Waiting for the Magic

by Patricia MacLachlan

illustrations by Amy June Bates

Simon and Schuster Children's Publishing

Atheneum Books for Young Readers

on sale 9/13/11

What an incredible book.  A heartwarming story about a family coming together.  Papa Joe leaves his wife and two children to 'find himself' and write. Waiting for the Magic.

Mom takes the children and adopts 4 dogs and a cat.  They become a family.  

Joe learns that the magic is at home with his now expanding family. 

A very poignant story.  I loved the characters.  Found myself laughing out loud at the animals and at young Elinor.  The ending was as I expected, but nonetheless, brought warmth and heartfelt smiles.

I truly enjoyed this book and highly recommend it to anyone who loves a great warm hearted story.

As someone who loves to read, I cannot imagine having no books available,

Please read about Christopher and if you can, please help.

A struggling mother reached out to us via I Love Books; this was what she wrote.


I have a 12 year old son that has a disability that loves to read and lost almost all of his books due to hurricane Irene. I have tried everywhere to get him some more, done dumpster driving, recycling but due to my cancer and recent surgery I am not able to do this for him now. Any resources would be great. I have signes up for every possible help and hove gotten none as of yet.  ~ Nora 


We will be donating books to her son, Christopher and sending them out the second week of November. Some of the books that he loves: 
Diary of a Wimpy Kid by Jeff Kinney
Goosebumps by R.L. Stine
Middle Grade/ Science Fiction
If you would like to help, please contact us via email ljldml@gmail.com and we will fill you in on the details.


So many people were hit hard by Hurricane Irene, and it's sad to hear that a boy who loves to read has lost all his books. Thanks to all who lend a helping hand.

picture is of Christopher with his two brothers.  Christopher is in the middle.

Thank you so much for reading this post, and thank you for any help you can provide.

Donna and Lucas

Nate Rocks the World!

Nathan Rockledge, aka Nate Rocks, is a highly imaginative 10 year old 4th grader. Nate is not an athlete, in fact he dislikes team sports. He has an older sister (13 years old) who is the bane of his existance. He escapes reality by drawing and daydreaming about being a hero. Nates imagination has him winning the World Series, helping Captain Asteroid save the planet (with prisms from his science project) and save a woman tied to train tracks (spurs can be very useful).

I think this is a wonderful book. The reading level is listed as ages 9-12, this book is perfect for that age group. As the mother of a 10 year old, it can be difficult finding books that capture his attention. Nate Rocks! is such a book. He read it in a day. I knew it was a winner when I heard laughter throughout his reading. When finished, he looked up and said "Is there a second book?"

Ms Toz was able to easily capture the mind and imagination of a 10 year old boy, both Nate and my son. I look forward to more of her books.

Karen Pokras Toz will be the featured author on

Book Lovers Paradise on November 6th

Jodie Brownlee is the author of amazing books:

(from Goodreads)

Ruby’s mouth was open in a silent scream. She dared to look down as the roofs and treetops dropped away. People walking their dogs in the park shrank to the size of ants. Panic struck her numb.

Ruby is flying! A magic carpet (with attitude) takes her on the adventure of her life to a magical oasis. But a bold misadventure through an underground labyrinth has Ruby andher friends wanted by those in charge. Genies, sand sprites, spells, and dungeons will test all of her powers – including the ones she still doesn’t know she has.

Released by Scholastic to critical acclaim in Australia and New Zealand, then translated and published in Italy by Edizione Piemme, The Magic Carpet is now available worldwide.

A book for ages 9 and up

and

(from Amazon.com)

Product Description

“I hardly think that's a laughing matter,” snapped Mrs Pinkus, bustling past the telescope to the attic door. “You haven't heard the end of this. There are laws against abducting people, you know. And as for this – this – magical paraphernalia,” she said, shaking a finger at the telescope. “It shouldn't be allowed. Not in this neighborhood. Not near my house.” She stared coldly at Granny. “I won't have witches living next door to me.”
Granny smiled. “I'm not a witch, Mrs Pinkus; I'm a genie.”

Granny McQuirky uses the traveler's telescope to teleport into another world. While she is away, Ruby's house-proud mother gives the telescope a polish and knocks the settings out. Ruby and her friends try to put it right, but accidentally zap Mrs Pinkus and her poodle into the other world. When they follow to retrieve her, they bring back more than they bargained for unleashing a threat to the genie world. Granny McQuirky is accused of the resulting crimes. If Ruby and her friends don't find the real criminal, Granny will be sentenced to life in a bottle. At every turn, a mysterious enemy threatens Ruby's life.

Her books are great.  We read the first book-The Magic Carpet and loved it.  Can't wait for The Travelers Telescope.

Jodie Brownlee's website

Jodie Brownlee's website

Jodie is the featured author on Mom's blog at bookloversparadise.blogspot.com

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BOOK LOVERS PARADISE: SPOOKTACULAR BLOGHOP: hosted by iamareadernotawriter.blogspot.com a list of all participating blog sites Spooktacular Giveaway Hop I am giving awa...

using this book for my school book report

Percy Jackson and The Titan's Curse

by Rick Riordan

illustrations by John Rocco

Published by Disney Hyperion

publication date: May 5, 2009

synopsis:

From School Library Journal

Grade 6-9–In this installment, Riordan continues to enliven ancient mythology with wit, contemporary staging, and teenage heroics. Percy Jackson is now 14, a bit older and wiser, yet still entangled with the Fates. Friends, monsters, dysfunctional gods, and the romantic stirrings of all things natural and mythological are encountered. His good friend, if oft-time rival, Annabeth (daughter of Athena) is missing, as is Artemis, goddess of the hunt. Joined by best buddy Grover-the-goat-boy and an argumentative array of accomplices, Percy sets off to fulfill, and hopefully foil, the foreboding prophecy of the Oracle. Plagued by ominous dreams, thwarted by hideous monsters, and challenged by conflicting partnerships, the search party's success hinges on unlikely unity. The droll pitch is teen-perfect, as when Apollo heats up the scene by arriving in his fire-red Maserati, wearing jeans, a sleeveless T-shirt, and loafers. 'Wow,' Thalia muttered, 'Apollo is hot.' 'He's the sun god,' I said. 'That's not what I meant.' Intricate prophecies and relationships are neatly braided into the adventurous plot. Teachers will cheer for Percy Jackson and the Olympians as they inspire students to embrace Greek mythology and score the ultimate Herculean challenge: getting kids to read. All in all, a winner of Olympic proportions and a surefire read-aloud.–Alison Follos, North Country School, Lake Placid, NY
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

MY REVIEW:
 I liked this book. It was quite suspenseful and interesting.  I don't think it was the best of the series but it was definitely fun to read.  I love mythology and enjoyed learning about the Titans.  I think the books should be read in order.  I am currently reading the next book in the series, Percy Jackson and the Battle of the Labyrinth.  No book report for this book, just want to read the complete series before I start the Kane Chronicles.

Great Halloween Book!

The Wednesdays

by Julie Bourbeau

Random House/Alfred A. Knopf

August 14,2012

received by NetGalley for review

Fun, spooky book.  Something lurks halfway up the mountain...but only on Wednesdays.  The people of the small village stay inside and board up their houses.  Everything closed for 24 hours.  Imagine living in a town that closes an entire day.  The only people outside are the foolish tourists who don't know any better.

Max V. Bernard can't stand to stay inside on Wednesday.  Unbeknownst to him, his curiosity will get the better of him.  He goes outside on a Wednesday to try and discover what all the fuss is about.  He meets the small gargoyle like creatures that terrorize the town on Wednesdays.  The small creatures wreak havoc on anything, light bulbs blow out, tires are flattened, rose bushes are destroyed, sprinkler systems go off at all hours, well, you get the idea.   Max interacts with these strange creatures and...well, no spoilers allowed here.

This is a wonderfully unique and delightfully spooky book.  Great for Halloween time reading.  This book is great for middle grade students.  They will love the strange creatures of Wednesday.  The will thrill at the rabble rousing the creatures do throughout the town.  There is nothing too terribly frightening about the book.  The illustrations are well done and cute.  The book itself is downright fun.  Max and his friends are great characters.  The parapsychologist adds a bit of humor, especially when he and his profession are attacked by Max's cynical and sarcastic mother.

The Wednesdays' themselves are both nasty and comical at the same time.  I enjoyed reading this strange and unique book.  I think children will love this book.

Stealing Magic: A Sixty Eight Rooms Adventure
by Marianne Malone
illustrated by Greg Call
Published by Random House Books for Young Readers
Publication date January 24, 2012

reviewed Donna (Mom)


I loved this book!!  Imagine finding a key that allows you to shrink small enough to fit into a dollhouse.  That's sort of what happens in this book.
But, I'm getting ahead of myself.  I have to begin by saying I did not read the first book in this series, The SixtyEight Rooms.  That will soon be rectified.  I think, however, this book can be read as a stand alone story.  References are made to the first book, but all is explained.
 Jack and Ruthie are two sixth grade friends.  They have found a magic key which allows them to shrink and enter into the Thorne Rooms at the Art Institute of Chicago.  The book is much more involved than this.  There is an art thief on the prowl.  One who steals from the Thorne Rooms.   You see, certain objects in each of the rooms allow the rooms to come to life.  Magic. Yes, magic.  These items are being stolen from the museum.  The two kids must find a way to retrieve the stolen objects and catch the thief!  Sound dangerous?  You bet!  But the book is a lot of fun.  I think middle school kids will love the story and yearn for more adventures.
This was an incredible book to read.  I enjoyed the brief history lessons and the manner in which the author introduced characters from each time period into the story.  She managed to explain Nazi Germany without going overboard or being judgmental, and she explained slavery from the viewpoint of a southern pre civil war slave.  She mixed history with fiction and created magic.

A 5 star book!!

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Not Fat Because I Wanna Be

Not Fat Because I Wanna Be

by LaNiyah Bailey

illustrated by Laura Perez Ricaud

Publisher CreateSpace

Publication date March 2, 2011

Young author/advocate LaNiyah Bailey writes a very moving story.  In a courageous manner she addresses the issues of bullying and childhood obesity.  She is an overweight young child, kids and adults at her school tease her about her size.  (The adults are less obvious, they say things like "Her parents must just feed her junk")  LaNiyah learns the hard way that the saying "sticks and stones..." is not true.

LaNiyah is afflicted with medical issues causing her to be overweight.  She explains this in the book in a very gentle manner.  She explains to the other kids how she sees a doctor, he takes blood and xrays to determine her illness.  Slowly, the other kids begin to accept her for who she is, not just what she looks like.

LaNiyah is a beautiful, courageous child.  To utilize her pain and embarrassment to educate others is an act to be commended.

LaNiyah recites a pledge that all kids should know "I am beautiful, I am loved.  I will not let what others say define me.  Bullying is not cool!!!"

Please check out the accompanying website Not Fat Because I Wanna Be  this website deals with childhood obesity and bullying.  There is also a link to purchase the book.  It can also be purchased on amazon .

This is an incredible book.  LaNiyah, you are an amazing child!!

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MAGIC TREE HOUSE

DINOSAURS BEFORE DARK

by

MARY POPE OSBORNE

published by Random House for Young Readers

released May 2001

review by Lucas

The Magic Tree House books may be for very young readers but I think they are fun and quick to read.  I learn new vocabulary words from each book.  We have the entire series and I've decided to reread them.

Book 1  Dinosaurs Before Dark

Plot of the Book

One day as Jack, an eight year old boy, and his little sister Annie, who is seven, are walking through

the Frog Creek on their way home.  They discover a tree house in the highest tree of the forest. (Remember, this is the introduction to the series, we discover how the kids find the 'magic tree house' in the first book).  Annie decided to climb up the tree.  Jack, more cautious than his sister, is less interested in the tree.  He eventually joins her.  When the reach the top and enter the tree house they discovered it was chock full of books!  Annie found a book about dinosaurs and when she wished to see a real live 

Pteranodon, she and Jack are whisked back to the dinosaur age.  When they arrived, Annie left the 

tree house to meet a Pteranodon she named Henry.  They became friends.  Jack eventually overcame his 

fear and came out of the tree house.  While exploring Jack found a gold medallion and Annie found many

dinosaur nests.  Unfortunately, they also found a giant T-Rex.  Yes a giant 'terrible lizard'.  King of the

Dinosaurs!  After running to the tree house, Jack found he had left his backpack with the book

about dino's and his notes on the hills outside.  He has a book about Frog Creek which

will allow the kids to return home in the "magic tree house". 

Jack left the tree house to find the backpack.  He tells Annie to stay in the tree house

where it is safe.    Yikes!! The T-Rex spotted him.  Will Jack find his backpack and get back to the

tree house alive or will he become a snack for a hungry dino?

Read the book to find out!

Important vocabulary words from the book:

PTERANODON- 'winged and toothless' A flying reptile. Not a dino but a close relative

STAMMERED: to speak with sudden involuntary pauses

MUTANT: relating to, or resulting from change or mutation

SLUNG: to arrange or suspend something with a strap

MEDALLION: generally, a circular object that has been sculpted and rendered with an insignia

definitions are from Webster's Student Dictionary

I think the entire series by Mary Pope Osborne will encourage kids to read.  Mom tells me any book that 

doesn't have profane language or questionable material and encourages kids to read is a good book.

I give this series 5 stars.

I would like to add, I used this book for a book report last year (4th grade). My teacher had us put our information on a covered cereal box.  We used the front of the cereal box for the title, author and an illustration of the book. The back of the box contained the plot of the book, vocabulary words and my review of the book.  The top, bottom and right side of the box were made to look like a closed book.  The left side of the box listed the title of the book, In other words, the cereal box was made to look like a book.  Doing things like this made the book report more fun.  My fifth grade teacher has us making a 'book report cube'.  The book I'm using is Percy Jackson and the Titan's Curse.

I'll post my review after I'm done my report.

Cassidy Jones and the Secret Formula

by Elise Stokes

Published by JACE Publishing

released Jan 2011

source: given by author for review

format: ebook

book genre: YA

Description:

Fourteen-year-old Cassidy Jones wakes up the morning after a minor accident in the laboratory of a world-renowned geneticist to discover that her body has undergone some bizarre physical changes. Her senses, strength, and speed have been radically enhanced.

After exploring her newfound abilities, Cassidy learns that the geneticist, Professor Serena Phillips, is missing and that foul play is suspected. Terrified that her physical changes and Professor Phillips' disappearance are somehow connected, Cassidy decides to keep her strange transformation a secret. That is, until she meets the professor's brilliant and mysterious fifteen-year-old son, Emery. An unlikely duo, they set out to find Emery's mother, who is key in explaining Cassidy's newly acquired superpowers.

Their lives are put at risk when they find themselves embroiled in a dangerous, action-packed adventure. Soon they are forced to confront a maniacal villain willing to do anything - including murder - to reach his own ambitious goals.

MY REVIEW: (by Mom)

I really loved this book.  It was quick, fun and full of adventure.  It's the most fun a book 

can be without witches, vampires, werewolves or wizards.

The characters in this story are great, they are full of life.  The author seems to understand

the psyche of the young teenage mind.  The interactions between the siblings and the friends

are priceless.  

I think this is a great book for Middle School kids.  They will get a kick out of Cassidy

and her newfound "superpowers".  I enjoyed seeing the bully of the school brought down (although

this was not done by Cassidy...read the book kids)

This is the first in the Cassidy Jones Adventures.  Book two is Cassidy Jones

and Vulcan's Gift. Book two is not yet available

but the first chapter can be found on Goodreads .

I highly recommend this book and look forward to book two in the series.

Fourteen-year-old Cassidy Jones wakes up the morning after a minor accident in the laboratory of a world-renowned geneticist to discover that her body has undergone some bizarre physical changes. Her senses, strength, and speed have been radically enhanced.

After exploring her newfound abilities, Cassidy learns that the geneticist, Professor Serena Phillips, is missing and that foul play is suspected. Terrified that her physical changes and Professor Phillips' disappearance are somehow connected, Cassidy decides to keep her strange transformation a secret. That is, until she meets the professor's brilliant and mysterious fifteen-year-old son, Emery. An unlikely duo, they set out to find Emery's mother, who is key in explaining Cassidy's newly acquired superpowers.

Their lives are put at risk when they find themselves embroiled in a dangerous, action-packed adventure. Soon they are forced to confront a maniacal villain willing to do anything - including murder - to reach his own ambitious goals.(less)