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