The Books of Elsewhere: The Shadows by Jacqueline West

Book Jacket

When eleven-year-old Olive moves into the crumbling mansion on Linden Street, she's right to think there's something weird about the place, especially the walls covered in creepy antique paintings.  But when she finds a pair of old-fashioned glasses in a dusty drawer, she discovers the most peculiar thing yet--

She can travel inside these paintings to Elsewhere, a world that's strangely quiet...and eerily sinister.

Olive soon finds that Elsewhere has secrets to hide--and the most annoying of them is Morton, a small boy with a big temper.  As he and Olive form an uneasy alliance, Olive finds herself caught in a plan darker and more dangerous than she could have imagined, confronting a power that wats to be rid of her by any means necessary.  It's up to her to save the house from the shadows, before the lights go out for good.

For fans of Roald Dahl and Neil Gaiman comes a tale at turns haunting, moving, and darkly funny (and best if read with a flashlight under the bed sheets--shhh!).

Review

There is so much to love about The Books of Elsewhere.  It's for fans of Roald Dahl and Neil Gaiman (translation: slightly odd, definitely awesome)!  There are three talking cats who may or may not be evil!  A place called Elsewhere?  Genius!  And really, there are few ideas cooler than being able to jump into a painting.

This was a quick, fun read.  The plot twists are not overly twisty, but I didn't always know what to expect.  Olive is a great protagonist--curious but cautious, easily annoyed but easily forgiving, brave and resourceful in a pinch.  And again, talking cats!  One of which thinks he is Lancelot or a pirate on any given day.

And the best thing about this book?  It finishes its story, but there will be more to come!  I am tired of cliffhangers, because I am tired of waiting.  But continuing a story in a wonderful universe while also giving closure?  That's my kind of series.

Five out of five pirate cats.

Release Date:  June 2010
Reading Level:  Grade 4+
Where In Dunlap Public Library's Collection:  YPL WES

Sloppy Firsts by Megan McCafferty

Book Jacket

When her best friend, Hope Weaver, moves away from Pineville, New Jersey, hyperobservant sixteen-year-old Jessica Darling is devastated.  A fish out of water at school and a stranger at home, Jessica feels more lost than ever now that the only person with whom she could really communicate has gone.  How is she supposed to deal with the boy- and shopping-crazy girls at school, her dad's obsession with her track meets, her mother salivating over big sister Bethany's lavish wedding, and her nonexistent love life?

A fresh, funny, utterly compelling fiction debut by first-time novelist Megan McCafferty, Sloppy Firsts is an insightful, true-to-life look at Jessica's predicament as she embarks on another year of teenage torment--from the dark days of Hope's departure through her months as a type-A personality turned insomniac to her completely mixed-up feelings about Marcus Flutie, the intelligent and mysterious "Dreg" who works his way into her heart.  Like a John Hughes for the twenty-first century, Megan McCafferty taps into the inherent humor and drama of the teen experience.  This poignant, hilarious novel is sure to appeal to readers who are still going through it, as well as those who are grateful that they don't have to go back and grow up all over again.

Review

I admit, I was not a fan of Jessica Darling at first.  She reminded me too much of Bianca from The DUFF--pessimistic, mopey, and cynical (my review of The Duff can be found here).  But as Jessica's story went on, I realized why she was so depressed.  The combination of parental pressure, physical and psychological abnormalities, as well as the lost of her best and only friend....well, her bad mood made total sense.

However, more than the explanations made up for the complaining was Jessica's sense of humor.  She sees everything, has an opinion on everything, and will absolutely make fun of it, whether it's herself or her "friends" or the teenage experience.

Although I did not have quite the high school drama that Jessica does, I appreciated the unflinching way Megan McCafferty analyzes teen relationships, whether they be familial, friendship, or romantic.  I found Sloppy Firsts to be completely addicting, and by the end I really and truly cared for Jessica Darling.  Can't wait to read the next in the series, Second Helpings.

Four out of five midnight runs.

Release Date:  August 2001
Reading Level:  Grade 10+
Where In Dunlap Public Library's Collection:  YPL MCC

Amulet: The Stonekeeper by Kazu Kibuishi

Book Jacket

After a family tragedy, Emily, Navin, and their mother move to an old ancestral home to start a new life.  On the family's very first night in the mysterious house, a strange noise lures them into the basement, where Em and Navin's mom is kidnapped by a humongous, tentacled creature and dragged down behind the basement door.

The kids give chase down a twisty spiral stairway and find themselves in a strange and magical world below.  Most surprising of all, it seems that their great-grandfather, who was an inventor and puzzle maker, was there before them--and he's left some unfinished business.

Now it's up to Em and Navin to figure out how to set things right and save their mother's life!

Review

Confession:  I am quickly becoming a huge graphic novel fan.  Amulet: The Stonekeeper was recommended in some of my fancy book ordering catalouges, and I totally see why.  The story was immediately gripping.  I was amazed at how quickly the family relationships were established, and how much I cared for them from pretty much page one.  Such is the power of pictures telling a story alongside the words.

And the pictures!  So good.  They tell the story without being overly fancy, until the end when something crazy awesome happens, and the pictures become gorgeous.  Because the situation deserves gorgeous pictures.

I devoured this book in half an hour, and I am definitely going to order it for Dunlap's library.

Five out of five mechanial bunnies. 

Release Date: January 2008
Reading Level: Grade 4+
Where in Dunlap Public Library's Collection:  GRAPHIC KIB

Shameless Self-Promotion

If you don't get the Chillicothe Times Bulletin, then you probably didn't read their article about Dunlap Public Library's new Youth Services librarian.  Yeah, I mean me!  I am still young enough to be totally excited about being in the paper, but I am mature enough to be hopeful that this article will bring more patrons to Dunlap's programs!

Check out the article at the Chillicothe Times Bulletin website here.

The Incorrigible Children of Ashton Place: The Mysterious Howling by Maryrose Wood

Book Jacket

Of especially naughty children, it is sometimes said: "They must have been raised by wolves."  The Incorrigible children actually were.

Discovered in the forests of Ashton Place, the Incorrigibles are no ordinary children: Alexander keep his siblings in line with gentle nips; Cassiopeia has a bark that is (usually) worse than her bit; and Beowulf is alarmingly adept at chasing squirrels.

Luckily, Miss Penelope Lumley is no ordinary governess.  Only fifteen years old and a graduate of the Swanburne Academy for Poor Bright Females, Penelope embraces the challenge of her new position.  Though she is eager to instruct the children in Latin berbs and the proper use of globes, first she must eliminate their canine tendencies.

But mysteries abound at Ashton Place: Who are these three wild creatures?  Why does Old Timothy, the coachman, lurk around every corner?  Will Penelope be able to civilize the Incorrigibles in time for Lady Constance's holiday ball?  And what on earth is a schottische?

Penelope is no stranger to mystery, as her own origins are also cloaked in secrecy.  But as Agatha Swanburne herself once said, "Things may happen for a reason, but that doesn't mean we know what the reason is--at least, not yet."

Review

Jane Eyre is one of my favorite books, and I love parody as much as the next person.  So a book that lovingly mocks the 19th century governess trope is guaranteed to intrigue me.  By page 15, I knew I was hooked when I read this: "Penelope had read several novels about such governesses in preparation for her interview and found them chock-full of useful information, although she had no intention of developing romantic feelings for the charming, penniless tutor at a neighboring estate.  Or--heaven forbid!--for the darkly handsome, brooding, and extravagantly wealthy master of her own household.  Lord Frederick Ashton was newly married in any case, and she had no inkling what his complexion might be."

And really, it's the words that make this book so worth reading.  It's like Maryrose Wood is a hilarious combination of Jane Austen and Lemony Snicket.  In fact, I just have to quote another section that seemed like it could have been copied straight from A Series of Unfortunate Events (and I mean that with the highest praise--if you haven't read the 13-book series yet, do it now!). 

"Extraordinarily busy places are often compared to beehives, and if you have ever seen the inside of a beehive, you already know why this is so.  (It is not necessary to actually set foot inside of a beehive to confirm this, by the way.  They are too small and too full of bees for in-person tours to be truly convenient.  But there are alternatives:  One could peer inside using some sort of periscopelike magnifying device, for example.  Or one could simply accept that beehives are busy and get on with it.  This second option is called "suspending one's disbelief," and it is by far the easiest row to hoe, now and at other times, too.)"

This should be enough to entice everyone to read The Incorrigible Children of Ashton Place: The Mysterious Howling, but if it is not, I assure you that the plot is quick, the children adorable and hilarious, Penelope austere and hilarious, and Lady Constance vain and hilarious.  Obviously, if you want a funny read, you should try this.  Though be warned!  None of the mysteries are actually solved!  I didn't know that going in, so it was a bit disappointing to realize I would have to wait until The Incorrigible Children of Ashton Place: The Hidden Gallery to get some answers.

Four out of five howls.

Release Date:  February 2010
Reading Level:  Grade 5-8
Where In Dunlap Public Library's Collection:  YPL WOO

January Make and Take

Despite depressing weather and the first time we've been open on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, we had a really nice turnout for our Make and Take craft on Monday!  Tis the season to be snowy, so I mixed up some "snow" (1/3 glue, 2/3 shaving cream) which turned out really nice and soft.  I definitely recommend you try that at home.  The kids used the snow to decorate a construction paper scene.

I really like how these Make and Take crafts are going.  For now I plan to make them monthly programs!  Next one is a Valentine's Day craft on Friday, February 11th, from 3:00-5:00 p.m.  Come and go as you please!

8th Grade Superzero by Olugbemisola Rhuday-Perkovich

Book Jacket

8:08 a.m.

I'm like a boxer before the title fight.  Except I'm not in the ring, I'm in the auditorium.  About to be front and center stage.  Again.

I will not lose my breakfast.

I will not lose my breakfast.

Joe C. and Ruthie are right behind me--they've got my back no matter what.  Charlie's in the audience, probably so excited he can't stay in his seat.  And Mialonie Davis, the most beautiful girl in the world...

I got this.  Right?

I know Donovan is out there too, hating me more than ever.  But what matters now is the Olive Branch Shelter, and Clarke Junior School here in Brooklyn, and getting through this speech alive.

I will not lose my breakfast.

This all started with George at the Olive Branch.  Or in homeroom with the election announcement.  Or maybe back when I got my nickname, right here on this very stage.

Maybe I should just tell you the whole story...

Review

Wow.  This is easily one of the best books I've read in the past year.  I could recommend this to people of any and all ages--there's nothing inappropriate in Reggie's story.  Few books so masterfully deal with issues like God, school spirit, homelessness, community service, racism, crushes, friendship, and peer pressure.  It never becomes preachy, and in fact has a genuine sense of humor running throughout.

Reggie doesn't let his embarrassing 1st day of 8th grade (and his resulting nickname, Pukey) stop him from getting involved at the local homeless shelter with his church's youth group, then carrying his passion for helping others into his school's presidential campaign.  His relationships with best friends Joe C. and Ruthie are authentic and heart-warming.  His crush on Mialonie is perfect, and Reggie's discovery of love worth pursuing (with someone who loves you for you, and not someone who wants to change you) is a great lesson for everyone.

This book is so good, guys.  Go read it now! 

Six out of five Night Man comics.  Yeah, that's right.  Six out of five.

Release Date:  January 2010
Reading Level:  Grade 6+
Where In Dunlap Public Library's Collection:  YPL RHU