The Magic Tree House-Tigers at Twilight

Title: Tigers at Twilight-Magic Tree House #19

Author: Mary Pope Osborrne

Publisher: Random House

ISBN Number: 0679890653

Series Information: Tigers at Twilight is the 19th book in the Magic Tree House Series. I had actually had never had heard of these books until my little cousin told me about them. The concept is actually adorable. Morganna, (the non evil, non-slutty Morganna apparently) is a librarian and engages two children to help her find books and sacred objects that helps Morganna have an archive of rare books. For this specific novel, the two main characters are sent to India with the an enchanted dog to find a rare tiger and an artifact. Along the way, they meet all sorts of interesting creatures and pronounce words that they would not see everyday. They also learn about poaching an dhow wrong it is to kill an endangered creature. They also free a tiger from a poacher trap and they become friends with the Indians and two strange Monkeys. The book is cute and great for reading and introducing large words in a fun and easy way. This book was so much better than any literature book that I had to read in Elementary, Middle, or High School. 

What's neat about it: It is nice actually that Osborne brings in Arthurian legend and exposes kids to historical and pop culture events so that they are given a sense of history and are reading in a fun and vibrant way. Osborne does a really good job with engaging young readers and she has about fifty novels that allow children to explore all sorts of different events. 

The Absolutely True Diary of a Part Time Indian

Title: The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian

Author: Sherman Alexie
Publisher: Little Brown and Company

ISBN Number: 0316068209
Age Range: 14 & Up (Mature Book) 

What it's about: Junior, or Arnold Spirit, is an Indian who lives on a Spokane, Washington reservation. He was born different, with water on the brain and a series of other complications that leaves him very different from other indians. He is teased mercilessly for his differences. Junior is also tired of the constant poorness and the lack of education he is getting. On the first day of High School at the reservation, he opens his Geometry book and finds that it was the same one his mother had used. No new books in thirty years. Overcome by his anger, he accidently throws the book and hits the teacher square in the nose. Instead of the teacher becoming extremely angry, he decides to try to help Junior and convince him that he has to get off the reservation. Inspired by this, Junior decides to go Reardan, a prestigious white school. However, Junior embraces the opportunities. He is getting good grades, he is actually making friends, and is doing very well at basketball. He is starting to aspire to make more of himself and hopefully go to college than he would have at the Rez. However, through a series of tragedies, Junior realizes that his choices have a series of consequences and he blames himself for the deaths that are occurring. However, he is still able to live and to aspire to something greater. 

Why it's good: I was not actually sure what to expect from this book. I had heard a lot of discussion about it and had heard it was a great read so I decided to read it. Alexie is a great writer, very engaging. This book is very controversial and I can see why it is on the ALA Top Disputed Books of 2011. I think that Junior's journey is very fascianting. This is an extreme departure from my other book choices (mostly fantasy!) however, I think it was a really fun and interesting read. I was expecting it to be really slow, but it wasn't. Hwoever, this book was described to me as a comedy and I cannot see how this book is at all remotely funny, but that's just me. I definitely recommend it to other people for not just interest in that subject matter, but just to read something that is a departure from a typical reading. 

Genre: Drama

Awards: National Book Award Winner

The Lying Game

Title: The Lying Game 

Author: Sara Shepherd 

ISBN Number: 0061869716

What's it about:  The book opens with a girl named Sutton lying in a bathtub, invisible. Sutton realizes she is dead and follows a girl named Emma, who coincidentally looks exactly like her. However, Sutton cannot remember all of her past. Every since Emma was five years old, she has been bounced around to foster homes in different states. Her mother left her at her friends house, and after a week, she never came back. Two weeks before Emma turns 18, a renegade foster brother gets her kicked out of the house she currently is staying in because she will not kiss him. He ends up showing the foster mom a Youtube video with a girl who looks exactly like her engaging in not so great things. Emma does not care. There is hope. She Facebooks the girl and the identical girl, Sutton, messages her back hoping to meet in Tuscon, the very next day. However, when Emma gets there, she is mistaken for Sutton. She is exposed to Sutton's real life full of designer clothes and rich parties, where Sutton is popular. However, she realizes that Sutton is not really a nice person at all. They are involved in the lying game which states that they try to make everyone in High School's life hell. Emma discovers that Sutton was murdered, and realizes that her best friends were involved. The book ends on a cliffhanger where Emma reveals her true identify and tries to flee back to her foster home life when a boy convinces her to stay and keep playing the part of Sutton so they can catch who killed Sutton. 

Why it's good/Why it's bad: This book was actually really intriguing. It definitely has mature content in it and I do not think under 14 audience should read this book. I had read reviews about this book and people complaining that they did not like the writing style due to the fact that the point of views would change within  a chapter. This was extremely confusing at times, but it was really addicting. I thought it was a clever book, however, it was really kind of horirfying. Sutton is truly horrible and Emma is shocked that her possible sister could act like that. However, poor Sutton is strangled by a locket. It is quite terrifying, however very intriguing. I haven't watched the show, but I am quite curious to see if it follows the book. 

What's like it: Ringer, Pretty Little Liars, The Lying Game television show, The Prince and the Pauper, Model Behavior, The Parent Trap 

TITANIC in 3D- an Unique Way to Reflect on the 100th Anniversary of the sinking of Titanic

Title: Titanic 
Director: James Cameron
Actors: Kate Winslet, Leonardo DiCaprio, Billy Zane, Bill Paxton, Susi Amis, Kathy Bates, Francis Fisher,  (endless others)
Awards: (Again, this is just some) 1998 Academy Award Winner of Best Picture, Best Director, Best Original Score, Best Song, Best Makeup, Best Costume Design (Winner of a total of a record 11 Oscars)
Why it's important: 

I know this is going to be controversial, but hear me out. Tween girls love an good love story. Titanic is a great love story that meshes romance, epic love, history, and reflects on the tragedy of  the classic caste system renowned in both America and England and the views of women. Titanic is a wonderful spectacle that is an absolutely beautiful movie with great acting. While there are mature themes in it, I think Titanic has an great message: live life to its fullest and love in the deepest way. The James Cameron's wonderful movie that won 11 Oscars in 1998 proves how important great love stories are. Even if an individual is not a fan of the Romeo and Juliet-esque whirlwind romance between Kate Winslet and Leonardo DiCaprio's Rose DeWitt-Bukater and Jack Dawon, a viewer has to acknowledge the wonderful costumes, the beautiful sets, and the underwater footage of the actual Titanic that lies deep in the depths of the Atlantic Ocean. To celebrate the 100th Anniversary of the sinking of Titanic on April 12, Paramount Studios decided to re-release one of the greatest films in history in 3D. It was actually really incredible to watch. I am not usually a huge fan of 3D, however, this movie that was filmed before digital film-making had even been conceived looks beautiful and each shot has so much depth to it. I think that tween girls love this movie and while Rose is not exactly a role model, a tween can definitely relate to breaking out of her typical everyday life to love to the fullest and to be encouraged to break away from the spoils of the Upper classes and her imposing engagement to one of society's steel kings, and give up everything and take a chance on a wayward artist. This is a great movie to discuss and to encourage children to research the inaccuracies of the movie and to discover other facts about what was occurring on the Titanic other than Rose and Jack's evolving love story.
Titanic is also great beacuase Jack and Kate, while fictional characters, interact with real life important characters that were extremely relevant to Titanic. The Unsinkable Molly Brown, Bruce Ismay, William Murdoch, J.J. Astor, and Thomas Andrews are extremely important historical figures and it is really interesting how Cameron make his main characters encounter each of them and talks about the arrogance of the shipbuilder's decision to make Titanic look pretty, instead of making sure that there were enough lifeboats for everyone.
Titanic is also really prevalent now on an current event level because also, the beginning of the story reflects on the lengths of some people would go to find treasure. One of the main characters of the story, Brock Lovett, is actually a pirate searching for the illustrious Heart of the Ocean diamond that Rose ends up having. This diamond is actually based on the Hope Diamond and how the story is a wonderful way to tie everything together and show the audience real footage of what Titanic actually looks like underneath thousands of feet of water. This is a great story and it is great that Hollywood has something to show the 100th Anniversary of such tragedy. While many people will argue this point, I think that instead of people just forgetting what happened, it is a way to have people try to find the truth in what Hollywood has provided and has given us a reason to research Titanic and find the actual truth.

Enola Holmes, Sherlock's Younger Sister!

I actually saw this book recommended on the Class Genre Project under mystery, and as soon as I saw the title Enola Holmes, I had to read it. However, I decided to read the first one because of the fact I hate coming into the middle of a series without reading the previous ones. It drives me crazy. This book was so much better than I thought it was going to be. It was a great read! I thought Enola was a great female role model and breaks the stereotypical traditions of 19th Century London. I So, enjoy reading my little description!

Title: Enola Holmes and the Case of the Missing Marquess 

Author: Nancy Springer

Publisher: Puffin

ISBN Number: 0142409332

What's Great about it: Ever since I was little, I have always enjoyed reading Sherlock Holmes' spin-offs and alterations, especially the Guy Ritchie Sherlock Holmes movies. Personally, I do not find Sir Arthur Conan Doyle as the most engaging writer, but I love the plot of those beloved books, I grew up on The Great Mouse Detective and always love the story. So, when I saw this title I knew I had to give it a try. It's really great on how empowering Enola is. She is smart, well learned, and feels that she is a shame to her mother because Enola was born so many years after her brothers Mycroft and Sherlock. Enola's mother is eccentric at best and Enola and her mother's bonding time is leave each other cryptic anagrams so they can communicate. On Enola's twelfth birthday, her mother disappears. Enola is desperate to find her, however, she cannot. Enola is forced to send word to her elder brothers and they come immediately. However, it is revealed that her mother has been stealing from Mycroft for many years for excuses to pay for Enola's education, dresses, the gardener, the stables for the horses, all of which Enola does not have or have access to. Enola is confused and walks into her mother's room and finds an anagram just for her. The mantra her mother always told her "You're going to be fine on your own," is ringing in her ears and she finds hundreds upon hundreds of pounds stored in various places for Enola to use. Enola realizes that her mother gave her the greatest gift of all. A chance to runaway from the conventional life Mycroft wants her to be part of such as go to finishing school and become a "proper" lady. However, Enola realizes she has freedom and runs away to London to open up her own detective agency, narrowly escaping her brothers finding her. This book is really a great read because you learn about the importance of the power of deduction and journey with Enola on her quest to find her mother once more. 

Series Information: Springer has made an entire series of it.There are six books currently released. 

What's Like it:  The Great Mouse Detective, Veronica Mars, The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, Guy Ritchie's Sherlock Holmes films starring Robert Downey Jr., The Girl is Murder, Ruby in the Smoke 

Title: Clockwork Prince, Book 2 of the Infernal Devices Series

Author: Cassandra Clare 

ISBN: 1416975888

Series Information: The Infernal Devices Series is a prequel to The Mortal Instruments Series. It introduces the world of the shadow hunters and is classified as a Steampunk novel. 

What's good about it: Even if an individual does not like Steampunk novels (who doesn't?), this is still a great read. It has romance, action, brotherly love, and teaches the reader about sacrifice and to quote Buffy the Vampire Slayer, how "love makes individuals do the wacky." The book really allows the main character, Tessa, to develop as a girl that has become a strong and extremely likable character. The book also switches points of views several times between the various characters which allows the third person point of view to allow the character to journey with all the characters. William and Jem's battle for Tessa's love even though they are like brothers is an extremely fascinating journey, especially with Jem's impending death from an incurable sickness. 

What I like about it:  This book is full of rich characters and worlds and allows the reader to experience 19th Century London, journey with the characters to far off places, and experiences pain, loss, death, and a various emotions that sends the reader on an emotional roller coaster. This is also a great story about coming of age and finding a place in the world, despite differences and prejudices. 

Interesting Tidbits: Cassandra Clare actually started out as a Harry Potter fan fiction writer. She wrote The Draco Trilogy which was very well done. Clare caused a huge uproar on fanfiction.net when she was accused of plagirizing and not citing references from the quotes her characters stated. I really enjoyed reading her book series and was really excited to read her Mortal Instruments series and this. The first book in the series, Clockwork Angel was not my favorite book, however, Clockwork Prince really made me like the first book again.
Genre: Fantasy 

The Hunger Games Trilogy

Okay...all I can say is....Kids are reading this? These books are what people are saying are going to change the face of Young Adult Lit? I don't hate it. I am not saying that all. I think that I really liked the second book, but man the third book was just entirely too painful. I don't know if the writing was rushed, but it was like I was reading one thing and then all the sudden, I entered a Halo game while reading a book. I don't think Katniss had a journey. I think she was a great heroine, and then all the sudden, she just kind of gave up on life. I thought it was very interesting, but I am still in shock. So, here goes my review of the Hunger Games trilogy:

Title: The Hunger Games 

Author: Suzanne Collins

ISBN Number:  0439023521

Synposis: In the distant future and in an dystopian society, The United States of America no longer exist. Instead, because of turmoil and hunger, it was stated that America would be divided into 13 districts and they all lived peaceful and in harmony while they provided goods for the illustrious Capitol. However, then, one day District 13 rebelled and it was blown to bits by the capitol. In order to keep turmoil at bay, the Hunger Games (a la a Gladiator type of competition) was born. In order to remember the horror that District 13 caused, for the people of the Capitol's entertainment, two tributes (one boy and one girl) would be chosen to these terrific hunger games. Only one victor can survive and they must stop at nothing to live. Katniss Everdeen lives in District 12. Her mother has basically been useless since her father's death and it falls to Katniss to take care of her sister. Katniss hunts illegally for food and trades in the illegal Hob to keep her family alive. Each year, there is something called a reaping where people are chosen to compete in the Hunger Games. If a person enters their name more than once, they are given more tessarae. Katniss and her friend Gale have been submitted more than once, but they do not get called. Primrose Everdeen does. Katniss volunteers to keep her sister alive and she is whisked off to the capitol to be beautified before she is submitted to an arena full of death. Her other companion, Peeta, the male District 12 tribute admits his undying love for her, and now Katniss most battle with both life, love, and death in order to keep herself alive and return to her family. 

What do I think: I think that for an adult, this book would be great. It's exciting, thrilling, and keeps readers enthralled. I think that Katniss is an interesting character, however, people told me that these books are the best thing to ever happen to YA lit and that they are better than Harry Potter.  I cannot back up that statement at all. I don't mind Katniss, I like that she's brash and is willing to make decisions and thinks on her feet, which is a great role model for young kids to follow. However, the book is filled with shocking violence and graphic death scenes. I do not think that we should shelter kids from this from any means, but I think these books are incredibly violent. Maybe I just have not really fallen in love with the dystopian future yet, however, I just did not really seem to really fall in love with any characters except for Cinna, but he plays a relatively minor part. I do not know if its Suzanne Collins' portrayal of the main character that bothers me, however, you will see in my review of the other two books that I have a much bigger problem with  her writing, however, overall, I liked it. 

Subject/Themes: Death, Suffering, Dystopian

IF you like this, then: Matched, Divergent

Title: Catching Fire 

Author: Suzanne Collins 

ISBN Number: 0439023491

Synopsis: In Hunger Games, one of the very last scenes of the book is that President Show, bequeather of the capitol, Katniss instead of adhereing to the capitol's wishes of Peeta and Katniss killing each other, Katniss palms poisonous berries and they each are both going to die, when they are stopped. President Snow is an uproar and when Catching Fire begins, he threatens Katniss with her family and friends. He knows that Katniss is a threat and so, he is trying to make sure that Katniss does not encourage rebellion, and instead on her "victory" tour to the districts, tries to instruct her to not do or say anything acts that would incite revolts or inspire rebellion. President Snow declares that during the 75th Anniversary of the Hunger Games entitled the Quarter Quell. President Snow's mastermind plan to have all living tributes from each capitol to fight against each other. Katniss and Peeta create a strategy in which they say Katniss is pregnant so that it cements their love for the Capitol. The tributes banned together to fight President Snow and the Capitol and the book ends in an thrilling cliff hanger. 

What do I think: I really enjoyed reading the second novel in the trilogy. I thought that it was well written. I think my number one problem with Katniss' is that her lack of depth. I think I struggle with her being a warrior for her family, but she's not open to any other goal or distraction. I don't mind her being a warrior straight, but part of the fun of reading and watching female heroines is there penchant for change and evolution. Katniss does not evolve, I feel. I think that this book is really interesting with the political intrigue and how all the Tributes bind together to save Katniss, who is the heroine of the revolution. However, I feel that Suzanne Collins' portray Katniss as unlovable which I just do not understand at all. 

Subject/Themes: Depression, Political Intrigue, Romance, Decisions, Hardship, 

If you like this, then: Starters, Divergent


 

Title: Mockingjay
Author: Suzanne Collins
ISBN Number: 0439023513
What's it About: The third book in The Hunger Games Trilogy opens up a whole new world. District 13, which the Capitol informed all the members of the various Districts that District 13 was blown up due to the rebellion, we find out that this was in fact a lie. District 13 is flourishing in a very communist way but it is well living. Katniss, who was dramatically snatched out of the Quarter Quell in a distraction against the Capitol, but leaving Peeta to be tortured and reprogrammed by the Capitol to fight against Katniss, his one true love. Katniss has shut down and stopped fighting. District 13 is very  much a communist type environment, each moment planned and each individual given a strict schedule and allotted a certain amount of food each day. As the story goes on, Katniss is declared as the symbol of the rebellion and she is reinvigorated with teh thought of saving Peeta and trains herself to become a new warrior. However, every few chapters Katniss' blacks out or becomes ill. Katniss felt that she finally escaped the dictatorship of President Snow, however, District 13 is ruled by Amy Coin, an evil person who views Katniss as another threat. Katniss sacrifices herself to save the individuals of all the Capitols, however, in a less than exciting climax of the story, Katniss' journey just tapers off with useless deaths and terrible decisions on her part.
What I disliked about it: Honestly, everything. I honestly feel that Suzanne Collins just grew tired of writing and gave up. I really enjoy reading series, but I feel that Katniss' journey just stopped. She did not evolve or change or grow at all. She stayed just one person. I also felt that the whole point of Katniss starting out and volunteering for The Hunger Games was to save her sister Prim. However, in Mockingjay, Primm dies uselessly. A plot devised by President Coin. The ending is even more awful. Katniss is scarred and still just miserable, even as a mother. I hated this book more strongly then I have ever disliked a book and that is including The Giver. 
What's similar: Divergent, Matched.