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My Birthday is September 11 (And Other Short Stories) by Nicole Weaver

Review by Chris Singer

About the author:

Nicole Weaver was born in Port-au-Prince Haiti. She came to the United States when she was ten years old. She is fluent in Creole, French, Spanish and English. She is a veteran teacher of French and Spanish. She is the author of a children’s tri-lingual picture book titled “Marie and Her Friend the Sea Turtle.” The story is about a Haitian little girl who resided by the beach in Haiti. Her second trilingual children’s picture book will be published by Guardian Angel Publishing. The book titled, “My sister is my Best Friend ” will be published in 2011.

About the book:

Growing up is filled with new experiences and they partner emotions. Our trials in life teach us compassion and help us to empathize with others. Our difficulties make us who we are, helping each of us to find our place in the world.

In this collection of short stories, simple acts of kindness make a world of difference in the lives of individuals. The theme of compassion weaves through all five stories, inspiring readers to discover this important lesson in life; we were created to help others.

My take on the book:

This is a nice collection of stories which touches on topics from bi-racial adoption and bullying to overcoming the tragedies of 9/11 and natural disasters through giving and paying it forward.

While touching on these topics, this collection for middle and teen readers shares the common theme of being stories about children dealing with real life struggles, and how kindness and empathy can turn someone’s life around for the better.

Here’s a quick breakdown of the stories:

* “My Birthday is September Eleven” – The title story of the collection is about a boy who was born on 9/11/01 and finds it hard to celebrate his birthday because of the tragic events of that day.

* “Zebra Boy” – A bi-racial boy stands up to a bully because of the support from his best friend.

* “The Good Samaritan” – An anonymous donor contributes the money necessary to help a group of fifth-graders pay for a life-saving surgery for a classmate.

* “No More Hunger” – Ronald becomes impoverished after a devastating hurricane destroys his village in Haiti. Unable to survive on his own, he is rescued from certain death by a kind stranger.

* “A New Life” – A bi-racial boy finally escapes a difficult past when he is adopted by a caring couple.

The stories are well-written and can be useful for inspiring an excellent discussion between middle and teen readers and their parents and teachers.

As I read the stories, I kept thinking of Gandhi’s quote: “Be the change you wish to see in the world.” I think these stories hold that kind of potential for young readers. They may be inspired to make a positive difference in someone’s life by either contributing financially to a cause, showing empathy for others or even standing up beside someone being treated unjustly.

The Apothecary by Maile Meloy

Review by Chris Singer

About the author:

Maile Meloy (www.mailemeloy.com) is the award-winning author of the short story collection Half in Love and the novels Both Ways Is the Only Way I Want It, Liars and Saints, and A Family Daughter. This is her first novel for young readers. She lives in California.

About the book:

It’s 1952 and the Scott family has just moved from Los Angeles to London. Here, fourteen-year-old Janie meets a mysterious apothecary and his son, Benjamin Burrows – a fascinating boy who’s not afraid to stand up to authority and dreams of becoming a spy. When Benjamin’s father is kidnapped, Janie and Benjamin must uncover the secrets of the apothecary’s sacred book, the Pharmacopoeia, in order to find him, all while keeping it out of the hands of their enemies – Russian spies in possession of nuclear weapons. Discovering and testing potions they never believed could exist, Janie and Benjamin embark on a dangerous race to save the apothecary and prevent impending disaster.

Watch the book trailer:

My take on the book:

I received “The Apothecary” in the mail a while ago. It came in this fancy package with this little antique-looking jar filled with glitter or something. It actually was kind of a turn-off to be honest. I wasn’t crazy about the title even, and admittedly I didn’t read the synopsis on the back cover either.

I had forgotten about it until about a month ago when I came across the book trailer. The trailer was very cool (watch it below) and I decided I had to give the book a chance.

I wasn’t disappointed at all. It was a very unique story and I really enjoyed the historical aspects of the Red Scare and the Cold War combined with the elements of magic and fantasy. While the magic, fantasy, mystery and intrigue of the plot will be what draws teen readers to this book, I loved the historical and political aspects included in the novel.

The novel is a quick read. I breezed through it over a weekend. This is Meloy’s first crack at writing for teens and I was impressed with her effort. There was great balance in the story. Even while there was an underlying tension in the story where the main characters were struggling to save the apothecary and solve the mystery, there were also light moments of humor thrown in to keep readers wanting more.

I enjoyed the main characters (Benjamin and Janie), but Pipp steals the show. I won’t give things away, but if this was a movie, he’d be the character everyone would be talking about.

If I had to make one small constructive criticism, I felt Meloy struggled with how she wanted to end the book. While the rest of the story was really paced quite well, I think some readers might labor a bit near t

Cold Case by Julia Platt Leonard

Review by Chris Singer

About the author:

Julia Platt Leonard has been a television reporter, pastry chef & bread baker for Todd English, and a food consultant. She lives in London with her family. When she’s not dreaming about what’s for dinner or thinking up new stories, she is a freelance copy writer and recipe tester. Cold Case is her first novel.

About the book (from the publisher):

When 13-year-old Oz Keillor finds a dead body in his family restaurant, he is soon caught up in a mystery where the stakes are high. His older brother is the prime suspect, and Oz quickly finds out that the murder may be tied to the death of their father years earlier, who was accused of selling nuclear secrets to rogue governments.

With the fate of his family in balance, it’s up to Oz to try and crack the case, with the help of his best friend, Rusty. It’s a quest that has more twists and turns than the dusty roads of New Mexico—with the answer being closer to home than Oz ever could have imagined.

My take on the book:

Although aimed at middle readers, I think older teens and even adults will enjoy this twist-filled murder mystery set in Los Alamos, New Mexico. I particularly enjoyed the subplot centered around the accusations of Oz’s father selling nuclear secrets while working at the nuclear facility at Los Alamos Laboratory.

I think what middle readers will enjoy best is that the book is written well enough to make readers feel they are trying to solve the mystery along with Oz. Readers who enjoy mysteries or television shows like CSI will really find this book intriguing.

Although the subject matter (homicide) seems a little bit strong for a younger audience, I think the author handles it appropriately for the intended audience. My only quibble with the story is why Oz’s mother was away dealing with a family emergency while all of this was happening with her two sons. I just didn’t find it very believable. All in all though, this is entertaining and action-packed read which will definitely appeal to young readers.

The Downside of Being Up by Alan Lawrence Sitomer

Review by Chris Singer

About the author (from the author’s website):

Alan Sitomer is California’s 2007 Teacher of the Year. In addition to being an inner-city high school English teacher and former professor in the Graduate School of Education at Loyola Marymount University, Mr. Sitomer is a nationally renowned speaker specializing in engaging reluctant readers who received the 2004 award for Classroom Excellence from the Southern California Teachers of English and the 2003 Teacher of the Year honor from California Literacy. In April 2007, Alan was named Educator of the Year by Loyola Marymount University and in February 2008 The Insight Education Group named Alan Sitomer the Innovative Educator of the Year.

Mr. Sitomer has also authored 11 books to date for esteemed publishers such as Disney, Scholastic, Penguin/Putnam, and RB Education. These include six young adult novels, three children’s picture books, two teacher methodology books, and a classroom curriculum series for secondary English Language Arts instruction called The Alan Sitomer BookJam. In the past he’s been honored by the American Library Association (the A.L.A. named Homeboyz a Top Ten Book of the Year 2008, receiving the prestigious ALA Quick Pick Recognition for young adult novel which best engages reluctant readers) and within the next 18 months Alan will have four new titles hitting the shelves.

Mr. Sitomer is currently on sabbatical from the classroom as he works to re-shape literacy education through policy dialogue, professional development workshops, and authoring new materials for classroom use. His next release, NERD GIRLS, will be available from Disney in June.

About the book (from the publisher):

Thirteen-year-old Bobby Connor is a normal adolescent boy – at least he hopes he is – just trying to survive middle school. But it seems he’s being foiled at every turn, and even his own body is conspiring against him. And when his math teacher is seriously injured from the shock and fright of witnessing just how out of control Bobby’s changing adolescent body is getting, he starts to worry he’s anything but normal.

Faced with expulsion from school for violating the student handbook code, Bobby opts for therapy – Correctional Erectional Therapy. It’s official: Bobby Connor is not normal. But in this uproarious and heartfelt novel, he’s going to do his darndest to make it seem that he is . . . or maybe just try to make it through middle school.

My take on the book:

When I learned what “The Downside of Being Up” was about, I knew it either could be a disaster or incredible. Luckily and happily, it was the latter. This is a really well written book and extremely hilarious. And in hilarious, I mean that it’s laugh out loud hilarious. I read it in one sitting during my daughter’s nap-time one afternoon. It’s a quick and fun read that is will truly engage teen readers.

The situations in which 13-year-old Bobby Connor finds himself are just too funny. From being expelled from school for “Flaunting his erection” to then being forced to undergo Correctional Erectional Therapy with the school counselor, Bobby also has to deal with parents who are a bit too concerned what the neighbors will think when they learn of Bobby’s “problems” at school.

My favorite character though was Bobby’s grandfather. For me, the grandfather made the story. He reminde

Michael Vey: The Prisoner of Cell 25 by Richard Paul Evans

Review by Chris Singer

About the author:

Richard Paul Evans is the #1 best-selling author of The Christmas Box. His novels have each appeared on the New York Times bestseller list; there are more than thirteen million copies of his books in print. His books have been translated into more than 22 languages and several have been international best sellers. He is the winner of the 1998 American Mothers Book Award, two first place Storytelling World Awards for his children’s books, the 2005 Romantic Times Best Women Novel of the Year Award, and the 2011 Wilbur Award for Fiction (Book).  Evans received the Washington Times Humanitarian of the Century Award and the Volunteers of America National Empathy Award for his work helping abused children. Evans lives in Salt Lake City, Utah, with his wife, Keri, and their five children.

About the book:

To everyone at Meridian High School, fourteen-year-old Michael Vey is nothing special, just the kid who has Tourette’s syndrome. But in truth, Michael is extremely special—he has electric powers. Michael thinks he is unique until he discovers that a cheerleader named Taylor has the same mysterious powers. With the help of Michael’s friend, Ostin, the three of them set out to discover how Michael and Taylor ended up with their abilities, and their investigation soon brings them to the attention of a powerful group who wants to control the electric teens—and through them, the world.

#1 New York Times bestselling author Richard Paul Evans introduces a character whose risk-filled exploration marks the beginning of a riveting new series. With only his powers, his wits, and his friends to protect him, Michael will need all his strength to survive….

My take on the book:

I reviewed this book despite its affiliation with a media pundit I extremely dislike. This is Richard Paul Evan’s first book written for young adults and while it is a simple yet entertaining read, I had many doubts about its applicability to this genre. I think Michael Vey actually fits better as a book for middle readers (8-12). The characters and story itself lacks a lot of depth which I think would be difficult for older teens to really find believable. The main characters especially, are full of stereotypes and act much younger than their ages as well.

Still, the book is entertaining to read, especially after the introduction of the main characters and story begins taking shape. There is a lot of action and many young readers, especially those who enjoy comic books, will recognize elements from the X-Men series in this story. There’s also some interesting elements in the story regarding the science of electricity. Since all of the children in the story have special powers related to electricity, young readers who understand or have learned about electricity in school may be able to use this knowledge to figure out how the characters use their powers.

It looks like this book is the first in a series of seven books. Although it’s pretty simplistic for the YA genre, I’d still like to check out the second book before making a full conclusion. For the most part, I think this is an entertaining read and worth a shot. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend it to middle readers 8 to 12. I think they’ll enjoy it much more than older teens will.

War and Watermelon by Rich Wallace

Review by: Chris Singer

About the author:

Rich Wallace is the author of many award-winning books for children and teenagers, including Wrestling Sturbridge, Sports Camp, Perpetual Check, and the “Kickers” and “Winning Season” series. He lives with his wife, novelist Sandra Neil Wallace, in Keene, NH.  A note from Rich:  ”Bloggers might like to know that, like Brody in War & Watermelon, I was 12 years old in 1969 and living in suburban New Jersey, just becoming aware of the war and the music and the other world-changing events of that summer. I also had an older brother who was eligible for the draft, which caused considerable concern in our household and informed the events of this novel.” Learn more about Rich and his books on his website, www.richwallacebooks.com.

About the book:

It’s the summer of 1969. We’ve just landed on the moon, the Vietnam War is heating up, the Mets are beginning their famous World Series run, and Woodstock is rocking upstate New York. Down in New Jersey, twelve-year-old Brody is mostly concerned with the top ten hits on the radio and how much playing time he’ll get on the football team. But when he goes along for the ride to Woodstock with his older brother and sees the mass of humanity there, he starts to wake up to the world around him-a world that could take away the brother he loves.

My take on the book:

I was really intrigued by the description of this book when I was offered an opportunity to read and review it.

I wasn’t disappointed either. War and Watermelon is a quick read and I read it over the course of a day and found it hard to put down.

Although War and Watermelon is recommended for ages 9-12 years, I thought it was definitely more of a young adult novel. There are some pretty heavy duty issues addressed in this novel, mainly focused around whether Brody’s older brother Ryan will enroll in college before he gets drafted to go to war in Vietnam. I didn’t have an issue personally with any of the subject matter in the book (the “activities” at Woodstock i.e. drinking beer, smoking pot and language). I just think it’s a book more suited for young adult readers ages 12 and above.

All in all, this book makes an excellent summer read. I think librarians and teachers would be interested in adding this to their classrooms as well. Wallace does an excellent job of bringing the political turmoil of the late 60s to life for readers, even if it is through the eyes of a 12-year-old boy. Don’t worry though, the book isn’t just centered around the topic of the Vietnam War. There’s a few laughs in here, as well as some football (Brody has made the local team as a running back/linebacker). I’d have no problem recommending this book to a male teen reader in your life.

Aim High! 101 Tips For Teens by Brad Berger

About the author:

Brad Berger has been an attorney for over thirty-six years. He is a pioneer in the field of law and was the first lawyer to advertise on television and radio and in newspapers in New York State after the Supreme Court decision in June 1977 that allowed lawyers to advertise. Brad is the sole owner and operator of his law firm, Berger Attorney, rated “av” by Marindale Hubbell. He is admitted to practice law in New York, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, the District of Columbia, and before the United States Supreme Court.

Brad is a father and was a teenager at one time.

About the book:

AIM HIGH! is written so that teenagers grades 6-12 can easily learn something that will enhance their lives by reading any page of the book. Teenagers readingAIM HIGH! or parts of the book will gain the power to make their lives better. AIM HIGH! memorializes the basic principles that parents, teachers, and coaches tell children daily.

Today’s teenager needs information provided quickly, simply, and painlessly.AIM HIGH! is special because it accomplishes all three goals – and teenagers read it. It is the best book for teens.

When given to teenagers, AIM HIGH! increases the potential for a closer and more successful relationship between teenagers and their parents or other adults as can be seen from the survey comments.

AIM HIGH! brings civility to the chaos of being a teenager. AIM HIGH! should be a part of the “rites of passage” for every teenager. AIM HIGH! teaches teens to be positive, to take advantage of opportunities, to believe in what they do, and to work to accomplish goals. It also teaches them to be part of a team, develop good work habits, keep commitments, and have fun. AIM HIGH! gives teenagers a handbook of what they need to know in order to succeed in school and life.

My take on the book:

Great book of words of advice to teens.  The thoughts on life were organized with subject tabs on the side of the pages and made it easy to find an area you were looking for. It was like my grandmother was sitting in the room with me as I read it, and read things I just want to scream sometimes at my niece.  It is simple and well organized. It didn’t seem that it was meant to be read cover to cover as a self help book but rather a go to book for good thoughts about life and general rules of society. I really liked the speak page where it gives the advice: If you have something to say, say it. Overall, I think the book can help build confidence and gives well thought out nuggets of advice to young adults. It would help many teens grow into productive members of a society.

For more information, including how to order the book, please visit Aim High’s website at: www.aimhigh101tips.com.

Review by Chris Singer

About the author:

Ryan Sprague grew up in Augusta, GA and never envisioned leaving. But, he was given the opportunity to attend Florida State University, and decided to go for it. He walked on to the football team and eventually became a starter for FSU’s National Championship run. He met his wife at FSU, and upon graduation began his career as a full–time minister. He is the proud father of four unique and remarkable boys and his family is replanting their roots in Tallahassee, FL after an exciting year in Hawley, MN and a fulfilling six in Highlands, NC.

About the book:

In 1999, the Florida State Seminoles went wire-to-wire to win the National Championship. In Grateful, Ryan Sprague gives you a chance to see the program like never before, from a player’s perspective. Starting as a walk-on in 1996, Ryan takes you on his journey as he earned a scholarship, won a starting job, and was a part of one of the greatest teams in the history of college football.

My take on the book:

I have to be honest, I wasn’t sure how Ryan Sprague’s book, Grateful, really fit into Book Dads but I’m glad I trusted my instincts and decided to review it. I’m not a Florida State Seminole fan, but it was hard to resist reading this book after seeing such a wonderful endorsement by legendary football coach Bobby Bowden. When I read that it made me think of my favorite head coach and team, Joe Paterno from Penn State University.Ryan’s story of walking on as a freshman at one of the most storied college football programs in history, earning a scholarship and eventually being a starter for the Florida State Seminoles is a great story for dads to share with any kid who dreams of making it big in college sports.College football fans, especially Seminole fans, will really enjoy this inside story of one of college football’s greatest championship teams, but the real pleasure for me was the positive messages interlaced among Ryan’s anecdotes. In a time when every week we see a college football player, team or program making headlines on ESPN for all the wrong things, Ryan is clearly the real deal where it matters most: off the field. Ryan’s messages of perseverance, determination, loyalty and of course, gratitude are what really comes across in this memoir. This is

A Hare in the Elephant’s Trunk by Jan Coates

Review by Chris Singer

About the author:

About Jacob Akech Deng:

Jacob Deng now lives in Nova Scotia, is married and has a young family. His foundation, Wadeng Wings of Hope, seeks to build schools for young children in southern Sudan.

Watch the trailer:

About the book:

In the little village of Duk Padiet in southern Sudan, a boy named Jacob Deng thrives on the love of his mother, the companionship of his sisters, the excitement of learning how to look after his uncle’s herds of cattle. The year is 1987, and suddenly in the night soldiers from the north invade the village, looting, burning, and killing. The war has arrived, and the life of Jacob will never be the same.

This novel is based on the real life experiences of a Sudanese boy who, with thousands of other boys from the region, fled for his life and spent seven years walking through deserts, grasslands and forests, crossing crocodile-infested rivers, surviving life in massive refugee camps. The so-called Lost Boys of Sudan – as they were called by an American aid organization – numbered as many as 27,000, and while many died – from starvation, attacks by wild animals, drowning, or through the brutality of the military – many survived. Jacob never returned to his village, but though he was only seven years old when he had to flee, he somehow managed to live through an almost unimaginable ordeal.

Throughout the seven years covered in this story, Jacob resists the temptation to join the liberation army. Steadily Jacob finds himself more and more adhering to his mother’s advice that getting an education is crucial to escaping the cycle of violence that afflicts his country. Jacob’s struggle, then, is to persist in seeking out teachers and eventually a school where his ambition to learn about the world can be met. Through it all he learns about loyalty and love for close friends who have been thrust together with him on this extraordinary journey, and also about the guiding light provided by the memory of his mother.

My take on the book:

T