Peril on the Sea

Book Information
Cadnum, Michael. Peril on the Sea. New York: Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 2009.

My Summary and Review
In the tradition of Pirates of the Caribbean, Peril on the Sea is a thoughtful but thrilling action/romance novel set in 1588 on the high Seas. Sherwin is a young writer/shiphand on board the "Vixen" under the notorious privateer (legal pirate) Captain Fletcher. War with the Spanish Armada looms in the distant future, though Captain Fletcher does not plan on fighting any battles. The story quickly changes after young Katherine joins the crew to safeguard a shady deal between Captain Fletcher and her father, also a captain. A small romance blooms between Sherwin and Katherine, while a Spanish warship appears, and the "Vixen" is now in dangerous waters.

This is a fast-paced read from Michael Cadnum, who was a National Book Award Finalist in 2000. Peril at Sea will be enjoyed by young adults who have a taste for history and/or romance. Sherwin is a believable idealist writer/sailor who is exposed to underhanded dealings of privateers, yet who manages to keep his morals straight. Katherine is a strong female character who knows how to drive a hard bargain. Through Captain Fletcher, Michael Cadnum has created an unreliable character of mixed allegiances. This book also has informative historical references to notable English pirates/privateers and to life on the sea long ago that fit well into developing the plot.

Checkered Flag Cheater by Will Weaver

Book Information

Weaver, Will. Checkered Flag Cheater. New York: Farrar Strauss Giroux, 2010.

My Summary/Review

Checkered Flag Cheater is a breezy teen read. With a straightforward plot, plenty of "car talk" and lots of racing action, this book will be sure to please teens who are into cars and racing. Will Weaver's many years of experience in racing add a realistic layer to this novel.

The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman

 The Graveyard Book. By Neil Gaiman. Middle Grade, 2008.

My review/summary

Neil Gaiman is a superb writer for both children and adults. What better way to prepare for Halloween than by enjoying his modern classic, Newbery award-winning The Graveyard Book? The plot is simple enough for children, but the characters and the many cultural/symbolic references are enjoyable for adults too. After they have finished the book, readers should further research events, themes and symbols found in this book, including the "Danse Macabre" (or "macabray"), the Sleer and the Hounds of God.

Readers can also enjoy listening to Neil Gaiman read this book himself on his website Mouse Circus.


Neil Gaiman fans will also enjoy the following Youtube clips.


Jian Ghomeshi interviews Neil Gaiman for QTV (affiliated with the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation) Here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GJ08G6fQEkU

The Graveyard Book trailer. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P_UUVwTaemk

Follow Neil Gaiman on October 25th, as he appears on the TV show Arthur.

Enchanted Glass by Diana Wynne Jones

Book Information

Enchanted Glass by Diana Wynne Jones. HarperCollinsCanada, 2010.

My Summary and Review
Diana Wynne Jones has done it again! She continues to write gripping fantasy novels! Her latest is "Enchanted Glass", in which Andrew inherits his granfather's magical field-of-care. After mysterious young Aidan suddenly appears one day, both must combine their magical abilities to ward off otherworldly, sinister beings. It's particularly enjoyable to see how Wynne Jones weaves fantasy, magic and Shakespearean fairies into an enchanting plot!

Witch Week by Diana Wynne-Jones

My Review/Summary

"Someone in this class is a witch," begins Diana Wynne-Jones' Witch Week. This book can be read on its own, or as part of Diana Wynne-Jones' magical Chrestomanci series. Diana Wynne-Jones' boarding school novel explores a world in which witchcraft is forbidden, and where witches are burned. In class 6B, there are a few witches, each of whom has different talents and abilities, but no one wants to be identified! Diana Wynne-Jones creatively touches on many different themes in this book, including the dangers of being careless and joking around with something serious, the idea that one action has many possible consequences that could alter history, as well as the importance of including people, and not punishing others based on differences. A thrilling read for fun or for a school project.

Oh, Daddy! by Bob Shea

What an enjoyable, bright, bouncy picture book! This book gives Dad chances to act incredibly funny, and to ask a lot of questions in funny voices too! The lucky listener also develops storytelling skills by saying the way things should go.

SPOILER ALERT! Lots of laughs and hugging to come!

The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick

My Review

The Invention of Hugo Cabret is a magical story of a young boy in the old train station of 1920s Paris who dreams of restoring and repairing an automaton (a machine like a robot). Children (or adults) who love reading history, who enjoy looking at art, or who are fascinated by mechanical toys should try this book. Selznick's Caldecott medal-winning illustrations and photographs are integral to the storytelling process, and add key pieces of information that are not written in the text of the story.Through the illustrations and through the story, readers get a real taste of Hugo's world: 1920's Paris and the famous old train station.

Joey Pigza Swallowed the Key by Jack Gantos

My Summary/Review
Life, for Joey Pigza, is like being a constantly coiled spring. Joey tries to be helpful, but he can never stay focused on one thing at a time. His teacher has to constantly remind him to follow the rules. One day, Joey unintentionally causes a serious accident in his classroom, and is sent to a special school. Will Joey ever learn to change?

"Joey Pigza Swallowed the Key" is a critically acclaimed book about a boy with attention deficit and behavioral issues. For this reason, I suggest that parents and caregivers read this book through before discussing it with their children. Even though he is constantly wired, at heart, Joey often tries to do what is right. Readers will find themselves voting for Joey throughout the entire book.

Theodore Boone, Kid Lawyer by John Grisham

Book Summary

Thirteen year old amateur lawyer Theodore Boone has unwittingly become wrapped up in his town's largest murder trial.

My Review

In Theodore Boone, Kid Lawyer, John Grisham has written a mystery/suspense novel that is neither mysterious nor suspenseful. Grisham passes by many chances to introduce action to the novel, and there is no mystery. The law information that Grisham introduces to readers slows down the pace of the plot. 

Devoted young mystery readers should seek out other authors and novels, including:

Richard Scrimger's "From Charlie's Point of View" and
Brian Doyle's "Angel Square"

Young mystery readers will also enjoy Graeme Base's illustrated books: "The Eleventh Hour" and "Enigma"