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Monday, June 30, 2014

Keeper of the Lost Cities by Shannon Messenger

Currently on p.460, chapter 48

Alright, alright. I hate to start raving about this book after so many pages, 357 pages to be exact. However, chapter 38 was the chapter that grabbed me.

SPOILER ALERT! When Grady and Edaline request that Sophie's adoption proceedings be canceled, I almost shed a tear. Okay, it may not be the waterworks of Fault in Our Stars and the Divergent series but the story at least brought on some emotion. THEN Sophie gets kidnapped. Now there is suspense. Where will Sophie live? With Grady and Edaline or with Alden and Della? Will Sophie escape or be rescued from her captures?

The author has 28 pages to get me to the point that I want to read the sequel. We shall see.

Friday, June 27, 2014

Keeper of the Lost Cities by Shannon Messenger

Currently on p. 342, chapter 36

Okay, I am finally hooked. Will Sophie get a boyfriend? Will it be Dex, Fitz, or Keefe? Is Biana really Sophie's friend? How much more trouble can Sophie get in before they she gets expelled from Foxfire (the elf school)?

There are roughly 150 pages left in the book. In those 150 pages will the author get me to the point that I will want to read the sequel? (Yes, there is a sequel, Exile.) Time will tell. In the meantime, I am pulling for Dex. I hope Biana isn't playing Sophie and turns out to be a true friend. And in order to keep the book interesting, I hope Sophie continues to break the rules but does not get expelled.

Stay tuned.

Tuesday, June 24, 2014

The Keeper of the Lost Cities by Shannon Messenger

Currently on p. 188, chapter 20

I have not been moved to write about this book. I am perplexed about why. As I have said before it is an enjoyable story. So, perhaps a plot summary up to chapter 20.

SPOILER ALERT! Sophie is an outcast. She doesn't fit in. She eats lunch alone every day. At 5 years old she bumped her head and began to hear other people's thoughts. One day she is approached by an elf. He tells her that she is an elf, not a human. He takes her back to the elf world. She begins to make the move from the human world to the elf world. Some elves approve and some do not.

See what I mean, enjoyable enough. Just not riveting.

Saturday, June 21, 2014

Keeper of the Lost Cities by Shannon Messenger

Currently on page 130, chapter 15

My question of how Sophie got into the human world has not yet been answered. I have yet to develop an attachment to any of the characters. I am unsure why that is. They are all very likable characters. As of this point, there is no clear adversary in the story. I am missing that element of rivalry. I hope that doesn't speak ill of my character. :)

Tuesday, June 17, 2014

Keeper of the Lost Cities by Shannon Messenger

Currently on p. 49, chapter 7
Interest Level: 5-8th grade
Reading Level: 670L/4.7 - 6th grade

So far I am enjoying "Keeper of the Lost Cities". I want to find out how Sophie's presence in our world will be explained. I like how the story grabbed my interest from the beginning. I also think
that this story, a fantasy, is a nice change to the last book I read. Keep your fingers crossed this one has potential.

Sunday, June 15, 2014

Beyond Courage by Doreen Rappaport

Finished book

The subtitle of this book is "The Untold Story of Jewish Resistance During the Holocaust." I believe that many think that the Jewish people of the 1930's & 1940's simple walked to their deaths like lambs to the slaughter. Although it is true that many people could not believe that "resettlement" in reality meant the gas chambers, this book tells the story of those Jewish people who fought back against the Nazis. This is such an important time in mankind's history. It must be told. It is hard to wrap my head around a tragedy of this magnitude. I would recommend this book. It is important to know the stories of Mordechai 'Motele' Shlain, Ester Heiber, Petr Ginz, and so many more.

Monday, June 9, 2014

Beyond Courage by Doreen Rapport


Interest Level: 5 -8th grade
Reading Level: 1030L/7.4 - 10.4 grade

What's next? Another ORCA (Oregon Readers' Choice Award) book.


Colin Fischer by Miller & Stentz

Finished the book!

Wow!!! I loved it!

SPOILER ALERT! I thought the authors did a great job in describing Colin's aspergers. They made Colin a very likable character. I think that it is important to portray people with disabilities in a positive and realistic way. I, also, enjoyed learning some of the history involving aspergers. I loved the ending. The twist regarding the gun was awesome!! The authors totally left it open enough that a sequel could be written. I would love to see Wayne's character develop. I would imagine that a family like the Fischers could really benefit that young man.

I HIGHLY recommend this book. These authors have brought their gift of screenplay writing to young adult fiction.

Wednesday, June 4, 2014

Colin Fischer by Miller & Stentz

Currently on p. 128, chapter 8

The end of the school year is super busy in the library. I wish I had more time to read. I have really been enjoying this book. It is the kind of book that I carry around just in case I have a free moment to read. SPOILER ALERT! When Colin went to Wayne's house, I was on the edge of the seat. Six and a half more days of work! And then I plan on reading, reading, and then more reading!!