Category Archives: books

The Swallow: A Ghost Story

Here’s a lovely ghost story, which I was fortunate enough to read for the Cybils right around Halloween. The Swallow: A Ghost Story by Charis Cotter. Tundra Books, 2014. In 1963 Toronto 1963 two lonely girls discover that they are … Continue reading →

Posted in books | Tagged , , | 3 Comments

Almost Super

Here’s a book that’s great for fans of superheroes and silliness! Almost Super by Marion Jensen. Harper, 2014. It’s the day Rafter and Benny Bailey have been waiting for their whole lives: February 29 after they’ve both turned twelve. (Rafter … Continue reading →

Posted in books | Tagged , , | 1 Comment

Zero Degree Zombie Zone

Who doesn’t love zombies??? Well, ok, I don’t… but as I’m always looking for books to appeal to the Reluctant Boy Reader, this was a very welcome addition to my Cybils reading. Zero Degree Zombie Zone by Patrik Henry Bass. … Continue reading →

Posted in books | Tagged , , , , , | 2 Comments

The Islands of Chaldea

This is the last book by a much-beloved author, finished posthumously by her sister. It includes a very touching note by that sister on how she did that – though it doesn’t say where Diana stopped and Ursula began! The … Continue reading →

Posted in books | Tagged | Leave a comment

The 26-Story Treehouse

This is one that I read for the Cybils, and which my son sped through after I was done. The 26-Story Treehouse by Andy Griffiths. Illustrated by Terry Denton. Feiwel and Friends, 2014. The 26-Story Treehouse is a prose/graphic hybrid … Continue reading →

Posted in books | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Ambassador

I first heard about this book when Alexander wrote a guest post on John Scalzi’s blog. I was intrigued, and having enjoyed his Goblin Secrets in the past, I was eager for more. Ambassador by William Alexander. Simon and Schuster, … Continue reading →

Posted in books | Tagged , , , | 6 Comments

The Luck Uglies

This is a fun, traditional fantasy with invading monsters, an evil earl, and mysterious cloaked people. The Luck Uglies by Paul Durham. Harper Collins Children’s, 2014. 11-year-old Rye O’Chanter’s life has been pretty much the same for as long as … Continue reading →

Posted in books | Tagged , , | 1 Comment

Saving Lucas Biggs

Saving Lucas Biggs by Marisa de los Santos and David Teague. Harper Collins Children’s, 2014. Margaret’s father has just been falsely and deliberately convicted of murder. Victory, Arizona is a mining town, and anyone who protests the way the town … Continue reading →

Posted in books | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Boys of Blur

Here is an intoxicating blend of Beowulf with the Everglades and football, three things that sounded incongruous but came together beautifully. Boys of Blur by N.D. Wilson. Random House, 2014. Charlie has just moved to swampy Taper, Florida (pop. 6000) … Continue reading →

Posted in books | Tagged , , , , , | 1 Comment

Waiting on Wednesday: Smek for President

Waiting on Wednesday is a long-running meme run by Jill at Breaking the Spine, which I’m participating in for the first time. Smek for President by Adam Rex Expected publication date February 10, 2015 When my son and I finished … Continue reading →

Posted in books | Tagged , , | Leave a comment