Inkheart

* * * * */ Five Stars

Genre: Action, Adventure, Danger, Drama, Intellect, Loss, Humor, Romance (a tiny, mild crush  . . .)

In this enchanting classic by Cornelia Funke, Meggie and her father Mo are visiting an old book shop. This is very normal, actually, because he is a book-binder and often repairs old books. When Mo finds a book named 'Inkheart', the two of them meet Dustfinger, a fire-breather from a world of fantasy that lies inside their new book. But, as in all books, there is never just a good side; there are also the villains. And now they are after Meggie and Mo and their magical abilities to pull things out of books when they read the book out loud. In this book, the father-daughter duo will encounter; mysterious legends, an elderly writer, that Meggie's mother didn't abandon them (instead, she was trapped inside a book for all these years), an amazing castle, the tyrant lord Capricorn, and their own strength and power.
This book is BREATH-TAKING! It is an outstanding novel that everyone should own. READ IT!

'Bums in the Attic'

This is an exert from the story "The House on Mango Street" by Sandra Cisneros. It is called 'Bums in the Attic'. This harbors a very interesting storyline and overall hidden meaning. I hope you enjoy it!

I want a house on a hill like the ones with the gardens where Papa works. We go on Sundays, Papa’s day off. I used to go. I don’t anymore. You don’t like to go out with us, Papa says. Getting too old? Getting too stuck-up, says Nenny. I don’t tell them i am ashamed-- all of us staring out the window like the hungry. I am tired of looking at what we can’t have. When we win the lottery… Mama begins, and then I stop listening.

People who live on hills sleep so close to the stars they forget those of us who live too much on earth. They don’t look down at all except to be content to live on hills. They have nothing to do with last week’s garbage or fear of rats. Night comes. Nothing wakes them but the wind.

One day I’ll own my own house, but I won’t forget who I am or where I came from. Passing bums, will ask, 'Can I come in?' I’ll offer them the attic, ask them to stay, because I know how it is to be without a house.

Some days after dinner, guests and I will sit in front of a fire. Floorboards will squeak upstairs. The attic grumble.

Rats? they’ll ask.

Bums, I’ll say, and I’ll be happy.

Chasing Vermeer

* * * */ Four Stars

Genre: Action, Adventure, Mystery, Suspense, Intellect, Drama, Danger, (some) Humor

One night, three letters were sent off to three different people; telling them that they would be working together to solve a long forgotten mystery (Well, I hope that was interesting enough to keep you reading this. Now, onto the next part . . .). Anyways, now we get to Petra, a girl named after the ruins, who noticed that on the news they were talking about a stolen painting by Vermeer himself.  Her classmate, Calder, also heard about this, and with his strange problem solving abilities and his knack for puzzles, the two dive into the mystery of the lost painting, the mysterious 'three', and a strange stepfather. Will the solve the mystery? Or will their clues only lead them on a wild goose chase? Will they forever be chasing Vermeer?
I thought that this book was amazing, and that Blue Balliett crafted a truly astounding book (but you might have to read it more than once to really appreciate it and understand it). Everyone who reads it will love it!

Every Soul a Star

* * * * */ Five Stars

Genre: Adventure, Loss, Identity, Drama, Suspense, Humor, Friendship, Romance (but only some . . .)

In this inspiring book by Wendy Mass, Bree's worst nightmare has just begun. She's moving to a rinky-dink campsite called 'Moon Shadow' (that doesn't even have good reception!), away from her best friend and her dreams of becoming a model. However, she isn't the only one whose life is being turned upside-down. Ally has lived at camp Moon Shadow with her family for a while; watching the stars, playing with her little brother, and being home-schooled is part of what makes her her. But now, she is forced to move to the city and begin a new life right after an amazing solar eclipse . . . Jack is overweight, is failing his science class, and lacks confidence; but, he has a good heart and dreams that he can fly. When he goes on a trip to Moon Shadow with his 'tour group' to see the eclipse, his life, along with Bree's and Ally's, will be forever changed.
I just adored this amazing book. Wendy held on to my attention until the last page. Everyone who reads it will fall in love with this spectacular novel!

The Magic Thief

* * * */ Four Stars

Genre: Adventure, Action, Danger, Mystery, Suspense, Drama, Humor (though it is rather mild and widespread . . .)

When Conn (a street rat who's mother died) tries to steal a passing wizard's Locus Magicalus, the source of a wizard's magic (they cannot preform any magic without it), he is supposed to . . . well, be vaporized. That's what happens when a person who isn't its user snatches it. But, Conn is okay. Nothing really happened to him. The wizard in question, Nevery, has just returned from a long exile. And, seeing that Conn is different, he decides to take him on as his apprentice. Why is Conn still alive after living on the streets for so many years? Why does the magic of his city 'protect' him? What is really going on behind the loss of city magic?And finally,will Conn shine in his new role, or will he die saving all of the magic in his world?
I LOVED this enchanting book by Sarah Prineas. It is an amazing book that should have a place on everyone's shelf.

The Secret Zoo

* * * */ Four Stars

Genre: Action, Adventure, Danger, Drama, Mystery

Welcome to the world of Noah, a young boy who's little sister dissapeared. She was telling him about the zoo right before she went missing, and soon Noah and his friends begin to have strange happenings of their own at their zoo when they start to investigate.What is really going on there? Who took Meghan? What is beyond the walls of the enclosures? And, finally, what will happen when Noah and his friends decide to enter the 'Secret Zoo'?
I liked this book a lot. It was very easy to read and understand. Bryan Chick did a great job with this whimsical book, but I have to warn you; it is designed for a slightly younger crowd, so it is a little . . . quick, I guess, and it doesn't elaborate much. All in all though, if you are looking for a quick, easy, and fantastical read, you've found it. 

A Wrinkle in Time

* * * * */ Five Stars

Genre: Action, Adventure, Drama, Danger, Mystery, Suspense, Intellect, Humor (just a little bit, though . . .)

When Meg lost her father years ago, she never excepted to be able to find him again. He left the country for his work and went missing. Her life pretty much went downhill from there. She's unpopular, her beloved little brother, Charles Wallace, is bullied constantly because of his stupidity (but he's holding out on them because he is actually a super-genius), and her memories of her father are slipping away. When Charles meets three mysterious women, Ms. Whatsit, Ms. Who, and Ms. Witch, Meg, Charles, and their new friend Calvin are thrust into different dimensions, troubling problems, encounters with many strange and mythical creatures, and a chance to save their father, who has been locked up by the Brain. Will they be reunited with their father? Or will they be captured and removed from this dangerous game before they get the chance to find him?
I really LOVE this book by Madeline L'Engle! It is a classic that anyone wanting a 'tricky' book that will give them thrills should read.