• Reviews

    In Search of Goliathus Hercules

    In Search of Goliathus Hercules honestly scared me a little when I heard about it.  A young boy finds out that he can speak with 6-legged insects and soon realizes he is becoming more bug-like by the day.  My immediate thought went straight to Franz Kafka’s Metamorphosis and I am…

  • Reviews

    Summer of the Gypsy Moths

    Sara Pennypacker’s Summer of the Gypsy Moths is a story of belonging, of finding a family in an unexpected place, and of dreams.  Stella is living with her Great-Aunt Louise on the Cape Cod coast with another foster girl, named Angel.  The two girls are complete opposites and have no…

  • Reviews

    Ask the Passengers

    Ask the Passengers by A.S. King is a great young adult novel focusing on the ideas of not fitting in, bullying, small-town life, and figuring out who you are.  I grew up in a small town and could easily relate to the main character, Astrid Jones.  Small town life can be…

  • Reviews

    The Center of Everything

    The Center of Everything by Linda Urban is a coming-of-age story for a young girl whose grandmother has recently passed away.  Ruby Pepperdine lives in Bunning New Hampshire where it is said the inventor of the donut settled after spending years on the ocean in his sailing ship.  Ruby’s grandmother…

  • Reviews

    Hold Fast

    I fell in love with Blue Balliett’s writing after reading her first middle grade novel – Chasing Vermeer.  She was able to combine so many unique elements into one story that held me spellbound from beginning to end.  In fact, Chasing Vermeer, was the first book discussion book choice that I…

  • Reviews

    33 Minutes

    A lot can happen in 33 minutes… just ask Sam Lewis, who is going to get his butt kicked in 33 minutes by his former best friend, Morgan Sturtz.  Written in a span of time that takes only 33 minutes, Todd Hasak-Lowy creates a typical middle school environment where anything can happen. …

  • Reviews

    The Fire Horse Girl

    I really enjoyed this historical fiction novel based in San Francisco in the early 1920s.  Often, parts of history seem to be overlooked in grade school and although much is said about immigration through Ellis Island, I had never heard of Angel Island, until I read this novel.  Angel Island…

  • Reviews

    Better Nate Than Ever

    I found I was easily able to relate to Better Nate Than Ever by Tim Federle.  Nate is growing up outside of Pittsburgh and trying to survive middle school.  While his older brother is “perfect” at everything (i.e. sports), Nate prefers Broadway shows and singing, hoping one day to be a star! …

  • Reviews

    Seraphina

    I had heard a lot about Seraphina before I picked it up to read.  I really enjoyed the cover art with little color bust so much detail in a simple ink drawing.  I do have to say that I’m quite particular about the fantasy books I read.  They can’t be…

  • Reviews

    A Tangle of Knots

    A Tangle of Knots written by Lisa Graff is a mysterious puzzle with just a touch of magic that is told in multiple viewpoints.  The reader is introduced to 11-year-old Cady, an orphan with a special Talent for baking (especially cakes).  She soon becomes mixed up in a lost luggage emporium,…