Children of the Lamp, Book 1, The Akhenaten Adventure

by P.B. Kerr

This book is about two twin children named John and Philippa Gaunt. They live in New York city. Everything in their life starts going crazy one day after they go to the dentist and have their wisdom teeth removed. John's pimples disappear almost instantly. Mysteriously, the next morning, he discovers that the new crack in the headboard of his bed is identical to the crack from the Cairo museum that is shown in a newspaper photograph. Also, after their visit to the dentist, their Father begins acting nervous around them.

The children go to Europe to see their uncle Nimrod for a visit. He appeared to them in a dream, and asked that they come. It turns out that he has important information for them. As they arrive, they find that they have an unknown enemy, who has placed a poison snake on John's suitcase! Uncle Nimrod tells the kids that they are actually Djinn (or what normal humans call "Genies"). They have certain powers, and certain weaknesses. They have the power to grant wishes, and they can make things appear and disappear. These come with a price, however. Every time they use their powers, their lives are shortened. Also, if another Djinn gets some of their hair, he can imprison them inside of a lamp for as long as he wants.

In this book, which is the first in the Children of the Lamp series, they must take on the impossible task of going to Cairo and piecing together clues to find the 70 lost Djinn. After they find the 70 Djinn, uncle Nimrod becomes trapped in a jar.

Will they be able to free their uncle Nimrod? Will they be able to harness their djinn powers in time? Read this exciting tale, and find all the answers!

Here's a link to Amazon, or check your local library.

The Titan's Curse

by Rick Riordan

This is book 3 in the Percy Jackson Series. This book continues the tale of Percy Jackson, Annabeth Chase, and all their friends, in their pursuit to destroy the (supposedly already destroyed) Titan named Kronos, and all his filthy minions.

In the beginning of this book, Annabeth battles Dr. Thorn (hint, hint - a monster). They fight viciously, but they fall off a cliff in the process. Percy wonders where she is, and what has happened to her. After he loses track of Annabeth, he sets off to find Artemis, the Goddess of the Hunt, or the Eternal Maiden. He and his companions need to find her before the winter solstice, otherwise the Gods and Godesses will start fighting, and they need to work together to save Mt. Olympus.

On their adventures they encounter dangerous monsters, such as Zombies, who are grown from dragon teeth. Apparently, you just add a little blood and Pop! They're growing at your feet! They also encounter a giant cat/lion, which they're not too happy about. I thought my allergies were bad!

I would recommend this book to anyone who loves a great story.

Back to the books.

Sorry I haven't been blogging for a while. I've been reading a lot, but not blogging. So, I'm back, and I'm ready to rumble. I found a new assistant. His name is Zuko (like from Avatar). He's been helping me concentrate on my reading, and occasionally pulling me back into reality. We've had him since July. Isn't he cute?

Double Identity

by Margaret Peterson Haddix

This book is about a young girl named Bethany Cole. Her parents are very overprotective. When they mysteriously drop her off at her aunt's house, who she never knew existed, she overhears her aunt say "You know I can't keep a secret." to her father. She wonders what the secret is, and who is this "Elizabeth" she keeps hearing about? She intends to find out.

One day her aunt decides to go grocery shopping, and makes a list of what to buy. Her aunt seems to already know what all of her favorite foods are. The mystery only deepens as time goes on.

Will she find out the answers to all of her questions? Read this exciting tale to find out.

On her website, the author suggests that this book is appropriate for 5th and 6th graders. I think that younger kids who are strong readers, and who like a good mystery, would like it too.

Margaret Peterson Haddix has a nice web site. It looks like she has a new series of books coming out called The Missing series. The first book is called Found. I'd like to read this one. The little video on her web site looks intriguing.

I really liked this book. Here's a link to Amazon.com

The Palace of Laughter

The Wednesday Tales, #1
by Jon Berkeley

This book was about a young orphan named Miles Wednesday, who sleeps in a barrel. One day, a tiger visits him and talk to him. He tells him that he can smell the circus in his blood. You see, he doesn't know who his parents are. He just knows that one day, he was left at an orphanage. When the tiger leaves him, he goes to investigate Circus Oscuro, which was moving through his town at the time.

While investigating the circus, he observes a young girl performing in the circus who is standing of top of a pile of all sorts or rickety objects. Suddenly, she begins to totter, and she falls through the air. Right before she hits the ground, she sprouts tiny wings and lightly touches down to the ground.

He finds out that the girl, whose name is Little, is being held prisoner. After helping her escape, he finds out that she has a friend who is being held prisoner at a place called the Palace of Laughter. They set out to rescue him, and end up having a great adventure.

I loved this book a lot. I'd recommend it for kids aged 8 and up.

Here's a link to Amazon.com.

Nancy Drew - The Triple Hoax

by Carolyn Keene

This Nancy Drew mystery is about three magicians who invite ten people up to the stage and take their belongings, then return them. A few days later, the people are visited by scam artists who sell them things. It turns out, the magicians are actually con artists, who use people's personal belongings to scam them.

They also kidnap a young girl Dolores, and then hold her for ransom. Nancy drew is determined to find Dolores and capture the Hoaxters. Nancy Drew finds herself chasing the con artists from city to city, trying to piece together clues. When she finally catches up with the hoaxters, she devises a plan to get their fingerprints and find out who they are, what they want, and how to capture them.

Will Nancy succeed or fail? Find out when you read this one-of-a-kind story.

I would recommend this book to all ages. There's excitement around every turn, and danger around every corner. It's one of the best Nancy Drews.

Here's the link. Enjoy.

The Sea of Monsters

by Rick Riordan

Usually, if I'm doing a series, I'll start with the first book, but in this case, I've loaned the first one (Lightning Thief) to my Grandma, who has taken it home to read it. She lives far away. I'll review the first one when I get it back. It's easier when I've got the book with me.

Anyways, I've got the second book here, so I'm going to review that instead.

This book is about three adventurers named Percy Jackson, Annabeth Chase, and Grover Underwood. They venture across the land to find the Golden Fleece, the only thing that can save camp Half-blood's magical borders from being overrun by monsters. On their way, they meet and evil sorceress and a full-grown Centaur who tries to blast them to bits! Will they get the fleece???? Read this fantastic story to find out!

I like these books so much because the stories are very unique. Instead of witches and wizards, they are based upon the legends of ancient greece.

It looks like they have a boxed set of the first three books over at Amazon.com. I'd recommend getting this, because after you read the first one, you're not going to want to stop!

Nightmare Academy / Monster Hunters

by Dean Lorey

This book is about a young boy who calls monsters in his sleep. One night, three very strange people come and take him away to a place called Nightmare Academy where he trains and learns to control his powers. There are two kinds of powers that people have. Nethermancers, who open portals, and Banishers, who fight the Nethercreatures/monsters. Oh I almost forgot. Some people can do both, such as Charlie. Charlie is also extremely powerful, and opens portals straight into the heart of Nether where evil is plotting to take over the world!

I would suggest this book any time. However, I think it is meant for kids 8 and up.

I realized after writing this review that the book is now available under a new title: Nightmare Academy : Monster Hunters. The sequel is called Nightmare Academy : Monster Madness. I haven't read that one yet, but I'd like to order it. I'll review the sequel if I ever get my hands on it. Here's a picture of the new cover:

***** IMPORTANT UPDATE !!!!! ******

Check out the comment that was left by the author - Dean Lorey!!!!!

Isn't that cool? I can't wait to show my teacher when I get back to school!!!

A few more things to add:

Here is Dean Lorey's Nighmare Academy Website.

And here's a cool video:

Alice's Adventures in Wonderland

by Lewis Carroll

I usually select a cover that matches the book that I read, but I couldn't find one in this case. My copy was published in 1946. My grandma gave it to me.

Anyway, this is a unique story of a girl who finds herself falling down a rabbit hole. She discovers that not all places are logical as she deals with the strange people and animals she encounters on her journey in Wonderland.

Many strange things happen to her, like when she almost drowns in a pool of her own tears. She also discovers that when you eat in this strange land, you grow taller. And when you drink, you shrink! Alice is very confused, and she sets upon the frustrating task of finding her way home.

This is such a great book that my school is going to do a play about it. And guess what? I'm the Duchess!

Anyways, I would recommend this book to all that love a great tale.

My Dad and I just found something interesting. There's a website called Project Gutenburg that produces free electronic books. You can actually go to this page to get your free copy. It looks like a great way to read books without paying anything. Like the library!

Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH

by Robert C. O'Brien

Mrs. Frisby, a widowed mouse with four small children, is faced with a terrible problem. Her youngest child, Timothy is sick and cannot be move to their summer home without dying. If they don't find a way to get to their summer home, they will be plowed up by the farmer. Mrs. Frisby is faced with a terrible decision. She calls on a friend to take her to a wise owl who suggests the "Rats of NIMH".

The rats of NIMH are bigger and more secretive than all other rats. Nevertheless, Mrs. Frisby sets out on a breathtaking adventure, and finds out what happened to her beloved husband about a year before.

I really got wrapped up in this story. I was very concerned about the well being of Mrs. Frisby and her son, Timothy.

Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH was on a list of recommended books by my teacher. It's one of my favorites. I would definitely recommend this book to kids of all ages.

Here's a link to Amazon.com.

Nancy Drew - The Clue of the Leaning Chimney

by Carolyn Keene

In this tale, Nancy Drew solves several mysteries. She needs to find a thief who stole a rare vase from the Ming dynasty. It was stolen from the antique store owned by Dick Milton, the cousin of one of her friends.

The vase actually belonged to an elderly man named Mr. Soong. In order to repay Mr. Soong, Dick asks Nancy to find the valuable pottery clay, which is supposed to be hidden inside of a Leaning Chimney. Nancy must also uncover clues to solve the mysterious disappearance of Eng Moy, a pottery expert, and his daughter Lei.

In this adventure, Nancy uses her young mind to solve this baffling case. She runs into trouble when she meets up with a dangerous crook.

I've read many of the Nancy Drew books, and I thought that this one was pretty good. It kept me interested all the way through.

Readers 8 and up would enjoy these mysteries the most. The Clue of the Leaning Chimney is hard to find by itself, but you can buy it as part of a set of books. In my case, it was available at the local library.

Princess Academy

By Shannon Hale

I've been looking forward to reviewing this one!

This book is about a fourteen year old girl named Miri, who lives in a community on a mountain called Mount Eskel. Most of the people in this community work in a quarry, producing "linder" for the whole kingdom. To their amazement, they learn that the next princess will be selected from Mount Eskel. In the kingdom, people who live on the mountain are not considered to be as smart and sophisticated as "low-landers".

An academy is set up about 3 hour's walk from the village. Girls aged 12-16 are taken to the academy, in which they learn to behave like princesses. Eventually, the prince will come to personally pick one of the girls to actually become a princess.

Their tutor, Olana, is very strict. She lashes the girls' palms for uttering a word, and locks them in a closet with a rat. ewwwww.

There's more. During the winter they are captured by a horrible band of thieves, who want to kidnap the princess-to-be, for a ransom.

Miri is one of my personal favorite heroines from literature. She's clever and funny, and she never gives up. She shows people how to be a leader in their community, and how special it is to be from the mountain.

I HIGHLY RECOMMEND this book to girls who love a great story. Here's a link to amazon.com.

A to Z Mysteries: The Canary Caper

by Ron Roy

This book is about three kid detectives named Dink, Josh, and Ruth Rose. Three pets go missing in the town of Green Lawn. You may not think that's strange, but when they all disappear on the same day, it is! Also, the day after their pets go missing, their houses get robbed. The kids are on the trail.

Does it have something to do with the circus that's come to town? Who knows?

This is definitely one of my favorite A to Z mystery books. I like the fact that the kids use their brains to solve all types of confusing cases. These books are a good first step on the path to mystery books for older kids, like the Nancy Drew books (my all time favorites!) It's intended for kids of any age, and it's easy to read. Kids who can't read well yet might like for their parents to read it to them. It's less than 100 pages.

Spiderwick Chronicles - The Movie

This web site is mostly about books, but I'll occasionally review a movie that came from a popular kid's book.

This time I'm going to review the Spiderwick Chronicles. I liked the movie, but not as much as I like the book. I looks like they combined some of the books together to make the movie. The movie is actually scarier than the book. There is a big, mean ugly Goblin named Mulgarath, who tries to steal the field guide, and take over the world.

Since I've only read the first Spiderwick book, I can't tell you how close the movie was to the book series yet. When I read more of the books in the future, I'll tell you my opinions. The first thirty minutes of the movie are like Book 1: the Field Guide.
They stick pretty close to the actual story, like when Mallory's hair is tied to the bed, and she screams "cut it off!", or when Jared rides up to the secret room in the dumbwaiter.

Kids 6 and under might get scared watching this movie, because it has dark scenery and scary monsters. Kidlitnut, signing off.

UPDATE: Here's the official trailer:

Clever way to get Mom and Dad to buy you more books.

Have you ever seen those Coinstar coin couting machines in the grocery stores? I've seen my Dad take all his spare change to the coinstar machine, and instead of getting cash, he gets a gift certificate to Amazon.com. I can usually get a couple of nice new books when he does this. It's almost like getting free books, since they come from the loose coins that rattle around in your pocket every night. Good tip, huh?

Wedding Crasher

by Geronimo Stilton

This is a humerous book. It's about a mouse named Geronimo Stilton, who goes to the house of his stingy uncle for his son's wedding. When he's there, he discovers a plot to find Patience Plainpaws, the bride-to-be's hidden fortune. Uncle Stingysnout really lives up to his stingy name.

This book can be read to kids as young as 5, and kids 7 to 9 shouldn't have a problem reading it for themselves.

This book was not actually my favorite. I thought they tried to be too funny, but not very clever. I wouldn't recommend that you run out and get this one, but if you have it in your library, it's worth a read.

The Million Dollar Putt

by Dan Gutman

This is a book that was actually read to us in school by our teacher. Everyone enjoyed this wonderful tale. I'd say that anyone between 8 and 13 years old would like it.

This book is about Bogie, a boy who is blind, but likes to take chances. He finds out one day that he seems to have a gift for golf. His father is not particularly happy about this, for reasons you find out later in the book.

There's one thing he's missing, however. A coach. This role is filled by his odd neighbor girl, Birdie. With Birdie's help, and a copy of "Golf for Morons" from the library, they set about making him a great golfer. Along the way, Bogie learns more about his family, and his history. Bogie ends up in a golf tournament with a million dollar prize.

I like this book. It's a tale of friendship between two kids, who each have their own challenges and differences. Bogey is blind, and Birdie is ... weird.

Look for this book at your local library, or follow this link to Amazon, and buy it. There, you'll also find Dan Gutman's latest blog posts about his other books.

SpiderWick Chronicles, Book 1

The Field Guide
by Tony DiTerlizzi and Holly Black

This book is about three children named Jared, Simon, and Mallory who found themselves living in their crazy aunt Lucy's house, only to discover a mythical creature who lured them into a great adventure. The creature harasses them at night, tying Mallory's hair to her headboard, and taking Simon's beloved tadpoles, and freezing them. They must stop the Boggart, but how? Find out in this outrageously exciting book.

This is the first in a very popular series of books for kids. It's meant for both boys and girls aged 8-12 years. The Spiderwick Chronicles has now been made into a movie. I'll review the movie on this blog after I see it, and I'll compare it to the book.

If you want to try this book, here's a link to Amazon.com. I think it's one you'll enjoy.

UPDATE: I forgot to mention that one of the best things about this book, are the breathtaking illustrations. Every few pages, you get a nice black and white sketch of what's happening at this point in the story. Also, here's an interesting interview with the authors over at Kidsreads.com