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Libri Dilectio: Book Review: Born Wicked

Posted on February 12, 2023 by CJ

12 March 2012

Book Review: Born Wicked

Born Wicked, Jessica Spotswood
(Gr 7+)
Putnam Juvenile, February 7th, 2012. Review copy provided by publisher.

“Everybody knows Cate Cahill and her sisters are eccentric. Too pretty, too reclusive, and far too educated for their own good. But the truth is even worse: they’re witches. And if their secret is discovered by the priests of the Brotherhood, it would mean an asylum, a prison ship–or an early grave.

Before her mother died, Cate promised to protect her sisters. But with six months to choose between marriage and the Sisterhood, she might not be able to keep her word… especially after she finds her mother’s diary, uncovering a secret that could spell her family’s destruction. Desperate to find alternatives to their fate, Cate stars scouring banned books and questioning rebellious new friends, all while juggling tea parties, shocking marriage proposals, and a forbidden romance with the completely unsuitable Finn Belastra.

If what her mother wrote is true, the Cahill girls aren’t safe. Not from the Brotherhood, the Sisterhood — not even from each other.”

The Cahill sisters are witches in a time when being a witch, or even a strong woman, means life imprisonment or death. Their world is controlled by the Brotherhood, an all male religious order that imposes strict rules of conduct. Cate Cahill has been trying to supress her magic and that of her sisters for their own protection, but the girls are getting stronger. With their mother gone, and a new governess in the house, and only a few months before Cate must either announce her engagement or join the Sisterhood (the Brotherhood’s female counterpart) the stage is set for some serious historical supernatural drama!

Cate is an interesting character. She seems to want nothing more than to disappear into the world she lives in. She doesn’t want anyone to notice her, or her sisters, but she can’t help but stand out. She is strong, brave, and caring. I loved her instantly. Cate’s journey throughout the novel is one that will keep readers turning pages and longing for the sequel to come out faster! Her sisters were slightly less developed characters, but still intriguing. Maura, the middle sister, was particularly interesting to me. She’s a very angry character and has complicated relationships with those around her. She seems to be desperate for love and acceptance. I’d love to get a little (or a lot) of her perspective in the next novel.

Jessica Spotswood has created a compelling, interesting world. Her United States was colonized, but never pulled away from England. The big city is called New London, the overall feel of the place is very British, and magic permeates everything (whether the Brotherhood wants it to or not). This is a great book for teens who enjoy historical fantasy and romance.
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If you like Born Wicked, you might also like:
Chime, Franny Billingsley
Prophecy of the Sisters, Michelle Zink
Clockwork Angel,Cassandra Clare

No comments:

Libri Dilectio: Book Review: Froi of the Exiles

Posted on February 12, 2023 by CJ

13 March 2012

Book Review: Froi of the Exiles

Froi of the Exiles, Melina Marchetta (Gr 9+)

Coming 13 March 2012 – TODAY!
Candlewick. Review copy provided by publisher.

“Three years after the curse on Lumatere was lifted, Froi has found his home…or so he believes. Fiercely loyal to the Queen and Finnikin, Froi has been taken roughly and lovingly in hand by the Guard sworn to protect the royal family, and has learned to control his quick temper with a warrior’s discipline. But when he is sent on a secretive mission to the kingdom of Charyn, nothing could have prepared him for what he finds in its surreal royal court. Soon he must unravel both the dark bonds of kinship and the mysteries of a half-mad princess in this barren and mysterious place. It is in Charyn that he will discover there is a song sleeping in his blood . . . and though Froi would rather not, the time has come to listen.”

Remember how much I loved Finnikin of the Rock? No? Then click the link or just scroll down a little ways and remind yourself, because woah did I ever LOVE that book! Finnikin was my gateway into Melina Marchetta fangirlishness, and Froi of the Exiles has cemented her as one of my all time favorite authors (so did Jellicoe Road, more on that another time).

Froi’s story picks up a few years after Finnikin’s left off. The Lumaterans are back home in their own country and starting to rebuild. There’s a lot of hurt left for this country and a divide between those who were in exile and those who were trapped inside. Froi has found a place for himself with the Guard and has started to really feel like a Lumateran. He has decided to devote his life to protecting Queen Isaboe, Queen’s Consort Finnikin, and their young daughter. Froi has also decided to become a character I love instead of one I don’t actually like much at all. He has grown and developed into a main character to root for, one whose story will haunt readers.

Elsewhere in the world, trouble is brewing. The nearby country of Charyn, under the rule of a mad king, is in the grips of a disastrous curse, one almost more devastating than the one on Lumatere. The women of Charyn have all been barren for eighteen years. The Charynites have started to leave their wasted homeland and have formed an uneasy truce with the Lumateran Monts. Now the Lumaterans are faced with exiles living in their land and must decide whether or not to help them. Queen Isaboe believes the best way to deal with Charyn is to send Froi in to the country undercover to assassinate their king. I love the way Melina Marchetta deals with issues of tolerance, refugees, and many other modern day topics. She makes readers think about contemporary themes in a fantastical world.

Once again, Marchetta has woven an impossibly intricate, beautiful, gut wrenching story that will pull readers in and not let go. Even at 593 pages (WOW) this book is too short. Readers will find themselves wanting to know everything about Froi, a character they may not have even liked in Finnikin of the Rock, and wondering what to make of Quintana of Charyn. This book has an impressive cast of characters and is told from multiple points of view. Fans of Finnikin of the Rock will be happy to see all their old favorite characters return and to get to know them even better through their own narration. Readers will race through the book and be hugely disappointed when it ends! Seriously, Quintana of Charyn doesn’t come out until when?! It doesn’t even have a US pub. date yet?! GAH! Hurry out and get a copy of Froi of the Exiles – then you can join me in desperately wishing for Quintana of Charyn to come out…or I guess we could all just go re-read Finnikin and Froi.

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If you like Froi of the Exiles, you might also like:
Fire, Kristin Cashore
The Girl of Fire and Thorns, Rae Carson
Plain Kate, Erin Bow

No comments:

Libri Dilectio

Posted on February 12, 2023 by CJ

13 March 2012

Book Review: Froi of the Exiles

Froi of the Exiles, Melina Marchetta (Gr 9+)

Coming 13 March 2012 – TODAY!
Candlewick. Review copy provided by publisher.

“Three years after the curse on Lumatere was lifted, Froi has found his home…or so he believes. Fiercely loyal to the Queen and Finnikin, Froi has been taken roughly and lovingly in hand by the Guard sworn to protect the royal family, and has learned to control his quick temper with a warrior’s discipline. But when he is sent on a secretive mission to the kingdom of Charyn, nothing could have prepared him for what he finds in its surreal royal court. Soon he must unravel both the dark bonds of kinship and the mysteries of a half-mad princess in this barren and mysterious place. It is in Charyn that he will discover there is a song sleeping in his blood . . . and though Froi would rather not, the time has come to listen.”

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If you like Froi of the Exiles, you might also like:
Fire, Kristin Cashore
The Girl of Fire and Thorns, Rae Carson
Plain Kate, Erin Bow

12 March 2012

Book Review: Born Wicked

Born Wicked, Jessica Spotswood
(Gr 7+)
Putnam Juvenile, February 7th, 2012. Review copy provided by publisher.

“Everybody knows Cate Cahill and her sisters are eccentric. Too pretty, too reclusive, and far too educated for their own good. But the truth is even worse: they’re witches. And if their secret is discovered by the priests of the Brotherhood, it would mean an asylum, a prison ship–or an early grave.

Before her mother died, Cate promised to protect her sisters. But with six months to choose between marriage and the Sisterhood, she might not be able to keep her word… especially after she finds her mother’s diary, uncovering a secret that could spell her family’s destruction. Desperate to find alternatives to their fate, Cate stars scouring banned books and questioning rebellious new friends, all while juggling tea parties, shocking marriage proposals, and a forbidden romance with the completely unsuitable Finn Belastra.

If what her mother wrote is true, the Cahill girls aren’t safe. Not from the Brotherhood, the Sisterhood — not even from each other.”

If you like Born Wicked, you might also like:
Chime, Franny Billingsley
Prophecy of the Sisters, Michelle Zink
Clockwork Angel,Cassandra Clare

29 February 2012

Itty Bitty Book Review: The Fault in Our Stars

The Fault in Our Stars, John Green
(Gr 9+)
Dutton Juvenile, January 10th, 2012. Reviewed from purchased copy.

“Diagnosed with Stage IV thyroid cancer at 12, Hazel was prepared to die until, at 14, a medical miracle shrunk the tumors in her lungs… for now.

Two years post-miracle, sixteen-year-old Hazel is post-everything else, too; post-high school, post-friends and post-normalcy. And even though she could live for a long time (whatever that means), Hazel lives tethered to an oxygen tank, the tumors tenuously kept at bay with a constant chemical assault.

Enter Augustus Waters. A match made at cancer kid support group, Augustus is gorgeous, in remission, and shockingly to her, interested in Hazel. Being with Augustus is both an unexpected destination and a long-needed journey, pushing Hazel to re-examine how sickness and health, life and death, will define her and the legacy that everyone leaves behind.”

Review in 75 words or less:

John Green has done the impossible – written a beautiful, hopeful, never sappy book about teens with cancer. His characters are interesting, loveable, and real. Readers of all ages will take Hazel and Gus into their hearts and keep them there. The only remotely negative thing to say about this accomplished novel is it is dangerous to read it in public. It’s early to say, but this my pick for the next Printz award. (74)

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If you like The Fault in Our Stars, you might also like:
Looking for Alaska, John Green
Please Ignore Vera Dietz, A.S. King
The Last Summer of the Death Warriors, Francisco X. Stork

28 February 2012

Book Review: Finnikin of the Rock

Finnikin of the Rock, Melina Marchetta
(Gr 8+)
Candlewick Press, February 9, 2010. Reviewed from purchased copy.

“Finnikin was only a child during the five days of the unspeakable, when the royal family of Lumatere were brutally murdered, and an imposter seized the throne. Now a curse binds all who remain inside Lumatere’s walls, and those who escaped roam the surrounding lands as exiles, persecuted and despairing, dying by the thousands in fever camps. In a narrative crackling with the tension of an imminent storm, Finnikin, now on the cusp of manhood, is compelled to join forces with an arrogant and enigmatic young novice named Evanjalin, who claims that her dark dreams will lead the exiles to a surviving royal child and a way to pierce the cursed barrier and regain the land of Lumatere. But Evanjalin’s unpredictable behavior suggests that she is not what she seems — and the startling truth will test Finnikin’s faith not only in her, but in all he knows to be true about himself and his destiny.”

This was my first experience with Melina Marchetta, but it will not be the last. Actually, it opened a floodgate of fan-girlishness that has made her one of my all time favorite authors. Marchetta’s voice is so unique – it flows over the reader so effortlessly that it makes reading her books a true leisure activity. I fell incredibly easily into Finnikin’s world. I had (and still have) a very vivid picture of the land, the people, and the cities in my imagination. Marchetta world builds in a way that any author would be jealous of, so that the reader is totally unaware of it. This was the sort of book that took over my imagination so completely it made it difficult to read a new book once I’d finished. Which, let’s face it, is an awesome problem to have.

The characters who populate this land are diverse, interesting, and will work their way into readers’ hearts. Finnikin is everything you could want in a main character – he’s brave, stubborn, angry, and loyal. Readers will be instantly drawn to him. The secondary characters are abundant, but all of them have their own personalities and places in Marchetta’s story. I was just as attached to some of them as I was to Finnikin (Travanion, Sir Topher, Evanjalin!). The only secondary character who I could never make my mind up about was Froi. Do I hate him or love him? I really wasn’t sure until I read Froi of the Exiles (review to come), which I’m sure is exactly what Marchetta intended.

This novel will pull readers in and force them to keep turning pages. I absolutely loved it and recommend it highly to anyone who enjoys fantasy, strong characters, and amazing world building. I just can’t say enough good things about Melina Marchetta!

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If you like Finnikin of the Rock, you might also like:
The Lord of the Rings, J.R.R. Tolkein
The Demon King, Cinda Williams Chima
The Thief, Megan Whalen Turner

24 December 2011

The Thirteen Days of Doctor Who: Growing Up with the Doctor

Banner by Studio D.

Today, we’re doing things a little differently here at Libri Dilectio. In honor of the holiday and the best television show EVER (inarguable), I’m participating in the 13 Days of Doctor Who Blog Hop! This is the final day, so for those of you who’ve been following the hop since the beginning, you’re in the home stretch! Soon you’ll find out who won that highly coveted series 6 box set! Thank you to Erica O’Rourke for hosting and inviting me to play too!

I also have a guest hanging out at at LD with me today, my Dad, Mark! I thought no post about me growing up with Doctor Who would be complete without the man who started it all. You may remember my dad from his previous guest appearance, reviewing I Shall Wear Midnight by Terry Pratchett. Today he will be wearing TARDIS blue and I’ll be in traditional black. Here we go!

Matt (2) and Becky (4) – Doctor Who babies 1989

The Doctor has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. At the age of 4, I rocked a homemade (thanks mom) mini Doctor Who scarf. My brother, 2 years old at the time, had a matching one. We drank out of Doctor Who mugs when we wanted hot chocolate after playing in the snow, and we both referred to the show as “Doctor Wubbedy” since we sang the theme song, “wubbedy wub wubbedy wub…” Yes, we were cool children.

My dad, who was always available on Saturday mornings to watch The Smurfs or Mighty Mouse, has always been a HUGE Doctor Who fan. Dad here, actually my first exposure to the Doctor was in 1972 at the house of a friend. His parents were watching an episode with Jon Pertwee as the Doctor. To explain the show to me they said, the Doctor was like James Bond from outer space who had a spaceship that was bigger on the inside than on the outside (honestly, it was one of the worst explanations I have ever heard of the show). My response was, “Let’s go hang out somewhere else and talk about girls.”

Six years later, I found myself in graduate school in Ann Arbor, in an apartment all by myself, and trying to get through the MBA program at the University of Michigan. At that time, WTVS, the Detroit PBS station, ran Doctor Who on Saturday nights. I started watching the show in reruns and found Tom Baker to be a wonderful Time Lord. He made you believe that he was more than human.

Okay, so you haven’t always been a fan, but for a long time, as long as I’ve been alive. I remember watching old episodes of Doctor Who on PBS with you and not understanding what was going on. I liked Sarah JaneSmith best of all the assistants (as they used to be called) and Tom Baker was my Doctor. Obviously, I was a preschooler who wore his scarf! I’ve never hidden behind a couch to avoid the Daleks, but I knew that you didn’t want to mess with those trash bin aliens!

In 1983, I found myself managing the construction of a suburban Chicago cable TV system for Westinghouse Electric. My plant manager was a big Whovian and every Monday morning, he would come into the office and want to talk about the episode shown on WTTW Chicago late on Sunday night. It was him who really opened up the world of Doctor Who for me. Peter Davison was the current Doctor Who or “Tristan” as we called him having been earlier fans of “All Creatures Great and Small.”

When you were born, Colin Baker had become the Doctor and the show was starting to unravel. Not that that was my fault or anything. I was just born under a bad BBC star or something. Something like that. Anyway, John Nathan Turner was producing the show and the stories were weak, disjointed and sometimes just plain bad, but that didn’t stop me. I was still looking forward to bringing my children along for a ride in the TARDIS one day. When you were two, Sylvester McCoy became the Doctor and the shows got worse, although McCoy was a very convincing Doctor. Then, just as it looked like Becky was ready to join the team, the end came. Abruptly. No final episode, no tying up loose ends. Nothing. It was 1989 and it was over before it had begun.

Becky and Dad, Whovian Love!

And from then on, we waited. Well you waited. I had pretty much forgotten about the show. In 1994 I found one way to fill the gap: I discovered the Doctor Who series novels and started reading them. Those novels were what the show should have always been. The Doctor became a more dark and lonely person, feeling the pressure of keeping the universe together and often losing patience with it. One of my favorite lines from one of the books was, “I’m what monsters have nightmares about,” which was later used for David Tennant in “The Girl in the Fireplace” episode. The made-for-tv movie came out in 1996 and the less said about that, the better, although I still think Paul McGann was superb and would have been a great continuing Doctor. You had high hopes for the TV movie, but sadly it just didn’t grab an audience like the BBC wanted and the Doctor went back into hibernation for another 10 years.

Fast forward to 2005 – another job, but back home in the Chicago area. I was traveling to Europe every now and then for business. It was September 13th (a Tuesday – yes, I keep track of these things as any real Time Lord would). I was lying in my bed in the hotel in London watching the BBC when a promotional spot came on. It was a shot panning across a wall. The voice over said, “He’s back. And it’s about time.” And the shot pans over to the TARDIS. WHAT?? I had not read that they had started shooting the show again!!

The next day, I ran over to Tower Records on Piccadilly and bought the first two DVDs of the new series without any way to play them. I figured out how to watch them on my company laptop, but that only works five times and then the DVD drive gets hosed. When I got home, I bought a multi-region DVD player so I could watch the shows on my HDTV. The show was just what it should have been years ago. It had picked up the darker and more serious elements of the books, but kept the old Tom Baker humor (“Nine hundred years of time and space and I’ve never been slapped by someone’s mother.”). I honestly could not wait to reintroduce the kids to the show. But that would have to wait until they got home for Thanksgiving.

In 2005, during my sophomore year of college, I brought my boyfriend (who is now my husband) home to meet my family. He was still at the point that he did pretty much anything my family asked of him, including watching Rose, the first episode of the new season of Doctor Who. I was skeptical of the new reboot, but, after one episode, we were both hooked. Maybe that was the first sign that we were meant to get married.

My dad and I (and my brother, mother, husband, friends) are devoted Whovians. We remember the lines, the episodes, the characters, and the music. Doctor Who is a part of my family, and one of the only shows we really enjoy as an entire family. We’re all loving Matt Smith’s Doctor and will miss the Ponds when they bow out at the end of this upcoming season. We’ll all be watching tomorrow for The Doctor the Widow and the Wardrobe, and you should too!

To enter the grand prize giveaway, please leave a comment with your name and email address. You may enter once at every stop on the blog tour, for a total of thirteen chances. The Grand Prize giveaway is limited to the US and Canada, due to regional restrictions on the DVD. Individual contests will close at the discretion of the author, but the Grand Prize contest will accept entries on any site until midnight CST on December 24th. The winner will be posted HERE on December 25th, and be notified via email.

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子供の健やかな成長を願う五月人形・雛人形 » 入れ替わり

Posted on February 12, 2023 by CJ

入れ替わり

五月人形は、男の子のいるご家庭に飾られます。
なので娘さんと息子さんが両方いらっしゃるご家庭では、ひなまつりに雛人形を。子供の日に五月人形を飾ることになります。また兄弟の数が多くなればなるほど、お人形の数も増えると思います。なのでお子さんが多いご家庭は賑やかな節句になりそうです。では雛人形と五月人形を飾る時期についてもう一度確認していきましょう。

雛人形はだいたい２月の初旬から３月の中頃まで飾ります。飾りつけがもっとギリギリになる時もありますし、片付けの時期も地域やご家庭によってひなまつり直後だったり、４月中頃までだったりします。
五月人形はだいたい３月の中旬頃から子供の日まで飾ります。なのでおひな様の片付けをすると同時に飾りつけても問題ありません。

男の子の今後の健やかな成長を祈って飾られるお人形です。これは雛人形のようにいつまでに片付けるという言われも特にない様子。ただずっと出しっぱなしにしておくものでもないので、子供の日を過ぎて時間がある時に片付けするのがいいそうです。

お人形についてはそのご家族や地域、お人形屋さんによって考え方に違いが見られます。なので自分が納得する方法を選ぶのが一番です。ひとり一体という考え方もありますし、先祖代々受け継ぐという考え方もあります。重要なのは行い方ではなく、人形に込めた気持ちなのではないでしょうか。強く、たくましい男の子に成長してほしいものです。

子供の健やかな成長を願う五月人形・雛人形 » 何歳まで

Posted on February 12, 2023 by CJ

何歳まで

五月人形は何歳まで飾るのでしょう。
この人形は、そもそも男の子の成長を願って飾るものです。なので基本的には大きくなればその役目を果たしたと言えます。ただ考え方なので飾りたいと思う年齢まで飾られるのがいいと思います。同居の場合は特に両家の考えがあるでしょうから、話し合って決められるといいと思います。また誰が贈るかについては、雛人形と同様に、母親の実家が用意することが多いようですね。

息子さんが何人かいらっしゃる場合は、立派なのは一人分でもいいのですが、できればもう少しコンパクトな人形を人数分用意しておける方がいいですね。お兄ちゃんが生まれた時に五月人形を買う方もいるでしょう。そうすると後で生まれた弟が寂しがるかもしれません。ただ費用とスペースの問題がありますから、兄弟分の小さなものを用意しておくといいのですね。

このように、雛人形と五月人形には様々な共通点があります。これが正解と言うのがありませんので、ご家庭の考えで飾られるのがいいと思います。大切なのはお人形に込められた思いです。なのでお子さんが成長しきった時にお役目を終えたとして供養される人もいます。それから、湿気に弱いので片づけかたに注意するという点も共通していると思います。

親が子供の成長を願う気持ち、それは代々受け継がれていくものです。気持ちを受け継ぐか人形を受け継ぐかは考え方しだい。大事なのは、何を思ってその人形を飾るかなのです。

子供の健やかな成長を願う五月人形・雛人形 » 健やかに

Posted on February 12, 2023 by CJ

健やかに

雛人形を初めて飾った時、小さかった私は号泣したそうです。
その時の様子はもちろん覚えていませんが、それでも末っ子である私が小学校を卒業する頃くらいまでは毎年飾られていましたね。それから一切お人形を見ていないのでどうなったかはわかりません。もしかすると知らないうちに姉達の子供用に受け継がれているかもしれません。親が子を思う気持ちなのに、泣いちゃってごめんねと思っています。

雛人形は、親が子を思う気持ちが詰まったお人形です。子を持つ親にとって、自分の子供が健やかに成長するのが一番の願いです。なので、お人形さんが守ってくれるようにという特別な思いが込められたお人形なのです。自分が子供の時はわかりませんが、自分が親になった時にその気持ちがわかります。

雛人形は、それぞれにお顔が違います。なので選び方としては、自分が可愛いと思うお人形から選んで大丈夫です。そこから費用と相談したり、飾るスペースを考えたりしながら選んで行きます。元々は母親の実家から嫁入り道具として引き継ぐもののようですが、自分が親になった時に改めて買い直す方もいるようですよ。

家に雛人形を飾った時は、私よりも祖母が喜んでいましたね。そうして祖母から母へ、母から子へ受けつがれてきた心なのです。特別な思いが込められているお人形なので、保存方法にも注意しておきましょう。大切に思えるお人形を選んだ方が、自然と扱いも丁寧になりそうです。

子供の健やかな成長を願う五月人形・雛人形 » 収納

Posted on February 12, 2023 by CJ

収納

雛人形に、正しい飾り方はあるのでしょうか。
ひなまつりは３月３日です。なのでだいたい１週間前くらいから飾りつけをするものなのかなと思っていました。しかし人によってはもっと早く飾っていたり、小学生までしか飾らないという人もいますよね。なので地域性にもよると思うのですが、雛人形の飾り方や保管方法は何か決まりがあるのか見ていきましょう。

雛人形はわりと早くから飾り始めます。節分を過ぎた立春の頃から飾り始めます。なのでわりと早くから飾るものなんだと思いました。飾り始めの時期で多いのは、この立春の頃から、２月の半ば頃にかけてです。なぜ立春の日かと言うと、この日が昔で言う１年の始まりだったからだと言います。でも、１週間前くらいならギリギリセーフみたいですよ。片付けの日も明確な決まりはないようです。

婚期が遅れるとの言い伝えで、ひなまつりが終わったらすぐに片付けにとりかかる人も多いです。ただ、しまうのはいいのですが、急いでしまってお顔に傷などつかないように気をつけてあげて下さい。雛人形を売っているお店ではしまう時に顔を保護してくれるカバーを用意してくれるお店もあります。無臭の防虫剤などを入れてしまっておくのもいいでしょう。

湿気に弱いので、できるだけ天気のいい日に丁寧にしまうようにしましょう。大切なお人形は、大切にしまっておけばまた来年もいいお顔でいてくれます。中には４月中頃まで飾る人もいます。

Libri Dilectio: September 2011

Posted on February 12, 2023 by CJ

20 September 2011

Book Review: Wonderstruck

Wonderstruck, Brian Selznick
(Gr 3-5)
Scholastic, Sept 13 2011. Reviewed from library book.

“Set fifty years apart, two independent stories—Ben’s told in words and Rose’s in pictures—weave back and forth with mesmerizing symmetry. How they unfold and ultimately intertwine will surprise you, challenge you, and leave you breathless with wonder.

Ever since his mom died, Ben feels lost.
At home with her father, Rose feels alone.

He is searching for someone, but he is not sure who.
She is searching for something, but she is not sure what.

When Ben finds a mysterious clue hidden in his mom’s room,
When a tempting opportunity presents itself to Rose

Both children risk everything to find what’s missing.”

I read, and loved, The Invention of Hugo Cabret for my Materials for Youth course in graduate school. Since I have become a librarian it has been both my salvation and one of my biggest heartaches. Salvation because it is the perfect book to give to a reluctant reader who does not want to be embarrassed by carrying around a small “baby” book at school. Hugo has enough appeal, pictures, and pages to satisfy even the most anti reading child. Sadly, after they finish it, that’s when the heartache sets in. Inevitably mom will be so happy that little insertnamehere read a whole book, and such a thick book too, that she will immediately head back to the library searching for anything similar to try to recreate her own little miracle. The sadsad librarian will then have to tell the elated mother that there is nothing exactly like Hugo Cabret. Yes, there are tons of other illustrated novels, there are even great ones, but nothing like Hugo. He is unique, which is part of what makes his story so wonderful. Poor mom will then leave the library with a handful of good, but not quite Hugo, illustrated novels and hope that at least one sparks some sort of interest with her anti reading child. That was the end of the story – until now! I know many other children’s librarians will join me in rejoicing that Brian Selznick’s new book is out and it is WONDERFUL! Finally, finally, something to keep those Hugo fans reading!!

Ben lives on a lake out in the middle of Nowhere Minnesota. His mother has just passed away and he isn’t ready to move on. He doesn’t know anything at all about his father, until the night he gets struck by lightning. Rose lives an equally secluded life, but in a big house overlooking New York City. She dreams of getting away and finding the movie star she most admires, but Rose is deaf. Her story, told entirely in pictures, is about overcoming disability and proving that everyone wants a chance to really live. These two characters, living a lifetime apart, are both wonderful, believable, and the kind of kids every reader will want to root for.

This story lacks none of the imagination and magic that made Hugo Cabret so exciting to young readers. It has all the elements of a great story; runaway kids, big city adventures, and life in a museum. Oh yeah, you read that right, life in a museum! Kids will likely need little encouragement to pick up Selznick’s newest book, even though it has some serious heft to it. They know what to expect from a book like this, and they can’t wait to dive right in. Thank you, thank you Brian Selznick for easing my librarian heartache and for writing a book so awesome, that all 12 copies I bought for the library are already checked out.

19 September 2011

Book Review: Goliath

Goliath, Scott Westerfeld
(Gr 7+)

Out TOMORROW! 20 September 2011
Simon Pulse. Review copy provided by publisher.

“Alek and Deryn are on the last leg of their round-the-world quest to end World War I, reclaim Alek’s throne as prince of Austria, and finally fall in love. The first two objectives are complicated by the fact that their ship, the Leviathan, continues to detour farther away from the heart of the war (and crown). And the love thing would be a lot easier if Alek knew Deryn was a girl. (She has to pose as a boy in order to serve in the British Air Service.) And if they weren’t technically enemies.”

The war between the Clankers and the Darwinists is well under way, but Prince Alek still believes it’s his destiny to end it and he’ll do anything to make that happen. His best friend, Deryn, who he knows as Dylan, the midshipman aboard the airship Leviathan, is a little less certain that destiny exists or that the war can be stopped. We first met Alek and Deryn in Leviathan and followed their adventures into Istanbul in Behemoth, now, in the end of this amazing trilogy, the stakes are higher and all their secrets are bubbling to the surface.

I have loved this trilogy from the start. It’s imaginative, exciting, and full of amazing illustrations (some of which I’d very much like to frame on my wall!). Goliath needed to bring everything together for me, no loose ends and no disappointments – and it actually did pretty well. When we first meet back up with Alek and Deryn they are still aboard the Leviathan and not entirely sure where the ship is headed next. Alek hopes it’s to Europe, to the center of the fighting, so he can step up and end the war, but they seem to be heading farther and farther away. Deryn is just following orders, she doesn’t mind where the Leviathan takes them next, but she does want Alek to stay aboard and for her secret to stay hidden. At least until she’s ready to tell Alek herself, but just Alek.

Fans of this series will be happy to see all their favorite characters back in action and history buffs will be pleased to meet a few new famous faces. Deryn is just as strong and tough as always, but she’s started to find a little bit of a softer side. Don’t worry, she’s still fiercely independent and the bravest midshipman serving on Leviathan (male or female). Alek grew a lot as a character in this book. He started to make his own choices and be less of a reactionary character. I wasn’t sure how I felt about him after Behemoth, but he made up for all his prior character flaws in Goliath. Oh yeah, in case you were wondering. It’s not all character growth and relationships, this book (like the previous two) is chock full of action, adventure, and suspense!

The one big hurdle in this series is for the teen readers. I’m not sure how much they know about World War I to begin with, so the re-imagined history might not resonate as much for them. I have book talked Leviathan a lot lately, since it’s nominated for the state book award, and many parents have said some variation of, “He has no idea what happened during World War I” or “She has never heard of Darwin and won’t understand genetic engineering.” I try to explain that the series can be enjoyed without a full understanding of either science or history and that it might prompt further study, but both parents and kids have been put off by parts of this trilogy. Does anyone have a solution to this problem? Although, the kids who have picked it up have all loved it and come back for more! I’m excited to get Goliath on the library shelves and start passing it out to teens who aren’t afraid of a different kind of story!

07 September 2011

Waiting on Wednesday: The Scorpio Races

Waiting on Wednesday is masterminded by Jill at Breaking the Spine. Check out her blog for more upcoming releases that bloggers are waiting patiently for.

Coming 18 Oct 2011
The Scorpio Races, Maggie Stiefvater

Synopsis from Goodreads:

“It happens at the start of every November: the Scorpio Races. Riders attempt to keep hold of their water horses long enough to make it to the finish line. Some riders live. Others die.

At age nineteen, Sean Kendrick is the returning champion. He is a young man of few words, and if he has any fears, he keeps them buried deep, where no one else can see them.

Puck Connolly is different. She never meant to ride in the Scorpio Races. But fate hasn’t given her much of a chance. So she enters the competition — the first girl ever to do so. She is in no way prepared for what is going to happen.”

06 September 2011

Teaser Tuesday: Wisdom’s Kiss

This is a weekly meme run by MizB at Should Be Reading. Check it out for other Teaser Tuesday books. Here’s how it works.

1) Grab your current read

2) Open to a random page

3) Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS!
(make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)

4)Share the title and author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

Coming 12 September 2011

“When I am ancient and writing my memoirs I shall entitle this chapter, ‘The Puking Path.’ Or perhaps, ‘The Retching Road’–that’s more accurate as the Alpsburg Pass is quite clearly a decent road when it’s not full of mud.” –Wisdom’s Kiss by Catherine Gilbert Murdock. pg. 47.

02 September 2011

Book Review: Divergent

Divergent, Veronica Roth
(Gr 8+)
HarperCollins Children’s Books, May 3rd 2011. Reviewed from purchased copy.

“Beatrice “Tris” Prior has reached the fateful age of sixteen, the stage at which teenagers in Veronica Roth’s dystopian Chicago must select which of five factions to join for life. Each faction represents a virtue: Candor, Abnegation, Dauntless, Amity, and Erudite. To the surprise of herself and her selfless Abnegation family, she chooses Dauntless, the path of courage. Her choice exposes her to the demanding, violent initiation rites of this group, but it also threatens to expose a personal secret that could place in mortal danger.”

Warning: When I’m excited I write a lot of run on sentences.

I have heard people at work raving about this book all summer, and yet I still waited until last weekend to finally pick it up. Silly silly Becky, when will you learn? When tons of librarians are obsessed with a book, it’s probably super awesome, and this one is super duper awesome. It was the first book I’ve read for awhile that I could not put down, and that I couldn’t stop thinking about when I did, unfortunately, have to put it down to go do work. Grumble grumble, kids needing books and homework help, don’t you know I have a book to read?!

There are a lot of dystopias out there. A LOT. Yet, I am still not sick of them. I’m not sure I ever will be. They are awesome and I love them, and I want to read more. Obviously this book was starting with a distinct advantage with me. Also, it’s set in future Chicago! Speaking as someone who has spent most of her life living in the Chicago area, I was ridiculously excited to read a book set in my own hometown! It was awesome to know where the characters were, like really really know. They go to the Sears Tower, (not Willis. Seriously Willis?! C’mon Chicago, why don’t you just rename it the Penis Tower?!), Navy Pier, the Hancock Building – obviously none of these places are the same as they are today, but their presence made the story so much more real for me.

Okay, now that I’ve aired my biases I can actually say what I thought of the book. First off, I loved Tris. She is a perfect dystopian heroine. She is comfortable with the world the way it is…to an extent. She questions her place within her own family, but believes there is a place for her in the world. She is not fighting against the status quo or leading a rebellion, she’s just a teenage girl trying to figure out who she is. In this way she is a relatable character to most readers, even those not living in a future world governed by five factions. Tris takes risks, has strong morals, and more raw gumption then is good for her. I think she’s awesome! Also, speaking of characters; I have a crush on Four, want a friend like Christina, and had my heart broken by Al.

The plot moves along at a nice pace, not too fast, but quick enough to keep me ravenously turning pages. I lovelovelove what Veronica Roth said on her website about this trilogy, “Just so you know, my goal is to make each book feel A. like a complete work in and of itself and B. absolutely necessary.” Isn’t that awesome? You know, as a reader going into this trilogy that, even though the story isn’t over after the first or even the second book, you will finish the novel with a sense of satisfaction and completion…while still desperately wanting the next book to come out! Other series authors, take note, this is the best way to write a continuing story.

Obviously, I loved this book. I can’t say enough good stuff about it, really my only complaint is that the second book won’t come out until May! What will I do until then?! Probably read some more books that all the librarians are raving about…lesson learned.

01 September 2011

Book Review: Pregnant Pause

Pregnant Pause, Han Nolan
(Gr 9+)

Coming 19 September 2011
Harcourt Children’s Book. Review copy from publisher.

“Nobody gets away with telling Eleanor Crowe what to do. But as a pregnant sixteen-year-old, her options are limited: move to Kenya with her missionary parents or marry the baby’s father and work at his family’s summer camp for overweight kids.

Despite her initial reluctance to help out, Elly is surprised that she actually enjoys working with the campers. But a tragedy on the very day her baby is born starts a series of events that overwhelms Elly with unexpected emotions and difficult choices. Somehow, she must turn her usual obstinance in a direction that can ensure a future for herself—and for the new life she has created.”

I originally picked up this book because of the author. I’ve heard lots of great things about Han Nolan’s books, but I’ve never read one for myself and thought it was about time. She did not disappoint me!

Eleanor is the type of character who felt really real because of her changing and evolving personality. She starts out as a rebellious teenager who makes a lot of wrong choices and ends up in big trouble, yes in the 50’s sense…she’s pregnant. After she decides, against her parents wishes, to marry the baby’s father and live with his family at their weight loss camp, she starts to find another side of herself. She realizes that she can connect positively with the young campers and provide them with a shoulder to lean on. Even as Eleanor starts to find her feet in her new life, her new husband is losing his.

I loved that nothing happened like I thought it would in this story. It’s part of what made it feel so real. There was no idealistic teen family playing house for reality TV cameras – there was just a lost, confused girl rushed into a marriage, about to give birth, and stuck with only an ugly orange dress that fits her. Elly managed to stay strong during some things that would have broken just about anyone. I think she’s a great character for high school girls to read.

Yes, there are a LOT of books out there about teenage pregnancy, but this one adds some elements I haven’t seen before. This would be a good book to use to start a discussion with teenagers about safe sex and NOT ending up in Elly’s situation. It is not an easy book to read and so I wouldn’t recommend it to just anyone, but, in the hands of the right readers, this book will be a welcome find.

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Libri Dilectio: October 2011

Posted on February 12, 2023 by CJ

31 October 2011

Happy Halloween!

THE ONE WHO INVENTED TRICK OR TREAT

Yes, I invented “trick or treat”

So you could fill your mouth with sweets –

Candy bars and lemon drops,

Marshmallows and Tootsie Pops,

Butterscotch and bubble gum.

Hold out your hand – they’ll give you some

Chocolate kisses, Jujubes,

Sourballs and jelly beans.

Have a cake – some cookies too.

Take a couple – grab a few

Peppermint sticks and Mary Janes,

Licorice whips and candy canes.

Slurp some soda, munch a pie,

Don’t let those M&M’s go by,

Chew that toffee, munch those treats,

Get that caramel in your teeth.

Then come see me, I’ll be here –

I’m your friendly dentist, dear.

-Shel Silverstein, Every Thing On It

05 October 2011

Book Review: The Girl of Fire and Thorns

The Girl of Fire and Thorns, Rae Carson
(Gr 7+)
Greenwillow Books, September 20 2011. Review copy provided by publisher.

“Once a century, one person is chosen for greatness.

Elisa is the chosen one.

But she is also the younger of two princesses, the one who has never done anything remarkable. She can’t see how she ever will.

Now, on her sixteenth birthday, she has become the secret wife of a handsome and worldly king—a king whose country is in turmoil. A king who needs the chosen one, not a failure of a princess.

And he’s not the only one who needs her. Savage enemies seething with dark magic are hunting her. A daring, determined revolutionary thinks she could be his people’s savior. And he looks at her in a way that no man has ever looked at her before. Soon it is not just her life, but her very heart that is at stake.

Elisa could be everything to those who need her most. If the prophecy is fulfilled. If she finds the power deep within herself. If she doesn’t die young.

Most of the chosen do.”

My mother always taught me to write thank you notes promptly after receiving a present – so here goes.

Dear Rae Carson~

Thank you for coming along and filling the Tamora Pierce/Kristin Cashore sized hole in my heart. Your heroine was smart, inventive, brave, and caring. Once I got to know her, I couldn’t stop reading her story! Elisa has joined the ranks of Katsa, Alanna, Becka, and Fire for me. I think she’ll fit in nicely.

Thank you for writing a fantasy book that didn’t feel like it was set in England. It didn’t feel even the slightest bit inspired by British history or anything. I love that you have created a world that is inspired by Spain. Your descriptions were so vivid that I could almost feel the heat of the sun in the desert, see the lush greenery of the jungle, or feel lost in a crowded marketplace.

Thank you for creating fully fleshed out secondary characters who felt just as real and important as the main character. You made me love them, you never chose the easy path for them, and yes, you let them break my heart. I love when a secondary character means just as much to me as the main character.

Thank you for writing a book that I couldn’t wait to share with the other librarians, and that I’m even more excited to pass along to the kids at the library. There is one girl in particular who I know will adore your story. In short, thank you for writing my favorite book of 2011.

Very Truly Yours,
Becky the Librarian

03 October 2011

Book Review: The Iron Knight

The Iron Knight, Julie Kagawa
(Gr 9+)

Coming 25 October 2011
Harlequin Teen. Review copy provided by publisher.

“My name—my True Name—is Ashallayn’darkmyr Tallyn.

I am the last remaining son of Mab, Queen of the Unseelie Court. And I am dead to her.

My fall began, as many stories do, with a girl…”

This is the fourth book in the Iron Fey series (The Iron King, The Iron Daughter, and The Iron Queen are the others). The Iron Fey is the kind of series that I really look forward to reading. I have enjoyed every book and can’t wait to read MORE! Usually, I like trilogies best. I want to have the end in sight, even if I like the setting/story/characters, but with this series – the more the better! Keep going Julie Kagawa! I’ll keep reading them!

The previous three installments in this series were narrated by Meghan Chase, the half faery princess daughter of Oberon, King of the Summer Fey. I’m not sure how much to say about her story…if you’ve already read the first three books in the series, you’re fine to keep reading, but if you haven’t you should probably just stop reading this. Seriously. Stop. Actually, just go get a copy of The Iron King and read that instead. Anyway, at the start of this book Meghan is settled into her new role as Queen of the Iron Fey. She’s had to separate from Prince Ash, her true love and our new narrator, because he is full blood fey and would die in the Iron Realm. Meghan believes there’s no way for the two of them to ever be together, but Ash is not giving up.

Ash makes for an interesting narrator. As a reader, I felt like I knew him, but reading a story from his perspective was a lot different than getting to know him through Meghan. He’s a very complicated character. This is best illustrated by his relationships. He loves Meghan, but he still has unresolved issues from an old relationship. His biggest enemy, Puck, is also his best friend and closest ally. In this story we get a lot more back story on Ash and find out that he is even MORE complicated than he seems on the surface! He needs some faery therapy stat to start working out his mountain of issues!

The Iron Knight will be a huge hit with fans of the series. It keeps the plot moving along at a steady clip, shows readers new parts of the Nevernever, reintroduces old characters as well as a few new ones, and has the romantic feel that readers will be looking for. This series continues to be a lot of fun and I can’t wait to see what Julie Kagawa comes up with next!

Libri Dilectio: November 2011

Posted on February 12, 2023 by CJ

21 November 2011

Series Review: The Agency

A Spy in the House, Y.S. Lee
(Gr 7+)
Candlewick, March 9, 2010. Reviewed from library book.

“Rescued from the gallows in 1850s London, young orphan (and thief) Mary Quinn is surprised to be offered a singular education, instruction in fine manners — and an unusual vocation. Miss Scrimshaw’s Academy for Girls is a cover for an all-female investigative unit called The Agency, and at seventeen, Mary is about to put her training to the test. Assuming the guise of a lady’s companion, she must infiltrate a rich merchant’s home in hopes of tracing his missing cargo ships. But the household is full of dangerous deceptions, and there is no one to trust — or is there? Packed with action and suspense, banter and romance, and evoking the gritty backstreets of Victorian London, this breezy mystery debuts a daring young detective who lives by her wits while uncovering secrets — including those of her own past.”

The Body at the Tower, Y.S. Lee
(Gr 7+)
Candlewick, Aug 10, 2010. Reviewed from library book.

“In this, the second book of the series, Mary Quinn sets out to uncover the truth behind a suspicious death at St. Stephen’s Tower, better known as the clock tower of the Houses of Parliament. The accident occurred after hours in a highly public part of town and despite the presence of night watchmen. Mary, disguised as Mark Quinn, becomes a builder’s assistant to find out the truth about the body at the tower.”

I’ve been meaning to read this series for awhile, but actually, I’m kind of glad that I waited. This way I was able to read the first one and immediately dive into the second one! That is the perk of being a late comer to a series.

Mary Quinn is a great character. She’s smart, brave, and nothing like other ladies of her time period. I love that she’s part street child, part thief, part lady, and part secret agent! She reminded me of Sally Lockhart, although Sally leans a little more to the lady side initially, she certainly becomes more and more of a strong, independent woman. I love Phillip Pullman’s Sally Lockhart mysteries and was very pleased to find a series that reminds me of them.

The mysteries in the series are wonderful. They keep the reader guessing, but are completely solvable by the reader if they pay attention. Mary doesn’t pull anything out of her hat at the last minute. Lee lays everything out for Mary and the reader. I figured out both of the mysteries and loved that I was able to. I think the best mysteries are the kind that the reader can solve with the main character. This is especially nice in mysteries written for teens.

Y.S. Lee is a great author! She writes compelling characters, interesting plots, and amazingly well researched stories. She has a PhD in Victorian Literature and Culture, and it shows reading these books. They are perfect for teens who want to learn about the time period, but don’t want to read a dry text book. I’ve already recommended the series to several teen girls, one of which came back to tell me how much she loved it and that she wanted the second one right away. If you’re looking for a great historical mystery series, check out The Agency, but try to get the first and second one, you’ll want both.

—————————————————————————————————————

If you like The Agency, you might also like:
The Ruby in the Smoke, Phillip Pullman
A Great and Terrible Beauty, Libba Bray
The Diamond of Drury Lane, Julia Golding

15 November 2011

Top Ten Tuesday: The Sad and the Long Overlooked

This is the first time I’m participating in Top Ten Tuesday, hosted by The Broke and the Bookish (love that blog name, probably describes every book bloggers life).

This week’s topic, the top ten unread books on your shelves, was of particular interest to me. Just this weekend I went through my shelves and counted all the books I own, but haven’t read. There are a lot, like a lot, way more than 10. I keep acquiring books with intentions to read them right away, and then they just hang out on my shelves forever. If new books would stop being published for a few months, maybe I could catch up.

Going Bovine, Libba Bray
This has been sitting on my shelf since it first came out. I really want to read it, but I never seem to be in the right mood. To make matters worse, it’s been signed by the author…twice. I accidentally brought it to a book signing without remembering that she’d already signed it, but Libba Bray is so awesome, she just drew pictures in it.

The Demon King, Cinda Williams Chima
I love fantasy, so so so much. This author seems to get great reviews and have a devoted following. I’ll probably love this series…and yet, this book (and the next in the series The Exiled Queen) are just hanging out on my shelves. Sigh.

A Northern Light, Jennifer Donnelly
I loved Revolution so much that when I bought a copy of it, I also picked up a copy of A Northern Light. It’s just been sitting on the shelf since then. Well, that’s not entirely true. I did start it once, but put it down when a shiny new book I’d been waiting for came out. I have book ADD.

Reckless, Cornelia Funke
Another one that I bought with the best intentions, and yet it remains unopened.

One of the shelves where good books go to die. And my husband’s “office.”

Bright Young Things, Anna Godbersen
Oh how I loved The Luxe series. It’s one of my favorites. When asked what book world I’d most like to live in, this is the one I chose. My wonderful mother in law gave this to me last Christmas. I still haven’t read it, not even opened it. I’m a bad bad daughter in law.

Tender Morsels, Margo Lanagan
Okay, so this one I have opened. I’ve actually started it at least 3 times. Something about this story has never grabbed me. Maybe I should try it one more time…then it might be heading for the donation pile. Poor Printz Award winners. I just never seem to read them once I buy them (one notable exception being Looking for Alaska).

Rot and Ruin, Jonathan Maberry
I love zombies. I love action. Why I have I not loved this book yet? No idea.

Jellicoe Road, Melina Marchetta
Another award winner that so many people seem to love more than anything, but I haven’t found the desire to try it yet. Maybe some day.

The Knife of Never Letting Go, Patrick Ness
Got this one at what my bestie referred to as a “Post-Apocalyptic Borders” during the initial closing of certain stores. No matter how much good stuff I hear about this series, or how much I LOVED A Monster Calls, I still haven’t tried this one.

The Uglies Series, Scott Westerfeld
Okay, so I have read Uglies, but just not the rest of the series. I got the boxed set for my 25th birthday, and, considering I’m coming up on my 27th, it’s been sitting on my shelves for awhile. I really do want to read the rest of them. No good reason why I haven’t.

There you have it, just a selection of the GREAT books I haven’t been reading. It seems that, for me, buying a book is a death sentence. It doesn’t have a due date anymore, I own it, I’ll always have it, I can read it any time I want – so I don’t. Maybe they’ll be another snowpocalypse this year and I can read some books I’ve been meaning to for so long.

02 November 2011

Book Review: Breadcrumbs

Breadcrumbs, Anne Ursu
(Gr 4-6)
Harper Collins/Walden Pond, Sept 27, 2011. Reviewed from library book.

“Once upon a time, Hazel and Jack were best friends. They had been best friends since they were six, spending hot Minneapolis summers and cold Minneapolis winters together, dreaming of Hogwarts and Oz, superheroes and baseball. Now that they were eleven, it was weird for a boy and a girl to be best friends. But they couldn’t help it – Hazel and Jack fit, in that way you only read about in books. And they didn’t fit anywhere else.

And then, one day, it was over. Jack just stopped talking to Hazel. And while her mom tried to tell her that this sometimes happens to boys and girls at this age, Hazel had read enough stories to know that it’s never that simple. And it turns out, she was right. Jack’s heart had been frozen, and he was taken into the woods by a woman dressed in white to live in a palace made of ice. Now, it’s up to Hazel to venture into the woods after him. Hazel finds, however, that these woods are nothing like what she’s read about, and the Jack that Hazel went in to save isn’t the same Jack that will emerge. Or even the same Hazel.”

This modern day retelling of Hans Christian Anderson’s The Snow Queen is beautiful, endearing, and imaginative. The first half of the novel is realistic fiction. The story of a girl, Hazel, who’s wild imagination keeps her from fitting in with anyone her own age. Anyone except her best friend and neighbor, Jack. Hazel lives inside her imagination, comparing her life to those of her favorite book characters. Jack understands Hazel’s imaginings, and has some of his own to share. The two make a great pair, much to the dismay of Jack’s male friends, until the day Jack suddenly turns on Hazel.

I loved Hazel right from the start. She’s vivacious and creative. I actually had a little trouble believing that no one, other than Jack, wanted to be her friend. Really, no one wants to be friends with the nice girl who daydreams and reads a lot?! But, I digress. Hazel is the kind of girl who knows how to deal with trouble. She’s read about it enough. As long as she has Jack by her side, she doesn’t care that the rest of her classmates ignore her or call her “Crazy Hazy.” Even once Jack abruptly ends their friendship, Hazel is resilient. She knows something terrible has happened to Jack. He wouldn’t just stop being her friend, not ever.

The second half of the novel is straight fantasy, fairy tale. Hazel goes into the enchanted wood to save Jack from the Snow Queen. This part of the novel is perfect for all children who think they’d like to go on an adventure like the ones they read about. Hazel has always believed in good triumphing over evil and the strength of the smallest people, but when faced with her own adventure she realizes just how hard it is to be brave.

This book is wonderfully written. The descriptions are vibrant and will stay rooted in your imagination long after you turn the last page. This is a book lovers book. Hazel frequently name drops familiar characters or references places many readers will have visited in other stories. I gobbled this story up and enjoyed every minute – now I can’t wait to share it with all the kids at the library. Breadcrumbs is out now so pick up a copy! You’ll love it!

01 November 2011

Book Review: The Future of Us

The Future of Us, Jay Asher and Carolyn Mackler
(Gr 7+)

Coming 21 November 2011
Razorbill. Review copy provided by publisher.

“It’s 1996, and less than half of all American high school students have ever used the Internet.

Emma just got her first computer and an America Online CD-ROM.

Josh is her best friend. They power up and log on–and discover themselves on Facebook, fifteen years in the future.

Everybody wonders what their Destiny will be. Josh and Emma are about to find out.”

The premise of this story is really interesting. As I was reading the book, I found myself wanting to look at my own facebook profile and try to see it through the eyes of my sixteen year old self. Would I like the way I looked? Would I like my job? Would I be happy with my husband (of course, he’s adorable)? If you were a teenager and had a brief glance at what your future would be like in fifteen years, how much would you want to change? Obviously, a facebook profile can’t give all the details of a future life. Even people who put the most personal details online don’t put everything on, so can you really judge your future on only what you find on a social networking site?

I like stories about time travel, any kind of time travel really. I like it if the character manages to physically travel through time, gets secret messages from their future self, or, as it turns out, finds a future website. The story raised some great points about changing the future. Emma starts out right away thinking about how she can make her future life different than it is, better. Josh on the other hand, is worried about what his new knowledge might mean for the present and how it could screw up his future. For example, “This is making me nervous. The future seems so fragile. For instance, I already saw that I’m going to the University of Washington like my brother. And I definitely want that to happen, but what if knowing I’ll get in makes me slack on the application and then I get rejected?” (ARC 134-135). Yup, mind blown! What if just knowing the future changes your actions in the present and, therefore, changes the future!? I think I need a cup of tea.

Jay Asher and Carolyn Mackler are a little bit of an author dream team. Together they created a compulsively readable book that I could not put down. Literally. I read the entire thing in just over 2 hours. Emma and Josh are sweet, fun, interesting characters who I would definitely want to be friends with. Their story is a perfect mix of obsessing over their future and trying to figure out their present. Each of them faces different dilemmas from their new knowledge – do they keep secrets or help friends? Their story will suck you in and you won’t be able to stop until the very end, so I recommend starting this book in a very comfy chair. Then ask yourself, how much would you want to know about your future?

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12 March 2012

Book Review: Born Wicked

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13 March 2012

Book Review: Froi of the Exiles

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13 March 2012

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