The Moves Make the Man

The Moves Make the Man

This book was written in 1984 printed by Harper Trophy. The plot is simple Jerome is a thirteen year old boy who is now telling the story of the events leading up to his friend Bix's running away from home. It begins with Jerome claiming that no one else was able to tell Bix's story except for Jerome. Jerome proceeds to explain to the reader the many events and experiences that Jerome had with Bix. The two of them together had an interesting connection. Bix was an interesting character. In the beginning of Bix's story, Bix refuses to tell a lie, but by the end of the book things have changed. Bix has some serious psychological issues that he needs to work through. The themes in this book is very interesting as well. Bruce Brooks is the author of this book. (There is a link for Mr. Brooks if you are interested).

I did not particularly like this book. I thought it was slow going. It seemed to take quite a while to get to the point of the story. Jerome tells this story from his point-of-view, but instead of really telling Bix's story he told his own story and Bix seemed to just be thrown into it a few times. The last one hundred pages seemed to be the only thing that really showed the progression of Bix's character and the reasons leading upto when he ran away.
CAUTION: Be prepared to lose interest until much later in the book.

Riding Freedom

Riding Freedom

This is set in the 1800s. This book was about a young girl named Charlotte. She is as feisty as they come. At the age of two years old her parents died in an accident and she was found holding on tightly to the reigns. This book is based on a true story about the first women to ever vote. Charlotte disguised herself as a man her entire life because the women were looked down upon during this time; this was the only way she would be allowed to do what she really dreamed of. Charlotte had a lot of courage, and this would help any teenager trying to find the courage to stand up for what they believe in. Riding Freedom was written by Pam Munoz Ryan. This is a tween book, but it is a fantastic book.
Riding Freedom was written in 1998 printed through scholastic. I really did enjoy this book and I hope that you might enjoy Charlotte as her adventures as well. (There is a link to Ms. Ryan's website).

CAUTION: You may not be able to put it down; however, it is such a quick read it really wouldn't matter.

Alida's Song

Alida's Song

This was a very interesting story written about a boy who got a job working with his grandmother on a farm. In the beginning of the book he visits with his grandmother, mentioning how much he thought enlisting in the army was a mistake. He then thinks back to when he was fourteen years old, the time in his life when his grandmother changed him for the better. The boy was having a difficult time in school and at home. His parents were barely there and always drunk and he never socialized with anyone. His grandmother got him a job working with her own employer for the summer. This experience changed his life for the better and it was later that he realized just how much his grandmother really did influence him; he realized the love that she had for him and even when he was older he felt her always guiding him.

I really enjoyed reading this book. The things I found interesting about this book is that the boy didn't have a name, he was always referred to as the boy. The characters in the story had quite a lot of respect for Alida (the grandmother), and it was her love for her grandson that saved him. His life could have gone so differently had he chosen not to work on the farm. This book was written by Gary Paulsen. (There is a link to some information on him). This was written in 1999 in New York. "...he was no longer the man he thought he was, but he was carried back to when he was just fourteen..." (4).

CAUTION: There is mild language in it.

On My Honor

On My Honor

This book was written by Marion Dane Bauer. This is about another boy named Joel. Joel and Tony decide to travel down to the river. Tony is someone who cannot swim as well, but he is the free spirit. He dares Joel to swim in the dirty river. Joel doesn't want to in the beginning, but he ends up daring Tony to swim to the sandbars. They begin to race and then Tony vanishes. This story is about Joel's journey of being honest with himself and with his family.

I honestly liked this book. I thought it was a little bit sad, and the entire time I am thinking "you need to tell the truth, you need to tell the truth." This book was written in 1986 and it was printed in the U.S.

CAUTION: Be prepared to feel a little irritated with Joel. There is mild language.

Return to Labryrinth

Return to Labyrinth, book 1

The story was written by Jake T. Forbes, and the artist was Chris Lie. It was written around the year 2006 and printed in Los Angeles, CA.

This is a graphic novel. This is a continuation of the movie "Labyrinth" This is the story of Toby and how Jareth has chosen Toby to be his heir to his throne. Toby is having difficulties in school, and everytime he wishes for something Jareth allows that wish to come true. Toby and Jareth have a confrontation and Jareth leaves him alone. Later, a goblin steals Toby's homework. Toby chases after the goblin and ends up in the land. Jareth has been planning for this all along.

This is the first of a series. It ends with Toby and Jareth attending a ball, and Jareth declares Toby the heir to the throne. It was a little abrupt.

I didn't particularly like this book, it was a little corny and it could've been done better. There were many random moments that didn't seem to make sense, and it didn't seem to explain a whole lot. The story got a little bit boring and towards the end it turned into a little bit of a cinderella story instead of an original and imaginative story.

CAUTION: Be prepared to be a little bit bored and a little confused. There is a crude part near the end, which seems completely out of place.

Stuck In Neutral Book Trailer

Stuck In Neutral

Stuck in Neutral was written in the year 2000. It was written by Terry Trueman. Shawn McDaniel's character was based on Terry Trueman's own home situation.

Shawn McDaniel is a fourteen-year-old teenager who thinks that his father might want to kill him. Shawn is an interesting individual, many people said that he is not an intelligent human being, that he is just a "vegetable". This book is written in his point of view.

I cannot completely say that I loved this book; however, I can say that I did like it. Stuck in Neutral made me a little bit more aware of exactly what cerebral palsy is, and it also made me aware of some of the feelings all family members can go through. It explores the possibility of an after-life.
"I have this weird -- I don't know what you'd call it -- ability? Gift? Power? Whatever name you want to give it, the thing is that I can remember everything I ever hear, perfectly, with total recall" (2). Shawn makes it perfectly clear that he does have a brain that functions. So I will not tell you anymore, if you want to find out what happens you read it for yourself.
CAUTION: There is some language in this book and mild descriptions of violence.

The Adoration of Jenna Fox Book Trailer

The Adoration of Jenna Fox

The Adoration of Jenna Fox

This book was written by Mary E. Pearson (here is a link to her website in case you're interested). The book was copyrighted in 2008 and printed in 2009 in New York.

Let me tell you that this was a fantastic book! It kept my interest until the very last page. The Adoration of Jenna Fox is about Jenna Fox who has just woken up from a supposed coma. She doesn't remember anything her life. She has been told that her name is Jenna, but now she wonders who that really is. Mystery, suspense, and intrigue riddle this book from beginning to end. There is also a little bit of romance mixed into it along with a sci-fi feel. This is just simply a great book!

"Pieces - Isn't that what all of life is anyway? Shards. Bits. Moments. Am I less because I have fewer, or do the few I have mean more? Am I just as full as anyone else? Enough? Pieces." This is found on page 80 of the book, she is just beginning to find out what has been going on for the past two years. "Taste - maybe I don't like hot chocolate. And maybe the three weeks' worth of memories aren't real at all." (63). The more she doubts herself the more intrigue there is in the book. That is all I am going to say about this book, simply because if you haven't read it you should.
CAUTION: There is some slight language is the book; however, it's not too drastic.

The Wednesay Wars

The Wednesday Wars was written by Gary D. Schmidt
This book was written in 2007. The Sandpiper books company published this book. Well, now onto the less boring parts. The Wednesday Wars is a delightful book. The summary of the book is very humorous:

Holling Hoodhood is the main character in this funny little story. He has just entered into 7th grade. He and his family are Protestants; however, everyone that he goes to school with is either Jewish or Catholic. On Wednesdays everyone, except for himself, goes to Hebrew or Catechism school. This leaves him alone with Mrs. Baker. Duh, duh, duuuuhhhh! In the beginning of the book, Holling is convinced that Mrs. Baker is out to get him. There are many funny moments in the book, and what he doesn't realize is that throughout the school year he doesn't seem to realize the influence Mrs. Baker really has on him.

This truly is a coming of age story. "'Mrs. Baker hates my guts,'" (6). I think the funniest part of the beginning, is when he continuously mentions to reader that Mrs. Baker hates him. However, as the story goes on he starts to see that Mrs. Baker is not as bad as she seems. This story also takes place during the Vietnam War, so there are certain incidents during the book that are addressed. Gary Schmidt approaches this topic not in great detail, but enough to educate the reader about the time period. I absolutely loved Holling and his funny and entertaining personality. I loved the fact that Shakespeare was introduced throughout the book. I think that my favorite event in the book was when Holling asked Meryl Lee out for Valentine's Day. "I turned around to look behind me, because someone else must have said what just popped out of my mouth," (136). He had just surprised himself and asked her out; however, I think it was even funnier when it happened again. Puppy love, war, funny moments, coming of age. It's all in this book. It's wonderful!

Caution: YOU MAY JUST END UP LAUGHING THE ENTIRE TIME, AND IF YOU'RE NOT YOU SHOULD BE.

NOTE: THERE IS A LINK TO GARY D. SCHMIDT IF YOU ARE INTERESTED. UNTIL NEXT TIME. KEEP READING!!!!!!!!!!