http://libbysguide.com Tue, 23 Apr 2013 03:28:12 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.com/ http://0.gravatar.com/blavatar/65f8c3df34a6c70e83d2ecd017333f90?s=96&d=http%3A%2F%2Fs2.wp.com%2Fi%2Fbuttonw-com.png http://libbysguide.com http://libbysguide.com/2013/04/22/iron-hearted-violet-by-kelly-barnhill/ http://libbysguide.com/2013/04/22/iron-hearted-violet-by-kelly-barnhill/#comments Tue, 23 Apr 2013 03:27:59 +0000 Libby http://libbysguide.com/?p=2901 Princess Violet, last princess of the Andulan Realms, is not a fairy tale princess. She is plain, bold, and outspoken, but truly loved by her people. The Mirrored Kingdom enjoys peace and the intelligence of their royal family, but an ancient evil is trying to break into the kingdom. When Violet and her best friend Demetrius find a hidden library with a forbidden book and an evil painting, some of the evil begins to find its way in. Soon, unrest and discord filter into the hearts of the people. Kindness is replaced with resentment and the peace is shattered. As war and disaster take over the land, it is up to Violet, Demetrius, and the kingdom’s last dragon to overcome the evil and restore the peace. Together, they learn the importance of trust and friendship in a world that is falling apart. Iron Hearted Violet presents a fairytale-like story with strong characters and important life lessons, great for a family read aloud or older independent readers. Recommended for ages 8 and up. Continue reading →]]> http://libbysguide.com/2013/04/22/iron-hearted-violet-by-kelly-barnhill/feed/ 0 libbyames violet http://libbysguide.com/2013/04/22/eleven-by-patricia-reilly-giff/ http://libbysguide.com/2013/04/22/eleven-by-patricia-reilly-giff/#comments Tue, 23 Apr 2013 03:26:42 +0000 Libby http://libbysguide.com/?p=2899 Sam can’t remember life before his Grandpa Mack, but sometimes his memory brings up snatches of a cold and angry place. Although he is happy and safe with his grandpa, when Sam finds a newspaper clipping in the attic, he begins to question if he is where he belongs. The article talks about a missing boy and the picture looks like a three-year-old version of Sam. The problem is Sam can’t read the article. Dyslexia causes words to jump on the page and Sam can only figure out a few, key points. In an attempt to puzzle out the article and learn about his past, Sam befriends Caroline, a new girl at his school. The two fifth graders build a strong friendship as they try to rebuild Sam’s past. Their experience teaches lessons about love, loyalty, and learning to belong even when life is hard. The author creates a compelling mystery and two great characters finding their place in the world. Her approach to the struggle of dyslexia is also compassionate and realistic, a good way for readers to understand that very real learning trial. Recommended for ages 10-12. Continue reading →]]> http://libbysguide.com/2013/04/22/eleven-by-patricia-reilly-giff/feed/ 0 libbyames eleven http://libbysguide.com/2013/04/22/the-runaway-king-by-jennifer-a-nielsen/ http://libbysguide.com/2013/04/22/the-runaway-king-by-jennifer-a-nielsen/#comments Tue, 23 Apr 2013 03:25:51 +0000 Libby http://libbysguide.com/?p=2897 In the sequel to The False Prince, Jaron has taken the throne of Carthya but his rule is precarious. War threatens his kingdom and his own regents question his ability to lead the country. After surviving an assassination attempt, Jaron becomes desperate to prove his strength and his dedication to Carthya. He ultimately flees his kingdom in a foolhardy attempt to overcome the threats on his own. As Jaron infiltrates the Avenian pirates, he learns his own limits and the importance of true friendship. Nielsen creates strong, loyal, and complex characters as well as an entertaining story. Although some of her plot lines are typical of the fantasy genre, she manages to provide twists and interest. Where the story is slightly weak, she adds strength through her characters and deft description. Recommended for ages 12 and up. Continue reading →]]> http://libbysguide.com/2013/04/22/the-runaway-king-by-jennifer-a-nielsen/feed/ 0 libbyames runakway http://libbysguide.com/2013/04/22/the-last-dragonslayer-by-jasper-fforde/ http://libbysguide.com/2013/04/22/the-last-dragonslayer-by-jasper-fforde/#comments Tue, 23 Apr 2013 03:23:36 +0000 Libby http://libbysguide.com/?p=2895 For lovers of quirky British comic fantasy and fans of Douglas Adams, Jasper Fforde’s new young adult series is a perfect fit. Jennifer Strange lives in the alternate present of the Ununited Kingdom. In her world, magic and sorcerers used to rule, but magic is fading. Now those same sorcerers are pressed to find jobs magically rewiring houses or, worse yet, performing at children’s birthday parties. However, with flares in magic and strange predictions of the death of the final dragon, it feels like the world is on the edge of change. In an attempt to stop the death of the world’s last dragon, Jennifer finds herself caught in the middle of political and magical upheaval. She struggles to do what is right, but learns that life never goes the way we plan. Fforde creates a compelling story about the dangers of greed and judgmentalism in the midst of truly ridiculous British humor. This is a fun read, but be prepared for British intelligent silliness. Recommended for ages 12 and up. Continue reading →]]> http://libbysguide.com/2013/04/22/the-last-dragonslayer-by-jasper-fforde/feed/ 0 libbyames dragonslayer http://libbysguide.com/2013/04/22/i-was-a-rat-by-philip-pullman/ http://libbysguide.com/2013/04/22/i-was-a-rat-by-philip-pullman/#comments Tue, 23 Apr 2013 03:22:39 +0000 Libby http://libbysguide.com/?p=2893 Bob, a cobbler, and Joan, a laundress, live a quiet and predictable life in their small town. When they open their door to a lost, young boy one night, their lives change dramatically. The boy claims he was once a rat and shows no knowledge of normal human manners or eating habits. As Bob and Joan try to teach the boy they name Roger, they come to love him and think of him as their own little boy. Unfortunately, less charitable people want to exploit Roger for his differences. Soon, prejudice clouds the city, and the people cry for Roger, ‘the sewer monster’ to be exterminated. Will love or prejudice prevail? With a fairy tale feel and simple story telling, Philip Pullman tells a powerful story about the dangers of judging others. He includes elements of well-known fairy tales, but manages to create an entirely new story. I originally picked this to read to my young boys, but while it is a light story, Pullman includes some of his trademark darkness. It is a perfect story for fantasy and fairy tale lovers of 8 years or older, but a little scary for younger readers. A quick read with some illustrations, it still teaches important lessons and makes young readers think. Recommended for ages 8 and up. Continue reading →]]> http://libbysguide.com/2013/04/22/i-was-a-rat-by-philip-pullman/feed/ 0 libbyames rag http://libbysguide.com/2013/04/22/the-quilt-walk-by-sandra-dallas/ http://libbysguide.com/2013/04/22/the-quilt-walk-by-sandra-dallas/#comments Tue, 23 Apr 2013 03:21:41 +0000 Libby http://libbysguide.com/?p=2891 When Emmy Blue’s father announces his plan to move his family to the mountains of Colorado, Emmy looks forward to the adventure. The Wild West sounds much more exciting than becoming a lady and learning to quilt. However, she learns that adventure also means sacrifice and hard work. After leaving friends, family, and her pet cat, Emmy starts a new life on the trail to Golden, Colorado. On the wagon train, Emmy and her family experience hardships and strengthening experiences. They make friends and even some enemies in their journey to a new land. At the request of her grandmother, Emmy is forced to learn to quilt as she travels, but her quilting soon becomes soothing and a way to record memories. In her first children’s novel, Sandra Dallas gives a realistic and detailed view of wagon train life. She also tells an interesting story of a child finding her place in a new world. I recommend it for 10 and up, because there is some discussion spouse abuse. Nothing is discussed in detail and it is age appropriate, but it can be a hard subject and might take a more mature reader to understand. Recommended for ages 10 and up. Continue reading →]]> http://libbysguide.com/2013/04/22/the-quilt-walk-by-sandra-dallas/feed/ 0 libbyames QuiltWalk http://libbysguide.com/2013/04/22/edenbrooke-by-julianne-donaldson/ http://libbysguide.com/2013/04/22/edenbrooke-by-julianne-donaldson/#comments Tue, 23 Apr 2013 03:20:53 +0000 Libby http://libbysguide.com/?p=2889 This is not a young adult novel and not fully historical fiction. However, the heroine is seventeen and this regency romance is so much more appropriate than most popular young adult fiction these days, I feel it is appropriate to include on my site. After the death of her mother, Marianne Daventry is sent to live with her grandmother in Bath while her father takes his grieving heart to Paris. Marianne’s twin Cecily, goes to London for her debut in society and to search out the gentleman she intends to marry. Eventually, both sisters are invited to Edenbrooke, the estate of their mother’s friend, Lady Catherine. While in route to Edenbrooke, Marianne encounters a mysterious and flirtatious gentleman who both intrigues and angers her. He turns out to be Sir Philip, the son of Lady Catherine. Trouble ensues as Marianne becomes friends with Philip, but learns he is the same man her sister intends to marry. Patterned after the manner of Jane Austen and Georgette Heyer, Edenbrooke is perfect for Regency period readers. It doesn’t have the same level of wit or writing as Jane Austen, but it captures the feeling of that time period and a classic, clean romance. Recommended for ages 13 and up. Continue reading →]]> http://libbysguide.com/2013/04/22/edenbrooke-by-julianne-donaldson/feed/ 0 libbyames edinbrooke http://libbysguide.com/2013/04/22/hero-by-mike-lupica/ http://libbysguide.com/2013/04/22/hero-by-mike-lupica/#comments Tue, 23 Apr 2013 03:19:57 +0000 Libby http://libbysguide.com/?p=2887 It wasn’t unusual for people to compare Tom Harriman to a superhero, but they never knew how right they were. Zach Harriman knew his dad was special, but he didn’t realize how special until after Tom’s death in a mysterious plane accident. With his father dead, Zach starts to exhibit powers he never had before. He knows when danger is coming. His senses are heightened and he can move with amazing speed. On top of that, Zach keeps finding himself and those he loves in dangerous circumstances. Now Zach learns the bedtime stories his father told him about ‘the Bads’ may not have been stories after all. ‘The Bads’ are real and, with his father gone, they are after Zach. For all comic book and superhero fans, Hero is a perfect blend of fantasy and real life. Zach Harriman is an everyday kid learning to be a superman. The action is fast-paced and the characters are believable. It is mild enough for younger readers, but interesting enough for an older audience. Recommended for ages 10 and up. Continue reading →]]> http://libbysguide.com/2013/04/22/hero-by-mike-lupica/feed/ 0 libbyames hero http://libbysguide.com/2013/04/22/troubletwisters-by-garth-nix-and-sean-williams/ http://libbysguide.com/2013/04/22/troubletwisters-by-garth-nix-and-sean-williams/#comments Tue, 23 Apr 2013 03:18:27 +0000 Libby http://libbysguide.com/?p=2884 A strange explosion destroying their house is just the beginning of unexplained changes disrupting Jaide and Jack Shield’s lives. The twins are sent to live with Grandma X, a woman they have never met who is as mysterious as her name. With Grandma X, more disasters continue and Jaide and Jack soon learn their life is no longer normal and neither are they. The twins begin showing strange powers in response to the evil that seems to be closing in on them. Through a series of adventures, they learn what it means to be troubletwisters. TroubleTwisters is a great read for fantasy and adventure enthusiasts who love Harry Potter and Percy Jackson. It provides the same non-stop action with mysterious and fantastical powers. Jake and Jaide are interesting characters learning about their new-found powers in a battle against evil. The action is captivating, but not too frightening for most young readers (but might be a little intense for those who scare easily). Recommended for ages 8-11 years. Continue reading →]]> http://libbysguide.com/2013/04/22/troubletwisters-by-garth-nix-and-sean-williams/feed/ 0 libbyames 0-545-25897-9 http://libbysguide.com/2013/04/22/the-agency-a-spy-in-the-house-by-y-s-lee/ http://libbysguide.com/2013/04/22/the-agency-a-spy-in-the-house-by-y-s-lee/#comments Tue, 23 Apr 2013 03:17:26 +0000 Libby http://libbysguide.com/?p=2882 After nearly hanging for thievery, Mary Quinn is rescued and educated at Miss Scrimshaw’s Academy for Girls. She receives an excellent education, but is unsatisfied with her options for employment in Victorian England. When she expresses her feelings, Mary learns the school is a cover for The Agency, a top secret group of female investigators who assist the Scotland Yard in solving mysteries. Mary joins the Agency and begins her first assignment. Posing as a female companion for the only daughter of a rich merchant family, Mary seeks to find solid evidence for the family’s suspected illegal smuggling. Mary uncovers secrets, but also makes unexpected friends and enemies while completing her first assignment. This is a light mystery, pleasantly low on violence with a nice historical feel. While not entirely believable, the story is entertaining and the characters are well-written. Continue reading →]]> http://libbysguide.com/2013/04/22/the-agency-a-spy-in-the-house-by-y-s-lee/feed/ 0 libbyames agency http://libbysguide.com/2013/04/22/dodger-by-terry-pratchett/ http://libbysguide.com/2013/04/22/dodger-by-terry-pratchett/#comments Tue, 23 Apr 2013 03:14:04 +0000 Libby http://libbysguide.com/?p=2880 Dodger is a tosher, a street urchin who lives by finding ‘treasure’ in the sewers of Victorian England. However, his life begins to change the night he rescues a girl who leaps from a moving carriage. As he tries to protect the girl he calls Miss Simplicity, Dodger comes in contact with historical figures such as Charles Dickens, Benjamin Disraeli, and Sir Robert Peel. Dodger’s position in society shifts as he gains responsibility and struggles to keep Miss Simplicity safe from her abusive, but high born and powerful European husband. As usual, Terry Pratchett manages to be humorous and profound while weaving an interesting story. His characters, Dodger especially, are filled with personality and quirky depth. The book is well written, but I enjoyed this more than most, because Pratchett gave a fictional personality to one of my favorite authors. I loved reading about ‘Charlie Dickens’ interacting with the young man he will later use as a pattern for his character Dodger in Oliver Twist. The literary and historical references are fantastic, but it is a fun read even for those who might miss the allusions. Continue reading →]]> http://libbysguide.com/2013/04/22/dodger-by-terry-pratchett/feed/ 0 libbyames dodger http://libbysguide.com/2013/02/13/the-girl-in-the-steel-corset-by-kady-cross/ http://libbysguide.com/2013/02/13/the-girl-in-the-steel-corset-by-kady-cross/#comments Thu, 14 Feb 2013 04:30:04 +0000 Libby http://libbysguide.com/?p=2559 My main complaint about this book is the title and the cover. They make it look like one of the latest and trendiest teen romance novels. However, if you can get past what the book looks like, the actual story is an intriguing, steampunk, alternate history with great allusions to Doctor Jekyl and Mister Hyde. There is a slight romance, but it stays within the appropriate boundaries of Victorian England gentility (one, maybe two kisses). The story and world building are the focus of the novel. In spite of the look of the book, it is a good (and very clean) teen fantasy read. Finley Jayne (okay, my other complaint is the heroine’s name—great character but trendy and not very Victorian name) knows she has a darker side to her personality. When she is angry or afraid, that personality comes out with its astonishing strength and thirst for danger. However, when Finley fights a young lord who is trying to take advantage of her, she knows her darker side is leading her toward trouble unless she can control it. Soon after, Finley meets Griffin King, a duke who holds special powers himself. He recognizes Finley’s powers as an asset and promises he can teach her to control them. Griffin and his friends take Finley in and together they work to fight a criminal called the Machinist. Their strange powers may be the only hope against a mad villain working to take over Victorian England. Recommended for ages—14 and up. Continue reading →]]> http://libbysguide.com/2013/02/13/the-girl-in-the-steel-corset-by-kady-cross/feed/ 0 libbyames The Girl in the Steel Corset http://libbysguide.com/2013/02/13/the-second-life-of-abigail-walker-by-frances-oroark-dowell/ http://libbysguide.com/2013/02/13/the-second-life-of-abigail-walker-by-frances-oroark-dowell/#comments Thu, 14 Feb 2013 04:29:04 +0000 Libby http://libbysguide.com/?p=2557 Abby doesn’t fit in with the girls at her school in spite of her parents’ pressure to lose weight and get along. After months of enduring the harsh company of ‘the medium girls,’ Abby finally stands up for herself and goes off on her own. This brings harsh consequences from the girls, but Abby makes new and better friends. In an attempt to avoid the petty girls from school, Abby follows a mysterious fox and a persistent dog. These animals lead her across a stream in her neighborhood where she meets a family of true friends. Anders is a nine-year-old boy homeschooled by his grandmother. The two of them are taking care of Anders’s father, who is badly affected by his experiences fighting the war in Iraq. As Abby spends time trying to help these and other new friends, she learns more about her own strengths. She also learns that life doesn’t need to be controlled by the ‘medium girls’ and she is strong enough to stand up to them. This is a well-constructed book showing the reality of peer pressure and the power of finding your place in the world. It effectively shows the struggles of the tween years, with moments of pain and discouragement, but an overall feeling of triumph. The story is intriguing and the message is both applicable to the intended audience and very uplifting. Recommended for ages—9-12. Continue reading →]]> http://libbysguide.com/2013/02/13/the-second-life-of-abigail-walker-by-frances-oroark-dowell/feed/ 0 libbyames The Second Life of Abigail Walker http://libbysguide.com/2013/02/13/griffins-castle-by-jenny-nimmo/ http://libbysguide.com/2013/02/13/griffins-castle-by-jenny-nimmo/#comments Thu, 14 Feb 2013 04:27:57 +0000 Libby http://libbysguide.com/?p=2553 When Dinah and her mother move into an old mansion, Dinah finally feels she has found a home. She imagines the home in its former splendor and refuses to notice the crumbling walls and failing electricity that mark it as condemned. With her disappointment over her mother’s new, overbearing boyfriend and her desire for friendship, Dinah finds herself wishing the stone animals from a nearby castle would come to life. To her surprise, her wish comes true and Dinah’s new home is soon protected by fantastical animals. They are invisible to most, but their presence is felt. Barry and Jacob, two boys from Dinah’s new school, recognize the animals for what they are, but they sense the threat that Dinah fails to see. Together, they try to understand Dinah and protect her in a way that magical animals can’t. This is a fantasy story, but with a hint of the dark and sinister. I was caught up in the story, but Dinah’s life is sad enough that I don’t recommend it for younger readers. There is nothing inappropriate, but the loneliness and magic would be better for older kids or tweens. Recommended for ages—10-13. Continue reading →]]> http://libbysguide.com/2013/02/13/griffins-castle-by-jenny-nimmo/feed/ 0 libbyames Griffin's Castle http://libbysguide.com/2013/02/13/brooklyn-bridge-by-karen-hesse/ http://libbysguide.com/2013/02/13/brooklyn-bridge-by-karen-hesse/#comments Thu, 14 Feb 2013 04:26:59 +0000 Libby http://libbysguide.com/?p=2550 Joseph Michtom lives in Brooklyn with his family during the summer of 1903. His only wish is to visit the new amusement park at Coney Island, but his family is too busy. As Russian immigrants, Joseph’s family struggled with the others until his father sold the first stuffed toy bear. Now the family can’t keep up with the demand for toy bears and Joseph feels his childhood being sucked away by their good fortune. Through the eyes of Joseph Michtom with some inserted insight from orphans living under the bridge, Karen Hesse brings turn of the century Brooklyn to life. She shows the joys and struggles of that period in history. It is through the experience of the Michtom family and Joseph’s own coming of age, that we see the culture and people of a growing and advancing America. Brooklyn Bridge brings a tween’s perspective of this period of American history. Recommended for ages—9-12. Continue reading →]]> http://libbysguide.com/2013/02/13/brooklyn-bridge-by-karen-hesse/feed/ 0 libbyames Brooklyn Bridge http://libbysguide.com/2013/02/13/jake-and-lily-by-jerry-spinelli/ http://libbysguide.com/2013/02/13/jake-and-lily-by-jerry-spinelli/#comments Thu, 14 Feb 2013 04:25:57 +0000 Libby http://libbysguide.com/?p=2548 Jake and Lily Wambold are twins so inseparable that they can read each other’s thoughts. They can’t play hide and seek, because they always know where to find each other. But the summer they turn twelve, things begin to change. Jake makes some new friends and Lily feels abandoned and lost without her brother. At first she reacts in anger, but then her Poppy inspires her to find her ‘just Lily’ life. As Lily finds her own life, she learns more about herself and others. Jake, through his experiences on his own, learns about himself as well. Told from the journal writings of both twins, Jake and Lily is a wonderful story of finding yourself and where you belong. Although it focuses on twins, the book echoes feelings most kids deal with through the tween years. With both a male and female protagonist, it is a perfect for tween boys and tween girls. Jake and Lily are likeable characters with believable experiences. Their story teaches the importance of relying on your family as well as yourself. Recommended for ages—9-12. Continue reading →]]> http://libbysguide.com/2013/02/13/jake-and-lily-by-jerry-spinelli/feed/ 0 libbyames Jake and Lily http://libbysguide.com/2013/02/13/hush-an-irish-princess-tale-by-donna-jo-napoli/ http://libbysguide.com/2013/02/13/hush-an-irish-princess-tale-by-donna-jo-napoli/#comments Thu, 14 Feb 2013 04:25:04 +0000 Libby http://libbysguide.com/?p=2545 Melkorka is an Irish princess living a privileged life in medieval Ireland. When she and her young sister are kidnapped by a Russian slave ship, Melkorka is plunged into the unfamiliar struggles of poverty and servitude. In her grief, she takes a vow of silence, but soon learns her silence is the key to survival. Her captors and masters are fascinated by her silence, giving her more power than a typical slave. Hush is the story of Melkorka’s journey from a royal home in Ireland, through medieval Europe, to find her place among the Vikings of Iceland. Her journey gives insight into the slave trade and Viking culture. It is a painful and realistic story of a young girl pulled away from everything she knows. The writing is well-researched and developed, and it doesn’t avoid the harshness of a hard life. The story is engaging, but not for readers expecting ‘happily ever after.’ Recommended for ages—13 and up. Continue reading →]]> http://libbysguide.com/2013/02/13/hush-an-irish-princess-tale-by-donna-jo-napoli/feed/ 0 libbyames Hush http://libbysguide.com/2013/02/13/esperanza-rising-by-pam-munoz-ryan/ http://libbysguide.com/2013/02/13/esperanza-rising-by-pam-munoz-ryan/#comments Thu, 14 Feb 2013 04:24:12 +0000 Libby http://libbysguide.com/?p=2542 Esperanza enjoys an indulged life on her family’s ranch in Aguascalientes, Mexico. Surrounded by wealth and loving family, she has little understanding of the servants and ranch hands around her. An unexpected tragedy robs Esperanza of her comfort and forces her and her Mama to flee to California. There they settle in a camp for migrant farm workers and are forced to endure the hard physical labor and financial struggles of their new position. In a new land and a new life, Esperanza finds nothing familiar. She struggles to fulfill her required tasks in the midst of personal sorrow. While her new situation is hard, Esperanza learns valuable lessons. She learns about the importance of friendship and compassion as well as the strength that comes from facing and overcoming challenges. Her story is a powerful illustration of life as a migrant worker during the Great Depression. Although Esperanza Rising, describes difficult circumstances, it leaves readers with a sense of hope in the strength of the human spirit. Recommended for ages—9-12 years. Continue reading →]]> http://libbysguide.com/2013/02/13/esperanza-rising-by-pam-munoz-ryan/feed/ 0 libbyames Esperanza Rising http://libbysguide.com/2013/02/13/100-cupboards-by-n-d-wilson/ http://libbysguide.com/2013/02/13/100-cupboards-by-n-d-wilson/#comments Thu, 14 Feb 2013 04:22:17 +0000 Libby http://libbysguide.com/?p=2538 Henry York has lived a sheltered childhood with no baseball, no T.V. and no soda. He longs for adventure, but when he goes to live with his Aunt Dotty and Uncle Frank, he finds himself with more adventure than he can handle. Henry soon discovers a wall of mysterious cupboards hidden behind the plaster in his attic room. When he removes the plaster and opens some of the unlocked cupboard, strange things begin to happen. Henry and his cousin learn that the cupboards lead to different lands and places, some good and some bad. As the story unfolds, so does the history of Henry and his family and their connection to the 100 cupboards. 100 Cupboards brings a Narnia-like story to a more modern setting. It is perfect for those who like to believe that magic lies just behind a cupboard door. Recommended for ages—9-12. Continue reading →]]> http://libbysguide.com/2013/02/13/100-cupboards-by-n-d-wilson/feed/ 0 libbyames 100 Cupboards http://libbysguide.com/2013/02/13/shadowfell-by-juliet-marillier/ http://libbysguide.com/2013/02/13/shadowfell-by-juliet-marillier/#comments Thu, 14 Feb 2013 04:21:04 +0000 Libby http://libbysguide.com/?p=2536 Living in a world where use of magic leads to death or enthrallment, Neryn is in constant fear that her gifts will be discovered. She and her father have wandered for several years trying to escape the notice of the King or his Enforcers. When an Enforcer raid kills her father, Neryn begins a lonely journey to Shadowfell—a rumored gathering of rebels where magic is valued and even encouraged. Traveling through a freezing autumn, Neryn receives some help from the magical Good Folk. However, the help endangers Neryn and the Good Folk alike, for mistrust and fear rules the kingdom. Neryn also receives help from a mysterious stranger, but trust is not easy and his motivation is unclear. As Neryn continues toward Shadowfell, her survival depends on learning to trust others as well as herself. Recommended for ages 13 and up. Continue reading →]]> http://libbysguide.com/2013/02/13/shadowfell-by-juliet-marillier/feed/ 0 libbyames Shadowfell http://libbysguide.com/2013/02/13/hard-gold-the-colorado-gold-rush-of-1859-by-avi/ http://libbysguide.com/2013/02/13/hard-gold-the-colorado-gold-rush-of-1859-by-avi/#comments Thu, 14 Feb 2013 04:19:59 +0000 Libby http://libbysguide.com/?p=2534 In late winter 1858, Early Whitcomb and his family were struggling to save their farm. After a dry year and poor harvest, their savings were barely enough to pay the mortgage. Threats from the bank were becoming more severe and financial ruin seemed inevitable. About this time, the farmers began to hear rumors of gold found out West at Pike’s Peak. Early’s Uncle Jesse is caught up in the gold fever and is sure that digging for gold will solve all their problems. When Jesse disappears, Early joins a wagon train to follow his uncle and join the rush for gold. This I Witness book gives a realistic look at the culture and struggles of emigrants and gold diggers in the Old West. Avi includes illustrations and photographs that help teach history as well as share an intriguing story. Continue reading →]]> http://libbysguide.com/2013/02/13/hard-gold-the-colorado-gold-rush-of-1859-by-avi/feed/ 0 libbyames Hard Gold http://libbysguide.com/2013/02/13/the-emerald-atlas-by-john-stephens/ http://libbysguide.com/2013/02/13/the-emerald-atlas-by-john-stephens/#comments Thu, 14 Feb 2013 04:03:45 +0000 Libby http://libbysguide.com/?p=2521 Kate, Michael, and Emma have spent most of their young lives being passed around from one foul orphanage to another. However, Kate steadfastly claims that their parents love them and are coming back for them. When they are transferred to a new orphanage in the town of Cambridge Falls, they learn more about the fate of their parents and their own destiny. In this new orphanage (where they are the only children), they learn from Stanilaus Pim that their parents are being held by a powerful magician known as the Dire Magnus. Kate, Michael, and Emma have been prophesied as the children to bring together the three magical Books of Beginning. The Dire Magnus wants the power from the books and holds their parents in an attempt to get the books. In this first book of the series, the children learn about the presence of the magical world. They go on a dangerous adventure in search of The Emerald Atlas, the first Book of Beginning. Their adventures are fast-paced and reveal a much more complex story to be revealed in later books. This is a great series for families who enjoy magical stories with strong siblings and family ties. Also, Jim Dale does an excellent audio book reading. Continue reading →]]> http://libbysguide.com/2013/02/13/the-emerald-atlas-by-john-stephens/feed/ 0 libbyames emerald-atlas http://libbysguide.com/2013/02/13/the-great-unexpected-by-sharon-creech/ http://libbysguide.com/2013/02/13/the-great-unexpected-by-sharon-creech/#comments Thu, 14 Feb 2013 03:58:54 +0000 Libby http://libbysguide.com/?p=2518 Once again, Sharon Creech uses poetic writing and endearing characters to create a heartwarming story. Naomi Deane and Lizzie Scatterding are two orphan girls living in the town of Blackbird Tree. One summer day, a mysterious boy falls from a tree and into their lives. With the appearance of the ‘Finn boy,’ unexpected happenings and curious surprises begin to occur. Through these events and a wide variety of characters, Creech shares a tale that illustrates how ‘a delicate cobweb link[s] us all.’ The Great Unexpected is a story of coming of age and finding your place in the world. It also teaches the power of kindness and the importance of forgiveness. Creech’s characters are intriguing, quirky, but also very real. The story is a mystery whose resolution shows the interconnectedness of the world. Creech’s intended audience is tween readers, but I think her story can reach younger and older readers, too. It is a good book for reading aloud in a family with a variety of ages. Continue reading →]]> http://libbysguide.com/2013/02/13/the-great-unexpected-by-sharon-creech/feed/ 0 libbyames The Great Unexpected http://libbysguide.com/2013/02/13/the-false-prince-by-jennifer-a-nielsen/ http://libbysguide.com/2013/02/13/the-false-prince-by-jennifer-a-nielsen/#comments Thu, 14 Feb 2013 03:55:49 +0000 Libby http://libbysguide.com/?p=2515 In the country of Carthya, the royal family lies dead and civil war is imminent. The nobles of the country are grasping for power in their own ways, but one chooses deception. Conner is far from a place on the throne, but he plans to produce the missing and presumed dead Prince Jaron. In an attempt to create a false prince, Conner chooses three orphan boys near the prince’s age and attempts to train them to become royalty. Through his chosen prince, he will rule the country. Sage is one of those boys pulled from an orphanage and forced into Conner’s treasonous plan. Even while he struggles to avoid enemies and fight against Conner’s plan, Sage knows he must be chosen as the false prince to survive. The False Prince is a story of adventure and intrigue, but also about self-discovery and being true to what you believe. Both the characters and story are entertaining, making the book an exciting read for tweens and teens alike. I enjoyed the ending that resolved while still leaving room for further development. Recommend for ages 11 and up. Continue reading →]]> http://libbysguide.com/2013/02/13/the-false-prince-by-jennifer-a-nielsen/feed/ 0 libbyames The False Prince http://libbysguide.com/2012/11/24/witchs-wishes-by-vivian-vande-velde/ http://libbysguide.com/2012/11/24/witchs-wishes-by-vivian-vande-velde/#comments Sun, 25 Nov 2012 06:17:09 +0000 Libby http://libbysguide.com/?p=2447 When six-year-old Sarah helps an old witch on Halloween, she is given a secret, magical reward. The witch turns her costume fairy wand into a real, wish-granting wand. Unaware of her magic power, Sarah makes wish after wish, creating chaos through her neighborhood. Will the witch be able to fix her mistake before Halloween is ruined for everyone? Witch’s Wishes is a perfect family read for the Halloween season. It has witches, flying brooms, and magic, but nothing too scary for even the youngest listeners. I read this to my four, six, and ten-year-old kids and everyone found something to enjoy. Recommended for ages—4-11 years old Continue reading →]]> http://libbysguide.com/2012/11/24/witchs-wishes-by-vivian-vande-velde/feed/ 0 libbyames Witch's Wishes