Rock n' Roll!

It dawned on me the other that I have no fiction books about rock n' roll. I have all these great titles and I take pride in the fact that I have a very up to date collection. But the student wanted a fiction book about bands and rock and roll and I drew a complete blank. I only had one title.

So my question to you is...

What YA fiction books are out there that have a rock n' roll theme? Or a character is in a band, trying to form a band etc. etc.



I really need your help! Thanks!

And the winner is..................

And the winner is Megan Rebekah!!

Congratulations! And a thanks goes out to everyone who entered. Please keep reading my blog because I will be having another giveaway in a few weeks!!!!

This is it!

This is it. This is the last day to register to win a copy of Ellen Hopkins' Identical.

The number of people who have responded to the book giveaway has been huge! My last one didn't go so well!

In the future I will be giving away more books. I think its a nice way to say thanks to everyone who reads YA Bookmark.

Happy Memorial Day

Happy Memorial Day to all of our vets out there, including those who have passed. I want to thank you for your service.

A speical shot out goes to my grandfather(who served in World War II) my father(Navy man during peacetime) my stepfather(who faced the horrors of the Vietnam War) and my brother who served in the Air Force during peacetime.

Thanks to everyone who has served our country.

Historical Fiction Friday: Rembrandt's Daughter

I found this book on the “discover new authors” shelf at B&N. At first I thought "Keria Knightly is doing covers??" I mean, common, it does look like her.

Cornelia, 14, is the daughter of Rembrandt, who in his prime was one of the greatest artists around. But now the family is penniless and the creditors are always knocking on their door. Her mother died of the plague a few years before and Cornelia is struggling with keeping her sanity as she tries to understand her unusual father. Her half brother, Titus, leaves her behind to marry a wealthy woman. Added to the mix is Cornelia’s budding romance with Carel, who is the son of a wealthy shipping magnate. He is rich, she is poor, but will love overcome class? Also there is Neel, her father’s last remaining pupil.

Overall, it was a decent read. I enjoyed it but I wouldn’t rank it up there with The Queen’s Soprano and it in no way could it be compared to A Northern Light. The characters were likable with their flaws; but I thought Ms. Cullen should have developed Cornelia a little better. The plot was predictable; which is a shame because teens deserve more than this.

On the flap of the book it says “Based on real characters and filled with family dramas and a love triangle that would make Jane Austen proud…” Eh, I highly doubt that. The love triangle for me was flat.

For teens looking for a fun read about a confused girl searching for love then this if for them. For everyone else, you may want to pass.

Book Giveaway!!!

I am giving away a copy of Ellen Hopkins' Identical. This is a hardcover book. If you are interested post a reply. Those of you who are followers will get an additional five entries. If you would also like five entries please sign up as a follower of YA Bookmark.

The contest ends May 26. Good Luck!

Movie News: Beastly

I must be living under a rock because I knew nothing about this! Vanessa Hudgens will play the maiden in Beastly, which is based on the book (with the same title) by Alex Finn. The film will begin shooting in the summer of this year.


Summary:
The novel is set in NYC. When a young man ditches his date a spell is placed on him and he must find true love.

Upcoming Review: Goblins & Book Giveaway

This rocks. The other day I was thinking to myself that I haven’t read a boy book in a while. So a few days ago I received an email asking me if I would like a FREE copy of Goblins. I said YES!

Goblins: And Underearth Adventure is written by Royce Buckingham.

Here is a summary:
Sneaking out into the woods near the Canadian border, Sam and PJ come across what looks like a mutant gorilla with a bad attitude. But it’s no ape— it’s a goblin, and thousands more of them live under the earth, kept in check only by a small corps of human Guardians.

Sam finds a tunnel below the surface, and in no time he’s in the goblins’ clutches. With goblin leaders Eww-Yuk and Slurp at odds, it will take all of PJ’s strength and ingenuity to get Sam back—but then again, how hard could it be to outsmart a goblin?

Featuring the high adventure and slapstick humor that made Demonkeeper a fantasy favorite, Goblins! is a subterranean romp that will keep readers laughing as they race through the pages to see what happens next.

Looking forward to this read!

I will be giving this copy away! Stay tuned!

Movie News: Zombies, Baby!

I find this very impressive.

The new novel The Forest of Hands and Teeth is being made into a movie. The book has only been out since March, but it has gained so much attention that the rights have been sold to Seven Star Pictures. Rumor has it that an A list actress is up for the part and ReelzChannel.com has hinted at Kristen Stewart. Personally, I think its all speculation. Still this makes me want to read this book even more now to see what all the hype is about.

Happy Mother's Day

Happy Mother's Day to all the moms out there, including my own. You rock mom!

Amazing New Novel! A Must Read!

I usually don't tell people that something is a "must read" but this book is. It is truly an amazing read.

Kyra is a thirteen year old girl growing up in a polygamist community. Her father has three wives and she has twenty brothers and sisters. Kyra's family belongs to a group called the Chosen. They live in the desert on a compound. They are not allowed to communicate with the outside world. Books are banned, and young girls are forced to marry older men.

Kyra's life begins to take a turn when she meets Joshua. They sneak off together, read forbidden books and kiss in the darkness. These things are not allowed according to the rules of the community. Kyra also visits the Mobile Library and begins to read banned books.

Things become complicated when she learns that she must marry her uncle. Sickened and horrified by the thought Kyra must now face some difficult choices. Can she be her uncle's wife? Can she live in a community that forbids books? Will she remain in the community if she is able to marry Joshua?

This book touches on a subject that I do not think has been explored before in a young adult novel. The characters are well written and the decisions Kyra must make are explored in great detail. Ms. Williams takes the reader into a world that few people know about.

I think reluctant readers will really enjoy this novel. It is timely and the book is faced paced. Girls will love the budding romance between Kyra and Joshua. The ending is nice as well. It isn't sappy or campy which I like. Too many young adult novels try to end things with a nice little bow. Not this book.

Overall, I was very impressed with this novel and I strongly suggest it to students.

This book will be released on May 12, 2009.

Upcoming May Releases

Below is a list of books that will be released in May. It is not a complete list, but I hope you find something interesting. I am looking forward to The Awakening, Legacy of Blood, and Strange Angels.

• Vamped by Lucienne Driver
• The Awakening: Ghost Huntress by Marley Gibson
• My Vicksburg by Ann Rinaldi
• Wings by Aprilynne Pike
• Darkwood by M.E. Breen
• David Inside and Out by Lee Bantle
• If the Witness lied by Caroline B. Cooney
• Legacy of Blood: Spartan Quest by Michael Ford
• Super Stock Rookie: A Motor Novel by Will Weaver
• Are U 4 Real? by Sara Kadefors
• Strange Angels by Lilli St. Crow
• The Geek Girl's Guide to Cheerleading by Charity Tohmaseb & Darcy VancePeace
• Love and Baby Ducks by Lauren Myracle
• Peril on the Sea by Michael Cadnum
• The Ultimate Test: The Lip Gloss Chronicles by Sheila M. Goss