A Book Without Pages

Wildwood Dancing

2012-02-15T16:13:00.002-07:00

Wildwood Dancing

By Juliet Marillier; Knopf 2006

Summary: High in the Transylvanian woods, at the castle Piscul Draculi, live five daughters and their doting father. It's an idyllic life for Jena, the second eldest, who spends her time exploring the mysterious forest with her constant companion, a most unusual frog. But best by far is the castle's hidden portal, known only to the sisters. Every Full Moon, they alone can pass through it into the enchanted world of the Other Kingdom. There they dance through the night with the fey creatures of this magical realm.

But their peace is shattered when Father falls ill and must go to the southern parts to recover, for that is when cousin Cezar arrives. Though he's there to help the girls survive the brutal winter, Jena suspects he has darker motives in store. Meanwhile, Jena's sister has fallen in love with a dangerous creature of the Other Kingdom--an impossible union it's up to Jena to stop.

When Cezar's grip of power begins to tighten, at stake is everything Jena loves: her home, her family, and the Other Kingdom she has come to cherish. To save her world, Jena will be tested in ways she can't imagine--tests of trust, strength, and true love.

My Review: This is basically a retelling of The Twelve Dancing Princesses. I thought it was an interesting take on the fantasy world. The Other Kingdom sounds like a magical place, but at times I thought it was a scary place. I was constantly worried for Jenna and her sisters. Jenna is a smart girl and she really step ups to the plate and runs the household. She really takes care of her sisters which I thought was admirable.

The thing I found difficult about this book is the names of places and characters. But there is a glossary at the back to help those who struggle to be able to pronounce the words. Overall I think it is a good book, not the greatest, but a good book.

Watch Out for: Enchanted creatures, magic, love, some kissing, and mild violence.

The Lucky One

2012-02-01T00:09:00.001-07:00

The Lucky One

Nicholas Sparks; Grand Central Publishing 2008

Summary: When U.S. Marine Logan Thibault finds a photograph of a smiling young woman half-buried in the dirt during his third tour of duty in Iraq, his first instinct is to toss it aside. Instead, he brings it back to the base for someone to claim, but when no one does, he finds himself always carrying the photo in his pocket. Soon Thibault experiences a sudden streak of luck—winning poker games and even surviving deadly combat that kills two of his closest buddies. Only his best friend, Victor, seems to have an explanation for his good fortune: the photograph—his lucky charm.

Back home in Colorado, Thibault can’t seem to get the photo—and the woman in it—out of his mind. Believing that she somehow holds the key to his destiny, he sets out on a journey across the country to find her, never expecting the strong but vulnerable woman he encounters in Hampton, North Carolina—Elizabeth, a divorced mother with a young son—to be the girl he’s been waiting his whole life to meet. Caught off guard by the attraction he feels, Thibault keeps the story of the photo, and his luck, a secret. As he and Elizabeth embark upon a passionate and all-consuming love affair, the secret he is keeping will soon threaten to tear them apart—destroying not only their love, but also their lives.

My Review: Good Heavens! I was so nervous during this whole book. For some odd reason this novel kept me on my toes. I could not put it down because I couldn’t stand the suspense. I kept wondering if Logan’s secret was going to get out or what Clayton was going to do next. I was panicking till the very last page. Can you imagine walking all the way from Colorado to North Caroline just to find a woman whose picture you’ve been carrying with you for five years? Well I certainly can’t. Rumor has it that there is going to be a movie about this and it comes out in 2012. I can’t wait! It’s going to be a great movie. I just love Nicholas Sparks’ books even though I know his writing quite well and his typical storylines. Even though his books are pretty predictable I still love them! If you are a fan of romance and suspense then this is a book for you!

Watch Out for: Sexual content, mild violence, stalking, drinking, injuries, death, breaking into a house, and brief descriptions about war.

2012-01-15T15:19:00.003-07:00

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone

By J.K. Rowling; Scholastic Inc. 1997

Summary: Harry Potter has never played a sport while flying on a broomstick. He’s never worn a cloak of invisibility, befriended a giant, or helped hatch a dragon. All Harry knows is a miserable life with the Dursleys, his horrible aunt and uncle, and their abominable son, Dudley. Harry’s room is a tiny closet at the foot of the stairs, and he hasn't had a birthday party in eleven years.

But all that is about to change when a mysterious letter arrives by owl messenger: a letter with an invitation to a wonderful place he never dreamed existed. There he finds not only friends, aerial sports, and magic around every corner, but a great destiny that’s been waiting for him…if Harry can survive the encounter.

My Review: J.K Rowling has created a world that everyone wants to be apart off. This is the first installment to the Harry Potter Series and it is one of my favorites.

Harry is new to the idea of magic and that there is a different way of life out there. I feel like in a way he is just like us. We all live this average life and then one day something hits us and we are introduced to a whole new way of living. Harry starts out as such a sad miserable character and you really feel for him. I mean this poor little 11 year-old sleeps in a closet, wheres clothes that are too big for him, and has to put up with the Dursleys. And then when he goes to Hogwarts you see Harry really come out of his shell and become happy. He finds friends and becomes a kick trash seeker!

I could honestly say a million things about this book, but I won’t because I got to keep this review short. I know that some people often say that this series should not be read, but honestly I think that every person should read this book and series. I highly recommend this book and series!

Watch Out for: Fantasy creatures, fighting, death, chases, and kids are in peril often.

Red Riding Hood

2012-01-01T23:00:00.001-07:00

Red Riding Hood

Sarah Blakeley-Cartwright; Poppy 2011

Summary: Valerie's sister was beautiful, kind, and sweet. Now she is dead. Henry, the handsome son of the blacksmith, tries to console Valerie, but her wild heart beats fast for another: the outcast woodcutter, Peter, who offers Valerie another life far from home.

After her sister's violent death, Valerie's world begins to spiral out of control. For generations, the Wolf has been kept at bay with a monthly sacrifice. But now no one is safe. When an expert Wolf hunter arrives, the villagers learn that the creature lives among them--it could be anyone in town.

It soon becomes clear that Valerie is the only one who can hear the voice of the creature. The Wolf says she must surrender herself before the blood moon wanes...or everyone she loves will die.

My Review: GRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR! That is just one of the many words I could say about this book. The only reason I read this was because the movie was coming out. I am a firm believer in reading the book before going to see the movie. Well the writing isn’t that great but I started to like storyline until it ended suddenly! That’s right! It never finished instead it told me to go to this certain sight and finish it once the movie came out! UGH! I was so ticked I just went to watch the movie instead and never looked up the ending chapters. My best advice to those who are interested in this book is to just watch the movie.

Watch Out For: Very little cussing, drinking, violence, animal sacrifice, a terrorizing wolf, torture, and fighting.

Movie Trailer:

Everybody Knows That!

2011-12-15T14:33:00.009-07:00

Everybody Knows That!

By Susan Pearson, Pictures by Diane Paterson; The Dial Press 1978

Summary: A young girl decides to teach her playmate a lesson after he lets her know she can’t do certain things because she’s a girl.

My Review: I really liked this book as a child. I think I liked it so much because I totally related to the girl Patty. I was the type of girl who played games that both girls and boys played. Cops and robbers, barbies, and boy toys. But when I entered kindergarten I didn’t play with the girls because I didn’t like what the girls played. I liked being and playing with the boys because their games were more exciting. At times the boys would say that because I was a girl that I couldn’t play with them. So I can understand Patty’s feelings in this book. I really enjoy this book because it shows that boys and girls can do whatever the other does.

Watch Out for: Boys being mean to a girl just because she is a girl.

Along for the Ride

2011-12-01T16:00:00.002-07:00

Along for the Ride

Sarah Dessen;Viking Juvenile 2009

Summary: It’s been so long since Auden slept at night. Ever since her parents’ divorce—or since the fighting started. Now she has the chance to spend a carefree summer with her dad and his new family in the charming beach town where they live.

A job in a clothes boutique introduces Auden to the world of girls: their talk, their friendship, their crushes. She missed out on all that, too busy being the perfect daughter to her demanding mother. Then she meets Eli, an intriguing loner and a fellow insomniac who becomes her guide to the nocturnal world of the town. Together they embark on parallel quests: for Auden, to experience the carefree teenage life she’s been denied; for Eli, to come to terms with the guilt he feels for the death of a friend.

My Review: I am very picky when it comes to Sarah Dessen books. I will either really like the book or not. Along for the Ride turned out to be one that I really liked. I found the character Auden to be a relatable character. She is a teenage girl who suffered from her parent’s divorce by having a lack of a childhood. She didn’t have a social life in high school because she was busy doing homework and working. I felt really sorry for her most of the time because of the ways she coped with her parents fighting and dealing with her parents once they were separated. She became an insomniac and left the house in order to escape from everything. Once she moves in with her Dad and his new wife and child things start looking up for her. She works with girls who help her break out of her social problems and she meets Eli who becomes a close friend. Eli brought out the best in Auden and Auden brought out the best in Eli. I thought their relationship to be adorable. All in all I really enjoyed this book. I couldn’t put it down. I actually read it in one night. So if you like stories about troubled teens then this is a book for you!

Watch Out for: Teen Drinking, Brief occasional use of swear words, partying, clubs, and non descriptive sexual moments.

The Twilight Saga: The Official Illustrated Guide

2011-11-15T14:19:00.001-07:00

The Twilight Saga: The Official Illustrated Guide

By Stephenie Meyer; Little, Brown Young Readers 2011

Summary: This must-have hardcover edition--the only official guide--is the definitive encyclopedic reference to the Twilight Saga and provides readers with everything they need to further explore the unforgettable world Stephenie Meyer created in Twilight, New Moon, Eclipse, and Breaking Dawn. With exclusive new material, character profiles, genealogical charts, maps, extensive cross-references, and much more, this comprehensive handbook is essential for every Twilight Saga fan.

My Review: I found this book to be very helpful in better understanding the Twilight Saga. I loved the background stories of the characters, the histories of Vampires and Werewolves, and the illustrations are beautiful.

In this Official Illustrate Guide there is an extended interview with Stephenie Meyer by Shannon Hale. This interview is a good 60 pages, but it explained so much about the books and where she got her inspiration from.

There are four man sections in this guide: Vampires, Werewolves, Humans, and Origins and Inspirations.

In the Vampire section it gives explanations on the histories, abilities, characteristics, and more information on the Vampire covens. I enjoyed reading the backgrounds of the Cullen Coven. It all made so much more sense about their characters and everything.

In the Werewolves section it gives explanations about characteristics, abilities, histories, packs, and tribes. In this section I better understood the phasing of a Werewolf and the whole imprinting thing.

In the Human section it gives information about friends and family of Bella, teachers and students at Forks High School, residents of Forks, residents of Seattle, and residents of Brazil. I loved the quotes, personal descriptions, and personal histories.

In Origins and Inspirations it gives a timeline of events that happen from the beginning to the end, a Key Plot Points, Cars, and Inspirations. I loved this section because it gives Stephenie’s inspirational music playlist! I love listening to songs I haven’t heard before.

For some bonus material there is a Fan Art Gallery, an International Cover Gallery, Outtakes, and Frequently Asked Questions. Loved the art galleries! There are beautiful pictures of scenes and characters in Twilight.

Watch Out for: Vampires, Werewolves, and background stories that mention rape, attempted suicides, death, blood, fighting, killings, stalking, and mental institutions.

Love Me

2011-11-01T13:36:00.001-06:00

Love Me

Marcia Lynn McClure; Distractions Ink 2006

Summary: Jacey Whittaker couldn’t remember a time when she hadn’t loved Scott Pendleton—the boy next door. She couldn’t remember a time when Scott hadn’t been in her life—in her heart. Yet, Scott was every other girl’s dream, too. How could Jacey possibly hope to win such a prize—the attention, the affections, the very heart of such a sought after young man? Yet, win him she did! He became the bliss of her youthful heart—at least for a time.

Still, some dreams live fulfilled—and some are lost. Loss changes the very soul of a being. Jacey wondered if her soul would ever rebound. Certainly, she went on—lived a happy life—if not so full and perfectly happy a life as she once lived. Yet, she feared she would never recover—never get over Scott Pendleton—her first love.

Until the day a man walked into her apartment—into her apartment and into her heart. Would this man be the one to heal her broken heart? Would this man be her one true love?

My Review: This is a really cute sentimental book. Scott was the guy ever one dreams of. The hot jock who teases you, protects you, and just loves you. That one of the phrases that occurs most in this novel. "Just love me." What I really like about this book is the music. It mentions specific songs like "Puupy Love" by Donny Osmond and "Love me" by Elvis. It was a short read and I really did enjoy it.

Watch Out for: A whole lotta kissing!

Thirteen Reasons Why

2011-10-15T00:32:00.000-06:00

Thirteen Reasons Why

By Jay Asher;Razorbill 2007

Summary: Clay Jensen returns home from school tofind a mysterious box with his name on it lying on his porch. Inside hediscovers several cassette tapes recorded by Hannah Baker--his classmate andcrush--who committed suicide two weeks earlier. On tape, Hannah explains thatthere are thirteen reasons why she decided to end her life. Clay is one ofthem. If he listens, he'll find out how he made the list. Through Hannah andClay's dual narratives, debut author Jay Asher weaves an intricate andheartrending story of confusion and desperation that will deeply affect teenreaders.

MyReview: This is an intense haunting book. It deals withteen suicide and how bullying, gossip, and indifference can affect anindividual. Every little action that you do can affect someone without yourealizing it. It’s sad, but true.

It was hard watching Hannahgo through what she did. Watching her thoughts slip to the worse and not beingable to see hope was really hard for me. I wanted to save Hannah even though I knewshe was already dead. I wanted to yell at those who hurt her and convince herthat life is worth living, but I couldn’t.

It really is a pageturner and I could not put it down because I wanted to see how Hannah got toher point of action.

The thing that I reallygot out of this book is how I can be a better person and what I can do to helpothers. We need to watch how we treat people and watch our actions. Here is aquote from Thirteen Reasons Why thatreally kit me. "You don’t know what goes on in anyone’s life but your own.And when you mess with one part of a person’s life, you’re not messing withjust that part. Unfortunately, you can’t be that precise and selective. Whenyou mess with one part of a person’s life, you’re messing with their entirelife. Everything. . . affects everything."

I would not recommendit to children younger than 14. It is a really sensitive book and should beread by those who can handle it. A word to parents is to read it with theirchildren and discuss the issues of suicide. I found this to be an educationalbook about suicide and a meaningful book about how we affect the lives ofothers. It shouldn’t take a tragedy to reach out to others. I truly admire this book.

WatchOut for: Rape,depression, suicide, some language, death, fighting, and underage drinking.

The Captain of Her Heart

2011-10-01T10:00:00.000-06:00

The Captain of Her Heart

(The Buchanan Saga, V. 1)

Anita Stansfield; Crosswalk Books 2004

Summary: The year is 1777. As the brooding mists of the war settle over a stark American battlefield, Captain Ritcherd Buchanan yearns for his native England—and for Kyrah Payne, the woman he loves. Wounded and disheartened, he eventually returns home, only to have Kyrah torn cruelly away from him and deported for a crime she did no commit. Despreate to bring her home, he joins a band of privateers and finds himself embracing the American patriots’ cause—a cause he’d once sworn to defeat.

All alone in a county at war, Kyrah becomes a victim of the breach between her own impoverish circumstances and the aristocratic upbringing of the man she loves. They had been best friends and confidants for more than half her life, but now she wonders if Ritcherd will ever be able to find her—or if he’ll even try. And she fears that the chasm between their worlds can never be bridged.

My Review: I have not read this book since I was in high school and I admire it as much as I did then. Anita Stansfield is one of those authors who I can only handle some of her books, in this case, her historical romances. Sometimes I feel that she gets a little too pushy with her religious faith, even though it is my same faith as well. But what I do love about her historical romance books is that they are unpredictable. I really never know what to expect. Especially with the Buchanan Saga! This book is action packed, full of mystery, emotions, and surprises. I got through it quickly and was ready for the next one. If you like historical romances it is the right book for you!

Things to Watch Out for: Violence, fighting, beatings, lies, betrayal, war, slavery, and sensual moments.

Recommendations:

Such a Pretty Girl

2011-09-15T23:59:00.000-06:00

Sucha Pretty Girl

LauraWiess; MTV Books 2007

Summary:Theypromised Meredith nine years of safety, but only gave her three.

Her father was supposed to be lockedup until Meredith turned eighteen. She thought she had time to grow up, getout, and start a new life. But Meredith is only fifteen, and today her fatheris coming home from prison.

Today her time has run out.

MyReview: This is such an intense and emotional book. It deals with real problemsthat people face. This isn’t usually the kind of book I would read, but a closefriend told me I had to read it and I am thankful she recommended it to me.

Meredithis a fifteen year old girl who lived through a nightmare of an experience thatsome of us can’t even imagine going through. Her father sexually abused herwhen she was little and her mother didn’t do anything about it. He abused severalother children, but Meredith was the one who was injured and admitted to whatwas happening that put him in jail. Shethought she was finally safe until he comes back early. Meredith has no one to turn to and she has tofind the strength with in herself to overcome her biggest nightmare.

Thisis such a haunting book, but I am glad I read it because this stuff is real. Itisn’t graphic, but you get the general idea of what happens to her. I reallyadmire Meredith for her strength and courage to defend herself from her demons.

Ifyou can handle it, then definitely read it.

WatchOut for: Violence, sexual abuse, sex, language, and mental flashbacks.

Candide

2011-09-01T06:00:00.000-06:00

Candide
Voltaire; 1758

Summary: A flamboyant and controversial personality of enormous wit and intelligence, Voltaire is one of the most intriguing figures of the eighteenth century Enlightenment. His masterpiece is Candide, a brilliant satire on the theory that 'the world is the best of all possible worlds.' The book traces the picaresque adventures of the guileless Candide, who is forced into the army, flogged, shipwrecked, betrayed, robbed, separated from his beloved Cunegonde, tortured by the Inquisition, etc., all without losing his resilience and will to live.

My Review: I got a kick out of this book. I read it for one of my college classes and I found it to be an interesting book full of entertaining characters and hysterical scenes. Voltaire made horrible things that were happening around that time funny. I loved the character Candide even though he is quite naive. He went through so much but he still remained optimistic and had a passion for life that I truly envy. Some of my favorite quoations are found in this book. Here is one of them. "Optimism," said Cacambo, "what is that?" "Alas!" replied Candide, "it is the obstinacy of maintaining that everything is best when it is worst" This is a classic book and worth reading and researching.

Things to Watch Out for: Murder, rape, slavery, sexual references, theft, and oppressions.

Kissed by an Angel

2011-08-15T23:36:00.000-06:00

Kissed by an Angel

Elizabeth Chandler; Simon Pulse 1998

Summary: Ivy and Tristanare meant to be together. Both stunningly attractive, brilliantly talented andvery much in love, they think their happiness will last forever. When aterrible car accident shatters their world, killing Tristan and injuring Ivy,she must face life alone - or so she thinks. However, Tristan is watching overher as her guardian angel - so close she can feel his touch and hear his voice.And no one needs a guardian angel more than Ivy, because someone is trying tokill her. But if Tristan saves Ivy, his mission on earth will be finished, andhe'll have to leave her behind. Will saving Ivy mean losing her forever?

My Review: Thankyou Target for putting this book on your shelve all those years ago. When I first picked up the book I didn’t knowwhat to expect. I guessed from the titlethat it would be a love story, but it was more than that. It was also a murdermystery. I love mystery and this book gaveit to me. I loved trying to guess how things connected or matched up. I was on my toes towards the end. I startedto speed read through this book just so I could see what happened next.

Here is my favorite quote from the book! "When you love someone, it’snever over. You move on, because you have to but you take them with you in yourheart" –Kissed by anAngel

Tristan(Love that name) is such a sweet heart and really cares about Ivy and looks out forher. I feel so badly for Ivy becauselosing someone like that would be hard and I wouldn’t know how to move on. Andit doesn’t help that some creeper is trying to kill you either.

Chandler presentedinteresting ideas about guardian angels. She really knows teenagers and thelives that they live. She also presented about the nature of first love andrelationships.

I thought it was good book and just something to nice to sit down and read.

Watch Out for: Murder, death, obsession, Love, kissing, andsome language.

The Fragrance of Her Name

2011-08-01T10:30:00.006-06:00

The Fragrance of Her Name
Marcia Lynn McClure; Distractions Ink 2004

Summary: Love, the miraculous, eternal bond that binds two souls together. Lauryn Kennsington knew the depth of it. Since the day of her eighth birthday, she had lived the power of true love; witnessed it with her own heart. She had talked with it, learning not even time or death can vanquish it. The Captain taught her these truths. And she loved him all the more for it. But now, a grown woman, Lauryn's dear Captain's torment became her own. After ten years, Lauryn had not been able to help him find peace - the peace his lonely spirit needed so desperately; peace he'd sought every moment since his death over fifty years before.

Now, what of her own peace? The time had come and Lauryn's heart longed to do the unthinkable - selfishly abandon her Captain for another - a mortal man who had stolen her heart, becoming her only desire.

Would Lauryn be able to put tormented spirits to rest and still be true to her own soul? Or, would she have to make a choice - a choice forcing her to sacrifice one true love for another

My Review: I was deeply impressed with the plot in this novel. I loved the mystery and the history of it all. I admired Brant and Lauryn's desperate search to reunite Brand and Laura.It is an fantastic tale of ghosts, mystery and lovers. In all honesty it wasn't really one of my favorites by her, but I did enjoy several parts of it.

Things to Watch Out for: Mild Violence, gruesome war details, ghosts, and intense kissing.

Just Me and My Dad

2011-07-21T22:59:00.000-06:00

Just Me and My Dad

By Mercer Mayer; 1977

Summary: Thiswell-loved Little Critter picture book has become a modern classic. It's thetale of a father-and-son camping trip filled with Little Critter's mistakes andgood intentions. In spite of difficulties, however, the happy father and sonmanage to put up their tent, catch fish for dinner, and sleep beneath thestars. In spite of minimal text, the story is full and rich, with endearingillustrations from start to finish.

My Review: This book holds a special place in my heart.First of all I love my Dad and I love spending time with him in theoutdoors. Second, this is the first bookI remember reading with my parents and siblings. I asked them to read it out-loud to me somany times that I soon memorized it. Then I would pretend that I knew how toread to my little brother and mom. Ittruly is one of my favorite children’s books because I have so many memorieswith it. It overall is a great story about a father-and-son relationship andouting.

Old Magic

2011-07-01T08:00:00.001-06:00

Old Magic

Marianne Curley; Simon Pulse 2002

Summary: The moment the new guy walks into the room, Kate senses something strange and intense about him. Something supernatural. Her instincts are proven correct a few minutes later when, bullied by his classmates, Jarrod unknowingly conjures up a freak thunderstorm inside their classroom.

Jarrod doesn't believe in the paranormal. When Kate tries to convince him that he has extraordinary powers that need to be harnessed, he only puts up with her "hocus pocus" notions because he finds her captivating. However, the dangerous, uncontrolled strengthening of his gift finally convinces Jarrod that he must take Kate's theories seriously. Together, they embark on a remarkable journey—one which will unravel the mystery that has haunted Jarrod's family for generations and pit the teens against immense forces in a battle to undo the past and reshape the future.

My Review: This is one of my favorite books! I discovered it in high school while I was wandering through the library. The cover of the book had me hooked right away. I was like “oooooo a romance!” I started it that night and didn’t put it down until it was finished. Now I’ve bought my own copy and have read through it multiple times.

I can’t really explain why I like it so much, but I will try my best. The whole idea of magic intrigues me. I love the idea of having magical powers and using them on a daily basis. Kate has the power to probe into people’s minds to see what they are thinking. I have always wanted to do this!

What I liked about this book is that there are two narrators that switch every chapter. Kate and Jarrod tell the story and share their thoughts and feelings about everything that is going on. This helps to get to know the characters and it really brings things together.

I don’t want to reveal everything that happens, but I must say that the bad guy is wicked scary! I was freaking out during a part in the book. You’ll have to read it to find out!

This whole novel is full of magic, mystery, adventure, and romance. I just love it! If you are into super natural things then this is definitely the book for you!

Things to Watch out For: Magic, violence, mild language, Curses, and a kissing scene.

The Throne of Fire

2011-06-01T12:00:00.024-06:00

The Throne of Fire

Rick Riordan; Disney Hyperion Books 2011

Summary: Ever since the gods of Ancient Egypt were unleashed in the modern world, Carter Kane and his sister Sadie have been in trouble. As descendants of the House of Life, the Kanes have some powers at their command, but the devious gods haven't given them much time to master their skills at Brooklyn House, which has become a training ground for young magicians.

And now their most threatening enemy yet - the chaos snake Apophis - is rising. If they don't prevent him from breaking free in a few days' time, the world will come to an end. In other words, it's a typical week for the Kane family.

To have any chance of battling the Forces of Chaos, the Kanes must revive the sun god Ra. But that would be a feat more powerful than any magician has ever accomplished.

First they have to search the world for the three sections of the Book of Ra, then they have to learn how to chant its spells. Oh, and did we mention that no one knows where Ra is exactly?

Narrated in two different wisecracking voices, featuring a large cast of new and unforgettable characters, and with adventures spanning the globe, this second installment in the Kane Chronicles is nothing short of a thrill ride

My Review: I am loving the Kane Chronicles! First The Red Pyramid and now The Throne of Fire! Don’t get me wrong the Percy Jackson Series is great, but I love everything about the Kane Chronicles a lot more. Rick Riordan has this way of capturing reader’s attentions with his exciting stories, dialogues, and his hysterical characters. I mean the whole idea of having gods from Ancient times in the modern world is genius!

His characters Sadie and Carter are my favorite siblings in literature so far because of their bickering and one upping each other. Deep down you can tell that they truly love each other, but usually cover up their feelings with their sarcastic comments. Sadie and Carter narrate the book as a recording. While you are reading the book you will see brackets in the middle of the story where Sadie or Carter says something to the other. It seriously cracks me up the way they go off on each other.

One thing I like about this book is that you are introduced to Egyptian terminology and a list of different Egyption Gods. In the back of the book is a glossary of the magical commands that Sadie and Carter use, other Egyptian terms, and a section about the Gods and Goddesses mentioned in the book. I loved reading through these and truly getting into the book.

Overall the book was a fabulous book and I really enjoyed it. I finished it in two days. It kept me laughing and I honestly can’t wait for the next book!

Things to Watch Out for: Magic, gods, Demons, scary creatures, curses, fighting, and a brief kiss scene.

Reading Suggestions:

The Percy Jackson Series

City of Fallen Angels

2011-05-10T15:05:00.000-06:00

City of Fallen Angels (The Mortal Instruments, Book Four)

By Cassandra Clare; McElderry Books 2011

Summary: The Mortal War is over, and sixteen-year-old Clary Fray is back home in New York, excited about all the possibilities before her. She's training to become a Shadowhunter and to use her unique power. Her mother is getting married to the love of her life. Downworlders and Shadowhunters are at peace at last. And—most importantly of all—she can finally call Jace her boyfriend.

But nothing comes without a price.

Someone is murdering Shadowhunters, provoking tensions between Downworlders and Shadowhunters that could lead to a second, bloody war. Clary's best friend, Simon, can't help her. His mother just found out that he's a vampire and now he's homeless. Everywhere he turns, someone wants him on their side—along with the power of the curse that's wrecking his life. And they're willing to do anything to get what they want. Not to mention that he's dating two beautiful, dangerous girls—neither of whom knows about the other one.

When Jace begins to pull away from her without explaining why, Clary is forced to delve into the heart of a mystery whose solution reveals her worst nightmare: she herself has set in motion a terrible chain of events that could lead to her losing everything she loves. Even Jace.

Love. Blood. Betrayal. Revenge. The stakes are higher than ever in City of Fallen Angels.

My Review: This book had a lot to live up to since the last three books and to be quite honest it didn’t live up to it at all in my opinion. The story took a long time to get started. I really felt like this book wasn’t needed. The ending however, grabbed my attention and I will most like read the next one in the series just to see what happens. This book brings new evil forces to fight and the cult activities and their project gave me the creeps! I love the Jace and Clary love story, demons, werewolves, vampires, warlocks, and fairies. That must be why I keep reading this series. I will let yourself decide whether or not to read this book.

Things to Watch Out for: Violence (fighting, killings, torture, possession), Sensual acts (Kissing, embracing passionately, homo-sexual), Language, Mythical creatures (vampires, werewolves, demons, etc…) and some drinking.

Recommendations:

Hugo Cabret

2011-05-10T12:19:00.002-06:00

Hugo Cabret

By Brian Selznick: Scholastic Press 2007

533 pages

Summary: Orphan, clock keeper, and thief, Hugo lives in the walls of a busy Paris train station, where his survival depends on secrets and anonymity. But when his world suddenly interlocks—like the gears of the clocks he keeps—with an eccentric, bookish girl and a bitter old man who runs a toy booth in the train station, Hugo’s undercover life and his most precious secret are put in jeopardy. A cryptic drawing, a treasured notebook, a stolen key, a mechanical man, and a hidden message from Hugo’s dead father form the backbone of this intricate, tender, and spellbinding mystery.

My Review: Wow! This was totally new reading experience for me. These 284 pages of drawings it provides the same experience as picture books, graphic novels, and films. The lengthy sections of wordless illustrations are interspersed with pages of more traditional novelistic prose. It is a heartfelt story about an orphan, the history of early cinema, the mechanics of clocks and other intricate machinery, and a little bit of magic. I did not put this book down! I found it to be exciting and new because of the art, literature, and the entertainment it provided. It’s a real page turner for sure! I highly recommend this book for people of all ages.

Things to Watch Out for: Brief drinking and drunkenness.

2011-05-03T17:29:00.001-06:00

The Dark and Hollow Places

By Carrie Ryan; Delacorte Press 2011

Summary: There are many things that Annah would like to forget: the look on her sister's face when she and Elias left her behind in the Forest of Hands and Teeth, her first glimpse of the horde as they found their way to the Dark City, the sear of the barbed wire that would scar her for life. But most of all, Annah would like to forget the morning Elias left her for the Recruiters.

Annah's world stopped that day and she's been waiting for him to come home ever since. Without him, her life doesn't feel much different from that of the dead that roam the wasted city around her. Then she meets Catcher and everything feels alive again.

Except, Catcher has his own secrets—dark, terrifying truths that link him to a past Annah's longed to forget, and to a future too deadly to consider. And now it's up to Annah—can she continue to live in a world drenched in the blood of the living? Or is death the only escape from the Return's destruction?

My Review: OMIGOSH! Carrie Ryan has done it again! She has officially made it on my top five favorite authors. She has only written three novels and she has already gained my approval because of her exceptional writing. Her Forest of Hands and Teeth series is amazing. She loves imputing love triangles and zombie terrors. She makes you nervous about whether the protagonists od the story will survie. The romance and the action of the story is satisfying. Each book is a different perspective of the characters Mary, Gabry, and now Annah.

The Dark and Hollow Places has become my favorite in the series. The main character Annah is by far one of my favorite female heroes in a novel. She is different than the other women in this story. She was brought up without a mother, she was left by her friend to live in the Dark City by herself to survive, and she has brutal scars covering her body from a barbed wire accident. I loved watching her grow and change throughout this book. She learns to look past the scars and the comparing of her to her sister to learn to love herself. She is the main reason I love this book so much because she made me realize several things about myself. I highly highly recommend this book, but read the other two in the series first.

Things to Watch Out for: Violence, gore, brief kissing scenes, sexual advances, brief mention of nudity, and zombies.

Video:

Bright Young Things

2011-01-29T15:42:00.002-07:00

Bright Young Things
By Anna Godberson; HarperCollins 2010

Summary: The year is 1929. New York is ruled by the Bright Young Things: flappers and socialites seeking thrills and chasing dreams in the anything-goes era of the roaring twenties. Letty Larkspur and Codelia Grey have escaped their small Midwestern town to chase their big city dreams. In New York, they meet Astrid Donal, a flapper who seems to have everything she could ever want.Across the vast lawns of Long Island, in the illicit speakeasies of Manhattan, and on the blindingly lit stages of Broadway, the three girls’ fortunes will rise and fall—together and apart.

My Review: Anna Godberson is one of my favorite authors. She has a way of drawing you into a time period full of excitement, romance, and adventure. She is accurate with details and descriptions about the time era. Her characters are relate able and you find yourself becoming attached to them. I am not that big of a fan of the story line in this novel. I prefer The Luxes Series over Bright Young Things. I am a romantic and this one wasn't as romantic as the other series. It was mostly about the two girls struggling and getting what they wanted. I bet most people will generally like this book, but I thought it was an ok book. I can guarantee I will read the others coming out in this series, just cause I want to know what happens, but overall the first book is just ok. I really hope the series gets better and there will be more drama.

Watch Out For: Scandal, Drama, Murder, Mild Violence, Sexual content, Murder.

Enders Game

2011-01-24T16:04:00.001-07:00

Ender's Game
By Orson Scott Card; Tor Books 1985

Summary: It is the Earth's future and so far humankind has survived two conflicts with the Formics, an alien race also known as the Buggars. An international fleet maintains a school to find and train future fleet commanders, in preparation for a third invasion. The most talented children are taken to a training center known as the Battle School. Teachers train them in the arts of war through difficult games.
Andrew "Ender" Wiggin's is selected for training at Battle School. He is extremely talented and intelligent, but tormented with isolation and ridicule by others. Could Ender be the one that will save humankind from the Buggars?

My Review: I fell madly in love with this book. It has been recommended to me for years and I have rejected it because I thought it looked weird and it was old, but I was wrong on so many accounts. This is a very well written book. It keeps you on your toes as you watch Ender go through struggles and trails. I thought that Ender was one of the most complex characters I have ever read about. He is someone who is so good and compassionate,but often finds himself put in bad situations. He doesn't mean to hurt others, but they give him no choice, but to defend himself. I highly highly recomend this book. Boys will love it! And if you are a girl like me who loves science fiction, suspense, and action, you will love this book.

Watch Out For: Deaths, torture, nudity, violent adults and children, swearing,

Fan-Made Trailer:

The Story of the Three Bears

2010-12-14T14:18:00.000-07:00

The Story of the Three Bears
By Joseph Jacobs: English Fairy Tales 1840

Summary: There was once a family of three bears who lived in a house in the woods. They are Little, Small, Wee Bear; a Middle-sized Bear, and the other was a Great, Huge Bear. One day the family of bears left their home for a walk in the woods while their porridge cools. An old woman in the woods comes across the house, and enters it. The old woman eats the Wee Bear's porridge, then settles into his chair and breaks it. Prowling about, she finds the bear's beds and falls asleep in Wee Bear's bed. The Bears return and Wee Bear finds the old woman in his bed. The old woman starts up, jumps from the window, and is never seen again.

My Review: Ok this tale seriously cracks me up! What was that little old woman thinking? It is plain ole rude to break in and enter someone’s home. Especially a family of bears! My favorite part in this story is the ending. “Out the little old Woman jumped; and whether she broke her neck in the fall; or ran into the wood and was lost there; or found her way out of the wood, and was taken up by the constable and sent to the House of Correction for a vagrant as she was, I cannot tell. But the Three Bears never saw anything more of her.” I really hope she was sent to the House of Correction for a vagrant that she was! Ha Ha! I prefer the Goldilocks and the Three Bears better than this version, because an old woman entering a house just sounds creepy to me.

Watch Out For: Breaking and Entering

The Story of the Three Little Pigs

2010-12-14T13:27:00.004-07:00

English Fairy Tales: The Story of the Three Little PigsThe Story of the Three Little Pigs By Joseph Jacobs; English Fairy Tales 1840

'Little pig, little pig, let me come in.'

'No, no, by the hair of my chiny chin chin.'

"Then I'll huff, and I'll puff, and I'll blow your house in.'

Summary: There were three little pigs whose mother told them to go out into the world and seek their fortune. The first little pig builds a house of straw and a wolf blows it down and eats the pig. The second pig builds a house of sticks, and once again the wolf blows the house down and eats the pig. The third pig builds a house of bricks, the wolf fails to bring the house down and tries other ways of trickery to get the pig to come out. The pig outsmarts him every time. Finally the wolf comes down the chimney, where the pig boils a pot of water.

My Review: I absolutely love the saying “little pig, little pig, let me come in!” I used to tell this tale all the time to my cousins when they were younger and get a kick out of this story. I’ve always felt sorry for the wolf in a way. Wolfs have to eat too you know! The only thing that really blew me away about this story is that the pig ate the wolf in the end after the wolf landed in the pot of boiling water. That really shocked me to think the pig would eat animals!

Watch Out For: Eating animals, trickery, the Wolf,

Jack and the Beanstalk

2010-12-14T13:10:00.000-07:00

Jack and the Beanstalk

By Joseph Jacobs: English Fairy Tales 1890

'Fee-fi-fo-fum,
I smell the blood of an Englishman,
Be he alive, or be he dead,
I'll have his bones to grind my bread.'

Summary: Jack sells the family cow for a few beans, this upsets his widowed mother, and she throws them out the window. The beans are magical and grow into a stalk that reaches the sky that very night. Jack climbs the bean stalk and discovers a strange land where a greedy giant lives. Jack decided to steal the giant’s treasures which are a golden harp, a hen that lays golden eggs, and silver and gold. The giant discovers Jack and pursues him down the beanstalk, but Jack chops down the beanstalk causing the giant to fall down and die.

My Review: I have always found this fairytale to be quite fascinating. At first I thought jack was really reckless for selling a cow for a couple of beans, but I guess it worked out for him and his mother in the end. The Giant's saying has always given me the willies. Grind his bones to make bread? EW!

Watch Out For: The Giant, magical beans, bargaining, death, a chase.

Scholastic Dictionary of Synonyms, Antonyms, and Homonyms

2010-12-14T12:48:00.001-07:00

Scholastic Dictionary of Synonyms, Antonyms, and Homonyms

By Scholastic Reference 2001

Summary: Contains 12,000 synonyms, 10,000 antonyms, and 2,000 homonyms. It is the perfect reference book for students in writing classes. It helps students expand their vocabularies and will help children find the perfect words to express their thoughts and feelings in their writing.

My Review: I actually had this book when I was in elementary and middle school. It really helped me find words to use in my papers. It was a great tool for those who struggle with finding the right words to express themselves.

Walk Two Moons

2010-12-11T18:08:00.000-07:00

Walk Two Moons

By Sharon Creech; Scholastic 1994

"Don't judge a man until you've walked two moons in his moccasins."

Summary: Salamanca Tree Hiddle, a thirteen-year-old form Bybanks, Kentucky, is traveling across the country to Idaho with her grandparents. Along the way she tells them the story of Phoebe Winterbottom, her disappearing mother, and the lunatic. Throughout the story, readers find out more about the story of Salamanca's mother and herself.

My Review: I have been in love with this book since the 1^st grade. Salamanca is such a strong character. The road trip with her grandparents is hilarious! Huza Huza! And the character Phoebe is so funny because she is dramatic beyond all belief. The whole story with the lunatic really draws readers into the story and it keeps you on your toes.

Watch Out For: Death, mentioning of murder, mild language, abandonment

Children's Dictionary

2010-12-10T15:38:00.000-07:00

Scholastic Children’s Dictionary
Scholastic 2002

Summary: A dictionary that includes pronunciations, definitions, parts of speech, sample sentences, etymologies, synonyms, cross-references, and illustrations

My Review: this is a bright and happy dictionary. It is eye catching with its colors, definitions, and pictures. I enjoyed randomly picking out a word to look up and seeing its definition and a picture by it.

Jupiter

2010-12-10T15:24:00.000-07:00

Jupiter
by Gregory L. Vogt; The Millbrook Press 1993

Summary: Present information about Jupiter, the largest planet in our solar system, which is 483 million miles away from the sun and is made up of gas! It also gives informational about Jupiter's 16 moons.

My Review: I really enjoy these Non Fiction books about the planets in our solar system. I love how in this book it gives definitions to help young readers understand the information better. It also gives quick facts about the origin of name, mass, etc... of Jupiter and its planets. I found it rather interesting.

The Husband Who was to Mind the House

2010-12-10T14:56:00.001-07:00

The Husband Who Was to Mind the House
By Asbjørnsen: 1888.

Summary: A husband complains that his wife has the easiest job and she suggests that he stay home and do her work, while she will take his job. Everything he does turns into chaos.

My Review: This is a hilarious tale! I have to be a feminist on this one and say to men, “SEEE…..A woman’s job is hard!” That poor husband didn’t know what he got himself into. He turns the whole entire house into a circus. I really enjoyed this tale!

Watch Out For: Crazy behavior

Puss in Boots

2010-12-10T14:40:00.000-07:00

“Master Cat” or “Puss in Boots”
By Charles Perrault; 1697

Summary: Puss in Boots is a car who uses trickery and deceit to gain power, wealth, and the hand of a princess in marriage for his poor master.

My Review: I not that big of a fan of this fairytale, it just seems a little bland for me. I think it is interesting that a cat is walking around in a pair of boots talking and all, but I was not feeling it. I guess it was because Antonio Bandaras wasn’t speaking to me. The funniest kick I got out of this tale was the last line that stated “Puss became a personage of great importance, and gave up hunting mice, except for amusement.”

Watch Out For: Talking animals, ogres, trickery, deceit

Moral

It’s a pleasant thing, I’m told,
To be left a pile of gold.
But there’s something better still,
Never yet bequeathed by will.
Leave a lad a stock of sense—
Though with neither pounds nor pence—
And he’ll finish, as a rule,
Richer than the gilded fool.

Another Moral

Can the heart of a Princess
Yield so soon to borrowed dress?
So it seems—but wait a while— ‘Tis not all a tale of guile.
He was young and straight of limb; She was just the girl for him.
He was brave, and she was fair.
Tell me, when the right man’s there—
Be he but a miller’s son—
What Princess will not be won?

Sleeping Beauty

2010-12-10T14:26:00.000-07:00

Sleeping Beauty
By Charles Perrault; 1697

Summary: A beautiful princess is born and is bestowed upon with gifts from fairies. A wicked fairy gives places the princess under an enchantment, saying that, when the princess is older she will prick her finger on a spindle and die. A good fairy, says that the princess will sleep for a hundred years and be awakened by true love’s first kiss, instead of dying. A hundred years passes and a prince discovers the sleeping beauty.

My Review: I love the story of Sleeping Beauty. It is one of my absolute favorites. I love the whole true love’s first kiss and all that gushy love stuff. I am a big fan of the Disney Version of Sleeping Beauty. It was really interesting to read the original version. Instead of three fairies there are a total of seven, and so on. I really enjoyed it !

Watch Out For: Death, enchantments

Moral:

Many a girl has waited long,

For a husband brave or strong;

But I’m sure I never met

Any sort of woman yet
who could wait a hundred years,
Free from fretting, free from fears.
Now, our story seems to show
That a century or so,
Late or early, matters not;
True love comes by fairy-lot.
Some old folk will even say
It grows better by delay.

Little Red Riding Hood

2010-12-08T18:47:00.000-07:00

Little Red Riding Hood

By Charles Perrault

Summary: A girl called Little Red Riding Hood walks through the forest to deliver food to her sick grandmother. A wolf who wants to eat Little Red Riding Hood impersonates her grandmother, after eating her grandmother, and when Little Red comes in he eats her. A hunter comes to the rescue.

My Review: I actually am not the biggest fan of this fairytale because of the whole impersonating and eating everyone. But I guess it goes to so you not to speak to wolves.

Watch Out For: The wolf, eating, impersonation, drowning, death.

Grimm's Cinderella

2010-12-08T18:21:00.000-07:00

Cinderella

By Brothers Grimm; Children’s Household Tales 1812

Summary: Cinderella works for her step mother and step sisters. She turns her world upside down when she receives dresses and slippers and goes to the balls and meets the prince. When she loses her slipper the prince comes looking for her.

My Review: Cinderella has always been my favorite fairytale, that is, until I read this non-Disney version. In this Cinderella there is no fairy godmother, magic pumpkin, etc… instead she gets her slippers and dress by chanting a song to a tree and the birds send down her dress. I found it rather weird. Also the step mother is a psycho path. She makes her two daughters cut off their heel and toe in order for the show to fit. I found that to be beyond anything I could handle.

Things to Watch Out For: Violence, blood

Hansel and Gretel

2010-12-08T18:00:00.001-07:00

Hansel and Gretel
The Grimm Brothers, Children's and Household Tales 1857
Summary: Hansel and Gretel are left in the woods and end up finding a house made of cake and bread that was built by a wicked witch who eats children. Hansel and Gretel save their lives by outwitted her.

My Review: Ok first of all the father is an idiot, he shouldn't have to put up with his wife pushing him around. The husband really should have just left his wife in the woods, instead of the children. The wife was an evil little twit and the children were so sweet. The wicked witch is terrifying! This story has always given me the creeps because of the whole baking the children in the oven. The only thing I like about this fairytale is that Hansel and Gretel are such loving siblings and they really take care of each other.

Watch Out for: abandonment, starvation, a wicked witch, mentioning of killings and eating children, death

The Forestwife

2010-12-01T19:02:00.000-07:00

The Forestwife
By Theresa Tomlinson;Yearling 1993

Summary:Mary de Holt, a 15-year old is faced with an unwanted marriage. She flees into the Barnsdale forest and is followed by her nurse Agnes. They find the home of the Forestwife, a herbalist wo is the source of local legends and fears. They find that the old woman Forestwife has died and Agnes and Mary taker her place. Their living place becomes a source of help to troubled women. Mary becomes Marian the Green Lady and is joined by brave women and men. They are also visited by the Green Man or Robert of Loxley.
My Review: I absolutely adore this book. I have always fantasied about living in the forest being a tough woman who hunted and lived of the land. This is Marion's point of view of the forest life. the classic Robin Hood characters appear, but Marian is a main focus. She is the leader to her own band of women, instead of being apart of the Robin Hood clan. I found Mary to be an fearless woman who is a huntress, a herbalist and skilled archer. Girls will look up to her because she is made out to be a hero who is passionate and dedicated to the cause of justice.
Watch Out For: a brief scene of nudity, hunting, killings, death, mild violence

Flipped

2010-11-22T17:24:00.000-07:00

Flipped

By Wendelin van Draanen; Scholastic 2001

Summary: Bryce and Juli tell the story of their relationship. It all began in second grade when Bryce moves in across the street from Juli. Juli instantly has a crush on Bryce, who doesn’t reciprocate, and throughout elementary school he tries to avoid her. In middle school, they both start to realize Bryce’s flaws. When Bryce begins to try to change, he starts to notice Juli’s good points. Their families and other things outside of them undergo several changes as well.

My Review: The chapters in this novel switch between both Juli and Byrce’s stories and their point of views with their interactions with each other. I laughed the hardest at Juli’s point of view because I can totally relate to her thoughts and actions. This entire book is hilarious because I believe all of us can relate to both of these kids.

Watch Out For: fights, crushes, thoughts of kissing.

Movie:

Ella Enchanted (100th Book Review)

2010-11-22T16:42:00.001-07:00

Ella Enchanted

By Gail Carson Levine; Scholastic 1997

Summary: Ella is blessed with the gift of obedience by the fairy Lucinda when she was born. Whenever Ella is told to do something, she must do it, including promising never to revel her terrible secret. When Ella’s mother dies, her father remarries and she is sent to finishing school with her nasty stepsisters, Hattie and Olive. Ella runs away in search of Lucinda to beg to lift the curse, Luncida refuses and Ella returns home and resigns herself to a life of drudgery. Prince Charmont is in love with her, but Ella knows she can never marry him because she could put him in grave danger. Can Ella liberate herself from this evil gift?

My Review: First of all, the movie Ella Enchanted is crap. It doesn’t do justice for the book. The book is straight up amazing. Ella is strong, determined, and very obedient. I love her cleverness she uses with everyone and to avoid obedient commands. I’ve always found this book to be hilarious and romantic. Prince Charmont and Ella letters and conversations are beautiful. This is a must read because all of us can relate to Ella is some way or another.

Watch Out For: Captured by human-eating ogres, trickery, running away, death, evil stepmother and sisters.

Uranus

2010-11-22T15:30:00.000-07:00

Uranus

By Gregory L. Vogt; The Millbrook Press 1993

Summary: An introduction to the blueish-greenish planet, discovered in 1781 by Sir William Herschel. This planet has a ring system and is about four times bigger than the Earth. Uranus has 15 moons and five are named for characters in plays by William Shakespeare.

My Review: I love reading about our solar system and the planets found in it. In this simple nonfiction book about the planet Uranus, it gives quick facts about the planet, it compares Uranus to Earth, information about Uranus’s moons, and a glossary to help with words children won’t understand. I found it to be an insightful book.

Tikki Tikki Tembo

2010-11-15T20:23:00.002-07:00

Tikki Tikki Tembo

By Arlene Mosel; 1968

Summary: This is a story about two brothers named, Chang and Tikki tikki tembo-no sa rembo-chari bari ruchi-pip peri pembo. One day Chang falls into a well they were playing by. Tikki Tikki Tembo runs to get help from their mother and the Old Man with a ladder. Chang is rescued. The boys later play near the well again and this time Tikki Tikki Tembo falls in. Will Chang be able to get help in time? Will he be able to recite Tikki’s full name fast enough to save Tikki?

My Review: My grandmother use to tell my siblings and I this story when we would come to visit, so it has always been a special story to me.I love to recite Tikki tikki tembo’s full name over and over again with a sing-songy voice, it cracks me up every time.This is a tale that comes with a lesson. Don’t give your children long names! Think of the well situation! But this is a fun book and children will enjoy Tikki’s long name and Chang’s struggle to get help.

Watch Out For: scary situations, ancient customs.

The Bronze Bow

2010-11-06T18:14:00.001-06:00

The Bronze Bow
By Elizabeth George Speare; Houghton Mifflin Company 1961

Summary: Daniel is a young Jew who has an intense hatred for the Romans. He lives with in an outlaw band in the hills where he works as a blacksmith and as a freedom fighter. When his grandmother dies, he must move to the village to take care of his sister, who hasn’t left the house since their parents died. While living in the village, he works as a blacksmith and secretly starts to recruit members for an uprising against the Romans. He finds the friendship of Joel and Malthace, twins, who make a vow to live and die for God’s Victory. There is miracle worker named Jesus who speaks and helps many people in the villages and Daniel wonders if this teacher may be the leader who will help him in his vengeance.

My Review:
WOW! This is such a well done book. It is in no way a
difficult read. It flows nicely and keeps you on your toes as you follow the life of this incredible boy named Daniel. Daniel is quite serious and determined to continually try to seek vengeance against the Romans. I felt so sorry for him most of the time because he was so full of hate.

Hate Vs. Love is a strong theme in this book. Daniel struggles between the two throughout this entire book.
Now the title of this book plays a part in the story. The bronze bow is a password that Daniel and his gang use to communicate. It is taken from a psalm of David. Hate can try to bend a bow of bronze, but the question is can love do the same thing? (Guess you’ll have to find out!)

The only thing I struggled with was the ending. I felt that it was rushed and it wasn’t the ending I expected at all! I was kind of hoping that there would be more to the story. But alas, it was an appropriate ending I guess. You decide for yourself if you like it or not.

Anyway, I highly recommend this book for all ages. It truly is an excellent read and the story is amazing!

Things To Watch Out For: Revenge, death, killings, religious, mentioning’s of demons, vows, a little racism, romantic tension, Hate, etc…

Volcanoes & Earthquakes

2010-10-28T20:00:00.001-06:00

Volcanoes & Earthquakes

By Monalisa Senqupta; The Rosen Publishing Group 2008

Summary: This informational book is an overview of volcanoes and earthquakes. It discusses what causes them, famous events, how they are studied and how they are portrayed in folklore and legend.

My Review: Ok so I am a geology freak. I am obsessed with natural disasters such as volcanoes and earthquakes. I find them fascinating beyond all belief. The information in this book is outstanding and it offers youth interesting facts, real life pictures, a glossary, etc…

Watch Out For: Some material regarding the disasters can be heavy for younger children. Rescue missions, preparation, etc…

Guess How Much I Love You

2010-10-28T14:33:00.000-06:00

Guess How Much I Love You

By Sam McBratney; Candlewick Press 1994

Summary: Little Nutbrown Hare and Big Nutbrown Hare discover that love isn’t an easy thing to measure. They find ways of describing and showing how great their feelings are for each other.

My Review: This was such a cute book! The water colored pictures in this book are amazing. I love Little Nutbrown Hare and Big Nutbrown Hare. They do really silly things to measure their love for one another. Definitely a must read.

Hard-headed Dinosaurs

2010-10-28T14:26:00.000-06:00

Hard-headed Dinosaurs

By Robin Birch; Chelsea Clubhouse 2003

Summary: Describes the appearance, eating habits, and habitat of hard-headed dinosaurs which includes the Pachycephalosaurus, Psittacosaurus, Triceratops, Styracosaurus, and Pachyrhinosaurus.

My Review: This was an easy read. I fully enjoy the pictures of the dinosaurs, fossils, bones, etc… In this book they bold vocabulary words to look up in the glossary at the back of the book. It also give the names and meaning of the dinosaurs, which I found fascinating. Dinosaur means terrible lizard. Cool Huh?

Watch Out For: Dinosaur pictures may seem scary to younger children

Rapunzel

2010-10-28T00:04:00.000-06:00

Rapunzel

Brothers Grimm; Children’s and Household Tales 1812

Summary: Rapunzel was raised by a witch, who made a deal with her father, who locks her up in a tower with no doors. Rapunzel grows long, beautiful hair after many years. When the witch said “Rapunzel, Rapunzel, let down your long hair,” Rapunzel let her gold locks down for the witch to come up. One day a prince comes to the tower and says the phrase and comes up to the tower. They fall in love and want to escape, but the witch is a big problem. Will they be able to escape the witch and be together?

My Review: Well this was a pretty accurate account of what I remember as a kid. The only difference was the ending. The prince goes blind and somehow Rapunzel ends up with twins! So yeah it was a big shocker to me. I love the simplicity that the Brothers Grimm use in telling fairy tales.

Watch Out For: Control, trickery, pregnancy, banishment, sensual suggestions, violence, and an evil Witch.

The Great Little Madison

2010-10-27T23:39:00.000-06:00

The Great Little Madison

Jean Fritz;Scholastic 1989

Summary: During the 1800’s America was in a war with England. The only person standing up during these problems was James Madison, one of America’s founding fathers, who eventually earned the title “master builder of the Constituion,” at the Federal Constitutional Convection. He, along side with the other founding fathers helped shape the United States to beat the impossible.

My Review: I honestly had no idea how much James Madison did. I have always heard great things about George Washington and Thomas Jefferson, but James Madison has never crossed my mind. James Madison had a small voice and was small in size, but he truly cared for this country and did great things for it by voicing his opinion and putting himself out there. Throughout this book there are pictures of documents and portraits. I really enjoyed these because they are a part of history! This is a historical book so it can be challenging for those who are into fiction. It took me awhile to read this, but I pushed through and ended up liking it.

Watch Out For: Wars, revolutions, political debates, history.

Runaway Marie Louise

2010-10-18T23:05:00.000-06:00

Runaway Maria Louise
By Natalie Savage Carlson; Charles Scribner's Sons 1977

Summary: Marie Louise is a little brown mongoose who, on occasion, acts naughty. Her mother spanks her after Marie Louise's naughty behavior and Marie decides to runaway and find a new mother who will love her.

My Review: This is has always been a childhood favorite. My mother would read this to me and my siblings when were were little. I always put myself has Maria Louise because I was a naughty child. Ha Ha. I love the search Maria goes through in finding a new mother that will love her. The different animals she tries to convince to take her in and gets shut down by just cracks me up. The ironic thing of it is that she finds out that it is her own mother that is the best and the one that loves her the most.

Watch Out For: Runaways, naughty behavior.

The New Kid on the Block

2010-10-18T22:29:00.000-06:00

The New Kid on the Block
Poems by Jack Prelutsky; Scholastic 1984

Summary: Open this book of poems and find things you would have never thought about. Jellyfish stew? Why shouldn't you argue with a shark? And the greatest video game player in history?!

My Review: I have always been a fan of poems. I liked this set of poems because they are silly, imaginary, and real and I think sometime we just need something fun and short to read.

Watch Out For: Weird creatures, foods, and idea.

The Littlest Angel

2010-10-18T22:21:00.000-06:00

The Littlest Angel
by Charles Tazewell; Ideals Children's Books 1947

Summary: An earth-sick little angel arrives in the celestial kingdom. He because known as the cherub who gets into trouble. The Littlest Angel, as they call him, is struggling with his recent transition from boy to cherub.Will the Little Angel resolve his sadly state and find happiness?

My Review: I absolutely love this book. This is the first time I have ever read this story and it was amazing. I have always heard of it, but thought nothing of it, until now. Let me first say that the illustrations are incredible. The people's faces and the scenery look so real to me. The Littlest Angel is adorable! The story is so deep and insightful and it made me even choke up a bit. I love it!

Watch Out For: Religious mentioning.

The Little Mermaid

2010-10-10T23:57:00.000-06:00

The Little Mermaid
By Hans Christian Anderson; C.A. Reitzel 1837

Summary: When a mermaid turns 15, he or she is allowed to swim to the surface to watch the world above. Finally it is the Little Mermaid's turn. She sees a ship with a handsome prince, falls in love with him, and saves him from drowning in a storm. She longs for the prince and an eternal soul, so she visits the Sea Witch who sells her a potion in exchange for her tongue. By drinking the potion she will never be able to return to the sea. With her legs she will constantly feel like she is walking on sharp swords and will bleed. She will only get a soul if the prince loves her and marries her, but if not then the day he marries another, the Little Mermaid will die and turn into sea foam.

My Review: This is an awful fairytale. The whole things made me very upset and sad. The Little Mermaid was an idiotic teenager who thought she knew what she was doing when it came to deciding her fate, but ended up dying. Who gives a random Sea Witch her tongue?! I was really confused by her thought process. Teenagers....you give them an inch and they swim all over-Sebastian. Yeah I must say this wasn't my favorite fairytale.

Watch Out For: Nudity, being called dumb, tongue being cut off, blood, bargaining with the Sea Witch, and suicide.

Shapes

2010-10-08T17:38:00.001-06:00

Shapes
By Peter Patilla;Heinemann Library 2000

Summary: Introduces the mathematical concepts of shapes, including an exploration of shapes found in nature and such geometric shapes as triangles, rectangles, circles, and spheres.

My Review: This is an ok book. I really liked the pictures that were included in this book because they were real life objects found in everyday life in photographs. Each page has a little bit of text so it isn't an overload. The bolded words are glossary terms. It is also a question and answer book. Some questions are asked while you read and towards the end you see if your answers were correct.

The Seasons Cycles

2010-10-08T17:26:00.000-06:00

The Seasons Cycles
by Cheryl Jakab; Smart apple Media 2008

Summary:This book shows through pictures and text the Earth's natural cycle of seasons. The seasons of Summer, Fall, Winter, and Spring are discussed along with tropical and polar seasons, people and seasons, preventing global warming and living with nature.

My Review: I really liked the colorful pictures and illustrations that we provided in this book. There was a lot of wording in my opinion. I couldn't really stay focused because it bored me. I did like how glossary words were bolded in the text and you could look up the meaning in the glossary at the back of the book.

Watch Out For: Environmental mentioning's such as global warming.

Neptune

2010-10-08T17:11:00.000-06:00

Neptune

By Seymour Simon; Morrow Junior Books 1991

Summary: Discusses the physical features and moons of the planet Neptune and how we have gained our knowledge of this giant world.

My Review: Out of all the planets in our solar system this is my favorite one for some reason. This planet was named after the Roman god of the Sea. It is a turbulent world, with winds, hurricanes, and white clouds of methane ice. the reason it is blue is because Methane in the atmosphere absorbs red light. I love all the facts and information this book provided. The pictures are fascinating because it shows close ups of the planet which really magnifies the colors and features. It is an excellent book for studying the solar system and its individual planets.

Heckedy Peg

2010-10-08T16:56:00.000-06:00

Heckedy Peg
by Audrey Wood; Harcourt Brace Jovanovich 1987

Summary: A mother saves her seven children named Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from Heckedy Peg, a witch who has changed them into different kinds of food.

My Review: I officially love the couple Audrey Wood and her husband Don Wood! Their books have interesting stories that keep you enthralled and guessing the whole time. This of all their book is the most dramatic and a tad bit scary. Heckedy Peg is one scary old woman. I was terrified! The illustrations are unbelievable. Each page is full of intricate detail and color. I really enjoyed this book because of the pictures.

Watch Out For: Heckedy Peg, Magic, abduction, and mentioning of eating the children.

The Bunyans

2010-10-08T16:34:00.000-06:00

The Bunyans

by Audrey Wood; Blue Sky Press 1996

Summary: You may have heard of Paul Bunyan who was taller than the biggest tree, but have you heard of his family? Meet Paul, his giant wife Carrie, and their two king-sized children Little Jean and Teeny. This is a family who helps create some of the most striking natural wonders of North America! Through their footprints and adventures they create infamous sites such as the Rocky Mountains, Old Faithful, and Niagara Falls. They are a family you will never forget.

My Review: My Aunt introduced me to this book when I was a little girl and I've loved it ever since. The idea of the ginormous Paul Bunyan having a family is mind boggling. While reading through the book you see how the Bunyan family shapes out the geological sites in North America. The illustrations in this picture book are incredible. My favorite picture is the one with Paul Bunyan and his son Jean walking away from a pile of sand dumped from Jeans shoes. That pile of sand is known as the Great Sand Dunes today! I was so blown away that a National Park near my home is in a children's book. Its an awesome book.

Holes

2010-10-08T16:14:00.000-06:00

Holes

By Louis Sachar;Farrar, Straus and Giroux 2000

Summary:Stanley Yelnats is falsely convicted of stealing a celebrity's sneakers. He is sent to Camp Green Lake which is a juvenile detention center in the desert. The kids there are required to dig a large hole every day. Stanley struggles with getting to know the other inmates and getting used to the hard work. The warden is having them dig for something. But what? The mystery relates to a treasure, a curse, a boy named Zero, the warden, and a boat in the middle of a dry lake bed.

My Review: I have only seen the movie of Holes, but I must say the book is just as good. I love the love story of Kate and Sam and the tragedies that follow them. Stanley and Zero's relationship is adorable and how they stick it out and overcome Camp Green Lake. Its an excellent book.

Watch Out For: Racism, deaths, life-threatening scenes, fights, and posinious lizards.

The Lorax

2010-10-08T15:57:00.000-06:00

The Lorax
by Dr. Suess; Random House Books 1971

Summary: The Once-ler discovers a land full of Truffula Trees that he can use to make Thneeds. He starts up an industrial business where he hacks down the Truffulas. The Lorax, the speaker of the trees, protests and pleads with the Once-ler. Once-ler won't stop until the last Truffula falls down. By then will it be too late for the entire ecosystem?

My Review: I don't really know how I feel about this book. It is definately not my favorite by Dr. Suess. I found the illistrations to be very well done as always when it comes to his books. The wording creative and definately catchy with the rhymns. This is a enivormental children's book, so in other words very "tree-huggie." The message is about being aware of the enviroment and how we can damage it with productions. I'm not that big of a fan of it.

Watch Out For: Pollution, ecosytems being wiped out, and the faceless Onceler.

2010-10-08T15:40:00.000-06:00

The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe

By C.S. Lewis; Harper Collins 1950

Summary:

Peter, Susan, Edmund, and Lucy Pevensie move to a professors house in the country. While they are there they open a door in the wardrobe which leds to a world called Narnia. They discover the magic, an evil plot, and the Great Lion Asland. In a blink of an eye their lives are changed forever.

My Review: O how I wish I could travel through the wardrobe and into the land of Narnia! The atmosphere of this whole book is incredible. The descriptions of the land, the amazing characters, and the whole plot is astounding. I love the beavers, Mr. Tummus, Asland, the White Witch, and the Pevensie siblings all intertwin in the novel and make is a fabulous story to tell and tell again.

Watch Out for: Violence, torture, and a battle.

Minerals

2010-10-08T15:21:00.000-06:00

Minerals
by Melissa Stewart; Heinemann Library 2002

Summary: Provides an overview of minerals including how they were formed, their characteristics, history, common kinds of minerals and their uses, and amazing mineral facts.

My Review: I love minerals! I choose this especially for me because I love learning about different minerals and looking at the pictures. In this book it does the "Did you know?" facts. Those can really broaden the mind of a child. These facts are the kinds that make you say "whoa!"

ABC Math Riddles

2010-10-06T17:35:00.000-06:00

ABC Math Riddles
by Jannelle Martin; Peel Productions 2003

Summary: A collection of 26 riddles, one for each letter int he alphabet, that describes mathmatical operations, shapes, and other concepts and ask the reader "What am I?"

My Review: Ok I must be an idiot. This book was difficult for me because I don't really remeber math terms that well. I think it would be a great book for those children who are studying and learning about this area of mathmatics. This is a nofiction book, which I am not a big fan off, but it was worth a try. Overall I would rate it as OK. The illistrations were not all that exciting.

Tilly Witch

2010-10-06T17:25:00.000-06:00

Tilly Witch
By Don Freeman; Viking Press 1969

Summary: One bright moonlit night, Tilly Ispswitch, Queen of Halloween, stood atop her high mountain peak and sighed, "My, my! What a lovely evening! It makes me feel like being kind to everyone in the world especially children."
I know what you are thinking. What the? Tilly is in a great mood and cannot get out of it. Halloween is hear and how is she suppose to frighten children when she is smiling? Tilly gets on her surfboard to visit the witch doctor who sends her to Miss Fitch's Finishing School for Witches. Will Tilly find her oldself by Halloween?

My Review: My aunt would read thsi to me and my cousin when we were little girls. I remember her changing her voice into sounding like a witch. My cousin and I would giggle and enjoy every minute of the book. Tilly is such a fun character. A witch who forgets to mean? Common! That is hilarious! The illistrations are very well done. Look below for examples of the pictures.

Things to Watch Out For: Halloweens stuff, training school to be a mean witch, witchdoctor with tiki mask.

The Great Gilly Hopkins

2010-10-02T16:54:00.000-06:00

The Great Gilly Hopkins
by Katherine Patterson; HarperTrophy 1978

Summary: Gilly is a tough kid. She wants top destroy everyone of her foster mothers so she can be reunited with her real mother. She meets her match with Mrs. Trotter, an uneducated overweight woman who only offers love to her foster kids. Will Gilly be able to be united with her real mother?

My Review: I truly enjoyed this short novel. Gilly Hopkins is one smart troubled girl. To watch her lash out with anger due to her past, makes this a sympathetic story. It is so sad to watch her struggle to deal with her situation in a foster home. I grew to love Gilly so much for her brilliant mind and actions. But knowing the pain that drives her behavior makes this such a touching and sad story. I must admit I was disappointed in the ending though, but I understood why it ended that way. So I guess you'll just have to read it to find out why.

Things to Watch Out For: Mild Language, bullying,rebellion, racism, and defiance of authority.

The Great Kapok Tree

2010-10-02T16:30:00.000-06:00

The Great Kapok Tree
by Lynne Cherry
;The Gulliver Green Book Harcourt, INC. 1990

Summary: The many different animals that live in a great kapok tree in the Brazilian rain forest try to convince a man with an ax of the importance of not cutting down their home.

My Review: I have never been one of those people who is into these tree-hugging type of books, but I really like this one because of the art! Each pictures is vibrant with color and texture. The animals are drawn to perfection! The story line is very well done done. It was a good read.

Things to Watch Out For: Message about saving the rain forest.

The Relatives Came

2010-10-02T16:07:00.000-06:00

The Relatives Came

by Cythia Rylant; Bradury Press 1985

Summary:

It was the summer of the year when the relatives came. The relatives stayed for weeks and weeks. They helped tend the garden and fixed the broken things. They ate up the strawberries and melons. We were always so busy hugging and eating and breathing together.

My Review: This is such an intriguing book to me. The one thing I love about it is the illustrations. The pictures are all in color pencil. The faces and the scenery are so serial. Its a cute book about love and family.

White Socks Only

2010-10-02T00:55:00.000-06:00

White Socks Only
By Evelyn Coleman;Albert Whitman & Company 1996

Summary:

"You know you ain't big enough to walk into no town alone, girl.

You ain't big enough 'til you gon' do some good there."

A young African American girl sneaks into town on a hot summer day to fry eggs on the sidewalk. She is wearing a nice white summer dress, cool white socks, and black patented leather shoes. She faces discrimination while she drinks from a water fountain in the park. The sign on the fountain says "whites only." She thought that "whites only" meant white socks only.

My Review: This book makes me so sad. Just to read about a little girl who misunderstood "whites only" for socks makes my heart just break. the saddest thing is when the man yells at the little girl because she misunderstood the sign, but the happy news is that chicken man comes the rescue! I thoroughly enjoy this book.

Things to Watch Out For: Discrimination and mild violence

The Seven Silly Eaters

2010-10-01T00:20:00.000-06:00

The Seven Silly Eaters
by Marla Frazze;Voyager Books 1997

Summary:Peter wants only milk, Lucy won't settle for anything except pink lemonade, and Jack is stuck on applesauce. Each new addition to the Peters household brings a new demand for a special meal. What's a mother to do? Even though Mrs. Peters picks, peels, strains, scrapes, poaches, fries, and kneads, the requests for special foods keep coming. It isn't until her birthday arrives that a present from her children solves the picky-eater problem and surprises everyone.

My Review: The first time I read this book was at my aunts house and ever since then it has been one of my favorites. I admire Mrs. Peters so much. Any mother who deals with picky eaters is a saint in my eyes. This is also a rhyming book which makes it really fun and enjoyable.

Things to Watch Out For: Picky eaters

Julius

2010-09-30T22:24:00.000-06:00

Julius, The Baby of the World
by Kevin Henkes; Greenwillow Books 1990

Summary: Lilly cannot understand why her parent are making such a big fuss on her new brother Julius. He is disgusting, smelly, beady-eyed germ baby. Will she have a change of heart?

My Review: This was a fun book. Lilly cracks me up with her schemes and attempts to deal with Julius. It is a hilarious story and the illustrations will keep you laughing.

Things to Watch Out For: Lilly sometimes makes fun of Julius and says thinks like I hate you

The Princess and the Pea

2010-09-23T12:29:00.000-06:00

The Princess and the Pea
By Hans Christian Andersen;C. A. Reitzel 1835

Summary: A prince wants to marry a princess, but has some difficulties because he cannot be determine if they are real princesses. On a stormy night a young woman comes to the castle claiming to a be a princess.The prince's mother decides to test the young woman by putting a pea under 20 mattresses and featherbeds for the night. Only a real princess has the sensitivity to feel a pea through a large amount of bedding.

My Review: This is such a fun story. I've always loved this story because I dreamed of being a princess when I was little. I have to admit that I did try putting a pea under my bed, but alas I felt nothing.

The Steadfast Tin Soldier

2010-09-23T11:55:00.000-06:00

The Steadfast Tin Soldier
by Hans Christian Andersen;C. A. Reitzel 1838

Summary: A tin toy soldier with who stands on a single leg sees a paper ballerina with a spangle on her sash, who stands on one leg also. They fall in love. A troll warns the soldier to take his eyes off the ballerina, but the soldier ignores this warning. When the soldier falls from the windowsill the soldier finds himself in a wild adventure which leads him back home to the ballerina for an epic ending.

My Review: This is one of my favorite fairytales. I love the love story between the ballerina and the tin soldier. I think it is one of those tragically beautiful stories that lift up your heart.

Things to Watch Out For: Fire, Troll, a rat, a fish being caught and cut open, and evil little boys.

The Ugly Duckling

2010-09-23T11:32:00.001-06:00

The Ugly Duckling
By Hans Christian Andersen;C.A. Reitzel 1843

Summary: An ugly duckling is born and recieves abuse from the farmyard neighbors. He wanders alone for some time trying to find his place in the world. He is taking in by some and rejected by others. He suffers through a long winter and comes to find himself in the spring.

My Review: I think that this is an incredibly sad story. When I read this version of the ugly duckling I felt so sorry for him. I don't like it when he has to suffer from the abuse of the other animals, humans, and himself. The ending always makes me happy because through a journey of self discovery and trials you come to realize how beautiful you really are. I adore this fairy-tale!

Things to Watch Out For: verbal and physical abuse from humans and framyard animals,hunters, shooting, vows of rather to be killed instead of suffering

The Story of Ruby Bridges

2010-09-23T00:26:00.000-06:00

The Story of Ruby Bridges
By Robert Coles; Scholastic Inc.1995

Summary: Ruby Bridges is six-years-old when she is asked to be the first black child to attend an all white elementary school during the civil rights movement and desegregation in New Orleans in 1960.

My Review: I first heard about this book in my education class. A girl read it out loud and I loved it. I just read it for the first time and I think it is a remarkable true story. Ruby Bridges had so much courage to stand alone in the face of racism. She is a hero in my eyes and I love this true story. I love this children's book because it teaches young children about racism and forgiveness. It is definitely a must read.

Things to Watch Out For: Riots, civil rights movement, and racism.

Love You Forever

2010-09-22T21:39:00.000-06:00

Love You Forever
By Robert Munsch; Firefly Books 1986

Summary:

I'll love you forever

I"ll like you for always

As long as I'm living

My baby you'll be.

My Review: This is by far my favorite children's book ever! I recall those days of my school teachers reading it to my entire class. I also remember my best friend and I using the saying over and over. Whenever I give someone a book for a present I usually will write that saying in it. This story is beautiful. It honestly makes me cry. I love the relationship between the boy and his mother. It is a timeless book that is so worth reading!

Things to Watch Out For: Death

Beauty

2010-09-22T21:05:00.001-06:00

Beauty: A retelling of the story

Beauty & the Beast

By Robin McKinley; HarperTrophy 1978

Summary: Beauty has never liked her nick name. She has always thought she was the plainest girl in the family. She is thin, awkward, and undersized. When her father comes home with a strange tale about an enchanted castle with a beast inside and about the terrible promise he has made with the Beast. Beauty must go to the castle and tame the Beast.

My Review: I actually stayed up all night to finish this book. I have always been drawn to the tale of Beauty and the Beast because of its enchanting tale. I have this special attachment to Beauty because she is a lover of books and she works hard. The Beast to me has always been attractive even though he is a monster who wears clothes!

Things to Watch Out For: The Beast on occasions, enchantments, threats, unusual arrangements.

The Missing Piece Meets the Big O

2010-09-22T19:22:00.004-06:00

The Missing Piece
Meets the Big O
by Shel Silverstein;
Harper Collins Publishers 1981

Summary:

The missing piece sat alone

waiting for someone

to come along
and take it somewhere

My Review: This was such a cute book. Shel Silverstein is an incredible author. His stories always make me laugh and cry. The missing piece was a cute little triangle that just wanted to be apart of something and to become whole. The cool thing about this book is that you can suppliment any kind of situation. Like relationships for example. Sometimes guys never quite fit with you and so you are left alone to try to become a whole.

Round Trip

2010-09-22T19:12:00.000-06:00

Round Trip
By Ann Jonas; Greenwillow Books 1983

Summary: Black and white illustrations and text record the sights on a day trip to the city and back home again to the country.

My Review: This book is so cool! I love the black and white illustrations in this children's book. The coolest thing about this book is that you have to turn it upside down to read the rest of the story. I really enjoyed it and I think kids will too.

Cinderella

2010-09-20T17:59:00.000-06:00

Cinderella
K.Y.Craft- Chronicle Books 2000

Summary:Cinderella is a forever-loved story about a maiden who is mistreated by her stepmother and stepsisters, meets her fairy godmother, and has a magical night.

My Review: Cinderella has always been a fairytale favorite for me. I love the glass slippers, the pumpkin that turns into a carriage, the stroke of midnight, and happily ever afters. I loved the illustrations in this re-telling especially. I thought that they were well done.

Things to Watch Out For: Evil stepmothers and stepsisters and magic.

The Life Cycle of Turtles

2010-09-20T17:12:00.000-06:00

The Life Cycle of Turtles
by Bobbie Kalman;Crabtree Publishing Company 2002

Summary: Describes how sea turtles develop from eggs to adult turtles and migrate long distances, talks about the dangers they face from animal and human predators, and suggests ways children can help.

My Review: Sea turtles are my favorite animals. I have been fascinated by them for some time. In this book it shows the different kinds of sea turtles throughout history. It gives facts about their life cycle, birth, diet, etc.. I kinda got choked up at one part of this book because it showed a turtle turned upside down and all of her eggs broken. I really enjoyed this non fiction book about sea turtles

Things to Watch Out For: Dangers sea turtles face like predators, humans, weather, pollution, etc...