tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-56072236081144072092024-03-18T01:12:36.994-05:00Inkweaver ReviewQuality reviews of quality literature. Poems, prose, everything that has to do with reading and writing.NathanKPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11778888923964317040noreply@blogger.comBlogger371125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5607223608114407209.post-81002209796364173652010-11-09T08:06:00.002-06:002010-11-09T08:06:44.862-06:00“It’s a Mall World After All” by Janette Rallison<div style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Segoe UI', Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLv8bxD2WNhwmUnsZSLXuJmk7zSdYW5UQDWELX4PSf8K7RRniOTyKFlwOOPGAGOKyTTsV2_C4cnuQphjAgx5smB9mFIeAMtSVE8DB7sxyAfO-F20nS6Ka37YJDSKnH6Xn8nTKR3v9Pc7s/s1600/mall+world.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLv8bxD2WNhwmUnsZSLXuJmk7zSdYW5UQDWELX4PSf8K7RRniOTyKFlwOOPGAGOKyTTsV2_C4cnuQphjAgx5smB9mFIeAMtSVE8DB7sxyAfO-F20nS6Ka37YJDSKnH6Xn8nTKR3v9Pc7s/s320/mall+world.jpg" width="212" /></a>“It’s a Mall World After All” by Janette Rallison is a humorous novel about a teenage girl and how her job at the local mall ends up changing her life.</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Segoe UI', Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Charlotte works in a department store at the local mall. She sprays customers with free perfume samples and tries to get them to buy the latest popular perfume. It’s not exactly a glamorous job, but it is a way to make money. In addition, her spot right near the department store door is a great lookout point to watch for cute boys.<span id="more-639" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></span> But then one day Charlotte sees her best friend’s boyfriend Bryant flirting with a another girl.</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Segoe UI', Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Charlotte is sure that Bryant is cheating on her friend Brianna. But when Charlotte breaks the news to Brianna there is an unexpected result. Brianna<span id="goog_571127956"></span><span id="goog_571127957"></span> seems willing trust Bryant and his friend Colton over Charlotte’s testimony!</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Segoe UI', Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Brianna seems to think that Charlotte is just being vengeful and trying to break up Bryant’s relationship with Brianna. Many of the other girls and boys at Charlotte’s school think that Charlotte is stuck-up, and for good reason. Charlotte seems to have held a grudge against all the boys at her school.</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Segoe UI', Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Years ago they teased her with spiders and called her Charlotte the spider after reading Charlotte’s Web. Ever since Charlotte has held them in derision, even though most of the boys don’t even remember the teasing.</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Segoe UI', Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Bryant’s friend Colton tells Charlotte that Bryant would never cheat on Brianna. He assures Charlotte that Bryant had a good reason for talking to that girl at the mall. But Charlotte still thinks that something sounds fishy. But is is just her own paranoid thoughts or is something going on?</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Segoe UI', Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">“It’s a Mall World After All” is a fairly decent book, although it does have a few flaws. First of all the title is rather corny, and not completely relevant as malls don’t play a particularly important role in most of the story.</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Segoe UI', Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">In addition the back and forth interactions of Charlotte and her friends get frustrating after a while. Although it is obvious that Charlotte likes Colton and that Colton is interested in Charlotte they seem to spend most of their time irritated at each other. Even Charlotte’s attitude, with a giant chip on her shoulder, and an apparent lifelong grudge toward Bryant because he left a spider in her desk years ago, is ridiculous. It reaches a point where the reader just wants to reach in through the pages of the book, slap Charlotte upside the head and tell her “Get over yourself!”</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Segoe UI', Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">“It’s a Mall World After All” by Janette Rallison is a decent book, and well-written despite the slightly frustrating plot everything turns out satisfying in the end. It will appeal to teenage readers interested in a realistic fiction romance story.</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Segoe UI', Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="font-size: 15px; font-weight: bold; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Inkweaver Review Rating:</span></div><div style="clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Segoe UI', Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; left: -2px; line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; position: relative;"><img alt="★★★★★" border="0" src="http://www.books-for-sale.org/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/five_stars.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; float: left; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0pt; margin-right: 10px; margin-top: 0pt; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="“It’s a Mall World After All” by Janette Rallison" /><span style="font-size: 15px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 25px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Plot</span></div><div style="clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Segoe UI', Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; left: -2px; line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; position: relative;"><img alt="★★★★" border="0" src="http://www.books-for-sale.org/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/four_stars.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; float: left; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0pt; margin-right: 10px; margin-top: 0pt; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="“It’s a Mall World After All” by Janette Rallison" /><span style="font-size: 15px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 25px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Characters</span></div><div style="clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Segoe UI', Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; left: -2px; line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; position: relative;"><img alt="★★★★" border="0" src="http://www.books-for-sale.org/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/four_stars.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; float: left; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0pt; margin-right: 10px; margin-top: 0pt; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="“It’s a Mall World After All” by Janette Rallison" /><span style="font-size: 15px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 25px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Presentation</span></div><div style="clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Segoe UI', Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; left: -2px; line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; position: relative;"><img alt="★★★★" border="0" src="http://www.books-for-sale.org/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/four_stars.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; float: left; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0pt; margin-right: 10px; margin-top: 0pt; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="“It’s a Mall World After All” by Janette Rallison" /><span style="font-size: 15px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 25px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Overall</span></div><div><span style="font-size: 15px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 25px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><br />
</span></div><div style="clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Segoe UI', Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Segoe UI', Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div>NathanKPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11778888923964317040noreply@blogger.com148tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5607223608114407209.post-64753272686591280082010-11-09T08:02:00.000-06:002010-11-09T08:02:14.681-06:00“Zen and the Art of Faking It” by Jordan Sonnenblick<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_e-ieRJtIXeCJmbfedgIPW5ybQZNvzV4hNAZtNMFzXSx9gVO4aIkPS9G8Kp4cMfCUukvsSI6G1lE29MlWq-F-QOVQPdr0Csu8T-VUEu47AEJQc_N5DtPSavp7rLPvP352qA8y5K46nOs/s1600/sonnenblick_zen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_e-ieRJtIXeCJmbfedgIPW5ybQZNvzV4hNAZtNMFzXSx9gVO4aIkPS9G8Kp4cMfCUukvsSI6G1lE29MlWq-F-QOVQPdr0Csu8T-VUEu47AEJQc_N5DtPSavp7rLPvP352qA8y5K46nOs/s320/sonnenblick_zen.jpg" width="199" /></a><br />
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Segoe UI', Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">“Zen and the Art of Faking It” by Jordan Sonnenblick is a realistic fiction novel about a boy who invents a better personality for himself so that he can be popular at his new school.</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Segoe UI', Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">San Lee has a lot of experience with blending in. His family moves quite regularly, and at each school San Lee gets a chance to build a new identity so that he can blend in with the pack. In California he was a skater. In Houston he was a rich preppy kid. In Germany he was a pretend-jock. But now San Lee is in a new place: a small town in Pennsylvania. And he is also facing a new situation: his family is no longer rich. His father is now in jail, busted for embezzling funds and cheating people in numerous states.<span id="more-644" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></span></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Segoe UI', Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Now San Lee no longer has the funds to outfit himself in cool clothes and join one of the traditional school packs. The government took everything his family owned and they are still in debt while they pay off what San Lee’s father stole. San Lee doesn’t even have any sneakers, just a pair of sandals. And in the cold winter air of Pennsylvania going without sandals or a coat isn’t exactly comfortable. But even worse than that, it also means that San Lee can’t fit in to any of the other’s children’s groups.</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Segoe UI', Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">So when San Lee inadvertently acquires the nickname Buddha Boy he decides to run with it. If he can’t fit in then he better do his best to stick out. San Lee decides to use his Asian genetics, his sketchy knowledge of Zen Buddhism, and a good bit of shear luck to carve out a custom place for himself.</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Segoe UI', Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Little does San Lee know just how far things will go. Before long he has attracted Woody, a charming girl with long hair, alluring gray eyes and a love for playing guitar. When San Lee and Woody are assigned to work together on a class project on world religion it seems natural to Woody that they cover Zen Buddhism. Of course, this prompts San Lee to do a lot of unintended research to maintain his “religious” appearance.</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Segoe UI', Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Before long San Lee will have to overcome his life long fear of bugs to prove that he accepts the Zen monk’s policy of respecting all animals, even insects. And he will also start “meditating” each morning on the cold rock just out front of the middle school.</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Segoe UI', Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">But things get worse. The local basketball team adopts San Lee as their unofficial mascot after a group of middle school teens become convinced that San Lee might be a reincarnated mystic, perhaps Buddha himself. San Lee is starting to think things have gone too far, especially since Zen Buddhism means that he must repudiate “earthly desires”, and that means he can’t date Woody, who he has a secret crush on.</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Segoe UI', Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Jordan Sonnenblick has created a humorous and charming novel. “Zen and the Art of Faking It” is fun to read, while at the same time teaching important lessons about honesty. The plot has a perfect ending which stresses the importance of telling the truth, especially to a girl that you love.</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Segoe UI', Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">But educational aspect aside, “Zen and the Art of Faking It” is a great, recreational read. I’m sure that San Lee’s escapades will be enjoyed by many readers.</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Segoe UI', Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">I definitely recommend “Zen and the Art of Faking It” by Jordan Sonnenblick to all middle grade and older teen readers.</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Segoe UI', Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="font-size: 15px; font-weight: bold; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Books For Sale Rating:</span></div><div style="clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Segoe UI', Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; left: -2px; line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; position: relative;"><img alt="★★★★★" border="0" src="http://www.books-for-sale.org/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/five_stars.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; float: left; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0pt; margin-right: 10px; margin-top: 0pt; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="“Zen and the Art of Faking It” by Jordan Sonnenblick" /><span style="font-size: 15px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 25px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Plot</span></div><div style="clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Segoe UI', Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; left: -2px; line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; position: relative;"><img alt="★★★★★" border="0" src="http://www.books-for-sale.org/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/five_stars.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; float: left; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0pt; margin-right: 10px; margin-top: 0pt; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="“Zen and the Art of Faking It” by Jordan Sonnenblick" /><span style="font-size: 15px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 25px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Characters</span></div><div style="clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Segoe UI', Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; left: -2px; line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; position: relative;"><img alt="★★★★★" border="0" src="http://www.books-for-sale.org/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/five_stars.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; float: left; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0pt; margin-right: 10px; margin-top: 0pt; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="“Zen and the Art of Faking It” by Jordan Sonnenblick" /><span style="font-size: 15px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 25px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Presentation</span></div><div style="clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Segoe UI', Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; left: -2px; line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; position: relative;"><img alt="★★★★★" border="0" src="http://www.books-for-sale.org/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/five_stars.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; float: left; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0pt; margin-right: 10px; margin-top: 0pt; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="“Zen and the Art of Faking It” by Jordan Sonnenblick" /><span style="font-size: 15px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 25px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Overall</span></div><div><span style="font-size: 15px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 25px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><br />
</span></div><div style="clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Segoe UI', Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Segoe UI', Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div>NathanKPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11778888923964317040noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5607223608114407209.post-31797293635883765052010-11-09T08:00:00.001-06:002010-11-11T08:28:25.922-06:00“The Fruit Bowl Project” by Sarah Durkee<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh59G71Q4rC9FvQPfXekfcCtx7MFQr0uV_3Awp60Q9tP2fP7A5CsmY6e8592eIY6ws8XTc_k4GecBKmYKsHp4zmdMPkvypkKeLNMeAgk77vnOb1FyBKH62ClOzfRaSmUoo3pNRxlLTvjTM/s1600/the-fruit-bowl-project-sarah-durkee-198x300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh59G71Q4rC9FvQPfXekfcCtx7MFQr0uV_3Awp60Q9tP2fP7A5CsmY6e8592eIY6ws8XTc_k4GecBKmYKsHp4zmdMPkvypkKeLNMeAgk77vnOb1FyBKH62ClOzfRaSmUoo3pNRxlLTvjTM/s1600/the-fruit-bowl-project-sarah-durkee-198x300.jpg" /></a>“The Fruit Bowl Project” by Sarah Durkee is an unusual book about a class writing project motivated by a famous rock star.<br />
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When the kids in Ms. Vallis’ eighth grade writer’s workshop learn that rock superstar Nick Thompson is come to speak with them they are thrilled. Suddenly writing seems a lot more exciting.<br />
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When the day finally comes and Nick Thompson actually walks in the classroom door it seems too good to be true. Of course the kids have a lot of questions about Nick’s music career and other subjects, and Nick answers them. But then he guides the kids back to the subject at hand: writing.<br />
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According to Nick Thompson the songs he writes are like a bowl of fruit. Just like a million artists could all paint that bowl of fruit from a different perspective, even a simple subject can be covered in an infinite number of ways through the power of writing.<br />
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Nick challenges the class to write a story in any style that they want. The plot is simple: a boy drops his pencil while taking a test in school. As he picks up the pencil he bumps a girl’s arm and the girl is very angry at him because he joggled her arm. The girl accuses the boy of dropping his pencil so that he could bend over and cheat by looking at her test. Later that day the boy tells his friend a joke that is so funny it makes him spew milk out of his nose all over his lunch. Both boys throw away their lunches.<br />
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The plot seems boring and totally simple. The children are incredulous. Is this the best that Nick Thompson can come up with? But then Nick Thompson tells them the point of the project. You can make any subject interesting. You just have to choose a unique perspective, just like the artists that are all painting an image of the same bowl of fruit but from different angles.<br />
<br />
So the children of Ms. Vallis’ class embark on the Fruit Bowl Project, a project that will have exciting and fantastic results.<br />
<br />
I really enjoyed “The Fruit Bowl Project” by Sarah Durkee. The book’s introduction is fairly short. Readers don’t get much of a chance to meet and bond with the characters. However, in the large view the point of “The Fruit Bowl Project” is not the characters, the students who will be the writers. Rather the focus is on their written work.<br />
<br />
More than half of “The Fruit Bowl Project” is devoted to the finished product: a volume of forty-nine different pieces written about the same event. Among the eclectic results are raps, poems, sonnets, monologues, screen plays and musicals, newspaper articles, fairy tales, interviews, cross-examinations and horror stories.<br />
<br />
Sarah Durkee must have had fun writing “The Fruit Bowl Project” and it comes through in her writing. The idea of portraying one simple event in so many different ways is simply genius and very inspiring as well.<br />
<br />
I highly recommend that all young readers or aspiring writers experience “The Fruit Bowl Project” by Sarah Durkee.<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="font-size: 15px; font-weight: bold; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 15px; font-weight: bold; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Inkweaver Review Rating:</span></div><div style="clear: both; left: -2px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; position: relative;"><img alt="★★★★" border="0" src="http://www.books-for-sale.org/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/four_stars.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; float: left; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0pt; margin-right: 10px; margin-top: 0pt; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="“The Fruit Bowl Project” by Sarah Durkee" /><span style="font-size: 15px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 25px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Plot</span></div><div style="clear: both; left: -2px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; position: relative;"><img alt="★★★★" border="0" src="http://www.books-for-sale.org/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/four_stars.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; float: left; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0pt; margin-right: 10px; margin-top: 0pt; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="“The Fruit Bowl Project” by Sarah Durkee" /><span style="font-size: 15px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 25px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Characters</span></div><div style="clear: both; left: -2px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; position: relative;"><img alt="★★★★★" border="0" src="http://www.books-for-sale.org/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/five_stars.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; float: left; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0pt; margin-right: 10px; margin-top: 0pt; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="“The Fruit Bowl Project” by Sarah Durkee" /><span style="font-size: 15px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 25px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Presentation</span></div><div style="clear: both; left: -2px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; position: relative;"><img alt="★★★★★" border="0" src="http://www.books-for-sale.org/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/five_stars.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; float: left; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0pt; margin-right: 10px; margin-top: 0pt; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="“The Fruit Bowl Project” by Sarah Durkee" /><span style="font-size: 15px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 25px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Overall</span></div>NathanKPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11778888923964317040noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5607223608114407209.post-80479149521297208062010-11-09T07:57:00.001-06:002010-11-09T08:02:46.882-06:00"Hattie Big Sky" by Kirby Larson<div style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Segoe UI', Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCb4aDUSwkqRG0I-F3lnjHBcnSZVE-qmqbWCtC5H_yzVmn_WZWCSDJGwwgRuBosPq8xYncighaJlKvOQp-5M3xysqjMAUKflotJE_CfmVp78suG62ZRJK58f6otKI5ixdI2U6d73CjiPM/s1600/Hattie+Big+Sky+cover+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCb4aDUSwkqRG0I-F3lnjHBcnSZVE-qmqbWCtC5H_yzVmn_WZWCSDJGwwgRuBosPq8xYncighaJlKvOQp-5M3xysqjMAUKflotJE_CfmVp78suG62ZRJK58f6otKI5ixdI2U6d73CjiPM/s320/Hattie+Big+Sky+cover+2.jpg" width="212" /></a>“Hattie Big Sky,” by Kirby Larson is a Newberry Honor Award winning historical fiction novel about a sixteen-year-old girl who moves to Montana by herself to live on a land claim and prove it.<span id="goog_1202631632"></span><span id="goog_1202631633"></span></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Segoe UI', Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Hattie Brooks was orphaned at a young age, and as a result she has spent most of her life being shuttled from relative to relative. Her relatives view her as an annoyance, especially her aunt, who wants her to work as a maid.</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Segoe UI', Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">When one of Hattie’s Uncles dies he leaves her his land claim, 320 acres of land in Montana.<span id="more-760" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></span> There is only one problem, this land is way out in the middle of nowhere, miles from the nearest town. In addition, the land won’t really belong to Hattie unless she can meet the country’s requirements, which involve fencing off a large portion of it and cultivating at least forty acres of the land.</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Segoe UI', Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Hattie is determined to be able to live on her own, though, so she leaves her aunt behind and sets off for Montana, sure that she will be a success as a farmer. When Hattie arrives she begins the hard work that will be required before the land is hers. The harsh Montana weather, a mean spirited cow, and her bad cooking are all obstacles to be dealt with. At the same time Hattie must worry about her friend Charlie, who is fighting against the Germans in France.</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Segoe UI', Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">But Hattie has the help of caring friends, Perilee Mueller and her German husband. During Hattie’s first few weeks in Montana the Mueller family helps Hattie with sound advice and caring concern. All too soon, though, Hattie finds herself helping the Muellers.</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Segoe UI', Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">With World War I at its peak many of the people in Hattie’s small rural community hate all Germans, including the Mueller family. Hattie must walk a very fine line to support and defend her friends, the Muellers, while at the same time keeping the local “Council of Defense” from thinking that she is not a “loyal” American because of her friendship with the Muellers.</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Segoe UI', Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">In the end, when disaster strikes, Hattie will discover the full meaning and scope of friendship, while at the same time never losing hope in the possibilities around her.</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Segoe UI', Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">“Hattie Big Sky” is a great novel, with all the ingredients needed to make it interesting. The main character Hattie is strong and capable, and her zeal and determination make “Hattie Big Sky” an inspiring story. Interestingly the story is based on the life of author Kirby Larson’s great-grandmother, who really did homestead by herself in eastern Montana.</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Segoe UI', Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">The historical aspects of the plot are very believable, making it interesting to read about life on a homestead during the first world war. I feel that “Hattie Big Sky” is a great book for all young readers to enjoy.</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Segoe UI', Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="font-size: 15px; font-weight: bold; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Inkweaver Review Rating:</span></div><div style="clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Segoe UI', Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; left: -2px; line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; position: relative;"><img alt="★★★★★" border="0" src="http://www.books-for-sale.org/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/five_stars.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; float: left; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0pt; margin-right: 10px; margin-top: 0pt; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="“Hattie Big Sky,” by Kirby Larson" /><span style="font-size: 15px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 25px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Plot</span></div><div style="clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Segoe UI', Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; left: -2px; line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; position: relative;"><img alt="★★★★" border="0" src="http://www.books-for-sale.org/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/four_stars.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; float: left; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0pt; margin-right: 10px; margin-top: 0pt; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="“Hattie Big Sky,” by Kirby Larson" /><span style="font-size: 15px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 25px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Characters</span></div><div style="clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Segoe UI', Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; left: -2px; line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; position: relative;"><img alt="★★★★★" border="0" src="http://www.books-for-sale.org/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/five_stars.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; float: left; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0pt; margin-right: 10px; margin-top: 0pt; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="“Hattie Big Sky,” by Kirby Larson" /><span style="font-size: 15px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 25px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Presentation</span></div><div style="clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Segoe UI', Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; left: -2px; line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; position: relative;"><img alt="★★★★★" border="0" src="http://www.books-for-sale.org/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/five_stars.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; float: left; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0pt; margin-right: 10px; margin-top: 0pt; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="“Hattie Big Sky,” by Kirby Larson" /><span style="font-size: 15px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 25px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Overall</span></div>NathanKPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11778888923964317040noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5607223608114407209.post-35335804879344365392009-09-18T17:20:00.002-05:002009-09-18T17:24:05.042-05:00Inkweaver Review Has MovedI am pleased to announce to all my regular readers that Inkweaver Review has moved to a new web address. If you want more of the same great book reviews please visit us at <a href="http://books-for-sale.org">Books For Sale</a>. The new site has a slick, open theme that focuses on the things that really matter: book reviews and book cover art.<br /><br />I hope that if you have enjoyed reading Inkweaver Review you will update your bookmarks and subscribe to our new blog, as this one will not be updated in the future.<br /><br />NathanNathanKPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11778888923964317040noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5607223608114407209.post-29184273624493522122009-09-13T08:45:00.003-05:002009-10-07T15:38:52.281-05:00Book Carnival<b>The latest edition of the Book Review Blog Carnival has been posted at <a href="http://pizzasbookdiscussion.blogspot.com/2009/09/book-review-blog-carnival-26.html">Pizza's Book Discussion </a></b><div><b><br /></b></div><div>I contributed <a href="http://www.books-for-sale.org/350/inventing-elliot-by-graham-gardner/">"Inventing Elliot" by Graham Gardner</a>. Please stop by to view the carnival and read all the latest book reviews from across the blogging world.</div>NathanKPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11778888923964317040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5607223608114407209.post-5586854480498162482009-09-06T09:46:00.002-05:002009-09-08T12:06:00.125-05:00“Zorgamazoo,” by Robert Paul Weston<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi86KVoDqUwEneEnp4T4D6i-PgsJnpLuyPFhli7uFnJnaD1ME9d-DobTCrmD3VxmWho9ha22nss5rFdP2kjoHkOhAAQ0PISR8XiV4AqNaUiC6v9MQ6X0th7KZL8ouDL_o8h-_9UiHPXf0k/s1600-h/zorgamazoo-medallion-robert-paul-weston.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 226px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi86KVoDqUwEneEnp4T4D6i-PgsJnpLuyPFhli7uFnJnaD1ME9d-DobTCrmD3VxmWho9ha22nss5rFdP2kjoHkOhAAQ0PISR8XiV4AqNaUiC6v9MQ6X0th7KZL8ouDL_o8h-_9UiHPXf0k/s320/zorgamazoo-medallion-robert-paul-weston.jpg" alt="Book Cover Art for Zorgamazoo by Robert Paul Weston" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5367728437203031970" border="0" /></a>“Zorgamazoo,” by Robert Paul Weston is a fantasy novel written in smooth, flawless verse.<br /><br />The book begins with a delightful invitation:<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Here is a story that’s stranger than strange.</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Before we begin you may want to arrange:</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">A blanket, a cushion, a comfortable seat,</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">And maybe some cocoa and something to eat.</span><br /><br />The main character in this poetical adventure is Katrina Katrell, a young girl with a strong sense of perception and the ability to see things that other people ignore.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Inkweaver Review is moving to a new web address. Please read the rest of this review at its new location:</span><br /><br /><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.books-for-sale.org/417/zorgamazoo-by-robert-paul-weston/">Review of "Zorgamazoo" by Robert Paul Weston</a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span>NathanKPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11778888923964317040noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5607223608114407209.post-20964116830171653002009-09-04T15:55:00.002-05:002009-09-07T14:34:30.787-05:00“Emma-Jean Lazarus Fell Out of a Tree,” by Lauren Tarshis<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAD-I5pYn-1PpG3foiqqJtQEG2cYFsnBE_RDJJOURVG8l6G0UnLMbI-dnKhsgs9o3iWd5jzO83ANPEkFGsPz79miu9DsPp9J0xI5wtjDLLEq5zyH2dg0aGDJTv1CJgx_qKh2T0S40uLw0/s1600-h/Emma-jean-lazarus-fell-out-tree-lauren-tarshis.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 241px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAD-I5pYn-1PpG3foiqqJtQEG2cYFsnBE_RDJJOURVG8l6G0UnLMbI-dnKhsgs9o3iWd5jzO83ANPEkFGsPz79miu9DsPp9J0xI5wtjDLLEq5zyH2dg0aGDJTv1CJgx_qKh2T0S40uLw0/s320/Emma-jean-lazarus-fell-out-tree-lauren-tarshis.jpg" alt="Book Cover Art for Emma-Jean Lazarus Fell Out of a Tree by Lauren Tarshis" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5367699901630680130" border="0" /></a>“Emma-Jean Lazarus Fell Out of a Tree,” by Lauren Tarshis is a touching story about an intelligent young girl who decides to start helping her schoolmates by solving their social problems.<br /><br />Emma-Jean is an unusual girl known for being highly logical. This sets her apart from her fellow schoolmates because she usually doesn’t understand their jokes and queer social customs. Emma-Jean spends her time alone, studying trees, the Hindi language, and other important undertakings.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Inkweaver Review is moving to a new location. Please read the rest of this review at its new address:</span><br /><br /><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.books-for-sale.org/386/emma-jean-lazarus-fell-out-of-a-tree-by-lauren-tarshis/">Review of "Emma-Jean Lazarus Fell Out of a Tree," by Lauren Tarshis</a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span>NathanKPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11778888923964317040noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5607223608114407209.post-5775041727585687762009-08-29T14:54:00.000-05:002009-08-29T14:54:00.158-05:00“From Sea to Shining Sea,” compiled by Amy L. Cohn“From Sea to Shining Sea,” compiled by Amy L. Cohn is “a treasury of American folklore and Folk Songs.” This excellent collection of traditional tales and tunes does a great job of giving young readers a taste of the rich ethnic and cultural foundation of America. The collection is beautifully illustrated by eleven Caldecott Medal and four Caldecott Honor artists.<br /><br />“From Sea to Shining Sea” is organized into several main sections, the first being “In the Beginning.” If you have ever been interested in the creation myths and religious beliefs of Native Americans then this is a good place to start. Nine traditional Native American tales and songs show how Raven brings fresh water and creates the first river, how Grandmother Spider brings light to world by stealing the sun, and how Coyote decorates the night by creating the stars. Perhaps the most interesting traditional tale is “Sedna, the Sea Goddess” an Inuit legend about how the animals of the sea came to be.<br /><br />After covering the creation of America, “From Sea to Shining Sea” moves on to early colonization. Twelve tales from Mexico, Spain, French Louisiana, and the early British colonies. I really enjoyed the story “Why Alligator Hates Dog.” This creole tale explains how dog got on the bad side of Alligator and why Alligator likes to wait in the water like a half sunken log.<br /><br />The third section, “The Shot Heard, 'Round the World” contains songs and stories from the American Revolution of 1776. The original thirteen colonies were small but they were surprisingly strong in their fight against the British. Perhaps it was due to the strength of their story telling abilities. Along with such traditional favorites such as “Paul Revere's Ride” and “Yankee Doodle Dandy” readers will find tales of courageous women and children who choose to help their country.<br /><br />After the War of Independence America began to grow as it absorbed the territories to the West. The fourth section, “Bridging the Gap” contains some of the wild stories that arose during this tumultuous time. My personal favorite is “Jack and the Two-Bullet Hunt,” a humorous story about an easy going young boy who goes out on a hunt with only two bullets but comes home with much more game than he ever would have imagined!<br /><br />“From Sea to Shining Sea” then moves on to tales of the sea, and the sailors that traveled it. From Mister Stormalong, to the Salem Ghost Ship the sea was a topic that created some fascinating traditional stories. Also included are such rousing sea shanties as “Blow, Boys, Blow” and “Blow, Ye Winds in the Morning.”<br /><br />The fifth section, about slavery and emancipation, is entitled “Let My People Go.” It includes famous spirituals, the story of Harriet Tubman, and other tales told by slaves. The interesting thing is that the majority of the stories are filled with hope rather than despair.<br /><br />Section number six is about railroad tales. After the Civil War railroad played a large role in linking the country together again, and many tales revolve around it. Well known songs such as “John Henry” rub shoulders with fascinating historical stories such as “Death of the Iron Horse,” about a group of Indians who destroy a train.<br /><br />“O Pioneers,” the seventh section of “From Sea to Shining Sea” is about the pioneers who traveled across the Western lands to create new communities. This mass movement resulted in many stories including that of Charley, the first woman to vote in California.<br /><br />“From Sea to Shining Sea” then moves on to modern times with fascinating and often humorous tales about tricksters, nonsense, animals, ghosts, baseball and other topics that bridge a wide range of different story genres and styles.<br /><br />I think that “From Sea to Shining Sea” is a great book for young people because it gives them a broad look at the stories that were written about America and its development. The shear scope and quality writing and illustrations of “From Sea to Shining Sea” make me highly recommend it.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://inkweaver-review.blogspot.com/2008/03/inkweaver-review-book-rating-system.html"><strong>Inkweaver Book Rating:</strong></a><br /><br /><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left;" alt="★★★★" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFKTDMRW3alyzHNY-uxqmNu9BX5omfdxZzmvSwYPrNhgVtxQ5QsIMEThEwfAKahI9Jbmmm5cRf3oA4v_Tr2FlfCi6ZzOEmE7ZNe66sTVkW2e17j47Zi_EQpffxfu-BWx3sdAEe0o5kg1Im/" border="0" /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Story Selection</span><br /><br /><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left;" alt="★★★" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivCy4MMK6cZ2EiF9YmIazKpJqBNt8daSheUHcQKo-YAlQ2hZ8r2Uks69QTT3YZqb-Uyzf7auvxa7JEJPmsEjnLvZsckEVa4K126tBJwemC68MTDFXeNqKpntMfJoBruUxviyG0Rxyzc-GS/" border="0" /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Presentation</span><br /><br /><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left;" alt="★★★★" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFKTDMRW3alyzHNY-uxqmNu9BX5omfdxZzmvSwYPrNhgVtxQ5QsIMEThEwfAKahI9Jbmmm5cRf3oA4v_Tr2FlfCi6ZzOEmE7ZNe66sTVkW2e17j47Zi_EQpffxfu-BWx3sdAEe0o5kg1Im/" border="0" /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Overall</span>NathanKPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11778888923964317040noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5607223608114407209.post-7610684345594007012009-08-27T14:52:00.000-05:002009-08-27T14:52:00.408-05:00“The Treasure of Savage Island,” by Lenore Hart“The Treasure of Savage Island,” by Lenore Hart is an adventure story that includes a runaway slave, pirates and buried treasure.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0U-xVrHOWe3ICvqs5QuZCscMuKGMa7ZTFESB9jjnEKnm5UlObucUmX3JLvNyithbNEU7KR_TrCAsqsal7hYwF2SXcbdJtnxQuoaJZ-YFVwpULNIxoUsKzqUx2rk5B1VyqSb7S24SM_JY/s1600-h/treasure-savage-island-lenore-hart"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 218px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0U-xVrHOWe3ICvqs5QuZCscMuKGMa7ZTFESB9jjnEKnm5UlObucUmX3JLvNyithbNEU7KR_TrCAsqsal7hYwF2SXcbdJtnxQuoaJZ-YFVwpULNIxoUsKzqUx2rk5B1VyqSb7S24SM_JY/s320/treasure-savage-island-lenore-hart" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366570262239043426" border="0" /></a>Molly Savage lives with her father in an inn that the Savage family used to own. But her father gambled it away and now it is owned by a cruel woman who works Molly and her father like servants. Rafe is a young boy who ran away from the plantation where he was a slave. For Rafe staying hidden is a necessity, because if he is discovered slave catchers will take him right back to his former life. When Molly discovers Rafe she decides to keep help hide and feed him.<br /><br />Molly and Rafe will have to work together when looting pirates attack. They're after a legendary treasure supposedly hidden near the inn where Molly and her father now live. Can Molly and Rafe survive the pirate attack, or perhaps even better, find the treasure for themselves?<br /><br />“The Treasure of Savage Island” isn't exactly a masterpiece of writing. The combination of pirate themes and an escaped slave is unique but the storyline is lacking a certain amount of believability. Most of the characters are slightly cliché, and their interactions are almost routine. To summarize “The Treasure of Savage Island” is an average book, but it lacks that special zest that I like to see in the books I read.<br /><br /><a href="http://inkweaver-review.blogspot.com/2008/03/inkweaver-review-book-rating-system.html"><strong>Inkweaver Book Rating:</strong></a><br /><br /><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left;" alt="★★★" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivCy4MMK6cZ2EiF9YmIazKpJqBNt8daSheUHcQKo-YAlQ2hZ8r2Uks69QTT3YZqb-Uyzf7auvxa7JEJPmsEjnLvZsckEVa4K126tBJwemC68MTDFXeNqKpntMfJoBruUxviyG0Rxyzc-GS/" border="0" /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Plot</span><br /><br /><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left;" alt="★★" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcOFMYwTegZw5OGjRLLicObUBGMVkY7p36zt__oX5b-KYhVCHFzgWkzNyizJC4yoPoDJ5NS0GxfebrFGz584I92VIh8BGPYGxdmCFzokB07Dl2yKZbr366vXtM856ADt5x1QJ7zMxtsSlB/" border="0" /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Characters</span><br /><br /><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left;" alt="★★" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcOFMYwTegZw5OGjRLLicObUBGMVkY7p36zt__oX5b-KYhVCHFzgWkzNyizJC4yoPoDJ5NS0GxfebrFGz584I92VIh8BGPYGxdmCFzokB07Dl2yKZbr366vXtM856ADt5x1QJ7zMxtsSlB/" border="0" /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Presentation</span><br /><br /><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left;" alt="★★" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcOFMYwTegZw5OGjRLLicObUBGMVkY7p36zt__oX5b-KYhVCHFzgWkzNyizJC4yoPoDJ5NS0GxfebrFGz584I92VIh8BGPYGxdmCFzokB07Dl2yKZbr366vXtM856ADt5x1QJ7zMxtsSlB/" border="0" /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Overall</span>NathanKPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11778888923964317040noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5607223608114407209.post-13417776948412376222009-08-25T14:49:00.000-05:002009-08-25T14:49:00.445-05:00“Danny, The Champion of the World,” by Roald Dahl“Danny, The Champion of the World,” by Roald Dahl is a novel about a young boy who lives with his mechanic father in a gypsy caravan.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikFOrkMQlGDM5E8WuY7MHgi2TeUkUVF54yxPCPb6YJk-OzLbsspAxH9kJNe6Cg16BLlYrYRZ789ELfdWcl1HPYS0V-FPillCSTlmaU5b81sIJTQEM-PG4c4-cc7iDoKl0UoxJvk9CnXH4/s1600-h/danny-champion-world-roald-dahl"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 208px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikFOrkMQlGDM5E8WuY7MHgi2TeUkUVF54yxPCPb6YJk-OzLbsspAxH9kJNe6Cg16BLlYrYRZ789ELfdWcl1HPYS0V-FPillCSTlmaU5b81sIJTQEM-PG4c4-cc7iDoKl0UoxJvk9CnXH4/s320/danny-champion-world-roald-dahl" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366569673591379586" border="0" /></a>Danny has always enjoyed his life. Not only does Danny live in a fascinating gypsy caravan, but his father has taught him to work on automobiles. But one day, Danny discovers a surprising secret about his father, something that he has kept hidden for years.<br /><br />Danny's father loves to poach pheasants. As Danny comes to learn more about the illegal art of poaching he discovers that just about everyone he knows likes to poach, even otherwise upstanding citizens such as the doctor that makes house calls on Danny and his father, the local reverend, and the policeman that Danny has been frightened of for years. All these people have one thing in common, they steal pheasants at Hazell's Woods, a forest owned by Mr. Victor Hazell, a local rich brewery owner, and owner of a huge flock of game birds.<br /><br />No one likes Mr. Hazell, and they all want to do something to put him in his place, even if it means stealing from him. That's when Danny comes up with the ultimate plan. If they can just pull it off correctly, then Danny and his father should be able to steal every last one of Mr. Hazell's pheasants.<br /><br />To be honest, I found “Danny, The Champion of the World” to be a surprisingly disappointing book. Roald Dahl's other books typically teach good lessons, though they sometimes have satirical aspects to them. In “Danny, The Champion of the World,” however, Dahl glorifies poaching, which is really nothing more than stealing. Perhaps everyone that Danny knows is a poacher, even the local policeman and reverend, and Mr. Victor Hazell may not be a very nice man, but that still doesn't make stealing from him right.<br /><br />“Danny, The Champion of the World” shows no consequences of stealing. In the end Danny and his father get away with it completely, and I find that very disturbing. As a consequence I would not recommend this book.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://inkweaver-review.blogspot.com/2008/03/inkweaver-review-book-rating-system.html"><strong>Inkweaver Book Rating:</strong></a><br /><br /><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left;" alt="★★" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcOFMYwTegZw5OGjRLLicObUBGMVkY7p36zt__oX5b-KYhVCHFzgWkzNyizJC4yoPoDJ5NS0GxfebrFGz584I92VIh8BGPYGxdmCFzokB07Dl2yKZbr366vXtM856ADt5x1QJ7zMxtsSlB/" border="0" /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Plot</span><br /><br /><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left;" alt="★★★" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivCy4MMK6cZ2EiF9YmIazKpJqBNt8daSheUHcQKo-YAlQ2hZ8r2Uks69QTT3YZqb-Uyzf7auvxa7JEJPmsEjnLvZsckEVa4K126tBJwemC68MTDFXeNqKpntMfJoBruUxviyG0Rxyzc-GS/" border="0" /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Characters</span><br /><br /><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left;" alt="★★★" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivCy4MMK6cZ2EiF9YmIazKpJqBNt8daSheUHcQKo-YAlQ2hZ8r2Uks69QTT3YZqb-Uyzf7auvxa7JEJPmsEjnLvZsckEVa4K126tBJwemC68MTDFXeNqKpntMfJoBruUxviyG0Rxyzc-GS/" border="0" /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Presentation</span><br /><br /><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left;" alt="★★" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcOFMYwTegZw5OGjRLLicObUBGMVkY7p36zt__oX5b-KYhVCHFzgWkzNyizJC4yoPoDJ5NS0GxfebrFGz584I92VIh8BGPYGxdmCFzokB07Dl2yKZbr366vXtM856ADt5x1QJ7zMxtsSlB/" border="0" /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Overall</span>NathanKPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11778888923964317040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5607223608114407209.post-72655663146539690482009-08-23T14:46:00.000-05:002009-08-23T14:46:00.253-05:00“The Ice Cream Con,” by Jimmy Docherty“The Ice Cream Con,” by Jimmy Docherty is the story of a boy who decides to do something about the crime in his neighborhood.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrIHNbYF-6p0aeigjFfDHAqd3hRuNb_C49nxRd9JaPSC5lH8PYC2ezpNmWJsmW7fk6kRLsJiRYu1LEdA32WpuWaZaGRPzSdP4uf5dwDZxsnjkcQPJNky87zXY52i6V0r9uNHeCm2FXxZU/s1600-h/icecream-con-jimmy-docherty"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrIHNbYF-6p0aeigjFfDHAqd3hRuNb_C49nxRd9JaPSC5lH8PYC2ezpNmWJsmW7fk6kRLsJiRYu1LEdA32WpuWaZaGRPzSdP4uf5dwDZxsnjkcQPJNky87zXY52i6V0r9uNHeCm2FXxZU/s320/icecream-con-jimmy-docherty" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366568907102508578" border="0" /></a>When Jake gets mugged and loses all of his grandmother's food money for the week, he decides that he needs to do something about that crime that is running rampant in his housing project. Jake and his friends invent an imaginary gangster that they name Big Baresi. By starting rumors and placing stickers that say “I'm watching you. - Baresi” Jake and his friends manage to convince others that this crook is real. Soon though, the situation snowballs out of control when two local gangs enter the scene and a stash of stolen diamonds surfaces. Will Jake be able to keep up the deception of will he end up in trouble for the crimes of an imaginary crook?<br /><br />“The Ice Cream Con” is a simply ridiculous book. Jimmy Docherty was obviously aiming for humor with this junior read but the result is just foolish. The escapades of Jake and his friends are terribly over played and completely unbelievable. In the end “The Ice Cream Con” comes across as idealizing a life of crime. I would not recommend this book to any reader.<br /><br /><a href="http://inkweaver-review.blogspot.com/2008/03/inkweaver-review-book-rating-system.html"><strong>Inkweaver Book Rating:</strong></a><br /><br /><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left;" alt="★★★" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivCy4MMK6cZ2EiF9YmIazKpJqBNt8daSheUHcQKo-YAlQ2hZ8r2Uks69QTT3YZqb-Uyzf7auvxa7JEJPmsEjnLvZsckEVa4K126tBJwemC68MTDFXeNqKpntMfJoBruUxviyG0Rxyzc-GS/" border="0" /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Plot</span><br /><br /><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left;" alt="★★" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcOFMYwTegZw5OGjRLLicObUBGMVkY7p36zt__oX5b-KYhVCHFzgWkzNyizJC4yoPoDJ5NS0GxfebrFGz584I92VIh8BGPYGxdmCFzokB07Dl2yKZbr366vXtM856ADt5x1QJ7zMxtsSlB/" border="0" /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Characters</span><br /><br /><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left;" alt="★★" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcOFMYwTegZw5OGjRLLicObUBGMVkY7p36zt__oX5b-KYhVCHFzgWkzNyizJC4yoPoDJ5NS0GxfebrFGz584I92VIh8BGPYGxdmCFzokB07Dl2yKZbr366vXtM856ADt5x1QJ7zMxtsSlB/" border="0" /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Presentation</span><br /><br /><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left;" alt="★★" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcOFMYwTegZw5OGjRLLicObUBGMVkY7p36zt__oX5b-KYhVCHFzgWkzNyizJC4yoPoDJ5NS0GxfebrFGz584I92VIh8BGPYGxdmCFzokB07Dl2yKZbr366vXtM856ADt5x1QJ7zMxtsSlB/" border="0" /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Overall</span>NathanKPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11778888923964317040noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5607223608114407209.post-47566220854651979142009-08-21T14:41:00.001-05:002009-08-21T15:14:53.838-05:00“If You Come Softly,” by Jacqueline Woodson“If You Come Softly,” by Jacqueline Woodson is the story of romance between a Jewish girl and a black boy.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEich7ne8Q8fCT82Dvb9-nT88_MrPHUpF2tnXP7qWBkOZWcc1uu9Jy47QTn0TXpcd45gxo3i2Sw9e2sjhJ3fMtBLgpwzkpnlSWa7vRlBpETmCfAd4Jo5xBWocoq7n_elosesSyMzmJD9F3o/s1600-h/if_you_come_softly-jacqueline-wilson.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 191px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEich7ne8Q8fCT82Dvb9-nT88_MrPHUpF2tnXP7qWBkOZWcc1uu9Jy47QTn0TXpcd45gxo3i2Sw9e2sjhJ3fMtBLgpwzkpnlSWa7vRlBpETmCfAd4Jo5xBWocoq7n_elosesSyMzmJD9F3o/s320/if_you_come_softly-jacqueline-wilson.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366567717074142274" border="0" /></a>The two main characters are Jeremiah, a teenage boy attending a fancy prep school in Manhattan. Although he is one of the few black boys there he still feels relatively comfortable being who he his. Jeremiah's greatest worries are about his rich parents who have separated and just can't seem to get along. But Jeremiah's life is due to change when he meets Ellie.<br /><br />Ellie is a Jewish girl who has her own family problems. She lives with her mother, who has twice abandoned her, so she doesn't really trust her. So when Ellie meets Jeremiah she choses to not tell her mother about him, in part just because she is shy, but to a large extent because she is afraid of what her response will be to the news that Jeremiah and her are romantically attached.<br /><br />I felt that Jacqueline Woodson did a remarkably good job of approaching this rather delicate subject with careful balance, but also vivid clarity. “If You Come Softly,” has very well designed characters that the reader can commiserate with, no matter what race or color they are.<br /><br />“If You Come Softly” is about how Ellie and Jeremiah must cope with other people's reactions to their relationship. Though it is not the best book I've ever read, it has a rather unique plot that not many other authors have dared to tackle.<br /><br /><a href="http://inkweaver-review.blogspot.com/2008/03/inkweaver-review-book-rating-system.html"><strong>Inkweaver Book Rating:</strong></a><br /><br /><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left;" alt="★★" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcOFMYwTegZw5OGjRLLicObUBGMVkY7p36zt__oX5b-KYhVCHFzgWkzNyizJC4yoPoDJ5NS0GxfebrFGz584I92VIh8BGPYGxdmCFzokB07Dl2yKZbr366vXtM856ADt5x1QJ7zMxtsSlB/" border="0" /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Plot</span><br /><br /><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left;" alt="★★★" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivCy4MMK6cZ2EiF9YmIazKpJqBNt8daSheUHcQKo-YAlQ2hZ8r2Uks69QTT3YZqb-Uyzf7auvxa7JEJPmsEjnLvZsckEVa4K126tBJwemC68MTDFXeNqKpntMfJoBruUxviyG0Rxyzc-GS/" border="0" /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Characters</span><br /><br /><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left;" alt="★★★" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivCy4MMK6cZ2EiF9YmIazKpJqBNt8daSheUHcQKo-YAlQ2hZ8r2Uks69QTT3YZqb-Uyzf7auvxa7JEJPmsEjnLvZsckEVa4K126tBJwemC68MTDFXeNqKpntMfJoBruUxviyG0Rxyzc-GS/" border="0" /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Presentation</span><br /><br /><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left;" alt="★★★" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivCy4MMK6cZ2EiF9YmIazKpJqBNt8daSheUHcQKo-YAlQ2hZ8r2Uks69QTT3YZqb-Uyzf7auvxa7JEJPmsEjnLvZsckEVa4K126tBJwemC68MTDFXeNqKpntMfJoBruUxviyG0Rxyzc-GS/" border="0" /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Overall</span>NathanKPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11778888923964317040noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5607223608114407209.post-32118185654044321552009-08-19T14:37:00.002-05:002009-11-09T10:33:16.139-06:00“Red Cap,” by G. Clifton Wisler<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF1iRfUPOKmMyBo59ye3Af2HOVt7jQTj0SJrT3P57YQ_HUs_9AbWbYfAjTv3SDmp06gRSuCQBnOB7WEUcgu018YuBdo-yRxnIqzPQvkWUxvMeO5-lxBNo9noOFEdCpHERV2wtz_DOiiMk/s1600-h/red-cap-clifton-wisler.jpeg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 203px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF1iRfUPOKmMyBo59ye3Af2HOVt7jQTj0SJrT3P57YQ_HUs_9AbWbYfAjTv3SDmp06gRSuCQBnOB7WEUcgu018YuBdo-yRxnIqzPQvkWUxvMeO5-lxBNo9noOFEdCpHERV2wtz_DOiiMk/s320/red-cap-clifton-wisler.jpeg" alt="Book Cover Art for Red Cap by G. Clifton Wisler" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366566703464193394" border="0" /></a>“Red Cap,” by G. Clifton Wisler is a historical fiction novel based on the life of a boy who lived during the American Civil War.<br /><br />At the age of thirteen Ransom left home against his family's wishes to join the Civil War. At first the Union Army wouldn't accept him, but after lying about his age Ransom was finally accepted into the army as a drummer boy.<br /><br />“Red Cap” does a good job of showing the reasons why most young boys left home to join the Civil War. Most of the youngsters around Ransom joined the army just to get away from home or to be with their friends. None of them are prepared for the reality of war.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Inkweaver Review has moved to a new web address. Please read the rest of this review at its new location:</span><br /><br /><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.books-for-sale.org/779/red-cap-by-g-clifton-wisler/">Review of "Red Cap" by G. Clifton Wisler</a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span>NathanKPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11778888923964317040noreply@blogger.com28tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5607223608114407209.post-91843966033411230352009-08-17T14:33:00.002-05:002009-08-25T19:36:09.383-05:00“Diamonds in the Shadow,” by Caroline B. Cooney<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimssZAmG_-dh72Uvbrdcw4qqgKHZQiBGbIvqoOscdPOqyADW1HgJstH9y9kycFLpiSeHnxeuLJunjCFk5O74_5D6m_s5KeuXV55QLKJz-uORJc7a17GdFO5neBB8DExVWyvTpdwhOWrm4/s1600-h/diamonds-in-shadow-caroline-cooney.jpeg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimssZAmG_-dh72Uvbrdcw4qqgKHZQiBGbIvqoOscdPOqyADW1HgJstH9y9kycFLpiSeHnxeuLJunjCFk5O74_5D6m_s5KeuXV55QLKJz-uORJc7a17GdFO5neBB8DExVWyvTpdwhOWrm4/s320/diamonds-in-shadow-caroline-cooney.jpeg" alt="Book Cover Art for Diamonds in the Shadow by Caroline B. Cooney" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366565617349304114" border="0" /></a>“Diamonds in the Shadow,” by Caroline B. Cooney is a young adult novel about an American family who takes in a group of African refugees with a dangerous secret past.<br /><br />Jared Finch is not in the least bit thrilled about his parent's plan to sponsor four African refugees, a mother and father and two children. The way Jared sees it, if his parents and their church committee want to go to all that work they can do so, but he doesn't have to help. To make matters worse, the apartment that the committee had planned to house the refugees in fell through, so now the refugees will be living with Jared and his family until they can find other accommodations.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Inkweaver Review is moving to a new web address. Please read the rest of this review at its new location:</span><br /><br /><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.books-for-sale.org/243/diamonds-in-the-shadow-by-caroline-b-cooney/">Review of "Diamonds in the Shadow" by Caroline B. Cooney</a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span>NathanKPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11778888923964317040noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5607223608114407209.post-75644828767442865202009-08-16T01:00:00.027-05:002009-08-18T09:04:36.964-05:00Book Review Blog Carnival #24<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3UVU8YJ9xiHVDPYcsg0ltQw3rlNNB1W7LRm5vZIFHrVT6Q67eWa9gXGrmXVcuWw5NCx7iC1LfUqUI4N_aXnvFwoHuvi2gvAW4GrkZUq33WcbQDTzrbmwCmemGN-hfJ2Abg4Xjh_8uL0Y/s1600-h/bookshelf.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 332px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3UVU8YJ9xiHVDPYcsg0ltQw3rlNNB1W7LRm5vZIFHrVT6Q67eWa9gXGrmXVcuWw5NCx7iC1LfUqUI4N_aXnvFwoHuvi2gvAW4GrkZUq33WcbQDTzrbmwCmemGN-hfJ2Abg4Xjh_8uL0Y/s1600/bookshelf.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366991477222347794" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >Welcome to Book Review Blog Carnival #24!</span><br /><br /></div><div style="float: right;"><script type="text/javascript" src="http://blogcarnival.com/bc/logolink_30486.js"></script></div>Over the past two weeks book bloggers from around the world have been searching book shelves and libraries for the best books to review and contribute to Book Review Blog Carnival #24. This week Inkweaver Review is the lucky host of the carnival. If you were a contributor to this carnival feel free to browse through some of your fellow blogger's submissions, and if you like the carnival, please link to it on your own blog.<br /><br />If you are one of Inkweaver Review's regular readers then I encourage you to read these worthy, handpicked reviews from a variety of different genres.<br /><br />If you are a book blogger yourself then please <a href="http://blogcarnival.com/bc/submit_5161.html">submit your own book review</a> for inclusion in the next edition of the Book Review Blog Carnival.<br /><br /><div style="margin: 0pt auto; clear: both; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); width: 100%;"><div style="padding: 10px; width: 100%; background-color: rgb(169, 210, 51);"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Nonfiction Books</span></span></div><table style="width: 100%;" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="4"><tbody><tr style="width: 100%;"><td style="width: 90px;" align="center" valign="top"><img style="float: left; width: 90px; height: 124px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiDd1iARXsmqN4HVBwzrmIHRQrY1ckMllAUlwXChdiFyXkaqj0B2rTuasDGbfxB67wL-SI7cbFUs4twc9eOt1FeytrVxtaIEqPIgvUliFuRYc7I5YBQsHQwpicvZIGxLq_bOxFoYFmHdw/s200/adult_pluto_jul.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366974787277140898" border="0" /></td><td style="padding: 10px; background-color: rgb(218, 230, 184);" valign="top"><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://residentreader.blogspot.com/2009/07/pluto-files.html">"The Pluto Files" by Neil DeGrasse Tyson</a><br /><br />Clark Bjorke presents a fascinating book about the history of science with respect to Pluto and its recent demotion from being a planet.</td></tr><tr><td style="width: 90px;" align="center" valign="top"><img style="float: left; width: 90px; height: 116px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8CeKLvJoKoVyIlWGsgImMtj5weZn3MY1xYpXatNNsy8YIY9Ch_pYBUvFQ4enN4NxM7ytm0x3TB9HEza-H2WlMc1UdzJj47o5SPQ5AoftxQbEGxs2W5i9Ved8CCxH9HS7XZISeMxSi79U/s200/quickrot.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366978938531467778" border="0" /></td><td style="padding: 10px; background-color: rgb(218, 230, 184);" valign="top"><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://kristaquilts.blogspot.com/2009/08/book-review-more-quick-rotary-cutter.html">"More Quick Rotary Cutter Quilts" by Pam Bono Designs</a><br /><br />Krista Zaleski presents a nonfiction book that contains a variety of fascinating quilt patterns, from vintage to modern.</td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align: top;"><img style="float: left; width: 90px; height: 134px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik-lO7iyUlkyGCNddgV20qC0uWUR_toFErEs0Uu4OsOC3mNiZr1YBUzZhVaFro9_lie869YRkTcLu1uqCEgjSkMfujqpl3yzW7BgXN572C8f3MbTerpbsq7eSajiqYkd4jGvOJiFUNDIc/s200/thenmancreatedgod.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5367339874724750146" border="0" /></td><td style="padding: 10px; background-color: rgb(218, 230, 184);" valign="top"><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://review.nanashi-inc.net/2009/08/then-man-created-god-by-dg-mcleod/">"Then Man Created God" by D.G. McLeod</a><br /><br />Joana says: "I have little doubt that a good deal of people will find this book to be highly insulting.... it’s an amusing read to be taken with a grain of salt."<br /></td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align: top;"><img style="float: left; width: 90px; height: 136px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjb3-E-56PD3XP_dS70_iINeIW_21m0Df_47Ea4391A-dJKBzGCyfJZyu5f842omv5RDLqARwWemaCAPn28L77aNidC1owac7wQnjsmp9mB2aC0Yi6C5JUKn9wHdk0CYZK4MmaMCxLee0/s200/richest_man_town_randall_jones" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5367338902364994306" border="0" /></td><td style="padding: 10px; background-color: rgb(218, 230, 184);" valign="top"><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.bargaineering.com/articles/the-richest-man-in-town-by-w-randall-jones.html">"The Richest Man in Town" by W. Randall Jones</a><br /><br />The Richest Man in Town by W. Randall Jones bills itself as containing the “inside secrets of America’s self-made millionaires.”<br /></td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align: top;"><img style="float: left; width: 90px; height: 135px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl8_wKANbS_0NpSxNoFz5BWXOZiaMul7pF2BRhfz7MnUSf1lCcdZmSrleGwSPm3jAhndBVoeYqbi_Ksz9eeAYqWvTUt7g3EzbXMm38sXKhgEd3nolvGCqrN8NnrS79jUbYljD6yOh419c/s200/borntorunbook.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366984199321597362" border="0" /></td><td style="padding: 10px; background-color: rgb(218, 230, 184);" valign="top"><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.cooladventuregirls.com/?p=387">"Born to Run," by Christopher McDougall</a><br /><br />Deborah Dunham called this book the "best book of the summer". It introduces readers to a unique group of Indians called "The Running People" and shows the narrator as he experiences the running which this remote group has perfected into an art form.</td></tr><tr><td style="width: 90px;" align="center" valign="top"><img style="float: left; width: 90px; height: 136px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTKI5YQY0RE3G1tks0vhwBva8coaIbVlXj0HQz6bKaacFrfvOZW9tp7bCmNwi_GuudTOMovuHO83nBmr2L8-pC9CbwNQB1OPuSZDRyjVDXJ4Qg_JUBZXdfWvGv3Z0h79Xhsj0Fm4_It_w/s200/secret-recipes-for-the-modern-wife.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366983323062089522" border="0" /></td><td style="padding: 10px; background-color: rgb(218, 230, 184);" valign="top"><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.twolia.com/blogs/kitsch-slapped/2009/07/16/secret-recipes-for-the-modern-wife-exposed/">"Secret Recipes for the Modern Wife - Exposed!" by Nava Atlas</a><br /><br />This book offers recipes. But not just any recipes, the secret kind… Success recipes for love, marriage, parenting, divorce, reconciliation — survival.</td></tr><tr><td style="width: 90px;" align="center" valign="top"><img style="float: left; width: 90px; height: 136px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9UWXSTVXxVg81KoLwOcCRI8EisFaRyxAMAAcW-zHhvWQxuFPg-2H-WMXiVXGwafZiWazhrx9sBt45s8rtPCxgPfECPoXzuabL_BRPc5L8hSp2BLgjWtnOl33iz0bYt9I-X-EG2w0brbE/s200/dangerous-passion-jealousy-david-buss.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5367341568348194402" border="0" /></td><td style="padding: 10px; background-color: rgb(218, 230, 184);" valign="top"><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://diaryofasmartchick.com/2009/07/book-of-the-day-the-dangerous-passion/">"The Dangerous Passion," by David M. Buss Ph.D.</a><br /><br />This book explores the idea that we have to have jealousy in our human lives. This is unique from most views on jealousy since the general thought on the topic is that jealousy is a bad thing and we need to expunge it from our personalities.</td></tr><tr><td style="width: 90px;" align="center" valign="top"><img style="float: left; width: 90px; height: 135px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguBiHjlU4VLHREr_az0k1CYSmmmOgcA7JU0Yb57AzbwO6M4TiJUGfthEiATqutPpyUh-U2EqVpxbI3omgBx9v8L7HT66TDZoAFbxslsY9Vr0sXPCi7aFceazVbfPBSDrIAXrj_2skEJhU/s320/the-challenge-jonathan-mahler.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5367671320290519794" border="0" /></td><td style="padding: 10px; background-color: rgb(218, 230, 184);" valign="top"><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://prairieprogressive.com/2009/08/04/book-review-the-challenge-by-jonathan-mahler/">"The Challenge," by Jonathan Mahler</a><br /><br />A Progressive on the Prairie reviews a fascinating book about a United States Supreme Court case and the background and details behind it.</td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align: top;"><img style="float: left; width: 90px; height: 131px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYCTFKop5iqCs1b3pifmL4d6cwDxjcqr2hI6eRUIDu2I1uCHwoi9qTgGDtH9xM4g0n2qtgmlB1RSpSu1URWsAo3IrPCecTpmZNULi5-AGaulwb4Gb_4YsUJlNvNb3lwHOl_kZ68L_YAaw/s200/brody_big.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366984993090352882" border="0" /><br /></td><td style="padding: 10px; background-color: rgb(218, 230, 184);" valign="top"><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.camelclutchblog.com/?p=2198">"Brody - The Triumph and Tragedy of Wrestling's Rebel" by Larry Matysik and Barbara Goodish</a><br /><br />Eric Gargiulo presents an enthusiastic review of the life story of a famous wrestler.</td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align: top;"><img style="float: left; width: 90px; height: 136px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFAYY1J1QdIQz7guUrOyiAdodKRxgwAlSdW4G8_s1Hc7wZ0SE_6_Rl_NZ36TN76bb9NB2lRDqKHJ45Lc08SWOSxR3So3CL0Fl9H6vftw3l_oqDDtAmpHbfR7MLuFQdKNfNAYu-0K2izXA/s200/element-ken-robinson-phd.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5369586003027003554" border="0" /></td><td style="padding: 10px; background-color: rgb(218, 230, 184);" valign="top"><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://residentreader.blogspot.com/2009/08/element.html">"The Element," by Ken Robinson Ph.D.</a><br /><br />According to a popular myth there is a calling for each one of us, something that we are so good at and love doing so much that it doesn't feel like work at all. Ken Robinson advocates for the existence of this perfect occupation. He calls it being in one's "element."</td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align: top;"><img style="float: left; width: 90px; height: 140px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJVRtf_RET9FVeUF8bcC0A_dAB_8lIcYuYJ8hVUGK93Mf8c6zklB-YlK8jAvGJEROaKEvtgoERNuPwKhzbnbq8zh4pETImYVOTqU_zL7QDF_JyjOCZtHmIFjr-9Uw9YUnaAb05zGamwJU/s200/winning-ugly-brad-gilbert-paperback-cover-art.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5369587045970791634" border="0" /></td><td style="padding: 10px; background-color: rgb(218, 230, 184);" valign="top"><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://tennischump.blogspot.com/2009/08/brad-gilbert-winning-ugly.html">"Winning Ugly," by Brad Gilbert</a><br /><br />Famous tennis player Brad Gilbert wrote "Winning Ugly" a few years back. It is filled with advice for recreational players on how to maximize your game and gain a winning advantage over your opponent by playing smarter.</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="padding: 10px; width: 100%; background-color: rgb(169, 210, 51);"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Children's Fiction<br /></span></span></div><table style="width: 100%;" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="4"><tbody><tr><td style="width: 90px;" align="center" valign="top"><img style="float: left; width: 90px; height: 129px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7DeppuNb0fDBi_WQijJtmiArHrt3M60cTHScjG54J2Pzcmn0uoOsSnGWKMYTxwG_yKnOgMFfAhloK8EAmPXohcyfQQtDt18cCpipAX-OiJPxGAaiLBEFV0-LJQc9kolBr-hYOgwS6NWw/s200/grow.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366980256790467458" border="0" /></td><td style="padding: 10px; background-color: rgb(218, 230, 184);" valign="top"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><a href="http://blog.wrappedinfoil.com/?p=398">"Grow: A Novel in Verse" written by Juanita Havill</a></span><br /><br />Roberta Gibson presents a poetic middle grade book with "strong and realistic adult characters".</td></tr><tr><td style="width: 90px;" align="center" valign="top"><img style="float: left; width: 90px; height: 136px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWdCkj1qh2Tom0CqI1Z6X0CvwYA9zF86v_omFrXv8eDzrwDYU2SyB7pBOQj5wRflg758jSb3g9ehoqqr7hJlDcmWMQIPlMIWRyHT3ibzTvO9GNYAa8no6i_3rytKcepjL1f9B91woiwYg/s200/starclimber-kenneth-oppel.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5369263142697623986" border="0" /></td><td style="padding: 10px; background-color: rgb(218, 230, 184);" valign="top"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><a href="http://www.bartsbookshelf.co.uk/2009/08/12/review-starclimber-by-kenneth-oppel/">"Starclimber," by Kenneth Oppel</a></span><br /><br />I was especially thrilled to see this excellent review of one of my favorite alternate reality fantasy series for young adults. Author Kenneth Oppel takes readers to a world where the skies are home to brave explorers and fantastic creatures.<br /></td></tr><tr><td style="width: 90px;" align="center" valign="top"><img style="float: left; width: 90px; height: 133px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgROAqo2tyJ56Hk5qsRkIxoi5GUC_ToOMQvD1BofXgzGcSBqX0blbWcaEmr4BFqZhiWJkahLCjIdlzQN-XpyR2ms66FgCV7Qadf-uuw1eP9_nKwW7m3VDtPgsWOIVwytZz46v1_KNgjqTA/s200/bkWhereMouintainMeetsMoonBIG.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366980928209340834" border="0" /></td><td style="padding: 10px; background-color: rgb(218, 230, 184);" valign="top"><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.books4yourkids.com/2009/07/where-mountain-meets-moon-written-and.html">"Where the Mountain Meets the Moon," written and illustrated by Grace Lin</a><br /><br />Tanya Turek presents a detailed review with plenty of pictures of Grace Lin's delightful fairytale story.</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="padding: 10px; width: 100%; background-color: rgb(169, 210, 51);"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Adult Fiction<br /></span></span></div><table style="" 3="" cellspacing="4"><tbody><tr><td style="width: 90px;" align="center" valign="top"><img style="float: left; width: 90px; height: 136px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigf-gN5J2KqB9tF_nKvKlV7GX_sA62ka9tmX0FcPqXXjAG66X2hcy-r4PvqOQsmIecDA9qY_4_Y5almBXCRmiR0xpcqbiIpCW-ujFGxeIF2g3nh6jmXFprpLfJO3BGi2rmgap241HpFEM/s200/jennifer-weiner-best-friends-forever.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366982122945233970" border="0" /></td><td style="padding: 10px; background-color: rgb(218, 230, 184);" valign="top"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://chickloveslit.blogspot.com/2009/07/best-friends-forever-jennifer-weiner.html">"Best Friends Forever," by Jennifer Weiner</a><br /></span><span><br />Shanyn had glowing words to say about Jennifer Weiner's novel:<br /><br />"It's not every day you read a book with such complexity, emotion, and feeling".</span></td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align: top;"><img style="float: left; width: 90px; height: 136px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLC_ywgO-yBtdvZW1PWm2A0MdDe7R2fb3MRLvXvdKtMhiqXkrTbGimnjrv9wkxQpd9_-qAMuMQo0Ulpa6U2Gtk7ddJzmhLHQ0SnYNdKI1y8W81F4StYUYaP2Ww8l9NRfJdhP2fN9cRmlA/s200/shadow-lines-amitav-ghosh.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366983683253400466" border="0" /><br /></td><td style="padding: 10px; background-color: rgb(218, 230, 184);" valign="top"><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://theviewspaper.net/the-shadow-lines-by-amitav-ghosh/">"The Shadow Lines," by Amitav Ghosh</a><br /><br />Surbhi Bhatia presents a detailed review of a book that "explores how communal riots flare up with conflicting identities."</td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align: top;"><img style="float: left; width: 90px; height: 139px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTnwE8YkalyZ2AsrtdoTFHBqj_P2bAQn4e0hdD-u8fjPEA4wO5_s-ZxFE1hNI8c7-mubiLYk2Bk6ADl0yc8M5mUqXaNHPgcCgZtXOY-Mc4bOFyI507CyXfbladzIQzCILYD07BVWehtN8/s200/midnight-fugue-reginald-hill" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366984740033976770" border="0" /><br /></td><td style="padding: 10px; background-color: rgb(218, 230, 184);" valign="top"><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://paradise-mysteries.blogspot.com/2009/08/review-midnight-fugue-reginald-hill.html">"Midnight Fugue," by Reginald Hill</a><br /><br />Kerrie S. says of this mystery by Reginald Hill: "About 50 pages from the end I thought I had it all sussed out. That was before Hill introduced the final element of the fugue."</td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align: top;"><img style="float: left; width: 90px; height: 138px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUVCxH8qgCsTm-R-EJmHjQYPn1fF1WG4nJUfgpKjxLMmANUuR3HHQkV7mWuaizxR6ROJrL0R2nesgn7dZHhsvEoX5BrTVonegpn6RfiIMqofRIwlB9OnmLdCSGJ5kZW-XF_XusQWDukA0/s200/year-cock-alan-weider" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366985578494074626" border="0" /><br /></td><td style="padding: 10px; background-color: rgb(218, 230, 184);" valign="top"><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://seolmara.blogspot.com/2009/08/year-of-cock-book-review.html">"Year of the Cock," by Alan Weider</a><br /><br />Jackie's excellent review includes a humorous anecdotal story about receiving the book in a box marked with the embarrassing label "Year of Cock".</td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align: top;"><img style="float: left; width: 90px; height: 137px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaZ9k76qmIXhrzzrvfikeSCp7rvNnMd7FC0ZoeBP6px9hrV5dk8wsy_iUmjrHdo_nSFvHaGmryVbmdDeTyBgS3b4Ic5iD3tVbJzXE5ic2BjjPPUIzFMG2xE1tfxrWmsc7dm7E4s2MfxZ8/s200/poison_fascinates_jennifer_clement%5B1%5D.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5367204721105302914" border="0" /></td><td style="padding: 10px; background-color: rgb(218, 230, 184);" valign="top"><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://jim-murdoch.blogspot.com/2009/08/poison-that-fascinates.html">"The Poison that Fascinates," by Jennifer Clement</a><br /><br />Jim Murdoch says: "This book is a fable, a work dripping in symbolism. A fascinating read, multi-layered and with an ending to leave you wondering."</td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align: top;"><img style="float: left; width: 90px; height: 133px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7jWpwh7N1xKaoh6PyfOIV5iiTmtQV4aB0OB5qXuQL96Drg7QcQD0ZdIpg0IY8Xl2Nn0P3DEAKGK_TPrMFC-ssTRKHU4Ti0YGmFkuhXQkgkDtnPibKTg7EBdyI_B7v0E4oeMuEWhVWk9Q/s320/scarpetta-factor-patrician-cornwell.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5367669906526876994" border="0" /></td><td style="padding: 10px; background-color: rgb(218, 230, 184);" valign="top"><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.bookofrandomness.com/2009/08/07/42/">"The Scarpetta Factor," by Patricia Cornwell</a><br /><br />Book of Randomness talks about how great the Kay Scarpetta series is: "The Patricia Corwell books are easy, entertaining, and action packed reads. I guarantee you will enjoy them."</td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align: top;"><img style="float: left; width: 90px; height: 136px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU811lQ2k1DQVX3p89RtAhocVMyU-i4RccssyW4J4I2tDRCcFEmGOKFl3tBomHs_T_dKpdUObTH4oOneL5maQ-N19EAl6dJMbFMg1m3z4j4v9hUavQn8dcjlc-sbRVgxvo-9F1R9M25YA/s200/dark-mirror-barry-maitland" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5369445822439629138" border="0" /></td><td style="padding: 10px; background-color: rgb(218, 230, 184);" valign="top"><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://paradise-mysteries.blogspot.com/2009/08/review-dark-mirror-barry-maitland.html">"Dark Mirror," by Barry Maitland</a><br /><br />A research student collapses and dies in the London Library, vomiting and going into seizures. It appears that the cause of death is arsenic poisoning. A fascinating murder mystery by a much under-rated Australian author. </td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align: top;"><img style="float: left; width: 90px; height: 137px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDjp0dN3WgYFNji1pcogRwCJ9MjbrthaxKtss-MoJFLuJtYjW4nFJ7SlU0ao4FR5ovVYl0IbZUBfc3aeAEUpCDZ3gIZh-skQ0Wt5DXinpbUnrzPYqLaxzdTTyKa6GR4c0yx3oaX0QVDMs/s200/TheFountainhead-ayn-rand.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5369446859207034754" border="0" /></td><td style="padding: 10px; background-color: rgb(218, 230, 184);" valign="top"><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://theviewspaper.net/the-fountainhead-a-review/">"Fountainhead," by Ayn Rand</a><br /><br />This 1943 novel is still attracting readers who enjoy its unique style of writing.</td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align: top;"><img style="float: left; width: 90px; height: 139px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWik-sg_2spw7fSL4Z1oZGOlUHd1C-sa-c4N6L6IUDjFhtUc24dz-XIG7o3z6pvfu1_gRoy5g5JeE2fRLLHOHCegDMeTPoaZxJDZyTLaWisp-DDmVeYQNouA7d-xOkyRz-mMH3wRdWNZw/s200/year-flood-margaret-atwood.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5369583809786997874" border="0" /></td><td style="padding: 10px; background-color: rgb(218, 230, 184);" valign="top"><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://necromancyneverpays.blogspot.com/2009/07/year-of-flood.html">"The Year of the Flood," by Margaret Atwood</a><br /><br />The Year of the Flood is a novel that manages to explore the consequences of how we live now--particularly how we've been treating the environment and our attitude towards the inevitable pandemics to come--by showing the effects on a group of characters that includes someone with whom every reader will be able to identify.</td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align: top;"><img style="float: left; width: 90px; height: 139px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZo1PcwUrH4AelKUDm6BnMZP-YYA6FhKiITt8-zxdRMgkI6vUX47YaV6ybod6UcdZyP3FLZXLFiWzLmR90F7aaBxBNaNMWCtxhWfhTGigwzcEPA4iZAPXrHgF4jb4ZfN6Hapm7zvv-U-k/s200/reamains-of-the-day-kazuo-ishiguro.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5369584939500682450" border="0" /></td><td style="padding: 10px; background-color: rgb(218, 230, 184);" valign="top"><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://ms.smartypantsknowitall.com/archives/1683">"The Remains of the Day," by Kazuo Ishiguro</a><br /><br />The Remains of the Day is a first-person narrative of two journeys. We’re not exactly sure who the audience for this narrative is (us? an unseen character? just the narrator’s own thoughts?) and in what format it is supposed to exist (letter? diary? internal monologue?), but we do know who the narrator is.</td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align: top;"><img style="float: left; width: 90px; height: 140px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrerPS9ikSsj_P8y_ep2wc9MXwK6RimAab2KM2yTFwUPawLn_YDpG1fgs-kUN3d1_XQUON42eCcWumhKbqlzPjUiPT4g9no3b7Led1PfXm3ByVcHm4wA1VkTg2iRR8EO9bkChOTib_Jfw/s200/stranger-fiction-jim-murdoch.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5369587784995958754" border="0" /></td><td style="padding: 10px; background-color: rgb(218, 230, 184);" valign="top"><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://jim-murdoch.blogspot.com/2009/08/son-of-so-who-in-their-right-mind.html">"Stranger Than Fiction," by Jim Murdoch</a><br /><br />Scottish author Jim Murdoch introduces his new novel 'Stranger than Fiction' in which the hero of his first novel is once again pitted against the personification of truth. So much was revealed to him in the first novel that you would think he had nothing more to worry about. Far from it.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div>NathanKPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11778888923964317040noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5607223608114407209.post-46863950357114203632009-08-15T14:28:00.003-05:002009-11-08T16:42:58.580-06:00“Elijah of Buxton,” by Christopher Paul Curtis<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAgYJCY_OsKBd2LpwMBd3zo_4NA02lLrM8_yPD_dbkwWZWC4Cl5Xf3tK68BXgXTt5gx3kKz-zQVLagosQpW7UuXAyuYELPJm_qqpPR35jtQWfiJq8D7VRVrUj6MymFO_fIT0js9r5Eoc0/s1600-h/elijah-buxton-christopher-paul-curtis.jpeg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 217px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAgYJCY_OsKBd2LpwMBd3zo_4NA02lLrM8_yPD_dbkwWZWC4Cl5Xf3tK68BXgXTt5gx3kKz-zQVLagosQpW7UuXAyuYELPJm_qqpPR35jtQWfiJq8D7VRVrUj6MymFO_fIT0js9r5Eoc0/s320/elijah-buxton-christopher-paul-curtis.jpeg" alt="Book Cover Art for Elijah of Buxton by Christopher Paul Curtis" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366564424076784626" border="0" /></a>“Elijah of Buxton,” by Christopher Paul Curtis is a Newberry Honor Award novel about a young boy living in a historic Canadian community for runaway slaves.<br /><br />Eleven-year-old Elijah was the first child born in Buxton, Canada, a small settlement formed by runaway slaves who escaped over the border. Elijah is viewed by some as a symbol of the newfound freedom available in Buxton. At the same time, though, Elijah feels a little letdown about the fact that one of the community's favorite anecdotes is about Elijah as a baby throwing up on Fredrick Douglass, the famous escaped slave and Abolitionist orator.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Inkweaver Review has moved to a new web location. Please read the rest of this book review at its new address:</span><br /><br /><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.books-for-sale.org/775/elijah-of-buxton-by-christopher-paul-curtis/">Book Review of "Elijah of Buxton" by Christopher Paul Curtis</a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span>NathanKPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11778888923964317040noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5607223608114407209.post-5903290655148980502009-08-13T14:25:00.002-05:002009-11-09T10:37:56.142-06:00“Finding Miracles,” by Julia Alvarez<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5tCpLZcD8eFtd2fBfxpw7K_ZsG9m1hGnNfScVNjeujPRm6VbwWTQZpMmg-9mGPcRETddlNmO424sE7Rq1SYkG19YogaSsGv8rXkxHdpPPpYxnSnnt1WrHPP26jTW4RwZInuM-uj4xPp8/s1600-h/finding-miracles-julia-alvarez.jpeg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 194px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5tCpLZcD8eFtd2fBfxpw7K_ZsG9m1hGnNfScVNjeujPRm6VbwWTQZpMmg-9mGPcRETddlNmO424sE7Rq1SYkG19YogaSsGv8rXkxHdpPPpYxnSnnt1WrHPP26jTW4RwZInuM-uj4xPp8/s320/finding-miracles-julia-alvarez.jpeg" alt="Book Cover Art for Finding Miracles by Julia Alvarez" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366563727491825634" border="0" /></a>“Finding Miracles,” by Julia Alvarez is a novel about a teenage girl who must accept her history as an adopted orphan from a third world country.<br /><br />Milly Kaufman does her best to be a normal American teenager, but she feels haunted by her past. In her parent's bedroom is The Box, a mahogany chest in which the truth of Milly's past is stored. Milly, however, is afraid of her past, so she has never opened The Box, and she tries to forget that she was adopted by her parents when they were working for the Peace Corps in a third world country. Her parents never nag her to open The Box, because they know that when Milly is ready she will do so.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Inkweaver Review has moved to a new web address. Please read the rest of this review at its new location:</span><br /><br /><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.books-for-sale.org/786/finding-miracles-by-julia-alvarez/">Review of "Finding Miracles" by Julia Alvarez</a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span>NathanKPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11778888923964317040noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5607223608114407209.post-71934975900546344572009-08-11T14:22:00.002-05:002009-09-08T15:34:46.964-05:00“The Great Wide Sea” by M. H. Herlong<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3DyLZi58TX-cQnC_k1z-xfxKxGJX6lYvA4YUSkUlk28jiYDDyQuCf0PYI46dBnQc5HAHvKPoTwJ5W4Bc2BgHqvO5eNrr2bWmARiDTIeEk6yf5gTnpTX6njuYR0vgRPLMxLBi1jLk9DnU/s1600-h/greatwidesea-herlong.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 210px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3DyLZi58TX-cQnC_k1z-xfxKxGJX6lYvA4YUSkUlk28jiYDDyQuCf0PYI46dBnQc5HAHvKPoTwJ5W4Bc2BgHqvO5eNrr2bWmARiDTIeEk6yf5gTnpTX6njuYR0vgRPLMxLBi1jLk9DnU/s320/greatwidesea-herlong.jpg" alt="Book Cover Art for The Great Wide Sea by M. H. Herlong" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366562939213946978" border="0" /></a>“The Great Wide Sea” by M. H. Herlong is an epic survival story about three children lost at sea in a forty foot sailboat.<br /><br />Two months after a tragic accident that killed his mother, Ben and his family are still recovering. But then Ben's father suddenly announces that he has sold the house so that they can depart on a one year sailing trip through the Florida Keys. Ben and his two younger brothers Dylan and Gerry do not want to go, but they have little choice, because their father has already made the decision.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Inkweaver Review is moving to a new web address. Please read the rest of this review at its new location:</span><br /><br /><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.books-for-sale.org/426/the-great-wide-sea-by-m-h-herlong/">Review of "The Great Wide Sea" by M. H. Herlong</a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span>NathanKPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11778888923964317040noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5607223608114407209.post-6498098196930202172009-08-09T14:18:00.002-05:002009-11-09T10:45:08.460-06:00“Guardian,” by Julius Lester<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt8AfH6WTVaAtBaTd6ht8M4thsRuWFARYMnSASwrPkfp8F40XjwlhJsGrR5jwMm3a8aCb35YHjoM9DztcKHjNdvXoCEzzc0qJNJF6-vC_RCcsVa9NaACkp0YWNUpxz7QM-MxCBYyetBWs/s1600-h/guardian-julius-lester.jpeg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 232px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt8AfH6WTVaAtBaTd6ht8M4thsRuWFARYMnSASwrPkfp8F40XjwlhJsGrR5jwMm3a8aCb35YHjoM9DztcKHjNdvXoCEzzc0qJNJF6-vC_RCcsVa9NaACkp0YWNUpxz7QM-MxCBYyetBWs/s320/guardian-julius-lester.jpeg" alt="Book Cover Art for Guardian by Julius Lester" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366561746735355458" border="0" /></a>“Guardian,” by Julius Lester is a moving short novel about a young white boy who witnesses a shocking lynching that tears apart his family and his trust.<br /><br />Fourteen-year-old Ansel Anderson lives in Davis, a small town deep in the Southern United States. In 1946 racism and hatred still run strong, but Ansel himself doesn't understand why his Dad and other grownups seem to hate black people. Ansel and his young black friend Willie are like brothers and enjoy going fishing in the afternoons when Ansel's Dad lets them off from working at the family store. But Ansel's father Bert doesn't approve of his son's friendship in the least.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Inkweaver Review has moved to a new web address. Please read the rest of this review at its new location:</span><br /><br /><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.books-for-sale.org/790/guardian-by-julius-lester/">Review of "Guardian" by Julius Lester</a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span>NathanKPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11778888923964317040noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5607223608114407209.post-41761202267435515602009-08-07T14:15:00.002-05:002009-08-17T22:33:01.927-05:00“Hard Hit,” by Ann Turner“Hard Hit,” by Ann Turner is a brief poetic exploration about a boy who loses his father to cancer.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOR4R0PCrI_HbvCYJKWkgAZnA8aInwuexAaR2TpULXbUSCe6Qcm9zJbS932DcZfx4SDFUM_yBwPSqhN8huLRMLK_K1M9zymLN9_Fvi57HJ9WO5Zvd2obuEIhvpuHS0SRekJTnrYD8Xqv8/s1600-h/Hard+Hit+Ann+Turner.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 206px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOR4R0PCrI_HbvCYJKWkgAZnA8aInwuexAaR2TpULXbUSCe6Qcm9zJbS932DcZfx4SDFUM_yBwPSqhN8huLRMLK_K1M9zymLN9_Fvi57HJ9WO5Zvd2obuEIhvpuHS0SRekJTnrYD8Xqv8/s320/Hard+Hit+Ann+Turner.jpg" alt="Book Cover Art for Hard hit by Ann Turner" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366560927019893250" border="0" /></a>Throughout “Hard Hit” Ann Turner writes in a rather distinctive style. Almost all her sentences are written on the right hand pages in lines that are four or less words long. Only in a few places does she use the left hand pages, and only to make certain key phrases stand out.<br /><br />The main character is young Mark Warren. Compared with many other children, Mark Warren has a great life. He's a star pitcher for his high school baseball team, he has a great family with two parents, and Diane, the pretty girl in his class, seems to be on her way to becoming his girlfriend.<br /><br />But then Mark's father is diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. This news completely changes the focus of Mark's life. Mark is willing to try anything, praying to God, even not fighting with his sister, if only his father will survive.<br /><br />Then Mark decides that if he can pitch a no-hitter baseball game for his father than his father will get well. Mark works out his frustrations by practicing pitching all day while Diane and Mark's best friend Eddie help him fine tune his skills.<br /><br />Mark works hard to pitch a no-hitter game but he can't seem to do it. For a while it seems that he won't have to. The chemotherapy that has been making his father so sick seems to have done the trick. CAT scans show that the tumor has shrunk and Mark's father regains some of his energy.<br /><br />But then Mark's father has a relapse and the cancer returns, worse then ever. Mark is more determined than ever to pitch a no-hitter for his father, but will it make any difference in the end?<br /><br />“Hard Hit” is a very touching book, even if its style is a little bit sparse. However, Ann Turner's words are honest and pure and their style is sure to appeal to anyone suffering from the loss of a close relative. “Hard Hit” is obviously designed specifically for that purpose, with addresses and contact information in the back for such organization as The National Center for Grieving Children and Families, and The American Cancer Society.<br /><br />“Hard Hit” is a beautifully written book that many young readers can benefit greatly from.<br /><br /><a href="http://inkweaver-review.blogspot.com/2008/03/inkweaver-review-book-rating-system.html"><strong>Inkweaver Book Rating:</strong></a><br /><br /><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left;" alt="★★★" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivCy4MMK6cZ2EiF9YmIazKpJqBNt8daSheUHcQKo-YAlQ2hZ8r2Uks69QTT3YZqb-Uyzf7auvxa7JEJPmsEjnLvZsckEVa4K126tBJwemC68MTDFXeNqKpntMfJoBruUxviyG0Rxyzc-GS/" border="0" /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Plot</span><br /><br /><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left;" alt="★★★" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivCy4MMK6cZ2EiF9YmIazKpJqBNt8daSheUHcQKo-YAlQ2hZ8r2Uks69QTT3YZqb-Uyzf7auvxa7JEJPmsEjnLvZsckEVa4K126tBJwemC68MTDFXeNqKpntMfJoBruUxviyG0Rxyzc-GS/" border="0" /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Characters</span><br /><br /><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left;" alt="★★★" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivCy4MMK6cZ2EiF9YmIazKpJqBNt8daSheUHcQKo-YAlQ2hZ8r2Uks69QTT3YZqb-Uyzf7auvxa7JEJPmsEjnLvZsckEVa4K126tBJwemC68MTDFXeNqKpntMfJoBruUxviyG0Rxyzc-GS/" border="0" /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Presentation</span><br /><br /><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left;" alt="★★★" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivCy4MMK6cZ2EiF9YmIazKpJqBNt8daSheUHcQKo-YAlQ2hZ8r2Uks69QTT3YZqb-Uyzf7auvxa7JEJPmsEjnLvZsckEVa4K126tBJwemC68MTDFXeNqKpntMfJoBruUxviyG0Rxyzc-GS/" border="0" /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Overall</span>NathanKPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11778888923964317040noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5607223608114407209.post-40999859398623423262009-08-05T14:07:00.005-05:002009-08-31T16:55:31.237-05:00“Rules,” by Cynthia Lord<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGQ3oUInvIe7QoVoi3jfiVrBRRSr6HwnR0Un8_ZndDq0rPqmB9s5aipmlvqB5JhF6Wc6A-8QTLgB8BpGFWQgHBlDNCdNI7TCTyjPlTJxO5YpNFOFKnXENUaMYdclwR4SAwV5_pVKQNKns/s1600-h/rules-cythia-lord.jpeg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 221px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGQ3oUInvIe7QoVoi3jfiVrBRRSr6HwnR0Un8_ZndDq0rPqmB9s5aipmlvqB5JhF6Wc6A-8QTLgB8BpGFWQgHBlDNCdNI7TCTyjPlTJxO5YpNFOFKnXENUaMYdclwR4SAwV5_pVKQNKns/s320/rules-cythia-lord.jpeg" alt="Book Cover Art for Rules by Cynthia Lord" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366559200954483442" border="0" /></a>“Rules,” by Cynthia Lord is a touching story about a girl who must change her attitude about what is “normal” and learn to appreciate her autistic younger brother and a surprising new friend who is confined to a wheelchair.<br /><br />Like most other twelve-year-olds Catherine wants to have friends and live a fairly normal life. Unfortunately, neither of these goals seem obtainable. Catherine’s autistic younger brother David always seems to chase off potential friends. When other girls learn about Catherine’s brother they treat her differently as well. Catherine’s parents tell her that if the other girls can’t accept David then they wouldn’t make good friends anyway.<br /><br />But Catherine still wishes that her brother was normal.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Inkweaver Review is moving to a new web address. Please read the rest of this book review at its new location:</span><br /><br /><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.books-for-sale.org/329/rules-by-cynthia-lord/">Book Review of "Rules" by Cynthia Lord</a>NathanKPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11778888923964317040noreply@blogger.com26tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5607223608114407209.post-77258328473978462252009-07-31T17:49:00.004-05:002009-08-17T22:29:42.157-05:00“Dork on the Run,” by Carol Gorman“Dork on the Run,” by Carol Gorman is the humorous tale of a shy, geeky young boy who finds himself as a candidate for president of sixth grade.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYHVgKm7MLtCy8t0seHIGvMwhmrw-5h2JK2sFmGFeRbZrZ1H6_Tf6Wm8h38VzV6RR2Ryr98aam72ctz11Fl6STeIl8JE8mSeZkPf-hrjwmwR99R16indSc2YYSZHgjXGFgn9DORffYiXo/s1600-h/dork-run-carol-gorman.jpeg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 216px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYHVgKm7MLtCy8t0seHIGvMwhmrw-5h2JK2sFmGFeRbZrZ1H6_Tf6Wm8h38VzV6RR2Ryr98aam72ctz11Fl6STeIl8JE8mSeZkPf-hrjwmwR99R16indSc2YYSZHgjXGFgn9DORffYiXo/s320/dork-run-carol-gorman.jpeg" alt="Book Cover Art for Dork on the Run by Carol Gorman" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364760705397406946" border="0" /></a>In “Dork in Disguise” readers are introduced to Jerry Flack, a bona fide dork complete with glasses, an interest in science, and complete ignorance of social skills and pop culture. In the first book Jerry briefly tried to pass himself off as a cool person, but since then he has learned a little more about how to handle himself in public, and has found his own circle of friends without having to change himself to please the “cool kids.”<br /><br />When Brenda, one of his new friends and a fellow science club member, suggests that Jerry run for sixth grade president he is a little skeptical. But then Jerry takes a look at the ballot. The other candidate so far is Gabe Marshall, a cool jock known for his looks and brashness, but not for intelligence. Gabe’s campaign platform has the goal of eliminating late rules and putting video games in the detention room.<br /><br />Jerry has much better plans for the school, but to make them reality he will have to run for president himself, and that means running against Gabe and his cool friends and supporters. Somewhat reluctant, but still determined Jerry enters his name in the ballot.<br /><br />Little does Jerry realize, but this will be a decision that he will regret before long. Soon Gabe and his friends begin playing a series of devious tricks to make Jerry Flack look foolish. Among other things they distribute humiliating pictures of Jerry crashing while ice skating and screaming in terror while Gabe and his friends hang him out a second story school window.<br /><br />Before long Jerry is the subject of all the school jokes. It appears that his campaign is doomed to failure, but there is something that Jerry can do to turn this humiliation around, if he can just figure it out in time.<br /><br />“Dork on the Run,” is another great installment in the Jerry Flack series by Carol Gorman. Carol Gorman does a marvelous job portraying the complex dynamics of the middle school environment, with its conflicting cliques and dramatic personalities.<br /><br />Jerry is an amusing character that will quickly gain the sympathy of readers. His personality, though geeky, is cool at the same time, and that is the point of the entire series.<br /><br />I recommend “Dork on the Run” to all young readers.<br /><br /><a href="http://inkweaver-review.blogspot.com/2008/03/inkweaver-review-book-rating-system.html"><strong>Inkweaver Book Rating:</strong></a><br /><br /><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left;" alt="★★★★★" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCgiYe3nBd-uhDLxZFHCQTYyTmFWGMzjo_Xi5o7qznTaoThiKxV1EXxI5-xYDn3mCvFy3SvzQmCKlu4EjnGrfDXnneAM2XF3vtChPjSHECL40mcaPf_TrHb_eAGUnS7NIdsthejxsaXRC2/" border="0" /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Plot</span><br /><br /><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left;" alt="★★★★★" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCgiYe3nBd-uhDLxZFHCQTYyTmFWGMzjo_Xi5o7qznTaoThiKxV1EXxI5-xYDn3mCvFy3SvzQmCKlu4EjnGrfDXnneAM2XF3vtChPjSHECL40mcaPf_TrHb_eAGUnS7NIdsthejxsaXRC2/" border="0" /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Characters</span><br /><br /><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left;" alt="★★★★" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFKTDMRW3alyzHNY-uxqmNu9BX5omfdxZzmvSwYPrNhgVtxQ5QsIMEThEwfAKahI9Jbmmm5cRf3oA4v_Tr2FlfCi6ZzOEmE7ZNe66sTVkW2e17j47Zi_EQpffxfu-BWx3sdAEe0o5kg1Im/" border="0" /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Presentation</span><br /><br /><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left;" alt="★★★★★" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCgiYe3nBd-uhDLxZFHCQTYyTmFWGMzjo_Xi5o7qznTaoThiKxV1EXxI5-xYDn3mCvFy3SvzQmCKlu4EjnGrfDXnneAM2XF3vtChPjSHECL40mcaPf_TrHb_eAGUnS7NIdsthejxsaXRC2/" border="0" /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Overall</span>NathanKPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11778888923964317040noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5607223608114407209.post-4252103171350819492009-07-25T13:54:00.002-05:002009-08-24T09:41:42.546-05:00“Milicent Min - Girl Genius” by Lisa Yee<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZxASxXp1syKPADH1C549sRve988yOnbedIqrrdvXAUvzxPhoR50ggv0Uxw2Ofw7dMysc1tmxd8Gd-VmEU3ET8mrjaXT3beIKakZPrsjUfge0StaDdM16N6znH9Ko-vfxTfKUzR05K1JI/s1600-h/millicent-min-girl-genius-lisa-yee"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 221px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZxASxXp1syKPADH1C549sRve988yOnbedIqrrdvXAUvzxPhoR50ggv0Uxw2Ofw7dMysc1tmxd8Gd-VmEU3ET8mrjaXT3beIKakZPrsjUfge0StaDdM16N6znH9Ko-vfxTfKUzR05K1JI/s320/millicent-min-girl-genius-lisa-yee" alt="Book Cover Art for Milicent Min - Girl Genius by Lisa Yee" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5359504714505671154" border="0" /></a>“Milicent Min - Girl Genius” by Lisa Yee is a humorous book about a young Asian girl who is a genius. But for some reason, when it comes to social interaction she’s a little bit ignorant.<br /><br />Millicent’s parents are always worried that she hasn’t had a chance to enjoy a “normal childhood.” But Millicent doesn’t care. She would much rather be what she is: a child genius who has been featured in TV shows and Time magazine. Millicent has skipped so many grades that she is attending high school at age eleven. Unfortunately, this makes all the other kids her age hate her.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Inkweaver Review is moving to a new web address. Please read the rest of this review at its new location:</span><br /><br /><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.books-for-sale.org/209/milicent-min-girl-genius-by-lisa-yee/">Review of "Milicent Min - Girl Genius" by Lisa Yee</a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span>NathanKPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11778888923964317040noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5607223608114407209.post-9582864533462239252009-07-23T10:28:00.001-05:002009-08-17T22:32:32.724-05:00“Exodus,” by Julie Bertagna“Exodus,” by Julie Bertagna is an amazing science fiction novel about a future in which global warming has resulted in rising sea levels that have covered most of the world in water.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeXcTVHtkAOOmMXfZ9l-b5HmFELhbmujdVSfIrxxrw3WH9VzhfbkhGJoVsQloBHqUl0S28xGe8QZZ1rK-tr83qPCxIG3b6LbUGY4uhfxtxIxye_9zCq5iBclFPIfn61Qjnnxjl8GaFLhc/s1600-h/exodus-julie-bertagna.jpeg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 207px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeXcTVHtkAOOmMXfZ9l-b5HmFELhbmujdVSfIrxxrw3WH9VzhfbkhGJoVsQloBHqUl0S28xGe8QZZ1rK-tr83qPCxIG3b6LbUGY4uhfxtxIxye_9zCq5iBclFPIfn61Qjnnxjl8GaFLhc/s320/exodus-julie-bertagna.jpeg" alt="Book Cover Art for Exodus by Julie Bertagna" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5358896669598383250" border="0" /></a>Wing is an isolated island in the Northern Sea. Each year the seas rise a little farther, forcing the people of Wing to move upland. And each year the winter storms hit Wing even harder. For fifteen-year-old Mara the storms are frightening, and she is convinced that there must be some way to escape the situation.<br /><br />In her spare time Mara uses the Weave, an ancient virtual reality system, to search for information about what Earth was once like and what happened to the rest of the world. Most modern technology no longer works, but pieces of the Weave still operate, and Mara is able to tap into it. The Weave once bustled with human avatars, but now it is empty, and all that is left are representations of the disturbing wreckage of Earth’s civilization, interrupted at its very peak by world disaster. The Weave is full of frightening calls for help, and last minute news reports about worldwide flooding.<br /><br />But deep in the Weave Mara finds clues that lead her to believe that just before the world flooded a series of elevated cities were built on huge platforms above the water. These cities were called New World cities, and in pictures they appear beautiful, with intricate platforms and tubes. Mara dreams about finding one of these cities and leading the people of her island to live there.<br /><br />Finally Mara uncovers clues that reveal the location of a New World city called New Mungo. Excited, she uncovers her ultimate plan to the people of Wing. They should sail South, leaving Wing behind, and become a part of New Mungo.<br /><br />After some deliberation the people of Wing decide to leave their island. Really they have no choice. The sea is rising so rapidly that they may not be able to survive another winter without being washed out to sea by rising floodwaters.<br /><br />So the people of Wing set out for the New World city. Upon arriving at New Mungo, though, they find themselves locked out. New Mungo is a giant elevated city and its residents have little concern for any others who may have the misfortune to not have an elevated city of their own. The thousands of refugees that live below New Mungo have nowhere else to go, and now the people of Wing have no choice but to join them. The squalid conditions of the refugee camp cause sickness and anger. Even the danger of Wing would be preferable.<br /><br />But Mara is still determined to save her people. If she could just find some way past New Mungo’s defenses then perhaps she could find a way to save not only the people of Wing, but the other suffering refugees as well.<br /><br />“Exodus” is an amazing story in all respects. Author Julie Bertagna has envisioned a stunning world, reminiscent in some ways of “The Other Side of the Island.” In a world engulfed with water there is limited interchange of ideas, and as a result each group of isolated people develops their own dramatically different culture.<br /><br />This makes for some very interesting characters. All of the main players in “Exodus” are well designed, with their strong and weak points to balance them out. I will be especially interested in seeing how “Exodus” develops as a series. The book ends with plenty of room for further developments, and I’m sure that a sequel will come soon.<br /><br />I definitely recommend “Exodus” as one of the most interesting utopian/dystopian novels I’ve read.<br /><br /><a href="http://inkweaver-review.blogspot.com/2008/03/inkweaver-review-book-rating-system.html"><strong>Inkweaver Book Rating:</strong></a><br /><br /><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left;" alt="★★★★" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFKTDMRW3alyzHNY-uxqmNu9BX5omfdxZzmvSwYPrNhgVtxQ5QsIMEThEwfAKahI9Jbmmm5cRf3oA4v_Tr2FlfCi6ZzOEmE7ZNe66sTVkW2e17j47Zi_EQpffxfu-BWx3sdAEe0o5kg1Im/" border="0" /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Plot</span><br /><br /><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left;" alt="★★★★★" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCgiYe3nBd-uhDLxZFHCQTYyTmFWGMzjo_Xi5o7qznTaoThiKxV1EXxI5-xYDn3mCvFy3SvzQmCKlu4EjnGrfDXnneAM2XF3vtChPjSHECL40mcaPf_TrHb_eAGUnS7NIdsthejxsaXRC2/" border="0" /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Characters</span><br /><br /><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left;" alt="★★★★★" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCgiYe3nBd-uhDLxZFHCQTYyTmFWGMzjo_Xi5o7qznTaoThiKxV1EXxI5-xYDn3mCvFy3SvzQmCKlu4EjnGrfDXnneAM2XF3vtChPjSHECL40mcaPf_TrHb_eAGUnS7NIdsthejxsaXRC2/" border="0" /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Presentation</span><br /><br /><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left;" alt="★★★★★" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCgiYe3nBd-uhDLxZFHCQTYyTmFWGMzjo_Xi5o7qznTaoThiKxV1EXxI5-xYDn3mCvFy3SvzQmCKlu4EjnGrfDXnneAM2XF3vtChPjSHECL40mcaPf_TrHb_eAGUnS7NIdsthejxsaXRC2/" border="0" /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Overall</span>NathanKPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11778888923964317040noreply@blogger.com36