13 Little Blue Envelopes by Maureen Johnson

Okay, I'm a bit late discovering the books of delightfully snarky Maureen Johnson (but I've followed her on Twitter for some time thanks to Libba Bray and MJ's strong stance against banning books, does that count?) After reading 13 Little Blue Envelopes (2005, Harper Collins), I plan to be a fan for quite some time.

For grades 8 and up, the story of 17-year-old Ginny Blackstone is the perfect summer read: especially for those of us who would love to tour Europe but are shackled to home thanks to the big bad recession.

So, three years ago, Ginny's Aunt Peg up and left for Europe. Sure, there was the occasional postcard, but mainly, she was off being the flaky artist that Ginny had always known her to be. Then Ginny learns her runaway aunt has died of a brain tumor, leaving her favorite niece 13 little blue envelopes. The first one contains $1,000 and a set of rules that include Ginny's packing a bag and hopping a flight to London. She is only to open one envelope at a time, and never without fulfilling the instructions of its predecessor. Ginny, being the rule-follower that she is, goes along with it.

So off she goes, traveling through Europe, following the same path Aunt Peg took as she discovered herself, her art, and the illness that would eventually claim her. Ginny makes a few friends, learns a lot about both herself and her aunt, and experiences the kinds of things only a teenager backpacking through Europe with a ATM card and a passport can experience (read: boys).

Johnson's writing style is light and totally sucks you in, with descriptions of Rome, Paris, London, Amsterdam, Copenhagen and Greece that are a vacation in themselves. (How I envy the author her research trip!!)

Other books (including Suite Scarlette, Devilish and the Bermudez Triangle) are now on my radar and will be voraciously consumed as soon as they are in my grasp. 4 bookmarks as I look forward to more.

Have you seen HP6 yet? Let me know what you think...

Cool Kids Read wants to know your likes/dislikes about Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince (the movie). Better than the book? What did they change for the movie that they shouldn't have? Who's your favorite character? Favorite scene? Was it scary? Do tell!!!

The Lightning Thief -- trailer

I've never wanted President's Day to get here so fast! This gave me goosebumps!!

The Lightning Thief trailer

Fablehaven 4: Secrets of the Dragon Sanctuary

Okay, it took me a few months to read the newest Fablehaven installment, Secrets of the Dragon Sanctuary, but that was only because of previous reading commitments and a heavy schedule. Now that I've finally finished it, I'm thrilled to be able to post a glowing review. Because it ROCKED!

I took a few of my young reader friends to Brandon Mull's booksigning when he came through Dallas and the most gracious author not only did a great job of fielding questions, but signed stacks of books with enthusiasm.

Almost all of those young readers had finished the new book by that following weekend, and all told me how great it was. One even said it was their favorite one in the entire series. I was a little worried that over-hype might set in (you know, when everyone tells you something is SO great that your expectations are way too high) but, luckily, Mr. Mull came through in spades.

If you haven't read this series, check out the Wikipedia page for background. And see my review of Book 3 (Grip of the Shadow Plague) here.

Continuing Kendra and Seth's story, SODS picks up right where Shadow Plague leaves off. There are more artifacts to be collected, the Sphinx and the Society of the Evening Star are still out there, and Kendra's special fairy talents continue to put a target on her back.

Mull introduces new magical elements that keep the story zinging along as the gang must find their way to Wyrmroost, one of the frightening Dragon Sanctuaries, to keep the Sphinx from obtaining a key which will open the demon prison and allow the Sphinx to RULE THE WORLD (mwah ha ha ha).

Seth is his rule-breaking self, although he seems to have matured a bit, especially when faced with an emotional shock. Kendra is faced with more challenges than ever, dealing with the heavy responsibilities Patton has placed on her shoulders.

IMHO, this series ranks right up there with HP and Artemis Fowl for young fantasy readers, and book four continues to build the adventure stunningly -- complete with a "no way!" cliffhanger ending that will make waiting for the Fablehaven: Keys to the Demon Prison achingly difficult. I know it will be for me.

Look for future news on these books being made into movies. If Hollywood doesn't do right by these, it will be a real shame.

4.75 bookmarks (because I do lend them out quite frequently). Sometimes intense, these adventures are most appropriate for readers 8 and up.

Audio Book Withdrawl

Okay, I'm in trouble. The CD player in my car is out (which somehow coincided with getting my brakes fixed, what's with that???) so I am without CD for a couple of weeks... well, it actually works it's just that when it's on and I go over a bump in the road, my entire electrical system shuts down and that makes it very difficult to steer.

So ANYWAY, because of this I'm forced to listen to THE RADIO (gasp) which I rarely do because I spend an hour a day commuting and this is when I get most of my "reading" done.

While this has been a great chance to catch up on current events on NPR and with Kidd Kraddick (I have to admit, I DO love that radio show), I'm even slower than usual at getting through my reading list.

This is all a very round about way of pleading for guest bloggers. Have you read a YA or middle grade book this summer that you want to share? Write up a recommendation (think of it as book report practice on a book you enjoyed reading!) and email it to kimberlyjsmith1@mac.com. I'll let you know if it's going to be posted, and I might even be able to connect you with the author for an interview... no promises, but I'll try.

I also re-post my reviews and interviews to my blog on Dallas Morning News NeighborsGo, and they often pick them up and put them in the printed version, so who knows, you could see yourself in print as well!

So answer my plea for help, won't you? It could be the beginning of your own blogging career!