Title: Let It Snow
Authors: John Green, Maureen Johnson, and Lauren Myracle
Pages: 352
Publisher: Speak
Publication Date: October 2, 2008
AR Levels: Book Level - 4.7; Interest Level - 9th-12th; Points - 10.0
Goodreads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6883008-let-it-snow
In a nutshell: On a snowy Christmas Eve in Gracetown, North Carolina, six unsuspecting teens will find love in the strangest places. Three of YA lit's biggest hitters each compose a short-ish story that blends beautifully into the plots of the other two. This trio of intertwined holiday novellas is a Christmas miracle!
I'd recommend it to grades: 8 and up
I'd recommend it to: anyone in need of a good old-fashioned Christmas romance, fans of non-sappy, laugh-out-loud romances...and Nerdfighters ;)
What I liked most about this book: Let me break it down this way. John
Green's is my favorite (of course), but I liked the other two too.
Maureen Johnson's story gets the medal for best character (Jubilee), John's wins for cutest couple, and Lauren Myracle's
story gets the cutest teacup pig award. Overall, it's the perfect blend
of laugh-out-loud humor and not-too-sappy-sweet romance.
Single favorite moment (without getting spoiler-y): As someone who grew up in the Deep South, currently lives in North Carolina, and is terrible at driving in the snow, I got more than a giggle out of the scene where Tobin, JP, and The Duke are trying to get the car up the snow-covered hill and out of the neighborhood.
Star rating (where 5 stars is awesome and 0 stars is atrocious): 4 stars
(the gold kind that go on top of Christmas trees!)*
*Individually, I'd rank the novellas this way: John Green - 5 stars, Maureen Johnson - 5 stars, Lauren Myracle - 3 stars
Title: Odette's Secrets
Author: Maryann Macdonald
Pages: 240
Publisher: Bloomsbury USA Children's
Publication Date: February 26, 2013
AR Levels: TBD
Goodreads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/12969636-odette-s-secrets?ac=1
In a nutshell: Odette is a young French girl of Jewish decent who lives in Paris during World War II. After her father joins the French army and the persecution of the Jews worsens in Paris, Odette's mother sends her to live in the French countryside to pose as a Christian in order to protect her. This verse novel fictionalizes the true story of Odette Meyer, one of many of France's hidden Jewish children.
I'd recommend it to grades: 4 to 7
I'd recommend it to: poetry lovers, historical fiction fans, and students who aren't quite ready for Anne Frank's diary (or as a complement to her diary)
What I liked most about this book: The language is
beautiful yet age-appropriate/childlike, and the breadth of emotion is
both realistic and stunning for such a young girl. Many of the adults in Odette's life stand as excellent role models for her and for readers, especially her neighbor/godmother, Madame Marie, who as a Christian helps protect Odette and her mother. It's a thought-provoking and emotionally powerful read that's also a quick read due to its verse novel format, so even struggling readers could enjoy it.
Single favorite moment (without getting spoiler-y): It saddened me to find out that Jews were banned from many public places including libraries in Paris during that time, but Odette and her cousins find a loophole and end up spending an afternoon in the library trying to retain some normalcy in the midst of the chaos around them, illustrating how books can be tools of peace and joy even on the darkest days. Books, stories, and poetry all play key roles in Odette's readjustment to her new life.
Star rating (where 5 stars is awesome and 0 stars is atrocious): 4 stars
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
