Showing posts with label Juvenile Fiction. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Juvenile Fiction. Show all posts

1/26/2010

Review of Fancy Nancy: Poison Ivy Expert (I Can Read Book 1) (Paperback)

Am I the only one who is a little disappointed with the "I Can Read" book versions of Fancy Nancy? The story here is still cute, and it's the most educational version of Nancy for certain, but it's kind of missing a lot of the "fanciness" of the hardcover books that made them really fun. There is more to being Fancy Nancy than saying "X is a fancy way of saying Y", which is all that this book really offers. There is no fancy versus un-fancy conflict in her poison ivy escapade.With this Fancy Nancy I Can Read book, I think that the illustrator who is covering the text of the story is getting up to par with Robin Preiss Glasser, though!

Product Description

When Nancy picks flowers for Ms. Glass's surprise party, she is overjoyed-until she discovers an unpleasant surprise of her own! How could Nancy, practically a poison ivy expert, come down with something so unfancy?

In this hilarious new addition to the Fancy Nancy I Can Read series, Nancy realizes that even experts can always learn something new. With her boundless spirit and dynamic flair, Nancy is sure to leave young readers itching for more!





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1/17/2010

Review of Molly Married? (Paperback)

This book is a continuation of the characters in Molly Mormon?I like it a lot.I have read it at least twice and am now again checking it out from the library.I don't buy many books, but this is one to put on my list to have at my house.It is a good story about life not going the way you had planned, but finding despite the changes it works out better than you could have ever imagined.Her other two books about Molly are good too, but this is by far my favorite of the 3.

Product Description
Molly Chambers, the spirited strawberry blond we fell in love with in Molly Mormon? is back. And so is Elder Brandon Mace-from a mission in Texas. After two years as a devoted pen pal, Molly has dreams of a bright future that include attending BYU-Idaho, rooming with her cousin, and best friend, Shannon, and most of all, falling in love with Brandon-the guy who has made her heart flutter since high school.

But college life throws Molly numerous twists-feelings of jealousy toward her beautiful roommate Elena, comical encounters with the always unannounced, but ever-diligent home-teachers, Ernie and Bart, to the joys of ballroom dancing with Gordon the goofball. Will college life ever settle down enough for Molly to find the true love she has been seeking?

Enjoy this highly anticipated, true-to-life tale full of laughter, love, and lessons of life. Dreams really can come true when the Holy Ghost is allowed to be our guide.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Molly Married? (Paperback)

12/29/2009

Review of The Hunger Games (Hardcover)

Wow.I was barely able to put this book down for a second after the first few pages got me completely hooked.Suzanne Collins narrative here has an immediacy to it that, when combined with the very dramatic life-or-death plot, is incredibly compelling.It's entertaining, and incredibly disturbing all at once.If this was merely a good read, I would have given it 4 stars, but they say great art leaves you changed after you experience it...and this book definitely did that.Suzanne Collins has, with one amazing work, propelled herself onto my top shelf.

Parents, caveat emptor!The storyline is brutal.Even though the writing is geared for young adults, the main characters are teenagers, there's very little physical romance, and the actual violence would probably count as PG-13 nowadays...it's probably one of the most terrifying books I've read in a very long time!Right up there with George R.R. Martin, if not more so.Remember what we learned from Jaws: you don't actually need to SEE the shark in order for it to be terrifying.Sometimes not seeing the shark is even worse.

The story is basically about a teenager who is forced to compete in a 24-man-enter-1-man-leaves event.I don't want to spoil it by saying any more, but if you liked The Running Man, you'll definitely like this.And if you're young enough that you don't remember The Running Man, nor did you get the Thunderdome reference, then I'm just way too old.But take an old fogey's advice and read this book.

Amazon, when can I preorder book 2???



Click Here to see more reviews about: The Hunger Games (Hardcover)

11/20/2009

Review of Puddlejumpers (Hardcover)

"Puddlejumpers" is a thrilling mystery and a magnificent tale, and I didn't want it to end.Brilliantly written and conceived, it's full of kidnappings, rescues, daredevil escapes, evil Troggs, Red Grunts and indomitable Puddlejumpers, with a fantastic new and complex young protagonist, Ernie Banks, at the center of all the action.His sidekick Joey is one of the best-drawn young, female characters I've come across, full of conspiratorial spunk.Although this is a fast-paced fantasy adventure, I was surprised to discover that the novel also has great heart.A modern story with a tip o' the hat to the best family classics, this is a book you'll want to keep for the family library and pass down to future generations.Everybody is reading it at my house.A gem of a book.Harry who?

Product Description
Ernie Banks, named for the legendary Chicago Cub shortstop, is a troubled, 13-year-old juvenile delinquent. Abandoned on the doorstep of the Lakeside Home for Boys when he was three years old, he's now considered a "lifer," a permanent ward of the state. His only proof that he once belonged to somebody is a vintage Ernie Banks baseball card, a crystal acorn he wears on a string around his neck, and a strange spiral birthmark on the bottom of his right foot.

As a last reprieve before being sent to a juvenile detention facility, Ernie is allowed to spend three weeks on a working farm. When Ernie arrives at the home of Russ Frazier, he learns that the widower's baby was kidnapped years before. The single piece of evidence was a red quilt found in a puddle in the nearby woods.Fascinated by the town's famous "Quilt Baby" kidnapping, Ernie is determined to solve the case. He teams up with Joey, a local tomboy, to investigate clues that lead them on a dangerous journey into a forbidden world of dark secrets, magic puddles, and the cavernous underground kingdom of the Puddlejumpers- eleven-inch tall water creatures with whom Ernie has a mysterious connection.

When destiny summons, Ernie must find the courage to save the Puddlejumpers from the Most Dark and lead them in battle against their mortal enemies. Only then can he find his way home.




Click Here to see more reviews about: Puddlejumpers (Hardcover)

11/16/2009

Review of The Corps of the Bare-Boned Plane (Hardcover)

Oh, the wit and the quirky characters remind a bit of Lemony Snicket's Baudelaires and their too myriad unfortunate events, but there is a generosity of spirit, a undertow of flawed loving humanity here that leaves one refreshed and renewed. Polly Horvath knows well how to twist and turn a plot and to keep the reader turning the pages.Her humor is droll, if at times in a scratchy, not entirely comfortable way.This is not only great fiction for young adults, but great fiction; quite possibly worthy of another National Book Award and a Newbery nomination, at very least another ALA Notable Book.Readers enjoying this, will also enjoy her other titles such as THE CANNING SEASON, THE VACATION, and EVERYTHING ON A WAFFLE.Those who like the Lemony Snickets would likely enjoy the wit and irony here as well and there are some vague similiaries in tone and style to CHASING VERMEER, but Horvath always has her own voice --- one that readers of all ages would do well to listen to.



Click Here to see more reviews about: The Corps of the Bare-Boned Plane (Hardcover)

10/14/2009

Review of Shadow of the Dragon (Paperback)

Shadow of the Dragon

I would give the book a ten out of ten because it really showed a lot of emotion and it was very dramatic.The book is about a young boy named Danny and his cousin Sang Lee. Danny and Sang Lee both watch out for each other and they really care. Sang Lee is trying to learn some English because he had never spoken very much back at home. When Sang Lee starts to become friends with the wrong group of people Danny and the rest of the family become worried. Eventually Sang Lee joins the gang, which his family is offended of. A lot of things happen to Danny when he is trying to stop Sang Lee.




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9/11/2009

Review of ABC's of Bumps & Bruises, a guide to home & herbal remedies for children (Paperback)

I have been raising children for over 33 years and have owned a Health Food store for over 16 years.I was tired of searching in different books for subjects on health for children, so I decided to put all my years of experience and research into one easy to read book.I tried to make it as short and to the point as possible, because I know how precious time is to busy parents.I know on the amazon page it says the book is for 9 to 12 years olds, so I decided to write this review to let parents know it is for them concerning your child's health and wellbeing. Much love, health and happiness to you all.Theresa Roberts

Product Description
Includes valuable information about topics that concern lead poisoning, immunizations, autism, asthma, ADD/ADHD, lice, warts, colds, immune system, and many other topics that concern your child in one easy to read book.

Click Here to see more reviews about: ABC's of Bumps & Bruises, a guide to home & herbal remedies for children (Paperback)