QBR...No Talking

Cover via Amazon

I don't mean I'm not talking or that I mean you should not talk. What I mean is this book review is about the book by Andrew Clements, No Talking.
This was a fun middle grade book that I read for my FitG list, so if you want to read the full review click here.

I might be hit and miss the next few months as I am packing up the apartment, searching for a new apartment,moving to that new apartment and homeschooling....but I'm around. Just maybe not reading as many blogs as I'd like or writing as much as I'd like at this time. Marking it up as a season of life, which will pass on and a new season will begin. Hopefully, with more writing involved. =)

Tuesday's QBR...truly a book for boys

100 Most Disgusting Things on the Planet by Anna Claybourne
I think the title pretty much sums up what the book is about. It looks at nature and "foods" that humans eat around the world.

My Take:
This book is for people who laugh at the gross and the disgusting. I imagine the boys at school will all be checking this book out. It isn't a long book, in fact it is quite thin. I couldn't read it in large chunks though, because of the details. But, I did find it very interesting and I learned a few things from the "Top Tips" bar on each item.
I love that each item also has a "Yuck Factor" rating.  It was fun to see if my rating was the same as the authors...sometimes they were the same and sometimes not. But, as she says many times over in the book, what may seem odd and repulsive to one person may seem a delicacy to a different person.  It all depends on the culture.

*I pre-read this book for the school library.

Tuesday's QBR...Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH

Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH by Robert C. O'Brien

This book was on my Fill in the Gaps list, so to read the review, you will need to click here.

But, for a true QBR: I can't wait to read it to the kids. I really thought it was  a good book.

Tuesday's QBR...A Boy at War Trilogy

 

Boy at War Trilogy by Harry Mazer
goodreads Description:
A Boy at War
While fishing with his friends off Honolulu on December 7, 1941, teenager Adam gets caught in the middle of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. In the following days, Adam tries to find his father, a naval officer who was serving on the U.S.S. Arizona when the bombs fell.
A Boy No More
Following the attack on Pearl Harbor, Adam and his family are evacuated from Hawaii to California. There he discovers that his Japanese-American friend's dad is being held at an internment camp. Can Adam help his friend find his father?
Heroes Don't Run
To honor his father, who died during the Japanese invasion of Pearl Harbor, 17-year-old Adam Pelko eagerly enlists in the Marines, survives boot camp, and faces combat on the tiny island of Okinawa. The thrilling conclusion of Harry Mazer's World War II saga proves once and for all that Adam is no longer a boy, and that at last he is truly worthy of the Pelko name.
Set against the backdrop of real wartime events, and packed with realistic detail, Harry Mazer's World War II odyssey is perfect for reluctant readers and fans of historical fiction. 


My Take:
I really thought these books were great. 
1. They are short and great for reluctant readers to read a bit about WWII from a teenagers perspective.  
2. Loved that the main character, Adam, was a TCK (third culture kid). He fit that description from book one all the way to book three.  In book one his new teacher asked the dreaded question, "Where are you from?"  Classic question for a TCK, ya think?
3. Language was clean. I've read some other war books that tended to be heavy on the bad language. I understand that sometimes it just goes with the setting and the times, but I appreciate that Mr. Mazer chose not to add it to his books. It helps the books stay on the bookshelves of the younger audience, which is a win for my son in the near future. He's not quite in the MG reading, but will be there soon!

Tuesday's QBR...More Writer's First Aid:Getting the Writing Done

I have been following Kristi Holl's blog, Writer's First Aid, for the past few months. She has a so many practical tips for writers.  So, when I heard that she was finishing up More Writer's First Aid, I was eager to get a copy.
Description from Amazon:
You won't actually find bandages or medicine in More Writer's First Aid. But in 48 short chapters, you will find cures for dealing with disappointment and jealousy, writing despite physical and emotional pain, and banishing procrastination once and for all, and combining writing with parenting (from infancy to adulthood.) "We're all in this together" has been Kristi's constant reminder to readers of her first book and her blog.

My Take:
I loved the short chapters. I have young children, so to be able to sit and read a chapter or two at random times of the day were great for me. I also loved that at the end of many of the chapters she has some "homework" to help push you towards better writing. All very practical.  The best part about this book is that she takes these tips not just from other articles or books, but from her own personal life. She gives examples, good ones, from her 30 years of writing and 25 years of teaching writing.  I felt encouraged by reading this book. I feel like I've gotten a kick-start back into writing again.  I needed some "first aid" and got it. I really believe that it doesn't matter what stage of life you are in or what stage of writing you are in, either way you will get so much out of this book.

Details on how to get your own copy:
Kindle version can be found here on Amazon.
Or if you don't want the Kindle version, you can order directly from Kristi here.

Tuesday's QBR

I've been absent from the blog because I'm holding up the apartment this week. Hubby is out of country for a bit. Also, I've been feeling a bit bored with it, so I'm dreaming about how to change it up and make it more "me".  But, I've read a few books this week, so I want to review them. Some of the reviews are not as quick, just warning you. =)

1. The City of Ember by Jeanne DuPrau
I did a full review of this book on the FitG site. If you want to read it, click here.

2.  Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom
Goodreads Description:
Maybe it was a grandparent, or a teacher or a colleague. Someone older, patient and wise, who understood you when you were young and searching, and gave you sound advice to help you make your way through it. For Mitch Albom, that person was Morrie Schwartz, his college professor from nearly 20 years ago. Maybe, like Mitch, you lost track of this mentor as you made your way, and the insights faded. Wouldn't you like to see that person again, ask the bigger questions that still haunt you? Mitch Albom had that second chance. He rediscovered Morrie in the last months of the older man's life. Knowing he was dying of ALS - or motor neurone disease - Morrie visited Mitch in his study every Tuesday, just as they used to back in college. Their rekindled relationship turned into one final "class": lessons in how to live. This is a chronicle of their time together, through which Mitch shares Morrie's lasting gift with the world.


My Take: (this is the one that isn't so quick)
I'm not sure how to describe my thoughts on this one. I really liked it. I liked the way it was written, changing from simply memories to present and back to memories. One would think that it would be confusing writing it like that, but instead the time changes added more meaning to it. You end up falling in love Morrie. Not the romantic type love, but a love like a special mentor type person in your life.  
Spoiler Alert:
Loved some of his quotes and thoughts. For example, "We've got a form of brainwashing going on in our country," Morrie sighed. "Do you know how they brainwash people? They repeat something over and over.......More money is good. More property is good.....More is good. More is good....the average person is so fogged up by all this, he has no perspective on what's really important anymore."
This book was written before the recession, and look how true it is. We've gotten so absorbed in MORE that we've gotten ourselves in debt. Okay, I'll stop there, but you get the point.
Another one is this "embrace aging".  Who likes to age? I don't like the thought one bit. But, here we go again...We buy the right lotion, the right exercise machine, the right pills, etc to make us feel/look younger. How about embracing it?  With age comes wisdom, right? Who's with me? Okay, I'll probably sing a different tune when I see more wrinkles and gray hair. =)


3. I Survived the Sinking of the Titanic, 1912 by Lauren Tarshis
Goodreads Description:
Ten-year-old George Calder can't believe his luck -- he and his little sister, Phoebe, are on the famous Titanic, crossing the ocean with their Aunt Daisy. The ship is full of exciting places to explore, but when George ventures into the first class storage cabin, a terrible boom shakes the entire boat. Suddenly, water is everywhere, and George's life changes forever.


My Take:
George is just so curious about everything. He seems to get into trouble because he is always thinking and wondering.  I love his character and believe that he stays true throughout the entire book. It is a great MG read, especially for young or struggling readers.  I believe that Tarshis presented this tragic accident in a way that kids in the upper elementary can understand and relate to, yet on a level that isn't overly graphic with details.  Perfect introduction to the history of the Titanic.
On a side note, my son has read some of the other books in the series and LOVES them! He can't wait to read this one. 

Tuesday's QBR

1. Jane Eyre by Charolette Bronte:
Great classic that should be read. It took me two weeks to read it. Not because it was hard and  not enjoyable, but because the font was a size 8, maybe 10. It was small.  If you want to read a full review click here. This was one of my FitG books, so that means another down and more to be whittled away from that list.

2. Whence Came a Prince by Liz Curtis Higgs
I read this for the library at the school. Definitely a book for YA/Adult.
From Goodreads:
Brimming with drama and conflict, heartache and triumph, Whence Came a Prince finds Liz Curtis Higgs in her element—exploring complex characters, creating a colorful Scottish backdrop, and revealing biblical truth through a captivating story. 

With his women and children depending on him, Jamie McKie must face a shameful past and an uncertain future. But he does not face it alone. God’s promise to Jacob—“I will be with you”—shines through Jamie’s journey. Before story’s end, Jamie also wrestles in the night with a power far greater than his and weathers the painful loss of someone very dear to him. In Whence Came a Prince, Jamie’s journey of reconciliation commands the reader’s attention. Yet Leana and Rose both play integral parts in this dramatic conclusion to the saga that began with Thorn in My Heart and continued with Fair Is the Rose. 


My Take:
I've not read the first two books in the series, but definitely would like to. Liz Curtis Higgs takes the story of Jacob, Leah, and Rachel and turns it into a Scottish epic.  It is really well done..and no wonder why. Check out what else Goodreads has to say:
In Thorn in My Heart Liz turned to Genesis 27-29 for inspiration, and in Fair Is the Rose, to Genesis 30. For Prince's trials and triumphs, she mines the riches of Genesis 31-33 and 35. Whence Came a Prince examines the prodigal Jacob and his long-anticipated homecoming. Liz spent countless hours immersed in the Genesis account of Jacob and Esau, Leah and Rachel. Ninety commentaries and biblical research texts plus fourteen translations of Scripture provide a solid, biblical underpinning for this epic. 
Basically, she did her homework. Not just the Biblical study, but she also studied about Scottish history and traditions.  Makes me appreciate this book that much more.
Loved the characters in this book.  Their pain was my pain, their joy my joy. When a writer can do that, you know it is a good book.  And now after reading it, I'm challenged to go back and reread Genesis and look at that story in a different POV.

Tuesday's QBR

Image via Wikipedia

Happy Chinese New Year! Tomorrow night (midnight to be exact)the fireworks will be going off and I'll be doing two things.
1. Praying it doesn't wake up my kids
2. Watching them either from my rooftop or on the TV. (every year Taipei has a great display at 101)







But, today is Tuesday and I have two book reviews for you this week.
1. Runaway Twin by Peg Kehret
goodreads Description:
A unique story of separated twins and the unexpected consequences of their reunion.

Sunny Skyland longs to be reunited with her twin sister, Starr. With only an old photograph, taken a few days before the girls were separated at age three, to guide her, Sunny begins the cross-country journey that she has dreamed of during her ten years in various foster homes. Sunny manages to locate her twin, only to be faced with a whole new challenge.

My Take:
I thought the storyline was good. And the adventure of the cross-country trip kept my attention, especially the twists and turns when she gets to her destination. I felt that over all the book was good. I just didn't like the ending. Spoiler Alert: The whole "I'll write a book about my summer and call it Runaway Twin" was a little over the top as dull. That's just me though.


2. Leepike Ridge by N.D. Wilson
goodreads Description:
ELEVEN-YEAR-OLD THOMAS HAMMOND has always lived next to Leepike Ridge. He never imagined he might end up lost beneath it! What Tom finds underground will answer questions he hadn’t known to ask and change his life forever.

And from the jacket flap (which I think sums it up really well):
An original mix of 'Robinson Crusoe', 'King Solomon's Mines', 'The Adventures of Tom Sawyer', and 'The Odyssey', N.D. Wilson's first book for young readers is a remarkable adventure, a journey through the dark of the grave and back out into the light.

My Take:
I have to admit I thought the first chapter was slow. If I hadn't been reading this for the library, I might not have finished it. But, I'm glad that I did. The second chapter picked up and it kept going from there with adventure. It was quite good. My first thought was that boys would love the adventure of survival.  And it really did remind me of the books mentioned above.

Tuesday's QBR

This week has been CRAZY busy with a birthday party, getting ready for that birthday party, applying for two new passports for the kids (which btw is so not fun), and, well, life.  So, I only finished one book this week. But, it is a good one and it is on my FitG list. (Yeah, for me!)

The Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis
Okay, can we say deep? Love this book on various levels.
1. Loved that the setting was during WWII, but the content is current.
2. Very thought-provoking on so many levels. (I'm liking that phrase today, so deal with it. LOL)
3. Challenging to get into the language. (I had a hard time at first, but loved the challenge in a "teacher sort of way.")

If you want to read a full version, you can click here for my full review.

Tuesday's QBR

I have three Quick Book Reviews for ya today.
1. Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins
Description from Goodreads: Young Katniss Everdeen has survived the dreaded Hunger Games not once, but twice, but even now she can find no relief. In fact, the dangers seem to be escalating: President Snow has declared an all-out war on Katniss, her family, her friends, and all the oppressed people of District 12. The thrill-packed final installment of Suzanne Collins' Hunger Games trilogy will keep young hearts pounding.
QBR: Of the three books, this one was my least favorite. I just didn't like all the detailed accounts of death.  Possible spoiler alert:  I did like the ending though with the surprise assassination. Thought she did the right thing and picked the right guy.


2. The Kind of Friends We Used to Be by Frances O'Roark Dowell
Description from Goodreads: Kate and Marylin are smack dab in the middle of middle school-seventh grade-and lately being stuck in the middle is starting to feel like a regular theme in both of their lives. They know that they can never be best friends like they used to be, not after Marylin became the kind of person who cares too much about hair (a.k.a. a middle school cheerleader). But, what if they still kind of want to be friends . . . and what if that's much harder than they ever imagined?   To read the rest of the description click here.
QBR: I think I'm becoming a fan of Frances O'Roark Dowell. This is my second book and it was not a disappointment either. I thought the characters were developed well and true to middle school friendship drama. A good clean book for any pre-teen or teenager to read.


3. Little Leap Forward: A boy in Beijing by Guo Yue and Clare Farrow
Description from Goodreads:  A sensitively written, semi-autobiographical story about a boy called Little Leap Forward, growing up in the hutongs of Beijing in the 1960's, during the Cultural Revolution. Little Leap Forward offers children an intimate and immediate account of a child's experiences as Mao Tse Tung's Great Leap Forward policy tightens its grip on China.
QBR:  I read this book in light that Chinese New Year is fast approaching.  I thought this was a GREAT book to introduce the Cultural Revolution to young readers. It is in the POV of a young boy who is musical like his father. His mother is an educated teacher. Everything seems magical until the Red Guards come and all things "old China" and "foreign" are burned.  Thought the illustrations by Helen Cann brought the book to another level for kids who may not have experienced anything Asian. Highly recommend it.

Tuesday's QBR

Image via Wikipedia

Up this week for book reviews are:
1. Inkheart by Cornelia Funke
This is on my FitG list. And only because it is on that list did I make myself finish reading it.  Okay, that is sad. But, it just never seemed to end for me. If you's like to read a full review on this book click here.





2. War Horse by Michael Morpurgo

This story of World War I is told in the POV of Joey, a British farm horse turned into a war horse.  As a farm horse he loved his owner/friend Albert. Throughout the war we see him long to find Albert again and go back to the peaceful fields of home. But will he?
I really liked the idea of writing about war through the eyes of an animal. I think this helps bring a deep and hard subject to a younger audience in a less threatening way. I think it is a great middle school read....maybe even upper elementary.
This book was previewed for the library.

Tuesday's QBR

I switched Tuesday and Thursday around because Tuesday was just too early to report any contests and giveaways...so Tuesdays will now be QBR: Quick Book Review.
I have two this week and they are both books that I previewed for the library.

1. Griff Carver, Hallway Patrol by Jim Krieg
Think any 1980's cop movie or TV show and you have the character sketch of most of the players in this book.  Change the cops to hall monitors and the setting to a school and you have this book covered. It was an interesting read since I remember most of those movies, but felt that some of the humor might be lost with MG crowd.






2. RIOT by Walter Dean Myers
Claire (15 yrs old) is a biracial daughter of a black man and a white Irishwoman during the Civil War. We follow Claire, her family and friends during the drafting of soldiers for the Union and watch as the poor Irish emigrants start rioting against the blacks and against the draft. Written in screenplay format made it a bit hard for me to follow at first. Lacked character development either because there were too many characters to follow or the fact of the format it was written in. I'm not sure since this was my first screenplay to read.