Book Read: Calamity Jack by Shannon Hale, Nathan Hale, and Dean Hale

A sequel to Rapunzel's Revenge, Calamity Jack has Jack returning to his home time with Rapunzel by his side. Arriving in Shyport, Jack is dismayed to learn that the giant has broadened his control over the town and taken Jack's mother captive. Jack and Punzie, with the help of some new and old friends, determine to free the town, especially Jack's mother.

I loved this graphic novel almost as much as the first one. The lively, fun illustrations match an equally lively, fun story. To have Rapunzel be an equal partner with Jack is something I especially like. She's strong, smart, and brave, and not afraid to have others know it. Jack's insecurities about his past foibles and his feelings for Rapunzel make him a vulnerable, likable hero.

I'd recommend to those that enjoyed the first book, plus others that enjoy retold fairy tales. B+ rating.

Book Read: Party Princess by Meg Cabot (Princess Diaries #7)

I'm a huge Meg Cabot fan and usually love love her books, but this one just fell flat. I'm not sure if Mia's adventures are just growing old or maybe it was my reading mood, but I was just annoyed by Mia in this whole book. Sure, she's self-absorbed. What teen isn't? She's been self-absorbed in previous installments of the Princess Diaries series, but here I just became annoyed with her. I haven't completely given up on the series--I will read the last three--but I'm just not as excited about them. C rating.

Book Read: Lawn Boy by Gary Paulsen

Lawn Boy is one of those books you can read in a super short amount of time. I finished it in about an hour. "Lawn Boy" is a boy who receives his grandfather's old ride-on lawn mower as a gift on his twelfth birthday. He uses it to start a lawn service company that expands beyond his wildest belief. With the help of a stock broker neighbor, Lawn Boy invests his money, adds employees, and even invests in a prizefighter.

Kind of a crazy story, but it somehow works. I can see many of Paulsen's fans enjoying this one, especially because of its length and fast-paced action. I rate it a C+ mainly because I have too many questions about the actions of the adults in this story.