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.

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:



                               

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.

Pandora's Box

 Title: Doomed
                                     # of Pages: 472
                                     Author: Tracy Deebs
                                     Previous Work: 
                                                    
                                                      Tempest Series

                                                      The International Kissing Club
                                                      (As Ivy Adams with Shellee Roberts and Emily
                                                      McKay)

                                     Summary: With a mom in Alaska and a dad who's been
                                     absent most of her life, Pandora is craving birthday wishes.
                                     So when she finds an attachment with pictures and birthday
                                     wishes from her dad, of course she opens it. This unleashes
                                     a computer virus on the world, which can only be solved by
                                     playing a virtual reality game made by Pandora's dad. Is he
                                     a genius or a maniac? Pandora needs to find out.

                                     Rating: This is a 3.
                                     Awards: 
                                     YALSA
                                     Quick Picks for Reluctant Young Readers Nominee, 2014

                                    Opinion: This book was nerve-racking, romantic, and
                                    really good.  I didn't like that Pandora
                                    didn't carry her own weight. She keeps telling Eli and Theo
                                    that she can take care of herself, but she really can't. I also
                                    disliked a heavy environmentalist message and way too
                                    many characters from Greek Mythology. The author really
                                    needs to get her own monsters. If it weren't for those facts,
                                    this would be an exceptional book.

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.

Shakespeare Shake-Up Part 1

 Title: William Shakespeare's Star Wars® - Verily, a New
                                     Hope
                                     # of Pages: 174
                                     Author: Ian Doescher
                                     Previous Work: None, but there will be sequels.

                                     Summary: I believe the book trailer for this work best
                                     describes the book, showing both the prose and a glimpse of
                                     what Star Wars® is about.
                                       Rating: I give this a 4.5.
                                     Awards: None

                                     Opinion: This book is only for those that like Star Wars® 
                                     and love Shakespeare. It is told entirely in prose as shown in
                                     the trailer. I like the insight into the characters that the
                                     movies can't necessarily show. R2-D2, especially, talks to the
                                     audience about his plans. He, of course, still talks in blips and
                                     bloops around other characters. The one bad thing is that if
                                     you don't play close attention, the action scenes are
                                     confusing.

Secrets? The Truth? Or a Dream?

 Title: Safe-Keeper Series:
                                         
                                            The Safe-Keeper's Secret

                                            The Truth-Teller's Tale

                                            Wintermoon Wish- found in Firebirds Rising

                                            The Dream-Maker's Magic

                                      Author: Sharon Shinn
                                      Previous Work: 
                                               
                                                      General Winston's Daughter

                                                      Gateway

                                                      Adult books

                                      Summary:  There is a world where you can completely trust
                                      a safe-keeper to never ever tell your secret. A truth teller can
                                      never speak a lie. And the dream-maker can make your
                                      fondest wishes come true. But life isn't all sunshine and roses
                                      there. No life ever is.

                                      Rating: 5. This is on the required reading list!
                                      Awards: (For The Safe-Keeper's Secret)
                                             ALA list of Best books for Young Adults
                                         
                                             (For the Truth-Teller's Tale)
                                              NYPL Book for the Teen Age

                                              2006 Bank Street Children's Book List

                                      Opinion: These books were awesome. The characters were
                                      real, not like they had special powers. They didn't all have
                                      perfect lives. Kellen's life was almost sad. But they pulled
                                      through and did their best, with or with out special roles.
                                      These books are romantic and sweet. They definitely aren't
                                      a waste of your time!

Christmas Miracle

 Title: The Legend of Holly Claus
                                     # of Pages: 544
                                     Author: Brittney Ryan
                                     Illustrator: Laurel Long
                                     Previous Work: 
                                     The author has been involved in many theatrical works.
                                     The illustrator has illustrated 7 other books, most of them
                                     under 40 pages.

                                     Summary: This story begins with a little boy asking Santa
                                     what has never before been asked. "What do you wish
                                     for Christmas, Santa?" Then Holly Claus is born.
                                     Unfortunately she has the purest heart ever existing and an
                                     evil Warlock hatches a plan to steal it for his own personal
                                     gain. A magical life and adventure follows.
                                     Rating: Definitely a 5.
                                     Awards: 
                                     Part of  "The Julie Andrews Collection"
                                     Opinion: This book may sound cheesy, but it is very
                                     eloquently written. The plot is unpredictable, the characters
                                     endearing. Plus the illustrations are so gorgeous and detailed
                                     you could stare at them for a half an hour and still not be
                                     satisfied. However I must warn fans of "Quicky books" this
                                     story is 522 pages (Not including "The Characters and Places
                                     of Forever") long. It is totally worth it, though; I've read this
                                     book 3 times, only one of those times being at Christmas. And
                                     it is still amazing! (The picture shown below is on the back of
                                     the book, with the bottom cut off.)

The Land of Immortals

                                   

                                     
                                     

Birthday Part 1

I had my birthday recently and decided to review two books with the theme of "birthdays" in them. Ironically they are both about twins. (I am not a twin, but find them interesting.) Now for the first book.
 Title: Jake and Lily
                                     # of Pages: 352
                                     Author: Jerry Spinelli
                                     Previous Work:
                                                     
                                                      Crash
                                                    
                                                      Maniac Magee
                                    
                                                      Milkweed
                                                      
                                                       Stargirl
   
                                                       Wringer
       
                                                       And many other books
              
                                      Summary: Jake and Lily are unusually close for twins. They
                                      just don't know how close until their sixth birthday. They find
                                      themselves on the train platform, which the train they born on
                                      passed. And this continues for many years. That was only the
                                      first of many strange occurences that include moving bruises,
                                      being able to hear each other from miles away, and most
                                      uniquely being able to read each other's minds. Lily knows
                                      their power needs a name and calls it Goombla. But as the
                                      years go on they grow farther apart and their Goombla starts
                                      dissapearing. Lily is on a mission to get it back.
                                      Rating: I give this book a 1.
                                      Awards: This book has no awards.
                                      Opinion: This book is really interesting. It is told from the
                                      point of view of both twins which is nice. Another thing I
                                      like is that the characters seem very real. But this book
                                      isn't one of the best Jerry Spinelli books. It is amusing but
                                      not a book you HAVE to read.

                                        
                                                    

Girl Power

 Title: The Trials of Kate Hope
                                      # of Pages: 336
                                      Author: Wick Downing
                                      Previous Work: 
                                                          Kid Curry's Last Ride

                                                          Leonardo's Hand
                                                         
                                                          And many books for adults.

                                      Summary: Kate was just a normal girl who lived in 1973.
                                      Normal, except for the fact that she had the credentials to
                                      be a lawyer. But, as if being a girl in a man's profession isn't
                                      hard enough, she's fourteen, and no one will give her any
                                      cases. When an old woman's dog, Herman is going to be
                                      put down, or "Destroyed" for, allegedly, hurting a baby,
                                      Kate steps in to help.
                                      Rating: I give this book a 2. (Remember on my scale that
                                      doesn't mean 'bad'.)
                                      Awards: None.
                                      Opinion: This is an awesome book, based on the themes of
                                       protecting the innocent and believing in yourself, no matter
                                       the obstacles. Despite those lofty ideas, this book is not boring
                                       as paste, or so sweet you need to put the book down from
                                       nausea. Plus all legal terms are explained.  Kate's so... normal
                                       that you can't help but love her. She's daring, and definitely
                                       the devil's advocate, which helps her in the courtroom. She's
                                       not afraid of dirty work. She has a crush on her friend, Mike,
                                       and struggles to get over the death of her father and brother.
                                       Basically, because of Kate Hope, this book is ruled in favor of
                                       Kate, by me! (Sorry, couldn't resist the pun!)
                                     

My First Review

  Title: Princess Academy
                                        # Of Pages: 336
                                       Author: Shannon Hale
                                       Previous Work: 
                                       The Books of Bayern Series (excellent)
                                                              
                                        I'd also like to mention (even though, obviously
                                        this book was written after Princess Academy 
                                        came out) a sequel to Princess Academy is 
                                        coming! I haven't read it because Palace of 
                                        Stone will be out October 2, 2012, but is 
                                        available for preorder.
                                    
                                   Summary: Miri is from the mountain village of Mount Eskel, 
                                   a community that mines precious stone called Linder. She 
                                   wishes she could mine like everyone else but isn't 
                                   allowed to. She feels like she's useless. Then one day the 
                                   Lowlanders (those who don't live on the mountain) show up, 
                                   expecting all girls age  12-17 to go to an academy. The Prince 
                                   will choose one of  them to marry. Miri excels in her studies 
                                   and the harsh treatment the girls recieve.
                                   But does she really want to be a Princess and leave Mount
                                   Eskel? 
                                   Rating: I give this book a 5 because it's my favorite book.
                                   (And has been since fourth grade.)
                                   Awards:
                                                 2005 Honorable Mention for
                                                 "Favorite Novel of the Year"

                                                  2006 Newberry Honor book
                          
                                                  2006 Utah Children's book award
       
                                                  ALA notable children's book
           
                                                  Along with many other nominations
                                                  and less notable awards
                        
                              Opinion: I didn't do this book justice when I wrote the summary.
                              There are many details I didn't talk about. For instance, how
                              the people of Mount Eskel can talk to each other through the
                              stone. That played a huge part in the story. Or how at the
                              beginning of each chapter there is a quarry song. My favorite
                              is: No wolf falters before the bite. So strike. No hawk wavers
                              before the dive. Just strike. This book is full of adventure,
                              and about finding yourself. You need to read this book. It
                              isn't only for girly-girls like the title suggests. Any teen or tween can
                              enjoy this book. I know I did!