I’ve been asked to put together a list of 100 Best Middle Grade books (that’s ages 8-13). I’m not going to get all scientific, like Betsy did, but I really NEED your help. Give me your top five (or ten or twenty) books that YOU think should be on the list. And PLEASE spread the word. The more input I get on this, the better! I’ll do a follow up post, when I get close to 100.
THANKS; you guys are awesome.
by Michael Buckley
ages: 9+
First sentence: “Sabrina Grimm’s life was a collection of odd events.”
It’s been a year since I’ve visited Ferryport Landing and the Grimms, and if I were brutally honest (which — shock — I can be sometimes), I would have to say that I didn’t really think about the series. It didn’t really matter to me that the next one was coming out, and I didn’t rush to the library to get the next copy for my girls.
Yet, a copy came our way, both M and C devoured it, and I found myself wondering: what happens next? What’s the next twist and turn that Buckley can throw at us? So, I caved and read it (if only so I could get the book back to our friends who lent it to us).
And… it’s much of the same as the other ones. Fun — I like Buckley’s interpretations of the fairy tales — with multiple twists and turns, and… well, vaguely annoying. I spent less time with the book this time around because I read it to myself rather than reading it out loud, and so I wasn’t as annoyed. Still, I think Buckley’s dialogue is awkward, and he spends too much time spinning his wheels instead of moving forward with the plot. That, and the whole “to be continued” still grates on me.
That said, M and C still really like this series, and the big reveal of the identity of the Master is, well, shocking. And yeah, I’ll probably read the next one when it comes out, even as I ask myself: when will this series end?
by Ara 13
ages: adult
First sentence: “While in the cavalier guardianship of the forest of Marlay, I first saw the lowland tapir.”
Review copy sent to me by a publicist.
I’ll be honest: I married a guy who thinks a lot. In fact, his whole PhD and first five years of teaching was mostly teaching about thinking. And philosophizing. And thinking about philosophizing. Me, on the other hand: I’m a tactile person. I think, sure (even critically sometimes), and I like discussing ideas as much as the next person (well, maybe not every next person). But, honestly, when I’m reading, I like to lose myself in the work, to enjoy the ride, to escape.
Which means: I. Didn’t. Get. This. Book. Metafiction, which I am told this book is an example of, eludes me.
I did get bits and snatches of the plot — and while there was a plot that I was getting bits and snatches of, I enjoyed it — which basically went like this: Daniel is a priest, who decides to go into the jungle to convert the “savages” to the Gospel. However, when he gets there, he discovers that the “savages” are actually very sophisticated, and already have a religion. One that’s based on a picture book — Alice in Wonderland, of all books — that has been handed down for generations. This sends Daniel into a tailspin of doubt, especially when a couple of the natives take his example and decide to become missionaries himself.
The problem with the story is not the plot, it’s the narrative. It was odd. Very odd. (And not funny odd.) Sometimes it was funny. But mostly, it was rambling, shifting, and very confusing (at least to me). The narrative voice would shift from one person to the next, and the narrative would simply stop and switch to one of a number of sub-plots, which were confusing and led nowhere.
That said, I think the end is the key:
I’ve decided to set aside my fear of sounding trite and to leave you with a kernel of wisdom, one simple verb: Read… And look beyond the culturally ascribed worth of the artifact. Often, the value may be a lesson contrary to what is apparent or universally believed…. Scoff not at fictions merely on account of their fabrications. Nonfiction too is manufactured, therefore subject to the same human imperfections upon production, relieving no reader of the onus of deciding that which is sound judgment. So, digest not only fact; read fiction. Certainly there is much to gain from the made-up as well as the real. The lessons learned and the consequential defenses taken to avoid life’s miseries do not diminish in value because of their source.
There you have it. Metafiction. I just wish it made more sense.
This week’s geek is all about movies:
So what are some of your favorite movie adaptations of books? Include trailers or scenes from Youtube if you’d like.
Also along with that question, or instead of that question, what book or series would you like to see be made into a movie or movies? Tell us why you think it or they would work as a movie. If the book already has a book trailer, include that, to help make your point.
I decided, on the spur of the moment, to get my family’s opinions on this. This is what they came up with.
Best movie adaptation:
Hubby: The Right Stuff
Fellowship of the Ring (not the whole trilogy; he really didn’t like the other two that much)
Ciderhouse Rules
M: The Princess Bride
C: Matilda
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (debate: which version is better?)
Me: Little Women (I happen to like the Susan Sarandon version, and I know that in many circles, this is heresy)
Room with a View
(I couldn’t find a trailer, so here’s a scene)
Sense and Sensibility
What should be made into a movie:
Hubby: Wrinkle in Time, the Prydian books (the Disney movie of The Black Cauldron doesn’t count), Phantom Tollbooth, Prayer for Owen Meany — some of his favorite books, they’re interesting stories, and if well-done, they’d be great movies.
Me: Graceling — because the heroine is fantastic, and I’d love to see a visual representation of the world
Austenland — because I think it’d be a fun romantic comedy.
M: Blue Sword (actually, any Robin McKinley book… alas, they will never be made) — because it’s really a fabulous book
C: the Sisters Grimm books — because she LOVES the books. While I was reading them outloud, she’d spend hours casting them
There you have it: my family’s opinions on the best movie adaptations. What are yours?
Stolen shamelessly from Fizzy Thoughts (thanks, softdrink!)
Thanks to the magnificent Amy, the 2nd annual Book Blogger Appreciation Week (BBAW) will be taking place in September. What is BBAW, you ask? Well, read on for all the details…
WHO Anyone who blogs about books is invited to participate. In fact, we want everyone who blogs about books and reading to be a part of this week!
WHAT A week where we come together, celebrate the contribution and hard work of book bloggers in promoting a culture of literacy, connecting readers to books and authors, and recognizing the best among us with the Second Annual BBAW Awards. There will be special guest posts, daily blogging themes, and giveaways.
WHEN September 14-18, 2009
WHERE Over at the new Book Blogger Appreciation Week Blog! (Please note that this year there are three separate blogs and feeds—one for the main event, one for giveaways, and one for awards.)
WHY Because books matter. In a world full of options, the people talking about books pour hard work, time, energy, and money into creating a community around the written word. Amy, the founder of Book Blogger Appreciation Week, loves this community of bloggers and wants to shower appreciation on you!
WANT TO PARTICIPATE?
Please help us spread the word about Book Blogger Appreciation Week by posting about it on your blog, twittering about it, and telling everyone you know that it’s time to have a party and celebrate book bloggers! Please register by filling out the registration form! Registering ensures your inclusion in the BBAW 09 Database of Book Bloggers and enters you into the drawing for the BBAW 09 Grand Prize! Come back often as there will be many updates! And follow us on Twitter!
AWARDS
BBAW Award Nominations are now open on the BBAW Awards Blog.
Many, many, many thanks to Amy for all of her hard work and continuing this awesome tradition!!
by Melissa Marr
ages: 14+
First sentence: “Seth knew the moment Aislinn slipped into the house; the slight rise in temperature would’ve told him even if he hadn’t seen the glimmer of sunlight in the middle of the night.”
I don’t know if it’s me, or the book, or my waning interest in the world, but I just couldn’t get into the story.
I tried; I gave it 150 pages, but everything was so angst-y, and off-kilter and… well, let’s just say that every single character, even Seth and Aislinn, was driving me bonkers.
So, I skipped forward, read the last four chapters to see how it ended, and then bailed. (Hey, at least I know how it ends…)
For more legitimate reviews, check out Becky’s or Softdrink’s or Amy’s.
by Elodia Strain
ages: adults, but if there’s interest, 14+
First sentence: “Apparently, weddings are breeding grounds for disaster.”
Review copy sent to me by the publisher.
First, some history: I did as little as possible to make my wedding my “special” day. It didn’t help that I was getting married in a state halfway across the county from where I lived at the time (relatives.), but really, I’m just not a frou-frou-y person. My mom made my dress, a friend did my flowers (on the wrist, not a bouquet), I didn’t have maids of honor, I didn’t have a line, or even a “proper” reception (opting for some more casual get togethers in three different states). Really, the only thing that mattered (you can see it coming!): the cake.
Sometimes I say that if I could go back and do it again, I’d do a period costume piece (either Renaissance or Regency — again, no surprises there), but really, the whole idea of a Bride Wars-inspired wedding hoopla turns me off (and for sweet revenge — or blessed irony — watch each of my four girls need something HUGE when/if they get married).
So, to be honest, I’m not the target audience for this book.
Annabelle Pleasanton is a Monterey-based writer who’s been dating her boyfriend, Isaac, for nine months, and she knows (in some visceral womanly way) that he’s going to propose to her. Except, things keep getting in the way. It doesn’t help that Annabelle’s old flame, Alex, shows back up in her life, throwing gifts and memories at her. It also doesn’t help that Isaac’s personal agent is a former model and flame from High School. Nor does it help that Isaac wants to move down to L.A., taking Annabelle away from her job — at which she’s applying for a promotion, her family, and her beloved Monterey. In addition, Annabelle has just won a $50,000 Dream Wedding — high couture, stunning settings, the best food — and it seems that even though it’s absolutely perfect, things keep falling apart at the seams.
It seemed to me that Strain was going for a Shannon Hale-esque cutesy chick-lit humor. But, while that generally doesn’t bother me, in this case it didn’t work. Not by a mile. The humor was grating (but then — as I’ve mentioned before — humor is such a fickle thing), as were all the “dear reader” asides. The dialogue was flat, and the vague Mormon-ness (it was published by a small LDS publisher) was awkward (either go all out, or don’t go there at all). But, what really bothered me was that Annabelle was shallow. Okay, so she attempted to redeem herself by being interested in philanthropic endeavours (like the company that recycles wedding flowers by giving them to women’s shelters), but really: shallow, one-dimensional, predictable, and (worst of all!) wedding-happy.
Yes, I did finish the book, and yes, there will be some people — read: wedding-happy women — who will really like this book. I am just not one of them.
Robyn at Book Blips has graciously decided to make Book Nut the featured blog of the week, and as part of that, interviewed me. (*grins sheepishly*) If you feel so inclined, go read about how I got started blogging, the best thing that has come from being a book blogger, and (gulp) the three books I’d take to a deserted island.
I was really good; I only picked up two books for myself… and I didn’t even put them on hold. 🙂
For A/K:
Circus Family Dog, by Andrew Clements/Illus. by Sue Truesdell
Have You Seen My Cat, by Eric Carle**
What’s That Noise?, by William Carmman
Miss Rumphius, by Barbara Cooney**
Drive, by Nathan Clement
Down in the Subway, by Miriam Cohen/Illus. by Melanie Hope Greenberg**
Chocolate Wolf, by Barbara Cohen/Illus. by David Ray
The One and Only Marigold, by Florence Parry Heide/Illus. by Jill Mcelmurry
Belinda Begins Ballet, by Amy Young**
Gone With The Wand, by Margie Palatini/Illus. by Brian Ajhar
For M:
The Search for Truth (Erec Rex), by Kaza Kingsley*
For me:
The Forest of Hands and Teeth, by Carrie Ryan*
The True Adventures of Charley Darwin, by Carolyn Meyer
The roundup is either at Reading Adventures or A Striped Armchair.
*Ones that M eventually read.
**Picture books we really liked.
by Dale Peck
ages: 14+
First sentence (ARC): “I have a secret.”
Review copy sent to me by the publisher.
Sometimes, regardless of plot or characters or even how the book ends, a particular voice in a book (or of a book) totally and completely wins you over. Sprout is one of those voices: observant, witty, sarcastic, yet full of heart, longing, and desire. He completely won me over, in spite of the meandering plot and Kansas stereotypes in the book (which bothered me more than I care to admit).
In fact, Sprout’s observations — on his friends, his life, and eventually his love, Ty — are the reason to read this book. After his mother’s death, Daniel Bradford — Sprout — and his father move from Long Island to Hutchinson, Kansas (which is 45 minutes up the road from here). His father has not dealt with the death well; he drinks and collects stumps, preferring to hide in the trailer on their land outside of Hutch than get a job. Sprout takes out his anger in words — on the page, in carrying around his mother’s dictionary — and in making himself as unique as possible, hence the green hair. It’s only when, during the summer before his junior year, Mrs. Miller — the English teacher in charge of getting students ready for the state essay competition — singles him out as someone who can achieve greatness that Sprout begins to confront his inner self. Which not only includes dealing with his mother’s death, but also his gayness in a community that is not known for its tolerance, and finding first love with someone who is more broken than he is.
Hands down, my favorite passage was this:
Without missing a beat, Mrs. Miller rattled off a stream of obscenities so fully and completely unexpected that I fell off my chair. Mothers were defiled, and their male and female children, as well as any and all offspring who just happened to’ve been born out of wedlock. As for the sacred union that produced these innocent babes, the pertinent bodily appendages were catalogued by a list of nicknames so profoundly scurrilous that a grizzled Marine, conceived in a brothel and dying of a disease he contracted in one, would’ve wished he’d been born as smooth as a ken doll. The act itself was invoked with such a variety of incestuous, scatological, bestial, and just plain bizarre variations that that same Marine would’ve given up on the Ken doll fantasy, and wished instead that all life had been confined to the single-cell stage, forever free of the taint of mitosis, let alone procreation.
It’s not an easy book to read; especially near the end, when Sprout’s and Ty’s life get entangled, it’s difficult and depressing. But, ultimately, Sprout finds something we’re all searching for: an inkling of a place and hope in his own life.
The Book Nut 