Review: Angelfall

Author: Susan Ee
Publisher: Feral Dream
Release Date: May 21, 2011
Audience: Young Adult
Source: Purchased via Amazon Kindle
Reviewed by: Renée
Fiction * Post-Apocalyptic * Paranormal Romance

Description from GoodReads:
It's been six weeks since angels of the apocalypse descended to demolish the modern world. Street gangs rule the day while fear and superstition rule the night. When warrior angels fly away with a helpless little girl, her seventeen-year-old sister Penryn will do anything to get her back.

Anything, including making a deal with an enemy angel.

Raffe is a warrior who lies broken and wingless on the street. After eons of fighting his own battles, he finds himself being rescued from a desperate situation by a half-starved teenage girl.

Traveling through a dark and twisted Northern California, they have only each other to rely on for survival. Together, they journey toward the angels' stronghold in San Francisco where she'll risk everything to rescue her sister and he'll put himself at the mercy of his greatest enemies for the chance to be made whole again.


I'll be honest and say that I've always been skeptical of self-published books or e-books. Despite the crazy success stories of novels like The Tiger's Curse and Eragon that were purportedly initially self-published, the few interactions I've had with self-published novels or releases from small lesser-known publishing houses have usually been dismal and disastrous. However, I had been hearing some good buzz about Angellfall on Goodreads from bloggers and bestselling authors alike, and I noticed that it was chosen as a finalist for a Cybil award, so I decided to give it a try, and it blew my expectations out of the water. I am so happy to be proven wrong and to have my faith in less conventional publishing methods restored!

The prose was so powerful and strong in Angelfall. The novel is fairly short -- probably a little under 300 pages if it was in print -- so I was worried that the author might not give enough description, but Susan Ee commands words so well that you get a detailed, descriptive story without endless pages of reading. The world constructed in Angelfall is very original. I liked how it blended elements of post-apocalyptic fiction with the paranormal element of angels, so I got the gritty survivalist tough-girl protagonist that I like, with a bit of the fantastical elements that I love. The post-apocalyptic California in the novel is very unique and not like any other post-apocalyptic/dystopian worlds I've encountered before. The concept of this world and this story is just so brilliant. I'm a fan of angel lore, but with so many new stories about angels coming out, some of the themes can get a little too familiar. Angelfall does something great and gives us angels as these destructive, almost evil creatures exacting a brutal apocalypse on humankind, which is a refreshing take on "bad" angel.

Another great thing about this story was the character development. The protagonist, as I mentioned before, is very touch and independent, without being surly or unlikeable. I loved Penryn's devotion to her mother and sister (and eventually Raffe). She was loyal and fierce and had a great personable quality about her that balanced being tough without coldness or hardness. I also loved Raffe. He was very mysterious and multidimensional. There were many surprising things about him that are slowly revealed throughout the novel, and I loved watching his reluctance turn into genuine respect and possible affection for Penryn. These two characters had great chemistry as partners and I loved their interactions together long before there was even a hint of possible romance. Also, their "romance" is so subtle and subdued, taking a backseat to the plot and action, which I surprisingly liked -- I'm a sucker for romance -- because it didn't distract from the serious things happening in the story.

My favorite character, though, was Penryn's mother. Susan Ee tackles some big issues in the novel. Aside from the mechanics of creating a post-apocalyptic world, Penryn's sister has a physical disabilty and her mother is described as schizophrenic. I think the author did a fantastic job of addressing some sensitive topics without making the novel feel preachy or obviously educational. Penryn's relationship with her mother felt very realistic, oscillating between annoyance or guilt about her mother's "insanity" and a unique kind of fondness and love that springs up amidst extraordinary circumstances. As much as I loved the male/female dynamic of Penryn and Raffe, it was her mother who I found to be the most exciting, unpredictable, and ultimately endearing.

I cannot recommend this more highly. The plot moves quickly from the first chapter, the writing is very rich and beautiful, the setting is fresh, and the characters feel so human (even the non-human ones). I read this in one day and the ending left me dying for the sequel. Get it while it's still only $0.99 at Amazon -- if you don't have an e-reader you can still read it on your computer with a free Kindle for PC/Mac download. Fans of Blood Red Road will devour this.

Susan Ee is the author of Angelfall (Penryn & the End of Days, Book 1). Her short stories have been in various publications including Realms of Fantasy and The Dragon and the Stars anthology. She is also a filmmaker whose latest film played at major film festivals and on cable TV stations throughout the U.S. She studied creative writing through workshops at Stanford, The Iowa Writers' Workshop and Clarion West. You can follow her on Twitter: @Susan_Ee

Her website is:  http://susanee.com/

It's Monday! What are you reading? From Picture Books to YA (10)

It's Monday! What are you reading? is hosted by Sheila of Book Journey.  Jen & Kellee from 

Teach Mentor Texts have adapted this to focus on Picture Books to Young Adult Books.

Each week I'll recap what I've read/reviewed the week before 

and then look ahead to what I am planning on reading/reviewing in the upcoming week.

Last week's book adventures:

Though January has been an incredibly strong reading month, last week was a busy week which made for a slow reading week.  However, I did manage to read some amazing books.  It appears that 2012 is going to be an incredible year for books. 

Here are some of my favorites from the week:

Caldecott Update:
Last week, I finished reading all of the Caldecott Medal Winners!  WooHoo!  I have now started in on reading the Honor Books.  My favorite Caldecott Medal winner from last week goes to:

Arrow to the Sun: A Pueblo Indian Tale by Gerald McDermott - Caldecott Medal Winner in 1975 and as I flipped through this story and looked at the illustrations, I was struck by how it still seemed new and not dated. 

My runner-up for the week:

Drummer Hoff by Barbara Emberley, Illustrated by Ed Emberley - This 1968 Caldecott Medal winner may not be the most exciting story written but the illustrations were quite interesting. 

Favorite Picture Book of the Week:
After discovering Tim Egan's Dodsworth series, I decided I wanted to read through some of Egan's other picture books.  I love his illustrations and it is fun to get some background on Dodsworth and the duck.

Friday Night's At Hodges Café by Tim Egan

My favorites of the week though go to two amazing Middle Grade novels:

The Humming Room by Ellen Potter (release date: February 28, 2012) - If you are a fan of The Secret Garden, then you will want to pick up Ellen Potter's new novel when it comes out at the end of February.  The Humming Room is inspired by Frances Hodgson Burnett's classic tale.  I love The Secret Garden and I love Potter's writing which only made this book even more enjoyable. I will be sharing this one with students as soon as it comes out.  

The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate - This book came highly recommended from Paul Hankins (@paulwhankins on twitter) when he and his students skyped with my third graders.  I was so excited to finally get to read this book.  It is simply a beautifully told story about a silverback gorilla who befriends a young elephant.  Students are going to love this.

On Wednesday, I will be posting the nonfiction picture books I read this past week.  There were some fun ones in the pile.

Upcoming book adventures:
My goal this week is to continue with the Caldecott Challenge by reading through as many Honor Books as I can find.  I have been trying to read one middle grade novel and one young adult novel to each week.  In January, I didn't quite manage 4 YA novels, but I did read 7 middle grade novels, one young adult novel and 1 professional text for a total of 9 full length books which certainly was a great accomplishment.  

So, what are you reading this week? 

Please share! And remember to check in at Sheila's or Jen & Kellee's blog to see what they and others are reading!


 

Nonfiction Picture Book Giveaway

At the end of each month, I hope to hold a giveaway featuring nonfiction picture book(s).  Chronicle Books has graciously offered up 4 titles from their collection for our first giveaway.  An Egg is Quiet is one of my personal favorites in this collection.  I found it to be beautifully illustrated, simple in execution, and very well done.  

Thank you Lara for supporting the Non-fiction Picture Book Challenge of 2012 with this wonderful collection of books which will be great in any classroom or school library.  Don't forget to check out the Chronicle webpage for each of these books.  They have included teaching guides to use with the books.
 

Here are the rules:

1.Though comments are very much appreciated, please do not enter any personal information in the comments section (including your email, website, etc.).  If you do enter personal information, you comment will not be posted.
2.  You must complete the Entry Form to officially enter the contest.
3.  The Contest runs from 12:00 a.m. Pacific Time on January 25, 2012 to 11:59 p.m. Pacific Time on January 31, 2012.

4.  You must be 13 or older to participate in this contest.
5.  You do not need to follow the blog to enter the contest, but you will receive additional entry points if you are participating in the Nonfiction Picture Book Challenge 2012.  

6.  If you are selected as a winner, I will notify you by e-mail.  If you do not respond within 48 hours, I will select a new winner.
7.  Only those with US and Canadian addresses are eligible to enter this giveaway.

Nonfiction Picture Book Wednesday

As part of the Non-Fiction Picture Book Challenge 2012 (Twitter: #nfpb2012), my goal is to read and review as many of the new non-fiction picture books that are released this year.  Wednesdays will be my primary day to post the reviews for this challenge.

In honor of the American Library Association Youth Media Awards which were announced on Monday, January 23, 2012, I am giving a shout out to one of my favorite picture books of 2011 and the winner of the Robert F. Sibert Informational Book Award.  What is the Sibert Award?  The winning book is considered the "most distinguished informational book for children".  This year's winner is Balloons Over Broadway: The True Story of the Puppeteer of Macy's Parade. 

Many congratulations to author and illustrator, Melissa Sweet for an amazing job.  

Check out Melissa's website (http://melissasweet.net/) for some great pictures and information about Balloons Over Broadway.

Kirkus Reviews did a great interview with Melissa. Click here to read it.

Seven Impossible Things Before Breakfast has a wonderful interview with Melissa.  Click here to read it.

Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Books for Children has created an activity kit to be used with the book.  Click here to download the activity kit.

And though I don't typically send folks over to Amazon, they do have a very cool look into the inside of Balloons Over Broadway.  With their Click to Look Inside feature. 

So what is the book about?  Here is the description from GoodReads:
Who invented the first balloons for Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade? Meet Tony Sarg, puppeteer extraordinaire! Everyone’s a New Yorker on Thanksgiving Day, when young and old rise early to see what giant new balloons will fill the skies for Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Who first invented these “upside-down puppets”? In brilliant collage illustrations, the award-winning artist Melissa Sweet tells the story of the puppeteer Tony Sarg, capturing his genius, his dedication, his zest for play, and his long-lasting gift to America—the inspired helium balloons that would become the trademark of Macy’s Parade.

What do I think of it?
Melissa Sweet has married together the perfect combination of facts and information with an eclectic mix of collage, illustrations, and fabulous design.  Readers will explore the history behind the Macy's Day Parade in an unique and wonderful manner.  This is one book that you will want to own and giveaway. 

If you are participating in the Nonfiction Picture Book challenge and would like to link your recent reviews, please add your link to the Mr. Linky below.

It's Monday! What are you reading? Picture Books to YA (9)

It's Monday! What are you reading? is hosted by Sheila of Book Journey.  Jen & Kellee from 

Teach Mentor Texts have adapted this to focus on Picture Books to Young Adult Books.

Each week I'll recap what I've read/reviewed the week before 

and then look ahead to what I am planning on reading/reviewing in the upcoming week.

Last week's book adventures:

January has been an incredibly strong reading month.  I had another great week, and have discovered some fun new reads.

Here are some of my favorites from the week:

Favorite Caldecotts of the week:
Over the course of last week, I managed to find and read 23 of the Caldecott winners spanning from Mei Li (winner of the 1939 Caldecott Medal) to So, You Want to be President? (Winner of the 2001 Caldecott Medal).  It was interesting to consider the social, political and economical factors that may have contributed to the stories that were published in those times. It is amazing to see how many books featured characters or story lines for other cultures/countries.  Mei Li was in some ways an amazing choice for the Caldecott Committee.  The story is about a young Chinese Girl who wants to join her brother in the city for the New Year's Day festivities. Though relatively free of stereotypical images, the story strongly communicates that a girl's place is in the home/kitchen.  I found myself struggling to know how to rate or judge a book that would be seen as unacceptable in it's message today but would not have been questioned at the time of publication.  My favorite picks were books that have managed to remain relevant despite the passage of time. 





Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendack won the Caldecott Medal in 1964.  The story and vibrant illustrations are still relevant for 48 years later and Sendak's book was truly advanced for picture books of it's time. 

Grandfather's Journey by Allen Say won the Caldecott Medal in 1994.  This autobiographical story reflects back to the author's memories of his grandfather who journeyed to California in the early 20th century.  Though this book is one of the more recent winners (just less than 2 decades ago), Say's storytelling and text compliment each other beautifully.  I can see this standing the test of time as well. 

As a runner up to my favorites from the week, I would add one more.

The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats won the Caldecott Medal in 1963 the year before Where the Wild Things Are.  This story about a little boy who plays in the snow is one that I know is still used in classrooms all around and I still enjoyed reading it again.

 
Picture Book:

Duckling Gets a Cookie by Mo Willems
Pigeon and Duckling are back.  This one will be released on April 3, 2012.  Add it to your TBR list if you are a Mo Willems fan.  He has another book that is sure to make fans laugh.  And Duckling is the perfect match for Pigeon.

Early Readers:

Dodsworth Series by Tim Egan
After reading Dodsworth in Rome, I had to go back and read the rest.  I finished reading the other three books in the series and definitely hope there will be a new one soon.  Check out my review here. 

Early Chapter Book:

The Legend of Diamond Lil: A JJ Tully Mystery by Doreen Cronin and Kevin Cornell
Last year, Doreen Cronin came out with The Trouble with Chickens for her first chapter book.  It was a hit with my 2nd and 3rd grade students.  J.J. and the chicks are back and they have new trouble brewing.  Release date: February 28, 2012

Middle Grade Books:

May B. by Caroline Starr Rose
This novel in verse will appeal to fans for the Little House on the Prairie Series.  Times are tough for Kansas homesteaders.  May B's family hire her out to help a young couple homesteading 15 miles away.  When the couple she is working for, don't return one day, May B has to figure out if she should try and manage until the couple returns or find a way home.  Rose's use of verse emphasizes the emotions experienced by this young protagonist.     

The Mighty Miss Malone by Paul Christopher Curtis
I mentioned that I was reading this one in my post last week.  I won't say much about this book here because I am planning on reviewing it this week.  However, I will say the book definitely deserves all of the buzz it is receiving.  I certainly expect it to be on a short-list for the 2013 Newbery.

Professional Text read:

Choice Words: How Our Language Affects Children's Learning by Peter H. Johnston
Several of my Twitter pals had been discussing this last week on Twitter.  I decided to listen to the audiobook which was wonderfully narrated by the author, Peter H. Johnston.  However, despite how great the audiobook is, you will need a print copy as well.  I kept finding myself wanting to highlight and star important points.  I think every teacher and administrator should read this one.

Upcoming book adventures:
My goal this week is finish up the first part of the Caldecott Challenge.  I have 9 more Caldecott Winners to read.  Once I am done with those, I will start in on all of the Caldecott Honor books.  Additionally, I am still aiming for one Middle Grade Novel and one Young Adult novel to read.  And don't forget to check in on Wednesday for the non-fiction picture book version of What are you reading?

So, what are you reading this week? 

Please share! And remember to check in at Sheila's or Jen & Kellee's blog to see what they and others are reading!

Book Review - Dodsworth in Rome

Author/Illustrator: Tim Egan

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Books for Children
Audience:  1st to 3rd Graders (and the adults who read with them)
Source:  Check them out at your local library or your favorite Indie Bookstore
Fiction * Travel * Early Chapter Books * Friendship * Humor

Description of Dodsworth in Rome from GoodReads:
With trips to New York, Paris, and London under their belts, it’s now time for Dodsworth and the duck to visit Rome! From throwing coins into the Trevi Fountain to winning a pizza-dough-throwing contest to looking up at the Sistine Chapel ceiling, Dodsworth and his misbehaving duck take a tour of their oldest city yet. With Tim Egan’s snappy words and playful illustrations, it will surely be a spaghetti-twirling sight to see. 

My thoughts on the Series:
Would declaring my love be too strong a reaction over an early chapter book series?  Hmmm...maybe, but I will risk it.  I will confess that I started this series with the most current book, Dodsworth in Rome.  It turns out that it is helpful (though not necessary) to read them in order.  As soon as I finished Dodsworth in Rome, I started recommending the book.  I read parts of it aloud to my office manager.  I handed it to one of my students and had her read it.  Then I gave it to my niece and told her mom to read it to her.  I even went into my local indie bookstore, pulled the series off the shelf and plunked it down in front of one of the staff in the Children's Department and told her she needed to read it.  Hey, I hand sold a few copies that day in the bookstore.  Yes, I am in love with Dodsworth and his buddy the duck.  

Maybe you think this is absolutely silly, but you need to understand that there are few early chapter books that are actually enjoyable to read.  Sure there is Frog & Toad, and Mouse & Mole, but there are many that are way less memorable.  So, when I find a new series that I really enjoy, I get a little giddy over it.  

Dodsworth's adventure begins in New York (Book 1) where thanks to a crazy duck, he gets to visit all kinds of fun places in the Big Apple.  Just as he thinks he is about to return duck to his owner, then their real adventures seem to just be starting.  In Book 2, Dodsworth finds himself in Paris accompanied by his crazy friend, duck, who had great difficulty staying out of trouble.  After some humorous times in Paris, Book 3 finds the friends in London, where more hilarity ensues including a case of mistaken identity.  Though I loved the first three books, I think Book 4's adventures in Rome is still my favorite.  Silly word plays, crazy antics, and visits to famous places will have developing readers eager to read more.  Additionally, these books would make for great read alouds in 1st and 2nd grade.  

I don't know where Dodsworth and duck will end up next but I can't wait to read about it.  


Check out a couple of animated short videos by creator Tim Egan:

 

Check out this great blog post from Seven Impossible Things Before Breakfast as he interviews Tim Egan. 

For more information about author/illustrator, Tim Egan, check out his website: http://www.timegan.com/

Book Review - Jessica Rules the Dark Side

Author: Beth Fantaskey
Publisher: Harcourt Children's Books
Release Date: January 10, 2012
Audience: Young Adult
Source: ARC for review
Reviewed by: Kate
Fiction * Paranormal Romance

Description from GoodReads:
It’s one thing to find out you’re a vampire princess. It’s a whole other thing to actually rule. Newly married Jessica Packwood is having a hard enough time feeling regal with her husband, Lucius, at her side. But when evidence in the murder of a powerful elder points to Lucius, sending him into solitary confinement, Jessica is suddenly on her own. Determined to clear her husband’s name, Jessica launches into a full-scale investigation, but hallucinations and nightmares of betrayal keep getting in her way. Jessica knows that with no blood to drink, Lucius’s time is running out. Can she figure out who the real killer is—and whom she can trust—before it’s too late?

Jessica’s journey is about what happens after the happily ever after. She’s surrounded by men (befanged men) and politics, and in the way of most people starting a new life, needs to find this ‘new’ self. Is it all of the old self, just in better attire? or is it parts of the old self, with new thrown in? 

-State Library of Victoria*

This was a highly anticipated sequel for me. I am completely in love with the journey I took in Beth Fantaskey’s first novel, Jessica’s Guide to Dating on the Dark Side. Beth’s characters are three dimensional. I really enjoyed getting to know them as they got to know each other. I couldn’t imagine what would be next for Jessica and Lucius.

Fantaskey answers this question in Jessica Rules the Dark Side. The tone and mood is unexpectedly a lot darker. I had a bit of trouble getting into the change but I was soon rewarded for my patience. This new direction gives us readers a great chance to see Jessica come into her own as a woman and as a princess. She is dropped in the middle of this world full of old traditions, rituals, rites, and grudges. Jessica is forced to navigate these new waters on her own terms. Will she succeed? Don’t despair, dear readers. Beth gives Jessica some new friends along with her wise-cracking, no-nonsense, bit grumbly best friend, Mindy for help; keeping any Fantaskey fan avidly reading along as Jessica challenges this new world.

Here’s a heads up. Keep a lookout for Raniero, especially. I love characters and Raniero is definitely one to cherish. When you meet him, cliches will abound but persevere. He was one of the best book friends I meet last year. YES, I have book friends. Doesn't everyone?

**Check out The Wedding Chapters for the scoop on Jessica and Lucius’ paranormal and unconventional Wedding, found here:

http://www.bethfantaskey.com/wedding/wedding-chapt1.html

For more information about author Beth Fantaskey, check out her website here: http://www.bethfantaskey.com/

Or you can follow her on twitter: @bethfantaskey

*Quote above used with permission

Nonfiction Picture Book Reviews

As part of the Non-Fiction Picture Book Challenge 2012 (Twitter: #nfpb2012), my goal is to read and review as many of the new non-fiction picture books that are released this year.  Wednesdays will be my primary day to post the reviews.  Don't forget to stop by The Nonfiction Detectives for their review and giveaway of A Nation of Hope by Matt de la Peña, Illustrated by Kadir Nelson.

If you are participating in the challenge and would like to link your recent reviews, please add your link to the Mr. Linky below.

As I started to read through several of the books on the January release list, I began to realize that many of them were filled with accurate facts, but were more a fictionalized account of the lives of famous individuals or retelling of a significant tradition set during a historical time period.  Some present things in a somewhat humorous manner and others take a more serious look at the event or person.  Each of the books listed below did include either a list of factual dates and other important information, or included reference material.  I am excited to add each of these to the school library, and believe that teachers and students will enjoy sharing them in class.
 

A Boy Called Dickens
Author: Deborah Hopkinson
Illustrator: John Hendrix
Publisher: Random House (January 10, 2012)
Audience: 2nd to 5th grade

Ever wonder who was Charles Dickens as a child and where he got his ideas for all of his books, Deborah Hopkinson obviously has.  In her book A Boy Called Dickens, she takes facts about Charles Dickens' childhood and creates a fictionalized story for those facts.  Written almost in the manner of a Dickens' book, Hopkinson captures the essence of Dickens' little known younger years and helps readers develop a connection as to what life experiences may have resulted in material for his future books.

I really loved John Hendrix's illustrations which complimented the text and conjured up images of how I imagined Dickens' London to look like if it were given an almost cartoon-like twist to them.  The additional layer of words and illustrations that incorporated images from scenes from Dickens' books made this enjoyable picture book more of a winner for me. 

Looking At Lincoln
Author/Illustrator: Maria Kalman
Publisher: Nancy Paulsen Books
Audience: 2nd to 5th grade

Starting with the penny and a five dollar bill, Maria Kalman introduces children to the 16th president in quirky but factual manner.  As with the previous title, there is an element of the story being fictionalized but there is accuracy in the facts of the story.  It was particularly interesting for me to pick up a couple of other picture books written at very different times and by very different authors and find that certain aspects of Lincoln's life was prominent in each of the books. 

The often humorous, yet touching look at the life and habits of Lincoln, including his relationship with his wife, and how he stored notes in his hat, made this important president seem even more humble and significant.  The illustrations also done by Kalman add to the feeling of the book, and I especially liked how she tied the story together at the end with the Lincoln Memorial.  Though I believe children ages 7 and up will enjoy the book, I do think the 2nd and 3rd graders may particularly connect to the illustrations and story format.

Those Rebels, Tom & John
Author: Barbara Kerley
Illustrator: Edwin Fotheringham
Publisher: Scholastic Press (January 1, 2012)
Audience: 2nd to 5th grade

Many children have heard of John Adams and Thomas Jefferson, but they may not be able to tell you much about these two important men.  Part biography, part history, this story seeks to provide information for children to better understand the personalities and contributions made by these two historical figures.  The book is filled with many facts which are compiled in a manner that will provide the reader(s) with historical information layered with humor.

There are several very good Revolutionary time period picture books that seek to provide background for students in a manner that is exciting rather than dry.    Fotheringham's cartoon-like illustrations compliment the text and make this one book to consider adding to your collection.

Ellen's Broom
Author: Kelly Starling Lynons
Illustrator: Daniel Minter
Publisher: Penguin (January 5, 2012)
Audience: 2nd to 5th grade

During slavery, African Americans were not allowed to be legally married.  A ceremony involving "jumping the broom" became the traditional way that slave couples would pledge themselves to one another.  In this post Civil War story, a young girl accompanies her parents as they register as lawful husband and wife.  This touching story is based on the author's own family history and shows pride and respect for the traditional customs that were created out of necessity while showing that there was an additional symbol of freedom in being able to participate in legal ceremonies that were once prohibited.  The decorating of the broom and returning it to it's place over the hearth connects the past with the future. 

Don't forget to check in next week, when there will be a special Nonfiction Picture Book giveaway.

It's Monday! What are you reading? Picture Books to YA (8)

It's Monday! What are you reading? is hosted by Sheila of Book Journey.  Jen & Kellee from 

Teach Mentor Texts have adapted this to focus on Picture Books to Young Adult Books.

Each week I'll recap what I've read/reviewed the week before 

and then look ahead to what I am planning on reading/reviewing in the upcoming week.

 

Last week's book adventures:

First week back to school and I still managed to do a pretty good job with my weekly reading.   

Here are some of my favorites from the week:

Early Reader -

Dodsworth in Rome by Tim Egan
This book is great! I love finding Early Readers that are enjoyable for both the child and the adult reading along.  I pulled copies of the series off the shelf and had my local bookseller read them.  I recommended them to lots of people this week.  This one is right up there with Frog & Toad and Mouse & Mole.  

Graphic Novels -

The Flying Beaver Brothers and the Evil Penguin Plan by Maxwell Eaton
Random House has another winner on it's hands with The Flying Beaver Brothers.  This series will appeal to fans of Babymouse and The Lunch Lady.  I can't wait to book talk this book.  I expect that it will never stay in the library for longer than it takes to check it out again by the next child in line.

Young Adult -

Cinder by Marissa Meyer
Cyborg Cinderella - Do I really need to say more?  Part fantasy, part dystopian, part sci-fi and all guilty pleasure.  Can't wait for the second book in the series. 

I was hoping to finish The Mighty Miss Malone by Christopher Paul Curtis this weekend, but I will certainly finish it today.  I am loving this one as well.

Newbery Challenge Update:
This week, I am finally going to start The Story of Mankind by Hendrik Willem Van Loon.  I have promised myself that I only need to read a chapter at a time.  I will do some updates as I go.

 
Caldecott Challenge Update:
As of Sunday, I have read 39 Caldecott winning picture books.  This is just a little bit over half the books.  I am hoping to do a vlog on my progress and some of my favorites this week.  My favorite from this past week was Kitten's First Full Moon (2005 Winner) by Kevin Henkes.  My favorite older one from the week was The Big Snow (1949 Winner) by Berta and Elmer Hader.  Since I am requesting these from the library, I have been reading them out of order.  However, I have tried to read oldest to newest in the pile that I receive each time. 

Upcoming book adventures:
My goal this week is to continue to search for non-fiction books that have been recently released as well as read one Middle Grade Novel and one Young Adult novel.  Check in on Wednesday to for the non-fiction picture book version of What are you reading?

So, what are you reading this week? 

Please share! And remember to check in at Sheila's or Jen & Kellee's blog to see what they and others are reading!

Dreaming of Books Giveaway Hop

Thank you to Kathy from I am a Reader, Not a Writer and Martha from Reviews by Martha's Bookshelf for co-hosting this giveaway hop.  Since this is a giveaway hop, don't forget to check the links to more giveaways.

I have decided to giveaway three of my favorite new releases.  There will be three winners selected (one for each book). 

Plant a Kiss by Amy Krouse Rosenthal

The Mighty Miss Malone by Christopher Paul Curtis

Cinder by Marissa Meyer

Giveaway Rules:

1. Though comments are very much appreciated, please do not enter any personal information in the comments section (including your email, website, etc.).  If you do enter personal information, you comment will not be posted.
  

2.  You must complete the Entry Form to officially enter the contest.

3.  The Contest runs from 12:00 a.m. Pacific Time on January 13, 2012 to 11:59 p.m. Pacific Time on January 18, 2012.

4.  You must be 13 or older to participate in this contest.

5.  If you are selected as a winner, I will notify you by e-mail.  If you do not respond within 48 hours, I will select a new winner.

6.  International participants are welcome to enter the contest.

What are you reading? Non-fiction Picture Book Reviews

As part of the Non-Fiction Picture Book Challenge 2012 (Twitter: #nfpb2012), I am going to attempt to read and review as many of the new non-fiction picture books that are released this year.  Wednesdays will be my primary day to post the reviews.  If you are participating in the challenge and would like to link your recent reviews, please add your link to the Mr. Linky below.  

Here Comes the Girl Scouts: The Amazing All-True Story of Juliette "Daisy" Gordon Low and Her Great Adventure
Author: Shana Corey
Illustrator: Hadley Hooper
Publisher: Scholastic Press (January 1, 2012)
Audience:

In honor of the 100th anniversary of the Girl Scouts, there were likely be a number of books coming out for all age readers.  However, I feel like I have already stumbled upon the best one and there is still another 3 months to go until the official anniversary date of March 12th.  Corey tells the delightful story of Juliette "Daisy" Gordon Low who lived at the end of the 19th Century and into the early 20th century.  Low was way ahead of her time in how she viewed life, especially the role women could play in it.  During her travels, Daisy discovered a group called the Boy Scouts and their sister group called Girl Guides in England.  Daisy came back to the United States and on March 12, 1912 began the first Girl Scout meeting.  Corey's narrative text is punctuated with highlighted words and side comments.  Hooper captures the spirit of this adventurous woman and the era she lived in through her illustrations.

I had to pick this book up immediately upon seeing it.  I am already schedule to read it to the two Daisy Troops we have at the school.  Can't wait to see what they think of the book.  

We March
Author/Illustrator: Shane W. Evans
Publisher: Roaring Brook Press (January 3, 2012)
Audience:Ages 5 and up

I first discovered Shane W. Evans' work about a year ago when his book Underground: Finding the Light to Freedom came out.  I was struck by the powerful simplicity of both his text and illustrations.  We March is done in a similar manner.  The focus of the story - the march from the Washington Monument to Lincoln Memorial where Martin Luther King, Jr. on August 28, 1963 delivered his "I have a Dream" speech.  The book provides readers with a sense of the emotions experienced particularly by the youngest participants of the event.  A great book to share with young children when talking about Martin Luther King, Jr.
 

Jazz Age Josephine: Dancer, Singer--Who's that, who? Why that's Miss Josephine, to you!
Author: Jonah Winter
Illustrator: Marjorie Priceman
Publisher: Atheneum Books for Young Readers (January 3, 2012)
Audience:

From the cover, I knew this would be a fun read.  The team of Winter and Priceman match rhythmic text with sassy illustrations for a story that honors the uniqueness of entertainer, Josephine Baker.  After finishing Jazz Age Josephine, I kept thinking that I wanted to hear an audio recording of this book.  The illustrations that accompany the text are fun, quirky, and energetic. The text consequently reads like it should be read with a particular rhythm or voice, a jazzy/scat voice.  An enjoyable biographical picture book to add to a library collection.