Library Reader's Blog

Kormania Videos

2010-09-17T14:07:00.003-05:00

No More Dead Dogs

Swindle

Born to Rock

The Juvie Three

Schooled

Fifth year might just kill this hero.

2009-08-18T11:17:00.004-05:00

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

J. K. Rowling

Things to do this year:

Master magic

Pass O.W.L.'s

Thwart the Ministry

Defeat Voldemort

Needless to say Harry, Ron, and Hermione are up to their arms in danger, secrecy, and maybe a little bit of romance.

This is by far my favorite book in this series and I recommend that everyone read these books!!!

Reanimated bodies everywhere, what's a girl to do?

2009-08-18T11:10:00.003-05:00

Sabriel

Garth Nix

Enter Ancelstierre, a peaceful country bordered by a land of dark magic and hidden plots, the Old Kingdom. Sabriel, daughter of Abhorsen, a figure dedicated to keeping the dead, well, dead, has lived in Ancelstierre for as long as she can remember.

Receiving a message that her father is dead, she must travel into the Old Kingdom and take up her father's mantle.

This is fantasy at its best. First of series.

Escape into the Unknown

2009-08-18T10:35:00.006-05:00

The Forest of Hands and Teeth

Carrie Ryan

Mary feels lost in her stagnant world. Tradition, fostered and protected by the Sisterhood, rules the village, the village is protected by an iron fence, the fence defends against the Unconsecrated. You cannot do what you want or marry whom you want.

Trapped and under attack, Mary and her family and lover escape the village, but will the truth bring satisfaction?

This is a great read. Ryan's style and flow kept me connected the entire way through. The theme of forbidden love is prevalent but the ending will leave wanting more.

Cover provided by fantasticfiction.com.

Almost sixteen...but not quite

2009-08-06T10:41:00.003-05:00

Elsewhere

Gabrielle Zevin

Imagine waking up the week before your 16th birthday on a cruise ship with an unknown destination. Everyone who is with you is wearing the same pair of white pajamas. You can't remember how or why you got there, and you're not sure if this is a dream.
You soon realize that you will never turn sixteen, you will never get your driver's license, and you will never marry. Your life seems over, or is it?
This is the story of Liz. It is the story of learning to look at things in a different way.

When life gives you lemons...

2009-06-15T15:07:00.002-05:00

Away Laughing on a Fast Camel

Louise Rennison

Georgia Nicolson hasn't heard from her boyfriend, currently residing in New Zealand, in weeks. Depressed by her Robbie's lackness, Gee is determined to put herself back into the sea (for more fish). Dave the Laugh, a former almost-boyfriend and excellant snogger, and Masimo, the hot Italian, seem to distract Gee from her sadness.

This book is laugh-out-loud funny at times, if a bit ridiculous. My only complaint is that the language is hard to understand (since the book is based in England). It is also the fifth book in the Georgia Nicolson series.

The place where dreams come true?

2009-06-15T15:01:00.005-05:00

Dream Factory

Brad Barkley and Heather Hepler

Ella is hired as the Cinderella replacement when the Disney World characters go on strike. Her Prince Charming (also a "scab"), Mark, starts to fall in love with Ella.

Luke is hired as Dale of the Chip and Dale Chipmunks. Cassie, his perfect girlfriend, is Chip. But in this story Prince Charming and Cinderella don't necessarily belong together. What if, instead of a happily ever after, Cinderella and Dale were meant to be together?

Light and funny, this story is moving while not losing its magic and appeal. Despite the pink cover, the strong male narrator makes this a book for boys and girls.

Cover furnished by Fantasticfiction.co.uk

Little Ping, Dragon Keeper?

2009-06-14T10:02:00.007-05:00

Dragon Keeper

Carole Wilkinson

Ping is just another nameless slave girl in ancient China when she finds the care of the Imperial Dragons in her hands. After one of the dragon dies and the Emperor puts a price on her head, Ping and the remaining dragon, Danzi, take to the sky and Yellow River to go to the Ocean. Filled with magic, frienship, crafty villains, and hope Ping comes to realize her own future and potential.

Good read; the writing style was nice. Not as good as the Fletcher dragon trilogy but a nice addition to the dragon genre. First in a trilogy.

Graced or cursed?

2009-06-12T20:18:00.004-05:00

Graceling

Kristin Cashore

Kasta is a killer, a gifted, "Graced" killer and her uncle's strongarm. Life is miserable for Kasta as she tries to battle who she is and her powerlessness to her uncle. Kasta cannot see a way to improve her nature until she meets the mysterious Po.

Ahhh! I loved this book. Romance and a strong herorine. I would definately reccommend this book for fans of Tamora Pierce and Stephenie Meyer. Sequel, Fire, is coming out October 5, 2009.

Bridget Jones for teenagers!!

2009-06-12T20:13:00.004-05:00

Girl, Going on 17: Pants on Fire

Sue Limb

Life should be shaping up for Jess Jordan: delicious boyfriend, fantastic stepfather, new year at school. Life is great, right? Wrong!!! Follow Jess as she breaks up with her boyfriend, gets detetion for eternity and makes a enemy of the new English teacher.

Fun, light read. Definately for fans of Louise Rennison books.

The world is dead.

2009-06-02T10:38:00.003-05:00

Z for Zachariah
Robert C. O'Brien

Anne Burden is the sole survivor of a nuclear war. Living in her secluded valley, Anne begins to learn to care for herself...

Until a stranger, wearing an alienistic suit, comes to her valley. After swimming in the contaminated river, the stranger becomes very ill. Anne cares for him and befriends him until he begins to take over her home and livelihood. To what lengths will Anne go to protect herself?

This a short read, 250 pages. It can get kind-of slow but the concept is good and the characters strong. Any discrepancies in the plot are minor and do not detract from the piece as a whole.

Tell a good story or lose your life.

2009-06-02T10:29:00.004-05:00

The Storyteller's Daughter
Cameron Dokey

Shahrazad, daughter of legendary storyteller Maju, is fated to tell the world's greatest story. Through her efforts the kingdom she lives in will either be won or lost.

This destiny begins to ring true when she becomes the wife of Shahrayar, a king that has proclaimed that any wife he takes will be executed the morning after their wedding night. Will Shahrazad avoid this fate and tell the greatest story or will she become just another headless corpse?

This is a retelling of The Arabian Nights and is part of the Once upon a time book series. Very good story/plot but the writing is absolutely gorgeous. Such a pleasure to read.

Knights in shining armor?

2009-06-02T10:21:00.003-05:00

Avalon High
Meg Cabot

Junior Ellie and her parents move to Washington, DC before school begins. While running in the park Ellie meets a guy, Will. Tall, dark and handsome, Will is all that Ellie can think of.

When school starts Ellie meets Will's friends, Jenny and Lance. What will happen when this perfect Camelot seems to go astray?

Traditional Meg Cabot. Very light, humorous, plenty of romance. Definitely a great read for King Arthur and Meg Cabot fans alike.

The world's greatest detective...is a skeleton.

2009-05-26T09:59:00.002-05:00

Skulduggery Pleasant
Derek Landy

Stephenie Edgley meets Skulduggery at her uncle's funeral. She then finds out that she has inherited her uncle's spacious estates in Ireland. While exploring her new digs she is attacked by an intruder seeking "the key."

She is rescued by Skulduggery and thus begins a journey into the world of magic and espionage.

This book is for fans of the Artemis Fowl series. Funny and fast paced, this is a great choice for summer reading.

Stupid Beetle...

2009-05-26T09:50:00.003-05:00

The Midwife's Apprentice
Karen Cushman

Beetle is all alone in the world when Jane Sharp, the village midwife, digs her out of a dung heap. It's a hard life but Beetle gains a cat friend, helps Jane with the births, and gains a new name.

One day after being requested for her assistance Beetle fails to deliver a baby and runs away in shame. Follow her journey back to the village as she learns about reading and about herself.

Light, funny, and short. Karen Cushman is one of my favorite authors and this is probably my favorite of hers next to Catherine, Called Birdy.

If you had a chance to live forever, what would you choose?

2009-04-22T10:41:00.006-05:00

Evermore
Alyson Noel

Sixteen-year-old Ever Bloom is having a hard time adjusting to life in Southern California after she goes to live there following the deaths of her mother, father, and sister. School sucks, she has two friends, and is still struggling to get over her grief.

By the way, Ever can see dead people and read people's thoughts and moods. Sound cool? Not so much.

After new boy moves to California Ever must decide whether to pursue a relationship with the mysterious Damen or continue to struggle through her half-life.

This books is recommended for fans of the Twilight series, though not quite as well written.

"Different. Deviant. Dangerous."

2009-04-22T10:34:00.006-05:00

The Cure
Sonia Levitin

In a world of perfect conformity, tranquility, and harmony, Gemm 16684 is branded a dangerous criminal having tendencies to dance and sing.

Given the choice of Recycling or the Cure, Gemm 16684 decides to undergo the Cure. He then takes on the identity of Johannes, a Jewish musician during an outbreak of the Black Death in 1348.

Can all the hatred and violence "cure" Gemm 16448?

Gritty and real The Cure is a great combination of science fiction and historical. Great read for both boys and girls.

Evil Stepmothers of the World, Beware!

2009-04-20T12:00:00.007-05:00

The Poison Apples
Lily Archer

What do Alice Bingley-Beckerman, Reena Paruchuri, and Molly Miller have in common?

Evil stepmothers.

After meeting at Putnam Mount McKinsey, a high-end boarding school these three decide to turn the tables on their stepmothers and feed them the poison apples of revenge.

Light, humorous and highly entertaining, follow these girls as they find that maybe life isn't as bad as it appears.

What lies beneath your feet?

2009-04-20T11:53:00.004-05:00

Regarding the Fountain: A Tale in Letters, of Liars and Leaks
Kate Klise

Problem: The Dry Creek Middle School fifth grade water fountain has sprung a leak that continues to worsen.

Solution: Replace fountain.

Enter: Flo Waters, fountain designer, Sam N.'s fifth grade class, fountain designers and school investigators, and Sally Mander and Delbert Eel, crooks and liars.

Fun, fast read directed at younger audience with witty humor appreciated by all reading levels.

Why it sucks to be me...

2009-04-20T11:46:00.004-05:00

Sucks to be Me: The All-True Confessions of Mina Hamilton, Teen Vampire (Maybe)
Kimberly Pauley

Not only is Mina named after the famous character of Dracula, friends with a mega-Goth, and trying desperately to survive her junior year, her parents are vampires.

Ratted out to The Northwest Regional Vampire Council, Mina must decide whether to follow in her parent's footsteps or risk losing her family and memory forever.

A humorous vampire story with a twist.

"Welcome to Fat Camp"

2009-04-20T11:12:00.006-05:00

Huge
Sasha Paley

Roomates April and Wil meet at Wellness Canyon, a glorified fat camp for rich kids. April has been saving for years to attend and lose weight while Wil is forced there by her parents who own a chain of high-end fitness centers.

What ensues when the two girls get together can only be described as catty, funny, and touching.

Great "beach read".

Keep a tight hold of your soul...

2009-04-13T09:40:00.002-05:00

Dust
Arthur Slade

Robert feels lost after his brother Matthew is abducted while walking to town. He blames himself for not walking with him and feels guilty when his parents begin to forget about Matthew. Strange happenings are going on in town and Robert begins to hope that Matthew hasn't gone anywhere after all. Can Robert solve this mystery before Matthew disappears forever.

Set in the Dust Bowl in Canada, this book will keep you on the edge of your seat until the final twist reveals the true nature of the crime.

Beware this Siren's call...

2009-04-13T09:39:00.004-05:00

Haunted Waters
Mary Pope Osborne

Lord Huldbrand is riding home to his estate when he becomes lost in the woods during a storm. After reaching the shoreline, he meets the mysterious and alluring Undine. Undine is beautiful and strong and aloof. Huldbrand marries her and takes her to his estate.

But the water draws Undine. She cannot stay away. While boating one day on the river, she slips overboard and disappears. Does Huldbrand follow her or lose her to the depths forever?

Don't let this school sink it's teeth into you.

2009-04-13T09:38:00.006-05:00

Evernight
Claudia Gray

Olivia is mad. Her parents have just moved her away from her home of sixteen years and taken new teaching jobs at Evernight Academy, a private school for the rich and snarky. Olivia doesn't think that she will ever fit in until she meets the mysterious Lucas.

But there are some things that Lucas is not telling her. As events at the school become creepy, will Lucas and Olivia grow closer, or will their secrets drive them apart?

Travel into the white heart of darkness...

2009-04-13T09:37:00.003-05:00

The White Darkness
Geraldine McCaughrean

Symone and her uncle leave vacation in Paris to travel to the coldest place in the world, the Antarctic wilderness. This is a dream come true for Symone, a lover of all things Anarctica. She knows all about the explorations, the environment, but does she know all about her uncle?

Lucky for Sym her best friend and secret crush Titus comes with her to help her brave the crushing whiteness. The only problem is that Titus resides in Sym's head.

Who do you trust when you can't trust yourself?

2009-04-13T09:35:00.005-05:00

I Am the Cheese
Robert Cormier

Adam Farmer doesn't know who he is, where he's going. All he knows is that he must return this package to his missing father. Plagued by headaches and pursued by his own imagination, Adam bravely bikes across three states to find his father.

Will he be too late? Who is Adam Farmer? Adam desperately seeks these answers as he races against time to reach his father. Will Adam like what he discovers when he pieces his puzzle together? Will he survive?

What do you do when the corpses start to pile?

2009-04-13T09:33:00.006-05:00

An American Plague: The True and Terrifying Story of the Yellow Fever Epidemic of 1793
Jim Murphey

Yellow Fever has stricken Philidelphia. The city is at a stand still as its citizens flee the fever and the 120 deaths per day. The fledgling government is halted in its tracks as Congress and President Washington retreat to their homes in the face of the crisis.

For those who liked Fever, 1793, read the true accountant of the yellow fever, it's devastation and repercussions as strong in the non-fiction as in the fiction.

Long ago and far away...

2009-04-13T09:31:00.005-05:00

The Castle Corona
Sharon Creech

Have you ever wondered what it was like to be a prince or princess? That's what orphans Pia and Enzio wonder about while working for their cruel master Pagini.

Until one day they see a thief ride by and drop a pouch at their feet. Within, gold and jewels.

Do they return their new found riches or do they keep it and save themselves from Pagini.

What is it like to be royalty? What if? What if? What if?

It takes a Graveyard to raise a child....

2009-04-04T12:52:00.006-05:00

The Graveyard Book
Neil Gaiman

You may have heard that it takes a village to raise a child, but the question is, does the village of people have to be alive?

Bod, short for Nobody, wanders into a graveyard shortly after his parents are murdered. Once there, the ghosts of the graveyard discover him and adopt him as their own.

As Bod matures, he learns lessons about life and death while the ghosts of the graveyard protect him from the same murderer that destroyed his parents. Will Bod survive? And what does survival mean if he is raised by the dead?

Everyone has value, even if they are different.

2009-04-04T11:58:00.006-05:00

Rules
Cynthia Lord

Twelve year old Catherine is torn between her fear of not being accepted and her desire to protect her autistic brother, David.

David seems to always do the wrong things when around other people, and so Catherine begins a list of rules for David to follow when in public, such as "A boy takes off his shirt to swim, but not his shorts."

Along the way, she befriends Jason, a nonverbal paralyzed boy who receives therapy at the same place as her brother. Through her own disquieting actions, Catherine begins to question what is normal and to find acceptance of both others and herself.

What would you do to be free?

2009-04-04T11:50:00.008-05:00

The Green Glass Sea
Ellen Klages

Dewey Kerrigan, the 10 year old daughter of a brilliant physicist, finds herself being shipped off to "The Hill"; a place so super secret that no one even knows it exists. That is no one, except others like Dewey, who are members of a society so gifted and whose work is so important that others cannot be aware they even exist.

As Dewey's father works on "the gadget", a device which will change the world, Dewey faces the same challenges of growing up that all kids face, except that the work that is going on around her will change the world forever.

Something smells rotten...

2009-04-03T10:29:00.006-05:00

Peeled
Joan Bauer

The town of Banesville, New York is devoted to growing the best produce, especially apples. The fruit is the livelihood of the town.

Until a death occurs on the property of the haunted orchard in town. Convinced of paranormal activities, the town begins to fear the demise of their beloved land and fruit.

Unless Hildy, a writer for the school paper The Core, can come to the bottom of this mystery while battling a fearful town and a vengeful ghost.

Can anything ever really be perfect?

2009-03-30T18:54:00.005-05:00

Gem X
Nicky Singer

Maxo Strang was genetically engineered to be perfect in every way. He is strong, brilliant, talented, extremely rich and beautiful. His life is perfect; that is, until he spies a crack in his perfect face.
This imperfection cannot be tolerated, and he is forced to seek out the help of members of the lower class, known as the "Dreggies." These Dreggies are not genetically enhanced, and, to Maxo's dismay, he falls in love with an imperfect Dreggie girl.
But why is his his face cracking? What does it mean? And can Maxo be saved?

I am so much more than a pretty face....

2009-03-30T18:39:00.009-05:00

The Disreputable History of Frankie Landau Banks
E. Lockhart

Frankie attends a prestigious prep school where the only people who are admitted are legacy members. There are secret societies on campus, some of which date back to the turn of the century.
Frankie longs to be a part of these secret fraternal orders, but cannot get anyone to see her for anything other than a pretty, but empty face.
In her efforts to be accepted within the secret society, Frankie borders upon obsession in her efforts to be taken seriously. However, will the price she pays for showing that she is more than a pretty girl be worth it, or will she lose it all?

Everything can change in an instant

2009-03-30T18:23:00.008-05:00

Life as We Knew it
Susan Beth Pfeffer

When sixteen year old Miranda's first hears of an impending meteor impact upon the moon, she is just frustrated because her teachers want her to research it and write a report upon it. But soon Miranda's opinion of the meteorite will drastically change.

The impact has some unexpected consequences, like massive tsunamis, devastating earthquakes, and even the seasons change. Some will survive, and others will perish. This is Miranda's story.

All life comes at a price, even immortality.

2009-03-27T09:10:00.008-05:00

The Declaration
Gemma Malley

Surplus Anna has known no life other than inside Grange Hall. Fifteen, she is working on repaying her Sin to Nature, being born, by becoming a Valuable Asset.

Until Surplus Peter comes to tell Anna of the outside life, flowers, butterflies, fields, air, and her parents.

In a world of immortality where it is a crime to be born, can Anna find it within herself to escape the Grange Hall and her shame and embark on a new Life?

You thought it was a game until it started to cost you your life.

2009-03-23T09:31:00.007-05:00

Epic
Connor Kostick

Eric and his friend play Epic for wealth, prestige, and a way to move up in society. If they win, they have a chance to fulfill their dreams. If they lose, life in and out of the game is worthless.

After slaying a dragon in Epic, Eric and his friends find themselves pursued by the Committee.

The Committee will resort to any measure to maintain order.

Any measure.

You thought you knew what lay around the corner.

2009-03-23T09:26:00.010-05:00

Tales from Outer Suburbia
Shaun Tan

You thought you knew your neighborhood.

In this neighborhood is not uncommon to see blind reindeer, have other worldly neighbors, decorate missiles in your front yard, or encounter sea-faring astronauts knocking at your door

Not your typical neighborhood.

Enter at your own risk.

Liberty for all?

2009-03-23T09:19:00.007-05:00

The Red Necklace
Sally Gardner

Thrown together by fate Sido, daughter of nobility, and Yann, orphan and magic assistant, are pursued by Count Kalliovski, Sido for her hand in marriage and Yann for his head.

After escaping his evil reach, Sido and Yann are plagued by the bloody French Revolution and Madame Guillotine.

Can they escape the Count and France with their lives and freedom?

How do you fix the unfixable?

2009-03-23T09:12:00.008-05:00

The Glitch in Sleep
John Hulme and Michael Wexler

The Seems is the place responsible for running our World. From the Weather to Sleep The Seems is the machine that keeps us running smoothly, usually.

But every machine breaks down. It is the Fixer's job to find the problem and, well, fix it. It is Becker's first Mission to find the Glitch in the Department of Sleep.

But this is a nasty Glitch and the Worlds and The Seems rest in Becker's hands.

Find yourself.

2009-03-23T09:04:00.012-05:00

Olive's Ocean
Kevin Henkes

Olive Barstow died in a tragic accident.

Now Martha Boyle cannot get Olive out of her head. What could these two girls have in common?

After traveling the Cape to visit her grandmother, Martha must deal with family problems and complications by boys. Jimmy Manning, especially. Can Martha find herself and in the process find Olive?

This is not your typical fairy tale...

2009-03-23T08:54:00.007-05:00

A Curse Dark as Gold
Elizabeth C. Bunce

After Charlotte Miller's father dies she and her sister must find some way to keep their mill running.

Facing bankruptcy, broken machines, and a conniving uncle Charlotte turns to the only source available, the spirit of an old mill hand.

When the spirit asks an unspeakable price for his services Charlotte must find a way to defeat him.

This is no Rumpelstiltskin tale.

Run and Hide or Die and Defend

2009-03-23T08:49:00.008-05:00

Tomorrow, When the War Began
John Marsden

Seven teenagers return from camping in Hell and find that their town has been captured by an invading nation.

Ellie and her friends face some tough choices:

Run back into Hell to hide or use their freedom to help their family, friends and country and die trying.

Dystopian Future

2009-03-12T13:42:00.010-05:00

The House of the Scorpion

Nancy Farmer

Matt doesn't have a mother or father, and he wasn't even born. He was cloned from the cells of the most powerful drug lord in the world, a one hundred and forty five year old man named El Patron.

Matt and El Patron live in a country named Opium; a place created by El Patron where eejits, enslaved by chips implanted into their brains that destroy free will, toil in the fields. When Matt discovers El Patron's true motivation and plan for Matt's future, he makes a daring escape, but will life be any better on the other side of this complex and frightening future world?

What is the cost of survival?

2009-03-12T13:16:00.014-05:00

How I Live Now

Meg Rosoff

Fifteen year old Daisy is sent to England to live with her cousins in the idyllic English countryside, with whom she forms an intense bond.

When world war breaks out, Daisy initially enjoys the freedom of not having any adults around. Soon, however, the the bitter reality of the war intrudes and they are separated. Daisy and her youngest female cousin, Piper, are taken away from their newfound family. Dehumanized by the ravages of war, Daisy and Piper begin a journey find their family, but will things ever be the same again?

The world is in your hands...

2009-03-09T11:56:00.019-05:00

A Great and Terrible Beauty
Libba Bray

Gemma Doyle is sent off to an old English boarding school after her mother's death.

While there Gemma finds an ancient and dangerous magic within herself.

Can she control this magic or will she and her friends be forever compromised by the consequences of her actions?

They're out for blood...

2009-03-09T11:38:00.015-05:00

The Hunger Games
Suzanne Collins

Katniss Everdeen has lived in fear of being selected for the Hunger Games since she turned twelve.

The year she turns sixteen she is selected to represent District Twelve in the annual bloodbath.

How do you survive when everyone around you is out for your blood?

How do you survive?

2009-03-02T11:34:00.005-06:00

Girl in a Cage
Jane Yolen and Robert J. Harris

October 1306

A year after the fall of William Wallace, Edward de Brus picks up the standard of freedom for Scotland.

Caught in the middle of the war between England and Scotland and imprisoned by the mad Longshanks, de Brus' daughter Marjorie must find it within herself to survive her term in a cage.

When much is taken, something is returned.

2009-03-02T10:33:00.005-06:00

Nation
Terry Pratchet

Mau and Daphne are stranded together on Mau's island home after a wave sweep away life as both of them know it.

As refugees arrive Mau and Daphne must learn to work together to keep their island population alive.

Join them as they milk pigs, fire vine cannons, poison pirates, and fight cannibals.

What would you give?

2009-01-16T14:52:00.009-06:00

The Adoration of Jenna Fox

Mary E. Pearson

What would you give to live forever? What price would you pay so that the ones you love will never die?

Is any price too high to pay for eternal life?

Jenna Fox knows.

Jenna Fox knows everything, except for who, or even what she is.