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+
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
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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