Biggie by Derek E. Sullivan {Review}

Synopsis: courtesy of amazon.com}:

Henry “Biggie” Abbott is the son of one of Finch, Iowa’s most famous athletes. His father was a baseball legend and his step-dad is a close second. At an obese 300+ pounds though, Biggie himself prefers classroom success to sports. As a perfectionist, he doesn’t understand why someone would be happy getting two hits in five trips to the plate. “Forty percent, that’s an F in any class,” he would say. As Biggie’s junior year begins, the girl of his dreams, Annabelle Rivers, starts to flirt with him. Hundreds of people have told him to follow in his dad’s footsteps and play ball, but Annabelle might be the one to actually convince him to try. What happens when a boy who has spent his life since fourth grade trying to remain invisible is suddenly thrust into the harsh glare of the high school spotlight?

{Review}: 

I received this ARC courtesy of Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

When one is perusing for a newly released title to add to the queue, usually you look to the books that you’re interested in, and those you think will give the most “bang for your buck”. I liked the synopsis of this particular titled, I LOVED that the main character was male, and that the author was tackling an issue that is plaguing our young people today: Obesity.

Wow.

I truly thought that this story would be a relatively simple one: A boy, feeling sorry for himself about his weight. Chastised by peers, his parents, etc.

But it’s SO much more.

In my opinion, there are about 5 storylines going on at once: A boy trapped in the body that he created himself, and realizing that he desperately wants to fix it, and his journey TO fixing it. A young man who grew up not knowing his all-star teenaged father, who essentially gave him up to pursue his own dreams. A son of a stepdad that seemingly doesn’t care about him. A pubescent teenager, who is desperately looking for love from the wrong places. And… a social outcast desperately trying to fit in.

I’m not going to waste your time with a synopsis, but all you have to know is that this story is GUTWRENCHING at times. I’m a big believer in crying when the mood strikes, and there were many times during this novel when I just broke down in tears. Many times about his struggles with his weight {I am ALL too familiar with sitting in a flimsy gown and getting ready for the steady barrage about how much weight I gained as a teen}.

Was this Mr. Sullivan’s intention? Maybe not. But there were some one-liners in this book that had me gut-wrenchingly sad.

Another facet that I adored about this book is that there were a lot of VERY bittersweet moments between main character Biggie {Henry}, and his stepdad, Laser. But unlike so many other YA books—it wasn’t at all forced. The scenarios were incredibly real & raw. No calculating needed.

It also wasn’t your typical “jock” book, either. It had a much more sophisticated presentation than similar titles that I’ve encountered.

Bravo Derek Sullivan! Bravo!

{Where can I buy this?}:

Amazon:

http://www.amazon.com/Biggie-Derek-E-Sullivan-ebook/dp/B00S5OJU2W/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1425258319&sr=8-3&keywords=biggie

B & N:

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/biggie-derek-e-sullivan/1120798399?ean=9780807507278

{What would I rate it?}: 4.95/5::: my only complaint is that I would’ve liked to see the mom developed a little more.

{Who would I recommend this book to?}:

Anyone who enjoys YA literature, young men especially, people who enjoy baseball, anyone looking for one of those books you pick up at 9AM on a Sunday afternoon, and only stop reading to pee and grab something to eat.

Elixir by Ted Galdi {Review}

{Synopsis: courtesy of amazon.com}: Meet 14-year-old Sean Malone. He has an IQ above 200, a full-ride scholarship to one of the country’s top universities, and more than one million dollars from his winning streak on Jeopardy. However, Sean wishes he could just be normal. 

But his life is anything but normal. The US government manipulates him, using him as a code breaker in pursuit of a drug lord and killing innocent people along the way. 
For reasons related to his personal security, Sean finds himself in Rome, building a new life under a new name, abandoning academics, and hiding his genius from everyone. When he’s 18 he falls in love. The thrills begin again when he learns that his girlfriend is critically ill and it’s up to him to use his intellect to find a cure, a battle pitting him against a multi-billion-dollar pharmaceutical company and the demons of his past. 
Elixir is a story about identity, secrets, and above all, love.

{Review}:

I received this title courtesy of Netgalley. 

I’ve been reading far too many girl-themed YA… all drama and boys, and while well written, I was excited for a change of pace.

When I began this book, I didn’t love protagonist Sean Malone.

I mean, he was kind of a pompous kid, who knew everything in the world there is to know. However, when reading this book, even though you might not be rooting for him to begin with {again, because he’s portrayed as that snobby jeopardy kid}, the author weaves a story that’s impossibly good: you literally cannot put it down.

I really enjoyed that the character of Sean, was an outcast not because of how he looked, or how he dressed…but because he was so insanely smart. I feel like there aren’t many authors that take that risk, and in this case, it definitely took.

I maybe put it down for meals, and bathroom breaks, but it was incredibly good. While the plot might seem a little unrealistic, I promise you that it’s incredibly exciting (and actually seems as though it could happen) and well written, especially appealing to the YA men out there. Bravo Ted Galdi!

{Where can I buy this?}:

Amazon: Buy from Amazon

{What would I rate it?}: 4.5/5. A solid novel, especially appealing to those YA kids who aren’t wanting the Dystopian society/love at first sight/someone’s dying types of YA we’ve been reading as of late.

{Who would I recommend this book to?}: YA males, especially those who are smart, and might feel disconnected because they’re different.

Review: When Mr. Dog Bites {by Brian Conaghan}

{Synopsis: courtesy of amazon.com}: 

All Dylan Mint has ever wanted is to keep his Tourette’s in check and live life as a “normal” teenager. The swearing, the tics, the howling “dog” that escapes when things are at their worst—nothing about Tourette’s makes it easy to meet cute girls or have normal friends (or many friends at all). But a routine hospital visit changes everything—Dylan overhears that he's going to die. In an attempt to claim the life he’s always wanted, he decides to grant himself parting wishes, or “Cool Things To Do Before I Cack It”. In an intimate portrayal of life with Tourette’s, Dylan’s journey to come to terms with the disorder that has defined his life and his preconceptions about the world around him is hilarious, painful and, ultimately, utterly masterful.

{Review}: 

I received this ARC courtesy of Netgalley.com, in exchange for an honest review.

So, honestly… this book was really great.

Really, REALLY great.

Multiple times I had to remind myself to quiet down my laughter, because I wasn’t sure that it was “appropriate” to laugh at some certain things.

We see this story told from Dylan Mint’s perspective….all about this impending March date—where he assumes that he overhears that he’s going to die. What actually happens is very predictable, but I think that this story is more about the innocence of this kid who is dealing with run-of-the-mill teenaged things, but also has to function with tourette’s. It gives the reader a glimpse into what it’s like to function with a syndrome such as tourette’s, and from what I know about it, Conaghan has nailed writing a student with tourettes.

It’s also interesting to see a first person account of what it’s like to be labeled as “different”, and attend a different school than your peers. It was a very refreshing read. Obviously, there is some more “adult” themed humor, but I think any kiddo over the age of 15 could handle it.

{Where can I buy this?}: 

Anywhere books are sold—but I’d download it to my kindle OR Nook—it’s on sale for 99 pennies {as of this moment in the universe}.

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/When-Dog-Bites-Brian-Conaghan-ebook/dp/B00K0DRO0Q/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1404769500&sr=1-1&keywords=when+mr+dog+bites

B & N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/when-mr-dog-bites-brian-conaghan/1117011735?ean=9781619633469

{What would I rate it?}: 

4.8/5. I loved the character of Dylan, and other more minor characters, but I felt as though the “impending doom” was entirely too predictable…. But it doesn’t take away from the story as a whole.

OH—and I’m not sure how I missed this, but much of this book also has Scottish slang in it, because that’s where the characters are from. Just a forewarning. J

{Who would I recommend this book to?}:

Anyone who may have a child with tourette’s, a child with tourette’s, and anyone who wants a good read.

Oblivion by Sasha Dawn {Review}

{Synopsis: courtesy of amazon.com}: 

Lisa McMann's Dead to You meets Kate Ellison's The Butterfly Clues in a psychological thriller full of romance, intrigue, and mystery. 

One year ago, Callie was found in an abandoned apartment, scrawling words on the wall: "I KILLED HIM. His blood is on my hands. His heart is in my soul. I KILLED HIM." But she remembers nothing of that night or of the previous thirty-six hours. All she knows is that her father, the reverend at the Church of the Holy Promise, is missing, as is Hannah, a young girl from the parish. Their disappearances have to be connected and Callie knows that her father was not a righteous man.

Since that fateful night, she's been plagued by graphomania -- an unending and debilitating compulsion to write. The words that flow from Callie's mind and through her pen don't seem to make sense -- until now. 

As the anniversary of Hannah's vanishing approaches, more words and memories bubble to the surface and a new guy in school might be the key to Callie putting together the puzzle. But digging up the secrets she's buried for so long might be her biggest mistake.

{Review}: 

I received this ARC courtesy of Netgalley.

Wow.

Just wow.

I haven’t read a book like this since I went through my Ellen Hopkins binge phase last year, where I literally read every book she ever published.

Sasha Dawn has done an amazing job of putting us right in the thick of Callie’s thoughts, fears, and the incredible journey of someone who suffers with graphomania {a compulsion to write}. The book is written in a way where you’re not 100% sure where the next turn is going to take you, but I promise it’s all resolved at the end. Callie’s thoughts are leading her to figure out the events that happened a year ago: when she was found in the apartment she lived in with her mother, with muddy footprints with the words “I killed him” all over the walls, written in red felt-tip marker.

There is obviously more of a storyline than just the graphomania that is gripping poor Callie. There’s some romance, some drama with her foster sister over said romance… but it’s all very natural and doesn’t feel at all forced {where I think some of the newer YA books DO feel forced}. I did feel at times that I was waiting for the book to finally come to a close, or finally come to the conclusion that we, as readers,  needed to come to, but I’m a VERY impatient person. It’s worth the wait to see the ending to this one. Absolutely 100% worth it.

There were two things I adored in this book: 1. The romance. It wasn’t “overly” done. There are also some mentions of rape/molestation, but it’s never blatantly put out there as far as what they’re doing… readers need to do a lot of inferencing about what is happening.

2. That this is a story not only that’s interesting and a good read, but is also about a compulsion. SO many young adult readers struggle with different compulsions: OCD behaviors, cutting, etc…. that I am enjoying more and more that there are books out there that make these kids feel as though they have a voice, and that they aren’t alone.

{Where can I buy this?}: 

I’ll bet your local bookstore may have it in stock.

Amazon: 

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1606844768/ref=s9_simh_gw_p14_d10_i1?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=center-2&pf_rd_r=0Y5V86QYYRTXEWRV37Z4&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=1688200382&pf_rd_i=507846

B & N:

 http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/oblivion-sasha-dawn/1116816979?ean=9781606844762

{What would I rate it?}:

 4.9/5. Practically Perfect in Every Way.

{Who would I recommend this book to?}: 

 I think that kiddos in grade 8+ would be okay with this book. Or anyone who wants to read an awesome-sauce book!

Blog Tour! {Branded: by Abi Ketner and Missy Kalicicki}

It's my very first blog tour, friends!! Whoop Whoop!!!! Thanks Abi & Missy for allowing me to be a part of your beautiful creation! :-)

{Synopsis: courtesy of amazon.com}: 

Fifty years ago the Commander came into power and murdered all who opposed him. In his warped mind, the seven deadly sins were the downfall of society. He created the Hole where sinners are branded according to their sins and might survive a few years. At best. Now LUST wraps around my neck like blue fingers strangling me. I’ve been accused of a crime I didn’t commit and now the Hole is my new home. Darkness. Death. Violence. Pain. Now every day is a fight for survival. But I won’t die. I won’t let them win. The Hole can’t keep me. The Hole can’t break me. I am more than my brand. I’m a fighter. My name is Lexi Hamilton, and this is my story.

{Review}: 

Lexi Hamilton has recently been “branded”…with the brand “lust”. We don’t learn the reason behind this until well into the novel, which makes it a very quick read: you’re always looking for more answers.

You’re transported to the world of the “Hole”… a place where Sinners are branded and kept: a place kind of like a prison, but with more death, dilapidation, and destruction. The plight and grotesqueness of this place is very adequately depicted within the pages of this book: it is definitely a place that you don’t want to ever come to.

Lexi is branded and is strangely {at least for a sinner…} “protected” by guard Cole, who is picturesquely handsome, and their part of her story is inevitable: She’s a cute little lady, he’s a very handsome man…and sparks are a flying. BUT, rules make it impossible for them to have a relationship: Guards aren’t supposed to fall for/be into sinners. They’re on opposite sides. Although you think this might be the "main" storyline for this fabulous novel... it really isn't. Keep on reading, friends. :-)

I really enjoyed a few things about this book.

1.      Despite its length, it went by very quickly. Many books I’ve read as of late take far too much time to get into the thick of the story. Branded jumped directly in, and you were off and running, wondering what was going to happen to this poor girl next.

2.      The characters were realistic enough, and well developed, that you were enthralled in them, and I felt connected to many of the minor characters, as well.

3.      Abi and Missy have done a nice job of weaving this story, so that you think you’ve got it figured out—and then BAM, you’re hit with another blow to the face.

4.      One of the most appealing parts to this book is it’s descriptiveness. You’re literally transported there, something that many newer authors are not on point with—but they hit it out of the park.

5.      This book isn’t even really about the budding romance, or the fact that this girl is branded at all, it’s about forbidden love, governmental restraints, familial relationships, trust…it has it all.

{SPOILER ALERT!!!} 

Before you read this, understand that I adored this book, but knowing that the young adult genre can be read by kiddos as young as 5^th grade, I felt the need to explain this: I absolutely have to say that there was one part of this book that I was surprised with, only for the fact that it did not seem “young adult” at all. It was a sexual scene, and while there wasn’t any horribly foul/offensive language used, it was INCREDIBLY descriptive. It’s a physically small part of the book, but an important part to the entire storyline, so it really can’t be “glanced over”… this scene affected my recommendation age below…

That said though, the entirety of the book shouldn’t be missed. The storyline is incredible, and I’m downloading the next in the series when I have more time {and fewer TBR’s }, but I cannot wait to see what’s next and in store for the characters! 

{Where can I buy this?}:

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0989527417/ref=s9_simh_gw_p14_d1_i1?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=center-2&pf_rd_r=0M3762NGGE0E3MEB85R4&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=1688200382&pf_rd_i=507846

{What would I rate it?}: 

4.8/5: It's definitely a book I would recommend to older YA readers.

{Who would I recommend this book to?}: 

I would recommend this book to kiddos in grades 10+. Although I think readability wise it could be appropriate for younger children, I truly don’t believe it’s appropriate for kiddos below grade 10. In addition to the above scene, there is a lot of violence, and I feel as though the seven deadly sins reference would be lost on kids that are younger than 10^th grade.

All in all though, a wonderful read! :-)

Flashback Friday {Review: Signal by Cynthia DeFelice}

(photo courtesy of google image search)

{Synopsis: courtesy of amazon.com}: 

One day while running on the trail near his house in upstate New York, Owen McGuire meets a girl with startling green eyes and bloody cuts all over her body who seems to be utterly alone. Her name is Campion, after the wildflower that is an alien species in the area—alien meaning “from someplace else”—and Campion claims to come from someplace else entirely, a planet called Home. She plans to signal her parents to come pick her up in their spaceship. Owen agrees to help, and as he does, he feels happier than he has in a long time: His mother died a year and a half ago, and now he and his workaholic father live together like two planets on separate orbits, in a new house far from his friends. What will he do when Campion asks him to come with her into outer space, away from his lonely life on Earth?

{Review}: 

There are a few things that I love about this book.

1.      It takes place on the shores of a finger lake in Upstate NY—where I’ve grown and spent all of my 29 years on this Earth.

2.      Cynthia DeFelice is behind this great piece of fiction.

3.      The cover is interesting and appealing, before you ever open the book to read it.

Cynthia DeFelice again paints a very realistic picture of an adolescent who is going through some pretty serious changes in his life. His mother has died, his father is very consumed with his life, and doesn’t necessarily have everything together himself, let alone getting himself together for his son.

And then we meet Campion: this poor scared alien-girl who mysteriously ended up near Owen’s home, and has no family to speak of, except the family from another planet. There is also a man—Ray, who is looking for her. Ray is a bit of a tough guy, and you’re never quite sure what the connection is. Until the ending, which will tear your heart out and stomp it on the floor.

I bought this selection from a scholastic book fair, because I knew that my guided reading students would love it. I could see {from a teaching perspective} that this would be a great addition to any child’s library, but especially to children who have already read Weasel by C. DeFelice--- there are a multitude of similarities of the story outlines, and it would be interesting for a middle-grade level to take these texts and really dive deeply into them. Cynthia DeFelice is also just a good author “to know”…as she has written a LOT of awesome books that appeal to young readers. My fifth grade students—upon receiving this book said the following:

Student 1: “Signal… the cover looks pretty cool…”

Student 2: “OMG! It’s by Cynthia DeFelice!”

Student 1: “That’s awesome. After we read Under The Same Sky, I tried to read all of our libraries books by her…”

{that’s super powerful stuff, peeps!}

{Where can I buy this?}:

Like I said, I bought mine at the last scholastic book fair we had, but you should be able to pick this up wherever books are sold.

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Signal-Cynthia-DeFelice/dp/0312617763/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1400961886&sr=8-1&keywords=signal+by+cynthia+defelice

B & N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/signal-cynthia-defelice/1100357585?ean=9780312617769

{What would I rate it?}: 

4.8/5: I REALLY enjoyed this book, and it was an incredibly quick read. My students thought the same, and were intrigued by the story the entire time.

{Who would I recommend this book to?}: 

Anyone with an advanced reading 4^th grader/ 5^th grader (on or above level) who is looking for something quick, and a good all-around read. Her stuff is really amazing, and once you've read one DeFelice, you really yearn to read at least 3+ more.... if not everything she's ever published. :-)