The Stone Traveler

YA



by Kathi Oram Peterson








Look at this cover. It's gorgeous. A promise of adventure in the South American jungle.

Does it deliver?

Yes, it does.

Sixteen-year-old Tag is tired. Tired of the way things are. The best way to break away is to be how he likes to be. Though he is fair with a spread of many freckles, he loves his hair black. Along with the spiked dog collar.

After a particular unsavory incident at school, his cousin rats him out and now he is facing his consequence: spending the entire summer with old Grandpa who chats with his wife's ghost.

Perfect.


Well, not exactly. He decides to sneak away when everyone's asleep. That's when he stumbles across the stone. Unable to resist the temptation to take it, he is whisked headlong into the past. Far into the past. When scripture heroes (and villains) roamed the southern part of North America.

This was a fun page-turner for me. I empathized with Tag, though he hated everyone and everything. A hidden darkness haunts him and he doesn't realize it until the purpose of his journey into the past unfolds. I feel as if Tag lost a bit of his voice when he sailed into time, but maybe it is because he is surrounded with others who don't speak slang? I cried when Tag finally finds peace in his heart. And forgiveness.

This is a beautiful, heartwarming story. It left me with much to think about.


Kathi Oram Peterson has created a wonderful, rich world that will have you neglecting your homework!

Click on any of the links below to add this wonderful read to your library!

Seagull Book, Deseret Book, or Amazon. Hmmm, choices choices!!!

The trailer gave me chills!











Rated PG for some peril

posted by Polka Dot

Dragon Rider

Middle Grade




by Cornelia Funke

Main Characters: Firedrake (dragon), Ben (boy), Sorrel (a brownie cat), Twigleg (a mini person), Crows, and Nettlebrand (a golden Dragon)

This story is about dragons who are trying to find a new home away from people that are ruining the forest they live in. The Rim of Heaven is rumored to be a haven for all dragon kind. Firedrake goes in search along with Sorrel for this well-protected home. Firedrake hides in an old abandoned warehouse from people as he is traveling. A young boy goes in there to hide from Bullies, but they follow him in. Firedrake growls at the Bullies to scare them off. The young boy, Ben, helps Firedrake find the home he is looking for. Sorrel disagrees with this. (Sorrel disagrees with everything).

Nettlebrand, the evil golden dragon, is in search for Firedrake and The Rim of Heaven. He wants to eat Firedrake along with Firedrake’s dragon friends. Ben finds Twigleg, Nettlebrand’s spy and slave who is very friendly. He doesn’t know who Twigleg’s identity is.

The most exciding part of the book is when Nettlebrand tries to eat a cactus and the battle scene.

I really don’t like Nettlebrand because of how evil he is. I don’t like the crows because they are spies for Nettlebrand.

I think this story is interesting in its own way. There’s a sweet romance with Firedrake and Ben finds him a girl as well. I like Sorrel because she is grumpy and her cute habits (she eats Mushrooms!) Read the book and find out the simple ingredient to Nettlebrand’s downfall.

I recommend this book!

Rated G: a safe and exciting read!

posted by Mittens

An Angel on Main Street

by Kathi Oram Peterson



general fiction







My first impression when I first picked up this book was: Is this an inspirational story about a mysterious person doing random acts of kindness?

So I snuggled into bed and turned to the first page and read.

All at once, I was whisked into a boy's world where he struggled with previous life's choices and made the commitment to walk brighter pathways. Suddenly, he is faced with many trials that could possibly lead him into relapses while others believe he has lost his way. It wasn't until I was five pages into the story that I realized that I did not know his name! As soon as that thought hit me, I put the book down, surprised.

Yes, Kathi is that good a writer. I felt as if I knew Micah Conners already without the introduction of his name. I was already drawn into the story, the characters, the setting, the theme. I was hooked.

As I read, I hoped that Micah would make good choices so as to avoid the heartache of consequences that follow from poor decisions. I cheered him when he had the strength to walk away from potentially precarious situations. I wept with him when his heart broke from lost hope. My heart warmed for him when he finally found faith and peace in his shambled world.

I am rather impressed with Kathi's gift of slipping into Micah's head and making him come alive. His emotions and thoughts and feelings remained true and so believable it had me laughing in certain parts and crying in others.

Just as in real life, the closer Micah drew to his goal, the more tangled life became. With the stout heart of a warrior, he fought for his beliefs and grew stronger from them though he felt lost and alone and afraid.

This story is so wrought with faith, courage, and strength, that I am making it a part of my family's Christmas celebration this year.

So, where does the angel part come into play you ask? Find out for yourself and add this wonderful story to your family Christmas tradition!




Rated G for warm Christmas fun.

post by Polka Dot

Warriors

YA

by Erin Hunter

Main Characters in Warriors (all are cats): Kettypet (house pet) name: Rusty; apprentice name: Firepaw (his name changes throughout the books); Warrior name: Fireheart; and Leader’s name: Firestar; apprentice name: Graypaw; Warrior name: Graystripe (he is Firestar’s best friend), apprentice name: Sandpaw; Warrior name: Sandstorm (she is Firestar’s mate), Tigerclaw (Bluestar’s deputy), Bluestar (Leader of Thunderclan), Yellowfang (Medicine cat), apprentice name: Cloudpaw; Warrior name: Cloudtail, and Cinderpelt (Medicine cat)

A mysterious prophecy is given from Starclan: Fire alone can save the clan. Bluestar is mystified by the prophecy. she knows fire is an enemy to all clans . . . or is it? She wonders what the prophecy means. She takes a kittypet into Thunderclan: Rusty. Tigerclaw is disgusted with Bluestar for bringing in a kittypet. Rusty later learns of dark secrets that other cats believe should have left hidden. He sends his friend away to live with a loner and to be safe from a vicious murder. A cat from within Rust’s clan threatens to destroy the trust Bluestar has for her warriors and her faith in Starclan. Can Rusty stop this from happening? Can he save the clan in time from Bluestar’s mistrust and her rage? Read the Book and find out for yourself!!

Here are some thoughts about the books. My favorite Character is Rusty. When I first read the book it totally caught my interest plus I love cats. There are four series so far. I love to go to the website of Warriors. You can find out your warrior name on that site. My warrior name is Wildheart.

I recommend this first series! (I will review the other series (4 more), too)

rated PG battle scenes

posted by Mittens

The Hidden Sun

YA


By J. Lloyd Morgan








Whoa.

I would leave it at that because that's how I felt after the experience of reading this wonderful novel.

Deception. Intrigue. Love.

A lovely princess dares defy the laws of the kingdom by a single act. From there, it's a wild roller coaster ride. No, it's not a pretty princess book. By far, but there is a true love story hidden within these pages.

I literally gripped the book and chewed my nails and held my breath as I read.

I groaned, angry with the author regarding the huge tangled mess he weaves in the tale, because I am so in love with his characters.

It was the hope of justice that drove me.




Though there are many uncommon names, a few which are hard to pronounce, I was able to stay on task with the storyline without missing a beat. I forgave this first-time author's grammatical quirks because of how well the story is shared.

J. Lloyd Morgan is masterful at luring the reader with his lovable characters. So much that it wasn't hard to forge a connection immediately. I mourned the losses of those who could not survive. The author is in full control, no matter the feeling of the mire he throws in (though it's disheartening). He knows what he is doing.

I wish I could let slip more detail, but the story must be tasted with your own eyes.

I recommend this book!

Click here to add to your library.

The author has thoughtfully compiled a page for a behind-the-scenes-fun once you are done reading!

Enjoy the trailer! ;)




Rated PG for some peril

Post by Polka Dot

The Golden Cord

YA



by Paul Genesse



Main characters: Drake bloostone, Jep (dog),
Temus (dog), Bellor Fardelver (drobin), THor Hargrim (drobin), Liana Whitestar, Jaena Whitestar






The plot of the story is that the Drobin kingdom enslaves people, but the both of them are fighting dragons and griffins. Two Drobins (Bellor Fardelver and Thor Hargrim) show up at Drake's village. His village thinks they are a threat. A dragon is chasing Bellor and Thor; their mission is to destroy the Dragon king the king of dragons. Drake makes a decision to leave his village to help BEllor and Thor with their mission.

Drake goes to his uncle's village for food and fresh supplies for their second journey to the cave. There is a girl who wants to marry him bu he wants to marry Jaena Whitestar,t he priestess of their goddess.

I love this book because of it hooks you and makes it mystical and magical you will love the book, if you read it, of course. What kept me going was curiosity of what was going to happen to the dragon king.






I recommend this!


Rated PG-13 for some sensuality and swearing

posted by Mittens

(A book from my shelf review)

The Sapphire Flute

YA

by Karen E. Hoover



The first time I saw the book cover, I was thrilled with the bright animation and the emotional portrayal depicted. I thought the wolf was something to be feared, as the girls on the cover are staring at it. So I wondered what the significance of the wolf was. The picture portrays each character in her own right, but not a summary of any scene.

It is a story that brings to life two girls whose destinies are shaped and led by the Guardians who watch over their world and keep order to all magic.

Poor little Shandae—given the name of Ember to protect her from the forces that seek to destroy her—is thrown into the depths of peril from the moment she is born. Evil haunts her for the very power she later learns she possesses. Good fights to keep her under strict protection, as well as the order of wolves--the Bendanatu--do. They teach her the ways of her true blood.

Kayla is a talented musician that manipulates magic with the sounds of her flute. She enamors an entire kingdom with her skill. The king seeks her favor, and charges her to guard a very special and powerful keystone of blue magic—the Sapphire Flute.

The first part of this story is not filled with breakneck speeds of action, in your face terror or spine chilling fear. But please don't let this catch you with your book down. Remember, it is important, being the first book of SEVEN, to build the foundation of a world from its political organization, its secrets and most importantly, its magic. This book is a step to a bigger, richer world where the author promises not to disappoint a read filled with passion, excitement and even loss.

Karen E. Hoover is very talented when it comes to bringing life to her characters, like a puppeteer to the marionette. She has a vivid imagination; it is not difficult to follow the artistic weave of her words. I was there when Ember fought for her right of passage with such moving passion that I wept. I could taste the sweet feel of the sapphire flute's touch as Kayla battled against the nefarious C’Tan. The sense to tip the world back into harmonic balance is so well written that I wish I could leap right into the pages to assist their cause.

Be one of the first readers to add a copy to your library of reads!

Rated PG for some peril

posted by Polka Dot

Eldest

YA

By Christopher Paolini

Main Characters: Eragon (dragon rider), Snowfire (Horse), Saphira (dragon), Roran and Carvahall (a little town), Queen Islanzadi (elf), Elva, Orik (dwarf), Angela, Nasuada (leader of the varden), Glaedr (dragon), Oromis (dragon rider), Vanir (elf), Arya (elf), Murtagh (a dragon rider), Thorn (dragon) and the Ra’zac.

The plot of the story is that King Galbatorix is trying to get rid of the Varden. Eragon, a dragon rider and the Varden are Recovering from attack from the Urgals; the leaders of the Urgals were under the Control of Durza, a Shade a person controlled by evil spirits. Eragon and Saphira have joined the Varden and are now training with the Elves, in order to fight Galbatorix and his men. King Galbatorix has two dragon eggs left and is trying to hatch them. He succeeds with Murtagh, a dragon named Thorn has hatched to Murtagh.

Now Eragon is having trouble believing that Murtagh is working for King Galbatorix against his will, King Galbatorix forced Murtagh and his dragon to swear in the ancient language to be loyal to him. Eragon is soon horrors of his past.

I like the story because it is intriguing in its Characters. It caught my interest when I read the Back of Eragon. There are some things I found out about in the book that was really disappointing to me (but you’ll have to read the book and find out what happens). I will tell you one thing I didn’t like, is that King Galbatorix forced Murtagh and his dragon to be loyal to him.

I recommend this!

Rated PG for some battle violence

posted by Mittens

(A book from my shelf review)

Welcome to Our Box!

Hi! My name is Polka Dot, and this is my partner, Mittens.

For now, we will review a number of favorite books that I recommend. I won't ever recommend one that has fowl language, violence, or scenes that would make me blush.

There will times when we will be asked to review a book. Remember, we will always be honest with our thoughts, even when the books are given to us.