The Magic Strings of Frankie Presto by Mitch Albom

This is the epic story of Frankie Presto -- the greatest guitar player who ever lived -- and the six lives he changed with his six magical blue strings.

This story personifies music and brings him in as the narrator for this story about Frankie Presto's life. Musicians will enjoy Music as a narrator and the way situations are described in tempos. Fans of music will enjoy the stories of the other famous musicians Frankie meets along the way. And, of course, because it's Albom you can expect an inspirational story that will move you. Great story, great characters, and recommended.

Note for Parents/Teachers: There are instances of violence in Frankie's life but they are handled well and wouldn't keep me from giving the book to a child who's willing to tackle the length. Definitely a great teaching tool (whole or in part) with kiddos who are studying music.

Four smiles.

Home Sweet Murder by James Patterson

From the bestselling author of crime fiction comes two short stories of real crimes.

This was an interesting book because, as much as the stories felt like thrillers from Patterson, they were based on real stories. This lent an element of shock to the tales that I enjoyed. Very interesting read and recommended if you're into crime books.

Note for Parents/Teachers: Keep in mind that these short stories are loaded with violence and gore.

Four smiles.

Mr. Mercedes by Stephen King

Bill Hodges Trilogy #1

Disclaimer: You already know that I'm a little weird when it comes to book series. I don't always feel the need to read them in order. In this case, I actually read the third book in this trilogy FIRST. It was AMAZING. That led me to rush out and grab this one. Now the first thing I noticed about this one upon finishing it was that it has some rather low reviews from Stephen King fanatics. It is entirely possible I actually enjoyed this one MORE because I already knew how the trilogy was going to end. I basically read this as a prequel and it WORKED for this story. Anyway, keep all that in mind as you read my review.

Synopsis: Retired detective Bill Hodges is haunted by the unsolved crimes from his time on the force, one of which is the Mercedes killer. A letter arriving at his house from the man proclaiming to be responsible proves that Hodges may not be the only one still fixated on the case. Hodges and an unlikely pair of helpers may be the only ones who know the killer thinks about doing it again. Can they stop him before he takes more lives?

This book was wonderful. Stephen King never disappoints on his delivery of suspense. The characters are deep and real. I enjoyed reading about the retired detective trying to unravel the mystery, even when we had a lot of the answers already. I recommend this one to anyone who enjoys a good suspense novel.

Note for Parents/Teachers: Violence is going to be your main problem here but there are also adult situations and even one that is wildly inappropriate. If you monitor what your kiddo reads, I'd steer them away from this one.

Five smiles

The Mysterious Caravan by Franklin W. Dixon

The Hardy Boys #54
Hardy Boys mysteries do not need to be read in any particular order. They provide enough characterization and backstory for you to enjoy the mystery each time without having read all the previous books.

The Hardy Boys discover a death mask on vacation that turns out to be part of a larger mystery they must trace back and solve.

I never read these mysteries as a kid. I read a lot of mysteries and I always saw these ones at the library, but I never read them. So as an adult, I've tried a few. I have to admit I haven't been overly impressed. The mysteries are a little obvious, they are neatly wrapped up and solved quickly, and they're not always believable. That being said I understand that they're not exactly modern and I have to remember that when I'm reading.

Note for Parents/Teachers: If you're looking for a high-interest mystery for a younger reader that you know if clean and safe, give it a shot.

2 smiles for me.

The Last Necromancer by C.J. Archer

The Ministry of Curiosities #1

Charlotte (Charlie) Holloway has been living in Victorian London hiding in plain sight as a teenage boy in the slums. When she finds herself in trouble, her only escape is to use her gift of necromancy to raise someone from the dead. She's only done it one other time, and this time it will cause even more attention to fall upon herself. Attention that may put her in danger.

This story had a great premise and good characters. It opens up a lot of questions and storylines that, I'm sure, will continue into the sequels. Historical fiction is always interesting to me and this one proved itself to be highly entertaining.

Recommended. Four smiles.

Note for parents/teachers: This one deals with death (obviously) but nothing overly disturbing.

Mr. Hockey: My Story by Gordie Howe

If you're a hockey fan you've heard the name Gordie Howe. Now you can read the stories of the man that became the legend. The backstories involved in growing up during the Great Depression, the training that led to a magnificent hockey career, the family stories, and the obvious love of the game are all rampant in this one. I thoroughly enjoyed this inside peek into Howe's mind and life.

Recommended for all fans of hockey or history.

Four smiles.

Note for parents/teachers: There are sections/chapters here that would be AWESOME for teaching about the Great Depression and life during that time.

The Wicked King by Holly Black

The Folk of the Air #2
If you haven't read Cruel Prince you'll still be able to follow and enjoy this story. Holly Black does an outstanding job of giving you enough information to catch up. However, I previously rated Cruel Prince five smiles, so you may as well read that one too!

Jude has put Cardan on the throne of faerie and given herself the power to keep Oak safe. This would be a difficult life to lead even if Cardan would make things simple. But that's not really Cardan's style. Add to that the fact that someone close to Jude may have betrayed her, and things are messy at best. Jude will have to uncover the traitor if she has any hope of surviving as a human in the faerie world.

I finished this one in one day. It was fast-paced, interesting, and wonderful. The characters continue to deliver, walking the line between realism and imagination. I enjoyed this one and recommend it.

Five smiles.

Note to parents/teachers: Romance and fighting are your biggest watches on this one. No problems for high school kids (it's YA after all) but make your call on younger kiddos.

For One More Day by Mitch Albom

Teaser (from Goodreads): For One More Day is the story of a mother and a son and a relationship that covers a lifetime and beyond. It explores the question: What would you do if you could spend one more day with a lost loved one? 

As with Albom's previous works, this one is a masterpiece at forcing reflection about relationships. I enjoyed the quick read, related to the characters, and thought the story was well done. If you liked Albom's previous works or are looking for an inspirational tale, this one is highly recommended. 

Four smiles.

Note for parents/teachers: This book deals with death and a character who doesn't always make good choices. It would be wonderful for teaching life lessons. 

Confessions: The Paris Mysteries by James Patterson and Maxine Paetro

Confessions #3
This is one of the few series titles that I would argue needs to be read in order. You'll miss out on a lot of backstories and be a little confused with the storyline if you haven't already read Confessions of a Murder Suspect and Confessions: The Murder of an Angel.

Tandy Angel is in Paris, the city of love. But her love is acting strangely, there are clues surfacing regarding the death of her sister, and there seem to be more questions popping up at every turn. Will Tandy ever get to the bottom of the mysteries her parents have set in motion?

For me, this one was not a favorite. It felt slower than the others and a little predictable. Tandy's snark and sass were missing for me, which was sad because I love me some sassy characters. Overall, if you're looking for a mystery starring some awesome teens that will wow you I'll recommend the first or second book in this series.

Three smiles for me.

Notes for parents/teachers: This one's written for YA so everything is tastefully done. There are some "adult" situations (handled with kid gloves) including romance, the mention of drug use, and death. I wouldn't have a problem with a middle school student reading this one at all.

Eldest by Christopher Paolini

The Inheritance Cycle #2
You may know this one as the sequel to Eragon (yes, the one about the dragon egg). You don't HAVE to read them in order because Paolini does a good job of bringing backstory into this one for you.

Eragon and his dragon Saphira saved the world from the forces of King Galbatorix in the previous book. Now Eragon must travel to the land of the elves for training in the ways of the Dragon Rider. But not everyone is who they seem and Eragon isn't sure who he can trust.

This book was a little wordy for my taste. There were paragraphs, pages, scenes, and chapters I was aware I probably could've skipped without missing anything important. That being said, the dragon training was amazing and the story has great character building. If you were a HUGE fan of Eragon (I'd say movie or book) you'll love this one.

Three smiles for me.

Note for parents/teachers: This is pitched as a 12+ book. There's absolutely nothing in this book that would prevent me from letting any child who has the desire and capacity to read a book this long read it.

Forbidden Entry by Sylvia Nobel

Kendall O'Dell #5
Sidenote: These books do not need to be read in order (which is good because I think I've missed one). You can get a great feel for the main characters, character dynamics, and plot lines just by picking up any of the books in this series.

When a young couple turns up dead, Kendall is determined to stay focus on her visiting family. But when the couple turns out to be connected to Kendall's friend, Ginger, she can't help but get herself immersed in the case. Her investigation will take her to Raven's Creek and into the path of a bunch of shady new characters.

If you enjoy a little amateur detective work, these stories are always great. Kendall O'Dell reminds me of (a grown-up) Nancy Drew.  I've previously rated other books in this series four or five smiles. This one is not my absolute favorite (I could've done without the overwhelming lectures on drug use from Kendall) but it was very well done and the mystery was entertaining. Four smiles and recommended for mystery fans.

Note for parents/teachers: There is drug use (although HIGHLY discouraged and explained as dangerous by the main character) and light romance (kissing). I wouldn't have any problem with a mature middle school kiddo (or older) picking this one up.