Thursday, September 24, 2009

Artemis Fowl



by Eoin Colfer

With his father missing and his mother ill, twelve-year-old Artemis continues the family's criminal pursuits. In the series' opening novel, Artemis searches for the fairy's book, eventually hoping it will guide him to fairy gold. Although well thought out, Artemis' plans must change as he encounters trolls and elves.

Personal Thoughts: What a wonderful novel! I listened to the audiobook of Artemis Fowl and enjoyed every minute of it.

A Great and Terrible Beauty


by Libba Bray
The novel opens as Gemma Doyle walks the streets of Bombay, India. Shortly thereafter, Gemma has a vision and her mother mysteriously dies. As the novel continues, Gemma becomes enrolled in London's Spence Academy. With the assistance of classmates, Gemma learns about her powers, as well as the powers of ancient sorceresses that controlled different realms.

Will Gemma find the connection between her powers and her mother's past?
Is the young man following her a help or hindrance?

Monday, September 21, 2009

Princess Ben



by Catherine Gilbert Murdock

After her mother is assassinated and her father disappears, Princess Benevolence becomes heir to the throne. Princess Ben, as she prefers to be called, must learn her new role under the guidance of her aunt, Queen Sophia, whose grueling daily routine for Princess Ben consists of dance and embroidery lessons. Because Princess Ben proves to be a less than willing student, Queen Sophia locks her in a tower. While living in the tower, Princess Ben spends her days under the watchful care of Queen Sophia, yet she spends her nights discovering more about the tower's magic.
Personal Thoughts: What a wonderful story! Princess Ben is an intelligent, caring, and strong female character.

Friday, September 11, 2009

Peace, Love & Baby Ducks

by Lauren Myracle


Peace, Love & Baby Ducks tells the story of two sisters. Upon returning from a summer wilderness camp, Carly must accept her family's wealth along with her sister's grown-up appearance. Myracle's novel examines the relationship between Carly and Anna with truth.

Personal Thoughts: Having a younger sister of my own, I related to Carly and her struggles with her younger sister. Carly is open and honest with her feelings, making her a believable character. She is confused between who she wants to be and who she is.


Dead is the New Black



By Marlene Perez

Nightshade, California, is an interesting place, especially after Samanta Devereaux, a high school cheerleader, shows up with a "new" look. Daisy Giordano, one member in a family of psychics,is determined to get to the bottom of Nightshade's strange happenings.

Personal Thoughts: As a fan of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, I enjoyed every minute of this novel. The stories of Daisy and Samantha contain just enough humor, romance, and mystery.

Don't forget to check out the sequels:

Dead is So Last Year and Dead is a State of Mind

The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate



by Jacqueline Kelly

Eleven-year-old Calpurnia is the middle child of seven siblings. In fact, Callie Vee, as she prefers to be called, is the only girl. Kelly's novel takes place in the summertime, 1889, in Fentress, Texas. Calpurnia's mother believe that Calpurnia's life will be fulfilled if she learns how to cook and sew, as well as make a formal debut into society. Callie Vee, on the other hand, finds fulfillment in spending time with Darwin and her grandfather, an interesting man who studies plants, bugs, and the uses of pecans.

Will Calpurnia learn to balance her life, or will she turn to what society expects of her?

Personal Thoughts: As a character, Calpurnia is humorous and believeable. Watching her struggle between two worlds - what she wants and what society expects - proves humorous and amazing!