Word of the Day

Juggernaut

Noun

any large, overpowering, destructive force or object, as war, a giant battleship, or a powerful football team.

Allons-y,

Amber Shipp

Just Ella by Margaret Peterson Haddix

This is a version of Cinderella, told by Ella herself. It's after that magical night where she fell in love, but now Prince Charming isn't as Charming as he seems. There's a war going on, people are starving, and Ella can't do anything. Then, things go from bad to worse. She decides that she doesn't love Charm anymore, but trying to break the engagement ends up to be a mistake. Just Ella could have done it.


Not the perfect princess they want her to be.


I like this book, and I would suggest it for all ages, but I think that it's better for ages 8-10. I give it 4 stars, but there is a bit of.........weirdness when Ella s thrown in jail. Parents who are more filtering than others should probably read it first, and for younger readers.


Annabelle

Ender's Game

Ender's Game

By Orson Scott Card

Science Fiction

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Threatened by alien invaders, the Earth panics. The International Fleet starts recruiting bright young minds in an attempt to outmaneuver the enemy, but it is not enough. They need someone more.
This is where a six-year-old boy comes in, Ender Wiggin. He has all of the tactical smarts of his brother and the compassion of his sister.
He is chosen, and goes into training.
But when will he realize that... It's not a game?

Ages 12+, but some caution. There is a lot of violence. Some minor vulgarity and bad language.
Some parts are very creepy and disturbing.

Allons-y,
Amber Shipp

Quote, Unquote!

You can never get a cup of tea large enough or a book long enough to suit me.

- C.S. Lewis

Allons-y,

Amber Shipp

The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee Stewart

This is a book series that I got for my eighth birthday. I loved it then and I still love it now. The Extraordinary Education of Nicholas Benedict is a prequel, but I suggest that you read it last. The series is about a group of children, who, after a series of strange tests, are chosen to form a team. Their mission is to infiltrate the strange Learning Institute for the Very Enlightened and stop the founder, Ledroptha Curtain, from influencing minds so he can take over the world. You should definitely read the books in order, because otherwise, you get really confused. They're good book for moms to read to their kids. We read together before bed in my house, and it helps settle us down. I also suspect that it's what kindled my love for reading. In any case, I wouldn't suggest this for under eight or nine, because then it's a little confusing. They're good books for anyone over that though. It can be a little intimidating, because they're thick books. Never fear, they're a good easy read. I give this series five big stars!!!!


Annabelle

Quote..............................Unquote

Outside of a dog, a book is a man's best friend. Inside of a dog, it's to dark to read.

-Groucho Marx



There. I think that this is funny, but it's true. As much as I love to read, having a loyal pet can be almost better.




Annabelle

Word of the Day

Evanesce

Verb

To disappear gradually, vanish, fade away

(This is also part of the title of my favourite band, Evanescence.)

Allons-y!

Amber Shipp

The Midnight Ball Series by Jessica Day George

1. Princess of The Midnight Ball

This first book in the Twelve Princesses series is from the point of view of the oldest princess, Rose, and a gardener, Galen. The princesses slippers are being worn out every third night. When Galen Werner, an under-gardener, falls in love with one of the princesses, he must risk his life to defeat the evil creature that holds them hostage. 5 stars.















2. Princess of Glass

The second book is from the point of view of the sixth princess, Poppy, and a Dane prince, Christian. After Galen saves the princesses from the Midnight Ball, King Gregor and the other kings of Ionia decide to smooth things over, to forget the prince fiasco. Princess Poppy is sent to Breton as an "ambassador". Plus, she's expected to find a suitor. When she meets a Danish prince, Christian, she thinks she has finally found a friend who understands her (not a suitor, after all, she's only sixteen!!). But when Christian and all the other men fall in love with a mysterious girl, Poppy is unpleasantly reminded of the Midnight Ball. It's a little frightening, but I give it 4 and 1/2 stars.

3. Princess of The Silver Woods

The third and final book is from the point of view of the youngest princess, Petunia, and a young thief, Oliver. Oliver didn't mean to kidnap King Gregor's youngest daughter, he really didn't. It just sort of happened. When he escorts her back, he accidentally sees some of the awful creatures from the Kingdom Under Stone. He goes to tell the king......and sets in motion a chain of events that put Rose, Poppy, Petunia, their sisters, and their husbands in more danger than ever. I love this book!! 5 stars!!














That's a basic summary of the series. I wold suggest the books for all ages, but, in my opinion, I think that the second book is a little frightening. I love this series and read it over, and over, and over again!! In order? Yes. Unless you want spoilers.

Annabelle