Great Reads

I just want to share the last few books I picked up to read. It seems like I am on a roll and liked each one. Some were from the book fair and also from new books in the library.

Fish by Gregory Mone

I can’t think of a pirate adventure book that I have ever read, so this would be a first.  I loved the story and it was kid friendly despite the fact the pirates aren’t very law abiding citizens!  The main character is called Fish because he is such a good swimmer. He comes from a very poor family in Ireland and ends up getting a job in the city to help his family out.  The job as a messenger eventually leads him to meeting pirates who take him on their ship.  He discovers that his ship captain is really on a treasure  seeking mission and Fish has some abilities which can help him.  Yes, there is fighting and mayhem. Fish decides to learn how to non-fight so he doesn’t have to hurt anyone.  He rescues a boy who is forced to walk the plank and he is loyal to his word.  There is no swearing in the book although the pirates are very creative in their name calling.  A sense of humor and fantasy are the upper notes of this book.  I could see this book being a wonderful Disney animated musical movie.  Enjoy the adventure!

Radiance by Alyson Noel

This books starts with the main character, 12- year old Riley Bloom, dying in a car crash and discovering she is  in the after life.  She is given the task of becoming a soul catcher and going back to earth when the after life powers realize that Riley just wants to go back to earth.  A soul catcher is like an after life ghost buster.  She is given the task of persuading a young ghost in the castle to give up the haunting and leave the earth for his after life.
I don’t usually like after life stories because they paint a picture of the after life that  is so empty compared to my belief in a heaven and eternal life.  So, that being said, this book moved rather quickly into another genre  which is a ghost story.  This book is part of a new series and the next book is called Shimmer featuring  spunky and sassy Riley.  This series is a spin off of another series calledThe Immortals. This book would be a  cautionary read for some kids who would be frightened by ghosts or disturbed by after life stories.

The Romeo and Juliet Code by Phoebe Stone

This book is historical fiction during World War II and the setting is a seaside home in Maine.  Felicity is from England but is left with her uncle, grandmother,  and aunt when her parents tell her they are not able to care for her because of their jobs.  The household is full of quirky characters but Felicity is curious and tries to uncover some answers. There is a mysterious person who won’t come out of his room, coded letters coming from her parents which her uncle receives and tells who nothing about them  and lots of other secrets.  Felicity is 12 years old and starting to grow up. She has her first crush, begins to give up some of her childish things like her teddy bear, and learns the truth about her family.
This is a gentle story and shows  a girl growing up and  leaving her childhood innocence and facing her life as a teenager. The romance is very slight and appropriate for upper elementary.  The historical notes are really fascinating about the secret codes which are in the book.

The Candymakers by Wendy Mass

Wendy Mass has written another great book. The Candymakers reminded  me of Charlie and the Chocolate Factorycombined with a Food Network candy making competition and the spy girl from I‘d Tell You I love But Then I’d Have to Kill You. The story starts with four children winning the chance to be in a competition to make the next greatest candy.  The book is divided up into four parts at the beginning where we read the story from each person’s perspective.  There is a great mystery, some spying, and some growing up going on in this book.  Be aware that you will need to have to candy nearby as you read about chocolate, taffy, and other goodies.  Excellent read for younger readers who are reading advanced reading levels. Great read aloud as well.

 

The Trouble with Chickens by Doreen Cronin

I just love the book Cows that Type by Doreen Cronin. I was excited to see how she crafted her early chapter book about chickens and a detective dog. I have to admit that I just couldn’t get attached to the story.  The writing was clever yet I wondered if  young students would understand the humor.  There is a lot of dialog  and snappy sentences. This book may the kind of book that works best as a read aloud.

Matched

Matched by Ally Condie
Cassia turns 17 and attends her matching ceremony where she will be introduced to her ideal mate. The setting is in the future in a utopian world where everything is planned so that life is long, healthy, and free from problems. The “Officials” give people few if any choices and that includes your future mate.  Cassia is matched with her best childhood friend and is pleased with her selection.  Another face appears on her selection screen for a moment and suddenly Ky begins to cross her path. She begins to fall in love with him and then begins to question the society she lives in where everything is determined for you.  This book is the first of a planned trilogy and you will find that the conclusion leaves you waiting to read book two. 
This book is written for  young adults and would be appropriate for middle school students as well.  Girls will be drawn to this book as the cover is very feminine and the main character is a girl who is thinking of her future marriage and mate.  The love interest is mild and a few kissing scenes are in the book. 
4 out of 4 stars

The Boy Who Changed the World

The Boy Who Changed the World by Andy Andrews

This is a nonfiction picture book for lower elementary children.  It’s the story of how four men caused each other to help change the world through the ability to produce more food. It starts with Norman Borlaug, from Iowa, who created super seeds which grow more food for the world.  He was hired to do this by Henry Wallace, Vice President of the United States. George Washington Carver was the man who taught Henry Wallace about plants as a young boy. Moses Carter rescued George as a little boy from kidnappers. Later, he adopted him. These four men show us how our actions can affect others and cause a big change in the world.

I loved the illustrations and the wonderful message of how our small actions may be part of something big. I did have some trouble keeping the story straight in my mind.  I wonder if starting with Moses Carter and going forward would have helped me instead of going backwards in history. This book would be a great way for kids to practice comprehension skills as they learn to take information and process it so they understand it. I wish there was more information about Norman Borlaug and his seeds.  Sounds like some good future research to extend the book.  I recommend this book.  Thomas Nelson has provided me with an advanced reading copy of this book.

Good ones in a row!

 Her Mother’s Hope by Francine Rivers – Christian Fiction – Mothers and Daughters – Family

This is the best book I have read in a long time.  It starts around the 1900′s and tells the story of a young woman, Marta,who lives in Switzerland and who has an abusive father and a loving mother. Her mother encourages her to leave and find her own life. Eventually she goes to Canada and starts her own boarding house.  She meets her husband in her boarding house and they continue to make a life as farmers in Canada and then in California. She raises four children during this time.  Her daughter Hildemara continues the story in the second half of the book where you read about the struggles that mother and daughter face in their relationship.  Francine Rivers wrote this book loosely based on her own mother and grandmother.  I found the history, the relationships, and the story line very compelling.  The sequel is coming out Fall of 2010 and I am anxious to read the conclusion.  Highly recommend!

A Bigger Life by Annette Smith – Christian Fiction – Marriage – Divorce – Cancer

This is another book I couldn’t put down.  The story is told from the male point of view.  Joel is a young father who tells the story of his broken marriage  how he came to this place. He struggles parenting as a single father, and longs for a marriage that is restored and whole.  The story is about forgiveness, love, family, and compassion.   Thumbs up.

A Crooked Path by Annette Smith – Christian Fiction – Mexican Immigrant – Ranching – Texas

This book is set in Texas but starts out in Mexico with a young boy who faces the problem of  his father leaving his mother and brothers and sisters. He struggles at an early age to provide for them. Eventually he sneaks into Texas in order to secure a better job to  help his family.  He always puts them first and continues to send them most of his income.  Later at about the age fo 39, he has overcome the extreme poverty that he has known as a child but continues to work hard. He faces prejudice and judgement as an Mexican American in many instances.  The story takes us to a job where he is working for a opinionated and cranky rancher who is ill and  who needs him to eventually care for his personal needs. The father and son relationship is soon evident as they become closer.  An unusual romance is also part of the plot.  A very good read and I think men would enjoy this story as well as women. 

 Sometimes Light Surprises by Jamie Langston Turner – Christian Fiction – Widower – Family

This is not a romance but a life experience journey where Ben Buckley learns about caring for his neglected family and realizes that God is important in his life and can create change.  Ben’s wife is murdered and he draws apart from his young family.  He creates a profitable business and hides in his work and planned and orderly days.  A young woman that he hires for his store becomes the change agent as he looks at her life and finds hope and spiritual renewal for himself.   Turner’s books are quiet and reflective but somehow tell a story of life.  Very good.

Heart and Soul by Maeve Binchy – Ireland – Heart Clinic – Romance

Set in Ireland, this book revolves around a new Heart Clinic but many stories are told about love and life of the staff, clients, and others who are connected.  Other characters from her other books come back in the storyline as well.  This book makes me want to go back and find more of Binchy’s books.

Mystery Series I Read and Recommend

 

Cleo Coyle:  Coffeeshop Mysteries - Clare Cosi manages the Village Blend coffee shop in New York City and solves mysteries.  She includes information and recipes about coffee and the sights and sounds of New York City.  May be a little more violent and steamy than a traditional cozy mystery.  Her latest is Holiday Grind.

Joanna Fluke:  Hannah Swenson Mysteries -Hannah runs a cookie shop in a small town in Minnesota and solves the murders around town.  Includes recipes – a cozy mystery series.  Her latest is Apple Turnover Murder.

Diane Mott Davidson: Goldy Shulz Culinary Mysteries - Goldy is a caterer from Colorado who solves mysteries around her town.  She also includes recipes of her catering events.  Cozy mystery series.  Her latest is Fatally Flaky.

Nevada Barr:  Anna Pigeon Series -Anna is a National Park Ranger who is sent from various parks and solves mysteries.  I first read A Superior Death which was set on Isle Royal and got hooked.  Her latest is Burn.

William Kent Krueger:  Cork O’Connor Mysteries – Ex-Sheriff/Part-time PI – Minnesota Setting – The latest is Heaven’s Keep

Sue Grafton:   Kinsey Millhone Mysteries – Alphabet Series :  PI from California and set in the 70′s and 80′s.  The latest is U is for Undertow.

Lisa Scottoline:  Legal Thrillers-Rosato & Associates:  Many books set in the law firm of Rosato & Associates – Stand Alone books.  The latest is Think Twice.

African American Slavery/Seminole Indians

My Name is Sally Little Song by Brenda Wood

I have wanted to read this book for a while and picked it up last night when I couldn’t fall asleep.  I read the entire book!  It is the story of a slave family who finds out that their children will be sold so they decide to run to freedom. Instead of going North, they go to the South to Florida swampland in hopes of finding safety with a Seminole Indian tribe who may take them in.  They run and of course face danger and near mishaps along the way.  Tragedy does strike but they eventually make it to the safety of an Indian village where they find a home which fits with their own desires.  The story is from the eyes of Sally May Harrison who is 12 years old and is known for singing and making up songs.  A poem of one of Sally’s songs starts each chapter.  They are simple but lovely.
This would make a great read aloud during the study of slavery or during Black History month.

Scholastic Book Fair Reads – Girl Power!

One of my schools had a book fair this past week so I chose a few books that I thought I would personally like and they all were winners.

Finally 12 by Wendy Maas
This is the story of a girl who is just counting the days until she turns 12 and can finally do the things all her friends already are doing: cell phones, ears pierced, babysitting, staying home alone, etc.  After her big day she finds that as she checks each thing off her list she meets calamity and mishaps as well.  This is a fun story for the tween ager girl who frankly likes chick lit!

Franny Parker by Hannah Roberts McKinnon
What a beautifully written story about a 13-year-old girl who is not ready to grow up too fast.  She has a loving but interesting family, lives in a small town in Oklahoma and befriends the new boy next door.  Franny has a project for the summer that she did not plan but is supported by the entire town. She takes care of orphaned and sick animals in the family barn.  There is somewhat of a mystery in the boy and his mother who move in next door and Franny and her family have opened their hearts to them and are dismayed when things don’t seem right.  Great book!

The Girl Who Could Fly by Victoria Forrester
Piper McCloud can fly and she has to do it in secret because her parents forbid her from flying.  One day at a church picnic baseball game she forgets herself and flies to catch the ball.  The whole town is abuzz and fearful.  Then, Dr. Lettitia Hellion comes to the door and takes her away to a place where Piper meets other children, animals and plants with amazing gifts.  However, these gifts are not valued but all effort is made to make the people, plants, or animals become normal again.  You can imagine this book as a movie and I did find out that the author had originally written this as a screenplay for a movie.  Lots of action as well as thought-provoking moments.  Another great read.

Liberty Porter First Daughter by Julia DeVillers
Liberty is a feisty 3rd grader whose father is the new president of the United States.  This story is perfect for the 2nd-4th kids and takes you through the day when Liberty’s father is sworn in and she gets to live in the White House.  Liberty has studied the kids and pets that have lived in the White House in history and is full of information and she gets to know her new home.  Liberty reminded me of Clementine in the Clementine books.  I think this would be a great read aloud when studying Washington D.C. or presidents.  Great story for the younger kids.

The Lightning Thief – (The Book)

I wanted to go to the movie on President’s Day so I read the book last weekend.  It was a very good story and the only reason I haven’t read it already is that it is always checked out.  I don’t always read the popular books since they seem to be checked out without my promotion.  This book also was chosen last year as the winner of the Division II Minnesota Book choice award by middle school kids in Minnesota.  Anyway, I am glad I read the book before I went to the movie and recently.  They changed quite a few details and plot lines so it was nice to be able to notice it.  They book is about a 6th grade boy who discovers that he is the son of the Greek god Poseidon who had met his mortal mother and he was the result of the union.  The action starts when he discovers he is a demigod and he in then accused of stealing the lightening bolt from Zeus.  Apparently, when you become of age, the enemies and monsters came come and bother you and now it is Percy Jackson’s time.  The book really pulls in the Greek stories but I think explains most of it enough so you don’t have to have too much background knowledge in order to enjoy the book.  It is full of action which I know kids really appreciate. Good book for upper elementary as well.

Rochester Reads

This is the selection for the adult read for Rochester Reads program this winter.  Masha Hamilton will be coming to Rochester to speak on the 22nd of February and I always look forward to meeting an author.

Although this is a fiction story, the premise of sending caravans of camels bearing library books to nomadic villages in Kenya.  A librarian from New York adventures to Africa to help with the endeavor. She is looking for adventure and experiences while doing something worthwhile.  The book involves several points of view including many from the village featured in the book.  Most villagers are not convinced that reading will benefit them.  The teacher, a young girl, and an independent grandmother are fans of the bookmobile.  Because the library from Kenya, who is the base for the bookmobile, doesn’t have lots of books they set up a very severe fine if books are not returned or damaged. The entire village will be boycotted and another village will be visited instead.  Of course the villagers are very upset when someone doesn’t return his two books. Some are just upset because it may bring bad luck to their village.  The American librarian visits the village for a series of six days and as she is there begins to understand the people of the village and how they operate.

I enjoyed the book because it let me see a new culture.  Sometimes the book dragged because the point of view changed so much and I felt that I didn’t get to see the character developed as I would have wished.  Of course the subject matter of the bookmobile was interesting to me since I am a librarian.