New books to look for! (and drool over)

The Red Pyramid by Rick Riordan	The Light by D.J. MacHale	Hell's Heroes by Darren Shan
Living Hell by Catherine Jinks	The Gardener by S.A. Bodeen	Tender Morsels by Margo Lanagan
Destiny's Path by Frewin Jones	Illyria by Elizabeth Hand	For the Win by Cory Doctorow
The Cardturner by Louis Sachar	Little Vampire Women by Lynn Messina	Thirteen Days to Midnight by Patrick Carman
It's Not Summer Without You by Jenny Han	By Royal Command, a James Bond Adventure, book 5 by Charlie Higson	Boys, Bears, and a Serious Pair of Hiking Boots by Abby McDonald

The Ninja Reviews. . .Tithe, Valiant, and Ironside by Holly Black

Holly Black is known mostly for co-writing The Spiderwick Chronicles, but I knew her first as an author of young adult books about a very dark version of our world inhabited by faeries.


The first of these books is Tithe (the cover has been re-done a number of times, which I've always found an interesting thing for a publisher to do). Kaye is 16 and has always felt like a freak. She is a blonde-haired Asian, which is strange enough, she grew up in seedy bars because of her rocker-wannabe mom, and she has vague memories of conversing with faeries when she was a little girl. When she ends up back at her Gram's house, she rescues a wounded man who is obviously not of this world. Her faerie friends from childhood reappear to warn her, but Kaye is quickly sucked into the world of faerie.

This is actually a re-telling of the Scottish legend of Tam Lin, but it is incredibly dark, very edgy, and not your typical faery story. In traditional folklore, faeries were not usually beautiful creatures who performed good deeds; They were something to be feared. Holly Black definitely uses this in her novels, and to great effect. I have read some reviews online in which readers have complained about the language and some of the contest in these books. However, it all serves to build the Kaye's character and explain what type of life she has had. If you keep in mind that she's led a really rough life around rough people, you just might come to understand her and her eventual involvement in the macabre world of the fae.

I highly suggest these books to fans of Melissa Marr. If you love her books, then you will certainly enjoy Holly Black's. Here are the two books that follow Tithe:

Valiant by Holly Black

Ironside by Holly Black

Ninja Angela's Top 5 books of 2009 and Top 5 books to look for in 2010

There’s nothing I like more than talking about my favorite books (as my coworkers, husband, and kids will attest to) so I was more than willing to compile a list of my favorite books of 2009. The problem was narrowing it down to just 5. So here it goes…

Angela's Top 5 Books of 2009
5.Since I am TOTALLY into books with a “Girl Power” theme, I will carry on the cheating tradition of a tie and name these two great books as my number 5:
Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
In case you’ve been living under a rock for the last year, this book was on the 2009 Lone Star Book List and is so awesome it is always on reserve and a bit hard to get your hands on at the library. It is the story of Katniss Everdeen and her struggle to survive in a harsh futuristic America. The sequel, Catching Fire is even better than the first book, but I didn’t actually read it until 2010 so I can’t include it in this list or I SO would. (previous review)

Don’t Judge a Girl by Her Cover by Ally Carter
This is the third installment in the Gallagher Girl series about Cammie Morgan and her adventures at an exclusive all-girls school for spies. I love this series because it couples the everyday struggles of being a teen with the additional pressures of living a secret life. What could be more empowering than learning how to disarm a bomb and kick butt at the same time (without being a ninja)?!?! (previous review)


4.The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman
After the tragic murder of his family, Nobody Owens is raised by the ghosts and other occupants (hint: vampire and werewolves) that inhabit the local graveyard. The Graveyard Book was awarded the Newbery Award in 2009 for literary fiction. This story is expressive and at times almost poetic in its writing. But don’t let that fool you into thinking that it is at all boring—there’s plenty of fantasy and action to keep you turning the pages. This is the first Neil Gaiman book I’ve read and it definitely makes me want to read more. (previous review)

3. Impossible by Nancy Werlin
Seventeen year old, Lucy, discovers that her family is the key to an ancient curse. In order to break the curse placed on them by the Elfin King, she must complete three impossible tasks. This book is beautifully written and completely engaging--you will fall in love with the characters. If you’re looking for a great story that doesn’t include vampires, give this book a try—you won’t regret it! (previous review)

2. The Season by Sarah Maclean
This book is on the 2010 Lone Star Reading List and I barely got it in under the wire having read it in December. The Season follows the lives of three friends as they make their debut into London’s aristocratic society—the ton. The characters are believable and likeable (especially the handsome and brooding, Lord Blackmoor). The writing is chalk full of fun bantering between the girls and their beaus. Set during the Regency time period, this book has it all: mystery, humor, romance, and men in knee britches. (previous review)

1. The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton
The Outsiders is the story of three brothers trying to keep their family together after the death of their parents in 1960’s Oklahoma. The plight of the boys as they face social injustice and economic uncertainty weaves a tale of brotherly love that will have you riding a roller coaster of emotions from despair to elation. I saw the movie back when I was in high school but never read the book until this year. And, as usual, the book is better than the movie. This book was originally published in 1967, but the themes are as relevant today as they were then. That alone is the reason that I had to name The Outsiders as my favorite book of 2009—it truly stands the test of time! Here is the official book AND movie website.


Now, for the books I’m looking forward to most in 2010:

Book 3 The Hunger Games Series
I have to chime in with Amy and Jenny and say that I’m most looking forward to the third book in the Hunger Games Series by Suzanne Collins. I just finished Catching Fire and am so left hanging that I can barely stand it. But I will have to wait until August---ooohhh, the humanity!


The Heist Society by Ally Carter
This is a new character and series for Ally Carter and looks to be just as fun and exciting as the Gallagher Girls Series. It is the story about Kat, a girl who is a professional cat burglar. She is going legit and has left her life of crime behind her to enroll in an exclusive private school. But she quickly discovers that her life is not her own when she is forced back into a life of crime by a mobster threatening to kill her father. It is due out February 9th—oooh, just in time for Valentine’s Day!


Gone by Lisa McMann
This is the third book in the Wake Series. If you haven’t read these books, you really should. Janie is cursed with the ability to fall into other people’s dreams. This sounds really cool, but can be a terrible burden. Janie and Cabel have found a way to channel this ability in a good way but it just may get them killed. This book also comes out on February 9th—I know what I’ll be doing!



Only the Good Spy Young by Ally Carter
This book is due out June 15th—just in time for some fun in the sun reading! This is the fourth installment of the Gallagher Girl Series. I can’t wait to see what dilemma Cammie finds herself in now and see if Zach is back…





Runaway by Meg Cabot
This is the third book in the Airhead series. Em Watts, egghead extraordinaire, has started to adjust to being in the body of a supermodel when she is blindsided yet again. She is kidnapped by the evil Stark Empire and discovers that all is not as it seems. Can't wait to find out how Meg ends this series--she is soooo good at wrapping up loose ends!

Truancy is a book written by a very young author about how it is going to school in a Totalitarian society. To have complete control, the mayor runs all the schools very strictly. All students have barcodes on their arms and they may only speak when spoken to or receive harsh punishment. If a student is expelled, they become vagrants and nobody in society has anything to do with them.

There is a group of ex-students and vagrants called the Truancy that is against the mayor and fighting him as best as they can. The mayor is trying his best to keep the Truants under control and under the view of society since he doesn’t want people knowing there are those that undermine authority.

Through a friend, Tack finds out the existence of the Truancy, but doesn’t think much of it until his sister is killed in the crossfire of one of their attacks. He runs away and ends up joining them to try to get revenge on his sister’s killer. Only he ends up fighting side-by-side with him and together they lead a revolt. Will they succeed? Will he ever avenge his sister’s death?I love books where the people in charge try to control the society, so this was a great read for me. This book is the first in the part of a trilogy. The second is a prequel called Truancy: Origins and the third has yet to be released. If you like books like Brave New World and 1984, you’ll love this book.

Here's a trailer for the book:

Winter Break Read-In @ Lake Arlington - Win a FREE BOOK!

Winter Break Read-In
December 29, 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Lake Arlington Branch

Can YOU survive for more than FIVE hours straight?! If you’re between the ages of 12 & 18, come join us for a full day of relaxation and reading. You bring the pillows, and we’ll bring the snacks. Plus, if you stay for the WHOLE six hours you’ll receive a FREE book!

Registration is available, but not required. Click here to register online.

Need an idea of what to read? Try one of these!

Beautiful Creatures by Kami Garcia & Margaret Stohl

Monstrumologist by Richard Yancey

The Devil's Kiss by Sarwat Chadda

The Ninja Listens to. . .The Everafter by Amy Huntley

At first, Maddy doesn't know where she is. She has no body, no real senses. She seems to be. . .nowhere. But then she realizes: she's dead. Around her, barely illuminated enough to see, float objects that she soon recognizes as things she lost when she was alive. A piece of homework, a baby rattle, a hairclip, an orchid, even a single piece of popcorn.

When Maddy touches these objects and imagines holding or using them, she is transported back to that moment in her life. She eventually finds that she can not only view these memories, but actually re-live and even change them. But changing a moment means that other parts of her life change, too. And that might not be a good thing, especially when Maddy doesn't even remember how she died.

* * * * *
I listened to the MP3 version of this novel, then later went back and re-read some of it in book format. The audio version is read by Tavia Gilbert, who is wonderful at portraying the helplessness Maddy feels as she simply exists and re-lives pieces of her life.

Author Amy Huntley uses an interesting technique in telling her story; As Maddy touches each lost object and relieves moments in her life, she does so in a random order. One chapter might be when she is 17 and the next when she is 5. There is even a chapter when she is a baby. As confusing as this sounds like it might be, it really isn't. Amy Huntley does this in a way that we not only learn more about Maddy, but we learn more and more about her friends and loved ones, including her mother and sister, her best friend Sandra, and her boyfriend Gabe. I actually found myself anticipating Maddy re-visiting certain periods in her life, so I would say the author uses this technique very well in order to build up the reader's anticipation and even a sense of foreshadowing.

I have read some reviews of this that say there is no real happy ending. Some people were even depressed by the ending. I didn't feel that way. I felt that the ending gives hope. Maddy was given a chance not only to re-visit her life but to learn about life in general, learn about herself, and better understand everyone she knew and loved.

If you want to read something that is different, very emotional, and a little bit supernatural, give this one a try and you may be surprised.

The Ninja Reviews. . .The Season by Sarah MacLean

It is 1815 and Napoleon has escaped from Elba Island and is rallying his troops, but not even the threat of war can dampen the beginning of the Spring Season for the elite English society known as the ton. Most young women look forward to and prepare for their entrance into society for years, but not Ella, Vivi, and Alex.

Eleanor Redburn, daughter of the Earl and Countess of Marlborough, wants only to write novels like the anonymous author of her favorite book, Pride and Prejudice. Vivian Markwell, daughter of the Marquess of Langford, believes that her one true love is waiting for her to find him but realizes that marrying for love is not socially acceptable. Alexandra Stafford, daughter of the Duke and Duchess of Worthington, is angered and confused by the unfair strictures society places on women and wants nothing more than to buck tradition.

These three intelligent and beautiful young women discover that there is more to the life of a debutant than attending balls and soirees when they accidentally discover a spy hiding in their midst. Will they be able to manage their suitors, catch a spy and avoid falling in love?

I have to confess that I LOVE Regency England and I LOVE Regency Romances even more. The glitter of the ballrooms. The one-of-a-kind gowns. The courtly manners. All make for a wonderful escape from the realities of the twenty first century. And since this book combines my two favorite things (Regency England AND Romance) I have to tell you I could NOT put it down. The friendship of Alex, Vivi, and Ella is endearing and vital to the storyline. The desire of the girls to become more than just wives and mothers in a time when that was all that was expected (and allowed) of them presents a dilemma that is not easily resolved. The discovery of a French spy in the heart of the ton creates an enjoyable mystery that will keep you guessing.

Oh, and did I mention there are MANY titled men of the Aristocracy running around in knee britches? I had to save the best part for last! Alex’s three older brothers create a nice comic relief through their teasing and tormenting of the girls. Then there is Gavin Sewell, the brooding Earl of Blackmoor, and all I have to say about him is “YUM”!

The Season is Sarah MacLean’s first YA novel and is a 2010 Texas Long Star book. It is thoroughly enjoyable and a perfect introduction to Regency Romance at its finest!

Waiting on your copy of The Season? Try these:

The Luxe by Anna Godbersen

Sorcery and Cecelia by Patricia C. Wrede

Bewitching Season by Marissa Doyle

Learn more about Regency England here.


Review written by Angela

Win TWELVE free books!!

I just discovered Katie's Book Blog, which contains some really great book reviews. But possibly even better than that are the contests held there. The current contest is incredible.

The 12 Books of Christmas Contest

You have to either be a follower of Katie's blog or become one, then leave her a comment about your favorite book that you read in 2009. There are a few more details, but it's pretty easy and, hey, you can win TWELVE free books!

The Ninja Reviews. . .Bull Rider by Suzanne Morgan Williams

What do skateboarding and bull riding have in common?

Cam O’Mara.

The O’Mara family lives in Nevada and has a long family tradition of ranching and bull riding. Fourteen-year-old Cam prefers to spend his time perfecting his grinds, flips and ollies and leaves the rodeo circuit to his older brother, Ben. However, when Ben is seriously wounded while deployed in Iraq, the O’Mara family is forever altered and Cam must make a choice between his preferred sport and his family legacy. This realistic yet heart-warming story of patriotic courage and family duty will leave you cheering and wanting more.

Bull Rider is Suzanne Morgan Williams’ first novel. It has been named a 2009 Junior Library Guild Selection and is on the 2010 Lonestar and TAYSHAS Reading Lists.

review by Angela

The Ninja Listens to. . .Fat Cat by Robin Brande

Oh, how I love Robin Brande. Seriously, people. Robin Brande is such a breath of fresh air in teen fiction that when I read one of her books it's like I'm in the Swiss Alps breathing, you know, fresh air.

In Fat Cat, super-smart and super-overweight Cat, in an effort to conduct a science fair experiment that is sure to be more brilliant than her former-childhood-best-
friend-turned-arch-nemesis Matt McKinney, vows to live for 7 months (as closely as possible, anyway) the way Homo erectus did about, oh, roughly 2 million years ago. This means that Cat essentially becomes vegan, gives up her computer, her cell phone, driving her car, using a microwave, and even, dare I say it, wearing makeup.

At first, Cat's parents and her best friend Amanda aren't too sure this is a great idea, let alone a possibility. Cat is seriously overweight and totally reliant on candy bars and soda. But as Cat's experiment progresses, the support she receives from her family and best friend grows and Cat herself starts to become, well, hot. Before she knows it, her experiment takes on a new phase (one that involves some serious kissing), and she becomes more determined than ever to prove that she is smarter and better than that jerk Matt McKinney.

Let me just say that I have always been a meat eater. I love me some bacon and I prefer steaks cooked really rare. But this book, which I listened to on audio 2 1/2 weeks ago, actually inspired me to eat better. I have totally given up drinking soda (Oh, Dr. Pepper - I miss you!) and I haven't had a hamburger since finishing the book.

That being said, I don't think this book will inspire everyone to change their diet like I am. My point is that Robin Brande is such an amazing writer that I was totally sucked into the story. I was rooting for Cat the whole way. Best friend Amanda is the most awesome fictional best friend in the history of literature (okay, maybe I'm exaggerating. . .) and Amanda's boyfriend Jordan is equally amazing.

I did not find the vegetarian/vegan aspects of the book to be preachy at all. Cat never looks down on someone else for eating badly. How could she? She spent the last 4 or 5 years putting on weight and eating terribly. I love the way Cat develops a relationship with her little brother who, before her experiment, was always just kind of there in her life.

I would recommend this book to anyone interested in science or someone who likes stories about people who used to be best friends and what happened that made the friendship end (yeah, I'm a sucker for those types of stories). If you haven't read anything by Robin Brande, give her a chance! You won't be disappointed.


A few other titles you might enjoy if you like Fat Cat:

Schooled by Gordon Korman

Evolution, Me and Other Freaks of Nature by Robin Brande

Liar by Justine Larbalestier

The Ninja Reviews. . .Pop by Gordon Korman

After his parent’s divorce, Marcus Jordan moves with his mom to a small town in upstate New York. Marcus LOVES football and played JV ball at his school in Kansas so he is excited to discover that the local high school team was undefeated last season. His goal is to make the Varsity team and be their starting quarterback. Not knowing anyone in town, Marcus begins practicing by himself at the park by his house until one day he is joined by Charlie, a huge man, who wants to play with him. Charlie is merciless in his tackling and throwing and Marcus rises to the challenge. Marcus soon discovers that his new playmate is none other than Charlie Popovich (aka The King of Pop) a retired NFL lineman. Armed with new techniques, Marcus tries out for the team only to discover that the quarterback position is already taken by Troy Popovich, Charlie’s son.

Meanwhile, Troy’s antagonism grows as Marcus cements his position as blocker on the varsity team and begins hanging out with Allie, Troy’s ex-girlfriend. Then there is the fact that Troy’s dad seems to like hanging out more with Marcus than his own son. Not to mention the dark fear Troy has that he will turn out to be like his dad. Keeping the family’s secret is weighing heavily on Troy. How can he continue to play football knowing what he does?

I have to tell you that Gordon Korman is one of my all time favorite YA authors. He is the bomb! He Rocks! He is full of awesome! I will read ANYTHING he writes— books, blog, grocery list. You don’t have to even like football to love the storytelling in this novel. And as always, Korman is not afraid to TACKLE hot issues and bring them to young readers. Read it or find yourself at the bottom of the pile!

Other great books by the G-Man (yes, I can call him that since I’m his #1 fan):

The Juvie Three

Schooled

Born to Rock

review by Angela

Texas Book Festival - teen authors galore

Where can you go to see about a dozen young adult authors all in the same place? The Texas Book Festival! From Saturday, October 31st to Sunday, November 1st, you can join in on discussions with some of your favorite authors and get your books signed. For more information, go to their website (linked above). A list of attending authors is below.


Jessica Lee Anderson
Libba Bray
P.C. Cast and Kristin Cast
Rosemary Clement-Moore
Heather Hepler
Daniel & Dina Nayeri
Rick Riordan
Benjamin Alire Saenz
Rene Saldana, Jr.
Anita Silvey
Cynthia Leitich Smith
Sara Zarr

The Ninja Reviews...Flygirl by Sherri L. Smith

Ida Mae Jones is a young African-American girl living during the 1940s in Slidell, Louisiana. All she wants to do is follow in her late father's footsteps and fly. Her mother allows her to do some crop dusting for local farms. Yet, every time Ida Mae tries to become more than a simple rural crop duster, she is turned down for being a woman and black. Then, her older brother joins the war effort.

When her younger brother hands her a news clipping of a new organization for women pilots called the WASPs, the Women Airforce Service Pilots, Ida Mae knows this could be her chance to help her brother, even if it is only from a distance. However, even though there is nothing in the article stating women of color could not join, the training camp is in Sweetwater, Texas, which in the 1940s is not the friendliest of places for anybody of color. But there is a glimmer of hope. Ida Mae notices, in a picture of the first group of WASPs, an Asian woman. Ida Mae has a lighter skin tone than most African-Americans. Maybe, just maybe, all her dreams can come true.

Flygirl by Sherri L. Smith has been nominated for YALSA's 2009 Teens' Top Ten. I wholeheartedly agree with their choice. Flygirl brings hope to anyone who has struggled to overcome adversity in achieving their dreams. I could not put this book down. If you are looking for great historical fiction, look no further. Sherri Smith takes you on a sometimes heart stopping journey, which will empower you to take the next steps to achieving your dreams.