9/30/11
9/28/11
9/27/11
9/26/11
9/23/11
Series: Ulysses Moore - Author: Pierdomenico Baccalario - Ages 9+
About the Series
Okay, I've got some good news and some bad news about this series. If you like the books, the good news is there are 12 books in the series so far and there might be more coming. The bad news is that you need to
9/22/11
9/21/11
9/20/11
9/19/11
Series: Quantum Prophecy - Author: Michael Carroll - Ages 11+
The Awakening
Book 1
Book 1
What's the Story?
It has been ten years since the great battle that wiped out all the superhumans. Whether they all died that day or simply lost their powers and blended back into society, only one thing is certain: They are gone. Or are they? Thirteen-year-olds Danny and Colin have recently begun changing. How can they explain Danny’s newfound ability to move at the speed of light, or Colin’s surprising strength? They can’t, but their parents—the lost generation of superhumans—can. They have been watching and waiting for these changes. So have others—and not everyone is happy about the boys’ new powers. Some will do anything to stop them.
Reviews
"This series is a fun and exciting read, especially for middle school boys. It is not too violent and the adult language is kept to a minimum. The characters are likable and act just like other teenagers. There is of course a sidelined love interest for the girl reader, but the focus in on the action." - Brighthub
"THE AWAKENING is packed with fast-paced action that reluctant readers, especially boys, will really enjoy." - Teen Book Review
"Despite the lack of action, this was a really good book. The pacing was good, the characters were excellent, and the story was very interesting. I’ll definitely be reading the rest of the series." - All By Myself
"This is a must read for anyone who's dreamed of having super-powers. If you love conspiracy theories this book abounds with them" - Books 2 Escape Reality
"A lot of superhero books have been popping up so needless to say I was a bit leery (I mean how could it be better than Chance Fortune…which totally rocked!) But I started reading it and found myself in an action-packed well developed fantasy book." - Books 4Ever
The Gathering
Book 2
Book 2
Reviews
"I cannot begin to tell you how well-written this book is. Carroll has really thought out his alternate history and how superheroes would affect it. I zoomed through this book ..." - Books 2 Escape Reality
The Reckoning
Book 3
Book 3
Reviews
"Readers should definitely check out the first two books in the series before diving into this one or they will have a tough time with knowing who is who. There is a broad cast of primary and secondary characters that allow for rich storytelling..." - Blogster
"While the plot may seem a bit overdone for some, it is the tried and true storytelling of classic superhero story. Well paced and full of excitement and epic battles between super-powered teens, this third book in the series stops with a great cliffhanger and room for more books to follow." - Southbury Library
"While the names and aliases...make following the characters kind of complicated, this chapter in the saga goes far in tidying up at least a few loose ends. Of course, there is more to come, and I am sure the adventure won’t stop! " - Kiss the Book
Super Human
Book 1
(Prequel to the Quantum Prophecy Series)
Book 1
(Prequel to the Quantum Prophecy Series)
Reviews
"Super Human is the first book in a new series by the author of the Quantum Prophecy trilogy (Quantum himself even makes a cameo appearance). For continuity geeks, it’s actually a prequel to the ... [Quantum] Prophecy books". - Superhero Novels
"An excellent prequel to the Quantum Prophecy books, Super Human is a must for fans of the series or for fans of the superhero story. A good choice for middle school boys who just can’t get excited for books, this has plenty of action and fight scenes, but is really minimal on gore." - Southbury Library
"This is so definitely for those middle grade readers who have developed a taste for the go-go pace of Percy Jackson, for exciting, action-movie-esque books like the Alex Rider series and Margaret Peterson Haddix's books." - Pink Me
The Ascension
Book 2
(Prequel to the Quantum Prophecy Series)
Book 2
(Prequel to the Quantum Prophecy Series)
Reviews
"All in all readers will absolutely love The Ascension. The characters are interesting and well developed, their powers fascinating, the action non-stop, and the writing superb. This is a great read for anyone (especially preteen and teenage boys), and I can’t wait for the next in the series." - Watchamacallit Reviews
"Overall, I liked The Ascension way more than I did Super Human. Which is awesome, considering the fact that I really, really liked Super Human. Now though, I’m left wondering if Michael Carroll, the author, plans to write a third novel. I sure hope so." - Taking A Break
Stronger (not the actual cover)
Reviews
No Reviews
Got Any Extras?
Official Author's/Series site - Michael Carroll
Video
Book Trailer for Super Human -
Book 1 in the Quantum Prophecy Prequel Series
Book 1 in the Quantum Prophecy Prequel Series
Book Trailer for Ascension -
Book 2 in the Quantum Prophecy Prequel Series
Book 2 in the Quantum Prophecy Prequel Series
9/16/11
Series: The Penderwicks - Author: Jeanne Birdsall - Ages 9+
The Penderwicks
Book 1Summary - This summer the Penderwick sisters have a wonderful surprise: a holiday on the grounds of a beautiful estate called Arundel. Soon they are busy discovering the summertime magic of Arundel’s sprawling gardens, treasure-filled attic, tame rabbits, and the cook who makes the best gingerbread in Massachusetts. But the best discovery of all is Jeffrey Tifton, son of Arundel’s owner, who quickly proves to be the perfect companion for their adventures.
The icy-hearted Mrs. Tifton is not as pleased with the Penderwicks as Jeffrey is, though, and warns the new friends to stay out of trouble. Which, of course, they will—won’t they? One thing’s for sure: it will be a summer the Penderwicks will never forget.
Deliciously nostalgic and quaintly witty, this is a story as breezy and carefree as a summer day.
Reviews
"Now there's nothing in the book description that would have given me the idea that this book would have been action-packed, but for some reason I kept waiting for something really big to happen. It didn't -- it just wasn't that type of book." - Booking Mama
"The Penderwicks is charming. If you’re a fan of The Sound of Music, Pippy Longstocking, or any of Enid Blyton’s books, then this new series will seem like an old friend." - So Misguided
The Penderwicks on Gardam Street
Book 2
Book 2
Reviews
"There are books that are exciting and thrilling, holding you on the edge of your chair; there are books that make you laugh; and there are books that contain numerous twists and turns of plot, intricately setting up the conclusion. The Penderwicks on Gardam Street is not one of those books.
Then there are the books that you just smile at, content knowing the end from nearly the beginning, savoring the characters and loving the plot -- such as it is -- and patiently waiting for the characters to realize what you already know. The Penderwicks on Gardam Street is one of those books." - Book Nut
"Humorous and original, Birdsall's writing will remind adult readers of a time when children's novels coped less with edgy reality than with comfortable, solvable family conflicts. If you haven't dipped into family life with the Penderwicks yet, you're in for a satisfying read." - Bookloons
"It's full of surprises, this often laugh-out-loud book, and it feels comfortable like an old shoe" - Read Kiddo Read
The Penderwicks at Point Mouette
Book 3Reviews
"Everything you expect out of a Penderwick novel is here. It just happens to be done better by this author than any other you might name." - School Library Journal
"A couple of key plot points rely heavily on coincidence, but I found I didn't care a bit because they're such great coincidences. Which just goes to show that you can break the rules of literature with abandon as long as you can sell it!" - Book Aunt
"When I read one of the now three books in the Penderwicks series, it makes me feel like I am about ten years old and back in southern Maine, curled up reading on the attic bed in the little cottage we rented every summer. This, presumably, is exactly what Jeanne Birdsall intended." Jenny's Books
Official Author's Site - Jeanne Birdsall
Video
Jeanne Birdsall talking to a group of kids abut her books
Series: Pals in Peril - Author: M.T. Anderson - Ages 9+
About The Series
Pals in Peril are the funny, offbeat stories of three friends who find crazy adventures in the strangest places.
Lily, Katie and Jasper are best friends who live in the not so quiet community of Pelt. When they're not fighting radioactive squirrels or killer mimes, Lily, Katie and Jasper try to have some
normal everyday fun, but it isn't long before they are off on another adventure, saving the world from intelligent spiders or alien librarians or whatever else the universe throws at them.
As long as they face it together as friends, the universe doesn't have a chance.
Whales on Stilts!
Book 1
Book 1
Summary - It was just supposed to be one of those mildly boring trips to her fathers office for Career Day. At least, that was the kind of trip Lily expected, but she got a little more than she bargained for. It turns out, Lily's dad worked for Larry, an evil genius who's plan to take over the world was just about ready.
Lily told her dad and she tried to tell the authorities, but of course no one wanted to believe a kid, so she did the only other thing she could do. She asked her two best friends for help.
Under normal circumstances, three kids might have trouble defeating an evil genius but Lily's friends weren't normal. Jasper Dash was once the hero in his own series of kids adventure books and he has seen his share of evil geniuses over the years and Katie Mulligan was a heroine in a series of books written about her crazy life in Horrow Hollow, a freaky little community filled with vampire cats and flesh eating mailmen.
These three kids are now determined to to stop Larry and his stilt wearing cetaceans from destroying the human race and ruining a perfectly good summer vacation.
Reviews
"Does the plot sound outlandish? That’s only half the fun. With author asides, rambling footnotes, and inserted advertisements for the fictitious series starring Lily’s friends, this book garners loads of laughs and eye-rolls." - Lemon's Wedge
"Anderson's humor is a step beyond that of Lemony Snicket, fearlessly poking fun at the details while never discounting our heroes' courage in the face of danger. That approach makes for a novel to entertain both young readers, who may happily take it at face value, and older folks, who'll find a tasty multilayered satire which does the good deed of never talking down to its readers." - SF Site
"This is not one of those books that tries too hard to be clever. This is one of those books that just simply IS clever. The very embodiment of it." - Bright Copper Penny
"Two added bonuses; the story is peppered with interesting facts about whales and there is a hilarious discussion guide provided at the end of the book." - Story Snoops
The Clue of the Linoleum Lederhosen
Book 2
Book 2
Reviews
"Uh, yeah. I get the joke. I think I get the joke of The Clue of the Linoleum Lederhosen. Some of it was very funny. But did we have to discuss snot for so long, in so much detail?" - Semicolon
"While there are not as many jokes and outrageous author asides as in the first in the series, Whales on Stilts!, Anderson's humor still shines through, especially in the characters staying at the Moose Tongue Lodge and Resort". - Bookloons
"There are annoying characters, crazy characters, silly characters, ghostly appearances, bad jokes, and anything else you can think of, including the liberation of stuffed animal heads." - Rave Mysteries
"Before it's all over, there's a jewelry heist, stolen taxidermy, broken chairs, a cocoa splurge, uncomfortable Bavarian clothing, a near death experience involving chunky snot and numerous people will be poked with pointy antlers. This is not your mommy's Nancy Drew." - Phineas Farnum
Jasper Dash & the Flame-Pits of Delaware
Book 3
Book 3
Reviews
"...While at times I thought the descriptions of the impossibly strange indigenous creatures of Delaware went on a bit too long, and the bickering between Jasper and Katie was sometimes more dull than droll, there is plenty of goofy fun and laugh-out loud moments (the face-off between the pacifist monks and the cliche-spouting Jersey gangsters is not to be missed)" - Not Just For Kids
"Not every kid is going to get these books, but if your child has a quirky sense of humor, reads voraciously, and likes sci-fi/fantasy and adventure/suspense, give the series a try. Because where else are you going to meet the kangaroo-riding cannibals of Delaware but in Anderson's East Coast jungle?" - Book Aunt
Agent Q, or The Smell of Danger!
Book 4
Book 4
Reviews
"Agent Q, or the Smell of Danger! (I love writing out that title) gets four and a half cupcakes. These books aren’t for everyone, but they are definitely for me, and I can’t wait for the next one." - Active Voice
"It would be tempting to skip writing a review of Anderson's latest and instead fill this space with many of the endlessly delightful quotes that fill its pages. It's the kind of book that will have readers laughing like maniacs and then begging to read hilarious passages aloud to curious onlookers. But I'll resist the urge." - Kids Reads
Zombie Mommy!
Book 5
Book 5
Reviews
"Ridiculous in all the best ways." - Kirkus Reviews
"ZOMBIE MOMMY is the fifth book in M. T. Anderson's Pals in Perilseries, and probably one of the best. The focused plot helps keep the absurdity under control, resulting in just the right level of zaniness - Kids Reads
Official Illustrators Sites
Kurt Cyrus - This is the guy who does all the funny interior illustrations for Pals in Peril
Brandon Dorman - This is the guy who paints the covers for the series. Dorman also has a sketch blog where he shows you stuff he's currently working on.
Videos
9/15/11
Series: Oliver Nocturne - Author: Kevin Emerson - Ages 10+
About the Series - When Scholastic books cancelled the Oliver Nocturne series at Book 5, fans of the stories still had a lot of lingering questions about the characters. To answer those questions and to give the series a more satisfying ending, Author Kevin Emerson published a 6th book himself. Self publishing ain't cheap so Oliver Nocturne: The Triad of Finity costs more than the previous books, but it's pretty darn cool that an author would go to the trouble of publishing his own ending to a cancelled series. Good job Emerson, I hope your gamble paid off.
The Vampire's Photograph
Book 1
What's the Story?
Oliver Nocturne has a fairly typical childhood - for a vampire. But Oliver is different from those around him - his gore-loving vampire schoolmates, his loving vampire parents, and his obnoxious older brother, Bane. That's because, unbeknownst to Oliver, he's a little more human than the rest of them. When Emalie, an artistic and defiant human girl with a troubled past, unknowingly takes a picture of him, its sets them both off on a quest to uncover his true origins and the special purpose the vampire world has in store for him.Reviews
"The Vampire's Photograph is the first in a series of horror adventures for younger readers. There is blood and death -- as one would expect in a vampire story -- but it's not excessively gory or gross, although there are some characters who are decidedly creepy." - The Trades
"Escalating to a shocking and fierce ending, Oliver, still drawn to the human world, must find his purpose in the vampire world. With well-developed characters, Emerson takes us into a world of fun fantasy with a twist of reality." - Armchair Interviews
"This novel is perfect for the 9- to 12-year-old set transfixed with vampires. Oliver is a curious boy who gets himself into some tight situations. The story is fast paced and packed with lots of teen angst and rebellion. With cliffhangers and continuing mysteries, this series is sure to hook young readers." - Library Point
The Sunlight Slayings
Book 2
Book 2
Reviews
"If you enjoyed the first book, The Vampire’s Photograph, you’ll most likely be kept entertained with this second installment... There’s plenty of rodent eating, unnecessary secret keeping and a little bit more insight into Oliver’s destiny." - Demons Read Too
Blood Ties
Book 3
Book 3
Reviews
"The ending left us wanting more which is good for a book, but it just felt like more chapters were needed, not enough was accomplished." - Demons Read Too
"Emerson is excellent at exploring novel environments ...and his explanations of the physics of each including the modern travel methods of new world vampires is fascinating. In addition, the continuing ideological battle between old world and modern vampires creates a nice tension that exemplifies both generational and regional variations on the blood-sucking theme." - Vagabondia
The Demon Hunter
Book 4
Book 4
Reviews
"I cannot recommend these books highly enough. There aren’t many straight horror books out there for this younger age and while these books have plenty of the “ick” factor in them, (you do not want to know what young vampires eat) the themes of loyalty, courage, and love are prevalent throughout them. " - Youth Services Book Review
The Eternal Tomb
Book 5
Book 5
Reviews
"Readers of the series will enjoy the many twists and turns in this volume. Every chapter has a new development, many of which rock everything the reader knows about the series. This book will leave readers desperate to see what will come next." - Vagabondia
The Triad of Finity
Book 6
Book 6
Reviews
"Do you like vampires? Its got them. Do you like zombies? Got them too. Magic? Its got it. A little romance? Got that too. I read the entire series myself and loved it...head to Amazon to buy the concluding book six. Because it is not published by Scholastic, book six will need publicity to announce its presence. So spread the word and buy the book, the entire series even." - The Write Path
Official Book Series Site - Oliver Nocturne
Official Author's Site - Kevin Emerson
Series: Oggie Cooder - Author: Sarah Weeks - Ages 8+
Oggie Cooder
What's the Story?
Oggie Cooder has a talent -- he can charve better than anyone else in Truman Elementary School. (Charving, for the uninitiated, is the carving of a piece of cheese with one's teeth.) Oggie doesn't think this is anything special -- but his whole school will soon be disagreeing with him. Because after he inadvertantly charves during a nationwide hunt for unusual talents, his charving puts him on the path to fame and forture. Suddenly, he's the star of the school . . . but he's not sure that he wants to shine that way.
What's the Buzz?
"Oggie's adventure delivers a message about staying true to oneself, but the lesson is never cheesy; it is as light-hearted and tasty as Oggie's charving lessons." - Kids Reads
“Oggie Cooder successfully brings the silly, but it is not fluff. An imaginative story about friendships and the urge to be popular. Oh, and also charving American cheese slices into the shape of states." - 100 Scope Notes
"The message of being true to yourself is a good one and Oggie is a good kid and a good role model (though you know hes going to be teased about the seersucker pants and the plaid stuff he wears forever)." - YA Books Central
"This is the best book I've read so far because I think charving is so cool. I haven't tried it yet because we don't have big enough pieces of cheese in our house. Also, when we do have cheese, Mom keeps it in the fridge and it would be too cold. Some day I'm going to charve." - Parker for Dog Eared Book Blog @ National Geographic
Oggie Cooder, Party Animal
Reviews
"The author gently works through the problems encountered by Oggie and shows his strengths throughout the story resulting in his total success and acceptance in the end. I would recommend this book for this reason and also for its humor along the way." - Southwest Ohio Libraries
"The novel deals with peer pressure, cliques, and personal quirks in a way that makes everyone triumphant, especially Oggie." - Challenging the Bookworm
Official Author's Site - Sarah Weeks
9/14/11
Series: Nanny Piggins -Author: R.A. Spratt - Ages 9+
The Adventures of Nanny Piggins
What's the Story?
It all starts when Nanny Piggins (the world’s most glamorous flying pig) runs away from the circus and goes to live with the Greens as their nanny. The Green children, Derrick, Samantha and Michael, fall in love with her instantly. Who could not fall in love with a Nanny whose only job qualifications are her astonishing ability to be fired out of a cannon and her amazing ability to make chocolate cake, sometimes both at the same time?
Reviews
"Now add Nanny Piggins to the short list of funny and imaginative, subversive but gentle books about nannies and nurses, babysitters and caregivers." - Pink Me
"Nanny Piggins is a bit unlike any character I’ve come across before. She’s incredible quick witted, though quite ignorant about certain details, like homework and the ocean. She eats much and messily, but I always got the impression she was always well-dressed ... She’s a hoot. " - Outside of a Dog
"Nanny Piggins has an absolute disregard for rules and propriety, an enormous sense of adventure, many interesting talents, non-conventional ideas about nutrition, and to top it all off, her brother is a huge Russian dancing bear." - Kids Reads
Nanny Piggins and the Wicked Plan
Reviews
"It is a book about a very funny flying pig that is a nanny to ... Michael,Samantha and Derek. Nanny Piggins has a really fat brother who is a bear. He loves honey and is Russian. Join the five of them as they adventure the world and miss school (a lot). I think it is really enjoyable and funny." - Hila @ CDPS7
"It's refreshing to see a story written in a zany, fun way with almost ridiculous plots, yet most enjoyable and superbly entertaining." - Read Plus
"Nanny Piggins is a throwback to snappy satire and ricidious situations that truly push boundaires of what is wrong and ‘wrong-er’." - Free as a Word
Nanny Piggins and the Runaway Lion
Reviews
"There is no end to Nanny Piggins’ talents and acquaintances (or sisters). She champions the underdog (or bear) and relishes any opportunity to show her talents... Her antics are outrageous and beyond far-fetched, and just when you think she’s stuck in a corner, she pulls out another new trick and ta-da, she wins to eat another day." - Aussie Reviews
Nanny Piggins and the Accidental Blast-Off
Reviews
"This fourth installment in the Nanny Piggins series is full to the brim with witty humour, classic scenarios with a new twist and page-turning antics." - Kids Book Review
"The fourth novel in the series, Nanny Piggins and the Accidental Blast-Off maintains the manic pace of the previous adventures. Sarah Piggins is rather like a combination of Mary Poppins and Pippi Longstocking in her wilder moments. A pig with Attitude (and great culinary skill), Nanny Piggins will try anything at least once – including bungy jumping off the roof with the elastic from Mr Green's underpants..." - NSWAGTC
Nanny Piggins and the Rival Ringmaster
Reviews
"Spratt continues to push the boundaries of her crazy world and the satire is still razor sharp, poking fun at weddings and celebrities." - Buzzwords Magazine
Nanny Piggins and the Pursuit of Justice
Reviews
None yet, just be patient
Anything Else?
Anything Else?
Official Author's Site - R. A. Spratt
Official Illustrator's Site - Dan Satat
Here's a short blog interview @ Booktopia with Nanny Piggins author R.A. Spratt. Just like her books, It's very funny.
And now a poem
An Ode to Nanny Piggins
ahem,
R.A. Spratt she wrote a book
Satat made drawings clean
And so together, up they cooked
A nanny most porcine.
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