Reminder: February Manga Mania meeting!

Hey Guys!

Don't forget to join us here at the West Springfield Public Library for the first meeting of our brand-new anime/manga club,

MANGA MANIA!!

Show off your awesome artistic skills, talk with others about

your favorite mangas and graphic novels,

and grab a quick snack with friends!

For grades 6-12

WEDNESDAY, Feb. 29th at 3:30 p.m.

Review: Addie on the Inside

Addie on the Inside

by James Howe 

companion to The Misfits

Book Description:

The Gang of Five is back in this third story from Paintbrush Falls. Addie Carle, the only girl in the group of friends is outspoken, opinionated, and sometimes…just a bit obnoxious.

But as seventh grade progresses, Addie’s not so sure anymore about who she is. It seems her tough exterior is just a little too tough and that doesn’t help her deal with the turmoil she feels on the inside as she faces the pains of growing up.

Review:

I have to confess I've never read The Misfits, but if it's anything like Addie on the Inside, I will be going back and reading it soon!

I loved the poems that this author used to tell Addie's story.  They were easy to read and captured her emotions really well.  This book tackled a lot of serious issues like interracial dating, politics, and grief, but all without sounding "preachy."

This was a really quick, but good read. 

Review: How to Save a Life

How to Save a Life

by Sara Zarr

Book Description:

Jill MacSweeny just wishes everything could go back to normal. But ever since her dad died, she's been isolating herself from her boyfriend, her best friends--everyone who wants to support her. And when her mom decides to adopt a baby, it feels like she's somehow trying to replace a lost family member with a new one.

Mandy Kalinowski understands what it's like to grow up unwanted--to be raised by a mother who never intended to have a child. So when Mandy becomes pregnant, one thing she's sure of is that she wants a better life for her baby. It's harder to be sure of herself. Will she ever find someone to care for her, too?

 

As their worlds change around them, Jill and Mandy must learn to both let go and hold on, and that nothing is as easy--or as difficult--as it seems. 

Review:
Want a tearjerker?  Here you go. 

This book was so good. It made me laugh and it made me cry.  Both girls come from a family situation that is just not working any more.  Both girls find, surprisingly enough, just what they really needed in the other.

This was one of those books that really touched my heart.

Review: Ghostopolis

Ghostopolis

by Doug TenNapel

Book Description:



Imagine Garth Hale's surprise when he's accidentally zapped to the spirit world by Frank Gallows, a washed-out ghost wrangler. Suddenly Garth finds he has powers the ghosts don't have, and he's stuck in a world run by the evil ruler of Ghostopolis, who would use Garth's newfound abilities to rule the ghostly kingdom. When Garth meets Cecil, his grandfather's ghost, the two search for a way to get Garth back home, and nearly lose hope until Frank Gallows shows up to fix his mistake.

Review:
You may already know that I don't read a lot of graphic novels. I have a hard time sometimes following them. This one, though caught my eye with the weird skeleton horse on the front cover!

I really ended up enjoying this one.  It has an interesting story, with a brave main character, and the pictures are well colored and clearly drawn. I thought it was a really cool reimagining of the afterlife with a happy ending. 

Review: Texas Gothic

Texas Gothic

by Rosemary Clement-Moore

Book Description:

Amy Goodnight's family is far from normal. She comes from a line of witches, but tries her best to stay far outside the family business. Her summer gig? Ranch-sitting for her aunt with her wacky but beautiful sister. Only the Goodnight Ranch is even less normal than it normally is. Bodies are being discovered, a ghost is on the prowl, and everywhere she turns, the hot neighbor cowboy is in her face.

Review:

This was a really fun read.  Not only was the ghost story pretty cool, dealing with Spanish gold treasure, but the Goodnight family was hilarious to read about! I loved Amy, who was snarky, and her sister, who was super crazy-smart, and her just plain crazy, psychic cousin! The romance was also just the way I like it... not too easy.

If you like ghost stories, treasure hunts, danger, and romance. Check this one out. :)