Alcatraz Versus the Evil Librarians

I read Alcatraz and the Evil Librarians by Brandon Sanderson after it was given to me as a gift by my brother- and sister-in law while I was recovering from surgery. It's about a boy named Alcatraz who is in foster care and always breaks things. It isn't until he meets his grandfather on his 13th birthday that he realizes that breaking things like he does is actually a rare talent in his grandfather's world. Alcatraz joins his grandfather and others to stop the cult of evil librarians who are taking over the world.

This was a fun book. It was interesting because the whole book takes place on one day--it just follows every detail of Alcatraz throughout the day. I enjoyed the characters and the unique story.

Rating: * * (2/3 = Liked it)

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

I re-read Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by J.K. Rowling in preparation for the movie coming out. It is the conclusion of the series and tells how Harry goes about trying to defeat Lord Voldemort.

Of course, I loved this book, as I do every time I read or re-read any Harry Potter book. There are so many fun details, great characters, and just an exciting story. I love it all! It's particularly fun to watch the movie and realize how many more wonderful details are in the book, reminding me why reading is awesome.

Rating: * * * (3/3 = Loved it)

Mockingjay

I read Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins to finish up the Hunger Games series. I won't describe the plot because it would ruin the earlier books for those who haven't read the series. So, click here to read what I wrote to summarize the first book.

Even though the book involved me enough that I read the entire thing in one day, I was actually quite disappointed with it. The first two books were just SO good, and this one just didn't quite live up. The characters were less likable, and the closure just didn't mesh well with me. I am sad with how this book completed the series, but oh well. I'd still recommend the books.

Rating: * * (2/3 = Liked it)

Anne of Avonlea

Anne of Avonlea is the second book in the Lucy Maud Montgomery series Molly lent me. This book follows Anne now that she has finished school and is a teacher. Marilla and Anne also take in young twins Dora and Davy--distant relatives whose mother died. Anne becomes close to Davy, whose curious personality causes some frustration.

This was another great read. I thought I wouldn't like it as much now that Anne is older, but I found that her character was just as enjoyable. It was a nice story with lots of different aspects to the plot to keep me interested.

Rating: * * * (3/3=Loved it)

Anne of Green Gables

Molly lent me her Anne of Green Gables box set to keep me busy at the end of my pregnancy. I started by re-reading the first of Lucy Maud Montgomery's series, Anne of Green Gables. (I had read it when I was in middle school or high school.) It is the story of imaginative 11-year-old Anne who is adopted by Matthew and Marilla. The book follows Anne until she's 16, chronicling her adventures with friends, family, school, and the outdoors.

This book was such a fun read. Anne is just a hilarious character, and I just loved her from the beginning. It's no wonder the author could write a whole series about this character--Anne just has such a distinct personality. I loved all the other characters in the book too and just laughed and cried throughout the book as I followed Anne's adventures.

Rating: * * * (3/3 = Loved it)

The Scarlet Pimpernel

Connor recommended The Scarlet Pimpernel by Baroness Emmuska Orczy. It takes place during the French Revolution and is the story of a group of Englishmen (including their leader, the Scarlet Pimpernel) who secretly work to save French aristocrats from the guillotine. The book follows Marguerite, who must decide where her loyalties lie, and follows the mystery of who is the Scarlet Pimpernel.

This was a fun book to read. I had to adjust to the language at first (since I don't usually read classic literature written back in the day). I really liked the story line and the details put into the book.

Rating: * * (2/3 = Liked it)

Sarah's Key

I read Sarah's Key by Tatiana DeRosnay for the book group I'm in. It is a fiction story based on real events that took place during the Holocaust--specifically the roundup of Jews in France. The book takes place in modern times and follows a journalist named Julia who researches those WWII events as part of the upcoming 60th anniversary of the roundups. As Julia learns more about what happened, she becomes fascinated and then discovers some secrets that will change her life forever.

This was a good book. It was very interesting and intriguing but unfortunately also kind of disturbing (which is understandable considering the Holocaust time period). It was an interesting approach to historical fiction because it took place nowadays but was very focused on a specific historical event. The problem with the book is that it had some adult language issues and such.

Rating: * * (2/3 = Liked it)

The Penderwicks

The Penderwicks, by Jeanne Birdsall, was recommended in the Mini-Page in the Washington Post and is (as the subtitle says) "a summer tale of four sisters, two rabbits, and a very interesting boy." The book is about 4 girls and their father who rent a cottage to spend the summer. As you read, you follow the adventures the girls have with Jeffrey, the son of the property owner.

This is a really cute book with very well-developed characters. It was really easy to get to know the 4 sisters and enjoy their antics. It was an entertaining and quick read.

Rating: * * (2/3 = Liked it)

Under a War-Torn Sky

Under a War-Torn Sky by L.M. Elliott is another book that has been on my bookshelf for awhile. It is about 19-year-old Henry who is a pilot during World War II. When he gets shot down during a bombing mission, he relies on local people and the French Resistance to help him find safety.

This was a really neat story and particularly interesting because it is based on stories the author's father told of his experience as a shot-down pilot in WWII. The book gave lots of information about the war without being boring--it was all just a part of Henry's experience. The characters were realistic, and it was a good read.

Rating: * * (2/3 = Liked it)

Riding Freedom

After finishing Becoming Naomi Leon, I decided to read the last book I owned by Pam Munoz Ryan--Riding Freedom. This book is about an orphan named Charlotte who loves horses. She finds a way to escape from her orphanage and eventually becomes a stagecoach driver while disguised as a boy/man for years.

This book was a quick, enjoyable read. It was a fun story, and I was particularly interested when I found out in the "From the Author" at the end that the book is based on a true story--a girl in the 1800s who left her orphanage, who had a successful career in stage coach driving, and who voted in a federal election--and then later came out as being a woman. It's kind of intriguing to think about how few rights women had back then but what a woman could do with her life while pretending to be male.

Rating: * * (2/3 = Liked it)

Becoming Naomi Leon

Becoming Naomi Leon is another book that has been on my bookshelf for awhile. It's by Pam Munoz Ryan, and I'd enjoyed her books in the past and decided to try another one. This book is about Naomi, who lives with her great-grandmother and little brother and is a talented soap carver. One day, her mother--who hasn't been in Naomi's life since Naomi was 3--shows up, ready to be best friends with Naomi.

I really loved this book. The characters and situations seemed so real, and seeing Naomi's growth through the book was really great. It was just a precious story overall, and I loved where the twists and turns led. I also loved the little side stories, like the librarian at Naomi's school.

Rating: * * * (3/3 = Loved it)

The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate

I saw The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate was also recommended in "The Mini Page." (I later saw that it also was a Newbery honor book for 2010.) This book is the story of Calpurnia, an 11-year-old who is the only girl, right in the middle of 7 children. She lives in Texas in 1899, and we follow her life as she begins to develop a relationship with her grandfather, a naturalist, and realize that her true interests lie in science and the outdoors--not needlepoint and cooking.

This was a really nice story, all told from the point of view of Callie. She is just a cute and entertaining character to follow, along with the rest of her family. The author does a great job really bringing in the historical nature of the time period as well. It was just a really fun read with a sweet story that kept me interested.

Rating: * * * (3/3 = Loved it)

The Great Gilly Hopkins

I saw The Great Gilly Hopkins by Katherine Paterson recommended in "The Mini Page," a little section of the Washington Post for kids. I remembered my mom (or someone) telling me to read the book when I was a kid, so I decided I should try it now. It is the story of Gilly--a child in the foster care system who gets placed in home after home. Finally her newest home is the last straw, so she writes a letter to her birth mom in desperate hopes of getting rescued. The book tells what happens in the chain of events that follow.

I really liked this book. Gilly was just such an interesting character with flaws that you just couldn't blame her for. The book actually made me cry and was quite sad, but I suppose that's what made it a realistic and believable book. It was a quick read with good detail.

Rating: * * * (3/3 = Loved it)

U.S. History for Dummies

I decided to read U.S. History for Dummies by Steve Wiegand because I am sad how much I've forgotten since taking American history classes in school. I wanted a refresher/summary and thought this would be a good way to do it. The book flows chronologically and just glazes over the main events and people in the history of our country.

I thought this fulfilled my purpose in getting the book. It helped me identify some areas of US history that I'm particularly interested in reading a more substantial nonfiction book about. It wasn't a boring read, and I got a good summary.

Rating: * * (2/3 = Liked it)

My Friend the Enemy

I have had My Friend the Enemy by J.B. Cheaney on my bookshelf for awhile after getting it from a book order last year sometime. I was in between books yesterday and decided to finally read it. It's the story of a girl named Hazel, living during World War II. Her birthday (December 7th) has been forever ruined ever since it became a "Day That Would Live in Infamy," and Hazel spends her free time using her field glasses to look out for Japanese enemies. Then one day she discovers a Japanese boy in hiding to avoid going to an internment camp. The book follows Hazel's thoughts, friendships, and decisions during wartime.

This was a really great book. As usual, I just love historical fiction because it puts you in that world. There were so many references to what really went on in an average American town during this WWII time period. Hazel was also a really likable character, and it was fun and enlightening to read things from her perspective. The book was exciting and interesting.

Rating: * * * (3/3 = Loved it)

Fablehaven: Keys to the Demon Prison

Fablehaven: Keys to the Demon Prison is the last book in the Fablehaven series by Brandon Mull. I started this series when I was teaching elementary school, and it was a HUGE favorite there. Connor and I started reading the series and really liked it--enough that we actually bought this most recent book once we realized our library still didn't even have it in the catalog. The Fablehaven series is about a place called Fablehaven that is a refuge for mystical creatures, separate from the outside world. When Kendra and Seth go to visit their grandparents, they discover this hidden world, along with all the challenges of protecting it .

I really enjoyed this book. It had good closure to the series while still adding in lots of new ideas and adventures. The characters are very well developed, and it's just a fun, interesting plot to follow.

Rating: * * * (3/3 = Loved it)

Gilead

I read Gilead by Marilynne Robinson for the book group I'm in. In Gilead, Reverend John Ames is writing a journal to his young son. The aging father is expected to die in the near future due to a heart condition, but his son is only 7 years old. So, the father decides to write a journal to tell his son all the things he would want the son to know if he (the father) were still around.

I thought the book was an interesting idea for a story. It was well written, but at the same time, sometimes seemed to go on and on. It was from the perspective of this old guy, so the book really came across as a stream of consciousness from an old man rambling on about random topics without any real order to it. For that reason, it wasn't the most interesting book the whole way through. Parts of it, though, were kinda nice--there were lots of interesting religious insights since the narrator was a reverend. Since he had lived a long, full life, he also shared lots of little tidbits of life lessons.

Rating: * (1/3 = It was okay.)

Island of the Blue Dolphins

The third book I found at work was Island of the Blue Dolphins by Scott O'Dell. This is a Newbery that I have never read even though I've heard about it for years. In this story, Karana, an Indian girl, ends up living alone on her island for years after some tragedies take place with her people. The book follows Karana as she makes food and weapons and survives from season to season on the beautiful island she loves.

This book had kind of a Hatchet feel to it since a lot of the book focused on what foods she was getting and how she cooked them and how she made weapons. It was also a nice story of the personal changes that took place in herself as she spent time alone on this island, with only animals for companionship. The book was very believable and really portrayed well this strong character.

Rating: * * (2/3 = Liked it)

Stone Fox

I also read Stone Fox by John Reynolds Gardiner during free time at work. When I taught elementary school, a lot of students had read this book, so I decided to read it too. Stone Fox is about a boy named Willy who is raised by his grandfather. His grandfather becomes ill--but the doctor says the illness is just because the grandfather has given up hope. It is up to Willy to figure out how to help his grandfather feel better and how to solve their family's financial problems.

This was a very quick read and a sweet story. It had a familiarity to it--maybe I've read a similar book or seen the movie back in the day. I wouldn't say it's the best written book in the sense of details and such, but it was a nice story.

Rating: * * (2/3 = Liked it)

Jacob Have I Loved

I've had some extra time during my free period at work lately, so I've read a couple books I found on a bookshelf there. The first was Jacob Have I Loved by Katherine Paterson. It's a book I've heard about for years but for some reason never read. It is the story of twin girls--Sara Louise and Caroline--who live on an island in the Chesapeake Bay in the 1940s. Sara Louise tells her story of growing up in the shadow of her "perfect" twin sister.

This was a nice read that really pulled you into the narrator's point of view. I definitely had some tear-y moments in the book because I just really felt for Sara Louise. The book had interesting characters and a nice ending.

Rating: * * (2/3 = Liked it)

Mistborn: The Hero of Ages

I just finished the third and final book in the series that I described previously. This book follows the characters into the final episode of the conflict until everything comes to an end.

I really enjoyed this book as well. I love the varying points of view presented in the book. And once again, I was very involved in the story. I also appreciated the thought-provoking ideas presented as the characters went through their various conflicts. I also was pleasantly surprised by the ending of the book--It was not what I was expecting, but I liked it. I'd highly recommend this series if you're looking for a good book (/books) to read.

Rating: * * * (3/3 = Loved it)

Mistborn: The Well of Ascension

This is the second book in the series I started last month. I won't summarize this book because then it would give away how book one ended. So, suffice it to say that this book continues the story of the final empire.

This was another GREAT book. I was just completely enthralled in the story and wanted to read all the time. The story really just consumed my mind; I thought about the characters and events all the time. It was an exciting book where I kept trying to guess what would happen but was continually surprised.

Rating: * * * (3/3 = Loved it)

The Mysterious Benedict Society and the Prisoner's Dilemma

The Mysterious Benedict Society and the Prisoner's Dilemma is the newest book in the Mysterious Benedict Society series by Trenton Lee Stewart. This series is the story of four young children--Reynie, Kate, Sticky, and Constance. These kids are not ordinary children, however. They were hand-selected by Mr. Benedict because they are very smart and very clever. The books tell the story of the children's adventures as they work to out-smart and defeat a criminal mastermind named Mr. Curtain.

I enjoyed this book. It was a fun story. The characters in these books are really distinct and likable, and their personalities just make the book really entertaining to read. This is a cute series--a recommendation for upper elementary kids.

Rating: * * * (3/3 = Loved it)

Peter and the Sword of Mercy

Peter and the Sword of Mercy is the newest book in the Peter and the Starcatchers series by Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson. This series is the background story behind Peter Pan and how he came to be the Peter we know. The first few books follow Peter and his friend Molly, whose father is a member of the Starcatchers, who search for "starstuff" that has fallen from the sky in hopes of protecting it from the "Others." This particular book takes place when Molly is all grown up and married and has three children, including a girl named Wendy.

I really liked reading this book. It was different from the earlier books in the series since it took place later in time, which made it kind of fun. This is a great series with a creative storyline. The books are entertaining with a lot of humor (Dave Barry's touch, I presume) but are also descriptive and exciting. I'd recommend this series to upper elementary kids or those of you older folks like me who enjoy kid series.

Rating: * * * (3/3 = Loved it)

Crucial Conversations: Tools for Talking When Stakes are High

One of my cousins mentioned this book on her blog a few months ago, and I decided it would be an interesting read. Crucial Conversations explains how we can better approach the "crucial" conversations we have each day in our family, friend, and work relationships. The book presents strategies that can be used to avoid arguments and have open communication with those around us.

This was a really enlightening book. It helped me see where I have weaknesses in my conversation skills and how I can really handle some communication situations a lot better. I don't read many books like this, so it was kind of fun to read a new type of book and to learn from all the examples presented.

Rating: * * (2/3 = Liked it)

Mistborn: The Final Empire

My brother-in-law recommended Mistborn: The Final Empire by Brandon Sanderson. The setting is a world where ash falls from the sky, the supposedly immortal Lord Ruler reigns, and the Skaa people are slaves. The book follows Kelsier who escaped from the Lord Ruler's prison after discovering his powers as a Mistborn. As he recruits allomancers to join him in a huge undertaking, he comes across 16-year-old Vin, a Skaa who has lived a life of betrayal and pain. The story begins to follow Vin's character as well, then telling the story of what happens in the empire.

I LOVED this book. It is the best book I have read in quite awhile. It was just unlike any other fantasy/science fiction book I have read. The powers possessed by characters are just completely intriguing and unique, the plot is strong, and the main characters are very likable--with both strengths and weaknesses. The book just captivated me, and I wanted to keep reading it all the time. And better yet, it's a trilogy--that made me want to keep reading just by the goodness of the book (not by leaving me hanging). If you like fantasy books, I'd highly recommend this one.


Rating: * * * (3/3 = Loved it)

When You Reach Me

I decided to read When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead because it won the Newbery Medal for 2010. It's about 12-year-old Miranda, living in New York in 1979. We learn all about Miranda's life--her life as a latchkey child with her single mom, the crazy "Laughing Man" who lives on the corner, and her lunch-time, no-pay job at the sandwich shop down the road. Life is pretty good for Miranda until her best friend Sal suddenly stops talking to her, and then she starts finding mysterious notes that imply that a tragic death of a friend will happen.

This was a really good book. I loved the perspective it was written from--really from the mind and heart of this 12-year-old. The character said the most typical yet thoughftul things in her narrative throughout the book. I really became connected to her and her experiences as I read. It was also a kind of clever book in the way things came together. It was a really enjoyable, quick read.

Rating: * * * (3/3 = Loved it)

Extra Credit

Extra Credit is one of Andrew Clements's newest school stories, and since I've read a lot of them before, I wanted to read this one too. It's the story of a 6th grader named Abby who is given an extra credit project to help her pass 6th grade. She is given a pen pal in Afghanistan and has to correspond, writing at least 3 letters to display in the classroom. The book follows Abby as well as Sadeed in Afghanistan in their unique pen pal assignment.

This was a cute book. I think it'd be a great book for kids to learn a little more about another culture as well as to see evidence of intolerance in both America and Afghanistan. The story was fun, and as always with Andrew Clements's books, it just told a story of what might really happen with kids in school nowadays.

Rating: * * (2/3 = Liked it)

A Town Like Alice

I read A Town Like Alice by Nevil Shute for book club. It is about a young English woman named Jean who works in Malay and becomes a prisoner of war. Along with other women and children, she is part of a Japanese death march all across the country during World War II. This book tells of what happens to her during the death march as well as after she survives.

This book was the quickest read of the books I've read lately. It involved me a lot more, even though parts of it still seemed to throw in unnecessary details or accounts. I liked the historical aspect of it even though it wasn't based on completely accurate historical events. It was a nice story that really gave a glimpse into the life of a prisoner of war. It was also a bit of a chick flick at times, which I enjoyed.

Rating: * * (2/3 = Liked it)

Enchantment

A friend recommended Enchantment by Orson Scott Card and lent me the book. Enchantment is the story of Ivan, who spends his childhood in Russia but then moves to America with his parents. As a child in Russia, he came across a mysterious woman sleeping on a pedestal in the woods near a relative's home. Years later, he feels drawn to go back and see if that woman is still there. The book tells the story of what happens as he becomes part of her 9th century world.

I liked this book. It was kind of slow for me at the beginning, but once I got into it, I was very anxious to see what would happen by the end. It was a unique story, unlike other books I've read. The characters were very likable and believable. It was also an interesting read because there was some references to Russian folk tales as well as a period in history I didn't know much about.

Rating: * * (2/3 = Liked it)

Midnight Rider

My little sister Molly recommended Midnight Rider by Joan Hiatt Harlow as one of her favorite books. Since I tend to love children's historical fiction, I decided to read it. Midnight Rider is the story of 14-year-old Hannah, living in 1775. When she is forced to work as an indentured servant after being orphaned, Hannah finds herself in the home of a British general. Along with her own desires for freedom, Hannah soon becomes sympathetic to the cause of the American colonies. With her horse, Promise, Hannah becomes a midnight rider to help the cause she feels matters most.

I really enjoyed this book. Like most historical fiction books, it was so enlightening to read because of all the historical facts and characters included in the story. It was fun to read this story's take on what individuals may have felt through their experiences during the American Revolution.

Rating: * * * (3/3 = Loved it)