Stefanie's outpacing me with reviews, but summer break is almost here for me. In the spirit of that, I tried to find a good book/series that everyone could read over the summer. James Patterson's Daniel X series has been around for a while, but he keeps churning out new novels in the series and even some graphic novel versions. I was wrong. Not only was the plot not that good, but it seemed like a giant infomercial for 1000 different products/movies/TV shows/games, with on average one pop culture reference per page.
Title: The Dangerous Days of Daniel X, Book 1
Author: James Patterson
Pages: 238
Publisher: Little, Brown & Company
ISBN: 9780316002929
Publication Date: July 21, 2008
AR Levels: Book Level--4.6; Interest Level--6th+; Points--5.0
Goodreads Link: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2235597.The_Dangerous_Days_of_Daniel_X
In a nutshell: Unlike most residents of Earth, Daniel X is a hunter of evil aliens, despite originally being from another planet himself. After the murder of his parents, he must step up and take on their role as alien hunters. He has a priority list of who he must take out, but he really wants to find Ergent Seth, the one who killed his family. Along the way, there are bumps in the road, UFO rides, trips to home planets, etc. Basically, this book has the concept of Buffy the Vampire Slayer with the content and maturity level of Men in Black.
I'd recommend it to grades: From what I can tell, this book was written for middle grades and higher; however, I think this one could go even as low as 4th grade.
I'd recommend it to: I don't really know who I'd recommend this to, mainly because I don't want to recommend it.
What I liked most about this book: Not going to lie, I was glad when this one ended. There were occasional funny moments, but they were usually out of place.
Single favorite moment (without getting spoiler-y): Daniel's grandmother offered some comic relief.
Star rating (where 5 stars is awesome and 0 stars is atrocious): 1 star
Title: Being Henry David
Author: Cal Armistead
Pages: 320
Publisher: Albert Whitman Teen
ISBN: 9780807506158
Publication Date: March 1, 2013
AR Levels: TBD
Goodreads Link: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/16042447-being-henry-david
In a nutshell: When a boy wakes up in Penn Station in New York City with the clothes on his back, $10 in his pocket, a copy of Henry David Thoreau's Walden and no memory of who he is, he names himself "Henry David" or "Hank" for short and sets out to find out where he came from, but there a darkness in him that's telling him he may not like what he finds out when his memories begin to return. This thriller takes you through the underbelly of life on the street in New York and then to the idyllic woods of Walden Pond in Massachusetts, where "Hank" hopes the words of Walden and its setting might give him clues as to who he is and why he is on the run.
I'd recommend it for grades: 10 and up
I'd recommend it to: adrenaline junkies, thriller lovers, and fans of mysteries
What I liked most about this book: It grabs you from the first sentence and never lets you go. I read it in two sittings only because I had things to do. I was a bit skeptical because I thought this book was in danger of being a complete bore since it was based around Thoreau's Walden (which I hated), but I was wrong! It's a fast-paced thriller that also has a deep psychological and self-introspective narrative too. Best of both worlds!
Single favorite moment (without getting spoiler-y): This book features a motorcycle-riding, tattoo-sporting research librarian who acts as a Good Samaritan toward "Hank." There are all sorts of awesome in that character, and he's very believable.
Star rating (where 5 stars is awesome and 0 stars is atrocious): 3 stars
Title: This Is What Happy Looks Like
Author: Jennifer E. Smith
Pages: 416
Publisher: Poppy
ISBN: 9780316212823
Publication Date: April 2, 2013
AR Levels: TBD
Goodreads Link: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/15790873-this-is-what-happy-looks-like
In a nutshell: When movie heartthrob Graham Larkin accidentally emails small-town girl Ellie O'Neill, they strike up a friendship, but each of them has secrets to keep. Ellie doesn't know that she's chatting with a movie star, and she has no clue that Graham's arranged to film his next movie in her hometown in Maine in order to meet her. Graham has no idea that Ellie is hiding a huge secret about her identity too. It's a charming tale that's part You've Got Mail and part Win a Date with Tad Hamilton.
I'd recommend it for grades: 9 and up
I'd recommend it to: fans of contemporary romance and romantic comedies
What I liked most about this book: I love epistolary novels, and while this one isn't completely written in emails, the one it includes are adorable. The main characters are also instantly loveable, and the plot has a quick and steady pace to it. I enjoyed it, but I still like Smith's The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight better.
Single favorite moment (without getting spoiler-y): All my favorite moments are too spoiler-y, but I will tell you one of my favorite characters is Ellie's beagle, Bagel. Bagel the beagle...how precious is that?
Star rating (where 5 stars is awesome and 0 stars is atrocious): 3 stars
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 Dangerous Days of Daniel X, Book 1
