AudioBook Review: The Search for Wondla by Tony DiTerlizzi read by Teri Hatcher

Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio; Unabridged edition (September 21, 2010)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1442334282
ISBN-13: 978-1442334281
Buy the Book: Amazon

Twelve-year-old Eva Nine has spent her entire life living in Sanctuary, an underground compound where she is cared for by the motherly robot, Muthr (Multi-Utility Task Help Robot). She's never met another human nor visited the surface and she longs to do both, dreaming of a world - and of the companionship and love to be found there - that she's only seen glimpses of on scraps of paper. When Sanctuary is attacked, Eva is forced to escape to the surface alone, where she soon finds that the reality of life there is more amazing and puzzling than she ever imagined. It is also far more dangerous.

Book Review

 I really liked this book. It was AMAZING! I think that The Search For Wondla is in my top ten favorite books. If you like stuff like Harry Potter and the Tigers Curse Series, you will enjoy this book. The book was a little sad, so sad I almost cried. I think I would like to listen to the audio again or maybe actually read it next time. My favorite character was Eva, I liked how she was really brave, and because she is trying to find another human.

Audiobook Review

The reader Teri Hatcher, does really well on reading the story and she also does really well on the different characters. To me, she is the female, non-British Jim Dayle. Teri Hatcher is one of my favorite readers. I would give her 4 Crowns. That's how good I thought she was.

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Book Review: The Weaver by Kai Strand

Hardcover: 94 pages
Publisher: Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc (December 10, 2010)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1616331216
ISBN-13: 978-1616331214
Buy the book: Amazon
Visit the site: kaistrand.com
In a town of word weavers, Mary suffers through her third year of Novice Word Weaving. Mary thinks her troubles are over when she meets a gnome-elf who grants her a wish. But instead of weaving a better story, she's weaving strange yarn charms to accompany her still pathetic tales. Suggested age for readers: 9-12

This book was a really good book, I liked the way Kai wrote it. It was really cool how she made little story's throughout the book! I like the storyline, it is a short novel, but I thought it was really interesting! The Weaver is a really cute, fun book, I think that it is a boy/girl novel and the age for the book is 9-12. I liked it and I would read it again. I mean, I think you would like it, if you liked elves and magical creatures! The book was very well written and enjoyable. READ IT.

Happy Reading! =)

Anna Banana

AudioBook Review: Dork Diaries by Rachel Renee Russel & Read by Lana Quintal

Dork Diaries: Tales From a Not-So-Fabulous Life by Rachel Renee Russell

Audio CD
Publisher:Simon & Schuster Audio; Unabridged edition (September 28, 2010)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1442338962
ISBN-13: 978-1442338968
Reader: Lana Quintal
Buy the Audio Book: Amazon

Dork Diaries follows eighth grader Nikki Maxwell as she chronicles through text and sketches her move to a snooty new school; her epic battle with her mom for an iPhone; her enthusiasm for drawing and art; and a love/hate fascination with the new school’s queen bee, a girl named Mackenzie, who becomes Nikki’s rival in a schoolwide art competition. Nikki writes about friendships, crushes, popularity, and family with a unique and fresh voice that still conveys a universal authenticity. Nikki’s sketches throughout her diary add humor and spunk to the book, a surefire hit with tween girl readers.



Dork Diaries: Tales From a Not-So-Popular Party Girl by Rachel Renee Russell

Audible Audio Edition
Listening Length: 2 hours and 56 minutes
Program Type: Audiobook
Version: Unabridged
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio
Audible.com Release Date: September 28, 2010
Language: English
Reader: Lana Quintal
Buy the Audio Book: Amazon

Settled in at her new school and flanked by awesome friends Chloe and Zoey, life is looking up for Nikki Maxwell, especially since her crush, Brandon, asked her to be his lab partner - a seriously awesome development. However, when Nikki overhears mean girl Mackenzie bragging that Brandon's taking her to the Halloween dance, a bummed Nikki signs on to spend Halloween at a kids party with her little sister, Brianna, instead. After she finds out Mackenzie was lying and her dream of going to the party with Brandon could be a reality, Nikki has two events to juggle... plus plenty of other entertaining trials and tribulations along the way!



Dork Diaries: from a Not-So-Talented Pop Star by Rachel Renee Russell


Reading level: Ages 9-12
Audio CD
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio; Unabridged edition (June 7, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1442340460
ISBN-13: 978-1442340466
Reader: Lana Quintal
Buy the Audio Book: Amazon

Nikki Maxwell knows her reputation will be destroyed if anyone at school finds out her Dad works as the school’s exterminator in exchange for her academic scholarship. So when it looks like her secret might be leaked, Nikki’s willing to go to zany and wacky lengths to protect the truth—and the timing seems perfect when a major talent competition is announced with a school scholarship offered as the top prize. Nikki loves to sing and dance, but of course hijinks and misunderstandings aplenty ensue, along with more hilarious and heartwarming moments with all our favorite characters in this ultra-popular series.Dork Diaries 3


AudioBook Review:

So... the audio part was pretty good, I mean it wasn't my kind of book, but it was pretty good! I thought that the reader was a really good reader. I thought that Lana Quinlan did very well on the voices and she was very entertaining with the reading. I also think that if you like girly books that this is your kind of book! This audiobook (all three) was pretty entertaining and it wasn't very long so I breezed right through it!


What I liked about the book...

My Favorite character was Nikki, and she is the main character. Why I liked her was because she didn't always say "OMG! OMG! OMG!" And I liked that about her, she didn't want to be a really big popular girl. So that is what I liked about her! I like how there is a little bit of romance in the book, and I like scary books, but the only good scary books are YA books and  I cant read a lot of YA books! So as far as this book goes, it was well written and enjoyable.


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Book Review: Sally's Bones by MacKenzie Cadenhead

Reading level: Ages 9-12
Paperback: 176 pages
Publisher: Sourcebooks Jabberwocky (September 1, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1402259433
ISBN-13: 978-1402259432
Buy the Book: Amazon
Visit the site: MacKenzieCadenhead.com

Sally is a quirky character who loves Death Rock and faded blue jeans. She fits in better with the Addams Family than with a clique of catty sixth grade girls. After her mother's death, grief-stricken Sally begs for death... and death is exactly what she gets: a tail-wagging skeleton dog called Bones. A gift from beyond the grave, Bones is a dreadfully delicious girl's best friend. In this cleverly written, alliterative tale the town's bones go missing and everyone blames Bones. Sally must solve the mystery to save her cadaverous canine from puppy prison.

This book was super fun and funny! I liked Sally Simplesmith's character and LOVED Bones the dead dog. This was a detective book, so I was happy to see that Sally and Bones worked together very well. Bones always knew what to do, he was really the smart one. I loved all the names of the characters in this book like of course, Sally Simplesmith and her father Seymour. Then there's Viola Vanderperfect, haha Vanderperfect. Guess what she wasn't so perfect, kinda bratty. Viola had a dog named Princess Poopsy. Too funny.

Well, if you like a good, who stole what? dedetective mystery, then check this one out. It's a good one!

Everyone wish our Birthday girl, Anna a Happy 11th Birthday!

Heidi Heckelbeck Has A Secret by Wanda Coven

Reading level: Ages 4-8
Paperback: 128 pages
Publisher: Little Simon; Original edition (January 3, 2012)
Buy the book:  Amazon

Meet Heidi Heckelbeck. Heidi is just like any other 8 year-old. She eats peanut butter and jelly sandwiches for lunch. She hates all vegetables. She picks on her younger brother, Henry. She begrudgingly does her homework. She’s a witch. A witch? Yup. That’s right. Heidi is a witch in disguise.

My Review

I really liked it because it was funny and I think my favorite characters were Heidi and her little Brother! They were really funny.  I liked her brother because he was really funny, like when he dressed in his mom's high-heels and his dad's glasses!! That was hilarious! I think that it was not bad at all, and I would really recommend this book! I think this is good for little kids and stuff, because it was a really easy read!!! I LOVED IT!! I would definitely read more in this series!

Hey, I LUV Y'ALL!!!
-Anna <3

Book Review: The Hot List by Hillary Homzie

Reading level: Ages 10-13

Paperback: 256 pages

Publisher: Aladdin; Original edition (March 8, 2011)

Language: English

ISBN-10: 1442406577

ISBN-13: 978-1442406575

Buy the book: Amazon

It all starts as a goof between Sophie Fanuchi and her BFF Maddie Chen--a "Hot List" the two girls create and anonymously post in the girls' locker room listing the cutest boys at Travis Middle School. Soon enough the list has taken on a life of its own. Maddie's thrilled to be caught up in all the excitement and finally hanging out with the "pops," Travis Middle School's self-proclaimed It Girls. Sophie, however, misses just having secrets between herself and Maddie. Even worse, Maddie's suddenly super tight with Brenna Tate, leader of the pops and the daughter of Sophie's father's new girlfriend. As Sophie and Maddie's friendship unravels, Sophie latches onto an impulsive bet with Brenna to get the universe right again--Sophie declares she'll prove the list is meaningless by making over their wacky classmate Squid so that he can land on the Hot List. But will any bet or list matter more than Sophie's friendships . . .?

`My Review

The first thing I would like to say is that, all the kids in the book were really shallow. I didn't like that about the book.

They said the word "Hot" a million times (it got very old). They said "Sexy" A couple of times and "Shut up" too. In the book, the author spelled some things wrong, like she spelled please... pleas.

My favorite character was Sophie Fanuchi, she was the main character. She was the most non-shallow person, she helped ugly people get on the Hot List. At the end of the book, everyone ended up realizing that The Hot List was a mean thing to do. That was a good thing, because a lot of people got their feelings hurt :(

 I didn't like the book that much and I would not read it again. But if you like really girly, shallow books that talk about a lot of hot guys and girls, than you should read this book!

Meet The Author, watch videos, and get extras at: http://books.simonandschuster.com/Hot-List/Hillary-Homzie/9781442406575 

Happy Reading :)

Book Review: A House Called Awful End by Philip Ardagh

Reading level: Ages 9-12
Hardcover: 128 pages
Publisher: Henry Holt and Co. (BYR); First Edition edition (September 1, 2002)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0805068287
ISBN-13: 978-0805068283

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  The first book in a hilarious, action-packed trilogy. Eddie Dickens is sent off to stay with his aunt and uncle and a riotously funny comedy of errors ensues. When both Eddie Dickens's parents catch a disease that makes them turn yellow, go a bit crinkly around the edges, and smell of hot water bottles, it's agreed he should go and stay with relatives at their house, Awful End. Unfortunately for Eddie, those relatives are Mad Uncle Jack and Even-Madder Aunt Maud. . . . This hilarious historical spoof, the first in the Eddie Dickens trilogy, has been called "a scrumptious cross between Dickens and Monty Python."

  
  
  
  

• My Review
  
• I liked the book it was funny but I don't think I would read it again. It was fine but I didn't like it that much! I liked how the author drew the characters and I liked how he drew the parents. I really liked how he drew the mom, she looks kinda' funny! I liked the story line, and how he wrote the book. It was good! I liked their rat thing! It's weird looking! :) But It is an okay book to read! I think it is a pretty good kids book! There is nothing bad in it, No cuss words or anything bad! Not the best book ever, but maybe worth the read because of the illustrations. Its good for Ages 9-12!


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Book Review Vlog: Matilda by Roald Dahl

Reading level: Ages 9-12
Paperback: 240 pages
Publisher: Puffin (June 1, 1998)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0141301066
ISBN-13: 978-0141301068
Buy the book: Amazon

For hundreds of kids, The Trunchbull is pure terror. For Matilda, she's a sitting duck. Roald Dahl is one of the most beloved storytellers of all time, and his books have been children's favorites for generations. Puffin is proud to offer a strong new look for nine of our classic Roald Dahl titles. The distinctive cover treatment, with new art by Quentin Blake, will make these books easily recognizable. In addition, Quentin Blake's funny, quirky illustrations now appear in all of the books. So turn the page and you'll be sure to have a Dahl-ectable summer!

Book Review: Mallory on the Move by Laurie Friedman

Reading level: Ages 8-10
Paperback: 158 pages
Publisher: First Avenue Editions (November 2004)Language: English
ISBN-10: 1575058316ISBN-13: 978-1575058313

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  When you move, everything changes: your house your neighborhood, your town, and, worst of all, your friends. I know. I'm Mallory McDonald, age 8 1/2 plus 1 month, and that's exactly what happened to me. She's leaving everything behind, including her best friend. And to make matters worse, she's going to be living next door to a boy. Why cant life be like it was before her parents ruined it? How will she make new friends? what will happen when she gets stuck in the middle of an old friend and make a new friend? Mallory knows just one thing for certain, she's going to find out!   

  
  

  My Review
  
• I loved this book! Yeah, I think I would read it again, and yes.... I loved the book! the character that I really liked had to be Mallory and her best friend, they would always have to have the same nail-polish on and everything! I liked them. I didn't really like her brother, he would make fun of Mallory and her friend, he would call her Bird-Brain! HAHA! But I kinda' thought it was funny! HEHE! :) I really liked the book and I liked the story line! there was nothing bad in it, only that Mallory's brother had a bad attitude! 
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GoddessGirls Artemis the brave By: Suzanne Williams

Reading level: Ages 7-10
Paperback: 240 pages
Publisher: Aladdin; Original edition (December 7, 2010)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1416982744
ISBN-13: 978-1416982746

Naturally everyone at Mount Olympus Academy thought Artemis was brave simply because she was an excellent archer and the "goddess of the hunt," but if they could read her mind when they were in the Forest of the Beasts on a Beast-ology assignment for Professor Ladon, they'd think otherwise. She could almost hear them now: "My, godness, we never knew Artemis was such a wuss." Athena, Aphrodite, and Persephone were counting on her to finish off the Geryon, a "one-headed, two-armed, three-bodied, four-winged, six-legged beast." She'd finished off two other nasty creatures, a she-dragon and a goat-headed Chimera, but there would be a whole lot of shrieking before they'd get an A from Ladon on this one. "Nah, nah, nah, nah, nah." The four best goddess-girlfriends were going to have their work cut out for them if they were going to destroy that "big green patoot" before the next class.

My Review

I really like the first part of the book, It was really good. I loved how in the first part they were fighting! And I loved Athena's character. I really was excited to read about Athena. ♥ I liked Artemis also, She was really good at fighting. I really liked Chapter 3, it was my favorite part of the book. I can't tell you what happens in chapter 3, you're going to have to believe me on thisone. You really need to read this book, it is really good: There is some fighting and stuff like that! I love this series, it is such a great series for girls.

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Ivy and Bean Break the Fossil Record by Annie Barrows

Reading level: Ages 7-10

Paperback: 124 pages 

Publisher: Chronicle Books (December 20, 2007)

Language: English 

ISBN-10: 081186250X 

ISBN-13: 978-0811862509  

 

 

Rambunctious second-grader Bean and her more conservative friend, Ivy, are back for another easy-chapter-book adventure. This time, a book of world records gets the class thinking of feats they can accomplish. Bean unsuccessfully (and hilariously) tries to break some records, then decides to be the youngest person to discover dinosaur bones and starts digging in the backyard. Ivy has read a book about Mary Anning, who found a dinosaur skeleton at the age of 12. 

My Review

 

I really liked the book and my favorite part is, the first part. I really liked the third-chapter, It was funny and my favorite character had to be Bean. I ♥ Bean, she is really funny. And I liked Ivy, she was funny too. I want to read the fourth one, it looks really good. My favorite book of Ivy and Bean has to be the second one.

I ♥ this book, it was really good! Read it! :)

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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 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.

Book Review: GoddessGirls: Athena the Brain by Joan Holub & Suzanne Williams

Reading level: Ages 9-12
Paperback: 176 pages
Publisher: Aladdin; Original edition (April 6, 2010)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 141698271X
ISBN-13: 978-1416982715

   

Athena The Brain is an adorable light take on Greek mythology. Athena has grown up as an orphan on Earth, living with her friend's family. She's always been different - smarter, better. Now she knows why - she's the daughter of Zeus! She is summoned to attend Mount Olympus Academy with all the other goddess girls, godboys, and a few errant mortals.

My Review

 I really loved the book, it was really good. I loved how the authors wrote the book, it was funny and cute. ♥ I learned you can never have too many true friends.

What I thought about the characters:

I really liked how Joan and Suzanne explained the characters. They explained the beautiful Athena very well. I also liked how they explained and portrayed evil & bratty Medusa, she has snakes as her hair! WOW! And I had fun drawing Medusa. I really could see all the characters in my head while I was reading.

What characters I liked:

My favorite character is Athena. she's really pretty and I love how she's really smart. I felt really sorry for Athena at times... like when she fell and tripped skinning her knee on her second day of school. She's not smart when she goes to her new school. She's not really used to different subjects.

You guys should really read Athena the Brain, its really good!

Thank you Joan Holub and Suzanne Williams for sending me this signed book and signed bookmark!