January 29th 2009
Listen to a Bookcast by Chance!
While many books catch my eye, The Mysterious Benedict Society and the Perilous Journey, is unique, with its innocent text and its comical surprises. The sequel to the popular Mysterious Benedict Society is certainly a treasure to behold.
At the end of book one, our four kid geniuses, (Reynie, Sticky, Kate, and Constance) were left to live their normal lives again. But, when they all receive letters from Sir Nicholas Benedict explaining a celebration to mark their last mission’s anniversary, they are excited to meet together yet again, some feeling quite bored with the typical world. Soon, however, that excitement is depleted, when the recurring villain, Ledroptha Curtain, has kidnapped the fours’ favorite mastermind, the inventive Benedict.
Consequently, the four are sent off, on an exceedingly perilous journey, complete with secret agents, bombs, and pencil darts; this is by far the most dangerous mission yet!
Will the children succeed, or will it be “Curtains” for dear Mr. Benedict? Read the daring, and quite imaginative, The Mysterious Benedict Society and the Perilous Journey, and I guarantee you won’t regret it!
The details: 2008, 440 p. Submitted by Chance
January 29th 2009
Listen to a Bookcast by Halle!
Who would like this book? People who love fantasy, mythology, and adventure.
Why? The Titan’s Curse is book three in the series of Percy Jackson and the Olympians. When Percy gets messaged “It’s an emergency” by his friend Grover (who’s a satyr), Percy, Thalia (daughter of Zeus), and Annabeth (daughter of Athena) rush to Westover Grunt, where Grover sent the message from. Grover was waiting for them outside and told them that there were two more half bloods, an older sister (Bianca Diangelo) and her younger brother (Nico Diangelo). The only problem was there was a monster, Mr. Thorn, who got to the two siblings first. Percy took action but also got kidnapped by the monster. When they got to a cliff, Mr. Thorn told them their ride would be there soon. Percy really wanted to help but he was no match for Mr. Thorn. Soon, backup came. Thalia, Grover and Annabeth were still not enough. All of a sudden, the huntresses came out of the forest and shot Mr. Thorn. As he was about to fall off the cliff, he grabbed Annabeth and took her with him. Percy was crushed. He loved Annabeth dearly. When Artemis, leader of the huntresses, left to find an even worse monster than Mr. Thorn, a monster that hasn’t been fought in many millenia, the huntresses were left with Percy, Thalia, and Grover to get back to camp safely with the Diangelos. Then, when Artemes got kidnapped, Percy tagged along on a quest he wasn’t invited into. They needed to find Artemes before winter solstice so she could tell the gods about the monster she was hunting. But Percy didn’t go because he wanted to find Artemes; he went because he wanted to find Annabeth. Maybe Percy’s love for Annabeth might help on the quest. Will they find Artemes in time? Will Percy find Annabeth? You have to read the book to find out!
The details: 2007, 312 p. Submitted by Halle
January 27th 2009
Review by Chance
Who would like this book? This book is for people who enjoy sad, and adventurous tales! All Ages (312 pages)
Why? There is a reason “The Graveyard Book” won The Newberry Medal, with its deflective dialogue, and its twisty plot, it so obviously spun around the critics heads drawing them in to the story, and the characters.
It did exactly the same for me, embracing my love for a good book and delivering high above my first expectations.
With a tragedy like no other, and a world none, (except Gaiman), have imagined, The Graveyard Book deals with death, and otherworldly actions, as normal par takings. Especially Bod, the main character in this haunted story, who was the only survivor in an unexplained raid, where his family was tragically murdered. Read The Graveyard Book and see what happens to Bod and his ghostly friends!
The details: 2008, 312 p. Submitted by Chance
January 27th 2009
Review by Tom U.
Who would like this book? If you have read Twilight and New Moon, then you should read this as the third in the series.
Why? Edward has returned and Bella is hanging out with her werewolf friend Jacob. A string of deaths have started in Seattle and a vampire broke into Bella’s room that no one knows. Also, Bella has to choose between Edward and Jacob.
The details: 2007, 629 p. Submitted by Tom
January 27th 2009
Review by Tom U.
Who would like this book? Anyone who likes vampires and action with some romance would like this.
Why? This is the sequel to Twilight. Bella has a nightmare of a birthday party with vampires. Edward leaves because Carlisle’s not aging could cause suspicion. And Bella starts hanging out with a werewolf. This book does get a little boring in the middle but don’t stop reading it because the ending is terrific.
The details: 2006 563 p. Submitted by Tom
January 25th 2009
Review by Tom U.
Who would like this book? You will like this book if you like irony, tragedy, or World War II.
Why? This story is from Eleanor’s point of view of her time in Germany. It starts just before World War 2 and when Eleanor is 9 years old. Also it talks about how Hitler used all of Germany’s money for weapons to conquer the rest of the world instead of helping his country’s economy. It explains some of the hardships and challenges of living in a warzone. The book talks about challenges in Germany in that time. Also Eleanor’s family moved a lot around Germany because of the war and dangers of living in Berlin.
The details: 1999, 269 p. Submitted by Tom
January 23rd 2009
Listen to a Bookcast by Elsie!
Who would like this book? This book is for kids about 13 years old and adults.It’s a mystery.
Why? This book is a great mystery. Lucy, a freshman, her brother Jamie, and his brother’s friend Kit, who are both seniors, go on a trip to Phoenix, Arizona to go visit Lucy’s and Jamie’s dad for their spring break. While they were going through New Mexico, they went through the desert. It was raining so hard that they couldn’t see where they were going on the road. They hit some thing-an animal, they think. They went back to check out what they hit. They found a dead girl on the side of the road. From that point on, their lives are not the same.
The deatils: 275 p. 2006 Submitted by Elsie
January 23rd 2009
Review by Tom U.
Who would like this book? Anyone who is interested in horror.
Why? This is a collection of short stories by Stephen King. It has tales like “The Mist,” where a final stand against humanity is in a supermarket; “The Raft.” where some college kids are swimming to a raft and then meet a monster of unimaginable horrors; and “The Jaunt,” a view into a the future where all long distance travel is made by teleportation through eternity. These are just a few of King’s terrific tales in Night Shift.
The details: 327 p. 1979 Submitted by Tom U.
Not currently available in the Cal Young Library
January 23rd 2009
Review by Tom U.
Who would like this book? Anyone who is a fan of Stephen King or likes novels about knights and dragons.
Why? This book takes place in the mythical kingdom of Delain where Roland is the king and his advisor is the evil magician Flagg whose only wish is to bring chaos to Delain over and over again. This is about how Peter Roland’s son has to fight Flagg when Peter is in prison.
The details: 1988, 384 p. Submitted by Tom U.