Red Glove

Title: Red Glove
Author: Holly Black
Reading Level: Young Adult
Location: YA Black

After the shocking ending to White Cat, Red Glove picks up where the first book left off. Black doesn’t spend much time rehashing the first book but she makes just enough references to the first story to refresh your memory. Cassel and his mother are spending the summer in Atlantic City running scams. Cassel is trying to keep his mind off Lila until the love curse his mother put on her wears off. He is looking forward to school in the fall until he finds out that Lila has enrolled at the same prep school. If life isn’t complicated enough, just as school is getting started there is a death in Cassel’s family. The Fed’s contact Cassel and ask for his help in solving the murder.
The Bottom Line:
Red Glove is just as smart and thrilling as the first book in the series. There are many twists and turns along the way as Cassel tries to solve this mystery. I anxiously await the third book in the series, Black Heart. While you wait, go to www.thecurseworkers.com and read Lila Zacharov in 13 Pieces, a short story told from Lila’s point of view.

White Cat (Curse Workers series, Book 1)

Title: White Cat (Curse Workers series, Book 1)
Author: Holly Black
Location: YA Black

This is the first installment in Holly Black’s Curse Workers series. Curse workers have special powers. They can change your luck, memories, feelings, dreams and more with just a touch. And since curse work is illegal they are all con artists or part of mob families.

Our main character is Cassell Sharpe, a high school student at a private school in the east. Several years ago Cassel killed his best friend, Lila, the daughter of a powerful mob family. The strange thing is, he doesn’t remember why, but he knows he did. Fast forward to the present and Cassel finds himself sleepwalking and he wakes up on the roof of his dorm, an instant You Tube sensation. The school promptly suspends him and he moves back to live in his family home. While at home he encounters a white cat hanging around the barn, the same cat that has recently been showing up in his dreams.

As we meet the other members of Cassell’s family, he tries to explain why he killed his best friend, why he doesn’t remember and why this white cat keeps showing up.

Bottom Line
I thoroughly enjoyed this book! I listened to the audio version and found Jesse Eisenberg’s (Social Network) narration to be spot on. Although some books are very clearly aimed at a YA audience, this story deals with themes that all ages can appreciate; family, jealousy, love and mystery. There are twists and turns in the plot that I didn’t expect. I highly recommend that you read White Cat by Holly Black. Check out the first chapter on the author’s web site www.hollyblack.com .

And Then There were Gnomes- Guinea Pig Pet Shop

Title: And Then There were Gnomes- Guinea Pig Pet Shop Private Eye #2
Author: Colleen Venable
Level: K-3
Location: Graphic novel juvenile guinea vol.2

This series takes place in a pet shop with a variety of animals whose cages are mislabeled. Sasspants the guinea pig is a voracious reader, which is probably why that cage has the correct animal label. Hamisher, the hamster wants to be friends with Sasspants and is constantly making up mysteries to be solved so he can be the sidekick. So when a real mystery does need to be solved it takes a bit of convincing for Sasspants to get involved. Will they be able to solve the mystery before all the mice disappear?

Bottom Line: This is a short, humorous, graphic novel for the younger readers who like rodent pets (mice, hamsters, guinea pig and chinchillas) and mysteries. There are plenty of details in the pictures to add to the story and the panels are easy to follow. A rising second grade and fifth grader gave it two thumbs up.

Shine

Title: Shine

Author: Lauren Myracle

Level: Young Adult

Release Date: May 1, 2011

Cat and Patrick had been inseparable best friends when they were young until Cat had a run in with Tommy, a boy in her school. After that, she withdrew from everyone including her friends, her brother who was once her hero, and Patrick. When she hears the news of Patrick’s attack that left him in a coma, she knows that it is time for her to stop ignoring the world around her and figure out who did it. Patrick was always open about being gay and his attack is viewed as a hate crime but the sheriff of their small North Carolina town blames it on people just passing through. When Cat starts investigating, she finds out secrets she couldn’t have imagined about the people she’s known all her life.

Shine has a very atmospheric feel of a small town Southern community which is at turns charming and repellent. This is a very real-feeling mystery. You can imagine that in Cat’s place you would want to do the same thing to help figure out who would do such a thing. The crime is horrific and might be hard for sensitive readers to handle, but it is sadly not that far off from what you might read in the papers. The mystery will keep you guessing, but the book is just as much about Cat and the choices she makes about how she wants to live her life.

The Bottom Line: Shine is a great book whose characters and story stick with you long after you finish it. It’s a mystery but it’s also a book about saying “yes” to life, even when it’s hard.

The publisher provided me with an advanced reader’s copy of the book for this review. Shine has an expected release date of May 1, 2011.

Jane

Title: Jane
Author: April Lindner
Reading Level: Young Adult
Location: YA Lindner

In this contemporary retelling of the classic novel Jane Eyre, Jane Moore finds herself literally penniless after the death of her parents. Unable to continue at college, Jane secures a nanny position for the daughter of reclusive rock star, Nico Rathburn and moves into his estate, Thornfield Park. Jane, always practical and pragmatic, quickly finds herself falling for her enigmatic but handsome employer but he has his eye on a wealthy photographer for the rich and famous. She knows it's impossible but has to wonder if Nico will ever see her as anything more than the nanny? In the midst of it all, Jane begins to realize that Thornfield Park hides a terrible secret. Jane knows that the creepy noises and the mysterious, midnight fires are no accident. Will she figure out the mystery before she becomes the next target?

I have to say, as a fan of Jane Eyre, this book did not disappoint. April Lindner modernizes the characters very well (Mr. Rochester as a rock star!) while staying true to the original. However, I do think that readers unfamiliar with Jane Eyre might find some aspects of the plot a little odd simply because they unfailingly stick to the original. I think the author would have done better to tweak the plot just slightly (especially in the last quarter) to compensate for the cultural changes that have taken place between now and the Victorian Period. Other than that, I found the characters and story completely engaging. Nico was my favorite by far, but the other characters add interest as well. Initially, Jane seemed a little mousy, but I quickly realized that she had quite a backbone so she grew on me throughout the story. The romance develops naturally and never feels too forced but, again, does get a little odd in the last quarter of the book.

The Bottom Line: This well-written, modern retelling of Jane Eyre will be loved by those who enjoyed the original classic. If you are not familiar with the original, some aspects of the plot might seem a little weird, but those who like chick-lit, romance and possibly, paranormal romance should enjoy this one.

The Incorrigible Children of Ashton Place - the mysterious howling

Title: The Incorrigible Children of Ashton Place- the mysterious howling
Author: Maryrose Wood
Level: J
Location: J Wood M.








Have you ever watched someone's children who acted like animals? Well Penelope Lumley's charges really do. After being told she is old enough to leave Swansburne Academy for Poor Bright Females Penelope starts her first job (at 15) as a governess. She soon learns the three children were found living in the woods and act like wolves. Not only must she teach them how to dress and speak instead of bark, she must also have them ready to dance and socialize at Lady Constance's first Christmas party . Odd things happen. It seems someone is trying to lure the children into behaving in a way that would send Lady Constance running. Who is trying to sabotage Penelope's efforts with the children? Will she be fired before she can find out and will the children survive without her protection? It is clear Lady Constance has no clue about children and does not wish to form a relationship with them. Lord Ashton is away at his club quite frequently or hunting. (He and Mr. Aldo are the ones who found the children.) Although he does not attend the Christmas party he invites several of his hunting friends from the club. It is unclear exactly what he has been saying about the children to them. There are a few other characters who seem questionable and a few household staff who are Penelope's allies.



Bottom Line: I thought this was an enjoyable read and will pick up the next book to find out more answers to the background of the children and Penelope. I also want to learn if my hunches about who is causing trouble are correct. The book is set in a time when carriages are used, but don't let that turn you off. The language isn't old fashioned or hard to understand. There are just enough possible clues and new questions to keep me reading and the story moving along. You may think you have some of the answers! I felt for Penelope and shared her compassion for the children, who are really sweet kids. I too was trying to figure out the answers to the many questions that arise around the party.

Children of the Sea, Volume 1

Title: Children of the Sea, Volume 1

Author: Daisuke Igarashi

Level: Young Adult

Location: Graphic YA Children Vol. 1

"The sea has a story to tell, one you've never heard before..."

Ruka was just a little girl when she saw a ghost at the aquarium--lights enveloping a fish, making it disappear. Now as a teen, she has found herself back at the aquarium where her father works, spending all of her free time with two teens, Umi and Sora, who were found in the ocean and raised by "dugongs" or manatees. Growing up in the ocean has made their bodies vulnerable to life outside of the water and the adults in the story are searching for answers. Then it is reported that all over the world, fish are disappearing from aquariums and more children are found living in the oceans. There are many clues, but no resolution.

The Bottom Line:

This title was selected to be in the 2010 Top Ten Great Graphic Novels for Teens by the Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA). It is in traditional Japanese manga format, so you read right to left, starting at what we would usually consider the back cover.

Overall I enjoyed this book. While it was more of a "quiet" graphic novel than I'm used to reading, meaning less action, I still enjoyed it. It was slow going at times, but then the artwork quickly saved the day. Panels of drawings of undersea life are beautiful in their representations of whales, manatees, and other species. Ruka is a strong character, and Umi and Sora are intriguing. On to volume 2!

Hush, Hush

Title: Hush, Hush

Author: Becca Fitzpatrick

Reading Level: Young Adult

Location: YA Fitzpatrick

Nora Grey's class seating chart forces her to sit next to a new student at school, Patch. Though he's tall, dark, and handsome, he makes her feel uncomfortable. She's not interested in romance. He's interested however. His interest in her starts to worry her as he starts showing up wherever she is. Is he stalking her? Eventually though, she finds herself drawn to Patch and his mysterious demeanor. She wants to learn more about him.

After a number of strange and terrifying incidents, Nora doesn't know who to trust, including herself. When she finally thinks she has the answers, she finds out how she fits in a struggle between what she never thought could be real and humans. Someone has to make a sacrifice that will change her life forever. The question is, who will make the sacrifice?

The Bottom Line: I thoroughly enjoyed the premise of the book, both realistic and supernatural, but it did take me a while (Chapter 19) to get a real clue as to what was going on (trying to put the very telling cover art to the back of my mind). In the end, the character development won me over and I wanted to hear more from Nora and Patch, not to mention the very real and intense moments that drive them together.

The Missing - Books 1 & 2

Title: Found (The Missing, Book 1)
Author:Margaret Peterson Haddix
Location: J Haddix
Reading Level: Ages 9 to 12

The first chapter starts in an airport, in an empty terminal. An unscheduled airplane suddenly taxi's in, and the airport workers can't seem to communicate with the pilot. Eventually they enter the airplane and there are no adults to be found - and every seat is occupied with a baby.
Jumping ahead 13 years later, we meet Jonah. He's adopted and he's cool about it. He starts receiving mysterious letters in the mail saying, "You're one of the missing". So he and his sister, Katherine, and best friend, Chip, who also found out that he was adopted, start to investigate where they came from and who is sending the notes.

*Skip to the Bottom Line if you haven't read 1st book*

Title: Sent (The Missing, Book 2)

Author: Margaret Peterson Haddix
Location: J Haddix
Reading Level: Ages 9 to 12

Thrilling sequel to Found and it was exciting. This is a series about time travel and children stolen out of time - and how those responsible are trying to return the children back to their time. Jonah and his sister go along with two brothers back to the 1400's. These brothers are the famous Princes in that went missing in the Tower of London. The author did a good job writing about this story in history and I found myself looking online for more information. This is going to be a 7 books series, so I'm trying to think of other famous missing children in history (Charles Lindbergh's son, Virginia Dare, etc.) who this author could write about. This should be fun!

Bottom Line:
What an interesting story! Margaret Peterson Haddix is good at writing thrilling stories that keep you on the edge of your seat. These books are no exception. I'm interested in the story, and care about the characters so I'll be anxious to see how it will all work out!

The Composer Is Dead

Title: The Composer Is Dead
Author: Lemony Snicket
Reading Level: J
Location: J Snicket

Someone has killed the composer! The question is who did it...

Instruments such as the Harps, the Violins and the Trumpet are all personified in this cleverly funny mystery. As the detective tries to solve the murder, all the instruments are suspects with questionable motives...but plausible alibis. I knew this would be a witty, fun read coming from Snicket who crafted the dark humor A Series Of Unfortunate Events books and established himself as the Tim Burton of modern children's literature. One great line is when the narrator describes the composer as no longer composing, but "decomposing". Many classical music references are made that the adults can enjoy too. You may even learn a thing about orchestras and symphonies. Accompanied is a CD with Lemony Snicket narrating and followed by a performance by the San Fransisco Orchestra. Despite the grim subject, the story is in a picture book format suitable for young elementary school children who can appreciate a well-crafted darker comedy.

Bottom Line: Snicket once again proves that he doesn't need a 300+ page chapter book to develop a captivating storyline. I recommend this book to any fan of classic music or a silly but creative plot with a surprise ending.

Frozen Fire

Title: Frozen Fire
Author: Tim Bowler
Location: YA Bowler
Reading Level: Young Adult

Late on New Year’s Eve 15-year old, Dusty receives a call from a strange boy. He claims he is dying, but he seems to know things about her brother, who disappeared two years ago. Desperate to hear news of her brother and his fate, Dusty goes out to look for the mysterious boy. However, other people are searching for the boy as well and their motives have more to do with revenge than intrigue.
Frozen Fire is a powerful psychological thriller. Just as Dusty feels cold and isolated from her life since the disappearance of her brother, so too does the reader when immersed in this wintery English landscape with possible enemies around every snow covered bend. Considering Bowler dumps the reader in Dusty’s life in the middle of a crisis, instead of at the beginning, he is very effective at immediately convincing the reader to care about this girl. The mystery surrounding the boy that eventually envelopes Dusty’s small town drives the plot forward. Dusty is unsure of whether to treat him as dangerous, like the rest of her town, or trust him as the only one who might be able to lead her to her brother.

The Bottom Line: I enjoyed this book but I would not recommend it to everyone. One major plot line in the book is tied up neatly, but the other is left open which may frustrate many readers. Teens who love a good supernatural mystery, should like this book but, due to the ending, it lacks broad teen appeal.