Magickeepers Three: Give Away & Review

The Chalice of Immortality: Book Three
Written by Erica Kirov. http://www.magickeepers.com/
Sourcebooks Jaberwocky Publishing
This amazing and magical Magickeepers adventure series just keeps getting better! Harry Houdini, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and Amelia Earhart are just a few of my favorite historical individuals that play a part in protecting the chalice of immortality. Nick and his family continue in their quest of protecting all that is magical and keeping the relics safely out of unknowing hands. The Rostov family must combine their knowledge, power and loyalty to save Nick's father. Through stories, legends and trips, the chalice is found- how Nick will use it is the mystery all are waiting to see. If you haven't read the 1st two books in the series, here is your chance! The Eternal Hourglass and The Pyramid of Souls along with The Chalice of Immortality are available for a lucky middle school student. Send me an email or leave a comment by August 1st sharing your favorite summer book to win this magical set.

Stupid Fast is a Smart Read

                                       Stupid Fast
                                                           by Geoff Herbach
Sourcebooks Fire Publishing

The Summer I Went From a Joke to a Jock

Getting to know Felton Reinstein is easy. He is like most teen boys- easily embarrassed, often confused and curious about almost everything- especially girls. Felton's life is changing fast at the same time that he is stuck in a time warp of disturbing memories.

The chapter titles tell the story better than I can:

 2- My Body Grew Hair.

9- Things Began To Change Suddenly At The Pool
13- It Is 2:35 A. M.
20- I Really Didn't Know What To Do
25: What Seems To Be The Problem, Officer?
34- I Had To Be A Barbarian
39: Tired Barbarian
52: I Can Juggle Clean Sock Balls
62: Sweetness

Football, Friends, Family -- a fantastic book for teens moving fast or slow!

Who What Wear

Who What Wear by Olivia Bennett
The Allegra Biscotti Collection
Sourcebooks Jabberwocky Publishing

Fashion Emergency! Is there anyone out there that hasn't had one? Emma Rose secretly answers the 911 calls as a new international,in-demand fashion designer. Since the world of fashion isn't ready for a middle school designer deva, Emma must work under a false identity- Allegra. Keeping this secret from her best friend may cost her their friendship- sharing her secret could cost her the opportunity of a life time. Emma's worlds collide when she is asked to design a gown for the middle school social event of the year. Find out how Emma/ Allegra designs her new identity to fit into her wardrobe world.

How to Get a Job by ME The Boss

How To Get a Job by Me the Boss and Sally Lloyd-Jones and Sue Heap
Schwartz & Wade Books/ Random House

No matter your age or choice of occupations, getting a job can be tricky. How To get a Job by Me The Boss, shares the ins and outs of securing your first job- even if you are still in elementary school. This matter of fact narrator shares all there is to know and more on landing your perfect job. There is a list of terrific sounding  jobs: magician, doctor, teacher, mommy &/or a daddy, and even a spy. you are reminded what you should (reseme) and shouldn't (your gerbil) take to a job interview. Being on your best behavior is a must at the interview (no biting or sleeping). After getting the job, it is just a small step to becoming your own boss.

This is another great fun to read and see book in the authors' series of "How To" guides. A must for any want-a-be boss or lemonade stand owner. The pictures are bright and detailed and it is full of silliness making this book stand out as a favorite!

I Couldn't Review This Book...

The Rendering by Joel Naftali 

Egmont Publishing

"One mad scientists+ One evil mercenary vs. Two kids+ Three skunks= Nonstop Adventure"

Joel Naftali used technology and suspense to create a book that I couldn't review. 

So, why couldn't I review this book you ask?

Well...

--It wasn't because of the plot: 

It is easy to follow the suspenseful blog entries that share the past, present and future of an attempt for complete world domination
--It wasn't because of the characters:
Doug is a regular video playing teenager who finds himself with a $1000,000 reward on his head and featured on America's Most Dangerous

Jamie is the smart, rich girl that lives next door to Doug, her best friend

Scientists: good & evil combat each other and Doug and Jamie to dominate or save Earth as we know it

Three skunks that are enhanced in every way possible (picture Teenage Mutant Turtles w/ a wicked spray)

--It wasn't the setting:

A top secret "medical research" center and then "on the run" hideouts

--It wasn't the conflict:

Mad scientists using technology to have total control of everything and everyone on this planet and a team of teenagers/mammals doing everything they can to stop the take-over

It was the fact that as soon as I received this book, my students begged to read it/ they pleaded/ they whined/ they tried to bribe (chocolate) so I loaned it out before I had a chance to read it myself...

It passed from reader to reader and before I new it, I was almost the only one left that hadn't read it.

Summer vacation leaves me with less reading competition and my own stash of chocolate-time to read!

**Note to self: open book packages away from student eyes when ever possible-unless in need of chocolate

Dads, Kids and Rockets Make Great Picture Books to Share!

Father's Day is June 19th and two books that I recently shared spell

READ: Really Exciting Adventures w/Dad

Sourcebooks-Jabberwocky

Rocket Town by Bob Logan is a brilliant board book that gets you flying through the pages to see what adventures are available in Rocket Town. The boy and his dog are seen on every page in their yellow pick-up truck. Trips to the moon, rocket parks and rocket highways take them to a special place-a rocket dealership. What rocket will they choose to fly to the moon?

Rocket Town is a fun read with a lot of fun details to share and talk about.

My Dad , My Hero

Growing up in a family with a Superhero Dad would be very interesting. But sadly, this little boy's dad isn't a superhero. He can't fly, he doesn't have super strength and he doesn't have a force field. But... the things that Dad can do are amazing. he spends a lot of time with his son- something that every dad can do-even without a cape! Ethan Long sums it up when he wrote: " My dad is NOT a superhero...but he is SUPER GOOD at being a dad."

Here is to a Happy Father's Day to all of our Super Dads!

The Archer Legancy

The Billionaire’s Curse by Richard Newsome   Published by Walden Pond Press 

I was lucky enough to be able to read book one and two in this amazing adventure written by Richard Newsome. The Billionaire's Curse begins the action packed journey of Gerald, an average 13 year old- that is until he became the richest individual in the world. His great-aunt didn't just leave him over 20 billion British pounds though, she left him a mystery to solve: her murder. Gerald found it hard to adjust to this amazing inheritance, but found some true friends that helped him follow the clues and help him out of many tight spots. Mystery, money, mayhem- make room for some great reading!

 

Trailer to The Billionaire's Curse

The Emerald Casket

Book Two

Gerald, Sam and Ruby didn't have time to enjoy the luxury that Gerald's inheritance of billions presented him in book one- The Billionaire's Curse. Finding the murderer of his aunt had been an adventure none of them wanted to repeat! When they were invited to India to share some down time with Alisha and her father as thanks for rescuing their diamond,
the clues to yet another casket and mystery appear. This adventure takes you through a tour of India like you could only have nightmares about!

Did I say there is a third casket that is calling Gerald's name?  I can't wait to read Book three!