Tag Archive | school

A is Americus, by MK Reed & Jonathan Hill (book review) – no ban for his favorite book!

Apr1

book cover of Americus by MK Reed, art by Jonathan Hill published by First Second Books“Fantasy books are the devil’s work!”
“Freedom to read is every American’s right!”

Neil’s freshman year won’t be the same without his best friend Danny whose ultra-religious mom banishes him to military school for reading an Apathea Ravenchilde book and stating his personal beliefs.

This graphic novel has belligerent book-banners, the same bullies from junior high, a courageous youth librarian, Neil’s intro to punk rock, and excerpts from fantasy books that readers will wish were real.

Welcome, AtoZers – got a banned book story to share?
**kmm

Book info:  Americus / written by MK Reed; art by Jonathan Hill. First Second Books, 2011. [author site]   [artist site]   [publisher site]   Review copy and cover image courtesy of the publisher.

My book talk: Neil misses his best friend and their mutual love for Ravenchilde books when Danny’s Bible-thumping mom sends him to military school for reading a fantasy book.

When she tries to have the series banned from their Oklahoma town’s library, the high school freshman decides to stand up against censorship and maybe even against being bullied himself in this graphic novel celebrating our freedom to read. (One of 6,000 books recommended on www.abookandahug.com)

TBR2014 progress + ready for AtoZ April Challenge

Mar31

I made a bit of progress on my To-Be-Recommended shelf of pre-2014 titles, highlighting these gems in March  (click each link to open my no-spoiler review in a new tab/window):

book cover of Golden by Jessi Kirby published by Simon & Schuster BFYRbook cover of Spies and Prejudice by Talia Vance published by EgmontThe mystery surrounding the decade-ago disappearance of her small-town’s Golden  couple sets Parker on a quest outside her comfort zone.

Is anything really the way it appears in Southern California? The teen investigators in Spies and Prejudice  think not, but disagree on who’s right.

So far in 2014, I’ve recommended 10 of my targeted 50+ pre-2014 titles for this year’s Bookish 2014 TBR Reading Challenge.

I’ll really make TBR progress during the AtoZ April Challenge, as I blog 26 books in 26 days, starting tomorrow on an A through Z setup with 1,600+ other bloggers; most of these books are 2013s with just a few new releases thrown in.

Ready for some great reads? Stay tuned!
**kmm

Grammar Girl Presents the Ultimate Writing Guide for Students, by Mignon Fogarty (book review)

Mar26

book cover of Grammar Girl Presents the Ultimate Writing Guide for Students by Mignon Fogarty published by St Martins GriffinBetween or among?
There, their, they’re?
I wonder if an indirect question needs a question mark.

Ah, springtime and term papers… what a crazy combination! You can keep the red editing marks from marring your work by consulting a friendly voice in the writing wilderness: Grammar Girl.

Among Mignon Fogarty’s many helpful books on writing, grammar, and word usage is Grammar Girl Presents the Ultimate Writing Guide for Students. Check it out at your local library, then buy your own personal copy from your favorite indie bookstore.

Now, about when to use as versus like…
**kmm

Book info: Grammar Girl Presents the Ultimate Writing Guide for Students / Mignon Fogarty; illustrations by Erwin Haya. St. Martins Griffin, 2011.  [author site]  [publisher site]   Review copy and cover image courtesy of the publisher.

My book talk: Whether you’re writing a school report or fanfic with a twist, knowing how to use grammar properly will ensure that you are truly understood. Mignon Fogarty brings her trademark clarity to student writing with this fun and funny guide.

Revisit parts of speech and sentence types, “punch up your punctuation” (how do those quotation marks mix with the rest?), and dive into the whole editing/rewriting process with Grammar Girl’s easy-reading mix of explanations, writing samples, pop quizzes, and Quick and Dirty Tips (like when to use they’re, their, or there).

Aardvark and his pet snail Squiggly act out key concepts for visual reinforcements, and the written examples can be hilarious: “Squiggly presumed that Grammar Girl would flinch when she saw the word misspelled as alot.”

To improve your writing and laugh along the way, get a copy of Grammar Girl Presents the Ultimate Writing Guide for Students now – your readers and teachers will thank you! (One of 6,000 books recommended on www.abookandahug.com)

Golden, by Jessi Kirby (book review) – secrets to unravel, mystery or misfortune?

Mar24

book cover of Golden by Jessi Kirby published by Simon & Schuster BFYR“Tell me, what do you plan to do
with your one wild and precious life?”
– Mary Oliver, The Summer Day

When live-by-the-rules Parker is reminded that last decade’s golden couple died under mysterious circumstances after their high school graduation, she decides to finally take chances and trust her instincts to find out more.

A California mystery, like Jessi Kirby’s earlier Moonglass  (my no-spoiler review here), and a road trip, like the author’s In Honor  (my review here) – what will Parker discover about Julianna and Shane…and herself?

Read an excerpt of Golden here free, then check it out at your local library or independent bookstore.

“Nothing gold can stay,” said Robert Frost, but is that always true?
**kmm

Book info: Golden / Jessi Kirby. Simon & Schuster Books For Young Readers, 2013. [author site]  [publisher site]  Review copy and cover image courtesy of the publisher.

My book talk: A missing girl’s senior journal inspires by-the-rules Parker to investigate a tragic mystery instead of ensuring her own scholarship dreams.

Ten years ago, Julianna and Shane’s car slid into the icy lake, and the school’s “golden couple” was declared missing.

While helping her English teacher mail that class their journals, Parker discovers that Julianna’s family left no forwarding address when they moved away after her death.

Embracing her best friend Kat’s admonition to “do something unpredictable for once” instead of working on scholarships, Parker opens the sealed envelope, reads Julianna’s hopes, and sets out to find answers to the questions there.

Wait! So good-girl Parker skips school for a road trip?
Shane’s family whitewashes the truth?
The golden couple’s love wasn’t so gleaming?

Whatever truths she finds about Shane and Julianna, Parker must also decide whether she truly shares her mother’s dreams for her future.  (One of 6,000 books recommended on www.abookandahug.com)

Ask Again Later, by Liz Czukas (book review) – 1 prom, 2 dates, too crazy!

Mar21

book cover of Ask Again Later by Liz Czukas published by Harper TeenHelp out the shy tech guy with a secret?
Console the newly-dumped jock senior?
Stick to the “No Drama Prom-a” plan with her pals?

When even the Magic 8 Ball can’t tell Heart which Prom date to choose, she just flips a coin!

Discover which date she goes with and why the junior avoids all romantic relationships in this fun read.

Would you allow a coin toss to decide something with potentially huge consequences?
**kmm

Book info: Ask Again Later / Liz Czukas. Harper Teen, 2014.  [author site]  [publisher site]  Review copy and cover image courtesy of the publisher.

My book talk: Flipping a coin to choose her prom date gives Heart two very different evenings, certainly not the “No Drama Prom-a” that she’d expected!

Her theater pals know she doesn’t do relationships since her teen-mom walked out when Heart was a baby, so they all planned to dance at Prom as a group of friends – no pressure.

But shy Ryan from backstage asks her to be his date, since his parents don’t know he’s gay (in fact, Heart is the first person he’s told) – how sweet!

Then her big brother’s best friend gets dumped, so Phil wants Heart to go with Troy the jock – it’s his senior Prom, after all.

She can’t decide who to go with, the Magic 8 Ball is on the fence, so she finally flips a coin and…

Will her drama friends, especially pianist “Schroeder” who calls her “Spleen” instead of Heart, be okay if she chooses one of the guys? They did ask her first, sort of…

Alternating chapters detail Prom Night as Ryan’s date (amazing tux) and as Troy’s date (those seniors sure do drink hard) – will Heart and her vintage dress survive it all or will Prom win? (One of 6,000 books recommended on www.abookandahug.com)

Elusion, by Claudia Gabel & Cheryl Klam (book review) – digital paradise or purgatory?

Mar18

book cover of Elusion by Claudia Gabel & Cheryl Klam published by Katherine Tegen BooksPolluted skies or paradise?
City crowds or room to roam?
Known problems or potential dangers?

In Regan’s future Detroit, profit has triumphed over human well-being. Elusion tech promises total immersion in Escapes to alternate reality of natural beauty and peace – but at what cost?

In stores today, Elusion makes you want to visit its Escapes as you begin reading, but soon you’ll be glad that its digital temptations aren’t really here yet!

Would you dive into Elusion, even if you suspected there were deadly risks?
**kmm

Book info:  Elusion (Elusion, book 1) / Claudia Gabel & Cheryl Klam. Katherine Tegen Books, 2014.  [Claudia’s website]  [Cheryl’s website]   [publisher site]  [book trailer] Review copy and cover image courtesy of the publisher.

My book talk: An alternate reality program becomes paradise beyond the mega-pollution of real life, until some of its visitors don’t return.

“A world with plant life and fresh air instead of Florapetro factories, grease closuds, and acid rain. I can’t even begin to imagine it,” says Regan, but her dad did, perfecting the Escapes of Elusion before his death.

Now his young protege Patrick has gotten government approval for widescale release of Elusion technology, even as some start warning its intensity is addictive.

When Regan sees her dad and talks to him in an Escape, she’s astounded.
When naysayer Avery claims Elusion’s firewall is its addiction trigger, Regan vows to prove her wrong.
When new guy Josh shows her real problems in Detroit caused directly by Elusion, she wants answers from Patrick, but may not like what her lifelong friend discloses.

Escape to techno-paradise would always be better than the purgatory of daily pollution fog and urban sprawl… if you can return when you want to!

First book in a series where technology can be right for the wrong reasons and wrong for the right people. (One of 6,000 books recommended on www.abookandahug.com)

Changers Book 1: Drew, by T Cooper & Allison Glock-Cooper (book review) – new school, new year, new body?

Mar14

book cover of Changers: Drew by T Cooper and Allison Glock-Cooper published by Akashic BooksNo one can know you are a Changer or see your secret mark.
No relationships with other Changers (or Abiders – shudder!)
No warning that everything in life is about to change… except your true self.

In a new body for first day of high school, Ethan can’t even skateboard right! Why didn’t his parents warn him that he could wake up a girl? At least he’ll get to try 4 identities in 4 years before deciding which body to keep forever as he finds his personal mission to change the world (yes, really).

Black Sheep is one of Akashic Books’ newer imprints, so you may have to ask your favorite local local library or independent bookstore to order this first Changers book, but it’s worth the wait!

To feel a little of Ethan/Drew’s experience, visit the WeAreChangers website and post your ‘unselfies’ where your camera captures your feelings without looking at you.

Poet e. e. cummings wrote “it takes courage to grow up and become who you really are” – how much courage do you and Ethan have?
**kmm

Book info: Changers-Book 1: Drew / T Cooper & Allison Glock-Cooper. Black Sheep, 2014.  [interview with authors]  [publisher site]  [book trailer] Review copy and cover image courtesy of the publisher.

My book talk: Ethan wanted to reinvent himself to start high school, not wake up in a girl’s body!

Dad and Mom are so proud that he is a Changer – getting a new body each year of high school (like Dad did – who knew?) to discover his/her true inner being. Changers are destined to make the world better, in secret, despite the Abiders who want to wipe them out.

Most girls have years to get used to their bodies; Ethan/Drew has an hour. Her first day at school brings a Changer mentor, catty girls, overwhelming emotions, and a possible friend.

Cheer tryouts, drumming in a band instead of the basement, all the Changer rules, discovering an Abider at Central High, and dealing with having girl parts – this freshman year is too intense!

Can Drew trust anyone at school?
Has she let any clues slip to alert the Abider there?
Who on earth will s/he be for sophomore year?

This first book in the Changers series explores Ethan/Drew’s first steps along the perilous journey to become his/her true self and discover how he’s meant to change the world. (One of 6,000 books recommended on www.abookandahug.com)

Vengeance, by Megan Miranda (book review) – cursed lake, who dies next?

Mar11

book cover of Vengeance by Megan Miranda published by BloomsburyA curse?
An evil too big for their small town?
A life for a life…

Ever since she spent 11 minutes under the ice, ever since she was stolen from Falcon Lake’s chill depths, Delaney’s hands shake when she senses death coming for someone.

Why won’t she let her boyfriend see her hands when she’s at his house now?

This gripping sequel to Fracture follows Delaney, Decker, and their friends through a hot summer when no one dares swim in the deep lake which took more lives after it was denied Delaney’s death – the curse or something more evil?

Check out my no-spoilers recommendation of Fracture  here (even read its first chapters free via the publisher here), then find this psychological thriller today at your local library or independent bookstore.

Can curses be real?
**kmm

Book info: Fracture / Megan Miranda. Walker Children’s Books, 2014. [author site]  [publisher site]  Review copy and cover image courtesy of the publisher.

My book talk: The curse that followed Delaney out of Falcon Lake must be real – which friend will it touch by death next?

Decker loves Delaney too much to believe in the curse, even if she can sense death coming after escaping the lake’s icy waters. But can he keep loving her when she keeps silent instead of keeping death away?

The new girl Maya has to cope with her ill mother alone, Janna misses her dead twin Carson, and Delaney now must face the superstitious without Decker’s strength beside her.

Water accidents at home and away,
Masquerade mix-ups gone deadly,
Will any of their senior class escape the Falcon Lake curse?

This sequel to Fracture spends a hot, tense summer with Delaney and friends as the cold, deep lake broods over their small Maine town.  (One of 6,000 books recommended on www.abookandahug.com)

Spies and Prejudice, by Talia Vance (book review) – girl undercover or under the radar?

Mar7

book cover of Spies and Prejudice by Talia Vance published by EgmontGuys aren’t only lying when their mouths are moving –
Berry’s surveillance photos for divorce cases prove it.
So she’ll never fall in love with anyone – too risky.

Listening devices and hidden videocameras are the tools of her trade, but Berry certainly never expected to overhear the cute new guy label her “nothing special” while she was on a stakeout!

Over 200 years after its publication, Pride and Prejudice  still inspires retellings of its story of misdirected love and misguided snobbery. Surely Jane Austen would admire Berry’s forthrightness, as well as exploding jeweled bracelets and micro-camera eyeglasses as vital articles of fashionable apparel!

Have you read any other inspired-by-the-classics or mash-up contemporary YA books lately?
**kmm

Book info: Spies and Prejudice / Talia Vance. Egmont, 2013.  [author site]  [publisher site]  [book trailer] Review copy and cover image courtesy of the publisher.

My book talk: Secrets and betrayal are nothing new to Berry, but the teen isn’t used to cute guys interfering with her undercover work.

Maybe it began when Tanner and his brother Ryan came to McHenry High, or when senior Drew started talking to Berry in the library, or when the woman who witnessed the accident which killed Berry’s mother eight years ago now says it wasn’t an accident…

Her high-tech genius best friend is falling for Ryan, Tanner tells Berry that she can’t trust Drew, and Drew says that Tanner and Ryan aren’t who they claim to be. Add in her first Homecoming dance and a mysterious letter from her mom addressed to someone who denies it – no wonder Berry is distracted during routine stakeouts for her dad’s private investigation firm.

Hidden identities and mixed messages are funny until they become deadly serious in this tale of espionage, romance, and the family business (with a nod to the Jane Austen classic).  (One of 6,000 books recommended on www.abookandahug.com)

Team Human, by Justine Larbalestier and Sarah Rees Brennan (book review) – love your local vampire?

Feb14

Team HumanHazmat suit? Check.
Fountain pen and journal? Check.
Vampire enrolling in high school, 200 years late? Check.
Craunston High may not be ready for Francis, but Cathy sure is – and Mel wants to stop that relationship ASAP!

Read an excerpt here for that first schoolday as Cathy swoons over coolly distant Francis, whom Mel judges as “a crazy astronaut suit full of trouble” – and that’s before she meets the human teenage boy who lives in the same vampire house!

You should easily be able to find Team Human  in your favorite local library or independent bookstore after its 2013 paperback release (also available as eBook).

Would you give up sunshine, chocolate, and your best friend for love?
**kmm

Book info: Team Human / Justine Larbalestier and Sarah Rees Brennan. Harper Teen, 2012 (paperback 2013).  [Justine’s site]   [Sarah’s site]  [publisher site]  [book trailer] Review copy from personal collection; cover image courtesy of the publisher.

My book talk: When her best friend falls in love with a vampire and wants to change over, Mel just cannot let it happen!

It’s all so civilized in this New England town founded by vampires, with sunproof windows in every building and the Zombie Disposal Unit on call (unfortunate side effect for 20% of vampire changes) and volunteer blood banks.

Recently, the principal’s husband ran away with a vampire, leaving her and Mel’s classmate Anna alone. Then debonair Francis enrolls in their high school, and ultimate undead fan Cathy falls for him.  Why is this well-educated 200 year old vampire suddenly risking daytime travel to school? Mel is sure he’s up to no good.

No, Cathy’s not a modern soul, but what if Francis stops loving her after she risks the change?
Yes, Kit is hot, but the human teen living with Francis’s vampire family is planning to change, too!

Maybe Mel is a bit sensitive about vampires, but she won’t stop investigating Francis’s real reasons for coming to school if it will keep her best (her only) friend on Team Human!   (One of 7,000 books recommended on www.abookandahug.com)