Perry steps outside of her usual setting of England to Constantinople in the 13th Century (1273-1282). It may be that because I do not know as much about this region of the world or this time period that I found the book a little less engaging than other Perry novels.
The main character, Anna Zarides, has disguised herself as a eunuch to attempt to find the truth of her brother's involvement in a murder. She hopes that through finding this she will be able to free him from his sentence to a monastery in Palestine.
I trust Perry's historical background, but not the particulars of the plot she is unraveling. I was engaged enough in the intricacies of the schism between the Eastern and Roman Catholic churches to want to attend carefully and do some background reading. I will be giving it to my friend who attends our local Greek Orthodox church and look forward to comparing impressions.
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
Dance for the Dead, by Thomas Perry
I tripped across Thomas Perry as I was searching to find a free audio book to download to my new Droid phone. His novel The Face-Changers had a "teaser" available, but I've been unable to download the complete book as an audio file. What I did hear was enough to get me started on his collected works.
I've read the first two books in his "Jane Whitefield" series. there are six books in the series. What I've read so far makes me want to continue to read the others. Yes, they are "suspense" novels--but not quite detective fiction, since Jane is not a detective. I hope I am learning something authentic about Seneca Indians. Since Perry was born in Tonawanda, New York--the center of the remains of the tribe--I am hopeful that the work include some truth. Since Perry has a Ph.D. in English Literature I trust that he has done the appropriate homework. The dreams and visions of the ancestors are intriguing enough that I want to continue reading more.
Whitefield is a person who "disappears" people in trouble. She does this outside of the legal system and without much support from others. In all the work there is a relatively strong sense of ethics.
So, in spite of all the "good for you" aspects of the novels, they are also thrillers that make your heart race. They aren't really good bedtime reading--bedtime will be pushed into the wee hours of the morning.
Definitely adult books--I would not recommend them to high school readers. But, I would let some of the most mature know that I am reading them. While adult, the sex and violence are restrained, fit well within the story line (not gratuitous) and are balanced well by the rest of the book.
I've read the first two books in his "Jane Whitefield" series. there are six books in the series. What I've read so far makes me want to continue to read the others. Yes, they are "suspense" novels--but not quite detective fiction, since Jane is not a detective. I hope I am learning something authentic about Seneca Indians. Since Perry was born in Tonawanda, New York--the center of the remains of the tribe--I am hopeful that the work include some truth. Since Perry has a Ph.D. in English Literature I trust that he has done the appropriate homework. The dreams and visions of the ancestors are intriguing enough that I want to continue reading more.
Whitefield is a person who "disappears" people in trouble. She does this outside of the legal system and without much support from others. In all the work there is a relatively strong sense of ethics.
So, in spite of all the "good for you" aspects of the novels, they are also thrillers that make your heart race. They aren't really good bedtime reading--bedtime will be pushed into the wee hours of the morning.
Definitely adult books--I would not recommend them to high school readers. But, I would let some of the most mature know that I am reading them. While adult, the sex and violence are restrained, fit well within the story line (not gratuitous) and are balanced well by the rest of the book.
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
The Carbon Diaries 2015, by Saci Lloyd
What do you do when global climate change really hits home hard and you're an average teen-age girl trying to keep her band together? After having read a number of post-Apocalypse books recently I valued the more whimsical approach Lloyd takes to the topic. Make no mistake--she is serious about exploring the changes that climate change is likely to bring to our world, but does it in a way that isn't quite so desperate. The format of the book also includes some interesting and engaging graphics. There are notebook pages "taped" into the book, emails, advertising, and other "artifacts" that lend reality to the book.
The "science" behind the book is largely hypothetical--but seems within reasonable bounds of the imagination. The book begins with the issuance of carbon "credit" cards. Each member of the family is issued a card that tracks their carbon usage.
The "science" behind the book is largely hypothetical--but seems within reasonable bounds of the imagination. The book begins with the issuance of carbon "credit" cards. Each member of the family is issued a card that tracks their carbon usage.
The Lost Hero, by Rick Riordan
I can' wait for the next book!! Riordan just keeps getting better in his artful weaving of contemporary culture, issues of adolescents and coming of age, and Greek Mythology. Spreading across the United States and into Canada Riordan creates believable settings and dynamics against a background of mythology and supernatural events. This new series begins in a most promising manner with a new character, Jason, who arrives at Camp Half-blood with amnesia. The rest of the book takes our new set of demigods through a quest to free a goddess and once again save the world.
I made good use of my Scholastic Mythlopedia's (as set of 3 reference books about gods, goddesses, and their relations). Of course with myths Riordan's interpretations may not be the same as the authors of the Scholastic series--but the information does help flesh out some of the generally accepted "facts" about the various gods and goddesses.
This book with make a great gift to any 9-11 year old on your shopping list. I think it would also work from somewhat older students who have enjoyed the Percy Jackson series or who are fans of other books of mythology.
There are laugh out loud portions in the book. It would make a great read aloud with your own children.
I made good use of my Scholastic Mythlopedia's (as set of 3 reference books about gods, goddesses, and their relations). Of course with myths Riordan's interpretations may not be the same as the authors of the Scholastic series--but the information does help flesh out some of the generally accepted "facts" about the various gods and goddesses.
This book with make a great gift to any 9-11 year old on your shopping list. I think it would also work from somewhat older students who have enjoyed the Percy Jackson series or who are fans of other books of mythology.
There are laugh out loud portions in the book. It would make a great read aloud with your own children.
Friday, November 12, 2010
City of Ashes, by Cassandra Clare
Fairies, demons, werewolves, vampires, and Shadowhunters (who kill demons) in New York City. This is the second in the Mortal Instruments series. It has a strong plot and character development. Any adolescent who likes The Vampire Academy or Twilight series will feel comfortable in this series. It is also somewhat reminiscent of Holly Black's Faerie series.
It also has some plot twists reminiscent of Star Wars or Lord of the Rings. It's an engaging read and plays well with readers who enjoy the supernatural. Clare has gone beyond basic werewolf, vampire, fairy tale and included some the the double dealings and political intrigues of Tolkien's fantasies. As urban fiction it also creates a believable setting of and New York City populated with supernaturals.
The Supernaturalist, by Eoin Colfer
Colfer is know for his series, Artemis Fowl. He has a number of other YA books using a variety of settings and themes. This is a science fiction/future distopia book. It's peopled with Mad Max automobile undergrounds, mad scientists, pollution, genetic experiments, and evil corporations.I had some difficulty getting into the book and may have put it down if I hadn't been listening to it in the car. The supernaturalists are a small group of young adults and children working together to protect the world from some sort of supernatural beings that seem to "steal" the life from wounded or ill people. These beings are invisible to almost all, except some who have had near death experiences or some of the genetically modified citizens.
However, as I listened further I became more interested. I don't think I would use it as a whole class novel, but I would recommend it to sci-fi readers.
I.Q. Book I: Independence Hall, by Roland Smith
Roland Smith is one of my "go to" authors and he has not disappointed in this new series. The story begins at the wedding of Q (Quest)'s mother and Angela's father. A plot device is that the parents (Roger & Blaze) are professional musician's whose careers have suddenly taken off. After the wedding the entire newly blended family is taking off in a "coach" (a very fancy bus) for a year-long tour as a result of Blaze and Roger's number one album.
A musical tour with a new family could be enough to make for an interesting story. But the plot thickens. Somewhere between Nebraska and Philadelphia Angela reveals that her mom had been a secret service agent and died in the line of duty. Angela wants to follow in her footsteps and become an agent in one of the intelligence agencies.
Of course shortly thereafter the two kids become in an international intrigue.
The plot may be a bit far-fetched, but Smith tells a good story that will keep readers engaged. This is not his first book involving secrets or run-and-hide plots. Zach's Lie and Zach's Run focus on witness protection.
A nice sub plot involves Q's interest in magic tricks. There is much here to involve both boys and girls in an exciting adventure. I'm going to begin the next book in the series tonight!
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Hunger Games, by Suzanne Collins
I've put off reading this series. I had distopia ennui. But, I finally got far enough down in the stack of "next" books that I had to pick it up. I'm now a fan too and am listening to book 2 in the series.
This isn't really a distopia book. I think it's more a survival and society book. Set in a future when the US government has dissolved and been replaced with something like a feudal state, the people (serfs) are forced to fight to the death in annual games. The selection process is from 12-18 year-olds.
This is a good supplementary text to a book like Lord of the Flies. Although the children/young adults are not on the "island" by accident, they follow a similar developmental path as do the boys from Golding's novel. Although both books are identified as having a 5th grade reading level, the style, register, and contexts of Hunger Games, will make it a book that appeals to students who might reject the British boy's school context of Lord of the Flies. The characters are in about the same age range of the older novel, so it will appeal to the older readers who are typically required to read Lord of the Flies.
This isn't really a distopia book. I think it's more a survival and society book. Set in a future when the US government has dissolved and been replaced with something like a feudal state, the people (serfs) are forced to fight to the death in annual games. The selection process is from 12-18 year-olds.
This is a good supplementary text to a book like Lord of the Flies. Although the children/young adults are not on the "island" by accident, they follow a similar developmental path as do the boys from Golding's novel. Although both books are identified as having a 5th grade reading level, the style, register, and contexts of Hunger Games, will make it a book that appeals to students who might reject the British boy's school context of Lord of the Flies. The characters are in about the same age range of the older novel, so it will appeal to the older readers who are typically required to read Lord of the Flies.
White Cat, by Holly Black
No vampires or werewolves! But some magic. This is the first in a series of books called "The Curse Workers." In an alternative universe there are individuals who are gifted, curse workers. Each has their own gift: persuasion, deception, death, luck, and others. The gifts are generally inherited. Most of the "workers" are managed by a form of the mafia.
Our main character, Cassel, is the "ungifted" one in a family of curse workers. His mother is in prison and his family is strained by their father's death, mother's absence and financial problems. Cassel is enrolled in a private boarding school. The story begins when he suddenly find himself on the roof of the school, a very dangerous spot, as a result of sleepwalking. The school temporarily sends him home to be supervised by his grandfather until the legal situation is resolved.
Holly Black's previous works for older adolescents Tithe: A Modern Faierie Tale and Valiant were great reads, both award winners. Most of her books are considered "urban" something. Her settings in Tithe, particularly those in the NY subway, are realistic and nuanced. This book is different, but equally compelling. I'm giving it a strong positive recommendation.
Our main character, Cassel, is the "ungifted" one in a family of curse workers. His mother is in prison and his family is strained by their father's death, mother's absence and financial problems. Cassel is enrolled in a private boarding school. The story begins when he suddenly find himself on the roof of the school, a very dangerous spot, as a result of sleepwalking. The school temporarily sends him home to be supervised by his grandfather until the legal situation is resolved.
Holly Black's previous works for older adolescents Tithe: A Modern Faierie Tale and Valiant were great reads, both award winners. Most of her books are considered "urban" something. Her settings in Tithe, particularly those in the NY subway, are realistic and nuanced. This book is different, but equally compelling. I'm giving it a strong positive recommendation.
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Math Books and Links
I've worked with a number of math teachers who have text rich classrooms. They decorate the walls and room with a large variety of print resources and have books all over the room. This isn't necessarily always the case, but I am pleasantly surprised on a regular basis. Following are some resources I regularly recommend to math teachers.
Nature by Numbers: A video by Cristobel Vila, 2010.
The Fibonacci sequence has been a subject of fascination to mathematicians, artists, and the rest of us for a very long time. Cristobel is a quite famous artist who has done a variety of really famous installations around the world. I have an entire collection of materials on the Fibonacci sequence that this video is joining. The video is a great way to begin your day--it highlights the poetry of mathematics in nature.
The Librarian Who Measured the Earth, by Kathryn Lasky & Kevin Hawkes
This elegant picture book is something that should be in almost every math classroom. It's not only a book for elementary schools, although many folks believe picture books should stop appearing after 5th grade. Lasky tells the story of Eratosthenes who through careful observation and excellent calculations devised a way to measure the earth. It doesn't take long to read this short book and is well worth the time. It will convince many of your resistant math students that there is a possibility that they will use all this math "in the real world."
Math Curse, by Jon Scieszka and Lane Smith
Jon Schieszka is a "perverse" writer who specializes in book that provide new perspectives on common themes. Among some of his more famous picture books are The True Story of the 3 Little Pigs, The Stinky Cheese man and Other Fairly Stupid Tales, and The Time Warp Trio series. Math Curse is another picture book that I believe belongs in every math classroom. It will take only a few minutes to read and provides yet another answer to "When are we going to use this?" Lane Smith's collage art is a rich addition to the book. Each page is a visual treat in a style that many adolescents find compelling.
Blogs by other math teachers include: http://textoteria.blogspot.com/ (Irene Wagner)
Nature by Numbers: A video by Cristobel Vila, 2010.
The Fibonacci sequence has been a subject of fascination to mathematicians, artists, and the rest of us for a very long time. Cristobel is a quite famous artist who has done a variety of really famous installations around the world. I have an entire collection of materials on the Fibonacci sequence that this video is joining. The video is a great way to begin your day--it highlights the poetry of mathematics in nature.
The Librarian Who Measured the Earth, by Kathryn Lasky & Kevin Hawkes
This elegant picture book is something that should be in almost every math classroom. It's not only a book for elementary schools, although many folks believe picture books should stop appearing after 5th grade. Lasky tells the story of Eratosthenes who through careful observation and excellent calculations devised a way to measure the earth. It doesn't take long to read this short book and is well worth the time. It will convince many of your resistant math students that there is a possibility that they will use all this math "in the real world."
Math Curse, by Jon Scieszka and Lane Smith
Jon Schieszka is a "perverse" writer who specializes in book that provide new perspectives on common themes. Among some of his more famous picture books are The True Story of the 3 Little Pigs, The Stinky Cheese man and Other Fairly Stupid Tales, and The Time Warp Trio series. Math Curse is another picture book that I believe belongs in every math classroom. It will take only a few minutes to read and provides yet another answer to "When are we going to use this?" Lane Smith's collage art is a rich addition to the book. Each page is a visual treat in a style that many adolescents find compelling.
Blogs by other math teachers include: http://textoteria.blogspot.com/ (Irene Wagner)
Saturday, October 2, 2010
Chemistry books
For those of you in physical science classes or chemistry finding novels that include chemistry as a center piece might be a little challenging. I'm working on ideas for easier reading YA novels. So far I can recommend:
The House of Scorpion by Nancy Farmer (this gets into pollution). When I looked at the listing on Barnes and Nobel I discovered that Nancy Farmer was originally a high school chemistry teacher! (She's a very good writer!)
Also a book with some chemistry connections is "Flush" by Carl Hiaasen
In the NoveList search I found a series The Carbon Diaries by Saci Lloyd. These look so interesting that I am going to try and get my hands on a copy this weekend. Look for future postings.
As I searched NoveList for "eco-fiction" it appears Clive Custler is a name that appears often on the list as an author. I haven't read any of his books--it looks like I am going to be adding that to my wish list. One that came up as interesting to me was Valhalla Rising.
Of course right now forensic science is a hot theme in television. The CSI and NCIS shows all include chemistry and other sciences. Kathy Reichs and Patricia Cornwell are some of the best writers in this genre. However, I don't remember chemistry being a significant factor in their books (it does play a tangential role).
Finally, another adventure would be to return to some Sherlock Holmes short stories and see where chemistry fits in. Holmes was rather famous for his chemical experiments. These are relatively short and would fit nicely with some of the later forensic science literature.
The House of Scorpion by Nancy Farmer (this gets into pollution). When I looked at the listing on Barnes and Nobel I discovered that Nancy Farmer was originally a high school chemistry teacher! (She's a very good writer!)
Also a book with some chemistry connections is "Flush" by Carl Hiaasen
In the NoveList search I found a series The Carbon Diaries by Saci Lloyd. These look so interesting that I am going to try and get my hands on a copy this weekend. Look for future postings.
As I searched NoveList for "eco-fiction" it appears Clive Custler is a name that appears often on the list as an author. I haven't read any of his books--it looks like I am going to be adding that to my wish list. One that came up as interesting to me was Valhalla Rising.
Of course right now forensic science is a hot theme in television. The CSI and NCIS shows all include chemistry and other sciences. Kathy Reichs and Patricia Cornwell are some of the best writers in this genre. However, I don't remember chemistry being a significant factor in their books (it does play a tangential role).
Finally, another adventure would be to return to some Sherlock Holmes short stories and see where chemistry fits in. Holmes was rather famous for his chemical experiments. These are relatively short and would fit nicely with some of the later forensic science literature.
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Airframe, by Michael Crichton
It's been a really long time since I've read this. But, since we're working on text sets I thought it would be a good idea to add this to my blog. The story deconstructs an "event" in an airplane. The insurance auditor and air safety people try to track down just what happened. Overall I think it's useful to describe how math and science are really a part of real life work. As always, Crichton's plots and characterization carry the reader through some fairly technical details.
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Vampire Academy, by Richelle Mead
I can blame one of my teacher friends for this! (Yes Pam, that's you!) She recommended this series as one worth reading in the genre. I had been expressing some hesitation about Dawn of the Dreadfuls and Pam said this series was good.
Mead had be from the beginning. There is a new sub-culture of vampires explored in this book--the living vampire--essentially good guys. There still exist the "bad vampires" that kill people and they are set as the antagonists in the series. Added to the mix are the guardians--human/vampire hybrids who serve to protect the good vampires from the bad.
What engages me more in this series is the portrayal of teen cliques and social pressures. The main character, Rose, is a guardian in training and has a mystical bond with her vampire, princess, bff, Vasilisa (Lissa). I don't want to say much more about the plot--no spoiler here. However, the ebb and flow of teen culture and the way teens have to figure out the adult world rang pretty true with my experiences.
This is a three stars book for me. I bought the "boxed set" of the first three, so I'll let you know if the next two are able to uphold the general quality of the characterizations and plot. I' recommend this for about 8-10 graders. It's probably more of a girls' book, but some boys might enjoy it.
Mead had be from the beginning. There is a new sub-culture of vampires explored in this book--the living vampire--essentially good guys. There still exist the "bad vampires" that kill people and they are set as the antagonists in the series. Added to the mix are the guardians--human/vampire hybrids who serve to protect the good vampires from the bad.
What engages me more in this series is the portrayal of teen cliques and social pressures. The main character, Rose, is a guardian in training and has a mystical bond with her vampire, princess, bff, Vasilisa (Lissa). I don't want to say much more about the plot--no spoiler here. However, the ebb and flow of teen culture and the way teens have to figure out the adult world rang pretty true with my experiences.
This is a three stars book for me. I bought the "boxed set" of the first three, so I'll let you know if the next two are able to uphold the general quality of the characterizations and plot. I' recommend this for about 8-10 graders. It's probably more of a girls' book, but some boys might enjoy it.
Dawn of the Dreadfuls, by Steve Hockensmith
This is a prequel to Seth Grahame-Smith's pastiche, Pride and Prejudice and Zombies. I've reading in a streak again--vampires and horror. Must be approaching Halloween. I enjoyed the beginning of this book more than the end. I got just a little tired of the slashing off of limbs and rotting corpses. The idea of framing all this with the Bennett girls and Victorian England is interesting, but I did not find myself completely engaged. It could be that I need to go back and reread Pride and Prejudice and Jane Eyre. I might enjoy the irony and off-play a bit more if those two were fresh in my mind.
Overall I am beginning to wonder what is causing the upswing in vampire, zombie, and horror genre. It is definitely a strong current in youth culture. It could be that they are just following a trend, beginning with Harry Potter and moving on through Twilight series. But, I expect it must be something a little more deep than just that. I put the horror genre in parallel with the mythology (Rick Riordan & Michael Scott) and think that perhaps it has a larger cultural significance. In the last great depression we saw lots of romantic comedies. I wonder if this is somehow a new for of escapism or a desire to play out the possibilities of overcoming supernatural forces (like the economy) with friendship, loyalty, and bravery.
Hockensmith has also written several novels based on Sherlock Holmes. I think those might be a good choice for my next read. On the other hand, it may be time for a real adult book. My friends are recommending The Help and I am also considering reading Freedom by John Franzen. However, after working through The Passage, by Justin Cronin I am cautious of popular reviews.
So many books--so little time!
Overall I am beginning to wonder what is causing the upswing in vampire, zombie, and horror genre. It is definitely a strong current in youth culture. It could be that they are just following a trend, beginning with Harry Potter and moving on through Twilight series. But, I expect it must be something a little more deep than just that. I put the horror genre in parallel with the mythology (Rick Riordan & Michael Scott) and think that perhaps it has a larger cultural significance. In the last great depression we saw lots of romantic comedies. I wonder if this is somehow a new for of escapism or a desire to play out the possibilities of overcoming supernatural forces (like the economy) with friendship, loyalty, and bravery.
Hockensmith has also written several novels based on Sherlock Holmes. I think those might be a good choice for my next read. On the other hand, it may be time for a real adult book. My friends are recommending The Help and I am also considering reading Freedom by John Franzen. However, after working through The Passage, by Justin Cronin I am cautious of popular reviews.
So many books--so little time!
Friday, September 3, 2010
Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert
Good book. I have been working on meditation and being in the present for about 3 years now. Gilbert's saga of her year of self-discovery rang pretty true. (I wish I could find a publisher who would underwrite me for a year to do this sort of work. Their investment has clearly paid off!)
I might recommend this book to young adults, probably high school students. I'm not certain that many kids of this age are ready to contemplate these topics. But, it might be helpful if they already have such interests. In my area of the world I would need to be cautious about such recommendations. I expect that a number of religious organizations (that are all pretty influential around here) would object to influencing school-aged kids this way.
I am going to give my copy to my 23 year old daughter. I believe we'll start with the movie though.
I do have a question about Julia Roberts playing Elizabeth Gilbert--I'll add to this after I see it.
I might recommend this book to young adults, probably high school students. I'm not certain that many kids of this age are ready to contemplate these topics. But, it might be helpful if they already have such interests. In my area of the world I would need to be cautious about such recommendations. I expect that a number of religious organizations (that are all pretty influential around here) would object to influencing school-aged kids this way.
I am going to give my copy to my 23 year old daughter. I believe we'll start with the movie though.
I do have a question about Julia Roberts playing Elizabeth Gilbert--I'll add to this after I see it.
City of Bones, by Cassandra Clare
Vampires, werewolves, demons, magicians--again. But, I was drawn into the story. It has a somewhat predictable plot line. Our heroine, Clary Fray discovers that she has supernatural powers, a mother with a hidden past, and something odd about her dead father. It's okay. For younger readers (I'd suggest 7th-9th grades for this) the predictable plot line helps with comprehension and fluency. What I appreciate about this book is the ambiguity and subtly shaded characterizations.
I enjoyed the reader comments on the Barnes & Noble website. It tells me my instincts about this book's attraction for kids was right. They find it a good read and will continue with the series.
I listened to this as a CD checkout from the public library. I wasn't bothered by the narration the way that Publisher's Weekly seemed to be. But, I listen to these books while walking the dog, gardening, cooking & cleaning house. It might be that if I was using it as something to read while driving that I would be annoyed.
I have the next in the series on reserve from the library. I don't think I'll buy the books--I'm running out of shelf space and want to save the available inches for books I would use for instruction. This probably isn't one I would use (I'd use the Rick Riodan Red Pyramid or Michael Scott The Alchemyst instead). But, it is one I will keep as a recommendation for kids who like the genre. A good next read for Twilight or Percy Jackson fans.
I enjoyed the reader comments on the Barnes & Noble website. It tells me my instincts about this book's attraction for kids was right. They find it a good read and will continue with the series.
I listened to this as a CD checkout from the public library. I wasn't bothered by the narration the way that Publisher's Weekly seemed to be. But, I listen to these books while walking the dog, gardening, cooking & cleaning house. It might be that if I was using it as something to read while driving that I would be annoyed.
I have the next in the series on reserve from the library. I don't think I'll buy the books--I'm running out of shelf space and want to save the available inches for books I would use for instruction. This probably isn't one I would use (I'd use the Rick Riodan Red Pyramid or Michael Scott The Alchemyst instead). But, it is one I will keep as a recommendation for kids who like the genre. A good next read for Twilight or Percy Jackson fans.
A Reliable Wife, by Robert Goolrick
This was a heavily promoted novel. It was a featured selection on the Barnes and Noble website. NPR had a segment about it. I was less than impressed. I pretty much predicted the plot line very early on in the book. I grew up in Iowa and graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. I found the whole premise of people going nuts from cold, snow, and isolation in Northern Wisconsin unbelievable. (But maybe it was just hurt pride on my part.)
I was relieved to read the reader reviews on the Barnes and Noble site. Most readers agreed with me.
I wouldn't recommend this book to anyone. Certainly not to school-aged (even high school) kids. If you want Gothic go to the originals-- Dracula etc.
I was relieved to read the reader reviews on the Barnes and Noble site. Most readers agreed with me.
I wouldn't recommend this book to anyone. Certainly not to school-aged (even high school) kids. If you want Gothic go to the originals-- Dracula etc.
Saturday, July 31, 2010
Wizards: Magical Tales from the Masters of Modern Fantasy
Edited by Jack Dann & Gardner Dozois
I've let my "fantasy" reading slack off a bit. It was good to get back and this collection of short stories was a good starting place. Each author's story is prefaced with a brief biography and a catalogue of his/her works. If I follow up on these various authors I'll finish off the summer reading fantasy. (Ah--but my stack of books "to read" does not include much fantasy. I guess I'll just need to buy some and add them to the stack. Of my favorites in this collection:
I've let my "fantasy" reading slack off a bit. It was good to get back and this collection of short stories was a good starting place. Each author's story is prefaced with a brief biography and a catalogue of his/her works. If I follow up on these various authors I'll finish off the summer reading fantasy. (Ah--but my stack of books "to read" does not include much fantasy. I guess I'll just need to buy some and add them to the stack. Of my favorites in this collection:
- "Holly and Iron" by Garth Nix (I haven't really read Nix, although I know he is popular. This may prompt me into an exploration of his works.)
- "Color Vision" by Mary Rosenblum (A new author to me. This is another collection to add to my stack.)
- "Naming Day" by Patricia A. McKillip
- "Winter's Wife" by Elizabeth Hand (Wonderful! Great balance of realistic/fantasy and important environmental considerations.
- "A Diorama of the Infernal Regions, or the Devil's Ninth Question" by Andy Duncan
- "Stone Man" by Nancy Kress
- "Stonefather" by Orson Scott Card
Thursday, July 22, 2010
Year of the Horse by Justin Allen
Allen is a graduate of Borah HS and Boise State University. I picked up this book because it was recommended to me by one of his classmates. I would not normally chose a "cowboy" book to read. The settings are "imaginary"--you have to sort of invent where these spots might be in the US. Through the book there is an increasing "magical" or "mystical" tone.
Thursday, April 8, 2010
Think Twice, by Lisa Scottoline
I've read all of Scottoline's Mary DiNunzio/Bennie Rosato books. This wasn't my favorite. I think there may have been too many plots threads to handle completely. The main plot driving the book is Bennie's twin sister Alice's plot to kill Bennie and keep all her money. This part of the plot stretches a bit thin. I'm not certain it is completely believable.
But, the book is a good diversion. Totally recommended beach reading. I'm sending it on my my sister-in-law while she has chemo treatments.
But, the book is a good diversion. Totally recommended beach reading. I'm sending it on my my sister-in-law while she has chemo treatments.
Life As We Knew It, by Susan Beth Pfeffer
I began this because one of my interns will be working with it this spring. It was a great read--a book that captured an afternoon and kept me from other work I should be doing. It's an apocalypse book (distopia--end of days). The basic plot line is that an asteroid hits the moon and changes earth's climate. Miranda, our protagonist, is a junior in high school with an older (college aged) and younger brother. Her parents are divorced. She is having a fairly typical adolescence until the asteroid hits.
What follows is a story of a mother's love and courage. Also a story of an adolescent (and her brothers) having to meet, accept, and overcome disaster. It is well crafted, believable, and explores a quite believable series of disastrous events. I some ways it reminded me of Laura Ingles Wilder's The Long Winter.
At first I was a little uneasy that this was going to be a "Rapture" book. It's not. However it does have a fundamentalist preacher/church as one of the secondary characters. Teachers will need to be prepared to deal with some religious questions. I wonder if it will become a challenged book.
Lexile 770. Recommended 6-12 grades. Multiple awards:
What follows is a story of a mother's love and courage. Also a story of an adolescent (and her brothers) having to meet, accept, and overcome disaster. It is well crafted, believable, and explores a quite believable series of disastrous events. I some ways it reminded me of Laura Ingles Wilder's The Long Winter.
At first I was a little uneasy that this was going to be a "Rapture" book. It's not. However it does have a fundamentalist preacher/church as one of the secondary characters. Teachers will need to be prepared to deal with some religious questions. I wonder if it will become a challenged book.
Lexile 770. Recommended 6-12 grades. Multiple awards:
- Black-Eyed Susan Book Awards (Maryland): High School
- Booklist Editors' Choice - Books for Youth - Older Readers Category: 2006
- Garden State Teen Book Awards (New Jersey): Fiction (Grades 6-8)
- Nutmeg Children's Book Award (Connecticut): Teen category
- Texas Tayshas Reading Lists: 2007
- Truman Readers Award (Missouri)
- YALSA Best Books for Young Adults: 2007
Fablehaven by Brandon Mull
I've seen these at the book store for a while but haven't picked one up. Since my son has matured I find I'm not reading as much fantasy. This was a perfect blend of possible and fantastic. The premise is that there are preserves throughout the world in which all the fantastic and magical creatures are kept for their own safety and for the safety of the human residents of the earth. Kendra and Seth end up in Fablehaven because their parents have to attend a funeral/cruise (their maternal grandmother's final bequest to her children--by the way a great idea!).
The grandparents are the guardians of Fablehaven. Their parents do not know of the nature of this preserve. The story is well crafted and an excellent balance of kid adventure and adult mentoring of kids. I strongly recommend the book. Lexile is 700. Recommended for older kids (I agree).
The grandparents are the guardians of Fablehaven. Their parents do not know of the nature of this preserve. The story is well crafted and an excellent balance of kid adventure and adult mentoring of kids. I strongly recommend the book. Lexile is 700. Recommended for older kids (I agree).
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Steel Trap: The Challenge, by Ridley Pearson
Pearson has been producing children's and young adult books fo a number of years now. His first were the Peter Pan series coauthored with Dave Barry. I've been a fan of his adult detective fiction particularly those with Lou Boldt/Daphne Matthews for years. Steel Trapp has several characters from his adult novel Cut and Run. It was a little confusing to me because the characters seem to have some parallel and crossed connections. For example, without explanation, Steel has possession of the dog, Cairo, that was delivered to the main characters as a new pet at the end of Cut and Run. (He is not one of them.)
Even with these minor confusions, the plot is strong and characters are interesting, if not totally believable. I am going to give the book to a colleague whose son's robotics team is competing in the national level of science teams. Not all characters are developed fully and I had some questions about motivations. A minor character, the woman who serves as a "mule" delivering a brief case with materials proving that the bad guys have a hostage, appears several times in the book. At this point I'm not certain if she is going to become a character in later books, or is one that just floats on the edges of this book.
Steel Trapp: The Challenge includes science fair competitions, a trip to Washington D.C., the FBI, witness protection marshals, and terrorists. However, we are never focused on a specific act of terrorism, just fund raising to support it. That is a relief and very appropriate for a young adult book. I'll be eager to hear of the response of young readers to the plot and characters. There seems to be enough to keep a reader engaged. My previous reading of Cut and Run may be the source of any confusions I might be experiencing. He does have a new title in this series out, Steel Trapp: The Academy. It will probably appear on my "to read" shelf immediately.
Even with these minor confusions, the plot is strong and characters are interesting, if not totally believable. I am going to give the book to a colleague whose son's robotics team is competing in the national level of science teams. Not all characters are developed fully and I had some questions about motivations. A minor character, the woman who serves as a "mule" delivering a brief case with materials proving that the bad guys have a hostage, appears several times in the book. At this point I'm not certain if she is going to become a character in later books, or is one that just floats on the edges of this book.
Steel Trapp: The Challenge includes science fair competitions, a trip to Washington D.C., the FBI, witness protection marshals, and terrorists. However, we are never focused on a specific act of terrorism, just fund raising to support it. That is a relief and very appropriate for a young adult book. I'll be eager to hear of the response of young readers to the plot and characters. There seems to be enough to keep a reader engaged. My previous reading of Cut and Run may be the source of any confusions I might be experiencing. He does have a new title in this series out, Steel Trapp: The Academy. It will probably appear on my "to read" shelf immediately.
Saturday, March 13, 2010
Wolf Stalker, by Gloria Skurzynski and Alane Ferguson
This is one of a series of "National Parks Mysteries" by Skurzynski and Ferguson. I chose it because, not only is it the first of the series, it also is set on the border of Idaho and Wyoming. Overall I was just a little disappointed. I had hoped for more science and perhaps even a stronger mystery. It is very readable and I think young adolescents will enjoy it. With its nearly local context readers in Idaho are likely to enjoy it for the local flavor. (Skurzynski lives in Boise.) There may be some who are anti-wolf reintroduction. This book is clearly on the pro-reintroduction side.
Friday, February 19, 2010
Conference Bibliophile
I'm in Portland, Oregon at a reading association conference. The last speaker of the day was terrible so I decided to take the rest of the day off and go to Powell's Books. Those of you who don't know about Powell's, it's a wonderful bookstore (including used books) covering an entire city block in the northwest portion of downtown Portland.
I got a little lost on the light rail. No biggie--I got to see Portland State. After my trip to Powell's I stopped in at the Public Library. I've been trying to stop at public libraries in cities that I visit. It's interesting and feels like home. I got into a wonderful conversation with the children's librarian here in Portland. The library itself is wonderful--big windows (I'll need to find out what the name of these are) and some amazing steps, black polished ?granite? with really intricate carvings. I didn't bring my camera this trip and was pretty certain my cell phone camera wouldn't do them justice. Interesting note--the walls of the main rooms of the library are pink! Not that I'm judging--I just thought it was really interesting.
I got a little lost on the light rail. No biggie--I got to see Portland State. After my trip to Powell's I stopped in at the Public Library. I've been trying to stop at public libraries in cities that I visit. It's interesting and feels like home. I got into a wonderful conversation with the children's librarian here in Portland. The library itself is wonderful--big windows (I'll need to find out what the name of these are) and some amazing steps, black polished ?granite? with really intricate carvings. I didn't bring my camera this trip and was pretty certain my cell phone camera wouldn't do them justice. Interesting note--the walls of the main rooms of the library are pink! Not that I'm judging--I just thought it was really interesting.
An Echo in the Bone, by Diana Gabaldon
Highlanders and time travel, what could be more fun. I had decided to stop reading this series because there was predictable explicit sex scenes too frequently. It's not that I was offended by them, just irritated. (Same reason that I've stopped reading Laurell Hamilton's vampire books.)
I needed an iPod book to get me through some house projects, so I downloaded this from Audible because it was long (and I had big projects). I was pleasantly surprised. Jamie and Claire are now living through the American Revolution and Brianna, Roger, and kids are in modern day Scotland. I enjoyed the book--but it ended with lots of loose strings. It means, I suppose, that we can expect an 8th book in the series.
At the end of the audio files Gabaldon talked about her historical research and where she departed from historical fact. If I were willing to make the time I'd do some additional reading to check out the facts. I have a cousin who has researched the Armstrong part of my family--Scotts in the North Carolina region. I should get out my DAR papers from my grandmother (mom and I passed) to see if somehow I am related to Jamie Fraser. That would make my son happy--what a role model!
I needed an iPod book to get me through some house projects, so I downloaded this from Audible because it was long (and I had big projects). I was pleasantly surprised. Jamie and Claire are now living through the American Revolution and Brianna, Roger, and kids are in modern day Scotland. I enjoyed the book--but it ended with lots of loose strings. It means, I suppose, that we can expect an 8th book in the series.
At the end of the audio files Gabaldon talked about her historical research and where she departed from historical fact. If I were willing to make the time I'd do some additional reading to check out the facts. I have a cousin who has researched the Armstrong part of my family--Scotts in the North Carolina region. I should get out my DAR papers from my grandmother (mom and I passed) to see if somehow I am related to Jamie Fraser. That would make my son happy--what a role model!
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Grave Sight, by Charlaine Harris
I've reviewed this on my Good Reads site. Why I keep two different "reader" sites I don't know. My ED-TECH friends say that each venue (Twitter, Facebook, etc.) have their own group of devotees. So, I'll keep two different sites active. I discovered that for some reason I can't copy my Good Reads review and paste it here.
So--back to Grave Sight. Harris is the author of the Sookie Stackhouse series about the Southern bar maid who falls in love with a vampire. In the world created by Harris Vampires are legal. The HBO series True Blood is based on her series.
The new "Harper Connelly" series is about another Southern Belle. This time Harper was struck by lightening as a teen and now she is able to "find" the missing dead and relive their last moments on earth. The plot lines and characters are lighter that Iris Johansen's books. I'm not running out to pick up the next book in the series. But, if it appeared on my bookshelf or kitchen counter I'd pick it up to read. Good beach or pool side reading.
Three stars
So--back to Grave Sight. Harris is the author of the Sookie Stackhouse series about the Southern bar maid who falls in love with a vampire. In the world created by Harris Vampires are legal. The HBO series True Blood is based on her series.
The new "Harper Connelly" series is about another Southern Belle. This time Harper was struck by lightening as a teen and now she is able to "find" the missing dead and relive their last moments on earth. The plot lines and characters are lighter that Iris Johansen's books. I'm not running out to pick up the next book in the series. But, if it appeared on my bookshelf or kitchen counter I'd pick it up to read. Good beach or pool side reading.
Three stars
Friday, January 22, 2010
Enter Three Witches: A Story of Macbeth, by Caroline B. Cooney
I picked this up because it was on the top of the bookcase at the Library! (that's the Boise Public Library) as one of the Young Adult Choice Nominees. The Young Adult Choice award is sponsored and organized by the International Reading Association. There is also a Children's Choice and Teacher's Choice award each year.
Enter Three Witches started out with some reading challenges. Cooney drops in some hints at events that she doesn't explain until much later in the book. If teachers are going to use this as a small group or whole class read this provides a perfect opportunity to teach students about holding an idea in mind and trusting the author to provide the details later on. The device of "dropping" ideas is very common in mystery/detective writing. If it is explained to students this way most can learn to hold an incomplete idea for several chapters.
Cooney creates a new character, Lady Mary, who enriches the overall story and provides details of medieval life that would not be available through Shakespeare. Because of Lady Mary's contribution to the book I am now prompted to do some nonfiction reading about Scotland in the 16th century.
Throughout the book there are quotations and some dialogue from Shakespeare's play. Although I didn't actually get up and pull out my complete Shakespeare, I'm likely to look at it later tonight.
About a third of the way through the book I got hooked on Cooney's story line and her "added" plot lines to the story of Macbeth. Since I am not a "read the ending first"reader (I don't peak), I didn't know about Cooney's author's note at the end of the book. This is another bit that teachers may want to guide readers to before they begin reading. Understanding Cooney's research process might make the reading of the book richer for young adults.
Although the Lexile rating would suggest an easier reading YA book I'm going to recommend it for older or mature readers. The quotations and correlations with the Shakespeare play is going to make the reading a bit challenging for younger/less developed readers.
Three Stars
Lexile 720
Novelist Interest Rating 8-12 grades
Enter Three Witches started out with some reading challenges. Cooney drops in some hints at events that she doesn't explain until much later in the book. If teachers are going to use this as a small group or whole class read this provides a perfect opportunity to teach students about holding an idea in mind and trusting the author to provide the details later on. The device of "dropping" ideas is very common in mystery/detective writing. If it is explained to students this way most can learn to hold an incomplete idea for several chapters.
Cooney creates a new character, Lady Mary, who enriches the overall story and provides details of medieval life that would not be available through Shakespeare. Because of Lady Mary's contribution to the book I am now prompted to do some nonfiction reading about Scotland in the 16th century.
Throughout the book there are quotations and some dialogue from Shakespeare's play. Although I didn't actually get up and pull out my complete Shakespeare, I'm likely to look at it later tonight.
About a third of the way through the book I got hooked on Cooney's story line and her "added" plot lines to the story of Macbeth. Since I am not a "read the ending first"reader (I don't peak), I didn't know about Cooney's author's note at the end of the book. This is another bit that teachers may want to guide readers to before they begin reading. Understanding Cooney's research process might make the reading of the book richer for young adults.
Although the Lexile rating would suggest an easier reading YA book I'm going to recommend it for older or mature readers. The quotations and correlations with the Shakespeare play is going to make the reading a bit challenging for younger/less developed readers.
Three Stars
Lexile 720
Novelist Interest Rating 8-12 grades
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Dreamland by Sarah Dessen
Dessen writes about female teenage "issues." I have enjoyed several of her other books greatly. So far Keeping the Moon is my favorite.
This book didn't engage me as much as her others. (I still played hookey from doing academic work for a few hours to finish reading.) I think it may be because I just didn't follow how the main character fell into an abusive relationship. Physically abusive relationships are, thank goodness, outside of my experience. I don't have a good sense of how a relationship ends up at this level. Perhaps if I did more research I would understand. As it is I just didn't "buy" the central conflict.
Caitlin's older sister has also left the home and broken with the family. The portrait of the mother's involvement in all this was also unconvincing. As I was reading I thought there must be a back story--but all the mom's interactions seemed pretty loving and somewhat open for direction from her daughters.
I'm interested. If you have read this let me know how you felt about it.
Probably good for older middle school/early high school girls.
This book didn't engage me as much as her others. (I still played hookey from doing academic work for a few hours to finish reading.) I think it may be because I just didn't follow how the main character fell into an abusive relationship. Physically abusive relationships are, thank goodness, outside of my experience. I don't have a good sense of how a relationship ends up at this level. Perhaps if I did more research I would understand. As it is I just didn't "buy" the central conflict.
Caitlin's older sister has also left the home and broken with the family. The portrait of the mother's involvement in all this was also unconvincing. As I was reading I thought there must be a back story--but all the mom's interactions seemed pretty loving and somewhat open for direction from her daughters.
I'm interested. If you have read this let me know how you felt about it.
Probably good for older middle school/early high school girls.
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