February 21st 2010
Who would like this book? Fans of twisted fairy tales and Cirque du Freak who are looking for a short, entertaining, semi-gruesome read.
Why? Red Rider’s Hood is an urban takeoff on Red Riding Hood with werewolves. Red’s neighborhood is tough, and the story starts with a robbery of his grandmother’s money committd by the gang that keeps everyone on edge. Red soon discovers that this gang is not the normal human type; they are wolves. He’s upset that these wolves like his beloved red Mustang, and he’s bewildered when he finds that his grandmother has a history with werewolves. Red and his new friend Marissa must take on the werewolves, but Red faces a special challenge when he decides to infiltrate their pack and become a double agent. Though the characters are not fully developed, Red is a fun fellow to follow and the plot twists kept me interested. This book is the second in the Dark Fusion series. I liked it well enough to want to read the first one, Dreadlocks, based on the myth of Medusa. Shusterman is a clever writer. Red Rider’s Hood is not as well-developed as other books by him (notably, The Schwa was Here), but it is a fun and satisfying fairy tale horror story with some interesting werewolf lore.
The details: 181 p. 2006 Review by Samrarian
September 27th 2009
Review by Chris
Who would like this book? This book is another of the notorious Harry Potter books. So, I recomend this book to all the Harry Potter fans out there,both boys and girls.
Why? Well, this book isn’t exactly the same “Hogwarts is in trouble and Harry saves the day.” No, this book is the classic wizarding world bedtime stories, all in one, with a review by Albus Dumbledore. Some of the stories include greedy warlocks, a quest that ends up not being needed, three brothers, and a clever witch. These stories show you life lessons as well! So I suggest you read this amazing book by the genius author J.K. Rowling.
The details: 111 p. 2008 Submitted by Chris C.
August 13th 2009
Who would like this book? Anyone ages 12 and up who like romance, fantasy, and magic. If you like other books by Shannon Hale (Princess Academy, The Goose Girl) or the books of Gail Carson Levine, definitely read this book.
Why? In Book of a Thousand Days, Shannon Hale expands the bare bones of a little-known Grimm’s fairy tale, “Maid Maleen,” into a captivating story that’s impossible to put down. Fifteen-year-old orphan Dashti, a “mucker,” narrates the story in simple, beautiful language. Poor and with no place in the nomadic mucker tribes, Dashti must seek work in the city after her beloved mother dies. Fortunately, her mother has taught her the healing songs and she has the healing touch. This ability opens the way for her to be trained as a lady’s maid in the city of Titor’s Garden, a training that includes learning to read and write. Unfortunately, she is assigned to sixteen-year-old Lady Saren, who has just been sentenced to seven years in a sealed tower for her refusal to wed her father’s choice, the brutal Lord Khaser. Instead, she loves Khan Tegu, ruler of a less powerful land and therefore disdained by her father. Dashti, in unquestioned loyalty to Lady Saren, goes with her to the tower and chronicles their experiences in daily diary entries. Their struggle to live, the romance with Khan Tegu, the threat of Lord Khaser, their escape, and the climactic events at Khan Tegu’s palace weave together into a powerful medieval romance filled with the enchantment and magic of the Asian steppes. I thoroughly enjoyed this book, though I did think that the change in Lady Saren’s character at the end of the book was not quite believable. Read it and see what you think. It’s a YRCA Nominee for 2010 in the Intermediate Division.
The details: 305 p. 2007 Review by Samrarian
June 14th 2009
Review by Michaela
Who would like this book? If you liked A Dog’s Life: The Autobiogrify of a Stray, this book is for you. If you like books about being grateful this book is also for you.
Why? Edward Tulane lives with his chid owner, Abilene. Edward is a China rabbit who doesn’t know love. When Pellegrina tells a story of an unloving princess who ends up turning into a warthog, Edward is scared. Edward is scared because he doesn’t like Pellegrina and he doesn’t love Abilene (although she pampers him). When Edward goes on a cruise with Abilene, he is thrown over the edge of the boat. Edward sinks to the bottom of the ocean. What will become of this pampered toy?
The details: 198 p. 2006 Submitted by Michaela
November 8th 2008
Who would like this book? If you liked the original Spiderwick Chronicles, go on to the “Beyond”! If you missed the original series but are interested in a fantasy adventure in which the a guy and his step sister are NOT getting along, jump right in. You don’t need to read the first ones before this one.
Why? Nicholas Vargas, 11 years old, is not cool and not interested in spending time with his new step-sister, Laurie. He’s feeling badly that his mom died and feeling even worse that his dad has remarrried. His older brother, Jules, is cool personified, always immersed in his video games, his surfing, and his girlfriend. Nick grudgingly shows the enthusiastic Laurie around the Florida development, Mangrove Estates, that his dad is building. He cannot tolerate her obsession with the book Arthur Spiderwick’s Field Guide, a guide to faeries. Unexpected developments – a four-leaf clover, an unexpected storm, and a dying nixie – change Nick’s view of the world and of Laurie. Their relationship and the wonderful illustrations make this book a worthwhile read. I love that the illustrator (Toni) gets top billing.
The details: 162 p. 2007
August 10th 2008
Who would like this book? Readers who like fairy tales and ALL fans of Kate DiCamillo.
Why? Kate DiCamillo is a master at writing fairy tale adventures. If you haven’t read The Tale of Despereaux, put it at the top of your list. In this book, DiCamillo introduces us to Edward Tulane, a proud rabbit made of china and dressed to the nines by his admiring mistress, 10-year-old Abilene. His life is one of predictable comfort and smug self-satisfaction until he is lost overboard on an ocean cruise. This mishap begins a long, moving process of disaster, self-discovery, and redemption. DiCamillo’s style is perfect for the fairy tale sense of Edward’s adventures, and his experiences and realizations pulled at my heart. A beautiful book, it’s a 2009 YRCA nominee in the Junior Division. The illustrations by Bagram Ibatoulline are exquisite.
The details: 200 p. 2006
September 3rd 2007
Who would like this book? Pre-teens and teens who want to be charmed by two characters (Lord Scarecrow and his trusted servant Jack) in a fairy-tale-style story that is fun, captivating, and meaningful.
Why? I love Don Quixote, and this book by Philip Pullman reminded me of his sincerely misguided adventures with his servant Sancho Panza. It’s all here: the absurd adventures, the unlikely romance, the moral, and the irony. You will love the common sense of young Jack, who keeps finding replacement parts for Lord Scarecrow (their adventures take a toll on his body parts). Their adventures are inspired by Lord Scarecrow’s need to find Spring Valley, a place that is inscribed in his heart. Mystery and danger follow them as they journey to Spring Valley – the evil Buffaloni family have their greedy plans for this land – and Lord Scarecrow must thwart evil at every turn!
The details: 229 p. 2004