A New Hope: The Princess, the Scoundrel, and the Farm Boy by Alexandra Bracken

Title: A New Hope: The Princess, the Scoundrel, and the Farm Boy
Author: Alexandra Bracken
Number of CDs (I listened to the audiobook, and you should too!): 5
Publisher: Listening Library and Disney Lucasfilm
ISBN: 9781101891971
Publication Date: September 22, 2015
AR Levels: Book Level - 5.7, Interest Level - 4th-8th grades, Points - 7.0
Goodreads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22716524-a-new-hope

In a nutshell: A long time ago, in a galaxy, far, far away...yeah, you know what this is about. Do I really need to summarize it? Okay, fine. This is the tale of a girl and two guys. The girl is trying to save the galaxy from an evil regime, one guy is pirating his way through the stars and accidentally winds up aiding a rebellion, and the other guy is discovering that his destiny lies far beyond his desert home planet. When these three characters' tales intersect, the galaxy will never be the same again. *cue John Williams music*

I'd recommend it to grades: 3 and up (Let's be honest...all ages will love this.)

I'd recommend it to: Star Wars fans (obviously), adventure junkies, and those who like character-driven novels with plenty of action splashed in

What I liked most about this book: First off...I listened to the audiobook of this, and I'm so glad I did. I think I would have enjoyed the book, but the Star Wars music and sound effects and incredible voice talents on this are AMAZING! Huge props to Marc Thompson and Rebecca Soler. As for the content, I loved the insight you get into each of these three main characters. Like many people, I've been a ginormous Star Wars fan for longer than I can remember, and I thought I knew these characters pretty well. However, this delved even more into the minds of Leia, Han, and Luke. You hear Leia's inner struggle to prove herself to the Senate and the Rebellion and mourn with her after she loses her home planet, you laugh at Han's inner playboy yet realize that he's more than just a smug smuggler, and you follow Luke's journey from naive moisture farmer to confident and selfless Rebellion pilot and Jedi-in-training. Plus, much of the dialogue is straight from the movie! I may or may not have quoted it along with the book as I listened to it. Yeah, I definitely did. ;) I laughed, I teared up (Yes, in the car! Haha!), I nerded out, and I applauded Alexandra Bracken for writing a worthy Star Wars retelling that lives up to the original. Brava, Ms. Bracken, brava!

Single favorite moment (without getting spoiler-y): I'm not sure it's even possible to give Star Wars spoilers. I mean, unless you've been living under a rock or are under a year old or something (In which case, I doubt you're reading this review. You'd be super genius smart!), you've heard or seen this tale in one way or another. If you haven't, then this is the perfect time to start, but I digress. It's hard to pick a favorite moment in this because it's all so fantastic, but the trash compacter scene is probably at the top of my list. Our three heroes are in danger of being flattened alive in a giant garbage disposal, and you really get to see how each reacts under pressure and how they interact with each other. Plus, trash monster!

Star rating (where 5 stars is awesome and 0 stars is atrocious): All the stars in a galaxy far, far away! (plus 3 stars for the second book, The Empire Strikes Back: So You Want to Be a Jedi? by Adam Gidwitz, and 5 stars for the third book, Return of the Jedi: Beware the Power of the Dark Side! by Tom Angleberger)

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.

Smells Like Dog by Suzanne Selfors

Title: Smells Like Dog
Author: Suzanne Selfors
Pages: 368
Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
Publication Date: May 1, 2010
AR Levels: Book Level - 4.3, Interest Level - 4th-8th, Points: 10.0
Goodreads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/7153986-smells-like-dog?ac=1

In a nutshell: When aspiring treasure hunter Homer Pudding receives the news that his uncle has met an untimely death, he's completely distraught, but when he discovers he's been left his uncle's most prized possession, a droopy basset hound with a mysterious coin on his collar, Homer realizes this may be his ticket to finally leave his family's goat farm and follow in his uncle's footsteps as a treasure hunter.

I'd recommend it to grades: 3 to 7

I'd recommend it to: fans of The Mysterious Benedict Society series and the Pseudonymous Bosch series and dog lovers

What I like most about this book: Aside from the obvious fact that it's a dog book (and the author even assures you up front that the dog won't die...yay!), I also loved the supporting cast in this one. There's a giant lady who reminds me of the headmistress of Beauxbatons in Harry Potter, a strange man with a helicopter made of clouds, a spunky homeless girl with pink hair, and a sister who aspires to be the world's greatest taxidermist; it's quite an interesting bunch. The plot is somewhat predictable at times, but there are a few surprise twists too, one of which involves Dog the basset hound, who is quickly becoming one of my favorite canine characters in all of children's lit. I can't wait to read books two and three (Smells Like Pirates and Smells Like Treasure) to see what other sort of trouble this four-legged comedian stirs up. 

Single favorite moment (without getting spoiler-y): The scene where Homer tries to sleep in the same bed with Dog is all too familiar. I know what it's like to have a bed hog dog! Mine's part basset hound too. :)

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

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!

William Shakespeare's Star Wars: Verily, A New Hope by Ian Doescher

Title: William Shakespeare's Star Wars: Verily, A New Hope
Author: Ian Doescher
Pages: 176
Publisher: Quirk Books
ISBN: 9781594746376
Publication Date: July 2, 2013
AR Levels: N/A
Goodreads Link: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17262540-william-shakespeare-s-star-wars

In a nutshell: What if Shakespeare had written Star Wars? You may think this is a silly mash-up, but I assure you it is pure genius! This one details the events of Episode IV: A New Hope, and I sure hope there are more to come! (I'd go to a theatrical performance of this too!)

I'd recommend it for grades: 6th and up. This book's actually written for adults, but it's clean enough content-wise that even middle schoolers will love it! It may be tough for younger readers to understand the Shakespearean language, but it might also be a gateway to Shakespeare since many of them know the plot of Star Wars already.

I'd recommend it to: Shakespeare fans and Star Wars fans of course

What I liked most about this book: This is every bit as awesome as I'd hoped! Not only do you get some laughable Shakespearean interpretations of classic Star Wars lines, but you also get even more character development through the soliloquies (especially with Han...who is also my favorite). Perhaps the best part is that we finally get to hear R2's voice (only in asides...but still!)!!! You'll find many borrowed and adapted lines from many of Shakespeare's plays, including a pep talk from Luke to the rebels beginning, "Friends, rebels, starfighters, lend me your ears" (Julius Caesar) and a Hamlet-like reflection ("Alas, poor stormtrooper, I knew ye not."). If you like Star Wars and Shakespeare, you'll kick yourself if you don't read this.

Single favorite moment (without getting spoiler-y): This line Han delivers after the shoot-out with Greedo: "And whether I shot first, I'll ne'er confess." Love it.

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

The Name of This Book Is Secret by Pseudonymous Bosch

Title: The Name of This Book Is Secret
Author: Pseudonymous Bosch
Pages: 364
Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
ISBN: 9780316113663
Publication Date: October 1, 2007
AR Levels: Book Level - 5.6; Interest Level - 4th-8th grades; Points: 9.0
Goodreads Link: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1099301.The_Name_of_This_Book_Is_Secret

In a nutshell: When two curious 11 year-olds come across a strange box full of vials with various smells and a coded notebook hidden in an underground house, they embark on an adventure to find a long-lost person, to save a classmate, and to possibly prevent unspeakable horrors from being unleashed on the world. Follow Cass and Max-Ernest on this riddle-filled thrill ride that's sure to make you laugh and exercise your brain.

I'd recommend it for grades: 5 to 8

I'd recommend it to: fans of The Mysterious Benedict Society or Adam Gidwitz's Grimm series, mystery lovers, anyone who enjoys a good riddle, Neil Gaiman fans, and Blue Balliett fans

What I liked most about this book: Told by an interactive and hilarious narrator who is constantly asking if you, as the reader, should really continue considering how dangerous he has deemed it, this book seems to be an excellent read-aloud for a 5th grade classroom. It's equally funny and clever although easier to solve and follow than Balliett's books and The Mysterious Benedict Society series. I also enjoyed the footnotes and appendix with additional information (including historical facts, magic tricks, science experiments, and more). There's something in this book for everyone, and I can't wait to read the other four books in the series!

Single favorite moment (without getting spoiler-y): I think I can safely tell you that at one point Cass and Max-Ernest find themselves in a library full of fancy old books, which the narrator describes as "a treasure trove of books, hoarded by pirate librarians." Be still my librarian heart. Also, there is a blind basset hound in this book named Sebastian, and you know how much I love basset hounds. :)

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

Mary Poppins by P.L. Travers

Title: Mary Poppins
Author: P.L. Travers
Pages: 224
Publisher: HMH Books for Young Readers
ISBN: 9780152058104
Publication Date: this edition published June 1, 2006 (originally published in 1934)
AR Levels: Book Level - 6.1, Interest Level - 4th-8th grades, Points: 6.0
Goodreads Link: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/152380.Mary_Poppins

In a nutshell: When the Banks family loses a nanny, another one drops out of the sky, onto their doorstep, and into their lives. But Mary Poppins is no ordinary nanny, and life will never be the same at 17 Cherry Tree Lane...at least not until the West Wind comes.

I'd recommend it for grades: 3 to 5

I'd recommend it to: fans of the movie (obviously), Narnia fans, those who like books set in our world but with a dash of magic, and anyone who likes sassy nannies :)

What I liked most about this book: I'm always hesitant when people ask me what my favorite movie is, but I can say with confidence that Mary Poppins is one of my absolute favorite children's movies. Mary Poppins was my role model as a child. If I'm honest, I think she still is, and so that's why it's odd that I had never read this series. I think I may have been afraid it would ruin the movie for me, but it didn't! *sigh of relief* While this book isn't "practically perfect in every way," I did enjoy it. The prose is delightful and would make for a great read-aloud. Travers' Mary Poppins is a bit sassier (and a teeny bit colder) than Julie Andrews' portrayal, but she's just as charming, and I still love her. I can't wait to read the rest of the books before Saving Mr. Banks comes out in December (I CANNOT WAIT!!!)

Single favorite moment (without getting spoiler-y): I don't want to give away too much, but let's just say the relationship between Mary Poppins and Bert is absolutely adorable even more so than in the movie, and my favorite part happens when they go into his chalk painting. (I also had a crush on Dick Van Dyke as a girl.) ;)

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

As Easy as Falling Off the Face of the Earth by Lynne Rae Perkins

I'll admit that I was browsing through the bookstore and picked this one up because the cover looked interesting.  I guess sometimes you can judge a book by its cover.  AEAFOTFOTE (the title is even long when abbreviated!) started off slow and seemed like it was going to be utterly boring, but it turned out to be a great book.  To be honest, it's not for everyone--it's not an action-packed adventure or vampire romance or middle school collective of awkward moments and fart jokes.  This book is more of a comedy of errors in which everything that can go wrong can go wrong; the cast of characters is a quirky band of misfits that helps the main character find his way back home.  

Title:  As Easy as Falling Off the Face of the Earth

Author:  Lynne Rae Perkins

Pages: 368

Publisher:  Greenwillow Books

ISBN:  9780061870903

Publication Date:  April 27, 2010
AR Levels:  Interest Level--6th+; Book Level--5.0; Points--9.0

Goodreads Link: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/7045236-as-easy-as-falling-off-the-face-of-the-earth

In a nutshell: Sixteen-year old Ry is making the journey from Wisconsin by train to his summer camp destination on the west coast.  He finds out around Montana that camp is cancelled, and when he leaves the train to make a phone call, the train leaves without him.  After wandering around Montana for a while, he meets Del and they embark on a journey to get him back to Wisconsin and ultimately to find his parents in the Caribbean.  Along the way, they meet a random assortment of people who "help" them reach their destination and learn about themselves.  It's not laugh-out-loud or slapstick funny, but it's funny in its own special way.

I'd recommend it for grades: 7-12+ (adults would love this book, too!)

I'd recommend it to:  anyone who likes a good book about a journey and anyone who appreciates finding the humor in normal life situations.

What I liked most about this book:  It's not very likely that all of these events would happen to one person, but the book doesn't read too far fetched.  I also appreciated that it's not crude or obnoxious.  

Single favorite moment (without getting spoiler-y):  At one point on the journey, Ry and Del catch a ride from an elderly man who doesn't see well or have feeling in his legs; he's a terrible driver who can't see out the window of the car, causing him to drive like Mr. Magoo.

Star rating (where 5 stars is awesome and 0 stars is atrocious): 4 stars.  This would make a great movie.

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