Ella Enchanted September 25, 2008

Title: Ella Enchanted

Author: Gail Carson Levine

Summary: At birth, the fairy Lucinda “gifted” Ella  with obedience. Whenever ordered to do something, Ella can’t help but to comply. At an early age her mother dies and at the funeral she meets Prince Char, her first best friend.  A few years pass before her father starts being courted by the awful Dame Olga, who has two monsters for daughters–Hattie and Olive. To make matters worse, Hattie soon discovers that Ella will do anything she says.  The story follows Ella as she learns to deal with these new step-devils, some ugly–and rather old–suitors, trolls, and of course her curse. Only Lucinda can remove the curse, but the problem is Lucinda never takes back a gift. Can Ella save her life before it all falls apart?

Who will like this book?: If you want a classic fairy tale, this is the book for you. A charming Prince, a witty female lead, evil humans and creatures, and some unexpected magical friends add up to the essentials of this fairy tale. It has more dialogue than action, but it’s fast-paced and hilarious. And apart from the characters and basic plot outline, it’s not anything like the movie.

If you like this, you should try: Anything else by Gail Carson Levine–she has a series of fairy books, as well as The Wish. Other good fairy-tale books are Tithe by Holly Black, Artemis Fowlby Eoin Colfer, almost anything by Dianna Wynne Jone or Shannon Hale, and the Wolf Tower series (Wolf Tower is the name of the first one) by Tanith Lee.

Recommended by: ZZ, resident of Fairfield and avid reader.

Peter and the Starcatchers September 23, 2008

Title: Peter and the Starcatchers

Author: Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson

Summary: Peter and his group of fellow orphans are on the ship Never Land headed towards becoming slaves to an evil King who wants his hands on more than just some orphan boys. On the journey, he meets Molly, an unusual girl, who eventually confides in him the importance of a trunk stashed away on board. Soon enough the notorious pirate Captain Stache comes looking for the trunk, endangering Molly’s father in the process, as well as everyone on the Never Land.  The story takes off as Peter discovers what mysteries are within the trunk–and just how far Stache is willing to go to get his hands on it.  From two different writers, the pieces come together in a new telling of how the famous Neverland came to be along with its hero Peter Pan.

Who will like this book?: Obviously if you’re into Peter Pan (or love Disney themes), this is the book to read. It’s readable for children and anyone who’s ever imagined something extraordinary will find enjoyment in reading this.

If you like this, you should try: The second and third books in the series–Peter and the Secret of Rundoon and Peter and the Shadow Thieves - as well as Peter Pan in Scarlet by Geraldine McCaughrean and Scott M. Fischer and Capt. Hook: The Adventures of a Notorious Youth by J. V. Hart and Brett Helquist.

Recommended by: ZZ, resident of Fairfield and avid reader.

The Summoning September 15, 2008

Title: The Summoning

Author: Kelley Armstrong

Summary: Chloe could see ghosts since she was a little kid. Now she’s 15, living with her Aunt and being raised by her absent father and housemaid. When she sees a ghost in school and fights with a teacher, she’s sent to the Lyle House–an institute for teens with ‘mental illnesses’. But Chloe quickly realizes that there’s nothing mentally ill about these kids. But when you’re forced to take ‘medicine’ everyday, blocked from outside contact, and staying in the room next to the girl who hates your guts, it’s just better to go with the flow.  Or at least, Chloe though. As her stay gets longer and her ‘condition’ worsens, she finds herself making new allies in unlikely places in order to find out the secret behind the Lyle house.

Who will like this book?: With the undead and magic themed books starting to take control of the bestseller lists, this is a nice mystery story that takes a different path. It’s a more laid-back read, but you can’t be squeamish about dying things or blood or be too paranoid. It’s also a bit harsh on people who are schizophrenic, pyromaniacs, or have other such ‘mental’ illnesses. Vampires are mentioned only twice.

If you like this, you should try: The Twilight series by Stephenie Meyers, the Maximum Ride series by James Patterson, Deep Secret by Dianna Wynne Jones, and the Abhorsen Trilogy by Garth Nix.

Recommended by: ZZ, resident of Fairfield and avid reader.

Saving Juliet September 12, 2008

Title: Saving Juliet

Author: Suzanne Selfors

Summary: Mimi Wallingford is sick of Shakespeare theater, and even more sick of being recognized solely by the prestige of her last name.  Unlike her ancestors, Mimi has an extreme case of stage fright whenever she’s about to go on. In her current play of Romeo and Juliet, she’s stuck with superstar Troy Summers playing Romeo: He seems to do all he can to put her down.  Right before her final performance as Juliet, she is transported by magic to Shakespeare’s Verona. There she meets Juliet Capulet as well as the entire ‘cast’ of the play that she’s rehearsed for.

But the play Mimi thought she knew takes an unexpected twist when Romeo and Juliet don’t meet at the dance and Juliet is engaged to marry the Paris within a week’s time! Though Mimi’s regarded as a ‘relative Capulet,’ Benvolio’s got his eyes on her, Tybalt’s out for her neck, Lady Capulet wants her dead, and is that a superstar actor/Romeo sneaking along the streets? It’s going to take more than just some good acting for Mimi to save Juliet and find her way back home.

Who will like this book?: Anyone into the historical fiction genre, or the story of Romeo and Juliet.  It’s aimed more at a female audience with plenty of romance and faults of love, but it’s got plenty of action scenes. It’s an interesting twist on the original tale without the havoc of trying to understand what the words mean.

If you like this, you should try: The Shakespeare Stealerseries by Gary Blackwood. Some other time travel books are Lost in Time by Hans Magnus Enzensberger and The Door to Time by Ulysses Moore. For those who are into the classics, thenA Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur’s Court by Mark Twain is definitely along the right path.

Recommended by: ZZ, resident of Fairfield and avid reader.

Vampirates: Demons of the Ocean August 26, 2008

Title: Vampirates: Demons of the Ocean

Author: Justin Somper

Summary: Twins Connor and Grace are freshly-made orphans after their storytelling father dies. Left with a tale of the ‘vampirates’ they set out onto the ocean to find a place to live. But a storm darkens their hopes as their boat is wrecked and they are separated - Connor is saved by a strong second-in-command - Cheng Li - of some not-so-honest pirates, and Grace by the mysterious boy Lorcan who never seems to go out into the sun… Will the two be able to find each other, let alone survive?

Who will like this book?: People out for a good pirate or vampire story that isn’t just about gore and violence. It holds some mystery, and is a great sea shanty as well.

If you like this, try this: The sequels, Vampirates: Tide of Terror and Vampirates: Blood Captain.

Recommended by: ZZ, resident of Fairfield and avid reader.

ghostgirl August 14, 2008

Title: ghostgirl

Author: Tonya Hurley

Summary: Charlotte Usher’s made a vow - this is going to be her year.  She’s going to tryout for cheerleading and get the guy of her dreams.  Her plan can’t fail, after all she’s been laboring over it all summer.  Gone with invisible Charlotte– “Hello” to popular Charlotte.  Unfortunately for Charlotte, all her effort is wasted when she chokes on a gummy bear and dies the first day back to school.  However, Charlotte is not a quitter and she’s not about to let a little thing like death keep her from getting her dream guy to fall in love with her and her first kiss.  And, if being dead weren’t bad enough, poor Charlotte still has to finish high school.  Only now her classmates consist of other kids who have died before her and graduation will take a team effort. 

Who will like this book?:  Fans of dark satirical writing, humorous ghost stories, and those who see the humor in high school popularity “contests.”  For those who are attracted to books with amazing covers, I have to say that this is one of the best cover designs I have ever seen.  It’s worth taking a look at this book just for the cover. 

If you like this, try this: Generation Dead by Daniel Waters.  Zombie Blondes by Brian James.

Recommended by: Jen, Woods Teen Librarian