quick and dirty - but at least they are done

In the interest of getting caught up, I've decided to post a series of mini-reviews.  These are all books I have read over the past couple of months but just haven't had the chance to write a proper review. 

Love times three: our true story of a polygamous marriage by Joe, Alina, Vicki and Valerie Darger with Brooke Adams. – Adult non-fiction. In some ways fascinating, though I wasn’t overly impressed by the actual writing. The title pretty much tells you what the book is about.

The Near Witch by Victoria Schwab – debut book. Set during an unspecified time period (the far past?) in an unspecified English speaking place (the main character mentions that she speaks English). When a stranger comes to Near, young children turn up missing.  Could the two be related or is it the work of the fabled Near Witch? Realistic supernatural fiction. An intriguing read.

Tall Story by Candy Gourlay– debut book. Two half- siblings. One lives in London with their mother and her father, waiting for the day when her older brother can be with them. The other lives in the Philippines with their aunt and her family, growing taller and taller as he waits for the approval to immigrate to the UK. When he finally arrives, nothing is as expected. Told in alternating voices, this is a wonderful debut. I’m just not 100% sure who its audience is, feeling that it is more of a tween book than anything else.

Madapple by Christina Meldrum– debut book. Previous Morris finalist. Charged with the murder of her aunt and her cousin, Aslaug is on trial. What unfolds is an often confusing story of true reality versus perceived reality, interspersed with religion and science. While a solid novel, it reads more like a book written for adults than a teen novel.

Stranger in a strange land

An Innocent, A Broad by Ann Leary

It was supposed to be a weekend trip to London so her husband could perform for a British television show. What was to be only two short, fun nights across the Atlantic turned into five months of worry when she went into premature labor. 


Likes

In this poignant memoir, Ann Leary, wife of actor and comedian Denis Leary, recounts the birth of their first child in a story that will have the reader crying from laughter. The ordeal of having a premature child would be harrowing enough even without the added stress of having that child in a foreign country, far from family and friends. However, while the events are often worrisome, the story is told in a way that puts the reader in the passenger seat for a surprisingly humorous ride. While highlighting the trials and tribulations of a being a first-time mother and a stranger in a strange land, the story is told with a tongue in cheek approach to life, without making light of the seriousness of the situation.

Dislikes

No pictures. I think it should be a requirement for all biographies and memoirs that they include photographs or other pictures.

Dem bones, dem bones

Every bone tells a story: hominin discoveries, deductions, and debates by Jill Rubalcaba and Peter Robertshaw.

The remains of hominins – or early humans – can tell many tales about how they lived and how they died.  The better preserved the remains, the more stories to be unveiled.  In this nonfiction book, the reader is taken from through the processes of discovery of four well known hominin remains, deductions based on evidence uncovered and debates about what was revealed.

Likes

The information was interesting and accessible.  Lots of great pictures. 

Dislikes

Thickness of the paper made it seem like I was turning several pages at a time. 

Other

This was on the shortlist for the 2011 YALSA Non-Fiction award.

You had me at woof

You Had Me At Woof: How Dogs Taught Me The Secrets Of Happiness by Julie Klam.


Thirty, single and working an unfulfilling job in New York City, Julie didn’t expect the adoption of a Boston Terrier from a rescue group to be such a life changing event. It was. With Otto, Julie fell in love and found a new purpose in life. Over the next decade she got married, had a daughter and became very involved with the regional Boston Terrier rescue group. This is the story of how Otto – and his fellow Boston Terrier/Boston Terrier mixed brethren, changed Julie.

Likes
It’s a true story about Boston Terriers…which is the breed of my beloved puppyboy, Spike.

I found myself often nodding along as the author described the typical traits of the breed, as there are many I see in Spike. There is also a lot of humor in her tale. Even the sad parts – as there often can be when discussing rescue pets – were well written. I will admit…I shed a few tears.

Dislikes
How can you have a book about how important these animals have been to you and not have a single photo of them? That was very disappointing.

birth of an American terrorist group

They called themselves the K.K.K.: the birth of an American terrorist group by Susan Campbell Bartoletti.

Shortly after the American Civil War ended a group of Southern gentlemen started an organization to enforce and preserve the ways of the pre-Civil War South. In the dead of the night the members of the organization hid their identities with hooded costumes and terrorized Northerners living in the South, Blacks and their supporters, going as far as to burn homes and commit murder.

Rich with photographs, illustrations and detailed writing, this book documents the struggles of the freed slaves and their supporters and the inhuman actions of the KKK.

Likes

As anyone who reads this blog knows, I like historical fiction. As you can imagine, I also like to read historical non-fiction. This is an excellent example of historical non-fiction written for a teen audience.

Included in this book are a lot of first person accounts, photographs and other historical materials – none of which have been doctored in order to clean them up for the intended audience. In fact, the Author’s Note even states:

“Wherever possible, I have let the people of the past speak in their own voices. Some of these people use crude language. No matter how difficult it is to see the offensive words in print, I have made no attempt to censor these historical statements.”

She goes on to say the same about images that “caricatured and are racially offensive”.

I applaud her willingness to not censor the past, instead showing how horrible things really were for many living during that time period.

Additionally, there are both an extensive Civil Rights timeline and a comprehensive bibliography and source notes included with the back matter.

Other
This was on the shortlist for the 2011 YALSA Non-Fiction award.

And the winners are…

Yesterday morning the winners were announced at the Youth Media Awards. In San Diego, people gathered to see the announcements. Throughout the world, people gathered around their computers to watch, listen and or read the live broadcasts. We had our guesses – and hopes – as to who the winners would be. I’ve a feeling that most of us were surprised at the results.

Without further ado, here is the list of winners and honors (from the ALA Press Release)

NEWS
For Immediate Release
January 10, 2011

Contact: Macey Morales

American Library Association announces youth media award winners

SAN DIEGO - The American Library Association (ALA) today announced the top books, video and audiobooks for children and young adults – including the Caldecott, Coretta Scott King, Newbery and Printz awards – at its Midwinter Meeting in San Diego.

A list of all the 2011 award winners follows:

John Newbery Medal for the most outstanding contribution to children’s literature

“Moon over Manifest,” written by Clare Vanderpool, is the 2011 Newbery Medal winner. The book is published by Delacorte Press, an imprint of Random House Children’s Books, a division of Random House, Inc.

Four Newbery Honor Books also were named: “Turtle in Paradise,” by Jennifer L. Holm and published by Random House Children’s Books, a division of Random House, Inc.; “Heart of a Samurai,” written by Margi Preus and published by Amulet Books, an imprint of ABRAMS; “Dark Emperor and Other Poems of the Night,” written by Joyce Sidman, illustrated by Rick Allen and published by Houghton Mifflin Books for Children, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt; and “One Crazy Summer,” by Rita Williams-Garcia and published by Amistad, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers.

Randolph Caldecott Medal for the most distinguished American picture book for children “A Sick Day for Amos McGee,” illustrated by Erin E. Stead, is the 2011 Caldecott Medal winner. The book was written by Philip C. Stead, and is a Neal Porter Book, published by Roaring Brook Press, a division of Holtzbrinck Publishing.

Two Caldecott Honor Books also were named: “Dave the Potter: Artist, Poet, Slave,” illustrated by Bryan Collier, written by Laban Carrick Hill and published by Little, Brown and Company, a division of Hachette Book Group, Inc.; and “Interrupting Chicken,” written and illustrated by David Ezra Stein and published by Candlewick Press.

Michael L. Printz Award for excellence in literature written for young adults

“Ship Breaker,” written by Paolo Bacigalupi, is the 2011 Printz Award winner. The book is published by Little, Brown and Company, a division of Hachette Book Group, Inc.

Four Printz Honor Books also were named: “Stolen,” by Lucy Christopher and published by Chicken House, an imprint of Scholastic Inc.; “Please Ignore Vera Dietz,” by A.S. King and published by Alfred A. Knopf, an imprint of Random House Children’s Books, a division of Random House, Inc.; “Revolver,” by Marcus Sedgwick and published by Roaring Brook Press, an imprint of the Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group; and “Nothing,” by Janne Teller and published by Atheneum Books for Young Readers, an imprint of Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing Division.

Coretta Scott King (Author) Book Award recognizing an African American author of outstanding books for children and young adults “One Crazy Summer,” written by Rita Williams-Garcia is the 2011 King Author Book winner. The book is published by Amistad, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers.

Three King Author Honor Books were selected: “Lockdown,” by Walter Dean Myers and published by Amistad, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers; “Ninth Ward,” by Jewell Parker Rhodes and published by Little, Brown and Company, a division of Hachette Book Group, Inc.; and “Yummy: The Last Days of a Southside Shorty,” written by G. Neri, illustrated by Randy DuBurke and published by Lee & Low Books Inc.

Coretta Scott King (Illustrator) Book Award recognizing an African American illustrator of outstanding books for children and young adults “Dave the Potter: Artist, Poet, Slave,” illustrated by Bryan Collier, is the 2011 King Illustrator Book winner.

The book was written by Laban Carrick Hill and published by Little, Brown and Company, a division of Hachette Book Group, Inc. One King Illustrator Honor Book was selected: “Jimi Sounds Like a Rainbow: A Story of the Young Jimi Hendrix,” illustrated by Javaka Steptoe, written by Gary Golio and published by Clarion Books, an imprint of Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.

Coretta Scott King/John Steptoe New Talent (Author) Award

“Zora and Me,” written by Victoria Bond and T. R. Simon, is the 2011 Steptoe author winner. The book is published by Candlewick Press.

Coretta Scott King/John Steptoe New Talent (Illustrator) Award

“Seeds of Change,” illustrated by Sonia Lynn Sadler, is the 2011 Steptoe illustrator winner. The book is written by Jen Cullerton Johnson and published by Lee & Low Books Inc.

Coretta Scott King – Virginia Hamilton Practitioner Award for Lifetime Achievement

Dr. Henrietta Mays Smith is the winner of the 2011 Coretta Scott King – Virginia Hamilton Practitioner Award for Lifetime achievement. The award pays tribute to the quality and magnitude of beloved children’s author Virginia Hamilton’s contributions through her literature and advocacy for children and youth.

Schneider Family Book Award for books that embody an artistic expression of the disability experience “The Pirate of Kindergarten,” written by George Ella Lyon, illustrated by Lynne Avril and published by Atheneum Books for Young Readers, an imprint of Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing Division, wins the award for children ages 0 to 10.

“After Ever After,” written by Jordan Sonnenblick and published by Scholastic Press, an imprint of Scholastic Inc., is the winner of the middle-school (ages 11-13).

The teen (ages 13-18) award winner is “Five Flavors of Dumb,” written by Antony John and published by Dial Books, an imprint of Penguin Group (USA) Inc.

Alex Awards for the 10 best adult books that appeal to teen audiences

“The Reapers Are the Angels: A Novel,” by Alden Bell, published by Holt Paperbacks, a division of Henry Holt and Company, LLC

“The Particular Sadness of Lemon Cake: A Novel,” by Aimee Bender, published by Doubleday, a division of Random House, Inc.

“The House of Tomorrow,” by Peter Bognanni, published by Amy Einhorn Books, an imprint of G.P. Putnam’s Sons, a division of the Penguin Group

“Room: A Novel,” by Emma Donoghue, published by Little, Brown and Company a division of Hachette Book Group, Inc.

“The Vanishing of Katharina Linden: A Novel,” by Helen Grant, published by Delacorte, an imprint of The Random House Publishing Group, a division of Random House, Inc.

“The Radleys,” by Matt Haig, published by Free Press, a division of Simon & Schuster, Inc.

“The Lock Artist,” by Steve Hamilton, published by Thomas Dunne Books for Minotaur Books, an imprint of St. Martin’s Press

“Girl in Translation,” by Jean Kwok, published by Riverhead Books, an imprint of the Penguin Group

“Breaking Night: A Memoir of Forgiveness, Survival, and My Journey from Homeless to Harvard,” by Liz Murray, published by Hyperion

“The Boy Who Couldn’t Sleep and Never Had To,” by DC Pierson, published by Vintage Books, a division of Random House, Inc.

Andrew Carnegie Medal for excellence in children’s video

Paul R. Gagne and Melissa Reilly Ellard of Weston Woods, producers of “The Curious Garden,” are the Carnegie Medal winners. The video is based on the book of the same name, written and illustrated by Peter Brown, and is narrated by Katherine Kellgren, with music by David Mansfield.

Laura Ingalls Wilder Award honors an author or illustrator whose books, published in the United States, have made, over a period of years, a substantial and lasting contribution to literature for children. The 2011 winner is Tomie dePaola, author and illustrator of over 200 books, including: “26 Fairmont Avenue” (Putnam, 1999), “The Legend of the Poinsettia” (Putnam, 1994), “Oliver Button Is a Sissy” (Harcourt, 1979) and “Strega Nona” (Prentice-Hall, 1975).

Margaret A. Edwards Award honors an author, as well as a specific body of his or her work, for significant and lasting contribution to young adult literature.

Sir Terry Pratchett is the 2011 Edwards Award winner. His books include: “The amazing Maurice and His Educated Rodents,” “The Wee Free Men,” and “A Hat Full of Sky” published by HarperCollins Children’s Books; and “The Color of Magic,” “Guards! Guards!,” “Equal Rites,” “Going Postal,” “Small Gods,” and “Mort” all published by HarperCollins Publishers.

May Hill Arbuthnot Honor Lecture Award recognizing an author, critic, librarian, historian or teacher of children’s literature, who then presents a lecture at a winning host site. Peter Sís will deliver the 2012 lecture. Born in Brno, Czechoslovakia, in 1949, Sís attended the Academy of Applied Arts in Prague and the Royal College of Art in London. He has lived in the United States since 1982. Sís was awarded the 2008 Robert F. Sibert Medal and has illustrated three Caldecott Honor books. Sís’ work is admired throughout the world, and in 2003 he was named MacArthur Fellow, an honor bestowed by the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation.

Mildred L. Batchelder Award for an outstanding children’s book translated from a language other than English and subsequently published in the United States

“A Time of Miracles” is the 2011 Batchelder Award winner. Originally published in French in 2009 as “Le Temps des Miracles,” the book was written by Anne-Laure Bondoux, translated by Y. Maudet, and published by Delacorte Press, an imprint of Random House Children’s Books, a division of Random House, Inc.

Two Batchelder Honor Books also were selected: “Departure Time,” published by Namelos, written by Truus Matti and translated by Nancy Forest-Flier; and “Nothing,” published by Atheneum Books for Young Readers, an imprint of Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing Division, written by Janne Teller and translated by Martin Aitken.

Odyssey Award for best audiobook produced for children and/or young adults, available in English in the United States “The True Meaning of Smekday,” produced by Listening Library, an imprint of Random House Audio Publishing Group, is the 2011 Odyssey Award winner. The book is written by Adam Rex and narrated by Bahni Turpin.

Four Odyssey Honor Recordings also were selected: “Alchemy and Meggy Swann,” produced by Listening Library, an imprint of the Random House Audio Publishing Group, written by Karen Cushman and narrated by Katherine Kellgren; “The Knife of Never Letting Go,” produced by Candlewick on Brilliance Audio, an imprint of Brilliance Audio, written by Patrick Ness and narrated by Nick Podehl; “Revolution,” produced by Listening Library, an imprint of the Random House Audio Publishing Group, written by Jennifer Donnelly and narrated by Emily Janice Card and Emma Bering; and “will grayson, will grayson,” produced by Brilliance Audio, written by John Green and David Levithan, and narrated by MacLeod Andrews and Nick Podehl.

Pura Belpré (Author) Award honoring a Latino writer whose children’s books best portray, affirm and celebrate the Latino cultural experience

“The Dreamer,” written by Pam Muñoz Ryan, is the 2011 Belpré Author Award winner. The book is illustrated by Peter Sís and published by Scholastic Press, an imprint of Scholastic Inc.

Three BelpréAuthor Honor Books were named: “¡Olé! Flamenco,” written and illustrated by George Ancona and published by Lee & Low Books Inc.; “The Firefly Letters: A Suffragette’s Journey to Cuba,” written by Margarita Engle and published by Henry Holt and Company, LLC; and “90 Miles to Havana,” written by Enrique Flores-Galbis and published by Roaring Brook Press, a division of Holtzbrinck Publishing.

Pura Belpré (Illustrator) Award honoring a Latino illustrator whose children’s books best portray, affirm and celebrate the Latino cultural experience

“Grandma’s Gift,” illustrated and written by Eric Velasquez, is the 2011 Belpré Illustrator Award winner. The book is published by Walker Publishing Company, Inc., a division of Bloomsbury Publishing, Inc.

Three BelpréIllustrator Honor Books for illustration were selected: “Fiesta Babies,” illustrated by Amy Córdova, written by Carmen Tafolla and published by Tricycle Press, an imprint of the Crown Publishing Group, a division of Random House, Inc.; “Me, Frida,” illustrated by David Diaz, written by Amy Novesky and published by Abrams Books for Young Readers, an imprint of ABRAMS; “Dear Primo: A Letter to My Cousin,” illustrated and written by Duncan Tonatiuh and published by Abrams Books for Young Readers, an imprint of ABRAMS.

Robert F. Sibert Medal for most distinguished informational book for children

“Kakapo Rescue: Saving the World’s Strangest Parrot,” written by Sy Montgomery, is the 2011 Sibert Award winner. The book features photographs by Nic Bishop and is published by Houghton Mifflin Books for Children, an imprint of Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.

Two Sibert Honor Book were named: “Ballet for Martha: Making Appalachian Spring,” written by Jan Greenberg and Sandra Jordan, illustrated by Brian Floca, a Neal Porter Book, published by Flash Point, an imprint ofRoaring Brook Press, a division of Holtzbrinck Publishing; “Lafayette and the American Revolution,” written by Russell Freedman and published by Holiday House.

Stonewall Children’s and Young Adult Literature Award

“Almost Perfect,” written by Brian Katcher, published by Delacorte Press, an imprint of Random House Children’s Books, a division of Random House, Inc. is the winner of the 2011 Stonewall Children’s and Young Adult Literature Award. The award is given annually to English-language children’s and young adult books of exceptional merit relating to the gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgendered experience.

Four honor books were selected: “will grayson, will grayson,” written by John Green and David Levithan and published by Dutton Books, a member of Penguin Group (USA) Inc.; “Love Drugged,” written by James Klise and published by Flux, an imprint of Llewellyn Worldwide Ltd.; “Freaks and Revelations,” written by Davida Willis Hurwin and published by Little, Brown and Company, a division of Hachette Book Group, Inc.; and “The Boy in the Dress,” written by David Walliams, illustrated by Quentin Blake and published by Penguin Young Readers Group.

Theodor Seuss Geisel Award for the most distinguished beginning reader book

“Bink and Gollie,” written by Kate DiCamillo and Alison McGhee and illustrated by Tony Fucile is the 2011 Seuss Award winner. The book is published by Candlewick Press.

Two Geisel Honor Books were named: “Ling & Ting: Not Exactly the Same!” written and illustrated by Grace Lin and published by Little, Brown and Company, a division of Hachette Book Group, Inc.; and “We Are in a Book!” written and illustrated by Mo Willems and published by Hyperion Books for Children, an imprint of Disney Book Group.

William C. Morris Award for a debut book published by a first-time author writing for teens

“The Freak Observer,” written by Blythe Woolston is the 2011 Morris Award winner. The book is published by Carolrhoda Lab, an imprint of Carolrhoda Books, a division of Lerner Publishing Group.

Four other books were finalists for the award: “Hush,” by Eishes Chayil and published by Walker Publishing Company, a division of Bloomsbury Publishing, Inc.; “Guardian of the Dead,” by Karen Healey and published by Little, Brown and Company/Hachette Book Group; “Hold Me Closer, Necromancer,” by Lish McBride and published by Henry Holt; and “Crossing the Tracks,” by Barbara Stuber and published by Margaret McElderry Books, an imprint of Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing Division.

YALSA Award for Excellence in Nonfiction for Young Adults honors the best nonfiction book published for young adults during a November 1 – October 31 publishing year.

“Janis Joplin: Rise Up Singing,” written by Ann Angel, is the 2011 Excellence winner. The book is published by Amulet/Abrams.

Four other books were finalists for the award:“They Called Themselves the K.K.K.: The Birth of an American Terrorist Group,” by Susan Campbell Bartoletti and published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt; “Spies of Mississippi: The True Story of the Spy Network that Tried to Destroy the Civil Rights Movement,” by Rick Bowers and published by National Geographic Society; “The Dark Game: True Spy Stories,” by Paul Janeczko and published by Candlewick Press; and “Every Bone Tells a Story: Hominin Discoveries, Deductions, and Debates,” by Jill Rubalcaba and Peter Robertshaw and published by Charlesbridge.

Recognized worldwide for the high quality they represent, ALA awards guide parents, educators, librarians and others in selecting the best materials for youth. Selected by judging committees of librarians and other children’s and young adult experts, the awards encourage original and creative work. For more information on the ALA youth media awards and notables, please visit the ALA website at www.ala.org.

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Kitchen Confidential

Kitchen Confidential: Adventures in the Culinary Underbelly by Anthony Bourdain.

Ever wondered what a chef really does in a kitchen? Meet Anthony Bourdain. The name may be familiar. He has a travel food show that takes him around the world, sampling cuisines of many cultures. Before hitting the small screen, Bourdain was another NYC chef trying to make it in the culinary world.

Bourdain’s account of how he became a successful chef, despite having serious drug addiction, is full of information of the ins and outs of the restaurant business. There are several helpful hints that can carry over into the personal home kitchen.

Likes:

Bourdain tells it like it is. He doesn’t refrain from telling the reader what nationalities make the best kitchen worker, how special “chef’s specials” really are, and just how well your food is handled. His honesty may be brutal, but it is also part of the reason he excels at his career.

Parents say the darndest things...

Sh*t my dad says by Justin Halpern.

In this non-fiction book, Halpern reminisces about the various bits of advice his father has given him over the years. Often abrupt and more than a bit verbally profane, dad’s words of wisdom will nonetheless have you roaring with laughter. There is a lot of truth to what he has to say.


Likes
Freaking hilarious. I honestly laughed out loud – often – while reading this book. The hubby was reading it, after I had already finished it, and kept snickering and laughing as well.

You can tell that even though he swears a lot and is very “to the point”; the senior Halpern really loves his family.

Dislikes
Nothing, really. There is a lot of foul language, but I think if it had been edited it out it would have really done a disservice to the book.

Other
This was first a Twitter page. Now there is a TV show, starring William Shatner as the dad.

Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to be free...

Denied, Detained, Deported: Stories from the Dark Side of American Immigration by Ann Bausum

The United States has a long history of immigration. It is a nation essentially made up of immigrants; however, it has not always been welcoming to immigrants.

This book tells three specific stories of the government’s wrongful treatment of immigrants, as well as outlining the treatment of many groups of people. In 1919 Alexander Berkman and Emma Goldman were deported because of their political beliefs. During WWII, the Karliners, a Jewish family fleeing Nazi rule in Europe, were one of hundreds of families denied access to the United States – even though they could see the nation’s shores from luxury liner docked off the coast of Florida. Instead they were returned to Europe, where many did not survive the war. Also during WWII, the Japanese American Matsuda family was sent from their thriving strawberry farm to live in prison camps. It didn’t matter if they were born in the US. The government considered them a threat.


Likes:
History. Even if it isn’t about happy events, I still enjoy learning more about the history of immigration in the United States.

Lots of photographs.

Dislikes:

The overall feeling that the United States has done very little positive by the way of immigration.

Other:

It is natural to draw connections between the past treatment of immigrants and the treatment of them today. The author briefly mentions some of these same connections. Even before I read that section of the book, I was already thinking that it isn’t much better today.

non-fiction for the grown-ups.

Cake Wrecks: when professional cakes go hilariously wrong by Jen Yates

We’ve all seen them. Professionally decorated cakes that look wrong. It might be due to questionable talent decorating the cake, or to misspelled words. Perhaps it wasn’t the decorators fault, but rather something that was actually ordered to look that way. Whatever the reason, there is now a term for this condition. Cake Wrecks. Just like the inability to look away from a train or car wreck, we can’t help but stare (in humorous horror) at the wrecks in all their frosted glory.

Blogger Jen Yates started her blog about cake decorating gone wrong after seeing a well circulated email of a cake picture. Now, due to a strong following, she has written a book about the cakey disasters. You can’t help but laugh out loud when reading and viewing this book. Be warned, though. You might want to have cake on hand to satisfy your craving. I finished this book last week and finally broke down and bought cake slices from the grocery store last night.


Knitting America: A Glorious Heritage from Warm Socks to High Art by Susan M. Strawn

A history of knitting in the United States, starting with early settlers and ending with today’s modern knitters, this book contains much information about the trends, innovations, and cultural significance of knitting over the past few centuries. Also included: several historical knitting patterns and hundreds of illustrations and photographs.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this historical examination of knitting. The illustrations were fascinating. It was interesting to see a picture that I have seen many times over the years – that of Sojourner Truth – and truly notice for the first time that she is holding a knitted work in progress on her lap.

Towards the end of the book, however, I found that I was getting a bit bored with the text. I think that it was not so much due to the information as due to the repeated pattern of each chapter. At times it almost seemed that I was reading the same thing over and over, even though the information was far from it.

what a naughy little plant you are!

Wicked Plants: the weed that killed Lincoln's mother & other botanical atrocities by Amy Stewart

This non-fiction book written for adults is fascinating. Wow! Who knew just how bad some of our most common plants could be! Stewart gives the scientific name for each plant, as well as mentioning some of the common names. Many of the plants dastardly deeds are described in prose, keeping the book even more interesting. The setup of the book makes it perfect for setting aside and coming back to later. My only complaint is the illustrations. While the etchings and drawings are wonderful, I would have preferred full color photos of the plants so I know exactly what to avoid!

Almost Astronauts

Almost astronauts: 13 women who dared to dream by Tanya Lee Stone

At the beginning of the Space Race of the 1960s, thirteen American women fought for the right to fly to into outer space. Their experiences helped to open doors for future generations of female military test pilots and astronauts; however, the Mercury 13, as they were called, never achieved their dream. This non-fiction book details the trials and tribulations these heroic women endured in the name of equality.

The information provided in this book was news to me. Even growing up during a time when young women were urged to go into math and science fields (and being a member of my 4th grade’s Young Astronauts group), I never heard the story of the Mercury 13. It’s a familiar story, though. Women, considered weak and undeserving, were not allowed to even attempt a career that was considered “manly”.

There are many fantastic photographs throughout this book, helping to bring the story to life. The writing is well done, making this an excellent book for those wanting to know more about the history of the space program or about women’s rights.

That being said…there were a few times that I thought there was a negative tone towards anyone involved with the program at that time that did not publically support this effort, which affected the whole book.

This book was the winner of the 2010 Siebert award.

A couple of honorable books

Flash burnout: a novel by L.K. Madigan

Fifteen-year-old Blake lives a pretty good life. He has a beautiful girlfriend, two loving parents and a passion for comedy and photography. When his friend Marissa (She’s just a friend!), recognizes her mother in a photo Blake took, Blake’s life starts getting more complicated than he ever would have imagined.

Marissa’s mother is a meth addict living on the streets.

Blake is torn between his loyalty to and worry for his friend and his openness with and love for his girlfriend. High school isn’t supposed to be this serious.

The story is told in Blake’s words and views, giving the reader an inside look at his confusion, indecision and, sometimes, typical teenage boy cluelessness. The relationship between him and his brother is drawn wonderfully. They argue like typical siblings, but when Blake really needs him, Garret is there.

There is an appropriate mix of humor and gravity. Often Blake’s inner dialogue will make the reader laugh. There are times, though, that Marissa’s situation, and Blake’s place in it, darken the tone.

This book won the 2010 William C. Morris Debut YA Author Award


Claudette Colvin: twice toward justice by Phillip Hoose

Growing up in Alabama, Claudette Colvin lived in a world ruled by segregation and racism. As a teenager, her anger and frustration grew as adults continued to act as if this normalcy of Southern life was alright. In Montgomery, Alabama, on March 2, 1955, Claudette stood her ground by sitting – and staying – in a bus seat, refusing to give it up just because of her skin color. The teenager was consequently dragged from the bus and taken to jail.

This event took place more than a year before Rosa Parks refused to give up her bus seat; however, due to her age and her place in society, Colvin was deemed unfit to be the face of the Montgomery Bus Boycott.

This book chronicles Colvin’s life leading up to and during the Montgomery Bus Boycott, using both the author’s research and Colvin’s recollections of the events. While most of the time she stood quietly on the sidelines, her participation in the Civil Rights Movement was instrumental in making changes to the “normal” way of life.

It is no wonder that this book recently won so many honors and awards. The use of Colvin’s own words intensifies the importance of her actions. Here is a woman who, as a teenager, stood up for what was right, proving that regardless of age, anyone can make a difference.

This is one of the best pieces of teen non-fiction that I have read, and a book that I highly recommend to everyone.

A very short list of awards and honors:

• YALSA Award for Excellence in Nonfiction Finalist
• National Book Awards - Winner
• Newbery Honor Book
• Robert F. Sibert Award - Honor

Ah ha! or The Heart of the Matter

I knew I wrote a bit about the books I recently finished! If only I would have more carefully looked over a few of my recent posts I would have seen that.

So...without much further ado, I bring you reviews of In a Heartbeat and Charles and Emma.

In a Heartbeat by Loretta Ellsworth (ARC copy)
I started reading this book while I was in Boston. It was one that I picked up from a vendor, hence it being an Advance Reader Copy. I wanted to finish it before getting home so I could pass it along to my friend.

Two teenagers from different states are forever linked. When 17-year-old Eagan hits her head during pre-competition practice, not only does she lose her chance at ice skating stardom, but also her life. Fourteen-year-old Amelia needs a new heart, which she gets from Eagan.

The chapters switch back and forth between Eagan and Amelia, as each girl deals with the changes; Eagan with being dead, and Amelia with being alive. As Amelia discovers more about the changes in her personality, the desire to meet her heart donor’s family grows.

The idea of the story is interesting, and some of the writing was well done; however, it could have been pieced together more seamlessly. I couldn’t connect to the characters, and was left with an overall blah feeling for the story. After reading a bit about why the author wrote the story, I was convinced that it was more of a therapeutic endeavor than a literary quest.

This book was published February 2, 2010.

Charles and Emma: the Darwins' leap of faith by Deborah Heiligman.

Charles Darwin’s theories on the origin of life left him questioning faith and God’s hand in creation. His wife was staunchly religious, and believed in a loving God who created the world (albeit not in seven days). Yet, even with this huge disagreement in beliefs, the two had a very loving and devoted relationship that lasted until the end of their lives. This non-fiction book focuses on more on the relationship between Charles and his beloved Emma than on the science of Darwinism.

As I wrote on my other blog:

What an amazing love story! The two were completely devoted to one another, despite their differing opinions about religion and science.

When I was in Boston, I was had the chance to hear the author speak, as she won the Morris award for the book (in the category of best nonfiction for young adults). There were many in the audience, myself included, when she remarked on the adage "write what you know". She said that she likes to write, not what she knows, but what she wants to know more about; however, with this book she realized that she was also writing what she knew, as she, too, has a wonderful, devoted relationship with her husband. Coincidentally, her husband is a science-minded person (and Pulitzer Prize winning author of The Beak of the Finch: A Story of Evolution in Our Time) and she has a degree in religious studies.

The only thing lacking in this book is that I wanted to know more about the couple and their children. I would love to know what modern speculations are about Charles’ lifelong illness and the cause of their daughter Annie’s death.

My other complaint isn’t about that is missing in the book, but rather a style element that just annoys me. That would be how Heiligman pluralizes Charles. She uses Charles’s whereas I’ve always liked the cleaner look of Charles’. Both are correct, so it is just a pet peeve of mine.

Here is Heiligman's website for the book.

As noted, Charles and Emma was the winner of the first-ever YALSA Excellence in Nonfiction Award. It also received a Michael L. Printz Honor Award.

Bones and Verse

Written in bone: buried lives of Jamestown and Colonial Maryland by Sally M. Walker

How much can be learned from a centuries-old grave? How can a set of bones tell a person’s story? This book answers these questions, and many more about archeology, forensic anthropology and history. Full of photographs of the various digs discussed, this fascinating book brings history to life.

This is a non-fiction book for grades 5 and up.




Tofu quilt by Ching Yeung Russell

In this biographical novel in verse, the author tells of how she became a writer while growing up in a culture that did not value the worth of educating girls. The book begins with her trip to mainland China at age eight and ends when she is twelve. The verse beautifully illustrates her life in Hong Kong.

This is a wonderful story of how even when family and even society tells you that you cannot be what you aspire, you may very well prove them wrong.

Non-fiction wonders

The Secret of the Yellow Death: A True Story of Medical Sleuthing by Suzanne Jurmain.

This book delves into the medical mystery surrounding the cause of yellow fever. Following the steps taken in 1900 by American Walter Reed and his crew as they travel to Cuba to investigate three different theories about the deadly disease, readers will learn how far a team of researchers will go to find the answers they seek.

This is an excellent non-fiction book written for students in grade 5 and up. Intrigued by the story and the photographs, I actually stayed up late to finish reading it!




The Great and Only Barnum: the tremendous, stupendous life of showman P.T. Barnum by Candace Fleming

Ladies and Gentlemen! Children of all ages! This fantastic non-fiction book tells the wonderful tale of the one, the only P. T. Barnum. As a boy he grew up in poverty; as a man he became one of the best known and well loved people in the world. Learn how he achieved this wondrous feat!

I'm almost caught up with my reviews. Yay!! Here are four more of my recent reads. I have one more book that I completed this past week...but that review will have to wait until later.

Pride and prejudice and zombies: the classic Regency romance -- now with ultraviolent zombie mayhem! by Jane Austen and Seth Grahame-Smith.

Jane Austen’s classic story of Elizabeth Bennet and her relationship with the overly proud Mr. Darcy is retold – using much of the same text and style of the original – with a twist: zombies. England has a horrible plague of the undead, who roam the country in search of brains to consume. Elizabeth and her four sisters have been trained as warriors, their deadly skills outweighing their notable beauty.

I will admit; I’ve never read Pride and Prejudice. This makes a comparison of the two books a bit difficult. However, I did enjoy this one thoroughly. The following is, in my ever so humble opinion, one of the best paragraphs I’ve ever read. I enjoyed it so much that I showed (or read) it to many other people:

In her kind schemes for Elizabeth, she sometimes planned her marrying Colonel Fitzwilliam. He was beyond comparison the most pleasant man; he certainly admired her, and his situation in life was most eligible; but, to counterbalance these advantages, Mr. Darcy had a considerably larger head, and thus, more brains to feast upon. (Page 142)

Full of tongue in cheek humor and wonderfully written fighting scenes, this book makes my list of recommendations.


The Oxford Project by Stephen G. Bloom and Peter Feldstein

This non-fiction book is unique. In 1984, photographer Peter Feldstein set up his equipment and put the word out. He wanted to photograph every willing citizen of the small town of Oxford, Iowa. Nearly every one of the 670 or so residents participated.

Fast forward twenty years. Feldstein again set up his equipment and invited the original participants back, this time to also be interviewed by author Stephen G. Bloom. Some had moved or passed away in that time period. Many were still there.

This project has been turned in to a snapshot (pun not intended) of life in small town America. It is a view of how much life changes – and how much life stays the same – over twenty years.

The size of this book makes it a little unwieldy for continuous reading, but the topic and the layout make it perfect for browsing.

Dealing with Dragons by Patricia C. Wrede

Cimorene is not a typical princess. She doesn’t look like a typical princess. She definitely doesn’t act like a typical princess. She would much rather learn sword fighting, or cooking, or Latin or magic than learn how to embroider, or courtly manners or dancing. But, this is not how a princess acts.

Upon finding out that her parents are going to betroth her to a neighboring prince, Cimorene decides to flee…and offer herself up to be a dragon’s princess. Of course, that is something else that is just never done. The dragon Kazul takes up Cimorene’s offer, and is delighted to find that Cimorene is the perfect addition to a dragon’s home. She cleans, organizes, and generally runs Kazul’s cave with much efficiency, all while deftly dealing with all those pesky princes and knights who keep showing up to “rescue” the princess. Not to mention dealing with a little wizard problem as well!

Somehow I missed this book when it was published years ago. So, I’m now discovering the series as an adult. It is one of those tales that I think my younger self would have loved. Cimorene is a wonderful character. She’s smart, strong and knows how to deal with what is thrown her way. What a great heroine for young girls to idolize!

I enjoyed the tale so much that I’m already halfway through the second book of the series (The Enchanted Forest Chronicles), Searching for Dragons.

Rise of the Evening Star : Fablehaven #2 by Brandon Mull

It’s nearly the end of the school year, and something fishy is happening in Kendra and Seth’s school. A fairyland creature has infiltrated Kendra’s class. After taking up a mysterious man’s offer to help rid them of the creature, they find out just how sneaky the Society of the Evening Star can be. Once school is finished, the siblings find themselves racing back to Fablehaven to help their grandparents yet again. Can the family keep the Society from taking control of the artifact? Who among the group of experts staying at Fablehaven is working for the other side? Will they all survive the summer unscathed?

This sequel to Fablehaven is exquisitely written. The suspense remains intact throughout the whole of the book, something that isn’t easily accomplished. Kendra and Seth’s characters continue to grow and learn, making them even more real. I can’t wait to start the third book!

two more reviews...

Two more reviews! I'm almost caught up. Yay!


Fablehaven by Brandon Mull

Kendra and Seth aren’t too happy about spending part of the summer with grandparents who have always seemed distant and somewhat unwelcoming. Expecting it to be a boring time, they are beyond surprised to the realities of their grandparents’ vast estate. Awaiting them are adventures beyond their wildest dreams, for their grandparents are caretakers of a secret sanctuary for mythological creatures of all shapes and sizes. This will be one summer they will never forget!

What a fantastic tale! The author creates a world within our own, filled with the sort of beings that dreams, fantasies…and nightmares…are made of, without managing to scare the pants off of younger readers. Kendra and Seth’s personalities and relationship are realistically drawn, as is the world surrounding them at Fablehaven. I’ve already started the second book in this series, and passed my copy of this book on to others!

The Journey That Saved Curious George: The True Wartime Escape of Margret and H. A. Rey by Louise Borden

Curious George is a beloved book character whose antics have delighted generations of children. He is also a character that was nearly lost during World War II.

This wonderful biography tells the story of how Curious George survived the war – as his creators narrowly escaped Nazi occupied France and traveled to America. Written in a way that younger elementary school students can understand, the text does not trivialize the danger that H. A. and Margret Rey experienced. The book is filled with photographs – many taken by Margret Rey, drawings – some are H. A. Rey’s work, and pictures other historical documents and memorabilia, such as the couple’s visas and letters to publishers. This book was different than I imagined, and so much more wonderful than I expected.

Deadly Royals

Here are reviews on two of the books I finished earlier in the month. I'm still working on a few others!

Doomed Queens: Royal Women Who Met Bad Ends, From Cleopatra to Princess Di by Kris Waldherr

This book was an impulse buy while at HalfPrice Books. A non-fiction book, it gives a synopsis of the lives of queens from the earliest recorded histories to the present day. Each woman has a sad story to share. Death is abound in this short book – beheadings, poisonings, murder, suicide, executions…few lives were spared in exile or the convent.

The stories were interesting. I read about many royal women that I had never heard of before, or had only heard of in brief references to their male counterparts. The more recent eras were not nearly as represented as was the ancient and medieval times. The short chapters and biographies made for an easy book to put down and come back to later without missing a thing.

While I liked the book, I’m glad that it wasn’t an expensive one. If you are interested in that sort of thing, check it out from the library or borrow it from a friend.

Ink Exchange by Melissa Marr

In this sequel to Wicked Lovely, the story follows Aislinn’s friend Leslie. Her father an alcoholic with a gambling addiction, her mother having abandoned the family and her older brother a drug dealing addict, Leslie lives in a constant fear and fight for survival. She longs to get a tattoo as a way to show control of something in her life. When she chooses an intricate tattoo from a special book, she unknowingly chooses to intertwine her life with that of the King of the Fae’s Dark Court. Will Leslie survive the ink exchange?

I liked this book better than I remember liking Wicked Lovely, which I read nearly two years ago. The characters – even some of the minor ones – are well developed. The storyline is intriguing. I enjoyed this book enough that I bought Wicked Lovely (in paperback) and gave it to my mom, telling her to read it first.

Hrm…there’s now a third in the series (Fragile Eternity). Time to place it on hold.