Fanfare Friday: Do You Like Waffles

Do You Like Waffles?, Parry Gripp

Remember Parry Gripp? No? Remember Nerf Herder? C’mon of course you do…they wrote the Buffy theme song! Oh, sure, now you remember. Well, Parry Gripp was the lead singer of Nerf Herder and lately he’s been making ridiculous youtube videos and goofy albums guaranteed to annoy all the parents and amuse all the children. This food filled CD is a lot of weird and a lot of fun.

It’s not really a CD for preschoolers, but it is a fun one for slightly older kids. who want to drive their parents CRAZY! It’s a concept album so a lot of the songs on it are less than a minute and very repetitive. Like I said, fun, but will drive parents insane. Seriously, don’t take this on a long car trip. You’ve been warned.

Now all that’s left to ask is…do you like waffles?

This cartoon reminds me of Ren and Stimpy.

Book Review: Found

Found, Margaret Peterson Haddix
(Gr 6-8)

Synopsis from Amazon:
“Thirteen-year-old Jonah has always known that he was adopted, and he’s never thought it was any big deal. Then he and a new friend, Chip, who’s also adoped, begin receiving mysterious letters. The first one says, “You are one of the missing.” The second one says, “Beware! They’re coming back to get you.”

Jonah, Chip, and Jonah’s sister, Katherine, are plunged into a mystery that involves the FBI, a vast smuggling operation, an airplane that appeared out of nowhere — and people who seem to appear and disappear at will. The kids discover they are caught in a battle between two opposing forces that want very different things for Jonah and Chip’s lives.

Do Jonah and Chip have any choice in the matter? And what should they choose when both alternatives are horrifying?”

This is one of the 2011 Rebecca Caudill nominees so it was a must on my TBR list. Unfortunately, I did NOT like it. This book was introduced to me as a thriller that would be a fast, exciting read. Nothing could be further from the truth. The story dragged for me from the start. Yes, there was a mystery and I was intrigued, but more then that I was bored.

After Jonah receives his first mystery letter, he starts wondering what it could be about…obviously, but more then that he does a lot of soul searching. Unfortunately, a healthy, happy, well adjusted, middle class thirteen year old doesn’t have a lot of soul to search. He doesn’t have any problems or anything particularly interesting about his life. Yes, he was adopted, but he’s okay with that. He’s always known he was adopted and he also knows just how much his family loves him. Now, I have no issues with happy, well adjusted kids, I was one, but they belong in funny books, not thrillers. Jonah didn’t really want to know anything about his mystery letter, it was his sister and friend who did. He was just along for the ride, and since the reader is inside his head, so was I.

Now, the good, because it was a book, and I love books and can always find something good. I loved the idea behind the story. Thirty six babies appear out of nowhere on a plane that disappears into thin air as soon as they’ve all been taken off. Where did they come from, who are they, and how long will they stay? I am interested in knowing the answers to these questions, because I still don’t know them! This book answered just enough, but nothing that I really wanted to know. Not sure if I’ll actually read the next in the series, but I might. Maybe.

Rebecca Caudill books…4 down, 16 to go!

Waiting on Wednesday: The Red Pyramid

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

Coming 4 May 2010

The Kane Chronicles: The Red Pyramid, Rick Riordan

Synopsis from Amazon:
“Since their mother’s death, Carter and Sadie have become near strangers. While Sadie has lived with her grandparents in London, her brother has traveled the world with their father, the brilliant Egyptologist, Dr. Julius Kane.

One night, Dr. Kane brings the siblings together for a “research experiment” at the British Museum, where he hopes to set things right for his family. Instead, he unleashes the Egyptian god Set, who banishes him to oblivion and forces the children to flee for their lives.

Soon, Sadie and Carter discover that the gods of Egypt are waking, and the worst of them–Set–has his sights on the Kanes. To stop him, the siblings embark on a dangerous journey across the globe–a quest that brings them ever closer to the truth about their family, and their links to a secret order that has existed since the time of the pharaohs.”

I already love all the Percy Jackson books, so I’m really excited for a new Rick Riordan series. As far as I know there isn’t another series that focuses on Egyptian mythology for kids, so this should be a great new addition to the library! Riordan’s books inspire kids to learn about mythology, so maybe we should order some new non-fiction to go along with this fun new series.

Book Review: Captivate

Captivate, Carrie Jones
(Gr 9+)

“Zara and her friends knew they hadn’t solved the pixie problem for good. Far from it. The king’s needs grow deeper every day he’s stuck in captivity, while his control over his people gets weaker. It’s made him vulnerable. And now there’s a new king in town.

A turf war is imminent, since the new pixie king, Astley, is moving in quickly. Nick nearly killed him in the woods on day one, but Zara came to his rescue. Astley swears that he and Zara are destined to be together, that he’s one of the good guys. Nick isn’t buying it, though Zara isn’t as sure — despite herself, she wants to trust the new king. But it’s a lot more than her relationship with Nick that is at stake. It’s her life — and his.”

I read Need a few weeks ago and really enjoyed it, so I had high hopes for Captivate. Unfortunately I was a little disappointed. The book started out focusing pretty much solely on Zara and Nick’s relationship. Obviously trying to convince the reader that they’re really really in love, soul mates, etc. Sadly, I wasn’t buying it. I thought that they probably liked each other, but weren’t really in love. Nick is lost and in need of someone to protect and Zara is just desperate to deny her non-human half.

There was a relationship I believed in though. I thought Zara was better suited to being with Astley. Just being around him brought out a different side of her. She couldn’t stay away from him, she trusted him even though she knew she probably shouldn’t, and he understands her better than Nick. There are definitely those who will not agree with me, but I can’t help it. Apparently I’m a fan of a lusty pixie (which is weird based on my previously stated fear of all things fairy).

Overall I did enjoy this book and am now dying for another. The characters might be a little flat, but the action is pretty intriguing. I loved my second trip to the snowy woods of Maine and, as always, I love scary fairies, well pixies, same thing. I may have nightmares tonight about sharp toothed pixies coming to bite me.

Book Review: Enna Burning

Enna Burning, Shannon Hale
(Gr 7+)

Synopsis from Amazon:
“Enna and Princess Isi became fast friends in The Goose Girl, but after Isi married Prince Geric, Enna returned to the forest. Enna’s simple life changes forever when she learns to wield fire and burn anything at will. Enna is convinced that she can use her ability for good–to fight Tira, the kingdom threatening the Bayern borders–and goes on secret raids to set fire to the Tiran camps and villages. But as the power of the fire grows stronger, she is less able to control her need to burn. In her recklessness she is captured by the Tiran army and held captive by a handsome, manipulative young captain who drugs her to keep her under his influence. Can Isi and her old friends Finn and Razo rescue her without sacrificing themselves? And with the fire still consuming her, will Enna find a way to manage the gift that threatens to destroy her?”

Oh Shannon Hale…why are you made of awesome? Seriously, has she ever written a bad book, or even a book that was just okay? If she has, I certainly haven’t read it yet. This book is a companion novel to The Goose Girl. This time the story focuses on Enna, a young girl who just can’t keep still. After living as Isi’s (the former Goose Girl, now Princess) lady in waiting for a time, Enna finds herself feeling dull and useless, so she moves home to the forest. Now, even at home, she is feeling restless. Enna wants to do something big with her life, but she isn’t sure what it will be.

I love Enna’s character. She’s strong, interesting, and sweet, but also stubborn and impulsive. Even after seeing her brother destroyed by fire, Enna can’t help but try to harness the power herself. She chooses not to trust her closest friends with her secret, and instead chooses to work alone, almost ruining everything she’s worked for. Eventually she learns to trust a few, but still doesn’t listen to their advice and worry for her. The fire is starting to control her, but she’s also just young and still trying to find her place.

Bayern is filled with interesting characters, but I’m starting to wonder how rare the ability to speak to elements is. In The Goose Girl, Isi’s aunt makes it seem like speaking to animals and elements is something that very few people can do, but now the ability seems to be everywhere. Isi can do it, so can Enna, several characters have the gift of people speaking, the next book is called River Secrets which I’m assuming will have something to do with water speaking. Maybe not, but it does seem to be slightly more common than the reader was originally lead to believe. Although, that’s not a criticism, just an observation.

Overall, I am completely obsessed with this series! I will definitely start River Secrets soon, but I’m going to try to savor it more than I did the first two. It’s one of those series that I don’t really want to end, so I’ll try to take it slow on the next two and hope for more in the future.

Fanfare Friday: All Around Ralph’s World

All Around Ralph’s World, Ralph’s World

Getting a little bored of shaking your sillies out? Okay, of course you’re not, it’s too much fun. But, if you’re looking for another fun dance about song for toddlers, try “Wiggle Your Lah-De-Dah” from the new Ralph’s World album! I love songs for toddlers/preschoolers that have dance instructions, they are so perfect for storytime (or for parents on rainy days).

I love all the Ralph’s World CD’s and would happily give them to pretty much any preschooler and use them in storytime! The songs are so danceable and fun! “Black Hole Boy” is one of my favorites on this new CD. The song is all about a boy who loses everything. I think it’s pretty appropriate for me (I lose/forget everything) and it’s really catchy. I’m humming it right now. I also love “I’m Not Tired,” it reminds me of “Stay Awake” from Mary Poppins and will appeal to lots of kids.

Okay, so this video is not of a song from the new CD, but it is a song that I really like and it’s from a live performance at Chicago’s House of Blues! Only the coolest preschoolers go to concerts at House of Blues! This makes me want to take my 4 year old cousin to see them. That would be too much fun.

Book Review: Chains

Chains, Laurie Halse Anderson
(Gr 6-8)

Synopsis from Amazon:
“As the Revolutionary War begins, thirteen-year-old Isabel wages her own fight…for freedom. Promised freedom upon the death of their owner, she and her sister, Ruth, in a cruel twist of fate become the property of a malicious New York City couple, the Locktons, who have no sympathy for the American Revolution and even less for Ruth and Isabel. When Isabel meets Curzon, a slave with ties to the Patriots, he encourages her to spy on her owners, who know details of British plans for invasion. She is reluctant at first, but when the unthinkable happens to Ruth, Isabel realizes her loyalty is available to the bidder who can provide her with freedom.”

I have never read one of Laurie Halse Anderson’s books that I haven’t loved. Granted I haven’t read them all, but I have read Speak, Fever 1793, and Wintergirls all of which I found to be completely engrossing, original stories. Now I can add Chains to that list.

Chains had my attention from the beginning. I feel like most of the slave narratives I’ve read were set in the Civil War and most of the Revolutionary War novels have been more like Esther Forbes’ Johnny Tremain or James Lincoln Collier’s My Brother Sam is Dead. I love the novels that feel more like the untold stories. Not everyone during the American Revolution was a soldier, a patriot, or a Philadelphia lawmaker, and there was slavery in this country for a lot longer then some kids realize. I remember as a young reader thinking that slavery was limited to just the period just before and during the Civil War since that was the only time teachers mentioned it in school. Laurie Halse Anderson is definitely shedding light on a less mentioned aspect of American history.

Not only is Chains a unique novel, it is a really really good one. Isabel is a strong, clever girl who I felt for immediately. She cares deeply about her family and what she believes to be right, but she’s still just a young girl without much power…at first. She sees her life taken away and controlled by others, but instead of sitting back and letting it happen, she finds a way to fight for her freedom. As a spy for the patriots, Isabel manages to take control of the life of her Master.

Ultimately there were good characters with strong values who cared about each other, and truly evil characters who cared about no one but themselves. This book will provide a wonderful window into history for young readers, as well as a moving, engrossing story. This is a 2011 Rebecca Caudill Young Reader’s Book Award nominee that I’m excited to pass along to all the kids who haven’t read it yet.

Unsure What to Read Next? Try THIS!

We all have stacks or long lists of books we’d like to read. I know that my list gets longer pretty much every few hours, probably like most other book bloggers/librarians. However, I’ve found that frequently I pick up a book that I want to read only to put it down a little while later after realizing that I’m not in the mood for it. This frustrated me. Why was I getting bored of books that I was dying to read only a few weeks prior? I was getting to the point that I would start two or three books and put them down before finally finding the one that I was actually in the mood for.

Now, through scientific librarian research, I have found the cure to the wrong book at the wrong time! Seriously, try this, it works.

Step 1) Make a big mug of hot chocolate/tea/your comfort drink of choice
Step 2) Get into your bed with a stack of 5-6 books that are on your TBR list
Step 3) Read the first chapter and ONLY the first chapter of each book. (This can be adjusted depending on the presence of a preface. If the book contains a preface you can read that and the first actual chapter, but no more)
Step 4) Put all the books down and immediately go to bed (well brush your teeth and stuff first, but don’t read anymore)
Step 5) When you wake up in the morning pick up the book that you find yourself thinking about the most. Which one are you most intrigued by? It might surprise you which one you pick!

This method always helps me to read the book that I’m most in the mood for in that moment. I’ve noticed that a lot of times I’ll have one in mind that I think I’ll pick when I sit down to start my chapter read through. The funny thing is that I’ve never actually picked the one I think I will the next morning! This has made my reading experiences more fun and more productive because I’m actually reading what I want to the first time instead of starting and stopping for a few days before finding the right book. Try it, I promise you’ll like it!

If you try this, let me know, I’m interested to see if it works as well for other readers! I’ve told some co-workers about it, one of whom suggested I post it here (thanks A!), but I don’t think they’ve tried it yet. Have fun with it and good luck finding the books you’re most in the mood for, and if you have another way of choosing your next book, tell me and I’ll try it too!!

Book Review: Gone

Gone, Lisa McMann
(Gr 9+)

Synopsis from Amazon:
“Things should be great for Janie–she has graduated from high school and is spending her summer with Cabel, the guy she’s totally in love with. But deep down she’s panicking about how she’s going to survive her future when getting sucked into other people’s dreams is really starting to take its toll. Things get even more complicated when she meets her father for the very first time–and he’s in a coma. As Janie uncovers his secret past, she begins to realize that the choice thought she had has more dire consequences than she ever imagined.”

I’ve been thinking about this book a lot since I finished it. Did I like it? Was I satisfied with the ending? Did it fit with Wake and Fade? Like the previous two titles in this trilogy, I read Gone in one sitting. McMann writes amazing dialog, so that you feel like you’re actually listening in on Janie’s life. Her story moves along very quickly and pulls the reader immediately back into the intense situations that were introduced at the end of Fade.

Unlike the previous two titles, Gone didn’t deal with a crime and Janie never actually went into the police station. This book is all about Janie. What she’s going to do about the future she knows she can’t escape and (finally) the true story of her family. Her mother has always been a drunken lump in the corner of Janie’s life – easily forgotten and completely useless. For the first time the reader gets some insight into who Janie’s mother is and how she got to be the way she is now.

Overall, Gone felt very different then Wake and Fade, but I still enjoyed the story and was satisfied with the ending. I had certain theories about how Janie’s life would end up and I can say that I was right…and wrong! McMann has written an enjoyable, fast moving series that I would recommend to anyone who likes paranormal, crime, romance novels!

Book Review: How to Talk to Girls

How to Talk to Girls, Alec Greven
(Gr 2-4…actually some adults might benefit from this too)

Since today is Valentine’s Day, it might be a good time to review just how to talk to a girl. Alec Greven was only 9 years old when he became the published author of this dating how to book. It contains some pretty sage advice that all men should pay attention to. For example, “Comb your hair and don’t wear sweats. Control your hyperness (cut down on the sugar if you have to). Don’t act desperate.” He keeps it simple and doesn’t mess around when it comes to “winning victory.”

My personal favorite quote from this book is, “The best choice for most boys is a regular girl. Remember, some pretty girls are coldhearted when it comes to boys. Don’t let them get to you.” That’s right gentlemen, go for the average, regular style girl. We are much nicer and probably won’t run you ragged. Frankly, I think I’d like that on a t-shirt.

Happy Valentine’s Day everyone! If you’re a boy, maybe check out this book to figure out how to talk to your Valentine. If you’re a girl, check it out and then pass it along to your boyfriend/husband/brother/male nearest you, etc. Have a great day, and eat some chocolate for me (not that I won’t be eating some myself)!

Fanfare Friday: Bohemian Rhapsody…Muppet Style!

Bohemian Rhapsody, The Muppets!

I mentioned once before that I am a certified Puppet-holic. I really mean it. Puppets are the BEST…especially when they’re Muppets! The Muppet Studio on youtube is always a good place to go if you’re bored, and you want something that will entertain anyone with a pulse. I’m sure everyone has already seen this, but I noticed that you can now buy either the video or just the song on iTunes. I just couldn’t resist sharing it here. Everyone should get a chance to love the Muppets, again and again and again. Happy Friday!

Book Review: Need

Need, Carrie Jones
(Gr 7+)

Synopsis from Amazon:
“Zara collects phobias the way other girls collect Facebook friends. Little wonder, since life’s been pretty rough so far. Her father left, her stepfather just died, and her mother’s pretty much checked out. Now Zara’s living with her grandmother in sleepy, cold Maine so that she stays “safe.” Zara doesn’t think she’s in danger; she thinks her mother can’t deal.

Wrong. Turns out that guy she sees everywhere, the one leaving trails of gold glitter, isn’t a figment of her imagination. He’s a pixie—and not the cute, lovable kind with wings. He’s the kind who has dreadful, uncontrollable needs. And he’s trailing Zara.”

 This book had me at totally hot cover. I know, I’m such a shallow reader. I will completely pass over a probably awesome book with a sub par cover for a sub par book with an awesome cover! Thankfully, this time my insatiable cover lust did not land me in boring narrative land.

Need caught my attention from the beginning. The place descriptions were so vivid that it was easy for me to slip out of my living room and into the cold, snowy woods of Maine. I love stories that take on a life of their own. That beg to be read in one sitting and scoff at the presence of a bookmark. This was definitely one of those stories.

Zara is an interesting character. She has all the classic hallmarks of a paranormal romance damsel in distress; she’s petite, apparently ridiculously good looking, but unaware of it, adorably unique and quirky, and, most importantly, incredibly sad. Think about it, pretty much sums up every paranormal female romantic lead doesn’t it, and yet, it gets me every time! The fun thing about Zara is that she doesn’t just wait around to be saved. She stands on her own two feet and has a unique way of coping with her life – she chants phobias; alphabetically, in order of relevance, however, but it’s how she calms herself down.

The story of Need was just what I Need-ed. I was in the mood for something romantic, dark, and a little bit paranormal. While the story certainly doesn’t break any new ground, it did satisfy my craving for some spooky-fied fantasy lovin’, and, most importantly, it did so in less then 350 pages which was just right. Sometimes I start to feel that books go on for too long, but not this one. I got just what I wanted and still have lots of time to start another book.

Final thought, I love all these books lately about evil fairies. Yes, I know Need is about pixies, but hey, they’re pretty much the same thing; tiny evil human mosquitoes. I wish that Zara would figure out the name of the fear of fairies. Feyphobia…Pixiephobia…something probably more latin sounding, but whatever it is, I have it. Freaking fairies. Yeesh.

Confessions of a Literary Lurker

Some people like to comment on blog posts. Others seem to like to comment on everyone’s posts. You know them, you see them everywhere, full of good ideas and great feedback. I love when people leave comments. It’s always nice to know that someone has read what you wrote and has thoughts about it. Then there are people like me. If your blog is a forest then I am not one of the happy wood nymphs dancing about and calling attention to themselves. I’m not even a little bird that happens to land out in the open from time to time. I’m the creepy little troll, hiding in the bushes and watching all the fun. I’m there. I’m reading, but I’m not making my presence known. I am…a lurker.

Why don’t I comment more? Is it that I don’t have anything to say? Well, based on the fact that I spend most of my life with my mouth open and spouting endless nonsense, that’s probably not the case. Usually I have plenty to say, so what’s stopping me? Probably the same thing that stops every lurker, I am interwebs shy. Which, I know, is ridiculous. You’d think the one place to be completely NOT shy would be online. No one can see me! I can take an hour to think through the wording of one two sentence comment if I really want. I have spell check and editing available to me in a way that I’ll never have with real life communications, but still, I’m shy. I’m always worried that no one will care if I comment or not, or that I’ll sound stupid, or that I’m not really qualified to have an opinion on something. Ridiculous, I know.

Maybe all lurkers feel this way. Maybe their fingers lock up online in a way their vocal chords never do in real life. Maybe it’s just me. The moral of the story is, I’m here and I’m on your blog too. I read it. I read the books you recommend. Your reviews inspire me to keep writing my own. I would love to tell you all of this, but probably won’t, because I’m just too shy, but I’m there. I’ll keep trying to find things to comment on, but in the meantime, I’ll just keep lurking. Maybe if you poke a long stick into the bushes of your blog you’ll find me in there, with my laptop and wearing my jammies…lurking.

Masterpiece: Emma

Masterpiece: Emma
Check your local PBS station for listings

This miniseries starts with an introduction by Laura Linney who quotes Jane Austen’s feelings about Emma Woodhouse, “I am going to take a heroine whom no one but myself will much like.” Although, I think it’s safe to say that Miss Austen was quite wrong in this assumption. Emma may not be her most read or most quoted book, rather unscientifically and with no research to back this up, I’m going to say that I think that honor probably goes to Pride and Prejudice, but that doesn’t mean that there aren’t people who love Emma Woodhouse just as much as Elizabeth Bennet.

This is the first period version of Emma that I’ve seen. By that I mean that I have seen Clueless many times before and sadly, I find myself relating Emma back to that movie instead of the other way around! Romola Garai plays Emma in this version and I have to say, I think she did a fantastic job! I loved her in Atonement and she was equally good in this.

I fell immediately in love with Mr. Knightley, as I knew I would, and thought he was very well cast. Jonny Lee Miller may not be the traditional leading man, but he was very good in this part. He can certainly pull off a funny hat better then a lot of men can!

Overall this was a wonderful interpretation of the novel. It was well written, well acted, and visually really beautiful. I was completely entertained for the whole thing, although, it is the type of movie/series that I’m apt to like, but still. I think those unfamiliar with the story or even unfamiliar with any Austen would enjoy this production.

If you missed this when it was on at the beginning of the month, have no fear, it looks like it’s going to be repeated next week, well probably. Check your local PBS station to see when it will be on for you!

Book Review: Terrier

Terrier, Tamora Pierce
(Gr 7+)

Warning: this review is written with the perspective of someone already familiar with the world in which it takes place and is a very poor introduction for those unfamiliar…sorry!

Sixteen year old Becka Cooper lives a very different life then most of Tamora Pierce’s other “sheroes.” Unlike the noble women becoming knights, like Kel and Alanna, Becka was born in the lower city and earned her way into the home of the Lord Provost. From there she trained hard to become one of the Provost’s Guards, a Dog.

Her first year of training is her Puppy year, but Becka already has what it takes to be a full fledged Dog. She is smart, dedicated, and has a little extra ability to help her out. Becka hears the voices of the dead in a most unusual fashion. Pigeons carry uneasy spirits and these spirits speak to Becka, telling her about their life and death. Through these voices she is able to find out things about crimes that other Dogs cannot. She also has a little help from a very familiar black cat with shockingly purple eyes.

I can honestly say that I loved this book! Becka’s voice is so real, the book is written in a journal format so the reader really gets to be right inside her head. I did have a little bit of trouble at the beginning of the novel, I kept having to remind myself that Becka is not Alanna. The novel has the feel of a police procedural story, which is nothing like I’ve ever read before! A fantasy police procedural novel set in Tortall’s lower city, how could that not be awesome?

The only issue I had with this book is that the ending was too abrupt. After 500+ pages of build up, the story ended in only 20 or so pages. I would have liked more of a dramatic conclusion, it all wrapped up a little too neatly for me. However, this will not deter me from reading the next Becka Cooper book, Bloodhound.

Final thought, why is Tamora Pierce forever making me fall in love with the Rogue?!

Rebecca Caudill Nominees (2011)

Voting for the 2010 Rebecca Caudill Young Reader’s Book Award opened yesterday, so while all the kids are picking their favorites, I’ll start looking at the next set of nominees! I did really poorly reading the nominees this year. Like, really, poorly. I read exactly 1 and a half of the books. My goal for the next set of nominees is to read ALL of them.  Thankfully, I have an alright start already and the list is full of books that I want to read!

Here are the 2011 RCYRBA Nominees!

Chains, Laurie Halse Anderson
The Boy Who Dared, Susan Campbell Bartoletti
Scarlett, Cathy Cassidy
The Hunger Games, Suzanne Collins*
Waiting for Normal, Leslie Connor
Diamond Willow, Helen Frost
Found, Margaret Peterson Haddix
The Great Wide Sea, MH Herlong
Scat, Carl Hiaasen
Schooled, Gordon Korman
Savvy, Ingrid Law*
11 Birthdays, Wendy Mass
A Friendship for Today, Patricia C. McKissack
Fablehaven, Brandon Mull
All Shook Up, Shelley Pearsall
Yellow Star, Jennifer Roy
Trouble, Gary D. Schmidt
The Alchemyst, Michael Scott
The Mailbox, Audrey Shafer
Notes from the Midnight Driver, Jordan Sonnenblick

*I’ve already read this book. There are only two, but hey…that’s .5 better than this year!