I Survived

This is a series I have been curious about for awhile now.  I've had lots of kids come into my store asking for these books.  Pompeii is the newest installment.  I believe it just came out this week.  They don't have to be read in order (this is book #10) because each title takes place in a different historical period with different characters.  I rather enjoyed this book.  I think this series would be great for reluctant readers.  They are short, barely over 100 pages, and include a lot of history.  This is the only one I have read, so I can't speak for the others, but it was fast-paced and to the point.  It briefly covered the few days leading up the eruption of Mt. Vesuvius and then the actual eruption and attempted evacuation.  There are illustrations to help break up the words, for those who need that.  This series is probably about a fourth grade reading level, maybe even late third grade.  It is scholastic, so the actually reading level should be on the back of the book.  I read a digital copy, so the information wasn't included.  Like I said, the book was a lot of fun and inspired me to do a little further research on the event.  That is exactly what the author hopes for.  Kids who are at all interested in historical events, or enjoy some good danger and action, this series would be perfect.  They all cover events that are known for the death and destruction factor, but focus on surviving that event.  I can say that I do in fact recommend this series.  Give it a try.  Happy reading!

Septimus Heap

A very cute kids series is Septimus Heap by Angie Sage.  The adventures follow a young boy named Septimus Heap.  He is the seventh son of a seventh son, and as such, he is destined to be one of the most powerful wizards of all time.  He is just a boy though, so he must take up an apprenticeship with the ExtraOrdinary Wizard, Marcia Overstrand, in order to be properly trained to someday take her place.  The books are filled with adventure and mishap.  The characters are a lot of fun and the world the author has created is rather enjoyable.  Septimus' family is rather entertaining.  His brothers are all very different.  His sister, Jenna, is a force to be reckoned with.  His best friend Beetle is always up for an adventure.  After raising seven kids, Sarah Heap is not to be messed with.  All the characters, good and bad, are fun.  The series is full of quirky characters and great adventure, not to mention a bit of magic, time travel, possession, dragons and danger.  It is very fun.  The books are all quite thick, but the content is appropriate for younger readers than Harry Potter.  I would recommend it for about 10 years old, but could be read to kids slightly younger.  If you like fantasy and want something a bit silly, yet well written and entertaining, give this series a try.  Happy reading!

Book Lover's Day

Tomorrow, August 9th, is Book Lovers Day.  It is meant to be celebrated by settling down with a good book and enjoying the simple act of reading.  It is the perfect day to share books with friends and family.  I'm going to take this opportunity to share some of my all time favorite books with you.

Let's start with kids books.  Where the Sidewalk Ends is my kind of poetry through and through.  It's simple, humorous and is easy to read.  Shel Silverstein is just brilliant.  The Secret Garden is a children's classic that everyone should read, especially girls.  I have read it probably six times and loved it every time.  Matilda is another book I have enjoyed over and over.  What a wonderful little girl she is.  Roald Dahl's dark and twisted humor always entertains.  Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH is such a fun and fantastic adventure.  I can't wait to read it with my daughter.  I'll wrap up this portion with two series I adore.  First, Percy Jackson and the Olympians is a perfect blend of action, adventure, mythology and friendship.  It is very entertaining and should not be missed.  Finally, Harry Potter.  It is a series that forever changed the book industry and has turned millions of people into readers.

The next group of books I want to discuss are in the Young Adult genre (arguably my favorite genre).  I guess I am one of those stunted adults that just can't get enough of it.  I've selected just two to talk about.  The Book Thief is a beautifully written, life changing story about the love of books and the power they have to transform lives.  It truly is a magnificent story that everyone should read.  The Truth About Forever is my guilty pleasure teen book of choice.  It is filled with wonderful characters.  It is about friendship, learning to live again after tragedy and finding love when you least expect it.  I just love that book.

On to adult books.  My favorite is The Power of One.  It is just such an awesome and inspiring story about overcoming limitations.  It exemplifies how one person truly can make a difference and perhaps even change the world.  To Kill a Mockingbird is one of those books that touches your heart and changes your life.  It captures childhood and the human experience better than most books can ever hope to.  These is my Words introduces a character like no other.  She is not soon forgotten.  Sarah will get under your skin and leave you wanting more.  Gone With the Wind is a love story for the times.  I fell in love with Rhett Butler and wanted to strangle Scarlett O'hara for not seeing how great he is until it is too late.  Another great love story, retold more than any other one (perhaps besides Romeo and Juliet) is Pride and Prejudice.  It may be cliche, but I still love it.  Mr. Darcy is wonderful.  Last but not least, Atlas Shrugged.  Ayn Rand is one of my very favorite authors.  Her fiction is not for everyone, but I wish there was more of it.  I really enjoy books that make you think and expand your outlook, and her books truly do that.

I challenge everyone to take some time tomorrow to sit down and read, not because you have to, but because you want to.  Read alone or together as a family.  Just enjoy a good book because you can.  Take it one step further and share your favorite books with your friends and family.  Sharing books and the love of reading is one of the best gifts you can give others.  At least that is what I think.  Happy Book Lover's Day and Happy reading!

The Giver Quartet

It has been years since I started The Giver Quartet, but I finally finished it the other day.  After Messenger I though it was over, but then Lois Lowry added Son to the end.  It wrapped up the story quite nicely.  Questions that went unanswered in Messenger were flushed out more in Son.  It brought together characters from all three previous volumes.  This is a strange series because each book seems unrelated to the others until it is tied in at some point.  The first book, The Giver, is the best by far.  Jonas is a very interesting character.  Gathering Blue follows Kira and Messenger follows Matty.  All are tales of survival in a dystopian world.  Son pulls them together.  I wish I had reread The Giver before reading it though.  Actually, I wish I had reread all of them.  I didn't remember lots of stuff and probably would have enjoyed it even more if I remembered more.  Son follows Claire, the birth mother of Gabriel (the little boy from The Giver).  I really enjoyed how it tied all the books together.  This series is definitely different and may not appeal to all.  If I'm being totally honest, The Giver is the only one that is a must-read.  The other three aren't as good, but definitely worth reading.  This was my first foray into dystopian fiction.  As you may know, I am a huge fan of that genre.  The Giver was my gateway drug.  Even if that genre doesn't interest you, I think The Giver is a book everyone should read.  If you like it, continue the series.  I think it is a worthy education.  Happy reading!

Tuesdays at the Castle

I was planning on waiting until I read the next two books in this series before writing about it, but I just couldn't wait.  I just finished Tuesdays at the Castle and loved it so much.  I wanted to share it immediately.  It was such a delight.  I kept being surprised by how much I was enjoying it, although I don't know why.  I have enjoyed all of Jessica's books that I have read so far.  She is a local author that I have gotten to know a little and I shouldn't be surprised by her talent.  Her personality comes right through her books.  This wonderful book is about a magical castle and the royal family who inhabits it.  When the King and Queen go to the Wizarding College to watch their oldest son graduate, their carriage is set upon by bandits.  They are presumed dead.  The three children (Rolf, Lilah, and Celie) they left at home have to use all their wits and bravery to defend the throne from an evil prince from another land who is set on taking over the kingdom.  Despite his wishes, it is the castle who chooses the king, and Castle Glower is not a fan of Prince Khelsh.  This magical tale is full of fun and adventure.  The children must fight for their very lives and band together with the castle to try to get rid of the unwanted residents.  I just loved the characters.  I can't wait to get to know them better in the next books.  Such a fun series so far.  I highly recommend this for anyone eight and up.  Happy reading!

Ophelia and the Marvelous Boy

I haven't been reading a lot of middle grade books lately, but I received an advanced copy of Ophelia and the Marvelous Boy from the publisher.  It was released in January, yet I just got around to reading it.  This book reminded me why I love kids books.  I was drawn to it first by its cover.  It looked a bit magical, and I was instantly interested in reading it.  Although it took me a long time to start this book, I was quickly swept up by the story.  There are actually two intersecting stories taking place.  You have the story of the boy, hand picked by Wizards to deliver a sword to a chosen one who will defeat the Snow Queen.  When he encounters the evil queen, she locks him up.  Ophelia's story begins when she accompanies her father on a job to some foreign city.  He is sword expert and is hired by the museum to help set up an exhibit.  Ophelia spends her days wandering the museum and trying to stay out of trouble.  On her very first day, she stumbles upon a locked room.  Inside she discovers the Marvelous Boy, prisoner of the Snow Queen.  He begins to tell her his story and asks for her help.  She doesn't believe a word of it, after all, magic is not real.  But, she is bored and curious.  She does as he asks, and her world will never be the same.  Adventure and danger await her at every turn.  She must first believe.  Then, she must do all she can to rescue the boy, find the one, and save the world.  She only has a couple days until the world ends and the Snow Queen will take over.  Can the boy and Ophelia stop her?  I really enjoyed the characters.  The writing was full of magic and whimsy.  The story within the story kept me hooked.  I kept wanting to know what Ophelia would encounter next.  The museum setting was lots of fun.  Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed it and wish I had read it earlier.  I think it would make an excellent read aloud, in a classroom setting or just at home.  Either way, it is definitely one that would be fun to read together with children.  It is captivating and enchanting.  Happy reading!

Sarah, Plain and Tall

Sarah, Plain and Tall is one of my favorite books from childhood.  I listened to it on tape numerous times, as well as read it.  I was trying to think of a good book to recommend for Mother's Day, and this one came to mind.  It is not a traditional story of motherhood.  Sarah answers an advertisement in the paper to come to Kansas as a wife and mother for Jacob and his children, Anna and Caleb.  It has become too difficult to run his farm and raise his children, so he sends away for a woman to help him out.  Caleb is desperate for a mother, he has never known one.  His mother died having him.  Anna is a little more skeptical of the newcomer.  Sarah has a tough time adjusting to life in Kansas.  She is from a beautiful town on the coast of Maine.  It takes some time and definitely a little trouble, but they start to become a family.  In the end, Sarah agrees to stay and marry Jacob.  This book embraces the role of a mother and the importance she plays in the life of children.  I enjoy watching Sarah learn to love Anna and Caleb and them her in return.  Every child needs a mother.  This book is an excellent example of that.  As far as length, this book is less than 75 pages, but it is not lacking in anyway.  It won the Newbery Medal in 1986 and has long since been considered a classic in children's literature.  I think it is one that every child should read, either by her/himself, or together as a family.  It is just wonderful.  The characters are ones that have stuck with me throughout my life.  Give it a try.  Don't forget to tell your mothers how wonderful they are too.  Happy reading!

Percy Jackson

Today I want to talk about one of my absolute favorite series for kids (actually it is two series, but one is a sequel of sorts).  After Harry Potter, Percy Jackson is the second must read kid's series, in my opinion.  I think every kid, and adult alike, should read these books.  They are just awesome.  The first five books (Percy Jackson and the Olympians) follow young Percy as he learns the truth of who he really is and embraces his destiny.  He is a demigod, son of one of the Olympic gods .  The monsters and gods from Greek Mythology are real and he is a key figure in their world, whether he wants to be or not.  In each book he finds himself on some seemingly impossible quest, relying on friends, guts and ingenuity to survive.  The five books are tied together by a prophesy that says when one of the demigods turns 16, he or she will either save or destroy Olympus.  The Titan lord Kronos is the big bad in this series.  As he gains power and starts to break free from his prison in Tartarus, Percy and the other demigods must do whatever they can to stop his army.  Obviously a lot of adventures take place over the course of the series.  They happen over the span of five years, culminating in the dreaded birthday and ensuing battle.  My favorite thing about these books is getting to know the modern day aspects of the gods.  They are quite entertaining.  The characters, not just the gods, but the demigods and other mythical creature, are all extremely fun and very likable.  Percy Jackson is a great hero, full of flaws but loyal to the end.  I can't say enough about this series.  If you haven't read it yet, start it immediately.  The second series, Heroes of Olympus, is still in progress.  It has mostly new characters, sons and daughters of the Roman aspects of the gods.  There are a handful of characters from the Greek side, including Percy, that are also in the series.  The trouble is, the Greek and Roman sides of the gods have always been at war with each other.  The two sides must learn to fight together if they are going to stop the Earth Mother, Gaea, from rising.  So far I am enjoying this series almost as much as the first.  They are well written and full of adventure.  I've always preferred Greek Mythology to Roman, so that is why the first series is a little better, in my opinion.  Still, I am loving this sequel series.  I can't wait until October when book five comes out.  Seriously, if you haven't read this series yet, pick up a copy of The Lightning Thief TODAY and get started.  I promise you won't be sorry.  Happy reading!

The Guardians

Last Easter we watched Rise of the Guardians, and I was intrigued with the characters.  I wanted to read the series that inspired the movie.  In each book, the title character is recruited by the Man in the Moon to become a Guardian (of Childhood).  These are their origin stories so to speak.  The movie isn't exactly based on the books themselves.  It is more on the characters after they have been Guardians for awhile, once again battling Pitch.  If you liked the movie, you will definitely enjoy getting to know the characters back stories more.  Each adventure is filled with wonder and amazement.  They are also filled with danger as the growing group battles Pitch Dark (usually just called Pitch).  He is determined to fill the world with fear and turn children into Fearlings.  The books are so much fun.   The group is searching for all the missing pieces of the Moonclipper.  When assembled, they can stop Pitch once and for all.  If you are looking for long, deep stories, these are not for you.  They are short and fun books aimed at young children.  The first book sets up the series and then the story continues into each, as St. North and the Man in the Moon gather up/recruit the Guardians.  There is a smattering of artwork throughout the books, helping you see what the author had in mind when describing characters and creatures.  Over all, I had a lot of fun with the books and look forward to the series continuing.  As far as I know, there are at least two more planned.  If you are looking for a less fluffy Easter story this year, try this version of the Easter Bunny.  Happy reading!

Flipped

Flipped is one of the first Young Adult books I ever read.  It is classified as that, but in reality it is probably more for middle grade kids.  The main two characters are in eighth grade, but it is a love story at the core, even if it takes place on the playground.  It is also the first book I can remember reading that has alternating chapters( narration switch), something I have come to love in books.  I guess I just enjoy getting to hear different perspectives on the events in a story.  It is not always successful, but Wendelin Van Draanen nailed it in this book.  Unlike most books with alternating chapters, this one mostly retells the exact same events from both perspectives.  It is hilarious.  Our two narrators are Bryce and Julianne.  The two meet in second grade when Bryce's family moves in next door to Julianne's.  She is instantly in love with him, and he of course can't stand her.  Bryce does things to try to dissuade her, like get a girlfriend he doesn't even really like.  Julianne, in turn, feels it is her duty to save him from said girlfriend.  At the heart of it, the two don't actually really know each other at all.  They are locked in a game of cat and mouse.  As they get older and get to know each other a little better, Julianne realizes she doesn't really like who Bryce turns out to be under the surface.  Bryce, on the other hand, starts to think Julianne is quite fabulous.  It is now up to him to prove to her that he is worth liking after all.  This book is just so cute and funny.  I think this author has a talent for mixing humor with real emotion.  She writes funny books that have a depth to them as well.  While this book is a love story, it also touches on family loyalty, friendship, standing up for what you believe and not being afraid to be yourself.  I have read it a handful of times and enjoy it immensely with each reread.  If you haven't given it a try yet, I highly recommend it.  It will bring you plenty of laughs as you see these two neighbors interpret simple events in vastly different ways.  Enjoy and happy reading!

The Penderwicks

April 10th is National Siblings Day in the USA.  It is a day to celebrate siblings.  I think The Penderwicks is the perfect book to highlight such a day.  It is the first book in a series of fun books, although it is my favorite so far.  It introduces us to a very fun cast of characters.  The Penderwick sisters are very different from each other, which at times causes a little drama.  But at the end of the day they are fiercely loyal and love each other very much.  Their mother is dead and they must count on each other to fill that empty role.  Their father is a very loving and wonderful man as well.  Now for the girls, first you have 12 year old Rosalind.  As the oldest, she is thrown into the role of looking after her sisters and therefore is forced to be responsible.  Next comes Skye, who tends to let her temper get the better of her.  Jane is an aspiring author, penning stories following Sabrina Starr on various ridiculous adventures.  She reminds me a bit of Anne Shirley (Anne of Green Gables).  Finally we have 4 year old Batty.  She loves to wear butterfly/fairy wings and is constantly accompanied by the loyal family dog, Hound.  Batty is an animal lover to the core.  When the Penderwick family rents a cottage on the grounds of Arundel manor for a summer vacation, the girls immediately find adventure and trouble.  To their delight, the snooty owner has a young son, Jeffrey, who is a kindred spirit in many ways.  They instantly become friends, and for Jeffrey and perhaps the girls, life will never be the same.  This book is light and full of fun.  It is a bit of a throw back to the innocent stories of old.  It truly is out of time.  The setting isn't necessary for the innocence of childhood and the adventure we can have when we use our imagination and enjoy the outdoors.  The characters are really entertaining and definitely kept me interested right through the ending.  The plot isn't super complex and the story isn't much more than a summer adventure, but that didn't make it less enjoyable.  After all, it did win the National Book Award in 2005, so obviously the appeal is not just in my head.  It is a great book to read alone or together as a family.  The Penderwick family is truly unforgettable and vastly entertaining.  Happy reading!

Thursday Three: Absolutely Incredible Kids Day

Today is the worldwide observance of amazing kids.  In honor of such a wonderful day, I would like to talk about three books that I think have incredible kids at their core.
1.  Matilda
I'm sure everyone has probably read this book, but it is one of my favorite kid's books.  Matilda is such an interesting and unique little girl.  She is brilliant, beyond her youth.  She is kind and loving, although she is not loved much in return.  Her parents are horrible and the school principal, Trunchbull, is abhorrent.  But Matilda will not let them get her down.  She fights back.  Using her smarts she is able to stand up to her bullies.  I've read this book a handful of times and love it every time.  Like all Roald Dahl books, this one is slightly twisted and filled with unsavory adults.  But, the character of Matilda is unforgettable.  It is a book I think every child should read.
2.  Ida B
It has been awhile since I read this book, so I don't remember a lot of the details.  I do remember that I thought Ida was an amazing character.  The book is told from her point of view.  Getting inside her head, hearing her thoughts and feelings, while she is going through some difficult life changes, is very poignant.  Her whole world is turned upside down when her mother gets sick and she has to go to public school (instead of continuing her homeschooling).  Also, her family has to sell the land that she has always loved.  Life as she knows it is over, and it is not an easy transition for her.  Her voice is just so strong and, to me, unforgettable.  She is truly a character that stays with you.
3.  Anne of Green Gables
I didn't intend to choose all girls, but that is how it worked out.  Anne Shirley is definitely one of the amazing and memorable literary characters out there.  She has a fire and uniqueness that sticks out in a crowd.  The little orphan girl changes the lives of everyone around her.  She doesn't put up with anything.  At times her temper and imagination get the better of her.  She finds herself in trouble she never sees coming, but at the core she is a little girl desperate for love, acceptance and friendship.  She finds all three at Green Gables and in Avonlea.  She is a drama queen extraordinaire, which leads to plenty of laughs.  This is definitely a fun book to read.  If you enjoy it, the series continues through eight books, following Anne through adulthood.

Thursday Three: Movie Adaptations I'd Like to See Made

Today is Popcorn Lover's Day, a perhaps little known worldwide observance.  I'm sure I'm hardly alone in thinking that popcorn and movies is almost synonymous.  I am not really a fan of movie theater popcorn though.  I much prefer my popcorn cooked on a stove-top and lightly salted.  YUM!!  Anyway, in terms of popcorn and movies, I have decided to talk about three books I would love to see made into movies.  This post was a lot harder than I thought it would be.  Most of my favorite books have either already been made into movies, or I have already talked about them in other posts.  Still, these three choices would make really fun movies or TV shows.  Even if you don't agree with me on the adaptation possibility, I still think all these series are worth a read.
1.  Artemis Fowl
Perhaps I should have saved this series for next week (both the author and main character are Irish).  Oh well.  I just love this series.  It starts out with a young, bored, rich, genius boy named Artemis.  He has too much time and too much money to do whatever he wants with.  He is a criminal mastermind in the making and in the first book his sole objective is to prove once and for all that fairies are real.  Then, he wants their gold.  Enter the up and coming young Holly Short.  She is a rising star in the LEPrecon unit of the fairy police.  She is tough and is not about to put up with the young Artemis.  I just love the characters in this series.  The fairies are lots of fun and Artemis' bodyguard, Butler, is wonderful.
2.  Vampirates
I'll be honest, I first picked up this book based on the premise alone.  I thought, "Pirates that are vampires.  You can't go wrong there."  I thoroughly enjoyed this series.  In the first book, twins Connor and Grace are separated after a shipwreck.  Grace is rescued by a ship of vampirates and Connor is rescued by a ship of regular pirates.  As the two settle into their new roles aboard their respective ships, destiny starts to unfold, bringing everything to a head.  I just love pirate books and this series is just that much more fun when you're dealing with vampires as well.  Especially when some of them go rouge and the two sides have to join forces to stop them.
3.  Calvin and Hobbes
I am hardly the only fan of this young troublemaker and his feline sidekick.  The forever six year old is always making me laugh.  I would love to watch his shenanigans on the big screen, or as a television show.  It would probably work best animated, but I would love to see a live-action adaptation.  With all the CGI capabilities, Hobbes would be easy, albeit expensive, to make.  Although this comic strip in no longer being written, the collections still tend to be favorites of many.  In my opinion, this is the best and most brilliantly written comic strip of all time.  I am in no way a comic aficionado, so I don't speak with any authority in this matter.  I just have impeccable taste, so I must be right!

Thursday Three: Fairy Tales

I'm still thinking about Fairy Tales a lot, so I want to share some of my favorite retellings for young readers.
1.  Ella Enchanted
This book is such a cute retelling of Cinderella.  In this version Ella is cursed with obedience.  Whatever anybody tells her to do, she must obey.  Of course there are those that abuse it, but Ella is feisty and won't go down without a fight.  She takes off on an adventure to find the fairy who cursed her, hoping she will undo it.  She finds her prince and falls in love, but her curse drives them apart.  Of course she figures out a way around it and gets her happily ever after, even rescuing the prince along the way.  The characters are a lot of fun, especially Ella.  She is strong and brave and doesn't need to be saved by anyone.  Definitely a fun and worthwhile read.
2.  The Frog Princess
This series started long before Disney did the movie.  It has a similar premise though.  Emma is a princess who isn't quite what her mother wants her to be.  While hiding out from the odious prince Jorge, she meets a frog that convinces her to kiss him.  If she does, he will return to his human prince form.  Instead, her kiss turns her into a frog.  The two then must survive long enough to find a way to reverse the curse.  It is a really silly and fun book.  Full of adventure and laughs, this book is a light, fluffy read for girls everywhere.  If you enjoy it, the series continues through eight books.
3.  Beauty
This is a fun retelling of Beauty and the Beast.  Unlike the original, this version finds Beauty with a loving family and a good life, one she does not want to leave to fulfill the promise her father makes to the Beast.  At least half of the book takes place before Beauty goes to the castle and meets the Beast.  In my opinion, I wish there was more time with the Beast, developing that part of the story more.  It all happens too fast, but as a fan of this fairy tale, I still enjoyed this version.  It is very descriptive and the writing is lovely.  I really enjoyed the development of the back story.  After all, this book is supposed to be about Beauty, and her meeting the Beast is only part of her story.

Thursday Three: Black History for Kids

I kept trying to come up with good adult books encompassing Black History Month in one way or another, and all I could come up with were books just about everyone has already read.  While I still highly recommend them (e.g. The Help, To Kill a Mockingbird), I figured I would focus on some kids books instead.  When I started this post, I didn't intend to pick all Newbery winners, but alas that is what I did anyway.  The Newbery committee is notorious for favoring historical fiction, so it isn't that much of a stretch that some of what I consider to be the best kids books embodying black history are the same that others have likewise chosen.

1. Bud, Not Buddy

This fun story, set during the Great Depression, won the 2000 Newbery Medal.  It is the story of a young boy riding the rails, looking for his long lost father.  After his mother dies and one too many unpleasant foster homes, Bud runs off to find his dad.  He only has a few clues as to his possible identity, but this spunky young boy is determined.  It is lots of fun.  Bud recites "rules" to live by that are just hilarious.  He is quite the character.  It will keep you entertained for sure.  It is definitely a fun book to read aloud, whether in a classroom or at home.

2.  M.C. Higgins, The Great

I'll start off by saying this book is definitely not for everyone.  It is peculiar to say the least.  I read it simply because it won the Newbery (1975), but found that I rather enjoyed it.  The characters are quite interesting, although not always likable.  The title character spends much of his time observing the world from the top of a forty-foot pole.  The author does a fantastic job of describing the setting and the time.  You can feel yourself there.  While this book is strange, it is wildly descriptive in a way that just got under my skin.

3.  Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry

Now I'll be honest.  I don't remember the details of this book.  I read it as a child and haven't taken the time to reread it yet as an adult.  I do remember that I thought it was wonderful.  It definitely opened my eyes to life in the deep south.  Despite what the laws said, centuries of hate and prejudice didn't end over night.  The Logan family is at the center of all the drama.  This book is beautifully written.  The author doesn't beat around the bush when depicting the harsh reality of the time.  It definitely isn't a feel-good book, but one that is worth reading for sure.  It won the Newbery in 1977 and is often a required reading title in elementary school.

Thursday Three: Newbery Honor Favorites

I didn't realize until I picked my three Newbery Honor books that all of them follow a strong female character.  I suppose these selections may not be for everybody, boys especially.  They are still fun books, but boys don't always want to read about girls, so sorry for all you with a house full of boys.

1.  The Great Gilly Hopkins (1979)
This book (by two-time Newbery winner Katherine Paterson--Bridge to Terabithia and Jacob Have I Loved) also won the National Book Award.  I read it for the first time as an adult and I just loved it.  Gilly is such a fun, spunky character.  Trying to survive the foster system, she puts on a tough front.  Her antics and feisty personality had me laughing out loud.  All she wants is to be with her mother, Courtney (great name, but horrible person).  She ends up placed in the house of an old widow, with a younger foster brother.  They live next door to an old blind man.  Gilly fights every step of the way, but she may just end up finding the family she has always wanted.  The transformation she makes throughout the book is fun to watch.
2.  The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle (1991)
This was the only Honor awarded in 1991.  It follows the adventures and troubles of a young, upper crust girl, on a voyage from England to America.  Her character evolves from looking down on the crew to actually joining them.  The book is a high seas adventure with mutiny, murder and mayhem.  I love pirate/sailor adventures set in the 1800s.  They are a bit of a guilty pleasure for me.  So, of course I loved this book.  I heard Avi read a climatic scene at a Children's Literature Conference I attended years ago.  It made me fall in love with the book all over again.  Some people dislike the book because they think her character transformation and her actions are too unrealistic, especially because of the time period it takes place in.  I say, "Posh."  I think it is a fun book that is worth reading. 
3. Our Only May Amelia (2000)
This book connects with my inner tomboy.  May Amelia is the only girl in her pioneer settlement (in Washington state around the turn of the century).  She has seven brothers and can't help but give in to her own adventurous spirit and yearn to join them in all they do.  Her parents want her to be a proper young lady, cooking, cleaning, and worst of all wearing dresses.  I just love the way this book is written.  The characters draw you right in.  The very unique May Amelia is the narrator.  She is so full of life.  You can't help but be dragged in to all her adventures right along side her.  I highly recommend this book, even if you are not generally an historical fiction fan.

Tuesday Talk: Jack Gantos

Continuing with the Newbery theme, today I am going to talk a little bit about Jack Gantos.  He won a Newbery Medal in 2012 for Dead End in Norvelt.  It is a semi-autobiographical account of a crazy summer from Jack's childhood.  It is very funny, which is one of the author's signature trademarks.  While I enjoyed that book, the reason I chose his is for his Joey Pigza series.  The second installment, Joey Pigza Loses Control, was a Newbery Honor book in 2001.  The series is four books long (for now at least).  They follow the antics and misadventures of a young Joey, a sufferer of ADHD.  They are absolutely hilarious.  Told from his point of view, we get a glimpse at the world through the eyes of a kid whose brain is out of control.  The impulses/compulsions are too overwhelming and he just can't help himself.  When they figure out the correct medication for him, his brain calms down and he can function.  That is, until his ADHD father persuades him to stop taking his pills.  His father, Carter, pops in and out of his life, not really fit to take care of himself, let alone his son.  Despite his lackluster parenting skills, Carter is a very interesting and fun character.  In my opinion, Joey's mother is wonderful.  He lives with her and Carter's mother (his grandmother).  His grandmother helps take care of him while his mom works.  She too suffers from ADHD, but has learned to deal with it, at least in comparison to her son and grandson.  This series of books is just so much fun.  Joey's character is hilarious, and I loved getting to see inside a head that is firing at a pace above normal.  Joey's sidekick, his Chihuahua Pablo, is equally hyperactive.  A very fun series that children and adults can both enjoy.  I highly recommend giving it a try.  Happy reading!

Thursday Three: Newbery Winner Favorites

ALA Awards season is upon us.  January 27th is the big day for the announcement of this year's (really last year's) winners.  This month I am going to focus on my favorites of the big two: Newbery and Caldecott Medals.  There are a lot of Newbery winners I love, some of which I have previously discussed in this blog.  Today I am going to talk about three I haven't previously mentioned.
1. Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIHM (1972)
 This is one of my all-time favorite books.  I loved it as a child and again when I reread it as an adult.  I'm not usually huge on animal personification, but this book is just fabulous.  You've got adventure, danger, intrigue, friendship, and much more.  I think every child should read this book.  It draws you in from the very beginning and keeps you hooked right through the end.  It contains a depth that most children's books don't ever achieve.
2.  Holes (1999)
I've always been a fan of Louis Sachar (the Wayside School books are the best), so when he finally won a Newbery I was so excited.  This book is just so much fun.  There is a heavy dose of karma woven throughout, a message that what you do has consequences.  It is a story of friendship, family and adventure.  The past and the present are magically woven together to tell a story that spans the generations.  Two families' fates are intertwined by a decision made decades ago.  Holes is filled with fun characters.  Definitely a book worth getting lost in for awhile.
3. A Year Down Yonder (2001)
This is the sequel to the 1999 Newbery Honor winner A Long Way From Chicago (the only Honor book chosen that year).  It is truly a delight (both are).  The characters are utterly unforgettable.  The antics the children (Joey and Mary Alice) and their grandmother get up to are hilarious.  The first book covers the tales and trouble had over seven summers visiting their grandmother.  The second book follows the year Mary Alice moves in with the feisty old lady.  These books will leave you laughing and smiling.  Definitely make them part of your collection.

Tuesday Talk: The Sisters Grimm

I was going to save this series for June, Audiobook Month, because it is so fabulously done on audio, but I just couldn't wait.  The Sisters Grimm, by Michael Buckley, is one of my all-time favorite kid's series.  It is aimed at Young Readers/Middle Grades.  The stories follow sisters Sabrina and Daphne, the youngest living descendants of the famous Brothers Grimm.  When they go to live with their grandmother, they discover who they are and the truth about the fairy tales they were told at bedtime.  The characters in those stories are real, and they are trapped in the small town the girls now live in.  The Grimm Brothers entrapped them to protect the world from their magic and nefarious schemes.  Some of the fairy tale characters are good and some are evil, and some aren't what they seem.  The Grimms are put on the case, solving crimes and uncovering mysteries.  The cast of characters is so much fun.  Snow White is the school teacher, Prince Charming is the mayor, the Big Bad Wolf is the Grimm's driver/protector of sorts, the Three Little Pigs are the policemen, and many more.  Granny Relda is a spitfire of an old lady.  Notorious prankster Puck joins the girls on most of their adventures, acting as their (especially Sabrina's) personal tormentor.  Each story is an adventure in itself, each case building on each other, leading to an inevitable war between each side.  I just love this series.  I am constantly recommending it to people.  I think everyone should read it (or listen to the audio, the voices are fantastic).  There are nine books in the series and it is over, so you don't have to wait for the next one to come out.  I'm telling you, the whole family can enjoy this series together.  I promise you won't regret giving it a try.  Happy reading!

Tuesday Talk: The Graveyard Book

I don't usually read hard core horror.  I've never read any Stephen King (I know it's un-American, but it is what it is).  However, I have read a lot of paranormal books that are probably considered horror on some level.  The Graveyard Book won multiple awards in 2009.  It is the only book ever to win both the Newbery and the Carnegie Medals (The UK equivalent).  Originally published as a kid's book, it was reprinted in an adult format to market it with Neil Gaiman's other books (also allowing a higher price point).  I prefer the original kid's cover and price.  This book is truly like nothing else I have ever read.  It is horrific, adventurous, entertaining, heart-warming, playful and inspiring.  The writing was just amazing.  The story is about a young boy, Nobody Owens, raised in a graveyard.  After the brutal murder of his entire family, Bod escapes to the graveyard where he is raised and taught by its inhabitants.  As long as he remains in the graveyard, he is safe from the murderer who longs to finish the job he started.  While it sounds rather dark, I promise there is a lot of positive, light aspects to the story as well.  This is a book everybody should read.  With Halloween being this week, now is a great time to read (or reread) this book.  Happy reading!