Wednesday, May 27, 2015

Hood by Stephen Lawhead

This has everything in it.  All sorts of different perspectives from each character.  Brilliant and well spun.  If you like the Lord of the Rings and Star Wars saga with politics and adventure this is the story for you.  A Welsh prince becomes the Raven King to his displaced people.  ...... Oh just read the story, you'll thank me later.

Monday, May 25, 2015

The Last of the High Kings by Kate Thompson

I haven't read the first book and it took me a bit to figure out what was going on, plus a little research just so I know what to expect as a teacher.  I liked the story.  It's infused with Irish culture in a subtle kind of way.  Besides,  my father use to make violins and play the violin so it brought back some nice memories.  It's a good story.  Not traditional American kind of a story but a story that would fit in any library anywhere in the world.  I liked it a lot but there will be those students who may not have the same affinity of this kind of storyline.  I would still have it in my library. Knowing global legends helps make this world a bit more closer.  Enjoy, it's a good read.

Catalyst by Laurie Halse Anderson

This book would be a great read for students taking psychology classes as to why people do things that they do.  Well crafted.  Laurie Halse Anderson is a solid writer.  She knows how to write to teens.  If you've ever read Speak, this book is slightly connected to the story just by a brief mention.  But that's about it.  It's a strong story line.  It's a good read.

Friday, May 22, 2015

Going Bovine by Libba Bray

This is a great literary piece.  Libba Bray knows how to write.  Cameron is a slacker that drops the F-bomb and has done drugs.  But he gets Mad Cow Disease and there's no way to get back to the way he was so he goes on a saga.  Let me repeat, Libba Bray knows how to write and craft words.  In this story her dialog is authentic for a slacker teen.  Her style of writing is spot on.  She has the magic touch.  I look forward to her next book.

Tuesday, May 19, 2015

The Sweet Far Thing by Libba Bray

It's the Victorian time in Great Britian, tight corsets that make it difficult to breath but tighter conventions makes it also difficult to live.  A magical place called The Realms offers freedom to be who you are.  But The Realms is also a dangerous place.  Gemma holds all the power and has no idea who she can trust.

A masterfully written book in story, character and in the beauty of language.

If Libba Bray has written it, you should read it.

Monday, May 18, 2015

Kingdom's Dawn by Chuck Black

This is quite the adventure.  It's a well crafted medieval saga.  There are some undertones of biblical influence with in the story.  The story works well.

Sunday, May 17, 2015

Saturday, May 16, 2015

Kickoff Blitz by Hoena/Ruiz

It's a good, simple graphic novel.  A fine edition to any school library.

Merlin by Stephen R. Lawhead


Interworld by Neil Gaiman & Michael Reaves

If you like Harry Potter meets the Maze Runner.  Very adventurous.  I was able to listen to it on audiobook.  It's a good listen also.  Enjoy.

Cherub: The Dealer (book 2) by Robert Muchamore

The kids are pre-teens but I think they should have been written as teens.  The kids work the mission along with adults.  The school that they attend care about their students.  The kids are risk takers.

These Broken Stars by Amie Kaufman & Meagan Spooner

This is a great read.  The story is told between the two characters.

Rebel Springs by Morgan Rhodes

Game of Thrones wishes they were this good.  Layered stories fighting over the control of a kingdom.  Who can you trust?  Enjoy... you'll thank me later.

The Bippolo Seed and other lost stories by Dr. Seuss

I heard this in audio format.  Lots of talented actors read different stories.  Good read aloud if you're looking for books for teens to read to younger students.

Monday, May 4, 2015

Dreams of Gods & Monsters by Laini Taylor

If you are a fan of the series, read this book.  It's amazing.  I listened to the audiobook version.

It's an excellent audiobook.  I love hearing the different accents.  I vote the reader of the book should get an audiobook award.

The story is excellent.  Oh so wicked good!  Enjoy!!!!!!!!!!

Feedback by Robison Wells

If you like Maze Runner, this is your next book.  I heard it on audiobook and it was well done.
Surprises abound.  Enjoy.