Free Ebook! Magyk (Septimus Heap, Book1) and Sneak Peak at Darke!

Right now a few of us at Reading Tween are reading MAGYK by Angie Sage.  For a very limited time the publisher is offering this ebook for FREE!  It will also contain a sneak peak at the 6th book in the series, Darke which is set to release June 1, 2011.  We haven't gotten very far in this book yet, but so far we are really liking it a lot!!  So, hurry!! Now's your chance!  Offer ends Feb.1, 2011
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Book Review: Frankie Pickle and the Closet of Doom

Frankie Pickle and the Closet of Doom by Eric Wight

Reading level: Ages 9-12 

Hardcover: 96 pages 

Publisher: Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing (May 5, 2009)

Language: English

ISBN-10: 1416964843

ISBN-13: 978-1416964841

Meet Frankie Pickle...the kid with the world's most amazing imagination!

It takes him on adventures.It helps him save the day.And sometimes it gets him into trouble.


When Frankie's mom says he never has to clean his room again, he goes hog wild. The more he plays, the bigger the mess grows, until it tumbles out of control! Now Frankie must clean up his act, but will his imagination be enough to conquer the CLOSET OF DOOM?

My Review

I liked that Frankie had the world's best imagination. In this book there were so many adventures. He had many different characters to play, every time he would play a game in his room. 

One of the funniest things about this book is that his room would get messier and messier, as the book went along. It drove me crazy, to think how messy his room was, that is all I could think about. His mom would come in his room while he was playing and tell him to clean his room. He would just be so focused on the game he was playing he would forget everytime.

He played a super hero, he would play jail, Indiana Jones, doctor. He also used a hockey mask, yellow dish gloves, and he held a shovel pretending he was a soldier.

In chapter eleven their were some really funny parts. He finally comes to the point were he would play a room cleaning game, just to get the job done. He used his imagination so much during this awesome book, I just loved it so much. 

So that is what I liked Frankie Pickle!

P.S. Half of this book was manga (every other page)

Audiobook Review of Behemoth by Scott Westerfeld

Reading level: Young Adult
Hardcover: 496 pages
Publisher: Simon Pulse (October 5, 2010)

Website:http://scottwesterfeld.com/blog/books/leviathan/

Buy the book: Amazon
Book #2 in a series. Leviathan is the first in the series.

The behemoth is the fiercest creature in the British navy. It can swallow enemy battleships with one bite. The Darwinists will need it, now that they are at war with the Clanker powers.

Deryn is a girl posing as a boy in the British Air Service, and Alek is the heir to an empire posing as a commoner. Finally together aboard the airship Leviathan, they hope to bring the war to a halt. But when disaster strikes the Leviathan's peacekeeping mission, they find themselves alone and hunted in enemy territory.

Alek and Deryn will need great skill, new allies, and brave hearts to face what's ahead.

In this book Deryn is trying to keep her identity secret. Alek is also trying to keep his history a secret. Deryn is a girl and she wants to be in the air force. so she's pretending to be a boy. Alek is a BARKING PRINCE as Deryn would put it, and his parents are dead murdered by Germans and fellow Austrians. They teem up to stop the German empire and the other countries. They also meet other people who want to rebel.

I LOVE THIS BOOK!!!! On Howrse I have a bunch of pictures of this book and other stuff on my page! I think I will LOVE this book forever! It really annoys me how Deryn does not tell Alek that she is a girl and she likes him! I likes how there are beasts that are crazily bred. I also like how the Clankers can build VERY good. I like how Deryn can be really brave and AWESOME. I like Alek and how he is really good at keeping secrets and how he is the Arch Duke!

I LOVED the reader. He is my 2nd favorite reader. I thought he did well with Deryn's "swearing" ("Barking Spiders!) and her accent. I thought Alek's voice would be different but i like it ether way.  The reader had tons of voices for all the characters, and he's just awesome!

If you haven't read these books, you should.  And if you can, you should totally get them on audio! It's worth it!

Blog Tour: The Samantha Granger Experiment: Fused by Kari Lee Townsend

Hosted By:

The Samantha Granger Experiment: Fused by Kari Lee Townsend
fused (verb): to combine, unite, or blend into a whole, as if by melting together.

There are some things that just don't go together...  

When you make a face or cross your eyes, do your parents tease that if you're not careful, your face might stay that way forever?

Well, my parents said that if I'm not careful, I'll turn into one of my gadgets.

I thought they were joking, people!

But-somehow, someway-I have become a living, breathing, walking piece of technology. Apparently my head now has a built-in GPS and my palm is equipped with talking and texting capabilities-just like my cell phone!

Now I'm a techno-superhero with powers that seem to have a mind of their own. And, in my case, keeping a secret identity is harder than it sounds. I short-circuit every time Trevor Hamilton looks my way. Like being a girl isn't stressful enough.

My review

Well, let me just start out by saying that Fused was a witty, fun, cute and quick read.  Samantha Granger is such a smart, bubbly, fashionable character. I just fell in love with her at once. Of course, this book has the classic best friend Melody Stuart and the cute guy to crush on Trevor Hamilton.

I really loved the part, of the book, where Samantha gets Zapped, and basically becomes a cell phone. It happens pretty fast in the book, Townsend doesn't waste anytime getting into the action.

This book was so funny, especially when Samantha was asked a question in class and couldn't control herself not to answer. She sounded like a robot, giving a perfect encyclopedia answer. When everyone would gape at her afterward, she would always come up with some funny excuse as to why.

Samantha the main character, is in the eighth grade, she definitely had thoughts in her head about Trevor, that were a little more mature than your average 14 yr. old. However, she also had her freak out moments where she totally acted her age. That's what I liked about her, she had many layers to her character.

This book has a great action packed storyline.  Imagine some Angelina Jolie character (only younger)working as a spy for the Government. Well, not that exact same thing but, close enough. Trust me, it will keep you glued until the very end. Trust me, I can't tell you what happens *spoilers* but, it's a great ride! 

Fused also has a sequel to follow called Fearless. Buy Fused or get it at the library and there will be a sneak peek of the sequel at the end of the book. Enjoy!

Reading level: Ages 9-12
Paperback: 208 pages
Publisher: Sourcebooks Jabberwocky; 1 edition (November 1, 2010)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1402240422
ISBN-13: 978-1402240423

Profanity: none
Sexual: none
violence: mild

Magic Tree House by Mary Pope Osborne

• Reading level: Ages 9-12
• Paperback: 80 pages
• Publisher: Random House Books for Young Readers (August 29, 1995)
• Language: English

Jack and Annie travel back in time to a South American rain forest in searchof the elusive magician Morgan le Fay. Will they find a new clue to her whereabouts before they are trampled by stampeding killer ants? 

In this book Annie and Jack travel through time collecting books, scrolls, and objects from different time periods. In this one, Jack and Annie Travel to the Amazon and find Morgan Le Fay before the night comes and eats them alive! They came upon this magical tree house and now they are working and helping it's owner. This might not be the first book but I started at the tenth book so no worries. Annie can understand animals and can tell when it is time to go to the magic tree house and Jack knows a lot of history and is Annie's big brother and he normally gets where they are supposed to go before Annie gets it. 

I liked the series even though I have not read the first one. I liked Annie more than Jack because I like animals and I would like to understand them like Annie. I like how they could travel through time with just saying "I want to go here!" and pointing to a book cover then the tree house starts to spin then you are there! I liked that they always have the clothes on from that time period instead of people staring at you or having to make money then  buy clothes! It also stops time while they are in the magic tree house instead of being missing for hours and hours! 

If you or your kid needs some really good EASY READS, this series is what you're looking for!  So you should read this book and the others!

Book Review: Grey Griffins: The Clockwork Chronicles #1: The Brimstone Key by Derek Benz and Jon S. Lewis

Reading level: Ages 9-12
Hardcover: 384 pages
Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers (June 7, 2010)
Website:http://www.greygriffins.com/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/greygriffins?v=wall
Buy the book:  Amazon
Series: The Clockwork Chronicles (There is another series of Grey Griffins books, but it's not necessary to read them to enjoy this series) 

A brand new adventure starring The Grey Griffins!
Max---the leader
Natalia---the brains
Ernie---the changeling
Harley---the muscle

A year ago, the Grey Griffins were just regular kids from Avalon, Minnesota. That was before they learned about the existence of evil fairies, werewolves, and other things that go bump in the night. Now they are monster-hunters, celebrated heroes, and allies to the legendary Templar knights---but even heroes have to go to school.

When the Griffins enroll at Iron Bridge Academy, a school to train young recruits in the fight against the forces of evil, they find themselves at the center of a whole new adventure. The Clockwork King, a Templar foe from days past, has returned to finish the plan he set in motion decades ago. A plot to steal the souls of changelings---humans infused with fairy blood and supernatural abilities---in order to power his army of clockwork war machines.

In The Brimstone Key, authors Derek Benz and J.S. Lewis deftly blend the mystical wonder of steampunk with magic and adventure to create an action-packed thrill ride.

In this book there is Ernie, or as he is most commonly known as Agent Thunderbolt, and he is AWESOME and also a changeling. Natalia is a person who does not like to flirt or try and look cute or pretty she likes being who she is and nothing else. She likes to solve mysteries and figure thing out. She was betrayed by Athena, her used-to-be friend so she does not trust many girls. Max lives at his grandma's house and his parents are dead or they have been missing for many years. He is trying to figure out which and see what the codex really does and how to use it. Harley I don't know much about but he is struggling at home with his parents and money and he is a bit dramatic sometimes.

Ernie, Natalia, Max, & Harley all go on a adventure to get back lost changelings that have been stolen by the evil Von Strife before he puts them into Clockworks and uses them to free his daughter from the shadow lands. The key to the Shadow Lands is The Brimstone Key. They race to find it before Von Strife.

I loved this book! My favorite place in Iron Bridge Academy is the Sim Chamber. It is a place where holographic stuff comes to life! Changelings mostly go in the Sim Chamber. MY favorite character in this book is Ernie Tweenie or, as me and him like to call him, Agent Thunderbolt. He is awesome and he is cool and he is sometimes funny. He can run super fast and he has a very big appetite so he likes to eat ALL the time. My favorite place out of Iron Bridge Academy is the place where the Brimstone Key is. But since that is into the book so i won't tell you what it is called or where it is.

My eight year old brother really loved this book too. His favorite part was the fight with the Dreadnaught, which is a giant clockwork creature. Of course he liked the battle scenes! The book was a little hard for him to read, so my mom read it to him.

I would REALLY recommend this book to any one who reads this blog.

Blog Tour: Interview of Kari Lee Towsend author of Fused

Hello and welcome to the Fused Blog Tour

Hosted by:

It was very kind for Kari Lee Townsend to answer some questions for Reading Teen...

RT:  How did you get this very creative idea of a storyline?

Kari T:  Hi Amy, thanks so much for having me here! I got this idea because I have four children ranging from preteen to full-blown teenagers, and they are ALL obsessed with technology. They use every kind of gadget imaginable, but they especially love their cell phones. They love to drive me crazy with their non-stop texting, so one day I said, “Be careful, one day you might turn into one of your gadgets!” and viola, Samantha Granger was born! Of course now I drive them crazy with my constant questions about technology, and my following their every move as I observe them. But hey, turnabout is fair play in my book...at least I put them in the dedication.

RT: What was your inspiration for the main character Samantha Granger?

Kari T: Good question. I’m not really sure. I was trying to create characters I thought kids of many ages could relate to and would enjoy reading about. My daughter loves iCarly, so I wanted someone who was like Carly and her friend Sam. They crack me up together and make such a great team. Also I had a Hollywood director sign on to adapt the book to a screenplay before the book was even finished, so early on I tried to picture who would be perfect to play to my lead characters, and again, iCarly came to mind. That’s how Sam and Mel were born.

RT: Do you feel like this book will relate to the middle grade age group, since it is about cell phones, which is so very popular in today's society?

Kari Lee Townsend

Kari T:  Absolutely! When I first started writing book one, FUSED, two of my children were 11 and 12 ½ and they were by far the worst addicts of all when it came to their gadgets. They must have horrible neck cramps from constantly looking down, and I swear their thumbs must be about ready to fall off for how fast they text. I’ve never seen anything like it. And if you ask them a question, they can literally look up, answer you, and then look back down while never once missing a letter on their cell phone keyboards! If only they put that much energy into their homework! And I have to say they helped me brainstorm a lot of the cool action adventure scenes, so I guess I can’t complain too much.

RT: Do you support the idea of so many young kids today having a cell phone? Do you feel like it can get in the way of their studies at school?

Kari T:  As a parent, I love the idea of being able to check in with my children whenever I want. And with my children involved in so many activities, it’s convenient for them to have phones to call me when they are done. I also think a kid’s social life is very important to him or her. I don’t see an issue with them having cell phones, but I do think parents need to set limits. Kids need to learn there are legitimate times and a places for texting. Places like the dinner table, church, restaurants and movie theatres are not some of those. Although, I have to admit, adults can be just as guilty of breaking social etiquette when using their cell phones. And finally, you’d be surprised at how many children sneak their phones in bed with them at night and text all night long, then fall asleep in school the next day. Other than that, I say text away.

RT: I'm excited to read this book, it sounds like a very fun read. Who was your favorite author as a middle grade student and why?

Kari T:  Oh my, I’m going to show my age here, big-time! I used to love the Nancy Drew books by Mildred Benson. Action and adventure scenes are so exciting and trying to figure out a puzzle has always been so much fun for me. I loved mysteries both then and now. In fact I also write an adult cozy mystery series called The Fortune Teller Mysteries, but book one in the new series called Tempest in the Tea Leaves doesn’t come out until August.

RT: What was your favorite snack, while writing this book?

Kari T:   LOL….I have to say I’ve never been asked that question before. Hmmm, well, I started writing many years ago during naptime when my children were little. I’m so used to writing during that time slot that to this day, even with them all in school now, I still enjoy writing in the afternoon the most. Sooo, I always have a diet cola (I switch between Diet Pepsi and Diet Coke to keep from getting bored). When I’m trying to be really “good,” I have a mini-bag of smart popcorn. But when I’m being really bad, I go for both salty and sweet. Some kind of yummy chips and ANY kind of chocolate. Although, Reeses Peanut Butter Cups and Peanut M&M’s are my favorites! Shhh….don’t tell! 

RT: How long did it take you to write Fused?

Kari T:  Writing two series at the same time can be challenging. Thank goodness I write fast! My average goal is 10 pages a day, five days a week, which is 50 pages per week. That means for a 200 page book, it only takes me one month to write the first draft. But I always take a second month to polish. However, if I get behind and it’s getting close to my deadline, I have been known to finish a book in two weeks, but that’s so not pretty! Procrastination is a bad thing…always remember that ;-)

RT: How did you celebrate, when you finished writing 'Fused' ?

Kari T:  I had a glass of champagne, did a happy dance around my house, and then took a couple of weeks off. I always recharge my mental battery after a book, so I don’t risk burning out. I also love to brainstorm and think my plots through during that time without any actual physical writing. And it helps that I alternate books in both of my series so that I’m writing something new and fresh and won’t get bored. By the time I come back to write another Samantha Granger book, it seems new and exciting once more. But right now my break time is over, so I guess I’d better get back to work on book three, FREEDOM! Thanks so much for having me. It’s been fun J To find out more about me and all my books including my mystery series that debuts in August called TEMPEST IN THE TEA LEAVES: A FORTUNE TELLER MYSTERY go to http://www.karileetownsend.com/

Ivy and Bean and the Ghost That Had to Go by Annie Barrows

Ivy and Bean and the Ghost That Had to Go
Reading level: Ages 7-10
Hardcover: 136 pages
Publisher: Chronicle Books (November 23, 2006)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0811849104
ISBN-13: 978-0811849104 



New friends Ivy and Bean return, and this time there's a ghost with them. It's shy Ivy who sees the mist coming out of the girls' bathroom at school, and loyal Bean soon sees it, too. Despite doubting friends and irritated teachers, the girls are determined to rid the bathroom of this malevolent presence. The series, previously so grounded in reality, takes a supernatural turn here, and readers may not know what to make of the ghost. But as before, the series' strong suits are humor and the spot-on take on relationships.

My Review

I really liked this book. I'm so glad I'm reading this series. The Ghost Thad Had to Go was really funny and I really liked how the author wrote the story. My mom bought me all three books and I really like them. I just started the third so you have to wait for that review. ☻ I really like the characters, they just sound so cute. I also enjoyed how Barrows made them look, like their friends at school Zuzu and Emma. Zuzu had black hair and two buns, one on each side of her head. Emma had blond hair with pigtails and bows on each side. I so wish I could pull off either of those styles... but, I don't think so!

You really need to see there website! >>>>> http://www.anniebarrows.com/ivyandbean/  its really fun. ♥  You really need to by the book's they are really funny! Also, I feel like the books have a great storyline and with only 136 pages, it's makes me feel good that I can finish it quickly. 

Book Cover for Throne of Fire by Rick Riordon, Plus read the first chapter.

Read a sneak peek at the first chapter HERE!

In this exciting second installment of the three-book series, Carter and Sadie, offspring of the brilliant Egyptologist Dr. Julius Kane, embark on a worldwide search for the Book of Ra, but the House of Life and the gods of chaos are determined to stop them. 

 

Reading level: Ages 9-12 

Hardcover: 464 pages

Publisher: Hyperion Book CH (May 3, 2011)

Language: English

ISBN-10: 1423140567

ISBN-13: 978-1423140566

Book Review: The Pony Whisperer: The Word on the Yard by Janet Rising

Reading level: Ages 9-12
Paperback: 208 pages
Publisher: Sourcebooks Jabberwocky; 1 edition (June 1, 2010)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1402239521
ISBN-13: 978-1402239526


The Pony Whisperer: The Word on the Yard  by Janet Rising
 
Gr 4-8–After her parents divorce, British equestrian Pia and her pony, Drummer, have to move to a new stable. On her first day, she finds herself at odds with another boarder who wanted to move her horse to the stall that Pia is given. Later, she learns that Catriona has a big crush on James and hoped that having her horse next to his would increase her chances with him. While out riding, Pia finds an ancient statuette and discovers that she can understand everything the horses are saying. As she secretly tries to use this gift to help other riders with their animals, she gains a reputation as a "pony whisperer." This creates numerous complications in her life including offers to appear on TV. This combination of magic and a quick-moving, contemporary plot woven around horse and human conflicts and friendships is a light and enjoyable read for fans of this genre. The horses are particularly amusing as they reveal their complaints and requests to their owners through Pia.


My Review

This is suppose to be a sweet, cute book, but I was just thinking about Pia and how her father ran away with some other woman. That is so sad. Well, the rest of was really fun to read. I have not read any of the books in this series, so this is my first. I have a feeling I would enjoy the other ones as well. I would have to say, my favorite character was... surprise, suprise... Pia. She can totally talk to her horse Drummer. Pia goes through so much in this book and of course, there is a mean bratty girl and a cute boy to add to the storyline. If you are a lover of horses and good books, I suggest starting this series.

The Lost Hero by Rick Riordan (Faith)

The Heroes of Olympus, Book One: The Lost Hero

• Reading level:  Ages 9-12
• Hardcover: 576 pages
• Publisher: Hyperion Book CH; 1st edition (October 12, 2010)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 142311339X
• ISBN-13: 978-1423113393
• Buy the book:  Amazon 

Okay, so this book is about a kid named Jason, appearing suddenly on a bus going on a field trip.  When the teacher gets taken by Venti, or storm spirits, Annabeth and a friend come and take Jason and his new friends, Piper and Leo, (Oh, another thing, Jason has amnesia and cannot remember where he came from or who he is) to Camp Half-Blood.  When Jason gets a vision o Juno, or Hera, telling him to free her, the three kids must go on a quest.  They must free Hera and face many, many monsters.  Jason gets lots of surprises along the way, including what his last name is.  If you read the Percy Jackson and the Olympians series, you will know what that means.  Okay, I will give you a hint, he has a well known sister.

This book was amazing.  It had a few typos but otherwise it was awesome.  I loved the switch with the Roman gods and the Roman camp half-blood.  My favorite character was Leo Valdez because he tamed the dragon Festus when no one else could.  

Audiobook Review: Artemis Fowl by Eoin Colfer

Title and Author
Artemis Fowl Eoin Colfer



Plot Summary
Artemis Fowl is a criminal mastermind. Even though he is only twelve years old, he is a genius! He was trying to get money by capturing a fairy and making the other fairies pay him a ransom to get her back. The fairy that he captures is name Captain Holly Short. She is a feisty girl who isn't going to lay down and take being captured by a little boy.




Plot High Point
The most exciting part of the book is when Butler, (Artemis Fowl's butler) gets into a fight with a giant troll. I liked how Butler went all


Main Characters
Artemis Fowl- He is a twelve-year-old, genius criminal mastermind. He trying to get his fortune back, and will do anything to make that happen. Captain Holly Short- she is feisty and active and strong, she never gives up hope. She has trouble always obeying orders. Butler-He's a big guy who always protects Artemis so he never gets hurt. The Butler family has always served the Fowl family. Butler has all these weapons and really cool ninja moves! And he's really strong. Juliet- Butler's sister and loyal friend to Artemis. And she has her own cool ninja moves too!


Setting
Present time, Artemis Fowl mansion.


Personal Opinion

• Reagan: I liked that there were fairies in this book. I was in my fairy phase, so this was perfect! My favorite character was Holly Short, because she's totally awesome! She was all magical and constantly disobeyed orders. I loved the whole book and wouldn't change a thing. We listened to this book on audio cd and I really liked the reader! The reader is Nathaniel Parker, and I thought he did a really a good job. 
• Bransen: I liked the book a lot because it has all this cool magic. There were awesome trolls and all these cool creatures. I think Artemis is really cool because he knows all this stuff and he's only twelve. There was this really hilarious part with a dwarf that ate clay and pooped it out. He blasted people with his farts! I liked the reader, too. He sounded really good with all the voices that he did. He had different accents for everyone.
• Mom:  There were parts of this book that I liked and parts I didn't care for. I really liked all the parts that were told from Artemis's viewpoint.  I loved his character!  All the chapters that were told from his point-of-view were really fun and exciting.  I didn't really care for the chapters that were told from the fairies point of view.  There was a lot of "potty humor" which I just think is annoying, but at least my kids got a kick out it.  But the thing that really bugged me, was that the fairy world was pretty much exactly the same as the human world.  I feel like if I'm going to read about fairies, that they should be different, and magical, and fantastical.  These fairies were like military officials, who used satellites and coms and weapons.  There was very little magic used.  So it ended up just being like a military rescue mission.  I did really think the audiobook reader did a great job!  He had a ton of different accents, and I thought they were all really good.  

Reagan and Bransen are listening to the second audiobook in the series, Arctic Incident.