Vampires, Witches and Fairies! Oh my!

Ever since Twilight has come out there has been a trend in young adult literature to produce books about vampires, fairies, or ghosts. Apparently, this is called urban fantasy. Anyway, I have a lot of students who are looking for something to read after they finish the Twilight Series. Below are some suggestions that I hope you will find interesting.

If you think I have forgotten something please respond to this post. I am always looking for new books to order for the library.

• Need by Carrie Jones
• Bones of the Farie by Janni Lee Simner
• Raven by Allison van Diepe
• Tithe: A Modern Faerie Tale by Holly Black
• Beastly by Alex Flinn
• Glass Houses (The Morganville Vampires Book 1) by Rachel Caine
• The Forest of Hands and Teeth by Carrie Ryan
• The Fetch by Laura Whitcomb
• Blue Bloods( Blue Bloods Book 1) by Melissa de la Cruz
• Blue Moon: The Immortals by Alyson Noel
• Vampire Kisses (the Series) by Ellen Schreiber
• Vampire Academy Series by Richelle Mead
• A Great and Terrible Beauty by Libba Bray
• Book of Shadows (Sweep, No. 1) by Cate Tiernan
• Don't Die Dragon Fly (Seer) by Linda Joy Singleto
• Tantalize by Cynthia Leitich Smith
• Blue is for Nightmares by Laurie Faria Stolarz
• Wondrous Strange by Lesley Livingston

Sad, but true

Tessa is going to die. I’m not ruining the story by telling you that because from the title I think anyone could have figured that out. Her time is limited. She has inoperable cancer and she has decided to make her own bucket list of things she must accomplish before the big day.

While Tessa is trying to complete the list she must deal with various hospital visits, a regiment of drugs and a failing body. In addition, she has a few complex relationships. Her estranged mother, her overbearing father, a little brother and a friend who has some very serious issues of her own she must work out.

I liked the story, but I found Tessa’s character to be grating at times. I understand that she was dying, and so the attitude she had was spot on; but there were times where I just wanted to get on with it because she was bothering me so much.

As I read the story I tried to think who would enjoy this. It’s pretty depressing even for young adult standards. But then I thought maybe sometimes a person needs a sad book to realize the good things they have in their lives.

For students looking for a complex story that takes them on an emotional rollercoaster ride, then this is the story for them. For students who are looking for something a little more upbeat then stay away.

Vacation!

I went on vacation for the first time in my life! YAY me! That is one reason I haven't updated my blog. I was so excited about going to Cozumel that I forgot to let you know that I would be gone for a week.

The history nut in me had to visit the Tulum Ruins. It was amazing and our tour guide rocked!

Anyway, I'm back in Syracuse. I'd also like to mention that I came back in a snow storm with an additional foot of snow on the ground. boo! Oh well, the sun was great while it lasted!

Expect a review in a few days.

Sneak Peak at bad Historical Fiction

The third book in The Luxe series is now out. Yipppeee! I personally think it's the worst historical fiction I have ever read. The series is nothing more than gossip girls with a historical backdrop. The book is a mindless read about catty girls in pretty dresses that somewhat resembles the Victorian Era. I do hate the series, but I'm aware that some teens may love it. Harper Teen has posted a link so you can read the first chapter.


Harper Teen

And the winner is.......

The 2009 winner of the Printz Award is Jellicoe Road by Melina Marchetta.

Haunted by the past, Taylor Markham reluctantly leads the students of the Jellicoe School in their secret territory wars against the Townies and the Cadets. Marchetta’s lyrical writing evokes the Australian landscape in a suspenseful tale of raw emotion, romance, humor and tragedy.


The Honors include:

The Astonishing Life of Octavian Nothing, Traitor to the Nation, Volume II, The Kingdom on the Waves by M.T. Anderson

The Disreputable History of Frankie Landau-Banks by E. Lockhart

Nation by Terry Pratchett

Tender Morsels By Margo Lanagan