Cool Clips

I enjoy reading very much. I just hate needing to fold down the corners to mark my page that I am on. It just makes the book look so old and ruined. At BEA this year I came across a booth- Trends International where I saw they were displaying bookmarks. I was looking at all sorts of different kinds. One really caught my eye. It was a Tinker Bell Cool Clip. It makes reading very fun, now being able to mark my page and see a very colorful, cute and fun character holding my place.

I would recommend these bookmarks to any age because there is a character for all ages to enjoy.

I must go read all the new books at BEA

Mollie

OyMG by Amy Fellner Dominy

OyMG is about Ellie Jane Taylor, a Jewish girl who lives with her brother Benny (Jewish), Mom (Jewish) and Dad (Lutheran). She lives down the street from her very religious Zeydeh. Ellie loves to argue about anything and everything. She is accepted to a Christian debate camp, and if she wins the oratory tournament she could get a scholarship to Benedict school. Zeydeh is not so happy that Ellie is going to a Christian camp.

At camp, Ellie falls for her competition, Devon Yetes, the grandson of Doris Yetes. Doris Yetes is the woman who started and gives out the scholarships. Ellie is asked by Doris to have an interview. Devon warns Ellie to put her Bubbe's Jewish star necklace away because Doris Yetes is kind of "weird" about Jewish people. Doris gave Ellie a scholarship form to fill out questions. Ellie wasn't sure what she should put as her religion. She put Christian, technically she was half and half so she wasn't completely lying. Of course, Zeydeh was not happy about this. Ellie explained to her parents her reasons for writing Christian.

Doris Yetes sees so much of herself in Ellie.

Throughout the story you learn about Ellie's struggles about friends, family,religion and who she really is as a person.

Does Ellie end up getting the scholarship? Does she change her religion on the form? Does Ellie learn to stand up for what is right even if she isn't sure who is standing with her? Does Ellie end up going to Benedict school?

Read OyMG to find out.

I loved this book. I couldn't put it down. You learned about the struggle any Jewish person faces, no matter the age, by being proud of their religion. You also learn about how people can be antisametic because of a person's religion. This book shows how in real life you are going to be faced with many difficult decisions, struggles and choices but you will always have friends, family, and teachers guiding your way and helping you. I would recommend this book to 7th graders and up because it has a great message about friendship, family, love and about being proud of your religion.

well, I have to go read some more,

Mollie

The Candy Shop War by Brandon Mull

Nate has just moved into town. He soon becomes friends with Pigeon, Trevor and Summer. The four children find themselves working for Mrs. White, a candy maker who makes special and magical candy. The children are sent out on missions to retrieve special and secretive items for Mrs. White. As rewards, Pigeon, Nate, Summer and Trevor are given new, secret, magical candy to test out and keep. The four children soon learn that Mrs. White and Mr. Scott, the ice cream man, are magicians. Mrs. White sends the children on crazy missions so she can get rid of Mr. Scott. But why? It turns out that Mrs. White is seeking a special treasure, and Mr. Scott is trying to to protect it. Mrs. White wants the four children to brainwash Mr. Scott. Summer and Pigeon refuse, so they are immediately excluded from getting the magical candy, going on missions and working for Mrs. White. Nate and Trevor agreed to brainwash Mr. Scott. However, they do their best to avoid actually doing it. After Nate, Pigeon, Trevor and Summer betray Mrs. White, the four children do whatever it takes to help Mr. Scott to protect the treasure.

Who end up with the treasure? What happens to everyone in the end? Does Mrs. White end up with the treasure?

I really enjoyed reading this book. I thought it had a great story, and a bunch of twists that kept you really interested in reading the book. I recommend this book to fifth graders and up.

I have to go read some more,

Mollie

Sean Grinswold's Head by LIndsey Leavitt

Payton Gritas is living a happy, normal life. One day when Payton gets home, she discovers her dad has Multiple Sclerosis. Her parents haven't told her about it and the fact that her dad had it for over 6 months and she had no clue. Payton was angry at her parents for not telling her and lying to her her. She refused to talk to them. It's been a few days since Payton has talked to her parent, and she now has to see the school guidance counselor.

The guidance counselor suggests to Payton to pick a focus object, something to help her express her emotions. Payton picks Sean Grinswold's head.

Throughout the process, Payton begins having a crush on Sean.

Payton hasn't told anyone about her dad except her best friend Jac.

One day Payton goes on a bike ride with Sean, in order to find out more about him. During the ride, Payton tells Sean everything.... except how he is her focus object.

Sean tells Payton he will help her prepare for a bike-a-thon to raise money for MS.

Throughout the story, Payton learns to deal with her dad's MS, her boy-crazy best friend Jac, learns more about Sean and discovers who she is as a person.

I really enjoyed reading this book. I had a very difficult time putting it down. I thought the story if how Payton dealt with her dad's MS and tried to do something about it was inspiring. If you are able to help raise money to fight off a disease, you should. I also liked how the story had such great details and you could picture what was going on in your mind. If you like romantic, dramatic, life changing novels and you re 13- 15 years old, you should read this book.

Well, I have to go read another book,

Mollie

Thank You to all of the 2nd graders in Mrs. Silver's class.

I would like to say a BIG thank you to all of the students in Mrs. Silver's 2nd grade class for reading all the books they did and for writing such great, detailed reviews.

I am thrilled that you were able to review the books.

I hope that all of the students had fun reading and writing these reviews.

Thanks so much,

I have to go read and write some more reviews.

Mollie

Honus and Me by Dan Gutman

Joe Stoshak loves baseball. The only problem is he can't play that well. One day his mom gets him a one day job. He cleans up Ms. Young's attic. Ms. Young is Joe's neighbor. Joe is up to his last box, but then it drops. He can't believe his eyes. The rarest baseball cars in the world is on the ground!

He doesn't know what to do. His parents are divorced because of money. They are poor. He decides to take the card. Hoe puts the card in his backpack. Whenever Joe touches a baseball card he gets a tingling sensation.

When Joe got to his house, he went to his room. That night he heard somebody in his room. He opened his eyes. What did he see? Read this book to find out what happens....

I think people who like baseball and fiction should read this book.

This book was reviewed by Trevor C. a 2nd grader in Mrs. Silver's class.

Thanks to Trevor for reading and reviewing this book.

Mollie

Goosebumps Stay Out of the Basement by R.L. Stine

Dr. Brewer is doing plant experiments down in the basement. Margaret and Casey Brewer think he is in the basement to much, especially when Mrs. Brewer goes away to see her sister. Dr. Brewer spent even more time down there while Mrs. Brewer was away. Margaret and Casey were really worried when Dr. Brewer started wearing a Dodgers hat a lot, and he ate plant food. Also, Dr. Brewer said they can't go in the basement. What will they do? Read this book to find out. This book has secrets, scares and interesting plants and more.

I recommend this book for 7-10 years old that like scary and mysterious stories.

This book was reviewed by Daniel R. a 2nd grader in Mrs. Silver's class.

Thanks to Daniel for reading and reviewing this book.

Mollie

A to Z Mysteries: the Orange Outlaw by Ron Roy

Dink, Josh and Ruth Rose are kid detectives. They are the main characters. They went up to the city to see Dink's uncle. When Uncle Warren got sent a picture from Paris to keep safe, some things got turned inside out! Uncle Warren and the kids go to a block party that raises money for the zoo. There are acts like a man juggling bananas and watermelons. There was a man who taught an ape to balance on a pony with one hand! While they were gone someone stole the painting.... Will they get the painting back? Read to find out.

I think if you are 6 years to 8 years and you like to read chapter books you will like this book.

This book was reviewed by Shayne B. a 2nd grader in Mrs. Silver's class.

Thanks to Shayne for reading and reviewing this book.

Mollie

A to Z Mysteries: The Deadly Dungeon by Ron Roy

Josh, Dink, and Ruth Rose take a train to visit their friends. Their friends show them their rooms. Dink sees something moving outside. They find a cave in the basement. They find endangered birds. Then Dink, Josh and Ruth Rose begin investigating the house for clues about the cave and why it is there. Will they get captured? Will they discover the secret of the cave? Find out what happens to Dink, Josh and Ruth Rose as they investigate.

If you like mysteries this is a good book for you.

This book was reviewed by Michael S. a 2nd grader in Mrs. Silver's class.

Thanks to Michael for reading and reviewing this book.

Mollie

Tales of the Fourth Grade Nothing by Judy Blume

In Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing, there's a boy named Peter. Peter has a little brother named Fudge. Peter hates Fudge. Peter says Fudge is his enemy. Peter's dad works for a company called Juicy O. All year Peter and his family drink Juicy O but Peter hates it but drinks it anyway. The Juicy O company comes to Peter's house. Fudge is going to be polite.

But are you sure? Is Peter going to be polite? Is something going to be wrong? Is Peter going to get his dad fired? What else is going to happen? Read Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing to find out.

This book was reviewed by Kendra D, a 2nd grader in Mrs. Silver's class.

Thanks to Kendra for reading and reviewing this book.

Mollie

The New Year's Eve Sleepover from the Black Lagoon by Mike Thaler

Guy named Hubie is the main character in this story. He is scared to go on the New Year's Eve sleepover. The sleepover is on the moon. Hubie does not know whose house the sleepover is at. Hubie wants to bring a bed, and a pillow, video games, a baseball and glove and a picture of his mom. He cannot bring it all. When he gets to the moon he looks like he is in a trance! He sees his friend. They laughed until they sweat! Find out what happens at the sleepover.

If you like other Black Lagoon books or a scary book that turns out not so scary I think you should read this book. I hope you like the book like i did.

This book was reviewed by Patrick D, a 2nd grader in Mrs. Silver's class.

Thanks to Patrick for reading and reviewing this book.

Mollie

Horrible Harry Moves Up to Third Grade by Suzy Kline

Harry and Doug are best friends. Harry and Doug go to South School. Harry is very excited about next year. Harry and Doug are moving up to third grade with their teacher Ms. Mackle and each other. But Harry has a problem. In room 3B there's Sidney. Sidney is Harry's problem. Harry and Sidney fight A LOT!!!! What Sidney does is something that Harry doesn't like... REVENGE! Read on to see how Harry takes care of Sydney.

I think that if you like funny fiction books you will like this book. I think you will like the character Horrible Harry.

This book was reviewed by Riley F. a 2nd grader in Mrs. Silver's class.

Thanks to Riley for reading and reviewing this book.

Mollie

Scarlet and the Garnet Fairy by Daisy Meadows

Rachel and Kristy were looking for a safe place to keep their jewels. They were trying to return the jewels to Fairyland. They had found six jewels and needed to find five more. They went to fairyland. In Fairyland, Scarlet Garnet's problem is she needs the garnet jewel to make everything back to the size it should be. Read this book to find out f they find the garnet jewel.

This book is a really good book because it is magical. If you like magic then you will like this book.

This book was reviewed by Isabella C. a 2nd grader in Mrs. Silver's class.

Thanks to Isabella for reading and reviewing this book.

Mollie

Alphabet Rescue by Audrey Wood and Bruce Wood

The little letters are the main characters. The little letters ride on a pencil to Alphabet City. Then they see a fire crew practicing spraying a hose. They ask to try spraying the hose. The capitol letters say yes. Read Alphabet Rescue to find out what happens when they spray the hose.

I think kids in kindergarten through second grade who like action will like Alphabet Rescue.

This book was read and reviewed by Jimmy M. a 2nd grader in Mrs. Silver's class.

Thanks to Jimmy for reading reviewing this book.

Mollie

A Whole Nother Story by Dr. Cuthbert Soup

Are you on the run from agents, and crazy super spies? Do you have a sock puppet named Steve? Well, this family does, Super spies are chasing the family because they want a time machine called the LVR. The family moves here, then there, then here. An agent comes to their FINAL house, disguises like a mayor and almost kills them with a disguised banana pistol. What will happen now?

If you are around 9 years old or older, and you love mysteries and fantasy, you would love this book. One more thing to say- this is a whole nother story.

This book was read and reviewed by Zachary B. a 2nd grader in Mrs. Silver's class.

Thanks to Zachary for reading and reviewing this book.

Mollie

Green Eggs and Ham by Dr. Seuss

The book I read is called Green Eggs and Ham by Dr. Seuss. Sam I am is the main character in this book. He likes green eggs and ham. Sam I am goes all over trying to get someone to eat green eggs and ham. Does he get him to eat the green eggs and ham? Read this book to find out.

I liked Green Eggs and Ham and I think everyone will like reading it because it is funny.

This book was reviewed by Nicholas C. a 2nd grader in Mrs. Silver's class.

Thanks to Nicholas for reading and reviewing this book.

Mollie

Encyclopedia Brown Super Sleuth by Donald J. Sobol

Encyclopedia Brown is a fifth grader. He is a great detective. He loves to solve mysteries. One day he hears his mom and dad talking about bank robbers. Encyclopedia asked his dad to help him catch the bank robbers. He said yes. That night they went into the woods.

Does he solve the problem? Read to find out. If you like mysteries I think you would like this book.

This book was reviewed by Valerie K. a 2nd grader in Mrs. Silver's class.

Thanks to Valerie for reviewing this book.

Mollie

The Adventures of Super Diaper Baby by George Beard and Harold Hutchins

Super Diaper punches Bob the bad guy. Then Bob turns into something else Then Bob gets bigger and bigger. Then he gets into a robot and he cracks stuff.

What is Super Diaper Baby going to do? I think you should read this book, if you like funny and adventurous stories.

This book was reviewed by Sean L, a 2nd grader in Mrs. Silver's class.

Thanks to Sean for reading and reviewing this book

Mollie

Baby Sitters Little Sister: Karen's Island adventure by Ann M. Martin

Karen and her family visit a tropical island. There are a lot of fun things to do. Karen explores caves and sky dives. She even meets a new friend, but Sandy is sad and quiet. Can Karen help Sandy share her island adventure? Read Karen's Island Adventures to find out if Karen becomes friends with Sandy.

If you like the Babysitters Club books and realistic fiction books, I think you will like this book.

This book was reviewed by Eloise G. a 2nd grader in Mrs. Silver's class

Thanks to Eloise for reading and reviewing this book.

Mollie

Black Lagoon Back- To- School Fright From the Black Lagoon by Mike Thaler

In the beginning of the book Harry was getting ready for school and Harry was going to the mall. Harry got all of these baby things. Harry kept saying we are in the baby aisle, "I do not need a crib. I need big boy stuff not baby stuff. I need long sleeves not short sleeves." Harry didn't want to go to school because he thought he wasn't ready for 2nd grade. He thought people would be mean to him.

Harry went to school. Is Harry going to be happy at school? Will Harry find a new friend and have fun? Read Back- To- School Fright From the Black Lagoon to find out.

This book was reviewed by Chris C. a 2nd grader in Mrs. Silver's class.

Thanks to Chris for reading and reviewing this book.

Mollie

Dinosaurs by Grace Maccarone

This book tells true facts about dinosaurs. I learned that dinosaurs can be very big. I also learned that some dinosaurs eat meat. If you want to know more about dinosaurs, you should read this book.

I liked Dinosaurs by Grace Maccarone because it has good illustrations. I think you will like it too.

This book was reviewed by Hander LJ. a 2rd grader in Mrs. Silver's class.

Thanks to Hander for reading and reviewing this book.

Mollie

Frankie Pickle and Closet of Doom by Eric Wight

Frankie Pickle is friends with his dog Argyle, and his room is a mess. What will he do? He goes on an adventure in his mind with toy. But does it work? Where does he go? What does he do? Help Frankie and Argyle seek the adventure.......... to clean his room. Maybe Dryer sheet Fairy will bring him something.......

I will recommend this book to people of all ages who like funny, graphic novels and adventurous books.

The review was written by Zacahary B. in Mrs. Silver's 2nd grade class.

Thanks to Zacahary for reviewing this book.

Mollie

Keep the Lights Burning Abbie by Peter and Connie Roop

Abbie lives in a house near the ocean. Her family is in charge of a lighthouse. Abbie is very brave. Abbie's father goes to another island. Abbie is worried that her father won't come back that day because a storm is coming. Abbie has to keep the lighthouse on while her father is away because her sisters are too young and her mom is sick. Will Abbie be able to keep the lighthouse on? Will everybody make it through the storm? Read Keep the Lights Burning Abbie to find out.

If you like non-fiction stories that have action in it then you would like this book.

This book was reviewed by Catalina Q. in Mrs. Silver's 2nd grade class.

Thanks to Catalina for reading and reviewing this book

Mollie

The Little League Team From the Black Lagoon by Mike Thaler

Hubie would like to sign up to play baseball for the year. Hubie went to bed and started dreaming. when he woke up Hubie was ready to play baseball. Hubie practiced batting with a broom against the wall every single day. Hubie needed a new mitt in the story. Hubie begged and Hubie's mom said "Okay." Hubie went to Sports World. Hubie finds a mitt thatis perfect. Hubie goes back to his house. Hubie gets his pajamas on and puts the mitt on the dresser and starts dreaming. After Hubie wakes up from his dream he looks to see if the mitt is still there. Hubie has named the mitt Grabber.

Does Hubie get to play baseball? Does he make the team? Read Little League From the Black Lagoon to find out.

This book was reviewed by Ava M- Mrs. Silver's 2nd grade class

Enjoy

Mollie

Amelia Bedelia by Peggy Parish

Amelia Bedeila is the main character in this story. Amelia Bedelia is a nice helper. Amelia Bedelia loves doing jobs. Mrs. Rogers made a list of jobs for her to do. Amelia Bedelia did all of the things on the list, but it doesn't come out the way Mrs. Rogers wants them to.

Amelia Bedelia said I'll make a surprise for them. If you want to find out what surprise Amelia Bedeila makes.... read the book Amelia Bedelia.

This book is kind of mysterious. I think if you are in 1st grade to 3rd grade you will like this book.

Reviewed by Cate O - Mrs. Silver's 2nd grade class

I would like to thank Cate for reviewing Amelia Bedeila.

Mollie

Behind the Bedroom Wall by Laura E. Williams

Korinna, Eva and Rita are German lovers, Jew haters and Adolf Hitler followers. It is their job to turn Jew-lovers and unloyal Germans into the police. Korinna believes EVERYTHING Hitler says and does. One night Korinna hears scratching behind her wall. She walks over and moves her wardrobe. To her surprise, she sees a Jewish mom and daughter hiding in a small hole in HER wall. Her parents explain to her how their house is part of an escape route for Jews. Karinna is upset and shocked.

Korinna couldn't understand why her mom was being so nice to the Jews. After a while Korinna takes a liking to Rachel and Sophie, the daughter and mom behind the wall. Rita, one of Korinna's best friends, thinks Korinna is hiding something. Of course she is.

German soldiers are constantly keeping an eye on Korinna's house. Always searching the place.

Do Sophie and Rachel escape to freedom? Does anyone find out about Korinna's secret? Does Korinna finally learn the importance of freedom and love? Read Behind the Bedroom Wall to find out.

I really enjoyed Behind the Bedroom Wall. At times, I did find it scary. Since the book was based on the Holocaust, the thought of the events really happening was a big awakening.

I would recommend this book to any seventh grader or older who is interested in the Holocaust. I would not suggest children under the age of eleven to read the book.

I have got to go read some more,

Mollie

Thank you to all of the Publishers who helped!

I was recently involved in a project with Emily Wilensky in which I collected over 650 books for the Interfaith Nutrition Network to give away as holiday presents. I couldn't have accomplished this without the help of many, many people. In alphabetical order I would like to say a HUGE thank you to Kate Lied from Bloomsbury, Paul Samuelson from Sourcebooks, and Amanda Vega from Scholastic Books for their generous contributions. I also want to thank my good friend Carol Prisamt for her efforts along with the students of Solomon Schechter Day School of Nassau County and Temple Beth Sholom of Roslyn. I appreciate all of your help.

Like Joseph made sure everyone, rich or poor was able to have enough food during the time of the famine in Egypt, I am doing my best to make sure children, big or small, have the chance to read just like me.

I have to go read another book.

For now,

Mollie

Julie Berry answers my questions

Thanks to Julie Berry and Kate Lied, I was able to ask Julie Berry some questions. I hope you find them all really interesting.

Me: What or Who inspires you to write?

Julie Berry: Good writing inspires me to write. All the wonderful books I've devoured and adored have filled me with happy sort of jealousy that made me want to try and see if I could also write a story worth reading.

Me: How old were you when you started writing?

JB: I started keeping a journal faithfully when I was nine years old. I got it for Christmas that year, and wrote just about every day until I was twenty. I spent my twenties starting my career and having my four sons, so the only writing I did was work related, with some occasional creative writing and journal writing thrown in. At age thirty I began to write columns for my local newspaper, and after I'd done that for a few years I went to graduate school to study fiction writing for children and young adults.

Me: Do you ever have a hard time figuring out what to write?

JB: Sometimes it is hard to decide which of the many ideas floating through your head is ripe enough to turn into a good novel. You don't always know until you write a book just exactly where an dea will tale you.

Me: What gave you the idea for "Secondhand Charm"?

JB: The notion of good luck charms and love potions, such as you might buy from someone at a fair, was the idea that first pulled me into the story. I thought, what if there was someone who wore these charms, and they really worked, but only for her? That seemed promising. Then I had to ask myself, why did they work for her? What made her different? Where did that difference come from? The rest of the story came into place from that line of questioning. I loved stories about the sea, and magical allure of the ocean.

ME: Do YOU believe in magic?

JB: Yes and no. mainly yes. I believe in possibilities, and certainly I believe in grace and miracles. For all our knowledge, there's much we can't explain or understand, and so I try to keep a cautiously open mind. But I use magic in stories because of the creative possibilities it offers me, not because I believe in actual sorcery and so forth.

Thank you so much Julie Berry for taking the time to answer my questions. I absolutely loved your book "Secondhand Charm"

Mollie

The Lost Hero by Rick Riordan

Annabeth, Piper, Jason and Leo are four friends. Together they must complete a quest. Each friend has his or her own story and secret as the reasons they want to go on the quest.

Annabeth- Annabeth's boyfriend, Percy Jackson, is missing and she doesn't know why. All she wants to do is find him. At the same time Annabeth helps Leo and Piper to fulfill their great prophecy.

Piper- Piper has a secret. Her dad, a famous actor has been taken by a spirit who keeps threatening her and telling her what she must do or her dad will die. Piper has visions of her dad and what is really happening to him. The worst part is Piper can't say anything to anyone about her dad.

Leo- Leo is a tool- loving, machine- building kind of kid. He can make fire come out of his hands (no demigod has been able to do that for a very long time). He has just been claimed by the god of fire and tools, Hephatus.

Jason- Jason ends up on a school trip, in a bus with people he doesn't know, but they claim to know him. Jason thinks he has amnesia, can't remember his own name or anything about himself. Soon enough, Jason is brought to camp Halfblood. There he learns his memory was stolen by the goddess, Hera. Jason is soon claimed by the god Zeus. Jason is given the Great Prophecy which now he must fulfill.

Read this action-packed, twisting book to discover the adventures of Annabeth, Jason, Piper and Leo.

I loved this book. I loved all of the action and twists. I enjoyed that it was based on mythology. I think any chid who enjoyed the Percy Jackson series would like this book because it is a similar story line and has the same feeling, action and excitement in the book and relationships between the characters.

Well I have to read some more,

Mollie

Dear Hound by Jill Murphy

We LOVED the book Dear Hound by Jill Murphy. Alfie, a very big, caring, friendly deerhound who could communicate with his ears, is afraid of lightning and is the main character of the story. Alfie, lives with a boy named Charlie, his mom and cat named Florence. Charlie and his mom went to a wedding, and Alfie went to the dog sitter's house near the woods. Alfie was so nervous Charlie was giving him away. ZING! Alfie jumps over the fence and tries to run home to safety. He ran into the dark, thick scary woods. Along the way he met foxes, hunters and lightning...

Will Alfie be be home and safe again?

Mrs. Silver's second grade class

Port Washington

Thanks to all of the kids for participating, reading and writing this great review.

Special thanks to Mrs. Silver, for taking the time to read and blog this book

(with the help of her students of course)

E.D. Baker answers my questions!

I sent E.D. Baker some questions--through Kate Lied, the awesome editor at Bloomsbury! E.D. Baker was so generous with her time and so here is my interview. Thank you SO much E.D. Baker, this really means a lot to me and the readers of my blog!!

Mollie Kate: How do you feel about finishing the series?

E.D. Baker: I've thoroughly enjoyed writing the tales of the Frog Princess and will miss writing about many of the characters. However, I do intend to revisit a few of the characters again sometime in the future. I think Zoe and Frances need their own story and I really want to write abut Pearl.

MK: What or who inspires you to write?

EDB: A lot of the animals in my life inspire me when I'm creating characters or creatures. We breed horses, and they inspired me when I created the hipporines in Wings: A Fairy Tale. We have two Newfoundlands and a black lab. The masses of fur they shed helped me created the black fur beast in The Wide Awake Princess. I'm also inspired by things I've read, like the classic fairy tales (The Frog Princess and The Wide Awake Princess), Shakespeare (Wings: A Fairy Tale), and non-fiction books such as Wicked Plants by Amy Stewart (the stinging tree in A Prince Among Frogs).

MK: How did you feel about your book being made into a movie?

EDB: I was excited, although disappointed that it really didn't follow my story.

MK: how old were you when you started writing?

EDB: Eleven-years old. I wrote a story for an assignment in school and was hooked.

MK: Do you ever have a hard time figuring out what to write?

EDB: Not really. I have a long list of books that I intend to write someday, so I always know what my next book will be. When I'm writing a book, I do different levels of outlines--a very general outline at first, then one broken down into chapters, then more specific outlines as I'm writing each chapter. I've found that outlining like this really helps me know what to write next. I don't generally get writer's block because when I can't figure out where to go with one think, I work on something that I think will be fun--like a spell for the tales of the Forg Princess.

MK: Who is your favorite writer?

EDB: my favoirte writer has long been Hodgson Burnett, the author of The Little Princess and The Secret Garden.

MK: What was your favorite book to write?

EDB: I've enjoyed writing every book that I've written so far. If I'm not enjoying it when I write, I feel that I must not be doing something right and I rethink it. (I believe that if the author doesn't enjoy what she's writing, the readers probably won't enjoy it either.) that said, I may have have enjoyed writing The Wide Awake Princess a bit more than the others. I loved working various fairy tales into the story.

To learn more about E.D. Baker and her great books, you can go to her website at

http://www.edbakerbooks.com/

Secondhand Charm by Julie Berry

Evie is a young girl who lives with her grandfather, friends and neighbors in a small village called Mundley. Evie is a very intelligent woman who wants to be a doctor more than anything, and is studying to become one. During the village festival Evie buys three gypsy charms, that later will bring much help and luck to her and everyone around her. When the king arrives for the festive feast, one of his men becomes very ill. Evie, uses her medical skills to help the man get better. During the king's visit, Evie is given a scholarship to study at one of the king's universities. Evie's grandfather sends Aidan, one of Evie's best friends, on the journey with her to the university. On their way to the university, highway thieves, rob Evie's carriage, and kill the driver. Aidan and Evie go through a long journey to finally reach the school. Before the two reach the big city, they board a ship. The ship is about to sink and everyone is about to die. No one dies, however, because they are saved by Evie's leviathan, a snake protector, which she discovers that she has had since the day she was born. During the ship accident, Evie's loses her scholarship papers. When she goes to the king to get her papers replaced, Princess, soon to be Queen Annalise sees Evie and takes her under her wing, eventually sharing with Evie that she too has a leviathan. Annalise teaches Evie much of what she needs to know about having a leviathan. Strangely, duringher stay at the castle, Evie sees one of the highway thieves frequently there.

Why is the highway thief there? What happens to him? Does Evie end up falling in love with Aidan? What happens to Evie's leviathan? does anyone end up finding out about her snake? Do the charms Evie bought from the gypsies work?


I absolutely loved this book. I thought it had a great story line, twists in the plot and ending. I also loved how it was both fantasy and magic. I think it was a great book.


I asked Julie Berry a few questions, check back soon for the answers.

Sit back in a comfy chair with a warm blanket and a great book,

For now I have to go read,

Mollie

A Prince Among Frogs by E.D. Baker

Millie was no ordinary princess because she had magical powers which allowed her to turn into a dragon. She lived with her father, the King, and her mother, Queen Emma, who was the Green Witch in charge of magical issues in Greater Greensward. Millie was about to marry the love of her life Audun, who was a dragon that could turn into a human. One day when Emma was summoned to help with a problem, she left Millie in charge of the magical issues and to take care of her brother, Felix. A little while after Emma left, Felix went missing. Gone, vanished....KIDNAPPED. Millie was beside herself. Everyone in the castle went searching for him. When no one found him, Millie new exactly what to do. She and Audun turned into dragons and went searching high and low for Felix. When they were unsuccessful, Millie went to seek the help of three witches. With the help of the witches, Millie and Audun were able to find the kidnapper, who had done something strange to Felix. That was bad news for Millie. With her mother, father and great-aunt and great-uncle nowhere to be found, Millie and Audun first had to find them. With some great difficulty, her family was found.

Who took Felix? Why did he steal Felix? What strange thing had happened to Felix? Was it revenge? How is Felix fixed? Do Millie and Audun get married in the end? 


Read this great book to find out!!!!!

I recommend this book to kids in 3rd or 4th grade. I think they will like it because it is fantasy, mystery and a great book.
I interviewed E.D. Baker, so check back in a little while to see the questions and answers.


Got to go and read another book,


Mollie

Ripley's Believe It or Not" Enter if You Dare" Reviews

This review was written by some of the girls from my camp bunk this summer:

Denka G-

"I like how Riana Van Niewenhvizen from South Africa is caring, she has 9 cheetahs, 3 leopards, 2 wolves, a jaguar and other endangered species. "

Donna-

"I liked this book because it had really cool pictures of people doing weird , cool and unique things."

May-

"I liked this book because it has a lot of details that are very interesting."

Roni-

"This book is interesting and I would recommend it to anyone who like cool facts about people and thing. It also has really cool pictures."

Mollie (me)

"This was an incredible book with great pictures and facts."

Anyone who has the guts should "Enter if You Dare"

Mollie

Fat Vampire by Adam Rex

15 year old Doug was attacked and turned into a fat vampire forever. With the help of his friend Jay, Doug learns how to behave as a vampire and how not to. When Sejal, a foreign exchange student from India came to stay with Cat, Doug's "friend", Doug fell in love with her. What should Doug do, bite Sejal and make her a vampire or prove his worthy to her and not bite her? Other than falling in love, Doug must deal with being a vampire, his best friend as well as other friendships.

How does Doug deal with being a vampire? How does Doug escape from all of the pressure of being exposed?

Read on to find out.

I loved this book, and how detailed it was.

I recommend this book for 14 and up or for 9th graders for its use of language and sexual action in the story. All in all, I thought it was a great book.

Keep reading,

Mollie

Little Blog on the Praire by Cathleen Davitt Bell

Genevieve Welsh was a normal teenage girl waiting to spend her summer with her friends swimming and hanging out. Her mom decided that the family was going to a camp that reenacted the life in the 1890's. Of course Gen didn't want to go. Gen's parents promised that if she went and didn't complain she could get a cell phone. Her mom left her cell phone on the table and Gen took it.

At the camp Gen was trying to make EVERYONE miserable. She learned how to milk a cow, do laundry, wash dishes and games that kids played. After each incident with Nora (the daughter of the owners of the camp) Gen would text her friends. One day Gen was walking in the woods and she came across some kind of shack. She walked into the shack and guess who Gen sees.......Nora! Nora was listening to Gen's iPod and drinking soda. Obviously Gen was not supposed to see that. Nora was mad, however she let Gen charge her dying phone.

After a while one of the kids, Caleb, who Nora and Gen both liked, showed Gen that ALL of her texts had been turned into a blog.

What was Gen supposed to do now, she had told her friends about everyone and everything? Are she and her family going to be kicked out of camp? Who ends up going out with Caleb? What happens to the blog? What about Nora?

I really liked this book because I was able to visualize what was happening to Gen. You can learn more about this book and the author by visiting her website at www.cathleendavittbell.com

Well gotta go read some more,

Mollie

The Red Pyramid by Rick Riordan

It's time for Carter Kane and his Dad (a scientist / archaeologist / host of the god Osiris) to visit Carter's sister, Sadie Kane in London where she lives with her grandparents. Together the Kane family visits a Museum. Their Dad tells them to leave the room. Being Sadie and not liking to listen to rules, she takes Carter and they go and spy on their Dad. What they see is very surprising. They see their dad taking the Rosetta Stone and saying spells that release Egyptian Gods and break the stone. Dr. Kane is then put into a golden box and taken away by the God, "Set".

Amos, Sadie and Carter's uncle, take Sadie and Carter back to his house where he explains why all this strange stuff is happening; the Rosetta Stone, the Gods, and why they can do magic. The truth is Carter and Sadie Kane are magicians and are hosting Egyptian Gods (I'll get to that later).

Soon after the kids arrive at Amos's house, Amos has to leave. After he leaves the house, the house is attacked by monsters and minions of Set. Bast (A.K.A Muffin, Sadie's cat), who turns out to be the Cat goddess, comes to the rescue and saves Sadie and Carter.

Bast takes Carter and Sadie to the House of Life. There the kids are introduced Zia, who tries to teach them different types of magic and how magic is used. They also find out that Sadie is hosting the God Isis and Carter is hosting the God Horus.

Sadie and Carter set out on a journey to Destroy Set and save their father before the Demon Days. Along the way, Sadie and Carter run into a lot of trouble with other gods, monsters. They also learn to use their magic and communicate and work with the Gods inside them.

One night during the long journey Carter's Ba (mind, soul) has a vision of Set building a red pyramid to help him gain his powers. Carter and Sadie know where they ha ve to go.

Do Sadie and Carter rescue their dad? What happens to Isis, Horus and Osiris at the end? Do the kids defeat Set before the Demon days? Do they defeat him on their own? What happens to Zia? Read this action pact book to find out.

I liked this book a lot because it was full of action, magic and mystery. I think anyone in 4th grade and up should read it.

Well I got to go and read new books I just got,

Mollie

Look who I met at BEA!!!

I went to BEA a little while ago. There I met a lot of publishers and authors. One of the authors I met was Rick Riordan. He wrote the Percy Jackson series. He just came out with a new book called "The Red Pyramid". Guess what... Rick Riordan signed it for me. I also got to take a picture with him. (as you can see above). It was so COOL. Check back in a little while to see my review of his newest book "The Red Pyramid".

I also got a preview of his newest book "The Lost Hero" which won't be out until after the summer. So check back to see a review later.

Mollie