Kid Konnection: The Curse of the Were-Hyena

Every Saturday, I host a feature called Kid Konnection -- a regular weekend feature about anything related to children's books. This week I'm going to share with you a fun middle grade book that's the start of a new brand-new series!

Summary: What do you do when your favorite teacher starts turning into a were-hyena?

a) Flee in terror?

b) Try to cure him?

c) Bring him carrion snacks?

Mr. Chu, the coolest teacher ever, has developed some very unusual habits, like laughing hysterically for no reason, sniffing people’s homework, and chasing chickens. When best friends Carlos and Benny decide to find out what’s happening to him, they get caught up in some moonlight madness. And it looks like just the beginning of the weirdness that has arrived in the town of Monterrosa. . . . This first entry in a silly, sassy, and suspenseful new series will leave readers howling with laughter. -- Disney Hyperion

I know you shouldn't judge a book but its cover, but in the case of THE CURSE OF THE WERE-HYENA by Bruce Hale, it's a pretty good idea. This book cover isn't quite what it first appears. The cover changes depending on how you move the book. It can look like the were-hyena as pictured above or the teacher who changes into the were-hyena. Too cute!

THE CURSE OF THE WERE-HYENA is the first book in the Monstertown Mystery series, and I think it's a great start. At first, I thought this book might be fun for youngsters... but for me, not so much. However, I was pleasantly surprised by just how entertaining this book was.

THE CURSE OF THE WERE-HYENA tells the story of two kids, Carlos and Benny, whose teacher turns into a were-hyena! Mr. Chu is a teacher and he's adored by his students. However, one day he starts acting very funny. Out of the blue, he laughs hysterically and has terrific reflexes, and his sense of smell seems to be in overdrive. Carlos and Benny know something is up and want to get to the bottom of the strange new incidents that are occurring in their hometown.

With the help of the owner of the comic store (an ex-wrestler who now gets around in a wheelchair), they realize that Mr. Chu was bit by a were-hyena and will become one if he's not cured before the next full moon.

I admit I was skeptical -- I'm not the biggest fan of fantasy, but THE CURSE OF THE WERE-HYENA was adorable. It was extremely funny and also a bit of a mystery, and the main characters are totally likable (and diverse!) I'm pretty certain that middle grade readers are going to love it! Thankfully, it's the first book in a new series so I have a feeling readers will get to see more of Carlos and Benny and some very strange creatures!

As a mom, I just loved the creativity of the story. Since the boys (and one special African American karate girl) were in a crunch to save their favorite teacher, the scenes were action-packed and full of many strange twists. I will also tell you that there are enough typical boy jokes (you know what that means!) to keep the laughs coming!

As cute as this book was, I love love love that there is a discussion guide that is aligned to common core standards. I have a feeling if students could read books like this as part of school, many more would love reading. There are also some cute activities including a mask and a fun quiz!

THE CURSE OF THE WERE-HYENA is a great start to what is sure to be a very fun series for middle grade readers!

Giveaway alert: The Full Moon of the Were-Hyena Howling Good Giveaway!

• Ten winners will receive a copy of Bruce Hale’s The Curse of the Were-Hyena. 
• Four Grand Prize winners will receive The Curse of the Were-Hyena plus an advance reading copy of the second book in the series, Mutant Mantis Lunch Ladies! 
• And as a bonus, Grand Prize winners will also get a signed photo of Bruce Hale disguised as a were-wolf! 

Click here to enter.

Thanks to Blue Slip Media for providing a review copy of this novel.

If you'd like to participate in Kid Konnection and share a post about anything related to children's books (picture, middle grade, or young adult) from the past week, please leave a comment as well as a link below with your name/blog name and the title of the book! Feel free to grab the little button too!

Kid Konnection: The Mysterious Abductions

Every Saturday, I host a feature called Kid Konnection -- a regular weekend feature about anything related to children's books. This week I'm going to share with you a fun adventure book for middle grade readers.

Summary: "We can be bold in adventure-"

"We can be brave in challenge-"
"We can be friends.”

The Nocturnals features three unlikely friends: Dawn, a serious fox, Tobin, a sweet pangolin and Bismark, the loud mouthed, pint sized sugar glider. The stories all play out in their nighttime world with teamwork, friendship and humor in every adventure.

In The Mysterious Abductions, the animals form a brigade of the night after a random encounter with a blood-thirsty snake, and just in time because something is threatening their night realm. Animals are disappearing without a trace. Together with the help of a wombat, a band of coyotes and many others, Dawn, Tobin and Bismark journey to the depths of the earth in a wacky, high stakes game that will determine all of their survival. -- Fabled Film Press

I do enjoy the occasional middle grade book, but I'm the first to admit that I don't usually pick up fantasy... or even books about animals for that matter. However, I thought the premise for the new book THE NOCTURNALS: THE MYSTERIOUS ABDUCTIONS by Tracey Hecht and illustrated by Kate Liebman sounded cute. This is the first book in the new NOCTURNALS series and I definitely think the author has created a memorable cast of characters.

THE MYSTERIOUS ABDUCTIONS tells the story of three animals who might not seem to be the most likely candidates for friendship. Dawn, the star of the story is a fox, while Tobin is a nice pangolin and Bismarck is a spunky sugar glider. Since they are all nocturnal animals (hence the title of the series!), their adventures take place in the middle of the night.

When a bunch of animals start mysteriously disappearing, the friends decide to form a Brigade to figure out what's happening. These three animals, all very different, offer their talents in discovering clues and getting to the bottom of the mystery. Additional animals, like a wombat and a pack of coyotes, chip in their skills too. What they discover leads to a crazy game that could lead forever change their lives. Can these newfound friends work together to save their lives?

THE MYSTERIOUS ABDUCTIONS is a definitely a cute book that will appeal to middle grade readers... especially those interested in animals. It's action-packed and funny; and as a mom, I really appreciated the strong messages about loyalty and friendship.

One thing that really stood out to me was the development of the characters. Dawn is a terrific heroine -- she's smart and conscientious, but she's also just a great animal. I loved her determination to solve the mystery as well as her loyalty to her friends. Her sidekicks, the multilingual Bismarck and the sweet Tobin, provided a great deal of the humor in the story. I'm certain that these three are in store for some very fun adventures in the future!

Another interesting thing that I enjoyed about THE MYSTERIOUS ABDUCTIONS was how creative the story was. I'm not a big fan of fantasy but I thought it was cute how the author used the animals' traits to further develop their characters. In addition, there is an insane game at the end of the book that is a bit like hockey... but not. It is extremely silly and incredibly unique!

Finally, I really appreciated that there are so many educational resources resources available for this book. There are book club questions, bookmarks, fill-in-the-story game, coloring pages, and more. I think THE MYSTERIOUS ABDUCTIONS would be a great book to read not only in schools but also for book clubs.

Overall, THE MYSTERIOUS ABDUCTIONS is an action-packed fun read that's perfect for middle grade fans of adventure series!

*****
Meet Dawn!

Dawn is the fearless leader of the Nocturnal Brigade. With her wits, strength, and poise, she serves as the anchor to her more excitable companions. Her past is a painful subject, and she keeps her emotions under a lid—though this does not keep her from enjoying herself from time to time. Dawn will usually try and resolve conflicts with a stern look or common sense, but when push comes to shove, she will lead the attack.

Here are some facts the author learned while researching Dawn:

 **Red foxes are the largest member of the fox family. Even so, they are incredibly light on their feet thanks to their slender frame, enabling them to gracefully sneak around, and run up to 30-35 mph.
 (Macdonald, David W. "Dog Family." The Princeton Encyclopedia of Mammals. Princeton, NJ: Princeton UP, 2009. 604-10. Print.)

 ** Foxes have incredible eyesight due to their cat-like, vertically slit pupils, which allows the animal to adapt to a wider range of light conditions.
 (Macdonald, David W. "Dog Family." The Princeton Encyclopedia of Mammals. Princeton, NJ: Princeton UP, 2009. 604-10. Print.)

Here are some more resources for THE MYSTERIOUS ABDUCTIONS that you might want to explore:

---Videos:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y4--awmJz-Q
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WuTr0NC8Zh4

---Website: https://www.nocturnalsworld.com/

---Twitter: https://twitter.com/fabled_films 

---Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nocturnalsworld/?fref=ts

---Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/27220549-the-nocturnals

---Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nocturnalsworld/

If you'd like to participate in Kid Konnection and share a post about anything related to children's books (picture, middle grade, or young adult) from the past week, please leave a comment as well as a link below with your name/blog name and the title of the book! Feel free to grab the little button too!

Thanks to Saichek Publications for providing a review copy of this book.

Review: The Immortals & Giveaway

Summary: Manhattan has many secrets. Some are older than the city itself.

The city sleeps. Selene DiSilva walks her dog along the banks of the Hudson. She is alone -- just the way she likes it. She doesn't believe in friends, and she doesn't speak to her family. Most of them are simply too dangerous.

In the predawn calm, Selene finds the body of a young woman washed ashore, gruesomely mutilated and wreathed in laurel. Her ancient rage returns. And so does the memory of a promise she made long ago -- when her name was Artemis. -- Orbit

Years ago, I read the first book in the Percy Jackson series with my daughter for our mother/daughter book club, THE LIGHTNING THIEF. I really enjoyed it! My daughter has read the entire series a number of times, and now she's turned my eleven year old son into a fan.

It's probably genetic that my kids are so interested in Greek and Roman mythology. I began my interest back in high school when I took Latin, and it continued when I took a Mythology class as an elective at Penn State. Maybe that's why I was so drawn to the new book THE IMMORTALS by Jordanna Max Brodsky. This is the first book in the Olympus Bound series, and I really think Ms. Brodsky is onto something!

THE IMMORTALS tells the story of Selene DiSilva, a bit of a loner who has devoted her life to fighting crimes against women. She also happens to be the Greek goddess Artemis! When she discovers the body of a Colombian professor who has been brutally mutilated, she feels obligated to investigate... especially when aspects of the murder appear to have some ties to ancient Greece.

Usually, Selene works by herself; however, she gets some help this time from Theo Schultz, a classics professor who used to have a relationship with the woman found murdered. Despite his attempts to convince the police that he's not involved, they aren't so certain. His knowledge of ancient Greece and its myths allow him to deduce that this murder (and a few more!) are an attempt to relive the Eleusinian Mysteries.

Based on the clues left behind at the murders, Selene believes that another Greek god might be responsible for these horrific crimes -- one who might be trying to regain his immortality by killing people. As Selene and Theo work together to find the murderer before he (or she) strikes again, Selene also learns a great deal about herself, her family, and her powers!

I was pleasantly surprised by just how well done THE IMMORTALS was. The writing was very good, but it was the story and the character development that really impressed me. I was actually blown away by the author's ability to bring life ancient Greek figures in today's Manhattan; and this might sound strange coming from me, but I could actually "buy" them.

And truth be told, the mystery in THE IMMORTALS was outstanding. There were lots of twists and turns, and I honestly wasn't sure who was responsible. In addition, there were also some great suspense scenes that were also very well written. Overall, this novel was definitely a page turner... and I look forward to the next book in this series.

Finally, I pretty sure that I can't express just how excellent Ms. Brodsky's knowledge of ancient Greece is and how well she demonstrated it in this novel. I loved how she incorporated so many of the Greek gods in present day society, keeping their original traits while also making them relevant in today's world. In addition, I appreciated how she used the ancient myths throughout the novel. I liked it when I recognized the references, but I also found these new stories to be fascinating. Ms. Brodsky also included some terrific resource material in the back of the book for those readers who want to know more about Greek myths.

THE IMMORTALS is a great book that grownup fans of Rick Riordan will love. Highly recommended!

Learn more about the book at OlympusBound.com

Thanks to Orbit Books for providing a review copy of this novel.

Giveaway alert: Thanks to the fine folks at Orbit Books, I have a great giveaway! One winner will win THE GODDESS prize pack which includes a copy of THE IMMORTALS and a branded "GODDESS" sweatshirt. Check out the picture below to see just how adorable this sweatshirt is!

To enter, just fill out the form below before March 3 at 11:59 p.m. EST. I will randomly select and notify the winner the following day. This contest is open to those of you with U.S. addresses only. Good luck!

Announcing: Circus Maximus & Giveaway Opportunity

Summary: Fans of Big Fish, Peter Pan, and Roald Dahl will fall in love with Circus Mirandus, which celebrates the power of seeing magic in the world.

Do you believe in magic?
Micah Tuttle does.

Even though his awful Great-Aunt Gertrudis doesn’t approve, Micah believes in the stories his dying Grandpa Ephraim tells him of the magical Circus Mirandus: the invisible tiger guarding the gates, the beautiful flying birdwoman, and the magician more powerful than any other—the Man Who Bends Light. Finally, Grandpa Ephraim offers proof. The Circus is real. And the Lightbender owes Ephraim a miracle. With his friend Jenny Mendoza in tow, Micah sets out to find the Circus and the man he believes will save his grandfather.

The only problem is, the Lightbender doesn’t want to keep his promise. And now it’s up to Micah to get the miracle he came for. -- Dial

Today’s a huge day at Booking Mama because we are celebrating the release of CIRCUS MIRANDUS by the fabulous Cassie Beasley! I am so happy to be part of a big Blogger Blitz along with so many other wonderful blogs. Thanks go out to Word Spelunking for organizing this!

Ms. Beasley has written a very special letter sharing her feelings about CIRCUS MIRANDUS and all of the amazing support she has received.

Dear Readers,

Ages ago I hung a poster in my room with the words “The Circus Opens Summer 2015” in bold letters across the top. At the time, it seemed that Summer 2015 would never come. Now, miraculously, June 2 is here, and Circus Mirandus is springing up in bookshops all over the country.

In the story, those called to Circus Mirandus feel a change in the wind. They hear music on the air, pipes and drums leading them toward magic and hope and heart’s desires. Eventually they find themselves before the gates, standing, as I am now, on the threshold of somewhere both wonderful and unknowable. 

As people read the pages into which I’ve poured so much time and self, I wonder what they’ll think of the world I’ve created. I wonder if they will love it as much as I do. It’s an exciting moment, stepping through these gates into a place I’ve imagined but never seen. 

Thank you so much for making this journey with me. Thank you for supporting the book. Thank you, most of all, for believing.

Cassie Beasley

CIRCUS MIRANDUS has already received some great press. It's already #1 on the Summer Kids' Indie Next List, and the reviews just keep coming. Check out just a few of the raving reviews:

- “On one level, the book is a fantastical circus romp… On another, it's both serious and thick with longing… A delicious confection and much more: it shows that the human heart is delicate, that it matters, and that it must be handled with care.” —Kirkus Reviews, starred review

- “Circus Mirandus is not a simple story, but readers will be rewarded for delving into its intricacies. This gripping fantasy tale will have readers hooked from the opening scene to the breathtaking—and unexpected—conclusion.” —School Library Journal, starred review

- “Beasley’s debut is a bit of its own three-ring circus, masterfully diverting readers’ attention among the pressing matter of Ephraim’s illness, the inventive descriptions of Circus Mirandus in Ephraim’s flashbacks and Micah’s visits, and the larger, more serious tragedy of those who refuse to believe…Readers will be left with…the hope…that those who still believe will always have magic in their lives.” —Publishers Weekly, starred review

By now, I'm sure you're dying to know more about CIRCUS MIRANDUS and it's very talented author!

About CIRCUS MIRANDUS:
Author: Cassie Beasley
Publisher: Dial
Release Date: June 2, 2015

Amazon: http://amzn.to/1JwJsae
B&N: http://bit.ly/1Fxl1d2
Indiebound: http://bit.ly/1Ki3AhB
Goodreads: http://bit.ly/1GmvnLy

Micah Tuttle believes in magic, even though his awful Great-Aunt Gertrudis doesn’t approve. Micah believes in the stories his dying Grandpa Ephraim tells him of the magical Circus Mirandus: the invisible tiger guarding the gates, the beautiful flying birdwoman, and the magician more powerful than any other—the Man Who Bends Light. Finally, Grandpa Ephraim offers proof. The Circus is real—and the Lightbender owes Ephraim a miracle. With his friend Jenny Mendoza in tow, Micah sets out to find the Circus and the man he believes will save his grandfather. The only problem is, the Lightbender doesn't want to keep his promise. And now it's up to Micah to get the miracle he came for. Readers will fall in love with CIRCUS MIRANDUS, which celebrates the power of seeing magic in the world.

About Cassie Beasley:
Cassie Beasley is from rural Georgia, where, when she's not writing, she helps out on the family pecan farm. She earned her MFA in Writing for Children and Young Adults at the Vermont College of Fine Arts. CIRCUS MIRANDUS is her first novel.

Twitter: https://twitter.com/beasleywrites
Website: http://cassiebeasley.com/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8016035.Cassie_Beasley

Giveaway alert: There is a Rafflecopter giveaway for copies of CIRCUS MIRANDUS and some cool swag items -- all courtesy of Penguin Young Readers! Five (yes five!) winners will receive the following:

• Signed hardcover of CIRCUS MIRANDUS
• Audio sampler
• Animal crackers
• Bookmarks (pack of 10)
• Poster

The giveaway will run from June 2nd until June 16th, so click on this Rafflecopter link for your chance to win: http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/share-code/NjliNDM1MTFmN2Y4NWJlNDFlZGZhMDI2NDYxYWQ4Ojk=/?

Kid Konnection: The Skywalker Saga

Every Saturday, I host a feature called Kid Konnection -- a regular weekend feature about anything related to children's books. This week, I'm going to share with you a great gift idea for the Star Wars fans in your life!

Summary: Star Wars is an ever deepening, timeless, mythological tale of good versus evil, set in a galaxy far, far away. Filled with noble Jedi Knights, fearsome creatures, and cruel villains, the epic space fantasy introduced "the Force" into the global vocabulary, along with characters such as evil Darth Vader, wise old Yoda, idealistic Luke Skywalker, and lovable Chewbacca. The epic Star Wars saga continues to grow and expand, captivating new generations with its exotic worlds, iconic themes and unforgettable stories.

A new era in the rich history of Star Wars is about to begin with the announcement of a new trilogy of Star Wars movies, starting in 2015, and the announcement of a series of Star Wars spin-off movies, over the coming years

· Enjoy more than a hundred glossy, full-color images from Star Wars movies.

· Comprehensive look back at all six movies

· Collect nine full-size, pull-out posters.

Poster-A-Page delivers children's most popular characters, stories, and memorable moments to them in a unique visual format. With every page a poster, plus 9 supersize fold-out posters inside, this series offers kids ages 4-12 the opportunity to bring their favorite friends and stories into their homes, onto their walls, and become part of their world. -- Time Home Entertainment, Inc.

Booking Son is ten years old and has been a Star Wars fan for years. So you can imagine his excitement when STAR WARS POSTER-A-PAGE: THE SKYWALKER SAGA EPISODES I-VI arrived in our house. This gorgeous book is loaded with posters! And by that, I mean over 100 glossy, full-color images from all six Star Wars movies. In addition, there are nine supersize (also known as full-size) pull-out posters.

Star Wars fans of all ages will love this collection of posters. I can already see collectors decorating their basements with the pages from this book. Fan favorites like Luke Skywalker, Han Solo, R2D2, Chewbacca, and my personal favorite Yoda appear in various movie scenes. The only problem might be deciding which side of the poster to display!

In addition to THE SKYWALKER SAGA, there are some other really cute poster books available in the series including:

MARVEL Poster-A-Page: Avengers Assemble in Action brings to life the most powerful superhero team in the world! Including Thor, Captain America, Hulk, Iron Man, and the Black Widow, this book has all of the favorite Marvel characters showing off their skills and fearlessness.

Disney Frozen Poster-A-Page: Magical Moments relives the magic of the second highest grossing Disney movie of all time. With wintry scenes and cherished characters, this book follows Anna and Kristoff as they encounter Everest-like conditions, mystical trolls and a hilarious snowman, in their epic journey to find Elsa.

Disney Junior Poster-A-Page: Let’s Play features the lovable characters from one of the highest rated children's TV series, including six-year-old Doc McStuffins; Mickey Mouse and his clubhouse friends Goofy, Donald, Minnie, Daisy, and Pluto; and Jake and his Never Land Pirates crew.

Sofia the First: Practice Makes Princess includes sweet images of Sofia, her family and friends, as well as lots of wisdom from the Princess herself.

Disney Princess: Fairy Tale Moments serves up the royal treatment with illustrations from some of Disney’s most beloved princesses, including Cinderella, Belle, Snow White, Rapunzel, Ariel, Mulan, Tiana, Aurora, Jasmine, Merida, and Pocahontas.

These poster books are the perfect gift idea because they retail for less than $13. Boys and girls alike are sure to find one that features their favorite characters. Highly recommended!

Thanks to the publisher for providing a review copy of this book.

If you'd like to participate in Kid Konnection and share a post about anything related to children's books (picture, middle grade, or young adult) from the past week, please leave a comment as well as a link below with your name/blog name and the title of the book! Feel free to grab the little button too!

Kid Konnection: A Wrinkle in Time The Graphic Novel

Every Saturday, I host a feature called Kid Konnection -- a regular weekend feature about anything related to children's books. This week, I'm going to share with you a classic children's book that is being presented in an entirely new way.

Summary: The world already knows Meg and Charles Wallace Murry, Calvin O'Keefe, and the three Mrs--Who, Whatsit, and Which--the memorable and wonderful characters who fight off a dark force and save our universe in the Newbery award-winning classic A Wrinkle in Time. But in 50 years of publication, the book has never been illustrated.  Now, Hope Larson takes the classic story to a new level with her vividly imagined interpretations of tessering and favorite characters like the Happy Medium and Aunt Beast. Perfect for old fans and winning over new ones, this graphic novel adaptation is a must-read. --FSG

Earlier this year, I read and reviewed A WRINKLE IN TIME by Madeleine L'Engle; and I'm pretty sure it was my first time to read the entire novel! Crazy, right? As a pre-teen and teen, I wasn't into fantasy at all and had no desire to even pick it up; however, I am so glad that I finally got around to reading it as an adult because I absolutely loved it. When I learned that Hope Larson had adapted and illustrated Ms. L'Engle's classic novel as a graphic novel, A WRINKLE IN TIME: THE GRAPHIC NOVEL, I jumped at the chance to read it.

I actually loved A WRINKLE IN TIME: THE GRAPHIC NOVEL almost as much as the original. I feel as if Ms. Larson captured the essence of Ms. L'Engle's book while also presenting it an a very unique way. I have tried to get Booking Daughter to read A WRINKLE IN TIME for months now to no avail; however, when she say me reading the graphic novel version, she immediately asked for it. I have no doubt that fans of the novel will enjoy this adaptation, but I also hope that this format might provide the opportunity for this fantastic story to get in the hands of an entirely new audience.

Ms. Larson's black and white (and blue) illustrations were just fabulous. She managed to capture the suspenseful aspects of the story, and she did a great job of expressing all of the characters' emotions. I was also extremely impressed with how much of the story she included in her version, and how she managed to stay true to not only the original story but also the chapter headings. I am fairly confident in saying that "new" A WRINKLE IN TIME readers will walk away from this story with a full understanding of it as well as a grasp of the major themes.

Just check out this video to get an idea of how awesome these illustrations are:

I loved A WRINKLE IN TIME: THE GRAPHIC NOVEL and I highly recommend it to kids of all ages. It would make a fantastic holiday gift.. if you're thinking along those lines already!

Thanks to the publisher for providing a review copy of this book.

If you'd like to participate in Kid Konnection and share a post about anything related to children's books (picture, middle grade, or young adult) from the past week, please leave a comment as well as a link below with your name/blog name and the title of the book! Feel free to grab the little button too!

Kid Konnection: Spooky Books Edition

Every Saturday, I host a feature called Kid Konnection -- a regular weekend feature about anything related to children's books. This week, I'm going to share with you two fun books for middle grade readers that are especially appropriate since Halloween is almost here.

I am going to preface these next two reviews by saying that these aren't my typical reading fare. I'm really not a big fan of fantasy stories; and as a result, I don't know that I'm the best judge of these books. But I'll give you some of my thoughts... for what they are worth.

Summary: Max’s village is absolutely normal in every single way and on every single day—except Wednesday.

Most of the townsfolk shutter their windows and lock their doors to hide away from the many peculiar things that happen—things like cats getting stuck in the vacuum cleaner and birthday cakes meeting fiery and horrific ends. But Max is too curious for that, and so, breaking every rule in the village, he searches out the cause of all the Wednesday weirdness.

What he uncovers is a secret so devious—so dastardly and mischievous—that life as he knows it will never be the same. Max himself is not the same. Suddenly the mysterious little accidents so common on Wednesdays are happening to him on Thursdays, Fridays—even Saturdays!

What’s come over Max? And more importantly, is there any cure for a case of the Wednesdays?
Mystery, magic, mischief and monsters abound in this slightly fantastical story of a human kid who wants to stay that way. -- Knopf

THE WEDNESDAYS by Julie Bourbeau and illustrated by Jason Beene is a cute book that is geared towards young readers between the ages of eight and twelve. However, I think kids in the younger end of that age group might appreciate the book more than the older ones. It's a little bit creepy and a lot a bit silly, and I can totally see elementary aged children getting a kick out of this story.

THE WEDNESDAYS tells the story of Max, a young boy who lives in a village that basically shuts down every Wednesday. People in this village won't even leave their houses because strange things/accidents tend to occur on this day of the week. Max, however, decides that his curiosity outweighs the risks, and he ventures out to discover what makes these Wednesdays so weird.

What Max discovers is pretty astonishing, but what ends up happening to him is even stranger. And to make matters even more complicated, those little accidents start popping up around Max on every day of the week. Max is determined to get to the bottom of "the Wednesdays" and save the town!

I thought THE WEDNESDAYS was a fun book. I wouldn't go so far as to say I loved it, but I recognize that I'm far from the intended audience. So what I did while reading it was imagine what Booking Son would have thought about this novel. I can't say for sure, of course, without reading it with him (and I didn't have time to do this in time to do a Spooky Book post), but I think he and his friends would think THE WEDNESDAYS is a pretty funny story.

As a mom, I acknowledge that THE WEDNESDAYS has a lot of things that make books appealing to young kids. There is a bit of a mystery element to the story, and there's also some action scenes with dangerous situations and surprise twists. The main character is smart and funny, and there are monsters! What more could a kid ask for?

I recommend THE WEDNESDAYS to elementary aged kids who enjoy a good fantasy story!

Summary: A girl stumbles into a fantastic world in this tale perfect for fans of Coraline, Alice in Wonderland, and The Twilight Zone.

Spending the summer at her grandmother's house is the last thing Sarah wants to do—especially now that Grandma Winnie has died—but she has no choice. Her parents have to fix the place up before they can sell it, and Sarah and her brother, Billy, have to help. But the tedious work turns into a thrilling mystery when Sarah discovers an unfinished letter her grandmother wrote: Strange things are happening behind the bookcase. . . .

Sarah's mother dismisses the letter as one of Grandma Winnie's crazy stories, but Sarah does some investigating and makes a remarkable discovery: behind the bookcase is a doorway into Scotopia, the land where shadows come from. With a talking cat named Balthazat as her guide, Sarah begins an unforgettable adventure into a world filled with countless dangers. Who can she trust? And can she face her fears, not only in Scotopia, but also back at Grandma Winnie's house, where more secrets and strange goings-on await her? -- Delacorte Press

There's a better chance that I would have read a book like BEHIND THE BOOKCASE by Mark Steensland and illustrated by Kelly Murphy when I was a young girl. Like THE WEDNESDAYS, this book had its fair share of fantasy and action, but it was more of a mystery; and as a result, I was able to relate to it a bit more. Plus, the main character was a girl; and right or wrong, sometimes that does matter to me.

BEHIND THE BOOKCASE tells the story of Sarah, a young girl who has to spend her summer at her dead grandmother's house. Her parents want to clean up and fix up the house so they can see it, and Sarah and her little brother are left to examine this odd house. Sarah discovers a half-written letter left for her by her grandmother with a mysterious message -- that some things are happening behind the bookcase.

Sarah starts delving into this mystery and finds that there is indeed something happening behind the bookcase. It's a doorway to a fantastical land called Scotopia! Once she is there, she meets and brings back a talking cat; however, she soon learns that things aren't what they seem. Sarah begins an adventure that takes her back to Scotopia, and she encounters some interesting characters as well as a great deal of action and adventure.

I enjoyed BEHIND THE BOOKCASE quite a bit, and I actually think it will appeal to many elementary aged kids -- both boys and girls as well as young and old. I appreciated how the story went back and forth between present day and Scotopia and that there were issues for Sarah to resolve in both worlds. In addition, I appreciated that Sarah's character was well developed. She was both believable (especially when it came to her relationship with her brother and parents), and she was also very resourceful. I think girls are totally going to relate to her!

While I don't claim to love fantasy stories, I can say that I appreciated how well the author made Scotopia a believable fantasy world. The descriptions of this world and its unusual inhabitants were so vivid that I could picture the scenes in my mind perfectly. In addition, I thought the action scenes had a lot of detail that made them come to life.

And finally, I really thought the mystery elements of the story were intriguing. I wasn't exactly sure where the story was going to go, and there were more than a few surprises along the way. Some of these surprises made Sarah wonder whom she could trust, and I like that she had to trust her gut about certain characters. I did feel like the ending of the book wrapped up a little quickly, but I don't think kids will even notice or care.

I recommend BEHIND THE BOOKCASE to kids who enjoy fantasy books as well as mysteries.

Thanks to the publisher for providing review copies of these novels.

If you'd like to participate in Kid Konnection and share a post about anything related to children's books (picture, middle grade, or young adult) from the past week, please leave a comment as well as a link below with your name/blog name and the title of the book! Feel free to grab the little button too!

Review: A Wrinkle in Time

Summary: Fifty years ago, Madeleine L’Engle introduced the world to A Wrinkle in Time and the wonderful and unforgettable characters Meg and Charles Wallace Murry, and their friend Calvin O’Keefe. When the children learn that Mr. Murry has been captured by the Dark Thing, they time travel to Camazotz, where they must face the leader IT in the ultimate battle between good and evil—a journey that threatens their lives and our universe. A Newbery Award winner, A Wrinkle in Time is an iconic novel that continues to inspire millions of fans around the world. This special edition has been redesigned and includes an introduction by Katherine Paterson, an afterword by Madeleine L’Engle’s granddaughter Charlotte Jones Voiklis that includes photographs and memorabilia, the author’s Newbery Medal acceptance speech, and other bonus materials. -- FSG

I know it's hard to believe but I don't think I've read A WRINKLE IN TIME by Madeleine L'Engle as a pre-teen. Looking back, I think I was a lot like Booking Daughter -- reading books all of the time but leaning towards the more fun or fluffy books. I'm sure I only read science fiction or fantasy when I absolutely had to, and I probably didn't appreciate that genre very much. I realize I'm a little late to the game, but I finally sat down a few days ago and read A WRINKLE IN TIME; and I'm absolutely kicking myself for not experiencing it as a kid. I absolutely adored this book!

Yesterday was the 50th Anniversary of the book's publication, and it still is every bit as popular today as it was back then. So, what more can I say about A WRINKLE IN TIME than has already been said by people much smarter and more eloquent than I? In fact, I feel a bit intimidated by trying to "review" this classic novel. Rather I think I will just share just a few my thoughts about this outstanding story.

Although I'm very sad that I didn't experience this novel when I was a tween, I am one hundred percent sure that I wouldn't have appreciated A WRINKLE IN TIME as much as I do as an adult. Maybe I wasn't a very intuitive reader back then, but I know I would have missed many of the subtleties (and in my opinion, best parts) of this story. There is no doubt that I enjoyed the suspense parts of this story when Meg, Charles Wallace and Calvin were trying to find Mr. Murray, but I most loved Meg and the overall messages in this novel.

First of all, what girl wouldn't love the character of Meg? Even though I am old enough to be Meg's mother, I totally related to her; and I know I would have related to her even more as a tween/teen. Meg is just a remarkable character for so many reasons. Not only does she have those normal teen feelings of insecurity, but she is also short tempered and impatient. I adored how she turned her "weaknesses" into strengths rather than allowing herself to fail because of them; and I think she's a great hero and an extremely positive role model.

And I hardly know where to begin when discussing the messages in A WRINKLE IN TIME. There are so many powerful and beautiful messages; and, while many are definitely universal, I think that some are special because of how they will resonate with individual readers. I was surprised by just how spiritual this book was, and I loved the life lessons that Meg learned throughout the course of this novel, especially as they pertained to good versus evil. All of the themes in this novel are valuable ones to readers of all ages and I don't think we can ever hear too many times about the power of love and hope.

What amazes me (and probably what makes A WRINKLE IN TIME such an iconic story) is that the story and the messages are as timely today as they were 50 years ago when the story was first published. I appreciate the land of Camazotz and what it teaches us about the importance of independence and free thinking. And I think The Dark Thing, which represents all things evil, is one of the most powerful symbols that I've ever encountered in my reading. In a time when we are facing so much despair including wars, economic crises, and poverty, it's a wonderful reminder that it is possible to overcome darkness with love.

But it was the feeling that I had when I finished the last page of A WRINKLE IN TIME that made this book so very special to me. I just felt all warm inside! I loved that this book shows that we can defeat The Dark Thing in our world by following our passions, and that with love, all things are possible.

Thanks to Big Honcho Media for providing a review copy allowing me to be part of the 50 Years, 50 Days, 50 Blogs Celebration Tour. Make sure you check out the other stops on the tour tour or the A Wrinkle in Time Facebook page .

Review: The Emerald Atlas

Summary: Kate, Michael, and Emma have been in one orphanage after another for the last ten years, passed along like lost baggage.

Yet these unwanted children are more remarkable than they could possibly imagine. Ripped from their parents as babies, they are being protected from a horrible evil of devastating power, an evil they know nothing about.

Until now.

Before long, Kate, Michael, and Emma are on a journey to dangerous and secret corners of the world...a journey of allies and enemies, of magic and mayhem.  And—if an ancient prophesy is correct—what they do can change history, and it is up to them to set things right.

The Emerald Atlas brims with humor and action as it charts Kate, Michael, and Emma's extraordinary adventures through an unforgettable, enchanted world. -- Knopf

I debated featuring THE EMERALD ATLAS by John Stephens for this week's Kid Konnection, but I really felt as if I couldn't wait even another day to share my thoughts about this book. This book is fantastic and I think middle graders will just devour it. This story has fantasy, time travel, action, and adventure along with a great cast of characters. It's also exciting, heart-warming, and funny! And as a mom, I loved that there are some nice messages about honesty, devotion and the importance of family. It's all all-around terrific read!

Kids will love all of the fantasy and action/adventure scenes in THE EMERALD ATLAS (and I have to admit I actually enjoyed them too!) When Kate, Michael, and Emma find themselves moved to, yet again, another orphanage, they realize that this time might be a little bit different. They are quickly swept up into a journey to the past where they encounter a very evil woman, some mystical creatures, as well as a magical land. They also learn that the book in their possession holds the power to save people's lives. It's up to Kate, Michael, and Emma to figure out how!

I have to admit that I'm not usually a fan of fantasy -- I always make an exception for the Harry Potter books though because I loved them! However, I found myself drawn into THE EMERALD ATLAS from the very start. To be honest, I think it's because I loved the characters so much. The kids were each very special in their own way (and I'm sure that kids are going to be able to relate to at least one of them!); but I also thought that the adult characters, Gabriel and Dr. Pym, were interesting. Kate, Michael, and Emma had led rather depressing lives -- they had no parents, they grew up in orphanages, they were bullied, etc.; but somehow, they got through and perhaps were even made stronger as a result of the challenges they faced. Whatever the case might be, they certainly were smart and strong and loyal -- and all of these traits served them well in THE EMERALD ATLAS.

THE EMERALD ATLAS is the first book in a planned trilogy and I must say that I am looking forward to the next installment already! I was satisfied with how book one wrapped up; however, I must say that the author also did a great job of setting up book two. There were enough teasers/cliffhangers that I was left anticipating what the future (or should I also say the past?) will hold for Kate Michael, and Emma. If the next two books are anything like THE EMERALD ATLAS, then I'm predicting huge things for this series and Mr. Stephens.

There is a gorgeous website devoted to THE EMERALD ATLAS. I thought the illustrations were terrific and captured the essence of the book perfectly. In addition, you can learn more about the characters and the author, and you can watch a trailer for the book and read an excerpt. You can even download an Emerald Atlas iron-on!

I recently discovered that there is an audiobook available for THE EMERALD ATLAS! It's narrated by Grammy and Tony Award winning narrator Jim Dale (who just happens to be the man behind the 146 voices that appeared in the Harry Potter novels.) I am dying to get this book on audio, and I think it would be perfect for our entire family during our upcoming 20 hour road trip!

I found THE EMERALD ATLAS to be a terrific middle-grade book, and I'm sure is going to appeal to a lot of fantasy and adventure fans!

Thanks to the publisher for sending a copy of this novel.

Kid Konnection: Middle Grade Books

Every Saturday, I host a feature called Kid Konnection -- a regular weekend feature about anything related to children's books. Today, I'm going to share with you two great middle grade books that I have recently read.

Summary: Life in a small town can be pretty boring when everyone avoids you like the plague. But after their father unwittingly sends them to stay with an aunt who’s away on holiday, the Hardscrabble children take off on an adventure that begins in the seedy streets of London and ends in a peculiar sea village where legend has it a monstrous creature lives who is half boy and half animal. . . .

In this wickedly dark, unusual, and compelling novel, Ellen Potter masterfully tells the tale of one deliciously strange family and a secret that changes everything. -- Feiwel and Friends

I have been a big fan of Ellen Potter even since I read SLOB (my review) last year. Booking Daughter also enjoyed SLOB, but she really adored the OLIVIA KIDNEY book when she was a little younger. So when Ms. Potter asked if I was interested in receiving a copy of her new book THE KNEEBONE BOY, I jumped at the chance. THE KNEEBONE BOY is a pretty big departure from Ms. Potter's other books, but it's no less entertaining. In fact, I think middle grade kids are going to love this novel -- it's already received a starred review from Kirkus!

THE KNEEBONE BOY tells the story of the three Hardscrabble kids. When their father has to go away for his work, the kids head to London to stay with their cousin. However due to a slight misunderstanding, thier cousin is also out-of-town and the kids are left on their own in the big city. Not really sure what to do, they decide to visit their great aunt (who they only know of because of a letter they found) in the country. When they arrive at her home, they quickly learn that things are definitely a little strange in this village -- like the rumored existence of a half boy/half animal. They begin a very exciting adventure and ultimately learn some very intriguing family secrets.

I found this novel to be absolutely delightful and very original! The kids (and narrator) were extremely interesting -- and quite complex for a middle grade novel. In addition, the story was very different (in a good way!) than many of the other middle grade adventure/fantasy books out there. I especially loved how the story was filled with secrets and surprises, and I have to admit that I didn't see how this story was going to end. The last few chapters were so exciting and filled with so many twists and turns -- I just know kids are not going to be able to put down this book.

Once again, I'm extremely impressed with Ms. Potter's writing and versatility as an author. Not only was the story terrific (and a real page-turner), but she developed some memorable characters. I loved how the characters were so "real" and "honest" despite existing in a fantasy story. All three of the Hardscrabble children were very well developed and I truly appreciated the strengths of each character. I also appreciated that Otto, the oldest child, wasn't your typical tween. He wore a scarf that he wouldn't part with and he didn't actually speak aloud -- only with his hands and mainly to his sister. I just loved the relationships and interactions between the siblings, and I have a feeling that both boys and girls will be able to relate to at least one of the three kids.

Another thing that I really liked about THE KNEEBONE BOY was the mix of darkness, suspense, and even humor that occurred in the story. Based on the cover of the book (isn't it fabulous?), I was kind of expecting the dark elements of the story. However, I was pleasantly surprised by how funny this story was. The narrator's voice was just perfect and filled with the right amount of humor. I actually found myself laughing a good bit while reading this novel, especially when the narrator was providing his/her insight! However, I was equally impressed that this novel explored some serious topics such as mental illness, loss and grief.

I have a feeling that THE KNEEBONE BOY is going to be a big hit with the middle grade crowd, and I love that it appeals to both boy and girls. There is definitely a little something for everyone in this story!

Thanks to the author for sending me a copy of her novel.

Summary: When a blizzard threatens to ruin Valentine’s Day, three seventh-grade friends make and distribute fortune cookies to their lonely neighbors—and confront the secrets they’ve been keeping from one another.

Confident Kate doesn’t notice much but the latest gossip, and shy Georgia can’t say out loud what’s always on her mind. They’re joined by observant, careful Olivia, whose epic, single-minded crush on PBJ (real name: Phillip Becker-Jacobs) is starting to frustrate the other two. Using fortune cookies that mysteriously always seem to speak directly to the person who opens them, the three girls try to work together to bring some love to their building, while reminding each other why they’re such good friends to begin with.

With all the right ingredients to appeal to tween girls, this is an irresistible confection from an emerging talent. -- Amulet

Last year, I was fortunate enough to meet author Lisa Greenwald when I moderated a panel at the Lititz Kid Lit Festival. I had recently read her debut novel MY LIFE IN PINK AND GREEN and absolutely loved it -- you can read my review here. Plus, she was just incredibly sweet and fun. Needless to say, I have been anxiously awaiting her second middle grade girls novel SWEET TREATS & SECRET CRUSHES for what seems like a long time (but really wasn't!) It was definitely worth the wait. Tween girls are going to love this story about friendship!

I'm not sure what this says about me, but...I love middle grade girly books. From the adorable covers down to the sweetness of the characters, I just can't buy enough of these books for Booking Daughter (or myself.) But what really makes these books extra-special to me is when they also offer some valuable messages and life lessons. That's actually one of the reasons that I loved MY LIFE IN PINK AND GREEN so much; and I'm just thrilled that I can say the same thing about SWEET TREATS & SECRET CRUSHES. This novel addresses so many important themes about friendship!

For those of you who don't remember your middle grade years (or have a middle grade girl living in your house), I want to remind you of how much drama there is surrounding tween girls. Maybe it's just our house, but I don't think so --  my friends seem to agree with me! Anyway, one of the topics that is always being discussed is the importance of friends and what it takes to find (or be) a good one. I absolutely love that SWEET TREATS & SECRET CRUSHES explores this topic on so many levels!

In SWEET TREATS & SECRET CRUSHES, three seventh grade girls are home bound in their apartment building on Valentine's Day due to a blizzard. They decide to make fortune cookies -- they even write their own fortunes -- and distribute them to all the residents of the building. Through the course of a day, the girls not only bring some love and happiness to the people they encounter, but they also learn a great deal about each other. In fact, I'd go so far as to say that all three of them did a lot of maturing in that single day, and they grew to truly appreciate each other -- differences and all.

I thought the premise of this story was just precious, and I loved the fortunes at the beginning of each chapter. However, I think I most appreciated the three characters that the author created for this story. All three girls had very different personalities from confident, to shy, to observant; and I liked each of them for their individual strengths. While I didn't always agree with their actions or behavior, I thought they pretty much represented real-life tween girls. Despite their secrets and disagreements, I kept hoping that they would grow to appreciate each other and realize how special their friendships were.

I think SWEET TREATS & SECRET CRUSHES would make a fantastic tween book club selection or even a good one for a mother/daughter group. There is a great deal to discuss about friendship (and crushes on boys!), and I'm pretty sure that tweens are going to really relate to what the characters experience in this novel. I also think that there are some important lessons in this book about secrets, family, boys, generosity, and compassion towards others. In addition to a fabulous discussion, I also think you could have a lot of fun at your meeting by making (or just serving) fortune cookies, or even taking the time to have the girls write their own fortunes.

SWEET TREATS & SECRET CRUSHES is just a sweet book that tween girls are going to relate to and love. As a mom, I appreciated the story, but I loved the messages that the girls will ultimately take away from this novel.

Thanks to my friends at Aaron's Books for lending me a copy of this book.

If you'd like to participate in Kid Konnection and share a post about anything related to children's books (picture, middle grade, or young adult) from the past week, please leave a comment as well as a link below with your name/blog name and the title of the book! Feel free to grab the little button too!

Kid Konnection: The Magnificent 12: The Call & Giveaway

Every Saturday, I host a feature called Kid Konnection -- a regular weekend feature about anything related to children's books. Today, I'm going to share with you a very exciting adventure book for middle graders!

Summary: Twelve-year-old Mack MacAvoy suffers from a serious case of mediumness. Medium looks. Medium grades. Medium parents who barely notice him. With a list of phobias that could make anyone crazy, Mack never would have guessed that he is destined for a more-than-medium life. 

And then, one day, something incredibly strange happens to Mack. A three-thousand-year-old man named Grimluk appears in the boys’ bathroom to deliver some startling news: Mack is one of the Magnificent Twelve, called the Magnifica in ancient times, whatever that means. An evil force is on its way, and it’s up to Mack to track down eleven other twelve-year-olds in order to stop it. He must travel across the world to battle the wicked Pale Queen’s dangerous daughter, Ereskigal—also known as Risky. But Risky sounds a little scary, and Mack doesn’t want to be a hero. Will he answer the call? 

A laugh-out-loud story filled with excitement and magic, The Magnificent Twelve: The Call is the first book in bestselling author Michael Grant’s hilarious new fantasy adventure series.-- Katherine Tegen Books

I am always on the lookout for good middle grade books that will appeal to young boys. Even though Booking Son isn't reading on his own quite yet, I know there will be a day in the somewhat near future where he want to read some fun adventure stories. So when I heard about THE MAGNIFICENT 12: THE CALL by Michael Grant, I decided to give it a shot.

I have to admit that I'm not a huge fan of this genre (and it's not exactly geared towards a 41 year old mom), but I did actually enjoy this book. More importantly, I know that middle grade boys (and even slightly younger ones) are going to love THE MAGNIFICENT 12: THE CALL. I think Mr. Grant has a clear understanding of his audience. THE CALL is a fantasy/adventure story that is definitely entertaining with lots of exciting scenes and a few rather gross ones too. Plus it's really very funny -- I even found myself chuckling at the book's humor.

I don't want to make it sound like this book is only for boys because I'm sure there are quite a few young girls out there who will also enjoy the book. I'm just saying that Booking Daughter and other girly girls who prefer tween chick lit might not be drawn to the story. However, I do think if they gave it a chance, they might find it to be enjoyable. There is a female character, Jarrah, who is introduced towards the end of the book; and I think girls are going to really appreciate her character as well as her strengths in this story.

One thing I really appreciated about this novel was how the author decided to tell the story. The chapters went back and forth between the present (Mack's story) and the past (a really, really long time ago...). I enjoyed seeing how the novel unfolded and how the past and present stories ultimately came together. There was also a little bit of everything in THE CALL. There was action, adventure, fantasy, magic, and even humor -- it was most definitely a fun read.

There is no doubt that THE CALL is the first book in what I'm sure will be a popular series. The ending of the book is purposely left open-ended so that kids (and some moms) will be anxious to read the next book. I think the premise is a good one for the entire series, and I look forward to following Mack on his future adventures.

Thanks to Mammoth and the publisher for sending me a copy of this book.

If you'd like to participate in Kid Konnection and share a post about anything related to children's books (picture, middle grade, or young adult) from the past week, please leave a comment as well as a link below with your name/blog name and the title of the book! Feel free to grab the little button too!



Giveaway alert: Thanks to Mammoth and the publisher, I have a copy of THE MAGNIFICENT 12: THE CALL to share with one lucky reader. To enter, just fill out the form below. I will be accepting entries until October 15th at 11:59 p.m. ET, and I will notify the winner the following day. Open to US and Canada mailing addresses only. Good luck!

Kid Konnection: Lititz Kidlit Authors - Part 2

Every Saturday, I host a feature called Kid Konnection -- a regular weekend feature about anything related to children's books. Today, I'm going to share with you a few books written by authors who will be attending the 2010 Lititz Kidlit Festival -- Cyn Balog, Vicky Burkholder, Suzanne Supplee, and Laurel Snyder. The festival is going on all weekend and I can't wait to attend!

Summary: Eron DeMarchelle isn't supposed to feel this connection. He is a Sandman, a supernatural being whose purpose is to seduce his human charges to sleep. Though he can communicate with his charges in their dreams, he isn't encouraged to do so. After all, becoming too involved in one human's life could prevent him from helping others get their needed rest.

But he can't deny that he feels something for Julia, a lonely girl with fiery red hair and sad dreams. Just weeks ago, her boyfriend died in a car accident, and Eron can tell that she feels more alone than ever. Eron was human once too, many years ago, and he remembers how it felt to lose the one he loved. In the past, Eron has broken rules to protect Julia, but now, when she seems to need him more than ever, he can't reach her. Eron's time as a Sandman is coming to a close, and his replacement doesn't seem to care about his charges. Worse, Julia is facing dangers she doesn't recognize, and Eron, as he transitions back to being human, may be the only one who can save her. . . .

Even once they've become human again, Sandmen are forbidden to communicate with their charges. But Eron knows he won't be able to forget Julia. Will he risk everything for a chance to be with the girl he loves?

Cyn Balog's follow-up to Fairy Tale has more wit, more supernatural delights, and more star-crossed romance! Teen girls will love this story of a Sandman who falls in love with his human charge. -- Delacorte

Last week, I reviewed the novel FAIRY TALE by Cyn Balog and enjoyed it a great deal. Because I liked that book so much, I decided to try Ms. Balog's latest work SLEEPLESS. I definitely enjoyed SLEEPLESS too because it had the perfect blend of elements. This novel was part ghost story, part fantasy, part supernatural, and part romance; and when these elements were combined, it was pure magic!

As much as I enjoyed this story, I think teen girls will appreciate it even more. I'm pretty sure that many girls will relate to Julia and also develop a little crush on Eron. In addition, I think teens will love how Ms. Balog portrayed the dog-eat-dog world of high school -- I know I did. I thought the descriptions of the students and the school were spot on and will definitely strike a chord with today's teens.

Of course, the romance parts of the story were very sweet; however, I actually really enjoyed the idea behind Sandmen and their powers. I thought the story was extremely creative and I especially liked the suspense and twists. One thing is for sure -- I became caught up in the story and the characters and didn't want to put down this novel.

I highly recommend SLEEPLESS for girls who enjoy stories about ghosts and the supernatural. But I also think teens and maybe even tweens who are suckers for a good romance will like it too!

Thanks to the publisher for sending me a copy of this novel.

Summary: Rowyn of Cotswold has eyes as black as midnight, bone-white hair, and powers that go beyond anything the world has seen in centuries. Raised by her aunts, she knows nothing about her powers until a fateful day when she returns home to find everything and everyone gone.

A cryptic note and a magical box direct her to the fabled city of Akashan'te at the six sister stars. The fate of the entire world rides on her ability to find the city before conjunction.

A giant of a man, Daniel is determined to guard her and love her no matter what the outcome. On their journey, they encounter friends who benefit from Rowyn's abilities, enemies who will stop at nothing to control her, and love that will last a lifetime and beyond. -- Cerridwen Press

As many of you know, I love all things Aaron's Books! And one of the best things about the store are the people who work there. So when Vicky Burkholder asked me if I was interested in reading her YA fantasy novel AKASHAN'TE, I jumped at the chance! How cool is it to actually "know" a published author! Of course, I had to warn her that this genre isn't a typical one for me!

While I am pretty sure that I never would have picked up this book if it weren't written by Vicky, I actually was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed it. I admit that it did take me a few pages to get into the story because I'm not the most imaginative person, but it's clear that Vicky is! Once I relaxed and figured out the characters and the settings, I really enjoyed this story. Reading AKASHAN'TE was just a great way to escape.

I thought Vicky did a great job creating some very likable characters in Rowyn and Daniel, and I was definitely impressed with the fantasy world that she created. In addition, I loved that the story was geared towards young adults -- and that it had some terrific messages. There was suspense, action, romance, and good vs. evil, but all of it was portrayed in a very clean manner.

AKASHAN'TE was a fun read and I'll definitely be putting it away for Booking Daughter! In case you're wondering if I only liked this book because I like Vicky so much, I can assure you that's not the case. AKASHAN'TE has received four and five star reviews from national review magazines, including Romantic Times.

If you are looking for a fun-filled and action-packed romance book for teens (or adults), then look no farther than AKASHAN'TE!

Thanks to the author for providing me with a copy of this novel.

Summary: It’s not so easy being Rosemary Goode and tipping the scales at almost two hundred pounds— especially when your mother runs the most successful (and gossipiest!) beauty shop in town. After a spectacularly disastrous Christmas break when the scale reaches an all-time high—Rosemary realizes that things need to change. (A certain basketball player, Kyle Cox, might have something to do with it.) So begins a powerful year of transformation and a journey toward self-discovery that surprisingly has little to do with the physical, and more to do with an honest look at how Rosemary feels about herself. -- Dutton

ARTICHOKE'S HEART by Suzanne Supplee has one of the best covers ever -- am I right? While I knew that I wanted to read one of Ms. Supplee's books before the Kidlit Festival, I actually picked this one because I wanted to be seen with this book. Not that I didn't think the storyline looked interesting, but I think the cover is just too cute for words!

I'm happy to say that I really enjoyed ARTICHOKE'S HEART and I think the book lived up to its gorgeous cover. Even though I'm definitely long past my teen years, I can safely say that I would have loved this book when I was young. It's a coming-of-age tale about an overweight girl who learns to appreciate herself, and I found it fun as well as heartwarming.

When the book begins, I definitely felt bad for Rosemary, but I wasn't entirely sure that I liked her all that much. I gave her the benefit of the doubt because I could tell that she was so insecure about her appearance, but it took me a few pages to really appreciate the beauty of Rosemary's character. By the end of the novel, I just adored her and was rooting for her success in both weight loss, school, and relationships.

One thing that really stuck out to me about this book was the way the author portrayed the relationship between Rosemary and her mother (and even to a lesser degree, her aunt.) I think many teens are going to relate to this aspect of the novel. What I especially appreciated is that Rosemary matured so much throughout the story that she was able to not only accept herself for who she was, but she also learned to accept others for who they were. Maybe it's because I am the mother of a pre-teen girl, but I think I most loved Rosemary when she realized how special her relationship was with her mother!

I definitely recommend ARTICHOKE'S HEART for teens who enjoy stories about girls who discover themselves! I also think this novel would be an excellent choice for mother/daughter book clubs because it provides the opportunity to discuss some sensitive issues like illness, eating disorders, and mother/daughter relationships.

Summary: THIS IS THE tale of Lucy and her best friend, Wynston. Until recently, they spent their days paddling in the river, picking blackberries, and teasing each other mercilessly. But now, King Desmond has insisted that Wynston devote every spare second to ruby-shining and princess-finding. Lucy feels left out. So she sets off for the Scratchy Mountains to solve the mystery of her missing mother. When Wynston discovers that Lucy is gone, he tears after her, and together they embark on a series of strange and wonderful adventures. -- Yearling

 I have to admit that I probably wouldn't have read UP AND DOWN THE SCRATCHY MOUNTAINS by Laurel Snyder right now if it weren't for the Kidlit Festival. My son is actually a little young for this book and my daughter is a little too old, but I thought it sounded kind of cute.

Basically, the novel reminded me of an old fairy tale about a young girl and a young prince. I found this book to be utterly charming. The story was a fun-filled adventure and the characters were interesting, but I absolutely adored the overall messages!

While I did enjoy reading this book, I definitely think I would have appreciated it even more if I had read it aloud with my kids. In fact, I think UP AND DOWN THE SCRATCHY MOUNTAINS would be an ideal read before bed or even for teachers during circle time. I'm pretty sure that both girls and boys will relate to this action-packed tale! 
There is no doubt that the story was fun, but I also liked the characters a great deal. Lucy was just a terrific character with lots of spunk. I admired her determination and resourcefulness (although at times she was a little careless), and I think many kids will look up to her. But I also loved Wynston and I actually found myself relating to him even more than Lucy. Wynston was a prince whose life was filled with lots of rules. He had many responsibilities and felt frustrated with his father for enforcing them!

I enjoyed this adventure story and I loved the messages about rules, authority, honesty, right versus wrong, helping others, and friendship. I'm certain that kids will love the story and its humor and appreciate the lessons too!

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