Princess Mia by Meg Cabot

Princess Mia by Meg Cabot

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


I recently learned that Meg Cabot has written an eleventh book in the Princess Diaries series to be published summer of 2015. That news was just what I needed to get me to pull out those I still had left to read in the series. I honestly don't know why I got away from them, as I just adore Mia.

In this installment, Mia has a mental breakdown after Michael ends their romantic relationship and Lilly still won't speak to her. After spending a week in bed, her parents force her to go to therapy with Dr. Knuts. She has traded princess lessons for therapy sessions, but she must still make her Grandmere happy. So, she agrees to give a speech at a Domina Rei party. While doing research for her speech, Mia comes across the diary of a Genovian princess from the 1600s. In there, she learns major news about Genovia that everyone MUST know! Only, her father and Grandmere don't want anyone else to know. What is MIa to do?

It's amazing to me that when I'm reading these books, Mia just comes alive in my head. I can totally see her and her friends. I love how things that don't seem like a huge deal to adults are the end of the world to Mia and her friends. Such Drama!! But, the drama is just so funny. It's totally over the top, but I'm not annoyed with all the angst -- I'm laughing! I like how Mia is able to take the advice of her therapist and start to overcome her depression step by little step.

Although I won't spoil it, I will say the ending was just perfect! I can't wait to read the next one. Hmm.. Do I read it soon or wait until closer to #11's release date?

Thoughts on Yellow Star by Jennifer Roy

There have been so many Holocaust books written for young readers, that I have to applaud Ms. Roy on telling an unique and amazing story! To be one of twelve children to survive the Lodz Ghetto...Wow! I'm so glad I knew going in that Syvia survived (no spoiler there since you know this on the first page), otherwise I would have been petrified to turn the page. Even knowing the outcome, I still didn't want to turn the page for fear it would describe some friend or family member's death.

Yellow Star is another novel told in verse, perfect for those looking for an excellent example of this format. I'll be highly recommending this to one and all! A rating.

A Small Town, A Rich Fantasy, and Traveling Through Time (or What I Read Last Week)

I've resisted doing "What I'm Reading" or "What I've Read" posts in the past, because I simply thought I should just do post on my responses after finishing a book. And those responses should be one post/one book. I've come to the realization that I simply don't have the time make the time to do a worthy response for EVERY book I read. Sometimes, I just don't know what to say. Other times, I just don't feel like writing a post. Suddenly, I realize I've read something like TEN books with no posts. Yikes! Even though it's not what I originally had in mind, I've decided it's better to post some general, multi-book posts than not at all. I still hope to write some thoughts on individual books as I'm able.

That said, since it's the start of a new week and a new month, here's some of what I read last week.


Three Times Lucky by Sheila Turnage.
Rising sixth grader Miss Moses LoBeau lives in the small town of Tupelo Landing, NC, where everyone's business is fair game and no secret is sacred. She washed ashore in a hurricane eleven years ago, and she's been making waves ever since. Although Mo hopes someday to find her "upstream mother," she's found a home with the Colonel--a cafe owner with a forgotten past of his own--and Miss Lana, the fabulous cafe hostess. She will protect those she loves with ever bit of her strong will and tough attitude. So when a lawman comes to town asking about a murder, Mo and her best friend, Dale Earnhardt Johnson III, set out to uncover the truth in hopes of saving the only family Mo has ever known.

Reminded me of Because of Winn-Dixie with the small-town, quirky characters and a strong sense of community family, but add in the mystery of Mo's background and a local murder. It's one of my favorites of the summer so far. I can't wait to see what my students think when school starts again. A rating.

Sabriel by Garth Nix.
Sent to a boarding school in Ancelstierre as a young child, Sabriel has had little experience with the random power of Free Magic or the Dead who refuse to stay dead in the Old Kingdom. But during her final semester, her father, the Abhorsen, goes missing, and Sabriel knows she must enter the Old Kingdom to find him. She soon finds companions in Mogget, a cat whose aloof manner barely conceals its malevolent spirit, and Touchstone, a young Charter Mage long imprisoned by magic, now free in body but still trapped by painful memories. As the three travel deep into the Old Kingdom, threats mount on all sides. And every step brings them closer to a battle that will pit them against the true forces of life and death--and bring Sabriel face-to-face with her own destiny.


Okay, this one has been on my To Be Read list for a super long time. I adore YA fantasy, and this one has been recommended to me numerous times. I could just kick myself for not reading it sooner, because it's absolutely a-mazing. Simply unforgettable. Nix creates a complex world in the Old Kingdom, but one that's so richly described I had no trouble visualizing and immersing myself there. I have already added Lirael to my lists and hope to get to it before school starts. A+ rating. This one is going on my "Keeper" shelf.

Time Between Us by Tamara Ireland Stone.
Anna and Bennett were never supposed to meet: she lives in 1995 Chicago and he lives in 2012 San Francisco. But Bennett's unique ability to travel through time and space brings him into Anna's life, and with him, a new world of adventure and possibility. As their relationship deepens, they face the reality that time might knock Bennett back where he belongs, even as a devastating crisis throws everything they believe into question. Against a ticking clock, Anna and Bennett are forced to ask themselves how far they can push the bounds of fate--and what consequences they can bear in order to stay together.


I received this ARC from NetGalley, as the book isn't scheduled for release until October. I think this time travel romance has something special to make it stand out, and I personally can't wait to get it into some of my teens' hands this fall. Although I am generally a fan of romances, I don't always care for the time travel ones. (Usually, it's travel to a completely different era where the traveler stands out as Not From There. Here, with the travel being only 17 years in the past, most of my concerns were erased.) I think what really resonates with the story is how Anna gets the strength, or maybe gains enough confidence, just by knowing Bennett to change her life. She's a better person for knowing Bennett. It's not a perfect story, by any means. I still had some questions at the end. Will we ever know Bennett's story completely? What happened back home with his sister? Argh! I don't like being left hanging.  That said, it won't keep me from recommending it to my students. B rating.


Now, back to some reading.

Ship Breaker by Paolo Bacigalupi

Just looking at this book and reading the description I doubt I would have picked Ship Breaker on my own, but thanks to some major prodding I finally gave it a shot. Oh my! Fabulous story telling here. I doubt the setting or genre really matters. Bacigalupi can flat out tell a great story. One of the best stories I've read in a long time -- A rating.

The Son of Neptune by Rick Riordan (The Heroes of Olympus #2)

I have been dying to read The Son of Neptune ever since I finished The Lost Hero last year. It was pure torture to have to wait an entire year to find out what Percy was doing while he was "lost" in the first book of the spin-off series. When the story begins, Percy is being chased by two Gorgons wearing Bargain Mart smocks. He apparently has lost his memory and doesn't know how he ended up in California, nor why these monsters are attacking him. (Nor how he knows what they are and how to battle them.) He knows something weird is happening because these "ladies" won't stay dead. They keep coming back and attacking him. After battling them one more time, Percy notices a metal door on a hill guarded by two teens wearing Roman armor, purple t-shirts and jeans. Knowing this is where he should be, he heads their way. Percy is then introduced to the Roman version of Camp Half-Blood and is sent with two new friends on a quest of their own.

Little is seen or heard from many of our Camp Half-Blood favorites as this story really focuses on Percy and the Roman camp. We know they are out there looking for Percy, but it's only happening in the background. That's okay though. I was more than intrigued with the Roman way of life and this latest threat to the world as we know it.

All I can say is that Riordan has a magical touch with these stories. What is there to say about a book where the reader becomes so involved in the characters and story that when you close the book, your first thought is 500 pages is too short. I love the little touches of humor that are inserted into the story. Like, who can't help but laugh when Amazon.com is run by -- you guessed it -- Amazon warrior women? Or, how Thanatos has an iPad to sort his lists of souls and Skyping with Pluto?

Yes, I loved, loved this story and now I'll be waiting rather impatiently for book three. Ahem. Anyone know a way to speed up time? 'A' rating from me.

Anya's Ghost by Vera Brosgol

Anya is a Russian immigrant teen who just wants to be accepted by her peers. She doesn't like the way she looks, is embarrassed by her mother, and doesn't want to do anything that would make her stand out as different from all the kids at school. She hates that her mother wants her to befriend the nerdy Russian boy at her school and the fatty Russian food her mother makes. When Anya falls down a well, she meets the ghost of a girl who died in the well 93 years ago. When Anya is rescued, little did she realize that the ghost followed her home. Soon Emily becomes Anya's best friend, helping her in school, giving her clothing advice, and advice on boys. Anya think this is the best thing that's happened to her, and she's finally going to fit in. Except for one little problem -- Emily has her own agenda and it's not exactly what she's told Anya.

The story is fabulous. The twist was unexpected and made for a chilling read. The illustrations are fantastic, and fit the dark mood of Anya in the beginning and then darker when the truth about Emily was revealed. I loved this one and I can see this appealing to many. A rating.

How Lamar's Bad Prank Won a Bubba-Sized Trophy by Crystal Allen

When people first meet Lamar they think he must play basketball or at least football, but no -- Lamar bowls. He's a fabulous bowler too. Too bad his success at the bowling alley is overshadowed by his brother's accomplishments on the basketball court. But Lamar isn't going to let that get him down. There's a spot on the mantle reserved for his first trophy and he's aiming to succeed at the bowling alley, especially when he learns his idol, pro bowler Bubba Sanders is coming to town. When one of Lamar's pranks goes spectacularly wrong, he must try and repair the damage and get back in the good graces of his friends and family before Bubba arrives.

Crystal Allen is a refreshing new voice in children's literature. I adore these characters and read this book in no time. I loved how Lamar was a bowler. He could have excelled in any sport or activity other than basketball and this book would have worked, but the bowling just made it so unique. Lamar's relationship with his best friend, Sergio, seems real, with all the highs and lows friends go through. I can't wait to get some of my kids' reaction to this story. It's an A book for me.

Matched by Ally Condie

I'm so impressed with the Dystopian stories being published nowadays for teens. What seemed to be a minor trend a few years back when *everything* seemed to be about vampires, has exploded into the mainstream and THEN current trend after the success of The Hunger Games trilogy. Everytime I pick up another book set in the future where all is not as perfect as it seems, I'm sure that this will be the one to disappoint me. Such was my frame of mind when I picked up Matched.

Cassia is excited and nervous to finally meet her match. She's eager to see who the Society has chosen as her perfect mate; and an excuse to eat such delicacies as cake and dress up in finery at the banquet isn't bad either. Cassia lives in a world where the Society makes all her decisions for her -- where she lives, what she wears, what she eats, where she works, even when she will die. Her life seems perfect, she's with her loving family, she's matched with someone she's been best friends with forever. What more could she want?

Seeing the flash of someone else when looking at information about her match, Cassia begins to question all that the Society has told her. Suddenly, everything isn't so perfect after all. What if the Society was wrong and they chose her wrong match? If they were wrong about this, what else could be wrong?

There's lots to love about this story. It doesn't take long for me to get sucked into Cassia's world and wonder along with her about her life. As she struggles to decide who is a better match, Xander or Ky, I feel her anguish. I so want her to make the right choices, but I too have no idea what the right choice should be.

Matched will appeal to a wide audience. Fans of SF, adventure stories, and romance will all find something to like here. It's easy to recognize that this will be the first in a series, the ending leaving many plot details hanging. My grade? An 'A!' I for one will be impatiently waiting for the next!

Playing Catch Up, Part 1 - Fantasy

I've been trying to play catch-up with posting thoughts about all the books I've read. It's to the point where I don't think I'll be able to get to them all individually, so I decided to just talk about a group of them at a time in one post. Maybe to make it easier, I should break them down into genres. Today,  it's all about Fantasy books.

I read four of the books in Diana Wynne Jones' Chrestomanci series, after reading about how influential her stories were for other fantasy writers. Of the four I read, Charmed Life, The Lives of Christopher Chant, The Magicians of Caprona, and Witch Week, I found Charmed Life to be the best of the group. It's the first one of the series, and really the best-told story of the bunch. I found Cat easy to like and wanted his adjustment into life at Chrestomanci Castle to go smoothly. I won't give away the big secret about Cat, but I will say that I was somewhat surprised with it. I hadn't expected things to end as they did.  After Charmed Life's richly told adventures, I was disappointed with the others. They just didn't seem to reach the same level of excitement and anticipation, especially The Magicians of Caprona.  This could have something to do with reading them, while not back-to-back, still close together. My grades on these are Charmed Life = A, The Lives of Christopher Chant = B, Witch Week = B, and The Magicians of Caprona = C. 

Another book I read classified as a fantasy is Poison by Chris Wooding. My only other experience with Chris Wooding was reading his book about kids that get trapped in a comic book, Malice. This was quite a bit different. Poison has a fairy tale feel to it, but isn't exactly a fairy tale. Poison is a girl from the swamps who sets out to find her sister who has been kidnapped by the phaeries. She must travel into the world of the phaeries where everything isn't what it seems, and discovers a plot to kill the Heirophant and put another in his place. Surrounded by danger and not knowing who to trust, Poison must carefully find a way to prevent this and save her family at the same time. A little slow in the start might put some off, but those readers that keep at it will be pleasantly surprised. The story really picks up once Poison gets to the land of the phaeries, with one adventure after another. It plays out to a satisfying, if a bit predictable ending. I give it a 'B.'

The Exiled Queen by Cinda Williams Chima (The Seven Realms #2)

I couldn't wait to read this book, having just finished The Demon King last month. TDK was a strong contender to be my favorite read of the year so far, but that was only until I read The Exiled Queen. I think I have a NEW favorite book of the year!

I tend to expect the middle book of a trilogy as the weakest of the three. it's purpose is tying up loose ends from book one and setting up events for book three, so the plot may be weaker than the other books. Not so, here. I jumped right back into Raisa's flight from a forced marriage and Han's journey to the wizard academy at Oden's Ford. Since they were both at Oden's Ford, I knew that Raisa and Han were destined to meet again, and they do, although not as I had expected. The entire time I was reading TEQ, I sensed the inevitability of evil winning this battle. I just wanted to know how Han and Raisa are duped, since you know both are expecting an attack. (And I'm not giving anything away here -- once you start reading, you too will sense impending doom!) So while it does tie up some things from book one and leave you hanging for book three, I don't think it's a week plot at all. Many twists in the story kept surprising me, so that I basically gave up trying to predict what would happen next. I love it when that happens!

Filled with intrigue and the sense of an upcoming betrayal, I found The Exiled Queen a fabulous story, one difficult to put down. Ms. Chima's efforts here has me setting extremely high expectations for the next book of the Seven Realms. It's an 'A' book for me!

Note: The Exiled Queen is the second book in a continuing story. I highly recommend that you read the first book, The Demon King, before attempting this one. Otherwise, you may be completely lost!

The Lost Hero by Rick Riordan (The Heroes of Olympus #1)

Rick Riordan's The Lost Hero is the first book in a new series (The Heroes of Olympus) about Camp Half-Blood and demigods, but not really about Percy Jackson. As the story begins, Jason, Piper and Leo are three students at a Wilderness Camp/Detention School on a field trip to the Grand Canyon. Jason has no memories, but everyone else around seems to know him. When they are attacked by a fellow student-turned-monster, the three discover a protector has been watching over them and they are sent to Camp Half-Blood. Once there, the mystery of Jason's past gets even weirder with the reactions of others to him. He learns that Hera is imprisoned and he's been selected to free her. So, with Leo's and Piper's help, Jason battles across the United States and Canada on his quest to find Hera before it's too late.

For all of you that loved the Percy Jackson books, The Lost Hero will not disappoint. Built along the same formula -- three demigods, a quest with the fate of the world in question, and plenty of enemies to battle along the way -- the reader will find comfort in familiar territory. But, that's not to say the story is in any way unoriginal or boring. Even though this series will be closely tied to the Percy Jackson series, I don't think you have to read Percy before reading this one, but I'd probably recommend reading them first. Yes, he's mentioned a lot. Yes, some of the events from Percy's books are talked about. But, I still don't think you will be completely lost in The Lost Hero. You might just appreciate the story more if you know Percy's story. Although the book is quite long (553 pages!), I didn't find it difficult or even slow to read. There's plenty of action-filled excitement to hold your attention and make you want to keep reading.

I think Riordan has another hit with The Lost Hero. It was everything I could wish it to be -- fast-paced, suspenseful, exciting and fun. I give it an 'A.'

Bodies from the Ice: Melting Glaciers and the Recovery of the Past by James M. Deem

I was totally fascinated with Bodies from the Ice, where we learn about some of the human remains that have been discovered with the melting of glaciers around the world. This book covers Otzi, the mummy from the Copper Age discovered in the Alps, the Incan mummy children found in the Andes, the remains of George Mallery found on Mt. Everest, and the body of a Native American discovered in a glacier in British Columbia. The underlying story of the melting glaciers around the world was brought to my attention many times throughout the book, but I wasn't bombarded with the issue. I didn't feel I was being preached at but instead informed. The illustrations/photographs enhance the information and I think many readers will be lured to this book because of them. Love it when I can find a book that intrigues me, informs me, and then entertains me! I give it an 'A.'

Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen

Jane Austen is a favorite of mine and one of the few authors whose books I actively reread. I've read Sense and Sensibility before, but it had been several years. Mrs. Dashwood and her three daughters are forced to live in reduced circumstances, after the death of Mr. Dashwood. (Most of Mr. Dashwood's estate was left to his son, the stepson of Mrs. Dashwood.) Elinor and Marianne, the oldest two of the daughters, have opposing views of what type of man would make the best husband. Elinor is more practical, and wants a sensible, steadfast man, while Marianne dreams of a deeply romantic and demonstrative man. When each sisters meets her ideal man, she finds that her ideals can lead to complications.

Jane Austen is an author that I appreciate more and more every time I read one of her novels. Her style takes some getting used to, for it's not easy to read. The language is that from the early 1800's and not the common speak of today. Those willing to take the time and commitment to delve into Sense and Sensibility will find a fantastic story, but it's definitely not for everyone. I give it an 'A.'

After Ever After by Jordan Sonnenblick

Ever since hearing that there would be a sequel to Drums, Girls and Dangerous Pie, I couldn't wait to get my hands on it. I loved, loved, loved DGADP - one of my favorite books of all time. I wanted to know what happened with Jeffrey and Steven later on and After Ever After gives us that story.

Jeffrey is now in eighth grade, and still struggling with the effects of being a cancer survivor. Yes, he's cancer-free, but he has a limp and some slight brain damage that leads him to sort out things slower. With Steven away in Africa, Jeffrey doesn't have his big brother close by to go to for advice, and he must muddle through some typical eighth-grade problems, from school to girls, alone.

I didn't immediately feel the connection to this story that I did for DDADP, probably because Steven wasn't in the story as much as I'd like. But, it really didn't take too many chapters until I was attached to Jeffrey. Mr. Sonnenblick grasps the nature and attitude of middle school students and these characters feel real. I could easily see these kids walking down the halls of the school where I work. Like Drums, Girls and Dangerous Pie, After Ever After is an emotional story. I focused on one aspect of the story, thinking "please no," so that I was blindsided by the ending.

After Ever After will appeal to many teens with its heart-tugging events and true-to-life characters. It's not necessary to read Drums, Girls and Dangerous Pie before reading this one, but Jeffrey's story now will mean more having followed his cancer treatments with him in the previous book. My one biggest critique is that Steven was almost an afterthought here, and I would have loved to have seen more of him. All-in-all, a fabulous book and highly recommended to all. I give it an 'A'!

The Demon King by Cinda Williams Chima (Seven Realms #1)

I became a fan of Ms. Chima's books after reading The Warrior Heir several years ago. I know any time I pick up one of her books, it'll be a dramatic story highlighted by complex and dynamic characters. I will be on the edge of my seat, anxious to discover what happens to each and every character, and knowing that just about anything could happen.

Although The Demon King is over 500 pages long, I became so caught up in what was happening with Han and Raisa that I scarcely even noticed the length. In fact, I really didn't want it to end. Obviously, the first in a series, The Demon King doesn't conclude the story at the end of the book, rather it's a pause, and I, for one, can't wait to find out what happens next.

I highly recommend The Demon King to fans of fantasy and adventure stories. You won't be disappointed. I enthusiastically give this book an 'A.'

The Battle for Skandia by John Flanagan

I adored the first three Ranger's Apprentice books for the fabulous storyline, the thrilling action-adventure, and the intriguing characters.  After being left hanging at the end of The Icebound Land, I couldn't wait to see how the story continued in The Battle for Skandia.

To open the story, Will and Evanlyn are still in Skandia waiting for the snow to thaw and the opportunity to return home.  Before this happens, Evanlyn is captured by the Temujai and Will, with the help of Halt and Horace, seek to gain her freedom.  The group form new alliances and develop some new friendships while protecting Araluen from another threatening force.

I always make sure that I will have plenty of reading time when I start one of Flanagan's books, because these are the stories that I want to read in one sitting.  I know when I pick up one of these books, I'm going to be entertained.  The Battle for Skandia did not disappoint.  A fast-paced read that kept me turning page after page long into the night.  I didn't want the story to end.  It's a must-read for Ranger's Apprentice fans and fantasy fans everywhere.  Loved, loved, loved it!  -- An 'A' rating!

Girls in Pants by Ann Brashares

After reading the first two "Sisterhood" books, I had to read the third one. I wanted to find out what happens to Bridget, Tibby, Carmen & Lena as they get older.

Girls in Pants starts with the four girls graduating from high school. Each has a different plan for college next year and this is their last summer together. The pants, once again, serve as a way for the girls to connect while all experiencing pivotal moments in their lives.

At first, I wasn't very interested in the story. It seemed slow-moving and all I noticed was each girl complaining, whining about something. I was not in the mood for such a story and was tempted to put it back. Thankfully, as the story progressed, I noticed less and less complaining and immersed myself in each of their lives -- their hopes and dreams, their fears about the changes taking place in their lives. It's probably because I can remember the summer before leaving for college and identify with exactly what they are feeling, that I became enamored. This is exactly how I felt and hoped at that point in my life. The more I read, the more I fell in love with the story. Things don't end up sunshine and rainbows for each of the girls, but it's definitely hopeful. Each much struggle through some sort of trial or hardship and grows as a result. I do like that. An 'A' story for me, memorable.

The Last Olympian by Rick Riordan

I usually don't read books in a series back-to-back or even close together, because I like to space out books by the same author. I want to make sure that the similar writing style or the familiar characters don't diminish my enjoyment of the book or bore me. But, I made an exception in the case of The Last Olympian. I started it less than a week after finishing The Battle of the Labyrinth. I just couldn't wait to find out how Percy's story concludes.

I wasn't disappointed either. This is another action-packed story that equals what I've come to expect from Riordan. The climactic battle between Kronos and the Olympian gods finally comes to fruition, and I was pleased with the attention paid it, given its importance to the story. Many characters introduced in earlier books make an appearance, so I would recommend the books be read in order. I think fans of the earlier Percy Jackson books will be pleased with the conclusion of the series.

I loved The Last Olympian and I'm sad to see the series end. I give it an A!!

The Battle of the Labyrinth by Rick Riordan

I don't know why I put off reading this book for so long. Maybe I was just a bit tired of Percy and the gang, or, more likely, it just got lost in my TBR pile. Anyway, I FINALLY pulled out The Battle of the Labyrinth this month to read. Once I got started, it was difficult to put it down. The action of one scene flows smoothly into the next one. Before you know it, you've read 100 pages!

Percy and the gang continue to look for ways to defeat Kronus and his plan to destroy the Olympian gods and take over the world. This time, the group must descend into the labyrinth (of the Minotaur fame) to ward off Kronus' army led by their former friend-turned-traitor, Luke.

I worried that the story would be one of those set-everything-up-for-the-last-book ones and while you'd have to read it, it wasn't that great of a story on its own. Not so here. Yes, it does set everything up for the last book, but it's a well-crafted story on its own. There's plenty edge-of-your-seat action that have you groaning when your reading time is interrupted. The reader is teased with more clues to some of the series-long questions, and I hope all is revealed with the conclusion of the series. I was sad to see the end of the book and I know I'll be turning to the next Percy Jackson book soon. I definitely won't be leaving it on my TBR shelves for another year!

I give this one an A -- Highly Recommended!

Inkdeath by Cornelia Funke

I was feeling a bit daunted by the size of INKDEATH when I first picked it up (700 pages!), but I got over that quickly as I once again became immersed in the Inkworld. This story focuses more on Mo than on Meggie, but after getting over a teeny tiny disappointment in that, I was fine. I thoroughly enjoyed the exciting adventures of Mo as he battles death and imprisonment, worries over possible betrayal all in his quest to keep Meggie and Resa safe. While there are recaps of books one and two at the start of the book, I still think the best bet is to read all three books in order. I felt the series came to a satisfactory conclusion, with enough of a question at the end that you can imagine things working out as you please. Loved, loved this series! My grade? An A, Highly Recommended!