Lucy has found the ultimate walk-in closet

I’ll bet you have got a closet.  What if you could actually step inside, and walk through it only to come out into a completely different fantasy world where animals could talk and time ran differently?  That is what happens for young Lucy during a stay at a professor’s house outside London during World War II.  A strange closet, or wardrobe rather, within that house is a portal to a lamp post in the land of Narnia, a country that has been terrorized by an evil White Witch.  The White Witch has cast a frigid spell upon Narnia, forcing all inhabitants to endure an eternal winter.  The Witch has both allies and enemies, and succeeds in winning the trust of one of the children, Edmund.  It is up to the other siblings, Peter, Susan, and Lucy, as well as some well-meaning animal friends, to rescue Edmund.  But soon their quest turns out to be great deal more complicated, resulting the greatest member of Narnia making ultimate sacrifice to help the children get their brother back.    

               

                For any reader looking for a deeply gratifying fantasy adventure does not need to look any further than C.S. Lewis’ The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe.  Lewis dedicates this book to his goddaughter Lucy, and writes as though he is actually sitting with her- or you, telling you the story, and leaving no question unanswered, making this a wonderful choice for a read aloud, book group, or an exploration in writing style.  Audiences will be able to easily grasp concepts within the story such as sibling rivalry, bad versus good, and sticking together; all the while wishing they could find their own little portal to fight alongside Aslan the golden lion or seek advice from the wise professor.  The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe is actually the second book in C.S. Lewis’ famous seven-book collection, The Chronicles of Narnia, but it is such an enduring story that its excellence stands alone, allowing readers to fully enjoy the book without having to read the prior volume, The Magician’s Nephew, though they most likely will want to.  Readers who love series ought to add these classic tales to their personal libraries.  Ages 9-12

Lewis, Clive Staples.  (1950).  The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe.  New York, NY:  Harper Collins

ISBN:  0-06-440942-2

cover art link from ebay

Would you like to see a trailor from The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe movie that was released in 2005?  Here you go! Enjoy!

The Troubled 12 year-old and Greek Mythology (yawn--well not really!)

A troubled 12 year-old learning Greek mythology sounds pretty boring right?  Well it's not.  Dyslexic Percy Jackson, also diagnosed with ADD, finds that Greek mythology isn't just made up stories.  They're actually true and he has to remember them well if he wants to survive.  Especially since Zeus thinks Percy is the one who stole  Zeus's lighting bolt!  On his quest to find the lighting bolt and to rescue a loved one, Percy meets monsters like Minotaurs, furies, and Medusa who are all out to get him.  If Percy fails his quest, then all hell will break loose and the world will come to an end.  Yikes, talk about pressure.  Hope you guys know Greek mythology well, if not, you can always learn it with Percy--that is, if he survives for long.

Review:

I loved the book because the author made Greek mythology contemporary.  It's more relatable to tweens and what's important is that the lessons are still there.  This book touches on issues like friendship, broken families, identity, and striving for goals despite the odds.  The Lightning Thief also has great riddles/mysteries to keep a tween's mind engaged.

Riordan, R. (2006). The Lightning thief.  New York: Hyperion Paperbacks for Children.

Ages: 9+

ISBN-13: 978-078683865-3

ISBN-10 078683865-5

Cover art link from http://www.rickriordan.com

Movie trailer:

You know that expression, "He was raised by wolves?" Well, Nobody Owens was literally raised by ghosts. He even lived in a cemetery!

Summary:
Nobody Owen's entire family was cold-bloodedly murdered in one night.  Luckily, Nobody (also known as Bod) was saved by ghosts in a nearby graveyard and was adopted by the Owens couple.  Silas, a mysterious being that is neither living nor dead, becomes his guardian.  Because he was given sanctuary in the graveyard, Bod is able to do special things that no human knew how to do.  The graveyard and Silas do their best in protecting Bod from the outside world, and from the killer that killed his family. 

Review:

The Graveyard Book is a bittersweet fantasy book about Nobody’s coming of age that will leave readers thoughtful and appreciative of Gaiman’s skills in interweaving the dead with the living.  Bod searches for his identity and learns a lot from the inhabitants of the graveyard.  Though the writing as a bit weird at times, it adds to the tone and feel of the book.  It helped to create an other worldy and paranormal feel that suited the book.  What I liked most about Bod was how strongly he believed in what was right and what was wrong.  When he made a decision, he stuck with it.  Also, the author did a good job in expressing how Bod felt.  When Bod was regretful or felt sorry for disappointing his adopted parents or guardian, as a reader I felt it too.  The mistakes that he made was what was endearing to me.  The Graveyard Book is not a typical book that.  After finishing it, I had a bittersweet feeling but found that I enjoyed the book.  It's definitely a nice book to recommend to tweens.

Gaiman, N.  (2008).  The Graveyard book. New York: Harper Collins Publishers.

Grade: 3-8.  Sunlink noted 5-8, but my cousin read this book when he was in 3rd grade, thus I’m stretching the age range.

ISBN: 978-0-06-053092-1

Cover art link from librarytalker.blogspot.com

Katsa's killing Grace

Summary

Katsa lives in a world where a person can have an extreme skill called a Grace. People with Grace are often exploited, which is the case for Katsa. Her skill is the Grace of killing. When she was eight she killed her cousin with one punch.  Her uncle, King Randa knows of her power and decides to train her in combat in order to create an exceptionally skilled assassin. Tired of her uncle’s abuse of her Grace Katsa creates a secret group that seeks justice over the exploitation and cruelty of power. In the midst of a secret mission she meets Prince Po. He can read minds and Katsa dislikes him instantly. Eventually Katsa agrees to help him free his cousin Princess Bitterblue from her demented father. Princess Bitterblue’s father has a Grace that proves dangerous to all but Prince Po. On her journey to save Princess Bitterblue Katsa discovers something new about her own Grace as well as her feelings for Prince Po. Katsa also discovers a secret that could potentially end all seven kingdoms. Grappling with all these new discoveries Katsa must resourcefully forge onward.

Review

Graceling brims over with adolescent anger and confusion as Katsa struggles to find her own way. The novel is about fighting for what you believe in and standing your ground even if that means going against an adult. In this way Katsa grows and becomes more aware of her true self. There is also a tumultuous awakening in Katsa after meeting Prince Po one that leaves her bewildered and exhilarated all at once. Graceling is a great story that introduces a girl who breaks away from tyrannical constraint to bring on her own righteous uprising. She is tough, quick-witted, and compassionate—in other words a girl to look up to.

Grades 8-12

Cashore, K. (2008). Graceling. Orlando, FL: Harcourt, INC.    

ISBN: 978-0152063962

 

 Cover art link: fay school

Vampires? Who cares!? Bring out the wolves!

Summary

When Grace was three years old she was pulled from her backyard by a pack of wolves. Before being devoured she stares intently at a wolf with piercing yellow eyes. The yellow-eyed wolf then guards Grace from the rest of the pack and when they back off he takes her home. She shares an unexplainable bond with this wolf and always looks for him. He too watches her. At fifteen a wolf attacks a boy in her high school and townsmen gather to hunt it down. Scared they may hurt her wolf she tries to find him. Unsuccessful she trudges home only to find a wounded naked boy at her back porch.  His name is Sam and his eyes are the same piercing yellow as her wolf’s eyes. In that instant she knows that this boy is her wolf. Grace soon finds herself romantically involved with Sam, but struggling to keep Sam human and the secrets of the pack could change her involvement with Sam forever.

Review

This novel is reminiscent to Romeo and Juliet as well as contemporary favorite Twilight. Stiefvator's well-written story involves an unconventional love affair that will entice tweens and teens. There is also a wonderful weaving of mythology surrounding the wolves. The novel is suspenseful, thrilling, and heartbreaking with intelligent and resourceful characters. 

Grades: 5-12

Stiefvator, M. (2009). Shiver. New York, NY: Scholastic Press.

ISBN: 978-0545123266 


Cover art link: urbansophistication

Who is the Folk Keeper really . . .

Summary

Only a boy can be a Folk Keeper. Through cunning and devious behavior Corinna Stonewall changes her name to Corin in order to train and gain the position of Folk Keeper of Rhysbridge Home.  Keeping the Folk at bay requires various charms and in depth knowledge of the Folk and their malicious ways. Corinna prides herself at what she does, but worries about growing up and losing the ruse.  Mysteriously her hair grows two inches every night. She also has the ability to tell time. A dying man visits her and hires her to be the Folk Keeper at his estate called Marblehaugh Park. Excited by this new endeavor Corinna finds more than she bargained for at the now deceased man’s estate. Surrounded by the sea Corinna develops an interesting craving for fish, befriends the deceased man’s son, and learns of the hidden secrets of Marblehaugh Park. In grappling with the mysterious of Marblehaugh Park Corinna begins to open up to her true identity and link to the sea. Understanding what she is she must now make the decision to stay the Folk Keeper or relinquish her role in order to embrace the sea.

Review

This coming-of-age tale looks into one girls struggle for self-identity. Borrowing from the selkie myth this novel highlights Corinna’s self-denial and self-discovery by figuratively and literally shedding her skin. The Folk Keeper is a dark tale that includes murder, secrets, magic, and love. Corinna’s acknowledgement of her true self is a gripping climax that keeps readers going to the revealing end.

Grades: 4-8

Billingsley, F. (1999). The Folk Keeper. New York, NY: Atheneum Books for Young Readers.

ISBN: 0-689-82876-4

Cover art link: Capitol Choices

A strange world, a strange school, and a strange kid. Now, that's my kinda book!

Summary

In a quiet English town Harry Potter lives under the stairs at his uncle and aunt’s house. His cousin Dudley is a spoiled menace. Ignored is how Harry is treated, but deep down he knows he is special. Harry receives a letter, which has never happened to him before. However, his uncle snatches it from him before he gets a chance to look inside. His uncle’s maneuverings cannot stop the owls from delivering Harry’s important letter. On the night before Harry’s birthday his uncle uproots the family to an isolated seaside cabin in an attempt to avoid the delivery owls. Later that night Hagrid, a half-giant half-human, breaks down the door and rightly gives Harry his letter of acceptance to the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Hagrid also informs Harry that he is a wizard and that his uncle and aunt have been lying to him the whole time. Harry travels to Hogwarts where he finds himself a celebrity due to the evil wizard Voldemort who brutally killed his parents, but could not kill Harry. He quickly friends Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger. Once at Hogwarts Harry is sorted into Gryffindor by the Sorting Hat. He also sees all the professors of the school as well as the headmaster Professor Dumbledore. Strange occurrences begin to happen around Harry as he comes into his power. With the help of Ron and Hermione Harry unlocks some of the mysteries surrounding him and finds himself closer to Voldemort than he ever realized.

Review

The great thing about this book is its protagonist. Harry is not extraordinary at school or even in his wand abilities. In fact he is rather average, but what sets him a part is his drive and motivation to learn. He has gumption and a set of great friends. Harry may be average, but really aren’t we all pretty average? He is accessible in that regard because he has to work hard to achieve the answers and skills he wants. Harry is a character worthy of any young person’s admiration. 

Grades: 3-6

Rowling, J. K. (1997). Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone. New York, NY: Scholastic Press.
ISBN: 0-590-35340-3

Cover art link: I Write A lot Blog

Here's a peek at the film version of the book, but it's up to you to read the book first and then watch the film or vice versa! Enjoy . . .

Save an empire while being endlessly entertained

The borderless kingdom of Fantastica is in danger of being consumed by the Nothing- a growing emptiness born from lack of imagination, that saddens its victims before it makes them and their surroundings disappear. There is hope for Fantastica however, its fate rests in the imagination of a shy, chubby, 12 year-old boy hiding beneath army blankets in his school’s attic, and this boy’s name is Bastian Balthazar Bux. While reading his stolen copy of The Neverending Story he begins to notice the characters are speaking about him, and to him, pleading him to help before the Nothing reaches to the Childlike Empress, Fantastica’s leader. Two words bring Bastian into the story just before the Ivory Tower, the Childlike Empress' home and Fantastica's epicenter, is lost forever. The Childlike Empresses greatfully bestows Bastian with the freedom of making wishes in order to recreate the rest of Fantastica that has disappeared. With many wishes and his gift of storytelling Bastian travels and expands Fantastica’s domain and adds to its cast of characters. However he soon realizes that he must be very careful about what to wish for, or he may disappear into the story forever.


This classic tale is layered with exotic fantasy places, fascinating and well-invented characters, and terribly creative subplots. Readers will never be able to forget the good-spirited luckdragon, Falcor, or the brave Atreyu, or even the deceptive Xayide. The Neverending Story is indeed a story about a far away land, but it also a story about Bastian, an intelligent and sensitive boy that is faced with the tragedy of losing his mother and the challenges of being bullied by his classmates. Bastian personifies both human frailty and resilience, and all other qualities in between. Ende has painstakingly woven such complex ideas with a child-friendly story that this novel may be reread several times throughout one’s life, making it without a doubt a true neverending story. Grades 4-7.


Ende, Michael. (1979). The Neverending Story (Ralph Manheim, trans.). Garden City, NY: Doubleday & Company, Inc.
ISBN: 0-385-17622-8
Cover art from Fantastic Fiction,www.fantasticfiction.co.uk

Explore the moor with Saaski

Saaski is not like the other children in her village- she has darker skin, wild hair, eyes that change color, and she has a fear of metal. She is half human and half Moorfolk- which are those secretive beings that reside within a glittering mound beyond the moor outside the village. Unaccepted by the Moorfolk, she is transformed back into a baby and swapped with a human baby that belonged to villagers Yarro and Anwara. Only Old Bess, Anwara’s mother, at first suspects there is something mysteriously inhuman about the baby, but keeps it to herself. As Saaski grows and begins to display odd features and behavior the villagers begin to suspect that she is not their kind, eventually blaming her for misfortunes that affect the village. Hurt and alone, Saaski flees daily to the moor to find comfort in playing her set of bagpipes- a passion she shares with her friend Tam, another outcast. She also develops a deeper relationship with Old Bess, who keeps Saaski’s secrets about the mysterious markings she sees around her home. Saaski’s sense of security is becomes endangered when, upon midsummer’s eve, villagers make terrible threat to Saaski and her parents. Saaski and Tam escape to the moor and discover the real truth about who she is, and why she can never go back.


McGraw's The Moorchild explores how it must have been for one to be labeled an outcast from birth in a small community centuries ago. The love and appreciation Saaski receives from her parents cannot compensate for the cruelty she must endure from the rest of the village. Readers will find Saaski’s strength to carry on and courageousness to trace her past inspiring and will also delight in this novel that intertwines folk life with Irish folklore. McGraw dedicates the book to any child who has ever felt different, and that dedication speaks to many. Grades 4-7.


McGraw, Eloise. (1996). The Moorchild. New York, NY: Aladdin Paperbacks, imprint of Simon and Schuster.
ISBN: 0-689-80654-X
Cover art from Parent Central, http://www.parentcentral.shoptoit.ca/

For your next literary voyage forget Wonderland, and come to UnLondon!

Deeba and Zanna have discovered a portal in a London housing project basement that can transport them to a place where the city’s garbage and outcasts reside- UnLondon- London’s “abcity.”  Strange objects and signals, and a very talkative book belonging to UnLondon’s Propheseers have named Zanna the chosen one, or the Shwazzy, who will rescue the abcity from the Smog which threatens to poison and kill all of UnLondon’s inhabitants. Before Zanna can even complete the mission she chooses not to accept, the girls are returned to London, and their bizarre experience seems but a dream- until Deeba stumbles upon a mysterious link between the London she knows and the UnLondon she now feels compelled to return. Only Deeba knows the real reason why UnLondon is in even greater danger than its inhabitants originally thought. But how will she- a twelve-year old from a London housing project, the true Shwazzy’s funny friend, the UnShwazzy- convince UnLondoners that they are being tricked by an evil force posing to be benevolent? Luckily, a half-ghost named Hemi and an animated milk carton named Curdle have joined her crusade, but even with her two best allies she still needs more help to warn UnLondon and escape the Smog’s minions. Her journey is filled with narrow escapes from death, the most bizarre citizens, and one mysterious UnGun.

UN LUN DUNis an imaginative and fresh novel that is filled with great classic themes such as friendship, mistaken personas, (false) prophesy, and heroism. The book also alludes to the threat of pollution and how it affects political attitudes and actions. From the first chapter readers will be captivated by Meivilles’ original and witty writing, all the while feeling as surprised as Deeba by the unique cast of characters and bizarre but entertaining scenarios. UN LUN DUN is like an updated and edgy version of Alice in Wonderland and is a wonderful reminder that even the most unlikely characters can be heroes, or heroines. Grade 3 and up.


Mieville, China. (2007). UN LUN DUN. New York: Del Rey Books, an imprint of Random House
ISBN: 978-0-345-45844-5
Cover art from Random House, http://www.randomhouse.com/

Steal this fantasy!

Before Prospero and Bo’s mother died she told them stories about her favorite city, Venice, Italy. With images of golden chariots, homes built on stilts that rise above water, and masked revelers, the brothers- Prospero, 12, and Bo, 5- run away from Germany to the majestic city on the lagoon in order to avoid being separated by their aunt and uncle. They find refuge with a group of young thieves, who is led by the mysterious Thief Lord. When an equally mysterious Count comes to the Thief Lord with a peculiar request, he and his thieves jump at the chance to pull off their biggest robbery yet, and their reward promises them financial freedom forever. Somewhere in Venice there exists an old carousel whose secret can unlock either a fountain of youth for the ageing, or a portal to adulthood for the young and willing, and the Count only wants the missing wing that resides in the home of a successful photographer. However, the heist doesn’t go as smooth as the group originally planned, and in the process the young thieves’ sense of fragile security breaks away. As they become acquainted with the vary people from who they are trying to hide, true personas are revealed, solid friendships begin to crumble, and unlikely characters prove they can be both trustworthy and courageous.


Cornelia Funke’s “urban-fantasy,” The Thief Lord, is an adventuresome, enchanting, and suspenseful novel that explores friendship, loyalty, and independence. Funke’s descriptions of Venice with winged lions, grand palaces, mazes of canals, secret islands, and lagoon-meandering gondolas are as magical and imaginative as the carousel that completes the fantasy. In the midst of the action, readers will ponder what life could be like for a child who depends on his wits for survival, and for adults who have long since departed childhood. Any boy or girl who has ever dreamt of running away from unappreciative surroundings in search of a place where he or she belonged ought to read The Thief Lord. Grades 4-7.


Funke, Cornelia. (2002). The Thief Lord. Frome, Somerset, UK: The Chicken House.
ISBN: 0-439-42089-X
Cover art from kidsreads.com, http://www.kidsreads.com/guides/thief_lord2.asp

Travel to the North Pole with Lyra, her dæmon Pantalaimon, a talking polar bear, witches, and a wild hot air balloon ride!

Summary

The story begins in Oxford where 11 year-old Lyra and her dæmon Pantalaimon (a shape-shifting animal extension of Lyra’s soul) sneak into the Retiring Room at Jordan College to hide and snoop. Her mischievous behavior helps her save her intimidating uncle Lord Asriel’s life after she watches the Master pour poison into the ceremonial wine. Once she stops Lord Asriel from drinking it he quickly hides her in the wardrobe where she overhears him discuss the mysterious Dust with the scholars. Fascinated with Dust Lyra makes it her mission to find out what this mysterious substance is. However, some kids in her neighborhood are being kidnapped and when her best friend Roger is taken by the infamous Gobblers she intends to find them and rescue all the kids! Her attentions are temporarily diverted when she meets and later works for the stunning Mrs. Coulter.

Before she leaves with Mrs. Coulter the Master gives Lyra a mystical device called an alethiometer. Unsure on how to use it the Master simply tells her to learn it and keep it away from Mrs. Coulter. But Lyra’s journey doesn’t end there! After Mrs. Coulter shows her true colors Lyra does some investigating and runs away to the North Pole with the Gyptians who also want to rescue the missing children. En route Lyra meets Iorek a talking armored bear with great wisdom, who is hired by the Gyptians to aid them in their voyage. Close to their destination and traveling by hot air balloon Lyra and the rest meet with danger, excitement, and witches! Will Lyra succeed in saving the children, out run the deviously cunning Mrs. Coulter, find Lord Asriel, and discover what the mysterious Dust is? Pick up this book today to find out!

Review

The Golden Compass is the first book in Philip Pullman’s His Dark Materials trilogy. Readers will attach themselves to the plucky heroine Lyra and her beloved Pantalaimon as they did with Harry Potter and his beloved Hedwig. Lyra is older beyond her mere 11 years and experiences extreme cases of danger and adventure. Lyra is an orphan who uses her wit and bravery to get to the bottom of the mysteries surrounding her. Though “tough as nails,” Lyra is also very compassionate and loving to all the good people and animals that aid her in her journey. Readers can easily sink into Lyra’s world of magic and mystery without feeling so far from home. And yet, there’s just enough distance to want to escape there on more than one occasion.

Grades: 6-12

Pullman, Philip. (1995). The Golden Compass. New York, NY: Knopf.

ISBN: 978-0-375-84722-6

Cover art link: Amazon.com

If you love the book here's a trailer to the film version, but be warned some say the book's much better . . .

Lions, Tigers, and Bears...no...Dragons, Elves, and Dwarves--and um humans?--Oh my!

Booktalk:
Would you like to take an epic adventure with dragons?  Or get transported to a world with magical creatures, heroes, and evil villains?  Well this book is for you!  Come experience this exciting tale of Eragon, a 15 year-old human boy who finds a mysterious blue gem in the forest.  As he travels back home, he finds that no one is willing to buy the large gem, especially something that he found in the Spine forest--rumored to be a place of weird occurrences and sightings of magic.  Something magical occurs.  The blue gem is actually a dragon egg!  When it hatches, Eragon's life is forever changed because he is now a dragon rider.  Eragon is then thrust into a series of exciting perilous adventures and a quest to save the world.  During this time he meets elves, dwarves, and evil creatures while he learns how to fight and use magic.  Can a small town 15 year-old farm boy bear all the pressure and really save the world?

For those who loved the Lord of the Rings series, this a great read-a-like for you to enjoy.  And for those who are curious, take a ride on the wild side dragon!  It's going to be a thrilling ride, so strap yourself in your dragon saddles (or your bed, chair, or choice of seating).  You won't be disappointed!

Side Notes for Booktalk:
Eragon is the first book to the Inheritance cycle trilogy by Christopher Paolini.  Paolini started to write this book when he was 15 years-old, yes 15!  The same age as Eragon.

It's great to emphasize that this book was written when the author was a teen himself.  It shows that the book has context that might be relevant to what tweens and teens find interest in.  It also shows what tweens and teens are capable of achieving.

Review:
Unlike other high epic fantasy books I have read, Eragon has a clear writing style that is easy to understand but is still well written.  Many people from different age groups will like this because it ismore "reader friendly" than the classic high epic novels.  His characters were well developed and thought out.  The growth of Eragon and his understanding of his world was a delight to read.  In that sense, Eragon is struggling to grow up and become a strong individual who will eventually fight against evil.  His conscience, morals, strive for justice, and empathy of others reinstate to the reader what a good hero should be and that it isn't always about strength or brawn.  There were low points and high points to Eragon that made him realistic as a teen.  A very thoughtful teen, but still a teen.  I think Paolini did well in making the reader understand who Eragon really is.  The relationships involved were bonuses.  Eragon's relationship with both his dragon and the storyteller Brom was touching.  Paolini stressed the intricate relationship between the dragon and the dragon rider as more of a mutual friendship and partnership.  As for Brom, it was nice to see a father figure.  Eragon and Brom's relationship was often  mixed in with frustration, but there was strong acceptance and support from both sides.  The plot was great.  It was action packed with dangerous moments that kept me on my toes.  Another positive is that it wasn't too complicating, just enough complexity to have my appreciation.

Paolini, C.  (2002).  Eragon.  New York: Alfred A. Knopf.
ISBN: 0-375-82668-8
Cover art link from randomhouse.com

Ella must obey any order. Imagine that!

Imagine that you must do whatever your parents and friends ask you to do, no matter what. This is Ella’s fate in Gail Levine’s classic re-telling of Cinderella. At birth, Ella is “blessed” by Lucinda the fairy with the gift of obedience. That is, she must obey any order given to her by anybody. When her mother dies and her father remarries, her step mother and step sisters discover her compulsion to be obedient and use it to their advantage. Ella’s wit and charm win the heart of Prince Char. Unfortunately, her gifts also earn the jealousy of her step sister Hattie. When her father leaves town, her step-family commands her to become a servant, scrubbing floors and cooking. Ella finds herself falling for Char but worries that if he marries her she would endanger Frell. After all, any enemy could use her compulsive obedience to gather state secrets or to kill the royal family. Will Ella end up with her Prince charming? Or will she choose to save him by staying away?


Levine was awarded a Newbery Honor for this humorous, fractured fairy tale. Her heroine is a strong female lead that is appealing to young girls. Magical elements abound to satisfy fantasy fans including magic, elves, ogres, giants and a fairy book that allows Ella to read others’ correspondence. The plot is similar to the original Cinderella with updates to make it more appealing to modern readers. Though written over a decade ago, the story is still a popular choice among fans of fantasy and fairy tales. This title makes an excellent read-aloud chapter book, especially appropriate for classes studying fractured fairy tales. Grades 3-7.


Levine, Gail Carson. (1997). Ella Enchanted.  New York:  HarperCollins, 1997.
ISBN: 0060275111
Cover art link from ALIScat - a catalog of public libraries in Nassau County, New York.


Official Movie Website by Miramax:  Ella Enchanted

Did you ever wish you had more money and happiness? Join Minli to discover the secret to both.

Have you ever wished your family had more money? Happiness? Well, then you’ll be able to relate to Minli, a young Chinese girl runs away from home to ask the Old Man in the Moon for wealth and happiness. If you like fairy tales, then you’ll enjoy this story which is interwoven with Chinese fables. In this modern fairy tale, the fish can talk and the Dragon can not fly. Dragon joins Minli on her journey, hoping to ask the Old Man in the Moon to help to make him fly. Along the way, Minli collects additional requests for the Old Man in the Moon. When she arrives, she discovers that she can only ask one question every ninety-nine years. What will she ask?


This book is exceptionally well-written, alternating between two stories: Minli’s journey to the Man in the Moon and her parents’ faith that she will return home someday. Lin masterfully weaves together ancient Chinese fables with the stories of Minli and her parents. Chinese fables are easily identified by their title and unique serif font. Each chapter begins with an illustration which foreshadows events of the chapter. Lin provides additional full-page color illustrations which enhance the story. The pace is well established, making readers want to complete just one more chapter. The plot is similar to Baum’s Wizard of Oz, in that Minli picks up additional favors to ask the Old Man in the Moon, along the journey. This exceptionally well written title makes an excellent introduction to Chinese fables. The author lists some that inspired her in the end papers. Grade 3-5.

Lin, Grace. (2009).  Where the Mountain Meets the Moon. New York: Little Brown.
ISBN: 9780316114271
Cover art link from ALIScat - a catalog of public libraries in Nassau County, New York.

Little Mouse Breaking the Rules

Have you ever been told what to do and what not to do because it's the way things have always been?  Well, a small mouse named Despereaux Tilling is a great example of breaking these rules.  He was born as a disappointment to the family.  He was small, had huge ears, and did not act how a mouse should.  He doesn't scurry off to find food; he's more distracted by reading and stories of knights and princesses.

When Despereaux break sacred rules, the Mouse Council sends him into the dark dungeon as a punishment, and to be at the mercy of the terrifying rats.  Despereaux later overhears the demise of his love and sets on a quest for rescuing her--which will require a large amount of courage and bravery, especially from a mouse like Despereaux.  Can a small mouse really go against fate, save the day, and become a hero?

Review:
I enjoyed how Despereaux went against everything a mouse was.  It's a great example of how one has to be who they really are, despite the fact that it's different from others.  What I didn't like about the book was that Despereaux fell in love very suddenly and appeared to be more infatuated with Princess Pea. Then again, it's a tween fantasy book that focused more on the quest than the relationship between Despereaux and his princess.  Perhaps the best part of the book, or the reoccurring theme in the book, was how DiCamillo expressed that each character each had some dark and light in them.  Many of the characters were realistic in this sense and weren't purely good or bad.

DiCamillo, K.  (2003).  The Tale of Despereaux (Ering, T.B., Illus.).  Cambridge: Candlewick Press.
ISBN: 0-7636-1722-9
Grades 3-6
Art cover link from kidsblog.nationalgeographic.com

Witch Checklist

Calling all kids!  Calling all kids!  You know that nice lady in your neighborhood?  Or that kind teacher you always liked?  Um, well yeah...you just might not know them as well as you thought.  They could be witches.  Here's a checklist you should use to figure out if they're one.

1.  Did they have clubbed feet with no toes?

2.  Did they often scratch their heads and wore wigs?

3.  Did they think kids smelled worse than dog poo--yes, dog poo?!

If you can answer "no" for all questions, then congratulations, you're safe.  If you answered "yes" to at least one question, then I'm sorry, you may be in danger.  That lady or teacher may be a witch!  Do not go anywhere with them, I repeat, do not go anywhere with them.  Also, just to be safe, don't take baths--or at least, not as often as you do now.  It's harder for a witch to smell a kid that way.

If you want to know more about witches, please read The Witches by Roald Dahl.  It's about a seven year-old boy who recently lost his parents.  In order to cope with this grief, his Norwegian grandmamma has been telling him scary stories about witches--and they're all true!  And of course witches hate kids the most.  In fact, destroying kids is their life long goal.  And in a stroke of bad luck, somehow, the little boy ends up being stuck in an annual witch conference.  What will happen to him?  If you want to know more, please pick up this book and read.  But beware, you just might end up using that checklist every time you meet a strange lady.  

Review:

I had mixed feelings when I completed the book.  I felt somewhat disappointed but the longer I thought about it, the more I was able to focus on other good parts of the book.  For instance, my most favorite part of the book was the boy's relationship with grandmama.  Their love and belief in one another is touching.  The boy was very strong mentally and I also liked the description the author gives of the witches.  My imagination was humming with pleasure by the descriptive scenes Dahl wrote.  There was action, some spooky witches, love, courage, and a quest to stop these horrifying witches from harming kids.

Dahl, R.  (2007).   The Witches (Blake, Q, Illus).  New York: Puffin.

ISBN-13: 978-0-14-241011-0

Grades 3-6

Cover art link from penguin.com.au

Can a clan of rowdy fairies and the most powerful witch on Earth save Tiffany Aching from the Hiver?

Ever feel like you don’t fit in? Maybe your clothes are not quite the latest fashion or you can’t do things that come easily to others. Tiffany Aching, young witch-in-training becomes frustrated with her inability to perform basic magic. To make matters worse, she is publicly humiliated in front of the other young apprentices due to her lack of fashion sense, association with an unpopular witch and outlandish stories -- which happen to be true. At her most vulnerable moment, her body is invaded by a hiver – an indestructible monster that slowly kills its host. Good thing she is always followed by the Nac Mac Feegle, a clan of six-inch blue fairies that are different from the average fairy. How’s that, you ask? These men are known for their drunkenness, rowdiness, swearing, fighting and stealing. Their leader Rob Anybody and his clan follow the “wee hag” (their term on endearment) to protect her from harm. But will the Nac Mac Feegle and the most powerful witch on Earth be able to kill the hiver without destroying Tiffany? Will Tiffany solve the puzzle of the hiver before it causes her to go insane? More importantly, will Tiffany ever figure out that all the other witches wear black, not green!

Though written as a fantasy novel, this book explores self-identify, discovering that we are the culmination of our ancestors and our environment. Many insecure tweens will identify with Tiffany’s lack of magic ability and fashion sense. The heroine of this title is appealing to girls; the rowdy, swearing, always-ready-for-a-rumble Nac Mac Feegle are likely to appeal to boys. The voice of the Rob Anybody and his brothers, written in brogue, may be difficult for some readers to comprehend. However, this humorous fable is worth the effort. Grades 5-8.

Pratchett, Terry. (2004). A Hat Full of Sky. New York: HarperCollins.
ISBN: 0060586605

Cover art link from ALISCat - a catalog of public libraries in Nassau County, NY.

Meet "The Borrowers" - little people who live under the floorboards.

Ever wonder what happens to those buttons, socks and other small items that disappear in your household? What about the occasional item that you remember placing on the table and now it is gone? Maybe, these items have been “borrowed” by little people living under your home. The Clock family is a miniature species of humans who live under the clock and kitchen floor boards in Great Aunt Sophy’s house. Arrietty, their only child dreams of the day she can escape the confines beneath the floorboards and run free in the garden. Her parents Pod and Homily are all that remain of the “borrowers” in the household; all others have emigrated elsewhere after being “seen” by a “human bean.” Homily’s greed for material possessions causes Pod to be discovered by a young boy living in the house. Will the Clock’s living quarters under the house be discovered? Will they have to immigrate to a new location?

The 50th anniversary edition of this children’s classic includes original artwork by Mary Norton on the book cover, Stanley’s original illustrations and Norton’s explanation of her inspiration.  Norton won the Carnegie Medal for her original tale, originally published in 1952. The story is just as relevant today as it was 50 years ago. The initial pace is a bit slow for today’s children who prefer more action and less description of home furnishings. However, at the time, the idea of little people living in a household and “borrowing” all those items that mysteriously disappear was an original idea. Many current fantasy authors have “borrowed” the idea of little people and placed them into their own stories such as the fairies and brownies that reside in Mull’s Fablehaven and Black’s Spiderwick Chronicles. This title makes an excellent read-aloud chapter book for writer’s workshop sessions. Grades 3-5.

Norton, Mary. (2003). The Borrowers (50th Anniversary ed.). Illustrated by Diana Stanley. Orlando, FL:  Harcourt. 
ISBN: 0152049282
Cover art link from ALISCat - a catalog of public libraries in Nassau County, NY.

Join Michael and Mina as they discover a mysterious creature in a dilapidated old garage.

Do you know of a basement, attic or garage that’s a bit spooky? Perhaps its dark, smelly and mysterious? Even though it is spooky, do you find yourself mysteriously drawn to it? Michael has this experience when his family moves across town into a new fixer-upper. While the adults in his life are distracted with his baby sister’s flailing health and home remodeling projects, he discovers a mysterious creature in his garage. He is unsure who or what the creature is. “I found him in the garage on a Sunday afternoon….I though he was dead. I couldn’t have been more wrong.” (p. 1). Michael meets Mina, an exceptionally gifted girl who is home schooled. Together, they begin to interact with Skellig and unravel the mystery of his identity. Who or what is Skellig?

The mystery of Skellig is intertwined with the story of Michael coping with his baby sister’s health issues and his coming of age. The title has an underlying theme of evolution and the struggle for survival. The concept of angels is presented from an evolutionary rather than religious viewpoint. This page-turner is written in short, easy to read chapters, making it accessible to reluctant readers, especially those ready for mature content. At the same time, new vocabulary words are introduced to even the most advance readers. The biggest potential obstacle to generate interest in the title is the uninspired cover art and meaningless title. Once the book is opened, the intense plot and rapid pace entice the reader to keep reading. This title would be well-paired with an instructional session on evolution or dinosaurs. After reading this book, tweens will be interested to view Archaepteryx fossils, “The dinosaur that flew” (p. 98). Grades 5-8

Almond, David. (1998). Skellig. New York:  Delacorte Press.
ISBN: 038532653X
Cover art link from ALISCat - a catalog of public libraries in Nassau County, NY.

Help Mibs to blow out 13 dripping candles and discover her "savvy."

All Mibs wants for her 13th birthday is to blow out thirteen dripping candles. Well, that, and to discover her savvy. A savvy is the special talent bestowed upon most Beumonts on their 13th birthday. One brother generates electricity; the other hurricanes. The Beaumont family had to move to a desolate area between Nebraska & Kansas to avoid causing natural disasters. All goes awry in the Beumont household when Mibs’ poppa is in a near-fatal car accident. Instead of her anticipated birthday party, the adults go to the hospital and she is undertaken by the local preacher’s wife. Worried about her Poppa and hoping that her yet-to-be-discovered savvy may be just the thing to cure him, Mibs stows away with her siblings and the preacher’s kids on a traveling salesman’s pink bible bus. Ingrid Law takes the reader on a thrilling roller coaster ride where the situation goes from bad to worse, as the bus travels in the wrong direction and Mibs finally discovers her true savvy. 

If you enjoyed The Lightning Thief, you are likely to enjoy this title too. Law narrates the story with humor and compassion for the awkwardness felt by preteens discovering their talents while their bodies are changing. Movie rights have been purchased for this title making it a good choice for book-to-movie clubs. Grades 4-8.

Law, Ingrid. (2008). Savvy. New York: Dial Books for Young Readers.
ISBN: 0803733062
Cover art link from ALISCat - a catalog of public libraries in Nassau County, NY.