The Tweeting Shark & Sharks Vs. Dolphins

Book Review -- Ranger's Apprentice: Erak's Ransom (Book 7)

Erak's Ransom by John Flanagan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I'm not going to lie...I was disappointed by the jump back in time when I got to book 7. I was all ready to continue moving forward after book 6. Having said that, I found this book wholly satisfying, and it was yet another new set of characters and a new land for our hero to explore. This series hasn't felt stale or boring to me yet, and I hope it stays that way. Thoroughly enjoyable; another grand adventure with our favorite characters. Well done, Mr. Flanagan!

Parents and teachers -- Medieval period style fighting and violence, mild language, no inappropriate physical relationships. Ages 11+ ; mature 9-10 year olds

Book Review -- The Seventh Most Important Thing

The Seventh Most Important Thing by Shelley Pearsall
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was a new author for me, and I liked her writing style and pacing. This book isn't flashy or in your face, but it's a good solid story about a boy who needs redemption and finds it in the oddest of places. I think kids can relate to many of the themes here: loss of a parent, struggles with money, outcast at school, and trouble with teachers. Lots to think about, lots to ponder. Great read!

Teachers and parents -- Family drama, no physical relationships, mild language, nothing questionable here. Ages 11+

Book Review -- The Curse of the Wedingo

The Curse of the Wendigo by Rick Yancey
My rating: 4.5 of 5 stars

I love the writing. Mr. Yancey is a master of words. One quality I love of this book and the previous one is how it's set in the past. Somehow, that setting gives the book a rich feel. The story in this one didn’t grip me quite as much as in The Monstrumologist, but it’s still a well crafted tale. Be ready for the gruesome horror elements. This isn’t for the weak-stomached. Reading the first book in the series is helpful, but it isn't necessary. This book can stand alone.

Parents and Teachers: Violent monster gore, images of human death described in detail, some 4-letter word language, a few inappropriate references to the human body and its parts, discussion of fecal waste. Ages 13+ or the very bold 11-12 year old.

Book Review -- Fire & Ash

Fire & Ash by Jonathan Maberry
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Confession time...I am not a fan of zombies. I can't watch them on the screen, big or small. I generally prefer not to think about them at all. So I'm as surprised as anyone that I literally read this entire series in two weeks. This particular book I read in two days. What is it about Maberry's books that made them palpable to me? Heart...the characters were ones that the reader could actually care about. The fact that they were fighting zombies and other bad guys was incidental. The zombies could've been replaced with aliens and it would've been just as compelling of a read. This final book was an excellent conclusion to the series. Maberry tied it up nicely and put a bow on it. Well done, sir. I am now your fan. I LOVED this entire series!

Teachers and Parents -- Violence (and lots of it) between humans and zombies, violence between humans and humans, graphically described zombie gore, teenagers in violent situations without adult guidance, no strong language (thank you, Mr. Maberry), and no inappropriate physical romance. 13+ with no reservations, 12 and under with parental/teacher guidance.

Book Review -- Rot & Ruin

Rot & Ruin by Jonathan Maberry
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I don't usually like scary books (or zombie books), but this one captivated me. It wasn't just about the zombies...there was so much more here. The author did a great job of laying out the setting and the backstory of how the zombies first arrived. The main characters drove the story, and the bad guys weren't just the zombies. I don't want to give away any spoilers, but this book was so good, I went straight into the sequel. Also, this is only my second "5 star" book since Christmas break was over. I will absolutely be reading more by this author. Parents and teachers...zombie violence and descriptors, physical violence between characters, mild physical romance (nothing objectionable/inappropriate), mild language (none of the "big" swear words); appropriate for 12+. Some of the younger teen set may not handle this well...it would depend on how "gentle" they are. 14+ for sure.

Book Review -- Refugee

Refugee by Alan Gratz
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Alan Gratz is becoming one of the hot authors of my 6th grade class due to his book Prisoner B-3087 which we did as a read aloud. This book, Refugee, is also a good one, although I didn't give it 5 stars because of two things. One, I got impatient with alternating the chapters between the three characters. I'll admit that I cheated at one point and read about five of Josef's chapters back to back. Two, I thought Gratz was going to tie the three characters together a bit more tightly than he did. They do connect at the end, but I had another scenario in my mind. Still, I thought this was a great book, I love his writing, and anyone who's read Prisoner B-3087 or Projekt 1065 will enjoy this one. Parents and Teachers -- historical fiction drama with some killing/death, ages 10+