****
Shannon Hale
Dashti, a young mucker turned maid, and Lady Saren, the girl she has just been hired to serve, have an interesting problem. Since Lady Saren has refused to marry Lord Khasar, she must spend the next 7 years locked in a tower with her new maid.
You may think this is the recipe for the most boring book on earth, but it's far from it. While in the tower, Dashti rejoices over the food they have, pretends to be Lady Saren, adopts a cat she names My Lord, fights off rats and Lord Khasar and a mysterious and deadly beast and tries to sing away the ailments of her new lady.
But the wonderous mountains of food Dashti marveled over don't last through the rats, the temperature, the mysterious disappearance of the guards and the binge eating of the depressed Lady Saren. And even if they escape, what will happen when Lord Khasar discovers them?
Showing posts with label kids vs evil adults. Show all posts
Showing posts with label kids vs evil adults. Show all posts
The Alchemist: The Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel
***
Michael Scott
Josh and Sophie are pretty average teenagers. They're twins, which is a little unusual, but other than that they're normal; they're working their first summer jobs to save up for their first car, they live in a normal town and, like most teenagers, they think their parents are from a different planet.
But their parents aren't what they should be worrying about. One day, while at work, Sophie and Josh witness the nice elderly couple that owns the book store in a terrifying battle against a strangely dressed man and his three body guards who just might be made of stone. As mint and rotten eggs fill the air and balls of yellow and green light fly, the book shop is destroyed and the twins' lives are changed forever.
No longer safe in their own town, the pair leave with Nicholas and embark upon a terrifying and mystifying journey. How could it be that all of the myths they've heard are really true? And what else is Nicholas Flamel hiding? What does the Codex prophecy have to do with them. And most importantly, will they even live to see 16?
If you liked this book, look for:
Percy Jackson Series
Harry Potter Series
Pandora Series
Septimus Heap Series
Michael Scott
Josh and Sophie are pretty average teenagers. They're twins, which is a little unusual, but other than that they're normal; they're working their first summer jobs to save up for their first car, they live in a normal town and, like most teenagers, they think their parents are from a different planet.
But their parents aren't what they should be worrying about. One day, while at work, Sophie and Josh witness the nice elderly couple that owns the book store in a terrifying battle against a strangely dressed man and his three body guards who just might be made of stone. As mint and rotten eggs fill the air and balls of yellow and green light fly, the book shop is destroyed and the twins' lives are changed forever.
No longer safe in their own town, the pair leave with Nicholas and embark upon a terrifying and mystifying journey. How could it be that all of the myths they've heard are really true? And what else is Nicholas Flamel hiding? What does the Codex prophecy have to do with them. And most importantly, will they even live to see 16?
If you liked this book, look for:
Percy Jackson Series
Harry Potter Series
Pandora Series
Septimus Heap Series
Septimus Heap - Queste
****
Angie Sage
More Heaps!
Septimus, back in his own time, is doing well. But he's sneaking around behind Marcia's back and she's about to find out! But Marcellus isn't the threat this time. This time the concern is The Quest. Once you start, you can't escape it and, unbeknownst to Sep, he's on The Quest. No apprentice has ever come back from The Quest. No apprentice has ever been so young. No apprentice has ever gotten The Questing Stone in quite this manner. No apprentice has ever taken friends along on the journey. But then again, no other apprentice was Septimus Heap.
Very cute. This series isn't what I'd call spectacular. I can put the books down, but I also enjoy them and look forward to reading them. I would recommend these to anyone who likes fantasy.
If you like this book, look for:
Harry Potter Series
Charlie Bone Series
Terry Pratchet Books
Percy Jackson Series
Angie Sage
More Heaps!
Septimus, back in his own time, is doing well. But he's sneaking around behind Marcia's back and she's about to find out! But Marcellus isn't the threat this time. This time the concern is The Quest. Once you start, you can't escape it and, unbeknownst to Sep, he's on The Quest. No apprentice has ever come back from The Quest. No apprentice has ever been so young. No apprentice has ever gotten The Questing Stone in quite this manner. No apprentice has ever taken friends along on the journey. But then again, no other apprentice was Septimus Heap.
Very cute. This series isn't what I'd call spectacular. I can put the books down, but I also enjoy them and look forward to reading them. I would recommend these to anyone who likes fantasy.
If you like this book, look for:
Harry Potter Series
Charlie Bone Series
Terry Pratchet Books
Percy Jackson Series
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
*****
JK Rowling
Ever wonder what might happen if you break a silly rule? You just might find yourself facing dangerous, possibly deathly tasks and losing your best friend! Of course, this time, Harry didn't actually break the rule. Someone did that for him. But who? And why? And how is he going to fawn over Cho, keep up with his studies, avoid Rita Skeeter, and learn to dance while preparing for the tasks?
Is it wrong that I find the premise of this book slightly hilarious? I mean, they say this tournament is dangerous. People have died! But then everything seems perfectly safe to me*. Either way, it's an enjoyable read. Even though there are sad parts, it's still mostly a light book. Nothing compared with the darkness that is to come in the next 3!
*except, of course, for that one little flaw. But that wasn't exactly planned.
JK Rowling
Ever wonder what might happen if you break a silly rule? You just might find yourself facing dangerous, possibly deathly tasks and losing your best friend! Of course, this time, Harry didn't actually break the rule. Someone did that for him. But who? And why? And how is he going to fawn over Cho, keep up with his studies, avoid Rita Skeeter, and learn to dance while preparing for the tasks?
Is it wrong that I find the premise of this book slightly hilarious? I mean, they say this tournament is dangerous. People have died! But then everything seems perfectly safe to me*. Either way, it's an enjoyable read. Even though there are sad parts, it's still mostly a light book. Nothing compared with the darkness that is to come in the next 3!
*except, of course, for that one little flaw. But that wasn't exactly planned.
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
*****
JK Rowling
Prepare for a turn for the worse.
Voldemort is back. No one believes it. In fact, while Harry has been trapped in Little Winging with his horrible aunt and uncle, the wizarding world has been doing their best to discredit him...and Dumbledore.
When Harry is finally whisked back into "his world," he finds a gloomy group known as The Order of the Phoenix fighting a losing battle against propaganda, disappearances, and dark recruitments. Even at school, Harry faces a lot of opposition.
Which is a shame, because Harry could really use the help of his friends. Plagued by bad dreams, a distant mentor, classes (or should I say torture sessions) with Snape and, worst of all, another new Defense Against the Dark Arts Professor, this one worse than any so far, Harry feels all alone. He takes some comfort in his after-school-activities, such as the secret DA club he and his friends have formed, but when it all comes down to it, Harry will need to be the one who once again stands up to the Dark Lord.
This book made me so angry! Don't get me wrong, I loved every second of it, but Umbridge...OOOOH that woman! There was some incredible action, especially near the end, and I cried several times (like when Molly encountered the bogart!). But in the end, I was mostly numb with disbelief. How could anything end so bitter-sweet? (Although, if you think this was bitter-sweet, wait 'til you read the last one!)
If you like this, look for:
Harry Potter Series
Septimus Heap Series
Twilight Series
Charlie Bone Series
Percy Jackson Series
JK Rowling
Prepare for a turn for the worse.
Voldemort is back. No one believes it. In fact, while Harry has been trapped in Little Winging with his horrible aunt and uncle, the wizarding world has been doing their best to discredit him...and Dumbledore.
When Harry is finally whisked back into "his world," he finds a gloomy group known as The Order of the Phoenix fighting a losing battle against propaganda, disappearances, and dark recruitments. Even at school, Harry faces a lot of opposition.
Which is a shame, because Harry could really use the help of his friends. Plagued by bad dreams, a distant mentor, classes (or should I say torture sessions) with Snape and, worst of all, another new Defense Against the Dark Arts Professor, this one worse than any so far, Harry feels all alone. He takes some comfort in his after-school-activities, such as the secret DA club he and his friends have formed, but when it all comes down to it, Harry will need to be the one who once again stands up to the Dark Lord.
This book made me so angry! Don't get me wrong, I loved every second of it, but Umbridge...OOOOH that woman! There was some incredible action, especially near the end, and I cried several times (like when Molly encountered the bogart!). But in the end, I was mostly numb with disbelief. How could anything end so bitter-sweet? (Although, if you think this was bitter-sweet, wait 'til you read the last one!)
If you like this, look for:
Harry Potter Series
Septimus Heap Series
Twilight Series
Charlie Bone Series
Percy Jackson Series
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
*****
JK Rowling
Finally, Harry is expecting a quiet year at Hogwarts. Yeah, right. Before he even gets close to going to school, things start to go wrong. Harry loses his temper and does (*gasp*) magic in front of muggles. Sure that he is about to be expelled or possibly even arrested, Harry decides he has nothing to lose and runs away from home. Thankfully the Knight Bus is there to rescue him and take him safely to Diagon Alley where he learns that he is in no trouble at all.
From there, the strangeness persists. Harry is followed everywhere by a mysterious black dog (the Grim?), hunted by a crazy serial killer, attacked by dementors, tutored by a man who grew up with his father, tortured by Snape (okay, that's pretty normal) and engrossed in the mystery of Peter Petigrew and his parents' deaths.
Is it disingenuous to give all of Rowling's books 5 stars? Oh well. I am in love with this series. This is the last light and happy book (if you can call it that) before the series starts to get pretty dark and depressing (but still irresistibly good!) There are parts of this book that will make you scream with the unfairness of it all and there are parts that may have you literally cheering for the trio.
If you like this, look for:
Harry Potter Series
Septimus Heap Series
Twilight Series
Charlie Bone Series
Percy Jackson Series
JK Rowling
Finally, Harry is expecting a quiet year at Hogwarts. Yeah, right. Before he even gets close to going to school, things start to go wrong. Harry loses his temper and does (*gasp*) magic in front of muggles. Sure that he is about to be expelled or possibly even arrested, Harry decides he has nothing to lose and runs away from home. Thankfully the Knight Bus is there to rescue him and take him safely to Diagon Alley where he learns that he is in no trouble at all.
From there, the strangeness persists. Harry is followed everywhere by a mysterious black dog (the Grim?), hunted by a crazy serial killer, attacked by dementors, tutored by a man who grew up with his father, tortured by Snape (okay, that's pretty normal) and engrossed in the mystery of Peter Petigrew and his parents' deaths.
Is it disingenuous to give all of Rowling's books 5 stars? Oh well. I am in love with this series. This is the last light and happy book (if you can call it that) before the series starts to get pretty dark and depressing (but still irresistibly good!) There are parts of this book that will make you scream with the unfairness of it all and there are parts that may have you literally cheering for the trio.
If you like this, look for:
Harry Potter Series
Septimus Heap Series
Twilight Series
Charlie Bone Series
Percy Jackson Series
Septimus Heap: Flyte
****
Angie Sage
Now that the long lost brother (and 7th son of a 7th son) has been idenitified and put in his proper place as ExtraOrdinary Wizard Aprentice, things should be going well. After all, DomDaniel was defeated and the Dragon Boat is safe with its Keeper.
But what about the jealous oldest brother, Simon? What sort of trouble is he causing by stealing Princess Jenna away on his horse? And why does Aunt Zelda insist that DomDaniel isn't dead but has just Disappeared? And furthermore, how long is it going to take to rid ExtraOrdinary Wizard Marcia of her Shadow? (And what's up with all these RaNdOm CaPiTaLiZaTiOnS??)
If you liked the first book, you should definitely grab this one. It starts off with action (the first was a little slow) and doesn't stop until the last page (literally). The characters are all still here, this time with some very interesting twists. I think this one may even be better than its prequel, which is something I rarely say about a series!
If you like this, look for:
Harry Potter Series
Septimus Heap Series
Charlie Bone Series
Angie Sage
Now that the long lost brother (and 7th son of a 7th son) has been idenitified and put in his proper place as ExtraOrdinary Wizard Aprentice, things should be going well. After all, DomDaniel was defeated and the Dragon Boat is safe with its Keeper.
But what about the jealous oldest brother, Simon? What sort of trouble is he causing by stealing Princess Jenna away on his horse? And why does Aunt Zelda insist that DomDaniel isn't dead but has just Disappeared? And furthermore, how long is it going to take to rid ExtraOrdinary Wizard Marcia of her Shadow? (And what's up with all these RaNdOm CaPiTaLiZaTiOnS??)
If you liked the first book, you should definitely grab this one. It starts off with action (the first was a little slow) and doesn't stop until the last page (literally). The characters are all still here, this time with some very interesting twists. I think this one may even be better than its prequel, which is something I rarely say about a series!
If you like this, look for:
Harry Potter Series
Septimus Heap Series
Charlie Bone Series
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
*****
JK Rowling
Harry Potter's second year at Hogwarts starts much like the first; he's happy to be home, but it's not without problems. Harry starts the year in trouble this time when he and Ron arrive in a flying car. It's not long before the trio (Harry, Hermione and Ron) begin to suspect that Draco, the epitome of a Slytherin, is up to no good. When students start to drop like flies and Harry begings hearing voices, they know they have to do something. Since no one will listen to them, the trio decide to take matters into their own hands.
I probably don't even have to tell you that I love the Harry Potter series. Yes, the books are very long, but they go by so quickly you won't even realize that you've read hundreds of pages before you're suddenly at the end. If you like fantasy, or books about students, or a little romance, or adventure, or mystery... these books are for you. Even if you don't, it would be worth a try!
JK Rowling
Harry Potter's second year at Hogwarts starts much like the first; he's happy to be home, but it's not without problems. Harry starts the year in trouble this time when he and Ron arrive in a flying car. It's not long before the trio (Harry, Hermione and Ron) begin to suspect that Draco, the epitome of a Slytherin, is up to no good. When students start to drop like flies and Harry begings hearing voices, they know they have to do something. Since no one will listen to them, the trio decide to take matters into their own hands.
I probably don't even have to tell you that I love the Harry Potter series. Yes, the books are very long, but they go by so quickly you won't even realize that you've read hundreds of pages before you're suddenly at the end. If you like fantasy, or books about students, or a little romance, or adventure, or mystery... these books are for you. Even if you don't, it would be worth a try!
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone
*****
JK Rowling
Also called Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, this book is the first in the famous Harry Potter series. Rowling opens her tale with a young orphaned boy left on the doorstep of his unremarkable (and often cruel) aunt and uncle. As Harry grows up, he notices that he's a little different from his extended family, and not just because he sleeps in a broom cupboard and wears only hand-me-down clothes.
Then, on his 11th birthday, a giant named Hagrid shows up and changes Harry's entire world. Now studying at a magic school and saving the wizarding race are commonplace for the dark-haired orphan.
I probably don't even have to tell you that I love the Harry Potter series. Yes, the books are very long, but they go by so quickly you won't even realize that you've read hundreds of pages before you're suddenly at the end. If you like fantasy, or books about students, or a little romance, or adventure, or mystery... these books are for you. Even if you don't, it would be worth a try!
If you like this, look for:
Harry Potter Series
Septimus Heap Series
Twilight Series
Charlie Bone Series
Percy Jackson Series
JK Rowling
Also called Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, this book is the first in the famous Harry Potter series. Rowling opens her tale with a young orphaned boy left on the doorstep of his unremarkable (and often cruel) aunt and uncle. As Harry grows up, he notices that he's a little different from his extended family, and not just because he sleeps in a broom cupboard and wears only hand-me-down clothes.
Then, on his 11th birthday, a giant named Hagrid shows up and changes Harry's entire world. Now studying at a magic school and saving the wizarding race are commonplace for the dark-haired orphan.
I probably don't even have to tell you that I love the Harry Potter series. Yes, the books are very long, but they go by so quickly you won't even realize that you've read hundreds of pages before you're suddenly at the end. If you like fantasy, or books about students, or a little romance, or adventure, or mystery... these books are for you. Even if you don't, it would be worth a try!
If you like this, look for:
Harry Potter Series
Septimus Heap Series
Twilight Series
Charlie Bone Series
Percy Jackson Series
three little words
*****
Ashley Rhodes-Courter
Ashley is a toddler when 'they' take her from her mother. Throughout the next decade of her life, she is shuffled from foster home to foster home. Sometimes the parents are godsends. Sometimes they are so abusive, she can't see her way out. Separated and reunited with Luke, her younger brother, and a mother who just can't seem to get it together, Ashley can only rely on herself.
I debated posting this book at all. But I have some very mature readers and I think you can handle it, if not just yet. I'm definitely rating it R or maybe higher because it's very mature. But as I read all 320-some pages in one day, I thought I better share it with you. It's a memoire (autobiography) of a girl who has lived through it all. You won't be able to put it down and you just may cry!
Ashley Rhodes-Courter
Ashley is a toddler when 'they' take her from her mother. Throughout the next decade of her life, she is shuffled from foster home to foster home. Sometimes the parents are godsends. Sometimes they are so abusive, she can't see her way out. Separated and reunited with Luke, her younger brother, and a mother who just can't seem to get it together, Ashley can only rely on herself.
I debated posting this book at all. But I have some very mature readers and I think you can handle it, if not just yet. I'm definitely rating it R or maybe higher because it's very mature. But as I read all 320-some pages in one day, I thought I better share it with you. It's a memoire (autobiography) of a girl who has lived through it all. You won't be able to put it down and you just may cry!
9th Grade Slays
****
Heather Brewer
Vlad's problems didn't end when he "killed" D'Ablo at the end of his 8th grade year. In fact, they may be worse now than they ever have been before. Still considered an abomination by the vampire community, he is now also being hunted by a vampire slayer. Uncle Otis steps in and takes Vlad for training in Siberia. But even that may not be without danger. And what's all this about the prophecy? What does it have to do with Vlad?
This is a very good follow up to the first book in the Vladimir Tod series. Like the first, it was impossible to put this book down once I started it. The action began on page one and didn't let me go 'til the end. Vlad is a great character that you want to root for. The book is an excellent balance of teenage drama and fantasy action.
If you like this book, look for:
8th Grade Bites
Percy Jackson Series
Twilight Series
The Host
Harry Potter Series
Septimus Heap Series
Heather Brewer
Vlad's problems didn't end when he "killed" D'Ablo at the end of his 8th grade year. In fact, they may be worse now than they ever have been before. Still considered an abomination by the vampire community, he is now also being hunted by a vampire slayer. Uncle Otis steps in and takes Vlad for training in Siberia. But even that may not be without danger. And what's all this about the prophecy? What does it have to do with Vlad?
This is a very good follow up to the first book in the Vladimir Tod series. Like the first, it was impossible to put this book down once I started it. The action began on page one and didn't let me go 'til the end. Vlad is a great character that you want to root for. The book is an excellent balance of teenage drama and fantasy action.
If you like this book, look for:
8th Grade Bites
Percy Jackson Series
Twilight Series
The Host
Harry Potter Series
Septimus Heap Series
What is the Teacher's Toupee Doing in the Fishtank?
***
Jerry Piasecki
Clever, but short-tempered Mindy, trouble-maker Jeff, big-eater and hard-punching Frankie and teacher-hating Samantha are among the hard-to-teach students in Mr. Finelli's class. Their goal this year is the same as every year - make life hard for their teacher. But this year, they may have met their match. Mr. Finelli is no ordinary teacher. He throws toupees, talks to sheletons, blows bubbles and eats more than any man his size should be able to. But will this wacky educator be enough to stand up to ARF Committee?
This is a funny book. It's not very serious, but will make you giggle. Just take it with a grain of salt. It's also a great read-aloud for classrooms, because it's easy to follow and downright wacky.
If you like this book, look for:
Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy
Joey Pigza Swallowed the Key (and other Joey Pigza books)
Jerry Piasecki
Clever, but short-tempered Mindy, trouble-maker Jeff, big-eater and hard-punching Frankie and teacher-hating Samantha are among the hard-to-teach students in Mr. Finelli's class. Their goal this year is the same as every year - make life hard for their teacher. But this year, they may have met their match. Mr. Finelli is no ordinary teacher. He throws toupees, talks to sheletons, blows bubbles and eats more than any man his size should be able to. But will this wacky educator be enough to stand up to ARF Committee?
This is a funny book. It's not very serious, but will make you giggle. Just take it with a grain of salt. It's also a great read-aloud for classrooms, because it's easy to follow and downright wacky.
If you like this book, look for:
Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy
Joey Pigza Swallowed the Key (and other Joey Pigza books)
Holes
****
Louis Sachar
Stanley Yelnats has really, really bad luck. So bad, in fact, that it lands him in a "summer camp" for screwup kids. But this isn't like any summer camp that Stanley's ever heard about. The warden works the kids tirelessly digging holes in the desert. When they mess up, the punsihments are severe. But when Stanley realizes that they're not just digging to build character, but to find something, he begins searching for the truth. And it nearly kills him.
This is a pretty good book. It's a quick read and a real page turner. The twists are a little far-fetched for a book that claims to be realistic fiction, but it's definitely worth picking up.
If you like this book, look for:
Shakespeare's Secret
Chasing Vermeer
Touching Spirit Bear
Hamlet
Harry Potter Series
Louis Sachar
Stanley Yelnats has really, really bad luck. So bad, in fact, that it lands him in a "summer camp" for screwup kids. But this isn't like any summer camp that Stanley's ever heard about. The warden works the kids tirelessly digging holes in the desert. When they mess up, the punsihments are severe. But when Stanley realizes that they're not just digging to build character, but to find something, he begins searching for the truth. And it nearly kills him.
This is a pretty good book. It's a quick read and a real page turner. The twists are a little far-fetched for a book that claims to be realistic fiction, but it's definitely worth picking up.
If you like this book, look for:
Shakespeare's Secret
Chasing Vermeer
Touching Spirit Bear
Hamlet
Harry Potter Series
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