The Egypt Game

I remember this book very fondly from my childhood, so it was fun to revisit it. I love it for two big reasons:

1. I love Egyptian culture.

2. I spent a great deal of my childhood playing imaginary games.

This book has a good mix of real-life childhood emotions, comedy, mystery, and fun. It's superb.

A Year Down Yonder

Oh Richard Peck is so funny! I was laughing out loud the whole way through. This book is delightful. I also highly recomment A Long Way From Chicago by Richard Peck. Don't read this around people who might think you're strange if you occasionally laugh, snicker, snort, or guffaw while reading (like my five-year old).

Island of the Blue Dolphins

I will admit to being frustrated with this book. I couldn't remember how it ended from my childhood, so I kept expecting something that didn't happen (which I won't explain here in case you haven't read it). It seems to be a much different book now that I'm an adult. Still, I think survival books are fascinating, and this book has vivid and detailed descriptions. I think it's a "you have to read once in your life" kind of book.

Maniac Magee

This is a great "boy" book, and I'm glad I read it so I can know to recommend it to my boys. Aside from just being fun and interesting, it covers some great history about black and white segregation in America. It's a feel-good book, and definitely deserves that shiny sticker.

The Adventure of English

I read this book for my theory of language class, and I wasn't sure what to expect; I was surprised! This book is entertaining and educating at the same time. It details many of the twists and turns English took before becoming more established. The origins of thousands of words are detailed, and as I've always been a bit of a hobby etymologist, I loved it. This book also happens to be hilarious at times. Seriously. And if you ever have the chance of watching the History Channel's documentary based on the book, you should. It's hosted by Melvyn Bragg himself, and features all of the wit and funny facts found in the book. This is a fun read, especially if you're at all interested in history or the origins of our language.

Grammar by Diagram

It's ok, you can say it. It won't hurt my feelings.

"You are an English nerd."

"You're putting textbooks on your book blog???"

To which I will respond:

"Yes, I am a nerd. I loved my grammar class and I now subconsciously diagram every sentence I read. I am obsessed with correct punctuation and grammar now more than I ever was before taking this class."

"I feel that I have every right to put this book in this blog, because I read it cover to cover. And studied it. And screamed over it. And tore my hair out until I understood it. This book has been painful, but I have learned so much from it."

Peter and the Sword of Mercy

This book fully lives up to the high bar set by the three other Peter books written by Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson. It takes place years later, and Wendy Darling (Molly's daughter) is the main character - though it's not told exclusively from her point of view. Anyway, it's a great book, and it was fun to revisit characters from the previous books. The plot was strong and so was the writing. Good, good, good, good. I definitely plan on owning this, which is as strong a compliment as I can give a book. The whole series is one I highly recommend.

When You Reach Me

This book just won the Newbery, and for very good reason. It is amazing! I love the plot. It belongs next to other classic children's New York lit, like Harriet the Spy and From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler. Also, if you're a fan of A Wrinkle in Time you will LOVE this book. It's just so fantastic! Some of the other recent Newbery winners (like The Graveyard Book) have been censured for being too scary or inappropriate (personally, I love them as an adult, but I can see objecting to them for certain ages and types of children), but When You Reach Me is just good literature that no one can object to. Go read it!

Calamity Jack

I finally got my hands on the sequel to Rapunzel's Revenge! This is a great book, and told from Jack's POV. Jack is hilarious, so this is a very funny read. It has some great new characters and, of course, killer illustrations. I never thought I'd love a graphic novel (that's the new term for comic book), but this is so great. Of course, Shannon Hale is magic. She could write an instruction manual for putting together a bookcase and it'd be fascinating. Anyway, this is a great read. My daughter loves these books, and I think they're great for all ages.

The Maze Runner

Fantastic! This book is intense and so interesting. It is very psychological and reminds me a lot of Ender's Game. I can't tell you why, because I worry that I'd be spoiling things for you. Let's just say, you will be engrossed through the entire book. It also ends on the mother of all cliffhangers. I plan on recommending this book to anyone who asks me for a recommendation. I can't wait for the sequel.