Children's Book Week

May 11 - 17 is Children's Book Week - the oldest national literacy event in the United States.

It all began with the idea that children's books can change lives. Since 1919, Children's Book Week has been celebrated nationally in schools, libraries, bookstores, family homes - any place where there are children and books.

Some of my recent favorite children's books are:

The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman

This book just won The John Newbery Medal.

Read my review here.




The Last Olympian by Rick Riordan

This is the last book in the Percy Jackson and the Olympians series. Current books include:
The Lightning Thief
The Sea of Monsters
The Titan's Curse
The Battle of the Labyrinth

Read my review of the 3rd book, Titan's Curse, here.


The Secrets of the Dragon Sanctuary (Fablehaven #4) by Brandon Mull

Current books in this series include:
Fablehaven
Rise of the Evening Star
Grip of the Shadow Plague

The last book in the series - Keys to the Demon Prison - will be released in 2010.

Read my review here.



The Dragon's Eye (Erec Rex #1) by Kaza Kingsley

Book #2 is The Monsters of Otherness and the 3rd book - The Search for Truth - will be released on June 30th.

Read my review here.


The Journal of Curious Letters (the 13th Reality #1) by James Dashner

The 2nd book in the series - The Hunt for Dark Infinity - was released in March.

Read my review here.


The Ruby Key (Moon and Sun #1) by Holly Lisle

The 2nd book in the series is The Silver Door.

Read my review here.


Stoneheart (Stoneheart trilogy #1) by Charlie Fletcher

Rounding out the trilogy are Ironhand and Silvertongue.

Read my review here.

Book Signing

Here is our good friend, Earl Dean, at his first book signing for A TAILOR MAIDEN'S SECRET. Congratulations again, Earl!

A Tailor Maiden's Secret

Congratulations Earl P. Dean on the publication of your first novel! Earl is a friend and a member of my writing group - The Community of Mercer County Writers.



Mayfest 2009 Book Signing
Saturday, May 9th from noon - 4pm
Gratz Park in Lexington, Kentucky

Earl will be signing his new book, A TAILOR MAIDEN'S SECRET and you will be able to buy a copy of the book on Saturday, or you can order from Wasteland Press, Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

To learn more about the Mayfest events, click here.

A TAILOR MAIDEN'S SECRET

"Arliane Donestica attends mid-school on a planet called Pooda, a forbidding world of the future so far removed from Earth in space and time that the old world exists as a mythical origin for the poodan progenitors.

The Poodan Youth for Unity, sponsored by Pooda's Elders, are chasing Arliane through her snowbound city at the request of the Elders, pressuring her about unspoken activities that might tie her to rebellion similar to her mother's. Activist and wife as well, Arliane's mother had died in a protest by explosion.

Were the Elders behind it? Read of a biological mystery, political strife and forbidden action to discover the answer in A TAILOR MAIDEN’S SECRET."

Earl Patrick Dean is a computer programmer working in Kentucky. He holds a BA degree from Transylvania University and graduate certificates from The Institute of Children’s Literature, and has attended the Carnegie Center for Literacy and Learning workshops on Science Fiction, Fantasy and Horror and Online Writing Workshop for Science Fiction, Fantasy and Horror. He loves reading and collecting books, and writes mostly science fiction and fantasy stories.

Earl has published stories in SAY...WHAT’S THE COMBINATION?, MORNINGSTAR ANTHOLOGY and KENTUCKY BLUE.

Way Back Wednesday - Go Ask Alice

I'm interrupting Way Back Wednesday this week with a book I just re-read over the weekend. My local public library - Mercer County Public Library - just acquired a new copy of this book and it practically jumped off the shelf and into my hands. Talk about a blast from the past.

Go Ask Alice

Reading level: Young Adult
Paperback: 224 pages
Publisher: Simon Pulse
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1416914633
ISBN-13: 978-1416914631

Go Ask Alice is a book I read when I was an early teenager and it scared the beegeezees out of me! It was years later before I realized this was a work of fiction - not a true teen diary by Anonymous as it was marketed.

Work of fiction or not, it is an interesting read into the teenage drug world of the 1960s. Although dated, I think this would be a good book for adults to read before they have "the drug" talk with their children.

The book begins with a 15 year old named Alice who is living in a perfectly normal home with two parents and a younger brother and sister. She had everything, but like most teenagers, she didn't realize it until it was gone.

Supposedly tricked into taking LDS when offered a laced Coke at a party, this work of fiction depicts Alice's downward spiral into drugs and her eventual climb back out the other side.

Written in "diary" form, it is a quick read and can easily be read in one night. Although continued to be touted as a true story, be aware that the truth of this book's origins was debunked many years ago. However, this doesn't stop it from being a good read.

*****Warning*****
Just a note to parents: This book is ranked very high on many of the banned books lists in the USA. If you care concerned about your children reading "banned" books, this many not be the book for your family.

The 8th Confession

The 8th Confession (Women’s Murder Club #8) by James Patterson

Hardcover: 368 pages
Publisher: Little, Brown and Company
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0316018767
ISBN-13: 978-0316018760

The 8th book in the Women’s Murder Club starts out with an exploding meth lab disguised as a school bus and the story never slows down. This is Patterson’s usual MO, so why mess with success?

Lindsay Boxer, Cindy Thomas, Claire Washburn and Yuki Castellano are back, trying to solve the murders of several rich San Fransico socialites. In addition, there is a mystery surounding a homeless preacher and a strange turn in the love life of one of the women.

Although I still love the character of Lindsay Boxer, I have been a little disappointed in the last few installments of this series. I think Patterson is trying too hard and he is using “co-authors” to help him release several books a year instead of one. However, if you are a fan of Patterson, then this book is still a must read.

Erec Rex

Visit the official Erec Rex website!

Scan down for newest book reviews ...

Way Back Wednesday - Snowbound with Betsy

Snowbound With Betsy by Carolyn Haywood was the first book in the Betsy series I read as a child and it remained one of my favorite books until I reached adulthood.

The week before Christmas, a terrific snowstorm hits, and Betsy, Star, and their parents are snowbound, much to the girls' delight. There are snowmen to be built, Christmas presents to be made, and a tree to be decorated.

Not only was Betsy's family snowbound, but that also took in a mother and her little boy who became stranded in the neighborhood.

I can remember making birdfeeding cups out of orange rinds and peanut butter just like Betsy and Star. I laughed so hard reading about the popcorn they tried to "dry out" in the oven, only to have popped corn all over the kitchen. I also remember making snow angels for the first time after reading how Betsy and her friends made them.

And when Christmas finally arrived, everyone received homemade gifts because it was impossible to get to the store to buy gifts. The children made new objects out of old objects they found in the attic. This has always been my inspiration for making homemade gifts every year for the holidays.

Snowbound with Betsy was written the year I was born 1962. When my older girls were little, I bought the newer "paperback" version of this book, but I really missed the original cover. When my youngest daughter was four, I was able to find a vintage copy of Snowbound on eBay - with the cover I remembered and loved.

The Ruby Key

The Ruby Key (Moon & Sun series) by Holly Lisle

Reading level: Ages 9-12
Hardcover: 368 pages
Publisher: Orchard Books
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0545000122
ISBN-13: 978-0545000123

Mankind is Sunkind
And rules by the light;
Sunrise to sunset,
No less, and no more.
Nightlings are moonkind
And rule in the night;
Sun's set to sunrise,
Or there will be war.

This is Lisle's first youth fantasy fiction and I was hooked from the first chapter. This book is a mixture of humans, who live by the sun, and nightlings, who live by the moon.

Two human children, Genna and her young brother Dan, set out on a journey to help save their mother, who is very sick. In searching for the “tree sap” that will cure her illness, they meet the nightling, Yarri, who is trying to save her people from slavery.

Different from the Harry Potter books, but in the same vein, I recommend this to children and adults alike. The world Lisle has created is truly believable and full of enchanting characters. The next book in the series is The Silver Door.

Stoneheart

Stoneheart (The Stoneheart Trilogy #1) by Charlie Fletcher

Reading level: children/young adult
Hardcover: 464 pages
Publisher: Hyperion Book
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1423101758
ISBN-13: 978-1423101758

"On a school trip to the Natural History Museum in London, a 12-year-old loner named George is banished for something he didn't do. Angry, he lashes out and breaks off a dragon's head carved onto the wall of the museum. Next thing he knows, a pterodactyl carving comes to life and begins to chase him."

And so begins George's adventures in "unLondon." He is soon chased by many fanciful creatures come alive from stone statues. He first encounters Gunner, a statue of a World War I soldier, who helps to save the boy from the pterodactyl. The pair soon meet up with Edie, a "glint" with the power to see the past.

In order for George to go back to the London he knows, the London where stone statues don't come to life, he must return the broken dragon's head to the Stone Heart. Gunner and Edie, plus a cast of other characters, help George in achieving his objective.

In the beginning of the book, George is feeling sorry for himself because his father is dead and his mother barely has time for him. Edie is portrayed as a cold-hearted survivor who has always looked after herself. But during the course of their adventures through the unusual streets of London, their characters start to evolve.

Some of the other interesting characters from the book are the Sphinxes who only give answers in riddles, the Clocker who continually marks the time, the Black Friar who tells them where the Stone Heart is, the Walker who is pure evil incarnate and the Minotaur who is part bull, part human and all bad. We also get glimpses of dragons and gargoyles. Fletcher has turned a collection of the actual statues around London into an astonishing assortment of personalities and monsters.

Although marketed to children and young adults, I don't think I would recommend this for younger children mainly because of some of the scary and dangerous situations George and Edie encounter, but I highly recommend it for older children and teenagers, as well as adults like me who love young adult books. This is the first book in the Stoneheart Trilogy and as soon as I put the last period on this post, I'm ready to start Ironhand, the next book in the series. The final book is entitled Silvertongue.

Charlie Fletcher is a British author and screenwriter. Stoneheart was shortlisted for the Branford Boase Award in 2007. There is a movie in development for release in 2010.

Stolen

Stolen by Vivian Vande Velde

Reading level: Ages 9-12
Hardcover: 158 pages
Publisher: Marshall Cavendish Corp
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0761455159
ISBN-13: 978-0761455158

This is the first book of Velde's I have read and I found myself enjoying the story line. Isabelle is a young girl who has no memory of who she is. The story begins with Isabelle running in the forest with a pack of hunting dogs tight on her heels. Just when she thinks the dogs will be the death of her, she pulled into unconsciousness. Then she awakens she finds she has been taken in by a peasant family - Avis and Browley - and their young daughter, Ravyn.

Ravyn is a six year old who is determined Isabelle was a Princess stolen away by the legendary witch from the forest. Apparently this witch has been stealing away young children for many years - the children are never seen or heard from again. Ravyn enjoys weaving a new life for Isabelle out of her curious imagination.

Just when Isabelle is starting to feel comfortable with the peasant family, another family appears, claiming she is their daughter who was stolen away six years earlier. This poor family had recently has a second child stolen away, a newborn only one months old. The mother is determined that the young girl is her daughter, Isabelle, but the oldest daughter, Honey, is convinced this girl is not her long lost sister.

But all is not what it seems with Isabelle's "supposed" family and she begins to wonder if they are claiming her in order to gain an inheritance from a rich aunt, whom Isabelle is named after.

This book has a happy ending, but not the ending I was anticipating. Just when I thought I knew how the story would end, Velde gives the story an unusual twist.

This small book - 158 pages - was a different kind of young adult book and I read it in one sitting. Not your normal young adult fantasy book, this story is more along the lines of the wonderful fairy tales I read as a child. Stolen has increased my desire to read other books by Vivian Vande Velde.

Secrets of the Dragon Sanctuary

Secrets of the Dragon Sanctuary (Fablehaven #4) by Brandon Mull

Reading level: Ages 9-12
Hardcover: 528 pages
Publisher: Shadow Mountain
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1606410423
ISBN-13: 978-1606410424

The long awaited 4th book in the Fablehaven series has finally arrived and I practically gobbled it up in one sitting. While at home for winter break, Kendra finds herself in mortal danger from the evil Spinx - the leader of the Society of the Evening Star.

Kendra and Seth soon find themselves back with their grandparents at Fablehaven - an animal perserve for magical creatures. Because Kendra is "fairykind" - kissed by the fairies - she is the only one who is able to decipher the clues from Patton's secret jounal that will lead them to a hidden artifact the Spinx is determined to steal.

Will the Knights of the Dawn be able to safely enter the dragon sanctuary to recover the artifact before the Spinx? Does Seth continue to disobey the rules? Has Vanessa really changed her ways? Is there really a spy at Fablehaven?

This book is full of non-stop action and children of all ages will enjoy this fantasy adventure.

Wintergirls

Wintergirls by Laurie Halse Anderson

Reading level: Young Adult
Hardcover: 288 pages
Publisher: Viking Juvenile (March 19, 2009)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 067001110X
ISBN-13: 978-0670011100

"I am the space between my thighs, daylight shining through."

Anderson’s lyrical prose sets the stage for an uncomfortable “teenage” topic – the world of anorexia and eating disorders.

Lia had a very competitive relationship with her best friend, Cassie, until Cassie died from anorexia. But not even Cassie’s death could stop Lia’s downward spiral into the dangerous world of eating disorders.

Full of low self-esteem and shallow self-worth, this may be a hard book for some to read, but I think it is an important book because it shines a light on the destructive world of eating disorders. Written in a "diary" format - with crossed out words and sentences - parents should feel free to read and discuss this book with their teenaged daughters.

Team of Rivals

Team of Rivals by Doris Kearns Goodwin

Hardcover: 944 pages
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0684824906
ISBN-13: 978-0684824901

For a political junkie, reading Goodwin’s books are like reading poetry and Team of Rivals is no different. This is not just another book on Abraham Lincoln – this book focuses on Lincoln’s leadership style and his insightful understanding of human behavior and motivation.

Goodwin shows us Lincoln’s political genius by looking at three men in his cabinet – all of them opponents for the Republican nomination in 1860 – William H. Seward, Salmon P. Chase, and Edward Bates. All three men had been humiliated by losing the election to a “backwoods” lawyer from Illinois.

Lincoln was able to persuade these men to join his administration and he eventually earned their admiration and respect. Seward became Secretary of State, Chase became Secretary of the Treasury and Bates was the Attorney General.

At over 900 pages, this book is not for the faint of heart, but if you love reading political history, it is an excellent view into an often ignored component of the Lincoln administration.

Way Back Wednesday - Betsy's Little Star

Betsy's Little Star by Carolyn Haywood was first published in 1950.

One of my favorites of the entire series, it was difficult to find a "vintage" cover of the book I remember. Betsy's Little Star has been out of print for many years, but the newer paperback books are still readily available.


This story features Betsy's little sister - Star - who at four years old is too young to go to school. Illustrated with black and white drawings by the author, Star has to deal with her emotions of being much younger than Betsy. But soon Star will turn five years old and will be heading off to kindergarten.

The Lost Symbol

Random House' Doubleday imprint will release THE LOST SYMBOL, the long awaited next novel from Da Vinci Code author Dan Brown, on Deptember 15th. The book will have a five million-copy first printing. Read the entire article at Publishers Weekly.

The Family Trade (The Merchant Princes #1)

The Family Trade (#1 in The Merchant Princes series) by Charles Stross

Hardcover: 304 pages
Publisher: Tor Books
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0765309297
ISBN-13: 978-0765309297

The Merchant Princes series are alternate history, science fiction stories. Miriam Beckstein is a journalist whose mother died when she was a baby. Now an adult, her adoptive grandmother has given her a box of heirlooms which once belonged to her birth mother. A family locket transports Miriam to a parallel world that never developed beyond the Dark Ages.

This book had a truly unusual concept and it was a pleasure to read, but you don’t have to love science fiction to enjoy this read. The next two books in the series are: The Hidden Family and The Clan Corporate.

Way Back Wednesday - "B" is for Betsy

When Carolyn Haywood (1898 - 1990) published "B" is for Betsy in 1939, she probably didn't think that 70 years later, several generations of children would have enjoyed - and are still enjoying - a little girl named Betsy. I loved Betsy - she is the reason I love to read because I got started with all her books. Betsy lived a very normal life, and I tried hard to mimick her very action.


In this first book, Betsy is scared about going to first grade, but it turns out school is a great place. She learns about tadpoles and the true meaning of Thanksgiving, makes new friends, and has more fun than she'd ever imagined.


I was 7 years old and in the second grade when my favorite librarian, Miss Gash, recommended "B is for Betsy". After I finished the book, I proceeded to check out the other books in the series. Even though the stories are slightly outdated, the appeal of Betsy and her friends transcend time. I read these books to my daughters, and I plan to read them to my grandchildren as well.

The Lake That Stole Children

The Lake That Stole Children: A Fable by Douglas Glenn Clark

Paperback: 40 pages
Publisher: CreateSpace
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1438243588
ISBN-13: 978-1438243580

"The Lake That Stole Children blends the magic of Disney's Pinocchio with the magnificent quest of The Old Man and the Sea by Ernest Hemingway. It begins with a sensitive boy's deep yearning for adventure. It concludes only after his fierce and protective father has gone to battle with a frightening force of nature - and himself."

This tiny book was a very quick read - less than an hour - but it was reminiscent of fables and stories I remember from my childhood. The story is about a Fisherman who is somewhat harsh with his son and daughter - heavy on the discipline, light on love and emotions.

When the Lake steals the Fisherman's only son, his zeal and determination to rescue, not only his son, but all the children captured by the lake, shines a different light on his character and his heartfelt emotions come shining through.

Full of descriptive and delightful prose, this fable begs to be read aloud. Although marketed to young adults, children of all ages will enjoy will enjoy hearing this story and will marvel at the important lesson the Fisherman learns.

**Douglas Glenn Clark has been the subject of feature stories in various New England and Midwestern newspapers. He has also written for the theater and his plays have been produced at the Old Globe Theatre, as well as the Chester Theatre Company in the Berkshires. He has received writing awards from the Massachusetts and Michigan arts councils and his journalism has been published in daily newspapers, and online publications.**

Amazon Fail

I hate censorship! I don't think a certain group of people have the right to tell other people what books to read, what music to listen to or what television shows or movies to watch. Now, censorship has come to Amazon.Com - oh, the shame!! Amazon has started deleting books from the Amazon Rank database, which is going to make it much harder to find certain books on an Amazon search.

Amazon seems to be stripping the sales figures and accompanying rankings from GLBT (gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender) books, erotica, and romance novels, particularly those with what they term “adult content.”

I learned of this problem while reading Neil Gaiman's blog (a daily read for me). Here is his link plus two more:

Neil Gaiman

Making Light

Smart Bitches, Trashy Books

Although I love buying books on Amazon BECAUSE of their huge selection, if this problem isn't corrected soon, I will have to look elsewhere for my books.

Until Amazon corrects this problem, I will no longer be using the Amazon Assoicate Links for the books and movies I review.

Courage in Patience

(Edited to add: To read the first chapter of Beth Fehlbaum's wonderful book, Courage in Patience, check out her blog at Courage in Patience.)


Courage in Patience: A Story of Hope for Those Who Have Endured Abuse by Beth Fehlbaum

Paperback: 352 pages
Publisher: Kunati Inc.
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1601641567
ISBN-13: 978-1601641564

Although this book is a story about surviving sexual abuse and the traumatic outcomes, there is more to this book than meets the eye. It is a story of healing and self-acceptance and empathy in a sometimes cruel world. I like how Fehlbaum used the town of Patience, Texas as an inspirational theme for the title of the book. We truly learn how one character courageously persevered in Patience.

14-year-old Ashley Asher endured six years of emotional, physical, and sexual abuse from her stepfather before having the courage to confide to her mother about this dark secret. But instead of loving support, her mother turns her back on Ashley, and chooses not to believe what is happening right before her eyes. When Ashley then confides in a teacher, the teacher arranges to have the traumatized girl sent her to live with her estranged biological father.

Surprisingly, although the father is full of guilt for abandoning Ashley as a child, it is the stepmother who accepts Ashley with open arms and tries to ease her transition into a new family. I like the way Fehlbaum uses the stepmother's summer English class as a template for healing. Using Chris Crutcher's book, IRONMAN, emotional issues like fear, racism, bullying, censorship and intolerance are discussed and dealt with in present day terms.

This book is a fast-paced read and I literally devoured each page. Fearing this would be another one of the "abuse books" dealing with the physical implications of abuse, I was surprised and delighted when Fehlbaum's focus was more on the emotional turmoil of abuse. She has given us believable characters and addressed them in a thoughtful caring manner.

I highly recommend this book, not only to victims of abuse or even family and friends of abuse victims, but to anyone wanting to read an inspirational story of survival and tenacity.

Beth Fehlbaum, an experienced English teacher, drew on her experiences as a teacher and as a survivor of childhood sexual abuse to craft the fictional story of a teen girl's first foray into recovery from sexual abuse. Visit her official website @ Beth Fehlbaum

Horrid Henry Redux

Horrid Henry Tricks the Tooth Fairy by Francesca Simon; illustrated by Tony Ross

Reading level: Ages 9-12
Paperback: 112 pages
Publisher: Sourcebooks Jabberwocky
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1402222750
ISBN-13: 978-1402222757

"When Perfect Peter's tooth falls out, Henry gets a great idea. He will steal the tooth and put it under his own pillow so that the Tooth Fairy gives him the reward instead of Peter. Will the Tooth Fairy fall for it?"

Horrid Henry is a fictional character created by Francesca Simon and illustrated by Tony Ross. The first Horrid Henry was written and published in 1994 and as of the end of 2008, there have been sixteen titles published, as well as numerous collections, activity books and joke books.

Horrid Henry Tricks the Tooth Fairy is the 3rd book in the continuing tales of Henry and his family and friends. This book contains the following stories: "Horrid Henry Tricks the Tooth Fairy," "Horrid Henry's Wedding," "Moody Margaret Moves In," and "Horrid Henry's New Teacher."

Margaret spying on his treasures, sleeping in his bed, playing with his toys while he had to share a room with Peter ...

and so begins my favorite story of this book. Moody Margaret lives next door to Horrid Henry and she will be spending two weeks with Henry's family while her own family is on vacation. Will this be the beginning of World War III? Moody Margaret does not like Horrid Henry and Horrid Henry does not like Moody Margaret. But Henry's parents soon learn that Margaret and Henry are cut from the same cloth.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Horrid Henry's Stinkbomb by Francesca Simon; illustrated by Tony Ross

Reading level: Ages 9-12
Paperback: 112 pages
Publisher: Sourcebooks Jabberwocky
Language: English
ISBN-10: 140221779X
ISBN-13: 978-1402217791

Horrid Henry and Moody Margaret are a perfect pair. Henry has a secret club tht doesn't allow girls in. Margaret has a secret club just for girls. And both Henry and Margaret love to play pranks. But with Perfect Peter and Sour Susan acting as spies, which secret club will win?

Horrid Henry’s Stinkbomb has the following stories: "Horrid Henry Reads a Book," "Horrid Henry's Stinkbomb," "Horrid Henry's School Project," and "Horrid Henry's Sleepover."

In my favorite story, "Horrid Henry's Stinkbomb", Henry uses a stinkbomb as a toxic weapon in his war with Moody Margaret. When Perfect Peter is "fired" from Horrid Henry's secret club and Soar Susan is "fired" from Moody Margaret's secret club, the two ban together to seek their revenge. Typical childhood pranks, this story had me laughing out loud.

Horrid Henry

Horrid Henry by Francesca Simon; illustrated by Tony Ross

Reading level: Ages 4-8
Paperback: 112 pages
Publisher: Sourcebooks Jabberwocky
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1402217757
ISBN-13: 978-1402217753

"What are we going to do about that horrid boy?" sighed Mom.
"How did two people as nice as us have such a horrid boy?" sighed Dad.

And so begins the horrid tales of Henry. As a mother who enjoys reading "The Adventures of Captain Underpants," I jumped at the chance to read this funny children's series. A #1 best-selling chapter book series in the UK, "Horrid Henry" is written by an American author, Francesca Simon, and is illustrated by Tony Ross.

Each Horrid Henry book contains four funny short stories about Henry and his friends and family. Stories in this first book include: "Horrid Henry's Perfect Day," "Horrid Henry's Dance Class," "Horrid Henry and Moody Margaret" (my favorite story in the book) and "Horrid Henry's Holiday."

With people like Moody Margaret, Perfect Peter, Spotless Sam, Goody-Goody Gordon, Soar Susan, Tidy Ted, and Horrid Henry's favorite teddy bear, Mr. Kill, children will identify with these characters and see themselves with new eyes.

The first 4 books in this wonderful series are being released this week in the United States and are expected to be as popular as they are in the UK. Elementary school age children, and their parents, should love these books, and the easy to read print and words make these the perfect first reader chapter books.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Horrid Henry and the Mega-mean Time Machine by Francesca Simon; illustrated by Tony Ross

Reading level: Ages 9-12
Paperback: 96 pages
Publisher: Sourcebooks Jabberwocky
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1842550691
ISBN-13: 978-1842550694

Horrid Hentry invents a time machine and promises to send his brother, Perfect Peter, to the future (as soon as Peter puts on one of Mom's dresses). But when Peter gets there, it isn't exactly what he had in mind In fact, evertying kind of looks the same ..."

In the continuing tales of Horrid Henry, this second book contains the following stories: "Horrid Henry's Hike," "Horrid Henry and the Mega-mean Time Machine," "Perfect Peter's Revenge," and "Horrid Henry Dines at Restaurant Le Posh."

Following the tale of Horrid Henry's little brother, Peter, I was laughing out loud at both boy's antics. Poor Perfect Peter, having to put up with a brother like Horrid Henry. This time he swears Henry will never trick him again.

Thirst for Knowledge

My youngest daughter has a thirst for historical knowledge like no other 16 year old I've ever met. She must have inherited this gene from her dad, because despite the random knowledge crowding my brain, I've never had an intense desire for history.

Last night she came home from a shopping trip to Lexington with a friend and she literally bounced through the front door.

"You'll never believe what book I found!" Well, of course, I could have guessed all night because her wish list of books is probably twice as long as mine.

"I found "Mein Kampf" - can you believe it?" For those of you who don't know, "Mein Kampf" is a book dictated by Adolf Hitler. The title translates to "my struggle" and it is an autobiography of Hitler's political ideology. She has been wanting this book for over a year now.

"You don't think I'm a Nazi, do you?" I had to laugh because she was so serious.

"No, I don't think you're a Nazi. I know you just want to learn more. What did ******'s mom say when you bought it?"

"Oh, I told her I wasn't a Nazi, but she did look at me funny."

My daughter, she is truly a unique individual.

Maybe I can talk her into doing a review after she reads the book...

Anita Blake Comes to Television

Yessssssss - I'm squealing like a little girl and I just can't help it. My favorite fictional author, Laurell K. Hamilton, is going to have her famous Anita Blake: Vampire Hunter book series adapted on the small screen!!! Happy Dance, Happy Dance!!!


IFC announced:

"...it has greenlit its first original event telefilm, “Laurell K. Hamilton’s Anita Blake: Vampire Hunter,” based on Hamilton’s series of best-selling paranormal fantasy novels and produced by Lionsgate and After Dark Films. Adapted by Glen Morgan (X-Files, Final Destination), who also serves as executive producer, the movie begins production this summer... Anita Blake: Vampire Hunter marks the first time in IFC tv’s history that we have created a fictional feature film for the network."

The Girl She Used To Be

The Girl She Used To Be by David Cristofano

Hardcover: 256 pages
Publisher: Grand Central Publishing
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0446582220
ISBN-13: 978-0446582223

"On my fifth day in class, the teacher asked each of us in turn to spell our name for the other students... It sure would've been easier to spell May Adams, but wouldn't you know, without even giving it a second thought, there I was, unveiling myself to my teacher, her aide, and seventeen other first graders."

M-E-L-O-D-Y-G-R-A-C-E-M-C-C-A-R-T-N-E-Y

And so, the story of Melody McCartney - aka May Adams, Karen Smith, Anne Johnson, Sandra Clarke and many others - begins.

When she is only 6 years old, Melody and her parents were the only witnesses in the brutal killing of an Italian restaurant owner. Scooped into the Witness Protection Program, the government promises to keep the family safe. Little does she know, but after 20 years in the WITSEC program and after the ultimate death of her parents, Melody's life will be in the hands of Jonathan Bovaro, one of the four sons of Tony Bovaro, the man who committed the vicious murder.

This book was a merry-go-round of emotions and evoked feelings in me I didn't realize I had. The trials and tribulations of poor Melody over the 20 years of "so-called" federal protection are marred only by the in-your-face criminal activity of the mafia family which threatens her very existence. I felt sadness at the robbery of her innocence, empathy at her lack of a normal life, elation in her love for Jonathan, and blood-curdling fear as her life is eventually exposed. I could not put this book down!

Cristofano's prose flowed gracefully through this book like Jonathan's red Audi through the streets of New York and New Jersey. The "Billy Idol" monologue in the bar with the college guy was hilarious - I'm talking laugh out loud, pee my pants, make my hubby look at me strange, funny! (see page 102).

The Girl She Used To Be is currently the best book I've read so far in 2009. With his snappy dialogue and human emotions, David Cristofano is an author I will be eagerly watching in the future. Having originally checked this book out of my local public library, this is a book I have giddily added to my home library.


HardcoverKindle

Way Back Wednesday - Glinda of Oz

Glinda of Oz is the fourteenth Land of Oz book written by children's author L. Frank Baum, published on July 10, 1920. This was Baum's last Oz book, and was published posthumously. Most critics agree this is Baum's darkest Oz book, most likely due to his failing health. The book was dedicated to Baum's second son Robert Stanton Baum.

While visiting Glinda at her castle, Dorothy and Ozma discover a reference in Glinda's Great Book of Records about an upcoming war. The war will begin between the Skeezers and the Flatheads, but Glinda is unable to discover anything else about them. Dorothy and Ozma are determined to stop the war from beginning.

In addition to he Skeezers and the Flatheads, we are introduced to several new characters: Su-Dic (Supreme Dictator of the Flatheads), Coo-ee-oh (Queen of the Skeezers), Rora the witch, Prime Minister Ervic, and Lady Aurex.

Interesting trivia for this book: The full title of the first edition is Glinda of Oz; In Which Are Related the Exciting Experiences of Princess Ozma of Oz, and Dorothy, in Their Hazardous Journey to the Home of the Flatheads, and to the Magic Isle of the Skeezers, and How They Were Rescued from Dire Peril by the sorcery of Glinda the Good.





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This completes the reviews of the 14 original Land of Oz books by L. Frank Baum. There are currently dozens of books about the Land of Oz, but there are only 26 books after Baum's death which are considered "official" books about the Land of Oz created by Baum. Most noteably are the next 19 books, written by Ruth Plumly Thompson from 1921 until 1939, which I enjoyed almost as much as Baum's tales. The next writer to pick up the series was John R. Neill, who wrote the next 3 books. Neill is very important in Oz culture because - with the exception of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz - he was the illustrator for the first 36 books in the series.

Although I have read all of the "Royal 40" books of Oz (14 by Baumn and 26 by 3 other authors) over the years, I am going to complete this Way Back Wednesday.

Next week, I have plans to pick up the Trixie Belden series where I left off, but I may change my mind before then. Maybe you will be surprised.

City of Glass (Mortal Instruments #3)

City of Glass (Mortal Instruments #3) by Cassandra Clare

Reading level: Young Adult
Hardcover: 560 pages
Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1416914307
ISBN-13: 978-1416914303

The City of Glass is the ancestral home of the Shadowhunters. The Shadowhunters obey the mandates of the Gray Book in order to protect our world from demons and it is against the law to enter the city without permission. Fifteen year old Clary Fray must enter the land of the Shadowhunters in order to save her mother, and she finds a mighty ally in Sebastian.

This urban fantasy book is the final book in the Mortal Instruments trilogy, but this series only leaves you hunger for more of Clare’s works.

The first 2 books in the Mortal Instruments trilogy are City of Bones (#1) and City of Ashes (#2).

Way Back Wednesday - The Magic of Oz

The Magic of Oz by L. Frank Baum

The Magic of Oz: A Faithful Record of the Remarkable Adventures of Dorothy and Trot and the Wizard of Oz, Together with the Cowardly Lion, the Hungry Tiger, and Cap'n Bill, in Their Successful Search for a Magical and Beautiful Birthday Present for Princess Ozma of Oz is the thirteenth Land of Oz book written by L. Frank Baum. Published on June 7, 1919, one month after the author's death, The Magic of Oz relates the unsuccessful attempt of the Munchkin boy Kiki Aru and former Nome King Ruggedo to conquer Oz.

The novel was dedicated to "the Children of our Soldiers, the Americans and their Allies, with unmeasured Pride and Affection."

At the top of Mount Munch, lives a group of people known as the Hyups. One of their numbers, a Munchkin named Bini Aru, discovered a method of transforming people and objects by merely saying the word "Pyrzqxgl". After Princess Ozma decreed that no one could practice magic in Oz except for Glinda and the Wizard of Oz, Bini wrote down the directions for pronouncing "Pyrzqxgl" and hid them in his magical laboratory

Ruggedo tries to conquer Oz again with the help of Kiki Aru. In the meanwhile, it is also Ozma's birthday, and all of Oz's citizens are searching for the most unusual present for the little princess.

The Annotated Hobbit

The Annotated Hobbit: The Hobbit, or, There and Back Again by J. R. R. Tolkien

Hardcover: 399 pages
Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0618134700
ISBN-13: 978-0618134700 The Annotated Hobbit:

In my humble opinion, the annotated version is the best way to read The Hobbit. We learn how this book was written and what was changed between each edition. The appendix gives additional details about the text. There are also anecdotes about Tolkien’s personal life, centering about his family.

This book also contains many illustrations from all the versions of the book in all the different languages since its original release in 1937.

The Annotated Hobbit is a treasure to long-time fans, but it is also a great starting point for new readers.

Coraline

Coraline by Neil Gaiman; illustrated by Dave Mckean

Reading level: Ages 9-12
Hardcover: 176 pages
Publisher: HarperCollins
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0380977788
ISBN-13: 978-0380977789

I must admit that I came to read this book because of Gaiman's latest novel, The Graveyard Book. I was so enamored with his writing, I am trying to read all his works.

This is the story of a young girl named Coraline (who remains polite, even when you call her Caroline). She has moved with her parents into an old house which has been converted into four flats. Both of Coraline's parents work at home, and sometimes she feels a bit ignored and bored. Her neighbors inclue the Misses Spink and Forcible - two retired actresses who live together in the bottom flat - and Mr. Bobo - an avid mouse trainer who lives in the topmost flat.

Coraline's flat has many doors and windows. There is one door, in the drawing room, that remains locked most of the time. When her mother opens this door for Coraline to see, there is nothing behind the door but a brick wall. But when Coraline's parents aren't home, she opens the door and it leads into another flat - a flat very much like her own, only with her "other" mother, father, neighbors, and a talking cat. Thus begins Coraline's adventure.

Gaiman is a wonderful storyteller and I thoroughly enjoyed this deliciously creepy novella. Originally published in 2002, this book won the 2003 Hugo Award for Best Novella, the 2003 Nebula Award for Best Novella, and the 2002 Bram Stoker Award for Best Work for Young Readers. It has been compared to Lewis Carroll's Alice in Wonderland because of its surrealism and plot based on an alternate-reality. Coraline has been adapted into a 2009 stop-motion film directed by Henry Selick.

Let There Be Light

Let There Be Light: The Story of Rural Electrification in Kentucky by David Dick

Hardcover: 314 pages
Publisher: Plum Lick Pub
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0975503731
ISBN-13: 978-0975503737

This book is David Dick’s history of how electricity came to rural Kentucky. The book features a chapter on each of the state’s 26 electric co-ops, told through the experiences of the people whose lives were changed by the coming of electricity.

When the Rural Electrification Administration (REA) came into existence in 1935, 90% of the rural areas in the United States had no electricity. Dick tells this story using extensive interviews with Kentuckians before and after the introduction of electricity.

A fascinating read, especially after the ice storm of 2009 crippled Kentucky’s electrical infrastructure.

Way Back Wednesday - The Tin Woodman of Oz

The Tin Woodman of Oz by L. Frank Baum

The Tin Woodman of Oz is the twelfth Land of Oz book written by L. Frank Baum and was originally published on May 13, 1918. The Tin Woodman is unexpectedly reunited with his Munchkin sweetheart Nimmie Amee from the days when he was flesh and blood. This was a backstory from The Wizard of Oz.

The book was dedicated to the author's grandson Frank Alden Baum.

The Tin Woodman and the Scarecrow are reliving tales at the Tin Woodman's palace in the Winkie Country when a Gillikin boy named Woot wanders comes to see them. After he is fed and rested, Woot asks the Tin Woodman how he came to be made of tin. He relates how the Wicked Witch of the East enchanted his axe and caused him to chop his body parts off limb by limb, all because he was in love with her ward, Nimmie Amee. Each chopped limb was replaced by the tinsmith Ku-Klip with a counterpart made of tin.

The Tin Woodman is unexpectedly reunited with his sweetheart Nimmie Amee. He also meets a fellow tin man - Captain Fyter - as well as a Frankenstein monster-like creature - Chopfyt - who is made from the combined parts of both tin men.

The Tin Woodman of Oz also provides backstory for Oz itself; it was not always a fairyland, and became one by being enchanted by the Fairy Queen Lurline, who left a fairy behind to rule it. In Glinda of Oz Ozma says that she herself was that fairy, though in The Marvelous Land of Oz we are told of her restoration to a throne long held by her ancestors.

Bluegrass: A True Story of Murder in Kentucky

Bluegrass: A True Story of Murder in Kentucky by William Van Meter

Hardcover: 240 pages
Publisher: Free Press
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1416538682
ISBN-13: 978-1416538684

In 2003, college student Katie Autry was murdered in her dorm room at Western Kentucky University in Bowling Green. She had been raped, stabbed and then sprayed with hairspray before being set on fire. This horrific story not only rocked the Commonwealth, but it also made national headlines.

Van Meter is a journalist originally from the town of Bowling Green and he explores Autry’s notorious murder case. The book details the events of the murder all the way up to the trial in March 2005. Although many of the residents of Bowling Green and WKU's administration were not happy about the release of this book, it is compelling reading and hard to put down. I felt connected to Autry and I empathized with her family.

Way Back Wednesday - The Lost Princess of Oz

The Lost Princess of Oz by L. Frank Baum

The Lost Princess of Oz is the eleventh Oz book written by L. Frank Baum. Published on June 5, 1917, it begins with the disappearance of Princess Ozma, the ruler of Oz and covers Dorothy and the Wizard's efforts to find her. The introduction to the book states that its inspiration was a letter a little girl had written to Baum: "I suppose if Ozma ever got hurt or losted, everybody would be sorry."

The book was dedicated to the author's newborn granddaughter Ozma Baum, child of his youngest son Kenneth Gage Baum.

Dorothy is up early to start the day and she is seeing to her friends in the Emerald City when she notices Ozma has not awakened yet. Dorothy goes into Ozma's chambers only to find she is not there. She is nowhere in the palace either. And not only is Ozma missing, but all the magical instruments in Oz that can be used to find her are also missing.

Dorothy, Glinda and the Wizard work together with several other friends to track down the magical instruments and find Ozma. We also are reunited with several old characters: Button-Bright, the Winkies, and Betsy. New characters we are introduced to include King Coco-Lorum, Cayke the Cookie Cook, Frogman, and Lavendar Bear.

The House of Night

First she was MARKED, then she was BETRAYED. The next thing we knew, she was CHOSEN and UNTAMED. Now, Zoey Redbird is being HUNTED.

For fans of the HOUSE OF NIGHT series - written by the mother/daughter team of P. C. and Kristin Cast - March 10th is the day we can finally get our hands on the 5th book in this addictive young adult series.

With over 3 million books in print, this will be the first book released in hardcover.



To read the first chapter of HUNTED, please visit the House of Night website by clicking here.


Listen to the audio of the second chapter of HUNTED:

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Mrs. Lincoln: A Life

Mrs. Lincoln: A Life by Catherine Clinton

Hardcover: 432 pages
Publisher: Harper
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0060760400
ISBN-13: 978-0060760403

With the bicentennial of Abraham Lincoln’s birth, this is a timely book about the life of his wife, Mary Todd Lincoln.

Because of her questionable mental health, this extraordinary woman has always been misunderstood. This is one of the most comprehensive books about Mrs. Lincoln I have ever read.

If you think you’ve read everything there is to know about the 16th First Lady, you will be engrossed with the new information provided in this wonderful book.