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.

Book review - Kinda Like Brothers

Title: Kinda Like Brothers
Author: Coe Booth
Genre: realistic fiction
Similar books: Touch Blue by Cynthia Lord
                     Locomotion by Jacqueline Wilson 
                     Worth by A. LaFaye
Rating:

Un-put-down-able

Summary: Jarrett is used to his life being disrupted by the foster babies his mom takes in. This time is different, though. This time his mom has taken in a baby and her older brother. Kevon is older than Jarrett and is sharing his room. People expect them to be friends. Jarrett doesn't think they can even get along. Everything about Kevon rubs him the wrong way. And even though his mom doesn't want to hear it, Jarrett is sure Kevon is keeping some big secrets.
My Opinion: A very engrossing read. Jarrett's voice is genuine, his problems realistic, the tone down to earth. Booth does not talk down to her readers or trivialize the concerns of young people. Jarrett makes mistakes, bad decisions. He is selfish and unwilling to see other people's perspectives. He's a kid. I really appreciated that things don't work out smoothly for him. The resolution is more about gaining some understanding that fixing everything. A great read for 4th-6th graders.
More Information: Kinda Like Brothers releases August 26.
Advanced Reader Copy provided by NetGalley.

Of pigs and plans

It's Monday and that means it's time to review my last week in crafts. I have a lot of ongoing projects right now, so that means I haven't really finished much of anything. So, I have one finished project and a few concept sketches to share with you.

1. The Dark Lord Chuckles the Silly Piggy
I was a big fan of the Disney Chanel show Dave the Barbarian during it's too brief run (I had goldfish named Faffy and Twinkle the Wonder Horse). Thinking about the show this week I made up my mind to replicate it's hilarious villain Chuckles in polymer clay. 

2. Gnome
I've got an idea for a series of cards featuring some lawn gnomes. This little sketch is likely to serve as a model for some polymer clay figures that I will photograph.

3. Shoes
A local discount store had some no-name shoes styled after Toms really super cheap. The only problem was I could only find my size in neon orange and an odd shade of red. But seriously, they were $2. I couldn't not buy them. So, I've been planning to paint them. The orange pair is going to make an awesome pair of owl shoes.

Hands on science

Our big Wednesday night program this week was "Carbon Dioxide fun" with the Maine Science Lady. We've had the Maine Science Lady do a program for us before. She puts on a really hands on program, most of which kids can replicate at home. Our young participants had a really good time.

 

Getting instructions

They were pretty focused the whole time

Who doesn't love watching dry ice?

Attempting a frozen bubble

This column of bubbles experiment was a definite favorite

This group fell over laughing every time they shot their cup into the air with the force of the air pressure that builds in the tube. Who knew science could be so funny.

Book review - Always, Abigail

Title: Always, Abigail
Author: Nancy J. Cavanaugh
Genre: realistic fiction
Similar books: The Encyclopedia of Me by Karen Rivers
                     Dear Mr. Henshaw by Beverly Cleary
Rating:

a nice little read

Summary: Abigail was not pleased to discover that she'd been assigned to a different homeroom than her two best friends, Alli and Cami. Only one thing will save her year: making the pom-pom squad and finally becoming one of the popular girls. But when she only makes squad alternate and gets paired with the least popular girl in her grade for the Friendly Letter project, Abigail is certain her social life is over.
My opinion: Definitely the best thing about this book is the format. Lists organize the story in a unique way. It is like reading a journal without becoming strict narrative, keeping us out of the "telling instead of showing" trap. Also, Abigail has a distinct voice and very real problems. The book explores the difference between what we think will make us happy and what actually pleases us. I felt like Abigail had very typical reactions for a kid her age. While we'd like to think that in a tough situation kids will do the right thing, be the better person, in reality most will do like Abigail and do the peer acceptable thing. This means that Abigail isn't always the most likeable character but she is realistic.
More information: Always, Abigail releases August 5.
Advance Reader Copy provided by NetGalley.