MOVING DAY

For those in the know, this is Cindy Mitchell's new review space. I have finally thought of a name I liked with anavailable blog name too! My past reviews (since June of 2006) are still on my old blog for your viewing pleasure. And of course you can see EVERY review on my official review space.

Here, however, I will point out the best of what my reviewers and I have read, with an easy to share name and url! I hope you can join me for the fun!

MOVING DAY

Today is the last day that I will post on this blogpage. Please see my newly titled blog "Kiss the Book" at http://www.kissthebook.blogspot.com. The format will be the same; I just wanted to come up with a real name for the space.

Woe is I Jr. by Patricia O0Conner - ESSENTIAL

O'Conner, Patricia T. Woe is I Jr.: The Younger Grammarphobe's Guide to Better English, 145 p. G.P. Putnam's (Penguin), 2008.

MS - ESSENTIAL

Woe is I Jr. is a simple, lovely and very funny look at the crazy rules of the English language. A well-written index makes the text easy to use. I shared this with one of our English teachers and she wants her own copy so that she can use it to enhance her own teaching of the material. She would really love to have overheads or a CD version of the book to make it useful for all of her students. Show this one to your English teachers immediately. You may end up buying a couple of classroom sets!

Cindy

Puddlejumpers by Mark Jean - ADVISABLE

Jean, Mark Puddlejumpers, 328p. Hyperion (Disney)

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

MS- ADVISABLE

Ernie Banks, named after the Chicago Cubs Shortstop, was always a trouble-maker. At three years old, he was abandoned on the doorstep of the Lakeside Home for Boys. As an orphan, he always wondered who he belonged to before. Now he gets sent to a farm to learn how to behave. Once he hears about the "Quilt Baby" case, he is determined to solve it. While trying to figure the case, he meets the Puddlejumpers. Somehow he has a special connection to them. Will he be able to solve his own mysterious past?

I thought this book was a cute story on finding where Ernie belonged. The mystery was compelling. I really enjoyed this book.

Student Reviewer: CW

City of Ashes by Cassandra Clare - ESSENTIAL

Clare, Cassandra City of Ashes, 453 p. Simon and Schuster, 2008.

MS, HS - ESSENTIAL

There is trouble in the Downworld. Someone is draining the blood from Downworld children. Everyone suspects the vampires, but the Shadowhunters have other thoughts. Valentine, the evil mastermind is still alive and has another plot in the making. Clary and Jace are still dealing with the information that they are brother and sister and Clary's best friend Simon wants Clary to notice as a man, not just as a friend.

Love, power and danger in the dark underground world again combine for a feast for the senses. There are about three dozen swears ( no "f"), so know your audience.

Cindy

The Winning Element by Shannon Greenland - ESSENTIAL

Greenland, Shannon The Winning Element, 231 p. Speak (Penguin), 2008.

MS - ESSENTIAL

Gigi has won the right to lead a Specialist mission to tail the man who killed her parents Her partner on the mission, however, is Beaker, a genius chemist who also is a Goth with a MAJOR attitude problem. And their cover? Cheerleaders. Gigi isn't sure that she can juggle Beaker's 'tude along with the emotional rollercoaster of the mission: not just spying, but also trying to win a cheer competition! But this may be her only chance to get some answers.

This seems to be the third in the Specialists series, but I didn't have any trouble following the plot or any background details from other novels. It's a more girlie version of the Cherubs series, without the English love of swear words (less than six, I believe). If this genre is as hot in your library as it is in mine, then you need it right away!

Cindy

My Most Excellent Year by Steve Kluger - ESSENTIAL

Kluger, Steve My Most Excellent Year, 403 pgs. Dial Books.

Language-PG-13 (a few "f's"); Sexual Content-G; Violence-G;

MS, HS-ESSENTIAL

Three teenagers share their journals about their most excellent year, ninth grade. They have the same experiences and meet the same people; however, you get to hear it from their point of view. It includes everything from American Sign Language, to Mary Poppins, to the Red Sox.

The transitions were very smooth between each person's point of view. The whole book flowed very well. I didn't want it to end. I felt like I was part of each person and like I knew them inside out. 

Student Reviewer: KD

Safe by Susan Shaw - ESSENTIAL

Shaw, Susan Safe, 168 p. 

MS - ESSENTIAL

First Tracy is waving good-bye to her best friend after the last day of seventh grade. Then she is left for dead on her front lawn after she is kidnapped and raped by someone she knows. Now she must find her way back from this traumatic experience. She's lost her feeling of connection to her best friend, to her father, and the important feeling of connection to her mother, who passed away when she was small. 

Safe and simple and eloquent, this book about the aftermath of rape is perfect for every middle school in the country. 

Cindy

White House Rules by Perkins - ADVISABLE

Perkins, Mitali First Daughter: White House Rules, 216 p. Dutton (Penguin), 2008. 

MS - ADVISABLE

Sameera, Sparrow, and her family have moved into the White House. Even with her cousin Miranda along for the first six months and a tutor who keeps the girls hopping, Sameera feels like something is missing. It may just be that public school may be the place for Sparrow, instead of the White House bubble. Add to that trouble with Bobby, the boy Sameera like, who has been very silent since Sameera's dad became the Commander in Chief and Sameera has plenty on her plate for her first few months in Washington DC. 

Sameera's story is fun and easy, while still managing to tackle some pretty big topics. Not just for girly-girls, this is an all-around good read. 

Cindy

I Heart You, You Haunt Me by Lisa Schroeder - ADVISABLE

Schroeder, Lisa, I heart you, You haunt me, 226, Simon Pulse, 

Language - G; Violence - G; Sexual Content - G; 

MS- ADVISABLE.

Ava has met her match, Jackson. Only one problem he's dead. But why can she still feel him around? 

I thought it was a way cute and quick read. There is nothing bad to say about it.  

Student Reviewer: AA

Running Shoes by Freserick Lipp - ESSENTIAL

Lipp, Frederick Running Shoes, illustrated by Jason Gaillard. Charlesbridge, 2008. PICTURE BOOK. 

EL - ESSENTIAL; MS - ADVISABLE (for TA program)

From the book cover, "Sophy and her mother are poor. They live in a small village with no doctor, hospital, or school. But Sophy has a secret wish - a wish for something that will change her life forever. With the help of a pair of running shoes, Sophy might just be able to make her wish come true." Sophy's wish is to attend school eight kilometers away through the jungle and over streams and sharp, red rocks. On his current visit, the government census taker learns of Sophy's dream, measures her foot, and promises to send a surprise. With new running shoes Sophy proves herself not only by braving the distance alone, but also by courageously attending an all-boy school and outrunning every single fellow student. 

Through lyrical text and beautiful paintings, "author Fredrick Lipp and illustrator Jason Gaillard create an empowering story of hope and determination set in the countryside of Cambodia." This book is for everyone; it made me cry. 

Reviewer: BS

When Irish Guys are Smiling by Supplee - ADVISABLE

Supplee, Suzanne When Irish Guys are Smiling, 211p. Penguin 

Language: PG-13, Sexual Content: PG, Violence: G

MS, HS -ADVISABLE.

Delk Sinclair is a high school student ready to get away from the awful reality of Tennessee. With her stepmother expecting a baby and her friends' debutante parties, she wants to get out of there fast. She is off to Ireland for the Students Across the Seven Seas program. What she doesn't know is that she is about to fall in love with a very handsome Irishman. Will she be able to forget all of her troubles form Tennessee? 

I thought this book was very well written. I love the way the author was able to paint a clear picture of all the characters through words. This a love story you don't want to miss. 

Student Reviewer: CW

Search for the Red Dragon by James Owens - ESSENTIAL

Owen, James A. The Search for the Red Dragon, pgs.368 Simon and Schuster, Inc. 

Language-G; Sexual Content-G; Violence-G; 

EL,MS-ESSENTIAL. 

It's been nine years since John, Jack, and Charles had their adventure in the Archipelago of Dreams and became Caretakers of the Imaginarium Geographica. Now they are going back to save the Archipelago again, this time someone has been stealing the children of the Archipelago. Their only clue is a message from an odd girl with artificial wings: "The Crusade has begun." Worse, all the dragon ships have gone as well. Now they have to save the children, find the Red Dragon, figure out who has been stealing the children, and head to the Underneath. 

Sequel to Here there be Dragons. A very humorous book but read the first book first or you won't get a lot of things. 

Student Reviewer:RH
Owen, James A. The Search for the Red Dragon, pgs.368 Simon and Schuster, Inc. Launguage-G; Sexual Content-G; Violence-G; It's been nine years since John, Jack, and Charles had their adventure in the Archipelago of Dreams and became Caretakers of the Imaginarium Geographica. Now they are going back to save the Archipelago again, this time someone has been stealing the children of the Archipelago. Their only clue is a message from a odd girl with artificial wings: "The Crusade has begun." Worse, all the dragon ships have gone as well. Now they have to save the children, find the Red Dragon, figure out who has been stealing the children, and head to the Underneath. Sequel to Here there be Dragons. A very humorous book but read the first book first or you won't get a lot of things. EL,MS-ESSENTIAL. Student Reviewer:RH

The Crow by Alison Croggon - ESSENTIAL

Croggon, Alison The Crow, 483 pages. Candlewick Press.

Language-G, Sexual Content-G, Violence-PG-13 

MS, HS-ESSENTIAL. 

The Crow is the third installment in the series the Books of Pellinor. It tells the next segment of the tale from the point of view of Hem, a young man who has been an orphan and friendless until meeting his sister Maerad, the protagonist of the series, in a past installment. But while Maerad traveled north, Hem went south with his mentor to learn how to use his gift to its full potential. But war is approaching from the Iron Tower, and the south is no longer safe. Hem, and his mentor are forced to flee. But as they attempt to escape, Hem and another orphan, Zelika, plan to investigate the dark tactics being used against their home.

Although The Crow is very different when compared to its predecessors, it was still very intriguing and has vital points that are sure to carry on to the climax of the series. The content of the book was darker the than previous novels, but still a great read! 

Student Reviewer: KR
Croggon, Alison The Crow, 483 pages. Candlewick Press. Language-G, Sexual Content-G, Violence-PG-13 - ; The Crow is the third installment in the series the Books of Pellinor. It tells the next segment of the tale from the point of view of Hem, a young man who has been an orphan and friendless until meeting his sister Maerad, the protagonist of the series, in a past installment. But while Maerad traveled north, Hem went south with his mentor to learn how to use his gift to its full potential. But war is approaching from the Iron Tower, and the south is no longer safe. Hem, and his mentor are forced to flee. But as they attempt to escape, Hem and another orphan, Zelika, plan to investigate the dark tactics being used against their home.--Although The Crow is very different when compared to its predecessors, it was still very intriguing and has vital points that are sure to carry on to the climax of the series. The content of the book was darker the than previous novels, but still a great read! MS/HS-ESSENTIAL. Student Reviewer: KR

Sure Fire by Jack Higgins - ESSENTIAL

Higgins, Jack with Justin Richards Sure Fire, 224 p. Penguin, 2007. 

MS - ESSENTIAL

Rich and Jade's mother has just died and now they find themselves saddled with a dad whom they had never even heard of. Well, he's never heard of them either, but they must try to live together. Dad is trying to shuffle them off to boarding school, but before he even gets a chance, he is kidnapped; the only reason the kids know is that they followed him when he snuck out of the apartment. Now all three of them are running for their lives and only fast wits, smart plans and family togetherness will save the world and their lives along with it. 

I sure hope that there are going to be many more titles involving the Chance family, because they are fantastic. They are just as good as the Cherub series and I don't remember a single swear word, which makes them even better! 

Cindy

Higgins, Jack with Justin Richards Sure Fire, 224 p. Penguin, 2007. Rich and Jade's mother has just died and now they find themselves saddled with a dad whom they had never even heard of. Well, he's never heard of them either, but they must try to live together. Dad is trying to shuffle them off to boarding school, but before he even gets a chance, he is kidnapped; the only reason the kids know is that they followed him when he snuck out of the apartment. Now all three of them are running for their lives and only fast wits, smart plans and family togetherness will save the world and their lives along with it. I sure hope that there are going to be many more titles involving the Chance family, because they are fantastic. They are just as good as the Cherub series and I don't remember a single swear word, which makes them even better! MS - ESSENTIAL

Secret Life of a Teenage Siren by Wendy Toliver - ADVISABLE

Toliver, Wendy The Secret Life of a Teenage Siren 281pages, Simon Pulse. 

Language PG13- Sexual Content PG- Violence G

MS-HS - ADVISABLE 

Roxy is a band geek. She can barely get cute guys to notice her, much less date her. Then on her birthday she turns into a Siren: incredibly beautiful with the power to control all men. Now she can get a guy to do anything she wants with just a few notes from her flute. There are two rules though; you can't tell anyone about being a Siren, and you can't fall in love. When she starts dating Zach, the guy everybody's crushing on she realizes she could get used to being a Siren…but how can she not fall in love? 

A great book for teens that enjoy a fun romantic comedy. 

Student Reviewer: RH

Dusssie by Nancy Springer - ADVISABLE

Springer, Nancy Dusssie, 166 p. Walker (Bloomsbury), 2007. 

EL, MS - ADVISABLE

Along with puberty, Medusa "Dusie" Gorgon has inherited a head of snakes. Though interesting and kind of cute, the snakes do not make for a fashionable hairdo. Now Dusie is stuck at home, trying to come to terms with her new "friends", while keep her real friends in the dark. She also needs to figure out how correct her biggest mistake - turning the cutest boy in school into stone. 

Extremely cute, with a great ending. A fine addition to stories based on mythology. 


Springer, Nancy Dusssie, 166 p. Walker (Bloomsbury), 2007. Along with puberty, Medusa "Dusie" Gorgon has inherited a head of snakes. Though interesting and kind of cute, the snakes do not make for a fashionable hairdo. Now Dusie is stuck at home, trying to come to terms with her new "friends", while keep her real friends in the dark. She also needs to figure out how correct her biggest mistake - turning the cutest boy in school into stone. Extremely cute, with a great ending. A fine addition to stories based on mythology. EL, MS - ADVISABLE

Blood Brother by Malcolm Rose - ESSENTIAL

Rose, Malcolm Blood Brother (Traces #6), 219 p. Kingfisher (Houghton), 2008. 

MS - ESSENTIAL

Still recovering from his last forensic investigation, Luke Harding is called in to investigate a series of mysterious death statistics at the hospital that saved him. Not only does he find his birth parents, but he also thinks his own father may be the culprit. But Luke and his MALC (Mobile Aid to Law and Crime) will investigate thoroughly and carefully all of the twists and turns and secrets before bringing the investigation to a close. 

There are now six books in this series, all in paperback; if your students love Horowitz, this is a good series to move on to. 


Rose, Malcolm Blood Brother, 219 p. Kingfisher (Houghton), 2008. Still recovering from his last forensic investigation, Luke Harding is called in to investigate a series of mysterious death statistics at the hospital that saved him. Not only does he find his birth parents, but he also thinks his own father may be the culprit. But Luke and his MALC (Mobile Aid to Law and Crime) will investigate thoroughly and carefully all of the twists and turns and secrets before bringing the investigation to a close. There are now six books in this series, all in paperback; if your students love Horowitz, this is a good series to move on to. MS - ESSENTIAL

Airman by Eoin Colfer - ESSENTIAL

Colfer, Eoin Airman, 412 p. Hyperion, 2008. 

MS, HS - ESSENTIAL

Conor Broekhart was born in a hot air balloon and grew up beloved by his little island nation, especially after he saved the life of his best friend, the island's princess, Isabella. After several wonderful years of education and friendship, however, an evil man frames Conor for the murder of his king and now Conor is stuck, at the island's vicious prison. Targeted for death, he manages to somehow survive, always plotting a plan to escape, always looking for that perfect moment. That moment happens to arrive with the coronation of Isabella as Queen. But now Conor has to decide between just escaping and running off to America to build a new life, or staying and saving his Queen and his country. 

If you thought that Artemis Fowl was great - you ain't seen nothin' yet! Colfer has hit a fantastic stride with this exciting and dangerous novel (not for elementary)! 

Cindy
Colfer, Eoin Airman, 412 p. Hyperion, 2008. Conor Broekhart was born in a hot air balloon and grew up beloved by his little island nation, especially after he saved the life of his best friend, the island's princess, Isabella. After several wonderful years of education and friendship, however, an evil man frames Conor for the murder of his king and now Conor is stuck, at the island's vicious prison. Targeted for death, he manages to somehow survive, always plotting a plan to escape, always looking for that perfect moment. That moment happens to arrive with the coronation of Isabella as Queen. But now Conor has to decide between just escaping and running off to America to build a new life, or staying and saving his Queen and his country. If you thought that Artemis Fowl was great - you ain't seen nothin' yet! Colfer has hit a fantastic stride with this exciting and dangerous novel (not for elementary)! MS, HS - ESSENTIAL

Ruby Key by Holly Lisle - ESSENTIAL

Lisle, Holly The Ruby Key, 368 p. Scholastic (Print Date: May 2008). Genna and Dan are desperate to find their father and save their mother, before she is forced to marry the village's new chieftain. What they don't know, however, is that their incredible journey is destined to save more than one race of peoples. Cunning will be needed and danger must be encountered along every step of the way as the two and their companions try to satisfy the demands of the nightling king without getting themselves killed or betraying those they love. A really hard-hitting start, a little slower in the middle and then a big rush to a fine conclusion, with a great setup for at least one sequel. This book can easily span all three levels of school libraries. Lisle has made a smooth transition into the teen fantasy market - check out her adult level fantasy if you haven't already. EL, MS, HS - ESSENTIALLisle, Holly The Ruby Key, 368 p. Scholastic (Print Date: May 2008). 

EL, MS, HS - ESSENTIAL

Genna and Dan are desperate to find their father and save their mother, before she is forced to marry the village's new chieftain. What they don't know, however, is that their incredible journey is destined to save more than one race of peoples. 

Cunning will be needed and danger must be encountered along every step of the way as the two and their companions try to satisfy the demands of the nightling king without getting themselves killed or betraying those they love. A really hard-hitting start, a little slower in the middle and then a big rush to a fine conclusion, with a great setup for at least one sequel. This book can easily span all three levels of school libraries. Lisle has made a smooth transition into the teen fantasy market - check out her adult level fantasy if you haven't already.