Scarlett Hart Monster Hunter

Scarlett Hart Monster Hunter by Marcus Sedgewick, 192 pages

“Finding herself at odds with her parent's old nemesis Count Stankovic, Scarlett Hart sets out to disocver why more monsters are manifesting than ever before.” As graphic novels go this one wasn’t bad.  I  have liked others better.  I think that the subject matter really wasn’t my thing, but I liked the characters, especially Scarlett herself, and I think that kids who like graphic novels would enjoy it.

Vincent And Theo

Vincent And Theo: The Van Gogh Brothers by Deborah Heiligman, 454 pages

“The deep and enduring friendship between Vincent and Theo Van Gogh shaped both brothers' lives. Confidant, champion, sympathizer, friend--Theo supported Vincent as he struggled to find his path in life. They shared everything, swapping stories of lovers and friends, successes and disappointments, dreams and ambitions. Meticulously researched, drawing on the 658 letters Vincent wrote to Theo during his lifetime, Deborah Heiligman weaves a tale of two lives intertwined and the extraordinary love of the Van Gogh brothers.” Although this is cataloged for adults, I think that this book is accessible for older children as well.  I learned quite a bit about Vincent and I knew virtually nothing about his family.  This book works well as narrative nonfiction and I would highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys biographies or wants to know more about Van Gogh.

Jim At The Corner

Jim At The Corner by  Eleanor Farjeon, 86 pages

“Eight-year-old Derry listens as an old sailor tells him stories of his adventures at sea.” This is a sweet old-fashioned story.  It will appeal to kids who like those kinds of books.

Emerald

Emeraldby Karen Wallace, 277 pages

“Emerald St. John is in trouble. She has been condemned to marry a man she hates, her enemies are conspiring to have her pet bear Molly torn apart in the baiting pits, and the man she loves is far away on the high seas. And she has stumbled into a web of spies with a plot to poison Queen Elizabeth I. To save herself and the kingdom, Emerald must beat the spies at their own game - which means transforming herself from a country girl into a lady of the court. Can she do it in time?” I enjoyed this story.  It wasn’t one of the best books I’ve read about this time period but it was engaging.  Teens who like historical fiction or adventure type stories will enjoy it.

Zack And the Turkey Attack

Zack And the TurkeyAttack by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor, 163 pages

“While helping on his grandparents' farm, Zach, his best friend Matthew, and neighbor Josie outsmart a tormenting turkey and, in the process, solve a mystery of missing jewelry.” This was a fun read for elementary kids who like realistic fiction.

The Tale Of Angelino Brown

The Tale Of Angelino Brown by Alex T. Smith, 258 pages

“When Bert discovers a tiny boy angel in his pocket, he takes the angel home to his wife and they happily raise him as their own son.” This was a sweet book that would probably only appeal to kids who really enjoy reading.  There is some adventure and fantasy about it, but not enough to truly satisfy kids who really like those genres.  This book has an old-fashioned feel, which some kids may like, but as I say, this book is more for kids who just truly love to read.

Rebellion Of Thieves

Rebellion Of Thieves by Kekla Magoon, 246 pages

“Robyn Loxley plans to seize the opportunity to rescue her parents from the governor's mansion by competing in the Iron Teen contest, although success could bring unwanted attention from Crown.” This series is my favorite by Magoon.  I’ve liked her other books but these have a sense of adventure that is missing some of the hopelessness that I feel when reading her historical fiction.  This follows the Robin Hood stories well and it’s really enjoyable.  Kids who like adventure or just Robin Hood will want to read it.

Theodore Boone: The Fugitive

Theodore Boone: The Fugitive by John Grisham, 250 pages

“On a field trip to Washington, DC, Theo spots a familiar face on the Metro: Duffy, who jumped bail and was never seen again. Theo's quick thinking helps bring Duffy back to Strattenburg to stand trial. But now that Duffy knows who he is, Theo is in greater danger than he's ever been in before. Even when everything is on the line, Theodore Boone will stop at nothing to make sure a killer is brought to justice.”  I really like this series.  I love Theo’s character and I enjoy reading about his cases.  Grisham does a great job of making the law information accessible to kids.  The only problem I have with the series is that Theo is a little too adult for me sometimes.  He just doesn’t come across as a kid once in a while.  Other than that, I highly recommend this to kids who like adventure stories.

Anne Boleyn: A King’s Obsession

Anne Boleyn: A King’s Obsession by Alison Weir, 541 pages

“In this second novel of Alison Weir's epic Six Tudor Queens series, the acclaimed author and historian weaves exciting new research into the story of Anne Boleyn, Henry VIII's most infamous wife, a woman ahead of her time whose very life--and death--forever changed a nation.  Born into a noble English family, Anne is barely a teenager when she is sent from her family's Hever Castle to serve at the royal court of the Netherlands. This strategic move on the part of her opportunistic father also becomes a chance for the girl to grow and discover herself. There, and later in France, Anne thrives, preferring to absorb the works of progressive writers rather than participate in courtly flirtations. She also begins to understand the inequalities and indignities suffered by her gender. Anne isn't completely inured to the longings of the heart, but her powerful family has ambitious plans for her future that override any wishes of her own. When the King of England himself, Henry VIII, asks Anne to be his mistress, she spurns his advances--reminding him that he is a married man who has already conducted an affair with her sister, Mary. Anne's rejection only intensifies Henry's pursuit, but in the absence of a male heir--and given an aging Queen Katherine--the opportunity to elevate and protect the Boleyn family, and to exact vengeance on her envious detractors, is too tempting for Anne to resist, even as it proves to be her undoing. While history tells of how Anne Boleyn died, this compelling new novel reveals how fully she lived.” I’ve always loved both fiction and nonfiction about this time period in history.  Weir is a fantastic writer and researches her books thoroughly, such that even her fiction is historically as accurate as possible.  This is a great choice for people who like historical fiction, especially about the Tudor era.

Red

Redby Liesl Shurtliff, 243 pages

"Followed by a wolf, a huntsman, and a porridge-sampling nuisance called Goldie, Red embarks on a quest to find a magical cure for her ailing grandmother."  I really enjoy retold fairy tales and this book was no exception.  Red’s character was fascinating and hearing the snippets of other people’s tales throughout the main story was also a lot of fun.  This is the third installment in this collection and I hope there will be more.  Any child who likes fairy tale retellings will want to check out these books.

Jason

Jason by Laurell K. Hamilton, 292 pages

"’Enjoying pain with your pleasure is something you either get, or you don't. If you get it, then you don't really need it explained, because you know how good it feels, and if you don't get it then no amount of talking is going to convince you it makes sense.’ But sometimes you have to explain the unexplainable, especially if the love of your life needs to understand, or she'll leave you. Jason Schuyler is one of Anita Blake's best friends and favorite werewolves, with benefits. J.J. is his lady love, an old flame from childhood who dances at one of the top ballet companies in New York. She's accomplished, beautiful, and she's crazy about him, too. Neither of them wants to be monogamous, so what could go wrong? J.J. is enthusiastically bisexual, with an emphasis on the female side of things. She plans to keep sleeping with women, because Jason can't meet that need, just like she can't meet Jason's need for rough sex and bondage. J.J. doesn't understand why Jason isn't content to go elsewhere for a need she can't fulfil, so Jason asks Anita to help him explain. Anita is having her own relationship growing pains with her only female lover ever, Jade. Jason suggests that J.J. might be able to help Anita with her girl problem, while she helps him with his kinky explanations. With some encouragement from a few other lovers in Anita's life she reluctantly agrees, and J. J. makes plans to fly into town for an experience that none of them will ever forget.” Hamilton’s books have become less story and more sex with every new book, I think.  I still enjoy them, but people that are just looking for a good supernatural read will probably not be satisfied.  These books are a lot closer to erotica than anything else but people who like erotica are likely to love this book.

Jovah’s Angel

Jovah’sAngel by Sharon Shinn, 358 pages

“More than a hundred years after the time of Rachel and Gabriel, Samaria is in deep turmoil. Charismatic Archangel Delilah has been injured and forced to give up her position, and she has been replaced by shy, uncertain Alleluia. What's worse, ungovernable storms are sweeping across the country, and the god never seems to hear the angels' pleas to abate the bad weather. Unless those prayers are offered by the new Archangel...” I didn’t remember reading the first book in this series when I got this book, but as I started it I found I remembered the world, even though I still didn’t remember the other story.  It didn’t really matter.  This book worked on its own and I would highly recommend it to people who like fantasy.

Fuzzy

Fuzzy by Tom Angelberger & Paul Dellinger, 263 pages

Fuzzy is a robot who is supposed to integrate into the school as a 7^th grade student as part of the Robot Integration Program.  Max is a girl who loves robots.  She is very smart, but for some reason, she is having trouble in school, both academically and behaviorally.  Barbara is the Vice Principal robot who hands out discipline and grades tests, Max is assigned to help Fuzzy with the integration.  Fuzzy suspects that Barbara may have a hand in Max’s problems and decides to help her.  I loved this book and want to give to every kid who likes humorous stories.

Dorothy Must Die Stories Vol. 2

Dorothy Must Die Stories Vol. 2 by Danielle Paige, 307 pages

“A collection of three prequel novellas to the New York Times bestselling Dorothy Must Die series by Danielle Paige! Follow Dorothy's iconic companions from the beloved classic The Wonderful Wizard of Oz as each of their gifts becomes key to the downfall of Oz. After Dorothy Gale wished her way home and long before Amy Gumm found herself in Oz, Dorothy's friends left the Road of Yellow Brick to go their separate ways. But in a place like Oz, where magic and temptation lurk, the gifts from the Wizard begin to take on a life of their own. The Tin Woodman becomes twisted with longing. The Scarecrow develops a taste for plotting. And doubt consumes the Cowardly Lion. Kiss the land where troubles melt like lemon drops good-bye. Here there's danger around every corner, and magical shoes won't be able to save you.” This series has been growing on me.  The first book was all right, but not great.  This collection of stories, though, was much better.  I really liked getting into the psyche of the Tin Woodman, Scarecrow, and Cowardly Lion.  It helps explain how everything could have gone so wrong.  The premise is still disturbing but I’m looking forward to the next book now.  Teens that like fairy tale adaptations or fantasy in general will probably like this series.

Swing It Sunny

Swing It Sunny by Jennifer Holm, 218 pages

This graphic novel is the sequel to Sunny Side Up.  Sunny is back home from Florida, her older brother, Dale, is in boarding school, and her younger brother, Teddy, is annoying and hilarious in turns.  Sunny just wants to live her life and have everything be normal but it’s hard when she misses Dale.  But even when Dale visits, she still misses him because he’s not the same.  This is a nice coming of age story for kids who like graphic novels.

Hoodoo

Hoodoo by Ronald L. Smith, 208 pages

Hoodoo’s family are all workers in folk magic, except Hoodoo himself.  He’s never been able to do any kind of magic at all, despite his name.  Until the day he begins to be plagued by a menacing man in black, the Stranger, who wants something from him.  It is then that Hoodoo finds out that his family has been keeping secrets from him, secrets he needs to know if he wants to survive an encounter with the Stranger. This book was scary, and I’m sure it would be even scarier for an elementary age kid, which is the intended audience.  Kids who like scary stories will love this book.

The Unexpected Life Of Oliver Cromwell Pitts

The Unexpected Life Of Oliver Cromwell Pitts by Avi, 314 pages

“In 1724 England, twelve-year-old Oliver Cromwell Pitts embarks on a journey from his seaside home in Melcombe Regis to London to find his father and his older sister, a journey filled with thieves, adventurers, and treachery.” I enjoyed this book.  I like historical fiction and stories about overcoming adversity and this book is perfect for that.  It is clearly the beginning of a series so if people have a preference for waiting until a series is complete before reading it, they will want to wait to start this, since this book just came out a few months ago.  However, I would definitely give this to kids who like historical fiction.