Thursday, April 30, 2009

Our Children Can Soar Michelle Cook

Our Children Can Soar: A Celebration of Rosa, Barack, and the Pioneers of Change
Michelle Cook
If you visit my blog on a regular basis you'll know this is a re post. However the first time around I hadn't read the book. I was helping a customer today, when I saw Our Children Can Soar I couldn't help but let out a little scream of glee. Its a beautiful book filled with sparse text. I went through the book twice. The first time around I played a fun new game, guess the illustrator. I did not do well. I blame it, on being too cocky after my first guess, E.B. Lewis. It was actually the art work of James Ransome. Their styles are similar but wrong is wrong. It didn't get much better after that, the only one I got right was Frank Morrison. I am still kicking myself for not recognizing Bryan Collier's work. The following is pretty much the same from the last post. There is still time to contact Books of Wonder and get an Autographed First Edition.

I have no idea who got all of these talented illustrators together but to them I say thank you. Among these artist there are 5 Corretta Scott Kind Award Winners, 18 Corretta Scott Honors, 3 John Steptoe Award Winners, 5 Caldecott Honors and 1 Geisel Honor From Bloomsbury Press Page This is the seed of a unique picture book that is part historical, part poetry, and entirely inspirational. It takes the reader through the cumulative story of the US Civil Rights Movement, expanding the popular slogan beyond these three heroes to include more key players in the struggle for equality. Spare prose and vivid imagery make this a truly moving and accessible picture book to be savored by readers of all ages.

The illustrators

Our Children Can Soar received a starred Publisher Weekly review

It took while to cut and paste all of the illustrators website, so please make my hard work worthwhile and check out a few of these beautiful sites. While searching Our Children Can Soar, I came upon a upcoming book signing to be held at Books of Wonder a bookstore in NYC. 10 out of the 13 illustrators will be signing. I get nothing out of mentioning this but I couldn't not tell of this event, that would just be wrong. So I emailed the store to see if they take out of state orders and they do. This is the response I received from the assistant manager. We are always happy to take orders from customers in other states, especially for author signing events. Customers may call the store via the information on our website and order over the phone. We will ship the books to them anywhere in the U.S.A. for a small shipping fee plus the cost of the books.

Please feel free to mention this on your website.

So here's the book signing info


OUR CHILDREN CAN SOAR SATURDAY, MAY 2nd, 12 - 2:00PM OUR CHILDREN CAN SOAR Come celebrate the publication of this landmark children’s book with 10 of the 13 illustrators! BRYAN COLLIER • LEO & DIANE DILLON • PAT CUMMINGS • ERIC VELASQUEZ • E. B. LEWIS • SHADRA STRICKLAND • JAMES RANSOME • COZBI CABRERA • GREG CHRISTIE

If you collect children's books this is a must. You'll probably never get another opportunity to have so many awarding illustrators sign a first edition. It would make a great gift for history and art fans. If you buy it has a gift you should just go ahead and get one for yourself, once you see it you'll regret not buying two. If you know someone who might be interested in owning a signed first edition soon to be a classic children's book please let them know before the signing. If you tell them after the fact they may cut you, if not with a knife at least with their tongue or eyes. If you decide to buy a book or two, please tell them where you heard about the event.

Wednesday, April 29, 2009

Slob Ellen Potter

Slob by Ellen Potter 12 yr old Owen is overweight and one point shy of being a genius. Owen has a difficult time at school one of his biggest tormenters is his gym teacher Mr. Wooly. Owen tolerates everything at school in silence until someone steals his Oreo cookies. Owen believes the thief is Mason, a new student, with different colored eyes, who is rumored to carry a blade in his sock. Owen begins to set traps to catch Mason. However bad school is, Owen has other things to worry about like finishing building Nemesis a machine he’s being working on for a year and half. Owen has put all of his hope into Nemesis’s fixing everything that happened on an unforgettable day. Owen’s younger sister Caitlin, goes by the name Jeremy. Jeremy is a member of sixth grade club know as GWAB. Girls Who Are Boys. The eight members all go by boys names, wear boys clothes and have their hair cut short. Jeremy did everything but cut her hair short. GWAB fight to be referred by their boys names in school. It was a good secondary story line and there aren’t many middle grade novels that deal with gender non conformity. Owen’s weight is not the soul of Slob, its the old ghost he must contend with. In Owen, Potter's created a character young readers can't help but care for, his voice is honest and real. Towards the end when Owen refuses to allow his gym teacher to get the best of him again, it’s beautiful. He doesn’t magically become someone else; he simply finds some deep down courage to stand his ground. I really enjoyed Slob and Potter's writing is wonderful. Slob will be released May 14. Ages 10 up
More Reviews

Tuesday, April 28, 2009

The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie Alan Bradley

The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie by Alan Bradley Set in 1950’s Flavia de Luce (Flav) is an 11 yr old who loves chemistry, with a passion for poison. Flavia has her own laboratory in the de Luce English mansion. She's the youngest of three sisters. The book opens with Flavia’s sisters Ophelia (Feely) and Daphne (Daffy), tying her up and locking her in a closet. Flavia easily escapes and plots her revenge. Soon Flavia is distracted by the dead body she discovers in their garden. When Flavia is quickly dismissed by the police, she determined to solve the murder.

"I stepped forward eagerly, almost salivating, for a closer look. “I wonder, Flavia,” Inspector Hewitt said, stepping gingerly into the cucumbers, “if you might ask someone to organize some tea?” He must of seen the look on my face. “We’ve had rather an early start this morning. Do you think you could manage to rustle something up?” So that was it. As at birth,so at a death. Without so much as a kiss me quick and mind the marmalade, the only female in sight is enlisted to trot off and see that the water is boiled. Rustle something up, indeed! What did he take me for, some kind of cowboy?" (From Arc)

After Flavia’s father is charged with the murder, she more determined to find the true killer. I loved Flavia she is smart, quick on her feet and resourceful. She gets around of her beloved bicycle Gladys. Flavia reminded me a lot of Gilda Joyce. Bradley has written a wonderful mystery featuring a young adult protagonist. The mystery revolves around two rear stamps that were stolen. The writing's sharp, fun and well thought out. Bradley takes the time to give the history of the de Luce’s and their family dynamic. I truly enjoyed this novel from beginning to end. Every time I had to put it down, I looked forward to when I could pick it up again. Even though Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie will be shelved in mystery, I will put a few on the YA table. I highly recommend it for fans of the Gilda Joyce or Kiki Strike books.

I Missed Melissa Marr

When I got to the customer service desk this morning. Toni is like guess who stopped by yesterday. When she said Melissa Marr, I couldn't believe it. 1. because authors never stop by on Sunday 2. YA authors never stop by the bookstore I work at. I've given up trying to figure out why not. I think the store I work at has been blacklisted by YA authors. It probably goes something like this. One YA author to another - " Your going to be in Atlanta signing books. Well if you have any free time make sure you don't stop by Books Are Beautiful." I don't know what else it can be, its definitely not location. So anyway I was off yesterday and missed Melissa Marr. Including myself there are about six employees who read YA. I was just happy there where two Melissa Marr fans working when she came in. It would totally suck if we all missed her. They both got books personalized and said she was very nice. I have my fingers crossed that Marr was happy she stopped in and will tell other YA authors, getting the bookstore I work at off the naughty list.
Wicked Lovely #03: Fragile Eternity I am a little over 60 pages into Fragile Eternity and loving it.

Thursday, April 23, 2009

C.O.R.A. Diversity Roll Call

Roll Call : Around The World
C.O.R.A Diversity Roll Call is up
This is the third week of Diversity Roll Call. I missed the first two so here's the back story on C.O.R.A Diversity Roll Call


Join Ali of Worducopia and me for C.O.R.A. Diversity Roll Call. This week Ali writes:
I'm excited to announce that Black-eyed Susan of Color Online and I are co-hosting a new weekly meme, starting today!The C.O.R.A.* Diversity Roll Call will alternate between Color Online and Worducopia each week, with a question that explores and celebrates diversity in literature. Different weeks may focus on racial diversity, ethnicity, abilities, sexual identity, social class, and so on. No need to officially sign up--join in each week as you wish.


The challenge this week was to travel the world, tell of a country or region and few authors from there. My first thought was to simply do Australia. If you read a lot of young adult fiction listing Australian authors is very easy. I wanted to challenge myself. Once I took that country out the equation I was stuck. Finally I decided to do England. I know it doesn't sound exciting but once I started to really think it over I liked the idea even more. The U.S. is close to nothing. When traveling outside of the U.S. one must usually pass through England. So I thought to myself why not do England. Plus one can get a passport stamp, no phrasebook is required.


England Facts
England is 74 times smaller than the USA, 59 times smaller than Australia ,and 3 times smaller than Japan. The national sport is cricket

Three (really big) English Authors
J. K. Rowling Philip Pullman and Jacqueline Wilson

The Carnegie medal is the English equivalent of the Newbery, recognizing excellence in children's literature.

This week Diversity Roll Call is being hosted by Ali over at Worducopia. I am off to go link this post. Please free feel to check out the other links or add one of your own.

Wednesday, April 22, 2009

A Commercial Break

I really like this commercial, wish it was longer

Sunday, April 19, 2009

The Prince of Fenway Park Julianna Baggott

The Prince of Fenway Park by Julianna Baggott
If this book was a pitch it would be a wicked knuckleball that buckled my knees. As a reader and baseball lover all I can do is tip my head in thanks to the author for writing such a wonderful story. Its 2004 and 12 yr old Oscar feels cursed like is beloved Red Sox’s. Oscar’s parents adopted him when he was a baby and he worries they divorced after realizing he was half black. Being biracial Oscar has a hard time fitting in at school.

“What didn’t help was that just this year it seemed as if the white kids he’d been friends with in elementary school didn’t have much to say to him anymore, and there weren’t many black kids in Hingham Middle. Occasionally a Hispanic kid would ask him something in Spanish assuming he spoke it. He’d just shrug." (from ARC)

I don’t run across too many biracial characters in middle grade fiction, so I was very happy to discover this about Oscar. While reading I couldn’t help thinking about all the biracial children who may discover this story and be able to relate to Oscar’s feelings.

"There was a code for race, and the tidy letters were all lined up: Black. He’d never seen it written before. There was a spot for it on the MCAS- standardized tests- and Oscar usually left it blank. The previous year he’d lightly marked both white and black and then smudged them on purpose, which seemed the most honest answer he could give.”

Oscar going to live with his dad while his mother is away. Though Oscar visits his dad all the time he has never seen his apartment. Oscar soon discovers that his dad lives under Fenway Park, with the rest of the cursed creatures. Oscar’s dad and his three aunts are all half fairy. The creatures under Fenway Park are stuck until the Boston Red Sox curse is broken. This little bit of fantasy was unexpected and Baggott does a great job of weaving it into the story. She creates an interesting world under Fenway. The three aunts wear toe curled cleats and his dad sleeps under the pitchers mound. The cursed creatures of Fenway Park have been searching for decades for the one who would break the curse. Oscar believes he can break the 86yr old curse. With the help of his dad, two aunts and a weasel Oscar is ready to beat the curse. The author touches upon the racism that plagued baseball especially the Boston Red Sox. Oscar and his dad are walking around Fenway Park, discussing the curse.

“It started with Babe Ruth, but the Curse would have starved if it hadn’t been fed. And it was surely fed. “Who fed it?” “Too many to list. You know what they said to Jackie Robinson when he tried out? Oscar knew he read all about Red Sox history. “Not Red Sox ready. “Because they were black, they weren’t good enough for the Boston Red Sox. This is the worst time in the history of baseball on race. “Race shouldn’t mean anything. It shouldn’t be important. It shouldn’t matter.” Oscar’s father stood up and wiped his hands on his pants. Oscar wanted to say that it did matter and that it was important, but he wasn’t sure how he’d explain it if his father asked him why or how, and so he kept quiet.”


That is just one of the many paragraphs I feel in love with. When Oscar makes his way underneath Fenway Park the Red Sox’s are already down 2 games to the Yankees in the American League Championship game. When the Red Sox lose the third game Oscar must quickly put a plan into action or else he will forever be stuck underneath the baseball field. Oscar challenges auntie Fedelma to a baseball game to decide the fate of the curse. Fedelma has been doing everything in her power to stop Oscar from succeeding. The game will take place at Fenway Park at the same time the Yankees and Red Sox’s are playing game four of the ALCS at Yankee Stadium. Oscar and Fedelma go back into the past to draft future hall of famers, when they were 12. In order to win Oscar and his counsel decide they need players with big hearts and some sorrow to heal. Oscar and his counsel draft several players including Babe Ruth, Jackie Robinson, Willie Mays, Ted Williams Bill Buckner. The process of picking was beautiful to read. You can feel the love these characters have for the game of baseball. Baggott is introducing the story of these great players to some young baseball fans. Fedelma’s draft racists and cheats, including Ty Cobb, Pinky Higgins and two of the White Sox players who threw the 1919 world series. Like most baseball stories this is about more than baseball. Its about hope, forgiveness, love, and faith. I absolutely loved The Prince of Fenway Park, every time I thought it couldn't get any better Baggott raised the bar. When Baggott slipped in a Curt Flood reference, I was like what, she's doing it. All baseball fans should know who he is. I highly recommend The Prince of Fenway Park to baseball fans of all ages. The author takes the time and care to delve into baseballs early history of racism. She simply retells the ugly truth and in doing so makes this an excellent book for readers to start a dialogue on race. Ages 9up

Carter Finally Gets it Brent Crawford

Carter Finally Gets it by Brent Crawford This is one of those books mothers will hate but sons will love. 14yr old Carter will be starting high school in a few days. He wants to begin his freshman year with a girlfriend but his ADD and stuttering make that a little difficult. Somehow he ends up with Abby, a very cool girl. The two have a nice thing going, Carter accidentally ruins it causing all the girls in his high school to hate him. Carter doesn't like football, he plays it because its the popular thing to do.

"Coach chatters on about strategy and teamwork He draws Xs and Os on the chalkboard and blathers about plays and holes, and I have no idea what he's talking about. I space off and think about the movie Holes and how it would suck to dig holes all day in the desert. If I were the quarterback or like, a running back, though , I would know all of the plays and exactly when and why the Xs and Os where they do. But since I only have to smash into the kid in front of me whats the point?

This book is about Carter trying to figure out who he is and where he fits in. He goes to a few high school parties. Carter hates the taste of beer so to keep up appearances he drinks mountain dew out of beer cans. After football season, Carter joins the swim team, a sport he actually likes. Carter has a problem committing to hard work and focusing. On the swim team Carter is determined to beat Andre and a whole new side of him appears. There are some great moments in this book and this is one of them. Carter is pushed to the brink by a rival and becomes a better person for it. In the Spring Carter joins something for himself, the cast of Guys and Dolls. He knows he's going to take a lot of flak from his friends but he doesn't care. This book is hilarious throughout but when Carter attempts to dance at tryouts I completely lost it. I loved Carter finally Gets it. Crawford has created a wonderful character in Carter. In between all the craziness with his friends, parties and school, Carter shares how vulnerable, lost and unsure he feels. The first year of high school is difficult for everyone this book may make it easier for a few boys if not they'll least get a few laughs. I know a lot of mothers will take issue with the language but that's one of the things I loved about the book. Yes, Carter and his friends say four letter words on occasion but that's what some teenage boys do. Crawford doesn't abuse this realistic freedom. The author slips in a note on responsibility. Crawford calls out his best friend E.J. for having sex without a condom. He does it in such a relax cool way, a few boys may actually listen.

"What kind of rubber did you use?" "Oh, uh, I didn't use one." he replies "What?" I ask "Are you serious? What shows are you watching ,dude? You're going to get a disease for sure, and that's if your lucky. You just made a baby! You'll be a dumbass kid with a kid. I'd rather be called Slappy or Sloth than Uncle Carter. But the worst nickname for a freshman is Dad! What were you thinking."

I highly recommend Carter Finally Gets it. Reluctant readers will devour this book. Ages 14 up

Dying to Meet You Kate Klise M. Sarah Klise

Dying to Meet You (43 Old Cemetery Road) by Kate Klise illus. by M. Sarah Klise
This story is told entirely through letter correspondences and newspaper articles. Ignatius B. Grumply is a famous children’s author. He’s in search of a place to finish (start) his next mystery. Ignatius contacts real estate agent Anita Sale. Anita tries to warn him against renting the Victorian mansion at 43 Old Cemetery Road Ignatius doesn’t listen. Ignatius soon learns there's a boy, Seymour and his cat living on the third floor. Seymour’s parents left him behind. Clause 102 of the rental agreement states whoever lives at the mansion must care for him. The house is also being haunted by Olive a children’s author who never got published. Now she plays the piano, scares off new tenants and cooks for Seymour and his cat. To find new recipes Olive borrows books from the library. Olive also borrows a few of Mr Grumply's books.

From the Ghastly Times -
"A dozen children's books are missing from the Ghastly Public library. "I really don't understand it," said M. Balm chief librarian. "Anyone with a library card can borrow books for free. There is no reason to steal them. I'm asking whoever took the books to please return them. The 12 missing books are from the Ghost Tamer series by Ignatius B. Grumply. This is not the first time the Ghastly public library has had a problem with stolen books or mysterious phenomena. "But lets not get into all that, OK? begged Balm. (From ARC)

Ignatius doesn’t believe Olive is real at first, thinks Seymour is playing a trick. When Ignatius finally comes around the two become writing partners. The illustrations are great. Before the story begins there’s a floor plan of the mansion. There are portraits of all the major players including Ignatius, the real estate agent, Grumply’s lawyer and publisher. The Ghastly Times newspaper clippings were a lot more fun to read with the illustrations and the interesting headlines. This book was a lot of fun, I laughed out loud many times. Klise doesn't underestimate young readers ability to get smart off the cuff humor. I highly recommend Dying to Meet You for fans of Lois Lowry’s The Willoughbys. Ages 8 up

Friday, April 17, 2009

Our Children Can Soar Michelle Cook

Our Children Can Soar: A Celebration of Rosa, Barack, and the Pioneers of Change by Michelle Cook illustrated by 13 Heavy Hitters
This is going to have to be a collage (a la Bryan Collier) post, since I haven't actually read the book. Though I have no problem saying I love this book site unseen. 13 illustrators collaborated to do the art work for Our Children Can Soar. I have no idea who got all of these talented illustrators together but to them I say thank you. Among these artist there are 5 Corretta Scott Kind Award Winners, 18 Corretta Scott Honors, 3 John Steptoe Award Winners, 5 Caldecott Honors and 1 Geisel Honor
From Bloomsbury Press Page

This is the seed of a unique picture book that is part historical, part poetry, and entirely inspirational. It takes the reader through the cumulative story of the US Civil Rights Movement, expanding the popular slogan beyond these three heroes to include more key players in the struggle for equality. Spare prose and vivid imagery make this a truly moving and accessible picture book to be savored by readers of all ages.

The illustrators
Cozbi Cabera
R. Gregory Christie
Bryan Collier
Pat Cummings
Diane and Leo Dillon
A.G. Ford
E.B Lewis
Frank Morrison
James Ransome
Charlotte Riley Webb
Shadra Strickland
Eric Velasquez

Even though my expectations for this book are very high, I know still I won't be ready for its goodness. I was proven right when I viewed these Sample illustrations provided by Bloomsbury Press.
Our Children Can Soar received a starred Publisher Weekly review and it is on sale now. It took while to cut and paste all of the illustrators website, so please make my hard work worthwhile and check out a few of these beautiful sites.

While searching Our Children Can Soar, I came upon a upcoming book signing to be held at Books of Wonder a bookstore in NYC. 10 out of the 13 illustrators will be signing. I get nothing out of mentioning this but I couldn't not tell of this event, that would just be wrong. So I emailed the store to see if they take out of state orders and they do. This is the response I received from the assistant manager.

We are always happy to take orders from customers in other states, especially for author signing events. Customers may call the store via the information on our website and order over the phone. We will ship the books to them anywhere in the U.S.A. for a small shipping fee plus the cost of the books. Please feel free to mention this on your website.

So here's the book signing info

Books of Wonder
OUR CHILDREN CAN SOAR SATURDAY, MAY 2nd, 12 - 2:00PM OUR CHILDREN CAN SOAR Come celebrate the publication of this landmark children’s book with 10 of the 13 illustrators! BRYAN COLLIER • LEO & DIANE DILLON • PAT CUMMINGS • ERIC VELASQUEZ • E. B. LEWIS • SHADRA STRICKLAND • JAMES RANSOME • COZBI CABRERA • GREG CHRISTIE

If you collect children's books this is a must. You'll probably never get another opportunity to have so many awarding illustrators sign a first edition. It would make a great gift for history and art fans. If you buy it has a gift you should just go ahead and get one for yourself, once you see it you'll regret not buying two. If you know someone who might be interested in owning a signed first edition soon to be a classic children's book please let them know before the signing. If you tell them after the fact they may cut you, if not with a knife at least with their tongue or eyes. If you decide to buy a book or two, please tell them where you heard about the event.

Wednesday, April 15, 2009

But That's Not What This Rants About

I wrote this last night. Slept on it and still wanted to post it, so here it is, in honor of April being national poetry month.

But that's not what this rants about
I like to play nice so I don't rant n rave
about race representation in YA fiction
and the kidlitosphere
or lack there of
Don't get me wrong, there are sites where
color can be found in abundance
Paper Tigers is all about the multicultural
Cloudscome rocks the diversity D
And Worducopia Ali has given it a home
Collecting stray reviews of color
to be
Found
Discussed
And Praised
Becky reviewed some sweet Jazz books
beyond nice, it was
hip cool and all that
All these beautiful examples
does not change the ugly truth
Day after day
visiting blog after blog
veiwing page after page after page (multiply by a large number of your choice)
And only see a handful of reviews of color
Can someone please tell me ,
is there some special dance or jig
authors of color must perform to get some
blogger love
why is out of the 10
the same 5 I see
Can someone please, pretty pretty please
I am begging like back in the day Spike Lee
Share the secret
I promise I won't tell authors of color if their books
are too ethnic
I could delve into this longer
But that's not what this rants about

I've been tempted to post about bloggers of color
who don't review authors of color
But we live in America, and thats their right
Though I'll still judge and be baffled
I couldn't fathom reviewing books
with male leads only
because I have ovaries,
And I see on this point we agree
Your female post cover the alphabet
from Anderson - Zarr
You've claimed your gender
now what about your race
Than maybe we can meet up
at Color Online
and together get our color and gender fix
I could easily continue with this
saying things like how can we expect White bloggers
to review authors of color on a regular basis
when bloggers of color don't
But that's not what this rants about
so you didn't just read that

365 days in a year
Some how I didn't hear a thing about
Charles R Smith Jr
beautiful 08 Chameleon
After that post I could've gone on and on
about Black boys getting screwed twice over
when it comes to YA fiction
thanks to race and gender
But did I no, because that's like saying Monday comes after Sunday
Contiuning this trend seems pointless
But lucky for me that's not what this rant is about

Shelfari's my cyber library
Where I add books like candy
Added Dr. Truelove himself
He's been around since 06
13 members claim
The Making of Dr. Truelove
When I saw that I was like
OMG WTF
That can't be right,
Then I figured it out,
I got the paperback is what it is
Searched out the HC
ready to do a little addition
Surprise Surprise there is no HC
13 is low, right and wrong
All at the same time
I don't like to play the Card
But this this time I am licking the back
smacking it on my forehead and calling
B.S.
And that's what this rant is about.

Tuesday, April 14, 2009

The Making of Dr. Truelove Derrick Barnes

The Making of Dr. Truelove by Derrick Barnes This book was released in 2006 and was an ALA quick pick for reluctant readers. I've wanted read it ever since I heard about it over at TheBrownBookshelf. This was really good, it was so much fun to read. The book opens with Diego and his girlfriend, Roxy in his bedroom about to have sex for the first time. Things don't work out has planned, Diego gets overly excited twice, the condom wasn't even out of the package. Their big moment is going to have to wait. Roxy does her best to comfort Diego but he stills feels ashamed and embarrassed. Before that, the two had a really strong relationship. They're both jazz lovers giving each other Coltrane inspired nicknames. After that day, Diego starts messing up and blowing off Roxy. When Diego realizes he wants Roxy back, she talking to John John a high school basketball star soon to be in the NBA. Diego is desperate to win Roxy back so he listens to his crazy well intentioned friend J- live. His idea turn Diego into a sex columnist, for the self confidence and self esteem needed to win Roxy over again. Dr Truelove becomes Diego's online persona. Barnes has written a great book and filled it with some crazy, fun and over top characters. Yes, the Making of Dr. Trulelove is fun and silly but Diego's character also has moments of insight, the authors found a great balance. I loved the unexpected ending. Diego and Roxy are together again, and decide to wait a little longer before they have sex. In the end it wasn't the sex Diego craved but the relationship. There are tons of young adult fiction with female protagonist about dating and relationships but not so many for guys. The Making of Dr. Truelove helps fill a void. Barnes was interviewed over at TheBrownBookshelf for 28 days 2009. I was torn between linking to the interview or the spotlight on The Making of Dr. Truelove. I decided to go with the interview since it leads to the spotlight. So check out one or both. Ages 15up

Monday, April 13, 2009

Stonecutter Jon Muth John Kuramoto

Stonecutter illustrated by Jon J. Muth words by John Kuramoto- The retelling of a Chinese folktale, about a man who is never satisfied with his position in life. He begins as a stonecutter, then he becomes a merchant. As the story continues he changes into something new for more power or prestige soon, not even being the sun is good enough. I was unfamiliar with this Chinese fable, so though its small I took my time. There were moments when I paused either to reread or appreciate the artwork. As always Muth's illustrations are simple and beautiful. Enjoy the clip of Muth talking about Stonecutter



Sunday, April 12, 2009

Love at First Click Elizabeth Chandler

Love at First Click by Elizabeth Chandler This was a great Sports & Boys (S&B) Chick Lit read. Hayley is the photographer for her high school newspaper. She loves photographing the football games and has a camera crush on Flynn one of the players. Unfortunately Flynn starts dating Hayley’s older sister Breeze. Now Hayley is forced to make nice conversation with Flynn and finds herself really liking him. Breeze’s ex- boyfriend Jared is being very nice to Hayley, and she’s trying to figure out why. This was a quick and very enjoyable read. Hayley’s love of photographing and sports makes it stand out. Sometimes, a character’s interest will be stated on the back of the book, like it’s a major part of the story but only mentioned in passing, I hate that. Hayley goes to meetings for the school newspaper and covers a few games. The author calls some very good plays, especially at end zone when Hayley is trying to get the perfect shot. The cutest thing happened at one game, a little girl comes down with her Barbie camera. In the end everything works of course but it’s a lot of fun seeing how. Ages 10 up
In the back of this book another S&B chick lit book is advertised that looks good. The Boyfriend Game by Stephie Davis

Pure Terra McVoy

Pure by Terra McVoy I thought this was very good. I liked it so much I’ll forgive the pink cover and just pretend I don't see that cherry. When I told a few of my co-workers, what this book was about they were surprised I read it. I shocked them again by enjoying it. What can I say? Good is good. Tabitha and her best friend Morgan, have been wearing purity rings since they were 12, (now 15) promising to remain virgins until marriage. In middle school they become friends with best friends Naeomi and Cara, who also have purity rings. When Cara has sex their foursome breaks up. Naemoi and Morgan both shun Cara. Tabitha must decide what’s more important a broken promise or a friendship. Religion is a touching suspect, whether its fiction or nonfiction. It’s difficult making believers/non believers, and Christians/non Christians happy. I think the author did a good job with Christianity and the Purity aspect of this novel. Tabitha is not ashamed of her beliefs and is open other points of view. I thought Pure was well written and that's what won me over. A YA novel where the characters actually have to study for test and do homework. There are moments when it felt like Tabitha got a purity ring because Morgan had one, and it was a cool thing to do. I loved, the beautiful transitions from school, to parties to church to Java Monkey. Add into that mix Tabitha dating for the first time. Tabitha falls for Jake, a boy who is not assoicated with a church. Tabitha is a very likeable character, who grew after taking a break from her best friend Morgan. I only picked up Pure because the author is local. So I figured I'd better give it a glance. Now I am happy I did. Pure would make a great mother daughter book club pick. Ages 11up.

Terra McVoy is the Assistant Program Director of the Decatur Arts Books Festival.


Other Reviews
The Compulsive Reader
Presenting Leonre

Ava Tree and the Wishes Three Jeanne Betancourt

Ava Tree and the Wishes Three by Jeanne Betancourt, illus. by Angela Dominguez The book is broken up into three parts/three days. In part one Ava is getting ready for her backwards birthday party. She’ll be turning 8. Ava's parents died in a car crash when she was six, and she’s being raised by her 22 yr old brother, Jack. Ava is filled with birthday party happiness. She figures out that her wishes can come true. Ava gets her rabbit Tibbar to use the toilet and two more wishes come true. In Part two, Ava and Tibbar enter a pet show at the park. She is happy to discover she still has three wishes, even though it’s not her birthday. She uses one wish, so her best friend Priscilla can have a kitten. In Part three Ava realizes she is guaranteed three wishes a day. She also learns not to wish anything evil, because it will backfire.

“Tibbar jumped on the bed and lay next to me. He does that when I’m upset. Tibbar is a very sensitive rabbit. I touched my nose. It was still swollen. “I’m not going to wish any more mean things,” I told Tibbar. Tibbar licked my face and snuggled closer. I thought some more about my wishing power. Was I going to have it every day of my life? It was hot in my room. I got up and opened the window. A sweet, summer wind blew in. I sat in my rocker and watched the moon and stars mobile over my bed sway in the breeze.”

Betancourt has written a wonderful book. Though it wasn’t necessary, in part three the author is kind enough to tell how Ava may have came into her three wishes powers. Ava is a very likeable character, with a great best friend in Priscilla. Ava’s relationship with her pet rabbit, is very sweet. The chapters are short, about six pages each with big print and large illustrations. The illustrations add to the overall look of the book. When I look at the cover art the first word that comes to mind is warm. That’s the same feeling I get from Dominquez’s artwork throughout the book. It will be hard for a reader to begrudge Ava her three wishes. This was a great read and I hope its the first of many. Ages 6up.

Saturday, April 11, 2009

Mare's Ware Tanita S. Davis

Mare's War by Tanita S. Davis Let me begin by saying I love Jody Hewgill's cover
Octavia and her older sister Tali are going on a road trip with their grandmother (Mare) for the summer. Neither is too excited and they're unsure so the destination. The sisters only know that they’re going to a reunion. The three get into Mare’s red sports car and hit the road. The story alternates between now and then. Mare tells her granddaughters about her life, growing up in the south and lying about her age to join the Women’s Army Corp during WWII. I enjoyed the now but I loved the then, so I was very happy with a 2 -1 then, now ratio. Marey Lee Boylen’s (Mare’s) story begins when she 17, living at home with her mother and younger sister Feen. I loved Mare’s story. I really got into learning more about Mare and the other women in her battalion. The author doesn’t waste anytime with Mare’s story, Davis quickly makes the reader care. In only a few pages we understand Mare’s home situation and what she’s willing to do to protect her little sister from her mother’s boyfriend. When Feen is sent to Philadelphia there is nothing keeping Mare from following her dreams. Mare enlist in WAC without telling her mother in hopes of having a future. The book moves at a great pace, the transitions from now to then are very well done. As the book went on I started to appreciate the now's more. They were a well needed break for the characters and the reader. Allowing Mare to take a moment with her old memories, also giving the sisters and readers a chance to take in all the new things they've learned. In the now the sister’s come along gradually to the road trip. I loved the post cards they sent to friends and family. They were personal, funny and a great way to see how the sisters were really feeling. There aren't many books that deal with African American women in WWII, Mare's War teaches and entertains at the same time. I really enjoyed Mare's War and think it would make a great book club selection. Mare's War is slated to be released in June. Thank you Random House for the arc.

While you wait check out Sherri Smith's Flygirl Another girl who dared to dream and live beyond the boundaries of gender and race

Friday, April 10, 2009

Rattlebone Maxine Clair

Rattlebone by Maxine Clair If you've been checking in on my site recently, you've notice my unintentional financial hiatus. Well last week I was at home, I had a serious urge to read a book by a African American author. I wanted some literary comfort and to lose myself in the familar nuinaces that made me love reading in the first place. So I browsed through my bookshelves. At first I eyed Beloved, would this be the day I got past chapter three? But I kept looking, as much as I love Morrison, she wasn't what I was looking for. I considered Octavia Butler's Lilith's Blood next. Same as before, love Butler but that's not what I was looking for. When I said no to Morrison and Butler, I thought to myself maybe its poetry I am after. Nikki Giovanni perhaps? Still the answer was no. Ever notice when you pick up a poetry book you own, you always end up turning to the same poems, no matter how hard you try to find something new. (Or maybe that's just me). Once I said no to Giovanni I was getting a little frustrated, than I found Rattlebone by Maxine Clair. When I got to the third page I knew how Goldilocks felt when she laid down on the third bed. I bought it because I loved the author’s novel October Suite but never got around to reading it. Rattlebone is set in 1950’s Kansas City. It’s 11 interrelated short stories about the Wilson family and their neighbors. The first short story October Brown is told through the eyes of nine year old Irene Wilson. Irene and classmates are trying to figure out their new teacher Ms. Brown. At home Irene’s parents are fighting and Ms. Brown gets in the middle. With each new story we learn and care more about each character. No one is perfect or evil, they simply are, and Irene is the voice for more then half the stories. In the final story, The Last Day of School, Irene is graduating from High School. Clair’s writing is crisp, clear and beautiful. I loved Rattleboon and, it would make a great addition to any high school reading list.
From October Brown

" I doubt that any of us fully believed every part of the story, but we were so seduced by the idea of it that before the end of the first day of school we buzzed with frenzy - a frenzy contained, because we imagined that a woman surrounded by such lore would have to have a bad temper, a flash fire that could drive her from her desk to yours in a single movement, dislodge you by your measly shoulders, plant you hard on the hardwood floor, tell you in growling underbreaths of wrath to stand up straight and say whatever she wanted you to say, and then crumble you in the mortar of her black eyed stare. Intuition is the guardian of childhood it was keen in us, and we were right. Before we knew what current events were she asked us who Wallis Warfield Simspon was and we sat. Attention shot through our arms and nailed our fist to the center of our desktops. Not a single hand went up."

When I read something as good as Rattlebone is makes me very happy and a little frustrated. Its a great work of fiction but since its by an African American author many readers won't find it. I highly recommand Rattlebone and October Suite, which I've read twice.

Fairy School Dropout Meredith Badger

Fairy School Dropout by Meredith Badger Originally published in Australia in 2006. Its now available in the U.S. thank you Feiwel and Friends. This book was just so much fun to read. I laugh out loud many times. Elly is fairy but not a very good one. She’s already been kicked out of two fairy school. To make matters worse she comes from a long line of very good and influential fairy women. Elly simply doesn’t have it in her to do the fairy thing. She hates flying, she would rather skateboard. Elly can’t seem to work her magic wand, or remember to charge it. When she’s called to the principal’s office yet again, Elly’s put on probation. If Elly’s kicked out she’ll never earn her fairy license. At first Elly thinks this is what she wants but than she is not so sure especially after she becomes friends with the human next door, Kara. Elly is caught in Kara’s room with her fairy wings out, breaking fairy rule number one- Don’t get caught by humans. Kara is the perfect human friend for Elly because she doesn’t believe in fairies.

“You don’t believe I’m a fairy do you?” she said to the girl. The girl shrugged. I’ll believe you when you fly out the window. Fine, thought Elly. If that’s what I have to do. She stood on the edge of the bed and leapt into the air, arms outstretched. This should set things straight pretty quickly. Elly rose up into the air and promptly fell to the floor. Elly remembered the zucchini cookies she’d eaten. If you fly too soon after eating, you sometimes get a cramp. The human was grinning. Don’t laugh, said Elly crossly. I really can fly. Sure you can, said the girl. And I bet your little sister can too. Of course she can’t, said Elly haughtily. She’s way too young. But I can, usually. I’ve just got a cramp."

Fairy School Dropout is such much fun, kids will love it. If you know a child who loves the Rainbow Fairies series, and you want to add a little edge to their reading diet give them Fairy School Dropout. It also a great suggestion for a child who likes the Dear Dumb Diary books. This book will make fairy and non fairy lovers very happy. Ages 7up

The Good Thief Hannah Tinti

The Good Thief by Hannah Tinti This was a really great read. It came out last year. It was a NYT notable book of 2008. 13yr old Ren grew up at Saint Anthony’s orphanage in New England. He never knew his parents someone dropped him in the slot like all the other unwanted babies. Ren, is missing his left hand. Though he only has one hand, Ren’s a skilled thief. It helps ease his mind about the future and possibly never finding a home. One day Benjamin Nab comes to the orphanage claiming Ren is his long lost brother. Father Jon believes the tale, allowing Benjamin to take Ren. Though he soon finds out Benjamin is not his brother but a con artist. The first night out Benjamin steals a horse, and the two return to the city where Benjamin’s partner Tom is waiting. Tom is a former teacher turned con artist with a lice filled beard. To make quick cash Benjamin and Tom dig up bodies for a doctor. When Ren goes with them one night to the graveyard, a body they dug up is still moving. Dolly a killer by trade was buried alive. Ren and Dolly quickly become friends. This was an excellent story, filled with great characters. This book may be labeled as fiction but it’s a YA novel. The Good Thief is Ren’s story and no more then a year passes from beginning to the end. I know decisions must be made, and it was decided the Good Thief belonged in fiction. In the short term it seems like the best choice, especially with all the end of the year praise for the novel. I remember customers coming in with the newspaper cut outs looking for it. However that was back in December early January. With fiction its out of sight out of mind, readers have moved on to the next hot picks. And yes this happens in YA as well, but it not always about the newest releases but rather finding books young readers will really care about. Young readers don’t care if it came out in September or Tuesday as long as they like it. If I had read this earlier I would’ve been recommending it like crazy. It’s fast paced, reluctant reader friendly, filled with adventure, murder, lies and deceit. It also has what I think is some great YA humor. Ren’s Uncle McGinty blames him for his sister’s death. So kidnaps Ren locking him in his office. McGinty owns a mouse trap factory. Ren discovers mice living in McGinty’s office. If a child enjoyed The Graveyard Book, Last Apprentice Series, The Thief, 100 Cupboards, books by Shannon Hale I’d put the Good Thief in their hand. Even if they didn’t I’d still suggest The Good Thief because its simply a great story. In the long run if Good Thief continues to sell it will be because children’s librarians and booksellers have embraced it as the beautiful young adult read that it is. Ages 12 up