Jeri Smith-Ready's SHADE

I love Jeri Smith-Ready's adult/young adult books. She's amazing. Now she's got a new teen fiction debut, Shade; I just can not wait to read it!

Book Preview from Jeri Smith-Ready's website (found here)

Love ties them together.
Death can't tear them apart.

Best. Birthday. Ever. At least, it was supposed to be. With Logan's band playing a critical gig and Aura's plan for an intimate after-party, Aura knows it will be the most memorable night of her boyfriend's life. She never thought it would be his last.

Logan's sudden death leaves Aura devastated. He's gone.

Well, sort of.

Like everyone born after the Shift, Aura can see and hear ghosts. This mysterious ability has always been annoying, and Aura had wanted nothing more than to figure out why the Shift happened so she can undo it. But not with Logan’s violet-hued spirit still hanging around. Because dead Logan is almost as real as ever. Almost.

It doesn't help that Aura’s new friend Zachary is so understanding—and so very alive. His support means more to Aura than she cares to admit.

As Aura's relationships with the dead and the living grow ever complicated, so do her feelings for Logan and Zachary. Each holds a piece of Aura's heart…and clues to the secret of the Shift.

Look for the sequel, SHIFT, coming May 2011!!

Check out the book trailer and the soundtrack she envisioned going along with it. :)



Click the below link to listen to the soundtrack.
http://www.playlist.com/playlist/19638927883/standalone

Updating

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Ivy & Bean: Doomed to Dance by Annie Barrows

Ivy & Bean: Doomed to Dance by Annie Barrows
Illustrated By: Sophie Blackall
Geared Towards: Ages 6-10
Published By: Chronicle Books
Publication Date: November 2009
ISBN: 978-0-8118-6266-0

When you were a young girl, did you ever want to run away? Were you ever so thoroughly convinced that a broken limb or a horrible sickness might be the preferred option when up against something you really truly didn't want any part of? Did you ever convince your parents you wanted to participate in something that you all too soon discovered wasn't what you'd expected? Did you ever beg out only to be denied?

All of these and more are true for Ivy and Bean the characters of Annie Barrows' early chapter book Ivy & Bean Doomed to Dance.

Ivy and Bean are the best of friends, and these best friends are now cast as the unseemly "friendly squids" for their ballet recital. This is not at all what either of the girls signed up for. Who know ballet would be so awful? It was supposed to be fun like it was portrayed in The Royal Book of the Ballet. In the story of Giselle there was dancing, the kicking off of heads, stabbing, and death. It was a ballet about an out and out brawl, far more entertaining than Wedding Beneath the Sea.

When the girls first got their bright idea to sign up for ballet, each had had to talk her parents into letting her go, and it wasn't an easy sell. Both Ivy and Bean had had to promise they wouldn't whine or complain, nor would they give up. But being stuck playing the part of a squid certainly warranted a small bit of whining, right? Mom and dad will surely understand and allow them to drop out of dance class. Wrong! Quitting is not an option.

If they are to have a chance at outsmarting Madame Joy and making it out of the recital alive and without looking ridiculous as squid they're going to have to really start brainstorming. There are several options available to them. They could break an arm, get sick, or even run away. None of these options are ideal, but Ivy and Bean are prepared to do what it takes to get out dancing in Madame Joy's stupid ballet recital if it's the last thing they do.

I had heard of the Ivy and Bean books before, but this isn't a series my daughter had yet started on so neither had I. I have to say that I thought the storyline was really pretty cute, and I enjoyed how the author seemed to understand her characters. Reading as a parent it was very easy for me to see how true to form they really were. Little girls are indecisive and constantly changing their minds on what they like and don't like, want to do and don't want to do. They're bossy and don't like to be told what to do. They embarrass easily, and they are very curious young creatures. It's true that girls can be very mysterious, even from a young age, and as such it's hard to always figure them out. Ivy and Bean are no different.

There was never any question in my mind that this book told a great, engaging story that any little girl would enjoy reading. I will admit though that when it started out I was a little taken aback by the dark tone of the discussion Ivy and Bean were having about ballet and Giselle in particular. Seemed that bloody toes, murder, and suicide were all a bit much for a book geared at such a young age group. The story quickly turned from this towards a more lighthearted direction, and I understand why the author chose to incorporate these earlier aspects into her story. I just can't see handing the book over to my own 6 year old (who reads at a 4-5th grade level) to read just yet. I don't doubt that she'd enjoy the story and probably wouldn't even think too much of this initial bit, but I don't know...

All things considered I'd certainly recommend the book; I'd just do so with a slight warning as I've already done here. As a whole I think Ive & Bean: Doomed to Dance will be a real crowd pleaser among 1st to 4th grade girls. The story itself, told through eleven short chapters, is something they'll be able to relate to and laugh over. Plus the illustrations, done by Sophie Blackall, do a wonderful job of visually cataloging Ivy and Bean's adventure.

**Thanks to Chronicle Books for giving me this review opportunity.**

OUR GRADE: 4 hearts

The Night Fairy by Laura Amy Schlitz

The Night Fairy by Laura Amy Schlitz
Illustrated By: Angela Barrett
Geared Towards: Ages 7-11
Published By: Candlewick Press
Publication Date: February 2010
ISBN: 978-0-7636-3674-6

Laura Amy Schlitz, acclaimed author and Newbery Medal Winner, has recently released her new illustrated fiction title, The Night Fairy. Flory, a night fairy, must learn how to survive when the tables are turned and she suddenly finds herself without a wings. A fairy without wings? Nonsense! Unfortunately though, this is not the case.

As the author explains early on, fairies do not make good parents. So it is not uncommon at all for a young fairy to be left on her own to make her way through the big, amazing, and oh so very dangerous world. This normally would not be a problem, but for Flory the trouble comes when a little brown bat mistakes her for a moth. It only takes the creature a moment to realize the error of his ways; however, even by then the damage is already done.

Flory, barely as tall as a single acorn, finds herself, a night fairy, wingless and alone. Uncertain as to what else she might do, Flory quietly locates a shelter [a giant's bird house] for herself and begins to brainstorm. To be a night fairy is to see and experience such undeniable beauty and awe. Still, without wings the dark of night is very dangerous and difficult to navigate.

It's a bittersweet day when Flory determines that despite her heritage, it is now the day that offers her the most likely rewards and benefits- such as food, safety, and survival. With that, Flory renounces her night fairy name, and begins to live as a day fairy. But even the sunlight hours are full of obstacles and dangers galore. Flory must learn to not only live as a day fairy but to survive as one as well.

Flory doesn't cater to anyone and quickly comes to the realization that someone as small as herself must learn to demand respect if she's going to get anywhere in life. And a wild temperment is just what the doctor prescribed. Bold and brazen, Flory steps out of the dark and in to the light as a day fairy. Determined to survive, she wastes no time in making the necessary demands of those creatures around her, most specifically Skuggle the squirrel.

Despite the fact that he is more than double her size, Skuggle is an easy pawn. His tiny squirrel brain thinks almost always of food. And a hungry squirrel can easily be bought and coerced into doing exactly what one wants. It's not always easy, but soon Flory has Skuggle wrapped around her little finger and is able to travel the garden as she pleases.

As she grows, Flory begins to discover she knows more and more magic. All the same, and even with a friend of size on her side, Flory must still be consciencious of her surroundings and never forget for a moment where she comes from.

The Night Fairy is compact little book, but the story it contains within its pages is anything but simple. Full of drama and adventure this is the kind of fantasy that leaves the reader envisioning a sequel. The well thought out story combined with the beautiful watercolor illustrations make this short tale almost classical in style. It won't take you long to read it, and I guarantee you it won't just be because of the size. Schlitz's storytelling ability leaves you hanging on the edge of your seat as you root for Flory and her friend(s). You don't want the story to end, but as far as this particular installment is concerned you are left feeling satisfied and content. For the author leaves no strings untied, and does a wonderful job of bringing her story full circle.

This delightful little tale of fancy is one I look forward to sharing with my own daughters. So thank you, Candlewick, for the review copy and opportunity. It's been a real pleasure!

OUR GRADE: 4 hearts

Rose's Garden by Peter H. Reynolds

Rose's Garden by Peter H. Reynolds
Geared Towards: Ages 3 and Up
Published By: Candlewick Press
Publication Date: October 2009
ISBN: 978-0-7636-4641-7

Rose's Garden is an imaginative tale with a beautiful and inspirational sentiment. Written in dedication to Rose Fitzgerarld Kennedy herself, this story is meant to show the resplendent joy that a little hope, faith, and love can bring about.

Rose is a wee girl, traveling the world in her giant tea pot. As she travels from one exotic land to another Rose slowly fills her incredible ship with seeds to remind her of each and every place. After a time her grand tea pot is overflowing with seeds, and with no further room Rose sets her sights on a place where her amazing journey can come to a halt.

Once she finds a place to dock, Rose sets out to discover just the right spot for her glorious garden. It doesn't take long before she stumbles on to an ugly, abandoned lot just perfect for what she has in mind. Upon returning to her ship, however, Rose is dismayed to find that birds have swooped in and selfishly eaten all but a small handful of her prized seeds.

Most people would find such a thing so depressing that all hope would be lost, but Rose is not most people. Unwilling to let a trivial detail such as this get her down, she scoops up the few remaining seeds and heads back to nestle them gently in the dirt. But time and the elements seem to be against Rose. Despite everything she does, her garden just won't grow.

As word of her dream spreads, Rose suddenly discovers that she is not alone in wanting to make the world a more beautiful place around her. Children of all ages and color begin coming to her from around the community to share in her faith of a more beautiful tomorrow. Bringing with them colored paper flowers in all brilliant shades and designs, Rose's garden slowly begins to sprout forth before her eyes. It's not quite what she had initially envisioned, yet it's absolutely perfect.

This lovely little picture book tells an endearing story ripe with originality and lots of heart. It's a story that not only inspires you to take in all the beauty around you, but to go after it without holding anything back. Life's an adventure but it can be amazing if you just allow yourself to dream big and never let go of your faith.

OUR GRADE: 5 hearts

Alyssa and the Spider by Alan St. Jean

Alyssa and the Spider by Alan St. Jean
Illustrated By: Libby Carruth Krock
Geared Towards: Ages 4-10
Published By: Oren Village
Publication Date: 2009
ISBN: 978-0-9777272-5-4

Little sis Alyssa wants to play with her big brother Ralphie while he's home for the Summer from school. Ralphie, however, just wants to be a boy. He wants to watch tv, eat snacks, and just relax. He's not asking much, but Alyssa just won't take "no" for an answer. And as Ralphie sends her off on her own to play he settles in for a nice afternoon of movie watching. Little does he know that soon his most dreaded nightmare could very well become his very reality.

Rousing him from his afternoon break, Alyssa cries out for help. She's found a really big spider in her room, and only her big brother can help. Stuck between his own fear and his love for his baby sister, Ralphie must decide how best he can help Alyssa. Ralphie knows he can go up against a normal spider, but what if it's not a normal spider? His imagination gets the best of him, and suddenly Ralphie doesn't care about tv or snacks anymore. All he cares about is saving his sister. Life without her would be quieter for sure yet it would in no way be better.

Pick up your copy of Alyssa and the Spider by Alan St Jean today and see what happens. Will Ralphie save his kid sister or will the nasty spider prevail? Told in a lilting rhyme, this is a story that is bound to interest any young child. Combine that with the brilliant watercolor and pencil illustrations by Libby Carruth Krock, and you've got yourself a real winner!


P.S. Watch for the print book that includes a special audio edition of the story narrated by the author himself. It's really fun and perfect to download to your child's iPod or to listen to in the car. Listen for the page turn ques and your child can even follow along with the book for pictures.

P.P.S. Watch for an author blog/interview with Alan St. Jean coming soon here at Ready Set Read Reviews!

OUR GRADE: 5 hearts

Al Capone Shines My Shoes by Gennifer Choldenko

Al Capone Shines My Shoes: A Novel by Gennifer Choldenko
Geared Towards: Ages 10 and up
Published By: Dial Books for Young Readers
Publication Date: September 2009
ISBN: 978-0-8037-3460-9

Set in 1935 on Alcatraz island, Al Capone Shines My Shoes is the story of Moose Flanagan your average 12-year-old boy living in a very non-average place. How, you may wonder, did Moose come to live on Alcatraz of all places? It's not exactly like it's a kiddie park or something. Quite the contrary infact, as Alcatraz is an island prison filled with a few hundred of the country's meanest, nastiest, and dirtiest criminals. It's a place criminals fear and dread. And as has already been established, it's also Moose's home.

Moose's dad is one of the Alcatraz prison guards, and as such he and his family take room and board there on the island. Really it's not all that bad. With other staff families living onsite as well, Moose has several friends to play with. They enjoy games of baseball in the parade grounds, and there's plenty of places to roam. All in all, it's not too bad at all.

That is until the day that Moose decides to try and take his sister Natalie's well being in to his own hands. Always a compassionate brother wanting the best for his sister, Moose sends a message to Al Capone, one of the baddest and most notorious inmates Alcatraz has, asking him a favor. What Moose wants for his sister is not something he himself has the power to get. He hopes, however, that maybe with a little pull from someone with Capone's stature his wish can become a reality. For you see, Moose loves his sister dearly and she him, but that doesn't change the fact that something is wrong with Natalie. And what she needs most of all, besides the love and support of her family, is the opportunity to get in to a proper boarding school specializing in working with children with Natalie's problems. The one school in particular that Moose wants more than anything for his sister to be admitted to is the Esther P. Marinoff school in San Francisco. It's a place where hopefully with time she can be made normal, and with it only being a ferry ride away from Alcatraz Moose knows if she gains admitance he'll still be able to visit her. Could be that it's a win win situation.

Then the fateful day came- the day the most infamous gangster in America replied personally to Moose and his request. Perhaps it wasn't something he honestly expected to happen. Perhaps he didn't think it all the way through. But whatever the case, Al Capone sends Moose a note via the laundry letting him know his request has been filled. It's a great day for Moose! Until he finds out with every favor comes a returned request.

Terrified of having Natalie loose her new found place at the prestigious boarding school or worse yet his dad lose his job, Moose doesn't know what he should do. Having received yet another note, this one saying only two words "Your turn." Moose sets off on the ride of his life. On a small island containing many of the world's most egregious criminals, Moose is left wondering how long it will be before his time runs out. Will he be able to fulfill Capone's request, or will he be left watching his back for the rest of his life?

Readers who have read Choldenko's previous release Al Capone Does My Shirts would obviously be encouraged to pick up a copy of this sequel. However, even if you haven't read the original installment, I highly recommend this book. It's full of mystery and surprise, and despite it's unique setting, it's a story I think many kids could relate to. In relatable terms we'd probably be talking more along the lines of school yard bullies (etc) and not high profile gangsters, but at the end of the day I think both are more similar than you might think. Never mind how interesting this book was just in the details of life on the island. Having never been there to experience it firsthand I wouldn't know how true to life it was, but it seems pretty reasonable to believe there were kids just like Moose living on the island during its heyday. What a life that must have been!

OUR RATING: 5 hearts