BOOK: The Magic Thief (Book One)

The Magic Thief
by Sarah Prineas

One of my friends received this book as a gift from a friend years ago but no one ever read it.  When my 9-year-old was sick this summer (and his siblings were out of town) I wanted to read aloud to him and decided to give this one a try.  We were both delightfully surprised.  The story is fun and compelling and the writing is decent (I was occasionally annoyed by the clunky style, but that may have been mostly because I was reading it aloud).  It is a bit of a Harry Potter rip off, but that's OK.... the author knows what sells to kids. 

There is no offensive language, but a bit of very mild violence (thugs beating up a boy), and a few mildly frightening scenes. 

Recommended for:  Ages 8-12

BOOK: What Came from the Stars

What Came From the Stars
by Gary D. Schmidt

I couldn't resist checking out Schmidt's latest book since I have thoroughly enjoyed all the others I have read by him.  Once again I was not disappointed.  This capitivating Tolkein/C.S. Lewis-esque story is part family drama, part coming-of-age tale, and part adventure, with a sci-fi twist.  It is also well-written and compelling.

There is no offensive language.  There is some violence in the form of battle scenes, and yet the author somehow manages to leave out all descriptions of violence without taking away from the intensity of the scene.  Authors who feel the need to include gratuitous violence should take a page out of Schmidt's book. 

Recommended for:  Ages 12 to adult

BOOK: First Light

First Light
by Rebecca Stead

I had a hard time getting in to this story, but once I finally did I enjoyed it.  It didn't start coming together though until about half-way through, which seems a long time to stick with a story.  But since I had enjoyed another book by this author, I stuck it out. 

I was a little bit annoyed by a few loose ends (though they are minor), and the author's occasionally "preachy" tone but I can usually overlook that... or pretend that's not the author's intention.  Overall it's a good book... not fantastic, but enjoyable.  There is really no love story, which was a bit surprising for young adult fiction, but actually kind of refreshing.

The book contains nothing offensive (I don't even remember any mild profanity, though it's possible I missed some), but the subject matter is pretty intense.  There is also a brief mention of human reproduction as regarding the paternity of a character(s), but it's not detailed.... just matter-of-fact and brief, but it would be confusing or possibly disconcerting to a child who is unaware of the "facts of life."

Recommended for:   Ages 12 and up

 

BOOK: Straw Into Gold (Gary D. Schmidt)

Straw Into Gold
by Gary D. Schmidt

This is the fourth book by Gary D. Schmidt I have read... and I'm sure I will read more.  I have not been disappointed, but have thoroughly enjoyed them all.

This charming story is a retelling of Rumpelstiltskin with a continuation of the story as we know it.  It's well-written, fast paced, and clever, with plenty of plot twists and turns, but also sweet and tender.  It will appeal to all ages of both genders.

There are a few minor swear words and some mild violence, but really nothing offensive.  

Recommended for:  Ages 9 to adult

FILM: Avalon High (2010)

Avalon High
rated PG

This made-for-TV Disney movie is full of factual errors, nonsensical situations, and plot holes, but my kids thought it was great fun and very entertaining.  There is some mild violence, but nothing offensive.  Good for family-movie-night.  Just remember it's a children's movie and ignore the goofy stuff.  You might even be entertained yourself.

I'm feeling generous because it made my kids happy.

BOOK: Icefall

Icefall
by Matthew J. Kirby

This excellent book is a story about stories and storytellers, and it's told by a wonderful storyteller.  It's filled with great characters, plenty of plot twists and page-turning action, but also beautiful writing, fantastic imagery and Norse legends brought to life.  Though the narrator is female, the book's appeal easily pulls in readers of both genders.

There is no inappropriate language, but there are some pretty intense moments of battle and some deaths, though no graphic descriptions.  I have no doubt that both my 12-year-old son and 10-year-old daughter will enjoy this book, and I have no hesitations in recommending it to them.

Recommended for:  Ages 10 - 16 (and beyond)

FILM: Super 8

Super 8 (PG-13)

starring Kyle Chandler, Elle Fanning, and no one else I have ever heard of

My husband described it as "a scary version of E.T."  I think that sums it up pretty well.  There is some exceptional acting from several of the kids, but too much crude language from their mouths (I don't care if it's "real"... I don't want to hear it.... I should have used ClearPlay).  The story line is pretty predictable but it's still fun..... and quite scary.  Not a great film, but entertaining.  Best viewed edited for language.

Recommended for:  ages 14-20, preferably edited

BOOK: A Tale of Two Castles

A Tale of Two Castles
Gail Carson Levine

This is a great read; part fantasy, part detective story, completely clean, and very fun.  AND positive values are reinforced.  I read this to review for our school library, and I'm sure my daughter will love it, but I really enjoyed it too.

When I read books like this and compare them to some of the garbage out there that is written for kids, I want to hold this up to all those authors who resort to trash because they think it's appealing, and say, "See, you can be clean and successful!"  

Recommended for:  Ages 9 - 15 (or younger than 9 if they are good readers)

BOOK: The Night Circus

The Night Circus
by Erin Morgenstern

This book grabbed me on the first page and I could hardly put it down.  I stayed up until 2:00 am this morning to finish reading it and never even got drowsy.  (Books that do that to me are few and far between.)  I wouldn't say it's the best book I ever read (though I think it would easily make my top-20 favorites, possibly top-10), but the writing is so fantastic and imaginative that I was completely sucked in, and the story is so compelling that I simply had to find out what would finally happen to the many characters I had grown to know and love over the decades through which the story unfolds.

And it unfolds very slowly.... and beautifully.  The descriptions of this amazing magic circus of dreams left me wishing it were all real.  I savored the description of each exhibit and could easily imagine myself there.  The magic is lovely and sweet, occasionally harsh, but rarely dark or evil. 

The one disappointment with this book was actually early on, and it worried me... the f-word appears rather unexpectedly and is quite out-of-place.  Thankfully that was it.  There was one other instance of mild profanity, and a couple of moments of very mild violence.  There is also one love scene near the end that is mild and very vague.

Another great book from a first time novelist.  Impressive.

Recommended for:  Adults

BOOK SERIES: The Sisters Grimm

"The Sisters Grimm" Series
by Michael Buckley

I read the first book in this series to review for our school library.  What fun!  (I read the other books in the series for fun.)  A cute and exciting story brings together classic fairy tale characters, sets them in present day, and thrusts the two young heroines into their world as Fairy-tale Detectives (also the name of the first book in the series).  There is plenty of action and adventure, some mild violence, and no offensive language.  Both boys and girls will find these book appealing.

Age recommendation:  8 - 12 years

BOOK: Matched (Ally Condie)

Matched
by Ally Condie

This young adult novel was quite interesting.  I would put it in the same category as Twilight and The Hunger Games, though it's far superior to both (and their sequels), in a number of ways. 

1)  There is more depth to the characters and relationships, making this book much preferable for teen readers (or any reader, for that matter).

2)  There is nothing offensive, which is more than I can say about most books for this audience... Twilight, The Hunger Games, et al.  Not even one swear word that I can recall.  Refreshing.

3)  There is plenty of tension and action, but this intriguing story has more depth and causes the reader to really think.

It's not a perfect book by any means, but it is quite good.  In fact, unlike T & THG, I would be fine with my own teenage children read it.  That's saying something.

The sequel, Crossed, was just released this week.  I hope the author doesn't let me down.

Age recommendation:  13 and up

BOOK: The Secret of Platform 13

The Secret of Platform 13
by Eva Ibbotson

This is a fun fantasy for children and makes for a good real-aloud (probably preferable, since some of the british-isms might be confusing for American children).  There is nothing offensive, though there are some moments that might be mildly frightening to very young children.  In addition to being entertaining, there are plenty of opportunities for parents to discuss the differences between the "good" characters and the "bad" ones and how those who are "good" and kind are happier.

Recommended for ages 8 - 12.

FILM: The Sorcerer's Apprentice (2010)

The Sorcerer's Apprentice (PG)
starring Nicholas Cage, Jay Baruchel, Alfred Molina

We watched this with our kids last night.  They loved it.  I enjoyed it, but Jay said the lead actor's goofy voice and overall goofiness drove him crazy.  I thought it was endearing and appropriate... after all, he plays the part originated by Mickey Mouse, so he needs to be goofy.  

I guess you can call it a remake of the original Disney cartoon from Fantasia (which was based on Goethe's poem), but there are very few similarities, though they did include a scene featuring magical janitorial equipment.  But then what do you expect when you make a present-day feature-length live-action film based on an 8 minute long cartoon short with no dialogue.  There is plenty to critique, but lots to like about it.  Just enjoy the show. 

It's a fun bit of adventure, though probably a bit scary for younger children (hence the PG-rating).... my 7-year-old said he wasn't scared, but he looked like he was once or twice.  There were one or two mild swear words and some mild violence.  Oh, and a couple of sweet kisses that my boys covered their eyes during.  Silly boys. 

BOOK SERIES: Jimmy Fincher Saga (series)

Jimmy Fincher Saga:
A Door in the Woods (Book One)
A Gift of Ice (Book Two)
by James Dashner

My son read these first and loved them (there are 4 books in the series, but I have only read the first two so far) so I bought them for our school library.  The story is compelling and interesting, but the writing isn't great.... in fact, it's rather amateurish.  (I was not surprised when I found out these books were the author's first attempt at writing when he deviated from a career in accounting.)  I think most kids will overlook that for the value of a story that keeps them turning pages.

However, at times I had to force myself to keep reading.  Remember how I said I prefer this kind of story?  Well, these books have a serious lack of character development... it's pure action/adventure without the human experience added to the mix, so I found myself rather bored at times and sort of just "skimming."  But again, I guess I'm not really the intended audience, so maybe that isn't important.

Like I said, these are pure action/adventure, so naturally they contain some violence, though it's very mild and never graphic.  So far there has been no "language" or anything else offensive.

Age Recommendation:  9 and up

(I'm being generous because my son loved the books.)

BOOK: The Host (2008)

The Host
by Stephenie Meyer

During a week at the beach I read The Host by Stephenie Meyer.  It was pretty good.  Not fabulous, but entertaining, and actually pretty thought provoking. I have no idea whether the author intended to include any symbolism, but it was hard not to read those things into it when you know the author's religious beliefs. The story is really about what it means to be human.  I thought the "Twilight" series was just OK (I have other opinions about those books which I won't go into here), but this was much better (her first book for adults).   The story is compelling and it was a good "beach read."  Meyer calls it "Science Fiction for people who hate science fiction," which seems to be pretty accurate.

BOOK: Any Which Wall (by Laurel Snyder)

Any Which Wall
by Laurel Snyder

This book is sort of a tribute to Edward Eager's delightful Half Magic (which I recommend, by the way).  Four children discover a magic wall which dispels their summer boredom, and, of course, they learns some lessons along the way.  It's not as original as Half Magic (because, as the author will admit, she stole ideas from it), but it's lots of fun and kids will enjoy it.  I appreciate books like this that entertain without using bad language or crude behavior, and have plenty of adventure and excitement, but no violence.

Age Recommendation:  7 - 12 years  (great for read-aloud)

FILM: Five Children and It (2004)

Five Children and It (rated G)
(based on the novel by E. Nesbit)
starring Freddie Highmore, Kenneth Branagh, Eddie Izzard (voice)

We watched this via Netflix with our kids.  It was cute and the kids liked it.  Like most films based on novels, there is plenty of stuff left out or changed, but it works.  Freddie Highmore is always fantastic, and how can you go wrong with Kenneth Branagh and Eddie Izzard in supporting roles?  The story is a fun fantasy centered around 5 siblings (and their horrible cousin), so naturally, most kids will enjoy it.  There is plenty of action, nothing offensive (with the exception of a few naughty childish pranks), and there are some sweet emotional moments.

Recommended for:  Family movie night!

FILM: I Am Number Four (2011)

I Am Number Four (PG-13)
Starring Alex Pettyfer, Dianna Agron

We went out to dinner and a movie to celebrate Jay's birthday.  This was Jay's choice, but I found it entertaining.  I really didn't know anything about it before hand, but I noticed that the star of this film, was also starring in the film playing in the next theatre.... apparently, he is quite the hot item right now.  I feel so au current!

Anyway.... this is your typical action/sci-fi flick, with plenty of villains/creepy creatures, slow-mo action sequences, and explosions; several dumb lines of dialogue and minor plot holes; plus some moderately graphic violence, and a bit of strong language.  What else can I say?  Obey the rating.

Overall, it's entertaining and you probably won't fall asleep.  There a couple of interesting supporting roles, a mildly interesting romance, and the story is fairly intriguing.  It could have used a little more humor though.

BOOK: Here, There Be Dragons (The Chronicles of the Imaginarium Geographica)

Here, There Be Dragons
by James A. Owen

My expectations were fairly low for this first "real" novel by a graphic novelist.  But I was pleasantly surprised.  The author is a good story-teller, and though he borrows a lot from myths, legends, and classic literature, it's quite inventive.  Though the title suggests otherwise, I wouldn't classify this as "dragon lit," just a classic adventure story (with a few excellent pen-and-ink illustrations).

There is some violence (battles), but it's not graphic.  No "language" that I recall.  The story is compelling and kept me reading to find out what would happen next.  The heroes are all adults, so I was surprised to discover this is published under Simon & Schuster's children's division (it seems like children or teens are usually the heroes in books for children these days).  It is appropriate for children, and I'm sure my 11-year-old son will love it.  However, even though he is quite well-read for a boy his age, I don't think he will "get" the literary allusions, of which there are many.  Thanks to the internet, he can easily look them up.  (Honestly, I had to look up a few myself.)  I will definitely recommend this book for our school library.  I look forward to reading the next book in the series.  But just in case, I will keep my expectations low.  :)

Age recommendation:  10 and up