Recent Reads

What have you been reading lately? Summer is always a great time of year to get caught up on all those books you said you'd "get around to reading." Crossed of my list so far are:
- Faith, Hope, and Ivy June
(Phyllis Reynolds Naylor)

- What Comes After
(Steve Watkins)

- A Walk To Remember
(Nicholas Sparks)

- Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? (And Other Concerns)
(Mindy Kaling)

Yet to be read are:
- Moon Over Manifest
(Clare Vanderpool)

- Dead End in Norvelt
(Jack Gantos)

- The Cuckoo's Calling
(Robert Galbraith / J.K. Rowling)

- Dandelion Wine
(Ray Bradbury)

- Letters From Skye
(Jessica Brockmole)

Yours Truly.
Bookgirl

Literary Meme Monday

A little literary fun to brighten your day!



























Enjoy!

Recent Reads

What good book have you had your nose in lately? For me it's been The Chronicles of Narnia series by C.S. Lewis. These books are a little below my typical reading level, but my brother and I watched The Voyage of The Dawn Treader (5th book, 3rd movie) and I decided to read the series. Unfortunately, Mr. Lewis is long dead so don't expect to find an author interview on here but here's some interesting facts about this awesome author:
- His full name was Clive Staples Lewis, but he was known to the world of literature as C.S. Lewis and to his family as Jack.
- C.S. Lewis was good friends with fellow children's author J.R. R. Tolkien (author of The Lord of the Rings trilogy). They both served on the English faculty at
Oxford University.
- He died on November 22nd, 1963, the same day president JFK was assassinated.
- C.S. Lewis was a Christian and his books make it very evident. The entire Narnia series has an underlying theme of Christianity. From The Magician's Nephew where Narnia is created, to The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe in which Aslan, the creator, sacrifices himself to pay for Edmund's wrongdoing, to The Horse and His Boy where Aslan shows that he is Almighty but merciful towards his creation, as God is to us.
I would defiantly recommend this series if you enjoy fantasy!
That's all for now! Yours Truly,
-bookgirl


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

I'm back!

After neglecting my blog for sadly almost 3 years, I'm back in business! I'm blogging from a mobile device now which means I will have access to my blog on the go! Yay! This new change will help keep me more connected to my blog. You'll be hearing more from me soon! Yours Truly,
-bookgirl <3

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

**Author Interview**

Below is my special interview with Author - Phoebe Stone.

About her book The Romeo and Juliet Code.

1.Why did you set your book in World War two time period?

World War II was a difficult and fascinating time and I have read a lot of books about it. I think whenever people work together for a great cause, great friendships and great loves are formed. It was a time of enormous tragedy and enormous horror and enormous love and enormous deeds. I think all that is extreme appeals to the writer in me. I am always looking to awaken my readers. No one sleeps or falls into dullness in extreme times.

2. Were any of the characters based on real people?

Well, all of my characters have snippets and threads of people I have known and loved. But I have decided that Uncle Gideon is reminiscent of a fifth grade teacher I had when I was in school in England. I had only just arrived in my new school and he was always teasing me about Americanisms. When I was just finished with a problem, I would say, "Mr. James, I'm through." And he would say, "Through the hedgerow, are you?" letting me know in a teasing sort of way that the British did not use "I'm through" for "I'm finished." Thinking back now, I realize my relationship with Mr. James played a huge part in "The Romeo and Juliet Code." I was very charmed by him and he taught me and showed me, with great humor, how things were done in England. All these years later, I'd love to have a chance to thank him. It's funny because when I wrote the book, I really didn't realize that he was even a part of it. It's only now, after the book has been published, that I recognize Mr. James in Uncle Gideon.

3. I was very interested in the thought of Queen Anne's secret voyage. Was the ship real? Did they really paint it all gray?

The ship was based on the ture maiden voyage of the great Cunard ocean liner, the Queen Elizabeth. That ocean liner was indeed painted all gray, including the portholes. They did this so that no light would escape and betray the ship's presence to a passing enemy airplane in the night. The Queen Elizabeth did steal across the ocean, evading Nazi submarines and airplanes. It was being moved from England to the U.S. for safekeeping. The Queen Elizabeth ended up being used as a troop ship later in the war. My ship, the Queen Anne, was a fictionalized version that sailed in 1941 instead of 1940.

4. I noticed the many references to The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett. In both it and your book there is a mysterious, ill young boy. Were the similarites between Colin and Derek intentional?

"The Romeo and Juliet Code" is kind of homage to Frances Hodgson Burnett. It intended it to be a kind of nod to her, which is why Felicity dressed up as Frances Hodgson Burnett for Halloween, why she is in the middle of reading several of her books, and why there is kind of light interplay and various references among the characters.

5. For what age group do you recommend your book?

Scholastic has marketed the book for ages eight to thirteen. I always try to write for all ages, for everyone.

Special Question: What was your one favorite book to read growing up?

Picking one would be impossible! I loved so many. In seventh grade I began to read the Brontes, "Wuthering Heights," "Jane Eyre," "Villette." I have always loved the whole family and all their books. I also loved E.B. White's "Charlotte's Web" and "Stuart Little." And the E. Nesbit's books, Frances Hodgson Burnett, and Beatrix Potter. Sometimes I think she may be the greatest of all.

Check These Out!

Hatchet ~ By Gary Paulsen ~ AR 7 points

Crispin : Cross of Lead ~ Avi ~ AR 9 points

The Westing Game ~ Ellen Raskin ~ AR 8 points

~Bookgirl~

Author Interview ~ Lisa Klein, Author of Two Girls of Gettysburg

Below is my Exclusive Interview with Author, Lisa Klein about her book Two Girls of Gettysburg. My questions listed in green, Her answers in blue.

1. What made you want to write about this specific time period? The nineteenth century seemed closer in time than the Renaissance setting I used for Ophelia,(Her other book)-- 150 years ago versus 400! I was also excited by how much evidence there is about women' s lives, letters, diaries, and photographs. My own Grandparents were born only 30 years after the Civil War, so they probably knew people who had lived through the war and even some who had been slaves. That amazes me!

2. Why the Civil War as opposed to other wars? Because it was such a terrible war, Americans

fighting one another, even fighting their own relatives. And because it's one war we study in school, so most people know something about it and are curious to know more.

3.Why did you base Lizzie on this real girl? I based Lizzie on Tillie Pierce because when I read about Tillie, I imagined what the the war would look like through her eyes. I thought my readers would enjoy character based on a real person, that it would make the war itself seem more immediate. I also identified with the photograph of Tillie. Any girl living today could have been Tillie!

4. Was your book originally named Two Girls of Gettysburg? I think that was the tittle I had all along. Sometimes the editor will change the title, but this one seemed to work for both of us. (Ophelia was originally titled-by me- "The True and Noble History of Ophelia" my editor wisely shortened it to just"Ophelia"!)

5. What age group do you recomened for your book? Ages 12 - 100. Seriously!

Signiture question:

What was your favorite book growing up?

Well, ONE of my favorite books was "Gone With the Wind," which I read ten times when I was a teenager. And so when I started writing fiction, In the back of my mind was the idea to write my own Civil War novel- because I loved so much reading about that war. I don't know if many teens would read GWTW tday, but I hope they find "Two Girls" interesting and exciting.

Also, be sure to check out Lisa Klein's newest book Cate of the Lost Colony, about the love story of an orphan girl banished to Roanoke.

~Bookgirl~

A Summer of Books

Great Summer Reads

When the Whistle Blows~Fran Cannon Slayton

The Penderwicks~Jeanne Birdsall

Mudville~ Kurtis Scaletta

~Bookgirl~

Good Reads

Check these books out!

Redwall-Brian Jacques

Me and the Pumpkin Queen- Marlane Kennedy

The Shadow Thieves- Anne Ursu

~Bookgirl~

Book of March (continued)

Book Seven
When Professer Snape is named Headmaster of Hogwarts and other Death Eaters are made teachers Ron, Harry, and Hermionie reach the conclusion that Hogwarts is not safe. They embark upon a journey together aiming to destroy Voldemort. Unfortunately excessive amount of time together takes its toll on their friendship. How do you fight the Darkest wizard of all time when you can't even stand your two best friends??

The mysterious wizarding world of Harry Potter is ADDICTING!!!!!!!

~Bookgirl~

Book of March

Since the Harry Potter books are so long , The book(s) of March are going to be Harry Potter 4-7.

• Book four (Goblet of Fire) is about the Triwizard Tournament. This year the Goblet spits out 4 names Krum, Fleur, Cedric, and Harry. All is well until Harry comes out of the last task with a dead Cedric. Mad-eye Moody iS the D.A.D.A. teacher.
• The 5th book (Order of the Phoenix) is about Harry's fight to control his own mind and his life with Sirius at Number 12 Grimauld Place. He learns a lot about the Black family which helps in the long run. The ministry denies that Voldemort is back and sends Delores Umbridge,the Senior undersecretary to the Minister,to be the D.A.D.A. teacher at Hogwarts.
• Book Six is crucially to the understanding of nearly the entire 7th book. Harry and Dumbledore together unlock the key to Voldemorts immortality through the memories of many people including Horrace Slughorn the new D.A.D.A. teacher at Hogwarts. The death of Albus Dumledore leads us once again to the ultimate question........Who is good and who is bad?? (Continued)

More to Come

I've read like crazy the last month (yes it has really been a whole month since I last blogged. Oops!) And I assure you that there are many great books to come!

~Bookgirl~

April Already?

Ahhhhhh!!!!! Is it April already? It seems like just yesterday that we had 3ft. deep snow. Winter is gone and Spring is on the loose! As well as planting season. While some may think Spring is the time to unwind and get ready for summer break it is opposite for the farmers. It is time to get to work and that is just what they do on crisp Spring mornings like these.

~Bookgirl~

Author Marlane Kennedy's The Dog Days of Charlotte Hayes

The Dog Days of Charlotte Hayes by Marlane Kennedy is an excellent book. I love this book because its so unpredictable. About halfway through I was sure I had the ending totally figured out and I almost stopped reading it. What a mistake that would have been!!! :-) But, something about the way Marlane puts the story together kept me going. Thank Goodness!! This book is about a girl named Charlotte and a dog named Beauguard. Now, Charlotte , unfortunately, doesn't exactly love dogs. But this one needs her help. When her dad tries to sell the dog she wants to make sure it gets a great home after its lack of loving with her family so she tells her dad that she will buy him. But where will she get the money?? You'll have to read to find out!!

Readin' Like Crazy,

~Bookgirl~

My Interview with Marlane Kennedy

This is my Interview with Marlane Kennedy about her book The Dog Days of Charlotte Hayes. Below in the bold, blue type are the seven questions I asked Marlane her answers follow in green!

What was your inspiration for writing a book about St. Bernard’s / Dog adoption? About 4 years ago I was looking out the passenger side widow as my husband drove. I happened to see a St. Bernard in someone's yard. He was chained up and had his head on his paws and wore the saddest expression. I have always had a soft spot for St. Bernards. I had one growing up and she was the sweetest dog, so the image of this dog's sad face stuck with me long after we passed by. I tried to convince myself that he was a well cared for dog--that maybe being chained up was a temporary thing and he would be lavished with attention soon. But unfortunately, I know sometimes dogs on chains end up with little in the way of companionship or attention from their owners. My worry and wondering about the dog soon was channeled into a story that became The Dog Days of Charlotte Hayes.

Do you have a dog now?

Yes, I have a chocolate lab named Carl. He is huge--a little over a hundred pounds--but not quite as big as a St. Bernard!

Is everyone in the story made up or are some characters real? Everyone is made up. I seem to have more fun with my characters that way. Though perhaps little bits and pieces of people I've come across end up tossed into the mix.

What would you say the age level for this book is?

8-12 years olds--though I'm hoping parents and adults will enjoy the story, too, if they have the chance to read it.

Where can kids like me buy this book? If your local bookstore doesn't have it on the shelf, they should easily be able to order in a copy for you. It is also available online through Amazon.com, Barners and Noble, and many other online retailers that sell books.

Do you do school visits?

Yes, I love doing school visits. It is wonderful having the chance to interact with my readers! I have been able to travel to all sorts of neat places this past year and it is great to meet teachers and librarians, too.

Signature Question:
What is your favorite book that you remember reading when you were little? Oh, I can't pick just one. Impossible for me to do. I will tell you when I first started reading independently I loved the Nancy Drew andTrixie Belden mysteriers. In upper elementary I devoured and was fascinated by A Wrinkle in Time. A favorite from my junior high years was The Cat Ate My Gymsuit. And in my late teens, I was absolutely swept away by Jacob Have I Loved.

These question were answer by Marlane Kennedy, Author and great friend!

Don't forget to pick up her books The Dog Days of Charlotte Hayes and Me And The Pumpkin Queen.

Readin' like crazy,

~Bookgirl~

Author Interview

In a few days I will be posting my Interview with Author Marlane Kennedy live on my blog. I have been contacting her via email and she has very kindly agreed to appear on B.A. Reader! She wrote The Dog Days of Charlotte Hayes and Me and the Pumpkin Queen. Since I'm going to interview her I'm going to be doing a special review on The Dog Days of Charlotte Hayes. Her website is http://www.marlanekennedy.com/ and she has a linkto where you can email her! I am very excited and I would like to thank Marlane once again for doing this!

Readin' like crazy,

~Bookgirl~

P.S. Marlane lives in Centerville. Which is where the Giant pumpkin show is. This is a picture of Marlane and a HUGE pumpkin!

Book(s) of February

Since the Harry Potter books are so long the book(s) of February are going to be Harry Potter books (1-3).

In the first book (Sorcerer's Stone) An eleven year old learns that he is a wizard and has been accepted Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, a school for young witches and wizards. He also learns of his horrific past with a powerful Dark wizard named Voldemort.

In book two the myth of The Chamber of Secrets comes true when many students are petrified and young Ginny Weasly is taken in to the chamber. Hermione helps to figure out what kind of creature lives in the chamber and how it petrifies people.

In book three Harry learns about an Askaban escapee named Sirius Black. Harry is warned that Sirius wants to kill Harry but in the end learns that Sirius is Harry's godfather.

I am in the middle of book four!

~Bookgirl~

Book of January

Sometime in the month of January I started Last Shot: A Final Four Mystery by John Feinstein so it is going to be my Book of January. I liked this book because John Feinstein gave it many themes to keep both girls and boys interested. It takes place at the Final Four and is centered around men's Basketball. Two kids win a writing contest and as their prize they get to follow around two sports reporters the whole time. But when they over hear a player being Blackmailed their whole world gets turned upside down. Who is going to believe two twelve year olds? If your like this book I also Highly recommend the other two books in the series. Vanishing Act: Mystery at the U.S. Open and Cover Up : Mystery at the Superbowl.

~Bookgirl~

Winter Reads Book #2

Although a smaller book ,If You're Missing Baby Jesus, Is a wholesome story that is great for telling on those cold nights in the Christmas season! This book is about a family who buys a manger scene That includes two Baby Jesus figurines. The mother is convinced that this means one of the other sets down at the store is Missing Baby Jesus. So, she sent her boys back to the store with a sign that says "If you're missing Baby Jesus call this number" I'm going to leave they end a secret because it is so good.

~Bookgirl~

Time Flies!!

Oh where , Oh where has the precious time gone! Its nearly Spring! I have been BUSY! On December 27th my mom , her two sisters, my four younger girl cousins , our six American Girl Dolls, and I embarked on a journey to The Windy City. Me, coming from a small , rural town in Ohio was absolutely amazed by what Chicago had to offer. I was also quite alarmed at the huge amount of traffic , considering I had never seen a parking meter in my life! We all came home with many enjoyable experiences including eating at Pizzeria Due and The American Girl Cafe.

Since then I have been busy with school and TONS of reading! Three days ago my mom passed her sinus infection to me. So what does one do when they are sick? READS! I have many books to blog about

Reading until I blog again,

~Bookgirl~