I think Nightshade City is now a series. It's got good buzz, though I haven't read it. Hilary floats around the forums; I'm almost positive she stops by here (kidlit) sometimes.
No Passengers is by Gennifer Choldenko. She does a good job with the alternating voices of the three siblings--the brilliant 6-year-old, responsible 11-year-old, and flighty 14-year old. I figured out the premise early on. I felt totally gypped that it didn't finish from the kids' POV. And the end didn't totally make sense--parts of it did, but not all of it. And that poor mom... sheesh. I would have hated this as a kid. Not sure how actual middle graders will feel about it.
It's not written in a first/3rd POV combo is it? I been looking for something like that.
I've always interested to see if someone could pull-off changing from 1st to third person. Maybe start in third, move to first, then back to third--for example if the MC dies he can't really tell of his own dead.
I might have to try it with a short--just to see if I could do a decent job.
Also, I finally put down Inkheart last night. I really wanted to get into it, but after 7 pages (seven big mass market paperback pages) were nothing happens except driving (I mean, not even much character development) I finally gave up about page 115.
Giving the Red Pyramid another read and I also picked up the book after that, can't remember what it's called. I liked the Percy Jackson books better, but since the next one in that series won't be out until later in the year I thought I'd give the Kane series another go. They're not horrible, but they could be better.
All the Discworld books are adult, except for the Tiffany Aching books are YA. QUOTE]
The Amazing Maurice and his Education Rodents is a middle grade Discworld book. And it is absolutely amazing.
It's not written in a first/3rd POV combo is it? I been looking for something like that.
I started the new Rick Riordan series instead; the one that picks up on Percy (though it's in the 3rd person, which took some getting used to).
If a Tree Falls at Lunch Period, by Gennifer Choldenko, is told in alternating chapters of first and third (with two different MCs), if I'm remembering correctly. It's been ages since I read it.
Amazon had a used copy of Tree Falls at Lunch Period for $3.89 shipped; the reviews looked good, so I picked it up. My TBR pile's getting pretty big, so unless the first pages really grabs me, might be awhile before I get to it.
Ruth, That links seems to be about opening a bookstore (thought I didn't finish it). Is the book you are talking about by James Howe?
Also read another Eleanor Estes, The Middle Moffat. Great Depression slice of life stories about not much in particular, but still very entertaining.
Also been listening to the 4th grade teacher read By the Great Horn Spoon! which is a pretty exciting book about the gold rush. I'm not sure what's happening, because I missed the end of it, but she keeps stopping at gut-wrenching cliffhangers and making the children wail. Reading with them is interesting because she asks them questions, and I am realizing that they don't understand soooooo many things in the story, and yet it doesn't matter because they are still fascinated.
Also, I finally put down Inkheart last night. I really wanted to get into it, but after 7 pages (seven big mass market paperback pages) were nothing happens except driving (I mean, not even much character development) I finally gave up about page 115.
Why doesn't anyone like the Kane Chronicles?
Well, I can't speak for anyone else, but I thought Red Pyramid was incredibly boring. It was a huge struggle to finish it. From the very first chapter, we know all's well in the end; the kids are safe and together. So, there's no conflict. There's no reason to worry about the characters or get invested in their story. I didn't feel compelled to keep reading.
Also been listening to the 4th grade teacher read By the Great Horn Spoon! which is a pretty exciting book about the gold rush. I'm not sure what's happening, because I missed the end of it, but she keeps stopping at gut-wrenching cliffhangers and making the children wail. Reading with them is interesting because she asks them questions, and I am realizing that they don't understand soooooo many things in the story, and yet it doesn't matter because they are still fascinated.
I read this with my kids, and they still laugh at one scene where the weedy looking butler hits a robber with his gloved hand, and sends him sprawling in the dust. Turns out he has his gold dust hidden in his glove. Too funny. This was definitely our favorite scene in this book.
I love MG books that bring history to life for kids, and this was a good one. They can tend to be rather dry, but this kept everyone riveted.