childrens books – GoodeyReads

Rating: ☆☆☆☆
Audience: Middle-Grade Paranormal
Length: 285 pages
Author: Victoria Schwab
Publisher: Scholastic Press
Release Date: August 28th, 2018
Image & Other Reviews on: Goodreads

BOOK SUMMARY:

They’re here.
They’re watching.

Cass can pull back the Veil that separates the living from the dead.

When Cass’s parents start hosting a TV show about the world’s most haunted places, the family heads off to Edinburgh. Here, graveyards, castles and secret passageways teem with restless phantoms.

But when Cass meets a girl who shares her “gift”, she realizes how much she still has to learn about the Veil—and herself. And she’ll have to learn fast. The city of ghosts is more dangerous than she ever imagined.

DELIGHTFUL AND SPOOKY.

And a fantastic audio book!! I really enjoyed this. I haven’t read a middle grade book in a long while and this reminded me why I like adding these into the mix. This was fun in a creepy way, and had cute friendship moments that I adored.

I thought Cass was a great main character. The writing was amazing in that I felt like she was definitely younger, but it never became annoying or drew me out of the story. I wanted to be her friend, cheer her on, and keep reading this story. The dynamic between her and Jacob was so sweet. I’m curious how that relationship will grow and evolve over the books (tears coming? MAYBE).

The plot was complex in its simplicity and I feel that really sways to middle grade. You knew exactly where things were going, but because of the writing and set-up, enjoyed the ride it took you on.

I just love Schwab’s books. And this is her first middle grade book I’ve read. After this, I have plans to read more of these!

Overall audience notes:

Middle grade paranormal contemporary
Language: none
Romance: none
Violence: a little physical, nothing intense

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Top 10 Tuesday

Top Ten Tuesday: Childhood Favorites

July 2, 2019July 1, 2019 GoodeyReads

It’s that time again! I feel like Top Ten Tuesday always comes so fast. I’m excited for this weeks topic and it was fun to remember and look back on all of the books I used to read growing up!

There were a lot of options to choose from, but these were some of my favorites:

Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery

The Series of Unfortunate Events by Lemony Snicket

The Rainbow Fish by Marcus Pfister

A Dog Called Kitty by Bill Wallace

The Boxcar Children Series by Gertrude Chandler Warner

Little House on the Prairie by Laura Ingalls Wilder

A Bad Case of Stripes by David Shannon

Amelia Bedelia Series by Peggy Parish

Corduroy by Don Freeman

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Book Review

Book Review: The Screaming Staircase (Lockwood & Co. #1) by Jonathan Stroud

June 6, 2019May 21, 2019 GoodeyReads

Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆
Audience: Middle Grade/YA Mystery + Fantasy (paranormal)
Length: 381 pages
Author: Jonathan Stroud
Publisher: Disney-Hyperion
Release Date: August 29th, 2013
Image & Other Reviews on: Goodreads

BOOK SUMMARY:

A sinister Problem has occurred in London: all nature of ghosts, haunts, spirits, and specters are appearing throughout the city, and they aren’t exactly friendly. Only young people have the psychic abilities required to see-and eradicate-these supernatural foes. Many different Psychic Detection Agencies have cropped up to handle the dangerous work, and they are in fierce competition for business.

In The Screaming Staircase, the plucky and talented Lucy Carlyle teams up with Anthony Lockwood, the charismatic leader of Lockwood & Co, a small agency that runs independent of any adult supervision. After an assignment leads to both a grisly discovery and a disastrous end, Lucy, Anthony, and their sarcastic colleague, George, are forced to take part in the perilous investigation of Combe Carey Hall, one of the most haunted houses in England. Will Lockwood & Co. survive the Hall’s legendary Screaming Staircase and Red Room to see another day?

Readers who enjoyed the action, suspense, and humor in Jonathan Stroud’s internationally best-selling Bartimaeus books will be delighted to find the same ingredients, combined with deliciously creepy scares, in his thrilling and chilling Lockwood & Co. series.

VERY SPOOKY INDEED.

I read this book based off of a recommendation from Bookstagram, and it did not disappoint.

I generally don’t read much middle-school books unless they come highly recommended, I had seen this enough from her to know I must have it (even better, if you’re a Prime member, the first book is free on Kindle!). While they’re some YA aspects, it generally leaned towards a younger audience, yet I can see how it captivates older groups. It’s a really underrated book.

This group: Lucy, Lockwood and George are a hoot to watch interact. They have funny banter, quiet moments and are a great team. Lucy and Lockwood especially made this book. It was narrated by Lucy (which I wasn’t expecting given it’s called Lockwood & Co.). I loved the world-building and how *just* enough was left out to keep me interested for further installments.

The Screaming Staircase is CREEPY. This is honestly the closest I’ll ever come to a horror book. They’re ghosts that can do all of these crazy things (including kill you). Blood coming off of ceilings, things jumping out, it was definitely intense at times.

I liked the addition of a mystery within the paranormal activity. It made me more invested as I am weary of reading paranormal books. It was another level of intrigue and wonderment as I flew through this.

Overall audience notes:

Middle school/YA Paranormal Fantasy
Language: none
Romance: none
Violence: descriptions of murders, detailed hauntings, physical, swords, guns, explosions

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Uncategorized

Top Ten Tuesday: Characters That Remind Me of Myself

May 7, 2019May 6, 2019 GoodeyReads

Hello Top Ten Tuesday!

I can’t say I know any character that exactly reminds me of myself. I can think of a few who may present an aspect that would remind me of how I am.

So this list may be scatter-brained. Lets see what happens. Might be a few spins on things because I am only so clever.

And yes, I know I could do a backlist version, but I personally have made it a goal to push myself outside my comfort zone. In this way, I’m trying to do the post regardless because it causes me to think a bit more about my choices.

Lara Jean from To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before by Jenny Han

She’s a baker, I’m a baker. Though granted she can bake cookies and THAT IS SERIOUSLY WHAT I’M WORST AT BAKING. I’m trying though.

Feyre from A Court of Mist and Fury by Sarah J. Maas

Feyre goes through some really crappy things, but I’m focusing on the fact she got away from a male who never saw her true worth and who she thought she loved. I went through the same kind of thing before I met my husband (and y’all, I’m so glad I went through that storm to get to him).

Hazel from Josh and Hazel’s Guide to Not Dating by Christina Lauren

Hazel reminds me of myself because she’s often been described as having a flair for the absurd, but also owning who she is. Do I dance in the middle of an aisle when my jam comes on? YES. Does my husband think I’m silly? YUP. But I never want to lose doing this simple silly things in my life.

Lira from To Kill a Kingdom by Alexandra Christo

I believe I was a mermaid in another life. My obsession is strong, so Lira reminds me of all the things I love about the ocean and its mysteries.

Max from Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak

I live in fantasy books and often I find myself wishing they were real. Max reminds me of myself because he’s able to dive into his imagination like I often enjoy every time I pick up a book.

Born to Run: A Hidden Tribe, Superathletes, and the Greatest Race the World Has Never Seen by Christopher McDougall

This isn’t a character (it’s non-fiction), but this book reminds me of myself. I am passionate about the benefits of being a runner and this book re-kindled that for me when I read it.

Laila from The Gilded Wolves by Roshani Chokshi

Laila reminded me of a “team mom” type of persona. She actively makes sure all of her family are taken care of and have what they need. I have always acted like this with my family. They come first.

Elizabeth from Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

“I declare after all there is no enjoyment like reading! How much sooner one tires of any thing than a book! — When I have a house of my own, I shall be miserable if I have not an excellent library.”

Yup, that sums that up.

Rasmira from Warrior of the Wild by Tricia Levenseller

As Rasmira faces her battles in the wild, the phrase warrior of the wild is used. Like the title it reminds me of how determined she is to face the problems before her. We all have our own wild and I often find myself remembering this quote to persevere.

Love you Forever by Robert Munsch

This book reminds me of the kind of mother I hope my children remember. Because oh how I love my babe (and any future children we’re fortunate to have).