Caleb is home-schooled, a fan of a variety of genres, but especially fantasy and graphic novels, and is talented on his computer.

February 2012

The Maze Runner by James Dashner


    Thomas doesn't remember anything. His family, his past, everything but his first name: all have been forgotten when he awakens inside a strange elevator. When the doors open, the boy finds himself in The Glade, a woodsy area inhabited by other boys who have also had their memories wiped. Although no one knows how or why they got here, they know one thing: survival is the name of the game.

    It seems the only way out of The Glade is through a deep, complex maze that changes every day. Who knows what dangers lurk in this maze? And with the arrival of a mysterious young girl, the first and only girl to be brought to The Glade, everything will change...

    The Maze Runner by James Dashner is, simply put, one of the best books I've read in a long time. The struggle for survival in an expanse that defies explanation makes an excellent setting. With realistic characters, horrific creatures, and a do-or-die ending, The Maze Runner will leave you on the edge of your seat.

    This book contains some intense violence, disturbing scenes, and mild language. I recommend it for ages 16 and up.

    I give The Maze Runner a perfect five out of five bookmarks. Without a doubt, this book is on my Must-Read List.

    Happy Reading!

(editor's note:  The Maze Runner by James Dashner is the 2011 Kentucky Bluegrass Award winner for grades 9-12!)

It's that time again! Time to kick off the new year with resolutions, returning to school, and, of course, books! I have selected my favorite books of the past year and compiled them in my third annual book list. No matter which ones you choose, I guarantee you they will not disappoint. Note: I may not have reviewed some of these, so expect reviews of them in the near future.

Caleb's Book List
(In no particular order)

1. The Maze Runner by James Dashner
2. Daniel X: Watch The Skies by James Patterson
3. The Tale Of Despereaux by Kate Dicamillo
4. Penrod, His Complete Story by Booth Tarkington
5. Inkheart trilogy by Cornelia Funke
6. The Thief Lord by Cornelia Funke
7. Caddie Woodlawn by Carol Ryrie Brink
8. King Of The Wind by Marguerite Henry
9. Catherine, Called Birdy by Karen Cushman
10. King of Shadows by Susan Cooper
11. The Snow Goose by Paul Gallico
12. Coraline by Neil Gaiman
13. The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman
14. The Mysterious Benedict Society trilogy by Trenton Lee Stuart
15. Great Expectations by Charles Dickens
16. A Tale Of Two Cities by Charles Dickens
17. Mrs. Frisby and the Rats Of NIMH by Robert C. O'brien
18. The Christmas Miracle Of Jonathan Toomey by Susan Wojciechowski
19. An Outlaw Thanksgiving by Emily Arnold McCully
20. This Is The Feast by Diane Z. Shore

November 2011

I have something special for our youngest readers. This month, I have selected several Thanksgiving picture and chapter books. These make great reads or read-alouds for children.


Picture books:

The Know-Nothings Talk Turkey by Michele Sobel Spirn: Very funny and silly, with colorful illustrations. An easy read for kids.

The Night Before Thanksgiving by Natasha Wing: A fun, colorful, easy read with charming pictures.

An Outlaw Thanksgiving by Emily Arnold McCully: Unique and original with a surprising ending. A good read-aloud.

Thanksgiving Is For Giving Thanks by Maragaret Sutherland: Sweet, delightful, and easy read for young kids.

Molly's Pilgrim by Barbra Cohen: Pleasant and endearing story, would make a good read-aloud.

Thanksgiving Rules by Laurie Friedman: Amusing book with colorful illustrations, great read-aloud for younger children.

The Can-Do Thanksgiving by Marion Hess Pomeranc: Fun, appealing story, with illustrations to match.

This Is The Feast by Diane Z. Shore: Beautiful illustrations, classic Thanksgiving story, makes a good read-aloud.

'Twas The Night Before Thanksgiving by Dav Pilker: Traditional tale with colorful pictures, easy to read.

The Thanksgiving Story by Alice Dalgliesh: Classic story with unique illustrations. Too hard for younger children to read, but a good read-aloud.


Chapter Books:

Dr. Carbles Is Losing His Marbles! by Dan Gutman: Quirky, zany, and hilarious! Suitable read for grade-school children.

Magic Tree House #27: Thanksgiving on Thursday by Mary Pope Osborne: Exciting chapter book for grade-school children.


I enjoyed all of these books, but my favorites were An Outlaw Thanksgiving, Dr. Carbles Is Losing His Marbles!, and This Is The Feast. Happy reading and happy Thanksgiving!
 

October 2011

It's Halloween! Time for Trick-Or-Treating, and I have a treat for you!

    I recently read two novels by surreal fiction author, Neil Gaiman. Winner of both Newberry and Carnegie medals, Gaiman is an incredible writer. Coraline and The Graveyard Book are two of his masterpieces.

    Coraline Jones, along with her busy, neglectful parents, has moved into a new apartment flat. After much exploring the new home, she finds a small, locked door with nothing behind it but brick. However, the following night, the door takes her to a house that looks strangely similar to hers. Inside the house are two people that look just like her parents, except with buttons for eyes. The mysterious couple treat Coraline with love and respect, and it seems like everything in this other world is far better than in the real world. But is it too good to be true? What do the other parents really have in store for her?

    Coraline is a truly original book packed with surprises and twists. Featuring eerie villains, illustrations, and vivid descriptions, Coraline will leave you on the edge of your seat.

    The Graveyard Book opens on a dark night. A mysterious assassin has arrived at an ordinary family's home, intent on murdering them. He succeeds in part, for the infant child, who had left his crib to explore, evaded the murderer. This baby later finds himself in a graveyard, in which he is adopted by Mr. and Mrs. Owens, a departed couple living as ghosts. The boy grows up to be Nobody Owens, Bod for short, and learns the ways of the graveyard. The ghouls warn Bod not to leave the graveyard, since the killer is still searching for him. But why would this man murder an innocent family in the first place?

    The Graveyard Book is one of the best books I've read in a long time. The tale includes many wonderful characters, some spooky ghouls, and some (not so) ordinary humans. With extreme suspense and a heartfelt ending, this is a book you can't miss!

    Both books contain frightening moments and disturbing images. I recommend them for ages 12 and up.

    Coraline was made into a movie, but of course it is not as good as the book.

    I would give Coraline four-and-a-half out of five bookmarks, and The Graveyard Book a perfect five out of five bookmarks. Both are on my Must-Read List.

    Happy reading!
 

September 2011

Caddie Woodlawn / Carol Ryrie Brink

This month I want to review a book that has been around a long time. Caddie Woodlawn was written in 1935 by Carol Ryrie Brink. It is based on the true life adventures of the author's grandmother.

Caddie Woodlawn is the story of a daring pioneer girl and the adventures she and her two brothers experience while living in 1860s Wisconsin. Caddie's tomboyish personality makes her the pride of her father, but the dismay of her mother, who wishes she could be more ladylike. From forest excursions to Indian encounters, Caddie Woodlawn is a rip-roaring adventure.

This Newberry award-winner is suitable for everyone, and would make an excellent family read-aloud. It contains no offensive language or objectionable content.

Also look for Magical Melons, the companion book to Caddie Woodlawn.

I am happy to give Caddie Woodlawn five out of five bookmarks, making it another fantastic addition to my Must-Read List.

Happy Reading!
 

August 2011

Inkheart by Cornelia Funke

      Inkheart is the first book in a trilogy of fantasy novels by Cornelia Funke. In the same vein as The Neverending Story and The Book Of Story  Beginnings, Inkheart is a tale about a magical book, and of the heroes  and villains that fight for its powers.

       Meggie Folchart has always loved to read alongside her father, Mortimer,  the bookbinder who repairs many old books. One day, the two of them are  called upon by Meg's Aunt Elinor, an old woman who is obsessed with her  books, to discuss a legendary book known as Inkheart. Later on, Mortimer,  along with Inkheart, is captured by the sinister Capricorn, who wants to use  the book's magic for his own evil purposes. Who is Capricorn and where did  he come from? What will become of Meg, her father, and the mystical  Inkheart?

      Inkheart has a spellbinding storyline, well thought-out characters,  and an incredible ending. It is definitely a challenging read at 534 pages,  but it never felt boring or drawn-out.

      This book contains some dark and disturbing images. I recommend it for  ages 11 and up. There is a 2009 movie adaptation of Inkheart. Although I have never seen it, it is more than likely not as good as the book.

       I give Inkheart four-and-a-half out of five bookmarks. It is on my  Must-Read List.

       Happy Reading!

July 2011

King Of The Wind by Marguerite Henry

    With their majestic appearance, loyalty to their master, and wild spirit, horses have always made a great topic for amazing books. King Of The Wind, the story of an Arabian horse and his young, mute master, is no exception. It is easily one of the best horse books I've ever read.

    A young colt has been born in the hot badlands of Arabia. Agba, the kind but mute horseboy, is overjoyed to see his new horse. But this is no ordinary colt. It has two interesting characteristics: the white spot on his hind heel, a sign of incredible speed and swiftness, and the accursed wheat ear, a horrible omen that represents evil and death. This young foal, Sham, grows up to be a swift and majestic (yet relatively small) stallion. One day, the grand Sultan calls out for six Arabian stallions to be presented to the king of France, and surely enough, Sham is chosen! But what does the king really want with these horses? Will Sham finally have his chance to show his true glory in a great race, or will the king foolishly squander Sham's potential?

        King Of The Wind has all of the elements of a good book: edge-of-your-seat action, suspenseful drama, and heartfelt friendships. With several "how will they get out of this mess?" moments and a satisfying ending, I cannot recommend this book enough.

    This book contains little offensive content, though it might be hard for younger children to understand. I recommend it for ages 8 and up.

    I would give King Of The Wind by Marguerite Henry a perfect five out of five bookmarks. It is  another fine addition to my Must-Read List.

    Happy Reading!