Category Archives: Middle Grade

Book Reviews
April 16, 2014 posted by Nichole

House of Ivy & Sorrow - Natalie Whipple

15728807Josephine Hemlock has spent the last 10 years hiding from the Curse that killed her mother. But when a mysterious man arrives at her ivy-covered, magic-fortified home, it’s clear her mother’s killer has finally come to destroy the rest of the Hemlock bloodline. Before Jo can even think about fighting back, she must figure out who she’s fighting in the first place. The more truth Jo uncovers, the deeper she falls into witchcraft darker than she ever imagined. Trapped and running out of time, she begins to wonder if the very Curse that killed her mother is the only way to save everyone she loves.

 

I am really sad that I didn’t end up liking House of Ivy and Sorrow by Natalie Whipple. Books about witches can be really hard to find, especially in the YA genre, so I was really excited to give this one a shot. Unfortunately, it just wasn’t for me.

The first problem I had with this book was the main character, Josephine. I was not a fan of hers. I decided at the very beginning of the book that I didn’t like her. She was very childish for her age, and she just had this uber hyper quality to her that I didn’t care for.

Discounting Josephine, I also didn’t care for any of the supporting characters. No one really blew my mind or made me fall in love. Everyone seemed very childish and annoying. That being said, it was hard to distinguish between all the characters, because they all just had a very similar vibe.

Another thing that I really couldn’t stand in House of Ivy and Sorrow was the romance between Jo and Winn. First, I hated Winn, not helped by the fact that I couldn’t stand Jo. Second, their childish romance was wayyyy too focused on. I would have preferred that the book focused more on witchcraft than that. Also, I found the relationships between Winn’s friends and Jo’s friends very unappealing. Too much cheesy romance was in the air.

Regarding the witchcraft itself, I thought that it could have been better executed. It seemed very childish and more geared for middle grade readers. I would have preferred more danger and suspense. I wanted the witchcraft to be more dangerous and powerful, and instead it seemed like something that I could watch on the Disney Channel. I definitely think that this book will have it’s followers, but I think that it is more geared for the younger crowd.

Overall, I didn’t really care for House of Ivy and Sorrow. I made it 50% through it before I finally gave up. I’m not rating it, because I really think that this was more about preference than dislike. Honestly, I’m shocked that it’s considered a YA book. It’s definitely an MG. So, if you’re a big fan of MG books, maybe this one is for you.

Pages: 352

Publication Date: April 15th, 2014

Publisher: Harper Teen

Rating: DNF

Book Reviews
January 26, 2014 posted by Nichole

DNF: Teen Spirit - Francesca Lia Block

18054018Francesca Lia Block, critically acclaimed author of Weetzie Bat, brings this eerie and redemptive ghost story to life with her signature, poetic prose. It’s perfect for fans of supernatural stories with a touch of romance like the Beautiful Creatures series by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl.

After Julie’s grandmother passes away, she is forced to move across town to the not-so-fancy end of Beverly Hills and start over at a new school. The only silver lining to the perpetual dark cloud that seems to be following her? Clark—a die-hard fan of Buffy and all things Joss Whedon, who is just as awkward and damaged as she is. Her kindred spirit.

When the two try to contact Julie’s grandmother with a Ouija board, they make contact with a different spirit altogether. The real kind. And this ghost will do whatever it takes to come back to the world of the living.

Francesca Lia Block’s latest young adult novel is a haunting work about family, loss, love, and redemption.

 

 

I had really high hopes for Teen Spirit by Francesca Lia Block. I thought that the writing style was going to be very similar to that of Rachel Hawkins. I expected a lot of paranormal aspects to the book and just a downright good time. I didn’t get any of that. Teen Spirit was very bland, boring, and slightly ridiculous. I ended up DNFing this one.

My major complaint with Teen Spirit was the main character, Julie. Oh my gosh. Julie whined constantly. Like every single scene she was in, she was whining. Under the circumstances, I can see WHY Julie was so whiny. BUT….oh my goodness. There is only so much a reader can take. I was annoyed with her from the get go. Ultimately, she is what made me stop reading the book.

I also found Julie’s mother a little uncomfortable to read about. I almost felt like she was telling Julie to get it on with her friend from school a couple different times. She was also a very neglectful mother. Since the writing style in Teen Spirit leans more toward MG than YA, I found those scenes to be a little too much. It was just one more character that I didn’t like.

Paranormal scenes in this book are lacking. I made it almost halfway through Teen Spirit and not very much had happened. I skimmed a little bit to see what happened at the end, and I still couldn’t see a lot of stuff happening. I feel like the cover and description of this book really called for a bigger paranormal theme. I was disappointed with how mellow and bland it really was.

Another thing that was really obnoxious about Teen Spirit was how repetitive it was. It felt like every page was talking about Julie losing her grandma, her house, her mom losing her job, and just complain, complain, complain. I read about those same things over and over and over again. Stop being so repetitive! I get the point! Julie is sad. We get it. It made it seem like Francesca Lia Block was experiencing some writers block at times and just repeating the same things over and over to get words on the page.

If I had finished Teen Spirit, I probably would have rated it 1 or 2 stars. The storyline fell flat, the characters were unlikable, it was very repetitive, and I just wasn’t captured at all. I feel like Francesca Lia Block has real potential to write a great paranormal book. She has a ton of stories out. Maybe some of those are better than this one? But this is not a book that I would recommend.

 

Pages: 240

Publication Date: February 4th, 2014

Publisher: Harper Teen

Rating: DNF

Blog Tour
January 15, 2014 posted by Nichole

Witch Fall Tour: Review of Witch Song and Witch Fall by Amber Argyle

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10400575The Witch Hunters have come for Brusenna, for she is the last. All the others have been captured by the Dark Witch. And without their magical songs to control nature, the world is dying.

Though young and untrained, Brusenna must succeed where every other Witch has failed. Find the Dark Witch. Fight her. Defeat her. If Brusenna fails, there will be nothing left to save—for the Witches, for mankind, or for the young Guardian who has committed his life to protecting hers.

 

My Review:

Witch Song was a fun read from start to finish. I was hooked on it from the very beginning due to its high fantasy/mysterious type of vibe. I also really enjoyed the fact that it was about witches. I love witches. I will read anything with them. And for some reason they seem to be lacking in the YA genre. I think that this book is going to be a big hit for many readers.

I did end up thinking that Witch Song ended up reading more like a middle grade book than a YA book. The storyline and characters came across as very young. Personally, I would have enjoyed for of a mature feel to the book. However, it was a fun read. It’s definitely something that my 4th and 5th graders would absolutely love.

Overall, I did enjoy this book. I thought it was cute and had a lot of adventure. Would I continue the whole series? I’m on the fence about that because I’ve been drifting away from MG titles. But I would recommend this one!

rating: : ★★★½☆

 

15829923With the magic of their songs, the Witches control the seasons, the storms, even the sea. Secure in their supremacy, they have forgotten the unmatched destructiveness of mankind. For the world has begun to covet their power, seeing them as weapons to be controlled instead of rulers worthy of obeisance.

Born of witches but raised among their enemy, Lilette searches for a way to heal the rift between mankind and the witches. But it may be too late to save either. For if there is one thing Lilette has come to know for certain, it’s that all things fall.

Purchase:
-Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/witch-fall-amber-argyle/1117953686?ean=2940149096534

My Review:

Witch Fall is the prequel to Witch Song. It was like reading two completely different stories. I couldn’t even tell you that they were set in the same world. I didn’t like this one as much as Witch Song, but I did enjoy it. Again, I thought that it was a little too middle grade for my personal taste. However, I really think this book is going to be a big hit for younger teens.

My favorite part about Witch Fall was Lilette’s journey. I loved the adventure and power that this book brought to the table. These books are set in such a magical universe that it’s bound to capture a readers attention. I was a really big fan of the attention to detail and suspense.

I did have a problem with how the women were treated in this book. I understand WHY that was happening in the book, but it was very difficult for me to read at times. If anyone has any triggers about this topic, then maybe this book wouldn’t be for you. It wasn’t anything major, but it did upset me in a few spots.

Overall, I enjoyed it yet again. I liked Lilette’s character a lot more than Brusenna’s character which made this book a little easier to get through. Again, I would recommend this whole entire series to younger readers. The adventure and lovable characters are going to appeal to them.

rating: : ★★★☆☆

 

unnamed (1)AUTHOR BIO
Amber Argyle is the author of Witch Song and Fairy Queen trilogies. She grew up with three brothers on a cattle ranch in the Rocky Mountains. She spent hours riding horses, roaming the mountains, and playing in her family’s creepy barn. This environment fueled her imagination for writing high fantasy. She has worked as a short order cook, janitor, and staff member in a mental institution. All of which has given her great insight into the human condition and has made for some unique characters. She received her bachelor’s degree in English and Physical Education from Utah State University. She currently resides in Utah with her husband and three small children.
Author links:

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The Flame in the Mist – Kit Grindstaff
Book Reviews
September 20, 2013 posted by Nichole

The Flame in the Mist - Kit Grindstaff

13641561Set in an imagined past, this dark fantasy-adventure is for fans of Philip Pullman’s The Golden Compass. Features Jemma, a fiery-headed heroine held captive in Agromond Castle, yet destined to save mist-shrouded Anglavia.

Fiery-headed Jemma Agromond is not who she thinks she is, and when the secrets and lies behind her life at mist-shrouded Agromond Castle begin to unravel, she finds herself in a chilling race for her life. Ghosts and misfits, a stone and crystals, a mysterious book, an ancient prophecy—all these reveal the truth about Jemma’s past and a destiny far greater and more dangerous than she could have imagined in her wildest fantasies. With her telepathic golden rats, Noodle and Pie, and her trusted friend, Digby, Jemma navigates increasingly dark forces, as helpers both seen and unseen, gather. But in the end, it is her own powers that she must bring to light, for only she has the key to defeating the evil ones and fulfilling the prophecy that will bring back the sun and restore peace in Anglavia.

 

The Flame in the Mist is a really cute middle grade book that younger readers (and even older readers) are going to enjoy! While YA and adult fantasy novels can be a bit more intense, this one is geared toward kids and is more light. It’s full of interesting characters, a unique plot, humor, and a-freakin-dorable sidekicks, a.k.a the rats (you can see them on the girls shoulders in the picture.) I’m a big fan of middle grade paranormal and fantasy books, and I’m so excited to introduce you all to this one!

Jemma Agromond is the main character in The Flame in the Mist. Younger readers are really going to relate to her and sympathize with her situation. Jemma was just a really solid character who was just….good. The Flame in the Mist has its evil aspects to it, but Jemma is kind of like the white light of the story. Readers are going to be rooting for her throughout this whole story. I know I was!.

What I loved about this book is that it’s full of action scenes. I was constantly on my toes, waiting to see what was going to happen next. Magic also plays a key role in this book. Let’s be honest…who doesn’t like some cool magic? I thought that it really worked in this book, and I was always excited to see what was going to happen next. There were also some very cool myths and unique characters that made appearances in this book.

Like most books, The Flame in the Mist did have its share of problems. The book started off very strong. When I first started reading it, I had a hard time putting it down. It was just addictive, and I loved it. When I got toward the middle of the book, though, things started to slow down a bit. When Jemma was in the forest, the scenes started to feel very repetitive. It did eventually pick back up, though, and the action and magical elements were as good as ever.

The Flame in the Mist may be geared toward children, but I would also recommend it to adults and young adults who enjoy MG books and fantasy/paranormal themes. Kit Grindstaff is an amazing writer, and I would love for my own child to read this book! Go pick this up today!

 

Pages: 464

Publisher: Delacorte Press

Publication Date: April 9th 2013

Source: EARC provided by publisher

Rating: : ★★★☆☆

 

The Life of Ty: Penguin Problems – Lauren Myracle
Book Reviews
June 4, 2013 posted by Nichole

The Life of Ty: Penguin Problems - Lauren Myracle

16101085Winnie Perry’s sweet baby brother, Ty, is the quintessential dreamer, full of big ideas and wacky plans that only a seven-year-old boy could hatch. Whether it’s battling the family cat with a Dustbuster or smuggling a baby penguin out of the aquarium, Ty is always in the middle of a well-intended, big-hearted scheme.

In the spirit of the Judy Moody spinoff Stink series, Ty will work his way into the hearts and funny bones of a whole new generation of Myracle fans.

 

The Life of Ty: Penguin Problems was so gosh darn cute! Penguin must have sensed my need for an awesome children’s book. This is a really quick read, and I have to stress that it is meant for children. It’s a little lower than a middle grade book. It’s more of a children’s book, probably for younger elementary students.

The illustrations in The Life of Ty were well done. They fit in perfectly with the story and kept me entertained. I can see this book being a definite hit for younger kids. Heck, it was a big hit for me, and I’m well over the age range for this book!

I loved reading a children’s book focused on a boy. When I was growing up, there were a lot of books featuring girls, and it’s a nice change to see. Boys and girls alike are going to love this book, but boys especially are going to get a thrill following Ty and his silly adventures. There’s even this cute little plot featuring a penguin! And honestly…who doesn’t love penguins?

Parents…librarians….add this book to your collection! It’s going to be a big hit with your little ones, and you will not regret it!

 

Pages: 128

Publisher: Dutton Juvenile

Publication Date: May 2nd, 2013

Rating: : ★★★★★

 

Priscilla the Great (Priscilla the Great #1) – Sybil Nelson
Book Reviews
January 4, 2013 posted by Nichole

Priscilla the Great (Priscilla the Great #1) - Sybil Nelson

Meet Priscilla Sumner, an ordinary seventh grader with extraordinary gifts. As if middle school isn’t hard enough, not only does Priscilla have to fight pimples and bullies, but genetically enhanced assassins trying to kill her and her family. Armed with wit, strength, and a genius best friend, Priscilla must defeat the Selliwood Institute, an organization dead set on turning children into killing machines.

Add an older brother annoyingly obsessed with Christina Aguilera, mischievous baby twin brothers who could scare the sin off of Satan, and parents more puzzling than a Rubik’s cube in the Bermuda triangle and expect a smoking page-turner!

 

Priscilla the Great is an amazing middle grade series about a young girl who can shoot fire from her fingers. Priscilla’s mom is never around much since she’s doing good deeds clear across the world, so it’s just Priscilla, her dad, her older brother, and her two younger twin brothers. Talk about a lot of testosterone.

When Priscilla gets her first period, she starts to develop a lot of weird abilities that …well….she’s never even heard of anyone experiencing before. She’s faster than normal, she can hear everything, and, oh, yeah….she can shoot fire from her fingers! Life has taken a new turn for Priscilla, and she’s not quite sure how to handle it.

While trying to balance her new found powers, Priscilla also has to attend middle school, fight her feelings for her crush, develop new feelings, and spend as much time as possible with her bestest best friend in the world. But soon, Priscilla learns that things are much bigger than she once realized. Her mom? Yeah, her mom isn’t no normal mom. Her mom is a badass superhero that is out trying to save the world. And she wants Priscilla to help her. Join Priscilla and her family and friends to discover if they succeed.

 

I have such a strong passion for middle grade novels, because I truly believe that some of them are absolutely brilliant. Sometimes I want to take a break from thinking…from vampires, werewolves, aliens, lovey dovey romances…all of that jazz. Sometimes I just want to jump into the mind of a seventh grader and join them on the wacky experiences that make up their lives. I can usually tell if I am going to like a mg novel based on the cover, so I felt pretty secure with Priscilla the Great. I wasn’t disappointed. I loved Priscilla. Actually, I loved the whole entire book. I found it to be light and refreshing, as well as comical and spunky. I loved it.

Priscilla was such an amazing character for me! I love reading about strong girls and women. There’s something so empowering about watching/reading them take charge and try to fix everything themselves. I hate….let me stress this….haaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaate! reading about females who solely depend on men to fix their problems. Men aren’t all that! Women are pretty dang tough too! I felt that that was greatly portrayed in Priscilla the Great, and I would encourage parents to introduce this book to every girl.

Apparently I have some huge fascination with superheroes that I was never aware of. I don’t read comic books. I don’t really care about superhero movies. Man, I haven’t even watched The Avengers yet. But earlier this year…well…I guess it will be last year when you guys read this….I read Dark Star by Bethany Frenette. LOVED that book! Anyways, the book is about superheroes, and I just went gaga for superheroes! I can’t get enough of them! Same thing with this book, I lovvvved the superhero aspect! I thought that Priscilla’s powers were just so cool! I couldn’t get enough of it. I also enjoyed watching Priscilla’s powers develop as well as her maturity. Don’t get too excited over the maturity thing. Thirteen year olds can only mature so much. But I did notice a difference in her character by the end of the book. It was a really enjoyable experience to watch Priscilla’s growth throughout the book.

I would absolutely recommend this book to every middle school and high school level child. Heck, I’d even recommend this to adults who enjoy mg books. I know that I sure enjoyed it, and I’m looking forward to reading the rest in the series! Priscilla the Great is a book that will keep you on your toes and leave you craving more.

Pages: 309

Publisher: Little Prince Publishing

Publication Date: December 13th, 2010

Rating: : ★★★★☆

 

Teaser Quote: “I caught up with Charlie first. I picked him up and threw him on the couch. Then I sat on him and farted. Yeah, I farted. So what? When dealing with little brothers, sometimes you have to get gross.” (pg 49.)