Wednesday, May 25, 2011

Gil's All Fright Diner

Gil's All Fright Diner is by A. Lee Martinez. An amazingly creepy and humorous first novel. Out in the middle of the desert is the small town of Rockwood where supernatural happenings are not unusual. In Rockwood sits Gil's Diner, currently owned by Loretta because Gil has mysteriously disappeared. Gil's has a serious zombie problem that keeps business away. Loretta's fortunes begin to change when Earl (a vampire) and his buddy Duke (a werewolf) arrive and agree to help her out. This story has everything, as the back cover so cleverly puts it, from "undead cattle, an amorous ghost, a jail bait sorceress, and the terrifying occult power of pig Latin." A must read for horror lovers with a sense of humor.

Ratings: 10th grade - 10 out of 10 - P (profanity) - V (violence) - AC (mature thematic content) - S (non-graphic sexual content).

Poetry for Young People: Edgar Allan Poe

Poetry for Young People: Edgar Allan Poe is edited by Brod Bagert. A wonderful collection of  Poe's poetry and passages from some of his most famous short stories. A great introduction to the creepiest of American authors. Readers of all ages will love this book.

Ratings: 7th grade - 10 out of 10.

Poetry for Young People: William Shakespeare

Poetry for Young People: William Shakespeare is edited by David Scott Kastan and Marina Kastan. A wonderful introduction to Shakespeare and his work. This small book does not just include sonnets, but passages from the Bard's most famous plays as well. Among the passages included are Anthony's funeral oration for Caesar, Hamlet's "To be or not to be" speech, Henry V's "band of brothers" speech, and my personal favorite John of Gaunt's moving description of England from Richard II. There are sonnets included as well. A must have book of poetry.

Ratings: 8th grade - 10 out of 10.

Sunday, May 22, 2011

The Fourth Bear

The Fourth Bear is by Jasper Fforde. The second book in the Nursery Crimes series. Jack Spratt and Mary Mary are after the Gingerbread Man who has escaped from the mental institution and is on another killing spree. Then there are mysterious explosions being investigated by Goldilocks, who then winds up murdered. A wondrous mystery filled with dry British wit and loads of nursery characters. A must read series for mystery fans who enjoy totally off beat humor.

Ratings: 9th grade - 10 out of 10 - P (profanity) - AC (mature thematic content) - V (violence). 

An Illustrated Guide to Mythical Creatures

An Illustrated Guide to Mythical Creatures is by Anita Ganeri. A magnificent guide to mythical creatures from various cultures. The art work is amazing. A great way to introduce young readers to mythology.

Ratings: 6th grade - 9 out of 10.

Thursday, May 19, 2011

Poetry for Young People: American Poetry

Poetry for Young People: American Poetry edited by John Hollander. Twenty-five poems by the likes of Walt Whitman, Langston Hughes, Maya Angelou, Robert Frost, and others. A must have book for all poetry lovers.

Ratings: 7th grade - 10 out of 10.

Need

Need is by Carrie Jones. The first book in Jones' new series about pixies. After the death of her father, Zara's mother sends her to a small town in Maine to stay with her grandmother. She starts school and finds herself surrounded by two hot guys, Ian and Nick. She also finds herself being stalked by a mysterious man who might not be human. But he's not the only non-human in this sleepy Maine town. A new twist for lovers of the paranormal.

Ratings: 8th grade - 9 out of 10 - MP (mild profanity) - V (violence).

Poetry for Young People: Emily Dickinson

Poetry for Young People: Emily Dickinson is edited by Frances Schoonmaker Bolin. A wonderful collection of over 30 of Dickinson's best poems. A great work for young people.

Ratings: 7th grade - 10 out of 10.

Tuesday, May 17, 2011

Blue Lipstick: Concrete Poems

Blue Lipstick: Concrete Poems is by John Grandits. A wonderful set of adolescent concrete poems from a young girl's point of view. Charming, witty, and sarcastic, these poems are a must read for young people - girls in particular.

Ratings: 7th grade - 9 out of 10.

The Deeds of the Disturber

The Deeds of the Disturber is by Elizabeth Peters. The fifth installment in the Amelia Peabody Mystery series. Amelia and Emerson are back in London. Amelia's brother has left them with her nephew and niece for a spell. As Emerson tries to finish his paper, Amelia begins to investigate a murder at the British Museum. Is the death of the nigthwatchman an ancient curse or something more modern? While Ramses runs wild, as only Ramses can, Amelia discovers a woman from Emerson's past. London can be as treacherous as Egypt after all. Another fantastic tale of murder and mayhem as only an Amelia Peabody mystery can provide.

Ratings: 8th grade - 10 out of 10 - AC (some mature thematic content) - V (violence).