Listen with me

 

Tokyo Ever After by Emiko Jean

I'd hoped that this would be a more realistic approach to the plot from The Princess Diaries. I was not disappointed. Izumi finds out her dad is royalty and has to figure out how to fit into his world. As an American who grew up middle class in a small town, her life experience doesn't prepare her for the expectations and pressures of palace life. But it's more than just that standard fish out of water story. It's a tale of a girl between cultures. In the US she is visually different. Japan she stands out in habits and personality. She's also used to a more liberal life and the culture she encounters in Japan is fairly traditional. While the plot is fairly predictable the characters are pleasant and dynamic. A fun listen well worth your time.

Advanced Reader Copy provided by NetGalley

Non-fiction book review - Mimic Makers

 

Mimic Makers by Kristen Nordstrom

This book crosses over two solid points of interest for young readers: animals and inventors. It's a very cool cross section because we can learn a lot about engineering from nature. Some of the inspirations are obvious. Others took a lot more creativity to discover and apply. This is quite a short book but all of the examples it provides are quite fascinating. 

Advanced Reader Copy provided by NetGalley

Book review - Down to Earth

 

Title: Down to Earth

Author: Betty Culley

Genre: realistic fiction

Similar books: Quintessence by Jess Redman

                     Tips for Magicians by Celesta Rimington

Rating:

 

a joy

Summary (provided by publisher): Henry has always been fascinated by rocks. As a homeschooler, he pours through the R volume of the encyclopedia (to help him identify the rocks he finds). So, when a meteorite falls in his family's field, who better to investigate than this rock enthusiast--with his best friend, James, and his little sister, Birdie, in tow, of course.
But soon after the meteorite's arrival, the water in Henry's small Maine town starts drying up. It's not long before news spreads that the space rock and Henry's family might be to blame. Henry is determined to defend his newest discovery, but his knowledge of geology could not have prepared him for how much this stone from the sky would change his community, his family, and even himself.

My opinion: I had ideas of where this book was headed from the very start. I was pleased to see that it defied my expectations. The eventual plot points were telegraphed early on, but it follows it's own path. The theme of the novel is more subtle than we typically see in middle grade fiction, an exploration of the way life changes whether we want it or not. The things that influence the person we will become. It's not exactly magical realism, more supernatural realism I suppose. Because the features of the meteorite defy explanation. And yet much of the plot is firmly based in science. Henry explores topics in a scientific manner, digging into every question that occurs to him. The characters are charming and all have at least a little depth. Thought-provoking and compelling without being overly complex.

More information: Down to Earth releases August 24.

Advanced Reader Copy provided by NetGalley

Travel games

I have a sizeable stash of Altoid tins from a friend who used to eat a lot of them, so they've become one of my favorite craft supplies. In the past I've sold little fishing games and dinosaur playsets in tins. This year I've decided to try dice games. I found directions for a couple of simple games online and painted the tins to match the theme of the game.

Book review - Small Favors

 

Title: Small Favors

Author: Erin A. Craig

Genre: fantasy/horror

Similar books: Burn Our Bodies Down by Rory Power

                     House of Ash by Hope Cook

Rating: 

 

lots going on

 

Summary (provided by publisher): Ellerie Downing is waiting for something to happen. Life in isolated Amity Falls, surrounded by an impenetrable forest, has a predictable sameness. Her days are filled with tending to her family's beehives, chasing after her sisters, and dreaming of bigger things while her twin, Samuel, is free to roam as he wishes.
Early town settlers fought off monstrous creatures in the woods, and whispers that the creatures still exist keep the Downings and their neighbors from venturing too far. When some townsfolk go missing on a trip to fetch supplies, a heavy unease settles over the Falls.
Strange activities begin to plague the town, and as the seasons change, it's clear that something is terribly wrong. The creatures are real, and they're offering to fulfill the residents' deepest desires, however grand, for just a small favor. These seemingly trifling demands, however, hide sinister intentions. Soon Ellerie finds herself in a race against time to stop Amity Falls, her family, and the boy she loves from going up in flames.

My opinion: The idea that this was a re-imagining of Rumpelstiltskin (a fairy tale I've often thought needed more explanation) was certainly what drew me in. But that is really only a vague framework, a distant influence. Craig's tale stands well on it's own. We have a complex world of mythological beings. More than magic and monsters, though, this is a story of small towns and the secrets hidden by civilization. We're playing with the idea that "polite society" and the rules we all agree to follow hiding resentments and jealousies that will inevitably boil over and cause destruction. While the late chapters fall into a gruesome level of detail the slow grind of the town's decline makes for surprisingly compelling reading.

More information: Small Favors releases July 27
Advanced Reader Copy provided by NetGalley

Pick 6: love

 Romance is definitely not my favorite genre. I try to read them occasionally just be aware of what's out there and occasionally one stands out.  Here are 6 love stories published in the last 6 months.

6 new love stories:

1. Excuse Me While I Ugly Cry by Joya Gaffney
2. Only the Pretty Lies by Rebekah Crane
3. Last Chance Books by Kelsey Rodkey
4. Tremendous Things by Susin Nielsen
5. Pumpkin by Julie Murphy
6. Donuts and Other Proclamations of Love by Jared Reck
   

Non-fiction book review - A Quick HIstory of Politics

 

A Quick History of Politics by Clive Gifford

Gifford isn't joking when he calls this a quick history. In under 70 pages we explore assorted political systems; cultural influences; voting laws; political parties, and more. While none of these topics are explored in any real depth, we get a solid overview of each, including strengths and weaknesses. Each topic has accompanying illustrations though these do little to reinforce the information. It's a solid choice to introduce political education to and upper elementary or early middle school aged kid.

Advanced Reader Copy provided by NetGalley