Otis Dooda: Strange but True by Ellen Potter

Otis Dooda: Strange but True

Ellen Potter

Illustrated by David Heatley

Reading Level: Middle Grade
Publication: June 2013 from Feiwel and Friends
Pages: 240
Format: ARC
Acquisition: I received this book from the publisher for free in exchange for my review

Synopsis:

HARDY-HAR-HAR!

Meet Otis Dooda. Yes, that’s his name. Go on and have a good laugh. He’s heard it all before. He’s been called things like Otis Poopy Stink and Otis Toilet Twinkie. That’s right, yuck it up and get it out of your system. We’ll wait.

All right then. This is the story of Otis and the Dooda family (including their rat named Smoochie) moving to New York City, and the incredibly strange, but true, things that happened to them. It all started with Otis getting cursed by a guy in a potted plant in their apartment building lobby, and then meeting a bunch of their neighbors, including a farting pony named Peaches who was disguised as a dog. And that was just the first day.

(from Goodreads)

I love illustrated chapter books! I really wish there were more books like Otis Dooda when I was a kid. Now, I can't wait to share this one with my daughter.

Otis is a pretty typical kid - or a "sort of" kid in his own words. Sort of short, short of good at some things, sort of bad at others. He was a very believable and like able character.

Otis and his family, made even more 'sort of'' normal by the inclusion of an older bully brother, have just moved to New York City. Living on the 35th floor of a huge apartment building he soon makes friends. I love that Otis's family is a little odd but that the friends he makes are also a little odd. Everyone fit together really well.

Lots of laughs - lots of fart jokes - which even I found funny so you can imagine how kids will react :) Lots of love too in this one - Otis understanding his brother a bit better, learning not to judge people because they're a little weird, making new friends, working together to solve problems - there is a lot to like in this book!

If you have a young reader in your life, I highly recommend picking them up a copy of Otis Dooda Strange But True!

AND I just saw that there is going to be a book 2 - I can totally see this becoming a best selling series!

Rating

5 / 5 Stars

I've also read The Humming Room by Ellen Potter and loved it!

Book Review: Professor Gargoyle by Charles Gilman

Professor Gargoyle (Tales from Lovecraft Middle School #1)

Charles Gilman

Reading Level: Middle Grade
Publication: September 2012 from Quirk Books
Pages: 168
Format: hardcover
Acquisition: publisher sent for review

Synopsis:

In Professor Gargoyle, we’re introduced to 11-year-old Robert Arthur and the strange world of Lovecraft Middle School. It’s a brand-new state-of-the-art facility—so why do so many creepy things keep happening? Why is the science teacher acting so strangely? And where are all the rats coming from? 

As Robert explores with his new friends Glenn and Carina, he discovers that the school may be a portal to another world.

(from Goodreads)

My Thoughts
Professor Gargoyle is an awesome start to what I hope is a long lived middle grade series. With it's male protagonist and paranormal elements I can see young readers really eating this one up!

Every kid has had a teacher they couldn't stand - someone who really got under their skin. For Robert, unfortunately, he has more to worry about besides passing science. As he soon discovers, there is A LOT more to Lovecraft school then meets the eye and he'll be lucky to survive his first week with all his limbs attached, never mind as passing grade.

Robert very much takes thing in stride - which I really liked about him. He kind of has to after finding out the secrets of Lovecraft. And his new friends? A ghost, a bully and a 2 headed mouse? Not exactly what he signed up for but without their help he never would have made it. I really love how these unexpected friends found each other.

A quick read for us older folks, and a thrill ride of a story for the younger crowd. This is definitely a book to introduce to reluctant readers - especially boys, who sometimes benefit from reading about a character they could relate to. Robert is a very relate-able character. He has faults, he doesn't always know what he is doing but he's true to his friends and true to his word.

Will I continue the series?
Yes! In face, I've already read book 2 and it was just a fabulous and Professor Gargoyle. I can't wait for my little one to be old enough to read these herself.

Rating

5 / 5 Stars

Tales from Lovecraft Middle School
#1 Professor Gargoyle
#2 The Slither Sisters
#3 Teacher's Pest (May 2013)

Book Review: Zombie Town by R. L. Stine

"...no matter who it's written for...R.L. Stine knows how to write suspense!"

Reading Level: Middle Grade
Publication Date: April 2012
Publisher: Amazon Childrens Publishing
Pages: 80
Series: no
Acquisition: I received a free ARC for review at BEA 2012

Summary:

This used to be such a nice, quiet town. But that was before all the zombies. When twelve-year-old Mike and his friend, Karen, go to see a horror movie called Zombie Town, the last thing they expect is for the title characters to come down off the screen and chase them through the theater. And it’s not popcorn these hungry creatures want to chomp on—it’s human brains!

Now Mike and Karen frantically try to flee through the panicked streets of their hometown before shuffling bands of zombies turn every last citizen into a ravenous flesh-eater. But if Mike thinks he’ll be safe once he reaches his house and warns Mom and Dad, he'd better think again. When the zombies say it's lunchtime, no home is safe! Zombie Town is R.L. Stine’s delightfully spooky take on the horror genre that’s infecting the world, bite by bite. (from Amazon)

My thoughts:
I know this is a story for kids and it's only like 80 pages long and took me maybe 10 minutes to read BUT it really did scare the crap out of me! Even more so because right after reading this story? I went to a movie theater, like Mike and Karen from the book. And like Mike and Karen there was no one else in the theater! So, ok, people showed up a few minutes before the movie started, but for a while it was totally creepy. I really could not get this story out of my head!

It just goes to show that no matter who it's written for, no matter how long or how short the story is, R.L. Stine knows how to write suspense! His talent to scare is off the charts fantastic!

If you have a young reader in your life that enjoys being scared, Zombie Town would be perfect for them. If you're a fan of R.L. Stine, no matter your age, Zombie Town would be perfect for you too!

As an added bonus, there is an introduction from Stine explaining where his inspiration came from - loved this!

As a huge fan of R.L. Stine, this book is another perfect addition to my growing Stine library.

Overall Rating:

5 / 5 Stars

Author's website / Goodreads / IndieBound

Book Review: Pale by Chris Wooding

"An unfortunately disappointing story..."

Reading Level: Middle Grade
Publication Date: September 2012
Publisher: Stoke Books
Pages: 72
Series: no
Acquisition: I received a free e-galley for review from NetGalley

Summary:

The Lazurus Serum can bring you back from the dead - but when you come back you've changed. You're a pale, an outcast. It's the last thing Jed wants, but an accident changes everything and Jed's forced to discover the true cost of living forever. This is a high interest level (11 and up) and a low reading level (4th grade). (from NetGalley)

My thoughts:
Not at all what I expected and I'm not sure that's a good thing. Very dark and morbid and not at all the kind of story I would give an 11 year old to read.

The beginning is brutal. Bullying from the point of view of the bully isn't something I enjoy reading. Overall I guess there was some lesson meant to be learned but the harsh nature of the characters overshadowed any good intentions the author may have had in my opinion.

Final verdict:
An easy read and a quick read. The writing and layout lends itself well to a young audience but the subject matter was a little too harsh for my liking.

Also, the story, or more importantly the lack of backstory was frustrating. No details, no real background on why the Lazaurs Serum was created or who's in control of it and why.

An unfortunately disappointing story and overall, not one I would recommend to young readers.

Overall Rating:

2 / 5 Stars

Author's website / Goodreads / IndieBound

Book Review: The Wednesdays by Julie Bourbeau

" Suspense and mystery are at the heart of this story..."

Reading Level: Middle Grade
Publication Date: August 2012
Publisher: Knopf Books for Young Readers
Illustrated by: Jason Beene
Pages: 256
Series: no
Acquisition: I received a free e-galley for review from the NetGalley

Summary:

Max’s village is absolutely normal in every single way and on every single day—except Wednesday.

Most of the townsfolk shutter their windows and lock their doors to hide away from the many peculiar things that happen—things like cats getting stuck in the vacuum cleaner and birthday cakes meeting fiery and horrific ends. But Max is too curious for that, and so, breaking every rule in the village, he searches out the cause of all the Wednesday weirdness.

What he uncovers is a secret so devious—so dastardly and mischievous—that life as he knows it will never be the same. Max himself is not the same. Suddenly the mysterious little accidents so common on Wednesdays are happening to him on Thursdays, Fridays—even Saturdays!

What’s come over Max? And more importantly, is there any cure for a case of the Wednesdays?

Mystery, magic, mischief and monsters abound in this slightly fantastical story of a human kid who wants to stay that way. (from Goodreads)

My thoughts:
What an awesomely fun and cute book! I can really see young readers eating this one up.

Max lives in a town where every Wednesday it is perfectly normal for all townsfolk to close up shop, shut the blinds and stay inside no matter what! Misfortune abounds and it's much safer to stay indoors. When Max angers his mother and is sent out of the house one fine Wednesday afternoon, all the rules seem to change.

What are the Wednesdays exactly? Why are they tormenting the town? Why hasn't anyone tried to stop them before? Max yearns to know but when he seeks out his answers, he soon discovered that while he's been searching for Wednesdays the Wednesdays have been watching him.

Final verdict:
A real joy to read. Suspense and mystery are at the heart of this story and I for one was left guessing until the very end. I loved Max and I loved his friends. A motley group of people who, if it weren't for the Wednesdays would never have come together. They work together to help not only Max but the entire town as well.

I really got sucked into this story! I read an e-galley via NetGalley but this is one that I will be buying for sure. As soon as she's old enough to read it, I can really see my little one loving this story.

Overall Rating:

5 / 5 Stars

Author's website / Goodreads / IndieBound

Book Review: The Humming Room by Ellen Potter

Reading Level: Middle Grade
Publication Date: February 2012
Publisher: Feiwel and Friends
Pages: 192
Series: no
Acquisition: NetGalley

Summary:

Hiding is Roo Fanshaw's special skill. Living in a frighteningly unstable family, she often needs to disappear at a moment's notice. When her parents are murdered, it's her special hiding place under the trailer that saves her life.

As it turns out, Roo, much to her surprise, has a wealthy if eccentric uncle, who has agreed to take her into his home on Cough Rock Island. Once a tuberculosis sanitarium for children of the rich, the strange house is teeming with ghost stories and secrets. Roo doesn't believe in ghosts or fairy stories, but what are those eerie noises she keeps hearing? And who is that strange wild boy who lives on the river? People are lying to her, and Roo becomes determined to find the truth.

Despite the best efforts of her uncle's assistants, Roo discovers the house's hidden room--a garden with a tragic secret.

Inspired by The Secret Garden, this tale full of unusual characters and mysterious secrets is a story that only Ellen Potter could write. (from Goodreads)

My thoughts:
The Humming Room is a retelling of The Secret Garden by Francis Hodgson Burnett. Now, I have to admit, I read the story ages ago but I've seen the Hallmark movie a couple of dozen times at least. Not the same, I know, but I still feel like I know the story well. Saying that, I also have to say that The Humming Room is a fantastic retelling. Set in a different time, a different place with very different people, it still has the same feel, the same essence as the original story.

The characters are wonderful. Tiny Roo who's never had a good reason to open herself up to anyone. Jack with his wild ways and gentle nature. Roo's uncle full of secrets and guilt. Plus a cast of other characters that are sure to leave an impression long after the last page of their tale is read.

Final verdict:
A quick read for me, but a very very good read.

I almost want to say I liked The Humming Room more then The Secret Garden. It's more readable in my opinion and even though the classic is well, classic in it's storytelling, The Humming Room had more heart to me. I felt more invested in it's characters and in it's world.

If you're looking for a great middle grade read for yourself or a young reader in your life I highly recommend The Humming Room.

Overall Rating:

4.5 / 5 Stars

Linkage Love:
Author's website
Goodreads
IndieBound

Book Review: Floors by Patrick Carman

Reading Level: Middle Grade
Publication Date: September 2011
Publisher: Scholastic Press
Pages: 261
Series: 1st of a trilogy
Acquisition: BEA 2011

Summary:

Charlie had his chocolate factory. Stanley Yelnats had his holes. Leo has the wacky, amazing Whippet Hotel.

The Whippet Hotel is a strange place full of strange and mysterious people. Each floor has its own quirks and secrets. Leo should know most of them - he is the maintenance man's son, after all. But a whole lot more mystery gets thrown his way when a series of cryptic boxes are left for him . . . boxes that lead him to hidden floors, strange puzzles, and unexpected alliances. Leo had better be quick on his feet, because the fate of the building he loves is at stake . . . and so is Leo's own future! (from Goodreads)

My thoughts:
I feel the need to start out by saying that I am a huge fan of Patrick Carman's. I pretty much knew I would love this book before I started reading it. There is good reason for this as my expectations of Patrick's books have always been very high and to date, I have never once been disappointed!

What a wonderful and wacky place The Whippet Hotel is! I wish with all my heart that it was an actual place, full of actual people and run by a man that anyone would be proud to call friend. Merganzer Whippet is such an awesome character and I absolutely love the way he is portrayed.

In true Patrick Carman fashion, we are slowly given pieces of a puzzle. Or more actually, pieces that eventually make up bigger pieces that eventually show us a puzzle that may or may not be complete. Every little detail is important and everything is connected and when it falls together in the end, it's magical.

Final verdict:
The power of family and the power of friendships is very strong in this book, with plenty of twists and turns to keep young and old readers entertained. After traveling with Leo through Merganzer Whippet's crazy world, I was left with a s huge smile and a warm heart. Another Patrick Carman win!

Overall Rating:

5 / 5 Stars

Books in the Series:
#1 Floors #1
#2 Floors #2: 3 Below


Linkage Love:
Author's website
Book website
Goodreads
IndieBound

Book Review: May B. by Caroline Starr Rose

***2012 Debut Author***
Reading Level: Middle Grade
Publication Date: January 2012
Publisher: Random House / Schwartz and Wade
Pages: 231
Series: no
Acquisition: NetGalley

Summary:

I've known it since last night:

It's been too long to expect them to return.

Something's happened.

May is helping out on a neighbor's Kansas prairie homestead—just until Christmas, says Pa. She wants to contribute, but it's hard to be separated from her family by 15 long, unfamiliar miles. Then the unthinkable happens: May is abandoned. Trapped in a tiny snow-covered sod house, isolated from family and neighbors, May must prepare for the oncoming winter. While fighting to survive, May's memories of her struggles with reading at school come back to haunt her. But she's determined to find her way home again. Caroline Starr Rose's fast-paced novel, written in beautiful and riveting verse, gives readers a strong new heroine to love. (from Goodreads)

My thoughts:
To say that May is courageous would be an understatement. As a young girl living on the frontier in 1870 her life is sure to be a hard one. After having to leave school because of her dyslexia, which is unknown of in the 18th century, her family heirs her out to her neighbor and his new wife. And then things really take a turn for the worst.

Written in prose, May B. tells the story of an amazing young woman struggling to survive. Her family is a loving one but after she is forced to leave school, they really have no other choice but to send her away. Her neighbors aren't mean people but May never was and never becomes a priority in their lives. The events that unfold are strange and scary and if I were in May's shoes, I'm not sure I would have survived.

Final verdict:
I was left with a strong respect for young May and the hardships she faced and I absolutely loved the prose style writing - it just made it that much more enjoyable. I really think May B. would do well in the hands of young reluctant or non-readers. The easy flow of the words, the engaging story, the memorable characters all in all I think would appeal to younger readers.

May B. is a book I hope to share with my little one as soon as she's old enough. It's the type of book I would have read in middle school and one that I'm sure I would still remember vividly to this day.

Caroline Starr Rose's debut made huge impression with me and I know I'll be reading more of her books in the future.

Overall Rating:

5 / 5 Stars

Linkage Love:
Author's website
Goodreads
IndieBound
Caroline Starr Rose Feature Post

Book Review: Wonderstruck by Brian Selznick

Reading Level: Middle Grade
Publication Date: September 2011
Publisher: Scholastic
Illustrated by: Brian Selznick
Pages: 640
Series: no
Acquisition: BEA 2011

Summary:

From Brian Selznick, the creator of the Caldecott Medal winner THE INVENTION OF HUGO CABRET, comes another breathtaking tour de force.

Playing with the form he created in his trailblazing debut novel, The Invention of Hugo Cabret, Brian Selznick once again sails into uncharted territory and takes readers on an awe-inspiring journey

Ben and Rose secretly wish their lives were different. Ben longs for the father he has never known. Rose dreams of a mysterious actress whose life she chronicles in a scrapbook. When Ben discovers a puzzling clue in his mother's room and Rose reads an enticing headline in the newspaper, both children set out alone on desperate quests to find what they are missing.

Set fifty years apart, these two independent stories--Ben's told in words, Rose's in pictures--weave back and forth with mesmerizing symmetry. How they unfold and ultimately intertwine will surprise you, challenge you, and leave you breathless with wonder. Rich, complex, affecting, and beautiful--with over 460 pages of original artwork--Wonderstruck is a stunning achievement from a uniquely gifted artist and visionary. (from Goodreads)

I was: captivated from page one and I was very sorry to see this book end.

My thoughts:
If you're browsing through a bookstore or library and you see Wonderstuck on shelf, you might be tempted to pass it by. It's a hefty looking tome. 600 + pages and a hardcover to boot! However, you should, under no circumstances, walk away from this book. I assure you, once you have it in your hands - once you see the very first page - you will not be putting it down. You won't have a choice. It's coming home with you and you're going to read it all in one sitting. I promise you!

Wonderstuck is a visually stunning book with a powerful story to back it up. Not that the illustrations need any back up! They can very easily stand on their own. There are 2 stories being told here - one with pictures and one with words. It isn't until the end that everything is brought together. Such a heartfelt story with so much emotion behind every picture and every word.

A fantastic journey of the senses! If you've read Brain's previous book, The Invention of Hugo Cabret, you should have a feel for what I'm talking about. (And if you haven't read it - do it now!). The same beauty exists within the pages of Wonderstruck. I found the same sense of awe and amazement and I loved it!

Final verdict:
Wonderstuck isn't a children's book or a young adult book it is simply a book. A book I would recommend to everyone as it should be read by everyone. I dare you to give it a try and not be affected.

Overall Rating:

5 / 5 Stars

Linkage Love:
Webstie
Goodreads
IndieBound

Book Review: The Warrior Sheep Go West by Christine and Christopher Russell

Reading Level: Middle Grade
Publication Date: August 2011
Pages: 224
Series: yes
Acquisition: received for review

Summary:

In this follow-up book to the successful The Quest of the Warrior Sheep, the herd hoofs it to Las Vegas in another epic adventure. Last time they saved the Sheep God. This time they have to save all of sheepdom. A strange monster called Red Tongue has threatened all Rams, Ewes, and Lambs, and the Warrior Sheep know it's up to them to stop him. But they have a crazy scientist following them, and Tod and Gran have been thrown in jail by an over-zealous sheriff. Can the Warriors stop the mysterious monster? (from Goodreads)

My thoughts:
What a fun book to read! Technically the second book in a series but not having read book 1, I wasn't at all confused or out of the loop having only read book 2. We are first introduced to these wacky sheep in Quest of the Warrior Sheep but in the beginning of The Warrior Sheep go West, we are quickly filled in on the personality traits and little quirks that make Jaycey, Sal, Links, Wills and Oxo so entertaining to read.

What I really liked about this book was how through a series of seemingly unrelated events these loveable sheep and their clueless human owners, travel thousands of miles together, thwart the evil plans of a mad scientist (or two) save the day and wind up back in the comfort of their English countryside - all without even realizing they were working together the whole time.

A quick read that I really think young readers would enjoy. Fun and lighthearted with a bit of mystery and suspense, The Warrior Sheep Go West is a book I would not hesitate to recommend to middle grade readers.

Although I didn't need to have read book 1 in order to read book 2, I think I'll buy myself a copy anyway to add to my home library. I can really see my daughter enjoying these stories in years to come.

Overall Rating:

4 / 5 Stars

Books in the Series:
Quest of the Warrior Sheep
The Warrior Sheep Go West

Linkage Love:
Jabberwocky / Sourcebooks
Goodreads

Book Review: Sally's Bones by MacKenzie Cadenhead

Reading Level: Middle Grade
Publication Date: September 2011
Pages: 192
Series: no
Acquisition: received for review

Summary:

Sally is a quirky character who loves Death Rock and faded blue jeans. She fits in better with the Addams Family than with a clique of catty sixth grade girls. After her mother's death, grief-stricken Sally begs for death...and death is exactly what she gets: a tail-wagging skeleton dog called Bones. A gift from beyond the grave, Bones is a dreadfully delicious girl's best friend.—In this cleverly written, alliterative tale the neighborhood's dog treats go missing and everyone blames Bones. Sally must solve the mystery to save her cadaverous canine from puppy prison. (from Goodreads)

My thoughts:
Overall, I thought Sally's Bones was a very sweet story. Sally is a young girl who is understandably very upset and sad after the death of her mother. She asks for help and she seems to get it - in the form of a skeleton puppy she names Bones. Bones would do anything for her and the two become inseparable. And of course, trouble soon follows.

Have to say, for a middle grade (ages 9+) book, I found the beginning of Sally's Bones a little harsh and dark. I know a few young readers who do not enjoy books involving death in any form and I wouldn't be able to recommend this one to them for that reason. However, at the heart of the story is a very sweet girl with a wonderful family who learns about the power of love.

Even as a skeleton, it was hard not to see Bones as the supper cute puppy he is. Nothing creepy about him at all. Sally loves him so much and when the town and even Sally's father turn against him, Sally stops at nothing to clear his name.

The villains in this story were pretty spot on - the rich, pretty, mean girl Viola and her jealous mother were perfect and I loved how things played out in the end. Not giving it away - read it for yourself!

Sally's Bones, although perhaps a bit macabre, holds a loving message about family and I think young readers will really enjoy. As with most books for the younger crowd, I encourage you to read this one for yourself before passing it on but I think you'll enjoy it as much as the children in your life will.

I know I'll be keeping my copy to pass on to my little one in a few years. MacKenzie has done an excellent job creating mystery and suspense with characters I dare you not to fall in love with. As a debut, Sally's Bones is wonderful and I'm sure to be on the lookout for more from MacKenzie in the future.

Overall Rating:

4 / 5 Stars

Linkage Love:
Jabberwocky / Sourcebooks
Author's Website
Goodreads

Book Review: OyMG by Amy Fellner Dominy

Reading Level: Middle Grade / Young Adult
Publication Date: May 10, 2011
Pages: 256
Series: no
Acquisition: received an ARC for review

Summary:

Jewish girl. Christian camp. Holy moly.

Ellie Taylor loves nothing better than a good argument. So when she gets accepted to the Christian Society Speech and Performing Arts summer camp, she's sure that if she wins the final tournament, it'll be her ticket to a scholarship to the best speech school in the country. Unfortunately, the competition at CSSPA is hot-literally. His name is Devon and, whether she likes it or not, being near him makes her sizzle. Luckily she's confident enough to take on the challenge-until she begins to suspect that the private scholarship's benefactor has negative feelings toward Jews. Will hiding her true identity and heritage be worth a shot at her dream?

Debut author Amy Fellner Dominy mixes sweet romance, surprising secrets, and even some matzo ball soup to cook up a funny yet heartfelt story about an outspoken girl who must learn to speak out for herself. (from Goodreads)

My thoughts:
A cute, heartwarming story about growing up, facing prejudice and accepting who you are. Ellie was such a wonderful character to read. She's young and not yet full of teenage angst, which was refreshing. She's also very determined and very sure of herself. At least, she always thought she was.

I love her reactions to what happens to her. They felt very genuine and they made sense.  She has always known what it was she wanted but when faced with a situation she never thought she would encounter, she falters - and rightfully so.  She is only a kid and no one deserves to be treated the way she was. Of course it affected her. The prejudice she encounters is harsh but the strength of her character really shines though.

In the end, she does the right thing and she doesn’t change who she is. I was really impressed with Ellie as a character and I think she makes for an excellent role model for young girls.

And I loved her family. Her Zeydeh (grandfather) was a riot! Although I'm not Jewish, he very much reminded me of some of my older relatives. Loved him!

Overall, a really great read for me. A refreshing contemporary young adult book that, I think, speaks to readers of all ages.

Overall Rating:

5 / 5 Stars

Linkage Love:
Bloomsbury
Author's Website
Goodreads

Book Review: The Atomic Weight of Secrets or The Arrival of the Mysterious Men in Black by Eden Unger Bowditch

Reading Level: Middle Grade
Publication Date: March 15, 2011
Pages: 320
Series: 1st in the Young Inventors Guild trilogy
Acquisition: NetGalley

Summary:

In 1903, five truly brilliant young inventors, the children of the world's most important scientists, went about their lives and their work as they always had.

But all that changed the day the men in black arrived.

They arrived to take twelve-year-old Jasper Modest and his six-year-old sister, Lucy he with his remarkable creations and she with her perfect memory from their London, England home to a place across the ocean they'd never seen before.

They arrived to take nine-year-old Wallace Banneker, last in a long line of Africa-descended scientists, from his chemistry, his father, and his New York home to a life he d never imagined.

Twelve-year-old Noah Canto-Sagas, already missing his world-famous and beloved mother, was taken from Toronto, Canada, carrying only his clothes, his violin, and his remarkable mind.

And thirteen-year-old Faye Vigyanveta, the genius daughter of India's wealthiest and most accomplished scientists, was removed by force from her life of luxury.

From all across the world, they've been taken to mysterious Sole Manner Farm, and a beautiful but isolated schoolhouse in Dayton, Ohio, without a word from their parents as to why. Not even the wonderful schoolteacher they find there, Miss Brett, can explain it. She can give them love and care, but she can t give them answers.(partial summary taken from Goodreads)

My thoughts:
A fabulous read! I've seen it described as young adult but I would put this one more in the middle grade category. I can really see 8-14 year olds loving it! I know I would have if I had read it at that age.

Also, I very much feel in love with Jasper, Lucy, Wallace Noah and Faye. Five very unique and very special children thrown together under almost unbelievable circumstances.  They have to find a way to work together and they do. There are a lot of heartwarming moments in this story and the love and compassion between the children and their parents and caretakers was a pleasure to read.

Have to say, I wasn't to fond of the 'mysterious men in black'. I have no idea what there deal is. Their appearance and mannerisms were a little too silly for me. The Atomic Weight of Secrets is the first in a series so I assume more will be revealed about these strangers in subsequent books.

Final verdict:
I'm a little surprised at how much I enjoyed this book. You see, when a story has so many interconnected pieces, I really need them to fit together in the end. A complete package as it were. In The Atomic Weight of Secrets, we get a lot of tiny pieces. A lot of bits and bobs of intrigue and mystery and family and a ton of the unknown. AND, they all don't quite fit together in the end. BUT, it actually really worked for me. I found myself drawn into the secrets behind it all.

A warm, fun read. Fans of middle grade books, especially mysteries and historic tales, I think will really enjoy The Atomic Weight of Secrets.

Overall Rating:

4 / 5 Stars

Linkage Love:
Bancroft Press
Goodreads

Book Review: The Samantha Granger Experiment: Fused by Kari Lee Townsend

Age: 12+ (my guess)
Publication Date: November 2010

Pages: 208
Series: 1st in a series
Acquisition: received an ARC for review

Summary:

After Sam is fused with her cell phone, she's ready to conquer the world! Or at least the 8th grade...

When Samantha Granger touches a meteor while talking on her cell phone, her life is changed forever: her body now has all the capabilities of her phone (GPS, phone, text, camera). She secretly calls herself a "Digital Diva" as she rushes to answer emergency calls. But will her identity be discovered when sparks fly (literally!) between her and Trevor, her dreamy crush? Samantha has to get a handle on her abilities and quick, because when Sam gets kidnapped and the entire town is in danger, she is the only one who can save them. (from Goodreads)

Quick thoughts:
Fun and cute! I very much loved the concept and really wished that I could somehow be fused with my cell phone :)

Likes:
I really liked Samantha. She's a quirky kid who doesn't back down from a challenge. She's scared and confused but she's also confident (most of the time :)

As 'Digital Diva' she's amazing. Imagine being able to do everything your smart phone can do - in seconds - in your head! Now imagine that your smart phone is so much more then a phone could ever be. I loved how Sam had to read the intruction manual (also in her head) to figure out exactly what she was cappable of doing.

Dislikes:
The pace was a little off for me. Could be an attrubute of it being an unfished copy but I felt like the actions of the characters were all over the place. It was hard for me to keep track of who was where doing what and at what times.

Also, the characters had a 'young' voice but the romance? Not at all fitting for a 13 year old and no13 year old boy has an 'impressive chest' - in my opinon. Sam's hormones are what gets her in trouble at times but I almost wished we could have had her story without the boy element.

Final thoughts:
A fun read that I think middle grade or tween girls would really enjoy. As a first in a series it deffinatly peaked my interest and I'm curious as to where Sam's special applities will take her.

Overall Rating:

3 / 5 Stars

The Samantha Granger Experiment Series:
Fused
Fearless (June 2011)
Freedom (November 2011)

Linkage Love:
Sourcebooks
Author's Website
Goodreads

Book Review: Fledgling: Jason Steed by Mark A. Cooper

Age: 9+
Publication Date: September 2010 (reprint)

Pages: 240
Series: 1st in a series
Acquisition: received an ARC for review

Summary:

Tormented by his mother's death...

Taken for granted by his father...

Trained in deadly martial arts...

Jason Steed is looking for a place to call home. He finds what he's looking for in the Sea Cadets-an elite group of British youngsters being groomed for lifelong service in the military. But when a routine training exercise goes awry, Jason finds himself in the middle of a secret mission. The future of the world hangs in the balance...and Jason might be the only one who can save it. (from Amazon)

Quick thoughts:
Very different from what I usually read. Not of fan of war stories but I couldn't help but love Jason.

Likes:
Such a well told story. When I read, it's like a movie is running through my head. I was able to envision each scene of this book and I love when that happens. Shinning as the star of my little head production was Jason. We meet him at birth and follow him for the next 11 years. His overbearing father, his extreme intelligence and rationality, his childhood friendship with a royal princess. It's all pretty amazing.

Dislikes:
Under circumstances out of his control, Jason is thrust into the heat of battle. War - in all it's horrific glory. There were a few particular scenes that I had a hard time getting through. I'm not a fan of war at all - in  movies, in books, in newspapers or magazines. War is something my brain has a hard time processing. The brutality, the destruction, the complete disregard for human life.

Jason is fighting in a war and he's 11. He experiences some things and does a few other things that I had a very, very hard time with.

Now, I might be overall cautious here but I would highly recommend that parents, teachers and the like read this book first before handing it off to the middle grade crowd. Do I think kids will enjoy it? Yes, but the adults in their lives should know what they are reading, if for no other reason then for the questions that might arise.

Reminded me of:
Totally out of my normal genre so I really have nothing to compare the story to. Jason, however, very much reminded me of Artemis Fowl.

Final thoughts:
A good read. A powerful book that will stay with me. It was both lighthearted and extremely deep and moving.

Overall Rating:

3 / 5 Stars

Linkage Love:
Sourcebooks
Author's Website
Goodreads

Tidbits:
*Fledgling was originally self-published by Infinity in 2008

Book Review: Spaceheadz (SPHDZ) by Jon Scieszka

Age: 7-10
Publication Date: June 2010

Pages: 176
Series: 1st in a series
Book Acquisition: received a finished copy from the publicist

Book Summary:

The perfect combination of the age old experience of holding and pouring over a physical book with newest media technology that kids love!

Michael K. just started fifth grade at a new school. As if that wasn't hard enough, the kids he seems to have made friends with apparently aren't kids at all. They are aliens. Real aliens who have invaded our planet in the form of school children and a hamster. They have a mission to complete: to convince 3,140,001 kids to BE SPHDZ.

But with a hamster as their leader, "kids" who talk like walking advertisements, and Michael K as their first convert, will the SPHDZ be able to keep their cover and pull off their assignment? (from publisher's website)

Quick Thoughts:
A really fun book! Perfect for it's age range.

What I didn't like:
Honestly, not much. Only one thing really - the first page of every chapter is reverse contrast (black background with white lettering). It stands out and works as far as helping to space out the book but for me, it was a little hard on the eyes. (ok...maybe I'm just old ;)

What I liked:
The way the story is told. Lots of visuals in the form of illustrations, sketches, lists, and cool funky things that I think middle grade kids will really love. This story was so much fun to read. It has aliens, a talking rodent, strange and weird trivia, and in the middle of it all is Michael K. A normal kid trying to BE normal. It's pretty hard when the first friends you happen to meet at your new school are really aliens. Aliens who won't leave you alone and shout out things like "Reach out and touch someone!" and "I am cuckoo for cocoa puffs!" every couple of seconds.

Reminded Me Of:
Jon Scieszka's picture book, The True Story of the Three Little Pigs. My favorite picture book! Both are fun stories with lots of layers and really enjoyable characters. Both are books that will stick with kids - books they will remember long after the last page is read.

Who Would Enjoy It:
Young readers, parents and teachers. Boys especially, in the 7-10 age bracket. I can see this book being a fun one to read in class - passing it around to let everyone get a good look at all that's going on. Defiantly a book kids won't be bored with.

Overall Rating:

5 / 5 Stars

Books in the Series:
SPHDZ Book 1! (June 2010)
SPHDZ Book 2! (December 2010)

Linkage Love:
Simon & Schuster
Author's Website
Goodreads

Book Review: The Reinvention of Edison Thomas by Jacqueline Houtman

CHALLENGE BOOK: 2010 Debut Authors

Age: 8+
Publication Date: March 2010

Tags: fiction, science, friendship, autism
Pages: 192
Series: no
Book Acquisition: bought used ARC

My Rating: 4 / 5 Stars

Book Summary:

Science geek Eddy Thomas can invent useful devices to do anything, except solve his bully problem. Eddy Thomas can read a college physics book, but he can’t read the emotions on the faces of his classmates at Drayton Middle School. He can spend hours tinkering with an invention, but he can’t stand more than a few minutes in a noisy crowd, like the crowd at the science fair, which Eddy fails to win. When the local school crossing guard is laid off, Eddy is haunted by thoughts of the potentially disastrous consequences and invents a traffic-calming device, using parts he has scavenged from discarded machines. Eddy also discovers new friends, who appreciate his abilities and respect his unique view of the world. By trusting his real friends, Eddy uses his talents to help others and rethinks his purely mechanical definition of success. (from publisher's website)

Quick Thoughts:
A fun book that I think younger readers could really get a lot out of.

My Review:
I've always been a science geek at heart, so I wasn't surprised by how much I enjoyed this book. Eddy was such a lovable character. Just getting through a normal day is tough for him. Not many people understand how his brain works sometimes, including Eddy himself. He sees things differently and sometimes when he acts on what he sees, he gets himself in trouble. It's never quite stated what form of autism Eddy has but overall, it doesn't really matter. For me, this book wasn't about a boy with autism, it was about a boy discovering who he is, making friends and learning to live his life.

It bothered me a little how Eddy didn't even realize he was being bullied. His friendships with Terry, Justine and Kip really made my day though. These were his real friends and it gave me such a good feeling seeing him discover this on his own.

All in all, a really great read by a great debut author. I'm really looking forward to more from Jacqueline!

Reminded Me Of:
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time. Not a MG book but the Eddy reminded me of Christopher, the autistic teenager in The Curious Incident who also has trouble understanding human emotion.

Who Would Enjoy It:
Young readers who are interested in reading about a kid their age who is seen as 'different'. Older readers too I think will benefit from reading Eddy's story.

Linkage Love:
Publisher's website
Author's Website
Goodreads

Book Review: The Death (and Further Adventures) of Silas Winterbottom: The Body Thief by Stephen M. Giles

Age: 10+ (my guess)
Publication Date: August 2010

Tags: mystery, adventure, family secrets
Pages: 240
Series: 1st in a series
Book Acquisition: received an ARC from the publisher

My Rating: 5 / 5 Star

(from publisher's website)

And you thought your family was strange.

I am dying. . . I might get the chance to know you before death takes me...I would like you to be my guest at Sommerset. . .I have enclosed a check for $ 10,000. . . Should you accept my offer...

Uncle Silas has always been greedy, evil, insulting, and extremely rich! But a dying uncle with a vast fortune is definitely one worth getting to know. Even if it means spending 2 months on his secluded island home with a houseful of suspicious servants and a hungry pet crocodile.

But what is Uncle Silas really up to? Will Adele, Milo, and Isabella outlive Uncle Silas to inherit his money? And just who is that mysterious "guest" in his basement? Is it worth the money (or their lives) to stick around and find out?

My Review:
Silas Winterbottom is a truly despicable character. Rich, shellfish and downright evil. When he invites his nephew and 2 nieces to stay with him at Sommerset, his secluded island mansion, I knew he was up to no good. What follows is a highly enjoyable tale. The characters were so well developed and the plot twists kept me very well entertained. For a middle grade read, this one has become one of my favorites. Definitely something I'll keep around and recommend to my daughter as soon as she's old enough to read it :)

I really loved hating Silas. He's methodical and calculating. And cunning. I was pretty sure I knew what he was up to but I was very happy to find out I hadn't quite figured it all out.

On the other side of the playing field we have Adele, Milo and Isabella. Each with their own reasons for coming to Sommerset. Each with their own feelings about dear, old, sick Uncle Silas. For a relatively short book, I think the author did a wonderful job giving these three characters the depth they deserved. Without a strong understanding on who these 3 children where, the book wouldn't have really worked. Just as I grew to hate Silas, I grew to love Adele, Milo and Isabella.

Reminded Me Of: A Secret Garden -- more so in setting then anything else. A creepy old mansion with hidden secrets. There's even a hidden, mysterious garden....but you'll have to read the book for yourself to find out exactly how mysterious this garden becomes.

Who Would Enjoy It: Middle grade readers for sure - both boys and girls. Older readers too. The story is anything but boring or predictable. This is the type of book I would have loved to have had to read in school. I could easily see it on a recommend class reading list in the future.

Linkage Love:
Sourcebooks
Author's Website
Goodreads

Tidbits:
*Stephen M.Giles hails from Sydney Australia and The Death of Silas Winterbottom is his first book.
*In Australia, the book was published under the title "Silas and the Winterbottoms"

Book Review: Clementine, Friend of the Week by Sara Pennypacker

Age: 7-10
Publication Date: July 2010

Pictures by: Marla Frazee
Tags: friendship, kittens, jealously
Pages: approx 176
Series: 4th in a series
Book Acquisition: received an ARC at BEA

My Rating: 5/5 Stars

(from Goodreads)

Clementine has been picked for Friend of the Week, which means she gets to be line leader, collect the milk money, and feed the fish. Even better, she’ll get a Friend of the Week booklet in which all the other third grade kids will write why they like her. Clementine’s best friend, Margaret, has all sorts of crazy ideas for how Clementine can prove to the class she is a friend. Clementine has to get a great booklet, so she does what Margaret says. What begins as one of the best weeks ever may turn out to be the worst. Who knew that being a friend could be so hard?

My Review:
This book was pretty adorable! I fell in love with Clementine from page one. She is such a spunky little girl - filled with love for her friends and family - insecure yet determined - silly but serious.

There was much more depth to this book then I thought there would be. Clementine has a fight with her best friend, looses her kitten and learns some pretty valuable lessons about friendship all in a few days.
I haven't read any other Clementine books but I really think young middle school girls would really enjoy this series. The book is short enough too that parents or teachers wouldn't have any trouble reading it quickly to see if it would be a good fit for their kids.

I'm definitely keeping this one for my daughter. She isn't reading yet but I know she will enjoy Clementine and her adventures! The illustrations really help to tell the story so I'm hoping she will let me read it too her. I can see myself picking up the rest of the Clementine series in the future.

Books in the Series:
Clementine
The Talented Clementine
Clementine's Letter
Clementine, Friend of the Week

Linkage Love:
Disney Hyperion Books
Author's website
Illustrator's website
Goodreads

Book Review: The Krybosian Stairpath by S.R.R. Colvin

Age: 8-12
Publication Date: October 2009

Tags: mystery, adventure, fantasy, family
Pages: 204
Series: no
Book Acquisition: Traveling ARC Tours

My Rating: 3.5 / 5 Stars

(from Goodreads)

In a refreshing change, along comes a children's book that does not rely on magic to explain the unexplainable. The Krybosian Stairpath  puts forth the notion that just because you don't understand something, it doesn't mean there must be magic behind it. Knowledge and perspective can make all the difference.

Enter a world of wonder deep inside the earth as 11-year-old geologist Madison Terrence follows her pet gopher down a stairpath portal she discovers in her family's cavern. When she descends the Krybosian Stairpath, a mystery from her family's past begins to unravel. She soon realizes her arrival in the interior world of Krybos is no accident. Madison discovers that she's been pulled into a sinister plot to destroy the most beautiful place she has ever seen.

My Review:
As a kid, I loved books that were full of adventure. I also was pretty in love with rocks - I filled the back of my dad's car with nothing but rocks one summer :) I really wish this book was written years ago so I could have read it as a kid! (no, I'm not telling you how many years ago that would be!).

Adventure and geology? Awesome!

For me, the Krybosian Stairpath was a really cute middle grade story that I think would really appeal to young kids. The characters are very likable and the situations were pretty exciting.

Even before Madison enters the world of Krybos I was captivated by the setting of this book. Madison and her family live in a house built into the side of a mountain. The stairpath appears in her family's cavern - that is literally what it is - a huge cavern that is essentially her backyard.

A very easy read, but also an enjoyable one. I would recommend this book to young kids - the age range seems just about right to me. Anyone really though who enjoys MG adventure stories, I think will enjoy The Krybosian Stairpath

Linkage Love:
Publisher's website
Author's Website