The Lost Sun by Tessa Gratton-ADVISABLE

Gratton, Tessa, The Lost Sun. pgs. 352. Random House, 2013. $17.99. Content: Language: G, Mature Content: PG-13, Violence: PG-13

Soren Bearskin is constantly in fear of becoming his father. Born a berserkers, he’s afraid he will lose control like his father and go on a killing spree. His friend, Astrid Glyn, is a seethe (someone who can see one’s future fate) who lost her mother five years ago and has been searching for her ever since. When Baldur the Beautiful, god of the sun and most popular god in the United States of Asgard, goes missing, Astrid has a vision that he is somewhere in the Badlands of South Dakota. When Odin offers a boon for whoever finds his son, Astrid and Soren decide to act on her dream and go in search of Baldur. Encountering danger, prejudice against berserker men, and rioting people in search of Baldur, the duo will need all the resolve, strength, and powers to find and save Baldur. Will they succeed?

The characters are well-developed and entertaining. The plot is engaging, well-written, and complex. The mystery within the book draws the reader easily into Soren and Astrid’s world. Readers who like Percy Jackson, Norse Gods like Loki, Odin, and Thor, and enjoy action adventures will enjoy reading this book. MS, HS. ADVISABLE. Reviewer: Kira M, Youth Services Librarian, WHI Public Library.

Texting the Underworld by Ellen Booraem- ADVISABLE

Booraem, Ellen Texting the Underworld, 319 pgs. Dial Books for Young Readers, 2013. $16.99. Language: PG (0 swears); Mature Content: PG; Violence: PG. 

Twelve-year-old Conor loves South Boston and sees no reason to ever leave. His biggest problem is figuring out how to dumb down his academic achievements so that he won’t be sent to a more academically elite high school across town. At least that was his biggest problem until a floating girl shows up outside his window one night. Ashling is a banshee and has been sent to the O’Neill family. This can only mean that someone in Conor’s family is going to die. As Ashling inserts herself into Conor’s life he has to figure out how to keep her identity a secret while protecting his family and finding a way to beat Death.

This book has an original plot that plays out well. The main character of Conor is the typical anti-hero who is afraid of spiders and leaving his neighborhood, but in the end manages to complete the heroic task set before him. The interweaving of modern day and ancient Irish lore is intriguing and will keep readers interested. The story addresses death, including loss of family members and when can it be considered the appropriate time for someone to move on to the next world. Overall a pleasant read with only a few missteps with stilted dialogue as a result of an adult author trying her best to speak with the voice of a modern teenager.

MS/HS—ADVISABLE AEB Social Studies Teacher

Finding Bigfoot: Everything you need to know by Martha Brockenbrough –ADVISABLE

Brockenbrough, Martha Finding Bigfoot: Everything you need to know 160 pgs. Feiwel & Friends, 2013. $14.99.  Content: Language: G (0 swears); Mature Content: G; Violence: G.

This giant book is literally everything a student might want to know about Bigfoot, from its name in other countries, very current sighting counts, experts in the field, major and minor sightings, and much more. It is based on the Animal Planet TV show called Finding Bigfoot. Bright and full of colorful pictures.

Although this book is pretty large, it contains simplified scientific techniques and wonderful explanations (In some cases they were very careful to be G rated). It can easily work for upper elementary or higher. My only complaint is that specific photographic sightings are talked about, but not shown. There was also some repetitive imagery, which could fail to keeps students attention. The publishing house should have helped this author get more image permissions. I thought this book was really interesting and fun and I think students will too!!

EL, MS –ADVISABLE Reviewer: Stephanie Elementary School Librarian & Author.

Poseidon: Earth Shaker (Olympians) by George O’Connor

O’Connor George Poseidon: Earth Shaker (Olympians) 80 pgs. First Second, 2013. $8.99.  Content: Language: G (0 swears); Mature Content: PG; Violence: PG.

A graphic novel introduction to Poseidon, his adventures and his offspring. The author even clues us in on why Poseidon, god of the sea, chooses the horse, a land creature, as his sacred animal. We meet his ‘monstrous’ children and find out his feelings towards his family. Includes fact sheets, recommended reading, and discussion questions.

Although this wasn't my favorite of this series by this author, it was still a fantastic read. The artwork is top notch and really brings, some often confusing myths, to life. There is just enough sexy scenes that it’s not appropriate for elementary school. I think this series will jump start the interest in Greek/Roman mythology for older students.

MS, HS - ADVISABLE Reviewer: Stephanie Elementary School Librarian & Author.

The One and Only Willa Bean by Cecilia Galante - ADVISABLE

Galante, Cecilia  The One and Only Willa Bean (Little Wings, book 4), 103 pages. Illustrated by Kristi Valiant. Random House, a Stepping Stone book, 2012.
Riding the cloud bus to Cupid school one day, Willa Bean meets a new girl who she tries to befriend. When she finds out that the new girl's special winged friend is an owl, just like hers, Willa isn't so sure how she feels about the girl who ruined the "onliest-ness" of her owl. This is a cute story for readers not quite ready for some of the intermediate readers' series, like Magic Tree House or Rainbow Magic. The fantasy elements are lots of fun, and beginning readers will relate to the cupid's wish to be unique.
EL (K-3), Advisable, reviewed by PKFoster, teacher-librarian

Heroes of Olympus by Philip Freeman –OPTIONAL

Freeman, Phillip and adapted by Calkhoven, Laurie and Illustrated by Willis, Drew Heroes of Olympus 352 pgs. Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, 2012. $12.74.  Content: Language: PG (0 swears);  Mature Content: PG13 ; Violence: PG13. (Adult sexual situations, grisly violence)

This book features a little bit about almost every character in Greek mythology. Its organized by Gods, Goddesses, Heroes, and Lovers. Each featured God is described and a few short stories are related. There are longer chapters with more detailed adventures on some of the heroes, like Hercules.

Although the summaries and even the chapters are short, because this book is presented as a fat novel with small text it has a very overwhelming feel. I would love this book if it was presented in a larger format, like yearbook size, with a ton of color illustrations. Students have been seeing a ton of Greek mythology in tv and movies for the past decade or so, so they are used to something flashier and more engaging. Despite my love of the writings from the adapter  Laurie Calkhoven, this book wasn't the best option for student readers. 

HS- OPTIONAL Reviewer: Stephanie Elementary School Librarian & Author.

Heroes in Training: Poseidon and the Sea of Fury (Book #2) by Joan Holub and Suzanne Williams –ADVISABLE

Holub, Joan and Williams, Suzanne  Heroes in Training: Poseidon and the Sea of Fury (Book #2) 128 pgs. Aladdin, 2012. $11.67.  Content: Language: G (0 swears);  Mature Content: G ;  Violence: G.

The continuing adventures of young Zeus, Hera, and Poseidon as they travel into the unknown at the advice of the oracle Pythia. (Whose instructions are often murky). Luckily Zeus has a compass of sorts, so they set off. The three of them are looking for a trident for Poseidon. The sea itself is treacherous, and even worse Poseidon is convinced he will dissolve if he gets in the ocean. Will they ever be able to beat the mighty Titan Oceanus?

I think this book has the oddest writing style, sort of sharp and angular at times –like a recitation of facts, while other times its youthful and fun with banter and a more modern feel. I gave the first book a Not Recommended. But I have been rethinking that as requests for Greek Mythology novels from my students are increasing and there isn't anything that is just quite perfect. I think the cover art will be inviting to students readers. Sadly, the graphic novel Olympian series by George O’Connor is way better, but a bit too sexy for elementary.

EL, Elementary  –ADVISABLE Reviewer: Stephanie Elementary School Librarian & Author.

Book Review: Destined by Jessie Harrell

Title: Destined

Author: Jessie Harrell

Release Date: November 15th, 2011

Publisher: Mae Day Publishing

Age: Young Adult

When Psyche receives a prophecy gone horribly wrong, she learns that even the most beautiful girl in Greece can have a hideous future. Her fate? Fall in love with the one creature even the gods fear.

As she feels herself slipping closer into the arms of the prophecy, Psyche must choose between the terrifyingly tender touch she feels almost powerless to resist and the one constant she's come to expect out of life: you cannot escape what is destined.

Destined is a fresh and heartachingly romantic retelling of the Cupid & Psyche myth from debut novelist, Jessie Harrell.

I'm familiar with the Greek mythology story of Psyche and Eros, so Destined was on my radar from some time ago. Finally I read it, and it's definitely recommended.

Psyche is a young lady who is 'cursed' with being the most beautiful girl in Greece. Her family is happy and is looking for a husband for her, but her beauty may not be enough. It isn't enough to save her from an horrible destiny.

It's has been a while since I read YA, and at first Psyche seemed  a little bit immature to me. But she's sweet and very confused, and she doesn't want her life to be chosen for her. I loved to see her change from that young girl into a brave woman.

Eros, or Cupid, is an entirely different character. I wasn't very attracted to him, he was mean and it was a mistake that he fall in love with Psyche at first. I wanted him to fight more for her, to give a little bit more of himself, specially in the ending. But it worked for both of them.

Overall, Destined is a must if you like Greek Mythology. It's a sweet retelling of Psyche and Eros, and I was glad to find a protagonist who was capable of saving herself and her love, and her beauty was forgotten in the middle of it.

More about this book at www.jessieharrell.com, Goodreads, Amazon.

The Kane Chronicles Survival Guide by Rick Riordan-ADVISASBLE

Riordan, Rick, The Kane Chronicles Survival Guide. Disney Hyperion, 2012. Pgs. 141. Language: G, Violence: G, Sexual Content: G

Meet Sadie and Carter Kane. After their mother died, Sadie went to live with her grandparents in England and Carter stayed living with his father, who is always traveling. When their father disappears while performing a bizarre ritual at the British Museum in London, Sadie and Carter soon discover that their father has somehow awakened the gods of Ancient Egypt and at least one of them is evil. In this survival guide, readers will learn everything they need to know about the Egyptian Gods, Sadie and Carter, and the other Kane family relatives. Everything they need to know to read the Kane Chronicles series.

Chock full of facts and illustrations, this well-laid out guide with interesting facts about Egypt, this book is the perfect guide for Riordan fans. EL (4-6), MS. ADVISABLE. Reviewer: Kira M, Youth Services Librarian, WHI Public Library.  

Book Review: Sweet Venom by Tera Lynn Childs

Title: Sweet Venom

Author: Tera Lynn Childs

Series: Medusa Girls #1

Release Date: September 6th, 2011

Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books

Age: Young Adult

Grace just moved to San Francisco and is excited to start over at a new school. The change is full of fresh possibilities, but it’s also a tiny bit scary. It gets scarier when a minotaur walks in the door. And even more shocking when a girl who looks just like her shows up to fight the monster.

Gretchen is tired of monsters pulling her out into the wee hours, especially on a school night, but what can she do? Sending the minotaur back to his bleak home is just another notch on her combat belt. She never expected to run into this girl who could be her double, though.

Greer has her life pretty well put together, thank you very much. But that all tilts sideways when two girls who look eerily like her appear on her doorstep and claim they're triplets, supernatural descendants of some hideous creature from Greek myth, destined to spend their lives hunting monsters.

These three teenage descendants of Medusa, the once-beautiful gorgon maligned by myth, must reunite and embrace their fates in this unique paranormal world where monsters lurk in plain sight.

I love Tera Lynn Childs's books, because of her strong heroines, funny characters and fast paced stories. Sweet Venom was on my wishlist since I discovered it, specially because it's about Greek Mythology.

The story starts with Gretchen and Grace. Gretchen is a hunter, she hunts monsters while going to school and training at nights. She doesn't have a live, except for the hunting. She's strong and very independent, but very lonely.

Grace is just moving to San Francisco and starting a new school. She's the typical insecure girl, not very independent and a computer geek, but everything in her changes when she suddenly start seeing monsters, and is kidnapped by a girl who look just like her!

Obviously Grace and Gretchen are sisters, and not only share their look but their abilities to kill monsters. But why there are so many monsters? And where is Greer, the other sister?

I really liked the way Sweet Venom story is told, alternating the sisters point of views, because we get to know each one of them very closely and understand how their lives have been and their different personalities. It would be easy to relate to one of the sisters, or at least like one of them. My favorite right now is Gretchen, she's a total kick ass!

I love Greek mythology and I think the author did an amazing job creating a different story using the popular Medusa myth. She's always the bad, but I think she could have been misunderstood all this time! It was cool to read about the girls using their Medusa-powers without being bad.

Overall, I enjoyed Sweet Venom. It has action, myth and possibly romance coming in the sequel. If you like strong girls and monsters hunting, then this one is for you!

More about this book at teralynnchilds.com, Goodreads, Amazon, The Book Depository.

Book Review: The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan

Title: The Lightning Thief

Author: Rick Riordan

Series: Percy Jackson and The Olympians #1

Release Date: June 28th, 2005

Publisher: Disney Hyperion

Age: Middle Grade

After getting expelled from yet another school for yet another clash with mythological monsters only he can see, twelve-year-old Percy Jackson is taken to Camp Half-Blood, where he finally learns the truth about his unique abilities: He is a demigod, half human, half immortal. Even more stunning: His father is the Greek god Poseidon, ruler of the sea, making Percy one of the most powerful demigods alive. There's little time to process this news. All too soon, a cryptic prophecy from the Oracle sends Percy on his first quest, a mission to the Underworld to prevent a war among the gods of Olympus.

This first installment of Rick Riordan's best-selling series is a non-stop thrill-ride and a classic of mythic proportions.

If you like books filled with adventure and Greek mythology, you have to read The Lightning Thief.

Percy Jackson is a twelve years old boy who has been expelled from a couple of schools and can't concentrate. Everybody thinks he's a failure, except his mother. So it isn't exactly surprising that he has only one friend and his school and a teacher hates him. What he wasn't expecting was that her teacher became a monster and tried to kill him.

Nobody seems to remind that little detail, but he's sure he isn't crazy. But Percy's past is full of secrets, and his mother has tried to protect him until now.

Percy's voices trapped me from the beginning. He's young, but extremely fun and mature, and innocent. When he discovers he's a demigod, things starts to get complicated. First, nobody knows who is his father and now he's being accused of stealing Zeus lightning bolt.

That's why he, and his friends Grover and Annabeth decides to discovers who is the real thief and that way stop a war between gods. But of course, the Gods have never been very fair and some of them wants Percy to be guilty.

Their journey is so much fun. Full of adventures and dangers, there were always twists that managed to surprise me.

The writing is simple and with Percy's voice, I read it very quickly. It was never boring or too intense, and I always wanted to read more.

Overall, The Lightning Thief is a story with Greek mythology interlaced with the modern world that I loved, and I regret I didn't read it when I was younger. I'm definitely going to read more of the Percy Jackson's books, I believe it's going to be one of my favorite series!

More about this book at www.rickriordan.com, Goodreads, Amazon, The Book Depository.

Book Review: Starcrossed by Josephine Angelini

Title: Starcrossed

Author: Josephine Angelini

Series: Starcrossed #1

Release Date: May 31st, 2010

Publisher: HarperTeen

Age: Young Adult

How do you defy destiny?

Helen Hamilton has spent her entire sixteen years trying to hide how different she is—no easy task on an island as small and sheltered as Nantucket. And it's getting harder. Nightmares of a desperate desert journey have Helen waking parched, only to find her sheets damaged by dirt and dust. At school she's haunted by hallucinations of three women weeping tears of blood . . . and when Helen first crosses paths with Lucas Delos, she has no way of knowing they're destined to play the leading roles in a tragedy the Fates insist on repeating throughout history.

As Helen unlocks the secrets of her ancestry, she realizes that some myths are more than just legend. But even demigod powers might not be enough to defy the forces that are both drawing her and Lucas together—and trying to tear them apart.

You know I love Greek Mythology, so I was very interested in reading this book.

Starcrossed is definitely a love story. Helen has always been different, and she doesn't like it. But when Lucas and his family comes to town, she discovers she isn't the only one with powers.

Helen's smart and sweet, but I'm afraid she wasn't the kind of protagonist I prefer. I don't know exactly why, maybe she was boring sometimes. But I have to say I liked her more through the book, because she became more interesting.

Her romance with Lucas was what keep me reading. They didn't fall in love at first sight, bit still they fell in love very fast. They were a cute couple, but I wished they were more passionate. I know, it's a YA book, but still! Maybe more kissing?

Sometimes the writing was too slow for me, because I prefer fast reading. But the story was very original and interesting, and I liked the way the author played with Greek mythology and every once in a while there was a turn in the story.

Overall, I liked it and I really want to know what will happen with Helen and Lucas in the next book, called Dreamless.

More about this book at www.josephineangelini.com, Goodreads, Amazon, The Book Depository.

Book Review: The Goddess Test by Aimee Carter

Title: The Goddess Test

Author: Aimee Carter

Series: The Goddess Test #1

Release Date: April 26th, 2011

Publisher: Harlequin Teen

Age: Young Adult

It's always been just Kate and her mom—and her mother is dying. Her last wish? To move back to her childhood home. So Kate's going to start at a new school with no friends, no other family and the fear her mother won't live past the fall.

Then she meets Henry. Dark. Tortured. And mesmerizing. He claims to be Hades, god of the Underworld—and if she accepts his bargain, he'll keep her mother alive while Kate tries to pass seven tests.

Kate is sure he's crazy—until she sees him bring a girl back from the dead. Now saving her mother seems crazily possible. If she succeeds, she'll become Henry's future bride, and a goddess.

I like Greek Mythology so when I heard about this book I knew I had to read it!

Kate is young and her mother is dying. She just want to be with her and can't even imagine what would happen when she's gone. But when she meets Henry and he gives her the opportunity to spend more time with her mother before she dies, how can she say no?

Maybe you are familiar with Persephone's story? She was Hades's wife, he kidnapped her. In this book, the author changes a little bit this story and Henry/Hades is alone, looking for a new Queen.

Many girls have tried to pass the seven tests and became a The Queen of the Underworld, but no one was able. Kate is the last girl with the opportunity to become Queen, but she doesn't care about that. She only wants more time with her mother and be able to say goodbye properly.

Kate is 18 years old, but seems to be younger. Maybe because must of her life she has been taking care of her mother. It was really sad, I felt bad for her but I liked her. She was intelligent and not the usual teenager. She was mature. It was interesting to see her accepting her new role and trying to do the best she could at the tests, and even when she fell in love easily with Henry, it wasn't instantly as usual.

Henry wasn't exactly what I had in mind for Hades. He had everything to be the bad-sexy-guy, but he was so...sad. I liked him, but he was always silent and never really a protagonist. I never was sure about his feelings and instead of being a Godl I saw him as a young man.

It's an original story and it grabbed me, but I was expecting more. Maybe it's because I love mythology, but I wanted more about Henry, more about the other Gods...

Overall, I believe this series has great potential, so I'm going to give the next book, Goddess Interrupted, an opportunity and read more about Henry and Kate.

More about this book at www.aimeecarter.com, Goodreads, Amazon, The Book Depository.