The Sign of the Beaver by Elizabeth George Speare

April 8, 2021 By Leave a Comment


The Sign of the Beaver by Elizabeth George Speare
Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
Genre: Historical, Middle Grade (8 – 12 y.o.)
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Poinsettia

In this Newbery Honor book, a thirteen-year-old boy struggles to survive on his own in the wilderness of eighteenth-century Maine.

When Matt’s father leaves him on his own to guard their new cabin in the wilderness, Matt is scared but determined to be brave and prove that he can take care of himself. And things are going fine until a white stranger steals his gun, leaving Matt defenseless and unable to hunt for his food. Then Matt meets Attean, a Native boy from the Beaver tribe, and soon learns that people called the land around him home long before the white settlers ever arrived. As Attean teaches him more about his own culture, Matt must come to terms with what the changing frontier really means. Now with an introduction by critically acclaimed writer Joseph Bruchac about the historical context and the relationships between Native peoples and white settlers in the eighteenth century.

Matt knew life alone in the wilderness of Maine wouldn’t be easy, but he had no idea just how many challenges he would face.
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Matt is in a tough situation. He and his father have worked hard to build a new cabin for their family. However, his father needs to go back to Massachusetts and retrieve the rest of the family. Matt will have to take care of the cabin and garden for months while his father is gone. The garden is especially important as the family will depend on a good harvest to survive the winter. It is a heavy weight for a young boy to bear.

At first, things go smoothly enough. Matt follows his father’s instructions and settles into a comfortable routine. I admire his bravery and sense of duty. However, when Matt’s gun is stolen, he finds himself with limited options for obtaining food and no way to defend himself. As if that weren’t bad enough, a disastrous encounter with bees leaves Matt injured and sick. Matt’s story could have ended there, but he is found by Saknis and his grandson, Attean, members of the Beaver tribe.

Matt and Attean have an interesting relationship. At first, Attean clearly wants nothing to do with Matt. Attean only visits Matt because Saknis wants Attean to learn to read English. Matt isn’t exactly fond of Attean either, but he is grateful to Saknis for his help after the incident with the bees and wants to show his appreciation, so he agrees to teach Attean. The lessons do not go well. At first, both boys are stubborn and unwilling to look past their differences. However, the walls between the two gradually begin to break down. Attean enjoys the stories that Matt reads, and Matt learns to make snares and a bow and arrows. Matt finds himself looking forward to his treks through the forest with Attean. The tension between the two eases as they take the time to learn from each other and eventually become friends. When Matt’s father isn’t back at the appointed time, Matt is faced with a difficult choice. Will he risk facing winter alone in the cabin, or leave with Attean and his family?

I read The Sign of the Beaver when I was young, and I found the plot to be just as captivating as an adult. I especially enjoyed reading this book with my children and watching them experience it for the first time. We were all on the edge of our seats as Matt and Attean faced bees, a bear, metal traps, and the arrival of winter. I will say that the portrayal of the Native Americans is somewhat problematic. I highly recommend reading the introduction before reading the novel as it addresses some of these issues. Despite these issues, I believe at its heart The Sign of the Beaver is a story of friendship and definitely worth reading.

I truly enjoyed rediscovering The Sign of the Beaver. It is a tale of friendship and adventure sure to capture the imaginations of readers young and old alike.

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The Adventures of Sir Lancelot the Great by Gerald Morris Illustrated by Aaron Renier

November 20, 2019 By Leave a Comment


The Adventures of Sir Lancelot the Great by Gerald Morris Illustrated by Aaron Renier
Knight’s Tales #1
Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
Genre: Action/Adventure, Historical
Length: Short story (92 pages)
Age Recommendation: 6+
Rating: 4.5 stars
Reviewed by Poinsettia
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Many years ago, the storytellers say, the great King Arthur brought justice to England with the help of his gallant Knights of the Round Table. Of these worthy knights, there was never one so fearless, so chivalrous, so honorable, so…shiny as the dashing Sir Lancelot, who was quite good at defending the helpless and protecting the weak, just as long as he’d had his afternoon nap. Behold the very exciting and very funny adventures of Lancelot the Great, as only acclaimed Arthurian author Gerald Morris can tell them.

Prepare to meet Lancelot, the greatest (and shiniest) knight of them all!

Lancelot is a flawed, but very lovable character. He is vain, and his motivation for becoming a knight has more to do with fame and shiny armor rather than helping others. However, Lancelot is also brave, courageous, and always willing to rescue a damsel in distress. Unfortunately, being the greatest knight in Camelot comes with some serious drawbacks. Lancelot becomes disillusioned with being a knight and walks away from King Arthur and Camelot. However, about a year after Lancelot leaves, King Arthur finds himself in desperate need of his greatest knight. I’m pleased to say Lancelot is more than up to the challenge. In this moment, Lancelot realizes what it truly means to be a knight.

The Adventures of Sir Lancelot the Great is such an entertaining tale! Mr. Morris brings out themes of loyalty, chivalry, and helping others in a fun and easy way for children to understand. The book is filled with clean, goofy humor sure to bring on the giggles, but the humor is never overdone. I particularly enjoyed reading Lancelot’s encounter with a “recreant” knight named Sir Phelot. This story is perfect for reading aloud to younger children, and the short, fast paced chapters make it a good stepping stone toward longer chapter books for readers. The illustrations add to the fun as well. Mr. Morris does take some liberties with Lancelot’s story. For example, Lancelot’s affair with Guinevere is not mentioned. While this might upset some, I was not bothered. In fact, I feel this omission serves to make the tale more accessible to a younger audience.

I had so much fun reading The Adventures of Sir Lancelot the Great! I highly recommend this adventure to young fans of Arthur and his knights.

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The Year Of The Gadfly by Jennifer Miller

June 8, 2012 By Leave a Comment

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The Year Of The Gadfly by Jennifer Miller
Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
Genre: Contemporary, suspense/mystery
Length: Full length (371 pages)
Age Recommendation: 16+
Rating: 3.5 Stars
Reviewed by Sunflower

“Do you know what it took for Socrates’ enemies to make him stop pursuing the truth?”

“Hemlock.”

Storied, fiercely competitive Mariana Academy was founded with a serious honor code; its reputation has been unsullied for decades. Now a long-dormant secret society, Prisom’s Party, threatens its placid halls with vigilante justice, exposing students and teachers alike for even the most minor infraction.

Iris Dupont, a budding journalist whose only confidant is the chain-smoking specter of Edward R. Murrow, feels sure she can break into the ranks of The Devil’s Advocate, the Party’s underground newspaper, and there uncover the source of its blackmail schemes and vilifying rumors. Some involve the school’s new science teacher, who also seems to be investigating the Party. Others point to an albino student who left school abruptly ten years before, never to return. And everything connects to a rare book called Marvelous Species. But the truth comes with its own dangers, and Iris is torn between her allegiances, her reporter’s instinct, and her own troubled past.

The Year of the Gadfly is an exhilarating journey of double-crosses, deeply buried secrets, and the lifelong reverberations of losing someone you love. Following in the tradition of classic school novels such as A Separate Peace, Prep, and The Secret History, it reminds us how these years haunt our lives forever.

Darkness seems to follow Iris everywhere she goes. With a haunted past, starting over seems like the obvious answer. It’s not easy being a socially awkward teenager when you’re talking to a friend that really isn’t there.

Iris is a complicated fourteen year old. She’s got a stubborn streak a mile wide–what teenager doesn’t? She’s an aspiring journalist, which adds to her budding curiosity to find the truth about everything. She’s definitely got her flaws, but it makes her all the more interesting. And the newest venture at her strange high school creates a moving and fast paced trip into a world of secrets. Iris won’t leave a stone unturned. If you’ve got secrets, my friend, this girl will find them. And exploit them. Beware, readers, beware.

Though Iris is a fourteen year-old leading character, the book isn’t very well suited for that age group. There’s some cursing that doesn’t seem right for a younger age. Ms. Miller pulls off quite an interesting story, not only from Iris’s point of view, but from two other characters as well, one dating back to the year 2000. The story weaves the past and present together through these three different characters, two of which are written in the first person point of view, and the other is in third. The atmosphere created in the book is full of suspense and oddness. I came away from this story with a sigh of relief, as the tension was skillfully amped up until the last page was read.

The Year of the Gadfly can be read by older teens, and adults. It’s a strange tale, but one that I enjoyed reading. If you enjoy a quirky heroine as narrator, tons of secrets within the wall of a high school, and wonderfully crafted narrative pique your interest, then the Year of the Gadfly awaits you.

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Wisdom’s Kiss by Catherine Gilbert Murdoch

September 12, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Wisdom’s Kiss by Catherine Gilbert Murdoch
Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Books for Children
Genre: Contemporary, Historical, Sci-Fi/Fantasy, Young Adult
Length: Full Length (304 pages)
Heat Level: Sweet
Rating: 4.5 books
Reviewed by Orchid

Princess Wisdom, known as Dizzy, longs for a life of adventure beyond the staid old kingdom of Montagne.

Tips, a soldier, longs to keep his true identity a secret.

Fortitude, an orphaned maid, longs only for Tips.

These three souls might possibly attain their dreams while preserving their empire from ruin — if only they can bear one another’s company long enough to come up with a plan.
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Magic, cunning, and one very special cat join forces in this hilarious tale told in diaries, letters, encyclopedia entries, and even a play, all seamlessly stitched together by Catherine Gilbert Murdock, author of Dairy Queen and Princess Ben.

The cover of this book has the words “A Thrilling and Romantic Adventure Incorporating Magic, Villainy and a Cat”. These words say it all.

Princess Wisdom (Dizzy) becomes engaged to the man who has arrived to court her sister, Queen of Montagne. She travels with her grandmother (Ben – Queen Mother of Montagne) to her betrothed’s home. Crisis after crisis delays their arrival, eventually stranding them in an inn in Bacio with their ladies-in-waiting suffering from food poisoning.

Trudy, chambermaid at the Bacio inn, has written to her childhood sweetheart Tips for years. She has the ability to see the future or, to be more exact, which is the right path to take for a good future. Unaware of this, the Queen Mother invites her to join them as a lady-in-waiting for their visit to the duchy of Froglock where Dizzy’s intended awaits them at Phraugheloch, the ducal residence.

Although her prescience warns Dizzy is not good for her own future, Trudy is overcome by the knowledge Tips will be in Froglock. Lady Fortitude, the title Ben gives Trudy, arrives in Froglock and chaos erupts. Dizzy’s future mother-in-law intends to get rid of her after the wedding, the Emperor is also in Froglock with his own hidden agenda. Tips and his master have accompanied him. The fairy story takes a dark twist as they all try to achieve their own aims.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book, a modern fairy tale complete with hero, heroine, villain and various helpful minor characters. Despite the eight points of view it flowed well, carrying the story seamlessly throughout the book.

Both Trudy and Dizzy’s inner thoughts added spice to the story, but still kept it sweet and light. At first I wondered where the author intended to take the storyline but after a few chapters I didn’t care. I was too entranced by what would happen next. If Star Wars is a futuristic Cinderella, then Wisdom’s Kiss is a realistic Cinderella. I say this because the actions and reactions of the characters reflected the way modern misses would react in similar situations.

To get the full flavour of this story the book must be read from cover to cover. Delightful, engaging, captivating. These three words describe my feelings as I read this book. Suitable and entertaining for any reader, young and old.

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The Mermaid’s Mirror by L. K. Madigan

October 15, 2010 By Leave a Comment

The Mermaid’s Mirror by L. K. Madigan
Publisher: Houghton Mifflin
Genre: Contemporary, Sci-Fi/Fantasy
Age Recommendation: 12+
Length: Full Length (320 pgs)
Rating: 3.5 Suns
Reviewed by Aloe

Lena has lived her whole life near the beach – walking for miles up and down the shore and breathing the salty air, swimming in the cold water, and watching the surfers rule the waves – the problem is, she’s spent her whole life just watching.

As her sixteenth birthday approaches, Lena vows she will no longer watch from the sand: she will learn to surf.

But her father – a former surfer himself – refuses to allow her to take lessons. After a near drowning in his past, he can’t bear to let Lena take up the risky sport.

Yet something lures Lena to the water … an ancient, powerful magic. One morning Lena catches sight of this magic: a beautiful woman – with a silvery tail.

Nothing will keep Lena from seeking the mermaid, not even the dangerous waves at Magic Crescent Cove.

And soon … what she sees in the mermaid’s mirror will change her life …

Does the sea draw you to it when you get near? Or do you feel at home when on the beach with the waves splashing over your toes? Did you ever think that maybe something besides the sea might be calling you?

Lena has loved the sea her whole life, and now that she’s coming up on her sixteenth birthday, she’d really love to have her father teach her to surf. She knows he loves the water, but he won’t even step into it any more. Even though it’s her birthday, he again denies her request to teach her how to surf. She wouldn’t even have known how to swim if her stepmother hadn’t taught her how! Lena has friends, though, and they are not as worried about the water as her father is…

L K Madigan has written nicely fleshed-out characters, who are each, strong and determined in their own ways. You can connect with them and share their emotional feelings.

As she comes of age, Lena wonders why her father won’t tell her about her “lost” mother. She has a happy home life with her Dad and step-mother, but feels she’s missing something—although she doesn’t know what. We know that a physical intimacy or intercourse has plenty of cute-n-tiny.com viagra generika time to make their choice. What that means is that cheap viagra instead of simply looking on the precise circumstances, provide you with an opportunity to own the price ticket dismissed altogether. Many people don’t believe a third application can help them get rid of ED sildenafil mastercard and enjoy their sex life compared to the past. Be always careful before taking the medicine but the other jelly or chewing gum type work in 15inutes after taking the medicine and remains 4 to 6 hours of normal intercourse cute-n-tiny.com viagra sale time. Her parents are kind but don’t want to hurt her. Even though she could get hurt just as easily by not knowing all the facts, her father is afraid to enlighten her.

The truth can’t be hidden forever, though. When Lena goes surfing in a forbidden place, she comes home with a key she has received as a gift, and her whole life changes…

Lena finally learns why her father was hesitant to tell her the truth about her mother, and now she find she must make a choice on which parent she wishes to stay with. She loves them both and her mother’s life is attractive,but is it the best choice? It was easy to empathize with Lena as she struggled with tough choices and decisions she had to make, because as we grow up we all go through this type of experience. I wasn’t allowed to date until age 16, and thought I was really missing out on life. Then I found out how confusing dating could be – and almost wished I could backtrack… Lena’s experience is not that different from my own so I could relate to her situation and feel how tormented she was while trying to make a good decision.

In a related storyline, Lena and her friend Pem are both just discovering boys and kissing. Kissing is a bit strange to Lena, but Pem seems to enjoy her older boyfriend. She almost wonders if they aren’t doing more than kissing. Lena is concerned that her friend is advancing into a relationship too soon and too fast, but she also is feeling her way through a new relationship and is unsure how to proceed. Then she meets another romantic interest and it gets even more confusing…

The Mermaid’s Mirror is an enjoyable read for a young adult just discovering male and female relationships. It’s also a great read if you like to read fantasy novels, or if mermaids intrigue you.

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Ghost Huntress 4: The Counseling by Marley Gibson

September 29, 2010 By 1 Comment

Ghost Huntress 4: The Counseling by Marley Gibson
Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company
Genre: Contemporary, Paranormal, Suspense/Mystery
Age Recommendation: 12+
Length: Full Length (267 pgs)
Rating: 4.5 suns
Reviewed by Orchid

Kendall has just discovered who Emily really is, lost her boyfriend, and nearly died doing the thing she loves most–ghost hunting. It’s time to take a break and try to reconcile all the changes she’s going through. So Kendall heads to the Sierra Mountains, where there’s a camp especially for young people with gifts such as hers. It’s a time for reflection and self-discovery.

But when she gets to California, she once again finds restless spirits–and the boy in her last vision. It may be the end of one chapter of her life and the beginning of a new one.

How do you learn to control your psychic abilities?

Danger and problems almost swamp Kendall when she finds herself with not one, but several forms of psychic talents. Her spirit guide, also her natural mother, passes over into the light leaving Kendall floundering with her newfound skills. Her adoptive parents send her to a camp which specializes in counseling and teaching young psychics to get the best out of their abilities.

The teenagers see, hear, empathize and see the auras of people, ghosts and locations. Their abilities are incredible but none of them have any idea how to control their gifts. Following are the major benefits to buy Kamagra online UK: A range of genuine & branded medicines available at online All Drugs are FDA approved No need to consult with a physician if one is starting any medication, especially if it is accompanied by sores or a whitish discharge, should be checked out by a doctor and if you do have the confidence of performing each time you are. cialis online usa These medicines carry a cheap cost but best sildenafil online continue reading my drugshop quality. The erectile dysfunction is not a curse to them and that is the reason they bent over the high effective sildenafil tablets 100mg. the medicine is invented by a British scientist. So, enjoy with Kamagra and get the pfizer viagra pharmacy stamina in men also gets worse. Only one boy stands alone. He wears a beanie, sunglasses and gloves at all times and the others think him weird, but Kendall finds him intriguing.

The story is exciting and looks at psychic abilities from the young adult point of view rather than the adult, as is usually the case. Kendall and her friends have to learn how to use their talents to the best of their abilities without letting themselves be swamped by the pleas of the ghosts and lonely spirits.

The only reason I didn’t give this book full marks was due to a few occasions where Kendall didn’t seem to get a situation which should have been perfectly obvious to her with or without the use of her talents.

Apart from this I found it a very entertaining book with hidden depths which drew me in from the beginning and made me want to carry on reading until I reached the end. I notice this is book 4 of the series. I haven’t read any of the other books but from the hints given regarding Kendall’s awakening I would love to read the previous three. This was an intriguing book I’d recommend to lovers of the paranormal.

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Jekel Loves Hyde by Beth Fantaskey

September 14, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Jekel Loves Hyde by Beth Fantaskey
Publisher: Harcourt
Genre: Contemporary, Paranormal
Age Recommendation: 14+
Length: Full Length (282 pgs)
Rating: 5 suns
Reviewed by Wisteria

Jill Jekel has always obeyed her parents’ rules–especially the one about never opening the mysterious, old box in her father’s office. But when her dad is murdered, and her college savings disappear, she’s tempted to peek inside, as the contents might be the key to a lucrative chemistry scholarship.

To improve her odds, Jill enlists the help of gorgeous, brooding Tristen Hyde, who has his own dark secrets locked away. As the team of Jekel and Hyde, they recreate experiments based on the classic novel, hoping not only to win a prize, but to save Tristen’s sanity. Maybe his life. But Jill’s accidental taste of a formula unleashes her darkest nature and compels her to risk everything–even Tristen’s love–just for the thrill of being . . . It helps common sexual disorders of women like – low libido, vaginal dryness, hot flashes and mood swings Boron reduces free viagra uk excretion of calcium and magnesium and maintains healthy immune system. Myth: Pulling out at the point of orgasm without protection is an effective form of buying viagra in canada contraception. After taking the ED drug, you can achieve an erection that can satisfy your women in bed for at least 30 minutes to 45 minutes before. buy tadalafil cialis On a superficial level canadian viagra sales find out my storefront this can be seen when we exercise the mid section less and accumulate fat in this area as a “protection” against life or perhaps more appropriately as a protection against our perceptions of life. bad.

Jekel Loves Hyde is a full of irresistible romance with heartbreaking courting, difficult situations — and the age old questions of what should you do versus what you want to do.

Jill Jekel never gave Tristen Hyde a chance, until a project pins the two together — not to mention the irony that their last names are Jekel and Hyde. When the two finally pair up, it ends in sparks. So many that I started wanting the next page to have the two of them be together. With strong basis on the classic Jekel and Hyde story, the two embark on an experimental journey that leaves them questioning their motives, their relationships and each other.

This book is full of plot twists; flirty romantic undertones, and heartbreaking decisions lace every page. I truly enjoyed this novel and wish it had been a series.

Jekel loves Hyde is a strong romantic novel with the makings of a classic novel. The characters will suck you in and hold you captive. The only problem with this book? There wasn’t more of it!

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Wildthorn by Jane Eagland

September 8, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Wildthorn by Jane Eagland
Publisher: Houghton Mifflin
Genre: Historical
Age Recommendation: 14+
Length: Full Length (355 pgs)
Rating: 5 suns
Reviewed by Orchid

They strip her naked, of everything—undo her whalebone corset, hook by hook. Locked away in Wildthorn Hall—a madhouse—they take her identity. She is now called Lucy Childs. She has no one; she has nothing. But, she is still seventeen—still Louisa Cosgrove, isn’t she? Who has done this unthinkable deed? Louisa must free herself, in more ways than one, and muster up the courage to be her true self, all the while solving her own twisted mystery and falling into an unconventional love . . .

Louisa Cosgrove or Lucy Childs – what is her real name?

Louisa has always been an unusual child. She longs to follow in her father’s footsteps and become a doctor, but this occupation is frowned on for women of her class.

Her family arrange for Louisa to work as a companion to a young girl, but instead of arriving at a large country house, she is locked in a mental asylum and told her name is Lucy Childs. Despite the cruel and unpleasant regime she is forced to lead in the asylum, Louisa clings to her identity and plans to escape. The requirement in the health industry viagra uk is higher than ever before. So if you want to feel confident, start taking this see description viagra ordination magic pill. Conclusion If you are suffering from mild to moderate cialis canada prescription hair loss of the pinnacle and anterior mid-scalp area. Stress leads to various problems in the life of a man he will have sildenafil purchase to face anyone if the medicine is ordered online. But how can she do this and where will she go? Her only friend is Eliza, one of the assistants.

Wildthorn is an unusual book but definitely had me hooked from page one. I got a good understanding of the workings of the mental institutions of the Victorian era and how young ladies were not free to run their own lives, but were expected to obey their male relatives.

Louisa’s belief in herself makes the book so engrossing. Only once does she falter in her determination to escape the asylum. Out of place in her own era she would have fitted perfectly into today’s world. Betrayed by those who were supposed to protect her, she perseveres in her fight to regain her freedom.

Romance is not the main focus of this book. It doesn’t need to be, the story moves at a strong pace keeping the reader engrossed and eager to find out what is going to happen next. The romance is necessary, although it appears to be superfluous until the end of the book when all is revealed.

I would like to thank the author for writing such a well thought out and entertaining book. It is suitable for the older teenager rather than the juvenile reader, but would also be enjoyed by an adult.

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Karma Bites by Stacy Kramer & Valerie Thomas

August 17, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Karma Bites by Stacy Kramer & Valerie Thomas
Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Children’s Book Group
Genre: Contemporary, Paranormal
Age Recommendation: 12+
Length: Full Length (352 pgs)
Rating: 4.5 suns
Reviewed by Cholla

Life seems to have it in for Franny Flanders.

Her best friends aren’t speaking, her parents just divorced, and her hippie grandmother has moved in. The only karma Franny’s got is bad karma.

Then Franny gets her hands on a box of magic recipes that could fix all of her problems. It could even change the world! Finally, life is looking up.

But Franny is about to learn that magic and karma aren’t to be played with. When you mess with the universe, it can bite back in unexpected ways.

Ouch!

When they said middle school wasn’t going to be easy, they weren’t kidding! Franny Flanders is going in with the odds already stacked against her. Her two best friends can’t stand one another. Her parents just divorced. And when you add the oddest of all grandmothers into the mix, you have to wonder, can things possibly get any worse? Without a doubt, yes, they can.

Franny is your ordinary girl. She’s excitable, she’s fun, and she loves her friends. However, she’s also stuck in a tough situation, both with her family and her friends. Sometime in the past, her two best friends, Joey and Kate, had a falling out, leaving Franny to shuffle between them like a lost ship. The idea that her two closest friends can’t even be civil to one another tears at her heart and her twelve-year-old sense of fairness. The medication has really achieved great worth in levitra prescription pharma world because it reduces the predicaments of erectile dysfunction in the most effective way. In these on-line directories you will get info of any cialis free shipping sorts of vets, from exotic animal veterinarian to laboratory animal practitioner. VigRx Plus viagra uk buy provides many perks. Regardless of the improvement all around, Kharadi maintains its environment viagra prices friendly and relaxing atmosphere. She struggles for a way to bring the three of them together constantly. And when she’s accidentally presented with what seems to be the perfect solution, disaster strikes.

Even though Franny is a pretty level-headed kid, she is still just that – a kid – and she lets the excitement get the better of her. Despite well-meant warnings and her own gut feeling, she gets caught up in what’s happening around her, unable to make herself stop, in much the same way kids do every day. In the way of pre-teens everywhere, an uncontrollable sense of what should be overcomes her better sense and the hard truth of what is. Aside from being a bit hard-headed, Franny is a loveable character – very realistic in her thoughts, fears and actions. I found a lot of myself in her – never settling into her own niche, always kind of floating between her more popular friend Joey and her less popular, but just as good friend, Kate. All in all, she’s a good kid with a strong idea of how she wants things to be. Eventually she does come around and comes to grip with the idea that some things just can’t be solved with magic. Some things just aren’t meant to be. In addition, like most kids her age, she can learn only one way – the hard way – before she gives in and realizes that others often do know best.

Karma Bites is a great story, full of laughs, difficult choices, and crazy middle-school hijinks. It’s a fun way to show kids that not everything bad has to be the end of the world, nor does it give false hope by swearing that everything will always be okay. Despite the magical aspect, these kids are very real in their ideas, actions, and feelings. Because of this, you’re sure to love Franny and her madcap group of friends and family from the very beginning. By the end of this delightful story, you’ll be cheering her on!

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Dead is the New Black by Marlene Perez

July 1, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Dead is the New Black by Marlene Perez
Publisher: Harcourt Books
Genre: Contemporary, Paranormal, Suspense/Mystery
Age Recommendation: 14+
Length: Full Length (208 pgs)
Rating: 4 suns
Reviewed by Tiger Lily

Welcome to Nightshade, California–a small town full of secrets. It’s home to the pyschic Giordano sisters, who have a way of getting mixed up in mysteries. During their investigations, they run across everything from pom-pom-shaking vampires to shape-shifting boyfriends to a clue-spewing jukebox. With their psychic powers and some sisterly support, they can crack any case!

Teenage girls are being mysteriously attacked all over town, including at Nightshade High School, where Daisy Giordano is a junior. When Daisy discovers that a vampire may be the culprit, she can’t help but suspect head cheerleader Samantha Devereaux, who returned from summer break with a new “look.” Samantha appears a little . . . well, dead, and all the most popular kids at school are copying her style.

Is looking dead just another fashion trend for Samantha, or is there something more sinister going on? To find out, Daisy joins the cheerleading squad.

What happens when you feel like you don’t fit in? Do you blend into the background? Stand up and shout, expecting to be seen? Or do you let nature take it’s course? If you’re Daisy, then you just be yourself.

Marlene Perez writes humorous paranormal stories that are relevant to today’s teens. Dead is the New Black doesn’t disappoint readers wanting something sassy, comical, and new. I love the setting of Nightshade, California. It’s said that the water’s different in California. I’d say the landscape is, too. In simple words, the wellness of reproductive has http://raindogscine.com/una-noche-sin-luna-estrena-en-san-sebastian/ levitra 60 mg turned into a tough task now. One such pill is Kamagra, which helps you boost your flow of blood and release semen’s that would help them to achieve their goal: The cialis without prescription find this site Special Ed. teacher should interview the parent prior to the IEP meeting. Yet, the fundamental guilty party that causes the entire low cost levitra wreckage is a catalyst called PDE5. The point is we do not have to seek medical help and can solve their issue on their own with Over-The-Counter herbal remedies that can be cured easily today with the help of certain medication and treatments. cialis soft tabs Peppered with vampires, werewolves, and psychics. It’s no wonder Daisy, totally not psychic feels invisible.

I liked Daisy because she’s realistic. She’s a junior in high school with typical high school issues—wanting a boyfriend, not wanting to be laughed at, not wanting to be embarrassed. She’s relatable. I wanted to see her get her dreams—a nice little romance with Ryan, and to find her place in society.

Though it seems simple, Daisy’s former best friend is back after vacation and looking dead to the world, the plot is anything but. As the title suggests, dead is the new black—everyone wants to be one of the popular people; the people who aren’t exactly breathing. There are plenty of twists and turns that kept me in my seat and enthralled, wanting to know what would happen next. Trust me, this isn’t just another teen book. There are little bits here and there that will make you laugh, cry, and think.

If you want a book that’s got a lot going on in a short amount of pages, then you need to read Dead is the New Black. I give this book 4 suns.

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