Geekerella

By 
Ashley Poston 

     This book is a wonderful modern take on one of my all time favorite fairy tales,  a current and relevant Cinderella.  Meet Elle, she is a gifted, shy orphan who is being raised by her Step Mother Catherine.  Elle's parents have passed away and left her with memories of the cosplay show that her father started and a fanatic devotion to the show Starfield.  Elle is devastated when her step sister's crush, actor Darien Freeman is named as the new Carmindor in the Starfield reboot.  She is convinced that he is going to ruin the only connection she has left of her parents.  

     As a prominent blogger, Elle, denounces Darien and his hordes of adoring fans.  Her servitude is not the only injustice.  Darien is only being forced into a role he does not want.  His dad controls his entire life and every move he makes.  His best friend ends up being  a traitor and he is no longer comfortable in his own skin.  After a fan jumps him on a morning talk show, he acquires a bodyguard who follows him everywhere.  As an avid Starfield fan, Darien is excited about being Carmindor, but is unsure how to fit into the imposing boots of his idol.  

     In an attempt to rid himself of an engagement at Excelsicon, he inadvertently contacts Elle.  Both of these lonely hearts find solace in their communication and build an unlikely relationship through texts.  Their feelings are built on their shared love of the show Starfield.  Will they ever talk to each other or meet?  or is the universe working against their growing affection?  Will they be able to take their lives back?  

     This book is very charming and current.  A lot of kids rely on communicating through text, they watch blogs, vlogs and youtube.  The whole question of can you truly know somebody without meeting face to face.  I found this book enjoyable and an easy read.  It is definitely a fairytale and a young adult read about young romance.  I think it would be totally acceptable for seventh grade students and up.  I am giving this book a 4 out of 5 stars, if you want a nice feel good book, pick up your copy today. 

Links 

Author - Ashley Poston

Cosplay Conventions

Catacombs

By Madelene Roux 

     First off I have to apologize, I began reading this book before I realized it was the third book in a series.  I am in the process of rectifying the situation and will be posting on the previous two books as soon as possible.  Dan, Abby and Jordan are three friends that have a long and interesting history.  They have had experiences that are outside of the norm and have faced many dangers together.  As the trio prepare to enter life after high school and go their own way, they decide on a road trip to take Jordan to New Orleans.  Jordan will be living with his Uncle and attending college in the historic city.  Ellie plans on pursuing her art and Dan will be returning home to attend college.  

     Along their route, they get an inkling that something is not as it should be.  Strange things begin to happen and Dan reveals that he stole some folders from the "Warden".  People are following them and mysterious things begin to happen, like unexpected visitors outside of their tent in the middle of the night.  Do the trio know who they can trust? Where are they safe.  This harrowing tale and the nefarious people that they encounter help answer a lot of questions that Dan has about his past.  Dan who grew up with adoptive parents has always had questions about his family, who they were and why did they abandon him...  The paranormal is definitely involved in this interesting tale, in the guise of other worldly texts from a dead friend and ghostly visions of Dan's father.  Where else can this story take them but into the Catacombs under New Orleans.  

     I did find this book a very interesting read, unfortunately was a bit lost, because it was the third book in a series.  I am going to withhold my rating until I have read all three books.  Please look for updates in the near future.  I can say however, that this book is appropriate for middle school readers and older and that everyone should be able to enjoy the story.  

Links 

Author: Madelene Roux

Images of Catacombs

Cemeteries of New Orleans

History of New Orleans

Blood Will Tell

 

By April Henry 

     This is the second book in a series by April Henry.  Yet again we follow our three young Search and Rescue trainees as the venture towards certification.  This time they begin by searching and finding a young missing child followed the next day with an evidence search on a murdered young woman from Nick's neighborhood.  

     Unfortunately, Nick becomes the main suspect when his Familial DNA is discovered on the body.  That leaves the three young friends no other alternative to embroil themselves in another murder investigation.  Alexis and Ruby know Nick could never kill somebody, he vomits when he sees blood and they know something does not jive.  Nick's life is further up ended when he discovers that the father he idolized as a fallen war hero, is a murderer sitting in prison.  The noose of evidence further cinches as the DNA match is affirmed and the police converge on Nick's home to take him into custody, but NIck escapes out a window.  

     Who else to help Nick but Alexis and Ruby, in the mean time the murderer is convinced he has to kill again and frame Nick even more.  His victim of choice is one of the three musketeers.  Do the cops figure it our on time?  Do Nick, Alexis and Ruby live  through another murder investigation?  

     This is a murder mystery novel and definitely not appropriate for younger students seventh grade and up is the ideal ages, it does skew female, even with the main character being male.  I give this book a 3 out of 5 stars, it is entertaining but not really relatable for me.  

LInks 

Author: April Henry

Search and Rescue

Familial DNA

Summerlost

                                                                                                By Allie Condie

     This is a poignant tale of heartbreak and the resilient spirit of an individual to overcome the loss of not only her father but a young sibling as well.  Cedar comes to terms with her father and younger brother's death.  Ben had been autistic, but Cedar was able to understand and loved him.  It has been a year and her mother has decided to buy a summer home Iron Creek, near her family.  It should be good for them to be surrounded by loved ones while they learn to handle their new normal.  They quickly settle into a routine, but Cedar notices a young man riding by her home in a costume, and one day decides to follow to see where he goes.
     His destination is the local Shakespear in the park festival where he works doing concessions.  Even though Cedar is young, she is found a job at the festival and quickly becomes friends with Leo.  In an effort to make as much money as possible that summer Leo has concocted a scheme and asks if Cedar would like to be his partner.  The scheme is to give festival attendees a celebrity walk of Iron Creek's famed Lisette Chamberlain.  Of course, this is accomplished without any of the adults being aware of their activity.  Leo and Cedar are eventually caught and lose their jobs at the concession, yet Cedar continues to volunteer her time in the wardrobe department, where she has befriended Lisette's old friend.  In the end, Cedar and her family have decided to commemorate the loss of their loved ones by keeping and collecting items that Ben would have kept near at hand... a toothbrush, a screwdriver etc.
     This is a very enjoyable read, well crafted with some very strong figurative speech especially metaphor for example, "Sometimes I thought of the three of us as pencils with the erasers scrubbed down to the end, and the next swipe across the paper would tear through the page and make a scree sound" (Condie, 11).  I am going to only give this book a 3.5 out of 5.  Somehow the book fell flat and was anti-climatic, the developed story was not the conflict.  If you are looking for a light easy read, however, this is a good book to pick up.

Links

Michigan's Shakespeare in the Park

William Shakespeare

Allie Condie

Under a Painted Sky

                                                                                               by Stacey Lee 


     An unlikely tale of friendship, hardship and love.  This is a historical fiction set in the old west of the United States in the year 1849.  Two unlikely girls are forced to become companions on their escape trek along the trail towards California.  Annamae (Andy) is an escaped slave that is trying to meet up with her brother at Harp Falls and Samantha is a young Chinese woman who killed her attacker and must flee to avoid the hangman's noose.  After Annamae helps Samantha, they decide to flee together under the disguise of young boys, not women.
     In the process of cooking a snake, Andy and Sammy attract a small group of cowboys.  They make a deal with the group to share their meal for a ride on their horses.  This deal works well for the next day, but Andy and Sammy conclude that they can travel faster and safer with the boys.  Sammy gambles it all on who can catch a fish faster.  The girls barely win and avoid having to sing naked in the cold water.  The deal is that they will travel with the ramada, Andy will cook and Sammy will give the boys lessons in french and play her violin and the boys will give them their protection and rides on the horses.
     This arrangement works fairly well and improves as they pass through Fort Kearney and the boys acquire supplies for the journey.  Along the path, the group stops a stampede, meets up with other settlers and are gifted with a mule, avoid death by drowning, contract cholera, run into the dangerous broken hand gang and fall in love.   Their journey is fraught with danger, compassion, and friendship.
Do the boys figure out their secret? Can Andy and Sammy trust the boys with their lives, or is it safer for them to maintain their disguises?  All I can tell you is that "Under a Painted Sky" all sorts of things can happen!
     This is a very interesting read and a time frame that I have never really read a lot about.  There is the recurring theme that life and death situations can have people react and do incredible things.  I am going to give this a 4 out of 5 stars.  It was not 100% believable, for me.  Sammy was born in New York and was moving west with her father during a time when most Chinese were entering the west from California, it seemed far fetched for Sammy to be coming from New York.  I give the author credit however, for a very entertaining read!

Link 

Chinese Migration to the United States

California Gold Rush

The Oregon Trail

Author: Stacey Lee

Esperanza Rising

                                                                     by Pam Munoz Ryan 

     A coming of age historical fiction, a tale of never giving up and making the most of a bad set of events.  Meet Esperanza, a young wealthy girl in Mexico, she is the apple of her parents' eyes.  An only child, Esperanza loves spending time with her father, loves the ranch and can not envision ever leaving.  She is reared to be the lady of the manor and never does any manual labor.  On the eve of her birthday, her father is viciously attacked and killed.  The events that follow have Esperanza and her Mother escaping from her Uncles and running to the United States with their former servants.  

     When they reach the company camp that is to become their new home Esperanza is expected to learn how to work for her living,  Her mother and the other women go to the sheds and help pack the produce out for shipment.  Esperanza remains at the camp tending the babies and doing small jobs.  At first, she can barely do these common household tasks.  She is ridiculed when she attempts to sweep the platform, the first time, but it is the first time she has held a broom.  The first time that she is left alone with the twin babies, she feeds them plums and they end up with horrible diarrhea and stomach cramps.  Over time, however, she begins to find her way. This is hurried along when her mother becomes deathly ill and Esperanza needs to learn how to work in the sheds.  

     Concurrent with her arrival in the United States, there is an uprising among the migrant workers and a demand for fair wages and better housing.  The other workers at her camp just want to make money to feed their family and want nothing to do with the strike, but others camps in the area are in a turmoil.  The strikers try to incite Esperanza and others to join their cause since there is power in numbers.  Initially, Esperanza just wants to continue making money in order to pay for her mother's medical bills.  But when she witnesses a round up when immigration officers herd all of the strikers into busses to return to Mexico, whether or not they are citizens, she slowly begins to change her mind.  Especially when she hears how "Okie" are coming to her camp and getting better housing and a pool, that she can use only on Friday afternoon, before it is cleaned.  She is upset with the disparity and is vocal about her displeasure.  Finally, she accepts her new reality and no longer dwells on her past wealthy life.  

     I'm giving this book a 4 out of 5 stars.  I think that this is a very good book and I enjoyed it, but in writing this blog I realized that it left parts of the story unresolved.  There is no conclusion to the drama with the striking and disparity; when Abuelita, Esperanza's Grandmother, gets to the camp all of the problems seem to fade away and Esperanza is content.  I do feel that this is a remarkable read for anybody fourth grade and up and it is a good representation of a time and place in United States History.  Enjoy your copy today!  

Links 

Author - Pam Munoz Ryan

Migration workers in the 1930's

The Dust Bowl - Why Okies were migrant

Mexican Migration workers

History of Mexican Migration

Cake Pop Crush

                                                                        By Suzanne Nelson 

     This story transfers the reader to North Western United States and a small traditional community.  You are introduced to three best friends Ali and her cohorts Gwen and Tansy.  They are returning to school after Winter break;  Ali shows up with a treat Cake pops.  Everyone that gets a taste of this yummy treat is lucky.  Everyone is appreciative, except the new boy, Dane, who throws the cake pop in the trash.  Ali's day gets even worse when she discovers that the big chain Perk Up has opened a branch down the street from the family bakery.  Her father is furious, and Ali discovers that they may have to close the shop, especially with the competition down the street.  

     Ali, finally, convinces her father to try out her cake pops in the bakery and he grudgingly allows the sweet treat!  Thinks begin to look up as the bakery begins to draw customers from Perk Up.  The Perk Up's baker, Dane, discovers what is drawing customers away and fights back with a promotion of his own.  Ali is downcast and her world is in a downward spiral.  Ali does incredibly well dealing with the stress of her family and the bakery along with handling normal middle school drama.  Not getting along with the school queen bee, boys and bakeoffs.  

     After one disastrous at resurrecting the bakery, her father finally crumbles and decides to close the business.  Ali's last hope is a bake off against Dane, but Ali does not bake without a recipe, that is until Dane comes and teachers her to bake with her senses.  Ali is surprised but decides to trust Dane and work on their friendship.  After the bakeoff, information comes to light that changes the whole story.  

     This is a feel good book, nice simple read, appropriate for students in middle school., although, I would think that it would be more attractive to young ladies.  I  give this book a 4 out of 5 stars.  It did have some message and I love that my copy had recipes from the story in the back of the book.  

Links

Author - Suzanne Nelson

Authentic Mexican Baking - breads

Impact of large chain stores on small business

How to make a cake pop - recipes

I so don't do mysteries

By Barrie Summy                                   

     This is a very entertaining, light and easy read.  What would you do if you dead mother contacted you and needed help solving a mystery?  Would you help her, even if it forced you to do things that are completely out of your comfort zone?  7th-grade student, Sherry, is confronted with the quest of solving the questions at the rhino exhibit in San Diego.  She has her best friend, Junie, and a cute boy as help, but can she save the rhinos in time to save her mother?
     The wacky caper and all of the crazy situations that happen make this a fun read.  A stealthy super sleuth Sherry is not, but her heart is in the right place and she wants to help her Mom and the rhinos.  Sherry bumbles her way through the mystery, making a couple of bad guesses along the way.  She does discover that the rhinos are in danger due to a heinous chef that would like to serve the animals up at his next exotic meat meal.  When it is important, Sherry is willing to do almost anything to help the rhinos and retain a contact with her mother.
     This is an easy read and would encourage 4th thru 7th graders to enjoy the story.  I would give this a 2.5 to a 3-star rating, for the fun of the piece.  This is definitely, comedic and full of situational comedy and slapstick humor.

Links

Author: Barrie Summy

Exotic meat planning

San Diego Wild Animal Park

The Swap

                                                                                           By Megan Shull

     What happens when you swap bodies with the most popular boy in school?  This is a very engaging tale of star crossed shenanigans!  Ellie has had one best friend since kindergarten, but Sassy has a new friend, and Sassy is well SASSY!  She likes to mock and belittle those around her, and has found Ellie to be a handy target.  Ellie begins 7th grade feeling ostracized and friendless.  The "Prince", Jack, on the other hand is Mr. Popularity, all of the girls have a crush on him and all of the boys want to be like him.  Jack, however, is shy and the youngest of four boys.  His father, "The Captain", is a hard nosed ex military man who runs his home like the army.  It is hard work, and training all day every day in Jack's home.  When Ellie and Jack end up in first aid on the first day of school, things are bound to happen.
     By the end of the day, Ellie is no longer Ellie and  Jack is no longer Jack. They promise each other that they will spend the weekend in the perspective bedrooms and avoid their "normal" lives.  Of course, that would be boring and too simple.  Jack comes face to face with the bully Sassy, and Ellie meets "The Captain".  This story takes, walk a mile in someones shoes to a whole new level.  It is told very endearingly with plenty of charm and humor.  Of  course, the story ends with a twist, that ensures that Jack and Ellie will be friends for a long time.
     This book is a very nice read, very enjoyable, with just enough humor to keep someone totally entertained.  It is a fairly easy read, and appropriate for 5th or 6th grade up.  Although, this book tells both sides of the swap,  it read a bit more on the female side, but would be worthwhile for either gender as a good read.  I give this book a 5 star rating!

Links 

How to avoid being bullied in Middle School

Bullying Facts

Coping with Divorce

Megan Shull books etc

Is it Night or Day?

                                                                                                By Fern Schumer Chapman

          This inspirational tale of a young Jewish girl, Edith, traveling to the 'safety' of America on her own during World War II is a rewarding read.  Fern uses the inspiration of her mother as the basis for this story and relates the poignancy and heart break of these young victims of Hitler's reign.

     You meet Edith as she is preparing to leave her Mother, Father and Grandmother and her small village that is all she has ever known.  Her parents tried to give her a lifetime of teaching in a matter of weeks and Edith is numb and overwhelmed with the events surrounding her departure.  On the boat across the Atlantic Edith befriends a group of kids and they quickly become inseparable.  All of the children on the boat are there for differing reasons and going to different parts of the United States.  Edith is bound for Chicago, IL, along with fellow passenger Julius.  They both believe that they will be able to maintain their relationship in this city.

     Edith is met at the train station by her Uncle Jakob, whom resembles her father in Germany.  She is relieved to see something from home.  He takes her to his 2 bedroom apartment that is shared by his wife and daughter.  Edith does not have her own room, but a couch in the dining room.  She quickly realizes that she is not to be welcomed by her aunt and cousin.  Her aunt makes Edith into a servant/ slave and expects Edith to do all of the housework.

     Throughout this story Edith strives to maintain her identity as a German, in an attempt to maintain some sort of contact with her family remaining in Germany.  But she is forced to attend an American school, to learn more English, her Aunt throws away all of her clothes and will not let German be spoken in the apartment.  Through her Uncle Jakob, Edith learns to love the sport of Baseball especially the Chicago White Sox.  She even discovers a Jewish Baseball Great in Hank Greenberg.  As she grows, her love of the sport and the loss of her loved ones in Germany, she begins to identify with her new country.

     This tale is very powerful and a tribute to the 1000 Children program that saved children from Hitler's reign.  Very well written with wonderful detail and an identifiable theme of the difficulties of assimilation into a new culture.  Is it Night or Day?  is well worth the read, especially for students 10 and up.

Links

One Thousand Children Effort

Orphans of World War II

Hank Greenberg

Fern Schumer Chapman

 

On The Fence

by Kasie West

   Meet Charlie, she is a young woman of 16 years old that from a young age has been raised by her Police officer father and 4 older brothers.  She is an outstanding athlete and an all american tom boy.  Until, her dad forces her to get a job and help pay for her speeding tickets and insurance premiums.  Charlie is thrust into girl world when she procures a job in a women's clothing store.  The proprietor hires her on the  spot, but insists that she buy clothing from the store to work in.  Charlie is also questioned about a parental signature and lies about her mother.  She is over people giving her sympathy because of the death of an all but forgotten mom.  Slowly, Charlie begins to enjoy the clothing and the make up and learns that being a girl is not a bad thing.  

     Meet Braden, the boy next door.  The brother from another mother, Charlie's brothers' best friend.  He is over at the house, constantly.  Braden's life is difficult, he has an abusive alcoholic dad whom Braden wants out of his life.  Charlie and Braden often will sneak out at night and meet at the fence to talk about their problems.  Their friendship grows and secretly Charlie begins to think of Braden as more than a friend.  

     As Charlie begins to enjoy being a girl, she earns girl friends and one night meets up with a boy that she is attracted to.  Charlie, the tom boy, and Charlie, the girl, go to battle.  She is convinced no boy would be attracted to her if he knew about the sports and how competitive Charlie is on and off the field.  Finally, she comes to the realization that she has to be happy with herself and true to who she is meant to be.  

     This is a wonderful coming of age story, that is very identifiable by many young women today.  The dilemma of being yourself, being accepted and how does one fit into the society.  Please only read if you are at least 7th or 8th grade, since some of the content is adult.  

Links

Female Athletes:  http://www.biography.com/people/groups/athletes-female

Raising a teenage daughter:  http://life.familyeducation.com/girls/mothers/54215.html

Kasie West:  http://www.amazon.com/Kasie-West/e/B00MCKM9CS