Princess Academy: Palace of Stone by Shannon Hale is the sequel to Princess Academy. In this book, Miri Peder, and the girls who attended the Princess Academy have the opportunity to travel to Asland (the capital city of Danland). While the girls are officially there to help Britta prepare for her wedding to Prince Steffan, they are taking advantage of the many learning opportunities available. For instance, Gerti is work in a forge, Peder is learning about carving, Liana is taking full advantage of her noble title, and Miri is attending school at the Queen's Castle. As a result of her studies and the people she meets, Miri is thrown into the middle of what looks like a revolution! Due to the demands of the king, the "shoeless" are nearly starving and working to death just to stay alive while the royalty and nobles have everything they want and more. Miri is torn between helping a cause she knows is right and remaining faithful to herself, Mount Eskel, her family and friends. Does she really have to choose?
I LOVED this book. Shannon Hale is one of my favorite authors. She gave me a signed ARC of Palace of Stone at the IRA Convention last May. When I finally got the chance to read it, I finished in a day!! I really liked the way Miri grew through her experience with the scholars, the "rebels" and her wish to understand ethics. I also liked the message that everything is not always black and white. If one is clever and persistent a new, and sometimes better, answer is just around the corner. Look for Palace of Stone by Shannon Hale on August 21, 2012.
The False Prince by Jennifer A. Nielsen is about Sage, an orphan boy who is great at making his own way in the world. Whether it's stealing, lying, hiding or simply making mischief, Sage is an expert! It's a good thing, too, because when he is sold by the head of the orphanage where he's been staying to a ruthless man named Connor, Sage has to use all of his street smarts to stay alive. Connor collected 4 orphans, all with characteristics similar to the long lost Prince Jaron - youngest son of Eckbert, the King of Carthya. His plan? To train them all and select the best "false prince" to take over the kingdom now that King Eckbert, his wife and eldest son have been murdered. Sage wants absolutely no part in this plan, but knows if he doesn't go along with Connor he'll be killed. Sage also knows no matter which orphan is chosen to become Prince Jaron, the other three will be killed. Sage has to use all of the skills he learned on the streets to not only beat the other boys for the title of prince, but to try to figure out Connor's plan and stop him from rising to power.
This was an awesome story with an unexpected twist at the end! I absolutely loved all of the adventure and Sage's antics. This is the first book in The Ascendance Trilogy. I cannot wait until book two comes out! I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys fantasy and adventure stories, particularly books like the Eragon Series, Faerie Wars Series, Looking Glass Wars Series, etc.
Brotherband Chronicles: The Outcasts (Book 1) by John Flanagan is the first book in a new series by the author of the Ranger's Apprentice Series. While set in the same world as Ranger's Apprentice, the Brotherband Chronicles takes place in Skandia and follows a group of boys as they train for adulthood. Hal is a boy who is being raised by a single mother after his father died in battle. Hal's father was Skandian, but his mother is Araluen, which causes a lot of problems for Hal fitting in with the other boys his age. When the time comes for all the boys in their village to group together in their brotherbands and begin training, eight boys are left out of the choosing. These eight boys become their own "misfit" brotherband, electing Hal as their leader. Each boy has a special talent which adds to the success of a group that seems doomed to fail from the start. One boy is extremely strong, but so nearsighted he can't see clearly even a meter in front of his face, one boy is an expert at mimicking any sound, one boy has mastered the art of thievery (just for fun, not because he wants what he steals), and there are even twins who are so good at deceiving people with their appearance they even fool their own mother (they also fight with one another incessantly!). Hal is the glue that holds this group together. As an expert navigator and sailor, he is the obvious choice as leader and skirl (ship captain). Using their unique skills and special bond, this misfit band of boys works hard in their attempts to defeat the other two brotherbands in the tasks issued to them. The only problem is, the other two groups are much stronger and just as determined to win... at almost any cost.
I absolutely loved this book. It was full of action, adventure, mystery and suspense! There is a twist at the end I wasn't expecting that perfectly set the stage for book two. I can't wait to find out what happens to the Herons (Hal's brotherband) in Brotherband Chronicles: The Invaders (Book 2)!
Doodlebug: A Novel in Doodles by Karen Romano Young is about Dodo (Doreen), a middle schooler who has discovered how to curb her ADD with doodling. The problem is, the teachers at her new school are not willing to accept doodling as the solution to Dodo's behavior problems. When Dodo and her family moved from L.A. to San Francisco, she was not convinced things would work out. They were temporarily staying an her father's old friend's apartment and taking care of Sven, an ornery cat who seemed as unhappy with the living arrangement as Dodo. Momo (Maureen), Dodo's sister had a pretty good outlook on the situation until she was denied a position in the school choir. Determined to show the school what a talented singer she was, Momo took matters into her own hands and hijacked the morning announcements to sing "Oh, Beautiful" and even stowed away on the choir bus without telling anyone! Despite all of the trouble with her teachers, Dodo made some really good friends who support her doodling and her efforts to help Momo earn a position on the choir. In the end, a plan is hatched and everyone works together to change the minds of the teachers at school about Momo's singing and Dodo's doodling.
This was a very cute book! The story is entirely told through Dodo's doodles. The author cleverly used specific symbols for each character for parts with dialogue. I think middle school girls will find this book particularly relatable, although anyone who has ever been misunderstood will enjoy the doodles and the compelling story!
The Fairy Ring or Elsie and Frances Fool the World by Mary Losure is the true story of Frances and Elsie, the two girls who took photos of "fairies" to prove their existence. While Frances always claimed to see fairies, in order to show the disbelieving adults, the two girls created elaborate cutouts of fairies (and other mythical creatures) to put in their photos. It was an innocent idea which they never knew would get so blown out of proportion! See, there was a movement amongst some people in the early part of the 1900s to identify and classify fairies and other creatures, just as real animals are classified by genus and species. Some adults truly believed in the existence of fairies. When these adults got hold of the girls' photos, they were convinced this was all the proof they needed to show the world! So, the girls kept their secret...
This was an amazing story! I can see how the girls got so caught up in their story that it became difficult, even impossible, to tell the truth. The book is filled with the girls' photos, as well as pictures of the girls and people trying to prove the existence of fairies. It is a short and engaging book, perfect for any curious reader!
Bestest. Ramadan. Ever. by Medeia Sharif is about Amira, a 16 year old Muslim who is trying to resist temptation and fast during her family's month-long Ramadan celebration. Unfortunately for Amira, food is not the only thing she's being tempted with! This book as friend drama, mean girl drama, boyfriend drama... even family drama! Any teen girl will identify with Amira as she struggles to make her way through high school, accomplish goals, deal with friends and boys, and please her family.
The Education of Bet by Lauran Baratz-Logsted takes place in Victorian England. Elizabeth (Bet) and Will are best friends with a sibling-type relationship. Will's parents were extremely wealthy, and Bet's mother was their maid. Following a deadly virus that swept through the house, Will was sent to live with his only remaining relative - an uncle. He took pity on Bet the moment her saw her, and invited her to live with them as well. Bet and Will weren't treated quite the same way as they grew up, but they remained extremely close despite Bet's status. When Will was kicked out of yet another school, Bet was furious that he'd waste such a valuable opportunity that she could not have, being a girl and from a poor, servant's family. So, she hatches a plan and drags Will along! Bet cuts her hair, changes her mannerisms, and takes Will's place at his new all-boy's school while Will heads off to the military, all unbeknownst to their guardian. Bet could never have imagined everything that takes place at a school that has nothing to do with education. From bullies to roommates to dances, Bet has a lot to learn, all while trying to keep her secret.
I loved this book! I read it at the recommendation of some of my high school book club members. There were some twists and turns and some unexpected outcomes. I enjoyed the relationships between all of the characters. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys historical fiction and romance.
Wonderstruck by Brian Selznick is about Ben, a young boy who grew up without a father and recently lost his mother to a car accident, and Rose, a young deaf girl growing up during the 1920's. Ben had hearing loss in one ear, but was rendered completely deaf after his house was hit by lightning while he was on the phone. Ben was on the phone that night hoping to locate his long lost father. He had gone back to the house he'd shared with his mother, just down the lake from the house he was living in with his aunt and uncle, when he saw a mysterious light inside. Finding only his cousin, Ben decided to stay awhile and look through his mother's old things. He made an amazing discovery: a bookmark with his father's name and information on it! After waking up in the hospital after the lightning strike, Ben snuck away from his Minnesota town to New York in search of the address and his father. Upon finding the bookstore from the bookmark closed, Ben heads to the museum, where he finds something startling. There is a wolf scene there that came directly out of one of Ben's recurring dreams.
Rose hated working with her tutor and snuck to New York to see her mother, a famous actress who had just married another man. After being rejected by her mother, Rose ventured to the museum in search of her brother, Walter, who eventually took her in.
To find out how the stories of Rose, Ben, and the wolves come together in this amazing tale, read Wonderstruck! This was a fabulous story. I love the way it is told through full page illustrations as well as text. I liked it so much, I finished it in only a few hours. I just couldn't put it down - I really wanted to find out what happened to Rose and Ben, and how their lives intersected.
Beyonders: A World Without Heroes by Brandon Mull is the first book in the Beyonders Trilogy. When Jason falls into the hippo tank at the zoo where he works, he never would have imagined being swallowed and entering a new world called Lyrian. But, that's exactly what happens. Not only that, but he learns if he every wants to make it back to Beyond, he'll have to take on the evil Wizard Maldor. Rachel, who also appeared in Lyrian under mysterious circumstances, teams up with Jason on this quest. They know there is a magical word that if uttered in Maldor's presence will completely destroy him, so they set off on an incredible journey in search of all six syllables of this word. They face intense dangers and mystery along the way, including making friends with a man who can drop his limbs at will, battling a human-sized crab, traversing a lake worse than quick sand, and thwarting numerous villains who want them dead. Around every corner they meet new people, but they never know who can be trusted and who is out to get them. Will Lyrian find its hero in Jason and/or Rachel? Read to find out!
This was an amazing book! It was full of action, adventure, mystery and fantasy. I especially liked the fact that there wasn't any romance! I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys fantasy novels - this one reads like a movie. It's not hard to visualize the action in this book! I can't wait to read the second and third!
Season of Secrets by Sally Nicholls is about two sisters, Molly and Hannah, who go to live with their grandparents after their mother dies and their father needs some time alone. While Hannah tries to act older than she is and works her hardest to provoke their grandparents, Molly seems to act younger, preferring to escape into daydreams and imagination. It's because of this that no one really takes Molly seriously when she begins telling them about her new friend. They think she's made up this man who was being hunted by creatures on horses and who seems to disappear and reappear at will. As her new friend grows weaker, Molly can see the one who is hunting him grows stronger. What she doesn't realize right away is that the man she's grown fond of is actually the Holly King and it's the Oak King who is determined to destroy him. Through stories told by her teacher, Molly learns more about the stories of the winter and summer solstice and the recurring battles between the Holly and Oak Kings. Molly is convinced if she saves the Holly King, some of his magic can help restore some of the things that have gone wrong in her own life.
This was a really good book. I enjoyed the way the author wove the story of the solstice kings into the story of Molly and Hannah's family. I had never heard the stories of the Holly Kind and Oak King, so I felt I was learning right along with Molly. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys fantasy, fairy tales, mystery, and/or adventure novels.
Nowhere Girl by A. J. Paquette is about Luchi, a thirteen year old girl who was born and raised by her mother in a prison in Thailand. When her mother dies, the warden allows Luchi to stay in the prison for several months, but eventually, she has to leave. Luchi doesn't know anything about her father nor any other family she may have except one tiny clue provided by her mother's cellmate: the name Payne Industries. The warden's nephew, Luchi's old playmate and friend, agrees to drive her to the city where she plans to research what she knows and find some way to reach family. Unfortunately, Luchi was not well equipped to make it outside the prison. She speaks the language and knows the customs, but she's a skinny blonde girl who just doesn't fit in. She gets taken advantage of, stolen from, and left with little hope. Things start to unravel and Luchi learns about her mother and father's past and exactly what happened to put her mother in jail. She does meet up with family, but in a most unexpected way.
This was a very interesting story. I really felt for Luchi, being so naive and alone. As a reader, I was able to predict what would happen to her that she was unaware was even possible. Though the story about her mother and father turned this realistic adventure into a murder/mystery story that will appeal to people who enjoy all genres!
The Death Cure by James Dashner is the third book in the Maze Runner Trilogy. In this final installment, the Gladers continue their battle against WICKED, still not sure if they are good guys are truly evil. The Flare, a debilitating disease has taken over the entire country. Very few people are immune... including some of the Gladers! WICKED is trying to "map out" a blueprint for the Flare by analyzing the brain patterns of the immune put into different situations. Unfortunately for Thomas, the final test to complete the blueprint can only be administered to him and leads to death! If WICKED is telling the truth, Thomas must decide whether to sacrifice himself to save the many who are infected with the Flare, or to fight to stay alive.
I really enjoyed this trilogy, particularly the first book, The Maze Runner. Everything came together well in the final book. All of my questions were answered and there was some room at the end for me to imagine what would happen next for the survivors. This is a great series for those who enjoy The Hunger Games and other dystopian science fiction adventures.
Legend by Marie Lu is about two teens from two different worlds. June is wealthy and on her way to being one of the best police officers/military officials in the area. Day, the most notorious criminal in the country, was born in the ghetto and lives his life to protect those he loves. He is almost like a modern-day Robin Hood, stealing from the rich and helping the poor. June is convinced Day was responsible for the death of her brother - her only family left - and has vowed to hunt him down. Day has learned his mother is sick with a mysterious illness that keeps plaguing the land and is desperate to obtain the extremely expensive medicine that will cure her. Their two paths cross when June goes undercover. What she doesn't realize right away is the boy she's befriended on the streets is actually the criminal she's been hunting! Will she betray their friendship and turn him in? Can she get over her feelings about the death of her brother once she learns the truth? Will Day's mother receive the medicine she needs to survive?
This was an awesome book! The story was told through the alternating perspectives of June and Day. There was science fiction, adventure, action, even a little romance!... qualities any reader will enjoy.
The Great Wall of Lucy Wu by Wendy Wan-Long Shang is about Lucy, a Chinese American girl who thinks she's about to have the best year of her life! She's an excellent basketball player, is on her way to 6th grade (oldest in the school!), and her older sister is moving out to attend college and leaving her bedroom to Lucy. Everything changes, though, when Lucy's long-lost aunt arrives in town. Not only does Lucy have to share her brand new bedroom with this complete stranger, she is forced to go to Chinese school... instead of BASKETBALL! To top it all off, Aunt Yi Po will be staying with their family for several months!! Having to deal with these changes would be bad enough, but Lucy also has to battle the school "mean girls" who are out to get her and ruin her chances of coaching the co-curricular basketball tournament, as well as trying to keep know-it-all, but desperately friendly Talent Chang at away from her. And, of course, there's this boy....
I loved this book! I really enjoyed seeing how Lucy changed over the course of her 6th grade year. Despite having to go through some major set-backs, Lucy comes out on top, having learned some valuable lessons about her own culture and values, her family and her friends.
Entwined by Heather Dixon is Azalea and her eleven sisters. After the death of their mother, the girls are forced into one year of Mourning, during which time they must stay in the palace, wear only black, and cease dancing (their true passion). Their father, the King, goes off to war and leaves the girls in the care of servants and tutors. The palace was enchanted hundreds of years prior by an evil king, who was aid to have disappeared. While most things in the palace have been "un-magicked", there are still a few items remaining, including a secret passageway and room within the girls' hearth. Azalea finds if she rubs her mother's old silver handkerchief on the faint symbol carved into the wall of the hearth, the passage opens and the girls are able to dance the night away in a beautiful enchanted ballroom. They are overseen by the Keeper, who continues to invite the girls each night. Unfortunately, he wants something in return and forces a promise out of Azalea that she must keep. This puts not only her sisters, but her father the King, their palace, and their way of life in danger.
I loved this book! It's a version of the Twelve Dancing Princesses fairy tale. I especially liked getting to know the characters of all of the sisters, meeting their would-be suitors, and seeing the relationships between the girls and their father evolve. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes fantasy and fairy tales.
War Horse by Michael Morpurgo is about Joey, a farm horse owned by Albert and his family. When trying to make ends meet, Albert's father sells Albert's beloved Joey to the soldiers of World War I. Joey changes hands many times during the war, from one side of the conflict who uses him in the cavalry, to the other who uses him to pull heavy guns, to a young girl who does nothing but love him. In the mean time, Albert has vowed to someday reunite with Joey. He joins the army in hopes he'll run across Joey somehow. And, amazingly, he does! But, the story doesn't end here. Joey develops tetanus, and is nursed through the illness despite all odds against him. When the war ends, Joey is not able to return with the soldiers. He is sold off as property of the army. In the end Joey's journey comes full circle as those who love him make it possible for him to live out his days as he was meant to... as a farm horse.
This was a great book! Admittedly, I was not eager to read this one, as I was expecting Joey to die in the end. I was pleasantly surprised! This story is told through Joey's perspective, which is really unique. It is a story about how the was has impacted people and countries, but it doesn't choose sides. It's a compelling read for anyone who enjoys a good story!
I LOVED this book. Shannon Hale is one of my favorite authors. She gave me a signed ARC of Palace of Stone at the IRA Convention last May. When I finally got the chance to read it, I finished in a day!! I really liked the way Miri grew through her experience with the scholars, the "rebels" and her wish to understand ethics. I also liked the message that everything is not always black and white. If one is clever and persistent a new, and sometimes better, answer is just around the corner. Look for Palace of Stone by Shannon Hale on August 21, 2012.
