Thursday, June 30, 2011

Happyface

Author: Stephen Emond
Reading level: Young Adult
Paperback: 336 pages
Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
Reprint edition (June 14, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0316040991

Book Description:

Cute girls dig him. He has his own fan club

But he wasn't always this awesome. He used to be Mr. Comic Book, a resident of Lonelyland. So when he swtiched schools, he slapped on a grin and went from big nerd to big shot.

Meet Happyface. This is his journal.
This unique combination of text and fully integrated art follows the journey of a dorky, quiet, artsy kid as he reinvents himself after moving to a new town, where he's nicknamed Happyface. Peek in his journal and see the world through his hilariously self-deprecating eyes as he learns to shed his comic-book-loving, computer-game playing ways. Join him as he makes new friends, tries to hide from his messy past, forgives the people who have hurt him most, and ultimately learns to face the world with a genuine smile.

My thoughts:

Happyface is not your typical book. It is unique with numerous illustrations and artwork. It is a good, positive read for boys. The only issue I have with Happyface is the small print which may be a turn-off for some kids. Thank you to Hachette Book Group for my review copy.

The Duff (Designated Ugly Fat Friend)

Author: Kody Keplinger
Reading level: Young Adult
Paperback: 304 pages
Publisher: Poppy (June 7, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0316084247

Book Description:

Seventeen-year-old Bianca Piper is cynical and loyal, and she doesn't think she's the prettiest of her friends by a long shot. She's also way too smart to fall for the charms of man-slut and slimy school hottie Wesley Rush. In fact, Bianca hates him. And when he nicknames her "the Duff," she throws her Coke in his face.

But things aren't so great at home right now, and Bianca is desperate for a distraction. She ends up kissing Wesley. Worse, she likes it. Eager for escape, Bianca throws herself into a closeted enemies-with-benefits relationship with him.

Until it all goes horribly awry. It turns out Wesley isn't such a bad listener, and his life is pretty screwed up, too. Suddenly Bianca realizes with absolute horror that she's falling for the guy she thought she hated more than anyone. And eventually, through this realization, Bianca begins to see how harmful her unhealthy way of dealing with her problems has been, and finds a way to confront them head on.

My thoughts:

Most teens are driven by self-destructive ideas of image and place. Duff is one of those books that address these issues and puts them into perspective for young people...girls and boys alike. The author has written a story that is a must-read. It is well-written, frank, realistic, fast moving, and compelling. Conclusion: we may admire what we see as perfection in our peers; what we don't see is our own special unique self. Absolutely worth the read.  Thank you to Hachette Book Group for my review copy.

Wednesday, June 29, 2011

Pretend You Love Me

Author: Julie Anne Peters
Reading level: Young Adult
Paperback: 304 pages
Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers;
Reprint edition (May 10, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0316127418

Book Description:

In this fresh, poignant novel, Mike is struggling to come to terms with her father's suicide and her mother's detachment from the family. Mike (real name: Mary Elizabeth) is gay and likes to pump iron, play softball, and fix plumbing. When a glamorous new girl, Xanadu, arrives in Mike's small Kansas town, Mike falls in love at first sight. Xanadu is everything Mike is not -- cool, confident, feminine, sexy.... straight.

My thoughts:

Well written with good character development.

Thank you to Hachette Book Group for my review copy.

Sunday, June 26, 2011

The Midnight Palace / Review

Author: Carlos Ruiz Zafon
Reading level: Young Adult
Hardcover: 304 pages
Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
1 edition (May 31, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0316044733

Book Description:

In the heart of Calcutta lurks a dark mystery....
Set in Calcutta in the 1930s, The Midnight Palace begins on a dark night when an English lieutenant fights to save newborn twins Ben and Sheere from an unthinkable threat. Despite monsoon-force rains and terrible danger lurking around every street corner, the young lieutenant manages to get them to safety, but not without losing his own life. . . .

Years later, on the eve of Ben and Sheere's sixteenth birthday, the mysterious threat reenters their lives. This time, it may be impossible to escape. With the help of their brave friends, the twins will have to take a stand against the terror that watches them in the shadows of the night--and face the most frightening creature in the history of the City of Palaces.

My thoughts:

The Midnight Palace is a good old-fashioned ghost story set in Calcutta in the 1930's. I found it to be a bit darker than the author's previous, The Prince of Mist, even though they do share the same gothic, supernatural overtones. The Midnight Palace is intense and kept me turning pages all evening...just what I would expect in a novel of this genre. Thank you to Hachette Book Group for my review copy.

The Prince of Mist / Review

Author: Carlos Ruiz Zafon
Reading level: Young Adult
Paperback: 256 pages
Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
Reprint edition (April 12, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0316044806

Book Description:

A mysterious house harbors an unimaginable secret...
It's wartime, and the Carver family decides to leave the capital where they live and move to a small coastal village. But from the minute they cross the threshold of their new home, strange things begin to happen. In that mysterious house still lurks the spirit of Jacob, the previous owners' son, who died by drowning.

With the help of their new friend Roland, Max and Alicia Carver begin to explore the strange circumstances of that death and discover the existence of a mysterious being called the Prince of Mist--a diabolical character who has returned from the shadows to collect on a debt from the past. Soon the three friends find themselves caught up in an adventure of sunken ships and an enchanted stone garden--an adventure that will change their lives forever.

About the Author:

Carlos Ruiz Zafón is the author of six novels, including the international phenomenon The Shadow of the Wind. His work has been published in more than fifty countries, and honored with numerous awards. He divides his time between Barcelona, Spain, and Los Angeles, California.

My thoughts:

Three friends get caught up in a mystery that will forever shadow their lives. This is a novel that will appeal to young and mature readers alike. I found it to have the Victorian gothic overtones of strange old houses, mysterious graveyards, and haunting characters--supernatural elements that make reading fun and exciting. Thanks to Hachette Book Group for my review copy.

Saturday, June 11, 2011

God Made The Dinosaurs! / Review

Author: Todd Aaron Smith
Reading level: Baby-Preschool
Hardcover: 10 pages
Publisher: Harvest House Publishers
(July 1, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0736938435

Book Description:

What’s more fun than exploring the exciting land of long ago? This colorful, inviting board book shows children ages 0-3 the wonders of God’s amazing creation—the dinosaurs.  Engaging characters welcome little ones to consider all the different sizes, shapes, and habits of one of the most unique creatures to roam the earth.

This brief encounter with dandy dinosaurs is sized for curious little hands and made to endure many rounds of reading. Each turn of the page is a simple reminder to parents and kids alike that big or small, God made us all.

My thoughts:

As a grandmother I am always looking for childrens books about God. This cardboard book is perfect for my 10 month old grandson. It is very colorful with simple sentences and is small enough for little hands to hold. I also like how it introduces him to God and His creation. The illustrations are delightful, too!

(Thank you to Harvest House Publishers for my review copy.)

Sunday, June 5, 2011

Me...Jane by Patrick McDonnell / Review

Author: Patrick McDonnell
Reading level: Ages 4-8
Hardcover: 40 pages
Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
(April 5, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 9780316045469

Book Description:

In his characteristic heartwarming style, Patrick McDonnell tells the story of the young Jane Goodall and her special childhood toy chimpanzee named Jubilee. As the young Jane observes the natural world around her with wonder, she dreams of "a life living with and helping all animals," until one day she finds that her dream has come true.

One of the world's most inspiring women, Dr. Jane Goodall is a renowned humanitarian, conservationist, animal activist, environmentalist, and United Nations Messenger of Peace. In 1977 she founded the Jane Goodall Institute (JGI), a global nonprofit organization that empowers people to make a difference for all living things.

With anecdotes taken directly from Jane Goodall's autobiography, McDonnell makes this very true story accessible for the very young--and young at heart.

About the author:

Patrick McDonnell is the creator of the Mutts comic strip, which recently celebrated its fifteenth anniversary, as well as several bestselling children's books including Wag!, The Gift of Nothing, Just Like Heaven, South, Hug Time, and Art. He has been hailed as "the next Charles Schulz."

Patrick sits on the board of directors of the Humane Society of the United States, with a deep concern for the environment and animal welfore, and has won numerous awards for both Mutts and his animal welfare work. He is the co-creator of Guardians of Being with Eckhart Tolle. He lives in New Jersey with his wife, Karen, their formerly feral cat, MeeMow, and their newly adopted terrier, Amelie.

My thoughts:

Who could NOT love this children's book? It is just delightful. This lovely story of Jane Goodall as a child is filled with colorful illustrations. It is sure to melt the heart and inspire readers of all ages. I absolutely loved it and will share it with my grandchildren. 5 BIG STARS*****!!