Rebel Belle by Rachel Hawkins

Title: Rebel Belle
Author: Rachel Hawkins
Pages: 345
Publisher: Putnam Juvenile
ISBN: 9780399256936
Publication Date: April 8, 2014
AR Levels: TBD
Goodreads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/8475505-rebel-belle

In a nutshell: Harper Price is a hardworking, overachieving junior who's already Student Government President and poised to become Homecoming Queen and possibly valedictorian in a small Alabama town, but on the night of the homecoming dance, a seemingly harmless beauty faux pas will put her on a path toward her true destiny - a destiny she's not completely willing to accept...especially since it involves pain-in-her-side, school newspaper reporter David Stark. Cotillion is the least of her worries now...or is it?

I'd recommend it to grades: 9 and up

I'd recommend it to: fans of Beautiful Creatures and Buffy the Vampire Slayer

What I liked most about this book: This book is like red velvet cake - dramatic, blood-red, sweet, sassy, deliciously Southern, and a complete guilty pleasure. While the supporting characters are a bit flat, the main characters (especially Harper) are completely loveable (I'm probably more like Harper than I care to admit, and I always have a soft spot for the nerd boys/Davids of this world.), and the small Southern town setting is dead-on. There's romance, danger, humor, a healthy but light-handed dose of the paranormal, so there's something everyone is sure to like. Bring on book 2!

Single favorite moment (without getting spoiler-y): This book is filled with Southernisms, and the one that made me laugh out loud the longest was how Harper's aunts, affectionately called "The Aunts," use peroxide as a cure-all for every ailment no matter how severe. As a Mississippian, I will tell you that this was ingrained in me from birth, and I still keep a giant bottle under the sink. You never know when you might need it! ;)

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

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.)

Let It Snow by John Green, Maureen Johnson, and Lauren Myracle

Title: Let It Snow
Authors: John Green, Maureen Johnson, and Lauren Myracle
Pages: 352
Publisher: Speak
Publication Date: October 2, 2008
AR Levels: Book Level - 4.7; Interest Level - 9th-12th; Points - 10.0
Goodreads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6883008-let-it-snow

In a nutshell: On a snowy Christmas Eve in Gracetown, North Carolina, six unsuspecting teens will find love in the strangest places. Three of YA lit's biggest hitters each compose a short-ish story that blends beautifully into the plots of the other two. This trio of intertwined holiday novellas is a Christmas miracle!

I'd recommend it to grades: 8 and up

I'd recommend it to: anyone in need of a good old-fashioned Christmas romance, fans of non-sappy, laugh-out-loud romances...and Nerdfighters ;)

What I liked most about this book: Let me break it down this way. John Green's is my favorite (of course), but I liked the other two too. Maureen Johnson's story gets the medal for best character (Jubilee), John's wins for cutest couple, and Lauren Myracle's story gets the cutest teacup pig award. Overall, it's the perfect blend of laugh-out-loud humor and not-too-sappy-sweet romance.

Single favorite moment (without getting spoiler-y): As someone who grew up in the Deep South, currently lives in North Carolina, and is terrible at driving in the snow, I got more than a giggle out of the scene where Tobin, JP, and The Duke are trying to get the car up the snow-covered hill and out of the neighborhood.

Star rating (where 5 stars is awesome and 0 stars is atrocious): 4 stars
(the gold kind that go on top of Christmas trees!)*

*Individually, I'd rank the novellas this way: John Green - 5 stars, Maureen Johnson - 5 stars, Lauren Myracle - 3 stars
 

Northanger Abbey by Jane Austen, adapted by Nancy Butler

Title: Northanger Abbey
Author: Jane Austen (adapted by Nancy Butler)
Pages: 112
Publisher: Marvel
ISBN: 9780785164401
Publication Date: September 19, 2012
AR Levels: TBD
Goodreads Link: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/12828567-northanger-abbey

In a nutshell: Catherine Morland lives a life of adventure but only vicariously through her cherished gothic novels, so when she gets a chance to go to Bath to accompany some wealthy family friends, she jumps at the hope of a real adventure of her own. Adventure does indeed find Catherine, and the biggest adventures come in the form of Henry Tilney, a charming young clergyman, and John and Isabella Thorpe, a brother and sister pair who take a quick liking to Catherine. Can sweet, imaginative Catherine push past her childish naivete, find her way in the world, and maybe fall in love along the way? Austen's most satirical (and I'd say funniest), novel is beautifully illustrated in this graphic novel adaptation.

I'd recommend it for grades: 8 and up

I'd recommend it to: Jane Austen fans, romance fans, and graphic novel fans

What I liked most about this book: I've mentioned before how much I love graphic novels, but this is a particularly good example of how a beloved classic can easily and artfully translate to graphic format. This is sure to introduce new generations to Austen. It's my second favorite Austen Marvel adaptation (Pride and Prejudice still holds the top spot.).

Single favorite moment (without getting spoiler-y): Catherine's gothic romance notions get the best of her, and she goes exploring in the Abbey and happens upon a mysterious paper, which turns out to be...a packing list. I love that Jane really pumps up the comedy in this novel. Catherine's overactive imagination is hilarious at times.

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

Island Eyes, Island Skies by Richard Levine

Title: Island Eyes, Island Skies
Author: Richard Levine
Pages: 268
Publisher: Feathered Tale Books
ISBN: 9780982926901
Publication Date: January 5, 2011
AR Levels: TBD
Goodreads Link: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13824887-island-eyes-island-skies

In a nutshell: Rob and D.C. are just two normal teens who meet at a party and find that spark between them, but when family tragedy strikes each of them separately, their flame is cut short. Fortunately, Rob and D.C. get a second chance at love and help each other process their grief.

I'd recommend it to grades: 6th and up

I'd recommend it to: younger teens and tweens struggling through first love and/or tragedy

What I liked most about this book: I enjoyed hearing this story told from the perspectives of both Rob and D.C. It's interesting to see what's going on in their heads while experiencing the same events. It makes their characters easy for tweens to relate to as well.

Single favorite moment (without getting spoiler-y): The dance/party scene in the beginning rings so true for awkward tween gatherings. It's both funny and painful to read!

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

*I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.

This Is What Happy Looks Like by Jennifer E. Smith

Title: This Is What Happy Looks Like
Author: Jennifer E. Smith
Pages: 416
Publisher: Poppy
ISBN: 9780316212823
Publication Date: April 2, 2013
AR Levels: TBD
Goodreads Link: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/15790873-this-is-what-happy-looks-like

In a nutshell: When movie heartthrob Graham Larkin accidentally emails small-town girl Ellie O'Neill, they strike up a friendship, but each of them has secrets to keep. Ellie doesn't know that she's chatting with a movie star, and she has no clue that Graham's arranged to film his next movie in her hometown in Maine in order to meet her. Graham has no idea that Ellie is hiding a huge secret about her identity too. It's a charming tale that's part You've Got Mail and part Win a Date with Tad Hamilton.

I'd recommend it for grades: 9 and up

I'd recommend it to: fans of contemporary romance and romantic comedies

What I liked most about this book: I love epistolary novels, and while this one isn't completely written in emails, the one it includes are adorable. The main characters are also instantly loveable, and the plot has a quick and steady pace to it. I enjoyed it, but I still like Smith's The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight better.

Single favorite moment (without getting spoiler-y): All my favorite moments are too spoiler-y, but I will tell you one of my favorite characters is Ellie's beagle, Bagel. Bagel the beagle...how precious is that?

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

The Mark of Athena by Rick Riordan

Title: The Mark of Athena
Author: Rick Riordan
Pages: 608
Publisher: Disney Hyperion
ISBN: 9781423140603
Publication date: October 2, 2012
AR levels: TBA
Goodreads link: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/12127750-the-mark-of-athena

In a nutshell: The Prophecy of the Seven is coming to pass, and it has united Greek demigods Percy, Annabeth, Leo, and Piper with Roman demigods Jason, Frank, and Hazel in a dangerous quest to the Ancient Lands to try to stop Gaea from taking over the world. The newly formed Greek and Roman friendships will be tested, and the seven will have to learn to work together and put aside their pride to save the world and save the gods. To make matters more complicated, a crazed Athena has tasked Annabeth with a age-old perilous solo mission to Rome to follow the Mark of Athena and find a way to avenge her and hopefully bring peace to the Greek and Roman demigods once and for all. Told from the perspectives of Annabeth, Leo, Piper, and Percy, the third novel in the Heroes of Olympus series shines as one of Riordan's best. It's a heart-pumping yet emotional tale that is sure to please fans and leave them wanting more...and soon!

I'd recommend it for grades: 4 and up (I know plenty of adults who love these too, and you could even read these aloud to kids as young as five I think.)

I'd recommend it to: Percy Jackson fans obviously, but also fans of Greek or Roman mythology or kids who enjoy a fast-paced page-turner with a side of romance and a healthy dose of humor

What I liked most about this book: I love that we finally got to hear the point of view of my favorite character, the stormy-eyed anything-but-dumb blonde Annabeth! She rocks it in this one. This is really her story, and boy does she have a tough road ahead of her. Annabeth is quickly becoming my second favorite female YA character of all time. No one will ever come before Hermione Granger, but Annabeth Chase sure does give her a run for her money!

The comic relief in the book comes mostly through Leo Valdez, who is also becoming one of my favorites. This new series has a serious lack of Grover, but Leo is filling that void nicely. He seems to be taking on more of a leadership role as well, and it will be interesting to see how he continues to grow in the last two books.

Single favorite moment (without getting spoiler-y): There's a shout out to the Twilight series that involves a Team Leo t-shirt that made me laugh out loud so hard that I thought my downstairs neighbors might complain. :)

Star rating (where 5 stars is amazing and 0 stars is atrocious): I'd give this 15 stars if I could. This is my new favorite Riordan book. I liked it even more than any of the original Percy Jackson books, and that's saying something.

P.S.: I got to hear Rick Riordan speak in Winston-Salem last week as part of the book tour, and he was INCREDIBLE! He's truly an inspiration to teachers, librarians, kids, and budding authors. My copy of The Mark of Athena is signed, and this makes me very happy. You know what else makes me happy? The fact that his next series is going to be based on Norse mythology, be set in modern times, and will probably involve demigods. Get your giant hammers ready!

The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight by Jennifer E. Smith

When I answered the QOTW this week, I totally forgot about one of my other favorite books set partially in London - The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight. Here's a review of that lovely book.

Title: The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight

Author: Jennifer E. Smith

Pages: 236

Publisher: Poppy

ISBN: 9780316122382

Publication Date: January 2, 2012
AR Levels: Interest Level: 9th-12th, Book Level: 6.1, Points: 8.0

Goodreads Link: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/10798416-the-statistical-probability-of-love-at-first-sight

In a nutshell: Hadley Sullivan is less than thrilled about having to fly to London for her father's wedding to her new stepmom, whom she hasn't even met, and to make matters worse, she's four minutes late for her flight and is bumped to the next one which will barely get her there in time for the wedding. Fortunately for Hadley, those missed four minutes will end up changing her life because if she hadn't missed her flight, she never would have met swoon-worthy, adorkable Brit boy Oliver, who's traveling home to London for an equally difficult family affair. If you've ever thought there was something terribly romantic about airports and secretly wished you'd meet the love of your life on a routine flight, this is the book for you.

I'd recommend it for grades: 8 to 12+ (This may be a romance, but it gets pretty deep/philosophical about life in general too, and some younger middle schoolers may just find that boring. Some may love it though!)

I'd recommend it for: fans of sweet non-sappy romances, people who like to travel, and fans of Stephanie Perkins' books (Anna and the French Kiss and Lola and the Boy Next Door) and the movies Serendipity and When Harry Met Sally.

What I liked most about this book: The characters are so realistic and multifaceted. It's incredible how quickly you fall in love with them yourself as the reader. This book also has some really laugh-out-loud funny parts too! Plus, it occurs over a 24-hour period, so it almost feels like it's real time and that you're right there in the thick of the action. Finally, the language and writing style are GORGEOUS!

Single favorite moment (without getting spoiler-y): Oh, I can't pick! Anything and everything they talk about on the plane is fabulously Nora-Ephron-like and wonderful. Please, please, please make this into a movie! Too bad Nora herself can't do it.

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

Scones and Sensibility by Lindsay Eland

Title: Scones and Sensibility

Author: Lindsay Eland

Pages: 256

Publisher: Egmont USA

ISBN: 9781606840252

Publication Date: December 22, 2009
AR Levels: Interest Level: 4th-8th, Book Level: 5.5, Points: 9.0

Goodreads Link: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6390352-scones-and-sensibility

In a nutshell: New Jersey girl Polly Madassa is a young lady with a classic soul. Her life is a chain of daydreams about Pride and Prejudice and Anne of Green Gables, and she's determined to spread her romantic notions wherever she goes, even adopting an Austen-like way of speaking with big, lofty words. Polly has a summer job delivering sweets from her parents' bakery, but she decides to make a few extra stops in an effort to kindle some new romances for her friends and neighbors with the help of some delicious scones. Unfortunately for Polly, matchmaking turns out to be harder than it looks. Maybe she should've read Emma.

I'd recommend it for grades: 3 to 6

I'd recommend it to: girls who love Jane Austen or sweet, tame romances

What I liked most about this book: Polly speaks in Austen-speak with fancy words and with a lofty air, and it's hilarious. She's like a little mini Emma Woodhouse.

Single favorite moment (without getting spoiler-y): Polly attempts to make raspberry cordial like Anne Shirley in Anne of Green Gables, and she nearly burns down the bakery. So funny!

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