Beauty (book review)

Beauty, by Robin McKinley, is a retelling of the fairy tale "Beauty and the Beast". In this book, Beauty isn't pretty at all, which is why her nickname is so unfortunate. Although she isn't beautiful, Beauty is clever, hardworking, and brave. When her father heads into the woods and returns with a terrible curse laid upon him, Beauty knows what she must do. She has to journey deep into the woods and tame the Beast.

Beauty finds, to her surprise, that the Beast's company is in fact rather enjoyable. But there is something mysterious about he and the castle, something that she cannot quite place...

I read the original fairy tale right before reading this book, and I actually think I enjoyed Beauty more. The heroine was spunky, clever, and brave--things I like in a main character. Soon I will be reading another retelling of this fairy tale, The Princess and the Hound. I hope it's as good as this book!

Charmed Life (book review)

Charmed Life, by Diana Wynne Jones, was the first book in the Chronicles of Chrestomanci series. The book centers around two orphans, Cat and his older sister Gwendolen. Gwendolen is the most promising witch on all of Coven Street, and Cat clings to her. But then, the children are summoned to live in the castle of the enchanter Chrestomanci. Gwendolen is at first excited, but when she realizes that Chrestomanci will not, and never will, acknowledge her magical talents, she thinks up a scheme that will spin the castle out of control!

I enejoyed this book, although not as much as Dogsbody. I really do want the next book in the series, though. I liked Cat because he was modest and shy, while Gwendolen was rash and pig-headed.

Dogsbody (book review)

Dogsbody, by Diana Wynne Jones, is the tale of the Dog Star, Sirius. Sirius has been framed for a murder, and as punishment he is sent to Earth in the form of a lowly Earth-creature, a dog. His mission is to look for the mysterious Zoi, a weapon hidden on Earth. The Zoi is, for some reason Sirius can't remember, of utmost importance.
Sirius lives out the life of a dog, with his faithful friend Kathleen, who calls him by the name of Leo. They both live in a home where they are sorely mistreated, and they cling together. But Sirius knows that, eventually, he will have to leave his home to look for the Zoi. And someone...he doesn't know who...will stop at anything to keep Sirius away.

This book was my first Diana Wynne-Jones, and I wasn't disappointed! It was funny and adventurous. I was sad at the end, however, when Kathleen and Leo were parted forever. This is a book I will read again and again!

Greenwitch (book review)

Greenwitch is the third in the Dark Is Rising series by Susan Cooper. In the story, the three Drew children set out towards the coastal town of Trewissick in search for a lost grail that is of great importance to them. Another boy joins them on their quest. His name is Will Stanton, and he appears to be shy and goofy. But appearances aren't everything, for deep inside, Will has the heart of an Old One, an ancient Immortal. He is wiser than they think.
The three mortal children are also unaware of the sinister importance of the Greenwitch, a strange symbol woven of leaves and branches that is thrown into the sea every year. They do not know that the Greenwitch is truly alive, and it has something that they dearly need...

Although this book was good, I don't think it was as good as the first two. It was shorter, but that wasn't what I really meant. It just didn't have the same sense of adventure and mystery as the first two. It was more like a stereotypical fantasy-quest story. It was however, unique in the sense of the Greenwitch and the Old Ones. I still enjoyed it greatly, and I am definitely sticking with the last two.

Water: Tales of Elemental Spirits (book review)

This was a book of six short stories about elemental spirits, by Robin McKinley and Peter Dickinson. There were tales of mermaids, sea serpents, krakens, and less known things (like a mysterious golden eye and an enormous horse made out of water). In some stories, the heroes and heroines were human, and in some, they were sea-people. These two authors spun six magnificent tales and turned a simple element into something to be feared.

My favorite stories were "The Sea-King's Son", "Kraken", and "Water Horse". Also high on my list was "A Pool in the Desert". "Mermaid's Song" was okay, but I really hated "Sea Serpent". I wish the authors had written more stories like these ones, although I don't know for sure if they have or not. Some stories were typical fantasy-romance tales, and others were dark and disturbing. But overall, I loved this book!

The Prophet of Yonwood (book review)

The Prophet of Yonwood, by Jeanne DuPrau, was the last book of the Ember series. In it, young Nickie and her aunt Crystal travel to the odd town of Yonwood (Crystal has a house there that she is hoping to sell) and settle in to Crystal's mysterious mansion...for a while at least. Nickie has set herself three goals: convince Crystal to keep the house, fall in love, and do something to help the world (at this point, Earth was about to enter World War III). She finds herself, like many other people in the city, following the words of the mysterious Prophet Althea Tower. Althea has had a horrible vision of death and destruction soon in the future. Nickie hopes that following the Prophet's words will help her accomplish goal #3. But, as time goes by, Nickie starts to wonder...is following this strange Prophet really the right thing to do? Nickie will soon have to make one of the most important decisions of her life, one that could change it forever.

This book was the best of all three! I thought you couldn't beat the first two, but I was wrong! This book was really like a prequel to the first one, which I thought was interesting. There was just enough mystery, adventure, and humor in this book to create a wonderful tale!

Gregor and the Code of Claw (book review)

Gregor and the Code of Claw, by Suzanne Collins, is the fifth and final book of the Gregor series. Gregor, a normal kid from New York City, now feels at home in the strange underground world full of giant cockroaches, rats, mice, and bats. But that is about to change. A war between the humans and rats is quickly approaching, and it is a war to end all wars. Even more, there is a new prophecy and (you guessed it) this one also features Gregor. But this prophecy isn't like the others. And for another thing, it proves to be even more misleading than the prophecies usually are. For another thing, it calls for Gregor's death.

While Gregor and his "girlfriend", the intrepid princess Luxa, are off fighting in the war, in the capital of Regalia, Gregor's sister and a team of code crackers are struggling as well. They are desperately trying to crack a code that will help the humans come out victorious. Poor Lizzy now finds the fate of Regalia...and of her older brother... in her hands!

This book was probably the best of them all, which is hard to believe. I loved the amount of suspense in this book, and the plot was excellent. I am really sad that the series is over, but glad that I read the book. The ending was also very unexpected, sad, and yet happy in a strange way.

Nancy Drew (book reviews)

I read three Nancy Drew books by Carolyn Keene, The
Clue of the Tapping Heels, The Haunted Bridge, and the Secret of the Golden Pavilion. In the first book, the intrepid detective Nancy Drew has to tackle two mysteries at once. She must catch both a mysterious catnapper and a strange code tapper. All the while, she has to watch her step--because someone (or something) is following her, and leaving a trail of sabotage behind.

In the second book, Nancy and her friends head to the Deer Mountain lodge to participate in a golf tournament, while Nancy works on her latest case with her father, who is trying to catch a ring of jewel thieves. Although Nancy is already busy, she can't resist investigating a so-called "haunted" bridge deep in the woods. But what Nancy finds may lead to one of her most difficult cases yet...

The final Nancy Drew book that I read for this challenge was set in Hawaii. Nancy and her father are trying to catch an elusive gang called the Double Scorps. Then, Nancy gets an invitation from one of her father's friends to his mansion in Hawaii, along with her friends! While there, mysteries keep popping up. Who are the two twins who claim to have inherited a share of the mansion from their grandfather? What is the secret of the strange golden pavilion down by the beach? Is it haunted? Are members of the Double Scorps hiding out in Hawaii? And, most important of all, how are these events all connected? Find out the answers to all these questions when you read The Secret of the Golden Pavilion!

I enjoyed all of these books, but the Haunted Bridge was my favorite. It was just the right mixture of creepy, funny, and suspenseful to make a great mystery book. I thought The Secret of the Golden Pavilion was interesting, especially because, when this book was written, Hawaii had just joined the Union. I was wondering...if Carolyn Keene had written the book in today's time, would it have been different? The Clue of the Tapping Heels was a good book too, and I liked how the separate events all connected in the end.

Joining another challenge

It's the End of the World As We Know It Challenge, hosted by Becky. Thanks Becky!

Here's my list:

The Prophet of Yonwood by Jeanne DuPrau (I love this series!)

The Uglies by Scott Westerfeld

Among the Hidden by Margaret Peterson Haddix

The Wright 3 (book review)

The Wright 3, by Blue Balliet, is a sequel to the bestselling book Chasing Vermeer. In the book, best friends Calder and Petra find themselves involved in another art mystery--this one involving the Robie House, a house designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. The town plans on demolishing the house, but Calder and Petra know that can't happen. As they try to save the house, they notice eerie things happening. Mysterious voices drift out from inside the house, the patterns of its windows change, and its roof occasionally "ripples", like a waking beast. As what started out as a quest to save a piece of art turns into a hunt for ghosts, the story is complicated by yet another factor: Calder's old best friend Tommy is back, and he hasn't been counting on Calder hanging out with someone else.

This story was funny and engaging, but I didn't think it was as good as the first book. I didn't like Tommy being added into the picture, and I thought the book would have been better without him.

Ratha's Creature (book review)

Ratha's Creature, by Clare Bell, is the engaging tale of a clan of intelligent wildcats, the Named, who have a civilized society with laws and traditions. However, the savage and uncivilized raiders of the Un-Named are pushing the clan to the edge of survival. But when Ratha, who is just a yearling, discovers a weapon she calls the Red Tongue (fire), it may change everything. However, Ratha's discovery provokes the anger of the foolish and unwise clan leader, Meoran, and Ratha is banished to the ranks of the Un-Named.

In order to survive among the Un-Named, Ratha must push herself to the limit. She must fight and kill like she has never done in her time with the Named. Then comes the time that will change it all: Ratha must participate in a killing spree against her own clan!

I really enjoyed this book. I thought Ratha was a clever and thoughtful heroine who many people could relate to, even though she is a wildcat. Although the book was sad at times, it turned out all right in the end and I am interested to see what new adventures await in the second book, Clan Ground.

Horns and Wrinkles (book review)

This book, by Joseph Helgerson, is the story of twelve-year-old Claire and her bully cousin Duke. In the beginning, Duke, after throwing Claire off a bridge and into their stretch of the Mississippi River, suddenly sprouts a horn. Claire learns from a mysterious old lady that the only way for Duke to lose his horn is for him to do an act of genuine kindness. Claire knows that there is a slim chance of that, especially when she discovers that Duke has been hanging out with a trio of river trolls. Suddenly, Claire finds herself caught up in a quest to save the trolls' fathers. The journey is full of danger, laughs, and adventure. And on the way, Claire may find that she is more than who she thought...

I loved this book! It was funny, cute, and packed with adventure and mystery. I found myself longing for a sequel at the end!

Sandry's Book (book review)

In this book by Tamora Pierce, four outcasts come together. There is Sandry, a spunky noble; Briar, a street boy; Tris, a girl who, at her old boarding home, is labeled the "fattie", and Daja, a shipwrecked Trader girl. When they are all brought together at the Winding Circle community, they discover that they have powers they never imagine. Sandry can weave threads together and create light. When disaster strikes Winding Circle, the only place she has ever been accepted, Sandry must weave together all four kinds of magic to save herself, her friends, and their whole community.

Although I enjoyed this book, it wasn't as good as the other book I have read by this author, Terrier. I will still want to read the rest of the series, however, and I was excited to find that there is actually more than one series featuring these same characters.

To Be a Slave (book review)

To Be a Slave, by Julius Lester, is a collection of true stories told in the words of the slaves themselves. There are stories of how slavery in the United States began, of how the slaves came to this country, of life on the plantation, and of freedom.

All the stories are incredibly sad and give us a glimpse of what it was like to be a slave in those days. What made these stories all the more moving was the fact that they were true, and told from the mouths of the real slaves. It made me appreciate the strength and courage of the slaves even more. I highly recommend this book to everyone.

Dragonsdale (book review)

Dragonsdale, by Salamandra Drake, is the story of Cara. She lives with her father, Dragonmaster Huw, at a riding school called Dragonsdale. Cara's friends, Wony and Breena, are busy getting ready for the Island Championships, where they and their dragons will compete against others at an exciting event. Cara herself has been forbidden to ride since her mother's terrible accident a long time ago. But against her father's wishes, Cara trains the wild dragon named Skydancer in secret and dreams of a day when they can take flight with her friends.

I liked how the dragons in this world were like the horses in our world, and how the author took a fearsome creature and turned it into a girl's best friend. I want to read the next novel, Riding the Storm, soon!

The Rivers of Zadaa (book review)

The Rivers of Zadaa, by DJ MacHale, is the sixth installment in the Pendragon series. In it, Bobby Pendragon and his warrior friend Loor have to stop an oncoming war between two tribes on the territory of Zadaa, the Rokador and the Batu. They aren't making much progress until their dying friend, Bokka, tells them of a horrible secret and of an evil man named Saint Dane living deep in the heart of the Rokador's capital city, Kidir. As Travelers, Bobby and Loor know that Saint Dane is an evil demon determined to destroy all the territories in the universe.

When Bobby and Loor venture into the heart of Kidir, what they find is...nothing! The city is abandoned. Saint Dane has given the Rokador an evil plan, a plan that may destroy both tribes! They have to stop him before it's too late.

This sixth book is perhaps the best one yet! It made me want to run out and buy the next one right away! This one was jam-packed with adventure. I'll be sad when this series is over, although I have at least two more books to go.

The Borrowers (book review)

This book is for the Book Awards Challenge.

The Borrowers, by Mary Norton, is the story of a family of three tiny people, Pod, Homily, and Arietty. They live a peaceful life, borrowing things from the "human beans", as they call humans. Then, everything changes when Arietty is seen by a young boy and develops a friendship with him. In a way, you could say that the boy is "taming" Arietty, who has been taught all her life to fear the humans and stay away from them. When the mean-hearted cook discovers the Borrowers' home, they have to make a run for it. Help comes from a most unexpected place--the human boy! Using his cover, they escape into the fields to start a new life there, without the constant threat of humans.

This book was cute, but it wasn't one of the best I ever read. My favorite character was Arietty, whose intrepid nature added a lot to the story. Though I may read other books by this author in the future, I don't see myself running out to buy any right away.

Molly Moon, Micky Minus, and the Mind Machine (book review)

Molly Moon, Micky Minus, and the Mind Machine, by Georgia Byng, is the fourth installment of the Molly Moon series. In this book, Molly Moon, eleven-year-old hypnotist, time traveler, and time stopper, has gone to the future to look for her lost brother, Micky. She finds him in a horrible city, a city of hypnotized citizens and mutant animal-humans (actually, the latter are very helpful later in the book). And to top it all off, the city is ruled by a six-year-old! But bratty Princess Fang isn't just any six-year-old. She's also an evil genius who has invented a machine to suck the knowledge out of people.

Molly has to find her brother before it's too late! But when Princess Fang catches her sneaking around the castle, she puts Molly on the mind machine and sucks her hypnotic knowledge out!

Without her special powers, how can Molly ever save Micky and get out of this horrible place? Well, soon enough Molly discovers that she has a new incredible ability--she can read minds!

I liked this book, and I thought it was just as good as the previous three. Each adventure was unique and different, and it makes me look forward to the next one even more! The books are funny, scary, and action-packed!

Another challenge

I'm excited to join the Nonfiction Five Challenge again. Here's a list of some of my possible reads:


Bury my Heart at Wounded Knee by Dee Brown

Catwatching by Desmond Morris

Coyote by Catherine Reid

All my Patients are Under the Bed by Dr. Louis J Camuti

How to Write Science Fiction and Fantasy by Orson Scott Card

The Usborne Introduction to the Second World War by Paul Dowsell

Bobcat by Hope Ryden

Lucy and her Times by Paseal Pieg and Nicole Verreehia

Substitutes:
Witch-Hunt by Marc Aronson

New Moon (book review)

New Moon, by Stephenie Meyer, is the sequel to the bestselling book Twilight. Isabella Swan and her boyfriend, a beautiful vampire named Edward, are facing all sorts of problems in their relationship. They are still recovering from a brutal attack that happened not so long ago. When Edward's brother Jasper nearly kills Bella after smelling her blood, Edward decides that he can't put her life in danger any more. He and his family vanish without a trace.

Their disappearance leaves Bella broken inside, until she decides to go visit her Native American friend Jacob. He breaks her shell, and she discovers the light again. But then, Jacob gets mixed up with a gang of werewolves who recruit him to protect the reservation.

Meanwhile, Edward is heading to his death. After hearing a rumor that Bella has committed suicide (she did go cliff diving), he decides to visit the most powerful vampire family ever, the only ones who can kill him. Bella and her vampire friend Alice have to stop him before he dies!

When the vampire family returns after the incident, Bella realizes she will have to make a choice. Werewolves and vampires can not be together. It's either Jacob or the Cullens. Inside, she knows who she will choose, but that won't change the pain she feels inside her.


I thought this book was even more exciting than the first, which is hard to believe. The addition of werewolves made Bella's life a lot more complicated and interesting. In the end she knew she had to choose between Jacob the werewolf and Edward the vampire. I hope to get Eclipse from the library soon.

Rebel Angels (book review)

Rebel Angels, by Libba Bray, is the sequel to A Great and Terrible Beauty. Gemma Doyle and her friends, Felicity Worthington and Ann Bradshaw, are excited about Christmas break, a chance to get away from the forbidding Spence Academy. They will have more time to visit the Realms, a magical world where the girls have power beyond their imagining. Even better, they find that their lost friend Pippa is there as well, eager to complete their circle of friends. But the threat of the witch Circe hangs above all their heads. In fact, she may be spying on them at Spence, the very place they thought was completely safe...

This book was even better than the first, and that one was hard to beat! There was much more suspense than in the first one. I wish the third one was out in paperback, but I'll be sad when I finish the trilogy.

Red Scarf Girl (book review)

Red Scarf Girl, by Ji-Li Jiang, is a true story about the Cultural Revolution. The author is twelve years old in the book. At the beginning, she is a model student at the top of the class. But as the story progresses, she is ridiculed by fellow students born into "red" families, for Jiang was born into a "black" family. All around her, lives are being ruined and families torn apart. People commit suicide. Homes are destroyed. When Jiang's own father is detained, she faces the most difficult decision of her life--she can testify against her father in court and be given all the honors and privileges that red children have, or she can be forced to bear even more pain. What will Ji-Li decide?

This was an incredibly sad story. It's impossible for me to imagine being in her place. I am glad that I didn't live in China during this time.

Nobody's Princess (book review)

Nobody's Princess, by Esther Friesner, is a fictional story about Helen of Sparta. She isn't like her prissy sister, Clytemnestra. Instead, Helen takes an interest in sword-fighting, riding, and archery. When she is called away to a foreign land, Helen takes the time to learn more and more about her abilities and also make many friends (as well as enemies). She takes part in a boar hunt, serves as a weapons-bearer, and does many other things she never would have imagined in her wildest dreams!

This book pulled me in from beginning to end! Helen was a funny character, not at all what you picture when you think of a princess! I am eagerly awaiting the sequel right now, although I have more than enough to read!

Stargirl (book review)

Stargirl, by Jerry Spinelli, is the story of a normal high school with normal students (including Leo, the story's narrator). But all that changes when Stargirl comes to school. She wears outrageous clothes, plays the ukelele, and brings her pet rat, Cinammon, to school.

At first, the students of Mica High are dazzled by Stargirl. She suddenly becomes the most popular girl in school. Everybody is strumming their ukelele at lunch, and the pet store is sold out of rats. Then, people begin to turn on her for everything that makes her different. Leo, who finds himself fascinated by her, urges Stargirl to change her ways and try to fit in with everybody else. This is the very thing that could destroy her.

I love this book! It's a moving story about a typical high school and about girl who thought differently than most. I am excited to read the sequel, which is told from Stargirl's point of view.

Back to the Divide (book review)

Back to the Divide, by Elizabeth Kay, is the second book in the Divide Trilogy. Felix is back, and, unfortunately, so is Snakeweed, the evil pixie who spread terror in the first book. This time, Snakeweed steals the spell to get across the Divide from Felix, and freezes his parents in the process! To find a cure, Felix heads to the alternate world he learned about the summer before in Costa Rica. He has his old friends, Betony, the elf, and Ironclaw and Thornbeak the griffins, to help him. To heal Felix's parents, they will have to travel deep into hidden deserts and face sphinxes, evil genies, and a pack of sabertooth-tigers.

Meanwhile, back in Felix's own world, two scientists have discovered Felix's frozen parents and, to their dismay, they find that whatever touches the frozen adults also freezes. They start studying it immediately. Felix knows that magic being discovered on Earth will have a disastrous effect. Can he fix the dilemmas in both his own world and the magical one?

I enjoyed this book even more than the first! It was nice to see more sides of the land across the Divide, and it was interesting to see that our world's problems and that world's problems were very similar--as were their solutions.

The Ruins of Gorlan (book review)

The Ruins of Gorlan, by John Flanagan, is the start of the series Ranger's Apprentice. Fifteen-year-old Will, small for his age, is our main character.

On the Choosing, the day that all the castle orphans will choose their craft, Will decides to apply for Battleschool. He is determined to be a knight, like his dead father. But Will's size works against him. The Battlemaster tells Will that he is too small, and instead he is chosen to become a Ranger's apprentice.

The Rangers, mysterious men hidden in green-and-gray cloaks, have always made Will nervous. Rumors that they are black wizards circulate through the town. But they couldn't be farther from the truth.

The Rangers are the scouts and spies of the kingdom. They lead knights on hidden pathways and find information for the king. Their job is incredibly dangerous. And now Will is one of them.

He will have to train hard, because the exiled lord Morgarath is rising again, and he has one of his most deadly assassins on Will's friend's trail. The time has come for Will to be a hero.

This book was different and interesting. It was a fast read, and a good one. The setting and characters were fresh, new, and multi-dimensional, and the conflict felt real. In other words, I can't wait for the sequel!

The Outlaw Varjak Paw (book review)

The Outlaw Varjak Paw, by SF Said, is the author's second novel in this series. In the first, we met Varjak Paw, the brave and noble cat who saved his family from disaster. Now, his story continues. Varjak lives with his friends Holly and Tam in the city. It's mostly a happy life, although sometimes they have to struggle through harsh times.

But everything changes when Sally Bones's gang attacks. Sally Bones is the meanest of the mean, and she can freeze you where you stand with just a look from her single, ice-blue eye.

Sally Bones has kidnapped one of Holly's friends, a little kitten named Jess. To save her and end Sally Bones's rule once and for all, Varjak gathers a small army and meets some very unlikely allies and friends in the process.

Varjak is skilled in the power of the Way, an ancient martial art for cats. But will the Way alone be enough to rescue Jess and destroy Sally Bones forever?

I thought this book was a sequel worthy of its predecessor. The story pulled me right in, and I couldn't put it down! I also liked how the story wove in and out of two worlds--the harsh real world and Varjak's strange dream world. And sometimes, with the characters, there's more than meets the eye.

Un Lun Dun (book review)

Un Lun Dun, by China Mieville, is a story about a fantastical city lying parallel to London. Called Un Lun Dun, it is a city of carnivorous giraffes, ancient prophecies, and fighting dustbins. When Zanna and her best friend Deeba discover this wonderful city, it seems as if an old prophecy will become true and Zanna (known by the UnLondoners as the Shwazzy) will save them from an old evil. But when Zanna herself is defeated, who will save the day?
The answer? Deeba.

It doesn't matter if she isn't the Shwazzy. Deeba will do whatever it takes to save this strange city that she has come to love. She must face pain, homesickness, betrayal, and monsters of all sorts if she wants to triumph. But she will also make friends of all kinds and earn great respect in the process.

I thought that this book was great! It had enough adventure for a whole series, and sometimes I found myself thinking, "no, that happened in the last one". It was a slow read, but the plot was great, like a city's back alleys: full of twists and turns and occasionally even dead ends!

A Great and Terrible Beauty (book review)

A Great and Terrible Beauty, by Libba Bray, is the story of Gemma Doyle. Gemma isn't like other girls, in more ways than one. You could say that she's a rebel, not always willing to sit back and do what she's told. And she's also prone to visions.

When Gemma's mother is brutally murdered in India, Gemma is sent to Spence Academy in London. She's treated like an outcast at first, but she manages to make a few friends. Then, in her art class, she learns about a shadowy women's group called the Order, who presumably deals with magic. Gemma and her friends decide to make their own Order, and soon they have magic power beyond their dreams. At first they're simply having fun. But then things begin to go horribly wrong. A deadly beast stalks their every move, and the girls' incredible powers start to spin out of control!

I absolutely LOVED this book! The fantasy, horror, and historical elements spin together and weave the perfect tale. I didn't want to put it down! I bought the sequel last night, Rebel Angels, and I hope to read it soon!

Chasing Redbird (book review)

Chasing Redbird, by Sharon Creech, is the story of thirteen-year-old Zinny. She lives in a family with six other children, and she is generally considered the nobody. Everyone else in the family seems to have their place as "the pretty one," or "the nice one," or "the clever one," or "the thoughtful one," etc. Her sisters call her the "strange and stingy one". When Zinny discovers an old trail in her backyard, she realizes that she finally has a chance to show everyone that she's a somebody. Although she doesn't realize it, the trail will bring her more than fame. She will also learn more about herself and her family than she ever would have guessed.

This was another of Sharon Creech's hits! I thought that she couldn't possibly have written a better book than Walk Two Moons, but apparently I was wrong! This story was deeply moving, sad and happy at the same time. It was a REAL winner!

The Animals of Farthing Wood (book review)

The Animals of Farthing Wood, by Colin Dann, is the story of the inhabitants of a small patch of trees surrounded by houses and roads. Farthing Wood was once a great expanse of land, surrounded by Farthing Heath. But now, the humans have forced the animals into a smaller and smaller area. When they find that their pond (the only good source of water left) has been filled in, they decide to take action. Led by wise, young Fox and humble Badger, they journey to the nature reserve White Deer Park. Lives will be lost, but companions will be found along the way as the animals journey across deserts, rivers, and through woods.

This book was a slow read, but it was worth it to learn about the hardships and triumphs of the animals' journey. The characters were just as real and emotional as people would be. I just don't find many books like this one!

A Wolf at the Door (book review)

A Wolf at the Door is a collection of retold fairy tales by authors such as Garth Nix and Neil Gaiman. Some were funny, some disturbing, some enchanting. And one I just didn't understand, "The Seven Stage a Comeback."

My favorite stories were "Ali Baba and the Forty Aliens" and "Cinder Elephant," both of which were on the humorous side. "Ali Baba and the Forty Aliens" was a retelling of "Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves." I thought the ending was a bit of a letdown, but still enjoyed it very much. "Cinder Elephant" was, of course, a retelling of Cinderella. I like this even more than I like the original fairy tale. It was funnier and it had a nice twist to it. This book had a wonderful variety of stories, and I'll definitely be keeping my eyes open for more collections of fairy tale retellings.

Icefire (book review)

Icefire, by Chris D'Lacey, is the continuing story of David, whom I first met in The Fire Within. For nearly a year he has lived with the mysterious Elizabeth Pennykettle, her daughter Lucy, and their clay dragons (which come to life, by the way). But things are starting to get even stranger than they usually are. A mystic, white bear is stalking David, and a mysterious woman appears at their doorstep with wicked plans for the dragons. Now, David and his goth friend Zanna have to get to the bottom of this mystery, save David's new home, and discover the true power of the icefire!

This was a thrilling story about bears, dragons, and witches. It was even more intense than the previous book, and as it ended I was left wishing I had the next book to immediately dive into. Unfortunately though, it will just have to wait.

I'd Tell You That I Love You, But Then I'd Have To Kill You (book review)

I'd Tell You That I Love You, But Then I'd Have To Kill You, by Ally Carter, is the story of Cammie Morgan. She goes to Gallagher's Academy for Exceptional Young Women. Gallagher has a secret--it's a school for spies! Sure, Cammie knows fourteen different languages and can kill a man with a piece of uncooked spaghetti, but when she meets an ordinary boy who thinks she's a normal girl, she doesn't know what to do. Can she maneuver a relationship with a person who can never know who she really is?

I really liked this book! It was funny, quick, and light. I'm waiting for the sequel, Cross My Heart and Hope To Spy, to come out in paperback.

Pieces of Georgia (book review)

Pieces of Georgia, by Jen Bryant, is the extremely moving story of a young girl whose life changes incredibly in one year. Georgia is an artist, but her father turns away whenever he sees her with a pad and pencil. It reminds him too much of dead Georgia's mother. Then, Georgia gets a mysterious card in the mail, a card that grants her permission to the Brandywine River Museum. There, Georgia discovers the power to look inside herself and find her true destiny.

As I said before, this book was incredibly moving. I found it similar to Pictures of Hollis Woods, as the protagonists are both young artists who have lost members of their family and both discover important things about themselves and the people around them. It was a great read!

Mimus (book review)

Mimus, by Lilli Thal, is the story of Prince Florin. His home, Moltovia, has been at war with the kingdom of Vinland for years. Now, the king of Vinland has offered to end the war and have a celebratory banquet at Vinland's castle. But it's a trap. Florin's father and friends are thrown in the dungeon, soon to be executed, and Florin is apprenticed to Mimus, the king's lowly court jester. Florin knows the time will come when he has to rescue his father and escape from this nightmare, but when will that be?

This book was good, but not as good as some other fantasies I've read. I was sad when I finished it though, so that's a good sign. The characters were funny, and real, and multi-dimensional.

Gregor and the Marks of Secret (book review)

In this exciting sequel to Gregor and the Warmbloods by Suzanne Collins, Gregor and his sister Boots once again find themselves in the mysterious Underlands. The young queen Luxa needs his help. Her friends, the nibblers (giant mice) are being murdered by the rats, and it seems that war is inevitable if they want to save them. Gregor, Boots, Luxa, and their companions embark on a journey to the mysterious Firelands to see if they can save the mice in time. But it is dangerous, and some of them will die on the trip. Will they be able to keep going, or will they be forced to watch the mice meet their end?

This book was perhaps the best of them all so far. The plot was more complex, and the book more serious. I will be disappointed when this series is over, but I am excited to read the final book!

The Real Benedict Arnold (book review)

The Real Benedict Arnold, by Jim Murphy, tells the story of Benedict Arnold, the famous traitor of the American Revolution. From his childhood to his death, this story tells it all. Unlike some books, it explains why he betrayed the American cause. In the book, the author says, "People have twisted his story to their needs until there is little of the real man left." This book tells the whole story of Benedict Arnold, who was a patriot and a traitor.

I'm glad I got this book, because I wanted to learn more about Benedict Arnold after we studied the Revolution last year. It was a perfect read for me, because it wasn't super easy but I didn't have to struggle through it either.

Starcross (book review)

Starcross, by Philip Reeve, is the exciting sequel to the novel Larklight. In this book, Art Mumby, his mother, and his annoying older sister Myrtle are invited to the asteroid hotel called Starcross.

Once they arrive, Art immediately notices strange things happening--like the sea disappearing and reappearing on a twenty-four hour schedule, and way the old hat sitting in his hotel room closet seems to be calling out to him...

When Art's old friends (see this review), controlled by evil hats called Moobs, and rather like the one in Art's hotel room closet, kidnap his mother (who isn't actually human but a Shaper, one of the most powerful creatures in the universe), it's up to Art and an unlikely band of followers to save them all. The fate of the universe lies in their hands!

I think I enjoyed this book even more than Larklight, and believe me, I loved Larklight! There was more action and sense of adventure. I also enjoyed the way this story was told from three points of view (Art's, Myrtle's, and a Moob's). I don't know if there's a sequel in the works, but I'm keeping my fingers crossed.

birthday books

As you can see, I got a lot of books for my birthday. Here's a list of everything and who got me what:

from Jean:

How to Write Science Fiction and Fantasy by Orson Scott Card

The Poet's Notebook (a poetry journal full of quotes)


from my grandparents:

Speaker for the Dead by Orson Scott Card


from my mom and dad:

Physik by Angie Sage

Back to the Divide by Elizabeth Kay

Dragons: The Greatest Stories by varied authors

Un Lun Dun by China Mieville

The Valley of Secrets by Charmian Hussey

The Hand Of The Devil by Dean Vincent Carter

I'd Tell You That I Love You, But Then I'd Have To Kill You by Ally Carter

Best Dog Stories by varied authors

The World of King Arthur and His Court by Kevin Crossley Holland


what I bought with my birthday money:

Icefire by Chris D'Lacey

Finding Redbird by Sharon Creech

Stargirl by Jerry Spinelli

Nobody's Princess by Esther Friesner

A Great And Terrible Beauty by Libba Bray

Leonardo's Shadow by Christopher Grey

I also got an Amazon gift certificate from my Uncle Tony and Aunt Amy that I haven't used yet.

Thank you everyone!!!

Now I am off to add some of these to my challenge lists!

Rules (book review)

Rules, by Cynthia Lord, is the story of twelve-year-old Catherine. She has always wanted a normal life, and that isn't easy with a brother who has autism. Then, Catherine meets Kristi and Jason. Jason is a surprising new friend, and Kristi is the next-door friend that Catherine has always wanted. But Jason and Kristi are very different. Catherine may have to choose between them, and conflict leaves her wondering: what is normal?

I liked this book a lot, and it left me wanting to read more books about this subject. Catherine was a special character, and she went through a lot of hard times. It's hard not to feel sympathy for her.

Diary of a Fairy Godmother (book review)

Diary of a Fairy Godmother, by Esme Raji Cortell, is the story of Hunky Dory. Her mother has always said that she will be the wickedest witch wherever the four winds blow. Everyone believes it, too. She can curse babies, wilt flowers, and turn princes into frogs! The only problem is...she always changes them back.
When Hunky's aunt brings her to a castle to curse a baby, Hunky meets what the witches call FGs--Fairy Godmothers. The young witch is inspired by them, and she begins to dream of becoming one. This gets her kicked out of charm school. Now Hunky is alone in the world, rejected by her mom and aunt. But everyone will be surprised at what one girl with an old skateboard and big dreams can do!

This book wasn't a retold fairy tale, but it was a mix of many, including Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, and Rumpelstiltskin. At first, it doesn't really pull you in, but once it gets going, you don't want to put it down! By the end, I found myself wishing that there was a sequel! It was a quick, simple, but very fun read!

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!

Northlander (book review)

Northlander, by Meg Burden, is the story of sixteen-year-old Ellin Fisher. She's with her father in the harsh Northlands, risking the Northlanders' hate to heal their dying king. As she stays in the castle, she befriends the king's sons. It is with them that she discovers the powers she has. She can talk to people in their heads, hear their thoughts, and control them! But she doesn't know that she is being watched by powerful Guardians who want to make sure that she never gets a chance to use these powers. Ellin will face betrayal, hate, and pain as she crosses the Northlands, trying to find a place that is safe for her.

I really, really loved this book, and I impatiently await the next book in The Tales of the Borderlands series! I would recommend Northlander to anyone who wants to read a tale of sorrow, adventure, and fantasy! Ellin was a very believable character who faced many hardships. She's the kind of character that you find yourself cheering on from beginning to end!