Book Review - Mackenzie Blue: Friends Forever?

Author: Tina Wells
Publisher: HarperCollins (June 22, 2010)
Age Level: Grades 4 to 8
Source: Publicist for Review

Description from GoodReads:

Mackenzie Blue is hitting the trails!

It's time for Brookdale Academy's camping field trip, but Zee has much more to deal with than a lesson about nature. . . .

Pros:
1. My BFF, Ally, is visiting all the way from Paris! Ooh la la!
2. My friends and I are so going to win the environmental scavenger hunt!

Cons:
1. We have to stay in teeny-tiny log cabins. How will we all fit?
2. The legendary (and terrifying) Mountain Man . . .


The Mackenzie Blue series is by Tina Wells.  When I was approached by by Buzz Marketing to review the books, I was excited to read a new middle grade series that I might be able to share with my students.  When the books arrived, I realized by looking at the covers and format that there would likely be a formulaic feel to each book. This didn’t bother me.   As a 9 year old, I read every Nancy Drew Book, Hardy Boys, etc.  Each one was really the same with just a different antagonist and different location.  Many children love books in series formats.  With a series, they get to spend time with favorite characters, and there is always the understanding that each one will turn out just fine for the main character and his/her pals. Maybe the best comparison for childrens book series, such as Mackenzie Blue, would be the weekly sitcom or drama. Each week, the main character faces a new challenge, learns a lesson, and everything is wrapped up neatly in 30 to 60 minutes.  Or in case of the book, the dilemma is wrapped up in 200 pages.

In these books, Mackenzie “Zee” Blue is a 7th grader at Brookdale Academy. Her BFF, Ally, has moved to France and she has several other friends including a close male friend named Jasper.  Each book focuses on a dilemma that Zee must learn from.  In the third, and most recently published book, Friends Forever?, Zee is attending science camp with all her the other seventh graders.  In addition to the common issues of being away from home, dealing with outdoor bathrooms, and camp chores, Zee is trying to figure out how to maintain her friendship with Ally (who is visiting from France) and her current friends.  As if friendship troubles wasn't enough, there seems to be something up between Landon (Zee has a crush on him) and Jasper (her male BFF) - could Landon be jealous?  During all this, Zee must also cope with getting her first period.  

When I first started reading the Mackenzie Blue series, there were several things that struck me.  A friend of mine said “You are looking at it with your educator’s eyes”.  Maybe I was – maybe I always do.   However, I was torn.  I realized that there are many tween girls who would likely want to read these books and would enjoy them and even those that we would identify as reluctant or hesitant readers might like them. The books have illustrations dispersed through the pages and at times you see snippets of Zee’s diary or text messages. Zee is a fun main character that girls would like to know.  She worries about her friends, tries to do the right thing, and faces issues that every 12 year old girl is struggling with. These are all positive elements that tween girls love.

So what was my issue? First, I cringe every time an author throws in name brands and certain things that in my mind aren’t necessary and date the book. For example, “She pulled her iPhone out of her pocket. It had a bright blue skin with a big pink Z.” (p. 28 MB #3) Do I really need to know who has an iPhone (or a Sidekick in the first book) or that one of the girls in the cabin has a Louis Vuitton bag? I can honestly answer “no”.  Isn't this the concern with children watching television is that they are overly exposed to products being directly marketed to them? Not only during the commercials, but also in the product placements within the show.  As I read through the books, I almost imagined that I was flipping through a tween version of Vogue magazine.  I found that it often distracted from the story and placed more focus on products than on the wonderful qualities that were hidden within the pages of the book.

My second concern was the Instant Messaging (“IM”) name of “E-zee”.  I am puzzled by the selection of this nickname for a 12 year old girl.  I am especially surprised that Wells, a marketing expert, would not have thought about the connotations of that name.

Finally, and I know that authors often have little control over the covers of their books or the illustrations, but, often I felt that the drawing of the characters made them appear to be in late high school rather than in seventh grade.

I agonized over writing this review and I have probably spent more hours writing and re-writing this because I recognize that I am likely in the minority regarding my opinion of the books.  Ms. Wells has worked hard to write books for girls.  I recognize this fact.  Over the course of the three books, I have also seen growth in her as a writer and I would say in all sincerity that Mackenzie Blue: Friends Forever? #3 is the most developed  of her three books.  However, if I can offer any input to Wells, it would be to focus more on her wonderful characters and spot on issues facing tween girls, then creating a book version of a tween television sitcom.

Flight Explorer, Volume I

Author/Editor: Kazu Kibuishi
Publisher: Villard (March 25, 2008)
Pages: 112
Reading Level: Grades 4 to 8
Source: Library
Rating: 4 Stars (Enjoy and recommend)

This summer I have been exploring the world of graphic novels and manga. Though I may have determined that manga isn't my thing (no offense to the 1000's who love it), I have come to really love graphic novels. I have been particularly on the hunt for good graphic novels to share with middle grade students. Flight Explorer, Vol. 1 by Kazu Kibuishi (editor/contributor) is definitely one of my favorite finds.

Kazu Kibuishi has followed up his popular adult graphic novel series, Flight, with this Middle Grades version. This collection of 10 stories are engaging, humorous, and beautifully illustrated. Though the stories do not appear to have the same connection to the theme of flight as in the version for older readers, the pieces each seem to have an element of adventure.

Two of my favorites included one about a young girl and a friendly monster who go out to explore a snowstorm together, and one about a boy (Cooper) and a dog who leap from giant mushroom top to mushroom top only to learn that they aren't mushrooms but something fully alive.

Kibuishi has created another graphic novel about Cooper and his smart dog which came out earlier this year and I am looking forward to getting my hands on a copy. I have also been working my way through Kibuishi's Middle Grade graphic novel series The Amulet as well which I would also recommend.

If you are looking for a series of graphic novels to engage and entertain reluctant upper elementary grade students, I would highly encourage you to check out Flight Explorer or any of Kibuishi's other offerings.

Grab a book, read, tell me about it...
-Aly

Middle Grade Mondays: Out of My Mind

Author: Sharon M. Draper
Publisher: Antheneum (March 9, 2010)
Pages: 295
Reading Level: Grades 4 to 8
Source: Personal Copy

Description from GoodReads:

Eleven-year-old Melody has a photographic memory. Her head is like a video camera that is always recording. Always. And there's no delete button. She's the smartest kid in her whole school - but no one knows it. Most people - her teachers and doctors included - don't think she's capable of learning, and up until recently her school days consisted of listening to the same preschool-level alphabet lessons again and again and again.

If only she could speak up, if only she could tell people what she thinks and knows... but she can't, because Melody can't talk. She can't walk. She can't write.
Being stuck inside her head is making Melody go out of her mind - that is, until she discovers something that will allow her to speak for the first time ever. At last Melody has a voice... but not everyone around her is ready to hear it.

From multiple Coretta Scott King Award winner Sharon M. Draper comes a story full of heartache and hope. Get ready to meet a girl whose voice you'll never, ever forget.

For several years, I was a special education teacher working with young children with severe disabilities. Several of my students had severe cerebral palsy and others had Autism, or other Special Needs. I remember the challenges and frustration in trying to find a way for one of my students to communicate even simple thoughts or wants and needs. Also, I remember the challenges that the parents faced daily.

When I picked up Sharon Draper's OUT OF MY MIND, I was blown away at how she captured so many of the emotions, questions, frustrations, challenges facing children with cerebral palsy and the parents who love them. As I read Melody's story, I kept thinking "yes, I remember that" or "wow, that is so right on". Granted with any book that attempts to address these issues, there are some things that readers may challenge as not being portrayed appropriately, but I would have to remind readers that 1. This is a fictional novel and 2. Every child with a disability and his/her family has a different story.

While reading every chapter, I kept thinking that this book should be required reading for every special education and general education teacher out there. Though I think we are making more and more progress in addressing discrimination in many areas, I still believe we as a society still participate and support many attitudes and practices that enforce inappropriate stereotypes of children and adults with special needs. Draper has created an amazingly poignant story about discrimination and perceptions that still occur in present day. Her book will make you laugh, and cry. But most importantly it will likely make you think differently about a person trapped within a body that does not function with ease.

I highly encourage everyone to read OUT OF MY MIND. I have no doubt that it will be a contender for an ALA/Schneider Family Award (MG) for a character with a disability. This is going on my read aloud list for my students this fall.

-Aly

Middle Grade Mondays: A Place For Delta

Author: Melissa Walker
Illustrator: Richard Walker
Publisher: Whale Tale Press (June 1, 2010)
Reading Level: Ages 9 to 12 years
Source: Publisher for Review

Description from GoodReads:
Joseph can hardly believe what he has been asked to do. His Aunt Kate, a wildlife biologist, is waiting for him at a research station and needs his help taking care of an orphaned polar bear cub only a few months old. He will leave his friends and family and venture to the farthest northern town in the United States. As the adventure unfolds, Joseph and his newfound Eskimo friend Ada find mysteries wherever they look. The bear cub, Delta, remains in danger. Who would want a polar bear dead? Joseph will have to look to the North Georgia woods to save Delta. When his parents were kids, they too embarked on an excursion into the unknown. Their encounters with the wilderness beyond their backyard have shaped the future for Joseph and Delta. A Place for Delta is about one family's journey—a passage born in the Appalachian Mountains and leading to the Arctic.

I have mixed feelings about this book. When I read books that are directed at Middle Grade Readers (Ages 9 to 12), I really try and consider that age group while I read it. I realize that what I enjoy as an adult reader of Children's and YA literature may not be the same as the targeted audience.

Let me start with the positives:
I really loved the concept of this book. Joseph, an eleven year old boy, gets to spend the summer in Alaska assisting his Aunt Kate in caring for a Polar Bear cub. While there, Joseph gets involved in solving a few mysteries including who killed Delta's (polar bear cub) mother. The book is divided into 4 sections and the time in Alaska is contained in Section II. Joseph's relationship with his aunt and the other members of the science team is very positive. Joseph also meets the niece of one of the local crew members and together he and Ada find ways to eavesdrop on people to discover information necessary to solve several mysteries. Their friendship and enthusiasm for detective work is a great aspect of the story.

Now for my mixed feelings:
There wasn't enough of the parts that I really loved. I expected that the book would spend most of it's focus on the time in Alaska and the mysteries, but it doesn't. There is about 45 pages of background history prior to Joseph's trip that is nice information but I felt slowed the book down and unfortunately this seemed to happen again once Joseph left Alaska and returned to Georgia. There were another 40 pages that seemed to focus more on telling the reader how a new environment was created for Delta but slowed down the pace. And yet, there was a great ending to the book.

Though I am not sure that I would have just picked this one up on my own, I am thankful that I had the opportunity to read A Place For Delta. Additionally, I think children and adults with a real interest in the effects of Global Warming, and Wildlife preservation will enjoy this story. My suggestion to teachers or parents who have a reluctant reader who might be interested in the topic of this book but might not be motivated to stick with the background information would be to have the child read the Prologue and Chapter 1 and then skip to section II to get into the heart of the story. Though I don't normally recommend skipping pages, I do advocate for creative ways to keep children interested in reading a book.

Overall I enjoyed the book, but would recommend it with some reservations depending on the reader.

Happy Summer Reading,
-Aly

Review of The Hoboken Chicken Emergency

Author: Daniel Manus Pinkwater
Illustrator: Tony Auth
Publisher: Aladdin
Pages: 112
Reading Level: Ages 9 to 12

Description from GoodReads:
Arthur is sent to find a Thanksgiving turkey, but returns with a 266-pound chicken with a mind of its own in a fresh new look at everyone's favorite feathered tale. B&W illustrations throughout.

Part of my reading goals this summer is to catch up on reading a number of middle grade books on my "To Be Read" list. So far I have read about six Middle Grade books and have really enjoyed nearly every one of them. Here is one of the six that just kept me laughing...

Daniel Pinwater's The Hoboken Chicken Emergency was recommended to me a few months ago. I'm not certain but I think it might have been originally released in 1977. However, it is one of those stories that continues to work even years later. To elaborate on the GoodReads description the story is basically a tale of friendship between a boy named Arthur and a 266 lb. 6 foot tall chicken named Henrietta. Shortly after Arthur brings Henrietta home, his father tells him to take her back to her original owner. It seems that in the short time that the two were together they bonded and now Henrietta wants to find Arthur. In Henrietta's attempt to find Arthur, she proceeds to scare the residents of Hoboken and cause utter chaos. Will Arthur find Henrietta in time?

This book is funny. You can't help laughing at Arthur's attempts to train Henrietta or how everyone mistakes Henrietta for everything from a polar bear to some kind of alien life-form. The mayor and city councils' attempt to capture Henrietta is just plain comical. However, I truly admire any writer who can write humor for elementary age students. You have to have just the right combination of making it seem real and funny without going too far over the edge. Pinkwater does a great job with the humor in this story. It is funny, touching, and just an enjoyable little book.

If you are looking for a fun read for girls or boys (though boys might appreciate it more) this summer, I would add this to your list. The reading level recommendation states 9 to 12 year olds but it can easily be read by 7 & 8 year olds. The humor and easy writing style will appeal to reluctant readers as well.

Have a great summer and don't forget to grab a book and read,
-Aly

Middle Grade Monday: The Higher Power of Lucky

Author: Susan Patron
Publisher: Aladdin Paperbacks
Pages: 134
Reading Level: Ages 9 to 12 years old
Source: Purchased/Own
Newbery Medal: 2007

Description of book as taken from GoodReads:

Lucky, age ten, can't wait another day. The meanness gland in her heart and the crevices full of questions in her brain make running away from Hard Pan, California (population 43), the rock-bottom only choice she has.
It's all Brigitte's fault -- for wanting to go back to France. Guardians are supposed to stay put and look after girls in their care! Instead Lucky is sure that she'll be abandoned to some orphanage in Los Angeles where her beloved dog, HMS Beagle, won't be allowed. She'll have to lose her friends Miles, who lives on cookies, and Lincoln, future U.S. president (maybe) and member of the International Guild of Knot Tyers. Just as bad, she'll have to give up eavesdropping on twelve-step anonymous programs where the interesting talk is all about Higher Powers. Lucky needs her own -- and quick.

But she hadn't planned on a dust storm.

Or needing to lug the world's heaviest survival-kit backpack into the desert.


Recently, I have been catching up on reading Middle Grade Fiction from my TBR pile. Susan Patron's The Higher Power of Lucky had been highly recommended and I knew if I could just sit down with it I would probably love it. There is something about Middle Grade stories that can be amazing and Patron's book has it all. Characters that come alive, a setting that feels like you can step right into it, and a sense of hope that reaches in and touches you in deep places. Long after putting it down, you'll find yourself thinking about Lucky and her life in Hard Pan, a teeny-tiny town out in the California desert.

Lucky lost her mother at age 8 due to an accident. Consequently, Lucky lugs around a survival bag just in case. After the death of her mother, Lucky's father arranges for his first wife to move from France to be Lucky's guardian. Brigitte misses France and Lucky is afraid that one day Brigitte will return to France and she will be forced to go to an orphanage. Inspired by the stories that Lucky hears while eavesdropping on various 12 Step Programs, she decides that if she can find her "higher power" she will know what to do. When Lucky believes that she has hit "rock bottom", she decides to runaway from home. The journey teaches her what family really is and helps her to finally deal with the loss of her mother.

As I reading The Higher Power of Lucky, I just knew I wanted to share it with my students. I want to do more than just recommend this book. Though I know both boys and girls will enjoy reading Lucky's story, I am almost afraid that some of my reluctant readers won't give it a chance. I want to make sure that students meet Lucky because I know if I can just get them to meet her they will love her as much as I do. Hence, this will be a story I use either for a book club or a classroom read aloud.

I encourage you to pick up The Higher Power of Lucky. It will make you laugh, and cry and believe just a little more.

Happy Summer Reading,
- Aly

The Witchy Worries of Abbie Adams

Author: Rhonda Hayter

Publisher: Dial (April 2010)
Pages: 242
Ages: 9 to 12 years old
Source: ARC won in a contest

As part of the 2010 Debut Authors challenge being hosted by Kristi over at The Story Siren, I made a list of new releases that I was interested in reading. A few weeks ago, debut author Joelle Anthony had a contest on her blog to win a copy of the ARC of The Witchy Worries of Abbie Adams by Rhonda Hayter. Since it was one of the books on my list, I entered the contest and as luck would have it I won. It also turns out that author lives not far from me and I was able to attend the launch party/book signing for The Witchy Worries of Abbie Adams. Here is a picture of Rhonda signing her book. I am not so sure who was more excited Rhonda or her husband (standing proudly behind her).

The Witchy Worries of Abbie Adams tells the story of Abbie Adams who comes from a long line of witches. Though being a witch has some advantages, there are many challenges such as not letting people find out about her powers or keeping her six year old brother from biting the teacher when he morphs into a werewolf when he became angry. When Abbie's father brings home a small black kitten, she notices something strange. The cat is actually Thomas Edison as a boy who was turned into enchanted by another witch. As Abbie and her family attempt to undo the spell and return Tom back to his time period before the time continuum is permanently altered, Abbie still has to deal with her classroom teacher, homework, and learning her lines for the school play.

Hayter has created very likable characters in Abbie and her family. Readers will relate to Abbie's every day struggles with being nervous about her performance in the school play, being sent to the office for getting into trouble in class, or forgetting to study for her spelling test. The history about Thomas Edison is neatly woven into the story and Abbie's and Tom's friendship is wonderfully portrayed. Children will also enjoy all of the magic that is used by all of Abbie's family and friends as they attempt to discover who turned Tom into a cat and right the wrong.

Rhonda Hayter's debut novel is an enjoyable read that will entertain even reluctant readers.

-Aly

Middle Grade Monday: IT'S RAINING CUPCAKES

Author: Lisa Schroeder
Publisher: Aladdin (2010)
Pages: 208 pages
Reading Level: Ages 9 to 12 years
Source: The Publisher

What do you do when you are 12 years old, and have never been on a real vacation and have never left your small town let alone your home state? Isabel, the main character in Lisa Schroeder’s IT’S RAINING CUPCAKES is facing another summer at home. Her best friend will be away for 3 weeks and her mother has decided to open up a Cupcake Store. However, just before her best friend Sophie leaves for camp she tells Isabel about a baking contest where the finalists will be flown to NYC to compete for a $1,000 prize. The challenge to come up with the perfect recipe wouldn’t be that hard if she didn’t have to worry about disappointing her mother if she turned in something other than a cupcake recipe.

Lisa Schroeder’s new Middle Grade novel IT’S RAINING CUPCAKES is the perfect pick me up and a great alternative to the high caloric snack in which it references. You get all of the feel good fun without the added calories. As I dove into the story, I found myself loving the chapter titles which referenced various cupcake flavors. Really, who can resist reading a chapter entitled “Red Velvet Cupcakes” or one called “Banana Cream Pie Cupcakes”?! However, despite all the fun that cupcakes evoke, Schroeder provides her protagonist with typical challenges – a best friend who apparently is good at everything, a mom that she doesn’t always see eye to eye with, and a few bumps in the road when Isabel decides to enter a baking contest.

Aside from the wonderful chapter titles, there were quite a few things I appreciated about this book. First, it is perfectly written for reluctant readers (albeit reluctant girl readers). The story reads easily and there was never a point where I wished for pages to be eliminated or felt I wanted to just scan it. It was the perfect length and I was satisfied when I reached the end. Second, the main character is some one elementary girls will relate with. Her life isn’t perfect and she doesn’t always get what she wants but the story is positive and hopeful and helps girls see what they can accomplish when they put their mind to it. Third, there are many positive adult role-models in this story and a wonderful sense of community. In a society where most stories ridicule adults, or have them missing from the story altogether, it is refreshing to see positive (though with some flaws) adults who are present. Finally, it was just plain enjoyable. The bring a smile to your face kind of enjoyable.

When I think about trying to rate a book like IT'S RAINING CUPCAKES, I can't help but think of Karla. I know Karla is a name and not a numerical rating system, but if you knew Karla you would get it. Karla is sixth grader that I adore. I know I shouldn’t have favorites but secretly I do, and Karla is one of them. She is a sweet kid with a smile that warms you all over, and who is coming into her own as a reader. She enjoys books with female main characters who face struggles but persevere and overcome their situations. This is her kind of book and I know just who I will be sharing the book with next.

On an aside, tomorrow is Dr. Seuss’ birthday, go celebrate with some green eggs & ham and share a book with a child.

- Aly

Middle Grade Mondays: THE REINVENTION OF EDISON THOMAS

Author: Jacqueline Houtman
Publisher: Front Street Press
Pages: 192
Grade Level: Ages 9 to 12 years


In selecting books for the 2010 Debut Author Reading Challenge hosted by The Story Siren (Kristi), I discovered Jacqueline Houtman’s THE REINVENTION OF EDISON THOMAS. Houtman’s debut novel is about Edison “Eddy” Thomas, a middle school student, who loves to tinker with inventions but struggles to understand innuendos of those around him. From this, I was fortunate enough to receive an Advanced Reader’s Copy of Edison Thomas to review.

The story opens with Eddy, as he prefers to be called, at his school’s science fair. Quickly, the reader learns that Eddy is not your typical middle schooler. He knows the scientific names of what seems like everything as well as recites the elements on the periodic table to calm himself. Each chapter also contains facts from the “Random Access Memory of Edison Thomas” which are unusual facts that connect in some manner with the chapter. The random facts were probably one of my favorite things in the book.

When Eddy comes in third in the Science Fair, he cannot imagine how he did not win first place. Even though his third place win has earned him a spot as an alternate to the Regional Science Fair, he is extremely disappointed. He was hoping to have a more secure spot in competing at the Regionals. Next day at school, Eddy discovers that the crossing guard for the elementary and middle school is losing his job due to budget cuts. This greatly upsets Eddy and he decides to apply his skills as an inventor to coming up with a way to alert cars to slow down thus preventing potential disasters.

As I read through the story of Eddy, I found myself really becoming quite enamored by this quirky student and his friends particularly Justin, an academically gifted student that befriends him. Houtman does a remarkable job at portraying Eddy, who likely has Asperger’s Syndrome though this is never specifically identified in the story. She captures Eddy’s struggle to understand facial expressions, deal with sensory information, and social situations. This is often showcased through both his misunderstanding of the actions of one of the popular students who seems to enjoy ridiculing Eddy, and in his lack of responses to the social initiations of several other students. The story has a satisfying ending as Eddy learns many lessons about friendship, standing up for himself, and even what he may have in common with Thomas Edison.

When I read a book that is intended for middle grade readers (grades 4th to 7th), I attempt to read the story in two ways. First, how will students in these grade levels receive the book. Who is the story geared for and will the specific audience be attracted to it? Next, I think about how the story may or may not be used in a classroom, or be a resource to parents and teachers. On the first point, I believe that students particularly on the upper age range of middle grade readers are the ones who will best relate to Eddy. This is in part due to the vast amount of scientific references and language in the story, and some younger readers may be overwhelmed by the vocabulary. However, since bullying and struggling with friendships is very much part of the school experience for most children, all readers will relate well to this element of the story. Second, as an adult reader and educator, I can see the story being used to discuss issues regarding social struggles, differences, and finding solutions to your problems.

The one thing that I was slightly disappointed in was that despite a beautiful job of describing Eddy’s learning issues, there were never any references to Asperger’s or Autism and that aside from the Coach at the school most of the adults, including his parents, seemed somewhat unaware of his unique learning needs. I recognize that I may be more sensitive to this than the average reader since I have worked for many years in a school where there are students who are diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (including Asperger’s) and may be comparing Eddy’s parents and school personnel to those that work with me on a regular basis.

All in all, I think this is an enjoyable debut novel by Jacqueline Houtman and I am very thankful for the opportunity to review the story and to become acquainted with Eddy and his friends. I look forward to sharing Eddy’s story with students and teachers as well.

-Aly

Note: THE REINVENTION OF EDISON THOMAS is scheduled for release in March 2010; however, Amazon has it available for order and others are beginning to do the same.

GETTING TO KNOW THE AUTHORS OF SPILLING INK

“I think SPILLING INK is a great book because it talks directly to you. I like it when the book does that.” – Rene, age 11


This week YA Literature Review has been featuring the book SPILLING INK by Anne Mazer and Ellen Potter. Today, we get to know the authors behind the fabulous book. Thanks Anne & Ellen for answering some questions.

What made you decide to write SPILLING INK?

Ellen: Writing SPILLING INK was Anne’s idea (she seems to pluck ideas out of the very air molecules!). When she told me about it, I instantly knew it was brilliant. Why? Because over the years, both Anne and I have received so many e-mails from kids who love to write. They often ask these really great, quite sophisticated questions about things like plotting, creating strong characters, how to begin, how to end . . . all the same questions that adult writers ask. We wanted to write a book for these young writers, as well as for kids who are nervous about writing. We wanted it to be fun, and maybe even funny, but also very practical. We wanted it to be the sort of book that would make kids want to curl up and read it, then jump up and write!

Anne: For years I wanted to write a book about writing. You see, I had the good fortune to grow up with two writers (my parents, the young adult novelists, Harry Mazer and the late Norma Fox Mazer). It was like living in a 24/7 Writer’s Boot Camp. My parents were obsessed with writing – and although I didn’t think I was paying attention, apparently, I was. Later on, I realized how much I had learned - mostly while half-asleep! (It’s very nice when many of your important life skills are learned while unconscious.) I didn’t learn about plot and character and description and mood – I learned about how important it is to write every day, to never give up, and to do what you love. I’ve always wanted to share what I received with others. I had stacks of index cards with thousands of notes for the book I wanted to write, but unlocking this particular dream wasn’t possible until I met Ellen Potter.



Is it difficult to write a book with another person?

Ellen: Before SPILLING INK, I never, in my wildest dreams, thought I’d be able to collaborate on a book. I mean, how do you DO that, right?? However, when Anne asked if I wanted to write a book with her, I didn’t hesitate to say yes. I just knew that she would be a dream to
work with.

I think some qualities writers need in order to collaborate successfully are:

1. A massive amount of respect for each other

2. Open minds. Just because you thought up the idea doesn’t mean that
the other person can’t improve it.

3. To be motivated by the same thing. Neither Anne nor I were overly
concerned if SPILLING INK would be a best seller. We weren’t concerned about making a ton of money. That bottom line was that we wanted to share what we’d learned about writing, and we wanted the book to be
warm and fun and unput-downable.

4. To genuinely like each other.

Anne: Depends on who the person is! Writing the book with Ellen was one of the best experiences of my life. It was a partnership with someone who shared my deepest dreams, who completed and enlarged my ideas, and who was just plain fun to work with. To me, the spirit of the book is joy. There was joy in writing it, joy in our partnership, and we want to transmit the joy of writing to our readers.

What was your favorite part of working together?

Ellen: Well, imagine this: Every day you get to call your friend and chat, laugh, be silly, make each other think, and generally brighten each other’s day. Oh and by the way, you are writing a book while you are doing this. That’s as good as it gets.

Anne: I can’t say it any better than that.

Did you have any thoughts about the students’ reaction to SPILLING INK?

Ellen: When I first started using Twitter I thought it was all pretty silly. After awhile, though, I began to “meet” some interesting people, including the extraordinary Alyson. She wrote to me about her impressions of SLOB (it’s always so great for an author to hear directly from her readers. People often think writers don’t care about that stuff, but we do. Of course we do!) Right away I could see that Alyson was a genuine dynamo who was totally dedicated to her students. When she said she’d like to try out some writing ideas from SPILLING INK with her students, Anne and I were overjoyed! The whole time we were writing SPILLING INK, Anne and I kept imagining teachers using it in schools. We imagined kids, inspired by our book, hunkered over their notebooks, creating fictional worlds out of thin air. And then voila! Like magic, Alyson started to send us regular updates and photos of SPILLING INK writing workshops at her elementary school. You can’t imagine what a joy these updates are for us! Now Anne and I feel
forever connected to Alyson and her wonderful students, and we can’t wait to see what these young L.A. writers will do next!

(*blushes – aww shucks* Thanks Ellen for the great compliments…I think you are pretty special too!)

Anne:

“Anne and Ellen were no longer just names on the cover of a book but real people who had an interest in them…”

When I read this, I was so happy. Yes, it’s true. We feel as if we’re part of your school. There was another reason I felt happy reading this sentence. Often students think of authors as shadowy, remote creatures, possessed of fantastic and mysterious powers. I admit it; I STILL think of some authors this way. But actually, it’s not true. We’re people like you. We don’t want you to think of us – or writing – as out of reach or frightening. There’s a lot of fun, excitement and discovery in writing (although it can be hard work, too) – and we want to transmit that to our readers. If we’re “real people who have an interest in you,” it’s not much of a leap to what Debbie (classroom teacher) said in the classroom post: “My students are beginning to see that they are writers - even the ones that didn’t believe that they were writers.”

If you could choose a fictional character as a BFF who would it be?

Ellen: Calvin O’Keefe from A WRINKLE IN TIME. He just seems like the kind of friend who would really watch your back.

Anne: Pippi Longstocking. Because she’s utterly herself. And she always sticks up for the underdog. And she has such fantastic adventures!

What has been your favorite school visit and why?

Ellen: Honestly, I have so much fun at every single school visit that I couldn’t choose a favorite. I do have some favorite questions from kids though. Such as:

“Do you ever get reader’s block? It’s when you read a book that’s so
good, you can’t write another word.”

Or

“Do you, like, ride around in a limo all day?”

Anne: I love school visits where kids’ art and writing decorate the hallways, where the kids are full of questions, and everyone is excited about books.

And yes, like Ellen, my favorite part of ANY school visit is the Q & A with the kids. I LOVE that.

What was the one book that you wished that you had written?

Ellen: HOLES . Yeah, that was pretty darn spectacular.

Anne: Please! There are way too many of them! Anything written by Katherine Paterson. THE BOOK THIEF by Markus Zusak. And this last weekend I read SKIN HUNGER by Kathleen Duey. It was one of those books I’ll never forget…

If you are interested in learning more about what Anne and Ellen are up to, I encourage you to check out their websites:

Anne Mazer - www.annemazerbooks.com

Ellen Potter - www.ellenpotter.com

I hope everyone has enjoyed our week with Anne and Ellen. Don't forget to enter the SPILLING INK signed ARC contest.

-Aly


"I think that the book SPILLING INK: A Young Writer's Handbook is a great book for kids like me to get enthusiastic about writing...Thank you Ellen Potter and Anne Mazer for writing this great book." - Karla,age 11

Middle Grade Mondays: SPILLING INK

Author: Ellen Potter and Anne Mazer
Publisher: Flash Point/Roaring Brook Press
Pages: 288
Reading Level: Ages 9 to 12 years

When I first read Ellen Potter’s book SLOB, I was deeply touched and emailed my reactions to her. She was kind enough to respond back. Once I posted a review of SLOB here a few months ago, I again found myself going back and forth on Twitter and email with her. From there, I found myself connecting with author Anne Mazer. Through our correspondence, I have come to deeply admire both of these fabulous women. Over the months, I shared my thoughts and student examples with them. As a result, Anne and Ellen graciously agreed to share with me their upcoming book Spilling Ink.

When I received my advanced reader’s copy of Spilling Ink, I was excited but also a tad bit nervous. It is one thing to review a book when you have no connection to the author(s) but a totally different situation when it is someone you respect and really like. I decided it was best just to dive into the book and see what I thought.

Remind me though the next time I decide to dive into a book not to do it at 10 p.m. I started reading Spilling Ink and nearly had trouble putting it down. However, I realized that as a non-fiction book I should probably slow down and process the writing advice being shared by Mazer and Potter. The next morning I brought the second ARC to one of my teachers. I asked her to share it with her students. Over the next several weeks, she set up writing journals for her sixth graders. I stopped in to see what the students thought and to watch her use the activities as part of her writing time.

Though this isn’t a book that teaches the grammatical and technical aspects of writing, it does an amazing job with helping students understand the components of a story and how to craft a tale. I watched my students who frequently struggle to write become excited about writing for the first time.

You may be asking what it is about Mazer and Potter’s book that is so special. Through humor, frank dialogue, and practical examples and activities, the authors lead aspiring writers in the process of writing. In the chapter on Characters for example, children are taught how to not only create a character but how to bring their characters to life. I especially enjoyed the activity where Ellen encourages her readers to grab a cookie, a notebook and pen, and to sit down and pretend to have a conversation with their character.

Each chapter is filled with similar kinds of instruction, activities and small “dares” which challenge children to practice what they are learning. Ellen and Anne take turns sharing their own writing practice and lessons learned with their readers. And though the book is written for children, even adults can learn from the activities provided. I have to admit that thanks to the chapter on “Who is telling your story?” I finally understand second person narrative.

Before I even finished the story, I found myself telling booksellers, parents of elementary age children, and school librarians about Spilling Ink. When the book is finally released, I plan on purchasing quite a few copies to give to teachers that I know. I encourage you to pick up your own copy when it is released and enjoy trying out some or all of the writing activities with an aspiring child writer in your life.

On Wednesday, please check back in to Young Adult Literature Review. I will be posting another Spilling Ink related piece which will include comments from Ellen & Anne, as well as some of my students and their teacher. Readers will have a chance to win a signed ARC of Spilling Ink courtesy of Anne, Ellen, and their publisher.

Until then...happy writing,
- Aly

Fantasy Fridays: Witch and Wizard

Witch and Wizard, by James Patterson and Gabrielle Charbonnet

Publisher: Hachette Book Group
Pages: 320
Reading Level: 12 and up
Enjoyment Level: Medium

I participated in the Book Blogger Holiday Swap this year, and my secret santa sent me an advanced copy of Witch and Wizard. Lucky me! I was so excited to finally read a book before everyone else did (lol), that I picked it up almost immediately after I got it.

There is a New Order in the world. It’s an Order full of rules and regulations and normal. It’s powered by The One, and it’s catching all sorts of young people in its harsh regime. Wisty and Whit are two such young people, who get caught and then discover that they are part of a prophecy to save the world.

I haven’t read anything from James Patterson before, but I’d heard that his books are fast-paced. This book definitely follows that trend. So much so, that I’m still not exactly sure what happened in the story. The pace held on to me, but when it spit me back out at the end, I came up dazed and confused. Books for kids are best when the action keeps going, but readers need at least a little room to breathe. Witch and Wizard did not give that to me.

The book alternates between Whit’s point of view and Wisty’s. That, also, got a little confusing, as did the odd prologue which did not get resolved by the end and an epilogue was added that was a continuation of the prologue. The story in between takes place far in advance of the prologue and epilogue, so readers are left wondering what the heck the authors are trying to do.

As much as I saw them, though, I did like the characters. They exist in this quick story and at least I can say I got a decent sense of both of them. Wisty is feisty and a good read for young girls. Whit, the older brother, is the perfect hero. Together, they make a great team, all ready to fight against the very pernicious villain, The One, who is delightfully and deeply evil.

I can’t recommend this book without some reservations. Perhaps I just need to read it again, but I feel like books should be very clear the first time around, with subsequent re-reads that just pick up on different nuances. If you love James Patterson for adults, I’m sure you’ll like him for kids. And maybe there’ll be a sequel to Witch and Wizard where we get more time to absorb the story.

Until next time, go read something good!

~ Vilate

Middle Grade Monday: How To Train Your Dragon

Author: Cressida Cowell
Publisher: Little, Brown Young Readers
Pages: 224
Reading Level: Ages 9 to 12

As a reader, I have preferences for the types of books that I like to read. One of my guilty pleasures is Urban Fantasy stories. As an educator, I recognize that not all students will like every genre and that I must read beyond what I enjoy so that I may be able to match books to individual students. My ultimate goal is to turn reluctant readers into enthusiastic readers. Additionally, I try to convince students to read the book that a movie is based on prior to viewing the movie. I say all this as an introduction as to how I found myself reading Cressida Cowell's How To Train Your Dragon: The Heroic Misadventures of Hiccup the Viking.

I first discovered this book on a trip to the local indie bookstore with my niece. She selected it as one of her purchases for the day. Next, in a conversation with her, I discovered that an animated movie based on the book was being released in March 2010. My niece was more than agreeable to lending me her copy of the book for me to read. In flipping through the pages, glancing at the hilarious pencil sketch drawings and ink blotches, I couldn't help but cringe a little. Fantasy stories were one thing. Fantasy stories with 9 year old slapstick humor - well that was another thing.

Once I removed my adult reader hat and swapped it for my 9 year old inner child, I delved into the story of Hiccup and Toothless, the Dragon. Hiccup is the son of the Viking leader and along with a dozen other young boys he is required to capture and train a dragon as part of his initiation into the world of being a Viking warrior. The reader soon discovers that Hiccup has not inherited his father's strength and skill as a fighter. He would rather read and study. However, in an effort to make a place for himself in his village, Hiccup commences to capture and train a dragon. Toothless, as Hiccup calls him, is rude, lazy, and one very scrawny dragon. Together, Hiccup and Toothless prove that the underdogs may just be able to do something that all the others could not do.

Children will be entertained by the hilarious antics of Hiccup and Toothless. Hiccup's ability to speak "Dragonese" and determination to train the stubborn but likable dragon will engage the reader. The short chapters, quick pace, and artwork sprinkled throughout the pages will drawn in even the most reluctant readers.

Though this may not be one of those books I would want to read over and over again, it certainly deserves a spot on my shelves for books that will attract reluctant readers. I will warn readers that this may be one book to movie where reading the story prior to watching the movie may not be necessary. After finishing the book, I viewed the trailer for How to Train Your Dragon. It will be interesting to see how closely the movie follows the book. Regardless of the similarities and differences, I anticipate that both will be equally enjoyable.

- Aly

Middle Grade Mondays: Operation Yes

Author: Sara Lewis Holmes
Publisher: Arthur A. Levine
Pages: 256
Reading Level: Ages 9 to 12


As an educator, I find that I tend to be more sensitive and possibly more critical of books where school and teachers are central to the story. When I read Sara Lewis Holmes’ Operation Yes, I was pleasantly surprised. The story opens with Miss Loupe on the first day of school taping off a “stage” area on the floor in front of the classroom. Her students are not sure what to make of this strange sight. How often is it that you see your teacher crawling around on her hands and knees in front of the room? Now this may not be unusual behavior for a teacher at an alternative school, but Young Oaks School is on a military base and all the students are children of military personnel. For Bo Whaley, the son of an Air Force Commander, maybe sixth grade will be different from past years and maybe that is a good thing.

Lewis Holmes shares with her readers the story of Miss Loupe a new teacher who was once a student at Young Oaks. After leaving the Air Force Academy, much to her father’s disappointment, Miss Loupe focuses on teaching and theater. Bo Whaley struggles to stay focused in class and not get into trouble. Gari, the daughter of an army nurse called back into active duty, must live with her cousin Bo until her mother’s return. Bo just doesn’t want to move again, Gari is angry with her mother being called back up, and Miss Loupe has a few challenges of her own.

While reading the story, I found myself truly enjoying the ways that the author captured the various people at the school. The principal with her need to meet standards and expectations, the school librarian who builds a castle in the library and shouts out the titles of famous children’s books when she is cursing, and the grumpy cafeteria worker were just a few of my favorite people. Miss Loupe is inspiring in her role as teacher and her enthusiasm engages students in the learning process albeit in a less than traditional manner. Students learn from her to say “Yes”. Yes to challenges and yes to risks. How does this lesson of learning how to say “Yes” pull them all together when one among them is emotionally hurting? This is the essence of the book. Learning to say “Yes” can pull everyone together and bring healing and growth into their lives.

This book gets one of the highest recommendations that I can give a book. Some books I hand to students that I think might be particularly interested in a story. Other books I select for the classroom library. However, really good books I read out loud to my students. Operation Yes is one of those really good books which I will be reading out loud. Because even if you don’t live on a military base and attend a military school, everyone can learn to say “Yes”.

Enjoy! And let me know what books you would recommend for read-a-louds?!
- Aly

Al Capone Does My Shirts

Author: Gennifer Choldenko

Publisher: Puffin
Pages: 240
Reading Level: Ages 9 to 12 years

Several months ago, I heard about the AL CAPONE series by Gennifer Choldenko, and my interest was piqued. It isn’t easy to write historical fiction for middle grade students without the risk of coming across as boring or dry. As an example, I just recently went through about a dozen historical fiction stories for this age group and tossed them aside because I couldn’t imagine reading them let alone recommending them to my students. However, Choldenko scores big time with me for being able to combine a coming of age story with historical fiction and doing it in a superb manner.

Al Capone Does My Shirts is set in 1935 in the midst of the great depression and 12 year old Moose Flannigan has moved with his family from Santa Monica to Alcatraz Island. His father has accepted a job as an electrician/prison guard and has moved the family to the residential apartments adjacent to the prison which houses some of the most dangerous and famous criminals of the time including the infamous mob boss, Al Capone. With his father busy with work, and his mother preoccupied with the care of his sister with special needs, Moose must establish himself with new peers including the Warden’s mischievous daughter who seems set on getting Moose into trouble. Moose hopes to use baseball as a way to establish himself with his new classmates, but when his sister Natalie is dismissed from a special school in San Franciso, Moose finds himself caring for her after school while his mother works.

Choldenko does an amazing job weaving historical facts with the lives and experiences of her fictional characters. On the one hand, this is a story about a family that struggles with the challenges of having a child with special needs in a time when it was more common to institutionalize children like Moose’s sister. On the other hand, this is a story of the lives of the families that who lived in close proximity to some of history’s most notorious criminals. Never once did I feel that the story poorly represented either history or the lives of Moose and his family and friends.

This was one book that I couldn’t put down and I stayed up late reading and then went out the next day to buy the sequel. Moose is a relatable main character and his story is told with warmth, humor, and skill. Choldenko’s experience with her own sister with autism shows in the respect and realism in which she writes how Natalie’s disability impacts all of those around her both positively and negatively.

I can't say enough good things about this book and you must read it to find out more about the connection between Moose and Al Capone.

- Aly

Middle-Grade Mondays: Invisible Lines

Invisible Lines, by Mary Amato and illustrated by Antonio Caparo

Publisher: Egmont USA
Pages: 299
Reading Level: Ages 9 through 12
Enjoyment Level: Medium


Usually, I leave the mid-grade books to my wonderful compatriot, Aly, but I received a copy of Invisible Lines to review before she started helping me out. With all the other stuff going on right now, plus some other issues with the book, I'm just now getting the review done, so my apologies to the publisher who sent it to me!

Trevor Musgrove has just moved to a new school and new apartment as his family struggles to make it and stay together. He loves to draw, loves soccer, and loves his new class with a teacher that makes learning interesting and fun. Trevor has a difficult time with one of his classmates and learns that, while he doesn't always get what he wants, he can try to make the best of his situation.

The story is interesting, but the pace is pretty slow. I had a hard time getting into the plot enough to read this in a couple of days - which stretched into more than a month. It may be that I just couldn't empathize enough with the character, but it's also just that the action happens slowly. The emphasis of the story is more on the development of Trevor, and I felt like the plot ended up lacking something because of it. I also felt like there was a disconnect in the chemistry between Trevor and his mother. At the end where they resolve a few things between themselves, it still felt as though they weren't really on the same level.

At the same time, there are some bright spot in the form of interesting characters. Trevor is well-developed even though I feel like he's disconnected from the rest of the setting and plot. The teacher, Mr. Ferguson, is quite the character, with a wonderful array of knowledge about mushrooms. There is a good message in the story, with a thread of theme that tries its hardest to connect Trevor to his development and surroundings. And it's easy to see that the author did her homework in the area of fungi.

So, while this book wasn't for me, I would recommend for kids who might struggle with reading. The plot and theme are easy to follow, as is the development of Trevor as a character. Opportunities abound for kids to pick out various setting details and concepts that will help them with reading comprehension.

Thanks to the publisher for giving me the opportunity to read this!

Until next time, go read something good!

~ Vilate

Scones and Sensibility

Author: Lindsay Eland

Publisher: EgmontUSA
Pages: 320
Reading Level: Ages 9 to 12 years

As a big Jane Austen and Anne of Green Gables fan, I was immediately intrigued by the description of Lindsay Eland’s Scones and Sensibility and wanted to read it. Eland tells the story of 12 year old Polly who is a hopeless romantic and the quintessential present day embodiment of a Jane Austen character. Polly’s parents own a local bakery and during her summer break they ask her to deliver baked goods to local businesses and customers. Since Polly can’t get out of this job, she begins to see this as an opportunity to do some matchmaking. The targets of her matchmaking are her sixteen year old sister, Clementine; her best friend’s father; and a local widower and the town’s curmudgeon. With Polly on the job of Cupid, the fun begins.

In starting the story, I was impressed at how well Eland was able to capture the language and rhythm of an Austen novel or the voice of Anne (Green Gables). When reading Polly’s dialogue, I could easily imagine that I was reading Austen or L.M. Montgomery. However, I was surprised that after awhile, Polly's constant use of this manner of speech was somewhat exasperating. Though Polly slips into modern vernacular on occasion, she remains true to the language of her literary idols. Surprisingly her parents, and neighbors seem to accept this archaic dialect from Polly and it isn’t until almost the end that her sister and best friend really express their frustration with her speech and of course her behavior.

Unfortunately, Polly’s speech wasn't the only thing that wore on me but her interfering and meddling in the lives of other felt a little excessive. I found that somewhere in the middle of the book I wanted to shake Polly and tell her to “listen” and “wake up”. I gave Polly’s sister, Clementine and her best friend, Fran kudos for accepting Polly’s eccentric manner as well as they did. However at this point in the story, I was pretty committed to seeing what happened with all of her matchmaking, and I kept reading. My persistence was rewarded with some of the best scenes of the book, and I found myself laughing out loud in several places. When I came to the conclusion, I felt that Eland had done a nice job of wrapping up the story and helping Polly learn some important life lessons.

I can imagine middle grade girls who do love Anne of Green Gables or Elizabeth Bennett thoroughly enjoying Polly’s story. Though this book may have a specific niche – pre-teen or early teen girls who are fans of 19th century romance novels, I plan on sharing it with my students. I would like to gather their thoughts about the book since many of them are not familiar with the stories that this novel ties into. I am hoping that as they read the story it may prompt them to seek out one of the stories referred to in the novel.

Overall, Scones and Sensibility is an enjoyable read and a solid debut novel by Lindsay Eland and I look forward to future offerings from this author.

Wishing everyone a Happy New Year and wonderful reading in 2010,
- Aly

Middle Grade Mondays: Bobby vs. Girls (Accidentally)

Author: Lisa Yee
Illustrator: Dan Santat
Publisher: Arthur A. Levine Books
Pages: 160
Reading Level: Ages 9 to 12 years

Summary of Book (Amazon’s Description):
Meet Robert Carver Ellis-Chan -- a perfectly normal fourth-grader who gets into perfectly crazy situations! Like when he was running for class president and discovered his big sister's panties (static-) clinging to the back of his sweater. Or when he got stuck to the rare sticky (and stinky) Koloff tree on a field trip. . . . Then there's his family -- busy mom, ex-pro football player dad, a bossy older sister and an adoring younger one -- and best friends (one of whom is a secret, because she's a *girl*). Life may be complicated for Bobby, but it's going to turn out just fine.


During the spring, I had an opportunity to meet Lisa Yee at the UCLA Festival of Books. After hearing Lisa speak, I was interested in reading her most recent book, Bobby vs. Girls (Accidentally). Bobby is a fourth grade boy sandwiched between his football playing older sister and his princess accessorized little sister. His father is an ex-football player turned “PTA lady” and his mother works out of the home full-time. Life is about to change for Bobby. He doesn’t understand why his best friend Holly doesn’t want to hang out with him anymore. And as if that weren’t bad enough, Bobby wants a dog for a pet but instead he acquires a goldfish. If that wasn’t all, Bobby and Holly end up facing off against one another for fourth grade class president. Now the fun has begun…

Bobby vs. Girls (Accidentally) is an enjoyable, if somewhat quirky read. The dialogue between students seems genuine and Bobby’s confusion over the situations he finds himself in is typical of this age group. Fourth grade is the time when children begin to change in their relationships to parents and peers. Parents are now the source of embarrassment, and understanding the evolving relationships between boys and girls can be confusing. Yee tells Bobby’s story with humor, and tenderness.

Lisa Yee has also developed some great characters, which could seem comical and over the top, but work in this story. Though this is considered a Middle Grade fiction book, I would recommend Bobby vs. Girls (Accidentally) for the younger end of the age range (3rd to 5th graders). My 3rd grade niece and several of my students not only found Bobby’s predicaments humorous, but loved the references to local establishments which were recognizable despite some minor name changes (we live one city over from the town that the fictional setting was based on). Additionally, the story is simple and Bobby is very easy to relate to making this tale particularly good for reluctant readers.

As the holiday season and winter vacation is quickly approaching, I encourage you find a book and a child and read together.

- Aly

Middle Grade Mondays: The Name of This Book is Secret

Author: Pseudonymous Bosch
Publisher: Little Brown
Pages: 384
Reading Level: Ages 9 to 12 years

Summary of Book (Good Read’s Description):

Warning: this description has not been authorized by Pseudonymous Bosch. As much as he'd love to sing the praises of his book (he is very vain), he wouldn't want you to hear about his brave 11-year old heroes, Cass and Max-Ernest. Or about how a mysterious box of vials, the Symphony of Smells, sends them on the trail of a magician who has vanished under strange (and stinky) circumstances. And he certainly wouldn't want you to know about the hair-raising adventures that follow and the nefarious villains they face. You see, not only is the name of this book secret, the story inside is, too. For it concerns a secret. A Big Secret.


I think I fell in love with this book at the first page where in bold letters it said “Do Not Read Beyond This Page!” Now if that doesn’t catch your attention then maybe the first chapter will. It is filled with a page and a half of “xxxxx’s”. Yes you read it correctly. All “x’s”. I was pretty convinced at this point that the author was brilliant. In chapter 1 ½, the author continues explaining that this was a book about a secret that was so secret and dangerous that he was afraid to share anything about the book and normally in the first chapter you find out all of those things.

The story is primarily told from the point of view of Cassandra (“Cass”) though the author has an odd way of interjecting himself at regular intervals into the story. Cass teams up with Max-Ernest to find out the mystery of the Symphony of Smells. Uncovering the mystery leads both children to several adventures and a few dangerous situations. What they do discover is that there is something unexplainable about the disappearance of a magician (the owner of the Symphony of Smells)and who exactly are the mysterious woman and man looking for him?

Though at times it might seem annoying to have the author speak to the reader, it does provide a certain amount of humor. In one critical point of the story, the author declares that he does not think he can continue with the story because it just might be too dangerous. After a discussion of how he can be bribed to tell the next part (chocolate works wonders), the author does indeed continue on. Even the ending of the story, which I will refrain from revealing, is treated in a unique manner which drove me a bit crazy while being very entertaining.

It is hard to find books that will appeal to both boys and girls and books that will hold the interest of reluctant readers. However, Bosch has created a series which appeals to both genders. Its larger print, occasional pictures and sense of humor will draw in reluctant readers despite what might seem like a book with a lot of pages. Children who enjoy reading stories with equal parts humor, mystery and suspense will find The Name of This Book is Secret an engaging read and will be eager to start in on the second book of the series called If You Are Reading This It Is Too Late. As a result, my class copies are frequently checked out by my students.

Though I am certain that Pseudonymous Bosch would be mortified that I was recommending his books to children, remember this is a very "dangerous book", the Secret Series gets my thumbs up for entertaining middle grades fiction. If you ever do get to see Pseudonymous Bosch at a book signing, I would also encourage you to attend. He is just as entertaining in person as his books are to read.

When you were a child what was your favorite type of book to read? Let me know in the comments section.

-Aly

SLOB by Ellen Potter

Publisher: Philomel
Pages: 199
Reading Level: Ages 9 to 12 years

There are some books that readers might miss out on simply because they are not featured prominently in a store nor do they have the mass appeal that other more widely popular books enjoy. Ellen Potter’s SLOB is one of those books. Recently, there were no copies of this book available at my local Barnes & Noble and even at the local indie bookstore the only copy was way above kids’ eye level and if I hadn’t been looking for something else I wouldn’t have even seen it. To me, this is a shame because SLOB is an amazing piece of middle grade fiction which I only happened upon because it was assigned reading as part of a book club.

I will say that this review is going to be difficult to write because I really don’t want to give away any spoilers. What I can tell you is that the story is about a 12 year old boy named Owen who is a genius and overweight. With that information you might think that this is just another one of those middle school stories about a boy who is bullied because of his size. And though that is a big part of the book, it really isn’t what the story is all about. This is the first time that I can actually say that not having even read the summary made the book more enjoyable. I was able to truly appreciate the author’s skill in unveiling the motivations behind Owen’s behaviors.

My suggestion at this point is for you to stop reading the review and go out and read the book. This way I don’t have to worry about spoiling the story for you. However, since you are not likely to just go out and purchase a book because I said for you to do it, then if you must continue reading on be forewarned that there may be some spoilers.

The story opens with Owen discovering that the three oreo cookies in his lunch have been stolen. To most of us, this may not seem like a big deal, but for Owen, those three cookies help get him through his school day. Owen is the smartest and fattest seventh grader in his school. When he isn’t trying to discover who is stealing his lunch, he is trying to cope with a cruel P.E. teacher, and avoid the school bully. At home, Owen is an inventor who is attempting to build a machine that can capture digital information from a specific date and time from two years ago. Much of what seems like one thing on the surface turns out to be quite another thing as the story unfolds including the title of the book.

Anyone who has every gone through middle school will be able to relate with some part of Owen’s story. You will find places that will make you laugh and other parts that will make you want to cry. Potter does a wonderful job telling Owen’s story and though the ending might seem a little too nicely wrapped up, it does provide for a satisfying and hopeful conclusioin. Overall, SLOB is a stand-out in the field of “coming of age” stories. I recommended it to my sixth graders and have made it a point to tell my local bookstores that this is one book that should be on their shelves.

- Aly