Alibi's Ghosts!

by 

L.S. Hullinger

received from author for honest review

synopsis (from Amazon.com)

Alexandra ‘Alibi’ Vernon is the eleven-year-old daughter of a psychic medium whose behavior is repeatedly influenced by kids from the Other Side. From building sub sandwiches in her sleep to sneaking into a stranger's attic, Alibi has her innocence challenged on a regular basis. Since her mother is fairly new at medium work, she only schedules two readings a week. However, this particular week, she accidentally schedules five readings, five days in a row. During this time, each child from the Other Side has a mysterious clue for Alibi to unravel, and she begins to notice each clue is connected in some way with the other readings. With a bit of ghostly charade playing, lots of trouble dodging, and the help of her deceased relatives: Grandpa Edgar and Cousin Kyle, along with her living but scaredy-cat best friend, Daisy, Alibi is able to solve the mystery and help all five grieving parents simultaneously.

MY REVIEW (FROM MOM)

This is an incredible ghost story.  Ali's mom is a medium. Ali has the ability to 'tune into' the ghosts and gets messages from them.  She is helped by her Grandpa and cousin, both of whom were killed in an auto accident.  Well, Ali and her friend Daisy have to piece together the clues left by the ghosts and Grandpa to help save a local bookstore from closing.  

This book was great fun!  The ghosts were more friendly than frightening.  Ali and her friend Daisy were great characters.  They are best buddies but have the ability to argue and disagree like normal friends do.  

I was kept hanging until the very end, although, looking back I should have been able to figure out the message the ghosts were sending to Ali.

What a fun book!  If you like ghost stories, this book will certainly keep you entertained.   This is a perfect middle grade school age book.  As most of the characters, with the exception of Dad, are girls, I think girls will like this more than boys.  Perhaps in a future book (if there are any?) Ali and Daisy could encounter a new male friend, or male ghost friend to help solve the mysteries.

I give this book 5 ice cream cones

OTHERWORLD CHRONICLES

THE INVISIBLE TOWER

BY 

NILS JOHNSON-SHELTON

received from NetGalley for review

published by HarperCollins

reviewed by Mom

age level 10+

synopsis (from Amazon)

Part of the spell has already been broken.

The first stones have begun to crumble.

In Artie Kingfisher’s world, wizards named Merlin, fire-breathing dragons, and swords called Excalibur exist only in legends and lore—until the day his video game Otherworld springs to life.

You are special, Arthur,

Says the mysterious message in his game.

In one week’s time you will come to me at the it.

Cryptic clues lead Artie to a strange place called the Invisible Tower, where he discovers that nothing in his life is as it seems. Artie is none other than King Arthur, brought to life in the twenty-first century. Artie has won the battle in the virtual Otherworld—now the key to saving the real Otherworld lies in his hands as well.

Green dragons, hungry wolves, powerful sorcerers—suddenly Artie must battle them all as he wields Excalibur and embarks on a quest worthy of the Knights of the Round Table. With his sister, Kay, by his side, Artie steps into the Otherworld—straight toward his destiny.

my review

Amazing story. I've always been a fan of Arthurian legends. 

This is a wonderful book to share with an 8-12 yr old. Both boys 

and girls may love this story. 

The characters are fun to read about, 

Artie (Arthur) is a somewhat weak, simplistic character and is a 

perfect foil to his more independent sister Kay. The relationship they 

share with Dad Kynder was close and warm.

This is a light hearted story appropriate for young Middle Graders. 

The adventurous storyline will hold their attention. I think the 

ending, or lack of ending, may be troublesome but afterall, this is the first 

book in a series.

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Derek the Ghost

SCARY SCHOOL

synopsis (from Goodreads)

You think your school's scary?

Get a load of these teachers:

Ms. Fang, an 850-year-old vampire

Dr. Dragonbreath, who just might eat you before recess

Mr. Snakeskin—science class is so much more fun when it's taught by someone who's half zombie

Mrs. T—break the rules and spend your detention with a hungry Tyrannosaurus rex!

Plus

Gargoyles, goblins, and Frankenstein's monster on the loose The world's most frighteningly delicious school lunch

And

The narrator's an eleven-year-old ghost!

Join Charles "New Kid" Nukid as he makes some very Scary friends—including Petunia, Johnny, and Peter the Wolf—and figures out that Scary School can be just as funny as it is spooky!

 OUR REVIEW (MOM AND LUCAS)

I received this book from Derek for a review. He wanted the review of both a mother and son (11 year old) Well, we are both in agreement.  This book is a winner! This book is just plain laugh out loud funny!  There is something on each page to make you chuckle.  Derek the Ghost tells about life at Scary School, a place that would be home to any kind of ghoul alive (or dead!)  I can't say enough good things about this book.  Both my 11 year old and I read this in a day.  We were both chuckling and laughing.  Derek, you've got a winner on your hands.  Even though you are a ghost- keep writing!! I long to hear more stories about your amazing school. A+++ for kids and adults alike.

I forgot to mention, the illustrations are incredible.  

you may notice that there are 6 ice cream cones, 

when a book is too good for a 5 cone review it gets a 5+ review.

How to Make a Golem and Terrify People

by Alette J. Willis

received from Net Galley

available January 23, 2012

synopsis (goodreads)

"You think you're a fairy godmother or something?" I asked. "Or something," Michael agreed. Edda is tired of her nickname, 'Mouse', and wants to be braver. But when her house is burgled on her twelfth birthday, Edda is more afraid than ever. That is until new boy Michael Scot starts school. There's something peculiar -- and very annoying -- about know-it-all Michael. He claims to be a great alchemist who can help Edda overcome her fears by teaching her to build a golem. But surely they can't bring a giant mud monster to life? Can they? Winner of the Kelpies Prize 2011.

My review (Mom)

Prior to reading this book, I had no idea what a Golem was. I'd only heard of Pokemon Golems. I've since learned about Golems and folklore. 

Edda is an easy kid with whom others can identify. Her nickname is 'mouse' and for good reason, she's practically afraid of her own shadow. 

She experiences pure terror after her house is broken in to and her birthday students stolen. It's after this episode she meets an odd, eerie boy named Michael. "THE MICHAEL SCOT" only one "T". named after the famous alchemist from the 12th century. This michael is a very bizarre character, obsessed with alchemy and old world magic. He convinces Edda to face her fears by creating a Golem, a large 'earth man' who will protect her and her house from outside influence. She soon regrets her actions and the story ensues. 

The characters of this book are incredibly likable. Despite her issues, Edda is a wonderful character. Kids who are small or bullied will relate to her. Euon is the bully who does a complete about face, his story is interesting and bullies and bullied alike will come to like, or at least understand him. Lucy is a great friend to Edda and sticks by her despite what she believes to be Edda's crazy beliefs. 

This story is a great middle grade childrens book. Kids will love the Golem. Some scenes involve dead animals and may be a bit much for the tender of heart, but all in all, this is a great book. I give it 5/5 stars. Love the cover of the book. The monochromatic picture just adds to the mystery of the story

5+ ice cream cones

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Solstice Conspiracy

by Lee Rawn

synopsis from Goodreads

Two school-age children, Beth and Chris, deal with the challenge of moving to a new home, entering a new school, and then discovering that a garden near their yard has a number of mysterious inhabitants. As they begin to have strange encounters with the small residents dwelling close to their home, Beth becomes the target of some unfriendly creatures who begin to intrude on her daily life and cause her to seek help from unexpected sources

Our review 

by

Mom and Lucas

from Mom

An entertaining fantasy novel for young and middle grade readers. The main characters are Beth and her brother Chris. They live in a house with an old garden full of magical creatures. The fairies in the garden are full of mischief. 

The character development is obvious while reading the book. Beth is a likable character from the very beginning. Chris grown on the reader. You see him change as the story progresses. 

I love stories that involve fantasy elements, especially fairies. I was sad when this book ended. I would like to read more by this author.

from Lucas

Don't be deceived by the cover, this is a fun book.  I liked Chris and Beth.  The garden and the creatures were fun to read about.  

Guess who sent Mom  and email asking for us to review his book?
DEREK the GHOST!!!! 
We will be reading SCARY SCHOOL and reviewing it both here and on book lovers paradise
To give you an idea (a teaser) of the book:

synopsis (from Goodreads)

You think your school's scary?

Get a load of these teachers:

Ms. Fang, an 850-year-old vampire

Dr. Dragonbreath, who just might eat you before recess

Mr. Snakeskin—science class is so much more fun when it's taught by someone who's half zombie

Mrs. T—break the rules and spend your detention with a hungry Tyrannosaurus rex!

Plus

Gargoyles, goblins, and Frankenstein's monster on the loose The world's most frighteningly delicious school lunch

And

The narrator's an eleven-year-old ghost!

Join Charles "New Kid" Nukid as he makes some very Scary friends—including Petunia, Johnny, and Peter the Wolf—and figures out that Scary School can be just as funny as it is spooky!

Mom and I read every night after dinner.  I can't wait to read this book!

BOOK LOVERS PARADISE: I would like to announce a new blogsite started by...

BOOK LOVERS PARADISE: I would like to announce a new blogsite started by...: I would like to announce a new blogsite started by Lucas (my 10 yr old- I oversee the site) He wants to invite anyone who may be interested ...

IT'S COMING:

book three in the Kane Series

THE SERPENT'S SHADOW

BY 

RICK RIORDAN

Kane Chronicles #3

Author: Rick Riordan

Release Date: May 1st 2012

Hyperion Books for Children

Summary: (from goodreads) He's b-a-a-ack! Despite their best efforts, Carter and Sade Kane can’t seem to keep Apophis, the chaos snake, down. Now Apophis is threatening to plunge the world into eternal darkness, and the Kanes are faced with the impossible task of having to destroy him once and for all. Unfortunately, the magicians of the House of Life are on the brink of civil war, the gods are divided, and the young initiates of Brooklyn House stand almost alone against the forces of chaos. 

To find the answer they need, the Kanes must rely on the murderous ghost of a powerful magician who might be able to lead them to the serpent’s shadow... or might lead them to their deaths in the depths of the underworld...

Platypus Philharmonic Orchestra

by 

Eliana Joy Barnett

synopsis (from Amazon)

Penelope is a 12-year old girl who lives in the United States. Her favorite animal is the platypus. During a previous vacation to King Island, Australia, Penelope discovered a secret, intelligent group of platypuses. They speak English, play musical instruments, and joke around with each other. The platypuses welcomed Penelope into their "family" and she told no one about them. Penelope is planning another trip to King Island. She can't wait to see the platypuses again and thinks it would be fun to create a platypus orchestra. But how can she make that happen while keeping the platypuses a secret?

review (by Donna)

What a wonderful book for children. Teaches a valuable lesson about friendship. The illustrations are truly wonderful. This is a children's story that will be enjoyed by all! Definitely a book to buy and keep on the shelves! You will read it over and over with your children.

EVE HALLOWS AND THE BOOK OF SHRIEKS

by Robert Gray

synopsis (from Amazon)

For fourteen-year-old Eve Hallows, life can be summed up in one word—horrible. She has the most horrible friends. She lives in a horrible old castle. Even her family is a bunch of horrible monsters. 

However, in the monster-inhabited world of Gravesville—a world where messages are sent through Ouija boards, jack-o’-lanterns get facials to suit their moods, and the worst thing Eve has to deal with are those annoying zombie tourists who overrun her favorite graveyard during the Halloween season—horrible means wonderful. And everything for Eve is perfectly horrible.

But her life is about to go head over heels when a mysterious group known as The Source starts terrorizing Gravesville. Now she must move to the human world—where everything is opposite ... and for Eve, that's absolutely adorable!

REVIEW BY DONNA AND LUCAS

WOW! What an absolutely horrible book (horrible meaning fantastic!)  Think The Munster's from the viewpoint of Marilyn- remember her?  The only strange and bizarre human in a family of perfect monsters!

Well, Eve's life is somewhat like that.  Mom is a Gorgon, Dad is a shapeshifter and brother Sam is a ghoul. Even the family pet Wolf is a werepig.  This book was laugh out loud funny.  I loved when Mom accidentally turned people to stone.  Dad's crazy attempts at running a pizza store were just hysterical.

Trouble began when the mysterious SOURCE started killing monsters and trying to steal the BOOK OF SHRIEKS.  Eve and her human friends had to help save the day.  I don't think the adventures are over for Eve and her buddies.  Looking forward to the next book in the series.  A wonderful book and we both recommend it to kids who love Halloween and funny/ghoulish stories.

My favorite laugh out loud quote from the book:::

"Zombies are the rudest, most annoying creatures.  And that whole brain-eating thing?  I don't care where you live, that's just poor manners."