A Little in Love by Susan Fletcher

Title: A Little in Love 
Author: Susan Fletcher
Pages: 288
Publisher: Chicken House
ISBN: 9780545829601
Publication Date: August 25, 2015*
AR Levels: TBD
Goodreads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/24612579-a-little-in-love

In a nutshell: One of Les Miserables' most endearing characters tells you her side of this epic classic, and it's a quiet but powerfully emotional one. See the world through the eyes of Eponine.

I'd recommend this book to grades: 8 and up

I'd recommend this book to: fans of Les Miserables (book, musical, or movies), high school English teachers, and historical fiction lovers

What I liked most about this book: Oh, y'all...this book will warm your heart and also break it into little pieces. I've been waiting for something like this since I first became familiar with Les Miserables (I'm more familiar with the musical and movies than the book.). Eponine is by far my favorite character, and this little book tells her story beautifully. It's a tale about how a little girl who was never loved learns what love looks like and learns to love herself. Even if you're completely unfamiliar with the story of Les Mis, you might find yourself relating to Eponine's search for love anyway. There are plenty of universal themes woven into this sweet, heartbreaking, and heroic tale of unrequited love and friendship. And just look at that cover! She's begging to be loved. Quite clever and beautiful. Read it on a rainy day while listening to the Les Mis soundtrack. Now where is the Enjolras book?

Single favorite moment (without getting spoiler-y): "Even the dirtiest things can be lovely, underneath." -Eponine to Marius. This book is full of thought-provoking gems like that, and the writing style is gorgeous.

Star rating (where 5 stars is awesome and 0 stars is atrocious): 5 stars...This I swear by the staaaaaars!!! (You didn't think I'd get all the way through this post without at least one musical reference, did you?) ;)

*Thanks to Edelweiss and the publisher for a digital ARC.

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.)

Jackaby by William Ritter

Title: Jackaby
Author: William Ritter
Pages: 304
Publisher: Algonquin Books of Chapel Hill
ISBN: 9781616203535
Publication Date: September 16th, 2014 (I received an ARC of this title from the publisher via Edelweiss.)
AR Levels: TBD
Goodreads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/20312462-jackaby

In a nutshell: When adventurer Abigail Rook answers a job posting in the seemingly sleepy town of New Fiddleham in New England, she's introduced to Mr. R.F. Jackaby, a man who uses his special gift and his incredible intellect to solve crimes with a touch of the paranormal. Can Abigail and Jackaby solve a string of vicious murders before their own lives are put in danger?

I'd recommend it to grades: 7 and up (for the gory crime scenes)

I'd recommend it to: fans of Doctor Who and Sherlock and historical fiction and horror readers

What I liked most about this book: The characters in this one are exquisite. The entire time I was reading this, I kept picturing Johnny Depp as Jackaby, and it was cracking me up. He's the perfect blend of quirky and genius. There are times where his smarts blow your mind, and in the next instant, he's making you smirk with his sarcasm or awkwardness. Abigail holds her own as the narrator too. She's whip smart herself, and her personality compliments Jackaby well. There's not really much of a romantic chemistry between them, and I'm okay with that...for now anyway. ;) I hope this will be a series because they have plenty of room to grow their friendship and solve more paranormal cases. 

Single favorite moment (without getting spoiler-y): Jackaby makes breakfast in a mad scientist kind of way, confusing gunpowder for paprika and exploding some eggs in the process. Hilarious.

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

The Queen of Hearts: The Crown by Colleen Oakes

Title: Queen of Hearts: The Crown (Volume One)
Author: Colleen Oakes
Pages: 205
Publisher: SparkPress
Publication Date: February 14, 2014
AR Levels: TBD
Goodreads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/20410977-queen-of-hearts

In a nutshell: Princess Dinah of Wonderland is destined to be the Queen of Hearts, but her road to the throne is shaping up to be a rocky one. Her father, the King of Hearts, is truly evil, and it's unclear whether his attitude toward her is disappointment or pure hate, and when he reveals a sinister part of his past, their relationship will become even more hurtful and complicated. The bright spot in Dinah's life is her childhood friend, Wardley, a stable boy studying to be the Knave of Hearts. He's always been her most trusted confidant, and now Dinah longs for him to be more than her friend. In a crazy, mixed-up world that threatens to break her, Dinah must decide what kind of ruler she will be one day...and what kind of woman. Will this princess become a villain, will villainy be thrust upon her, or will she rise above it?

I'd recommend it to grades: 10 and up

I'd recommend it to: students who are looking for a more mature Wonderland story and fans of Once Upon a Time and Once Upon a Time in Wonderland (Dinah reminds me a lot of Regina.)

What I liked most about this book: A dark and painful view of Wonderland is brewing in this first book of a trilogy, and while the main character definitely has her flaws, you can't help but root for her and hope that she won't end up being who we all know she is in the end. Wonderland has always been a twisted place, but this takes its insanity to a ruthless yet mesmerizing new place. I think I know where the story is going next, but I'm interested in seeing if I'm right.

Single favorite moment (without getting spoiler-y): In a land that's drearier than any other version of Wonderland I've ever read, the scene where Dinah is walking through the pink snow to the stables is a beautiful respite. It's an important reminder that there is beauty in this painful life she leads, and in that moment, she chooses to see it.

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

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

Jane, the Fox & Me by Fanny Britt

Title: Jane, the Fox & Me
Author: Fanny Britt (translated by Christine Morelli and illustrated by Isabelle Arsenault)
Pages: 104
Publisher: Groundwood Books
Publication Date: September 1, 2013
AR Levels: Book Level - 4.1, Interest Level - K to 3rd (although I disagree), Points - 0.5
Goodreads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17214302-jane-the-fox-and-me

In a nutshell: When Helene's friends turn their backs on her and begin to ruthlessly make fun of her, she escapes into Jane Eyre and finds hope and solace in its tale of an outcast like herself.

I'd recommend it for grades: 3 to 7

I'd recommend it to: tween girls, anyone who's ever used literature as an escape, and anyone who's ever felt like an outcast

What I liked most about this book: It's hard to find a book that deals with bullying, low self-esteem, and weight issues that's realistic and doesn't shy away from the issues while still being uplifting in a creative way. From page one, I could relate to Helene, and I enjoyed this immensely. The use of black and white and color is genius. In Helene's world, everything is black and white, and everything in Jane's world is in color, but as Helene begins to come out of her fog, color begins to bleed into her world, ushered in by a new friendship. It's beautiful.

Single favorite moment (without getting spoiler-y): In one scene, Helene goes swimsuit shopping with her mother and sees herself as a sausage in a cute suit; the illustration is of a personified sausage in a bathing suit and not of Helene looking plump in any way, and by illustrating it that way, it shows what Helene is seeing and not what's really reflected in the mirror. It's an incredibly realistic scene that I completely related to, and I'm sure many other girls will too.

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

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 

For Darkness Shows the Stars by Diana Peterfreund

Title: For Darkness Shows the Stars
Author: Diana Peterfreund
Pages: 402
Publisher: Balzer + Bray
ISBN: 9780062006141
Publication Date: June 12, 2012
AR Levels: Book Level - 5.4, Interest Level - 6th and up, Points: 14.0
Goodreads Link: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/8306761-for-darkness-shows-the-stars

In a nutshell: Four years ago, Elliot North gave up her chance at love and freedom when she refused to run away with her childhood sweetheart, Kai, a servant on her family's crumbling estate. Now, Kai's come back into her life, and he's made quite a life for himself as an explorer, renaming himself Captain Malakai Wentforth. Unfortunately for Elliot, all hopes of rekindling their romance is dashed when Captain Wentforth makes it clear that he still harbors anger and resentment toward her, but maybe all is not as Elliot sees. Can Elliot save her family's estate from ruin, protect all the servants she's known and loved her whole life, and find a way to heal her broken heart when the source of her pain is living in her grandfather's home just down the road? Based loosely on Jane Austen's Persuasion, this novel asks thought-provoking questions about love, honor, duty, envy, pride, second chances, forgiveness, technology, and class in a post-apocalyptic setting.

I'd recommend it for grades: 7th and up (quite clean for a teen romance)

I'd recommend it to: Jane Austen fans, tween girls wanting to ease into teen romances, Hunger Games fans (something about Eliot and Kai reminds me of Katniss and Gale), and fans of the Lunar Chronicles

What I liked most about this book: As a huge Jane Austen fan, I'm a little embarrassed to say that I only read Persuasion just a few days before this book, but I loved it. After finishing it, I did wish I could have seen more of what Anne Elliot and Captain Wentworth's relationship had been like before she refused him. This book does a great job of filling in those gaps in Kai and Elliot's relationship prior to the action of the book by interspersing letters they wrote back and forth throughout their childhood. It's sweet and heartbreaking all at the same time, but it helps you see just how much they lost when they separated.


Single favorite moment (without getting spoiler-y): This book may appear on the surface to be just another teen romance, but there are some deep thoughts lurking just below the surface, such as this gem: "Envy hurt exponentially more than heartbreak because your soul was torn in two, half soaring with happiness for another person, half mired in a well of self-pity and pain." I think Jane Austen would be proud of this ambitious retelling with nuggets of truth like that.

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

Wonkenstein: The Creature from My Closet by Obert Skye

Title: Wonkenstein: The Creature from My Closet
Author: Obert Skye
Pages: 240
Publisher: Henry Holt and Co.
ISBN: 9780805092684
Publication Date: September 27, 2011
AR Levels: Interest Level: 4th-6th grades; Book Level: 5.3; Points: 3.0
Goodreads Link: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/10351610-the-creature-from-my-closet

In a nutshell: Rob has never been much of a reader, so when his mom continues to try to give him books to read, he just throws them in his closet and doesn't think about them twice. That is until one day a strange creature emerges from his closet that's part Willy Wonka and part Frankenstein's monster, and Rob's life will never be the same.

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

I'd recommend it to: fans of the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series (There are funny comics interspersed throughout the book.) and boys who may possibly have things living in their closets too

What I liked most about this book: This book is perfect for reluctant readers...particularly boys. In fact, the narrator himself is a reluctant reader who, through the course of the book and because of all the craziness, begins to take up reading...and likes it!

Single favorite moment (without getting spoiler-y): There are so many funny moments in this one that it's hard to pick one, but I love when Rob is having trouble falling asleep, so he remembers his dad's old adage to count fried chickens (not sheep) so that you'll be hungry when you wake up and therefore be prepared to tackle a new day. *Insert drawing of leaping, numbered fried chickens* Hilarious!

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

Tiger Lily by Jodi Lynn Anderson

Title: Tiger Lily
Author: Jodi Lynn Anderson
Pages: 292
Publisher: Harper Teen
ISBN: 9780062003256
Publication Date: July 3, 2012
AR Levels: Interest Level: 9th-12th, Book Level: 5.7, Points: 10.0
Goodreads link: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/12924326-tiger-lily 

In a nutshell: Before Peter gave Wendy a thimble, he loved a strong, exotic native girl named Tiger Lily, but this is the tale of three girls who loved Peter Pan - an English girl, the daughter of a medicine man, and a spunky fairy. Narrated by Tinker Bell, this entrancing love rectangle is beautifully written and is sure to leave you spellbound.

I'd recommend it for grades: 9 to 12

I'd recommend it to: fans of Peter Pan and romance lovers

What I liked most about this book: Besides the fact that the writing is just gorgeous, it's incredible to see a fresh interpretation of Neverland. All your favorite characters are here - Captain Hook, Smee, the Lost Boys, the mermaids, and of course Peter, Wendy, Tiger Lily, and Tinker Bell, and there are some delightful new characters too. One of my favorites is Pine Sap, a bookish native boy who's in love with Tiger Lily. Anderson takes some liberties with the original, but I loved the idea that you stop aging when the most significant moment of your life happens. Also, while you would think that having a "jealous" Tinker Bell narrate the love story of Peter Pan and Tiger Lily would be petty and rude, Tinker Bell and Tiger Lily actually have an incredibly authentic and loyal friendship that's every bit as heartwarming as the romance in the book.

Single favorite moment (without getting spoiler-y): I can't give away too much, but the book puts a spin on how the crocodile ended up with the clock, and it has nothing to do with Captain Hook. That scene is one of the turning points of the novel and one of the most heartbreaking ones too. I teared up a bit.

Star rating (where 5 stars is awesome and 0 stars is atrocious): I'd give it 6 stars if I could.

Scarlet by A.C. Gaughen

Title: Scarlet

Author: A.C. Gaughen

Pages: 292

Publisher: Walker Children's

ISBN: 9780802723468

Publication Date: February 14, 2012
AR Levels: Interest Level: 9th-12th, Book Level: 4.4, Points: 10.0

Goodreads Link: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/11983940-scarlet

In a nutshell: Everyone thinks they know the story of Robin Hood and his Merry Men who rob from the rich and give to the poor, right? You've got Little John, Friar Tuck, loveable ol' Much, and spunky little Will Scarlet. Except this time one of Robin's Merry Men isn't a man. Unbeknownst to anyone but the gang, Will Scarlet is *gasp* a GIRL! And a mighty kick-butt girl she is! The boys call her Scar for short, and she's no damsel in distress but rather a knife-throwing beauty hiding from her dark past and trying to make amends for her former life. While Scarlet's trying to find her place in the gang, she's also struggling with feelings for two of her band mates and plotting how to elude the evil thief hunter Sir Guy of Gisbourne who's been hired by the Sheriff of Nottingham to find and kill Robin and the gang, and to make matters worse, she's met Gisbourne before, and if he recognizes her, her life is over. Full of angst-y romance, gasp-inducing plot twists, and heart-pounding fight scenes, this book is sure to delight guys and gals alike. Personally, I'm really hoping she'll write a sequel because I need more!

I'd recommend it for grades: 8-12+ for some mildly sensual scenes (very mild) and PG13 language

I'd recommend it to: anyone who likes a good adventure or who has a thing for Robin Hood (um...guilty!)

What I liked most about this book: Scarlet is an excellent heroine. She starts out pretty unsure of herself but not in a Bella Swan way because, hello, she throws knives and never pouts, but her character develops immensely throughout the book while still maintaining a healthy and admirable humility. Plus, she makes other characters better, and if that's not the mark of a true heroine, I don't know what is. Also, the love triangle is awesome. I can't give away too much, but let's just say I'm definitely Team Robin. You saw that coming, right?

Single favorite moment (without getting spoiler-y): This is hard to say because almost everything would be spoiler-y, but I think I can safely say that Robin Hood has a few white-knight moments where he rides in and saves the day, and my favorite involves him saving Scarlet from a burning building. TOTALLY swoon-worthy. Honorable mention goes to the giant (yet somewhat predictable) plot twist at the end. I saw it coming from a mile away, but it was still AMAZING and quite clever on the part of the author.

Star rating (where five stars is awesome and 0 stars is atrocious): a solid 4 stars