My Very Un-Fairy Take Life/ My Epic Fairy Tale Fail by Anna Staniszewski–Blog Tour

My Very Un-Fairy Tale Life by Anna Stanizaewski

Published by Source Books/ Jabberwocky November 2011

Source: Provided by Publisher

Summary:

You know all those stories that claim fairies cry sparkle tears and elves travel by rainbow? They're lies. All lies.
I've spent my life as an official adventurer. I travel across enchanted kingdoms saving magical creatures and fighting horrible beasts that most of you think are only myths and legends. I've never had a social life. My friends have all forgotten me. And let's not even talk about trying to do my homework. So -- I'm done!! I'm tired and I want to go back to being a normal girl. But then along comes "Prince Charming" asking for help, and, well, what's a tired girl like me supposed to do?


My Thoughts:
    
 I was hooked in the first few pages. The main character is Jenny, a believable 12 yea r old who possesses this fantastic, quirky, sarcastic voice. I was immediately reminded of the character of Evie from Kiersten White’s Paranormalcy, only a younger version for a younger audience (minus the Pink Taser, although Jenny did have a pink golf ball).   I loved the twist that fairy tale creatures are not as lovely as they seem, who’d have guessed that Unicorns were so ill-tempered . Dealing with family, school and friend issues would be enough for anyone, but Jenny is also an Adventurer, hired by the mysterious “Committee”  who must rescue Kingdoms and defeat evil.   The story was well-paced and had enough action to occupy even the most restless reader. Great middle grade read for kids who have enjoyed books like Ella Enchanted by Gail Carson Levine and How to Ditch Your Fairy by Justine Larbalestier.


 The publisher Sourcebooks is providing one copy for a lucky resident of the United States or Canada.
Please leave a comment on this post to enter.
Winner will be chosen at random on Monday April 15th and will have 48 hours to reply once notified.

Best Reads of 2012

Hi! I want to first take a minute and thank you for your support, kind emails and tweets! I've missed you!
I know that this post is a little overdue, but I still wanted to share my favourite reads of 2012!

Best Adult Read:

Easily decided... The Virgin Cure by Ami McKay. Beautifully written, compelling story...

My Review

Best Young Adult - New Author (for me)

So so good! Epic fantasy meets kick-ass assassin. 

I don't think this book is receiving the attention it deserves. (yet)

My Review

Best Young Adult-

Maggie Stiefvater never lets me down. Worth reading and re-reading

My Review

Best Young Adult Follow-Up-

This was a harder choice. I loved Insurgent by Veronica Roth and The Last Echo by Kimberly Derting; 

but Pandemonium is a stand out. 

If you haven't read Delirium yet... READ it! and then follow up with this amazing sequel!

My Review

Best Middle Grade/Junior Fiction:

Another hard decision. I loved Wonder by RJ Palacio, but there was something incredibly special about the voice of Henry. It resonated with me. It also won the Governor General Award as well.

Review Coming soon!

Jen's 2012 Book Giving Guide

    Christmas is quickly approaching and as I began my shopping today I thought perhaps you've started as well! Christmas is my favourite time of year and this year I am looking so forward to the smell of mulled apple cider, and our fresh pine trees, the sounds of my favourite Christmas album, and the crinkle of wrapping paper.

Below are my top recommendations for the book lover's in your life. If you shop through the link on Amazon you'll also be supporting this blog (and me) I hope the lists are helpful. It can be a challenge shopping for someone else. If you need a more personal recommendation just leave me a comment or send me an email.

Happy Shopping!

Be sure to share these lists with friends, grandparents and Aunts & Uncles!

Review: Tilly’s Moonlight Garden by Julia Green

Tilly’s Moonlight Garden by Julia Green

Published by Sourcebooks/ Jabberwocky October 2012

Source: ARC provided by the publisher

Summary:

Tilly's parents inherit an old, furnished mansion. One night, awoken by a strange noise, Tilly looks out of her bedroom window and sees a wild fox watching her from the lawn. Tilly follows it through a hidden gate and is amazed to discover a secret, moonlit garden. She returns the following night but this time a young girl called Helen is already there waiting for her. Tilly and Helen become fast friends, but Helen remains elusive about where she lives and why Tilly only encounters her in this seemingly magical woods. Over the Christmas season and into the spring, Tilly and her parents welcome a new arrival to their family, and Tilly befriends a recent arrival at her school. But when Helen bids her farewell, Tilly wonders; was Helen real or only a figment of her imagination?

My Thoughts:

  A truly charming  story about a young girl dealing with major changes in her life. New home, new school and her mother has fallen ill while expecting. Tilly’s father is a preoccupied writer and it seems that Tilly is often left to her own devices. That is where the garden comes in. It becomes a place to escape to, and Helen becomes a friend Tilly can count on when it feels like she is all alone. Reminiscent of books like  The Secret Garden, Tilly discovers a world of mystery as magic and reality seem to collide in the garden.  There she learns about her own resilience, friendship, and that being in a family can mean being forgiving as well. I loved the character of Tilly, and felt her interactions with her Dad were very realistic.  A story that already feels like a classic and would make a good read-aloud in a classroom or home setting. Recommended for ages 7+.

Review: Wonder by R.J Palacio

Wonder by R.J Palacio

Published by Knopf Books for Young Readers

February 14th 2012 –313 pages

Source: Reviewed from personal copy

Summary:

“I won't describe what I look like. Whatever you're thinking, it's probably worse” 

August (Auggie) Pullman was born with a facial deformity that prevented him from going to a mainstream school—until now. He's about to start 5th grade at Beecher Prep, and if you've ever been the new kid then you know how hard that can be. The thing is Auggie's just an ordinary kid, with an extraordinary face. But can he convince his new classmates that he's just like them, despite appearances?

My Thoughts:

  Firstly, I can not believe this is a debut. Wow. just wow. What a powerful, unforgettable  story.  There is not too much to say other than this is a book for everyone. Within the pages we meet the the beautiful soul of Auggie as he experiences and adjusts to his first year going to a regular school. Told through various perspectives, as readers we learn so much about humanity, cruelty and kindness through the eyes of this young boy. If you share one book with your children, family, or friends –let it be this one.

Liar & Spy by Rebecca Stead–Book Review

Liar & Spy by Rebecca Stead

Published by Random House Children’s Books

August 7th 2012

Source: Finished copy provided by the publisher

Summary:

When seventh grader Georges (the S is silent) moves into a Brooklyn apartment building, he meets Safer, a twelve-year-old coffee-drinking loner and self-appointed spy. Georges becomes Safer's first spy recruit. His assignment? Tracking the mysterious Mr. X, who lives in the apartment upstairs. But as Safer becomes more demanding, Georges starts to wonder: how far is too far to go for your only friend?

My Thoughts:

I have to begin by saying that Rebecca Stead is an incredibly talented author. I would read anything by her. She crafts memorable stories and her characters come to life. I loved the twists and unexpected turns in this book.  It’s geared towards the middle grades but still relevant for teens and adults. Liar & Spy tells the story of Georges (silent s) as he moves into an apartment after his dad has been “downsized” at work. There, he begins an unpredictable and at times frustrating friendship with Safer.

Georges is named after famed painter Georges Seurat. Seurat was a pointillist and  created Masterpieces using only dots of colour. The author used this brilliantly as she highlighted the contrast between seeing what is right in front of you, and seeing the big picture throughout the book:

(Georges Seurat, A Sunday on La Grande Jatte, 1884)

I also have to comment on the messages that went back and forth between Georges and his mom through the Scrabble tiles… I loved this aspect so much.

Liar &Spy has so much heart as we watch these boys cope with their lives in seemingly different ways. Touching on themes of bullying, perseverance, overcoming fears, risk taking and family; to say I was moved by this book would be an understatement. Fans of Rebecca Stead’s award winning novel “When You Reach Me” will fall in love with this one as well.

Highly Recommended, This is one to buy for your reading shelf at home. It would also make a great read aloud for a family to share together.

add to Goodreads
order for Kobo

Once Every Never by Lesley Livingston–Book Review

Once Every Never by Lesley Livingston

Published by Penguin Canada July 2011

Source: Personal Copy

Summary:

Clarinet Reid is a pretty typical teenager. On the surface. She’s smart, but a bit of a slacker; outgoing, but just a little insecure; not exactly a mischief-maker, but trouble tends to find her wherever she goes. Also? She unwittingly carries a centuries-old Druid Blood Curse running through her veins.
Now, with a single thoughtless act, what started off as the Summer Vacation in Dullsville suddenly spirals into a deadly race to find a stolen artifact, avert an explosive catastrophe, save a Celtic warrior princess, right a dreadful wrong that happened centuries before Clare was even born, and if there’s still time, literally, maybe even get a date.
This is the kind of adventure that happens to a girl once every never.

My Thoughts:

  I adore Lesley Livingston’s writing style, and if you’ve ever had the pleasure of meeting Lesley in person you know how hilariously funny she is. Her sense of humour is found through out the book in the voices of Clare and her best friend…Allie.   Spending her Summer in England, Clare (short for Clarinet) discovers she is a part of a century old curse and travels through time to where the Celtic Druids were at war with the invading Romans.
I found the scenes that centred around this time in history fascinating and immediately starting researching the name Boudicca and Celtic Druids when I finished. For me as a reader, that is a sign of a great read. One that inspires you to read more about it…one that takes you to different places.
Clare is a great character. She’s clever, a little snarky and just “girly” enough.  Her and Al (Allie) make a fabulous pair and it’s great how they stick together no matter what. I have to say that the love interests in this story weren’t too shabby either. Celtic Warrior Connal with his rippling muscles and bravery was a great contrast to the good looking but “brainy” Milo. Hmmm… who to choose?

I really enjoyed Once Every Never and was thrilled to find out that Lesley is working on a follow-up.



For more information about Lesley and her books check out  http://www.lesleylivingston.com/
 or Follow her Facebook Page

Small Medium at Large Book Launch and Book Review

Small Medium at Large by Joanne Levy

Published by Bloomsbury Kids July 3rd 2012

Reviewed from personal copy

Summary

After she’s hit by lightning at a wedding, twelve-year-old Lilah Bloom develops a new talent: she can hear dead people. Among them, there’s her over-opinionated Bubby Dora; a prissy fashion designer; and an approval-seeking clown who livens up a séance. With Bubby Dora leading the way, these and other sweetly imperfect ghosts haunt Lilah through seventh grade, and help her face her one big fear: talking to—and possibly going to the seventh-grade dance with—her crush, Andrew Finkel.

My Thoughts:

    The character of Lilah is a fresh voice on the middle grade book scene and I adored her. She is quirky, and funny not to mention boy-crazy and I loved her fearless nature. A coming of age novel, Lilah is working out what’s important to her. When she gains the new ability to hear the dead after being struck by lightning, she still must work to discover who she is, but now she has the sweet voice of her grandmother (among others) to guide her. There were many great scenes in the book –one in particular brought tears to my eyes, but  I think my favourite moments were between Lilah and her Dad. Their relationship is a special one and without a mom regularly in the picture they really have had to learn to look after each other.  Lots of laugh out loud moments, the writing style is reminiscent of authors like Paula Danzinger, Judy Blume and Susin Nelson, I look forward to reading much more by Joanne Levy.

This past Saturday I had the pleasure of meeting the author Joanne at her book launch for Small Medium at Large. It was hosted by Bryan Prince Bookseller (a charming bookstore) and had a fabulous turn out. Joanne also gave out fabulous swag bags to all the invited bloggers.

Her podium, and delish cupcakes!

 

Joanne doing a reading from her book (there is truly something special about hearing an author read from their own book) and my signed copy

A pic of the fabulous Toronto Bloggers and Me

Other recaps of the event:

• Just a Lil’ Lost
• Cupcake and a Latte
• Joanne Levy

Book Review: The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate

The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate

Published by Harper Collins January 2012

Summary: 

Ivan is an easygoing gorilla. Living at the Exit 8 Big Top Mall and Video Arcade, he has grown accustomed to humans watching him through the glass walls of his domain. He rarely misses his life in the jungle. In fact, he hardly ever thinks about it at all. 

Instead, Ivan thinks about TV shows he’s seen and about his friends Stella, an elderly elephant, and Bob, a stray dog. But mostly Ivan thinks about art and how to capture the taste of a mango or the sound of leaves with color and a well-placed line. 

Then he meets Ruby, a baby elephant taken from her family, and she makes Ivan see their home—and his own art—through new eyes. When Ruby arrives, change comes with her, and it’s up to Ivan to make it a change for the better. 

Thoughts:

Destined to be a classic, The One and Only Ivan had me on the first page. "I am Ivan, I am a Gorilla. It's not as easy as it looks." 

Ivan is a Silverback Gorilla, but instead of being the protector of his family in the wild, he's behind glass in a mall. Soft hearted, intelligent, he finds friendship and companionship in the other animals at the mall. 

Lovely text, and illustrations help us glimpse into Ivan's life, his fears, his hopes and what he misses about his old ways. When Ruby arrives he strives to make a better life for her.  

This story is for everyone. Adults and kids. Ivan is captivating and reminds us that all life is to be valued not just human life. It's a perfect read for middle grades or a read aloud to share with a younger group. Highly recommended.

Book Review: Diary of A Wimpy Kid- Cabin Fever (Guest Post)

Diary of a Wimpy Kid- Cabin Fever

By Jeff Kinney

Published November 2011 by Abrams

My ten year old son is a huge fan of this series. I brought the book home for him, and he read it in a night. He's written the "review" today.

  This Diary of a Wimpy Kid book is about Greg and his friend Rowley as they try to have a Christmas Sale. They put posters up on the school about the sale. It starts to snow and all the marker's get smudged. They take the posters off and there are green stains left. So they runaway and everyone thinks it's graffiti. Greg and Rowley become outlaws. Later Greg gets stuck in his house because of a snow storm. The family food is mysteriously disappearing and they run out of power. It's up to Greg to solve the mystery. Out of a 1-5 rating I would rate it a 4 because it wasn't as exciting as the other books but it was still a good book and it was hilarious.

Book Review: Darkfall Review and Q & A with Janice Hardy

Darkfall by Janice Hardy -Healing Wars #3

Published by HarperCollins Oct 4th 2011

Hardcover 336 Pages

Reviewed from ARC provided by the author

Summary

Nya’s the one who brought it. And the people love her for it.

With Baseer in shambles and Geveg now an impenetrable military stronghold, Nya and the Underground have fled to a safer location—without Tali. Nya is guilt-ridden over leaving her sister behind and vows to find her, but with the rebellion in full swing and refugees flooding the Three Territories, she fears she never will.

The Duke, desperate to reclaim the throne as his own, has rallied his powerful army. And they are on the move, destroying anyone who gets in the way.

To save her sister, her family, and her people, Nya needs to stay ahead of the Duke’s army and find a way to build one of her own. Past hurts must be healed, past wrongs must be righted, and Nya must decide: Is she merely a pawn in the rebellion, a symbol of hope—or is she ready to be a hero?

I can't say enough how much I love this series. Strong female protagonist, in junior fiction with definite cross over appeal for young adults.  Nya is a such a wonderful main character. I connected with her in Shifter (the first book in the series) and feel like I've watched her grow and develop through these past two books. 

  Still  on the run from the Duke, Nya is thrown into the role of being "hero" and "saviour" for everyone and all she wants to do is save her sister and her friends. She finds out quickly that playing the role of hero can come with unexpected responsibilities and consequences. The characters in this series are so well developed that I began to feel like we were old friends, and when I turned the final page of Darkfall, I was sad that it was over.          One aspect that I wish the author had developed more was the relationship between Daniello and Nya. Their friendship showed signs of becoming more...I could feel it as I read but "more" didn't happen. Maybe it's a good thing? Maybe every book has love develop too quickly and easily? I really wanted a relationship for these two though, they're perfect together.
 The Healing Wars trilogy hasn't garnered a whole lot attention in the Blogger world, but it definitely deserves attention. Compelling and well written. Highly recommended.

I was fortunate to be able to talk Janice Hardy about her series:

1. When did the idea for the Healing Wars series come to you?

I was playing around with common fantasy ideas, trying to see how I could turn them on their heads and do something different. During that time, I went to see the first X-Men movie. One of the characters is named Rogue, who is my favourite superhero, and her power is that she accidentally absorbs other people’s powers when she touches them. I left the movie thinking, “wow, what if you did that with healing? Accidentally healed people when you touched them?”

2. What was your inspiration for writing about healing vs. Pain?

It was that “what if?” idea that really got me thinking about the world and how this magic would work. It was a long process, spread out over several years (my first idea was terrible and got stuck in a drawer for a long time). The thing that really intrigued me though, was that (at that time) healing is almost always portrayed as something positive. I’d never seen any real downsides to it. I wondered what the negatives might be, and could something as good as healing be used for evil. Once I figured out this society bought and sold pain like other goods, the whole thing started coming together.

3. Did you know it would be a trilogy when you began writing? Anyway I can convince you to write more about Nya and Danello?:)

The series idea came to me about halfway through THE SHIFTER. I hadn’t planned on doing a series, but I saw a larger story arc developing that could turn into a trilogy. It started out a one girl’s struggle to save her sister in a dangerous and difficult world, and ended up being a story about a girl who saves her world. The more Nya got drawn into the troubles of her society the more she had to act and do something about it. I had no choice but to go along for that ride.

Folks do ask me about more Nya stories, and while I have no plans right now to do them, if I thought of a new place for the story to go I’d write it. I might do some fun short stories though. Cover some history the books don’t really get into.

4. If there was one thing you hope readers will take away with them after reading your books, what would it be?

That was a great story. I wish I had more profound hopes, but for me it’s all about the storytelling. My favourite authors always whisk me away into their stories, and I love the feeling I get when I finish a fantastic book. I want to give that same feeling to my readers. If they take more away than that, it’s a bonus.

5. Can you tell us what your next project might be?

I’m nearly done with a YA fantasy about an undercover spy. It’s been fun because the protagonist is very different from Nya in how she solves her problems. Nya is all impulse, the new girl is all calculation. 

6. Anything else you’d like to share with your readers?

Let’s see… I just redesigned the website, and you can find some extras up there now. Maps and covers from the foreign editions of the books. Very shortly, I’ll also have some deleted scenes from the books. You’ll be able to read the original ending for THE SHIFTER, and one of my favourite scenes from BLUE FIRE that just didn’t work after revisions.

Thanks so much Janice for stopping by my blog! 

For more information about Janice and The Healing Wars Trilogy, please visit her website:

http://www.janicehardy.com/

You can read my thoughts on The Shifter and Blue Fire, by clicking on the title links.

Book Review: Liesl & Po by Lauren Oliver

Liesl & Po by Lauren Oliver

Published by Harper Collins October 4th 2011

Hardcover 304 Pages

Reviewed from ARC provided by the publisher

Summary

Liesl lives in a tiny attic bedroom, locked away by her cruel stepmother. Her only friends are the shadows and the mice—until one night a ghost appears from the darkness. It is Po, who comes from the Other Side. Both Liesl and Po are lonely, but together they are less alone.

That same night, an alchemist's apprentice, Will, bungles an important delivery. He accidentally switches a box containing the most powerful magic in the world with one containing something decidedly less remarkable

Will's mistake has tremendous consequences for Liesl and Po, and it draws the three of them together on an extraordinary journey.

I'm not sure how I'll write a review that will do this book justice. It's also hard to write my thoughts on it knowing how personal this book was to to the author.

    I connected to the characters immediately. Liesl was lovely. Positive, considering all the trauma she had recently been through. Forced to live in an attic alone after the passing of her father. Locked up by her stepmother, she has only her memories to keep her company. Until Po and Bundle  appear in her room one night, it's the memories of her father keep her going, his love and belief in her. Po is from "the other side" and Lisel hopes this means that he might be able to contact her father, that she might be able to say the things to him, she never got to say.
Contrast that with Will. An apprentice to an abusive magician, like Liesl he's alone in the world. They never would have crossed paths if it weren't for the wooden boxes. One containing the "most powerful magic in the world" the other carrying the ashes of Lisel's father.The adventure that ensues is one of friendship, sacrifice and love.

  Lisel and Po feels like a classic. It feels older than it is and I was reminded of the feelings I had reading books like The Little Princess, and the Secret Garden by Frances Burnett. The feeling that you know you are reading something timeless, and special. One thing that really stood out for me were certain words that were repeated in the book...the  word ineffable -which means "to incredible to describe" this is a word that Lisel grew up hearing while sharing moments with her father.  Will grew up hearing the word "useless" and it takes helping Lisel for him to realize his true worth.

    Lauren is a wonderful storyteller, gifted with ability to weave such beautiful words together. The illustrations and cover fit the tone and mood of the story.There is a lot of emotion between the lines of the story and I'm so grateful that Lauren shared it with us. Lisel and Po has appeal for girls and boys and would be a great choice for a read-aloud in a middle grade class or to share at home. Highly recommended.