Dystopia vs. Steampunk

I am listening to The Mortal Engines by Philip Reeve. It's a good book and it was recommended to me when I did this post about steampunk. And then I found this mini-rant about the steampunk genre by Philip Reeve on his blog. But here's my problem, I would classify The Mortal Engines as a dystopian novel since it takes place in the far future rather than steampunk. From what I understand about steampunk it takes place in the past, especially around the Victorian times, while dystopian is our possible futures.

What do you think? Maybe there can be a whole new genre, "dystopian steampunk."

My Weekend: Part 2

*NEVER take Loritab on an empty stomach.

*Steven McQueen is darling. Next season he needs more shirtless scenes. (but so is Matt Davis and ditto on the shirtless stuff)

*even when your back hurts super bad, if you have a 40% off coupon to Borders that expires today you have to go use it!! I bought Shadow by Jenny Moss. I alomost bought The Vampire Diaries, which I did read when I was younger, but as I was flipping through I realized how much they'd changed and I decided I wanted to just think of the show.

*Bruce Campbell can pretty much do no wrong. After finishing The Vampire Diaries I watched some Brisco County Junior. Wonderful show!! (this show started the same time and was on the same night on Fox as the X Files. I used to hate the X-Files because it overshadowed Brisco, but I did eventually come around.)

My Weekend (I Found Peeta!)

My back starting hurting.
Then yesterday it went full on muscle spasm and I could barely move.
So, I have been in bed for the past two days (pretty much). But, on the plus side...
I finished The Red Pyramid (see below for mini-review)and The Stone Child (review to come).
I also have been re-watching The Vampire Diaries.
I am convinced that Zach Roerig (Matt Donovan) would be the perfect Peeta!

The Red Pyramid

3 cookies.


I finished. I was disappointed. There was a very slow middle but good action at the end. I really did not like the chapters alternating between Sadie and Carter. I would just be into one voice and it would switch. I wish there was more consistency. I don't mind that there were two main characters, but I think I would have liked the story had been told from just one of them. I also really disliked when one would be telling the story and they'd "interrupt" it to say soemthing to each other.

BUT, that is just my opinion. My son said that one of his friends thinks it is better than Percy 's Jackson, and most of the middle grade readers I know have loved it. So, the story certainly fits it's audience.

Smart Shopping

Ever since all of the libraries in the northwest part of my state joined forces in their online catalogs and I discovered I could get books from all over I kind of stopped buying books. Even when something I really wanted to read came out and it wasn't readily available it would show up within a few months. Sometimes I would end up buying one or two, but mostly just using my public library. Then earlier this month I was given a gift card to Borders and I became a Borders devotee again.

First of all, they totally re-did their children's and young adult sections. There is such a better selection and they have been getting new releases on the actual day, this has not been the case in the past. Anyway, I went to Borders with my gift card and was able to get:

The Enemy & By Royal Command both by Charlie Higson and both ones that I am so excited to read. I used a coupon I had and my teacher's discount card (even though I am reading them first, most of the hardbacks I buy end up in my library). I had a little bit left over so I bought Wings by E.D. Baker. I really wanted The Wide-Awake Princess by E.D. Baker but it was still hard back so I didn't get it, until the next week when I had a $5 off coupon. I went up and grabbed that one as well.

Then, wahoo, I got another gift card from my youth group as a thank you. I am so thrilled! I love checking books out, but there is something freeing about owing a book--I don't have to return anything by a certain date! I can take my time. Books are just the best.

Puppy Love aka Tween Romance

Lots of young adult books are known by the chemistry and romance between two main characters. (Although my friend told me recently that she can only take so many young adult romances before having to read an adult book where the two characters in the romance can actually "do the deed." She sometimes needs the fulfillment that is not always available in young adult). I think it is amazing that an author can create two characters and then also create the chemistry between them.

What is really amazing to me, though, is how an author can take two younger characters, tweens, and create a bond and a love between them. Most of the time it starts out that they are companions on an adventure, and sometime reluctant companions. It grows into friendship, then partnership and finally love. AND, it is always done in such a way (and normally over the course of two or three books) that is is very believable, and even acceptable despite their ages! Here are some of my favorite examples:

Matt Cruse and Kate de Vries: I LOVE the Airborn books, they are fantastic! When Matt & Kate start out they are pretty young, 12 or 13 I think. By the end of the last books I believe they are 16 or 17. It's pretty clear early on that they are meant to be together and while they fight, they never have a great disdain for each other--although they do have their share of misunderstandings until they finally find their way to happiness. I really hope Kenneth Oppel writes another one of these because I want to see where Matt & Kate's relationship ends up.
On a very exciting note, they are making a movie of Airborn!! I am thrilled.

Todd Hewitt & Viola: Todd & Viola are the main characters in the Chaos Walking series (The Knife of Never Letting Go, The Ask and the Answer and Monsters of Men). They are about 12 when they meet and by the end of the first book it's pretty clear that their friendship has grown. Mostly it's because they are truly the only ones that each other can count on, but also because they have been through so much together. I am worried that the ending for Todd & Viola will not be good, but I am still excited to finish their story! Watch the trailer for Monster of Men in this post.

Lyra Belacqua & Will Parry: Lyra is the main character from The Golden Compass and Will joins her in the second book The Subtle Knife. (books 1 & 2 from the His Dark Materials trilogy). They go through a lot together and by the end of the third book their story had me sobbing. It was so good. I am disappointed with how the movie of The Golden Compass turned out because I would have liked to see how they played out this story on the screen.

Hester Shaw & Tom: (from The Hungry City Chronicles by Philip Reeve) The Mortal Engines is the book that actually made me think of this little trend. Hester and Tom meet when she tries to kill his hero, whom Tom saves. Only to be rewarded by being betrayed by said hero. He finds himself stuck with Hester away from his home--and starting to questions every thing he has ever believed. The most interesting part of this "love" story is that Hester has been disfigured, so when Tom falls in love with her (and although I am not done with the book I am sure it will happen eventually) it is because he loves her.

Percy Jackson & Annabeth Chase: (Percy Jackson and the Olympians) Of course most of know how this series ends, on the bottom of a lake, but they are pretty young when they first meet. And they don't get along very well. This is an adorable little love story that is added into a big adventure.

Rosalind Penderwick & Tommy Geiger: (from The Penderwicks on Gardam Street) This one doesn't really fit because Rosalind and Tommy are neighbors from the start and don't have a grand adventure. But there are few times when they are mad at each other. When they finally realize that they do like each other, the very sensible Rosalind decides they are too young to date and can just like each other until they are older. It is super sweet.

Young James Bond: These don't really fit either because a romance does not build over several books, but, James does have a female companion in each book, very similar to the grown up James we all know and love.

Interestingly enough, besides the Penderwicks, each of these series was written by a man.

What tween romances have captured your heart?

It Must Be Coming Out of Her PORES

This is the trailer for Maggie Stiefvater's new book Linger, which is awesome. This trailer is amazing, and she made it herself.

Wow, that's just about all I can say. Wow.

She must just leak creativity. I bet people who hang out with her come away feeling more creative by catching come of her residual stuff!!

This is her play-doh tribute to Shiver. It's equally as fun.

Inventory

Besides planning for my move to a new school I am in the process of doing inventory at my old library. I refuse to take "inventory" or my life or house right now because I am too busy and will not like what I see. My house is a mess! But, summer is right around the corner and I am going to take a hot bath tonight. Posting will be sporadic until I get this all finished.

Hope you are all reading a lot and enjoying what you read!

Remember to enter my 50 followers contest to win a copy of The Kneebone Boy. It's already getting good reviews!

Guest Post: Helen Ellis : The Adoption Allure

Today I have the pleasure at welcoming Helen Ellis to my blog! My first guest post by an author. I recently read Helen's new book The Turning: What Curiosity Kills and thoroughly enjoyed it. I asked Helen about the prevalence of adoption in her book and here was her answer. I will add my review of The Turning later this week!

www.helenellis.com
www.twitter.com/theturningbooks

Half of my characters are adopted in The Turning: What Curiosity Kills because my husband and I have thought about adopting for years. When I started the novel: us; me and him; a happily married couple living on the Upper East Side of Manhattan. And then I did what we haven't had the courage to do-took in two eight year-old girls. When the novel begins, Mary and Octavia are sixteen. They were the first two characters to show up in my imagination and thus what I imagined what life would be like with them. Instead of playing house, I wrote it.

From what I understand about closed adoptions, adoptees' family and medical histories are locked away in a literal file drawer. Mary and Octavia were foster care kid, so they have some memory of the families they lost, but questions linger. Those questions are what I wanted to and want to continue to explore with the series. Are you your biological parents? Or are you something few people--this author included--have ever heard of?

Without history, you are a mystery. And every good story has a mystery at its core.

Video Monday

You know that meme going around "Want It Wednesday?" Well, I am going to do a video "want it" but it will be on Monday instead.



Monsters of Men. I have such mixed feelings about this book. I am so excited to read it, but The Ask and The Answer was long and didn't end well (cliffhanger)(The Knife of Never Letting Go didn't end well either now that I think about it). Patrick Ness is a wonderful author, but of the people I have had read the first one, only one of them has felt the way I did about it. Anyway, I almost want a guarantee that Todd and Viola will end up happy before I start reading it!



The Billionaire's Curse. I almost bought this one last week when I had a $5 off coupon at Borders. But, I went with Wide-Awake Princess instead. This looks so good though!



This one has been reviewed a few places and looks SO good! Can't wait until it comes out.

On a side note: I searched for two others I really want: Fat Vampire by Adam Rex and Princess of Glass by Jessica Day George. I found these instead:
Interview with a Fat Vampire, Fat Vampire Weight Loss System, My Little Pony: The Glass Princess.

Push on Through or Stop?

On Tween Tuesday I wrote about how I had to really push through while reading Peter and the Starcatchers and was so glad I did because by the end it had become one of my favorite books. I reamember that also happening in college when I was reading Pat Conroy's The Lords of Discipline. I really had to push through and finish it, but by the end I loved it.

Lately my rule has been 100 pages. If I read 100 pages and am still not in love with what I am reading I will quit. What about you, do you ahve a rule for when to stop? What books have you pushed through and finished and been really glad you did?

John Grisham has written a middle grade book. It's called Theodore Boone, Kid Lawyer and comes out next week. I am really excited to read it. But, I wish the title didn't have "kid lawyer" after the name. But it kind of fits my publishing trend post from earlier and the ole adult authors writing for kids trend as well.

This week I bought the new Young James Bond book By Royal Command by Charlie Higson. I LOVE these books. I have written about them several times here. The thing is, I didn't love the first one. It probably is the weakest of all of them. One of the things I love is that the time they are written in is the 30's so there is no gadgets for James. He just survives his "adventures" by his wits.

Don't you hate it when you enjoy a series that is always published in Great Britain first, then you have to wait months or even a year until the book is out here? That is always the case with the Young Bond books and with Patrick Ness' Chaos Walking books (I cannot wait until Monsters of Men is out here). Charlie Higson also wrote a young adult zombie-type book called The Enemy that I bought as well.

Right now my shelve at home are full of: 1) books I have bought in the last few weeks; 2) ARCs I have recieved in teh past month or so and 3) books from the library I am currently working at. I have to get those read this summer before I move up to the middle school. I need to stay the course and not add anything new for awhile! (but, oh, there are a lot of good ones coming out this summer!).

New Job and Giveaway

Two fun things happened this week. First, I got the job at the middle school in my town this week. So I will be moving from elementary librarian to middle school librarian. Seems like a perfect fit, right. I mean, I do love that age of students and I do read young adult/middle grade books most.

I am very excited but there is some terrifying thoughts going through my head. First of all, I am the library/AV tech person and I worry that I will not get as much time with kids and books as I want. Also, I will be working with someone I have never even met before. What if we don't mesh? I don't want to be worrying about these things for the next four months so...

Onto the other fun thing! I got TWO review copies of The Kneebone Boy. Not sure how that happened, but I have decided to spread the wealth. The Kneebone Boy first came to my attention from Betsy at Fuse #8--when she linked to this blog post by the author. I then wrote about my Ellen Potter experience here, to which she kindly commented on! That was the first time an author commented on a blog post I did about her--so thrilling! (Heather Frederick Vogel did later when I reviewed The Mother -Daughter Book Club series for Tween Tuesdays--just as thrilling). SO, I am giving away one copy.

My last giveaway was fun, but I have decided it is time to dip my toe into the waters and try to drum up more followers. I have always been hesitant about publicizing my blog because followers=posting and I wasn't sure I could keep up the pace of posting everyday. Regardless, when you get one follower, you want another and so on. So, I want to get up to 50 followers. If I do, I will giveaway one of these copies.

I am going to do the old add up your entries:

+2 if you are already a follower.
+1 if you become a follower.
+2 if you advertise this on your blog.
+1 if you add up your entries.

Comment below and let me know how many entries you get and give me an email address to get a hold of you. When I hit 50 followers I will pick a winner (and maybe throw a few other prizes just cause I adore you all so much!).

#5

It's not even summer yet and we've been given something to look forward to in the fall.
Diary of a Wimpy Kid #5 will be released on November 9!
It's a purple cover.
I was wondering if they would do purple, but since we are talking about a wimpy kid, I guess purple kind of fits!

There Are Books for Adults?

About four years ago I just decided to quit fighting it and only read young adult/middle grade books. BUT, there are still a few adult authors I always read. In a fun twist, most of them are starting to write young adult/middle grade books. Like Peter Abrahams. I adore his mystery-thrillers and will always check out and read them. He has also written a series (Echo Falls) for upper middle grades (some light swearing that makes it more appropriate for seventh/eighth graders than fifth/sixth graders) about a girl names Ingrid who gets caught up in a few mysteries. I LOVE these books. He has also written two stand alone young adult books with male protagonists. The second one just came out and I can't wait to get my hands on it.

I also always read Charlene Harris, love Sookie. Love True Blood. Can't wait until she decides to take a stab at young adult novels. Wouldn't they be great?

Janet Evanovich's Stephanie Plum books are always on my list as well. Every summer when one comes out it is such a good relaxing diversion from whatever else I am reading. I get on the waiting list at the library for it months in advance.

Lisa Lutz writes books about the Spellman family. I haven't missed one of these yet.

Jennifer McMahon doesn't write a series, but her stand alones mysteries are always excellent. Same with Gillian Flynn (look how pretty she is--remind me of Blake Lively from Gossip Girl).

My problem with books for "adults" is that I have so many young adult/middle grade books I want to read I never get around to some of the good ones!

What about you? Is there an adult author you will read no matter what? What do you read if you feel the need to step away from young adult/middle grade for awhile?

Tween Tuesday: Peter & the Starcatchers Series

I remember seeing the first Peter and the Starcatchers book at Costco years ago. My first thought, "what is Dave Barry doing writing a kid's book?" Followed by, "and Ridley Pearson? Is this even a kid's book?" This book was first published in 2004, pretty much during the height of the Harry Potter craze. It was also out before I went totally to young adult/middle grade reading (still do some adult books, but not many). So, it took awhile before I actually read the book.

Here's the thing, I remember thinking it was okay. As I read along, I wasn't in love with it, but also wasn't ready to stop reading it. And sometimes you just have to plow through until the end. I did and by the last page I was totally in love with it. When Molly's father does the one thing at the end that I had been wondering about, I was so excited! I re-read it several times because I loved that part so much. I was also so excited when the second one came out. Again, didn't love it the whole way through, but ended up really liking it. The third one I listened to the audio version. Jim Dale (of the Harry Potter audiobooks fame) does a spectacular job with these ones as well. I liked the third one much better than the second.

Now a fourth book is out, The Sword of Mercy. I haven't read it yet, but I love that we finally get to meet the Darling children, and it is on my summer reading list.

Anyway, for two authors such as Dave Barry (humor) and Ridley Pearson (mystery/thrillers) to take on a origin story like Peter Pan is very ambitious. They have to remember to put so many elements in and to explain all the magic that occurs. But they do a good job! I recommend these to strong readers all the time and very rarely have they not enjoyed the books. Imagine how thrilled I was to meet the illustrator of these books (see that story here)!

Tween Tuesday is hosted by GreenBeanTeenQueen. Check her out!!

Dystopian Lovers Unite!

If you have read my blog for any length of time you might know how much I love dystopian novels. Well, four writers of dystopian novels have joined forces and created a blog to share their knowledge and love of dystopian futures! Click here to check out their blog and enter to win a couple signed book!

Kid Lit Day: Mercer Mayer

I have always loved Mercer Mayer, well before the Little Critter books made him so popular. One of my favorite books growing up was East of the Sun and West of the Moon. I had never read that fairy tale until I had read his version and his illustrations are so amazing. Click on the images from this site to see some of them.

I adored so many of his books from when I was younger. Professor Wormbog in Search for the Zipperump-a-Zoo, Liza Lou and the Yeller Belly Swamp, the Frog books, Me and My Flying Machine (this was one of my favorites). There are so many things going on in his illustrations, kist packed with things to notice. I have been trying to get my own set of these books--some have been republished, but some are hard to find.

Kids now know of MErcer Mayer due to the Little Critter books, but that is just a good jumping off point to introducing them to his truly best work.

Here he is reading There's an Alligator Under My Bed (wouldnt' be he a fun grandpa)?

You Love Them, You Love Them Not

Here's a question for you? Is there an author that you have read certain books from that you love, then certain books that you just don't?

I have a few of them. The one that brought this to mind today is Kenneth Oppel. I adored his Airborn books--the main character Matt Cruse became my literary crush last summer. He wrote a series before Airborn that started with a book called Silverwing. I do not love animal stories and the few times I have picked this up to read it I just cannot get beyond the first page. It just makes me sad that I can love one series he writes and not really even give the other one a chance!

Do you have any authors that you feel this same way about?

Tween Tuesday: The Underneath

You know how sometimes you read a book that just is perfect? That's how I felt about The Underneath. It transports you, it sings to you, it just feels right and when you finish it, you give a contented sigh and then have a hard time letting it go. It just sits in your brain and turns around and around.

This is basically three stories that are wrapped up in one and come together in a most amazing way. There is the story of Gar-Face, such an awful man. Then there is Ranger, Gar-Face's dog that has been wounded and shot and subsequently chained up under Gar-Face's house. Ranger's story is intertwined with a small, lonely, pregnant cat who finds Ranger and decides to move in next to him--despite Ranger's warnings of her being killed if she is discovered by Gar-Face. The last story is of Grandmother Mocassin--a snake that lies in wait after hundreds of years trapped in a bowl in the swamp. Sounds bizarre right? Well, it may be, but the way this story weaves together is wonderful.

As I was set up to do Tween Tuesday today I read some other reviews about this book. One of them talks about how dark it is. I guess she's right, but I didn't think that when I was reading it. All I could think of was how beautifully written it was, almost lyrical. The way Kathi Appelt writes this book transports you to a swamp in East Texas and when you put it down and realize you are not there, it is a disappointment.

Now, the few people I have recommended this to have had differing reactions. Some have loved it, some have liked it, one didn't finish it. That's okay with me. I want everyone to love it as much as I did, to have the same amazing experiences when reading it. But I am okay being one of the ones who knows how this book can make you feel. It's like I am part of a secret club that not everyone can join, but everyone can try!

Tween Tuesday is hosted by GreenBeanTeenQueen. Check her out!!

Publishing Trend: Young Jack Ryan

Have you noticed the rash of "adventure/spy" type books being written for middle grades lately? I believe it started with Alex Rider, but I haven't checked all my publication dates so I can't be totally convinced of this. They are books about pre-teen and young teenage boys being thrust into some sort of life or death or save the world type situation--with NO SUPERNATURAL ELEMENTS (weird, right?). I haven't even read all the ones out there, but here's what I have seen lately.

Alex Rider. Do I have to keep going over my love for Alex? Just know that he is awesome. I think he's about 14 when the first book starts and he is pretty much forced into spy service after his uncle Ian Rider dies. Alex is a great teenage spy--reluctant to be a spy, but amazing at what he does.

Young James Bond. I love these books because the time they are written is the early 40's. If's fun to see how James develops the skills he will need later in life with none of the gadgets that we (and the grown up James) take for granted.

Steel Trapp. These are written by Ridley Pearson. The first one was full of action and Steel Trapp is definitely not you a spy/adventure type kid. But he does a great job of saving the world when he is called up on to. I also love that he actually references Alex Rider in this book.

Rich & Jade. I know, these are not very high on the radar, and I haven't read any of these (I have the first one checked out though), but when I saw that Jack Higgins was writing a young adult adventure/spy series, I totally got excited. This man knows adventure/spy series fora dults, I am sure he can weave a good tale of such for middle grades. The first one is called Sure Fire.

The Shadow Project. I saw this one at Borders and was intrigued. Not sure if it fits this category, but the cover sure looks like it.

Danger Zone. Again, a series I haven't read, but saw at Borders. The first one of these is called The Devil's Breath and it sounds great. On my to-read list for the summer.

**Edit: I just remembered the other one I had seen recently:
Max Cassidy. This one looks really interesting with the premise of the main character, fourteen year old Max Cassidy, being the best escape artist in the world. That right there is a good start!

These are the ones I have noticed recently. I am sure I am missing one but can't think of what it was. Have you noticed this trend? What ones that fit this trend have you or your students/children read?

Awards & Cool Sites

Today I got an award from Shannon at Book Dreaming. Shannon has been my friend for years...in fact, I think I even got her started with blogging. I recall her being in a class I taught once. So imagine my delight when I foudn her blog and saw that she was so active and had so many followers! She posts everyday and her main focus is writing. Actually, I take that back, her main focus is movitivation. She always has something inspring to say! Anyway, thanks for the award Shannon!

Have you been to Free Book Friday? Author Jessica Brody hosts a book giveaway EVERY FRIDAY. AND she has a Free Book Friday site for teens too! I eneter every week but have never won *shaky sigh*.

Also, how cute are these stickies? Make your own here.

Kid Lit Book Alert: Hailey Twitch Is Not a Snitch

Age Range: 5-10 years
Page Count: 137
Release Date: May 1, 2010

I did a little market research when I got this book. My second grade niece was spending the week at my mom & dad's house for spring break. When she came over to say hi and let us know she was here she spied this book. An eye-catching cover is always an important first step to attracting readers, and my niece loved this cover. She wanted to borrow it and read it.

Once the cover has them hooked, the next step is engaging the reader. One way that can happen is if they identify with a character in the story. My niece found her kindred book spirit on the first page in the character of Addie Jokobeck. My niece is a rule follower. It hurts her stomach to have to break any rules. As Hailey tells us about Addie, "Addie Jokobeck is in love with rules." And one the next page we saw a picture of Addie with straight (I am going to assume) brown, hair it was all over. Well, here is my niece Samantha, with my sons on Easter--straight, brown hair. Loves rules. Hello, Addie! I let her read it first and she loved it. I couldn't wait to start it myself.

First of all, it is a fast moving, well written book that captures the spirit of being a second grader. Secondly, we need more books about excitable little girls. We do. Junie B. is kind of washed up, when was the last time a new one of those was published? Clementine is fantastic, but those don't come out very often either. And Ramona books are for a little bit older readers. Hailey does fill a void. Plus, her grammar is better than Junie B.

The twist for Hailey is that she has a little sprite named Maybelle encouraging her to make poor choices. Maybelle is working on getting her magic back after she lost it because she was no fun. But the things she tries to do to have fun tend to be things that get Hailey into more trouble. I am not sure that the book needed to have this element in it, Hailey was doing fine getting herself in and out of situations. There is also a little boy Hailey has a crush on a "mean" girl that she has to deal with while discovering how to be a true friend to someone.

Overall, this is a book I highly recommend for younger readers. It will be enjoyed by all and is a good start to a new series!

Here's a synopsis for Hailey Twitch from the author's website:

Seven-year-old Hailey Twitch knows three things for sure: who she’s the boss of, how to throw a tantrum, and above all, how to get exactly what she wants. But all that changes when Hailey gets paired up with annoying Addie Jokobeck on the class project. No matter what Hailey does, she can’t seem to change her teacher’s mind.

At home, a cranky Hailey is feeling sorry for herself when – poof! — Maybelle, a magic sprite, comes flying out of Hailey’s dollhouse. Maybelle’s on probation with the Department of Magic, and on a special mission to get Hailey to have fun.

The only problem? The invisible Maybelle starts causing a lot of trouble, and when Hailey’s teacher wants to know who’s to blame, Hailey takes responsibility. After all, Hailey Twitch is not a snitch! Now if only Hailey can convince the Department of Magic that Maybelle has reformed…

You can buy Hailey Twitch from amazon by clicking here, and find out how to win a free book from Lauren by clicking here!

Blogging Slump--Repost, Daughters From Fiction

For some reason I cannot think of anything to write about today. (AND I missed Tween Tuesday yesterday, bad book blogger!).

I am reading The Red Pyramid and just finished Thirteen Days Until Midnight (which was great). I need to finish Hailey Twitch is Not a Snitch today though and review it for the publisher (that's my lunchtime goal). When I went and bought The Red Pyramid I couldn't resist and I also bought Mistwood. It looks so good!

So, for something to read today I am going to re-post and old post where I wrote about 8 girls from fiction that I would take as daughters:
I have two boys (blessing or curse? you decide). I have always wanted a girl and when I read books that have a girl as a main character I can't help thinking about whether I would want that character as a daughter. Here are my top picks:

8. Anne Shirley: When I read Anne of Green Gables I was much younger and would have rather had Anne as a best friend. Now I am older and think she would make a pretty cool daughter, but I still think of her as a best friend.

7. Beezus (or Ramona): Growing up I was so much more like Ramona and I am sure that my older sister felt the most like Beezus. But, as a mom, I think Beezus would be more appealing as a daughter, whereas Ramona would be more fun. Actually they kind of remind me of my boys--a responsible older child and an imaginative hyper-er younger child.

6. Piper McCloud: I just started this book, but she is the reason I started making this list. She just seems so sweet and in need of a hug--we'll see how the rest of the book goes!

5. Nancy Drew: I think she would be my favorite to have as a teenager. I realize that in her books she doesn't have a mother so she always seems so self-sufficient, but if she had a mother, I think she would have been a great daughter.

4. Ruby Lavender: I would love Ruby as a daughter, but when I read this I thought that what I really want is to be a granma like hers when I am a grandma.

3. Allie Finkle: Actually, as much as I adore Allie, when she first met her new next door neighbor Ericka, I thought that she would be pretty much exactly how my daughter would be if I had one!

2. Fern: I don't think that there is anything more to say. Fern would be fantastic as a daughter, I mean, she can talk to animals!!

1. Any one of the Penderwicks: Oh, I love these books and I love these girls. I would take any one of them (or all of them) as my daughter(s).

What about you, who would you want as a daughter?

This is Hysterical

Director Werner Herzog reads and interprets Madeline. So funny and disturbing...

How'd I Miss This?

While looking at Amulet's Fall 2010 catalog I found out that Diary of a Wimpy Kid #5 will have a purple cover and be released on Nov. 1. Interesting. I kind of thought the cover had to be purple, but wasn't sure they would do that to Greg, then again, he is a wimpy kid!

Book Trailers

I adore book trailers. Here are some of my favorites:

Guys Read: FunnyBusiness (upcoming book)


This is just darling. Love to see all these writers together!!

Pride & Prejuidice: Dawn of the Dreadfuls (this is like a mini-movie!)



This one is also great: Sense & Sensibility & Sea Monsters.

And this one for The Karma Club makes it look like it would be a great TV series.


And Mistwood, a book with so much buzz surrounding it. This is a more simple trailer, but still so effective!


There are so many more trailers out there, some made by the publishing company, and some awesome fan made trailers. What are some of your favorite books trailers?

Winner Winner

I put all the names in a box and had Max draw a winner.

Congratulations to Heather Zundel at The Secret Adventures of Writer Girl won my giveaway!
(check out her blog--she has been doing a Book Spine Poetry feature that is really cool)

Thanks so much to all who entered and I wish I could send all of these books to all of you!

Food From Fiction: The Boneshaker (Roast Chicken)

The Boneshaker is a steampunk-ish book set in the American West in the 1860's. I am listening to the audio version and it is really good. How can a steampunk book that features the desolate, ruined town of Seattle that is inhabited by zombies make me hungry for roast chicken, you ask? Well, let me tell you. In the book one of the main characters is a boy named Zeke. Zeke finds his way into the ruined part of Seattle and after a series of events and several days finds himself dining with a mad scientist. He is served roast chicken and with as hungry as Zeke is he relishes the meal. It made me crave for my own roast chicken recipe and I decided that I will make it tomorrow night.

I found this recipe several years ago on the busy cooks section of about.com. It calls for the chicken to cook for about 5 hours at 250. This daunted me when I first read it, but the raves were so many that I finally decided to try it. It is awesome. Takes so much like a rotisserie chicken and although it takes a while to cook, the prep is pretty quick. So once it's in the oven, you can just forget about it! Here's the recipe for you to print and try if you'd like. You will feel so successful at the moist flavorful chicken you produce--and your family will love it!