The Goose Girl (book review)

The Goose Girl, by Shannon Hale, is a retelling of the classic Grimms Fairy Tale. Princess Anidori (aka Ani) has a special gift: she can speak with birds. As she is Crown Princess and next in line to the throne, Ani has to learn how to socialize, something she isn't good at.
But then Ani gets a surprise: she isn't going to become queen of her kingdom, Kildenree, after all! She will marry the prince of Bayern and become queen there!

But on the journey, her trusted maid named Selia, along with half of Ani's guard, rebels. Ani manages to escape, but there is danger everywhere now. She ventures into the capital city and finds a job as a goose girl. She also finds a group of true friends. But Ani knows that sooner or later, she will have to face Selia and let everyone know who is the true princess...

I absolutely loved this book and I can't wait to read the sequel, Enna Burning. It was amazing how the author managed to keep every single detail from the fairy tale! My favorite character was Ani. She was strong and believable, and she didn't give up!

The Giver (book review)

The Giver, by Lois Lowry, is the story of Jonas. His world is perfect...or so he thinks. There is no pain or suffering. Then, on the day he turns twelve and gets his Assignment, Jonas is singled out to receive training from an old man he comes to call the Giver. Now Jonas has to learn the truth about pain, death, and war. He cannot turn back, even if he wants to. This is his destiny, and he has to accept it.

This story was simple, yet explored many topics, including genetic engineering, euthenasia, and the power of emotion. Overall, it was a very moving book. I can't wait to read the sequel, Gathering Blue!

Island of the Aunts (Book review)

Island of the Aunts, by Eva Ibbotson, is the story of Aunt Myrtle, Aunt Coral, and Aunt Etta. They live on a small island caring for stranded sea animals...and not all of the creatures they care for are of this world...among their patients are mermaids, giant birds, and a stoorworm (a wingless sea dragon). But when these fantastical beasts get out of hand, the aunts kidnap dejected children to help them. Most of the children come to think of the Island as their new home. However, they never expected that they would have to guard the island with their lives, because when one rather unpleasant boy manages to contact his father and tell him the Island's secret, that is exactly what they will have to do.

This was a suspenseful story full of cliffhanger chapter endings. I was sad when it was over, and I can't wait to read more of Eva Ibbotson's books!

Tithe (book review)

Tithe, by Holly Black, is the story of Kaye--she's fierce, tough, and independent, and she travels with her mother's rock band. However, one day they are forced to go stay with Kaye's grandmother. Everything is fine until one night, at a party, strange things start happening. Kaye enchants a cute boy and makes a rocking horse come to life. Then, on her way home, she meets Roiben. He's a handsome faerie knight who's dying. However, with Kaye's help, Roiben is on his way again. But by helping Roiben, Kaye gets caught up in a conflict between two faerie courts, the Seelie and the Unseelie. Visited by her own faerie friends from her childhood, Kaye discovers a shocking secret--she too is faerie and she has her own important role to play in this battle.

This book wasn't my favorite, but I did enjoy it. I liked how these faeries seemed wild and fierce, instead of the calm, innocent versions of childhood stories. I'd like to read the sequel someday, but there are definitely other books I'd like to get to first.

A lot of new challenges!

I'm joining a ton of new challenges this year! I only have two books left for the Four-legged Friends and two for the Book Awards Challenge, so I should have plenty of time for these new challenges! I'm not posting my list for the What's In A Name Challenge here because I already have a separate post for that.


First, there's the Sci-Fi Experience, hosted by Carl. This isn't really a challenge, but I'm looking forward to reading lots of good sci-fi books!






Second, there is the Mythopoeic Award Challenge, hosted by Lenneth. Here is my list:



Wintersmith by Terry Pratchett

A Hat Full of Sky by Terry Pratchett

The Goose Girl by Shannon Hale

The Wee Free Men by Terry Pratchett

Tithe by Holly Black

Island of the Aunts by Eva Ibbotson

The Giver by Lois Lowry



Third, there is the Young Adult Challenge, hosted by Joy. Here is my list:


Twilight by Stephanie Meyer

Swan Sister edited by Terri Windling and Ellen Datlow

Beauty by Robin McKinley

Uglies by Scott Westerfeld

Wyrd Sisters by Terry Pratchett

Finishing Becca by Ann Rinaldi

Maximum Ride: School's Out--Forever by James Patterson

Wild Magic by Tamora Pierce

Underworld by Catherine Macphail

Faerie Wars by Herbie Brennan

Homecoming by Cynthia Voigt

The Princess and the Hound by Mette Ivie Harrison



Fourth, there's the Back To History Challenge, hosted by Shannon. This is my list:





Finishing Becca by Ann Rinaldi

Number The Stars by Lois Lowry

The Coffin Quilt by Ann Rinaldi

On The Edge of Revolution by Deborah Kent

Air Raid Pearl Harbor by Theodore Taylor

Amelia's War by Ann Rinaldi

Seeds of Hope by Kristiana Gregory

The Plague by Philip Wooderson

Burning Issy by Melvin Burgess

I Am Regina by Sally M. Kehn

West To A Land Of Plenty by Jim Murphy

What Was Watergate? by Pamela Kilian

Alternates:

A Northern Light by Jennifer Donnelly

Red Scarf Girl: A Memoir of the Cultural Revolution by Ji-Li Jiang

11,000 Years Lost by Peni R. Griffin

Two Girls Of Gettysburg by Lisa Klein

Robert E. Lee by James I. Robertson Jr.

Ulysses S. Grant by Steven O'Brien

The Seer of Shadows by Avi

The Red Badge of Courage by Stephen Crane

The Killer Angels by Michael Shaara

Lucy and Her Times by Paseal Pieg and Nicole Verrechia


Fifth and finally, there is the First In A Series Challenge, also hosted by Joy. Here's my list:



So You Want to Be a Wizard by Diane Duane

Wild Magic by Tamora Pierce

Sandry's Book by Tamora Pierce

Larklight by Philip Reeve

The Fire Within by Chris D'Lacey

Northlander by Meg Burden

Triskellion by Will Peterson

Terrier: The Legend of Beka Cooper by Tamora Pierce

Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card

The Divide by Elizabeth Kay

Uglies by Scott Westerfeld

Over Sea, Under Stone by Susan Cooper


That's all!