Frankenstein

Frankenstein by Mary Shelley

Summary:

"'I saw the pale student of unhallowed arts kneeling beside the thing he had put together. I saw the hideous phantasm of a man stretched out, and then, on the working of some powerful engine, show signs of life and stir with an uneasy, half-vital motion.' A summer evening's ghost stories, lonely insomnia in a moonlit Alpine room, and a runaway imagination--fired by philosophical discussions with Lord Byron and Percy Bysshe Shelley about science, galvanism, and the origins of life--conspired to produce for Mary Shelley this haunting night specter. By morning, it had become the gem of her Romantic masterpiece, FRANKENSTEIN. Written in 1816 when she was only nineteen, Mary Shelley's novel of 'The Modern Prometheus' chillingly dramatized the dangerous potential of life begotten upon a laboratory table. A frightening creation myth for our own time, FRANKENSTEIN remains one of the greatest horror stories ever written and is an undisputed classic of its kind."

My Review:

I have read this book a few times, and I reread it today because I realized that I haven't ever reviewed it, and I thought it would be perfect for Halloween. This is definitely a classic. I love the language and the rich vocabulary in this book. It does take awhile to get back into it, after reading many current novels, but I love it. Mary Shelley did a great job with this book. Although it is well known, the current trend is to call the monster Frankenstein, when in reality, it is the scientist that is named Frankenstein. The creature is never given a name, except for Fiend, Monster, and Creature. This book is morbid, if you think about it. And, even though technology may eventually be to where we could possibly create life, I hope we never do. The creature that Frankenstein creates is a very interesting character. He begins his life with hope and joy and innocence. The more humans that revile him, the more angry and fiendish he becomes. At times you feel sorry for him and at other times you are repulsed by him and his behavior. There are many human traits discussed in this book, and many of them are still with us today. This book is well written. The characters are very well developed and come to life on the page.

There are a few swear words, but they actually aren't really used as swear words in the book. There is no "intimacy," but there are several murders. There is also the ethics of giving life to a monster. I actually really do like this book, even though it is morbid.

Rating: PG 13+ (Several characters are murdered)

Recommendation: 14 and up

It's Halloween

It's Halloween by Jack Prelutsky

There are lots of children's picture books for Halloween, but this one is fun because it's a little longer and even has chapters! It's great for the second/third graders who want to read something a little more than a picture book. It's written in lyrical form, which is so fun, and it's all about the kids on Halloween. There are ghosts and goblins, jack-o-lanterns and witches. There are some tricksters, some goblins, and even a scare or two. The illustrations are cute and fun, and it's a story all the kids will love.

Rating: G (Clean!)

Recommendation: Everyone (Silent Read: End of first grade, second grade, third grade)

The Dark

The Dark by Lemony Snickey

I didn't know Lemony Snicket wrote picture books until I picked this one up at the library. It's a cute story about Laszlo, who is afraid of the dark. He knows that sometimes the dark hides in the closet or behind the shower curtain, but it is always hiding in the basement. Then, when night comes, the dark comes out of hiding and spreads out around the house. One night the dark visits Laszlo in his bedroom. What happens after that helps Laszlo to not be so afraid. It's a well written story, it's clever, and the illustrations are simple yet well done. This story would be great for a child who really is afraid of the dark, and it's fun for Halloween as well. It has a good twist that teaches some valuable lessons.

I enjoyed this story, and my kids love it. I'm sure it is one of those books that we will check out and recheck out often.

Rating: G (Clean!)

Recommendation: Everyone

The Halloween Play

The Halloween Play by Felicia Bond

This is a cute little story. Roger's school class is putting on a Halloween play. They practiced, sent out invites, and were ready to perform. Roger had an important part in this play and he was a little nervous. He had to wait a long time, and then it was finally his turn! This is a short book but it is cute and fun. The kids like it. Kids who have been involved with school performances will definitely relate. The illustrations are well done and tie the story together nicely. This is a fun book to add to your Halloween stack.

Rating: G (Clean!)

Recommendation: Everyone

[Book Review] The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman

The Graveyard Book 

by 

Neil Gaiman

Summary:

"It takes a graveyard to raise a child. Nobody Owens, known as Bod, is a normal boy. He would be completely normal if he didn't live in a graveyard, being raised by ghosts, with a guardian who belongs to neither the world of the living nor the dead. There are adventures in the graveyard for a boy--an ancient Indigo Man, a gateway to the abandoned city of ghouls, the strange and terrible Sleer. But if Bod leaves the graveyard, he will be in danger from the man Jack--who has already killed Bod's family."

My Review:

I had never heard of this book until my book group decided to read it this month. I really didn't know what to expect, and you know me, I do NOT read the backs of the books or summaries about the books I read, before I read them. I like to be surprised and I like to be taken on a journey. Well, this book did both. It definitely surprised me, and I was definitely taken an an incredible journey. I was a little hesitant about reading it when a family is murdered on the first page. The descriptions of the murders and the murderer have enough detail that you know it's awful and you know you never want to meet the man Jack, but thank goodness it doesn't go into too many gory and gruesome details. It's bad, don't get me wrong, but this is a middle-grader book, so it could be worse. From a mother's point of view, this part was horrible to read. Thinking about that baby made me sick to my stomach. And then even when he was out of immediate danger, really thinking about the logistics of what was happening still made me sick to my stomach. Luckily, the characters in this book save the day. As the reader you know that the baby is safe and that he will somehow be taken care of, and that is enough to immerse you in this world that Mr. Gaiman has created. The characters are so well developed. There is a hint of mystery to all of them, especially Silas, and it is just enough to make you wonder......Mr. and Mrs. Owens, Josiah Worthington, Caius Pompeius, Mother Slaughter, Scarlett, Mr. Pennyworth, Liza Hempstock, and Miss Lupescu each have their own places in this story, and they fit perfectly. This book is written and crafted very well. It does kind of jump from one random situation to another sometimes, but it doesn't take away too much from the story and it's not difficult to figure out what is going on. I really enjoyed this book. It's so different and unique, and so well crafted, that it's hard to put down. The graveyard becomes a well known and familiar place, and I will definitely think about graveyards differently when I pass by them now. The cemeteries around me are a little different because they aren't too old or creepy, but I went to Boston years ago and went to a graveyard that had a couple of the Founding Fathers' gravestones in it, and it was a little more spooky.

There isn't any language or "intimacy" in this book, but there is a family that is murdered, and there is a murderer on the loose that wants to murder again. It is a graveyard, so there are ghouls and ancient scary guys. There are a few situations that may be scary to some readers. I love how Mr. Gaiman puts all the different elements and characters together; his use of language is very creative.

Rating: PG+ (A family is murdered and the murderer is on the loose, graveyard characters and situations that could be scary to some readers.)

Recommendation: 6th grade and up (I would not go younger than 11 years-old)

[Book Review] T. Rex Trick-or-Treats by Lois G. Grambling

T. Rex Trick-or-Treats 

by

Lois G. Grambling

My boys were crazy about dinosaurs when they were little. We have tubs of dinosaurs. They don't get played with very often any more, and it's crazy, but I miss it. This book is cute, but I think I love it more because of the sentimental value. It reminds me of those crazy-fun dinosaur days. The illustrations are bright, colorful, and so much fun. The characters' expressions are great! The fonts are fun and different, and there are even different colors! I love the idea of the book that T. Rex wants to be something scary for Halloween. Hahaha.......is there anything scarier than a T-Rex dinosaur? T. Rex's friends try and help, but they end up taking all his ideas. So what does T. Rex end up being for Halloween? You'll need to read it to find out! The kids love this book! I love that there are repetitive phrases and words that even little kids can say, and I love that it reminds me of my cute little boys who loved dinosaurs. Even though they are big now (13 and 11), they will still sit with me and listen when I read this story. My girls (9 and 6) enjoy this book too! This Halloween book is definitely a keeper!

Rating: G (Clean!)

Recommendation: Everyone!

Skeleton Hiccups

Skeleton Hiccups by Margery Cuyler

"What's the best way to help a skeleton get over his bone-rattling teeth-chattering belly-laughing hiccups?"

This book is so fun. We have had it for a few years, and every Halloween this is the one the kids want me to read the most. We read it over and over. The poor skeleton and his friend ghost try everything to rid of his hiccups, and nothing works. When you're reading it you have to say, "Hic, hic, hic" many times, but I usually make the kids say it, and they think that's fun. The illustrations are great and well done. My kids love this story. It's different and fun for Halloween. 

Rating: G (Clean!)

Recommendation: Everyone

All Hallows Eve: The Story of the Halloween Fairy

I'm starting Halloween Week with a girlie Halloween story. There's nothing scary about this book, but the princesses and fairies will love it!

All Hallows Eve: The Story of the Halloween Fairy by Lisa Sferlazza Johnson

Summary:

Hailing from All Hallows Pumpkin Patch, the young fairy Eve loves candy, but can only make toys. Desperate to conjure her heart's true desire, Eve practices and practices and is sure she will be successful on her birthday, October 31st! But when the day comes, even Eve's finest attempts just yield toys shaped like candy. As her frustration grows, her party guests think up a wonderful way to save the day and create an annual celebration to share! Welcome to this enchanted fairy glen where Halloween's origins and customs are presented in a way that will satisfy and delight readers of all ages! Beautiful illustrations and a lyrical story help Eve sprinkle her fairy dust as she exchanges her toys for collected candy to create the happiest, healthiest Halloween for us all!"

My Review:

What a cute story! My six-year-old daughter checked this out at the school library, and I think it is just adorable! A lot of the Halloween books are scarier and geared more toward boys, but this one is all for the girls! I love the illustrations and the cute curly font. This story explains how Halloween began, and it's a great message of sharing, caring, and friendship. It's creative and fanciful, well written, in lyrical form, and has a great message; what more could you ask for? I highly recommend this book for all the Halloween princesses, fairies, and girlies.

Rating: G (Clean!)

Recommendation: Everyone!

Halloween Week!!!

Welcome To Halloween Week!!!

Every day this week I'm going to post at least one Halloween book. Hopefully there's something for everyone!

Raising a Reader

Raising a Reader

I recently read Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl. I LOVE that book! Anyway, as I was reading I noticed that the Oompa-Loompas sing this song:

"The most important thing we've learned,

So far as children are concerned,

Is never, NEVER, NEVER let

Them near your television set--

Or better still, just don't install

The idiotic thing at all.

In almost every house we've been,

We've watched them gaping at the screen.

They loll and slop and lounge about,

And stare until their eyes pop out.

(Last week in someone's place we saw

A dozen eyeballs on the floor.)

They sit and stare and stare and sit

Until they're hypnotized by it,

Until they're absolutely drunk

With all that shocking ghastly junk.

Oh yes, we know it keeps them still,

They don't climb out the window sill,

They never fight or kick or punch,

They leave you free to cook the lunch

And wash the dishes in the sink--

But did you ever stop to think,

To wonder just exactly what

This does to your beloved tot?

It rots the senses in the head!

It kills imagination dead!

It clogs and clutters up the mind!

It makes a child so dull and blind

He can no longer understand

a fantasy, a fairyland!

His brain becomes as soft as cheese!

His powers of thinking rust and freeze!

He cannot think--He only sees!

'All right!' you'll cry. 'All right!' you'll say,

'But if we take the set away,

What shall we do to entertain

Our darling children? Please explain!

We'll answer this by asking you,

'What used the darling ones to do?

'How used they keep themselves contented

Before this monster was invented?

Have you forgotten? Don't you know?

We'll say it very loud and slow:

They...used...to...READ! They'd READ and READ,

And read and read, and then proceed

To read some more. Great Scott! Gadzooks!

One half their lives was reading books!

The nursery shelves held books galore!

Books cluttered up the nursery floor!

And in the bedroom, by the bed,

More books were waiting to be read!

Such wondrous, fine, fantastic tales

Of dragons, gypsies, queens, and whales

And treasure isles, and distant shores

Where smugglers rowed with muffled oars,

And pirates wearing purple pants,

And sailing ships and elephants,

And cannibals crouching 'round the pot,

Stirring away at something hot.

(It smells so good, what can it be!

Good gracious, it's Penelope.)

The younger ones had Beatrix Potter

With Mr. Tod, the dirty rotter,

and Squirrel Nutkin, Pigling Bland,

And Mrs. Tiggy-Winkle and--

Just How the Camel Got His Hump,

And How the Monkey Lost His Rump,

And Mr. Toad, and bless my soul,

There's Mr. Rat and Mr. Mole--

Oh, books, what books they used to know,

Those children living long ago!

So please, oh please, we beg, we pray,

Go throw your TV set away,

And in its place you can install

A lovely bookshelf on the wall.

Then fill the shelves with lots of books,

Ignoring all the dirty looks,

The screams and yells, the bites and kicks,

 And children hitting you with sticks--

Fear not, because we promise you

Thank, in about a week or two

Of having nothing else to do,

They'll now begin to feel the need

Of having something good to read.

And once they start--oh boy, oh boy!

You watch the slowly growing joy

That fills their hearts. They'll grow so keen

They'll wonder what they'd ever seen

In that ridiculous machine,

That nauseating, foul, unclean,

Repulsive television screen!

And later, each and every kid

Will love you more for what you did."

My tip for today.......turn off the tv (and I'll add, the personal electronics and video games)!

Thank you Roald Dahl! Love this poem!

The Book Whisperer: Awakening the Inner Reader in Every Child

The Book Whisperer: Awakening the Inner Reader in Every Child by Donalyn Miller

Summary:

Donalyn Miller is a dedicated teacher who says she has yet to meet a child she couldn't turn into a reader. In The Book Whisperer, Miller takes us inside her 6th grade classroom to reveal the secrets of her powerful but unusual instructional approach. Rejecting book reports, comprehension worksheets, and other aspects of conventional instruction, Miller embraces giving students an individual choice in what they read combined with a program for independent reading. She also focuses on building a classroom library of high-interest books, and above all, on modeling appropriate and authentic reading behaviors. Her zeal for reading is infectious and inspiring, and the results speak for themselves. No matter how far behind Miller's students may be when they start out, they end up reading an average of 40 books per year, achieve high scores on standardized tests, and internalize a love for reading that lasts long after they've left her class.

My review:

Where was this book 14 years ago when I taught my cute little first graders? I LOVE this book! It is my personal teaching philosophy all rolled up into one nice, neat package. Seriously! I love her ideas, her structure, her philosophy, her library, all of it. Ms. Miller focuses on reading for reading instruction. Her goal is to help kids love to read and to be life-long readers, and she does it by allowing them to actually read. I was definitely what she calls an underground reader in school. I would read the book we were reading in class, finishing it in a few days or a week, and then I'd have to sit through weeks of awful lectures and lessons and picking the book apart before the class finally finished. By then I'd probably read three or four other books. I hated reading books as a class. I hated that it took so long. I hated trying to find the meanings of each and every sentence. I wanted to scream, "I don't care, just let me read!" And that is what Ms. Miller does. She lets them read. Awesome. Even though this book is geared toward teachers, parents can learn a lot from it as well. I highly recommend it to all my teacher friends, and when I go back to teaching, this will be my top priority! Love, love, love this book!!!

Rating: G (Clean!)

Recommendation: High school and up. This would be great for high school/college students who want to go into teaching. Every teacher should read this book!

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl

Summary:

Willy Wonka's famous chocolate factory is opening at last! But only five lucky children will be allowed inside. And the winners are: Augustus Gloop, an enormously fat boy whose hobby is eating; Veruca Salt, a spoiled-rotten brat whose parents are wrapped around her little finger; Violet Beauregarde, a dim-witted gum-chewer with the fastest jaws around; Mike Teavee, a toy pistol-toting gangster-in-training who is obsessed with television; and Charlie Bucket, Our Hero, a boy who is honest and kind, brave and true, and good and ready for the wildest time of his life!

My Review:

I love this book!!! I have read it countless times, and each time I read it I love it just as much. It's definitely a classic, and a favorite at our house. This time I read it aloud to my daughters (9 and 6) and they loved it too! The best part was that as soon as I started reading, my boys (13 and 11), who I read it to years ago and they have both read it a few times themselves, would come over, sit with us and listen as well. It doesn't matter how old you are, the magic in this book pulls you in. 

I love the characters in the story. Mr. Dahl did an excellent job of describing each of the characters and their personalities. From the old grandparents at home in bed to the children in the factory, each character comes to life on the page.  My favorite characters are Charlie and Grandpa Joe. I especially like how Grandpa Joe bursts out of bed and suddenly has so much energy. Willy Wonka is a great character, too. I also love the creativity in this book. All the different rooms in the chocolate factory are unique and well described. I want a chocolate river in my house!!! The story is well written, it flows well, is easy to read and understand, and is just so much fun. I love that it teaches kids to dream and to use their imaginations. I also love that it talks about throwing the t.v. out the window and reading instead. :)  (I'll have more on that in a different post coming soon!) It also teaches kids not to be selfish, bratty, or disrespectful. 

As I was reading, I noticed that there is one swear word. I was shocked, actually, when I came to it, but it is there. I skipped over it so my girls didn't even know, but a silent reader would see it. Other than that, and a few minor "accidents," it is clean. Well, it does get a bit sticky and gooey in places, but there is no "intimacy" or violence. I highly recommend this book! It's great for silent readers and read-alouds!

Rating: PG (Just that one little word......)

Recommendation: Silent Reading: 2-3rd grades and up, depending on reading level

                              Read-aloud: Kindergarten and up

Quotable Quotes

Quotable Quotes

I have wanted to start a segment like this for a long time! I think reading is so important, and I love all things reading, including quotes about reading and the importance of it. I found this quote in a book that I will review next week, and I loved it. Actually, that book has many quotes and lots of information that I will be using later on. I will start with this quote though, because I loved it!

"To acquire the habit of reading is to construct for yourself a refuge from almost all the miseries of life."

~W. Somerset Maugham

(Taken from page 19 of The Book Whisperer by Donalyn Miller) 

How many times have you turned to a book to escape? I know I have! I love that reading helps calm my anxieties and allows me to go back to reality with a fresh perspective, more patience, and a clear head. Is there a book that you turn to over and over when times get tough, or will any book help?

Happy Reading!!

The Alchemist

The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

Summary:

"Paulo Coelho's enchanting novel has inspired a devoted following around the world. This story, dazzling in its powerful simplicity and inspiring wisdom, is about an Andalusian shepherd boy named Santiago who travels from his homeland in Spain to the Egyptian desert in search of a treasure buried in the Pyramids. Along the way he meets a Gypsy woman, a man who calls himself king, and an alchemist, all of whom point Santiago in the direction of his quest. No one knows what the treasure is, or if Santiago will be able to surmount the obstacles along the way. But what starts out as a journey to find worldly goods turns into a discovery of the treasure found within. Lush, evocative, and deeply humane, the story of Santiago is an eternal testament to the transforming power of our dreams and the importance of listening to our hearts."

Where have I been? I haven't ever heard of this book before until my book group decided to read it this month. This is a powerful book. It is full of symbolism, adventure, treasure, love, kings, crystal, long journeys, sand, wars, sheep, stolen money, gold, greed, wisdom, and alchemy. What is alchemy, you ask? Well, I'll admit--I had to look up alchemy in the dictionary. Alchemy is: 1. a medieval chemical science and speculative philosophy aiming to achieve the transmutation of the base metals into gold, the discovery of a universal cure for disease, and the discovery of a means of indefinitely prolonging life 2. a power or process of transforming something common into something special (Webster's Dictionary). I love the last definition. This book is about a journey of a shepherd boy. I don't want to give anything away, so I'll leave it at that. I love Paulo Coelho's writing style. It is simple, yet so profound. There are hidden messages everywhere in this book. There is a lot of imagery and symbolism. It is written well. It flows well, is understandable, and the characters are well developed. Some of them are a bit mysterious, but that adds another layer to this story that I loved. The life lessons this book teaches are important and meaningful. (Following your dreams, listening to your heart, working hard, positive attitude about where life takes you, making the best of every situation, etc.) I think everyone can learn something about living life to the fullest by reading this book. It's a short book, but is not a fast read. It takes time to really read and digest this book. I love books that have me thinking about them days after I finish, and this book is one of them. I also think that reading it at different times in your life will provide different feelings, lessons learned, and items of importance. If you've read it before, read it again and let me know if you took something different away from it the second time. I bet you will.  I enjoyed this book and definitely recommend it.

Rating: PG (There isn't any profanity or "intimacy" in this book. There is some minor violence with a desert war, but it's minimal.)

Recommendation: 13 and up (7th grade-ish) It is clean, so it would be appropriate for someone younger, but it is quite deep, and I'm not sure anyone younger would understand it or be able to walk away from it having learned anything.

Katrin's Chronicles: The Canon of Jacquelene Dyanne Vol. 1

Katrin's Chronicles: The Canon of Jacquelene Dyanne Vol. 1

  by Valerie C. Woods

Blurb:

"'If you don't write your own history, somebody else will make it up for you.' And so, after enduring three years of mystery-solving adventures, 13 year-old Katrin DuBois decided it was time to write her autobiography. Who else could set the record straight about the outrageous rumors about her family? It all began when Katrin was in 6th grade. Her elder sister, 8th grader Jacquelene Dyanne, began exhibiting extraordinary, even paranormal, detecting abilities. Katrin's Chronicles take place long before laptops, the Internet, cell phones, and text messaging--Chicago, 1968, Although the time was technologically simple, the tangle of human relationships was as complex as ever. I'm sure you can relate:

     If you relate to the idea that life is filled with mystery.....

     If you recognize that everyone has talents waiting to be mastered.....Or,

     If you understand that awakening to your hidden power is not always easy, but is the only way to         truly live...

Then I welcome you to the Canon of Jacquelene Dyanne, Vol. 1, as chronicled by Katrin the Youngest.     ~V.C. Woods"

My Review: 

I wasn't quite sure what to expect from this book when I received it. Unfortunately, the cover is a bit of a turn-off, but I decided not to judge it by it's cover, and I started to read. The characters are realistic and mostly believable. They are fairly well developed, especially Katrin and Jacquelene Dyanne. I think their parents and grandmother could have been developed a bit more, but they were ok. Katrin seems to act a bit old for her age, but each child is different, and it did take place in 1968, so maybe children acted older then? Katrin has a good voice for a narrator, and she uses a lot of good vocabulary words and descriptions. She even uses a few Latin phrases. J. Dyanne is an interesting character. You can tell that she has a talent but doesn't want to use it because she hates the attention that comes with it. What is her talent, you ask? Well, she is very good at deciphering clues (she's kind of like a young-girl Sherlock Holmes) and noticing details, and she puts them together quicker than most people do. Her talent even stretches into the paranormal when she is able to see and talk to ghosts. She thinks she is alone in her talent until she learns that some of the people around her have the same talent. Some of those people have hidden their talent, and some still use it frequently. J. Dyanne and Katrin are surprised when they learn these secrets. It's a clever idea and story, and I liked it. I like that it is different. Thank goodness there are no vampires or werewolves! 

I liked when J. Dyanne showed Katrin how she was able to solve the mystery by noticing the clues and putting them together into a solution. There is a time when her talent goes a little farther, though, and it gets into tarot cards, Wisdom cards, voodoo (*See comments below*), and physic readings.  I didn't like that part as much, and wish they had left it at her just being a good sleuth. Some parents may be uncomfortable with their children reading about that. I did like the book. I'm not sure if my 13 and 11 year-old boys will like it, but girls of that age should. The language and vocabulary words used are at a much higher level than most middle-grade book are, which is great. 

Rating: PG+ (It's clean--no profanity, violence, or "intimacy," but the subject matter is geared more toward an older middle-grader. They do use Wisdom Cards to do readings, and that may make some parents uncomfortable.)

Recommendation: 5th grade-6th grade and up.

Disclosure: I did receive a free book in exchange for my honest review.

**I have to apologize to Ms. Woods!!! I was supposed to review this book on Aug. 24th. What's today? Oh, only October 15th. Yep, I'm just a little late!! I'm so sorry! Somehow this book fell threw the cracks. I try really hard, but sometimes I can't keep everything straight!**

Janitors: Strike of the Sweepers (Book #4)

Janitors: Strike of the Sweepers (Book #4) by Tyler Whitesides

"The stakes have never been higher, and you've never seen squeegees do this before! It is a wild and slightly unsanitary ride as Spencer, Daisy, and the Rebel Janitors find themselves chased by Mr. Clean's new and terrifying half-breed Toxites--the Sweepers. Time is short. With the fabled Manualis Custodem in hand, Spencer must figure out how to summon the Founding Witches if they ever hope to mop up and save education."

What a fun (and slightly disgusting) book! I have enjoyed this series, as have my boys (13 and 11), and this one does not disappoint! Beware: there's a lot of garbage, a porta-potty, a germ-filled bowling ball, lots of toilet paper, and maybe even a little magical dust. I love the new glopified inventions in this book; I think I need to stock up on squeegees and Windex! The characters, as always, are great. They can be a little cheesy at times, but they are also brave, witty, intelligent, creative, and well developed. I do not think I'll be able to buy anything labeled "Mr. Clean" again. Sorry to the real Mr. Clean, but the Mr. Clean in this book is not a good guy, to say the least. He definitely makes a fantastic villain. There are some new characters, some of the same, and we get to see the return of a few characters, which is always fun. The story is written well. There may have been a few stretches, but it's fantasy, right? Anything can happen! I love that when you're reading it there's never a question in your mind as to whether or not that could really happen.....in this world, it does happen and it's believable. That is the sign of a great author. Mr. Whitesides' writing is creative and fun, with just enough humor, wit, and action to keep the reader engaged throughout the entire book. Brandon Dorman's illustrations are, as always, amazing. There were a few twists and surprises in this book that......wow. Just wow. I never saw them coming! My boys are going to LOVE this book! It is a great middle-grade/early YA read. If you've read the first three, you need to read this one pronto! And if you haven't read any in this series, I definitely recommend it!

Rating: PG+ (It's clean-no profanity or "intimacy." However, at least two characters die, and those deaths are a little graphic. There's lots of Toxite-fighting as well.)

Recommendation: 3rd grade and up

Disclosure: I did receive a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

[Book Review] Focused by Noelle Pikus Pace

Photo Credit: goodreads.com

Focused 

by 

Noelle Pikus Pace

Blurb:

"Where are your choices leading you? Regardless of our circumstances, each moment presents us with decisions to make. It doesn't matter what question, trial, or success we experience--each traces back to a choice. At any given moment, we can choose to doubt, fear, worry; to be prideful, angry, depressed, or miserable--or we can choose to be a light. We can choose to be happy. The choice is always ours, and each choice can be a step forward on the path of life we want for ourselves. The life lessons learned by Olympic athlete Noelle Pikus Pace can equip each of us to turn daily choices and challenges into opportunities for growth. In her warm and relatable style, Noelle shares touching personal stories and teaches how these experiences can help us keep a healthy perspective on the things that matter most. She helps us to see that though all of our goals and trials are different, we each can choose to become the best versions of ourselves one day at a time."

My Review:

What an inspiring woman! Wow! I loved this book! I love how positive her message is. Her writing style is fun and light, even when discussing some difficult situations. She has the ability to take hard things and make them better. I am always telling my children that they have the choice to make each day a great one or a miserable one, and I'm glad I finally have someone to back me up on this! I love her message and think it is so needed today. We don't need to be victims. We don't need to let what happens in the world or in our lives bring us down, we get to choose to make it better. I enjoyed reading about her life leading up to her Olympic dream, and thought that her goal setting suggestions were right on. I love that she says to dream big and then work hard to make that dream happen. Her message of having integrity hit home. Be yourself. Stand up for yourself and your standards or your values. Be honest. I liked this quote, 

I know who I am and what I stand for regardless of what others say or think. 

Skeleton is just a sport. My integrity is everything. 

There are a lot of great quotes in this book. I think I'm going to copy some of them and put them in my kids' rooms. I am also going to have my boys (13 and 11) read this book. I know she's a girl, but the message is fabulous for both boys and girls. And, the good thing is, it's great for everyone, not just athletes. The message applies to every aspect of our lives. I highly recommend this book! Reading it makes you feel like you can conquer the world (or at least achieve your goals)!

There is a slightly religious undertone to this book, which didn't bother me at all. She quotes some scripture and some religious leaders (she also quotes nonreligious leaders and has a bunch of nonreligious poems). It isn't about religion, and it's not preachy at all, she just uses the scriptures and quotes to emphasize her points. I don't think it matters if you are religious or not, this book has such a positive and uplifting message that it's great for everyone. I definitely recommend this book!

Rating: G (Clean!)

Age Recommendation: Fifth grade and up as a silent read. First grade and up as a read-aloud. I'm going to read it to my daughters (6 and 9), and I think they'll understand it just fine. There are a few things I'll need to explain to them (miscarriage is one thing that comes to mind), but I want them to hear the message.

Disclosure: I did receive a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

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*This post was originally posted on 10/6/14, and was updated on 1/10/18.