ICYMI (In case you missed it) looks at books that have already been released. They’re books I feel deserve a second look even though I won’t be offering a full review on Cracking the Cover. Each book description includes a publisher’s synopsis, what others thought about the book, and my thoughts on what attracted me to it in the first place.
“TROLLHUNTERS,” by Guillermo del Toro and Daniel Kraus, Disney-Hyperion, July 7, 2015, Hardcover, $18.99 (young adult)
Jim Sturges is your typical teen in suburban San Bernardino-one with an embarrassingly overprotective dad, a best friend named “Tubby” who shares his hatred of all things torturous (like gym class), and a crush on a girl who doesn’t know he exists. But everything changes for Jim when a 45-year old mystery resurfaces, threatening the lives of everyone in his seemingly sleepy town. Soon Jim has to team up with a band of unlikely (and some un-human) heroes to battle the monsters he never knew existed.
“Trollhunters” is a book I was looking forward to reading. The authors, the description, the illustrations … what’s not to like. And I did in fact read the first 80 or so pages. The prologue is awesome. It had me hooked. But somewhere along the way, my interest waned. I don’t think this had anything to do with the writing style or plot in general. It just isn’t my kind of book. That doesn’t mean it won’t be yours, though.
Here’s what Leigh Collazo, Dulwich College, Suzhou, China, wrote in the School Library Journal:
“This work features an eclectic and endearing cast of troll and human characters. Even though the pacing is a bit choppy, moving from fast-paced in one chapter to slow in the next, the heart-pounding opening chapter would make an excellent library or classroom read-aloud. This funny, gory first series installment may engage reluctant readers, particularly those familiar with del Toro’s horror films. Beautifully creepy, full-color artwork is sprinkled throughout, but it often appears well after the scene it depicts. VERDICT: More gruesome than scary, this title will be a hit with teens and adults who love action-packed, dark fantasy adventures.”
“LOVE, LUCAS,” by Chantele Sedgwick, Sky Pony Press, May 5, 2015, Hardcover, $16.99 (young adult)
When Oakley Nelson loses her older brother, Lucas, to cancer, she thinks she’ll never recover. Between her parents’ arguing and the battle she’s fighting with depression, she feels nothing inside but a hollow emptiness. When Mom suggests they spend a few months in California with Aunt Jo, Oakley isn’t sure a change of scenery will alter anything, but she’s willing to give it a try. In California, Oakley discovers a sort of safety and freedom in Aunt Jo’s beach house. Once they’re settled, Mom hands her a notebook full of letters addressed to her—from Lucas. As Oakley reads one each day, she realizes how much he loved her, and each letter challenges her to be better and to continue to enjoy her life. He wants her to move on. If only it were that easy.
“Love, Lucas” is a book I was planning on reading. At one point it was even near the top of my to-read pile. Then my own brother became ill. He spent six weeks in the hospital before passing away. By the time I came back to “Love, Lucas” I just couldn’t bring myself to pick it up. Things are just too fresh right now. I’m holding on to it for a later date.
This is what Aly at The Booklanders thought of “Love, Lucas”:
“While ‘Love, Lucas’ is primarily a sad book, it is also the story of Oakley moving on and working through Lucas’ death. At times I would be laughing, at times sighing even when I had tears pouring out of my eyes. And that was good. My emotions didn’t feel all over the place in a crazy way but in a way that just made me feel better afterwards. ‘Love, Lucas’ was a beautiful, touching story about one person’s grief and her journey through it. I admit that while you should have kleenex handy you also should give this book a read. It’s beautiful and just I can’t tell you how good this book was!”
“THE ENCHANTED FILES: DIARY OF A MAD BROWNIE,” by Bruce Coville, Random House Books for Young Readers, June 30, 2015, Hardcover, $16.99 (ages 8-12)
Introducing The Enchanted Files! Told in diary entries and more, it’s a new magical, modern-day comedy series by Bruce Coville. In the first hilarious Enchanted Files, Angus is a brownie. No, not the kind you eat! He’s a tiny magical creature that loves to do chores. Angus has just “inherited” a new human girl, Alex. To say that Alex is messy would be an understatement. She’s a total hurricane-like disaster—and she likes it that way, thankyouverymuch! Living with each other isn’t easy but Angus and Alex soon learn there is a curse that binds them. What’s worse, it threatens Alex’s family! Working together, Angus and Alex will set out to break the curse . . . without killing each other first . . . hopefully.
Bruce Coville is the author of more than 100 books for children and young adults. He’s kind of a rock star. The concept behind this series looks like a lot of fun. I look forward to reading it when I get the chance.
Here’s what Robin Willis at School Library Journal thought:
“I have long been a fan of Bruce Coville’s writing. While humorous and engaging, his work also has a genuine and caring heart to it. This book more than lived up to my expectations. The fact that it is written in varying formats (diary entries, memos, letters, etc.) adds greatly to its charm. It is a good addition to any collection serving 8 to 11 year old readers, and would even be a good read aloud for a younger audience.”
