First, I must announce the winners:
The winner of the signed hardcover copy of Everybody Sees the Ants by A.S. King is
The winner of the signed hardcover copy of Secrets at Sea by Richard Peck is:
Congratulations! Expect an email from me asking for your mailing address.
____________________________________________________
(If you didn't win, never fear. Today's YA Friday will also include a giveaway!)
CRACKED by K.M. Walton (Simon Pulse, 9781442434424, January 3, 2012, $16.99, for ages 14 and up)
The winner of the signed hardcover copy of Everybody Sees the Ants by A.S. King is
DONNA GAMBALE
The winner of the signed hardcover copy of Secrets at Sea by Richard Peck is:
NATALIE AGUIRRE
Congratulations! Expect an email from me asking for your mailing address.
____________________________________________________
(If you didn't win, never fear. Today's YA Friday will also include a giveaway!)
CRACKED by K.M. Walton (Simon Pulse, 9781442434424, January 3, 2012, $16.99, for ages 14 and up)
Source: advanced reading copy from publisher (Thanks to my awesome sales rep, Tim Hepp)
Synopsis (from the publisher): Victor hates his life. He's relentlessly bulled at school and his parents ridicule him for not being perfect. He's tired of being weak, so he takes a bottle of his mother's sleeping pills -- only to wake up in the hospital.
Bull is angry, and takes all of his rage out on Victor. He's the opposite of weak. And he's tired of his grandfather's drunken beatings, so he tries to defend himself with a loaded gun.
When Victor and Bull end up as roommates in the same psych ward, things go from bad to worse. Until they discover they just might have something in common: a reason to live.
Why I liked it: This book made me gasp and cry and laugh. Bullying is a hot topic right now, and the author alternates between two points of view, the bully and the victim, and somehow manages to make them both sympathetic characters. Victor and Bull quickly became real teens to me, and I was pulled into their double story with a kind of horrified fascination. I like how K.M. Walton shows that bullies are often bullied themselves, without justifying the bully's actions. Bull's home life sucks. But then so does Victor's, even though Victor has everything Bull doesn't have -- money, a nice house, plenty to eat. What does all that matter when your own parents are distant and uncaring?
The already fast pace picks up even more when both boys wind up in the same psych ward, with the two storylines converging in an impressive way that made me race to finish the book. The author has clearly done her research; the details are amazing.
I have two treats for you: an interview with the author and a giveaway of a signed pre-order of the book! (Remember, it pubs January 3, 2012.)
Kate Walton lives in my hometown (Yes, I'm very lucky! Not only is she an amazing writer, she's a
15 Comments on Winners! And YA Friday, Pennsylvania authors Part Four -- CRACKED by K.M. Walton, last added: 11/14/2011
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By: Joanne R. Fritz,
on 10/27/2011
Blog: My Brain on Books (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: young adult novels, Gem of the Week, Add a tag
Yes, you read that very long title correctly. There will be a GIVEAWAY of a SIGNED hardcover copy of Everybody Sees the Ants. But first, the review:
Everybody Sees the Ants by A.S. King (Little, Brown, 9780316129282, October 2011, $17.99, ages 15 and up).
Source: advanced reading copy from publisher
Synopsis (from the publisher and Indiebound): Lucky Linderman didn't ask for his life. He didn't ask his grandfather not to come home from the Vietnam War. He didn't ask for a father who never got over it. He didn't ask for a mother who keeps pretending their dysfunctional family is fine. And he didn't ask to be the target of Nader McMillan's relentless bullying, which has finally gone too far.
But Lucky has a secret--one that helps him wade through the daily mundane torture of his life. In his dreams, Lucky escapes to the war-ridden jungles of Laos--the prison his grandfather couldn't escape--where Lucky can be a real man, an adventurer, and a hero. It's dangerous and wild, and it's a place where his life just might be worth living. But how long can Lucky keep hiding in his dreams before reality forces its way inside?
Why I liked it: This book blew me away.
I had no idea you could do things like this in a YA novel. Or that a YA novel could encompass so many themes (bullying, war, the effects of torture, the long suffering of MIA families, feminism, family issues) and especially that they could all mesh so well. A.S. King is an amazing writer. But the best part of this novel is the character of Lucky. He's totally believable and real, and despite all the crap that he's been through, he stays positive and utterly likeable.
Oh, and it's funny. Really.
There are three things I especially love about this novel that aren't mentioned in the publisher's synopsis at all (you can only fit so much into a synopsis):
1) The character of Ginny and what she does with her hair. Yes!
2) The touch of magical realism when Lucky brings something back from each dream.
3) Lucky's unusual coping mechanism of seeing ants. When the ants gave Lucky a standing ovation, I laughed, I cried, I cheered. For a book that tackles some very tough issues, this is o
16 Comments on YA Friday -- Pennsylvania authors edition, Part Three! EVERYBODY SEES THE ANTS by A.S. King -- plus a GIVEAWAY!, last added: 10/31/2011
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By: Joanne R. Fritz,
on 9/18/2011
Blog: My Brain on Books (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: middle grade novels, Gem of the Week, Add a tag
PIE by Sarah Weeks (Scholastic, October 2011, for ages 9 to 12).
Source: Advanced reading copy from publisher
Synopsis (from publisher and Indiebound): Who would leave a world-famous pie recipe to a cat? When Alice's aunt Polly, The Pie Queen of Ipswitch, passes away, she takes with her the secret to her world-famous piecrust recipe. Or does she? In her will, Polly leaves the recipe to her extraordinarily fat, remarkably disagreeable cat, Lardo... and then leaves Lardo in the care of Alice.
Suddenly, Alice is thrust into the center of a piestorm, with everyone in town trying to be the next pie-contest winner ... including Alice's mother and some of Alice's friends. The whole community is going pie-crazy . . . and it's up to Alice and her friend Charlie to discover the ingredients that really matter. Like family. And friendship. And the pleasure of doing something for the right reason.
Why I liked it: It's great fun! If you think of this book as a pie, the filling is historical fiction (this takes place in July 1955) with a dash of small-town flavor (the made-up town of Ipswitch, Pennsylvania), wrapped in a crust made from a full measure of mystery with a dusting of whimsy. Spicing it all up are fourteen actual pie recipes that Sarah Weeks baked while writing this book. If reading this doesn't make your mouth water, I'd be amazed.
Alice is a spunky MG heroine, grieving for her beloved aunt and determined to find out who's trying to steal Aunt Polly's recipe (and Aunt Polly's cat!). I enjoyed the references to Sky King, Bob Hope and other icons of the 50s. Also loved the growing friendship between Alice and Charlie, though I was a tad surprised by the epilogue that takes place 40 years later. If the book had ended after Chapter 13, I'd still have been as satisfied as if I'd feasted on key lime pie (my favorite!).
What's YOUR favorite pie? And what marvels of middle grade lit have you read this week?
Marvelous Middle Grade Monday is the brainchild of Shannon Whitney Messenger. Other regulars include (but are not limited to):
Shannon O'Donnell at Book Dreaming
Myrna Foster at The Night Writer
Sherrie Petersen at Write About Now
Natalie Aguirre at Literary Rambles
Brooke Favero at Somewhere in the Middle
Deb Marshall at Just Deb
Barbara Watson at Novel and Nouveau
Anita Laydon Miller at her middle grade b
Myrna Foster at The Night Writer
Sherrie Petersen at Write About Now
Natalie Aguirre at Literary Rambles
Brooke Favero at Somewhere in the Middle
Deb Marshall at Just Deb
Barbara Watson at Novel and Nouveau
Anita Laydon Miller at her middle grade b
16 Comments on MMGM -- PIE by Sarah Weeks, last added: 9/22/2011
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By: Joanne R. Fritz,
on 9/15/2011
Blog: My Brain on Books (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: young adult novels, Gem of the Week, Add a tag
Over the next month, I'll be featuring some Pennsylvania authors in my YA Fridays! I plan to culminate the series with another giveaway, possibly of a signed book or books, so stay tuned in October..
Today's feature:
COLD KISS by Amy Garvey (Sept 20, 2011, Harperteen, for ages 12 and up). Visit her blog!
Synopsis (from the publisher): It was a beautiful, warm summer day, the day Danny died.
Suddenly Wren was alone and shattered. In a heartbroken fury, armed with dark incantations and a secret power, Wren decides that what she wants—what she must do—is to bring Danny back.
But the Danny who returns is just a shell of the boy Wren fell in love with. His touch is icy; his skin, smooth and stiff as marble; his chest, cruelly silent when Wren rests her head against it.
Wren must keep Danny a secret, hiding him away, visiting him at night, while her life slowly unravels around her. Then Gabriel DeMarnes transfers to her school, and Wren realizes that somehow, inexplicably, he can sense the powers that lie within her—and that he knows what she has done. And now Gabriel wants to help make things right.
But Wren alone has to undo what she has wrought—even if it means breaking her heart all over again.
Why I Liked It: The voice is fantastic! When I met Amy recently (she lives in my hometown!) she told me that although she's been writing adult romance and mysteries for years, her voice is really a YA voice. And I believe it. This is powerful writing by an author at the top of her form. Amy Garvey's writing is so precise and expressive that I could see every scene clearly in my mind.
The details jumped out at me, making Wren's story feel hauntingly real. I found myself completely accepting her ability to bring Danny back to life. And the fact that he was... different was chilling. This is a horror story as much as a love story. I read this in one sitting, on a cool, rainy day, so it was the perfect shivery atmosphere.
I loved that all the women in Wren's family have the power to tap into the earth's energy, and that they all manifest it differently. And I loved Wren as a character, and ached for her having to make that difficult decision. Gabriel was also an intriguing character and provided much-needed hope for Wren.
And, hey, you've gotta admit, the cover's fantastic!
What fantastic YA novels have you read this month?
4 Comments on YA Friday, PA authors' edition - COLD KISS by Amy Garvey, last added: 9/19/2011
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By: Joanne R. Fritz,
on 9/12/2011
Blog: My Brain on Books (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: middle grade novels, Gem of the Week, Add a tag
First, I should announce the winner of last week's giveaway. According to randomizer.org, the hardcover copy of 13 Gifts by Wendy Mass goes to:
Jill of the O.W.L.
Congrats, Jill! Expect an email from me asking for your address, so I can mail your prize to you! And thanks to all for entering. Now on to today's MMGM!
Secrets at Sea by Richard Peck, illustrated by Kelly Murphy (coming Oct 13, 2011 from Dial Books for Young Readers, for ages 8 to 12).
Source: advanced reading copy from the publisher (final art not seen)
Synopsis (from the publisher): In the beloved tradition of The Borrowers, The Tale of Despereaux, and The Cricket in Times Square, here is an irresistible adventure story of the tiny individuals who secretly live among us humans.
Helena is big-sister mouse to three younger siblings, living a snug and well-fed life within the ancient walls of the Cranston family home. When the Cranston humans decide to sail away to England in search of a husband for their awkward older daughter, the Cranston mice stow away in the luggage . . . and so begins the time of their lives, as they meet intriguing, cosmopolitan mice onboard and take it upon themselves to help the human Cranston daughters find love. They might just find perfect futures for themselves as well!
Full of laughs, near-misses, and surprise, this is Richard Peck at his best and most playful.
Helena is big-sister mouse to three younger siblings, living a snug and well-fed life within the ancient walls of the Cranston family home. When the Cranston humans decide to sail away to England in search of a husband for their awkward older daughter, the Cranston mice stow away in the luggage . . . and so begins the time of their lives, as they meet intriguing, cosmopolitan mice onboard and take it upon themselves to help the human Cranston daughters find love. They might just find perfect futures for themselves as well!
Full of laughs, near-misses, and surprise, this is Richard Peck at his best and most playful.
Why I liked it: Helena's story is utterly charming. This reminds me, right down to the pencil drawings by Kelly Murphy, of one of my favorite animal tales, Miss Bianca by Margery Sharp. But the plot is unique and quintessentially Peck. He's included sly little asides that might go over the head of a young reader, but would be thoroughly enjoyed by a parent or grandparent reading aloud to a child. Wish I could quote from the ARC, dang it all! But there's a moment where he makes a cheeky reference to a very well known children's book about a mouse. I laughed out loud.
I adored the idea of the mice having to fix everything for those poor clueless humans. Plus there are cute mice in Victorian clothing, the ingenious use of thimbles, lots of cheese, and a one-eyed cat. Irresistible!
Richard Peck is probably our greatest living children's writer. He's written a slew of books, won a Newbery medal and a Newbery honor, the Edgar Award, the Scott O'Dell award, the Christop
12 Comments on MMGM: Secrets at Sea by Richard Peck ... And a WINNER!, last added: 9/16/2011
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By: Joanne R. Fritz,
on 9/4/2011
Blog: My Brain on Books (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: middle grade novels, Gem of the Week, Add a tag
I debated taking today off since it's a holiday here in the States (Happy Labor Day, everyone!) but I love this book so much I couldn't wait to tell you about it (and give away my hardcover copy!). This is the book I read when our power first went out during the hurricane, and it kept me turning pages even with the hassle of a booklight.
13 Gifts by Wendy Mass (Scholastic, September 1, 2011, for ages 8 to 12).
Source: hardcover purchased from the store where I work
Synopsis (from the publisher): When Tara, a self-proclaimed shrinking violet, steals the school mascot in order to make some friends with the popular crowd and gets caught, she finds herself in a heap of trouble. In addition, her parents decide that instead of taking her on their summer trip to Madagascar to study the courtship rituals of the Bamboo Lemur, she must go stay with her aunt, uncle, and bratty cousin Emily St. Claire in Willow Falls. Tara thinks it's a good time to start over; she'll be turning 13 after all, so she might as well make the best of it and perhaps even attempt to break out of her shell (in a non-criminal manner). What Tara doesn't know is that this charmed town has something big in store for her on her 13th birthday. It's not a typical birthday. But then again, nothing is Willow Falls is exactly typical!
Why I liked it: The amazingly talented Wendy Mass scores again with another hit for tweens. Like its companion novels, 11 Birthdays and Finally, 13 Gifts is an adorable and funny book set in a small town where anything can happen. In this case, it's a rollicking scavenger hunt for the thirteen obscure objects that the mysterious owner of the antique shop asks Tara to find. A touch of magical realism adds to the charm of this already-charming story. Tara grows as a character and seems like a real girl. And I enjoyed coming across old friends from the other books.
I'm always impressed with books like this, where a series of hilarious events that seem to have no connection at all click into place by the end. And I didn't see it coming. Girls who enjoy a bit of magical realism with their contemporary stories will devour this.
While I can't afford to give away 13 copies of 13 Gifts, I will give away my one hardcover copy to one lucky winner. You know the drill:
1) Be a follower
2) Leave a comment on this post by Saturday Sept 10, 2011 at 11:59 pm EDT
3) Extra chance to win if you tweet about it and let me know (I'm @booksnbrains)
That's it! This giveaway is open internationally and ends at 11:59 EDT on Saturday, Sept 10, 2011. I'll let randomizer pick a winner and I'll try to announce it no later than Monday Sept 12.
For more MMGM love, visit these regulars:
Shannon Messenger (our founder) at Ramblings of a Wannabe Scribe
Shannon O'Donnell at 19 Comments on Marvelous Middle Grade Monday - 13 Gifts and a GIVEAWAY!, last added: 9/8/2011
By: Joanne R. Fritz,
on 8/19/2011
Blog: My Brain on Books (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: young adult novels, Gem of the Week, Add a tag
First, I decided last night to extend the deadline for this contest, since not very many people entered (that's what I get for taking a blogging break -- no one knows I'm back!). So you now have until tomorrow night (Sat August 20) at 11:59 pm to enter. You don't even have to be a follower.
Now onto today's YA Friday:
The Name of the Star (Shades of London Book 1), by Maureen Johnson (Putnam, Sept 29, 2011, for ages 12 and up).
Synopsis (from the publisher): The day Louisiana teenager Rory Deveaux arrives in London marks a memorable occasion. For Rory, it's the start of a new life at a London boarding school. But for many, this will be remembered as the day a series of brutal murders broke out across the city, gruesome crimes mimicking the horrific Jack the Ripper events of more than a century ago.
Soon "Rippermania" takes hold of modern-day London, and the police are left with few leads and no witnesses. Except one. Rory spotted the man police believe to be the prime suspect. But she is the only one who saw him. Even her roommate, who was walking with her at the time, didn't notice the mysterious man. So why can only Rory see him? And more urgently, why has Rory become his next target? In this edge-of-your-seat thriller, full of suspense, humor, and romance, Rory will learn the truth about the secret ghost police of London and discover her own shocking abilities.
Why I liked it: Are you kidding? What a terrific premise! And Maureen Johnson delivers with a sweet, sassy, and suspenseful read. Rory is an extremely realistic teen, who finds herself caught up in something she doesn't understand. She finds the obligatory best friend, Jazza, and the hot new love interest, Jerome. But then a new girl, Boo, arrives, who has the exact class schedule as Rory and never lets her out of her sight. Things get even stranger when Rory is questioned by Stephen, who seems to be an investigator, but is only about 17. Who are these people? And why are they interested in Rory?
Maureen Johnson is not only the Queen of Twitter, she writes smart, squeaky clean contemporary novels. But unlike my previous favorite, 13 Little Blue Envelopes, this one flirts with the paranormal. Add it to your TBR list, because it's a lot of fun.
6 Comments on YA Friday -- The Name of the Star -- and a contest reminder, last added: 8/21/2011
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By: Joanne R. Fritz,
on 6/20/2011
Blog: My Brain on Books (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: middle grade novels, Gem of the Week, Add a tag
Okay, I admit it. I don't always finish an entire series. I read the first three Artemis Fowl books and although I enjoyed them I had no desire to continue. I read the first three Children of the Lamp books and again, loved them, but didn't continue. Couldn't get past the first volume of Septimus Heap. But one series I gobbled up as soon as I could get my hands on each ARC:
Chronicles of Ancient Darkness, a six-volume series by Michelle Paver (published between 2004 and 2009 in the US by HarperCollins, in England by Orion, for ages 9 to 12).
I love them all, and especially how the characters grow throughout the series, but to keep this post short I'll just talk about the first volume.
Wolf Brother (hardcover published 2004, paperback published 2006)
Source: advanced reading copy from publisher (although I later purchased all of these books)
Synopsis (from the publisher):
The epic journey of boy and wolf begins.
Six thousand years ago. Evil stalks the land. According to legend, only twelve-year-old Torak and his wolf-cub companion can defeat it. Their journey together takes them through deep forests, across giant glaciers, and into dangers they never imagined. Torak and Wolf are terrified of their mission. But if they do not battle to save their world, who will?
Why I loved it: It's different! How many children's books can you think of that take place six thousand years ago in northern Europe? This book is packed with adventure and rich with sensory details. The writing is gorgeous! It's incredibly easy to picture Torak's world because the author shows it to us so well (and she's really done her research). We run through the forests right alongside Torak and Wolf as they search for the demon-possessed bear. This book is so exciting, you won't want to stop reading. It's an interesting mix of fantasy and reality, leaning more toward reality.
The other thing I love about this book (and the whole series) is the ever-deepening relationship between Torak and Wolf, and the way they communicate. Orphaned and clanless, Torak has no one but Wolf for company in the beginning. The book is written in third person, and occasional chapters focus on Wolf. The fact that he believes Torak is a tall tailless wolf is priceless.
The characterizations are wonderful. Besides Torak and Wolf, you'll get to know Fin-Kedinn, the Raven Clan chief who allows Torak to stay with them and who becomes a sort of mentor to Torak. And Renn, a girl who helps Torak. She's a Raven Clan seer who predicts that Torak will fulfill an ancient prophecy. You'll see more of these characters in the other volumes.
Here's a peek at the other books in the series:
Book Two: Spirit Walker
19 Comments on Marvelous Middle Grade Monday -- Chronicles of Ancient Darkness... and a Giveaway!, last added: 6/23/2011
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By: Joanne R. Fritz,
on 6/13/2011
Blog: My Brain on Books (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: middle grade novels, Gem of the Week, Add a tag
_________________________________________________________
First, a reminder that you still have UNTIL TUESDAY NIGHT to enter my Sharks & Boys arc giveaway. Be a follower and leave a comment on this post to enter.
Elsewhere on the blogosphere...
Angela at The Bookshelf Muse is having a HUGE contest to celebrate 2000 followers! Go see what it's all about!
... and you can enter to win an AUTOGRAPHED copy of Grace Lin's Where The Mountain Meets the Moon over at Katia Raina's blog, Magic Mirror.
I met Katia near the end of the NJ SCBWI conference a week ago. She was fascinating to talk to. She told me the story of her full name, and I told her the middle-grade novel I've recently finished writing is about a Russian girl named Katerina! Life is full of coincidences. And Katia did a great job of recapping the conference here, for anyone interested. The conference was exhilarating, packed with helpful workshops. I crammed as much info as I could into this old brain. Met a lot of wonderful writers and illustrators. Ate too many bad carbs. Came up with some new story ideas and ways to fix the old stories.
For me, the best part of attending writing conferences like this one is the inspiration. I came home and did nothing but write (well, besides working at the bookstore, eating, sleeping, and spending time with my family! And not necessarily in that order!). So now I'm fired up to start submitting again. That's why I go to these things when I can.
Now onto today's MMGM (finally, gasp):
Second Fiddle by Rosanne Parry (Random House, March 2011, for ages 9 to 12).
Source: I won the hardcover from Natalie Aguirre over at Literary Rambles!
Synopsis (from the publisher): The author of Heart of a Shepherd offers another sensitive portrayal of military families, this time stationed abroad, in the city of Berlin at that historic time just after the Wall came down.
When 13-year-old Jody and her friends save a badly beaten Russian soldier from drowning, they put into motion a chain of events that will take them from Berlin to Paris and straight into danger. Jody must quickly learn to trust herself, because in the time directly after the fall of the Berlin Wall, the border between friend and enemy is not as clear as it once was.
Award-winning author
14 Comments on Marvelous Middle Grade Monday - Second Fiddle, last added: 6/14/2011
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By: Joanne R. Fritz,
on 5/23/2011
Blog: My Brain on Books (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: middle grade novels, Gem of the Week, Add a tag
First, I need to announce the winners in my Grey Griffins Giveaway!
The winner of the signed hardcover copy of The Brimstone Key is:
Deb Marshall
The winner of the signed hardcover copy of The Relic Hunters is:
Lenny Lee
YAY! Congrats to the winners! Email me your addresses (JoanneRFritz AT gmail DOT com) so I can mail your prizes out to you! And thanks so much to everyone for entering. If you didn't win, never fear, there will be more giveaways in the future. My bookshelves are overloaded.
Second, to anyone who reads my blog in Google Reader: my apologies for that "extra" Grey Griffins post that, um, mysteriously got posted on Friday night. Silly me. Still trying to figure out a way to schedule comments to be turned off at 11:59 pm without having to stay up that late (Note to Blogger coders: we need this kinda thing!). Of course it didn't occur to me that if I SCHEDULED comments to be turned off, I was SCHEDULING a whole spankin' new post. Duh.
Third, let's get to today's MMGM post. (And it's about time! Whew!)
The Friendship Doll, by Kirby Larson (Delacorte Press, May 10, 2011, for ages 8 to 12).
Source: advanced reading copy from publisher
Synopsis (from the publisher): I am Miss Kanagawa. In 1927, my 57 doll-sisters and I were sent from Japan to America as Ambassadors of Friendship. Our work wasn't all peach blossoms and tea cakes. My story will take you from New York to Oregon, during the Great Depression. Though few in this tale are as fascinating as I, their stories won't be an unpleasant diversion. You will make the acquaintance of Bunny, bent on revenge; Lois, with her head in the clouds; Willie Mae, who not only awakened my heart, but broke it; and Lucy, a friend so dear, not even war could part us. I have put this tale to paper because from those 58 Friendship Dolls only 45 remain. I know that someone who chooses this book is capable of solving the mystery of the missing sisters. Perhaps that someone is you.
Why I liked it: Okay, I have to admit I was put off at first by the idea of the doll telling the story. I was afraid it would be coy. But the doll's few brief monologues actually serve as a clever framework to hold together four quite different stories (told in third person) about four very different girls during the Great Depression, Bunny in New York in 1927, Lois in Illinois in 1933, Willie Mae in Kentucky in 1937 and Lucy, who travels from Oklahoma to Oregon in 1939, as her Dad searches for work. And in the space of 30 or 40 pages for each girl, Kirby Larson manages to bring them fully to life. The writing is clear and concise and the details are wonderful. These are painless history lessons disguised as entertaining stories about four girls who are each touched in some way by their encounter with Miss Kanagawa. I had never heard of these Friendship Dolls before, so I definitely learned something!
Warning: Not all of these stories end happily, but there is enough sweetness to balance the sadness. If you liked Moon Over Manifest, or Kirby Larson
13 Comments on Marvelous Middle Grade Monday -- The Friendship Doll -- and WINNERS announcement, last added: 5/26/2011
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By: Joanne R. Fritz,
on 4/25/2011
Blog: My Brain on Books (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: middle grade novels, Gem of the Week, Add a tag
Hope nobody ate too much chocolate yesterday and that you spent time with family. I'm always happy when both boys are home. Now let's get to today's review:
The Lemonade Crime by Jacqueline Davies (Houghton Mifflin, April 2011, for ages 8 to 12).
This engaging sequel to The Lemonade War was inspired by questions fans asked Davies after the first book. What about Scott Spencer? Did he or didn't he steal the $208 that Evan and Jessie earned from selling lemonade? Note that it's probably best to read The Lemonade War first, although Davies is careful to restate the core of that story without overwhelming the reader with information.
It's now September and the start of 4th grade. Because Jessie has skipped a grade, she and her older brother Evan are in the same class. Evan has a lot of friends but Jessie is quiet and mostly stays by herself at recess.
Until Scott Spencer starts bragging about the new XBox 20/20 that he bought with his own money.
Jessie is furious. She's convinced he stole that money from Evan when they were swimming in the summer. Jessie plunges into research with her usual dedication. Evan wishes she would just forget the whole thing. But Jessie serves Scott with a hand-lettered warrant for his arrest, and arranges a "trial" after school one Friday.
The definitions of legal terms such as circumstantial evidence, eyewitness, and due diligence are given in brief chapter headings, but the reader will learn more by reading the story and seeing it all unfold. Fascinating stuff for kids who like whodunits or detective stories, this book also explores sibling relationships and the importance of telling the truth. In addition, the ending may surprise you! This book should appeal to fans of Andrew Clements or Barbara O'Connor.
Marvelous Middle Grade Monday is the brainchild of Shannon Whitney Messenger. Go see what she's up to here.
Other regulars:
Shannon O'Donnell at Book Dreaming
Myrna Foster at The Night Writer 13 Comments on Marvelous Middle Grade Monday -- The Lemonade Crime, last added: 4/26/2011
I'm excited to win and congrats to Donna!
This is a great interview. It's interesting to hear how Kate moved from picture books to YA.
I've heard great things about Cracked. I'd love to win.
Dang it. I wanted one. Wait, did I even enter? I can't remember.
Anyway, love Kate, she's rules, and congrats Donna and Natalie!
This book looks pretty interesting. x]I'll enter. Good luck everyone.
Oh you know I love Kate. She's the best and CRACKED is that awesome. Totally love your review. Can't wait till January at the signing.
Congrats to the winners.
Terrific interview! I look forward to reading CRACKED!
Loved the interview, and please enter me. Oh to win a copy of this fast-paced story that sounds just so awesome!! :)
Thanks, everyone and good luck!
Natalie, yes, I was intrigued by that also.
Matt, I don't think you did enter those other giveaways! The good news is, now you're entered for the pre-order of CRACKED.
Welcome, Kayla!
Christine, you and me both.
Hi Corey! Thanks.
Hi Katia! Consider yourself entered!
Congrats to the winners!
I've been wanting to read Cracked for months. Can't wait for the release! Lucky you :)
Vivien
deadtossedwaves at gmail dot com
Hi Vivien! Sorry that you have to wait for the book itself (I couldn't give away my arc --it's being passed around to my fellow booksellers!).
Wow, this is a great interview and giveaway. I love Kate's answers (she is my agent sister) and can't wait for CRACKED to come out. I am also so very delighted about her next novel.
Congrats to Natalie and Donna.
I loved your interview with Kate Walton. She gives hope to those of us still in the trenches, persevering despite 148 rejections! And I loved her parting words of wisdom: write to become a better writer. Great stuff!
Thank you very much for hosting me, Joanne. It was an honor.
Welcome, Christa. Lucky you, to have the same agent as Kate!
Thanks, Michael. Yes, she's inspiring, isn't she?
Kate, it was my pleasure!
Great writing advice . . . I've never heard it said that way before, but very true!