Review: A Place for Fish

The underwater world is a fascinating place. The creatures that reside there not only intrigue us, but help keep our world in balance. Sadly, human choices can endanger and alter these ecosystems. A Place for Fish by Melissa Stewart addresses the ecological impact on these creatures as well as why fish matter in the bigger picture.

Click here to read more.

Divergent by Veronice Roth

 I was hooked from page 1. I was horrified at what Beatrice had to go through in order to become a true member of her faction. I cannot imagine having to make that sort of choice when only sixteen. Ms. Roth writes so well, I could really "see" this futuristic Chicago. With great action, heart breaking scenes, loving moments and edge of your seat writing, this is one of my favorite stories of the year by far. To read more of my review, click here.

Latest News: CBS Films acquires Marie Lu's LEGEND

CBS Films has acquired screen rights to Marie Lu's exciting dystopian novel, LEGEND.  Twilight Saga producers Marty Bowen and Wyck Godfrey will produce through their Temple Hill banner. The first book will be published this November by Penguin Group. (Click here to read more.)

A bit about LEGEND:
What was once the western United States is now home to the Republic, a nation perpetually at war with its neighbors. Born into an elite family in one of the Republic's wealthiest districts, fifteen-year-old June is a prodigy being groomed for success in the Republic's highest military circles. Born into the slums, fifteen-year-old Day is the country's most wanted criminal. But his motives may not be as malicious as they seem.

From very different worlds, June and Day have no reason to cross paths - until the day June's brother, Metias, is murdered and Day becomes the prime suspect. Caught in the ultimate game of cat and mouse, Day is in a race for his family's survival, while June seeks to avenge Metias's death. But in a shocking turn of events, the two uncover the truth of what has really brought them together, and the sinister lengths their country will go to keep its secrets.

LEGEND will appear on bookstore shelves November 29, 2011. Until then, head on over to the LEGEND Facebook Page to discuss the book, enter contests, read excerpts and quotes, and keep updated on all the latest film news.

We'll keep you updated here too, so stay tuned!

Visit Marie Lu's official website for more info: http://marielu.org/

 

Review: Stoner and Spaz

Stoner and Spaz by Ron Koertge explores the relationship between two unlikely friends.  Colleen is a stoner.  She likes the feeling that drugs give her.  Ben is the spaz, suffering from the physical effects of cerebral palsy, an overbearing grandmother, and not getting out much.  They meet at the Rialto Theater on a Friday night where Ben spends most of his Friday nights watching old movies.  Colleen  bums some money from him because the concession stand won't change large bills.  Surprisingly she sits next to Ben during the movie.  What develops is the stuff good books are made of and this qualifies.

Koertge's characters attract readers and his story keeps the readers interested.  He doesn't sugar coat anything, but points out how two people handle their infirmities in a realistic fashion.  If you are interested in good, realistic fiction, then Stoner and Spaz is for you.  To read my full review, click here.

Review: A is for Zebra

Check out this ABC book that starts at the end of the words.  The book emphasizes the ending sounds of words, which the teacher in me loves. Young readers will enjoy the colorful pictures and will giggle their way through the character's dialogue. I was actually introduced to some new animals along the way.


Click here to read my full review.

June Giveaway Winners Announced!

Let's hear it for these lucky giveaway winners!


Beauty Queens by Libba Bray

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Shift and Shade by Jeri Smith-Ready

TweetyB99
athenasgrace17
brandileigh2003











Hourglass by Myra McEntire

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idroskicinia
paradisified
bayayrea_munkie
sross12
hernandezcassandra50








Relic Master: The Dark City by Catherine Fisher

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Family by Micol Ostow

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Congrats, everyone! Don't forget to click here to enter our July giveaways.


 

Review: The Sweetness of Salt

Every time Julia's older sister, Sophie, comes for a visit, there's an argument with her parents and she leaves.  Julia's graduation dinner is no exception.  Something happened to the family before Julia was born and Sophie thinks it's about time Julia found out.  It's been a secret for seventeen years.

What could be so horrendous, so traumatic that no one will talk about it for seventeen years?  Read The Sweetness of Salt  by Cecilia Galante to find out. 

However, while you are learning about the mystery, savor Galante's writing and the characters and the setting, for it is all of these as well as the story that makes this book enjoyable.  Treat yourself.  For my full review, click here.

Luminous

After falling during a shopping trip, Consuela finds a lump at the back of her neck.  When she gets home, Consuela finds she can pull off her skin...literally.  What happens next is a surreal trip to a paranormal world called the Flow where Consuela can make skins of different elements such as water and fire.  She also finds she can save others.  But there's another element in the Flow that wants to destroy it.  Can Consuela stop this evil before it destroys her?  Luminous is a surreal trip into the paranormal world of the Flow with a strong Latina protagonist.  A trip I loved going on!

Click here to read more 

The World of Harry Potter Poster Book

Follow Harry, Ron and Hermione-from their first days at Hogwarts, to the Triwizard Tournament, the formation of the D.A., the search for Voldemort's Horcruxes...and, finally, the battle against Voldemort and his Death Eaters. To read more of my review, click here.

Lego Star Wars: Save the Galaxy

Okay, first of all I have to say I love Star Wars. I think I love Lego Star Wars even more. I mean come on, who doesn't love adorable little Lego versions of your favorite characters? To read more of my review, click here.

Harry Potter Sticker Book

Lego Harry Potter is a hit! The Nintendo Wii game has gotten rave reviews and is a huge bestseller. Now kids can relive the adventure in this cool Lego Harry sticker book. To read more of my review, click here.

My Best Friend Abe Lincoln

Come meet Sam Harding, his family, and his best friend, who just so happens to be Abraham Lincoln! This book is a fantastic way to introduce your children to Abe Lincoln and his time period. To read more of my review, click here.

Katy's Decision (The Katy Lambright Series #4)

Katy's best friend Shelby will be staying with Katy all summer! Katy and Shelby have lots of fun things planned, like teaching Shelby how to quilt, training Katy's horses, eating ice cream as much as they can. But when Katy's Aunt Rebecca turns seriously ill, Katy's plans for the summer, and possibly the school year change drastically. Plus, Katy need to figure out her feelings for Bryce, Jonathan (a visitor from another Mennonite sect, and Caleb. What will Katy choose? To read more of my review, click here.

Katy's Homecoming (The Katy Lambright Series #3)

Nothing can prepare Katy for her biggest challenge yet--homecoming court! After she's elected to the exclusive event that would give her the opportunity to be a "normal" teen, rumors swirl that her crush, Bryce, might even ask her to go with him. But Katy's Old Order Mennonite community strictly forbids dancing, fancy dresses, and makeup. In addition, Bryce isn't Mennonite, so Katy's father may not allow him to take her. What will Katy choose? Click here to read more of my review.

Review: The Pink Locker Society: The Forever Crush

When the going gets tough, the tough get ... pink!

Once again, Moffitt strikes gold with the third installment of The Pink Locker Society. In this book, she tackles the tricky aspects of boy/girl relationships. Jemma has a boyfriend...or does she? As she struggles to figure out what her relationship with her forever crush Forrest is or isn't, she feels she has no one to talk to. She doesn't want to give away her secret because being Forrest's pretend girlfriend has to be better than nothing, right? Without being able to talk to her best girlfriends, she turns to none other than the Pink Locker Society, anonymously, hoping to get the advice she needs and craves from her friends.

To read my full review click here

Tomorrow Girls: Behind The Gates

Thirteen-year-old Louisa lives in a future where a war has been raging for as long as she can remember.  Then when she and her best friend Maddie are selected to go to a boarding school, she's excited.  That is until she gets there and finds out they can't use any electronic devices.  The authorities tell the girls it's for their own safety.  But Louisa worries they aren't telling the truth.  Tomorrow Girls: Behind the Gates is a fast-paced tween dystopia without the intensity of some other stories set in a world that could be our own.

Click here to read more

Review: The Watcher

Jane Goodall grew up observing animals and her fascination with them continued into adulthood. When Jane traveled to Africa, she discovered her calling—working with chimpanzees. For years she studied them and eventually became an activist on their behalves. Click here to read more.