Off The Shelf

In the past year, I have read 44 books. Throughout all of the hurricanes, royal weddings, and faraway vacations, I have found the time to enjoy some unforgettable reads. Here are my top ten of the year. Hopefully you will try some in the year to come! Top 10 Fiction Books of 2011 This list is a combination of Young Adult and Juvenile Fiction Novels 10.  A Step from Heaven, An Na 9.  The Summer Before Boys, Nora Raleigh Baskin      Read about Nora Raleigh Baskin here 8.  The Mysterious Benedict Society, Trenton Lee Stewart 7.  Ways to Live Forever, Sally Nicholls      Read my review here 6.  Peter and the StarCatchers, Ridley Pearson and Dave Barry      Read my review here 5.  If You Come Softly, Jacqueline Woodson     Read my review here 4.  Hope Was Here, Joan Bauer     Read my review here 3.  Everything on a Waffl...

Top 10 Historical Fiction Reads of 2011 10.  The Invention of Hugo Cabret, Brian Selznick        Read my review here 9.  To Kill a Mockingbird, Harper Lee 8.  The Fifth of March , Ann Rinaldi 7.  Moon Over Manifest, Claire Vanderpool 6.  Fever 1793, Laurie Halse Anderson 5.  Hang a Thousand Trees with Ribbons: The Story of Phillis Wheatly, Ann Rinaldi      Read my review here 4.  A Tree Grows in Brooklyn, Betty Smith 3.   Uprising, Margaret Peterson Haddix       Read my review here 2.  The Help, Kathryn Stockett      Read my review here 1.  Chains, Laurie Halse Anderson

As the year comes to a close, I have decided to start a series of posts dedicated to the Best of 2011. I will be creating a list of my top 10 characters from books I read this year (they can be major or minor characters), authors, and finally, my favorite books. Top 10 Characters of 2011 (Does not include re-reads or series where previous books were read in 2010) 10.  Jason - Anything But Typical, Nora Raleigh Baskin 9.  Isabel Gardener - Chains and Forge , Laurie Halse Anderson 8.  Scout Finch - To Kill a Mockingbird , Harper Lee 7.  Jo March - Little Women, Louisa May Alcott 6.  Yetta - Uprising , Margaret Peterson Haddix       Read my review here 5.  Molly Aster - Peter and the Star Catchers, Ridley Pearson and Dave Barry      Read my review here 4.  Reynie Muldoon - The Mysterious Benedict Society , Trenton Lee Stewart 3.  Celia Rae Foote - The Help, Kathryn Stocke...

The Invention of Hugo Cabret Brian Selznick 511 pages Hugo Cabret is an orphan, clock keeper, and thief. Living within the walls of a Paris train station, his survival depends on the croissants and milk he swipes from the baker's shelves. Hugo's secret life takes an unexpected turn when he meets Isabelle, a bookish girl with just as many secrets as himself, an old man who owns the station's toy booth, and a mechanical man, whose story is just as inquiring as his own. Brian Selznick has taken a whole new look on story telling, with 284 pages of original drawings, and images from the first movies.   Although the plot and descriptions are simple, readers will find it hard to decide whether or not this is a mystery, or just plain historical fiction. Hugo is a curious character, and his thoughts are clearly displayed throughout the book. This book is is targeted toward younger readers (3rd - 5th grade) but the more advanced reader just might be surprised... ...

The Historical Fiction Challenge is hosted by the blog Historical Tapestry  for 2012. This is my first time participating, and I am excited to announce I have signed up as an "Undoubtedly Obsessed" reader, meaning I will try to read and review 15 historical fiction books this coming year. You don't have to have a blog to participate, just click on the link above, and post a comment stating you're interested. Love historical fiction? Try some of these: 1. Uprising , Margaret Peterson Haddix      Check out my review here 2.  Hang a Thousand Trees with Ribbons , Ann Rinaldi      Check out my review here 3. The Help , Kathryn Stockett     Check out my review here 4. Fever 1793 , Laurie Halse Anderson 5.  Al Capone Does My Shirts, Gennifer Choldenko 6. Weedflower, Cynthia Kadohata 7. Penny From Heaven, Jennifer L. Holm 8. The Fifth of March, Ann Rinaldi

Hope Was Here Joan Bauer 186 pages "Thin Yet Thick" are books thin from cover to cover (around 200 pages or less), but have a thick and deep meaning. "Thin Yet Thick" reads will leave you feeling great and I think might even change your life. These books should take three days or fewer to read, and most likely are of an easy reading level. Sixteen year-old Hope, and her aunt are about to make their biggest move yet. When they pack up their things and head from New York City to a small dairy town in Wisconsin, Hope is not quite sure what she's in for. At the local diner that she and her aunt help run, Hope meets G.T, a middle-aged man battling leukemia. G.T inspires Hope with his big dreams and positive attitude. Together, they help bring everyone a little more hope during rough times. Although Hope Was Here is a Newbery Honor Book, I feel a little disconnected from Hope throughout the book. I really enjoy books where I feel I know the character...

Uprising Margaret Peterson Haddix 330 pages Wow, it's been a long time since I've posted! To make up for the time, I've got a great book to review for you. Uprising by Margaret Peterson Haddix is a historical fiction book, but don't let that turn you away. Uprising set in the early 1900's   tells the story of three very different women who develop a long-lasting friendship. Bella, fresh off the boat from southern Italy, gets a job at the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory in New York City. Yetta, is Russian immigrant and believer in fair work conditions and pay. Jane, a wealthy and sophisticated girl who gets involved in the cause despite her father's intentions for her. When the fire erupts on the 8th floor of the shirtwaist factory on March 25th, 1911 all three of their lives will be changed as well as the work conditions in American factories forever. Uprising   is perfectly researched, and keeps the reader's eyes moving from page to page. Alth...

The Book The Help Kathryn Stockett 451 pages "Three extraordinary women, are about to take one extraordinary step." This line, cited from the cover of the book, definitely invites you to join in the journey. Skeeter, a recent college graduate, who wants to be a writer,  Abileen, a colored maid raising her seventeenth white baby, Minny, a colored maid with a large temper. The Movie They all have very different backgrounds, but come together to write about something they truly believe in. Skeeter, Abileen, and Minny decide to write a novel telling the stories of colored maids, and the families they work for; the good, the bad, and the heart wrenching moments in which they experience everyday, This story takes place in the early 1960's during the height of the civil rights movement. All three main characters find home in Jackson, Mississippi. The book is written from each character's point of view, alternating chapters. You follow a span of about ...

As promised, I am continuing my discussion on everything Harry Potter. Last night, I watched the epic finale to the Harry Potter phenomenon. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 the movie hit the shelves and online stores yesterday. This review contains SPOILERS Many people argue that when books are made into movies, they are not authentic to the original story. I disagree when it comes to Harry Potter. I agree, and disagree with that statement. Here's why: Harry Potter and the Sorcerers Stone The scenes showing Harry's first trip to Diagon Alley, Platform 9 3/4, and the Sorting Hat, were portrayed well, and I think it gave people who did not read the books a good idea of what the wizarding world is like. Something I did not like was the scene showing the night Harry's parents were killed. The movie did not really explain Voldemort's reasons for doing so.   Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets Overall, this movie was very true to the book, accep...

This is the second in a series of posts that I am writing about the world acclaimed Harry Potter books by J.K Rowling. Like many people, I am proud to say I am an avid Harry Potter fan and I am anxiously counting down the days until the release of the seventh movie (part 2) on DVD next Friday - 11/11/11 I've decided that instead of writing a review for each book separately, that I would write one really long one. So please bare with me if this seems to go on and on. :) Harry Potter Series J.K Rowling many, many, excellent pages Upon reading the first pages in Harry Potter and the Sorcerers Stone (Year One), the reader will feel automatically hooked. You are thrown into a world across the ocean that isn't much different than the life we live today: a humble, British town, and a young boy oblivious to a future that is destined for him to achieve. As the story and books progress, Harry Potter grows immensely, and faces many diffferent conflicts that ...

For the last week or so, each night, I have been drawn to the couch to continue turning the pages of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. About two years ago, I read this entire series from beginning to end in the short time of September to Christmas. For a recent school assignment, I was asked to pick a book off of the "Banned Book List". This list is full of titles that were challenged by people and/or organzations because they felt the content was not appropriate for teenage readers. I was very surprised to find that the entire Harry Potter series by J.K Rowling is on that list. The series was challenged because it was thought to promote Witchcraft. I disagree with this of course (since I am one othe thousands of Harry Potter Lovers), but many people do believe these books should be taken off library shelves. The following is a list of The Top 10 Banned Books: 1. The Adventures of Huckleberry Fin , Mark Twain 2. The Catcher and the Rye, J.D Salinger 3...

Hang a Thousand Trees with Ribbons: The Story of Phillis Wheatley Ann Rinaldi 324 pages I am a big fan of historical fiction; especially books that center around the Colonial Era. Ann Rinaldi is known for her historical fiction novels including; The Fifth of March , Taking Liberty , and Or Give Me Death. Hang a Thousand Trees with Ribbons is the unknown story of Phillis Wheatley and her life as the first women African-American poet. Phillis was one of several slaves at the Wheatley House in Boston, MA. When the Wheatley's discover her talent for writing poetry, they begin to mold her future by having her "perform" for important guests. Eventually, Phillis is sent to England to have her first book of poetry published. Although Phillis is adorned with fame, she is still troubled with her way of life. Nothing can change the fact that she is still a slave. This book is written through Phillis's voice, and dates help form a vivid timeline of her life. Ann Rin...

The Teashop Girls Laura Schaefer 240 pages The Official Rules of the Teashop Girls 1. Teashop Girls are best friends forever. 2. Tea is held every week no matter what. 3. All tea and scones must be split equally at all times. In Laura Schaefer's debut novel, Annie, Genna and Zoe are the best of friends, or used to be. As Annie gets a job as a barista at her grandmother's teashop, Genna is always at theater, and Zoe is busy with tennis, the girls begin to wonder how much longer they can stay together. Suddenly, The Steeping Leaf receives an eviction notice, and the shop might have to close for good if the girls can't help make the place "hopping" with customers again. While working at the shop, Annie quickly develops a crush on her co-worker, and as eighth grade comes to a close, new adventures arise. This book is honest and sweet; perfect for the young teenager.  The characters are so real and relateable, I would want to have friends ...

Ways to Live Forever Sally Nicholls 224 pages 1. My name is Sam. 2. I am eleven years old. 3. I collect stories and fantastic facts. 4. I have leukemia 5. By the time you read this, I will probably be dead. Told through journal entries, Sam tells the story of his life as he lives through the last stages of leukemia. He collects lists, stories, questions and pictures that create a vivid picture of a boy who knows his days are coming to an end. Some questions of Sam's include: "Why does God make kids get ill?" and "Does it hurt to die?" he tries to find the answers to the questions with his fellow leukemia sufferer, Felix. The two are home schooled, due to their illness, and their teacher challenges them to write about themselves. While Felix writes one entry and forgets about it, Sam keeps writing, using this journal as a way of expressing his concerns and triumphs. In his journal, Sam also explains how his illness affects the rest of his family. ...

I am currently in the midst of reading Peter and the Shadow Thieves which is the second book about Peter Pan by Ridley Pearson and Dave Barry. This book had me hooked right away with it's plot and characters. The book consists of all the original characters (Peter, the Lost Boys, Captain Hook etc.) but a few new ones are thrown in as well. Molly Aster is introduced, as well as William Slank and Little Richard. This series of books takes place before the real story. Taking you back to what happened before the classic book by J.M Barrie. These books offer an origin for Captain Hook, fairies, and the Lost Boys. Each book is about 400 pages long and divided into many chapters. The novels are also illustrated by Greg Call. The series is as follows: 1. Peter and the StarCatchers 2. Peter and the Shadow Thieves 3. Peter and the Secret of Rundoon 4. Peter and the Sword of Mercy Don't even think about reading this book unless you have a comfy chair and plenty of time. It'...

Nora Raleigh Baskin is a middle grade novelist who has written several award winning books. About Nora Nora grew up in Brooklyn, New York where her childhood was filled with books and the theater. Nora was one of five children. She started writing seriously in the 5th grade. Writing has always been her way of dealing with the drama of life. Before publishing her first book, Nora worked as a preschool teacher for several years. Nora's Books Anything But Typical Jason is an autistic 12-year-old struggling to survive in a neurotypical world. Most days, it's just minutes before something goes wrong. Then, he meets PhoenixGirl, who posts stories similar to his on an online story chat. PhoenixGirl knows nothing of his Autism, so when they meet at a writer's conference out-of-state, Jason wonders if she will like him for who he really is. Winner of the ALA Schneider Award. The Summer Before Boys Julia and Eliza are best friends. They've shared everything, ...

Get ready to laugh as you read Everything on a Waffle by Polly Horvath! Primrose Squarp's journey is  full of humorous experiences that will leave you wanting more. Primrose's (the main character in this story) parents have disappeared in a terrible storm at sea, but she refuses to believe they are dead. Although the towns-people try to persuade her otherwise, Ms. Bowzer the owner of the restaurant Girl on the Red Swing keeps Primrose's spirits up. At the Girl on the Red Swing, where everything is served on a homemade waffle, Primrose learns to cook. This book is beautifully written and although it is short, it leaves a big impact. So, join the journey as Primrose discovers the answer to this question: Have you ever known something deep in your heart, even though you don't know why?  At the end of each chapter, the author includes a special recipe from the book. Everything   on a Waffle is a Newbery Honor book, as well as a bestselling novel.

I've been anxiously waiting the arrival of several books. Series such as The Mother Daughter Book Club, and The Moon Books always leave me excited for the next installment. Please remember that these are tentative release dates. They are subject to change. The following books are coming soon to shelves near you! 1. 13 Gifts, Wendy Mass  - the sequel to 11 Birthdays and 12 Finally is to be released this coming Thursday, September 1st. Tara will soon be turning 13 and she figures this will be a good time to break out of her shell. Of course, nothing ever goes quite right in Willow Falls though... 2. Ashes,   Laurie Halse Anderson - this novel is the sequel to Chains and Forge and will be released on October 1st. All three books take you back to the Revolutionary War era. Two young slaves are on the run from the rich families they were bound too. One has joined the patriot forces, and must help defend the country during these desperate times. 3. Home for ...

I was drawn to this book, by it's unique title and the author. Previously, I had read several other books by Jacqueline Woodson including Feathers, Peace Locomotion, and Last Summer with Maizon. The following poem by Audre Lorde was her inspiration for this novel: If you come softly, as the wind within the trees. You may hear what I hear. See what sorrow sees. Miah and Ellie both attend a private school in New York City where they first fall in love. Throughout their relationship, people whisper behind their backs and give them disapproving looks. Why? Ellie is a white, Jewish girl and Miah is black. Can their love survive high school and their parents reactions? This story will break your heart and touch a chord. You might even shed a tear. Here are a couple of quotes I felt inspiring from the story: "You think it will always be like this, Miah?"..... "Think of it as rain - the people who got problems with us being together - let's call ...

Not five minutes ago, I turned the last page in this quality read. It was fantastic. From Willa, With Love by Coleen Murtagh Paratore is the 6th book in the Life of Willa Havisham series. It was released in July 2011. This book takes place in the fictional town of Bramble, Cape Cod in the height of summer vacation. Willa lives at her family's inn, The Bramblebriar Inn. This story is geared for teenagers (age 12+) therefore, you can find this series in the Young Adult section of your library. From Willa, with Love is written in the first person narrative, which makes the reader feel as if they are there alongside Willa. Each chapter is started using a quote. These quotes introduce the chapter and are very inspiring. At the end of each novel, you will find a "Willa's Pix List", which is a list of recommended reading material by Willa herself. These are books the character read in the story. Overall, the author sets an exciting scene in all of the From the Life of...

With the summer winding down, I find myself scavenging for a good read. I've exausted my own collection, as well as the library's. I'm sure I'm not the only one in this situation though. Many of you might also be out of good book choices. The following is a list of short, but fantastic reads. Whether you are taking them to that last trip to the beach, your backyard pool, or your plane ride home, they will surely speak everything summer! 1. The Summer Before Boys, Nora Raleigh Baskin - two best friends struggle to stay together during their "summer before boys". One deals with changing a family, the other the idea of growing up. A touching novel about the power of friendship. 2. Turtle in Paradise, Jennifer L. Holm - visit Key West, Florida as you meet eleven-year-old Turtle and her interesting family. Staying with relitives she's never met, Turtle discovers the changes that 1935 brings to her life, and her summer. 3. The Penderwicks, Jeanne Birdsa...

Welcome to Off The Shelf! I am new to blogging, but have been a follower of many for a long time. On this blog, you can find  reviews, organizational tips, upcoming releases, guest bloggers and much, much, more. Reading is my favorite pastime. On the left hand corner of this blog, I will keep you updated as to what I'm currently reading. Need suggestions? Check out My Pix List, which will include favorite authors, series, and novels. Feel free to comment, and I will happily reply!