Tag Archive | family

Disappearance of Emily H., by Barrie Summy (book review) – secrets sparkle, uncovered threats?

Jun10

book cover of The Disppearance of Emily H. by Barrie Summy published by Delacorte PressSparkling puffs of others’ memories,
easy to find, irresistible to grab,
but what if the memory is filled with threats?

Raine has inherited the family ability to read and replay others’ memories from the “sparklies” that remain, especially after strong emotions. Grabbing a sparkly looks too much like trying to take something, so her grandmother warned her against it.

But Raine’s fingers are just itching to get more after she discovers that she’s now living in the house that Emily H. vanished from…

For a peek into the mystery facing Raine in her new town and middle school, enjoy this book trailer created by the Mooresville Public Library (Indiana):

If you could access memories just by touching them, would you?
**kmm

Book info: The Disappearance of Emily H. / Barrie Summy.  Delacorte Press, 2015.   [author site]  [publisher site]  [book trailer] Review copy and cover image courtesy of the publisher.

My book talk: If eighth grader Raine had followed advice to not pick up ‘sparklies’ – shards of others’ memories that she can view and replay – then she’d never have discovered the mean girls’ conspiracy at her new school or looked into the fate of Emily who lived in this same house and disappeared…

After yet another move with her mom, Raine didn’t expect to make a new friend on the first day of school (homeschooled Shirlee has a hard time tuning out Jennifer and her mean girls, but Raine is a pro). Having to prove her cross-country running to Coach is a given, but snooty Jennifer’s behavior at practices is over the limit.

Everyone at school is still talking about the recent disappearance for Emily, who was frequently picked on by the mean girls, but the police have few leads. The few sparklies that Raine has quietly grabbed at school hint that the mean girls know more than they’re telling.

Unexplained fires keep flaring up – is there a firebug in the small New York town?
Raine’s nosy neighbor accuses her of sneaking back into the house nightly – but it isn’t her…
Does she dare search for more memories sparkling on Jennifer’s belongings to discover the truth?

Bullying and belonging, friendship and family – middle school with a dangerous mystery! (One of 6,000 books recommended on www.abookandahug.com)

Extraordinary Means, by Robyn Schneider (book review) – a chance of love while dying

Jun9

book cover of Extraordinary Means by Robyn Schneider published by Katherine Tegen BooksHighly contagious and deadly,
old TB now resistant to all treatments –
live for now, because tomorrow may be too late!

Sadie cringes when Lane walks into the sanatorium cafeteria – at summer camp years ago, he invited her to the big dance, then dumped her flat.

Lane is sure he’ll be well and out of Latham before the semester is over – his memories of summer camp with Sadie don’t include any dance invitation…

Read the first few chapters here for free to meet Lane and Sadie and the other teens who are hoping for a miracle cure during their time at Latham.

The author of this just-published novel studied medical ethics, and her solid foundation of knowledge makes this fictitious strain of TB unnervingly realistic.

Would you submit to an experimental medical procedure to save your life?
**kmm

Book info: Extraordinary Means / Robyn Schneider.  Katherine Tegen Books, 2015.  [author site]  [publisher site]  [book trailer] Review copy and cover image courtesy of the publisher.

My book talk:When a life-threatening illness pulls Lane out of his overachiever lifestyle, the high school senior can’t imagine that rule-breaking and a now-lovely acquaintance from summer camp could make what’s left of his life so much worth living.

Diagnosed with drug-resistant tuberculosis and sent away for a rest cure, Lane frets about AP classes left behind instead of relaxing to slow down his disease’s progress. Finding Sadie from junior high camp days helps him try for some memorable moments in his life instead of his planned rush to get ahead.

Sadie has been at Latham longer than anyone, has watched other teens with super-TB go out the gate either well or dead, and is sure that falling in love here is a terrible idea. She certainly didn’t count on Lane or his adorable eyes or his willingness to join her group of rule-breakers like wisecracking Nick and musical Charlie.

Planning for college or getting a driver’s license – how does it make sense when they may never leave Latham?

Rumors of a cure for their TB show up on the news regularly – what if the researchers really find one?

Told in alternating chapters by Lane and Sadie, this story of the Extraordinary Means  that folks will use to stay alive celebrates making the most of the time you’ve got, especially when your candle is burning down fast. (One of 6,000 books recommended on www.abookandahug.com)

Scarlett Undercover, by Jennifer Latham (book review) – teen investigating suicide & King Solomon’s legacy?

Jun8

book cover of Scarlett Undercover by Jennifer Latham published by Little Brown Books for Young ReadersNot a suicidal teen,
not a real-estate financier,
not a homeless woman –
is anyone in her town what they appear to be?

This is a teen detective tale with twists, as Scarlett’s routine investigation into a suicide turns up an online game gone deadly in the real world, mystical objects from King Solomon‘s days, and strange connections to her Muslim community.

Read the first 3 chapters here free – I know that you’ll want this May 2015 book ASAP!

**kmm

Book info: Scarlett Undercover, by Jennifer Latham. Little Brown Books for Young Readers, 2015.  [author site]  [publisher site]   Review copy and cover image courtesy of the publisher, via NetGalley.

My book talk: When a young girl asks Scarlett to investigate her big brother’s connection to a recent suicide, the 16 year old uncovers local California teens lured into locating talismans belonging to King Solomon, unaware of their mystic powers or history in her Muslim community.

After their father was killed and a family heirloom statue stolen, Scarlett worked with area police in vain, then graduated early from high school, bored. Following their mother’s painful death from cancer, big sister Reem donned the hijab and went to medical school.

Now Scarlett is trying to find out if Gemma’s big brother made Quinn jump off the bridge, what the strange pattern on his wrist means, and why her sweet Decker has the same design on his chest.

Threats to a philanthropic building project, trying to keep Gemma safe, that symbol appearing again and again – Scarlett can’t stop looking for the answers.

Being followed on the street, ducking questions from her self-appointed guardian angel at the laundromat, summoned by a Muslim tattoo artist (when tattoos for Muslims are haram, forbidden) – someone wants Scarlett to stop looking.

A mystic quest, well-meaning family friends who urge her to leave now for college, kidnap attempts – Scarlett has her hands full and won’t back down till she solves this!  (One of 6,000 books recommended on www.abookandahug.com)

Centaur’s Daughter, by Ellen Jensen Abbott (book review) – fighting evil, one arrow at a time

Jun6

book cover of The Centaur's Daughter by Ellen Jensen Abbott published by SkyscapeUberwolf ambush,
humans good and bad,
can Watersmeet remain a safe haven?

Fairies are only interested in what benefits them, but if they ally with militant followers of the evil White Worm, what hope is there for those who wish to live in harmony?

The story begun in Watersmeet  (my no-spoiler recommendation here) rumbles across the plains and threatens the fragile peace forged by dwarves, fauns, centaurs, and humans.

Read the first chapter here courtesy of the author, then ask for The Centaur’s Daughter at your local library or independent bookstore (if it’s not in stock, they will order it! Support local businesses!)

**kmm

Book info: The Centaur’s Daughter (Watersmeet, book 2) / Ellen Jensen Abbott. Skyscape, 2011 (paperback, 2014). [author site]  [publisher site] Review copy from the author; cover image courtesy of the publisher.

My book talk: Chosen to follow her long-lost father as Keeper of peaceful Watersmeet settlement, Abisina may have to lead its creatures to save the humans who cast her out so that both groups may be free from ultimate evil.

Humans had despised Abisina in their village merely because of her hair color – will they accept her leadership to fight against the evil one when they discover she is a centaur-human shapeshifter?

Centaurs and humans have been enemies for generations, earth-deep dwarves have stayed clear of both groups forever, fauns and hamadryads need the forest’s protection – can they band together to cross plains and mountains to keep the White Worm’s unholy allies from destroying their lands?

As told in Abisina’s journey to Watersmeet in book one, the prophecy about The Centaur’s Daughter must be supported by creatures and humans alike, if there ever is to be a safe place for those who wish to live in peace with The Keeper (book 3).  (One of 6,000 books recommended on www.abookandahug.com)

Who’s missing? Mysteries & frights to read with your ears!

Jun4

Time to download this week’s eerie pair of free audiobooks from SYNC so you can read with your ears!

Yes, these are complete audiobooks available from Thursday through Wednesday, and they’re yours until you delete them from your computer or electronic device.

If you miss the free download time for any works mentioned, you can find buying info at http://www.audiobooksync.com/  Check your local library, too!

CD cover of A Corner of White by Jaclyn Moriarty | Read by Fiona Hardingham, Andrew Eiden, Kate Reinders, Peter McGowan Published by Scholastic AudioA Corner of White
by Jaclyn Moriarty
Read by Fiona Hardingham, Andrew Eiden, Kate Reinders, Peter McGowan
Published by Scholastic Audio

Missing persons, interconnected worlds with uncrossable barriers that Madeleine and Elliott somehow get past! I recommended this first book in trilogy on BooksYALove here in 2013.

DraculaCD cover of Dracula by Bram Stoker | Read by David Horovitch, Jamie Parker, Joseph Kloska, Alison Pettitt, Clare Corbett, John Foley, David Thorpe Published by Naxos AudioBooks
by Bram Stoker
Read by David Horovitch, Jamie Parker, Joseph Kloska, Alison Pettitt, Clare Corbett, John Foley, David Thorpe
Published by Naxos AudioBooks

The vampire tale that started it all, read by an outstanding actor cast, complete and unabridged!

Have you read either of these changed-world titles before?
**kmm

Book Scavenger, by Jennifer Chambliss Bertman (book review) – books, puzzles & mysteries in San Francisco

Jun2

book cover of Book Scavenger by Jennifer Chambliss Bertman published by Holt Books for Young ReadersMoving again? Another new school?
Oh, well – more places to hide books…
and to find the most unique book of all!

Emily wishes that she could be as laid-back as her big brother about her family’s constant moves, but at least San Francisco is headquarters of her favorite books-puzzles-searching game. Maybe she’ll find someone to search out hidden books with her, too.

Happy book birthday to Book Scavenger, filled with puzzles, books, bad guys, and the joys of friendship!

I’m happy to see that the author was inspired by Book Crossing, which encourages readers to ‘release books into the wild’ with BookCrossing ID labels so their travels can be logged in (fun and free!).

Read an excerpt here at publisher’s site for free, then go get your own  copy – anyone can play the Book Scavenger game (learn more here)! Let me know if you’ve been lucky enough to find one of the copies hidden in each of the 50 US states already!

What other book are you intent on sharing?
**kmm

Book info: Book Scavenger / Jennifer Chambliss Bertman, with illustrations by Sarah Watts. Holt Books For Young Readers, 2015.  [author site]  [publisher site] Review copy and cover image courtesy of the publisher.

My book talk: If Emily’s family hadn’t moved to San Francisco, the 12 year old puzzle fan would never have met James or found The Gold-Bug book – or been chased by bad guys who attacked the creator of her favorite book game and will do anything to get that book!

Blame it on her parents’ blog about living in all 50 states – here Emily is in another new school. At least she can solve the Book Scavenger puzzles and find hidden books in beautiful San Francisco.

Luckily, James next door goes to her school and gets interested in Book Scavenger, so they team up with her big brother to find out who attacked the game’s creator Mr. Griswold, following puzzle clues all over town.

What’s different about this copy of The Gold-Bug?
Why do those non-literary thugs want it so badly?
Can they solve the mystery in this book before it’s too late for Mr. Griswold and before Mom and Dad decide to move again?

Filled with puzzles, tributes to authors in the City by the Bay, and lots of action, this adventure-mystery will have readers itching to disguise and hide books like Emily and James do. (One of 6,000 books recommended on www.abookandahug.com)

Tut: The Story of My Immortal Life, by PJ Hoover (book review) – pharoah in junior high?

May29

book cover of Tut My Immortal Life by PJ Hoover published by StarscapeRuling as powerful pharaoh – yay!
Becoming immortal – cool!
Stuck in middle school for eternity – ughhh!

And Tut’s forever-13-life becomes more complicated as a cult dedicated to evil god Set targets monuments in Washington DC, the general who killed his father is after him, and a mortal classmate gets involved in the hunt!

Lots of Egyptian gods hanging around the US Capitol these days, it seems…

Be sure to check out the book trailer here and the author’s website where you can visit the novel’s world in Minecraft, play games, and solve puzzles.

Would you let a friend join you in a dangerous quest?
**kmm

Book info: Tut: The Story of My Immortal Life / PJ Hoover. Starscape, 2014. [author site]  [publisher site]  [book trailer] Review copy and cover image courtesy of the publisher.

My book talk: Immortal teen Tut suddenly has bigger problems than an overprotective guardian and middle school bullies as the man who killed his father centuries ago reappears as head of an evil-worship cult in present-day DC.

Rescued by the god Osiris from assassination, now Tut lives with a golden scarab heart, forever age 13. Centuries later, his middle school’s field trip turns ugly when “Tut’s Tomb” exhibit includes dark god Set, much hated by the real Tut.

Scarabs swarming everywhere, exploding obelisk monuments, and too much attention from kids at school – many eerie things are happening in Washington DC.

When the general who killed Tut’s father escapes from his eternal prison to lead Set’s followers in destruction, Tut and mortal friend Henry follow clues found by his army of tiny shabti soldiers and advisor Horus in cat form.

Can they save DC residents from this supernatural peril?
Why is Tut’s guardian hiding a deadly secret?
Will Tut have to use the last spell in The Book of the Dead  to stop Horemheb?

Egyptian gods and strange connections abound in this action-packed adventure! (One of 6,000 books recommended on www.abookandahug.com)

Identity-switch magic to read with your ears – SYNC audiobooks for free

May28

Magic, malice, bodies switched, perhaps love? Time to download this week’s free audiobooks from SYNC so you can read with your ears!

These complete audiobooks are only available from Thursday through Wednesday, but once downloaded, you have free use of them as long as you keep them on your computer or electronic device

Click on the title to go directly to its AudioSYNC download site, enter your name and email, and follow the instructions to get these magical, dangerous tales for yourself.

CD cover of The Ring and the Crown by Melissa De La Cruz | Read by Jennifer Ikeda Published by Recorded Books, Inc. The Ring and the Crown
by Melissa De La Cruz
Read by Jennifer Ikeda
Published by Recorded Books, Inc.

To escape an arranged marriage in the Franco-British Empire, the princess will give her identity to Morgan whose magical talents almost equal those of the Empress herself. But can the deception keep both girls safe?

 
CD cover of Sea Hearts by Margo Lanagan | Read by Eloise Oxer, Paul English Published by Bolinda PublishingSea Hearts
by Margo Lanagan
Read by Eloise Oxer, Paul English
Published by Bolinda Publishing

As the sea witch discovers how to turn a seal into a woman, the magical consequences may affect everyone on her remote island. Is creating the perfect wife for a sailor worth the risk?

Have you ever wished that you were someone else?
**kmm

To Harlem and days of change with SYNC audiobooks

May21

This week’s free audiobooks from SYNC take us to the African-American experience in Harlem of the 1950s, through personalities famous and everyday.

Click on the title to download either or both of these complete audiobooks. Remember that they’re only available from Thursday through Wednesday, but you have free use of them as long as you keep them on your computer or electronic device

Bookmark the SYNC site now so you can download great audiobooks all summer long: http://www.audiobooksync.com/

CD cover of X by Ilyasah Shabazz, Kekla Magoon, Read by Dion Graham, Published by Brilliance Audio X: A Novel
by Ilyasah Shabazz, Kekla Magoon
Read by Dion Graham
Published by Brilliance Audio

The daughter of Malcolm X tells of her famous dad’s years as a young adult, struggling to excel in a system where the odds were stacked against him.

CD cover of Here in Harlem by Walter Dean Myers | Read by Muhammad Cunningham, Michael Early, Patricia R. Floyd, Kevin R. Free, Arthur French, Dion Graham, Nathan Hinton, Ezra Knight, Robin Miles, Lizan Mitchell, Gail Nelson, Monica Patton, Charles Turner Published by Live Oak Media

 

Here in Harlem
by Walter Dean Myers
Read by Muhammad Cunningham, Michael Early, Patricia R. Floyd, Kevin R. Free, Arthur French, Dion Graham, Nathan Hinton, Ezra Knight, Robin Miles, Lizan Mitchell, Gail Nelson, Monica Patton, Charles Turner
Published by Live Oak Media

Many voices ring out in Myers’ 54 poems about his beloved Harlem, inspired by The Spoon River Anthology – both feature poems where neighbors, friend and enemy alike, talk about their everyday lives.

What other titles reflecting neighborhoods and linked lives do you recommend?
**kmm

Improbable Theory of Ana and Zak, by Brian Katcher (book review) – comics, quizzes, and captures

May19

book cover of Improbable Theory of Ana and Zak by Brian Katcher published by Katherine Tegen BooksAt a comic-con, he’ll be happy.
Finally away at college, she’ll be overjoyed.
Trouble… who wants that?

When 13-year-old Clayton slips out of the QuizBowl team hotel for his first comic-con, Ana is terrified – if she loses track of him, their hyper-protective parents will disown her like they did when big sister stepped out of line.

And when things go sour during their search for Clayton at WashingCon, Zak boggles at constants that could end and possibilities that arise- without cons in his life, what else would a certified geek do?

Happy book birthday to The Improbable Theory of Ana and Zak,  your invitation to explore the world of comic-conventions, gaming, and love among geeks. For some how-to from the female perspective, try The Fangirl’s Guide to the Galaxy recommended here last week.

So, be honest – Star Wars or Star Trek?
**kmm

Book info: The Improbable Theory of Ana and Zak / Brian Katcher. Katherine Tegen Books, 2015.  [author site]  [publisher site] Review copy and cover image courtesy of the publisher.

My book talk: Chasing her little brother through a comic-con wasn’t on Ana’s list of ways to stay perfect, but with the help of cute slacker Zak, she may get the QuizBowl team back together before curfew… or maybe not.

If no-effort Zak wants to graduate, he must serve as QuizBowl alternate during weekend of Seattle’s biggest comic convention, even though he’d already planned out every moment in geek paradise.

If super-achiever Ana wants to please her parents and not get thrown out of the house like her big sister, she’s got to win this QuizBowl tournament, even though it’s no fun anymore.

If her whiz-kid little brother Clayton wants to check out WashingCon because Zak said it was cool, he’s gonna go, because why not?

The search for Clayton jumps from Ana’s world of well-rounded student activities to Zak’s universes of cosplay and card games to the death, as t-shirt slogans, a backpack mixup with deadly consequences, and the clock ticking down to QuizBowl curfew send them all racing through the night.

Zak’s old friends, Ana’s new enemies, and a cross-cultural wedding (Trek or Wars, the eternal con question) punctuate the pair’s growing appreciation for one another’s strengths and charms, as they chart their progress (or lack thereof) in alternating chapters.  (One of 6,000 books recommended on www.abookandahug.com)