The Lampkins by Eve Bunting

“The Lambkins” is a story about a lonely woman and how she manages to make a family, even without her husband, Magnus the Magnificent. Mrs. Shepherd, the lonely woman, had a dollhouse that Magnus had made for her. The dollhouse was an exact replica of her real house. It even had electricity at one point! Needing to fill her house with dolls, Mrs. Shepherd decided that she could help real kids in the process. Whenever Mrs. Shepherd found a kid who was an artist of some kind, whether it was in writing, music, painting, acting, or singing, who had a struggle to continue with their passion, Mrs. Shepherd would kidnap them. She would cleverly trick the child into reaching for something in her trunk, then, suddenly, she would give them a shot to make them as small as a doll. Mrs. Shepherd would place the doll-sized kids, who she called “Lambkins”, in her dollhouse, but only four at a time to allow for each kid to have their own room. When one of the Lambkins died, another kid would be kidnapped and shrunk to doll size. The Lambkins were McNamara Chang- a baseball player who wanted to write, Tanya Roberts- a foster child who played the violin, Lupe Sanchez- a four-year-old girl who was taken because Mrs. Shepherd wanted a little girl to act, and John Ponderelli, a singer who died and was replaced with the main character, Kyle Wilson, a painter. There was also a dog named CH Pippy (CH stood for champion). These four kids and their dog try to escape many times, but fail every time. After months, they get the chance for an escape when there is a leaking pipe. Mrs. Shepherd had to call a plumber to fix the pipe, and the Lambkins were positive that she would show him the dollhouse. They painted, “Help. Mrs. Shepherd kidnapped us. We are hidden in her house”, and they listed their names. Unfortunately, Mrs. Shepherd saw the note before the plumber came and decided that she had to get rid of her present Lambkins and get new ones. Luckily, the Lambkins were able to knock her down with a stone to escape. Finally, they escaped to the neighbor’s house and were in safety for the first time in months.

The book, “The Lambkins”, is one of my favorite books that I just couldn’t put down. With the help of a great plot, this book was almost perfect. Even the beginning was interesting, as opposed to containing a long, introductory build up, which is hard to find in books. Every aspect of the book was entertaining, especially the characters. My favorite character was Mrs. Shepherd, because of her surprising personality. You never knew whether she would respond to an action kindly, with a giggle, or angrily, with a beastly roar. The character, Mrs. Shepherd, made the book a never-ending surprise. Everyone would enjoy the characters in this book. The ending of this book brought a definite surprise. The plot in the end just kept turning and turning, so you wouldn’t be able to guess what was going to happen next. When I saw the Lambkins plan failing with only a few pages of the book left, I thought the story would end with no solution to the problem. It was a shock to see how well the writer kept the suspense throughout the book, and ended it so quickly, without sparing great detail. If I were to compare this book with another science fiction book, like “Running Out of Time” by Margarot Haddix, I would automatically say that “The Lambkins” by Eve Bunting is better in many ways. The ending to “The Lambkins” was excellent, and so was the plot of the story, but unlike “Running Out of Time,” it was not the type of book that would be read over and over again. “The Lambkins” introduces new vocabulary, such as the word “retch”. The dangers of being allured by strangers are definitely well described. You are also able to learn some of the vocabulary easily because the words are defined within the book for explanation to one of the characters, the four-year-old Lambkin. The way the author grabs the reader into the book is amazing. Her writing makes you feel like you’re there, in the book. You can feel the fear and eagerness of the Lambkins to get out. There is just enough detail in the book to make you understand the struggles of the Lambkins. Unfortunately, I was hoping to find out more of what happens to the Lambkins after their escape, but it is also nice to leave the aftermath to your imagination. “The Lambkins” is an excellent book that makes you eager to read the author’s other books.

Rating (0 - 10 scale): 8

Reviewer: MP

Warriors: The New Prophecy #1: Midnight

The forest is home to four different clans of cats. However, they are all in grave danger. Their only hope lies with four chosen cats, one from each clan. These chosen cats are given a prophecy through a dream, and although they are from rival clans, they must learn to work together to defeat an unknown enemy or face a terrible fate - the destruction of all their clans.

This book is a wonderful story for young and old. It is a little confusing in the beginning and the plot is slow to develop. However, the further you read, the clearer and more addicting it becomes. The end is a real surprise. After reading this book, you find yourself wanting to immediately pick up the next book in the series to find out what will happen next. If you have not yet begun this series, this book is a great place to start.

Rating (0 - 10 scale): 8

Reviewed bt a Flamingnet Student Reviewer (www.flamingnet.com)

A.D. 62: Pompeii by Rebecca East

Miranda, a Harvard scholar volunteers for a time travel experiment back to the ancient days of Rome. Equipped with only a signal device implanted in her arm to return home and a wooden flute, Miranda is whisked back to Pompeii where she is given the opertunity to study ancient life as a slave in a wealthy household. Although promised that she'd be able to return home at any time, Miranda soon realizes that she is trapped in the ancient world. As she works her way from a laborer to a musician and storyteller of the household, Miranda falls deeply in love with her Master. Eventually her intelligence and spirit earn his adoration in return. Miranda learns to love her new life in Pompeii, earns the respect of her fellow Romans, and gets the biggest reward of all, a loving husband.

A.D.62:Pompeii was a magnificent book. It kept me reading until the very last page. I loved the heroine of the story, she was very likeable. The author painted a very good picture of ancient life in Pompeii, I felt like I learned a lot of history, but the history made it all the more real. The ending of the book was perfect, not your typical happily ever after, it was unexpected, but still cheerful. I think the author could have done more with the women's rights part of the story. The title and cover were very deceiving. It looked like an average history book, but it wasn't at all like that. Overall, I think that this was a great story. It is so unique, that is why I really loved it.

Rating (0 - 10 scale): 10

Reviewed by a Flamingnet Student Reviewer

Sign of the Raven

Tom isn't pleased when his mom's recovery from cancer takes him from his home to his grandmother's. Soon memories of Tom's first visit to his gram's begin to surface. What did he see in the basement? What did he hear down there? Now, he thinks he's seeing the raven on the neighboring pub sign move! Is Tom going insane, or are strange things happening? Stranger still is Tom's gradual discovery of "the gap", a portal in time that allows Tom to travel back to the year 1717 where he stumbles into a group of prisoner circus attractions. According to Tom's new friends he is their only hope of getting their deceased friend, the giant, to his wanted resting place, but should Tom trust them?

Hearn's novel is excellent. In my opinion, I agree with Hearn's placement of the secret Tom discovers early on in the book. On the other hand, others might think it was given away too early. I could go on and on about the ending to Sign of the Raven, but talking about it might give it away. Understand this, if you don't understand the ending read it over until you do! It is hidden well, but it is easy to give away. This novel was spectacular the whole way through, and I've never read anything like it, so I declare it my favorite book of all time even with some English sayings and passages that are difficult to understand.

Rating (0 - 10 scale): 10

Jay by W. Royce Adams

Four years have passed; more than can be imagined has changed. Jay, now sixteen, is a hobo living a life on the tracks. Having nowhere to live after the death of his mother, the only remaining member of his family, he must ride the freight trains to escape a foster home. After being caught by the bulls, or Freight Train Police, he needs to be more careful on the tracks. The bulls robbed him; he was left with no money, food, or weapons to defend him or to cut food. He hops a train to escape the bulls and jumps on a flatbed car. He tries to hide under a tarp so he is not seen, and in the darkness of it, he feels a leg. “Hey!” is all that is said. A hobo, called by the name of Liberty Two, is the leg’s owner. They are introduced to each other and they are astonished to find that the two of them are the same age. They befriend and start out a life of hobos.

Jay, the sequel to Me and Jay, is a very good piece of children’s literature. This book is not as graphical as Me and Jay, so it is a book that a child can read without getting frightening images in his head. From the ending to Jay, it is obvious that a sequel to Jay is in order. Jay, the sequel to Me and Jay, should be a book on everyone’s bookshelf because of the unforgettable characters, their friendship and shared adventures.

Rating (0 - 10 scale): 8

Reviewed by a Flamingnet Book Reviewer

Autobiography of My Dead Brother by Walter Dean Myers

When Jesse meets his friend Rise, they become more than friends. But when Rise leaves his side and orders shootings and deals blow, Jesse gets out of Rise's company. As more and more tragic events happen, Jesse, an aspiring artist, continues drawing. But when he compares his drawings of Rise with memories of his past, Jesse starts questioning this change of persona. Little does he know that tragedy will soon be present once more.

Autobiography of My Dead Brother was the best book I have read this year. The beginning was slow and boring, but that soon changed. I enjoyed the emotion poured into the book and I almost cried at several parts. The "blackcent" was accurately portrayed. The ending especially tugged at my heartstrings. Despite the young-looking cover and "cartoony" art style, this book is very mature with a lot of violence. I just can't believe how emotional this book was.

RATING (out of 10): 9

Flamingnet Reviewer: Josh McLucas

Dragon Blade By: Andre Norton and Sasha Miller

Nordon rulers Gaurin and Ashen have thought that the Great Foulness is over. However, when they get a present for their new son, they find out that they were wrong. The Ice Dragons they faced in the war were just babies, and the mother still lives. Gauring immediatly sets out to destroy the Mother Ice Dragon, hoping to find a certain sword that will help destroy her. After Gaurin leaves, Ashen finds new information about the Dragon Blade. She rides out to try and find him and give him this new piece of information. Meanwhile things back in Nordornlands aren't going to well. A huge troll is attacking and destroying everything in sight. Ashen finally catches up to Gaurin just in time. The next day they battle the Mother Ice Dragon. Even with the legendary Dragon Blade, will Gaurin be able to kill the dragon?

This book was very exciting and full of adventure. You switch off between the Nordornland affairs and the Mother Ice Dragon affairs. Normally it would be confusing, but with this author it wasn't. There was a mystery involved also. You never know a huge part of the story until the end. This book had me reading hours at a time. The author had a great flow of words, which kept me intrigued.

Rating (0 - 10 scale): 10

Review by: MY

Sam I Am By: Ilene Cooper

In this book, a boy named Sam has a very diverse family. His dad is Jewish. His mom is Christian. His grandmas are very religious, and don't appreciate the other religion. Sam is very confused about his religion, and trys to talk to God. He doesn't get the answers he expected. Then Sam's class starts learning about the Holocaust, which greatly upsets him. Meanwhile, Sam is acting like any other teenage boy. He is fantasizing about going out with a girl (he eventually gets his dream), who everyone else thinks is snobby.

This book was all right. I liked it because I can relate to Sam because my household has two different religions in it, and I think that other people could also relate to Sam in this way. The book had faults though. There were parts where it could have ended, and I would have been pleased. It just seemed to keep going on and on.

Rating (0 - 10 scale): 6

Review By: RC

Trick of the Mind By: Judy Waite

This book is about the lives of two teenagers, Matt and Erin. Erin is a magician and loves being one. Matt is a sensitive boy, who is considered by basically everyone he knows a stupid troublmaker. Then one day Matt and Erin both go to the castle, a popular hang-out place, Erin goes to the castle to put on a magic show and Matt goes to see the girl of his dreams. At first sight of Matt, Erin sees love, and at first sight of Erin, Matt sees a very good magician, and nothing else. Matt starts to hang-out with Erin out of pity, and Erin, in hopes of getting Matt to like her teaches him magic tricks. But when life at home takes an unexpected turn for the worse for Matt, he runs away, and finds the only way of survival for him is to use the magic tricks Erin taught to him. During Matt's time on the streets, he starts to learn of a special talent he has. However, Matt is in deep trouble at home, and the only person who can defend him is Erin.

I thought "Trick of the Mind" was a very well written book that had many surprises in it. The parts after Matt ran away really shocked me, and those parts really showed you what the characters in the story were like when they were under pressure, caught off guard, or had their feelings hurt. When those things happened, you would get more insight into what Matt and Erin were really like. The best part of the book, in my opinion, would have to be the ending, mainly because it never explained what would happen to Matt or if the police would believe Erin. The book left you to imagine what would happen next. The only thing that I didn't like about the book was the fact that Erin kept falling for Matt and then how that love she had for Matt ended up hurting her. The book really shows you that things aren't always as you want them to be no matter how much you try to make them that way.

Rating (0 - 10 scale): 8

Review by: VB

Small Eternities by Michael Lawrence

What if there actually are realities existing at the same time as ours? What if that one choice you made so long ago created another world of simultaneous but slightly different events that overlaps your own? And what if you somehow found a way to cross over to that parallel universe and meet someone on the other side?

That's exactly what happened in the first of Michael Lawrence's trilogy of novels, "A Crack in the Line," where Alaric and Naia – two teens with the same parents, same house, and only slightly different lives – accidentally and irreversibly switched places. In the sequel, "Small Eternities," each is living the other's life, and they're the only ones who remember the way it used to be. Three months after they switched, Alaric is happier than he's ever been, but Naia is barely learning to survive. At the same time – but in a different time – a young boy named Aldous unknowingly moves along toward a fate that seems inevitable, existing only in a "small eternity," a short time in 1945 right before he dies. Or does he? Because Alaric and Naia have met up again, within this small eternity, and anything they do can change the future of the past.

Sound confusing? It is, at first. "Small Eternities" asks a lot of its readers. You might have to re-read a few pages every now and then, or go back and check something you thought you noticed a couple chapters ago. In fact, the moment I finished the last page I just had to start again with the first page, reading with a new understanding.
This isn't some lazy summer read, but it's definitely worth the extra work. This is a book to read with a couple of friends; a book that inspires discussion; a book that you'll have to set aside a few hours to finish because you won't want to have to put it down; a book that definitely deserves praise.

Rating (0 - 10): 9

Reviewed by Beckie Sheffield for Flamingnet Book Reviews
www.flamingnet.com

The Ranger's Appentice by John Flanagan

Will's life is a complete mystery. Other than the fact that his father died a hero, he knows nothing about his parents death or life. Hoping to follow in his father's footsteps, he asks to get into the Battleschool. Unfortunately, he gets refused. As he is about to steal a paper that could possibly change his life, he learns something that will. The Baron and Halt (the Ranger) catch him, but that's not the reason for their interruption. Will shall have to face his fears in order to become a Ranger's Apprentice.

The Ranger's Apprentice was an extremely well-written story. The descriptions of objects were excellent. I enjoyed the freshness of the character's personality. The clashes of that sort were exceptional. I can't seem to place critisism on any specific part, so the book was consistently good. I think the only bad things were the extremely slow first 75 pages and the annoying British spelling and lingo. You need a VERY extensive vocabulary to get through it. I would have preferred a more in-depth look at the final battle. With all that said, this was one of my favorite fantasy books yet.

RATING: 8

REVIEWER NAME: Josh McLucas

The Waterless Sea

Calwyn and her other chanter friends are out on a routine
run. Their job is to put an end to piracy. Heben is a captive on a
pirate ship. His goal is to find chanters that can help him free his
twin siblings. They meet.

Calwyn has never been herself since Darrow left. When Heben
comes to her and her friends with his request for help, she can hardly refuse.
Maybe it will take her mind off Darrow for a while. She has no idea
what she is about to begin. Rescuing chanter children is no easy
matter. Especially when, as Calwyn eventually finds out, one is
being held in a palace and the other is in the lair of the iron chanters.
Darrow knows he has to help her. He knows what it is like to live in
the Black Palace and the dangers that come with it. When Calwyn
rescues the children and, using new-found powers, begins the healing
of Merithuros to prevent a war, she doesn't realize what she is about
to lose. Her worst fears might have become reality after all.

The Waterless Sea is suspense through and through. Fantasy,
love, danger, and friends intertwine to create a masterpiece. Kate
Constable paints vivid pictures in your mind. She shows you
everything, even the character's expressions and feelings. You feel
as if you are three different people all at once. You feel different
emotions; you see different things, and yet it's as if you aren't in
the least confused by it. It seems natural. The Waterless Sea is so
different from any other book that the reader almost expects the same
feelings the next time he/she picks up a book. You love the tons of
different feelings running through you, and yet you hate them too. You
want something to happen; you're sure it's going to; every sense in
your body encourages the words to be as they want them, but it is
never as you want. Something different and unexpected happens each
time. When you come to the end of the book, which is by no means the
end of the adventure, you reread the end again and again, unbelieving.
You almost feel like if you read it again, it will change, but it
never does. Readers will have a hard time waiting for the third in
the Chanters of Tremaris Trilogy.

Reviewed by a Flamingnet Student Reviewer

Cirque du Freak : Killers of the Dawn by Darren Shan

The newest book in the "Cirque Du Freak" series is as jaw dropping than the last. Now Darren Shan and the other Vampaneze hunters were hot on the trail of the Vampaneze Lord when Darren's girlfriend was captured by R.V while in the sewers. Darren and the other Vampaneze must now escape the Vampaneze driven police and a mob whom ar ready to kill in order to save Debbie and complete their goal in order to save the Vampires from the war between the Vampaneze and the Vampires. This, however, may cost more than Darren can handle.

As I said before the book is jaw dropping and I belive it is the best in the series. The writer kept me intrested the whole way trough with suspence and intriegue. After a while you can really start to feel for Darren and the other characters. All of the great writing methods were used to the best and that is why "Cirque Du Freak : Killers of the Dawn" gets its score.

Rating (0 - 10 scale): 10

Reviewed by Flamingnet Student Reviewer

Totally Joe By: James Howe

This book takes place in the present day in a small town called Paintbrush Falls. Joe Bunch is your typical teenager. He has bullies to deal with, wacko teachers, but Joe also has something a lot of us don't have to deal with; he is gay. Now Joe is fine with all of Paintbrush Falls knowing he is gay, but his boyfriend Collin isn't. So throughout the book Joe and his friends try to convince Paintbrush Falls that there is nothing wrong with being gay. Then when Joe's Aunt Pam brings Joe a ton of supporting gay birthday presents, Joe resolves to put 100% into convincing Paintbrush Falls.

I thought that the style Mr. Howe wrote the book fit really well with the story plot. It chronicals Joe's life from the beginning of the school year in October to the end of the school year in May. Unfortunetly it was hard at first for me to get a grip of what was going on, but soon afterwards I got it. Overall the book is a must read and I reccomend it highly to all avid readers.

Rating: 9

Reviewed by a Flamingnet Student Reviewer

The Wizard Test

Dayven and his cousin Soren, are a watcherlads in their city; they serve a powerful leader, Lord Enar, and train as warriors, preparing for an imminent war with a neighboring city. Despite this, the day that Dayven turns fourteen, he must take the Wizard Test to see if he has the capabilities to be a wizard. The wizard who administers the test finds that he is one of the very few who displays an ability to become a wizard. However, wizards are disliked and distrusted by many citizens. For this and numerous other reasons, Dayven is quite reluctant to become a wizard. Lord Enar makes a pact with Dayven to begin the wizard training, but to spy on the wizards to make sure that they will be dependable source of help when the war starts. Dayvan must choose who to be faithful to, Lord Enar, Soren, and his city or the wizards and their cause.

“The Wizard Test” was a short book that had very little action until the last 20 or so pages. Nevertheless, the problem that Dayvan faced in the end was well created and very relevant to the focus of the whole book. The dialogue was easy to read, but some of things that characters said were unrealistic for their situations. For example, when Dayvan starts learning how to be a wizard, his teacher treats him like he has known Dayvan for all his life, rather than for 10 minutes. Even so, “The Wizard Test” is an ideal book for someone looking to try fantasy for the first time.

Chicken Boy By: Frances O'Roark Dowell

In the book, Chicken Boy, Tobin McCauley has a rough life. His mother has been dead for some time now. Her departing made the family fall apart. His brothers and sister are all trouble makers, giving him a bad reputation. His father couldn't care less about whether or not he fails school, or even if he has food. Tobin's grandmother seems to be the only stable thing in his life. Then Tobin meets Henry, an eccentric kid, who thinks chickens can solve all of the problems of the world. Just as Tobin is starting to do better in school, someone important in his life tells social workers about Tobin's living condition. Tobin is snatched away from his home, and only his family's very rusty love can get him back home.

This book was fantastic! I loved all of the conflict around Tobin. He was a kid who didn't care about anybody but himself. When he meets his friend, he begins to open to new ideas. Pretty soon, he finds himself talking to chickens, who a month ago, freaked him out. This book shows the power of animals, and how they calm the soul. This book also represents how a good friend can bring out any side of us, and be there when we need them. Lastly, this book shows that any family, no matter how broken, would do anything for each other. I really enjoyed this book!

10

The Girls They Left Behind By: Bernice Thurman Hunter

In a story drawn from events in her memoirs, Bernice Thurman Hunter uses
potent realism in day by day descriptions to tell the story of one
girl's transition to womanhood in the "greatest generation." The Girls
They Left Behind tells about a young Canadian girl named Beryl who has
to sit and watch friend after friend depart from Union Station to go off
to war, leaving her behind. When even her cousin Carmen leaves, Beryl
decides to move on with her life, and stand silently waving goodbye at
the train station no longer. Changing her name to Natalie (deciding her
other name is "not fit to print"), she gets a job helping the war
effort. The things she learns from her correspondence with her "war
boys" and daily life with others "they left behind" make up the heart
and soul of this novel.

Tiny details like descriptions of blackout curtains, buying of war
bonds, and letters that arrive unreadable because of censoring provide
realistic descriptions of civilian life in wartime; while other details
also keep the story rooted in the forties, like when Beryl (oops,
Natalie) has to wash her hair with Sunlight and vinegar because of
shampoo rationings, or only buy food with certain kinds of ration
stamps, or when she and her friends paint their legs with bronzers and
draw a line up the back of their legs when they can't afford to buy
pantyhose stockings.

But the book isn't just a period piece. The story it tells of love and
sacrifice and family is one just as important as any war novel about the
heroism of soldiers in battle. While it may be directed to an audience
primarily of girls rather than boys, it doesn't mean that anyone
couldn't enjoy this easy-to-read, difficult-to-put-down story based on
true events. I would recommend it as a good coming of age novel, and
wouldn't be surprised to see it on teachers' lists to be used as a
jumping off point for study about the Second World War. At not even 200
pages it is an easy read, but with a meaningful sentiment that is
difficult to forget.

By: B.S.

Unexpected Development by Marlene Perez

Unexpected Development is a book about a girl between her junior and senior years in high school. She faces major self-esteem problems due to her larger than average breast size. Boys leer and girls make fun to the point that she wears clothes that are too big for her to cover her curves. Then, she meets Jake Darrow, the boy of her dreams, and begins to gain confidence.

This book is ok for younger girls who want to learn about peer pressure and high school. However, the plot relies too much on the main characters flakiness when it comes to relationships; everything has to be thought over, over-analyzed, and rethought. The dialogue seems contrived and unnatural. Overall it is a semi-entertaining book that would be suited as a sub-par Degrassi episode.

Rating (0 - 10 scale): 6

Reviewed by Peter Harmon for Flamingnet Book Reviews

Flamingnet May Enewsletter

FLAMINGNET BOOK REVIEWS MAY ENEWSLETTER

Topics:
1. Some of the New and Advance Books Recently Reviewed On Flamingnet
2. Book Giveaway for the Month of May
3. Special Advance Review Copy Offer for Flamingnet Members
4. Adult Reviewer Needed
5. Congratulations to Student Reviewer, Mitchell Yousem, on 20 Reviewers!
6. More Blogging
7. Support Libraries - Buy Through Flamingnet
8. Please Tell Your Students and Friends
9. To Unsubscribe

1. Some of the New and Advance Books Recently Reviewed On Flamingnet

A CRACK IN THE LINE Michael Lawrence Harper Collins
A Crack in the Line, by Michael Lawrence, is a story about two sixteen-year-olds, Alaric and Naia, who discover that they are living in parallel universes. In these parallel universes, they are both living almost the exact same life. They share the same thoughts, moments, and they even look alike. Only one major difference exists between their lives, other than the fact that Alaric is a boy and Naia is a girl. Alaric's mother died in a train crash two years earlier, while Naia's mother survived the disaster. After Alaric accidentally finds a way to travel to the universe in which Naia is living, the two of them work together to figure out why their lives are so similar and why this major difference exists. Events lead them to a major discovery, and their actions result in mistakes, which could ultimately change their lives forever.
http://www.flamingnet.com/enewsletter/505.cfm?enb=132Fdaw

HOME TO THE SEA Chester Aaron Brown Barn Books
This book is about a girl named Marian who's family has always had a medical condition called syndactyle which skipped a generation. Marian has it and her condition progresses more than any of her ancestors. Slowly, she finds out that she is turning into a mermaid. Now, her life is rapidly changing. What can she do about this and what will happen when the time comes that she becomes a fully developed mermaid?
http://www.flamingnet.com/enewsletter/505.cfm?enb=232Fdaw

YA YAS IN BLOOM Rebecca Wells Harper Collins
Third in a trio of "Divine Sisterhood" novels, Rebecca Wells' new book "Ya-Yas In Bloom" gives a deeper and sweeter background to the quirky and beloved characters from her earlier bestsellers. But instead of producing a rehash of the same old thing, Wells creates a shimmering, multifaceted look at the Ya-Yas, the Petite Ya-Yas, and even into the third generation of these closer-than-close friends.
"Ya-Yas in Bloom" is a heartwarming, nostalgic foray into the kinds of friendships that transcend whatever time, hardship, and change may bring - an entrenching and genuinely satisfying read even for newcomers to the series.
http://www.flamingnet.com/enewsletter/505.cfm?enb=532Fdaw

TROLL FELL Katherine Langrish Harper Collins
An orphaned boy and the twin giants that are his uncles are not a good match. Especially when the only reason the uncles want him is so that they can sell him to the trolls for gold. Peer loves his home even though his father is now dead. Unfortunately, his uncles don't care whether he wants to stay there or not, because they want him at their mill at Troll Fell. At least he gets to take his dog Loki, but that turns into a problem too when they meet Grendel, the twin's dog. Can anything possibly go right for Peer and his dog? Can he possibly make friends in this place where he is treated like a slave and fed only the few remains of the Grimmsson twin's meals? In a place where evil reigns and friends are hard to come by, can Peer survive, or worse yet, does he want to?
http://www.flamingnet.com/enewsletter/505.cfm?enb=632Fdaw

FINDING LUBCHENKO Michael Simmons Penguin
16 year old Evan McAllister's rich dad never gave him any money, afraid Evan would become a spoiled brat. So desperate for some money, Evan steals stuff from his dad's company to sell online. Then his dad is wrongly accused of a murder. Evan could clear his name but only if he reveals his own crime. Unwilling to face his dad's punishment Evan decides to find the real killer but gets involved in the dangerous world of international crime in the process.
http://www.flamingnet.com/enewsletter/505.cfm?enb=732Fdaw

MAXIMUM RIDE: THE ANGEL EXPERIMENT James Patterson Little, Brown
In the book, Maximum Ride: The Angel Experiment, the six main protagonists all have at least one thing in common: they can fly. Max, Fang, Nudge, Iggy, the Gasman, and Angel, who live by themselves in the middle of nowhere, are ninety-eight percent human and two percent bird. Before the events that occur in the story, Max and her family all escaped the clutches of the School, an institution where "scientists" perform sadistic tests on their subjects. With the help of Jeb, a "scientist" who befriends the main characters, they flee to the forest where Jeb instructs them in self-defense and survival skills.
This book was a delight to read, full of rich characters and endearing plots. James Patterson wrote the book with small chapters, so the reader is treated to each riveting story in less than eight pages. http://www.flamingnet.com/enewsletter/505.cfm?enb=832Fdaw


THE GIRLS THEY LEFT BEHIND Bernice Thurman Hunter Fitzhenry & Whiteside
In a story drawn from events in her memoirs, Bernice Thurman Hunter uses potent realism in day by day descriptions to tell the story of one girl's transition to womanhood in the "greatest generation." The Girls They Left Behind tells about a young Canadian girl named Beryl who has to sit and watch friend after friend depart from Union Station to go off to war, leaving her behind. When even her cousin Carmen leaves, Beryl decides to move on with her life, and stand silently waving goodbye at the train station no longer. Changing her name to Natalie (deciding her other name is "not fit to print"), she gets a job helping the war effort. The things she learns from her correspondence with her "war boys" and daily life with others "they left behind" make up the heart and soul of this novel.
http://www.flamingnet.com/enewsletter/505.cfm?enb=1032Fdaw


MIDNIGHTERS:THE SECRET HOUR Scott Westerfeld HarperCollins
In a town with a secret hour, time freezes for everyone during midnight. Four children are granted the ability to move in the secret hour. When a new girl comes to town, she stirs up unusual activity from the creatures that also live in the secret hour. To the other midnighters, Jessica Day is a misfit with nothing special about her. Other than her strange eyes, that is. A mysterious novel that leaves you wondering, Midnighters: The Secret Hour will make your heart skip a beat.
http://www.flamingnet.com/enewsletter/505.cfm?enb=1132Fdaw


2. Book Giveaway for the Month of May
CONGRATULATIONS to our members who last month won copies of YA-YAS IN BLOOM by Rebecca Wells.

To celebrate the release of KILLERS OF THE DAWN from the New York Times Bestselling Series Cirque Du Freak by Darren Shan, we are running a book giveaway contest during the month of May.
FROM THE PUBLISHER - Little, Brown & Company
"Outnumbered, outsmarted, and desperate, the hunters are on the run, pursued by the vampaneze, the police, and an angry mob. With their enemies clamoring for blood, the vampires prepare or a deadly battle. Is this the end for Darren and his allies?"
"Soon to be a major motion picture from Warner Brothers, Cirque du Freak is the compelling saga of a young boy's journey into a dark world of vampires. Filled with grotesque creatures, murderous vampires, and an unexpected ending, Cirque du Freak will chill, thrill and leave readers begging for more."

Three copies of KILLERS OF THE DAWN will be given away to FLAMINGNET MEMBERS selected at random during the month of May.

All FLAMINGNET MEMBERS have a chance for this new release giveaway. Therefore, if you are not yet a member of Flamingnet, JOIN TODAY for a chance to win!
http://www.flamingnet.com/member/index.cfm


3. Special Advance Review Copy Offer for Flamingnet Members
To promote the release of RANGER'S APPRENTICE on June 16th by the Penguin Young Readers Group, we are giving away 20 (ARC) advance reader copies. This ARC does not have the final cover or a few final edits, but otherwise it is very representative of the final version of RANGER'S APPRENTICE due out next month. RANGER'S APPRENTICE looks like it will be a great book for 9 - 12 year olds who enjoy fantasy and adventure.

Book Description
They have always scared him in the past—the Rangers, with their dark cloaks and shadowy ways. The villagers believe the Rangers practice magic that makes them invisible to ordinary people. And now 15-year-old Will, always small for his age, has been chosen as a Ranger’s apprentice. What he doesn’t yet realize is that the Rangers are the protectors of the kingdom. Highly trained in the skills of battle and surveillance, they fight the battles before the battles reach the people. And as Will is about to learn, there is a large battle brewing. The exiled Morgarath, Lord of the Mountains of Rain and Night, is gathering his forces for an attack on the kingdom. This time, he will not be denied. . . .
Australian John Flanagan brings to America an epic fantasy adventure in the tradition of The Lord of the Rings

If you would like a FREE advance copy of RANGER"S APPRENTICE, please email us you name and address at webmaster@flamingnet.com. We will send copies to the first 20 people who email us.

4. Adult Reviewer Needed
The Time Warner Book Group (Little, Brown & Company) has recently asked Flamingnet to review MY GIRL:ADVENTURES WITH A TEEN IN TRAINING by Karen Stabiner. This book was just released last month, and is a realistic and honest view of a parent/child relationship during adolescence. We would prefer to have this reviewed by a parent who can relate to the experiences described by the author, especially someone who has done book reviews before or who would like to try their hand at it. If you are interested in reviewing this book for Flamingnet, please email us at webmaster@flamingnet.com and we will send it to you.

Editorial Review of MY GIRL:ADVENTURES WITH A TEEN IN TRAINING From Publishers Weekly
Girls turn into monsters as soon as they reach puberty-or so many mothers have warned Stabiner (All Girls). But in this charming memoir, the author argues that such doomsday predictions are not necessarily true. The mother of a relatively well-adjusted pre-teen, Stabiner describes her relationship with 11-year-old Sarah to show that mothers and daughters can live together peacefully. Rather than offering specific parenting advice, Stabiner chronicles her personal experience as a mother, touching on such universal themes as self-esteem, middle-school cliques and dealing with the turbulent emotions of adolescence.


5. Congratulations to student reviewer, Mitchell Yousem, on 20 reviewers!
Flamingnet now "employs" many student reviewers all over the country to read and review books for you. These students range from fifth grade to college. Over the years, we have developed relationships with some really great students who we feel lucky to have helping us. Mitchell Yousem, a sixth grader in Baltimore, Maryland, is one of these dedicated and hard-working Flamingnet student reviewers who we have really come to appreciate. This month he completed his twentieth book review for us. As many of you know, our reviewers receive a $15.00 gift certificate to Amazon.com for each five reviews that they submit and that are accepted for posting on Flamingnet. Mitchell has so far received 4 gift certificates. CONGRATULATIONS MITCHELL, and we also want to thank all of our other Flamingnet student reviewers too. It is fun working together, and we really enjoy your emails and reviews.

Here is a link to a very nice article about some of our student reviewers in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania.
http://www.flamingnet.com/enewsletter/505.cfm?enb=1332Fdaw

We are now accepting more student reviewers and announcing it in this newsletter before posting this on the web site. Therefore, if any members know of a student who would be interested in reviewing for Flamingnet, please have them fill out this application and email it to us as soon as possible. They must be a very good reader, have the ability to coherently express themselves in writing, and be conscientious. We only have a few openings right now. All other qualified applicants will be placed on our waiting list.
http://www.flamingnet.com/bookreviews/newreviews/bookreviewsapp.cfm

6. More Blogging
We are now adding reviews from our student reviewers to our blog too. These reviews will immediately be posted on our blog so that they can be available to you right away and will reach an ever-expanding Internet audience. Along with our student reviews, our blog also includes reading lists on various topics and themes, past editions of our enewsletter, and personal muses by us about preteen and young adult topics such as Cyberbullies.
http://flamingnet.com/blog/blog.html

7. Support A Library - Buy Books and Other Items Through Flamingnet
As many of you already know, for all books or other items purchased through our website, we receive credit from Amazon.com. We use this credit to buy books for libraries in need. You can help us send these libraries books by using the link on our home page at Flamingnet to shop online at Amazon.com. We want to thank all of you who continue to make your Amazon.com purchases through Flamingnet and help us raise money for book donations.
If you would like to make your own book donations to these libraries, please email us and we can send you their addresses.
http://flamingnet.com/index.cfm


8. PLEASE Tell Students, Parents, Teachers, Librarians, Relatives, and Friends About Flamingnet Book Reviews

Please spread the word about Flamingnet Book Reviews. The more we grow, the better we can become. THANKS for telling people about our site!


9. To Unsubscribe
We promise not to send this too often or make it too wordy. We are dedicated to informing you about preteen, teen, and young adult books that you may want to know about. We would be disappointed if you choose to unsubscribe to this e-newsletter, but if you would like us to remove you from our mailing list, simply email us back and ask to be unsubscribed.

Happy Reading!!
Gary and Seth
Flamingnet Book Reviews
www.flamingnet.com
webmaster@flamingnet.com

SOUTH BEACH by Aimee Freidman

Aimee Freidman’s book South Beach is a story of two high school girls partying in South Beach, Florida for spring break. Friedman capture’s the two girl’s lives beautifully, bringing spring break in South Beach, Florida to life.

Holly and Alexa are on the trip of a lifetime for two high school juniors. The only problem is they’re not really friends. They run with different crowds while they’re in school but through chance they end up going on a spring break vacation together. Alexa’s a party girl, ready for anything South Beach has to offer while Holly’s shy and sheltered, not really sure if she’s up for drinking and partying like Alex wants. Though they are supposed to stay with Holly’s grandmother all involved agree that would be a little crowded and Granny sets them up in a hotel right on the strip, covering for them with Holly’s overprotective parents. They end up at a “party hotel” surrounded by kids their age who are looking for fun and adventure.

The book follows them on their adventures through South Beach. Holly and Alexa party at clubs, sneak into classy hotels, fight with each other and fall in love. And all in the course of a week! The book is fast paced and fun, making readers either nostalgic or anxious for spring break. Due to mature content, this book is recommended for young adults ages 14 and up.