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!
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!
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!
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!
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!
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!
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.
