Wednesday, July 27, 2011

Time to Complete the Reading Club

Well, Saturday is our final Summer Reading Club Event - Cupcake Decorating with Miss Vivian. If you have not signed up, we still have a very few spaces open, so please call South Waco Library at 750-8620 and ask to sign up.

You should also be headed to South Waco before August 15 to pick up your final reading club prizes... turn in your logs and your review cards to be entered into the drawing for an ipod! And get your own free book prize. Remember, selection of titles is limited, so go soon to ensure you get your first choice of a book.

Friday, July 22, 2011

New Books

Graphic Novels:
Cowboys and Aliens by Fred Van Lente - In 1873 Arizona, the continuous battle between a Native American tribe and white settlers is halted when an alien spaceship lands in the desert with plans to conquer Earth.
Shakespeare's MacBeth by Adam Sexton - A rendering of Shakespeare's play in manga format.
Twelfth Night by Richard Appignanesi - Retells, in comic book format, Shakespeare's comedy about Viola who, upon finding herself shipwrecked, pretends to be a servant but finds herself falling in love with Duke Orsino.
Astro City. The Dark Age vol. 2 by Kurt Busiek - Astro City is a shining metropolis on a hill where super-heroes patrol the skies. However, things were not always as bright as they are today. In the early 1970's, in the wake of a global catastrophe, two brothers, one good and one evil must deal with family secrets and social upheaval, involving heroes from Jack-In-the-Box to the Blue Knight and the unsettling events leading to the final fate of the mysterious Silver Agent.
Grave Sight, Book One by Charlaine Harris - At the age of 15, Harper Connelly was struck by lightning, an event that gave her the ability to find the dead and see how they died. Since then, Harper's scratched out a living selling her services to anyone with a checkbook. It's not the best life, but it beats the alternative -- at least until Harper and her brother Tolliver roll into Sarne, Arkansas and find themselves embroiled in a murder mystery!
Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep vols. 3-4 by Philip K. Dick - Rick Deckard is an officially sanctioned bounty hunter tasked to find six rogue androids. They are machines, but look, sound, and think just like humans -- clever and most of all dangerous humans.
Code Geass. Lelouch of the Rebellion. vol. 4 - As a Geass user and enemy of the Britannian empire, Lelouch figures that he will not be able to stay by his sister Nunnally's side. He hopes that his best friend, Suzaku, will be the one to protect her. However, the conflict between Zero, who has created the "Black Knights" to further rebel against Britannia, and Suzaku, who is ranking up in the Britannian Forces, is about to take a turn for the worse...
Cirque du Freak. vol. 10 by Darren Shan - Endeavoring to learn more about who Harkat truly is, Darren and Harkat journey to the Lake of Souls. Facing unending twists, turns, and trials, the two of them eventually find themselves at the edge of a lake teeming with souls. Time to go fishing! If Darren and Harkat can reel in the little person's soul, they might be able to find out more about Harkat's past ... and Mr. Tiny's cruelty. (Volume 9 is coming soon!)
Fairy Tail vols. 13-14 by Hiro Mashima - Master Makarov's grandson, the too-powerful wizard Laxus, has seen the new Fairy Tail guild hall and doesn't like what he sees! So, he gathers some of the strongest wizards in the guild and starts a Fairy Tail civil war!


Nonfiction:
Grammar Girl Presents the Ultimate Writing Guide for Students by Mignon Fogarty - For beginners to more advanced students, this guide covers it all: the parts of speech, sentences, and punctuation are all explained clearly and concisely with the warmth, wit, and accessibility Grammar Girl is known for.


Fiction:

Rites and Wrongs of Janice Wills by Joanna Pearson - Aspiring anthropologist Janice Wills reports on the socio-cultural ordeals of being an almost-seventeen-year-old in Melva, North Carolina, including "Beautiful Rich Girls," parties, and the Miss Livermush pageant.
Miss Peregrin's Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs - After a family tragedy, Jacob feels compelled to explore an abandoned orphanage on an island off the coast of Wales, discovering disturbing facts about the children who were kept there.
Legacy by Cayla Kluver - Princess Alera of Hytanica resents that she is duty-bound to wed Steldor, the arrogant and hot-tempered suitor her father has chosen as successor to the throne, but the more she learns of palace intrigue and ancient feuds, the less sure she is of right and wrong.
Cryptic Cravings by Ellen Shrieber (Vampire Kisses) - When Jagger plans to open a new club, goth-girl Raven and her vampire boyfriend, Alexander, must figure out what the nefarious vampire has in store for the Dullsville's vampire population.
Five 4ths of July by Pat Hughes - On July 4th, 1777, fourteen-year-old Jake Mallory and his friends are celebrating their new nation's independence, but over the next four years, Jake finds himself in increasingly adventurous circumstances as he battles British forces, barely survives captivity on a prison ship, and finally returns home to Connecticut, war-torn and weary, but hopeful for America's future.
Benched by Cristy Watson - When Cody and his friends accept a challenge from a local gang to steal a park bench, their main concern is keeping themselves on the gang's good side. But, Cody quickly learns that the theft is no harmless prank.
Long Story Short by Siobhan Parkinson - Fourteen-year-old Jono and his eight-year-old sister Julie run away when, soon after their grandmother's death, their alcoholic mother hits Julie, but when the police find them in Galway, Jono learns he is in big trouble.
Midnight Palace by Carlos Ruiz Zafon - When a mysterious threat reenters the lives of twins Ben and Sheere, separated as babies and reunited as teenagers in 1930s Calcutta, the siblings must confront an unspeakable terror, with the help of their secret society of fellow orphans.
Forbidden by Tabitha Suzuma - Sixteen-year-old Maya and seventeen-year-old Lochan tell, in their separate voices, of their confusion and longing as they fall in love with one another after years of functioning as parents to three younger siblings due to their alcoholic mother's neglect.
Fins are Forever by Tera Lynn Childs - Mermaid princess Lily is about to renounce her place in the royal succession of the undersea kingdom of Thalassina and spend her life on land with the boy she loves, until her annoying cousin appears and throws her decision into doubt.
Withering Tights by Louise Rennison - Self-conscious about her knobby knees but confident in her acting ability, fourteen-year-old Tallulah spends the summer at a Yorkshire performing arts camp that, she is surprised to learn, is for girls only.
Now Is the Time for Running by Michael Williams - When soldiers attack a small village in Zimbabwe, Deo goes on the run with Innocent, his older, mentally disabled brother, carrying little but a leather soccer ball filled with money, and after facing prejudice, poverty, and tragedy, it is in soccer that Deo finds renewed hope.
Lost Voices by Sara Porter - Assaulted and left on the cliffs outside of her grim Alaskan fishing village by her abusive, alcoholic uncle, fourteen-year-old Luce expects to die when she tumbles into the icy waters below, but when she instead transforms into a mermaid, she is faced with struggles and choices she could never have imagined.
Spellbound by Cara Lynn Shultz - When prep school newcomer Emma Conner meets the rich, charming Brendan Salinger, she is instantly attracted to him, but strange visions of her past lives begin warning her to stay away or face a cursed prophecy that she will die.
White Crow by Marcus Sedgewick - Sixteen-year-old Rebecca moves with her father from London to a small, seaside village, where she befriends another motherless girl, and they spend the summer together exploring the village's sinister history.
If I Could Fly by Judith Cofer - When fifteen-year-old Doris' mother, a professional singer, returns to Puerto Rico and her father finds a girlfriend, Doris cares for a neighbor's pigeons and relies on friends as she begins to find her own voice and wings.
Roadside Assistance by Amy Clipston - After her mother dies and she and her father move in with her wealthy aunt and cousin, Emily struggles when her car-loving, tomboy identity and her way of expressing her faith clash with the expectations of others.
My Favorite Band Does Not Exist by Robert Jeschonek - Sixteen-year-old Idea Deity, who believes that he is a character in a novel who will die in the sixty-fourth chapter, has created a fictional underground rock band on the internet which, it turns out, may actually exist, and whose members are wondering who is broadcasting all their personal information.
Scary Scene in a Scary Movie by Matt Blackstone - Rene, a high school freshman with obsessive-compulsive disorder, finds life to be like a scary movie, and even after he makes friends with the ultra-cool Giovanni, he still feels responsible for saving his favorite teacher, dealing with his missing father, courting the beautiful Ariel, and trying to pretend to be normal for the school psychologist.
Dark Territory by J. Gabriel Gates (the Tracks bk. 1) - When high school student Ignacio Torrez moves to an isolated small town and finds himself in the midst of a gang war between the wealthy and the working class students, he is surprised to learn that the gangs adhere to a strict code of honor and use deadly martial arts skills, and even more shocked by the malevolent, mystical powers at the abandoned train tunnel crossing in the middle of town.
Doing My Own Thing: A Fab Novel by Nikki Carter - With a smash album and her own reality show, Sunday Tolliver has finally arrived. But success brings a whole new set of challenges including a diva cousin and a bad-boy rapper who are trying to get payback by wrecking her reputation, a gifted new collaborator who is trying to sabotage her follow-up album, and a more complicated love life.
Summer of Firsts and Lasts by Terra McVoy - When teenaged sisters Daisy, Violet, and Calla spend their last summer together at Camp Callanwolde, the decisions they make -- both good and bad -- bring challenges to their relationship as well as opportunities to demonstrate their devotion to one another.
Plan B by Charnan Simon - Lucy has her life planned out: she'll graduate and then join her boyfriend, Luke, at college in Austin. She'll become a Spanish teacher, and they'll get married. Deciding there's no reason to wait, and despite trying to be careful, Lucy gets pregnant. Now, none of Lucy's options are part of her picture-perfect plan. Together, she and Luke will have to make the most difficult decision of their lives.
Compulsion by Heidi Ayarbe - Poised to lead his high school soccer team to its third straight state championship, seventeen-year-old star player Jake Martin struggles to keep hidden his nearly debilitating obsessive-compulsive disorder.
In the Shadow of the Lamp by Susanne Dunlap - Sixteen-year-old Molly Fraser works as a nurse with Florence Nightingale during the Crimean War to earn a salary to help her family survive in nineteenth-century England.
Hidden Coronet by Catherine Fisher (Relic Master #3) - Sixteen-year-old Raffi and Master Galen continue to evade the Watch as they seek the Flain's Coronet, a potent ancient relic that could be their only hope for defeating the power that is destroying Anara.
Lost Heiress by Catherine Fisher (Relic Master #2) - Even though the city of Tasceron and its emperor have fallen, when Master Galen and his sixteen-year-old apprentice Raffi hear a rumor that the heiress to the throne still lives, they must try to find her and keep her safe.
But I Love Him by Amanda Grace - Traces, through the course of a year, Ann's transformation from a happy A-student, track star, and popular senior to a solitary, abused woman whose love for the emotionally-scarred Connor has taken away everything -- even herself.
Welcome to Bordertown by various authors, edited by Holly Black and Ellen Kushner - Stories and poems set in the urban land of Bordertown, a city on the edge of the faerie and human world, populated by human and elfin runaways.
Hell's Heroes by Darren Shan (Demonata #10) - Bec, Kernel, and Grubbs gear up for the fight of their lives as the final battle between Earth and the hoardes of the Demonata draws near.
Summer Break by Sophia Lowell (Glee #3) - While Mr. Schuester and most of the members of the Glee Club plan to help kids in summer music camp, Rachel has some unusual experiences of her own fulfilling her ambitions to be a star, but she's not sure if they're real or the result of a dream.
The Summer I learned to Fly by Dana Reinhardt - Thirteen-year-old Drew starts the summer of 1986 helping in her mother's cheese shop and dreaming about co-worker Nick, but when her widowed mother begins dating, Drew's father's book of lists, her pet rat, and Emmett, a boy on a quest, help her cope.
Then I Met My Sister by Christine Deriso - Summer Stetson has always lived in the shadow of her dead sister, knowing she can never measure up in any way, but on her seventeenth birthday, her aunt gives her Shannon's diary, which reveals painful but liberating truths about Summer's family and herself.
Subway Girl by P.J. Converse - In Hong Kong, Chan Tze Man, called Simon Chan, leaves high school because he can't master English, but when he befriends Amy, a Chinese-American who knows little Chinese, their unlikely bond gives hope to both.
When the Stars Go Blue by Caredad Ferrer - Soledad Reyes decides to dance Carmen as part of a drum and bugle corps competition, not knowing if it will help or harm her chance of becoming a professional ballet dancer but eager to pursue new options, including a romance with the boy who invited her to audition.
OyMG by Amy Dominy - Fourteen-year-old Ellie will do almost anything to win a scholarship to the best speech school in the country but must decide if she is willing to hide her Jewish heritage while at a Phoenix, Arizona, summer camp that could help her reach her goal.
Uncommon Criminals by Ally Carter - Fifteen-year-old Kat Bishop and her fellow talented teenagers work together to find and steal the "Cleopatra Emerald" from an unscrupulous dealer and return it to its rightful owner, while a former love of her Uncle Eddie tries to get the gem for herself.

Summer Review

Title: Silver Eyes
Author: Nicole Luiken
Rating: 3 stars
Where did this book take you?: Into the year 2089
Review: a thriller and science fiction fan's dream. Keeps you on the edge of your seat!
Reviewer:A. S.

Summer Review

Title: Death Cloud
Author: Andrew Lane
Rating: 4 stars
Where did this book take you?: Into the life of a young Sherlock Holmes
Review: Ever wonder what the great Sherlock Holmes was like as a lad? Wonder no more! this new book takes you on a whirlwind adventure and introduces you to the people who shaped the famous detective of Baker Street!
Reviewer: A. S.

Summer Review

Title: Only the Good Spy Young
Author: Ally Carter
Rating: 5 stars
Where did this book take you?: Roseville VA
Review: Dramatic, romantic, funny, and action-filled
Reviewer: S. D.

Summer Review

Title: Frogs and French Kisses
Author:Sarah Mlynowski
Rating: 3 stars
Where did this book take you?: New York City
Review: the story was good, but the problems are over-the-top. Also, the writing isn't great.
Reviewer: S. D.

Summer Review

Title: Ostrich Boys
Author: Keith Gray
Rating: 4 stars
Where did this book take you?: England and Scotland
Review: A good storyline and message. Funny, realistic characters.
Reviewer: S. D.

Summer Review

Title: The Summer I Turned Pretty
Author: Jenny Han
Rating: 5 stars
Where did this book take you?: Cousin's Beach
Review: This is a great book about a girl growing up in the eyes of her mother's best friend's sons eyes, becoming instead of a little sister, a young woman. She finds where she fits.
Reviewer: S. D.

Thursday, July 21, 2011

Summer Review

Title: Delirium

Author: Lauren Oliver

Rating: 5 stars

Where did this book take you: Portland Maine

Review: It's an amazing love story about challenging what you know to be wrong.

Reviewer: S.D.

Summer Review

Title: You

Author: Charles Benoit

Rating: 4 stars

Where did this book take you: Somewhere in the USA

Review: This is a good book, but it is kind of scary and the style of writing makes the ending punch harder.

Reviewer: S. D.

Summer Review

Title: Horse Thief: a Novel

Author: Robert Peck

Rating: 2 stars

Where did this book take you: Toa rodeo in the early 1900's in Florida

Review: Great story of a bull rider wanna-be. Real countrified literary work. Shows true friendship and finding your place in life.

Reviewer: A. S.

Summer Review

Title: Island of the Blue Dolphins

Author: Scott O'dell

Rating: 2.5 stars

Where did this book take you: It take me to learn about how to survive in the Island of the Blue Dolphins

Review: the woman named Karana with her dog Rontu stayed and find ways to live in the Island of the Blue Dolphin after her tribe and the ship left her.

Reviewer: P. J.

Summer Review

Title: Afternoon on the Amazon

Author: Mary Pope Osborn

Rating: 2.5 stars

Where did this book take you: It take me to know more about the rain forest.

Review: This book is about an adventure of Jack and Annie, who travel from place to place, but that wasn't it. They also travel for a reason.

Reviewer: P. J.

Summer Review

Title: Night of the Ninjas

Author: Mary Pope Osborne

Rating: 5 stars

Where did this book take you: This book take me in the old Japan, the place where Ninjas live.

Review: This adventure book keep me on reading and nonstop. I also learn how to be a Ninja with Jack and Annie. They teach me to have a kind heart.

Reviewer: P. J.

Summer Review

Title: theArrival

Author: Shaun Tan

Rating: 5 stars

Where did this book take you: New York, Japan, China, Germany, Poland

Review: Why would you come to America? Shaun Tan gives us a book depicting the reasons of many different people with many stories that will leave you agasp!

Reviewer:K. D.

Summer Review

Title: Time Stranger Kyoko volume 2

Author: Arina Tanemura

Rating: 5 stars

Where did this book take you: To the 30th century Earth Nation somewhere on Earth/ the desert/the ocean

Review: Kyoko continues her search for the other stones and telepaths. She soon discovers a life-changing secret that could ruin the entire operation.

Reviewer:K. D.

Summer Review

Title: Pretty Little Liars

Author: Sara Shepard

Rating: 5 stars

Where did this book take you: Rosewood, Pennsylvania

Review: In a perfect little community a girl goes missing. Alison was her name and gossip was her game. She knew every dirty little secret her friends kept hidden behind closed doors and now Alison wants to tell and ruin them forever!!

Reviewer:K. D.

Summer Review

Title: Time Stranger Kyoko volume 1

Author: Arina Tahemura

Rating: 5 stars

Where did this book take you: to the 30th century Earth Nation somewhere on Earth

Review: In search of 12 stones and telepaths Kyoko from the first Earth Nation princess tries to wake her twin sister Ui so she can protect her own identity.

Reviewer:K. D.

Summer Review

Title: Rescuers Defying the Nazis

Author: Toby Axelrod

Rating: 3.5 stars

Where did this book take you: Denmark, Germany, Sweden, Poland, Europe

Review: Remarkable real life stories that actually happened during the Holocaust! You will be stunned at how BRAVE these teens were!

Reviewer:K. D.

Summer Review

Title: The Arctic Marauder

Author: Jacques Tardi

Rating: 3.5 stars

Where did this book take you: Paris, Brest, Arctic Ocean

Review: things are not always what they seem, Jerome Plumier quickly finds this out as he uncovers the hidden secrets of people talking behind closed doors.

Reviewer:K. D.

Summer Review

Title: The Eternal Smile

Author: Gene Luen Yang

Rating: 5 stars

Where did this book take you: China

Review: A collection of twisted tales that will leave your mouth hanging open and leading flies in!

Reviewer:K. D.

Summer Review

Title: Peach Girl, Sae's story Volume 1

Author: Miwa Ueda

Rating: 4 stars

Where did this book take you: Tokyo

Review: Moma and the gang are all grown up but Sae isn't; she was held back a year and we all get first hand thoughts on what Sae was thinking back then and now in "college years".

Reviewer:K. D.

Summer Review

Title: Peach Girl, Sae's story vol 2

Author: Miwa Ueda

Rating: 4.5 stars

Where did this book take you: Tokyo

Review: Sae is back to boyfriend stealing! But Kanji is determined not to let Sae become something she is not, and teams up with Ai to stop Sae. Will she finally see her cheap love that she has made with Takuma is not worth it?

Reviewer:K. D.

Summer Review

Title: Princess and the Pauper

Author: Kate Brian

Rating: 5 stars

Where did this book take you: It took me to Vineland

Review: This book shows what happens when you leave your responsibility for something that seems better than what you already have.

Reviewer:

Cotton in my Sack

Title: Cotton in my Sack

Author:Lois Lenski

Rating: 5 stars

Where did this book take you:like in cottonfields looking how things were and like right there doing it.

Review: the book was encouraging and good to read.

Reviewer:J. W.

Summer Review

Title: Judy's Journey

Author: Lois Lenski

Rating: 4 stars

Where did this book take you: you see things through the eyes of a traveling family looking for work.

Review: it was a bittersweet book.

Reviewer:J. W.

Summer Review

Title: Echo Burning

Author: Lee Child

Rating: 5 stars

Where did this book take you: A lot of places

Review: there is a mass murder going and 3 people and a child go thorugh tough obstacles to solve the crime.

Reviewer:Q. S.

Summer Review

Title: Firewing

Author: Kenneth Oppel

Rating: 5 stars

Where did this book take you: It brought me into Griffin's eyes.

Review: Shade and his mate have a son, Griffin, and there is an earthquake, and he ends up going into the underworld to save his son.

Reviewer:Q. S.

Summer Review

Title: Conviction

Author: Aaron Allston

Rating: 5 stars

Where did this book take you: Worlds beyond our Galaxy

Review: Kept my interest with switching characters. Made you leap for the next pages. Comical and adventurous.

Reviewer:J. M.

Summer Review

Title: Specials

Author: Scott Westerfeld

Rating: 5 stars

Where did this book take you: The Wild, the New Smoke

Review: Tally Youngblood has superhuman reflexes, muscles and senses. She's special, now. But along with the icy clarity of being special come other consequences. This riveting story will leave you spellbound.

Reviewer:S. S.

Summer Review

Title: Pretties

Author: Scott Westerfeld

Rating: 5 stars

Where did this book take you: New Pretty Town

Review: Tally Youngblood is a pretty, now. She lives in a perfect world of leisure and pleasure. But when a secret from her past arises, she's faced with a decision that will change her life forever.

Reviewer:S.S.

summer review

Title: Uglies

Author: Scott Westerfeld

Rating: 4.5 stars

Where did this book take you: The Smoke

Review: This book was amazing! I found myself sneaking it to the dinner table just so I could read it!

Reviewer:S. S.

Summer Review

Title: Great Expectations

Author: Charles Dickens

Rating:1 star

Where did this book take you: England

Review: this book is a real stinker. Although it has a good storyline, it fails to be entertaining by a long shot.

Reviewer: S. S.

Summer Review

Title: Meg Cabot

Author: Wendelin Van Draanen

Rating: 5 stars

Where did this book take you: Across the U. S.

Review: 11 year old Holly runs away from her neglectful foster-parents to become a sea gypsy, and travels alone all the way to the West Coast, where she finds a home with kind old ladies.

Reviewer: K. F.

summer review

Title: Abandon

Author: Meg Cabot

Rating: 5 stars

Where did this book take you: Isla Huesos and Hades

Review: Teenager Pierce has died and come back, escaping from John, a mysterious guy who seems to be following her. When John gives her a diamond necklace, mysteries begin to unfold.

Reviewer: K. F.

Summer Review

Title: Tangled

Author: Carolyn Macker

Rating: 2 stars

Where did this book take you: New York and the Caribbean

Review: Through love and anger, four teens find their near futures intertwined through a trip to the Paradise Resort.

Reviewer:

summer review

Title: Worst Enemies/Best Friends

Author: Annie Bryant

Rating:3.5 stars

Where did this book take you: Brookline, Massachusetts.

Review: The new girl in school, Charlotte, turns a lunch disaster with enemies into a start of a great friendship. The 4 girls start the BSG, a club full of adventure and fun.

Reviewer:K. F.

Summer Review

Title: Diary of a Wimpy Kid

Author: Jeff Kinny

Rating: 5 stars

Where did this book take you:

Review: Greg starts off middle school with his childish friend, Rowley, and finds himself in unexpected places, and discovers that middle school is probably the weirdest idea ever.

Reviewer:K. F.

Summer Review

Title: Lightning Thief

Author: Rick Riordan

Rating: 4 stars

Where did this book take you: New York City, across the U.S., Hades, and Olympus

Review: When young Percy Jackson discovers he is a son of Poseidon, he trecks across the country to the underworld to retrieve Zeus' lightning bolt and prevent a war among the gods.

Reviewer:K. F.

Summer Review

Title: Magician

Author: Michael Scott

Rating: 5 stars

Where did this book take you: San Francisco, Paris, London

Review: Two legendary twins travel to Europe to avoid their enemies and their monsters while they meet of with mortals Nicholas Flamel, Saint Germain and Joan of Arc in a battle of fire, wind and destruction everywhere.

Reviewer:K. F.

Summer Review

Title: Monster High

Author: Lisi Harrison

Rating: 3.5 stars

Where did this book take you: Salem, Oregon

Review: A group of monsters called RADs try to crash their high school dance but it all ends in chaos, while a RAD and a human fight over their schizophrenic boyfriend.

Reviewer: K. F.

Summer Review

Title: the Alchemist

Author: Michael Scott

Rating: 5 stars

Where did this book take you: San Francisco

Review: Twins learn of their unknown magical auras and venture off with their immortal friends, the Flamels, to prevent a battle between good and evil among godlike beings.

Reviewer: K. F.

Summer Review

Title: The Sorceress
Author: Michael Scott
Rating: 5 stars
Where did this book take you: San Francisco, Paris, London
Review: As the twins venture into London, they meet Palomedes the knight and Shakespeare while avoiding Dee, then battle a legendary god and his army before they teleport themselves from Stonehenge to San Francisco.
Reviewer:K. F.

Monday, July 18, 2011

Prizes for Summer Reading Club

Summer Reading Club Prizes can be picked up any time now!

Get your FREE BOOK, Chipotle and Shipley Donut Coupons between now and August 15.

Remember, if you signed up at CENTRAL Library, you need to go to SOUTH WACO Library to pick up your coupons and your Book.

Summer Review

Title: Banner In the Sky
Author: James Ramsey Ullman
Rating: 3.5 stars
Where did it take you: it's taken me to know the mountain named "The Citadel".
Review: There is the boy named Rudi and how much confidence he had in himself to climb the Citadel and to learn how to be a guide.

Friday, July 15, 2011

Summer Review

Title: Peach Girl Change of Heart Vol 8
Author: Miwa Ueda
Rating: 5 stars plus
Where did this book take you?: Tokyo
Review: Her final book takes you on a rollercoaster of emotions! Momo no longer has an enemy to deal with but her enemy might become herself! Who she picks will shock you to the very last page!
Reviewer: K. D.

Summer Review

Title: Foiled
Author: Jane Yolen
Rating: 3 stars
Where did this book take you?: New York City
Review: Not seeming to know her place in life, Aliera tries to find her real self.
Reviewer: K. D.

Summer Review

Title: In the Footsteps of Dracula
Author: Stephen P. Unger
Rating: 3 stars
Where did this book take you?: Europe, London, Transylvania
Review: Everything you need to know about vampires - the fake ones as well as the REAL ONES, from the stones of Dracula to the bloody bathtime of Elizabeth Bathory.
Reviewer: K. D.

Summer Review

Title: Baba Yaga and Vasilisa the Brave
Author: Marianna Mayer
Rating: 4 stars
Where did this book take you?: Russia
Review: An old Russian fairytale about the most unlikest of heroes, sent on a perilous journey to the house of no return, also known to the villagers as Baba Yaga's Hut.
Reviewer: K.D.
Title: The Schwa was Here
Author: Neal Schusterman
Rating: 3 stars
Where did this book take you?: An average American neighborhood and school in Brooklyn.
Review: Fun and quirky. Not the best writing, but it definitely has worth.
Reviewer: R. D.
Title: Fruits Basket Vol 1
Author: Natsuki Takaya
Rating: 4 stars
Where did this book take you?: Tokyo
Review: Tohru is homeless because of the death of her mother and lives in a tent. When the Sohma family finds this out, they take her hin and soon enough her Guardian comes looking for her. Torn between two loving families, who will she pick?
Reviewer: K. D.
Title: Kitchen Princess Vol 6
Author: Miyuki Kobayashi
Rating: 5 stars
Where did this book take you?: Tokyo
Review: Najika's hopes and dreams have finally come true but a tragic accident has happened and the director is trying to kick her out of the academy!
Reviewer: K. D.

Summer Review

Title: Kitchen Princess vol 7
Author: Miyuki Kobayashi
Rating: 5 stars
Where did this book take you?: Tokyo
Review: A new student named Seiya has come to take Najika's place and once they meet the heat is on! Seiya's bent on making the best of the best food with the best ingredients, unlike Najika, who puts in her love. Which one will taste better?
Reviewer: K. D.

Summer Review

Title: Kitchen Princess Vol 5
Author: Miyuki Kobayashi
Rating: 5 stars
Where did this book take you?: Tokyo
Review: Najika is somehow unhappy with herself, having gotten so far in the competition, something is missing... with Sora's love on one hand and Daichi following her with his love there is no telling what can happen to Najika's heart.
Reviewer: K. D.

Summer Review

Title: Kitchen Princess volume 4
Author: Miyuki Kobayashi
Rating: 5 stars
Where did this book take you?: Tokyo
Review: The prince Najika has been searching for is finally revealed but warnings are set from close voices who know him that the "prince" could hurt her; but is it just a jealous voice or the TRUTH?
Reviewer: K. D.

Summer Review

Title: Kitchen Princess vol 3
Author: Miyuki Kobayashi
Rating: 5 stars
Where did this book take you?: Tokyo and Hokkaido
Review: Najika doesn't have it easy at the academy, Akane and the gang are up to no good at an attempt to close the diner forever! On top of this, her beloved guardian back home is SICK! With her world crashing down, how will Najika untangle this mess?
Reviewer: K. D.

Summer Review

Title: Kitchen Princess Vol 9
Author: Miyuki Kobayashi
Rating: 5 stars
Where did this book take you?: Tokyo
Review: Your past will come back to haunt you! Daichi had recently rememberd a scary memory of the past refusing to see anyone, even Najika! In the midst of it all Seiya has fallen for her and asked her to go out with him. Will she ignore her True Feelings?
Reviewer: K. D.

Summer Review

Title: Library Wars Volume 3
Author: Kiiro Yumi
Rating: 4 stars
Where did this book take you?: Musachino, Japan
Review: Iku has gotten better at a lot of things, especially making friends, but when Iku is assigned to protect the main director instead of working on the most important operation of LDF's history, Iku starts to question her commander's motives.
Reviewer: K. D.

Summer Review

Title: Library Wars Volume 2
Author: Kiiro Yumi
Rating: 5 stars
Where did this book take you?: Musachino, Japan
Review: Unlikely enemies, friends and lovers!? Where will this madness end!? Kept me reading the whole way through
Reviewer: K. D.

Summer Review

Title: Library Wars
Author: Kiiro Yumi
Rating: 4 stars
Where did this book take you?: Musachino, Japan
Review: Iku Kasahara is working on her dream of joining the Library Defense Force; it turns out everything isn't as it seems
Reviewer: K. D.

Summer Review

Title: Kitchen Princess Vol 10
Author: Miyaki Kobayashi
Rating: 5 stars
Where did this book take you?: Tokyo
Review: Hving confessed, Nojika's happily ever after could come true but life isn't easy... Her glass heart crumbles to pieces, and Seiya is there to pick them up! Will Najika forget Dachi altogether and love Seiya?
Reviewer: K.D.

Summer Review

Title: Fruits Basket Vol 2
Author: Natsuki Takaya
Rating: 5 stars
Where did this book take you?: Tokyo
Review: Tohru knows about the Sohma family secret, but only part of it. Will Tohru uncover the unbearable PAST that haunts the family?!
Reviewer: K. D.

Summer Review

Title: All the Wrong Moves
Author: Nikki Carter
Rating: 5 stars
Where did this book take you?: Atlanta, Georgia
Review: I loved how the music industry of teens kept me interested throughout the entire book.
Reviewer: M. M.

Summer Review

Title: Kitchen Princess vol 8
Author: Miyuki Kobayashi
Rating: 5 stars
Where did this book take you?: Tokyo
Review: Najiko's home, Lavender House, is being shut down! The director offers to save the home if she loses a competition against Seiya which totally goes against her code of cooking, but what about the children in Lavender House?
Reviewer: K.D.

Thursday, July 14, 2011

Summer Review

Title: Batman, the Return of Bruce Wayne
Author: Grant Morrison
Rating: 5 stars
Where did this book take you? This book took me through different time periods
Review: Great book!! Enjoyed reading, the book kept my attentiona nd broadened my imagination.
Reviewer: K. J.

Summer Review

Title: Once Dead, Twice Shy
Author: Kim Harrison
Rating: 5 stars
Where did this book take you? Florida
Review: I loved this book, but come on people... what's with the whole not dead but dead thing?
Reviewer: M. C.

Summer Review

Title: Charmed and Dangerous
Author: Lisi Harrison
Rating: 3.5 stars
Where did this book take you? ?
Review: I luuuuuvvvvv the "Clique" books, so this one was a "awhsomeness" (so totally de biddness). But come on people how many rich girl tantrums do you need per book? Check it out, you'll LOVE it.
Reviewer: M. C.

Summer Review

Title: Shooting Star
Author: Frederick McKissack, Jr.
Rating: 3 stars
Where did this book take you? Indiana
Review: An OK book, lots of cussing. The subject of the book was kind of boring, nobody wants to read about a sterod user.
Reviewer: T. C.

Summer Review

Title: Devil's Breath
Author: David Gilman
Rating: 2 stars
Where did this book take you? Nowhere
Review: Okay book, kind of boring, predictable
Reviewer: T. C.

Summer Review

Title: Hero
Author: Mike Lupica
Rating: 4 stars
Where did this book take you? was hooked from the time I first picked it up
Review: Great book, lots of action, suspense, adventure. One of the best books I've ever read. Mike Lupica did an excellent job on this book!
Reviewer: T. C.

Summer Review

Title: Fanny's Dream
Author: Carolyn Buehner
Rating: 4 stars
Where did this book take you? wild Wyoming
Review: It is so great, I'll buy it.
Reviewer: S. K.

Summer Review

Title: Parts
Author: Ted Arnold
Rating:2.5
Where did this book take you? outside inside
Review: I'm thinking I'm going to die. What if my head pops off? What if I'm playing ball and my arm falls off?
Reviewer: N. K.

Summer Review

Title: Cloaked
Author: Alex Flinn
Rating: 3 stars
Where did this book take you? to a place where magic is real
Review: This book kept me on the edge of my seat! I loved the magic in it.
Reviewer: none given

Summer Review

Title: Every Soul a Star
Author: Wendy Mass
Rating: 4 stars
Where did this book take you? To Outer Space
Review: I liked how this book was told from different points of view
Reviewer: none given

Summer Review

Title: Lock and Key
Author: Sarah Dessen
Rating: none given
Where did this book take you? Inside Ruby's Heart
Review: This book made me cry! Ruby's journey amazed me. She's so strong
Reviewer: none given

Summer Review

Title: The Mockingbirds
Author: Daisy Whitney
Rating: 4 stars
Where did this book take you?
Review: This book made me want to scream from the injustice! But I loved going through Alex's journey with her.
Reviewer: None Given

Summer Review

Title: West against the Wind
Author: Liza Murrow
Rating: 3.5 stars
Where did this book take you? 1850's California
Review: Abby and her family set off in search of her father. They have many adventures and hardships along the way.
Reviewer: K. B.

Summer Review

Title: What's buggin Bailey Blecker?
Author: Gayle Donovan
Rating: 4 stars
Where did this book take you? To an Island
Review: Bailey and her friends come up with a unique way to combat lice ... wear bandanas!
Reviewer: K. B.

Summer Review

Title: Don't Ask Miranda
Author: Lila Perl
Rating: 4 stars
Where did this book take you? to a teenage girl's journey through friendship
Review: Miranda learns through mistakes about choosing her friends
Reviewer: K. B.

Summer Review

Title: Halfway to the sky
Author: Kimberly Bradley
Rating: 4 stars
Where did this book take you? From Georgia through one third of the Appalachian Trail
Review: Katahdina and her Mom attempt to do the trail after the death of her brother. She was named for a mountain that is on the trail.
Reviewer: K. B.

Summer Review

Title: Sniper
Author: Theodore Taylor
Rating: 3.5 stars
Where did this book take you? A lion reserve in California
Review: A good book with language, love and death. Wonderful for teens wanting to know more about big cat behavior.
Reviewer: B.A.

Summer Review

Title: Seven Days to a Brand New Me
Author: Ellen Conford
Rating: 3 stars
Where did this book take you? A small town in the 1980's
Review: Shy Maddy purchases a book to help her be outgoing.
Reviewer: K.B.

Wednesday, July 13, 2011

Anime and Manga Club - Pikapals of Waco

I'm thinking about our next meeting in the fall - how about Tuesday, September 6th at 6:30, at the West Waco Library (in the storytime room, just like the last two meetings)? Meetings would then continue to fall on the first Tuesday of the month.

I'm also thinking that I need a program idea - is there anything you all would like to do?
Drawing? I could bring all the anime and manga art books we have.
Japan Culture? I could pick a topic and we could all learn about it.
Anime showing? I'll order something from Funimation.
Any other ideas? I have some "bigger" suggestions for later.

Tuesday, July 12, 2011

New books

Graphic Novels:
Bart Simpson. Prince of Pranks -- classic Simpsons fare.
Astronaut Academy : Zero Gravity by Dave Roman -- Hakata Soy looks to make a new start at Astronaut Academy, but his past as the leader of a futuristic superhero team catches up to him when a robot doppelganger is sent to kill him.
Action Bible by Sergio Cariello (in nonfiction section) -- Retells the stories of the Bible in graphic novel format, including the stories of Noah, Abraham, Jacob, Joseph, Moses, Jonah, and the life and death of Jesus Christ.
Transformers. Target: 2006 -- a stars-spanning tale where Galvatron travels back in time to construct a weapon with which to destroy Unicron once and for all, and takes on the depleted Autobots at the same time! It's a battle that will test all but the most stalwart allegiances.
Hetalia: Axis Powers vol. 1 by Hidekaz Himaruya -- Offers a collection of four-panel comic strips which, depicting the world's powers as stereotypes, presents a politically incorrect comedy of the relationships between the Axis and Allied powers during the World Wars.
Yumekui Kenbun (Nightmare Inspector) vol. 7 by Shin Mashiba -- Dreams on the menu in this volume: a treasure's whereabouts depicted in a manga, a destiny controlled by the roll of the die, a nursery rhyme that is more than just words, a neighbor whose walls keep crashing in, a dog being tormented, a girl who isn't sure of her true self, and a haunting photo that isn't what it seems.
Hero Tales vol. 4 by Hiroma Arakawa -- Ryuukou's warning still ringing in his ears, Taitou hurries back to Taizan, only to discover that the Genrou-tou has left his hometown in ruins.
Code Geass. Lelouch of the Rebellion. vols. 5-8 by Majiko! -- While preparing for a coup d'etat, Lelouch enjoys a moment of peace as the committee chairman of the Ashford Academy school festival. However, Euphemia, the Viceroy of Area 11, arrives at the festival with an announcement that threatens the very existence of the Black Knights -- the establishment of the 'Specialty Administrated Zone of Japan.'
Anya's Ghost by Vera Brosgol -- Anya, embarrassed by her Russian immigrant family and self-conscious about her body, has given up on fitting in at school, but falling down a well and making friends with the ghost there just may be worse.
Page by Paige by Laura Lee Gulledge -- When Paige Turner and her family move to New York City from rural Virginia, she tries to make sense of her new life through her sketchbook, and it helps bring her true personality into the open, a process that is equal parts terrifying and rewarding.
Photo Booth by Lewis Helfand -- A new deadly drug is about to flood the streets of New York City. The police have no leads on who is producing the drug, or where it is coming from. As far as Praveer Rajani, a reckless Interpol agent, is concerned -- the only way to prevent countless deaths lies in a handful of mysterious photographs.
Yeah! by Peter Bagge -- The all-girl band Yeah!--consisting of Krazy, Honey, and WooWoo--have achieved intergalactic stardom on every planet except Earth, where they struggle to achieve fame in suburban New Jersey.
Invincible Iron Man. Vol. 1, The Five Nightmares by Matt Fraction -- Ezekiel Stane, the son of Tony Stark's late business rival and archenemy Obadiah, has set his sights, his genius, and his considerable fortune on the task of destroying Tony Stark and Iron Man. What's worse, he's got Iron Man tech, and he's every bit Iron Man's equal and opposite, except younger, faster, smarter -- and immeasurably evil!
Marvel Masterworks Presents the Mighty Thor -- The sound of thunder echoed far and wide when Thor entered the Marvel Universe, facing an array of enemies - from the past and the future, from under the earth and beyond the stars, from distant dictatorships and organized crime!
Legend of GrimJack vol. 1 by JOhn Ostrander -- The Legend of GrimJack, Volume One introduces the major characters and origin stories and also includes the classic GrimJack/Starslayer crossover saga. This volume also includes brand new story and art as well as critical background information heretofore unrevealed.
Kane. Greetings from New Eden by Paul Grist -- After a six month suspension, and partnered with a new detective, Kate Felix, Kane soon finds out nothing has changed in the city of New Eden. In his first two days back, Kane has to deal with a siege, a kidnapping, and a bomb attack. And then, there's the Crime Boss of New Eden, Oscar Darke...
Fax from Sarajevo by Joe Kubert (nonfiction) -- Documents a family's wartime survival and escape against unbelievable odds.
Shonen Jump, August 2011 (issue #7)

Nonfiction:
Nyx in the House of Night by P.C. Cast (editor and contributor) -- A collection of essays to help you navigate the influences behind the House of Night series.
Chernnobyl Disaster by Wil Mara -- Provides comprehensive information on the nuclear disaster at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant and the differing perspectives accompanying it.
You: the Owner's Manual for Teens by Michael Roizen -- Presents health-related information to help teens navigate the adolescent years.

Fiction:
Haunting Violet by Alyxandra Harvey -- Sixteen-year-old Violet Willoughby has been part of her mother's Spiritualist scam since she was nine, but during an 1872 house party in Hampshire, England, she is horrified to learn that she can actually see ghosts, one of whom wants Violet to solve her murder.
Don't Stop Now by Julie Halpern -- Recent high school graduates Lil and Josh leave Illinois for Oregon seeking Lil's sort-of friend Penny, who faked her own kidnapping to escape problems at home and an abusive boyfriend, but Lil also wants to find out if she and Josh are meant to be more than friends.
So, So Hood by L. Divine -- With her senior year just beginning, Jayd Williams, a teenage girl from a family of voodoo priestesses, has to deal with a variety of issues including trouble caused by Misty, her former best friend-turned-nemesis; the aftermath of the debutante ball; her boyfriend's cheating; her ex-boyfriend/best guy friend Rah's continuing baby mama drama; and her crush on Keenan, a UCLA first draft football pick.
Paper Covers Rock by Jenny Hubbard -- In 1982 Buncombe County, North Carolina, sixteen-year-old Alex Stromm writes of the aftermath of the accidental drowning of a friend, as his English teacher reaches out to him while he and a fellow boarding school student try to cover things up.
Mission (Un)popular by Anna Humphrey -- Anxious to appear cool as she begins seventh-grade and missing the support of her best friend who attends another school, almost-thirteen-year-old Margot makes a series of disastrous choices when she befriends a hip, mean new girl.
Ashes, Ashes by Jo Treggiari -- In a future Manhattan devastated by environmental catastrophes and epidemics, sixteen-year-old Lucy survives alone until vicious hounds target her and force her to join Aidan and his band, but soon they learn that she is the target of Sweepers, who kidnap and infect people with plague.
Passion by Lauren Kate -- Desperate to unlock the curse that condemns her love for Daniel, Luce revisits her past incarnations trying to understand her fate, but Daniel is chasing her throughout the centuries in order to keep her from rewriting their history.
From Bad to Cursed by Katie Alender -- After taking an oath to a seemingly benevolent spirit, a high school girl finds herself changing in frightening ways.
My Life Undecided by Jessica Brody -- Fifteen-year-old Brooklyn has been making bad decisions since, at age two, she became famous for falling down a mine shaft, and so she starts a blog to let others make every decision for her, while her community-service hours are devoted to a woman who insists Brooklyn read her "Choose the Story" books.
Detention Club by David Yoo -- Sixth-grader Peter Lee, in a desperate attempt to regain the popularity he had in elementary school, discovers that serving detention can win him important friends, much to the dismay of his over-achieving eighth-grade sister, Sunny.
How I Stole Johnny Depp's Alien Girlfriend by Gary Ghislain -- Fourteen-year-old David, the son of a famous French psychologist, falls in love with Zelda, a new patient who believes she is from outer space, and soon they are tearing through Paris in search of her chosen one, Johnny Depp, so that she can take him to her home planet, Vahalal.
Stupid Fast by Geoff Herbach -- Just before his sixteenth birthday, Felton Reinstein has a sudden growth spurt that turns him from a small, jumpy, picked-on boy with the nickname of "Squirrel Nut" to a powerful athlete, leading to new friends, his first love, and the courage to confront his family's past and current problems.
Next Semester by Cecil R. Cross -- As he starts his second semester at the University of Atlanta, James "JD" Dawson finds himself in trouble once again, and if he cannot get Kat, a girl he now hates, elected student-body president, he will be sent home.
Fallen vols. 1-2 by Thomas Sniegoski -- He's been moved from foster home to foster home, and doesn't know who he can trust. When Aaron begins to hear strange voices, he tries to resist his supernatural abilities, but must accept his newfound heritage -- and quickly.
Where I Belong by Gillian Cross -- Thirteen-year-old Khadija, a Somali refugee, becomes a model for a famous fashion designer to help her family back home, while the designer's daughter Freya and fourteen-year-old Abdi, whose family Khadija lives with in London, try to protect her.

Thursday, July 7, 2011

summer review

Title: George Washington Carver
Author: Eva Moore
Rating: 4 stars
Where did this book take you: It took me to a place where people planting and inventing things
Review: It was an inspiring book that tells you anything's possible just try and believe in yourself.
Reviewer: J. W.

summer review

Title: The Long Winter
Author: Laura Ingalls Wilder
Rating: 4 stars
Where did this book take you: away back into the early 1900's
Review: It was a great family book
Reviewer:J. W.

summer review

Title: the Market
Author: J. M. Steele
Rating: 5 stars
Where did this book take you: to reality
Review: This book tells you it's not how popular you are, it's what you do to get that popular.
Reviewer: A. A.

Summer Review

Title: Shakespeare's Secret
Author: Elise Broach
Rating: 3 stars
Where did this book take you: To Shakespeare's time period
Review: Was Shakespeare really Shakespeare? Find out in this amazing book. I did.
Reviewer: none given

Summer Review

Title: May (Daughters of the Sea)
Author: Kathryn Lasky
Rating: 3 stars
Where did this book take you: to the vast open sea
Review: It was a good book but I would like to see more all about the other sisters and their past.
Reviewer: A. A.

Summer Review

Title: Praying Mantises
Author: Larry Dane Brimmer
Rating: 3 stars
Where did this book take you: Into the world of bugs
Review: Gross
Reviewer: J.M.

Wednesday, July 6, 2011

Summer Review

Title: Zaanan: Conflict on Cada-Maylon
Author: Al Bohl
Rating: 4 stars
Where did this book take you: To the island of Cada-Maylon
Review: another fun book in the series of cool space adventures.
Reviewer: J. H.

Summer Review

Title: Zaanan: the Dream of Delasar
Author: Al Bohl
Rating: 4 stars
Where did this book take you: to a very angry volcano in a space-age setting
Review: Funa nd exciting - will keep you on the edge of your seat!
Reviewer: J. H.

Summer Review

Title: Dinotopia: the Maze
Author: Peter David
Rating:4 stars
Where did this book take you: to the Island of Dinotopia
Review: In a maze in the heart of Dinotopia, can two brave adventurers get through its many traps and snares, find Odon (a legendary healer) and make it back in time to save Gwen's father from a spreading disease?
Reviewer: J. H.

Summer Review

Title: Garfield's Pet Force: Dog of Doom
Author: Jim Davis
Rating: 3 stars
Where did this book take you: to the imaginary universe of Emperor Jon, on the planet Kennel.
Review: When K-niner (the doberman of doom) plans to "unleash" vetvix's brain-boosting ray and turn all dogs into fighting machines, the Pet Force will have to fight a new battle if they want to save the parallel universe.
Reviewer: J. H.

Summer Review

Title: The Field Guide (Spiderwick Chronicles)
Author: Holly Black and Tony Diterlizzi
Rating: 5 stars
Where did this book take you: to the Spiderwick Estate
Review: Soooooo much fun! I love it and can't wait to read book two, the Seeing Stone.
Reviewer: J. H.

Summer Review

Title: Four Mice Deep in the Jungle
Author: Geronimo Stilton
Rating: 4 stars
Where did this book take you: house, jungle, airport
Review: It is a okay book but it is not the best book I have read.
Reviewer: M. M.

Summer Review

Title: Smile
Author: none given
Rating: 5 stars
Where did this book take you: a house, a street, school and dentist
Review: great book it is really sad when she loses her tooth but at the end happy book.
Reviewer: M. M.

Summer Review

Title: Big Nate Out Loud
Author: Lincoln Pierce
Rating: 5 stars
Where did this book take you: school
Review: great book
Reviewer: M. M.

Summer Review

Title: The Case of the Lost Boy (Buddy Files)
Author: Dori Butler
Rating: 5 stars
Where did this book take you: Pound, home, park, airport.
Review: A great book if you are looking for a great mystery book read this book.
Reviewer: M. M.

Summer Review

Title: Your Move, J. P.
Author: Lois Lowry
Rating: 4 stars
Where did this book take you: A place where boys care about girls
Review: J. P. is finally in love, imagining the girl of his dreams, and lies to the girl he loves.
Reviewer: D. L.

Summer Review

Title: Sacrifice (Star Wars Legacy of the Force)
Author: Karen Traviss
Rating: 5 stars
Where did this book take you: To the unknown reaches of the galaxy
Review: Strong story with intense battles. It kept you involved with the quick slashes of a vibro blade and the deathly sound of a blaster. The dramatic ending was heartbreaking.
Reviewer: J. M.

Summer Review

Title: Quinceanera Means Sweet 15
Author: Veronica Chambers
Rating: 5 stars
Where did this book take you: how other cultures express themselves
Review: I think that Veronica expressed herself very well for pre-teenager and their culture.
Reviewer: D. L.

Summer Review

Title: Heaven is for Real
Author: Todd Burpo
Rating: 5 stars
Where did this book take you: a hospital and heaven
Review: It is a very good book. I think it is so powerful that you kind of feel what Colton, the little boy's, parents went through.
Reviewer: M.M.

Summer Review

Title: Wanted - Mud Blossom!
Author: Betsy Byars
Rating: 4 stars
Where did this book take you: gave me different ideas
Review: The book was great, with a lot of cliffhangers, lots of action, great happy ending.
Reviewer: D. L.

Summer Review

Title: Vote for Larry
Author: Janet Tashjian
Rating: 3 stars
Where did this book take you: a place where I could express myself
Review: The book is great for learning to have relationships with people.
Reviewer: D. L.

Summer Review

Title:Firehorse
Author: Diane Lee Wilson
Rating: 4 stars
Where did this book take you: Boston
Review: A great book for horse lovers, tells history about the important role they played back then. Mainly focusing on fire horses and a girl who wants to do much more than girls are allowed.
Reviewer: B. A.

Summer Review

Title: The Hobbit
Author: J. R. R. Tolkien
Rating: 5 stars
Where did this book take you: To a magical world called Middle Earth
Review: A worthy prequel to the beloved series "The Lord of the Rings", in which a hobbit named Bilbo starts on an adventure to kill a dragon, and on the way he will come into possession of a magical ring.
Reviewer: J. H.

Summer Review

Title: Mandie and the Night Thief
Author: Lois Gladys Leppard
Rating: 4 stars
Where did this book take you: The Patton's house in Charleston
Review: This book was really cool; I enjoyed it very much. Mandie and her friends stay at a house that has strange things happening at night. They have to solve the mystery.
Reviewer: S.H.

Summer Review

Title: Frog Princess
Author: E. D. Baker
Rating: 5 stars
Where did this book take you: on an adventure where things are not as they seem.
Review: This book had me laughing til I was crying! A princess kisses a frog, but then suddenly finds herself a frog, too, and they set off on a quest to become human again.
Reviewer: S.H.

Summer Review

Title: The Haunted Bridge (Nancy Drew)
Author: Carolyn Keene
Rating: 5 stars
Where did this book take you: Deer Mountain Hotel and Resort
Review: Nancy is staying at a resort w/her father and some friends when a ghost shows up! Nancy has to solve the mystery, and deal w/a guy who has a crush on her.
Reviewer: S.H.

Summer Review

Title: The Field Guide (Spiderwick Chronicles)
Author: Holly Black and Tony Diterlizzi
Rating: 5 stars plus
Where did this book take you: The Spiderwick Estate and the world where faeries are real!
Review: This is an incredible book! Jared, Simon and Mallory find an unusual field guide that helps them become friends w/ faeries, and enemies w/trolls!
Reviewer: S. H.

Summer Review

Title: Defeat of the Ghost Riders
Author: Dave and Neta Jackson
Rating: 4 stars
Where did this book take you: Daytona Florida and Statesboro Georgia
Review: This book is creepy, but in a good way! What amazed me was that this is a true story. The Ku Klux Klan ruined tons of people's lives. This is a strong story about what a young girl did to stand up against injustice.
Reviewer: S. H.

Summer Review

Title: Ella Enchanted
Author: Gail Carson Levine
Rating: 5 stars
Where did this book take you: The Land of Frell
Review: I loved this book! It is ten times better than the movie! the story pulls you into it, I didn't want to put it down. It had everything from princes and princesses to giants and ogres!
Reviewer: S. H.

Summer Review

Title: The Courtship of Princess Leia
Author: Dave Wolverton
Rating: 3.5 stars
Where did this book take you: Through the overgrown jungles of Dathomir
Review: It kept my interest with humor and intense action. But it expressed too much on human emotions and actions.
Reviewer: J. M.

Summer Review

Title: The Seeing Stone (Spiderwick Chronicles)
Author: Holly Black and Tony Diterlizzi
Rating:5 stars
Where did this book take you: The Spiderwick Estate and the surrounding woods
Review: A book in which the Grace children get acquainted with a hobgoblin (the friendly type), outsmart a troll and fight goblins! Hey, where did Simon's cat go? Mr Tibbs, come here boy, Mr. Tibbssssss....
Reviewer: J.H.

Tuesday, July 5, 2011

Summer Review

Title: Ghost Circles (Bone #7)

Author: Jeff Smith

Rating: 3 Stars

Where did this book take you: Old Man's Cave, and Atheia

Review: Had a slow start but had a good end

Reviewer: B.L.

Summer Review

Title: Treasure Hunters (Bone #8)

Author: Jeff Smith

Rating: 3 stars

Where did this book take you: Athiea

Review: It was pretty good. It had a lot of war conflicts.

Reviewer: B.L.

summer review

Title: Old Man's Cave (Bone #7)

Author: Jeff Smith

Rating: 4 stars

Where did this book take you: creepy caves

Review: this was a really good book. My favorite part was the end; it has a lot of suspense.

Reviewer: B. L.

summer review

Title: The Vampire's Assistant

Author: Darren Shan

Rating: 4 stars

Where did this book take you: to the woods

Review: The book was interesting but not as good as the first.

Reviewer: B.L.

Summer Review

Title: Rock Jaw Master of the Eastern Border (Bone #5)

Author: Jeff Smith

Rating: 2 stars

Where did this book take you: Mountains

Review: This book wasn't too good. It focused in 1 main character when there was more to be covered.

Reviewer: B.L.

Summer Review

Title: A Living Nightmare

Author:Darren Shan

Rating: 5 stars

Where did this book take you: Into a coffin

Review: Immensely fascinating breathtaking creative, I couldn't put it down. Read it in 8 hours. Superb. The end was the best.

Reviewer: B.L.

Friday, July 1, 2011

Summer Review

Title: Clockwork Angel
Author: Cassandra Clare
Rating: 5 stars
Where did this book take you: To a place I nor any other mundane has ever been
Review: : Let's just say I read it 5 times and each time I found something else to love. Can't wait for the next one - "Clockwork Prince".
Reviewer: C. C.

Summer Review

Title: Survivor's Quest (Star Wars)
Author: Timothy Zahn
Rating: 5 stars
Where did this book take you: out into space and through a mysterious cruise ship
Review: It kept your focus. Swooping you through space, feeling the heat of a light saber, and the pain in a grenade blast. It's a top-rated book.
Reviewer:J. M.

Summer Review

Title: Eloise
Author: Kay Thompson
Rating: 2 stars
Where did this book take you: New York Plaza
Review: So great and fun
Reviewer: S. K.

Summer Review

Title: Elixir
Author: Hilary Duff
Rating: 4.5 stars
Where did this book take you: The past worlds of love
Review: A girl's dad is missing and she sees this guy, Sage. She starts having flashback of her in other girls. Sage has to make a choice?
Reviewer: K. L.

Summer Review

Title: Heat
Author: Mike Lupica
Rating: 4 stars
Where did this book take you: this book took me to a place of remembrance
Review: I thought this book was very interesting from beginning to end. I thought that this book was just a intriguing story of a kid who doesn't have a normal life.
Reviewer:A. A.

Summer Review

Title: A Single Shard
Author: Linda Sue Park
Rating: 5 stars
Where did this book take you: Korea
Review: She wrote on a very unique topic but also very interesting topic.
Reviewer: A. G.

Summer Review

Title: Redwall
Author: Brian Jacques
Rating: 4.5 stars
Where did this book take you: Mossflower woods and Redwall Abbey
Review: I liked it a lot. It was very good though somewhat predictable
Reviewer: A. G.

Summer Review

Title: The Candidates
Author: Inara Scott
Rating: 4 stars
Where did this book take you: Delcroix Academy, somewhere in America
Review: Imagine a very average town where there lives a girl so average she isn't normal. The story has a certain appeal all the way to the end.
Reviewer: R. D.

Summer Review

Title: Belle Prater's Boy
Author: Ruth White
Rating: 3 stars
Where did this book take you: Coal Station, Virginia
Review: It's entertaining and descriptive. One of the few books that clearly draws out the character's own, young spiritual/mental ponderings. The characters are easy to relate to and the story itself is completely believable.
Reviewer: R. D.

Summer Review

Title: Tigers
Author: Ann O. Square
Rating:4 stars
Where did this book take you: In a Tiger's Life
Review: I learned a Lot about Tigers
Reviewer: J. M.

Summer Review

Title: Dinosaur Train
Author: John Steven Gurney
Rating: 1 star
Where did this book take you: On a train
Review: please have your tickets ready. Let me show you the view from the sky windows. Everyone leaned over to see.
Reviewer: N. K.

Summer Review

Title: Marked
Author: PC Cast
Rating: 4.5 stars
Where did this book take you: Into the House of Night
Review: Amazingly Dark. Kept me up until 4:00. I've already requested the second and third books.
Reviewer: C.C.

Summer Review

Title: Liberty Porter, First Daughter
Author: Julia Devillers
Rating: 5 stars
Where did this book take you: Washington DC
Review:It is about a girl who's dad becomes president and how she makes the whitehouse her home and how she makes other people feel welcome to the whitehouse.
Reviewer:C. S.

Summer Review

Title: Genkaku Picasso volume 1
Author: Usamaru Furuya
Rating:4 stars
Where did this book take you: Japan
Review: Picaso takes you into people's hearts and shows can be in their shadows. All in all it is a funny drama comedy.
Reviewer: C. M.

Summer Review

Title: Sisters Red
Author: Jackson Pierce
Rating: 5 stars
Where did this book take you: To a world past our own
Review: There's potential for a second book and it gives an idea of what else there could be in our world.
Reviewer: C. M.