Calamity Jack
By Shannon and Dean Hale Illustrated by Nathan Hale
Recommended reading level: ages 10 and up
Reviewed by: Kathy Davis
 

Note: You might read some plot spoilers so be forewarned.
 
Calamity Jack is the hero of this engaging graphic novel.  Born to “scheme”, Jack sets his sights on what he wants and will go for it no matter what the consequences. Unfortunately it seems bad luck follows him.  Good intentions he may have, but the end result is not always “ideal”.  Just like another Jack we’ve heard about, Calamity Jack buys some magic beans that lead him straight to some cranky giants.  The great beanstalk may provide him with a goose that lays golden eggs, but it also destroys his mom’s bakery. His exasperated mom sends him away, and he goes westward.  He needs to hide anyway from the giants, and he hopes once the goose lays him some eggs he can go home and help rebuild the bakery. Joined by his friend Rapunzel, (a star of another one of Hale’s graphic novels) they return home to find out his mom is in trouble and his city in shambles.  Can they save her?  Or will once again calamity follow Jack?
 
I’ve never been a huge fan of graphic novels, but I have to say this one tells a good story, and has some dazzling illustrations – the kind that make you want to linger over the page once the dialogue is read. My copy was black and white, but the finished book will be full color throughout. Jack, despite his sordid past and tendency toward misfortune, is a likeable hero and it’s easy to root for him to succeed. He also has some interesting side-kicks (Rapunzel and Pixie) and a nasty villain (Blunderboar) to fight. Any kid who balks at reading books, and even those who like to sink their teeth into a good novel will enjoy this book.
 
 I’d like to thank the publishers bloomsburyusa.com for providing me with an advance reading copy of Calamity Jack for this review.
Want to learn more about Shannon Hale?  Here’s a short biography from her website:
“Shannon Hale is the New York Times best-selling author of six award-winning young adult novels, including the Newbery Honor book Princess Academy, and two books for adults, Austenland and The Actor and the Housewife. She co-wrote a graphic novel, Rapunzel’s Revenge, with husband Dean Hale. They live with their two small children near Salt Lake City, Utah.” For even more information, visit her website at: http://www.squeetus.com/stage/main.html
Also, Here’s Dean’s website: http://www.dreadcrumbs.com/
And Nathan’s http://spacestationnathan.blogspot.com/
 
Here are the participating bloggers on this book tour:
Sally Apokedak, Reading is my Superpower, firesidemusings.blogspot.com, Through the Looking Glass Book Review , Booking Mama, Cafe of Dreams, Becky’s Book Reviews, The Hungry Readers, The Friendly Book Book, My Own Little Corner of the World, Book Blather, GreenBeanTeenQueen, Book Crumbs , Abby (the) Librarian, Dolce Bellezza, Homeschoolbuzz.com, The Book Cellar, Carrie’s YA Bookshelf, Bookshelf Monstrosity, Everyday Reading, Frenetic Reader, KidzBookBuzz.com, Maw Books

The Carnival is hosted this week by Janice Campbell divided into compelling chapters – In Honor of National Novel Writing Month.

Welcome to this hundred-and-umpteenth Carnival of Homeschooling! Because November is National Novel Writing Month (also known as NaNoWriMo or nano), and I’m over 10,000 words into the writing process (and can’t think of anything but writing, writing, and more writing), I thought it would be appropriate to format this Carnival as sections of a book. I even consulted the Chicago Manual of Style for an authoritative list of book parts! Read more…

Yesterday I reviewed Girl in the Arena by Lise Haines. The book explores what society might be like if there were modern day gladiators. The whole idea of “fighting to the death” is appalling to me, yet there was a day and a time where this was an accepted sport. I’m glad it’s now part of history. Interested in learning more about gladiatiors? Here are some links I found that sum up this ancient and violent form of entertainment.

Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gladiator
The Roman Gladiator: http://ablemedia.com/ctcweb/consortium/gladiators.html
For kids “You wouldn’t want to be a Roman Gladiator!”: http://www.salariya.com/web_books/gladiator/

Recommended reading level: ages 16 and up
Reviewed by: Kathy Davis

Lyn is a gladiator daughter, coming from a line of seven gladiator fathers.  Yes, after her biological father died, Lyn’s mother married six consecutive gladiators, all who died a gladiator’s death.  Now it looks like Lyn might have to marry the man who killed her seventh father as he took her dowry bracelet her father was wearing during the fight for good luck.  Even though she learns this guy happens to be a tough gladiator but a nice guy, she isn’t ready to be married.  So, she begins to look for some way to get out of marrying him. Might it involve her facing him in the arena to the ultimate fight?

This novel blends ancient Rome with modern day.  There’s lots the book explores; a culture that is obsessed with violence, overpowering media coverage, special needs and family dynamics, death and grieving, and how an organization (gladiators association) can be like a strict religion. Besides being an interesting story, this book is a thought provoker.  Could our society, that is so addicted to reality TV, ever condone a “fight to the death” “gladiator” type sport?  It sure is convincing in the story.  These glads and glad wives are celebrities, complete with a paparazzi following.  Besides the gladiator culture, Lyn’s family is explored in depth.  She has a close relationship with her little brother, and is very protective of him as he has some sort of special needs.

I might mention I did find the narration a little challenging at first take, the conversations have no quotes nor any he said she said, it was free flowing thoughts and dialogues.  It was distracting only until I got the hang of it, which was by about the second or third chapter.

Be aware there is swearing, violence, commercialism including the mention of condoms, smoking and a character commits suicide.

Girl in the Arena has a unique style and topic.  The author does a fine job blending the ancient past time with modern day realism. I found the book absorbing and it kept me turning pages.

Note: Acknowledgements to Bloomsbury USA for providing me with an advance review copy of this book for review.

Stay tuned tomorrow for more information about gladiators.
Here are the other bloggers participating on this blog tour:

Abby the Librarian, A Patchwork of Books, All About Children’s Books, Becky’s Book Reviews, Fireside Musings, Homeschool Book Buzz, KidzBookBuzz.com, Maw Books Blog, My Own Little Corner of the World, Reading is My Superpower, Through a Child’s Eyes

Bran Hambrick: The Farfield Curse
by Kaleb Nation
Recommended reading level: Ages 10-13
Reviewed by: Kathy Davis

Bran Hambrick had a mysterious beginning. Found in a bank vault when he was a mere 6 years old, he had nothing but a slip of paper with his name and no knowledge of how he got there. Taken in by a crotchety banker named Sewey Wiloma, Bran lives a seemingly “normal” life with his odd new foster family in the city of Dunce. In Dunce magic is illegal – gnomes and mages are considered lawbreakers. Then comes the day Bran discovers he can do magic. He is overwhelmed and tries desperately to keep his awakened powers silent. He finds he is not alone as there are other Mages in Dunce who are flying under the radar. Here’s an excerpt where Bran finds a hidden room in the local bookstore. There he finds it full of magic books. Here he is reading from one.

He turned the page and saw there were rows and rows of similar magics: all organized in the same way and numbered neatly. Each had a title of its own as well, like a nickname. He say one called Fulton’s Fiery Flying Fingers and Muddy Mucktrap, and Windy Snaps just above Caterwualing Cannons of Lightening. Each had something to do with a natural element. Bran felt as if he were a wanderer and had for the first time in his life found books about his homeland.

I confess I approached this book with skepticism. How could a book written by a teen (the author started writing it when he was just 14) be any good? I was pleasantly surprised. The story is well told with a unique voice And, there are eccentricities such as inventive vocabulary and larger than life characters that should keep the reader entertained. Keep in mind this book is about a boy who is a mage, and he meets other mages, including some who would represent the dark side of magic. Fans of books such as Harry Potter or even Roald Dahl should find this book appealing as well. Overall, I’d say Kaleb Nation has penned a good book, which is no easy task. Kudos!

North! Or Be Eaten: The Wingfeather Saga Book 2
By Andrew Peterson
Recommended reading level: ages 12 and up
Reviewed by: Kathy Davis
The Igiby/Wingfeather family was secluded in a tree house in the woods until a friend (Oskar) warns them to flee – the Fangs of Dang were in hot pursuit of them.  The family, heirs to the kingdom of Anniera, consists of Tink the King, Janner the Throne Warden, Leeli the musical sister, and Nia the mom. Along with their Uncle Peet and Grandpa Podo the family must move quickly to journey north where they will find safety from the viscous Fangs.

The trip is a treacherous one.  Along with the Fangs, throw in some cranky trolls, tough terrain, deadly rockroaches, horned hounds, and toothy cows and you get the idea what sort of ride the children are in for.

Wow!  What a fanciful adventure.  The creatures and characters are inventive.  Imagine such things as cave blats, quill diggles, and dagger fish to name a few more.  This book is a creative wonder. But, it will require your undivided attention. This is not a book to be skimmed.  Blink and you’ll miss an important element to the story.  There are scattered footnotes and appendices that help the reader understand aspects of the detailed realm that has been created. Besides the breathless adventure, there are numerous selfless acts of bravery by all members of the family, even their dog Nugget.
Here is an excerpt:

Oskar laughed and turned his tired eyes on Janner.  “Miller’s bridge, my boy! Can you believe it?  A legend proved true.  A lot of that going on these days, it seems.  Lost jewels, heroic deeds.  I tell you, seeing the way you Igibys- Wingfeathers, rather – manage to survive makes me dare to believe the old stories are true after all.  All those epics about mighty victories and brave kings.  If I live long enough to sit at a desk again with a quill and parchment, I’ll tell about this day.  I’ll put it down so that a thousand years hence some lad will read of the day Janner Wingfeather charged the Fangs of Dang beside his stout grandfather or how young King Kalmar’s (Janner) skill with the bow drove and army of Fangs to retreat.”

Be aware it does have some harshness.  There is a factory run by child labor, and the children there are mistreated and physically abused.  Those with sensitive hearts will find their blood pressure elevating when they read those scenes!  In fact the journey is so perilous for each member of the family you will wonder how they will every get north in one piece, or as one unit.  Despite the grim circumstances, the family ties remain strong, forgiveness abounds, and hope stays alive.  I enjoyed this truly unique world, and think in particular fans of Narnia or the Tolkien books will find The Wingfeather Saga a delight.
Participating bloggers for this book tour:
The 160 Acre Woods, A Christian Worldview of Fiction, All About Children’s Books, Becky’s Book Reviews, Booking Mama, Cafe of Dreams, Dolce Bellezza, Fireside Musings, Homeschool Book Buzz, KidzBookBuzz.com, My Own Little Corner of the World, My utopia, Novel Teen, Olive Tree, Reading is My Superpower, Through a Child’s Eyes, Spoiled for the Ordinary

Tomorrow I plan to post my review of North or Be Eaten (The Wingfeather Saga Book 2) by Andrew Peterson.  The book is a fast-paced, gnarly adventure full of scary chases and heroic characters.  I thought today I’d introduce you to the author.  Besides writing books he keeps busy in Nashville as a singer/songwriter.  He is husband to Jamie and has three children.  He is a gifted artist, both in his music and his writing! Here you can read an in depth bio: http://andrew-peterson.com/index.php?s=au&nid=77799
Be sure to check back for my review of North or be Eaten.  Just to note: although this is book 2 of a series, it stands alone – you can jump right in at the second installation and enjoy it without having read the first.  See you tomorrow.
Here are the other bloggers on the book tour:
The 160 Acre Woods, A Christian Worldview of Fiction, All About Children’s Books, Becky’s Book Reviews, Booking Mama, Cafe of Dreams, Dolce Bellezza, Fireside Musings, Homeschool Book Buzz, KidzBookBuzz.com, My Own Little Corner of the World, My utopia, Novel Teen, Olive Tree, Reading is My Superpower, Through a Child’s Eyes, Spoiled for the Ordinary