Literature Young Adult Fiction » G-I

Review: George’s Secret Key to the Universe by Lucy and Stephen Hawking

cookcutlery — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 01:35:03 +0000

by Cook Cutlery, guest reviewer

Title: George’s Secret Key to the Universe
Author: Lucy and Stephen Hawking
Format: Paperback
# of pages: 295
Grade Reading Level: Ages 9-12

Summary: It all starts one day when George was going to feed his pet pig, Freddy, that he got on Christmas one year and found that Freddy was missing. Thus begins the search for him which ends in this old abandoned house. George meets Eric who lives in the house with his daughter, Annie, and he shows him Cosmos, the most powerful computer in the world. Before Eric can show George what Cosmos can do, he has to swear not to tell anyone about it. George is dumbfounded by what he sees Cosmos do. Then the next day by mistake George tells his teacher Dr. Reeper (nice name huh?) about Cosmos which then leads to many other problems.

Like:

The main ideas of the story such as George trying to find his pet pig, or helping Annie find her missing father that got lost and George trying to win the science fair at his school so he can get a computer, something he has always wanted.
The illustrations drawn by Gary Parson are very cute. I like the style and the kids look like how I pictured they would look.
The scientific picture files that are through out the book that talked about astronomy such as the planets, stars, and black holes.
The little sideline summaries that are scattered throughout the book. They talk about science and the universe. For example: what is a comet?

Dislike:

The way Ringo and his boys act. I know I'm not supposed to like them, but I thought they were really mean because at some parts they would chase George home or they would take stuff of his when he wasn’t looking. I'd hate it if someone did that to me.
Mr. Reeper, who wants to use Cosmos for evil. Not my favorite character by any stretch of the imagination. He wants to use Cosmos to gain control of the universe so that he can become king of the universe. No Noble Peace Prize for him!
That Eric doesn’t believe George when George tries to tell him that the letter he got about a place that could support the human race was actually from his evil teacher, Graham Reeper (Dr. Reeper).

Buy: George's Secret Key to the Universe (Paperback)

Rating: I would give this book 3 out of 5 treasure chests. It was a good book. I enjoyed it a lot.

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Review: Gregor and the Marks of Secret by Suzanne Collins

Review: 13 Treasures by Michelle Harrison

First Mate Keira — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 00:44:53 +0000

by First Mate Keira

Title: 13 Treasures
Author: Michelle Harrison
Format: Hardback
Page Count: 355
Grade Reading Level: Grade 5–8

Summary: Tanya knows that at age 13 she can no longer get away with talking to faeries or about them in front of others as both adults and kids couldn’t see them. Only her. She’d been tormented by them for years and the bullying wasn’t going to ever stop as far as she could see. When she tried to write about them in a journal, they discovered it and punished her. That punishment woke her mother which lead to more punishment… she was being sent away to live with her grandmother. The grandmother she is certain hates her and never wants her to visit. Oh and her grandmother’s place is stuffed with faeries inside and outside the house… talk about jumping from frying pan into the fire.

Why I started this book:

It looked really cute on the library shelf. Cover is very nice.

Likes:

Tanya’s and Fabian’s friendship. They work together to solve the mystery of the girl in the woods. The girl, Morwenna Bloom, had gone missing ages ago and but her disappearance was blamed on Fabian’s grandfather. The town thinks he killed her, but there’s no proof. Or is there?
Oberon is a good dog. He had a lot of personality infused in his character with just a few lines.

Dislikes:

Raven, Gredin, Feathercap, and Mizhog, the bullying faeries that pick on Tanya.
Morwenna Bloom. I just knew she wasn’t the sweet missing girl she’s made out to be throughout the story.
Another thing I didn't get was feeling bad for changelings and trying to help them.
Florence’s relationship with her granddaughter. The motivations were explained in the conclusion of the story, but it seemed rather weak to me.
The 13 treasures the story is titled after appear in the novel as a charm bracelet to go with a legend. It didn’t do anything… I kept expecting it to end up being the real treasures shrunk down, but it was just jewelry.
The concept of guardian faeries was very contradicting in terms of world-building. In the end I didn’t quite understand how if one or several of the faeries were on Tanya’s side how they could condone tormenting and torturing her. It didn’t make much sense to me.

Buy: 13 Treasures

Rating: 2.5 Treasure Chests

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Review: Hex Hall by Rachel Hawkins

First Mate Keira — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 22:54:46 +0000

by First Mate Keira

Title: Hex Hall
Author: Rachel Hawkins
Format: Kindle ebook
Page Count: 336 pages (Hardback)
Grade Reading Level: Grade 8+

Summary: Sophie has known for a couple of years that she’s a witch. She loves the way magic feels tingling up from her soles to her fingertips. It’s a rush. Unfortunately for Sophie a love spell gone horribly wrong gets her sentenced to Hecate (affectionately Hex Hall) the reform school for irresponsible Prodigium (witches, faeries, and shapeshifters). There she meets 3 beautiful mean Dark Witches who want her to join their coven, makes friends with the school pariah, makes enemies of the Vandy, and crushes on the most popular if annoying boy in the whole school all the while dark and scary things are taking place up in the girl’s dormitory.

Why I started this book:

Read the summary – it looked cute. I’ve also seen the title around a lot in the YA blogosphere.

Likes:

Hawkins is absolutely hysterical. In my Kindle version I must have highlighted three or four phrases and considered doing so to another six. I especially liked: “I don’t need eyes to see you. I see you with the eyes of my heart! Felicia! My heart!” (That’s just remembering though I think it’s pretty accurate.)
Sophie Mercer is a huge dork and the source of most of the humor in the story as it’s told in first person. She’s great and her sarcastic and witty barbs will leave you in stitches.
Archer Cross is a yummy hero. Of course he’s the popular unattainable guy who is dating Elodie who is out to get Sophie, but hey you can only fault his taste in women not the guy himself. There’s definitely more to him than what meets the eye and that includes the big shocker at the end.
Jenna the 15 year old vampire girl who loves pink.

Dislikes:

It was done so cutely it’s hard to really put this as a dislike, but Sophie is a potty mouth and cursed a lot.
Classes weren’t done in any real detail except the first Defense class.
Of the 3 Dark Witch popular girls only Elodie was truly fleshed out. I thought some of the faeries were crueler and could have been used to create more drama.

Favorite Quote: “I don’t need eyes to see you! I see you with the eyes of my heart, Felicia! My HEART!”

Last Minute Thoughts: Looking forward to book two, which is maybe, possibly, titled Demonglass. It's hard to tell the author's blog is a little disorganized and a quick look at her website code doesn't open some of the links.

Buy: Hex Hall (Book 1) (Hardback), Hex Hall (Book One) (Kindle)

Rating: 4.5 Treasure Chests

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Review: I, Q: Independence Hall (I. Q. the Series, Book 1) by Roland Smith

Review: Born at Midnight (Shadow Falls, Book 1) by C.C. Hunter

First Mate Keira — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 09:36:13 +0000

Reviewed by First Mate Keira

Title: Born at Midnight (Shadow Falls, Book 1)
Author: C.C. Hunter
Format: Paperback
Page Count: 416 pages
Grade Reading Level: Ages 14+

Summary: When Kylie gets into trouble for being at the wrong party her mother’s response is to ship her off to a camp the therapist recommends. Shadow Falls camp for troubled teens is not what it appears – it is in fact a camp for paranormal kids. Kylie can’t believe her eyes and she’s pretty certain she’s not one herself, so why is she there?

Why I started this book:

I was looking for a new book series to start and I saw this on Goodreads under my recommendations based on previous books read (Mythos Academy Series by Jennifer Estep) by and based on my TBR pile (sequel books to the other series). Thanks Goodreads!

Likes:

Derek: half-fae teenage boy who wants to be Kylie’s new boyfriend. His talent? The ability to influence based on touch... which sort of takes him out of the romance running in my opinion, but he’s still a good character.
Lucas: werewolf from Kylie’s past – and a threat to all kittens! He’s got my vote. Yum (and I don’t say that about werewolves often!)
Kylie can see ghosts and I like who she sees first – good choice! I wonder who she will see next in the sequel.

Toss-Up:

Miranda and Della, the friends Kylie makes at camp who are also her new bunkmates, were equally entertaining and/or annoying so they are here in this section.

Dislikes:

What kids would rather have a brain tumor than have paranormal talents? Seriously, Kylie was being stupid. I’d take “freakiness” to that every day of the week!
Love ~~triangle~~ quadangle. The sleazy ex-boyfriend who just can’t take a hint needs to go, go, go.

Last Minute Thoughts: Sequel time?!! I want it!

Buy: Born at Midnight

Rating: 3.5 Treasure Chests

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Review: Turnabout by Margaret Peterson Haddix

Second Mate Embry — Sun, 04 Dec 2011 17:48:36 +0000

by Second Mate Embry, guest reviewer

Title: Turnabout
Author Margaret Peterson Haddix
Page Count: 223
Format: Hardcover
Grade Reading Level: Ages 12+

Summary: Amelia Hazelwood, Annabeth Flick, and 40 or more others from Riverside nursing home are selected at the old age of 100 to live forever. In a doctor’s experiment called Project Turnabout. The doctors inject them with a formula called PT1. When the selected have decrease in age to their ideal age they are supposed to get another injection to make the reverse aging stop. Unfortunately, everyone who received the second injection died. Now in 2085 Amelia and Annabeth are in their teens and are still getting younger. They know they need parents to care for them and time is running out. What will they do?

Why I Started This Book:

I read this book because Margaret Peterson Haddix is one of my favorite authors and because this book was one I hadn’t read yet.

Likes:

I liked the idea of this story. The plot was pretty cool and very creative. Imagine turning younger and younger and not being able to stop?
This novel takes place across three eras, which is very cool.

Dislikes:

The ending is horrible. HORRIBLE! Well at least I think it is. Margaret Peterson Haddix doesn’t continue the story to its conclusion; she just cuts it off like an amputated limb!
There were very few main events considering the challenges the two main characters were facing. I like it best when there are plenty of things happening.

Last Minute Thoughts: I am disappointed because Margaret Peterson Haddix because I know she’s capable of more.

Buy: Turnabout (paperback)

Book Rating: 2.5 Treasure Chests.

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Review: Demonglass by Rachel Hawkins

First Mate Keira — Sun, 27 Nov 2011 16:37:35 +0000

by First Mate Keira

Title: Demonglass (Hex Hall, Book 2)
Author: Rachel Hawkins
Format: Hardback
Page Count: 359 pages
Grade Reading Level: Grade 7+

Summary: Demonglass is the sequel to Hex Hall. Sophie Mercer recently found out she’s a demon, not a witch, that’s why her magic is different and more powerful. It even explains why she messes up so spectacularly. Determined not to be another tragic demon statistic Sophie wants to go through the removal, a process that removes all magic and magical connections from her body. Her previously absentee father on the other hand shows up and puts his foot down. Instead he whisks her off to Britain to learn about being a demon and to train her magic.

Why I started this book:

I read Hex Hall and loved it. I found Hawkins writing to be smart, sassy, and funny. I wanted to keep up with the series.

Likes:

Sophie didn’t curse so much in this book. Or if she did, at least it didn’t stand out to me like it did in Hex Hall.
I liked learning the perspective of the Eye on Hex Hall. How’s that for a twist? Not so delinquent are they these youthful Prodigium (magical beings)?
Archer Cross still, though I’m really impressed by Sophie (Hawkins too) for how she dealt with him. When she held the coin and didn’t go to him the first time – wow! Two thumbs way up for sensible heroines. You never know if he could have had a legion or two of the Eye waiting for her... even if it did seem unlikely. Very impressed.
Cal and his importance to the storyline. I think he’s an equally good contender for the role of the hero and love interest. It will be interesting to see how Sophie handles everything. Spoiler: The reason Sophie’s pictured in white on the cover is because she’s engaged (arranged by her father) to Cal.

Dislikes:

I didn’t find this book as funny as Hex Hall, though it still had plenty of humorous elements.
Nick and Daisy – the other kids at Thorne Abbey (head of the temporary headquarters of the Prodigium Council run by Sophie’s dad) – they’re not likable (though Hawkins tries to throw in some things to make you sympathetic). I wouldn’t have followed them to London on a bet.
That for a portion of a book you couldn’t tell if Sophie’s dad was good or not.

Last Minute Thoughts: Not a bad sequel, solid book. I am ready for book three... which according to Rachel Hawkins back in February, "HEX HALL 3... HAS A TITLE I JUST CAN'T SAY IT YET."

Buy: Demonglass (A Hex Hall Novel)

Rating: 4 Treasure Chests

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Review: Hex Hall by Rachel Hawkins

Review: Ida B by Katherine Hannigan

CaptainYarr — Sat, 19 Nov 2011 14:34:42 +0000

by Captain Lyaf Yarr

Title: Ida B
Author:Katherine Hannigan
Format: Paperback
# of pages: 246
Grade Reading Level: 5th grade, Ages 9-12

Summary: When Ida B Applewood's mother gets cancer she is forced to go to public school (she was homeschooled before.) She arrives with a bad attitude because she chooses not to enjoy it no matter what. With a grudge against her parents she discovers that her plan might not be easy and it's gonna take more then just a little work. Can Ida B avoid disaster? Will she get herself into more trouble then ever before? Will the life she used to have be lost forever?

Why I Started the Book:

I started this book because my teacher had given it as a class assignment.

Likes:

I liked Ida B's crazy and far out imagination. I guess anything is possible in her book as long as you try hard and put your mind to it. It's a really good attitude to have, I think.
Mrs. W (Washington) was a great character. She seemed like the answer to all of Ida B's questions, and she was always right by her side.
I enjoyed how Katherine Hannigan wrote the parts about the trees. They were either talking or doing something. They we're just like regular people but in tree form.

Dislikes:

Ida B in general is sort of crazy. I mean talking to trees? “Nothing weird about that.” It's just at some parts of this book were a little too weird for me.
Ida seemed immature to me because even if she was joking around about something it would still sound immature and childish.
This book was an easy read for me. The font was big and the lines were double spaced. For a book that talks about saving trees they sure used a lot of paper.

Last Minute Thoughts: As I was reading I could see everything as if it was in theaters. Katherine Hannigan writes in a very visual way. I wonder if they will make his book into a movie?

Buy: Ida B: . . . and Her Plans to Maximize Fun, Avoid Disaster, and (Possibly) Save the World

Book Rating: I give this book 3 treasure chests!

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Review: Knightley Academy by Violet Haberdasher

First Mate Keira — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 06:37:33 +0000

by First Mate Keira

Title: Knightley Academy
Author: Violet Haberdasher (aka Robyn Schneider)
Format: Hardback
Page Count: 469
Grade Reading Level: Ages 9-12

Summary: The Midsummer School for Boys is cursed. Not a single student has been accepted to Knightley Academy in years… and this year is no different as a servant boy is the one called to knighthood.

Knightley Academy explores social and national prejudices. The world has overtones of racism, classism, religious intolerance, and more. The world is stable for now but is on the cusp of change and I have a feeling Henry and his friends will be that change.

Why I started this book:

I came by this book in a completely random fashion. I saw this huge fat spine on the new YA releases bookshelves at the library while searching for something for my sisters. Picked it up, read the cover, said to self – sounds like Harry Potter without magic! Checked out. Consumed.

Likes:

The quartet: Henry Grim (first commoner ever allowed training to become a knight), Frankie Winter (a finishing school dropout), Rohan Mehta (an Indian boy adopted into a wealthy ducal family), and Adam Beckerman (a Jewish boy skilled with a foil.)
Lord Havelock, the military professor and head teacher for the first years. He reminds me of Snape, but far more fair and willing to own his errors. I particularly enjoy his Havelook of Doom +2.*
The Victorian England Steampunk world filled with the odd combination of progress and backwardness.
Valmont: he’s a bully but he’s not a complete ninnyhead.
Knight classes! Military History is just the beginning --- one of my favorite classes next to Fencing and Languages.
The Inter-School Competition and Henry’s discovery of a super secret hidden room that spells out T-R-O-U-B-L-E and gives the trilogy its long plot arc.

(* Doom +2 is a card in the Munchkin card game.)

Last Minute Thoughts: If you’ve read Harry Potter and liked it, you will like this novel. The books have parallels but they are not the same story. Haberdasher will surprise you with her twists and turns. This is a perfect story for boys, but girls will like it just as much!

Buy: Knightley Academy

Rating: 5 Treasure Chests

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Review: Change of a Dress by Maya Gold

First Mate Keira — Fri, 30 Sep 2011 04:27:43 +0000

by First Mate Keira

Title: Change of a Dress
Author: Maya Gold
Format: Paperback
Page Count: 224 pages
Grade Reading Level: Grade 4-6

Summary: Diana wants to act in the school’s play, but her stepmother convinces her dad that she must work at Cinderella Cleaners to help the family business when it’s short on staff. The cleaners is a whole other microcosm separate from her school where she interacts with all sorts of fun characters. Unexpectedly one day at work Diana finds tickets inside the pockets of one of the customer’s pieces to the newest hottest Broadway starring teen heartthrob Adam Kessler. Now all she needs is to find is transportation and a dress… and a way to hide it from her stepmother.

Why I started this book:

I read a review of the Cinderella Cleaners Series from another YA blogger, Bildungsroman, and wanted to check it out for myself.

Likes:

Diana as a heroine. She’s willing to give up the school play so as to not cause trouble. She’s kind and sweet and smart too.
Nelson he starts off reserved, but soon this Fedora wearing head tailor with a knack for design whistles a different tune. He even whips up a pretty sweet dress.
Catalina and Elise the high school students with polar opposite personalities and philosophies on life at the cleaners. Cat is ready to take risks, while Elise is more comfortable with books and following the rules.

Dislikes:

Evil stepmother – steps can be nice! Though I suppose the story is biased from Diana’s POV on things. Here’s hoping they get along better in future books.
Adam Kessler immediate attraction to her. Too big an age difference. Of course he backs off once he realizes her age, but talk about highly unrealistic! Teen heartthrobs don’t just begin crushing on fans. If that’s realistic I need to give Zac Efron and Robert Pattinson my phone number pronto.

Last Minute Thoughts: Overall it's cute, clean, and reminds me of the Baby-Sitters Club, a series I loved as a young girl.

Series Order:

Buy: Change Of A Dress (Cinderella Cleaners)

Rating: 3.5 Treasure Chests

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If You Could Change One Thing About Harry Potter What Would It Be?

Review: Dragon Flight by Jessica Day George

First Mate Keira — Sat, 17 Sep 2011 02:09:35 +0000

by First Mate Keira

Title: Dragon Flight
Author: Jessica Day George
Format: Hardback
Page Count: 255
Grade Reading Level: 5th-9th Grade

Summary: Luka is in Citatie as an ambassador for Feravel on his father’s behalf when suddenly relations between Feravel and Citatie disintegrate without warning. This is very bad because Citatie has a huge trained dragon army and they’re going to use it to take out Feravel and all who stand in their way. Luckily Creel, the heroine of the First Dragon War, is on Feravel’s side.

Why I started this book:

I started Dragon Flight because I loved Dragon Slippers. It’s the second book in the trilogy and revisits all the same characters from the first novel.

Likes:

Dragon history is expanded and flushed out more as we learn of Shardas’ brother, the silver dragon known as Krashath.
For not imagining she would ever write a sequel, Jessica Day George is very consistent when it comes to her characters.
The romance between Creel and Luka is sweet and mature. They look out for each other and work well together.
Without giving too much away - I loved the setup for the Second Dragon War and I liked its conclusion. Too bad certain humans are a royal pain in the hinny, but I have a feeling this latest development will be expanded upon in the third book.

Dislikes:

I’m more or less indifferent to Marta, Creel’s friend and business partner in the dressmaker shop. It’s hard to back up as it’s really just a feeling as opposed to anything in the text.

Last Minute Thoughts: Can’t wait to read Dragon Spear, the last in the set.

Buy: Dragon Flight (Dragon Adventures)

Rating: 5 Treasure Chests

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