The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate

The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate by Jacqueline Kelly

Book 91 of 100 for the 100+ Reading Challenge
Book 23 of 50 for the New Author Challenge
Book 8 of 10 for the Orbis Terrarum Challenge (New Zealand)

Recommendations: Booklist, Starred; Bulletin-Center Child Books; Chicago Tribune; Horn Book; Kirkus Reviews, Starred Review; New York Times; Publishers Weekly, Starred; School Library Journal, Starred Review; Washington Post Book World

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Calpurnia (Callie Vee) is an 11-year old girl with six brothers who lives in Central Texas in 1899. She despises the traditionally female tasks of cooking and sewing. Instead, she develops a relationship with her amateur scientist grandfather and spends the summer days making observations in her notebook. Her grandfather teaches her about Charles Darwin, and Callie Vee develops a love for the bounties of nature.

I really liked Callie as the protagonist. She's got all the fiestiness I love in a girl pushing the envelope on traditional gender roles in a time when that just wasn't done. Her brothers provided some comic relief, but I felt like sometimes they weren't true to the age they were written. Callie's mother downright drove me crazy. She spent her time trying to force Callie into domestic servitude while drinking her way through the day.

I was really excited to read this book. But early on I realized that the plot just wasn't grabbing me as much as I wanted. I didn't find it to be a real page-turner, and I think at 340 pages middle graders might find it with not enough action to hold their interest. I wasn't really happy with the resolution, or lack thereof. Quite frankly, if the book were to carry on, I imagine it would end very sadly on all accounts.

The naturalist side of me really enjoyed Callie and her grandfather bonding over nature. They developed a unique relationship, but I don't think it was fully explored. Girls Callie's age may enjoy imagining what life was like 100 years ago. But before recommending it, I would caution that alcohol plays a big part in this book between Callie's mother, Callie getting her first shot of whiskey, and her grandfather's determination to make whiskey out of pecans.

Overall, I liked it. The book has a great premise, but I didn't love the execution.

Also reviewed by:

• A Patchwork of Books
• Menasha Public Library
• One Librarian's Book Reviews
• Through the Looking Glass Children's Book Reviews

Have I missed yours?

Source: Library

The Education of Little Tree

The Education of Little Tree by Forrest Carter

Book 90 of 100 for the 100+ Reading Challenge
Book 22 of 50 for the New Author Challenge
Book 3 of 3 for the Southern Reading Challenge
Book 5 of 5 for the Book Awards III Challenge
Award: American Booksellers Association Book of the Year (ABBY) award

My rating: 2 of 5 stars

This book has been marketed as the "true story" of a young Cherokee boy in the 1930s, raised by his grandparents in the mountains of eastern Tennessee. The book is, in fact, completely fictional. There is quite the controversy over this book since Oprah had it on her list for years and then took it off when she realized it was fiction.

I might have been able to get over the fiction/nonfiction issue. I read Mutant Message from Down Under a few years ago, and there is a similar issue with that book. I don't mind so much as long as the book makes me think, true or not. But the first half of the book put me to sleep. I did enjoy the second half as there is more plot. Still, I found the characters to be painfully one-dimensional.

The relationship Little Tree had with his grandparents was sweet. The naturalist side of me also enjoyed some of the observations about the earth and our role in the circle of life. But there was a certain degree of crassness that set me on edge, especially if these are supposed to be the observations of a six-year old.

Click here if you want to know more about the man (he founded a paramilitary KKK splinter group in the 1950s) or the book (talk about reinventing yourself!).

Have you read this? What was your take?

Source: BookMooch

When You Reach Me

When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead

Book 89 of 100 for the 100+ Reading Challenge
Book 21 of 50 for the New Author Challenge
Book 4 of 5 for the Book Awards III Reading Challenge

Awards & Praise: Kid's Indie Next List "Inspired Recommendations for Kids from Indie Booksellers" 2009; Amazon Best of the Month, July 2009; Starred Reviews from Kirkus, SLJ, Booklist, The Horn Book Magazine, Publisher's Weekly

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

So, I'm going to try and not let my gushing get too out of control. But I loved, loved, loved this book. Not only will it be a favorite for 2009, but probably an all-time favorite. It's a juvenile book, but don't let that deter you. Just go get it.

Miranda is a sixth grader growing up in New York City in the late 1970s. She's essentially a latchkey kid but she has savvy street smarts. Strange things have been happening to Miranda that have her unnerved. I don't want to say too much, but her worries have something to do with a missing key, mysterious notes, and a mentally-unstable man who stands on the corner.

This book was like an intricate puzzle. I couldn't see the whole picture as I was reading it, but as the final pieces went in, I was amazed by how it all looked. I even cried. I don't own this book, but I will soon. I can't wait to reread it, and I can't wait to share it with my kids. (End of gushing.)

I would recommend this book for 5th grade and up. The word 'hell' is used twice and it is a coming-of-age type story. In reality, the older you are reading it, I think the more you'll get out of it. But before you read it, it will help if you've read A Wrinkle in Time and watched at least one episode of The $20,000 Pyramid at some point during your life.

Also reviewed by:

• A Fuse #8 Production
• Eva's Book Addiction
• Becky's Book Reviews
  
• Menasha Public Library

Did I miss yours?

Source: Library

Crown Duel

Crown Duel by Sherwood Smith

Book 88 of 100 for the 100+ Reading Challenge
Book 20 of 50 for the New Author Challenge

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I think if I had read this book when it came out 12 years ago, I would have loved it. The problem is that I've read Graceling and Poison Study this year and liked them much better. I know that isn't really fair because this one came out first and Sherwood Smith deserves credit for that. But, I couldn't help compare this book to the others, so it is what it is. I enjoyed it, just not as much as the others.

This is a medieval tale, light on the fantasy and magic, and I thought the storytelling was great. Meliara and her brother Bran are lesser royals who pick up the fight against the evil king when their father dies. They have information that the king, who is taxing them beyond all reason for his personal benefit, is going to break a covenant with the magical Hill Folk who live near their mountain home. Meliara is brave, smart and well-intentioned, but she seemed to pass out whenever the fight really got going. I liked the political intrigue and court drama aspects of the book, but Meliara's naivete and poor people skills were frustrating to me. The romance side is predictable and it really only gets good at the very end.

To thoroughly confuse potential readers, this book comes in either a two-book format (called Crown Duel and Court Duel) or the one-book format I read (called Crown Duel). Personally, this really should be packaged as one book. I think if I had just read the first one, I would have been sorely disappointed. As it is, this was a fun and entertaining read, but not without its flaws. I liked that the book was very clean, and I would recommend it for fantasy-lovers and teenage girls.

Also reviewed by:

• Book Nut, Book 1 and Book 2
• The Book Nest

Have I missed yours?

Source: Library

The Lincolns

The Lincolns: A Scrapbook Look at Abraham and Mary by Candace Fleming

Book 87 of 100 for the 100+ Reading Challenge
Book 19 of 50 for the New Author Challenge
Book 3 of 5 for the Book Awards III Challenge
Awards: NCTE Orbis Pictus Award/Honor Book; Booklist Editors' Choice; Horn Book Fanfare; Flora Stieglitz Straus Award; ALA Notable/Best Books; Kirkus Editors Choice; Los Angeles Times Book Prize; Boston Globe/Horn Book Award/Honors; Junior Library Guild Selection

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I kept my eye on the SLJ Battle of the Books this year and saw that this book was the contender against The Hunger Games in the third round judged by Chris Crutcher. I figured even though it lost (The Hunger Games ultimately won the whole thing) it still had to be pretty good.

Candace Fleming uses a scrapbook approach to tell the story of the lives of both Abraham and Mary Lincoln. On each page, there are copies of newspaper articles, lithographs, wood cuttings, photographs, and handwritten letters. Instead of just reading the history in words, the scrapbook approach helps add life and meaning to the fascinating lives of the Lincolns.

Don't get me wrong. The scrapbook approach is not frivolous. Even though it is 155 pages, it took me multiple days to read. I wanted to fully immerse myself, explore every page and cram as many facts into my head as it would hold. This book is written on an 8th grade level, and I think it is an excellent resource for anyone interested in a serious study of Abraham and Mary, their upbringing, their family, his career, and his Presidency and the Civil War. It is well-researched and documented and includes detailed notes and an index.

I understand that Fleming has a book about Eleanor Roosevelt done in a similar style. I will definitely be looking into that one in the future. This is a fabulous way to read history. I enjoyed it from the first page to the last.

Also reviewed by:

• The Well-Read Child
• books4yourkids.com
• A Comfy Chair and a Good Book

Have I missed yours?

Source: Library

The Four Graces

The Four Graces by Dorothy Emily Stevenson

Book 86 of 100 for the 100+ Reading Challenge

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Four Graces, first published in 1946, is my favorite D.E. Stevenson novel thus far. That's really saying something since I have enjoyed them all!

This is the story of a vicar and his four grown daughters who live in a small village during WWII. The novel explores life and love for this endearing family during this period of history. There is a fun cast of supporting characters including the annoying aunt who arrives after her flat in London has been bombed, the Oxford scholar who has come to study Roman ruins, and the military personnel stationed nearby. There are a few minor characters who appear both in this book and The Two Mrs. Abbotts, and for me that only added to its appeal.

D.E. Stevenson has a unique ability to take regular daily life and write it in a way that is so compelling and fun. Apart from the romance angle of the book, which you can see a mile off, nothing really happens in this book. And yet, I was riveted. Tucked into the story are reflections on everyday life that would stop me in my tracks for their profundity.

This is a wonderful read I wholeheartedly recommend.

Source: Library

Where'd I Get My Books?

I thought I'd throw my two cents into this discussion currently making its way through the book-blogosphere. I had a look at the 88 books I've read this year and this is what I came up with:

Purchased: 20
Library books: 40
Mooched: 13
Review copies: 8
Gifts: 5
Borrowed: 2

My purchased books includes library book sales, used bookstores, Half.com, the Scholastic Warehouse sale, as well as the traditional Borders/B&N/Amazon books. So, they aren't all full-priced books, and I rarely buy without a coupon or sale of some sort. I must admit, I do enjoy purchasing books and supporting authors.

I'm happy that about half the books I read are library books. I'm trying to read more of what I have on my shelves, but I love the library and I have a degree in library science, so my trips to the library are never going to stop. However, I have slowed down since I finished the Support Your Local Library Challenge.

I review about a book a month for an author/publisher and for me that's a good balance. When I have too many review copies, I feel stressed. And stress and reading never mix well for me. I have five review books to read, two of which cannot be posted for another month or two.

So, overall I'd say I'm in a good place that works for me.

Eyes Like Stars

Eyes Like Stars by Lisa Mantchev

Book 85 of 100 for the 100+ Reading Challenge
Book 18 of 50 for the New Author Challenge
Series: Act 1 of The Theatre Illuminata

My rating: 2 of 5 stars

This book started out great. I was totally lost at first, but that added to the initial appeal for me. Once I got my bearings, I was enchanted by the conceptual creativity of this book. But then it just didn't work cohesively enough to keep me interested.

Beatrice (Bertie) Shakespeare Smith lives in the theatre. In fact, her bedroom is actually a set on the stage, and her friends are the fairies from A Midsummer Night's Dream. The theatre is a magical place with it's own powers. But Beatrice has no real purpose there, and she is often in trouble for the pranks she pulls. So the Theatre Manager gives her an ultimatum. She must find something to do in the theatre that makes her invaluable, or she is kicked out on the street to make her way alone.

So, why didn't I love it? Well, there's a few things. Once I felt I had the magic/fantasy "rules" of the book worked out, they changed. And I never got comfortable with the fact that Bertie seemed so world-wise for her 17 years--wearing jeans, dying her hair blue, smoking, drinking, cursing--if she had never been outside and experienced the real world as a teenager. And there were too many plotlines with large holes, and stuff was happening so unreasonably fast that I just couldn't buy into it.

I almost gave this book 3 stars because it is so unique. But in the end, it really was just OK for me. Fantasy lovers and Shakespeare fans will probably adore this book. Eyes Like Stars has gotten rave reviews, and I'm definitely in the minority with my feelings. I hope you'll check out some of these other reviews:

• Becky's Book Reviews
• In Bed With Books
• Karin's Book Nook
• reading is my superpower
• A Patchwork of Books
• Presenting Lenore
• Sarah's random musings
• Hope's Bookshelf
• Melissa's Bookshelf

Did I miss yours?

These Is My Words

These Is My Words by Nancy E. Turner

Book 84 of 100 for the 100+ Reading Challenge
Book 2 of 5 for the Book Awards III Challenge
Awards: Arizona Author Award, Willa Cather Literary Award finalist
Series: Book 1 of 3 (Sarah Prine)

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I don't re-read books very often. But, since this is one of my all-time favorites and my in-person book club read chose this one for July, I was excited to see if it still stands the test of time for me.

These Is My Words is a work of historical fiction that explores the life of a young woman in the Arizona Territory through her diary. Sarah Prine faces heart-breaking trials with courage and determination, experiences joy she never thought possible, and lives her life to the full as she follows her dreams. The author based Sarah's character on her real great-grandmother, and you can almost imagine Sarah is an actual person. She's not perfect, and there are things about her that I just relate to, even though our life experiences are so very different. I loved the relationships between Sarah and her family, and the romantic side of this book is just perfect.

I could go on forever, but it boils down to this:

1. I still love it.
2. It still makes me cry.
3. If you haven't read it, do.

Some quotes:

"Our children weigh hard on my heart, and thinking about them growing up honest and healthy, or just living to grow up at all, makes a load in my chest that is bigger than the safe at the bank, and more valuable to me than all the gold inside it."

"I think my Mama and Savannah must be special people in the Lord's eyes, as they have gone about doing generous and loving things without even a second thought. For me, it seems like the only thing that comes natural is aggravation and hard work."

"I know all these people are so busy because they love each other and me. We are a noisy crowd of love."

"Mama told me to make a special point to remember the best times of my life. There are so many hard things to live through, and latching on to the good things will give you strength to endure, she says. So I must remember this day. It is beautiful and this seems like the best time to live and the best place."

"...I might like to have someone courting me. But it would have to be someone who is a square shooter and who has a train load of courage. And it would have to be someone who doesn't have to talk down to folks to feel good, or to tell a person they are worthless if they just made a mistake. And he'd have to be not too thin. Why, I remember hugging [my brother] Ernest was like wrapping your arms around a fence post, and I love Ernest, but I want a man who can hold me down in a wind. Maybe he'd have to be pretty stubborn. I don't have any use for a man that isn't stubborn. Likely a stubborn fellow will stay with you through thick and thin, and a spineless one will take off, or let his heart wander."

"Some people sense is wasted on and that's purely a fact."

Also reviewed by:

• Bloggin' 'bout Books
• Bookstack
• Book Nut

Let me know if I have missed yours!

I Am a Mother

I Am a Mother by Jane Clayson Johnson

Book 83 of 100 for the 100+ Reading Challenge
Book 17 of 50 for the New Author Challenge

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Jane Clayson Johnson is a former co-host of The Early Show on CBS with Bryant Gumbel. She gave up her amazing career when she had her first child. She realized that women everywhere degrade themselves by telling others: I'm just a mom. So, she wrote a book to remind women that being a mother is one of the most wonderful things you'll ever do, and you should be proud of it.

I'll be honest, I liked this book a whole lot better than I was expecting to. I thought it was going to be cheesy and sappy, and although there was some of that, it was also very real. She doesn't gloss over the hard things or act like it doesn't matter. Jane is relate-able and honest, and I enjoyed the glimpses into her life.

The overall message of the book isn't new. There's a lot of quotes from scripture and LDS leaders. It's just a good reminder about the value of women and mothers. I think the way she presented the ideas that there are seasons in our lives and the importance of not judging each other's choices were especially well-done.

I cried a bunch.

And I think I'll be better about holding my head high and saying:
I am a mother.

Also reviewed by:

• Maw Books Blog
• A Comfy Chair and a Good Book
• 2 Kids and Tired Book Reviews

Have I missed yours?