Book Review: Can You Survive: Jack London's Call of the Wild adapted by Ryan Jacobson + Giveaway

Posted as part of Tween Tuesday, hosted by GreenBeanTeenQueen.

Can You Survive: Jack London's Call of the Wild adapted by Ryan Jacobson
Publisher: Lake 7 Creative
Publication date: October 2011
ISBN: 9780977412235
Source: ARC provided by author

In this choose your path story, you become Buck, a dog about to set out on a perilous journey.  Throughout his travels and becoming a sled dog, the reader is given options to choose just what they would do and then see where they end up. 

Things I Liked:
This was a fast and fun read.  I'm going to admit that I think I've read maybe one other choose-your-story type of book and I honestly can't remember it.  Jumping right into the action of Buck's frontier adventure, kids will lose themselves in the excitement and danger of this cold, deadly place.  Interesting choices are laid before you and following each to see just where you will be was fun even for this boring old grown-up.  I definitely think this book will appeal especially to boys longing for adventures and it's a great introduction to London's classic tale.

Things I Didn't Like:
There were some places here and there that the writing was awkward and might be a bit hard for younger readers to follow.  Also, it was quite violent as the dog faces some very frightening foes.  It might be especially traumatic to animal-lovers and sensitive kids, since being written in second person can make it feel more personal.  I did notice, however, that the author noted the violence was toned down in the final edition.  A fun adventure story, all these things considered!

Read-alikes:
The Call of the Wild by Jack London
Choose your own adventure books by various authors

BOOK CONTENT RATINGS:
s-factor: none 

mrg-factor: none 

v-factor: ->-> 
some incidents of animal fights and animal abuse

Overall rating: *** 

And, I've got a chance for you to win a copy of this book for the adventure-seeking tween in your life (or, you know, yourself).  Open to US only, fill out the form below by November 5th. 

For more stops on the tour, visit Ryan Jacobson's blog.

Were you a choose your own path/adventure/story reader?

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Posted in 3 stars , adventure , giveaway , middle grade , review copy , tween tuesday

Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea

Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea. Jules Verne. 1870. Puffin Classics. 280 pages.

In the year 1866 the whole maritime population of Europe and America was excited by a mysterious and inexplicable phenomenon.

I didn't seek out an abridged version of this Jules Verne classic. But when I discovered that the edition I'd checked out from the library was abridged--after I was four or five chapters into it--I didn't try to 'fix' it either.

I'll start with the good news. I definitely liked this one more than Journey to the Center of the Earth! There were times I actually thought Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea was a good read. That the story had action and adventure and mystery.

Basic plot: A professor and his servant are 'captured' by a 'sea monster' created by the cranky Captain Nemo.

While reading this one, I started thinking about Frankenstein--which is a good thing, I think. I never did quite decide how the characters matched up between the two. But I think that there are definite similarities in theme. Frankenstein is one of my comfort reads--a book I love and adore. Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea is a good read, but I'm not sure I'll ever want to reread it. If I ever do read it again, I might try the unabridged version.

© 2011 Becky Laney of Becky's Book Reviews

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Posted in 1800-1900 , 1870 , adult fiction , adventure , classics , library book , science fiction

The Story of the Treasure Seekers (MG)

The Story of the Treasure Seekers. E. Nesbit. 1899. Puffin. 250 pages.

This is the story of the different ways we looked for treasure, and I think when you have read it you will see that we were not lazy about the looking. 

I just loved The Story of the Treasure Seekers. I loved the Bastables. There are six children: Dora, Oswald, Dicky, Noel and Alice, and H.O. (Horace Octavius). The children have a father, but no mother. But the father, for the most part, is absent from their day to day lives. This one has a simple plot. The children know that the family is in desperate need of money, and, well, they decide to look for treasure. Each child has an opportunity (or two) to come up with a plan for 'finding' treasure (getting money). Some of the plans are silly and over the top. (Like Noel's plan to marry a princess when he grew up.) But many of their plans lead to a FUN adventure!

I definitely enjoyed this one and would recommend it! It's a great adventure story with many satisfying moments. IF you've only read Nesbit's fantasy, you should give this one a try.

© 2011 Becky Laney of Becky's Book Reviews

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Posted in 1800-1900 , 1899 , adventure , children's classic , classics , J Adventure , J Fiction , J Realistic Fiction , library book

Book Review: Only the Good Spy Young by Ally Carter

Only the Good Spy Young by Ally Carter
Publisher: Hyperion Books
Publication date: June 2010
ISBN: 9781423128205
Source: Library

Cammie was not prepared to face the dangers of being a real-life spy in her junior year at school.  But, when a frightening incident in London reveals a trusted friend as a double agent, she must face the facts that she doesn't know who to trust anymore.  Being under constant surveillance takes its toll on her desire to hide, but she must find out just why she's being targeted, before its too late.

Things I Liked:
These books are always good for a little spy action mixed with teenage girl fun and a dash of humor.  I love reading them, essentially, because they are so fun and fluffy.  I have been really impressed, though, that Carter has managed to bring us around to serious issues in this book.  She developed a story line that came out in later books that I certainly didn't notice in the first seemingly-fluffy books.  They have a depth now that makes them even more interesting to me.  At the end of this one, I was begging for more action.  Here's a few of my favorite parts:

I wanted her to stop looking at me as a spy and start talking to me as a girl, but Gallagher Girls are only exceptional because we're both - all the time.  p 133

In the clandestine services, nothing ever happens quickly (except when it does).  Nothing is ever, ever easy (except when it is).  And, most of all, nothing ever goes perfectly according to plan (except in the movies). p 161

It is a little-known fact about covert operations that you will spend a lot of time with people you can't really trust.  They many be traitors and liars.  We call them assets or informants.  But mostly, in those days, I called him Zach. p 212

Things I Didn't Like:
If you manage to suspend your disbelief for the reading, it is really fun.  If you can't, it becomes ridiculously unbelievable.  Also, the spy/teenage girl jokes can wear a little thin.  I recommend reading only one of these books at a time.

Read-alikes:
Read the other books in the Gallagher Girls series first
Heist Society by Ally Carter is also similar in style, obviously

BOOK CONTENT RATINGS:
s-factor: none

mrg-factor: none
just kissing

v-factor: ->
a few minor incidents, surprisingly, since they're in constant peril

Overall rating: ****

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Posted in 4 stars , adventure , gallagher girls , mystery , realistic fiction , Young Adult

Book Review: The End of the World Club by J&P Voelkel

The Jaguar Stones, Book Two: The End of the World Club by J&P Voelkel
Publisher: Egmont USA
Publication date: December 2010
ISBN: 9781606840726
Source: ARC provided by publicist
(Check out the guest post and author interview with J&P Voelkel)

Max has had a reprieve from his favor from the gods of the Mayan underworld.  After saving his parents, he was able to escape from them, but only for a short time.  With that favor hanging over his head, he can't seem to enjoy the rest of his summer.  Of course, with the strange things going on at his home, it is even harder - a jungle seems to be growing right there in Boston and his mother denies anything happened in San Xavier.  But, when the gods finally request their favor, Max doesn't have much of a choice.  At least he gets to team up with Lola again.  But, will they manage to finish their quest in time to save their lives and the lives of his parents?

Things I Liked:
This was another addition to the action-packed and fast-paced adventures in ancient Mayan history.  I really like the way the history and even modern culture is woven into the story.  I actually learn things and I think kids will as well, without even minding it!  The characters are quirky and fun, but it's really about the adventures and difficult situations they have to get out of.  They almost have a Percy Jackson feel to them, but not as entertaining or steeped in mythology as those books.

His friends saw only the gifts that his parents lavished on him: the video games, the laptop, the electronic drums - all peace offerings for being too busy at work to support their son at school concerts and class nights and sports meets.  (After the recent events in San Xavier, he was expecting a "sorry for opening a portal to the Maya underworld and unleashing the forces of evil that almost killed you" gift any day now. p19 of ARC

She cupped her hands around her mouth to make the sound of a howler monkey, the loudest land animal on the planet.  And if Santino Garcia was surprised to hear the girl of his dreams roaring like an angry dinosaur, he was too polite to mention it.  p 99 of ARC 

Things I Didn't Like:
I had a really hard time wanting to finish the book.  I thought the story went on much too long and took too many crazy turns.  I got a little tired of waiting for the climax.  Also, the writing at times felt a bit awkward and the plot a little uneven (not to mention unbelievable).  I was also a little disappointed at how little was discussed about the 2012 "end of the world" Mayan calendar thing.  Especially considering the publicity that was surrounding it.  In fact, it was a little vague about whether or not the world will end.  Still, I think kids will love the action and the disturbingly gross Mayan gods, without being bothered by some of these other things.

Read-alikes:
Pick up the first book in the Jaguar Stones series by J&P Voelkel
The Red Pyramid or the Percy Jackson series by Rick Riordan
The 39 Clues series by various authors

BOOK CONTENT RATINGS:
s-factor: none 
(except in reference to the underworld :)

mrg-factor: none 

v-factor: ->-> 
it can be a bit disgusting at times, but nothing very gory

Overall rating: *** 

What books to do read to learn while being entertained?

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Posted in 3 stars , adventure , Fantasy , middle grade , review copy

Book Review: The Red Pyramid by Rick Riordan

The Red Pyramid by Rick Riordan
Publisher: Hyperion Book CH
Publication date: May 2010
ISBN: 9781423113386
Source: Library

 

Carter Kane does not lead a normal life by any standard.  Traveling with his archeologist father around the world, living from a suitcase, he hasn't stayed in one place long enough to call home since his mother died.  His sister Sadie, however, lives with their grandparents in England, leading as normal a life as he could imagine.  But, when their father manages to release a deadly enemy and become captured in the process, Sadie and Carter must work together to prevent the enemy from destroying them...and the world.

Things I Liked:
I think this will be a new hit series for tweens and younger teens.  The alternating narrations of both Carter and Sadie provide perspective that should appeal to both boys and girls.  It has a good combination of humor, action, adventure, and information.  The story will keep you on your toes, reading to the end to know what happens, while you unintentionally learn about ancient Egyptian gods and customs.  It's something to give your Percy Jackson fans while they wait for The Lost Hero.  I personally enjoyed the hilarious chapter headings, in particular this one: "Men Ask for Directions (and Other Signs of the Apocalypse)."  Other good parts:

"Fairness does not mean everyone gets the same," Dad said.  "Fairness means everyone gets what they need." p67

Papyrus.  I remember Dad explaining how the Egyptians made it from a river plant because they never invented paper.  The stuff was so thick and rough, it made me wonder if the poor Egyptians had had to use toilet papyrus.  If so, no wonder they walked sideways. p 91

Things I Didn't Like:
Some of the plot seemed a little flimsy or maybe just confusing.  I wasn't entirely sure what the villain was attempting, nor what they did to stop him.  I don't think it was quite as clear as it could have been.  It probably won't be as popular as Percy Jackson, maybe because people are generally more familiar with Greek gods than with Egyptian.  And this is entirely personal, but I got so tired of Sadie saying "oh my G-d" or just "G-d" over and over and over.  I know it's quite a common phrase, but it just kept bugging me how often she would say it.

Read-alikes:
Percy Jackson books by Rick Riordan
The Lost Hero by Rick Riordan

BOOK CONTENT RATINGS:
s-factor: !
one or two (and the above-mentioned religious exclamations)

mrg-factor: none

v-factor: ->
there is some fighting and some attempts to kill

Overall rating: ****

What do you think of the modernizing of ancient mythology?

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Posted in 4 stars , adventure , Fantasy , middle grade , tween tuesday

Book Review: Middleworld by J & P Voelkel

The Jaguar Stones, Book One: Middleworld by J&P Voelkel
Publisher: EgmontUSA
Publication date: April 2010
ISBN: 9781606840719
Source: Review copy from publicist
(Guest post and author interview with J&P Voelkel)

All Max Murphy wants is a fabulous vacation to Italy, where he can devour pizza and relax.  But, when his archeologist parents cancel the trip in order to go on a dig in Central America, his dreams are shattered.  They aren't even planning on bringing him there, but he gets sent down there shortly after.  Once there, he becomes embroiled in a battle for power centered around the mysterious Jaguar Stones.  Now he's in a race to save his parents, and his own life.  Not a very relaxing summer vacation.

Things I Liked:
This was an exciting and action-packed adventure that also managed to teach me about Mayan culture.  I love a good archeological tale - I used to adore Indiana Jones movies (and this felt like a middle grade friendly version of them).  At one point I even thought it would be awesome to be an archeological astronomer and study ancient cultures' astronomical beliefs.  So this had a definite appeal to me.  However, I think it will be perfect for kids who love action, adventure, and humor all wrapped up into a neat package.  The story is interesting and scary, exciting, or humorous things seem to happen on every page.  Some favorite quotes:

Among the tangle of mosquito netting and old socks, his fingers closed on something unnaturally hard and dense. 
The granola bars.
It had come to this.
Miserably, he unwrapped a bar.  He brought the compacted brown mass to his lips.  With a heavy heart, he opened his mouth and prepared his tongue to receive the foul-tasting grunge.
Then, in the nick of time, he recovered his fighting spirit.
Things were bad, but not that bad.
He still wasn't desperate enough to eat a granola bar. p 112

Once there was the terrible sound of rock scraping on rubber as they wedged under a particularly low overhang.  Then they had to try not to scream and calmly maneuver themselves to the left or the right, to find a place where the raft could squeeze through.  (By unspoken agreement, Max did the trying not to scream, while Lola did the calm maneuvering.) p 136

"It's just that some crazy girl made me shoot the rapids in an underground river and then she got me trapped like a hair ball in an underground sink.  Oh yes, and some cape-twirling psycho is trying to kill me."
"Don't take it too personally," said Lola.  "He's trying to kill me, too." p 144

Things I Didn't Like:
I think as an adult, I struggled to find the story at all plausible.  Some of it was rather impossible in my head, but didn't really stop me from enjoying the ride.  Some of the humor didn't quite tickle me either, but I assume that's also the adult in me.

Read-alikes:
The Red Pyramid by Rick Riordan
The 39 Clues series by various authors

BOOK CONTENT RATINGS:
s-factor: !
a very few

mrg-factor: none

v-factor: ->->
some scary parts and some fighting, not gory though

Overall rating: ****

If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go?

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Posted in 4 stars , adventure , humorous , middle grade , review copy , tween tuesday

Book Review: We the Children by Andrew Clements

We the Children by Andrew Clements
Publisher: Atheneum
Publication date: April 2010
ISBN: 9781416938866
Source: ARC provided by publisher

Ben is just your average sixth grade boy, until the custodian surprises him by handing over a coin from the founder of the school and entrusting the protection of the school to him.  Little does Ben realize that his school is in danger and he and an unlikely friend are the only ones who can save it.  All of this amidst the regular difficulties of his life - a sailing race against an enemy and dealing with the separation of his parents.

Things I Liked:
It was a fast-paced and very quick read.  The mystery that's introduced is intriguing and definitely makes you want to know what will happen next - especially since not much is told about it.  Also the action race at the end was entertaining and fun.  Most of the illustrations were just rough sketches, but the finished ones were fantastic!  I can see they will add a lot to the story and keep it moving along.  A great pick for reluctant readers, particularly boys.

Things I Didn't Like:
It was obviously an introduction to the series, where not a lot of information is given about the mystery and a whole lot of stuff was set up.  I thought maybe a little more info in this short book would have helped, but it will definitely grab kids' attention and make them want the next book!

Read-alikes:
A bit like the 39 Clues series by multiple authors

BOOK CONTENT RATINGS:
s-factor: none

mrg-factor: none

v-factor: none

Overall rating: ****

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Posted in 4 stars , adventure , middle grade , review copy , tween tuesday

Book Review: Everlasting by Angie Frazier

Everlasting by Angie Frazier
Publisher: Scholastic
Publication date: June 1, 2010
ISBN: 9780545114738
Source: ARC from Traveling ARC Tours

Camille is not your typical 1850s girl.  She's grown up sailing the world with her father.  But, when she embarks with him on her last voyage before getting married, she doesn't expect that this trip will change everything in her life.  Her father is lost on the voyage, but she learns a secret about her mother, who she thought was dead, and a treasure that yields both great power and danger.  Will she be able to keep her father's business from debt, find this dangerous treasure, and be able to master her growing feelings for the handsome sailor Oscar, who is definitely not her fiance?

Things I Liked:
The adventurous parts were very fun - nothing like a sailing and treasure-hunting story to make a book thrilling.  When there were good sailing adventures or exciting parts, they were very good.  I was caught up in those particular parts.  The plot was quite twisty and kept me interested throughout, despite some of the slower parts (see below).  It definitely was what kept the book moving and held it together.  Camille was an interesting character, both wanting to please her father and live according to the expectations of the time, but also and wanting to be free of societal constraints. 

Things I Didn't Like:
I thought the fantastical elements surrounding the treasure were very underdeveloped.  The ending felt very rushed, not completely thought out and explained, and a bit too easy.  While Camille did have to make a difficult choice, I thought that it still kept her from dealing with death in a healthy way.  Also, while the overall plot was exciting, I did get bored at times.  There were some lulls in places that drew me back from the story.  But, a very good first novel and with some possibility for a sequel left in the ending.

Read-alikes:
A bit like The Dust of 100 Dogs by A.S. King

BOOK CONTENT RATINGS:
s-factor: !
a very few

mrg-factor: X
innuendo for the most part

v-factor: ->
some fighting

Overall rating: ***

Do you have a favorite action-adventure story?

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Posted in 3 stars , adventure , Fantasy , historical fantasy , review copy , Young Adult

Book Review: Heist Society by Ally Carter

Heist Society is what Kat Bishop was trying to escape when she got into Calgon School.  But, when her father is accused of stealing something that he actually didn't (for a change), she must leave that life behind and do everything she can to save him.  Even if it means stealing back from whoever stole in the first place.

Things I Liked:
I had such a good time reading this book!  I felt like I was watching a fun movie like Ocean's Eleven or National Treasure.  The action was excellent, the characters so much fun, and the basic premise - Kat comes from a long line of thieves and can't seem to escape from the life - just made for an all-around enjoyable read.  In the end, I was definitely entertained.  Some fun quotes:

"Most of all, there had been a time when honor meant something at Colgon School, when school property was respected, when the faculty was revered - when the headmaster's mint-condition 1958 Porsche Speedster would never have been placed on top of the fountain in the quad with water shooting out of its headlights on an unusually warm evening in November." p 2

"After hours of watching the New England countryside roll by, and listening to Hale snore, Kat was finished with plotting and strategizing how to get her boarding school life back.  She was out of options, so she called upon every thief's oldest and most trusted method for getting what she wants: Ask nicely." p 17

Things I Didn't Like:
I thought Nick's part in the book was very flimsy.  His role seemed superfluous or maybe just not developed enough. Especially the explanation for his helping out Kat.  Not very believable if you ask me. It also seemed a bit light in terms of anything but the fun plot.  Still, I look forward to more from Carter in this series.

Read-alikes:
Carter's Gallagher Girls series felt very similar
Also, a little like the 39 Clues books by various authors as well

BOOK CONTENT RATINGS:
s-factor: !
maybe one or two

mrg-factor: none

v-factor: ->
some action, not really violence

Overall rating: ****
 

What's your favorite not-yet-made-into-a-movie-but-totally-should-be book?

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Posted in 4 stars , adventure , heist society , realistic fiction , Young Adult