Title: Roller Girl
Author: Victoria Jamieson
Pages: 240
Publisher: Dial Books
ISBN: 9780525429678
Publication Date: March 10, 2015
AR Levels: Book Level - 3.2, Interest Level - 4th-8th, Points - 2.0
Goodreads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23493697-roller-girl
In a nutshell: Best friends Astrid and Nicole were attached at the hip until the summer Astrid discovered a passion for roller derby that Nicole doesn't share. Feeling abandoned after Nicole signs up for summer dance camp, Astrid enrolls in a roller derby camp and quickly realizes her abilities don't quite live up to her passion. But Astrid throws herself into her new dream of being a derby star, and though there are bumps and bruises along the way (literally!), her summer is definitely a game-changer.
I'd recommend it to grades: 3 to 7
I'd recommend this book to: graphic novel readers and roller derby enthusiasts (obviously) but really anyone who's experienced a curve ball in a friendship or discovered a hobby you adore. Fans of Smile by Raina Telgemeier will also eat this up and so might Wimpy Kid readers.
What I liked most about this book: Sometimes it takes a whole lot of courage to try learning something new...especially when you're trying alone. Astrid discovers that if you are brave enough to stick with something that makes you happy even when none of your friends want to and even if you're not so great at it, you just might find some rocking new friends and develop some mad awesome skills too. It's a wonderful lesson that's taught with rainbow socks, roller skates, and blue hair, and the emotional depth may surprise you. It's my new favorite graphic novel.
Single favorite moment (without getting spoiler-y): I can't say too much, but it takes Astrid a while to figure out what her roller derby name should be, and when she does, it's fantastic and perfect.
Star rating (where 5 stars is awesome and 0 stars is atrocious): 5 stars
Title: A Little in Love
Author: Susan Fletcher
Pages: 288
Publisher: Chicken House
ISBN: 9780545829601
Publication Date: August 25, 2015*
AR Levels: TBD
Goodreads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/24612579-a-little-in-love
In a nutshell: One of Les Miserables' most endearing characters tells you her side of this epic classic, and it's a quiet but powerfully emotional one. See the world through the eyes of Eponine.
I'd recommend this book to grades: 8 and up
I'd recommend this book to: fans of Les Miserables (book, musical, or movies), high school English teachers, and historical fiction lovers
What I liked most about this book:
Oh, y'all...this book
will warm your heart and also break it into little pieces. I've been
waiting for something like this since I first became familiar with Les Miserables
(I'm more familiar with the musical and movies than the book.). Eponine
is by far my favorite character, and this little book tells her story
beautifully. It's a tale about how a little girl who was never loved
learns what love looks like and learns to love herself. Even if you're completely unfamiliar with the story of Les Mis, you might find yourself relating to Eponine's search for love anyway. There are plenty of universal themes woven into this sweet, heartbreaking, and heroic tale of unrequited love and friendship. And just look at that cover! She's begging to be loved. Quite clever and beautiful. Read it on a rainy day
while listening to the Les Mis soundtrack. Now where is the Enjolras book?
Single favorite moment (without getting spoiler-y): "Even the dirtiest things can be lovely, underneath." -Eponine to Marius. This book is full of thought-provoking gems like that, and the writing style is gorgeous.
Star rating (where 5 stars is awesome and 0 stars is atrocious): 5 stars...This I swear by the staaaaaars!!! (You didn't think I'd get all the way through this post without at least one musical reference, did you?) ;)
*Thanks to Edelweiss and the publisher for a digital ARC.
Title: March: Book Two
Author: John Lewis (with Andrew Aydin) & illustrated by Nate Powell
Pages: 160
Publisher: Top Shelf Productions
ISBN: 9781603094009
Publication Date: January 27, 2015
AR Levels: TBA
Goodreads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22487952-march
In a nutshell: Picking up where book one left off, book two follows John Lewis' work as a Freedom Rider and as an organizer of the March on Washington during the Civil Rights Movement.
I'd recommend it to grades: 9 and up
I'd recommend it to: teachers for Black History Month reading lists, fans of biographies, and budding activists
What I liked most about this book: This
second installment of the graphic memoir trilogy took the series to a whole
new level. The way Lewis' presence at Obama's inauguration is weaved
into his memories of his work with SNCC on the Freedom Rides and the
March on Washington is pure genius. Some of the single panel artwork
nearly broke my heart it was so gripping, particularly a darkly sinister one of a group of Klansmen. I
was so moved by this book, and it taught me more about the Civil Rights
Movement than anything else ever has. Lewis' insight into the
behind-the-scenes workings of the movement is fascinating. This is the
perfect format for this true story, and I can't wait for book three.
Single favorite moment (without getting spoiler-y): There's another single panel that made me tear up. During a protest, a police officer asks a small
African-American girl what it is that she wants, and she simply and innocently replies, "f'eedom." It's a quiet yet powerful moment that perfectly sums up the book's themes and tone.
Star rating (where 5 stars is awesome and 0 stars is atrocious): 5 stars
Title: Gone Crazy in Alabama
Author: Rita Williams-Garcia
Pages: 304
Publisher: Amistad
ISBN: 9780062215901
Publication Date: April 21, 2015*
AR Levels: TBA
Goodreads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22836574-gone-crazy-in-alabama
In a nutshell: In this final installment of the trilogy, the Gaither sisters travel south to visit their daddy's family in Alabama, and, as per usual, hijinks ensue. Join Delphine, Vonetta, and Fern one last time as they learn all about milking cows, stir up a decades-long feud between sisters, discover family secrets, and more.
I'd recommend it to grades: 5th to 8th
I'd recommend it to: teachers looking for a great Black History Month read-aloud, those who like comedy and family drama, and anyone with a sister
What I liked most about this book: I have loved this sassy trio of sisters from the first pages of One Crazy Summer, and this third book did not disappoint. Set in the South in the summer of 1969, it tackles historically significant topics such as the Apollo 11 moon landing, the Ku Klux Klan, the relationship between African Americans and Native Americans, and more...all with equal doses of gravity and comedy. This heartfelt and laugh-out-loud funny finale is sure to satisfy fans of the first two books and find new fans as well. I'm surely going to miss the Gaither sisters. Surely am! ;)
Single favorite moment (without getting spoiler-y): The Southern-isms in this one are dead on. My favorite one is how Delphine describes how Southern goodbyes go on forever and ever with plenty of hugs. So true.
Star rating (where 5 stars is awesome and 0 stars is atrocious): 5 stars, yes ma'am
*I read a digital ARC of this title from the publisher via Edelweiss.
Title: How I Discovered Poetry
Author: Marilyn Nelson
Pages: 112
Publisher: Dial
ISBN: 9780803733046
Publication Date: January 14, 2014
AR Levels: Book Level - 5.2, Interest Level - 4th to 8th grades, Points: 1.0
Goodreads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18079805-how-i-discovered-poetry
In a nutshell: Join young Marilyn Nelson's journey from air base to air base as she and her African-American family experience the blessings of home, family, friendship, and art and the struggles of being a family on the move in a country that wasn't always welcoming. This memoir told in verse recently won the Coretta Scott King Author Honor.
I'd recommend it to grades: 4th to 8th
I'd recommend it to: fans of historical fiction, poetry, and biography and teachers and students looking for an excellent Black History Month read
What I liked most about this book: As
an African-American woman who grew up in the 1950's on various Air
Force bases across the country, Marilyn Nelson has a unique perspective
on what it was like to be an African American during that hostile era.
This memoir written entirely in verse is told in a child's voice that is
equally full of wonder, innocence, wisdom, and fear. Kids, teens, and adults
alike will connect with this heartfelt book of poetry. It's a great read
for Black History Month.
Single favorite moment (without getting spoiler-y): Early on in the book, Marilyn attends church and mishears a sermon on the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, thinking that Lot and his wife have a pet "flea" instead of how they had to "flee." Her imagination then runs away with ideas of giant pet fleas big enough to ride. It sets the tone for a character who's funny and charming and sure to steal your heart as poetry helps her find her voice.
Star rating (where 5 stars is awesome and 0 stars is atrocious): 4 stars
It's a new year, and that means it's time for another top 10! Seriously, where did 2014 go?! Without delay, here are the 10 best books for teens and tweens that I read in 2014 (not necessarily published in 2014). Click the cover to go to the link to my review of the book where you can also find the Goodreads link. Happy New Year! Many blessings for your 2015, and thanks for reading!
In alphabetical order...
1. Blackbird by Anna Carey
2. Cress by Marissa Meyer
3. El Deafo by CeCe Bell
4. The Hero's Guide to Being an Outlaw by Christopher Healy
5. Revolution by Deborah Wiles
6. Ruin and Rising by Leigh Bardugo
7. Sorta Like a Rock Star by Matthew Quick
8. Unbreakable by Kami Garcia
9. Upside Down in the Middle of Nowhere by Julie Lamana
10. We Were Liars by E. Lockhart (Link goes to Goodreads. Forgot to review this one! Shocking...as is this book!)
Here's to many more fabulous books in 2015! Just as an added bonus, here's a list of the top 10 new books I'm most anticipating this year in order of most wanted! ;) Click on the titles to go to the Goodreads links for these books. Happy reading in 2015! Leave a comment with your favorite books of 2014 or most anticipated books of 2015!
1. Winter by Marissa Meyer...and also Fairest. I'm cheating and listing them together.
2. Lion Heart by A.C. Gaughen
3. Lair of Dreams by Libba Bray
4. The Marvels by Brian Selznick
5. The Sword of Summer by Rick Riordan
6. The Shadow Cabinet by Maureen Johnson
7. The Heir by Kiera Cass
8. Gone Crazy in Alabama by Rita Williams-Garcia
9. Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo
10. Black Widow by Margaret Stohl
Title: Unbreakable
Author: Kami Garcia
Pages: 305
Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
ISBN: 9780316210171
Publication Date: October 1, 2013
AR Levels: Book Level - 4.9, Interest Level - 9th-12th, Points - 9.0
Goodreads link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/12371862-unbreakable
In a nutshell: Kennedy Waters returns home from a night out with friends to find her mother dead from supposed heart failure, but weeks later, that theory is put to the test when two strange and gorgeous twin boys break into her home and save Kennedy from a malevolent spirit on her last night before her aunt ships her off to boarding school. Can she trust Jared and Lukas Lockhart? Besides saving her life, they seem to know more about her and her mother than even Kennedy does herself, and soon she's caught up in a world of secret societies and supernatural entities in a search to find her mother's killer and discover who she really is.
I'd recommend it to grades: 8 and up
I'd recommend it to: fans of Supernatural, Cassandra Clare's Mortal Instruments series, and paranormal romance
What I liked most about this book: Just when I thought I was totally over paranormal romance, this
came along. Kennedy is an excellent blend of strength and self doubt, and the romance in this one is electric but still tame enough for younger readers. Jared and Lukas are swoon-worthy, not-quite-carbon copies of my favorite flannel-clad demon hunter brothers; there's just the right amount of Sam and Dean Winchester in them...right down to their salt bullets and army jackets. In fact, there are quite a few tips of the hat to Supernatural
but not so many that it feels tired. Plus, the Legion crew is rounded out by a kick-butt voodoo expert girl and a kid genius inventor boy who reminds me of Leo from the Heroes of Olympus series; they're a healthy and complex batch of characters. This is a fresh addition to the
genre, and I cannot wait to read books 2 and 3. Side note: I actually listened to the audiobook, and it rocked. Props to narrator Candice Accola for the excellent interpretation.
Single favorite moment (without getting spoiler-y): At one point, Kennedy and the Legion gang encounter a haunted well, and it's terrifyingly Ring-like. I had chillbumps for sure.
Star rating (where 5 stars is awesome and 0 stars is atrocious): 5 stars!!!
Title: El Deafo
Author: Cece Bell
Pages: 248
Publisher: Harry N. Abrams
ISBN: 9781419710209
Publication Date: September 2, 2014
AR Levels: TBD
Goodreads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/20701984-el-deafo
In a nutshell: As a preschooler, Cece Bell loses most of her hearing after suffering from meningitis. This graphic memoir follows Cece's journey through elementary school as a hearing-impaired child. Along the way, she navigates the ups and downs of friendships, first crushes, and family relationships and comes to discover that her deafness (and her ultra powerful hearing aid, the Phonic Ear) might just be her superpower. It's a delightfully funny snapshot into the life of a hearing-impaired girl that is sure to charm you.
I'd recommend it to grades: 4 to 6
I'd recommend it to: graphic novels fans and anyone who enjoyed Raina Telgemeier's Smile
What I liked most about this book: This book is completely adorable. Not only does it tackle a subject that doesn't get much attention in children's literature, but it's just a fun story too! I learned quite a lot about the deaf community and hearing-impaired people and fell in love with the characters too. The underlying theme of accepting others' differences is woven throughout the plot in a way that will get the point across in an affective but subtle way. Upper elementary kids are going to eat this up for its humor and heart. Fun side note: Cece Bell is married to Tom Angleberger, author of the Origami Yoda series!
Single favorite moment (without getting spoiler-y): Cece's Phonic Ear hearing aid has a microphone for her teachers to wear so that Cece can understand their words better. When Cece realizes just how powerful the microphone is, it makes for some hilarious moments involving her teachers. Let's just say, they think they're out of earshot, but they're not, and Cece overhears some private moments that would mortify them if they found out. All good fun. :)
Star rating (where 5 stars is awesome and 0 stars is atrocious): 5 stars
Title: The Vanishing Season
Author: Jodi Lynn Anderson
Pages: 256
Publisher: HarperTeen
ISBN: 9780062003270
Publication Date: July 1, 2014
AR Levels: TBD
Goodreads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18634726-the-vanishing-season
In a nutshell: Maggie and her parents move to the small town of Gill Creek just as autumn is fading into winter, and as it disappears, so are local girls. Amid a backdrop of snow, fear, and paranoia, friendship and love blossom on Water Street when Maggie meets her neighbors, Pauline and Liam, but the trio will discover just how harsh winter and relationships can be.
I'd recommend it to grades: 10 and up
I'd recommend it to: anyone who likes their romance with a dash of eeriness and fans of We Were Liars
What I liked most about this book: Besides the fact that I am always, always, always enamored with Jodi Lynn Anderson's haunting writing style (If you haven't read Tiger Lily, DO IT NOW!), this one drew me in with its rich characters and keep-you-guessing twists. It's a beautifully disturbing mash-up of The Great Gatsby and The Lovely Bones. There's a coldness to it that lures you from page one. I feel like I read it in the wrong season though. It's the perfect read for a long winter's night or a snow day.
Single favorite moment (without getting spoiler-y): There's way too much to accidentally give away here, so I'll just say that part of what grabbed me from the beginning was the description of Maggie's house on Water Street, which was built in the 1800s and, much like the characters in the novel, is both broken and beautiful.
Star rating (where 5 stars is awesome and 0 stars is atrocious): 4 stars
Title: Ruin and Rising
Author: Leigh Bardugo
Pages: 417
Publisher: Henry Holt and Co.
ISBN: 9780805094619
Publication Date: June 17, 2014
AR Levels: TBD
Goodreads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/14061957-ruin-and-rising
In a nutshell: Deep in the bowels of the White Cathedral, Alina and her band of ragtag Grisha stand as the only hope to defeating The Darkling and saving Ravka, but doing so involves a dangerous quest to find the remaining amplifier, the elusive firebird, and Alina may have to sacrifice nearly everything to save her world.
I'd recommend it to grades: 10 and up (violence and romantic content)
I'd recommend it to: high fantasy fans and anyone who loves a good old-fashioned romantic adventure with a kick-butt heroine
What I liked most about this book: Leigh Bardugo has a way of weaving pain, humor, adventure, and beauty throughout every element of a story: the language, the setting, the characters, the plot; it's all just spectacular. It's been a while since I've been satisfied with the ending of a series I've grown to love, and this one did not disappoint. It's sheer perfection, and now I want to go back and reread them all from the beginning. I'm just going to say it; it's my favorite YA series since Harry Potter. I know no greater compliment. :)
Single favorite moment (without getting spoiler-y): There's so much I can't say because I don't want to give anything away, so I'll just leave this gorgeous passage here: "Maybe love was superstition, a prayer we said to keep the truth of loneliness at bay. I tilted my head back. The stars looked like they were close together, when really they were millions of miles apart. In the end, maybe love just meant longing for something impossibly bright and forever out of reach" (234).
Star rating (where 5 stars is awesome and 0 stars is atrocious): ALL THE STARS!!!
