Three Tasks for a Dragon by Eoin Colfer illustrated by P.J. Lynch

After his father's death, Prince Lir is deceived by his stepbrother Prince Delbayne.  In order to remain within the kingdom and to receive a penison, he must complete a quest. The posted quest is to save a maiden from a dragon. Using his wit and intellect, Prince Lir seems to have great success. However, the dark magic (blood magic) still overpowers the valient characters. The "distressed" maiden has a secret identity, unknown even to herself. Towards the middle-to-end,  I was disappointed about the story's progression. The ending is satisfying and hopeful, though! 

I love P.J. Lynch's illustrations. 

*Highly recommend but see "considerations" first before reading.

Considerations: magic, girl power

-Borrowed from the library.

Holly Claus The Christmas Princess by Brittney Ryan illustrated by Laurel Long with Jeffrey K. Bedrick

 This picture book is based on Brittney Ryan's chapter book called The Legend of Holly Claus

When a young boy asks Santa Claus what he wants for Christmas, King Nicholas of Fovever was moved to tears. He wishes for a child. Soon he holds his daughter Holly. Unfortuantely an evil warlock, Herrikhan, hears of the child's birth and realizes she is the answer to his curse.

   I was not overly impressed with this story.

-Borrowed from the library.

Outside Nowhere by Adam Borba*

 I find this book very odd yet very delightful. The plot captived me because the author slowly revealed answers as it progressed. 

After destroying the community pool by dumping fifty-seven gallons of powdered fruit punch into it, Parker is sent to work on a radish farm. His normal endearing personality does not budge the farmer, Molly or the other workers to like him. For the first time in his life, he has to work hard and to think of others before himself. Then he breaks one major rule-he eats the crop. Dire ramifications ensue but life lessons become endelible. 

I could not help but to like Parker even though at first he was irresponsible and selfish. As I discovered his life story, his behavior made sense. My thirteen-year-old started to read this book but stopped because he did not like Parker. He thought he was snooty.

Even though parts were sobering, I liked this quirky, at-times-humorous book.

*Highly recommend. (The cover, unfortunately, will not draw mobs of readers!)

-Borrowed from the library.

The Boy, the Bird & the Coffin Maker by Matilda Woods

 Both Alberto, the town Allora's coffin maker, and Tito, a mysterious boy, have experienced loss. Together they learn to embrace life and the promising future.

Interesting characters and alluring setting. A nice mix of realism and fantasy. Tito runs from an abusive father. The author covers the horrors of it with lyrical writing, no details, and almost magical setting. Would kids who have experienced abuse be offended by this way of presenting it? The book mostly focuses on hope and that a good life can exist even though one has suffered.

-Borrowed from the library.

The Gardener's Apprentice adapted by Eric Metaxas illustrated by Rodica Prato

 My ninth grader is currently reading I Must Betray You for English. To enrich his knowledge of the Romanian culture, I assigned the reading of this Romanian folktale. He told me that it was one of the more unusual stories he has read. I decided to read it!

For many years a couple is unable to bear a child.  A sorcerer breaks the curse by giving the wife an apple. His only warning, "No other living creature may not eat it".  Without their knowledge, the couples' horse eats the apple peels. The woman AND the horse become pregnant at the same time . . .both giving birth to healthy offspring! Eventually the boy rides away on the horse's foal and leaves home to never return. Together, he and his magical horse have many adventures.

I agree with my son; the story was unique and also entrancing.

Lavish paintings.

-Borrowed from the library.

This book included a flower journal where the reader may record the flowers he plants. It also lists and descibes the flowers in the apprentice's garden. 

The Tempest by William Shakespeare

 I own the No Fear Shakespeare version-"Shakespeare side-by-side Plain English".

Shakespeare is challenging for me to read and to comprehend. I am very thankful for the "plain English" translation! My ninth grader will be reading this play for English. I wanted to preview it.

Prospero and his daughter, Miranda, have been living on an island since his brother Antonio usurped his position as King of Milan. Conspiring with Alonso, the King of Naples, Antonio forced Prospero and his young daughter onto a raft to die at sea. Years later, Antonio, Alonso and their crew shipwreck on the exact island where Prospero has been living. Using his magical powers, Prospero causes havoc and trickery on his brother and the crew. Meanwhile, Miranda and Alonso's son, Ferdinand, meet and fall in love.

Five Acts & an epilogue

I did not like this play as much  as A Midsummer Night's Dream. A Midsummer Night's Dream was delightful and humorous. The humor in this play stemmed from drunkness and crudeness.

Points to discuss/Warning: simile "as leaky as a menstruating woman", three characters become drunk and exalt wine/alcohol (these characters are supposedly the humor in the play which almost treats drunkness and alcohol abuse too lightly), Prospero accuses Caliban of trying to rape his daughter, Sebastian accuses Alonso of "pimping out his daughter to an African", coarse language-SOB, bastard, h**, Prospero tells Ferdinand he may not have sex with Miranda until after they are married, Stephano sings a song in his drunken state about a girl Kate who liked it when a tailor took her to bed, characters take God's name in vain

-I own this version-

The Wish Giver by Bill Brittain*

Award Winner- A Newbery Honor Book
My aunt gave this book to me as a Christmas gift when I was twelve years old, and I still have it!  My ten year old son pulled it off our shelves for our next read aloud.  He loved it! My twelve year even enjoyed it!
At the annual church social, Thaddeus Blinn sets up a tent, selling wishes for fifty cents a piece.  Polly, Rowena, Adam and Stew Meat enter the tent and end up buying a card with a red dot.  When they want to wish, all they have to do is press the red to and state their wish.
The first three make their wishes and . . .they do come true, but not how they imagined!  How can they undo their wishes?!
My son and I had a few discussions about what each person learned and which characters we liked and disliked and why.
*Highly recommend, but read my warnings:
Warnings: In the prologue, Stew Meat shares how their town, Coven Tree, was named after the term given to a group of witches-"coven". He also mentions "Satan's spawn" and how folks have seen the Devil walk through town, looking for souls to claim.  There are no more references like this in the rest of the book.  The characters are mainly teenagers so there is a bit of romance, but nothing explicit.  Some readers may find a man slowly turning into a tree a bit creepy!

Midsummer's Mayhem by Rajani LaRocca

Mimi is tired of being in the shadow of her older and talented siblings.  When she sees an opportunity to enter a baking contest in her hometown with the grand prize of meeting and baking with her favorite pastry chef, she plunges into the competition.
Ms. LaRoccca weaves in the story line from Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream, which was so fun.  I found it delightful to read a book that mixes magic, realism, family, cultural food and Shakespeare. 
A couple of recipes are included at the end along with baking terms, herb/spice definitions and Indian food descriptions.
-Borrowed from the library.

Winterhouse by Ben Guterson illustrated by Chloe Bristol

When Elizabeth arrives home from school, she finds a note from her cruel aunt and uncle stating that she is spend Christmas vacation at the Winterhouse Hotel.  Mysterious encounters begin on the bus ride to the hotel.  The three weeks at Winterhouse Hotel overflow with mysteries, word puzzles, and new friendships.  Elizabeth begins understand more about her past and discovers her own magical powers.
Exciting and entertaining!
The plot/characters vaguely remind me of Harry Potter.
I really liked the cutaway windows revealing the different characters on the book cover.
Warnings: magic, characters try to revive an evil person, spirits
Each chapter title includes a word ladder.
Sequel: The Secrets of Winterhouse (The third one of the trilogy will be published late 2019-The Winterhouse Mysteries)
-Borrowed from the library.

Matilda DVD

We watched this movie after reading the book Matilda. 
Rated: PG (see below)
The movie follows the book pretty well except towards the end the movie producers expounded on Matilda and Miss Honey's interactions with the Trunchbull.  They also made her powers easier to utilize and used more frequently.  My eleven year old liked the movie better because  it had more action (Trunchbull!). 
Warning: Mrs. Wormwood is quite curvy and wore clothing to taunt it (cleavage, tight pants).  The parents and the brother are mean to Matilda.  Her parents are neglectful.  Ms. Trunchbull abuses the children in the school.  Mr. Wormwood is a thief and dishonest.  I think there was one swear word.  Matilda's parents abandon her. 
The book and movie are not meant for extra sensitive children, impressionable children or younger children.
-Borrowed from the library.

The Three Golden Oranges by Alma Flor Ada

Since we liked Ms. Ada folk tale letter books, I checked out this book by her, and we were not disappointed.
A mother wants her sons to marry so they go on a journey to break a spell.  If they follow instructions and break the spell, they each will have the wife of their dreams.  Two sons consistently pursue their own interests and do not have the discipline to follow the instructions. 
A well developed story that we enjoyed.
A retelling about Blancaflor, a mythical woman who is featured in many Hispanic stories.

Yeh-Shen A Cinderella Story from China retold by Ai-Ling Louie illustrated by Ed Young*

Yeh-Shen lived in a cave with her stepmother and stepsister who treat her poorly.  She finds comfort and joy in feeding a fish.  When the stepmother kills the fish, Yeh-Shen does not know if she can bear her sorrowful life.  An old sage appears and reveals that the bones will give her everything she needs. 
Apparently the English Cinderella comes from Asia!
My boys and I read this book aloud together (taking turns) to support our study of Ancient China.
*Highly recommend.
-Borrowed from the library.

The Dinner That Cooked Itself by J. C. Hsyu and Kenard Pak*

An Ancient Chinese Folktale
Old Lin and Madame Lin raised Tuan, who lost his parents as a child.  In time Tuan moved into his own home, working for the magistrate during the day and in his garden in the evening.  Loneliness settles into his soul, and Old Lin and Madame Lin ask the matchmaker to find him a mate.  The eligible ladies, however, are not good matches and Tuan continues his solitary life.  One evening he discovers a large snail in his garden and decides to diligently care for it.  The next evening, when he arrives home, he finds a feast prepared for him on the table and these feasts continue thereafter.
Who is providing these scrumptious meals?
A delightful story!
My eight year old and I took turns reading this story to support our brief study of Ancient China.
-Borrowed from the library.

The Unwanteds #4 The Island of Legends by Lisa McMann*

My ten year old is reading this series and highly recommends it.
Alex proves to be a trust worthy leader as he defends Artime and also tries to rescue a friend's mother on Pirate Island.  Meanwhile, his twin brother, Aaron, seeks power for the wrong reasons.
-Borrowed from the library.
*Highly recommended by my ten year old.

The Unwanteds: The Island of Silence #2 by Lisa McMann*

My ten year old read this book to himself.
He loves this series.
The two groups, those in Artime and those in Quill, are now mingling between the two worlds.  Forgiveness is required by both sides if peace is to be prevalent.  Alex and his twin Aaron as individuals must resolve and come to grips with not desirable outcomes.
My son said it ended with a "cliff hanger".
*Highly recommend.
-Borrowed from library.

The Unwanteds by Lisa McMann*

My ten year old read this book to himself and absolutely loved it!  He would keep me updated on the characters, share his thoughts about characters/events throughout his days reading it.
In the city of Quill, the thirteen year old children are sorted into different categories (strong, intelligent "wanteds" are sent to the university while the artistic, creative individuals have a death sentence.)  Alex and his twin Aaron are separated that fateful day.  Alex is an "unwanted", but discovers hope through a magician named Mr. Today.
*Highly recommend.
-Borrowed from the library.

Wandmaker's Apprentice by Ed Masessa*

My ten year old had been waiting for this sequel to be published many months now and eagerly read it in a couple of days.
Henry and his sister Brianna convince the wandmaker, Master Coralis to accept them as apprentices.  As Henry and his sister learn the secrets, they and the other apprentices realize that that evil is lurking and it may be someone who is trusted.
My son said this book was exciting and almost too scary to read right before falling asleep!!
Guided reading level: W (6th grade)
*Highly recommend.
-We own this book.

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire by J.K. Rowling illustrated by Mary GrandPre

Harry and his friends are excited about the Tri-Wizard Tournament.  Harry's enthusiasm, however, quickly dissipates when his name is drawn as a contestant.  As he prepares for each task, he becomes more aware of the rise of Lord Voldemort.   The book contains sooo much more action and character development than the movie (of course!).
We listened to this book on CD as a family.
Warnings: magical violence (murder); Mad Eye Moody swears often throughout the book (dn).  This book is definitely darker than the first three.
Reading Level: W (5th grade and older)

Peter and the Starcatchers by Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson Performed by Jim Dale

Audio book
Mr. Dale did a tremendous job recording this book.  His voices were authentic for each character.

Did you ever wonder how Peter Pan become the boy who could fly and who never grows up?  This book will provide answers to these questions.
Peter, an orphan, is on a ship with his four fellow orphans who are destined to become a king's servants.  A mysterious trunk and spunky girl name Molly make the voyage especially exciting.  Apparently the trunk contains powerful magic.  Before he knows it, Peter is fighting pirates, flying, outsmarting savages and a crocodile and communicating with mermaids.  Can he save the lives of his friends and the mysterious trunk?
Peter is an admirable character who is intelligent, resourceful and caring.  He places himself in danger to ensure his friends are safe and time after time, chooses to save lives even if he could perish.
The authors effortlessly developed the characters well and described scenes vividly yet kept each chapter packed with suspense and adventure.
Guided Reading Level: X (6th grade)
Warning: The reason I am not highly recommending it is a couple of times an adult male says "d---"-totally unnecessary.  Molly's nanny spends a lot of time in a shipmate's room in the evenings(but it is not elaborated).  The pirates  .  . .act like pirates so there is a lot "stupids" and "dumbs"  being expressed.  The fighting scenes were sometimes graphic, describing that there was blood.

Wing and Claw #1 Forest of Wonders by Linda Sue Park*

Raffa lives near the Forest of Wonders with his parents and anticipates trips into the forest to gather plants for their family's apothecary business.  Nearby,  his beloved uncle, Ansel and his cousin, Garith live in a cabin, also apothecaries.  The cousins enjoy learning the trade under their parents tutelage although Raffa wearies of his father's cautionary and controlling style.  When Raffa heals a bat with a mysterious vine from the Forest of Wonders, he encounters a secret that could unleash new possibilities.
When his parents and his uncle are given the opportunity to work for the Chancellor on a top-secret project, Raffa is dismayed to learn his parents have turned down the chance.  After his uncle and cousin Garith leave, Raffa discovers that Garith has taken some of the cuttings from the vine.  To spare Garith and Ansel painful side effects from the vine, Raffa steals away in the middle of the night to warn them, without his parents' blessing.  When he is reunited with his uncle and cousin, he realizes not everyone will uphold the apothecary code to heal.  Raffa must decide between a career of a lifetime and helping others.  Maybe his father's philosophy and instructions were correct?!
The ending definitely leaves the reader hanging!
-I like how he must wrestle with what he believes is right.  The pull towards evil is strong and appealing.
*Highly recommend.
-Borrowed from the library.
Book #2 is to be published March 7, 2017.
Points to discuss/Warning: violence/cruelty towards animals; Raffa is disrespectful and rebellious towards his father at points; disobedience; lying