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Friday, October 31, 2014

Knightley & Son by Rohan Gavin

Currently on pg. 134, chapter 11

I have a complaint. Life needs to slow down a bit so I can read more. I feel like things are building. I WANT MORE TIME TO READ!

Monday, October 27, 2014

Knightley & Sons by Rohan Gavin

Currently on pg. 86, chapter 8

I agree with Horn Book Guide. This book does have a Holmes-ian influence. I love all that is Sherlock Holmes. I like the BBC TV show Sherlock. I like the CBS TV show Elementary. I like the Robert Downey Jr. movies. I have had a hard time reading the Sir Arthur Conan Doyle novels although I keep trying. I have liked the young adult books; Death Cloud by Andy Lane and Eye of the Crow: Boy Sherlock Holmes' 1st Case by Shane Peacock. They are both have a Holmes-ian influence. I am enjoying the book so far and are looking forward to some action and plot twists.

Friday, October 24, 2014

Knightley & Sons by Rohan Gavin

Currently on page 18, chapter 2
Interest Level: 5-8 grade
Reading Level: 5.6 grade
Lexile: 870
Genre: mystery

I am always looking for a good young adult mystery to add to the library collection. Reviews of this book have been good. The Horn Book Guide said it had "an entertaining Holmes-ian influence and enjoyable quirky characters." The Kirkus Reviews called it "a rousing page-turner with one fault: It ends." Well, fear not the sequel K-9 is due to be released February 17, 2015. Stay tuned.

Tuesday, October 21, 2014

Hound Dog True by Linda Urban

Finished book

When I read that this book was about a shy girl, I was interested. Then I read that Mattie learns that "one small, brave act can lead to a friend who is hound dog true." I thought, okay I want to read this. I have a soft spot for kids that are shy. Most the time if you take the time to get to know a shy kid you will have a made a pretty great friend.

I thought that the author ended this book well. SPOILER ALERT - I was happy that it looked like Mattie and her mother would be staying put for awhile. I was pleased that her and Quincy became friends. I thought that ending it with the class introductions was perfect.

I recommend this book. I give it 4 out of 5 stars.

Monday, October 20, 2014

Hound Dog True by Linda Urban

Currently on pg. 90, chapter 21

I LOVE Mattie, the main character.

SEMI-SPOILER ALERT - At the end of chapter 11, Mattie is having a sleepover with Quincy. She is nervous about it. She decides to put on her pajamas before Quincy gets there then she won't have to change in front of her. Mattie comes down stairs still feeling self conscious.  "Pajamas aren't much different from naked if everybody else around is in regular clothes." As she enters the room, Mattie's eyes are down. "Mattie does not need to see their faces to know they are watching. How far does she need to walk into the kitchen for them to stop? One step? Two?" 

Another SEMI-SPOILER ALERT - In chapter 16, Mattie watches out of her window while Quincy gets into her aunt's car. She hears Quincy's aunt ask Quincy, "Should we ask Mattie along?" They do not ask Mattie. "Could be any reason Quincy does not say yes, she tells herself. Doesn't have to be that she thinks Mattie is babyish or boring. Could be Quincy and Miss Sweet were going on a quick errand. Could be they were going to the store to get something private." 

I can SO relate. I have felt the same way in similar situations.

Wednesday, October 15, 2014

Hound Dog True by Linda Urban

Currently on pg. 30, chapter 7
Interest Level: 3-6 grade
Reading Level: 4.1 grade
Lexile: 710
Genre: realistic fiction

Linda Urban is also the author of A Crooked Kind of PerfectA Crooked Kind of Perfect has been a book that get consistently checked out from the LRMS library. It is also written to the 3-6 grade audience. I have not read A Crooked Kind of Perfect but have been told that it is pretty good.

I chose to read Hound Dog True because it sounded like it would be an interesting story. Also if I spent another $4.00 on my Scholastic Book order, I got some free bookmarks. I thought the LRMS students would like the bookmarks so I bought another book. They are Minecraft bookmarks.

The main character, Mattie is starting the 5th grade in two weeks. I think it said that this will be her fifth school. I was lucky enough to go to the same elementary school and same high school for all my education. I can only imagine how difficult it would be to always be the new kid.

This book is only 147 pages long. It should be a quick read. It is what I like to call a 'beach book'.

The Runaway King by Jennifer Nielsen

Finished the book

I liked it! I will more than likely read The Shadow Throne, the third and final book, at some time. This series is called the Ascendance Trilogy. At the end of this book, Kerwyn calls Jaron 'the Ascendant King of Carthya.' I have to admit. I had to look up the word 'ascendant'. It means a position of dominance or controlling influence; possession of power, superiority, or preeminence. It fits. I liked the ending. I would give this book 3 1/2 out of 5 stars. I think middle school students will really like it and will rate it much higher.

Thursday, October 2, 2014

The Runaway King by Jennifer Nielsen

currently on pg. 145, chapter 20

Jaron/Sage is still not with the pirates but there has been excitement as of late.

SPOILER ALERT - Along with the thieves that were to lead him to the pirates, Jaron/Sage revisited the man who assisted him and became his friend, Harlowe. They then robbed him. Later when Jaron/Sage came face-to-face with King Vargan, he had to think quickly as to not be discovered.

I am no longer bored.