Corona Castle by Sharon Creech Genre: Fantasy Summary: (by Good Reads) Long ago and far away . . . There was a castle. But not just any castle. This was a castle that glittered and sparkled and rose majestically above the banks of the winding Winono River: the Castle Corona. And in this castle lived a family. But not just any family. This was the family of King Guido: rich and royal and . . . spoiled. And King Guido wasso spoiled that neither jewels nor gold nor splendid finery could please him, for what he longed for most was . . . a nap and a gown that didn't itch. Far below this grand, glittering castle lived two peasants. But not just any peasants. These peasants, though poor and pitiful, were plucky and proud. And in possession of a stolen pouch. But not just any pouch. A pouch whose very contents had the power to unlock secrets and transform lives . . . Reflections: Sharon Creech is one of my favorite authors. Her writing is typically realistic fiction, so this was a change for her as a writer and me as a fan. It took a little while for me to be completely engaged in this story. As I was reading I was thinking it would receive 3 hearts, but as the story unfolded and two parallel stories started to intertwine, I changed my mind. The believable characters, the vivid description, and the great message captured me. I would recommend this to . . . Sharon Creech fans and fantasy lovers; Rachel, Ryann, Shalini, Caroline. |
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I am fortunate to occasionally receive advanced reader's copies in hand or on-line. The following books will be released in the following months, so if you are interested in a title add it to your TBR list.
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I am fortunate to occasionally receive advanced reader's copies in hand or on-line. The following books will be released in the following months, so if you are interested in a title add it to your TBR list.
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Stubby by Blake Hoena (release date Aug. 1, 2014) Genre: Biography Summary: (by Net Galley) A stray dog name Stubby braves the World War I battlefields alongside Private J. Robert Conroy. See the story unfold as this brave little canine makes a big difference in the lives of many World War I soldiers. From dodging bullets on the battlefield to rocketing into outer space, courageous animals put their lives on the line for safety of others. These true stories of real-life animal heroes will inspire adventure lovers and animal fans alike. Breathtaking illustrations present their tales like never before. Reflections: A wonderful story of a WWI dog hero, Stubby. A short picture book that will steal your heart. If you are a dog lover or history buff you will love this short story. I would recommend this to . . . Elizabeth, Ryann, Jack, Aidan, David D., Alex, Roger, Rawi. |
My Heart is Laughing by Rose Lagercrantz (release date Sept. 8, 2014) Genre: Realistic Fiction Summary: (by Net Galley) Dani's been trying her best to stay happy ever since her best friend Ella moved away. But when some girls in Dani's class start being cruel to her, it starts a chain of rather unhappy events... It would all be okay if only Ella would move back. Reflections: I love Dani's optimism. She is a young girl who is secure in being different. But it becomes difficult to tolerate the bullying she is experiencing when her best friend Ella moves away. This short chapter book shows how one can overcome bullies who are mean to you. I would recommend this to . . . Elizabeth, Ryann, Rachel. |
28 Tricks for a Fearless Grade 6 by Catherine Austen (release date Sept. 1, 2014) Genre: humor Summary: (by Net Galley) Dave Davidson's heart is in the right place. He believes it's his mission to cure his friends of their fears. But his solutions are hare-brained at best and often come with unintended and hilarious consequences. Afraid of dancing at the school dance? Dave's got ways to fix that: sprain an ankle, eat expired food to get sick, or even get yourself suspended for a few days. Have a public speaking phobia? Dave can fix that for you too: get laryngitis, forge a note from a therapist, or get your friends to hold up cue cards. This hilarious new novel will appeal to reluctant tween readers, especially boys. Reflections: Dave a 6th grader learns, "Every fear is fear of the future. It's the fear that something terrible is about to happen and you won't be able to handle it." With all of you anticipating the future of 6th grade with new teachers, new friends, and new learning I thought this would be a great book to try. I think many of you will enjoy and laugh while reading about how Dave and his friends navigate their way through grade 6 and learn to overcome their fear. I would recommend this to . . . Aaryan, Asad, Roger, David S. |