Inkdeath by Cornelia Funke

In this spellbinding return of our beloved Inkheart friends, we start off not long after the previous story ended. Even though Meggie and Moe escaped the Adderhead's grip in the last book by binding a book of immortality for him, the Adderhead is after them again. The book is starting to deteriorate, as is the Adderhead; overcome by fear of the White Women. He will stop at nothing to keep living, even if it means kidnapping children in order to reel Moe back into his trap. Meggie and her family are now fully immersed in the Inkworld and any hope of leaving is quickly disappearing. Will the story be saved, or will this made up world become one of it's own?


Wow! This was a completely ingenious ending to a fabulous series. Funke creates such a real world and makes me wish that it were really real to travel into books. The characters were well developed and felt very real and I felt like they were more like well-known friends instead of characters. Funke's kept the plot refreshing and new, keeping me riveted to the story and not bored in the least. I do suggest reading the preceding books in the series, as the author doesn't give a lot of background information and just dives into the story. This is a great book for all ages and I think everyone should take the time to read it. Whether you read it aloud, or read it until you cant read anymore, this story will truly mesmerize you and keep you wanting more. This is by far my favorite book in the series and I dearly wish it wasn't the last!


Reviewer Age:16

Reviewer City, State and Country: Currituck, NC Currituck

The Man Who Turned Into Himself by David Ambrose

Rick Hamilton was a successful business man. During one of the most important business meetings of his career, his mind drifts off and has what seems to be a dreadful premonition of his son, Charlie, and his wife dying. Going AWOL, Rick races to the scene to find that the tables have turned. Rick opens his eyes at the scene to realize it was he who had gotten into the wreck and his life is hanging by a thread. Frantic and out of sorts, he screams for his son, Charlie, unaware that he is living in a parallel universe of his own life. Same body, same people, same thoughts, same memory, different past. With no one to believe his crazy stories of former events, not even his wife, Rick struggles to find a way out of this twisted "many worlds" parallel universe he has been thrown into.

I thought this book was a great illustration of the "many worlds" quantum physics theory. I found that parts of this book reminded me of my own writing and how descriptive and in depth it went to show every true detail of his life. Although, confusing at times, I liked this book a lot.

some sexual innuendos and deep topics.

Reviewer Age:15

Reviewer City, State and Country: , PA USA

Blog Tour Interview with Author Ken Mochizuki

Ever since the 1993 publication of his multi-award-winning, best-selling picture book, Baseball Saved Us (over half a million sold to date), Ken Mochizuki has made over 100 presentations around the country at schools, libraries, community centers and educators’ conferences to ages K-Adult. Ken’s books include: Baseball Saved Us, Heroes, Passage to Freedom: the Sugihara Story, Beacon Hill Boys, and Be Water, My Friend: the Early Years of Bruce Lee. Among the awards his books have earned include the Washington State Governor’s Writers Award and the national Parents’ Choice Award, American Bookseller “Pick of the Lists,” American Library Association Notable Book, International Reading Association Teachers’ Choices, Smithsonian Notable Books for Children and the Jane Addams Children’s Book Awards Honor Book.

When and why did you begin writing?
In 1981, while working as a professional actor in Los Angeles, I also had time to read the “classic” American novels that I should have in high school and college. I thought about becoming a writer instead, so I started writing my own novel at that time which would eventually become “Beacon Hill Boys.” I originally wrote it as an adult novel, but then the opportunity came along to turn it into a YA novel which was published in 2002.

When did you first consider yourself a writer?
Probably when I first seriously said to myself that I am going to be one – not just thinking about it or talking about it, but actually doing it. So, if I was going to be a writer, I had to learn how to write. I returned to my hometown, Seattle, that same year (1981) and started writing for local newspapers. Being a journalist taught me a lot about writing, especially about being concise – saying the most with the least amount of words, which would help tremendously in the genre of “juvenile literature,” especially in writing picture books.

What inspired you to write your first book?
In 1981 when I still lived in Los Angeles, I heard of the murder of a friend who was also an instructor of mine at the University of Washington (it was later uncovered that he was assassinated by orders from the regime of the former dictator of the Philippines). That incident made me think of those days when I was attending the university during the early ‘70s, when I was involved with others in fighting for the “Asian American” identity instead of being called “Orientals.” It was also a unique time all over America, and I wanted to recall those times and pay tribute to it.

Who or what has influenced your writing?
Aside from being a journalist, the Asian American authors who came before me and are currently writing books, especially fiction, are major influences. Another major influence – although I didn’t know it at the time – were the TV series of the ‘60s. “Combat,” an early ‘60s series about GIs in France during World War II, the original “Star Trek,” “Mission: Impossible” and especially “The Twilight Zone” were often brilliantly written and were actually 30- 60-minute short stories. Looking back, that’s where I learned story structure, character development and the character arc, the beginning, middle and end.

What genre are you most comfortable writing?
My books so far have been in the picture book and YA categories, both fiction and non-fiction, so those are what I’m used to so far. I tend to gravitate toward historical fiction – “Beacon Hill Boys” has been put in that category. But, all writing isn’t easy and – contrary to what most people might think – picture books are the hardest because so few words are required to tell the story. I often use this analogy: writing picture books is like driving on city streets, where you travel slow and have to stop for the lights and signs. Novels are like hitting the freeway and opening it up.

Is there a message in Beacon Hill Boys that you want readers to grasp?
Young people who know their histories, their family histories, are more proud and self-confident when they know of the achievements of their own. The underlying theme of the novel is the protagonist and his friends’ search for something to be proud of. Also, I wanted readers to know that everything that might be taken for granted today was gained by those before them who fought, struggled and sacrificed.

Is the book based on someone you know, or events in your own life?
“Beacon Hill Boys” started out as a sort of disguised autobiography, or at least about that time in my life. And as fiction writing goes, and when you start working with an editor, there are plot changes and cuts, characters change, or multiple characters are morphed into one. So, even though some of the incidents portrayed in the book did actually happen in my life, the story is still a work of fiction.

Can you tell us two of your favorite books?
My favorite of all time is Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” and that novel is often considered to be YA now. I would have to say another would be “The Wizard of Oz.”

What book are you reading now?
A lot of the books I read are for research for my present writing project. However, a memorable book I read this year would be Sherman Alexie’s “The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian.”

What are you currently working on?
A YA novel set mostly in an incarceration camp for Japanese Americans during World War II.

Do you have any advice for young writers?
Read – that is the only way you will see how words are put together to become good writing and good books. And not only books, but read newspapers, news magazines – any form that tells a story. It is said that some of the best writers are sports columnists. Then you have to become a good observer. Everybody has the ability to look, but not everybody has the ability to see. Why do people do what they do? Then put those words together and write and write. It is a process in which you can be taught all the “how tos,” but it is also one in which you can only learn by doing.

Thanks again to Ken Mochizuki for appearing, courtesy of Provato Marketing, for other stops on the tour please check Provato Events.

Indie Girl by Arne Johnson and Karen Macklin

Start something new! This book helps you to accomplish goals and possibly even dreams as you read through the nine different possibilities to choose from. The options are: starting a band, publishing a zine, creating an art exhibit, forming a dance troupe, making a parade, filming a TV show, putting on a play, launching a fashion company, and holding a poetry show. This book gives inspiration to teenage girls who would love to accomplish something early in life. It gives you details and step-by-step guidance on getting started and what you'll need along the way. So, if you want to make use of those talents we all know you possess, this book is for you!

Indie Girl is a very inspirational book that makes me want to go out and achieve my goals. I really liked the setup of this guide because it was really easy to follow and understand what you are supposed to do. It listed all of the steps and the supplies that you'll need along the way. I liked how it gave you a list of nine different activities to choose from, and the topics were of interest as well. I recommend Indie Girl to teenage girls who are looking for an early start to a career or just for something fun to do in their spare time.

Reviewer Age:14

Reviewer City, State and Country: Upper Strasburg, PA USA

Palace of Mirrors

Cecilia lives as a peasant in a small town. But, secretly, she knows that she is princess who is being hidden from the enemies of the kingdom for her safety. It's a normal day in hiding for Cecilia, who is out with her friend Harper. But she feels like her enemies are following her. She decides it is in her best interest to go to the palace, reclaim her throne, and take over her duty as princess from the decoy princess Desmia. Once Cecilia gets to the palace, things get strange. She is introduced to other girls just like her who claim that they are the true princess. Is Cecilia the real princess? Who are those other girls? Will she be captured by the enemies before she finds out the truth?

Palace of Mirrors is a quick, fun, one-day kind of read that doesn't require much thought. The story carries itself and moves at a pace that isn't so slow that you lose interest. Although it is predictable, author Margaret Peterson Haddix throws in a few curve balls to make it more surprising in the end. Overall, Haddix has created a story that seems to be generic on the outside: a story about a princess who is being hunted by evil. But after reading the book, I realize that it explored issues that people go through every day, from friendship and love to finding yourself and your destiny in the world.

Reviewer Age: 14

Reviewer City, State and Country: Champaign, IL USA

Banana by Dan Koeppel

With every bite of this book, you will sink into the information. There are many different genres to this book. It is history, and a science adventure all to explain the fate and mystery of bananas. This author is crazy about bananas, so you can see all of the passion in his words. You will learn about your everyday fruit in an interesting way.

I thought that this book was very informational and great! I loved learning about all of these things about the bannana. It made me look at the fruit in a different way. Now I am shouting facts to all of my friends about bananas. This book made me go bananas.

Reviewer Age:15
Reviewer City, State and Country: Carlisle, PA U.S

Interview with Author Maureen McQuerry

Maureen McQuerry is a writer and teacher living in Richland, Washington. She is the author of Nuclear Legacy, (IP award winner) and Student Inquiry, and her new YA fantasy novel, Traveler's Market, released in July with Idylls Press. It is the second in the Wolfproof Trilogy.



What inspired you to write Traveler’s Market?
It’s the sequel to Wolfproof and follows naturally from the first adventure when characters from Celtic myth get involved in the lies of three middle school students. Traveler’s Market explains why these mythic figures choose Timothy James Maxwell. It also begins the quest for the Stone of Destiny, an important piece of Timothy’s own destiny. The more I researched British and Celtic mythology, the more intrigued I became with the legends. The battle scene at the market is based on the legendary Battle of the Trees.

The character of Nom the rat catcher was inspired by a “skunk exterminator” who helped us get rid of a skunk family under our porch. During a trip to NY’s Central Park, I was intrigued by the gates and their inscriptions. The Hunter’s Gate became the portal to the market. So many details come together to inspire and build a story.

Why did you choose the fantasy genre?
Fantasy is the most popular genre for middle grade and YA audiences. One reason is that fantasy allows us, the reader, to be the hero that slays the dragon. It reminds us that we are all more than meets the eye. I think that’s a powerful message for all readers, but especially for middle grade students who are trying to fit in and decide who they are. G.K. Chesterton says: “Fairytales are more than true, not because they tell us there are dragons, but because they tell us the dragon can be defeated.” We know there are dragons in the world, but it also important to know that even the most unlikely person can be the one to defeat the dragon. The best fantasy is ennobling. That’s why we love the Lord of the Rings, Chronicles of Narnia and Harry Potter. It’s the ancient battle of good against evil.

How does your experience as an educator influence your writing?
My students inhabit my stories. Not actual students, but bits and pieces of many of them. Because I worked with gifted kids for many years, the protagonists of the Wolfproof Trilogy, Timothy, Sarah and Jessica all fit into that category. Timothy especially finds himself an outsider in school. The things that fascinate him, words, puzzles, inventions don’t always resonate with his friends. In fact, when Timothy wants to think of just the right word, he pictures Scrabble tiles and adds up the points. I’ve had students tell me that the dialogue is very realistic. I guess it’s because I still have their voices ringing in my ears.

I also believe that middle grade students deserve beautiful writing. While plot and action are important, beautiful language, interesting vocabulary should be part of the books they read. It is difficult to find literary middle grade fiction. I wanted to write some.

Can you mention some of your favorite YA books?
Once and Future King—TH White—King Arthur, Merlin and the round table.
Peace Like a River---not marketed YA but with a compelling YA narrator—great storytelling!
Hobbit—Tolkein of course!
I Capture the Castle—Romance, growing up and figuring out who you are.
Dark is Rising series—Susan Cooper

What book are you reading now?
Summer! Such a great time to read and I read three books I want to mention.
The Invention of Everything Else by Samantha Hunt set in historical NY has a touch of magical realism, Alfred Tessla who invented the radio and a flying machine.
The Confessions of Max Tivoli—the story of Max, born looking like a old man who becomes physically younger as he ages, is poignant.
The Story of Edgar Sawtelle—Hamlet, dogs and a mute boy all rolled into one beautifully written, sad story.

Do you have any advice for young writers?
Yes! Write! Don’t put off writing because you don’t feel inspired. If people waited to be inspired books would not be written. Don’t put off writing because you don’t think you’re not old enough to publish. There are plenty of publishing opportunities for young writers. See the student writers tab on my website http://www.maureenmcquerry.com/ for some suggestions.

Write every day. Every time you write you get a little bit better.

Read! The best writers are readers. Read a wide variety of genres and styles. Stretch yourself. And read like a writer. Go back and see how a writer does something you admire. How do they make the character so real? How did they manage to scare you, make you laugh or cry.

Some of the best advice comes from a writer I admire, Jane Yolen. B.I.C. Butt in Chair!
Many people have great ideas, but the hard work is showing up every day and putting those ideas on paper when there are so many other things that call for our attention.


Thanks again to Maureen McQuerry for appearing, courtesy of Provato Marketing, for other stops on the blog tour please check Provato Events.

Rock 'n' Roll Camp for Girls

Rock 'n' Roll Camp For Girls is a very informative book about starting bands, writing songs, and so much more. It contains many inspiring stories of aspiring artists and already successful ones as well. Good advice on instruments, recording songs, and taking chances is scattered throughout the book. It really reaches out and speaks to any girl that loves music. Step by step, the book walks you through everything you need to do to really rock out and have fun.

This book was straight to the point and I really learned a lot about music and the music industry. I thought the author's themes of being true to yourself and chasing your dreams were very motivating for teens. Not every single chapter interested me but overall the book was a success. I would definitely recommend this to any aspiring musician, singer, or songwriter. Not every chapter will apply to everyone, but it is easy to pick out the parts that interest you. This book sent out a good message and holds a lot of good advice.

Reviewer Age:14

Reviewer City, State and Country: Richmond, Virginia USA

The Order of Odd Fish by James Kennedy

This novel is both fantasy and comedy. I consider this book a comedy because some portions of the story are so ridiculous they are actually funny. The main character is Jo Lauroche, who lives with her Aunt Lily in the California desert. Lily is not Jo's true aunt, but no one knows who Jo is actually related to and Lily has a large, mysterious gap in her memory. Therefore, Lily has raised Jo. Lily used to be a famous actress, and she still throws a big Christmas party every year for her old Hollywood friends. One year, violence suddenly erupts at the party, directed at Jo. Jo and Lily are protected by a Russian colonel and a giant, talking cockroach. Multiple villains, including the one responsible for the violence at the party, begin chasing Jo and Lily. While on the run, Jo, Lily, the cockroach, and the colonel wind up in Eldritch City. Lily then regains her memory and remembers Jo's dark origin. They join the Order of Odd-Fish, which is a group of knights that find useless information. There, Jo learns about her fate while exploring Eldritch City and making friends and enemies.

I liked this book. It was ridiculous but that made it funny. At some points it was too weird to be funny. The plot was very simple. The emphasis of the story was on the outrageous setting and characters. To read this book, it is probably best to like satire and comedy.

Reviewer Age:14

Reviewer City, State and Country: Royersford, PA United States

The Eyes of a King by Catherine Banner

Leo North is a gifted child. Though it is not apparent, his magical gifts must be suppressed under the laws of the kingdom. Leo lives in Malonia, a land ruled by the worst of kings who puts all his people under worry and strain. Leo's life has no prospects and appears bleak until he find a plain blank book in the snow. From the first time writing appears in the book, Leo is thrown into the minds of others and his life begins to change. Through the black book he is shown the life of Aldebranan, an exile who has similar yet stronger powers than Leo. This opens Leo's eyes to the hidden world just out of his reach. He must balance experiencing these secrets with striving for a normal life in the broken down kingdom he lives in. Leo's life becomes even more stressful when his brother falls critical ill and Leo is taken to fight the war. When everything goes wrong and you can't live another day, anything seems possible.

This was a very complicated book. It took me a while to get enthused about it as it is rather slow to start. However, once it became riveting and exciting, it was very hard to put down. The Eyes of a King was a creative and intriguing read which provoked a lot of thought. Leo is faced with decisions and situations which would be terrifying in reality. Watching them unfold in his life
was extremely confronting. I felt that I really related to this book and it both made me cry tears for the characters and be truly happy when things went their way. I found a few errors in the text, more than in most books and I often found myself lost with unnecessary complications with
how the story was written. The Eyes of a King was written by a girl of only fourteen years old and was her first novel. Knowing this, it was an exceptional debut and I will expect great things to come from this young author.

General mature content
Rating: 8

Reviewer Age: 14

Reviewer City, State and Country: Melbourne, Victoria. Australia