The Nixie's Song- Beyond Spiderwick - but still in the same rhelm

The Nixie's Song by Holly Black


My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I read this book with my seven year old. I hope I did as well as the narator of the audio books we had with the previous spiderwick series. I'm sad that this series is shorter because I do love sharing these books with my boys. I love the way she tied characters from the other series into this one but did not make them an overbering addition. Her characters personalities are easily distinct and makes it easy to imagine the scenes in my head. The writing is clever and believable to both adult and child ears. Holly Black has a gift and I'm glad she flexes her writing muscle often. Now on to the next one.

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When You Reach Me - mindful thrill

When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead


My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This book was a mental joy. I loved the tie in of The Wrinkle in Time. This book was an ongoing mystery all the way to the end. I would liken it to the Time Travelers Wife but in a YA version. It amazes me how people can think of such amzaing conundrums as time travel and weave it into a justifiable plot line. All the characters in this book are relateable and helps the story to flow easily. I can see how this book has gotten the Newberry Award. I would recommend this book to anyone who wants a realistic type story with a mind twisting bit of fantasy.

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Hex Hall - Hidden secrets and agendas

Hex Hall by Rachel Hawkins


My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Sophie thought she had issues before meeting those like herself. Thats where this story begins. When what you think you know is so much more. This story weaves typical teenage anxieties with hidden magical agendas and secrets. This story was engaging with a sprinkle of snarky dialogue. I wish I was able to delve a little deeper into some of the characters and get a bit more of some of their backgrounds, but maybe in the next book. Too bad its not coming out for another year. If you don't mind the wait this book is a good pageturners, enjoy.

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Beastly - Fairy tale retold

Beastly by Alex Flinn


My rating: 3 of 5 stars
I had this in my too read pile for awhile. I only moved it up in the stack because I heard it was going to be made into a movie. I love the orginal fairy tale and this telling is essentially true to the tale, but to me, it lacked some of the edge. I think bringing it up to the current century adds to many conveniences that makes the beasts hardship seem a little less traumatic. Kyle definitely was egotistical and self absorbed but not necessarily as cruel at the orginal character was. For a young person I think it is a good and relatable read. For myself I really appreciate some of the nuances of the classic fable.

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My Review of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince Bludgers Black Messenger Bag

Originally submitted at WB Shop

Show your support for the Gryffindor Quidditch team with this Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince Bludgers black messenger bag.

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince Bludgers Black Messenger Bag

Boys love it.

By Time Stand Still from Kansas on 3/23/2010

 

5out of 5

Pros: Good Strap Length, Lightweight , Attractive, High Quality, Comfortable , Durable 

Cons: Not enough compartments

Best Uses: School, Light loads 

Describe Yourself: Comfort-Oriented

My seven year old was so happy to get this. He carried it around over the weekend.

(legalese)

Twilight Graphic Novel - the visual abreviated version

Twilight: The Graphic Novel, Volume 1 by Stephenie Meyer


My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I surprised myself and liked this more than I thought I would. Yes, it has some of the same issues that movies have that are adaped from books, like being true to the book. There were things and scenes that were not in the book. I love details and to have any part of something I love abreviated is a little dis heartening but I do understand why they did it. This is the visual cliff notes version of Twilight. The drawings are very accurate and I can appreciate the artist interpretation of some of the characters better than how the casting directors have done with styling the actors in the movies. Ms. Kims talent is evident and adds a refreshing turn to a wonderful story.

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Dirty Little Secrets- Get Read Hoard!

Dirty Little Secrets by C.J. Omololu


My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This story was amazing. It was so well written and believable. It is obvious the research for this suject was very thorough. I had tears of sorrow and joy for Lucy. Ms. Omololu shows how vuneralable and resiliant a teenager can be, but raw compassion is healing. Everyone has secrets but this was one I had never considered and from this point of view. A must read.

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The DarkAngle - Fairytale-like

The Darkangel by Meredith Ann Pierce


My rating: 3 of 5 stars
I read this story because it was a book of the month on a site I follow. I did have it in a current to read pile because an author I love said she like this book. This story was fine and kind of fairy tale like. It was easy to read but did not tie me to the plot to the point of finding it hard to put down. I think it would be a good story for a young reader though. The story moved very quickly but I never really got to get a full understanding of any one character not even the narator. It would make a good night time story to read aloudl.

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Perfect Chemistry has the Perfect Edge.

Perfect Chemistry by Simone Elkeles


My rating: 5 of 5 stars
When Brittany Ellis walks into chemistry class on the first day of senior year, she has no clue that her carefully created “perfect” life is about to unravel before her eyes. She’s forced to be lab partners with Alex Fuentes, a gang member from the other side of town, and he is about to threaten everything she's worked so hard for—her flawless reputation, her relationship with her boyfriend, and the secret that her home life is anything but perfect. Alex is a bad boy and he knows it. So when he makes a bet with his friends to lure Brittany into his life, he thinks nothing of it. But soon Alex realizes Brittany is a real person with real problems, and suddenly the bet he made in arrogance turns into something much more.

In a passionate story about looking beneath the surface, Simone Elkeles breaks through the stereotypes and barriers that threaten to keep Brittany and Alex apart.


I only chose this book because it was a suggested read from an online group I follow. I wouldn't normally pick up a book that appeared to be a mushy teen romance novel. However, I was so glad I did. I guessed the book was about kids from "opposite sides of the track", like Westside Story being a Romeo and Juliet. This story was more for me. I could not put this one down. I'm rushing out to lend this one to my best friend before it is due back.

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Scarlett Fever lessons in misunderstanding

Scarlett Fever by Maureen Johnson


My rating: 3 of 5 stars
This was a great next step to Suite Scarlett with a twist or maybe better stated as a hanger. The same characters who are characters with a few more added to the mix. This book deftly defines the chaotic tubulence that occurs in the average teenage girl. If we could have only had all seeing eyes life would have been less complicated. This story is enjoyable and creates vivid imagery in its telling and will leave you coming back for more.

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