Genre
Middle Grades Fantasy
Synopsis
What-the-Dickens pops into being without an understanding of who, or what, he is. Alone he survives, learning from the people among him, until he meets up with someone else who may be able to offer him answers. Delve into this exciting world to find out the truth about the tooth fairy, or fairies.
Why Should You Read It?It's an adorable take on the tooth fairy tale and a great story of independence and knowing yourself.
What Can You Learn From the Author's Writing?Story within a story. The real story here is the tale of two children during a hurricane who are being told the story of What-the-Dickens to keep their focus on something besides what is happening around them.
Overall Rating
3 smiles.
GenreFiction (Mystery)
SynopsisDead of an apparent stroke, Oscar leaves the care of his antique shop to his niece. She begins to sift through the contents and starts to wonder if Uncle Oscar's death may have been directly related to the Gold Rush legend he'd been investigating. This story is the tale of tulip-shaped cufflinks, an obnoxious neighbor, a badly stuffed kangaroo, and two cats who are loaded with personality.
Why Should You Read It?It's a quick mystery and lots of fun to read.
What Can You Learn From the Author's Writing?Why editors and "experts" say you should cut adverbs from your writing and how easily one can overuse adjectives.
Overall Rating2 smiles
Genre
Realistic Fiction
Synopsis
Yossarian is a bomber during War. He wants to fly his missions and go home. The problem is Colonel Cathcart keeps raising the number of missions that need to be completed before you can be relieved of service. Follow Yossarian and the boys as they try to find creative ways to end their service without ending their lives.
Why Should You Read It?
If you like military stories, this is a good novel for you.
What Can You Learn From the Author's Writing?
How to change characters in third person.
Overall Rating
1 smile. I have to be honest, I couldn't finish this one (making it the second book I've started and not finished in my entire life).
GenreFiction
SynopsisWade Watts, along with every other serious virtual reality player in the year 2044, is on the hunt for the ultimate prize left in the last will and testament of the famous designer of the OASIS alternate reality. They will do anything to master the game, including become experts on 1980s pop culture.
Why Should You Read It?Great take on a dystopian future completely immersed in virtual reality.
What Can You Learn From the Author's Writing?How to mix factual information needed for your story in with your story in a way that doesn't completely bore the readers.
Overall Rating4 smiles
GenreMystery/Thriller
SynopsisDetective Harriet Blue is completely shocked by the revelation that the best suspect in a murder investigation is her brother. She doesn't even have time to process it before she finds herself immersed in a murder investigation happening in the desert, where she will be isolated while she tries to hunt a killer. But the killer is also hunting her. Can she come out ahead?
Why Should You Read It?Harriet Blue is not like the other detectives Patterson has penned. She's a loose cannon, which is interesting to read.
What Can You Learn From the Author's Writing?As always, the short chapters and pacing. In this case you can also learn how to write that unstable character without throwing off your book.
Overall Rating3 smiles
GenreYA Fiction
SynopsisMclean has changed her identity every time she has to move, following her father around for his job. In fact, she's changed so many times she starting to forget what she was really like. Can the new town and the kids in it help her discover who she really is?
Why Should You Read It?It's a feel-good story.
What Can You Learn From the Author's Writing?Sarah Dessen does a good job of giving us the inner dialogue of a teenager without seeming fake.
Overall Rating3 smiles
GenreNonfiction
SynopsisEllen tells you about her life and gives (hilarious) advice she has learned along the way.
Why Should You Read It?I laughed out loud and I learned something.
What Can You Learn From the Author's Writing?Voice.
Overall Rating4 smiles
