A Guy, a Girl, and a Teen Book Blog

A Guy, a Girl, and a Teen Book Blog

Thursday, February 21, 2013

Colin Fischer by Ashley Edward Miller & Zack Stentz

Okay, It's been a while since I've posted a review, but I'm back.  This book was funny, especially since I have some students who could easily be the title character.  


Title:  Colin Fischer
Author(s):  Ashley Edward Miller & Zack Stentz
Pages:  256
Publisher:  Razorbill
ISBN:  9781595145789
Publication Date:  November 1, 2012
AR Levels:  Interest Level-- 9-12 ; Book Level-- 6.3 ; Points-- 8.0
Goodreads Link: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13589178-colin-fischer


In a nutshell:  Colin Fischer, the title character, is a precocious high school student who has Asperger's Syndrome--a disorder that causes problems with communication and social interaction.  He loves investigating things and keeps a journal of his observations and questions.  One day while he and other students are in the school cafeteria, a gun fires and a student is charged.  Colin, however, doesn't agree and sets out to prove the police and the principal wrong--in his own way.

I'd recommend it for grades:  7th-12th +; The book is really funny, but it does have the occasional curse word.  I'm well beyond those grades, and it made me laugh!

I'd recommend it to: Anyone who's ever been called awkward; Anyone who loves a good mystery; Anyone who loves crime scene dramas but is tired of CSI.

What I liked most about this book:  It didn't get technical with the investigation, but instead focused on the random thoughts of Colin.  There's not a whole lot I didn't like about this one.

Single-favorite moment:  Colin talks to his principal like he would talk to a peer.  He's "respectful" but he acts like they are working together.  In one part of the book, Colin takes over the investigation and bosses the principal around.  The principal's reaction made me laugh because she didn't know what to think.

Star rating (where 5 stars is awesome and 0 stars is atrocious):  4 stars.  A great read with wit and a lot of heart.

Wednesday, February 20, 2013

The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate

Title: The One and Only Ivan
Author: Katherine Applegate
Pages: 300
Publisher: Harper Collins
ISBN: 9780061992254
Publication Date: January 17, 2012
AR Levels: Interest Level: 4th to 8th grades; Book Level: 3.6; Points: 4.0
Goodreads Link: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/11594337-the-one-and-only-ivan

In a nutshell: Ivan the gorilla is the star attraction at the Exit 8 Big Top Mall and Video Arcade, but he's not the draw that he used to be even though his artwork sells for a pretty penny in the gift shop. Still, Ivan is content with his situation until one day he meets his newest neighbor, a baby elephant named Ruby, and he realizes that things have to change. This is a book for anyone who's ever longed for a better life and had the courage to do something about it even in the face of adversity.

I'd recommend it for grades: 3rd to 6th

I'd recommend it to: fans of animal books, circus fans, or anyone who enjoys a a nice heartwarming story (It's also a quick read that would be great for reluctant readers.)

What I liked most about this book: The animal characters in the book are so well-written. You immediately connect with them even though they're not human. I cried a few times during this book because I was so emotionally connected to these animals, and I'm not ashamed to admit it! :)

Single favorite moment (without getting spoiler-y): My favorite moment is any one with Bob, the spunky homeless dog who sleeps on Ivan's belly. He's so funny. I love Stella, the older elephant, as well. She reminds me of Charlotte from Charlotte's Web because of how wise and caring she is.

Star rating (where 5 stars is awesome and 0 stars is atrocious): There are Newbery winners that are good. There are Newbery winners that are great. And there are Newbery winners that are so beautiful that they are destined to be classics. This is one of those. 5 stars for sure.

Monday, February 4, 2013

Extreme Babymouse by Jennifer Holm and Matthew Holm

Title: Extreme Babymouse
Author: Jennifer Holm and Matthew Holm
Pages: 96
Publisher: Random House Books for Young Readers
ISBN: 9780375970965
Publication Date: January 22, 2013
AR Levels: TBD
Goodreads Link: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13642635-extreme-babymouse

In a nutshell: In this 17th book of the wildly popular Babymouse series, our heroine finds herself wanting to start a new hobby - snowboarding! Apparently it's what all the cool kids are doing, so of course Babymouse wants to learn! There's just one problem...she's not exactly good at it.

I'd recommend it for grades: 2nd to 7th grades

I'd recommend it to: fans of the series, graphic novel fans, and kids who like to pull for the underdog

What I liked most about this book: Babymouse books are always adorably hilarious, and this one is no different. What I especially liked about this book was the great lesson about standing up to negative peer pressure. It's presented in way that's funny and not preachy, but it still makes a great point.

Single favorite moment (without getting spoiler-y): One of my favorite characters is Babymouse's troublesome locker, and I won't say much, but apparently it's not the only one of its kind. :)

Star rating (where 5 stars is awesome and 0 stars is atrocious): 4 stars