Literature Young Adult Fiction » A-C http://www.literatureyoungadultfiction.com YA Readers Reviewing Books. Thu, 29 Jul 2010 09:18:25 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.0 If You Love Suzanne Collins: A Comparison of Hunger Games and Gregor the Overlander http://www.literatureyoungadultfiction.com/if-you-love-suzanne-collins-a-comparison-of-hunger-games-and-gregor-the-overlander/ http://www.literatureyoungadultfiction.com/if-you-love-suzanne-collins-a-comparison-of-hunger-games-and-gregor-the-overlander/#comments Mon, 10 May 2010 09:38:06 +0000 CaptainYarr http://www.literatureyoungadultfiction.com/?p=913

by Captain Yarr

My two books for this comparison essay are Gregor The Overlander and The Hunger Games, both by Suzanne Collins. Gregor the Overlander is about Gregor and his little sister Boots falling into the underworld and trying to get out, but not knowing how. This book ends with Gregor finding his lost-since-he-was-little father and the two of them getting out of the Underland, knowing that they'll never be the same. Hunger Games is about Katniss taking her sister’s place when she's called into the Hunger Games and trying to survive in the arena with Peeta (the boy called into the Hunger Games for district 12). This book ends with her and Peeta winning the Hunger Games and the two of them happily returning to District 12 to their families and having an unforgettable experience.

There are many similarities between these two books. Such as: they both have mind blowing experiences. Gregor was in the Underworld and fighting to search for his father, and Katniss was fighting for survival in the arena. They also have similar plots, for they both are fighting and searching for their life. They both have someone as their sidekick/companion. For Gregor it was Boots, and for Katniss it was Peeta. These two books are alike because the main characters both cared for their friends and family and didn't want them to suffer. Katniss didn't want Prim to suffer, and Gregor didn't want his Mother and Boots to suffer. Gregor and Katniss both had similar solutions. They both return home safe and secure, and they're both not sure what's going to happen next.

There were also many differences between these two books. At first Gregor didn't know what he was getting into, when he was falling to the Underworld, but when Katniss volunteered to take Prim's place in the Hunger Games, she knew that she was risking her life. Gregor wasn't prepared for fighting and what he going to do in the Underworld, whereas Katniss was put into training and could defend herself, if she were attacked. These two books are different because Hunger Games is more of a young adult book, but Gregor the Overlander is a children's fantasy. The settings of these two books are different, because Hunger Games mainly takes place in the arena, and Gregor the Overlander takes place in the Underworld. In Gregor the Overlander there's no romance, but in Hunger Games Katniss and Peeta are shown to the world as a couple.

The author, Suzanne Collins wrote both Hunger Games and Gregor the Overlander. She became a writer for children books, when she met James Proimos and decided to write children books herself. Gregor the Overlander was inspired by Alice In Wonderland. Gregor falls down into the Underworld just like Alice falls down the hole. Hunger Games was partly inspired by the Greek myth Theseus and the Minotaur. Besides the two series (Hunger Games and Underland) she has written Fire Proof in 1999 and When Charlie McButton Lost Power in 2005.

While I was reading these books, I used useful strategies such as visualizing and inferring. Using these skills made reading the books a lot better than just reading alone. I could taste what the characters tasted, smell what they smelled, see what they saw, feel what they felt, and I could hear what they heard. Predicting what would happen also made the book a lot better. Either the books could be read to find out what happens, or the reader could begin the books by predicting what will happen and making predictions along the way.  The second way makes the books a whole lot more interesting, because it makes them interactive. After I finished each book, I thought about my predictions and how some of them were right, and some were wrong. I also thought how the story would change, if all of my predictions came true.

I would recommend both of these books.  They were very enjoyable, and not one page did I think I would fall asleep. At first when I heard of Hunger Games, I wasn't sure if I'd like it, because I wasn't a fan of war. But everyone started reading it and saying that they loved it, so I decided that I would try it, and I loved it too! A friend also recommended I read Gregor the Overlander and I did, and I also enjoyed it. I would recommend Hunger Games to someone who didn't mind gory chapters and war-like books, but who also liked a hint of romance. I would recommend Gregor the Overlander to someone who likes bugs, rats, and bats. Even if they didn't, someone who'd enjoy a adventurous search with a adorable little sister who isn't afraid of anything would likely enjoy this book for it is both adventurous and humorous.

In conclusion I enjoyed reading both of these books, and I'm planning to read both sequels! The writing was terrific, and once I got into the book, I devoured it whole. I think that Suzanne Collins is a great author and want to read more of her books as they get published. I'm also planning to see the Hunger Games once it comes out in 2011!

4 Book Series to Read if You Loved Hunger Games or Gregor the Overlander:

  1. Harry Potter: Sorcerer's Stone, Chamber of Secrets, Prisoner of Azkaban, Goblet of Fire, Order of the Phoenix, Half-Blood Prince, Deathly Hallows
  2. Percy Jackson: The Lightning Thief, The Sea of Monsters, The Titan’s Curse, The Battle of the Labyrinth, The Last Olympian
  3. Artemis Fowl: Artemis Fowl, Arctic Incident, Eternity Code, Opal Deception, Lost Colony, Time Paradox
  4. Spiderwick Chronicles: The Field Guide, The Seeing Stone, Lucinda’s Secret, The Ironwood Tree, The Wrath of Mulgarath
Online Stores ]]> http://www.literatureyoungadultfiction.com/if-you-love-suzanne-collins-a-comparison-of-hunger-games-and-gregor-the-overlander/feed/ 1 Review: I’d Tell You I Love You But Then I’d Have to Kill You by Ally Carter http://www.literatureyoungadultfiction.com/review-id-tell-you-i-love-you-but-then-id-have-to-kill-you-by-ally-carter/ http://www.literatureyoungadultfiction.com/review-id-tell-you-i-love-you-but-then-id-have-to-kill-you-by-ally-carter/#comments Tue, 04 May 2010 09:20:39 +0000 Second Mate Embry http://www.literatureyoungadultfiction.com/?p=892

by Second Mate Embry, guest reviewer

Title: I'd Tell You I Love You But Then I'd Have to Kill You (Gallagher Girls)
Author: Ally Carter
Format: Hardcover
# of pages: 288
Grade Reading Level: 7-10 Grade

Summary: Cammie Morgan goes to a school for geniuses (but really it's a school for training spies). Cammie's schedule is just like a regular kid's - she has PE, sure it's advance martial arts, but it's still PE. One of her class assignments is to go to a carnival and find out what one of her teachers likes to drink with a funnel cake. There she meets Josh – which is both wonderful and terrible!

Why I Started the Book:

I started this book because it had an interesting premise. I like the idea of a teenage spy in training. It sounded very cool to me, sort of like Agent Cody Banks, but for girls.

Likes:

  • I like the training that they did and their class schedules. It actually seemed very spy-like, which was good. I was afraid that it would be kind of hokey.
  • I like the character Cami a lot. She wasn't a valley girl or a drama queen which was refreshing. She was smart and capable.

Dislikes:

  • They had to mind-wipe Josh at the end which I hated!
  • The romance between Cami and Josh was kind of weird. Cami and her friends aren't sure if Josh is trying to infiltrate the academy or if it's “true love” so they investigate him. They even went through his trash … gross and weird!

Buy: I'd Tell You I Love You, But Then I'd Have to Kill You (Gallagher Girls)

Book Rating: I give this book3.5 Treasure Chests!

Online Stores ]]> http://www.literatureyoungadultfiction.com/review-id-tell-you-i-love-you-but-then-id-have-to-kill-you-by-ally-carter/feed/ 0 Review: How to Train Your Dragon by Cressida Cowell http://www.literatureyoungadultfiction.com/review-how-to-train-your-dragon-by-cressida-cowell/ http://www.literatureyoungadultfiction.com/review-how-to-train-your-dragon-by-cressida-cowell/#comments Sun, 02 May 2010 09:31:01 +0000 CaptainYarr http://www.literatureyoungadultfiction.com/?p=890

by Captain Lyaf Yarr

Title: How to Train Your Dragon
Author: Cressida Cowell
Format: Hardcover
# of pages: 224
Grade Reading Level: Ages 9-12

Summary: Hiccup Haddock III isn't the world's best Viking. Even though he's son of Stoick the Vast, the chief of their tribe, he isn't exactly how you would describe a hero. Hiccup and his tribe go searching to catch dragons (to train, not kill like the movie depicts). Hiccup struggles to catch the tiniest dragon of the lot, but at least he has caught a dragon, so he's already done better than expected. When a giant dragon encounters the pair it's time to put Hiccup's heroic skills to the test. Will Hiccup epically fail?

Why I Started the Book:

I started this book because it was a class assignment. I also wanted to read it because it was going to become a movie and you know how it is, I can't see a movie if there's a book to it.

Likes:

  • I like the idea behind this book. I like dragons and training a dragon for a pet sounded cool.
  • I thought that this book was going to be very “slap-stick” and stupid based off of the trailer for the movie, but it wasn't which was good. I like smart humor. :)

Dislikes:

  • The book started off pretty good and went downhill. I couldn't keep focused on it.
  • It was too predictable and even though I liked the ending. I pretty much had this book figured out from the get-go.

Last minute thoughts: I don't think I would have kept reading this book if it wasn't an assignment. The movie was better than the book in my opinion.

Buy: How to Train Your Dragon (Book 1)

Book Rating: I give this book 2.5 treasure chests!

Online Stores ]]> http://www.literatureyoungadultfiction.com/review-how-to-train-your-dragon-by-cressida-cowell/feed/ 2 Review: The Wrath of Mulgarath by Tony Diterlizzi and Holly Black http://www.literatureyoungadultfiction.com/review-the-wrath-of-mulgarath-by-tony-diterlizzi-and-holly-black/ http://www.literatureyoungadultfiction.com/review-the-wrath-of-mulgarath-by-tony-diterlizzi-and-holly-black/#comments Sun, 25 Apr 2010 17:44:29 +0000 First Mate Keira http://www.literatureyoungadultfiction.com/?p=477 guestreview

by First Mate Keira, guest reviewer

Title: The Wrath of Mulgarath (Book 5: The Spiderwick Chronicles)
Author: Tony Diterlizzi and Holly Black
Format: Hardcover
# of pages: 136
Grade Reading Level: Ages 9-12

Summary: In the final book the Grace children must rescue their mother. They will have to fight their way past Mulgarath’s defenses and get into his palace fortress made of garbage to do so. Without the Field Guide for clues, will they know what to do or can they do it all on their own?

Why I Started the Book:

It’s the last in the original series which I want to finish before renting the movie.

Likes:

  • The dragons – where they come from, how they grow, what they can do. I don’t want to give too much away as it was pretty neat.
  • Bryon, the griffin Simon rescued earlier in the series, shows tremendous loyalty to the kids. He gives them a lift to Mulgarath’s fortress at the junkyard and protects them from dragons. He’s a very handy fellow.
  • Hogsqueal proves to be trustworthy, which is great. He helps get the Grace children into the junkyard and winds up being a huge help in the fight against Mulgarath.
  • Timbletack the house brownie also stops being so difficult and pledges himself to the kids to help rescue their mom. It’s because of his actions Simon and Mallory escape with their lives.

Dislikes:

  • A trip to the elves and a promise to return the Field Guide gives Jared a few moment’s with Arthur Spiderwick. Arthur’s help is extremely minor as he has no experience directly with dragons and warns Jared to stay away from the ogre, Mulgarath.
  • Bragging as the source of Mulgarath’s downfall. It’s what ogres (and most villains) love to do best, so I get it, I just wish it wasn’t done in so obvious a manner.

Last Minute Thoughts: I found the last book to be of a better length for a children’s novel. I still would have liked them more if they were combine in one large volume or were extended and therefore larger and longer for older readers. The series is a great way to introduce young readers into fantasy. I would recommend it for 3-5th graders and 2nd too, most definitely if read aloud to them.

Buy: The Wrath of Mulgarath (The Spiderwick Chronicles, Book 5), The Spiderwick Chronicles (Boxed Set; Books 1-5)

Book Rating: 3 Treasure Chests
tc3

Keira runs a book review blog for readers by readers on romance novels entitled Love Romance Passion. She’s been reading romance since she was in her teens and began blogging about romance so she could share her passion for her favorite genre. She loves reading paranormal, Regency, historical America, and highlander most of all and completely adores blind and wounded heroes.

Originally posted 2009-12-25 03:49:43.

Online Stores ]]> http://www.literatureyoungadultfiction.com/review-the-wrath-of-mulgarath-by-tony-diterlizzi-and-holly-black/feed/ 0 Review: The Ironwood Tree by Tony Diterlizzi and Holly Black http://www.literatureyoungadultfiction.com/review-the-ironwood-tree-by-tony-diterlizzi-and-holly-black/ http://www.literatureyoungadultfiction.com/review-the-ironwood-tree-by-tony-diterlizzi-and-holly-black/#comments Sat, 24 Apr 2010 17:35:51 +0000 First Mate Keira http://www.literatureyoungadultfiction.com/?p=474 guestreview

by First Mate Keira, guest reviewer

Title: The Ironwood Tree (Book 4: The Spiderwick Chronicles)
Author: Tony Diterlizzi and Holly Black
Format: Hardcover
# of pages: 108
Grade Reading Level: Ages 9-12

Summary: At Mallory’s fencing competition, Jared spies a girl trying to break into his sister’s backpack. When corning the girl, Jared discovers that the girl is fey when she first shapeshifts into Jared’s triplet and then into a young boy. But cornering a shapeshifting fey is not a smart idea as the adults see only what they want to see which leads to Jared’s expulsion. While Simon tries to stand up for him, Mallory is tricked and kidnapped. Will the Jared and Simon be able to save their sister?

Why I Started the Book:

I wanted to finish the Spiderwick Chronicles so I grabbed the two remaining novels. There’s only five in total before the series stops following the Grace children and moves in another direction.

Likes:

  • The dwarves are master metalsmiths. What they can do with metal humans can only dream of and they’re very painstaking with their efforts so that every little thing is perfect. They take much pride in their work which is their downfall.
  • The metal tree underground in the dwarves’ kingdom (otherwise known as the ironwood tree) and the metal dogs. The illustrations and depictions were great.
  • The Knocker that they meet underground during their escape has a feel of Gollum from Lord of the Rings, but without the whole creepy Precious aspect. Luckily, he’s helpful and can hear what stones speak.

Dislikes:

  • Mulgarath’s casual genocide of the dwarves when he discovers they’ve been tricked by Jared and Simon and don’t have the Field Guide. He orders the goblins do all the killing. Afterward Mulgarath reveals that he had the guide the whole time. Why would he do that? Hopefully it’s revealed in the next book.
  • When the Grace children return home they find their mother has been kidnapped and that Hogsqueal helped. Hogsqueal is now looking like a nefarious character, but he swears he had no choice that it was join or die.

Buy: The Ironwood Tree (The Spiderwick Chronicles, Book 4), The Spiderwick Chronicles (Boxed Set; Books 1-5)

Book Rating: 3 Treasure Chests
tc3

Keira runs a book review blog for readers by readers on romance novels entitled Love Romance Passion. She’s been reading romance since she was in her teens and began blogging about romance so she could share her passion for her favorite genre. She loves reading paranormal, Regency, historical America, and highlander most of all and completely adores blind and wounded heroes.

Originally posted 2009-12-24 03:42:32.

Online Stores ]]> http://www.literatureyoungadultfiction.com/review-the-ironwood-tree-by-tony-diterlizzi-and-holly-black/feed/ 0 Review: Lucinda’s Secret by Tony Diterlizzi and Holly Black http://www.literatureyoungadultfiction.com/review-lucindas-secret-by-tony-diterlizzi-and-holly-black/ http://www.literatureyoungadultfiction.com/review-lucindas-secret-by-tony-diterlizzi-and-holly-black/#comments Fri, 23 Apr 2010 17:09:31 +0000 First Mate Keira http://www.literatureyoungadultfiction.com/?p=457 guestreview

by First Mate Keira, guest reviewer

Title: Lucinda's Secret (Book 3: The Spiderwick Chronicles)
Author: Tony Diterlizzi and Holly Black
Format: Hardcover
# of pages: 108
Grade Reading Level: Ages 9-12

Summary: Thimbletack has stolen the Field Guide (or so the Grace children believe) and they want it back. However they are not the only ones who want it --- goblins, elves, ogres want it too just to name a few. Whatever will they do?

Why I Started the Book:

This is the last of the Spiderwick books I got at the library. I will need to get more so I can continue the story. They’re still too short, but the illustrations more than make up for it.

Likes:

  • The phooka – a half rabbit and monkey creature. It reminds me of the Cheshire Cat in Alice Wonderland.
  • All the Little People speak in rhyme which at a quick reading can be tricky to make anything of and leave one a little confused. I like it though and think it’s part of the charm of this series.

Dislikes:

  • Crazy Aunt Lucinda might not be so crazy, she’s the only adult that we know of who would believe the Grace children about the fairies because she made friends with some of them, but she certainly isn’t a character who makes a difference to the story. At least not yet.
  • The kids barely escape entrapment by the elves. They want the book and they are not above holding hostages to get it. The elves are supposed to come across noble and sinister at the same time and I'm not so sure it works here.

Buy: Lucinda's Secret (Spiderwick Chronicles, Book 3), The Spiderwick Chronicles (Boxed Set; Books 1-5)

Book Rating: 3 Treasure Chests
tc3

Keira runs a book review blog for readers by readers on romance novels entitled Love Romance Passion. She’s been reading romance since she was in her teens and began blogging about romance so she could share her passion for her favorite genre. She loves reading paranormal, Regency, historical America, and highlander most of all and completely adores blind and wounded heroes.

Originally posted 2009-12-23 03:39:48.

Online Stores ]]> http://www.literatureyoungadultfiction.com/review-lucindas-secret-by-tony-diterlizzi-and-holly-black/feed/ 0 Review: The Seeing Stone by Tony Diterlizzi and Holly Black http://www.literatureyoungadultfiction.com/review-the-seeing-stone-by-tony-diterlizzi-and-holly-black/ http://www.literatureyoungadultfiction.com/review-the-seeing-stone-by-tony-diterlizzi-and-holly-black/#comments Thu, 22 Apr 2010 16:45:41 +0000 First Mate Keira http://www.literatureyoungadultfiction.com/?p=460 guestreview

by First Mate Keira, guest reviewer

Title: The Seeing Stone (Book 2: The Spiderwick Chronicles)
Author: Tony Diterlizzi and Holly Black
Format: Hardcover
# of pages: 109
Grade Reading Level: Ages 9-12

Summary: When Simon is captured by goblins, Jared and Mallory must find a way to get him back. Thimbletack knows what to do but he’ll only rhyme and give clues. Angry, Jared attacks Thimbletack and gets the seeing stone. Suddenly all things fey come to light!

Why I Started the Book:

I got three Spiderwick novels at once so I could read them back to back. This is book number two.

Likes:

  • The goblin species – part frog in appearance with wicked looking teeth that are not their own.
  • Hogsqueal, the hobgoblin. His spit allows the Grace children to see the fantasy kingdom right under their nose.
  • The troll in the lake. Good thing he’s not very smart or the kids would be in serious trouble.

Dislikes:

  • Tibbs getting eaten. Poor cat! How gruesome!
  • Thimbletack the brownie/boggart is one wicked little creature who makes a lot of mischief. I’m not sure he’ll stay as a dislike as I read more of the books, we’ll just have to wait and see what he does.

Buy: The Seeing Stone (The Spiderwick Chronicles, Book 2), The Spiderwick Chronicles (Boxed Set; Books 1-5)

Book Rating: 3 Treasure Chests
tc3

Keira runs a book review blog for readers by readers on romance novels entitled Love Romance Passion. She’s been reading romance since she was in her teens and began blogging about romance so she could share her passion for her favorite genre. She loves reading paranormal, Regency, historical America, and highlander most of all and completely adores blind and wounded heroes.

Originally posted 2009-12-22 03:46:39.

Online Stores ]]> http://www.literatureyoungadultfiction.com/review-the-seeing-stone-by-tony-diterlizzi-and-holly-black/feed/ 0 Review: Angels and Demons by Dan Brown http://www.literatureyoungadultfiction.com/review-angels-and-demons-by-dan-brown/ http://www.literatureyoungadultfiction.com/review-angels-and-demons-by-dan-brown/#comments Thu, 22 Apr 2010 09:43:45 +0000 PirateYarr http://www.literatureyoungadultfiction.com/?p=858

by Silence, guest reviewer

Title: Angel's and Demons
Author: Dan Brown
Format: Paperback
Page Count: 572
Grade Reading Level: Ages 15+

Summary: Robert Langdon is contacted by scientific research facility CERN to discern the meaning behind the mysterious murder of one of their scientists. Upon seeing the victim, Langdon realizes he's been branded with the ambigrammic (reads the same normally and from another view point) word Illuminati. This starts an intriguing adventure that unravels the deepest secrets of both the Catholic Church and the Illuminati.

Why I started reading this book:

Interestingly enough, despite what Hollywood would have you believe Angels & Demons came out prior to The DaVinci Code. However I read The DaVinci Code first, liked it, and was obligated to steal Angels and Demons from my sister afterward. I don't think she's read it, I should probably return it to her...

Likes:

  • Again Dan Brown has me questioning some of my base beliefs allowing me to explore a world of open minded thought and mystery. However it's a book of fiction and proclaims itself as such so don't get confused.
  • I felt very involved in the mystery, Brown has a way of making you feel almost as if you were solving the puzzles along with him despite not having his wide array of knowledge.
  • Carlo Ventresca as well as a few other people found within the church that had mindsets that I found wonderful to learn about. It took a risk and explored something that hit close to home for me.

Dislikes:

  • Carlo Ventresca, Dan Brown simply obliterated any attachment I had to him in a way that I honestly felt was painfully random and uncharacteristic.
  • There were times that I felt Brown was almost throwing information at me to show me how intelligent he was. There's at least one time in memory that he stated something interesting only to have it become irrelevant in the same paragraph.
  • The Hassassin. As I stated this book arrived before The DaVince Code, however since I read it after the whole idea of a hit man who wasn't the mastermind felt rehashed.
  • The fact that the whole idea of an Illuminati resurrection is based off of the idea that the ambigram brands have proven impossible to reproduce. It's hard to suspend belief when the book itself displays the words.

Buy: Angels & Demons

Rating: 4 Treasure Chests

Online Stores ]]> http://www.literatureyoungadultfiction.com/review-angels-and-demons-by-dan-brown/feed/ 0 Review: The Field Guide by Tony Diterlizzi and Holly Black http://www.literatureyoungadultfiction.com/review-the-field-guide-by-tony-diterlizzi-and-holly-black/ http://www.literatureyoungadultfiction.com/review-the-field-guide-by-tony-diterlizzi-and-holly-black/#comments Wed, 21 Apr 2010 16:28:30 +0000 First Mate Keira http://www.literatureyoungadultfiction.com/?p=463 guestreview

by First Mate Keira, guest reviewer

Title: The Field Guide (Book 1: The Spiderwick Chronicles)
Author: Tony Diterlizzi and Holly Black
Format: Hardcover
# of pages: 107
Grade Reading Level: Ages 9-12

Summary: The Grace children are moving into their crazy aunt’s ramshackle house. It’s so rundown it’s practically falling apart. Of the three, Jared is having the most trouble coping with their parent’s divorce and their father leaving them. When strange and malicious things happen to Mallory and Simon, their mother blames Jared, but he didn’t do it! So… who did?

Why I Started the Book:

I asked the librarian at the reference desk for some series recommendations for kids that were similar to Harry Potter, Artemis Fowl, and Percy Jackson. The Spiderwick Chronicles was one of the series mentioned. The books are shorter and read for a younger age than expected. I would think 3rd and 4th graders, maybe even 5th graders, would find these enjoyable and also more in their reading range.

Likes:

  • The world building going on is truly on a phenomenal and epic scale. So much is given in such a short span of time. It’s great!
  • The Grace children are a really great group of kids. Jared and Simon are twin boys, age 9. Mallory is the older sister at age 13. She picks on them but also protects them.
  • The pen and ink drawings are truly a delight. There are plenty of them, making reading a breeze. I can get through a book in just under an hour.

Dislikes:

  • The book reads like a partial story instead of a full story because of how short it is. I would prefer if the multiple books were combined in threes to make the reading experience more novel-like.

Buy: The Field Guide (The Spiderwick Chronicles, Book 1), The Spiderwick Chronicles (Boxed Set; Books 1-5)

Book Rating: 3 Treasure Chests
tc3

Keira runs a book review blog for readers by readers on romance novels entitled Love Romance Passion. She’s been reading romance since she was in her teens and began blogging about romance so she could share her passion for her favorite genre. She loves reading paranormal, Regency, historical America, and highlander most of all and completely adores blind and wounded heroes.

Originally posted 2009-12-21 03:52:40.

Online Stores ]]> http://www.literatureyoungadultfiction.com/review-the-field-guide-by-tony-diterlizzi-and-holly-black/feed/ 0 Review: Wing Nut by MJ Auch http://www.literatureyoungadultfiction.com/review-wing-nut-by-mj-auch/ http://www.literatureyoungadultfiction.com/review-wing-nut-by-mj-auch/#comments Wed, 31 Mar 2010 09:07:58 +0000 Second Mate Embry http://www.literatureyoungadultfiction.com/?p=786

by Second Mate Embry, guest reviewer

Title: Wing Nut
Author: MJ Auch
Format: Paperback
Page Count: 256
Grade Reading Level: Grades 6-8

Summary: Grady Flood and his mom Lila have been moving around from place to place ever since his dad died. Lila gets a job looking after an old man named Charlie Fernwald. But Charlie doesn’t think he needs any help whatsoever. Grady can’t wait to move again because he thinks Charlie is weird. Then Charlie and Grady bond over fixing cars and purple martins. Does this mean Grady’s home and life is permanent once more or will life fall apart again?

Why I started reading this book:

It’s one of the books on my school reading list and it was also a choice for a reading assignment by my teacher and was on the list for Book Bash too. It was an all around win as far as book selection goes.

Likes:

  • I have never read anything else like this before and it was good in a different way. I really liked the topic.
  • I liked how the author kept the reader in suspense with how the father died. It was done really well – not too much and just right.
  • I really liked how Grady thought Charlie was crazy for liking the birds as much as he did – they were just birds – until he found out why they were special and then Grady thought it was cool.
  • It all ended well which made me very happy. I love nice happy endings without anything sad associated with them.

Dislikes:

  • I wouldn’t have read it if it hadn’t been on all the lists. It’s not something I would have chosen for myself. There were some parts that were boring and I had to slog my way through it until it picked up again.
  • I don’t think Grady should have helped the starlings because he knew how much the purple martins meant to Charlie. He thought he knew better, but he obviously didn’t and his actions resulted in the death of one of Charlie’s favorite birds.

Buy: Wing Nut

Rating: 3.5 Treasure Chests

Online Stores ]]> http://www.literatureyoungadultfiction.com/review-wing-nut-by-mj-auch/feed/ 0