After Alice by Gregory Maguire

Genre
Fiction

Synopsis
Alice's drop into Wonderland is a story we are all familiar with.  But what happened to the family left at home during Alice's journey?  What of the neighbor, young Ada, who topples down the rabbit hole after Alice?  This is a story of places you know, yet tales you have never heard.  A wonderful envisioning of a new angle to Alice's tale of Wonderland.

Why Should You Read It? 
It brings you right back to Wonderland.

What Can You Learn From the Author's Writing? 
How to weave higher vocabulary and real history into your fantasy story.

Overall Rating
4 smiles

Murder House by James Patterson

Genre
Fiction

Synopsis
The house at 7 Ocean Drive has a horrible history of death.  Detective Jenna Murphy hasn't set foot on the Hamptons in years.  Now she'll return to help solve a series of brutal murders.  Can she figure it out before more blood spills at the house?

Why Should You Read It? 
The who-done-it will keep you guessing until the very end.

What Can You Learn From the Author's Writing? 
Suspense, giving the reader just enough to keep them turning pages.

Overall Rating
5 smiles, this is one of my favorite Patterson books (and that's saying something)

Booth by Jason Pellegrini

Genre
Fiction

Synopsis
Joseph Bateman is waiting for the electric chair on death row as he reflects back on his life.  A life that is full of bad people, terrible decisions, and one very powerful friendship.
This book explores the concept of how much control one person has on their circumstances.  How far do your decisions really take you?  Is your destiny in your hands or is it something beyond your control?

Why Should You Read It? 
Jason does a good job of developing character here.  Joseph is, for all intents and purposes, a bad guy.  He's on death row when you meet him.  However Jason weaves his backstory and character in a way that makes him someone you will root for.  It also throws in some Civil War history which is great for anyone who loves the time period.

What Can You Learn From the Author's Writing? 
Character development

Overall Rating
4 smiles.  Well done!

The Wishing Spell by Chris Colfer

Land of Stories, Book 1

Genre
Children's Fantasy

Synopsis
Alex and Conner find themselves in the fantastic world of fairy tales when they fall into a book.  This premise reminds me of Neverending Story and the Magic Treehouse.  It's simplistic and yet surprising and entertaining.  I immediately handed it to my daughter who, despite the length, will love the tale.  

Why Should You Read It? 
It's a fast read and it takes you away from reality to a world you'll adore.

What Can You Learn From the Author's Writing? 
Surprising people even when they know the characters rather well.

Overall Rating
3 smiles.