BOOK REVIEW & INTERVIEW: Escape from Mr. Lemoncello's Library by Chris Grabenstein

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Kyle Keeley is the class clown, popular with most kids, (if not the teachers), and an ardent fan of all games: board games, word games, and particularly video games. His hero, Luigi Lemoncello, the most notorious and creative game maker in the world, just so happens to be the genius behind the building of the new town library.

Lucky Kyle wins a coveted spot to be one of the first 12 kids in the library for an overnight of fun, food, and lots and lots of games. But when morning comes, the doors remain locked. Kyle and the other winners must solve every clue and every secret puzzle to find the hidden escape route. And the stakes are very high.

In this cross between Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and A Night in the Museum, Agatha Award winner Chris Grabenstein uses rib-tickling humor to create the perfect tale for his quirky characters. Old fans and new readers will become enthralled with the crafty twists and turns of this ultimate library experience. 

REVIEW BY: Michaela , 12 years,  5 months

MAY CONTAIN SPOILER:

This book was great. Mr. Grabenstein has a way with words. This story drew me in and this is probably my favorite book by Grabenstein.

I don't think I have a favorite character because they are all awesome and complexly developed. If I had to choose I think my favorite would be Mr. Lemoncello because he is super fun and wacky.

My favorite part is when Mr. Lemoncello came to the school in his cool car because everyone was excited. I got excited with them. Overall, this book was amazing.

I give this book 5 stars and recommend it for ages 9 and up.

Michaela had the privilege of interview Chris Grabenstein at the Texas Book Fest. The interview is located below.

Question #1: What is your favorite book?

" My favorite book is Bud not Buddy by Christopher Curtis and Holes."

Question #2: What is your favorite book you've written?

" I would have to say Escape from Mr. Lemoncello's Library because more kids have read that book than any other. It's been nominated for 40 state book awards and won 20 of them. It has been on the New York Times bestseller list for 100 weeks and Nickelodeon is making it into a movie. Plus, most kids who don't like to read have read this book which is a big a accomplishment."

Question #3: Where do you write most often?

" Well, I am very lucky to have a two bedroom apartment in New York City. In one of the bedrooms I have an office. It has bulletin boards on the walls with pictures and notes I might need for my story. That is my special place but I can write just about anywhere since I travel a lot."

Question #4: What is your favorite character you've written?

"Mr. Lemoncello because he is pretty wacky he includes book tittle and/or scenes. plus, he is really funny."

Question #5: How long does it normally take you to write a book?

"I write the first draft which is never perfect. Then I write for about 2 or 3 more months. Then I work with the editor for about 3 months until I am satisfied. So about a total of 9 months."

Question #6: What do you like to do in your free time?

"I like to go running. I like to walk my dog. I also love movies. However, I am always thinking about writing. "

A big thank you to Chris Grabenstein, his publicist, and the Texas Book Fest.

Here are a few pictures of Chris and Michaela:

BOOK REVIEW & INTERVIEW: All in Pieces by Suzanne Young

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Anger-management issues.”

That’s how they classified Savannah Sutton after she stuck a pencil in her ex-boyfriend’s hand because he mocked her little brother, Evan, for being disabled. That’s why they sent her to Brooks Academy—an alternative high school that’s used as a temporary detention center.

The days at Brooks are miserable, but at home, life is far more bleak. Savvy’s struggling to take care of her brother since her mom left years ago, and her alcoholic dad can’t be bothered. Life with Evan is a constant challenge, but he’s also the most important person in the world to Savvy.

Then there’s Cameron, a new student at Brooks with issues of his own; a guy from a perfect family that Savvy thought only existed on TV. Cameron seems determined to break through every one of the walls Savvy’s built around herself, except if she lets herself trust him, it could make everything she’s worked so hard for fall apart in an instant.

And with her aunt seeking custody of her brother and her ex-boyfriend seeking revenge, Savvy’s fighting to hold all the pieces together. But she’s not sure how much tighter she can be pulled before she breaks completely.

REVIEW BY: Arianna, 13 years, 11 months

MAY CONTAIN SPOILER:

This is one of my new favorite stories.

It is heart wrenching and full of raw emotions. It made me cry and laugh yet made me want to read more.

My favorite person in this book is Savannah because she takes care of everyone first and she loves her little brother enough to let him go. She realizes that she is not what is best for him at the moment even if she doesn't want to. This shows just how much she puts other above herself.

My favorite part is when they are in a cornfield and almost get jumped. They run all the way to a gas station and a girl chasing them throws a shoe at their car window. This scene filled me with lots of laughter.

I think anyone and everyone can enjoy this touching and emotional story.

I give this book 5 stars and recommend it for ages 14 and up.

I had the privilege of interviewing Suzanne Young at the Texas Book Fest. The interview is located below.

Question #1: What was your inspiration for "All in Pieces"?

" The scenes in this book are exaggerated but these are things I dealt with growing up and personal experiences."

Question #2: What was your favorite character in your book?

" Retha was my favorite character because when I wrote her I got to pretend like I was tough and it was fun."

Question #3: What was the hardest character to write?

" Patrick was the hardest character to write because I always like to give my characters one redeeming quality but, he had none. He was just a dark and overall horrible person."

Question #4: What was the hardest part of the book to write?

" The hardest part to write was when Savannah said goodbye to her brother because it was a very depressing scene. Every time I read it, I cry. "

Question #5: Have you ever taken care of a person with special needs?

" No, I have never had that amount of responsibility and it is an extraordinary ability to be able to do that."

Question #6: Where you a wild or good child?

" I came from a low income family and everyone expected us to be trouble makers but we were not. We never intentionally made trouble it just seemed to find us."

Question #7: What do you think is the most important thing readers should take away?

" All of these experiences can beat someone down like it did to Savannah but, you have to keep getting back up. She learned to be a normal teen and find love. These experiences helped her in the end."

A big thank you to Suzanne Young, her publicist, and the Texas Book Fest.

Here are a few pictures of Suzanne, Angel, and Arianna:

BOOK REVIEW & INTERVIEW: The Distance Between Us by Reyna Grande

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When her parents make the dangerous and illegal trek across the Mexican border in pursuit of the American dream, Reyna and her siblings are forced to live with their stern grandmother, as they wait for their parents to build the foundation of a new life. 

But when things don’t go quite as planned, Reyna finds herself preparing for her own journey to “El Otro Lado” to live with the man who has haunted her imagination for years: her long-absent father. Both funny and heartbreaking, The Distance Between Us beautifully captures the struggle that Reyna and her siblings endured while trying to assimilate to a different culture, language, and family life in El Otro Lado (The Other Side).

REVIEW BY: Arianna, 13 years, 11 months

MAY CONTAIN SPOILER:

I absolutely loved this story! This true story filled me with anger, laughter, sadness, and determination.

It tells the story of a young girl and her siblings living in Mexico and immigrating to the U.S.A. They experience things no one should even have to. Yet, they survive and become stronger.

My favorite person is Reyna Grande because this book tells the story of a naive child growing up to be a capable and strong woman.

My favorite part is when Diane helps Reyna realize her potential as a writer. She is a friend and companion to Reyna during a difficult time.

I think those who enjoy emotional coming of age stories and the unexpected obstacles immigrant's face.

I give this book 5 stars and recommend it for ages 11 and up.

I had the privilege of interviewing Reyna Grande at the Texas Book Fest. The interview is located below.

Question #1: What was your inspiration for "The Distance Between Us" ?

  " I wanted people to learn more about what it is like to be a child immigrant and what they experience."

Question #2: What was your favorite person in the book?

" My older sister Mago because she took care of me while my parents where gone and we had a special bond."

Question #3: What was the hardest person to write about?

" It was my father because of his difficulties throughout life and he was dying when I was writing this book."

Question #4: What was your favorite part to write about ?

" It was probably my older sister and I because we had a special childhood bond. This book aloud us to reconnect with each other."

Question #5: What is your favorite part of being a reading rock star author?

" Interacting with young readers is special because I don't always get to."

Question #6: What was the hardest challenge you've had to face and how did it make you stronger?

"Emotionally- it was writing this book because I had to relive everything.

Physically- It was running across the U.S border.

I feel that after doing these thing I can overcome all obstacles in life."

Question #7: What was the biggest cultural difference you noticed?

"In Mexico all the children are outside and playing but here the children are put under house arrest and don't go outside. Everyone is a stranger and you don't have that sense of community or family." 

Here are pictures from my interview with Ms. Grande:

  

A big thank you to Reyna Grande and her publicist for allowing me to interview her.

BOOK REVIEW: Numbers by David A. Poulsen

 

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Andy Crockett doesn’t fit in at his new school — not with the goths, not with the jocks, and certainly not with the brains. Not even, really, with The Six, a group of misfits who hang out with each other mostly because they can’t stand hanging out with anyone else.

But maybe Andy’s luck is changing … and all because he is in Mr. Reztlaff’s grade ten social class — Mr. Retzlaff, the coolest teacher; in fact, the coolest thing about Parkerville Comprehensive. Social is awesome from day one. It’s the class that looks at World War II, Hitler, and the Holocaust. It’s the class Andy wants to ace — and make Mr. Retzlaff proud.

But eventually Andy also begins to understand that acing the class might just have a greater cost than he’s willing to pay. And when it turns out that Mr. Retzlaff might not be so cool after all, Andy is facing the most difficult decision of his life. 

REVIEW BY: Angel, 13 almost 14!

MAY CONTAIN SPOILER:

This novel was a good way to look at the world differently. This book gave me an open mind about several historical events. I have never really thought about others perspective about Jews and The Holocaust. I now see everyone has a different view.

This book was about a boy named Andy Crockett and he has an amazing teacher that can teach him every thing.

However, when Mr. R teaches about the Holocaust he starts acting weird and trying to convince the kids that this event isn't real. Andy soon learns that his teacher despises Jews.

All of Andy's friends will do anything for their new teacher even if it means burning down an old house Jews used to live in. Andy doesn't understand what is wrong with Jews and is having second thoughts about his teacher.

My favorite part is when Andy signs the petition to bring Mr. R back by writing the numbers on a Jewish lady's arm. Andy knows this is the right thing to do.

My favorite character is Patti Bailer because of her intelligence. She knows right from wrong and sticks up for herself and others.

This book was great! I learned a lot.

I give it 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 13 and up.

BOOK REVIEW: In a Glass Grimmly by Adam Gidwitz

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More Grimm tales await in the harrowing, hilarious companion to a beloved new classic

Take caution ahead—
Oversize plant life, eerie amphibious royalty, and fear-inducing creatures abound.

Lest you enter with dread.Follow Jack and Jill as they enter startling new landscapes that may (or may not) be scary, bloody, terrifying, and altogether true.

REVIEW BY: Angel, 13 years almost 14!

MAY CONTAIN SPOILER:

This book is spine chilling and and capturing all in one. It is the classic tale of Jack and Jill twisted into a dark and grimm tale. 

Even though I only read 3 chapters, it was a new world where anything can happen. 

I loved how Mr. Gidwitz engaged the audience and made it more terrifying and gruesome. He shared all the ugly facts. The author is an extraordinary story teller.

I give this book 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 13 and up.

BOOK REVIEW: Diary of a Haunting by M. Verano

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When Paige moves from LA to Idaho with her mom and little brother after her parents’ high-profile divorce, she expects to completely hate her new life, and the small town doesn’t disappoint. Worse yet, the drafty old mansion they’ve rented is infested with flies, spiders, and other pests Paige doesn’t want to think about.

She chalks it up to her rural surroundings, but it’s harder to ignore the strange things happening around the house, from one can of ravioli becoming a dozen, to unreadable words appearing in the walls. Soon Paige’s little brother begins roaming the house at all hours of the night, and there’s something not right about the downstairs neighbor, who knows a lot more than he’s letting on. 

Things only get creepier when she learns about the sinister cult that conducted experimental rituals in the house almost a hundred years earlier.
The more Paige investigates, and the deeper she digs, the clearer it all becomes: whatever is in the house, whatever is causing all the strange occurrences, has no intention of backing down without a fight.

Found in the aftermath, Diary of a Haunting collects the journal entries, letters, and photographs Paige left behind.

REVIEW BY: Angel, 13 years almost 14!

MAY CONTAIN SPOILER:

This book was pretty drawn out and it was not as interesting as I had hoped. To sum it up, it was a perfectly scary and horrifying plot but could have been paced a lot faster.

Paige has just moved to Idaho from L.A and she absolutely despises it. To make it even worse she is living in a run down house that is infected with bugs and just about any creepy-crawly. Along with the creatures she has to worry about all the mysterious happenings within the house. Her brother is wondering around the house at night plus, things keep disappearing randomly. Then she meets a strange guy downstairs and she knows something is different about this house. The question is why is everyone else hiding it?

I think most of the characters are well thought out with unique personalities. Verano did such a great job that I can't choose a favorite.

My favorite part is when Paige meets the strange guy that lives downstairs because this interaction was hilarious and made me read more.

I give this book a 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 11 and up.