Mrs. Stark's Book Reviews |
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In the 1940s Frankie is hooked on mystery radio. He even fantasizes he is the star of his series. In this entirely dialogue book Frankie plots with his best friend, Mario, to drive the boarder Mr. Swerdlow from his room, get the family radio all to himself, and marry his war hero brother to his pretty sixth grade teacher. Irrepressible to the end Frankie drags Mario from scheme after scheme, invariably landing them both in trouble. This is a very cute book. The dialogue conveys all the actions very cleverly. Frankie is a delightfully ingenious character. Fast paced and easy to read, this is a real valentine to old time radio.
Omri puts a plastic Indian into a plain bathroom cabinet, turns an old fashioned key given to him by his mother , and the Indian magically comes to life! Omri becomes responsible for caring for Little Bear, learning an important lesson: Being responsible for another human being is not a game (even if he is only three inches high). Things become complicated when Patrick, Omri’s best friend, demands that he be given a real live cowboy. Omri must do so or Patrick will tell everyone about Little Bear! How will the Indian and Cowboy get along? Will others find out about their existence? Very easy to read, fast, entertaining. Nice theme of growing into responsibility. Nice slight British touches in dialogue. Very likeable hero. Some very exciting scenes when the boys take the cowboy and indian to school. Built in sequels by sending guests back to their own times.
Princess Cimorene is bored with being proper. In order to save herself from a forced marriage with the vapid Prince Therandil, she runs away and volunteers to be the princess of Kazal, the dragon. Sorting treasure, organizing Latin libraries, making Cherries Jubilee suit Cimorene very will. But then she discovers a plot by wiley wizards to rig the selection of the new King of the Dragons…. Written as an anachronistic fairy tale, somewhat like The Princess Bride, this is a delightful, whimsical story. Not profound in theme, but fun and a wonderful heroine and dragon!
Enid Crowley, alias Cynthia, becomes friends with Hawk (a black jazz vagrant), Seth Sandroff (General Sethsandroff), and Joshia Warwick Cameron IV (Tom Terrific) in the Boston Public Gardens. Starting with a popsicle strike for the park’s bag ladies, Cynthia learns that when powerless individuals organize together to accomplish a goal they become very powerful indeed! An uplifting story about making a difference and finding yourself in the process. Remininscent of "Harold and Maud" (be who you want to be…)
When Polly goes to live on her grandparents’ farm, she crosses through a time portal into prehistoric America 3,000 years ago. The Indians are suffering from drought and as Samhain approaches, they demand a blood sacrifice – Polly. Can the Bishop ("Heron"), Tav (a celtic warrior), Karralys and Anarak (druid priest and priestess) save her? A continuation of A Wrinkle in Time, although not as good. A little repetitive, but has a nice philosophy of the inner connectedness of the uni-verse. Has a strong heroine. Fun and pretty easy to read.
Ned, the only child of a minister and an invalid rheumatic mother, receives an air gun from his uncle for his 11th birthday. When his father forbids him to use it, Ned sneaks it outside for one shot at midnight. He thinks he is shooting at a "shadow", but later discovers a one eyed cat while doing chores at Mr. Scully’s house.... This is a bittersweet book. Well written and thoughtful. It is a little slow moving (because it is driven by psychological development rather than a fast paced plot). Perceptions about life, chioces, responsibility, and dealing with obstacles are well explored. Has a realistic yet hopeful ending.
Book Two in the Pit Dragon Trilogy. Jakkin, once a bondman on Austar IV, is a young dragon master. When a plea arrives from his beloved Akki, Jakkin becomes a spy and risks his dragon, Heat’s Blood, her five hatchlings, and his freedom to go to her rescue. Well written, beautiful description of the dragons and world. Fantastic ending. Fast moving and exciting. Very likeable characters – hero, heroine and dragons.
Story of a boy whose father, tired of being poor, decides to become a traveling preacher. The book chronicles their journey from reluctance to fascination for the money and power that bringing the gospel to small town believers can provide.... Interesting, original story concept. Simply but effectively told. Very quick read. Excellent message.
Harvey Swick, bored with the gloom of February, is lured to Mr. Hood’s Holiday House with the promise of a vacation. But the house is alive and wants Harvey’s soul. Harvey manages to escape but is forced to return to reclaim 31 years of lost life, as well as try to save the other children trapped in the house. Will he be able to succeed and escape a second time? Funny, scary. even poignant in places. Great strong hero. Very original writing style. Fast read (like Wizard of Oz’s "there’s no place like home"). Some of the weirdest and original monsters and bad guys I’ve ever heard described.
April, a star tennis player, is ready for the prom with her first love, Steve. But she and her family are suddenly forced into hiding under new identities in Florida (to protect her father who is testifying for the government in an undercover drug operation). Pursued by the evil Mike Vamp, April is finally trapped in an empty house with her grandmother. She must find a way to escape Vamp and get help. Not rich in language or profound in thought. A somewhat whiny, spoiled heroine who does finally become somewhat more mature and competent at the end. Writing is adequate and book reads quickly. Girls will like the touches of romance. Reasonably suspenseful.
Barry and Harry are identical twins who go to stay at their recently deceased uncle’s farm in Illinois while their parents are away on a trip. During their stay they discover a mysterious playhouse that is in the center of an energy force called a "singularity". This playhouse is the doorway to another realm of time (one that moves more quickly than Earth’s) and another universe.... Sleator is a very fast read. Easy vocabulary and fun stuff. Not deep, although the twin love/hate phenomena and struggles for identify and dominancy are examined. Enjoyable fluff.
Story of a boy who braves a panther in the wilderness in a blizzard to ride for help for his injured grandfather. Very easy to read, perfect for the reluctant reader. Mildly exciting descriptions of the panther stalking, etc. No real character development. Some nice humor, especially with Tom (the hero) and Justin (his new friend) fighting then becoming friends. Sort of idyllic setting of Oklahoma ranching and strong nuclear family. Leave it to Beaver goes to the farm. No real truths or insights revealed but entertaining in its own way.
Funny, touching story about "Crash" Coogan, a big, bad seventh grader who is saddled with a Quaker neighbor, Penn Webb, who selects him for his best friend. Crash torments Penn, until his own grandfather, Scooter, falls seriously ill.... A wonderful, truthful story about puberty, insecurity, making your place in the world, and family life. Delightful to read. Very well written. Excellent author!
Interesting tale about a black boy with an unusual interest and ability with animals (insects particularly) and songwriting and a white girl who is a poet. Very unique characters in his family and friends. A gentle humorous story about how to succeed without force or intimidation. Uncle Earl, the con man and dreamer, is a particularly complex character forming a ragtag baseball team out of the kids and then placing bets with his drinking buddies on their games. Simply written. Low key, relationship oriented book. Enjoyable, quick read.
A very suspenseful, imaginative book about Denny (a sixteen year old) and his family being harassed by threatening phone calls and worse due to his father’s involvement in the death of 22 children when he was sixteen (the balcony of an old theater crashed down during a benefit Halloween show). Interesting psychological development of Denny’s growing fascination with a mysterious called Lulu and the frightening discovery of who and what she is during a face to face meeting with her and her brother "Baby" on Halloween night. Excellent, although simple writing. Complex characters and disturbing insights into human loneliness and behavior. Sophisticated thriller that the reader will race through.
Simply told, but riveting reworking of the story of Rapunzel, her near descent into madness while locked in the tower, the unrelenting search by her lover, Count Konrad, and the obsession of her "mother" to keep her daughter only to herself – even though it means the damnation of both their souls. Zel and Konrad’s stories are told in 3rd person, alternating with 1st person voice of the mother to create a gripping and interesting unfolding of the story. The parts of Zel’s imprisonment and the mother’s pain at being parted from her are particularly powerful. This demonstrates as Bruno Bettelheim says in the Uses of Enchantment that fairytales are allegories – symbols for real life passages that we experience. A very believable fairytale psychologically. Excellent, quick read.
Terrence who was raised by the hermit, Trevisant, is enlisted by Sir Gawain as his squire. Together, with the help of Sir Tor and his squire – a dwarf—they ride on many adventures. Very humorous with some anachronistic dialogue and very quirky characters. An irreverent look at knights and chivalry and a rare send up of Sir Mallory’s Tales of Arthur. Very quick and easy, but sophisticated spoof with obvious love for the Arthurian legends nothwithstanding. I hope Terrence has a sequel of more adventures!
Ender (Andrew Wiggins) is a gifted child. He is trained from early childhood at a battle school to command Earth’s troops in attack against "the buggers" who threaten human existence. He is mistreated, isolated, and thrown every challenge to develop his leadership qualities and harden his soul for the coming fight. Now the fate of the entire world rests in his two young hands. This is the beginning book of one of the all time greatest classic science fiction series. "Ender's" Game is beloved by teens and adults alike for Card's imaginative plot, exciting descriptions, and unforgettable characters. A winner of both the Hugo and Nebula awards for science fiction, "Ender's Game" (along with its parallel novel -- Shadow of Ender) is currently being made into a movie. Don't miss reading it, science fiction lovers!
Now a young man who is haunted by his part in the destruction of the Buggers, Ender travels from world to world as the first "speaker for the dead", someone who tells the truth about a person’s life in a empathetic but not sympathetic eulogy. His first speakings are for the Hive Queen and the Bugger colony. Then Ender travels to Lusitania (a portugese, catholic and pequeninos colony) to speak the deaths of Marcao (husband to Novinha, a brilliant scientist), Pipo and Libo (father and son xenobiologists who were "murdered" by the pequeninos). Although Novinha resists his efforts to heal her family, he does so, winning her and her family’s love. But will they continue to love him if they knew of his promise to help the only remaining hive queen rebuild her colony on Lusitania? This 2nd book in the series of "Ender's Game" is just as thoughtful yet fascinating as the first. Although there are not big battle scenes, and Ender himself is no longer a child, he remains a wonderful and very humane character who touches the lives of all those around him. The message of tolerance and respect for those who are different from ourselves is a very timely one. As the plot becomes more intricate in this highly acclaimed series Ender fans will be eager to start the 3rd book after reading this!
3rd in the trilogy (Ender’s Game and Speaker for the Dead). Ender (Andrew Wiggins), his sister Valentine (Demosthenes), Jane the computer and others try to save the Hive Queen, Pequeninos, and humans on Lusitania from destruction by Starways Congress (which wants to destroy a descolada virus that has infected everything on the planet). On the world of Path, "Gloriously Bright", one of the godspoken is at odds with her father about following Starways mandate of Lusitania’s destruction. Interesting,
sophisticated
writing and philosophical
questions about rights of the few vs. many. Characters are shades of
grey,
not black and white. Doing the right thing is not clear cut, but is
based
on one’s perspective and the context of the situation. Challenging
intellectually,
but a vivid story as well. Classic science fiction at its best.
The conclusion of the Ender quartet. Ender, Valentine, Young Val, Young Peter, the pequeninos, the hive queen, Jane, Wang Mu, and friends on other worlds work to save Jane and Lusitania from annihilation by Starways Congress in their efforts to control the deadly descolada virus. This is a great, exciting, thoughtful, and philosophical series. A detailed and original mythology of species is created and wonderfully complex characters. Lots of touches of humor. The books are a little wordy at times but definitely worthwhile reading for more advanced teen readers. One of the greatest science fiction series of all time!
Bean has lived on the streets of Rotterdam since he was an infant. A small, malnourished but brilliant child, he has no one to trust until Sister Carlota,who is scouting for brilliant potential candidates for the battle school, befriends him and recommends him. Put under Ender's leadership, Bean watches and learns much from Ender’s empathy and sense of camaraderie – qualities that Bean himself does not readily possess. As the two boys discuss battle tactics they become closer and Bean realizes that for the first time in his life he deeply believes in something other than himself -- and that something is Ender.... The long awaited parallel novel to Ender’s Game. This book focuses on the story of Bean, one of Ender’s lieutenants on the battle station. As exciting and poignant as "Ender's Game", this is a must read for Card fans and is soon to be a movie!
Lyra, 11 year old daughter of Lord Asriel (famous explorer) and Mrs. Coulter (chairman of the "Oblation" Board) battles Tartars, her parents, and the frozen arctic, with the aid of her gytian friends and an armored bear to rescue children who has been kipnapped for experiments (to separate their daemons from themselves in order to study the effects that the Aurora Borealis’ dust has on them). Mrs. Coulter wants the knowledge to suppress it for religious reasons, Lord Asriel wants it to build an energy bridge to another world – a city in the sky. Lyra must decide which one of them is right -- her father or her mother. One of a trilogy. Very exciting and exotic blending the familiar with the unknown. Oxford, England is one of the primary settings, but zeppelins and anbaric power are much in use, and people’s souls are their petlike daemons (that feel their humans’ pain and share their death). Long book (over 300 pages) but very well written with a very likeable diamond in the rough heroine and wonderful descriptions and action. Lots of fun.
2nd of the "Dark Matter" trilogy (Golden Compass was 1st one). Lord Asriel uses the energy bridge he created from the death of Roger and his daemon to enter another world. He is preparing for a battle with God ("The Authority") with the help of rebel angels (who are the dark matter, the dust, etc.) and witches. Lyra follows in vengeance, but the golden compass tells her to help Will, a boy she meets, find his father (an explorer investigating the arctic who disappeared several years ago). As exciting and well written a book as the first one. This is philosophically interesting. The heroes defy authority as mind numbing and enslaving (including the creator) and embrace freedom of choice above all else it would seem.
Lyra and Will, with the help of the alethiometer and the subtle knife, journey to the "land of the dead" to see the ghost of Roger, Lyra’s childhood friend. Meanwhile they are pursued by Lord Asriel’s rebel angels, Mrs. Coulter, and other followers of the Church, and Megatron the Regent of Heaven. Dr. Mary, with the aid of the "Amber Spyglass" is also searching for Lyra, trying to help find out more about "Dust" and why the Church wants so desperately to destroy it and Lyra. This is the exciting and stunning conclusion to the "Dark Material" trilogy (Golden Compass is first, Subtle Knife is second). It is much longer than the first two books, but is as beautifully crafted. A tale of that questions conventional morality and conventions, this is truly one of the greatest fantasy series of all time!
Charming story about Robert, a Shaker farmer’s son and his life growing up in Pennsylvania. Robert learns through the teachings of his father, his care for his first pet (Pinky, a pig), and his father’s death what it is to become a man. Wonderful tale told in Shaker dialect. Easy and fast to read.
A fascinating half diary, half narrative told from the point of view of a feral child, abandoned at an early age in the wilds, who is caught in the woods near a village in France at the end of the French Revolution. Scientists and physicians proclaim him an idiot, incapable of learning to speech or other human behaviors. But Dr. Itard, a young doctor and teacher of the deaf and mute in Paris believes otherwise. Beautifully told, riveting, simple but powerful language. This would be an interesting counterpoint to the story of Helen Keller (and the Miracle Worker) Engrossing and provocative book that reads very quickly.
Quin is the princess and future queen of Mandria, a magical kingdom under a wishing pond in "Wonderland" amusement park. Longing to explore the "outer world" she is accidentally transported there by Cam, her childhood playmate and Melikar’s apprentice. Entranced with pizza, jeans, mascara, and most of all, Adam, she decides to renounce her throne and remain on Earth. But when Zack, the local high school bully discovers her power (through Cam’s magic ring) and tries to steal it for himself Quin discovers that Mandria’s safety is more important than her own personal wishes. Entertaining, very fast, easy read. Not profound in any way, but fun. Simple characters (not particularly well developed) but "cute" book.
A lovely retelling of Beauty and the Beast with a new interpretation. Traditional yet fresh, Beauty, a studious and stubborn, scrawny young girl, is not lovely until she goes to live with the Beast. The narrative is beautifully told with lots of visual detail and excellent character development of all the principals. The two sisters are admirable rather than vain. And the beast is wonderfully depicted. Beauty’s gradual falling in love with the beast is described in a very believable manner. Robin McKinley’s first book is stunning. Reads quickly and is very satisfying with the same happy ending as the original. Excellent 247 page novel.
Billie Jo goes through a lot during the 1934-35 in Oklahoma’s dustbowl. Failing crops, the death of her mother and infant brother and the horrible burning of her own hands due to her father’s careless leaving of a pail of kerosene next to the cookstove, the growing silence between her father and herself after the tradegy, and her own fear and pain when attempting to regain her skills as a pianist – all these are narrated in a matter of fact, yet very poetic free verse style of poems (rather like diary entries). A wonderful, strong and courageous heroine, and a moving story make for a fascinating read. Once I quickly got used to the poetic style I couldn’t put this book down. Amazing descriptions of the dust storms as well. This book received and deserved the Newbery award.
Fun, imaginative story about 3 children’s adventure outside the security of their father General Matsika’s residence complex in 22th century Zimbabwe. Tendai, Rita, and little Kuda sneak out to see the outside world, but are kidnapped before they can return home. The detectives hired to find them (Ear, Eye, and Arm are gifted "freaks of nature" that live in the Cow’s Guts – a seedy, tough part of the city) trace the children from a nuclear dumpsite where the "She Elephant" has been using them as slave labor. But the detectives arrive too late. The children have been taken elsewhere. Wonderfully imaginative book that does a nice job of showing character development while it entertains. Tendai learns what real courage is in this exciting adventure story. The style is fast moving and surprisingly funny – especially the detectives, the Mellower and his sherry guzzling mother and "Granny" (an ancient would be nun who constantly needles the She Elephant with hell and prison). Mythology, high tech, and traditional Zimbabwe culture make for a very interesting read.
Rebecca, a pioneer girl in Ohio, develops a close friendship with Tecumseh as he tries to rally the Indians together to protect their remaining lands from land hungry white settlers. Tecumseh promises no matter what happens, he will never attack Rebecca’s family and will try to use peaceful means whenever possible. As Rebecca matures, she and Tecumseh fall in love, but can two people from such different worlds ever marry?. Very well written story told from Rebecca’s point of view. Ties in with "Panther in the Sky" by Thom. Nice use of authentic details and dialect to make the pioneer world come alive. Tecumseh is very likeable in this story. Reads fast.
Another wonderful Harry Potter book. Harry, now in his second year at Hogswart School for Wizards and Witches, discovers the mystery of the Chamber of Secrets and the evil monsterous snake who, under Lord Voldemart’s command (aka Tom Riddle), is terrorizing the "mudblood" students. This is a funny, exciting, and very readable series! The characters are even more endearing in this second book!
Zinny Taylor finds an old, lost, 20 mile trail near her family’s farm. Clearing and restoring the trail over the summer becomes her mission, even though everyone thinks she’s crazy to do it. In the process she restores some of her early childhood memories of her dead cousin Rose. Very humorous and touching book. Wonderful characters such as Uncle Nate and Aunt Jessie (Redbird) who boogie woogie, May her vain and jealous older sister, and Jake Boone charmer and thief (who wants to be Zinny’s boyfriend). Hysterical episode where Jake steals a dog to give as a gift to Zinny, who tries to return "Bingo/Gobler" back to his rightful owners. Fast reading with some very positive messages about dealing with life’s hardships.
Good book for kids interested in wrestling. Ron, Mrs. Super Straight, wants to continue wrestling his junior year, but is opposed to mandatory drug testing for his team. After a false positive result on his first test, he sticks by his original decision not to submit to another exam. Others pull away from him, feeling that he is guilty of drug use and trying to avoid being thrown off the team. Embittered by people’s lack of faith in him, Ron begins to withdraw from society, his family, and his friends.... Lots of messages about following your convictions, yet not be too judging and moralistic about others in the process. Easy read, some very detailed and exciting descriptions of wrestling matches. A couple of slightly sexual scenes with his girlfriend (she wants to, but he abstains) but for the purpose of showing Ron’s self discipline and ethical standards. Very positive male role model.
While staying with her aunt Melanie in Blade, Oregon, Kate and her aunt try to stop local loggers from cutting down old growth redwoods in the newly discovered Lost Crater. Kate takes refuge in an ancient redwood with a magical staff she has relocated for her aunt. When she tries to frighten loggers away from the tree with the staff, Kate is thrown back 500 hundred years in time, along with Jody, grandson of one of the loggers. Along with help from Laioni and Kandeldandel (one of the little people who resemble owls and are guardians of the crater), Kate battles against the evil one who grows stronger every day with the power of the broken talisman. Fun book – pretty fast read. Good female role model. Hopeful message of good triumphing over evil.
Traci (a blond would-be cheerleader) and Rosa (a illegal alien hispanic) both sell themselves in order to further their dreams of wealth and fame. One day their worlds collide when they come face to face with each other in a upscale dress shop where Rosa is hiding from the police. As she gazes into Rosa’s pleading, terrified eyes Traci realizes that they are "just alike". When Traci’s mother shouts for the police, Rosa is swiftly taken away, and Traci returns to shopping. Simply told (like the parable The Tent). Very short. Written in English and then in Spanish. Takes less than an hour to read. Engrossing and poignant little story. Although Rosa is a prostitute and the book talks about her daily preparation for going to work, there is nothing sexual or detailed about her activities. Touching details such as recording her expenditures in a notebook and dreaming of the future are almost heartbreaking. Devastating message…. We are all alike and sisters and brothers on this earth.
Emily and Jessup travel from Canada to Scotland when their father inherits an old Scottish castle named Castle Keep from the last of the MacDevons. There they become friends with Tommy Campbell who knows about the pixieish spirit that lives in the castle. When Emily ships back an old rolltop desk to Canada she gets more than she bargained for. The Boggart travels with it to be near the family. Strange things happen and everyone is convinced that Emily is a poltergeist! Very fun to read. A lovable sprite is the Boggart. Exciting description of trying to reach the Boggart through the computer game.
Evyn of Carmarthen, Wales has a promising future as a story teller until his father is murdered and his own tongue cut out by local nobles. When his uncle Morgan sells him into slavery to pay a manprice on his head, Evyn thinks his life is over. But his mistress, the Lady "Swan Neck" sends him to be schooled in reading , writing and medicine at an abbey. Returning to his mistress he meets the King’s second in command, Harold, Earl of Wessex . Harold takes Evyn for his squire and ultimately his foster son, as they work side by side to defeat local rebellions and the defeat of Harold’s traitorous brother, Tostig. Finally when Harold is crowned the new king William the Conqueror from Normandy invades England. Harold, Lady Swan Neck and Evyn plus ten thousand British soldiers find themselves defending their country at the Battle of Hastings. Exciting historical fiction. Gives some interesting possible insight into a rather shadowy time and elusive leader – Harold. Poignant in its description of the British struggle to protect themselves against the invaders. Reads pretty quickly.
Patricia Traymore is investigating more than senator Abigail Jennings. She is trying to bring back her lost memory of the night her father and mother died. Digging further into Abigail’s past brings doubts and mysterious threats from an "avenging angel". This is a sort of juvenile Danielle Steele. Romantic but not graphic. Very intricate plot. A little melodramatic, but fun and sort of suspenseful.
Dillon
Hemingway, a gifted
triathalon athlete,
is forced to witness his paraplegic, drug abusing, older brother,
Preston’s,
suicide. Dillon starts writing letters to Preston trying to reconcile
himself
to how his life has changed and continues to change. The only people
Dillon
can share his feelings with are Stacy, Preston’s girlfriend, Jennifer a
star basketball player, and Coach Kathy Sherman. Each person within
this
group gradually reveals their secrets in turn, as Dillon reveals his. Excellent, realistic and gripping book. Empathy and understanding for troubled teenagers. Funny, witty dialogue. Some very raw language – to add to the realistic dialogue style and to punctuate the characters’ strong emotional reactions. Some very ugly, distressing issues are addressed. But the story is so engrossing and you care about each of these characters so much. The ending is hopeful, but realistic. The message is excellent: You don’t own your life. You own your reactions to it. The art of reconciling your way of dealing with your own pain is like "Chinese Handcuffs" – you can’t pull free, you have to let go and lean into it in order to be released. Excellent book for troubled teens and others that want realism in their fiction.
Wonderful modernization of Briar Rose (or Sleeping Beauty), tracing the murky past of Gemma, a survivor of a Nazi concentration camp. When Rebecca’s grandmother dies, she fulfills her promise of discovering her forgotten past – the Prince, the kiss of life, and the castle or "schoss." This is beautifully told tale of human frailty and strength and the will to live even through the evilest of times. There is a section where the Prince is revealing Gemma’s and his own past that deals with his homosexuality. However there is nothing sexually graphic about his narratation. The Nazi acts of brutality are heartbreaking however. This section of the story is only about 10-20 pages long and is necessary to show the extreme peril and misery of Jews and others whom the Nazis branded as "different". An excellent book, good for the more mature middle school readers.
A collection of four fairytales, about novella length – The Door in the Hedge, The Stolen Princess, The Hunting of the Golden Hind, and The Twelve Dancing Princesses. Very long sentence structure. Sort of a chatty, rambling style, but still very much in the "once upon a time" manner. Detailed descriptions, almost ritualistic at times. Pretty simple vocabulary. Enjoyable for those who enjoyed shorter works and fairytales.
Dru and Mike, part of La Paloma’s "in" crowd try to stop their high school friends from "Jumping the Nail" (a sheer cliff at the edge of the ocean). Although some friends survive the jump, Elisa, Scooter’s girlfriend and Dru’s best friend, becomes obsessed by the notion that a drowned girl wants her to stay in "the Deep". A fast, easy read. Interesting treatment of many different forms of peer pressure that plague teenagers. Great message about being a secure individual and thinking for yourself. Hopeful yet realistic ending.
Davey (Tiger Eyes) watches her father die in her arms, murdered when his 7-Eleven is robbed in Atlantic City, New Jersey. When she, her brother Jason, and her mother go to stay with Uncle Walter and Aunt Bitsy in Los Alamos, New Mexico, she learns to overcome her rage and depression, and to appreciate life’s beauty. A special friendship with "Wolf" that starts in a canyon and the subsequent meeting of Wolf’s terminally ill father teaches her to risk her feelings again. All the characters except Wolf are dealing with significant forms of fear. Simply written, this reads very fast and presents kids in a very realistic manner. Good deal for dealing with emotional issues of death, fear, and anger. There Will Be Wolves – by Karleen Bradford When Ursula is taught to read and heal others in the ancient city of Cologne, Germany, she is accused of witchery and sentenced to burn at the stake. But the first Crusade ("The People’s Crusade") is marching across Europe to Constantinople to free the holy city of Jerusalem from the Turks and Count Emil and the prophet, "Mad Peter", are in need of a physician, and will pardon Ursula of her sins. Thus Ursula, her father (an apothecary), and Bruno (a young stone cutter who is in love with Ursula) find themselves unwillingly caught up in the rank and file of the army. A fascinating account of 11th century Europe and the very first Crusade. Exciting and rapid reading.
Heidi, a poor little rich girl, with no friends and few talents, finds hidden reserves of strength, ingenuity, and competency when a 747 plane crashes on her property while she is alone. She makes friends among the victims and volunteers, discovering a sense of "usefulness" for the first time in her life and a newfound desire to become an EMT. A thrilling and touching book. The time preceding the crash is depicted in log entries (by minutes) and shows the thought processes of Heidi, and Patrick (a young EMT), and the victims who are traveling on the plane. Vivid descriptions (occasionally a little gory) of the damage down by the crash and some genuinely heart breaking moments in this book really draw the reader in. Nice touches of humor necessarily alleviate the tension at times. Exciting!
Ben Holiday, the new highlord of the kingdom of Landor, must battle against the evil wizard Meeks, who has disguised Ben from his subjects, usurped his place, and stolen his medallion of the Paladin. His friends – Abernathy the dog, Questor the court wizard, and Willow the sylph, all search for the Black Unicorn and the golden bridle which hold the key to strange dreams they have been having. Only Ben, exiled from the castle Sterling Silver realizes that the dreams are sent by Meeks in his monsterous plot to harness Landover’s magic for himself. Florid, overly
romantic
descriptions (the unicorn
and Willow’s beauties are inventoried at least a half a dozen times),
but
full of lovable characters and humorous dialogue. Appealing idea of
escaping
from the real world to rule over a magical kingdom. Pretty exciting –
definitely
of interest to YA fantasy lovers. Nothing deep here, except that the
power
of self deception is dangerous. The Last Oasis – Sue Pace A post nuclear world that has government stores housed in "Malls" that dispense showers, food, and entertainment to the young and healthy. A limited life span (about 60 years old) with injections to ease the pain of radioactivity, Mall Brats and Beggars and Mutants, the human refuse that is shoved aside by the rest of society. Polluted air and rivers of raw sewage. A totalitarian government that determines what jobs people will have and where they will be assigned (breeders, farm workers, etc.) and declares dying cities "obsolete" and no longer eligible for aid. Against this horrifying backdrop Phoenix, Madonna, and a dying mall brat, Twerp, with an angel’s voice stow away from Portland on a barge up the Columbia River towards Idaho (where the hydroponic farms are). What a wonderful, horrifying, exciting, poignant book! Why is this out of print????Very vivid writing, incredibly imaginative images, good introduction of survival at all costs versus survival with honor and ethical behavior. Phoenix is the idealist and Madonna the pragmatist who are beginning to love each other, but do not understand or agree with the other’s beliefs. Madonna does eventually become kinder and more empathetic for others through friendship with Twerp and Phoenix. Great book!
Bobby Marks (Big Bad Bob) takes on a lawnmowing job during summer vacation for the miserly Dr. Kahn Although he is obese and suffers from heat exhaustion and taunts from cruel local boys he sticks to it. This is a very compassionate, funny novel. Told in first person by Bobby it involves you from the very beginning in the pains of growing up – first love, insecurity, and learning self reliance and as well as empathy. Fast reading! Excellent high interest book for young adults.
Very realistic story about Cray and his family’s reactions to the disappearance of his older sister, Anita. Not sentimental, interesting characters, good zooming in on minute yet irrelevant details as Cray narrates the story. The details are rather like the sorts of observances one has when one is in shock. The beginning is rather slow (sort of a day in the life – setting up the characters’ personalities and interrelationships) but is gripping once the sister actually disappears. No simple, happy ending. In some ways lacked a strong sense of focus for me (no growth of characters – almost a sort of documentary of a family under emotional siege). Yet its realistic theme and its unique treatment make the book interesting and worth teens being exposed to.
Exciting wilderness survival story about a group of troubled teens (Hoods in the Woods) who hijack rafts from their group leader, Al, and set off down the Colorado River by themselves. Excellent character development of Troy (the control freak leader), Jessie (who narrates the story and is acting out in anger of her father’s upcoming second marriage), Star, Rita, Pug, and Adam. Fun, well written book.
Kerry loves rich Alicia, who "commits suicide" for no apparent reason. He tries to forget her, going to Italy to visit his dad and his new bride, but cannot believe that Alicia could ever kill herself. Returning to the states, Kerry is driven to investigate. After talking to all those who were close to her – her father, stepmother Marian, stepsister Laurie, and friend Becky he discovers Alicia’s murderer. This is rankly sentimental and trite. The writing is awful – dialog is repetitive, stilted and unbelievable and without any voice for any of the characters. The idea is okay, mildly suspenseful, but there is not development to it. The descriptions are almost nonexistent, and even with only 133 very short pages this book is too long. Not recommended.
Alvin Jr., the seventh son of a seventh son has all the marks of potential greatness. From early childhood he is a "maker" – someone who can heal things and fit them together tightly. But there is a power – the Unmaker who works for the destruction of the world – that wants him dead and will use any means to kill him. This is the first book in the "Tales of Alvin Maker", a trilogy, set in colonial America. But this is a "magical America that might have been". Orson Scott Card writes beautifully, creating his own dialect for this time period. The story moves swiftly, is never predictable and is highly original. Highly readable for middle schoolers and adults because of the clarity and precision of the writing. The ending is not exactly a "cliff hanger" (there is some resolution to the book) but it definitely leaves you eager for the next book. Card is one of the best science fiction/fantasy writers of the 20th century. This is right up there with Ursula LeGuin’s finest efforts.
A thirteen year old boy goes to spend the summer on his uncle’s farm and gets involved in his cousin Harris’ escapades (which include smoking behind the barn, getting kicked by Vivian the cow, playing "war" with the pigs, fighting off "Buzzer" the stray cat for mice in the hayfield). Despite all the mishaps "Gooner" as Harris nicknames him, grows to love the farm and the most unforgettable summer of his life. Paulsen is at his funniest, and Harris is one of his most endearing and mischievious characters. Supposedly autobiographical, this is an excellent book for reluctant readers, especially boys!Very quick reading and loads of fun.
Ginny, a young black Welsh aspiring artist, suddenly finds her life disrupted when her half brother comes to life with her and her dad. Robert, whose mother recently died of cancer, is angry and hostile at first, as is Ginny. But gradually the two of them become closer as Ginny tries to solve the mystery of her birth. Her search reveals that although her mother was an artist, as her father said, she is not dead. This was an okay book. Young adult issues of finding one’s true identity and being true to one’s self and those you love. The story is sort of slow and low key until Ginny starts digging up her past. Although it is nicely written it is not very exciting or memorable. Certainly it is not the stunners that Pulman’s other more fantasy and science fiction stories are.
Adelaide, a little girl in the two Sally Lockhart trilogy books, reappears after having mysteriously disappearing for several years. She is now a young woman who was rescued from poverty by the crown prince, Rudolph, of Razkavia, a tiny country between Germany and Austria. Prince Rudolph has fallen deeply in love with Adelaide and married her, to the horror of his father and the Razkavia nobility. Now Adelaide must be "trained" to act like a princess, but this may prove a difficult task... A charming "my fair lady" story set in late Victorian times. Told with Pullman’s exciting and humorous style. A wonderful sequel to the Sally Lockhart trilogy. Thoroughly enjoyable and quick reading. Audiences will love this cockney princess. Is Underground – Joan Aiken Young Is (Isabella Twite) journeys on a secret midnight train to Playland, north of London to discover why all the children are disappearing. She discovers that instead of fun and treats, Playland is a place that enslaves the young to work in the factories or mines. This is a strange but intriguing little book. The characters are sort of gruff and unusual and not entirely likeable. Even Is is sort of obnoxious at times. But the plot (sort of a Pied Piper nightmare) is gripping and Aiken’s descriptions are very unique. I haven’t read anything quite like this. The ending is happy, but almost anticlimatic after the drowning and death of Gold Kingy, the mad ruler of Blastburn. I would recommend this to students who like the unusual – a touch of fantasy, and touch of Dickens, and thoroughly Aiken.
The true story of 23 year old Mary Ingles, who, along with her children, was abducted from her husband in Virginia and carried down the Ohio River hundreds of miles away to a Shawnee village. Mary is indomitable as she gives birth to a daughter during the trek, refuses the love and protection of a Shawnee chief, and escaping travels a thousand miles to return to her husband. This is an exciting and amazing book. When I read about Mary’s trials, my own problems seemed so small in comparison. The descriptions and complexity of character are very well done. I could not put this book down.
In this story Joseph the bellmaker travels with a band of Redwall dwellers to help his daughter, Mariel and Dandin and Bowly Pintips (a young would-be warrior porcupine) save the squirrel king and his family and their kingdom from Nagru the fox king and Serena the fox queen who have taken Castle Floret. Another of the bellmaker series. Nice creatures from Redwall Abbey (squirrels, mice, badgers, moles, otters, etc) and neighboring areas are overrun by evil animals (pirates and brigands) such as stoats, weasels, rats, etc. Eventually there is a big battle of good forces vs. evil ones.As always there are detailed descriptions of the woodland feasting plus amusing dialects of the different creatures.
Fourteen year old Rachel of Boston is indentured to John Adams who she admires. But she is not sure that she supports the Americans wishes to become free of England. If she is not a British subject what would she be? What is an "American"? Complicating things, Rachel becomes involved with British Private Matthew Kilroy who is hostile to the upstart Americans desire to break free of England. On March 5, 1770, Matthew leads the British soldier in firing a rioting crowd of Bostonians (who are led by the Sons of Liberty). Now Matthew may hang for his action, if John Adams does not defend his case. This is pretty good for examining the concept of identity. And being an "American" was a new concept in 1770. It is a little slow moving in parts. But it is a decent fiction within a realistic historical framework. Good for history buff of the Revolutionary War.
Harry is now starting his fourth year at Hogswart, a school for magic. He continues to be surrounded by his friends – Hermione, Ron, and now Cho (in whom he is interested), as well as his enemies, such as Malfoy and Professor Snape. The book centers around an international competition of wizardry among several schools for magic, with Hogswart as the hosting school. The "Goblet of Fire" is the magical instrument that selects the contestants, and although Harry is not old enough to be a contestant he is selected along with Cedric (very likeable and well liked older student who is dating Cho). For all of its 734 pages, this 4th book in the Harry Potter series, reads as quickly, and is just an enchanting, and engrossing as the first three. It is also interesting to see the characters grow and mature. Things are not so light in this story -- a likeable character dies. This book is also little scarier than the others, a natural development as Voldemort becomes stronger and more invasive in Harry’s life. But it also has a lot of humor (like Mad Eye Moody bouncing Draco Malfoy repeatedly on the floor after turning him into a......) This continues to be a classic series for adults as well as children!
Excellent book about a young teenage boy, Spencer, who runs away from his mom in Seattle to find his divorced father, who works at Candlestick Park. With only fourteen dollars and his cat, Foxey as company, Spencer bikes, walks, and hitchhikes his way towards San Francisco. This is a sweet and touching book. It has a gentle sense of humor and you really care about Spencer, and Foxey, and Hank. A very quick read too!
Maggi, her two twin brother and her father, a carpenter, move to an old abbey to renovate it. But as they work on restoring the old place, it begins to work on them. Several mysterious things happen until Maggi realizes that the house is capable of defending itself from any harm, real or imagined. The house also apparently wants Maggi’s family to continue as its "caretakers" permanently. This is a pretty spooky little book! I love the twist ending. Interesting characters and good descriptions of the house. This reads very quickly.
Book One of the Young Merlin Trilogy. Merlin is an abandoned young boy who has been living on his own in the woods for years. One day he is found by a falconer and is taught how to read and write and become civilized again. Charming, simple story. Very imaginative treatment of Merlin's childhood. Very engrossing.
Book Two of the Young Merlin Trilogy. Merlin is forced to leave the falconer’s home when his adopted family is killed in a fire. Attaching himself to a band of traveling performers, he calls himself Hawk and reveals that he dreams true things, causing the leader of the company to become jealous... Story is quick and interesting. Merlin's journey towards adulthood continues to interest the reader.
Book Three of the Young Merlin Trilogy. Alone once more, Merlin retreats to the forest. But he is captured by "Wodewose" (wild folk who live with snakes and wolves). His captors discover his talent for dreaming true and imprison him in a cage and drug him to sleep so that he can be their new dream reader. Nice final book setting up the tuttelage of Arthur (who is introduced in the Wodewose camp as "the cub") by Merlin. Very creative and imaginative. And told as beautifully and simply as all Yolen’s books are.
Very imaginative and fascinating adventure story about Gen, a thief who is freed from prison in order to steal Hamiathe’s Gift (a sacred stone) hidden in a temple in a neighboring kingdom. The bearer of the stone is supposedly the rightful ruler of Eddis (the current ruler is a queen who will have to marry to protect her country). Gen is accompanied by a mage from Sounis, a body guard, and two young students. The journey is long, hot, and mountainous. When they reach the secret temple Gen must find the stone before the temple floods (as it does each day before dawn). This is full of excellent descriptions of the Greecelike terrain, set in a partly medieval partly Hellenic time period. Gen is an endearing and exasperating character. The trick ending is very satisfying, giving the mage a full measure of humility. This is a very original work and reads very quickly.
Harry is in his 3rd year at Hogswart school for magic. In this book Harry comes face to face with the supposed killer of his father and mother – Sirius Black, who has escaped from Azkaban after all these years. Harry discovers that "Scabbers" Ron’s pet rat is really Wormtail (or Peter Pettigrew) who serves the dark lord Voldemort and who killed Harry’s parents. . Harry realizes that capturing Wormtail will clear Sirius of the murder charges. But can he catch him in time? For all of its
734 pages,
this 4th
book in the Harry Potter series, reads as quickly, and is just an
enchanting,
and engrossing as the first three.
Wise Child is adopted by Juniper, a humble sorceress of white magic. But when Wise Child's real mother, a student in the black arts, shows up she tempts Wise Child with a life of luxury. An ALA Notable Children's Book and an IRA/CBC Young Adults' Choice. This engrossing novel about a young girl's apprenticeship to a "good" witch is set in the British Isles soon after King Arthur's time. "Mesmerizing...rich in detail, high in excitement, and filled with unforgettable characters..
Edmund is alone, his sister kidnapped, after his mother and aunt disappear. Determined to find his family he meets a mysterious stranger "Mr. Dupin", who is really Edgar Allan Poe. Poe, tortured madman and drunken genius, alternates between interest in Edmund’s situation and his own selfish desire to create a sensational story from what is happening. Will they solve the mystery surround Edmund’s family before it is too late? This part historical fiction, part mystery thriller reads quickly. Edmund’s situation is gripping, and the atmosphere, centering around wharfs and cemetaries, is properly eerie and seedy. Above all, Avi’s fanciful treatment of Poe volatile and brilliant personality is fascinating. Excellent story for mystery lovers, Poe followers, and of course those that love Avi!
A team of historians and physicists working on a historical excavation of a medieval castle in France must go back in time to the 14th century to save their team leader. But their time machines are programmed to return to the 20th century in just 37 hours. Can they find the Professor during a battle between the French and English and escape before the 37 hours are up? This brief description does not do justice to this incredible swashbuckling adventure story by master storyteller, Michael Crichton. But there are so many exciting twists and turns to the plot that I don't want to give any of them away. Crichton’s story is chock full of detailed descriptions of monasteries, castles, French countryside, the plague, jousting tournaments, and all manner of medieval culture and politics. Crichton does not let up on the dramatic tension for a minute. You are kept on the edge of your seat with graphic descriptions of bloody sword fights, torture devices, and hair raising chase scenes all over the countryside. There is also a lot of humor, especially watching the four modern college educated professionals adapt to a primitive, uncomfortable, and downright brutal world. Watch for the part about Chris learning to dress and wear tights! But enough! Just read the book! You’ll love it!
When Cynda moves into her father and stepmother’s old inn on the coast of Maine, she hopes that they will become a real family. But no one seems to have time for her. Until Vincent, a devastatingly handsome older man, comes to stay. As she drifts further from the rest of the household, Cynda finds herself helplessly drawn to Vincent. When Todd, her younger brother starts to become obsessed as well Cynda knows that she must destroy Vincent. But how? An exciting horror suspense novel with some unexpected moments. This reads very quickly, with interesting characters and a ghostly atmospheric setting. Murder in E Minor (Nero Wolfe Series) – Robert Goldsborough Maria Radovich begs Nero Wolfe to discover who has been sending her uncle, a famous conductor, threatening notes. But before Wolfe can do so, the conductor is murdered. Unfortunately Maria’s fiance was seen entering and leaving the apartment that night, and has been arrested for the murder. Only Wolfe can see that justice is done and find the real murderer. Although this is somewhat slow at the beginning for those new to the Nero Wolfe series, the pace does pick up after the first couple of chapters. A classic whodunit --the plot is quite interesting and the characters, especially Wolfe and Archie (his assistant) grow on you. The police are also surly and amusingly incompetent. Wolfe’s elaborate meals and finicky habits are given a lot of detail and help to "flesh out" the portrayal of this brilliant but somewhat autocratic private investigator. The narrator, Archie’s dialogue is classic hardboiled detective jargon. This is a series for those who find character as important as plot. Although Goldsborough is not the originator of the Wolfe series, he has continued the tradition in a very capable way.
Amelia Peabody and her beloved husband, Radcliffe Emerson, along with their son Ramses meet with attempted murder and mayhem while seeking to excavate an ancient queen’s long lost tomb in turn of the century Egypt. Despite Emerson’s demands that she not get carried away by her "over active imagination", Amelia, armed with her trusty parasol, knife, and pistol coolly and genteelly unravels the mystery behind the violence disrupting their lives. This series of Amelia Peabody Egyptian mysteries is light heartedly tongue in cheek. A lot of time is spent describing food, clothes, social events of the turn of the century. The language is very Victorian (proper and somewhat wordy and "flowery"). The plot is entertaining and the characters are very likeable and funny. A witty and clever series by an author who obviously has a love for the time period.
When an angry
biker is
murdered in the little
town of Crozet, Harry (Mary Minor Haristeen) the post mistress and her
pets, Mrs. Murphy (a cat) and Tee Tucker (a welsh corgi) set out to
solve
the mystery. This series has darling, funny characters. Pewter, the neighbor’s fat cat, Harry’s tart assistant Miranda, Market Shiflett and Harry’s ex husband, Fair – all are delightfully unique and somewhat eccentric. This is a cheerful and very endearing series.
Don Lark has lost his whole world – his two year old baby daughter, killed in a car wreck with his ex wife. With nothing to live for, he buys and renovates houses, bringing them back to life with his craftsmanship. But his latest house is already alive, and Don’s work is making it even stronger. And there is someone else in the house who is watching within the shadows the changes Don makes. What a great horror story! Orson Scott Card is master of whatever genre he turns his pen to. This has all the suspense and atmosphere of a Steven King novel, but has more complexity and moral dilemmas well. His sense of compassion for the lost and lonely is evident even in the midst of inspiring terror. His dialogue is a joy, his descriptions magnificent, and his characters are quirky, interesting, and very human.
When 16 year old Kerry goes to retrieve her little brother’s stuffed bear from the laundromat in the middle of the night, she is plunged into a terrifying situation. A young man, Ethan, is being held hostage by a group of men who insist that he is a vampire and are determined to kill him. Kerry’s compassion prompts her to do the right thing and help the hostage escape. But doing the right thing has disastrous results…. Her father and brother are now missing, the "vampire killers" are dead, and the young man who she rescued is desperately trying to keep her from returning home. Can she believe his promises to help her find her missing family? This is a fun, fun book. Kerry is a very likeable heroine and Ethan is a fascinating mystery. Very fast moving and exciting, this story delves into some interesting moral problems about lies, loyalty, the value of life and what is permissible to do in order to survive.
Jason Miller hates his "normal" dull life in the tiny town of Billington. He finds his parents calm contentment boring and longs to be different. But after his best friend Ethan dies of appendicitis and he is given a strange metallic glove that can shoot steel pellets, Jason finds more excitement than he can handle. Are his parents hiding a secret from him about his monthly shots? Why does Grant, the janitor, have a satellite dish at his house pointing the wrong direction? What happened to the people who used to live in Billington’s "Old Town"? As Jason unravels these and other mysteries he comes to learn the truth about who and what he really is. This is an interesting science fiction story told from Jason’s point of view. It is imaginative, with some unexpected plot twists with an ambiguous and not altogether happy ending. There are some loose ends left hanging in the story, but it is fun to read and reads quickly. Students who do not generally like science fiction may also enjoy this story with its focus on wanting to be unique and special and the dangers that go with believing one is superior.
9th grader Philip Malloy is angry at his English teacher, Miss Narwin, for his failing grade which prevents him from being on the track team. Convinced that this "boring" teacher is "out to get him", Philip refuses to ask for extra credit to help make up his grade. Instead he tries to get transferred out of his English class. When he is given Miss Narwin for homeroom as well, Philip is sent to the assistant principal for breaking a school rule (humming the Star Spangled Banner when the rest of the class is standing at "respectful, silent attention"). After being sent to the office a second time, Philip is suspended from school. Philip and his father, along with a school board hopeful interview with the hometown newspaper about Philip’s suspension, and when a talk show host comments on the incident it mushrooms into a national media event This is a wonderful, gripping story done stark documentary style through letters, memos, phone calls, etc. Each character’s beliefs and biases contribute to twisting a single event into a complex issue dealing with concepts such as rules, patriotism, harassment, honesty, open mindedness, and individual responsibility. Warning: This book is hard to put down once you start it and really makes you think!
A special team of technical experts and a psychologist, Norman Johnson, join a detachment from the Navy on a top secret expedition to the bottom of the South Pacific Ocean to investigate a huge sunken spaceship. They discover a large mysterious sphere inside the three hundred year old vessel with no visible door. Excitement turns to horror after one of the team manages to enter and leave the sphere and very strange things begin to happen…. This is an exciting book, written after The Andromeda Strain and before Crichton’s megahit Jurraisic Park. The characters are complex and the psychological changes each undergoes are fascinating. The suspense is intense through out, but the ending is especially exciting with a bit of a surprise twist. Science fiction lovers should really enjoy this classic by Crichton!
Rachel is a young woman who was unwillingly made a vampire three hundred years ago by a powerful vampiress and Aubrey, another vampire who killed her twin brother. Since that time Risika (who was once Rachel) has remained aloof from others, close to only one living thing – Tora, a beautiful Bengal tiger at the New York Zoo. But Aubrey is determined to punish Risika for her defiance to his will. Can Risika overcome Aubrey in their clash of immortal powers? Or does death wait for one of them? This is the debut novel of a thirteen year old writer, and although it is not very detailed in either description of characterization, it does demonstrate imagination. The actual story would fit into a short story format better, but, the writer is only thirteen! This reads quickly and will provide inspiration to would be teen writers. Hopefully we will see Miss Atwater-Rhodes develop and mature into a good novelist. In the meantime she shows "promise".
When Thomas and his family moves into the Ohio mansion of Dies Eddington Drear, the famous abolitionist, they know that the house has secrets. Tunnels and false walls abound. But Thomas is determined to find out who or what is haunting the mansion. What secrets does Mr. Pluto, the mansion’s caretaker, possess? And why are small triangles stealthily placed in each of the bedrooms? Will the family solve the mystery of the house or be driven away? This is an intriguing mystery with a unique sense of "voice". North Carolinian dialect and unusual, yet realistic characters enrich this fast moving story. The descriptions of the land and house give the Drear property a looming sense of character itself. Well written and imaginative tale!
The conclusion to the chronicle of Dies Drear (first book is The House of Dies Drear). Thomas Small, Pluto, Pesty, and Thomas’ father plan "The Event" to protect the treasures in the underground cavern of Dies Drear. This is a very enjoyable sequel to the first novel. The twin babies – Buster and Billy – are hilarious and touching to read about, especially when they discover how to make a back bedroom’s wall revolve and get lost in the tunnels. Everyone seems to get some of what they want, although not all of them get everything they desire. Not scary, but engrossing. You care about these people. A fun book, and fast reading.
Jessica, a teenaged published writer of vampires, has enraged the vampire community of New Mayhem. Furious at her for revealing their secrets, thus making them more vulnerable to white witches who are vampire hunters, the vampiress, Fala, urges Aubrey (another vampire) to kill Jessica or let her do it herself. But Aubrey has fallen in love with this unusually strong and defiant young writer. Jessica is bewildered by her seeming ability to write in detail about a dark world to which she has never belonged. Or does she? Will she be destroyed by Fala? Or will she give into her growing desire to become one of Aubrey’s fledgling vampires? This second novel by Miss Atwater-Rhodes was written two years after her debut, at the age of 13, and is much more mature writing. The characters are more detailed and the story more complex than the first one. Written in 3rd person rather than 1st person (as the first one was) works much more effectively, giving her writing a more fluid style and allowing her to give more and richer descriptions. Fun to read and a great example for young writers!
Shade is the runt of the newborns in the silverwing bat colony, but he does what no other dares to do. He breaks the law between the birds and bats and watches the sun rise. The owls declare the skies closed and demand Shade’s death as punishment. But his family refuses, leaving the next day on their yearly migration south for the winter. Shade becomes lost and is befriended by Marina, a brightwing bat who has also become detached from her colony. Together they determine to find Shade’s family. But they are pursued, not only by the owls, but by a powerful and ruthless vampire bat named Goth, who intends to enslave Shade’s colony. Will Shade be able to outwit the much stronger and experienced Goth? This is a delightful book for lovers of animal fantasy. Kenneth Oppel chose bats as his characters because he wanted to take a disliked animal and make it endearing. He succeeds completely in the creation of "Silverwing". The small, weak Shade’s desire to do something special, along with his insecurity and overly quick opinions and actions make him easy for the young to identify with. Oppel’s descriptions of bat behavior (extensively researched), the migration are detailed but read easily and quickly. Plus, Goth’s bloodthirsty cannibalistic behavior is par with anything written by Stephen King, making this an exciting book. If you didn’t like bats before reading this, you may just develop an understanding, and maybe even an affection for them after this!
Lovely 16 year old Sally Lockhart seeks her father’s murderer with the help of an artistic family in Victorian London. Armed only with the clue to "beware the seven blessings" she is entangled in a web of smuggling and intrigue and faces the deadly forces of the malevolent old Mrs. Holland the mysterious Ah Ling. Exciting mystery with an admirable heroine and other memorable characters. A very quick and engrossing read, enjoyable for both girls and boys. Pullman is an excellent storyteller who creates wonderful atmosphere.
Karl, a clockmaker’s apprentice, has failed to create a new figure for the clocktower, scheduled to be unveiled tomorrow morning. Fritz, a writer friend, tells a story involving a mysterious and brilliant clockmaker who creates an "heir" for the childless Prince Otto. In the midst of the storytelling, the "fictitious" clockmaker actually appears and the story takes on a life of its own. Fritz flees terrified (he has no idea how to end the story and make the clockmaker vanish). But Karl makes a devilish bargain with the clockmaker in order to gain a clockwork figure (that of a knight) to put in the clocktower before tomorrow (when his project is due)… Wonderfully inventive fairy tale with a Faust-like motif. The story within a story is smoothly and simply told, but is very compelling. This is classic fairy tale material! A very fast read of only 107 pages. A great book!
This the second adventure starring Sally Lockhart, who falls in love with Fred (the photographer who befriended her in the first book), while trying to stop Axel Bellman (Europe’s richest man) from unleashing a steam gun on the unsuspecting world. This is just as fun as the first book. A great detective story and exciting Victorian tale.
This is the third book with Sally Lockhart. Fred, who was killed in the 2nd book, and she were engaged to be married. Now she is raising their daughter and head of a successful detective agency. But a mysterious man is trying to take her child away from her, claiming that his is the father. Penniless and hiding from the police, Sally takes refuge with a group of socialist Jews, led by Daniel Goldberg, from whom she learns some very important truths about life, London, and being a mother. This is the best of all the Lockhart books so far. It deals with important social issues, as do the others, but the characters seem more complex, and good and evil are not so clear cut. Excellent, exciting story set in the poverty stricken East of End of London.
John is shipwrecked along with his father and the rest of the crew of the coast of Cornwall. Deliberately lured onto "The Tombstones" by some of the folk of Pendennis, John’s father is captured and the crew killed. John manages to escape with the help of the mysterious Simon Mawgan, who takes him to his own home, Galilee. But can John trust Simon to help him free his father? And can Parson Tweed be trusted, or is he also trying to find the gold that John’s father supposedly hid before the shipwreck. Mary, Simon’s niece, seems to the the only person he can rely on. This is a well told, fast moving story that seems to have been inspired by the classic adventure stories of Robert Louis Stevenson. A fun book!
A moving and suspenseful tale of Roberto and his friend Samuele (a Jew) who are kidnapped from Venice by German soldiers and taken to a work camp in the Ukraine to help the Nazis. Roberto learns to survive on his own after Samuele’s murder, escaping from a labor camp. But can he evade the Nazis and return to Italy? During Roberto’s struggles he carries a talisman – a smooth stone given to him by a Jewish girl once helped… This is a well written tale with an all too human boy who learns to sacrifice for the good of others, even when it is at great personal risk to himself. Good story and good message!
This is an enchanting and eerie fairytale about Peter, the future king, who is locked up in the high tower of "The Needle" for five long years by Flagg, the evil court magician. Peter’s younger and less favored brotehr, Thomas, reluctantly becomes the new king, depending utterly on Flagg for guidance, although he saw Flagg poison his father. How will Flagg’s death grip on the kingdom be broken? Will Peter ever escaped and take his rightful place on the throne? An extremely well written, funny, compassionate, creepy (but not graphically gory) fairy tale. King wrote this for his own daughter. Fast moving and wonderful reading.
Jeremy finds a mysterious magic shop and takes home a dragon egg to hatch. But raising a dragon secretly is not as easy as Jeremy thought it would be. Tiamet grows very quickly under Jeremy’s care, as the two become very close. One day Jeremy must face the fact that Tiamet is growing too large to keep. But how can he give up his dearest friend? A delightful and funny book. Not complex or deep, but very enjoyable. And of course for dragon lovers, Tiamet is a delightful new friend! Shade’s Children – Garth Nix Great futuristic sci-fi. Thriller. Exciting with likeable heroes—Gold Eye and heroine Ninde, the gigantic "Drum", and Ella – who battle evil aliens who have been controlling humans and using them for spare parts (and food) since "the change" fifteen years ago. This is a frightening vision of the world, especially the descriptions of the meat factory. Not for the faint of heart!
This is about Ryan and Josh, best friends and both gifted in baseball. Josh however feels his abilities entitle him to special privileges and no accountability when it comes to breaking rules. His arrogance culminates in a mock attempted rape of a brilliant young female student who has been critical of him. Now Ryan is faced with two choices: Should he tell the truth about Josh to protect the girl or keep silent to help Josh pitch his way to the baseball team’s chance for the championship? A good, fast moving book with interesting details about baseball and football. Nice exploration of the differing values between the two friends.
Once again, Pullman tells a chilling fairy tale (somewhat of the "Clockwork" flavor), Count Karlstein has promised a human sacrifice to Zamiel, the demon huntsman (in order to avoid giving up his own soul). The sacrifices are his own nieces – Lucy and Charlotte! This is a delightful, sometimes comic and sometimes eerie Victorian gothic thriller, told from several different characters’ points of view. It reads very quickly and is engrossing. Great tongue in check characters such as Dr. Cadaverzzi and Sergeant Snitcsch. Wonderful melodramatic reading!
Delightful short vignettes of Bailey’s life in the backwoods of Georgia with her eccentric "Mama". Subtly funny stories with very dry and sometimes sly humor. Sort of sophisticated reading. Not slap stick or obvious human (which is more the typical junior high fare). Fun book. Worth reading again and again. Move over, Eudora Welty.
Matthias, a brave young mouse, possesses the soul of "Martin the Warrior" (the savior of Redwall Abbey). Along with other brave woodlanders of Mossflower Matthias battles the vicious "Cluny the Scourge", a thieving water rat, and his band of followers. Jacques provides a great amount of detail about the abbey, habit and feasting of the woodlanders. Excellent descriptions of the battles. Very likeable characters with interesting dialects. A funny and swashbuckling animal adventure story. Part of the Redwall series.
Studious and retiring Perloo is made the unwilling heir to the Montmer throne before Queen Jolaine is foully murdered by her loutishson, Berwig the Big. Now Perloo must escape and rally forces to overthrow Berwig’s tyrannical seizing of the kingdom. But the only help available must come from the Weyanto and the Felbarts, who are the ancient enemies of the Montmers. A funny, touching character is Perloo. Nice message about learning to live peacefully with enemies – who then in turn can become friends. Fast reading and very enjoyable.
In this story Martin the Warrior (the first savior of Redwall abbey) struggle to free the woodlanders from the evil Tsarmina, the wildcat queen and dictator of Mossflower with the help of his friends Gonff (the prince of mouse thieves), Bella the Badger, her father (Boar the Fighter), Lady Amber (master archer of the squirrels), Denny the mole, and Skip, leader of the otters. This is a delightful series of swashbuckling animal fantasy!
Harry Potter begins school for wizards and witches, far from his neglectful aunt and uncle. But someone is trying to steal the sorceror’s stone from the schoo. Harry and his friends come to the rescue. Charming, humorous, easy reading. Cute characters and awful relatives you just love to hate? Easy to see why this is such a popular series.
Robin McKinley again retells the story of Beauty and the Beast, this time with great detail to the actual roses that Beauty revives at both the Beast’s and her own cottage. Also, the sisters, Jeweltongue and Lionheart, are both more detailed and thoroughly likeable. Beauty’s dreams, the slow return of the animals to the palace, the ending with Beauty choosing the Beast to remain in his enchanted form rather than return to a life of power, position, and the dread of those who served him – all of these make this a much richer retelling. The vocabulary is also more sophisticated, as is the humor. Who says you can’t tell the same story twice? McKinley can. This is a lovely book!
This is my favorite novel by King because of the characters like Coffey and the warden. The book is realistic, touching, humorous, and spooky all at the same time. Unfortunately because it is also brutal and crude (as King often is) it is not suitable for all junior high students. It has been placed in the Professional area therefore. Students may check it out with permission from one of their parents or their reading teacher.
This is a great fantasy series. Lots of fun, with many memorable characters – including the evil Governor Harrison who plans to become President and spread slavery throughout the states. Can’t wait for the next one!
Well written, easy, and exciting. Teaches a good lesson of learning empathy and respect for others, especially those of one’s own heritage. Great enrichment book for WWII curriculum and an entertaining read.
Wonderfully detailed story, highly original, exciting, with a little romance. Very entertaining fantasy with a very capable and likeable heroine. Transfigured
Hart –
Jane Yolen Simply, but beautifully written, very short, and thoroughly satisfying as fairy tales go. The ending is truly magical, not logical. But the magic makes sense emotionally. Wonderful little book.
An exciting, chilling, and believable story with likeable main characters. The believer are realistically yet sympathetically protrayed, even the fanatical minister. One really feels for the helplessness of these two teens who are swept along in their parents’ decisions with no choices of their own.
As usual, this is a very entertaining and exciting installment in the adventures of Alvin Maker. High quality storytelling! It will leave you eager for the next installment.
The beginning book of an exciting adventure series, written in Cooper’s wonderful style, full of detailed fantasy.
This is a funny and campy story written in 1949. A perfect “Hardy Boys in Space” type of boy’s adventure story. Exciting and quick moving. Classic sci-fi!
This is a thoroughly charming tale told simply but creatively. I especially loved the tiny stories that begin each chapter that are allusions to the plotline of that particular chapter. An elegant, memorable book.
A rousing swashbuckler, full of suspense and wonderful descriptions of sailing. Charlotte is a wonderful character who develops from a bright but overly prim young lady into a self confident and courageous sailor. The ending is great! Children
of the River
– Linda Crew This realistic story will probably be more popular with girls than |
Who
Was That Masked Man, Anyway? -- by Avi 
Indian
in the Cupboard – by Lynne Reid Banks 
Dealing
with Dragons – by Patricia Wrede
Taking
Care of Terrific – Lois Lowry
An
Acceptable Time – Madeleine L’Engle
One
Eyed Cat – Paula Fox 
Heart’s
Blood –
by Jane Yolen 
The
Tent – by Gary Paulsen 
The
Thief of Always – by Clive Barker
Don’t
Look Behind You – by Lois Duncan
Singularity
– by William Sleator 
Danger
on Panther Peak – Bill Wallace
Crash –
Jerry
Spinelli 
Babcock
– Joe Cottonwood 
In
the Middle of the Night – Robert Cormier 
Zel
– Donna Jo Napoli 
The
Squire’s Tale – Gerald Morris
Ender’s
Game – Orson Scott Card 
Speaker
for the Dead – Orson Scott Card
Xenocide
– Orson Scott Card 
Children
of the Mind – Orson Scott Card
Ender’s
Shadow – Orson Scott Card
The
Golden Compass – Philip Pullman
The
Subtle Knife – Philip Pullman
The
Amber Spyglass – Philip Pullman
A
Day No Pigs Would Die – Robert Newton Peck 
Victor –
Mordicai
Gerstein 
Princess
Nevermore – Dian Curtis Regan
Beauty –
Robin
McKinley 
Out
of the Dust – Karen Hesse 
The
Ear, the Eye, and the Arm – Nancy Farmer 
Second
Bend in the River – Ann Rinaldi
Harry
Potter and the Chamber of Secrets – J.K. Rowling 
Chasing
Redbird – Sharon Creech 
Wrestling
with Honor – David Klass 
The
Ancient One – T.A. Barron
Sisters/Hermanas – Gary Paulsen 
The
Boggart – Susan Cooper 
The
King’s Shadow
– Elizabeth Alder 
Stillwatch
– Mary
Higgins Clark 
Chinese
Handcuffs
– by Chris Crutcher 
Briar
Rose – by Jane Yolen 
The
Door in the Hedge
– by Robin McKinley 
Jumping
the Nail
– Eve Bunting 
Tiger Eyes
– Judy
Blume 
Flight
116 is Down
– Caroline Cooney 
The
Black Unicorn
– by Terry Brooks 
One Fat
Summer –
Robert Lipsyte 
Zero At
the Bone
– Michael Cadnum 
Downriver
– Will
Hobbs 
The Dark
Corridor
– Jay Bennett 
Seventh Son
–
Orson Scott Card 
Harris
and Me --
Gary Paulsen 
The
Broken Bridge
– Philip Pullman 
The Tin
Princess
– Philip Pullman 
Follow
the River
– James Alexander Thom 
The
Bellmaker –
Brian Jacques 
Fifth of
March –
Ann Rinaldi 
Harry
Potter and the
Goblet of Fire –
J.K. Rowling 
Searching
for
Candlestick Park – Peg
Kehret 
Ghost Abbey
–
Robert Westall 
Passager
– Jane
Yolen 
Hobby –
Jane Yolen 
Merlin –
Jane
Yolen 
The Thief
– Megan
Whalen Turner 
Harry
Potter and the
Prisoner of Azkaban
– J..K. Rowling 
Wise Child
–
Monica Furlong 
The Man
Who Was Poe
-- Avi 
Timeline
– Michael
Crichton 
Look
For Me By
Moonlight – Mary Downing
Hahn 
The
Hippopotamus
Pool
– Elizabeth Peters 
Pay Dirt
– Rita
Mae Brown and Sneaky
Pie Brown 
Homebody
– Orson
Scott Card 
Companions
of
the
Night – Vivian Vande
Velde 
The
Dark Side of
Nowhere – Neal Shusterman 
Nothing
But the
Truth
– Avi 
Sphere –
Michael
Crichton 
In
the
Forests of the
Night – Amelia
Atwater-Rhodes 
The
House of Dies
Drear – Virginia Hamilton 
The
Mystery of
Drear
House – Virginia
Hamilton 
Demon
in My View–
Amelia Atwater-Rhodes 
Silverwing
–
Kenneth Oppel 
Ruby
in the Smoke
– Philip Pullman 
Clockwork
–
Philip Pullman 
Shadow
in the North
– Philip Pullman 
The
Tiger in the Well
-- Philip Pullman 
The Wreckers
–
Iain Lawrence 
Stones
in Water
– Donna Jo Napoli 
Eyes
of the Dragon
– Stephen King 
Jeremy
Thatcher,
Dragon Hatcher – Bruce
Coville 
Painting
the Black
– Carl Deuker 
Count
Karlstein
–
Philip Pullman 
Mama
Makes Up
Her Mind
– Bailey White 
Redwall
– Brian
Jacques 
Perloo
the Bold –
Avi 
Mossflower
–
Brian Jacques 
Harry
Potter and the
Sorceror’s Stone
– J.K. Rowlings 
Rose
Daughter –
Robin McKinley 
The Green
Mile –
Stephan King 
Alvin,
Journeyman –
by Orson Scott Card 
The
Devil’s
Arithmetic – Jane Yolen 
Sabriel –
Garth Nix 
Armageddon
Summer –
Bruce Coville and Jane
Yolen 
Heartfire –
Orson
Scott Card 
The
Dark is Rising –
Susan Cooper 
The Red
Planet –
Robert Heinlein 
Shadow
Spinner –
Susan Fletcher 
The
True Confessions
of Charlotte Doyle
– Avi