Entries Tagged 'G-I' ↓
April 26th, 2010 — 4.5-5 Treasure Chests, Book Review, Fantasy, G-I, YA Genre

by First Mate Keira
Title: Dragon Slippers
Author: Jessica Day George
Format: Hardback
Page Count: 321
Grade Reading Level: 6-8 Grades
Summary: Creel Carlbrun is going to be sacrificed to a dragon. Her foolish aunt hopes this will put her in the path of a wealthy knight and result in marriage and the rising of family fortunes. The dragon however just wants to get rid of her, having no appetite for human girls. They strike a deal that solves both of their problems. Creel will take something from his collection and in return she will convince the knight to go away forever. Imagine her surprise when the dragon’s hoard is full of shoes.
Why I started this book:
It was on display in the young adult section of the library. I devoured it in less than 48 hours. I’m excited that there are two more books in the series! Hurray!
Likes:
- The world building is truly exceptional and full of humor and fun. It’s a feel good story with girl empowerment a central theme.
- I loved that dragons rarely hoarded gold and jewels. Their funky collections are fabulous. Their lairs even more intriguing!
- I loved King’s Seat, the royal city, and all the political elements between the Realm of Feravel and their neighbor.
- Prince Luka is a wonderful second son and royal prince. He’s thoughtful, kind, and generous. There are strong romantic hints that he and Creel would be an item by the end of the trilogy.
- My favorite dragon didn’t die. Woohoo!
Last Minute Thoughts: This book had a similar feel to Ella Enchanted
, which I also adore tremendously.
Buy: Dragon Slippers (Paperback)
, Dragon Slippers (Hardback)
Rating: 5 Treasure Chests

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April 24th, 2010 — 3.5-4 Treasure Chests, Book Review, Friends, G-I, Humorous, School Situations, YA Genre

by First Mate Keira
Title: Star Crossed: Aries Rising
Author: Bonnie Hearn Hill
Format: Paperback
Page Count: 278
Grade Reading Level: Grades 7-9
Summary: Logan McRae just wants two things out of life. First, she wants Mr. Franklin to get her into the summer writing camp. Then she wants a date with Nathan. When she finds a book called Fearless Astrology, Logan’s life begins to change. Just when things are going good the Gears ruin everything. The Gears is a gang of kids causing trouble and vandalizing the school and surrounding community.
Why I started reading this book:
I got this book from participating in Bonnie Hearn Hill’s book blog tour for book one of the new Star Crossed series: Aries Rising.
Likes:
- I personally don’t believe in astrology so I appreciated the reminders that the sun sign is not the sum of a person. I think that’s important to know and to not get too wrapped up in the superstition.
- I liked Mr. Franklin’s nickname Frankenstein. Haha.
- I liked that Fearless Astrology boosted Logan’s confidence and got her to experiment and try things. Getting out of her shell lead to all the good in her life – but relying solely on the book to make the calls got her into some hot water.
Dislikes (Contain Spoilers):
- The student in love with a teacher theme.
- Nathan getting back together with his ex at the end. Way to make his good deeds go out the window. You’d think he’d know better.
Last Minute Thoughts: The cover of this book is gorgeous and the book itself comes with temporary tattoos and a small section on astrology signs. Very cool!
Buy: Aries Rising (Star Crossed Book 1)
Rating: 3.5 Treasure Chests

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April 11th, 2010 — 2.5-3 Treasure Chests, Book Review, Family Life, G-I, School Situations, YA Genre

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!

Originally posted 2009-12-11 03:42:49.
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March 26th, 2010 — 4.5-5 Treasure Chests, Family Life, G-I, Guest Review, Humorous, YA Genre

by Second Mate Embry, guest reviewer
Title: The Kid Who Ran for President
Author: Dan Gutman
Format: Paperback
# of pages: 155
Grade Reading Level: 5.4, 6-8 grade
Summary: Judson Moon and Lane Brainard decided that they've had enough of adult decisions. They believe that a kid should have a shot at being the president of the United States. They get their campaign rolling and soon Judson Moon is on the ballot for being the next president of the United States. Will he become president? Or will he fail?
Why I Started the Book:
I remembered a few years ago my teacher assigned this book for me to read and that I enjoyed it a lot. So when I came across it again I thought I would reread it.
Likes:
- I love the concept of a kid running for president! I wish that kids had the right to vote and run for president. Go kids!
- Eventually Judson gets sick of running for president and during a national debate between the runners he comes up with juvenile answers such as – Q: “How do you feel about school prayer?” A: “Every morning I pray school will be closed.” and Q: “Which president do you admire most and why?” A: "Grover Cleveland because, he became president despite the fact he was named after a character from sesame street.” It was very funny!
Dislike:
- Throughout the book I thought that Judson should have listened to Lane more than he did. It would have been wiser.
Buy: The Kid Who Ran For President (Paperback)
Book Rating: I give this book 4.5 treasure chests!

Originally posted 2009-11-24 03:49:08.
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March 10th, 2010 — 4.5-5 Treasure Chests, Book Review, G-I, Humorous, Mystery, Paranormal, YA Genre

by Captain Lyaf Yarr
Title: Bunnicula
Authors: Deborah Howe, James Howe
Format: Paperback
Pages: 128
Grade Reading Level: Ages 9-12
Summary: Chester the cat and Harold the dog are curious about the new family pet. The Monroes found the bunny at a Dracula movie in a box of dirt. Chester tries to get rid of the bunny, now named Bunnicula by the Monroes, because he’s convinced the bunny is a vampire. He comes to this conclusion based on a book called The Mark of a Vampire. Bunnicula has all the signs – the black and white coloring, the pointy fangs, the ability to turn vegetables white and to escape his cage through miraculous means. It’s a matter of family safety! The bunny has to go!
Why I Started the Book:
Bunnicula was a class assignment in the month of October for a Halloween read. The book was broken into sections. We started by reading one chapter a week and then our teacher read aloud to finish the novel.
Likes:
- The pictures in the book were cool. I wish there were more of them because the illustrator did a phenomenal job. The bunny is so cute!
- It’s a very humorous story. There are a lot of laughs from silly to clever shenanigans. (e.g. Chester mixes up “stake” and “steak” and attempts to pummel Bunnicula with a steak.)
Dislikes:
- (This is not a book dislike.) Don’t watch the twenty minute movie companion to this story! It’s soooo bad! It’s really just awful and the book is so much better!
Last Minute Thoughts: I enjoyed this book a lot and plan to read the sequel, Bunnicula Strikes Again!
I think other classes and kids would enjoy this seasonal book a lot!
Buy: Bunnicula: A Rabbit-Tale of Mystery (Paperback)
Book Rating: I give this book 4.5 treasure chests!

Originally posted 2009-11-09 03:50:01.
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