Twilight Child by ally Warner - ESSENTIAL

Warner, Sally Twilight Child Pages: 211 pgs. Penguin - 

MS, HS – ESSENTIAL

Eleni is a girl from Finland who was born at twilight, and given a special gift to see and talk to creatures normal humans can't. Leaving Finland Eleni makes knew friends, goes through many hardships, and learns more about her gift. 

I had a lot of fun reading Twilight Child, and would gladly recommend it to anyone who asks for a good book to read. It educates the reader- including me- with some Finnish words slipped in here and there, as well as provides non-stop entertainment. I really enjoyed it! 

 Student Reviewer: JH

Christmas in the Trenches by John McCutcheon - ESSENTIAL

McCutcheon John Christmas in the Trenches PICTURE BOOK Peachtree – 

EL, MS, HS – ESSENTIAL

Christmas Day 1914, the two armies of World War I exit their trenches and meet in the middle to celebrate the day during a spontaneous truce. Although these actions did not stop the war, it left a feeling of hope in the hearts of each soldier who participated. Also included is a CD of the original song that McCutcheon also wrote. Having been to Flanders Fields myself, I call tell you that this is an important part of the WWI story. This subject should be fit into the curriculum anywhere it can – English, Geography, Music, Art – wherever. 

CINDY

Terrier by Tamora Pierce - ESSENTIAL

Pierce, Tamora Beka Cooper: Terrier 563 p. RandomHouse – 

MS, HS – ESSENTIAL

Beka Cooper has always wanted to be a Dog – a peacekeeper in the realm or Tortall. Now she is a Puppy, assigned to the two greatest Dogs in town, learning her trade in the mean streets that she grew up in. Only her persistence, ingenuity and ability to make unlikely friends will save the town from two terrible threats. 

Another exciting tale from Pierce’s well-crafted world. The page count is high, but it is misleading, as the words are really big. When printed in paperback, I would be surprised if it topped 200 pages. 

CINDY

Beds, Bedrooms and Pajamas by Patricia Lauber - ESSENTIAL

Lauber, Patricia What You Never Knew About Beds, Bedrooms and Pajamas PICTURE BOOK Simon and Schuster - 

EL, MS, HS - ESSENTIAL

A new addition to the Around the House series. Bright and fun illustrations compliment a quirky fact-filled picture book about sleeping and its accessories through the ages and around the globe. Teachers of any age of student could use this book in their classroom.

CINDY

Disney Dossiers by Jeff Kurti - ADVISABLE

Kurti, Jeff Disney Dossiers 159 p. Disney Editions -

EL. MS. HS - ADVISABLE

An awesome full-color soft cover book with details and gossip and behind scene information on the entire cast of Disney animated characters up through 2004's Home on the Range. I revisited original friends that I hadn't thought about in years and met new characters from movies I haven't seen. The author's honesty is fresh and fun. I am a little worried about putting this book on the shelves, because I am sure it will be loved to death.

Paranoid Park by Blake Nelson - NO

Nelson, Blake Paranoid Park 180 p. Penguin -

NO

I was hoping I had found another great skater book that I could proudly hand to my boy readers as a great read. Instead, I got a vicious, descriptive attack and death within the first 25 pages and then another 155 pages of coverup and justification without any type of regret, confession or redemption. And not a single great skateboard scene on any page.

CINDY

Forging the Sword by Hilari Bell - ESSENTIAL

Bell, Hilari Forging the Sword 494 p. Simon and Schuster -

MS, HS -ESSENTIAL

The Hrum have only four months left to completely conquer the country of Farsala and the resistance fighters are well organized and getting even smarter. Soraya, Jiaan and Kavi all lead important groups that work together and apart to sabotage the Hrum and the Hrum leaders resort to breaking their own laws in a desperate attempt to defeat the country and its mysterious leader "Sorahb".

The fitting finale of the Farsala trilogy that students will love and enjoy. Bell's original thinking is welcome after watching poorly written copy-cat novels become topsellers and blockbuster movies. Point your students towards this excellent series as an antidote!

One Good Knight by Mecedes Lackey - OPTIONAL

Lackey, Mercedes One Good Knight 393 p. Luna -

MS, HS - OPTIONAL

Princess Andromeda. "Andie", Is starting to earn a little respect from her mother, until Andie finds some disturbing information while she follows a line of research. All of those concerns are pushed to the back of her mind when a dragon appears to ravage the small country - and no one seems to be exempt from the virgin sacrifice lottery - even the heir to the throne. Dragons, a champion, a ragged resistance band and Godmother Elena round out the cast of characters.

 Though this is the second in the series, it is the first one that is appropriate for Utah schools. I am a huge Mercedes Lackey fan and try to bring in as much as possible.

CINDY

That Girl Lucy Moon by Amy Timberlake - ESSENTIAL

Timberlake, Amy That Girl Lucy Moon 294 p. Hyperion -

 EL, MS-ESSENTIAL

As Lucy starts her sixth grade year at the local middle school, her photographer mother takes off on an extended trip in search of clouds. Her friends start growing and changing and Lucy feels left behind and out of the loop - especially when she receives unwarranted discipline after organizing a protest against the fencing of the town's favorite sledding spot. Winter causes Lucy's light to dim and she ceases to care whether her mother ever returns.

 A beautiful book in the tradition of Stargirl, with a new heroine who doesn't seem to think she needs to lie down and take it. And after reading snippets of Lucy's antics in elementary school, I kind of wish the author would also write a prequel.

CINDY

My Life Starring Mum by Chloe Rayban - OPTIONAL

Rayban, Chloe My Life Starring Mum 279 p. Bloomsbury -

 EL, MS - OPTIONAL

Holly's mum is the famous British singer Khandi. When a threat against Holly shows up, she is whisked away from her school and her friends to a high-security hotel where her mother alternately ignores her or tries to turn Holly into a younger version of herself.

 The story moves very quickly, keeping the reader's interest, until the very end, where it abruptly sputters and dies mid-stream. This has happened in so many books that I have read that I wonder if authors have lost the art of the denouement. There is absolutely no resolution, only a short, unsatisfying reunion scene, with a flippant end. Despite that, I think younger readers will enjoy Holly's life and adventure and are probably not knowledgeable enough to be frustrated by the ending. There are five clunky, unnecessary uses of swear words, though.

Alabama Moon by Watt Key - OPTIONAL

Key, Watt Alabama Moon 294 p. FSG

MS-OPTIONAL

Ten-year old Moon Blake has promised his Pa that he will stay away from civilization and head off to Alaska to find other people who live off the land and "off the grid" (my words, not the author's). But a young boy on his own will attract the attention of well-meaning adults and of the authorities, including a constable who takes an instant, intense dislike to the boy. Moon finds his own way to battle the system and a few allies in his struggle to find his place in the world.

 I don't have the swear word count on this book any more, but the police constable is mean and foul-mouthed, using many swear words whenever he addresses Moon, though not venturing over to "f". For that reason, many schools, and the young audience who would have enjoyed this book, will not be reading it.

The Princetta by Anne-Laure Bondoux - ADVISABLE

Bondoux, Anne-Laure The Princetta 430 p. Bloomsbury -

MS- ADVISABLE

Malva, aleady discontented with her life as a princess, now finds that she is to wed a man many years older. With the help of her tutor and her maid, she escapes - only that her tutor has set her up to die. Thus begins a high seas adventure of self-discovery, taking the Princetta into danger many times over, but also helping her discover several loyal friends, and to discover where her heart and her duty lie.

 I especially liked that the ending was completely unexpected. The old-fashioned looking cover may not draw in many students on it's own, but a little marketing should help this book find its audience. Readers of Tamora Pierce will also enjoy this.

These Three Remain by Pamela Aidan - ADVISABLE

Aidan, Pamela These Three Remain: A novel of Fitzwilliam Darcy, Gentleman 437 p. Touchstone -

HS - ADVISABLE

The finale in the Fitzwilliam Darcy trilogy. Darcy is doing his best to forget Elizabeth Bennet and hopes that some time at his great aunt's country manor will help. Instead, there he finds Miss Bennet. He feels more in love with her than ever - and proposes marriage, which Elizabeth very quickly and coldly turns down. Reeling, Darcy heads back to London to do some soul-searching and changing, hoping he may become the kind of man that Elizabeth could some day love.

 I have thoroughly enjoyed this trilogy of "Pride and Prejudice" books, written through the eyes of Mr. Darcy. They go far in adding a depth to the man's character and thoughts that was lacking in the original. These books will be well received by Jane Austen's fans. It's fun to read the books side by side to see the two different points of view. Make sure you acquire all three in the series- and share them with your teachers!

 CINDY

Bringing Ezra Back by Cynthia DeFelice - OPTIONAL

DeFelice, Cynthia Bringing Ezra Back 148 p. FSG -

EL, MS - OPTIONAL

The Fowler family has recovered from the vicious attacks by "Weasel", though their mother passed away from a fever later. Now, a traveling peddler brings along a flyer that proclaims "See the White Injun, A man with no name and no tongue! Deaf and Dumb," and Nathan is sure that this "injun" is their old friend Ezra, who helped rescue them from Weasel. Nathan is determined to seek out this traveling show and rescue his friend, even if he has to learn to trust the world again.

After the tense danger of "Weasel", this sequel comes off as a milder entry. Though it does answer questions about Ezra, it only raises more at the end. I would prefer to have "Weasel" in hardcover and this one in paperback.

CINDY

School Year begins

If anyone is looking for book reviews here, the most current updates will be at my school website.

http://www.sjms.jordan.k12.ut.us/MediaCenter/corner.htm

I may post here on long weekends or holidays!

Such a Pretty Girl by Laura Wiess - ESSENTIAL

As you read my reviews today, you'll notice I seem to have a beef against swearing. And I do, when it feels like the swearing is added to artificially inflate the maturity level of a book. I have defended books with swearing before. Oh well! Let me know if you feel differently!

Wiess, Laura Such a Pretty Girl, 224 p. Simon Schuster

MS, HS-ESSENTIAL

Meredith has been safe for three years, but now her rapist – her own father – is getting out of jail early for good behavior and her mother insists that Meredith welcome him back with open arms. In the few dramatic days following his release, Meredith discovers some unexpected supporters and the strength within her self to survive.

 Very engrossing and a speedy read that will generate lots of word of mouth among students. The book does mention, of course, the rape, without describing it. Meredith also is pretty cozy with her older boyfriend, but again the descriptions are fairly limited. The “F’ word is used once, and other swear words less than half a dozen times.

CINDY

The Silver Spoon of Solomon Snow by Kaye Umansky - OPTIONAL

Umansky, Kaye The Silver Spoon of Solomon Snow, 304 p. Candlewick 

 EL-OPTIONAL 

 One fateful day, Solomon Snow discovers that he truly is a foundling, left in the snow with only a napkin and a silver spoon as the keys to his origins. Along with Prudence, a girl too smart for the village, he ventures to Town in search of spoon, which his stepfather pawned more than a year earlier. Along the way they acquire a little girl, a rabbit and chimney sweep – all of whom are key to solving the mystery. 

Written after the author was inspired by Dickens, the parody of old Victorian novels. I know adults would appreciate the book, but I am not so sure about children. 

 CINDY

In The Break by Jack Lopez - NO

Lopez, Jack In The Break, 192 p. Little, Brown

NO

Juan and his best friend Jamie spend the best part of their days catching waves at their favorite breaks up and down the shore. When Jamie’s stepfather forces a confrontation, Jamie beats him until he is close to death. With Amber, Jamie’s sister, the pair head to Mexico to find a place for Jamie to hide out. With the help of an old Mexican man, the friends head out to a sheltered island with gorgeous waves and pods of dolphins playing in the surf. Danger lurks right around the corner. 

Part of the blurb on the back of the book calls the author’s writing “lyrical”, and it might be, but it's hard to tell through all of the swearing. Clunky and jarring, the large amount of swear words – totally without purpose – interrupt the reading and spoil the novel.

Prison Ship by Paul Dowswell - ADVISABLE

Dowswell, Paul Prison Ship, 300 p. Bloomsbury

MS - ADVISABLE

Sam Witchall survived the epic battle in Powder Monkey and has a new berth on a new ship. Unfortunately, He raises the ire and suspicion of the ship’s purser and the purser’s son, who frame him and his best friend Richard for cowardice in the midst of battle. The two are sent to Australia for punishment and continue to get themselves into trouble time after time, even though they have good people trying to help them. 

I really enjoyed the descriptions of ship life and colony life, but I got tired of watching the boys continually make horrible mistakes and be saved from their own follies in a deux ex machina fashion. I haven’t read the first title, but if it is the same then I have a hard time being enthusiastic. 

CINDY

Hall Club Meds by Katherine Page - NO

Page, Katherine Hall Club Meds, 166 p. Simon Schuster

NO

Jack, Mary and Sam call themselves and other kids who troop to the nurse’s office each day “Club Med”, as they get the medication they need to survive another day of school. Now they are in high school and Jack’s old tormentor has decided to use Jack as his personal supplier for his drug deals around campus – forcing Jack to turn over half of his medication for each day. Since Jack needs that medication to make it through each school day, he and his friends hit upon a plan to thwart Chuck and assert themselves against the school bullies. 

I have to wonder if someone told the author that the book would never sell unless she included some swearing, so she went back and add a swear word about every other page. I kid you not – that’s just about how often they are. They add absolutely nothing to the narrative and instead feel like great big clunker sin the middle of the story flow. It’s too bad – the story is very goos, but the sheer amount and variety of swear words, with no purpose, make this off limits for public schools.