BEA Middle Grade Reviews: Sisters

The four great early reader and middle grade books I got at BEA 2014. 

So, I decided to try and review my BEA books in some kind of order that actually made a little sense... both to me and hopefully to all of you! Since I've covered my picture books, the next few blog posts will all be about the early reader and middle grade books that I received at BEA, then we'll move on to some of the YA and adult titles. Enjoy!

Sisters

by Raina Telgemeier 

Companion to Smile

Raina can't wait to be a big sister. But once Amara is born, things aren't quite how she expected them to be. Amara is cute, but she's also a cranky, grouchy baby, and mostly prefers to play by herself. Their relationship doesn't improve much over the years, but when a baby brother enters the picture and later, something doesn't seem right between their parents, they realize they must figure out how to get along. They are sisters, after all.

Raina uses her signature humor and charm in both present-day narrative and perfectly placed flashbacks to tell the story of her relationship with her sister, which unfolds during the course of a road trip from their home in San Francisco to a family reunion in Colorado. (Description from goodreads.com)

I was so excited to read this follow-up book to Smile.  It once again showcases Raina's ability to recapture her youth in a fun and engaging way.  I'm sure that lots of readers will connect with this book, though it was not my favorite of hers.  I liked it, don't get me wrong, but I felt that both Smile and Drama were perhaps a little stronger.  

Raina does a wonderful job capturing the relationship between growing siblings, though. I had to laugh when I realized that Raina, her sister Amara, and her baby brother were almost exactly the same ages apart as myself, my brother, and my baby sister are respectively.  I have recollections of very similar moments with my brother stealing my toys, feeling left out when I didn't want to talk to him, and fighting...sometimes it felt like all the time!   I can remember, too,not feeling like I could relate to my little sister because she was SO much younger than me. I'm sure anyone with brothers or sisters will have some portion of this book that they can relate to directly.  

In the end, I liked how the sisters banded together again and found common ground.  Even though their family wasn't perfect, Raina's family obviously cared hugely about one another and I love seeing strong families in books.  All in all a good, quick, entertaining read. 

Full disclosure: Received from publisher at BEA 2014.

Blog Tour - Little Fish

I am excited to be part of the LITTLE FISH blog tour today!  As some of you know, I've been trying to foray more into the world of graphic novels and this one sounded like one that I could get behind.  AND I WAS RIGHT! 

Ramsey Beyer was a teenager from a small town in Michigan, looking forward to her first year living in a city far away from home. She chronicled that year in a seres of zines featuring personalized lists (such as "things I can't wait for" and "top 10 worst sounds") alongside comic illustrations. Through her blog, Ramsey also reflected on her struggles with loneliness, friendship and potential romance. Her new book, Little Fish: A Memoir from A Different Kind of Year, weaves all of these materials into a poignant, beautifully illustrated, and deeply reflective graphic memory detailing her transformation to an eighteen-year-old city dwelling art student. Little Fish perfectly captures that time in a young person's life when the past feels abandoned, the future seems totally open, and every day is a revelation.

This book is perfect for whomever you may have in your life that is entering college for the first time or even just a going through a totally new phase in their life. It's easy to read, easy to relate to, and made me laugh out loud in spots.  Ramsey chronicles her first year in college through lists, journal entries, and zine articles.  Each page felt as new and different and exciting as Ramsey's foray into Baltimore...her very first city experience.  

As some one who occasionally has trouble following comics or graphic novels, I'm very pleased to report I had no trouble at all with this one.  Each character is distinguishable from the others and are introduced in ways that make them pretty easy to remember.  It's just like making new friends in real life. In fact, I found myself heartbroken to leave them all behind at the end of the year...and I'd actually love to read about Ramsey's sophomore year to catch up with them again!! 

As a book set in college, this is not a book for younger readers (there is some foul language and discussion about sexual activity) but I think that older high school readers, those already in college, and even full-blown adults will relate to and thoroughly enjoy this one! 

photo credit: Michael Cantor

Want to learn more about Ramsey Beyer and LITTLE FISH?

You can visit the following places:

Little Fish on Goodreads
Ramsey Beyer's blog: http://news.everydaypants.com
Ramsey Beyer's photoblog: http://www.everydaypants.com/photoblog/
Ramsey Beyer on Tumblr: http://everydaypants.tumblr.com/
Ramsey Beyer on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ramsey.beyer
Ramsey Beyer on Twitter: https://twitter.com/everydaypants
Zest Books website or facebook page

Lastly, don't forget to check out all the other stops on the LITTLE FISH blog tour and if you think you might be interested in purchasing LITTLE FISH you can get it from Amazon, Barnes and Noble, The Book Despository or IndieBound. 

Full disclosure: Book received from publisher for blog tour

Curses! Foiled Again

Curses! Foiled Again
by Jane Yolen
illus by Mike Cavallaro

Aliera Carstairs is back. This time she's got her cousin—and best friend—Caroline in tow, and the stakes are higher than ever. The realm of Seelie, the fairy kingdom of which Aliera is the hereditary defender, is under attack, and only Aliera and Caroline can set things right. Caroline, fragile and wheelchair-bound, may seem like more of a liability than an asset, but Aliera knows there's more to her quiet cousin than meets the eye. (Description from Amazon.com)

I really like the books in this series. I love Yolen's storyline. Aliera is a strong main character. Even as she's bewildered and hesitant to become the "Defender," she still will fight for what she believes is right...and she's a total kick-butt kind of girl with a sword!! LOL.

I love the illustration style, too. Not only are Cavallaro's characters easy to recognize and the panels are easy to follow, but he does this neat thing where the "regular" world is black and white, but anything magical is in color. Take a look:

Okay, I have no idea why this posted sideways, but I think you get the idea anyway, right?? LOL.

I just think it really stands out the way that the illustrated decided to highlight all of the magical beings and events through color. It makes them jump right off the page... very cool.

I can't wait to see where the adventure takes us in the next book of the series!

 

 

 

 

Full disclosure: Borrowed from my Library

Marathon

Marathon
by Boaz Yakin
illus. by Joe Infurnari

It was a turning point in ancient history.

It inspires men to greatness.

It was the foundation of one of the greatest and most prevailing global peace efforts of the 20th century.

It was the greatest feat—and the tragic death—of a man whose legacy will never be forgotten.

In 490BC, an Athenian messenger named Eucles ran 153 miles from Sparta to Athens, and in so doing preserved ancient Greek civilization from subjugation to the Persian Empire.

While this is an interesting point in history and I liked getting to see the origin of the word marathon, I did not really enjoy this graphic novel that much. I found the drawing style to be very dark. I also had trouble telling some of the characters apart after their initial introductions.

I would probably only recommend this graphic novel for use if you were reading as a group and could compare your reaction to the book, or if you are a hardcore graphic novel reader that enjoys history. Ancient Greece is fascinating and dark, but this graphic novel is also less reader friendly for new graphic novel readers.

Full disclosure: Borrowed through interlibrary loan

This Week's Library Loot (9)

Library Loot is a weekly event co-hosted by Claire from The Captive Reader and Marg from The Adventures of an Intrepid Reader that encourages bloggers to share the books they’ve checked out from the library. If you’d like to participate, just write up your post-feel free to steal the button-and link it using the Mr. Linky any time during the week. And of course check out what other participants are getting from their libraries!

 

My Library Loot:

Bittersweet

by Sarah Ockler

 

 

Dear Blue Sky

by Mary Sullivan

 

 

Eighth Grade Bites

by Heather Brewer

 

 

Killer Librarian

by Mary Lou Kirwin

 

 

Marathon

by Boaz Yakin and Joe Infurnari

 

 

Pinned

by Sharon Flake

 

 

Sever

by Lauren DeStefano

 

 

So, that's what I picked up at my Library this week... did you swing by yours?

Drama

Drama

by Raina Telgemeier

 

Callie loves theater. And while she would totally try out for her middle school's production of Moon Over Mississippi, she's a terrible singer. Instead she's the set designer for the stage crew, and this year she's determined to create a set worthy of Broadway on a middle-school budget. But how can she, when she doesn't know much about carpentry, ticket sales are down, and the crew members are having trouble working together? Not to mention the onstage AND offstage drama that occurs once the actors are chosen, and when two cute brothers enter the picture, things get even crazier! (description from Amazon.com)

 

I have to admit, I'm not a huge graphic novel reader and that's partly because I have a little bit of trouble following the panels in the manga style ones.  I do, however, occasionally find some graphic novels that I truly adore and both of Raina Telgemeier's fall into this category.

 

I love the colors, the drawing styles and they are easy to follow!  While her first one, Smile, was somewhat autobiographical, Drama is just a cool middle school story.  Callie loves theater and wants to become a set designer someday for Broadway.  Seeing her passion made me think back about all the plays and musicals I've seen and how important the stage set can actually be...

 

I also loved seeing her embrace her passion and not be ashamed at all of being into a "dorky" club.  It was great to see all the drama "geeks." I was once a drama geek so I loved that connection! Callie's friends each had their own passion and none of them hesitated to do the very best they could in their own facet of the show. 

 

The friendships and crushes seemed very realistic and reminiscent of how I remember feeling about people and interacting with them in my own middle school years.  I also loved that Telgemeier addressed homosexuality in a very easy manner, making it not the focus of the story, but just a natural part of Callie's day to day experience. 

 

I really thought this was a great read that left me smiling. I would love to read more about Callie and her friends.  

 



Full disclosure: Borrowed from my library

This Week's Library Loot (6)

 


Library Loot is a weekly event co-hosted by Claire from The Captive Reader and Marg from The Adventures of an Intrepid Reader that encourages bloggers to share the books they’ve checked out from the library. If you’d like to participate, just write up your post-feel free to steal the button-and link it using the Mr. Linky any time during the week. And of course check out what other participants are getting from their libraries!

My Library Loot:

Rise

by Andrea Cremer

Nightshade prequels, book two

 

Drama

by Raina Telgemeier

 

 

Falling Kingdoms

by Morgan Rhodes

 

So, that's what I picked up at my Library this week... did you swing by yours? 





What's On My Hold List?

 

Welcome to the January 2013 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.

 

Rise

by Andrea Cremer

Nightshade prequels, book two

 

TeenBoat!

by Dave Roman, illus. by John Green

 

The Cadet of Tildor

by Alex Lidell

 

You can click on each title to go to their Amazon page for a description...

 

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



What's On My Hold List?

 

Welcome to the September 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.

Blackwood

by Gwenda Bond

 

 

The Crown of Embers

by Rae Carson

sequel to The Girl of Fire and Thorns

 

 

Delusion in Death

by J.D. Robb

In Death series, book 44

 

Fever Moon: the graphic novel

by Karen Marie Moning

 

Hidden

by Sophie Jordan

Firelight, book three





The Mark of Athena

by Rick Riordan

The Heroes of Olympus, book three

 

Two Weeks' Notice

by Rachel Caine

The Revivalist, book two

 

 

You can click on each title to go to their Amazon page for a description...

 

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



What's On My Hold List?

Welcome to the August 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. 

 

Bluefish

by Pat Schmatz

Dust Girl

by Sarah Zettel

The American Fairy Trilogy, book one



The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate

by Jacqueline Kelly



Fever Moon: The Graphic Novel

by Karen Marie Moning

Framed and Dangerous

by Kim Harrington

Sleuth or Dare, book three

The Peculiars

by Maureen Doyle McQuerry



You can click on each title to go to their Amazon page for a description...

 

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







 

Mini Reviews: The Haunted Edition

Texas Gothic

by Rosemary Clement-Moore

Show More

Show Less

Amy Goodnight's family is far from normal. She comes from a line of witches, but tries her best to stay far outside the family business. Her summer gig? Ranch-sitting for her aunt with her wacky but beautiful sister. Only the Goodnight Ranch is even less normal than it normally is. Bodies are being discovered, a ghost is on the prowl, and everywhere she turns, the hot neighbor cowboy is in her face. (description from Amazon.com)

A fun read. Amy is snarky-type hilarious. I loved the romance in this one, too!

*2012 TBR Pile Reading Challenge title*

Arise

by Tara Hudson

sequel to Hereafter

A stranded spirit, and a love story that crosses the divide between the living and the dead…In this hauntingly lovely sequel to HEREAFTER, Amelia – still trapped somewhere between life and death – continues to fight for her relationship with her mortal love, Joshua.Looking for answers, they visit some of Joshua’s relatives in New Orleans. But even in a city so famously steeped in the supernatural, Amelia just ends up with more questions… and becomes increasingly convinced that she and Joshua can never have a future together.Then Amelia meets other spirits in-between and begins to seriously consider joining them. Caught between two worlds, Amelia must choose carefully, before the evil spirits of the nether world can choose for her. (description from Amazon.com)

I loved this sequel. Dark, romantic, haunting...and set in the ultimate haunted location, New Orleans! This one will make you go, "Say, what?!" I *need* book three, ASAP!!

Publication date: June 5, 2012

Full disclosure: ARC received to review for VOYA

Ghostopolis

by Doug TenNapel

Imagine Garth Hale's surprise when he's accidentally zapped to the spirit world by Frank Gallows, a washed-out ghost wrangler. Suddenly Garth finds he has powers the ghosts don't have, and he's stuck in a world run by the evil ruler of Ghostopolis, who would use Garth's newfound abilities to rule the ghostly kingdom. When Garth meets Cecil, his grandfather's ghost, the two search for a way to get Garth back home, and nearly lose hope until Frank Gallows shows up to fix his mistake. (description from Amazon.com)

I was surprised how much I actually liked this graphic novel. It's easy to read, the drawings are creepy, but very clear, and the storyline was cool. 

Laddertop: Volume 1

Laddertop: Volume 1
by Orson Scott Card, Emily Janice Card, and Zina Card
illustrated by Honoel A. Ibardolaza


Twenty-five years ago, the alien Givers came to Earth. They gave the human race the greatest technology ever seen— four giant towers known as Ladders that rise 36,000 miles into space and culminate in space stations that power the entire planet. Then, for reasons unknown, the Givers disappeared. Due to the unique alien construction of the Laddertop space stations, only a skilled crew of children can perform the maintenance necessary to keep the stations up and running.

Back on Earth, competition is fierce to enter Laddertop Academy. It is an honor few students will achieve. Robbi and Azure, two eleven-year-old girls who are the best of friends, are candidates for the Academy. They will become entangled in a dangerous mystery that may help them solve the riddle of the Givers...if it doesn’t destroy the Earth first! (description from Amazon.com)

As you may or may not know, I'm not a huge manga/graphic novel reader. I've really been trying to broaden my horizons though, because I feel it's an important aspect of my job, and when I heard that Orson Scott Card had created a manga series I knew I needed to check it out.

Orson Scott Card, and his daughters who collaborated with him on this project, did another great job creating a riveting science fiction story with great children characters. I love the idea that aliens would have left technology for us that we could not quite understand. I love the idea of brave kids going up into space. I loved that in this volume, we got to see the training and selection process, but I really, really can't wait to see them get their "monkeys" and begin their actual work on the ladders.

I loved that the illustrator created characters that were easy to identify. They each had their own unique style. I only got confused once about whether a character was a girl or a boy. I also found the action/panels to be really easy to follow in this series. I think that even non-pro manga readers would have an easy time with this one.

As a science fiction fan, I think I've found a new, exciting manga series to follow!!

Full disclosure: Review copy received from Tor

Anya's Ghost

Anya's Ghost
by Vera Brosgol

Anya could really use a friend. But her new BFF isn’t kidding about the “Forever” part . . . Of all the things Anya expected to find at the bottom of an old well, a new friend was not one of them. Especially not a new friend who’s been dead for a century. Falling down a well is bad enough, but Anya’s normal life might actually be worse. She’s embarrassed by her family, self-conscious about her body, and she’s pretty much given up on fitting in at school. A new friend—even a ghost—is just what she needs. Or so she thinks. (description from Amazon.com)

This was a great graphic novel!
I loved the awesome drawing style (see!!)

Anya is Russian so she's curvy, much to her dismay. I loved that the author/artist drew her that way. I loved how she was also able to make Anya's ghost transform from a scared little girl who'd been locked away for so long, into a monster that is threatening Anya's very existence!

The storyline was also exciting and a great platform to make Anya appreciate not only her life, but herself so, SO much more. A really well done book!!

Amulet:The Stonekeeper

Amulet: The Stonekeeper
by Kazu Kibuishi

After the tragic death of their father, Emily and Navin move with their mother to the home of her deceased great-grandfather, but the strange house proves to be dangerous. Before long, a sinister creature lures the kids' mom through a door in the basement. Em and Navin, desperate not to lose her, follow her into an underground world inhabited by demons, robots, and talking animals.

Eventually, they enlist the help of a small mechanical rabbit named Miskit. Together with Miskit, they face the most terrifying monster of all, and Em finally has the chance to save someone she loves. (description from Amazon.com)

This was a beautifully drawn and colored adventure. I loved the style of the drawings and the rounded shapes of the characters. Miskit is so cute! The inventions, the robots, the planes, the dart gunes, etc. were all very cool.

The best part about this graphic novel, though, was the way that Emily's adventure to save her mother was really a manifestation of her confusion and grief. This blurred the emotional journey she was going through in reality with a really cool fantasy adventure. I cannot wait to see what happens in the next Amulet book.

Hush Hush - Graphic Novel Contest Link

Have you heard? Sea Lion Books is currently working on the graphic novel adaptation of Becca Fitzpatrick's Hush, Hush. Though it's not out yet, you can check out some sneak peeks on their website, check out this interview with the author Becca Fitzpatrick, and even purchase a limited edition prologue for the graphic novel (here).

If you do purchase the limited edition prologue, you can also enter a really cool contest.

Once you receive the book, take a picture of yourself with it and email the picture to Sea Lion Books along with a paragraph as to why you should be the next to make a cameo in the next volume of Hush Hush!

The winner will not only get to interact with Patch and Nora in the next Hush Hush Graphic Novel, BUT the illustrator for the graphic novel will also IMMORTALIZE you from head to toe in Patch's arms! Your image will be held lovingly safe in his arms! How awesome is that!!!

SO LET'S RECAP!!!

1. 1,000 limited edition prologues will be available for sale on
www.SeaLionBooks.com. Limit 2 please!

2. Once you receive the Hush Hush prologues you must take a picture of
yourself with it and post the picture on our FB page with a paragraph in
the comments under the picture as to why they should be the next to make a
cameo in the next volume of Hush Hush!

3. The winner gets an interacting cameo with Patch and Nora in Hush Hush
volume 2, and they get a unique one-of-a-kind poster with Patch holding the
winner in his arms.

4. The limited edition prologues will ship the first week of October.




If you love Hush, Hush, this is the chance of a lifetime!