The Serpent’s Shadow
Author: Rick Riordan
Pages: 406
Age Range: 9+
Published: 2012
Genre: Fantasy
Cover Score: ****
Overall Score: *****
Rating: PG
This is the final installment of the Kane Chronicles series. Orphaned siblings Sadie and Carter Kane enlist the help of their new magical trainees and various surviving magicians (along with a few sympathetic gods and goddesses) as they face off against Apophis, the god of Chaos, who is intent on bringing about the destruction of the world. In his signature fashion Riordan mixes modern day drama (burgeoning romantic relationships, school stresses, clashes with authority) with ancient mythology and a healthy dose of humor and sarcasm. Things are wrapped up rather nicely in the end though there are some hints of ‘rival magic’ and ‘other gods’ in the kids’ future. I predict a crossover series with Percy Jackson and the Greek gods teaming up with the Kanes and their Egyptian counterparts; only Riordan could pull that off! Great fun, highly recommended.
Author: Rick Riordan
Pages: 406
Age Range: 9+
Published: 2012
Genre: Fantasy
Cover Score: ****
Overall Score: *****
Rating: PG
This is the final installment of the Kane Chronicles series. Orphaned siblings Sadie and Carter Kane enlist the help of their new magical trainees and various surviving magicians (along with a few sympathetic gods and goddesses) as they face off against Apophis, the god of Chaos, who is intent on bringing about the destruction of the world. In his signature fashion Riordan mixes modern day drama (burgeoning romantic relationships, school stresses, clashes with authority) with ancient mythology and a healthy dose of humor and sarcasm. Things are wrapped up rather nicely in the end though there are some hints of ‘rival magic’ and ‘other gods’ in the kids’ future. I predict a crossover series with Percy Jackson and the Greek gods teaming up with the Kanes and their Egyptian counterparts; only Riordan could pull that off! Great fun, highly recommended.
A Short History of Nearly Everything
Author: Bill Bryson
Pages: 544
Age Range: Adult
Published: 2003
Genre: Non-fiction
Cover Score: ***
Overall Score: *****
Rating: PG
With his trademark wit and humor Bryson walks the average reader through life on our planet. He covers a vast array of topics including the big bang, evolution, and other moments of creation as well as basic physics, geology, biology, chemistry, and more. You'll wish your school text books had been this straightforward and easy to understand! I love Bryson’s voice. It’s very conversational without being simplistic, punctuated with snarky asides and entertaining footnotes. A great read for anyone, particularly those (like me) lacking a scientific aptitude, wanting a better grasp of the wonders of the universe.
*Apparently there was an updated/illustrated version published in 2010...wish I'd had that one!
Author: Bill Bryson
Pages: 544
Age Range: Adult
Published: 2003
Genre: Non-fiction
Cover Score: ***
Overall Score: *****
Rating: PG
With his trademark wit and humor Bryson walks the average reader through life on our planet. He covers a vast array of topics including the big bang, evolution, and other moments of creation as well as basic physics, geology, biology, chemistry, and more. You'll wish your school text books had been this straightforward and easy to understand! I love Bryson’s voice. It’s very conversational without being simplistic, punctuated with snarky asides and entertaining footnotes. A great read for anyone, particularly those (like me) lacking a scientific aptitude, wanting a better grasp of the wonders of the universe.
*Apparently there was an updated/illustrated version published in 2010...wish I'd had that one!
Sadie and Ratz
Author: Sonya Hartnett
Illustrator: Ann James
Pages: 59
Age Range: 6+
Published: 2012
Genre: Realistic Fiction
Cover Score: ****
Overall Score: ****
Rating: G
A little girl has named her two hands Sadie and Ratz. They have personalities and lives of their own keeping her entertained and often getting her into trouble. But her little brother soon picks up a trick and Sadie and Ratz are now being blamed for things they haven't done. The little girl tries to think of ways to solve this problem and eventually comes up with a solution just as her parents figure out who is really causing all of the problems. This is a cute story of imagination, problem solving and growing up, perfect for a really early reader. The charcoal-y illustrations are fabulous, bringing her imaginative world to life while at the same time helping the reader keep reality and fiction separate.
Author: Sonya Hartnett
Illustrator: Ann James
Pages: 59
Age Range: 6+
Published: 2012
Genre: Realistic Fiction
Cover Score: ****
Overall Score: ****
Rating: G
A little girl has named her two hands Sadie and Ratz. They have personalities and lives of their own keeping her entertained and often getting her into trouble. But her little brother soon picks up a trick and Sadie and Ratz are now being blamed for things they haven't done. The little girl tries to think of ways to solve this problem and eventually comes up with a solution just as her parents figure out who is really causing all of the problems. This is a cute story of imagination, problem solving and growing up, perfect for a really early reader. The charcoal-y illustrations are fabulous, bringing her imaginative world to life while at the same time helping the reader keep reality and fiction separate.
Never Fall Down
Author: Patricia McCormick
Pages: 222
Age Range: 13+
Published: 2012
Genre: Historical Fiction/Biography
Cover Score: ***
Overall Score: *****
Rating: PG-13/R
13-year-old Arn is busy living his life dancing to rock ‘n roll, selling ice cream with his brother, and staying out of trouble, when the Khmer Rouge arrive, marching his entire village into the countryside. Now his days are filled with the horrors of labor camps and he learns that the best way to survive is to never fall down. He finds refuge and solace in playing an instrument for the revolutionary band which leads to a series of lucky draws that provide him with ways to help himself and others in his camp until he is forced to serve as a soldier, fighting alongside the revolutionaries who have held him captive. He eventually escapes and arrives in an orphanage where he has new adjustments to make, dealing with a new life in America. This is an amazing tale of survival, endurance and hope based on the true story of Arn Chorn-Pond, now a man of peace working for Amnesty International. Gritty but not overtly graphic, it is full of violence, some swearing, sex and abuse but it’s all handled as tastefully and appropriately as possible (though is definitely more appropriate for older readers.)
This wasn’t a subject I was very familiar with, having just a vague notion of the Killing Fields and the conflict in Cambodia. I was completely caught up in Arn’s story, amazed that anyone could survive the awful things he witnessed and participated in and emerge on the other side a productive member of society. McCormick writes it in a childlike voice with truncated English and grammar that works beautifully to bring authenticity to the telling. Highly recommended!
Author: Patricia McCormick
Pages: 222
Age Range: 13+
Published: 2012
Genre: Historical Fiction/Biography
Cover Score: ***
Overall Score: *****
Rating: PG-13/R
13-year-old Arn is busy living his life dancing to rock ‘n roll, selling ice cream with his brother, and staying out of trouble, when the Khmer Rouge arrive, marching his entire village into the countryside. Now his days are filled with the horrors of labor camps and he learns that the best way to survive is to never fall down. He finds refuge and solace in playing an instrument for the revolutionary band which leads to a series of lucky draws that provide him with ways to help himself and others in his camp until he is forced to serve as a soldier, fighting alongside the revolutionaries who have held him captive. He eventually escapes and arrives in an orphanage where he has new adjustments to make, dealing with a new life in America. This is an amazing tale of survival, endurance and hope based on the true story of Arn Chorn-Pond, now a man of peace working for Amnesty International. Gritty but not overtly graphic, it is full of violence, some swearing, sex and abuse but it’s all handled as tastefully and appropriately as possible (though is definitely more appropriate for older readers.)
This wasn’t a subject I was very familiar with, having just a vague notion of the Killing Fields and the conflict in Cambodia. I was completely caught up in Arn’s story, amazed that anyone could survive the awful things he witnessed and participated in and emerge on the other side a productive member of society. McCormick writes it in a childlike voice with truncated English and grammar that works beautifully to bring authenticity to the telling. Highly recommended!
Robot Zombie Frankenstein
Author and Illustrator: Annette Simon
Pages: 32
Age Range: 4+
Published: 2012
Genre: Science Fiction
Cover Score: ****
Overall Score: ****
Rating: G
Two robots try to one up each other with their disguises and abilities to mutate ending in the impossible combination of robot zombie Frankenstein pirate superhero-in-disguise outerspace invader chef!! Finally a pie and fork win them over and they declare a truce, sharing the pie as friends. This is utter silliness that boys especially will love. The bright graphic illustrations are the perfect complement. I can see this being used for writing and/or art prompts in classrooms everywhere. What would your robot morph into? What would he look like?
Author and Illustrator: Annette Simon
Pages: 32
Age Range: 4+
Published: 2012
Genre: Science Fiction
Cover Score: ****
Overall Score: ****
Rating: G
Two robots try to one up each other with their disguises and abilities to mutate ending in the impossible combination of robot zombie Frankenstein pirate superhero-in-disguise outerspace invader chef!! Finally a pie and fork win them over and they declare a truce, sharing the pie as friends. This is utter silliness that boys especially will love. The bright graphic illustrations are the perfect complement. I can see this being used for writing and/or art prompts in classrooms everywhere. What would your robot morph into? What would he look like?
Silly Doggy
Author and Illustrator: Adam Stower
Pages: 32
Age Range: 3+
Published: 2012
Genre: Fiction
Cover Score: ***
Overall Score: ****
Rating: G
Lilly looks out the window one morning to see a 'doggy' (really a bear) sitting in the garden. She's always wanted one so she adopts it and takes it with her everywhere. But he's rather silly; he doesn't like to eat his food or play fetch or anything and yet Lilly loves him anyway. When her mom makes her write up a 'lost' poster she secretly hopes that no one will claim him, but they do (the park ranger shows up at the door.) She's sad and misses him even though she knows he's happier in his home but what does she see in her garden the next morning? Kitty! (Really a tiger.) This is just pure fun with darling illustrations. Kids will love being wiser than Lilly and get a kick out of her obliviousness.
Author and Illustrator: Adam Stower
Pages: 32
Age Range: 3+
Published: 2012
Genre: Fiction
Cover Score: ***
Overall Score: ****
Rating: G
Lilly looks out the window one morning to see a 'doggy' (really a bear) sitting in the garden. She's always wanted one so she adopts it and takes it with her everywhere. But he's rather silly; he doesn't like to eat his food or play fetch or anything and yet Lilly loves him anyway. When her mom makes her write up a 'lost' poster she secretly hopes that no one will claim him, but they do (the park ranger shows up at the door.) She's sad and misses him even though she knows he's happier in his home but what does she see in her garden the next morning? Kitty! (Really a tiger.) This is just pure fun with darling illustrations. Kids will love being wiser than Lilly and get a kick out of her obliviousness.
More
Author: I.C. Springman
Illustrator: Brian Lies
Pages: 32
Age Range: 2+
Published: 2012
Genre: Fiction
Cover Score: ****
Overall Score: ****
Rating: G
This is a deceptively simple story of a magpie who gathers trinkets for his nest with the help of a little mouse. The text consists of just one or two word descriptors as they add to their collection; more, some, enough, too much etc. Eventually his branch breaks and the mice help take away most of the things (this time the descriptors are words like less, and fewer) until they are left with just the right amount. Not only do are kids introduced to quantitative words but addition/subtraction concepts, and the idea that more isn’t always better. The illustrations are rich and realistic, balancing the simplistic words with the perfect amount of detailed opulence. Beautiful!
Author: I.C. Springman
Illustrator: Brian Lies
Pages: 32
Age Range: 2+
Published: 2012
Genre: Fiction
Cover Score: ****
Overall Score: ****
Rating: G
This is a deceptively simple story of a magpie who gathers trinkets for his nest with the help of a little mouse. The text consists of just one or two word descriptors as they add to their collection; more, some, enough, too much etc. Eventually his branch breaks and the mice help take away most of the things (this time the descriptors are words like less, and fewer) until they are left with just the right amount. Not only do are kids introduced to quantitative words but addition/subtraction concepts, and the idea that more isn’t always better. The illustrations are rich and realistic, balancing the simplistic words with the perfect amount of detailed opulence. Beautiful!
The Winter Sea
Author: Susanna Kearsley
Pages: 536
Age Range: Adult
Published: 2008
Genre: Historical Fiction
Cover Score: ****
Overall Score: *****
Rating: PG
Carrie is off to Scottland for her editor's baby’s christening and to do some research for the historical fiction book she is writing. When she gets there she finds she is drawn to the countryside and the ruined castle of Slains. She leaves her storyline and rented flat in France to settle in the coastal village. The ghosts of her characters are seeking her out, inspiring her to write as she's never written before uncovering truths of the Jacobite invasion of 1708 that sought to put the exiled James Stewart back on the throne. And then there are the two handsome sons of her new landlord both vying for her attention and the thought that maybe her made up character Sophia isn't really made up at all. This is my favorite kind of story; a perfect blend of history, romance, action and intrigue after the manner of Mary Stewart, Daphne DuMarier and others. It was a wonderful way to lose myself for a few hours (and feel as if I was learning a bit of history at the same time!)
Author: Susanna Kearsley
Pages: 536
Age Range: Adult
Published: 2008
Genre: Historical Fiction
Cover Score: ****
Overall Score: *****
Rating: PG
Carrie is off to Scottland for her editor's baby’s christening and to do some research for the historical fiction book she is writing. When she gets there she finds she is drawn to the countryside and the ruined castle of Slains. She leaves her storyline and rented flat in France to settle in the coastal village. The ghosts of her characters are seeking her out, inspiring her to write as she's never written before uncovering truths of the Jacobite invasion of 1708 that sought to put the exiled James Stewart back on the throne. And then there are the two handsome sons of her new landlord both vying for her attention and the thought that maybe her made up character Sophia isn't really made up at all. This is my favorite kind of story; a perfect blend of history, romance, action and intrigue after the manner of Mary Stewart, Daphne DuMarier and others. It was a wonderful way to lose myself for a few hours (and feel as if I was learning a bit of history at the same time!)
I've got another of her books in my TBR pile at the moment and if it's half as good/fun as this was Kearsley may quickly make herself one of my new favorite authors!
What have you been reading lately?
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