You Gotta Read This!
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Title: Red Rising
Author: Pierce Brown Publisher: Del Rey (January 28, 2014) ISBN: 978-0345539809 Genre: Science Fiction Recommended Age Level: YA/New Adult 14+ Awards / Recognitions: Goodreads Choice Awards: Best Debut Goodreads Author 2014 Personal Rating: 5 / 5 Summary: 16-year-old Darrow is a Red, the lowest caste of civilization. He and his people live under the surface of Mars in slavish and hellish conditions in order to mine and harvest the precious element, helium-3, that is needed to terraform the surface of Mars and make it habitable and livable for the rest of humanity. He and his people have been told for generations that they are the pioneers of the planet Mars, and that due to their efforts, they will pave the way for civilization to one day be able to exist on Mars. Hard work and loyalty are rewarded while resistance and rebellion are swiftly and harshly punished. When Darrow’s wife is executed for a mild rebellious act, Darrow decides to exact vengeance on the ruling class, the Golds. He is recruited by a rebel group and quickly learns that his meager existence has all been a cleverly constructed lie in order to keep the Reds passive and complicit. In reality, the Reds are slaves to the large civilizations already on the fully terraformed surface of Mars that has been there for centuries. Sparked by a renewed hatred for the Gold and the structure of the society in which he is now aware of, Darrow is chosen to infiltrate the upper echelon of society in order to overthrow the repressive government. He is genetically and physically augmented in order to look like a Gold, and is admitted into Mars’ most prestigious school. At that point, he is on his own, and must navigate the brutal and ruthless world of the Golds as he and his other “classmates” are put to the ultimate test: a brutal war game that determines the fate of the young people in the top tier of the Golds. Determined to lead his people to a better life, Darrow will stop at nothing to not only survive this competition, but to come out on top to ensure his mission will succeed. Professional Reviews: “The characters are perfectly flawed, causing the reader to feel compassion and revulsion for both sides.” – Cindy Stevens, LibraryReads, 2014 “A fine novel for those who like to immerse themselves in alternative worlds.” – Kirkus Reviews, 2014 “Brown's debut novel is reminiscent of both Suzanne Collins's The Hunger Games and William Goldman's The Lord of the Flies but has a dark and twisted power of its own that will captivate readers and leave them wanting more.” – Jane Henriksen Baird, Library Journal, 2014 “Pierce offers a Hollywood-ready story with plenty of action and thrills.” – Publishers Weekly, 2014 Personal Insights (upon my third re-read): This may just be one of my all-time favorite books and series…. Apparently my two related decals on my Jeep are not enough because I am seriously considering getting a tattoo based on this series. If you enjoy science fiction at all, take the time to read this book, and at least the two books that follow it. (Golden Son and Morning Star). It has been a long time since I have really fallen for a book series…Harry Potter and Eragon are probably the last two that I have felt this sucked into a world and simultaneously wish I could literally jump into the universe but also wipe my memory so I can experience the magic of reading it for the first time all over again! The world-building is fantastic, the characters are layered, flawed, and relatable, and each book somehow manages to get better than the one before it. Pierce Brown, you have outdone yourself. This book was actually one of the first books chosen for the book club that I started over two years ago, and it definitely helped set the tone and momentum to have kept us meeting all this time. For those who ARE interested in reading this series, I do recommend that you start with the original trilogy and see how you like it. The second trilogy, that takes 10 years after the events in book three (a bit like the Star Wars saga), has a very different tone and energy to it. It is still fantastic (at least the two of the three that are currently published) but I want to give the caveat that if you go into reading the second trilogy expecting more of the same compared to the original, you might be a tad disappointed. Below is my original book talk I made over a
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Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card (1985): Andrew "Ender" Wiggin thinks he is playing computer simulated war games; he is, in fact, engaged in something far more desperate. The result of genetic experimentation, Ender may be the military genius Earth desperately needs in a war against an alien enemy seeking to destroy all human life. The only way to find out is to throw Ender into ever harsher training, to chip away and find the diamond inside, or destroy him utterly. Ender Wiggin is six years old when it begins. He will grow up fast.
But Ender is not the only result of the experiment. The war with the Buggers has been raging for a hundred years, and the quest for the perfect general has been underway almost as long. Ender's two older siblings, Peter and Valentine, are every bit as unusual as he is, but in very different ways. While Peter was too uncontrollably violent, Valentine very nearly lacks the capability for violence altogether. Neither was found suitable for the military's purpose. But they are driven by their jealousy of Ender, and by their inbred drive for power. Peter seeks to control the political process, to become a ruler. Valentine's abilities turn more toward the subtle control of the beliefs of commoner and elite alike, through powerfully convincing essays. Hiding their youth and identities behind the anonymity of the computer networks, these two begin working together to shape the destiny of Earth-an Earth that has no future at all if their brother Ender fails. |
Skyward by Brandon Sanderson (2018): Defeated, crushed, and driven almost to extinction, the remnants of the human race are trapped on a planet that is constantly attacked by mysterious alien starfighters. Spensa, a teenage girl living among them, longs to be a pilot. When she discovers the wreckage of an ancient ship, she realizes this dream might be possible—assuming she can repair the ship, navigate flight school, and (perhaps most importantly) persuade the strange machine to help her. Because this ship, uniquely, appears to have a soul.
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Title: The Lion of Mars
Author: Jennifer L. Holm
Publisher: Random House Children’s Books
ISBN13: 978-0-593-12181-8
Genre: Middle Grade, Science Fiction
Topics/Themes: Space colonization, Importance of Community, Bravery
Diversity Tags: Incidental Diversity: main characters are non-white
Recommended Age Level: 9-12
Awards / Recognitions:
Summary (from GoodReads):
Bell has spent his whole life - all eleven years of it - on Mars. But he's still just a regular kid - he loves cats, any kind of cake, and is curious about the secrets the adults in the US colony are keeping. Like, why don't have contact with anyone on the other Mars colonies? Why are they so isolated? When a virus breaks out and the grown-ups all fall ill, Bell and the other children are the only ones who can help. It's up to Bell - a regular kid in a very different world - to uncover the truth and save his family ... and possibly unite an entire planet.
Professional Reviews:
“An unexpectedly cozy work of sf—celebrating science, community, and cooperation—that will have readers feeling right at home on Mars.” – Ronny Khuri, Booklist, 2021
“The characters are endearing, the story is compelling, and the book has a positive but not didactic message. A delightful space adventure.” – Kirkus Reviews, 2021
“Tween science fiction fans will enjoy this realistic-feeling adventure that has humor, warmth, and lots of food for thought about what it would be like to actually live on Mars.” – Andrea Beach, Common Sense Media review, 2021
Personal Insights:
This book was fun, exciting, and touched on some very important lessons that gave it some added depth. Some of these include: 1) The importance of belonging to a community in order to survive and thrive, 2) sharing ideas and resources can make life better for everyone involved, 3) holding on to hurtful and angry feelings from the past can cause you to miss out on important things today, 4) bravery is doing the right thing even when you are scared.
This book has a unique twist in that there is a mysterious illness going around and making all the adults sick, so it is up to the kids to save the day. If my sources are correct, this author wrote the book before the COVID-19 pandemic, but with it being published early 2021, it certainly adds some extra zing and relatability to the story!
This book also seems to be still fairly unknown, with less than 600 rating and 155 reviews on Goodreads. (For reference, all the other books on this Y’GRT have several thousand, if not tens of thousands of ratings and reviews on GoodReads). The only reason I heard about it was from Colby Sharp (teacher and big name in middle grade literature) who I started following on Instagram from this class. So knowing about this book makes you a bit of a literary hipster and you now know about a book that isn’t mainstream!
Author: Jennifer L. Holm
Publisher: Random House Children’s Books
ISBN13: 978-0-593-12181-8
Genre: Middle Grade, Science Fiction
Topics/Themes: Space colonization, Importance of Community, Bravery
Diversity Tags: Incidental Diversity: main characters are non-white
Recommended Age Level: 9-12
Awards / Recognitions:
- Colby Sharp - Recommended Reading: 5/5
Summary (from GoodReads):
Bell has spent his whole life - all eleven years of it - on Mars. But he's still just a regular kid - he loves cats, any kind of cake, and is curious about the secrets the adults in the US colony are keeping. Like, why don't have contact with anyone on the other Mars colonies? Why are they so isolated? When a virus breaks out and the grown-ups all fall ill, Bell and the other children are the only ones who can help. It's up to Bell - a regular kid in a very different world - to uncover the truth and save his family ... and possibly unite an entire planet.
Professional Reviews:
“An unexpectedly cozy work of sf—celebrating science, community, and cooperation—that will have readers feeling right at home on Mars.” – Ronny Khuri, Booklist, 2021
“The characters are endearing, the story is compelling, and the book has a positive but not didactic message. A delightful space adventure.” – Kirkus Reviews, 2021
“Tween science fiction fans will enjoy this realistic-feeling adventure that has humor, warmth, and lots of food for thought about what it would be like to actually live on Mars.” – Andrea Beach, Common Sense Media review, 2021
Personal Insights:
This book was fun, exciting, and touched on some very important lessons that gave it some added depth. Some of these include: 1) The importance of belonging to a community in order to survive and thrive, 2) sharing ideas and resources can make life better for everyone involved, 3) holding on to hurtful and angry feelings from the past can cause you to miss out on important things today, 4) bravery is doing the right thing even when you are scared.
This book has a unique twist in that there is a mysterious illness going around and making all the adults sick, so it is up to the kids to save the day. If my sources are correct, this author wrote the book before the COVID-19 pandemic, but with it being published early 2021, it certainly adds some extra zing and relatability to the story!
This book also seems to be still fairly unknown, with less than 600 rating and 155 reviews on Goodreads. (For reference, all the other books on this Y’GRT have several thousand, if not tens of thousands of ratings and reviews on GoodReads). The only reason I heard about it was from Colby Sharp (teacher and big name in middle grade literature) who I started following on Instagram from this class. So knowing about this book makes you a bit of a literary hipster and you now know about a book that isn’t mainstream!
Below is a book talk from the legend himself, Colby Sharp!
Readalikes (Summaries found on GoodReads)
Space Case by Stuart Gibbs (2014) - Like his fellow lunarnauts—otherwise known as Moonies—living on Moon Base Alpha, twelve-year-old Dashiell Gibson is famous the world over for being one of the first humans to live on the moon.
And he’s bored out of his mind. Kids aren’t allowed on the lunar surface, meaning they’re trapped inside the tiny moon base with next to nothing to occupy their time—and the only other kid Dash’s age spends all his time hooked into virtual reality games. Then Moon Base Alpha’s top scientist turns up dead. Dash senses there’s foul play afoot, but no one believes him. Everyone agrees Dr. Holtz went onto the lunar surface without his helmet properly affixed, simple as that. But Dr. Holtz was on the verge of an important new discovery, Dash finds out, and it’s a secret that could change everything for the Moonies—a secret someone just might kill to keep... |
Mars Evacuees by Sophia McDougall (2014) - The fact that someone had decided I would be safer on Mars, where you could still only SORT OF breathe the air and SORT OF not get sunburned to death, was a sign that the war with the aliens was not going fantastically well.
I’d been worried I was about to be told that my mother’s spacefighter had been shot down, so when I found out that I was being evacuated to Mars, I was pretty calm. And despite everything that happened to me and my friends afterwards, I’d do it all again. because until you’ve been shot at, pursued by terrifying aliens, taught maths by a laser-shooting robot goldfish and tried to save the galaxy, I don’t think you can say that you’ve really lived. If the same thing happens to you, this is my advice: ALWAYS CARRY DUCT TAPE. |
2/14/2021 0 Comments
The Wild Robot by Peter Brown
Title: The Wild Robot
Author: Peter Brown
Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers (2016)
ISBN13: 978-0316381994
Genre: Science Fiction/Fantasy, Middle Grade/Elementary
Topics/Themes: Friendship, Finding your purpose
Diversity Tags:
Recommended Age Level: 7-12
Awards / Recognitions:
Summary: A mysterious crate washes up onto the shore of remote island after a cargo ship is caught in a hurricane, and from within the crate, Roz the robot opens her eyes for the very first time. While her robot brain is programmed to learn and master tasks, she begins to realize that she is not meant to live in the wild, especially since all the local animals view her as a “monster” and are afraid of her because she is so different from them. But when an accident occurs and she rescues an orphaned gosling, she begins to win over the animals as they teach her how to survive and raise her “son”. When catastrophe befalls the island, Roz must use everything she has learned, as well as her own special skills as a robot to help her new friends and family.
Professional Reviews:
“Brown has written a lively tale that is sure to engage young readers.”―The New York Times
“The novel carries a subtle but powerful message about harmony between technology and the natural world, brought to life with painterly prose and eloquent illustrations.”―Financial Times
“Roz may not feel emotions, but young readers certainly will as this tender, captivating tale unfolds.”―The Washington Post
“Brown’s picture books are consistent bestsellers and critically acclaimed. Expect readers to go wild for his robot-themed novel.”―Booklist, starred review
“Thought-provoking and charming.”―Kirkus Reviews, starred review
“This strong debut middle grade novel by the acclaimed picture book author/illustrator is a first purchase for most middle grade collections.”―School Library Journal, starred review
“Simultaneously unsentimental and saturated with feeling.”―Publishers Weekly, starred review
Personal Insights:This is a delightful little story that is simple and straightforward, but at the same time educational and entertaining. Finding the perfect reader for this book might be a bit of a challenge…. The bigger vocabulary is better suited for a more advanced reader, but the simple story is geared more towards younger readers. I think this book would make for a perfect read-aloud for grades 3-4 with its short chapters, likeable characters, and the dead-pan silliness. And who doesn’t love a talking robot and animals?? Not to mention the illustrations throughout the book are beautiful, striking, and a great addition to the story.
Notable Quotes:
“As the robot looked out at the island, it never even occurred to her that she might not belong there. As far as Roz knew, she was home.”
“If you stand in a forest long enough, eventually something will fall on you. And Roz had been standing in the forest long enough.”
“But I do not know how to act like a mother.” “Oh, it’s nothing, you just have to provide the gosling with food and water and shelter, make him feel loved but don’t pamper him too much, keep him away from danger, and make sure he learns to walk and talk and swim and fly and get along with others and look after himself. And that’s really all there is to motherhood!”
Readalikes: (Summaries from GoodReads)
The Last Human by Lee Bacon (2019) - In the future, robots have eliminated humans, and 12-year-old robot XR_935 is just fine with that. Without humans around, there is no war, no pollution, no crime. Every member of society has a purpose. Everything runs smoothly and efficiently. Until the day XR discovers something impossible: a human girl named Emma. Now, Emma must embark on a dangerous voyage with XR and two other robots in search of a mysterious point on a map. But how will they survive in a place where rules are never broken and humans aren’t supposed to exist? And what will they find at the end of their journey?
The Boy, The Boat, and the Beast by Samantha M. Clark (2018) - A boy washes up on a mysterious, seemingly uninhabited beach. Who is he? How did he get there? The boy can’t remember. When he sees a light shining over the foreboding wall of trees that surrounds the shore, he decides to follow it, in the hopes that it will lead him to answers. The boy’s journey is a struggle for survival and a search for the truth—a terrifying truth that once uncovered, will force him to face his greatest fear of all if he is to go home.
Brambleheart: A Story About Finding Treasure and the Unexpected Magic of Friendship by Henry Cole (2016) - Twig has always wondered who he will become. In the Hill, everyone studies a craft and becomes a master’s Apprentice, but first you have to be good at something.
Twig tries very hard in all his classes, but his imagination wanders to his favorite books or the delicious mayapples growing beyond the scavenge yard...and then he loses his focus.
Unsure he’ll ever amount to anything, Twig sets out on a journey to discover himself. However, instead of finding answers, he stumbles upon a strangely colored globe that contains a curious secret.
Protecting his secret is all Twig wants to do. But when he learns that his secret might hurt others, he’s forced to make a choice between his place in the world and the feelings in his heart.
Author: Peter Brown
Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers (2016)
ISBN13: 978-0316381994
Genre: Science Fiction/Fantasy, Middle Grade/Elementary
Topics/Themes: Friendship, Finding your purpose
Diversity Tags:
Recommended Age Level: 7-12
Awards / Recognitions:
- A New York Times Bestseller
- An IndieBound Bestseller
- An Entertainment Weekly Best MG Book of the Year
- An Amazon Best Book of the Year Top Pick
- ALA Notable Book for Children
- New York Public Library Best Books for Kids Pick
- Kirkus Best Children’s of the Year Pick
- School Library Journal Best of the Year Pick
Summary: A mysterious crate washes up onto the shore of remote island after a cargo ship is caught in a hurricane, and from within the crate, Roz the robot opens her eyes for the very first time. While her robot brain is programmed to learn and master tasks, she begins to realize that she is not meant to live in the wild, especially since all the local animals view her as a “monster” and are afraid of her because she is so different from them. But when an accident occurs and she rescues an orphaned gosling, she begins to win over the animals as they teach her how to survive and raise her “son”. When catastrophe befalls the island, Roz must use everything she has learned, as well as her own special skills as a robot to help her new friends and family.
Professional Reviews:
“Brown has written a lively tale that is sure to engage young readers.”―The New York Times
“The novel carries a subtle but powerful message about harmony between technology and the natural world, brought to life with painterly prose and eloquent illustrations.”―Financial Times
“Roz may not feel emotions, but young readers certainly will as this tender, captivating tale unfolds.”―The Washington Post
“Brown’s picture books are consistent bestsellers and critically acclaimed. Expect readers to go wild for his robot-themed novel.”―Booklist, starred review
“Thought-provoking and charming.”―Kirkus Reviews, starred review
“This strong debut middle grade novel by the acclaimed picture book author/illustrator is a first purchase for most middle grade collections.”―School Library Journal, starred review
“Simultaneously unsentimental and saturated with feeling.”―Publishers Weekly, starred review
Personal Insights:This is a delightful little story that is simple and straightforward, but at the same time educational and entertaining. Finding the perfect reader for this book might be a bit of a challenge…. The bigger vocabulary is better suited for a more advanced reader, but the simple story is geared more towards younger readers. I think this book would make for a perfect read-aloud for grades 3-4 with its short chapters, likeable characters, and the dead-pan silliness. And who doesn’t love a talking robot and animals?? Not to mention the illustrations throughout the book are beautiful, striking, and a great addition to the story.
Notable Quotes:
“As the robot looked out at the island, it never even occurred to her that she might not belong there. As far as Roz knew, she was home.”
“If you stand in a forest long enough, eventually something will fall on you. And Roz had been standing in the forest long enough.”
“But I do not know how to act like a mother.” “Oh, it’s nothing, you just have to provide the gosling with food and water and shelter, make him feel loved but don’t pamper him too much, keep him away from danger, and make sure he learns to walk and talk and swim and fly and get along with others and look after himself. And that’s really all there is to motherhood!”
Readalikes: (Summaries from GoodReads)
The Last Human by Lee Bacon (2019) - In the future, robots have eliminated humans, and 12-year-old robot XR_935 is just fine with that. Without humans around, there is no war, no pollution, no crime. Every member of society has a purpose. Everything runs smoothly and efficiently. Until the day XR discovers something impossible: a human girl named Emma. Now, Emma must embark on a dangerous voyage with XR and two other robots in search of a mysterious point on a map. But how will they survive in a place where rules are never broken and humans aren’t supposed to exist? And what will they find at the end of their journey?
The Boy, The Boat, and the Beast by Samantha M. Clark (2018) - A boy washes up on a mysterious, seemingly uninhabited beach. Who is he? How did he get there? The boy can’t remember. When he sees a light shining over the foreboding wall of trees that surrounds the shore, he decides to follow it, in the hopes that it will lead him to answers. The boy’s journey is a struggle for survival and a search for the truth—a terrifying truth that once uncovered, will force him to face his greatest fear of all if he is to go home.
Brambleheart: A Story About Finding Treasure and the Unexpected Magic of Friendship by Henry Cole (2016) - Twig has always wondered who he will become. In the Hill, everyone studies a craft and becomes a master’s Apprentice, but first you have to be good at something.
Twig tries very hard in all his classes, but his imagination wanders to his favorite books or the delicious mayapples growing beyond the scavenge yard...and then he loses his focus.
Unsure he’ll ever amount to anything, Twig sets out on a journey to discover himself. However, instead of finding answers, he stumbles upon a strangely colored globe that contains a curious secret.
Protecting his secret is all Twig wants to do. But when he learns that his secret might hurt others, he’s forced to make a choice between his place in the world and the feelings in his heart.
4/29/2020 0 Comments
Story Thieves by James Riley
Title: Story Thieves (Story Thieves series #1)
Author: James Riley
Publisher: Aladdin (December 15, 2015)
ISBN13: 978-1481409209
Genre: Fantasy/Sci-Fi, Action/Adventure
Topics/Themes: Personal Identity, The Power of Stories, Imagination
Recommended Age Level: 9-13
Awards / Recognitions:
Summary: Owen Connors’ life is incredibly boring. Between school, homework, and chores, he wishes with his whole heart that real life could be more like his favorite books, and that he could have the life of his favorite character, Kiel Gnomenfoot (a boy wizard-in-training who fights a mad scientist trying to wipe out the world of magic in the name of science). All that changes when he accidentally witnesses a girl in his class, Bethany Sanderson, climbing OUT of a book while they are in the library his mother runs. As impossible as it seems, Owen discovers that Bethany is half-fictional herself and that she has been searching through books in order to find her missing father. In exchange for keeping Bethany’s secret, Owen makes a deal that she has to take him into any one book of his choice. His obvious choice is the Kiel Gnomenfoot series, since it’s been his lifelong dream to visit, and Bethany tentatively agrees. But as he soon finds out, his ENTIRE dream may yet come true as he gets stuck in the story and is forced to live out Kiel Gnomenfoot’s final adventure, regardless of how it ends.
Professional Reviews:
“A droll and clever opener likely to leave readers breathless both with laughter and anticipation.” – Kirkus Reviews 2014
“Aimed at avid readers (the Kiel stories are a spoof of the Harry Potter books), this series starter is packed with humor, adventure, and twists, and it bodes quite well for the second volume. Giddy, book -based fun.” – Sarah Bean Thompson, Booklist 2014
Personal Insights: This book (and the entire five book series) absolutely blew me away. This book was recommended indirectly when someone in one of my classes offhandedly mentioned their love of the author, James Riley, and I figured I would give it a chance. I am SO glad I did because I now own the entire series, am forcing my wife to read them as well, and I will be definitely recommending this series to any middle school kids that are looking for something fun and exciting.
This story can be appreciated on so many levels: for kids who are already avid readers, they will love the nods and homages to famous books and other nerdy bookish things. For those who are more reluctant readers, the nonstop action and dry wit humor will capture the love of kids who don’t like reading the slower paced and realistic fiction that is often required reading in school. The characters are well developed and appealing, the storyline is brilliant and witty (and also incredibly meta!), and my attention was captured for every last page, which is a considerable claim given that each book in the series is at least 350 pages.
Added audiobook review: I finished this book as a hybrid of audiobook and reading the physical book (which is the first time I’ve tried that) and the narrator, Kirby Heyborne, performed fantastically and played each character better than I could have imagined them in my own head. Very much worth your time to listen to this book in audiobook format if that is your preference!
Notable Quotes:
“The second rule they taught us in librarian school is that you can have as many favorite books as there are books.”
"Don't worry. Maybe you just haven't found your favorite book yet. I honestly don't think anyone has. Just when you think you might have a favorite, something better comes along."
“Why imagine a world in your head when you could just go visit another one in a book?”
“Embrace the impossible! Find the magic within! BE MORE FICTIONAL.”
"You don't ever speak to me again, do you understand? And if you ever tell anyone about me, I'll find the deepest, darkest math book I can find, and drop you into the most boring part!"
Readalikes: (Summaries from GoodReads)
If you liked this book, you HAVE to read the rest of the series. Seriously, start there. It only gets better, and there are 4 more books to read!!
The Revenge of Magic (The Revenge of Magic series #1) by James Riley (2019) - Thirteen years ago, books of magic were discovered in various sites around the world alongside the bones of dragons. Only those born after “Discovery Day” have the power to use the magic.
Now, on a vacation to Washington, DC, Fort Fitzgerald’s father is lost when a giant creature bursts through the earth, attacking the city. Fort is devastated, until an opportunity for justice arrives six months later, when a man named Dr. Opps invites Fort to a government run school, the Oppenheimer School, to learn magic from those same books.
But life’s no easier at the school, where secrets abound. What does Jia, Fort’s tutor, know about the attacks? Why does Rachel, master of destructive magic, think Fort is out to destroy the school? And why is Fort seeing memories of an expelled girl every time he goes to sleep? If Fort doesn’t find out what’s hiding within the Oppenheimer School, more attacks will come, and this time, nothing will stop them!
The Wishing Spell (The Land of Stories series #1) by Chris Colfer and Brandon Dorman (2012) - Alex and Conner Bailey's world is about to change, in this fast-paced adventure that uniquely combines our modern day world with the enchanting realm of classic fairy tales.
The Land of Stories tells the tale of twins Alex and Conner. Through the mysterious powers of a cherished book of stories, they leave their world behind and find themselves in a foreign land full of wonder and magic where they come face-to-face with the fairy tale characters they grew up reading about.
But after a series of encounters with witches, wolves, goblins, and trolls alike, getting back home is going to be harder than they thought.
Book Scavenger (Book Scavenger series #1) by Jennifer Chambliss Bertman and Sarah Watts (2015) - A hidden book. A found cipher. A game begins . . . .
Twelve-year-old Emily is on the move again. Her family is relocating to San Francisco, home of her literary idol: Garrison Griswold, creator of the online sensation Book Scavenger, a game where books are hidden all over the country and clues to find them are revealed through puzzles. But Emily soon learns that Griswold has been attacked and is in a coma, and no one knows anything about the epic new game he had been poised to launch. Then Emily and her new friend James discover an odd book, which they come to believe is from Griswold and leads to a valuable prize. But there are others on the hunt for this book, and Emily and James must race to solve the puzzles Griswold left behind before Griswold's attackers make them their next target.
Author: James Riley
Publisher: Aladdin (December 15, 2015)
ISBN13: 978-1481409209
Genre: Fantasy/Sci-Fi, Action/Adventure
Topics/Themes: Personal Identity, The Power of Stories, Imagination
Recommended Age Level: 9-13
Awards / Recognitions:
- MSTA Reading Circle List
Summary: Owen Connors’ life is incredibly boring. Between school, homework, and chores, he wishes with his whole heart that real life could be more like his favorite books, and that he could have the life of his favorite character, Kiel Gnomenfoot (a boy wizard-in-training who fights a mad scientist trying to wipe out the world of magic in the name of science). All that changes when he accidentally witnesses a girl in his class, Bethany Sanderson, climbing OUT of a book while they are in the library his mother runs. As impossible as it seems, Owen discovers that Bethany is half-fictional herself and that she has been searching through books in order to find her missing father. In exchange for keeping Bethany’s secret, Owen makes a deal that she has to take him into any one book of his choice. His obvious choice is the Kiel Gnomenfoot series, since it’s been his lifelong dream to visit, and Bethany tentatively agrees. But as he soon finds out, his ENTIRE dream may yet come true as he gets stuck in the story and is forced to live out Kiel Gnomenfoot’s final adventure, regardless of how it ends.
Professional Reviews:
“A droll and clever opener likely to leave readers breathless both with laughter and anticipation.” – Kirkus Reviews 2014
“Aimed at avid readers (the Kiel stories are a spoof of the Harry Potter books), this series starter is packed with humor, adventure, and twists, and it bodes quite well for the second volume. Giddy, book -based fun.” – Sarah Bean Thompson, Booklist 2014
Personal Insights: This book (and the entire five book series) absolutely blew me away. This book was recommended indirectly when someone in one of my classes offhandedly mentioned their love of the author, James Riley, and I figured I would give it a chance. I am SO glad I did because I now own the entire series, am forcing my wife to read them as well, and I will be definitely recommending this series to any middle school kids that are looking for something fun and exciting.
This story can be appreciated on so many levels: for kids who are already avid readers, they will love the nods and homages to famous books and other nerdy bookish things. For those who are more reluctant readers, the nonstop action and dry wit humor will capture the love of kids who don’t like reading the slower paced and realistic fiction that is often required reading in school. The characters are well developed and appealing, the storyline is brilliant and witty (and also incredibly meta!), and my attention was captured for every last page, which is a considerable claim given that each book in the series is at least 350 pages.
Added audiobook review: I finished this book as a hybrid of audiobook and reading the physical book (which is the first time I’ve tried that) and the narrator, Kirby Heyborne, performed fantastically and played each character better than I could have imagined them in my own head. Very much worth your time to listen to this book in audiobook format if that is your preference!
Notable Quotes:
“The second rule they taught us in librarian school is that you can have as many favorite books as there are books.”
"Don't worry. Maybe you just haven't found your favorite book yet. I honestly don't think anyone has. Just when you think you might have a favorite, something better comes along."
“Why imagine a world in your head when you could just go visit another one in a book?”
“Embrace the impossible! Find the magic within! BE MORE FICTIONAL.”
"You don't ever speak to me again, do you understand? And if you ever tell anyone about me, I'll find the deepest, darkest math book I can find, and drop you into the most boring part!"
Readalikes: (Summaries from GoodReads)
If you liked this book, you HAVE to read the rest of the series. Seriously, start there. It only gets better, and there are 4 more books to read!!
The Revenge of Magic (The Revenge of Magic series #1) by James Riley (2019) - Thirteen years ago, books of magic were discovered in various sites around the world alongside the bones of dragons. Only those born after “Discovery Day” have the power to use the magic.
Now, on a vacation to Washington, DC, Fort Fitzgerald’s father is lost when a giant creature bursts through the earth, attacking the city. Fort is devastated, until an opportunity for justice arrives six months later, when a man named Dr. Opps invites Fort to a government run school, the Oppenheimer School, to learn magic from those same books.
But life’s no easier at the school, where secrets abound. What does Jia, Fort’s tutor, know about the attacks? Why does Rachel, master of destructive magic, think Fort is out to destroy the school? And why is Fort seeing memories of an expelled girl every time he goes to sleep? If Fort doesn’t find out what’s hiding within the Oppenheimer School, more attacks will come, and this time, nothing will stop them!
The Wishing Spell (The Land of Stories series #1) by Chris Colfer and Brandon Dorman (2012) - Alex and Conner Bailey's world is about to change, in this fast-paced adventure that uniquely combines our modern day world with the enchanting realm of classic fairy tales.
The Land of Stories tells the tale of twins Alex and Conner. Through the mysterious powers of a cherished book of stories, they leave their world behind and find themselves in a foreign land full of wonder and magic where they come face-to-face with the fairy tale characters they grew up reading about.
But after a series of encounters with witches, wolves, goblins, and trolls alike, getting back home is going to be harder than they thought.
Book Scavenger (Book Scavenger series #1) by Jennifer Chambliss Bertman and Sarah Watts (2015) - A hidden book. A found cipher. A game begins . . . .
Twelve-year-old Emily is on the move again. Her family is relocating to San Francisco, home of her literary idol: Garrison Griswold, creator of the online sensation Book Scavenger, a game where books are hidden all over the country and clues to find them are revealed through puzzles. But Emily soon learns that Griswold has been attacked and is in a coma, and no one knows anything about the epic new game he had been poised to launch. Then Emily and her new friend James discover an odd book, which they come to believe is from Griswold and leads to a valuable prize. But there are others on the hunt for this book, and Emily and James must race to solve the puzzles Griswold left behind before Griswold's attackers make them their next target.
The official book trailer! |
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2/4/2020 0 Comments
Scythe by Neal Shusterman
Title: Scythe
Author: Neal Shusterman
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers (November 22, 2016)
ISBN: 978-1442472426
Genre: Science Fiction
Recommended Age Level: YA 13-18
Awards / Recognitions:
Summary: In the future, humans have conquered death. No more dying, no more disease, no more crime, all thanks to the Thunderhead, an omniscient evolution of AI and "the cloud". Humans have handed the reigns for control and leadership of just about every facet of life over to the Thunderhead, from government to entertainment, from jobs to healthcare, and in exchange the Thunderhead has created a utopia, a literal heaven on earth, where humans can live out their lives in blissful paradise for as long as they please. In a world where people live indefinitely, overpopulation is the only concern, and the only facet of life that the Thunderhead does not control. Enter the Scythes, an organization of people feared, yet treated like celebrities, whose sole job is to "glean" people to keep the population in check. When someone is gleaned that is the only permanent and irreversible death that a human faces. When two teens, Citra and Rowan, are each paid a visit from a well-known Scythe, the last thing they expect and the last thing either of them wants, is to be offered an apprenticeship to become Scythes themselves. They are immediately thrown into a vastly different world, both competing against each other and having to rely on each other as they are trained to become masters of death. Their morals are tested as they come to find that the world of Scythes is far more complicated, and far more corrupt, than anyone on the outside can imagine. Citra and Rowan find themselves in the middle of a growing schism between two factions, and their training and apprenticeship end up becoming a major tipping point in the outcome of this play for power. Neal Shusterman, in this award-winning series opener, pushes boundaries and forces the reader to confront some deep philosophical questions about the roots of our own humanity. "In a world without death, what becomes of life? Instead of exploring the ways in which men are monsters, this book deals in what happens to men when there are no monsters. When our reach does not exceed our grasp, when comfort is more easily obtained than struggle, when our essential humanity doesn’t burn out but becomes slowly irrelevant, what becomes of us?" (Reagan, 2016)
Reagan, M. (2016, November 22). Where Lives Are Long and Death Is Gone: Neal Shusterman’s SCYTHE. Booklist. Retrieved from https://www.booklistreader.com/2016/11/22/books-and-authors/where-lives-are-long-and-death-is-gone-neal-shustermans-scythe/
Readalikes: (Summaries from GoodReads)
Unwind by Neal Shusterman (2007): The Second Civil War was fought over reproductive rights. The chilling resolution: Life is inviolable from the moment of conception until age thirteen. Between the ages of thirteen and eighteen, however, parents can have their child "unwound," whereby all of the child's organs are transplanted into different donors, so life doesn't technically end. Connor is too difficult for his parents to control. Risa, a ward of the state, is not enough to be kept alive. And Lev is a tithe, a child conceived and raised to be unwound. Together, they may have a chance to escape and to survive.
Illuminae by Amie Kaufman (2015): Kady thought breaking up with Ezra was the worst thing she'd ever been through. That was before her planet was invaded. Now, with enemy fire raining down on them, Kady and Ezra are forced to fight their way onto one of the evacuating craft, with an enemy warship in hot pursuit. But the warship could be the least of their problems. A deadly plague has broken out and is mutating, with terrifying results; the fleet's AI, which should be protecting them, may actually be their biggest threat; and nobody in charge will say what's really going on. As Kady plunges into a web of data hacking to get to the truth, it's clear only one person can help her bring it all to light: Ezra.
Tuck Everlasting by Natalie Babbitt (1975): Doomed to - or blessed with - eternal life after drinking from a magic spring, the Tuck family wanders about trying to live as inconspicuously and comfortably as they can. When ten-year-old Winnie Foster stumbles on their secret, the Tucks take her home and explain why living forever at one age is less a blessing that it might seem. Complications arise when Winnie is followed by a stranger who wants to market the spring water for a fortune.
Author: Neal Shusterman
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers (November 22, 2016)
ISBN: 978-1442472426
Genre: Science Fiction
Recommended Age Level: YA 13-18
Awards / Recognitions:
- ALA Michael L. Printz Award Honor Book
- ALA/YALSA Best Fiction for Young Adults - Top Ten
- ALA Quick Picks for Reluctant Young Adult Readers
- Indiana Young Hoosier Book Award Winner
Summary: In the future, humans have conquered death. No more dying, no more disease, no more crime, all thanks to the Thunderhead, an omniscient evolution of AI and "the cloud". Humans have handed the reigns for control and leadership of just about every facet of life over to the Thunderhead, from government to entertainment, from jobs to healthcare, and in exchange the Thunderhead has created a utopia, a literal heaven on earth, where humans can live out their lives in blissful paradise for as long as they please. In a world where people live indefinitely, overpopulation is the only concern, and the only facet of life that the Thunderhead does not control. Enter the Scythes, an organization of people feared, yet treated like celebrities, whose sole job is to "glean" people to keep the population in check. When someone is gleaned that is the only permanent and irreversible death that a human faces. When two teens, Citra and Rowan, are each paid a visit from a well-known Scythe, the last thing they expect and the last thing either of them wants, is to be offered an apprenticeship to become Scythes themselves. They are immediately thrown into a vastly different world, both competing against each other and having to rely on each other as they are trained to become masters of death. Their morals are tested as they come to find that the world of Scythes is far more complicated, and far more corrupt, than anyone on the outside can imagine. Citra and Rowan find themselves in the middle of a growing schism between two factions, and their training and apprenticeship end up becoming a major tipping point in the outcome of this play for power. Neal Shusterman, in this award-winning series opener, pushes boundaries and forces the reader to confront some deep philosophical questions about the roots of our own humanity. "In a world without death, what becomes of life? Instead of exploring the ways in which men are monsters, this book deals in what happens to men when there are no monsters. When our reach does not exceed our grasp, when comfort is more easily obtained than struggle, when our essential humanity doesn’t burn out but becomes slowly irrelevant, what becomes of us?" (Reagan, 2016)
Reagan, M. (2016, November 22). Where Lives Are Long and Death Is Gone: Neal Shusterman’s SCYTHE. Booklist. Retrieved from https://www.booklistreader.com/2016/11/22/books-and-authors/where-lives-are-long-and-death-is-gone-neal-shustermans-scythe/
Readalikes: (Summaries from GoodReads)
Unwind by Neal Shusterman (2007): The Second Civil War was fought over reproductive rights. The chilling resolution: Life is inviolable from the moment of conception until age thirteen. Between the ages of thirteen and eighteen, however, parents can have their child "unwound," whereby all of the child's organs are transplanted into different donors, so life doesn't technically end. Connor is too difficult for his parents to control. Risa, a ward of the state, is not enough to be kept alive. And Lev is a tithe, a child conceived and raised to be unwound. Together, they may have a chance to escape and to survive.
Illuminae by Amie Kaufman (2015): Kady thought breaking up with Ezra was the worst thing she'd ever been through. That was before her planet was invaded. Now, with enemy fire raining down on them, Kady and Ezra are forced to fight their way onto one of the evacuating craft, with an enemy warship in hot pursuit. But the warship could be the least of their problems. A deadly plague has broken out and is mutating, with terrifying results; the fleet's AI, which should be protecting them, may actually be their biggest threat; and nobody in charge will say what's really going on. As Kady plunges into a web of data hacking to get to the truth, it's clear only one person can help her bring it all to light: Ezra.
Tuck Everlasting by Natalie Babbitt (1975): Doomed to - or blessed with - eternal life after drinking from a magic spring, the Tuck family wanders about trying to live as inconspicuously and comfortably as they can. When ten-year-old Winnie Foster stumbles on their secret, the Tucks take her home and explain why living forever at one age is less a blessing that it might seem. Complications arise when Winnie is followed by a stranger who wants to market the spring water for a fortune.
Below is my own personal book talk
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Below is the official book trailer
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2/4/2020 0 Comments
Red Rising by Pierce Brown
Title: Red Rising
Author: Pierce Brown
Publisher: Del Rey (January 28, 2014)
ISBN: 978-0345539809
Genre: Science Fiction
Recommended Age Level: YA/New Adult 14+
Awards / Recognitions: Goodreads Choice Awards: Best Debut Goodreads Author
Personal Rating: 5 / 5
Summary: 16-year-old Darrow is a Red, the lowest caste of civilization. He and his people live under the surface of Mars in slavish and hellish conditions in order to mine and harvest the precious element, helium-3, that is needed to terraform the surface of Mars and make it habitable and livable for the rest of humanity. He and his people have been told for generations that they are the pioneers of the planet Mars, and that due to their efforts, they will pave the way for civilization to one day be able to exist on Mars. Hard work and loyalty are rewarded while resistance and rebellion are swiftly and harshly punished. When Darrow’s wife is executed for a mild rebellious act, Darrow decides to exact vengeance on the ruling class, the Golds. He is recruited by a rebel group and quickly learns that his meager existence has all been a cleverly constructed lie in order to keep the Reds passive and complicit. In reality, the Reds are slaves to the large civilizations already on the fully terraformed surface of Mars that has been there for centuries. Sparked by a renewed hatred for the Gold and the structure of the society in which he is now aware of, Darrow is chosen to infiltrate the upper echelon of society in order to overthrow the repressive government. He is genetically and physically augmented in order to look like a Gold, and is admitted into Mars’ most prestigious school. At that point, he is on his own, and must navigate the brutal and ruthless world of the Golds as he and his other “classmates” are put to the ultimate test: a brutal war game that determines the fate of the young people in the top tier of the Golds. Determined to lead his people to a better life, Darrow will stop at nothing to not only survive this competition, but to come out on top to ensure his mission will succeed.
Readalikes: (Summaries from GoodReads)
The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins (2008): In the ruins of a place once known as North America lies the nation of Panem, a shining Capitol surrounded by twelve outlying districts. The Capitol is harsh and cruel and keeps the districts in line by forcing them all to send one boy and one girl between the ages of twelve and eighteen to participate in the annual Hunger Games, a fight to the death on live TV. Sixteen-year-old Katniss Everdeen, who lives alone with her mother and younger sister, regards it as a death sentence when she is forced to represent her district in the Games. But Katniss has been close to dead before - and survival, for her, is second nature. Without really meaning to, she becomes a contender. But if she is to win, she will have to start making choices that weigh survival against humanity and life against love.
Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card (1985): Andrew "Ender" Wiggin thinks he is playing computer simulated war games; he is, in fact, engaged in something far more desperate. The result of genetic experimentation, Ender may be the military genius Earth desperately needs in a war against an alien enemy seeking to destroy all human life. The only way to find out is to throw Ender into ever harsher training, to chip away and find the diamond inside, or destroy him utterly. Ender Wiggin is six years old when it begins. He will grow up fast.
But Ender is not the only result of the experiment. The war with the Buggers has been raging for a hundred years, and the quest for the perfect general has been underway almost as long. Ender's two older siblings, Peter and Valentine, are every bit as unusual as he is, but in very different ways. While Peter was too uncontrollably violent, Valentine very nearly lacks the capability for violence altogether. Neither was found suitable for the military's purpose. But they are driven by their jealousy of Ender, and by their inbred drive for power. Peter seeks to control the political process, to become a ruler. Valentine's abilities turn more toward the subtle control of the beliefs of commoner and elite alike, through powerfully convincing essays. Hiding their youth and identities behind the anonymity of the computer networks, these two begin working together to shape the destiny of Earth-an Earth that has no future at all if their brother Ender fails.
Skyward by Brandon Sanderson (2018): Defeated, crushed, and driven almost to extinction, the remnants of the human race are trapped on a planet that is constantly attacked by mysterious alien starfighters. Spensa, a teenage girl living among them, longs to be a pilot. When she discovers the wreckage of an ancient ship, she realizes this dream might be possible—assuming she can repair the ship, navigate flight school, and (perhaps most importantly) persuade the strange machine to help her. Because this ship, uniquely, appears to have a soul.
Author: Pierce Brown
Publisher: Del Rey (January 28, 2014)
ISBN: 978-0345539809
Genre: Science Fiction
Recommended Age Level: YA/New Adult 14+
Awards / Recognitions: Goodreads Choice Awards: Best Debut Goodreads Author
Personal Rating: 5 / 5
Summary: 16-year-old Darrow is a Red, the lowest caste of civilization. He and his people live under the surface of Mars in slavish and hellish conditions in order to mine and harvest the precious element, helium-3, that is needed to terraform the surface of Mars and make it habitable and livable for the rest of humanity. He and his people have been told for generations that they are the pioneers of the planet Mars, and that due to their efforts, they will pave the way for civilization to one day be able to exist on Mars. Hard work and loyalty are rewarded while resistance and rebellion are swiftly and harshly punished. When Darrow’s wife is executed for a mild rebellious act, Darrow decides to exact vengeance on the ruling class, the Golds. He is recruited by a rebel group and quickly learns that his meager existence has all been a cleverly constructed lie in order to keep the Reds passive and complicit. In reality, the Reds are slaves to the large civilizations already on the fully terraformed surface of Mars that has been there for centuries. Sparked by a renewed hatred for the Gold and the structure of the society in which he is now aware of, Darrow is chosen to infiltrate the upper echelon of society in order to overthrow the repressive government. He is genetically and physically augmented in order to look like a Gold, and is admitted into Mars’ most prestigious school. At that point, he is on his own, and must navigate the brutal and ruthless world of the Golds as he and his other “classmates” are put to the ultimate test: a brutal war game that determines the fate of the young people in the top tier of the Golds. Determined to lead his people to a better life, Darrow will stop at nothing to not only survive this competition, but to come out on top to ensure his mission will succeed.
Readalikes: (Summaries from GoodReads)
The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins (2008): In the ruins of a place once known as North America lies the nation of Panem, a shining Capitol surrounded by twelve outlying districts. The Capitol is harsh and cruel and keeps the districts in line by forcing them all to send one boy and one girl between the ages of twelve and eighteen to participate in the annual Hunger Games, a fight to the death on live TV. Sixteen-year-old Katniss Everdeen, who lives alone with her mother and younger sister, regards it as a death sentence when she is forced to represent her district in the Games. But Katniss has been close to dead before - and survival, for her, is second nature. Without really meaning to, she becomes a contender. But if she is to win, she will have to start making choices that weigh survival against humanity and life against love.
Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card (1985): Andrew "Ender" Wiggin thinks he is playing computer simulated war games; he is, in fact, engaged in something far more desperate. The result of genetic experimentation, Ender may be the military genius Earth desperately needs in a war against an alien enemy seeking to destroy all human life. The only way to find out is to throw Ender into ever harsher training, to chip away and find the diamond inside, or destroy him utterly. Ender Wiggin is six years old when it begins. He will grow up fast.
But Ender is not the only result of the experiment. The war with the Buggers has been raging for a hundred years, and the quest for the perfect general has been underway almost as long. Ender's two older siblings, Peter and Valentine, are every bit as unusual as he is, but in very different ways. While Peter was too uncontrollably violent, Valentine very nearly lacks the capability for violence altogether. Neither was found suitable for the military's purpose. But they are driven by their jealousy of Ender, and by their inbred drive for power. Peter seeks to control the political process, to become a ruler. Valentine's abilities turn more toward the subtle control of the beliefs of commoner and elite alike, through powerfully convincing essays. Hiding their youth and identities behind the anonymity of the computer networks, these two begin working together to shape the destiny of Earth-an Earth that has no future at all if their brother Ender fails.
Skyward by Brandon Sanderson (2018): Defeated, crushed, and driven almost to extinction, the remnants of the human race are trapped on a planet that is constantly attacked by mysterious alien starfighters. Spensa, a teenage girl living among them, longs to be a pilot. When she discovers the wreckage of an ancient ship, she realizes this dream might be possible—assuming she can repair the ship, navigate flight school, and (perhaps most importantly) persuade the strange machine to help her. Because this ship, uniquely, appears to have a soul.