The Fall of Brackenbone by Roy Huff

Genre:  Young Adult, Fantasy
Source:  I received a copy to facilitate my review. The opinions expressed here are my own.

From Goodreads:
Two very different worlds. Easton Falls University and the magical realm of Everville are in dire need of a hero. Owen Sage embarks on an epic journey of monumental proportions to save these worlds all while fighting to keep the world within himself intact. This quest is not for the faint of heart nor is it for the weak of mind--only the brave will succeed. Discovering the well-kept secret of The Fourth Pillar of Truth is only part of the feat. Owen will have to outwit the ever-powerful villain Governor Jahal and overcome countless other challenges along the way. Amongst all of the dragons, giants and grand chaos, will Owen's acquired skills and wisdom be enough to save both worlds or will peril be the ultimate fate of all?

My Thoughts:

This is the fourth book in the series. In this book we find Owen looking for the fourth Pillar of Truth. This time he will have to battle Jabel the evil governor. This time a human is working with the evil governor. I’ve read the other three books in the series. However, if you were to pick up this book and read it first you would be able to follow along. Mr. Huff has done a great job of providing enough background information for the reader to catch up.

This is a great fantasy where the world building continues to draw you in and make you a participant in the story, I highly recommend the entire series.

Spinner by Michael J. Bowler

Genre: Young Adult, Horror

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

Spinner Book Summary:

Fifteen-year-old Alex is a “spinner.” His friends are “dummies.” Two clandestine groups of humans want his power. And an ancient evil is stalking him. If people weren’t being murdered, Alex might laugh at how his life turned into a horror movie overnight.

In a wheelchair since birth, his freakish ability has gotten him kicked out of ten foster homes since the age of four. Now saddled with a sadistic housemother who uses his spinning to heal the kids she physically abuses, Alex and his misfit group of learning disabled classmates are the only ones who can solve the mystery of his birth before more people meet a gruesome end.

They need to find out who murdered their beloved teacher, and why the hot young substitute acts like she’s flirting with them. Then there’s the mysterious medallion that seems to have unleashed something malevolent, and an ancient prophecy suggesting Alex has the power to destroy humanity.

The boys break into homes, dig up graves, elude kidnappers, fight for their lives against feral cats, and ultimately confront an evil as old as humankind. Friendships are tested, secrets uncovered, love spoken, and destiny revealed.

The kid who’s always been a loner will finally learn the value of friends, family, and loyalty.

If he survives…

Release: July 25, 2015

My Review:

I was intrigued by the premise of this book and was thrilled once I started it.  As a teacher I see kids kids like Alex, Roy and their friends every year.  I have always fought for those students who have been told over and over that they are stupid or a loser.  That might be why I start each year off reading a book with the class called "Loser" by Jerry Spinelli.  These kids need to know that they are not losers.  Alex and his friends have problems yet there is a part of them that are coping with the bullying and name calling.  A part of them realize they are not losers.  

Alex is in  a wheelchair because he has spina bifida.  He also has the ability to "spin" people. This means he can take their pain and heal them. Having dreamed about his parent's death the day before it happened and being pushed from one foster home after another because of his "strange ability", he finds himself in the worst foster home yet.  His foster mother is cruel and abusive and knows about his "gift".  She want to make money off of him. When Alex dreams about his teacher's death and it comes true he finds he is in the crosshairs of some very evil people.  They will do whatever it takes to get to him.  Along the way he learns a truth about his family. I don't want to give it away because I never saw it coming and want you to be just as surprised. Alex learns exactly what it means to have true friends.

I read this book the last day of school since we had nothing for the students to do in the morning. My afternoon was mine as I'd already cleaned up my room.  This was a perfect way to end my school year by relaxing with a great book.  I read this in electronic form.  I will definitely purchase a copy for my shelves.  I will mark it as more mature because of the language used.  I could see this as a movie in my head.  The author is great with his descriptions.  I felt fear, I felt the pain some of them felt.  I will definitely check out more books by this author.

About the Author:

Michael J. Bowler is an award-winning author of eight novels––A Boy and His Dragon, A Matter of Time (Silver Medalist from Reader’s Favorite), and The Knight Cycle, comprised of five books: Children of the Knight (Gold Award Winner in the Wishing Shelf Book Awards), Running Through A Dark Place (Bronze Award Winner in the Wishing Shelf Book Awards), There Is No Fear, And The Children Shall Lead, Once Upon A Time In America, and Spinner.

His horror screenplay, “Healer,” was a Semi-Finalist, and his urban fantasy script, “Like A Hero,” was a Finalist in the Shriekfest Film Festival and Screenplay Competition.

He grew up in San Rafael, California, and majored in English and Theatre at Santa Clara University. He went on to earn a master’s in film production from Loyola Marymount University, a teaching credential in English from LMU, and another master's in Special Education from Cal State University Dominguez Hills.

He partnered with two friends as producer, writer, and/or director on several ultra-low-budget horror films, including “Fatal Images,” “Club Dead,” and “Things II,” the reviews of which are much more fun than the actual movies.

He taught high school in Hawthorne, California for twenty-five years, both in general education and to students with learning disabilities, in subjects ranging from English and Strength Training to Algebra, Biology, and Yearbook.

He has also been a volunteer Big Brother to eight different boys with the Catholic Big Brothers Big Sisters program and a thirty-year volunteer within the juvenile justice system in Los Angeles. He is a passionate advocate for the fair treatment of children and teens in California, something that is sorely lacking in this state.

He has been honored as Probation Volunteer of the Year, YMCA Volunteer of the Year, California Big Brother of the Year, and 2000 National Big Brother of the Year. The “National” honor allowed he and three of his Little Brothers to visit the clear House and meet the president in the Oval Office.

He is currently outlining a sequel to Spinner.

His goal as a YA author is for teens to experience empowerment and hope; to see themselves in his diverse characters; to read about kids who face real-life challenges; and to see how kids like them can remain decent people in an indecent world.

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Student Saturday: The Cassini Code by Dom Testa

Student Reviewer:  Isaac
Genre: Young Adult, Science Fiction

The Galahad crew are on their way out of the solar system through the Kuiper Belt, a massive ring of several objects orbiting the sun. With thoughts an alien they contacted the Cassini might be helping humans fight Bhaktul disease. Many have started to decide to go against the idea of heading to the solar system Eos. The council members will have to make hard choices between right and wrong.

In the story, some crew members go against the protagonists. I’ve felt like this when some of my friends have been rude to me sometimes. I’d recommend this to readers who like drama and conflict.

Each book in the series has its own atmosphere and plot, another great book!

Down the Wormhole by Ana Franco

Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy

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

Ana Franco has created a story for all ages.  She has taken mythology and turned it on its head.

For fans of the Percy Jackson series they will find a friend in this book.  You have two orphanages separated by gender.  When Kitty shows up at the girls orphanage and is accepted in, she learns a fantastic secret about the teens you will meet in this book.  Although they have everyday names like Andrew, Anna, Natalie and Thomas they are in reality gods and goddesses.  The author has combined several different myths to create this story. You have of course a couple of gods who are up to no good.  There were some liberties taken with the gods in her story.  I like that.  I hate having the same thing rehashed in different stories.  For those who are not familiar with the different myths some back story would have helped.  That would be my only suggestion.  Over all I really enjoyed the book and can say with all honesty that this is an author I will recommend to students and one I will be watching for more great books.

Elijah Hael: The Genetic Code - Steve Goodwin

Genre:  Adult, Christian Fiction
Source:  I received a copy to facilitate my review. The opinions expressed here are my own.

From Goodreads:
A dazzling, thought provoking, combination of faith versus secular beliefs, science fiction, spiritual warfare, action adventure and romance.

Yesterday’s gone. Tomorrow is a distant hope. Now means everything…

Nya struggled to believe her accomplishment. Nearly a decade’s work was all coming together. This was her moment. The Nobel Prize would be hers for the taking. Her work was going to change the face of bio-science forever.

The only problem was someone with an exceptionally dark desire wanted to twist her work for sinister purposes that would change the face of life on earth forever. And he was prepared to go to any lengths to get it.

Thus began a chain of startling events that would force Nya to place her trust in an unknown man whom she discovered from archived news reports … had died years ago.

Journey with Nya, a believer, as her faith is tested. Join Isaac, a non-believer, who questions his existence. Discover how they face death together in a remarkable adventure. An emotionally rich, adventure story which will delight those who quest personally challenging and thought provoking reads.

My Thoughts:
The characters in the story are very real, very believable. We have your good versus evil. Humans are unaware that a battle between demons and angels are taking place around them. Humans are the pawns caught in the middle.  Nya is sick.  She has been working on a DNA project for over a decade and now someone else is trying to steal it.  I thought it great naming this person Cain.  You immediately get the idea that he is working for the wrong side.  He is actually trying to he a group of demons called "The Shadows".
The angels, Elijah, Castiel and Sophia have been tasked with protecting Nya and her boyfriend Isaac.

This is not your typical angel versus demon book.  This is not the first book in the series, yet I was able to get right in and enjoy it.  I will definitely need to read the first book to see what I had missed.

About the Author:
After a difficult childhood Steve developed a fascination with the natre of the supernatural, spiritual and physical words and how they affect the lives around us. This led him on a journey spanning two decades of studying, experiences and discovery. As well as demonstrating a profuound respect for faith and the battles of doubt, he seamlessly mixes reality with creativity, inspired by Biblical concepts and personal understandings, constructing worlds, dimensions, events, and stories that are relatable.  Steve is inspired by authors such as J.R. Tolkien (Lord of the Rings) and C.S. Lewis (Chronicles of  Narnia) who mix fantasy and reality while promoting Christian values.

Saving London by Taylor Dawn

Genre: Young Adult, Paranormal, Romance
Source:  I received a copy to facilitate my review. The opinions expressed here are my own.

Imagine going to your doctor and hearing them say to you, “You have terminal cancer.”  For me it would be devastating.  For someone half my age I can’t imagine what would go through their mind.  London Patterson is the 23 year old protagonist of this story.  Instead of wallowing in her sorrow she creates a bucket list of things she wants to accomplish in the year she has left.  One thing that will help her along the way is her sarcasm and her attitude, and Adam.  Adam is a man she has recently met.  He is willing to help her complete her bucket list if she agrees to complete each item.  She feels so much better when she is around him.  She is also beginning to wonder about him as she is finding feathers and he is always talking about angels.  Could he be one?  If so then who is Caine?  He seems to be the total opposite of Adam.

I can guarantee you that this isn’t a tear jerker like “The Fault in Our Stars”. It is one that will teach you to live each moment to the fullest.  There are a few twists and turns in it that will keep you reading away. This was definitely different than what I expected and I really enjoyed it. You have to ask yourself, if you had only a year to live how would you deal with the news and what would be on your bucket list.  Definitely one I would recommend.

About the Author

Taylor Dawn began writing as an item to check off her bucket list. After putting words on paper, she decided that being an author was where she needed to be. She resides on a farm in southern Illinois with her husband, son and a plethora of animals. Taylor is a huge kid at heart. She loves playing practical jokes, challenging her son to a game of Super Mario and rarely rolls out of bed before noon. She enjoys dancing, is perpetually clumsy and has a horrible green thumb. Taylor believes that if you work hard, you must play even harder.  To learn more, visit her at:

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Pretty Maids in a Row by Teri Kanefield

Genre: Middle Grade Historical Fiction
Source: I received a copy to facilitate my review. The opinions expressed ehre are my own.

I am and have always been a fan of time travel. Teri Kanefield is a master story teller when it comes to time travel stories. The main character is a fourteen year old girl named Mattie.  She and her parents are in France when she is transported into the body of Mary, Queen of Scots. Most time travel stories places the main character in the historical time period. This book drops the mai character into another body.  Mattie has to figure out whether she should do what she knows is best or make a decision that could change history.  This is an awesome way to do historical fiction.

One of the lessons, (yes, you knew there had to be a lesson) was about how life for women was different.  They were expected to behave a certain way and they were expected to stay in their place.  She also learned that some of her problems, time had not changed.  Like all of Teri's books I will proudly put this on my shelves at school. This is one I will also recommend to our school librarian, As long as Teri is writing books she will have a reader in me.  I highly recommend this book to all time travel fans or fans of the Tudor period.

Student Saturday: The Web of Titan by Dom Testa

Student Reviewer:  Isaac
Genre: Young Adult, Science Fiction

As Galahad and its crew pass by Saturn’s moon, Titan, they must pick up a pod meant to carry two passengers, a cat and someone else. The crew would be prepared for this considering the stowaway who almost killed them all months ago. But, when one is missing in the pod with no explanation and mysterious events occur, could it be possible someone, or something exists on Titan?

In several parts of the story, the crew have no idea what’s going on and feel confused. I also feel like this sometimes.  This issue of the series seems great for readers who like a feeling of mystery and unknowing. This is a great sequel that’s just as original and fascinating.

Clearing Up a Backlog of Reviews

Sorry I have been missing from action for the last couple of weeks.  Some medical issues, coupled with the last weeks of school have put me behind. I had these typed up but never got around to posting them.   With only eight more days of school left I am now playing catch up.



A Flag for the Flying Dragon by Carole P. Roman

This is another Captain No Beard Story.  Captain No Beard is off on another voyage with his crew.  Each of them is doing their chores. Linus the lion polishes the lamp to light their way. Matie the goat cracks coconuts for them to have a snack, Hallie swabs the deck, Cayla stuffs torn up burp rags in the ships cracks  and Mongo was in the crows nest with the newest member Zach.  Mongo didn’t want him there because he was too little and couldn’t talk yet.  On top of all of these problems the captain has been unable to find a flag for his ship The Flying Dragon.  How will he unite his crew and find a flag?  Read this wonderful book where a young boy and his friends use their imagination along with the toys in his room to find adventure.

The Disappearing Dolphins by Jennifer Kelman

When twins Jackie and Kevin take a trip to the beach, Kevin is sure that  it is going to be a special day.  As he and his sister build a sand castle he thinks he sees a dolphin in the water.  A little while later he sees them again,  Every time he sees them he tells his sister who just can look up in time. For this reason she doesn’t believe her brother.  Suddenly there are five dolphins playing in the water. Kevin gets so excited. His sister looks up just in time to see them.  But, for Kevin this isn’t enough he wants to do more for them.  Read this wonderful book to find out how Kevin helps his new friends the dolphins.

Battle of the Grandmas by Anthonette Klinkerman

What happens when three grandmas send the same gift to their granddaughter? A battle to find the best gift happens.  She is flooded with all kinds of gifts.  They just keep coming until she can’t take it anymore.  What she wants more than anything else is to have her grandmas spend time with her.  I loved this book because as a grandma I know how we often compete to get our grandkids the “best” gift.  I hate to admit that I have been guilty of this.  The other great thing about this book is the illustrations and the illustrator.  The illustrator for this book is a young man named Justin Acquavella.  He is a senior in high school.  This was a wonderful addition to his art portfolio for art school.  This young man has a lot of talent as does the author who is also a teacher.   This is a book every grandparent should read. I loved that it was based on a true story.

Harold & Louise Troll Trouble by Maria Kercher

 This was a wonderful story. Louise receives a toy dragon that she names Harold.  When she goes to sleep that night, Harold grows real big.  He takes Louise to Dreamland.  In Dreamland Harold and Louise meet a King who is sad.  He has been told a terrible troll is bothering one of his villages.  Louise says they will help him.  When they arrive they find the troll is the one in trouble.  The villagers don’t like him because they think he is ugly.  There is actually more to this troll than meets the eye.  A visit to a fairy queen will have unexpected outcomes.  This is a wonderful book. 

The author of this book is a teen who created this story as a creative writing assignment.  She not only wrote the story, but she illustrated it as well.  Her mother, author Kristine Kercher published it for her.  Maria has plans to create many more adventures for Harold & Louise.  I for one am looking forward to reading them.

The Growing Up of Princess Eva by Rhoda Feuer

Princess Eva is a very positive Princess.  She loves the way her land is beautiful and joyful.  Her father the king wishes he could give his family and people more, but his is a poor kingdom.  One day a man arrives and speaks with the king.  When he is finished the king has more riches.  He has given a piece of land to this man to create an Aerodome.  He tears up flowers and trees and chases off the animals.  Eva realizes that the level of happiness goes down.  She wants to find supreme happiness.  She meets a bird named Harry.  He tells her about a place where one can learn to fly.  She wants to go there.  He tells her he will return within a year and if she hasn’t found her true love he will take her there.  She finds her true love, but her father won’t let them marry.  He is listening to Gustav who owns the Aerodome.  Harry takes Eva to Madame Hardy’s flying school.  Here she will learn to fly.  When she returns home will she be able to save her kingdom?  This  was a great fairy tale.  It came at the right time as we were working on fairy tales in my classroom. Definitely proud to put this on my shelves.

Discover the Jungle with Bangle the Lion by Aleksandra Godfrey

Bangle the lion cub wants a friend who will play with him and do what he wants, when he wants, again and again.  He tries out several friends and becomes disgruntled until he learns he has to BE a friend to have a friend.  This is a great story for teaching about friendship.

Raru’s Gift by Mike Kazmark

This is a wonderful story about the gift of adoption.  Raru has 14 wonderful puppies. The month before her husband a search and rescue dog rescued a lost puppy and ended up dying.  She’s trying to raise the puppies on her own.  After attending a wonderful barbeque at Buddy and Betty Blue’s house, Raru begins to feel sick.  She goes to the doctor and learns she’s going to have more puppies.  She doesn’t know what to do. But Grandma does and she tells Raru her plan.  This is dedicated by the author to the mother who provided a child to their own family through the gift of adoption. This would be a wonderful way to bring up the topic of adoption.

Cody and the Fountain of Happiness  by Tricia Springstubb

Genre: Children, Middle Grades, Realistic Fiction

I received and ARC to facilitate my review. The opinions expressed here are my own.

Cody has her whole summer ahead of her.  She is supposed to go to camp but her campground is found to be a toxic wasted dump.  Her brother Wyatt is her hero and in love with a girl named Payton.  Mom is trying to move up in her she selling job and dad drives a truck long distance.  With camp for her cancelled Cody makes a new friend named Spencer.  He is staying with his grandmother and having fun with her cat called Mew-Mew.  Cody is one of those bubbly people who chooses to see the glass half full. Can she pull everyone together when her brother faints at doctor camp, her mother is being watched for a promotion, The girl his brother likes becomes her babysitter and Mew-Mew disappears?  This is a short quick read.  I really enjoy this author’s work. I am so glad that I was given the opportunity to read this book .

Student Saturday: Matched by Ally Condie

Student Reviewer: Sarah F
Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy


From Goodreads:
Cassia has always trusted the Society to make the right choices for her: what to read, what to watch, what to believe. So when Xander's face appears on-screen at her Matching ceremony, Cassia knows with complete certainty that he is her ideal mate... until she sees Ky Markham's face flash for an instant before the screen fades to black.

The Society tells her it's a glitch, a rare malfunction, and that she should focus on the happy life she's destined to lead with Xander. But Cassia can't stop thinking about Ky, and as they slowly fall in love, Cassia begins to doubt the Society's infallibility and is faced with an impossible choice: between Xander and Ky, between the only life she's known and a path that no one else has dared to follow

Sarah's Review
I really liked the way that this book was written. The chapters were short, and the story flowed nicely. It wasn't choppy, and the ending didn't seem too soon.  The world that the characters live in is also very creative. The way that the Society runs things is very imaginative and fun to read about. I enjoyed reading it so much that I read the whole book in two days!  I liked this book a lot and am definitely going to read teh rest of the trilogy. If you choose to read it, enjoy!