Seeing Redd by Frank Beddor - ESSENTIAL

Beddor, Frank Seeing Redd, 384 p. Dial (Penguin)

MS, HS – ESSENTIAL

Since she defeated her evil Aunt Redd, Alyss Heart, queen of Wonderland, has tried to find time for herself amongst the hustle and bustle of rebuilding an entire land. However, Arch, king of a neighboring land, has other things in mind for Alyss, none of which include peace. 

Outright lies, subtle deceptions and vicious attacks take center stage in the latest Wonderland book. Quite dark and utterly fascinating with a completely gorgeous cover that will inspire many a Halloween costume, if I am not mistaken. 

CINDY

Out of the Egg by Tina Martin - ADVISABLE

Matthews, Tina Out of the Egg PICTURE BOOK Houghton Mifflin

EL (K-3), EL, MS – ADVISABLE

Every thinks they know the story of the Little Red Hen – but do you know what happened next? The Red Hen learns an important lesson from her own chick in this artfully done continuation of the classic. 

The Japanese wood block prints work just right to illustrate this story. Any elementary school and other schools with Teacher Advisory programs need to add this to their collections. 

CINDY

Pirate Emperor by Kai Meyer - ADVISABLE

Meyer, Kai Pirate Emperor, 298 p. McElderry (Simon and Schuster) 

MS – ADVISABLE

Jolly and Griffin have survived one danger and find themselves on an island with a madman, building a bridge into nothingness. A bridge leading the two straight into more danger. Another narrow escape, with the help of the Ghost Trader, who leads them to a fantastic city of coral, where they are reunited with their friends Munk and Princess Soledad. Everyone knows what must be done, but everyone seems to have other priorities, which lead only into more danger. 

Swashbuckling and rollicking are two perfect worlds to describe the second of the Wave Walker series. This is actually a better book than the first. 

CINDY

Rainstorm by Barbara Lehman - ADVISABLE

Lehman, Barbara Rainstorm PICTURE BOOK Houghton Mifflin

EL, MS – ADVISABLE

Trapped in the house during a rainy day, a young boy finds a key that leads him to a different place and new friends. 

Told without words, the watercolor, gouache and ink illustrations lead you on a marvelous journey to friendship. Wordless books are a wonderful tool for prediction and narration for younger and older students. This particular title will be well loved. 

CINDY

Night of the Soul Stealer - Joseph Delaney - ESSENTIAL

There's no such thing as book review overload. I have read some fantastic books so far this summer and want to share as much as I can! You should pick some of these up and read then for yourself!

Delaney, Joseph Night of the Soul Stealer, 512 p. Greenwillow (Harper)

MS – ESSENTIAL

Tom Ward is headed to the Spook’s winter house to show the creepy crawlies that someone is there to defy them. The pair leaves Alice behind, but close, at a neighboring farm. The trio will have to work together to conquer the baddies in this installment of The Last Apprentice series, including a necromancer, feral lamia witches and a demon called forth by evil rituals. Another spine-tingling effort by Mr. Delaney. Dark and foreboding on every page. I definitely want more titles from this series, though I kind of hope that a little more time (novel time) passes before the next title begins. I hope you already own the other titles in the series!

CINDY

True Talents by David Lubar - ESSENTIAL

Lubar, David True Talents, 320 p. TOR

EL, MS - ESSENTIAL

As Trash starts to wake, he finds himself in the midst of a nightmare – kidnapped and held prisoner as someone experiments with his power to moves objects telekinetically. A narrow escape only leads him into more danger. Somehow he needs the help of the rest of his group of friends from Edgeview Alternative – Cheater, Lucky, Flinch, Torch and Martin. And they will need his help too, as the evil which captured Trash discovers their potential also. 

In plot, in dialogue. in writing and in sheer genius, this sequel to Hidden Talents far outstrips the original. Which is saying a lot, because the original is SOOO AWESOME! I am so glad that Lubar waited for the exact perfect inspiration before he wrote a sequel (unlike Sachar and the disappointing Small Steps), because I just can’t say enough good things about this book. Thank you for another masterpiece! 

CINDY

The Lacemaker and the Princess by Kimberly Bradley - ADVISABLE

Bradley, Kimberly Brubaker The Lacemaker and the Princess, 196 p. Simon and Schuster

EL, MS – ADVISABLE

On an errand for her grandmother, a lacemaker, Isabelle catches the eye of Marie Anoinette, the Queen of France, and finds herself becoming the playmate of the queen’s daughter. Together, with Ernestine, Therese’s other companion, she learns the life of a royal and sometimes has difficulty going back to the hard life she comes from – the demands that her mother and grandmother make on her are the ordinary demands of life for a peasant of the time, but its some much easier to pretend to be a princess. Her brother George, who works in the palace stable, warns her that changes are coming, but Isabelle doesn’t want to see. 

Set in the few months leading up to the French Revolution, it is a wonder to see the events through Isabelle’s and George’s eyes. Bradley is just as skilled as Carolyn Meyer in her weaving of historical fiction. This would be a great read aloud if a teacher spends any time at all looking at these events. 

CINDY

Alfred Kropp: The Seal of Solomon by Rick Yancey - ESSENTIAL

Yancey, Rick Alfred Kropp: The Seal of Solomon, 336 p. Bloomsbury

MS – ESSENTIAL

Alfred Kropp is kidnapped right out of the wretched foster home he is currently existing in. You would think a young man who controls a billion dollar corporation could do better for himself. But being dragged around the world to face demons released from hell is better than listen to his foster father plot to control his money any day. 

With the best intentions, Albert continues to do right by messing everything and everyone up. His dogged perseverance and unassuming personality help this book shine. However, it and its companion book still win the prize for ugliest cover, so you will have to direct students to it – they won’t pick it up on their own, unfortunately. Kropp is a lovely antidote or “Harry-itis”. 

CINDY

Breakfast at Bloomingdale’s by Kristen Kemp - ADVISABLE

And here are some more reviews!!! The summer book pile had been great so far.

Kemp, Kristen Breakfast at Bloomingdale’s, 304 p. Scholastic

MS – OPTIONAL, HS – ADVISABLE

Cat (not her real name) has come to New York and remade herself after the death of her beloved grandmother. Lying through her teeth, she talks her way into a class for brilliant teen clothing designers destines to enter New York’s most prestigious contest for her age group. But in order to get what she wants, she also has to come to terms with all that she left behind: an ex-boyfriend, an emotionally absent mother and too many memories of her Nina. Cat’s clothing brilliance is not going to be enough, necessarily, to win the day. 

About a dozen swear words are the only thing that mar this otherwise perfect novel, tailor-made for the Project Runway crowd. And I must say it is a refreshing change from the current slew of novels about teens who only want to wear or market the clothes that this group of teens will create. And a passing nod to one of my favorite blogs (www.dressaday.com) doesn’t hurt! 

CINDY

Wicked Lovely by Melissa Marr - ESSENTIAL

Marr, Melissa Wicked Lovely, 328 p. Harper - 

HS – ESSENTIAL, MS – ADVISABLE

Aislinn’s grandmother has drummed the rules about faeries into her head all of her life. Unfortunately, two particular faeries are forcing her to break every single rule. Keenan, the King of the Summer Faeries has decided that Aislinn is destined to be his bride, even though Aislinn is in love with her best friend, Seth. Donia, the Winter Girl, is supposed to keep Aislinn from believing Keenan, but in her cold heart, she wants him for herself. And Keenan’s mother, the Winter Queen doesn’t want anyone to be happy. Rules and lives will be rearranged before this one is over. 

How can I not love a book that mentions Clare Dunkle, one of my favorite authors, within its pages. Readers of Stephanie Meyer, lovers of elves and faeries will love this one, too. I don’t really understand the presence of six swear words (TWO of them “f”), because otherwise the book is so well crafted, it is almost impossible to put down. Kind of reminds me of Charles DeLint’s Blue Girl. 

CINDY

The Mother-Daughter Book Club by Heather Vogel Frederick - ADVISABLE

Frederick, Heather Vogel The Mother-Daughter Book Club, 245 p. Simon and Schuster

EL, MS – ADVISABLE

To their extreme embarrassment, their mothers have created an exclusive book club for themselves, Emma, Jess, Megan and Cassidy. Emma and Jess are best friends; Emma and Megan used to be best friends (until Megan joined the sixth grade’s groups of queen bees); Cassidy is the jocky new girl from California. Together the group is supposed to read Little Women, penned by one of their town’s famous resident authors. And somewhere along the way, the girls may reach a meeting of the minds, as they all try to work through life’s challenges. 

The chapters are well crafted as they follow the plot through a different girl’s point of view. The problems are pretty typical, which the novel that much more meaningful to its readers. And there will be lots of readers. Its hard to remember the characters are only sixth graders and I don’t think that will stop older readers. Adult readers will enjoy the Louisa May Alcott tidbits. Perfect for fans of Cathy Cassidy!

CINDY

ALA Close Encounters

So, the family and I have returned safely from the land of many books and melting humidity (ALA in DC). I have to say that Tyler had the best encounter of them all, involving a chanca encounter with David Lubar. I wasn't expecting to see him there, but I pointed and grunted with the best of them when I spotted hin while lurking in the Clarion booth.

That encounter led into something much bigger and much more extended, as a whole scenario developed between Mr. Lubar and John Green, wuth Tyler as a intermediary.

I could go into a huge explanation, but I am instead going to let you read it straight from Lubar's blog. follow this link http://davidlubar.livejournal.com/ and then read Monday, June 25th!

Fight Game by Kate Wild - ESSENTIAL

Wild, Kate Fight Game, 304 p. Scholastic -

MS-ESSENTIAL

Freedom Smith's small Gypsy family has been trying to find a place where they can settle for a time, to let the little ones grow up in peace, but the townfolk around them have other plans. Defending his family, Johnny is now in major trouble with the law, but he is offered a deal. Use the fight skills he inherited from his famous many-greats-grandfather and infiltrate the seedy, dangerous world of an underground fight that has been going on non-top for decades. What Johnny doesn't know is that those weird dreams he has are really flashbacks - and something sinister, with his own genetic makeup, is waiting to challenge him.

Definitely a book for the harder edged kids. I really like the fact that though the book is extremely gritty and dangerous, the author doesn't not use swear words as a crutch and the violence is just what is needed to make the point, without become excessive and voyeuristic. Note: This post corrects my website that listed the main character's name incorrectly. You can visit Kate Wild's site at www.fightgame.co.uk. 

CINDY

City of Bones by Cassandra Clare - ESSENTIAL

Clare, Cassandra City of Bones 485 p. Simon and Schuster

MS, HS - ESSENTIAL

Clary witnessed a murder last night. Now, Clary's mother has disappeared and the Shadowhunters, a secret group dedicated to fighting against a demon take over of this world, are after Clary. And one of those Shadowhunters is the devastatingly handsome Jace, whom Clary is inevitably drawn to. 

A hot cover and a well-plotted fast-paced narrative make for an awesome book that will exchange hands quickly. Perfect for students who love Stephanie Meyer and other creepy fun books! 

CINDY

Icebound Land by John Flanagan - ESSENTIAL

Flanagan, John Icebound Land 272 p. Penguin

EL, MS - ESSENTIAL

Will and Evanlyn have been captured by the wolfshipmen and are being forcibly taken to Skandia as slaves. Halt and Tug are determined to follow and rescue the pair. Before the adventure can begin, however, both groups have seemingly insurmountable obstacles to surmount. 

While the action, tension and excitement are palpable in this third of the series, it is also one very long setup for the next book, as the action cuts off midway, making the book feel unfinished. I would rather have a 400-500 page book that tells the whole story, but I will be content with what I got and I know that the students who have started the series will be very happy with this installment.

CINDY

Quantum Prophecy: The Awakening - Michael Carroll - ESSENTIAL

Carroll, Michael Quantum Prophecy: The Awakening, 264 p. Penguin

MS, HS - ESSENTIAL

A decade ago, every superhero and supervillain on Earth disappeared in one brilliant flash of fire. Then, Danny, a teenaged boy wakes up one day able to do amazing things - he is the first of the new generation of superhumans. And someone has an evil plot - one that they have been working for ten years to put in motion. Nothing in Danny's life, or in his friend Colin's life is what it seemed to be. And between the two of them they have to potential to save the world or destroy it. 

While you might think you are going to read a novelization of The Incredibles, you will quickly forget that movie and fall in love with this book for its own merits. Fast-hitting action and twisted plots - I see TV show or blockbuster written all over this one. Read it now! (I couldn't find a cover picture of the American version, but you get the idea!) 

CINDY

Maximum Ride: Saving the World and Other Extreme Sports - ESSENTIAL

Patterson, James Maximum Ride: Saving the World and Other Extreme Sports, 416 p. Little Brown

MS, HS - ESSENTIAL

Max and flock are headed towards a showdown with their "makers" - this time using the power of the Internet through Fang's blogging and using Max's razor sharp tongue as a formidable weapon. The flock will split in two, but both groups have key parts to play in the final battle. 

Max is funnier and more acerbic than ever in this final installment. All of the flock show their strengths and fans will not be disappointed. 

Girl Like Moi - Lisa Burham - ESSENTIAL

Barham, Lisa A Girl Like Moi: The fashion-forward adventures of Imogene, 265 p. Simon Schuster –

 MS, HS – ESSENTIAL

After maxing out her AmEx and failing to make payments, Imogene finds herself having to take on an internship in New York, in order to pay off her bills, instead of flying off to Paris with her best friend. A fabulous boy and a catty co-worker turn Imogene’s summer upside down as she tries to remain tres chic with absolutely no cash.

 A fun, fluffy Devil Wears Prada rip-off for the teen set that is perfect for reading while tanning this summer. Does not resort to the crassness of so many other teen novels and yet is full of fashion buzzwords. Already in paperback!

CINDY

Trigger by Susan Vaught - ESSENTIAL

Vaught, Susan Trigger 290 p. -

Language: PG; Sexual Content: G, Violence: G

MS, HS - ESSENTIAL 

This book is about a kid who shot himself but did not succeed in his attempted suicide. He has major brain damage, and most of the kids at school see him as the new "freak." The book is about his struggle and journey to go back to school for his senior year and trying to figure out why he did it.

 I enjoyed reading this book. It was really well written considering it is in first person. It might be a little harder for seventh grade students and below, but I think it is well worth the time for older students. I would recommend this for school libraries.

 Student Reviewer: JH

 What I enjoyed most about this novel is that it shows the danger of spinning little problems out of control – making them so important that they overwhelm everything else. -Cindy

Dear Author: Letters of Hope - ADVISABLE

Kaywell, Joan F., editor Dear Author: Letters of Hope, 222 pages

 Language: G; Sexual Content: PG (a girl wrote to the author of Speak who had a similar experience as the character in that book); Violence: G

MS, HS, ADVISABLE

This book is a collection of letters that everyday teenagers have sent into various authors and the authors' responses to these letters. I really liked reading this book because I could relate to a lot of the letters in there. Reading the responses and the encouragement the authors gave was in a way helpful to me. I liked reading about the real world from the eyes of teenagers through their letters and it helps you see that you aren't alone, no matter what your situation.          

Student Reviewer: JH
Kaywell, Joan F., editor Dear Author: Letters of Hope, 222 p. - Language: G; Sexual Content: PG (a girl wrote to the author of Speak who had a similar experience as the character in that book); Violence: G - This book is a collection of letters that everyday teenagers have sent in to various authors and the authors' responses to these letters. I really liked reading this book because I could relate to a lot of the letters in there. Reading the responses and the encouragement the authors gave was in a way helpful to me. I liked reading about the real world from the eyes of teenagers through their letters and it helps you see that you aren't alone, no matter what your situation. MS, HS, ADVISABLE. Student Reviewer: JHKaywell,          Joan F., editor <i>Dear Author: Letters of Hope</i></b>, 222          p. - Language: G; Sexual Content: PG (a girl wrote to the          author of Speak who had a similar experience as the          character in that book); Violence: G - This book is a          collection of letters that everyday teenagers have sent in          to various authors and the authors' responses to these          letters. I really liked reading this book because I could          relate to a lot of the letters in there. Reading the          responses and the encouragement the authors gave was in a          way helpful to me. I liked reading about the real world from          the eyes of teenagers through their letters and it helps you          see that you aren't alone, no matter what your situation.          MS, HS, ADVISABLE. Student Reviewer: JH<