Monthly Archives: November 2011
Feynman – Otaviani & Myrick
The graphic novel format introduces teen readers to my favorite scientist, Dr. Richard Feynman. I wrote a little about Feynman’s autobiographies under the biography tab. He led a dynamic life and this graphic novel, written by Jim Ottaviani and illustrated … Continue reading
Icefall – Matthew J. Kirby
I love Viking books and this is now one of my favorites. Solveig is the oft-forgotten second daughter of a Viking king. The king’s oldest daughter, Asa, is beautiful and his young son will be his heir, so he has … Continue reading
Incarnate – Jodi Meadows
I was eager to read this book because of the interesting premise. One million souls populate the land and they have been reborn for five thousand years retaining their memories. Death is not the end, until Ana is born. Everyone … Continue reading
Slayers – C.J. Hill
This is another book about teens with super powers fighting evil. This time the teens are the next generation of dragon slayers. The story opens with a vicious action scene of a huge dragon terrorizing Washington DC. So I thought … Continue reading
Tankborn – Karen Sandler
The Earth colony on the planet Loka utilizes genetic engineering to create a caste society. The lowest of the castes are the GENS, genetically engineered non-humans, born in tanks from a combo of human and animal DNA that gives them … Continue reading
The Girl of Fire and Thorns – Rae Carson
This could also be titled, The Girl with the Gem in her Navel. Every 100 years, God bestows a godstone (gem) in the navel of an infant chosen to do something magnificently heroic. Sure, that sounds a bit odd, but … Continue reading
The Scorpio Races – Maggie Stiefvater
The Scorpio Races – Maggie Stiefvater The author of the werewolf romance series consisting of Shiver, Linger and Forever, one of my favorite paranormal romance series, has created a unique work with The Scorpio Races. This one is not paranormal … Continue reading
Diabolical – Cynthia Leitich Smith
Diabolical is part of the Tantalize series. It helps to read the books in order, but not necessary. The author does a good job catching the reader up with the characters. The story opens with ex-vampire Miranda looking down on her … Continue reading
Crossed – Ally Condie (sequel to Matched)
It is difficult to give a summary without spoiling the story for the reader. At the end of Matched, the characters are separated. For half of Crossed, Cassia is searching for Ky. She is still torn by her love for … Continue reading
The Mostly True Story of Jack – Kelly Barnhill
I’m attracted to odd stories. This one, well, hard to put my finger on what it was that I just finished. People have both good and bad in them. A Mother Earth type mystical magical figure was split in half … Continue reading
You Are My Only – Beth Kephart
Beth Kephart immediately immerses the reader into the story from the characters’ points of view, without pause for detailed explanations or backstories. The chapters alternate between two stories, that of Sophie, 14, on the run with her mother from the “No … Continue reading
Enclave – Ann Aguirre
Environmental disasters have destroyed the earth and people have retreated underground to avoid acid rain. The Enclave is one of the more civilized, yet brutal groups eking out an existence in the subways of the former New York City. Deuce … Continue reading
YA Lit Ramblings 
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