Book Reviews and More

Welcome to Chuggington

2012-02-10T00:03:00.000-05:00

Welcome to Chuggington
Chuggington
Scholastic
ISBN 9780545261302

This board book has different layered pages each outlining a different train from Chuggington station. It outlines each of the trains and their main role. It highlights some of the locations in and around the station also. Bright, vibrant colors, sturdy board book construction and trains, trains and trains. So hop aboard and go for a ride around Chugginton. Kids of all ages will love it.

Skipping Stones At The Center Of The Earth - Andy Hueller

2012-02-09T00:03:00.000-05:00

Skipping Stones At The Center Of The Earth
Andy Hueller
Bonneville Books
Cedar Forts
ISBN 9781599554884

This book was surprisingly entertaining. The title grabbed my attention, but once I read the beginning, I was grabbed. The story focuses around Calvin Comet Cobble who lives at the Hidden Shores Orphanage, which is located on the shores of Lake Arctic below the earth's crust. A giant screw was found in the Arctic, and as they unscrewed it, they discovered a giant cavern, part of which gets light and part that is always dark. They build a super max prison on the dark side and an orphanage in the light. Calvin is a twelve-year-old boy and he has a great imagination and a knack for getting into trouble.

Soon he meets Mr. E, the school's custodian who lives in a shack right on the shore of the lake. His best, and maybe only friend, is Bernetha Twiggins, and between Bernetha and Mr. E they soon help Calvin discover more about his past and he embarks on an adventure to find out who he really is.

This book is the beginning of a great series. The story is fun and unique. The characters are interesting and well written. Give the book a try; you will enjoy it.

James Bow - Author Profile

2012-02-08T00:03:00.000-05:00

James Bow, is the author with numerous published books both fiction and non-fiction. He is a graduate of The University of Waterloo and is very involved in and around campus and Kitchener Waterloo. He has worked as a database manager, web designer, circulation manager, administrative assistant, layout designer and office manager. But his passion is literature, especially Young Adult Fiction.

1. If you had not become a writer what do you think you would be doing for a living?

Writing is something I fell into. I always enjoyed writing, all the way back to high school, but it was a hobby for me, at first. It was something subservient to what I intended to do for a living which, at the time, had been to become an urban planner. However, I graduated from the University of Waterloo's school of urban and regional planning in 1995, during tough economic times and a period of government downsizing, when I was competing with senior managers with ten years experience for entry level positions. So planning was what I wanted to be, and I couldn't get into it - not without slaving away as a long-term intern, or upping sticks and moving to Florida. Instead, I got temp jobs and ended up falling into the tech industry, although that wasn't as good of a fit. I still enjoyed the writing and creation aspects of the job, but it was far too dry and technical for my tastes. Becoming a writer required a lot of courage, because I knew it was hard to make it work financially, and there were all these demands on my finances. But in the end, I needed to work at something I loved doing, because the other jobs were demanding too much of my time and I simply didn't enjoy doing the work. So, if I wasn't a writer now, I think it would only have been because I'd found a good planning job and progressed in that career. Today, though, it's my secondary interest. I run a public transit historical website called Transit Toronto, and I earn my keep with column writing, and contract work (writing marketing profiles) for an up-and-coming apartment brokerage company. I'm pleased that I've been able to put that part of me back into my professional life, but I am a writer first and a planner second.

2. When did you know you wanted to be a writer? How did you nurture that dream?

As I said, I'd been writing since high school. I've been a fan of Doctor Who for just about ever, having seen my first episode (Genesis of the Daleks, part 6) on TV Ontario when I was four years old. When I entered high school, I discovered the world of fandom and joined a Doctor Who fan club. From there, I learned of the existence of fan fiction. I submitted my first Doctor Who fan fiction story when I was fourteen. By the time I was nineteen, I was producing my own fan fiction magazines. From 1991 to 2004, I wrote for and edited nearly twenty Doctor Who fan fiction publications. I've met a lot of friends through fan fiction, including the woman who became my wife, and I keep in touch with them to this day.

3. Who were some of your biggest supporters and contributors to your early success?

I grew up in a family that loved the written word. Both my parents were trained as librarians, and my mother (Patricia Bow) had been writing and submitting stories to publishers for as long as I could remember. When I was a teenager, my mother let me read over and critique one of her YA submissions, and she read over and critiqued my fan fiction. Along with my wife (Erin Bow), she's my best editor. I met my wife, Erin, when I submitted one of my fan fiction stories to the newsgroup alt.drwho.creative. We became penpals and eventually fell in love. She was already a talented poet, and I encouraged her to write some fan fiction, which I published, and which a lot of people liked. We've supported and encouraged each other ever since, sharing scenes and critiquing them. She's made me a much better writer than I would have been without her.

4. What authors influenced your writing style and format?

I read a lot in the field I like to write in, so I think that has an influence. Really, I'm writing what I'm writing because I love the YA, science fiction and fantasy genres and I want more such books on the shelf. When you read a lot, there's a lot of cross-pollination. I love what Kenneth Oppel did with his Airborn trilogy, and I want to emulate that. Arthur Slade and Phillip Reeve have helped introduce me to steampunk. I also love Terry Pratchett. But I think the two longest standing influences have been the television show Doctor Who and Australian children's writer Patricia Wrightson. Doctor Who is the most flexible format in fiction. At its core, it's the tale about a wizard with a magical cabinet that can take him anywhere in the universe. He's a portable hero that can be dropped into any story, regardless of setting or genre. That gave me a love for wide ranging storytelling that I think has influenced my writing. Patricia Wrightson is not really well known in Canada. Somehow, one of her books, An Older Kind of Magic made its way here, and my mother read it to me when I was eight. It's a story about how a group of children help save a park in Sydney from developers, with the help of creatures from Australian aboriginal folklore. A sense of magic infuses the book, but one thing that stood out for me at the time was that a couple of the children were siblings that lived with their parents in a cabin located on the roof of a government building in downtown Sydney. Their father was the chief caretaker of the building and he got to live at the top of the building with his family, and the children got to roam the abandoned offices after hours. That magical, almost spooky, setting just burned itself in my mind and I remembered it instantly when I came upon the book twenty years later. The interesting thing is, when I read the story to my wife, she said that my writing style was very similar to Patricia Wrightson's in this book. So perhaps she's influenced me more than I know.

5. What advice do you wish an artist had passed on to you early in your career, which you only learned through experience?

People say it, but you can only really learn this first hand: it's better to make a living doing what you love than what you don't love, even if what you don't love earns you more money than what you do love. Even if you struggle to make ends meet (and you will), it's far more fulfilling if you enjoy what you're doing. I spent years avoiding being a writer because I didn't think it would pay the bills, but it was far better for my soul, and that's more important than my pocketbook.

6. What does your writing process look like? Takes us through the steps from idea to publishing?

I try to spend every spare moment writing something. I often have to struggle against wasting time on the Internet, checking e-mail, surfing websites or following Twitter. Sometimes I'm successful; sometimes I'm not. Now that my youngest daughter is attending preschool, and my eldest is in grade one, I have mornings to myself. This is a treat I haven't had in years. My wife needs to have her own writing office, and has rented space downtown to give herself a controlled mental space in which to work. I'm better at blocking out distractions, but in order to motivate myself to write, I sometimes find that I do have to step outside and find a space that isn't my home. By buying a coffee at a coffee shop, I tell myself, "right, I've spent money. Now I've got to sit down and write something in order to earn what I've spent." I also do a fair amount of writing late at night, after the kids are in bed but before I go to sleep myself. I don't have a set process other than that. The stories that I wrote were often discovered. I had a few seed ideas, perhaps a scene at the beginning, cool stuff in the middle and a possible scene in the end, and my task is to find a fun way to connect the dots. I rarely outline or anything like that or, if I do, it's something that I do at the same time as writing out scenes. Writing for me is the same act of discovery that readers do by reading.

7. Dows your writing process differ when writing fiction versus non-fiction?

Yes, they do, because the objectives of non-fiction are quite different. There is a lot more research involved and it stands to reason that the process has to be much tighter. In my non-fiction work, the deadlines are much tighter, so the work is more frenzied, but often the "story" is right there in front of me, and I simply have to write to that.

8. Do you prefer writing fiction or non-fiction?

There are elements I like of both. I'm proud of my non-fiction work, but fiction is more rewarding for me, I think. The story is far more mine in this instance.

9. Do you use a playlist when writing? Are certain books written while predominantly listing to the same music?

I do have "soundtrack albums" that I associate with some of my stories. As with my fiction writing, these came together organically. Often, I'd discover a new artist or album as I was writing my new project, and I would make connections between the two. I discovered the Quebec artist Jorane back in 2001, when I started writing Fathom Five, and I believe she had a great influence on that work; the atmosphere of her music just fit the atmosphere I was going for in the novel. The Unwritten Girl was more of a Pink Floyd tale. My latest novels (currently unpublished) also have their own soundtracks. The Night Girl is a bit of an eclectic mix with a lot of alternative stuff; The Dream King's Daughter has a lot of Jorane and Tori Amos, and Icarus Down was written as I was discovering the works of avant-garde techno-cellist Zoe Keating.

10. I once heard Madeleine L'Engle state that her characters were real to her and almost an extended part of her family, she said once that at the dinner table she sat up and stated "Meg just finished her PhD." Are your characters real to you, do you ever get glimpses of what they are up to now, or once you finish a book is that it?

That's certainly the case with Rosemary and Peter, whose first novel, The Unwritten Girl was heavily influenced by L'Engle's A Wrinkle in Time (I'm sure you've spotted some of the explicit connections). I started writing the series in 2001, five years before the first book was published, and I had a draft of all three novels finished by 2003. I knew what their lives were like from 12 to 18, and I had plans for a fourth novel (now shelved) that would have taken them to 24, when they were adults and expecting their first child. It's similar for the other characters I've created since, although in those cases, the development of their lives have come in the form of potential sequels rather than anything as detailed as Peter and Rosemary's lives.

11. If you could only recommend 10 books to a reader looking to be a well-rounded and whole person what books would you suggest?

I can suggest ten books, but I don't think they'd be well rounded. My love is YA literature, with a healthy dose of fantasy and sci-fi. That has been the bulk of my reading for the past fifteen years. I haven't read Margaret Atwood, though I greatly respect her contributions to Canadian literature. My favourite Canadian writers are Kenneth Oppel and Arthur Slade. And I don't keep lists, so what I would suggest one day might be different on another day. So, here and now, off the top of my head, are ten books I'd recommend other readers read, in no particular order: 1. Kenneth Oppel's Airborn trilogy 2. The Hunchback Assignments by Arthur Slade 3. The Boneshaker by Kate Milford. 4. Small Gods by Terry Pratchett 5. Nation by Terry Pratchett 6. The Mortal Engines sequence by Phillip Reeve 7. Invisible Cities by Italo Calvino 8. The Chestnut Soldier by Jenny Nimmo 9. The Nargun and the Stars by Patricia Wrightson 10. Plain Kate by my wife, Erin Bow

12. In many ways you are a modern renaissance man, philosopher, educator, researcher, student, author and more. Very few people today are as well rounded as you are to what do you attribute this?

Quite possibly by not excelling in a particular field with good career opportunities. I've always enjoyed learning, and I was a rather studious kid, but I never seemed to take the most obvious path. Back in high school, I decided my focus would be geography, of all things, since that wasn't the obvious choice as something more math or language related. Maybe a part of me thought it would be fun to explore. The problem is, choosing such paths means the paths aren't exactly clear, since they're not as well trod. They're more fun to explore, but the final destination isn't easy to see. It took me a while to understand that it was writing that I loved the most, and that of all of the things I've done in my life - urban planning, office work, working at a high tech company and so on - the things I loved most about those things have been the creative writing elements. That doesn't exactly line up. I've dabbled in journalism, but I like to write fiction. I like to speak my mind, and putting a blog together naturally helped get those words out. I've dabbled in a lot of things, but at the core of it all has been my writing. I suspect being a writer leads to a lot of dabbling. We're explorers, not necessarily researchers. We don't always have the necessary focus to be experts in only one thing.

13. Some of your books are available in electronic formats but with that comes bootleg distribution. What are your impressions of ebooks and the distribution of them through torrents and other illegal means?

I really don't think we're going to be getting the genie back in the bottle in terms of bootleg downloads. It's just too easy to put something on the Internet and get it off, and making it difficult penalizes legitimate users unfairly. I think the best approach is to just call for an honest payment, noting that if we don't get paid, the world will lose our future content. I can only hope that anybody who downloads a bootleg copy of my book (I haven't heard of anyone doing that; my wife's Plain Kate is pretty high on the list of illegal downloads, however) eventually decides to get a legitimate copy that will get reflected on my royalty statement. If he or she ends up doing so as a result of encountering my book as a bootleg, so much the better. But I'm not going to lose sleep over it.

14. Some authors monitor torrent sites and have their publishers contact them to remove their content. Do you do so are have someone do so for you?

There isn't enough hours in the day for me to do this, and I'm not sure what my publisher does. Again, I have things to write, so I'm not going to waste that time by trying to police the Internet.

15. Completely off topic but what TV shows or movies do you enjoy?

We cut the cable television soon after my eldest daughter was born, so what we have tends to be downloaded via iTunes or streamed from Netflix, or grabbed through an off-air antenna. My favourite show remains Doctor Who, but I quite like Community and The Big Bang Theory. We watch Mythbusters with our kids. And I have a healthy diet of children's television under my belt… enough for me to build conspiracy theories as to what really happened to Max and Ruby's parents. My favourite movies include Hitchcock's North by Northwest and the Lord of the Rings trilogy. I'm also partial to anything by Pixar. Other than that, we haven't been out to see a movie all that often since the kids were born.

16. I once had a university professor state that the true goal of a university education should be to teach one to learn how to think. What would you state should be the goal of higher education and why?

I have to agree that learning how to learn is the best thing the university system ever taught me. Because once you get the basics down, there's so much more that's out there, you've just got to go and get it yourself - or ask the right people the right questions in order to get the answers you need. Everything else that our higher education systems are obliged to do - give us job skills, do high level research, et cetera - becomes much easier once this foundation is laid.

17. If you were stuck on a desert island and could only have 10 books to read again and again, what books would you want with you?

Well, I would go back to the list that I gave you in question 11. I'd knock out numbers seven through nine and bring along my wife, her laptop and my laptop. That way, I'd have good stuff to read, and she and I could work on our books and read them over for each other. That should keep us occupied for years. We'd also need a solar charger, so knock out number six as well.

18. What advice would you give to young aspiring authors and artists?

My sister-in-law (now sadly passed away), Wendy once said "never buy anything you don't love". That made her very difficult to shop for. She later amended it to "never do anything you don't love." There is far too little time in your life to waste focusing on getting a high-paying career you're not passionate about because you want something to pay the bills. You have to be passionate about what you do in order for what you do to have meaning. It's hard to make a living, no matter what you do, but it feels a lot easier if you have fun doing it.

Thank you James for taking some time to answer some questions for the readers at Book Reviews and More. I look forward to reading more books by you and your wife.

Books by James Bow:
The Unwritten Books:
The Unwritten Girl
Fathom Five
The Young City

Mysteries Revealed:
Animal Mysteries Revealed
Earth Mysteries Revealed
Space Mysteries Revealed

Non-Fiction:
Lamborghini: Superstar Cars
Earth's Secrets: Invisible Worlds
Deep Space Extremes
Baseball: Sports Science
Cycling: Sports Science
Saving Endangered Plants and Animals: Science Solves It
Rescue Missions: Science Solves It

Author Profile and Interview with James Bow

The Sisters Club - Megan McDonald - Book 1

2012-02-07T00:03:00.001-05:00

The Sisters Club
Sisters Club Book 1
Megan McDonald (Author)
Pamela A. Consolazio (Illustrator)
Candlewick
ISBN 9780763632519
eISBN 9780763651862

Reading this book was like going back to my own childhood. I grew up in a home of three boys, and reading this book about three sisters made me realize that I never knew how much boys and girls were alike. Megan McDonald, who grew up the youngest of 5 sisters, writes about the friendship, love, hate and trials of family life among siblings. Our cast of characters is:
Three Sisters:
Alex Reel (the oldest)
Stevie Reel (middle the glue)
Joey Reel (the youngest)
Parents:
Mom (Susan Reel Actress)
Dad (Richard Reel famous actor who played King Lear)
Great Great Grandmother, founder of the town Hepzibiah McNutty Reel
Other Cast Members:
Sock Monkey
Scott Howell (the first boy to come over for dinner)
And more.

The three sisters have the Sisters club. They have sleep overs and meetings in Alex's room. They put on plays. This is a well-written book, in a mix of traditional text and what look like journal entries with comments from the other sisters. The illustrations really add to the book. It is a really fun read and another great book for readers of all ages by Megan McDonald.

Books by Megan McDonald:
Sisters Club:
Sisters Club 1
Sisters Club 2 Rule of Three
Sisters Club 3 Cloudy With a Chance of Boy

Books by Megan McDonald and Peter H Reynolds:
Judy Moody books:
1. Judy Moody
2. Judy Moody Gets Famous!
3. Judy Moody Saves the World!
4. Judy Moody Predicts the Future
5. Judy Moody, M.D. The Doctor Is In
6. Judy Moody Declares Independence
7. Judy Moody Around the World in 8½ Days
8. Judy Moody Goes to College
9. Judy Moody: Girl Detective
10. Judy Moody and the NOT Bummer Summer
10a. Judy Moody and the Not Bummer Summer (Movie Tie-In Edition)

Judy Moody Activity Books:
Judy Moody's Double Rare Way Not Boring Book of Fun Stuff to Do
Judy Moody's Way Wacky Uber Awesome Book of MORE Fun Stuff to Do

Stink Moody Books:
1. Stink: The Incredible Shrinking Kid
2. Stink and the Incredible Super-Galactic Jawbreaker
3. Stink and the World's Worst Super-Stinky Sneakers
4. Stink and the Great Guinea Pig Express
5. Stink: Solar System Superhero'
6. Stink and The Ultimate Thumb-Wrestling Smackdown
7. Stink and the Midnight Zombie Walk

Stink-O-Pedia Volume 1: Super Stink-y Stuff from A to Z
Stink-O-Pedia Volume 2: More Stink-y Stuff from A to Z

Judy and Stink Books:
Judy Moody & Stink: The Holly Joliday
Judy Moody and Stink: The Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad Treasure Hunt

Stink and Judy Moody a Visual Bibliography

The Dig - Zoe and Zeus Book 1 - Audrey Hart

2012-02-06T00:03:00.000-05:00

The Dig
Zoe and Zeus Book 1
Audrey Hart
Backlit Fiction
ISBN 9781937704131

Zoe is an orphan and she spends her summers on archeological digs with her aunt and uncle, and the year at the Greeley Academy boarding school. She loves being on digs but really doesn't feel like she fits in anywhere. Seventeen is a hard age to be, but even more so with the fragmented life she has lived. Zeus on the other hand is a Greek God. He appears 17 also, but has been this age for 500 years. He is the leader of the Mount Olympus gang, the 12 gods and goddesses of the ancient world. Then magically a giant iPhone transports Zoe back in time, from the present day archeological dig to when the mysterious temple was being built. And not only that, she has superpowers and is maybe even a goddess.

The concept of this story was intriguing so when I was offered a review copy I jumped at it. BackLitFiction is a new publisher specializing in eBooks, most of which so far seem aimed at the Young Adult to University age market. I have read a few now and they are all good books, but this one has something more. Audrey Hart, in writing this first book in a trilogy, has captured the essence of life in school and used that as a backdrop for moving out into the world and then being taken completely out of your comfort zone. Now most people do not get pulled 3000 years out of their comfort zone, but that is just the type of girl that Zoe is and the kind of things that happen to her.

At school, Zoe was not in the 'in' crowd and when she makes it through the trials to Mount Olympus she is not 'in' there either. In fact she experiences open hostility and threats on Olympus that were never part of boarding school. In order to survive she must learn to trust - first to trust herself and her new powers. She must also learn to trust a boy, a boy who is handsome, patient, kind and to whom Zoe just can't seem to release herself too completely. This was a great read and I look forward to the rest of the series. The writing is tight, the characters sharp and witty. The plot is a new and unique twist on girl meets boy. Let's see where things go from here! This was an amazing first novel. Give it a try!

Zebrafish - Sharon Emerson and Renee Kurilla

2012-02-03T00:03:00.001-05:00

Zebrafish
Presented by Peter H. Reynolds
and Fable Vision
Sharon Emerson (Author)
Renee Kurilla (Illustrator)
Atheneum Books for Young Readers
an imprint of Simon and Schuster
ISBN 9781416995258

I am still fairly new to Graphic Novels. I have only been reading them a few years. But I do know stories and this is an amazing one. It is a story about a girl that wants to become a musician, Vita Escolar. Her older brother is a medical researcher. She puts up posters for band members but no one who comes is actually a musician except Jay. The main characters are:

Vita
Jay
Plinko
Tanya
Walt

They start out with different goals for the band, but in the end they discover a unified goal and purpose. They also lean that sometimes helping others is much more important than your own goals. This was an incredible book with an amazing story. It would be a great addition to any High School curriculum and will challenge anyone who reads it to learn to be a better person.

At First Bite - Poison Apple Book 8 - Ruth Ames

2012-02-02T00:03:00.003-05:00

At First Bite
Ruth Ames
Poison Apple Book 8
An Imprint of Scholastic
ISBN 9780545324878

This series has been out for a few years now and this latest, the 8th book in the series, is the second to repeat an author. This series is a dark off-shoot of their popular Candy Apple Books. This series, Poison Apple Books, is amazing. The books explore such things as ghosts, vampires, haunting and other darker tales. Unlike most fluffy books for young girls, these tales have a little more grit but still have some humour and really fun reads.

This story continues shortly after This Totally Bites! Ashley Samantha Lambert is twelve years old, with blond hair and blue eyes, at her old school in New York she had been top of the social ladder, and then last fall she became a vampire. Now her family has moved to L.A. and things just seem to keep going downhill. Then she finds out she is living in a house famed for a vampire film, and the school play is the same story as that film: At First Bite. But not only are things rough for Ashley, she soon finds herself looking to uncover a dark one, a vampire that is attacking people. The Perfect life she pictured in L.A is not so perfect and life is even more complicated than she ever expected.

This book was another great read in a wonderful series. Give it a try.

Poison Apple Books:
The Dead End - Mimi McCoy
This Totally Bites! - Ruth Ames
Miss Fortune - Brandi Dougherty
Now You See Me - Jane B. Mason & Sarah Hines Stephens
Midnight Howl - Clare Hutton
Her Evil Twin - Mimi McCoy
Curiosity Killed the Cat - Sierra Harimann
At First Bite - Ruth Ames

Books By Aimee Friedman:
South Beach (2004)
French Kiss (2005)
A Novel Idea (2005)
Hollywood Hills (2007)
The Year My Sister Got Lucky (2008)
Sea Change (2009)

Contributed to:
Mistletoe (2006)
21 Proms

Graphic Novel:
Breaking Up (2007 - with Christine Norrie )

As Ruth Ames:
This Totally Bites - Poison Apple Book 2 (2009)
At First Bite - Poison Apple Book 8 (2011)

Author Profile Interview with Aimee Friedman

Haunted Love - Cynthia Leitich Smith

2012-02-01T00:03:00.001-05:00

Haunted Love
Cynthia Leitich Smith
Candlewick
eISBN 9780763660475

This short story is now available for free from both Amazon and Kobo. Even though I knew this was a short story, when I hit the end I wanted to know what happens next. I really did not want the story to end. And that is a tribute to the skill of Cynthia Leitich Smith and her mastery as a wordsmith. For fans of Cynthia Leitch Smith's Tantalize, Eternal and Blessed, you will love the story as it just adds to her cannon and we can't help but wonder who the mysterious inline seller of the energy elixir is. For those who have yet to read her works, it will draw you in. Her writings, in this world she created, are very addictive. The other great thing about this free eBook is it has an extended sample of her new book Diabolical. This was a great short story with a really unique twist. Kudos to Cynthia for surprising me yet again. And I am sure it will do the same for you.

Books by Cynthia Leitich Smith:

Young Adult Books:

Tantalize
Eternal
Blessed
Cat Calls - Short Story
Tantalize Kierens Story - Graphic Novel
Haunted Love - Short Story
Diabolical

Books for Kids:

Holler Loudly
Santa Knows
Indian Shoes
Rain Is Not My Indian Name
Jingle Dancer

Author Profile Interview with Cynthia Leitch Smith

ish - Peter H Reynolds

2012-01-31T00:03:00.009-05:00

ish
Peter H. Reynolds
Candlewick
ISBN 9780763623449

This was one of the first books by Peter H. Reynolds that I ever read. And with each book I appreciate his writing and illustrations more. But this will always be one of my favorites, and a book I believe every child should read! The story is amazing and the illustrations wonderful. It will encourage children to try new things, and to keep at them even if they are not good from the start. They can do it sort of 'ish' and that is good enough. This is one of the best children's books I have ever read!

Books by Peter H Reynolds:
The North Star
ish
The Dot
Rose's Garden
I'm Here

Books by Megan McDonald and Peter H Reynolds:
Judy Moody books:
1. Judy Moody
2. Judy Moody Gets Famous!
3. Judy Moody Saves the World!
4. Judy Moody Predicts the Future
5. Judy Moody, M.D. The Doctor Is In
6. Judy Moody Declares Independence
7. Judy Moody Around the World in 8½ Days
8. Judy Moody Goes to College
9. Judy Moody: Girl Detective
10. Judy Moody and the NOT Bummer Summer

Judy Moody Activity Books:
Judy Moody's Double Rare Way Not Boring Book of Fun Stuff to Do
Judy Moody's Way Wacky Uber Awesome Book of MORE Fun Stuff to Do

Stink Moody Books:
1. Stink: The Incredible Shrinking Kid
2. Stink and the Incredible Super-Galactic Jawbreaker
3. Stink and the World's Worst Super-Stinky Sneakers
4. Stink and the Great Guinea Pig Express
5. Stink: Solar System Superhero'
6. Stink and The Ultimate Thumb-Wrestling Smackdown
7. Stink and the Midnight Zombie Walk

Stink-O-Pedia Volume 1: Super Stink-y Stuff from A to Z
Stink-O-Pedia Volume 2: More Stink-y Stuff from A to Z

Judy and Stink Books:
Judy Moody & Stink: The Holly Joliday
Judy Moody and Stink: The Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad Treasure Hunt

Stink and Judy Moody a Visual Bibliography

The Visitors - The McKissack’s - The Third Book of the Clone Codes

2012-01-30T00:03:00.001-05:00

The Visitors:
The Third Book of the Clone Codes
Patricia C. McKissack, Fredrick L. McKissack and Joch McKissack
Scholastic
ISBN 9780439929875

I loved the first book, The Clone Codes. I was a little disappointed in book two Cyborg, in this series. The length of the book was closer to a novella than a novel and yet priced as a novel. This third book, The Visitors, is longer and as it wraps up the Clone Codes Trilogy it does a great job of redeeming the series. It deals with questions of freedom, justice and the ultimate question of being - what does it mean to be a sentient being?

Things are quickly moving towards a final conflict between the World Federation of Nations and the Liberty Bell Movement. Both Clones and Cyborgs are uprising. A new species of beings is brought into the conflict and the mysterious O visitors from outer space intervene because Humans are just not ready to go beyond our own star yet. The O are trying to guide and direct us on the right path.

This story was full of new twists and turns. It was a riveting read and I could barely put it down, and I read it in under a day. It was a great read and I highly recommend the whole trilogy!

Backgorund:
"The Clone Codes:

Clones are living organisms patented by Topas Corporation International. All rights are reserved.

All clones are to be identified by numbers or alphanumeric designations. The use of names is restricted.
Clones have no rights under a court of law and are recognized solely as property.
Groups of clones in excess of three are not permitted without direct human supervision.
Attempting to educate a clone beyond its work model specifications is forbidden and punishable in accordance with article 3C74.
The manufacture of a clone in the likeness of a child is a capital offense.
Imprinting the ability to mimic human emotions into a clone's behavioural patterns is forbidden.
A clone that disobeys a direct order must immediately be taken to a processing center for decommissioning.
Instructing a clone to lie is restricted.
Since clones are not citizens, they may not participate in elections.

Issued by the Clone Humane Society, the government agency for the protection and processing of clones.

The Cyborg Act of 2130
For the security and general welfare of the Cyborg race, these protections have been established on this the 7th day of October, 2130.

The Cyborg Codes

All Cyborgs must be registered with the Bureau of Cyborg Affairs (BCA).
Those that are Cyborgs must live within designated areas set aside on the Moon Colony. If a Cyborg desires to live or work elsewhere, it must acquire BCA permission.
It is mandated that Cyborgs may not serve as officers in the World Federation of Nations' defense forces or serve in any national law enforcement agencies.
Cyborg children must attend one of four Xyborg academies based on test scores and abilities.
All Cyborgs over the age of 16 must be employed.
Cyborgs need permission from the BCA to marry or have children.
The BCA will provide Cyborgs with medical insurance and health-care needs.
Cyborgs cannot inherit real property.
Cyborgs can only participate in amateur or professional sports within the Cyborg Leagues."

All in all this was a great trilogy and the McKissacks have left it open for more books or a spin-off series about mutants. If you haven't read them, give them a try. It is like a classic science fiction style retelling stories of slavery. Awesome reads.

Books by The McKissack's
The Clone Codes
Cyborg: Clone Codes Book 2
Visitors: Clone Codes Book 3

Tantalize Kierens Story - Cynthia Leitich Smith and Ming Doyle

2012-01-27T00:03:00.002-05:00

Tantalize Kierens Story
Cynthia Leitich Smith (Author)
Ming Doyle (Illustrator)
Candlewick
ISBN 9780763641146

Over these past 2 years, Cynthia Leitich Smith has become one of my favorite authors. The world she has created in her main series and the characters, their interaction, dialogue and flare are incredible. I was a little leery when I heard that one of her books out in 2011 was going to be a graphic novel. I love her writing style and craft as a story teller. So I approached this book with both a little anxiety and a lot of excitement because it was her new book. I should have just trusted that her name would not appear on anything not of great quality.

The thing that took me most by surprise was the appearance of Kieren and Quincie, though to some extent they look as I had pictured them. While reading Tantalize, there was something more. Ming Doyle has captured the essence of the shifter world that Cynthia has created in her previous three novels. The story is well told in word and art. It was a good read and added to the story we already know and love. Well done.

Books by Cynthia Leitich Smith:

Young Adult Books:

Tantalize
Eternal
Blessed
Cat Calls - Short Story
Tantalize Kierens Story - Graphic Novel
Haunted Love - Short Story
Diabolical

Books for Kids:

Holler Loudly
Santa Knows
Indian Shoes
Rain Is Not My Indian Name
Jingle Dancer

Author Profile Interview with Cynthia Leitch Smith

The Brimstone Key - Jon S Lewis and Derek Denz - Grey Griffins Clockwork Chronicles Book 1

2012-01-26T00:03:00.000-05:00

The Brimstone Key
The Grey Griffins
The Clockwork Chronicles
Book 1
Jon S. Lewis and Derek Benz
Little, Brown and Company
ISBN 9780316081405

This book was amazing. It is a mix of steam punk, science fiction, gamer and gold old mystery all rolled up in one. It was a very addictive read. I found more than once, that I did not want to put my eReader down. I wanted to find out what was going to happen next. The story is fast-paced, as we follow the young adventurers, the Grey Griffins as they begin a new adventure and begin formal training in school at Iron Bride Academy, an aviate military school run by the Knights Templar to fight evil. The grey Griffins are:

Max Sumner
Harley Eisenstein
Natalia Romanov
Ernie Tweeny

Now these three friends had a previous adventure in the original Grey Griffins trilogy. But this book stands on its own. I have not read the previous series, and this book, though alluding to events in the previous series, is self-contained. It was good enough that I do plan to go back and read the earlier series.

Yet the Griffins are drawn into a new battle that threatens not only them, but all the children at Iron Bridge. They have released an old enemy and started a new battle with the Clockwork King.

This was a great novel and highly entertaining. It was a wonderful read and I give it the highest recommendation I can. I know that I will reread it!

Books by Jon S. Lewis: Grey Griffins :
The Revenge of the Shadow King (2006)
The Rise of the Black Wolf (2007)
The Fall of the Templar (2008)

Grey Griffins Clockwork Chronicles:
The Brimstone Key (2010)
The Relic Hunters (2011)

C.H.A.O.S. Series:
Invasion (2011)
Alienation (2012)

Free Realms:
Free Realms (12 part comic book series.)
Free Realms Book 1 (Issues 1-6) Graphic Novel (2010)
Free Realms Book 2 (Issues 7-12) Graphic Novel (2010)

The Mysterious Journals of J.S. Lewis (????)

Author Profile Interview with Jon S. Lewis.

Every Body Matters - Gary Thomas

2012-01-25T00:03:00.001-05:00

Every Body Matters
Gary Thomas
Zondervan
ISBN 9780310290810

This book completely blew me away. It was an amazing read. I think it should be in every church library and on every pastor's desk. It is a wakeup call to all Christians that we are body, mind and spirit and that in order to love and serve God to the best of our abilities we need to be nurturing and looking after all three areas of our life. Back when I was a student involved with Campus Ministries, I heard a talk that stated the human body is a like a car with three gas tanks - one physical, one spiritual and one intellectual and if any of the three run out of gas then the engine will have problems and not run well. This book brings to light the fact that Christianity often focuses only on the two and it is something that is costing us - it costs us in our witness, in our effectiveness and in our possible length of service to Jesus Christ.

This book is a series of examples from Gary's life and from a number of case studies. Another great strength of the book is the variety of examples and sources Gary uses to make his point. However this book is not a diet book, it is not a fitness guide, it is not a 'How to' this book is the theological argument for why we should look after and even work at improving or strengthening the body that God has given us.

Gary Thomas in quoting Elton Trueblood states: "Angels .?.?. are pure spirits without bodily needs, but men are not pure spirits. Men are combinations of body and mind and spirit, uniting in a working partnership both hand and brain. They thus have a variety of temptations and any valid religion will be frankly concerned with all of these." Thomas draws heavily from Christian traditions, from the saints of the church, from monastic movements and even almost a whole chapter focused around a movement called Muscular Christianity. Thomas states: "Socrates himself was a hardy figure, a physically fit former infantry soldier in the Athenian army. He recognized that all exercise and no study creates only half a man, just as all study and no exercise also creates half a man - in this case an effeminate, soft, overly sensitive man who isn't tough enough to address real life." That is what we need today, men and women who are fit physically so that they can be of greater service spiritually. Thomas has even paraphrased one of the Proverbs as a commentary on the form Christianity currently has slid into for the most part.

"Proverbs talks about fields, but you could apply this to just about any aspect of human existence:

I went past the field of a sluggard, past the vineyard of someone who has no sense; thorns had come up everywhere, the ground was covered with weeds, and the stone wall was in ruins. I applied my heart to what I observed and learned a lesson from what I saw: A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest - and poverty will come on you like a thief and scarcity like an armed man." Proverbs 24:30 - 34

Today's version might read as follows: I went past the body of a sluggard, past the body of someone who has no sense. His cholesterol was killing him from within; his high blood pressure was a tinderbox waiting to explode. His breath was labored, and he could barely move without breaking into a sweat. He said he had no time to exercise or to prepare healthier meals, but he lost hours going to the doctor and much money buying medicines to treat the symptoms rather than attack the disease. I applied my heart to what I observed and learned a lesson from what I saw: A little sleep, a little softness, a life of overindulgence - and ill health will come on you like a thief and frailty like an armed man.

Over time, laziness, like excessive eating, has a way of outing itself."

Gary Thomas draws for a number of modern sources to reinforce his points and arguments. He says:

"What so many in the church don't see is that this physical battle has spiritual roots. Dr. Ed Young writes:

'Satan not only wants to suffocate your spiritual heart, he will do whatever he can to take away your physical heart. Jesus labeled the devil a "murderer"
(John 8:44). Satan is out to cause your physical death if he possibly can. Why does Satan want you physically dead? Because it would bring an abrupt end to your loving care for others, and the whole purpose to which God has called you. With you out of the way, he has eliminated a key person God wants to use to touch your family members, your neighbors, your friends, and others in your circle of influence'.

Dr. Young goes on: 'How can [Satan] get rid of you? Well, he knows you're too smart to fall for the temptation to jump off a bridge, throw yourself in front of a speeding train, or drink a bottle of cyanide.?.?.?. Remember: he's a con artist. He wants to trick you into doing his bidding, to cause you to think it's not too bad.
So he just might suggest more acceptable behaviors that could eventually gain him the same result, behaviors that will negatively affect your health.
If this is true - and it makes sense - Satan may attempt to ruin one man's ministry by luring him into a financial trap that will ultimately become a crime and thus wreck his business and his reputation; he may attempt to ruin a woman by gradually filling her mind with thoughts of fantasy toward a coworker and thoughts of malice toward her husband so that she is weakened and enters into an immoral affair. And he may get others to eat one too many bacon cheeseburgers without any corresponding exercise, and take them out that way. He doesn't care what brings our ministry to an end; he just wants it to end'."

All the while, Thomas writes the book around a series of case studies or examples, different people who have made changes to their lifestyle and fitness levels and have noticed a greater relationship with God and with those in their life. It has lead to a greater testimony. He drives home the point that we have been bought at a price and we are not our own. "Do today's Christians have any sense that our bodies don't belong to us? That caring for our bodies - eating appropriately, getting sufficient exercise - isn't a matter of what we're willing to live with but is rather a matter of discipleship and obedience?" Are we willing to head his warning and learn to become obedient in all areas of our lives, not just the spiritual ones? In quoting Dr. Cooper, Thomas declares: "Even more, I saw the spiritual side of this very physical issue. Dr. Cooper writes: 'The food you eat and the liquids you drink are a proper subject for prayer. After all, they can play a major role in your spiritual and emotional life and may be decisive in determining how well and energetic you feel - and how effectively you are able to accomplish your daily tasks.' All of us are like the aging athlete whose skills are slightly diminishing with every passing year. In our youth, we can get away with sloppy habits, but that day ends more quickly than most of us realize. And the longer it takes us to realize it, the bigger the health and illness hole we dig ourselves into. Eating habits aren't easy to break. It is far easier not to fall into such patterns in the first place. Younger readers, please take note: anyone over thirty will tell you it is far, far easier
to keep weight off than to lose it." This book was an incredible read. It was a challenge to me to find greater balance between body, mind and spirit. I have recommended it to over a dozen people. Give it a try and maybe you too will find greater physical health and vitality and through that, even greater spiritual discipline. You have nothing to lose except maybe a few pounds and bad habits, and you have lots to gain!

Books by Gary Thomas:

Authentic Faith
Every Body Matters
The Glorious Pursuit
Holy Available
Pure Pleasure
Sacred Influence
Sacred Marriage
Sacred Marriage Gift Edition
Devotions for a Sacred Marriage
Sacred Parenting
Devotions for Sacred Parenting
Sacred Pathways
Simply Sacred
Thirsting for God

Judy Moody (was in a mood) - Megan McDonald and Peter H Reynolds

2012-01-24T00:03:00.004-05:00

Judy Moody
(Was in a Mood)
Judy Moody Book 1
Megan McDonald (Author)
Peter H. Reynolds (Illustrator)
Candlewick
ISBN 9780763648497
eISBN 9780763651992

For a few years now, probably close to ten, I have been meaning to read a Judy Moody book. The covers and titles have always caught my attention, but whenever I was in the book store I was always after something else specific. It is my loss. Recently I received a review copy of Stink and the Midnight Zombie Walk one of the Stink Moody books and loved it. I have since tracked down all the Judy and Stink books and will be reading them soon. They have jumped to the top of my to-be-read pile of books. This first Judy Moody book was just as good as the Stink book and I am glad there are so many books to read about these two siblings. If the two I have read are samples of how good the rest will be, I have 21 more great books to read.

The sections in the book are:
Who's Who
A Bad Mood
Roar!
Two Heads Are Better Than one
My Favorite pet
My Smelly Pet
Doctor Judy Moody
The T.P. Club
The Worst Thing Ever
Definitely the Worst Thing Ever
The Funniest Thing Ever
The Me Collage
Band-Aids and ice Cream
10 Things You May Not Know About Megan McDonald
10 Things You May Not Know About Peter H. Reynolds

This book was a wonderful, fun read. I made me laugh. It is a book I cannot wait to share with my children as they grow older. In this book Judy Moody wakes up in a bad mood and for the first day of Grade 3 the bad mood continues. Her first school project is to make a "Me Collage". The teacher provides some ideas but the project is up to the children. As the story progresses, Judy learns about herself, and about preconceived ideas she has about others. She makes a new friend and learns how to turn a bad thing into a new opportunity. It was a great read and I look forward to many more adventures with Judy, her friends and her family.

Books by Megan McDonald and Peter H Reynolds:
Judy Moody books:
1. Judy Moody
2. Judy Moody Gets Famous!
3. Judy Moody Saves the World!
4. Judy Moody Predicts the Future
5. Judy Moody, M.D. The Doctor Is In
6. Judy Moody Declares Independence
7. Judy Moody Around the World in 8½ Days
8. Judy Moody Goes to College
9. Judy Moody: Girl Detective
10. Judy Moody and the NOT Bummer Summer
10a. Judy Moody and the Not Bummer Summer (Movie Tie-In Edition)

Judy Moody Activity Books:
Judy Moody's Double Rare Way Not Boring Book of Fun Stuff to Do
Judy Moody's Way Wacky Uber Awesome Book of MORE Fun Stuff to Do

Stink Moody Books:
1. Stink: The Incredible Shrinking Kid
2. Stink and the Incredible Super-Galactic Jawbreaker
3. Stink and the World's Worst Super-Stinky Sneakers
4. Stink and the Great Guinea Pig Express
5. Stink: Solar System Superhero'
6. Stink and The Ultimate Thumb-Wrestling Smackdown
7. Stink and the Midnight Zombie Walk

Stink-O-Pedia Volume 1: Super Stink-y Stuff from A to Z
Stink-O-Pedia Volume 2: More Stink-y Stuff from A to Z

Judy and Stink Books:
Judy Moody & Stink: The Holly Joliday
Judy Moody and Stink: The Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad Treasure Hunt

Stink and Judy Moody a Visual Bibliography

Books by Megan McDonald:
Sisters Club:
Sisters Club 1
Sisters Club 2 Rule of Three
Sisters Club 3 Cloudy With a Chance of Boy

Books by Peter H Reynolds:
The North Star
ish
The Dot
Rose's Garden
I'm Here

Alienation - Jon S. Lewis - CHAOS Book 2

2012-01-23T00:03:00.002-05:00

Alienation
C.H.A.O.S. Book 2
Jon S. Lewis
Thomas Nelson
ISBN 9781595547545

I finished this book with mixed emotions. My first thought was WOW! My second was, if there is going to be a third book it will be more than a year out. As much as I loved book one, Invasion, in this series book two was even better. In many ways it was like reading an updated version of a classic science fiction story. It was like reading Heinlien, Herbert, and Bester but with today's look forward into even newer technology. Lewis does an amazing job of telling a story that draws from a number of literary traditions and rolls them up into something new, fresh and exciting, combining elements from stories like The Land Before Time, Captain America, Justice League and all with a wholesome spiritual twist without being preachy. I would say this is an amazing fiction novel and one of the best Christian Fiction books I have read in more than a decade. The characters are wonderful; the plot twist from book one to book two was stunning.

In a few short weeks, Colt has gone from losing his parents to moving to live with his Grandfather in Arizona. He has learned that all the monsters from myths and legends are real, and that his comic book super hero, the Phantom Flyer from his childhood, is based on stories about his grandfather and a secret government agency C.H.A.O.S. - the Central Headquarters Against the Occult and Supernatural. And now he is preparing to move again to C.H.A.O.S.' secret military prep school. But he has also found out his name is on a list and everyone else on the list is dead. Who can he trust, where can he turn?

This story is an amazing adventure. The pace is a race from beginning to end, with the threat to earth growing, and many looking to Colt to fulfill an ancient prophecy. It's a lot of pressure for a young man. This book was an incredible read and I cannot wait for book three.

Books by Jon S. Lewis:
Grey Griffins :
The Revenge of the Shadow King (2006)
The Rise of the Black Wolf (2007)
The Fall of the Templar (2008)

Grey Griffins Clockwork Chronicles:
The Brimstone Key (2010)
The Relic Hunters (2011)

C.H.A.O.S. Series:
Invasion (2011)
Alienation (2012)

Free Realms:
Free Realms (12 part comic book series.)
Free Realms Book 1 (Issues 1-6) Graphic Novel (2010)
Free Realms Book 2 (Issues 7-12) Graphic Novel (2010)

The Mysterious Journals of J.S. Lewis (????)

Author Profile Interview with Jon S. Lewis.

The Start Up - Sadie Hayes

2012-01-20T00:03:00.002-05:00

The Start Up
The Start-Up
Book 1
Sadie Hayes
Backlit Fiction
ISBN 9781937704070

I work fulltime in IT in a high tech company. Not in Silicon Valley, but in what most consider Silicon Valley North, The Golden Triangle, specifically Kitchener Waterloo. Having watched many friends go through co-ops and work for such companies as RIM, Cisco, Open Text, Microsoft and more, I can say this book would appeal to any who work in technology or any who just want an amazing book to read. The story is fast-paced, informative and very well crafted. Sadie Hayes does an amazing job of capturing life in and around universities, especially universities with a technological bent. She encapsulates the world of technology, start-up companies, entrepreneurship and venture capital in a story sure to thrill.

The story's main characters are twins Adam and Amelia Dory. The eighteen- year-old twins are at Stanford on scholarship, excited about an opportunity that two foster children never thought they would be able to leave behind. But things in life often do not go the way we expect. Adam is a young man looking for a way to compensate for his past - for a crappy life in foster care. Amelia just likes to code. She is most herself when she is in front of her computer solving the riddle of how to get it to do what she wants it to do. But upon discovering a secret, and feeling compelled to bring the truth to light, Amelia has put herself and her brother in the crosshairs of one of the most financially influential people in Silicon Valley.

This book was an amazing read. Once I started it, I could not stop. I literally had to force myself not to start book two and write this review first. It is an amazing debut novel and should prove to be the start of an incredible trilogy.

This trilogy is only available in eBook format. There are pros and cons to that. First it is an amazing price point at between $0.00 and $2.99 each; the cons are if you don't have access to electronic reading you're going to miss out on some amazing books.

Books by Sadie Hayes:
The Start-Up
Anti-Social Network
Beautiful Code

This Dark Endeavour - Kenneth Oppel - The Apprenticeship of Victor Frankenstein Book 1

2012-01-19T00:03:00.005-05:00

This Dark Endeavour
The Apprenticeship of Victor Frankenstein
Book 1
Kenneth Oppel
Harper Collins
Browse Inside
ISBN 9781554683390

I have been going back through and tracking down all of Oppel's older books and reading them. This is his newest and it blew me away. It had a dark edge I have not seen in Oppel's writing before. The story is amazing and leaves you desperate for more.

Summary: It is the story of the Frankenstein brothers, Victor and Konrad. They are the closest of brothers and as they have grown up in the Frankenstein manor, they have lived a life of privilege and adventures, both real and imaginary. But then as the old saying goes, all good things must come to an end. After they stumble upon a hidden library, a library of the dark arts, their life takes a turn for the worse. Soon Konrad has fallen ill, and Victor, their friend Henry, and Elizabeth, a distant relative who was raised in the Frankenstein household, embark on a dark and dangerous journey to discover the Elixir of Life. As the friends risk life and limb to save Konrad, a dark secret is growing in Victor's heart.

This story is very well written; it is a study into the hearts and minds of a group of people. It looks at not only what they do, but why they do it. It also touches upon how twins have a bond, and as we read, the story and characters become real. There is such craft in the writing of this book you will become lost in the pages and the story will stay with you for a long time after reading it. The book is impossible to put down, and even after you finish it, you find yourself desperate for book two.

Books by Kenneth Oppel:

Half Brother (2010)
The Devil's Cure (2000)
Dead Water Zone (1992)
The Live-Forever Machine (1990)

Apprenticeship of Victor Frankenstein
This Dark Endeavour (2011)
Such Wicked Intent (2012)

The Silverwing Saga
Silverwing (1997)
Sunwing (1999)
Firewing (2002)
Darkwing (2007)

Airborn Series
Airborn (2004)
Skybreaker (2005)
Starclimber (2008)

Children's Fiction:

The King's Taster (2009)
Peg and the Yeti (2004)
Peg and the Whale (2000)
Emma's Emu (1995)
Galactic Snapshots (1993)
Cosmic Snapshots (1993)
Follow That Star (1992)
Cosimo Cat (1990)
Colin's Fantastic Video Adventure (1985)

Barnes and the Brains
A Bad Case of Ghosts (1993)
A Strange Case of Magic (1994)
A Crazy Case of Robots (1994)
An Incredible Case of Dinosaurs (1994)
A Weird Case of Super-Goo (1997)
A Creepy Case of Vampires (2002)

Red Glove - Holly Black - The Curse Workers Book 2

2012-01-18T00:03:00.001-05:00

Red Glove
The Curse Workers Book 2
Holly Black
McElderry Book s an imprint of
Simon and Schuster
ISBN 9781442403390

Red Glove continues shortly after the book White Cat. The Curse Workers are at it still. In a world much like ours, but where some people have the gift or the curse that their touch can influence people; some can bring or take luck, or memories, even life. Society dictates that all people wear gloves to prevent unintentional contact and thus being 'worked'. Cassel comes from a family of workers, and until recently he believed he did not have the touch.

Cassel is still being pulled by all sides - his mother wanting to use him in her next scheme, his brother wanting him for some scams, the government wanting him to catch everyone and the woman he loves hates his guts. Not exactly a simple life.

Holly Black writes wonderful books. I have yet to read anything by her that disappoints. In fact, all of her books I have read have ended up in my Top 10 for the quarter in which they were read. It's funny in that I read over 100 books a year and most I enjoy, a few I love, but even fewer still I wish I could visit. This is one of those books. I would be intrigued to wake up one day in this world. I k now that as I read these books they become so ingrained in my consciousness that I dream about them, the characters pop into my mind in meetings and during conversations. Holy Black is an addictive author. Once you sample her writing you will not want to stop. So check out this series, and let Black work her magic on you.

Other Books by Holly Black:

The Poison Eaters and Other Stories (2010)

The Modern Faerie Tales
Tithe (2002)
Valiant (2005)
Ironside (2007)

The Spiderwick Chronicles
The Field Guide (2003)
The Seeing Stone (2003)
Lucinda's Secret (2003)
The Ironwood Tree (2004)
The Wrath of Mulgarath (2004)
Arthur Spiderwick's Notebook of Fantastical Observations (2005)
Arthur Spiderwick's Field Guide to the Fantastical World Around You (2005)
Care and Feeding of Sprites (2006)

Beyond Spiderwick
The Nixie's Song (2007)
A Giant Problem (2008)
The Wyrm King (2009)

The Good Neighbors
Kin (2008)
Kith (2009)
Kind (2010)

The Curse Workers
White Cat (2010)
Red Glove (2011)
Black Heart (2012)

Anthologies
Geektastic: Stories from the Nerd Herd (2009)
Zombies vs. Unicorns (2010)
Welcome to Bordertown (2011)

Judy Moody and Stink Moody - A Visual Bibliography

2012-01-17T00:03:00.013-05:00

(This year I finally started reading the Judy Moody and Stink Moody books by Megan McDonald (Author) and Peter H. Reynolds (Illustrator) from Candlewick. They had been on my list of Books I should get around to reading but never had. (My loss.) Over the next few months I will be reviewing these books and wanted to kick it off with a visual bibliography.

Judy Moody books:

Judy Moody
(Was in a Mood)
Judy Moody Book 1
Megan McDonald (Author)
Peter H. Reynolds (Illustrator)
Candlewick
ISBN 9780763648497
eISBN 9780763651992

Judy Moody Gets Famous!
Judy Moody Book 2
Megan McDonald (Author)
Peter H. Reynolds (Illustrator)
Candlewick
ISBN 9780763648534
eISBN 9780763652005

Judy Moody Saves the World!
Judy Moody Book 3
Megan McDonald (Author)
Peter H. Reynolds (Illustrator)
Candlewick
ISBN 9780763648596
eISBN 9780763652012

Judy Moody Predicts the Future
Judy Moody Book 4
Megan McDonald (Author)
Peter H. Reynolds (Illustrator)
Candlewick
ISBN 9780763648572
eISBN 9780763652029

Judy Moody, M.D. The Doctor Is In
Judy Moody Book 5
Megan McDonald (Author)
Peter H. Reynolds (Illustrator)
Candlewick
ISBN 9780763648619
eISBN 9780763652043

Judy Moody Declares Independence
Judy Moody Book 6
Megan McDonald (Author)
Peter H. Reynolds (Illustrator)
Candlewick
ISBN 9780763648510
eISBN 9780763652050

Judy Moody Around the World in 8½ Days
Judy Moody Book 7
Megan McDonald (Author)
Peter H. Reynolds (Illustrator)
Candlewick
ISBN 9780763648633
eISBN 9780763652067

Judy Moody Goes to College
Judy Moody Book 8
Megan McDonald (Author)
Peter H. Reynolds (Illustrator)
Candlewick
ISBN 9780763648558
eISBN 9780763652074

Judy Moody: Girl Detective
Judy Moody Book 9
Megan McDonald (Author)
Peter H. Reynolds (Illustrator)
Candlewick
ISBN 9780763643491
eISBN 97807636520841

Judy Moody and the NOT Bummer Summer
Judy Moody Book 10
Megan McDonald (Author)
Peter H. Reynolds (Illustrator)
Candlewick
ISBN 9780763657109
eISBN ????

Judy Moody and the NOT Bummer Summer
Judy Moody Book 10a Move Tie-in Edition
Megan McDonald (Author)
Candlewick
ISBN 9780763653514
eISBN 9780763654504

Judy Moody Collections:

Judy Moody and the Star Studded Collection (Contains books 1-3)
Judy Moody Collection 1
Megan McDonald (Author)
Peter H. Reynolds (Illustrator)
Candlewick
ISBN 9780763647144
eISBN 9780763654214

Judy Moody Double-Rare Collection (Contains books 4-6)
Judy Moody Collection 2
Megan McDonald (Author)
Peter H. Reynolds (Illustrator)
Candlewick
ISBN 9780763654092
eISBN 9780763656300

Judy Moody Activity Books:

Judy Moody's Double Rare Way Not Boring Book of Fun Stuff to Do
Judy Moody Activity Book 1
Megan McDonald (Author)
Peter H. Reynolds (Illustrator)
Candlewick
ISBN 9780763643096

Judy Moody's Way Wacky Uber Awesome Book of MORE Fun Stuff to Do
Judy Moody Activity Book 2
Megan McDonald (Author)
Peter H. Reynolds (Illustrator)
Candlewick
ISBN 9780763644314

Judy and Stink Books:

Judy Moody & Stink: The Holly Joliday
Judy Moody and Stink Moody Book 2
Megan McDonald (Author)
Peter H Reynolds (Illustrator)
Candlewick
ISBN 9780763632373
eISBN 9780763658601

Judy Moody and Stink: The Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad Treasure Hunt
Judy Moody and Stink Moody Book 2
Megan McDonald (Author)
Peter H Reynolds (Illustrator)
Candlewick
ISBN 9780763643515
eISBN 9780763658618

Stink Moody Books:

Stink: The Incredible Shrinking Kid
Stink Moody Book 1
Megan McDonald (Author)
Peter H Reynolds (Illustrator)
Candlewick
ISBN 9780763628918
eISBN 9780763651886

Stink and the Incredible Super-Galactic Jawbreaker
Stink Moody Book 2
Megan McDonald (Author)
Peter H Reynolds (Illustrator)
Candlewick
ISBN 9780763632366
eISBN 9780763651893

Stink and the World's Worst Super-Stinky Sneakers
Stink Moody Book 3
Megan McDonald (Author)
Peter H Reynolds (Illustrator)
Candlewick
ISBN 9780763636692
eISBN 9780763651909

Stink and the Great Guinea Pig Express
Stink Moody Book 4
Megan McDonald (Author)
Peter H Reynolds (Illustrator)
Candlewick
ISBN 9780763642341
eISBN 9780763651916

Stink: Solar System Superhero
Stink Moody Book 5
Megan McDonald (Author)
Peter H Reynolds (Illustrator)
Candlewick
ISBN 9780736343522
eISBN 9780763651923

Stink and The Ultimate Thumb-Wrestling Smackdown
Stink Moody Book 6
Megan McDonald (Author)
Peter H Reynolds (Illustrator)
Candlewick
ISBN 9780763643508
eISBN 9780763654573

Stink and the Midnight Zombie Walk
Stink Moody Book 7
Megan McDonald (Author)
Peter H Reynolds (Illustrator)
Candlewick
ISBN 9780763656928
eISBN 9780763659950

Stink-O-Pedia Volume 1: Super Stink-y Stuff from A to Z
Megan McDonald (Author)
Peter H. Reynolds (Illustrator)
Candlewick
ISBN 9780763645588

Stink-O-Pedia Volume 2: More Stink-y Stuff from A to Z
Megan McDonald (Author)
Peter H. Reynolds (Illustrator)
Candlewick
ISBN 9780763639631

Stink - The Super Incredible Collection
(Contains books 1-3)
Stink Collection 1
Megan McDonald (Author)
Peter H. Reynolds (Illustrator)
Candlewick
ISBN 9780763639860

(Note this is not complete it is just the ones I have tracked down in either physical or eBook format.)

Check back on Tuesdays for the next few months for these books and other books by Peter H. Reynolds and Megan McDonald to be reviewed.

The Battle Begins - Tony Abbott - Underworlds Book 1

2012-01-16T00:03:00.001-05:00

The Battle Begins
Underworlds
Book 1
Tony Abbott
Scholastic
ISBN 97805453028311

This is the second series I have read by Tony Abbott. The first, The Haunting of Derek Stone, was amazing. I loved it, so when this new series was starting I had to read it. I was not disappointed. Tony Abbot has come up with yet another great concept and is bringing it to life for readers both young and young at heart. With a mix of Greek, Norse, Egyptian and Babylonian mythologies, a group of fourth graders, and the whole world at stake, what could go wrong?

Owen Brown is in the fourth grade. One morning at school he sees the floor open up and swallow his best friend Dana Runson. This event is also witnessed by Sydney Lambertti, the new shop teacher's daughter. And the final member of our group of youngsters is Dana's and Owen's friend, Jon Doyle. After Dana's disappearance, Owen and the other two must figure out what is going on. They soon have encounters with a fire-breathing giant wolf, the lyre of Orpheus, and the three Valkyries. And that is just the beginning of the story.

This first book in a new series was a delight to read. It has a fast pace, interesting characters and a wonderful plot. I cannot wait to see how the series progresses. I can highly recommend this book.

Books By Tony Abbott:

Underworlds:
1. The Battle Begins (2012)
2. When Monsters Escape (2012)
3. Revenge of the Scorpion King (2013)
4. The Ice Dragon (2013)

Danger Guys
1. Danger Guys (1994)
2. Danger Guys Blast Off (1994)
3. Hollywood Halloween (1994)
4. Danger Guys Hit the Beach (1995)
5. Danger Guys on Ice (1995)
6. Danger Guys and the Golden Lizard (1996)

Time Surfers
1. Space Bingo (1996)
2. Orbit Wipeout! (1995)
3. Mondo Meltdown (1996)
4. Into the Zonk Zone! (1996)
5. Splash Crash (1997)
6. Zero Hour (1997)
7. Shock Wave (1997)
8. Doom Star (1997)

Weird Zone
1. Zombie Surf Commandos from Mars (1996)
2. The Incredible Shrinking Kid (1996)
3. The Beast from Beneath the Cafeteria! (1996)
4. Attack of the Alien Mole Invaders! (1996)
5. The Brain That Wouldn't Obey! (1996)
6. Gigantopus from Planet X! (1997)
7. Cosmic Boy Versus Mezmo Head! (1997)
8. Revenge of the Tiki Men! (1997)

Secrets of Droon
1. The Hidden Stairs and the Magic Carpet (1999)
2. Journey to the Volcano Palace (1999)
3. The Mysterious Island (1999)
4. City in the Clouds (1999)
5. The Great Ice Battle (1999)
6. The Sleeping Giant of Goll (2000)
7. Into the Land of the Lost (2000)
8. The Golden Wasp (2000)
9. Tower of the Elf King (2000)
10. Quest for the Queen (2000)
11. The Hawk Bandits of Tarkoom (2000)
12. Under the Serpent Sea (2001)
13. The Mask of Maliban (2001)
14. Voyage of the Jaffa Wind (2002)
15. The Moon Scroll (2002)
16. The Knights of Silversnow (2002)
Special Edition 1. The Magic Escapes (2002)
17. Dream Thief (2003)
18. Search for the Dragon Ship (2003)
19. The Coiled Viper (2003)
20. In The Ice Caves of Krog (2003)
21. Flight of the Genie (2003)
Special Edition 2. Wizard or Witch? (2004)
22. The Isle of Mists (2004)
23. The Fortress of the Treasure Queen (2004)
24. Race To Doobesh (2005)
25. The Riddle Of Zorfendorf Castle (2005)
Special Edition 3. Voyagers of the Silver Sand (2005)
26. The Moon Dragon (2006)
27. The Chariot of Queen Zara (2006)
28. In the Shadow of Goll (2006)
Special Edition 4. Sorcerer (2006)
29. Pirates of the Purple Dawn (2007)
30. Escape from Jabar-Loo (2007)
31. Queen of Shadowthorn (2007)
Special Edition 5. Moon Magic (2008)
32. Treasure of the Orkins (2008)
33. Flight of the Blue Serpent (2008)
34. In the City of Dreams (2009)
Special Edition 6. Crown of Wizards (2009)
35. The Lost Empire Of Koomba (2009)
36. Knights of the Ruby Wand (2010)
Special Edition 7. The Genie King (2010)
Special Edition 8. The Final Quest (2010)

Don't Touch That Remote
1. Sitcom School (1999)
2. The Fake Teacher (1999)
3. Stinky Business (announced, not published)
4. Freak Week (announced, not published)

Cracked Classics
1. Trapped in Transylvania: Dracula (2002)
2. Mississippi River Blues: The Adventures of Tom Sawyer (2002)
3. What a Trip!: Around the World in Eighty Days (2002)
4. Humbug Holiday: A Christmas Carol (2002)
6. Crushing on a Capulet: Romeo and Juliet (2003)

Haunting of Derek Stone
1. City of the Dead (2009)
2. Bayou Dogs (2009)
3. The Red House (2009)
4. The Ghost Road (2009)

Novels
Kringle (2005)
Firegirl (2006)
The Postcard (2008)
Lunch-Box Dream (2011)

Author profile interview with Tony Abbott.

Steven R. McEvoy - Interview

2012-01-14T00:03:00.000-05:00

I was asked by some readers to do 20 questions like the author and publisher profiles interviews I have been doing the last few years. I approached a few authors about coming up with some questions for me. Cynthina Leitich Smith agreed and here is what she came up with. You can also see her version here.

1. Are you a bookstore or library reader or both?

Both, but to be honest about 80% of what I read is ARC's or review copies. But I love browsing both bookstores and libraries.

2. Do you keep a record of your reading? If so, how?

Yes. I am on my 34th volume of reading journals since August of 94 when I started keeping track of reading and have an itemized list dating to October 1995. I also keep a list of favorite books each year and favorite authors each year. Now I only count books I read for myself, I do not list books I read to my children or other children.

3. How do books for children and teens fit into the mix?

I tend to go through phases in my reading; currently I would say about 75% of what I read is YA or children's literature. I have had a great fondness for children's lit since doing a university course in it about 10 years ago. Because of my dyslexia and not learning to read until later in life, I never read children's books while a child and now have a deep appreciation and love for them.

4. How do you spread the word about great reads?

If it makes my top ten of the year I tend to buy a bunch of copies and give it away for Christmas and birthdays. I now try to post a review of every book I read on my blog, Book Reviews and More. Once posted on my blog I cross-post to amazon.com, amazon.co.uk, amazon.ca and chapters.indigo.ca. After that I Tweet about it, post to Google+ and Facebook.

5. How do you store your books? Do you keep all of them? Donate?

With reading over 100 books a year I now keep very few and if I buy an electronic copy usually do not keep the physical book any more at all. Most of my ARC's and review copies end up with Family and Children's Services. My dad and stepmom are foster parents and I pass along a lot that my stepmom reads with them. I also donate them to the FACS Library or Foster Parent Association garage sale. I tend to only keep about one out of every hundred books I read, and usually only if I plan on rereading the book again and again.

6. Was there a book that changed your life?

The fiction book that had the biggest impact on my life was probably Jacob the Baker by Noah benShea. I have read the first book 13 times and the trilogy 10 times. They are books I reread every year and each time they challenge me to be a better person. The books in the series are: Jacob the Baker, Jacob's Journey and Jacob's Ladder.

7. What advice do you have for the teachers and parents in their lives?

Lead by example. Be a reader. Also do not give up on anyone. I had teacher after teacher just pass me on in English. Anyone can become a reader if they are really taught to read, and appreciate the wonder of literature.

8. What advice do you have for young readers with dyslexia?

Be persistent, get the help you need. There are worlds in books, and friends awaiting you. If one technique does not work for you keep trying until you find the one that does.

9. What challenges did you face?

I came out of grade 7 reading at a grade 3 level. And yet I passed the school year and was soon to be in High School. My parents sent me to a private summer school and in 2 months I went from reading about 30 words per minute to over 400 with comprehension and from reading well below my grade level to reading at a university level. Once I learned how to read and discovered the joy in reading, it was like finding worlds I never knew existed and I became very addicted to reading.

10. What do you do when you're not reading?

Write reviews, workout, hang out with my wife and kids, plan my next books to read. I usually have different books on the go on my Kobo, iPad, iPhone and physical books. Currently I have about 30 books in process.

11. What does reading mean to you know?

To be honest, books are life! Books show us other ways of being, they can help us learn to be better at being. To help us become what we were meant to be. I love this quote from Saint Erasmus "When I get a little money I buy books; and if any is left over I buy food and clothes!" That is the passion I have for books.

12. What is their special appeal?

Books can take us to places we have never been. They can take us to places we never dreamed of. They are friends we can visit with again and again. They can be an escape or distraction or they can focus us to a greater purpose. If I were to have a single biggest addiction in life I would say it is reading.

13. What were you like as a young reader?

To be honest I could not read and did everything I could to avoid it. In school I rented the movies and did my reports based on the movies until after grade 7. I felt stupid because others in school could read and I could not. I hated having to go out to special instruction for English class time.

14. Why did you decide to become a champion of literature?

Books have the power to change our lives. Good books will challenge us to be, great books will challenge how we look at and see the world. When I think a book is great I do everything I can to promote it.

15. Why is this important to you?

To be honest I have read some bad books and even a few that were awful. When I encounter something that I believe is special, wonderful or amazing, I do all I can to promote it. Back when I was a book seller I hand sold books by Paolo Coelho, Chuck Palahniuk, Christopher Moore, Robin Sharma and Dan Millman every day. At the time they were among my favorite authors and I could sell almost anyone on trying one of their books. I think as readers we have a responsibility to the authors and the characters in the stories that touch us to share them with others. If, as I see it, books and characters can be friends in our lives, who doesn't like their friends to meet each other?

16. Who were some of your favorite authors or books in your youth?

I tend to read authors not books. I find an author I like and read everything they wrote. When I was younger it was Harry Harrison, Piers Anthony (all the non- Xanth books), Robert A. Heinlien, Steven Brust. Back then I read mostly science fiction.

17. Who are some of your favorite authors or books now?

For the last few years I have been mostly on a Young Adult Kick. I find the writing so much better, the stories tighter and the characters amazing. My current favorite authors would be: Cecil Castellucci, Noah benShea, Cynthina Leitich Smith, Libba Bray, Alexander Gordon Smith, Kathryn Lasky, Arthur Slade, Kenneth Oppel, Holly Black, Pat Schmatz and more.

18. If you were stuck on a desert island and could only have 10 books to read again and again, what books would you want with you?

Bible - either New Jerusalem or Today's New International Version Jacob the Baker - Noah benShea Ishmael - Daniel Quinn Way of the Peaceful Warrior - Dan Millman God is Not Reasonable - Irma Zaleski God Rides a Yamaha - Kathy Shaidle Bench Press - Sven Lindqvist The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari - Robin Sharma Geektastic - Holly Black & Cecil Castellucci Something by Arthur Slade Something by Kenneth Oppel Somthing by Cecil Castellucci
Vlad Taltos Series - Steven Brust

19. I once heard Madeleine L'Engle state that her characters were real to her and almost an extended part of her family. She said once that at the dinner table she sat up and stated: "Meg just finished her PhD." Are any of the characters you read real to you in that way?

Yes. I often wonder what they are up to. Sometimes I think of them years later and end up going back to reread the books and revisit them.

20. What advice would you give to young aspiring authors and artists?

Read, write, hope and try. Keep at it.

Fireworks - 39 Clues Rapid Fire 7 - Clifford Riley

2012-01-13T00:03:00.002-05:00

Fireworks
39 Clues Rapid Fire
Book 7
Clifford Riley
Scholastic
eISBN 9780545452038

Fifteen Months After The Clue Hunt

This final book in the Rapid Fire mini series begins with Dan messing up big time. Next, Amy is trying to get the family to agree to a training schedule and roles and responsibilities. Finally something unexpected - Dan and Amy pull it together and work as a team to pull off a surprise for New Year's Eve. But the book ends with a sinister warning. So beware.

I love the original 39 Clues books, and have on my short list to read the second series The Cahills vs. Vespers, but this short series released between December 25th and December 31st 2011 really caught my attention. 7 Days 7 Short Stories each give us part of a clue and more background information on some of the characters from the books. The short stories are more than worth the price of $0.99 each.

The 39 Clues:

The Maze of Bones - Book 1 - Rick Riordan
One False Note - Book 2 - Gordon Korman
The Sword Thief - Book 3 - Peter Lerangis
Beyond the Grave - Book 4 - Jude Watson
The Black Circle - Book 5 - Patrick Carman
In Too Deep - Book 6 - Jude Watson
The Viper's Nest - Book 7 - Peter Lerangis
The Emperor's Code - Book 8 - Gordon Korman
Storm Warning - Book 9 - Linda Sue Park
Into the Gauntlet - Book 10 - Margaret Peterson Haddix
The Black Book of Buried Secrets - Rick Riordan
Vespers Rising - Book 11 - Rick Riordan

Card Pack #1 - Books 1-3
Card Pack #2 - Books 4-6
Card Pack #3 - Books 7-9
Rare Card Pack

The 39 Clues Cahills vs. Vespers
The Medusa Plot - Book 1 - Gordon Korman
A King's Ransom - Book 2 - Jude Watson
The Dead of Night - Book 3 - Peter Lerangis
? - Book 4 - Roland Smith
? - Book 5 - Linda Sue Park
? - Book 6 - David Baldacci

The 39 Clues Rapid Fire:
Legacy - Book 1 - Clifford Riley
Ignition - Book 2 - Clifford Riley
Hunted - Book 3 - Clifford Riley
Crushed - Book 4 - Clifford Riley
Turbulence - Book 5 - Clifford Riley
Invasion - Book 6 - Clifford Riley
Fireworks - Book 7 - Clifford Riley

Invasion - 39 Clues Rapid Fire 6 - Clifford Riley

2012-01-12T00:03:00.002-05:00

Invasion
39 Clues Rapid Fire
Book 6
Clifford Riley
Scholastic
eISBN 9780545452021

One Year After The Clue Hunt

Dan has developed a close friendship with Atticus Rosenbloom. Dan is spending the evening with Atticus, while Atticus's older brother Jake is at a track meet and his parents have gone to New York to see medical specialists. But soon the boys realize the house is under attack and in a style similar to the Home Alone Movies, they prepare to defend it. Dan, because of his recent training, has some ideas and the battle begins.

This story was interesting in that it shows us a serious side of Dan that we often do not get to see. Maybe always being next to his sister, he often seems to play the goof or fool in contrast to her stoic nature. But alone we see in him what Grace saw in him before the Hunt begin. We also learn that the Vespers are working on an accelerated time line and have to wonder if they caused Dr. Rosenbloom's mysterious illness.

I love the original 39 Clues books, and have on my short list to read the second series The Cahills vs. Vespers, but this short series released between December 25th and December 31st 2011 really caught my attention. 7 Days 7 Short Stories each give us part of a clue and more background information on some of the characters from the books. The short stories are more than worth the price of $0.99 each.

The 39 Clues:

The Maze of Bones - Book 1 - Rick Riordan
One False Note - Book 2 - Gordon Korman
The Sword Thief - Book 3 - Peter Lerangis
Beyond the Grave - Book 4 - Jude Watson
The Black Circle - Book 5 - Patrick Carman
In Too Deep - Book 6 - Jude Watson
The Viper's Nest - Book 7 - Peter Lerangis
The Emperor's Code - Book 8 - Gordon Korman
Storm Warning - Book 9 - Linda Sue Park
Into the Gauntlet - Book 10 - Margaret Peterson Haddix
The Black Book of Buried Secrets - Rick Riordan
Vespers Rising - Book 11 - Rick Riordan

Card Pack #1 - Books 1-3
Card Pack #2 - Books 4-6
Card Pack #3 - Books 7-9
Rare Card Pack

The 39 Clues Cahills vs. Vespers
The Medusa Plot - Book 1 - Gordon Korman
A King's Ransom - Book 2 - Jude Watson
The Dead of Night - Book 3 - Peter Lerangis
? - Book 4 - Roland Smith
? - Book 5 - Linda Sue Park
? - Book 6 - David Baldacci

The 39 Clues Rapid Fire:
Legacy - Book 1 - Clifford Riley
Ignition - Book 2 - Clifford Riley
Hunted - Book 3 - Clifford Riley
Crushed - Book 4 - Clifford Riley
Turbulence - Book 5 - Clifford Riley
Invasion - Book 6 - Clifford Riley
Fireworks - Book 7 - Clifford Riley

Turbulence - 39 Clues Rapid Fire 5 - Clifford Riley

2012-01-11T00:03:00.001-05:00

Turbulence
39 Clues Rapid Fire
Book 5
Clifford Riley
Scholastic
eISBN 9780545437011

Eleven Months after the Cue Hunt

Amy Cahill and her brother Dan are rebuilding their grandmother's estate, her mansion, with a few modifications: a command center for the coming battle between the Cahills and Vespers, a gym for training, and a multi-million dollar security system. Amy and Dan have invited the other members of their generation that were part of the clue hunt for the weekend. The Cahills attending are:

Amy Cahill
Dan Cahill
Hamilton Holt
Reagan Holt
Madison Holt
Natalie Kabra
Ian Kabra
Jonah Wizard

Amy has planned a strict schedule of events, but once all the kids are together, for the most part mayhem ensues. But the Vespers might be closer than Amy thinks. Of the five stories so far, this was the best. The only real continuity issue is Ian: in this one he comes to see Amy and the other family members, and in the previous one, he bails on Amy just a few months earlier and tries to push her away. We can only chalk that up to different authors writing different books and for the Rapid Fire Series under a pseudonym.

I love the original 39 Clues books, and have on my short list to read the second series The Cahills vs. Vespers, but this short series released between December 25th and December 31st 2011 really caught my attention. 7 Days 7 Short Stories each give us part of a clue and more background information on some of the characters from the books. The short stories are more than worth the price of $0.99 each.

The 39 Clues:

The Maze of Bones - Book 1 - Rick Riordan
One False Note - Book 2 - Gordon Korman
The Sword Thief - Book 3 - Peter Lerangis
Beyond the Grave - Book 4 - Jude Watson
The Black Circle - Book 5 - Patrick Carman
In Too Deep - Book 6 - Jude Watson
The Viper's Nest - Book 7 - Peter Lerangis
The Emperor's Code - Book 8 - Gordon Korman
Storm Warning - Book 9 - Linda Sue Park
Into the Gauntlet - Book 10 - Margaret Peterson Haddix
The Black Book of Buried Secrets - Rick Riordan
Vespers Rising - Book 11 - Rick Riordan

Card Pack #1 - Books 1-3
Card Pack #2 - Books 4-6
Card Pack #3 - Books 7-9
Rare Card Pack

The 39 Clues Cahills vs. Vespers
The Medusa Plot - Book 1 - Gordon Korman
A King's Ransom - Book 2 - Jude Watson
The Dead of Night - Book 3 - Peter Lerangis
? - Book 4 - Roland Smith
? - Book 5 - Linda Sue Park
? - Book 6 - David Baldacci

The 39 Clues Rapid Fire:
Legacy - Book 1 - Clifford Riley
Ignition - Book 2 - Clifford Riley
Hunted - Book 3 - Clifford Riley
Crushed - Book 4 - Clifford Riley
Turbulence - Book 5 - Clifford Riley
Invasion - Book 6 - Clifford Riley
Fireworks - Book 7 - Clifford Riley

Crushed - 39 Clues Rapid Fire 4 - Clifford Riley

2012-01-10T00:03:00.001-05:00

Crushed
39 Clues Rapid Fire
Book 4
Clifford Riley
Scholastic
eISBN 9780545451994

Seven Months After The Clue Hunt

Seven months after the Clue Hunt ends is when this story is set. Unlike most of the other short stories in this collection, so far this one focuses almost entirely on Ian Kabra, and his life after turning on his mother and growing a conscience. He realizes that he has feelings for Amy Cahill and he is unsure what to do with them. As he is wrestling with himself about visiting Amy across the pond, he encounters a burglar and chases him down only to discover it is his mother recently released from jail. This was an interesting story. It gave us a much deeper look into Ian and his growth as a person, and also the struggles he has. And as stated earlier, unlike the rest of the Rapid Fire Short Stories to date, this one has a much narrower focus, both in looking mainly at one member of the Cahill's family and in that it takes place in less than a day.

I love the original 39 Clues books, and have on my short list to read the second series The Cahills vs. Vespers, but this short series released between December 25th and December 31st 2011 really caught my attention. 7 Days 7 Short Stories each give us part of a clue and more background information on some of the characters from the books. These are great little short stories and they are more than worth the price of $0.99 each.

The 39 Clues:

The Maze of Bones - Book 1 - Rick Riordan
One False Note - Book 2 - Gordon Korman
The Sword Thief - Book 3 - Peter Lerangis
Beyond the Grave - Book 4 - Jude Watson
The Black Circle - Book 5 - Patrick Carman
In Too Deep - Book 6 - Jude Watson
The Viper's Nest - Book 7 - Peter Lerangis
The Emperor's Code - Book 8 - Gordon Korman
Storm Warning - Book 9 - Linda Sue Park
Into the Gauntlet - Book 10 - Margaret Peterson Haddix
The Black Book of Buried Secrets - Rick Riordan
Vespers Rising - Book 11 - Rick Riordan

Card Pack #1 - Books 1-3
Card Pack #2 - Books 4-6
Card Pack #3 - Books 7-9
Rare Card Pack

The 39 Clues Cahills vs. Vespers
The Medusa Plot - Book 1 - Gordon Korman
A King's Ransom - Book 2 - Jude Watson
The Dead of Night - Book 3 - Peter Lerangis
? - Book 4 - Roland Smith
? - Book 5 - Linda Sue Park
? - Book 6 - David Baldacci

The 39 Clues Rapid Fire:
Legacy - Book 1 - Clifford Riley
Ignition - Book 2 - Clifford Riley
Hunted - Book 3 - Clifford Riley
Crushed - Book 4 - Clifford Riley
Turbulence - Book 5 - Clifford Riley
Invasion - Book 6 - Clifford Riley
Fireworks - Book 7 - Clifford Riley