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By: Monica Zepeda,
on 3/6/2016
Title: Undertow Author: Michael Buckley Publisher: HMH Books for Young Readers Publication Date: May 5, 2015 ISBN-13: 978-0544348257 384 pp. ARC provided by publisher Undertow by Michael Buckley is a Romeo/Juliet story about a human girl named Lyric and a sea prince named Fathom set in modern day New York. It's not subtle in its parallels to current immigration fears as the sea folk known
By: bookkm,
on 9/4/2015
For three years, Lyric Walker has behaved like a model citizen - in school, at home, everywhere. The wild thing she used to be cannot come out. Her home town of Coney Island has become a refugee camp for a strange race of sentient sea creatures. The hatred and mistrust between humans and these aliens - the Alpha - grows to a fever pitch when the president demands that Alpha children enter New York's public schools.
Lyric's school is first.
But Lyric and her parents have a secret that may kill them. When Lyric is forced to befriend the Alpha prince, Fathom, things become confusing all too quickly. He is untamed - as are all the Alpha - with a sense of honor that demands quick and violent retribution for the smallest of slights. Lyric only agrees to help Fathom adjust to humans when escape from the area is offered to her for parents as well as herself.
The government, itself, is split between the locals who hate and want to exterminate these interlopers and the federal government that views them as possible allies.
A subplot about Lyric's best friend's abusive step-father, and that best friend's boy friend add pathos to an otherwise action adventure sci-fi novel.
Things start out uncomfortably in this book and quickly become ugly and then uglier. Hate and what it motivates people to do is never a pretty sight.
Things I liked best about this book:
1. Cool battle scenes.
2. Lyric and Bex, her best friend.
3. Lyric's migraines turn into something significant.
4. The trial scene - wow, that was so awesome!
5. Governmental wrangling. Don't totally trust them!! Conspiracy theorists, unite!
Possible Spoiler Alert!!
I expected an underlying theme to be the warming of the oceans. I thought that was the reason these people were forced onto land. That may crop up in subsequent titles in this series - because Fathom, Lyric, Bex and all the others will return. But the reason the Alpha left the sea is pretty freaky and scary.
By: Deborah Jensen,
on 1/23/2015
Publishers Lunch has two new editions in its free Buzz Books series, buzzed about as the first and best place for passionate readers and publishing insiders to discover and sample some of the most acclaimed books of the year, before they are published. Substantial excerpts from 65 of the most anticipated books coming this spring and summer are gathered in two new ebooks, BUZZ BOOKS 2015: Spring/Summer and BUZZ BOOKS 2015: Young Adult Spring, offered in consumer and trade editions (adult and YA). All are available free through NetGalley.
Book lovers get an early first look at books from actress and activist Maria Bello, \"Morning Joe\" co-host and bestselling author Mika Brzezinski, NPR/Weekend Edition’s Scott Simon, and bestselling fiction writers Dennis Lehane, Ann Packer, Ian Caldwell, and Neal Stephenson, among others. Highly touted debuts include Leslie Parry’s Church of Marvels, Erika Swyler’s The Book of Speculation, J. Ryan Stradal’s Kitchens of the Great Midwest, Christopher Robinson and Gavin Kovite’s War Of The Encyclopaedists, and Jessica Knoll’s Luckiest Girl Alive. From inside publishing, there’s Jonathan Galassi’s debut novel Muse, and George Hodgman’s memoir Bettyville.
The YA edition features the latest from Sarah Dessen, David Levithan, Barry Lyga, and Michael Buckley, plus renowned middle-grade authors including Newbery winner Rebecca Stead and Louis Sachar. There’s Alice Hoffman’s Nightbird, her first novel for this age range. We also get a first look at YA debut authors Margo Rabb, Maria Dahvana Headley, plus Paige McKenzie’s The Haunting of Sunshine Girl (adapted from the web series of the same name and already in development as a film from the Weinstein Company) and Sabaa Tahir’s debut An Ember In the Ashes (already sold to Paramount Pictures in a major deal).
Fourteen of the adult titles featured in last year’s Buzz Books 2014 were named to one or more major \"Best Books of 2014\" lists, and 18 became bestsellers. Of the 28 books published to date and previewed in the 2014 Fall/Winter edition, 19 have made \"best of the month/year\" lists and nine are New York Times bestsellers.
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By: James Preller,
on 11/4/2013
I’ve always heard great things about the Rochester Children’s Book Festival, but never got invited. I tried to weasel an invitation a few years back (clever Cynthia DeFelice reference), but that went nowhere. Finally, at last, I wore ‘em down. Good thing, too, because I’m hoping to promote my SCARY TALES series as well as, you know, meet some kindred, book-loving spirits. So if you are near the area — a teacher, a librarian, or merely a stalker — please stop by and say hello.
Some of the many authors & illustrators who’ll be there: MJ & Herm Auch, Julie Berry, Michael Buckley, Peter Catalanotto, Bruce Coville, Cynthia DeFelice, Jeff Mack, Daniel Mahoney, Matt McElligott, Linda Sue Park, Matt Phelan, Robin Pulver, Jane Yolen, Paul O. Zelinsky, and more.
Holy crap! What a list of luminaries! My knees are sweating already. I better pack a clean shirt.
I’m looking forward to it, with thanks to my publisher, the kind folks at Macmillan, for putting me up with a family of Armenian immigrants at a nearby trailer park for the weekend. I just hope they remember to roll out the red carpet. Remember, I’ll only eat the blue M & M’s.
Happily, the event places me in close proximity to my oldest son, Nick, who attends Geneseo College. And by “attends” I mean, I certainly hope so!
Over Halloween, he and some friends decided to go as “Dads.” I functioned in an advisory capacity, the content of which he politely ignored. My big idea was to get a Darth Vader helmet and cape, then pull on one of those t-shirts that reads: “WORLD’S GREATEST DAD!”
Because, you know, irony!
Anyway, check it out. Nick is the one in shorts, pulled up white socks, bad mustache, and “Lucky Dad” hat. Hysterical, right?
Lastly, hey, if you happen to be in Elmira, NY, on November 6th, or Richmond, VA, on November 13, you can catch a lively, fast-paced musical based on my book, Jigsaw Jones #12: The Case of the Class Clown.
I did get to see it a few years ago, with a knot of dread in my stomach, and came away relieved and impressed. Everyone involved did a great job and, to be honest, the story is sweet, too.
Here’s the info on Richmond, VA (where, coincidentally, I’ll be visiting middle schools in early December, mostly giving my patented “Bystander/Anti-Bullying/Author ” presentation. Anyway, the info I promised:
Families, elementary schools and preschools are encouraged to make reservations soon for performances of a children’s show.
A 55-minute performance of “Jigsaw Jones and the Case of the Class Clown” will be performed at 9 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. Nov. 13 at Civic Hall Performing Arts Center in Richmond.
The show is based on a children’s mystery series written by James Preller. Theodore “Jigsaw” Jones and his friend, Mila, are investigating who’s playing practical jokes. It includes music and humor.
“Jigsaw Jones” is presented by Arts Power, a professional theater company touring the nation.
Admission is $2 per student because a grant from the Stamm Koechlein Family Foundation is helping offset the cost for Civic Hall’s Proudly Presenting Series educational programming.
Teachers and chaperones are admitted free.
For Elmira, click here or call: 607-733-5639 x248 (and tell ‘em Jimmy sent ya!)
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By: Chad W. Beckerman,
on 8/3/2012
 | Authors: By Michael Buckley, illustrated by Dan Santat Imprint: Abrams Books for Young Readers ISBN: 1-4197-0379-X EAN: 9781419703799 Availability: Prepublication Publishing Date: 9/1/2012 Trim Size: 9 x 11 Page Count: 40 Cover: Hardcover with jacket Illustrations: Full-color illustrations |
By: Betsy Bird,
on 7/27/2012
At approximately 9:22 EST on Friday, July 27th I sent the following Tweet to the interwebs:
These are the kinds of serious thoughts that course through my brain on a given morning. I might hear a One Direction song (yes, I’m a 34-year-old mother, what of it?) and think “That song could be a lot better if it just had some children’s authors involved.”
So I tweeted. And to my infinite joy the tweets blossomed and bloomed to the point where we now have a serious task before us, people. Namely, name this boy band.
The members would include Tom Angleberger (the shy one), Mac Barnett (the dreamy one – evidence here), Michael Buckley (the big brother), Tony DiTerlizzi (the one who understands you), Jarrett Krosoczka (the street smart one), and Dan Santat (the goofy one <— Jarrett’s suggestion).
Names that have been bandied about include (but are not limited to): D-Zine, Vizual Literacy, Reluctant Readerz, 32Pagez (my personal favorite), The Endpaperz, The Krosoczka Effect, the Origami Lunch Ladies and their Sidekick Dan, The Spine Tinglers, Cloth Overboardz, The Flappet Jacks (but only if it’s a jam band). Surely there are more named to be had here. Let’s have a redo of the time I asked you for good roller derby names. Boy band names . . . GO!
After all, where were you the last time you heard the pop hits:
These would all be from the album “Wordz+Picturez” (as suggested by Jarrett).
And yes, I’ll talk about the opening ceremonies at the Olympics yesterday soon. I just need to process it is all. So many Mary Poppins . . . . so many . . . .
By: Jennie,
on 7/19/2012
Time to wrap up the Everafter War and say goodbye to the Grimm family-- this is the LAST book in the fantastic Sisters Grimm series. As such, it's spoiler-rific for earlier books in the series.
Mirror has taken control of Granny's body and is trying to get through the barrier. Ferryport Landing has been ransacked, looted, and reduced to little more than rubble. Uncle Jake is crazed with grief. The remaining mirrors can see only one future where the Grimms are victorious, and it involves Daphne forming a coven and Sabrina leading an army.
Sabrina's excited to be taken seriously, but she has to earn the mantle of responsibility and not just run from it.
Plus, zombie chipmunks and the end to the craziest love story ever.
A wonderful end to a wonderful series. Puck remains a perennial favorite. I love that he's the one that gives Sabrina the tough words she needs to hear to lead her army. I also enjoyed Bunny's backstory, which sheds a ton of new light on her character and motivations. I find Atticus problematic (in that way that violence against women has become a convenient short hand for "bad guy").
But, overall, a very fitting end to this series. I especially like the double epilogue.
Book Provided by... my local library
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By: Amanda,
on 5/1/2012
I've been reading a tad slower these days, having this child in the house, so I haven't been able to tell you about all of the great books I've been getting. These are both available now and I can't wait to read them myself.
Spiral by Roderick Gordon and Brian Williams
By: Chris Singer,
on 10/2/2011
NERDS (Book 3: The Cheerleaders of Doom) by Michael Buckley
Review by Chris Singer
About the author:
Michael Buckley is the author of the New York Times bestselling series and Today Show Al Roker Book Club pick The Sisters Grimm. He has also written and developed shows for Nickelodeon, Disney, MTV Animation, the Sci- Fi Channel, the Discovery Channel, and VH1. He lives in Brooklyn with his wife, Alison, and son, Finn.
About the book:
Matilda “Wheezer” Choi, the asthmatic who can fly and kick butt courtesy of her nanobyte-enhanced inhalers, loves pro wrestling and hates anything “girlie.” Maybe that’s because she grew up with six brothers—or maybe it’s because her home life has become a battle zone in the conflict between her parents. Unfortunately for Wheezer, when a former member of NERDS turned villain gets extensive plastic surgery in order to become a cheerleader, Matilda must swallow her pride to successfully infiltrate the squad.
The newest supervillain, Gerdie Baker, assisted by the criminal mastermind Simon, has created a device that opens portals to other worlds, which she and the other cheerleaders have been pillaging. But the alternate realities are starting to get awfully close together, so it’s up to Wheezer and the NERDS to stop the cheerleaders before the worlds collide.
My take on the book:
Buckley’s latest is another wonderful read in his imaginative and entertaining spy spoof NERDS series. Book 3′s storyline focuses on another NERDS team member, Matilda Choi. Matilda is called by the codename, “Wheezer” because she uses technologically-enhanced inhalers which help her fly through the air (even space) and blast bad guys.
This series has gotten better with each book and I can’t recommend it highly enough. This book has been my favorite. I loved Matilda’s toughness and her fiery personality. You know right away that she’s not going to be pleased going undercover as a cheerleader. Wheezer has a lot of preconceptions about cheerleaders and has to change her way of thinking in order to complete her mission. It’s a great lesson for kids about learning not to judge someone based on their looks or on ideas you’ve only heard about but have never seen in person for yourself.
Like in the other NERDS books, young readers will once again find the James Bond-style gadgets, villains and story-lines hilarious and wildly entertaining. Each book is also filled with cool lessons on spy tools such as how to make invisible ink and secret code making and breaking.
Word is Michael Buckley is working on the 4th book in the series. It’s not out yet so you have some time to catch up. Check them out at your local library or bookstore.
By: Chris Singer,
on 9/24/2011
NERDS (Book 2: M is for Mama’s Boy) by Michael Buckley
Review by Chris Singer
About the author:
Michael Buckley is the author of the New York Times bestselling series and Today Show Al Roker Book Club pick The Sisters Grimm. He has also written and developed shows for Nickelodeon, Disney, MTV Animation, the Sci- Fi Channel, the Discovery Channel, and VH1. He lives in Brooklyn with his wife, Alison, and son, Finn.
About the book (from the publisher):
NERDS combines all the excitement of international espionage with all the awkwardness of elementary school, and the results are hilarious. A group of unpopular fifth graders run a spy network from inside their school. With the help of cutting-edge science, they transform their nerdy qualities into incredible abilities! Their enemies? An array of James Bond–style villains, each with an evil plan more diabolical and more ridiculous than the last.
My take on the book:
The second book in the NERDS series starts right where it leaves off, with a storyline featuring around NERDS team member Duncan Dewey. Duncan bears the codename of ‘Gluestick’ due to his propensity for eating paste. Like all of the NERDS, Duncan has nanobyte upgrades. His upgrades allow him to stick to any service.
In this story, readers get to meet Duncan’s family members who know about his secret agent duties with NERDS. Like Book 1, there is an important mission for the NERDS, but the backstory centers around the theme of fitting in and believing in oneself. It’s an excellent theme to explore with middle readers, many who will find themselves relating to and finding a lot in common with Duncan and his family.
Young readers who enjoyed Book 1 will once again dive right into this action-packed story and will be clamoring for Book 3 in the series. Parents will have fun reading along as well and will definitely get a kick out of Buckley’s clever and entertaining story.
By: Jennie,
on 9/22/2011
The Grimm sisters are inside the Book of Everafter, running through various storylines as they try to track down the Master and save their baby brother. They have to rely on all their fairy tale knowledge, because the Editor is after them to make sure the stories stay as written.
I like how in this one, Daphne and Sabrina are inside the fairy tales, instead of the fairy tale characters being inside the real world. It gives us a different perspective. Lots of adventure as always and FINALLY Sabrina seems to be growing a bit as a person.
My only complaint is that this book has been out for over a year and we have to wait until Spring 2012 for the final installment.
Also, am I the only one who thinks that the new TV show, Once Upon a Time, looks like Sisters Grimm, but for grownups? I'm very excited for it. Too bad ABC's the only station our antennae won't properly tune. I'll be watching it online the next day, I guess.
Book Provided by... my wallet
Links to Amazon are an affiliate link. You can help support Biblio File by purchasing any item (not just the one linked to!) through these links. Read my full disclosure statement.
By: Chris Singer,
on 9/21/2011
NERDS: National Espionage, Rescue, and Defense Society (Book 1) by Michael Buckley
Review by Chris Singer
About the author:
Michael Buckley is the author of the New York Times bestselling series and Today Show Al Roker Book Club pick The Sisters Grimm. He has also written and developed shows for Nickelodeon, Disney, MTV Animation, the Sci- Fi Channel, the Discovery Channel, and VH1. He lives in Brooklyn with his wife, Alison, and son, Finn.
About the book (from the publisher):
Combining all the excitement of international espionage and all the awkwardness of elementary school, NERDS, featuring a group of unpopular students who run a spy network from inside their school, hits the mark. With the help of cutting-edge science, their nerdy qualities are enhanced and transformed into incredible abilities! They battle the Hyena, a former junior beauty pageant contestant turned assassin, and an array of James Bond–style villains, each with an evil plan more diabolical and more ridiculous than the last.
My take on the book:
This book was so much fun, I can hardly wait to get started on the next one! Michael Buckley has really set the bar high here by creating an engaging, clever and action-packed series for middle readers. Both girls and boys will enjoy reading about the James Bond-style gadgets and Transformer-like abilities (called “upgrades”) each member of the NERDS possesses.
Parents and teachers will also appreciate the unique manner in which the story addresses the theme of bullying. The story also features excellent examples of teamwork (both good and bad); lots of geography and science-related references; and really well-done graphic illustrations which highlight each of the NERDS.
I’ll have reviews of Book 2 and Book 3 in the series over the next several weeks. It should give you plenty of time to get to your library and read Book 1!
By: Jennie,
on 7/20/2010
Jackson Jones is an all-around good guy that everyone loves, until the day he gets braces. He loses his spot on the football team, loses his friends, and loses his ability to get away with anything. In loneliness, he starts spying on everyone at school. That's how he finds the secret lair under the building, that's how his braces get upgraded to a fighting mechanism. That's how he ends up joining NERDS-- a children's branch of the CIA.
Of course, the rest of the NERDS aren't so welcoming. They never liked Jackson-- he has always been a bully that tormented them mercilessly and he's really, really bad at this spy stuff. They (understandably) have no desire to help him become a better spy or to make him part of the team.
But, the mad scientist Dr. Jigsaw is currently trying to rearrange the continents in order to reunite Pangea. In order to obtain his goals, he's kidnapping various scientists from around the world to use their ideas, technology, and skills. Unless the NERDS can stop him first.
Lots of fun, with cool gadgets and action, and a good dose of silly fun. It's sure to be a hit with middle grade readers, especially boys. I didn't like it as much as I lurve Buckley's Sister Grimm series, but it is a lot of fun.
I most loved the character of the Hyena-- the tween femme fatale who wants to be a hired assassin, but can only find goon work. She can kick a lot of ass in heels, but keeps breaking them in the process, so needs to rethink her footwear. I liked her career conundrums, and really, just the thought process of a bad-guy for hire. She's my favorite character by far and I would love to read a series just about her.
Book Provided by... my local library
Links to Amazon are an affiliate link. You can help support Biblio File by purchasing any item (not just the one linked to!) through these links. Read my full disclosure statement.
Here’s the scoop on May's most popular destinations on The Children’s Book Review site, the most coveted new releases, the bestsellers, and kids’ book events.
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Happy Thanksgiving! I hope you’re celebrating.
Although eating lots of turkey and stuffing, etc., is a good enough reason by itself to have Thanksgiving, I particularly like the spirit of being thankful.
This year, more than ever, I’m grateful for writing. I’m grateful for the worlds I get to visit, the characters I come to know, the fun I have inventing and creating, the joy of a great turn of phrase. I’m grateful for the enjoyment writing gives me.
I’m also grateful for other writers, those who I’ve met on blogs, both who leave comments on mine and who write blogs of their own. Writers I’ve met through the Society of Childrens Book Writers & Illustrators. And the writers who have gone before me, carved out paths to publication and given me fantastic books that I can not only delight in reading, but also learn from. Some of my favorites right now: the books of Terry Pratchett, Suzanne Collins, Rick Riordan, Michael Buckley …
And, of course, I’m grateful for my husband, family and friends who continually encourage me.
What are you thankful for?
Write On!
By: Hardygirl,
on 9/22/2009
By: Chad W. Beckerman,
on 9/14/2009
By: Chad W. Beckerman,
on 9/12/2009
By: Chad W. Beckerman,
on 8/12/2009
Jacket and Case covers
By: Chad W. Beckerman,
on 6/25/2009
More character sketches
By: Chad W. Beckerman,
on 5/31/2009
I’ve been going through a reading spurt lately, after I finished the third (and hefty) Eragon book, and I’ve noticed that you can’t judge the validity of the “rules” of writing based on what’s selling in stores.
There are plenty of “rules” that we hear when we’re just starting. I put the word in quotes because really, they’re not rules, but they’re things that as newbies, we might not be able to get away with as much as an established author. They’re things you’ll hear from fellow writers as well as in critiques, both from agents and editors.
What are the “rules”? Here’s a few that I’ve heard and seen broken in books I recently read:
Stick to one point of view: The first draft of my novel switched POV between my protagonist and his father for the first half of the book, then, after the two story lines had come together, focused on the protagonist. In a critique workshop with an agent, I was told children’s books rarely switch POV and I should rework it to just be from my protagonist’s POV. I did, and it worked out fine. But, if you read bestsellers out now, you’ll see that many don’t do this. Christopher Paolini’s Eragon books are a good example.
Avoid ly words: I’ve heard this one a lot, and as guidelines go, it makes sense. The descriptive ly words can slow down prose. Many times, they’re not needed. This is an extreme example, but you don’t need to write “STOP!” the man said loudly. The STOP! tells us he’s saying it loudly. But, I can’t help enjoying ly words at times. I use them probably more than those who tell the “rules” would like, but I like them. To me, used well, they can be delicious and make a sentence that would have been toast and jam, toast and jam with whipped cream and sprinkles. And guess who uses them a lot: J.K. Rowling. She’s pretty successful. 
Never use the word Suddenly: I’ve heard this one a lot too, and actually, I’ve got to say I agree. Never is a bit strong. There’s probably a time and place when suddenly would spark up a paragraph, but not with sentences like: Suddenly, she grabbed him. Using the word suddenly to describe that something, well, suddenly happens, is fine but it’s easy. It’s the quick go to word, but it’s not the most creative way to move the action. Don’t get me wrong, I’ve used this word, and in sentences like my example, plenty of times. But when I see them in my revisions, I try to rewrite them. And most of the time, the context of the story, the action, is moving fine and doesn’t need a suddenly thrown in. Recently, I read the first book in the Sisters Grimm Fairy Tale Detectives series by Michael Buckley and was surprised to see that in the climactic scenes near the end of the book, Suddenly was running around lose and fancy free. Now, I really loved this book. The characters were strong, the story fun and many many times Buckley had me laughing out loud. But, to be honest, all the suddenlys stuck out to me, and I don’t know if it’s because I’ve heard the “rule” so much or what, but it actually slowed the pace of the action. They weren’t needed, because the action was doing fine without them.
For newbie writers trying to get a foot in the business, sure, we have to make sure our manuscripts are Mr. Clean clean. They’re going to be scrutinized more than one from an author whose last book sold 100,000 copies. Do we stick to the “rules” or break them? I say, go with your heart. Ultimately, tell a great story in a great way. If it’s a little unconventional, breaking the “rules” so to speak, it might take a little longer to find the right agent and editor, but you will; if you believe in your story, you will. But it’s good to know the “rules” so you can decide whether you want to break them. Some of them are said for a reason.
What “rules” have you heard and seen ignored in the bestsellers?
Write On!
By: Chad W. Beckerman,
on 5/28/2009
By: Chad W. Beckerman,
on 5/21/2009
By: Becky Laney,
on 5/11/2008
Buckley, Michael. 2008. Tales From the Hood.
Tales from the Hood is the sixth novel in The Sisters Grimm series by Michael Buckley. This is a series that is fun and exciting. A series that I would have absolutely loved if it had been around when I was a kid. One that I still love now even as a grown up. It focuses on Sabrina and Daphne Grimm and their grandmother, Granny Relda, and on their sibling-of-sorts Puck. (Puck isn't a real relation mind you, but he has been unofficially (in a way) adopted into the family by Granny Relda.) Sabrina is beginning to grow up, not mature necessarily, but grow up. In other words, she's starting to get to that age. That difficult age. And as such she's not always the easiest person to get along with. She's not really "listening" or "obeying" the rules laid out for her by Granny Relda and Uncle Jake. This time is difficult for Daphne as well. Daphne has always loved and looked up to her older sister, but now....now her sister is unrecognizable at times. So weird, so mean.
I won't really get much into the plot. It's exciting enough that it will keep you reading. But if I talk about book six, then it would probably spoil some things from earlier books--especially book five--and that just wouldn't be any fun at all.
I like this series a lot. I like how the fairy tales are woven together in a fun, topsy-turvy way. The characterization and the plot twists are just really well done.
© Becky Laney of Becky's Book Reviews
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