A Happy Holiday Whodunit

 Title: Greenglass House
                                      # of Pages: 373
                                      Author: Kate Milford
                                      Illustrator: Jaime Zollars
                                      Previous Work: (For the author)

                                      Bluecrowne (Companion to Greenglass House)

                                      The Boneshaker

                                      The Broken Lands

                                      The Kairos Mechanism

                                      Summary: Milo was looking forward to an event free
                                      Christmas vacation at his adoptive parents' smuggler hotel,
                                      filled with holiday traditions, not guests. Unfortunately for
                                      Milo, luck was not on his side and the hotel filled with odd
                                      guests with strange habits and even stranger motives. As
                                      Milo and the cook's daughter Meddy set off to investigate a
                                      map one of the guests dropped, they became their alter-egos:
                                      Negret and Sirin. Could they figure out the mystery of the
                                      hotel? Or were they left out in the cold?

                                      Rating: I'd give this a 4.
                                      Awards:

                                     2014 Agatha Award Nominee for Best Children's/ YA Novel

                                     2014 National Book Award Nominee for Young People's
                                     Literature Longlist

                                     2014 Kirkus The Best Children's Books

                                     2015 Edgar Award for Best Juvenile

                                     2016 Dorothy Canfield Fisher Children's Book Nominee

                                     Opinion: Greenglass House is the companion to Bluecrowne,
                                     but you can definitely read it by itself. That's what I did.
                                     Bluecrowne is about the ancestors of some of the characters in
                                     this book, so while it might provide some interesting
                                     connections, it isn't necessary.  Greenglass House draws you
                                     in from the very beginning. The author is very good at giving
                                     you a clear picture of what is going on. At times, I saw a vivid,
                                     beautiful movie in my head. I really hope this book is made
                                     into a movie at some point. The story is riddled with folktales
                                     that relate to the main story, as well as ones that are
                                     mentioned but not told. In my opinion those were almost
                                     better than the book, and I wished I could have read the ones
                                     that weren't written. The story was complex and realistic with
                                     a hint of whimsy. It was amazing. However, there's a reason I
                                     only gave this book a four. The first issue with the book was
                                     the illustrations. They're small and don't really add anything
                                     to the book. Not to mention, that while beautiful, they are
                                     actually kind of jarring. Some of them don't quite fit the
                                     descriptions in the book and I didn't like how the characters
                                     looked. The other issue was the end of the book. I won't give
                                     anything away, but the ending became seemingly more
                                     juvenile and less realistic. It almost seemed like a cop-out. If
                                     it weren't for the end, I could love this book without
                                     hesitation.


                                       

Be Thankful Part 2

 Title: Six Months Later
                                         # of Pages: 326
                                         Author: Natalie D. Richards

                                         Previous Work: This was her first book, but since then
                                         she has written "Gone Too Far" and "My Secret to Tell".
                                     
                                         Summary: When Chloe falls asleep in study hall, she is an
                                         average student, with an amazing best friend named
                                         Maggie, and a huge crush on Blake, who is way out of her
                                         league. When she wakes up, six months have passed and
                                         she's on track to become valedictorian. Blake is her
                                         boyfriend, and Chloe is super popular. Chloe knows she
                                         should be thankful that her life is suddenly perfect, but
                                         some things just don't add up. Maggie is no longer her best
                                         friend and Blake fills her with dread. What happened in
                                         those six months that she can't remember?

                                         Rating: I'd give this book a 3,5,
                                         Awards: 2014 Yalsa Teens Top Ten Finalist

A Paige Turner

 Title: Page by Paige
                                        # of Pages: 192
                                       Author/Illustrator: Laura Lee Gulledge
                                       Previous Work: She was an artist, but this is her first
                                       graphic novel.

                                       Summary: When Paige Turner moves from Virginia to
                                       New York, she isn't sure of who she is, or how to fit in. With
                                       the help of her sketchbook, Paige is determined to make new
                                       friends and discover who she is.

                                       Plot Rating: 1.
                                       Art Rating: 5.
                                       Awards: 

                                       Eisner Award Nominee

                                       ALA Teen Top Ten Debut Graphic Novel Nominee

                                       Opinion: Okay, honestly, the plot was the most boring,
                                       overused thing I have ever read. There was nothing unique
                                       about it, and it had some rude humor. It boils down to a new
                                       move, first love, and teen angst. If you like those things,
                                       good for you. The only reason I'm even reviewing this is for
                                       the art. The art really shows all the things you've felt but
                                       didn't know how to express. The picture below is not my
                                       favorite picture in the book, but it was the best I could find
                                       online. What I like about the art is that most of the time it
                                       isn't literal, and it tells the story much more clearly than the
                                       words ever could. The graphic novel shows the author is
                                       more of an artist. I would read this book for the pictures, not
                                       the story.

From Bookworms to Butterflies

 Title: Smart Girls Get What They Want
                                     # of Pages: 348
                                     Author: Sarah Strohmeyer
                                     Previous Work: This was her first book for teens.

                                     Summary: 
                                     Because high school only comes around once, and I would 
                                     hate to look back and think I didn't make the most of every 
                                     moment because I was scared of what other people thought. 
                                     Other people never think that much about you anyway. 
                                     Eleanor Roosevelt said that.

                                     Gigi, Bea, and Neerja are the school overachievers. Their lives
                                     consist almost entirely of studying and hanging out with each
                                     other. When they realize Neerja's older sister Parad, the school
                                     valedictorian left no mark on the student body, they realize
                                     they need to make themselves known. With new
                                     accomplishments and relationships within their grasp, the
                                     girls are in for an amazing Sophomore year.

                                     Rating: It was a sweet read, and I wish it had a sequel, but
                                     there was nothing spectacular about it. This is a "cozy-in-
                                     your-pj's" read not a "best-book-I-ever-read" read. I have to
                                     give it a three for normal people and a 4 for nerds.
                                     Awards: None

                                     Opinion: As the title implies, this is about smart girls and
                                     for smart girls. I think to really appreciate this book, you have
                                     to identify with it. You have to be one of those people who love
                                     school, useless facts, and working hard. Sometimes, when
                                     reading the book I would totally go, "I know just what you
                                     mean," and feel vindicated. Other times I just enjoyed
                                     learning a little bit more about Eleanor Roosevelt, or The 
                                     Scarlet Letter. The book touched on all aspects of school life.
                                     It had student government trying to bridge the gap between
                                     arts, sports, and fairness within the school. It also had a
                                     couple of sweet romances. My only complaint is that the book
                                     is told entirely from Gigi's POV. While she was a great
                                     narrator, and I really did care what happened to her, I
                                     sometimes felt a bit cheated because the book was supposed
                                     to be about all three girls. It's very rare for me to close a book
                                     and feel entirely happy, but with this one I did. This is for
                                     when you don't want firecrackers, but a simple sparkler of a
                                     book.

I Spy a Lie Part 2

 Title: The Agency Novels/Mary Quinn Mysteries:

                                                 A Spy in the House

                                                The Body at the Tower

                                                The Traitor in the Tunnel

                                                Rivals in the City

                                      Author: Y.S. Lee
                                      Previous Work: None

                                      Summary: When orphan Mary Quinn is sentenced to the
                                      gallows for thievery, she is instead rescued and educated at
                                      Miss Scrimshaw's Academy for girls. She finds out the
                                      organization is more than they seem, and agrees to start
                                      spying for them. Between her new job, London's general
                                      mistrust of foreigners, and a growing attraction to a man who
                                      seemingly appears at every turn, can Mary satisfy her need
                                      for freedom? Or will the constraints of England in the 1800's
                                      cripple her spirit forever?

                                      Rating: I'd give the series a 4.
                                      Awards:
                                      (For A Spy in the House)

                                      2011 CCBC's John Spray Mystery Award

                                      2011 Agatha Award Finalist

                                      2011 Red Maple Award Finalist

                                      (For The Traitor in the Tunnel)
                                     
                                      2013 Arthur Ellis Award Nominee for Best Juvenile/YA
                                      Crime Book

                                      Opinion: I love this series. You can't help but root for Mary,
                                      and it's nice to read a historical fiction where women have
                                      opportunities. The story has a real yet unreal feeling. The
                                      only issue I have is that while the characters always stayed
                                      with me, sometimes the finer details of the plot didn't. That
                                      said, I'm still sad the series is over. This is definitely a series
                                      worth reading.

                                                                       

From Books to Movies Part 2

 Title: The Star Wars Trilogy
                                       
                                              Star Wars

                                              The Empire Strikes Back

                                              Return of the Jedi
                                    # of Pages: 471
                                    Author: George Lucas
                                    Previous Work: (Books Only)

                                    George Lucas: Interviews

                                    Author: Donald F. Glut
                                    Previous Work: (Fiction Only)

                                    Frankenstein Lives Again

                                    Frankenstein Meets Dracula

                                    Bones of Frankenstein

                                    Author: James Kahn
                                    Previous Work: 
                                        
                                    World Enough, and Time

                                    Time's Dark Laughter

                                     Poltergeist

                                     Summary: A long time ago in a galaxy far far away... Luke 
                                     Skywalker worked on his uncle's farm on a remote planet 
                                     called Tatooine, repairing secondhand machinery and stunt-
                                     flying his battered skyhopper... and he was bored beyond 
                                     belief. He dreamed of adventures out among the stars-
                                     adventures that would take him to distant, alien worlds. But 
                                     when Luke intercepted a cryptic message from a beautiful 
                                     captive, he got more than he bargained for- and that was how
                                     it all began...

                                     Rating: This is a 5.
                                     Awards: There are no awards for the books but the 
                                     movies received so many awards, I won't even bother trying
                                     to list them.

                                     Opinion: Full disclosure: I got the summary from the back
                                     of the book. I was really worried about giving too much away. 
                                     Okay, moving on. I really loved the books. The plot felt fuller 
                                     because the characters' feelings were revealed. And the large 
                                     vocabulary and detailed descriptions were definitely a plus 
                                     (not that the movies needed those)That being said, a lack of 
                                      continuity in the books drove me slowly insane. In the first 
                                      book Artoo was described as having thick clawed legs. Yet in
                                      the next two, he's described as looking exactly like the 
                                      movies. Also, Yoda's skin changes from blue to green. Little 
                                      issues like that bothered me, but they might not bother you.

                                       Better than the Movie?: It really depends on what you're 
                                       looking for. I personally had a hard time following the 
                                       action scenes in the book (especially fights between ships)
                                       without being able to see it. On the other hand, I really
                                       enjoyed the character development, vocabulary, and the 
                                       ability to stop it part way through. I think any true Star 
                                       Wars fan should read the book, just to see where it all 
                                       started.

                                        Movie Preview:



                               

Dream Dancing

  Title: Someday Dancer (In England it's called: Dreamer
                                      Ballerina; Germany: Ein Traum und zwei Füße- A Dream
                                      and Two Feet; The Dutch call it: Dansen tussen de sterren-
                                      Dancing Among the Stars)
                                      # of Pages: 256
                                      Author: Sarah Rubin
                                      Previous Work: None.

                                      Summary:  The year is 1959 and Casey Quinn knows she is
                                      meant to dance. Working hard to save up money, she goes to
                                      New York for an open ballet audition. New York is the city
                                      of dreams, so maybe even a farm girl like her can succeed.

                                      Rating: This is a 2.5.
                                      Awards: None

                                      Opinion: This book was an interesting fun read with well
                                      developed characters. However, now, months later, I
                                      remember little of the book. There were some interesting
                                      scenes and ideas explored, but the overall plot was lacking.

Food, Food, Glorious Food

 Title: Pizza, Love, and Other Stuff That Made Me Famous
                                      # of Pages: 234
                                      Author: Kathryn Williams

                                      Previous Work: (YA not done under her pen name)

                                     The Debutante

                                     The Lost Summer
                                       
                                     Summary: Sophie Nicolaides has worked in her family's
                                     Greek-Italian Restaurant all her life. She feels like she ready
                                     for a new challenge- becoming a "real" chef.  The reality
                                     show Teen Test Kitchen will give her the chance to prove her
                                     mettle as a chef. However once the show starts, distractions
                                     are everywhere. Can Sophie rise above it all to win the
                                     competition?

                                     Rating: This book is a 4. The recipes definitely made it.
                                     Awards: None

                                     Opinion: I chose to review this particular book because
                                     everyone knows Thanksgiving is all about food. So what
                                     better Thanksgiving book can you have, than one about a
                                     cooking competition? The book was kind of like a cross
                                     between Masterchef Junior and Food Network Star. I really
                                     liked the recipes in the book and it was a quick read. It was
                                     nice and thankfully not frustrating, like certain competition
                                     books. My one complaint is that it really wasn't about love
                                     like it was advertised.

                                                              ********Bonus********

                                                         Interview with Kathryn Williams:

                                    1. What would you say is your favorite book, short story, or 

                                    essay that you've written in your entire life?

                                    That's kind of like asking a mom which is her favorite kid,
                                    which is impossible:) Working on a book is hard because I
                                    love it, clearly, or I wouldn't be writing it, but then I also
                                    kind of hate it, especially by the time I'm on my tenth draft.
                                    But then when I'm done, I can't help but have some affection
                                    toward it.That said, I probably think most fondly of my
                                    second book, The Lost Summer. Maybe because it's set at a
                                    summer camp, which was a special place to me growing up
                                    (still is). But I had the most fun writing Pizza, Love, and 
                                    Other Stuff that Made Me Famous. My research essentially
                                    involved messing around in the kitchen, watching TV, and
                                    stuffing my face.

                                    2. What was your favorite childhood book?

                                   Another hard one. I loved Anne of Green Gables. I was just
                                   talking about that series with a friend because I'm going to
                                   Nova Scotia this fall and want to go to Prince Edward, where
                                   it's set.

                                   3. What is your favorite book as an adult?

                                   It changes often and as I read more books. There's a book by
                                   Donna Tartt called The Secret History that I think is amazing
                                   -- suspenseful, dark, and beautifully written.

                                  4. What was your inspiration for "Pizza, Love, and Other 
                                  Stuff That Made Me Famous"?

                                  I love to cook, and I also love watching cooking competition
                                  shows. In another life, I would have been a chef.

                                 5. Since this post is being published around Thanksgiving,
                                 what is your favorite part of the feast? If you don’t have 
                                 a feast for Thanksgiving, what traditions do you have?

                                 I'm from the South originally, so I have to say sweet potato
                                 casserole (no marshmallows) and green bean casserole (lots of
                                 fried onions).

                                6. What are you most thankful for this Thanksgiving?

                                I am getting married (or will be married, when this comes out!)
                                in October, so I am thankful for my new hubby. He's pretty
                                awesome.

                               7. Is there anything else you’d like to say to readers of your 
                               books?

                               I'd like to say "thank you" about a million times over. I also 

                               encourage readers, if they enjoy a book, to reach out to the

                               author, like you did. For many of us, meeting readers through

                               email or in person (or snail mail -- I love getting written letters 

                               and pin them above my desk) is the best part of the job. 

Shark Girl

 Title: 
                                                 Shark Girl

                                                 Formerly Shark Girl

                                      Author: Kelly Bingham
                                      Previous Work: None

                                      Summary: Jane Arrowood has her life pretty much figured
                                      out. She has a huge crush on a guy named Max (which she
                                      knows won't ever lead to anything) and she's going to be an
                                      artist when she grows up. Then she is attacked by a shark,
                                      forcing the doctors to amputate half of her right arm. Jane
                                      starts to doubt her goals in life, and begins to wonder if it
                                      isn't time to be more realistic.

                                      Rating: 3.
                                      Awards: (For Shark Girl)
                                   
                                     Oprah's Book Club for Kids

                                     Best Books For Young Adults Nominee

                                     The Schneider Family Book Award Nominee

                                     Iowa Teen Choice Book Award Winner

                                     And many more!

                                     (For Formerly Shark Girl)

                                     Bank Street's Best Books For Children List

                                    Opinion: I normally don't like books that are written as
                                    poetry.At all. I usually find them incredibly depressing with
                                    plots that are hard to follow. The poems just don't lend enough
                                    substance. However, I make an exception for these particular
                                    books. The poems actually tell what is happening, not just
                                    Jane's feelings. I like the plot line, and Jane's struggles with
                                    herself and those around her. These were good books; they just
                                    lacked something to make them great.
                               

Summer Romance Reads Part 1

 Title: The Selection Trilogy-
                                      The Selection
                                     The Elite
                                    The One
                                   (There are also three novellas: The Guard, The Prince, and (soon
                                    to come out) The Queen)
                                   Author: Kiera Cass
                                   Previous Work:
                                                   The Siren
                                                    In the Clearing (short story in Brave New Love)
                     
                                  Summary: America Singer has never wanted to be "selected".
                                  To compete for a man she's never met and a crown she doesn't
                                  want,while 35 other girls fight desperately for the same goal. It
                                  would mean leaving her family and her secret love Aspen. And
                                  what if she ends up wanting her new life more than the old one?

                                  Rating: This is a 4.5.
                                  Awards: None

                                 Opinion: I really enjoyed this series. I had been thinking the
                                 whole "love triangle thing" was overdone, but this one worked. I
                                 loved America's personality, and the two guys were great.
                                (Although I have to say, I'm partial to Maxon, the Prince.) I also
                                 liked that the book wasn't entirely about the romance. That can
                                 be tiring. People compare this book to Matched or Hunger
                                 Games, but personally, I think it stands on its own merit.

Repousser

 Title: Belle Epoque
                                      # of Pages: 336
                                     Author: Elizabeth Ross
                                     Previous Work: None.

                                     Summary: Maude Pichon feels trapped in her life in
                                     Brittany. She runs away to Paris, only to find she can't make
                                     enough money to live. The Durandeau Agency provides
                                     interesting opportunities for plain or ugly women- of which
                                     Maude is.  They can be paid to be a companion to a socialite,
                                     called a foil, making them seem more attractive. Maude
                                     becomes a companion to Isabelle Dubern, but Isabelle doesn't
                                     realize Maude is being paid to be her friend. The longer the
                                     deception goes on, the more Maude has to lose.

                                     Rating: 2.
                                     Awards: 

                                     Junior Library Guild Selection

                                    2014 William C. Morris Award Finalist

                                    Opinion: This book was just okay. The premise was
                                    interesting.The historical timing was nice (who knew people
                                    thought the Eiffel tower was an eyesore?). The characters
                                    and ending, however, were predictable and forgettable. This
                                    can pass a rainy day, but you won't remember much about it
                                    afterwards.

Love and Loss Part 2

 Title: Legend Trilogy-
                                            Legend
                                            Prodigy
                                            Champion
                                   Author: Marie Lu
                                   Previous Work: She has not written any other books.

                                   Summary: The United States has been split into two countries,
                                   the Republic and the Colonies. June is born into privilege and
                                   Day is a legendary criminal. When they fall in love, can they
                                   work together to save each other- and the Republic?
                                 
                                   Rating: This is a 5.
                                   Awards: (For Legend)

                                   New York Times Best Seller

                                   (For Prodigy)
                               
                                   Goodreads Choice Award Top 20

                                   (For Entire Series)

                                    Best Books of 2013 Kirkus Reveiw

                                    Opinion: This series was amazing. It holds your interest
                                    the entire time and has a wonderful bittersweet ending.
                                    You need to read this series!

I Spy a Lie Part 1 (Part 2 Will be Released at a Much Later Date)

 Title: Gallagher Girls Series:                                            
                                           
                                             I'd Tell You I Love You, But Then I'd Have to Kill You

                                             Cross My Heart and Hope to Spy

                                             Don't Judge a Girl By Her Cover

                                             Only the Good Spy Young

                                             Out of Sight, Out of Time

                                             United We Spy

                                        Author: Ally Carter
                                        Previous Work: This was her first series, But she also writes
                                        the Heist Society books.

                                        Summary: 
                                       "When you're a spy your life isn't defined by the lies you tell,
                                        but by the truths. A lie wouldn't change anything."
                                        This story is all about Cammie Morgan's life at the Gallagher
                                        Academy.What really happened to her father? Will she ever
                                        fall   in love? What will she do with her life when she
                                        graduates high school? And most importantly- Why is it so
                                        hard for a girl called "The Chameleon" to be normal?      

                                     
                                        Rating: I'd give this series a 4.5
                                        Awards: 
                                       (For I'd Tell You I Love You But Then I'd Have to Kill You)

                                        Texas Lone Star Reading List

                                        Georgia Peach Book Award Runner-up

                                        Kansas Notable Book

                                        Maryland Black-Eyed Susan Book Award

                                        Amelia Bloomer Book Award

                                        Maud Hart Lovelace Book Award

                                      (For Don't Judge a Girl By Her Cover)

                                        Romance Writers of America Rita Award Finalist, 2010

                                        Opinion: This series is very good. It is full of spying and
                                        romance, but most of all, friendship. Throughout the series,
                                        no matter what is going on Cammie's friends have her back.
                                        This series is amazing, but I can't tell you too much, or I'll
                                        give too much away.
                                     
                                                               

                                           

A Spark in the Dark

Yet another set of books I won from ThisisTeen.

Title: 
                                         The Dark Unwinding

                                         A Spark Unseen

                                     Author: Sharon Cameron
                                     Previous Work: These were her first books.

                                     Summary: When sent to commit her uncle to a lunatic
                                     asylum, Katharine discovers a misunderstood inventor, living
                                     in a fantastical world his mother (Katharine's late
                                     Grandmother) had made for him. She must decide whether
                                     she will betray his trust- or risk the rest of her life protecting
                                     him.
                                     Rating: 4.5
                                     Awards: 
                                     (For The Dark Unwinding)
                                      ABC Best Books for Children   
                            
                                      ALA Best Fiction for Young Adults Selection
                                 
                                      Bank Street College of Education’s Best Children’s Books
                                 
                                      SCBWI Crystal Kite Award for the Mid-South Division
                                   
                                      Sue Alexander Most Promising New Work Award
                                      

                                Opinion: These books were great! I loved the historical aspect,
                                combined with just enough steam-punk to make it interesting.
                                My one quibble is that you sometimes can't tell what is going on.
                                However, since that is purposeful, I think this is a great series.
                                   

Shakespeare Shake-Up Part 2

 Title: Still Star-Crossed
                                     # of Pages: 352
                                     Author: Melinda Taub
                                     Previous Work: None.

                                     Summary: Still Star-Crossed picks up where Romeo and
                                     Juliet leaves off. The Montagues and Capulets have sworn to
                                     uphold peace, but riots still ring out in the streets. Prince
                                     Escalus decides to marry Benvolio (Romeo's best friend) to
                                     Rosaline (Juliet's cousin) to try to keep the peace. The two set
                                     off on a quest to avoid marrying each other and along the way
                                     realize the murders seem almost... planned. Can they finally
                                     bring about peace in fair Verona?
                                     Rating: 5
                                     Awards: Kirkus Starred Review

                                     Opinion: This book is not told in poetry, although the
                                     characters' dialogue was told in a Shakespearean style (thee,
                                     thou, anon, etc.). This is a great book for those who enjoy
                                     Shakespearean plots, but not the flowery poetry. As for my
                                     personal opinion? This book was amazing. The characters were
                                     multi-layered, and you felt like you were solving the murders
                                     with the protagonists. Once I picked up this book up, I couldn't
                                     put it down.