Friday, September 26, 2014


THE FAERIES' PROMISE: THE FULL MOON by Kathleen Duey. New York:  Aladdin, 2011.   115p. ISBN: 978-1-4169-8462-7 hb. $15.99.  Gr. 5 - 8  JUV

The Full Moon is the third book in the Faerie's Promise series. Alida and the other faeries have returned to Ash Grove and are preparing for winter and the upcoming storms. They are helping the villagers and saving them from Lord Dunraven's greed. However, the faeries live in fear of being
discovered.  This fantasy series is very entertaining for young readers. However, I wish I had read the rest of the series first. The first book is "Following Magic," followed by "The Unicorn's
Secret." Read all three!
Melissa Coyne, Munising School Public Library

Friday, September 19, 2014


AUDACIOUS by Gabrielle Prendergast. Custer, WA:  Orca Book Publishers, 2013.  327p.  978-1-4598-0530-9; hc., $19.95.    Gr.8 & up    YAF
Raphaelle is determined that her family’s move to a new home and school will be her opportunity  start over, staying out of trouble, a new beginning with a new attitude, and a new name for the her new self, Elle. Sadly for Elle, she is shunned by many o fthe students, and is hurt anew by the cruel comments and tittering when she is near the girls she hoped would be her friends. Only in art class does she shine and find acceptance, but even with her art she finds herself in trouble. Can Elle overcome the judgmental intolerance of many of her peers and come to accept herself? The pain Elle feels, her family problems and the atmosphere at school should resonate with readers; some who will know first-hand what she is feeling and perhaps some will look at fellow classmates with new eyes.Barbara Ward, Retired Children’s Librarian, Dickinson County Library

Friday, September 12, 2014

Ellis,Leanne Statland.  THE UGLY ONE.  Illus. by Becca Stadtlander.  New York: Clarion Books, 2013.  243p. ISBN: 978-0-547-64023-5; hb. $16.99.     Gr. 4-7   JUV

I can't say enough about how good this book is.  Although recommended for grades 4-7, this book is written for teens and adults as well.  It applies to similar situations we all have gone in life, just like Micay.  Through this beautiful story, you will learn some of the lifestyle and landscape of the Incan Empire.  Every girl believes they have something physically wrong with them and "The Ugly
One" may help them understand this universal doubt.  The story is reminiscent of "The Rough Faced Girl" by Rafe Martin, where the main character need to pull from her own inner strength rather than rely on good looks. I look forward to more books written by Leanne Statland Ellis in the future, as well as "Tree Huggers" from 2010. 
Mary - Spies Public Library, Menominee, MI