Little Klein

Author: Anne Ylvisaker

My recommended age:  8+

Their recommended age: 9+

Publisher:  Candlewick Press

Number of pages: 192

Publisher’s description:

"Harold "Little" Klein can’t seem to measure up. Surrounded by the "Bigs," his boisterous gang of older brothers, and the bustling, bighearted Mother Klein, Harold often feels little and left out -- until the day a stray dog named LeRoy becomes his inseparable companion. Join a cast of colorful characters in a rural river town circa 1949, where boys wrestle and fish, swipe pies, ride perilous waters on homemade rafts, and sometimes quietly become heroes."

My thoughts:

This was kinda dry at times. Little Klein and his brothers were very real, but it just wasn't very fast paced. Towards the end, it picks up a little..but it still can't compare to some other books.

It was very cute though, don't get me wrong...it just wasn't very fast paced.

Cons:

Dry plot and characters.

The bigs break into a neighbor's house and eat a pie.

Pros:

Clean Content. 

Not dramatized.

Language:

If anything, it is simple things like 'darn'.

Romance:

None.

Violence:

The bigs wrestle each other at times.

Drugs and drink:

I don't remember anything.

Ratings:

I rate this 3 Stars. It was clean and all, it just didn't hold your attention enough. That is the only reason it doesn't get 5 stars.

Where you can buy it at:

You can buy it from either Amazon, or Candlewick press.

*I received this book from Candlewick Press. I was neither paid nor asked to do this, but did because I wanted to*

Terezin: Voices from the Holocaust

Author:  Ruth Thomson

My recommended age:  10+

Their recommended age:  10+

Publisher:  Candlewick Publishers

Number of pages:  64~ it is pretty much a 'picture' book.

Publisher’s description:

"Between 1941 and 1945, Nazi Germany turned the small town of Terezín, Czechoslovakia, into a ghetto, and then into a transit camp for thousands of Jewish people. It was a "show" camp, where inmates were forced to use their artistic talents to fool the world about the truth of gas chambers and horrific living conditions for imprisoned Jews. Here is their story, told through the firsthand accounts of those who were there. In this accessible, meticulously researched book, Ruth Thomson allows the inmates to speak for themselves through secret diary entries, artwork, and excerpts from memoirs and recordings narrated after the war. Terezín: Voices from the Holocaust is a moving portrait that shows the strength of the human will to endure, to create, and to survive."

My thoughts:

I Really enjoy reading about Hitler youth, Jews and diaries from WW2, so, I naturally enjoyed this book.  It wasn't very long, but it was still very interesting.  The Art work from the Terezin occupants is wonderful, I just can't imagine HOW the Nazis thought them as lesser... 

Cons:

Short length.

1 drawing has a un-clothed person,  All you see if the rear end.

Pros:

Wonderful artwork,

True depictions.

Clean for younger/middle readers. 

Language:

None.

Romance:

In one drawing, a man and woman are kissing in the foreground.

Violence:

It is a concentration camp.  Only the things you can expect from a WW2 book about those camps.

Drugs and drink:

I don't remember anything.

Ratings:

I rate this book 5 stars.  It is well written, informative, clean, and very stunning.

Where you can buy it at:

 You can buy it from Amazon or Straight from Candlewick press.

*I received this book from Candlewick press.  I was neither paid nor asked to do this, but did because I wanted to*

Storm Runners

Author: Roland Smith

My recommended age: 10+

Their recommended age: 9-12

Publisher:  Scholastic

Number of pages: 143

Publisher’s description:

The first in a middle-grade action-adventure series from Roland Smith!

Chase Masters and his father are "storm runners," racing across the country in pursuit of hurricanes, tornadoes, and floods. Anywhere bad weather strikes, they are not far behind. Chase is learning more on the road than he ever would just sitting in a classroom. But when the hurricane of the century hits, he will be tested in ways he never could have imagined.

My thoughts:

This book was VERY fast paced! The characters seemed slightly unreal, (ex. You JUST met this person your age, and you are SUDDENLY like, best pals).  I like to read books and think "Wow, I couldn't have EVER written that", but with this, I felt like I could have done it for a NaNoWrMo or something....It just didn't feel all to 'real' to me.  I couldn't really connect with the characters well.  But overall, I think it was good.

Cons:
Slightly unrealistic characters.
Slightly unrealistic settings at times.

Pros:
It was all pretty much clean.
It WAS interesting.
I laughed in some parts.

Language:

There was a time when the author COULD have inserted a No No word, but all he wrote was "What in the BLANK" or something along that line.

Romance:
Chase meets a girl named Nicole, but there isn't anything between them.

Violence:

None.

Drugs and drink:

None.

Ratings:
I give it  3 stars for No alcohol content,  for no true language, for no romance and so-so plot.  I don't give it 5 stars due to so-so plot, low character formation, and unrealistic setting/characters.

Where you can buy it at:

*I received this book from Scholastic publishers. I was neither paid nor asked to do this, but did because I wanted to*

:NOTE:
THIS BOOK IS NOT ON THE MARKET UNTIL 3/25. 
That means you can't buy it until then.  This was a pre-copy that I got to review before the book is out to the public.


Does the new rating system confuse you? Or is it fine?

For all the really devoted book readers:

I give you: JULIAN SMITH 'I'm reading a book'.


Have a go at at it and laugh!

We Be Big

Author (s):  Rick  Burgess and Bill Bussey

My recommended age: 11+

Their recommended age: NA

Publisher:  Thomas Nelson Publishers

Number of pages:  219

Publisher’s description:

"The story of two unlikely radio hosts and what happened when they followed their faith and instincts.
Rick & Bubba are the most unlikely broadcast stars imaginable, yet hundreds of thousands of loyal listeners start their day with them every morning. Beyond that, they break the biggest no-no rule for secular radio as they openly share their faith in Christ and their common-sense way of looking at the world. Now, in We Be Big: The Mostly True Story of How We Became Rick & Bubba, readers learn how this unlikely pairing came about. Alternately hilarious and heartbreaking, this is also the highly personal story of two men who—like most of us—resisted stepping through the doors God opened for them, opting for the easier path when tested. When they finally decided to follow their instincts and their faith, though, not only did they became amazingly successful, but also a truly powerful platform became theirs."

My thoughts:

I Really enjoyed this book.  The only hic-cup for other readers is, if you don't listen to their radio show, you won't find it as interesting as I did and do.  As soon as I got the book, My family started saying "When you're done with it..." . And right now, Daddy is about to start it.  We love the show and- wait a second, I'm supposed to be review the book, not the show!

Cons:

If you don't listen to the show, you wont like the book.

 Pros:

These guys are born auto-biography writers! Some places made me cry, others laugh.  It was one of the best biography I have EVER read.  It had morals entwined into it, mixed with the story so it isn't preachy.

Language:

 None.

Romance:

Rick and Bubba  both tell of meeting and wooing their wives.

Violence:

 None.

Drugs and drink:

Rick used to be pretty heavy drinker/party-er, so there is that.  

Ratings:

 I Rate this Book 5 STARS for excelling moral entwining, good read and interesting auto-biography, since you can't find many of those. Also for moving places that make you feel emotional.

Where you can buy it at:

You can get it from booksneeze HERE.  In order to get a book from BS, you must have a booksneeze account, but it is free and utterly fun!

*I received this book from booksneeze.com .  If you would like to sign up for reviewing books, go to their website.*

As Small as a Elephant

Author: Jennifer Richard Jacobson

Pages: 275

Age level: 10 +

   Publisher: Candlewick

Publisher's Description:

"Ever since Jack can remember, his mom has been unpredictable, sometimes loving and fun, other times caught in a whirlwind of energy and "spinning" wildly until it’s over. But Jack never thought his mom would take off during the night and leave him at a campground in Acadia National Park, with no way to reach her and barely enough money for food. Any other kid would report his mom gone, but Jack knows by now that he needs to figure things out for himself - starting with how to get from the backwoods of Maine to his home in Boston before DSS catches on. With nothing but a small toy elephant to keep him company, Jack begins the long journey south, a journey that will test his wits and his loyalties - and his trust that he may be part of a larger herd after all."

My thoughts: 

This was very intruging.  I could almost feel like I was right there beside Jack, I got SO mad at his Mom.  And (for some reason) wanted him more then ANYTHING just to get away from the DSS people, Even though I knew the right thing would be to turn yourself in.

Pros:

Jack hated his Mom at first, but in the end he forgives her, realizing that she still loves him. Even though she did leave him.  Jack's Grandmother still loves Jack's Mom, through it all.  It is a good example of loving through it all and forgiveness.

Cons:

Jack IS running from DSS, and he lies quite often to escape detection.  Jack's Mom is a mental nut.  Jack Hates his Mom after learning she went to the -----(can't tell you, can I?).

Jack steals a toy.

Little stuff like that.

Language:

I don't remember anything.

Romance:

None.

Violence:

None.

Drugs and Drink:

None.

I rate this book 5 stars.  For clean content, well formed characters and overall greatness.

You can Buy it at:

Candlewick.com sells it to you in Book or E-book form!

I received this book From Candlewick publishing. I was not asked or paid to do this. I only do it because I want to.

The Agency 1: A spy in the house By Y.S Lee

Sorry for the small tiny pic...It is the only one  could find :-/

Author: Y.S Lee

Pages: 355

Age level: 13 +

   Publisher: Candlewick

                                                             Publisher's Description:


"Rescued from the gallows in 1850s London, young orphan (and thief) Mary Quinn is surprised to be offered a singular education, instruction in fine manners -- and an unusual vocation. Miss Scrimshaw’s Academy for Girls is a cover for an all-female investigative unit called The Agency, and at seventeen, Mary is about to put her training to the test. Assuming the guise of a lady’s companion, she must infiltrate a rich merchant’s home in hopes of tracing his missing cargo ships. But the household is full of dangerous deceptions, and there is no one to trust -- or is there? Packed with action and suspense, banter and romance, and evoking the gritty backstreets of Victorian London, this breezy mystery debuts a daring young detective who lives by her wits while uncovering secrets -- including those of her own past."

My Thoughts: 

I liked it.  I wouldn't recommend this book to boys OR to girls under thirteen for some content in here.  But, I think it is a fine enough book for 'big girls'.

Pros:

It is VERY enthralling.  It takes matter of fact things in life and treats them, as matter of fact things.  Mary is a no-nonsense type gal.  Over all. This is a good book, though, there will be some 'eh' things in it.

Cons:

NOW for the 'eh' things!

Mary was a thief, but that was a common thing in London during this era.

Mr. Thorold is said to have had a 'affair' with a maid woman, it is pretty much all throughout the book, but isn't majorly focused on.  Because, again, this was (and still is) a common thing in life.

Mary's mother had to be a prostitute to support her daughter, but it isn't highly discussed, only mentioned briefly.

Mary has to change dresses in the coach....but makes James close his eyes.

Language:

James and George say "Oh Go-" in some places, but that is the extent of it. 

Romance:

Mr. Thorold has a affair with a Maid.  James and Mary briefly fall in and out of Love.  If you want to call it that.

Violence:

Mary punches James and bloodies his nose, Mary breaks into a warehouse. 

Drugs and Drink:

None. To my knowledge, so if there IS, It is slight and not important.

Overall, I rate this book 4 STARS for a wonderful plot, well formed characters, and overall greatness. 

You ask: "WHERE CAN I BUY IT AT!?!?!"  (okay, maybe not THAT strongly...)

Candlewick publishing gave me this book for reviewing purposes. I am NOT being paid to do this.  

And you can buy it HERE at the candlewick official site.

I'm beginning to notice a trend.  I seem to find books interesting that are in a sequel.  I wonder why?

Cyborg book 2 of the Clone codes series

Author: Patricia, Frederick and John Mickissack

Pages: 144

Age level: 11 +

Publisher: Scholastic

Back of the book:


"There are two old transplant doctors who've come from a neighboring town. They've agreed to treat me. I'm still delirious from the accident.  All of me is heavy. I'm afraid I might die.
I see my parents struggling with the idea of doing what's available in this place, or dooming me to a life of rejection.


"Whats the boy's name?" one of the doctors ask Mom and Dad. I start to tell them my name, but I'm to weak to even talk. The doctor administers an injection, and I'm out again.


I wake up blinking hard, trying to make sense of things.  Nothing;s in focus at first, then everything's sharp in front of me. 


I have a biofe eye, a biofe arm and leg, and a new artificial heart.


I'M A CYBORG!

Doctors have installed a computer chip in my arm that reports my whereabouts and my life status to the Bureau of Cyborg Affairs."

 

My thoughts:

I LOVE this series. And reading this book about Houston was just incredible. I think it is all worded right, and it is so real like, that you feel like your walking right beside Houston.

Pros:

 1~ It is VERY realistic.

2~ The Mckissacks are very detailed in their writing.

3~ It is very young reader friendly.

4~ You wont be able to put it down.

 

Cons:

1~ I think it can blow you away a bit, but not as bad as book one. Probably because you know some of the terms and words and what they mean and who everybody is....

2~ You will definitely want to read book one before this one.  It picks up where The clone codes left off, therefore, you might not understand what is happening.

3~ The chapters are small, which could be a good thing.  But unlike most chapters in book which finish a line of plot IN THAT CHAPTER, it does half in one chapter and half in the other, which make it VERY (I mean like VERY VERY VERY VERY VERY) hard to put down!

Language:

None that comes to mind.  So if there was anything, it was very mild.

Romance:

There wasn't anything directly, but I did start having suspension that there is something between Houston and Leanna.  Not that it said anything, but I just thought (and hope) that it seemed that it might pop up in further books. If I am wrong, you can testify for me that I am.

Violence:

Houston , Lee Rizin and Epps have animals that help maul and kill some guards (nothing gross is described), One of Houston's cyborg friends mentions 'hammering' someone (this character has tools instead of hands) and there is some small little things like that.

Drugs and drink:

None.

I rate this book 5 stars for all the above mentioned stuff. ;-P

I wish to thank Scholastic for providing this book for me to review.  I am not being paid nor made to do this, but do it because I wish too.