Mir, Mirror by Mette Ivie Harrison

This is a book I am really having a hard time deciding what I think about it. While I like the characters and really grew attached to them, I am nagged at the gruesomeness of some of the parts. I think it IS meant for an older audience that what the publisher recommends for sure. Mette Ivers Harrison is a great writer. She really did hold my attention throughout the book but it’s scenes from the book that make me not sure how I feel about it. The gruesome actions didn’t seem justified and I don’t think that justice was felt in the end for those gruesome parts. So, I’ll just tell you that and know that I still don’t know what to think of it.

If a Tree Falls at Lunch Period by Gennifer Choldenko

I like the way this book is written. There are two characters’ views: Kirsten and Walk. The chapters go back and forth in that person’s point of view. Kirsten and Walk go to the same school. Walk is black and Kirsten is white. Kirsten has a friend named Rory that is acting a bit different this year and she struggles with her weight. Her parents are fighting a lot, too. Walk got a scholarship to the school and works really hard to do his best. His mom has high expectations of him. This story follows them as they meet and learn about life. This is a story that tugs the heart. It surprising some of the turns it makes. I highly recommend this book.

Notes From a Liar and Her Dog by Gennifer Choldenko

This book is great. I think it has a little attitude that kids will relate to. I like it especially because as I kept reading I started understanding why the girl had an attitude and why she lied. This book has a definite lesson that hits to the very soul and teaches excellent values. I like Ant (short for Antonia) MacPherson and her little dog named Pistachio. I like what Ant learns about herself and about the adults around her. I think the adults around her even learn a thing or two.

Forest Born by Shannon Hale

This book is just as fantastic the other Bayern books.

Rin is Razo’s little sister. Rin lives in the forest with her mother and many brothers and their wives & children. She is very busy helping everyone.

Her mother is a great source of peace but she feels that her mother doesn’t know the real her. She has so many questions about herself. I love the way this books tells the story of Rin finding out more about herself.

The characters I love so much are back and even some unexpected characters surface. Rin is a favorite of mine. I really like her. This book is great!

Al Capone Shines My Shoes by Gennifer Choldenko

I liked this book every bit as much as the first. At the conclusion of last book, Moose finds a note from Al Capone saying "Done." Moose knows what that means. Al Capone helped Moose get his sister into a special school.

In this book, another note is found and it is clear that it is Moose's turn to pay back Al Capone.

There is a little bit of romance going on in this book as well as adventure and nail biting suspense.

I really enjoyed the Author's notes at the end too. Some of the real stories there are worth the read by themselves. Alcatraz is an intriguing place and I thoroughly enjoyed this fun adventure.

Unlike the first book, there are not the uncomfortable, blushing moments. I like that A LOT!

The Actor and the Housewife by Shannon Hale

This book is amazing. At about half way through, I stopped a while and thought about it. I really liked this book, but it seemed so much had already happened and how can there be that much more of the book to read? I was enjoying it thoroughly but didn’t know it could get any better.

Becky Jack is a housewife and she is perfectly happy with her life. One day she meets her favorite star. His name is Felix Callahan and finds it interesting to converse with Felix. Before they know it Becky and Felix are talking all the time and call each other best friends.

I found myself experiencing many emotions during this book and couldn’t conceal a giggle or two here and there. Shannon Hale does a great job with helping me to feel great range of emotion.

This book has amazing twists and turns and things I didn’t expect and can’t mention without spoiling the book.

It really was a top notched book!

Beyond the Spiderwick Book 3 The Wyrm King by Holly Black & Tony DiTerlizzi

I hate it when I am anxiously awaiting for a bunch of books I put on hold at the library and then instead of coming one at a time they all come at once!!! I now have 4 books to read in a short time because there are many more people waiting for these wonderful books.

This book was one of them. I love the Spiderwick and Beyond the Spidewick series. There is something about them...one of intrigue.

On the back of this book it say, "It's over." This is also book 3 of 3. That probably gives you an idea when this series will end.

This book had adventure and a good theme. It spoke to me of family and friends and how important they are to us. It also talked of courage and no matter how desperate things seem we can get out of the situation on top. It was encouraging to me.

But, I also liked just getting lost in the fun tale.