Review: My Life as a Potato by Arianne Costner

My Life as a Potato by Arianne Costner

My Life as a Potato
Arianne Costner
Random House Books for Young Readers
Published March 24, 2020

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About My Life as a Potato

For anyone who has ever felt like a potato in middle school, this hilarious story about a boy forced to become the dorkiest school mascot ever will have readers cheering!

“A grade A, spudtastic (not to mention FUNNY) debut. Arianne Costner sure knows middle school and middle schoolers!” –Chris Grabenstein, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Escape from Mr. Lemoncello’s Library

Ben Hardy believes … Continue reading

Review: Tess of the Road by Rachel Hartman

Tess of the Road by Rachel HartmanTess of the Road
Rachel Hartman
Random House Books for Young Readers
Published on February 27, 2018

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About Tess of the Road
In the medieval kingdom of Goredd, women are expected to be ladies, men are their protectors, and dragons get to be whomever they want. Tess, stubbornly, is a troublemaker. You can’t make a scene at your sister’s wedding and break a relative’s nose with one punch (no matter how pompous he is) and not suffer the consequences. As her family plans to send her to a nunnery, Tess yanks on her boots and sets out on a journey across the … Continue reading

A Wow-worthy Sequel: Shadow Scale by Rachel Hartman

shadow-scaleShadow Scale
Rachel Hartman
Random House Children’s
Pubished March 10, 2015

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With war between dragons and humans exploding across Seraphina’s once-peaceful home, she vows to find the other gifted half-dragons and use their power to end the conflict. One of Seraphina’s would-be allies seems to have other loyalties. And unstoppable power.

Seraphina works to bring the isolated and fearful half-dragons out of hiding and teach them to operate as a team. Time is running out, however, as an army of dragons threatens to rain destruction down on Seraphina’s homeland. Alliances begin to unravel. A new, unpredictable saint dazzles the people, distracting them from the conflict at hand. … Continue reading

Review: Oliver and the Seawigs by Philip Reeve and Sarah McIntyre

Oliver and the Seawigs by Philip ReeveOliver and the Seawigs
Philip Reeve
Illustrated by Sarah McIntyre
Random House BFYR
Available September 5, 2013

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When Oliver’s parents disappear along with some islands in the bay outside his home, he decides to follow them. Raised by world-renowned explorers, Oliver isn’t daunted when the islands turn out to be living, migrating creatures or when a nearsighted mermaid blunders into his expedition. Oliver befriends the island and mer-girl and together they set off to rescue his parents.

Each character in the story faces an obstacle which requires courage to overcome. Oliver, who grew up simply wishing for a normal life, learns the value of his wilderness … Continue reading

Review: Fire Wish by Amber Lough

Fire Wish by Amber LoughFire Wish (The Jinni Wars #1)
Amber Lough
Random House Books for Young Readers
Published July 22, 2014

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When Zayele is promised to the prince against her will, she vows to escape her fate and return home to her family. The perfect opportunity arises when a curious jinni who wanders too close. Zayele seizes the girl and forces the jinni to take her place.

The jinni girl, Najwa, indeed takes Zayele’s place. Instead of returning home as she asked, Zayele finds herself trapped in the jinni world, where she is mistaken for Najwa. There she learns not all the rumors she’s … Continue reading