Cress by Marissa Meyer

Title: Cress
Author: Marissa Meyer
Pages: 550
Publisher: Feiwel & Friends
ISBN: 9780312642976
Publication Date: February 4, 2014
AR Levels: Book Level - 6.0, Interest Level - 6th and up, Points: 22.0
Goodreads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13206828-cress

In a nutshell: Lunar-born hacker Cress has been held captive on a satellite orbiting Earth for many, many years, longing to experience it for herself, but when her opportunity for freedom arrives, it doesn't quite play out the way she always imagined. This Rapunzel re-imagination will leave you breathless and dying for book four.

I'd recommend it to grades: 8 and up

I'd recommend it to: obviously fans of the other Lunar Chronicles books but also sci-fi lovers and fairytale enthusiasts

What I liked most about this book: Oh my stars! Just when I go and think Marissa Meyer couldn't possibly top the awesome that is Scarlet, this comes out and blows my mind! I thought surely I wouldn't love any new character as much as I love all of the ones already present in this series, but I was so wrong. Cress is sweet, kind, hopeful, imaginative, and smart, and she's got some major hacker skills. She might be my new favorite. The other characters we've already met shine here too...especially Captain Carswell Thorne. He undergoes some major character development, and now he's my newest book boyfriend. ;) To say that this one is a page-turner would be a gross understatement; there's heart-pounding adventure on every page, and plenty of humor mixed in too. This series is truly setting itself up to be one of my favorite YA series EVER, and I don't say that lightly. It all hangs on book four, Winter, which is out in Feb. 2015, but I'm confident I will adore it too. Now I wait...

Single favorite moment (without getting spoiler-y): Anything I say about the plot here would be way too spoiler-y, so instead allow me too ooh and aah over the cover for a moment. All the covers for this series have been beautiful, but this one is just gorgeous! 

Star rating (where 5 stars is awesome and 0 stars is atrocious): 5 stars (It's my favorite of the series thus far too.)

The Hero's Guide to Being an Outlaw by Christopher Healy

Title: The Hero's Guide to Being an Outlaw
Author: Christopher Healy
Pages: 528
Publisher: Walden Pond Press
ISBN: 9780062118486
Publication Date: April 29, 2014*
AR Levels: TBD
Goodreads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18635036-the-hero-s-guide-to-being-an-outlaw

In a nutshell: All is not well in the Thirteen Kingdoms, and things are not so great for the League of Princes either. Wrongfully accused of murdering Princess Briar Rose, Liam, Gustav, Frederic, and Duncan are on the run from the law in this third and final League of Princes book. In addition to trying to prove their innocence, the Princes must once again save their kingdoms from a nefarious plot with the help of a few new (and hilarious) characters too!

I'd recommend it to grades: 3 to 7

I'd recommend it to: fans of the first two books (obviously) and kids who like a dash of slapstick with their sword fighting

What I liked most about this book: I don't think it's much of a spoiler to tell you that there are PIRATES in this one considering what's on the cover, but yes...PIRATES! The Princes are back and better than ever, and their lady friends share a considerable amount of the spotlight too! There's something to delight guys and gals alike in this conclusion, and it's still perfect for a middle school read-aloud.

Single favorite moment (without getting spoiler-y): This might be a tad bit spoiler-y, but I'll tell you that there's a new female character we meet in prison. Her name? Val Jeanval. Her crime? Stealing a loaf of bread. ;) #LesMis

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

*I received an ARC of this title from the publisher via Edelweiss.

The Heroes Guide to Storming the Castle by Christopher Healy

Title:  The Heroes Guide to Storming the Castle
Author: Christopher Healy
Pages: 477
Publisher: Walden Pond Press
Publication Date: January 1, 2013
AR Levels: Book Level--4.9 , Interest Level--4th-8th, Points -13.0
Goodreads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/16248123-the-hero-s-guide-to-storming-the-castle?from_search=true

In a nutshell:  Everyone's favorite band of misfit princes is back for another series of sordid events.  This time, they're trying to save Prince Liam from his not-so-nice bride-to-be, but that escapade turns into a quest for the Sword of Erinthia, which is being held in the Bandit King's castle.  This journey involves trolls, giants, snakes, Darians, and much much more!  Can they be successful again?  Can they overcome their own blunders to get the job done?

I'd recommend it for:  Grades 5+.  Adults would love this one, too!

I'd recommend it to:  Anyone who loves fairy tales and new spins on them.  Also, anyone who appreciates a little bit of "cheesy" every now and then.

What I liked most about this book:  Healy makes sure you never know what might happen next.  The events of this book are so random and hilarious that you never want to put it down!  Once you've started reading a book in this series, you're hooked must find out what the princes will do next.

Single favorite moment (without getting spoiler-y):  There are a few interactions between a geriatric giant and a tenacious troll that make you laugh until you cry.

Star rating (where 5 stars is awesome and 0 stars is atrocious): 5 stars!  Hands down!

Scarlet by Marissa Meyer

Title: Scarlet
Author: Marissa Meyer
Pages: 452
Publisher: Feiwel and Friends
ISBN: 9780312642969
Publication Date: February 5, 2013
AR Levels: Book Level - 5.8, Interest Level - 6th and up, Points: 16.0
Goodreads Link: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13206760-scarlet

In a nutshell: Scarlet Benoit's grandmother has been missing for far too long, so she takes matters into her own hands, and with the help of street fighter, Wolf, she goes in search of her. Her investigation will not only uncover her grandmother's secrets but also Wolf's, and along the way she meets a girl on the run who may just be the key to the whole mystery.

I'd recommend it for grades: 9 and up

I'd recommend it to: fairy tale fans, sci-fi lovers, and adrenaline junkies (this one moves fast!)

What I liked most about this book: This is the complete polar opposite of a sophomore slump if I ever read one. Wow! It's definitely better than the first one, Cinder, which I loved! (Go back and read it first if you haven't yet!) There's just something about the blending of fairy tale and science fiction in this series that is completely unique and impossible to put down. This second book is a perfect mix of fast-paced action and deep characterization. I worried with this one that the introduction of so many new characters would take away from the first book's characters, but the expansion only adds flavor to the universe of the series. I am beyond stoked about the third and fourth books! I read the sneak peek of the first chapter of Cress, book three, and it's amazing. I can't wait to see what Meyer does with the Rapunzel adaptation.

Single favorite moment (without getting spoiler-y): I've always seen the traditional Little Red Riding Hood as a bit of a naive, silly pushover, but in the opening chapters of this book, it's clear that Scarlet is going to be a firecracker of a second female protagonist for the series. She's a force to be reckoned with, and after reading the first few chapters, I knew she would be my favorite character in the series thus far. Wolf isn't so bad either. ;)

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

Seeing Cinderella by Jenny Lundquist

Title: Seeing Cinderella
Author: Jenny Lundquist
Pages: 240
Publisher: Aladdin
ISBN: 9781442445505
Publication Date: March 20, 2012
AR Levels: Interest Level: 4th-6th grades; Book Level: 4.5; Points: 6.0
Goodreads Link: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/11359684-seeing-cinderella

In a nutshell: Callie Anderson is about to start middle school, and on top of the anxiety that brings, now she has to get *gasp* glasses! When her strange eye doctor gives her these ugly, giant black-framed glasses to wear until her special order glasses come in, Callie is less than enthused until she realizes her freaky glasses can read people's thoughts! Can Callie's magical specs help her understand why her best friend is abandoning her, whether her crush likes her back or not, or why her dad still hasn't moved back in with her family? This glasses might help Callie see more than she bargained for or maybe she'll see exactly what she needs to.

I'd recommend it for grades: 4th to 8th

I'd recommend it to: fans of modernized fairytales and anyone who's ever felt awkward or misunderstood

What I liked most about this book: It's refreshing to see here another example of pitch perfect middle school girl drama. Callie is a loveable yet flawed heroine, and this tale is a nice blend of humor, drama, and fantasy. Girls will eat this up, but I think any middle schooler could find a character to relate to. The underlying message here is that sometimes you have to look past yourself to see what others are seeing in order to make friendships and families work.

Single favorite moment (without getting spoiler-y): Callie reluctantly auditions for the lead role of Cinderella in the drama class performance of Cinderella, and she unintentionally plays the role as a spaz, and it's a big hit! There's hope for those of us who are klutzy!

Star rating (where 5 stars is awesome and 0 star is atrocious): 3 stars

He Says/She Says: The Hero's Guide to Saving Your Kingdom by Christopher Healy

Title: The Hero's Guide to Saving Your Kingdom
Author: Christopher Healy
Pages: 419
Publisher: Walden Pond Press
ISBN: 9780062117434
Publication date: May 1, 2012
AR Levels: Interest Level: 4th-8th, Book Level: 5.0, Points: 12.0
Goodreads link: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/12969560-the-hero-s-guide-to-saving-your-kingdom

In a nutshell: You've probably never heard of Prince Frederic, Prince Gustav, Prince Liam, or Prince Duncan, but I bet you've heard of Prince Charming, right? In a fairytale world where word travels via song, the heroic deeds of princes are often lumped under the fake title of "Prince Charming," and poor Frederic, Gustav, Liam, and Duncan get no fortune or glory. But when an evil witch threatens to murder the minstrels of five fairytale kingdoms, these unknown princes step in to save the very bards who stole their rightful fame. You'll love this swashbuckling, funny fairytale that combines the stories of Snow White, Rapunzel, Cinderella, and Sleeping Beauty. (Plus, it's going to be a series! No publication date yet though.)

He Says:

I'll admit I was a bit skeptical at first about this book, but it turned out to be one of the best books I've reviewed to date!  If this is ever turned into an animated movie (and it should), I hope someone will allow me to help with casting people to do the voices.  I can best describe this book as a cross between The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy and Shrek.  It takes everything you thought you knew about classic fairy tales and turns them upside down.

I'd recommend it for grades:  4th and up.  Not gonna lie, even adults will love this one!

I'd recommend it to:  Anyone who loves classic fairy tales but doesn't take them too seriously.  This book might change your opinion of a few of those princesses, and even Prince Charming.

What I liked most about this book:  I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book out loud (to myself, yes), but still it's hilarious.  Hero's Guide doesn't have a dull moment, and it's chock full of daring adventures and close escapes.

Single favorite moment (without getting spoiler-y):  I love the part of the book when the princes share the names of their horses.  One of them is so random but fits the character very well.  You'll know what I'm talking about when you get there.

Star rating (where 5 stars is awesome and 0 stars is atrocious):  5 stars, hands down!!

She Says:

I recommended to Chris that we read this book together as our next he says/she says review because it sounded funny, and boy was it! I hope they make it into a movie too!

I'd recommend it for grades: 4th and up (Ditto to what Chris says about adults loving this too! It will also make a fabulous read-aloud book for even younger children too. I definitely hope to read it to mine one day!)

I'd recommend it to: fairytale lovers and tween boys (They'll love the humor in it and will be able to identify with at least one of the princes. Plus it's got very little romance in it and lots of action!)

What I liked most about this book: The four princes in this book couldn't be more different, and yet I love them all, and they all grow so much during the course of the book. You've got Frederic, Cinderella's sheltered, scaredy cat prince; Gustav, Rapunzel's gruff, devil-may-care prince; Liam, Sleeping Beauty's handsome and genuinely brave and kindhearted prince (my fave!), and Duncan, Snow White's quirky, spastic prince (He's a hoot!). They really make the book what it is, but there are some strong female characters in this book too. Ella (Cinderella) kicks major butt, you love to hate Briar Rose (Sleeping Beauty), and my personal favorite is spunky little Lila, Liam's little sister, who is quite an adventurer in her own right! Also, the chapter titles are really, really funny.

Single favorite moment (without getting spoiler-y): I have lots of favorites, but some of my favorite scenes are the ones where Duncan randomly names animals on the spot. He'll see an animal in the woods, and he has to blurt out a name for it immediately, so he's forever randomly spurting out names, and it's hilarious! It reminds me of the dog in Up.

Star rating (where 5 stars is awesome and 0 stars is atrocious): oh definitely 5 stars!

Disney After Dark (Kingdom Keepers Book 1) by Ridley Pearson

If you're as Disney obsessed as me, you've probably always wondered what goes on after the park closes.  Well, that's what Ridley Pearson tackles (sort of) in this series.  I'll admit, I didn't like this book through the first 50 pages because the action of the story starts abruptly on page 1 without clear background information; however, I don't like not finishing a book, so I stuck it out.  The book redeems itself very quickly, and I ended up reading over 250 pages in one sitting (i.e. I couldn't put it down).  This book is one part Night at the Museum, one part Avatar, and one part Hardy Boys/Nancy Drew.

Title:  Disney After Dark (Kingdom Keepers Book 1)

Author:  Ridley Pearson

Pages: 326

Publisher:  Disney Press

ISBN:  9780786854448

Publication Date:  August 29, 2005
AR Levels:  Interest Level--4th to 8th; Book Level--4.2; Points--9.0

Goodreads Link:  http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/953260.Disney_after_Dark

In a nutshell:  Disney's Magic Kingdom in Orlando has created a new attraction called Disney Host Interactive (or DHI) in which 5 young teens were selected to have their likenesses used as holographic tour guides that can interact with park guests.  These kids instantly become rock stars at their schools, as people can see them in the park everyday without them actually having to be there.  (Sounds kinda confusing, I know)  They quickly learn though that they may have been chosen for a different purpose.  At night, they are transported back into the park--in what turns out not to be a dream--where they interact with one of Disney's Imagineers, as well as characters that seem to have come alive.  On top of that, they learn that Maleficent from Sleeping Beauty may or may not be planning to take over the park and eventually the world, and it's their duty to stop her.

I'd Recommend It For Grades: 6-9+; the characters are middle schoolers and the books are relatively tame.

I'd Recommend It To:  Anyone who's a huge Disney fan and who wants to know what happens in those parks after dark

What I Liked Most About This Book:  It didn't shy away from revealing some of the behind-the-scenes secrets.  Most of the time, Disney won't go near a conversation about the characters in the park not being real, but this book tells you about cast members, the tunnels and secret passages, and other secrets.

Single Favorite Moment (without getting spoiler-y):  If you've ever been to the Magic Kingdom, you're familiar with the It's a Small World ride and how annoying it can be.  My absolute favorite part is when the characters end up on the ride at night.  One of them comments about how annoying the song is, and then something happens on the ride that reminded me of The Shining and Child's Play.  Read it, it's amazing!

Star Rating (where 5 stars is awesome and 0 stars is atrocious):  4 stars; the first 50 pages get 3 stars, but the rest of the book redeems it.

A Tale Dark and Grimm by Adam Gidwitz

Title: A Tale Dark and Grimm

Author: Adam Gidwitz

Pages:252

Publisher: Dutton Juvenile

ISBN: 9780525423348

Publication Date: October 28, 2010
AR Levels: Interest Level: 4th-8th, Book Level: 4.6, Points: 6.0 

Goodreads Link: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/7825557-a-tale-dark-and-grimm

In a Nutshell: Gidwitz tells the story of Hansel and Gretel as you've never heard it before. Our daring duo still encounters the old cannibal lady in the forest, but there's much more to tell before and after that happened! Along the way, they encounter a dragon, an evil warlock, and even the Devil himself on their journey to discover their destiny. This little book packs some punch, and these aren't your grandma's fairy tales! I can almost guarantee you this one is making its way around backpacks in your elementary school or middle school. Kids love this book at my library, and we can't keep it on the shelves.

I'd Recommend It for Grades: 3-6 (and maybe older if they really like fairy tales...I mean I LOVED it, and I'm "ever so much more than twenty" to quote J.M. Barrie)

I'd Recommend It To: kids who love fairy tales, kids who like books that make you laugh, kids who like to be grossed out, teachers who want a fresh spin on Grimm tales

What I Liked Most about This Book: The hilarious narrator is constantly interrupting with clever asides, and I found myself literally laughing out loud. It will have kids in stitches. I also enjoyed how true it rang to the feel of the original Grimm tales. In true Grimm Brothers fashion, it does get a bit gory at times but in a really funny way mostly. There is some death and regeneration and chopping off of things, but again this is Grimm, so it's to be expected. I don't think it will give kids nightmares or anything, but if you have squeamish kids, maybe this one's not for them.

Single Favorite Moment (without getting spoiler-y): The narrator is always breaking the fourth wall and asking in an aside if all the little kids are out of the room because he's about to tell a really scary part. It makes you feel like he's in the room with you, and for this reason it would make a great read-aloud for bedtimes, book talks, or classroom discussions.   

Star Rating (where 5 stars is awesome and 0 stars is atrocious): A well-deserved 5 stars

*Plus, I just found out that the sequel is coming out in September!!! Check out In a Glass Grimmly, which will feature Jack and Jill, here: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13513080-in-a-glass-grimmly