What Should I Read? Book Talks and More

The Navigator by Eoin NcNamee This is the first book in the Navigator Trilogy. Owen is different from other kids. He has always thought it was because his mother went a little crazy after his father committed suicide. But, of course, there is more to that story. Owen is actually the keeper of time--the Navigator--and he finds out what that means in this book as he learns about the forces of time which are hidden from everyone else. He meets new friends and battles unspeakable evil. Rating for this fantasy book 4/5--good book, recommended--it made me think! http://www.randomhouse.com/kids/catalog/display.pperl?isbn=9780385735544

City of Time by Eoin McNamee --Book II of the Navigator Trilogy Time is running out--no seriously--there isn't enough to go around. It causes problems, for example, the moon is crashing into the earth. Owen has to call the sleepers to help take care of the problem. Cati and Dr. Diamond and Owen travel to the City of Time, where they will do whatever it takes to find enough time--even if they have to steal it! I rate this fantasy book City of Time 4--a good book--recommended. It made me think. I am ready to read the rest of the series! http://www.randomhouse.com/kids/catalog/display.pperl?isbn=9780375839139

The Underneath by Kathy Appelt This is an animal story based on ancient relationships and Native American Mythology. It is modern--a hound dog and his best friend--a mama cat--and her two kittens become a family. Together they battle the evil of anger, resentment, jealousy and abuse. The story weaves through time but shows the story of kittens trying to be loyal and the difficult journey one of them must make home. Applet uses an omniscient narrator which is just right for this book. I rate this book 4--good book, recommended--it made me think. The Underneath is on the William Allen White award winner's nomination list this year. http://www.kathiappelt.com/articles/books_for_older_readers

The Haunting of Alaizabel Cray by Chris Wooding This book is set in an alternate 1800s London where demons, ghosts and witches have been unleashed on the world. There are hunters of these creatures, and our 17 year old hero, Thaniel is the best hunter around. Thaniel takes in a possessed girl and mysteries begin to unravel. Parts of this book are very creepy and even scary! I rate it as 5/5--an Awesome book, highly recommended--it made me think! http://www.chriswooding.com/the-books/the-haunting-of-alaizabel-cray/

The Floating Circus by Tracie Vaughn Zimmer Set in the 1850s of Pittsburgh, PA, Owen's mother left him and his younger brother at an orphanage so they would get enough to eat. Owen got hurt doing something silly, so when it was time for the orphan train to come and take them to a new life, Owen left his little brother because thought he could find a better home without him. He sneaked onto a Circus Boat and ended of with a job helping Solomon, a freed slave, taking care of the elephants and many other chores on board. Just like the historic time, this book is full of conflicts--runaway slaves, freed slaves, yellow fever, child labor, orphans, a civil war brewing, rich vs. poor, value of education... And Owen has to make choices about family, loyalty, and what is the right thing to do. This books receives a rating of 5/5 from me. It is on the William Allen White Awards list for the year. It is a book that makes me think, but also touches my heart. http://www.tracievaughnzimmer.com/T

My Brother Abe: Sally Lincoln's Story by Harry Mazer Abraham Lincoln grew up to be one of the greatest leaders ever in the USA. Did you know he had a big sister? And, of course, she did tease him and fight with him like most brothers and sisters do--and he teased and fought back! This is a fictional account of a short time in Lincoln's childhood, told from the perspective of his older sister, Sally. Their life seems full of adventure such as walking from their old farm in Kentucky to the new on in Indiana . Sleeping outdoors for several months during the winter, building a cabin from logs they cut themselves, and, if their father is to be believed, talking bears out of eating them for lunch. This is a good frontier story that helps to remind us of our American way of life and uses the familiar figure of Abe Lincoln to do it. This books recieves a rating of 5/5 from me! It touched my heart. http://authors.simonandschuster.com/Harry-Mazer/1286046

The London Eye Mystery by Siobhan Dowd . Looking at events in a different way is what all good detectives do, right? Ted, a 12 year old boy with a bossy older sister, always sees things in a different way--his brain is wired differently than most peoples'. The disappearance of his cousin while riding on London's huge Farris wheel-type ride, is a real mystery. It is a mystery Ted and his sister know they cannot leave to the grown-ups. But, will they get anyone to listen to them before it is too late? The London Eye Mystery is full of suspense and really pulls you through it! This books receives a 5/5 rating for me...it touched my mind AND my heart! http://www.siobhandowdtrust.com/books/the-london-eye-mystery/