Valerie's bookshelf: all en-US Fri, 28 Nov 2025 04:15:34 -0800 60 Valerie's bookshelf: all 144 41 https://www.goodreads.com/images/layout/goodreads_logo_144.jpg Square Foot Gardening 1292426 347 Mel Bartholomew 0878573410 Valerie 5 4.26 Square Foot Gardening
author: Mel Bartholomew
name: Valerie
average rating: 4.26
book published:
rating: 5
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date added: 2025/11/28
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review:
Excellent book on how to garden using less space and with fewer weeds. I have 3 top gardening books, and this is one of them. Love it!
]]> <![CDATA[Brave New World and Brave New World Revisited]]> 5479 Brave New World, originally published in 1932, presents Aldous Huxley's vision of the future--of a world utterly transformed. Through the most efficient scientific and psychological engineering, people are genetically designed to be passive and therefore consistently useful to the ruling class. This powerful work of speculative fiction sheds a blazing critical light on the present and is considered to be Aldous Huxley's most enduring masterpiece.

The non-fiction work Brave New World Revisited, published in 1958, is a fascinating work in which Huxley uses his tremendous knowledge of human relations to compare the modern-day world with his prophetic fantasy envisioned in Brave New World, including the threats to humanity, such as over-population, propaganda, and chemical persuasion.]]> 340 Aldous Huxley 0060776099 Valerie 4 4.17 1932 Brave New World and Brave New World Revisited
author: Aldous Huxley
name: Valerie
average rating: 4.17
book published: 1932
rating: 4
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date added: 2025/10/07
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I really liked it, not because it makes the future look bright and positive (hint: it doesn't), but because I am fascinated by predictions of the future, and perspectives on how people will interact and feel in a world more technologically advanced (and we always assume the future will hold far more technology than now). But this doesn't mean that I agree with Huxley's ideas of what the future will look like. I think humans would rebel against mass test tube production and will find solutions to overcome any worries of overpopulation that doesn't include the tyrannical enforcement no babies outside test tubes. In short, I believe too much in human ingenuity to picture such a negative future that Huxley shows. And I believe too much in the desire of freedom for people to stand for such a heavy handed future without rebelling against it.
]]> <![CDATA[Around the World in Eighty Days]]> 9803242 Jules Verne Valerie 4 3.61 1872 Around the World in Eighty Days
author: Jules Verne
name: Valerie
average rating: 3.61
book published: 1872
rating: 4
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date added: 2024/08/29
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]]> <![CDATA[Molly Moon's Incredible Book of Hypnotism (Molly Moon, #1)]]> 807968 Alternate cover edition of ISBN 9780060514099

Welcome to the Wonderful World of Hypnotism

Molly Moon is no ordinary orphan. When she finds a mysterious old book on hypnotism, she discovers she can make people do whatever she wants. But a sinister stranger is watching her every move and he'll do anything to steal her hypnotic secret...]]> 371 Georgia Byng Valerie 4 3.93 2002 Molly Moon's Incredible Book of Hypnotism (Molly Moon, #1)
author: Georgia Byng
name: Valerie
average rating: 3.93
book published: 2002
rating: 4
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date added: 2024/08/07
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The whole Molly Moon series is fun and has a deeper layer of becoming a better person as part of it. The first book shows a selfish Molly becoming more unselfish and finding the bigger joy that comes from thinking of others first. I've enjoyed the whole series, as has my 11 year old daughter.
]]> Mansfield Park 45032 488 Jane Austen Valerie 3 3.86 1814 Mansfield Park
author: Jane Austen
name: Valerie
average rating: 3.86
book published: 1814
rating: 3
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date added: 2024/08/07
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]]> Homer Price 766917 The comic genius of Robert McCloskey and his wry look at small-town America has kept readers in stitches for generations!

]]> 149 Robert McCloskey 0140309276 Valerie 4 4.08 1943 Homer Price
author: Robert McCloskey
name: Valerie
average rating: 4.08
book published: 1943
rating: 4
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date added: 2024/06/15
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]]> <![CDATA[The Children's Book of Virtues]]> 367692 The Book of Virtues, The Children's Book of Virtues is the ideal storybook for parents and children to enjoy together:

With selections from The Book of Virtues, from Aesop and Robert Frost to George Washington's life as well as Native American and African folklore, The Children's Book of Virtues brings together timeless stories and poems from around the world.

The stories have been chosen especially for a young audience to help parents introduce to their children the essentials of good character: Courage, Perseverance, Responsibility, Work, Self-discipline, Compassion, Faith, Honesty, Loyalty, and Friendship.

Lavishly illustrated by the well-known artist Michael Hague, these wonderful stories and the virtues they illustrate come to life on these pages.

The Children's Book of Virtues is an enduring treasury of literature and art that will help lead young minds toward what is noble and gentle and fine.]]> 112 William J. Bennett 068481353X Valerie 4 4.27 1993 The Children's Book of Virtues
author: William J. Bennett
name: Valerie
average rating: 4.27
book published: 1993
rating: 4
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date added: 2024/06/14
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]]> Pat the Bunny 13532212
For generations, Pat the Bunny has been creating special first-time moments between parents and their children. One of the best-selling children’s books of all time, this classic touch-and-feel book offers babies a playful and engaging experience, all the while creating cherished memories that will last a lifetime.]]> 20 Dorothy Kunhardt 0307120007 Valerie 5 children-s-picture-books 4.08 1940 Pat the Bunny
author: Dorothy Kunhardt
name: Valerie
average rating: 4.08
book published: 1940
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 2024/04/11
shelves: children-s-picture-books
review:

]]> Joy Luck Club 563002
With wit and sensitivity, Amy Tan examines the sometimes painful, often tender, and always deep connection between mothers and daughters. As each woman reveals her secrets, trying to unravel the truth about her life, the strings become more tangled, more entwined. Mothers boast or despair over daughters, and daughters roll their eyes even as they feel the inextricable tightening of their matriarchal ties. Tan is an astute storyteller, enticing readers to immerse themselves into these lives of complexity and mystery.]]> 332 Amy Tan 0804106304 Valerie 4 3.88 1989 Joy Luck Club
author: Amy Tan
name: Valerie
average rating: 3.88
book published: 1989
rating: 4
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date added: 2024/01/02
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]]> Golden 691985
Is Timeless

Before Rapunzel's birth, her mother made a dangerous deal with the sorceress If she could not love newborn Rapunzel just as she appeared, she would surrender the child to Melisande. When Rapunzel was born completely bald and without hope of ever growing hair, her horrified mother sent her away with the sorceress to an uncertain future.

After sixteen years of raising Rapunzel as her own child, Melisande reveals that she has another daughter, Rue, who was cursed by a wizard years ago and needs Rapunzel's help. Rue and Rapunzel have precisely "two nights and the day that falls between" to break the enchantment. But bitterness and envy come between the girls, and if they fail to work together, Rue will remain cursed...forever.]]> 192 Cameron Dokey 1416939261 Valerie 4 3.79 2006 Golden
author: Cameron Dokey
name: Valerie
average rating: 3.79
book published: 2006
rating: 4
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date added: 2023/11/27
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]]> <![CDATA[The Battle of the Labyrinth (Percy Jackson and the Olympians, #4)]]> 8130423 In this fourth installment of the blockbuster series, time is running out as war between the Olympians and the evil Titan lord Kronos draws near. Even the safe haven of Camp Half-Blood grows more vulnerable by the minute as Kronos's army prepares to invade its once impenetrable borders. To stop the invasion, Percy and his demigod friends must set out on a quest through the Labyrinth - a sprawling underground world with stunning surprises at every turn.]]> 361 Rick Riordan Valerie 0 4.44 2008 The Battle of the Labyrinth (Percy Jackson and the Olympians, #4)
author: Rick Riordan
name: Valerie
average rating: 4.44
book published: 2008
rating: 0
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date added: 2023/10/16
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]]> <![CDATA[Mrs. Pollifax Pursued (Mrs. Pollifax, #11)]]> 149470
Finally Kadi shares the startling truth: her friend, Sammy, is the son of the assassinated president of an African country, and unbeknownst to the young man’s bodyguard, he passed her something important during a recent meeting. Ever resourceful, Mrs. P. puts in a call for help to her CIA colleague, Carstairs, who installs them in a safe house—at a carnival! Before Mrs. P. knows it, a dash to safety expands into an assignment that leads to hair-trigger violence in exotic places…]]> 240 Dorothy Gilman 0449149560 Valerie 4 4.00 1995 Mrs. Pollifax Pursued (Mrs. Pollifax, #11)
author: Dorothy Gilman
name: Valerie
average rating: 4.00
book published: 1995
rating: 4
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date added: 2023/07/30
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]]> <![CDATA[Om-Kas-Toe Blackfoot Twin Captures Elkdog]]> 860425 215 Kenneth Thomasma 0801088844 Valerie 4 3.75 1986 Om-Kas-Toe Blackfoot Twin Captures Elkdog
author: Kenneth Thomasma
name: Valerie
average rating: 3.75
book published: 1986
rating: 4
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date added: 2023/07/22
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]]> Chicka Chicka ABC 1574182
A told B,
and B told C,
"I'll meet you at the top of the coconut tree."

So begins the lively alphabet rhyme that children and their parents love to recite. Martin and Archambault's rhythmic chant and Caldecott Honor artist Lois Ehlert's bold, cheerful art make this rollicking story an ideal companion to Chicka Chicka Boom Boom .]]> 14 Bill Martin Jr. 067187893X Valerie 4 4.29 1993 Chicka Chicka ABC
author: Bill Martin Jr.
name: Valerie
average rating: 4.29
book published: 1993
rating: 4
read at:
date added: 2023/03/07
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review:

]]> <![CDATA[A Series of Unfortunate Events #1-13]]> 25881150 0 Lemony Snicket 3200328398 Valerie 4 4.67 2006 A Series of Unfortunate Events #1-13
author: Lemony Snicket
name: Valerie
average rating: 4.67
book published: 2006
rating: 4
read at:
date added: 2021/08/29
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]]> <![CDATA[The Constitution of the United States with Index and The Declaration of Independence]]> 2651479 46 Founding Fathers 0880801441 Valerie 5 4.71 1776 The Constitution of the United States with Index and The Declaration of Independence
author: Founding Fathers
name: Valerie
average rating: 4.71
book published: 1776
rating: 5
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date added: 2021/06/25
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]]> <![CDATA[First: Get Caught: A Stalker's Guide to Love (Pruitt Prep #1)]]> 54568742 Though Pruitt Preparatory Academy is a small boarding school, valedictorian Ben Song doesn't know Abigail exists—until he stumbles upon her journal. Sure, he's a little creeped out. But he's also curious about this girl who draws so beautifully. He becomes more intrigued when she stands up to his snobby friends while studiously ignoring him. Is this the same person tracking every detail of his life? If so, how can she pretend he doesn't exist?
Determined to solve the Abigail puzzle, Ben texts her as the imaginary Prescott Abernathy, promising to return her journal if she follows Prescott's orders: starting with crashing Ben's table at lunch.]]> 471 Crystal Liechty Valerie 0 4.50 First: Get Caught: A Stalker's Guide to Love (Pruitt Prep #1)
author: Crystal Liechty
name: Valerie
average rating: 4.50
book published:
rating: 0
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date added: 2020/10/24
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]]> <![CDATA[Tilly and the Bookwanderers (Pages & Co., #1)]]> 32946432
Eleven year-old Tilly has lived above her grandparents' bookshop ever since her mother disappeared shortly after she was born. Like the rest of her family, Tilly loves nothing more than to escape into the pages of her favourite stories.

One day Tilly realises that classic children's characters are appearing in the shop through the magic of `book wandering' - crossing over from the page into real life.

With the help of Anne of Green Gables and Alice in Wonderland. Tilly is determined to solve the mystery of what happened to her mother all those years ago, so she bravely steps into the unknown, unsure of what adventure lies ahead and what dangers she may face.]]> 400 Anna James 0008229864 Valerie 0 4.14 2018 Tilly and the Bookwanderers (Pages & Co., #1)
author: Anna James
name: Valerie
average rating: 4.14
book published: 2018
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2020/01/22
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]]> The Hero and the Crown 99441
Aerin could not remember a time when she had not known the story; she had grown up knowing it.

It was the story of her mother, the witchwoman who enspelled the king into marrying her, to get an heir that would rule Damar; and it was told that she turned her face to the wall and died of despair when she found she had borne a daughter instead of a son.
Aerin was that daughter.

But there was more of the story yet to be told; Aerin’s destiny was greater than even she had dreamed—for she was to be the true hero who would wield the power of the Blue Sword…]]> 292 Robin McKinley 0441013058 Valerie 4 4.10 1984 The Hero and the Crown
author: Robin McKinley
name: Valerie
average rating: 4.10
book published: 1984
rating: 4
read at:
date added: 2019/07/12
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]]> <![CDATA[From Poop To Gold: The Marketing Magic of Harmon Brothers]]> 43264315 197 Valerie 5 business-books 3.82 From Poop To Gold: The Marketing Magic of Harmon Brothers
author: Chris Jones
name: Valerie
average rating: 3.82
book published:
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 2019/06/06
shelves: business-books
review:

]]> Hamlet 1432 This is an alternate cover edition for ISBN13:9780743477123, Hamlet.

Hamlet is the story of the Prince of Denmark who learns of the death of his father at the hands of his uncle, Claudius. Claudius murders Hamlet's father, his own brother, to take the throne of Denmark and to marry Hamlet's widowed mother. Hamlet is sunk into a state of great despair as a result of discovering the murder of his father and the infidelity of his mother. Hamlet is torn between his great sadness and his desire for the revenge of his father's murder.

Each Folger edition includes:

- Freshly edited text based on the best early printed version of the play
- Full explanatory notes conveniently placed on pages facing the text of the play
- Scene-by-scene plot summaries
- A key to famous lines and phrases
- An introduction to reading Shakespeare's language
- An essay by an outstanding scholar providing a modern perspective on the play
- Illustrations from the Folger Shakespeare Library's vast holdings of rare books]]> 342 William Shakespeare Valerie 5 4.05 1601 Hamlet
author: William Shakespeare
name: Valerie
average rating: 4.05
book published: 1601
rating: 5
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date added: 2019/04/14
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]]> <![CDATA[Discern (Katon University, #1)]]> 23272461 Alternate cover edition of ASIN B00N1NZIKA


Nicole Williams is an Arete—a fourth child with magical abilities—yet no matter how hard she tries, she can’t Channel her power. In fact, she seems to be the only student at Katon University who fails at magic.

That doesn’t stop magic from finding her. It starts with possessed books and cursed spiders before moving quickly to freaky shadows and magical currents. Nicole turns to her best friend for help, along with fellow student Austin Young, who is considered by all a magical rarity. He also happens to be the hottest guy on campus and just might be interested in her.

Nicole soon finds herself competing to be included on a university-led expedition to Arches National Park. She is determined to show everyone, but mostly herself, that she does belong. Yet, to qualify for the trip, she must produce at least a speck of Wind magic, and that appears to be impossible.

As the competition progresses, Nicole wonders if she’s making the right choice—especially when she learns that the strange fossils they’ll be studying in Arches might not be as dead as everyone thinks.

Suggested Reading Order:
Discern, Katon University Book One
The Focus (A Katon University Novella)
The Manor (A Katon University Novella)
The Angel (A Katon University Novella)]]> 257 Andrea Pearson Valerie 0 3.90 2014 Discern (Katon University, #1)
author: Andrea Pearson
name: Valerie
average rating: 3.90
book published: 2014
rating: 0
read at: 2018/03/17
date added: 2018/03/17
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]]> Grey Stone 31206548 338 Jean Knight Pace 1939156777 Valerie 0 currently-reading 4.00 Grey Stone
author: Jean Knight Pace
name: Valerie
average rating: 4.00
book published:
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2018/03/07
shelves: currently-reading
review:

]]> Soul Singer (Iron Souls, #2) 38469871
To set matters straight, Briar is on her way to Cleveland to meet with a woman who may be able to help Grayson. But getting there won’t be easy. Wanted posters are everywhere, an old…friend is stalking Grayson, and he’s attracted the attention of the Scourge—the executioners of the ferromancer world.

If she’s to keep Grayson safe, Briar must pretend to be his keeper. Which won’t be easy. Not when she knows so little about his world and her own newly discovered magic. Can she fool those who know that world so well? Or will Grayson pay the price for her failure?]]> 220 Becca Andre Valerie 0 currently-reading 4.48 2018 Soul Singer (Iron Souls, #2)
author: Becca Andre
name: Valerie
average rating: 4.48
book published: 2018
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2018/03/06
shelves: currently-reading
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]]> Ferromancer (Iron Souls, #1) 37829638
Captain Bridget “Briar” Rose wants for nothing. Each day is a new adventure, living the life she loves, running cargo on the Ohio & Erie Canal. That is, until her cousin decides to sell the family boat to finance a new business venture. He wants to build locomotives for the railroad—the very industry that could put the entire canal system out of business.

Not one to give up without a fight, Briar does a little snooping into her cousin’s new business partner. When she gets a sneak peek at the locomotive plans, she suspects that the man is either a genius, or a ferromancer—one of the dreaded metal mages of Europe’s industrial revolution.

Determined to reveal her suspicions, Briar takes the plans and heads for the newspaper office in Columbus, stealing the family boat in the process. Kidnapping her cousin’s handsome business partner wasn’t part of the plan, but when he shows up, demanding the return of his property, she can’t let him go. After all, if Briar can prove that the railroad is using ferromancy, she could save more than her boat. She could save her way of life.]]> 245 Becca Andre Valerie 0 4.37 2017 Ferromancer (Iron Souls, #1)
author: Becca Andre
name: Valerie
average rating: 4.37
book published: 2017
rating: 0
read at: 2018/03/06
date added: 2018/03/06
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]]> <![CDATA[Ember Falls (The Green Ember #2)]]> 31953814
The fragile alliance forged around the young heir seems certain to fail. Can Heather and Picket help rescue the cause from a certain, sudden defeat?

My Place Beside You

My Blood For Yours

Till The Green... Ember Falls]]> 234 S.D. Smith Valerie 0 currently-reading 4.60 2016 Ember Falls (The Green Ember #2)
author: S.D. Smith
name: Valerie
average rating: 4.60
book published: 2016
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2018/02/19
shelves: currently-reading
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]]> <![CDATA[The Green Ember (The Green Ember #1)]]> 23822236
Kings fall and kingdoms totter. Tyrants ascend and terrors threaten. Betrayal beckons, and loyalty is a broken road with peril around every bend.

Where will Heather and Picket land? How will they make their stand?]]> 337 S.D. Smith Valerie 0 currently-reading 4.48 2014 The Green Ember (The Green Ember #1)
author: S.D. Smith
name: Valerie
average rating: 4.48
book published: 2014
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2018/02/09
shelves: currently-reading
review:

]]> As the Crow Flies 16423253 Not every prize is all it’s cracked up to be.

I am Crow, and I am a thief.

Not just any thief, mind, but the best and most famous thief in all the glittering empire. Ask anyone. Ask Tanris, who’s hunted me all these years and never pinched so much as a tail feather.

Ask Baron Duzayan, the scheming wizard who convinced me to steal a myth.

I always said you couldn’t trust a wizard, and Duzayan is a stellar warning against the breed. He took my beautiful Tarsha. He poisoned me. And he gave me to Tanris.

He shouldn’t have done that. I’ll fetch his silly trinket, then I’ll be back to ruin him—Or die trying…

Until, of course, he can think of a better plan…]]> 357 Robin Lythgoe Valerie 0 currently-reading 4.21 2012 As the Crow Flies
author: Robin Lythgoe
name: Valerie
average rating: 4.21
book published: 2012
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2018/02/08
shelves: currently-reading
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Blood and Shadow (The Mage's Gift #1)]]> 33295452 A vengeful mage. A powerful gift. A naive youth. 

Sherakai never wanted to become a warrior like his father and brothers. Satisfied with being fourth in line to inherit title and responsibility, he wants only to be Master of the Horse. But on the eve of his sister’s wedding, a terrible gift arrives and Sherakai’s course changes forever. His magic is the key to secrets he does not know or understand, and he must learn to fight to escape a future he doesn’t believe in. Now he must use what he hates to regain what he loves.]]> 594 Robin Lythgoe Valerie 0 3.97 Blood and Shadow (The Mage's Gift #1)
author: Robin Lythgoe
name: Valerie
average rating: 3.97
book published:
rating: 0
read at: 2018/02/08
date added: 2018/02/08
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]]> A Sprig of Holly 18858620 Alone and far from help in the freezing night.
Everything depends on an enchanted sprig of holly.

Greta lives with her grandfather in a cabin in the mountains.
The winter is harsh and they must venture out into the snow for more wood, or freeze.
Their handsome neighbour Matthias would help, but he is stuck in the snowy mountain passes and cannot get home.

But then disaster strikes.

The sleigh breaks, the logs are lost, and her grandfather is badly hurt.
Greta must get him back to safety before night sets in, but how?
Temperatures are dropping fast and they are all alone in the icy darkness.

…or are they?

(Short story of approx 8k words)]]> 23 J.A. Clement Valerie 0 currently-reading 4.04 2012 A Sprig of Holly
author: J.A. Clement
name: Valerie
average rating: 4.04
book published: 2012
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2018/02/07
shelves: currently-reading
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Mimic and the Space Engineer Boxed Set (Space Shifter Chronicles #1-3)]]> 37812381 The first three books in the Amazon bestselling Space Shifter Chronicles in one omnibus edition

Higgens has the best job in the galaxy. Except for the fact that he’s technically a janitor on a galactic mining vessel. When he discovers an unknown alien species, his world gets turned upside down. He will have to find unlikely allies if he is going to save his new friend and help her build a new home.

The Mimic and the Space Engineer Boxed Set contains the first three books in the Space Shifter Chronicles. If you like fast paced space adventures with engaging, and quirky, characters, you will love Higgens, Mimic, and their adventures in space.
]]> 408 James David Victor Valerie 0 4.12 Mimic and the Space Engineer Boxed Set (Space Shifter Chronicles #1-3)
author: James David Victor
name: Valerie
average rating: 4.12
book published:
rating: 0
read at: 2018/02/07
date added: 2018/02/07
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]]> <![CDATA[Judgment of Mars (Starship's Mage, #5)]]> 34538192 A war fought in the shadows
A conspiracy shattered in fire
A moment of weakness…

When politics are played for blood.

The destruction of the secret archive of the Royal Order of Keepers on Mars has left Damien Montgomery, Hand of the Mage-King, with his enemies defeated, his lover dead—and his questions unanswered.

When he seeks out the remaining Keepers for answers, he discovers only violence and death in their strongholds. Someone else is hunting down the survivors to make sure they never answer Damien’s questions—or anyone else’s.

As a wave of murder sweeps Mars and the consequences of the Keepers’ conspiracy sink home, Damien is summoned before the Council of the Protectorate to answer for the deaths of two other Hands. In the political heart of the Protectorate of Mars, he finds he may be forced to choose between honoring the oaths he swore and preserving the survival of the Protectorate itself!]]> 310 Glynn Stewart Valerie 0 currently-reading 4.36 2017 Judgment of Mars (Starship's Mage, #5)
author: Glynn Stewart
name: Valerie
average rating: 4.36
book published: 2017
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2018/02/07
shelves: currently-reading
review:

]]> Christy 837212 558 Catherine Marshall 0380001411 Valerie 5 books-that-changed-my-life 4.18 1967 Christy
author: Catherine Marshall
name: Valerie
average rating: 4.18
book published: 1967
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 2017/09/30
shelves: books-that-changed-my-life
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Pippi Longstocking (Pippi Långstrump, #1)]]> 359083
Pippi Longstocking was first published in the United States in 1950, and has been translated from the original Swedish into ninety-one languages. Feature films and television shows continue to be made about Pippi, who is truly a heroine for our time. why do we love Pippi? Because, like Astrid Lindgren, she is fearless, independent, original, and lives exactly how she chooses.]]> 208 Astrid Lindgren 0670062766 Valerie 5 4.14 1945 Pippi Longstocking (Pippi Långstrump, #1)
author: Astrid Lindgren
name: Valerie
average rating: 4.14
book published: 1945
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 2017/06/16
shelves:
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]]> <![CDATA[Chickadees, Bumbelbeez, Pussy-Willow Trees and Two-And-A-Half]]> 26096827
“Kids who still have their parents read to them really like the book, as do kids who are independent readers,” says Dr. Politsky. “The reviews of parents and children who have read the book are very favorable: adults really like the message and the children just love the story. I hope many more children will get to read it.”

The book starts off when “One day a little brown monkey with dazzling olive green eyes, a friendly smile, and a long curly tail asked his father if there was more to the life than just hanging around with other monkeys and eating bananas.” Before long he meets a lovely grey cat and a majestic blue pelican each on their own quests. Together, they explore a foreign island and when their journey takes them into a private swath of land, they befriend a local dog who takes them further than they ever imagined.
 
Chickadees, Bumbelbeez, Pussy-Willow Trees and Two-And-A-Half emphasizes several significant values, which help us subsist and ultimately thrive: learning through independent exploration, the need for friendship, the importance of respect and tolerance for other cultures, languages, and lifestyle diversity, along with a healthy understanding of the powers of mother nature. 

Fifty percent of the proceeds of the sale of each book will be donated equally to research programs dedicated to the study of dementia and memory dysfunction, and to the study of breast cancer.]]> Jeffrey Politsky 0991171101 Valerie 3 children-s-picture-books
Storyline: This book is rather multi-cultural as each of the three friends, from different parts of the world, demonstrate a certain strength (language, fishing in the ocean/flying, harvesting bananas/coconuts) that benefits the others. I enjoy that everyone contributes and has talents in different ways. It's long for a children's book, but because it's divided into chapters, storytime could be broken into more manageable sections.

Problems: The story felt more like an exploration of an island rather than an overcoming of obstacles to attain a particular goal. I tell my writing students that happy tales are boring--it's the suffering and the overcoming of obstacles that make books interesting to read. And I feel the storyline would've been improved with an emphasis on helping each other overcome the obstacles they encountered (hunger, broken car, almost sucked into the ocean, etc) rather than glossing over those obstacles and just walk smiling off to meet new friends (EVERYONE is friendly and an instant best friends and that takes away from a more powerful story too). I was also confused by the "mystery" of the chickadees (when the friends finally meet them, they all laughed, but the chickadees didn't contribute anything to the story after).

But my 7 year old is right now reading through the entire book in one sitting. So ignore the problems I point out--kids like the book!
3 stars

Illustrations: The illustrations are colorful and were enjoyed by my children. I would prefer a different text font and cover font, but those design choices don't affect my enjoyment of the illustrations overall.
4 stars

Total: 3.5 stars

I appreciated receiving the free book in exchange for an honest review. It is a well-made hardcover and will last on a bookshelf for a long time.

~Valerie Harmon (The Kindle Book Review)

]]> 4.17 Chickadees, Bumbelbeez, Pussy-Willow Trees and Two-And-A-Half
author: Jeffrey Politsky
name: Valerie
average rating: 4.17
book published:
rating: 3
read at:
date added: 2015/11/06
shelves: children-s-picture-books
review:
This book is about three different animals, who love their families but feel a longing to travel and see more of the world, converging on Chickadee Island and having adventures as they make friends with each other and others.

Storyline: This book is rather multi-cultural as each of the three friends, from different parts of the world, demonstrate a certain strength (language, fishing in the ocean/flying, harvesting bananas/coconuts) that benefits the others. I enjoy that everyone contributes and has talents in different ways. It's long for a children's book, but because it's divided into chapters, storytime could be broken into more manageable sections.

Problems: The story felt more like an exploration of an island rather than an overcoming of obstacles to attain a particular goal. I tell my writing students that happy tales are boring--it's the suffering and the overcoming of obstacles that make books interesting to read. And I feel the storyline would've been improved with an emphasis on helping each other overcome the obstacles they encountered (hunger, broken car, almost sucked into the ocean, etc) rather than glossing over those obstacles and just walk smiling off to meet new friends (EVERYONE is friendly and an instant best friends and that takes away from a more powerful story too). I was also confused by the "mystery" of the chickadees (when the friends finally meet them, they all laughed, but the chickadees didn't contribute anything to the story after).

But my 7 year old is right now reading through the entire book in one sitting. So ignore the problems I point out--kids like the book!
3 stars

Illustrations: The illustrations are colorful and were enjoyed by my children. I would prefer a different text font and cover font, but those design choices don't affect my enjoyment of the illustrations overall.
4 stars

Total: 3.5 stars

I appreciated receiving the free book in exchange for an honest review. It is a well-made hardcover and will last on a bookshelf for a long time.

~Valerie Harmon (The Kindle Book Review)


]]> <![CDATA[The Velveteen Rabbit: The Classic Children's Book]]> 232096 33 Margery Williams Bianco 0385077254 Valerie 5 children-s-picture-books 4.43 1922 The Velveteen Rabbit: The Classic Children's Book
author: Margery Williams Bianco
name: Valerie
average rating: 4.43
book published: 1922
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 2015/01/07
shelves: children-s-picture-books
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Twilight (The Twilight Saga, #1)]]> 762743
First, Edward was a vampire.

Second, there was a part of him-and I didn't know how dominant that part might be-that thirsted for my blood.

And third, I was unconditionally and irrevocably in love with him.]]> 498 Stephenie Meyer 0316160172 Valerie 4 3.79 2005 Twilight (The Twilight Saga, #1)
author: Stephenie Meyer
name: Valerie
average rating: 3.79
book published: 2005
rating: 4
read at:
date added: 2014/12/14
shelves:
review:
I resisted reading this book. How could a high school romance between a vampire and a human be a worth reading about? Well, I kept running into recommendations for it, and then my Mom bought it and I got sick in bed and she brought it over--and I devoured it. And the other two books in the series. In three days. The author is a good storyteller and there's enough mystery to keep things interesting and not immature.
]]> <![CDATA[The Mitford Years: At Home in Mitford / A Light in the Window / These High, Green Hills / Out to Canaan (The Mitford Years #1-4)]]> 1233882 1 Jan Karon 0147712564 Valerie 5 4.46 The Mitford Years: At Home in Mitford / A Light in the Window / These High, Green Hills / Out to Canaan (The Mitford Years #1-4)
author: Jan Karon
name: Valerie
average rating: 4.46
book published:
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 2014/11/26
shelves:
review:

]]> <![CDATA[The Crab Who Wanted To Be A Dolphin (Book 7 in WantsToBe series)]]> 23286972 Note: this title is also available as an animated app for iPad (in the App Store℠) and and as a full-color softcover book.

Everyone annoys Crab! Lonely and friendless (because she's cranky), she decides she needs to become a dolphin to solve her problems. Struggling on this quest, she discovers that finding friends requires changes on the inside, not the outside. As she experiences gratitude, and the friendship that follows, she unexpectedly transforms into a mixture of her old self and a new self. Not only an educational story encouraging gratitude, this tale is also a metaphor for how we all transform after accomplishing difficult things.

Add To Your Cart and teach children about goal setting and overcoming obstacles, while laughing at the imaginative ending.

Be sure to check out the other books in the series, all of them have hit #1 Best Selling in Category and have earned 4.7-5 star reviews:
The Snake Who Wanted To Be A Horse
The Elephant Who Wanted To Be A Bee
The Alligator Who Wanted To Be A Dog
The Peacock Who Wanted To Be A Pig
The Chipmunk Who Wanted To Be A Bear
The T-Rex Who Wanted To Be A Long Neck]]> 33 Valerie Harmon Valerie 5 children-s-picture-books 5.00 2014 The Crab Who Wanted To Be A Dolphin (Book 7 in WantsToBe series)
author: Valerie Harmon
name: Valerie
average rating: 5.00
book published: 2014
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 2014/09/29
shelves: children-s-picture-books
review:

]]> <![CDATA[The T-Rex Who Wanted to Be a Long Neck: A Children's Picture Book on Overcoming Anger (WantsToBe.com 6)]]> 20634969 42 Valerie Harmon 0988987856 Valerie 5 4.39 2014 The T-Rex Who Wanted to Be a Long Neck: A Children's Picture Book on Overcoming Anger (WantsToBe.com 6)
author: Valerie Harmon
name: Valerie
average rating: 4.39
book published: 2014
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 2014/09/29
shelves:
review:

]]> <![CDATA[The Chipmunk Who Wanted to Be a Bear (Wantstobe)]]> 18934559 40 Valerie Harmon 0988987848 Valerie 5 4.00 2013 The Chipmunk Who Wanted to Be a Bear (Wantstobe)
author: Valerie Harmon
name: Valerie
average rating: 4.00
book published: 2013
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 2014/09/29
shelves:
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Parenting Teens with Love and Logic: Preparing Adolescents for Responsible Adulthood]]> 223798
Parenting Teens with Love and Logic, from the duo who wrote Parenting with Love and Logic, empowers parents with the skills necessary to set limits, teach important skills, and encourage decision-making in their teenagers.

Covering a wide range of real-life issues teens face―including divorce, ADD, addiction, and sex―this book gives you the tools to help your teens find their identity and grow in maturity. Indexed for easy reference.]]> 320 Foster W. Cline 1576839303 Valerie 5 parenting
This book gave me tools to help settle conflict and conversational guides of gentle words to turn away wrath. High praise indeed!!

Even just summing it up for my husband has aided his parenting.

TIP: The word "bummer" is a great response to a teen request. I tried it myself, and it helped them come up with their own solutions. Read the book for more!!

I highly recommend this book to improve parenting skills and communication with teens. And I will be reading it again soon, to keep the parenting tools fresh.

Good luck! We parents with teens need all the luck we can get. :)

~Valerie Harmon
http://wantstobe.com


]]> 4.07 1992 Parenting Teens with Love and Logic: Preparing Adolescents for Responsible Adulthood
author: Foster W. Cline
name: Valerie
average rating: 4.07
book published: 1992
rating: 5
read at: 2014/09/01
date added: 2014/09/29
shelves: parenting
review:
I have six children and half of them are teenagers. The older half. Which means adolescence is fairly new territory and that they are all my guinea pigs. More than anything, I want my parenting to be a positive experience for all of us (translation: as few scars as possible!). This book is exactly what I needed!

This book gave me tools to help settle conflict and conversational guides of gentle words to turn away wrath. High praise indeed!!

Even just summing it up for my husband has aided his parenting.

TIP: The word "bummer" is a great response to a teen request. I tried it myself, and it helped them come up with their own solutions. Read the book for more!!

I highly recommend this book to improve parenting skills and communication with teens. And I will be reading it again soon, to keep the parenting tools fresh.

Good luck! We parents with teens need all the luck we can get. :)

~Valerie Harmon
http://wantstobe.com



]]> <![CDATA[Mistborn: The Final Empire (Mistborn, #1)]]> 68428 What if the whole world were a dead, blasted wasteland?

Mistborn
For a thousand years the ash fell and no flowers bloomed. For a thousand years the Skaa slaved in misery and lived in fear. For a thousand years the Lord Ruler, the "Sliver of Infinity," reigned with absolute power and ultimate terror, divinely invincible. Then, when hope was so long lost that not even its memory remained, a terribly scarred, heart-broken half-Skaa rediscovered it in the depths of the Lord Ruler's most hellish prison. Kelsier "snapped" and found in himself the powers of a Mistborn. A brilliant thief and natural leader, he turned his talents to the ultimate caper, with the Lord Ruler himself as the mark.

Kelsier recruited the underworld's elite, the smartest and most trustworthy allomancers, each of whom shares one of his many powers, and all of whom relish a high-stakes challenge. Then Kelsier reveals his ultimate dream, not just the greatest heist in history, but the downfall of the divine despot.

But even with the best criminal crew ever assembled, Kel's plan looks more like the ultimate long shot, until luck brings a ragged girl named Vin into his life. Like him, she's a half-Skaa orphan, but she's lived a much harsher life. Vin has learned to expect betrayal from everyone she meets. She will have to learn trust if Kel is to help her master powers of which she never dreamed.

Brandon Sanderson, fantasy's newest master tale-spinner and author of the acclaimed debut Elantris, dares to turn a genre on its head by asking a simple question: What if the prophesied hero failed to defeat the Dark Lord? The answer will be found in the Mistborn Trilogy, a saga of surprises that begins with the book in your hands. Fantasy will never be the same again.]]> 541 Brandon Sanderson Valerie 5 fantasy, books-for-my-boys
If you like fantastical worlds that make sense (and the parts that don't are understood at the end of the series), stories of strength, power, faith, honor, nobility (among the noble and the peasant), then you should read this book and continue reading until the end.

I don't rate books 5 stars easily. And I rate all three books in this series with the same 5 star rating.

~Valerie Harmon
http://wantstobe.com]]> 4.47 2006 Mistborn: The Final Empire (Mistborn, #1)
author: Brandon Sanderson
name: Valerie
average rating: 4.47
book published: 2006
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 2014/09/29
shelves: fantasy, books-for-my-boys
review:
I read this when it first came out and I enjoyed it. But I didn't get back to it for several years. With all three books out, and with my teenage boys recommending it to me, I listened to this series as I cleaned house. And WOW, it is fabulous.

If you like fantastical worlds that make sense (and the parts that don't are understood at the end of the series), stories of strength, power, faith, honor, nobility (among the noble and the peasant), then you should read this book and continue reading until the end.

I don't rate books 5 stars easily. And I rate all three books in this series with the same 5 star rating.

~Valerie Harmon
http://wantstobe.com
]]> <![CDATA[The Hero of Ages (Mistborn, #3)]]> 2767793
Who is the Hero of Ages?

To end the Final Empire and restore freedom, Vin killed the Lord Ruler. But as a result, the Deepness—the lethal form of the ubiquitous mists—is back, along with increasingly heavy ashfalls and ever more powerful earthquakes. Humanity appears to be doomed.

Having escaped death at the climax of The Well of Ascension only by becoming a Mistborn himself, Emperor Elend Venture hopes to find clues left behind by the Lord Ruler that will allow him to save the world. Vin is consumed with guilt at having been tricked into releasing the mystic force known as Ruin from the Well. Ruin wants to end the world, and its near omniscience and ability to warp reality make stopping it seem impossible. Vin can't even discuss it with Elend lest Ruin learn their plans!]]> 572 Brandon Sanderson 0765316897 Valerie 5 fantasy, books-for-my-boys
This is the final book in the Mistborn series. Over and over it feels like all is lost for the good side, but then...they survive just a little longer. I was on the edge of my seat by the end. With so much going wrong, and with the things they do "right" and that turn out to favor Ruin--HOW CAN THEY SURVIVE?

Then, some mysteries are resolved, some key people die, some do not, and some only sort-of do, and Everything resolves with an unexpected plot twist with the characters I've come to love.

And this is the only way I can talk about this book without spoiling it!

Read the series. It's fabulous on Audible too! I highly recommend it, as do my teenage boys.

~Valerie Harmon,
http:wantstobe.com]]> 4.55 2008 The Hero of Ages (Mistborn, #3)
author: Brandon Sanderson
name: Valerie
average rating: 4.55
book published: 2008
rating: 5
read at: 2014/09/01
date added: 2014/09/29
shelves: fantasy, books-for-my-boys
review:
I LOVED this book! I cried at the end. Just a little.

This is the final book in the Mistborn series. Over and over it feels like all is lost for the good side, but then...they survive just a little longer. I was on the edge of my seat by the end. With so much going wrong, and with the things they do "right" and that turn out to favor Ruin--HOW CAN THEY SURVIVE?

Then, some mysteries are resolved, some key people die, some do not, and some only sort-of do, and Everything resolves with an unexpected plot twist with the characters I've come to love.

And this is the only way I can talk about this book without spoiling it!

Read the series. It's fabulous on Audible too! I highly recommend it, as do my teenage boys.

~Valerie Harmon,
http:wantstobe.com
]]> <![CDATA[The Well of Ascension (Mistborn, #2)]]> 68429 Note: Description contains spoilers for previous book in the series

The impossible has been accomplished. The Lord Ruler—the man who claimed to be god incarnate and brutally ruled the world for a thousand years—has been vanquished. But Kelsier, the hero who masterminded that triumph, is dead too, and now the awesome task of building a new world has been left to his young protégé, Vin, the former street urchin who is now the most powerful Mistborn in the land, and to the idealistic young nobleman she loves.

As Kelsier's protégé and slayer of the Lord Ruler she is now venerated by a budding new religion, a distinction that makes her intensely uncomfortable. Even more worrying, the mists have begun behaving strangely since the Lord Ruler died, and seem to harbor a strange vaporous entity that haunts her.

Stopping assassins may keep Vin's Mistborn skills sharp, but it's the least of her problems. Luthadel, the largest city of the former empire, doesn't run itself, and Vin and the other members of Kelsier's crew, who lead the revolution, must learn a whole new set of practical and political skills to help. It certainly won't get easier with three armies - one of them composed of ferocious giants - now vying to conquer the city, and no sign of the Lord Ruler's hidden cache of atium, the rarest and most powerful allomantic metal.

As the siege of Luthadel tightens, an ancient legend seems to offer a glimmer of hope. But even if it really exists, no one knows where to find the Well of Ascension or what manner of power it bestows.]]> 592 Brandon Sanderson 0765316889 Valerie 5 4.37 2007 The Well of Ascension (Mistborn, #2)
author: Brandon Sanderson
name: Valerie
average rating: 4.37
book published: 2007
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 2014/09/29
shelves:
review:

]]> The Book Thief 19063 Librarian's note: An alternate cover edition can be found here

It is 1939. Nazi Germany. The country is holding its breath. Death has never been busier, and will be busier still.

By her brother's graveside, Liesel's life is changed when she picks up a single object, partially hidden in the snow. It is The Gravedigger's Handbook, left behind there by accident, and it is her first act of book thievery. So begins a love affair with books and words, as Liesel, with the help of her accordian-playing foster father, learns to read. Soon she is stealing books from Nazi book-burnings, the mayor's wife's library, wherever there are books to be found.

But these are dangerous times. When Liesel's foster family hides a Jew in their basement, Liesel's world is both opened up, and closed down.

In superbly crafted writing that burns with intensity, award-winning author Markus Zusak has given us one of the most enduring stories of our time.

(Note: this title was not published as YA fiction)]]> 592 Markus Zusak Valerie 5 4.38 2005 The Book Thief
author: Markus Zusak
name: Valerie
average rating: 4.38
book published: 2005
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 2014/09/23
shelves:
review:

]]> <![CDATA[The Shadow Rising (The Wheel of Time, #4)]]> 893763
In Tar Valon, Min sees portents of hideous doom. Will the White Tower itself be broken?

In the Two Rivers, the Whitecloaks ride in pursuit of a man with golden eyes, and in pursuit of the Dragon Reborn.

In Cantorin, among the Sea Folk, High Lady Suroth plans the return of the Seanchan armies to the mainland.

In the Stone of Tear, the Lord Dragon considers his next move. It will be something no one expects, not the Black Ajah, not Tairen nobles, not Aes Sedai, not Egwene or Elayne or Nynaeve.

Against the Shadow rising stands the Dragon Reborn.....]]> 701 Robert Jordan 0312854315 Valerie 5 4.32 1992 The Shadow Rising (The Wheel of Time, #4)
author: Robert Jordan
name: Valerie
average rating: 4.32
book published: 1992
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 2014/06/28
shelves:
review:

]]> The Book Thief 8120173 When Death has a story to tell, you listen.

It is 1939. Nazi Germany. The country is holding its breath. Death has never been busier, and will become busier still.

Liesel Meminger is a foster girl living outside of Munich, who scratches out a meager existence for herself by stealing when she encounters something she can’t resist–books. With the help of her accordion-playing foster father, she learns to read and shares her stolen books with her neighbors during bombing raids as well as with the Jewish man hidden in her basement. 

In superbly crafted writing that burns with intensity, award-winning author Markus Zusak, author of I Am the Messenger, has given us one of the most enduring stories of our time.]]> 554 Markus Zusak Valerie 3 4.42 2005 The Book Thief
author: Markus Zusak
name: Valerie
average rating: 4.42
book published: 2005
rating: 3
read at:
date added: 2014/05/03
shelves:
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (Harry Potter, #6)]]> 1 652 J.K. Rowling Valerie 4 4.57 2005 Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (Harry Potter, #6)
author: J.K. Rowling
name: Valerie
average rating: 4.57
book published: 2005
rating: 4
read at:
date added: 2014/04/28
shelves:
review:

]]> The Adventures of Tom Sawyer 24583 244 Mark Twain Valerie 3 3.92 1876 The Adventures of Tom Sawyer
author: Mark Twain
name: Valerie
average rating: 3.92
book published: 1876
rating: 3
read at:
date added: 2014/04/25
shelves:
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Les Miserables (Stepping Stones)]]> 24288 112 Monica Kulling 067986668X Valerie 5 4.21 1862 Les Miserables (Stepping Stones)
author: Monica Kulling
name: Valerie
average rating: 4.21
book published: 1862
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 2014/03/14
shelves:
review:

]]> <![CDATA[The Hiding Place: The Triumphant True Story of Corrie Ten Boom]]> 561909
For thirty-five years Corrie's dramatic life story, full of timeless virtues, has prepared readers to face their own futures with faith, relying on God's love to overcome, heal, and restore. Now releasing in a thirty-fifth anniversary edition for a new generation of readers, The Hiding Place tells the riveting story of how a middle-aged Dutch watchmaker became a heroine of the Resistance, a survivor of Hitler's death camps, and one of the most remarkable evangelists of the twentieth century.]]> 242 Corrie ten Boom 0553256696 Valerie 5 books-that-changed-my-life 4.47 1971 The Hiding Place: The Triumphant True Story of Corrie Ten Boom
author: Corrie ten Boom
name: Valerie
average rating: 4.47
book published: 1971
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 2013/12/06
shelves: books-that-changed-my-life
review:
On my top ten book list. I've read it three times and each time get even more out of her experiences. The people who participated in and ignored the Nazi horrors were normal people like you and me. A question that has bothered me is: Would I have the courage to risk my family to do what is right in such a situation? Corrie ten Boom shows me how: With God's help, I could find that courage.
]]> <![CDATA[The Five Thousand Year Leap: The 28 Great Ideas That Are Changing the World]]> 3167911 Book by Skousen, W. Cleon 337 W. Cleon Skousen 0880800038 Valerie 5 4.14 1981 The Five Thousand Year Leap: The 28 Great Ideas That Are Changing the World
author: W. Cleon Skousen
name: Valerie
average rating: 4.14
book published: 1981
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 2013/10/01
shelves:
review:

]]> <![CDATA[The price: The true story of a Mormon who defied Hitler]]> 1058553 126 Karl-Heinz Schnibbe 0884945340 Valerie 5 4.18 1984 The price: The true story of a Mormon who defied Hitler
author: Karl-Heinz Schnibbe
name: Valerie
average rating: 4.18
book published: 1984
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 2013/10/01
shelves:
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Cinder (The Lunar Chronicles, #1)]]> 11235712 The prince straightened, forcing her gaze to follow him. “You’re not quite what I was expecting.”

Humans and androids crowd the raucous streets of New Beijing. A deadly plague ravages the population. From space, a ruthless lunar people watch, waiting to make their move. No one knows that Earth's fate hinges on one girl. . . .

Cinder, a gifted mechanic, is a cyborg. She's a second-class citizen with a mysterious past, reviled by her stepmother and blamed for her stepsister's illness. But when her life becomes intertwined with the handsome Prince Kai's, she suddenly finds herself at the center of an intergalactic struggle, and a forbidden attraction. Caught between duty and freedom, loyalty and betrayal, she must uncover secrets about her past in order to protect her world's future.

With high-stakes action and a smart, resourceful heroine, Cinder is a Cinderella retelling that is at once classic and strikingly original.]]> 390 Marissa Meyer 0312641893 Valerie 5 good-distopian
I enjoy this Cinder character--she's handy with tools, wit, and has a mysterious past that she's only starting to discover. ]]> 4.14 2012 Cinder (The Lunar Chronicles, #1)
author: Marissa Meyer
name: Valerie
average rating: 4.14
book published: 2012
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 2013/10/01
shelves: good-distopian
review:
A Cinderella story set in an Asian-influenced steampunk world (New Bejing) with androids vs. whole humans, and Earthlinks vs. Lunars, a prince who's open minded, handsome and about to be forced into choosing between his own hopes/dreams and the needs of his country and Cinder who must decide whether she's a heroine or not. Fascinating!

I enjoy this Cinder character--she's handy with tools, wit, and has a mysterious past that she's only starting to discover.
]]> Divergent (Divergent, #1) 13335037
During the highly competitive initiation that follows, Beatrice renames herself Tris, and struggles alongside her fellow initiates to live out the choice they have made. Together, they must undergo extreme physical tests of endurance and intense psychological simulations, some with devastating consequences. As initiation transforms them all, Tris must determine who her friends really are, and where, exactly, a romance with a sometimes-fascinating, sometimes-exasperating boy fits into the life she’s chosen.

But Tris also has a secret: one she’s kept hidden from everyone, because she’s been warned it can mean death. And as she discovers unrest and growing conflict that threatens to unravel her seemingly-perfect society, she also learns that her secret might be what helps her save those she loves...or it might be what destroys her.
.]]> 487 Veronica Roth 0062024035 Valerie 5 good-distopian 4.12 2011 Divergent (Divergent, #1)
author: Veronica Roth
name: Valerie
average rating: 4.12
book published: 2011
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 2013/10/01
shelves: good-distopian
review:
I looked at the cover and winced. Oh No! It's a Hunger Games knockoff. Nope. It's not. It's a fabulous distopian story that can stand on its own and I can't wait to read the next one in the series or watch the movie. And just maybe "jumping off a train" entered my bucket list. Maybe. :)
]]> <![CDATA[To Destroy You Is No Loss: The Odyssey of a Cambodian Family]]> 480258
Upon the defeat of the Lon Nol Khmer Republic, Pol Pot founded Democratic Kampuchea and launched the economic plan of his French-trained associate, Khieu Samphan, who held that land was the source of all wealth. Khieu spurned technological and industrial development. According to him, only agricultural abundance and high prices for agricultural products could create economic prosperity. He viewed the Cambodian peasant as a “natural man” whose knowledge of agriculture was a sufficient education for anyone if supplemented with an elementary knowledge of reading, writing, and arithmetic. He also believed that educated urbanites had been so corrupted by Western ideas and values that they were a “useless” entity in the economic body unless they could be successfully re-educated --brainwashed -- and transformed into ideologically correct peasants; otherwise, he believed they should be destroyed, not being any “loss” to the country. Khieu’s plan was designed to be put into effect with “ruthless force.” And it was.

As terrible, as horrible, as depressing as it is to learn how political and economic extremism can distort human perception and turn men into beasts, Teeda’s story is at the same time absorbing, edifying, and ennobling--even hopeful. She and her family are exemplars of human courage, determination, and resourcefulness. After four years spent in slave labor and another year in a frustrating attempt to escape with her family to the United States, their spirit of liberty was never crushed. If their destruction was “no loss” to the Khmer Rouge, their preservation has been a decided gain for the citizenry of the United States]]> 293 Joan D. Criddle 0963220519 Valerie 0 to-read 4.37 1987 To Destroy You Is No Loss: The Odyssey of a Cambodian Family
author: Joan D. Criddle
name: Valerie
average rating: 4.37
book published: 1987
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2013/10/01
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> The Woman in White 5890
The Woman in White famously opens with Walter Hartright's eerie encounter on a moonlit London road. Engaged as a drawing master to the beautiful Laura Fairlie, Walter becomes embroiled in the sinister intrigues of Sir Percival Glyde and his 'charming' friend Count Fosco, who has a taste for white mice, vanilla bonbons, and poison. Pursuing questions of identity and insanity along the paths and corridors of English country houses and the madhouse, The Woman in White is the first and most influential of the Victorian genre that combined Gothic horror with psychological realism.

Matthew Sweet's introduction explores the phenomenon of Victorian 'sensation' fiction, and discusses Wilkie Collins's biographical and societal influences. Included in this edition are appendices on theatrical adaptations of the novel and its serialisation history.


Librarian note: Alternate covers can be found here and here.]]> 672 Wilkie Collins Valerie 4 4.00 1859 The Woman in White
author: Wilkie Collins
name: Valerie
average rating: 4.00
book published: 1859
rating: 4
read at:
date added: 2013/10/01
shelves:
review:

]]> Romeo and Juliet 18135 Romeo and Juliet, Shakespeare creates a violent world, in which two young people fall in love. It is not simply that their families disapprove; the Montagues and the Capulets are engaged in a blood feud.

In this death-filled setting, the movement from love at first sight to the lovers’ final union in death seems almost inevitable. And yet, this play set in an extraordinary world has become the quintessential story of young love. In part because of its exquisite language, it is easy to respond as if it were about all young lovers.]]> 281 William Shakespeare 0743477111 Valerie 4 3.74 1590 Romeo and Juliet
author: William Shakespeare
name: Valerie
average rating: 3.74
book published: 1590
rating: 4
read at:
date added: 2013/10/01
shelves:
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Hamlet: Screenplay, Introduction And Film Diary]]> 117251 Hamlet, Shakespeare's greatest play.


"The film, like the play, will have something for everyone," he says. "Its a ghost story, a thriller, an action-packed murder mystery, and a great tragedy that is profoundly moving." With an outstanding cast of international actors--including Derek Jacobi as Claudius, Julie Christie as Gertrude, Kate Winslet as Ophelia, Charlton Heston as the Player King, Robin Williams as Osric, and Gerard Depardieu as Reynaldo--Branagh's version, in which he will play the title role as well as direct, is sure to go down in film history.


This beautiful volume includes Branagh's introduction and screenplay adaptation of Shakespeare's text, color and black-and-white stills, and a production diary that takes us behind the scenes for a day-to-day look at the shooting of his film.]]> 208 Kenneth Branagh 0393315053 Valerie 5 4.14 1996 Hamlet: Screenplay, Introduction And Film Diary
author: Kenneth Branagh
name: Valerie
average rating: 4.14
book published: 1996
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 2013/10/01
shelves:
review:

]]> The Complete Sherlock Holmes 188572
The sign of four --

Adventures of Sherlock Holmes : A scandal in Bohemia ; The red-headed league ; A case of identity ; The Boscombe Valley mystery ; The five orange pips ; The man with the twisted lip ; The adventure of the blue carbuncle ; The adventure of the speckled band ; The adventure of the engineer's thumb ; The adventure of the noble bachelor ; The adventure of the beryl coronet ; The adventure of the copper beeches --

Memoirs of Sherlock Holmes : Silver blaze ; The yellow face ; The stock-broker's clerk ; The "Gloria Scott" ; The Musgrave ritual ; The Reigate puzzle ; The crooked man ; The resident patient ; The Greek interpreter ; The naval treaty ; The final problem --

The return of Sherlock Holmes : The adventure of the empty house ; The adventure of the Norwood builder ; The adventure of the dancing men ; The adventure of the solitary cyclist ; The adventure of the priory school ; The adventure of Black Peter ; The adventure of Charles Augustus Milverton ; The adventure of the six Napoleons ; The adventure of the three students ; The adventure of the golden pince-nez ; The adventure of the missing three-quarter ; The adventure of the abbey grange ; The adventure of the second stain.

Volume 2. Introduction / by Loren D. Estleman --

The hound of the Baskervilles --

The valley of fear --

His last bow : The adventure of Wisteria Lodge : The singular experience of Mr. John Scott Eccles ; The tiger of San Pedro ; The adventure of the cardboard box ; The adventure of the red circle ; The adventure of the Bruce-Partington plans ; The adventure of the dying detective ; The disappearance of Lady Frances Carfax ; The adventure of the devil's foot ; His last bow --

The case-book of Sherlock Holmes : The adventure of the illustrious client ; The adventure of the blanched soldier ; The adventure of the Mazarin stone ; The adventure of the three gables ; The adventure of the Sussex vampire ; The adventure of the three Garridebs ; The problem of Thor Bridge ; The adventure of the creeping man ; The adventure of the lion's mane ; The adventure of the veiled lodger ; The adventure of Shoscombe old place ; The adventure of the retired colourman.]]> 1796 Arthur Conan Doyle Valerie 5 4.50 1887 The Complete Sherlock Holmes
author: Arthur Conan Doyle
name: Valerie
average rating: 4.50
book published: 1887
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 2013/10/01
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]]> <![CDATA[Among the Barons (Shadow Children, #4)]]> 298730 Can Luke trust Smits to keep his secret? And can he trust Smits's menacing, fat bodyguard, Oscar who carrys a sledge hammer?

]]> 208 Margaret Peterson Haddix 0689839103 Valerie 4 4.09 2003 Among the Barons (Shadow Children, #4)
author: Margaret Peterson Haddix
name: Valerie
average rating: 4.09
book published: 2003
rating: 4
read at:
date added: 2013/10/01
shelves:
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Among the Betrayed (Shadow Children, #3)]]> 303460 "Everything that had happened to Nina was real. She had real handcuffs on her wrists, real scars on her back, real fear flooding her mind.

"'They're going to kill me,' Nina whispered, and it was almost a relief to finally, finally give up hope."

In a society that allows no more than two children per family under penalty of death, third children are forced into hiding, or to live with false identity papers. In Among the Impostors, Nina Idi was arrested for treason for supposedly trying to trick the Population Police into arresting other students she said were illegal third children. Now she faces torture or death -- unless she agrees to betray three other imprisoned third children. Her dilemma intensifies when she meets the prisoners -- who are only ten, nine, and six.

As she did so brilliantly in the Publishers Weekly best-selling Among the Hidden and in Among the Impostors, Margaret Peterson Haddix once again brings readers to a world in which nothing is as it seems -- a world in which an imprisonment leads to an adventure of mind, body, and spirit.

]]> 160 Margaret Peterson Haddix 0689839057 Valerie 4 4.05 2002 Among the Betrayed (Shadow Children, #3)
author: Margaret Peterson Haddix
name: Valerie
average rating: 4.05
book published: 2002
rating: 4
read at:
date added: 2013/10/01
shelves:
review:

]]> Found (The Missing, #1) 1675216
Jonah, Chip, and Jonah's sister, Katherine, are plunged into a mystery that involves the FBI, a vast smuggling operation, an airplane that appeared out of nowhere - and people who seem to appear and disappear at will. The kids discover they are caught in a battle between two opposing forces that want very different things for Jonah and Chip's lives.

Do Jonah and Chip have any choice in the matter? And what should they choose when both alternatives are horrifying?

With Found, Margaret Peterson Haddix begins a new series that promises to be every bit as suspenseful as Among the Hidden, and proves her, once again, to be a master of the page-turner.]]> 320 Margaret Peterson Haddix 1416954171 Valerie 5 3.98 2008 Found (The Missing, #1)
author: Margaret Peterson Haddix
name: Valerie
average rating: 3.98
book published: 2008
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 2013/10/01
shelves:
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Among the Brave (Shadow Children, #5)]]> 303454 A Reluctant Hero

Trey may have saved Luke's life, but he still thinks of himself as a coward who can barely stand to be outdoors. Now Trey finds out Luke has been taken prisoner at Population Police headquarters. Trey is terrified, but he knows that if he doesn't rescue his friend, no one will.

At police headquarters, Trey impersonates an officer to try getting to Luke. But just when it looks like he's close, Trey suddenly finds himself in danger of exposing not just himself but all shadow children.

]]> 256 Margaret Peterson Haddix 0689857950 Valerie 4 4.15 2004 Among the Brave (Shadow Children, #5)
author: Margaret Peterson Haddix
name: Valerie
average rating: 4.15
book published: 2004
rating: 4
read at:
date added: 2013/10/01
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review:

]]> <![CDATA[Among the Free (Shadow Children, #7)]]> 303455 ENOUGH GAMES.

Luke Garner is a third-born in a restrictive society that allows only two children per family. Risking his life, he came out of hiding to fight against the Population Police laws. Now, in the final volume of Margaret Peterson Haddix's suspenseful Shadow Children series, Luke inadvertently sets off a rebellion that results in the overthrow of the government. The people are finally free. But who is in charge now? And will this new freedom be everything they had hoped?]]> 208 Margaret Peterson Haddix 0689857985 Valerie 4 4.12 2006 Among the Free (Shadow Children, #7)
author: Margaret Peterson Haddix
name: Valerie
average rating: 4.12
book published: 2006
rating: 4
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date added: 2013/10/01
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review:

]]> <![CDATA[Among the Enemy (Shadow Children, #6)]]> 103815 HIDE OR FIGHT?

Matthias, an illegal third child, is caught in the cross fire between rebels and the Population Police. When he unwittingly saves a Population Police officer, Matthias is brought to Population Police headquarters to train as an officer himself. There he meets Nina, another third-born who enlists his help in a plot to undermine the Population Police. But Matthias is under constant scrutiny, and he has no idea whom he can trust. What can one boy do against a wicked bureaucracy?

]]> 240 Margaret Peterson Haddix 0689857977 Valerie 4 4.15 2005 Among the Enemy (Shadow Children, #6)
author: Margaret Peterson Haddix
name: Valerie
average rating: 4.15
book published: 2005
rating: 4
read at:
date added: 2013/10/01
shelves:
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Shadow Children Complete Set, Books 1-7: Among the Hidden, Among the Impostors, Among the Betrayed, Among the Barons, Among the Brave, Among the Enemy, and Among the Free]]> 6428137 0 Margaret Peterson Haddix 0545142741 Valerie 4 4.37 2008 Shadow Children Complete Set, Books 1-7: Among the Hidden, Among the Impostors, Among the Betrayed, Among the Barons, Among the Brave, Among the Enemy, and Among the Free
author: Margaret Peterson Haddix
name: Valerie
average rating: 4.37
book published: 2008
rating: 4
read at:
date added: 2013/10/01
shelves:
review:

]]> Julius Caesar 13006 Oxford School Shakespeare has become the preferred introduction to the literary legacy of the greatest playwright in the English language. This exclusive collection of the Bard's best works has been designed specifically for readers new to Shakespeare's rich literary legacy. Each play is
presented complete and unabridged, in large print. Every book is well illustrated, and starts with a commentary and character summary. Scene synopses and character summaries clarify confusing plots, while incisive essays explore the historical context and Shakespeare's sources. Each book ends with a complete list of Shakespeare's plays and a brief chronology of the Bard's life. The detailed explanatory notes are written clearly and positioned right next to the text--no more squinting at microscopic footnotes or flipping pages back and forth in search of endnotes!

The new edition of the series features new covers and new illustrations, including both new drawings and photos from recent productions of Shakespeare's plays around the globe. In addition, the notes and the introductory material have been completely revised in line with new research and in order to
make them clearer and more accessible. Finally, the entire text has been redesigned and reset to enhance readability. The new edition achieves the feat of unprecedented clarity of presentation without any cuts to the original text or the detailed explanations.]]> 175 William Shakespeare 0198320272 Valerie 5 3.70 1599 Julius Caesar
author: William Shakespeare
name: Valerie
average rating: 3.70
book published: 1599
rating: 5
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date added: 2013/10/01
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]]> <![CDATA[The Wright 3 (Chasing Vermeer, #2)]]> 148782
Spring semester at the Lab School in Hyde Park finds Petra and Calder drawn into another mystery when unexplainable accidents and ghostly happenings throw a spotlight on Frank Lloyd Wright's Robie House, and it's up to the two junior sleuths to piece together the clues. Stir in the return of Calder's friend Tommy (which creates a tense triangle), H.G. Wells's The Invisible Man, 3D pentominoes, and the hunt for a coded message left behind by Wright, and the kids become tangled in a dangerous web in which life and art intermingle with death, deception, and surprise.]]> 272 Blue Balliett 0439693675 Valerie 4 3.92 2006 The Wright 3 (Chasing Vermeer, #2)
author: Blue Balliett
name: Valerie
average rating: 3.92
book published: 2006
rating: 4
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date added: 2013/10/01
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review:

]]> <![CDATA[The Calder Game (Chasing Vermeer, #3)]]> 2200542
When Calder Pillay travels with his father to a remote village in England, he finds a mix of mazes and mystery . . . including an unexpected Alexander Calder sculpture in the town square. Calder is strangely drawn to the sculpture, while other people have less-than-friendly feelings towards it. Both the boy and the sculpture seem to be out of place . . . and then, on the same night, they disappear! Calder's friends Petra and Tommy must fly out to help his father find him. But this mystery has more twists and turns than a Calder mobile . . . with more at stake than first meets the eye.]]> 379 Blue Balliett 0439852072 Valerie 4 3.87 2008 The Calder Game (Chasing Vermeer, #3)
author: Blue Balliett
name: Valerie
average rating: 3.87
book published: 2008
rating: 4
read at:
date added: 2013/10/01
shelves:
review:

]]> The Chronicles of Prydain 463063 1104 Lloyd Alexander 0805082743 Valerie 5 4.41 1989 The Chronicles of Prydain
author: Lloyd Alexander
name: Valerie
average rating: 4.41
book published: 1989
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 2013/10/01
shelves:
review:

]]> <![CDATA[The Illyrian Adventure (Vesper Holly, #1)]]> 295481 132 Lloyd Alexander 0141303131 Valerie 5 3.79 1986 The Illyrian Adventure (Vesper Holly, #1)
author: Lloyd Alexander
name: Valerie
average rating: 3.79
book published: 1986
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 2013/10/01
shelves:
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Calvin and Hobbes (Calvin and Hobbes, #1)]]> 77727 128 Bill Watterson 0836220889 Valerie 5 4.61 1987 Calvin and Hobbes (Calvin and Hobbes, #1)
author: Bill Watterson
name: Valerie
average rating: 4.61
book published: 1987
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 2013/10/01
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review:

]]> <![CDATA[The Castle in the Attic (The Castle in the Attic, #1)]]> 816752 One of the classic fantastical adventures of all time!

William has just received the best present of his life—an old, real-looking stone and wooden model of a castle, with a drawbridge, a moat, and a fingerhigh knight to guard the gates. It’s the mysterious castle his housekeeper has told him about, and even though William is sad she’s leaving, now the castle is his! William can’t wait to play with the castle—he’s certain there’s something magical about it. And sure enough, when he picks up the tiny silver knight, it comes alive in his hand! Sir Simon tells William a mighty story of wild sorcery, wizards, and magic. And suddenly William is off on a fantastic quest to another land and another time—where a fiery dragon and an evil wizard are waiting to do battle.]]> 179 Elizabeth Winthrop 0440409411 Valerie 2 3.95 1985 The Castle in the Attic (The Castle in the Attic, #1)
author: Elizabeth Winthrop
name: Valerie
average rating: 3.95
book published: 1985
rating: 2
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date added: 2013/10/01
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review:

]]> <![CDATA[William Shakespeare's Star Wars: Verily, A New Hope (William Shakespeare's Star Wars, #4)]]> 17262540 MAY THE VERSE BE WITH YOU!

Return once more to a galaxy far, far away with this sublime retelling of George Lucas's epic Star Wars in the style of the immortal Bard of Avon. The saga of a wise (Jedi) knight and an evil (Sith) lord, of a beautiful princess held captive and a young hero coming of age, Star Wars abounds with all the valor and villainy of Shakespeare's greatest plays. 'Tis a tale told by fretful Droids, full of faithful Wookiees and fearsome Stormtroopers, signifying... pretty much everything.

Reimagined in glorious iambic pentameter, William Shakespeare's Star Wars will astound and edify Rebels and Imperials alike. Zounds! This is the book you're looking for.]]> 174 Ian Doescher 1594746370 Valerie 0 to-read 3.96 2013 William Shakespeare's Star Wars: Verily, A New Hope (William Shakespeare's Star Wars, #4)
author: Ian Doescher
name: Valerie
average rating: 3.96
book published: 2013
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2013/10/01
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Shipwrecked!: The Adventures of Titch and Mitch Series, Book 1]]> 11197262 Shipwrecked and washed up on an island, Titch and Mitch discover a whole new world of adventure, danger and wonderful new friends - from yellow seagulls to flying bicycles, talking turkeys to dragonmice with toothache.

Enjoy making friends? Going on visits? Helping others? Adventure? Then welcome to the world of Titch and Mitch.

A charming and humorous story about the exploits of two lively pixies, from début author Garth Edwards.

]]> 0 Garth Edwards 1408450704 Valerie 5 children-s-picture-books
Titch and Mitch are pixies who get themselves in and out of trouble with their brave daring and sometimes just plain clumsiness. Stumbling down a hill and into a "giant" who wants to take them to "Biology" (whatever that is (they think)), Titch and Mitch barely escape onto a boat which shipwrecks and into more adventures they go, meeting a dog, turkey, fairy, rabbits, vicious hawk and a painted-yellow seagull!

Storyline: Page after page of innovative action and unusual adventures keeps the interest of children with its innocent fun, so this pixie tale gets 5 stars from me.

Illustrations: Illustrations reminiscent of the 1930's, almost each page of this e-book has adorable pencil drawings that add tremendously to the story. I looked forward to see the next one (loved the Dragon Mouse illustration!) 5 stars.


Look here for more of my children's book reviews: http://valerierichardsonharmon.blogsp...]]> 4.00 2011 Shipwrecked!: The Adventures of Titch and Mitch Series, Book 1
author: Garth Edwards
name: Valerie
average rating: 4.00
book published: 2011
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 2013/08/13
shelves: children-s-picture-books
review:
This is book one (out of five) of the Titch and Mitch adventures.

Titch and Mitch are pixies who get themselves in and out of trouble with their brave daring and sometimes just plain clumsiness. Stumbling down a hill and into a "giant" who wants to take them to "Biology" (whatever that is (they think)), Titch and Mitch barely escape onto a boat which shipwrecks and into more adventures they go, meeting a dog, turkey, fairy, rabbits, vicious hawk and a painted-yellow seagull!

Storyline: Page after page of innovative action and unusual adventures keeps the interest of children with its innocent fun, so this pixie tale gets 5 stars from me.

Illustrations: Illustrations reminiscent of the 1930's, almost each page of this e-book has adorable pencil drawings that add tremendously to the story. I looked forward to see the next one (loved the Dragon Mouse illustration!) 5 stars.


Look here for more of my children's book reviews: http://valerierichardsonharmon.blogsp...
]]> Stick's Masterpiece 18248720 32 Spencer Hanson 0989715019 Valerie 5 children-s-picture-books
This is a fabulously illustrated story about overcoming fear by serving others. I appreciated its deeper message--thinking about others first is an important one for my children to learn. I love love love the illustrations. I hope Stick goes on another painting adventure!

With almost Disney-esque illustrations, I read this aloud twice in one night because the illustrations are so well-done. 5 stars for cute and unique illustrations. 4.75 stars for storyline. The text is in ABCB rhyme and there was one read aloud stumble spot, rhyme is very difficult. But it was a tiny hiccup and the storyline of overcoming fear by thinking of others is very worth reading, so I give it a 5 stars overall.

I highly recommend this book for an adorable and meaningful bedtime story.

See my complete review on my blog: http://valerierichardsonharmon.blogsp...

]]> 5.00 2013 Stick's Masterpiece
author: Spencer Hanson
name: Valerie
average rating: 5.00
book published: 2013
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 2013/08/10
shelves: children-s-picture-books
review:
Stick doesn't feel like she can paint and is too scared to try. But when a bird is hungry she paints him food and goes on to paint help for many animals. In the end, she discovers that her acts of service while painting has created a masterpiece.

This is a fabulously illustrated story about overcoming fear by serving others. I appreciated its deeper message--thinking about others first is an important one for my children to learn. I love love love the illustrations. I hope Stick goes on another painting adventure!

With almost Disney-esque illustrations, I read this aloud twice in one night because the illustrations are so well-done. 5 stars for cute and unique illustrations. 4.75 stars for storyline. The text is in ABCB rhyme and there was one read aloud stumble spot, rhyme is very difficult. But it was a tiny hiccup and the storyline of overcoming fear by thinking of others is very worth reading, so I give it a 5 stars overall.

I highly recommend this book for an adorable and meaningful bedtime story.

See my complete review on my blog: http://valerierichardsonharmon.blogsp...


]]> Blucy 18211273 When Mandy adopts the best cat at the shelter, she doesn't realize it has a big secret and an even bigger personality.]]> 20 Julia Dweck 1623955394 Valerie 4 children-s-picture-books
The illustrations are FABULOUS (5 stars). The rhyme kept the rhythm almost the whole time, great job Dweck. I loved the beginning and ending best (5 star work!), and even though the middle dragged a tad, the illustrations kept me turning the page and the lovely ending surprised me.

Overall, this is a 4.5 star book and I highly recommend it. ]]> 4.18 2013 Blucy
author: Julia Dweck
name: Valerie
average rating: 4.18
book published: 2013
rating: 4
read at: 2013/07/23
date added: 2013/07/23
shelves: children-s-picture-books
review:
Mandy finds an unusual cat, Lucy, whose fur turns blue when she arrives at her new home from the pound. Newly named Blucy (because of her fur color--so adorable!) Blucy camouflages herself and destroys things until Mandy makes a discovery.

The illustrations are FABULOUS (5 stars). The rhyme kept the rhythm almost the whole time, great job Dweck. I loved the beginning and ending best (5 star work!), and even though the middle dragged a tad, the illustrations kept me turning the page and the lovely ending surprised me.

Overall, this is a 4.5 star book and I highly recommend it.
]]> <![CDATA[The Inventor's Secret (Cragbridge Hall, #1)]]> 17085959
Welcome to Cragbridge Hall, the most advanced and prestigious school in the world. Twin siblings Abby and Derick Cragbridge are excited as new students to use their famed grandfather’s inventions that make Cragbridge Hall so incredible. But when their grandfather and parents go missing, the twins begin following a trail of clues left by their grandfather. They must find out where their family is, learn who they can trust, and discover what secrets are hidden within Cragbridge Hall.

Abby and Derick soon realize they are caught in a race with a fierce adversary to discover their grandfather’s greatest secret–a dangerous discovery that could alter both history and reality.]]> 256 Chad Morris 1609073266 Valerie 4 4.11 2013 The Inventor's Secret (Cragbridge Hall, #1)
author: Chad Morris
name: Valerie
average rating: 4.11
book published: 2013
rating: 4
read at:
date added: 2013/07/02
shelves:
review:

]]> <![CDATA[The Rithmatist (Rithmatist, #1)]]> 10137823
As the son of a lowly chalkmaker at Armedius Academy, Joel can only watch as Rithmatist students learn the magical art that he would do anything to practice. Then students start disappearing—kidnapped from their rooms at night, leaving trails of blood. Assigned to help the professor who is investigating the crimes, Joel and his friend Melody find themselves on the trail of an unexpected discovery—one that will change Rithmatics—and their world—forever.]]> 378 Brandon Sanderson 0765320320 Valerie 5 fantasy, happy-books 4.23 2013 The Rithmatist (Rithmatist, #1)
author: Brandon Sanderson
name: Valerie
average rating: 4.23
book published: 2013
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 2013/07/02
shelves: fantasy, happy-books
review:
I really enjoyed reading The Rithmatist. Sanderson creates a whole new arena of magic with a school and New American culture to go with it. Chalk magic? An American monarchy? Fascinating premise and interesting storyline (and entirely clean). For ages 8-adult.
]]> <![CDATA[The False Prince (Ascendance, #1)]]> 12432220
As Sage moves from a rundown orphanage to Conner's sumptuous palace, layer upon layer of treachery and deceit unfold, until finally, a truth is revealed that, in the end, may very well prove more dangerous than all of the lies taken together.]]> 342 Jennifer A. Nielsen 0545284139 Valerie 5 4.24 2012 The False Prince (Ascendance, #1)
author: Jennifer A. Nielsen
name: Valerie
average rating: 4.24
book published: 2012
rating: 5
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date added: 2013/07/02
shelves:
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Junie B. Jones Is Captain Field Day (Junie B. Jones, #16)]]> 958275 66 Barbara Park 0375802916 Valerie 1 4.00 2001 Junie B. Jones Is Captain Field Day (Junie B. Jones, #16)
author: Barbara Park
name: Valerie
average rating: 4.00
book published: 2001
rating: 1
read at:
date added: 2013/06/22
shelves:
review:

]]> <![CDATA[The Rainbabies: A Magical Picture Book for Kids (Ages 4-8) About Parental Love and Tiny Babies ― A Mother's Day Gift]]> 1013168 32 Laura Krauss Melmed 0688151132 Valerie 5 4.22 1992 The Rainbabies: A Magical Picture Book for Kids (Ages 4-8) About Parental Love and Tiny Babies ― A Mother's Day Gift
author: Laura Krauss Melmed
name: Valerie
average rating: 4.22
book published: 1992
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 2013/06/10
shelves:
review:

]]> Animalia 682751 Animalia have been sold around the world, making Graeme Base’s amazing alliterative alphabet book one of the most beloved titles of the past quarter century. To celebrate thirty years, Abrams is proud to publish a special anniversary edition. Animalia’s incredible imaginary world intrigues all readers. Each page includes hidden objects and ideas: start with “A is for An Armoured Armadillo Avoiding an Angry Alligator” and you’ll find aprons, ants, aces, Atom-brand anchovies, and much more. The rest of the alphabet is just as much fun!
 ]]> 32 Graeme Base 0810918684 Valerie 5 4.26 1986 Animalia
author: Graeme Base
name: Valerie
average rating: 4.26
book published: 1986
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 2013/06/10
shelves:
review:

]]> <![CDATA[The Alligator Who Wanted To Be A Dog]]> 17700903
This is a fully-illustrated children’s picture e-book about hard work, perseverance and friendship, with a large dollop of silliness that sends kids into giggles.]]> 40 Valerie Harmon 0988987821 Valerie 5 children-s-picture-books 4.03 2013 The Alligator Who Wanted To Be A Dog
author: Valerie Harmon
name: Valerie
average rating: 4.03
book published: 2013
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 2013/06/10
shelves: children-s-picture-books
review:

]]> <![CDATA[The Peacock Who Wanted To Be A Pig]]> 18054212 25 Valerie Harmon Valerie 5 4.67 2013 The Peacock Who Wanted To Be A Pig
author: Valerie Harmon
name: Valerie
average rating: 4.67
book published: 2013
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 2013/06/10
shelves:
review:

]]> <![CDATA[The Story of the World: History for the Classical Child, Activity Book 2: The Middle Ages: From the Fall of Rome to the Rise of the Renaissance]]> 614106
Each Story of the World Activity Book provides a full year of history study when combined with the Textbook, Audiobook, and Tests―each available separately to accompany each volume of The Story of the World Activity Book. Activity Book 2 Grade Grades 1-6. Illustrated throughout with black-and-white drawings and maps]]> 464 Susan Wise Bauer 1933339136 Valerie 5 4.39 2008 The Story of the World: History for the Classical Child, Activity Book 2: The Middle Ages: From the Fall of Rome to the Rise of the Renaissance
author: Susan Wise Bauer
name: Valerie
average rating: 4.39
book published: 2008
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 2013/06/09
shelves:
review:

]]> <![CDATA[The Story of the World: Activity Book One: Ancient Times]]> 96557 322 Susan Wise Bauer 0971412952 Valerie 5 4.26 2003 The Story of the World: Activity Book One: Ancient Times
author: Susan Wise Bauer
name: Valerie
average rating: 4.26
book published: 2003
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 2013/06/09
shelves:
review:

]]> <![CDATA[The Story of the World, Activity book two, The Middle Ages: From the fall of Rome to the rise of the Renaissance]]> 96551 Don't just read about history—experience it! Colro a picture of a Viking warrior, make an edible oasis, create a Moorish ruler's turban and Aztec jewelry and more. Designed to turn the accompanying book The Story of the World: Volume 2: The Middle Ages into a complete history program, this Activity Book provides you with comprehension questions and answers, sample narrations, maps and geography activities, coloring pages, lists of additional readings in history and literature, and plenty of simple, hands-on activities&151;all designed for grades 1-4.

]]> 200 Susan Wise Bauer 0971412944 Valerie 5 4.34 2008 The Story of the World, Activity book two, The Middle Ages: From the fall of Rome to the rise of the Renaissance
author: Susan Wise Bauer
name: Valerie
average rating: 4.34
book published: 2008
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 2013/06/09
shelves:
review:

]]> The Trumpet of the Swan 24335 The Trumpet of the Swan, about a cygnet who finds his voice, is now a full-length animated film from Sony. Now younger readers can experience the joy of reading about Louie the trumpeter swan and his friends in these adorable readers with original full-color illustrations.

Louie is very popular. Who wouldn't love a swan who can read, write, and play the trumpet? When Louie goes to camp, he meets a boy named A.G. who doesn't like birds, and since Louie is a bird, that means he doesn't like Louie. When A.G. pulls a dangerous stunt out on the lake, he realizes that Louie is a hero, after all.]]> 252 E.B. White 0064408671 Valerie 5 4.11 1970 The Trumpet of the Swan
author: E.B. White
name: Valerie
average rating: 4.11
book published: 1970
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 2013/06/08
shelves:
review:

]]> Toliver's Secret 1103075 176 Esther Wood Brady 0679848045 Valerie 4 3.99 1976 Toliver's Secret
author: Esther Wood Brady
name: Valerie
average rating: 3.99
book published: 1976
rating: 4
read at:
date added: 2013/06/08
shelves:
review:

]]> <![CDATA[The Sword in the Tree: A young boy hides a knight's sword in an oak tree and journeys to Camelot in this Arthurian adventure for ages 8-12 (Trophy Chapter Book)]]> 573572 112 Clyde Robert Bulla 0064421325 Valerie 4 3.93 1956 The Sword in the Tree: A young boy hides a knight's sword in an oak tree and journeys to Camelot in this Arthurian adventure for ages 8-12 (Trophy Chapter Book)
author: Clyde Robert Bulla
name: Valerie
average rating: 3.93
book published: 1956
rating: 4
read at:
date added: 2013/06/08
shelves:
review:

]]> Walk the World's Rim 403745 170 Betty Baker 1887840222 Valerie 4 3.78 1965 Walk the World's Rim
author: Betty Baker
name: Valerie
average rating: 3.78
book published: 1965
rating: 4
read at:
date added: 2013/06/08
shelves:
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Secret of the Andes (Puffin Book)]]> 1140802 120 Ann Nolan Clark 0140309268 Valerie 4 3.54 1952 Secret of the Andes (Puffin Book)
author: Ann Nolan Clark
name: Valerie
average rating: 3.54
book published: 1952
rating: 4
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date added: 2013/06/08
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]]> Phoebe the Spy 880161
"This episode drawn from the Revolutionary War is related with historical accuracy and suspense and illustrated with finesse."( School Library Journal )]]> 48 Judith Berry Griffin 0698119568 Valerie 4 4.00 1977 Phoebe the Spy
author: Judith Berry Griffin
name: Valerie
average rating: 4.00
book published: 1977
rating: 4
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date added: 2013/06/08
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]]> The Bears on Hemlock Mountain 37024
People have always told Jonathan that there are no bears on Hemlock Mountain, no bears at all. So he isn’t afraid to set out alone over the mountain. But as Jonathan discovers one cold winter night, people aren’t always right…There are bears on Hemlock Mountain!]]> 58 Alice Dalgliesh 0689716044 Valerie 4 3.82 1952 The Bears on Hemlock Mountain
author: Alice Dalgliesh
name: Valerie
average rating: 3.82
book published: 1952
rating: 4
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date added: 2013/06/08
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review:

]]> Paddle-to-the-Sea 397157
A young Indian boy carves a little canoe with a figure inside and names him Paddle-to-the-Sea. Paddle's journey, in text and pictures, through the Great Lakes to the Atlantic Ocean provides an excellent geographic and historical picture of the region.]]> 64 Holling Clancy Holling 0808551515 Valerie 4 4.28 1941 Paddle-to-the-Sea
author: Holling Clancy Holling
name: Valerie
average rating: 4.28
book published: 1941
rating: 4
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date added: 2013/06/08
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]]> The Matchlock Gun 1351988 A Newbery Medal Winner

In 1756, New York State was still a British colony, and the French and the Indians were constant threats to Edward and his family. When his father was called away to watch for a raid from the north, only Edward was left to protect Mama and little Trudy. His father had shown him how to use the huge matchlock gun, an old Spanish gun that was twice as long as he was, but would Edward be able to handle it if trouble actually came? This classic, first published in 1941, has an updated, kid-friendly format that includes the original black-and-white illustrations.]]> 84 Walter D. Edmonds 0698116801 Valerie 4 3.66 1941 The Matchlock Gun
author: Walter D. Edmonds
name: Valerie
average rating: 3.66
book published: 1941
rating: 4
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date added: 2013/06/08
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]]> <![CDATA[Squanto, Friend of the Pilgrims]]> 925166 112 Clyde Robert Bulla 0590440551 Valerie 4 3.88 1954 Squanto, Friend of the Pilgrims
author: Clyde Robert Bulla
name: Valerie
average rating: 3.88
book published: 1954
rating: 4
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date added: 2013/06/08
shelves:
review:

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