E & K Family Book Review

Much Anticipated Cover Reveal: Reached, By Ally Condie

2012-03-07T13:39:00.001-08:00

I have been patiently (ok, maybe not super patient) anticipating the cover reveal of The final book in the Matched Trilogy: Reached. FINALLY, it has arrived and I am completely thrilled. From previous interviews with Ms. Condie, I knew the cover would be red- but this is a vibrant and ALIVE red. What do you think? Love it, Neutral, or Hate it? I can't wait for the book! Coming to

One Name, Two Fates: Wes Moore, By Wes Moore

2012-03-07T09:00:00.000-08:00

The Other Wes Moore Author: Wes Moore Published By: Spiegel and Grau Date Published: April 27, 2010 Genre: Biography, Non-fiction Pages: 233 Recommended Age: Adult Reviewed By: Theresa @ My Reading Rainbow Rating: 3 Borrowed book from the library. Summary: Two boys with the same name are born within blocks of each other. One grew up to be an honored veteran that works in the

What is a DRA Level and How Do I Use it?

2012-03-06T09:00:00.000-08:00

When your kids are in school, often times they are assessed in their reading ability using a DRA (Developmental Reading Assessment) level. So your teacher will come to you and say, your child is a DRA 12 or DRA 30 (depending on their level). How do they find my child's DRA number? Well, its a full individualized assessment that they perform in 3 catagories: 1. Phonemic Awarness- they

Amazing Fantasy Fiction: The Black Shard, by Victoria Simcox

2012-03-05T09:00:00.000-08:00

The Black Shard Author: Victoria Simcox Published by: Two Harbors Press Date Published: October 4, 2011 Genre: Fantasy, Teen Pages: 253 Recommended age: 9-12 Reviewed by: E Rating: 5 Received Book Free For Review From Author Summary: 15 yr. old Kristina Kingsley's summer at horseback riding camp is going poorly. Davina Pavey and Hester Crumeful are making it no better, including getting into

A Peak at the Much Anticipated Sequel to Possession: Surrender, By Elana Johnson

2012-03-02T08:00:00.000-08:00

Surrender (Possession, Book 2) Author: Elana Johnson Published By: Simon Pulse Date Published: June 5, 2012 Genre: Young Adult Dystopian Pages: 480 Recommended For: Teen, Young Adult Reveiwed By: K Rating: 5 eBook Received Free for Review from Simon and Schuster Summary: Raine is the daughter of Director Hightower in the city of Freedom. She always follows the rules, but how could she not

Romantic Fantasy with a Splash of Danger: A Ranger's Tale, By Mysti Parker

2012-03-01T09:00:00.000-08:00

A Ranger’s Tale Author: Mysti Parker Published By: Melange Books Date Published: 2011 Pages: 187 Recommended Age: Young Adult and Up Reviewed By: Tara Fox Hall Rating: 4 Received Book Free for Review from Author Summary: Set in the fantasy world of Tallenmere, the high elf Caliphany Aranea longs to explore the world and escape from her controlling father. Her dreams are fulfilled when she

Immortal Witches Series- Final Chapter: Immortality, By Maggie Shayne

2012-02-29T09:00:00.000-08:00

Immortality Author: Maggie Shayne Published By: Berkley Jove Date Published: September 2005 Pages: 84 Recommended Age: Adult Reviewed By: Claire from Project to be Read Rating: 4 Summary: Puabi is an Immortal High Witch whose past is littered with dark secrets. When her husband and his lover attempt to burn her alive, Puabi intents to let them but something in her makes her fight back and

How to Save Your Independent Book Stores

2012-02-28T09:00:00.000-08:00

Approximately 75% of independent book stores have closed in the US. Why you may ask? For many of the population, how we experience books has changed. With the Kindle and Nook, you can have new titles at your fingertips in seconds, oftentimes for cheaper then your local independent store. With the down turn in the economy, you find more people at the local library or on Amazon and less

The Beginning of Mike Hammer: I, the Jury by Mickey Spillane

2012-02-27T09:00:00.000-08:00

I, The Jury Author: Mickey Spillane Published By: Impress Date Published: 1947 Genre: Vintage Noir, Murder Mystery Pages: 214 Recommended For: Adult Reviewed By: K Rating: 4 Purchased Book For Review on Amazon Summary: Mike Hammer's good friend Jack has just been murdered and there's no way he's letting anyone get away with it. As the mystery unfolds, we follow the Private Detective as he

A Younger Twist on Dystopian: Starters, By Lissa Price

2012-02-24T09:00:00.000-08:00

Starters Author: Lissa Price Published By: Delacorte Books Date Published: March 13, 2012 Pages: 352 Recommended For: Teens, Young Adults Reviewed By: K Rating: 3 Received eBook Free for Review from NetGalley Summary: After the wars, a terrible plague spread through the land taking the lives all who were not vaccinated. Consequently this was most of the middle aged population. All that

JK Rowling is Writing a NEW Book... For ADULTS

2012-02-23T21:00:00.002-08:00

Today it was announced by Little, Brown Books that JK Rowling is infact writing a new book. What will it be is the big question. Not only is she with a new publisher (Little Brown/Hachette rather than Scholastic), but this new book is headed a new direction. Harry Potter fans may be disappointed, but it will not be a prequel, sequel, or in any way connected to the Harry Potter world. This

Setting Aside Differences, Finding Friendship: Mixed Bags, By Melody Carlson

2012-02-23T09:00:00.000-08:00

Mixed Bags (Carter House Girls #1) Author: Melody Carlson Published By: Zondervan Publishing Company Date Published: May 1, 2008 Pages: 219 Recommended Age: Teen Reviewed By: Mary Baza http://booktalkbyacollegestudent.blogspot.com Rating: 3 Book from my own personal collection Summary: After her mother passes away, DJ is sent to live with her grandmother who has recently opened a

Heaven and Hell Have Fallen To Earth: Eden, By Matthew C. Plourde

2012-02-22T09:00:00.000-08:00

Eden Author: Matthew C. Plourde Published By: CreateSpace Date Published: October 1, 2010 Pages: 321 Recommended Age: Mature Teens, Young Adult Reviewed By: Stephanie Green http://stephsgrn.blogspot.com/ Rating: 4.5 Received Book Free for Review Summary: "... the last days are not unfolding exactly as written, but make no mistake - Heaven and Hell have fallen to Earth." When an

Amazing Story Told Through Words AND Pictures: The Invention of Hugo Cabret, By Brian Selznick

2012-02-20T09:00:00.001-08:00

The Invention of Hugo Cabret Author: Brian Selznick Published By: Scholastic Press Date Published: January 30, 2007 Pages: 526 Recommended age: 9-12 Reviewed By: E Rating: 5 Borrowed Book from a Friend Summary: Hugo Cabret is a timekeeper, an orphan who cares for himself, and a thief. He steals milk and croissants at night from a local cafe for food. When Hugo gets caught stealing toys by

Best Middle Grade Fiction EVER! Chicken Trek, By Stephen Manes

2012-02-17T09:00:00.000-08:00

Today is My Birthday! So I wanted to celebrate by sharing one of my ALL TIME favorite books with all of you! Hope you enjoy it as much as I do! If you haven't read it (regardless of your age), check the shelves at your local library- it only takes me a day to get through it as an adult. Chicken Trek Author: Stephen Manes Published By: Skylark Date Published: July 1989 Pages: Recommended For:

Murder of a Creped Suzette, By Denise Swanson

2012-02-15T09:00:00.000-08:00

Murder of a Creped Suzette Author: Denise Swanson Published By: Signet Date Published: October 4, 2011 Pages: 252 Recommended Age: Adults Reviewed By: Theresa @ My Reading Rainbow Rating: 4 Received Book From Library Summary: The heroine, Skye Denison stumbles upon a dead body (once again) and wonders if it’s connected to another death that happened 27 years ago. With the assistance

Top 5 Young Adult Valentine Sweethearts

2012-02-14T09:00:00.000-08:00

Love is in the air today and I find myself reflecting on the Young Adult novel couples who have melted my heart over the last year. Yes there were a few love triangles, lots of confusion and misunderstandings, and tons of drama... but what great love story doesn't contain those items? Who are your top picks? Read on to see my Top 5: 1. Hunger Games- Katniss and Peeta. I was cheering for

Modern Greek Mythology Continues: Goddess Interrupted, By Aimee Carter

2012-02-13T09:00:00.000-08:00

Goddess Interrupted (Goddess Test, Book 2) Author: Aimee Carter Published By: Harlequin Teen Date Published: March 27, 2012 Pages: 304 Recommended For: Teen, Young Adult Reviewed By: K Rating: 3 Received eBook Free Through NetGalley Summary: The tests are over and so is the summer. Its time for Kate to head back to the Manor, rejoin her husband, and take on the responsibilities of Queen of

A Wonderful Valentine's Day Reminder: I Love You More Than Chocolate

2012-02-12T09:00:00.000-08:00

I Love You More Than Chocolate Author: Melanie Milburn Illustrator: Cindy Coleman Published By: Instant Publisher Date Published: 2010 Pages: 32 Recommended for: Ages 0-3 Reviewed By: K Rating: 3 Received Book Free for Review from Author Summary: As a mother tucks her daughter in at night, she gives her one simple reminder: I love you more than chocolate. K's Thoughts: Truly a sweet and

Initiate, By Tara Maya

2012-02-10T09:00:00.000-08:00

Initiate (The Unfinished Song, Book 1) Author: Tara Maya Published By: Misque Date Published: December 25, 2010 Pages: 188 Recommended Age: Teens and above Reviewed By: Stephanie Green http://stephsgrn.blogspot.com/ Rating: 3 Purchased book from Amazon because I received the third in the series from the author. Summary: The initiation ceremony is the gateway to ultimate power..

Being Elizabeth, By Barbara Taylor Bradford

2012-02-08T09:00:00.000-08:00

Being Elizabeth Author: Barbara Taylor Bradford Publisher: St Martin's Press Published: 2008 Pages: 444 Recommended Age: Mature Teen, Young Adult Reviewed by: Saumya Kulshreshtha @ Nascent Emissions Rating: 2 A book from my personal collection Summary: Being Elizabeth is the story the eponymous Elizabeth Deravenel Turner, the last in the line of what has been fictionalized as the oldest

Death By Facebook, By Everett Peacock

2012-02-03T09:00:00.000-08:00

Death by Facebook Author: Everett Peacock Published By: Everett Peacock Date Published: February 27, 2011 Pages: 312 Recommended Age: Adult Reviewed By: Theresa at http://myreadingrainbow-theresa.blogspot.com/ Rating: 4 Amazon Free Kindle Book Giveaway Summary: The story is set in Volcano Village, Hawaii. It’s a story about distorted love, the creation of strange friendships,

Giveaway: The Quill Pen, By Michelle Isenhoff

2012-02-02T13:25:00.000-08:00

There is nothing better then FREE BOOKS... especially when they are GREAT reads! The author has so graciously offered up 3 eCopies of her book The Quill Pen for us to Giveaway! We are going to make it SUPER easy to enter! We would love to get this eBook onto your eReader asap in whatever format works best for you! To Enter: 1. Provide your email address in the comments below 2. Follow

Wonderful Historical Fantasy: The Quill Pen, By Michelle Isenhoff

2012-02-01T07:30:00.000-08:00

The Quill Pen Author: Michelle Isenhoff Published By: Create Space Date Published: November 2011 Pages: 158 Recommended for: Middle Grade, Teen, Young Adult Review By: K Rating: 4 Received eBook Free for Review by Author Summary: Micah has always dreamed of forging ahead on his own path, away from the family business and his overbearing father. Unfortunately it seems that every time an

Unforgiven, By Casey Mason

2012-01-30T09:00:00.001-08:00

Unforgiven Author: Casey Mason Published By: Wolf Pirate Date Published: 2008 Pages: 308 Recommended Age: Adult Reviewed By: Tara Fox Hall Rating: 4 Book Received as Gift Upon Finishing Wolf-Pirate writer’s workshop Summary: This is the story of Angel, an officer who works as part of a W.A.N.T. team executing criminals in the not too distant future for the criminal justice system.