Well, it's the end of an era.

There are certain series you just can't stand to see end (Deathly Hollows, anyone?). For me, Ally Carter's Gallagher Girls is most definitely one of them. I could always count on those Gallagher Girls for a fun adventure. But sadly, it's all over.

Author Ally Carter concludes her series in the best way possible. UNITED WE SPY (Disney-Hyperion, Sept 2013) ties up loose ends while ratcheting up the action to 007 levels. Now that Cammie has escaped from the Circle of Cavan, it looks like she's going to have to track them down to stop them from carrying out a cataclysmic plan. Finding all the hidden members before Zach's mother murders them will be no easy feat, especially when Cammie's entire family, all her friends, and her school are in danger.

Hey, isn't senior year supposed to be all about relaxing and waiting for graduation? Not when you go to the Gallagher Academy.

There are twists. There are reveals. There is non-stop action and moments that will make any GG fan a bit teary eyed. Turning that last page is tough, but satisfying.

And luckily, Carter's HEIST SOCIETY series is just as good. And with the EMBASSY ROW to look forward to, it may be the end of the GG books, but there's no doubt Ally Carter will just find new ways to entertain us.

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** Thanks to Razorbill and Wunderkind PR for the Advanced Reader copy of THE CREATURE DEPARTMENT! **

Elliot and Leslie are obsessed with the slick and beautiful headquarters of the world's 8th largest electronics company, DENKi-3000 — it is the only interesting thing about their little town of Bickleburgh. The products produced there, like Wireless Breath Mints and the Fright Bulb, are amazing. But when the kids are invited by Elliot's Uncle Archie to tour the Research & Development Department, they discover the secret to the company's success.

THE CREATURE DEPARTMENT (Razorbill, Nov. 5th 2013) uncovers the creative and unexpected DENKi-3000 inventors kept behind closed doors (unknown even to the company's stockholders). They are creatures in the truest sense of the word -- some ugly, some beautiful, some tiny, some huge. The kids, of course, are thrilled.

But there's a problem. The company needs to produce another outstanding invention to keep from being shut down, and when Uncle Archie disappears the children are the only ones who can help the creatures come up with something that fits the bill. Plus they seem to have a talent for creature science and selecting the right intangible essence -- the power behind the inventions.

It's a race against time to come up with a new product and to find out what happened to Uncle Archie -- who must have wanted them to know about The Creature Department for a reason. Maybe the kids are destined to save DENKi-3000. But they'll have to tap into their inner-creature to do it.

Weston has created a wonderfully imaginative tale, depicted in wild and rambunctious illustrations by Zack Lydon of Framestore -- famous for its visual effects in films such as Harry Potter, Gravity and IronMan 3. The story clips along nicely, keeping younger readers engaged with silly banter and creature names that seem like they were thought up by a 3rd grader. Kids will love the assortment of inventions and recipes for creating them -- and may be inspired to dream up a few of their own.

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"Set over the course of one school year in 1986, Eleanor & Park is the story of two star-crossed misfits – smart enough to know that first love almost never lasts, but brave and desperate enough to try. When Eleanor meets Park, you’ll remember your own first love – and just how hard it pulled you under."

This is the description of ELEANOR & PARK (St. Martin's Griffin, 2013) from the author's website. This is the first book I've read by Rainbow Rowell and it has left me desperately, utterly, in love with this author. I will now inhale every word she puts to paper. Done. Game over.

I just had a feeling, both when I heard the buzz about the book and when I heard the uproar of thousands of reader's voices raised in protest when the author was "disinvited" from a school visit. I guess some parents were upset that there were cuss words (220 of 'em). Well, yes, there are cuss words. More than a few F-bombs, actually. But honestly, if this is what you're going to get hung up on, then you've totally missed the point. This story is so amazingly authentic, it would be less so without the language. Kids talk this way — kids from good homes, kids from broken and abusive homes — and if you think they don't, I'm sorry but you're in denial.

So once you get over the fact that there's swearing (and please, get over it because if you don't you'll miss out) you'll see what ELEANOR & PARK is all about. It's a story about first love between two 16-year-old misfits. One that completely captures the intensity and joy of discovering what it's like to share your heart with someone. For Eleanor, it opens a door to a whole new existence. For Park, it becomes the catalyst for growing up.  

Thrown together as bus-mates, the two find common ground over music and comics. Rowell gives us the story from both Eleanor and Park's perspectives, perfectly capturing the easy misunderstandings and slow realization of feelings. In fact, this is done so masterfully, it's like you're right in it with them, not just watching it unfold.

Difficult, painful moments, especially in Eleanor's story, drag you deeper. Like Park, you just want to save her from awfulness that's no fault of her own. Rowell doesn't give in to the temptation, however, but gives Eleanor a quiet strength that offsets her intense vulnerability. 

Park falls for Eleanor (at first) despite her odd appearance and then because of it. His protectiveness is so endearing, you can't help but love him just for standing up for her. We love Eleanor as he does, for who she really is, not for the kind of life she's been forced to lead. And in the end, when all he wants is to save her, we are right there with him. These are the kinds of characters who stay with you long after the story is finished. 

I adored the 1985 Omaha, Nebraska setting, which Rowell captures in astounding clarity. From the record stores to the waterbeds to the hairstyles and clothes -- and the MUSIC! The Smiths. Elvis Costello. The Cure. I found myself wishing teen readers could experience the same nostalgia I was, but given the book's success, apparently that layer wasn't necessary for adoration. But it's icing of the most delicious kind. 

My only negative came at the end -- mainly because I didn't want it to end but also because there was more of their story we don't get. Will there be a follow up to E&P? We can only hope.

E&P joins the company of books I believe EVERY teen should read. This is a rather lengthy list that includes 13 REASONS WHY by Jay Asher, WINTERGIRLS by Laurie Halse Anderson, THE FAULT IN OUR STARS by John Green, STORY OF A GIRL by Sara Zarr, and EVERYDAY by David Levithan, just to name a few. These books truly speak to today's kids, reaching them in ways books that continue to populate high school reading curriculums simply can't.

The Kirkus starred review for E&P recommends it for readers 14 - 18, which I'd agree with -- it's definitely a high school story. Her recent release FANGIRL will absolutely skip ahead to the top of my to-be-read list. With another book LANDLINE coming out next year, we have a lot of Rainbow Rowell to look forward to -- something that makes this reader blissfully happy.

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When the tragic accident occurs at the beginning of Gayle Forman's IF I STAY (Dutton, 2009) we've only had a few pages to get to know the family involved. This is a good thing, because the car wreck is just awful, instantly killing high school senior Mia's parents. The scene is quite difficult to read as it is and if I already loved these characters (something I do by the end), I honestly don't know if I could have stood it.

Mia stands amidst the wreckage, thinking she must have been thrown clear somehow -- until she finds her broken body. She's not dead, but she's badly hurt and in a coma. Mia spends the rest of the book watching her family and friends deal with the aftermath and reliving memories that create an increasingly vibrant picture of them and the family she's lost. Mia ultimately realizes it's up to her to decide whether she goes on to whatever's next or stays to live a life filled with potential.

Based on a personal tragedy, Gayle Forman deftly paints layer upon layer of emotion with each flashback, revealing how life experiences (no matter how insignificant they may seem at the time) are as much a part of who we are as is our DNA. From Mia's relationship with her boyfriend to her  punk-rock loving parents, to her talent as a cellist, to her grandmother's belief that dead friends and family visit as animal spirits -- these are the kinds of things that weave together to form a tether connecting Mia to the living world. But does she have the strength to go on without the people she loves most? Wouldn't it be easier just to let go? What will happen if she stays?

The first book in a duology that continues with WHERE SHE WENT, IF I STAY is a poignant, emotional read that alternately makes you smile and cry, and hold your loved ones a little tighter ... a little longer. Highly recommended.

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SCARLET (Feiwel & Friends, 2013) picks up where CINDER left off, with the cyborg mechanic trying to escape from both prison and the evil Lunar queen Levana. But now Meyers stirs in the story of Scarlet Benoit as she tries to track down her missing grandmother half a world a way. Does the handsome street fighter Wolf know more than he's letting on, or just he just want to help? And what is the connection between Scarlet and the lost princess Selene?

This second installment of THE LUNAR CHRONICLES adds Little Red Riding Hood, her grandmother and the big bad (or is he good?) wolf to the mix. The fairy tale element to these stories is purely a foundation, using the characters as a launch pad while avoiding cliches. Meyer's Sci/Fi dystopian world is dark and well-painted, but remains on Earth -- I keep hoping at some point the story will take us to the moon colony. (CRESS comes out in February, so we shall see...)

These are not typical fairy tale girls -- Cinder and Scarlet take charge and don't wait around for handsome princes to save them -- in fact, Prince Kai might need saving himself. New boys Wolf and Thorn add even more fun and tension as Levana's secrets begin to emerge.

The second book is always tough -- but Meyer shows her first was not a fluke. These are stories ripe for the big screen, with a unique familiarity that makes them a blast to read.

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Last week was Banned Books Week. JUMPING OFF SWINGS (Candlewick, 2009) by Jo Knowles has been on my TBR list for a while, so during a time designated to celebrate the books some people try to keep away from readers (while raising awareness about why this is wrong), I thought it would be appropriate for this post. Primarily because the subject matter is ripe for targeting by book banners/challengers. (That said, I did not find anything online to support that it was banned or challenged... )

Yes, it's about teenage pregnancy. Yes, Josh loses his virginity with Ellie (known at school as the easy girl) who then slinks away to boast and brag to his friends. Yes, there is a trip to an abortion clinic. Yes, it is filled with things that make book banners' teeth curl and fret that teenagers will run right out and have irresponsible sex after reading it.

But books don't make kids have sex any more than watching Miley Cyrus swinging nekkid on a wrecking ball.

Like that image, I would even go so far to say that JUMPING OFF SWINGS is more likely to prevent teenage sex.

This is a story about four teenagers (told from four points of view). On the verge of adulthood, they are forced to deal with some pretty adult consequences resulting from one decision. This is a story of how easily things can change if you don't take serious stuff seriously enough.

Knowles handles this with honest realism, no preachiness, setting the consequences out in plain sight where they have to be addressed -- from the social excommunication to their parents' reactions to the impact on more than their futures, to their sense of self. These are the kind of consequences that go beyond the actual pregnancy to the things kids don't think about when they decide it's time to "go all the way."


It's difficult to talk about JUMPING OFF SWINGS without giving too much away -- Knowles says it was inspired by a girl from her own high school who went through a pregnancy, whom she spoke with later and noticed her hollowness -- something the author wanted to explore. The result is a story that hits the mark, will inspire both tears and laughter, as well as sympathy and resolve, and should leave teen readers with a sense of caution, not abandon.

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So you're done with vampire books. They've sucked you dry (okay, sorry, couldn't resist). From vampire love triangles to vampire schools to vampire detectives ... it's been done to death, right?

Oh no. No no no no, because, see, that was before THE COLDEST GIRL IN COLDTOWN (Little Brown, Sept 2013) by Holly Black.

This is dystopian vampire, a surprisingly skimpy sub genre, but it's a HOLLY BLACK DYSTOPIAN VAMPIRE, so, that kind of takes it to another level. Black's characters are always likable but dangerous, splashed here and there with punk influences that give them, and the story, a raw edge. Here, as with her Modern Faerie Tale series (TITHE, VALIANT, IRONSIDE) and Curse Workers series (WHITE CAT, RED GLOVE, BLACK HEART), the world is a strange, dark place populated with teenagers who push the limits and end up finding trouble.

Tana has grown up knowing that vampires are real, and were all along. They just fooled us into thinking they were legend, and were really good at hiding. Until one vampire decides it would be a lot more fun if hiding weren't the rule. Now the world has gone "cold," over-run with generations of vampire prodigy. The governmental solution: Coldtowns. Set up in the larger metropolitan areas where vampirism runs most rampant, these quarantined cities are ruled from the inside by vampires and pilgrimaged to by those obsessed with them, or looking to become one of them.

But this mecca doesn't always provide immortality, as many end up serving as human drinking fountains, carefully spigotted as to not pass on the vampire infection. After all, once infected, a human must either fight off the "cold," resisting the craving for human blood (a process that takes 88 days) or succumb to their thirst and become one of the undead. This is what happened to Tana's mother, attacked by a rogue vampire (of which there are many) and locked in the basement by her husband to wait out the infection. When the 6-year-old Tana could not resist visiting her mother, her father had to take extreme measures to save his daughter from her own mother's fangs.

Living with this past isn't easy, especially since, now a senior in high school, Tana has taken on the caregiver role for her little sister, Pearl. Their father continues to withdraw, unable to deal with the loss of his wife a decade before.

Then Tana wakes the morning after a Sundown Party (basically a house party/lock in to avoid those rogue vampires mentioned previously) and finds the entire party slaughtered by vampires. In one room, she finds the lone survivors -- her ex-boyfriend Aidan, who is infected and turning cold, and a chained-up vampire named Gavriel who seems to be an enemy of the rogue vampire party poopers. Saving them both sets Tana on a journey to Coldtown, and deep into the heart of the vampire underworld where more than her mortality may be at risk.

The audiobook is gloriously produced with amazing sound design by Hachette Audio, and read by Christine Lakin, however I wish I'd gone ahead and bought the hardcover because I'm still that kind of reader.

Based on her own short story, Holly Black makes you forget every other vampire book (Edward who?), building romantic suspense in a setting all at once familiar and original. For readers grade 9 and up, it's about as un-put-downable, or un-turn-offable, as they come. Is it the beginning of her next series? Holly Black fans (of which you will be if you weren't already) can only hope.

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Maybe it was because I myself took 14 years of piano lessons (from the time I was 4 until my senior year of high school including dozens of competitions). Maybe it was the divorce subplot. Maybe it was the inappropriate crush on an older guy. Whatever the reason, my 16-year-old self (from just a tad more than 16 years ago) totally connected with this book in a way that made my stomach as steely as if I was re-reading one of my high school journals.

Don't get me wrong, I was nowhere near as an accomplished pianist as Sara Zarr's Lucy in THE LUCY VARIATIONS (Little Brown, May 2013) -- she's spectacularly talented. In classical circles, Lucy is considered a wonder, winning competitions left and right, until she suddenly decides to quit. Like, right before she's supposed to walk on stage at the prestigious Prague competition.

This doesn't go over very well with her control-freak grandfather, who has orchestrated her career from the beginning. But Lucy has a good reason for walking away -- she's tired of playing only for other people, tired of putting the piano before life itself.

Now she's learning to live in the shadow of her little brother Gustav, her grandfather's next-in-line for prodigious greatness. But when Gustav's teacher dies in the middle of a lesson (what a first chapter, btw), the new teacher, Will, might be just what Lucy needs to rediscover her love of music ... and to discover who she really is in the process.

You don't have to be a classical music fan to love THE LUCY VARIATIONS but, if you aren't, listening to the mentioned pieces as your accompanying playlist just might convert you. At least create a Vivaldi station on Pandora as a reading soundtrack. Seriously, kids, there's a reason this music has been around for so many years. I promise you, 100 years from now, Beethovan will still be around. JayZ? The Biebs? I doubt it. (I apologize if I offend.)

But I digress.

Zarr sketches the 16-year-old Lucy with sure, solid strokes -- her struggle to fit in at high school after being home schooled for so many years, to be a good friend after being raised in a world that revolved around her, and to allow herself to figure out how she truly feels about music, and whether that emotion can co-exist with how she feels about the beauty of the world away from the keyboard.

The subplots around friend Reyna's father's infidelity and the married Will's borderline-oogie attraction to Lucy (or is it to her talent?) round out the story and keep it rolling along. There are moments of gentle grace in these pages (a conversation between Lucy and the family's chef Martin, or her French father's drunken Thanksgiving confession stand out).

For me, THE LUCY VARIATIONS stirred up nostalgia and jealousy (I always wanted to be that good). This is a special book. Although I doubt it was the intention, I can see it as one of those books that expands viewpoints and changes minds -- in this case, convincing teens that liking Vivaldi and Brahams can be cool, too.

For 7th grade and up. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.

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High school -- definitely the time and place to be obsessed with what every one else thinks about you -- and to do whatever's necessary in order to be accepted by the most popular group. Right? Not so much. At least, not when it comes to HOW NOT TO BE POPULAR by Jennifer Ziegler (Delacorte, 2008).

Maggie Dempsey's earthy-crunchy parents are to blame, of course. Some might call them "hippies." (Maggie calls them by their first names and they call her Sugar Magnolia). Her parents have moved her around the country her entire life. Not ideal for nurturing long-term relationships, this nomad lifestyle causes heartbreak for the last time when Maggie is forced to leave her Portland, Oregon boyfriend behind for the muggy heat of Austin, Texas. At least, no more heartbreak is the plan.

Deciding to do everything she can NOT to fit in at her new school, Maggie vows to bubble-wrap her heart by not making friends in the first place (especially the boy kind). Raiding the racks at her parents' thrift shop, she puts together the most horrendous outfits imaginable. She eats lunch with the social outcasts and basically acts completely opposite of how she thinks she should, positive this will have any would-be friendlies sprinting in the opposite direction. No friends = no heartbreak the next time the suitcases come out of the closet.

There's only one slight problem. Maggie's efforts are attracting the wrong kind of attention. Her classmates aren't avoiding her (okay, some of them are, but only because they're jealous that she's becoming something of a trend-setter). In fact, it seems trying NOT to be popular might just be the easiest way to rockstar popularity ever. But when hanging with the uncool kids turns into more than just a stunt to ensure complete ostracization, Maggie learns true friendship is just what she needs.

I really connected with Maggie at the midway point and totally loved her. Maybe I saw a little something of myself in her (no doubt many readers do), and have to tell you I read the last few chapters with sopping wet cheeks. Ziegler has created a story that's relatable, fun, touching and joyful -- and captures the essence of a town that treasures it's "weirdness."

Absolutely going to add her latest, SASS AND SERENDIPITY to my TBR list.

Fo 8th graders and up.

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SHADOW AND BONE (Square Fish, May 2013) is Leigh Bardugo's debut novel, and the first in her GRISHA TRILOGY.

Alina Starkov is a scrawny, plain-looking cartographer who has never been anything even close to special. Fear and war dominate her world, split by a sea of darkness called the Shadow Fold.

While her regiment attempts crossing the dangerous Fold, they are attacked by the monstrous volcra and a dormant power reveals itself to Alina, allowing her to save her best friend Mal's life. Her power is of great interest to the Darkling, the leader of the magical Grisha: those gifted with amazing powers -- everything from fashioning clothing and hair to creating weapons. What's more, it seems Alina's power is quite rare, and may be the key to destroying the Fold itself.

At court, Alina is trained to control her newfound power as one of the Grisha. While the Darkling's seductive interest in her may go beyond Alina's ability to summon light, the luxuries of the palace and her beautiful new friends blind her to the truth -- she is just a pawn in a greater game, one that could destroy her country instead of saving it.

The country of Ravka, and the vernacular Bardugo uses to bring this world to life, has a wonderfully Russian feel that evokes the intrigue of a thriller despite the fantastical setting. Bardugo's thoroughly modern voice combined with old world charm creates a unique page-turner readers 13 and up will devour. Romance, action, magic and monsters. All the ingredients of what promises to be a fantastic series. Book 2, SEIGE AND STORM came out a few weeks ago.

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If you haven't heard about the new YA sci-fi thriller from Rick Yancey (author of THE MONSTRUMOLOGIST series, among others) you soon will. There is no doubt.

Because this book is like an awesome mash up of HUNGER GAMES, Revolution, and Falling Skies. A kick-butt, sarcastic female lead, fighting to save her adorable little brother in the aftermath of an alien invasion of Earth. Seems so simple. Even the concept of various "waves" of take over are not incredibly new (from the first -- the EMP that shuts down all the lights to the floods, plague and infestation that follow). But these are just the bones of the story that Yancey's characters climb, building tension as they go until the pages turn so fast your eyeballs can't even keep up.

It reads like an action movie, so it's not surprising to note that it's already optioned for production even before its official release date.

Like HUNGER GAMES, it's gruesome, horrific and romantic in a "the world is ending so what better time to fall in love" sort of way. The hero, Callie, is one tough cookie, with mad karate skills and a tongue just as sharp. Her mother died in the plague, and keeping the rest of her family together is not promising. After being separated from her little brother, she realizes any trust she has for the surviving army base down the road might be misplaced. Somehow, she's going to get her brother back, but she has to survive the 4th wave (the Silencers) to do it.

With tightly crafted characters and a screeching plot told from multiple viewpoints, Yancey takes us on a ride through an apocalyptic wasteland that somehow seems different from every other wasteland trotted out these days. He gives us peeks into the other side, and like with a few other more adult post-apocalyptic tales, the true horror may just be ourselves. Or maybe not.

Highly buzzed, extremely anticipated, The 5TH WAVE completely lives up to expectations (and then some). If you like a good sci-fi battle-for-Earth story, I can't think of a better way to kick off your summer reading.

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1950 New Orleans, specifically the French Quarter, is a seedy place. But this is where Josie grew up -- the daughter of a prostitute. Now estranged from her self-centered, fame-seeking mother, 17 year old Josie dreams of fleeing the Big Easy and attending college in the northeast. However, when a prominent businessman is murdered, and her mother (and maybe the mob) look to be involved, Josie's plans may never come to pass.

Determined not to become a working girl like her mother, Josie still feels a strong allegiance to Willie, the brothel madam, and her Quarter "family." Their secrets are her secrets. But as the investigation into the businessman's death threatens her dreams for the future, Josie must decide how far into the Quarter's underbelly she's willing to go in order to escape.

Although the brothel setting, and all that entails, clearly makes this book for older YA readers, Sepetys handles this delicate subject with care -- raising the intensity when necessary while keeping things PG-13. There is a little too much "hookers with hearts of gold" for me, and while her goal her is not to judge, she sometimes presents the subject matter rather flippantly. This is a slice of life where prostitution is a business, plain and simple. That said, when "the business" comes a little too close to Josie, Sepetys delivers her message loud and clear. Selling yourself, whether that means your body or your principles, is never the way to go.

I'm a huge fan of Ruta Sepetys' BETWEEN SHADES OF GRAY and while I didn't feel as emotionally connected here as I did with BSOG, OUT OF THE EASY most definitely solidifies Sepetys as an outstanding author with lots to offer.

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August Pullman is the poster child for the saying "beauty is only skin deep." Born with a serious facial deformity, that even after multiple surgeries leaves him with a face he prefers to hide behind a mask, Auggie is attending school for the first time. Middle school. Talk about a double whammie.

WONDER (Knopf, Feb 2012) is an ugly duckling/coming of age story that might seem cliche on the surface but RJ Palacio delivers Auggie's story in a way that gives you a 360 degree perspective of what it means to stand out.

Told by multiple characters playing roles large and small in Auggie's life, WONDER unveils how ordinary a boy Auggie is behind his face. He loves Star Wars and Legos. He is a good student, but likes to have fun and joke around. As his classmates discover Auggie's reality, and learn to put their initial judgements aside, Auggie learns a few things as well -- about his own inner beauty.

On many "best book" lists for 2012, this is a must-read that will pull you in from the first chapter, furiously plucking heartstrings yet still inspiring smiles. Teetering on preachy in moments, Palacio avoids those pitfalls while still delivering a powerful message of kindness, acceptance and friendship.

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This was a total find. Thank you Kindle Sale for leading me to this book -- I completely enjoyed it.

ANGELFALL (Penryn and the End of Days Book 1) by Susan Ee (AMAZON CHILDREN'S PUBLISHING, 2012) is the kind of book they would promote as "for fans of The Hunger Games, Twilight and Shiver and Matched...." and about a hundred other totally great YA books that throw star-crossed teenagers together; couples who shouldn't fit but do, despite all the odds.

Here, we have Raffe and Penryn -- he an avenging angel to her angelic apocalypse survivor. Set in Silicon Valley, ANGELFALL follows the journey of Penryn as she tries to rescue her wheelchair-bound little sister, Paige with assistance from the de-winged angel cast aside by the band of angels who kidnapped Paige in the first place. He is the only one who can lead her to the angel headquarters, so Penryn has to stick with him. It doesn't hurt that he's fantastically gorgeous and seems to have an affinity for saving her life. Repeatedly.

And then there's Penryn's paranoid schizophrenic mother, who might or might not be following them. Penryn doesn't have time to worry about her, though, because who knows what those winged fiends want with her paralyzed sister and there's the whole end of the world thing to deal with and all.

Hooked by the premise, I read the first chapter thinking, well, if it's a bust it was only $3.

Hear me now: TOTALLY WORTH FULL PRICE. It was the first book in a long while that I found myself really jonesing to get back to. LOVED it. Amazon, please please please send me an ARC of book 2 (due out this fall). I really can NOT wait.

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With today's casting news of Shailene Woodley as Hazel Grace in the movie adaptation of John Green's THE FAULT IN OUR STARS, it's about time I caught up on my reviews and wrote this one.

I finished this book over a month ago, and I have so struggled with how to write about it that I swear I just avoided it altogether. This story of Hazel Grace and Gus, two kids who have cancer who meet at a cancer support group, sounds like it's going to be one of those wrenching, rip your heart out books, and, well, it is, but it is so much more.

SO. Much. More.

I could go into the statements Green makes about life and how you live it, about parents and children, about children and parents, about boyfriends and best friends and people who you don't even know who still, somehow, make a staggering impact.

I could say this is a story that's deep without being preachy. Emotional without being maudlin. A story that's funny and poignant and touching and horrendous and REAL. But it's that last one that stood out to me and I think that's what I'll focus on: How REAL this story felt.

For those readers who have experienced cancer, I would guess they would feel the same. Green clearly gets it. I would think for "cancer kids," they would appreciate a story that truly represents the experience. On the flip side, many readers won't know what it's like to have cancer. And at first, they will probably see this as a blessing. And then they will forget all about that because they will be so swept up in Hazel Grace and Gus's story.

Augustus Waters -- the 17 year old former high school basketball star who lost his leg to cancer and who loses his heart to Hazel Grace -- 16 year old with stage 4 thyroid cancer and a miraculous experimental drug that has extended her life (but who knows for how long). Hazel Grace doesn't want to be the girlfriend who dies and leaves Gus behind and broken hearted (again), but she can't help but fall for his charming and adorable ways.

On the surface, this seems like a basic girl with cancer meets boy with cancer story. But between the pages you soon realize it's actually about what's beneath the surface -- and I don't mean the cancer. It's about falling in love by falling in love over the same book. It's about putting someone else first. It's about young love without a chance for a future and why that isn't any different that a first love most grown ups brush off as not being REAL. "When you're older, you'll understand what REAL love is."

For Hazel Grace and Gus, REAL is about now. REAL hurts and REAL is boring and REAL is heart-stoppingly amazing. All at once.

Through their pain and their laughter and their love, these kids show us that, sometimes, it's a short window of opportunity that makes something even more REAL than if life wasn't finite and the possibilities were endless.

Don't think you're going to walk away from this book without shedding some real tears, either. They just might sneak up on you.

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What created the man who created the ultimate monster? Kenneth Oppell explores this question in THIS DARK ENDEAVOR (Brilliance Audio, 2011) which takes place in the early years before the Mary Shelley classic.

Victor and his brother Konrad are more than identical twins, they are kindred souls. Sure, they disagree a lot, have very different personalities, and are driven towards exceedingly different lives, but despite all that, Victor sees Konrad as irrevocably connected to him.

So when Konrad falls ill with a mysterious disease, Victor steals into the forbidden dark library in search of the Elixir of Life, a potion he is sure will save his brother's life. With best friend Henry and live-in distant cousin Elizabeth by his side, Victor begins a dangerous quest to obtain the elements necessary to create the elixir.

But can he trust the wheelchair-bound alchemist, the only known person to have previously created the potion? And what about his growing feelings for the beautiful and daring Elizabeth -- feelings he knows his brother shares?

Kenneth Oppell (known for his Silverwing series) creates a viscerally gothic thriller, mingling magic and science ... and the expanse between. You don't have to be a fan of Mary Shelley to enjoy this intriguing look into the backstory surrounding her flawed hero's dangerous obsession. And we know exactly where it leads.

If you like THIS DARK ENDEAVOR, be sure to pick up the second book in the series, SUCH WICKED INTENT (Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, August, 2012).

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I've long wanted to read one of Cassandra Clare's well-touted books, and have had City of Glass (Mortal Instruments) in my TBR (to-be-read) stack for WAY too long. But when a friend gifted me with a copy of CLOCKWORK ANGEL (Margaret K. McElderry Books, 2011), the prequel series to Mortal Instruments, I figured the beginning was a good place to start.

Plus, I love Victorian London. Okay, I pretty much love London, period.

16-year-old Tess Gray sails to London after her aunt dies, on the ticket of her older wayward brother. But he's missing when she arrives. Instead, she's kidnapped by two odd, old, and probably magical women who tell her she's not human. She's a shapeshifter (and probably a warlock) and can change her look to resemble other people. This particular talent is quite desired by a powerful Magister. Before he can get his hands on her, however, Tess is rescued by Will.

Will is a Nephilim, one of a group of Shadowhunters who are charged with keeping the Laws between good and evil. They take Tessa in, unsure of whether she is a warlock, and one of the Downworlders (vampires, werewolves, demons and the like) or if her arrival is an omen of sorts. The Magister's interest in her is intriguing, and their discovery of strange, clockwork people (much like the clockwork angel pendant dangling from  Tessa's neck) makes the Shadowhunters wonder if the threat is greater than imagined.

Steampunk and supernatural, cleverly dark and sparking with wit, CLOCKWORK ANGEL is a swirling adventure through a dark underworld. Will's infuriating charm, mixed with the host of likable Shadowhunters (all except the snooty and beautiful Jessamine), draw Tessa and the reader along on a wild ride through a side of London most never see. Definitely hooked me on the series and I'm looking forward to the next two Infernal Devices books (CLOCKWORK PRINCE and CLOCKWORK PRINCESS -- coming out March 19), and diving into the Mortal Instruments books as well.

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From You Tube sensation to Ellen Show regulars ... and now their own picture book. Yes, the tutu-clad British cousins known as Sophia Grace and Rosie have most definitely arrived. How long will their 15 minutes last? Who knows, but regardless, many Ellen regulars will be purchasing this cute PB for the little girls in their lives.

Sweetly illustrated by Shelagh McNicholas, TEA TIME WITH SOPHIA GRACE AND ROSIE (Scholastic, Feb 2013) tells the story of the girls' plan to host a tea party, but each want to invite the person they love most in the world... and craft invitations, decorate and plan a menu ... slipping a surprise invitation under each other's pillow the night before the party.

Princess-wanna-be's who love watching these girls sing and prance online or on the Ellen Show will be just as charmed by this book as they are by the girls' rendition of Super Bass.


In Arthur A. Levine's latest, the mystery of the tooth fairy is presented from the point of view of a curious little bear named Zach. With illustrations by Sarah S. Brannen, THE VERY BEARY TOOTH FAIRY (Scholastic, Feb 2013) touches on the scary part of the Tooth Fairy and what exactly that means. As a bear, Zach has been taught to stay away from people, but when he overhears a child at a campsite talking about the Tooth Fairy and his loose tooth, Zach wonders if that means a human tooth fairy will come to visit when his own loose tooth falls out.

A bit freaked out by this, he asks his friends, his mother, and his sister, but no one seems to help. Later, he tucks his tooth under his pillow and is surprised to find a very special visitor who comes to allay his fears.

It's a sweet book, and I love that it addresses the fears of special, secret visitors like the Tooth Fairy, Santa and the Easter bunny -- which have exciting elements of both fear and fun in them. This is a nice way of showing that even brave bears can get scared sometimes, and that family is always there to make things better.

*Both books were generously given as review copy ARCS -- and are much appreciated early reads!

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Every teenage girl wants a boyfriend who is an angel. But Nora's new lab partner, Patch, seems anything but. She's drawn to his bad-boy persona, but can't help but question what exactly he's up to.

HUSH, HUSH by Becca Fitzpatrick (Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, 2009) is one of a bevy of angelic YA books that enjoyed success partially carved out of the Twilight Saga popularity (as in girl meets boy, boy isn't human, girl falls for him anyway).

That's not to say that many of these books are entertaining reads, and I found HUSH, HUSH that.

Fitzpatrick creates interesting characters in her Maine high school students, especially Nora who lives with her widowed mother in an old farm house out in the sticks -- an eerie setting that makes spring-time Maine seem more like autumn.


Nora's bestie Vee tries to corrupt her straight-A-earning BFF but the mysterious Patch may have better luck. Sure, he's dark, gorgeous and silent and... did I mention mysterious? Yep, he's about as typical a teenage love interest as you can get, (and all the descriptions of his flat abs and smoldering charcoal eyes were a bit much at times.)

What really hooks the reader about Patch, however, isn't the author's physical description of him but how she paints him in such a confusing way through the first two-thirds of the book. Like Nora, you sense an attractiveness about him, but you really wonder if he's the good guy or not. Other bad guys show up in Nora's life, but despite the fact that he's obviously on the cover of the book, and clearly the one you're SUPPOSED to want Nora to end up with, there are moments when you're just not sure.

Nora can't get Patch out of her head, literally, like she swears he's speaking to her telepathically. Then when crazy things start happening, but later seemingly didn't actually happen, Nora wonders if she's losing it. Are she and Vee really in danger? What's the story with the new guys from the private school who seem so polite and perfect at first? Who is the guy in the ski mask who keeps showing up to torment Nora -- is he real or a part of her mind still reeling from the violent, random death of her father?

The first book of the series, this sets things up nicely and definitely made me want to find out what happens with Nora and Patch after HUSH, HUSH ends.

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Ellie James, author of the Midnight Dragonfly Series

Researchin’ The Big Easy 

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If you follow this blog at all, you know that I'm a big fan of the paranormal. What you may not know is that I'm also really into the mysticalness of New Orleans. I even once took a trip there for Halloween, and went on a (sadly) unsuccessful ghost hunting tour.

So Ellie James' MIDNIGHT DRAGONFLY trilogy (Griffin Teen) has always hooked me in that department -- a creepy, mystical paranormal mystery set in New Orleans. And with her final installment, James does not disappoint.

SPOILERS SPOILERS SPOILERS from here on out. 
You've been warned.

At the end of BROKEN ILLUSIONS, Trinity was dealing with a lot of stuff. Her boyfriend Chase had died, killed by her aunt's boyfriend (a cop she thought she could trust). Her emotions were all over the place when it came to Dylan, who continued to show up just when she needed him most. Trinity always struggled with the whole Dylan thing -- fighting the connection they had -- but now her grief over Chase makes things all the more confusing.

Her aunt is not coping with all that's happened either, going from sullen silence to redecorating on a whim to over-the-top cheerfulness.

So when Trinity gets a chance to use her visions to (possibly) help someone, she kind of jumps at the diversion. Unfortunately, the object of her assistance may be mixed up in some bad stuff, and, well, Trinity kind of has a reputation for KNOWING things. People doing bad stuff are not keen on having someone like her poking around.

And, then there's Dylan.

We finally find out why these two have such a strong connection, and James gives us more about Trinity's past, wrapping up the story while keeping the pages turning at a furious pace. Expect some late nights with this one. Some unanswered questions linger, but that's okay, because what is New Orleans without a little mystery? I've enjoyed traipsing around NOLA with Trinity and her friends, and look forward to seeing what's next from James.

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New takes on classic fairy tales continues to trend, and Adam Gidwitz pulls no punches for the sake of a young reader in this grisly tale that more than lives up to its name.

A TALE DARK & GRIMM (Dutton Juvenile, 2010) expands on the stories originally penned by the Brothers Grimm, weaving them together in his version of Hansel and Gretel. The reader is fairly warned about the terribleness of what's coming around the next page turn, and I will emphasize that the narrator is not just saying that in a Lemony Snicket kind of way. Timid readers may be disturbed by the gruesome details, but those kids straddling the line between middle grade and YA, and who like a creepy tale, will love how dark and grim this tale gets.

Like the warnings, the entire story is wrapped in a snarky smile which dilutes the horror somewhat. But the threat of being eaten by a witch was far from the only trauma for Hansel and Gretel on their breadcrumb-free trail to a happy ending.

As re-tellings go, this is most clever as Gidwitz draws connections between our familiar heroes and other not-so-familiar Grimm characters, all the while staying (mostly) true to the Brothers' stories.

The companion book recently hit the shelves (IN A GLASS GRIMMLY) skipping ahead sixty years to tell about the grandchildren of Hansel and Gretel, who happen to be ... yep, you guessed it ... Jack and Jill. Look for my review in the coming weeks.

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Have you LIKED Cool Kids Read on Facebook? Right now, one random Cool Kid who leaves a comment on the Rain & Fire contest post will win a brand new hardcover of the LAST DRAGON CHRONICLES series companion book RAIN & FIRE by Joy and Chris d'Lacey (thank you Scholastic!)

All you have to do is LIKE the page and tell me which book you read over the summer that was your absolute favorite. I'll private message the winner for shipping information. Contest ends at midnight tomorrow night (Monday, October 8). Good luck!

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In BROKEN ILLUSIONS (2012, St. Martin's Griffin), book 2 in the Midnight Dragonfly novels, Ellie James has our girl Trinity back in the thick of things.

Picking up where SHATTERED DREAMS left off, Trinity is beyond being the new kid with the weird psychic powers. The prank that resulted in the kidnapping of a classmate is behind her. Her romance with that classmates' ex seems to be blossoming. Things are finally getting settled down when a friend suggests they play with a Ouija Board.

Oh, you know that's going to lead to no good.

It's nearly Mardi Gras in New Orleans, and when the Ouija experience turns creepy, Trinity wishes she'd followed her instincts. Now her dreams are back, another girl is missing, and it seems as if the kidnapper isn't dead after all.

Trinity is pulled between her feelings for Chase and her feelings for the mysterious Dylan, and compelled to find the missing girl — even though someone seems hell bent on keeping that from happening and people around her are getting hurt. Could her dreams be trying to tell her something more than where the kidnapper has hidden his latest victim?

James keeps her stories cranking along, mixing in tension, romance and deep thoughts about the paranormal. I think I liked this one even better than SHATTERED DREAMS and by half-way through was having an extremely difficult time putting it down. By the end, the twists and surprises had me completely hooked on this series.

Luckily, we don't have long to wait for the conclusion. FRAGILE DARKNESS comes out the end of November.

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