A great book club choice for kids

Flora & Ulysses: The Illuminated Adventures

By: Kate DiCamillo

Genre:  Juvenile fiction

Pages: 233

Published: 2013

Read: December

4 out of 5

I read this book because it was suggested on a website as a great selection for a YA book club. I feel it is too young for teens, but would be perfect for a kid’s book club. DiCamillo is also the author of the very popular book and movie, Because of Winn Dixie. Both books are a must read for kids, for boys and girls, of all ages. It was very funny and the pictures were great. Ulysses, the squirrel, was named after the vacuum cleaner that sucked him up. After being saved by Flora it was discovered that he had special powers all because of the vacuum. Flora has a great imagination and brings the story to life. 

I loved the artwork

Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children: The Graphic Novel

By: Ransom Riggs

Genre:  YA graphic novel

Pages: 272

Published: 2013

Read: December

3 out of 5

This is a good rendition of the YA novel. I still much prefer the actual novel, but teens who are intimidated by reading will enjoy it. There were several story lines in the original version that aren't even touched upon in the graphic novel which was a disappointment. I did loved the artwork and really liked how the color themes changed depending on where the story was taking place. However, I wish more photographs of the peculiar children were included. The photographs were a large part of what makes the story so unique. I also felt that the graphic novel was more violent because the picturistic aspect. This would be a good option for 7th grade and above. 

Midwest YA novel

The Blind Faith Hotel

By: Pamela Todd

Genre:  YA fiction

Pages: 320

Published: 2008

Read: December

3 out of 5

I read this book hoping it would be a good YA campaign novel to Shotgun Lovesongs by Nickolas Butler for One Book One Community.   Although the story does take place in the Midwest and Zoe does community service at a forest preserve, I don’t feel the premise was good. More importantly, this story won’t entertain boys at all. The story itself was OK and teen girls may enjoy it. I just didn’t get what I wanted out of it. However, my biggest issue was that Zoe confesses to shoplifting and still receives the same punishment she would have if she was caught rather then turn herself in. What does this message send to the kids? Don’t bother confessing, the punishment is the same.

Wanted it to be funnier

How to Build a Girl

By: Caitlin Moran

Genre:  Adult fiction

Pages: 336

Published: 2014

Read: December

2 out of 5

This is another book I expected to really enjoy. It may have been because I was sick when I read it, but I didn’t find it nearly as funny as I hoped. Furthermore, I found the book way to unrealistic – no matter how talented you are (and she wasn’t) I don’t see a 14 year old becoming a music journalist and quitting school. While there were definitely some funny parts, I was really hoping by the end she would grow up and have some revelations that she was going about her life all wrong, but I guess I was wrong.  

YA or Adult..That is the Question

Hick

By: Andrea Portes

Genre:  Adult/YA fiction

Pages: 264

Published: 2007

Read: December

3 out of 5

I cannot decide if this should be a YA or adult book. My feeling isn’t so much that a teen couldn’t handle the material (although it’s probably too rough for young teens), but I don’t know if the story would hold their interest. Libraries seem to find it a difficult task as well – some have in YA others in Adult – probably depending on how conservative the library is. It’s told in the voice of Luli, a 13 year old girl, as she leaves home and travels to Las Vegas. She meets a lot of unique strangers along the way.  I was really into this book at the beginning and couldn’t put it down but then it fell flat. There was never any climax and the excitement just disappeared.

One of Rainbow Rowell's adult novel

Landline

By: Rainbow Rowell

Genre:  Adult fiction

Pages: 310

Published: 2014

Audiobook: 7 discs (9 hours)

Read: December

3 out of 5

Being a huge fan of Rowell, especially Eleanor and Park, I had no choice but to read this book – her latest adult fiction. And like the other ones, I listened to Landline. Her books are great on audio and this one is the same narrators as E & P.  Maybe because the narrators are the same I felt that this could have easily been a YA novel, if the characters were younger. The main characters were in their 30’s but had a magically phone that caused replays of their budding romance when they were younger. Plus, Georgie often acted like a teenager. The best part was the audio. This would be a good book for an adult who is looking for a quick, easy summer romance novel. Personally, I think I will stick with her YA novels.  

The last of the Monument kids

Monument 14: Savage Drift

By: Emmy Laybourne

Genre:  YA science fiction

Pages: 306

Published: 2014

Read: December

4 out of 5

This is the last of the trilogy of the kids from Monument, Colorado. This is a hard book to review without giving any of the exciting conclusion away. I will say that the ending will not leave you unsatisfied and just like the first two books Savage Drift is action packed.  Often in trilogies I find that one book is not nearly as good. This is not the case with this one. Similar to Hunger Games and Unwind this series will interest both males and females, which I believe is a great achievement for any author.  Because of this fact, the exciting plot and quality writing I booktalked this trilogy last week to 7^th and 8^th graders. I also found out that the production of a movie has begun. Very Excited!

Shocked at the overall rating!!

Cages of Glass, Flowers of Time

By: Charlotte Culin

Genre:  YA Fiction

Pages: 288

Published: 1986

Read: December

2 out of 5

I expected to really enjoy this book. The rating for it on Goodreads was 4.61 (out of 5 stars) and with 120 reviews. The story was told in the voice of a 14 year old, Claire, but I felt her thoughts and feelings were of a 9 or 10 year old. She was way too immature sounding for me to believe her age. Furthermore, I felt it was poor writing and besides the old man in the woods I couldn’t connect with any of the characters. Claire falls for a boy that helps her deal with the child abuse she encountered, but with how young she seemed to be I had a difficult time buying the romance. And even in those aspects of the story her thoughts were childish to me. 

Book needed more research

The Age of Miracles

By: Karen Thompson Walker

Genre:  Adult/YA Fiction

Pages: 294

Published: 2012

Read: December

1.5 out of 5

I really don't understand why this book is considered adult fiction. First of all, the protagonist and narrator throughout the book is a 11 year old girl. It is a coming-of-age dystopian novel that to me seems only teens would enjoy. There were two plots - the world coming to an end and then  Julia being more concerned about Seth liking her. I felt the two storylines didn't connect well in this particular novel. Lastly, I felt Walker should have researched more on what would happen if the earth rotation did begin to slow - it didn't go anyway and didn't seem necessary to the overall story Walker was attempting to write. 

Love the 80's - Read this book!

Ready Player One

By: Ernest Cline

Genre:  Adult/YA Science Fiction

Pages: 374

Published: 2011

Read: November

4.5 out of 5

80’s ROCK!!! If you think so too, this book is definitely for you! I was very surprised how much I enjoyed this book – I stayed up to 1 am because I HAD to finish it. The book takes place in 2044 when a video game creator obsessed with the 80’s decade runs a contest to win his inheritance (he has no living kin). To win the game, the players must become obsessed with the 80’s as well. This book is excited and brings back great memories of movies, music, and games from the decade. This is a MUST if you are a teen of the 80’s, obsessed with the decade or a video gamer. My only disappointment was that you were told who wins the contest in first chapter, so the suspense of that aspect is nonexistent, hence the ½ point deductionJ. Still one of my favorite reads of 2014.

Young Adult paranormal romance

The Ghost and the Goth

By: Stacey Kade

Genre:  YA Paranormal

Pages: 304

Published: 2011

Read: November

4 out of 5

I love the way Kade is able to write on paranormal topics, yet make it all so realistic. She stretches her stories just enough without going overboard. I enjoy how she adds little bits of humor (and makes fun of cheerleaders) in this story and even has the characters “talk” to the readers. I love the connection between Will, the teen who speaks to ghosts, and Alona, the ghost. I would have liked to have seen more of Joonie (maybe the next book?), but overall the characters were well developed. I felt the book ended with closure and could be a stand-alone novel. I wonder if she knew it was going to be a trilogy when beginning to write it.  I will be reading the rest soon, so stay tuned.  This book is great for teens into paranormal love stories.

The 14 kids from Monument...

Monument 14: Sky on Fire

By: Emmy Laybourne

Genre:  YA Science Fiction

Pages: 212

Published: 2013

Read: November

4 out of 5

This is the sequel to Monument 14, but now some of the kids have left the safety of Greenway. This story is told in the alternating voices of two brothers – Alex, who has left for Denver International Airport and Dean, who stayed in Greenway. Both books are jammed packed with action and adventure, so prepare to do nothing but sit and read once you pick them up. This series definitely deserves the praise it is receiving from teens everywhere. I was happy to learn that I started the trilogy after all three were released. Therefore, I can jump right into the exciting and suspenseful (I hope) conclusion of the 14 kids from Monument, Colorado.  This trilogy would also make a fantastic movie or teen TV series. 

a GREAT multicultural story

The Book of Unknown Americans

By: Christina Henriquez

Genre:  Adult Fiction

Pages: 286

Published: 2014

Audiobook: 9 hours and 12 minutes

Read: November

4.5 out of 5

This book reminded me a lot of a Hispanic version of Bright Shiny Morning by James Frey. It includes several stories told from multiple immigrants from Mexico. Some of the stories intertwine while others stand alone. What I loved about the audio was that every single character was narrated by a different person. This added a personal touch to every character.  The main story line involves the telling of the relationship between a Panamanian boy and a Mexican girl. Their love story reminded me a lot of Eleanor and Park’s told by Rainbow Rowell.  All the stories will open the readers’ minds to the difficulties faced by immigrants in the United States.  Because this book is not just about immigrants, but also teenage love I would definitely recommend this to teenagers as well.  

Very Disturbing Graphic Novel

A Friendly Game

By: Jose Pimienta

Genre:  Adult graphic novel

Pages: 200

Published: 2010

Read: November

3.5 out of 5

VERY disturbing! Two boys start out killing mice for competitive points in what was meant to be a friendly game. The competition went from mice to bigger and better creatures. I liked it because it was definitely unique from other graphic novels I have read.  I read some reviews that criticized the book because of it's gruesome disturbing plot and pictures. Excuse me , but that was the idea. They must criticize Stephen King as well. Others said there were gaps in the plot. The gaps were other sides of the story and minutiae details. Besides, I have always felt with graphic novels the readers always has to fill in some blanks because of style of book. This isn't a fantastic book, but better than the average graphic novel. Recommended to fans of gruesome, gory stories.

The Carter Family...

The Carter Family: Don't Forget this Song

By: Frank M. Young

Genre:  Adult graphic novel

Pages: 192

Published: 2012

Read: November

3 out of 5

A graphic portrayal of June Carter-Cash's musical family - it does not cover June's life but rather the life of her parent's. Even more so her aunt, uncle, and cousins. This was a huge disappointment. I was definitely looking forward to reading about June, her sisters, and Maybelle, which were the individuals I thought made up The Carter Family musical group . It was actually Alvin Pleasant (A.P.), Maybelle's brother-in-law, that began the group. He was a huge jerk, and worse, to everyone.  I honestly don't know how any of them put up with him.  I was blown away with how he is portrayed in this graphic novel - nothing was held back.  I appreciated that there was a family tree at the beginning since I referred to it often.  Also, my copy included a music CD as well, but only 4 songs :(

A mystifying tale

The Thirteenth Tale

By: Diane Setterfield

Genre:  Adult historical fiction

Pages: 406

Published: 2006

Read: November

4 out of 5

This is definitely one of my favorite historical fiction novels. It is so intriguing, unique, and all about books! What could be better? The first half of the book I literally could not put down AND I have read it once before – years ago.  Vida Winter’s book of thirteen tales has always been missing the thirteenth story. When she finally decided to tell her story, sick and dying, she begins with a story of twins, Adeline and Emmeline, growing up in Angelfield. This only baffles the biographer and the reader more as they become engrossed in the Mrs. Winter’s story. It is one mystifying tale within another mystifying tale. My one criticism would be that the ending moves too fast, as a reader I started to get lost in how Margaret unraveled the mystifying tales. Still a great novel, I recommend this to fans of historical fiction, Kate Morton and book clubs everywhere.  

A Prisoner's autobiography

Orange is the New Black

By: Piper Kerman

Genre:  Adult Biography

Pages: 298

Audiobook: 11 hours 14 mins

Published: 2010

Read: November

4 out of 5

An autobiography written by a woman who served a year in a women’s federal prison for a 10 year old drug crime. By the time she actually served, she was college educated, had a good career, and was engaged. She did not have the normal prisoner profile. Her narrative was about the women she meet, the jobs she had, and the life she was forced to lead. However, she never degraded any of other inmates and even helped them with their education. It wasn’t all hunky-dory, but she survived. I expected it to be funnier and carefree; that is probably because I watched the TV series, which is extremely exaggerated.  The autobiography is more matter of fact. What bothers me the most is how prisoners are able to make money off of their criminal background – but of course, I still read the book.

A Newbery Award Winning Book

Walk Two Moons

By: Sharon Creech

Genre:  Juvenile fiction

Pages: 280

Published: 1996

Read: November

4 out of 5

Salamanca “Sal” Tree Hiddle travels with her grandparents from Ohio to Idaho to visit her mother’s grave. Throughout her journey, she learns a lot about herself, her mother, and her grandparents. It is a great coming-of-age story that teaches some important lessons applicable to everyone. What I liked about it most was that every age and gender can appreciate the story. My only criticism is that there is so much mystery and adventuristic tales it dilutes the realistic aspect of Sal’s stories. As a side note, my personal thoughts about Newbery Award winning books – I usually don’t like them. As a Teen Librarian, I also notice they just sit on the shelf and look awfully sad. Newberys are chosen by adults and the criteria is on the quality of writing, development of plot and symbolism. As long as age appropriate, the appeal to the audience is not a consideration. This is not a necessarily a bad thing, just usually means the books aren’t as popular with readers as one expects for an award winning book. Walk Two Moons is one of the few exceptions for me – not only does it have the required criteria it also has a very enjoyable story. If you want a more popular and entertaining award-winning book – check out the Rebecca Caudill award winners which is another award Walk Two Moons (along with several other Sharon Creech) has won..

A great new YA trilogy - year 2024

Monument 14

By: Emmy Laybourne

Genre:  YA Dystopian

Pages: 294

Published: 2012

Read: November

4 out of 5

I read this book because the second book of the trilogy is a Teens’ Top Ten winner for 2014 (I have to read them in order). If this book is any indication of what is to come, I can’t wait to read Sky of Fire and Savage Drift.  I can honestly say I believe the teens do a phenomenal job choosing the top 10 of each year (in fact, better than some other organizations). For me, Monument 14 comes in as a close second, in the YA dystopian genre, to the Unwind trilogy by Neal Shusterman. This book offers a little bit of everything – action, excitement, love, danger and suspense. I recommend it to all fans of dystopian. Recently, I even had a teen who is a huge fan of realistic fiction tell me she was surprised at how much she enjoyed Sky on Fire; so I say everyone should give this trilogy a try.

a depressing graphic memoir

Can’t We Talk about Something More Pleasant?

By: Roz Chast

Genre:  Adult graphic novel

Pages: 228

Published: 2014

Read: November

3 out of 5

This graphic novel was overwhelmingly depressing. I knew that going into it (ex: the title itself). But come on, there could have been some humor added about taking care of your elderly parents; not just the burden and guilt of having to do so. There were a few laughs (when her mother sh%$ all over her bathroom) and a few heartwarming moments with her dad. Most of it though was Roz complaining and bickering about her responsibility. Who wants to read a book like that? It made me think of what I have to look forward to in the future and the hassle I may be on my daughter, who is also an only child. I just pray I go quickly. However, the artwork and pictures were fantastic. So if you read, just be prepared.

A Stacey Kade mystery novel

Bitter Pill

By: Stacey Kade

Genre:  Adult fiction

Pages: 210

Published: 2013

Read: November

3.5 out of 5

Boy, does Rennie have trouble follow her? This was a fun, quick read that definitely will hold a reader’s interest. The mystery itself was intriguing and after finishing it I was surprised I didn’t solve it. The clues were definitely there, but not “in your face” nor did the murderer come out of left field.  I enjoy the small town feel in books and really getting to know the characters. Because of this, I ended up feeling disappointed in the character(s) that deceived me and the town. These are all good qualities to a mystery. What could have made it better - everything with the murder wrapped up a little to neatly, but on the plus side new questions aroused making the reader wonder if there will be a sequel one day. The strange thing is the aspect I have the most problem with is the cover – in my eyes, that is not Rennie. 

Life after death??

Elsewhere

By: Gabrielle Zevin

Genre:  YA fantasy

Pages: 277

Published: 2007

Read: November

3.5 out of 5

What happens after you die? Zevin writes of Elsewhere. A place where you live, work, and play – only after you die. It’s a story of 15 year old, Liz, who ends up in Elsewhere after a tragic accident.  The story is cute, sometimes funny (want to learn Canine or Catus? Go to Elsewhere), heart-breaking and even peacefully. It's not groundbreaking writing, but I felt Zevin wrote in a way that will have teens thinking…what it’s like, who should I be, where do I want to go, do my actions now matter?  It's a nonthreatening view of life and death and life after death. This would be a great selection for teen book groups.

WHO are you?

Player One

By: Douglas Coupland

Genre:  Fiction/Science fiction

Pages: 246

Published: 2011

Read: November

2.5 out of 5

This book was a little different for me because it had a touch of science fiction, which is my least favorite genre. I knew it wasn't heavy though, so I gave it a try. It reminded me a touch of The Breakfast Club -entire book takes place in a hotel lounge bar and surrounding area and is narrated by 4 people (one being a mysterious voiceover) with completely different personalities. That is mixed with The Left Behind series by Tim LaHaye -Is the end of the world here?. There are also some religious undertones.  I think I would have enjoyed it more if I was able to connect one of the character's personalities. Plus, the ending was resolved too quickly and neatly for me. 

Murder in the community I live...

Murder in McHenry

By: Paul Scharff

Genre:  Nonfiction True Crime

Pages: 249

Published: 2013

Read: November

2 out of 5

I live in McHenry, where this murder took place and vaguely know the Scharff family. While the premise was on the murder of Paul Scharff’s father and employee the underlying message was the incompetency of the McHenry Police Department. It took 27 years and the family to finally solve the case, plus the police never really admitted their negligence. I found the book scary because of the poor investigating by McHenry County since I still live here. However, the book was so poorly edited and continually repeated the same facts over and over throughout the chapters it literally drove me crazy. I kept saying to myself “You already told us that”.  Therefore, my 2 star rating is based on the way the book was edited and written. I feel the actions by Paul, his family, and the others involved did a remarkable job at making the community aware of how McHenry County Police Department poorly handled the investigation of these murders. 

The ending of a great Dystopian series

Undivided

By: Neal Shusterman

Genre:  YA Dystopian

Pages: 372

Published: 2014

Read: November

4 out of 5

This was the final book of a fantastic series that I discovered by accident. The series follows three main protagonists on an adventure to save themselves from being unwound – taken apart and having their body parts donated to adults that need them. This final one is just as action packed and full of twists and turns as the other three books. I highly recommend this series to ANYONE because I thought I was through with dystopian novels when I picked it up and this entire series, as a whole, enthralled me. The third one was a slight let down for me. I felt there was not enough of an advancement for the teens from book two to four. With that being said, book four was great and the ending of the series was satisfactory. 

Humorous realistic Fiction for teenage boys

Winger

By: Andrew Smith

Genre:  YA Realistic Fiction

Pages: 439

Published: 2013

Audiobook: 8 discs (9 hours 52 minutes)

Read: October

3 out of 5

This book was very funny and entertaining. However, this also caused a point of confusion for me. As a librarian, when I read a book I try to figure out who are the best readers for it. This book includes a lot of guy humor and would definitely appeal to teen boys, but I don’t meet many that read realistic fiction. I believe once the word gets out among their peers it may pick up the deserved hype. It’s attracting that first reader that may be a challenge. Because of the humorous facet of story, I would recommend this to older teenage boys that were fans of the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series and Captain Underpants.  This was also the first time I started a book on audio and finished it by physically reading it. The audio was great, but after discovering that there were illustrations included (similar to Wimpy Kid) I would have chosen to read the entire book.