Title: Darth Vader and Son
Author: Jeffrey Brown
Pages: 64
Publisher: Chronicle Books
ISBN: 9781452106557
Publication Date: April 18, 2012
AR Levels: TBD
Goodreads Link: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13163846-darth-vader-and-son
In a nutshell: What if Anakin Skywalker hadn't turned to the Dark Side and instead got to raise his son?* This collection of single-frame comics attempts to answer that question. The zany antics of Darth Vader and Luke are sure to charm you.
I'd recommend it for grades: 2 and up! Even adults will love this one.
I'd recommend it to: Star Wars fans young and old!
What I liked most about this book: What isn't there to love about a humorous Star Wars-inspired graphic novel? Even those who are not huge Star Wars fans will enjoy this one, but for the hardcore fan, there are tons of inside jokes that literally made me laugh out loud.
Single favorite moment (without getting spoiler-y): I won't give away too many of the jokes, but one of my favorites was when Luke tried to hit a baseball with a lightsaber. Not so successful but very funny!
Star rating (where 5 stars is awesome and 0 stars is atrocious): 5 Death Stars ;)
*P.S.: The companion book, Vader's Little Princess, will feature young Princess Leia. It hits shelves April 23, 2013!
I'm a huge fan of verse novels, and they're a great way to introduce yourself to reading more poetry! We were very kindly asked to participate in VerseDay 2013, a year-long celebration of all things poetry! VerseDay is sponsored by Gabrielle Prendergast over at VerseNovels.com. If you'd like to participate or learn more about VerseDay2013, check out the VerseDay page. Without further ado, here's my review of a fantastic verse novel that won the National Book Award and was a Newbery Honor Book as well. Enjoy!
Title: Inside Out & Back Again
Author: Thanhha Lai
Pages: 272
Publisher: HarperCollins
ISBN: 9780061962783
Publication Date: February 22, 2011
AR Levels: Book Level: 4.8; Interest Level: 4th-6th grades; Points: 2.0
Goodreads Link: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/8537327-inside-out-back-again
In a nutshell: Ha lives in Saigon at the end of the Vietnam War. She leads a simple life that she loves even in the midst of a war-torn nation, but the Communists are coming to take her city, and she and her mother and three brothers must board a ship and flee to America. After weeks on a ship and in a camp in Guam, her family is sponsored by a man from Alabama to start a new life in the Deep South, which feels like a whole other world.
I'd recommend it for grades: 3rd to 6th
I'd recommend it to: historical fiction lovers, poetry fans, and anyone who's ever felt out of place or longed for home
What I liked most about this book: The language and writing style are so believably age-appropriate and yet beautiful and wise beyond her years. It's mostly based on the author's own life, so it has that added authenticity to it. This is another one of those books that just the right amount of sadness and humor. Also, I don't comment much on book covers on our blog, but this one cannot go unnoticed. Is that gorgeous or what?!
Single favorite moment (without getting spoiler-y): Ha has a somewhat difficult time learning English because there are so many exceptions to the rules, and she gets frustrated. She learns that to make something plural, you add an "s" or "es" to it, and so she feels like a snake always hissing English words. As we all know though, there are so many exceptions to that rule, and this annoys her. She comments, "Whoever invented English should be bitten by a snake." Such poetic justice haha. There's also a hilarious part where her family eats fried chicken for the first time! You'll have to read that to see for yourself. ;)
Star rating (where 5 stars is awesome and 0 stars is atrocious): 5 stars!
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.
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.
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
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
Title: The Diviners
Author: Libba Bray
Pages: 592
Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
ISBN: 9780316126113
Publication Date: September 18, 2012
AR Levels: Interest Level: 9th-12th grades; Book Level: 4.8; Points: 23.0
Goodreads Link: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/7728889-the-diviners
In a nutshell: When her parents insist she leave her dull hometown and live with her Uncle Will in New York City until the drama dies down from her latest embarrassing act, flapper Evie O'Neill is beyond thrilled. Nevermind the fact that her uncle is the curator for a creepy museum of all things occult and paranormal; she's living the high life - befriending a Ziegfield girl, getting caught in speakeasies, and showing off her unique gift for divination. But something evil is brewing in Manhattan, and it goes by the name of Naughty John. Before she knows it, Evie is swept up in a string of occult murder investigations, and she might be the only one who can stop them.
I'd recommend it for grades: 10 and up (The murders are grisly, and there's some strong language too.) *Adults will love this book too!
I'd recommend it to: anyone who likes books set in the 20s or enjoys a dose of the paranormal with their murder mysteries
What I liked most about this book: The characters in this book are incredible. Evie is clever and hilarious and yet definitely flawed too. Plus, she wears AMAZING clothes. Some of my favorite parts in the book are the descriptions of the clothes. ;) Don't let that fool you though! This is not a girly book! The guys in the book are wonderful too. There's a handsome and flirty pickpocket, a brooding and intelligent museum assistant, and a jazz-loving, older-brother-type bookie. Their various stories weave in and out seamlessly, and by the end you just love them all! Even the minor characters make a huge impact whether they're spread throughout the book or only in one chapter. You connect with each character right away.
Single favorite moment (without getting spoiler-y): The scene where Evie and her friends visit a speakeasy that gets raided has such a chaotic Keystone Cops feel. The language and description are so vivid that you feel you should be running for cover too! I was so transported that I could see that bar in my head. Fabulous writing!
Star rating (where 5 stars is awesome and 0 stars is atrocious): 5 stars!
Like Stefanie, I really found some great books in 2012. Several of these were written before 2012, but I was late to the game in finding them and reading them. It's going to be hard for 2013 to top some of these. For more info about them, click on the title or the picture to get to the Goodread's profile for each.
1. Where Things Come Back by John Corey Whaley. Absolutely loved this one and enjoyed getting to meet and talk with John at the Louisiana Book Festival back in October.
2. The Hero's Guide to Saving Your Kingdom by Christopher Healey. I've since passed this one on to my co-workers, who have admitted to reading this one aloud with gusto to their classes and to each other.
4. The Name of the Star by Maureen Johnson. This one combines some of my favorite things: London, mystery, and people from Louisiana.
5. Deadline by Chris Crutcher. This book makes anger management look fun.
9. Playground by 50 Cent. This was originally a guilty pleasure that turned into a good read.
10. Cracked by K.M. Walton. This one manages to be gritty and Hallmark-y at the same time.
There you have it...
Happy New Year, fellow readers! In the spirit of remembrance of another year gone by, I thought I'd share with you my Top 10 favorite teen/tween books of 2012 (that I read this year...not necessarily released this year). Some of these I have reviewed here already, and some I have not. If you want more info on these titles, click on the title or the cover image to go to the Goodreads link. Here's to these excellent books and here's to more great literature in 2013! Happy reading! :)
In no particular order...
1. My Sister Lives on the Mantelpiece by Annabel Pitcher
2. Liar & Spy by Rebecca Stead
3. The Fault in Our Stars by John Green
4. The Mark of Athena by Rick Riordan
5. Tiger Lily by Jodi Lynn Anderson
6. Countdown by Deborah Wiles
7. Divergent and Insurgent by Veronica Roth (taking the liberty to count these as one)
8. Wonder by R.J. Palacio
9. The Watch that Ends the Night by Allan Wolf
10. Code Name Verity by Elizabeth Wein
