Mr. Wuffles! by David Wiesner

Mr. Wuffles is a finicky cat who is dissatisfied with all of his toys except one, which actually happens to not be a toy at all. Instead, it's a teeny little spaceship manned by a group of itty bitty alien visitors. When their ship is damaged by Mr. Wuffles, the aliens set forth to fix it and come across a civilization of bugs that also know the villainy of Mr. Wuffles.

Leave it to David Wiesner to mix bugs, aliens and cats together to make up a good, quirky children's book. The illustrations are funny and vivid, and his choice to include different kinds of speech for the species in the book was neat: aliens speak in symbols, the bugs speak in scratches, etc. Kids who like to come up with their own stories or who like for adults to make up stories for them will enjoy this book. Very creative!

Thirteenth Child (Frontier Magic, #1) by Patricia C. Wrede

Everyone knows that the 7th son of a 7th son is an incredibly magical person, obviously destined for great things. But what if you're his twin, and you have the unhappy fortune of being the thirteenth child out of fourteen brothers and sisters? Eff is that thirteenth child, the one who is supposed to have such a heap of bad luck laid on her that there is no way that she could bring any good to anyone. When her family moves out West, to where beasts and monsters are kept back by strong magics, she is able to go unknown as the thirteenth child for some time but eventually it catches up to her. As Eff finds her place and grows into a young woman, she learns that maybe she isn't as unlucky as everyone supposed, that she might just have a spark of magic of her own, if she can only find it.

Readers who have experienced being labeled as an outsider or a ne'er-do-well can identify with Eff. It's painful to see her deal with hate and bigotry at a young age, just because of her birth order. The story does drag at times, so don't expect it to be a super quick read. The magic set-up is pretty unique, and I love how the types are all different from each other. Definitely a book to pick up if you're into alternate history fantasy fiction!

Savvy by Ingrid Law

The Beaumont family is just a tad different. How different? Well, let's see, their mom is literally 'perfect,' their grandpa may or may not have created states by increasing land area in his youth, and the eldest brother in the family can blow out light bulbs with electrical surges faster than you can say "How many..." These powers are called savvies, and each Beaumont gets his or her special savvy on their 13th birthday. Mibs Beaumont is anxiously awaiting that birthday when her family gets devastating news that her father has been in a horrible car accident and is in a coma. The day she turns 13, she sets off on a trip with a ragtag team of folks to go save her father, thinking that her new savvy will help her.

This is a great story, one with a lot of heart and excitement. The plot is fun and bouncy, in a good way, with a lot of lovely characters. Even side characters are strong in this book, such as Rocket and Miss Rosemary. Mibs is a nifty narrator, one who has a very interesting voice that captures the reader's attention. There is humor and light in this story as well as serious, deep moments and ones that tug at your emotions. Anyone who is a fan of road adventures, family stories, or tales of people with neat powers should give Savvy a try.

Altered by Jennifer Rush

In Anna's basement, there's a secret lab where four very handsome, very dangerous young men are kept as an experiment. When they eventually escape, Anna ends up having to go along with them. As she becomes closer to their leader, Sam, Anna realizes that she might not just be the normal young girl she thought she was. If you're looking for a super quick read with a good deal of action, superhuman type guys and a bit of mystery, this book might be right up your alley. If you're looking for something deep and intricate, you'll probably want to look elsewhere. The writing style is quick and decent, and the plot is interesting, if not particularly complicated or twisty. But hey, I didn't really pick this book up for its twisty-ness; I wanted something that was basically Bourne Identity series for the YA crowd, and I think Altered did a good job of fitting that desire.

PS- Nick. I flippin' love Nick. I loved him since we first met him in the lab, continued to love him even when he was rude to Anna (because, seriously, he had valid reasons) and I loved him all the way to the end of the book. If he wasn't so prickly, I'd hug him; the man is sexy and dangerous, muscular, genetically enhanced and a giant among giants. I was more intrigued by him than by Sam, Trev or Cas (though I love them all, too...yes, all of them). So, yes, Nick is my favorite.

The Testing (The Testing, #1) by Joelle Charbonneau

Malencia "Cia" Vale lives in a small community with her loving family, and she's rapidly approaching graduation from school and adulthood. She's a clever, smart girl with some skill for mechanics, and she would like to be chosen for the Testing, which, if she passed, would put her on the path to becoming a leader in her post-apocalyptic world. The United Commonwealth runs the show in Cia's world, and no one from her community had been chosen for the Testing in many years. Her father has actually gone through the process, but he doesn't talk about it, probably because he can't really remember what happened. After the Testing, everyone's memories of what happened during the process are wiped, though he does sometimes get haunting nightmares. With the knowledge that the Testing may be even harder and more sinister than she expected, Cia is selected and sent off to magnificent Tosu City. The Testing is brutal and cruel and death and sabotage are common. As she maneuvers through the Testing, she gains and loses allies and enemies and even sparks a romance with a fellow candidate. The Testing is a book that fans of dystopians will probably enjoy. Definitely a trilogy to look out for, and it could easily be turned into a film or TV adaptation. Thank you, Netgalley and Houghton Mifflin Harcourt for giving me the galley for this book!

A Match Made in Heaven (My Boyfriend Is a Monster, #8) by Trina Robbins

Comic book artist and harassed high schooler Morning Glory isn't expecting to get the guy, but somehow she winds up kissing the new kid at school, Gabriel. He's a dreamboat, very kind and caring, but there is something a little odd about him. Maybe it's because he's hiding enormous wings? This is the 8th book in the My Boyfriend is a Monster series, and just like the ones before it, it centers around the cute romance between a normal/average/everyday girl and a creature from myth or legend. In case, the boy is an angel, if you couldn't guess. It's a sweet, fluffy romance accompanied by nice illustrations that are rather anime in style. A quick, fun little read, it will keep you entertained and you can read it all in one sitting. Thank you, Netgalley and Lerner Publishing Group for letting me read the galley!

Steelheart by Brandon Sanderson

In Newcago, Steelheart, a ultra-powered tyrant, rules over the city using fear, oppression and darkness to keep the citizens of his dictatorship in line. It doesn't help that he's a nearly invincible, almost immortal with enough superpowers to make Superman go "whoa." One rather awkward and stubborn young man, David, might have the key to his weakness. If only he could figure out what it was... When he joins up with a group of people who are taking out super villains, he convinces them to go after Steelheart. It's uncertain if they will succeed or not, but sometimes you've just got to take the big chances. Even when they might get you killed.

I love how this book is basically chock full of super villains without any real superhero stepping into the mix to fight them. At first, I wasn't really into that idea, being rather supportive of superheroes overall (LOVE YOU, MARVEL&DC), but while I was reading Steelheart, its plot grew on me. While it still leaves the reader with a lot of questions, overall, its a solid beginning to a trilogy or series that will most likely leave the reader wanting to go hunt down the next book.

The Higher Power of Lucky by Susan Patron

Hardpan, California, is an extremely small town with a population of approximately 43. It's the home of Lucky, an aspiring young scientist, and a ragtag bunch of townsfolk who are memorable and unique. Lucky is an orphan; her mother was electrocuted in a freak accident, and her father is out of the picture. Instead, he sent his first wife, Brigitte from France, to go and be Lucky's official Guardian. When Lucky fears that Brigitte is planning to go home to France, she takes matters into her own hands. A Newbery Medal Winner, The Higher Power of Lucky is a story of love, family and finding your place in the world. Lucky is a curious young girl who will tug at your heartstrings and make you laugh with her strange logic and thought patterns. Patron captures the essence of children in the kids who appear in the book. The Higher Power of Lucky  will most likely resonate with any kid or person who questions whether or not people in their life love them and want them there. Definitely a good realistic fiction book.

Asunder by Jodi Meadows

Nifty covers for this trilogy!

Asunder continues the story of Ana, a Newsoul, the first one born in thousands of years among the people of Heart, but in this book, she is no longer alone. Other newsouls are being born to replace the souls that disappeared during the chaos of the last book, when there was Templedark. Many people hate Ana and the newsouls, but others stand by her and defend the new people. Still, it's hard being the odd man out when everyone has known each other for centuries; it makes life a little difficult when you're experiencing things that other people have experienced time and time again.

I think Meadows handles Ana's youth and inexperience very well, and she is a likable character who is easy to relate to. She's a lovely female protagonist who doesn't have to rely on being awesome at fighting in order to garner praise. Not that I'm against a tough action-girl, I just like it when a female character appears who doesn't have to prove her worth through battle. Sam is still fantastic in this book, and I love the relationship between him and Ana so much. Other new characters are also lots of fun, and the plot is riveting and well-paced. I recommend this book to teens and adults who are into dystopians, sci-fi and fantasy. This trilogy is one of those YA must-haves for any Young Adult section at a library!

Pushing the Limits by Katie McGarry

Echo Emerson and Noah Hutchins are not meant to be together. She used to be part of the in-crowd and still has a slim chance of returning to popular status, and he's just some messed up foster kid who has issues with going from girl to girl. Or so it seems. But when Echo ends up tutoring Noah, they learn that there is quite a bit about each other that they never would have guessed. As they unravel each others' stories, they can't help but start to feel an attraction toward each other, one that in undeniable.

This is a great romance story between two characters who are both going through some really tough times in their lives. It might make you squeal with joy. It's also deeper than a fluffy-fluff romance, too, since the characters have so much going on in their personal lives. Neither Echo nor Noah has it easy, but having each other to lean on and talk to does make it easier for them. If you like passionate romances, this is a pretty passion-filled kind of story.

Jim Henson's The Dark Crystal: Creation Myths, Volume 2 by Brian Holguin

Nifty weird cover!

Hear ye, hear ye, people who cannot get enough of The Dark Crystal, this one is for you! Full of back story and the past of the planet, this graphic novel fills in a few of the knowledge gaps that the movie left behind. A sweeping story and awesome artwork are interesting, and the storyline is pretty good. If you liked the world design in the The Dark Crystal, you'll want to at least look through this book. I loved the intricate details and drawings, and it was just so much fun to revisit Thra and learn more about the planet. I'm also a huge gelfling fan, so I was very happy to see them featured in this book. Raunip sort of weirds me out, but I still think he's a well-designed character and definitely necessary for the story. Thank you, Netgalley and Archaia Entertainment, LLC for letting me read a galley of this book!

Electric Ben by Robert Byrd

Very cool illustrations & cover!

Like a bolt of lightning hitting a rod, Electric Ben thrills the reader with its dynamic and informative illustrations and leaves them grounded in solid knowledge and facts about Franklin’s vibrant life. Byrd’s use of “we” and “ours” during the book’s introduction draws the reader into exploring Franklin’s life along with the writer. The ordering of the book follows a logical chronological pattern and displays the early days of Franklin’s life that might especially intrigue a young reader as well as the more familiar facts of his later life. Sprinkled throughout the text and decorating the end pages are quotes from Benjamin Franklin’s many writings. These quotes help add Franklin’s own voice to the biography and introduce young readers to his often witty and humorous personality.

While Byrd treats his subject with respect, he does not shy away from providing readers with an unbiased view of Franklin, noting that he once owned slaves and that his early opinions of Native Americans were prejudiced. Not only are readers introduced to Franklin in this book, but they also learn a great deal through both the text and the illustrations about life during the time Franklin lived. An additional timeline in the back of the book helps clarify the years in which events took place, and Byrd also includes a bibliography and a list of visual sources for the drawings that enliven the book. Students who show interest in Colonial America and important figures in early USA history will want to dive into this energetic look at Franklin’s life. Declared an Orbis Pictus Award Honor Book (2013) and a Sibert Medal Honor Book (2013), Byrd’s Electric Ben is not a book that public children’s librarians or school library media specialists will want to miss out on.

When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead

The details are important here!

In New York City in the late 1970s, twelve-year-old Miranda lives with her vibrant but sometimes childish and frustrated mother in a rundown apartment building in a lower class neighborhood. When Sal, her best friend since infancy, suddenly no longer wants to be friends with Miranda, new friends Annemarie, Colin and Marcus enter her life. At the same time, worrisome notes from a stranger are left for Miranda in odd places. The notes warn that the life of one of Miranda’s friends is in danger and state that the writer of the notes needs her help. Slowly, as the pieces of the mystery come together, Miranda also matures and learns more about the people around her. 

The winner of the 2010 Newbery Medal, When You Reach Me contains an absorbing plot of mystery and time travel woven with friendship that captivates the reader. Students with cunning and eager minds will enjoy trying to unravel the mystery before the end of the book. Stead’s use of Miranda’s first person point of view is quirky and lively, and seeing the events unfold through Miranda’s eyes helps to guide the reader through what could be a complicated timeline of events. Young fans of energetic mysteries such as Ellen Raskin’s The Westing Game or sci-fi adventures like A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle will want to get their hands on Stead’s When You Reach Me. If your library has a collection for older elementary and younger middle school students, this is a book that you will want on your shelves. 

Jump Into the Sky by Shelley Pearsall

This is such a good cover!

Levi Battle is accustomed to family members leaving him. His mother abandoned him on the seat of a Ford when he was just a baby, and his father left him many times over the years. But Levi is unprepared to be the one leaving when his Aunt Odella abruptly decides to send him from Chicago to live with his paratrooper father down south at Camp Mackall, North Carolina. When Levi arrives in the South, the thirteen-year-old boy receives an abrupt and frightening introduction to Jim Crow laws and racial bigotry. His troubles only increase when he learns that his father has been sent to Oregon. Levi is taken in by friendly Cal, a paratrooper from his father’s unit, the 555th, and his wife Peaches. He travels with them to Pendleton, Oregon, where he reunites with his father and learns about the 555th’s secret mission.

Pearsall’s writing is honest and frank, and she does not shy away from showing the bitter racism that African Americans faced during the 1940s. Aggravation and tension run high among the 555th paratroopers, occasionally escaping in bursts of verbal frustration. Pearson expertly captures Levi’s voice, and the inclusion of wartime terms and references in his figurative language reminds the reader that the war is always lingering in Levi’s mind. Pearsall’s characterizations beyond her protagonist are also superb and memorable, from the mysterious basket weaver MawMaw Sands to moody, insecure Willajean. A child interested in family or friendship dynamics, World War II, or the military may thoroughly enjoy this book. The book would be useful during lessons or presentations about family relationships, Jim Crow laws or the end of World War II. Libraries with collections for upper elementary and middle school students would benefit from the addition of this excellent selection of historical fiction.

Inside Out and Back Again by Thanhha Lai

Love the colors

When war overcomes Saigon in 1975, Ha reluctantly flees her beloved Vietnam with her mother and three older brothers and begins an often difficult new life in Alabama. Ha faces bullying, condescension and discrimination from classmates, teachers and neighbors, and she struggles with the exasperating rules of the English language. “Would be simpler/if English/and life/were logical,” she states in frustration. Homesick, she often longs for Vietnam as she is introduced to America’s unfamiliar culture. As she discovers new friends and people who accept her, Ha learns that although America is different from Vietnam, it also holds hope for the future. Ha’s yearlong tale is told in a believable first person point of view through poignant verse. Ha’s voice is distinct and engaging as she realistically deals with everyday problems that all children face as well as those unique to her own situation. Serious scenes like glimpses of the effects of war are balanced with occasional light-hearted moments or comments. Young readers who have felt like outsiders will empathize with Ha, and this story should appeal to those who have an interest in historical fiction. Discussions about understanding other cultures or lessons about the period after the Vietnam War would be enhanced by the use of this story. Public libraries as well as elementary and middle school libraries do not want to miss out on adding this thought-provoking title to their collections. 

Goblin Secrets by William Alexander

FIRE DRAGON PROP!!
And the goblin looks
 like a zombie...

Zombay is an odd town, split into two by a powerful river. While the north side of town is orderly and neat, the south side is disorganized and often frightening; it is also where the witch Graba makes her home. Rownie is one of her kids, a pack of ragtag orphans and runaways who do the witch's bidding. In his search for his missing older brother lands him in the middle of a troupe of acting goblins, a friendly but strange little group. It also lands him on the wrong side of Graba's temper.

Sort of fantasy, sort of steampunk, Goblin Secrets is a quirky, strange story that is reminescent of the movies Labyrinth and Dark Crystal or the book Howl's Moving Castle. While I really did like this story, and it definitely a memorable tale that sticks with you, I was also left with a lot of questions. I mean. A lot. I hope Alexander's next book that takes place in this world will be a little more revealing. Again, it's probably most suited for those who fall in the tween years, so the audience may be a little limited. The plot and details will whoosh over most younger kids' heads (minus the uber-advanced ones) and it might not hold the attention of older teens. 

Bruised by Sarah Skilton

The cover tells a lot
about the main character
and the tone of the book

After training in Tae Kwon Do for years and achieving a black belt, Imogen does not act when confronted with a real life situation. The aftermath is devastating, and Imogen sinks into depression, weighed down by a massive amount of guilt. She's also dealing with other issues in her life that could potentially overwhelm her, all while trying to find herself again.

Imogen is an awesome character, and the way she deals with her problems is captivating and real. She has a lot of emotions and difficulties to face, and she doesn't just bounce back automatically like Superwoman; she has to work her way through her issues. Her choice at the end of the book was fantastic, and I loved that Skilton went that route. The romance in the book does not come off as overly sappy or contrived, and I really appreciated that Skilton didn't shove Imogen and Ricky together via insta-love. The storyline is interesting and the telling is well-paced; it didn't really drag painfully at any point, which is usually my problem with realistic fiction. This is a great example of contemporary fiction, and it would probably be a great addition to any public library, school library or personal YA collection.

Thank you to Netgalley and Amulet Books for the galley!!

Wish by Beth Bracken

The artwork really is very pretty

Friendships aren't always smooth and fun and exciting, as we all know. They take understanding, dedication, and time, and even then, sometimes they fail. In Wish, a friendship is thoroughly tested through magic, separation and hurt feelings. Soli and Lucy have been best friends for years, but when one of them kisses the guy that the other one like, it nearly destroys their close bond. When Soli makes a very reckless wish, Lucy disappears. She becomes a prisoners of some very frightening fae. Both girls learn more about themselves as Soli seeks to rescue Lucy.

Overall, this is a decent tale of friendship, love and the bonds between people, with a good deal of magic thrown in. The story was sort of slow, and the images seemed mostly static and a little lifeless, though they were very pretty. I liked the design of the fae creatures in this book; they were more like the scary, slightly creepy faerie folk of old stories instead of the sprightly, perky, wand-wielding sprites of today's tales. I sort of prefer the somewhat scary versions, and the story had some properly villainous fair folk. Heck yeah. Preteen girls are most likely the best audience for this book, and upper elementary students with an interest in fairytales will probably enjoy it.

Thank you Netgalley and Capstone Young Readers for the galley!

Defiance by C.J. Redwine

Great cover!

In Baalboden, girls are more like things than people. They all have male Protectors, who might be a father, uncle, brother or a husband, a male figure who is basically their keeper. Rachel, however, isn't like all the other girls. She's been trained by her father to fight and to be self-reliant and independent. When her father disappears, Rachel finds herself being watched over by his apprentice, Logan, a young man who she once declared her love for only to be turned down. They're not exactly on good terms. Facing the brutal leader of their town and the frightening beast that prowls in the wilds beyond their city, Rachael and Logan brave the forest in an attempt to find Rachel's father. The world-building is a little weak and vague at times, but the plot is intriguing and well-paced. There is a good amount of action but not so much that it takes away from the characters or turns the novel into an action-adventure romp (which are good in their own right but wouldn't be appropriate in the light of the occurrences in this book). Rachel is a believable young woman dealing with great stress, tragedy and change in her life. She faces her hardships and trials with authentic reactions. This is a good, solid dystopian that will appeal to those who are looking for a new trilogy/series to read.

The Listless by Steven Mohr

<3 the cover

In The Listless, old friends who were once in a band come back together after being offered a record deal to do a tour. Their adventure is meandering as they visit places they once loved and live a sort of rocky dream life for a short time, taking a break for their mundane post-college lives. I think if I knew more about the indie band scene or music in general, I would have appreciated this book a little more. It's not a scene that I am really into, but I'm sure a lot of teens and young adults would know all about it. It's probably more of a new adult book than a young adult novel, actually; the characters are out college and getting used to life beyond teenage-hood. At times the main characters waxes pedantic, and it seems more like he's teaching a lesson to the reader; possibly a case of where 'telling' instead of 'showing' takes precedence. While good if you're looking for something to give you thoughts to chew on, do not expect this book to be fast-paced. However, if you've got a love for road trips, post-college stories or indie band scenes, this book is so for you. Go out and grab it now. PS- I am a fan of this cover. <3

Cinder by Marissa Meyer

Coolest "Cinderella" EVER

Cyborg Cinderella set in a futuristic Asian society dealing with a ravaging plague and freaky moon people with their sociopathic queen. Cinder is mostly cyborg, and in her world, that's not a cool, awesome thing. Cyborgs are heavily discriminated against and considered second class citizens. Or maybe they're even lower than that. Cinder actually belongs to her evil stepmother, and since she's a cyborg, she's in danger of being pulled to be a guinea pig for the cure to the plague. Note: the cure has not been found yet, which means a lot of dead/dying cyborgs. Cinder's skill with machines grants her the title of being one of the best mechanics in the city, which means that when the crown prince's favorite robot malfunctions, he turns to her for help.

With the mystery of a missing moon princess thrown into the mix, Cinder is absolutely one of the most interesting and captivating retellings of the Cinderella story that I have ever gotten my hands on. It's got action, romance (put not really insta-love), clever dialogue and great characters.  The plot is solid and deviates from the regular Cinderella story enough to make it extra interesting. Seriously, when I finished it, I was rabid about getting my hands on its sequel, Scarlet.

Stitch Head by Guy Bass

Stitch Head -isn't he cute?

Funky, funny and engaging, Stitch Head is the story of a forgotten but extremely loyal creation of a young mad scientist. The little "monster" is named Stitch Head due to the peculiar appearance of his head; it's all stitched together with thick, black stitches. While he was once a young mad scientist's best friend,
events occurred that left Stitch Head alone and discarded while the mad scientist, Erasmus, went on to create increasingly massive and terrifying monsters. Which actually end up not being so horrifying, thanks to the valiant but humble efforts of Stitch Head. Stitch Head aids Erasmus in this new way now; he has a multitude of ways to turn those crazed monsters straight from the lab into relatively gentle, albeit odd, social creatures. They all live in notorious Castle Grotteskew, and all is fine, or pretty much fine, until a sideshow rolls into town, and the head honcho of the sideshow attractions starts making trouble for Stitch Head. The story is light and humorous and sure to delight a lot of young readers who revel in kooky, creepy material. The illustrations are very well-done and add to the story, giving us a fun view of Stitch Head and the other characters. This would be a good addition to any library or home bookshelf that caters to kids.

Above by Leah Bobet

While the concept of Above was interesting and pretty unique, I never really felt engaged in the book. I don't know if it was because the writing style didn't click with me or because there was never really enough revealed about the story for me to become super involved. The story is told in a broken, lyrical sort of
fashion, thanks to the main character, Matthew, being undereducated yet a teller of stories. The fuzzy background of Safe and all the tales that Matthew keeps and keeps as the Teller were pretty interesting, but I always felt like I was only getting tidbits of the whole history and it was not enough to satisfy me. I wanted more from this book but unfortunately there just weren't a lot of answers here.

I mean, don't get me wrong, it was an okay little read. I liked the storyline, and I was all right with most of the characters, well, most of the characters except Ariel. She drove me a little bonkers with all of her running away and fussiness but I understood more about why she acted that way toward the end of the book; still, I was never in love with her as a character.

The world building was a little shaky; I had a really hard time placing it in a certain time period, but that might have just been because it was from Matthew's point of view and time works differently for him, I suppose. I still wanted to know more about Safe by the time the story finished, and I wanted to know more about some of the characters.

While not particularly fantastic, Above was still a decent read. I just wanted a little more from it, but, eh, I suppose I'll live...

The Slave Dancer by Paula Fox

The Slave Dancer was the Newbery Award winner for 1974; it's an old school book, written in an old school style. Therefore, for people who love modern style writing that's quick or not too prosy, this one probably isn't the one for them. It miiiight not hold the attention of an action-driven kid who is more
interested in racing around the yard than reading, but I think it is a good teaching tool or a launching point so that parents or teachers could talk to kids about slavery, slave ships and the Middle Passage. I think it's also a good novel to give kids who might be interested in learning more about slavery.

This is the story of Jessie, a boy musician who plays his fife for the wrong people and ends up getting shanghaied. He winds up on a slave ship, where he is forced to play his fife while the slaves are on deck so they can dance for exercise. It's also the story of the slaves who are forced aboard the ship as prisoners and property and made to endure a unimaginably awful journey. The pain and suffering and madness of this book is enough to make the hairs on the back of your head stand up. The men who work the slave ship are a tough and terrible lot, and their captain is practically psychotic. They are senselessly violent and few, if any, have any moral qualms about their line of work. The slaves...you can feel their anguish. Many of the scenes are disturbing; they stayed with me long after I finished the book. From the point in the story where the slaves are loaded onto the ship to the point onward is especially difficult to get through due to the exhibitions of cruelty. There is a hopeful ending for more than one character at the end of the book. I thought it was a weighty and powerful read, but it might go over the heads of younger kids. I think middle school/high school would be the most appropriate age group for this book.

Alive!

Hey, I haven't disappeared! I just finished grad school classes for the semester, finally, so all the reviews I put on hold will be coming soon. Huzzah and verily! Meanwhile, my list of to-reads grows ever longer, and the library has gotten a bazillion more books in. This is a great problem since every time I finish a book I feel like...

The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien

A tale of adventure, treasure, a talking dragon with a funny name, dwarven companions and discovering courage during trying circumstances, The Hobbit is a story that kids, teens and adults have been enjoying for
going on a century. It's the story of a small, fussy little hobbit named Bilbo Baggins, who loves his cozy home in the Shire, where no one goes on any adventures or does anything very daring or dangerous. However, they all know what's going on in the town and who's who and who's related to so-and-so and what they ate for breakfast that morning. It's rather like a small Southern American town, actually. Bilbo's a homebody but there's a small spark in him that is still adventurous, thanks to his Took side (shout out to Peregrin Took, Tookishness rule!), and it is this little bit of boldness and a good shove from Gandalf that leads him to join the company of Thorin Oakenshield. This group of dwarves is heading off to the Lonely Mountain (aka Erebor) on a quest to reclaim their treasure from the dragon, Smaug, who took over their kingdom quite a few years back. Dwarves are a proud folk, but eventually Bilbo wins their approval and they actually start looking to him for answers and plans and the like. Their adventures include battling goblins, trekking through a creepy forest, being imprisoned by an Elven king, sneaking back into their own kingdom and then a massive battle. It's easy to sort of lose track of which dwarves are along for the journey (there are 13, so it's a lot of names and many rhyme), but if you do decide to watch The Hobbit movie, they're given rather distinct character traits and appearances. A few stand out in the book, like Thorin, Dori, Balin, Fili, Kili and Bombur; many of the others, poor fellows, sort of fade into the background. Overall, I love this book to pieces, and I would recommend it to basically anyone with a healthy love of fantasy.

Midnight City by J. Barton Mitchell

Aliens, robot armor suits, explosions, a psychic little girl, a bounty hunter, a near-magic tech wizard, a romance and a dog. What more are you looking for in a sci-fi book?! I mean, seriously!

So, yeah, I love this book. It's got all of the sorts of action and aliens that a sci-fi girl could want plus really good characters. The story follows Holt, a bounty hunter who's on the run, Mira, who can create fantastical tools using items that seem to have magical properties, and Zoey, a little girl with memory loss who Holt rescues from a crashed alien ship who is far more than she first appears. They live in on a version of Earth that has been conquered by a mysterious alien race that they refer to as the Assembly; Assembly aliens seem to be light or energy based creatures, and I hope we get more info about them in later books. The aliens have basically captured all of the adults, and almost all children are infected with something that is called the Tone, which seems to be a mind-control virus that becomes worse as they grow up; when they reach adulthood, they fall under the influence of the Tone and walk themselves to the nearest alien home base. Harsh. Those who are immune to the Tone are called Heedless, and Holt just happens to be one of these. I'm sort of in love with Holt. I mean, really, a lonely, sarcastic, surly bounty hunter with a dark past whose main goal is survival, plus he has a dog, plus he's very capable, plus he's witty? Yes. Oh, yes, he is good, and just a very enjoyable character besides his inherent awesomeness; he screws up, makes mistakes and has goofy moments. Mira is kick butt and very clever, and I think she'd be an awesome best friend for anyone. She and Holt have a great love-hate-admiration-annoyance thing going on; it was fantastic. Max and Zoey are great sidekicks, and I hope we discover more about Zoey in the next books.

I guess if I had any problems with this book, it was that they spent a lot of time running away from the Assembly...I mean, a lot. Which was sort of necessary, but maybe some of the running bits could be cut out or shortened. Besides that, I really liked the book, everything from the characters to the setting to the plot.

I was very satisfied with the ending of this book. With most YA books, I'm a little shriveled twist of discontent emotions, often quite upset at the current predicament of characters that I've come to enjoy. With Midnight City, I was happy with the ending, though it's not exactly happy and it definitely left me wanting more. It's hard to describe, but I just was really pleased with the ending that Barton provided. I think anyone who is a bit of a sci-fi nut might want to give this book a try!

Thank you, NetGalley.com and St. Martin's Press, for letting me read the galley of this book!