Wolfish
Wolfish, inspired by Romulus and Remus, is a lovely, gorgeously written book that I only wish had been a bit shorter.
Author: Christiane M. Andrews
Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
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Click above to buy this book from my Bookshop.org shop, which supports independent bookstores (not Amazon). You can also find it via your favorite indie bookstore here.
Note: Content and trigger warnings are provided for those who need them at the bottom of this page. If you don’t need them and don’t want to risk spoilers, don’t scroll past the full review.
Cover Description
The Inquisitor’s Tale meets The Book of Boy in this adventurous fantasy inspired by the myth of Romulus and Remus.
Twelve-year-old Rae is content as the adopted daughter of shepherds, helping with the flock and reveling in the beauty of her family’s hillside farm. But after a frightening encounter with a wolf—to whom she feels a sudden, peculiar connection—Rae realizes there is much more to her past, and her future, than she could have imagined.
Meanwhile, a young girl named Alba goes about her days as an oracle’s apprentice, a duty that confines her to a distant, watery cave. But when she bestows a troubling prophecy on the rising boy-king, her words unintentionally begin a reign of terror, and send Alba on a desperate mission alongside Rae and the wolf.
Inspired by Roman mythology, this mysterious and uniquely magical adventure explores the intricate roles of nature and fate in our lives, the power of language to shape our world, and the boundless importance of love and kindness.
TL;DR Review
Wolfish, inspired by Romulus and Remus, is a lovely, gorgeously written book that I only wish had been a bit shorter.
For you if: You like lyrical prose and timeless stories.
Full Review
Wolfish found its way to the top of my TBR because it was shortlisted for the 2023 Ursula K. Le Guin Prize. In fact, I hadn’t even heard of it before that, although I’m definitely not up to date on middle-grade releases. Anyway, this was a lovely, gorgeously written book that I only wish had been a bit shorter.
Wolfish is inspired by the Roman myth of Romulus and Remus, but you don’t need to know anything about that to enjoy this book. There are a few main characters: Rae, a wild young girl raised by shepherds who found her in the mountains; Alba, apprentice to the oracle; and (more of a tertiary character) the king, who ascended the throne as a boy.
Ultimately, this was a beautiful story told with really beautiful prose. True to form for middle grade, it has plenty of layers and interpretations that readers of all ages will enjoy. But it doesn’t ever feel simplistic or written down. However, I found myself struggling with the slow pace; Rae and Alba don’t even wind up in the same place until halfway through this 400-page book. I think if it had been a bit more tightly edited, it would have shone even brighter in my mind.
Still, I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend this one to young readers (or anyone). Glad I read it!
Content and Trigger Warnings
Abandonment
Confinement
Infertility (minor)
A Monster Calls
A Monster Calls is a magical and deeply moving early-YA novel about grief in the wake of a parent’s death and the range of very human emotions that come with it. I sobbed, dear reader. Sobbed!
Author: Patrick Ness
Publisher: Walker Books
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Click above to buy this book from my Bookshop.org shop, which supports independent bookstores (not Amazon). You can also find it via your favorite indie bookstore here.
Note: Content and trigger warnings are provided for those who need them at the bottom of this page. If you don’t need them and don’t want to risk spoilers, don’t scroll past the full review.
Cover Description
An unflinching, darkly funny, and deeply moving story of a boy, his seriously ill mother, and an unexpected monstrous visitor.
At seven minutes past midnight, thirteen-year-old Conor wakes to find a monster outside his bedroom window. But it isn't the monster Conor's been expecting - he's been expecting the one from his nightmare, the nightmare he's had nearly every night since his mother started her treatments. The monster in his backyard is different. It's ancient. And wild. And it wants something from Conor. Something terrible and dangerous. It wants the truth.
From the final idea of award-winning author Siobhan Dowd - whose premature death from cancer prevented her from writing it herself - Patrick Ness has spun a haunting and darkly funny novel of mischief, loss, and monsters both real and imagined.
TL;DR Review
A Monster Calls is a magical and deeply moving early-YA novel about grief in the wake of a parent’s death and the range of very human emotions that come with it. I sobbed, dear reader. Sobbed!
For you if: You like beautiful books that make you cry.
Full Review
Well, I am very late to the party on this book. It won the Carnegie Medal (and many other awards!) in 2012, for Pete’s sake. In fact, I hadn’t even heard of it until my sister happened to read it and shove it in my hands. Sisters are so great. Especially mine, because as many of you already know, this book is breathtaking.
The monster showed up just after midnight. As they do.
A Monster Calls is a late middle grade/early YA novel written by Patrick Ness and inspired by an idea from the late Siobhan Dowd, a literary titan who died of cancer in 2007. The illustrations were done by Jim Kay, whose work you may recognize from the watercolor editions of the first five Harry Potter books. And the audiobook is read, phenomenally, by none other than Jason Isaacs. (I mean, what a team!!) The story itself is about a 13-year-old boy named Connor whose mother is terminally ill. One night, at 12:07 AM, he’s visited by a monster, though not the one he expects. And it’s not there to hurt him; it’s there for the truth.
I can’t imagine a more devastatingly beautiful story about grief and love and the range of emotions that accompanies them. When I tell you how hard I sobbed!! These are the kinds of books that heal the soul. (Although I can also imagine this might be quite hard to read if it hits close to your real experiences). Patrick Ness has given us validation of all the feelings we have in grief — even those we’d rather not admit to — and a heartfelt, wise, poignant reflection of what it means to be human and love others.
I had borrowed it from the library, but bought myself a used copy of the original hardcover edition as soon as I finished it. I just knew I needed to own a copy. Trust me — follow my lead!!
Content and Trigger Warnings
Death of a parent
Cancer
Grief
Bullying
His Dark Materials Trilogy
His Dark Materials is such a fun, imaginative story that still feels super modern and relevant, even with (because of?) its timeless message and classic feel. I can’t believe I had never read it!
Author: Philip Pullman
Publisher: Knopf for Young Readers
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Click above to buy this book from my Bookshop.org shop, which supports independent bookstores (not Amazon). You can also find it via your favorite indie bookstore here.
Note: Content and trigger warnings are provided for those who need them at the bottom of this page. If you don’t need them and don’t want to risk spoilers, don’t scroll past the full review.
Cover Description
Here lives an orphaned ward named Lyra Belacqua, whose carefree life among the scholars at Oxford's Jordan College is shattered by the arrival of two powerful visitors. First, her fearsome uncle, Lord Asriel, appears with evidence of mystery and danger in the far North, including photographs of a mysterious celestial phenomenon called Dust and the dim outline of a city suspended in the Aurora Borealis that he suspects is part of an alternate universe. He leaves Lyra in the care of Mrs. Coulter, an enigmatic scholar and explorer who offers to give Lyra the attention her uncle has long refused her. In this multilayered narrative, however, nothing is as it seems. Lyra sets out for the top of the world in search of her kidnapped playmate, Roger, bearing a rare truth-telling instrument, the compass of the title.
TL;DR Review
His Dark Materials is such a fun, imaginative story that still feels super modern and relevant, even with (because of?) its timeless message and classic feel. I can’t believe I had never read it!
For you if: You like fantasy novels that are perfect for literally all ages.
Full Review
“In fact, these possibility collapses happen at the level of elementary particles, but they happen in just the same way: one moment several things are possible, the next moment only one thing happens, and the rest don't exist. Except that other worlds have sprung into being, on which they did happen.”
I honestly can’t believe I waited until I was a whole adult to read His Dark Materials. It’s one of those series I’ve always meant to read but just never got around to — until now, when a friend convinced me (and just in time to wait anxiously for the last season of the HBO adaptation!).
These books — The Golden Compass, The Subtle Knife, and The Amber Spyglass — are really such a delight. They feel classic and timeless and yet also super relevant and modern; they could have been written this year and not in the mid-90s. They’re fun and whimsical (note character names that roll of the tongue with joy, like Serafina Pekkala and Iorek Byrnison), but also have a wide scope and great depth. I think they’re technically middle grade, but you could have convinced me they were written for any age range; their subject matter ranges from magic to original sin to elementary particles. All while feeling like a grand storybook adventure.
I will say that the third book sprawled a lot more than the first two, which could be a good or less-good thing depending on your worldbuilding preferences. Personally, I liked how imaginative it was and loved the book. But if you prefer tighter worlds, just know that going in.
The last thing I’ll say is if you have the chance to listen to the audiobooks, do it! They’re produced with a full cast, but not the way you usually hear it with a different narrator per chapter. Instead, each character’s narrator reads that character’s dialogue in scene, almost like you’re listening to a play. It feels classic and really brings everything to life. I loved them.
Content Warnings
Kidnapping and child abuse
Child death
Other Words for Home
Other Words for Home is a middle grade novel written in verse, told from the perspective of a young Syrian girl who comes to live in the US. And yes, it’s as beautiful and moving as it sounds.
Author: Jasmine Warga
Publisher: Balzer + Bray
Goodreads | The StoryGraph
Click above to buy this book from my Bookshop.org shop, which supports independent bookstores (not Amazon). You can also find it via your favorite indie bookstore here.
Note: Trigger warnings are provided for those who need them at the bottom of this page. If you don’t need them and don’t want to risk spoilers, don’t scroll past the full review.
Cover Description
Jude never thought she’d be leaving her beloved older brother and father behind, all the way across the ocean in Syria. But when things in her hometown start becoming volatile, Jude and her mother are sent to live in Cincinnati with relatives.
At first, everything in America seems too fast and too loud. The American movies that Jude has always loved haven’t quite prepared her for starting school in the US — and her new label of “Middle Eastern,” an identity she’s never known before. But this life also brings unexpected surprises — there are new friends, a whole new family, and a school musical that Jude might just try out for. Maybe America, too, is a place where Jude can be seen as she really is.
TL;DR Review
Other Words for Home is a middle grade novel written in verse, told from the perspective of a young Syrian girl who comes to live in the US. And yes, it’s as beautiful and moving as it sounds.
For you if: You want to read more novels written in verse, and/or novels about xenophobia and Islamophobia.
Full Review
“Just like I am no longer
a girl.
I am a Middle Eastern girl.
A Syrian girl.
A Muslim girl.
Americans love labels.
They help them know what to expect.
Sometimes, though,
I think labels stop them from
thinking.”
This was Malala’s December book club pick with Literati. It probably wouldn’t have landed on my radar without them, but I’m so glad it did! This was a quick, moving, beautifully told story that will stick with me.
Other Words for Home is a middle grade novel written in verse. (That alone would catch my attention.) It’s written from the perspective of a preteen named Jude, a young Syrian girl who comes to live in the US. (Sign me UP for this book.) The story starts in Syria, where she lives with her mother, father, and brother. When political tensions escalate and her mother becomes pregnant, she and Jude go to live with Jude’s uncle near Cincinnati. There, she finds a cousin who’s also growing into herself, a new best friend, acceptance and prejudice, and even a place in her own spotlight.
This book is everything I love about well-done middle grade — heartwarming and resonant, a hug and a statement. I learned new things about Jude’s culture, and I saw new experiences through her eyes. I hope it reaches so, so many young people. But this one will stick with me, and I think it will stick with anyone — young people and adults alike.
FYI, I received this book for free in my capacity as a Literati ambassador. I also borrowed the audiobook from the library to listen along while I read, and it was beautifully performed.
Trigger Warnings
Xenophobic and Islamophobic words and actions
Family members who are missing
Pregnancy and childbirth
The Tower of Nero (The Trials of Apollo, #5)
Author: Rick Riordan
Publisher: Disney Hyperion
Goodreads | The StoryGraph
Click above to buy this book from my Bookshop.org shop, which supports independent bookstores (not Amazon). You can also find it via your favorite indie bookstore here.
Note: Trigger warnings are provided for those who need them at the bottom of this page. If you don’t need them and don’t want to risk spoilers, don’t scroll past the full review.
Cover Description
At last, the breathtaking, action-packed finale of the #1 bestselling Trials of Apollo series is here! Will the Greek god Apollo, cast down to earth in the pathetic moral form of a teenager named Lester Papadopoulos, finally regain his place on Mount Olympus? Lester's demigod friends at Camp Jupiter just helped him survive attacks from bloodthirsty ghouls, an evil Roman king and his army of the undead, and the lethal emperors Caligula and Commodus. Now the former god and his demigod master Meg must follow a prophecy uncovered by Ella the harpy. Lester's final challenge will be at the Tower of Nero, back in New York. Will Meg have a last showdown with her father? Will this helpless form of Apollo have to face his arch nemesis, Python? Who will be on hand at Camp Half-Blood to assist? These questions and more will be answered in this book that all demigods are eagerly awaiting.
TL;DR Review
The Tower of Nero was such a fun, resonant, beautiful conclusion to The Trials of Apollo and wrap on the Percy Jackson universe at large. I can’t believe it’s over! But my heart is happy.
For you if: You’re looking for a wholesome but deep and meaningful squeeze of the heart.
Full Review
“I was tempted to promise we’d do this more often if we survived, but I’d learned that promises are precious. If you’re not absolutely sure you can keep them, you should never make them, much like chocolate chip cookies.”
Y’all. WHAT A RIDE. This is book 15 of 15 in the Percy Jackson universe, the conclusion of Rick Riordan’s third middle-grade quintet set in this world. And…I’m not crying, you’re crying! OK yeah no, I’m definitely crying.
The Trials of Apollo quintet is about (you guessed it), the god Apollo. At the start of the series, he was cursed/punished by Zeus and sent to live as a mortal teenager with acne named Lester Papadopoulos. He must earn back his immortality and over the course of the five books, works alongside demigod Meg McCaffrey to free the world’s oracles from the control of evil historical Roman emperors under the guise of an evil modern-day corporation called Triumvirate Holdings.
These books are just so good. I want every kid to read them and experience the inclusivity, sensitivity, representation, and giant-hearted life lessons they include. Uncle Rick’s cast of characters is intentional and beautiful. He addresses some really tough stuff in a way that feels real, but through humor and relatability. His balance of jokes and heart is perfect.
And the ending of this one was BEAUTIFUL and so good and so right and ugh I have no coherent words because books like these are what school libraries were built for and I just love them so much. Everyone should read them. They’ll warm your heart and give you hope and make you a blubbering pile of mush like me.
Trigger Warnings
Emotional abuse/gaslighting of a child by a parent
Redwood and Ponytail
This is a book about two 12-year-old girls who “fall in like” with one another, told entirely in poetry. If that’s not all you need to know to know that this book is EVERYTHING, what are you looking for?
Told in verse in two voices, with a chorus of fellow students, this is a story of two girls, opposites in many ways, who are drawn to each other; Kate appears to be a stereotypical cheerleader with a sleek ponytail and a perfectly polished persona, Tam is tall, athletic and frequently mistaken for a boy, but their deepening friendship inevitably changes and reveals them in ways they did not anticipate.
Author: K.A. Holt | Publisher: Chronicle Books
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Rating: 5 / 5
Big thanks to the team at Chronicle Books for sending me a finished copy of this beautiful little novel in exchange for an honest review!
Here is pretty much everything you need to know about this book in order to know how great it is: Redwood and Ponytail is a novel about two 12-year-old girls who “fall in like” with one another and then work their way through all the joys and difficulties that come with that — and it’s written entirely in poetry. That’s it, that’s the review.
No, just kidding. But if that doesn’t make you go “YES I NEED THAT,” then I’m not sure what else you’re looking for. This book will help so many young people (and doubtless many older people, too) and is so transparent and sweet. I read it in one sitting, and my little heart practically exploded.
Everyone knows Kate, and Tam knows everyone. Kate (who always wears a perfect ponytail) is on track to become captain of the cheerleading squad, just like her mother always wanted. Tam (who is tall, like a redwood) is the star of the volleyball team and high-fives all her classmates in the hallways. But the day 7th grade starts, they’re drawn to each other in a way they can’t explain — yet.
I really, really loved the way K.A. Holt used echoes, flip-flopping the same lines in two perspectives. That was really beautiful and effective at bringing the experiences Tam and Kate were simultaneously having to life. It showed how similar and different they were to one another, and it called forward the common experience of our shared humanity.
The Tyrant's Tomb (The Trials of Apollo, #4)
I recommend Rick Riordan’s books to anyone who likes to guffaw, loves witty pop-culture-meets-greek-mythology humor, and wants a good ol’ tug on the heartstrings. Because that’s what he delivers, every single time.
*** Description is spoiler for The Trials of Apollo books 1–3***
It's not easy being Apollo, especially when you've been turned into a human and banished from Olympus. On his path to restoring five ancient oracles and reclaiming his godly powers, Apollo (aka Lester Papadopoulos) has faced both triumphs and tragedies. Now his journey takes him to Camp Jupiter in the San Francisco Bay Area, where the Roman demigods are preparing for a desperate last stand against the evil Triumvirate of Roman emperors. Hazel, Reyna, Frank, Tyson, Ella, and many other old friends will need Apollo's aid to survive the onslaught. Unfortunately, the answer to their salvation lies in the forgotten tomb of a Roman ruler . . . someone even worse than the emperors Apollo has already faced.
Author: Rick Riordan | Publisher: Disney Hyperion
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Rating: 4.5 / 5
“Dude, this isn't cool
Dude just tried to eat my dude
That's my dead dude, dude”
I recommend Rick Riordan’s books to anyone who likes to guffaw, loves witty pop-culture-meets-greek-mythology humor, and wants a good ol’ tug on the heartstrings. Because that’s what he delivers, every single time.
Short review for this one since it’s book four of five. It picks up right where book three left off (BEWARE SPOILERS FOR BOOK 3): Apollo and Meg are returning Jason’s body to Camp Jupiter, which has just undergone serious battle against the emperors’ fleet. They arrive to find the capers ragged and exhausted, but determined as ever.
I thought the tribute to Jason by the campers was beautiful, and I was glad that we had more time to mourn him. Book three ended so abruptly that I was nervous about it, but in fact, this entire book continued to pay tribute to Jason over and over and over. Apollo, of course, continued to find his humanity, Meg continued to grow into her own, the adventure was hilarious and thrilling, and I can’t wait to read book five and see how this all wraps up.
Ultimately, this one was just as heartwarming and clever as the others. Reading it was a joyful break from a lot of the heavier fiction I usually read, but still pulled hard on my emotions. The best of both worlds.
“Have you completely made up for all the bad things you've done? No. But you keep adding to the good things column. That's all any of us can do.”
Cursed
If you like fantasy retellings and badass girl warriors, then my friend, this is the book for you. Especially if you’re familiar with King Arthur, Camelot, Excalibur, Merlin, and all that good stuff.
The Lady of the Lake is the true hero in this cinematic twist on the tale of King Arthur created by Thomas Wheeler and legendary artist, producer, and director Frank Miller (300, Batman: The Dark Night Returns, Sin City). Featuring 8 full color and 30 black-and-white pieces of original artwork by Frank Miller.
Whosoever wields the Sword of Power shall be the one true King. But what if the Sword has chosen a Queen?
Nimue grew up an outcast. Her connection to dark magic made her something to be feared in her Druid village, and that made her desperate to leave… That is, until her entire village is slaughtered by Red Paladins, and Nimue’s fate is forever altered. Charged by her dying mother to reunite an ancient sword with a legendary sorcerer, Nimue is now her people’s only hope. Her mission leaves little room for revenge, but the growing power within her can think of little else.
Nimue teams up with a charming mercenary named Arthur and refugee Fey Folk from across England. She wields a sword meant for the one true king, battling paladins and the armies of a corrupt king. She struggles to unite her people, avenge her family, and discover the truth about her destiny. But perhaps the one thing that can change Destiny itself is found at the edge of a blade.
Author: Thomas Wheeler, Frank Miller (Illustrator) | Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
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Rating: 4 / 5
If you like fantasy retellings and badass girl warriors, then my friend, this is the book for you. Especially if you’re familiar with King Arthur, Camelot, Excalibur, Merlin, and all that good stuff. Honestly, I don’t know a whole lot about those stories, and I still really enjoyed it. And the more you know, I can only imagine the better it will get.
Our main character is Nimue, who comes from a Fey village. She has a close connection with “the Hidden,” aka the source of magic in the world, and she’s ostracized for it. Then her village is razed to the ground by militant Catholic missionaries, the Red Paladins. Her mother produces a sword from a hiding place and tells Nimue to find Merlin and give it to him — and then she goes down fighting. Nimue sets off with Arthur, a sellsword she met a few days before in the nearby trading city. Together they join up with others — many of whom turn out to unexpectedly become our beloved characters we know and love from King Arthur legends — to save the rest of the Fey Folk.
There’s also a heartwarming cozy romance that buds between Nimue and Arthur, and a nice little twist midway — the most surprising character development of the book. Plus, Nimue is a badass but flawed character in the best way.
Although I read an advanced reader’s copy of this book and so didn’t get to see them all, finished copies of this book will have almost 40 illustrations by Frank Miller! The ones I did see where fantastic, and it made the reading experience even richer.
The story was fast-paced and read quickly, which is always a plus in fantasy (especially for young readers). Note that it can be a tad graphic for the target age, but it could definitely be worse. It’s billed as middle grade, but I think teens and adults will love the story too!
The Burning Maze (The Trials of Apollo #3)
Rating: 4.5/5 | I. LOVE. RICK. RIORDAN. Every time I read one of his books, I vow to be more critical and resist giving him yet another high-star review. I don't know why I do this. He never disappoints me. I am always entertained and even a bit moved. (Click the post to read more.)
The formerly glorious god Apollo, cast down to earth in punishment by Zeus, is now an awkward mortal teenager named Lester Papadopoulos. In order to regain his place on Mount Olympus, Lester must restore five Oracles that have gone dark. But he has to achieve this impossible task without having any godly powers and while being duty-bound to a confounding young daughter of Demeter named Meg. Thanks a lot, Dad.
With the help of some demigod friends, Lester managed to survive his first two trials, one at Camp Half-Blood, and one in Indianapolis, where Meg received the Dark Prophecy. The words she uttered while seated on the Throne of Memory revealed that an evil triumvirate of Roman emperors plans to attack Camp Jupiter. While Leo flies ahead on Festus to warn the Roman camp, Lester and Meg must go through the Labyrinth to find the third emperor—and an Oracle who speaks in word puzzles—somewhere in the American Southwest. There is one glimmer of hope in the gloom-filled prophecy: The cloven guide alone the way does know. They will have a satyr companion, and Meg knows just who to call upon. . . .
Author: Rick Riordan
Rating: 4.5/5
“Jason took me by the shoulders—not out of anger, or in a clinging way, but as a brother. “Promise me one thing. Whatever happens, when you get back to Olympus, when you’re a god again, remember. Remember what it’s like to be human.”
A few weeks ago, I would have scoffed. Why would I want to remember any of this?
At best, if I were lucky enough to reclaim my divine throne, I would recall this wretched experience like a scary B-movie that had finally ended. I would walk out of the cinema into the sunlight, thinking Phew! Glad that’s over.
Now, however, I had some inkling of what Jason meant. I had learned a lot about human frailty and human strength. I felt…different toward mortals, having been one of them. If nothing else, it would provide me with some excellent inspiration for new song lyrics!”
I. LOVE. RICK. RIORDAN. Every time I read one of his books, I vow to be more critical and resist giving him yet another high-star review. I don't know why I do this. He never disappoints me. I am always entertained and even moved.
Like I did with all his titles, I listened to this one's audiobook. The narrator for Apollo is downright hilarious, and it helps that he (the character as portrayed by the voice actor) reminds me a lot of one of my friends. But also, it must be so fun to write these books, because the jokes are super clever and funny. I definitely guffawed a few times on the subway while listening!
Apollo starts this series as very cocky, out of touch with reality, the opposite of empathetic, and vain. As the story goes on, he begins to shed those labels piece by piece. By the end of this book, he is really starting to be a likable character with a big heart. Bad timing for him, because the emotional depth of the story is growing, too. This book was heart-wrenching for those who've read the Percy Jackson and the Olympians and then the Heroes of Olympus series. Yes, the series is better for it, but come on, Rick. Why must you do this to us???
Adults and children alike should have this one on their lists.
The Dark Prophecy (The Trials of Apollo, #2)
Rating: 4/5 | I adore this series so far. Of course I have loved every book out of the Percy Jackson universe, but The Trials of Apollo is proving especially delightful. It has the same energetic, youthful adventure as the others, and it always manages to teach me something new about mythology. But it is also absolutely hilarious. (Click the post to read more.)
Zeus has punished his son Apollo—god of the sun, music, archery, poetry, and more—by casting him down to earth in the form of a gawky, acne-covered sixteen-year-old mortal named Lester. The only way Apollo can reclaim his rightful place on Mount Olympus is by restoring several Oracles that have gone dark. What is affecting the Oracles, and how can Apollo do anything about them without his powers?
After experiencing a series of dangerous—and frankly, humiliating—trials at Camp Half-Blood, Apollo must now leave the relative safety of the demigod training ground and embark on a hair-raising journey across North America. Fortunately, what he lacks in godly graces he's gaining in new friendships—with heroes who will be very familiar to fans of the Percy Jackson and the Olympians and Heroes of Olympus series. Come along for what promises to be a harrowing, hilarious, and haiku-filled ride....
Author: Rick Riordan
Rating: 4/5
I adore this series so far. Of course I have loved every book out of the Percy Jackson universe, but The Trials of Apollo is proving especially delightful. It has the same energetic, youthful adventure as the others, and it always manages to teach me something new about mythology. But it is also absolutely hilarious.
Apollo begins the series as the perfect caricature of a god fallen to the mortal world. He is overly confident, positive that everyone around him knows and loves him without restraint, and takes it for granted that others will put his interests above their own without even a shadow of a thought that he should ever do something for someone else. He also has absolutely no concept of emotions—not how to deal with them, and usually not even that they exist. But he is not cruel, and so the effect is entirely comedic. It also sets him up nicely for some drastic character development.
“Being productive. Ugh. It's such a human concept. It implies you have limited time (LOL) and have to work hard to make something happen (double LOL).”
I also have a good friend in real life who actually thinks and acts like Apollo much of the time (somehow without being a completely terrible person), so that makes me enjoy Apollo that much more. For example, I sent him this message:
"'Come on!' Meg yelled to me. Rather than fighting the birds, she grabbed one's neck and swung onto its back, somehow without dying. She charged away, swinging her blades at monsters and gladiators.Mildly impressive, but how was I supposed to follow her? Also, she'd just rendered useless my plan of hiding behind her. Such an inconsiderate girl."
His response? "I will try to act surprised that I remind my friends of a literal God."
Haha!Yes, this book is hilarious, but it is also a fantastic story with excellent themes and lessons. Homosexuality is treated like the natural, no-big-deal, unsurprising thing that it should be, which makes me want to hug Rick Riordan for doing such a thing in a children's book. Plus, considering that The Dark Prophecy is the second book out of what is to become five, I'm impressed with the speed of Apollo's transformation into a more human-like character who loves and fears for others, performs selfless acts, and does the right thing. I had assumed he'd make this change more gradually, completing it by the end of the series. Instead, it seems like he is going to spend the second half or so as a good person. I'm very eager to see how it goes.
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone (Illustrated Edition)
Rating: 5/5 (obviously) | I have read (or listened to) the Harry Potter books many, many times. Countless times. I have no idea how many times. But I have never before experienced the story like I did during this re-read: listening to Jim Dale's audiobook performance while reading along with the breathtaking new illustrated edition. And I highly recommend. (Click the post to read more.)
For the first time, J.K. Rowling's beloved Harry Potter books will be presented in lavishly illustrated full-color editions. Kate Greenaway-award winning artist Jim Kay has created over 100 stunning illustrations, making this deluxe format a perfect gift as much for a child being introduced to the series, as for the dedicated fan.
Harry Potter has never been the star of a Quidditch team, scoring points while riding a broom far above the ground. He knows no spells, has never helped to hatch a dragon, and has never worn a cloak of invisibility.
All he knows is a miserable life with the Dursleys, his horrible aunt and uncle, and their abominable son, Dudley—a great big swollen spoiled bully. Harry's room is a tiny closet at the foot of the stairs, and he hasn't had a birthday party in eleven years.
But all that is about to change when a mysterious letter arrives by owl messenger: a letter with an invitation to an incredible place that Harry—and anyone who reads about him—will find unforgettable.
Author: J.K. Rowling | Illustrator: Jim Kay
Rating: 5/5 (obviously)
I have read (or listened to) the Harry Potter books many, many times. Countless times. I have no idea how many times. But I have never before experienced the story like I did during this re-read: listening to Jim Dale's audiobook performance while reading along with the breathtaking new illustrated edition. And I highly recommend.
Reading along while listening opened my eyes (and ears) to just how many differences there are between the British and American versions of these books. Small tweaks you'd never think of: "car park" versus "parking lot," "sherbert lemon" instead of "lemon drop," and so on. The illustrated books use the British text, and Jim Dale reads the American text, so I noticed each one. Every time it happened, it was like meeting a new friend—intriguing, interesting, and an expansion of my universe.
I began this re-read to align with Pottermore's new Harry Potter book club. The month got away from me, so I didn't make it to any of the live Twitter chats they conducted, but I did read through some of the tweets retroactively. I am in constant awe of the Harry Potter fandom and all the wonderful human beings it attracts. I have marked my calendar for the Chamber of Secrets Twitter chats, and I can't wait to participate this time.
The Legend of Holly Claus
Rating: 5/5 | This book is one of the greatest dark horses of my life. My mother bought it for me many years ago, and I have re-read it several times since then. I also lend it to friends whenever I can, and they always love it as well. (Click the post to read more.)
Santa Claus is the King of Forever, Land of the Immortals. When one special boy writes to Santa asking what no other child has ever asked, a miracle occurs: Santa and Mrs. Claus are blessed with a daughter. But the birth of Holly Claus also brings about a terrible curse—from an evil soul named Herrikhan. Holly's heart is frozen, and the gates to Forever are locked, barring exit or entry.
As she grows into a beautiful and selfless young woman, Holly longs to break the spell that holds her people hostage. With four faithful and magical animal friends, she escapes to the wondrous world of Victorian New York, where she will face countless dangers, adventures, and a miracle all her own.
Author: Brittney Ryan
Rating: 5/5
This book is one of the greatest dark horses of my life. My mother bought it for me many years ago, and I have re-read it several times since then. I also lend it to friends whenever I can, and they always love it as well. It's Christmas magic meets Anastasia meets The Little Mermaid (just bear with me here).
Holly Claus is the daughter of Santa and Mrs. Claus, made possible by the magic that is created when a young boy asks Santa what he'd like for Christmas instead of providing a traditional Christmas list. Enter the evil, cursed-out-of-magic-land villain (who reminds me a lot of Rasputin in the Disney telling of Anastasia). Growing up, she must always remain at home for her own safety. Naturally, she becomes increasingly curious about the rest of the world, and she flees the safety of her castle and country for adventure, companionship, and—ultimately—the triumph of good over evil.
As a children's book, the characters and plot are not very complex, but they are very lovable. The story is ripe with magic and adventure.
The Giver Quartet
Rating: 5/5 | If you let the fact that this is a children's series stop you from reading it, you will have made one of the greatest mistakes of your life. This quartet is and probably always will be my #1 go-to recommendation to anyone who asks me what they should read next. (Click the post to read more.)
The Giver, the 1994 Newbery Medal winner, has become one of the most influential novels of our time. The haunting story centers on twelve-year-old Jonas, who lives in a seemingly ideal, if colorless, world of conformity and contentment. Not until he is given his life assignment as the Receiver of Memory does he begin to understand the dark, complex secrets behind his fragile community. Lois Lowry has written three companion novels to The Giver, including Gathering Blue, Messenger, and Son.
Author: Lois Lowry
Rating: 5/5
If you let the fact that this is a children's series stop you from reading it, you will have made one of the greatest mistakes of your life. This quartet is and probably always will be my #1 go-to recommendation to anyone who asks me what they should read next. Most people have heard of The Giver, but few know that there are four books. They are all just as good (if not better?) than the first.
The lessons these books teach are poignant, important, and extraordinarily relevant to today's political climate. For example, one book features a small society of people who have welcomed outcasts and banded together to support one another and keep the group safe. It is almost a utopian society. Then they start to feel a bit threatened, and the talk about sealing the entrance and denying new people who need help "for the good of the group" starts to spread like poison. Sound familiar in 2017? (Messenger was written in 2004. It was meant for kids...or was it?)
The way Lois Lowry wrote these stories is breathtaking. They are not long books. The language is simple and straightforward. The sentences take what they are saying for granted, so they make you think and then make you wonder why you never thought that way before.