The Penderwicks: A Summer Tale of Four Sisters, Two Rabbits, and a Very Interesting Boy
by Jeanne Birdsall Yearling
Our Price: $6.50
The four Penderwick sisters, Rosalind, Skye, Jane, and Batty, are going for a three-week trip to a new summer cottage with their father and their dog, Hound. The cottage is owned by an extremely wealthy woman named Mrs. Tifton, who lives in the adjacent mansion. The girls quickly discover that somewhere inside this mansion is the very intriguing Jeffrey, Mrs. TiftonÂ’s son. Soon the Penderwicks find themselves caught up in the fight to save Jeffrey from military school and the other pitfalls of his grandfatherÂ’s legacy.
A very deserving winner of the National Book award, Penderwicks is a delightful romp of a tale. ItÂ’s rare these days to come across a story that is so genuine and fun. Each character has his/her own charms. Penderwicks returns us to the days of Summer of the Monkeys and The Egypt Game. ItÂ’s the kind of story you read stretched out on your belly in the summer grass or that is read to you by a grandfather whose hands still smell just a little of the fish you pulled out of the lake that afternoon.
The Dangerous Book for Boys
by Conn Iggulden Collins
Our Price: $24.95
This book has just about anything a young outdoorsy mind would want to know, from fishing, paper airplanes, and tying knots to dinosaurs and even the rules of soccer. The title is perhaps a misnomer as this book is neither full of dangerous information (unless you consider skinned knees and tree-houses dangerous), nor is it necessarily just for boys. As a young tomboy, I could fish and camp with the best of them and would gladly have had this book in my dirt-smudged hands. The Dangerous Book for Boys would be an excellent addition to the library of your favorite youngster, boy and tomboy alike.
Aislinn, or "Ash," has seen faeries for as long as she can remember. Her deceased mother could see them. The grandmother who raised her can see them. In the old stories, the faeries would hurt any mortal who knew they existed. The only way Ash can lead a semi-normal life is by pretending she doesnÂ’t see the creatures around her. But when two of the fey start following her, a beyond beautiful man with copper hair and a dead-white girl who rides a wolf, even semi-normal seems an unrealistic goal. Ash has to find out what the fey want. That means breaking her grandmother's rules. After years of pretending they don't exist, Aislinn is going to talk to them.
I couldn't put this book down. I loved it. It is an excellent take on the modern day fairy story. The characters are compelling and the third person narrative is well interspersed with charactersÂ’ thoughts in first person. This is a dark, intriguing tale that is definitely worth adding to your collection.
The Blue Sword (Newbery Honor Roll)
by Robin McKinley Puffin
Our Price: $6.99
Harry Crewe lives on the border of the desert where her people, the Homelanders, have colonized the land of the native Free Hillfolk. The leader of the Hillfolk, Corlath, is rumored to possess a dangerous and ancient magic. Yet, when he abducts Harry, she finds herself strangely comfortable in their nomadic culture. And when, at CorlathÂ’s behest, Hari begins training to become a warrior, learning to use a sword and guide a horse without the need for reins, this also feels oddly natural to her. The more time Harry spends with the Free Hillfolk, the clearer it becomes that she is to be the next damalur-sol, lady hero.
I first read this book when I was twelve. Twelve years later, I just re-read it and found that I still love it.
The Amulet of Samarkand (The Bartimaeus Trilogy, Book 1)
by Jonathan Stroud Miramax
Our Price: $7.99
In an alternate version of England, where corrupt and cruel magicians rule from London, one young magician strives to surpass the expectations of those around him. But, when he summons a fourth-level djinni named Bartimaeus, he doesnÂ’t get the sort of humble servant he was expecting.
Amulet is told from the points of view of both the apprentice magician, Nathaniel, and the djinni, Bartimaeus. The djinniÂ’s narratives are what really make the book. His quips and sarcasm (particularly the footnotes) made me laugh out loud and also demonstrate a moral awareness that contrasts sharply with the nearly non-existent morals of the magicians.
StroudÂ’s three book series starts strong with Amulet and gets even better.
I know youÂ’ll enjoy this one.
The Neverending Story (Firebird)
by Michael Ende Puffin
Our Price: $7.99
Those of us who were born in the 80Â’s will never forget watching the movie version of the Neverending Story: Atreyu and his gallant horse Artax, the Rock-Biter, the Racing Snail, Morla the Ancient One, and even the evil Gmork are memorable images. These images center on the story of a little boy named Bastian, a boy who discovers that the world of human imagination may be more real than he thinks.
TodayÂ’s kids have probably missed out on the film version of BastianÂ’s tale, but the novel it is based on even surpasses it. This book is fantastic for late elementary and older, as a read-aloud for younger kids, or for adults who just want to know what on Earth Bastian yells out of that window.
HereÂ’s to knowing that sometimes the things that used to be good still are.
Alanna: The First Adventure (Song of the Lioness)
by Tamora Pierce Simon Pulse
Our Price: $6.99
I have a theory that every man and woman has one book that they find at exactly the right time in their life. That book becomes emblematic of what writers are trying to accomplish in the first place: to make a lasting impact on a readerÂ’s life. Tamora PierceÂ’s Alanna is that book for me. I first read it when I was twelve and have read it at least three more times since. It is a tomboy coming-of-age story with characters who arenÂ’t perfect people, but who demonstrate real friendship and fortitude.
In a kingdom where only men are trained as fighters, young Alanna disguises herself as a boy so that she can undergo knightsÂ’ training. Alanna pushes herself to become a great swordswoman, while still battling her personal guilt over lying about her gender, and trying to conceal the fact that underneath her boyÂ’s disguise, she is becoming a woman.
The Story of Ferdinand (Picture Puffin)
by Munro Leaf Puffin
Our Price: $7.99
Ferdinand is different. While the other little bulls show off how fierce they are, hoping to get their turn in a bullfight, Ferdinand just likes to sit beneath his favorite tree and smell the flowers. However, when an unnoticed bumblebee gives Ferdinand a shocking sting, his reaction makes him look fearsome. The next thing he knows, gentle Ferdinand is on his way to face the matador!
My mother read this book to me countless times as a child. I have always enjoyed its simple assertion that itÂ’s okay to be different, especially if doing things differently is what makes you happiest.
I first read a portion of this book for a class on the origins of tragedy in theatre. Greenblatt's discussion of the Catholic and Protestant allusions in Shakespeare's work is so engaging, it lead me to write my senior thesis on a related topic.
Written in an England that endorsed Protestantism as the state religion (under the rule of Elizabeth I), the bard's work still evokes Catholic ideas and images. Greenblatt identifies these allusions and discusses the possible whys and wherefores behind them, including the implications about the bard's own religious beliefs. A must read for Shakespeare lovers and British history enthusiasts.
The Living Rain Forest: An Animal Alphabet
by Paul Kratter Charlesbridge Publishing
Our Price: $8.95
This is the best Alphabet book I have ever seen. The illustrations are amazing and lifelike. Each page depicts a rainforest animal to match the letter and gives some interesting details about that animal. Difficult words are defined below. This is a book that will remain interesting as children age.
The Owl and the Pussycat
by Edward Lear Katherine Tegen Books
Our Price: $15.99
There have been many editions of The Owl and the Pussycat. This one is my favorite. Anne Mortimer's illustrations have incredible detail (my particular favorite is the owl proposing on bent knee). They revitalize this classic rhyme and lend it a new charm.
Modernizations of fairy tales have been a popular literary trend in recent decades. Author Robin McKinley demonstrates particular skill in fairy tale adaptation in her works Rose Daughter, Spindle's End, and Beauty. Possibly her most noteworthy adaptation, however, is Deerskin, a novel based on the lesser known tale "Donkey Skin" (originally told by Charles Perrault, author of "Puss in Boots" and other fairy tale favorites).
Deerskin takes this traditionally young adult genre into a dark emotional realm and though I originally enjoyed the book in my early teens, it is well-suited to an adult audience. The novel recounts the story of Princess Lisla Lissar. After Lissar's mother dies, her grieving father suddenly notices Lissar's own beauty, which so closely resembles that of his late queen. He becomes convinced that he is meant to marry his daughter. Emotionally shattered by her father's both horrifying and violent advances, Lissar flees her home and takes refuge in a new identity and a new realm.
McKinley blends humanity and fantasy to create a heart-breaking story about loyalty, love, and healing.
When rival clans of the faerie kingdom start an urban war, musician Eddi McCandry is drawn into their battle. Only the sardonic Phouka (a man who can transform into a dog) and her own gift for music stand between her and assassination by any number of nasty bow and arrow wielding beasties with sharp teeth. No other book will make you want to start a rock band in Minneapolis.
If Chins Could Kill: Confessions of a B Movie Actor
by Bruce Campbell L.A. Weekly Books
Our Price: $13.95
He's the actor you may remember from cult classics Evil Dead, Evil Dead 2, and Army of Darkness, or from his numerous tv spots and mainstream cameos ( Spiderman, Spiderman 2). In this humorous autobiography, Campbell relates his ascent to B-movie stardom, beginning with his childhood in suburban Michigan. Campbell's wit will appeal to readers of David Sedaris, while his insight into the movie-biz resonates with aspiring actors and film enthusiasts alike. For those interested in Hollywood blockbusters, Campbell's book also narrates his long-standing friendship with director Sam Raimi (notable films include the Spiderman series). Overall, this personal history of a pop culture "underdog" is an enjoyable read with wide appeal.
