Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children

Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This was a very interesting and quirky book, and I have to admit, I don't think I've ever read such a weird story. Peculiar children is putting it mildly, these kids were downright scary. The story involves time travel, WWII, and some scary otherworldly beasts, that come together on a remote fishing island off of Scotland's coast. What was pretty unique about this book, is that there are "real" photographs to go along with the story, and you find yourself studying them. I was fascinated with the story, which becomes a page-turner, and I was slightly surprised at the ending.

This is a first novel for the author, Ransom Riggs, and I can't wait to see what comes next.


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Code Talker

Code Talker: A Novel About the Navajo Marines of World War Two by Joseph Bruchac
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a WWII story based on real events, and an action novel that young men will enjoy. This is the story of how the Navajo men were trained to be code-talkers for the Marines, to keep the Japanese from learning the plans of the US military. It also tells the tale of Navajo Indians who were told to NEVER speak their native language, and to forget their Indian ways, no matter how painful it was for them. And yet, once the government saw how much they could help the cause of the Allies, they were trained as Marines and were allowed to be themselves. There is a lot of action in this book, with some graphic battle scenes. The author, Joseph Bruchac, a Native American, has crafted a very good war story, as well as a tribute to those Navajo Indians who sacrificed much to help our country in time of need.


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Football Hero

Football Hero by Tim Green
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a very good sports story that should appeal to middle school boys AND girls. Yes, there are football action scenes, but there is also lots of drama, family problems, even Mafia problems, enough to keep you turning the pages. Ty Lewis, a 12-year-old whose parents are killed in a car crash, has to live with his alcholic uncle, an aunt who doesn't show any affection, and a strange cousin who doesn't talk. The uncle has a cleaning business,and makes Ty clean toilets after school, instead of practicing with his school's football team. Ty's older brother, Thane, has just been drafted by the NY Jets, and tries to make Ty's life a bit easier. Then, Ty is dragged into a gambling plot with the Mafia, all because of his greedy uncle.
This has some great characters, a terrific plot, and is very realistic because the author is a former NFL player. I think I'll read Tim Green's first YA book, Football Genius in the near future.


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You Don't Even Know Me

You Don't Even Know Me: Stories and Poems About Boys by Sharon G. Flake


My rating: 3 of 5 stars


I have read other books by Sharon Flake, The Skin I'm In, and Money Hungry, and enjoyed both of them very much. She is a popular author here at Maxson, because her writing rings true. This collection of short stories and poems was interesting, and I think will be a hit with both boys and girls. I know she is writing with inner-city students in mind, and so sometimes the stories are a bit hard to take, gritty and sad. I hope that any students who check this book out will find a positive message in her stories.




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Moon Over Manifest

Moon Over Manifest by Clare Vanderpool


My rating: 5 of 5 stars


What a wonderful story, with terrific characters, and some good guys and villains. The setting is the 1930's, and so perhaps some background might be needed for middle-schoolers, and the flashbacks bring you to WWI, which many students know absolutely nothing about, but still...
A twelve year-old girl named Abilene is put on a train to the town of Manifest, leaving her daddy behind to work on the railroad. Abilene is not shy, and so makes some friends. She is trying to "discover" her father's boyhood in Manifest, but seems to be running into roadblocks at every turn. There is a mystery in this town, and the three young ladies have decided to try and solve it. And, Abilene is missing her dad, and wondering if he has abandoned her. I loved this book!




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Archie, Peyton, and Eli Manning

Archie, Peyton, and Eli Manning: Football's Royal Family by Jeanne Nagle
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

With only 38 pages, lots of pictures and captions, and even some sidebars, this is an extremely readable book about the Manning family. I am big fans of the Manning brothers, and actually remember Archie Manning playing in the NFL (ouch) so I was interested in how the Mannings were raised, what kind of home life they had, etc. This is a good pick for any middle school student, and they should actually be able to finish this in one sitting.


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Blizzard

Blizzard by Jim Murphy
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

An excellent edition to the Maxson Library, this book tells the story of an amazingly ferocious blizzard that hit the East coast in March of 1888. After a particularly mild winter, this killer storm took everyone by surprise. The author, Jim Murphy, does a remarkable job weaving personal tragedies and triumphs with real historical facts. There are great photos and drawings, and just enough scientific information to keep teachers happy, but the story will not be boring to your average reader. I am always fascinated with weather phenomena,and this book is just the right fix for that. I love glimpses into the past, and Murphy allows us to do just that with this book.


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The Slayer Chronicles First Kill

First Kill by Heather Brewer
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Well, I have NOT read the Vladimir Todd books, but they certainly were a big hit in the Maxson Library. These books were devoured by the Maxson female students. I decided to read this book, because it is about vampire slayers, and I had had enough of vampires. This book is very violent and a bit gruesome, so I'm sure it will prove to be popular.
The main character, a boy named Joss, has witnessed his sister's horrible death by a vampire. Unknown to Joss, his uncle is a Slayer, and has recruited Joss for training in the summer before he enters 9th grade. Of course, author Heather Brewer ends it on a cliffhanger. I may actually read the next volume.


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The Disappeared

The Disappeared by Gloria Whelan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The author, Gloria Whelan, is a National Book Award winner, and does a terrific job of presenting this story of the Desaparecidos (the disappeared) of Argentina during the 1970's. This story is told from two viewpoints, the voice of Silvia, a teenage girl of some privilege, and that of her older brother, Eduardo. It is scary and enlightening, and a great way to learn of this tragic era in Argentina's history. Perfect for middle school students.  


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Annexed

Annexed by Sharon Dogar
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This book is rather hard to categorize. The events are somewhat true, the characters are real, but the author takes a different approach to the Anne Frank story. Dogar tells the story of the famous Anne Frank from Peter's point of view. Peter is the boy Anne ultimately falls in love with, and is mentioned many times in her diary. We feel his anger and frustration at being held a prisoner in an attic for two years, dealing with some very annoying people (in his eyes), and virtually no privacy. It is still heartbreaking at the end.
This is a more mature retelling of the story, and I would recommend it to 8th graders and up.


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A Tale Dark and Grimm

A Tale Dark and Grimm by Adam Gidwitz
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I really liked this book. This was a great retelling of the Hansel and Gretel story, but done for older kids (and adults). It was gruesome and gory, and amusing at the same time. I enjoyed the author's style, never writing down to his audience. Very readable.


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Lost Childhood

Lost Childhood: My Life in a Japanese Prison Camp During World War II by Annelex Hofstra Layson


My rating: 4 of 5 stars


A different WWII story, as this was about a Dutch girl who was living on the island of Java when the Japanese took over, and her family became POWs. Annelex is only 4 when the Japanese make her a prisoner. She was one of the "lucky" ones though, because she was able to be with her mom and grandmother.  Her brother, who was only 10, was sent with the men to a different camp. Annelex was subjected to witnessing horrible cruelty and death, but the two women in her life were strong, and were able to keep her alive.
This is a quick, easy read, and a perfect way for middle school students to learn about this phase of history.




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Every Soul a Star

Every Soul A Star by Wendy Mass


My rating: 4 of 5 stars


This was a terrific story. As a major solar eclipse is approaching, three very different characters, with very different problems, are brought together at Moonshadow Camp to witness the phenomenon. This unlikely group of kids, with very real problems, quickly become each other's best supporters. Wendy Mass does a fantastic job, I even liked Bree, who was pretty annoying. The characters make you laugh, and sometimes make you cry. Well written, and, I even learned something about the stars. I look forward to reading more of her books.




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The Dream Bearer

The Dream Bearer by Walter Dean Myers
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I thought this was an interesting little story with a good cast of characters. This is one of Walter Dean Myers' earlier works, but as usual, the setting is Harlem, with it's bustling and colorful streets. David is a 12 year-old who is dealing with a father who is unstable, and a brother who might be running with a rough crowd. He meets an interesting old man in the park, and is drawn to him when the old man informs him that he remembers dreams for people, and has been doing this for hundreds of years.


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Return to Sender

Return to Sender by Julia Alvarez
My rating: 3 of 5 stars


The story of Tyler, from a farm in Vermont, and his relationship with Mari, the daughter of an illegal migrant worker, is presented to the reader from both points of view, sometimes using letters as a means of telling Mari's part of the story. Mari's mom has gone missing, and the family is in constant terror of being found out by La Migra. Through the use of a telescope and the stars, the two develop a deep friendship.


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Condoleezza Rice: A Memoir Of My Extraordinary, Ordinary Family and Me

Condoleezza Rice: A Memoir Of My Extraordinary, Ordinary Family And Me by Condoleezza Rice


My rating: 4 of 5 stars


I thoroughly enjoyed this memoir. It was well-written, touching at times, and well-paced. Ms. Rice and I were born in the same year, and as I was reading this, I thought about how much she accomplished in her life, the people she worked with, and her place in history. I am amazed at her tenacity, ambition, and her intellect. I want every one of my students to read how this woman, who grew up in Jim Crow Birmingham, accomplished so much with her life. Nothing and no one held her back. Ms. Rice emphasizes how important her parents were in her life, and how her faith carried them all through difficult times.
This book is from my school library collection, and yet, it really might be too difficult for middle school students. I would hope some teachers might read it, though, and share some excerpts with their students.




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Good Fortune

Good Fortune: My Journey to Gold Mountain by Li Keng Wong


My rating: 3 of 5 stars


This was a very interesting biography, that is a perfect fit for middle school students. The year is 1933, and the place is a rural community in China. Li Keng Gee's father is far away in Gold Mountain, and is sending for his family to come and live there with him. Gold Mountain is, of course, America. Li Keng is seven years old, and tells her story in a very simple way. The hardships and triumphs that she experiences as she becomes an American are quite fascinating.


This is the story of an immigrant family with determination, and we find out that Li Keng actually goes to college and becomes a teacher!




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When the Black Girl Sings

When the Black Girl Sings by Bil Wright


My rating: 3 of 5 stars


This was a good story, very accurate in the depiction of 8th grade girls and the angst that they deal with in school and with other girls. More importantly, this story is the tale of a young black girl who has been adopted by a white couple. It is a coming of age story, as Lahni begins to discover who she really is, with the help of some terrific adults who come through for her as she deals with her feelings. Does she really have a good voice, and can she win the singing competition?


It is not a difficult read, and I can't wait to get the feedback from some of the girls in my school.




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Dead End in Norvelt

Dead End in Norvelt by Jack Gantos


My rating: 2 of 5 stars


I have read a few of Jack Gantos' books, including "Joey Pigza Swallowed the Key", and so I was expecting a really great story. This book received a few starred reviews and is a Best Book for 2011, but I don't think it deserves all this praise. I really can't see how most middle school boys (or girls for that matter) would relate to this story.


The main character, Jack Gantos himself, (as a boy of about 13) befriends an old lady in his community, and writes obituaries for her one summer. There really is not much action, and his writing does not make me care for any character in the book at all. Disappointing (sigh).




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Sparky: The Life and Art of Charles Schultz

Sparky: The Life and Art of Charles Schulz by Beverly Gherman

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


What a great little biography of Charles Schultz! This attractive book is complete with Peanuts comic strips and photos of Schultz's family and youth. It is a quick read, with short chapters filled with images. I'm glad I ordered this for the Maxson Library. Now I have to convince the students to check it out!



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Sleeping Freshmen Never Lie

Sleeping Freshmen Never Lie by David Lubar

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


I totally enjoyed this book. It made me laugh out loud, and brought a few tears to my eyes. As Scott and his friends start high school, they are typical nerdy kids trying to stay out of the seniors' line of vision. Scott has some family issues, like the fact that his mom is having a baby after all these years, but he decides to keep a journal for his new sibling-to-be. Of course, life changes, nothing ever remains the same. Scott loses some friends, gains a few new, quirky ones, and learns a little about life. Good story!



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Okay for Now

Okay for Now by Gary D. Schmidt

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Okay, now Gary Schmidt is my favorite YA author. I really liked this book, which had me crying at least 3 times as I read it. In the summer of 1968, Doug moves to a town in upstate New York with his very dysfunctional family. He is a huge fan of the Yankees, and especially Joe Pepitone (I remember him, even though I was a Mets fan). Lots of stuff was going on in the world that summer, including the Apollo space mission and the Vietnam War. Doug has to deal with an abusive father, a really mean older brother, and this gift of being a pretty good artist. What a well-written story. Now I have to read The Wednesday Wars.



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An American Plague: The True and Terrifying Story of the Yellow Fever Epidemic of 1793

An American Plague: The True and Terrifying Story of the Yellow Fever Epidemic of 1793 by Jim Murphy

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Another very interesting book about a page in history that I didn't learn about in school, the Yellow Fever Epidemic of 1793, which took place in that city of brotherly love, Philadelphia. I didn't know that President Washington actually left the city, and our new government almost ceased operating, because of this deadly plague. Great pictures, easy to read text, and some really gruesome facts make this a good read for middle-schoolers. This non-fiction book is a perfect companion for the historical fiction novel "Fever, 1793" by Laurie Halse Anderson.



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10,000 Days of Thunder

10,000 Days of Thunder: A History of the Vietnam War by Philip Caputo

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Excellent book on everything you wanted to know about the Vietnam War. Very readable text, with extra facts and great photographs. I was a young person when this war was being waged, but this book puts everything in perspective--the whys, hows, and who--along with the historical background. This is a perfect book for middle schoolers, and even adults who would like to know more about this era.



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The Keepers' Tattoo

The Keepers' Tattoo by Gill Arbuthnott

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


I enjoyed this story of Nyssa and her battle against Alaric, the White Wolf. The action begins almost immediately, as The Shadowmen storm into town, seeking the girl with a special tattoo. As she seeks refuge with her uncle, Nyssa realizes that she has a twin brother who is being held as a slave in the White Wolf's palace. This book was never boring, and I liked the two female characters, who were brave and true to the end.



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The Remarkable Rough-Riding life of Theodore Roosevelt

The Remarkable Rough-Riding Life of Theodore Roosevelt and the Rise of Empire America by Cheryl Harness

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


A really good, well-done biography of Theodore Roosevelt. This was never boring, the illustrations were good, and it included a fascinating timeline on each page. My son's one complaint was that the timeline was a little behind the story, so we had to backtrack once in a while as we were reading this together. Absolutely age-appropriate for middle-schoolers, and equally entertaining and informative for older readers (like me!). I think Teddy is now my 3rd favorite president.



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Uprising

Uprising by Margaret Peterson Haddix

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


I have always been interested in the tragedy of the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory. Now I have read a book that is written for young people which clearly explains the situation, the time period, and brings it all to life. This is a terrific book, describing New York City from 1909-1911, just 100 years ago, but very different from New York today. The author tells this tale from the viewpoint of three young women, a Jewish immigrant, an Italian immigrant, and a rich American girl. The friendship that is formed between this trio tugs at your heart, but Margaret Peterson Haddix never softens the ugliness of poverty and tragedy. This is a good read, and a great book for teaching about unions, early immigrants to our country, and working conditions during the early part of the 20th century.



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The Book of One Hundred Truths

The Book of One Hundred Truths by Julie Schumacher

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


Thea is a liar, and so, when she is sent to her grandparents for the summer, her mom gives her a notebook and asks her to write one truth a day. Well, it turns out that Thea wasn't always a liar, but something happened between her and her best friend, and now she is finding it difficult to deal with people.

I picked this book because the setting is the Jersey shore, and it reminded me of my childhood, spending vacations in Seaside Park.

This book has very real characters, and I liked Thea. A good choice for 6th and 7th grade girls.



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Jim Thorpe Original All-American

Jim Thorpe, Original All-American by Joseph Bruchac

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


What a great book! If you're in to football, Native Americans, history, or just a terrific read about a remarkable real person, this is the book for you. I learned a lot about the early beginnings of football, and all about Pop Warner. I learned about the incredible life of a remarkable all-American, who was not even considered an American citizen, and whose people were not allowed to vote!

The author, Joseph Bruchac is a Native American himself, and he thoroughly researched the life of this young man who even had his Olympic medals taken away. I'm so glad I decided to read this.



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Habibi

Habibi by Naomi Shihab Nye

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


This is an interesting story for those young people,(especially girls) who may be interested in Jewish-Arab relationships, or for those simply interested in what life is like today in Israel. The main character, Liyana, has the difficult task of learning a new language and making a new life for herself as she starts school in Israel. She is of Arab heritage, and of course, falls for a Jewish boy.

The author, Naomi Shihab Nye, uses some beautifully written prose to let us see Liyana's world of different cultures and values, set against the backdrop of Jerusalem.



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Sources of Light

Sources of Light by Margaret McMullan

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


This is a YALSA (Best Fiction for Young Adults) winner for 2011. It is a very good story of a young teen and her mom, living in Jackson, Mississippi in 1963. Samantha learns about the power of photography, and the importance of standing up for what you believe. Sam sees the unjust treatment of the Black people in Jackson, and becomes an eyewitness to the beginning of voter registration and the Civil Rights movement. Along with a love interest, this is an eye-opening story for young people, with a message of courage and compassion thrown in for good measure.



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Theodore Boone, Kid Lawyer

Theodore Boone, Kid Lawyer by John Grisham

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


This is an interesting crime novel told through the eyes of an 11 year-old boy who seems to be quite amazing. His parents are both lawyers, and he is a brilliant student, so Theodore is not your typical middle school student. A big trial is about to begin in his town, and Theodore just happens to get involved in this murder mystery, of course.



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A Long Walk to Water

A Long Walk to Water: Based on a True Story by Linda Sue Park

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


This is a very moving story of a courageous and determined young man from Sudan. He is actually one of the "Lost Boys", who was forced to walk across Sudan into Ethiopia when soldiers attacked his village. After months in a refugee camp, the Ethiopians kicked them out, and he led a group of boys to Kenya. It's almost to difficult for us to comprehend the chaos going on in this part of the world, but through all of this, Salva never gives up hope of making a better life for himself. For some reason, he is chosen to come to America to live with an adoptive family in Rochester, N.Y. Not one to sit back,this special young man is determined to do some good back in Sudan.

A heart-lifting, remarkable story based on Salva's real life, this is an excellent introduction to help middle-schoolers understand some of the problems going on in parts of Africa, and how people can make a difference.



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Swallowing Stones

Swallowing Stones by Joyce McDonald

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


YA--great story, with lots of room for discussion when sharing it with students. I met this author a few years ago, and she told the audience that her stories are based on real incidents that have happened in our Garden State.

This is a story about chance, owning-up to your actions, and how lies can spin out of control.



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Nevermore

Nevermore: A Photobiography of Edgar Allan Poe by Karen Lange

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


This is a wonderful biography about Poe, with excellent photos and sources. I discovered Poe when I was in 7th grade, and read most of his short stories which I found chilling and very creepy. But, I especially loved his poem, Annabel Lee. I must have read that poem a thousand times, and can still recite much of it by heart. His death is still a mystery--too bad there was no CSI teams back then. He is considered the father of detective fiction.

A sad, tragic, too-short life, but this book is a great introduction for any middle school student.



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Almost Astronauts

Almost Astronauts: 13 Women Who Dared to Dream by Tanya Lee Stone

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


I always marvel when I read about a piece of history that I was totally unaware of as I was growing up. This book is a fantastic account of women who fought to be part of NASA's astronaut program in the early 1960's. I never realized how much of our male culture felt that women could never have "The Right Stuff". A great book with lots of terrific photos, and the text is just right for advanced middle school readers, and certainly high school students. This is an inspiring story for young women and girls, and boys will find reading about the endurance tests really interesting, too.



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When You Reach Me

When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


I liked this simple story very much. It is written in a clear, insightful way, really getting into the mind of a young girl dealing with life in New York City, friends, school, and staying safe as she treks back and forth to school. I loved the connection with "A Wrinkle in Time", and the ending was quite surprising.



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Mockingjay

Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Wow, what a story! Suzanne Collins has completed a trilogy that is pretty amazing. Her story of Katniss Everdeen will haunt me for a long time. This last book is heart-wrenching and grim, but still leaves the reader with a faint glimmer of hope. What an incredible imagination. The series is nonstop action from the first book to the last.



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Olive's Ocean

Olive's Ocean by Kevin Henkes

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


I read this short novel called Olive's Ocean by Kevin Henkes a while ago. It is a simple story about a few summer days in 12 year-old Martha's life. The title refers to a girl Martha hardly knew, but one summer day Olive's mom visits Martha and gives her a journal that belonged to her daughter. Olive died in a bicycle accident. This whole incident changes Martha. It was simply written, and part of the story takes place on Cape Cod, one of my favorite places.

Check it out--it's in our library.



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The Sacrifice

The Sacrifice by Diane Matcheck




During a very warm 4th of July summer afternoon, I finished an interesting book called The Sacrifice by Diane Matcheak. This book had been hanging around my office for over a year, and I finally cataloged it and decided to read it. I love books about the Native American experience, and so this was right up my alley.



The Indian girl has no name at the beginning of the story. She is considered an outcast among her people, because her mother is dead, her twin brother was killed in a raid, and her father, who was once a great warrior, is no longer important among his people. The girl has trained herself to become a great warrior, and wants to prove herself in her village.



The setting is out west in Montana, Wyoming and Nebraska. Her people are Apsaalooka, or Crow, and although most girls did not become warriors, it was not forbidden to do so.



The ending was so exciting, I could not stop reading it until I was done. I heartily recommend this book--really--give it a chance!



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Rikers High

Rikers High by Paul Volponi

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


This was a revealing tale of what it's like to be a young man behind bars.

The author, Paul Volponi knows of what he writes, because he was a teacher of incarcerated teens.

The language and action are authentic, the violence ever-present. The reader is allowed to get inside Martin's head, as he goes to court, then only to find himself back on Riker's Island, disappointed, but willing to do anything to get "home".



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Ruined

Ruined: A Ghost Story by Paula Morris

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


A good ghost story, set in one of my favorite cities, New Orleans. Rebecca's dad is going to China for a year, and so she must stay with an aunt in New Orleans for an entire school year. She is a New York City girl, and she can't get the hang of all the "family" traditions in New Orleans. When she meets the ghost of a murdered 16 year-old black girl, who was killed over 150 years ago, Rebecca realizes that the snobby rich girls in her school are hiding an old family secret, which includes a curse that still seems to be lurking on some of the old families.



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American Born Chinese

American Born Chinese by Gene Luen Yang

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


This is a graphic novel, but not for kids. It was really funny and very cleverly done. American Born Chinese is actually three stories: the first is about Jin Wang, who moves to a new neighborhood with his family only to discover that he’s the only Chinese-American student at his new school; the powerful Monkey King, subject of one of the oldest and greatest Chinese fables; and Chin-Kee, almost a racist stereotype, who is ruining his cousin Danny’s life with his yearly visits. Their lives and stories come together with an unexpected twist in this action-packed modern fable. There is now a sequel, which I would like to read.



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Escape Under the Forever Sky

Escape Under the Forever Sky by Eve Yohalem

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


Lucy's mom is the American ambassador to Ethiopia. Lucy loves adventure, animals and nature, and so this situation sounds perfect. Well, it would be, but Lucy's mom is super strict, and will not allow her to do anything except go to school. Well, being a 13 year-old, she finds a way to get around her mother's orders, and ends up in a life-threatening predicament.
This is a good adventure, with lots of Ethiopian culture thrown in. It's a fast read, that both boys and girls should enjoy.

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Catching Fire

Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Terrific! Usually, sequels are not as good as the original book, but this story ends leaving you panting for the third book! Thanks to the author, Suzanne Collins, for writing a terrific adventure/sci-fi series that is not dumbed-down for young people.

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The Trouble Begins at 8: A life of Mark Twain in the Wild, Wild West

The Trouble Begins at 8: A Life of Mark Twain in the Wild, Wild West by Sid Fleischman

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


An easy to read biography of an American literary legend, with great illustrations and photographs. I learned a few disturbing facts about Mark Twain, but all-in-all, I learned that he led quite an adventurous life.

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Chains

Chains by Laurie Halse Anderson

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Well, Laurie Halse Anderson has done it again--written a really good historical fiction novel, that leaves you wanting more. And guess what? It seems as if there will be a sequel. Isabel's story is exciting, heartbreaking, and at the end, hopeful. As a young female slave in New York just at the outbreak of the Revolutionary War, we see Isabel as an intelligent girl, looking for her chance to escape from her horrible owner, amid the chaos of the war for independence. What a wonderful way to learn about this important period in American history!

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Pride and Prejudice and Zombies

Pride and Prejudice and Zombies by Seth Grahame-Smith

My rating: 1 of 5 stars


This was an awful story. It was disgusting and absurd. In the beginning, I laughed at some of the more gruesome antics, but then it got to be ridiculous. Written in the style of Jane Austen, which could be a big turn-off to most teens, I would not recommend this book to anyone!

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Revenge of the Whale

Revenge of the Whale: The True Story of the Whaleship Essex, Adapted for Young People from In The Heart of the Sea by Nathaniel Philbrick

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


This was a wonderful book about whaling, way back in the 1820's.
It is a nonfiction book, but reads as easily as a novel. The book tells a story of a whaling ship from Nantucket that was actually attacked by a huge whale in the Pacific Ocean, and as a result the ship sunk. The horrified crew knew it would take a miracle for them to survive, as they were a thousand miles from any land. The crew, now in three small boats, set sail for land, and the adventure is told in an exciting way. Of course, they actually had to resort to cannibalism,in order for some of the men to survive.
Having been to Nantucket a few times, and having been on many whale watches off of Cape Cod, this book brought the smell of the wind and the sea to life for me. It is also a look into what makes some men brave, and what lengths some men will go to survive against all odds.

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Crossing the Wire

Crossing the Wire by Will Hobbs


My rating: 3 of 5 stars
An interesting tale of a young Mexican teen who has decided he needs to come to the US in order to help his family. He knows it is dangerous and illegal, but he feels has no choice but to cross the border illegally. The danger, the hardships, are all here, and told from the perspective of a teen who has led a fairly innocent life up to now, this story can lead to some really good discussions.

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