Title: Perfect Ruin
Author: Lauren DeStefano
Pages: 356
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
Publication Date: October 1, 2013
AR Levels: Book Level - 4.9, Interest Level - 6th and up, Points - 13.0
Goodreads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17339241-perfect-ruin
In a nutshell: Morgan lives on Internment, a floating city that seems perfect, but when a girl turns up murdered, she finds herself wondering if there's a better world out there. Yet, even contemplating such things could brand her a traitor in a place where change is frowned upon and leaving is impossible.
I'd recommend it to grades: 8 and up
I'd recommend it to: fans of The Giver, The Hunger Games, the Matched series, the Lunar Chronicles, and the Delirium series
What I liked most about this book: This
is a sci-fi fairytale in which everything is beautifully dark - the characters, the plot, the language,
THE GORGEOUS COVER! It nods to The Giver and other recent books
featuring strictly planned societies, but it's fresh enough that it's
not a copy. It's this wonderful roller coaster of light airiness and
dark underbelly, and I loved it. Give me book 2! ;)
Single favorite moment (without getting spoiler-y): On Internment, marriages are planned before babies are even born, and young children are given clear betrothal bands to wear on necklaces around their necks. When becoming teens, they begin to wear their bands on their hands, and when they get married, they fill their bands with the blood of their spouses, forever bonding them to one another, which is just another telling example of how this book is both beautiful and dark...and creepy in a good way.
Star rating (where 5 stars is awesome and 0 stars is atrocious): 4 stars. I'd have given this 5 stars, but the cliffhanger at the end left me wanting more, and something about the pacing of this one was a bit off. It was rushed in places and slow in others, but overall, it's definitely a page-turner.
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!
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
Title: The Surprise Attack of Jabba the Puppett
Author: Tom Angleberger
Pages: 224
Publisher: Amulet Books
ISBN: 9781419708589
Publication Date: August 6, 2013
AR Levels: Book Level - 4.9, Interest Level - 4th-8th grades, Points: 4.0
Goodreads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17802191-the-surprise-attack-of-jabba-the-puppett
In a nutshell: Things at McQuarrie Middle School have never been worse. After failing to pass their standardized tests the previous school year, the 6th, 7th, and 8th graders must all be subjected to the torturous educational videos known as FunTime, and p.s. all their electives have been cancelled. In order to foil the school board's plot to bore them to tears and ruin their favorite classes, students from all grades come together to form a Rebel Alliance, and it's all hands (and finger puppets) on deck.
I'd recommend it for grades: 4 to 8
I'd recommend it to: Star Wars fans, Diary of a Wimpy Kid fans, and teachers/educators (who will love the central conflict in this one)
What I liked most about this book: This one is definitely my favorite in the series so far because of the sheer volume of new Star Wars origami puppets. Most of the key players in the Alliance have brand-new puppets that will not disappoint you. The surprise plot twist at the end is pretty amazing too. The book does a good job of showing both the students' and teachers'/administrators' perspectives on the standardized testing debate, and in true Origami Yoda style adds a healthy dose of humor into the situation. You'll finish this one wishing you could read the next one immediately.
Single favorite moment (without getting spoiler-y): any of the parts with Padme Origamidala because she has the best Star Wars origami puppet name (and because she's one of my favorite Star Wars characters!)
Star rating (where 5 stars is awesome and 0 stars is atrocious): 5 fully-operational Death Stars ;)
Title: Shadow on the Mountain
Author: Margi Preus
Pages: 304
Publisher: Harry N. Abrams
ISBN: 9781419704246
Publication Date: September 1, 2012
AR Levels: Book Level - 5.0; Interest Level - 6th and up; Points: 8.0
Goodreads Link: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13591179-shadow-on-the-mountain
In a nutshell: Espen (code name Odin) begins his life as a spy in Norway by smuggling illegal newspapers at the age of 14. Follow Espen's ascent to full-fledged teenaged spy over the course of 1940 to 1945 as Norway becomes more and more overpowered by Germany. It's an inspiring tale of bravery and friendship that will chill and thrill you.
I'd recommend it for grades: 5 to 8 (There's only one part that's kind of violent.)
I'd recommend it to: James Bond and Sound of Music fans, spy novel lovers, WWII historical fiction fans
What I liked most about this book: It's
another of those historical fiction books that's about WWII but focuses
on a part of the war that doesn't get as much attention. I
enjoyed it, but something about the speed of the novel was off. Parts
felt rushed, and other parts felt long, and I wasn't thrilled with how
it ended so abruptly. However, I love how evident it was that this has
been heavily researched. The end matter in this book rocks; it includes a
timeline of the German occupation in Norway, pictures of the real man
Espen's character is based on, some spy-related activities, and other
cool stuff.
Single favorite moment (without getting spoiler-y): When they're in their early teens, Espen and his friends build a weapons storage facility that's camouflaged in the mountain. It's a poignant moment when you think about how much life changes in the middle of a war. Most teenage boys build forts in the woods; these boys had to build a place to hide weapons to protect themselves from Nazi soldiers. Chilling.
Star rating (where 5 stars is awesome and 0 stars is atrocious): 3 stars
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
Title: Serafina's Promise
Author: Ann E. Burg
Pages: 304
Publisher: Scholastic
ISBN: 9780545535649
Publication Date: September 24, 2013
AR Levels: TBD
Goodreads Link: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17270515-serafina-s-promise
In a nutshell: Serafina lives in a rural village in Haiti. She longs to go to school so she can pursue her dream of being a doctor. Her family cannot afford to send her to school, but a natural disaster changes their fate, and through adversity, Serafina may find a way to make her dream come true.
I'd recommend it for grades: 3 to 6
I'd recommend it to: fans of a feel-good story and students who enjoy learning about other cultures
What I liked most about this book: This verse novel is a quick, sweet read that features a charming main character. The descriptions of the setting are so vivid, you'll feel like you're walking the streets of her village with Serafina. Her passion for learning is contagious, and I think it could open the eyes of some first world kids and show them just how much of a blessing education really is. There's also a really nifty guide to Creole words and pronunciations at the end of the book.
Single favorite moment (without getting spoiler-y): This line: "The only unbreakable home is one made from love." :)
Star rating (where 5 stars is awesome and 0 stars is atrocious): 3 stars
*I received an ARC of this title from the publisher via NetGalley.
Title: Skinny
Author: Donna Cooner
Pages: 272
Publisher: Point
ISBN: 9780545427630
Publication Date: October 1, 2012
AR Levels: Book Level - 4.2, Interest Level - 6th and up, Points - 8.0
Goodreads Link: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/11958583-skinny
In a nutshell: After Ever Davies' mother dies, she begins using food to ease the pain, and soon she feels like a prisoner in her own body. A toxic voice, whom she names "Skinny," haunts her thoughts with hateful words of discouragement that she'll never amount to anything and that she'll always be alone. But through the process of gastric bypass surgery, this obese teen discovers that she's not as alone as she thinks, that her dreams aren't impossible to obtain, and that her worth is not determined by her weight.
I'd recommend it for grades: 7th and up. I'd say it's written for high schoolers, but middle schoolers will enjoy it too, and it's appropriate content-wise for them as well. I wish I'd had this book in middle school!
I'd recommend it to: fans of contemporary realistic fiction and anyone who has struggled with worrying about what other people think of them or feeling unhappy in their own skin
What I liked most about this book: This
is a superbly written novel about a subject that rarely gets tackled in
teen lit. I've never read another book about gastric bypass surgery in
YA lit, and even if you've never struggled with weight issues, there are important lessons about looking beyond yourself to be learned here, and I think every teen would benefit from reading it. The Cinderella references in this book are fun (if a bit over-used), and I love all the references to Broadway songs (Ever uses a Broadway playlist to help her through her post-surgery life.).
Single favorite moment (without getting spoiler-y): I don't want to give away too much, so I'll just tell you that Rat is by far my favorite character. He's mature yet nerdy and adorable, and he's one of the best examples of true friendship I've seen in a book in a while.
Star rating (where 5 stars is awesome and 0 stars is atrocious): 4 stars
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
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
