Friday, November 5, 2010

Inkheart by Cornelia Funke


What can i say about Inkheart, it was a tough book for me to read. I really had to push myself through it, to read the entire book. I guess it can be considered a fantasy because of the characters in the book are read out of a book, titled Inkheart. Actually some real mean and nasty characters are read out of Inkheart. Inkheart is the name of the book in this book that the characters are read out of. Does that make sense? It isn't confusing just the characters read out of the book are mean ruthless and hurt many others.

Inkheart is a trilogy, there is Inkspell and Inkdeath. I am not certain I will read these books but its on the pile of books that I have at home. Being a librarian I have other books I want to read.


Don't let my opinion stop you from reading Inkheart, read the book and let me know your opinion.

I Am Scout by Charles J. Shields


I Am Scout is a biography of Harper Lee, of the To Kill a Mockingbird fame. I was skeptical about reading this book because I usually don't like to read biographies. But this book is on the Virginia Readers Choice list because of that I read the book. It was actually enjoyable to read the book. As I was reading the book the author of the biography made references to To Kill a Mockingbird, the characters in TKaM reflected Harper Lee's life and the town she grew up in. I have to admit I enjoyed the book, was surprised how Harper Lee lived her life and that she only wrote the one book.


I don't remember reading To Kill a Mockingbird in high school but I will find a copy and read it, maybe for the first time or will it be the second time? If you haven't read TKaM maybe Harper Lee's biography will inspire you to read her one and only book.

Monday, October 25, 2010

Fire written by Kristin Cashore


Fire is a companion to Gracling. I am not certain of the connection between Fire and Gracling except that Fire can read minds and control minds. That probably is Fire's grace, her gift. It tells the story of a young monster in the shape of a human who is hated because of her difference and supernatural abilities. It is a fantasy but much of the book is about warring neighbors with a slight twist of romance between the characters.


It was okay not as spell binding as Gracling, took me longer to read then Gracling. I had to push myself to finish reading Fire.

Wednesday, October 13, 2010

Sunday, October 3, 2010

Gracling written by Kristin Cashore


Wow, this book was not what I expected. With the cover displaying a sword I thought for certain it was about knights, seeking the truth and that sort of thing. It is true the book does begin with a secret rescue of a grandfather, sheltering him at a castle. But from there the book goes head long into a romance. Katsa not realizing that Giddon is in love with her. Katsa vowed never to marry or have children. Then along comes Po, it is his grandfather that was rescued. Po watches Katsa, they train together to fight. They are graced, that you need to read the book to find out about. Katsa and Po leave together to seek why his cousin is in hiding with her daughter. Along the way the romance between the to strengthen. But do they love each other and if so can the love sustain them.


You need to read this romance, this is another book that plays on my heart and I needed tissues to finish the book. The sequel to this is Fire, I will need to read it, perhaps Po and Katsa are in this sequel!

Thursday, September 23, 2010

Artichoke's Heart written by Suzanne Supplee


Artichoke's Heart, I waited to read this book especially after a student said it was about a 'fat' girl. I am by no means a size 2 never have been and right now I dont think it would fit my life style. I am not happy with my weight but I am comfortable at where I am.

The heroine in this story is Rose. Rose weighs less then 200 lbs and the kids at her school call her all sorts of names but especially artichoke because back in middle school her mom got her a green jacket that when she wore the jacket she looked like a 'green' artichoke in it. So forever now Rose has been called many fat girl names. As the book progresses, Rose realizes that with perseverance and a new good friend Kay-Kay that she can lose the weight her Mother and Aunt have been nagging at her to lose. But Rose is also recognized by another student at school. He smiles at her and even talks to her. He is one of the school's jocks. Play many sports but likes Rose. Kyle and Rose begin to date. Rose has a boyfriend, never thought she would have a boyfriend but she does.

As the story progresses we find out that her Mom has a form of cancer. Rose and her mom weren't close but the illness brings them closer so they can share lifes up and downs.


No tissues needed for this book but at times there was that possibility. Overall a good story, another book I wish was written many years ago for myself to read. In some ways a Rose is inside me.

Monday, September 20, 2010

Shift written by Jennifer Bradbury


it is a few days until high school graduation, Chris's mom has told him he needs to get a job for the summer. This doesn't thrill Chris at all. He has an idea to travel cross country by bicycle. He mentions the idea to his best friend Win. Both boys ask their parents and grudgingly parents agree. The day after graduation at 8am the boys are on their adventure. As Chris and Win begin their journey they meet variety of people on the road. Chris gets a flat, Winston doesn't stop but keeps going. Chris never catches up with Winston. Chris finished his trip, dipped his toes and front wheel into the Pacific Ocean but what happened to Winston? Chris is at college, beginning his first year actually first week when a FBI agent shows up to question him about Winston's disappearance. Mr. Coggons questions Chris and his family, he wants to know where or what happened to his son. Does Chris know where Winston is? Can Chris be talked into telling Agent Ward where Winston is?


Its a good story, slow at times, but finding Winston is told in flashbacks of their bicycle trip as they crossed the country from Kentucky to the Pacific Ocean.

Sunday, September 12, 2010

The Choice written by Nicholas Sparks


I have read many of Nicholas Sparks books, usually I need many tissues on hand to read his novels. This book was no exception. I immediately loved his hero in this book, Travis and his heroine Gabby. They were destined to be together. Gabby had a choice to make and she made her decision. In the end so did Travis have a choice to make but did he make the right choice, could he go against Gabby's wishes? Could he go through life bitter and hating his decision as Mr. Baker had done?

Even as I write this entry, the tears come back. Travis and Gabby although fictional characters had a life together that I wished I had when married. Realization of what I missed is so painful for me. Like when I watch an elderly couple at church, he holding her pocket book and helping her on with her coat. As they hold hands as they walked down the aisle to the pew they will occupy for the next hour. I know I have missed out on a loving relationship, my heart still hurts being divorced wasn't in my plan when I got married.


Enjoy this heart warming story, I wish falling in love was this easy and having that relaionship keep growing year after year.

Tuesday, September 7, 2010

Eragon written by Christopher Paolini


There is a prologue, in which a Shade named Durza and some Urgals kill two Elves and chase an Elven-lady across a forest. The Elven-lady has a blue stone, later revealed to be a dragon egg. The Elven-lady gets captured, but sends the egg to the Spine to keep it safe.

Eragon lives with his uncle Garrow and cousin Roran on a farm on the borders of a small village called Carvahall. While hunting in the Spine, a large mountain range, Eragon is surprised to see a polished blue stone appear in front of him. A few days later, Eragon witnesses a baby dragon hatch from the "stone", and realizes that it is actually a dragon egg. Eragon names the dragon Saphira. He raises the dragon in secret until two of King Galbatorix's servants, the Ra'zac, come to Carvahall looking for the egg. Eragon and Saphira manage to escape by hiding in the forest, but Garrow is fatally wounded and the house and farm are burned down by the Ra'zac. Once Garrow dies, Eragon is left with no reason to stay in Carvahall, so he goes after the Ra'zac, seeking vengeance for the destruction of his home and his uncle's death. He is accompanied by Brom, an elderly story-teller, who insists on helping him and Saphira.

Eragon becomes a Dragon Rider through his bond with Saphira. On the journey, Brom teaches Eragon sword fighting, magic, the Ancient Language, and the ways of the Dragon Riders. Their travels bring them to Teirm, where they are able to track the Ra'zac to the southern city of Dras-Leona. Although they manage to infiltrate the city, Eragon encounters the Ra'zac in a cathedral and he and Brom are forced to flee. Later that night, their camp is ambushed by the Ra'zac. A stranger named Murtagh rescues them, but Brom is gravely injured. Knowing that he is about to die, Brom tells Eragon that he used to be a Dragon Rider. His dragon's name was also Saphira, but an evil Dragon Rider named Morzan killed her. Brom then avenged Saphira's death and killed Morzan. After telling Eragon this, Brom dies.

Murtagh becomes Eragon's new companion and they travel to the city Gil'ead to find information on how to find the Varden, a group of rebels who want to see the downfall of Galbatorix. While stopping near Gil'ead, Eragon is captured and imprisoned in the same jail that holds a woman he has been receiving dreams about. When he breaks out of his cell, he discovers that she is an Elf. Murtagh and Saphira stage a rescue, and Eragon escapes with the unconscious Elf. During the escape, Eragon and Murtagh battle with a Shade – a sorcerer possessed by evil spirits – named Durza. Murtagh shoots Durza between the eyes with an arrow, and the Shade disappears in a cloud of mist.

After escaping, Eragon contacts the unconscious Elf telepathically, and discovers that her name is Arya. She tells them that she was poisoned while in captivity and that only a potion in the Varden's possession can cure her. Arya is able to give directions to the exact location of the Varden: a city called Tronjheim, which sits in the mountain Farthen Dûr. She also adds that they have only four days to reach the Varden or she will die. The group go in search of the Varden, both to save Arya's life and to escape Galbatorix's wrath. When they arrive in Farthen Dûr, Eragon is led to the leader of the Varden, Ajihad. Ajihad imprisons Murtagh after finding out that he is the son of Morzan. Ajihad tells Eragon that Durza was not destroyed by Murtagh's well placed arrow, because the only way to kill a Shade is with a stab to the heart.

Eragon is at last able to rest, but a new invasion is imminent. As the battle begins, the Varden and the Dwarves are pitted against an enormous army of Urgals, deployed by Durza and Galbatorix. During the battle, Eragon faces Durza again. Durza, having gravely wounded Eragon's back, is about to capture him but is distracted by Saphira and Arya. Durza's attention is diverted long enough for Eragon to stab him in the heart with his sword. After Durza's death, the Urgals are released from a spell which had been placed on them, and begin to fight among themselves. The Varden take advantage of this opportunity to make a counter-attack, forcing off the Urgals. While Eragon is unconscious, someone called The Mourning Sage contacts him telepathically and tells Eragon to come to him for training in the forest of the Elves, Dû Weldenvarden.

Monday, September 6, 2010

Mockingjay written by Suzanne Collins

Mockingjay 3rd book in the Hunger Games Trilogy.
After her rescue by rebels, Katniss reluctantly agrees to become the Mockingjay after Peeta appears on a Capitol propaganda broadcast. As part of a deal, she demands that the leader of District 13, President Coin, grant immunity to all of the victors of the Hunger Games. She also demands the right to kill President Snow herself. In a daring rescue, Peeta and other victors are rescued from the Capitol. However, Peeta has been hijacked: brainwashed using tracker jacker venom to replace memories. He immediately tries to strangle Katniss when he sees her after being rescued.

The rebels take control of the districts and finally begin an assault on the Capitol itself. Katniss eventually becomes a member of squad 451. However, an assault on a "safe" Capitol neighborhood goes wrong, and the survivors of squad 451 flee further into the Capitol with the intent of finding and killing President Snow. Eventually Katniss finds herself pressing on by herself towards Snow's mansion, which has supposedly been opened to shelter Capitol children (but is actually intended to provide human shields for Snow). An apparent Capitol assault kills many of these children and a rebel medical team, including Katniss' sister Prim.

President Snow is tried and found guilty, but when Katniss meets with President Snow, he tells Katniss that the final assault that killed Prim and the children was not from the capitol. Katniss thinks that if this is true, the final assault may have been the result of a plan originally developed by Gale. Katniss doubts this, but still realizes that she will never be able to look at Gale the same way, even though she knows that he was not directly involved with the deaths of the children and Prim.

Katniss remembers a conversation with Snow in which they promised not to lie to each other. She realizes that President Snow was telling the truth. So, when she was to execute Snow, Katniss kills Coin instead. A riot ensues and Snow is found mysteriously dead, having possibly choked on his own blood. Katniss is acquitted due to her apparent insanity and she returns to her home in District 12 and soon after so does Peeta, who plants primroses beside her house in memory of her sister, who was named after the flower.

In the epilogue, Katniss speaks as an adult, more than twenty years later. She is married to Peeta and they have two children. The Hunger Games are over, but she dreads the day her children's innocent world is shattered by learning the details of the games and the war along with their parent's roles in each. When she feels upset, Katniss has taken to counting every good thing that she has seen someone do, which she says is sometimes tedious—but there are worse games.

Tuesday, August 31, 2010

Catching Fire written by Suzanne Collins


Catching Fire is the second book in the Hunger Games Trilogy.


This is the official summary of the ever anticipated book 2 of the Hunger Games series, Catching Fire: Against all odds, Katniss Everdeen has won the annual Hunger Games with fellow district tribute Peeta Mellark. But it was a victory won by defiance of the Capitol and their harsh rules. Katniss and Peeta should be happy. After all, they have just won for themselves and their families a life of safety and plenty. But there are rumors of rebellion among the subjects, and Katniss and Peeta, to their horror, are the faces of that rebellion. The Capitol is angry. The Capitol wants revenge.


Mockingjay the 3rd book in the trilogy just out in your local book store.

The Best Bad Luck I Ever Had written by Kristin Levine


At first I was taken back by the use of the word nigger. But as I read the book other words were used to describe African Americans that were not pleasant to read. Especially as Dit and Emma became friends, best friends. Dit took alot of grief as his friendship developed with Emma. Emma's family moved to Moundville, Alabama from Boston. Her father was the new Postmaster for the town. The Walker family would be staying until Mr. walker could pass the post office examine once again, then he would be transferred back to Boston. Dit taught Emma how to fish, skip rocks, throw a baseball and bat from home plate.Emma helped Dit learn another way of life not hunting, killing animals only for the sake of killing animals and helped with his homework.


The author took the memoirs of her grandfather and put them together to write this book. The setting is in Alabama 1917 and this book does have rough spots in it that can be troubling to some students, such as hangings and chastising Emma because of her skin color.

Sunday, August 1, 2010

The Titan's Curse written by Rick Riordan


This is book 3 in the Percy Jackson & the Olympians series. In this book Percy, Annabeth and Thalia are off to help Grover meet other demigods and bring them to Camp Half Blood. Right away they find Nico and Bianca but a monster is in their way. Percy, Thalia and Grove return to camp with the Hunters after a skirmish.

They have a quest that takes them from camp to San Fransisco along the way they meet other gods and goddesses. Some are helpful others want to stop them from rescuing Annabeth and ending the prophecy of the Titan's curse.

The Red Pyramid written by Rick Riordan


As a librarian I have been trying to keep up with my middle school students. Reading books I know they like so when school begins I can book talk new books to get them reading. I have been reading the The Olympian Series. If you haven't read this series give it a try.

The Red Pyramid has a brother and sister searching to find away to bring their Dad back from a mysterious coffin that sunk into the museum floor. They are not alone, like in the Percy Jackson series the Kane Children have gods and goddesses from the Egyptian world to assist them on their travels to bring their Dad back and save North America.


I didn't really know much about the Egyptian gods and goddesses but you don't need to know because they will teach you about themselves. Lets hope there is a second book.

Its a good read, really better then good. Enjoy the book, I did.

the short second life of bree tanner writtenby Stephenie Meyer


I read this book with interest. I had read the twilight series and have seen 2 of the 3 twilight movies. This novella ( short novel) is the short of life Bree, her being reborn, another another reborn taking her under his care. Bree doesnt really comprehend what is happening until its too late. Go ahead read the novella, how does Bree find her way. Remember its her second life!

Spoken from the Heart written by Laura Bush


I wanted to read this book because I have always been interested in what the life of a First Lady of the White House was like day to day and of the many projects she needs to do and the times she needs to represent the United States around the world. Lots of details about Mrs. Bush's life and her special projects. As a Librarian I also have the love of books but many of my reads are for my middle school students.

I enjoyed the book.

Thursday, July 22, 2010

The Underneath written by Kathi Appelt




I needed tissues for this book. It broke my hear in the opening pages reading that someone would actually drop off a cat in the middle of now where, leaving it with no food and no family, alone and abandoned. It brought back memories I remember my Mother dropping off boxes of kittens out in the middle of now where on someones farm. Hoping they would be taken care of, I knew then it was cruel. But I guess my Mom didn't have another solution at the time.

The calico cat was brave and strong. She found Ranger a blood hound tied up at the tilting house and together they became a family. After a bit of time the calico cat gave birth to 2 kittens. They became a family. GarFace, Ranger's owner, lived in the tilting house, mean and angry person. This is one story running through the book, you need to read and follow the other stories that run through the book. The Underneath is the title, is the underneath safe?

This is another Virginia Reader's Choice book for the new school year (2010).

breathe a ghost story written by Cliff Mc Nish


Let me say right off, I usually don't read ghost stories or books that might scare me. I know I know, but it goes back many years when I was terribly scared by ghost stories told to me by a relative. I wont even watch a horror movie at night for fear it will creep me out all night. Laugh but at my age I am still not over the ghost story told to me all those years ago.


Okay now that that is out of the way, breathe is a good read, I wouldn't call it a ghost story but a paranormal story. Jack can feel, hear and see ghosts. He actually looks for them in the house. He knows the ghosts are there he needed to find them. He does find the ghost children and a Ghost Mother. Read the book, follow the children do they get to cross over to the other side where their loved ones are waiting?


This is a Virginia Readers Choice book for the new school year.

Tuesday, July 20, 2010

All of the Above written by Shelley Pearsal








I was attending a conference last week when this book was talked about. I really didn't know anything about the book so I was pleased to know it was a book about a math class trying to get into the Guinness world book of records. You need to read the book to find out if the class made in into the book. Its the beginning of school and already the math teacher is feeling the frustrations of teaching math. But he comes up with an idea to have a contest.Looking at the cover you might be able to guess what the contest object was but really the book isn't about the contest without the weaving of the students lives within the contest. Read the story, what college word would you use to describe the students attitude.

This book is a 3 tissue book or more. I felt the lives of the students, the good the bad and the ups and downs. It is a quick read, the lives of the kids in the book pushes you further and further into the story. Then all of a sudden the back cover is all that is left.

This is a Virginia Readers Choice book, enjoy it, I did and I am not a math wiz.

Monday, July 19, 2010

The Girl Who Could Fly written by Victoria Forester


This is a different book, not what I expected. Actually I didn't have any idea what this book was about. Even as I was reading the book it was a strange book to follow. The title gives away the fact that Piper Mc Cloud can fly. She is taken from her family to a secret area where there are other children with special abilities. This area also includes any creature or plant that is different is at this facility. The goal of this special area to to correct the strangeness. To make all the children and other specimens 'normal'. There is an escape plan but who gets out and is it successful.
Its a good read but tough to keep pushing yourself through the book.


*this is a Virginia Choice Reader book

Tuesday, July 6, 2010

Grim Tuesday written by Garth Nix


This is the second book in The Keys to the Kingdom series. Poor Arthur gets no rest. He thought he would have at least a year off. But something strange is happening at home, a for sale sign is going up. The next day brings new challenges with his new enemy Grim Tuesday. Tuesday threatens the safety of Arthur's family and world. Arthur must get the second key to save everything. To find out what adventure Arthur must do and travel to you must read Grim Tuesday.


I like the series but it is full of description, to be honest Itend to skim over. I wish less description and more of a storyline.

Wednesday, June 23, 2010

Shooting the Moon written by Frances O'Roark Dowell


I don't think I have read a book about the Vietnam War ever. I have read a couple dealing with the Iraq War, written by Phil Kiver and a biography by a young guy enlisting in the National Guard but ending up in a engineer company transporting stuff from base to base. The title is Ghosts of War written by Ryan Smithson. Everyone makes decisions based on what they feel is right.


This book Shooting the Moon has a young guy enlisting in the Army before graduating from high school. He is the son of the Colonel in charge of Fort Hood in Texas. The Colonel tries to get the son to void his contract with the military. But true to him self the son TJ goes off to Vietnam. Being an avid amateur photographer TJ is constantly taking rolls of pictures, sending them home to be developed. His sister Jamie learns to develop the film but doesn't show the pictures to her Mom. Then one day the Colonel receives a call, its up to you to find out what happens to TJ and how Jamie keeps his photography alive. Does the title fit the story? Enjoy I did.


This book hits so close to home, it was painful to read the book at times. I remember playing war games as I grew up in the 60's and 70's. I remember gathering with family to send my cousins off to war. There were good times when they all came home safe and bad times when letters got scare.

Sunday, June 20, 2010

After Tupac and D Foster written by Jacqueline Woodson



This is another bookon the list for Virginia Readers Choice and 3 time Newbery Honor Author

I didnt think I would enjoy this book but I did. In this book the 3 girls, morn Tupac, when he first was shot, when he was in jail and by long distance when Tupac is killed. D Foster enters into Neeka's and her best friend world. But life changes for Neeka and her best friend after Tupac and D Foster. How doese the title fit the book? Even I feel a loss now that D has her mother in her life once again.

Enjoy the book, I did.

Sunday, June 13, 2010

T 4 written by Ann Clare LeZotte


T4 is another book in the Virginia Readers Choice list for 2010- 2011.

I was drawn to this book because I had a student point out to me the the title in a quick glance looked like a swastika. I was also drawn to this book because the book is written in free verse. Free verse is easily read because the story is told in poetry form. I will be recommending this book the the 8th grade teachers who have the students read Diary of Anne Frank. That is a good story to read to get the feeling of being in Nazi Germany. T4 gives another glimpse of Nazi Germany. This story has the doctors taking people with disabilities placing them in hospitals with the promise they will be safe only to have these people murdered. If you have only read the Diary of Anne Frank, please take the time to read T4. It is a quick read because of the style the book is written in, free verse. My eyes were opened by this story, I was sadden to think my youngest son may not have survived those doctors and hospitals because of his disability. It brings the Holocaust Museum to life.

Read T4 its another story of the atrocities that took place during WWII.

Saturday, June 12, 2010

Little Audrey written by Ruth White


This is a Virginia Readers Choice book for 2010-2011

I gave my book club members a chance to read a few of the new books for next school year. I wanted to get their opinions before I had a chance to read them. Today I read Little Audrey, I had too one of my students have been weekly me if I read the book, so when Monday comes I can tell her I read the book.

I used to live in southwest Virginia for approximately 5 years. I taught in Wise County, I tried to locate Jewell Valley but I wasn't able to locate this area on the internet. This story is told by the oldest sister, Audrey.This story just gives a short glimpse into Audrey's life, living in a company camp, shopping at the company store, not having enough to eat and a Mom not always 'there' and a Dad that drank. This kind of life wasn't much different for families working the mines just a few years ago. This story brings back memories of life in Wise County. A good story, true to life in a coal company camp.

Curse of the Bane written by Joseph Delaney


This is Book 2 of The Last Apprentice


This is the second bank in the series. The Spook's brother has died. Gregory and Tom need to travel to Priestown for the funeral. Gregory needs to finally get rid of the Bane but their plan gets side tracked do to the Quisitor. Alice the girl with pointy shoes gets in the way. How does Gregory and Tom finaly destory the Bane? Alice is a witch does she get put into a pit?

Read this book to the find the answers. Enjoy the book, the 3rd book in the series is next, Night of the Soul Stealer.

Sunday, June 6, 2010

Sparks written by Graham McNamee


This book brought tears to me and my heart ached. I somehow understood better what it was like to be in a Special Class (needs), myon was placed in a special education class, he never spoke about anyone harassing him or as others say teasing! This book opened my eyes and I know I have a better understanding about his frustrations in life.



Last year Todd was the smartest kid in Special Needs; this year, he was promoted to the regular fifth-grade class, where they call him “Retardo” and “Braindead.” He’s really trying to keep up, but he’s in danger of being sent back to Needs. Then a history project about the pygmy More...Ota Benga inspires Todd to use his secret strength–imagination.

Being promoted also meant Todd had to leave his pals behind in Special Needs, even his best friend, Eva. Why can’t Eva understand that they can’t be friends anymore? Why can’t he stop missing her? What’s the right answer to that?

Saturday, June 5, 2010

The Sea of Monsters written by Rick Riordan


Book 2 in the Percy Jackson series

Percy is in the 7th grade it has been a quiet year no monsters around. A dodge ball game changes all that Percy's classmates turn into cannibal giants. Annabeth arrives bearing bad news the magical borders surrounding Camp Half Blood have been poisoned and unless a cure is found the only safe haven for demigods will be destroyed. Why doesn't Annabeth trust the Cyclops? What does Percy and Annabeth need to get to have Camp Half Blood? What does Clarisse need to prove?

Mister Monday written by Garth Nix




Arthur is given the minute key and he is the heir to 'the will'. Before he entersinto a mysterious house his world has come down with a sleeping virus. Inside the house Arthur unravels the secrets of the key and discover his true fate. Does Athur find a cure for the sleeping virus? What role does he have to play in the second realm? This book is the first of the 7 days of the week.

Thursday, June 3, 2010

Matilda Bone written by Karen Cushman


Matilda is left in Blood and Bone Alley, where she has come to assist Red Peg the Bonesetter. Matilda is alone in her belief that prayer and study are the only worthy pursuits. Poor Matilda has had a shelter life living at the manor where she was instructed by Father Leufredus, she knows little if anything how to help Peg.

Matilda's story is fascinating as she learns and lives in Blood and bone Alley, I liked the Matilda's story, a good read.

Does Father Leufredus ever come back for Matilda? Does Matilda adjust to her new life?

The Coven written by Cate Tiernan


This is Book 2 of Sweep

Morgan finds out she is adopted but who were her birth parents? How did Morgan learn this, is she a blood witch? How strong of a witch is Morgan? Why does Selene Belltower have a book of shadows written by her birth mother? What does Cal know?

The Last Apprentice written by Joseph Delaney


This is Book 1 of the Last Apprentice Series; Revenge of the Witch


I enjoyed this book, the book moves quickly without being to descriptive. Tom is in training to be a Spook. But just what is a Spook? What has this to do with being the 7th son of a 7th son? What had Tom learned about witches that might have him worried when he takes Alice to her aunt's house?


Now to get the second book of the series to read.

Sunday, May 16, 2010

Twilight- the graphic novel

If you read the novel by Stephenie Meyer this is a new look at the Twilight as a graphic novel. I have read the novel and saw the movie, the graphic novel is another take on Twilight. It is a new take on the Twilight series. Enjoy the graphic novel.

The View from Saturday written by E L Konigsburg

How did Mrs. Olinski,select 4 students to be on her sixth grade Academic Bowl team? Who are the Souls?
Noah, who became best man at Ethan's grandmother and Nadia's grandfather's wedding
Nadia a hybrid
Ethan, silent second son of one of Epiphanny's oldest families
Julian, the strangest person on the school bus, who starts everything by invint the others to a tea party.

The Books of Ember written by Jeanne DuPrau

This a series of 3 books.
the first being The City of Ember; people are living in the city. The city is running out of resources, some thing needs to be done to fix the problem before ember goes totally dark forever. The people of ember realize they are under ground in a 'shelter' kind of thing.
Once they are above ground that is where The People of Sparks begins. The people of Ember need a new life to begin over above the ground. The people of Sparks and Ember together create a 'new' village. The final book is The Prophet of Yonwood. In this book Crystal and her niece Nickie travel to Yonwood. There purpose was to clean out and sell the house Crystal's father lived in. The prophet supposedly is telling the citizens how to live, what to do because sinners are the problem. Nickie is receiving postcards from her father. He is on a job that is secretive. Her Dad is sending her clues where he is at, but what was he doing for all this time. In the end what does Nickie find out, Crystal does she move from NJ, does Grover graduate from high school. This last book in the series answers all your questions.
But wait I read the fourth book of Ember The Diamond Of Darkhold. In this last and final book Doon and Lina travel back to Ember. Doon was able to get a book from a roamer that sparked his interest in returning to Ember. Ember had stuff that the people of sparks could use to survive and also to trade but there was something else but what was it? Doon and Lina found this special item that changed the people of Sparks. Read the final book and revisit with Hoyt McCoy.

13 Little Blue Envelopes written by Maureen Johnson

13 envelopes got delivered to Ginny. Ginny doesn't know who sent the package but she knows she needs to fulfill her aunt's dream. Ginny needs to go on the adventure. First by opening the first envelope on the plane to London. Ginny's first stop is London to find a friend of Aunt Peg's. Each envelope will lead Ginny to a situation she must act on.
Take the adventure with Ginny. Meet the people with her some are interesting others captivating.

The Woman Warrior written by Maxine Hong Kingston

When I picked this book up to read, it was because my son needed assistance with a class assignment. So I dreaded reading the book. I read for pleasure not because I have to and there are genres I don't like to read.
This book I really did enjoy. First it is about women in China; how they are treated, what their value is in the Chinese culture and coming to America. Each of the 5 chapters are related but probably could stand alone. No Name Woman, she commits suicide because she is pregnant with another man's child. No Name was shunned by family because of her pregnancy. Shaman, Brave Orchid trains as a midwife (doctor), she is strong and rids the dorm of 'ghosts'. White Tigers is the telling of Mulan (Disney film). The bravery of her to fight the Warlords. At the Western Palace, Brave Orchid is in America. She and her family own a laundry business she brings her sister over from China, Moon Orchid. Moon Orchid is frail not as strong as Brave Orchid. Its sad Brave orchid has a husband in the States but he doesn't recognize her, wont accept her as his wife. He wants her to go away, he has new life and new wife. Moon Orchid cant accept her fate and needs to be committed to a home. The final chapter A Song for a Barbarian Reed Pipe, this has the daughter's skin near the tongue cut so she wont get tongue tied. The daughter picks on a shy Chinese girl because she doesn't speak.

I enjoyed the book, I had read a book like this in along time. I am glad I did.

Sunday, February 21, 2010

the Last Knight written by Hilari Bell

Do you need a hero? This book has 2 heroes. Fisk the squire and Knight Errant Sir Michael. They liberated a damsel they both thought was imprisoned wrongly. Sir Michael is summoned home and reluctantly realizes he help to release murderer. He must bring Lady Ceciel back to justice. Sir Michael and Fisk have many adventures being heroic trying to find Lady Ceciel. They find her, she is a herbalist. She has been cooking up herbs to find the right potions. In the end did she murder her husband? Is she killing the children that are different and no one wants? Is Sir Michael and Fisk once a heroes?


This is Book 1- A knight and Rogue Novel

Book of Shadows written by Cate Tiernan

This is Book 1 in the series. Cal Blaire is the new senior guy at school. He is gorgeous. Cal is in a couple of Morgan's classes. Cal asks a few of the kids to join him in creating a circle to celebrate Moban. Morgan, Bree, Raven, Robbie, Chris and a few more are asked to join the circle. Over the course of a few weeks more circles are created. Morgan has an affinity for the circle magick. Cal notices that Morgan has this affinity. Bree drops Chris as a boyfriend wanting Cal as her new boyfriend. But Cal in his way keeps Bree at a distance. Morgan's parent have raised Morgan to be Catholic and demands she have nothing to do with Wicca, witches and covens. Morgan likes Cal wants him as a boyfriend but Morgan is a good friend and tells Bree to go for Cal as a boyfriend. As time passes Bree accuses Morgan of taking Cal and their friend hits a difficult time.
Everyone realizes that Morgan has an affinity for magick. Once Morgan acknowledged her affinity as a blood witch she didn't question what it meant for her and Cal to be together.

Book 2 is The Coven

Wednesday, February 10, 2010

Dead is the New Black written by Marlene Perez


Everyone in the Giordano family is psychic except for Daisy. Her mother uses her power to help solve crimes in Nightshade. Daisy's sisters Rose and Poppy are enlisted to investigate a teenager girl's mysterious death. Daisy feels useless because she is a 'norm'. Daisy takes matters into her own hands and begins her own investigation when she learns a vampire is stealing from the cheerleaders. What is this vampire stealing? With help from Ryan a friend or possibly more Daisy reveals the vampire's identity but she also discovers powers that she never knew she had.

Friday, February 5, 2010

Distant Waves written by Suzanne Weyn


This is a novel about 5 girls plus their Mom who follow the life path of being mediums, psychics, looking into crystal balls, talking to the dead and possibly foretelling the future.

Their life takes them from Spirit Vale, New York to London. In London the girls and their Mom attend a conference. With the conference over the girls accidentally get on board of the Titanic. The girls have had seen the sinking of the Titanic. Do the girls survive the sinking, do they reunite with their Mom in New York? does Jane's 'boyfriend' survive the sinking with her sister Mimi?

It is a good read, lots of details of people who lived at that time, and romance.
Its a good story but not certain how much of it deals with the Titanic, except for the foretelling of the future.

Sunday, January 31, 2010

The Lightning Thief written by Rick Riordan




It seems every country has a different cover for the book. The American book cover version has hints about the story, its good to be able to glance at the cover as you read the book. What is good this book has a good ending but also takes you into the 2nd part of the Percy Jackson series. I really like this book, for one reason it does take place on Long Island (NY). I have driven out to Montauk. There are many places where the strawberry field can be as well as Camp Half Blood. There are places on Long Island where you can stand up to view the Long Island Sound and even hear it roar. Is it a place only visible to the demi gods?
I didnt pay much attention to mythology when I was a student in school. I think this would be a great book to have students read as they study mythology either it be in middle school, high school or even college.
This is book 1 of Percy Jackson and the Olympians with the movie to be released on February 12th. Does Percy get a quest? Who is the cause of the quest? Who are is traveling companions?
Enjoy the book, it is refreshing, to read a book that I can recommend to students without having to give them a warning if there are parts not suitable for them to read. Read the book and enjoy the movie.

Wednesday, January 20, 2010

The Last Book in the Universe written by Rodman Philbrick



I read the story,"The Last Book in the Universe" by Rodman Philbrick. It takes place over two-hundred years in the future after "the shake", an earthquake or volcanic eruption that leaks toxic waste on Earth and destroys everything. Society is rebuilt and there are two kinds of people: the "normals", which are the poorer, lower class, and the "proovs", which are the upper class that have been genetically engineered to be perfect. The proovs live in Eden, a perfect society surrounded by a circular zone of poverty. The normals live in latches in the zone of poverty. Spaz, one of the normals, is on his way to steal from another normal named Ryter. Spaz is a young boy that suffers from epilepsy and is sent away from his family because his father is afraid that Spaz's condition will harm his little sister, Bean. Ryter is very poor, old and thin with white hair, a long beard and shiny eyes and he spends his time writing. When Spaz learns that Bean is dying, he goes to visit her and Ryter offers to go with him to protect him on the dangerous journey since they eventually become friends. Along the way, Spaz and Ryter meet a beautiful proov named Layana who helps them complete the journey to reach Bean, and Layana offers to take Bean to Eden to try to cure her. Layana is able to help save Bean, but Spaz, Bean, and Ryter are forced to leave Eden because it is against the rules for normals to go to Eden. This is a great book because it is suspenseful. It is an awesome adventure that I can imagine being part of. Another reason I like the book is because it is interesting to imagine how different our society could be in the future. I recommend this book to people who like adventurous and suspenseful books.


Saturday, January 2, 2010

Tempted- P C Cast + Kristin Cast


I am reading this HoN novel now, I believe I am into Chapter 4. This is the 6th book in the HoN series. This isnt the Twilight series! Enjoy the series.

I have finished reading Tempted.The ending was a surprise and upsetting for me. It certainly wasnt what I expected but probably had to happen. From the beginning there are secrets that have between Zoey and Stevie Ray. Zoey has banished Kalona and Neferet from Tulsa. Zoey and Stark are recovering the fledglings are having problems dealing with the fail out caused by Neferet. Zoey is haunted by A-ya and Kalona in her dreams.


With this going on Stevie Ray has super red vamp powers. She is keeping a Raven Mocker hidden from Zoey and everyone. The dead undead vamps are causing her problems.


Why does Zoey need to travel to Italy? Will Kalona be finally out of her dreams? Who is her protector, boyfriend, warrior? Stark, Heath or Erik.


Stevie Rae imprinted with a Raven Mocker , Rephaim.

Royal Blood written by Ellen Schreiber

Royal Blood is the 6th book in the Vampire Kisses series.
Get to know Alexander and his parents, Cassandra and Constantine in Royal Blood.
Raven is going to get a chance to meet Alexander's parents. But why all of a sudden are Alexander's parents in Dullsville? Why have Alexander's parents been to see a real estate agent? Why does Constantine feel Alexander's talent for painting just a hobby?

Read Royal Blood written by Ellen Schreiber