A Computer mouse

I have a tendency to doodle, particularly when I'm reading something hard to understand or when I'm on hold. Usually this takes the form of little scribbles of animals and fruits among notes about phone numbers and usernames. Occasionally, though, I manage to produce something nice.

I got a new computer the other day at work and the monitor is noticeably larger than my old when. It felt like it was looming over me, which lead to this little sketch. While I've adjusted to the new size and no longer feel like a mouse beside it, I still like this drawing. It holds a place of honor on my bulletin board.

Graphic Novel Spotlight - Satchel Paige

Satchel Paige: Striking Out Jim Crow by James Sturm and Rich Tommaso

Even the harshest critics of graphic novels must see the educational value of books like this one. What better way to introduce an historical figure to a young reader than in a format that they already enjoy? Baseball is well suited to the graphic novel format. Action and dramatic shots abound. While the art is less refined than in some books it works well in this instance. A good choice for both sports and history fans.

Non-fiction book review - Malala

Malala: Activist for Girls' Education by Raphaele Frier

If you select only one book about Malala for young readers, make it this one. This is a clear, straightforward presentation of facts. It is not so harsh as to become disturbing (no grim details) but does not soften reality (the narration states very plainly that Malala was shot, with bullets striking her head and neck).  Young readers will learn a lot from the main text and much more from the afterward which has loads of cultural and historical information as well as resources for learning even more. With eye-catching illustrations as well, it's an all around win.

More information: Malala: Activist for Girls' Education releases February 7.

Book review - The Crooked Sixpence

Title: The Uncommoners: The Crooked Sixpence
Author: Jennifer Bell
Genre: fantasy
Similar books: The Maloney's Magical Weatherbox by Nigel Quinlan
                     The Extincts by Veronica Cossanteli
Rating:

magical fun

Summary (provided by publisher): Welcome to a world where nothing is quite as it seems…
When their grandmother Sylvie is rushed to the hospital, Ivy Sparrow and her annoying big brother Seb cannot imagine what adventure lies in store. Soon their house is ransacked by unknown intruders, and a very strange policeman turns up on the scene, determined to apprehend them . . . with a toilet brush.
Ivy and Seb make their escape only to find themselves in a completely uncommon world, a secret underground city called Lundinor where ordinary objects have amazing powers. There are belts that enable the wearer to fly, yo-yos that turn into weapons, buttons with healing properties, and other enchanted objects capable of very unusual feats.
But the forces of evil are closing in fast, and when Ivy and Seb learn that their family is connected to one of the greatest uncommon treasures of all time, they must race to unearth the treasure and get to the bottom of a family secret . . . before it’s too late.
Debut novelist Jennifer Bell delivers a world of wonder and whimsy in the start of a richly uncommon series.

My opinion: Books of this sort are always going to be compared to Harry Potter. That's not necessarily a bad thing. Rowling set a high standard that pushes other fantasy writers to be more. Its not enough to give a character magic; you have to create a world, complex rules, and a fantastic villain. Bell does pretty well with these elements. Lundinor is complex with lots of consistent magic rules. The book has a complete plot on its own while also contributing to a larger series plot. Characterization is not particularly complex but with more volumes coming we can expect to see depth added in the future. I wouldn't put it under the "best book ever" banner but it's solidly entertaining and well worth the time spent reading.

More Information: The Crooked Sixpence releases January 31.
Advanced Reader Copy provided by NetGalley.

Winter Scene

One of the gifts I received this Christmas was a little craft kit: wooden shapes with some markers for coloring them in. The colors were less than desirable so I substituted acrylic paint. 

 

Book review - The Lost Girl of Astor Street

Title: The Lost Girl of Astor Street
Author: Stephanie Morrill
Genre: historical fiction
Similar books: Dead to Me by Mary McCoy
                     Girl in the Blue Coat by Monica Hesse
Rating:

A solid mystery

Summary (provided by publisher): When her best friend vanishes without so much as a good-bye, eighteen-year-old Piper Sail takes on the role of amateur sleuth in an attempt to solve the mystery of Lydia’s disappearance. Given that Piper’s tendency has always been to butt heads with high-society’s expectations of her, it’s no surprise that she doesn’t give a second thought to searching for answers to Lydia’s abduction from their privileged neighborhood.
As Piper discovers that those answers might stem from the corruption strangling 1924 Chicago—and quite possibly lead back to the doors of her affluent neighborhood—she must decide how deep she’s willing to dig, how much she should reveal, and if she’s willing to risk her life of privilege for the sake of the truth.
Perfect for fans of Libba Bray and Anna Godbersen, Stephanie Morrill’s atmospheric, jazz-age mystery will take readers from the glitzy homes of the elite to the dark underbelly of 1920s Chicago.

My opinion: While period mysteries aren't for everyone, I found this book pretty enjoyable. The characters are solidly portrayed - dynamic, nuanced, and distinct. They develop depth as the plot progresses. The plot holds a decent number of twists. There were inte4rpersonal developments I predicted that never came to fruition. The resolution has groundwork laid early on, so it is logical but not obvious. The real strength in this book, though, is the historical setting. The atmosphere is fantastic. Someone looking for a thrilling read, with lots of twists and nail-biting moments, probably won't enjoy this book. But, if you're someone who prefers to enjoy the moment and the scenery, give this book a try.

More information: The Lost Girl of Astor Street releases January 18.
Advanced Reader Copy provided by NetGalley.

Pick 6: humor

Who doesn’t love a good laugh? Especially in winter with the weather kind of dreary. Here are 6 funny books published in the last 6 months, covering everything from beginning chapter books to teen novels.

6 new comedies:
1.  Friday Barnes Under Suspicion by R.A. Spratt

2. The Most Frightening Story Ever Told by Phillip Kerr

3. Doodle Adventures: The Pursuit of the Pesky Pizza Pirate by Mike Lowrey

4. The Adventurer's Guide to Successful Escapes by Wade Albert White

5. Razzle Dazzle Unicorn Dana Simpson

6. The Capybara Conspiracy by Erica S Perl