Tentacles by Roland Smith

Tentacles by Roland Smith

Genre: Adventure

Summary: Tentacles is the sequel to the Cryptid Hunter.  Grace and Marty end up looking for a giant squid while trying to avoid the bad guys from the previous book.  You will NOT believe what happens to Grace and the book will leave you wanting more... (Hmmmm.... Coincidence?)

Review: If you liked Cryptid Hunters then you will like this book even more!  If you read Tentacles first... you might ruin Cryptid Hunters so keep that in mind...

I give this book a 5 out of 5! But you have to like the idea of going after creatures like Big Foot, giant squids, and dinosaurs!

This book reminds me of: Cryptid Hunters (gee... no surprise there??)

The Great Wide Sea by M.H. Herlong

Wow!! Wow!! Wow!!

Genre: Adventure - especially SAILING adventure (just look at the cover!!)

Summary: These kids go on a sailing trip with their dad after their mom died.  The sailing trip turns into an adventure after a particularily bad storm.  I'm not saying any more because I don't want to give it a way - and don't read the back of the book - it gives way too much away!!

Review: You know how I love adventure.  This book has it - ALL (well except no one chasing you - but you don't need chasing in this book)! If you like edge of your seat - then read this book!

Obviously I find this a five out of five.

This book reminds me of Young Man and the Sea but it has more action, much more action!

Chicken Boy by France O'Roark Dowell

Chicken Boy

France O'Roark Dowell

Genre: Realistic fiction and animals

Summary: Basically, a boy comes out of his shell because of chickens.  Really.  He does.

Review: I know what you are thinking...  "What a stupid idea for a book."  But it's good, really! I love that he makes friends and his life starts looking better.  I would say: 3.75 out of 5 stars!

This book reminds me of The Big Nothing



Forget Me Not

Forget Me Not

Coleen Murtagh Paratore

Genre: Realistic fiction, friendship, and growing up

Summary: Willa works at her parents Cape Cod bed and breakfast.  During this particular summer, she encounters some friendship problems that she needs to deal with - basically, how do you deal with "outgrowing" your friends and boyfriend issues?  And lets not forget wedding planning!

Rating: 3 out of 5 Ok, I'll admit, I had trouble getting into this book, but others really, really love it!  Give it a try!



The Maze of Bones

(39 Clues... book 1)

Rick Riordan

Public Service Announcement:  If you have not read the 39 Clues yet, get off the computer and go get the first book.  Its. That. Good.

Ok... I can get on with the review now.

Genre: Adventure, suspense

Summary: This first book sets up the series of 39 books written by the best authors around.  Basically several loosely related families set out on an adventure to find clues that is a very important, world-changing puzzle.  But... the families are competing against each other and don't exactly like each other.  In fact, they try to kill the main characters. (Um, small problem, right?)

Review: Woo-hoo a 5 out of 5!  Adventure - around the world adventure.  Does it get any better??

The Big Nothing

The Big Nothing

by Adrian Fogelin



Genre: Realistic Fiction, friendship, parents getting divorced

Summary: Justin has a ton of stuff to deal with: his dad leaving his mom and his brother going off to war.  But at the same time, he has to figure out what to do when you like a girl and what do when lose your best friend. 

Review: This book does a great job of showing the feelings and frustrations of Justin.  You really cheer for him and feel his heart break.  I think this is a great book if you like books that mostly explore every day life and aren't looking for someone to chase you!!  I give this book a 4 out of 5 - even though there isn't any "edge of your seat" action!  (Even though the main character is a guy... I think this is more for girls!)

Notes from the Dog by Gary Paulson

Whoops!  Has it really been 2 weeks since I've posted new books??  My apologies... I won't let it happen again (until the next time it happens)

Notes from the Dog

Gary Paulsen

Picture is coming

Genre: Realistic Fiction... growing up

Summary: Dylan is really shy and over the summer ends up coming out of his shell thanks to his next door neighbor.  Dylan tries to help her as she helps him.

Just so ya' know... this is the same author as Hatchet and Lawn Boy.  This book is nothing like Hatchet and has the same "feel" as Lawn Boy.

Review: I give this book a 4 out of 5.  It's an easy read that doesn't jump all over the place.  But as you probably know, I like plot twists and edge of your seat action.  Not so much in this book - but a good story and a few tears!

This book reminds me of Forget Me Not.