16. Wither

Author: Lauren DeStefano

My thoughts:  Genetic engineering was supposed to be the key that solved all life's problems.  There would be no disease, no hunger, and no suffering. Just perfectly healthy, beautiful people living their ideal lives in an idyllic world.  For a while it seemed to be working.  The first generation of geneticly engineered humans were, in fact, supremely healthy and perfect.  Then their children started to die.  Girls die when they turn twenty, boys at age twenty-five.  No one escapes, and no one has been able to find a cure.

In Wither, Destefano has handed us a world of possibility so horrifying you'll want to shut the book and push it away.  And yet it's so plausible that I couldn't stop turning pages. 

The main character, 16-year-old Rhine, is snatched off the street and loaded into a van with a dozen other girls to be sold as brides.  In some ways, it's the best life Rhine can hope for- wealth, privilege, a husband who loves her- yet all she wants is to escape and return to her twin brother for the time she has left.  Still, Rhine finds herself slowly sucked in to the life she would never have chosen for herself.  She learns to love her sister wives.  She feels something, maybe not love, but something for her husband.  And most of all, she finds herself unwillingly attracted to Gabriel, a servant in the governor's house.  As Rhine desperately attempts to convince her husband she is trustworthy (so she can betray him, of course), she begins to be confused about what she really wants.

You spend a lot of time in Rhine's head in this book.  The story depends a great deal on her as a character and by the end of the story you'll feel you know her really well.  This is a good thing about 90% of the time.  The characterization is a double-edged sword, though, because at times this novel felt so deeply introspective that I was dying for something to just happen already.

Overall, though, I really enjoyed this story.  I loved the world DeStefano created (ok, "love" is the wrong word.  It's a terrifying future and it gave me nightmares.  How about "was impressed by" or "felt I was living in"), and I'm dying to know what happens next.

Final word: An excellent read for dystopian fans who don't necessarily need a fast-paced plot.  (4/5)

Cover comment:  While I don't like this cover visually, I do like that it has a lot of meaning in relation to the story. 

15. Gideon's Sword

Authors: Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child

Summary:  When Gideon Crew is a child, he watches his father die at the hands of the police.  Years later, he finds out his father was framed and sets out to exact revenge on the man responsible.  This is accomplished with style and ruthlessness.  His revenge complete, Gideon is set to live the rest of his life like a normal guy.  But his vendetta has attracted the interest of a company in need of someone with Gideon's particular skills.  His first mission is to recover the plans for a new and terrible weapon from the hands of a Chinese scientist.  When the scientist turns up dead and the plans are missing, even Gideon's considerable skills might not be enough to prevent disaster.

My thoughts:  I am a huge fan of Preston and Child's Pendergast series, so I was very excited to get my hands on Gideon's Sword.  This is the first book in a new series, and while this doesn't have the paranormal elements that are found in the Pendergast books, it definitely has the same breakneck pacing and twisty-turning plot.

Gideon makes  a likable protagonist.  Despite his unusual background, he comes across as a regular guy who suddenly finds himself caught between a rock and a hard place.   When he is launched into a terrifying world of super spies and assassins, he is forced to use all the tools in his repertoire to stay alive.  And it still might not be enough.  An everyday person in an impossible situation is a perfect way to get me invested in a character.

There were a few places in the first section of the book that felt just a touch clunky to me, but by the time Gideon gets introduced to his new job, the plot was ticking along nicely.  It just gets better and better from there.  Fans of action-adventure and spy stories will love this one.

E-Reader Case Review

Guess what?  I got a Kobo!  I know, I know.  I said e-readers were not for me, I was never going to have one, etc.  Apparently I lied.  I still like real books, but the readers are just so darn convenient.  So, I have one now and it is pretty great, as promised.  The only problem is that I have a rough-and-tumble home and I live in fear of this seemingly fragile (and expensive!) piece of technology getting hurt.  Which brings me to the point of this post.

Many of you commented on the beautiful Kindle case I featured on Etsy Friday a little while ago. Thanks to the lovely owner Free Moment shop, I now have the chance to review that case for you.  I've been using the case on my Kobo for about two weeks now, and I love it.  I didn't get the owl fabric that I love so much since I share the Kobo with my husband and he wanted something a little more neutral.  The case comes in dozens of different fabrics, and we ended up picking this one.

Not only is this case beautiful, it's very functional.  The book-style case keeps your reader secure with four anchoring corners, allowing you to use the reader without having to take it out.  It keeps the Kobo safe and clean, even in the depths of my husband's briefcase o'horrors.  Bumps and thumps are no problem at all.  My reader even survived being dropped by my three-year-old, though you probably don't want to replicate that experiment.  As a bonus, the interior of the case is made of a thin neoprene foam that's not at all bulky, but keeps your e-reader's screen safe from scratches.

The craftsmanship of this case is impressive. The materials are high quality and the stitching is strong.  I'm a bit obsessive about things like this, so I made sure to pull and stress the seams, and nothing moved or stretched at all.  The zipper moves easily with or without the reader in the case.  The only thing I didn't like  is that there seems to be just a little too much neoprene in the "spine."  This means it doesn't quite want to lie flat when open. 

The service is great!  Vien was happy to customize my case for the Kobo, and even added a handy inside pocket for keeping a few odds and ends.  The case I received looks just like the one in the pictures online (only better).  Shipping is quick, even for a custom order, and the shipping costs are very reasonable.

Overall, I'm very happy with this case and so happy to have had the chance to try it out.  If you want to get one for yourself (and why wouldn't you?) just stop by the Free Moment shop. 

Now if I could only get Joe to give me the Kobo back....

14. The Scorch Trials

Author: James Dashner

Summary: The Maze was just the beginning.  Thomas and the Gladers thought that once they escaped they would be safe.  No sooner do they have a moment to catch their breath, however, than a representative of WICKED appears and informs them that they have a new task to complete.  Fail, and they will die.  Thomas, Newt, Minho and the others set out across a world rendered unrecognizable by the effects of the sun flares and disease. 

My thoughts.  What the shuck?  Sorry, couldn't resist.

Scorch makes the maze look like a trip to Disneyworld.  It's faster-paced, scarier, and more emotionally wrenching.  Thomas and his friends face not just physical danger, but mental trials as well. As a reader you're in an interesting place because the book tells you up front that everything you see might or might not be real.  WICKED is capable of manipulating anything and everything.  Even as I was cringing and holding my breath through the Gladers' terrifying journey, part of my mind was spinning busily, trying to figure out exactly what is really going on.

I don't want to tell you too much, but I will say that if you liked The Maze Runner, you'll like The Scorch Trials as well.  I actually liked this one more.  I am dying to find out what exactly the end goal is in this series.  It's going to be a long hard wait for October, when The Death Cure is released.

De-Gleeked

Dear Glee,

I'm sure you've known this was coming.  We haven't seen much of each other lately, and when we do the magic just isn't there.  It's time for us to admit this thing is over and go our separate ways.  I've put up with your inconsistent characterizations and questionable song choices (Justin Beiber's "Baby?"  Really") for a long time, but the truth is I'm just not that into you anymore.  I've lost that lovin' feeling.  But we've had a good run, and we'll always have the memories.    I'll watch your reruns sometimes and smile and, while I'll try not to, I'm sure I'll be stalking your Facebook page to see what you're up to.  I'll miss you, but this is for the best.  Please don't call me and try to change my mind.

Regretfully not yours anymore,
Vanessa

13. If I Stay by Gayle Forman

Summary:  Mia has it all: a loving family, a gorgeous boyfriend who adores her, and a brilliant future as a talented cellist.  One morning, everything changes.  Mia's family is in a car accident, and she finds all she has left is a choice- live or die.  As Mia ponders her decision, she remembers her life, her family, and everything she had to look forward to.

My thoughts: I am pretty sure I am the last YA reader out there who hadn't read If I Stay.  So I don't really need to write this review and convince you to read it.  It's more along the lines of "Yes, you were all right and I should have read this a long time ago." 

Yes, the premise is compelling and original!  Mia is in the hospital after the car accident, and she has an out-of-body experience.  She wanders the hallways, watching her friends and extended family react to her tragedy and pondering her choice.  Can she face her life the way it will have to be now, or would she rather follow her parents into death?  Mia's shock and grief as she tries to come to grips with what's happened is ripping and real and terrifying.  And yes, you were right- this book made me cry.   I love Mia's family so much!  Every scene from her memory made me feel her loss more.

You were also right when you said the romance in this story defies cliche.  A big part of Mia's choice centers around her boyfriend, Adam.  She mentally revisits the history of their relationship, from their first date (he spent two week's pay on tickets to Yo Yo Ma) to their biggest crisis (what will they do now that Mia is applying to Julliard and Adam's band is rising in the Seattle music scene).  Mia and Adam really have a unique couple identity and I loved spending time with them.

I couldn't put it down!  You told me I wouldn't be able to, though, so I was prepared with snacks and caffeine.  The story isn't fast-paced, but it's so shocking and sad that it was nearly impossible for me to take a breather.  I did try, though.  I wish I had been able to take it more slowly, and I'll definitely be going back for a reread.

OK, fellow YA readers.  Now that I have admitted how right you all were, I do have just one tiny complaint. I think maybe this book was just a little over-hyped for me.  I was expecting earth-shattering, life-changing, and I-will-never-be-the-same-again.  If I Stay was an excellent and emotionally challenging read, but I don't know that it's changed my entire outlook on life.  That said, it truly is excellent and if there's anyone else out there besides me who hasn't read it, I hope you will give it a try.

PS. I felt very satisfied with the ending of this story.  I understood Mia's choice and I thought I knew what would happen next.  Then I happened to read the description of the sequel, Where She Went.  Now I am stressed out and upset, both longing for and dreading Where She Went's release date (April 5th). 

PPS.  I don't know how many of you pay attention to how I tag my reviews, but you might notice this one is tagged with both "paranormal" and "realistic fiction."  Which is a bit contradictory.  Because of the way the story is written, with Mia having an out-of-body experience and wandering around the hospital while her body is lying in intensive care, this book is often classified as paranormal.  But it just doesn't FEEL that way to me.  The way the material is presented, the flashbacks to Mia's life... my interpretation is that the out-of-body experience is more of a literary device than a literal reality.  So I tagged it both ways.  So sue me.

Duly Quoted (3)

Any book that helps a child to form a habit of reading, to make reading one of his deep and continuing needs, is good for him.  -Maya Angelou

12. The Big Crunch

Author: Pete Hautman

Summary:  June is new in town, again.   Her father moves jobs so often she's practically a professional at being new.  She has a system.  Make friends, but not too close.  Find a boyfriend, but don't like him too much.  Keep busy, but don't make any long term commitments.   It's lonely, but it's safe.  Then she meets Wes, and everything slowly changes.

My thoughts:  There are no fireworks when Wes meets June. They don't fall instantly in love.  He thinks she'll a bit funny-looking, and she scarcely notices him at all.  But high school is a small world, and eventually their paths do cross, changing both of them.

The narration in this book is third person, with the focus shifting between Wes and June.  As their story weaves through a year, we get to see quite a bit of what goes on behind the scenes in each of their lives.  Junes parents own a consulting business and are always moving on to the next contract, pulling June along with them and focusing on the next thing.  Ironically, their focus on the future has left June frozen, unable to move forward in life in a meaningful way.  She is an observer of her own life, too scared to participate in any meaningful way. 

Even though we spend a lot of time with Wes, I had a bit of a hard time getting a grip on who he is outside of his relationship with June.  There was a lot going on with his reactions to various situations and his family dynamic that was never really explained or explored.  You "see" a lot of his life without ever having the pieces connected, if that makes sense.  I would have liked more.  It left me feeling like Wes was only real when he was with June or thinking about her.  Which may have been the point, now that I think about it.

This is a love story, and in some ways it doesn't really start until our two leads start to get to know each other a bit better.  (This happens in a hilarious/embarrassing scene involving June getting a black eye.)  June and Wes fall in love the way perhaps you only can as a teen, with total, all-consuming focus.  It actually made me a little bit uncomfortable, but then, I'm old.  It also made me remember back to the days when spending a few hours away from your person could feel like excruciating torture. 

Through it all, June especially has a sort of paradoxical awareness that what she's feeling isn't necessarily "true love."   In the end, she makes an incredibly mature analysis that will stick with me forever.   Essentially, even feelings that may not last forever are strong and real and can effect a lasting change in a person.   Meh, June says it better.  Read the book. With a quiet and slow-moving attention to detail, Hautman has woven a tale of young love that is sure to strike a chord in the hearts of romantics everywhere.

Content: Reference to teen sex and consumption of alcohol.  Recommend ages 14+.

Bookcase of the Week

Just want to let you know that I am visiting All About {n} today for Nely's Bookcase of the Week feature.  Hop to this post to see where my books live.  You can also pick up some random personal information, including which terrifying milestone birthday I'm facing down this year and what my favorite pair of impractical shoes looks like. 

11. Strings Attached

Author: Judy Blundell

Release date: March 1, 2011

Summary:  Kit Corrigan is seventeen years old in 1950 when she breaks up with her boyfriend. leaves her small town, and arrives in New York City hoping to make a name for herself as an actress.  She's lucky to land a tiny part in the chorus of a third-rate musical.  Apparently she's not the only girl dreaming that dream. When her ex-boyfriend's father offers to ease Kit's dire straits and give her a leg up in the biz, she leaps at the chance.  Kit quickly learns nothing is free in this world.  Her "benefactor," who has ties to the mob, starts asking for small favors, and Kit soon finds herself in over her head.

My thoughts:  Travel with me back to a different time.  It's 1950, the Korean war is raging, but back at home, people move on.  Lives are lived and dreams are dreamt.  Women wear dresses, hats and gloves.  Girls are called "dolls" without a trace of irony. 

This is the world Judy Blundell invites us to visit, and you might not want to leave, even if it is infested with mobsters.   Kit Corrigan makes her home in the seedy underbelly of a classy time, full of unscrupulous characters.  Not that Kit walks blindly into trouble.  She's a smart girl, and she realizes she shouldn't do what she's doing, but she goes ahead and does it anyway.  This is a proven formula for getting Vanessa to yell at books.  Which means I'm emotionally invested in the book, and that's a good thing, but it's so incredibly stressful to read! 

The intensity is ramped up by the twisty turnings of plot.  Even as we're waiting to see how Kit is going to navigate her current problem, we're watching mysteries of her past slowly revealed.  This book gave me a very similar feeling to Blundell's What I Saw and How I Lied in that you know going in that absolutely no one in the story is really "the good guy."  It's dark and consuming and I wouldn't want to read a book like this every day, but I loved every page.

The one thing that annoyed me about this story is the way the telling alternates between Kit's present and her past.  I understand that it had to be that way for the story to work, but it's just not my favorite narrative device.  I find it distracting every time I have to reorient myself in time.

So, I have to urge you to join me in sinking into the smoky atmosphere, listening to the lounge singer, and watching Kit's story unravel.  You won't regret it. (5/5)

Recommended for ages 14+

Picture Book Challenge Update #3.1

The Picture Book Reading Challenge is hosted by the1stdaughter at There's a Book.   There's still plenty of time to join in - the more the merrier!  If you'd like to read a bit more about Bubble, Whee and Monster, check out this post.

Many thanks to the lovely person at Scholastic Canada who sent me the first three books on this list to review.  You completely made my daughters' (and my) day!

The Queen's Secret - Frieda Wishinsky Why does the queen always carry a purse?  Kay wonders, then she meets the queen and gets a chance to find out! 

Mom's take:  We are all about rhyming books these days, so this cute little book is absolutely perfect.  Add beautiful illustrations by Canadian artist Loufane, and this book is sure to please any little girl.

Whee's take:  This is a book about a queen!  Queens are even better than princesses, because princesses have to do what queens tell them.  At least, that's what my mom says.  I like that the book has rhyming words, because then I can say the words before my mom does.

You're Mean, Lily Jean - Frieda Wishinsky  Sandy and Carly are two sisters who have lots of fun playing together.  Then Lily Jean moves in next door and starts shaking things up.

Mom's take:  This is a perfect book to start a talk about bullying, forgiveness, family loyalty, and standing up for yourself.  The storyline was easy for both Bubble and Whee to follow, and it was encouraging to see them recognizing the inappropriate behavior in the story.  We had some helpful talks about
what each of the characters in the story could have done differently.

Bubble's take:  Lily Jean is really mean!  She called Carly stupid and made her do things that were not fun!  I was so happy when Carly stopped letting Lily Jean tell her what to do.  I would never let someone do that to my sister.  No one gets to be mean to my sister but me.

Monster Manners - Hazel Hutchins If you are invited to a monster's house for dinner, be sure to use your manners.  You never know what could happen if you don't.

Mom's take: Love this book!  This was a fun and easy way to introduce some basic table manners for Whee, who is admittedly a bit of a barbarian.  The consequences for the little boy in the story when he doesn't use his manners are sure to appeal to little boys everywhere.  And also to Whee.

Whee's take:  Wash your hands or the slobber plant will drool on you?  That's FANTASTIC!  I wish we had a slobber plant at my house. 

Splat the Cat - Rob Scotton Splat is off to his first day of school! 

Mom's take: Splat is so cute!  A lighthearted take on the first-day-of-school experience, this story would be great for any 3- and 4-year olds who are a little nervous about starting school.

Bubble's take:  At MY school we are not allowed to bring mice to class.  Neither is Splat.  His friends try to eat his pet!  It's terrible! Splat should really be more careful with his things.  But everything is ok in the end, and Splat teaches his teacher something new.  Isn't that funny?

Chester's Back - Melanie Watt Chester finally gets Melanie to write another book about him.  But he still won't behave!

Mom's take:  Whee loves Chester to distraction.  I'm a little tired of reading the first book over and over EVERY SINGLE DAY, so I was excited to find this second title in the library.  Chester is up to his old antics, and this book is going to make his fans very happy. 

Whee's take: A NEW CAT BOOK!!  I LOVE THE CAT BOOK!! CANWEREADITNOWCANWEREADITNOWCANWEREADITNOW? (If you think that's annoying in allcaps, imagine it in person at full volume.)

Sheep in a Jeep - Nancy Shaw These silly sheep keep getting into trouble!

Mom's take:  Another rhyming book!  Bubble likes this one, and she can read it by herself to Monster.  It's so cute! I've gotten this book from the library a few times for all my kids, and they all love it.

Whee's take:  These silly sheep can't drive very well. They keep crashing!  It's so funny!

I had so many books read this week that I'm splitting my post in two.  Look for more on Tuesday.

10. Silent in the Sanctuary

Author: Deanna Raybourn

Series: Lady Julia #2

Summary:  Julia returns from a six-month stay in Italy to spend Christmas with her large, eccentric family.  What could be better than a lovely English Christmas?  Unfortunately, there are a few surprises among the house guests, not the least of which is that the mysterious detective Nicholas Brisbane is invited to visit... with his new fiance.  Outraged, Julia is determined to make Brisbane jealous, and sets to it with a vengeance.  She gets a little distracted, though, when one of her guests turns up dead.

My thoughts: My addiction to this series continues to grow.  I like Lady Julia even more in this book than I did in Silent in the Grave.  She's really come into herself, and I loved following along with her continued adventures.  I am also charmed with the setting of this novel.  Like many Canadians, I am slightly enamoured with the idea of being British.  A story set at a ancient but beautiful manor in the English countryside at Christmas is exactly my cup of tea!

However, I am still of two minds about Brisbane.  Which is fitting, since he seems to have a bit of a split personality.  I've come around to the point where I can see why Julia finds him attractive.  He's mysterious, intense, deeply feeling, and intelligent.  Unfortunately, he's also a pig-headed, supercilious jerk.  No wonder Julia and I are so miserable trying to decipher his feelings. 

Whether or not you like Brisbane, though, this is a great read for a snowy winter afternoon.  Just curl up in a chair and sink in.

Final word: (4/5) I am completely in love with this series' audacious protagonist, but I'm not sold on Brisbane yet.

Duly Quoted (2)

Take two on the name.  What do you think? 

I love collecting quotes, so I created this meme as a chance to share a favorite quote - from a famous person, from a book you're reading, or from your every day life.  Whatever strikes your fancy!

"Faith seems to grab people and not let go, but hope is a double-crosser.  It can beat on you anytime; it's your job to dig in your heels and hang on."  -Kit Corrigan, from Strings Attached by Judy Blundell.

Etsy Friday: Owly

Some of my friends have accused me of having an obsession with owls.  It might be a little bit true.  Today I have a selection of items featuring two of my favorite things together:  books and owls!

Kindle Case by Free Moment

Owl Print on Antique Book Page by Black Baroque

Book Tote by MyPersonalizedTShirt

Owls and Eggs Bookmarks by Simply Grow

Pick-your-book Giveaway

I realize it's been a very long time since I had a giveaway here on the blog, and I'd like to remedy that right now.  First I'm going to go off on a seemingly random side trail.  I have a point, honest.

Yesterday I made some cookies.  They were supposed to be bite-sized butterscotch brownies, but they didn't exactly turn out.  They sort of exploded outward and sank down in the middle, and they're very hard.  They sort of look alien to me:

You know you're jealous of my blue manicure.   It was a snow day yesterday and in the midst of the cabin fever I let Bubble and Whee paint my nails. So, so attractive.  Anyway, I bet you're wondering how this relates to a giveaway.  Well, since I'm snowed in again today, I want you to entertain me.  To enter the giveaway:

1.  Leave a comment telling me something I could use these cookies for (as a spaceship prop in a movie?). Or tell me something fun to do on a snow day.  This is your mandatory entry.

2. Leave me some way to contact you if you win.  Email or twitter.  Do you follow me on twitter? 

3. OPTIONAL (but very fun) I'll give you an extra entry if you go enter Heather Zundel's contest and tell her NotNessie sent you. 

Prizes.  I will choose one winner randomly and one winner with the most creative cookie use/snow day idea, as judged by me.  Each winner will get to choose a prize from my stack of books.  I'm not sure what all's in there, but I see on the top Wither by Lauren Destefano and Strings Attached by Judy Blundell, both of which were fantastic.  The contest will be open for one week, til February 10th at 8pm EST.  Open to the US and Canada.  Good luck!

9. Close to Famous

Author: Joan Bauer

Summary:  Foster McFee is a kid with a dream.  She loves to bake, and she wants nothing more than to have her own cooking show like her idol, Sonny Kroll.  When Foster and her mother are chased out of Memphis by an Elvis impersonator named Huck, they land in the tiny town of Culpepper, and big dreams suddenly seem very, very far away. 

My thoughts: Culpepper is the kind of town I wish I lived in.  Everyone knows each other, when a kid get in trouble the neighbors call the kid's mama, and eccentric characters lurk around every dusty corner.  The town has its share of problems, with jobs scarce and money scarcer, but its people know how to dream big.

Foster also has several problems stacked against her, but the biggest problem is that she can't read.  Not only does this block her progress in school, but it makes her feel stupid and worthless.  She's determined to hide her problem, until someone convinces her to try to overcome it instead.  It's a tough and touching battle.  When Foster gets upset, she bakes.  She practices her TV presence by giving herself a monologue/pep talk, imparting cooking tips and life lessons to her imaginary audience.  I loved her little talks, they had me laughing and misting up at the same time.  I do love a precocious kid protagonist.

Though Foster is quite the little scene-stealer, there are some secondary characters who give her a run for her money.  There's Miss Charleena, the heartbroken actress who hopes to return to the big time if she can just pull herself together.  Almost every page she was on had me laughing.   Foster's best-friend-to-be Macon is a very serious fellow who wants to be a documentary filmaker... he just needs a camera.  There's a slighly loony but well-intentioned woman desperately trying to save the town's church building from destruction.  It's hard to imagine all these people pulling together to fix the town's problems, but that's the only way it will work itself out.

My only real problem with this story is that I felt like it could have given me more.  More character development, more depth to the story, and more realism with the wrap-up.  Everything was just over so quickly!  It was good, but it could have been better.  That said, we're talking about a book geared to middle grade audiences, so it's not going to be the same as an adult or YA novel.

Final word: (4/5) A story about overcoming the odds and following your dreams that middle graders will love.  Be sure and pick this one up when it releases tomorrow.

Content: Squeaky clean! 

8. The Search For WondLa

Author: Tony Diterlizzi

Summary: Eva Nine is twelve years old and has never seen another living human being.  She lives in the underground "Sanctuary" with her robotic companion, Muthr.  She spends all day in lessons that are supposed to help her survive when she leaves her home and must live on the Earth's surface.  But when an vicious invader speeds up her schedule, Eva discovers that her lessons might not do her any good.  The world outside Sanctuary is nothing like her lessons.  Confused and alone, Eva sets out to find others like herself. (Goodreads)

My thoughts: Eva Nine is adorable.  I just have to say it.  I want to pick her up and keep her in my pocket.  Or possibly trade in one of my ungrateful brats and adopt her =o)  She is the kind of heroine that is going to have readers cheering for her from page one onwards. 

This entire book, for me, was a wonderful experience.  Eva's adventures and the friends she meets make for fascinating reading, and I can't wait to share this book with my children in a few years.  And there are illustrations!  Beautiful illustrations!  My only complaint is that the story ended to soon, I REALLY want to know what happens now. 

Final word: (4/5) Charm and wonder in spades.  This book is a little on the young side, so readers who prefer YA/adult stories will want to look elsewhere.

Content: A few scary parts, but I would give this book to any child able to take on the vocabulary.  Ages 9+

Teaser Tuesday: The Big Crunch

Today's teaser is from The Big Crunch by Pete Hautman:

Britt pulled up to the curb. For a second, June thought she was going to order her out of the car, but then she realized they had arrived at her house.  Funny thing - she'd been living there six weeks and still had to check the house number to be sure it was the right one.

I haven't started reading this one yet, but I love this teaser and the cover!

*Teaser Tuesday is hosted each week at Should Be Reading.