Free Four!

In an online campaign, Veronica Roth's publishers attempted to get 35, 000 pre-orders of Insurgent.  I am proud to say that I am one of the 35, 000 and that thanks to our pre-orders, you all get to profit!!

As thanks, Veronica Roth has posted an exclusive short chapter from Divergent, but from FOUR's point of view!! Check it out! Free Four Chapter

Circus Galacticus

Circus Galacticus
by Deva Fagan

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Trix can deal with being an orphan charity case at a snotty boarding school. She can hold her own when everyone else tells her not to dream big dreams. She can even fight back against the mysterious stranger in a silver mask who tries to steal the meteorite her parents trusted her to protect.

 

But her life is about to change forever. The Circus Galacticus has come to town, bringing acts to amaze, delight, and terrify. And now the dazzling but enigmatic young Ringmaster has offered Trix the chance to be a part of it.

Soon Trix discovers an entire universe full of deadly enemies and potential friends, not to mention space leeches, ancient alien artifacts, and exploding chocolate desserts. And she just might unravel the secrets of her own past if she can survive long enough. (description from Amazon.com)

 

I loved this book. It is the perfect blend of the fantastic elements of a circus and the sci-fi adventure of space travel!

 

Trix was a character desperate to fit in.  To find where she truly belonged.  To find lifelong friends....and she finds it all in the Circus Galacticus. 

 

Never mind that she has to help them win an inter-galactic war...with cool powers!

 

Never mind that she has cotton candy pink hair!

 

Never mind that there is an awesome and mysterious Ringmaster... and a big top that turns into the coolest space ship...EVAH!

 

LOVE. LOVE. LOVE.

 

Bam - GOLD STAR!!

 

 

 

Terrific Threes and Super Storytime: Bears!

Some of you may know that aside from just being a blogger, I'm also a Librarian. Just before the new year, I started a new job as a Youth Services Librarian, which means that aside from just doing teen services, I'm also doing two weekly storytimes (for ages 3-5) and a monthly pajama storytime.

Since I've started doing these storytimes, I've found it immensely helpful to read the "set-up" from other storytimes on other blogs to get ideas...so I want to "pay it forward." I'm going to try to put up as many storytimes as I can so that maybe someone else will get ideas for their storytimes!

Let me know if you have any format suggestions, etc!!

This was one of the Terrific Threes and Super Storytimes I did in March.

 

Theme: Bears!

 

Opening Song: 3's - BINGO/4's - Heggity Peggity

*rhythmically clap hands or slap hands on legs*

Heggity Peggity bumble-bee,

won't you share your name with me,

(Child says name)

(Group repeat's child's name twice)

*repeat for entire group*

 

Read:

The Bear Who Shared by Catherine Rayner 3's/

Bedtime for Bear by Brett Helquist 4's

Spring is Here by Will Hillenbrand

 

 

Action Rhyme: Here is a Cave

Here is a cave

(bend fingers to form cave)

Inside is a bear

(put thumb inside fingers)

Now he comes out

(stick thumb out)

to get some fresh air

(move thumb in circles)

When snow starts to fall

He hurries inside

(pull thumb back in)

His warm little cave

and there he will hide!

 

Action Rhyme:   Teddy Bear, Teddy Bear

Teddy Bear, teddy bear, turn around

Teddy Bear, teddy bear, touch the ground

Teddy Bear, teddy bear, nod your head

Teddy Bear, teddy bear, go to bed

Teddy Bear, teddy bear, reach up high

Teddy Bear, teddy bear, touch the sky

Teddy Bear, teddy bear, touch your shoe

Teddy Bear, teddy bear, I love you

Teddy Bear, teddy bear, wink your eye

Teddy Bear, teddy bear, jump up high

Teddy Bear, teddy bear, touch your knee

Teddy Bear, teddy bear, sit quietly

 

Flannelboard: "Clap Your Hands"

A flannel game made up of pictures of a bear doing various activities like clapping his paws, doing a somersault, or jumping up high.  Each child picks a picture and then the group does the corresponding action!

 

Read: Bears! Bears! Bears! by Bob Barner 3's/

The Bear Who Shared by Catherine Rayner 4's

 

 

Action Rhyme: Bear Loves Honey

The bear loves honey

(hug self)

He thinks it's yummy

(rub tummy)

But, oh please

(shake finger)

Watch out for the bees! BUZZ!

(waggle fingers)

 

Read: Children Make Terrible Pets by Peter Brown

 

 

Dance: "That Bear Makes Me Crazy" from CD, Travel Song Sing Alongs

Craft: Bear Hiding in a Winter Cave

 

Supplies needed:

large size paper plates

(cut in half and with "center" cut out)

blue construction paper

brown construction paper square (precut)

googly eyes

cotton balls

gluesticks

chalk

 

It was so much fun to see the kids create their bears hiding in the caves and then to see how they decorated their scenes.  Some were nighttime. Some were sunny winter days.  Some had angry bears peeking out of the caves!!

Mini Reviews: The Graphic Novel edition

Page by Paige

by Laura Lee Gulledge

Paige Turner has just moved to New York with her family, and she's having some trouble adjusting to the big city. In the pages of her sketchbook, she tries to make sense of her new life, including trying out her secret identity: artist. As she makes friends and starts to explore the city, she slowly brings her secret identity out into the open, a process that is equal parts terrifying and rewarding. (description from Amazon.com)


I really enjoyed this book.  I related well to the character, I thought the drawings were beautifully done, and it had a great plotline.  The conceptual artwork here really is stellar...check out this example:

So far, I think this is one of the best graphic novels I've ever read!

Freshman: Tales of 9th Grade Obsessions, Revelations, and Other Nonsense

by Corinne Mucha



Annie has just started high school and she’s a mess. Her older brother has told her that her freshman year will strongly affect the rest of her life, and if that’s true her future is looking grim: She’s a loser at sports, is jealous of everyone, and has totally fallen in love with her best friend’s older brother. When she gets cast as a moaning, hunched-over old lady in the school play, she starts to forget about the rest of her life. Now she just wants to make it through freshman year. (description from Amazon.com)

As much as I liked the story concept for this book, it felt disjointed to me.  I also really disliked the artwork.  It felt really juvenile and well, messy... Check it out:

Overall, this was not the graphic novel for me.

Soulless: The Manga

by Gail Carriger and Rem

Alexia Tarabotti is laboring under a great many social tribulations. First, she has no soul. Second, she's a spinster whose father is both Italian and dead. Third, she was rudely attacked by a vampire, breaking all standards of social etiquette.

Where to go from there? From bad to worse apparently, for Alexia accidentally kills the vampire -- and then the appalling Lord Maccon (loud, messy, gorgeous, and werewolf) is sent by Queen Victoria to investigate. With unexpected vampires appearing and expected vampires disappearing, everyone seems to believe Alexia responsible.

 

Can she figure out what is actually happening to London's high society? Or will her soulless ability to negate supernatural powers prove useful or just plain embarrassing? Finally, who is the real enemy, and do they have treacle tart? (description from Amazon.com)

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Okay, aside from the fact that I love this novel series, this was just a fun, fun read.  The illustrations were well done and matched the characters: 

The characters, of course, were just as I remembered from the books that I love.  Full of humor, snarkiness, and of course vampires, werewolves, and stuffy society matrons.  All in all I cannot wait until the next one comes out!!

New Hub Blog Post: Finding a Strong Family Connection in YA...Yes, It Can Be Done!

Hop on over to The Hub blog to check out my post today on finding strong family connections in YA literature!! I'd love to hear your comments. :)

Rock the Drop!! - With Pictures!!

Today, I plan to ROCK THE DROP!

As part of Support Teen Literature Day, I'll be "dropping" four teen books out and about in West Springfield, MA, where I work.  I plan to take pictures later on my lunch break as I distribute them around so that I can post them here. I'm also encouraging the teens that come into the library to do the same! We'll see if they get involved.

Update!!
I, did, in fact get two teens to help me out with ROCK THE DROP! I dropped two titles and they dropped two, so there were four teen titles that could be found in the local West Springfield, MA area.

Deanna even emailed me a pic of her drop: Firelight by Sophie Jordan found a temporary home outside the local cemetary! LOL

And, here's one of my drops: Luminous by Dawn Metcalf is temporarily hanging out by the big bell outside our local fire house.  I have to stop by later to see if it's been picked up!

I had so much fun rocking the drop this year! I hope you all did, too. :)

Winner - Edenbrooke ARC giveaway!!

I am pleased to announce that the winner of the Edenbrooke ARC giveaway (via random drawing at random.org) is...

Lexie @ BookBug!!

Lexie, check your email...and get me your mailing address before the end of the day on Friday, April 13th, so that I can get the ARC out to you ASAP! Congratulations again!

Mini Reviews: The "Who-Dun-It?" edition

The Dark Days of Hamburger Halpin

by Josh Berk

Being a hefty, deaf newcomer almost makes Will Halpin the least popular guy at Coaler High. But when he befriends the only guy less popular than him, the dork-namic duo has the smarts and guts to figure out who knocked off the star quarterback. Will can’t hear what’s going on, but he’s a great observer. So, who did it? And why does that guy talk to his fingers? And will the beautiful girl ever notice him? (Okay, so Will’s interested in more than just murder . . .) (description from Amazon.com)

I was really surprised how funny this book was...even though it's a great mystery and there's some great suspense, I ended up laughing out loud through most of my reading.  Will and his new friend, Devon, build a great rapport and they deal with Will's deafness is a really cool way.  I would love to read a follow up mystery starring these two self-proclaimed "Hardy Boys." 

Dead is a Battlefield

by Marlene Perez

Dead Is series, book six

Jessica Walsh is starting her freshman year at Nightshade High and trying to forget about the tragic events surrounding her brother’s graduation. She wants to have a normal high school experience. But that’s easier said than done in Nightshade. There’s a new guy at school who seems to be turning the girls into lovesick zombies. And Jessica has other worries—like her crush on a cute but moody lead singer, and the mysterious tattoo that appeared on her arm one day that lets her know whenever there is trouble brewing. Jessica learns she’s a Virago, a woman warrior chosen to fight evil whenever it threatens her hometown. But does a lowly freshman really have what it takes to keep Nightshade safe? (description from Amazon.com)

I LOVE this series.  They are fun to read, quick enough to sneak in between other books I have to review and each turns out to be a pure guilty pleasure. Technically this is book six in the Dead Is  series, but it feels totally fresh because there is a new main character. Jessica is just as sassy and smart as Daisy was...I couldn't be happier with where these books are going. :)

The Aviary

by Kathleen O'Dell

Twelve-year-old Clara Dooley has spent her whole life in the Glendoveer mansion, where her mother is a servant to the kind and elderly matron of the house. Clara has never known another home. In fact, she's confined to the grand estate due to a mysterious heart condition. But it's a comfortable life, and if it weren't for the creepy squawking birds in the aviary out back, a completely peaceful one too.

But once old Mrs. Glendoveer passes away, Clara comes to learn many dark secrets about the family. The Glendoveers suffered a horrific tragedy: their children were kidnapped, then drowned. And their father George Glendoveer, a famous magician and illusionist, stood accused until his death. As Clara digs deeper and deeper into the terrifying events, the five birds in the aviary seem to be trying to tell her something. And Clara comes to wonder: what is their true identity? Clara sets out to solve a decades-old murder mystery—and in doing so, unlocks a secret in her own life, too. (description from Amazon.com)

I really loved this book. I thought the characters were charming, and just a tad creepy.  I was sucked right into poor Clara's story and could not wait to find out why she had to live the sheltered life that she did.  I thought the mystery of the birds was fascinating. This read like a "classic," and I thoroughly enjoyed it!

Winner - Belles ARC giveaway!

I am pleased to announce that the winner of the Belles ARC giveaway (via random drawing at random.org) is...

Martha Lawson!!

Martha, check your email...and get me your mailing address before the end of the day on Thursday, April 12th, so that I can get the ARC out to you ASAP! Congratulations again!

Pajama Storytime: Puppies, Puppies, Puppies!

Some of you may know that aside from just being a blogger, I'm also a Librarian. Just before the new year, I started a new job as a Youth Services Librarian, which means that aside from just doing teen services, I'm also doing two weekly storytimes (for ages 3-5) and a monthly pajama storytime.

Since I've started doing these storytimes, I've found it immensely helpful to read the "set-up" from other storytimes on other blogs to get ideas...so I want to "pay it forward." I'm going to try to put up as many storytimes as I can so that maybe someone else will get ideas for their storytimes!

Let me know if you have any format suggestions, etc!!

This was the Pajama Storytime I did in February.

Theme: Puppies, Puppies, Puppies!

Opening Song: BINGO (clapping hands rhythmically)

                           There was a man who had a dog and
                           BINGO was his name-o,
                           B-I-N-G-O, B-I-N-G-O, B-I-N-G-O,
                           and BINGO was his name-o.

Read:
Bark, George by Jules Feiffer
The Patterson Puppies and the Midnight Monster Party by Leslie Patricelli

Action Rhyme: Little Puppies and Little Kittens

                           One, two, three little kittens,

                           were napping in the sun,

                           (hold up 3 fingers of left hand)

                           One, two, three little puppies said,

                           "let's have some fun,"

                           (hold up 3 fingers of right hand)

                           Up to the kittens the puppies crept

                           as quiet as could be

                           (creep right hand up to the left)

                           One, two, three little kittens went

                           scampering up a tree.

                           (climb left fingers up arm)

Action Song:  Puppy Care ("Skip to my Lou")

                        Walk, walk, walk your puppy,

                        (repeat twice)

                        Take him for a walk.

                                     Brush, brush, brush your puppy

                                     ....til' he's neat and clean.

                                     Feed, feed, feed your puppy

                                    ...he sure likes to eat!

Flannelboard: "The Little Dog Who Forgot How to Bark"

Read:

Traffic Pups by Michelle Meadows

Action Rhyme: 10 Little Puppy Dogs

                  One little, two little, three little puppy dogs,

                   four little, five little, six little puppy dogs,

                   seven little, eight little, nine little puppy dogs,

                   ten little puppy dogs barking.

                                                 ...licking. ...jumping. ...running.

Read:

Nobody's Diggier Than a Dog by Susan Campbell Bartoletti

Craft: Accordian Dog

Supplies Needed:

brown construction paper (cut in half the long way)

dog head/rear end/ear (pre-cut)

gluesticks 

crayons

The kids had so much fun trying to fold the middle piece to make their accordian bellies and then coloring and gluing their dogs.  :)

Snack Craft: Puppy Paws

Supplies Needed:

White bread

Chocolate Chips

Fluff

Choc. Cookies

paper plates/plastic knives

Place bread on plate, spread with fluff

place one choc. cookie in center of bread

put five choc. chips above choc. cookie to make "claws"

Mini Reviews: The I Live in a Totally Different Culture Than You edition

Island's End

by Padma Venkatraman

Uido is ecstatic about becoming her tribe's spiritual leader, but her new position brings her older brother's jealousy and her best friend's mistrust. And looming above these troubles are the recent visits of strangers from the mainland who have little regard for nature or the spirits, and tempt the tribe members with gifts, making them curious about modern life. When Uido's little brother falls deathly ill, she must cross the ocean and seek their help. Having now seen so many new things, will Uido have the strength to believe in herself and the old ways? And will her people trust her to lead them to safety when a catastrophic tsunami threatens? Uido must overcome everyone's doubts, including her own, if she is to keep her people safe and preserve the spirituality that has defined them. (description from Amazon.com)

I thought that this was a really interesting, slightly magical easy read.  I liked how it is based on real natives from real islands off the coast of India. I had no idea they were even there! I thought the culture clash was well depicted and that the spiritual journey Uido faced was intriguing.


My Name is Not Easy

by Debby Dahl Edwardson

My name is not easy. My name is hard like ocean ice grinding the shore . . . Luke knows his Iñupiaq name is full of sounds white people can’t say. So he leaves it behind when he and his brothers are sent to boarding school hundreds of miles away from their Arctic village. At Sacred Heart School, students—Eskimo, Indian, White—line up on different sides of the cafeteria like there’s some kind of war going on. Here, speaking Iñupiaq—or any native language—is forbidden. And Father Mullen, whose fury is like a force of nature, is ready to slap down those who disobey. Luke struggles to survive at Sacred Heart. But he’s not the only one. There’s smart-aleck Amiq, a daring leader— if he doesn’t self-destruct; Chickie, blond and freckled, a different kind of outsider; and small, quiet Junior, noticing everything and writing it all down. They each have their own story to tell. But once their separate stories come together, things at Sacred Heart School—and the wider world—will never be the same. (description from Amazon.com)

There were parts of this book I really enjoyed. I thought the characters were well drawn and I learned a lot about Alaskan culture during the Cold War.  I had no idea that Eskimos and other native tribes were all thrown together in schools far from their own homes.  I did feel, though, like this book was disjointed - I had trouble tracking the time passing, etc.

Promise the Night

by Michaela MacColl

Beryl moved with her family to the highlands of Kenya as a toddler. Not long after, her mother and brother returned to England, abandoning her with her rough though loving father. MacColl's account begins when a leopard steals into Beryl's hut and attacks her dog—the child leaping from her bed to give chase. Though she loses the leopard in the night, the next morning, she and her new friend, a Nandi boy, Kibii, find the dog still alive and save it. Later she insists on being part of the hunt for the leopard. Young Beryl wants nothing more than to be a warrior, a murani, and to be able to leap higher than her own head. Her jumping skills progress apace, but young white girls, no matter how determined, cannot become part of the Nandi tribe. Her relationship with Kibii's father, the wise Arap Maina, along with a growing awareness of the consequences of her actions, help lead her into a more mature—though still wildly impulsive and daring—life. (description from author's website)

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I *really* liked this one.  It is the story of Beryl Markham's wild childhood in Africa, with the chapters interspersed with actual journal entries and interviews that Beryl did as a grown woman when she became a famous pilot.  Beryl's interaction with the local Nandi tribe were also interesting and funny.  Well written and very engaging!

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ARC Giveaway - Belles by Jen Calonita

Belles
by Jen Calonita

Publication date: April 10, 2012

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Fifteen-year-old Isabelle Scott loves her life by the boardwalk on the supposed wrong side of the tracks in North Carolina. But when tragedy strikes, a social worker sends her to live with a long-lost uncle and his preppy privileged family. Isabelle is taken away from everything she's ever known, and, unfortunately, inserting her into the glamorous lifestyle of Emerald Cove doesn't go so well. Her cousin Mirabelle Monroe isn't thrilled to share her life with an outsider, and, in addition to dealing with all the rumors and backstabbing that lurk beneath their classmates' Southern charm, a secret is unfolding that will change both girls' lives forever. (description from Amazon.com)

Want to win an ARC? Leave me a quick comment with your name and email address before the end of the day on Mon., April 9th. I will randomly draw a winner on Tues., April 10th and contact them for their mailing address (US only, sorry!). Good luck!!




We have a winner! Thanks everyone for entering. :)

Cover Craving...The Lies That Bind

The Liar Society: Lies That Bind

by Lisa and Lauara Roecker

The Liar Society, book two

Publication date: Dec. 1, 2012

Everyone's favorite neon haired detective is at it again when one of the most popular girls at Pemberly Brown goes missing. Kate Lowry realizes soon enough that this disappearance is tied to the secret societies that rule her private school--only not in the way everyone thinks. As if it’s not hard enough to find a missing girl, Kate is forced to team up with the one person she has worked so hard to avoid--not to mention the one person with the potential to come between her and Liam. As usual, Kate has her hands full searching for the truth amidst many layers of lies. After all, things are never what they seem at Pemberly Brown. (from the authors' blog) 

I can't wait for this book...and I LOVE the new cover.  What a fabulous color combination and style.  I may even have to rock some (fake) blue hair when this is coming out!!! LOL

If You Like: Stories about Pranks and Hazing

If You Like… is a feature highlighting blogger recommendations for books, authors, TV shows, movies, and music based on the things you already know and love.



This week's recommendations are all books and movies featuring pranks or the more dangerous version...hazing.  Check it out!

What's on My Hold List?

Welcome to the April 2012 edition

of

"What's on My Hold List?"

One of the most beautiful things about working in a Library is that I have the ability to put lots of things on hold and read them *before* I buy!! These are some of the books that I'm currently waiting for, though I may buy one or two of them after reading, as well. 

 

 

Soulless: The Manga, Vol. 1

by Gail Carriger and Rem

Page by Paige

by Laura Lee Gulledge

Freshman Tales of 9th Grade Obsessions, Revelations, and Other Nonsense

by Corinne Mucha

Surrender

by Lee Nichols

Haunting Emma, book three

*This one is still on my hold list...apparently it's taking forever to come in. I'm getting REALLY close to breaking down and buying it...I really need to know how it ends!!*

So, these are the books I'm waiting anxiously to get my hands on...what are you waiting for??



Edenbrooke Blog Tour - Review and Giveaway!!

This morning, I am super excited to be presenting to you one of the loveliest, sweetest, "breath of fresh air" books I have read in quite a while. Some of you may know that when I was in college, the only type of book I really read outside of my classwork was romance.  *gasp!!* I know, I know! People are always amazed.  There is just something so wonderful about a lovely story with characters that you know are destined to find one another in the end.

I hadn't realized until I picked up Edenbrooke just how much I had missed that. Don't get me wrong I love all the books I've been reading, but, well this book just brought back that happy feeling that I only get when I finish the best romances. So, on to the book!!!

Edenbrooke

by Julianne Donaldson

Marianne Daventry will do anything to escape the boredom of Bath and the amorous attentions of an unwanted suitor. So when an invitation arrives from her twin sister, Cecily, to join her at a sprawling country estate, she jumps at the chance. Thinking she’ll be able to relax and enjoy her beloved English countryside while her sister snags the handsome heir of Edenbrooke, Marianne finds that even the best laid plans can go awry.

From a terrifying run-in with a highwayman to a seemingly harmless flirtation, Marianne finds herself embroiled in an unexpected adventure filled with enough romance and intrigue to keep her mind racing. Will Marianne be able to rein in her traitorous heart, or will a mysterious stranger sweep her off her feet? Fate had something other than a relaxing summer in mind when it sent Marianne to Edenbrooke. (book blurb)

I LOVED this book!

It was sweet. It was lovely. The setting was fabulous.  Edenbrooke sounds amazing.  Marianne is fiesty, true to herself, and true to her beliefs.  Our hero - oh, our hero... he is... he is just *sigh*.  Absolutely swoon-worthy.  Oh, and there is a love letter scene in this book, that made me blush!!

One of the best things about this book was that the author is supremely talented enough to convey all the best parts of burgeoning romance - the flirtation, the passionate glances, the unavoidable heated feelings - *without* the dirty bits.  Now, don't get me wrong, I'll read the dirty bits, but it's amazing to be able to convey all the same urgency and depth of feeling without the dirty bits! I didn't miss them at all. 

This book is the first in a new type of romance.  The Proper Romance. A Proper Romance is Shadow Mountain Publishing's brand of clean, smart, engaging, romantic stories that will never embarass the reader. Now, as I just got done saying, I'm not one to get embarassed by the dirty bits...but I am certainly not going to pass up the chance to read another Proper Romance if it's as good as this one!

Every time I was forced to put this book down, you know to...I don't know, go to work or SLEEP, lol...I found myself smiling and just itching to get my hands back on it! SOooo good.

This, I believe is the first romance book to earn a gold star on my blog!

Now, for the best part.  I loved this book so much, I can't wait to share it!  How would you like the chance to win an ARC of Edenbrooke??  If you want to enter, please just leave me a comment with your name, email address (so I can contact you if you win!), and the title of the best romance you read recently before Tues, April 10th.  On Wed. April 11th, I'll randomly draw one winner and then they will have until Sat. April 14th to get me their address info.  Good Luck!!

Mini Reviews: The "I'm Just Trying to Find My Place in the World" Edition

Where I Belong

by Gillian Cross

In the hot desert of Somalia, Mahmoud is kidnapped and held for a ten thousand-dollar ransom. His older sister, Khadija, is in London, thousands of miles away; and yet Mahmoud s life is in her hands. Someone has discovered her identity, that she is Qarsoon the Hidden One the face of famous fashion designer Sandy Dexter s newest collection. Who can Khadija trust to help her? She now must appear as planned on the Fashion Week runway. Only then can she possibly earn the money to save Mahmoud s life. Also involved is Abdi, a fourteen-year-old boy coming to terms with the mysterious disappearance of his father, and Freya, the totally unfashionable daughter of Sandy Dexter, trying to find her place in her mother s world of haute couture. (description from Amazon.com)

I thought that this was an interesting way to introduce a lot of information about Somalian culture. The kids each brought a totally different viewpoint to the story and it was intriguing to read how they interacted with each other and the adults around them.  I had trouble sometimes keeping track of who was the narrator of the different chapters, though, and while this was a sometimes exciting story that was easy to read, it didn't totally enthrall me. 

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Tall Story

by Candy Gourlay

Andi is short. And she has lots of wishes. She wishes she could play on the school basketball team, she wishes for her own bedroom, but most of all she wishes that her long-lost half-brother, Bernardo, could come and live in London where he belongs.

Then Andi's biggest wish comes true and she's minutes away from becoming someone's little sister. As she waits anxiously for Bernardo to arrive from the Philippines, she hopes he'll turn out to be tall and just as crazy as she is about basketball. When he finally arrives, he's tall all right. Eight feet tall, in fact—plagued by condition called Gigantism and troubled by secrets that he believes led to his phenomenal growth. (description from Amazon.com)


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I hadn't been sure I would like this story, but it was actually a very touching, almost folk-story feeling tale. I loved both Bernardo and Andi in different ways.  He was a wonderful boy, who just happened to grow 8 feet tall, and had to deal with how that affected how all the people around him viewed him.  Andi was fiesty, loyal, and incredibly impatient to be independent...and yet, she loved her brother without reservation.  With a slight touch of "magic" and a great, loving family, this turned out to be a great read!

PS - The audio version is phenomenally done. A fun one to listen to!

Full disclosure: Audio book received to review for SLJ
*2012 Debut Author Challenge title*

The Mostly True Story of Jack

by Kelly Barnhill

Enter a world where magic bubbles just below the surface. . . .
When Jack is sent to Hazelwood, Iowa, to live with his strange aunt and uncle, he expects a summer of boredom. Little does he know that the people of Hazelwood have been waiting for him for quite a long time.

When he arrives, three astonishing things happen: First, he makes friends -- not imaginary friends but actual friends. Second, he is beaten up by the town bully; the bullies at home always ignored him. Third, the richest man in town begins to plot Jack's imminent, and hopefully painful, demise. It's up to Jack to figure out why suddenly everyone cares so much about him. Back home he was practically, well, invisible. (description from Amazon.com)

This was a magical tale. It was that side of magic that turns out to be creepy.  I felt bad for Jack as he was trying to figure out who and possibly what he was...and yet, he was good and he made new, loyal friends. I liked the style of this book a lot, and will be checking out Barnhill's next book.

 



Enchanted

Enchanted

by Alethea Kontis

Publication date: May 8, 2012

It isn’t easy being the rather overlooked and unhappy youngest sibling to sisters named for the other six days of the week. Sunday’s only comfort is writing stories, although what she writes has a terrible tendency to come true.

When Sunday meets an enchanted frog who asks about her stories, the two become friends. Soon that friendship deepens into something magical. One night Sunday kisses her frog goodbye and leaves, not realizing that her love has transformed him back into Rumbold, the crown prince of Arilland—and a man Sunday’s family despises.

The prince returns to his castle, intent on making Sunday fall in love with him as the man he is, not the frog he was. But Sunday is not so easy to woo. How can she feel such a strange, strong attraction for this prince she barely knows? And what twisted secrets lie hidden in his past—and hers? (description from Amazon.com)

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This is definitely one of the best fairy tale mash-ups I have read in a long time. It outright sparkles. 

The characters are well drawn, fully fledged...with flaws and all.  They have hidden agendas, complicated interactions, and yet also a seemingly infinite hope for a bright and loving future.

Here, fanciful bits of almost every classic fairy tale combine and dance through Sunday's story, creating a vibrant, effervescent new world for readers to play in. The twists and turns of the story include nods to genre classics, and end up highlighting an emotional depth that I had not expected in the story. 

This is truly a book that no fairy tale reader should miss.
Worthy of a sparkly gold star.

Full disclosure: ARC received to review for SLJ