Tag Archives: Karen Foxlee

Ten Books For Your Young Reader’s Christmas Stocking

Christmas_Young_Readers_v2

Save

One Realm Beyond by Donita K. Paul
Published by Zondervan January 28, 2014

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Goodreads

About One Realm Beyond
Cantor D’Ahma waited his whole life for this day. Born with a gift to jump between worlds, the young realm walker is finally ready to leave his elderly mentor and accept his role as protector and defender of the realms.

But mere hours after he steps through his first portal, Cantor discovers that his job will be more dangerous and difficult than he ever imagined. The realms are plagued with crime and cruelty, and even members of the once-noble Realm Walkers Guild can no longer be trusted. To make matters worse, his first assignment—finding a dragon to assist him on his quest—has led him to Bridger, who is clearly inept and won’t leave him alone.

With the help of his new friends Bixby and Dukmee, Cantor must uncover the secrets of the corrupt guild before they become too powerful to be stopped. But his skills aren’t progressing as fast as he would like, and as he finds himself deeper and deeper in the guild’s layers of deceit, Cantor struggles to determine where his true allegiance lies

Wonder by R J Palacio
Published by Knopf Books for Young Readers on February 14, 2012

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Goodreads

About Wonder
I won’t describe what I look like. Whatever you’re thinking, it’s probably worse.

August (Auggie) Pullman was born with a facial deformity that prevented him from going to a mainstream school—until now. He’s about to start 5th grade at Beecher Prep, and if you’ve ever been the new kid then you know how hard that can be. The thing is Auggie’s just an ordinary kid, with an extraordinary face. But can he convince his new classmates that he’s just like them, despite appearances?

R. J. Palacio has written a spare, warm, uplifting story that will have readers laughing one minute and wiping away tears the next. With wonderfully realistic family interactions (flawed, but loving), lively school scenes, and short chapters, Wonder is accessible to readers of all levels.

Ophelia and the Marvelous Boy by Karen Foxlee
Published by Alfred A. Knopf Books for Young Readers on January 28, 2014

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Goodreads

About Ophelia and the Marvelous Boy
A modern-day fairy tale set in a mysterious museum that is perfect for readers of Roald Dahl and Blue Balliett.

Unlikely heroine Ophelia Jane Worthington-Whittard doesn’t believe in anything that can’t be proven by science. She and her sister Alice are still grieving for their dead mother when their father takes a job in a strange museum in a city where it always snows. On her very first day in the museum Ophelia discovers a boy locked away in a long forgotten room. He is a prisoner of Her Majesty the Snow Queen. And he has been waiting for Ophelia’s help.

As Ophelia embarks on an incredible journey to rescue the boy everything that she believes will be tested. Along the way she learns more and more about the boy’s own remarkable journey to reach her and save the world.

A story within a story, this a modern day fairytale is about the power of friendship, courage and love, and never ever giving up.

Who Could It Be at This Hour? by Lemony Snicket
Published by Little, Brown and Company on October 24, 2012

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Goodreads

About Who Could It Be at This Hour?
The adventure began in a fading town. Far from anyone he knew or trusted, a young Lemony Snicket started an apprenticeship for a secret organization shrouded in mystery and secrecy. He asked questions that shouldn’t have been on his mind. Now he has written an account that should not be published that shouldn’t be read. Not even by you. Seriously, we recommend that you do NOT ask your parents for this, the first book in his new ALL THE WRONG QUESTIONS series.
Lemony Snicket, in case you don’t already know, grew up to be the author of A Series of Unfortunate Events series.

Gabriel Finley and the Raven’s Riddle (Gabriel Finley #1) by George Hagen
Published by Random House Children’s/Schwartz and Wade Publishing on August 26, 2014

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Goodreads

About Gabriel Finley and the Raven’s Riddle
A tangle of ingenious riddles, a malevolent necklace called a torc, and flocks of menacing birds: these are just some of the obstacles that stand between Gabriel and his father, Adam Finley, who has vanished from their Brooklyn brownstone. When Gabriel rescues an orphaned baby raven named Paladin, he discovers a family secret: Finleys can bond with ravens in extraordinary ways. Along with Paladin and three valiant friends, Gabriel sets out to bring his father home. They soon discover that Adam is being held captive by the evil demon Corax—half man, half raven, and Adam’s very own disgraced brother—in a foreboding netherworld of birds called Aviopolis. With help from his army of ghoulish minions, the valravens, Corax is plotting to take over the land above, and now only Gabriel stands in his way.

The Mark of the Dragonfly by Jaleigh Johnson
Published by Delacorte Books for Young Readers on March 25, 2014

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Goodreads

About The Mark of the Dragonfly
Piper has never seen the Mark of the Dragonfly until she finds the girl amid the wreckage of a caravan in the Meteor Fields. The girl doesn’t remember a thing about her life, but the intricate tattoo on her arm is proof that she’s from the Dragonfly Territories and that she’s protected by the king. Which means a reward for Piper if she can get the girl home. The one sure way to the Territories is the 401, a great old beauty of a train. But a ticket costs more coin than Piper could make in a year. And stowing away is a difficult prospect–everyone knows that getting past the peculiar green-eyed boy who stands guard is nearly impossible. Life for Piper just turned dangerous. A little bit magical. And very exciting, if she can manage to survive the journey.

Clifton Chase and the Arrow of Light by Jaimie Engle

Review | Amazon | Goodreads

About Clifton Chase and the Arrow of Light
Clifton Chase is the latest target for bully Ryan Rivales. But after he finds a mysterious arrow in his closet, he takes Ryan’s bet to see who can hit the target. Ryan nails the bull’s-eye, but Clifton’s piece of junk arrow sails out of sight and when he finally finds it, something isn’t right. Somehow, Clifton has been magically transported back to 1485 England, where he meets two princes bullied by their tyrant uncle who locked them in prison to steal their throne. Only after Clifton learns the true meaning of friendship, bravery, and sacrifice can he help the princes escape and find the courage to face his own bully. Befriended by a dwarf, a mythical bird called Simurgh, and a cast of comical characters, Clifton’s fantasy adventure through medieval times is perfect for boys and girls of all ages, and the young at heart. For those who like fantasy kids books like Percy Jackson and Harry Potter.

The Map to Everywhere by Carrie Ryan and John Parke Davis
Published by Little, Brown Books For Young Readers on November 4, 2014

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Goodreads

About The Map to Everywhere
Wherever you need to go–the Map to Everywhere can take you there.

To Master Thief Fin, an orphan from the murky pirate world of the Khaznot Quay, the Map is the key to finding his mother. To suburban schoolgirl Marrill, it’s her only way home after getting stranded on the Pirate Stream, the magical waterway that connects every world in creation. With the help of a bumbling wizard and his crew, they must scour the many worlds of the Pirate Stream to gather the pieces of the Map to Everywhere–but they aren’t the only ones looking. A sinister figure is hot on their tail, and if they can’t beat his ghostly ship to find the Map, it could mean the destruction of everything they hold dear!

In New York Times bestselling author Carrie Ryan and John Parke Davis’s first installment of a fantastical new series, adventure, magic, and hilarity collide in the treacherous skies and dangerous waters of the Pirate Stream. Heart-pounding escapades and a colorful cast of characters will have readers setting sail through this wholly original and unforgettable tale.

The Fourteenth Goldfish by Jennifer Holm
Published by Random House Children’s on August 26, 2014

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Goodreads

About The Fourteenth Goldfish
Galileo. Newton. Salk. Oppenheimer.
Science can change the world . . . but can it go too far?

Eleven-year-old Ellie has never liked change. She misses fifth grade. She misses her old best friend. She even misses her dearly departed goldfish. Then one day a strange boy shows up. He’s bossy. He’s cranky. And weirdly enough . . . he looks a lot like Ellie’s grandfather, a scientist who’s always been slightly obsessed with immortality. Could this pimply boy really be Grandpa Melvin? Has he finally found the secret to eternal youth?

Favorite Reads of 2014 (Part 1)

With summer in full swing, hopefully you’ve found yourself with some extra reading time. Out of over 70 books I’ve read since January 1, 2014, these are the top ten best. If you’re looking for a hot summer read, check these out.

We Are the Goldens by Dana Reinhardt The emotional intensity. The slow, dramatic build-up. These are things I love about this story.From my review: “Reading this novel is like taking that first ride on a roller coaster and feeling the adrenaline and rush building over each tick-tick-tick as the coaster inches up to the top of its track until its riders can look out over the imminent fearsome drops and wild loops ahead. Reinhardt nails the emotional turmoil of teen relationships and the anxiety of difficult choices, creating a powerful story about both the healing and destructive powers of love.”

We Were Liars by E. Lockhart If you like stories that take you unexpected places, this is a must-read. I finished the last page of this book and had to pry myself away from it because I wanted to return to page one and read it again.From my review: “This is an amazing story, full of stark, beautiful prose and gut-wrenching emotion. Cadence experiences the fullness of love and loss, and through Lockhart’s phenomenal storytelling, readers can’t help but share in those moments. Like the best stories, the conclusion of We Were Liars turns all its previous chapters inside out and forces the reader to reexamine every element of the story, especially the explorations of both healing and destructive forces within a family.”

All the Truth that’s In Me by Julie Berry Historical fiction is not my top go-to genre, but this one really hooked me. I couldn’t help caring for Judith and rooting for her as she struggled to regain her voice.From my review: “As a lover of angsty teen novels, I found it refreshing to read a historical novel so emotionally charged and yet so hopeful. How many times have we read novels which ultimately condemn the rigidity of the Puritan culture? I loved that this novel didn’t go that route. Not that the leadership were without fault, but that hope, forgiveness and love – which believes the best – ultimately triumphed. Great story. Highly recommended.”

Stay Where You Are and Then Leave by John Boyne My first experience with the work of this author (The Boy in the Striped Pajamas) left me absolutely stunned. He has an incredible way of reaching into a historical moment and holding it in front of our faces, challenging us to act, to respond. That’s powerful writing.From my (soon to post) review: “Using the viewpoint of a child allows the story to explore how the war affected those on the home front without focusing on the violence of the battle front. No one humanizes characters the way that an admiring young boy does. He grieves for his neighbors who’ve been removed to internment camp and for his father’s friend, a conscientious objector who is severely beaten for his convictions. Alfie’s voice fills the pages of the story with compassion.”

Book of a Thousand Days by Shannon Hale I stayed up most of the night reading this book for the first time. I’m not a huge fan of novels written as diary entries, but this one really hooked me with its vast landscape and rich culture.From my (soon to post) review: “The expert writing and diary format make it easy to forget that this is not a historical account of some ancient kingdom. Dashti’s goodness and loyalty make her an easy character to admire.Though she never takes up weapons made of steel, her cunning and bravery in the face of powerful enemies make her a worthy role model for young readers.”

Ophelia and the Marvelous Boy by Karen Foxlee This novel is reminiscent of the great stories that pull ordinary children into extraordinary worlds. I loved the larger-than-life museum setting and the interplay between members of the grieving family.From my review: “This is a whimsical tale full of fascinating creatures and loveable characters. Though Ophelia herself is the real hero, her father finds his strength and stands with her in a demonstration of protection and solidarity. Middle grade readers will enjoy Ophelia’s tale and the emotional journey she faces is sure to encourage readers dealing with losses of their own.”

Me Since You by Laura Weiss In a culture that gawks via internet at everything from awkward to cruel, author Laura Weiss weaves a powerful story about the devastating wounds inflicted on those starring in unfortunate viral videos.From my review: “Rowan’s story packs a serious emotional punch. It is loss come to life. Weiss describes a gut-wrenching grief exacerbated by the (sometimes well-meaning) friends and family members of the grieved. The voices of wisdom and comfort come from those who’ve lost someone themselves. (How true to life is that?!) In addition, she forces readers to examine the fallout which come from people posting cruel comments to one another over the internet.”

Code Name Verity by Elizabeth Wein Women pilots in World War II? Memorable quotes? Heartbreaking sacrifice? Yes, yes, and yes! Such a great book.From my review: “While some of the content definitely places this novel in a category for older teens, it is a powerful story brilliantly told. Author Elizabeth Wein brings to life the story (inspired by history) of two courageous women who served England during World War II. Wein captures not only an intricate physical description of the places in the story, but the desperate, patriotic feel of war-time existence.”

Like Moonlight at Low Tide by Nicole Quigley The notes of loss, hope and courage create a strange sort of harmony in this novel. I love the Florida setting, because it’s home to me.

From my review: “Missy’s story is peppered with moments of keen emotional insight and turmoil, though some of Missy’s realizations seem too far beyond her maturity level. Her spiritual conversations with Josh are at first sincere and different, but at times his explanations seem a little dense and formulaic. Still, Missy’s moment of conversion is genuine and as powerful as the emotional pain that make her such an easy character to connect with”

A Cast of Stones by Patrick Carr I enjoyed the epic feel of the story-world and the fact that Carr sidesteps the obvious plot, giving readers a more unexpected story.From my review: “Carr’s deft and thoughtful storytelling can’t help but leave readers eager for the next chapter in the fascinating world he’s created. Errol’s unexpected and expertly crafted transformation from cowardice to heroism makes this novel both moving and memorable.”

Save

Review: Ophelia and the Marvelous Boy by Karen Foxlee

Ophelia and the Marvelous Boy
Karen Foxlee
Alfred A. Knopf Books for Young Readers
Published January 28, 2014

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Goodreads

About Ophelia and the Marvelous Boy

Eleven-year-old Ophelia’s father brings her and her older sister Alice to a magical museum in a city in which it always snows. When science-loving Ophelia wanders off to explore the museum in search of dinosaurs and fossils, she finds a boy locked in a small room. He tells an impossible story and asks for her help. Ophelia, who only believes things that can be scientifically proven, is torn about helping the boy, who says he must find a magical sword, and the One Other, who can kill the evil Snow Queen before the queen’s clock chimes and the world ends. Deciding to at least free the boy, Ophelia embarks on a strange journey filled with mysterious creatures.

Since her mother’s death three months ago, Ophelia, her father, and sister have been isolated from one another. The quest to save the strange boy proves to be a journey toward healing for Ophelia and her family as well.

My Review

Ophelia and the Marvelous Boy is a whimsical tale full of fascinating creatures and loveable characters. Though Ophelia herself is the real hero, her father finds his strength and stands with her in a demonstration of protection and solidarity. Middle grade readers will enjoy Ophelia’s tale, and the emotional journey she faces is sure to encourage readers dealing with losses of their own.

Profanity/ Crude Language Content
No profanity.

Sexual Content
None.

Spiritual Content
Ophelia faces a horde of ghosts who were once young girls captured by the Snow Queen. Later Ophelia feels herself guided by an inner voice she believes is her mother speaking to her from beyond the grave.

Violence
When the queen’s clock chimes, the Snow Queen will destroy the Marvelous Boy unless he and Ophelia can find the One Other, who can use an enchanted sword to kill her. This culminates in a battle scene, but very little blood is shed.

Drug Content
None.

Note: I received an electronic copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Save

Save