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.
“A HANDFUL OF STARS,” by Cynthia Lord, Scholastic Press, May 26, 2015, Hardcover, $16.99 (ages 8-12)
When Lily’s blind dog, Lucky, slips his collar and runs away across the wide-open blueberry barrens of eastern Maine, it’s Salma Santiago who manages to catch him. Salma, the daughter of migrant workers, is in the small town with her family for the blueberry-picking season.
After their initial chance meeting, Salma and Lily bond over painting bee boxes for Lily’s grandfather, and Salma’s friendship transforms Lily’s summer. But when Salma decides to run in the upcoming Blueberry Queen pageant, they’ll have to face some tough truths about friendship and belonging. Should an outsider like Salma really participate in the pageant-and possibly win?
My thoughts: The description of this one has had me hooked. It’s been in my to-read pile for a long time. Based on the reviews I’ve read, it looks like it will be moving to the top of that pile.
Here’s what Kirkus had to say about “A Handful of Stars”:
“Lord tenderly explores Lily’s growing understanding of her own emotional boundaries, defined by her frustration over never having known her mother, fear of expressing her individuality, and wariness of change—all aspects of her personality that Salma gently reveals to her. Lily’s likable voice believably discloses her maturing awareness of the limitations she’s built around herself while also offering an accurate and appreciative depiction of a unique setting: the blueberry barrens of Downeast Maine. This sensitive coming-of-age tale compassionately explores prejudice and multiculturalism. “
“MARK OF THE THIEF,” by Jennifer A. Nielsen, Scholastic Press, Feb. 24, 2015, Hardcover, $17.99 (ages 9-12)
When Nic, a slave in the mines outside of Rome, is forced to enter a sealed cavern containing the lost treasures of Julius Caesar, he finds much more than gold and gemstones: He discovers an ancient bulla, an amulet that belonged to the great Caesar and is filled with a magic once reserved for the Gods — magic some Romans would kill for.
Now, with the deadly power of the bulla pulsing through his veins, Nic is determined to become free. But instead, he finds himself at the center of a ruthless conspiracy to overthrow the emperor and spark the Praetor War, a battle to destroy Rome from within. Traitors and spies lurk at every turn, each more desperate than the next to use Nic’s newfound powers for their own dark purposes.
In a quest to stop the rebellion, save Rome, and secure his own freedom, Nic must harness the magic within himself and defeat the empire’s most powerful and savage leaders.
My thoughts: Jennifer A. Nielsen is a chameleon, creating vastly different worlds while maintaining top-notch writing. I read “Mark of the Thief” some time ago, and the story has stuck with me. It’s always a top middle-grade recommendation for me when someone asks.
Here’s part of “Mark of the Thief’s” starred review from Kirkus:
“The fast-paced, ingenious plot, charismatic hero and highly diverse cast of characters—including the ancient, eternal city itself—make this series opener a captivating joy ride.”
“FROM THE NOTEBOOKS OF A MIDDLE SCHOOL PRINCESS,” by Meg Cabot, Feiwel & Friends, May 19, 2015, Hardcover, $16.99 (ages 8-12)
Olivia Grace Clarisse Mignonette Harrison is a completely average twelve-year-old: average height, average weight, average brown hair of average length, average brown skin and average hazel eyes. The only things about her that aren’t average are her name (too long and princess themed), her ability to draw animals (useful for her future career as a wildlife illustrator), and the fact that she is a half-orphan who has never met her father and is forced to live with her aunt and uncle (who treat her almost like their own kids, so she doesn’t want to complain).
Then one completely average day, everything goes wrong: the most popular girl in school, Annabelle Jenkins, threatens to beat her up, the principal gives her a demerit, and she’s knocked down at the bus stop …
Until a limo containing Princess Mia Thermopolis of Genovia pulls up to invite her to New York to finally meet her father, who promptly invites her to come live with him, Mia, Grandmère and her two fabulous poodles …
Maybe Olivia Grace Clarisse Mignonette Harrison isn’t so average after all!
My thoughts: I came to the world of the Princess Diaries through the movies. But after reading “From the Notebooks of a Middle School Princess” I definitely want to go back and read the originals. I have a feeling some things were lost in the movie-making process. I had a lot of fun reading this one.
Here’s the Kirkus review for “From the Notebooks of a Middle School Princess”:
“While readers who already know the Princess Diaries might find this fairy tale a bit too retold, young newcomers to the Cabot magic will be charmed. A sweet fantasy, both funny and highly satisfying. “
