WWW Wednesdays

What are you currently reading?
The Zero Degree Zombie Zone by Patrik Henry Bass
Bakari Katari Johnson has problems at school. He's shy and has a hard time making things happen. So when his best friend Wardell signs him up to run for Hall Monitor against the most popular boy in the fourth grade, Bakari doesn't think things could get much worse. Then ice zombies show up at his school. They've lost a magical ring. Bakari has until the end of the day to return it to them. Or else.
At 3/4 finished I've got to say this has not been my favorite book. It just hasn't really captured my attention very well. I'm reserving full judgement until I reach the end (who knows -that ending might just be amazing) but I'm thinking this isn't likely to make my list of favorites.
 
What did you recently finish reading?
Leroy Ninker Saddles Up by Kate DiCamillo
Leroy wants nothing more than to be a real cowboy. He has the hat. He has the boots. He has practiced his cowboy dialogue. All he needs is a horse. When he goes to look at a horse he found in a newspaper ad, Leroy knows almost instantly that Maybelline is the horse for him. Maybelline loves compliments and spaghetti. When Leroy forgets the most important rule, that Maybelline hates to be alone, he begins a desperate search to get the horse of his heart back.
I've not read the Mercy Watson books but after reading and enjoying this little book I think I ought to give them a try. Easy to understand with a great sense of humor, this book will be great for kids just starting to read chapter books (as well as working as a read aloud for younger siblings).
 
What do you think you will read next?
One Death, Nine Stories edited by Marc Aronson and Charles R. Smith Jr.
Short story collections are always fun and this one has some big names attached. I'm particularly intrigued by the link between the stories, they way one person's death will affect different people's lives.
 

Book review - Greenglass House

Title: Greenglass House
Author: Kate Milford
Genre: Mystery/Adventure
Similar Books: The Westing Game by Ellen Raskin
                     The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee Stewart
Rating: 

Surprising, clever

Summary: When mysterious guests begin to arrive at Greenglass House, Milo is initially annoyed to have his normally quite Christmas with his parents interrupted. He can't help but notice, though, how strangely these guests are behaving, all of them keeping secrets and asking odd questions about the house itself. With the help of Meddy, the cook's daughter, Milo sets out to discover what is really going on at Greenglass House.
My opinion: The beginning of this book reminds me of Treasure Island, I think because the house is kind of like the Admiral Benbow Inn. In execution it is probably closer to The Westing Game, what with the wide variety of characters, their secrets and motivations. The use of LARPing (Live Action Role Playing) was unique. You don't really get role-playing games in much fiction. I loved the way the plot unfolded in this book, especially the way Milford uses the storytelling scenes to reveal character motivation. There are some great secrets that come to light throughout the story. And most of all, I liked how solving the mysteries taught Milo some things about himself. This was a book that I enjoyed far more than I had anticipated and I look forward to recommending it to patrons.
More Information: Greenglass House releases August 26th.
Advanced Reader Copy provided by NetGalley

They are a hoot

Last week I showed you a sketch of a redesign for a shoe I had bought. This week, I have the finished product.

A pair of happy owls

I did all of the decoration with acrylic paint. Now I can't wait to wear them.

I've been working on some other craft projects as well, all of them for my Monster Tea Party program which takes place this weekend, so I'll have more photos for you on Saturday.

It's magic!

We had a pretty busy week, program-wise, so I have plenty of photos to share with you today.

We had a special guest reader at my storytime on Tuesday. Miss Judy is a volunteer storyteller with a national program. She read the kids a story about loons. They were really interested in the facts and photos she shared as well.

Our Wednesday night performer was one of our favorites, magician Peter Boie. Peter puts on a really funny, engaging show.

And lastly, yesterday was our second installment of the Story Laboratory, now with the slogan "we provide the materials, you provide the awesome." Here are a few books that the kids made.

This one is probably my favorite

Book review - The League of Seven

Title: The League of Seven
Author: Alan Gratz
Genre: Fantasy/Steampunk
Similar books: Percy Jackson and the Olympians series by Rick Riordan
                     The Mark of the Dragonfly by Jaleigh Johnson
Rating:

a little odd but a very good read. Action-packed

Summary: Archie has known about the Mangleborn, monsters trapped below the earth's surface, his entire life. His parents are members of the Septemberist Society, a secret group dedicated to suppressing the development of electricity which causes the Mangleborn to rise. But his parents and the rest of the Septemberists have been brainwashed and are attempting to free one of the Mangleborn. It is up to Archie and a few friends he makes along the way to save them.
My opinion: I loved the interplay of mythology with mechanics, especially the robots. I particularly liked how this book acknowledges the parallels between mythologies and spins those similar stories into a tale all its own. Also, you have these historical figures playing key roles in the plot. Like Edison and Tesla. It's an odd set of rules that this book sets up for it's characters but the rules are consistent, not changed at any point for the convenience of the plot. The characters are likeable and the plot is engaging. Great for fans of mythology, especially those with a sci-fi leaning.
More information: The League of Seven releases August 19th.
Advanced Reader Copy provided by NetGalley. 

Graphic Novel Spotlight: Owly

Owly series by Andy Runton

Owly is a great series to introduce a young child to graphic novels. The simple style makes it easy to understand and the stories are gentle enough for even very sensitive children. Entirely wordless, its also great to use with older kids who are working on visual interpretation skills. Owly and his best friend Wormy are adorable and incredibly expressive, making this series delightful to look at.

WWW Wednesdays

What are you currently reading?
How to Fall by Jane Casey
After a lifetime without meeting any of her extended family, Jess is forced to spend the summer in the town where her mother grew up and where her sister and family still live. Jess is startled to discover that she is nearly identical to her cousin Freya who died in an accident just a year ago. The more Jess learns, though, the more connected she feels to Freya and the more suspicious Freya's death begins to look.
I'm a fan of stories where teens get thrown into the middle of a mystery, especially when family secrets are involved. With a great tone and fantastic setting this book is very compelling and I've been thoroughly enjoying reading it.
 
What did you recently finish reading?
The Fourteenth Goldfish by Jennifer Holm
Ellie has just started middle school. The world is changing around her and she's not sure she likes it. Specifically, she's not sure what to do now that her best friend is drifting away from her. Things get more complicated when her mom comes home one night with a strange boy in tow. A boy who looks and acts startlingly like her Grandpa Melvin.
Generally, one can't lose when it comes to Jennifer Holm. Her novels are entertaining and gentle. Yes, this is science fiction. Even more, though, it's a coming of age novel that explores our resistance to change and reminds us about the importance of responsible science. Great characters in an entertaining plot. What's not to like?
 
What do you think you will read next?
The Book of Bad Things by Dan Poblocki
I've read one of Poblocki's novels previously (The Haunting of Gabriel Ashe) and rather enjoyed it, so I've been looking forward to this upcoming novel. We'll see if it's as scary and complex as the other one.