2 Perspectives...1 Confusing Age

Flipped

by Wendelin Van Draanen

A boy and a girl get in arguments over stupid stuff. They don't get it. They used to be friends when they were younger. But lately, something weird is going on. A weird feeling is happening in their hearts. They are annoyed with each other, yet they want to see each other more or even spy on each other. He acts impulsively in her presence. Has this ever happened to you? Probably. That's while you will relate to the nostalgia of those simple childhood crushes as you read about Bryce and Juliana. The book is told in alternating chapters from two characters' perspectives, and the same events are told from one perspective and then FLIPPED. A sweet story. 


You can watch the movie trailer here: http://flipped-movie.warnerbros.com/dvd/ 
Book cover movie edition:

this book is appropriate for middle grades or YA.

"The Agony and the Ecstasy of Being Thirteen"

Thirteen: A Short Story Collection

Edited by James Howe

In this collection, there are a variety of perspectives about what it means to be thirteen. The uncertainty, the embarassment. Discovering who you are and deciding who you want to be. Navigating the desire to fit in with the strength to be true to yourself. These themes will resonate with readers.  

For Meg Cabot’s character, babysitting turns into a growth experience about real friendship. In James Howes’ story, a boy teaches people that it is okay to be different at his bar mitzvah. In Alex Sanchez’s story, a boy walks the fine line between friendship and love.

Song to Read by: Smells like Teen Spirit by Nirvana: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hTWKbfoikeg 

Mysterious and Myth-erious

The Shadow Thieves
By Anne Ursu

Review: Can't get enough of the Percy Jackson series and Rick Riordan's books? But you've already read them all? Have no fear, you can move on to The Shadow Thieves, the first book in the Cronus Chronicles trilogy by Anne Ursu. This book has relatable characters: misfit Charlotte who tries not to appear to be trying to get others to like her and golden boy Zee, her cousin, who everyone likes. Zee loves football/soccer but leaves England to live with Charlotte when weird things start happening at home. Trouble follows him to America.


Suspenseful questions: Is the Underworld accessible through the mall? Who is Philonecron and why does he want to take over Hades?


Song to Read By: Pink Panther theme song: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HhHwnrlZRus

The Hunger Games Movie Sneak Peek!

http://perezhilton.com/2011-08-29-first-real-hunger-games-clip-is-officially-here

Go to this link to watch a clip from the Hunger Games movie, which will be released on March 23, 2012.

I love Gale's narration! It shows Katniss in the woods with her bow...Oh, just watch it already!

Hilarious Greek Gods

The Fire Thief by Terry Dreary

The Fire Thief is a middle grades read, a hilarious, storytelling voice. The book has elements of mystery, the drama of Greek gods, and self-referential writer jokes. The main characters are Prometheus, Zeus, and an orphan boy in Victorian England named Jim.  

The story skips back and forth between the world of Olympus, Zeus and Prometheus as characters. Jim and his adoptive uncle are actors using a front to rob dumb rich people in Eden City. The story moves at a quick clip, and you’ll keep reading for the laughs and to find out what will happen.

Song to Read By: "One of Us" Glee cast version. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UyF6jEMc8Yg

Scuba Diving in the Pristine Mediterranean Sea

Girl at Sea by Maureen Johnson

Clio's summer was set up: an awesome job at the art store, a crush-worthy boy... until her crazy dad sweeps her along on an adventure. Once they co-created a board game, traveling the world together....now they're estranged.  Her life is derailed, but she can't even complain about it, because she'll be on a yacht off the coast of Italy. As usual, I love Johnson's voice, sense of humor, and witty dialogue. However, I don't get why the love interest guy tends to be so annoying (also in 13 Little Blue Envelopes). 

Overall, I enjoyed Clio's journey along the Italian Riveria! 

Song to Read by: go back in time and don't laugh at me: "Sailing" by NSync, the song is a cover...http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x6A-BF7tNTg

Crossed by Ally Condie--release date Nov 1, 2011!

Crossed by Ally Condie

Guess who has an ARC of Crossed by Ally Condie! Me! I am so excited--I have never had an advanced reader's copy of a book before! Well, at least not before the book came out.

Review so far: The sequel to Matched, 2nd in the trilogy, is fast-paced, with crisp, clean writing so far. The story is told from the perspectives of Ky and Cassia in alternating chapters.

 Do you think the 3rd book will include Xander's perspective as well? I LOVE the setting of the Outer Provinces, which is inspired by Condie's home state of Utah. The descriptions remind me of Zion National Park.

Before the climax of the book, I felt a little bit bored. However, the pace quickened for the last 60 pages and now I can't wait to read the sequel. What is Xander's secret? Will Cassia and Ky be together or separated?

Song to Read by: When I read about "the Society," which only allows a Hundred Songs to be chosen, I am sooo grateful for the wealth of music in our world.

Check out "Anoanimal" by Andrew Bird: (live version) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lSg8u8Rk3X4


Go to Ally Condie's website and you can read about song's on her Crossed playlist, songs she listened to while writing. http://www.allysoncondie.com/category/crossed/