Writing Prompt

Turn to page 37 in the book nearest to you right now. Look at the last three words on that page. Write a story with the three words as a title.

What I got was: "THE FIFTH TIGER" I'm thinking a drama set in the 1920s in Asia ...what about you? (If your curious, the book nearest to me is My Fathers Dragon)

See? I have an idea, just because I'm curious, I looked at the last three words of the 37th page in some other books.

THE STORY OF DOCTOR DOLITTLE: THINGS THEY NEEDED (DRAMA)

HOLES: To HIS SHOULDER (Romance)

The Guinness book of World Records 2012: Two Paying Guests (Mystery?)

Soldier Boys: Lucky To Be (Romance?)

Hope this helped to launch a new idea!

 

Book Review: The Mother-Daughter Book Club

 
















The Mother-Daughter Book Club by Heather Vogel Frederick

Summary: (amazon)

Even if Megan would rather be at the mall, Cassidy is late for hockey practice, Emma's already read every book in existence, and Jess is missing her mother too much to care, the new book club is scheduled to meet every month.

But what begins as a mom-imposed ritual of reading Little Women soon helps four unlikely friends navigate the drama of middle school. From stolen journals, to secret crushes, to a fashion-fiasco first dance, the girls are up to their Wellie boots in drama. They can't help but wonder: What would Jo March do?

Acclaimed author Heather Vogel Frederick will delight daughters of all ages in a novel about the fabulousness of fiction, family, and friendship.

My Thoughts:

I read these back in fifth grade and thought they were great. But then as I read the later ones they became just plain obnoxious. First of all, the writing is terrible, she obviously didn't edit the last book. Also, the characters are so not believable. The first few books were okay in that sense, but teenagers DO NOT sound like that whatsoever. On the other hand the first three were cute and fun. Overall, I would recommend the first three to elementary school girls. The others are just obnoxious.

Content: Cautious--drama, kissing in the later ones

My Rating: 3 stars (they were decent)

PG, 10 and UP 

Book Review: The Fablehaven Series

Fablehaven by Brandon Mull

Summary: (amazon)

Kendra and her brother, Seth, have no idea that their grandfather is the current caretaker of Fablehaven. Inside the gated woods, ancient laws keep relative order among the greedy trolls, mischievous satyrs, plotting witches, spiteful imps, and jealous fairies. But when the rules get broken, powerful forces are unleashed, and Kendra and her brother face the greatest challenge of their lives. To save their family, Fablehaven, and maybe even the world, Kendra and Seth must find the courage to do what they fear most...

My Thoughts:

Instead of reviewing each individual book, I'm going to review the entire series. The age recommendations say 8 and up, but my six year old brother loved it! They are the perfect mix of whimsy, adventure, suspense, and action. All ages will love them, whether if your six or ten. I loved the writing, it was amazing! But, the plot was kind of unbelievable and cheesy and don't listen to the audiobook. It's pretty terrible :) Overall it was fun and I would recommend it to all Elementary school readers.

Content: Cautious--action, scary scenes, could be scary for younger readers

My Rating: 4 stars (I really liked them)

PG, 8 and up

Book Review: Dairy Queen

 

















Dairy Queen by Catherine Gilbert Murdock

Summary:(amazon)

When you don’t talk, there’s a lot of stuff that ends up not getting said.
Harsh words indeed, from Brian Nelson of all people. But, D. J. can’t help admitting, maybe he’s right.
When you don’t talk, there’s a lot of stuff that ends up not getting said.
Stuff like why her best friend, Amber, isn’t so friendly anymore. Or why her little brother, Curtis, never opens his mouth. Why her mom has two jobs and a big secret. Why her college-football-star brothers won’t even call home. Why her dad would go ballistic if she tried out for the high school football team herself. And why Brian is so, so out of her league.
When you don’t talk, there’s a lot of stuff that ends up not getting said.
Welcome to the summer that fifteen-year-old D. J. Schwenk of Red Bend, Wisconsin, learns to talk, and ends up having an awful lot of stuff to say.

My Thoughts:

This has been on my list for a long time. It definitely got me hooked at the beginning but it kind of fell apart after that. There was some language that bothered me and some crude parts. I really couldn't connect with any of the characters, but I liked the writing. Don't listen to the review and the cover makes no sense. The idea is jumbled and I thought the book was going to go one day but it went in a totally weird direction. Overall it was nicely written and generally pretty clean, and it was a decent Saturday read.

Content: Cautious--drama, language, gay mentioning, drinking, crude parts

My Rating: Three Stars (it was decent)

PG, 12 and Up

Middle School Don't-Reads

These are books I have had recommended for middle schoolers, but I found them not appropriate or just plain dirty, or boring.

1. The Fault in our Stars--this was one I was way excited about. It was so not okay for middle school whatsoever. There was a lot of language, and sexual stuff, I had to stop reading it early.

2. The Clique--these series were boring, obnoxious, and crude.

3. The Absolutely True Diary of a Real Life Indian--what I had heard was this book was hilarious and great for middle school. There was way do much language and it was really crude.

4. The Phoenix Five--it was too crude and obnoxious, don't waste your time.

5. Summer of my German Solider--too crude.

6. Fateful--I stopped reading it. Weird, creepy, and not clean.

7. Blue is for Nightmares--this novel would have been awesome. But it was too crude, too gross, and too much language.

Book Review: Persuaded

 Persuaded by Jenni James

Summary: (amazon)

 Will he take her back, or fling her aside like she deserves?

Three years ago, Amanda made the biggest mistake of her life, she let her friends persuade her to reject the guy she loved. They were convinced he was a loser and wasn't good enough for her.

Now Gregory's back in Farmington . . . taller, stronger, hotter than ever, and worth millions. Those gorgeous girls who snubbed him before are now falling at his feet, and he's enjoying every moment of it.

Can he see past the pain Amanda caused him and give her a second chance? Or will she forever regret losing the only guy who truly loved her?


My Thoughts:

The whole book I was thinking "Oh gosh, what's gonna happen?!" which is awesome in a book. I really liked the characters, especially Amanda, they were really realistic. It's a really surprising (and awesome) ending. But the writing wasn't anything special, and I didn't really like the guy in this one. This is the third book in the series I have been reading and my third favorite. Overall it was a fun, cute, easy read like all of the Jenni James books. This are awesome for any Jane Austen lovers.

Content: Cautious--drama, kissing

My Rating: 4 stars (I liked it a lot)

PG, 12 and Up

Book Review: The Mysterious Benedict Society

 

















The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee Stewart


Summary: (amazon)

"Are you a gifted child looking for special opportunities?"

When this peculiar ad appears in the newspaper, dozens of children enroll to take a series of mysterious, mind-bending tests. (And you, dear reader, can test your wits right alongside them.) But in the end just four very special children will succeed. Their challenge: to go on a secret mission that only the most intelligent and resourceful children could complete. To accomplish it they will have to go undercover at the Learning Institute for the Very Enlightened, where the only rule is that there are no rules.

As our heroes face physical and mental trials beyond their wildest imaginations, they have no choice but to turn to each other for support. But with their newfound friendship at stake, will they be able to pass the most important test of all?

Welcome to the Mysterious Benedict Society.

My Thoughts:

My first instinct of this book was "Oh no, it's another one of those band of kids who joins some kind of union and goes on a misson." I have read hundreds of those books. But, while the gist was cliche` the writing out shadowed it by far. This novel was perfectly unique story wise, and fantastically whimsical writing wise. While some parts were unnecessary and dragged on, for the most part it kept you on the edge of your seat! The characters too are wonderful and different. Overall it was a beautifully written book and I would recommend it.

Content: Cautious--some scary scenes

My Rating: 4 stars (I really liked it)

PG, 12 and Up

Book Review: Waterfall

 
 Waterfall by Lisa Bergren

Summary: (amazon)

Gabriella has never spent a summer in Italy like this one.
Remaining means giving up all she’s known and loved … and leaving means forfeiting what she’s come to know—and love itself.

 

Most American teenagers want a vacation in Italy, but the Bentarrini sisters have spent every summer of their lives with their parents, famed Etruscan scholars, among the romantic hills. In Book One of the River of Time series, Gabi and Lia are stuck among the rubble of medieval castles in rural Tuscany on yet another hot, boring, and dusty archeological site … until Gabi places her hand atop a handprint in an ancient tomb and finds herself in fourteenth-century Italy. And worse yet, in the middle of a fierce battle between knights of two opposing forces.

 

My Thoughts:

 

I loved this book. It was the perfect mix of action, suspense, and romance. The writing was rich and beautiful, the idea was perfect. Although, I wasn't loving any of the characters and the plot wasn't terribly well thought through. I typically find time travel novels silly and cheesy. But I just loved this one, it was very well done. It would be the perfect book club/travel/school read. I would definately recommend this novel.

Content: Cautious--drama, romance suspense, kissing, blood and gore, action

My Rating: 5 stars (I loved it)

PG13, 12 and Up

Book Review: Northanger Alibi

 

















Northanger Alibi by Jenni James

Summary: (amazon)

 The Russo family and Seattle, Washington, are no match for Claire Hart and her savvy knowledge of all things vampire-related. Thanks to her obsession with the Twilight series, if there is anyone who would know a vampire when she saw one, it's Claire. And she's positive totally hot Tony Russo is a vampire - she just has to prove it!

My Thoughts:

While I am LOVING this series, this one was on the weirder end for me. I couldn't follow on Claire's obsession for Twilight and thought it was silly. I love Claire, I think she's really cute, fun, and spunky. I wasn't loving any of the other characters though, and so far its my least favorite of the series.

Content: Cautious--kissing, drama

My Rating: 3 stars (it was decent)

PG, 12 and Up

Book Review: The Westing Game

 















The Westing Game by Ellen Raskin

Summary: (amazon)

A bizarre chain of events begins when sixteen unlikely people gather for the reading of Samuel W. Westing’s will. And though no one knows why the eccentric, game-loving millionaire has chosen a virtual stranger—and a possible murderer—to inherit his vast fortune, on things for sure: Sam Westing may be dead…but that won’t stop him from playing one last game!

My Thoughts:

I was really excited for this book. I had heard it was a fun, sparky, whimsical murder mystery. I was pretty disappointed.   First of all, it is way too confusing. There are sixteen different characters and stories to keep up with, which is way to much. When you do have more than a dozen ideas to keep up with, you can't feel close or get to know any of the characters. The plot and ending was weird and it didn't make sense. On the other hand, the writing was whimsical and fun. It was just too much and too confusing.

Content: Cautious--some description, scary ideas

My Rating: 2 stars (I didn't like it)

PG, 10 and Up

Book Review: The Rent Collector

 The Rent Collector by Camron Wright

Summary: (amazon)

 This fictional story, based on actual accounts, follows a Cambodian family that lives at--and makes their living from--Stung Meanchey, the largest municipal waste dump in all of Cambodia. as her husband scavenge the dump for things to sell, Sang Ly tries to find a way to heal her ailing son. When she discovers that the bad-tempered rent collector can read, Sang LY begs the woman to teach her. The unlikely relationship is the beginning of a life-changing quest. It is a story of hope, determination, and the strength of family. It is the journey of one woman to save her son and another womans chance at redemption. It demonstrates that even in a dump in Cambodia--perhaps especially in a dump in Cambodia--everyone deserves a second chance.

 My Thoughts:

I really liked this novel. First of all the setting was very interesting. I was surprised to know that Sung Meanchey a real place, and that aspect was thought provoking.  But the plot was slow--extremely slow, and there wasn't a climax. Something happens in the end and your think "was the author trying to leave clues and build up to this point"? But the author didn't and a little bit of a mystery in the book would have been nice. The Rent Collector was well written, and I enjoyed the characters. Sang Ly's journey with the Rent Collector was bland, and not very exciting. Although, it is a sweet, thought provoking novel. It really makes you think! Overall, it wasn't a very thrilling or excited book. But it was worth it, and I would recommend it.

Content: Cautious, violence, gross\gorey descriptions, alcoholism

My Rating: 4 stars (I liked it)

PG, 12 and up

Book Review: Pride and Popularity

 
















Pride and Popularity by Jenni James

Summary: (amazon)

Chloe Elizabeth Hart despises the conceited antics of the popular crowd, or more importantly, one very annoying self-possessed guy, Taylor Anderson, who seems determined to make her the president of his fan club! As if! Every girl in the whole city of Farmington, New Mexico, is in love with him, but he seems to be only interested in Chloe. This modern high school adaptation of Pride and Prejudice is a battle of wits as Chloe desperately tries to remain the only girl who can avoid the inevitable falling for Taylor.

My Thoughts:

This is the first book in the Jane Austen Diaries. I read this one after Emmalee, which was the third book in the series. As much as I liked Emmalee, this one was way better. Chloe is a fantastic character, and Taylor is just awesome. There was more kissing than I would have liked, and the writing was bland. But it was un-put-downable! I LOVED it! I would definitely recommend this for tween\teen girls.

Content: Cautious--boy tries to drug girl, kissing, drama

My Rating: 5 stars (I loved it)

PG, 12 and UP

Poems

How do you write poems? Do you rhyme? Do you add a steady rhythm? Are your poems long? Or short?

Tell me!

Here is my absolute favorite poem by Robert Frost:

And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveler, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could
To where it bent in the undergrowth;	5
Then took the other, as just as fair,
And having perhaps the better claim,
Because it was grassy and wanted wear;
Though as for that the passing there
Had worn them really about the same,	10
And both that morning equally lay
In leaves no step had trodden black.
Oh, I kept the first for another day!
Yet knowing how way leads on to way,
I doubted if I should ever come back.	15
I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.	20

What's your favorite poem?
     

Book Review: Out of the Dust

 
 Out of the Dust by Karen Hesse

Summary: (amazon)

 This gripping story, written in sparse first-person, free-verse poems, is the compelling tale of Billie Jo's struggle to survive during the dust bowl years of the Depression. With stoic courage, she learns to cope with the loss of her mother and her grieving father's slow deterioration. There is hope at the end when Billie Jo's badly burned hands are healed, and she is able to play her beloved piano again. The 1998 Newbery Medal winner.

My Thoughts:

This was a really different Historical Fiction novel (well it wasn't really a novel). First of all, it's in first person poems--100% of the book! I thought the poems fit the book really well, but it got confusing at some points. When you do poems, you can't really connect with the characters. It was a very quick and easy read, but I would not recommend it at all.

Content: None

My Rating: 2 stars (I didn't like it)
 
G, 10 and Up

How do you Write?

Do you Write best with music? 
Do you need it to be silent? 
Is your thinking better with food in your hand? 
Do you write a detailed plot--or just write as you go? 
Are you a typer? 
Or do you write you stories on paper?

Nonfiction? 
Biographies? 
Fairytales?
 What do you write?
 Why do you like writing?

Tell me! Comment, I'd love to hear your thoughts.

Book Review: Losers Inc

 

Losers Inc. by Claudia Mills

Summary:(amazon)

 Ethan Winfield has never been an academic or athletic star like his older brother, Peter. But does that make him a failure? Of course not. Still, Ethan and his best friend, Julius Zimmerman, decide that they qualify to found an exclusive club: Losers, Inc.

No sooner have they done this, however, than both boys fall in love with the new student teacher. Ethan knows right away that to impress Ms. Gunderson he has to excel. Instead of reading the shortest book for his report, he has to read the longest. Instead of working with Julius on the worst project for the science fair, he has to make the best one--alone.

Unfortunately, it isn't Ms. Gunderson who falls for Ethan, but Lizzie Archer, class nerd. The teasing is unbearable! So without regard for Lizzie's feelings--and over Julius's objections--Ethan helps hatch a plot to prove that he's not Lizzie's boyfriend. The result is that even as he reports on a book that's longer than any Peter read in the sixth grade, and prepares a potentially winning science project, Ethan feels that he doesn't deserve anyone's love--not Ms. Gunderson's, not Lizzie's, not Julius's, not his own.

My Thoughts:

This book was downright weird. I read it for fun--but I mean, an eleven year old kid falling in love with a student teacher? Yeah, it was REALLY weird. The characters were mostly flat, the writing was boring, nothing really special. It was just a light right. One aspect I liked though, was the humor. It was perfectly silly for younger kids! I would recommend this book for kids in 3rd\4th grade who need an easy and fun book.

Content: None

G, 8 and up

Book Review: See You At Harry's

 


















See You at Harry's by Jo Knowles

Summary: (amazon)

 Twelve-year-old Fern feels invisible. It seems as though everyone in her family has better things to do than pay attention to her: Mom (when she’s not meditating) helps Dad run the family restaurant; Sarah is taking a gap year after high school; and Holden pretends that Mom and Dad and everyone else doesn’t know he’s gay, even as he fends off bullies at school. Then there’s Charlie: three years old, a "surprise" baby, the center of everyone’s world. He’s devoted to Fern, but he’s annoying, too, always getting his way, always dirty, always commanding attention. If it wasn’t for Ran, Fern’s calm and positive best friend, there’d be nowhere to turn. Ran’s mantra, "All will be well," is soothing in a way that nothing else seems to be. And when Ran says it, Fern can almost believe it’s true. But then tragedy strikes- and Fern feels not only more alone than ever, but also responsible for the accident that has wrenched her family apart. All will not be well. Or at least all will never be the same.

My Thoughts:

I had heard a lot of places that this was a good book. First of all, very little of the story had to do with Fern's family's restaurant. The writing was very bland and the characters were extremely flat. I felt also that only about half of this novel had to do with the tragedy. The other 50% was focused on  Fern's 14 year old, gay,  brother. I found this book boring and I wouldn't recommend it.

My Rating: 2 stars (I didn't like it)

Content: Cautious--tragedy, boys holding hands and dancing 


PG 12 and up

Book Review: Emmalee

 












 Emmalee by Jenni James

Summary: (amazon)

Emmalee Bradford thinks she's an expert at matchmaking, and she won't rest until all her friends are as happy as she is. Especially Hannah, the girl she's decided to make popular. Everyone loves Emmalee's advice -everyone, that is, except her annoying neighbor Chase Anderson, who has taken it upon himself to "fix" her.

My Thoughts:

I love Jane Austen, and I've seen both of the Emma movies. I always found Emma kind of oblivious and naive. But I still loved her story and Mr. Knightly. This book was almost the exact same story--just modern day. I really hate obnoxious teenage romances, but I actually didn't mind this one! The writing didn't bug me (for once!) and I really loved the characters. Oh my gosh, Chase was the best. Emma like I said, kind of bugged me but I love Emmalee. It was really funny too, and I was able to finish it in just a few hours. Overall I would recommend this as a funny, light romance. I will definitely

 My Rating: 4 stars (I really liked it!)

Content: Cautious--a lot of drama, kissing, girl gets pulled on boys lap

Writing Resources

poeticpower.com-- On-Going Poetry Contest

thesaurus.com--Online Thesaurus

http://character.namegeneratorfun.com/--Character Name Generator

nanowrimo.org--Write a Novel in a Month

teenink.com--Read other Teens Writing and Publish your Own

http://leaguewriters.blogspot.com/--A Website by YA authors

All of these are safe, I promise :) Have fun!

Book Review: Wonder

Wonder by R.J. Palacio

Summary: (amazon)

August Pullman was born with a facial difference that, up until now, has prevented him from going to a mainstream school. Starting 5th grade at Beecher Prep, he wants nothing more than to be treated as an ordinary kid—but his new classmates can’t get past Auggie’s extraordinary face. WONDER, now a #1 New York Times bestseller and included on the Texas Bluebonnet Award master list, begins from Auggie’s point of view, but soon switches to include his classmates, his sister, her boyfriend, and others. These perspectives converge in a portrait of one community’s struggle with empathy, compassion, and acceptance.

My thoughts:

I have mixed feelings about this book. First of all, I liked the idea of the book switching perspectives. But I thought that including the sisters boyfriend was unnecessary and kind of obnoxious. The writing was decent, but I didn't really fall in love with the characters the way I wanted to.  I liked Olivia, but that was really it. But the friendship element was fantastic, and I really liked the change in attitude towards the end. Overall, it was a pretty good book and I loved the idea and moral in it. The characters just didn't work for me.

My Rating: 4 stars (I liked it)

Content: Cautious--kissing, drama, bullying

PG, 10 and up