Brick Shakespeare: the Tragedies

McCann, John with Monica Sweeney and Becky Thomas.  Brick Shakespeare, The Tragedies.  2013.  Skyhorse Publishing.  New York, NY.

Book Talk:

All hail MacBeth!  Hail to thee, Thane of Cowder.

It is the East, and Juliet is the son!

William Shakespeare wrote some of the most classic literature in the English Language.  Unfortunately, the language is a product of Shakespeare's time, and is difficult for our modern ears to understand.

Enter Brick Shakespeare!  Whimsically illustrated as a graphic novel, 4 of Shakespeare's great tragedies are brought to life graphic novel style with the assistance of Lego characters and sets.

The words are Shakespeare's - but the pictures are uniquely modern.  Every act begins with a narration that details the action and importance of the action in that scene to the overall action in the play.

Bettina's Note:
This is, hands down, my all time favorite version of Shakespeare.  I enjoyed spotting the different Lego characters throughout the tragedies.  I found Princess Leia, several Jedi, and Samwise Gamgee.  And the best part of all?  This book presents as a graphic novel.  Love, love, love this book!

Guardians of the Galaxy

Marvel Comics Presents "Guardians of the Galaxy: Tomorrow's Avengers, Volume 1"

 Book Talk:

Have you ever wondered what super heroes would exist in the 30th century?

Wonder no more, because we have Tomorrow's Avengers to take care of what is left of humanity.

Charlie - 27 returns home to Jupiter after a lengthy space mission to find that his planet has been taken over by the evil Badoon Empire.  Desperate to escape the Badoon, Charlie - 27 teleports to the other planets in the solar system, only to discover single survivors on each planet.

These survivors form the core of the new Avengers.  Their mission is to retake planet Earth from the Badoon and free the remaining humans from slavery.

This fast paced excursion will keep you guessing until the very end!  Filled with wonderful super heroes of the future, evil bad guys who will stop at nothing to further their own agenda,  and the amazing art of the Marvel comic team.  Will the Avengers manage to free humanity from the yoke of the Badoon?

Bettina's Note:
I completely enjoyed my romp through time with the Avengers!  Nice twists of plot that kept me guessing.  I especially enjoyed the time traveling sequences.  Note that the entire book is filled with the phenomenal artwork that is a hallmark of Marvel Comics.

The Accidental Empress

Pataki, Allison.  The Accidental Empress.  2015.   Howard Books, New York, New York.

Hardcover, $26, ISBN: 978-1-4767-9022-0.

Book Talk:
Sisi is the wild and free second daughter of a noble man.  She loves nothing more than riding horses, running through the woods, and exploring the world around her.

Growing up far away from the intrigues of the Hapsburg Court in Vienna, Sisi has experienced a childhood unlike any other noblewoman of her time.  Allowed to spend her time as she wished, with only minimal attention to courtly manners and tutors, Sisi is utterly at peace and contented with who she is, and unaware that anything like court politics is looming over her head and about to affect her in a very real way, very quickly.

The news comes one beautiful afternoon that her older sister, Helene, has been promised in marriage to the Emperor of Austria.  A man she met once, years ago, when they were children.  A man who also happens to be her first cousin.

Their mother packs the girls up and heads off to Austria in order to introduce Helene to her fiance and introduce the girls to court life.

Upon arrival in Austria, things take a turn for the unexpected.

The Emperor, Hans, feels no connection whatsoever to his intended, but instead finds himself irresistibly drawn to the younger sister, Sisi.  Sisi also feels the unexpected connection with the dashing young emperor.

Standing up to his mother, Hans does the unthinkable and breaks his engagement to Helene and announces his intention to marry the love of his life, Sisi.

The unexpected, wild, and untamed young girl is thrust into the limelight of the Hapsburg court, and immediately surrounded by the intrigue, protocols, and subterfuge that control her every waking moment.

Can Sisi manage to break free from the intrigue and become her own woman and master of her own fate?

Can she finally defeat the machinations of the powerful Empress, the mother of Hans?

Has she truly captured the heart and mind of her husband, the Emperor?

Bettina's Note:
This is a fascinating tale, based upon the real life of the Empress Elizabeth (Sisi), of Austria.  She was beloved by her people, and considered to be one of the great beauties of her time.  For the history buffs out there, note that this story takes place AFTER the American Civil War, and puts us in the years leading up to World War 1.  This particular story leaves off in the late 19th century.  The author has announced a sequel, which will take us through WW1.  Fascinating, fascinating look at one of the "grandest" royal families of their time.

I debated long and hard about putting this book on the YA blog, but I feel that this is a good match for high school students looking for a new challenge.  There are adult themes in the book, so use your own discretion when deciding whether or not to recommend this book. 

Age Level:  This book is cataloged as an adult book.  I believe that this book is appropriate for older students,  10th (maybe), 11th & 12th graders. 



Author's Web Site: http://allisonpataki.com/about/

Artemis Fowl

Colfer, Eoin.  Artemis Fowl.  2001.  Hyperion Books for Children, and imprint of Disney Children's Book Group.  New York, NY.

Softcover, $3.99, ISBN: 0-439-35600-8.

Book Talk:

Criminal.  Genius.  Master Mind.

These three words describe Artemis Fowl, who runs an international corporation of not quite so legal businesses, all in the pursuit of more money for the Fowl family.

Did I mention that he's all of 13 years old?

Since Artemis' father disappeared under mysterious circumstances in Russia a year ago, and his mother has retreated into a deep, dark, place in order to deal with her grief, Artemis has successfully run and expanded the Fowl empire, with the help of Butler, his bodyguard and right hand man.

Tired of the traditional means of getting more  wealth, Artemis has conceived of an idea that is so radical, so outrageous, and so unbelievable that nobody except Butler would ever believe that any of this would work.

Deep inside of the Earth dwell the Fairy People, who were chased off of the surface of the planet many centuries ago and now live deep inside of the Earth.  They are a technologically advanced race, with gadgets and gizmos that any human would drool over.  They covet their privacy and live in fear of the humans discovering them, their hidden world, and their riches.  Each fairy carries a book with them at all times.  This book lays out the rules for Fairies, rules that have been laid out since the beginning of time.

Not only does Artemis believe in the Fairy People, he has found one of the books, and managed to decipher the ancient language and read the ancient secrets of the Fairy People.

One secret in particular has caught his attention.

The Fairy Ransom Fund.

If a fairy is caught and held for ransom by a human, the fairy will be exchanged for gold.

With this information begins a wild and crazy scheme to make the current generation of the Fowl family the most successful generation, ever.

Artemis is going to kidnap a fairy.

Armed with the secrets of the book, Artemis lays out the necessary traps and equipment to capture one of the most elusive creatures on the planet.

But, has he taken on more of a challenge than he anticipated?  The Fairy people do not part easily with their gold.  They frown upon the holding of hostages.  And they are equipped with Foaly, a genius technological wizard who is every bit as smart and capable as Artemis.

Can Artemis successfully kidnap a fairy and force the People to part with some of their Gold?


Find out in "Artemis Fowl".

Author's Web Site:  http://www.eoincolfer.com/

Star Trek Crafts

Pedersen, Angie.  Star Trek Craft Book.  2013. Gallery Books, a Division of  Simon and Schuster, New York, New York.

Softcover, $19.99,  ISBN: 978-1-4767-1864-4.

Book Talk:

Do you love to make crafts?  Do you love Star Trek?  Then this is the book for you!  Filled with fun crafts, and easy to follow directions, you will find crafts to tickle your funny bone!

Make a Spock sock monkey.  A tri-coder that doubles as a totally kickin' purse!  Custom shoes with comic book characters!  Captain, there are some fantastic crafts in this book for everyone from the novice to experienced crafter!

Are you looking for a productive way to spend some time this summer?  Look no further than the Star Trek Craft Book!


Author's Web Site:  http://angiepedersen.typepad.com/

Reviewer's Note:
If I was Book Talking this book in a school or library, I would have at least two completed crafts from the book to use as part of my book talk.  Based upon my own crafting ability and interest level, I would have (or wear) the sneakers.  I'd use the mascots from the summer reading program on the shoes.  I also really like the Kirk & Spock peg people (think old school Fisher-Price people).  They'd look really cool on the display, as would the Tribbles.  There are directions for wine glass charms made from guitar picks.  These would be really fun to attach to some wire earrings, and wear them in to the book talk.  Food to think about... 

The Madman of Piney Woods

Curtis, Christopher Paul.  The Madman of Piney Woods.  2014.  Scholastic Press.

Hardcover.  $13.10. ISBN: 978-0545156646.

Red and Benji are two young boys who live on opposite sides of Piney Woods. 

Benji lives in the black community of Buxton.   The families have a long and rich history of life in their town.  Many people settled in Buxton after escaping slavery in the United States, and slipping successfully across the Canadian border.

Benji wants to be a newspaperman.  He has the heart of a writer, and is overjoyed when his parents find a job for him at the newspaper, the very first newspaper ever owned by a black woman.  Benji's interactions with his friends help tell the story of a loving, supportive community that keeps a look out for each other.

Red wants to be a scientist.  His grandmother was an immigrant from Ireland, and she has never forgotten nor forgiven the horrible circumstances that surround her families' flight from Ireland during the potato famine.  Her experiences color her relationship with her grandson, Red.  Red is terrified of his grandmother, and goes out of his way to avoid her wrath and ire.  Even as cruel as his grandmother is, Red knows that he is more fortunate than some who have harder lives.

In between the two towns lie the Piney Woods.  A magical woods, full of secret places, known only by a few.  Benji is one of those few who knows the secrets of the woods.

But, the woods hold a very dark secret.  For the Madman of Piney Woods lives deep within the forest.  Only occasionally seen, the tales of the Madman are woven through the folklore of both towns.

In a wonderfully rich tale, the stories of Benji and Red are intertwined, and they become fast friends after a chance meeting.

Set in 1908, Christopher Paul Curtis explores the deeper meanings of the human experience and will leave you breathless.

Author's Web Site:  http://www.nobodybutcurtis.com/

Death Coming Up The Hill

Crowe, Chris.  Death Coming Up The Hill.  2014  HMH Books for Young Readers.

Hardcover, $12.74.
ISBN: 978-0544302150

Book Talk:

The time is 1968.  In South East Asia, the Vietnam War is being waged.  Hundreds of our young men are dying every single week.

In the United States, a young boy named Ashe is struggling with understanding - who he is, what the war is about, and where his place in the world is.

In horrid fascination, he watches as his own world falls apart, mirroring the chaos in Eastern Asia.

And then, a young girl enters his life, and Ashe finds purpose, meaning, and love in the midst of chaos.

But no matter what, in 1968, when you are a young man facing your 18th birthday, you are facing the knowledge that you will be drafted into the United States Army and could very well be dead at the hands of the Viet Kong in less than a year.

As Ashe struggles with the reality of his world falling apart around him, he makes decisions that will forever change his future.

Author's Web Site:
http://www.chriscrowe.com/

Earthbound

Pike, Aprilynn.  Earthbound.  2014.  Penguin Group, New York.

 Hardcover$17.99,  ISBN:978-1-59514-650-2.

Book Talk:
Tavia's life has taken an unexpected turn for the worst.  The only survivor of a plane crash that killed both of her parents, she is living a quiet life in New England, attempting to recover from her injuries when things begin to get decidedly weird.

Her friend Benson, who works at the library, has been her constant companion and friend throughout this ordeal.  He has listened to her, held her confidences, and encouraged her when things seem like they are at their lowest point.

She is seeing a therapist - Liz - who is helping her deal with the traumatic fall out of her accident.

And she is living with a step-aunt and her husband- Reese and Jay- that she met once, at a funeral 10 years before.

Her new life is as far from normal as anything could ever be when she begins to have visions of a mysterious man who seems as if he's from a time 200 years in the past.  He appears to her, encourages her to follow him, and talks to her.

A stranger in town, Sunglasses Guy, begins following her around.  Wherever she goes, there he is.  He's outside of the therapists' office, outside of the physical therapist's office, and outside of her home.

Through it all, Quinn becomes a constant presence, encouraging her, attempting to lure her away from her life.

Coming home early from an appointment one day, Tavia hears Reese speaking with Liz on the phone, and realizes that they are speaking about her. Hearing just enough to fear for her safety, Tavia decides to make a run for her life.

Running from her foster parents and sunglasses guy, Tavia decides to chase after Quinn.  She wants to find out why he is haunting her visions, her dreams, and appearing wherever she goes.

But the truth could be more than she can handle...

Chased by two warring factions of Earthbounds, running from Sunglasses Guy, and running towards she knows not what with Quinn, Tavia clings to Benson for security, warmth, and love.

But, is everything as it seems?

This non-stop thrill ride will keep you gripping the edge of your seat from beginning to end.
Unexpected plot twists, as well as a love triangle you will never expect will keep you guessing from beginning to end!

Reviewer's Note:
I read the middle book, Earthquake, before this book.  While I knew what happened next, I was blown away by some of the unexpected turns that the plot took in the first book that had not been elaborated upon in the second book.  Even better, as I was reading the book, I kept finding myself saying "NO!!! Don't you see what he's doing here?"

Excellent, excellent read!  Well worth the time!

Author's Web Site:
http://www.aprilynnepike.com/

Earthquake

Pike, Aprilynne.  Earthquake.  2014. Penguin Group, New York, NY.
Hardcover, $17.99, ISBN: 978-1-59514-652-6.

Book Talk:

Tavia was in an airplane accident a few years ago.  The sole survivor of the flight, she remembers very little.  What she does remember is earth shattering:

She is Earthbound.  An eternal being, who reincarnates every time she dies.  Unfortunately, she can not recall her past lives until she finds a piece of her past that will remind her of who she is and all of the memories of her past lives.  Unfortunately, because of the airplane crash, she is only able to remember the most immediate past life with Logan.

Somewhere on the planet is her eternal partner.  Logan is out there, somewhere, also equally unaware of who he is, and his past life.

Someone is trying to kill her.  The airplane crash that killed 255 people was meant to kill her.

She remembered her most recent past life with Logan, from 200 years ago, when she touched a necklace that he had given her.  Somehow, she must find Logan and reawaken his memories.  And she needs to do it before the people who are trying to kill her succeed and kill either her, Logan, or both of them.

Running constantly from danger into danger, not knowing who she can trust, Tavia finally finds Logan - only to have them both captured by the Reduciata before Logan's memories are restored.

While being held in the prison of the Reduciata, they are rescued by the rival faction of Earthbounds- the Curatoria.  But, has she really been rescued, or is she just being held prisoner in a more elaborate trap?

Meanwhile, a virus is destroying earth.  The people, the land, and the monuments are all disappearing at an alarming rate.  Tavia is the only person who can find the cure to stop the ultimate destruction of the planet and all who live here.

While Tavia races to find the cure to her virus, she discovers a secret - a dangerous secret that she has kept hidden from herself and from Logan over several past lives.  It's a secret that has had her killed several different times in the last 200 years, and the reason why an airplane was crashed to the ground.

Can Tavia remember what the secret is before she is killed, again?

Can she find the cure to the virus and save the Earth and it's inhabitants?

Will Logan remember who she is in time?

Can she remember the past lives that have remained hidden from her?

Author's Web Site:
http://www.aprilynnepike.com/

Reviewer's Note:
Fantastic, riveting read!  Several unexpected plot twists and turns, loved them all!
This is the second of a series.  I have not read the first in the series, but the book stands alone.
I do feel a need to go back and read the first book in order to answer a few plot questions I had from the second book, but I am so glad that the author did not dwell on plot from the first book.  She gave enough information to keep the plot flowing, but I'm really curious about what happened first.