Review: Kristy's Great Idea

Title Kristy's Great Idea (Baby-Sitter's Club GN #1)
By Ann M. Martin, Raina Telgemeier
Genre Middle Grade Graphic Novel
Format Print
Rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Synopsis
When Kristy and her friends decide to start a baby sitting club they make friends with Stacey and get her to join. Things are going great with the club but Stacey seems to be hiding something and Kristy, upset that her mom is dating a new man, wants to know what it is.





First Sentence

Guys, I was such a Baby-Sitters Club nut growing up. I loved the books and read as many as I could get my hands on.  When I found out that Raina Telgemeier was doing graphic novels I almost cried. I bought the first one and had been saving it for the readathon. I'm so glad Dewy's 24 Hour Readathon decided to do a reverse readathon in July because there was no way I was holding back till October.

Bringing together these fun stories with Telgemeier's art was genius. It was so fun taking a trip down memory lane. I obviously don't remember the books, since it's been so long, but this brought back memories and all the feels and I loved it.

I'm just so thrilled that a new generation of young readers will get to enjoy these in graphic novel form. It makes my heart so happy!

Review: The Shadow Cipher

Title The Shadow Cipher (York #1)
By Laura Ruby
Genre Middle Grade Sci-fi Fantasy
Format Audio Book
Rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Synopsis
The Morningstar Twins designed New York with amazing skyscrapers, machines, and train system then they disappeared leaving clues behind to a treasure. No one ever found the treasure. When twin's Tess and Theo's home is bought up by a greedy investor who's buying up and destroying Morningstar buildings, they'll have to move. But not before putting up a fight. Maybe if they find the treasure they can save their home. With the help of their neighbor Jaime, the twins will go on a wild ride deciphering clues and discovering more than they ever thought possible.

First Sentence
The true story of any city is never a single tale; it's a vast collection of stories with many different heroes.

I've wanted to try another Ruby book since I love Bone Gap so much and when this one was available on audio book I snatched it up...and listened to it in one day.

My synopsis did NOT do this story justice. It was so much fun! I loved all the characters...even the bad guys were memorable and fun.

This is definitely more plot driven, however, and I got immersed in the adventure as the kids chased clue after clue trying to solve the puzzle and hopefully save their building.

I loved the world Ruby created. It's like an alternate reality New York and it sounded much better than the real one. All the little differences were so fun. I want to go on an elevator that meanders about before bringing you to your destination.

My only real complaint was the unsatisfactory/cliffhanger ending. It's one of those stories that just sort of stops midway through and will continue in the next book. Which might have been fine if the next book is out but it's not! I'm so devastated! I want the next book now!

Review: Wishtree

Title Wishtree
By Katherine Applegate
Genre Middle Grade Fiction
Format Print
Rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️

Synopsis
Told from the perspective of a tree comes the story of a young girl that doesn't fit in and a blooming friendship that will be forged to save the tree's life.


First Sentence
It's hard to talk to trees.





I've never read a Katherine Applegate book before. I like middle grade books well enough but I don't really seek them out. I found this beautiful book at a thrift store and couldn't resist it's charm.

The book is beautiful; and I don't just mean the story. Every page is illustrated with sketches of leaves to enjoy but also has these beautiful pictures that go with the story. If you read this one for no other reason than the artwork you'd be satisfied.

But the story is beautiful too. It's a simple story that's been told before of prejudice and judgment and friendship conquering all. I didn't find anything new within the pages but the angle of the tree telling the story was a fun one and gave this book life.

 I'm lucky to have found a hard copy cover of this sweet story and am happy it's in my collection now.

Review: Drama

Title Drama
By Raina Telgemeier
Genre Middle Grade Graphic Novel
Format Print
Rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Synopsis
Callie loves the theater and is working on the new set design for her school's latest production, Moon Over Mississippi. Crushes, heartbreak and drama ensue.

First Sentence
"Do you think Mr. Madera will let me operate the spotlight again?"



For someone who isn't a big graphic novel fan, I love Telgemeier's books. They're so relatable and I'm not even the intended audience!

When I was young I acted in a few plays and, boy oh boy, did I have some serious crushes. I could totally relate to this one. It's my new favorite of hers.

As usual the art was wonderful and I couldn't put it down. I read it in one sitting, not that that's hard, but still.

Very fun story. I'd highly recommend Telgemeier for anyone trying to get into graphic novels.

Review: Are You There God? It's Me Margaret

Title Are You There God? It's Me Margaret
By Judy Blume
Genre Middle grade/coming of age
Format ebook
Rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️

Synopsis
When Margaret's family moves from New York to New Jersey she's anxious to fit into her new group of friends. They've formed a club to talk about boys, bras and getting their first periods. None of her new friends can believe she doesn't go to any church but why does Margaret need religion? She's been talking to God her whole life.

First Sentence
We moved on the Tuesday before Labor Day.




Can you believe I've never read a Judy Blume book? This used to be a much bigger deal than it is now, believe me. My mom was never a fan of Judy Blume so I was "forbidden" from reading them. I could have if I wanted, I guess, but I never cared enough to bother.

So I decided I'd see what they were like and why my mom hated them so much. I think I must be imagining me mom's loathing for them because there was nothing in this book my mom would have cared about.

Yes, it's a coming of age book and it talks about all the things little girls reaching puberty think about: Getting bigger chests, starting their periods and first time crushes but I didn't find anything too shocking in these pages...unless you find it shocking that a girl would actually WANT to start her period. Because, yeah, I do find that a tad bit shocking.

This one was well written and entertaining even for someone my age but I did find it very dated. The lack of technology and the references to party games etc. stood out.  I don't think young girls from today's generation will relate to it very well.

And then there's the whole religion thing. I actually loved that Margaret was raised without religion and that she tried different churches but had her own personal relationship with God.

Nothing mind blowing or overly special but this one was cute and I enjoyed it.

Review: Summerlost

Title Summerlost
By Ally Condie
Genre Middle grade Contemporary
Format Audiobook
Rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Synopsis
It's been almost a year since Cedar lost her father and brother Ben in a car wreck. Her mother has decided to buy a summer home in Iron Creek. It's looking to be a long boring summer but then Cedar meets Leo who works concessions at the famed Summerlost festival. When Cedar gets a job there too her and Leo become fast friends as they become engrossed with the mystery of what happened to the famous Hollywood actress that got her start in the Summerlost festival and seemingly died of a broken heart.

First Sentence
Our new house has a blue door.

Trying to get out of my reading slump I decided to pick up some lighter middle grade books. I had success with the graphic novel Ghosts and decided to read this middle grade book by Ally Condie. This is her first middle grade book and I was interested to see what it would be like.

Condie writes beautifully. I like her style. At times it might have felt a bit too beautiful and flowery for a middle grade book but since I'm not a kid I can't say if they'd be bothered by it and I loved it so I didn't mind.

This book had a lot going on for a middle grade book too. It's dealing with grief and first love but it still manages to be a quick easy read.

My favorite thing about the book was the obsession Cedar and her brother Miles had with a soap opera their mother didn't know they were watching. I found it amusing and quirky enough to make the story not only memorable but believable. There were plenty of things I watched and read that my mother might not have approved of but that were my own little thing and I wasn't going to part with them for anybody.

A beautifully written and memorable story, I hope Condie continues writing middle grade. I found it utterly charming.

Review: Ghosts

Title Ghosts
By Raina Telgemeier
Genre MG Graphic Novel
Format Print
Rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️

Synopsis
Catrina and her family have to move because her little sister Maya is sick. The town they move to is even worse than Catrina was imagining. It's damp and foggy all of the time and all anyone talks about is ghosts. Maya loves the idea of the Day of the Dead celebration but Catrina doesn't want anything to do with it or the boy next door that's trying so hard to befriend her.





First Sentence

To get out of my reading slump I decided to pick up a graphic novel. And guess what? It totally worked. I flew through it and have been reading ever since! Wahoo!

I don't know why I'm so drawn to Telgemeier's books but I am. I like her artwork and I love that her stories deal with issues that kids can relate to. This one, for instance, has a lot going on. The MCs little sister has cystic fibrosis and probably won't live very long and when they move to a town that's seemingly obsessed with death Catrina is not happy. Moving to a new town is hard enough but having a future reality shoved in her face isn't easy.

The book still manages to be mostly light-hearted and easy to read in spite of its heavier subject matter and the artwork was beautiful. I kind of wish the town they moved to really existed.

While this one is geared to a younger audience it appealed to me too. I think it was a great read and can't wait to try Telgemeier's other books.

Review: How To Train Your Dragon

Title How to Train Your Dragon (How to Train Your Dragon #1)
By Cressida Cowell
Genre Middle Grade Fantasy
Format Print
Rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️

Synopsis
On the island of Berk boys go through a right of passage by capturing their own baby dragon and training it to compete in a contest. When Hiccup ends up capturing the most boring kind of dragon there is he's certain he won't win. Especially because is dragon doesn't even have teeth. How's a boy to become a man with such a sorry excuse for a dragon?

First Sentence
Long ago on the wild and windy isle of Berk, a smallish Viking with a longish name stood up to his ankles in snow.


I read this one for book club. It was an easy read. I think I read the whole thing in about an hour in one sitting.

Obviously everyone who's seen the movie thinks the movie was WAY better than the book. I love the movie too so I can see why people feel that way but I wanted to defend this little book.

First of all, it's not fair to compare the two. The movie is great but before it came along the book was being loved and admired for itself. If the movie never existed would the book be as "boring" as we think it was? I don't think so.

The book was cute. As soon as I stopped trying to compare it to the movie I quite enjoyed it. Yes, it was a bit young for me but I wasn't the target audience so I was fine with that.

I think it had a good message about finding your own way to become a hero and using your natural talents to do so.

Should you read it
I think it deserves a chance. I particularly think young kids should read it.

Review: The Warden's Daughter

Title The Warden's Daughter
By Jerry Spinelli
Genre Middle Grade Historical Fiction
Rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Synopsis
Cammie O'Reilly lives and unusual life. Her father is the warden at the Hancock County prison and they live in an apartment on prison grounds. When Cammie was a baby her mother died saving her life. Now at the cusp of 13 her need for a mother has made her desperate. Finding a mother figure in a prison probably isn't the best idea but desperate times call for desperate measures.

First Sentence
It's a birdhouse now.



I'm not a huge middle grade fan so I'm not sure why this one ended up on my tbr list but it did and I'm very grateful. Actually, I think it's right on the line between middle grade and YA.

This was such a beautiful little story about a girl healing from the death of the mother she never knew. I found Cammie a bit of a brat at the beginning of the book and though I could clearly see why she was the way she was it still bothered me. Eventually she started to grow on me and I became very invested in her happiness.

I've heard people have a problem with this one because they think there's some stereotypical racism going on and I just have to smack my face. As I listened to his one I didn't have a clue what anyone's race was because no one in the book mentions race. They all treat each other the same which I'll admit was rare as this book takes place in 1959 but there you have it. Sheesh! Some people!

Anywho! The story wasn't perfect. I found some things to be skeptical about but I also found a thousand little moments that tugged at my heart strings. I really ended up liking it. I want to read more of Spinelli's books now.

Should you read it
I would highly recommend this one.

Review: Hinges of Broams Eld

Title  Hinges of Broams Eld
By Jennifer Cano
Genre Middle Grade Fantasy
Rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Synopsis
When elfin warriors escort Livy to Broams Eld, she discovers a world where imagination is power, tadpole soup is what’s for dinner, and trees whisper secret enchantments. There she finds not only friends, a welcome home for her dare-devil antics, and magic, but an astounding destiny to inherit—if she can survive her first night. (From Goodreads)

First Sentence
Livy Hinge's aunt lay dying in the backyard, which Aunt Neala thought was darned inconvenient.



I love this cover but I don't think it says, middle grade, which this book is. Confession time! I don't get along with middle grade books. I just feel like they're over simplified and the characters, of course, are middle grade age and they act it...and I don't see the appeal. However, I wanted to read this book for Utah Book Month. The author lives just down the road from me and so I thought I'd give it a go.

For awhile, at the beginning, I was wondering if I should keep going. It definitely had that middle grade feel going and it kind of jumped right into things, introducing us to this whole new world with weird words and customs that I couldn't quite wrap my head around. While I don't like to be held by the hand through world introductions, I also don't like being slapped in the face with them either. But I stuck with it and am very glad I did.

By about 35% through (I read this on my kindle, not sure what page) I found myself immersed in the world. It had a very, 1st Harry Potter book, feel to it. I don't know if it was intended or if I was just looking for it but there were some similarities for sure.

My favorite thing about the book was the ending. I can't say much without being too spoil-y but I just loved the way all the kids worked together to save their world and the magical world Cano created.

I'm assuming there will be more books to come and I'm good with that. There were a few open ended questions that I'd be interested in knowing the answers to.

Should you read it?
If you can get past the slightly jarring beginning you won't regret reading this delightful little tale.

Review: Smile

Title Smile
By Raina Telgemeier
Genre Graphic Novel, Middle grade
Pages 224
Rating ⭐️⭐️

Synopsis
Growing up is hard enough with grade school to junior high transitions, crushes on boys, dealing with snarky friends, breakouts and puberty. Throw in some serious dental issues and poor Raina might not survive.

First Sentence
 Smile!!

• Graphic novels really aren't my thing because I like more depth but I adore how quickly you can read them. This whole book took me about 20 minutes to read. 
• This book is totally relateable. I never had to get braces but I had to go to the dentist so much I ended up with a irrational fear of dentists and dental work...luckily I grew out of it. But reading this story and seeing the great pics that went with it brought back some memories. 
• I love that the story AND the art is by the author and that it's a memoir of sorts. 
• I liked the style of art work. Except the pics of the bloody dental work and the gauze. *shudders*
• A cute read that pre-teens will love. For me it wasn't a favorite but I liked it well enough. 

Should you read it?

It's a good clean read with fun pictures and a relatable MC. If graphic novels are your thing (or your kids) then yes, read it.  

Review: Waiting For Normal

Title Waiting For Normal
By Leslie Connor
Genre Middle Grade Contemporary
Pages 290

First Sentence Maybe Mommers and I shouldn't have been surprised; Dwight had told us it was a trailer even before we'd packed our bags.

Synopsis
Addie is waiting for normal. But Addie's mom has an all-or-nothing approach to life: a food fiesta or an empty pantry, jubilation or gloom, her way or no way. All or nothing never adds up to normal.
All or nothing can't bring you all to home, which is exactly where Addie longs to be, with her half sisters, every day. In spite of life's twists and turns, Addie remains optimistic. Someday, maybe, she'll find normal. (From Goodreads)

What is has going for it
Middle grade and I don't always get along. Even if a story is great, the simplistic writing that works for Middle graders doesn't always work for an adult. That being said, there are those books that work well despite what age group they're directed towards. Waiting For Normal was one of those books. I read it for my book club but have had my eye on it for years and am glad I finally read it. It's a very fast read that keeps you entertained and invested in its characters. Despite the heavy undertones and subject matter it remains a positive, upbeat and optimistic book. Addie is a great protagonist; relatable and sympathetic, she pulls at your heart strings and makes you long for a happy ending. With the serious issues this book deals with it's a relief that it does indeed have a happy ending that leaves you feeling all warms and fuzzy. 

What's lacking
After all the nice things I said, you're probably thinking I saw nothing to dislike. You'd be wrong. While this one was optimistic and gave me the warms fuzzies, there was that little voice in the back of my head reminding me that this happy ending wasn't realistic. While I wish all kids in this sort of situations had this many positive people in their lives to help, I know most don't even have one.  However, I didn't walk away from this one rolling my eyes negatively, as I usually would, but  was inspired to be a positive person who keeps my eyes out for people to help. Because you never know when you'll be somebody's hero.

Yea or Nay?
Of course!   

Review: Wonder

Tilte Wonder
By R.J Palacio
Genre Middle Grade Contemporary
Pages 315


First Sentence I know I'm not a normal ten-year-old kid.


Synopsis
Born with a terrible facial abnormality, Auggie has been home-schooled by his parents his whole life, in an attempt to protect him from the cruelty of the outside world. Now, for the first time, he's being sent to a real school - and he's dreading it. All he wants is to be accepted - but can he convince his new classmates that he's just like them, underneath it all? (from Goodreads)


What it has going for it
Well, yeah. It was a quick easy read. And, yes, there was a lovely message about kindness above all that I fully believe in but ashamedly don't always practice. 

What's lacking
I really feel bad for the poor review some books get by me. I honestly have very little to say about this book. Nothing really nice and nothing really mean, just...nothing. My biggest two problems with the book were, first, it was so freaking hyped up! It was supposed to be this tear jerking,  leave you all warm and fuzzy inside book and it was...OK. That's it, just OK. My second problem with it was that, because it was just OK, it wasn't memorable. I just read it a week ago and I'm already forgetting all about it.  So there you have it; a short review that probably took longer to read than the story stuck with me. 

Yea or Nay?
Yes, as a matter of fact, go ahead and read it, just don't go in with high expectations and a tissue box. If you're anything like me you won't need it.  

Review: Artemis Fowl

Title Artemis Fowl (Artemis Fowl 1)
By Eoin Colfer
Genre MG Urban fantasy
Pages 280
Recommended by Me

First Sentence Ho Chi Minh in the summer.

Synopsis
Artemis Fowl is a 12 year old genius determined to return his family to the wealth and status they once had. Holly Short is a elf and a member of the LEP. Their two worlds are about to collide.



What it has going for it
It's been far too long since I read a MG that wasn't dumbed down in its simplicity. I know it's written for a younger audience but do they always have to be so stingy on vocabulary? Anywho, it was a relief to read this one. I read this one because the author was coming to my local library and I wanted to have at least read one of the books in the series. The author, btw, was absolutely hilarious! Seriously, it was like seeing a stand up comedian...a really funny one! The book was clever and fast paced and both Artemis and Holly, though on opposite ends of a "small" disagreement were both worth rooting for. I wanted both to win and I think the conclusion was satisfying.

What's lacking
Artemis Fowl isn't a likable character. That's OK, he isn't exactly supposed to be. However I felt like the whole thing with his mother was thrown in there to gain our sympathy.
*Side Note*  It might have been a mood thing or just the type of story this was but I struggled to really get into this one and don't particularly want to read the rest of the series. But that's not really the book's fault. 

Favorite moment
A few hilariously written lines during the fight between Butler and the troll. So funny! 

Yea or Nay?
Yeah, it if sounds like your sort of book I think you'll really enjoy it.   

Review: Return to Exile (Blog Tour)

Title Return to Exile (The Hunter Chronicles 1)
By E.J. Patten
Genre MG Supernatural Adventure
Pages 513
Recommended by Me

First sentence Phineas T. Pimiscule was not what you'd call an "attractive" man.

Synopsis
Sky and his uncle Phineas have always been close. His uncle has taught him all about puzzles and traps and monsters that roam the earth. Sky thought it was all a game; a distraction from the pain of moving from town to town. But on the eve of his twelfth birthday, with his uncle suddenly missing, he's about to learn the truth, including the truth about the mark on his hand.

What it has going for it
The biggest reason I wanted to read this book, I'll be honest, is that the author is local, and after meeting him at several different events I found him highly amusing. I figured if he was that amusing his book would be, and hopefully adventurous too. I mean, a book about a boy monster hunter who fights monsters with weapons made out of trash. Sounds exciting right? I was not disappointed. This one had me giggling from page one; from the first paragraph, even. It's incredibly witty amidst the mystery and action and I thoroughly enjoyed that. There's nothing like reading through an action scene, all tense and nervous, only to burst out laughing at some character's remark. Love it. I also was awed at the similes and metaphors. Sure, there might have been a few too many but every single one had me thinking how very clever the author was! I can't think up a good simile to save my life! I was impressed. And one last thing that I loved. John Rocco, the artist behind the covers of the Percy Jackson series, did the cover art for this one as well. There were awesome pictures to go with each chapter that were so fun to look at and added a fun touch to the whole book.

What's lacking
This is, I believe, marketed as a MG book and I'm not a HUGE fan of MG books. I like them and appreciate them but there is a simpleness to them that always grates on my nerves. I don't mean a lack of vocabulary or even a lack of "grown up" situations. I mean the telling, the repetition, the characters inner dialogue. It's all for good reason. Kids can sometimes need things spelled out for them, that's fine, it's just something that starts to bother you as you get older. Or maybe that's just me. *shrugs* I also was bothered by the length. Five hundred pages is an awfully long book for a kid to read...heck, most adults would consider that too long.  Still, I've heard several people say their kids loved this one and I can easily see it becoming the next Fablehaven or Percy Jackson. It definitely has kid appeal.

Yea or Nay?
For the wittiness and adventure alone I'd say yes.

Click here to see the Blog Tour Calender and read other reviews. 

And I just had to add the authors bio from the back flap because it made me giggle too. 

In April 1974, a beautiful baby boy was born at a small hospital in Mesa, Arizona. E. J. Patten ("Eric James") was in the next crib over. The first story he ever wrote involved a strange ad, a Laundromat, and a bowl of chili; thankfully, it was never published. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Media Arts, and a Masters in Business Administration from Brigham Young University. He currently resides with his wife and three children in Utah.

Review: Infinity

Title Infinity (Chronicles of Nick 1)
By Sherrilyn Kenyon
For Fun
Pages 480
Recommended by  Me

First sentence "I'm a socially awkward mandork."

Synopsis 
I don't even know! It was THAT all over the place.


General thoughts
Look at the cover! Look at the hot kid! Read this much better synopsis! Sounds and looks great huh? I bought it way back in 2010 when it first came out and, knowing my expectations were way too high, I just kept putting it off. Well, I finally picked it up and for some reason assumed it was about an older kid. More like 16 17. Alas, he was only 14 and though this is classified as YA it reads way more like a middle grade. Still, I just readjusted my perceptions and tried, really tried, to enjoy it! It was just all over the place! There were way too many characters, all with crazy weird names and the writing, while sometimes witty, was just not that impressive. I seriously all most gave up on it but at that point I was on page 350 and I didn't want to be beat by a stupid book! So, yeah, it had potential but it just wasn't written well enough for me. I like my stories a little better crafted.

Characters
Nick was a wisecrack and some of the things he said were funny but I just could never get a hold on his personality.  The rest? Well, I think a quote from the book would be best.

"Must be some mutant form of maternal bipolar disorder." 

Would I recommend it? 
I might have for a really young boy because there's so much ridiculous action but it's too long and needlessly complicated.

Review: The Wednesday Wars

Title The Wednesday Wars
By Gary D Schmidt
For Book Club
Recommended by Me

First sentence Of all the kids in the seventh grade at Camillo Junior High, there was one kid that Mrs. Baker hated with heat whiter than the sun.

Synopsis
The adventures of a seventh grader, Holling Hoodhood, in the late 60's.

General thoughts
This is the second time through this book and I was excited to read it again for book club. I LOVED it the first time through. It's hilarious and sweet and such a fun read. It's hard to find anyone who doesn't like this one. This time through, and it might have been my mood, I found myself a little more skeptical at how well things worked out for Holling all the time. Don't get me wrong, I still thoroughly enjoyed this books and still laughed my way through it, I just noted that it was slightly unbelievable. Of course then I started thinking why that fact was bugging me. Would it have been any more realistic with things not working out?  Plenty of bad things happen in this book, they just end up turning out OK. My own life has been pretty much the same so why should I complain? So I shoved away any negative feelings and just enjoyed it again. Anywho, my own personal insights aside, you really should read this book. It's incredibly well written, has unforgettable characters and some amazing lessons. It's one of those books you read and then want to buy for everyone you know so they'll read it too.

Characters
As I said, these characters are unforgettable.  I still remembered them and loved them from the first time I read it. you won't find a cliched character anywhere within the pages.

Would I recommend it? 
Oh, yes, and if you don't take my advice and read it, I'll have to start buying copies and shoving them at you.