The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman

The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I can think of nothing better to do on a chilly fall morning when I'm feeling under the weather than to stay in bed and read. This time gave me the opportunity to finish The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman.

This is the dark, yet quirky tale of Bod, a living boy raised by a menagerie of ghosts (and a few other creatures). Throughout the book, Bod meets various living and non-living characters and has some interesting experiences. Being raised in a graveyard has many advantages for the boy, but also the disadvantage of not fitting into (or being safe in) the world of the living. I absolutely enjoyed this book! A book that can allow the reader to experience a variety of emotions is a satisfying read and you definitely get that with this book - fear, sadness, joy, heartbreak, and hope.

This is my highly recommended October read!

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Rise of the Earth Dragon (Dragon Masters #1) by Tracey West

Rise of the Earth Dragon by Tracey West
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Another dragon book?!?!  Well, it IS me!

I read this because it was included in a preview set for an upcoming Scholastic Book Fair I'll be having in my library in October. I found a book that I not only want to promote with students, but also share with my own child. My six-year-old loves things like Harry Potter and Narnia, but reads on a mid-second grade level. This is perfect for him because it has castles, dragons, and magic, but is written on a second grade reading level. The pictures also keep a young reader interested in this transitional chapter book. I shared the story of Drake and his discovery that he is a Dragon Master with my son. He got excited and wanted to start reading it together, though he's read much of it himself.
What a great book for young readers interested in fantasy. I can't wait to check out other books in this series.

Recommended for readers who enjoy fantasy and read on a second-grade reading level.

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Darth Vader and Son by Jeffrey Brown

Darth Vader and Son by Jeffrey Brown
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is such a fun little book. Anyone who has parented a young child and loves Star Wars will really get a kick out of it. Darth Vader and Son is Jeffrey Brown's take on what life would have been like if the four-year-old Luke Skywalker was raised by his father.
This would be a great gift for the Star Wars fan dads in your life!

Highly recommended.

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The World's Greatest Love Letters compiled by Michael Kelahan

The World's Greatest Love Letters by Michael Kelahan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

In the past few years I've become interested in letter writing. I write pen and ink letters on parchment to my friends and seal them with wax. This interest caused me to pick up this book and I really enjoyed reading it.
This is a collection of private letters written throughout history. It gives some interesting insight into the feelings and beliefs of famous figures in history and literature. In some cases, I was not familiar with the people, but it inspired a desire to learn more about these individuals and their relationships.
Maybe reading this book will also inspire readers to write and mail a letter the old-fashioned way. Getting a text or email still doesn't compare with getting a letter by post!

Highly recommended!

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Emperor Pickletine Rides the But (Origami Yoda #6) by Tom Angleberger

Emperor Pickletine Rides the Bus by Tom Angleberger
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I loved the first 4 books, but was disappointed by book #5, which made me nervous about the final installment in the series. But, the final book restored my love of Tom Angleberger and the Origami Yoda series. It definitely did not disappoint and was a satisfying ending to the adventures of Tommy, Dwight, Origami Yoda and all the other characters, both human and origami in nature. Fun and FULL of laugh out loud moments (just ask my husband who got pretty annoyed being in the same room with me while I was reading). Great read! :)

Highly recommended.

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Horton Halfpott: Or, The Fiendish Mystery of Smugwick Manor; or, The Loosening of M'Lady Luggertuck's Corset by Tom Angleberger

Horton Halfpott: Or, The Fiendish Mystery of Smugwick Manor; or, The Loosening of M'Lady Luggertuck's Corset by Tom Angleberger
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The more of his books I read, the more I adore Tom Angleberger. This book is quirky, goofy, funny and fun . . . for the kind of person who can appreciate strange, quirky humor.

Horton is a severely mistreated kitchen boy at Smugwick Manor. Everything is terrible and mundane, until M'Lady Luggertuck's "loosening". All kinds of things begin to occur around the manor, including robbery, pirating, and love. M'Lady's evil son, Luther, will try to destroy Horton, his long-time friend Bump or his new friend Celia Sylvan-Smythe through any means necessary. Will Horton escape Luther's evil scheme? Find out in this crazy story!

I loved it and hope for more (there's an allusion to more of Bump's story being told in a future book and I hope it's true)!

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Dying to Meet You (43 Old Cemetery Road #1)

Dying to Meet You by Kate Klise
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A few years ago a 5th grade student recommended this book to me. I just got around to reading it and I'm glad I did! It's perfect for middle to upper elementary readers.

A grumpy, old author of children's books about ghosts (who doesn't like children or believe in ghosts) moves in to a summer home that comes with some unexpected additions. The lovely Victorian home includes an eleven-year-old boy, his 190-year-old best friend (a ghost), and a cat (did I mention the author can't stand cats?). All kinds of fun ensues.

A very cool aspect of the book is that it's written in letters with a few pictures. The whole story is told in letters written between the characters. This is a fun, cute story about friendship and ghosts.

A fun, easy read for mid-upper elementary students. Highly recommended.

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