The Book of Wonders - Jasmine Richards

The Book of Wonders by Jasmine Richards
13 yr old Zardi lives and her best friend Rhidan do everything together. The two live in Arribitha where magic is forbidden by the sultan. Anyone got using magic of any kind risk imprisonment or death. The sultan is cruel and vicious to his people, Zardi's father is the sultan's vizier, a kind of aid. This is position Zardi father hoped to keep some of the sultan's hideous acts to a minimum. However the sultan feels betrayed, and he takes Zubeyda, Zardi's older sister prisoner as his new praisemaker. All unwed girls risked being placed in a tower for a season. Once there time is up the sultan will hunt and kill them for sport. Zardi has 90 days to find a way to save her sister. Rhidan was left in Arribitha as a baby, he sets off with Zardi, in hopes of finding out where he's from. The one thing I would've changed was less references to Rhidan's hair and eye color. Though they were the reasons why he stood out, I felt they got refered too much. Zardi and Rhidan have a great friendship and work very well together. The two soon find themselves very far from Arribitha, unsure of who to trust, being hunted by the sultan with more questions than answers.
Once I started reading I couldn't stop. What I loved best about The Book of Wonders is the author never tries to do too much,simply lets the story unfold. The author has written a wonderful story that is inspired by Middle Eastern folk tales. The dialogue throughout is sharp, and all the action scenes are visually fun. Richard's is a senior editor at Oxford University Press Children's Books, I believe this helped her debut . It's as if The Book of Wonders was scrutinized by two pairs of editorial eyes. I am usually apprehensive about middle grade novels that are 400 pages long but this was not one of those times. There was no excess here, every scene served a purpose. This is an excellent debut, Richard's knows how to tell a good story.

Kirkus review and Publisher's Weekly review via author's site.

Read the first 7 chapters via HarpersCollins.

Favorite Books of 2010 Two A Day

Favorite Books of 2010 Day 2

10 Favorite Middle Grade Fiction
1. One Crazy Summer by Rita Williams-Garica
2. Countdown by Deborah Wiles
3. Blue Mountain Trouble by Martin Mordecai
4. How I Nicky Flynn Finally Got A Life and a Dog by Art Corriveau
5. Out of my Mind by Sharon Draper
6. Operation Redwood by S. Terrell French
7. Bamboo People by Mitali Perkins
8. 8th Grade Superzero by Olugbemisola Rhuday-Perkovich
9. My Havana by Rosemary Wells and Secundino Fernandez
10. The Truth with a Captial T by Bethany Hededus

10 Favorite Middle Grade Fantasy
1. Ninth Ward by Jewell Parker Rhodes
2. The Night Fairy by Laura Amy Schlitz
3. Blimpo The Third Circle of Heck by Dale E. Basye
4. Ghostoplis by Doug Tennapal
5. The Magical Misadventures of Prunella Bogthistle
6. Dragonbreath: The Curse of the Were Wiener by Ursula Vernon
7. The Boneshaker by Kate Milford
8. Celestial Globe by Marie Rotkoski
9. Hereville : How Mirka Got Her Sword by Barry Deutsch
10. The Tortilla Sun by Jennifer Cervantes

Ninth Ward - Jewell Parker Rhodes

Ninth Ward by Jewell Parker Rhodes
Earlier in the year I was so excited when I found out Jewell Parker Rhodes had a middle grade novel coming out. If the name sounds familiar its because Rhodes is an award winning author of adult fiction.

12 yr old Lanesha was born with a caul on her face. Thanks to this, Lanesha can see ghost including her mother, who died giving birth to her. Lanesha lives with Mama Ya- Ya in New Orleans, Ninth Ward. Mama Ya Ya is 82 yrs old, she's seen a lot and helped bring alot of babies into the world.

Mama Ya Ya senses the hurricane before its announced on the news. Mama Ya Ya knows something else is wrong, but she can't put her finger on what. Lanesha must prepare as best she can.

Tashon, the quiet neighbor boy, finds his way to MaMa Ya Ya's house after the hurricane. Together Lanesha and Tashon must survive the broken levies. When the water won't stop rising they end up on the top of the roof. Rhodes paints such a clear picture, I could see everything.

"I start trembling and look around my neighborhood. The horizon is none like I'd seen before. Just the tips of houses. Tops or halves of trees. Lampposts hacked off by water. Rooftops -some flat, some anglar most empty. Far left I see a man and a woman sitting on a roof their feet in the water."

Lanesha's abililty to see ghosts, adds a magical element to this story.

"Now, ghosts in baggy pants, their underwear showing, wearing short sleeve T-shirts and body tattoos, are from my time. They're mostly boys killed in drive-bys or fights or robberies. Sometimes, I know them from school. Like Jermaine. One day I'm seeing him in the cafeteria eating macaroni, the next day, he's a ghost, dull eyed, high fiving me."

Lanesha's mother's ghost can't move on, until Lanesha is safe. Though, Ninth Ward is only 207 pages, its never feels rushed. Rhodes tells a beautiful well paced story.

Many bestselling adult authors have a difficult time creating authenic middle grade voices, that was not the case here. Lanesha is smart, independent, excels at math and I loved her voice.

This is the first middle grade novel about hurricane Katrina. The ones that come behind it, will have a lot to live up to. Like Williams- Garcia's One Crazy Summer, the characters and writing felt familar. This doesn't happen often when I read middle grade fiction, when it does its refreshing. Ninth Ward is one of my favorite middle grade novels of the year.



Whenever, I read a novel with a character born with a caul, I think of The Baby of the Family by Tina McElory Ansa. Being reminded of this story added to my enjoyment of Ninth Ward.

The Boneshaker Kate Milford

The Boneshaker by Kate Milford

First, I love this cover. It screams pick me up and look at me. There is a lot going but there's a focual point so its not too busy. My appreciation for this cover grew after I finished Boneshaker. Andrea's Offermann's captured the characters perfectly. The illustrations within are just as wonderful

Set in 1913 Missouri. 13 yr old Natalie Minks lives in the small town of Arcane. Natalie's father owns a bicycle shop, the best for miles. Natalie got her love of machines from her father. Natalie has a new bike with a mind of its own, a boneshaker. She has ridden many bikes but the boneshaker is different, Its fights and wins everytime. Natalie body is bruised all over with her failed attempts. Natalie's mother is a storyteller. She knows all the stories of Arcane and makes them come to life.

Aracane is located on a crossroads where decisions must be made. Natalie is forced to make a few critical decisions when Dr. Jake Limberleg's Nostrum Fair and Technological Medicine show comes to town. Before they arrive Natalie finds her courage to speak to Tom Guyot (old Tom). She listens as Tom talks about confronting the devil. Tom's story alone is worth full price of this book. Milford succeeds in making the devil very real.

Before, I started, this novel, I thought it was going to be different and I was not disappointed. Milford's writing is beautifully layered. All good stories have a rhythm the great ones, you can actually feel it. Then there are novels like The Boneshaker, that are on yet another level. Milford's words have lyrical flow to go along with the rhythm.

In the end Natalie must come face to face with the devil. Milford doesn't rush the confrontation. The town of Arcane, its history and its residents are developed. Then there's strange Dr. Limberleg. Natalie takes a quick disliking to the doctor (and his show). Something isn't quite right with the Dr. Limberleg, Natalie can't quite figure it out. Milford does a great job of keeping Natalie and the reader in dark about Dr. Limberleg without draging it there. The Boneshaker has the right amount of fear, tension and creepy.

Read an excerpt

Kate Milford's interview @ Chasing Ray

Blimpo: The Third Circle of Heck Dale E. Basye

Blimpo: The Third Circle of Heck by Dale E. Basye

Blimpo the third circle of heck is where the overweight kids go. 11 yr old Milton and 13 yr old Marlo Fauster have already been introduced to Heck and seen the second circle Rapacia.

Milton has escaped from Heck, he snuck back in it to save his sister, Marlo and his friend Virgil. Milton must hide from principal Bea "Elsa" Bubb. The principal is out to get Milton because he's escaped from Heck twice and it doesn't make her look good. Milton is getting some help from the Phantoms of the Dispossessed or PODs. The PODs can't be classified so they wander through Heck. The leader of the POD's is Jack Kerouac

Milton sneaks into Blimpo because that's where Virgil is. The kids in Blimpo are forced to run on dreadmills, they are a new source of energy. Elvis Presley is the music teacher. Marlo is starting an Infernship for the Guy downstairs. In this book Marlo and Milton don't see each until close to the end. The chapters alternate between the siblings.

I like that the author decided to separate Miltion and Marlo. This way we get a better feel for their individual personalities and get to see more of Heck. Marlo and Milton are both have different perspectives thanks to their time in Heck. This is a very smart series. I appreciate the growth, even Virgil is changed by being in Blimpo.

I loved Blimpo as much as Heck. I enjoyed Rapicia, just don't think its as strong as the other two. Blimpo moves very well. There are some great visually creepy moments.

"Suddenly, a scream pealed from the mist shrouded herd of bewliderbeasts. In the blink of an eye, a swooping shape had attached itself to the creature charging toward Milton. The bewilderbeast screeched, the unmistakable shriek of something about to be killed. Nothing was as frightening Milton thought in the abrupt silence of the creature's scream, than some terrible creature terrified by something even more terrible."

Basye is doing an excellent job of keeping this series funny, entertaining, exciting and thought- provoking. One thing I really like, each book answers the initial questions it set out to answers. As the series continues its getting more involved, in a very good way.

There are a few famous people - Kerouac, Elvis and Nixon (the ethics teacher) in Heck, that adults will get a kick out. Though its always about the young reader. The author seamlessly adds in these names. So if a young reader doesn't know who any of these people are its not big deal.

I think Blimpo would work well as a stand alone. Though I highly recommend starting this series from the beginning. They would make a book club selection.

Read an excerpt

The Magical Misadventures of Prunella Bogthistle Deva Fagan

The Magical Misadventures of Prunella Bogthistle by Deva Fagan
This is a beauiful cover and fits the story perfectly. The artist behind it is Bradon Dorman. I love seeing a kid of color on a middle grade novel. I believe Prunella, mentions her brown skin once. This lone mention makes me appreciate the cover even more, the publishers Henry Holt could have easily pretended they didn't see

"Just the same clear brown skin and snub nose I'd always had. Blast it!."

Instead, they embraced and reinforced it with the cover. So much kudos to Henry Holt.

Prunella Bogthistle wants to be a proper bog -witch. She wants a few well placed warts on her face and the ability to curse like the rest of the Bogthistle's. When Prunella uses magic only good things happen. All bog-witches live in the bottomlands and its filled with magic. Prunella helps Barnaby, an Uplander trespresser, escape one of her grandmother's garden traps. Prunella's grandmother kicks her out. Prunella must prove before she can return.

Barnaby plans to become famous by finding and returning the Mirable Chalice to the Uplander Queen. Prunella joins Barnaby on his quest. She is determined to find Esmeralda's (an infamous bog witch) book of magic. Prunella believes with Esmeralda's grimoire, she will be able to curse properly and be welcomed back home.

On their journey, Prunella and Barnaby find themselves helping Uplanders. Something is out of sorts in each town they pass. Many Uplanders are too sick to get out of bed. Prunella starts to do a few other things that make her question her bog witch ness.

"Now that we were well on our way, walking under a cloudless blue sky through the green meadows, Barnaby had regained his airy cheer. Perhaps a bit too much cheer.
"Do you always whistle?" I asked.
"What's wrong with whistling?"
What was wrong was that his silly little tune made my steps bounce as if I were trotting across billowing clouds. I felt ridiculous. Who ever heard of a bog witch skipping along past meadows full of daisies and cornflowers? I forced my feet into a more appropriate stalking gait."

Prunella isn't bothered by dirt, instead of a hair clip she has a chicken bone. Barnaby does his best to stay clean and loves a good suit. The two are an odd couple playing off of each other very well.

From the beginning its obvious Prunella's has not mastered her magic. Its funny watching her try.

"I tried to slow my hammering heart. I was not going to let myself get riled up by a straggly snot of a boy. "It was supposed to be boils not oils!"
"But if it makes you happy, you did ruin my favorite jacket. "But I'll take that over boils any day."

I loved Prunella she's a misunderstood bog witch who wants to be loved by her grandmother. Fagan's writing is well layered allowing for Prunella's vulnerability. Visually this is a very fun read. Prunella and Barnaby run away from a crocodile in the bottomlands. (the cover). On their misadventure the two discover what's really going on in the Uplands. Barnaby has a story of his own, and its connected to the happenings in the Uplands.

I've read a few books this year that lost me with the ending. Whenever that happens I feel cheated. If a novel is going to turn on me I'd rather it happen in the middle so I can put it down. The Magical Misadventures of Prunella Bogthistle was the complete opposite of that. The first part was very good though Fagan seemed to give a little more for the second half. This looks to be the first book in a series ( fingers crossed)

Kirkus Review and School Library Journal review via the author's site
Read an excerpt

Dark Life Kat Falls

Dark Life by Kat Falls

The first time I remember seeing this book was at one of Charlotte's Science fiction and fantasy round ups. I must confess, I don't read all the summaries. Sometimes I simply look at the cover. That's what I did with Dark Life. It didn't stand out enough for me to stop. When I saw it in the store the next day, I did a double take. Some covers must been seen in person for the full effect. Dark Life has on of those covers. After, reading the first three pages, I was very excited. Why? - 1 male protagonist - not including continuing series there seem to be less middle grade novels with male leads this year. 2. Its an apocalyptic future story set in the deep sea. Apocalyptic tales are very popular right now but as far as I know no middle grade novels that explore humans living in the deep sea.

3 " But my trance was cut short by a series of green sparks bursting out of the gorge. I fell back, every muscle in my body tense. Only one fish glittered like an emerald and traveled in a pack: the green lantern shark. Twelve inches long and deadly as piranhas, they could rip apart something twenty times their size. Forget what they could do to a human. I should have seen it coming even this deep. I should have known the squid had squirted its radiant goo to diver a predator. And now my helmet's crown lights served as an even brighter beacon. With a jab to my wrist screen, I snapped them off, but it was too late - I couldn't unring that dinner bell."

That's from the first page. Its a very strong beginning. There's action, danger, science facts and great visuals. If a reader isn't sold on the cover, if you can get them to read the first page you might hook them.

In Dark Life thanks to global warming there's less land. People are forced to lived crammed together. Ty's parents were pioneers in the movement to living in the ocean. 15 yrs later the Benthic Terriory is establishing itself as a viable living option. Ty was the first child born in the deep sea. Dark Falls opens with Ty exploring and meeting Gemma, a topsider, (a person who lives on land) Gemma's searching for her older brother, Richard.

When Ty turns 18 he's going to claim his own land. His plans are threatened when the government forces the people of the Benthic Territory to catch outlaws raiding government supply ships. The outlaws known as Seablite gang are becoming more dangerous. Ty is willing to go up against the leader to protect his way of life.

The people of the Benthic Territory are struggling for independence, rights and respect. The deep sea setting is something very different, the author uses this to her advantage. Since Ty diet includes abyssal fish, his skin has a shine to it. As, Ty shows Gemma around the territory and his home, we learn how people are able to live and thrive in the ocean.

All children born in the deep sea have a special ability known as a dark gift. Ty has decided to hide his ability. Since he's the oldest the other children follow his lead. Falls explains the reasoning behind Ty's wanting to keep his ability a secret. Though I wished the author would've expanded on the idea of the dark gift.

Dark Falls has some nice action and close call moments. It's also a very visual story. Ty comes face to face with many different ocean animals. I am looking forward to seeing what the author does with Ty. At the end everyone knows about dark gift. I hope the author will explore the stories of the pioneers. I would love to hear Ty's parents tell stories of the first few years. Especially Ty's mother, who seems like a strong female protagonist to balance out Gemma.

Deep Sea life doesn't scare Gemma, she's fearless but that girl is not quick. At the end Gemma is used as a shield or a hostage twice. The first time I was like okay it happens. The second time I was like come on Gemma please be aware of your surroundings or have quick feet. Soon after the second time Ty must save Gemma again. The last incident Gemma couldn't have prevented but a female character having to be saved so many times by the male character rubs me the wrong way.

Falls has created a detailed world. The author does an excellent job of incorporating answers of how humans can survive in the deep sea. I enjoyed Dark Falls. It was an entertaining read with some serious growth potential. I think young readers who enjoy non fiction books on ocean life will really enjoy it. Read an excerpt

Celia's Robot Margaret Chang

Celia's Robot by Margaret Chang

10yr old Celia Chow is not very organized. After everything goes completely wrong one school morning, Celia's dad thinks of the perfect birthday gift, a robot. Robot keeps Celia on task. Celia's mom is White and her dad is Chinese. There are moments when Celia wonders what others see when they look at her family. Celia worries her parents fight too much.

I really enjoyed this book. Celia was a very well drawn character. I thought it was pretty cool that her hobby was picking locks. The author does an excellent job with the Chow family relationships.

I was also pleasantly surprised to discover, there's a bad guy. Another computer scientist, Mr. Fisher wants to steal Robot. When Robot goes missing Celia is determined to get, her new friend back. There were a few exciting and scary moments when Celia confronts the men who took Robot.

"I reached into Robot's body and picked out the wire connecting the locator to the big battery. Fisher had left all his tools scattered around. It was easy to find the right one to splice the wire again. It was all I could do for Robot. I longed to make it whole, but I knew it was more important to find Dad's laptop. My legs felt weak and trembly, so I steadied myself by holding the edge of the bench.

The swish of an opening door startled me. I spun around to see a tall bony man coming through the door at the back of the lab. His curly blond hair framed a face that looked as if it had been colored with white chalk, and his eyes were as blue and cold as a winter sky. He could have been handsome, but he wasn't. He looked horrible. I started to run but he was too quick."

Read an excerpt. It gives a great feel of Celia's voice and her family.

The Celestial Globe Marie Rutkoski

The Celestial Globe: The Kronos Chronicles: Book II by Marie Rutkoski
This sequel to Cabinet of Wonders was worth the wait. Petra and her mechanial tin spider Astrophil are back home after getting Petra's father's eyes back from Prince Rodolfo.

When the Prince comes after Petra again, she is forced to flee to London, where she meets up with John Dee again. I loved the relationship between Petra and John Dee. Petra is a very strong independent, speak her mind protagonist. John Dee is an accomplished spy who is very crafty when it comes to words and deals. It was alot of fun watching the give and take between these two characters. Petra's relationship with Astrophil is lovely as well. Astrophil does his best to comfort Petra and make sure she doesn't do anything too foolish.

All of the main characters from the first book return as well, including Neel, a Gypsy and Petra's best friend Tomik. Neel's people are in search of the Celestial Globe. With the Globe someone could locate invisible threads and travel quickly to other countries. All Tomik wants to do is find Petra.

There are many things happening in this novel. Petra's is trying to outsmart John Dee, Neel and Tomik are unknowingly getting to know each other, Prince Rodolfo is still after Petra and of course there's the search for the Celestial Globe. Rutkoski does a wonderful job of blending all that happens. My one but is when Neel, Tomik and Petra meet up again it seems kind of rushed. However, there is an amazing (had to read it twice ) moment soon after. The Celestial Globe is a great page turner, there's action, cringe worthy fright, and a mystery to solve. I would suggest reading Cabinet of Wonders first, which is out in paperback now. Both books would make a great choice for a boy/girl book club. ages 10up

The Song of the Whales Uri Orlev

The Song of the Whales by Uri Orlev trans. by Hillel Halkin

Michael and his parents move to Israel to be closer to his ailing grandfather. Michael doesn't like to do the things other nine year boys like to do. He has no interest in sports, video games or TV. He prefers to spend time around adults. Michael instantly connects with his grandfather. One night Michael's grandfather lets him in on a secret. He can travel through dreams. Michael begins to go on night time adventures with his grandfather.

Song of the Whales is a slim beautifully written novel. I thought it was nice that Michael wasn't worried or embarrassed that he had no interest in what other boys his age did. He had his own hobbies and interest. I loved Michael's relationship with grandfather. Micheal has the same gift to navigate dreams and help a dreamer like his grandfather.

Michael's grandfather is a vegetarian. There were a moments in the book when I thought the author stepped over the line talking up vegetarianism. I do wish the grandfather was nicer to his helper Madame Saupier. There was a time when he used to take her into his dreams.

In the end I really enjoyed Song of the Whales, the writing and story are very good. I am always fond of books touch upon dreams. I loved that the characters are Jewish and the novels set in Israel and its not about the Holocaust. I've been wanting to do this write up for awhile but I waited. I figured today was the day, since its the first day of Passover . Song of the Whales comes out April 12. ages 10up

When I did a quick search for reviews of The Song of the Whales, I came across more on Uri Orlev . I found it very interesting. It talks a little about the fantasy genre in Isreal

Seekers- Erin Hunter

Seekers by Erin Hunter

This is the new series by bestselling author Erin Hunter. I just did a search, two authors Cherith Baldry and Kate Cary are Erin Hunter. (I am probably the last one to know ) This is the first book I've read by Erin Hunter, a few pages in I could definitely see the appeal.

Seekers is the story of three different bear cubs. Kallik the polar bear, Lusa the black bear, and Toklo the grizzly bear. The author gives us just what the title states, the beginning of a quest. The writing will draw the reader in. I was able to quickly lose myself in the bears stories. The chapters switch back and forth, beginning with Kallik. The reader learns about the history and legend of each bear.

Kallik is traveling with her mother Nisa and brother Taggig. The ice is melting for the changing season. The polar bears must get to land.
Lusa is born and lives in captivity. In the beginning she is content with zoo life. Things begin to change including Lusa climbing to the top of the tallest tree and seeing more. Suddenly she feels restless and trapped. While reading I couldn't stop thinking about how or when Lusa would escape from the zoo. The anticipation of an escape, and the escape its self whether man or beast is always an exciting read.

Toklo is with his mom Oka and brother Tobi. They are searching for a good food source. The changing climate is affecting all the bears making survival more difficult. One way or another each of these bear cubs ends up alone. Erin Hunter's writing makes the reader care about what happens to the cubs. The story has action as well. The cubs hunt for prey and are faced with unfamiliar situations alone.

I now know why fans of the Warriors series are always so desperate for the next book. The ending is a serious cliffhanger. When I finished, was reminded of my Soap Opera watching days and it felt like Friday. I was like nooooo it can't end now its getting really good. I am glad I read Seekers and will definitely recommend it.
Release Date 5/27/08