of 14 year old Andy Galloway.
Andy encounters bears, wolves, sea lions, and even Orca whales. He then finds a strange wild man living off the island with a mysterious past.
A perfect book for those who love the outdoors, wildlife, kayaking, and cave exploration. Clean story with no profanity or violence.
Genre: Adventure fiction
Age recommendation: 12+
Now imagine that you are only 14 years old. Will Hobbs has written a compelling story about survival and exploration from the viewpoint of 14 year old Andy Galloway.
Andy encounters bears, wolves, sea lions, and even Orca whales. He then finds a strange wild man living off the island with a mysterious past.
A perfect book for those who love the outdoors, wildlife, kayaking, and cave exploration. Clean story with no profanity or violence.
Genre: Adventure fiction
Age recommendation: 12+
Saturday, August 15, 2009
Book review: "Brisingr" by Christopher Paolini
This is the 3rd installment of the Inheritance saga that all started with "Eragon". As with the 2nd book, this book immediately continues the adventures of Eragon, Saphira, and other main characters such as Arya, Roran, Nasuada, Orik.
At 700+ pages, this book is, yet, another hefty read. The reader, however, is treated to the inner political machinery of the dwarf nation, continued maturation of Eragon and Saphira, and more surprising relevations of character backgrounds. Murtagh and Thorn appear once again, much to the chagrin of Eragon and Saphira. Suffice to say that they will figure in prominently in the final 4th book.
As in the 2nd book, I wasn't too thrilled with reading the bits about Roran and I often wondered if the saga began to suffer from having too many characters floating around. I would have rathered read more about Eragon, Saphira, Arya, Orik, and Nasuada. I just wish Roran could have been relegated to a more minor role...but I can guess he will have a major impact in the final book as well.
So far, the only major disappointment has been in not finding out more about Galbatorix, the evil rider and his dragon. Up til now, Galbatorix seems to be a one dimensional character that is pure evil. Perhaps in the last book, he might become more multi-faceted or at least more complex.
I'm thinking that Christopher will probably dedicate at least a third of the final book to Galbatorix and trying to fill in the history of that character.
Nonetheless, this book is worth reading although some may be disappointed at having to wait again for another book.
Genre: Fantasy fiction
Age recommendation: 12+
At 700+ pages, this book is, yet, another hefty read. The reader, however, is treated to the inner political machinery of the dwarf nation, continued maturation of Eragon and Saphira, and more surprising relevations of character backgrounds. Murtagh and Thorn appear once again, much to the chagrin of Eragon and Saphira. Suffice to say that they will figure in prominently in the final 4th book.
As in the 2nd book, I wasn't too thrilled with reading the bits about Roran and I often wondered if the saga began to suffer from having too many characters floating around. I would have rathered read more about Eragon, Saphira, Arya, Orik, and Nasuada. I just wish Roran could have been relegated to a more minor role...but I can guess he will have a major impact in the final book as well.
So far, the only major disappointment has been in not finding out more about Galbatorix, the evil rider and his dragon. Up til now, Galbatorix seems to be a one dimensional character that is pure evil. Perhaps in the last book, he might become more multi-faceted or at least more complex.
I'm thinking that Christopher will probably dedicate at least a third of the final book to Galbatorix and trying to fill in the history of that character.
Nonetheless, this book is worth reading although some may be disappointed at having to wait again for another book.
Genre: Fantasy fiction
Age recommendation: 12+
Book review: "Eldest" by Christopher Paolini
This is the 2nd volume of the Inheritance saga that was began with "Eragon". This book picks up right after the battle in the Beor Mountains when a Ughal army was defeated by the Varden/dwarf army lead by Ajihad and Hrothgar.
At over 700 pages, it is quite a thick read. Although a few of the events are somewhat predictable, the writing is excellent and the characters do come to life. As I began to delve deeper into the story, several of the plot elements resemble that of a Greek tragedy....friends become enemies, enemies become allies, family feuds, and betrayals abound. The political overtones also become interweaved and Eragon is caught in the middle as always.
At least a good third of the story is about Roran, Eragon's cousin, and his efforts to free his village Carvahall from the clutches of the vile Empire. Readers will finally be introduced to the Elf civilization in the mysterious forests of Du Weldenvarden.
Despite the book length and some slow sections in the book and some characters I could do without (e.g., child/adult Elva), it is a quick read. Again recommended for those interested in fantasy and swords and sorcery epics.
Genre: Fantasy fiction
Age recommendation: 12+
At over 700 pages, it is quite a thick read. Although a few of the events are somewhat predictable, the writing is excellent and the characters do come to life. As I began to delve deeper into the story, several of the plot elements resemble that of a Greek tragedy....friends become enemies, enemies become allies, family feuds, and betrayals abound. The political overtones also become interweaved and Eragon is caught in the middle as always.
At least a good third of the story is about Roran, Eragon's cousin, and his efforts to free his village Carvahall from the clutches of the vile Empire. Readers will finally be introduced to the Elf civilization in the mysterious forests of Du Weldenvarden.
Despite the book length and some slow sections in the book and some characters I could do without (e.g., child/adult Elva), it is a quick read. Again recommended for those interested in fantasy and swords and sorcery epics.
Genre: Fantasy fiction
Age recommendation: 12+
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Book review: "Pool Boy" by Michael Simmons
Written in the first person narrative style, this is a story of a 15 year old boy named Brett Gerson who had lived the life of the fabulously rich. He ate at all the best restaurants and shopped at the most expensive places. He was also one who never bothered to look at a price tag or cared about cost. Then one day, his life is turned upside down when his father is caught by the police and his family is forced to give up their rich lifestyle and live like common folks.
For Brett, it was a harsh wake up call. After being used to a life of comfort, he now has to find a job to feed himself. Sadly, he continues to maintain his arrogant and rude behavior.
This book is an interesting study of how a person handles the harsh realities of surviving in the real world.
For those that enjoy such themes where rich and poor switch places (e.g., movies like Trading Places or books like Prince and the Pauper), this book is for you.
The ending is very touching and you are left wondering what will happen to Brett as he continues to grow.
Genre: Contemporary Life/Issues Fiction
Age Recommendation: 13+
For Brett, it was a harsh wake up call. After being used to a life of comfort, he now has to find a job to feed himself. Sadly, he continues to maintain his arrogant and rude behavior.
This book is an interesting study of how a person handles the harsh realities of surviving in the real world.
For those that enjoy such themes where rich and poor switch places (e.g., movies like Trading Places or books like Prince and the Pauper), this book is for you.
The ending is very touching and you are left wondering what will happen to Brett as he continues to grow.
Genre: Contemporary Life/Issues Fiction
Age Recommendation: 13+
Monday, August 10, 2009
Book review: "Eragon" by Christopher Paolini
This is the 1st volume of the Inheritance saga that chronicles the story of a young man, Eragon, who is caught between the various forces in the land of Alagaesia after finding a precious stone that turns out to be a dragon egg. Eragon soon discovers that he has become one of the legendary Dragon Riders (who are now extinct). Hounded and chased by the evil king Galbatorix, Eragon is joined by Brom, Murtagh and other companions as he tries to figure out the powerful political forces shaping the destiny of the land.
Throw in magic, epic battles, and a beautiful elf princess and you have an excellent recipe for a good read.
Although the movie "Eragon" was slammed by critics as being cheesy, short, and lacking punch, the writing is admirable.
My onlycomplaint is that many of the characters feel like I've read or seen them somewhere before. Brom reminds me very much like Obi Wan Kenobi, Eragon as Luke Skywalker, and Arya as Princess Leia.
Still it shouldn't be a huge distraction to most readers. For those that like Lord of the Rings, you'd enjoy this book.
Genre: Fantasy fiction
Age recommendation: 12+
Throw in magic, epic battles, and a beautiful elf princess and you have an excellent recipe for a good read.
Although the movie "Eragon" was slammed by critics as being cheesy, short, and lacking punch, the writing is admirable.
My onlycomplaint is that many of the characters feel like I've read or seen them somewhere before. Brom reminds me very much like Obi Wan Kenobi, Eragon as Luke Skywalker, and Arya as Princess Leia.
Still it shouldn't be a huge distraction to most readers. For those that like Lord of the Rings, you'd enjoy this book.
Genre: Fantasy fiction
Age recommendation: 12+
Book review: "Escaping the Giant Wave" by Peg Kehret
Kyle is your typical 13 year old. He wants to make his own rules, eat what he wants, and live the adventurous life. When he finds out that his parents won a grand prize to Oregon, he can't wait to go. Unfortunately, his best laid plans on ruined when he finds out that the bully in his life, Daren, is also coming. Even worse, Kyle has to babysit his sister BeeBee while his parents are away.
Everything might have gone smoothly after a while until an unexpected earthquake and tsunami shake up their lives and puts them all in danger.
A riveting tale for tweens who crave real life situations and dangers. Peg Kehret's provides some interesting insight of how Oregonians have dealt with tsunami warnings including the use of moo sounds instead of the usual sirens.
Genre: Contemporary Life/Adventure fiction
Age recommendation: 9+
Everything might have gone smoothly after a while until an unexpected earthquake and tsunami shake up their lives and puts them all in danger.
A riveting tale for tweens who crave real life situations and dangers. Peg Kehret's provides some interesting insight of how Oregonians have dealt with tsunami warnings including the use of moo sounds instead of the usual sirens.
Genre: Contemporary Life/Adventure fiction
Age recommendation: 9+
Saturday, August 8, 2009
Book review: "Twilight" by Stephenie Meyer
If you want to know a teen girl's view of the perfect guy...read this book. If you want to read about forbidden/dangerous love...read this book. If you want to learn yet another version of the vampire myth and legends...read this book. If you are a girl who craves anything romantic, read this book.
Guys, however, who are itching for vampire action as in the Underworld movies or Buffy the Vampire Slayer TV series, will be sorely disappointed. This book (first of a series) contains very little action as it's more of a love story between a human teen girl Bella (short for Isabella) and Edward Cullen, the vampire.
This book eloquently captures the inner thoughts running through the mind of a teen girl growing up in a small town of Forks, Washington and of discovering her first true love. This book is primarily aimed at a female audience.
Genre: Paranomal/Horror/Romance fiction
Age recommendation: 14+
Guys, however, who are itching for vampire action as in the Underworld movies or Buffy the Vampire Slayer TV series, will be sorely disappointed. This book (first of a series) contains very little action as it's more of a love story between a human teen girl Bella (short for Isabella) and Edward Cullen, the vampire.
This book eloquently captures the inner thoughts running through the mind of a teen girl growing up in a small town of Forks, Washington and of discovering her first true love. This book is primarily aimed at a female audience.
Genre: Paranomal/Horror/Romance fiction
Age recommendation: 14+
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Book review: "Gossip Girl" by Cecily Von Ziegesar
Wickedly funny yet painfully poignant at times, this is a story of Selena, Blair, Chuck, Nate and other teens living in New York's elite high society surrounded by sex, drugs, alcohol, and high fashion.
Part novel and part pseudo blog by columnist, Gossip Girl (GG), GG's postings describe the drama being played out between each of the major characters. There's definitely plenty of juicy gossip going around.
Whether you side with Blair, Selena, or with with any of the other characters, it's hard not to feel compassionate once you get past their shallow and pettiness behaviors. They each have their own flaws.
In the end, it is really about finding out who your "real" friends are, whom to trust, learning to live with betrayals, and dealing with peer pressure. This the first novel of the series with a TV series also being aired.
A must read for teens.
Genre: Contemporary Life/Issues/Romance fiction
Age recommendation: 14+
Part novel and part pseudo blog by columnist, Gossip Girl (GG), GG's postings describe the drama being played out between each of the major characters. There's definitely plenty of juicy gossip going around.
Whether you side with Blair, Selena, or with with any of the other characters, it's hard not to feel compassionate once you get past their shallow and pettiness behaviors. They each have their own flaws.
In the end, it is really about finding out who your "real" friends are, whom to trust, learning to live with betrayals, and dealing with peer pressure. This the first novel of the series with a TV series also being aired.
A must read for teens.
Genre: Contemporary Life/Issues/Romance fiction
Age recommendation: 14+
Monday, August 3, 2009
Book review: "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone" by J.K. Rowling
Rather than write yet another review to the multitude of reviews already in existence for this book, I'd thought it be best to compare some of the differences between the movie and book version.
First, the movie version quite well in adhering as faithfully as possible to the book. However, the movie does deviate from the novel such as:
1. Having Harry Potter being taken to the train station by Hagrid rather than Uncle Dursley and Aunt Petunia.
2. Leaving out Professor Binns (ghost teacher of Wizard history).
3. Revising the scenes with Norbert, Hagrid's pet dragon, being sent directly to Romania without showing Charlie and his friends taking Norbert secretly away from the astronomy tower.
Still the movie is a visual treat and much like a Disney ride for first time viewers.
However, the book does provide additional background materials into the Harry Potter universe (e.g., more information into Hogwart's classes, personal thoughts etc.).
It is unfortunate that some places have decided to ban this book due to the witchcraft and magic subject matter. Like technology, I feel that magic and witchcraft are not inherently evil...just the way that it is used.
It is a wonderfully crafted book for all ages. You won't be disappointed.
Genre: Fantasy fiction
Age recommendation: 10+
First, the movie version quite well in adhering as faithfully as possible to the book. However, the movie does deviate from the novel such as:
1. Having Harry Potter being taken to the train station by Hagrid rather than Uncle Dursley and Aunt Petunia.
2. Leaving out Professor Binns (ghost teacher of Wizard history).
3. Revising the scenes with Norbert, Hagrid's pet dragon, being sent directly to Romania without showing Charlie and his friends taking Norbert secretly away from the astronomy tower.
Still the movie is a visual treat and much like a Disney ride for first time viewers.
However, the book does provide additional background materials into the Harry Potter universe (e.g., more information into Hogwart's classes, personal thoughts etc.).
It is unfortunate that some places have decided to ban this book due to the witchcraft and magic subject matter. Like technology, I feel that magic and witchcraft are not inherently evil...just the way that it is used.
It is a wonderfully crafted book for all ages. You won't be disappointed.
Genre: Fantasy fiction
Age recommendation: 10+
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Book review: "Magykal Papers" by Angie Sage
Warning: This book is not a complete novel. It is instead a beautifully illustrated compendium (i.e., source book) containing private diaries, journals, maps, guides, and flyers set in the fantasy world of Septimus Heap.
This book is ideal for those intimately familiar with the Septimus Heap novels (Books 1-4), Araminta Spookie novels (Sword of the Grotoo, Frognapped, Vampire Brat) and want to know more about the Castle, Wizard Tower, Palace, and surrounding areas.
Unfortunately, those unfamiliar with the series will be lost.
For those who play Magic: the Gathering CCG (game) will be pleasantly surprised to find several illustrations drawn by Mark Zug who also contributed to Magic CCG artwork. For those that play role playing games like Dungeons and Dragons or any fantasy type adventure games will love the lavishly illustrated pages.
Genre: Fantasy fiction
Age recommendation: 10+
This book is ideal for those intimately familiar with the Septimus Heap novels (Books 1-4), Araminta Spookie novels (Sword of the Grotoo, Frognapped, Vampire Brat) and want to know more about the Castle, Wizard Tower, Palace, and surrounding areas.
Unfortunately, those unfamiliar with the series will be lost.
For those who play Magic: the Gathering CCG (game) will be pleasantly surprised to find several illustrations drawn by Mark Zug who also contributed to Magic CCG artwork. For those that play role playing games like Dungeons and Dragons or any fantasy type adventure games will love the lavishly illustrated pages.
Genre: Fantasy fiction
Age recommendation: 10+
Monday, July 27, 2009
Book review: "Confessions of a Teenage Drama Queen" by Dyan Sheldon
Witty, deliciously fresh, and full of zeal, this is a fictional story of Mary Elizabeth Cep aka "Lola" who moves from exciting New York City to the boring suburbs of Dellwood, New Jersey. Looking to shake things up at her new school and become the center of attention, she runs into a huge problem named Carla Santini. You see, Carla is very rich, attractive, and popular and already rules the roost at Dellwood High. Thus, begins a very ugly war between the two of them. Yes, girls can be extremely nasty, mean, and cruel to each other.
Although Lola doesn't share any of the qualities Carla has, Lola is very shrewd and can instantly turn any misfortune into an opportunity.
Written in pseudo diary like entries, this first person narrative evokes a powerful insight into a teenage girl's mind. You will find Lola instantly likable within the first few pages. A very quick read. Unfortunately, the ending feels too abrupt and I felt could have been fleshed out a little more. Still this is a book you don't want to miss.
Genre: Contemporary Life/Issues fiction
Age recommendation: 12+
Although Lola doesn't share any of the qualities Carla has, Lola is very shrewd and can instantly turn any misfortune into an opportunity.
Written in pseudo diary like entries, this first person narrative evokes a powerful insight into a teenage girl's mind. You will find Lola instantly likable within the first few pages. A very quick read. Unfortunately, the ending feels too abrupt and I felt could have been fleshed out a little more. Still this is a book you don't want to miss.
Genre: Contemporary Life/Issues fiction
Age recommendation: 12+
Sunday, July 26, 2009
Book review: "Pendragon" by D.J. MacHale
Ever wondered if it is just going to be one of those normal "days" in your life? 14 year old Bobby Pendragon thought so until he was caught up with events that are literally beyond this world. What started off as a simple kiss with his dream girl and motorcycle ride with his Uncle Press, Bobby's life is turned upside-down when he embarks on an incredible journey to save another planet called Denduron.
Don't let the the title deceive you. Although you may think this first book is about dragons or rescuing princesses...it is definitely not.
Bobby is not endowed with super or magical powers. He is your typical high school teenager confronting dangers with the same fears and emotions like the rest of us. His only "special" gift is the ability to travel to other worlds using "flumes" or doorways.
Combining first-person narrative (i.e., in the forms of Bobby's journal logs) and omniscient point of view (i.e., seeing into all character's minds), the book is tightly written with no slow spots. It is a fast read and will keep you on your edge.
I love the character of Bobby and while the style of writing is meant to appeal to 12 to 14 year olds, it does not condescend to that age group. Adults will enjoy reading this book as well. In fact, I won't be surprised if a movie or TV show will be created soon.
Genre: Science Fiction/Other Worlds/Adventure fiction
Age recommendation: 12+
Don't let the the title deceive you. Although you may think this first book is about dragons or rescuing princesses...it is definitely not.
Bobby is not endowed with super or magical powers. He is your typical high school teenager confronting dangers with the same fears and emotions like the rest of us. His only "special" gift is the ability to travel to other worlds using "flumes" or doorways.
Combining first-person narrative (i.e., in the forms of Bobby's journal logs) and omniscient point of view (i.e., seeing into all character's minds), the book is tightly written with no slow spots. It is a fast read and will keep you on your edge.
I love the character of Bobby and while the style of writing is meant to appeal to 12 to 14 year olds, it does not condescend to that age group. Adults will enjoy reading this book as well. In fact, I won't be surprised if a movie or TV show will be created soon.
Genre: Science Fiction/Other Worlds/Adventure fiction
Age recommendation: 12+
Saturday, July 25, 2009
Book review: "I Ain't Gonna Paint No More!" by Karen Beaumont
A lavishly illustrated children's picture book that combines rhythmic text with bright water colors and pen/ink art.
This is a story about a boy's irresistible need to paint everything in sight including his dog, which naturally upsets his mother. Of course, the boy and his dog keeps ending up in the bathtub.
Great for read alongs. Kids who love to paint will enjoy treasure this book.
I was fortunate enough to be in the presence of Karen Beaumon at the Menlo Park Library while she conducted a read along to a group of 30 or so children and parents. It was a joyous event!
Age recommendation: 2+
This is a story about a boy's irresistible need to paint everything in sight including his dog, which naturally upsets his mother. Of course, the boy and his dog keeps ending up in the bathtub.
Great for read alongs. Kids who love to paint will enjoy treasure this book.
I was fortunate enough to be in the presence of Karen Beaumon at the Menlo Park Library while she conducted a read along to a group of 30 or so children and parents. It was a joyous event!
Age recommendation: 2+
Book review: "Monster" by Walter Dean Myers
Whether or not you are a fan of courtroom dramas, this is an engrossing book that will have you riveted until the very end and, even then, will still leave you wondering what actually happened and who was actually telling the truth.
This novel is unusual as it mostly written in a screenplay format with character's dialogues appearing as lines as if meant to be read by actors on a stage.
The story is about the trial of Steve Harmon, a 16 year old boy, accused of being an accomplice in a robbery and murder at a drugstore in Harlem. While most of the drama takes place within the courtroom, there are snippets of flashbacks, photos, and handwritten diary notes to help provide background information. The reader is taken along the journey of how courtroom motions and questioning are handled right up to the final verdict.
Although the book describes the grittiness of prison life, I was somewhat surprised that there is very little, if any, profanity at all in this book.
Nonetheless, I will leave it to you to decide whether Steve Harmon was truly guilty or innocent and please let me know as I'd love to hear what you have to say!
Age recommendation: 14+
This novel is unusual as it mostly written in a screenplay format with character's dialogues appearing as lines as if meant to be read by actors on a stage.
The story is about the trial of Steve Harmon, a 16 year old boy, accused of being an accomplice in a robbery and murder at a drugstore in Harlem. While most of the drama takes place within the courtroom, there are snippets of flashbacks, photos, and handwritten diary notes to help provide background information. The reader is taken along the journey of how courtroom motions and questioning are handled right up to the final verdict.
Although the book describes the grittiness of prison life, I was somewhat surprised that there is very little, if any, profanity at all in this book.
Nonetheless, I will leave it to you to decide whether Steve Harmon was truly guilty or innocent and please let me know as I'd love to hear what you have to say!
Age recommendation: 14+
Monday, July 20, 2009
Book review: "Esperanza Rising" by Pam Munoz Ryan
Loosely based on true events, this is a fictional story about a young girl named Esperanza, growing up in Mexico in the 1920s, who is from a well-to-do family. After a series of tragic events, her family suddenly finds themselves unable to afford or maintain their previous lifestyle. They are forced to move to California to find work and create a new life. Her story is a poignant and emotional tale about what life is like growing up on a farming community in Southern California and the hardships accompanying them.
This is a timeless tale that all young teens should read. Life is never fair but the human spirit is a force that can overcome impossible odds.
Age recommendation: 12+
This is a timeless tale that all young teens should read. Life is never fair but the human spirit is a force that can overcome impossible odds.
Age recommendation: 12+
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Book review: "Maniac Magee" by Jerry Spinelli
Ophaned when he was only 3 years old and after spending 8 years with his aunt and uncle, Jeffrey Magee ran away and begame a legend. No one in the town of Two Mills knew where Jeffrey came except he arrived and began impressing everyone in town from hitting an inside the park homerun to untieing the town's biggest knot. He also broke the color barrier in town separating the Whites and Blacks.
For you see, Jeffrey was white, and the family who cared for him were Black.
As in most of Spinelli's books, this one is a heartwarming and delightful tale of how youthful innocence and determination can overcome obstacles including prejudices.
Age recommendation: 10+
For you see, Jeffrey was white, and the family who cared for him were Black.
As in most of Spinelli's books, this one is a heartwarming and delightful tale of how youthful innocence and determination can overcome obstacles including prejudices.
Age recommendation: 10+
Book review: "Squarehead" by Harriet Ziefert
This is one of the many picture books by Harriet Ziefert and features a boy named George who has a squarehead and loves everything that is square. In fact, his entire world is filled with square shapes including animals and objects.
However, he later embarks on a journey where things are no longer square but round (i.e., planets, stars etc.) and he begins to enjoy shapes other than squares.
This book is primarily about overcoming prejudices and also of acceptance. Nicely illustrated artwork by Todd McKie. Great for parents to read aloud.
Age recommendation: 4+
However, he later embarks on a journey where things are no longer square but round (i.e., planets, stars etc.) and he begins to enjoy shapes other than squares.
This book is primarily about overcoming prejudices and also of acceptance. Nicely illustrated artwork by Todd McKie. Great for parents to read aloud.
Age recommendation: 4+
Book review: "There is a Girl in my Hammerlock" by Jerry Spinelli
How far would you be willing to go to follow your heart? To a teen girl like Maisie Potter, it meant joining the all boy's wrestling team to be with close to her heart throb Eric DeLong. She has to endure insults and ridicule from both her fellow teammates and her friends.
This is a humorous look at gender role reversals and of the strength of the human spirit. This is an excellent book for kids undergoing their own various stages of adolescence and peer pressure.
Age recommendation: 10+
This is a humorous look at gender role reversals and of the strength of the human spirit. This is an excellent book for kids undergoing their own various stages of adolescence and peer pressure.
Age recommendation: 10+
Book review: "On Basilisk Station" by David Weber
If you enjoy epic space opera ala Star Wars, this is the book is for you. Space battles, politics, betrayal, loyalty, and humor are all centered around one extraordinary woman: Honor Harrington, naval commander in Her Majesty's Royal Manticoran Navy. Beautiful, head strong, with a remarkable keen instinct for strategy and tactics, she is a combination of Horatio Hornblower and Lord Nelson.
However, not everyone sees her in such a positive light. Her superiors, jealous and ambitious, have banished her to Basilisk station (a remote outpost) with an old light cruiser. Her own crew blames her for their own predicament and morale is at an all time low. But Basilisk station is about to become a powder keg between the People's Republic of Haven and the Star Kingdom of Manticore.
Set 2,000 years in the future, this is the first book in a series of 14 novels. Even if you aren't a fan of science fiction, these books will still interest you as many of the stories deal with the human aspect (i.e., greed, war, and cruelty). Some things really don't change over the course of time.
Although written for adults, teens, will enjoy this as well. There are snippets of profanity and some mature themes but nothing very graphic. David Weber does tend to get carried away explaining Newtonian physics and other technical details though. No illustrations.
Age recommendation: 13+
However, not everyone sees her in such a positive light. Her superiors, jealous and ambitious, have banished her to Basilisk station (a remote outpost) with an old light cruiser. Her own crew blames her for their own predicament and morale is at an all time low. But Basilisk station is about to become a powder keg between the People's Republic of Haven and the Star Kingdom of Manticore.
Set 2,000 years in the future, this is the first book in a series of 14 novels. Even if you aren't a fan of science fiction, these books will still interest you as many of the stories deal with the human aspect (i.e., greed, war, and cruelty). Some things really don't change over the course of time.
Although written for adults, teens, will enjoy this as well. There are snippets of profanity and some mature themes but nothing very graphic. David Weber does tend to get carried away explaining Newtonian physics and other technical details though. No illustrations.
Age recommendation: 13+
Book review: "The Kindling" Book 1 by Jennifer Armstrong
I've always enjoyed reading about books and watching films about post-apocalyptic events (e.g., Road Warrior, Deep Impact, Logan's Run, Water World) where our world and our lives are forever changed. Yet with every disaster springs a small amount of hope...in form of survivors.
As the first part of a trilogy, the story chronicles the journey of several children, aptly named Action Figure, Hunter, Teacher, Doll etc.) who have escaped the "Fire-us" (i.e., virus) that killed the adult population in 2002. The story is a mixture of a diary and narrative as told from the children's viewpoint (oldest of whom is just 14).
Highly recommend for tween/teens interested in science fiction. However, there are some of the mature content themes such as death and destruction etc. It is a fast read even with 200+ pages.
Age recommendation: 12+
As the first part of a trilogy, the story chronicles the journey of several children, aptly named Action Figure, Hunter, Teacher, Doll etc.) who have escaped the "Fire-us" (i.e., virus) that killed the adult population in 2002. The story is a mixture of a diary and narrative as told from the children's viewpoint (oldest of whom is just 14).
Highly recommend for tween/teens interested in science fiction. However, there are some of the mature content themes such as death and destruction etc. It is a fast read even with 200+ pages.
Age recommendation: 12+
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