Winner of Enjoy Every Sandwich

We have two winners of "Enjoy Every Sandwich" chosen by Rafflecopter.  An email has been sent to you.  Please get back to me within 48 hours with your address so that I may send it on to the publisher.

The winners are:


Linda  and  Colleen

Student Saturday: The View From Saturday - E.L. Konigsburg c

Student Reviewer:  Jada
Publisher:  Atheneum Books

Pages:  176

Genre:  Middle Grade, Realistic Fiction

The characters from the book The View From Saturday are Nadia, a girl with red hair, freckles that powder her nose, she’s plumped like a peach and is basically related to Ethan. The reason is their grandparents go married!  Mrs. Olinski is the teacher who does the Academic Bowl and she’s paraplegic-definition:  complete paralysis of the lower half of the body including both legs, usually caused by damage to the spinal cord.  Ethan is a very quiet, keep to himself type of boy.  He is practically related to Nadia because of their grandparents.  Julian is that boy who is different in a cool way.  Like his sense of style is different from others (short pants, knee-high socks, Reeboks).  Noah is the preppy-geeky smart guy!  He wears glasses and is apart of the Epiphany Academic bowl team and the souls going with Nadia, Ethan and Julian.  Nadia’s grandfather and dad, Ethan’s grandma, Nadia’s grandpa and Ethan’s grandma got married.

This book took place in Albany, New York.  The Souls never gave up.  They stuck with each other and were the Souls until the end, and surprising all that paid off for something amazing!  The Souls truly were excited.

My connection to this book would be, and this is just my perspective of the book, is when there is a group of people that get together and really not having that one thing that connects them besides being on a team tighter.  Not knowing each other at first is that one special thing that connects them all and in this case the Souls came to be  because of one thing.  They all want it so bad they stick together until they get that one thing accomplished or achieved or just keep the bond.

This was a pretty good book.  I would maybe read it again.  But, not more than twice.  This type of genre didn’t interest me as much, but there were parts that I enjoyed very much.  I’m a mystery book girl!  One thing I would recommend for this book is that you take your time with is and that you have to be mature. 

A Walk Across the Sun – Corban Addison

Publisher:  Sterling Publishing

Pages:  384

Source:  Received a galley copy from publisher

Genre:  Adult Thriller

From Goodreads:

Corban Addison leads readers on a chilling, eye-opening journey into Mumbai's seedy underworld--and the nightmare of two orphaned girls swept into the international sex trade. When a tsunami rages through their coastal town in India, 17-year-old Ahalya Ghai and her 15-year-old sister Sita are left orphaned and homeless. With almost everyone they know suddenly erased from the face of the earth, the girls set out for the convent where they attend school. They are abducted almost immediately and sold to a Mumbai brothel owner, beginning a hellish descent into the bowels of the sex trade. Halfway across the world, Washington, D.C., attorney Thomas Clarke faces his own personal and professional crisis-and makes the fateful decision to pursue a pro bono sabbatical working in India for an NGO that prosecutes the subcontinent's human traffickers. There, his conscience awakens as he sees firsthand the horrors of the trade in human flesh, and the corrupt judicial system that fosters it. Learning of the fate of Ahalya and Sita, Clarke makes it his personal mission to rescue them, setting the stage for a riveting showdown with an international network of ruthless criminals.

My Thoughts:

Those of us not familiar with the sex trade, me being one of those, usually think of it as happening “someplace else”.  The reality is that it happens all over the world, including right here in the United States.  Children are sold for drugs, prostitution, kidnapped right off of the street.  Before you go any further in this review you need to know that this is not a feel good topic.  It is repulsive and hard to read.

We start off the story with two innocent girls whose life is decimated due to a tsunami.  They try to get to their school where the sisters will take care of them.  Things go wrong and they find themselves where no young person should ever be, in the sex trade.  Thomas Clarke is a lawyer who has lost so much already.  He witnesses a kidnapping of a young girl in a park and this sets him on his mission to work against these traffickers.  

This story moves along smoothly carrying the reader from one heartbreak to another.  It is a very emotional book to read.  It lets you see inside the head and heart of these people who sell children for sex.  I think it was best said when one of the characters said to the young girl he had with him, “You are not here because I enjoy the sale of sex. You are here because men enjoy the purchase of it.” (page 329)

I thought about that remark.  If we could get rid of all of the people who were willing to pay for this service then we would not have the sex trade. 

As the author took us across India we get a look at the different caste systems and the way they treat people.  Both of these girls were middle class students who knew English.  This made them more valuable than many others.  The author doesn’t leave the reader in a depressive state.  He definitely wanted to give the reader hope that this situation can change in the future.  This is a must read book.  If nothing else you as a parent should read it to see what you need to protect your children from.

Corban Addison is able to give a voice to the victims of human trafficking.  Without that voice people like me know nothing of it.  We live in our safe little world.  After reading this book my world doesn’t feel so safe anymore and it isn’t as small as it once was.

Meet the Author:

Corban Addison holds a degree in law and engineering from the University of Virginia and California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo. After completing a federal clerkship, Addison began his career specializing in corporate law and litigation. He has an abiding interest in international human rights, and is a supporter of numerous causes, including the abolition of modern slavery. He lives with his wife and two children in Virginia. A Walk Across the Sun is his first novel.

Watch the Trailer:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5DzA-4-qtg8

Links:  CorbanAddison.com, facebook.com/CorbanAddison

Enjoy Every Sandwich: Living Each Day As If It Were Your Last - Lee Lipsenthal, M.D.

BOOK REVIEW AND GIVEAWAY - Read all the way down to enter to win one of two copies of this book from the publisher.

Publisher:  Crown Archetype
Pages:  224
Source: I received a copy for review from the publisher
Genre: Adult, Memoir

Dr. Lee Lipsenthal worked with Dr. Dean Ornish at the famed Preventive Medicine Research Institute. As medical director of the Institute, he helped thousands of patients to overcome their fear of pain and death and to embrace living life with joy every day. In his own life, happily married and the proud father of two remarkable children, Lee was similarly committed to living life fully and gratefully each day. The power of these beliefs was tested in July 2009, when Lee was diagnosed with esophageal cancer. As Lee and his wife, Kathy, navigated his illness and treatment over the past two years, Lee discovered that he did not fear death. Instead of fearing the future, he took the time to practice gratitude, connect with his loved ones, and make every attempt to live a full life with each breath. Enjoy Every Sandwich is Lee’s lasting gift to his family, his friends, his colleagues and to readers.

Lee died on Tuesday, September 20. It is now our honor to spread Lee's message with this special book.


Watch this powerful book trailer:




The topic of this book is a tough one to read about.  The big "C" word, whether it deals with breast cancer, lung cancer, or any other type of cancer is scary.  It is scary to the person who has just heard the diagnosis and it is scary to their friends and family.  It is not an unfamiliar word in my family.  As a matter of fact this book is on its way to my sister.  She was first diagnosed with cancer at the age of 19.  After surgery and radiation she was clear of cancer for 20 years.  Eight years ago she was diagnosed with lung cancer.  It is slowly moving throughout her body.  Her outlook is like Lee's.  Instead of focusing on death, she has chosen to focus on life and living it to her fullest.  She is enjoying time with he grand kids and daughter.  Like Lee she prays and meditates daily.  I enjoyed reading his philosophy although some aspects of it differ from mine.  He said, "many religions use meditation and some just call it prayer. Some say prayer is talking to God or the universe and meditation is listening  to the answer'. (page 50).  I  believe some people will feel threatened by his belief system.  He doesn't knock any ones religious beliefs.  He actually encourages people to pray and meditate.   As a Christian I can tell you that I feel out of balance if I don't start my day with prayer and meditation.  No matter what your religious beliefs Lee is right about several things.  First we should acknowledge that bad things happen to good people, just like good things happen to them.  Second, we should create a life that is full of love and laughter.  We should never put ourselves into a box of our own making.  When my father was alive my mom would come to him with a problem.  He would handle it.  She often told him that it drove her nuts that he didn't seem to worry or care about the situation.  His reply was always the same, "I care about it and I'll handle it, but worrying about it won't change it one bit.  So at this point in time I "choose" not to worry about it because worry won't add anything to my life, but it can take so much away.

I think the overall message of this book is to live life to the fullest no matter what the situation.

Links
Official Website:   http://www.enjoyeverysandwich.net
Product Page:        http://bit.ly/tPecOt


To Enter this giveaway fill out the form below and leave a comment.  Click on "Read More" to see the form.

HAPPY NEW YEAR: Stats and First Review of the Year: Glow

First let me wish all of you a Happy New Year.  May this year bring you all the blessings you deserve.

Last year was full of ups and downs for everyone.  I choose to forget the down side and look at my accomplishments.  First of all I published my first book "Steps to Courage".  I had several book signings.  I came back to school and had to add more of my books to my shelves.  With 7 copies in my classroom they have all been checked out since the first day of school.  I have a waiting list for my book.  To me that is mind boggling.

I and several of my students participated in NaNoWriMo this last year.  I am working on edits to the book I finished.  It needs a lot of work.  I have some stats for you in regards to my reading habits last year and they are as follows:

Total Number of Books Reviewed - 196    Total Pages Read:  48,686
Broken down as follows:
Adult - 80
Young Adult - 64
Middle Grade - 38
Children - 14

And Now The First Review Of 2012: 

Glow – Amy Kathleen Ryan

Publisher:  St. Martin’s Griffin

Pages:  320

Source:  Received review copy from publisher

Genre:  Science Fiction

From Goodreads:

What if you were bound for a new world, about to pledge your life to someone you'd been promised to since birth, and one unexpected violent attack made survival—not love—the issue?

Out in the murky nebula lurks an unseen enemy: the New Horizon. On its way to populate a distant planet in the wake of Earth's collapse, the ship's crew has been unable to conceive a generation to continue its mission. They need young girls desperately, or their zealous leader's efforts will fail. On board their sister ship, the Empyrean, the unsuspecting families don't know an attack is being mounted that could claim the most important among them...

Fifteen-year-old Waverly is part of the first generation to be successfully conceived in deep space; she was born on the Empyrean, and the large farming vessel is all she knows. Her concerns are those of any teenager—until Kieran Alden proposes to her. The handsome captain-to-be has everything Waverly could ever want in a husband, and with the pressure to start having children, everyone is sure he's the best choice. Except for Waverly, who wants more from life than marriage—and is secretly intrigued by the shy, darkly brilliant Seth.

But when the Empyrean faces sudden attack by their assumed allies, they quickly find out that the enemies aren't all from the outside

My Thoughts:

Two ships head off for a New Earth.  Their voyage should take them about 45 years.  During that time Kieran and Waverly are born on board.  When they are in their teens Kieran proposes to Waverly.  Girls like Waverly are encouraged to marry and have kids young.  It seems that being in space for so long has caused some fertility problems.

Waverly isn’t real sure this is the route she wants to go.  Her choice is taken away from her when their sister ship the New Horizon shows up beside them.  Suddenly they are under attack and all the females are removed from the Empyrean and placed aboard the New Horizon.  Females on the New Horizon have been unable to conceive.  Due to the new situation both Kieran and Waverly are put into leadership positions.  They both must make critical decisions.

This was a fabulous read.  The characters are well developed.  They don’t come across as fake and perfect.  We see their good and bad sides.  We see the mistakes they make.  Kieran was always expected to be a leader but that in my opinion didn’t necessarily make him a natural leader.  He and Seth both have their eyes on Waverly.

Anne Mather is the leader on the New Horizon.  She has a hidden agenda.  Her concern is not just for the women unable to have children.  Whether you like science fiction or not I believe this has enough of a dystopian feel that those who don’t usually read science fiction will love it.  The only problem is that we will have to wait until later in the year to read the second book in the series.  I highly recommend this book.

Watch the trailer:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L99-2Qq4ihw&feature=colike

About the Author From Publisher:

Amy Kathleen Ryan earned an MA in English Literature at the University of Vermont, and an MFA in Creative Writing from the New School Creative Writing for Children Program in New York City. She is also the author of two widely acclaimed young adult novels, Zen and Xander Undone and Vibes.

Link to her website:  http://www.amykathleenryan.com/

Eight Reviews to Finish Out 2011

This will be my last post for 2011.  I have been working hard for the last two weeks to catch up on books I had to read and review, and reviews I needed to post having already read the book.  If you are an author and I didn't get to your book in 2011, please be assured I will be getting to it in 2012.  I read an outstanding number of books this year from several different genre's.  I am a full time middle school teacher and I managed to publish my first novel.  I think I can say that I've had an extremely busy, yet fulfilling year.  I hope you enjoy these last reviews of 2011.  See you in 2012.

The Jinx  - D.F. Lamont

Publisher:  Lulu

Pages: 128

Source:  Review copy from author

Genre:  YA, Sci-Fi/Fantasy Adventure

About the Author:

D.F. Lamont has been writing for 20 years as a journalist and PR professional.  “The Jinx” is is first book for young Adults.

About the book:

Stephen Grayson, is a 13-year old whose run of bad luck gets so bad he worries he is endangering his family. Fearing he is cursed - or is turning into a super villain - he flees home to protect his loved ones, only to find that he is in the middle of a tug-of war between a cult obsessed with order and misshapen monsters known as “Chaons” who seem bent on hunting him down. It's a fun story for kids aged 8-13, and anyone who loves YA books and suspense

My thoughts:

I enjoyed this book very much.  I like science fiction, but it takes me longer to read it than any other genre because my nerdy brain is always trying to figure out the science and if it is real, could it really happen, etc.  I loved the characters in the book.  I think any kid who has ever had a bad day could identify with Stephen and his first day of school.

I would have liked to have learned more about  Daedalus.  Maybe we will see more of him and Stephen in another book.  I’d gladly read another adventure about them.  This is a book I will definitely recommend to my students and to anyone who loves Science Fiction/Fantasy

Links:

Readers can read the first chapter free - and get links to purchase ebooks (Kindle, Nook, Kobo, iPad) as well as softcover versions at:

http://thejinxbook.tumblr.com/

My Facebook Page for The Jinx is: http://www.facebook.com/TheJinxbyDFLamont

My author page on Goodreads is: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5134556.D_F_Lamont

Dead End in Norvelt – Jack Gantos

Publisher:  Farrar, Straus & Giroux

Pages:  352

Source:  Review copy from NetGalley

Genre:  Middle Grade, Mystery

Jack is caught between his arguing parents.  His mother has grounded him for firing a Japanese gun his father owned.  She has also volunteered him to help Mrs. Volker, a neighbor who writes obituaries.

Mrs. Volker has arthritis in her hands and can no longer write or type up the obituaries for the Norvelt News.  Through the obituaries she tells the history of the deceased.   The deceased have recently become the original women of the town of Norvelt. Jack loves this new job since he loves history.  He has one problem, if he gets overly excited his nose will begin to bleed.  As the elderly women of Norvelt begin to drop like flies, people are beginning to wonder if it is murder.  Mrs. Volker examines the bodies and pronounces each death that of natural causes.  Not everyone is convinced.  Could she be hiding something?  This was a wonderful book full of history and lessons that the reader won’t mind learning.  The mystery was enough to keep you reading, yet not so difficult you couldn’t figure it out.  Highly recommended reading.

Grandma Hazel's Funny, Funny Kidz Jokebook  - Rob Loughran

Publisher:  Bubba Caxton Books
Pages: 84

Source:  Received a review copy

Genre:  Jokes

Here, within these pages you will find all the jokes you, and your parents, and your grandparents ever told.    These are simple and most importantly clean jokes.  I sat in our yard swing reading these and chuckling.   My husband kept looking over at me and of course he had to ask and I obligingly told him the joke.  After all, I believe in sharing the laughs.  I look forward to sharing this book with my

students.

Echoes of Distant Thunder – Frank P. Slaughter

Publisher:  Arbutus Press

Pages:   279

Source:  Received a review copy from author

Genre: Historical Fiction

From Goodreads:

Twenty-year-old Michigan farm boy Will Castor finds his life changed forever as he is thrust into the harsh realities of nineteenth-century combat on the last day of the battle of Chickamauga. Wounded physically and mentally, Will escapes the battlefield aided by a war weary Confederate deserter, but can t escape the echoes of death and horror that will remain with him for the rest of his life. Returning to Michigan after the war, Will deals with guilt and recurring nightmares from his war experience, finding relief in the numbing effects of a bottle of whiskey and the bawdy houses of East Saginaw. He joins the rough and tumble world of Michigan s lumber boom as a land looker seeking the majestic white pine. Alone in the vast northern Michigan wilderness, he comes face to face with his demons and must make a decision life or death. Echoes of Distant Thunder is a compelling historical drama vividly portraying Michigan s rich history, landscape and participation in the Civil War. Author Frank P. Slaughter, a reenactor with Battery D First Michigan Light Artillery, brings stark realism to the battle scenes with his knowledge of Civil War tactics and munitions. On this the 150th anniversary of the start of the Civil War, Will Castor s story could be the story of veterans from all wars as they continue to fight the battles that can t be left on the battlefield.

My thoughts:

This is a definite must read for anyone who loves the Civil War time period.  This is not just  a story of the Civil War.  This is Will Castor’s story of survival.  Survival can’t always be measured in the physical sense.  Anyone who has gone to battle must survive mentally as well.  Will must learn to put the demons that haunt him to rest if he is to have any kind of decent life.

This book was very authentic in its portrayal of the battle field.  This has to do with the fact that Mr. Slaughter is himself a re-enactor.  I felt as if I was on the battle fields at times.  This is not a comfortable feeling.  There again this book is not a feel good book.  Most books that are historically accurate take us out of our comfort zone and force us to face many unpleasant things.  This book is like that.  We as readers are forced to face the devastation of battle both upon the land, humans both body and mind.

I have a couple of friends who are not only history teachers, but find the Civil War to be their favorite topic.  I will definitely recommend this book to them.  I would also read any other book by this author.  It is not often I read a book so full of history that does not at some point bore me.  This book kept me drawn in until the end.

The Meaning of  Life and Other Stuff – Jimmy Gownley

Publisher:  Atheneum

Pages:  160

Source:  Received a copy for review

Genre:  Middle Grade, Realistic Fiction

Product Description

Amelia McBride may be growing up, but she’s feeling down. If there’s one theme to her life, it’s that nothing lasts: not her parents’ marriage, not Aunt Tanner’s support, not the clubhouse for the Gathering of Awesome Super Pals (G.A.S.P.), not even her new spot on the stupid cheerleading squad. And while she’s learning all kinds of things about foot fungus, cheerwitches, and Reggie—who thinks Rhonda is CUTE?!—there’s still one thing Amelia can’t figure out, and that’s the meaning of life. It takes a grownup sort of tragedy for Amelia and her friends to realize that even when the world is scary, and life is as mystifying as ever, some things—like friendship—do last.

In Jimmy Gownley’s touching seventh installment of Amelia Rules!, Amelia may not find all the answers—but she does know how to ask the right questions. Who needs answers, anyway?

My Thoughts:

This is the seventh graphic novel in the Amelia Rules series.  This is a graphic series I would definitely recommend to my students.  They will definitely be able to identify with her.

Amelia is a typical middle schools student with the same typical problems as middle school students today.  Her parents are divorced, she has earned a reputation as a “bad kid”, and she faces how to help a friend whose father is serving in combat.  These are all realistic things that my middle school students face.  I’ve read these in e-book format and will definitely purchase these in physical form for my shelves.  Really nice graphic novel.  This is coming from someone who really doesn’t care for a lot of graphic novels.  This one I recommend.

Everneath – Brodi Ashton

Publisher:  Harper Collins

Pages:  384

Source:  Received an ARC from publisher for review

Genre:  Young Adult, Fantasy

Description from Amazon:

Last spring, Nikki Beckett vanished, sucked into an underworld known as the Everneath. Now she’s returned—to her old life, her family, her boyfriend—before she’s banished back to the underworld . . . this time forever. She has six months before the Everneath comes to claim her, six months for good-byes she can’t find the words for, six months to find redemption, if it exists.
Nikki longs to spend these precious months forgetting the Everneath and trying to reconnect with her boyfriend, Jack, the person most devastated by her disappearance—and the one person she loves more than anything. But there’s just one problem: Cole, the smoldering immortal who enticed her to the Everneath in the first place, has followed Nikki home. Cole wants to take over the throne in the underworld and is convinced Nikki is the key to making it happen. And he’ll do whatever it takes to bring her back, this time as his queen.
As Nikki’s time on the Surface draws to a close and her relationships begin slipping from her grasp, she is forced to make the hardest decision of her life: find a way to cheat fate and remain on the Surface with Jack or return to the Everneath and become Cole’s queen.

My Thoughts:

I immediately thought of school as I read this book.  We are currently teaching a unit on Greek mythology.  I have a student, who loves all things to do with Greek mythology.  This book will be passed on to her.  I know she will love this as much as I did.    This is a modern version of Persephone.  Nikki Beckett has just returned to her home town after being gone for half a year.  Rumors go around that she was involved in drugs.  That could not have been farther from the truth.

Nikki has actually been in the Everneath.  She is back among her people for only six months.  She is pursued by Cole from the Everneath and yet she is still in love with Jack.  Cole is an Everling and Nikki is what they called a Forfeit.  They capture a human and feed off of their energy for one hundred years.  Nikki survived the one hundred years.  She is  given six months to put her human life in order and then she must return to the Everneath.  If she doesn’t go back with Cole, where he wants to make her his queen, then she will be sent to the Tunnels.  She must decide which is worse, to be with Cole and feed off of other human’s energy while she has immortality, or to be stuck in the Tunnels where she will become part of what keeps everything running.  This was a refreshing take on mythology.  You expect one thing to happen and then you have that nice little twist.  I am looking forward to reading the second book when it comes out.  One last thought.  The cover of this book has probably been my favorite of all the books I have read this year.  It just truly popped out there in that red dress.  It was gorgeous.

Journey to Christmas Creek - Melinda Elmore

Publisher:  DWB Publishing

Pages:  50

Source:  Purchased

Genre:  Young Adult, Native American

On 10/04/2011 DWB Publishing author, Melinda Elmore lost her husband, Tommy, unexpectedly. She has a 13 yo daughter at home, and they had no insurance. Her book, Journey To Christmas Creek is a story Tommy told their children, and is being released by Dancing With Bear Publishing on 11/01/11. 100% of the royalties will go to the Elmore family to help them in this time of need. Please help promote this book and buy a copy. You will get a wonderful holiday, Native American, YA read and be helping out the family too.

My Thoughts:

This was such a wonderful story.  However it was another one that I had written up in a notebook and just came upon.   This is the story of bravery and stepping out on your own when you are not sure it is the right thing to do.  It is a story following your heart and being strong, and facing your fears.  The author's husband told this story to his children every year.  It is kind of a metaphor for Melinda's life now.  Follow Spotted Buffalo and his family as they must pack up in early 1800's and move to land where they can find buffalo and other things that wills sustain them.  They are not sure where they are to go.  When they make camp for the night Spotted Buffalo decides to go ahead so that he can impress his father by finding their new land.  His sister, Gentle Tears follows and he must take her with him.  Something happens and Gentle Tears must save her brother.  Read and find out what happens in this heart warming story.  

Links:  Melindaelmore.webs.com

www.dwbchildrensline.com

Shadows and Fire - Jennifer Fales

Publisher:  Outskirts Press, Inc.

Pages:  116

Source:  I received a review copy from the author

Genre:  

From Goodreads:

In the parallel world of the future, mankind has created its own worst enemy - a supernatural species of animal-human hybrids that exact a high toll in return for peace. Step into the dark, and occasionally funny, world of the domes where a brother and sister bridging the gap between these two species struggle to reunite with one another. Meet the menagerie of creatures that impact their lives and a man who would bring redemption, providing he doesn't get lost along the way. 

My Thoughts:

This was a unique book.  It was a little too short, leaving me wanting more.  I am glad that this is just the first book in this series.  The world building and character building are unique and wonderful.  A mixture of animal and humans have created a unique hybrid character.  The two twins were total opposites who obviously have a greater purpose once they are together.  The problem is we don't know yet what that purpose is.  I look forward to reading more from this author.

About the Author:

Jennifer Fales is an east coast girl transplanted to the west coast just shy of a decade ago  English is her native tongue, followed closely by sarcasm.  Her interests run the gamut from science to the supernatural, with a little kickboxing thrown in for good measure.  She currently lives in Corona California with her boyfriend.  This is her first novel.

Website:  jenniferfales.com

Holes: Louis Sachar

Publisher:  Bloomsbury
Pages:  272
Genre:  Middle Grade, Mystery
Reviewer:  Casey

Let me start by saying you don't exactly need to like a certain genre to like THIS book for sure.  I read this book and when I had to put it down, I couldn't wait to pick it back up again.  It all starts when an 11 year old boy named Stanley Yelnats IV (Yelnats being Stanley but backwards) is walking home  from school and a shoe, or a baseball clean as he understood, falls on his head as he walks under a bridge.  For some reason, Stanley is arrested and asked a big question..."You may go to jail, or you may go to camp, Which do you choose?"

Stanley Yelnats IV came from a rather poor family, whose father tried to recycle shoes to make all sorts of things.  This did not help the family much, and his house often smelled like rotten leather, as Stanley said.  Stanley always wanted to go to a summer camp, and the judge did not specify when he asked the life-changing question, so you can conclude what he chose, all I can say is that I'd rather be sent to jail.  Why was Stanley arrested?  You may be thinking, but this is something that would change  the surprise as you read, so that's for you to find out.  Stanley also was overweight, and often got teased in school for that unfortunate reason. Teachers, students, etc. at the school would embarrass or make fun of him whenever the chance came up, so he had a rough life growing up.  Find out if this may all change at the end.

Camp...How fun will it be?  Will they all tease me too?  What activities would we do when I get there?  Many thoughts wandered his head on the lonely bus on the way to the camp in the hot, hot desert as he sat for 3 hours straight.  All are answered when he arrives... Stanley may have met "friends" there, but that didn't help much in the heat that was everlasting, and the rumor that it hadn't rained in over 100years there.  The part where the title is explained is here.  The boys dig, and dig, and dig, five-by=five foot holes int he sand (5 feet deep), one in the morning and one in the afternoon with little water a day, and no A/C to keep cool.  But there  is something suspicious about the warden and what she is up to, and why? Stanley and a good and, usually quiet friend Zero decided to go to a "thumbs up" shaped mountain in search for water.  Stanley did not know that his great-great grandfather that his whole family believed cursed them with all the bad things he did as an adult, had a little history there. With a few connections too...

Why did Stanley get arrested? Where was this crazy camp? Why did he and Zero go to the mountain? What was the warden's secret? And what all did his terrible great-great-grandfather do that was so bad? Al questions answered when you read this edition to Louis Sachar's amazing books.  If you decide to watch the movie instead, you sure are missing a lot when you see that instead.  If you do read it though, it is a good book, wait...I should say GREAT book to read when you are looking for an interesting book to make you happy, a little sad, and to cheer you up at points, get to this book however your quickest way to it whether it's an i-Pad, or the closest library.  You don't know what you're missing yet!

4 Children's Books Reviewed

Queen Vernita Visits the Islands of Enchantment - Dawn Menge
Publisher:  Outskirts Press                   
Pages:  36
Source:  Review copy from publisher
Genre:  Juvenile Fiction, Adventure

This is a wonderful educational series.  Once again we visit with Queen Vernita.  This time she is inviting twelve of her friends to each spend a month with her as she visits the islands of Enchantment.  Captain Jeff, Queen Vernita and her friends spend the year experiencing the islands in many ways, such as fishing, learning about coral reefs and much more.  This is a very sensory detailed book as you see when one of Queen Vernita's blind friends visits the island and has to use her other senses to experience the wonder of the island.  Read the book and follow Queen Vernita as she takes the reader on another learning adventure.

Snowmen at Night - Carolyn Buehner
Publisher:  Scholastic
Source - Purchased
Genre:  Children's Picture Book

Have you ever wondered what snowmen do at night?  This cute picture book answers that question.  In addition to the wonderfully, charming pictures, you learn that snowmen love to do some of the same things human children do.  They do things such as: sledding, ice skating, snowball fights and many other activities.  Maybe that is why when we see a snowman the next morning they look a little disheveled.  Now we know why.

I Love You More Than Chocolate - Melanie Milburn
Publisher:  InstantPublisher.com
Source:  Review copy received from author for review
Genre:  Children's Picture Book

This lovely book came about because of a rhyming game the author played nightly with her daughter at bedtime.  They played the "I Love You More" game.  I think almost every parent plays a similar game with their children.  The daughter was inspired to turn the game into a picture book and even included a cd of the author singing "I Love You More Than Chocolate", in the back of the book.  Read the book and discover and share with your child how much they are loved, even more than chocolate.  Cindy Coleman has done an excellent job of illustrating this book.

The True Adventures of Tip the Catahoula Leopard Cowdog - Barbara Gourley
Publisher:  AuthorHouse
Pages:  28
Source:  Received a copy or review from publicist
Genre:  Children's Picture Book

The author tells the story of a pup given to her husband who was very ill.  The story is written from Tip's point of view.  Follow his story and learn his fears, adventures and lessons learned.  Learn about the life of a cowdog.  This is a book your child will enjoy reading over and over again.

The Eye of the Crystal Ball – T.P. Boje

Publisher:  Kindle

Print Pages:  388

Source:  Review Copy from Author

Genre:  Middle Grade, Young Adult, Fantasy

From Goodreads:

 When Sara was newborn her parents left her at the doorstep at Mr. and Mrs. Schneider's house. 

When Sara was ten she discovered she was telekinetic. She began to move stuff around when she got angry just by her will alone. 

When Sara was twelve her real parents came for her and took her with them to live like the Gypsy that she was - or Romani as they like to call themselves. They told her she was going to fulfill a prophesy. That it was once said that out of the Romani people the greatest sorceress who had ever lived would be born. 
When Sara was thirteen she had a baby brother and when she was fourteen he got very sick with a strange illness. 
To save her baby-brother Sara sets off on a quest to find his cure - well knowing that it will cost her dearly. 
Soon Sara finds herself going through the Singing Cave, crossing Wild Witches Valley, talking to a ten foot giant snail, rescuing the Beads of Souls from the Hell-hounds, escaping a spell in Vamila, the Forest of Vanity, visiting the king at the City of Lights before she finally reaches the Black Castle where she is told the Eye of the Crystal Ball can tell her how to cure her brother's strange illness. 

But nothing is free in this world - and as Sara soon will know - everything has a price.

My Thoughts: 

This was an awesome book.  I know just the student to recommend it to.  When Sara was born she was left on Mr. and Mrs. Schneider’s doorstep.  She didn’t exactly fit into the family which was just as well.  She developed telekinetic abilities.  She was able to move things around when she got angry.  Then her parents came back for her when she was twelve years old.  It  was like she knew she was where she belonged.  She was a gypsy and her parents had come to get her so that she could fulfill a prophesy.  Although this is a fantasy novel, it reads like real life.  That is a compliment to the writing style of the author.

Sara meets Manolo who travels with her to find a cure to help her baby brother.  Without it he will die.  Her mother has warned her against getting mixed up with evil magic.  Sara sees this as the only way to save her baby brother.  The book she searches out tells her that she needs to find the Eye of the Crystal Ball to help her find what she seeks.  Sara has been told there are consequences but she is willing to accept them  if it means saving her brother.

Each obstacle that Sara and Manolo encounter is solved with a lesson learned.

I enjoyed each obstacle because the author mixed it up.  Some of the obstacles turned out to be funny while others were scary in nature.

I enjoyed the book so much that I purchased her book,  “One, Two, He’s Coming For You”.  This is an author I think my students who love fantasy will really enjoy and one I am pleased to recommend to them.

The Fractured Life of 3743 and The Killer of Little Shepherds

The Fractured Life of 3743 – Rob Cabitto 

Publisher:  Beaver”s Pond Press

Pages:  248

Source:  Received a copy from publisher

Genre:  Adult, Memoir

From Goodreads:

The Life of 3743 is a journey, beginning with tragedy, addiction and culminating in redemption born out of desperation.

Rob Cabitto's story of his fractured life being redeemed is a powerful and cautionary tale of how a life can go horribly wrong. When Rob was five, he was put up for adoption because of the severe addictions of his parents.

As is often the case, these early hardships helped to make the man who he is today. Rob tells what it was like to live untethered to any spiritual, tribal or social belief system--and the consequences associated with an amoral lifestyle. He describes exactly what it was like to be homeless, penniless and jobless, with nowhere to go but down. However, what he believed to be his bottom was only a temporary stopping point. He had yet to fall further, and for many years, lived in the abyss of a life without meaning or direction.

This story is about overcoming immense obsta­cles as a child, the bad choices he made as a young adult and into adulthood, and the resilience of the human spirit. The Fractured Life Redeemed is insightful, captivating and has a universal message for all those who have been hopeless or lost--and that message is hope...

My Thoughts:

This book is one that will stick with the reader for a long time.  It is an honest look at one man’s life, the choices he made, and how those choices affected him.  The pictures in the book help bring you into his life.  Had he left the pictures out, his writing is so descriptive that you would still be able to picture the rollercoaster he called his life.  I am not sure, had I lived his life that I would have had the courage to tell the story.  I look at things in my past and read books and say, “Yeah, I understand because that happened to me.”  Yet, I have no courage to reach out and tell the story that may help others.  The reading of this book takes you on an emotional rollercoaster ride.  You look at what he had done the accomplishments and are so proud of what he’s done then the next moment you are in the valley with him.  I know this is an adult book yet I deal with teens every day.  I am tired of hearing their excuses. “But Miss, you don’t understand…I live in a single parent home…we got no money….my daddy’s on drugs…that’s why I’m in a gang so I can get some respect…”  We’ve all heard the sob stories.  The idea is to not let those stories be our entire life.  Seeing how far Rob Cabitto had to come to be the success he is, takes away all excuses.  There were QR codes throughout the book. I was able to utilize the ones at the front for Facebook and Twitter but the ones throughout the book would not open for me.  That has not stopped me.  I plan on taking the book to school with me and utilizing the phone of one of my fellow teachers to see what I have missed, then loaning the book to them.  I believe this should be read by anyone who has faced any challenges and just don’t feel they can pull themselves out.  With enough help, determination and effort I believe anyone can.

The Killer of Little Shepherds:  A True Crime Story and the Birth of Forensic Science – Douglas Starr

Publisher:  Knopf

Pages:  320

Source:  Received a copy from publisher in exchange for review

Genre:  Adult,  True Crime Story

From Goodreads:

A riveting true crime story that vividly recounts the birth of modern forensics.

At the end of the nineteenth century, serial murderer Joseph Vacher, known and feared as “The Killer of Little Shepherds,” terrorized the French countryside. He eluded authorities for years—until he ran up against prosecutor Emile Fourquet and Dr. Alexandre Lacassagne, the era’s most renowned criminologist. The two men—intelligent and bold—typified the Belle Époque, a period of immense scientific achievement and fascination with science’s promise to reveal the secrets of the human condition.

With high drama and stunning detail, Douglas Starr revisits Vacher’s infamous crime wave, interweaving the story of how Lacassagne and his colleagues were developing forensic science as we know it. We see one of the earliest uses of criminal profiling, as Fourquet painstakingly collects eyewitness accounts and constructs a map of Vacher’s crimes. We follow the tense and exciting events leading to the murderer’s arrest. And we witness the twists and turns of the trial, celebrated in its day. In an attempt to disprove Vacher’s defense by reason of insanity, Fourquet recruits Lacassagne, who in the previous decades had revolutionized criminal science by refining the use of blood-spatter evidence, systematizing the autopsy, and doing groundbreaking research in psychology. Lacassagne’s efforts lead to a gripping courtroom denouement.

The Killer of Little Shepherds is an important contribution to the history of criminal justice, impressively researched and thrillingly told.

My Thoughts:

It is sad to think that we know more about Jack the Ripper, except who he really was than we do about a man named Joseph Vacher.   Both of these murderers lived and killed around the same time and yet, until I read this book I had not heard of him.  Not only do we learn that this man started killing because he was rejected by a woman, but we learn that those involved in his capture were the ones who began using forensics.

Dr. Alexandre LaCassagne wa the professor at the university of Lyon.  It was under his tutelege that many scientists studied things like fibers and hair, blood types, even spatter patterns of blood.  Up until this point many people were institutionalized as insane.  The reasoning was they must have been insane to kill so many people.  Forensics brought into light patterns and the use of science to catch and keep criminals and allow them to be punished justifiably.  France had an influx of people who lost their jobs or livelihoods to the Industrial revolution.  Often it was these men who committed crimes, but as transients were not caught.  LaCassagne was able to take a scientific look at crime scenes and suspects and provide answers.  Rural areas often lacked more educated doctors and police.  It was kind of like, “having something was better than nothing”.  That is another reason so many went so long before being caught.

It was fascinating to learn that during that time period if you were wealthy and ticked off  the poor you could be accused of a crime you were totally innocent of and be executed.  The opposite was true for the poor as well who could not afford to defend themselves.  I kept thinking, Thank goodness we have forensic science now.  Yet I realize it has not been that long ago before DNA testing that innocent people were accused of crimes they were not guilty of because science had not develop enough to prove them innocent.

Although this book is graphic, for people like me who love all things forensics this is a must read.  It is truly one of the best books on the subject I have ever read.  It is one I will most definitely recommend to those like me who enjoy true crime stories.