Ruby Red

Ruby Red
Kerstin Gier
336 pages
Middle School+

Gwyneth lives in her cousin's shadow.  Her cousin Charlotte is the one destined for greatness, for time travel and the family legacy. When Charlotte starts having pre-time travel symptoms, the entire family is excited.

But then Gwyneth gets a headache and is dizzy.  And then it happens- she travels back in time.  Confused and unprepared, she eventually makes it back to her time.  When she tells her mother about it, the entire extended family is in an uproar.  This wasn't supposed to happen

Thrown into intrigue, family politics and secrets, Gwyneth feels lost.  Not only does she have this strange talent, but Charlotte now hates her, Gwyneth's time travelling companion is a snob, and there is far more to traveling back in time than just dressing right.  And when her carriage is waylaid, everything starts going topsy turvy.

This book and story line has tons of potential!  I like the idea, I like the little pieces of back story that we get, and love all the potential that it has for more books.  Great way to start a series!

I did feel that this lacked a little.  I don't know if this is from the translation from German, or something else, but I didn't feel like it quite filled all the potential that it has.  This book is obviously setting up more books, and I feel like there was almost too much "set-up" and not enough action in this one.   Even the action was limited, short and not all that interesting.  To me, not enough happened in this book.

Overall, interesting book.  I'm kind of torn on if I will recommend it or not. While it does have lots of potential, and I probably will read the next one, I think I will wait until after reading it to see if I like the series and will recommend it or not.  Fun book, lots of possibility, but needs more to be a fulfilling read to me.

Hereville: How Mirka Got Her Sword

Hereville: How Mirka Got Her Sword
By Barry Deutsch
144 pages
Elementary+

Mirka is spunky, often fantasizing about dragons and swords.  She lives with her family, does her chores (not always with a smile), and tries to learn how to knit.  Life seems pretty boring and sometimes useless.

But then Mirka eats a grape.  But not just any grape, a giant grape from a pig's garden.  The pig is extremely upset that she has taken one of his grapes, and chases her down until he gets an apology.  This starts a string of strange events, involving the pig who talks, a witch and even a troll.  But how is she going to defeat a troll?  And why should her mother know how?

So, I thought this book as alright, but not spectacular.  The story is interesting, but not absorbing.  The characters seemed a little flat and don't change or grow throughout the story much.  The illustrations were alright, but I dislike the monochromatic nature.  I did like the change between the orange and purple for various parts of the story, but the orange strained my eyes and is not my favorite color to read.

I did like that this explained various phrases and and customs unique to the Orthodox Jews.  Gave a little insight to the culture in an unexpected format.  While not entirely a "study" of their culture, added a little depth to the setting of the story.

Overall, good, but not great.  I did like how Mirka overcame obstacles she faced, from bullies and witches to ogres!  Definitely not your typical heroine, but still fun.  Not sure who to recommend this too, as it is just different enough from many standard genres- not what I would really call fantasy, but more magic than realistic fiction.  Okay book, not terrible, just not my favorite.

The Strange Case of Origami Yoda

The Strange Case of Origami Yoda
by Tom Angleberger
141 pages
Elementary+

Sixth-grader Tommy has a mystery to solve: is Origami Yoda real?  Sitting on Dwight's finger, Yoda seems much more intelligent and aware of everything than Dwight ever was.  In his screechy little voice, Yoda answers questions, gives advice and helps the other kids make it through the day.

But how can a dweeb like Dwight answer these questions?  Or does Origami Yoda really have the Force with him?  And above all, does Sara really like Tommy?  And why does Tommy need to learn how to dance the Twist?

This was such a fun book to read!  While told mostly from Tommy's view, there are several chapters "written" by the other kids at school with them, giving variety to the novel.  Plus, each chapter is fairly short, so it is really fast to read. Very fun narrative style!  If they liked Diary of a Wimpy Kid, they will like this!

Definitely a lot of themes that kids will relate too.  School cliches are very present, as well as jocks, pretty girls, and the everyone else.  I like the fact that Tommy has the same insecurities as a lot of kids that age- not really sure if he should ask a girl to dance, not wanting to look like a dork in front of everyone, and so one.  Very realistic portrayal of kids that age and what they worry about.

Anyways, very fun book!  Quick read, yet has great message and lots of humor to entertain the kids.  I recommend this book all the time!

The Name of the Wind

The Name of the Wind
by Patrick Rothfuss
661 pages
High School+

Kote appears to be inn keeper, new to town but starting to blend in with everyone else.  He and his servant Bast serve the small community and live in relative peace, away from the rest of the war torn world.  Out there are rumors of war coming closer, plus demons or worse roaming the land.  Here, the biggest gossip is if the crops will grow or not.

Then one night, one of the regulars shows up with something very irregular- a strange, large spider-like creature.  Convinced it is a demon, the town people burn and bury it as fast as they can.  Instead of being scared of it, Kote seems resigned at it's appearance.  Bast finds him, a few mornings later, coming through the door bloodied and carrying a wounded stranger.  Realizing that the monster was only one of a pack, Kote took care of the rest and rescued a traveler in the process.

This traveler isn't just any random person, but the Chronicler, someone who records the lives of remarkable people.  He has searched for Kote, or as he was better known Kvothe.  Rumors abound about him, his powers, his background and more. The Chronicler wants to record Kote's story, let the world know what truth lies behind the rumors.  Kote tells him to leave, that this is all put behind him, but the Chronicler insists.  Gradually, Kote relents and starts to tell his story.

This begins the tale of Kvothe- wanderer, son of a preforming troupe, homeless boy, and youngest student at the university.  Incredibly intelligent, he stuns the magistrates into letting him into university and makes both friends and enemies there.  Adventure, mystery and magic intertwine to weave Kvothe's story.  Woven with events at his inn, thus begins an epic tale of love, growing up, and revenge.

Can I just say wow...  I loved it!  It's been awhile since I've read a pure fantasy (not werewolves, vampires, or modernly set fantasy) and I really enjoyed this.  More complex than most teen fantasies, but not so overly complicated like the high fantasy you often find in adult areas.  This is a great mid-point between the two levels (teen and adult).  I had a hard time putting it down, going to work and not being able to read it.  The characters and the plot just really captured my attention and got me involved in the story.  So good!

I really liked the story structure- we see this inn keeper, and slowly that there is more to him than meets the eye.  Then he starts telling his own story and it was amazing.  Fun to see the character he is now, know the rumors about what he was, and also see how he began.  Kind of an inside-out story telling model, but it helps increase the tension and expectation of the reader.  Obviously the first in a series since there's several story lines that are not completely ended.  I need to find the next and start reading it!

For my library friends- very fun little scene near the end about libraries.  Kvothe is in a library, and can't seem to find anything.  He and a friend have a discussion about organization that too me back to library school!  Just a little bonus in an already fun book!

Overall- Go read it!  If you like fantasy, but don't want to read about werewolves and vampires, then pick this up.  This is definitely high school to adult, for language and for complexity.  I can see both girls and boys enjoying this..  Loved it! Hope you do too!

Cardboard

Cardboard
by Doug TenNapel
288 pages
Late Elementary+

Cam and his dad Mike have it tough.  Cam's mom is dead, Mike can't find work even though he tries, and the best thing he can afford for Cam's birthday is a cardboard box.  Despite the weird guy that sells it to him, Mike takes the box home, and together they create a cardboard boxer they name Bill.

But everything changes when Bill comes to life.  Quirky and not quite sure to make of his new life, Bill pushes forward with enthusiasm.  Instant friends with Cam, they make the kid across the street, Marcus, jealous of the awesome (no batteries needed!) toy that Cam has.  When Marcus steels the remaining cardboard pieces to make his own creations, things start getting a little out of hand.

I liked this book a lot!  The illustrations are colorful and expressive, without being too busy or dark.  Despite the prevalence of cardboard, I'm not overwhelmed by tan- the artist finds ways to incorporate lots of colors even when cardboard takes over the world.  There is texture and motion in the pictures that drawers the reader in.

I also really like the story line.  It subtly deals with several issues such as Cam's dead mother, Mike's lack of a job, stretching money when things are thin, friendship and betrayal.  All these things are woven into the story- the reader sees them, and sees the characters dealing with them.  I think that is important- not just that the issues are present, but the the characters are interacting with these issues: Mike is trying to get work but not having success, they eat mac n cheese for dinner (frequently from implications), and they even discuss the mom a little.  It's not distant issues, but very real and involving in their lives.

One of the things I like the most about the story is the relationship between Cam and Marcus.  They start out not friendly at all, have trials to their very weak friendship, and they talk about those weaknesses.  As things that happen in the book kind of throw them together, they start seeing each other clearer, and find they need each other.  Not your typical beginning to a friendship, but kind of more realistic than some portrayals.

Overall, good book!  It's a little bigger than some graphic novels aimed at kids plus has some issues more suited to slightly older kids, so I would say late elementary and middle school.  Boys will get a kick of this book, as well as girls.  Expect them to make things with cardboard if you read it to them!  Have fun!

Animals! Another Book List

Animal Books

Love animals?  These various stories are everything from their caretakers to what happens when animals talk!  Both touching stories and adventure can be found here!  This list covers a wide range of ages, so you are sure to find something that you like!

The One and Only Ivan

Katherine Applegate

The Tale of Despereaux

Kate DiCamillo

King of the Wind

Marguetire Henry

Hoot

Carl Hiaasen

Bunnicula: A Rabbit-Tale of Mystery

Deborah Howe

Into the Wild (Book 1 of Warriors series)

Erin Hunter

Mossflower (Redwall series)

Brian Jacques

The Capture (Book 1 of the Guardians of Ga’hoole)

Kathryn Lasky

Urchin of the Riding Stars (Book 1 of the Mistmantle Chronicles)

M. I. McAllister

An Elephant in the Garden

Michael Morpurgo

First Test

Tamora Pierce

The White Giraffe

Lauren St. John

Scorpio Races

Maggie Stiefvater

Dealing with Dragons

Dealing with Dragons: Book One of the Enchanted Forest Chronicles
by Patricia C. Wrede
240 pages

Cimorene is a princess, but doesn't act like one.  Instead of blond, beautiful hair, she has dark, curly, unruly hair.  She learns fencing, not needlepoint.  She prefers cooking to courtly manners, and even badgers the court magician into teaching her a few spells.  Finally having enough of her rash behavior, her father starts arranging a marriage for her.  Rather than face a marriage to some snobby prince, she runs off.

After getting some mysterious advise from frog, Cimorene decides to follow it.  After all, not following advice gets you in trouble.  After knocking and snapping her fingers, Cimorene enters a small cottage only to hear some voices deciding her fate.  One wants to eat her, one doesn't really care, and one wants to keep her.  After arguing, the voice that wants to keep her wins, and Cimorene is surprised to see the voice belongs to a dragon.  While belonging to a dragon seems far better than being eaten by one, she is still not quite sure what being a dragon's princess entails.

After a few weeks, Cimorene has never been happier.  She organizes treasure, cooks cherries jubilee, and even visits giants!  But princes have been showing up to try and rescue her.  Quite put out by their efforts (she enjoys serving a dragon!), she plots and plans ways to get the princes to leave her alone.  But she is not the only one with plots and plans.  Wizards, dragons and witches all play parts in a plot to overthrow the dragon king!

I love this book, plus the series that follows!  Lots of humor, wit and drama (but not on Cimorene's part).  Definitely the rebel princess, Cimorene is practical, honest, and straightforward.  She is clever, funny and lots of fun to read about!

This is a great book for kids, late elementary and up.  The action is fast, the dialogue funny, and the plot line is great.  I have loved this book for a long time, and like to reread it every now and then.  Great book!  One I love to recommend to people!