Animorphs for Reluctant Readers

I like helping kids connect with books. When family members are struggling to find books for their kids I tend be one of the people that tries to help make that connection. For one particular family, lately most of those series have been out of print series that I have to hunt through library book sales or online used book stores to find the books.

Recently, I've been struggling to help one family member make that connection. However, at a local book sale we found a box of Animorphs books. For the price of about two new paperbacks we walked away with a large portion of the series. I was able to determine just how much using Scholastic's free Book List for the series found here. I waited to see if the child went home with the books and read them, but as predicted the books are a hit. The books are not high works of literature, but they do attract reluctant readers into the pages. Now I am tasked with finding the series.

The last time I had searched for a family member the series was not available outside the second hand market. However, much to my surprise and bad luck the beginning of the series is available in print currently it looks up to book 7. After checking my list I realized our first used book hunt had produced all but Animorphs #2: The Visitor of those available through the new market. So, I'm off hunting again. Thankfully, this is the season for library book sales. I'll pick up the new one as a birthday gift and hunt down the rest as I can.

I also discovered while looking that the Goosebumps books are back out again. Again, I hadn't looked in a bit, I'd primarily purchased what ever was available second hand. However,when I started my hunt for Animorphs an additional request was made for Goosebumps and while we were able to pick up later ones in the series, the early ones have been more elusive. So, I was quite happy to find the early ones available for sale. Just as a heads up the ones currently available are not in the same order as those originally published. The first one published in the 1990's is now currently number 13 I believe. So if you are working as I am with old and new, you will have to compare not only numbers, but titles, as they have changed. To make it even more confusing they had multiple series and numbers to begin with when they were first published. It can make it challenging to keep track.

The Inside Story

The Sisters Grimm: Book Eight: The Inside Story moves the story beyond the Everafter War as we left off with the Master having fled into the Book of Everafter. The Sisters Grimm realize they do not have time to wait for Granny Relda and the rest of the family and dive in after him.

The premise of this story was an interesting one. I was looking forward to seeing the kids chase the Master through the pages of children's literature to rescue their baby brother. Unfortunately, this story was not as well executed as previous efforts. Buckley's strength has been his ability to blend multiple characters from children's literature with humor and an integrated plot to hold the reader's interest. In this latest novel, it almost seemed as if Buckley was trying to cram as many character and story references into the story with little interest in plot or humor that was a strength of his previous novels.

The main source of humor in this book is Puck constantly teasing Sabrina about their future marriage after Sabrina finally tells him about her trip to the future. While this is cute, it is not nearly as amusing as the stories provided in previous novels.

The last two books in this series have turned darker. The resolution to the Master's plan leaves the girls with gaining one relative while losing another. The next novel is rumored to be released in May of 2012. I hope Buckley finds a way to advance his plot and return to the humor of his previous stories.

The Everafter War

The Sisters Grimm: Book Seven: The Everafter War takes a slightly different direction than the previous novels. Charming is determined to defeat the Red Hand's army and as the title states the book focuses on the war of the Everafters.

The previous novel ends with a cliffhanger. This novel picks up with the cliffhanger teasing readers with a revelation about the identity of the master only to hold off revealing the information until the very end.

While this book advances the plot of the series, the seriousness of the plot removes much of the humor found in the previous novels. The Everafters face losing one of their beloved characters close to the Grimms.

All is not easy for Sabrina and her parents. Her dream since the series began is to have her parents back. While her parents are back, they are not the parents she remembers and the children are not the children her parents left in New York. The conflicts only create more frustration for Sabrina with life in Ferryport landing.

I will admit to being surprised when the Master's identity was revealed. I had a different suspect in mind. It did create an interesting set up for The Sisters Grimm: Book Eight: The Inside Story. I am impressed that Buckley has managed to maintain the quality of the series over length of this series.

Tales from the Hood

The Sisters Grimm: Book Six: Tales from the Hood made me laugh right from the start. Mr. Canis is on trial for his crimes and Granny must find a lawyer to defend him. Michael Buckley brings in another character from classic literature by introducing the Sherwood Group. Yes, Robin Hood has become a civil attorney dedicated to attacking corporations. After some urging, he agrees to take on the Sherriff of Nottingham and takes the case.

As the book continues, we learn more of the background of Mr. Canis, the wolf and a woodcutter. We also learn that there is a connection between Red Riding Hood and Mr. Canis that the fairy tale does not hint as the future of Mr. Canis hangs in the balance. We learn more about what Charming has been up to while undercover at the Red Hand.

The story has a cliffhanger as the identity of the master is about to be announced as the story concludes.

I already have requests from adults and children to put this series on my Christmas purchase list.

Peter and the Starcatchers

I am always curious about prequels and sequels that written using classic characters. Peter and the Starcatchers is a prequel to J.M. Barrie's Peter Pan novel.

Peter and the Starcatchers is the first book in series that provides a new background for Peter's origins, how he arrived in Never Land and where he met his fairy companion. This book launches a series that discusses the history of Wendy's family and their relationship with Peter prior to the Barrie's Peter Pan story.

The first story in the series was creative. Since it is different from Barrie's original this is a great opportunity to teach kids about compare and contrast. I provided a link below that lists some of the changes. Instead of providing manufactured sheets to teach the concept, I love to see kids reading literature that presents situations that are ideal for these kinds of lessons.

I have Peter and the Shadow Thieves on reserve at the library. We will see if the quality of the series continues past the original novel.


Teaching Links:

AuthorInformation

Comparison Between Original Storyline and This Novel

Free Teaching Guide 1

Free Teaching Guide 2

Magic and Other Misdemeanors

Magic and Other Misdemeanors is the fifth book in Michael Buckley's Sisters Grimm series. This book is the first book I have read in a while that has made me want to run down to the library before my traditional Saturday outing to get the next book.

Buckley introduces a traditional science fiction and fantasy element the fifth book using time travel to create some interesting challenges for our characters. At the end of the previous novel, we learned that Prince Charming was missing. In this book, the children discover where Charming has been since the end of the previous book. They also discover the dark future that awaits Ferryport Landing if they do not solve the mystery that currently eludes them. Charming's experience in the future leads him to make some decisions about what needs to be done when he returns. He convinces the children not to tell anyone about where they have been or what they have learned. Sabrina is a bit unsure about her marital choice and Charming's willingness to expose it keeps her silent. Their inability to find a solution to Mr. Canis' future also keeps them quiet. They cannot face telling their friend about the horrors he faces.

Eventually the future meets the present and the girls realize that while they have changed the future, the future has not necessarily improved. As the Queen of Hearts and the Sheriff of Nottingham persecute the residents of Ferryport, the Grimms are the lone human holdouts left at the end of the novel. While Granny struggles to return an ancestor to the past to avoid being erased from the present, more evidence about the spread of the Scarlett Hand among the Ever After population is revealed. The cliffhanger regarding Charming left me wanting to make a trip to the library Wednesday. However, patience is a virtue. I will wait until Saturday to pick up the next two books and Monday to begin listening to them.

There are only eight books in print with the final book nine due out in the spring of 2012. Buckley is publishing The Sisters Grimm: A Very Grimm Guide a series summary in January of 2012. I am not as interested in the guide, but I will be waiting for that final book to come out to read the conclusion to the Grimm sisters' adventures.
This series is one I plan to introduce to younger family members this Christmas.

Once Upon A Crime

Once Upon a Crime is the fourth installment in the Sisters Grimm series. Buckley has not lost his talent in combining fairy tale and classic literature characters into an amusing mystery tale. My long held suspicions about the character of Oz have been fulfilled in Buckley's imaginative tale. The story moves outside of Ferryport Landing and arrives in New York City to bring Puck back to his family to get help in healing him. Along the journey, they encounter Sinbad the Sailor and a very interesting take on Scrooge and Tiny Tim. Not quite the character you remember from the Christmas Carol.

Thanks to the library reservation service I already have Magic and Other Misdemeanors ready to begin. This is a great series for teachers or parents who want to provide children with examples of using characters in different settings.

The Wonderful Wizard of Oz

L. Frank Baum's classic The Wonderful Wizard of Oz is often a surprise to those only familiar with the The Wizard of Oz Movie.

This book is one of those that teachers love to assign. It is very easy to discover which students have read the book and those who are depending on multiple viewings of the movie to get through the required readings. Those familiar with the movie and the book can quickly provide a list of background and plot information that differs. The ruby red slippers that most people associate with the Wizard of Oz are in actually from another Baum story. Dorothy's shoes were not ruby but silver in the original story.

The political relationships among the kingdoms in Oz are far more complicated than the movie ever hinted at during Dorothy's journey through Oz. Scarecrow, Tin Man, and Lion have political ambitions that never seem to be hinted at in the movie.

If you have not explored Baum's original work, it makes an interesting read aloud. It also is a great chance to explore the ideas of compare and contrast with children who are familiar with the original movie. If they have not seen the movie, try reading the book first and then watch the movie. It is a great chance to practice these skills in an informal way.

Keys to the Demon Prison

Keys to the Demon Prison is the fifth and final installment in Brandon Mull's Fablehaven series.

The Sphinx has been gathering artifacts necessary to open the demon prison Zzyzx. Kendra and Seth, working with the Knights of the Dawn, are in a desperate race to keep him from opening the prison.

Alliances the Kendra and Seth have developed in previous novels upset the Sphinx's plans. Seth learns there is a price to be paid for trusting demons and Kendra's past with the fairies provides unexpected assistance.

Mull did a great job resolving the mysteries and questions raised during the series. The final book does cram quite a bit of action into one novel. New characters emerge, one very important to Kendra's future.

Fablehaven was a series that lived up to the promise of the first novel.

The Problem Child

The Problem Child is the third book in the Sister's Grimm Series. The story continues with the girls believing that they have lost their Grandmother's dear friend Mr. Canis. The children are introduced to a new family member who has intimate knowledge of the challenges they face and helps Sabrina understand her own personal issues.

Puck's entertaining character disappears early in this book and he and Sabrina's relationship will need to await the future books for progress.

Prince Charming is facing a tough political campaign from the Queen of Hearts. His reign as mayor is at risk because of his reluctant support of the Grimms. The outcome of the race will have an impact on the future of Ferryport Landing.

The Grimms learn more about Red Riding Hood's twisted involvement in the Red Hand and there is more to the story than they believed.

Buckley introduces the sisters to more interesting characters during their adventures. Daphne learns the Little Mermaid is nothing like the movie. The Jabberwocky terrorizes the children as they struggle to find a weapon that can defeat it. Sabrina realizes the danger of crossing Baba Yaga.

While some series lose their appeal and strength as the series continues, Buckley has to balance mystery and humor in his Sisters Grimm novels. I have the Once Upon a Crime (The Sisters Grimm, Book 4) on reserve at the library. I am looking forward to continuing to review this series.

The Unusual Suspects

The Unusual Suspects is the second book in the Sister Grimm series.

Things are starting to heat up in Ferryport Landing. Sabrina and Daphne are forced to return to school despite the kidnapping of their parents and they are removed from their grandmother's care by a mysterious social worker. While settling into school the detectives are called to action when one of the teachers is killed.

The author set up a cast of characters that are expected to be a part of the Red Hand's plot. However as the plot unfolds there are more twists than expected. The detectives are not the only ones who will want to review their children's fairytales and literature to keep up with the plot twists.

We have mixtures of Wonderland, Hans Christian Anderson, along with the Grimm’s characters we have come to expect from Ferryport landing. Buckley ends the story with a cliffhanger leaving readers wanting to grab the next novel to discover the fate of the detectives, their friends, and family. I have The Problem Child (The Sisters Grimm, Book 3) on reserve at the library so I will have to wait until it comes in to discover their fate.

The Secret Kingdom Chronicles of the Red King

Chronicles of the Red King: The Secret Kingdom is the first book in Jenny Nimmo's new series. This series is a prequel series to her successful Charlie Bone series.

For Charlie Bone readers the story finally begins to reveal the origins of the Red King. We are introduced to Prince Timoken and his sister Zobayda. We learn of a magical cloak bestowed on Timoken by a jinn made from the last moon spider. His sister is given a ring and both are provided with a potion that prevents them from aging until they choose to begin the process.

The children are forced to leave their kingdom and eventually, after many years are separated.

The story connects to the original Charlie Bone series as the King's history is presented as research done using the special gifts the decedents of the King possess. Readers begin to understand the connections the gifts have to the King and we are left hoping that this series will explain how the gifts were passed on to the current generation found in Nimmo's original series.

I had been looking forward to the release of this book and I was not disappointed with the direction it has taken. I look forward to the additional books in the series.

Once Upon a Curse

Once Upon a Curse is the third book in the E.D. Baker's Frog Princess series.

Princess Emma wants to marry Eadric, but a family curse that has destroyed her favorite aunt's happiness has convinced her that she cannot marry without breaking the curse. She and Eadric realize a trip into the past is required in order to learn the secret to solving the mystery.

This book introduces some new characters and a few interesting twists. One character I was certain was the evil character of all fairytales had a surprising twist that led to a happy ending. Readers may be surprised to find out who is responsible for releasing the family from the curse.

I had to reach out to the regional library system to get the audio version of No Place for Magic. I will review that book when it comes in and I have time to finish it. I have been enjoying audio books while doing writing and doing various house tasks.

The Fairy Tale Detectives

The Fairy Tale Detectives is the first book in Michael Buckley's Sisters Grimm series. My library regional system had the first book available to borrow and review.

Daphne and Sabrina Grimm are no strangers to the foster care system. They have run away from more than one. They are very suspicious when a person claiming to be their grandmother comes forward to claim them and brings them to Ferryport Landing. Grandma Relda Grimm tells the children that they have an interesting family responsibility. They are the descendents of the Grimm brothers and there was more to their life than collecting and recording stories. Grandma Relda informs them that fairy tales are real.

Just as the girls are wrapping themselves around this idea Grandma is kidnapped by a giant and the girls must figure out how to rescue Grandma. They discover that all is not happy in the fairy tale world of Ferryport.

Without Grandma's advice, they must figure out who is responsible for bringing a giant to town. All is not as it seems and they discover there is a villain manipulating the situation in Ferryport.

As the children learn more about the problems in Ferryport Landing, they also find out more about their missing parents.
I love adapted fairy tale stories. This series is promising to be a fun and engaging one. My husband was laughing as he caught a portion of one of the audio CD’s I was listening to during my exercise session. It has great potential for a read aloud. The series has appeal for adults and children.

Free Teaching Materials

Secrets of the Dragon Sanctuary

Secrets of the Dragon Sanctuary is the fourth book in the five book Fablehaven series. I already have the last book on loan from the library.

Seth and Kendra each have a journey and find different allies in this book. Seth fears the worst over news about Kendra. However, his sense that all was not right with Kendra helps his family to learn the truth.

While we learned about Kendra's fairy powers in previous Fablehaven adventures, in Dragon Sanctuary we learn Seth has a path, too. Both will need their powers to survive the Sphinx as they have a quest.

Once again Kendra is crushed when someone she trusted betrays her. Instead of being a friend the Sphinx has a trusted mole on the journey to Wyrmroost. When all seems lost Kendra finds that not all are unworthy of trust.

We learn more about the nature of the Sphinx and Kendra is suprised to discover the truth. One of Grandpa's promises to Kendra and Seth about the family is broken with the reader left waiting for the next novel to find out what happens.

One of my younger relatives is getting the Fablehaven Complete Set(Boxed Set) for her birthday. I always liked getting a complete set of books when I was a child. It was frustrating to start a series and have to wait to get the next book.

Jake Ransom and the Skull King's Shadow

Jake Ransom and the Skull King's Shadow is James Rollins first venture into children's literature.

After reading about this author and series, I borrowed the audio copy from our library. The opening was what I had hoped for years ago when I eagerly attempted the Indiana Jones books that followed the movies series. Those books were terrible. In the opening of his book, Rollins captured the excitement that made me want someone to write a quality adventure that captured that excitement. If you have read any of my book reviews, you know I do not like reviews that simply compare one series to another and excuse the author from any additional work.

The opening of this book did capture the excitement I felt from the Indiana Jones Series, but the books moves on to create its own niche.

Jake Ransom and his sister are the children of missing archeologists. They are invited to the opening of a Museum opening in London to see the artifacts found by their parents prior to their disappearance. The invitation is not what it seems. Jake and his older sister Kady are transported to another world through an artifact.

Here they discover a collection of lost world civilizations and a dark force that must be defeated for both worlds to survive. As Jake learns more about the mysteries of this lost world, he begins to clash with the Skull King leading readers to anticipate where the mystery is headed.

Unlike some of the other sister and brother series, I have written about recently, this one focuses mainly on Jake. His sister has a minor role in the story, but the main action is directed around Jake.

This story has many of the predictable lost world plots. Predictable does not make them boring. I believe the series has potential as a fantasy adventure series. The author does need to decide what to do with Kady. She seems a bit of a wasted character. In most of the other brother and sister fantasy series, each has a critical role. If Kady does not to have a role, perhaps it would be better to leave her at home, as the series continues.

I have a long reading list ahead of me so the next book is not yet on my library list. However, I do have Jake Ransom and the Howling Sphinx on my list of library books to track down.

Dragon's Breath

Dragon's Breath is E.D. Baker's second book in the Frog Princess Series. I was able to obtain a copy of this book through our local library regional system.

Emma and Eadric have still not completely overcome their issue with the frog spell as they discover when Emma sneezes and they return to their frog status. Another sneeze returns them to human form, and they understand the enchantment is not over. Eventually, Emma determines that the ability to change is not always a bad thing.

Romance continues for Eadric and Emma as well as Grassina and Hayward, her otter enchanted fiancé. The author has done a good job presenting a strong feminine character in Emma. The author avoided a cliché happy ever after ending for Emma and Eadric. Emma is not ready for marriage. She has chosen to study magic while she matures. It is not that she does not love Eadric, she just wants the time to finish her education. I thought that was a great message.

What bothered me is the author does not seem to realize that you can make assertive female characters without making wimpy male characters. Many authors have managed to create young adult male and female characters that are strong and comfortable with their strengths and weaknesses existing in the same novel. Eadric could be a strong male role without diminishing Emma's independence and emerging confidence in her abilities.

Emma and Grassina learn of an curse that plagues their family. As Emma and Grassina work to return Hayward back to his human form, they realize the real treachery of Emma's grandmother.

I have Once Upon a Curse on reserve at the library. While I am not happy with Eadric's role, I have enjoyed watching the plot emerge. I will give it at least one more book to see if Eadric’s character improves.

Mothstorm

Mothstorm: The Horror from Beyond Uranus Georgium Sidus! is the final book in the Larklight series.

Art, Myrtle, Mother, Father, Jack and friends have gathered at Larklight for the Christmas holidays. As any fan of the series or of science fiction or fantasy knows, these characters are not destined to have a simple holiday celebration. Just as Myrtle and Jack's romance is blooming of course our characters are called to action.

Mother must deal with another of her kind who has decided she wants to take over the solar system. Mother must make some challenging decisions to save her family and the universe.

Myrtle proves to be a surprising influence on a hostile race much to the surprise of her family.

For some reason science fiction is a neglected genre for children. Few books are written and read. This series should get more attention. The books are a great way to introduce children to science fiction. The series provides an opportunity to learn about the differences and similarities between the genres of science fiction and fantasy.

I bought the series to have around for a younger relative who will be visiting this summer. It helps having entertaining books on hand to keep young guests entertained during down times.

Grip of the Shadow Plague

Grip of the Shadow Plague is the third book in Brandon Mull's Fablehaven Series.

Mull has chosen a traditional fantasy plot, a plague, to create a conflict in his third novel. War has come to the magical world of Fablehaven and creatures of light are being infected with a dark plague that is changing their nature. Humans are becoming shadows.

As Kendra and Seth return to Fablehaven they find that the issues that were left off in the previous novel have not improved. Through Kendra's involvement with the Knights of the Dawn and her previous exposure to the Fairy Queen, we finally discover answers to some of the questions from the previous novel. We discover the true nature of the Sphinx. Readers learn if the Sphinx is on the side of light or darkness.

Kendra learns that even children are not immune to danger and death. As the war continues, sacrifices are made in an effort to secure the safety and future of all the creatures.

A previous friend lost is found and more of her story revealed. Her story provides readers with an interesting romantic story that leaves readers with a time travel circular ending that takes some processing.

As we enter Secrets of the Dragon Sanctuary the race continues to find the artifacts. I have this book on reserve at the library and am interested to see how the characters process through the journey.

Rise of the Evening Star

Rise of the Evening Star is the second book in Brandon Mull's Fablehaven series.

Those who have challenging experiences with classmates will appreciate Kendra and Seth's experience at the end of the school year. Their challenge really is a monster that wants to do nothing but cause them harm. Since they cannot share their knowledge of creatures with their friends or reach their grandparents who understand, they must figure out how to deal with the situation on their own. The children come to realize this transfer student is part of a larger plot from the Evening Star to cause problems for Fablehaven.

The children manage to reach their grandparents who provide assistance in removing the children from the local dangers. The children's grandparents arrange for the children to spend the summer at Fablehaven where they deal with new challenges and challenges left over from the first Fablehaven book.

People keep trying to compare this series to Harry Potter and I must admit I do not see the comparison. The series have completely different attractions. It stands as a strong series without bouncing of the popularity off Harry Potter. I love helping kids make connections between characters and novels. However, I do think the Harry Potter comparison has become a crutch to get kids to read something new. It is time to encourage children to read new series on the series merit, not hoping that kids will find it Harry Potter like.