Three more reviews for your reading pleasure. I still have four or more to write.
Angry Management by Chris Crutcher
Run by Nak, Angry Management is a group for misfits – teens who have dealt with some hard lives. Told in three novellas, the reader learns a little about each of them, and a lot about survival.
The author takes several characters from his popular teen novels, adds a couple of new ones, and intertwines all of their stories. To paraphrase a coworker, he wrote his own fan fiction.
While the stories are interesting they are not some of Crutcher’s best work. Skip this and head straight for Athletic Shorts.
How to Steal a Car by Pete Hautman
Fifteen-year-old Kelleigh Monahan is a good girl. Some might even call her dull. On an impulse, she does something that changes her image; she steals a car. This leads to stealing another car…and another…and thinking about stealing other cars. The high from driving off in someone else’s makes up for the thinly veiled turmoil of her home life. Can Kelleigh curb her penchant for illegally borrowing other people’s automobiles, or will her bad girl ways finally catch up to her?
While there are some serious moments in the story, this book is still more of a fun fluff novel. I like the main character’s voice, and the way her summer assignment is incorporated in the tale. Overall, this is just a quick, fun read.
Lost by Jacqueline Davies
It’s the early 1900s. When Essie, a Triangle Shirtwaist Factory worker, first sees Harriet, she labels the new worker as lost; however, Harriet isn’t the only one who is lost.
As the story unfolds, we learn of Essie’s family: her mother, younger brother, Saulie, and younger sister, Zelda. Essie and Zelda are particularly close. Each chapter switches between the now (Essie’s growing friendship with Harriet) and the then (Essie’s close relationship with Zelda) until the two stories merge. Will those who are lost ever find their way?
With descriptive paragraphs and colorful wording, Davies richly portrays life the early 1900s New York. While life is difficult for Essie and her family, there is beauty and joy as well. Additionally, the plot element and setting of the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory (and the fire which took the lives of many young women) is one not often found in historical novels for teens, making it a welcomed change.
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Look, Ma! More reviews!
Slowly, I am getting caught up on reviews. I'm splitting up the ones I have left in order to have less overwhelming posts. Oh...and so I hopefully don't miss any books in the process.
Here are two books that are great for tweens and teens.
Life in the small town of Rowlesburg, West Virginia is centered on trains. Most of the families in the town work for the railroad, and Jimmy Cannon’s family is no exception.
The story is told from Jimmy’s viewpoint, and each chapter focuses on All Hallow’s Eve from 1945 to 1949. Jimmy grows from a young teen to an adult, watching his father – a B&O foreman – age as each birthday (October 31) passes.
When I heard that this book was set in West Virginia – my home state – I immediately wanted to read it. At first, I wasn’t too impressed with the story; however, as each chapter progressed, I found myself drawn into Jimmy’s world. The description of West Virginia small town life paralleled the descriptions I have often read or heard about in other sources.
It’s just been a few months since Kendra and Seth returned home from a summer at Fablehaven, and the siblings are gearing up for Christmas break. Unfortunately, they won’t be spending a quiet holiday at home with their parents.
Kendra is kidnapped by the Society and presumed dead. Seth and his grandparents find the truth – and the family must race to find the key to unlocking another artifact before the Society gets their hands a hold of it!
Yet another action packed story filled with unexpected twists. Mull has done an excellent job of keeping each book of the series as entertaining as the first. I can’t wait to get my hands on the next book!
Here are two books that are great for tweens and teens.
When the Whistle Blows by Fran Cannon Slayton
Life in the small town of Rowlesburg, West Virginia is centered on trains. Most of the families in the town work for the railroad, and Jimmy Cannon’s family is no exception.
The story is told from Jimmy’s viewpoint, and each chapter focuses on All Hallow’s Eve from 1945 to 1949. Jimmy grows from a young teen to an adult, watching his father – a B&O foreman – age as each birthday (October 31) passes.
When I heard that this book was set in West Virginia – my home state – I immediately wanted to read it. At first, I wasn’t too impressed with the story; however, as each chapter progressed, I found myself drawn into Jimmy’s world. The description of West Virginia small town life paralleled the descriptions I have often read or heard about in other sources.
Fablehaven: Secrets of the Dragon Sanctuary by Brandon Mull
It’s just been a few months since Kendra and Seth returned home from a summer at Fablehaven, and the siblings are gearing up for Christmas break. Unfortunately, they won’t be spending a quiet holiday at home with their parents.
Kendra is kidnapped by the Society and presumed dead. Seth and his grandparents find the truth – and the family must race to find the key to unlocking another artifact before the Society gets their hands a hold of it!
Yet another action packed story filled with unexpected twists. Mull has done an excellent job of keeping each book of the series as entertaining as the first. I can’t wait to get my hands on the next book!
Picture this...
Here are a couple of cute picture books I've recently read.
Ethan is very disappointed to read that his usual monster, Gabe, has gone fishing. Can any of the substitute monsters fit Ethan’s needs, or will he be doomed to not sleep for a week?
With colorful, lively illustrations, this picture book is sure to tickle the funny bone of any monster-loving child. A great story for ages 5 and up.
My Goldfish by Barroux
My goldfish can do all sorts of things. He’s strong, and old and talented.
This is a wonderful picture book for those who owns a pet fish. What can your goldfish do? Preschool and older.
I Need My Monster by Amanda Noll
Ethan is very disappointed to read that his usual monster, Gabe, has gone fishing. Can any of the substitute monsters fit Ethan’s needs, or will he be doomed to not sleep for a week?
With colorful, lively illustrations, this picture book is sure to tickle the funny bone of any monster-loving child. A great story for ages 5 and up.
My Goldfish by Barroux
This is a wonderful picture book for those who owns a pet fish. What can your goldfish do? Preschool and older.
Monday, November 16, 2009
first of many reviews...
I've been on a a reading spree lately, and have finished seven books and one audiobook. Here are the first few reviews.
A Breath of Snow and Ashes by Diana Gabaldon
Hallelujah! I have finished this audiobook!
That isn’t to say that I didn’t enjoy listening to this edition of Gabaldon’s epic Outlander series. I wholeheartedly did! However, I have been listening to this series for about a year, with a few – much shorter – audiobooks mixed between the Outlander books.
A Breath of Snow and Ashes is 48 discs and 58 hours of audio pleasure. As with the previous novels, Davina Porter does an excellent job of bringing life to the text.
The book begins where the previous ends. America is in the early stages of the Revolutionary War. Jamie continues to play the dangerous game of playing both sides. Additionally, there is the matter of the newspaper clipping that Brianna brought from the future. The clipping that announces the fiery death of Jamie and Claire.
As with the previous novels, Gabaldon colorfully portrays life during the 1700s, bringing the reader up close with history without being boring.
The latest book was published last month. I’m anxiously awaiting it to be available on audiobook at my library! (adult)
The Magician’s Elephant by Kate DiCamillo
When young orphan Peter pays a fortuneteller to tell him about his baby sister, he does not expect the answer to be an Elephant, especially as there are no elephants in their part of the world. Later, a magician makes a very last minute decision to produce a magnificent bit of magic...and an elephant crashes through the ceiling of the opera house. Thus begins a chain of events that will fulfill the fortuneteller’s prophecy.
I’ll admit that I almost didn’t finish this book. The story flit from one person to another, and didn’t draw me in at all. It is missing the magic that made The Tale of Despereaux and Because of Winn-Dixie such fantastic novels. (children's)
Kaleideoscope Eyes by Jen Bryant
Lyza was always had a close relationship with her adventurous grandfather. While helping her dad clean out the house after her grandfather’s death, she finds a mysterious package addressed to her. This leads Lyza and her two best friends on an adventure to discover lost pirate treasure.
This novel written in verse is set in New Jersey during the summer and fall of 1968 with the backdrop of the Vietnam War and it’s affect on young American teens. While not the best book I’ve read this year, I enjoyed the story and the mystery. (tween/teen)
A Breath of Snow and Ashes by Diana Gabaldon
Hallelujah! I have finished this audiobook!
That isn’t to say that I didn’t enjoy listening to this edition of Gabaldon’s epic Outlander series. I wholeheartedly did! However, I have been listening to this series for about a year, with a few – much shorter – audiobooks mixed between the Outlander books.
A Breath of Snow and Ashes is 48 discs and 58 hours of audio pleasure. As with the previous novels, Davina Porter does an excellent job of bringing life to the text.
The book begins where the previous ends. America is in the early stages of the Revolutionary War. Jamie continues to play the dangerous game of playing both sides. Additionally, there is the matter of the newspaper clipping that Brianna brought from the future. The clipping that announces the fiery death of Jamie and Claire.
As with the previous novels, Gabaldon colorfully portrays life during the 1700s, bringing the reader up close with history without being boring.
The latest book was published last month. I’m anxiously awaiting it to be available on audiobook at my library! (adult)
The Magician’s Elephant by Kate DiCamillo
When young orphan Peter pays a fortuneteller to tell him about his baby sister, he does not expect the answer to be an Elephant, especially as there are no elephants in their part of the world. Later, a magician makes a very last minute decision to produce a magnificent bit of magic...and an elephant crashes through the ceiling of the opera house. Thus begins a chain of events that will fulfill the fortuneteller’s prophecy.
I’ll admit that I almost didn’t finish this book. The story flit from one person to another, and didn’t draw me in at all. It is missing the magic that made The Tale of Despereaux and Because of Winn-Dixie such fantastic novels. (children's)
Kaleideoscope Eyes by Jen Bryant
Lyza was always had a close relationship with her adventurous grandfather. While helping her dad clean out the house after her grandfather’s death, she finds a mysterious package addressed to her. This leads Lyza and her two best friends on an adventure to discover lost pirate treasure.
This novel written in verse is set in New Jersey during the summer and fall of 1968 with the backdrop of the Vietnam War and it’s affect on young American teens. While not the best book I’ve read this year, I enjoyed the story and the mystery. (tween/teen)
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