The Last Musketeer

By Stuart Gibbs

Published by Harper

Copyright © 2011

 

Meet the Three Musketeers before they were the Musketeers in this thrilling middle ages, middle school adventure.

 

Greg Rich comes from, well, a rich family. Over the years, however, they have squandered their wealth until it has come to the point that Greg’s parents have to sell the family estate. Fortunately for them there is someone who is more than willing to take everything off of their hands. Michael Dinicoeur, a representative of the Louvre in Paris, France, buys everything from the Rich estate and flies the family to France to deliver their many antiquities. But something just doesn’t seem right to Greg and as they hand over the last item he soon learns that his gut is right. He and his family are thrust back in time and his parents are captured. If he is going to save them and the world he is going to have to find Athos, Porthos, Aramis, and D’Artagnan to help him.

 

“The Last Musketeer” is a fabulous romp back in time. It is full of action, adventure, and history. There is sword play (though I wish there was more), cannon fire, doppelgangers, secret missions, and narrow escapes. Gibbs also does well in describing what Paris of 1615 looks and smells like. He doesn’t glamorize it as some movies and books do. It’s really quite gross, which makes it perfect for boys age 10 and up. Really though, any youth (boy or girl) with an interest in historical fiction, especially the Musketeers, will like this book.

The Scarlet Pimpernel

By Baroness Emmuska Orczy

Copyright © 1905

The French aristocracy is headed to the guillotine at the end French Revolution and the only one willing to save them is the Scarlett Pimpernel.

After the French Revolution royalty and nobility are being sent to the guillotine daily, but no European country wants to step in and stop the madness. But there is one man who will risk his neck for these aristocrats and he is known only as the Scarlet Pimpernel.

At the beginning of the story the Scarlet Pimpernel has confounded the murdering French Revolutionaries at every turn sneaking condemned men, women, and children out of France and over to England right under their captors noses. So the French Republic Government sends it’s Chief Agent of the Committee of Public Safety on a mission to England to root out the identity of the Scarlett Pimpernel and to ensnare him on French soil to have him killed. This agent,  Citizen Chauvelin, enlists the aid of a former acquaintance, French expat, and high society darling of fashion Marguerite by black mailing her. Marguerite has no idea who the Scarlet Pimpernel is but she is mildly infatuated with him. When she does find out who he is she will fall madly in love with him, but will it be too late to save him?

The Scarlet Pimpernel is obviously a historical novel set in the 1790’s. While the story contains historical figures, it is obvious that the author was on the side of the Aristocracy and that history is not as much of a concern as is telling a good story. In that Orczy does a wonderful job. Though it really doesn’t come as much of a surprise who the Scarlett Pimpernel turns out to be it is still a great tale with mild intrigue, daring-do, and romance. Having read some of Alexander Dumas works, which center in and around this time period and which are generally long, highly-detailed stories, I found this book to be an extremely easy read in comparison and in general quite fun to read. This book was originally written for an adult audience, but today it translates very well as a classic for youth to read as well.

Twilight

The Fourth Tuesday and Mystery Book club

Twilight

by Stephanie Meyer

Imagine being a new girl in a school thousands of miles from the home where you were used to living.  You’ve traveled away from your mother and the warm, sunny, clear skies of Phoenix, Arizona, to take up a new life in northwest Washington State with dark skies, dampness, rain and more rain.  Life might seem pretty dreary and dull.  That is until the dreamboat of the school begins to cast his eye on you.  Love at first sight?  How is this different from any other teenage love story?  The boy who seems fascinated with Bella, the new girl at school, is a vampire.

This story was written for young adults who can identify with the characters in the book.  They are teenagers worrying about the dress they are going to buy, who will go with them to the prom, the paper due in English class, and will Edward Cullen ever notice me.  Much of the vampire rules, learned by most of us through books and movies largely about Dracula, are turned inside out to present a vampire quite different from what we expect.  The confrontation of good and evil takes place late in the novel, with Bella facing the bad vampire and possible death.  Will Edward’s love for this frail human succeed against the animal impulses that drive the vampires on the hunt?

The views of our club members varied greatly.  If you are into romantic novels and vampires, this is a book for you.  The series by Stephanie Meyer has been hugely successful and has spawned a series of movies.  Its author writes in a style that is not offensive, in terms of the language, the teen romance, and what could be violent confrontations between the vampires.  The book’s 500 pages are filled with teenage issues and concerns, which is why it was so well liked by young adults.  That is also why older readers might find it harder to really enjoy.

Key Ideas from different club members:

An easy read but too long; Good reading for teens but definitely not good literature; Too much fluff- hard to keep reading it; Written for teenage girls- I really didn’t like it; Enjoyable reading; I loved it… a romance with vampires- I want to read the rest of the series; Fine fiction for young adults.

The Club Members rating this book:

Linda Bowman, Pat Gombita, Pat Kuna, Juanita Sanner, Lee Ann Schrock, Sharon Shaffer, Bill Simmons, Helen Skalski, and Linda Troll

Club’s Average Rating:  3.4 of 5      

Rating Range: 2 to 5

Guys Read: Thriller

Edited by Jon Scieszka

Published by Walden Pond Press

Copyright © 2011

Writer Jon Scieszka is devoted to getting guys to read more. That is why he started www.guysread.com a web based literacy program whose mission is to “help boys become self-motivated, lifelong readers.” To further that initiative he has begun the Guys Read Library of Great Reading.

The second book in the Guys Read Library is entitled “Thriller.” It contains 10 stories by M.T. Anderson, Patrick Carman, Gennifer Choldenko, Matt De La Pena, Margaret Peterson Haddix, Bruce Hale, Jarrett J. Krosoczka, Anthony Horowitz, Walter Dean Myers and James Patterson all well know children’s and young adult authors in the Thriller genre. In addition Brett Helquist lends his illustrative genius at the beginning of each story. This volume features stories of detection, piracy, bullies, mutants, and the supernatural. One thing that they have in common is smart and courageous boys who often do what is right even under scary or confusing circumstances.

I really liked quite a few of the stories in this book, but my favorite had to be “Nate Macavoy, Monter Hunter” by Bruce Hale. It is the story of Nate and Jeremy who are aspiring monster hunters. Jeremy has gone missing, but his mom isn’t worried. She thinks that his father has taken him, but Nate believes differently based on some texts Jeremy sent the night before. So, Nate embarks on a quest to find Jeremy and whatever monster took him. I love stories about Sasquatch, the Loch Ness Monster, or the Moth Man so this tale is right up my alley.

On the down side 3 out of the 10 stories in this book are ghost stories (which I don’t care for), but otherwise the stories are well written and mildly suspenseful; on occasion they are even slightly funny. Short stories are a great way to get boys to read because one story can usually be read in one sitting and the story moves quickly right towards the resolution, which provides some instant gratification. This is a great book for boys (or girls) ages 9 and up. Be sure to share this with your reluctant readers today.

The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency

The Fourth Tuesday and Mystery Book Club

The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency

by Alexander McCall Smith

 

Alexander McCall Smith, the author of The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency, lived in the southern portion of the “dark continent” of Africa.  The experiences he had in Botswana bring life to the people of this proud nation through his characters.  The most interesting and important character is Precious Ramotswe, who realized that she found a way to help the people of her country by solving problems.  She is a very likeable detective and definitely not typical.  For example, Precious is “traditionally built,” which in Botswana is an attractive feature but in America would be considered heavy or overweight.

Another important character is Mr. J. L. B. Matekoni, the owner of Speedy Motors who proves to be a true friend –always reliable and ready to help Mma (a title of respect for women) Ramotswe.  The secretary for the No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency is Mma Makutsi.  She is a funny and interesting person with a long face, braided hair, and oval glasses with wide plastic frames.  Mma Makutsi was very proud that she had passed her typing test with a grade of 97%, the highest score ever in her school.  Both become key figures in Mma Ramotswe’s adventures.

This first book in the series introduces the characters in a mixture of unique mysteries.  Mma Ramotswe learns to be a detective by dealing with problems that are both big and small.  The author weaves a wonderful story using very real characters.  He takes us on a trip to Africa, and we learn not only about their land but also about their people and their concepts of right and wrong.  We learn from Precious Ramotswe how to treat others, approach a problem, and deal with people who wrong others.  We learn much and grow to love the characters and their stories.  You too will love The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency and find that you want to continue to read more of this delightful series.

Key Ideas from different club members:

An easy read; great fun; I liked the characters; a really good one to begin the series; I want to read more of these; very good story; I loved Precious’ description of Africa and its people; Even though the author is male, he wrote from a female perspective; really entertaining with unique solutions to her cases; Precious is delightful; McCall Smith is fabulous!

The Club Members rating of this book:

Linda Bowman, Pat Gombita, Mona Herrell, Pat Kuna, Juanita Sanner, Lee Ann Schrock, Bill Simmons, Lynn Simmons, Helen Skalski, and Linda Troll

Club’s Average Rating:  4.65 of 5

Rating Range: 4 to 5

Snow Falling on Cedars

By David Guterson

Published by Harcourt Brace

Copyright © 1994

San Piedro, Washington is a sea worn island of tall wild cedars and well tended strawberry fields. These things in addition to the islands weather, isolation, and confinement mold the personality of its residents. “Snow Falling on Cedars” is at once a romance, mystery, and historical drama that, for some, will elicit reflection and strong emotions.

Hatsue and Ishmael grew up together on San Piedro Island, and slowly a secretive and complicated relationship developed between them. In the 1930’s and 40’s interracial relationships of any kind were publicly difficult. When Japan bombed Pearl Harbor and thrust America into World War II any naïve hopes that Ishmael or Hatsue had of making a life together shattered.

Over 10 years later, the two are thrust back into contact. Ishmael now runs the small town newspaper that his father started and he is covering a rare event in Amity Harbor, a murder trial. The defendant is Hatsue’s husband Kabuo Miyamoto; he is accused of killing another man, a former friend, over the ownership of his parents’ old strawberry farm.

The start of Kabuo’s trial coincides with a massive snowstorm which incapacitates the town. However this storm is also going to lead Ishmael to a fortuitous discovery and a moral dilemma. Will he want to share what he learns?

David Guterson has written a story of love and war, and pride and prejudice, that is at times ethereal and then plummets to the harsh and occasionally indelicate.  His descriptions of San Piedro and its surrounding waters are heaven like for anyone who can visualize them – misty and green, white and windy, and the occasional sun dappled strawberry field. These scenes are contrasted against flashbacks of a dead man at sea, an autopsy, war time in the Pacific and European theaters, Japanese interment in American, and the prejudices that existed on both sides.  In addition there are unnecessarily descriptive sex scenes (which rarely ever add anything to a good story) and the possibly necessary, however unenjoyable, profanity laced wartime conversations.

The author adroitly tells his story in and out of flashbacks which would normally turn me off, but he fills them with such meaningful detail that you can’t help but to see the point and the beauty of it. In this way he rounds out so many characters; it is actually difficult at times to tell who the main characters are. He spends so much time with so many characters expressing their physicality, motivations, idiosyncrasies, relationships, and etc. “Snow Falling on Cedars” is just an extremely well crafted story filled with repression, anger, and desire that captivated my attention.

 

1995 PEN/Faulkner Award for Fiction

Zen Shorts

By Jon J. Muth

Published by Scholastic Press

Copyright © 2005

 

Michael, Karl, and Addy find a Panda with a large red umbrella. “The wind carried my umbrella all the way from my backyard to your backyard” he told them with a slight Panda accent. His name is Stillwater and he is ever so nice and polite. Each child visits Stillwater in succession and to each he tells a story. Stillwater and the children become fast friends.

 

The stories that Stillwater tells are parables based in old Buddhist and Taoist literature. I don’t want to give away the morals in the stories however I think you’ll find them to be good reminders, not just for children, but for adults as well.  

 

Muth also paints wonderfully soft and gentle watercolor illustrations for this book; just as he did for his book “The Three Questions” that really reflect the meditative quality of his main character and the story itself. He juxtaposes this against simplistic black and white illustrations to depict the long ago and faraway quality of the stories the panda tells.

 

This is really a fabulous book. You don’t need to be a Buddhist or a child to benefit from these tales. Muth has chosen stories with principles that are very universal. Read this book for yourself, or share it with children age 4-8.

 

Quill Award nominee

2006 Caldecott Honor

Coyote Waits

By Tony Hillerman

Published by Harper & Row

Copyright © 1990

Chee and Leaphorn investigate a cop killer in the Navajo Nation where the killer might just be a victim as well.

Officer Jim Chee is on his way to Red Rock to meet a fellow officer Delbert Nez for a coffee break. However, Nez thinks that he has spotted the vandal that he has been after for awhile. Chee thinks about giving him back up, but Nez doesn’t sound like he needs it. When Nez doesn’t show up at Red Rock Chee gets worried and finds him shot and burning in his patrol car. Risking his own safety, he pulls Nez from the vehicle and starts down the road only to find who he believes to be the killer, Ashie Pinto, an 80 year old Navajo Shaman who is staggering around in the middle of the road with a bottle of whiskey in his hand and a pistol in his belt.

While Chee is almost certain that this is his man, his friend and newly hired public defender, Janet Pete doesn’t believe Pinto is guilty. In addition, Pinto’s family doesn’t believe he could have done it either, and they urge Lieutenant Joe Leaphorn, to whom they are loosely related to investigate. Pinto is making all of this necessary of course because he refuses to speak of the event, he will neither confirm nor deny his guilt. Following two separate paths Chee and Leaphorn will find themselves in the middle of a case that proves to have historical and monetary significance.

Hillerman is the master of Native American Mysteries. He meshes Navajo tradition and lore into his stories so confidently and seamlessly that the casual reader can only assume that they are accurate. I love his protagonists. Hillerman writes us individuals with strengths and weaknesses and contradictory personality traits and actions. They are not portrayed as super human, it is their intellect and knowledge of their peoples ways that makes them so interesting and good at their jobs. “Coyote Waits” is a fine example of Hillerman’s art of storytelling and understanding of logic.

I was first introduced to Hillerman’s work by way of the PBS Mysteries series that featured Jim Chee and Joe Leaphorn which were fine films. From there I had to read some of his books. I have read “Skinwalkers” and now “Coyote Waits.” I won’t devour all of his books one after another, but whenever I’m looking for a good mystery, in an interesting setting, with strong three dimensional characters I will look for Tony Hillerman.

The Dodsworth Adventures

The Dodsworth Adventures Series

By Tim Egan

Published by Houghton Mifflin

Dodsworth in New York © 2007

Dodsworth in Paris © 2008

Dodsworth in London © 2009

 

A Ducky little set of books that take children on a whirlwind trek from New York to Paris, and from Paris to London. Children will be captivated by this Mouse and Duck comedy team.

Dodsworth is getting ready to go on an adventure to Europe, but before he does he needs a hot breakfast. He stops at Hodges’ Cafe to have some of the best pancakes in the world; here he meets Hodges’ crazy duck. This duck is going to give Dodsworth more of an adventure than he ever planned for.

In “Dodsworth in New York” the duck hitches a ride with Dodsworth to New York City and he ends up chasing the duck all over the city. He runs up Wall Street and down Fifth Avenue, past Yankee Stadium and into the Statue of Liberty. In the end they both end up on a boat bound for Europe. “In Paris” Dodsworth and the Duck stay in the Chateau de Paris, visit the Notre Dame Cathedral, and visit the Eifel tower all the while participating in some very French activities like eating, painting, and riding a bicycle. And finally, “in London” Dodsworth and the duck get separated and Dodsworth confuses the Queen’s royal duck for Hodges’ duck and follows her around London on a big red bus learning things about London Bridge and Big Ben. In the end Dodsworth and the Duck get the immeasurable privilege of meeting the Queen of England.

The Dodsworth Adventures are a fun way to introduce children 6 and up to the cultural and geographic landmarks of New York, Paris, and London. In addition Egan does a wonderful job of weaving different forms of transportation in to these stories which will make for even more conversation. Egan’s illustrations match the stories with there simple, cute, and quirky characters and images. Each book features that crazy duck creating some comic situation for the straight man, Dodsworth, to navigate, and in each book the mouse and the duck grow closer together.

One thing that stands out most in these books though, is that while travel can be fun, it is even more enjoyable when there is someone to share it with, even if that someone is a crazy, troublesome duck. I can’t wait to see what these to do when they get to Rome.

Freshman: Tales of 9th Grade Obsessions, Revelations, and Other Nonsense

By Corinne Mucha

Published by Zest Books

Copyright © 2011

The start of freshman year is the first day of the rest of your life, so you’d better get it right. Oh, life used to be so easy.

There is nothing like starting over to make you second guess who you are and where you fit in.

Annie and Richie are entering the 9^th grade. They have gone from the top rung of middle school where life was great and they had everything figured out, down to the bottom rung of high school where it seems all of the rules have changed.

Annie and Richie lost the third person in their triumvirate, Beth, over the summer when she got her first boyfriend and started dressing Goth, smoking, and drinking. So each of them is trying to make new friends, but it isn’t as easy as they would have hoped. Annie stresses about her every move ruining her future and Richie just tries too hard. Throw in the obvious teenage attraction to the opposite sex and this school year is going to throw them for a loop. Fortunately they each make one new friend who seems to pull them, sometimes kicking and screaming, through the horror of freshman year.

The art in this 4 color (black, white, grey, and green) in this graphic novel by Corinne Mucha is nothing special, but she obviously wasn’t looking for exact realism or even exaggerated realism. The awkwardness with which her characters are drawn actually seems to accentuate their awkwardness and uncertainty of their situations and mental states. So while the illustrations aren’t the best I’ve seen they are certainly effective.

Obviously the graphic novel format gives itself over predominantly to dialogue writing and I think that Mucha does a great job nailing not only the speech, but the thoughts of many teens. With that in mind there are obviously way more instances of profanity than I care for. “Freshman” really seems to hit on how catty girls can get, so in that vein the word b*#!% is used way too often. Oddly enough I don’t recall seeing any other foul language used.

This story was a realistic, though slightly softened, look at freshman year in high school that If not for the language I would eagerly recommend. While I’m sure that teens are hearing language like this in school and at home that doesn’t make it right, and the frequency with which it is used in this book seems a bit unnecessary. All in all though, there is no violence, no sex, no drugs, and only brief shots of the reality of smoking and drinking among high school students. So I with just a shade of reluctance recommend this for teens 14 and up who I think will really be able to relate to it.