Book List – Page 20 – Unleashing Readers

Kellee and Ricki’s #MustReadIn2015: It’s the End of the Year!

December 31, 2015 by Ricki

#mustreadin2015 is a challenged hosted by Carrie Gelson at There Is A Book For That

“For anyone out there with a To Be Read list that seems like it will never end, this challenge is for you! This is all about making your own personal list of books (5? 10? 20? 30? more?) that you commit to reading in 2015. Books can be published in any year, be from any genre, and be from any category (adult, YA, MG, Graphics, NF, etc.). As your TBR list grows, you promise you will get to the books on this list.”

These were our hopeful lists, and we did not achieve as many books as we wanted, but this challenge did lead us to read so many more books than we would have read without the challenge! Next year, we may not do 25 books. 🙂 Many are books were texts that we wanted to read for a long time, others were books we just really wanted to read in January 2015, and lastly, some are books we really need to read because we’ve promised someone (or each other). Primarily, we included young adult and middle grade books because they were what we were going to try to read more in 2015. We read many books not on this list, and that is, perhaps, why we didn’t completely finish our lists! Our sons wanted picture books, too, so we couldn’t say no to them!

Our full, original #mustreadin2015 book lists are available here

You can also read our updates:
Kellee & Ricki’s #MustReadin2015 Spring Update
Kellee & Ricki’s #MustReadin2015 Summer Update

Ricki’s #mustreadin2015 Final Update

Completed: 14 out of 25

I did not meet my goal because I got a bit caught up in new releases, but I am strangely satisfied by the number of books that I finished. Many of these books were on my TBR list for a long time, so I am happy I made some progress on the older part of that list. Next year, I am going to be a bit more realistic.

Gracefully Grayson by Ami Polonsky is a beautifully written story about a character named Grayson who was born male but has always felt like she was a female. I have read many books about gender identity, and this one stands out. Grayson felt very real to me, and I felt like I was going on a roller coaster ride right along with her as she confronted the daily challenges with gender. This is a text that is marketed more toward the middle grades, which is refreshing to me. Many (but not all) books about gender identity are geared toward the high school level, and while this is great, I believe we need more books about this important topic for younger readers.

Like Water on Stone by Dana Walrath is a fantastic book in verse that is set in the Ottoman Empire during the 1910s. It blends genres of magical realism and historical fiction. The point of view alternates with each poem, so I came to understand the differing perspectives of the family depicted in the text. The horrific genocide against Armenians is not common in literature, and this text sheds light on a time period that should be depicted more often. The strength of the children in this book will be inspirational to readers.

A Long Walk to Water by Linda Sue Park is based on the true story of Salva Dut, a Lost Boy of Sudan. I would love to teach this book alongside Ishmael Beah’s A Long Way Gone because there are many parallels across the story—and yet, there are also differences that would provide rich discussions. This is a book that made me want to be a middle school or elementary school teacher. I would love to do the Water for South Sudan challenge with my students. This sort of advocacy would be very empowering for students.

Out of my Mind by Sharon Draper. I could not put this book down. I don’t think I will ever forget Melody. She is a fifth grader who has cerebral palsy and has never spoken a word. Melody has such a strong spirit, and she is hysterical. Despite so many setbacks and frustrations, she is such a powerful force. Not only does this book teach empathy, but it makes me want to be a better person. The ways Melody is able to perceive others will teach readers a lot about being human. This is going on my favorites list!

Wonderstruck by Brian Selznick is another book I’ve wanted to read for quite some time. Everyone raves about Brian Selznick, and now I understand why! I loved the way he layers illustrations with story. The book follows two characters (many years apart), and the parallels in their story make this book quite powerful. This is my first Brian Selznick book, but it most definitely will not be my last.

Kellee’s #mustreadin2015 Final Update

Completed: 17 out of 25

I love having a #mustread list because it really pushes me to read books that others have recommended or that I’ve been meaning to read for many years. Many of my 8 that I didn’t read will be moved to my 2016 list.

Here are the books I’ve finished since our summer update:

How It Wend Down by Kekla Magoon is a book that I think should be read and discussed by all teens. It looks into prejudice, point of view, gangs, love, abuse, and so much more. Mostly in this time where more and more black men are being shot, we really need to be talking to young people about why and look at our prejudices and how to stop this from continuing. Kekla Magoon brilliantly intertwines all of the stories and truly makes you look at Tariq’s murder.

Read Between the Lines by Jo Knowles is another brilliant text by Jo Knowles. Her ability to find the truth in so many different types of teens is just incredible. This book has a whole other aspect that I am so impressed with: the way the stories intertwine and all revolve around the middle finger but all in different ways. I definitely recommend this and all of Knowles’s books.

Heidi Schulz must have read my mind when writing Hook’s Revenge because I’ve always felt that Hook was the most interesting character in the Peter Pan stories (Peter himself is actually a bit obnoxious), and I wanted to know what ever happened to him. These books tell me not only that, but also the story of his feisty daughter. Jocelyn overcomes so much to finally become a pirate then, once in Neverland, she goes on quite an epic journey to avenge her father’s honor. Jocelyn is a spit fire and is ready to lead her crew on an adventure of her lifetime.

I am so glad that Ricki told me that I must read Tyrell by Coe Booth. I had read Bronxwood years ago, but it wasn’t until I read Tyrell that I really understood the context of Bronxwood and really found the love for Tyrell. Actually after reading Tyrell, I went back and reread Bronxwood and also read Kendra because I just didn’t want to leave the world. Coe Booth’s voices in her novels are so real and her stories are heart-wrenching and authentic.

Did you have a #mustreadin2015 list?
Share your final update below!
And don’t forget to share your #mustreadin2016 lists next Tuesday!

and

Best of our 2015 Book Lists

July 20, 2018December 30, 2015 by Kellee

Some of our favorite posts to write are book list posts, so today we decided to highlight our favorite book lists posts from 2015.

1. In the World of Books: 25 Boys Who Stand Out for Us

Kellee’s Ricki’s

2. In the World of Books: 25 Girls Who Stand Out for Us

Kellee’s Ricki’s

3. Civil Rights Text Set/Reading Ladder

4. Top Checked Out Books by Kellee’s Middle School Readers

5. Great Pairings of Young Adult Texts and Classic Texts

6. From My (Huge) Library Pile: We Need Diverse Books

Fiction Non-Fiction

7. Trent’s Favorites from His First Year

8. Ricki and Henry’s Favorites from His Second Year

9. Books I’d Recommend to Students If They Like ______

10. YA Text Recommendations for Bestselling Adult Titles

To see even more of our book lists, check out our Top Ten Tuesday category to look through our weekly list post.

Happy list reading and making!

and

**Thank you to Carrie for the idea!**

Great Books Ricki Read in 2015

December 29, 2015 by Ricki

Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature/weekly meme created at The Broke and the Bookish. The feature was created because The Broke and Bookish are particularly fond of lists (as are we!). Each week a new Top Ten list topic is given and bloggers can participate.

Today’s Topic: Great Books Ricki Read in 2015

This is always the most painful list I create each year. I want to highlight a few great books, but please know that these are not the only great books I read this year. I simply couldn’t limit the list to ten books, but I did manage to narrow the list to fifteen great texts that I highly recommend. If you don’t find any books on this list interesting, PLEASE message me, and I can email you fifteen more great ones. The books are in alphabetical order by the marketed age group, but all books cross over and can be read by all ages!

Children’s (See this post for other great children’s books that I read in 2014 and 2015):

1. Emmanuel’s Dream: The True Story of Emmanuel Ofosu Yeboah by Laurie Ann Thompson

I loved the message of this book, and I think kids will really love it, too. This is a great story that is quite inspirational.

2. Lady Pancake & Sir French Toast by Josh Funk

This is a clever, engaging book. Readers will be impressed by the excellent writing. There are many books on my son’s shelf that we read again and again, and this is one of them.

3. Last Stop on Market Street by Matt de la Peña

Let me count the ways I love this book. The writing is stellar. My son and I simply adore this story and read it quite often.

4. What Do You Do with an Idea? by Kobi Yamada

After I read this book, I immediately bought it as a gift for several friends. It is quite cleverly crafted and brilliantly written and illustrated.

Upper Elementary/Middle Grade

5. Circus Mirandus by Cassie Beasley

This magical book will stick with me forever. I can’t wait for my son to be old enough to understand more of it when I read it aloud. He’s two now, but we might do our first reading when he is four or five, and then again and again!

6. Enchanted Air: Two Cultures, Two Wings: A Memoir by Margarita Engle

Margarita Engle’s memoir captured my heart. It made me wish I was teaching middle school. I’d love to use this book in the classroom.

7. Out of My Mind by Sharon Draper

I know this book wasn’t published in 2015, but I read it this year. Wow. I understand the hype now! This is a book that teaches empathy.

8. Wonderstruck by Brian Selznick

This is another book that people love that wasn’t published this year. I read it in one sitting and could not put it down. I am in awe of Selznick’s talent.

Young Adult

9. Dreaming in Indian by Lisa Charleyboy and Mary Leatherdale

This nonfiction collection of native voices (both in writing and in artwork) is absolutely stunning.

10. I’ll Give You the Sun by Jandy Nelson

I get a bit emotional when I think about this book—not necessarily because of plot points but because I felt so connected to the characters. I plan to use this book in my methods classes for years to come.

11. More Happy Than Not by Adam Silvera

I still haven’t had the courage to blog about this book because I worry I won’t do it justice. I plan to use this text in a few NCTE presentations. This book is a teacher jackpot. There is so much to discuss!

12. Salt to the Sea by Ruta Sepetys

I’ve waited and waited to share about this book. It will be published in 2016, but I can’t help but include it here because I read it in 2015! I wrote my blog post months ago, and I am so eager to share the love of this text. It is one of those drop-everything-and-read-this-book kind of texts. 🙂

13. X by Ilyasah Shabazz and Kekla Magoon

YES. Based on Malcolm X’s early life (and co-written by his daughter), this book takes a very compelling look on this eminent man in history. I loved it.

Adult

14. Between the World and Me by Ta-Nehisi Coates

I plan to blog about this book soon. I can’t stop thinking about it! I read this text in short spurts because there was so much to think about. I couldn’t stop underlining (and I don’t typically underline)!

15. Mr. Penumbra’s 24-Hour Bookstore by Robin Sloan

I loved, loved this audio book. My brother and sister-in-law were looking for a book for their trip back to Maine. They got home and realized they wouldn’t have much more driving time together. So they put the cell phone in the middle of the table, sat, and listened to the rest. This is a great book—one you won’t be able to put down.

What great books have you read and loved this year?

Ricki and Henry’s Favorite Children’s Books (1-2 Years)

December 10, 2015 by Ricki

I make an attempt to pick out the top ten picture books that Henry and I read together. These posts feature his (my husbands, and my) favorite picture books that we’ve read. This is incredibly difficult because we read so many fantastic books. But I understand, as a mom with a limited budget, that other parents may appreciate a list. We usually plow through library books and buy our favorites. Each of the books listed below is worthy of purchasing! With the holidays near, I recommend each of these. I am excluding my favorite books from our first top ten list (birth to six months) and our second top ten list (six to twelve months). As I described in the first post, Henry, his dad, and I read books together every night, and we are excited to share these great books with all of you! They are listed in alphabetical order.

1. The Color Monster: A Pop-Up Book of Feelings by Anna Llenas

This beautiful pop-up book is fascinating. I’ve always found pop-up books to be entertaining, but this one takes pop-up books to a completely different level.

2. Emmanuel’s Dream: The True Story of Emmanual Ofosu Yeboah by Laurie Ann Thompson

This is an inspirational nonfiction picture book. I loved learning about Emmanuel Ofosu Yeboah and loved the themes.

3. Lady Pancake & Sir French Toast by Josh Funk

This book is not only fun, but it is funny! My son and I really enjoy reading this one together, and I love that it gives me opportunities to promote foods. This helps me combat the picky eating—an excellent bonus to a well-written text.

4. Last Stop on Market Street by Matt de la Peña

I love everything written by Matt de la Peña, and this book is no exception. Henry pulls this book off of the bookshelf every day, and it makes my heart happy. This one is a crowd favorite in our household.

5. Little Tree by Loren Long

This quiet book holds a special place in my heart. The drawings and text are simple, yet the story fills the room.

6. Planes Fly by George Ella Lyon

My son would be very upset if I didn’t include this book on the list. We read it every night, and he is obsessed with the planes.

7. The Racecar Alphabet by Brian Floca

We tell Henry he can read two books each night (otherwise, it turns into twelve–and don’t worry, he gets about thirty books during the day). Sometimes, he requests this one twice. He loves it, and so do my husband and I, so it is a win-win.

8. Red: A Crayon’s Story by Michael Hall

I read this book in the bookstore. Everyone was raving about it, and I wanted to see what it was all about. I had to buy it. It is that good. Not only does it allow me to practice colors with Henry, but we talk about empathy and feeling confident in who we are—regardless of societal expectations. Of course, we talk about this in age appropriate terms. 🙂

9. What Do You Do With an Idea? by Kobi Yamada

After I read this book, not only did I buy it, but I bought it for my sister. I absolutely love the way this book inspires me to be creative. It is a great book to teach symbolism.

10. Wish by Matthew Cordell

This is a book written for parents (and obviously, it is very kid-friendly, too!). It made me cry. These two elephants wish and wish for a baby.

What are your favorite children’s books? Henry and I would love to reserve them from the library! Please share!

Top Ten Wednesday: Books from ALAN that Kellee is Excited About

August 4, 2016December 2, 2015 by Kellee

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Today’s Topic: Books from ALAN that Kellee is Excited About

We are extending TTT through Wednesday because we each needed a top ten list to share the books we are excited about from ALAN. I, sadly, was not able to attend the conference and workshop this year because of an unexpected family need, but I was able to attend virtually, and I have some amazing friends who are making sure I get my books. I cannot wait to open the box and see all the goodies inside! Here are 10 that I am cannot wait to read!

1. Booked by Kwame Alexander

I am excited about this book for two reasons. 1) Kwame Alexander. 2) Soccer because my students LOVE soccer.

2. Stand Off by Andrew Smith

I love Winger (it was an Walden Award finalist the year I chaired), so I look forward to reading the newest Ryan Dean West adventure.

3. Salt to the Sea by Ruta Sepetys

I love everything Ruta Sepetys has written so far, so I look forward to her newest (and Ricki told me how awesome it is!).

4. More Happy Than Not by Adam Silvera

This is another book that was highly recommended by Ricki.

5. All American Boys by Jason Reynolds and Brendan Kiely

Many friends raved about this book, and I really enjoyed When I Was the Greatest, so I cannot wait to read this one.

6. The Rest of Us Just Live Here by Patrick Ness

Another author who always blows me away.

7. Under Their Skin by Margaret Peterson Haddix

I have a feeling that this series is going to be a bit hit with my students, so I cannot wait to read and share.

8. Enchanted Air: Two Cultures, Two Wings: A Memoir by Margarita Engle

Margarita Engle’s books are always beautiful, and I believe this story that is straight from her heart will be her most beautiful yet. I cannot wait to read it.

9. A Night Divided by Jennifer Nielsen

The Berlin Wall is something that I do not know much about, and I love learning about history through historical fiction novels.

10. The Terrible Two by Mac Barnett & Jory John

I think this book is going to be a big hit for my humor fans!

11. (I KNOW! I KNOW!) I Crawl Through It by A.S. King

A.S. King is brilliant.

Make sure to check out Ricki’s list of the books she’s looking forward to reading from ALAN!

If you attended, which books from NCTE and ALAN are you excited about?
If not, which books are you looking forward to read this upcoming year?

Top Ten Tuesday: Books from ALAN that Ricki is Excited About

August 4, 2016December 1, 2015 by Ricki

Today’s Topic: Books from ALAN that Ricki is Excited About

I was going to create a list of the top ten books from the NCTE convention and ALAN Workshop that I am excited about, but that just became too overwhelming. There were so many great books from this conference, that I need to limit my pool for my own sanity. The ALAN Workshop is my favorite place to be!

1. All American Boys by Jason Reynolds and Brendan Kiely

My friends are buzzing about this one, and I can’t wait to read it!

2. The Rest of Us Just Live Here by Patrick Ness

Not only is the title captivating, but I hear the book is incredible.

3. The Game of Love and Death by Martha Brockenbrough

The concept of this book is so intriguing. After meeting the author (who is very smart), I have a feeling that I will really enjoy it!

4. The Memory of Light by Francisco X. Stork

After hearing Francisco book talk this book, I want to wrap myself in this story. I am waiting for the right frame of mind, which will be very soon.

5. Saint Anything by Sarah Dessen

I love all things Sarah Dessen. She just warms my soul.

6. Black Dove, White Raven by Elizabeth Wein

Who doesn’t love Elizabeth Wein? Whew. She is an incredible writer.

7. These Shallow Graves by Jennifer Donnelly

Another rock star author! I’ve heard this book is difficult to put down!

8. Everything, Everything by Nicola Yoon

Everyone keeps telling me to read this book! I am not lying. I have received several text messages from different people!

9. Sunny Side Up by Jennifer L. Holm and Matthew Holm (siblings!)

I don’t tend to read middle grade graphic novels, but I saw a few pages from this book, and it looks so funny!

10. Every Last Word by Tamara Ireland Stone

Besides my love for the cover, I am intrigued by this book. I suspect it is going to be very good!

Make sure to check out Kellee’s list of the books she’s looking forward to reading from ALAN! (Available tomorrow!)

If you attended, which books from NCTE and ALAN are you excited about?
If not, which books are you looking forward to read this upcoming year?

Kellee’s NCTE Session: Humor and the Art of Engaging All Readers with Kim Baker, Caroline Carlson, Jennifer Holm, Kristen Kittscher, and Heidi Schulz

December 12, 2015November 11, 2015 by Kellee

In a few shorts weeks, I am going to have the pleasure of chairing a panel with five amazing authors about the importance and ability of humor within middle grade books. Within the session we’ll be touching on many aspects of humor including why the authors chose to write funny books, how humor can be used to help address tough topics, how humor is not just for boys!, different types of humor, and different ways humor can be intertwined in a novel. To see our PowerPoint and handout, check out my Slideshare at www.slideshare.net/kelleemoye.

I am looking forward to presenting with these wonderful ladies, and I wanted to take a day to share their wonderful (and funny!) books with you all.

Pickle: The (Formerly) Anonymous Prank Club of Fountain Point Middle School
Author: Kim Baker
Illustrator: Tim Probert
Published September 4th, 2012 by Roaring Brook Press

Goodreads Summary: This is the story of THE LEAGUE OF PICKLE MAKERS.

Ben: who began it all by sneaking in one night and filling homeroom with ball-pit balls.
Frank: who figured out that an official club, say a pickle making club, could receive funding from the PTA.
Oliver: who once convinced half of the class that his real parents had found him and he was going to live in a submarine.
Bean: who wasn’t exactly invited, but her parents own a costume shop, which comes in handy if you want to dress up like a giant squirrel and try to scare people at the zoo.

TOGETHER, they are an unstoppable prank-pulling force, and Fountain Point Middle School will never be the same.

My Review: Kim Baker has obviously spent some time with middle schoolers because her characters, dialogue, and story are spot on. Pickle is a hilarious, though sometimes serious, story about pranks and friendship and more pranks. What I love most about the book, though, is the characters. They are diverse, imperfect, and fully-developed–just like an actual middle schooler. Though some of the pranks and adults are over the top, the middle schoolers are reflections of what really kids are like.

The Very Nearly Honorable League of Pirates
Author: Caroline Carlson
Illustrator: Dave Phillips
Magic Marks the Spot Published September 10th, 2013 by HarperCollins
The Terror of the Southlands Published September 9th, 2014 by HarperCollins
The Buccaneers’ Code Published September 8th, 2015 by HarperCollins

Magic Marks the Spot Goodreads Summary: Pirates! Magic! Treasure! A gargoyle? Caroline Carlson’s hilarious tween novel The Very Nearly Honorable League of Pirates #1: Magic Marks the Spot is perfect for fans of Lemony Snicket’s Series of Unfortunate Events and Trenton Lee Stewart’s Mysterious Benedict Society.

Hilary Westfield has always dreamed of being a pirate. She can tread water for thirty-seven minutes. She can tie a knot faster than a fleet of sailors, and she already owns a rather pointy sword.

There’s only one problem: The Very Nearly Honorable League of Pirates refuses to let any girl join their ranks of scourges and scallywags.

But Hilary is not the kind of girl to take no for answer. To escape a life of petticoats and politeness at her stuffy finishing school, Hilary sets out in search of her own seaworthy adventure, where she gets swept up in a madcap quest involving a map without an X, a magical treasure that likely doesn’t exist, a talking gargoyle, a crew of misfit scallywags, and the most treacherous—and unexpected—villain on the High Seas.

Written with uproarious wit and an inviting storyteller tone, the first book in Caroline Carlson’s quirky seafaring series is a piratical tale like no other.

My Review: If you have been following the blog, you know that I thoroughly enjoyed these books. I listened to all of them, and the narrator, Katherine Kellgren, is brilliant. Her ability to do the different voices and accents is just superb! Now, it does make it even easier to love because the books are so well done and so much fun! Hilary Westfield has become one of my favorite strong female protagonists because she just does not care what anyone else thinks or expects of her, she is going to be a fearsome pirate no matter who steps in her way. Additionally, the gargoyle is one of my favorite sidekicks in any book.

Sunny Side Up
Author: Jennifer L. Holm
Illustrator: Matthew Holm
Published August 25th, 2015 by GRAPHIX

Goodreads Summary: Sunny Lewin has been packed off to Florida to live with her grandfather for the summer. At first she thought Florida might be fun — it is the home of Disney World, after all. But the place where Gramps lives is no amusement park. It’s full of . . . old people. Really old people.

Luckily, Sunny isn’t the only kid around. She meets Buzz, a boy who is completely obsessed with comic books, and soon they’re having adventures of their own: facing off against golfball-eating alligators, runaway cats, and mysteriously disappearing neighbors. But the question remains — why is Sunny down in Florida in the first place? The answer lies in a family secret that won’t be secret to Sunny much longer. . .

My Review: Jennifer L. Holm does such a wonderful job in Sunny Side Up mixing a really tough situation with a very humorous story. It is the perfect balance. It isn’t over the top, because that would demean the serious topic, but it isn’t too serious either. And you can tell this is a story from Jennifer’s heart because the story is crafted so thoughtful with well-timed humor and well-timed conflict.

Young and Yang
Author: Kristen Kittscher
Wig in the Window Published June 18th, 2013 by HarperCollins
The Tiara on the Terrace Expected Publication January 5th, 2016 by HarperCollins

Wig in the Window Goodreads Summary: Best friends and seventh graders Sophie Young and Grace Yang have made a game out of spying on their neighbors. On one of their midnight stakeouts, they witness a terrifying, bloody scene at the home of their bizarre middle-school counselor, Dr. Charlotte Agford (aka Dr. Awkward).

At least, they think they do. The truth is that Dr. Agford was only making her famous pickled beets! But when Dr. Agford begins acting even weirder than usual, Sophie and Grace become convinced that she’s hiding something—and they’re determined to find out what it is.

Soon the girls are breaking secret codes, being followed by a strange blue car, and tailing strangers with unibrows and Texas accents. But as their investigation heats up, Sophie and Grace start to crack under the pressure. They might solve their case, but will their friendship survive?

Perfect for fans of The Mysterious Benedict Society, The Wig in the Window is a smart, funny middle-grade mystery with a REAR WINDOW twist.

My Review: I am in awe of Kristen Kittscher’s ability to craft such a complicated mystery! There are so many twists and turns throughout that I am sure the plotting of the book was so intensive! I really appreciate Young & Yang mysteries for three reasons. First, Young & Yang (& Bottoms) themselves. They are such unique yet normal characters. Normal in that they seem like regular middle school girls, but unique in literature because they aren’t anything that is stereotypical. Second, I love that Wig in the Window and Tiara on the Terrace are both a little risque yet safe. Too often mystery books are too easy or boring OR they are so violent or sexual, and my middle schoolers just don’t gravitate towards them. Kittscher’s books are a perfect mix! Finally, as you can probably guess from the topic of the panel, they are quite funny! A mix of all kinds of humor, but throughout there are some ridiculous moments as well as some subtle puns.

Hook’s Revenge
Author: Heidi Schulz
Illustrator: John Hendrix
Hook’s Revenge Published September 16th, 2014 by Disney-Hyperion
The Pirate Code Published September 15th, 2015 by Disney-Hyperion

Hook’s Revenge Goodsreads Summary: Captain Hook’s feisty daughter hits the high seas to avenge her father’s death at the jaws of the Neverland crocodile in Heidi Schulz’s spirited middle-grade debut.

Twelve-year-old Jocelyn dreams of becoming every bit as daring as her infamous father, Captain James Hook. Her grandfather, on the other hand, intends to see her starched and pressed into a fine society lady. When she’s sent to Miss Eliza Crumb-Biddlecomb’s Finishing School for Young Ladies, Jocelyn’s hopes of following in her father’s fearsome footsteps are lost in a heap of dance lessons, white gloves, and way too much pink.

So when Jocelyn receives a letter from her father challenging her to avenge his untimely demise at the jaws of the Neverland crocodile, she doesn’t hesitate-here at last is the adventure she has been waiting for. But Jocelyn finds that being a pirate is a bit more difficult than she’d bargained for. As if attempting to defeat the Neverland’s most fearsome beast isn’t enough to deal with, she’s tasked with captaining a crew of woefully untrained pirates, outwitting cannibals wild for English cuisine, and rescuing her best friend from a certain pack of lost children, not to mention that pesky Peter Pan who keeps barging in uninvited.

The crocodile’s clock is always ticking in Heidi Schulz’s debut novel, a story told by an irascible narrator who is both dazzlingly witty and sharp as a sword. Will Jocelyn find the courage to beat the incessant monster before time runs out?

My Review: Heidi Schulz must have read my mind because I’ve always felt that Hook was the most interesting character in the Peter Pan stories (Peter himself is actually a bit obnoxious), and I wanted to know what ever happened to him. These books tell me not only that, but also the story of his feisty daughter. Jocelyn overcomes so much to finally become a pirate then, once in Neverland, she goes on quite an epic journey to avenge her father’s honor. Jocelyn is a spit fire and is ready to lead her crew on an adventure of her lifetime.

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