SNEAK PEEK PREVIEW: Darwen Arkwright and the Peregrine Pact

Darwen Arkwright and the Peregrine Pact by A.J. Hartley; published by Razorbill, an imprint of the Penguin Group, New York; 2011.

NOTE: This review is based on a copy provided for free by the publisher through the Early Reviewers program on LibraryThing.com.  The publication information is subject to change.  Expected release date: October 13, 2011.

Darwen Arkwright looks in a mirror given to him by a strange man in a strange store in an Atlanta mall. He sees an alternative universe. Why wouldn’t he? It seems this 12 year old orphan would like to escape his reality–losing his parents, transplanting from his home in England, living with his less-than-maternal aunt, and ditching the weird new private school. Only for Darwen, the alternate world in the mirror is real; it is Silbrica. And there is a dastardly plot afoot to cross the boundaries separating the two worlds which will have dire consequences. Darwen and his new friends, Rich and Alexandra, synergistically combine their talents to make sure the gateway between Silbrica and our reality is not breached.

I was very impressed by the depth of character development and plot in this story. The combination of good-old-adventure and a fantasy world works well as a foil for the real challenges Darwen’s life has thrust upon him. In conquering the fantasy problem, his personal struggles find resolutions. Upper elementary and middle school readers will relish this story and wait impatiently for the next installment…should there be one!

This story seems to reflect themes and worlds from other books (Chronicles of Narnia to Through the Looking Glass) so I would add this to a list of read-alikes for the genre.  Also, in Hartley’s blog, he drops R.L. Stine’s name in regards to this book:

I can say that the latest draft was given a real boost by a round of notes from no less a writer than R.L. Stine (of Goosebumps, among countless other things) who gave me a few very useful pointers about and said some very nice things about the book, some of which I hope will eventually finish up on its cover! Till then, fingers crossed. I’m excited about this book and want to see it in the hands of readers. (Read it here.)

I definitely see a reflection of a Goosebumps or The Haunting Hour television series in this novel.  Fans of R.L. Stine’s series will certainly love this book.  With a release date in mid-October, I expect this to be a popular Halloween read. By the way, the author has a dedicated website for the book, which is expected to be a series of at least 3 books.  Visit the book’s website here: http://darwenarkwright.com/.  Check out the author’s website: http://www.ajhartley.net/.

SNEAK PEEK PREVIEW: Bird in a Box

Bird in a Box by Andrea Davis Pinkney; published by Little, Brown & Co., New York; 2011.

Note: This review is based on an e-book ARC (advance reader copy) provided for free by the publisher.  The publication information is subject to change.  Expected release date: April 12, 2011.

As the images* and names indicate at the beginning of each chapter and sub-chapter, Bird in a Box is a story told from the perspectives of three 12 year olds: Hibernia “Bernie” Lee Tyson, Willie and Otis.  All three have suffered tremendous losses in their young lives.  They all have a few things in common: African-American heritage, Ms. Lila Weiss at the Mercy Home for Negro Orphans, and Joe Louis (The Brown Bomber).  Ms. Pinkney’s historical fiction gives us a glimpse of life for African-Americans during the Depression Era (1936-1937).

For me, one line from “Amazing Grace” kept repeating, almost an earworm, as I read: “I once was lost but now am found.”  Each soul in this book is searching for something, and as the back cover closed, I felt that they had found that something (or at least were on the path to making life better).  This is one uplifting snapshot of American history and will stay with me for a very long time.

Pinkney has succeeded in creating individual voices for the three main characters.  Using vernacular certainly put us in the minds of each.  Quoting real radio coverage of the Brown Bomber’s fights was also an important tool in setting the emotional and physical setting.  In the author’s note at the beginning of the book, the inspiration for the story is divulged; I believe the author has respected her family’s history and let us all sit at the table to hear the stories for ourselves.  In addition to the author’s note at the beginning, the book includes short biographies of each of the real people mentioned in the book.  A list of resources, in print and moving images, will help extend the story for many readers.

I would recommend this to upper elementary aged students (maybe as young as grade 3, definitely for grades 4-6).  Fans of the American Girl series should be encouraged to read this.  And reluctant boy readers will enjoy it from a sports-history perspective.  I would love to see this as a made-for-TV movie at the very least; there is so much heart and history to absorb!

*Final art was not available in the ARC I reviewed.  Any comments are based on the sketches included in the e-book.

13 Treasures is not your mother’s fairy story!

13 Treasures by Michelle Harrison, inside illustrations by Kelly Louise Judd; published by Little, Brown & Company, New York; 2010.

NOTE: This review is based on an ARC (advance reading copy) provided for free by the publisher.  The cover art, below, and the publication information is subject to change.  The book was published in April 2010.

Tanya is tormented by fairies.  They seem bent on getting her into trouble.  And that’s not hard to do, since Tanya is the only person who sees her tormentors.  Tired of what seem like tantrums and anger management issues, Tanya’s mother sends her into the Essex countryside to spend the summer with Grandmother Florence at Elvesden Manor.  With the help of the groundskeeper’s son, Fabian, Tanya unravels a mystery that has tied their families together for more than 50 years, but also runs deep in the fabric of human history.

Please forgive the cross posting!  I have also reviewed this book on my young adult blog, “YA” Need Books, because this story would appeal to young adult readers as well.  Certainly, the publisher is correct in recommending the story to upper elementary readers, but older readers will be smitten with this tale of the darker side of fairies.  You see, not all fairies look, or act, like Tinkerbell.  Their story will send a chill up your spine and entertain at the same time.  I know that readers in fourth and fifth grade will wait in line to read this mystery adventure.

The publisher has created a website with resources to expand the reading experience.  Read more about the author, the book and even play a game at http://www.hachettebookgroup.com/features/13treasures/index.html.  As a librarian, I would include this on pathfinders about fairies.  I’d also use it on a recommended reading list for summer.

SNEAK PEEK PREVIEW: Clara Lee & the Apple Pie Dream redefines “as American as apple pie”

Clara Lee and the Apple Pie Dream by Jenny Han; illustrated by Julia Kuo; published by Little, Brown & Co., New York; tentative publication date: January 4, 2011.

NOTE: This review is based on an ARC (advance reading copy) provided for free by the publisher.  The cover art, below, and the publication information is subject to change.  The book is expected to be released January 4, 2011.

Her sister’s name is Emmeline.  Her best friends are Shayna, Max and Georgina.  Her name is Clara but everyone calls her Clara Lee.  She’s Korean American and she’s in the third grade.  Her grandfather lives with her, Emmeline and their parents.  He doesn’t speak English very well, but he likes to write down words he doesn’t know so he can learn more.  He also is the world’s best dream interpreter.  When Clara Lee has a bad dream, Grandpa tells her that bad dreams bring good luck.  Well, maybe that good luck will help her work up enough courage to give a speech at the auditions for Little Miss Apple Pie, an honor bestowed on the third, fourth or fifth grader who best represents their town in the Apple Pie Festival.  Some of Clara Lee’s classmates don’t think she’s American enough to compete.  Will she ever work up the courage to compete?  What makes someone an American?

I’m always on the lookout for a good multicultural story that relates universal truths of childhood with a lesson in someone else’s culture.  Bingo!  Jenny Han has delivered a delightful story of childhood insecurities (friendships, family, peer pressures) wrapped in a blanket of a Korean immigrant family.  Through Clara Lee, readers learn about typical Korean foods, some superstitions, and family life.  And in the end, all those beautiful cultural differences blend with the cultures of the other families in town revealing what makes a real American.  Hooray for diversity!

Han has successfully given Clara Lee the voice of an eight year old.  When Clara Lee seems to lapse into an adult voice, it can be dismissed as precociousness.  Grandfather’s Korean accent is wonderfully easy to read and understand.  Best of all, the politics of elementary school are distilled into a believable story with a happy ending.

Because the final art was not available in this ARC, I can’t comment on Kuo’s illustrations.  However, if the sketches included at the beginning of the book are any indication, the pictures fit very well with the story.  For early chapter book readers, the illustrations help to reinforce the words, and Kuo appears to have captured that.  I look forward to January, when I can peek at the final art!

I’d include this book in a display in the autumn.  The story opens with a scene depicting the beauty that is fall (my favorite season) and ends with an apple harvest festival.  Teachers or parents will find this an easy read aloud that will segue into discussions about what it means to be part of a community, what it means to be American.  For those reasons, I’d also include it in a list of resources for adoptive families, especially families that opt for international adoption.

Tales from the Crypt #9 is Wickeder

Tales from the Crypt #9: Wickeder by Stefan Petrucha, Maia Kinney-Petrucha, Margo Kinney-Petrucha, Scott
Lobdell, Jim Salicrup, writers; and Diego Jourdan, Rick Parker, James
Romberger, and Marguerite Van Cook, artists; published by Papercutz; 2010.

The Crypt-Keeper returns with his GhouLunatics for the ninth incarnation of twisted tales and peculiar parodies in this graphic novel.  Three tales are introduced by the Crypt-Keeper and friends in ghastly good humor.  The first tale is a sequel.  Because the parody of Diary of a Wimpy Kid was so successful, Glugg returns in “Dead Dog Dies!”  Celebrating his one year death day isn’t all Glugg thought it would be—zombies don’t do gifts.  Thanks to his one living friend, Crowley, Glugg may still have something other than dirt to open.  In the second story, nature takes revenge after an oil spill at an off-shore drilling rig.  “Kill, Baby, Kill!” pits big business, green advocates and a surprise avenger against each other.  Who will win?  The scariest part of this story is how close it hits home.  The graphic novel ends with the Crypt-Keeper’s friend, the Old Witch, presenting a play.  “Wickeder” is based on “Frank N. Balmed’s Wizard of Ooze.”  The story follows Dotty’s trial in the murder of Alfalfa, the Wickeder Witch.  All preconceptions are destroyed in this retelling of a classic story.

Because this graphic novel continues in the Tales of the Crypt tradition, readers will expect a bit of guts and gore with a lot of tongue-in-cheek.  All of that is served with illustrations that seamlessly shift styles to enhance each story.  Add text that delivers shocks and laughs simultaneously and you’ve got a fun read for older tweens.  Parody fans of all ages will find this a satisfying read as well.

For me, the word play was most fun.  The Crypt-Keeper’s puns were fairly obvious but still made me chuckle.  However, the witticisms in the three main stories often had me laughing out, (I apologize to the people sitting near me at library).  That wittiness is why I like this book so much:  I think humor is the best way to coerce reluctant readers into picking up books.  With the humor and terrific art, I expect many reluctant readers will be making friends with the Crypt-Keeper and his GhouLunatics.

I would recommend this book to older tweens that appreciate a little gross-out and a lot of laughs.  Reluctant readers should eat this up, especially those with younger siblings that love Diary of a Wimpy Kid or still put The Wizard of Oz on a continuous play loop on the DVD player.  It’s the perfect addition to the graphic novels in the children’s department at the public library.

More information about the book is available from the publisher at http://www.papercutz.com/crypt/cryptgn9_moreinfo.html.  The Tales from the Crypt series is also represented online at http://www.papercutz.com/tc/tc.html.

(Note: A free copy of this book was provided by the book’s publicist for me to review for Stories for Children Magazine. I include the review here.  Please note that all books I review for Stories for Children Magazine are donated to a local tutoring program for homeless and marginalized families.)

Class Is Not Dismissed! Return to School of Fear

School of Fear: Class Is Not Dismissed! by Gitty Daneshvari; illustrated by Carrie Gifford; pulbished by Little, Brown and Company, New York; 2010.

NOTE: This review is based on an ARC (advance reading copy) provided for free by the publisher.  The cover art, below, and the publication information is subject to change.  Expected release date: September 14, 2010.

A year has passed since Madeleine, Theo, Lulu and Garrison were dismissed from Mrs. Wellington’s School of Fear.  Letters arrive at the homes of all four former students requiring them all to return to School of Fear as their fears have not been fully cured.  When they arrive, they discover a mystery that threatens to shut down the secretive school.  They also learn a fifth student has joined them.  Hyacinth adds her fear of being alone, and her pet ferret Celery, to the idiosyncrasies of the visitors to Summerstone.  Can they overcome their fears and help dear Mrs. Wellington keep the school open?

At first, I figured I was at a great disadvantage having not read the first book in the series.  However, I was pleasantly surprised that this book not only stands on its own, but the author has also cleverly made mention of highlights from book one in concise descriptions that didn’t make me feel left out.  Daneshvari also clearly defines the characters and their quirks completely and quickly, which helped me get up to speed and fall into the story.

If you’re not familiar with Daneshvari’s School of Fear books, she cleverly uses phobias.  Of course, the obvious purpose of the fears is the premise of the story: A woman has created a secretive school in which children are taught to overcome their deepest, darkest fears.  Those fears color their reactions to each other and to the situations presented in the plot.  But fears also act as chapter titles.  Each chapter opens with the line “EVERYONE’S AFRAID OF SOMETHING” which is followed by a name of a phobia and its description.  Somehow, each phobia plays an integral role in the unfolding story in their respective chapters.  For example, the chapter titled “Xanthophobia is the fear of the color yellow” includes villains in yellow sweaters.

While I really enjoyed the use of fears in forming the storylines, the best reason to read this book is the humor.  Because of the laugh-out-loud lines, I would absolutely use this as a read-aloud.  School librarians or teachers could read a chapter or two at a time to students in grades 2-5 or 6.  Each character’s dialog is unique which is great for using voices in reading performance.  Students in grades 3-6 will enjoy reading this series as well.

The publisher has a fun multi-media website dedicated to the series.  Read the Phobia Dictionary, learn about Macaroni (the bulldog), and see the enrollment video.  Other activities are also available on the site: http://www.hachettebookgroup.com/features/enrollinschooloffear/home.html.

Who can tell a story? The Candymakers can!

The Candymakers by Wendy Mass; published by Little, Brown and Company, New York; 2010.

NOTE: This review is based on an ARC (advance reading copy) provided for free by the publisher.  The cover art, below, and the publication information is subject to change.  Expected release date: October 2010.

• Logan: heir to the Sweet’s candy factory who rarely leaves the factory campus.
• Miles: neurotic, eccentric and allergic to everything from bees to the color pink.
• Daisy: giggly girl with unsurpassed strength and a secret life.
• Philip: uptight critic who constantly jots in a journal.

This unlikely quartet is thrown together for an annual candy making challenge for 36 12-year-olds. Groups of four contestants work for three days at one of nine candy factories perfecting their candy inventions to submit for judging.  Although the winning contestant is lavished with a cash prize, notoriety, and the production of their invention, this group finds they have a great deal in common–including a common enemy.  With so many secrets and surprises, will they become a team and save the Sweet’s candy factory?

I found Mass’ storytelling near perfection in this five-part book. Each of the contestants has his or her own section to divulge their secrets and surprises.  Along the way, details are uncovered that ultimately reveal the unbelievable connection between the four.  Using a butterfly to punctuate the ties among the group works for the intended age group (ages 8-12, or grades 3-7) as a subtle way of highlighting events that the reader should remember further into the story. It reminded me of the “butterfly effect” often quoted in chaos theory discussions; although I haven’t really thought that one through as it pertains to this story–just a stream of consciousness observation.

Back to the story:  This is one good adventure with enough unexpected plot twists to keep an independent reader interested.  It does start fairly slowly but the groundwork had to be established before the other three stories could tie in with Logan’s view of events.  However, at 453 pages, I think this is a pretty hefty read for most 8-10 year olds. But with 12-year-old protagonists, it might be a hard sell to many middle schoolers.

How would I use this book in the library?  Well, for starters, I wonder if it’s “kosher” to include a sticker inside the front cover?  Or maybe a bookmark?  See, this book ties in perfectly (IMHO) with The Science Museum of Minnesota’s “Name that Candybar” online exhibit (http://www.thinkingfountain.org/c/crosssection/namethatbar.html).

I also constructed a book bundle around the “Sweet!” theme that included fiction and non-fiction books about chocolate and also included games, activities and a webliography.  This book fits in perfectly with that theme.

This could be included on a list of read alikes for Charlie and the Chocolate Factory or even Ally Carter’s The Gallagher Girls series (for younger readers).

DC Super Heroes unite! Matthew Reinhart strikes again

DC Super Heroes: The Ultimate Pop-Up Book by Matthew Reinhart; published by Little, Brown and Company, New York, 2010.

NOTE: This review is based on an ARC (advance reading copy) provided for free by the publisher.  The cover art, below, and the publication information is subject to change.  Expected release: October 2010.

In the hands of paper engineering marvel Matthew Reinhart, the “super” in these superheroes is revealed in glorious 3-D splendor.  I received a blad (book layout and design) from the publisher, so I only have a single pop-up page to judge.  Well, that’s not quite accurate.  That single page includes 4 mini pages (2 on each side) with such imaginative detail I was floored.  When I first opened the blad, Batman was flying out of Gotham City with determination.  Then I peeked at the mechanical pages on the left and saw a replica of the Batcave and the Batmobile.  To the right, I found Robin and Batgirl in battle poses.  But what blew me away was Joker’s face–he was laughing at me as I opened his demonic page.  Literally laughing, mouth opening and closing with evil glee.  A little terrifying.  A lot impressive.  Priceless.

Oh, I read the story too.  Typical DC Super Hero story and back story.  Seriously, you can get that in a comic book.  You’re going to want this for Reinhart’s art.  And here is where I have a problem with the publisher’s promotion of this book.  The back cover states “For ages 3 and up.”  No way.  Nope.  Just because it’s a pop-up book does not mean it’s for preschoolers.  The storyline alone is for like third grade and up.  It’s more like middle school and up who will get the most from this piece.  So, I definitely would shelve this one with the graphic novels, either for middle schoolers or in young adult.  More likely, I would add it to “must-read” lists for comic book readers, Super Hero fanatics, and anyone who appreciates the intricacies of paper engineering.

Final details about the project can be found at the publisher’s website: http://www.hachettebookgroup.com/kids_books_9780316019989.htm.  According to their site:

Critically acclaimed pop-up engineer Matthew Reinhart celebrates the history, heroes, and villains of the DC Universe in this ultimate 3-D masterpiece! Bursting with over 25 impressive pop-ups, this deluxe format features a variety of unique novelty elements-including a light-up Bat-Signal, a cosmic Justice League of America battle scene, a twirling Lasso of Truth, and a transparent Invisible Jet!

Starring Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, Green Lantern, and many more favorite DC characters, this momentous pop-up exploration releases just in time for DC Comics’ 75th anniversary. With vibrant illustrations, exciting facts, and an eye-catching design, this is an absolute must-have for DC Super Hero fans of all ages!’

Whoa!  I can’t wait to see the twirling Lasso of Truth!  Wonder Woman is the bomb!  Wish they’d included that page in the blad….  I guess that’s the point: Leave ‘em wanting more!  I’ll be checking this one out!

The Adventures of Nanny Piggins finally reaches America

The Adventures of Nanny Piggins by R. A. Spratt; illustrated by Dan Santat; published by Little, Brown and Company, New York; 2010.

Note: This review is based on an Advance Reader Copy (ARC) provided for free from the publisher.  The book is due  on shelves August 16, 2010 (U.S. shelves, that is; Nanny Piggins’ stories have been available in the author’s native Australia since 2009).

Poor Mr. Green.  Widowed when his wife died in a mysterious boating accident, he is left to raise three children on his own.  With his all-consuming law practice, he hasn’t the time or the patience to deal with the daily chores of child-rearing.  One day, after posting a sign in the yard advertising a nanny position, a knock on the door reveals a candidate.  However, she is not a typical nanny.  She is a pig.  The whole hog, as it were.  As Mr. Green is a rather tight-fisted fellow, he hires the porcine nanny when he learns that her hourly rate is ten cents.  What ensues is chapter after chapter of misadventures, led by a pig with no nanny experience.  Seriously, what kid wouldn’t salivate over a sitter serving chocolate in all its delectable forms for meals?  Or who encourages the children to skip school and learn how to chuck things off the roof?

I laughed at comedy-writer Spratt’s nanny.  She’s kind of a cross between Mary Poppins (the children love her) and any Roald Dahl rascal (politically incorrect and comically “off” center).  However, I found the book more of a collection of short stories as each chapter could really stand alone; I found no ease of transition from one adventure to the next.  For that reason, this would most certainly be a perfect book for read alouds to students in grades 3-5.  Teachers should be aware of this tale.  School librarians, often encouraged to read from chapter books to students in upper elementary grades, will find the book an easy choice.

I think older independent readers, perhaps even into grade 8, will enjoy the humor of these misadventures with happy resolutions.  Reluctant readers in grades 4-6 should enjoy this book because the chapters can be read independent of each other.

I imagine a public (or school) library display including this book with, perhaps, Roald Dahl books, the Nanny McPhee books (and movie!), Mary Poppins on DVD, and other stories of fantastical caregivers.

Ling & Ting: Sometimes it’s OK to spot the differences

Ling & Ting: Not Exactly the Same! by Grace Lin; published by Little, Brown and Company, New York; 2010.

Note: This review is based on an uncorrected color proof provided for free by the publisher.  The book is due on shelves July 1, 2010.

Ling and Ting are twins.  Everyone greets them the same way, “You two are exactly the same!”  And the girls reply, “We are not exactly the same.”  Each chapter in this easy reader spotlights a way in which the girls differ.  One girl’s unfortunate sneeze during her haircut results in uneven bangs that are different than her sister’s.  One sister likes her dumplings plump and bumpy, the other creates smooth little pockets.  The genius, for me, is that Grace Lin has found a way to create a readable easy reader that doesn’t condescend as it reminds us that it’s okay to look for differences in people.  We have so many lessons about all people being the same, it’s nice to find a book for younger readers that acknowledges differences, even celebrates them.

Lin’s illustrations match the simple text well.  The bold, black outlines and predominantly primary colors complement the stories.  The polka dots in their dresses on the cover are repeated in the end pages; the girls often wear the polka dotted dresses, which is a simple way of creating an image of the twins and carrying it through the book.  I think it’d be interesting to ask children to point out the similarities and differences between the girls.

Doubtless, this book belongs on the easy reader shelves of school and public libraries.  I’d also be sure it appears on pathfinders about twins.  It also belongs in a reading list of concept books about same-and-different.

By the way: Hats off for diversity; Lin has added much needed diversity to the easy reader/early chapter books shelves.  I wouldn’t be surprised if this won the Theodor Seuss Geisel Award….