Aurora County All Stars

  One of my family's favorite movies is The Sandlot, which was made in 1993. The movie is told from Scotty Small's perspective on his summer when moved to a new neighborhood with his mom and stepdad, and wants to learn to play baseball. There he makes friends with the local Sandlot and falls into all sorts of misadventures involving baseball, a mysterious neighbor, and a legendary ball-eating dog called "The Beast". I thought of the movie frequently when I read The Aurora City All Stars by Deborah Wiles because they both share similar themes.

Description: House Jackson is the team captain and star pitcher of the Aurora County All-Stars. He is finally able to play again after being sidelined for a year with a broken elbow, however, the game may not be played at all due to the county's 200th anniversary pageant. You see the game is scheduled on the same day as the pageant, which is spearheaded by the very girl who caused Jackson's injury. Both are determined to have their way, but only one event can take place. Will they be able to compromise and work things out?

Review: The Aurora County All Stars is an enjoyable and quick read. There are many themes and subplots that occur in this small county in Mississippi. Wiles combines mystery, history, baseball facts, and poetry into her story without losing the reader's interest and dragging the story down. Amongst all the elements that the author includes, I love how she subtlety incorporates Whitman's poetry in her story without dumbing it down to her readers or her characters. Plus, the way that House resolves the central conflict is very original and fun to read about. I didn't think his plan would work out, but I was pleasantly wrong.
   The setting and characters of a rural county in Mississippi are charming. I loved their dialect and think this book would be a fun read aloud. I did, however, felt as if all the characters knew one another but I didn't. While I did like House and his relationship with his family and best friend, I thought the other characters were a bit flat. It is not until I finished the book that I discovered that The Aurora County All Stars is actually the third book in her Aurora County trilogy. The first book in the trilogy is Love, Ruby and the second book Each Book that Sings was a National Book Award finalist. I plan on reading the other two books.
  The Aurora County All Stars is a charming tale about friendship, history, family love and loyalty, and listening to ones heart. I think kids who like or play baseball will open their arms to this book and ask for more.

Curriculum Connection: Social Studies and English/Poetry


Rating: 4 stars

Words of Caution: None. Recommended for strong Grade 3 readers to 6th grade. 

If you like this book try: Honus & Me or Jackie & Me by Dan Gutman

The Photographer

  When I attended a graphic novels seminar at Northwestern University a few months ago, the panelists had all recommended to read Emmanuel Guibert's The Photographer. I knew very little about the graphic novel besides that it Chronicles the Doctors Without Borders trip to war-torn Afghanistan. After reading and reflecting upon it, I truly think that description barely touches the surface of this amazing, truly unique graphic novel that I read to this date.

Description (from inside panel): In 1986, Afghanistan was torn apart by a war with the Soviet Union. This graphic novel/photo-journal is a record of one reporter's arduous and dangerous journey through Afghanistan accompanying the Doctors Without Borders. Didier Lefèvre’s photography, paired with the art of Emmanuel Guibert, tells the powerful story of a mission undertaken by men and women dedicated to mending the wounds of war.

Review: The Photographer is not just a photography book nor a graphic novel. It is a marriage between these two genres that tell a powerful and inspiring story in the similar vein that text and illustrations do in a picture book. This documentary graphic novel brings together vivid, beautiful, and striking black and white photographs taken by Lefèvre, intimate drawings by Guibert, an organized and clear layout, and easy to read translation and introduction by Siegel.
  The year is 1986 and Afghanistan is at war with the Soviet Union. Photographer Lefèvre had volunteered to join the Médecins sans Frontières (MSF; Doctors Without Borders), to document a mission: to build a medical facility into northern Afghanistan. Along the way, he and the team of doctors, guides, and interpreters endured a physically exhausting, arduous journey, and witnessed the effects of war.  
  What makes The Photographer a stand out in the sea of graphic novels, is the combination of the black and white photographs and the illustrations that continually remind readers that this amazing and at times horrifying journey actually did occur and that the characters are indeed real people, which heightens not only our awareness but also the emotional impact of the situation. The panels are layout quite nicely and are easy to read. The narrative and dialogue do not crowd each illustrated panel and the photographs are wordless yet they speak loudly and clearly in their silence.

Here is an example from Amazon's website:

 

The humanitarian and altruistic spirit of the doctors and the resilience of the Afghanis is what keeps this graphic novel from being so depressing. Readers find out that for Afghanis, war is unfortunately nothing new to them and has become a part of their lifestyle. They take their wounds in stride and keep on living. It is heartbreaking to see how easily weapons are acquired while schools are considered a luxury and are scarce. By reading and experiencing The Photographer, we finally get a glimpse into this mysterious war-torn country that hasn't been in a severe limelight since the atrocious 9/11 attacks and try to wrap our heads around what American troops are facing in the current Afghan war.

  The Photographer challenges our thinking about war and does not attempt to provide us with any easy answers. As Lefèvre discovers, war is not very cut and dry, but multi-layered by political intrigue. The team has to work along with warlords and other dangerous people in order to reach their destination safely. The only reason why I gave this graphic 4.5 stars instead of 5 is because the middle does drag a bit.

Curriculum Connection: Social Studies and Art

Rating: 4.5 stars

Words of Caution: There is some language in the graphic novel and some of the photographs of the wounded are quite gory. Recommended for high school and up.

If you like this book try: Three Cups of Tea by Greg Mortenson, Waltz with Bashir by Ari Folman, or Sarajevo by Joe Kubert

Movie Review: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1

  I went to see Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1 this weekend with a friend of mine. I know I'm a bit late, but I wanted to see the movie when the crowds died down a bit. After reading positive reviews from both critics and die hard Harry Potter fans, I was excited to see this latest installment in the blockbuster franchise. I was not a fan of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (the book). I thought the first half was a bit too slow and the second half was too anticlimactic for me. I was left with the feeling of: “That’s it? I’ve waited and read 6 books for this ending?” So I was curious as to what my viewing experience would be like since I haven’t reread the books at all. I remember the books quite well, but I would not be able to tell you if any specific details were wrong or taken out from the movie. 

  Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1 is not movie just slapped together. It has been intricately planned for from the very beginning and it shows. While the last few films build the level of suspense into a crescendo and each film gets darker, things are much worst as the latest installment opens. The Deathly Hallows begins with a grim reminder from the Minister of Magic, Rufus Scrimgeour (who is excellently played by Bill Nighly): “These are dark times, there is no denying. Our world has perhaps faced no greater threat than it does today”. In the Potter world, there is a takeover of ministries and the installation of past villains who are mere puppets of Voldemort’s regime, Discrimination and probable extermination of the ordinary, non magical Muggles, and even the half-breeds continues.

   
The Deathly Hallows is submersed in doom and gloom, everything from clothing (with the exception of one of Hermonie’s beautiful red dress) to the background music. The background score from Alexandre Desplat is fantastic and probably the best musical score from all of the movies thus far. Our trio is confused, lost, and without any guidance from their headmaster and mentor Dumbledore (Michael Gambon), whose absence is tangible and felt. They are left to their own skills and devices to discover and destroy the remaining Horcruxes. With frustration, jealously, and darkness surrounding them, they must find a way to work together to attain their common goal.
  The acting in the Deathly Hallows is quite good. Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint and Emma Watson all share a perfect camaraderie that has been built over the years. These actors grew into their roles and I can’t imagine anyone doing these characters justice. There ensemble cast of fantastic British actors such as Ralph Fiennes, Alan Rickman, Bill Nighy, and many more are a treat to watch. My only complaint is that they come and go too quickly in this movie, but I hope they get their own share of screen presence in the second installment.
  There are two main complaints I have heard frequently about this latest Harry Potter movie: one, there is no plot and two, whether or not The Deathly Hallows should have been made into films. To answer the first question, there is definitely a plot. I think the movie did an excellent job in getting to the center of the first half of the book. In the book, the first half is dedicated to the long search of the Horcruxes and how to destroy them. The movie retains all of the major events that happened in the book, including an excellent explanation of the Deathly Hallows (a short animation story that was by far my favorite part of the movie); however, I was disappointed in not seeing Harry use the cloak of invisibility at all in the movie. He uses it quite frequently in the book. Overall, I’m glad that the screenplay writer took liberties with the book to give us what is most important to the story: the long, arduous task and the impending rise to Voldemort’s reign.
  To answer the second question, I definitely think this book should be divided into two movies. Simply for the fact that there is so much going on in the story, the numerous relationships and friendships forged over the years, and the bittersweet fate of the myriad of characters in the Potter world. We have to remember that the Harry Potter series is an epic journey that takes time. Danger lurks at every corner and the narrative which at times goes slowly but also spins at breakneck speed that toss our favorite characters around and against their enemies who are growing more powerful by the minute.
  The special effects in the movie are great, but they are definitely subdued and nothing that we really haven’t seen before in the previous movies. The strength of the movie is that the story never lags, but builds anticipation as we root for our heroes to become successful in their quest. The story isn’t all doom and gloom as the narrative does infuse humor in appropriate places to try to lift the characters and essentially our spirits through these dark times. I won’t giveaway the cliffhanger, but I will say that it was a great stopping point. I can't wait for the second part of the movie. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1 is worth watching. Be sure to check it out before it goes to DVD.


Words of Caution: This movie is rated PG-13 for some sequences of intense action violence, frightening images and brief sensuality.

Rating: 4 stars (Really enjoyed it, highly recommended)

2011 Debut Author Challenge

   I am trying to be a bit more organized for next year. I have been looking for reading challenges that are fun and expand my reading boundaries. My first reading challenge for next year will be to participate in the 2011 Debut Author Challenge that is hosted by Krisit at The Story Siren. I read about this challenge this month and was a bit too late to participate for this year, but I'm so excited to join for next year. I plan on reading at least fifteen books for this challenge, but may end up reading more. I already see lots of my blogger friends joining the challenge. I can't wait to see what people read and read their reviews!

Here's some information about the challenge:

1.  The objective of this challenge is to read at least twelve novels from Young Adult or Middle Grade Authors. 12 books is the minimum to participate but there is no max limit.
2. Anyone can join. You don't have to live in the U.S. or be a blogger.
3. If you do have a blog, it doesn't have to be written in English to participate.
4. You can join anytime. The challenge runs from January 1, 2011 to December 31, 2011. 

You can read about how a book qualifies for this challenge here.

You can sign up for this challenge here.

 Here is my tentative list of books that I'm hoping to read for this challenge. I'm sure I'll add more as the year goes on:

January

Unearthly by Cynthia Hand (1/4/11)
XVI by Julia Karr (1/6/11)
The Trouble with Half a Moon by Danette Vigilante (1/6/11)
Warped by Maurissa Guibord (1/11/11)
Timeless by Alexandra Monir (1/11/11)
Across the Universe by Beth Revis (11/11/11)


February

So Shelly by Ty Roth (2/8/11)
Iron Witch by Karen Mahoney (2/8/11)
Angelfire by Courtney Allison Molten (2/15/11)
Exposed by Kimberly Marcus (2/22/11)
Haven by Kristi Cook (2/22/11)

March

I am J  by Cris Beam (3/1/11)
Clarity by Kim Harrington (3/1/11)
Falling Under by Gwen Hayes (3/1/11)
The Liar Society by Lisa and Laura Roecker (3/1/11)
Like Mandarin by Kirsten Hubbard (3/8/11)
Wake Unto Me by Lisa Cach (3/31/11)
Wither by Lauren DeStefano (3/22/11)
Between Shades of Gray by  Ruta Sepetys (3/22/11)
Illegal by Brettina Restrepo



April

Memento Nora by Angie Smibert
The Lipstick Laws by Amy Holder (4/4/11)
Blood Magic by Tessa (4/26/11)

Future Imperfect by K. Ryer Breese (4/26/11)

 May


Divergent by Veronica Roth (5/3/11)
Sparrow Road by Sheila O'Connor (5/12/11)
Awaken by Katie Kacvinsky (5/23/11)
Starcrossed by Josephine Angelini (5/31/11)

A Quirky, Sophicated Romance

I absolutely love the books that Rachel Cohn and David Levithan wrote together. Their first collaborative young adult novel, Nick and Nora's Infinite Playlist, is an unconventional romantic, whimsical, comedy that was layered with music and self discovery. The movie of the same name starred Michael Cera and Kat Dennings is a great book adaptation (yep, I really liked it as much as the book). Their second book, Naomi and Ely's No Kiss List, explored love, loss, friendship, and identity amongst college students. Now, these two fabulous authors have come together and written a third book, Dash and Lily's Book of Dares, which was released just a couple of months ago and I loved this one a bit more than the other two.
  It is fascinating to see Cohn and Levithan's literary collaboration unfold right before your eyes. For each of these books, Cohn and Levithan took a character and wrote a chapter. With no planning or discussion in between, they sent each other story installments one chapter at a time. The plot twists or surprising connections the other would initiate or expand came spontaneously. For avid readers like me, maybe more so for aspiring writers, their novels are an example of how a writing partnership should be: both authors passionate about their characters and writing. What more can you ask for?

Description: It's Christmas time in NYC. Dash has fooled each of his divorced parents into thinking he's with the other one so he can spend Christmas alone. When he stops by a big used bookstore called The Strand, he discovers a red notebook incongruously shelved in the book stacks. (By the way, there is a real bookstore called The Strand that Cohn frequently visited in her youth. It apparently has eighteen miles of books.) The notebook challenges Dash to a little scavenger hunt in the bookstore, which he immediately accepts. The challenge manages to embarrass him in the process. Refusing to be the only one who gets flustered in the challenge, Dash returns the favor by issuing a dare of his own. Cynical Dash is pleased to  find a similar minded teenage girl like him. He starts to fall for the girl, Lily, without really meeting her and vice versa. What happens if Dash and Lily really meet face to face? Will they be able to meet their each others expectations and be their perfect match?

Review: Dash and Lily's Book of Dares is your atypical romance. I am so tired of reading romances where the two main leads fall in love at first sight. Not only does this rarely happen in real life, but it is used too often in movies and books. I always wonder after watching and reading such romances if the two main leads would love one another besides the instant, physical connection. We all know that love isn't instant. It takes time to grow and to nourish it. Dash and Lily's Book of Dares address this in a sophisticated manner with wit, warmth, and introspection. Here is a book that goes beyond "he likes her, she likes him" and delves deeper into how we perceive people, how we communicate with one another, and of course, the process of writing.
  Cohn and Levithan have a knack in creating quirky, smart, and funny characters. I love both Dash and Lily for separate reasons, mainly because I can see myself in both of them. Dash is incredibly intelligent, confident, and extremely witty. He is a mash up between Mr. Darcy and Sheldon Cooper (who is a lot more socially aware) from the Big Bang Theory. He takes comments such as "bookish" with great pride, which makes him awesome in my book. Since he was caught in the middle of his parents' awful divorce, he has built walls around himself that keeps people from being away but as he opens up initially through the red book we begin to see the real Dash: lonely, detached, and numb. Lily, on the other hand, is quite the antithesis. She is your natural cheery person who will do anything to brighten up your mood. She loves the holidays and her family, but at the same time feels a bit smothered and too overprotective. She longs to break out of her shell, but isn't quite sure how to do so. Besides the two main leads, there are also great secondary characters such as Dash's lovable friend Boomer and Lily's very cool, collective Bohemian aunt.
   The concept of the red book starts off as an interesting plot device. The reader is on the edge of their seats waiting to see what the next challenge will be and how it will be executed. There are a lot of funny moments in the book that made me laugh out loud and smile. Soon the red book evolves from a plotting device to a metaphor, a hidden place amongst ourselves where we can openly and honestly share our desires and insecurities. The dares, once challenges that allows the characters to physically travel, now morph into internal challenges that each characters must go through individually. While the dialogue may seem older and wiser than the characters ages, it never comes across as fake. Cohn and Levithan refuse to dumb down their characters and their message. The romance may seem over-scripted and over-analyzed to some, I thought it was very realistic on how both genders view relationships and it works mainly because there is a solid basis to the romance. Cohn and Levithan has scored another irresistible winner. I really hope they continue to collaborate and write more books together.  

Rating: 5 stars


Words of Caution: There is some language and allusion to sex. There is also a small scene of underage drinking.


If you like this book try: Paper Towns by John Green, When It Happens by Susane Colasanti, Swoon at Your Own Risk by Sydney Salter, or Lock and Key by Sarah Dessen.

Magic Strikes

  I'm pretty new to the urban fantasy genre. I don't know why I didn't read from this genre before, but I'm glad that I started to dip my feet in it. I am absolutely loving the Ilona Andrew's Kate Daniel series. Every time I finish a book, I'm sad that I have to leave Kate's Atlanta and the characters I met along the way. I'm glad that I started reading the series when there is already four book out so I can take my time reading them back to back. I just finished the third book in the series called Magic Strikes.

Description: Kate can never catch a break, especially in her hometown of Atlanta where magic and technology are constantly battling one another. When one of her close friends is attacked by a mysterious group and left for dead, Kate is geared up for payback. No one messes with her friends. Allied with the Pack and the infuriating Lord Beast Curran, she knows it is not going to be easy and it could be her greatest challenge yet.

Review: The Kate Daniels series gets better and better with each new installment. Magic Strikes is no exception. With strong characters, excellent world building, and a great balance of magic, romance, mystery, and mythology, this series soars. Magic Strikes doesn't pick right up where Magic Burns left off. Time has passed for Kate. Thankfully, the author didn't bore her readers with all the minute details of what happened since between these books. Kate is again lured into conflicts where her loyalty to friends is threatened and fears of her past are about to surface. This tension is what drives the book and makes it so much fun to read and experience.
  An underground gladiatorial games of sorts, which reminded me much of Suzanne Collins' Hunger Games trilogy provides the backdrop for the story as new villains emerge and looming threats from previous novels begin to take shape. You don't necessarily have to read the first two books, but being familiar with the characters and Kate's world will help. Each book is made to stand alone, but I'm sure you wouldn't want to miss the character development and world building.
  I love Kate. She is strong heroine who doesn't take flack from anyone, yet under all of her bravado she is vulnerable. Whether it is her conflicting feelings with Curran or her own value system, Kate knows she has limits and she is willing to lose. It the balance of her strength, witty attitude, and her uncertainties is what sets Kate apart and makes her appealing.
  There is plenty of humor to diffuse the tension in the book and actually make me laugh out loud. The flirtatious dance between Kate and Curran is always a pleasure to witness. Their chemistry simmers in the first two books, but definitely sizzles in this installment. I wanted to share with you a passage from Magic Strikes that illustrates their relationship, but unfortunately they were a bit too spoilery. So instead, I will share with you one of my favorite passages from Magic Burns that perfectly describes their banter. This is the last scene in Magic Burns where Kate finds Curran reading Princess Bride in her apartment:

"You're an interesting woman," he said.
"Your interest has been duly noted." I pointed to the door.
He put down the book. "As you wish." He rose and walked past me. I lowered my sword, expecting him to pass,but suddenly he stepped in dangerously close. "Welcome home. I'm glad you made it. There is coffee in the kitchen for you."
My mouth gaped open. He inhaled my scent, bent close, about to kiss me.....
I just stood there like an idiot.
Curran smirked and whispered in my ear instead. "Psych."
And just like that, he was out the door and gone.
Oh boy.

Although they don't like to admit it, Kate and Curran are very similar in their personalities and life experiences, which is becoming more apparent with each book that I read. What I think sets book three apart from the previous two books is that we are seeing more of Kate and her relationships. We learn more information and back stories about her as well as key characters. We also see that Kate is willing to open up to people around her. She fights not only to protect people who are dear to her, but also for her place in their lives. We now finally understand why Kate shuts down and puts up her walls when she refuses to be emotional.
  Unlike many books where secondary characters are just there in the background, the secondary characters in the Kate Daniel series are integral to the story arc just as much as Kate is. Though Curran lights up the page and makes my heart beat faster, he does not overshadow the other characters. Each friend that Kate makes has a strong presence in the book, which is quite refreshing to read. I can't wait to read more!


Rating: 4 stars

Words of Caution: There is strong language throughout the book. The violence is definitely gory in this third installment. If the book were a movie, I would rate it as rated "R". I can see teen appeal with this series, but I would be a bit reluctant to have it my high school library.

If you like this book try: Magic Bleeds (Book 4) by Ilona Andrews, Mercy Thompson series by Patricia Briggs, Paranormalcy by Kristen White, Graceling by Kristin Cashore, Fray by Joss Whedon

Rapunzel's Revenge

  Since I work with teens and adults, I tend to gravitate to that reading level especially when it comes to graphic novels. I didn't want to give you all the wrong impression that graphic novels and manga are not appropriate for younger readers. I read and searched through library journals for elementary school graphic novels and then went to my local public library for titles. I came away with quite a pile, which I'm sure you can see from my "Upcoming Review" tab. The first graphic novel from that pile is Rapunzel's Revenge by Shannon and Dean Hale (wife and husband) and illustrated by Nathan Hale (no relation to the previous authors).

Description: Rapunzel has grown up in a lovely castle, but has never been outside of its walls and lives with the woman she thought was her mother. When she finds that the world outside is a dark place oppressed by her 'mother'’s greed for power and uncovers the real secret of her own birth, she is imprisoned in a magic tree tower. In her years of captivity, she learns a lot about self-reliance and the numerous uses of her very long hair. With the will to escape, she eventually frees herself and vows to bring down her mother’s cruel empire while making friends and enemies all the way.


Review: Rapunzel's Revenge is a really fun read. It is the retelling of fairy tale classic set in the swashbuckling of the Wild West. It is nonstop action that stars a spunky, strong, powerful heroine. While there is a hero named Jack from the Jack and the Beanstalk fame, there is no doubt that Rapunzel steals the show. While locked up in her prison, she learns about self reliance. One of my favorite panel from Rapunzel's Revenge depicts Rapunzel reading and dismissing a book called "Girls Who Get Saved and the Princes Who Save Them". It is also very interesting and cool to see how she refuses to use her 'feminine wiles' to distract enemies, but rather uses her brains and physical strength to do so. Along with the action, Rapunzel's Revenge is very funny. I love the banter between Jack and Rapunzel, especially when he gives her the nickname "Punzie".
  Readers who are not familiar with graphic novels, will easily read this one and feel right at home. The panels are spaced out and easy to read. The different boxes for narrative and dialogue are easily identifiable. Illustrator Nathan Hale does a great job reflecting the dialogue and action with his illustrations. This graphic novel, unlike most, is colorful so it is definitely appealing to the eyes. Rapunzel's Revenge is a delightful read and I really look forward to reading Calamity Jack by these same authors and illustrator.  

Rating: 4 stars

Curriculum Connection:  Compare and contrast this graphic novel to the original Rapunzel and find clues or allusions to the Jack and the Bean Stalk stories by The Brothers Grimm. Learn about literary devices such as identifying and exploring themes, making inferences, and analyzing the graphic representations in the graphic novel.

Words of Caution: None. Recommended for Grades 4 to 6.

If you like this book try: Calamity Jack by Shannon and Dean Hale or The Sisters Grimm series by Michael Buckley