Taking Stock - September - 2015

Total posts this month: 10
Total books read this month: 10
Total books read this year: 231

Challenges:
Audio: 6/ 57
Debut: 2/8

The Good: Well, I read a fair amount with my ears 6 out of the 10 books were audiobooks and socked in two more debuts. My energy levels with the start of a new year and the beginning of teaching a brand, new class were not conducive to reading with my eyes! 

The Bad: If my total for August was rather pitiful, my total for September was downright abysmal. My reading always dips with the start of a new school year. Also, I didn't do too much reviewing, eleven measly posts, only two of which were reviews! Ugh! 

The books: * indicates a favorite book
222. Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs (9/5)
223. Stonewall by Ann Bausum (9/5)*
224. The Kidney Hypothetical by Lisa Yee (9/12)
225. Trouble is a Friend of Mine by Stephanie Tromly (9/14)*
226. A Tower of Giraffes: animals in groups by Anna Wright (9/17)
227. Hollow City by Ransom Riggs (9/17)*
228. Lair of Dreams by Libba Bray (9/26)*
229. Space Case by Stuart Gibbs (9/26)
230. The Looney Experiment by Luke Reynolds (9/27)
231. Devoted: 38 extraordinary tales of love, loyalty and life with dogs by Rebecca Ascher-Walsh (9/30)

What's New? Stacking the Shelves

Stacking the Shelves is a weekly meme hosted by Tynga's Reviews. Hop on over there to ogle what other bloggers got this week.

Purchased:

Finding Someplace by Denise Lewis Patrick. 214 p. Christy Ottoviano Books/ Henry Holt & Co., August, w2015. 9780805047165.

Publisher synopsis: Reesie Boone just knows that thirteen is going to be her best year yet-this will be the year she makes her very first fashion design on her Ma Maw's sewing machine. She'll skip down the streets of New Orleans with her best friends, Ayanna and Orlando, and everyone will look at her in admiration.

But on Reesie's birthday, everything changes. Hurricane Katrina hits her city. Stranded at home alone, Reesie takes refuge with her elderly neighbor, Miss Martine. The waters rise. They escape in a boat. And soon Reesie is reunited with her family. But her journey back home has only begun.

This is a story of a family putting itself back together, and a young girl learning to find herself.

Edgewater by Courtney Sheinmel. 317 p. Amulet Books/ Abrams, September, 2015. 9781419716418.

Publisher synopsis: Lorrie Hollander used to be a rich girl, but now she’s lost everything because of the secrets and lies of the people around her. It’s been 12 years since Lorrie’s mother skipped town and left Lorrie in the care of her unstable aunt Gigi. Together they live in a neglected, decrepit mansion called Edgewater, the eyesore in a town of extraordinary wealth and privilege.

When Charlie, the son of an esteemed senator, takes an interest in Lorrie, her shame for her family and lifestyle runs deep. But what she doesn’t know is that Charlie’s family is hiding something, too, and that their secrets are inextricably tied. Now Lorrie must confront the truth about her family—and everything she ever thought she knew about herself.

Mirrored by Alex Flinn. 274 p. HarperTeen/ HarperCollins Publishers, September, 2015. 97880062134516.

Publisher Synopsis: Celine's life is the stuff fairy tales are made of. She's beautiful, talented, and brave. Unfortunately, her tale comes complete with a wicked stepmother! When Violet steps into Celine's life, everything changes and weird things begin to happen to her—bizarre accidents, strange illnesses, and rabid animal attacks. Celine doesn't feel safe anywhere. It's almost as if some hateful witch is out to get her.

And there is. Violet has been waiting all her life to have Celine's father to herself. Getting rid of his gorgeous daughter is child's play for a witch as powerful as she is. Happy-ever-after isn't enough for Violet. She wants to be the fairest of them all, and Celine is in the way . . . but not for long.

Forced to take refuge with her friend Goose and his family, Celine gives up everything she loves and goes deep undercover. But will it be enough to fool Violet, or will Celine's fate be decided by a reflection in a magic mirror? And where do you find Prince Charming in Miami anyway?

Mirrored is a modern retelling of Snow White—told from the points of view of Violet, Celine, and Goose—with all the magic and mystery readers will love.

Most Dangerous: Daniel Ellsberg and the history of the Vietnam War by Steve Sheinkin. Unabridged audiobook on 7 compact discs, 8 hours. Read by Ray Porter. Listening Library, 

Publisher synopsis: From Steve Sheinkin, the award-winning author of The Port Chicago 50 and Bomb comes a tense, exciting exploration of what the Times deemed "the greatest story of the century": how Daniel Ellsberg transformed from obscure government analyst into "the most dangerous man in America," and risked everything to expose the government's deceit. On June 13, 1971, the front page of the New York Times announced the existence of a 7,000-page collection of documents containing a secret history of the Vietnam War. Known as The Pentagon Papers, these documents had been comissioned by Secretary of Defense Robert McNamara. Chronicling every action the government had taken in the Vietnam War, they revealed a pattern of deception spanning over twenty years and four presidencies, and forever changed the relationship between American citizens and the politicans claiming to represent their interests. A provocative audiobook that interrogates the meanings of patriotism, freedom, and integrity,Most Dangerous further establishes Steve Sheinkin as a leader in children's nonfiction.

Won: 

The Murdstone Trilogy: a Novel by Mal Peet. 313 p. Candlewick Press, September, 2015. 9780763681845.

Publisher synopsis: How hard can it be to write a fantasy trilogy? From Carnegie Medalist Mal Peet comes an outrageously funny black comedy about an impoverished literary writer who makes a pact with the devil.

Award-winning YA author Philip Murdstone is in trouble. His star has waned. The world is leaving him behind. His agent, the ruthless Minerva Cinch, convinces him that his only hope is to write a sword-and-sorcery blockbuster. Unfortunately, Philip—allergic to the faintest trace of Tolkien—is utterly unsuited to the task. In a dark hour, a dwarfish stranger comes to his rescue. But the deal he makes with Pocket Wellfair turns out to have Faustian consequences. The Murdstone Trilogy is a richly dark comedy described by one U.K. reviewer as "totally insane in the best way possible."

What's new with you?

Waiting on Wednesday: Happy by Pharrell Williams

WoW is a weekly meme hosted by Breaking the Spine in which we share the titles we can't wait to release.

Happy by Pharrell Williams. 32 p. Penguin Young Readers Group, October 6, 2015. 9780399176432.

Publisher synopsis: Grammy Award winner Pharrell Williams's super-hit song “Happy” is now a picture book.

Nominated for an Academy Award in 2014, “Happy” hit number one on Billboard’s Hot 100 list, and has topped the charts in more than seventy-five countries worldwide. Now Pharrell Williams brings his beloved song to the youngest of readers in photographs of children across cultures celebrating what it means to be happy. All the exuberance of the song pulses from these vibrant photographs of excited, happy kids. This is a picture book full of memorable, precious childhood moments that will move readers in the same way they were moved by the song.
 
“Happy” has had the world dancing ever since it first hit the airwaves, and now the irresistibly cheerful tune will come to life on the page with Pharrell Williams’s very first picture book! A keepsake and true classic in the making.

I fell in love with this song the minute I heard it. It's an earworm I do not mind having. When I saw a video floating around the Interwebz featuring a bunch of dogs and a cat romping to the song at the beach, the song was pretty well cemented into my heart. Ordinarily, I usually greet "celebrity" books with an eye-roll along with an open mind (I have been pleasantly surprised). I'm all over this one. I will be buying this for my library (#nevertooold4picturebooks) and gifting it to my colleague at the elementary school and every little person in my life now, as well as future little folks. I feel the joy in the song and love the obvious joy Mr. Williams feels singing and dancing to it. 

Plus, the cover is absolutely fabulous! Is that not the most gorgeous and appropriate cover?

The song also reminds me of a time, 20 years ago when my now 26 year old #3 son was about to enter first grade. I did not expect the tears and resistance to entering the building. Days turned into weeks of hysteria and digging heels as I dragged him into his classroom. I always hoped his teacher would take him off my hands. When weeks were about to turn into months, I searched for a routine to get him laughing and happy in the morning. Around that time, Don't Worry, Be Happy by Bobby McFerrin (Don't love the video/ still love the song) was popular and that became our anthem. I'd play it every morning from the time he woke up and in the car. Then, we sing it into school. We still laugh about it.

Blog Tour: Ghostlight by Sonia Gensler

Horror and suspense stories and me do not mix. They are just not the type of books I gravitate toward. In fact, I force myself to read them. They make me antsy. If they are not done well, I become impatient. When they are, I have to either read the book in one sitting (like yanking off a bandaid) or put the book away and pace the willies off. I have students who love them and are frequently in asking for suggestions; so I read them. 

Review spoiler alert: Ghostlight is now my go-to book for middle school students seeking a scary read.

Ghostlight by Sonia Gensler. 247 p. Alfred A. Knopf Books for Young Readers/ Random House, August, 2015. 9780553522143. (Review from arc courtesy of Blue Slip Media)

Avery and her brother spend summers with their maternal grandmother in rural Georgia. There are several houses on the property, one of which is rented to a country singer and his son, Julian, a budding film maker. The other is Hilliard House, a decrepit old mansion that Avery is forbidden to enter. When she was seven or eight, she disappeared one day and her grandmother found her asleep in the house. The shock of the beating she received has kept her away.

But, with a boring summer looming thanks to her brother's rejection of their game that involves an imaginary kingdom and the promise of friendship making a film with Julian, Avery reluctantly agrees to helping Julian get into the house to film a ghost story.

While atmospheric and properly creepy, this is so much more than a ghost story. Themes of changing relationships, friendship and family history are woven into a truly suspenseful ghost story. Quite a few folks in the neighborhood seem to be hiding secrets from Julian to Avery's grandmother to an elderly acquaintance and Avery aims to find out all she can about the house and its tragic inhabitants.

I recently booktalked this and there's a waiting list. I hadn't known about the great trailer when I did or I would've shown it. Click here to view it and click here to visit the author's web site. A first purchase for middle school and public library collections. I will have to check out Ms. Gensler's YA paranormal historical fiction soon.

The blog tour continues tomorrow at Word Spelunking. Be sure to check out other stops on the tour.

Mon, Sept 14	Cracking the Cover	http://www.crackingthecover.com/
Tues, Sept 15	Ms. Yingling Reads	http://msyinglingreads.blogspot.com/
Wed, Sept 16	Charlotte's Library	http://charlotteslibrary.blogspot.com/
Thurs, Sept 17	The Book Smugglers	http://thebooksmugglers.com/
Fri, Sept 18	Unleashing Readers	http://www.unleashingreaders.com/
Mon, Sept 21	The Hiding Spot	http://thehidingspot.blogspot.com/
Tues, Sept 22	Proseandkahn	http://proseandkahn.blogspot.com/
Wed, Sept 23	Word Spelunking	http://wordspelunking.blogspot.com/
Thurs, Sept 24	The Book Monsters	http://thebookmonsters.com/
Fri, Sept 25	GreenBeanTeenQueen	http://www.greenbeanteenqueen.com/
Mon, Sept 28	The Haunting of Orchid Forsythia	http://hauntedorchid.blogspot.com/
Tues, Sept 29	Kid Lit Frenzy	http://www.kidlitfrenzy.com/
Wed, Oct 1	Mother Daughter Book Club	http://motherdaughterbookclub.com/

What's New? Stacking the Shelves

Stacking the Shelves is a weekly meme hosted by Tynga's Reviews. Hop on over there to ogle what other bloggers got this week.

For review:

Mayday by Karen Harrington. 342 p. Little, Brown and Company, May 24, 2016. 9780316298001.

Publisher synopsis: Wayne Kovok lives in a world of After. After his uncle in the army was killed overseas. After Wayne and his mother survived a plane crash while coming back from the funeral. After he lost his voice.

Wayne has always used his love of facts to communicate ("Did you know more people die each year from shaking a vending machine than from shark attacks?"). Without his voice, how will he wow the prettiest girl in school? How will he stand up to his drill-sergeant grandfather? And how will he share his hopes with his deadbeat dad? It's not until Wayne loses his voice completely that he realizes how much he doesn't say.

Filled with Karen Harrington's signature heart and humor, Mayday tackles an unforgettable journey of family and friendship.
Man, did I fall in love with Karen Harrington's debut, Sure Signs of Crazy! Her sophomore offering, Courage for Beginners cemented her in my "automatic purchase" category. I am so looking forward to this!

Not if I See You First by Eric Lindstrom. 310 p. Little, Brown and Company, December 1, 2015. 9780316259859.

Publisher synopsis: The Rules:

Don't deceive me. Ever. Especially using my blindness. Especially in public.

Don't help me unless I ask. Otherwise you're just getting in my way or bothering me.

Don't be weird. Seriously, other than having my eyes closed all the time, I'm just like you only smarter.

Parker Grant doesn't need 20/20 vision to see right through you. That's why she created the Rules: Don't treat her any differently just because she's blind, and never take advantage. There will be no second chances. Just ask Scott Kilpatrick, the boy who broke her heart.

When Scott suddenly reappears in her life after being gone for years, Parker knows there's only one way to react-shun him so hard it hurts. She has enough on her mind already, like trying out for the track team (that's right, her eyes don't work but her legs still do), doling out tough-love advice to her painfully naive classmates, and giving herself gold stars for every day she hasn't cried since her dad's death three months ago. But avoiding her past quickly proves impossible, and the more Parker learns about what really happened—both with Scott, and her dad—the more she starts to question if things are always as they seem. Maybe, just maybe, some Rules are meant to be broken.

Combining a fiercely engaging voice with true heart, debut author Eric Lindstrom's Not If I See You First illuminates those blind spots that we all have in life, whether visually impaired or not.

I learned about this at the SLJ SummerTeen a few weeks ago and am very excited to read this!

Waiting on Wednesday: Library of Souls by Ransom Riggs

WoW is a weekly meme hosted by Breaking the Spine in which we share the titles we can't wait to release.

Library of Souls by Ransom Riggs. Miss Peregrine's Peculiar Children series #3. 464 p. Quirk Publishing, September 22, 2015. 

Publisher synopsis: Time is running out for the Peculiar Children. With a dangerous madman on the loose and their beloved Miss Peregrine still in danger, Jacob Portman and Emma Bloom are forced to stage the most daring of rescue missions. They’ll travel through a war-torn landscape, meet new allies, and face greater dangers than ever. . . . Will Jacob come into his own as the hero his fellow Peculiars know him to be? This action-packed adventure features more than 50 all-new Peculiar photographs.

I recently read the first two installments with my ears. While, admittedly, a I lost a bit by not being able to see the photographs, I must say, the performance of book #2 by Kirby Heyborne was absolutely stunning. Not sure how I will read book three but I am so on board, and, kind of glad I don't have to wait. #benefitsofwaiting

Non-Fiction Monday: Egg: nature's perfect package by Steve Jenkins and Robin Page

Egg: nature's perfect package by Steve Jenkins and Robin Page. unpgd. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, March, 2015. 9780547959092. (Purchased)

Eggs may be the perfect protein but they are also the perfect package. Jenkins and Page are back with a gorgeous volume that looks at and explains eggs of all sorts - how big they are; what they look like; how parents protect their potential offspring; and how they are incubated (not all eggs are warmed by parental bodies). As usual, the facts are cogent and interesting and the collage illustrations are gorgeous. Report writers can also consult the backmatter, where thumbnail reproductions of the illustrations are accompanied by additional facts.

Really, spend some time poring over this one. There's so much to absorb and the presentation is so appealing. Books by this husband and wife team are automatic purchases for me and should be for school and public libraries. 

Friday Memes: Trouble is a Friend of Mine by Stephanie Tromly

Book Beginnings is hosted by Rose City Reader and Friday 56 is hosted by Freda's Voice.

Trouble is a Friend of Mine by Stephanie Tromly. 334 p. Kathy Dawson Books/ Penguin Books (USA) LLC, August, 2015. 9780525428404.

Publisher synopsis: Sherlock meets Veronica Mars meets Ferris Bueller’s Day Off in this story of a wisecracking girl who meets a weird but brilliant boy and their roller-coaster of a semester that’s one part awkward, three parts thrilling, and five parts awesome

When Philip Digby first shows up on her doorstep, Zoe Webster is not impressed. He's rude and he treats her like a book he's already read and knows the ending to. But before she knows it, Digby—annoying, brilliant and somehow attractive?—has dragged her into a series of hilarious and dangerous situations all related to an investigation into the kidnapping of a local teenage girl. A kidnapping that may be connected to the tragic disappearance of his own sister eight years ago.

When it comes to Digby, Zoe just can't say no. Digby gets her, even though she barely gets herself. But is Digby a hero, or is his manic quest an indication of a desperate attempt to repair his broken family and exercise his own obsessive compulsive tendencies? 

A romance where the leading man is decidedly unromantic, a crime novel where catching the crook isn't the only hook, a friendship story where they aren't even sure they like each other—this is a contemporary debut with razor-sharp dialogue, ridiculously funny action, and the most charismatic dynamic duo you've ever met. 

First Line(s): Of course I didn't like Digby when I first met him. No one does. He's rude, he doesn't ever take no for an answer, and he treats you like a book he's already read and knows the ending to even if you yourself didn't yet.

Page 56: "Okay-gotta go." Digby grabbed his tray and got up.
     "Where are you going?"
     "Take care of some business. I'll pick you up at your place."
     "I'm not going with you," I said.
     "Okay, great, see you at eight," he said.

Can't remember where I found out about this quirky, funny, suspenseful novel, but I am enjoying it so far.

Blog Tour: That's (Not) Mine by Anna Kang

That's (Not) Mine by Anna Kang. Illustrated by Christopher Weyant. Unpgd. Two Lions/ Amazon Children's Publishing, September 1, 2015. 9781477826393. (Finished copy courtesy of Blue Slip Media for review.)

One of the hardest, most fundamental of early childhood lessons to learn is the concept of sharing. This hilariously simple book conveys this lesson ingeniously and humorously. The same adorable pair of creatures that starred in the author/ illustrator team's Geisel Award-winning debut, You are (Not) Small, return. Big bear is settled into a comfy chair knitting when little bear announces that the chair is "Mine!" 

Little bear asserts that he had been sitting in the chair before as proof of ownership. Big bear blithely announces, "I'm sitting in it now." Little Bear comes up with creative but ultimately disastrous solution and the situation escalates until they apologize to each other and decide to play outside together, whereupon a third creature announces, "That's mine!"

This familiar argument is humorously and energetically illustrated with minimal yet expressive body language and facial expressions. It's sure to be a story-time/ bed-time hit with repeated requests for rereads. It's ingenious in its beautiful simplicity, which perfectly captures the drama but gently imparts the message. Perfectly relatable to all age groups and a valuable addition to elementary and public libraries. Don't miss this gem!

What's New? Stacking the Shelves

Stacking the Shelves is a weekly meme hosted by Tynga's Reviews. Hop on over there to ogle what other bloggers got this week.

For review:

Pete Milano's Guide to Being a Movie Star by Tommy Greenwald. Illustrated by Rebecca Roher. 249 p. Roaring Brook Press, February 16, 2016. 9781626721678.

Publisher synopsis: Pete Milano has always been the class clown and proud of it. What's the point of having friends if you can't make them laugh, right? Even if doing so does have the unfortunate side effect of constantly getting him into trouble. But, for once, Pete's tricks have led him to just the right place at just the right time. Now he's about to become famous, because he's been asked to audition for the hottest new indie movie with the hottest girl costar. But balancing real life with life on set is way harder than it sounds. Will Pete's newfound fame mean losing his girlfriend and all his friends?

You Can't See the Elephants by Susan Kreller. Translated by Elizabeth Gaffney. 179 p. G. P. Putnam's Sons/ Penguin Young Readers Group, October 13, 2015. 9780399172090.

Publisher synopsis: One brave girl takes an extreme step to protect two abused children.

When thirteen-year-old Mascha is sent to her grandparents' for the summer, she spends her days bored and lonely at a nearby playground. There she meets Julia and Max, two young siblings who are incredibly shy and withdrawn. Mascha soon begins to suspect that they are being physically abused by their father, a prominent member of their small community. She tells her grandparents and the authorities, but they all refuse to believe her.

Mascha can’t let the abuse go on, so she takes matters into her own hands. Already an international award winner, this beautifully written novel is a haunting and timely tale.

That's what's new with me. What's new with you?

Friday Memes: Trouble is a Friend of Mine by Stephanie Tromly

Book Beginnings is hosted by Rose City Reader and Friday 56 is hosted by Freda's Voice.

Trouble is a Friend of Mine by Stephanie Tromly. 334 p. Kathy Dawson Books/ Penguin Group (USA) LLC. August, 2015. 9780525428404.

Publisher synopsis: Sherlock meets Veronica Mars meets Ferris Bueller’s Day Off in this story of a wisecracking girl who meets a weird but brilliant boy and their roller-coaster of a semester that’s one part awkward, three parts thrilling, and five parts awesome

When Philip Digby first shows up on her doorstep, Zoe Webster is not impressed. He's rude and he treats her like a book he's already read and knows the ending to. But before she knows it, Digby—annoying, brilliant and somehow attractive?—has dragged her into a series of hilarious and dangerous situations all related to an investigation into the kidnapping of a local teenage girl. A kidnapping that may be connected to the tragic disappearance of his own sister eight years ago.

When it comes to Digby, Zoe just can't say no. Digby gets her, even though she barely gets herself. But is Digby a hero, or is his manic quest an indication of a desperate attempt to repair his broken family and exercise his own obsessive compulsive tendencies? 

A romance where the leading man is decidedly unromantic, a crime novel where catching the crook isn't the only hook, a friendship story where they aren't even sure they like each other—this is a contemporary debut with razor-sharp dialogue, ridiculously funny action, and the most charismatic dynamic duo you've ever met. 

First Line(s): Of course I didn't like Digby when I first met him. No one does. He's rude, he doesn't ever take no for an answer, and he treats you like a book he's already read and knows the ending to even if you yourself didn't yet.

Page 56: What are the chances he;ll give me an F if I complain to the principal?
     Like, a hundred percent. Bur you might as well since he's gonna fail you anyway because you're partners with me."
     "That's just great. So what about my computer?"
     Dominic let Felix looking meserable.
     "Yeah, this is definitely something else." Digby said. "Oh, and...I was about to tell you this morning, when the Children of the Corn jumped us. I read Shell's records. Guess What? Marina saw him right before she disappeared."

I already love this book based just upon the cover/ author jacket info alone. The author photo mimics the cover and the back cover shows a boy in a suit holding binoculars with a female silhouette in the lens. Very cool.