Student Saturday: Rules for Vanishing - Kate Alice Marshall

 

Genre: Young Adult, Horror

Student Reviewer: Philip H.

"Rules for Vanishing" is an eerie mind-bending horror book that I had the opportunity to enjoy. Sara is a highschooler who is a loner, and her sister has been gone for a year. Her sister, Becca, has been missing for over a year because she went with her boyfriend to find Lucy Gallows. Lucy Gallows is a girl who vanished in the 50's and to find her, you must walk on a road and pass the gates. Lucy is a ghost. Sara goes on the road with a bunch of friends and strangers, and goes through a series of trials. The book also includes different audio recordings of interviews, videos, and is basically a documentary written as a book. Ashford is the person documenting these files. I would recommend this book to an adult or a very mature highschooler.

The Tears of the Empress by Alfred M. Struthers

 

Genre: Middle Grade, Mystery

Source: Purchased

Like always, the author has created a story full of mystery, suspense and history. In this book we have are usual cast of characters. Nathan, the young teen turned detective. He was left a unique bookcase by his father. That bookcase has helped him solve several mysteries, helped him find several treasures and almost gotten him killed more times than he could count. His best friend Gina is always in on the capers.  After one too many close calls her parents have forbid her to see Nathan at all. It doesn't matter they live right down the street from each other.  In this story we are taken on a journey that is very personal to Nathan. He learns that his grandfather was murdered. He also learns about a group his grandfather had created to help those in need. He called them the facilitators.  This time he has been assigned someone to protect him. He teaches him defensive moves, how to move quickly and plan for any contingency. He helps him with strength training.  However, none of that will stop someone from using him to try to get what they want, no matter what the consequences are to him. I read the book in two days. I didn't want to stop, but had to find time to sleep.  This is by far one of the best of his books in this series. I really enjoy the amount of historical information he gives at the end of the book. I think the historical research he does to make sure there is accuracy in his books is one of the major delights for me. Each book shows the main character growing and maturing in natural ways. The progression along with the pacing of the book makes the reader not want to put the book down. He always ties it up neatly, yet at the same time he leaves something or someone in the book that we were introduced to unfinished. It always leaves you wondering, "But what about....?"  Then he finishes off the book with a taste of the next book in the series.  This is and always had been one of my favorite series. It all began with the very first book, "The Case of Secrets." If you have not read any of this series you need to get out there and do so. Now to pass this one on to my grandson who loves this series.

How to Be a Big Sister Book for 1 and 2 Year Old Toddlers by Mam Talk

 

Genre: Children's Picture Book

Source:  I received a copy to facilitate my review. The opinions expressed here are my own.

This is a great book to read with your child when they are expecting a new sibling. The story is written so that each page has one line. This makes the book easy for kids to follow along. The story line follows a young girl who is a new big sister. It shows how she interacts with her new sibling. It shows how they do a lot of the same things and she even helps out. The pictures as always are bright and simple.