Review-A-Palooza Part Deux

13 Little Blue Envelopes by Maureen Johnson (Ages 13 and Up)

Ginny Blackstone embarks on a journey across Europe. Her aunt, who has recently passed away, sets into motion a series of events that not only lead Ginny to solve a mystery but into greater self discovery as well. Ginny’s Aunt Peg is a wild, whimsical woman who despite passing away is still managing to be ever-present in Ginny’s life. There’s a bit of adventure, humor, and even romance in this book. Major recommendation from me for this one.

If I Stay by Gayle Foreman (Ages 14 and Up)

We get to know the main character Mia, while she spends the majority of the book in a coma, while trying to determine if she would stay alive or relinquish herself to death. Mia is a senior in high-school, a cello player with great promise, and involved with the love of her life, Adam. As you progress through this book you fall in love with all the characters. Mia’s sifting back through her life you meet her tough, outspoken mother, her reformed punk rocker father, her sweet, disarming brother, her gorgeous rocker boyfriend, and a slew of other friends and family. It teaches you that sometimes, the ties that bind you can be to people you didn’t quite expect. It’s an emotional ride all the way through. Huge recommendation for me. I heart this book!

Diary of a Wimpy Kid by Jeff Kinney (Ages 8 to 12)

Okay, so I’m a little late in reading this but I’ve been meaning to and my son finally handed me the book and said “read”. We also recently saw the movie.

Greg is starting middle school. In his quest to make it on the Class Favorites page of the yearbook, he goes through all kinds of exploits. I enjoyed Greg’s sense of humor. The cheese touch issue was funny. It was entertaining reading about his trials of starting middle school (a challenging time for anyone). I was happy to see his personal transformation out of the valley of narcissism. ;) Definite recommendation.