Overdrive

Monday, June 25, 2012

The False Prince by Jennifer A. Nielsen

Summary
The thrilling first book in a brand-new trilogy filled with danger, deceit, and hidden identities. Sage, an orphaned thief, is one of four boys chosen to participate in a lethal contest. After being plucked from the streets by a nobleman named Connor, Sage learns that Connor plans to choose one of the orphans to impersonate a long-lost prince in the hopes of averting a civil war.

Mrs. Lassley's Review
This book totally took me by surprise. I do not usually read stories set in medival times, but from page one you are racing through the streets with Sage after he has stolen a roast in an attempt to eat. Then you are riding a wild horse as his smart mouth has gotten him in trouble again. Sage is a character that every teen with root for and even if the time period and countries separate them, every teen with feel a kinship with him. I see this on the Lone Star List next year and I cannot wait for the next book in April.

The Pledge by Kimberly Derting

Summary
In the violent country of Ludania, the language you speak determines what class you are, and there are harsh punishments if you forget your placelooking a member of a higher class in the eye can result in immediate execution. Seventeen-year-old Charlaina (Charlie for short) can understand all languages, a dangerous ability she's been hiding her whole life. Her only place of release is the drug-filled underground club scene, where people go to shake off the oppressive rules of the world they live in. There, she meets a beautiful and mysterious boy who speaks a language she's never heard, and her secret is almost exposed. Through a series of violent upheavals, it becomes clear that Charlie herself is the key to forcing out the oppressive power structure of her kingdom.... (From the Publisher).

Mrs. Lassley's Review
As I was reading this book, I found it hard to follow in the beginning. Although it did tell me when it changed character points of view, I sit struggled to get into the plot. But about halfway through it, I found myself complete absord in Charlie's life and her struggles. Although I have no idea why she has such a strong love/hate relationship with Max, I am turning the page to see if they ever resolve the underlying problem...lack of trust. With a sequel already in the making, I can see my students, especially my girls, running through this book. I give it a 4/5 stars.

Monday, June 18, 2012

Update on Lone Star list


AuthorTitle
Erin DionneNotes from an Accidental Band Geek
Helen FrostHidden
Stuart GibbsBelly Up
Adam GidwitzA Tale Dark and Grimm
Kerstin GierRuby Red
Will HobbsTake Me to the River
Andrew LaneDeath Cloud
Jonathan MaberryRot & Ruin
Joseph MonningerWish
Patrick NessA Monster Calls: A Novel
Kenneth OppelThis Dark Endeavor
Gary PaulsenPaintings from the Cave: Three Novellas
Veronica RothDivergent
Chris RylanderThe Fourth Stall
Gary D. SchmidtOkay for Now
Ruta SepetysBetween Shades of Gray
John StephensThe Emerald Atlas
Wendelin Van DraanenThe Running Dream
Kiersten WhiteParanormalcy
Moira YoungBlood Red Road

So my goal has been to read all of the Lone Star books. I know that not all books on here are not going to be what I normally read, but I am hoping that I can expand my reading. I figured by reading the Lone Star list, I am at least that much closer to becoming a well-rounded librarian and reader. The ones highlighted in yellow I have read, and the one in green is the one I just started. I have not been disappointed in what I have read so far. It always amazes me the caliber of literature that the Lone Star committee can get from all the amazing books that are written. I have started looking at the possbilities for next years list, and I am already anticipating what will be on it.

Happy Reading!


Blood Red Road by Moira Young


Summary
In a distant future, eighteen-year-old Lugh is kidnapped, and while his twin sister Saba and nine-year-old Emmi are trailing him across bleak Sandsea they are captured, too, and taken to brutal Hopetown, where Saba is forced to be a cage fighter until new friends help plan an escape. (From titlewave.com)

Mrs. Lassley's Review
First off, this book had me wondering if it was going to be any good when I saw it on the Lone Star list. To be honest, it was the first cover that turned me off. BUT once I got started.... I COULD NOT STOP! This book has a little bit of everything, family ties, action, romance, and a main character that you cannot help but root for. She is sassy with a capital S. She is looking for her twin brother who was taken from her. She must go to this place she has only ever heard of and many things happen to her in the end. Her sister follows her, she is taken captive, and she meets Jack. I do not want to give away to much, but I will say the second cover is a big improvement. And I will definetely be wating in line for book 2 which comes out in October!



Take Me to the River by Will Hobbs


Summary
Deep in trouble, deep in the canyons fourteen-year-old Dylan Sands has come all the way from North Carolina to Big Bend National Park, on the Texas/Mexico border, to paddle the fabled Rio Grande. His partner in adventure is a local river rat, his cousin Rio. As the two are packing their boats for ten days in the canyons, six Black Hawk helicopters appear overhead and race across the river into Mexico. The army won't tell the boys what's happening, but they are given a weather advisory: A hurricane is approaching the Gulf of Mexico. Dylan and Rio have their hearts set on their trip and can't give it up. Rio believes that their chances of running into border troubles or a major storm are slim to none. By canoe and raft, Dylan and Rio venture into the most rugged and remote reaches of the U.S./Mexico border. You may well not see another human being during the duration of your trip, the guidebook tells them. They don't, until a man stumbles into camp with a seven-year-old boy. A storm is brewing as the man who calls himself Carlos begs for help . . . and the boy is trembling with fear. (From titlewave.com)

Mrs. Lassley's Review
If  you keep up with my blog, you know that I do not normally read the boy action/adventure books. I like my sci-fi books just fine, but not really the complete action adventure. I really got into this book. One of my favorite things to do is white water raft, although I do not get to do it much. I do not know if I would take a multi-day trip, but with the way Will Hobbs describes it, I just might (without the crazy weather and such). Although there is very little back story, there is not much needed. Dylan and Rio, although they have never met, are pretty much like brothers/best friends from the start. We learn tidbits about them as time goes on, but it never overtakes the story in front of you. Gold star from me.

Saturday, June 2, 2012

Summertime 2012!

Taken from thechildbirthprofession.com


Even librarians need a break...that being said, I do not know if I was ready for this year to be over. Here are some of the things that I learned or were confirmed this year:

  • Teachers want to work with librarians!!! Given the right environment and attitudes you can create amazing projects together.
  • Children still love reading real books! Ebooks are great, but many of them want that hardback book in their hands.
  • Give a student the right book and you will have a reader on your hands. But beware, put the wrong book in a reader's hand, you might turn them off for a little while.
  • Teachers are avid readers and can be your biggest promotional tools!
  • Even though I was not in the classroom everyday with the students, I was able to make connections with many students. As they walked the halls yesterday, I had tears in my eyes. If you are one of the students I got to know through literature, and you know who you are, you will always be in my heart. You each made me a better librarian and I can honestly say you will be missed and you must come and visit.
Please keep reading my blog through the summer. I plan on LOTS of reading which equals LOTS of blogs and reviews. I have a number of ARCs (Advanced Reader's Copy) to read this summer. Please be safe, use sunscreen, and READ!