This was the first year I had the opportunity to volunteer to be a part of Nerds Heart YA, and I was so so excited when I was picked as a judge! What is Nerds Heart YA, you might ask? Basically, it’s an opportunity to highlight young adult books published during 2009 that received little or no publicity throughout the year and dealt with diversity in some form. The event is set up like a tournament bracket with the final result ending in one book as the ultimate winner.

So, what books fell into my bracket, for me to judge? Lets see…

Decision courtesy of Melissa from Book Nut: In Mike We Trust by P.E. Ryan

Personal Summary: Garth is your typical teen, with a few exceptions…he’s recently “come out” to his mother, suddenly he’s inherited a seemingly well-meaning “stand-in-dad” in the form of his uncle, and he’s suddenly prone to dressing up in costumes in public. Sounds pretty normal, right? Probably not, but that’s also okay.

Through a series of rather tragic events, Garth’s mother has now become quite obsessive about his personal safety in regards to every aspect of his life, including his love life. Fortunately, or not, for Garth his Uncle Mike is stepping in. Making life “fun” through a series of not-so-safe activities, including conning most of the population of Richmond Virginia out of their pocket change in support of a “good” cause.

Overall, though, the overriding tone of the book is all about the lies we tell. Not just as teenagers, parents, or friends, but everyone. Including, ourselves for all different reasons. A powerful story about communication and the implications of being dishonest with even things we feel may “protect” the other party involved.

Decision courtesy of Kelly from YAnnabe: Alligator Bayou by Donna Jo Napoli

Personal Summary: A strange new land, new family & people, racial tension and a romantic interest make up just a small portion of Calogero’s story. Having recently lost his mother and been shipped to America, Calogero soon discovers there is more to harvesting and selling crops in the small town of Tallulah. The racial divide that separates the inhabitants is often too great to be contained in such a small setting. Unfortunately for Calogero he’s caught right in the middle of the strife caused merely by being Sicilian during America’s difficult transition after the Civil War. Not only this, but he’s also trying to contain the knowledge of his feelings for a neighboring young black girl who has won his heart.

This is definitely a story to be told and read. Based on true events in America’s history and told through the eyes of the fictional character Calogero, you soon learn more than you ever imagined happened during this time. It definitely opened my eyes and got me interested in learning more.

This was an odd decision if I’m being completely honest. I loved the entire experience, primarily because these are both books I normally wouldn’t have picked up without having been involved in Nerds Heart YA and I’m so glad I was able to read them! But truly, these books were so completely different. Different times, different circumstances and even themes.

In the end it came to which book I truly enjoyed reading more. Unfortunately, I had a terribly difficult time getting into Alligator Bayou, I was almost 150 pages before I wanted to keep reading. On the other hand, In Mike We Trust was a book I picked up and didn’t put down until I was completely done. I was also a able to connect with the characters a little better in In Mike We Trust, where Alligator Bayou took some time. So, in the end, my final decision was relatively easy, though I enjoyed both books for different reasons.

Final Decision: In Mike We Trust by P.E. Ryan moves on.

Make sure to stayed tuned to Bart’s Bookshelf on August the 16th to see if In Mike We Trust makes it to the final round and Nerds Heart YA for the last few rounds of the event!

These books were purchased for our home library.
Purchasing products by clicking through the links in this post will provide us a modest commission through our affiliate relationship with IndieBound.

The Hunger Games and Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins

Published by Scholastic Press

Ages: Young Adult

Publishers Summary for The Hunger Games: In the ruins of a place once known as North America lies the nation of Panem, a shining Capitol surrounded by twelve outlaying districts. The Capitol is harsh and cruel and keeps the districts in line by forcing them all to send one girl and one boy between the ages of twelve and eighteen to participate in the annual Hunger Games, a fight to the death on live TV. Sixteen-year-old Katniss Everdeen, who lives alone with her mother and younger sister, regards it as a death sentence when she is forced to represent her district in the Games. But Katniss has also resolved to outwit the creators of the games. To do that she will have to be the last person standing at the end of the deadly ordeal, and that will take every ounce of strength and cunning she has.

Imagine a world where the technology that’s available surpasses what we can only dream about today. A place where the most outrageous parties occur nightly, clothes are made and changed at the drop of a hat with only the finest materials, and people gorge themselves on food only to purge themselves of it by means of a delicious-chemically altered drink so that you can do it all over again. These are only a few of the things that make up The Capitol, a place that thrives on the suffering of others and lives for the sport of killing innocent teenagers on reality television. Unfortunately (or not) for Katniss Everdeen, a resident of District 12, she quickly becomes the poster child and trophy victor in what have come to be called The Hunger Games.

Now, I have to ask…have you possibly never heard of this series? Are you living under a rock? And, if you haven’t read them yet, but know about them, you must tell me why?! When the series was originally mentioned by Stephenie Meyer, quite awhile ago I might add, I honestly didn’t think much of it. It sounded like some horrible version of that reality show here in the US where the children were left in a “ghost town” and asked to work together to survive. It just didn’t appeal. But, I was in a lull at one point, without a great book, and walking through a bookstore when I saw the cover! (Yes, I’m a cover snob, oh well!) I was immediately in love when I held it in my hands and I haven’t looked back since then.

This series is for everyone, from young adult age all the way up to adults. The story of a society finally torn apart and divided into twelve separate districts with only The Capitol to rule over them is compelling without ever adding in the actual Hunger Games. Bring in the struggle to survive versus the gultonous luxury within the walls of The Capitol and you have an uprising in the making. Unfortunately for Katniss, the main character, she’s thrown right into the thick of things as the “star” of The Hunger Games with her fellow district member Peeta. All of which is leading up to something incredible for the remaining book in the series, Mockingjay.

Without going into anymore details and ruining the story for those who have not read it yet, I must say it is easily on my top ten books list. The adventure, the tension between The Capitol and the districts, the romance and especially Katniss’ character make this one of the most enjoyable reads ever. I highly recommend it and would strongly urge anyone, even those not prone to reading much, to pick it up NOW!

And just for those of you wondering:

What can I say, he’s a Baker!

The1stdaughter Recommends: Ages 12 and up. This is a series of books not to miss! Especially for fans of dystopian style fiction.

For the Comments: If you’ve read the first two in the series are you planning on attending a Mockingjay release party? At a local bookstore possibly?

The very “secret” cover was released not too long ago. What do you think? Only about a month left to go!
Make sure to take a look at my Got Books? post a little later for some more fun with The Hunger Games!

Boys Lie: How Not to Get Played by Belisa Vranich, Psy.D. and Holly Eagleson

Published by HCI Teens

Pages: 264

Publishers Summary: So consider this book the ultimate BS detector. In today’s hookups without-heart society, this brutally honest guide reveals the most common lies boys tell and the truths behind them so you and your friends can separate the good guys from the bad.

‘Everyone else is doing it.’ ‘I won’t show anyone these pictures.’ ‘If we get pregnant, we could take care of it on our own.’ Lies like these get lots of girls in trouble, especially when they cast aside their doubts and make poor choices in the heat of the moment. Written by psychologist Belisa Vranich and former Seventeen magazine editor Holly Eagleson, this provocative book sets the record straight with a ‘cheat sheet’ on what guys lie about, why they lie, and how you can respond. By learning how to react before embarrassing or volatile situations arise, you will be more confident and more likely to enjoy healthier, honest, and more fulfilling relationships.

We live in a media driven world, one in which information is based on an instant-gratification system of technology, where myths and lies run rampant. Especially for teens, whose life experience hasn’t yet taught them the varying ways in which they can be manipulated this can be potentially damaging. Fortunately for parents raising teens there are a lot of resources available to use when trying to help your son or daughter make the right choices and show them there is honesty out there. That it’s possible to find fulfilling and meaningful relationships with others without compromising your personal values and standing up for what you want. With this premise I choose to review Boys Lie: How Not to Get Played. Unfortunately, for me I felt the book leaned a little to heavily on the “how-to’s” when it comes to the bedroom and not enough on the situations that happen long before you get to that point.

As a teenager, particularly, one that’s inexperienced with handling difficult relationships it can be difficult to speak up when it comes to their personal values. One of the things I did like about Boys Lie was that throughout the book the authors discussed ways to handle the “lies”. More of a “what to say if he says this to you” type of information. It was also nice that they mention making sure to practice what to say or do beforehand and what to do if you have in fact, already fallen for one of the “lies”. In the last third of the book the authors go into greater depth as to how to handle varying types of manipulation from all forms of abuse, sexual assault, drugs, as well as handling digital communication. All of these were things I was highly interested in and was the primary reason for picking up the book. Each was handled well and a great base for discussion between a parent and a child.

Unfortunately though, this book was way to focused on the “how-to’s” in the bedroom for it’s target audience, in my opinion. Yes, we live in a world that casual sexual relationships, even between teens, seem to be the norm, but I don’t feel that means you need to give them instructions. Close to two thirds of the book was focused on various “types” of intimate experiences and the explanations of what each one entailed. Again, in my personal opinion, a teenager does not need to be given an “instructional manual” in order to prevent the spread of disease and possible pregnancy. I should add that the authors also make a strong statement that they absolutely don’t promote an “abstinence only” agenda, which also adds to their opinions on most of the topics. Outside of the “too-much-information for a book for teens” problem that I had with the book I was also disappointed in both the demeaning way they spoke about boys and their overall tone. Yes, it’s supposed to be a book for teens, but the language was too “young” in quite a few passages.

Overall, this was a very informational read. Honestly, I can’t say I would recommend giving it to a teenager, but as a parent who is curious about how to approach certain subjects with their teenager it may be something to look into. As parents we do need to be informed and aware of everything our children face at any age. Hopefully the information we accumulate will only enhance our already open discussions with our children.

The1stdaughter Recommends: Ages 17 and older. Parents should definitely read the entire book before passing it along to a teenage daughter (or son for that matter).

For the Comments: Do you have teenagers? How do you feel about approaching them about “difficult” topics?

Want a second opinion? Please take a look at the other tour stops here:
Tuesday, July 6th:  Feminist Review
Thursday, July 8th:  Shooting Stars Mag
Monday, July 12th:  The Brain Lair
Tuesday, July 13th:  Book Junkie
Monday, July 19th:  Suko’s Notebook
Tuesday, July 20th:  Simply Stacie
Thursday, July 22nd:  There’s A Book
Monday, July 26th:  Write for a Reader
Wednesday, July 28th:  Lovely Undergrad
Monday, August 2nd:  La Femme Readers

This book was provided by TLC Book Tours in conjunction with the publisher for review.
Purchasing products by clicking through the links in this post will provide us a modest commission through our affiliate relationship with IndieBound.

Nice and Mean by Jessica Leader

Published by Aladdin (An imprint of Simon & Schuster)

Pages: 272

Ages: 9-13

Goodreads Summary: Nice and Mean by Jessica Leader is a hilarious story about two girls–one nice, one mean– facing off in their middle school video elective.

“In the realm of middle school it means everything to be either the ‘mean’ girl or the ‘nice’ girl. Unfortunately for Sachi she’s definitely a nice girl, one with good grades and all the ambition she’s expected to have according to her parents. Well, in the world of tweens that just doesn’t cut it and it’s no longer enough for Sachi either. But her drive to prove she’s more than just a smart Indian girl may get her into trouble when she’s paired with the school’s leading fashionista and true ‘mean’ girl, Marina, for their elective video project.

“For those of you who may have forgotten or blurred your memories of the middle school years, let me remind you…they were tough, even for me, a typically white girl from the suburbs. Kids in that in be-’tween’ age group can be ruthless and often times this time becomes the proving grounds for the separating of new and old friends. It’s a place where most of us discovered where we ‘fit’ in the terms of which group; popular, band geek, nerd, jock, and so many more. There are some though, who like to try and blur even those lines. Sachi is one of these people. Too bad for her, Marina was firmly planted in the already ‘popular and mean‘ group.

“What I genuinely loved about Nice and Mean was the contrast between the two leading characters. Sachi and Marina couldn’t have been more different in the beginnings of the story. Sachi, obviously from a completely different country, with different beliefs, values and upbringing is the complete opposite of her counterpart. Marina, a well-to-do girl with hardly anyone telling her to change and providing her with her every whim is in need of a definite reality check. As their story continues and they are forced to work together, it’s their coming together that changes the entire dynamic of the story and brings a greater meaning to their relationship.

“As a debut author, Jessica Leader has done a wonderful job writing a story that will reach and even touch young readers. The struggles we all face during that difficult time of life are illustrated beautifully in not only the two main characters, but also their friends and acquaintances. Sachi’s desire to make a difference and blur those impossible lines that we all draw was definitely something I would love to share with any ‘tween’ girl struggling to make her own way. Nice and Mean is definitely a fun read, but also one that will stay with young readers for weeks after they’ve finished the last page.”

The1stdaughter Recommends:Ages 9 and up. The perfect read for your favorite “Tween”. Especially those struggling to blaze their own trail!

For the Comments: Did you fall into a specific group in middle/high school? Or were you a trail blazer?

This book was provided by Traveling ARC Tours for Review. Thank you!
Purchasing products by clicking through the links in this post will provide us a modest commission through our affiliate relationship with IndieBound.

Bogus by Karla Oceanak and Illustrated by Kendra Spanjer

Published by Baliwick Press

Pages: 160

Ages: 8-13

Publishers Summary: Ten-year-old Aldo Zelnick had decided it’s OK to be a little artsy-fartsy. So when his grandma Goosy gives Aldo a second sketchbook, he fills it with more hand-drawn comics, fun B words, and accounts of his everyday adventures.

In Bogus, Aldo and his best friend, Jack, find a ring in the storm grate on their street. Convinced it’s a fake, Aldo goofs around with the ring and loses it—only to find out it was a real diamond with a $1,000 reward. Will Aldo, Jack, and Bee find the ring again and reap the reward…or will their archenemy, Tommy Geller?

“Back in March I had the wonderful opportunity of reviewing Artsy-Fartsy, the first in the Aldo Zelnick series, as well as feature both Karla Oceanak and Kendra Spanjer in a guest post. All of this because I absolutely adore this new series of books! So, when my review copy of Bogus arrived a few weeks ago I couldn’t wait to read it and promptly finished it the next day.

“In this next chapter of Aldo’s life he’s made a huge discovery, but doesn’t realize it until it’s almost too late. As the story begins you’re taken on a journey through the mind of a typical ten year old. You meet his new comic book character ‘Bacon Boy’ along with his trustee side kick ‘Tormado’. Get extremely paranoid about the neighborhood bully, Tommy Geller. And make some amazing new discoveries by way of all things that start with the letter ‘B’. Just another day in the life of Aldo.

“As the story starts off Aldo is flashing back:

“Unfortunately, for Aldo, he didn’t get the message. He ends up losing a very valuable diamond ring that he and his best friend Jack found in the sewer drain. From that point on it’s nothing but comical as Aldo goes from throwing the ring in with his new fish to losing it with no trace left behind. As you can see from some of the illustrations below, it’s nothing if not absolutely hilarious.

“In an effort to make ‘a lot of money‘ Aldo decides to try his hand at comic strip writing. His first attempts revolve all around his number one love, food:

“Overall, the latest installment of the Aldo Zelnick series is just as good, if not better than the first. A perfect blend of entertainment and education. Karla Oceanak and Kendra Spanjer have shown again that they know exactly how to reach kids in that often, awkward time of life between being a ‘kid’ and a teenager. Aldo is hilarious, but absolutely real, a kid you could almost imagine walking through your front door at any minute. His struggle to be active is something that almost every kid who reads this will be able to relate to.  Aldo is not a character you quickly forget and you’ll definitely be left wanting more when you’re done with this latest installment.”

The1stdaughter Recommends: Ages 8 and up. Get kids up and moving as well as learning about some fun new words through the eyes of someone very much like them. Perfect for boys looking for something a little more stimulating than comics.

For the Comments: What’s your favorite letter of the alphabet and why?

Make sure to take a look at my review of Artsy-Fartsy as well, you won’t want to miss this series! And look for the next installment, Cahoots due out at the end of the year.

This book was provided by the publisher, Baliwick Press, for review. Thank you!
Interior artwork provided and copyright protected by Kendra Spanjer. Thank you!
Purchasing products by clicking through the links in this post will provide us a modest commission through our affiliate relationship with IndieBound.

Tell Me A Secret by Holly Cupala

Published by HarperTeen (An Imprint of HarperCollins)

Pages: 304

Ages: Young Adult (14 and up)

Publishers Summary: In the five years since her bad-girl sister Xanda’s death, Miranda Mathison has wondered about the secret her sister took to the grave, and what really happened the night she died. Now, just as Miranda is on the cusp of her dreams—a best friend to unlock her sister’s world, a ticket to art school, and a boyfriend to fly her away from it all—Miranda has a secret all her own.

When two lines on a pregnancy test confirm her worst fears, Miranda is stripped of her former life. She must make a choice with tremendous consequences and finally face her sister’s demons and her own.

“Miranda, no, Rand is a girl with secrets. Yes, we all have secrets but not many of us have secrets that could forever change the landscape of the lives of everyone surrounding us. Unfortunately for Rand her secrets have huge consequences. And it’s just one of many secrets that have sent her and her family in a continuous downward spiral even since before she was born.

“Do you keep secrets? Secrets can be some of the most damaging things we carrying with us. Sometimes we do it because we think we are protecting others and then there are the times we are protecting ourselves. As the theme carries throughout the story from character to character you slowly discover that the secrets in Rand’s life began before her birth and don’t ever seem to stop. Again, some are kept with the best of intentions, like those from her mother, and others are intentionally kept from her, including those from her so-called friend Delaney. The most tragic secret is of course the one kept from her by her late sister Xanda.

“Holly Cupala’s debut novel, Tell Me A Secret, is a tremendously well written story that explores not only the relationships we have with those around us, but the choices we make and their impact. It’s not often that I find myself enjoying a story about a young girl, still in high school, who after some poor choices ends up pregnant, but Rand was an amazing character. She was incredibly likable and I found myself relating to many of her doubts from when I was a teenager. Didn’t we all question whether there was that guy that would still like us after spilled some of our deepest feelings? Or wonder about the girls around us and whether their intentions were pure? There are so many feelings that get wrapped up into being a teenager and Cupala did a brilliant job communicating each of them in her novel.

“It’s almost difficult to believe Tell Me A Secret is a debut novel. Holly Cupala does such an amazing job illustrating each facet of teenage life without sounding condescending or out of touch. Each of the characters in the book brought something different to the experience, even the minor ones. I’m also not an advocate of teenage pregnancy, but Cupala handled a touchy situation with finesse. Without a doubt Tell Me A Secret is a book I would eagerly share with readers of almost any age, especially those that enjoy a well written young adult novel.”

The1stdaughter Recommends: Ages 14 and up. A brilliant debut novel I’m eager to share with young readers!

For the Comments: Do you keep secrets? Why or why not?

Take a look at the Virtual Blog Tour for some amazing (and hilarious) interviews with Holly Cupala and learn about how to win some great items related to the book:

The Tell Me A Secret Virtual Blog Tour from June 14 – July 30

This book was provided by Other Shelf Tours for Review. Thank you!
Purchasing products by clicking through the links in this post will provide us a modest commission through our affiliate relationship with IndieBound.

A Place for Delta by Melissa Walker and Illustrated by Richard Walker

Published by Whale Tale Press

Pages: 272

Ages: 9-12

Publishers Summary: Joseph can hardly believe what he has been asked to do.  His Aunt Kate is waiting for him at a research station and needs help taking care of an orphaned polar bear cub only a few months old.  He will leave his friends and family and venture to the farthest northern town in the United States: Barrow, Alaska.

As the adventure unfolds, Joseph and his newfound Eskimo friend Ada find mysteries wherever they look.  The bear cub, Delta, remains in danger. Who would want a polar bear dead?  Joseph will have to look to the North Georgia woods and his family to save Delta.

When his parents were kids, they too embarked on an excursion into the unknown. Their encounters with the wilderness beyond their backyard have molded the future for Joseph and Delta. A Place for Delta is about one family’s journey–a passage born in the Appalachian mountains and leading to the Arctic.

“An adventure is happening wherever you are, should be Joseph’s motto. No matter the location, be it the woods of North Georgia or the frozen terrain of Alaska, Joseph seems to find adventure and mystery without seeking it out. With the help of his loving Aunt Kate, Joseph takes off on the adventure of a lifetime! Caring for a small polar bear cub named Delta and seeking out the reason for the her mother’s mysterious disappearance. Along the way he makes some new friends, including Ada and Chipic , but also discovers there are enemies that were never expected. It’s an adventure from beginning to end.

“A Place for Delta is a book that from beginning to end had me thinking of my time reading White Fang by Jack London when I was younger. They have a lot of differences, but the important things are present in both books. The adventure, the environmental impact, the writing and the overall appeal to young readers, especially boys. Melissa Walker has truly brought to life the adventure that can lie outside our backdoor and the importance of preserving those cherished places.

“Another of the amazing components of the book were the illustrations, so different from anything I’d ever seen, but along with the story left a lasting impact.

“This next one of Delta, the polar bear cub struck me as I read the book. You can imagine sitting in the room with her, almost touching the soft white fur that encloses her small body. It was just beautiful.

“This is the journey of not only a small polar bear cub to a new home, but of a boy who finds adventure around every corner. A Place for Delta is a book for young readers looking for something exciting in their very own world; no need for wands, wizards or dragons…just look out your own backdoor to find your next great adventure. They may even learn a thing or two about saving the wonderful resources we have before us. I’m definitely looking forward to hearing more from Delta & Joseph and I know of a very adventurous boy who will love their stories as well.”

The1stdaughter Recommends: Ages 8 and up. Adventuresome kids everywhere will love Joseph’s adventures with Delta.

For the Comments: Is there an outdoors place you would miss were it not there tomorrow?

This book was provided by publisher thanks to Lisa from OnlinePublicist (find her on twitter here). Thank you so much!
Interior Art provided by and copyright protected by the publisher, not to be used without their written consent.
Purchasing products by clicking through the links in this post will provide us a modest commission through our affiliate relationship with IndieBound.

Keeper by Kathi Appelt Illustrated by August Hall

Published by Atheneum Books for Young Readers (An imprint of Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing)

Pages: 416

Ages: 8-12

Publishers Summary: To ten-year-old Keeper, this moon is her chance to fix all that has gone wrong…and so much has gone wrong. But she knows who can make things right again: Meggie Marie, her mermaid mother who swam away when Keeper was just three. A blue moon calls the mermaids to gather at the sandbar, and that’s exactly where she is headed — in a small boat, in the middle of the night, with only her dog, BD (Best Dog), and a seagull named Captain.

The Secret Lives of Princesses by Philippe Lechermeier Illustrated by Rebecca Dautremer

Published by Sterling Children’s Books (A division of Sterling Publishing)

Pages: 88

Ages: 7 and up

Publishers Summary: Go beyond Sleeping Beauty and Cinderella! Some princesses are well-known to all children—but others, equally magical (and sometimes, a lot funnier) have remained anonymous, mysterious, and far from the fairy-tale crowd. Now these captivating ladies are finally stepping out of the shadows where they’ve remained hidden for far too long. With wit, sublime humor, and beautiful art, The Secret Lives of Princesses introduces a bevy of royal daughters to the court of young readers.  While it alludes to some of their more famous sisters, this large and lusciously illustrated compendium presents such unique and unforgettable characters as the petite Princess Claire Voyant, who can see very far into tomorrow (but muddles her predictions); Princess Oblivia, who forgets everything and misses all her appointments; Princess Tangra-La, who does the tango, the fandango, and any dance that comes her way; and Princess Babbling Brooke, who chatters on and on about everything and nothing. Plus, you’ll learn about such princessy matters as the language of fans; coats of arms; and how not to offend dangerous fairies who cast evil spells.Poetic, often humorous, and always enchanting, this is the perfect collection for princess-loving girls who long for more than just the traditional fairy tale.

“Were you the little girl dying to have your turn with the magic wand and tiara? You know…the one who sang along with every Little Mermaid song or Sleeping Beauty aria. You could have even been the girl who sat in her room dreaming of far off places and new adventures in some fairytale land. Perhaps not, maybe you just happen to know a little girl who fits one of these situations. I know I do, at least a few of them actually, and this book is just perfect for them…and me for that matter.

“The Secret Lives of Princesses is the other side of the coin when it comes to typical fairy tale princesses. Ever wonder what the real reason was for Sleeping Beauty’s hundred year sleep? It could be as simple as she’s related to the ever-so-sleepy Princess Somnia who can’t seem to be bothered to get out of bed even for the most important of events. And maybe Cinderella was really suffering from a case of memory loss when she forgot about her pumpkin carriage, similar to how Princess Oblivia forgets who she is on a regular basis. There is so much more to be learned from Princesses who stories have yet to be told, including their secrets, their pets, traditions and some very peculiar quirks. Each new-to-us Princess has something to share and none should be missed.

“One of the best parts about this book, besides the fantastic stories obviously, is the artwork. Each page you turn is like walking through an art gallery. I personally have many favorites that I’d love to have framed and hung in Littlebug’s bedroom. The illustrator, Rebecca Dautremer, is absolutely brilliant. The detail in each piece is phenomenal, because just when you think you’ve seen every little part you take another look to reveal a small button or thread coming loose. Amazing! The following images are taken straight from the book (courtesey of the publisher of course*), this first one is Princess For-A-Day because, unfortunately for her she is only a Princess for one day only.

“Princess Molly Coddle’s Garden Maze:

“As I said, each illustration is a work of art on it’s own and is something adults and children will appreciate equally. Children because the art will come alive in their imaginations and carry them to these far off places. For adults, there are so many reasons adults will love the illustrations, but most importantly, you will be taken to that same place the little girl next to you is dreaming of as you read together these new and very fun stories.

“The Secret Lives of Princesses was a book that I was immediately in love with from the moment I first had it in my hands. You will chuckle your way through page after page, but stare in awe at the beautiful artwork that accompanies each well-crafted story. It’s hard to imagine that these stories haven’t always exsisted, but they’re here now. Personally, as I mentioned already, I can think of at least three little girls in my life who will be enjoying a copy of this book very soon (as well as some very excited Mom’s, Aunt’s and Grandma’s). You absolutely don’t want to miss this wonderful book for all ages and imaginations.”

The1stdaughter Recommends: Ages 4 and up. Parents and children alike will laugh and be swept away by the wonderful stories and beautiful artwork behind these “new” Princesses and all their secrets.

For the Comments: Which of these new Princesses is your favorite? Take a look at the Portrait Gallery and come back and tell me. Not enough time? Who was your favorite as a child and what secret do you think they may have kept hidden?

The Secret Lives of Princesses Official Website with Fabulous Games:
Memory, Slide Puzzle, Matching, Personality Quiz, Portrait Gallery and Trading Card Info
The Secret Lives of Princesses Facebook Page

This book was provided by Sterling Children’s Books for review (find them online here and on Twitter here). Thank you!
*Images Reprinted with permission from The Secret Lives of Princesses. Illustrations © 2004 by Rébecca Dautremer, published by Sterling Publishing Co., Inc.
Purchasing products by clicking through the links in this post will provide us a modest commission through our affiliate relationship with IndieBound.

Beautiful Malice by Rebecca James

Published by Bantam Books (An imprint of Random House)

Pages: 272

Ages: Young Adult

Release Date: Look for it July 13, 2010

Publishers Summary: Who is Katherine Patterson? It is a question she hopes no one can answer. To erase her past, Katherine has moved to a new city, enrolled in a new school, and even changed her name. She’s done the next best thing to disappearing altogether. Now, wary and alone, she seeks nothing more than anonymity. What she finds instead is the last thing she expected: a friend.
Even more unlikely, Katherine’s new friend is the most popular and magnetic girl in school. Extroverted, gorgeous, flirtatious, and unpredictable, she is everything that Katherine is not and doesn’t want to be: the center of attention. Yet Alice’s enthusiasm is infectious, her candor sometimes unsettling, and Katherine, in spite of her guarded caution, finds herself drawn into Alice’s private circle.
But Alice has secrets, too—darker than anyone can begin to imagine. And when she lets her guard down at last, Katherine discovers the darkest of them all. For there will be no escaping the past for Katherine Patterson—only a descent into a trap far more sinister . . . and infinitely more seductive.

“This is the story of Katherine, a girl recovering from a tragic event that has left her permanently scarred and completely alone. She’s alone until she meets Alice, an infinitely beautiful and popular girl in a new city and school. Oddly enough Alice befriends Katherine and what happens after that is completely unexpected. From beginning to end Rebecca James takes you on a journey of loss and then recovery through the sometimes haunting and graphic story of Katherine Patterson.

**Spoiler Warning**

“Beautiful Malice is a book that is revealed in layers, perfectly timed and paced until the very last page. In this way it actually reminded me a lot of the writing style found in Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro. Because of this though, it’s difficult to review without revealing a few of the puzzle pieces that make the book so intriguing.

“Quite a bit of this book is focused around friendships/relationships both good and bad; as is stated by Rebecca James herself in the following video (*email/RSS subscribers may have to click through to the post to view the video.):

“In the initial beginnings of Alice and Katherine’s friendship, Alice is a new experience for Katherine. Alice is popular and beautiful and Katherine is the new girl with a mysterious past. For some reason Alice sweeps her off her feet into what becomes a unique and damaging relationship. Honestly, Alice reminded me of a character from a recent episode of the television series House, titled Remorse. The main character in the episode was a psychopath and had absolutely no emotional connection with the people around her, but was still able to mask it effectively enough to fool someone into marrying her. Alice was similar in so many ways, she fooled everyone around her into believing she was a happy carefree soul with no regrets or concerns. As the book unfolds you see how Alice begins to unravel and in turn lashes out at Katherine. It’s terrifying and absolutely brilliantly written.

“In addition to her relationship with Alice, there are others that come along in Katherine’s story. Many of them are chosen because they happen to be there at the moment or are friends of friends. But others, including her own sister, are just part of who she is. Often times we aren’t given the opportunity to chose who will be in our lives, but what it comes down to is how we approach those relationships. How we allow them to transform our lives or us transform theirs.

“In Katherine’s case the one relationship that changes her forever is the one with her sister, and for very obvious reasons. Her sister is brutally raped and murdered in front of her, a scene which I found very difficult to read. It was so graphic, including the drinking (by a fourteen year old) that led up to the situation. For this reason, I couldn’t say I recommend it to younger audiences, it’s definitely a very mature Young Adult novel. The death of her sister changed Katherine forever, understandably, and she’s left questioning whether she deserves to be happy ever again, because, to some extent she allowed it to happen. As an outsider to an extreme situation it made me more mindful of my own children and how I plan to address the possibility of these occurrences in their lives, whether directly or as an ‘onlooker’.

“Overall, I thought Beautiful Malice was an extremely well-crafted book with a heart breaking story. As a mother of young children I’m afraid my viewpoint may be skewed and not entirely focused on the theme of friendship, but more so on the damaging effect our choices can have on our lives when we make poor ones. I don’t feel that takes away from the value of the book at all, but it’s just a different view than possibly the target audience may have. I’d love to hear what you think! It’s an intense journey from beginning to end, but one I would highly recommend.”

The1stdaughter Recommends: Ages 16/17 and up. This book is intended for more mature audiences. There are graphic scenes of rape and murder as well as underage drinking with the mention of sexual encounters and teen pregnancy as well. As a parent I would definitely encourage reading the book before passing it along to your teen so that you can both discuss the topics covered in the book together.

For the Comments: I’d love to know what you think. How would you view and handle a book with the situations I described above?

This book was provided for review by Traveling ARC Tours. Thank you!
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