Month: March 2018

REVIEW: Not If I Save You First by Ally Carter

REVIEW: Not If I Save You First by Ally Carter

Posted on by Jaymie

Summary

Maddie and Logan were only ten the night their lives completely changed. One minute they are dressed up and excited for a White House party. The next there are bullets, blood and Secret Service agents.

Before the reality of their experience can sink in, Maddie’s dad, former head of the Secret Service, whisks her off to  Alaska. They live in a remote area in a home that is essentially a shack. She’s homeschooled and trained for the dangers of the wilderness she now calls home. To keep her sanity in this new reality, Maddie writes letters to her best friend, Logan.

Every day.

For two years.

With no response.

When Logan shows up out of the blue six years after the White House party, tall, broad-shouldered and handsome, Maddie’s fury defies expression. He abandoned her when she needed a friend most. But her anger is cut short when they are attacked and Logan is kidnapped right before a big storm moves in. While Maddie would love to wring Logan’s neck herself, she’s going to have to save him from the kidnapper first.

Review

I devoured this book in one sitting. It was too suspenseful – and too fun – to put down. The story was engrossing. Maddie and Logan have great chemistry. The writing is smart and fun (exactly what I have come to expect from Ally Carter).

One of my favorite parts was the letter from young Maddie to Logan that kicked off each chapter. The reader could “hear” how Maddie’s voice changed in the six years from her arrival in Alaska to Logan’s arrival. And that reflected the changes in her personality over that time.

My only complaint was that it ended too soon. I wanted more!! Well, not more suspense because that was tense. But I loved spending time with these characters. Maddie is so sharp and capable. She fits in with so many of my favorite female protagonists.

One of the factors I love most, though, is that I can recommend this to anyone. There’s no foul language or anything else that would make me hesitant to recommend this to middle grade readers ready for something more suspenseful or to teens (and parents) who don’t want the distraction of mature content. One of my former students, who was hit-and-miss with reading when she was younger, has discovered Ally Carter and it has changed her outlook about reading. I love that I can recommend this to her and not have to worry about content that is too mature for her at 11 or 12 years old. Yet the book also stands as a strong, enjoyable story for teens as well on the merits of the plot and outstanding characters. This may be my favorite Ally Carter book yet! I highly recommend this book.

Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥

REVIEW: Draw the Circle by Mark Batterson

REVIEW: Draw the Circle by Mark Batterson

Posted on by Jaymie

Summary and Review

A 40-day prayer journey by the author of The Circle Maker. Each day’s entry includes stories and personal testimony, an idea for changing or enhancing your prayer life, and a take away/summary statement.

Ideas and challenges include making prayers more specific, persistence and thinking bigger.

It’s hard to describe this book well and really capture it. For me, this was an amazing little book. I enjoyed the writing style, and the prayer stories were inspiring. I looked forward to reading this each day. In fact, I longed to read the whole thing cover to cover and just soak it all in. But I knew if I did that, I wouldn’t get the same take-aways and growth.

This is a book I will keep close at hand and read more than once. In fact, but the time this posts, I will be wrapping up my second journey through this little book. I think any time you feel like your prayer life needs a fresh infusion of faith and energy, this would be the resource to grab. There’s also a study guide and a video series for group use. I liked this so much I put all of Batterson’s books on my TBR list. I can’t recommend this book highly enough. This was one of my top 10 reads from 2017.

Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥

REVIEW: Wizard for Hire by Obert Skye

REVIEW: Wizard for Hire by Obert Skye

Posted on by Jaymie

Summary

When Ozzy was seven, his parents left New York and moved to a remote cabin in Oregon. Both of Ozzy’s parents were brilliant scientists – one in neuroscience and the other in psychology. Everything that remained of their lives out east was stacked in boxes in the small cabin.

One day when Ozzy was off playing by a stream, some men came to the cabin and took his parents. Ozzy came running when he heard his mother scream. But when he hid from the men, they left in him there. Alone in the woods.

For seven years Ozzy lived alone in the cabin with only a mechanical bird, Clark (one of his dad’s inventions), for company. He survived on the canned and dried food stockpiled in the basement. He entertained himself with all of the books and papers in the house. Thankfully his mother taught him to read at an early age. The academic papers were offset by fantasy novels like Harry Potter. And Ozzy had cassettes of his father’s work so he could hear his dad’s voice and remember when he had parents and felt safe and loved.

When Ozzy tries going to school in order to meet other people and access a computer to try and get information on his missing parents, it draws unwanted attention to his situation. Then a magazine ad gives him a great idea. He’ll hire a wizard to help him find his missing parents. Labyrinth – “Rin” – the wizard isn’t quite what Ozzy expected from Harry Potter and the Lord of the Rings, but if Rin can help him, that is all that matters.

Review

I can’t remember the last time I read such a spectacularly bizarre book. I loved every page! Ozzy’s story is fascinating. I was engrossed from the beginning. I had to know what would happen to this boy,  abandoned in the woods.

When  Clark the bird is discovered, Ozzy’s world widens quite a bit. They explore their surroundings, and Ozzy experiences school. I loved this part. He has a great reaction to this unfamiliar system, and he’s bright enough to pull it off for awhile.

Adding Rin to the story, though, kicks this into a whole other place. He says he’s a wizard, but Ozzy sees no evidence. Yet he is trusting and wants to believe Rin can help. And while Rin is quirky to the nth degree, he is honestly invested in helping Ozzy. And the people Rin pulls into Ozzy’s orbit are terrific parts of the story.

If the awesome and quirky characters aren’t enough, there’s the adventure of keeping Ozzy off the radar of the powers that be that will take him from his home “for his own good.” And on top of that is the mystery of what happened to Ozzy’s parents and what he might discover if he finds them.

All the pieces come together into a reading experience unlike anything I have had before. And I enjoyed every bit of it. This is a smart, funny, and engaging story. I highly recommend this for upper elementary and middle school readers, but I think this also would work for older teen readers who enjoy quirky and unusual characters.

Thanks to Netgalley and Shadow Mountain Publishing for an electronic review copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Rating: ♥♥♥♥½

BOOK NEWS: March 27, 2018

BOOK NEWS: March 27, 2018

Posted on by Jaymie

It’s the final release week of March 2018, so we have lots of great books to consider. Here are some of my favorites for the week:

Books for Kids

Max and Marla Are Having a Picnic – Two friends’ grand plans for a picnic are threatened by thieving squirrels and an argument. This looks adorable.
Truck Full of Ducks – I first heard about this one from a Scholastic spring preview, and this has been on my list ever since. One of the ducks has eaten the delivery instructions for the truck full of ducks. I can not wait to read this one!
Peanut Butter and Jelly – Narwhal and Jelly are back in their third book where Narwhal discovers the joys of peanut butter.
Absolutely Alfie and the Worst Best Sleepover – Book 3 in this early chapter book series about second grader, Alfie, who is hoping to get an invitation to the most popular sleepover of the year.
Bat and the Waiting Game – Book 2 starring Bat and his pet skunk Thor. I recently read the first book in this series, and it was a delight! I’m looking forward to reading book two.

Books for Older Kids/Teens/Young Adults

 

American Girl: Boston Tea Party – Part of the Real Stories from My Time series. Great for history fans!
The Everafter War (10th Anniversary) – Book 7 in the fabulous Sisters Grimm series joins the 10th anniversary set of the books. I would love to read this series again with the updated material in the anniversary books!
Good Dog – [Note to book fanatics like me: Find an elementary teacher who does Scholastic orders and get in her “class.” This is a terrific way to get a great deal on books and also to get some early releases – AND you help a teacher put books in his/her classroom!! There are several books on the list today that I was able to order in January and February and read early – like this one] Brodie the dog has died, but he feels like there is unfinished business with his boy, so he takes a chance with his soul to come back to our world. I’m not 100% on board with the theology of this one, but I loved Brodie’s devotion to his boy and what he is willing to do to protect his kid.
The Parker Inheritance – From the author of the fabulous Great Greene Heist comes this story of a forgotten letter, an old injustice and a fortune. This is at the TOP of my list for the week. This is another book I was able to get early from Scholastic, but at the time of this writing, I haven’t gotten to read it yet. But soon!
Prisoner of War – Book 1 in the GI Dogs series about  dogs serving in war zones. This particular book focuses on World War II. This would have been incredibly popular with my students when I was teaching!
Sherlock Holmes and the Disappearing Diamond – Book one in the Baker Street Academy series about a young John Watson who joins forces with Sherlock Holmes to solve a mystery. I’m excited about reading this one. I love mysteries for kids.
Sundae My Prince Will Come – Part of the WISH line of books, this one is about a girl with a passion for dance, torn between her boyfriend and the boy who might help her achieve her dream.
This Book is a Classic – Book 2 in the Cilla Lee-Jenkins series. I have book one on my TBR, so I am eager to check it out and see what it is like before I try this one. I love the idea that this is a series that shares my passion for books and for writing.
Science Comics Robots and Drones: Past, Present and Future – The newest science graphic novel. This is an excellent nonfiction series for kids.
The Continent – A teen leaves the peace of the Spire to experience the Continent, a land at war, so she can update her maps. But an accident turns her vacation into a quest for survival. I am curious to try this one.
Emergency Contact – Two teens meet and their awkward encounter turns into a digital relationship that could change everything for both of them. I’m looking forward to trying this one, too.
Frat Girl – For a scholarship opportunity, a girl pledges a fraternity on probation for sexist behavior to find out the truth about them. I’ll be reviewing this one next week!
Not If I Save You First – I have been waiting for MONTHS to post my review of this book as I got it through a Scholastic order in January. I will be posting my review this Thursday, and I hope you will come back to check it out. This book was outstanding!
The Way the Light Bends – Novel in verse about sisters through adoption and one’s quest for identity. I’m looking forward to trying this one out, too.

Books for Adults

The Bengal Identity – Book 2 in the Cat Groomer Mystery series about a boarded cat that might be a stolen show cat and it’s supposed owner who turns up dead. I’d like to give this series a try.
Death by Dumpling – First in a new Noodle Shop mystery series. I have a weakness for new mystery series. I have piles of first-in-series mysteries already on my TBR shelves, but I might have to add this one, too. The setting of a family’s Asian restaurant helps set this one apart from similar set ups.
Murder She Knit – First in the Knit and Nibble Mystery series about a craft magazine editor and a murder at her knitting club. The cover illustration really grabs my attention on this one. It’s on my list, too.
Natural Thorn Killer – First in the new Rose City mystery series about a woman trying to find herself at her family’s flower shop when murder finds her instead. Yep, this goes on the list, too.
The Queens of Innis Lear – Three sisters battle for the crown. This sounds a little like an adult version of Three Dark Crowns, which I loved. So this is definitely on my wish list for this week.
Til Death Do Us Party – Book 4 in the Liv and Di in Dixie Mystery series about an event planner in Vegas for a wedding when the Elvis-impersonator doing the wedding is found dead. This series is new to me, but this particular story sounds fun.
The Uninvited Corpse – First in the new Food Blogger Mystery series about a spring garden tour that turns deadly. Yeah, I’ll probably be checking this one out, too.
Embraced: 100 Devotions to Know God Is Holding You Close – A new devotional from author Lysa TerKeurst. I have enjoyed TerKeurst’s other work, so I am eager to take a look at this. I don’t do well with keeping up when it comes to devotionals, but for my readers who enjoy a daily devotional thought, check this one out.
Failing Up: How to Take Risks, Aim Higher and Never Stop Learning – From the actor who pioneered the role of Aaron Burr in Hamilton on Broadway comes a book that could be great for graduates this spring or for anyone else who needs some inspiration to take life to the next level.
The Read-Aloud Family: Making Meaningful and Lasting Connections with Your Kids – In our busy lives, the simple act of reading aloud with our kids can be the perfect way to make memories and life-long connections. Includes book recommendations for your read-aloud time. Don’t think this is just for families with young kids. There is great value in continuing to read aloud together even when your kids are reading for themselves.
Star Trek: The Next Generation Cats – I’ve seen only  a few screen shots of the pages of this but, but this is a must have for me! Star Trek and cats, together!

REVIEW: Looking for Dei by David A. Willson

REVIEW: Looking for Dei by David A. Willson

Posted on by Jaymie

Summary

When Nara was a toddler – only two years old – she lived in an orphanage. Children like her were usually killed, but instead she was cast off. Forgotten.

But Nara’s arrival in the world was special. Prophesied. And Bylo had spent years trying to find a child like her. When he found her, he carted her away. The orphanage hardly noticed.

Raised by Bylo, Nara grew into a sweet young woman. At 15, she loved nature and animals. She spent most of her free time with her best friend Mykel. And she hid her magic.

Usually magic was only discovered at the Announcement. Teens would participate in a ceremony that would reveal the magic. No magic had been found in Dimmitt in years. And Nara’s magic was so unusual, she and Bylo weren’t sure what would happen to her at the ceremony.

But it’s Mykel’s turn in the ceremony that sets events in motion. Soon the three are on the run, desperate to stay alive and stay hidden. They don’t realize that someone else has been searching for Nara for years – and they know exactly where she is. And what she is.

Review

I received a request from the author to consider reviewing his new book. As I enjoy reading fantasy and the story sounded interesting, I said I would give it a try. I am so glad I did. This is an excellent fantasy world. The set up is well done. I was completely engrossed.

Nara and Mykel and Bylo are great characters. I cared about what happened to them. I especially liked Nara in contrast to Kayna. Nara was loved – Bylo raised her as if she was his own. And it made a huge impact on her character development. She truly loves and cares for others.

I loved the story line. The magic of this world is really interesting. I have some theories about how things work, but I’ll have to wait for book 2 to see if I am right. Elements of the magic system – and the story – reminded me of other great fantasy series which made this feel comfortable and familiar while still being original. There’s a faith/religious thread to the story – prophecy, prayer, faith, etc. – that was interesting. I am curious to see how that piece might develop in the next book, too.

Thanks to Netgalley and David A. Willson for an electronic review copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Rating: ♥♥♥♥½

REVIEW: Gone Gull by Donna Andrews

REVIEW: Gone Gull by Donna Andrews

Posted on by Jaymie

Summary

Meg Langslow is teaching a blacksmithing class at her grandmother’s new Craft Center on Biscuit Mountain. Unfortunately the Center’s teachers and guests have been harassed by a vandal. Class studios and student work have been destroyed. Of course, Meg is called upon to ferret out the culprit.

Before she gets very far in her investigation, Meg stumbles across a dead body. Things aren’t looking good for Biscuit Mountain Craft Center.

Meg and her family aren’t going to let Cordelia’s dream die like this, though. They call in reinforcements – almost the entire extended family – to help. And the Langslow family is a force to be reckoned with!

Review

This is one of my favorite cozy series. I’m thrilled at how solid the stories are, even on the 21st book in the series.

Meg, with her notebook-that-tells-her-when-to-breathe, is a woman after my own heart. She’s smart. She has a crazy, humongous family, and she’s learned to leverage the personalities and strengths to her advantage.

The mysteries in this one were great. Both the vandalism situation and the murders were wrapped up with satisfying conclusions. The gull situation that spanned the whole book had a nice wrap up as well.

This was completely enjoyable from start to finish! Once readers are familiar with the various people in the series, I think these books can be read in any order. I would definitely start with book one, though – Murder with Peacocks – and read the first few in order so you can get to know the family and townspeople before you dive into the rest of the series.

Rating: ♥♥♥♥

REVIEW: Unicorn of Many Hats by Dana Simpson

REVIEW: Unicorn of Many Hats by Dana Simpson

Posted on by Jaymie

Summary

Phoebe and her unicorn best friend, Marigold Heavenly Nostrils, are back in a new comic collection. In this volume the friends

  • talk about books
  • learn about fandom
  • explore Phoebe’s favorite show, Confetti Canyon
  • see what a unicorn is like as a babysitter
  • experience friendship and family
  • visit Marigold’s home
  • meet Phoebe’s new teacher
  • celebrate Thanksgiving and Christmas
  • and Marigold tries video games

Review

This is my favorite comic/graphic novel series for kids. The pair’s friendship has grown so nicely over the series. Marigold maintains her unicorn vanity but she isn’t off-putting or catty. (That’s Dakota’s role.) Phoebe’s family and human friends bring some diversity to the stories and the humor, so every strip isn’t about sparkles or Marigold’s beauty.

I can’t recommend this series – and this particular book – highly enough. If you are looking for a FUN reading experience for yourself or for a kid in your life, check out the Phoebe and her Unicorn series. I have enjoyed reading these books in order so I can see how the relationships change over time, but I don’t know that it is essential. This is book 7 in the series. Books 1, 2 and 7 have been my favorites so far.

Many, many thanks to Netgalley and Andrews McMeel Publishing for an electronic review copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Rating: ♥♥♥♥½

BOOK NEWS: March 20, 2018

BOOK NEWS: March 20, 2018

Posted on by Jaymie

Here are some of the books releasing this week! Nothing on my radar this week for adults.

Books for Kids

Can Somebody Please Scratch My Back? – A little elephant is having a hard time finding someone to help him scratch an itchy spot on his back. The pictures I have seen look adorable. I am looking forward to seeing this in person.
The Secrets of Ninja School – A girl heads to ninja school to discover her secret skill. I can’t wait to read this one and find out what she discovers.

Books for Older Kids/Teens/Young Adults

Princess Before Dawn – Book 7 in the Wide-Awake Princess series. I have loved this series from book one. Terrific for fairy tale – and fractured fairy tale – fans!
Stuck in the Stone Age – Book one in the new Story Pirates Present series about a janitor and a scientist who team up when a lab accident sends them back in time. This looks fun! And it’s also a book about creative writing, which is a terrific bonus.
The Train of Lost Things – New from the author of the Princess Juniper series comes this story of a boy searching for a lost jacket that connects him to his dying father. This sounds like a beautiful, and tearful story.
Unicorn of Many Hats – Book 7 in the fabulous Phoebe and her Unicorn series. I will be reviewing this one here tomorrow, so come back and check out my review.
Worlds Apart – The 5th and final book in the Story Thieves series. Now that the series is wrapping up, I guess I can get all the books at once and binge read them until I am done. I can’t wait to dig into this series!
Dog Days of Summer – Volume 2 in the X-Files Origins graphic novel series for teens. These are the stories of young Mulder and Scully, before they were FBI agents, but when they were already searching for the truth.
Tyler Johnson Was Here – Marvin follows his twin brother, Tyler to a party. A shooting and police raid later, Tyler is missing. And then he is dead. And Marvin is left to sort out the pieces. This sounds like a perfect complement to The Hate U Give and Long Way Down and Dear Martin.

REVIEW: Don't Cosplay with My Heart by Cecil Castellucci

REVIEW: Don’t Cosplay with My Heart by Cecil Castellucci

Posted on by Jaymie

Summary

Edan’s favorite fandom is Team Tomorrow, a comic book property she discovered through an animated show when she was a kid. Her favorite character is Gargantua, who has a complicated backstory. The choices of her superhero team leave Gargantua without a home or a history. So she turns on her team and becomes a villain.

Edan takes her cues from Gargantua as her own life takes an epic hit. Her dad is sequestered while he is under investigation for hinky financial practices. She watches her mother wither under the strain. Her grandmother tries to strong arm both Edan and her mom to engage in life again.

Edan finds the perfect distractions in her new boyfriend and a cosplay club. She learns to develop her own costumes, making due with thrift store finds and her own beginner sewing skills. She’s going to channel Gargantua as much as she can to walk through the challenges she faces. But a Gargantua-approach may not be enough.

Review

This was fantastic! I loved the Team Tomorrow pieces. There were many news-ish interludes between chapters that covered the story of the comic creators as well as different things that happened to the characters over the run of the comic.  When Edan uses the comic to describe her feelings or her choices, it all comes together perfectly.

The relationships in the story are fairly typical for YA books. Edan is keeping a secret from her best friend which will cause issues later. There’s the boyfriend and then the other guy who the reader knows is a better fit. But through the boyfriend piece I thought the author did an excellent job of showing what “gatekeeping” looks like – when fans (often men) question another geek’s fan credentials by asking testing questions to “prove” true fan status. While it was infuriating as I read it, I loved how the author portrayed this behavior and how it left Edan feeling.

There is no tidy ending to this, but things are moving in the right direction for Edan by the end. I loved that things were left a little open. This was thoroughly delightful from start to finish!

Rating: ♥♥♥♥½

REVIEW: Tuesday Night Miracles by Kris Radish

REVIEW: Tuesday Night Miracles by Kris Radish

Posted on by Jaymie

Summary

Four women are court ordered to an anger management class.

  • Kit, grieving the loss of her mother after being her caregiver for months, attacks her brother with a broken wine bottle after he shoves her and accuses her of causing their mother to die “sooner”
  • Jane attacked another real estate broker with her stilettos when a crucial deal broke down
  • Grace, weighed down by life choices, weary work, and raising teens who are not turning out like she expected, repeatedly rams her daughter’s boyfriends car with her own.
  • Leah loses control of her temper with her children after years as a victim of domestic violence.

Shepherding these women is Dr. Bayer, a therapist on the edge of retirement who thinks it is time to try some unusual interventions that she’s always wanted to explore. These women will be her last group, and she’s hoping for some miracles in their Tuesday night meetings.

Review

I really enjoyed this book! The premise was terrific, and it was executed well. I cared about what happened to these women. The unusual therapy was terrific – a mixed bag of success and failure. This is pretty realistic.

I identified most with Kit. I was angry FOR her in the inciting incident. And I enjoyed her evolution the most in the story. Leah was also an endearing character. While suffering more than any of the other women, she was also the most ready to dig in and pursue change for her own sake as well as the sake of her children.

I’m so glad I stumbled on to this book – the cover really grabbed my attention. The dog in the story was sweet. I took note of one of the author’s other titles when I discovered this one, and I am looking forward to giving that a try. (Language)

Rating: ♥♥♥♥