Review of Books by Max Elliot Anderson

I know it has been quite some time since I posted a review.  I hope to start posting regularly.  I've spent a large portion of time in the last week or two reading and writing reviews.  I just didn't get them posted.  So I am going to start off with two wonderful books by Max Elliot Anderson.

Max Anderson has written a wonderful series called the Sam Cooper Mystery Series.  I read and reviewed the first book Lost Island Smugglers in July of 2010.  You can find it here.  I will be reviewing books number two and three today.  Tomorrow I will have a review of two of his other books.  So sit back and get ready for reviews of two great books.

Captain Jack’s Treasure

Publisher: Port Yonder Press

Pages:  178

Genre:  Middle Grade Mystery and Adventure

Source:  I purchased a copy

Sam, Tony and Tyler are best friends.  They are constantly looking for adventure.  Sam receives a metal detector from his dad for his birthday.  He and his friends have heard that people have found a lot of treasure in the area where they live.  They do some research and figure that they can be the ones to find the next great treasure.  If the mention of finding treasure doesn’t peak your interest then let’s throw in an old sea captain.  We all know that boys, and girls, like stories about treasures and old sea captains.  This particular sea captain appears to be hiding something. He hires the boys to help him rebuild his ship.  Along the way the captain teaches them about true treasures.  This is a book that both boys and girls, and parents will enjoy.  I love the gentle message of laying up treasures in Heaven.  All of Max’s books have a Christian theme to them.  The reason I really like them is that I can put them on my shelves at school.  I put them there not only for the Christian students, but also for ALL students.  They are clean cut with great messages.  They have adventures and mysteries to carry the reader from the first sentence to the end of the book.  I would say it is a must read.

River Rampage

Publisher:  Port Yonder Press

Pages: 168

Source:  Review copy from the author

Genre:  Middle Grade  Mystery and Adventure

In this book we meet Tony’s uncle.  Tony is one of Sam’s best friends.  Tony’s uncle is a white water river guide.  He invites Tony’s friends to go rafting with him.  He talks to their parents, assuring them he will keep the boys safe.  Their raft will be tied to his.  This sounds safe enough so they consent.  The second day out on the river things go horribly wrong.  The rope breaks tethering them to the guide raft.  They get left behind.  They make it to land and find an old miner.  The old miner has some claim jumpers trying to take his claim from him.  The boys jump in to try to help him.  Things go from bad to worse.  Read the book to find out if they make their way out.  Find out what true courage is and how prayer can help in any situation.  Once again this was a book that I couldn’t put down.  Max Anderson’s writing style is simple enough for reluctant readers and has all of the elements of mystery and adventure that will grab them and hold them until the end of the book.

I am looking forward to the next book in the series This Property is Condemned.  It is due out some time next year.
Go to Max's website and check out everything he has to offer.  Just because it says Books and Boys it doesn't mean it is not for girls.  My female students love these books as much as the boys.  Max Anderson was a reluctant reader and he knows what will hook them.  So what are you waiting for?  Check the website and his books out.

http://booksandboys.blogspot.com/

Celtic Run – Sean Vogel

Publisher:  MB Publishing, LLC

Pages:  160

Source: Review copy from Pump Up Your Book Tours

Genre: Young Adult, Mystery

Celtic Run Synopsis by Sean Vogel:

Jake, a 14-year-old gadget whiz, didn’t plan on a summer full of treasure, thieves, and danger. He just got lucky.

While in Ireland on a class trip, Jake stumbles upon the first clue to a treasure missing from the Spanish Armada. Jake sees the riches as his chance to buy back the family sailboat and restore a piece of the life he enjoyed before his father was critically injured in an accident. Desperate to find the treasure, Jake teams up with Zach, his nemesis and class bully, and two girls in a clue-hunting chase across the Dingle Peninsula.

Dodging would-be thieves, exchanging wisecracks with Zach, and concocting ingenious devices to get them out of scrapes, Jake leads the team as they connect piece after piece to the 400-year-old mystery.

My Thoughts:

I seldom read books twice unless a long period of time has passed.  I read this book twice to make sure I had not missed anything.  I don't know if it is my desire to one day visit Ireland, my love of all things Irish, all coupled with characters that were very believable that made this such a wonderful book to read.  I was with them throughout their adventures.  I loved the way they had to go from one clue, and research different parts of the island to find what they were looking for.  I loved the way that Jake became more mature and assertive as time went on.  I really enjoyed the way he could come up with gadgets to help them out.  Once scene came to life in my mind that I could see Maggie dancing and hear the music in my head.  Maybe it is because my daughter did Irish dance for a couple of years.  I have a small collection Irish music.  Books like this make me want to research my family to see where we come from.  I know my great-grandfather and two of his brother's came from Ireland and settled along the Ohio River.  That is all I know at this point.  I will definitely recommend this book to my students.  I see this is the first in a series so I look forward to seeing what other adventures Jake will get himself into.

After reading all about Sean Vogel you can click on a link and visit his wonderful website where you will learn much more about him and Ireland.  Then click on the link to read an excerpt from chapter 1.  You won't be sorry you did.

Sean Vogel Bio:

Growing up in a small town in Michigan during the 1980s, Sean was provided with an excellent garden for cultivating his writing career. With only a few simplistic video games and three television channels, he became an accomplished daydreamer and a creative outside adventurer.

A son of a garbage truck driver, Sean often received “gently used” items from his father’s route. With a bit of imagination and a little tinkering, these items were reborn as tools for battles against backyard bandits. These childhood experiences would later serve as the foundation and inspiration for Jake McGreevy’s gadgetry expertise.

Seeking his own adventures, Sean joined the Army via an ROTC scholarship at Colorado State University. Living in Germany for several years gave him the opportunity to travel extensively in Europe. During his time in the Army, he served in the Field Artillery and Signal Corp, rising to the rank of Captain and receiving the Bronze Star Medal for his service in Iraq.

Sean started drafting novels out of boredom during long deployments in the military; a pen is easier to carry than a guitar. But he soon fell in love with the frustrating, yet satisfying science called writing and has been hard at work ever since.

When he’s not helping his main character Jake get out of tangles, Sean is a department manager for a large aerospace company. He lives in Denver with his wife and their two dachshunds.

Visit his website here

Read Chapter 1 here

Night Buddies – Sands Hetherington

Publisher:  Dune Buggy Press

Pages:  128

Source:  Copy from publisher for blog tour

Genre:  Ages 7-9, Fantasy, Adventure

This is a wonderful adventure story for younger kids.  John Degraffenreidt doesn’t want to go to bed.  He wants more pineapple cheesecake.  Once in bed he can’t go to sleep.  Then Crosley, a red crocodile come out from under his bed and the two of them head off on an adventure to solve a mystery.  What mystery you ask?  The mystery of the disappearing pineapple cheesecakes.  They arrive at the cheesecake factory where John meets Bigfoot Mae who runs the factory.  If you have a child, or grandchild who loves mysteries this is the book for them.  Learn why Crosley is red.  Find out what has happened to all of the pineapple cheesecakes.  Learn exactly what a “Night Buddy” is.

This would definitely be enjoyed by reluctant readers.

Student Saturdays: The Thief Lord - Cornelia Funke

Publisher:  Chicken House
Pages:  349
Genre:  Adventure
Student Reviewer:  Logan

Prosper and Bo are two children who have run away from their mean aunt to the magical city of Venice, Italy.  They are under shelter with a small group of children and under the protection of the Thief Lord.  But, their aunt has hired detective Victor Getz to find them.  Also, the Thief Lord has been asked to steal something that could have the secret to immortality.  In my opinion the book was very good.  This book would be perfect for anyone who likes Italian adventures.  This book relates to me because I have always wanted to go to Venice.  I recommend you read the Thief Lord.

Chomp - Carl Hiaasen

Pubisher:  Knopf Books for Young Readers (releases March 27, 2012)

Pages:  304

Source:  Received a review copy from publisher

Genre:  Middle Grade, Humorous Adventure

From Amazon:

Wahoo Cray lives in a zoo.  His father is an animal wrangler, so he’s grown up with all manner of gators, snakes, parrots, rats, monkeys, snappers, and more in his backyard.  The critters he can handle.  His father is the unpredictable one.

When his dad takes a job with a reality TV show called “Expedition Survival!”, Wahoo figures he’ll have to do a bit of wrangling himself—to keep his dad from killing Derek Badger, the show’s boneheaded star, before the shoot is over.

But the job keeps getting more complicated.  Derek badger seems to actually believe his PR and insists on using wild animals for his stunts.  And Wahoo’s acquired a shadow named Tuna—a girl who’s sporting a shiner courtesy of her old man and needs a place to hide out.

They’ve only been on location in the Everglades for a day before Derek gets bitten by a bat and goes missing in a storm.  Search parties head out and promptly get lost themselves.  And then Tuna’s dad shows up with a gun. . .

It’s anyone’s guess who will actually survive “Expedition Survival”. . . .

My Thoughts:

One of my favorite places to visit is the Florida Everglades. It is only a few hours south of where I live, and a place I consider to be extremely beautiful and dangerous.  There is a particular tourist attraction that takes customers on an  airboat ride.  My first trip with them was thrilling because we had someone with a Steve Irwin personality.  He loved describing everything; birds, plants, gators, the whole eco-system of the Everglades.  The highlight was getting to hold a live alligator.  When I was given the opportunity to read and review Chomp by Carl Hiaasen I was so excited.  It had gators, reality TV, and the Florida Everglades. In my mind it was everything you could ask for in a book.

The story starts off  funny, with a serious undertone that runs through it.  Wahoo’s father has been unable to work since a frozen iguana fell from a tree and hit him in the head causing a concussion.  His mother has picked up the slack.  Now she has been called out of the country to teach her clients for a few months.  With their finances in a mess she takes the job, leaving her husband and the zoo in Wahoo’s hands.  Shortly after she leaves, Wahoo’s dad  receives a call from “Expedition Survival” wanting to use some of their animals in their reality TV show.  Wahoo’s father Mickey accepts and tries his hardest to work through his pain.  Then he meets Derek, the biggest jerk. 

Derek was one of those characters that you will love to hate.  He is so full of himself as a star that he thinks when he snaps his fingers people should jump.  He makes decisions that could get him killed just because he believes what everyone on the show tells him.  This puts not only himself in danger, but also those around him.

I loved Wahoo’s character.  He not only truly cares about the animals but about people.  The story is full of bullies.  Derek bullies everyone on his show into doing what he wants.  Tuna’s father is the biggest bully of all.  Tuna is the young girl who shows up to hide from her abusive father.  We get a good look at reality TV and it makes you wonder how real it is.  Like Hiaasen’s previous books, “Hoot”, “Flush”, and “Scat”, we find environmental themes running throughout this book.  It is another great book to add to the shelf, to your collection of books by this great author.  I can’t wait to put this on my shelf at school.  The timing could not be better.  We are currently reading “Flush” as a class.  I know I will have students “chomping at the bit”. 

Three Wonderful Books By Patricia Puddle

Molly Gumnut Rescues a Bandicoot

Publisher:  CreateSpace

Pages:  228

Source:  Received an e-book for review from the author

Genre:  Middle Grade, Realistic Fiction

Molly is one of those kids who loves animals.  A class project, where she has to take a picture of  a native animal is the beginning to this wonderful story. When she sees the neighbor’s cat attack a bandicoot, Molly jumps in to save him.  She is not supposed to  have the bandicoot as they are an endangered animal.  She begs her dad to let her keep him.  She even names him Furble.  Dad takes the animal to her grandmother’s house because she is one of a few people allowed to nurse the animal back to health as a wildlife rescue officer.  Molly is not very happy when her grandmother tells her that they will release the animal  back where he was found when he is healthy.  It is here where she decides that she will have to take matters into her own hands.   Molly is allowed to help her grandmother, but almost blows it by trying to get a picture of it for her school project.  She is constantly getting herself in trouble trying to do the right thing. For example she goes to talk to the neighbor whose cat injured Furble and comes across as rude and almost loses her opportunity to help her grandmother. It doesn’t help that she has a snotty little classmate named Gretchen who tries her hardest to see that Molly is always in trouble.  This was a wonderful book that shows kids that they need to stand up for what they believe in, but at the same time there is a right and wrong way to do it.  Both boys and girls will enjoy this book.  Molly’s antics will keep the reader rolling.

Velvet Ball and the Broken Fairy

Publisher:  CreateSpace

Pages: 110

Source:  Received an e-book from the author

Genre:  Middle Grade,  Realistic Fantasy

I have never read a book where the author addressed the issue of alopecia, or hair loss in kids.  I don’t even think most kids know what it is.  In this story we are introduced to a young girl named Velvet Ball.  She has a disease that caused her to lose all of her hair.  Her parents move her to the country to try to improve her health in the hopes her hair will grow back.  The kids at her new school don’t want to be her friend.  They bully her around and call her names.  One day on her way home she finds a fairy hanging from a tree.  The fairy  promises to grant her a wish if Velvet will help her.  Velvet has no idea how much trouble Roseberry is going to cause her.  I see several common things running through several of Patricia’s books.  She always has her characters rescuing something or someone.  There is usually a bully that the man character must deal with, in this case the kids at school plus the fairy with an attitude.  She also always teaches a lesson.  It is one that is not thrown into a kids face, yet one that they learn along the way.  This book has so much to offer.  It would be great for discussions about accepting differences.  I laughed at the fairy’s antics, before she learns she isn’t a fairy.  The ending had a surprising twist I didn’t see coming but I hope it leads to another book.

  

Star Crossed Rascal

Publisher: CreateSpace

Pages:  82

Source:  Received a e-book copy for review

Genre:  Middle Grade, Realistic Fiction

This was a wonderful adventure story.  Polly and Gertie are best friends.  When Polly’s parents leave her Aunt in charge of her for a week, things get really hairy.  Polly can’t seem to do anything right.  Everything she attempts to do ends in catastrophe.  It all starts with a gumball that she and her best friend make.  This is the first thing that gets her on her aunt’s bad side.  When she tries to hide her dinner of Liver and Spaghetti, can you say yuck, she gets in more trouble.  Trying to fix her mistakes only makes things worse.  Her aunt has no patience for kids and this adds to the humor.  I rooted for Polly and Gertie all the way through the book.  The writing style of this book reminded me of Roald Dahl.  I think kids who liked “George’s Marvelous Medicine” by Roald Dahl will love this book.  It has the cranky relative that you love to hate.  The antics in the book are hilarious and of course you find the parents have a tendency to overlook the mischief that Polly and Gertie get into.  I highly recommend this book to my students and to parents everywhere.

The Dolphin Way - Margaret Gillrie-Frasier

Publisher: AuthorHouse Publishing
Pages: 120
Source: Review copy from author
Genre: Animal, Adventure, All Ages, Science, Dolphins
Book Description from Amazon:
Representatives from all of the worlds' dolphin pods are on their way to their "Dolphin Olympics!" For Mattie and his friends it is their first time attending the famous event and their excitement is infectious. Challenges for the main character, Mattie, are quick to find him. While the thrill of his exploits will keep the readers turning pages, learning about dolphins, marine life, and so much more is made easy and fun. All of the facts have been researched with an eye on the educational curriculum that every child should know. The reader is allowed to learn as a secondary result but it is the story that will keep them from wanting to put the book down. "I think your stories are SPECTACULAR because I think you teach people around the world about dolphins and about friendship!" Zaynab from 20 B "When my class read The Dolphin Way, I have never seen such enthusiasm or passion for their reading. My class made t-shirts, bags, hats, etc. to support the cause of saving the dolphins. It was one of the most fantastic experiences of my teaching career. Chris Colderley Pauline Johnson P.S. A wonderful story about honesty, friendship, loyalty, mutual respect and understanding, The Dolphin Way cleverly illustrates how important these elements are to building and maintaining relationships with others. Young dolphin Mattie, is absolutely captivating as a character and draws the reader into his life and his adventures. Be prepared to be amazed at the parallels between dolphins and humans. A must read for all young readers. Joanne Walmsley-Shepherd Newspaper in Education Business Development Co-ordinator The Hamilton Spectator.
My Thoughts:
Through wonderful story telling the reader is taken on an adventure with the ocean’s dolphins. At the end of each chapter in this adventure you find fact nuggets about dolphins that enhance the story. You also learn abut the dangers dolphins face from nets. This is the story f mattie and his mother who are caught in a tsunami and separated. Mattie sets out to find his mother and his future destiny. There is so much wonderful information packed into this book. Since I live in Florida, this is the perfect book for me to put on my shelves for my student. I also received a similar book that had poetry written by students to go along with the story. Both are wonderful teaching tools and such a pleasure to read.

Final Hour – Andrew Klavan

Publisher:  Thomas Nelson

Pages:  352

Genre:  Young Adult, Action, Adventure

Source:  I receive this book from the publisher

Product Description

"You're not alone. You're never alone."

Charlie West has held on to that belief, but now he's starting to wonder. He went to bed one night an ordinary high-school kid. When he woke up, he was wanted for murder and hunted by a ruthless band of terrorists. He's been on the run ever since. Now he's stuck in prison, abandoned by his allies, trying desperately to stay a step ahead of vicious prison gangs and brutal guards. And a flash of returning memory tells him another terrorist strike is coming soon. A million people will die unless he does something. But what? He's stuck in a concrete cage with no way out and no one who can help. Charlie has never felt so alone-and yet he knows he can't give in or give up . . . not with the final hour ticking away.

This is the last book in the Homelander Series.  Charlie West is in prison.  He is accused of a crime he didn't commit.  Every day he is in prison is another day he must survive.  It seems everyone is after him.  The different groups such as the White Supremists,  the Islamic prisoners and the guards are all after him for one reason or another.

He's lost so much of his life, and memory throughout this series.  Just when he starts putting it all back together he ends up in prison and feels abandoned.  He starts questioning his faith like any normal human would do.  He realizes that is all he really has to hold on to at the time.

One of my students, after reading the first two books said, Wow this book has everything a kid could like in a book.  It has fighting, and running from the police and the bad guys.  As an adult I could say the story was a bit unbelievable.  However, as a teacher I have learned that my students want that element of unbelief.  They need to feel like teens can come out the hero at times.

Anxious to return to his normal teenage life, Charlie realizes he must fight the forces of evil to help save the residents of New York City before he can return home to his loving family and girlfriend. 

Student Saturday: Captain Underpants and the Perilous Plot of Professor Poopypants

Student Saturdays are a way for me to showcase my student's book reviews.  Please be kind in your comments.  They are new at writing reviews.  Today's reviewer is Ruth.

The book was about this scientist whose name was Professor Poopypants.  The professor made an invention called Shrinky-pig 2000 which could shrink things. He also made a machine called Goosy-Grow 4000 that  made stuff grow.  Every scientific institution in the U.S. laughed at his name.  But, one day he saw that the school needed a scientist.  When he was there the kids just laughed at his name too.  A little later their teacher read the kids a story and the boys decided to make a comic book.  They printed their comic. Everything was okay until one kid left a comic in Professor Poopypants' class room.  He read it and thought his life was ruined.  He made a chart and had everyone change their name to a silly name.  When I read this story I thought about my sister's friend.  She had a funny name and when she introduced herself, everybody started laughing.  I really like the Captain Underpants books and would recommend them to all students because they are funny and have lots of action that kept me stuck to he book.

Dael and the Painted People - Allan Richard Shickman

Publisher:  Earthshaker Books
Pages:  155
Source:  I received a copy from the publisher in exchange for a review.
Genre:  Middle Grade, Young Adult, Adventure

I was thrilled when I was contacted about reviewing the third book in the Zan-Gah series.  Although I received the book quite some time back, I held off reviewing it.  While reviewing the many other books I had back-logged.  I read this book a chapter at a time.  I don't normally do this.  The reason?  I wanted to re-read it quickly a week or two before I posted my review.  In my classroom we are currently reading our core curriculum's novel "Dar and the Spear Thrower".  I wanted to be able to showcase the Zan-Gah Series to my students.  I believe the story it tells is much richer yet still gives the students a glimpse of the time period.  I was excited as we started the unit last week to be able to show the books to my students.  I pull them from my shelves until we start the unit.

In Dael and the Painted People we  find Zan-Gah's twin leaving the Ba-Coro clan.  He takes with him Sparrow.  He is not sure why he asks her at first.  Maybe because he is lonely and she has always been an outcast because of her inability to speak.  They are accompanied by two wolves, Dara and Nata.  They are ready protectors, as well as hunters in a land that is harsh.  It is obvious from the beginning of the  book that Dael is still haunted by his past and still has so much pent up anger.  It was refreshing to read that he and Sparrow meet the Painted People, also known as the Children of the Earth.  They paint their bodies red.  It is through this clan that Dael finally begins to find peace and healing.  It is here he finds love and learns to harness his anger.

Once again I have say that the characters were well fleshed out.  If I had to pick one of the three books as my favorite I would have to choose this one.  To see such a change in a character was wonderful and believable. I have loved this series.  When our department chair came and informed me we could choose alternate books to go with our Core Units, this was at the top of my list.  Why?  It is well written.  I think it covers the concepts much better than the books picked by our district.  Most importantly, they want us to encourage our  students to read more books by the author, so I would prefer having them read a series.  I've already shared this with one of the other teachers and she is as excited as I am and has started reading the series to her students.  I look forward to many more books by this author that I can share with my students.

Student Saturday: Hatchet By Gary Paulsen

Student Saturdays are a way for me to showcase my student's book reviews.  Please be kind in your comments.  They are new at writing reviews.  Today's reviewer is Chloe

It all stated in a plane.  This plan was a special plane.  A plane that took Brian from place to place.  Only this flight wasn't the best experience.  This flight changed Brian's life.  Brian was on he plane going to visit his dad in Canada, but on the way bad things happened.  the pilot had a heart attack.  Now I'm sure you're probably wondering who is Brian?  Well I'm he girl to ask.  he s a great person, he is very brave an tough, and those skills are basically required where he crash landed.  Now the pilot he was nice to Brian.  After all, they saw each other a lot, so they kind of had to be nice.  Now about where they crash landed, Brian had to take over so he decided to crash land into a pond in the shape of the letter "L".  When he landed his seat belt wouldn't come undone so he had to hold his breath for what felt like forever to him until finally he got it undone.  When Brian was holding his breath under water I cold relate to how he couldn't hold it anymore.  After Brian got to the surface he was on his own except for the animals and things in the woods.  Brian was a little scared but didn't want to show it, but he knew first things first, he needed to build a fire and make a shelter.  The only food he had was berries and fish.  The only thing he had to help him survive was his hatchet and of course whatever else he made.  I think this book was very well written, but that is just my opinion.  So if you love adventure  this is he book for you, but don't take my word for it.  you go ahead and make your own opinion as you read this great book....Hatchet!

The Dark Endeavor: The Apprenticeship of Victor Frankenstein – Kenneth Oppel

Publisher:  Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing

Pages:  304

Source:  I received a review copy from the publisher

Genre:  Young Adult, Adventure, Gothic, Suspense, Fantasy

Parent Alert:  Due to some of the subject matter and gore you might want to read this book before giving it to your tween.  Not all tweens are mature enough to handle the material.

Product Description

Victor and Konrad are the twin brothers Frankenstein. They are nearly inseparable. Growing up, their lives are filled with imaginary adventures...until the day their adventures turn all too real.

They stumble upon The Dark Library, and secret books of alchemy and ancient remedies are discovered. Father forbids that they ever enter the room again, but this only peaks Victor's curiosity more. When Konrad falls gravely ill, Victor is not be satisfied with the various doctors his parents have called in to help. He is drawn back to The Dark Library where he uncovers an ancient formula for the Elixir of Life. Elizabeth, Henry, and Victor immediately set out to find assistance in a man who was once known for his alchemical works to help create the formula.

Determination and the unthinkable outcome of losing his brother spur Victor on in the quest for the three ingredients that will save Konrads life. After scaling the highest trees in the Strumwald, diving into the deepest lake caves, and sacrificing one’s own body part, the three fearless friends risk their lives to save another.

My Thoughts:

My first introduction to Frankenstein was the old black and white movie that were on TV in the 1960’s.  I loved spending my Saturdays watching them.  When I hit college and studied Byron, and Shelley I learned how the story of Frankenstein came about.   Percy and Mary Shelley were visiting their friend Lord Byron when a storm came up.  They sat around telling ghost stories when a challenge was thrown out.  They were each to write a scary story and see who could come up with the best.  Enter Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein.  For this reason when given the opportunity to read and review this book I jumped at the chance.

Kenneth Oppel  took a few liberties when creating the early years of Victor Frankenstein.  He gave Victor a twin brother.  Victor and Konrad love each other very much.  Where Victor is out for success, doing things that will make a name for himself, no matter what’; his brother Konrad is the opposite.  He is constantly thinking of others and giving credit to others instead of taking it for himself.  This of course draws people to him.   Then we throw in their distant cousin Elizabeth.  Both of the boys are drawn to her.  When we add the jealousy Victor feels towards his brother over Elizabeth and the way Konrad is treated by others we can see trouble brewing. 

When Konrad becomes ill and doctors can do nothing, Victor decides to become the hero here.  He will do what the regular doctors can’t.  HE will find a cure for his brother.  He along with Elizabeth and his best friend Henry search out the old outcast alchemist Julius Polidari.  He then sets out on a quest to retrieve the three main ingredients necessary for “the elixir of life”.  We can see right from the beginning there is a battle raging inside of Victor.  It is the battle of why he is truly taking up this quest.  We see the power of darkness, in all its forms,  and its effect on him. 

This is a book that anyone who loves Frankenstein, or anyone who has never been privileged to read Frankenstein should read.  It diverts from the original a bit but not enough to detract.  In my opinion it enhanced my  reading experience.

Huber Hill and the Dead Man's Treasure - B.K. Bostick

Publisher:  Bonneville (October 8,2011)

Pages:  256

Source:  I received a review copy from Netgalley

Genre:  Middle Grade Adventure

From Goodreads: 

When his grandfather dies, Huber Hill is devastated---until he opens Grandpa Nick's mysterious box. An old gold coin and directions to a hidden Spanish treasure send him and his friends off on an mind-blowing adventure, but he's not the only one on the hunt. Filled with dangerous animals and cryptic puzzles, this book will have you on the edge of your seat until the last page.

My Thoughts:

This is a book my students will definitely love.  It is full of mystery, and adventure.  Those two things go hand in hand.  I believe a lot of my students will be able to identify with the characters in this book.  Huber and Hannah Hill are twins and about as opposite as you can get.  Huber is a math geek and shy.  His sister Hannah is very outgoing and athletic.  Like a lot of students I know there are expectations from the parents that just can’t be met.  Huber feels this tension between himself and his father.    Huber is also the victim of a bully, Scott McCormick.  He stands up to Scott and ends up becoming friends with him. 

When Huber and Hannah’s Grandpa Nick passes  away they miss him terribly.  He was always telling them stories about hidden Spanish treasure.  Upon his death they inherit  a chest that has mementos, letters …AND…a treasure map!  Hannah, Scott, and Huber set of to find the treasure and meet up with some very unexpected things.  Check out this wonderful book to see if they find “Deadman’s Treasure”.

To play a really cool game go here.

Important Note:

Author B.K. Bostick will donate 100% of proceeds from sales of his new book, Huber Hill and the Dead Man's Treasure from October 1st -16th, 2011 to Alyssa and her family.

To participate in the fundraiser, simply pre-order a copy now or purchase one during October 1st through 16th.  For more information go here

The Journey of the Noble Gnarble - Daniel Errico

Publisher:  Emerald Book Company (October 1, 2011)
Pages:  32
Source:  received an ARC from publiher in exchange for a reviw
Reading level: Ages 4-8, Picture Book

I was very excited to be given the opportunity to readand review this book.  My granddaughter Haylee spent the day with me and we went to the library and picked out some books.  When we returned The Journey of the Noble Gnarble was here.  I told her that I was asked to read it to her and she had to tell us what she thought about it.  She asked me if she was supposed to tell me if she didn't like it.  I told her yes, I wanted her to be honest.  So she said okay.  After dinner and her shower, (she's spending the night) we at down to read the books.  We read The Noble Gnarble last. 

 Haylee is five years old and starts kindergarten this year.  She has always loved books.   So she opens the book and I tell her the title and she asked what a gnarble was.  I told her we would figure it out.  I read the first page and she said, "Oh a gnarble is a fiish, that's a funny name.  I like it.  He's beautiful." 
I read about him dreaming and she said, "that's a great dream, he should try it."  We read along and the fish were telling him it couldn't be done.  She said to the gnarble, "Don't listen to them their stupid."  I asked her why she thought they were stupid and she replied, "Because, maybe they're afraid to try it so they don't want him to try it."  I said, "Maybe there's a lot of danger out there and he shouldn't try it.  Maybe they know this."  Her reply was, "That's stupid!  If he wants to see the sun and go to the top he should do it.  It's what he dreamed about."  

 Then when he gets eaten she was sad for the fish.  But, she looked at me and said, I bet he finds a way out."  When we had finished the book she cheered and said, "See I told you he would make it."  She flipped back to the beginning and said, "They told him he couldn't do it becase his fins were too small, just like in Nemo.  They said he couldn't because he had one fin too small. Everyone was scared so they didn't want these fish to try it.  But they didn't listen to the other fish.  They said, 'I can do it.'  When the other fish tried to stop them and eat them, they said no way, I'm going to do it cause it was their dream." 

My mom lives wth us and asked Haylee if she could read the book and she said, "Yes, that way you can learn you can do anything you want."  My mom just stared at her with her mouth open. (My mom loved the book as well.)

I loved the book for the bright colors and the wonderful story.  I loved the way the author writes in a Dr. Seuss way, very lyrical. I loved the way the story lessons were conveyed so that my 5 year old  granddaughter understood them.  I am very impressed with her ability to make the connections she did.  I teach 6th graders and many of them struggle to make connections.  Now here is the kicker.  In all the other books we read, she made comments and observaions.  She did not make connections the way she did here.  The message is such a positive one.  Any child whose parents try to instill that positive, never give up, type of attitude in their child will be able to make those same connections because of the way the book is written. 

 I hope there is more by this author.  My granddaughter said to tell you she really, really liked the book.  She asked if the author was going to write about the other fish and their dreams.  I told her I didn't know what the author would write next but I would let them know she would like to read about the other fish.  So you have not only my review but the review as seen through the eyes of my granddaughter.  Thank you for allowing me to read this book in advance.  I loved it and will take great pleasure in re-reading it often.  This is a book to send to all of my grandchildren.

 

Student Saturday: Max the Mighty - Rodman Philbrick

My student reviewer today is Evan.  I am posting his review exactly the way he wrote it including his planning sheet.

Characters:
a.)  Maxwell Kane...Friendly, very big, protective, nice, not rude, caring
b.)  Rachel (Bookworm)...Shy, likes to read, nice, small, adventurous
c.)  Dippie the Hippie...Weird, funny, nice, peaceful, likes to explore
d.)  Hobo Joe...Kind, caring, protective, wacky
e.)  The Undertaker...Mean, stupid, rude, careless

Setting:
The setting is different every time because they are traveling but the most common one would be in Chivalry, Montana

Connections/Recommendations:
This book reminded me of "A Dog's Life" because the two dogs were traveling far away form home to look for their mother.  But in this case the two dogs were Max and Rachel and the mom was the dad.  I'm not sure where the location was they were just heading straight.
I definitely recommend this book.  I don't know why it's realistic fiction because it is just so adventurous.  The cover may not look good but you never judge a book by its cover because this book was 15 out of 10 stars!!!

Review of "Max the Mighty"

Maxwell Kane has been a lonely kind of kid ever since his friend died.  He eventually meets a girl named Rachel and they become friends.  When he went over to her house one day he could hear her stepfather "The Undertaker" beating her mom.  He knocked in the door and took Rachel and then ran away.  Rachel told him to go to Chivalry, Montana because that's where her dad is.  They hitched a ride from Dippie the Hippie and they were on their way.  They ran into all types of crazy things like cops pulling them over or friends turning them in.  It was all complicated for two kids.  When they hitched a ride on a train that went straight to Montana they met a man named Hobo Joe.  He was very friendly to them.  He gave them food and blankets.  Eventually his stop came and he had to leave.  Then once again, RAchel and Max were on their own.  When they got to Chivalry, it was a total ghost town.  Not a person in sight.  They saw a mining tunnel and went in.  As they were in there a police officer came and the Undertaker was in it!!  They both were really scared.  They over heard the officer talking and he said that Rachel's dad was dead.  They decided to move on and eventually, the tunnel began to collapse.  This book reminded me of "A Dog's Life" because the two dogs were traveling far away from home to look for their mother.  But in this case the two dogs were Max and Rachel and the mom was the dad.  I'm not sure where the location was they were just heading straight.  I definitely recommend this book.  I don't know why it's realistic fiction because it is just so adventurous.  The cover may not look good but you never judge a book by its cover because this book was 15 out of 10 stars.

Michael Vey: The Prisoner of Cell 25 – Richard Paul Evans

Publisher:  Mercury Ink (August 9, 20211)

Pages:  336

Source: electronic copy from publisher

Genre:   Young Adult, Science Fiction, Thriller, Adventure

I received a Kindle edition in exchange for my honest review.

From Goodreads

My name is Michael Vey, and the story I’m about to tell you is strange. Very strange. It’s my story.

To everyone at Meridian High School, Michael Vey is an ordinary fourteen-year-old. In fact, the only thing that seems to set him apart is the fact that he has Tourette’s syndrome. But Michael is anything but ordinary. Michael has special powers. Electric powers.

Michael thinks he's unique until he discovers that a cheerleader named Taylor also has special powers. With the help of Michael’s friend, Ostin, the three of them set out to discover how Michael and Taylor ended up this way, but their investigation brings them to the attention of a powerful group who wants to control the electric children – and through them the world. Michael will have to rely on his wits, powers, and friends if he’s to survive.

My Thoughts

You know how every once in a while you come across one of those book that you just can’t put down?  Well I guarantee you that this is one of those books.  This is the first book in a seven book series about a group of kids with “electrifying powers”, literally.  I loved the way that the author took  a kid with Tourette’s Syndrome, who was constantly bullied, and gave him another set of problems.  I liked the fact that it showed what bullies truly were underneath.   The author has several themes running throughout the story, the love of family and friends, loyalty, good   versus evil.  He has even thrown in a little bit of romance.  In this story the underdog  finds a way to rise above.  The characters in this story show what it is like to follow your conscience for good or evil.  The consequences for doing both are laid out for the reader.  The reader is forced into a position of asking themselves what they would do in a situation like that.  This is such an awesome book that I am afraid that Michael Vey will keep us waiting for the next, and the next….    This is good and clean for everyone from the middle school age kid and up.  For those who don’t usually read young adult novels I believe they will find this thrilling enough  to hold their attention.   I am definitely putting this down as a book I must have on my shelves at school and one that I need to recommend to everyone I know.  Want to know more about Michael Vey and his other books?  Go to his website and check it out.