Title: Sorta Like a Rock Star
Author: Matthew Quick
Pages: 355
Publisher: Little, Brown and Company
Publication Date: January 1, 2010
AR Levels: Book Level - 5.4, Interest Level - 6th and up, Points: 10.0
Goodreads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6763730-sorta-like-a-rock-star
In a nutshell: Even though Amber Appleton and her mom have recently been kicked out of her mom's boyfriend's apartment, forcing them to live in her mom's big yellow school bus (affectionately called "Hello Yellow"), Amber refuses to let life get her down. Between teaching English and R&B tunes to the Korean Divas for Christ, volunteering at the Methodist retirement home, befriending a lonely haiku-writing Vietnam War veteran, caring for her rescued pup Bobby Big Boy (a.k.a. BBB, 3B, or Thrice B), and leading the Marketing Club (a.k.a. The Five or Franks Freak Force Federation), Amber stays busy spreading the joy all over the down of Childress. But when an unspeakable tragedy strikes her, will she be able to remain optimistic and still reign as the "Princess of Hope?"
I'd recommend it to grades: 10 and up
I'd recommend it to: John Green fans and hopefully optimistic types ;)
What I like most about this book: Amber isn't sorta like a rock star; she IS a rock star! I haven't met a character quite like her before, but it's a breath of fresh air to read about a teen character who's not angst-ridden and moody but instead hopeful and uplifting. Amber deals with some serious pain and depression, as well as having a crisis of faith, making her one of the most-developed characters I've read in a while. You will adore her adorkableness, lightness, and honesty. You'll laugh out loud at her and cry with her, and you'll be thinking about this book days after you read it.
Single favorite moment (without getting spoiler-y): Any of the parts with Bobby Big Boy. He is one rock star of a canine sidekick.
Star rating (where 5 stars is awesome and 0 stars is atrocious): 5 rockin' stars!
Title: Will O' the Wisp
Author: Tom Hammock (with illustrations by Megan Hutchison)
Pages: 216
Publisher: Archaia Entertainment
Publication Date: January 28, 2014
AR Levels: TBD
Goodreads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18125353-will-o-the-wisp
In a nutshell: When Aurora's parents die from accidentally ingesting poisonous mushrooms, she moves to the swamps of Louisiana to live with her strange grandfather in his dilapidated mansion on a mysterious, foggy island, which holds more than a few secrets. Can Aurora use her newly-acquired hoodoo talents to save the island from a deadly threat?
I'd recommend it for grades: 8th and up
I'd recommend it to: fans of the Beautiful Creatures series or Coraline
What I liked most about this book: The illustrations are just gorgeous; they're equally enchanting and eerie, and the entire cast of characters is a loveable group. Aurora's a strong female lead; she's both curious and clever, and she's extremely brave. I'm a big fan of hers...even if she doesn't like grits. (WHAT?!!! *shaking my head*) Missy the pet raccoon has to be my favorite supporting character too. Who doesn't want a pet raccoon?
Single favorite moment (without getting spoiler-y): I told you I loved Missy the raccoon, and it's hilarious how it takes her a while to warm up to Aurora. The moment when she finally does, you see her curled up on Aurora's bed, and it's adorable. :) I hope Aurora, Missy, and the gang will be back for more!
Star rating (where 5 stars is awesome and 0 stars is atrocious): 4 stars
*I received a copy of this title from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
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.
