Running Out of Time by Margaret Peterson Haddix

An interesting mash-up of historical fiction and si-fi genres, Running Out of Time was a very interesting book.  It follows the adventures of Jesse, a 13 year old girl who discovers that she isn't really living in the 1800's.  As a matter of fact, She's living in a modern tourist site similar to Plymouth tourist site.  The catch, none of the kids know they are being watched, although the adults do.  When an epidemic occurs that kills several people and the doctor mysteriously stops handing out pills, Jessie's mother gives her some modern clothes and and helps her escape to get help.  But for someone who's never seen a car, telephone, or a TV, getting help will be harder then you would think.  Running Out of Time was a very interesting book and I really enjoyed it.  It was 192 pages long.  I recommend it for kids ages 8-12.  If you liked it, I suggest reading any of Haddix's other book, but especially the Shadow Children series.  Happy Reading, NNYer

A Hero's Guide to Saving Your Kingdom by Christopher Healy

Because of the thousands of books authors have written over time, and the hundreds (literally) of books I've read, it seems to me that stories seem to repeat themselves. Somehow, I've never read a book quite like this one. Now, I'm sure somebody read that and thought 'You've never read a re-written fairy tale!' Well I have. I've read lost of those. This one is different. For starters, most 'new' fairy tales focus on the girl. They sometimes even make her the hero! This does quite the opposite. The storyline starts out soon after the Cinderella story ends. Because Ella has spent her life cooking and cleaning, she wants to discover the world, unfortunately, her groom-to-be, Prince Fredric (commonly known as Prince Charming), is afraid of his own shadow. So she runs away. Naturally, Fredric runs after her. While Ella is getting caught by a witch and escaping from the same witch, Fredric meets Prince Gustav, another Prince Charming. In order to convince people of his hero qualities he agrees to help Fredric. Long story short, Gustav (who is from the Rapunzel story) and Fredric meet the Princes Charming from the Sleeping Beauty and Snow White stories and the 'League of Princes' is formed. The princes soon encounter the witch and well, I won't spoil it for you. However, I will say it's worth reading. Even though the book is an impressive 448 pages, I was always on the edge of my seat. I recommend this for boys or girls ages 12-15.  If you liked it, You should try out the Sisters Grimm Series. Happy Reading, NNYer!

Theodore Boone: Vanished by John Grisham

When Theo's friend April goes missing, he starts searching. Unfortunately, the police aren't much help. But for good reason. Murder suspect Pete Duffy has also disappeared and he's a bit higher priority than April. Nevertheless, April is in good hands, because Theo won't stop until he finds her. This was a great book. I recommend this book for kids ages 13-15 (I might say younger, but this is a fairly large book) if you liked this read the sequel! Happy Reading, Native New Yorker!

Theodore Boone: Kid Lawyer by John Grisham

Theodore 'Theo' Boone has grown up around law. His mom is a divorce lawyer, his dad is a real-estate lawyer, and his only uncle is an ex-lawyer. So when Pete Duffy, a well-to-do man who lives in Theo's town, is put on trial for murdering his wife, it's no shock Theo is interested. When Theo digs deep, nobody believes what he finds. This was a very good book, Theo is a great character, and I would recommend his book for anyone ages 11-14. If you liked this, be sure to read the sequel, Theodore Boone: Vanished. Happy Reading, Native New Yorker!

Theodore Boon: The Accused by John Grisham

According to my dad, Grisham is a well-accomplished adult writer. I think he makes a wonderful children's author too. Theodore 'Theo' Boone is in the sticky spot himself in the third of his series. A local computer store was robbed and Theo is the prime suspect. The police think they've nailed him, so it's up to Theo to prove himself innocent. On top of being accused, somebody is out to get Theo. Slashed bike tires and his favorite baseball cap stolen aren't even the worst of it. This book kept me constantly turning pages. Grisham successfully combines funny and serious in a perfect blend. I recommend this book for any boy or girl ages 13-15. If you liked this, you'd like the other Theo books; Theodore Boone: Kid lawyer and Theodore Boone: The Abduction. You also might enjoy the Hardy Boys series and Nancy Drew series. The book is 272 pages. Happy Reading, NNYer!