The Books of Umber Trilogy

By P.W. Catanese

Twelve-year-old Happenstance awakens in a cave with no memory of who he is or how he came to be there. Soon a mysterious trio arrives to take him away: the explorer Umber, the shy archer Sophie, and Oates, whose strength and honesty are both brutal. Hap and his new acquaintances narrowly escape the cavernous underworld and make their way to Lord Umber’s bustling jewel of a harbor city, Kurahaven.

Once there, Hap learns that Lord Umber is an extraordinary man—he’s a merchant, adventurer, inventor, royal adviser, and chronicler of all things monstrous and magical. But Umber’s accomplishments can’t answer the question closest to the boy’s heart: Who is Happenstance?

Desperate to uncover clues in his new, baffling surroundings, Hap accompanies Umber on dangerous and unusual missions. But Hap soon learns that there are powerful enemies inside the kingdom, and a ruthless assassin is hot on his trail. Faced with many unknowns, Hap knows one thing is certain: There’s a reason Umber has chosen him…if only he could determine it.

I’m reviewing this as the entire trilogy, which I normally don’t do, but I read them in quick succession and felt like it would be better to just review this series as a whole rather than in parts. That being said, I adored the first book and its odd plot and many mysteries. I needed to know who Hap was and why he was different. I was hooked pretty early on in the series, and also enjoyed the cast of characters presented. Umber was the consummate lovable genius with a band of misfits as his friends. I moved on quickly through the second book, which resolved some things and brought up even more questions. I was still hooked and enjoying the world that I was beginning to feel comfortable in. Now, the third book deviates quite jarringly from the first two, so much so that I was left feeling bereft of the character growth that had happened in the first installments. Without divulging any spoilers, I will say that my level of disappointment was crushing. It felt like all the plot, the mystery, and the wants and needs of the protagonist were set up as a neat wholesome meal on a table and then quite deliberately wiped off the table to the ground. Dismayed at this turn of events, I cannot really recommend this book because the end was so unsatisfying, sad, and lackluster. It not only changed in tone and purpose, but felt rushed like the author had gotten tired of writing. I’m incredibly sad about this, and I do understand that decisions were made about the story that I’m sure he felt were right, but it ended up making this avid reader confused and let down.

I give it a 3 out of 5- if not for the ending it would’ve been much higher.  

Switch

By Ingrid Law

Gypsy Beaumont has always been a whirly-twirly free spirit, so as her thirteenth birthday approaches, she hopes to get a magical ability that will let her fly, or dance up to the stars. Instead, she wakes up on her birthday to blurry vision…and starts seeing flashes of the future and past. But when Momma and Poppa announce that her very un-magical, downright mean Grandma Pat has Alzheimer’s and is going to move in with them, Gypsy’s savvy—along with her family’s—suddenly becomes its opposite. Now it’s savvy mayhem as Gypsy starts freezing time, and no one could have predicted what would happen on their trip to bring Grandma Pat home…not even Gypsy.

This has been a long time coming! I’m so glad that Ingrid Law is continuing the stories of the Beaumont family and the Savvy world. The special thing about her books is that they aren’t just about fantastical powers or crazy plots, they’re ultimately about finding your true self. Gypsy is a free spirit, utterly unique and a bright spot in her family, but coming up on her 13^th Savvy birthday Gypsy is not only wondering what her Savvy will be, but is dealing with how others see and treat her. Trying to be ‘normal’ and have friends makes her shrink a little from who she really is, and she has a tough choice to make; be whirly-twirly self, or someone who doesn’t stand out, but is accepted in society. True to form, while tackling this question, all kinds of havoc is wreaked as Gypsy gets her Savvy and the family goes through yet another change with Grandma Pat coming to live with them. The result is another Beaumont road trip. If you’ve read Savvy and Scumble, (And if you haven’t, please please do!) you won’t be disappointed in Law’s third book.

I give it a 3.75 out of 5

The Imaginary

By A.F. Harold

Rudger is Amanda Shuffleup’s imaginary friend. Nobody else can see Rudger—until the evil Mr. Bunting arrives at Amanda’s door. Mr. Bunting hunts imaginaries. Rumor has it that he even eats them. And now he’s found Rudger.

Soon Rudger is alone, and running for his imaginary life. He needs to find Amanda before Mr. Bunting catches him—and before Amanda forgets him and he fades away to nothing. But how can an unreal boy stand alone in the real world?

This is a quick little read, probably focused at older elementary aged children, but I was surprised to find a dark undertone to this book. Mr. Bunting (this has to have a reference to the nursery rhyme right?) is a man who eats imaginary friends. This story is all about Rudger, an imaginary who has lost his friend and is being hunted by Mr. Bunting. It’s a bittersweet story about imagination, growing up, and knowing when to let go and when to hang on tight.

I give it a 3 out of 5- average. 

Mechanica

By Betsy Cornwell

Nicolette’s awful stepsisters call her ‘mechanica’ to demean her, but the nickname fits: she learned to be an inventor at her mother’s knee. Her mom is gone now, though, and the Steps have pushed her into a life of dreary servitude. When she discovers a secret workshop in the cellar on her sixteenth birthday—and befriends Jules, a tiny magical metal horse—Nicolette starts to imagine a new life for herself. And the timing may be perfect: there’s a technological exposition and a royal ball on the horizon. Determined to invent her own happily-ever-after, Mechanica seeks to wow the prince and eager entrepreneurs alike.

There are literally hundreds of different retellings of Cinderella, and being the avid fairy-tale connoisseur that I am, how can I turn down a steam-punk version of the famous story? Mechanica is interesting because of the machines and world that was built to house a mechanical genius Cinderella. One of the more interesting aspects of the world building here is that there are still fairies and magic, but the mechanical is where the humans lean, and the mixture of the two is considered treasonous. While this version has all of the classic themes, like a ball, slipper, fairy godmother, and the stepmother and sisters, it has plenty of originality and a great twist ending that made this a really fun read. If you enjoy retellings as much as me, this one is worth a gander.

I give it a 3.5 out of 5 

The One Thing

By Marci Lyn Curtis

Maggie Sanders might be blind but she won’t invite anyone to her pity party. Ever since losing her sight six months ago, Maggie’s rebellious streak has taken on a life of its own, culminating with an elaborate school prank. Maggie called it genius. The judge called it illegal. Now Maggie has a probation officer. But she isn’t interested in rehabilitation, not when she’s still mourning the loss of her professional-soccer dreams, and furious at her so-called friends, who lost interest in her as soon as she could no longer lead the team to victory. Then Maggie’s whole world is turned upside down. Somehow, incredibly, she can see again. But only one person: Ben, a precocious ten-year-old unlike anyone she’s ever met. Ben’s life isn’t easy, but he doesn’t see limits, only possibilities. After awhile, Maggie starts to realize that losing her sight doesn’t have to mean losing everything she dreamed of. Even if what she’s currently dreaming of is mason Milton, the magnetic lead singer of Maggie’s new favorite band, who just happens to be Ben’s brother. But when she learns the real reason she can see Ben, Maggie must find the courage to face a once-unimaginable future…before she loses everything she has grown to love.

I read this with high expectations, and was a tad let down. The interesting thing about this book, the mystery that you keep reading trying to figure out (why Maggie can see Ben and no one else) is a let-down. While you do find out why she can see Ben, it’s a superficial explanation and doesn’t really answer ‘how’. This is a story that isn’t concerned with detailing the fantasy aspect of the novel, but focuses on the moral and coming-of-age implications of the plot. I found that irritating and a cop-out. Even a one paragraph explanation of how she can see Ben would’ve made me a lot happier. With that said, I did enjoy learning a little more about blindness and how people are taught to live with it and function as normally as they can. I enjoy learning that way and was intrigued when I came across information I didn’t know. The love story was okay, but this was more of Maggie’s story of learning to live with a disability that changed her dreams and focus in life. It was pretty run of the mill for a YA novel though. Nothing really exciting or noteworthy.

I give it a 3 out of 5

Guitar Notes

By Mary Amato

On odd days, Tripp uses a school practice room to let loose on a borrowed guitar. Eyes closed, strumming that beat-up instrument, Tripp escapes to a world where only the music matters.

On even days, Lyla Marks uses the same practice room. To Tripp, she’s trying to become even more perfect—she’s already a straight-A student and an award-winning cellist. But when Lyla begins leaving notes for him in between the strings of the guitar, his life intersects with hers in a way he never expected.

What starts as a series of snippy notes quickly blossoms into the sharing of interests and secrets and dreams, and the forging of a very unlikely friendship.

Challenging each other to write songs, they begin to connect, even though circumstances threaten to tear them apart.

From beloved author Mary Amato comes a YA novel of wit and wisdom, both heartfelt and heartbreaking, about the power of music and the unexpected chords that draw us together.

This was a surprise. A good surprise. I enjoyed the story, and found myself smiling at the notes these two teens left each other, which started out snotty, then sarcastic, then teasing, then just friendly. I loved how music was what both brought them into each other’s radar, and also healed both of them from their own problems. Being a music lover this was great and made me wish my small hands could play the guitar. Best part of the book: They did not fall in love. This may be a negative to a lot of people, but for me it was perfect. They really love each other, but it’s because they made a connection that could turn into something more, but for this book, it’s that fierce love that comes with true friendship. I was also excited to find out after I read the book that you can go online and download the songs that Lyla and Tripp write! I spent at least 2 weeks listening to the songs. I loved them all, but the Pomegranate waltz and Tripp’s last song were my favorites.  This was a coming of age story, a friendship story, and a story about being who you are and doing what you love.

I give it a 4.25 out of 5

Atlantia

By Ally Condie

Can you hear Atlantia Breathing?

For as long as she can remember, Rio has dreamed of the sand and sky Above—of life beyond her underwater city of Atlantia. But in a single moment, all Rio’s hopes for the future are shattered when her twin sister, Bay, makes an unexpected choice, stranding Rio Below. Alone, ripped away from the last person who knew Rio’s true self—and the powerful siren voice she has long silenced—she has nothing left to lose.

Guided by a dangerous and unlikely mentor, Rio formulates a plan that leads to increasingly treacherous questions about her mother’s death, her own destiny, and the corrupted system constructed to govern the Divide between land and sea. Her life and her city depend on Rio to listen to the voices of the past and to speak long-hidden truths.

Ally has a truly beautiful way of writing in this latest novel. It’s as if we hear a singing melodic voice as we journey with Rio, who has spent her life hiding her true voice. This is an introspective novel, one that focuses, not on the world Rio inhabits, but on her own self-discovery and growth. I’ve seen many negative reviews stating that this novel is boring and the world building is non-existent. These reviews miss the crux of this novel in my opinion. Atlantia is a novel about family, about sacrifice and about learning to find yourself and love who you are despite everything else. I really resonated with this book, which pulled at my heart in the simplistic way that Ally was able to bring Rio’s inner struggles to life. Can you hear Atlantia breathing? That’s what the flow and tone of this book was like, at times it breathed quietly, other times it wheezed and strained, sometimes it screamed for air, and then you are breathing quietly once more. The simple beauty of this book is like feeling the sunlight on your face in the middle of winter, something you have to stop and be still to appreciate fully. It’s lovely.

I give it a 4 out of 5 

Awaken

By Katie Kacvinsky

Maddie lives in a world where everything is done on the computer. Whether it’s to go to school or on a date, people don’t venture out of their home. There’s really no need. For the most part, Maddie’s okay with the solitary, digital life—until she meets Justin. Justin likes being with people. He enjoys the physical closeness of face-to-face interactions. People aren’t meant to be alone, he tells her. Suddenly, Maddie feels something awakening inside her—a feeling that maybe there is a different, better way to live. But with society and her parents telling her otherwise, Maddie is going to have to learn to stand up for herself if she wants to change the path her life is taking. In this not so brave new world, two young people struggle to carve out their own space.

The message in this book is a good one, and I was anticipating it crossing the line of being preachy, but Katie Kacvinsky does an admirable job of keeping things professional and not getting on a soap box. Maddie is a girl who’s been shut in a cage, and meeting Justin allowed her to start to open the door and stretch wings she never knew she had. This is a story about how isolating technology can be if we allow it to control our lives, and the dangers of letting a computer become your life. Justin is the flip side in the story, he’s a man on a mission: he wants to find those who will fight against over-using technology and bring them to safety. He didn’t bet on meeting Maddie, one of the most important converts he could’ve made, and he never would’ve guessed she’d make him feel the way he feels when she’s around. Maddie loves Justin and his enthusiasm for life, and Justin loves watching Maddie become more and more of herself. This is a journey of discovery as well as a dangerous adventure.

Content warning: teen making out and intimacy.

I give it a 3.25 out of 5- a little above average.

Eldest

By Christopher Paolini

Darkness falls…despair abounds…evil reigns…

Eragon and his dragon, Saphira, have just saved the rebel state from destruction by the mighty forces of King Galbatorix, cruel ruler of the Empire. Now Eragon must travel to Ellesmera, land of the elves, for further training in the skills of the Dragon Rider: magic and swordsmanship. Soon he is on the journey of a lifetime, his eyes open to awe-inspiring new places and people, his days filled with fresh adventure. But chaos and betrayal plague him at every turn, and nothing is what it seems. Before long, Eragon doesn’t know whom he can trust.

Meanwhile, his cousin Roran must fight a new battle—one that might put Eragon in even graver danger.

Will the king’s dark hand strangle all resistance? Eragon may not escape with even his life…

This has been on my list of books to read since the movie Eragon came out nearly 10 years ago. It took a little time for me to get into the story, but I found myself so annoyed with Eragon’s side of the story that if it weren’t for Roran’s story, I never would have finished it. Eragon’s side is so clichéd and over-fantastical that I was rolling my eyes at every turn and gagging at Eragon’s weird obsessive crush on Arya. The ease with which Eragon is able to overcome the challenges in front of him made me cringe. Let’s throw magic at the problem and make everything all better! Sheesh. But then there is Roran’s story of how he becomes a freaking awesome character. Roran should be the protagonist. He’s the boss. He leads the people and saves lives, he comes out on top in a horrible situation. I loved reading his part of the story, in fact I’d tell you to read this just for his side of things. I can suffer through Eragon’s stupidity for Roran’s leadership and passion.

I give it a 3.5 out of 5- but only because of Roran

To Kill a Mockingbird

By Harper Lee

A gripping, heart-wrenching, and wholly remarkable tale of coming-of-age in a South poisoned by virulent prejudice, it views a world of great beauty and savage inequities through the eyes of a young girl, as her father, a crusading lawyer, risks everything to defend a black man unjustly accused of a terrible crime.

This was one of those books I’d had read aloud to me in school, but I never have been a good auditory learner, so of course most of this novel was fuzzy, so I decided to read it once more. I now understand fully why this is a classic. It was an amazing idea to tell this story through the eyes of little Scout Finch. Like many authors since, tackling such a touchy subject as racism through the eyes of an innocent and unbiased child is a smart move. This is a coming of age tale as much as a tale about integrity and justice. There’s a reason why Atticus Finch is synonymous with integrity. This is one of those books that everyone should read once in their lives.

It gets a 4.25 out of 5

Breadcrumbs

By Anne Ursu

Once upon a time, Hazel and Jack were best friends. They had been best friends since they were six, spending hot Minneapolis summers and cold Minneapolis winters together, dreaming of Hogwarts and Oz, superheroes and baseball. Now that they were eleven, it was weird for a boy and girl to be best friends. But they couldn’t help it—Hazel and Jack fit, in that way you only read about in books. And they didn’t fit anywhere else.

And then, one day, it was over. Jack just stopped talking to Hazel. And while her mom tried to tell her that this sometimes happens to boys and girls at this age, hazel had read enough stories to know that it’s never that simple. And it turns out, she was right. Jack’s heart had been frozen, and he was taken into the woods by a woman dressed in white to live in a palace made of ice. Now, it’s up to hazel to venture into the woods after him. Hazel find, however that these woods are nothing like what she’s read about, and the Jack that Hazel went in to save isn’t the same Jack that will emerge. Or even the same Hazel.

I was excited to find this modern retelling of Hans Christian Andersen’s The Snow Queen because it is my favorite of his fairytales. This was a very interesting perspective on the story because it focuses more on how people grow apart and how they grow up and out of things. Hazel seems to get left behind while Jack moves on and inexplicably becomes mean to her and starts playing with other people. They used to be best friends. Everyone tries to tell her that this happens, but she can’t believe it. She’s convinced that Jack has been cursed. This story is dream-like in the telling and a great example of a coming-of-age tale. This book is one that I’ve noticed that people either think is amazing or they simply don’t like it. I was on the fence about it to be honest. I was wanting more fairytale and magic than it offered so I was disappointed. The tone felt more like Alice in Wonderland and I’m still not sure if parts of it were a dream or reality. Overall it’s a good read and well written and thought out. You can tell while reading that Anne Ursu put a lot of heart into the story.

I give it a 3.25 out of  5 simply because it wasn’t my cup of tea, but it was a really neat idea.

Entwined

By Heather Dixon

Come and mend your broken hearts here. In this retelling of the classic tale “The Twelve Dancing Princesses,” the eldest princess must fight to save her family—and her heart—from an ancient dark magic within the palace walls.

Just when Azalea should feel that everything is before her—beautiful gowns, dashing suitors, balls filled with dancing—it’s taken away. All of it. And azalea is trapped. The Keeper understands. He’s trapped, too, held for centuries within the walls of the palace. So he extends an invitation.

Every night, Azalea and her eleven sisters may step through the enchanted passage in their room to dance in his silver forest, but there is a cost. The Keeper likes to keep things. Azalea may not realize how tangled she is in his web until it is too late.

So, I may have read this 2 or 3 times already since I first discovered it early in 2014. I adore this version of the Twelve Dancing Princesses because it is more than just a fairy tale and a romance. It’s about family and what loss can do to a family. The relationship between the girls and their father is central to the story and one that fascinated me and had me cheering for them all. Each of the girls has a distinct personality, though it still is a whirlwind to try and distinguish the younger girls from each other, though this is the absolute best version I’ve ever read for really disentangling the sisters so they don’t meld together. Azalea is a wonderful protagonist, and you can just tell she’s the eldest. Bramble is so stubborn and headstrong that she either makes you laugh or cringe at her antics. The characters are so dear that you’ll be in love with all of them come the end of the novel and the resolution to the curse that comes upon the princesses in the form of a malicious man they know as Keeper. And what fairy tale is complete without a prince? Okay, Mr. Bradford isn’t a prince, but he should be! I love him, and there are other love stories in here than just Azalea’s too! Oh this book was delicious to read. Major love Heather Dixon. I fist bump you across the internet.

This gets a 4.5 out of 5

P.S. Heather has an awesome blog that you should go check out. She is my kind of people. go to http://story-monster.blogspot.com

Just Ella

By Annette K. Larsen

Ariella was only looking for a distraction, something to break up the monotony of palace life. What she found was a young man willing to overlook her title and show her a new and vibrant way of life. But when her growing feelings for Gavin spiral out of control and clash with the expectations of her station, she will discover that the consequences of her curiosity are far more severe than she’d imagined.

I went into reading this book thinking I was getting a lovely little fluff piece about a swollen-headed princess that learns peasants are people too. Wrongo-bongo. This is one of my favorites of its genre now that I’ve found it, and I have a gap on my shelf waiting for it. Just Ella is not a story about Cinderella, it’s a story about a girl who feels alone because she is royalty and looks everywhere for a friend. She is destined to be queen one day, and feels the pressure and loneliness keenly. One day she meets gardener Gavin, who treats her kindly and like a person not just a princess. Of course, inevitably, they fall in love. But is this the whole story? No. This next part is what made me love this book and set it apart as one of the best of its genre. This book features love, as life features love, but it is ultimately about a girl trying to discover who she is and let things take place when and where they should. It’s a coming-of-age as much as it is a romance. The characters are incredibly fleshed out, especially Ella and Gavin. This is the kind of romance that feels truly real, not fairy-tale, not perfect, but because it isn’t a perfect fall into place tale, it makes it perfect! Oxymoron, maybe, but boy does it work! If you love princess stories, good writing, great characters, and a story about courage, love, strength, and sacrifice, this is the book for you. I was so surprised and fell in love with Ella’s story. Well done Ms. Larsen. Well done. You’ve got a fan.

This gets a 4.5 out of 5- yes I wasn’t lying when I said it is fantastic!

Palace of Stone

By Shannon Hale

Coming down from the mountain to a new life in the city seems a thrill beyond imagining. When Miri and her friends from Mount Eskel set off to help the future princess Britta prepare for her royal wedding, she is happy about her chance to attend school in the capital city. There, Miri befriends students who seems so sophisticated and exciting…until she learns that they have some frightening plans. They think that Miri will help them, that she should help them. Soon Miri fiinds herself torn between loyalty to the princess and her new friends’ ideas, between an old love and a new crush,k and between her small mountain home and the bustling city.

I meant to read this when it first came out but couldn’t really get in the mood. Even when I did read it it took forever for me to really get into the story, which is abnormal for me with a book by Shannon Hale, who is fantastic. Needless to say, I liked the original MUCH better. Miri irritated me because, once more, she has Peder there and is crushing on a stranger and doubting Peder’s affection. The actual political shenanigans and plot line was good. Typical of Shannon Hale to have it perfectly hashed out and wrap it up in a bow. Love that, also the fact that I am never quite sure how it’s going to work out is a plus.

I give it a 3 out of 5

Esperanza Rising

By Pam Munoz Ryan

Esperanza thought she’d always live with her family on their ranch in Mexico—she’d always have fancy dresses, a beautiful home, and servants. But a sudden tragedy forces Esperanza and Mama to flee to California during the Great Depression, and to settle in a camp for Mexican farm workers. Esperanza isn’t ready for the hard labor, financial struggles, or lack of acceptance she now faces. When their new life is threatened, Esperanza must find a way to rise above her difficult circumstances—Mama’s life, and her own, depend on it.

 

I’ve been told to read this again and again and I finally got to it. I can tell why so many people told me to read it, and I’m fairly certain it has won awards, but not sure which. It’s the story of a rich Mexican girl turned poor immigrant to America that has to work as a laborer when her father is murdered in Mexico and her mother falls ill when they reach America. Esperanza means Hope rising.  This historical text is definitely about hope and rising above your circumstances. It was touching and educated me about a part of American history I didn’t know much about. I enjoyed the incorporation of Spanish words and culture as well. It’s a great book for kids and adults that enjoy historical fiction and coming-of-age novels.

 

I give it a 3.75 out of 5 but it’s dangerously close to a 4

The Book Thief

By Marcus Zusak

It’s just a small story really, about among other things: a girl, some words, an accordionist, some fanatical Germans, a Jewish fist-fighter, and quite a lot of thievery…

Set during World War II in Germany, Markus Zusak’s groundbreaking new novel is the story of Liesel Meminger, a foster girl living outside of Munich. Liesel scratches out a meager existence for herself by stealing when she encounters something she can’t resist—books. With the help of her accordion-playing foster father, she learns to read and shares her stolen books with her neighbors during bombing raids as well as with the Jewish man hidden in her basement.

This is an unforgettable story about the ability of books to feed the soul.

“I wanted to ask her how the same thing could be se ugly and so glorious, and its words and stories so damning and brilliant.”

That is my consensus as well. This book was uncomfortable and strange, but beautiful and meaningful. It is the story of Liesel Meminger, a young girl in Nazi Germany who comes to hate Hitler, and has a Jewish man hiding in her basement. She is poor and almost always hungry, though not as much as her best friend Rudy, who has four brothers and sisters. She is tired of “everyone” (meaning Hitler) taking things away from her, so she decides to take something back. The words. The words that she hates and loves in the end. This book is more than just a story really, it’s art and poetry and humanity and depravity. Like any book about the atrocities of Nazi Germany, it has its horror, but it shows life from the perspective of a brave girl who has lost all she knew and tries to rise from the ashes in the midst of hatred and war. Zusak’s writing is gorgeous and haunting. And, what is more, narrated, not by Liesel, but by Death. Every part of this book is fantastic, telling, and remarkable. I was upset by the amount of swearing (a lot in German, but always translated) and a scene of nudity. It was difficult for me to read, but thanks to a YA class I had to, and I’m glad. I can say that I will most likely never read this in its entirety again, but there are parts that I will gladly go back to; specifically Max, the Jewish fist-fighter’s words. This book should be handled with care when giving it to young people, because it is upsetting at times and has mature content. I would wait until they are at least 15-16, preferably a little later. Again, content-wise there is a lot of language, nudity, death, murder, suicide, war, etc. It’s not for just anybody.

With that said, I give it a 4.8 out of 5- because of its ugly glory.

The Cloak Society

By Jeramey Kraatz

The Cloak Society: An elite organization of supervillains graced with extraordinary powers.

Ten years ago they were defeated by the Rangers of Justice and vanished without a trace. But the villains of Cloak have been biding their time, waiting for the perfect moment to resurface. And twelve-year-old Alex Knight wants to be one of them.

Alex is already a junior member, and his entire universe is Cloak’s underground headquarters, hidden beneath an abandoned drive-in theater in Sterling City, Texas. While other kids his age are studying math and history, Alex is mastering his telekinetic powers and learning how to break into bank vaults. His only dream is to follow in his parents’ footsteps as one of the most feared supervillains in the world. Cloak is everything he believes in.

But on the day of his debut mission, Alex does the unthinkable: he saves the life of a young Ranger named Kirbie. Even worse…she becomes his friend. And the more time he spends with her, the more Alex wonders about the world outside of Cloak—and what, exactly, he’s been fighting for.

 

I admit, I’m partial to superhero books because you can potentially get some really awesome character stuff going on, and who doesn’t like a little superpower here and there? I mean, look at Hollywood making their millions on Marvel and DC characters! Well, this book is told from the eyes of young villain-in-training Alex Knight (if that name isn’t a giveaway I don’t know what is) that slowly comes to the realization that he really isn’t villain material, because, well, he saved the life of a hero and they become friends. He’s unwilling at first to listen to her, but becomes uneasy about the way he is treated and the plans that the Cloak has for the future…and the countless people who will die for them to achieve their plans. This is really more a coming-of-age for Alex than a story of good vs. evil, though it is that. What I liked is that, knowing this is a series, the setup was pretty good, and I was interested to see where the plot takes the young group of would-be heroes toward the end in their attempt to save the world. I really can’t give a complete review of this first book without reading the next book, but I think that it will get better as it goes and this book will be fun for kids who enjoy comic book heroes and like to read novels.

 

I give it a 3.5 for potential and fun.

When You Reach Me

By Rebecca Stead

By sixth grade, Miranda and her best friend, Sal, know how to navigate their New York City neighborhood. They know where it’s safe to go, like the local grocery store, and they know who to avoid. Like the crazy guy on the corner.

But things start to unravel. Sal gets punched by a kid on the street for seems like no reason, and he shuts Miranda out of his life. The apartment key that Miranda’s mom keeps hidden for emergencies is stolen. And then a mysterious note arrives, scrawled on a tiny slip of paper:

I am coming to save your friend’s life, and my own. I ask two favors. First, you must write me a letter.

The notes keep coming, and Miranda slowly realizes that whoever is leaving them knows things no one should know. Each message brings her closer to believing that only she can prevent a tragic death. Until the final note makes her think she’s too late.

 

This Newberry Medal winner is worth its weight in gold. I loved reading this book, reminding me a lot of Jerry Spinelli’s books, with a little science fiction twist to whet my imaginative needs. This book is fantastic and meticulously done, as is evidenced when you read the last pages and go “Oh! Holy cow.” I loved reading from Miranda’s perspective, living in this place where she can’t understand why her best friend stops talking to her and trying to find new friends in the meantime. It’s an amazing read about family, class distinctions, friendship, love, and courage. It’s a coming of age book that you won’t want to miss.  Well earned Newberry Medal winner.

I give it a 4 out of 5

The Adoration of Jenna Fox

By Mary E. Pearson

Who is Jenna Fox?

Seventeen-year-old Jenna Fox has been told that is her name. She has just awoken from a year-long coma, and she’s still recovering from the terrible accident that caused it. Her parents show her home movies of her life, her memories, but she has no recollection. Is she really the same girl she sees on the screen?  Little by little, Jenna begins to remember. Along with the memories come questions—questions no one wants to answer for her. What really happened after the accident?

 

Okay, wow. It’s been a while since I’ve been so engrossed in a story. The tone of this novel is mature and the questions of morality and what makes us human is fantastic. Jenna is an amazing character, as her memories return and she comes to understand what happened to her and the mysteries begin to unfold, we see her progress and become increasingly invested in her story and her future. This novel reminded me a lot of the sort of tone and message of novels like “The House of the Scorpion” by Nancy Farmer, and “The Giver” by Lois Lowry, both of which are incredible books. I was so impressed by the quality of the writing and the depth of the story and message, I eagerly await the next books and hope they are of the same caliber. I can’t recommend this book enough for those who have enjoyed the above books and enjoy science fiction books that focus on dystopian like futures with questionable morality. It’s wonderful, and while it is the first in a series, it can easily stand alone.

 

I give it a 4.25 out of 5

Jepp, Who Defied the Stars

By Katherine Marsh

Jepp has never lacked in confidence and wit, despite his diminutive size. For sixteen years, he has lived a comfortable life in the Dutch countryside, the son of a loving mother who protects him from the scorn of an unkind world. But this is no longer enough for Jepp. He longs to see the world, to seek his forune. Then a man arrives at his mother’s alehouse, promising Jepp a life of adventure he can’t refuse. Courtier to the Spanish infant, Don tells Jepp mesmerizing tales of the magnificent court. Before he knows it, Jepp has left behind all he knows to begin a new life. The Infanta’s court is not what Don made it out to be. Though he now lives in luxury, Jepp faces constant humiliation as a court dwarf, serving the whims of an all-powerful queen. The only joy in his life is his love for the beautiful Lia, who is small like him. But even this is soon taken from him, when an ill-fated escape from the castle leaves Lia dead and Jepp brokenhearted. As punishment for Jepp’s defiance, he is sent to the palace of Tycho Brahe where he faces the greatest challenge of all: can he defy the stars and his fate?

 

When I found this book I thought it was going to be a fantasy book and was surprised to learn it was based on history. I really enjoyed learning some things that I didn’t know about court dwarves (which was pretty surprising and horrible) and finding a character in Jepp that was deep and endearing. This book isn’t a fantasy at all, it’s a human story about a young boy’s coming of age and being thrown into the ‘real world’ and trying to keep his hope for his future alive in the midst of tragedy and pain. Jepp’s story is everyone’s story; and it’s a journey you’ll want to take, hardships and happiness alike. This book was heart-warming and often heart-wrenching.  All in all, it is a gem worth gazing at.

 

I give it a 4 out of 5