Book Review: Just One Wish

                                                                           

















Just One Wish by Janette Rallison

Summary: (amazon)

Seventeen-year-old Annika Truman will do anything to fulfill her little brother's only wish before his frightening cancer surgery. The trouble is, he wants a certain superstar actor to pay him a visit. Annika has only a few days to drive to California and convince the celebrity to come home with her. On a seemingly impossible adventure that includes paparazzi, bows and arrows, and one enormous snake, Annika learns a few lessons about family, love, and having her own wishes granted.

My  Thoughts:

I finished reading this about ten minutes ago. This book really got you hooked from the first page and it's an exciting (very weird and exreme) novel, but I liked it. A friend told me that the ending will make you cry, and that it was a very touching book. It wasn't like that at all, and the whole idea was pretty comical. Annika made a fantastic character, although the writing was nothing special. I would recommend this if you need a short, funny read.

My Rating: Three stars (it was pretty decent)

Content Review: Cautious--kissing and a lot of drama 

PG, 12 and up

Book Review: Toby Alone

 

















Toby Alone by Timothee de Fombelle

Summary: (amazon)

Toby Lolness may be just one and a half millimeters tall, but he’s the most wanted person in his world—the world of the great oak Tree. Toby’s father has made a groundbreaking discovery: the Tree itself is alive, flowing with vital energy, and there may be a world beyond it. Greedy developers itch to exploit this knowledge, risking permanent damage to their natural world. Toby’s family has been exiled to the lower branches, and only Toby has managed to escape—but for how long? And how can he bear to leave his parents to their terrible fate?

My Thoughts:

This is a foreign novel (French) so the writing and idea was really unique! They didn't do the best job with translation ;) but I liked it! The plot was extremely well thought out towards the beginning, but then it slowed down. I did feel at the end that the author just dragged it out with pointless scenes. My favorite element in this book, wasn't the story itself, but the writing. It was clever, unique and quirky. As for characters, Toby wasn't my favorite. Elisha was great though! All in all, the beginning was beautifully written but it dragged out.

My rating: 3 stars (it was decent)

Content Rating: Cautious

Amazon recommended it for ages 9 and up. As I read the reviews there were a lot of people who disagreed.  At the end there is violence and torture, cruelty and in a humorous sort of way that I didn't like. I would say for ages 12 and older.

Book Review: Kira Kira

 













Kira Kira by Cynthia Kadohata


Summary: (amazon)
kira-kira (kee ra kee ra): glittering; shining Glittering. That's how Katie Takeshima's sister, Lynn, makes everything seem. The sky is kira-kira because its color is deep but see-through at the same time. The sea is kira-kira for the same reason. And so are people's eyes. When Katie and her family move from a Japanese community in Iowa to the Deep South of Georgia, it's Lynn who explains to her why people stop on the street to stare. And it's Lynn who, with her special way of viewing the world, teaches Katie to look beyond tomorrow. But when Lynn becomes desperately ill, and the whole family begins to fall apart, it is up to Katie to find a way to remind them all that there is always something glittering -- kira-kira -- in the future.'

My Thoughts:

What an amazing, heartbreaking, and just plain beautiful book. Typically I am not emotional with books, but just thinking about Kira-Kira makes me cry. The story is just so precious. Writing is a major element when I review books also, the writing was incredible. The idea was unique and clever. The title, Kira-Kira, was absolutely perfect. "Girls are giggles with glitter." I loved it so much. As for characters, Katie and Lynn are unforgettable. You start out loving Lynn, but by the middle of the book you love Katie. At the end you love both and are crying.  Wow. Just wow. I would highly recommend this book. It would be a great Book Club read too. My younger brother really liked it, and that says a lot!

 My Rating: 5 stars (I loved liked it)

Content Review: Cautious--drama and sad scenes

PG 12 and up

Book Review: Hope was Here

 















Hope was Here by Joan Bauer

Summary: (amazon) 


When Hope and her aunt move to small-town Wisconsin to take over the local diner, Hope's not sure what to expect. But what they find is that the owner, G.T., isn't quite ready to give up yet--in fact, he's decided to run for mayor against a corrupt candidate. And as Hope starts to make her place at the diner, she also finds herself caught up in G.T.'s campaign--particularly his visions for the future. After all, as G.T. points out, everyone can use a little hope to help get through the tough times . . . even Hope herself.
Filled with heart, charm, and good old-fashioned fun, this is Joan Bauer at her best.

My thoughts:

Joan Bauer writes about strong, female teenage characters. I reviewed her book "Almost Home." But this one has a different mood to it. Hope is a strong, confident 16 year old who is truly a memorable character. You will love this fun, unique book and I highly recommend it.

My Review: 4 stars (I liked it)

Content Ratings: Cautious--some drama and kissing

PG, 12 and up

Book Review: Penny From Heaven

 


















Penny From Heaven by Jennifer L. Holm

Summary: (amazon)


It’s 1953 and 11-year-old Penny dreams of a summer of butter pecan ice cream, swimming, and baseball. But nothing’s that easy in Penny’s family. For starters, she can’t go swimming because her mother’s afraid she’ll catch polio at the pool. To make matters worse, her dog, Scarlett O'Hara, is sick. Her favorite uncle is living in a car. Her best friend is turning into a criminal. And no one will tell Penny the truth about how her father died.

My Thoughts:

I've read several of Jennifer Holm's books and I love her writing. This book is fun, cute, and fast paced. All ages will love it. Penny is a spunky, opinionated character you will never forget. Her story is believable and it really captures what her perspective is perfectly. I would definitely recommend this book for anyone who needs a good read!
 
 My Review: 5 stars (I loved it)

Content Review: None

G, 8 and up

Elements of a GREAT story

Dialogue

                                                   a love triangle

             Great Word Choice

                                                                               A WELL THOUGHT OUT PLOT

A    T    O                                          ENTHUSIASM
   C     I      N !            F      
                                             E
                                                 E
                                      L
                                         I
                                            N
                                               G

Writing a novel

If you are like me, you start a story. You think you have a good idea, you write a couple of pages and think "this is stupid." Or, "I don't feel like going through with it."

Before I starting writing seriously I wrote for hours on end, just thinking of ideas and writing a few paragraphs. Usually I just wrote short, two-page stories.

But then I joined the Middle School Writers Group at my library. It changed everything. I found out about a website called NanoWrimo, where you write a novel in the month of November. You set a word count goal and just do it. 

Well, I wrote a novel in November.  I started with a small goal--5,000 words. It increased to 8,000, then 10,000 and I ended my novel with 18,000 words. 

It might not sound big, but writing that novel in a month was incredible. In the end, I didn't like it. For three weeks I went through bad writers block and low self esteem. I had just spent over two hundred hours on this, and it sucked. But what happened? My confidence with writing went from maybe 30% to 200%. Writing that novel told me I could do it. I could do anything, I wrote a novel in a month! Now I have an idea for a novel that I love, and in just a few weeks I'm pretty far.

My tips for starting:

1. Have a goal and don't quit until you have reached that goal and have gone beyond it. If you really are a writer, you don't quit. Start out small.

2. Have publishing in mind. I have read that most first novels are rejected, but like I said. If you really have a deep passion for writing, you don't let rejects shut you down. And, you never know! Maybe some company loves your manuscript. Just picture your finished novel in book format, it really does help! 

3. Look for ideas. I have my own, secret Pinterest board where I pin cool ideas and pictures. Once I found a really cool setting that was perfect for my novel. I also look for pictures of people that match my characters. It helps me picture who I am writing about more vividly.

Once you're there:

Okay. You started a novel and you like where it is going, in fact you are already on chapter 16! Here is what I do when I'm at that point:

1.  Word Choice. I love cool, whimsy words. Write with a thesaurus nearby, look online. Try to create a seven word sentence with three new words in every chapter.

2. Go back and re-read your story every couple of chapters. I like to edit on the way.

3. Continue to search for ideas. My first novel draft that I thought was finished, wasn't. I went back and added scene after scene, after scene. 

Writing a novel is fun, challenging, and boosts your confidence. And who knows? You could be the next Harry Potter :)


 



 

Book Review: Hatchet

 














Hatchet by Gary Paulsen

Summary: (amazon)

Thirteen-year-old Brian Robeson is on his way to visit his father when the single-engine plane in which he is flying crashes. Suddenly, Brian finds himself alone in the Canadian wilderness with nothing but a tattered Windbreaker and the hatchet his mother gave him as a present -- and the dreadful secret that has been tearing him apart since his parent's divorce. But now Brian has no time for anger, self pity, or despair -- it will take all his know-how and determination, and more courage than he knew he possessed, to survive.

My Thoughts:

This is a very well written, well thought out book! I loved it. Brian's story of survival is believable, incredible, fun, and frightening at the same time. The writing is great and the plot was very well thought out. I would definitley recommend this book.

Content: Cautious--scary situations

PG 10 and up
 

Book Review: Out of My Mind

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 Out of My Mind by Sharon M. Draper

Summary: (amazon)


 Melody is not like most people. She cannot walk or talk, but she has a photographic memory; she can remember every detail of everything she has ever experienced. She is smarter than most of the adults who try to diagnose her and smarter than her classmates in her integrated classroom—the very same classmates who dismiss her as mentally challenged, because she cannot tell them otherwise. But Melody refuses to be defined by cerebral palsy. And she’s determined to let everyone know it…somehow. In this breakthrough story

My Thoughts:

Melody was a funny, great, loveable character. The writing wasn't totally great, and a lot of the other characters were flat. I would have loved more description also. But it was a fun, short, and somewhat sad story. I would recommend this for anyone who needs a light read.

My Ratings: 4 stars (I liked it)

Content Ratings: None

G, 10 and up

Book Review: Hitlers Secret

Hitlers Secret by William Osborne

Summary: (amazon)

Otto and Leni thought they were safe: They escaped -- barely -- from war-torn Europe and are living as refugees in England. But now the Crown has recruited them: Great Britain wants them to go back. As spies!

Dropped behind enemy lines, Otto and Leni embark on a top-secret operation. Code name: Wolfsangel. Their mission? Capture the one person who can defeat the ultimate evil of Nazism! Der Fuhrer has destroyed Otto's and Leni's families, but what if the tables were turned? What if Hitler's ultimate legacy was in their hands?

My Thoughts:

I purchased this a few months ago, and I was slightly greatly disappointed. It was not the thrilling spy novel I was hoping for. The writing was flat and Otto and Leni were pretty boring, and there was no plot. But the idea was really interesting, it just didn't work with the book. I wouldn't recommend this book so much.

My Ratings: 2.5 stars (I didn't like it so much)

Content Ratings:Cautious--Violence, some blood and gore


PG, 10 and up  

Book Review: Michael Vey

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Michael Vey Books 1,2,and 3 by Richard Paul Evans

Summary: (amazon)

To everyone at Meridian High School, fourteen-year-old Michael Vey is nothing special, just the kid who has Tourette’s syndrome. But in truth, Michael is extremely special—he has electric powers. Michael thinks he is unique until he discovers that a cheerleader named Taylor has the same mysterious powers. With the help of Michael’s friend, Ostin, the three of them set out to discover how Michael and Taylor ended up with their abilities, and their investigation soon brings them to the attention of a powerful group who wants to control the electric teens—and through them, the world.

My Thoughts:

The first time I read these books I was 100% Veyniac. I absolutely LOVED these books. But recently I read them a second time. I found them kind of silly and unbelievable. The writing wasn't totally great but I liked the characters, they were pretty good. The plot was kind of jumbled and there really wasn't a climax. And everything was WAY to easy. But they are fun, action paced reads. I would recommend these books to some people.

My Rating: 3.5 stars (I liked it okay, it was decent)

Content Ratings: Cautious

Violence, kissing
PG, 10 and up

Book Review: Fairest

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 Fairest by Gail Carson Levine

Summary: (amazon)

 Aza's singing is the fairest in all the land, and the most unusual. She can "throw" her voice so it seems to come from anywhere. But singing is only one of the two qualities prized in the Kingdom of Ayortha. Aza doesn't possess the other: beauty. Not even close. She's hidden in the shadows in her parents' inn, but when she becomes lady-in-waiting to the new queen, she has to step into the light—especially when the queen demands a dangerous favor. A magic mirror, a charming prince, a jealous queen, palace intrigue, and an injured king twine into a maze that Aza must penetrate to save herself and her beloved kingdom.

My Thoughts:

Yeah, I know it looks kind of lame. But it's actually really good! I was never a huge fairytale girl, but I love Gail Carson Levine's books. This twist off of snow white was really clever. I've read this one over and over again. The writing was really good and unique, but the songs got old and boring. Towards the end, I was extremely confused and it needed way more backup and clarification. It was unique, well written and very well plotted. I would recommend this book for girls ten and up.

My Ratings: Three Stars (it was decent)

Content Ratings: Cautious--kissing, hitting

PG Grades 5 and up

Book Review: The Boy in the Striped Pajamas

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 The Boy in the Striped Pajamas by John Boyne

Summary: (amazon)

 When Bruno returns home from school one day, he discovers that his belongings are being packed in crates. His father has received a promotion and the family must move from their home to a new house far far away, where there is no one to play with and nothing to do. A tall fence running alongside stretches as far as the eye can see and cuts him off from the strange people he can see in the distance.

But Bruno longs to be an explorer and decides that there must be more to this desolate new place than meets the eye. While exploring his new environment, he meets another boy whose life and circumstances are very different to his own, and their meeting results in a friendship that has devastating consequences.

My Thoughts:

When it says "devastating consequences" it means devastating consequences times ten.  This is another holocaust novel, but from one of the concentration camps directors sons point of view. The writing was UH-MAZING. The style and simplicity really tied it together and the way Bruno sees everything is so real. Incredible, real and devastating, this book was worth it.

My Ratings: 5 stars (I loved it)

Content Ratings: Cautious--violence and drama
PG13, 12 and up  

       

Book Review: Almost Home

 

















Almost Home by Joan Bauer

Summary: (amazon)

When twelve-year-old Sugar's grandfather dies and her gambling father takes off yet again, Sugar and her mother lose their home in Missouri. They head to Chicago for a fresh start, only to discover that fresh starts aren't so easy to come by for the homeless. Nevertheless, Sugar's mother has taught her to be grateful no matter what, so Sugar does her best. With the help of a rescue dog, Shush; a foster family; a supportive teacher; a love of poetry; and her own grace and good humor, Sugar comes to understand that while she can't control the hand life deals her, she can control how she responds.

My Thoughts:

My friend recommended this to me and I thought it was pretty good! Sugar is a character I really liked (maybe because of her love for writing) and this story was really well thought out. It makes you laugh and cry. The writing was decent, the characters good, the style unique.

My Rating: Three Stars (it was decent)

Content Rating:Cautious--abuse

PG, Grades 5 and up    

Book Review: Sign Language

Sign Language by Amy Ackley

Summary: (amazon)

Twelve-year-old Abby North's first hint that something is really wrong with her dad is how long it's taking him to recover from what she thought was routine surgery. Soon, the thing she calls "It" has a real name: cancer. Before, her biggest concerns were her annoying brother, the crush unaware of her existence, and her changing feelings for her best friend, Spence, the boy across the street. Now, her mother cries in the shower, her father is exhausted, and nothing is normal anymore. Amy Ackley's impressive debut is wrenching, heartbreaking, and utterly true.

My Thoughts:

Modern Fiction isn't my favorite genre. You really can't get to creative or whimsical with your plot or word choice. But when I need a light, easy read I go for it. My dad looked it up and said it looked clean so I spent a couple of days on this novel. The writing was flat, characters obnoxious, and everything didn't make sense. There was way to much silly teenage romance that took up the whole book. I would NOT recommend this novel.




My Rating: 1 star (I really hated it)

Content Ratings: Cautious--kissing, drama

PG, 12 and Up

Book Review: Charles and Emma

 

 Charles and Emma: The Darwins Leap of Faith by Deborah Heiligman

Summary: (amazon)

Charles Darwin published The Origin of Species, his revolutionary tract on evolution and the fundamental ideas involved, in 1859. Nearly 150 years later, the theory of evolution continues to create tension between the scientific and religious communities. Challenges about teaching the theory of evolution in schools occur annually all over the country. This same debate raged within Darwin himself, and played an important part in his marriage: his wife, Emma, was quite religious, and her faith gave Charles a lot to think about as he worked on a theory that continues to spark intense debates.

My Thoughts:

The whole subject of evolution is really kind of controversial, especially if you're religious like me. I understood the theory of evolution before I read this book, but I really didn't know a lot about Charles Darwin. What really stood out to me, was that this novel is about his relationship with his very religious wife--Emma. This was definitely the most fascinating book I have ever read. 

My Thoughts on Evolution.

I believe in God with all my heart. I believe that he created us in his image. But because you believe in a Heavenly Father, it doesn't mean that you can't believe in evolution. I am open to the idea that God created apes and descended us from them. Science proves how close our DNA is to them. That doesn't mean that there was no evolution. I am totally okay with that. It is a possibility, and think about it. There is no exact proof for either theory. 

Content Ratings: Ok!

My Ratings: 5 stars (I loved it)

I would say for ages 12 and up, there were some points made that were difficult to understand. G based on content

Book Review: Distant Waves

 

















 Distant Waves by Suzanne Weyn

Summary: (amazon)

 Jane begins her tale with her childhood, as her recently widowed mother struggles to care for her family. While in New York City, they are assisted during an earthquake by the scientist Nikola Tesla, who explains that he caused the event with his latest invention, a device based on the concept that "everything vibrates." Inspired by this idea, and the possibility that it applies to the spirit world, Jane's mother decides to move her daughters to a community of mediums in upstate New York and support them by pursuing her "gift." When Jane is 16, she travels to New York City with her older sister to interview Tesla for a journalism contest and meets his assistant Thad, adding a romantic interest. Several months later, Jane's family travels to England for an international convention of spiritualists. Afterward, two of her sisters board the Titanic, and when their mother hears a prediction that the ship will sink, Jane tries to retrieve them, but is stuck onboard. She makes the ill-fated journey along with Thad and Tesla (who has brought several inventions that could either save the ship or destroy it). Told in gripping first-person narrative, this novel features interesting characters and creates a strong sense of time and place, while exploring the mysteries of the spirit world. An author's note separates fiction from fact and shares further details about real people and events


My Thoughts:

 While Google-ing "YA Titanic Novels" this one popped up on GoodReads. I was skeptical about it being "clean" because of the romance aspect (I'm really sensitive about romance in books). But it was really interesting. The spiritualism is an unique aspect, but there was too much of that and not enough "Titanic." The writing was boring, characters boring (actually, I loved Thad) but it was pretty good! I would recommend this book, it would make a great book club read.


My Rating: Three Stars (It was decent)

Content Rating:Cautious--kissing, romance, deep descriptions of when the Titanic sank

PG13 12 and up

Book Review: Chains

Chains










Chains by Laurie Halse Anderson

Summary: (amazon)

As the Revolutionary War begins, thirteen-year-old Isabel wages her own fight...for freedom. Promised freedom upon the death of their owner, she and her sister, Ruth, in a cruel twist of fate become the property of a malicious New York City couple, the Locktons, who have no sympathy for the American Revolution and even less for Ruth and Isabel. When Isabel meets Curzon, a slave with ties to the Patriots, he encourages her to spy on her owners, who know details of British plans for invasion. She is reluctant at first, but when the unthinkable happens to Ruth, Isabel realizes her loyalty is available to the bidder who can provide her with freedom.

My Thoughts: Well, it definitely deserved the awards it's received. The story of Isabel and Ruth will break your heart. Two of my friends did a book report on it last year. So I checked it out and spent a Saturday afternoon in New York City 1776. The style of writing, word choice, fluency all majorly contributes to my opinion and the writing was amazing. Absolutely beautiful.

As you can probably tell, I loved it. It's a nice read to take on a trip or spend a day with because it isn't too quick and light, or lengthy.


My Rating: 5 stars

Content Rating: Cautious--abuse, violence,
PG\PG13 it was pretty deep

My current List

These are the books I have read or am reading and will review in the near future

The Penderwicks

The Penderwicks on Gardam Street

Michael Vey

Rules of the Road

Close to Famous

Almost Home

Penny from Heaven

Number the stars

Princess Academy

Chains

My Fathers Dragon

Number the Stars

Fairest

The Fablehaven series

Wonder

Princess Academy

Dangerous

The book thief

Distant Waves

Hitlers Secret

Losers Inc

The Boy in the Striped Pajamas

The Boy on the Wooden Box

Turtle in Paradise

Out of my mind

The mysterious Benedict Society

The year I got Polio

Charles and Emma

Sign Language

The Mother Daughter Book Club series

David at night

Eleven Birthdays

The  Two Princesses of Bammare

Holes

The Million Dollar Throw

The Million Dollar Throw by Mike Lupica

Summary: (amazon)

Thirteen-year-old Nate Brodie's life would seem to be the stuff of adolescent boys' dreams: he is the star quarterback of his school football team and has a great relationship with his best friend and soulmate, Abby McCall. However, all is not smooth sailing. The Brodies are in danger of losing their home in the economic downturn, and Abby's eyesight is failing due to a rare congenital disease. Nate thinks he may have the opportunity to solve all of his problems when he wins the chance to make a million dollars by throwing a football through a small target during halftime at a pro football game. Unfortunately, his quarterbacking skills suddenly and mysteriously desert him just as he is preparing for his big moment. With the support of his family and friends, he fights his way back and regains the confidence he needs to face the challenges in his life.

My Thoughts:

I generally don't read sports fiction. But I decided that it was important to read all genres for this blog. So I gave this one a shot. I think that the whole idea of a thirteen year old-football obsessed kid who has family and friend problems is a great idea. But it was confusing when you don't get sports. I would recommend this for any sports lovers, but it wasn't for me.

My ratings: 2.5 stars

Content Ratings:None

10 and up G

Book Review: One for the Murphy's

One for the Murphy's by Linda Mullay Hunt http://www.amazon.com/One-Murphys-Lynda-Mullaly-Hunt/dp/0142426520

Summary: (Amazon)

Carley uses humor and street smarts to keep her emotional walls high and thick. But the day she becomes a foster child, and moves in with the Murphys, she's blindsided. This loving, bustling family shows Carley the stable family life she never thought existed, and she feels like an alien in their cookie-cutter-perfect household. Despite her resistance, the Murphys eventually show her what it feels like to belong--until her mother wants her back and Carley has to decide where and how to live. She's not really a Murphy, but the gifts they've given her have opened up a new future.

My Thoughts:

I read this last year and I thought it was pretty good! Carley was one of those characters you gradually come to like (like, not really love). The writing was decent, there was some really good aspects of the style and everything but like in the last review, it was pretty bland. I guess, though, it's hard to use whimsy in a modern story, but some more spunk would have been nice. I didn't really feel close with the Murphys or Carley as much as I would have liked.  Overall, it was a decent book.I would recommend it if you need a light read.

My Ratings: Four Stars (I liked it)

Content Ratings: Cautious--abuse

10 and up PG

Book Review: The Girl Who Could Fly

The Girl Who Could Fly by Victoria Forrester

Summary: (amazon)

You just can’t keep a good girl down . . . unless you use the proper methods.

Piper McCloud can fly. Just like that. Easy as pie.

Sure, she hasn’t mastered reverse propulsion and her turns are kind of sloppy, but she’s real good at loop-the-loops.

Problem is, the good folk of Lowland County are afraid of Piper. And her ma’s at her wit’s end. So it seems only fitting that she leave her parents’ farm to attend a top-secret, maximum-security school for kids with exceptional abilities.

School is great at first with a bunch of new friends whose skills range from super-strength to super-genius. (Plus all the homemade apple pie she can eat!) But Piper is special, even among the special. And there are consequences.

Consequences too dire to talk about. Too crazy to consider. And too dangerous to ignore.

At turns exhilarating and terrifying, Victoria Forester’s debut novel has been praised by Stephenie Meyer, author of the Twilight saga, as "the oddest/sweetest mix of Little House on the Prairie and X-Men...Prepare to have your heart warmed.” The Girl Who Could Fly is an unforgettable story of defiance and courage about an irrepressible heroine who can, who will, who must . . . fly.

My Thoughts

What a sweet little book. My old friend recommended it and I am so glad she did. Like my last review, the author did a fantastic job with creating a beautiful character.   You sympathize with Piper right off the bat. She longs to make friends and be like the other children.  The writing wasn't the best and I would have loved a whimsy effect. I also thought that the gist was cliche.  Overall though, I thought it was adorable and Piper is just the perfect character. If you want a nice, long book, this would be great! My eight year old sister really enjoyed it, so kids will love it!

My Ratings: 4 stars (I really liked it) 

Content Rating: Cautious--mild hero\villain action

8 and up, PG

Book Review: Prisoner B-3087

First Post! Lets see how it goes...

Summary: (amazon)

Gr 6-10-"If I had known what the next six years of my life were going to be like, I would have eaten more. I wouldn't have complained about brushing my teeth, or taking a bath, or going to bed at eight o'clock every night." Yanek Gruener was 10 years old when the German army invaded Poland in 1939 and trapped his family inside the walls of the Jewish ghetto in Krakow. Over the course of World War II, he saw his parents deported by the Nazis and survived 10 different concentration camps. Through Gratz's spare, persistent prose, the story of the boy's early life unfolds with the urgency and directness necessary for survivor stories. While some liberties have been taken, with the permission of Gruener and his wife, Ruth, also a survivor, the experiences and images come directly from the Grueners' collective memories of the war. 

My Thoughts. 

There  is a reason why I chose this book to be my first review.  First of all, you start out loving Yanek from the very beginning. Being a writer, I always try to create memorable characters. Yaneks strength and traits make a wonderful character, especially for what you know is going to happen to him. The second reason for my love of this book, is the writing itself. It's from Yaneks perspective, which I love. It's simple, gets to the point, and really is thought provoking. Some parts were hard to read, it being so devastating and heartbreaking. I almost cried more than once, and it takes a lot for me to cry.

Star Rating: 5 stars

Content Rating:Cautious--there is a lot of depth with the holocaust, violence, mild blood\gore,

I'm going to say 12 and up, and rate it PG13