Why oh why did it have to end that way??

Review:

 

 

Ok, so I LOVED this second book in the Red Rising trilogy. Darrow is a great main character, flaws and all. It breaks my heart all he goes through. Once again you may think you know what is happening, but just when things seem good... BAM...something unexpected and usually bad happens. Lots of feels here guys.

 

I finished the book (late at night when I should have been sleeping), and I wanted to start the next one right away. But I needed to sleep and even more, I needed time to process what happened.

 

I don't want to give anything away, even by naming characters. Just read this book already!!

 

Quotes:

 

But this is why I was made. To dive into hell.

 

 

Chance made us Golds. We could have been born any other Color. Chance put us in our families. But we choose our friends... I chose her, like I chose all of you. And if we cannot trust our friends... then what's the point in breathing?

 

Recommended to:

Anyone who likes a good rebellion - Start with Red Rising. 

Original post: readingismyescape.booklikes.com/post/1457238/why-oh-why-did-it-have-to-end-that-way

Dinosaur Boy

Review:

It all started with a bump. A little one. Right on the back of my neck.

 

- First Sentence

 

 

And so begins Sawyer's big summer change. Last summer, Sawyer's friend, Elliot grew 5 whole inches. Sawyer's change is a bit different, he has the dinosaur gene and is growing plates, a tail and spikes (he is part Stegosaurus). This is unusual, but not unheard of. Scientists at Amalgam Labs experimented with DNA hybridization and created human/dinosaur hybrids, so now some children exhibit dinosaur characteristics.

 

When Sawyer returns to school (5th grade), he is the target of bullies, with the intensity increasing as the days go by. The new principal claims to be there to protect Sawyer and she begins expelling anyone caught bullying him. But, her intentions may not be completely altruistic.

 

As the book proceeds, Sawyer, Elliot and the strange new girl become fast friends and try to fight the bullies. But, they also discover that the principal may not be what she seems. And as bullies continue to disappear, Sawyer and his friends start to wonder where they are going exactly.

 

This is a cute book that kids will enjoy. I knew something was going on, but the twist took me by surprise. I think the kids will be surprised too.

[spoiler]

I mean I thought the principal was maybe involved with the lab or something, but to find out she is a pet supplier from Mars? Where did that come from?

 

[/spoiler]

I thought this book had no real substance, just a fun story - nothing wrong with that. However, when I got to the end of the book, I found a surprise. The Author's Note explains different ways that dinosaurs and people who study them are part of the book. It is a great explanation and gives kids a lot of information about the study of dinosaurs. An unexpected bit of learning that will please dinosaur fans. It is like finding Easter Eggs in a game or DVD = FUN.

 

Recommended to:

Readers in grades 3-5 who like their fiction with a dash of science mixed with dinosaurs.

 

 

 

Original post: readingismyescape.booklikes.com/post/1456025/dinosaur-boy

I just couldn't wait...

 

 

I know I said I was going to catch up on all my library books that I had on hold...

 

But, I saw this one in the library the other day and I just couldn't resist.

 

Loving it so far...

 

Home isn't where you're from, it's where you find light when all grows dark...

Original post: readingismyescape.booklikes.com/post/1455555/i-just-couldn-t-wait

Wooly Worm Race

Review:

 

 

The afternoon knows what the morning never expected...

- Chapter 14

 

 

Ellis Coffey's 4th-grade teacher has them write each other's obituaries. This is what Geroge writes about Ellis:

 

Ellison "Ellis" Coffey lived his whole happy life in Banner Elk, North Carolina. His family ran a blueberry farm, and that's why Ellis's fingertips looked like ink. He loved animals and insects. He was very funny and had lots of friends. Mr. Turnmire called him our class-clown-but-with-brains. The world was a better place because Ellis lived in it.

 

Ellis's dad has a herniated disk in his back and has to spend most of his time lying flat. His mom works two jobs, along with making blueberry muffins, pies & jam to sell at the farmer's market. Ellis's dad needs an operation, but it costs $1,000 and they cannot afford it. 

 

Ellis finds a wooly worm (caterpillar) and it seems to respond to his words. So, Ellis decides that he is a worm whisperer and plans to enter his worm in the Wooly Worm Race. The prize is $1,000, and if Ellis wins, he will be able to pay the deductible for his dad's surgery.

 

This is a cute story and moves along quickly. Kids will enjoy reading about Ellis's worm training and the exciting conclusion at the race. Along the way, Ellis deals with school, bullies, friendship issues and figuring out who he is.

(Library copy)

 

Recommended to:

Readers in grades 3-5 who enjoy realistic fiction stories.

Original post: readingismyescape.booklikes.com/post/1455541/wooly-worm-race

How long will it take to finish your TBR pile?

Check out this calculator at Read it Forward to find out:

 

http://www.readitforward.com/tbr-time/

 

 

If I don't add any more books to my TBR pile (as if!), I will finish it within 10 years. I wonder how long it would say if there was a way to calculate how many books I add to the TBR each year (month... day...). I mean, it's not like my TBR isn't going to grow over the next 10 years, especially with sites like Booklikes. :)

 

 

Original post: readingismyescape.booklikes.com/post/1454952/how-long-will-it-take-to-finish-your-tbr-pile

Halloween Bingo: The Reveal

Reblogged from: Moonlight Murder

 

It's time to reveal our new bingo card!

 

 

Over the next 13 days, Obsidian and I will be posting some of our favorite books to fit under some of the categories.

 

Rules of the Game

 

1. Have fun!
2. The categories that are marked with an image are intended to be a bit of a free-for-all, so use your imagination in filling them! A cover image, the word within the title or text, or some sort of an allusion that only makes sense to you is fine - let us know how the book fits!
3. There is a buddy read/read-along category. In a follow-up post, I'll be announcing a read-along that OB & I have planned for the month of October and participating in that will fill this category. In the alternative, Murder By Death has already announced an Ammie Come Home buddy read, which will start on September 1. And if you have a different idea, feel free to throw it out there!
4. The center square is free, as always!

 

If you have questions or comments, post them below!

 

Original post: readingismyescape.booklikes.com/post/1453558/halloween-bingo-the-reveal

Even half a chance beats none.

Review:

 

 

This is a heartwarming story. Lucy is a bit lonely because her family moves a lot and her dad travels for work. He is a famous photographer and Lucy tries to take photos that compare. She finds an ad for a photo scavenger hunt that her father is judging and decides to take photos to fit the categories, just for fun. She makes friends with Nate, whose family is staying at the house next door for the summer. Nate helps her with the photos and Lucy helps him keep an eye on the loons that nest on the lake.

 

The photo scavenger hunt was a fun part of this story. Lucy and Nate come up with some clever photos to fit the different categories. The loons provide an environmental side to the story and a bit of sadness. Nate and Lucy take pictures and notes for the Loon Preservation Committee. Nate's grandmother is dealing with some health issues, and this is a difficult thing for Nate to understand. This may be her last summer at the lake.

 

Here are some of my favorite lines from the book:

 

At some point, you just have to choose. And then be brave enough to stand up to the people who think you made the wrong choice.

- Chapter 18

I simply saw it. Not to share. Not to capture. Just to live what was around me.

-Chapter 23

 

Sometimes you don't get an answer, though. Sometimes "I hope so" is the only answer you get.

- Chapter 24

 

It must take some courage to fly, to trust the wind to hold you as it lifts you away from all you've ever known. To know inside that you're heading where you're meant to go -- even if you've never been there before.

- Chapter 24

 

This is a grade 3-5 Sunshine State nominated book for 2016-17. 

 

Recommended to:

Readers in grade 3 and up who like realistic fiction stories.

Original post: readingismyescape.booklikes.com/post/1453180/even-half-a-chance-beats-none

You Are Caring and Thoughtful and Good

Review:

 

 

That is what Albie's mom tells him when she is there for bedtime. But, she isn't always there, so Albie has a nanny (Calista) who takes care of him when his parents are working. Albie's parents love him, but they make some questionable choices (in my opinion).

 

Albie has difficulties in school. He gets kicked out of his private school and ends up in public school. When Albie's mom finds out he is reading Captain Underpants, she tells him the books are for "babies" and he should be reading something meant for kids his age instead. She insists he read Johnny Tremain.

 

I tried to read Johnny Tremain. I really did. I read all the words in the first paragraph, and the the second one. Then I started over with the first paragraph. That book didn't make any sense. Captain Underpants was still out on the pile of mail in the kitchen, and that book did make sense. Plus it was funny. But Captain Underpants was for babies, and I wasn't a baby.

- Albie

 

Why can't he read the books he enjoys? He is logging more reading than ever, and his teacher is proud, but his mother makes him feel bad about it. That is just wrong and pisses me off.

 

When Albie's dad finds out that Albie has a D in spelling, he tells Albie that he expects him to get a perfect score on the next spelling test. Albie worries because he only ever gets 4 words right out of 10.

 

It's not up for debate, Albie. Any son of mine should be able to spell. Do better.

- Albie's dad

 

I wondered how such a perfect speller like Dad could end up with a son like me.

- Albie

 

Seriously?? Why do dads say things like this to their kids? My husband does it too. It's like they don't think about how their words will affect the way the kids feel about themselves.

 

Albie has low self-esteem and worries about why he isn't "smart". But, he is a genuinely nice boy and while he is sometimes confused about social cues, he tries to do the right thing.

 

When one of the boys at school calls Albie a retard, the school decides to outlaw the word.

 

Darren Ackleman doesn't call me "retard" anymore. But I think maybe it's not words that need to be outlawed.

- Albie

 

Even Albie (who supposedly isn't that smart) knows that outlawing words is not the answer to the bullying problem.

This is a touching story about a boy trying to fit in, and trying to figure out his own self-worth, and about how the people in his life affect him (good and bad). Unfortunately, what happens in this book is sad and very realistic, but it also shows how resilient people are.

 

Recommended to:

This Sunshine State nominated book is good for readers in grade 3 and up who enjoy stories about school and friendships.

Original post: readingismyescape.booklikes.com/post/1452850/you-are-caring-and-thoughtful-and-good

Bot Wars - review

Review:

 

 

Twelve-year-old Aiden (Trout) St. Kroix lives with his older brother Po. Their father disappeared two years ago while fighting in the Bot Wars—a devastating conflict that began when robots became so advanced that they revolted and took the lives of thousands of people. When the government banned and declared all bots terrorists, Trout didn’t question a thing. In the end, all he wanted was to find his dad. Desperate, Trout posts a video to the internet seeking help with his search, unwittingly unleashing a storm of danger as his brother is suddenly abducted and he is labeled a terrorist and a criminal himself. Trout goes on the run to seek answers, but it turns out that nothing is what it seems—not the government, not the bots, and not even his own father.

- from Amazon

 

This is a fun book. Kids will enjoy the action and the dangerous situations Trout finds himself in. 

 

Recommended to:

Sci-fi fans in grades 5 and up.

Original post: readingismyescape.booklikes.com/post/1451914/bot-wars-review

You never need an invitation to go home...

Review:

Four small words. That was all it took to set things in motion.

- Chapter 1

 

A great opening sentence to a magical story. 

 

Grandpa Ephraim has been telling Micah stories about Circus Mirandus his whole life. Micah is amazed by the stories and is so excited when he finally gets the chance to see the Circus for himself. Circus Mirandus isn't like a regular circus, it is full of real magic and endless possibilities. But if you don't believe, you will never be able to experience it.

 

Circus Mirandus was the sort of place that filled you up to the top of your head.

- Chapter 10

 

A world that had such magic in it must not be as awful as he had sometimes feared.

- Chapter 15

 

Father would want me to do the right thing, he thought. Even if it hurts. He breathed the disappointment in and out a few times to see if he could live with the taste of it.

- Chapter 15

 

It was a ridiculous, amazing thing to do, and once in a while, it's good to be ridiculous and amazing.

- Chapter 32

 

 

The illustrations are whimsical and fun, and so is the story. There is an underlying note of sadness, but it is mixed with wonder and magic. The point of view goes back and forth from Grandpa Emphraim (as a child) to Micah as they each experience the magic of Circus Mirandus.

 

 

 

Recommended to:

Readers in 3rd grade and up who enjoy stories of magic and wonder.

Original post: readingismyescape.booklikes.com/post/1451553/you-never-need-an-invitation-to-go-home

Loving this audiobook

 

 

Already, though, she understood the difference between being a child and being an adult. The difference is that when someone says he can keep the bad things away, a child believes him.

Original post: readingismyescape.booklikes.com/post/1449405/loving-this-audiobook

Creepy reimagining of Hansel & Gretel

Review:

 

 

This book is creepy. I mean, I'm an adult and I was scared for Lorelei. She is a girl facing a great deal of sadness and guilt. We learn early on that her mother died last year and for some reason, Lorelei feels guilty about this.

 

When a beautiful new school with an amazing playground suddenly appears, and their old school mysteriously burns down, Lorelei and her brother are enrolled at Splendid Academy. This school is unlike any school they have been to before. They are allowed to run in the halls, leave class whenever they want, don't have to raise their hands, and get to eat.... a lot. The school provides breakfast and lunch, and there is a bowl of candy at each student's desk that never goes empty. None of the students notice anything unusual, except for one overweight boy, Andrew. Andrew tries to convince Lorelei that something is wrong, but will she be able to see past her guilt to the truth, especially when the truth is so unbelievable?

 

I remember every single child I've ever brought into my schools... They become a part of me.  - Chapter 3

 

A child's finger? Your imagination's running away with you, Lorelei. Focus. - Chapter 17

 

I'm not a cook; you know I'm just a kid. I never boiled water before in my life. - Chapter 26

Lorelei is so sad and so alone. The new principal appeals to her loneliness and makes her feel warm and loved - she hasn't felt that way since her mother died. Lorelei wants to believe the principal is good, she needs to believe it.

 

This book deals with so many serious issues and it is pretty dark. I enjoyed it and finished it quickly. I was on the edge of my seat, waiting to see what would happen next.

 

This is a Grade 3-5 Sunshine State book. It seems a bit dreary to me and it may be frightening to some kids, so use your judgment. I would keep it more for the older range or kids who like dark fairy tales. It is well-written, fast-moving, and quite an original take on Hansel & Gretel.

 

Recommended to:

Grades 4 and up, readers who enjoy their fairy tales dark and creepy.

 

 

Original post: readingismyescape.booklikes.com/post/1447080/creepy-reimagining-of-hansel-gretel