Out of My Mind by Sharon Draper

Just because she can't control her movements, is in a wheelchair, and can't talk, everyone thinks that Melody is not smart. Her teachers and classmates believe that her brain is handicapped as well. But Melody hears and understands everything--she has millions of words, thoughts, and ideas locked in her mind with no way out. Until one day when she gets a miraculous device, similar to a super computer, that finally allows her to "talk." Finally, Melody can speak up for herself and be heard. But soon Melody learns that being able to speak might be the easy part about interacting with her classmates. Find out what happens when Melody joins her school's quiz team and shows everyone what she really knows--and not everyone is happy about it. I recommend this book to readers who like stories about overcoming obstacles, success stories, kids with disabilities, and books like Wonder. This book made me laugh, cry, and celebrate right along with Melody. It is one of the best books I've read in 2014. I give this amazing book 5 out of 5 stars!

Hidden by Helen Frost

The lives of two 8-year-old girls, Wren and Darra, change forever when Darra's father steals a minivan and does not realize that Wren is hiding inside. Written in verse, this book moves quickly and takes the reader along as Wren figures out how to escape the minivan inside Darra's locked garage without being discovered. Years later, the two girls meet again by chance at a summer camp. Find out what happens when Wren and Darra confront each other about their shared past. I recommend this book to readers who like suspense, family drama, and books in verse; readers who liked Girl, Stolen, will also enjoy this similar but different story. I give it 5 out of 5 stars!

The Here and Now by Ann Brashares

Thanks to getting back to school, my blog has been on hiatus. I'm hoping to be back to a more regular schedule...
This book is categorized as Science Fiction because it involves time travel, but it takes place mostly in current time which makes it a good crossover book for students considering sci fi. The main character Prenna travels "back" in time to 2010 and the story takes place in 2014. The future where Prenna comes from basically takes all of our current worst fears and makes them true and magnified: an enormous food shortage, a major epidemic without a cure, and the worst effects of global warming. Prenna and a group travelers come back in time in hopes of a better life, and to also "fix" the problems that resulted in this horrible world. However, Prenna and the travelers are forced to follow strict rules about how they can interact with time natives, or the people who have not traveled back in time. The most serious rule of all is no physical contact, or falling in love, with a time native. Prenna abides by the rules until she meets Ethan. Then everything changes and Prenna challenges every belief that holds her community together. I recommend this book to readers who enjoy science fiction, survival stories, action/suspense, and books such as the Divergent or Legend series. I give this book 4 out of 5 stars!

Sisters by Raina Telgemeier

The latest by Raina Telgemeier does not disappoint! Based on the true story of the author's relationship with her little sister, this graphic novel is both humorous and heart-felt. During a family road trip from California to Colorado, Raina learns about her relationship with her little sister, her family, and herself. I also liked the book's design and how the pages were yellow(ed) to indicate a flashback. I strongly recommend this book to readers who enjoyed Smile and Drama, the author's other titles; to any readers who like graphic novels; and to readers who can relate to the ups and downs of having a brother or sister. I give this book 5 out of 5 stars!

Notes From the Midnight Driver by Jordan Sonnenblick

While not my favorite Sonnenblick book (which would be Drums, Girls & Dangerous Pie), this was still a solid read. After Alex Gregory drove a car without a license (while drunk) and decapitated a lawn gnome, he is required to work community service with senior citizen and resident grouch Solomon Lewis. In the beginning of the book, Alex is self-centered and immature. In fact, I thought his character was annoying. Yet, as the book continued, I started to like Alex more and more. I loved Solomon, a character who was inspired by the author's grandfather. The story takes hilarious (and somewhat predictable) turns as crusty old Solomon and Alex get to know each other. 
I recommend this to readers who can relate to family issues, divorce, and making mistakes, as well as readers who like music--playing electric guitar in particular. It would strongly appeal to middle school boys with an interest in music. I give this book 3.5 out of 5 stars!

Just Like the Movies by Kelly Fiore

This book is the perfect read for girls who love movies--and romantic comedies in particular. Unlikely friends Marijke Monti and Lily Spencer team up with a crazy scheme: to reinact epic movie moments to win over their crushes. I loved all of the movie references in this book, but I'm not sure if middle school girls still watch some of the movies mentioned, such as Sixteen Candles, Say Anything, and Titanic. The book lightly addresses family issues and searching for personal identity.  Normally, I would find the ending of this book unrealistic and too perfect, but like most romantic comedies, I know what I'm getting into and a happy ending is completely satisfying. I recommend this to high school and some middle school readers who like romantic movies. I give this book 3.5 out of 5 stars!

The Kiss of Deception by Mary E. Pearson

This was my kind of fantasy....royals, adventure, and some romance too. The story begins on the day of Princess Lia's wedding; Lia decides to flee the arranged marriage and escapes to a small town with her best friend Pauline. Once there, Lia works to blend in as a regular tavern maid. Little does Lia know that the two handsome strangers who show up in town are looking for her--one is the jilted prince and the other is an assassin hired to kill her. 
The story alternates between the narrators: Lia, Rafe, and Kaden. For a large part of the book, readers are not sure who is the prince and who is the assassin, which makes for added tension and suspense. The story has excellent twists and turns. At over 400 pages, the author keeps the story moving. I recommend this for readers who like an adventure tale with a bit of romance and a headstrong female lead character. I give this book 4 out of 5 stars! Check out my trailer here.

13 Little Blue Envelopes by Maureen Johnson

I had heard so many great things about this book before reading it, and Maureen Johnson did not disappoint. This book is a great travel/adventure story with a bit of romance and a scavenger-hunt feel to it, which includes international travel. Virginia "Ginny" receives 13 little blue envelopes from her Aunt Peg, who had vanished months ago and just recently passed away. Ginny learns a lot more about her "runaway aunt" through the travel instructions and challenges posed to Ginny within each of the 13 envelopes. For some students, this book could be challenging because background knowledge is required to understand the geography of where Ginny is traveling. With that said, the vivid descriptions took me right back to London, Rome, and Greece. I also loved the portion of the book when Ginny was in Copenhagen. I recommend this book for advanced 7th grade readers, definitely 8th graders and maybe even freshmen. I give this book 4 out of 5 stars!

The Coldest Girl in Coldtown by Holly Black

This is one creepy vampire story. And before you get turned away because it's a vampire novel, I will say that it is the anti-Twilight. Instead, it is intense, suspenseful, and gory at times. For these reasons, I recommend it to teens and some mature, upper-level middle school readers. I can see why this book made several top teen book lists. I give it 4 out of 5 stars! View the book trailer. 

Summer Reading Books

Although it is June 30, I am just now posting my Summer Reading list. My excuse? School got out really late and then I had other professional obligations. But now...time to enjoy some sweet independent reading time. Check out my selected titles--I'll be sure to post reviews as I finish each one. Enjoy & happy reading!

Best Books of 2014

The image shows all of the books I read this school year (43 in total)--YA and adult. While it's difficult to pick favorites, I will do my best...although some of my favorites were books I read before starting this blog and I don't want to "blog backward," so to speak. Enjoy!

5. Cinder by Marissa Meyer

4. Trafficked by Kim Purcell

3. The Adoration of Jenna Fox by Mary E. Pearson

2. Split by Swati Avasthi

1. Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell

Sold by Patricia McCormick

Written in verse, this beautiful, award-winning book tells the story of Lakshmi, a girl from the Himalayan mountains who is sold into sex slavery by her step-father. She is forced to work in a brothel or else face starvation and eventual death on the streets. The book is very well researched since the author traveled to India and Nepal to interview women working in Calcutta's red light district. I could not put this book down--once I started, I was hooked! McCormick is also the author of Cut, a book about self harm; the author thoroughly researched the topic, which is something I really appreciate about this talented writer. 

I recommend this book to readers who like survival stories, realistic fiction, and real world issues. It does have some explicit and inferred violent abuse, so I recommend it for mature readers. 5 out of 5 stars!

Raucous Royals by Carlyn Beccia

What I liked best: The author researched common rumors about several famed royals including King Henry VIII, Prince Dracula, Mary Queen of Scots, and more.

I learned the truth behind royal rumors, such as that Marie Antoinette supposedly said “Let them eat cake,” when she was told that the poor were starving. (Guess what....She did NOT actually say this).

I also learned a ton of fascinating facts about the royals and different historical time periods, such as that it became fashionable to color your teeth black (like tooth decay) because only the rich could afford the sweets that would rot teeth.

Read on to find out more! 

This could definitely be booktalked to gain interest, but students may need some background knowledge to understand it...such as roman numerals for the royals and some descriptions that correspond with the time period.

5 out of 5 stars. Very enjoyable and interesting. I sped through this one!

Split by Swati Avasthi

This book takes the reader on a train wreck of emotions, but you simply cannot stop reading. The main character, Jace, has not seen his older brother Christian since he left their abusive home years ago. But after Jace is kicked out by his dad, he drives from Chicago to Albuquerque and shows up on Christian's doorstep--beaten up and carrying a horrible secret. From the moment Jace arrives in Albuquerque to the very end, this plot hums along and sweeps the reader with it. The characters are well-developed, the plot is masterfully constructed, and despite its difficult topic, this is a beautiful book.

I recommend this book to mature readers who can handle reading about family violence and abuse, but who also like reading about relationships and second chances. It was an emotional read, but I definitely give it 5 out of 5 stars!

Shelter by Harlan Coben

If you like mystery and fast-paced action, you will love this book. Meet Mickey Bolitar--his dad just died, his mom is in rehab, and he's stuck living with his uncle Myron. Mickey doesn't have much to be happy about--until he meets his girlfriend Ashley at school orientation. Ashley is the bright spot in Mickey's days, until she abruptly disappears. Now Mickey will stop at nothing to find Ashley--and to figure out why crazy old Bat Lady said that his dad is still alive....

I recommend this book to readers who like mystery, action, and a small bit of romance. I really liked it, but I'm stingy with 5 star ratings. 4 out of 5 stars!

Splendors and Glooms by Laura Amy Schlitz

Normally, I struggle to find fantasy books that I like, but this won me over. Lizze Rose and Parsefall are two orphans who become assistants to evil puppeteer Grisini. They suspect that Grisini is trouble, but when wealthy, young Clara disappears after Grisini performs at her birthday party, Lizzie and Parsefall are more than suspicious. Their search for Clara leads them to discover just how evil Grisini can be, and takes them on an adventure to an enchanted castle in Scotland--little do they know that they were lured there by Grisini and a powerful witch named Cassandra. Will they find Clara and escape the castle?

I recommend this book to readers who like fantasy, magic, adventure, mystery, and historical settings. 5 out of 5 stars!