The Gold Rush Kid by Mary Waldorf

Interest Level: 5th - 8th grade

Reading Level: 6.7 grade

Lexile: N/A

Genre: Historical Fiction

Finished the book

I chose to read this book because Wyatt, a student, suggested it. I agree with Wyatt. I give it 4 out of 5 stars. I recommend it to anyone that enjoys historical fiction. It is a coming of age story told by Billy McGee about his family's journey from Skagway, Alaska to the Canada's Yukon Territory. After the death of their mother, Billy and his sister, who is posing as a boy, make their way through the harsh winter to the Yukon to find their father. Their adventures make for a great story.

Lost in the Sun by Lisa Graff

Finished the book

I very much enjoyed this book and I highly recommend it. The book dealer that I have used in the past states that the interest level for this book is 3rd-6th grade. The concept of a 6th grader feeling responsible for the death of a fellow child is, I believe, more for middle school students. 

The ending of the book was a tiny bit of a let down. However, I understand why Graff ended it the way she did. An amazing story!

Lost in the Sun by Lisa Graff

Currently on pg. 272, chapter twenty-four

This book is SO good. As I watch Trent begin to mentally heal from the accident that resulted in the death of another child, I have started to root for him. I find myself grabbing this book at every possible moment. I want Trent to find some peace.

Lost in the Sun by Lisa Graff

Interest Level: 6th - 8th grade

Reading Level: 4.3 grade

Lexile: 700L

Genre: Realistic Fiction

Currently on pg.36, Chapter Three

Trent is in middle school. He has an older and younger brother. His parents are divorced. His step-mother is pregnant. And last February 12th, he hit Jared Richards in the chest with a hockey puck. Jared had a heart defect and the blow killed him. Now Trent carries around a "journal," his Book of Thoughts. But instead of writing in it, he draws. Mostly he draws a whole bunch of different ways that people can die.

Blister by Susan Richards Shreve

Interest Level: 3-7 grade

Reading Level: 5.9 grade

Lexile: NR

Genre: Realistic Fiction

Finished the book


I have mixed feelings regarding this book. I can understand the challenges that Jack Reed faces. Although, I do not agree with the way he dealt with those challenges. The main character Alyssa/Blister is dealing with a lot of stuff, only some that I have personally experienced. This book reminded me that people dealing with crises do what they can to get through the day. There is a saying, "Don't judge me until you walk a mile in my shoes or live a day in my life." I would recommend this book for 6th graders and older. I would also say that 4th and 5th graders may find it helpful if they are dealing with some of the issues Blister is: death of a sibling, a parent with depression, moving, and parents separating.

Orbiting Jupiter by Gary D. Schmidt

Finished the book

MOST EXCELLENT BOOK! A sad story but true to life and magnificently written. I would highly recommend this book to 7th graders and adults.

Orbiting Jupiter by Gary D. Schmidt

Interest Level: Young Adult

Reading Level: 4.6 grade

Lexile: 740L

Genre: Realistic Fiction

Currently on pg. 117 chapter 6

Joseph Brooks is 13 years old and he is a father. His daughter's name is Jupiter. Jupiter's mother died in childbirth. Joseph's father abuses him and the state of Maine has removed him from his home. Now in foster care, Joseph is beginning to heal. He wants to see his daughter. An amazing story! I am carrying around the book hoping for a minute or two to read a couple of pages.

Freaks by Kieran Larwood

Interest Level: 5-8 grade

Reading Level: 5.8 grade

Lexile: 850L

Genre: Mystery

Finished the book



I found this book very enjoyable. I thought the characters were interesting and very likable. He has set the storyline up so that it could easily lend itself to a series. If Larwood choose to write more mysteries involving the Peculiars, I would definitely purchase them for the library.

The Hidden Summer by Gin Phillips

Finished the book

I highly recommend this book. Phillips does an excellent job illustrating both the life of a homeless family and Nell's home life which is far from ideal. SPOILER ALERT - In the end, Nell comes to realize that her mother's happiness is not her responsibility. She has worked out a way to tolerate her mother's mood swings. She plans to ride the storm (of living with her mother) out until she is old enough to move out on her own.

The Hidden Summer by Gin Phillips

Currently on pg. 140, chapter 15

In chapter 13, Phillips does an excellent job in explaining how being homeless creates a vicious circle that is hard to break out of. Phillips also paints a vivid picture of Nell's home life and the fact that life in the mini-golf course with Gloria, Maureen, and Jakobe is more appealing than Nell's current situation.

The Hidden Summer by Gin Phillips

Interest Level: 5-8 grade

Reading Level: 4.7 grade

Lexile: 750L

Genre: Realistic Fiction

Currently on pg.82, chapter 9

Nell and Lydia are best friends. Lydia's mother no longer wants her to hang out with Nell. Nell's home-life is far from perfect. Lydia is Nell's the most sane and healthy relationship she has. Nell gets an idea for the two friends to spend the summer together at a deserted mini golf course. Lydia tells her mom she is going to day camp. Nell tells her mom she is going to summer school. But they are not alone at the mini golf. There is evidence that someone else has been there.

Num8ers by Rachel Ward

Finished the book

I would recommend this book to 8th graders and older that like science fiction. The book ends without a cliffhanger. I know that is important to many. The second book is about (SPOILER ALERT) Jem's son. I enjoyed the book but won't be reading the sequel.

Num8ers by Rachel Ward

Currently on pg. 189, chapter 22

Jem and Spider are on the run. They are wanted for questioning regarding the bombing of the London Eye. Their relationship has grown into an intimate one. Jem still sees the date of Spider's death as just a few days away. Although I am enjoying the story, I am not invested enough in the characters to read the next book in the series. Maybe in the last 136 pages that will change.

Num8ers by Rachel Ward

Currently on pg. 78, chapter 10

SPOILER ALERT - Jem confided in Spider telling him about her ability. It is a tough situation. Jem has never had a friend before. This friend's, Spider's, days are numbered. Spider is reeling. He can't seem to wrap his head around what Jem has just told him. They are heading back to Spider's house. Spider's nan, Val, knows that there is something special about Jem. I hope that Val and Spider can offer some comfort to Jem.

Num8ers by Rachel Ward

Interest Level: Young Adult

Reading Level: 3.9 grade

Lexile: 650HL (high interest/low reading level)

Genre: Fantasy

Currently on pg. 16, chapter 3

Jem makes eye contact with another person and then knows the date of their death. She is alone. Her parents are gone. Her foster mother tries but Jem can't see herself as anything but a freak. This book was originally published in England in 2009. Between 2010 and 2012, it received 8 English book awards. I like fantasy and science fiction. So, I am keeping a good thought.

Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell

Finished the book

I would highly recommend this book to 8th graders and older. It is again not the Disney ending but Eleanor perseveres. SPOILER ALERT - In the end Eleanor and her siblings are safe but it is not a happily ever after for all involved. Still a really good read.

Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell

Interest Level: Young Adult

Reading Level: 4.2 grade

Lexile: 580HL (high interest/low reading level)

Genre: Realistic Fiction

Currently on pg. 33, chapter 8

Set over the course of one school year in 1986, this is the story of two star-crossed misfits-smart enough to know that first love almost never lasts, but brave and desperate enough to try. (Amazon.com) Eleanor and Park have seen each other. Park has done one act of kindness toward her but not without a bit of attitude to go with it. They have not had a conversation yet. 
This book has won six awards. As of August 23rd of this year, it had been on the New York Times Bestseller list for sixty weeks.

Freaky Green Eyes by Joyce Carol Oates

Finished the book

I would recommend this book to 8th graders and older students. Although it does not have a 'happily ever after' ending for all the characters. Franky does land on her feet. The story shows that through perseverance and courage one can come out the other side of adversity.

Freaky Green Eyes by Joyce Carol Oates

Currently on pg. 247, chapter 21

SPOILER ALERT - Franky's mom, Krista, has gone missing. It looks like she has runaway from her abusive husband unfortunately she has left her daughters with this violent man. The police are questioning Franky's dad, Reid. He is under suspect for having killed his wife. So the story has become a mystery!

Freaky Green Eyes by Joyce Carol Oates

Interest Level: Young Adult

Reading Level: 6.8 grade

Lexile: 810

Genre: Realistic Fiction

Currently on pg. 45, chapter 3

The first chapter of this book starts out with Francesca "Franky" almost getting raped. There are a lot of good lessons in that one chapter: lesson one - under age drinking is a bad idea, lesson two - drinking to excess is a bad idea, lesson three - when in a situation like that - fight, and lesson four - hanging out with an older group of kids may not be wise. Nine months later, Franky realizes that her parents are having troubles. Amazon.com gave this book 4 out of 5 stars. The copy in the LRMS library gets checked out pretty regularly. I have hit hopes.

The Case of the Missing Marquess by Nancy Springer

Finished the book

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. SPOILER ALERT! I was a little disappointed that the issue regarding Enola's mother was not resolved. I would totally read the next book in the series. If you like mysteries, I recommend the Enola Holmes Mystery series.

The Case of the Missing Marquess by Nancy Springer

Currently on pg. 127, chapter the 10th

I am enjoying the story. I like how Springer entwines historical tidbits of the time, everything from the uncomfortable undergarments to social restrictions of the upper-class and the day-to-day horrors of the lower-classes.

The Case of the Missing Marquess: An Enola Holmes Mystery by Nancy Springer

Interest Level: 5-8 grade

Reading Level: 6.6 grade

Lexile: 1020

Genre: Historical Fiction/Mystery

I love Sherlock Holmes movies and television shows. I have read some of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes. I have it on my phone and read it sometimes when I am stuck somewhere without a book. I find it difficult to get through. Enola Holmes, the younger sister of Sherlock, is the main character of Springer's novel. I have read Shane Peacock's Eye of the Crow: Boy Sherlock Holmes 1st Case. I enjoyed it. I have high hopes for this book.

Yaqui Delgado Wants to Kick Your Ass by Meg Medina

Finished the book

Most excellent book!! I can see why this book won the Cybils Award (Young Adult Bloggers' Literary Award) in 2013 and the Pura Belpré Award (for a Latino or Latina writer) in 2014. When Piddy says goodbye to Joey at the bus station and he tells her to run if she has to, I teared up. I like the ending which if you are a regular blogger reader you know is a happy one. I highly recommend this book but some of the content is a bit too mature for middle school. I will be donating this book to the high school.

Yaqui Delgado Wants to Kick Your Ass by Meg Medina

Currently on pg. 116, chapter 16

Medina has done a good job in getting me to care about Piddy. I really want her to resolve the problem with Yaqui bullying her. I totally understand why she believes that she can't tell anyone but I hope that she can find the courage to either face Yaqui or get help. Piddy's grades are suffering and she is making bad choices. She is so consumed with fear that she cannot function in her daily life.

Yaqui Delgado Wants to Kick You Ass by Meg Medina

Interest Level: Young Adult

Reading Level: 5.3 grade

Lexile: 670 HL

Genre: Realistic Fiction

Currently on pg. 40, chapter 6

Piddy Sanchez is attending a new school. She is currently hanging with the brainiacs. Then one of her new brainy friends tells her that Yaqui Delgado wants to beat her up. Piddy doesn't even know who this girl is. Then Piddy's friend Darlene points Yaqui out. Piddy can't recall ever seeing her before. Why would Yaqui have a problem with Piddy? Mitzi, Piddy's best friend, moved to Queens and then Piddy moved. Unfortunately, she didn't move anywhere close to Mitzi. On top of all of this, Piddy's mom is working more hours. Therefore, Piddy not only cooks dinner but is in charge of the laundry. So far, I am enjoying it. I want to find out. Why Yaqui is upset with Piddy? Why is her name Piddy? Is it a nickname?

My Fight/Your Fight by Ronda Rousey

Finished the book

I would recommend this book to high school students and adults. The only reason that I didn't give the book 5 stars is that I am not a fan of fighting. Since Rousey has never had a fight last even 5 minutes. I think I would watch a Rousey fight. The truth of the matter is I don't have the stomach to watch 25 minutes of two people beating each other up. Regardless, Rousey's story is inspiring. She is a great example of hard work and determination. If the Regan Arts. publishers decide to put out a young adult edition, I would buy it for the library.

My Fight/Your Fight by Ronda Rousey

Currently on pg. 169

On page 115, Rousey shares a story one of her ex-boyfriends told her. It is a great illustrations of the chapter's title "Everything is as Easy as a Decision." I can find parallels in some of her relationships and some of the relationships I have witnessed in my life. At this point in the book, she is just starting to train to compete in the MMA. Even though, I know how it turns out; I so want her to be successful. But more than that, I want her to find happiness.

My Fight/Your Fight by Ronda Rousey

Interest Level: Adult

Reading Level: unknown

Lexile: unknown

Genre: Autobiography

Currently on pg. 85

I listened to the August 26, 2015 National Public Radio interview with Ronda Rousey. I found her to be a courageous and strong women. Listening to her made me want to read her story. At this particular time, I was looking a book that would inspire me to find my inner strength.

Tales and Stories by Hans Christian Andersen

Interest Level: 5th grade to adult
Reading Level: 5.5 grade

Lexile: 860

Genre: Fantasy

Currently on The Little Mermaid

My eldest daughter took a college class on the works of Hans Christian Andersen. This was her textbook. So far, I have read The Tinderbox, The Princess on the Pea, and The Traveling Companion. Of those three tales, I liked The Traveling Companion best. I found The Tinderbox too dark for my taste and The Princess on the Pea disappointing. However, The Traveling Companion has a happily ever after ending.

Clara by Kurt Palka

Finished the book

This book's main characters are Germans stuck in Nazi Germany. On page 331, the modern day Clara says, "There is no explaining those things. An explanation would come close to justification, but there must never be one." She is referring to the horrific events of war and the Nazi's racial purification,

I am not highly recommending this book. I found the technological rants and the jumping back and forth in time tedious. They did not assist in making the plot line easy to follow. Maybe this book is your cup of tea but it is not mine.

Clara by Kurt Palka

Currently on pg. 328, chapter 33

Okay I have only 37 more pages to go. Now I have to finish the book. I am too close to call it quits now. On page 232, Palka refers to the documents that Clara had written and saved over the years, "She thought of them as useful for anyone who cared to find out how small fires ignored became infernos." This sentence really captures the story. Albert, Clara's husband, was a Colonel in Hitler's army. The book shows a human side to the Germans living in Austria and Germany during the time of Hitler's reign.

Clara by Kurt Palka

Currently on pg. 199, chapter 20

So, I am reading chapter 15 just cruising along when I read the word satellite and then cell phone. 'What? I guess we aren't still in the 1930's anymore.' I paged back a bit and tried to determined when Palka jumped to the present. 'Oh, forget it. I am going to just keep on reading.'

Clara by Kurt Palka

Currently on pg. 150, chapter 14

Now Palka is going into great detail about the tanks of the 1930's. I do not find this subject matter interesting. When he writes about the stuff that I care about like Albert having to travel from Germany with a foraged passport to see Clara in Austria, he spends little time. At this point Austria is still trying to resist Hitler and the Nazi's.

Clara by Kurt Palka

Currently on pg. 128, chapter 12

With 237 more pages to go, I am fairly certain that I will not be finishing this book. Last night I read the LUSH handmade cosmetic catalog instead of picking up this book. The story-line is hard to follow. I find Clara's life at college (who is lecturing and what is being taught) tedious. Perhaps this book is aimed at the psychology enthusiast. I will hang in there until the book I ordered from Amazon arrives.

Clara by Kurt Palka

Interest Level: Adult
Reading Level: Unknown

Genre: Historical Fiction

Currently on pg. 48, chapter 6

Yeah! Look at me reading a book written for adults as opposed to young adult literature. This story is set in the 1930's during the prelude to World War II. As of now, I am still trying to get all the characters straight. The jump back from present day to the 1930's was a bit hard to follow but I think I am caught up.

On page 18, Clara, a college student in Vienna, listens to a lecture on Thrownness (a philosophy referring to the circumstances that characterize a person's existence that are beyond the person's control) given by German philosopher Martin Heidegger. At some point in the lecture, Heidegger shares that "At the moment of birth, ... Life is an involuntary leap into existence, and by the time you are conscious, you know that all this is rather pointless and will end in oblivion. There is no other possibility. So why not just wait and enjoy the fall. There must be something interesting along the way. The view, perhaps. The flowers passing, designs in the rock-face as you fall. A kiss from some stranger. ... Knowing that may help. Help with what? Well, with making a game out of it. A game. Something to take your mind off the inherent randomness and pointlessness of the entire thing itself. A project, a coming-to-yourself, being in control of yourself as you plunge, which is the only way to survive. We must live as if life mattered, so to speak." I am unsure if I find this statement comforting or just interesting.

That Girl Lucy Moon by Amy Timberlake

Finished the book

SPOILER ALERT! - We have a Disney ending. They all live happily ever after. The sledding hill gets donated to the city. Lucy's mom comes home and asks for Lucy's forgiveness. Lucy and Sam tell each other that they "like" each other. Lucy and Zoe remain best friends. After a collective sigh, we return the book to the public library.

I recommend it.

That Girl Lucy Moon by Amy Timberlake

Currently on pg. 214, chapter 17

Do you like a book that makes you cry? If you do, this is the book for you. When Lucy's mom talks to her on the phone, she tells her that she "couldn't be a Mom this Christmas;" and Lucy's campaign to save the town's sledding hill lands her in trouble. Between community service, school, and homework, Lucy finds it easy to avoid her father and friends. She decides she doesn't "need anyone - a good bed and lots of homework serve(s) her just fine."

Now her community service has changed from cleaning to helping at the Grundhoffer House, which it appears is a museum containing the town's history. I am hoping that things are starting to look up for Lucy Moon.

That Girl Lucy Moon by Amy Timberlake

Interest Level: 5-8 grade
Reading Level: 5.4 grade

Lexile: 830

Genre: Realistic Fiction

Currently on pg. 56, chapter 5

I choose to read this book because I read "One Came Home" by Amy Timberlake. I liked Timberlake's writing. I wasn't doing back-flips over "One Came Home" but I thought that it might have been the story-line. So, I wanted to give another book by Timberlake a try.

Lucy Moon is new to junior high/middle school and trying to find her place. In elementary school, she was an activist that fought for the rights of animals and workers around the world. She struggles to find her place. When two students get "arrested" for sledding on Wiggins hill, Lucy finds a cause. She is back!

Brotherhood by A.B. Westrick

Finished the book

In chapter 27; Shad, Jeremiah, and their mother have a discussion regarding slavery and the war.

On page 262, Mama sighed. "Shadrach, Lord knows slavery was wrong. But that war - it wasn't about slavery."

On page 263, "Now Shad," said Mama, "no one thought slavery was right. We all agree on that. But what we don't agree on - what the war changed - was how things get decided. Now Washington has more power than it ought to have."

Although this may be what the Weaver family believes, it is not true. The Civil War was about slavery. The author did not come out and say that the Weavers were wrong. The book did not have the Disney ending that I love but it was a believable ending. The story was realistic. I routed for Shad and wanted him to get the happy-ever-after. I recommend this book.

Brotherhood by A.B. Westrick

Currently on pg. 270, chapter 28

Shad's family believe that he is a simpleton that he can not learn to read. He makes a deal with a young black girl about his age. He will teach sewing at the black school and they will teach him to read. He badly wants to learn to read but has been unable to learn due to a learning disability. His family are members of the Klu Klux Klan. He has been taught the beliefs of the Klan. This book is about Shad's struggle, the struggle between what he is discovering on his own and what his family and the Klan have taught and are teaching him.

Page 233 has an example of the inter-conflict that Shad is experiencing. It shows the negative voice of the Klan that rings in his ears.

"Then he thought about what he was doing, and the thought made him dizzy. What he was doing was wrong. It was exactly what the Klan feared. He was teaching skills to coloreds. If Kitty learned to gather, and if he taught her collars and cuffs and buttonholes, her skills would be in demand. Some highfalutin lady might even hire Kitty-why, she'd only pay Kitty half what she'd pay Weaver's Fine Tailoring (his grandfather's business) for a dress."

Earlier in the book Shad's brother, Jeremiah, is complaining about how he can't get any work because the foreman always hired the colored people because they will work for less. Shad then thinks of how the foreman would pick the colored men over his brother because they work hard and they are respectful. Those are two things Jeremiah is not, hard-working and respectful.

Brotherhood by A.B. Westrick

Interest Level: 5-8 grade
Reading Level: 4.7 grade

Lexile: 720

Genre: Historical Fiction

Currently on pg. 90, chapter 12

The 6th page of this book, and I do mean the 6th page of this book, is A Note to the Reader. I am not talking the numbered pages. Once you open the cover there is a synopsis of the story, then Other Books You May Enjoy, the title page, copyright page, dedication page, a blank page, another title page, and then the next two pages are an U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' map of Richmond, VA from 1867. Then on the 6th page A Note to the Reader the author says, "My intention in writing this story was not to justify his (a 14 year old boy whose point of view reflects his time and place) view, but to draw readers so closely into his world that they experience his emerging capacity to question his circumstances."

This book is an Oregon Readers Choice Award nominee for 2016. The list of nominee came out prior to the latest events involving the confederate flag. I have followed the news stories regarding this issue. I find the historian's view points and factual reports the most interesting. Below is a link to one such report:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/posteverything/wp/2015/07/01/why-do-people-believe-myths-about-the-confederacy-because-our-textbooks-and-monuments-are-wrong/

Thank you Jeff Stirling for this link.

I am hopeful that this book, Brotherhood, will be a good aid in perhaps discussing the issues involving the confederate flag at the middle school level. Stay tuned.

One Came Home by Amy Timberlake

Finished the book

Alright my prediction was not correct. Still I think Timberlake wrote a good ending for the story. I thought a lot of my brother-in-law, Dave, during this book. Not that he is an untrustworthy pigeoner (because he is an amazing guy and SO trustworthy) but that I thought he could have spoke to the authenticity to some of the behaviors of the birds.

I give this book 3 1/2 stars. I would have given it 4 stars but the book did not appeal to me personally. I think readers that like Gary Paulsen and Will Hobbs will love this book. SPOILER ALERT - I did appreciate that the author tied up all of the characters' story-lines. I HATE cliffhangers. I have requested Timberlake's book That Girl Lucy Moon from the public library. I liked her writing.

Now onto the last Oregon Readers Choice Award nominee. So far, Counting by 7's is still my leading candidate for my vote for the 2016 ORCA award in the intermediate category.

One Came Home by Amy Timberlake

Currently on pg. 160, chapter 15

Georgie and Billy continue to follow the leads as to what happened to Georgie's sister, Agatha. POSSIBLE SPOILER ALERT - The title of this book now has me wondering. Will they find Agatha and Billy (who loves Agatha) will stay with her. I may have just ruined the book for you. My daughters hate it when I do that while we are watching TV.

When Georgie comes to the realization that in fact Agatha might actually be dead, Timberlake writes "From here on out, I'd have to keep my own company, Trouble was, I didn't like myself much (p.137)." I like this. I can relate. Aren't there times that we all can relate with that?

One Came Home by Amy Timberlake

Interest Level: 5-8 grade
Reading Level: 4.8 grade

Lexile: 690

Genre: Historical Fiction

Currently on pg. 87, chapter 9

In 1871 Wisconsin, thirteen-year-old Georgia sets out to find her sister Agatha, presumed dead when remains are found wearing the dress she was last seen in. Georgia and Billy, Agatha's love interest, are on the trail of the pigeoners and hopefully Agatha. I am still waiting for the action to start.

The Great Trouble: A Mystery of London the Blue Death, and a Boy Called Eel by Deborah Hopkinson

Finished book

I am a fan of historical fiction. I was concerned with the seriousness of the topic. Although there were many deaths, there was a fair share of joy. SPOILER ALERT - Hopkinson did write a happy ending for the main character, Eel. I do have one complaint. The author never told us Eel's real name. Not that his name is important but I was curious. I enjoyed this book but it did not take over Counting By 7's as my choice for the Oregon Readers Choice Award.

The Great Trouble: A Mystery of London the Blue Death, and a Boy Called Eel by Deborah Hopkinson

Interest Level: 5-8 grade

Reading Level: 4.2 grade

Lexile: 660

Genre: Historical Fiction

Currently on pg. 32, chapter 4

This book is about the cholera epidemic that happened in London in 1854. There is a mixture of fictional characters and the people that lived during that time. The main character Eel is fictional. I love historical fiction but this is a heavy topic. I am hoping that there will be some joy in this story as well.

Etiquette & Espionage by Gail Carriger

Finished the book

This book might not have been my cup of tea but I could see others loving it. I won't be reading the series but I will be purchasing the second book for the LRMS library. SPOILER ALERT - It frustrates me that Carriger never tells us what the prototype is.

Etiquette & Espionage by Gail Carriger

Currently on pg. 221, Lesson (ch.) 14

I have now officially been introduced to the term "steampunk." Steampunk refers to a subgenre of science fiction and sometimes fantasy that incorporates technology and aesthetic designs inspired by 19th-century industrial steam-powered machinery. I am finding Etiquette & Espionage interesting but it has not grabbed me yet.


I like the characters of this story, They are interesting and I do care what happens to them. Sophronia is a tomboy in a time (the 1800's) when it was not acceptable. I like Vieve. She is also a tomboy. I can relate to the tomboy characters. Soap is a character that has great potential to grow. With a little under 100 pages left, we will see if Carriger convinces me to read the next book in the series.

Etiquette & Espionage by Gail Carriger

Interest Level: Young Adult
Reading Level: 4.8 grade
Lexile: 780HL
Genre: Science Fiction/Historical Setting

Currently on pg. 38, Lesson (Chapter) 3

Fourteen year old, Sophronia is enrolled in Mademoiselle Geraldine’s Finishing Academy. The school does not seem to be your average finishing school. The book is set in 1851 but there are robots, werewolves, and vampires. I am skeptical. Keep your fingers crossed.

Counting by 7's by Holly Goldberg Sloan

Finished by book

Yet another text-to-self connection is made. Business owners give Willow some assistance with a community project she takes on. When it comes to paying them for their donations, one of the businessmen tells her it is part of the "favor bank." My brother and his friends are also members of this bank.

I give this book 4 1/2 stars. Why not 5? Well, it is predictable. However, it is also highly entertaining. I chuckled out loud often. And I cared about the characters. I highly recommend this book.

Counting by 7's by Holly Goldberg Sloan

Currently on pg. 201, chapter 34

In my previous post I said that Willow reminds me of my youngest daughter. On page 134 Willow observes Pattie (her friend's mother) talk with a women from a state children's agency,
The woman does all the talking, and Pattie doesn't respond.
She doesn't even say "uh-huh," or "I understand."
She is like me.
Silent.
I admire that in a person. The ability to keep your mouth shut is usually a sign of intelligence.

When Willow arrives at the Jamison Children's Center, she see that day's newspaper. There on the front page is an article about the car crash that killed both her parents complete with a picture of her Dad's wrecked truck. Another personal connection with the story. Something similar happened to me.

Counting by 7s by Holly Goldberg Sloan

Interest Level: 5th - 8th grade

Reading Level: 5.3 grade

Lexile: 770
Genre: Realistic Fiction

Currently on pg. 80, chapter 11

Willow Chance is a twelve year old genius who does not relate to other people well. I like Willow. She is a bit odd. She reminds me of a more severe version of my own daughter. At the beginning of the book, Willow's parents dying in a car crash. The book then takes you back to Willow's first day at Sequoia Middle School. With only 5% of the book read, I already care about Willow. I so badly want her to find a way to fit into society.

Etched in Clay: The Life of Dave, Enslaved Potter and Poet by Andrea Cheng

Finished the book

I no longer have any ill feelings toward novels written in verse. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. So far, it is my favorite book of the ORCA books that I have read so far. I highly recommend this book.