I really liked this book! I was hesitant at first, not knowing what to expect. The sentences seemed a little simplistic, the details redundant, and the humor a bit corny. But I quickly realized this is not a middle grade novel but one aimed at a slightly younger audience, unusual for a Newbery winner. It’s […]
I am Number 4, by Pitticus Lore, 2010, Book Review
“Number 1 is dead. Number 2 is dead. Number 3 is dead. I am number 4…” If you like aliens and sci-fi, I Am Number Four is for you. It’s so loaded with action and suspense it is impossible to put down. I know I’m coming to this late, that there is already a movie of […]
Ramona Quimby, Age 8, by Beverly Cleary, 1981, Book Review
Meet the Quimby’s. In Ramona Quimby, Age 8, Mrs. Cleary details for us this ideal American family. The Quimby’s aren’t perfect, and they can hardly make ends meet, but they tolerate each other’s idiosyncrasies with love and understanding. A generation of kids grew up feeling a part of Ramona’s world, and it’s still a safe, happy place […]
The Door in the Forest, by Roderick Townley, 2011, Book Review
The best words I can think of to describe The Door in the Forest, by Roderick Townley, are “unique” and “vague.” Unique because Townley takes everyday themes like death, war and rebellion and weaves around them a tale unlike anything I’ve ever read before. With a little magic, the focus suddenly leaves the commonplace and […]
In Honor of Beverly Cleary
Today I’d like to pay tribute to one of the most accomplished, most celebrated, most beloved children’s authors in history. Growing up, the name Beverly Cleary rolled off my tongue as easily as “Ronald Reagan” or “Michael Jackson”. Everyone knew who she was. And her characters – Ramona Quimby, Henry Huggins, Ribsy, Beezus and Ralph […]
Wonderstruck, by Brian Selznick, 2011, Book Review
Through my intricate web of literary connections (yeah, right), I managed to get my hands on an advance copy of Brian Selznick’s brand new book, Wonderstruck. It won’t be released until September 13, 2011, so I feel very privileged to provide a sneak peek at this captivating new middle grade novel. Some of you may […]
Around the World in Eighty Days, by Jules Verne, Book Review
This entertaining novel was first published in 1873 by French writer, Jules Verne. It is the story of a rich English gentleman who accepts a bet to travel around the entire world (no easy feat in 1873; one that had only recently become possible) in 80 days. The gentlemen of the Reform club, of which […]
Gravity, by Abigail Boyd, eBook Review
I don’t usually gravitate toward the paranormal. I hold some strong religious views and am of the opinion that the occult can be dangerous. But I’ve agreed to review Gravity, so I will judge Ms. Boyd’s craft, not her subject matter. And my conclusion? Abigail Boyd is a gifted writer! In Gravity, Ms. Boyd has created three […]
Here Comes Mr. Trouble, 2011, by Brett Battles, Book Review – Bargain eBooks
An above-normal student and an all-around good kid, Eric can’t figure out his recent string of bad luck. The missing homework. The sudden problem with bullies. The strange noises only he can hear. Objects appearing out of thin air. This must involve something more than luck. But what? Here Comes Mr. Trouble starts off suspenseful […]
Why Read the Classics?
I love to see what’s new in the world of children’s literature, and I’m so excited about the new ebook revolution with its possibilities and opportunities for new authors. But I am and always will be a great proponent of the classics. These are stories that have stood the test of time. They became classics […]