Review:Anyone who has spent time around middle grade books, whether library or book fairs, has probably seen Haddix books. Margaret Peterson Haddix is a prolific author of MG fiction. Among the Hidden is the first book of hers I have read. I selected it particularly because of its premise: due to severe overpopulation, the government has passed laws that allow couples to have only two children. Disobedience is punished by death. Luke is a third child, a shadow child. He can't go outside, have friends, ... Read more

Review:The only thing I really knew about this book going in was it took place at a boarding school, that's what sold me. Allie is sent away by her parents to Cimmeria Academy after one too many times in trouble with the police and her current school. Allie doesn't know anything about Cimmeria so neither do we as the reader. I didn't know if this book would be paranormal or spy or just teenagers at school. Without giving too much away, throughout you are given small answers here and there, like who to ... Read more

Review:This book was an interesting read for the most part: involving aspects of classical literature was an enjoyable touch. Some of the language and actions from the children were at odds with their age and personalities, but for the most part, this wasn't an issue. I think the series would be an excellent read for younger children, though I do think that reading the classic stories referenced, such as Peter Pan, would be a requirement to completely understand the plot. Read more

Review:Wonderful quick read that captures the joys of childhood summer vacation and adventures in the woods. Having moved to a house abutting a large municipal forest with creeks I was definitely brought back to my own adventures by this book. I look forward to sharing this book with my daughter when she's a bit older (20 months right now). Great book, highly recommended especially for 6-12 year old kids. Read more

Review:Do you remember where you were when Marvel launched their infamous MCU? Do you remember how it started? I do. The beautiful full meal of a movie called “Iron Man” brought us a fresh take on the comic book genre films, and set up the MCU, a series of now twenty films over ten years after that first book. Why do I bring that up when talking about a novel that has nothing to do with superheroes, and nothing to do with comics in any way? “Heist Society” by Ally Carter does for novels what “Iron Man”... Read more

Review:I voluntarily read an advanced reader copy of this book. I really enjoyed this book. Anna turns 13 , and is so excited . She has no idea , she is a witch, and that she has living relatives. Great adventures she has, I enjoyed it so much, I immediately began reading the next in the series . Read more

Review:This book is awesome. I LOVE THIS BOOK!!!!!!!! Most people were saying that this book was ok but I complete disagree!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! this book was better than I expected it to be!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!<3 Read more

Review:I loved this book. Bethany is just a normal girl, no idea who she really is. She is really a clone of Elizabeth, her sister she never knew who died in a car crash at age thirteen. The mystery and suspense of the story will keep readers at the edge of their seat. Read more

Review:Greenglass house was an enjoyable and captivating read for adults and children. The plot is intricate and woven together with great skill. I felt the chill of the winter air, smelled the hot chocolate with a hint of cinnamon, and bathed in the green hue from the beautiful stained glass. The main characters were well developed and I watched my affinity for each one grow as I discovered what they were searching for and their reasons for visiting the house. My interest in uncovering the plot twist... Read more

Review:I have been listening to audio books during my daily commute. And I stumbled on Jasper Fforde‘s Chronicles of Kazam series at the local library. I started with The Last Dragonslayer and next came The Song of the Quarkbeast. The third book, The Eye of Zoltar, turned out to be another fun listen on the daily commute.

Once again, Jennifer Strange is a good central character and the crew at Kazam Mystical Arts Management returns as well (although mostly backstage with the prominent exceptio... Read more