Showing posts with label boys. Show all posts
Showing posts with label boys. Show all posts

Wednesday, August 21, 2019

Book Characters that Brave the Page and Write {book list}

Brave the Page Book Characters that Write letters, books, poems, or songs.  This booklist has biographies (amazing bios), juvenile books, middle grade fiction, classics, award winners, and much more with the BEST Book Characters that write. YA lit, Children's Lit, Alohamora Open a Book Alohamoraopenabook http://alohamoraopenabook.blogspot.com/

All the cool kids talk about NaNoWriMo aka the month of November is National Novel Writing Month.  It's a fun way to look at creative writing.  To go along with the new book Brave the Page, I created a book list for you with AMAZING books that the main character writes letters, novels, poetry, or even raps.  These characters and books should definitely inspire any budding writer to give NaNoWriMo a shot, or at least start creating with the power of words now.  

Brave the Page is an awesome resource with tips, tricks, and inspiration from authors on how to start working on that goal of writing a book. 

Stephen King said, "If you want to be a writer, you must do two things above all others: read a lot and write a lot." 

If you need some writing inspiration, give these books a read.  

Characters/Books that Brave the Page

12 books where the main character or a main character is a writer of books, poetry, poems, songs, letters, published author, and not.  NOn-fiction, fiction, middle grade, ya lit, classics, and more. book list booklist alohamoraopenabook

A beautiful and insightful look into Madeleine L'Engle's life never before seen poetry, letters, and even rejections for publications.  A fabulous biography for anyone interested in writing. 

12 books where the main character or a main character is a writer of books, poetry, poems, songs, letters, published author, and not.  NOn-fiction, fiction, middle grade, ya lit, classics, and more. book list booklist alohamoraopenabook

A group of high school students build friendships and connections as they prepare for a boys vs. girls poetry slam.  This book is written in free verse. 

12 books where the main character or a main character is a writer of books, poetry, poems, songs, letters, published author, and not.  NOn-fiction, fiction, middle grade, ya lit, classics, and more. book list booklist alohamoraopenabook

This classic children's literature book is a must read.  Leigh, a 10 year old boy, writes letters to his favorite author. The writing helps him cope with the challenges he is facing. 

12 books where the main character or a main character is a writer of books, poetry, poems, songs, letters, published author, and not.  NOn-fiction, fiction, middle grade, ya lit, classics, and more. book list booklist alohamoraopenabook

This illustrated novel is such a quick sweet read as a brother writes letters to his sister.  Not only is this book comical, but anyone with a sibling may feel the tugs on their heart.  

12 books where the main character or a main character is a writer of books, poetry, poems, songs, letters, published author, and not.  NOn-fiction, fiction, middle grade, ya lit, classics, and more. book list booklist alohamoraopenabook

 Twinkle, a shy aspiring filmmaker is directing a movie for an upcoming festival.  Her story is told through letters as she learns about love and the challenges of directing a movie. 

12 books where the main character or a main character is a writer of books, poetry, poems, songs, letters, published author, and not.  NOn-fiction, fiction, middle grade, ya lit, classics, and more. book list booklist alohamoraopenabook

Once upon a time there was a girl named Maud who adored stories.  Years later, she ended up not only owning many books, but she wrote 24 books including the Anne of Green Gables series.  

12 books where the main character or a main character is a writer of books, poetry, poems, songs, letters, published author, and not.  NOn-fiction, fiction, middle grade, ya lit, classics, and more. book list booklist alohamoraopenabook

Of course I had to include this classic; classics stand the test of time and they are definitely inspiring.  If you don't recall, Jo, the literary sister, loves to read and write.

12 books where the main character or a main character is a writer of books, poetry, poems, songs, letters, published author, and not.  NOn-fiction, fiction, middle grade, ya lit, classics, and more. book list booklist alohamoraopenabook

Nisha, a 12 year old living in India during the 1947 partition is forced to flee her home.  She tries to make sense of it all by writing to her deceased Muslim mother. 

12 books where the main character or a main character is a writer of books, poetry, poems, songs, letters, published author, and not.  NOn-fiction, fiction, middle grade, ya lit, classics, and more. book list booklist alohamoraopenabook

Bri, a high school student, wants to become a rapper and escape the difficult inner city life she and her family currently have.  The book and the writing is absolutely fantastic.  The  audiobook brings the book and the rapping to life; it's a must listen to.  

12 books where the main character or a main character is a writer of books, poetry, poems, songs, letters, published author, and not.  NOn-fiction, fiction, middle grade, ya lit, classics, and more. book list booklist alohamoraopenabook

Xiomara is constantly writing her frustrations, passions, and everything in between in her leather notebook.  She dreams of participating in a Poetry Slam with her own poems.  This is another must listen to as the author reads it, and she's amazing since she is a Poetry Slam Champion.  

12 books where the main character or a main character is a writer of books, poetry, poems, songs, letters, published author, and not.  NOn-fiction, fiction, middle grade, ya lit, classics, and more. book list booklist alohamoraopenabook

 A book written in free verse (aka a quick and fast read even reluctant readers will enjoy) about love, friendship, sports, and high school.  Noah decides to stop taking a backseat to his life; he decides to Swing and finally make his voice heard.

12 books where the main character or a main character is a writer of books, poetry, poems, songs, letters, published author, and not.  NOn-fiction, fiction, middle grade, ya lit, classics, and more. book list booklist alohamoraopenabook

Lara Jean writes letters to all the boys she has loved.  This book will have you cringing for her, and cheering her one as well.  This light romantic-ish contemporary ya lit is fun to read and there's even a Netflix movie out to watch after. 


Twelve awesome books where a main character writes and expresses him or herself.  Any books I should add to the list???

This book list consists of children's chapter books to adult classics with young adult and juvenile non-fiction biographies making strong appearances as well.  Basically, there is bound to be at least one, if not many, of these books you must read or listen too.  They are fantastic, and who knows... they may just inspire you to participate in NaNoWriMo this year. 
 
If you do participate, you must check out Brave the Page; it's an excellent resource that is fun to read.  

Thank you Penguin Random House for the Brave the Page book to read.  All thoughts on any of the books listed above are mine alone.  

Tuesday, May 21, 2019

Alex Rider Secret Weapon gets 4 Stars {ya lit, action/adventure}


I know books, but I am not a music expert.  However, with the spy and adventure theme of this book I couldn't get the theme music for James Bond and Mission Impossible movies out of my head. If I had to create a Playlist of sorts for this book, it'd definitely include those songs. 

It's not all action and adventure. There is some humor. ;) "Of course it'll work!  I mean, I hope it'll work. But it is a prototype, you know..."

"You should be careful whom you choose to trust." 

Alex Rider, aka the teenage James Bond.  He's a teenage spy for MI6.  Therefore, he gets really cool gadgets, he's super smart, a linguist, martial arts master, and he just seems like a good 14 year old.  This book has seven short stories, which make for a super fast read that'll have you keep turning the pages. You'll finish before you know it, and if you are anything like me you'll love that reality is briefly suspended and that things work out for Alex.  I'm such a sucker for the happy ending.  To be honest, I didn't know the Alex Rider books were for more than just middle and high school boys.  I'm actually a big fan of Alex Rider now, and don't worry, you don't have to have been an AR fan and have read the other books to enjoy this one.  Horowitz does a great job including any necessary background information.  

Basically, this Alex Rider book is fantastic.  At times there are a few gaps in the action, but otherwise I felt the writing was great.  The story moves quickly and there is enough development, but this is definitely a plot driven story.  Definitely a great book to hand to a kid in 5th grade and up; middle school libraries should most definitely have this book on the shelf. 

Alex Rider Secret Weapon by Anthony Horowitz
Rating: 4/5 stars
Best For: 12 and up, action/adventure fans will love this fast read. 
# of Pages:  336
Clean Read: Yes. There is action and violence, but it isn't gruesome. I think an 11 year old could enjoy this.   
Worth a Check Out: Yes. It is such a fun quick read. It's worth a read when you are looking for a page turner that will help you escape reality. 
Buy It or Not: Maybe.  If you are an Alex Rider fan then you definitely should. 
Read Aloud:  Actually, it could be a fun read for 6th-8th grade classroom. 



I received a copy of this book from Penguin Random House, but all thoughts and opinions are my own. 

Thursday, December 6, 2018

I Spy the Illuminati Eye: What's the Big Secret? gets 4 Stars {

I Spy the Illuminati Eye: What's the Big Secret? by Sheila Keenan nonfiction book review gets 4 out of 5 stars.  This fun easy and quick to read book about secret societies and conspriacy theories would be great for middle school and high school kids that don't like to read.  reluctant readers.  Alohamora: Open a Book, Alohamoraopenabook http://alohamoraopenabook.blogspot.com/

The Illuminati aka a secret society about enlightenment that began long ago in a forest in Europe has possible connections to the Freemasons and other secret societies.  To be honest, I've never been one to think and ponder conspiracy theories.  To be honest, I didn't know much about the history of the Illuminati before this book.  However now... who knows, maybe I'll drive my husband bonkers with my Illuminati spottings.  😉

I Spy the Illuminate Eye: What's the Big Secret? by Sheila Keenan is a fun read.  It's an easy read, and it would make a great book (or gift, b/c books make great gifts *hint*hint*) for a middle school or high school student that doesn't  like to read.  The pop culture references and the secret societies are sure to engage every reader.  

After beginning this book with very little secret society knowledge (besides the movie Skulls that I watched way back when Blockbuster was a thing) I found myself engaged and wanting to keep turning the pages.  It's a fun book. Definitely check it out. 

If you are, or become an Illuminati believer, you may start seeing signs of the Illuminati all over.  Have you ever seen: 

  • The eye on top of the pyramid found on US money?
  • Someone make a symbol of a triangle? 
  • A triangle drawn inside a triangle? 
  • Seen an eye tattoo? 
The book even shows that the White House Lawns (shaped like an owl), and the top of the Washington Monument (looking down it's a circle with a dot in the middle) are both Illuminati symbols.  

Honestly, this book is quite a fun read, but I'm not sure I can say I'm an Illuminati Believer.  However, since reading I Spy the Illuminati Eye I've caught myself noticing little things here and there and it makes me chuckle and wonder for a second.  


What about you?  Do you find yourself saying "Illuminati Confirmed?" 

I Spy the Illuminati Eye: What's the Big Secret? by Sheila Keenan nonfiction book review gets 4 out of 5 stars.  This fun easy and quick to read book about secret societies and conspriacy theories would be great for middle school and high school kids that don't like to read.  reluctant readers.  Alohamora: Open a Book, Alohamoraopenabook http://alohamoraopenabook.blogspot.com/

I Spy the Illuminati Eye: What's the Big Secret? by Sheila Keenan
Rating: 4/5 stars
Best For: 10+, 4th grade and up
# of Pages:  111
Clean Read: Yes.
Worth a Check Out: Yes.  If conspiracy theories are fun for you, and you want a quick non-fiction read, then definitely give this book a check-out.
Buy It or Not: Maybe.  This book is a quick easy read and a good choice for middle school and high school reluctant readers.
Read Aloud:  No.  Non-fiction usually do not make the best read alouds, but they are fun to browse and read here and there.
Lesson Ideas: Illuminati, Secret Societies, Conspiracy Theories. 


Not that you could tell me if you are in the Illuminati or another secret society, but are you a conspiracy theory/secret society fan???


A few aspects I love about I Spy the Illuminati Eye that may make you grab a copy sooner rather than later:


There are instructions for making invisible ink. (pg 47) So cool! 


The Bohemian Grove, aka quite the gathering of people in a secret society, is a fun party like meeting every July in a redwood forest near San Francisco.  (pg 70)

The Illuminati Charts with famous musicians like Beyonce, Rihanna, and Eminem and their "supposed" Illuminati connections or signs. (pg 100-101)


Thank you Penguin Young Readers for the book to review.  All thoughts and comments are my own. 

Friday, November 30, 2018

2018's Twenty-five Best Christmas Books {picture books, book list}

The best 25 Christmas Picture Books for 2018.  Great read alouds, touching stories. Sweet. Funny, Unique, Original, Classics. How to Raise Readers... read to your kids. Parents, teachers, librarian, Alohamora: Open a Book alohamoraopenabook http://alohamoraopenabook.blogspot.com/

Do you love 🎔 reading holiday books?  We are a Christmas family, so we like to pull out all our books (from our shelves and from the library) and read them starting the day after Thanksgiving.  

The hardest, but most fun part for me is narrowing the books (I usually start with approximately 50 books) down to 25 that we then read each during the month of December leading up to Christmas.  


I know some awesome people that wrap each of the books, and then unwrap one book each night.  I'm not nearly that cute.  First, my wrapping skills are sub-par.  Second, life is busy.  Third, I like having the books out for the kids to read and re-read all month long.  

Without further ado... 


My Favorite, aka 
The 25 Best Christmas Books for 2018


December 1st-
Such a sweet and fun story about tradition, some say the most important tradition, of picking out the family Christmas tree. 

December 2nd- 
Such a tender story about the smallest little tree in the lot that has high hopes he'll be someone's Christmas tree.  

December 3rd- 
I absolutely adore this historical picture book that shares the origin of the Christmas tree. 
 Please read this fabulous book!

December 4th- 
Definitely a fun Christmas book in the classic If you... Numeroff formats.  Plus, I felt it was fitting b/c going to the movies at Christmas is definitely a thing.

December 5th-
At first you think this is just another Gingerbread Man story, but this original story is just fun.  Plus, there are a couple recipes in the back which are fun to make.  

December 6th- 
Cookies at this time of year is a big deal, and a Santa Dinosaur cookie that just wants to be appreciated makes for a fun story.  It's a fun book especially if you've read, Cookiesaurus Rex.

December 7th- 
If you are going to read a Christmas Gingerbread stories this one is my favorite.  It has great rhythm, fun, and a bit silly.

 December 8th- 
Everyone, and I mean every man and creature wins with this cute story.  

December 9th- 
It's another sweet Little Elliot book that reminds us friendship is a gift we can give and receive.

December 10th- 
The pictures and illustrations are gorgeous, and the story is adorably sweet.  🎔

December 11th- 
A Christmas version of I Got the RhythmIt's such a fun sweet story of family.

December 12th- 
It's hard not to love this Bad Kitty, but it's impossible when you see how sweet this adorable feline is.  

December 13th- 
Farmer Brown and his animals have quite an adventure at Christmas time waiting for Santa.  I love the rhythm and the onomatopoeia's in this fun read aloud. 

December 14th- 
Tacky is one of my favorite penguins!  He's definitely a little quirky, but "he's a nice penguin to have around." b/c he always seems to save the day.  

December 15th- 
Grumpy Mother Bruce, we all love him for his grumpy outer shell and soft lovable inside.  This Santa Bruce version is just as fun of a read.  

December 16th- 
Even though this book is 13 years old, it is still a favorite Holiday read.  The rhythm and rhyming makes for a great read aloud, and the adorable snowmen are hard not to love. 

December 17th- 
It's not as good as Goodnight, Goodnight Construction Site, but my construction loving kid can't get enough of this book. 

December 18th- 
It's all about finding the perfect gift.  Tho, it's tough for the Pout-Pout Fish

December 19th- 
The story follows the beautiful Christmas song, and the pictures in this book are absolutely stunning. 

December 20th- 
This classic story had to make the list.  It's a long story, but I love it enough I even quoted it on my Christmas cards. #nerd 

December 21st- 
This sweet story combines the song with the story of the nativity. 

December 22nd- 
With beautiful pictures and the story of the nativity told with the classic rhythm of Twas the Night Before Christmas.  This book is definitely a book to read a little closer to the big day.  

December 23rd- 
It's a long story, but worth the time to read this beautiful and sweet story.  

December 24th- 
Of course this classic book makes the list; I love the story and the illustrations. 

December 25th- 
For Lego loving families, this classic story that is illustrated with Legos is a winner.  It's a fun and unique take with the pictures.  If your family loves Legos give this version of the classic a read.  


Happy reading!  Reading Holiday books to your kids is one way to get your kid to love reading.  Holiday books are fun, and when reading is fun your child will want to do it again and again even when it is tough. 

Any of your favorite Christmas books that did not make this list??? 

Monday, October 22, 2018

Dragonwatch 2: Wrath of the Dragon King gets 4 Stars {fantasy, middle grade fiction, series}

Dragonwatch 2: Wrath of the Dragon King by Brandon Mull. This juvenile aka middle grade fiction high fantasy is a fun action packed series for Fablehaven or Fantasy genre fans. 4 out of 5 stars in my book review. Details on the blog including who the book is perfect for. Alohamora: Open a Book Alohamoraopenabook http://alohamoraopenabook.blogspot.com/

I have a few main goals on my blog.  First, I aim to be honest.  Second, I aim for quality. Third, I aim to have fun and try and make it fun and doable whether it's baking or reading.  

Today, I am being completely honest with you.  I've never wrote this on the blog, but a handful of friends who know me know, that I wasn't the biggest fan of Fablehaven.   Maybe you're shocked.  Maybe your disappointed.  Maybe you never thought about it.  However, if you check the reviews on Amazon or Goodreads you will see I am in the minority.  Either way, if you look at the top of this book, Dragonwatch 2: Wrath of the Dragon King, you will see it is a Fablehaven Adventure book, and many of the characters in Fablehaven make an appearance. 

I've read both Dragonwatch books, and I will say I enjoyed them. {Gasps from the crowd.} Hence, the reason for the review today.  I have enjoyed Dragonwatch more than Fablehaven. 😮    

I, honestly, enjoyed Dragonwatch 2: Wrath of the Dragon King by Brandon Mull.  This book honestly earned 4 out of 5 stars. I enjoyed it. I really did.  I thought the storyline was unexpected.  I thought Kendra and Seth's character development was good.  I enjoyed aspects like the Barrel that transports you to the other location/barrel b/c it reminded me of the Vanishing Cabinet in Harry Potter.  

The pace of the story is a little slow in the beginning.  It takes awhile to get moving; however, once you hit Stormguard Castle the pace definitely quickens.  I also felt the secondary characters were not developed fully even though they were introduced.  Sure, we may get more development of their cousins, Knox and Tess, as the series progresses (b/c this series is definitely set up to continue), but I felt their development was more than lacking.  In my opinion if you are going to introduce them and have them involved enough to have their own chapter(s) you need to develop them a bit more.  

Basically, Wrath of the Dragon King is a great book, but it is necessary to read the first Dragonwatch book.  Boys, and girls that enjoy fantasy, in 5th grade or up will enjoy this series. 

Happy Fablehaven Juvenile/Middle Grade Fiction Fantasy Reading! Feel free to email me or DM me on Instagram/Facebook if you have any other questions. 


Dragonwatch 2: Wrath of the Dragon King by Brandon Mull. This juvenile aka middle grade fiction high fantasy is a fun action packed series for Fablehaven or Fantasy genre fans. 4 out of 5 stars in my book review. Details on the blog including who the book is perfect for. Alohamora: Open a Book Alohamoraopenabook http://alohamoraopenabook.blogspot.com/


Dragonwatch 2: Wrath of the Dragon King by Brandon Mull
Rating: 4/5 stars
Best For: 11+, 5th grade and up
# of Pages:  406
Clean Read: Yes.
Worth a Check Out: Yes.  If you love fantasy books, Chronicles of Narnia, Lord of the Rings, or Fablehaven, and you have read the first Dragonwatch.
Buy It or Not: Yes.  Especially, if you bought the Fablehaven books. 
Read Aloud: Yes, this could be a read aloud with a parent, but  it's rare for a teacher to read aloud a series.  
 
Lesson Ideas: Courage. Siblings. Dragons. Fantasy. Fablehaven. Cousins. Discover or Be Told. Good vs. Bad.  




Are you a Fablehaven or Dragonwatch fan?  I'd love to know what you think of the series. 


A few quotes from Dragonwatch: Wrath of the Dragon King that I had to share with you: 


"I'd rather not hold hands the whole night," Seth said. (pg 31)

"You don't become a champion by relaxing." (pg 139)

"Tough week," Seth said. "Lots of running for my life." (pg 229)


Thank you for Smith Publicity for the book to review.  All thoughts and comments are my own. 

Tuesday, February 28, 2017

Gus's Garage gets 5 Stars {picture book}

Gus's Garage by Leo Timmers gets 5 out of 5 stars in my book review. Great colorful pictures.  Simple text. Creativity with an engineering/STEM focus.  Fun, animals, building, innovation. Alohamora Open a Book https://alohamoraopenabook.blogspot.com/

Problems.  I've got a lot of problems.  Apaprenlty Gus is the man, or I should say pig, when you have problems.  Gus of Gus's Garage helps a penguin stay cold, a walrus keep wet, and a rhino fit on a scooter; I'm sure whatever ails you Gus can build something to solve the problem. 

He's the man err pig would be more accurate.   

Gus's Garage by Leo Timmers gets 5 out of 5 stars in my book review. Great colorful pictures.  Simple text. Creativity with an engineering/STEM focus.  Fun, animals, building, innovation. Alohamora Open a Book https://alohamoraopenabook.blogspot.com/

Gus's Garage by Leo Timmers is creative and colorful.  I absolutely adore the fact that all of Timmers' books are colorful, simple, and fun.  He definitely has his own style, and it is definitely working for him.  I read Franky which is also by Timmers not too long ago, and both of these books have the same feel. They are fun, creative, and involve building; definitely a win for any and all builders out there.  

I also love the fact that even the endpapers in Gus's Garage is creative and fun.  Timmers and Gecko Press focuses on the details, and it is applauded. 
   
Gus's Garage by Leo Timmers gets 5 out of 5 stars in my book review. Great colorful pictures.  Simple text. Creativity with an engineering/STEM focus.  Fun, animals, building, innovation. Alohamora Open a Book https://alohamoraopenabook.blogspot.com/

Gus's Garage gets 5 out of 5 stars in my book review.  The pictures are fun, the text is simple and repetitive (which build early literacy development... aka really great for those 3, 4, and 5 year olds), and the things Gus builds are creative.  Overall, this book is fun and well done! 

To be honest, the repetitive phrase "Let's see. I have some bits and bobs. This goes with that. There. Just the job!" is not how I would write it.  However, it is unique, and I wouldn't be surprised if that phrase doesn't sound odd in Australian or New Zealand since that is where Gus's Garage was first published.  Even though the repetitive phrase doesn't flow how I would like, I think it is fun enough and doesn't bother me.   


Gus's Garage by Leo Timmers gets 5 out of 5 stars in my book review. Great colorful pictures.  Simple text. Creativity with an engineering/STEM focus.  Fun, animals, building, innovation. Alohamora Open a Book https://alohamoraopenabook.blogspot.com/

Amazon has the following book description: 

"Gus's workshop is chock-full of odds and ends. When his friend Rico comes over with a problem, his scooter seat is way too small for a rhino, Gus finds just the thing to fix it."

Fixing problems and helping people out.  We all need a Gus in our life.  Who's the Gus in your life?  

Happy Creative Colorful Engineering Book Reading, and happy Gus finding! ;) 

Gus's Garage is officially available in the United States tomorrow; definitely give it a check out! 

Gus's Garage by Leo Timmers
Rating: 5/5 stars
Best For: 3 to 7 years old, preschool to 2nd grade
Worth a Check Out: Yes!
Buy It or Not: If you have a builder. 
Read Aloud: Yes! 
Lesson Ideas: creativity, engineering, innovation, STEM


I received this book from Myrick Marketing in exchange for my review and honest opinion.  All of my thoughts, opinions, and words are my own.