Showing posts with label 5 stars. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 5 stars. Show all posts

Friday, April 26, 2013

Book Review: The Seers - New World Order by M. D. Kaczkowski

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Title: The Seers: New World Order
Author: M.D. Kaczkowski
Publisher: Scilestial Fiction Press
Paperback: 304 pages
Summary: (taken from Goodreads)
Welcome to a new world where science and spirituality are not separate, but coexist on opposite ends of the same spectrum. Creator M. D. Kaczkowski sheds light on the unseen laws of the universe with a fantastical, page-turning thriller. The Seers introduces a world where good battles evil for the world’s soul. The fate of humanity rests in the hands of the Seers, a handful of humans with the rare ability to see the unseen, who call their Angels into action to do battle with Demons. This captivating, fast-paced story blends two classic genres: part apocalypse and part detective story. Through the characters’ lives, readers are introduced to the prophets of humanity, known as the Seers. Between chapters, Dr. John Alderson, a well-traveled Seer-physician, shares his inside knowledge and encourages readers to delve deeper by guiding them to sections in The Seers’ Handbook, which makes up the final third of the book. Welcome to the universe of The Seers. Your journey has only just begun.

Overall Rating: 5 out of 5

Oh my goodness, this book is great. The writing is outstanding, the storyline is amazing and this book does what no other book has ever done: takes the reader into a different realm. The author, M. D. Kaczkowski, has set the stage for a new dimension of writing that will keep even novice readers entertained.

Kaczkowski uses interactive technology, which spans the barrier between the written word and multimedia to bring an incredible story to life. At the end of each chapter are QR codes. By using your smartphone, you are able to access more information and links that give detailed information, movie clips, music and pictures to enhance the story.

The plot is a creative masterpiece! Bringing spirituality and science to the same level, Kaczkowski shows readers a provocative storyline in the battle of good vs. evil. The main character, Detective John Scarcepho, has long suppressed his ability to see the unseen. Once assigned to a murder case, that looks to be the work of a serial killer, Scarcepho will have to learn that the spirits, he thought were demonic nightmares are fighting for control of the universe. Only a few people known as Seers have the ability to see them.

When I first started reading the book, I wasn’t fond of the QR codes, because I didn’t want to leave the book and focus on the multimedia portion. But as I got further along in the storyline, I decided to check them out. I was surprised at the enormous amount of details that were offered. After I watched the clip of New York in the 50’s, I was hooked. There are times when it’s not convenient to utilize the media information but it does NOT take away from the storyline at all, in fact, it adds a lot to it.

 When I finished the book, I spent a lot of time going back over the multimedia information which again is utterly amazing and a lot of fun to look at. M.D. Kaczkowski brings book reading to a higher level of enjoyment. I can’t wait to read the next installment.

*I received The Seers by M.D. Kaczkowski compliments of Media Connect for my honest review.*

Friday, April 19, 2013

Book Review: The Duck Commander Family by Willie and Korie Robertson

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Title: Duck Commander Family: How Faith, Family, and Ducks Built a Dynasty
Authors: Willie and Korie Robertson
Publisher: Simon and Schuster
Paperback: 272 pages
Summary: (taken from Goodreads)
Faith. Family. Ducks—in that order. This book gives readers an up-close and personal, behind-the-scenes look at the family in the exploding A&E show—Duck Dynasty. This Louisiana bayou family operates Duck Commander, a booming family business that has made them millions. You’ll hear all about the Robertson clan from Willie and what it was like growing up in the Robertson household. You’ll sample some of Willie’s favorite family recipes from Phil, Kay, and even some of his own concoctions; and you’ll get to know the beautiful Robertson women. You’ll hear from Korie about the joys and hardships of raising a family, running a business, and wrangling the Robertson men while staying fashionable and beautiful inside and out. Discover more about the family dynamics between brothers Willie, Jase, Jep, and parents Phil and Kay. You’ll even meet a fourth brother who isn’t in the show.

Overall Rating: 5 out of 5

As a new fan of the Duck Dynasty show on television, I was excited to buy a copy of Duck Commander Family because I wanted to know more about the Robertson clan. This book definitely did not disappoint me. It’s well written, honest and very entertaining.

I loved the fact that Duck Commander Family is written from the points of view of both Willie and his wife Korie. There is definitely a difference in the way they were both raised as children, so to get the two perspectives enhances the reality of the book. Willie, a “redneck” country boy, was raised with a lot less money than Korie, who is a self-proclaimed city girl. So when the two get together, it’s fun to see the dynamics of clashing cultures.

The book centers on the Duck Commander business, which has been operating for over forty years. Phil Robertson, who is Willie’s father, started the business in his house. With a lot of hard work and salesmanship, Phil, along with the rest of the family members have made duck calls a multi-million dollar business, with Willie as CEO. This is not just a G-rated story about backwoods country folk who got rich. This is about raising and redefining the meaning of family, to include adoption, foreign exchange members, and friends.

My favorite part of Duck Commander Family is getting to know each character a lot more. Whereas the TV show Duck Dynasty does not reveal each member of the main characters' families, the book does. That depth alone makes it worth buying the book, and adding that it is extremely well written makes it a well deserved best seller!

Tuesday, April 9, 2013

Book Review: The Girl Guide: Finding Your Place in a Mixed-Up World by Christine Fonseca

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Title: The Girl Guide: Finding Your Place in a Mixed-Up World
Author: Christine Fonseca
Publisher: Prufrock Press
Expected Publication Date: 1 May 2013
Paperback: 175 pages
Summary: (taken from Goodreads)
Finding your unique voice in a noisy world can be hard—very hard. But not if you have a great guide! The Girl Guide: Finding Your Place in a Mixed-Up World is a must-read for girls in grades 6–8 as they enter the tumultuous world of adolescence. Packed with fun worksheets and quizzes, as well as stories from older girls and women, The Girl Guide covers everything a teenage girl needs to know on the journey toward her own identity. Proven strategies for dealing with stress management, confronting relational aggression, being safe online, navigating the changing mother-daughter relationship, and more make this the ultimate guide for any girl to get through the teen years and discover her unique point of view in the world.
Overall Rating: 5 out of 5

Christine Fonseca wrote a must have book for raising tweens and teens. As a mother of six children, five girls and one boy, I’m always looking for ways to help my girls navigate this internet savvy, computer-dependent world all the while being true to themselves. The Girl Guide is one of those books that every young lady should be required to read.

I absolutely loved this guide. Let me start with the cover: it’s catchy and relevant, most young ladies will be able to identify with the amazing graphic design. Who wouldn’t like a cool picture with the caption, “I Love Me”?

The Girl Guide is an easy-to-read, profound book that allows teenagers to understand it’s the world that is different, not the teenager. I read the book, then put my thoughts to paper, but I also asked my 13-year-old to read it and give me her opinion. I was not surprised when she finished and said, "Wow, that’s good."

Please understand she was not happy having to write her feelings down, she felt writing her feelings was "homework," but once she started, she really loved looking back to see how she felt at the time. The best part for me was when she said, "We should use this book at our youth group." Yes! I felt validated because I felt our youth group could benefit from reading The Girl Guide.

The pages are fashioned in such a stylish way that it’s easy for young ladies to get more of a diary feel, than that of a book. The creative way the book is displayed is a bonus because my kids don’t really like to read the books I recommend, but this book is “hip” and “trendy” -- more my kids style.

The questions the author poses, sometimes in the form of quizzes, are relevant and written is a non-threatening way so that a young lady will feel as though she is not alone in her thoughts. Each chapter complements the previous one, but also touches on topics pertinent to today’s teenagers ending with the final section, “Putting it into Practice.”

I can’t say enough about this book, except that I highly recommend it. I’m picky about the type of books that I introduce to my kids and I must say, this is one of the superior ones.

*I received a free copy of this book from the publisher through Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.*

Tuesday, February 26, 2013

Book Review: Streamline by Jennifer Lane

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Title: Streamline
Author: Jennifer Lane
Publisher: Omnific Publishing
Paperback: 460 pages
Summary: (taken from Goodreads)
Seems like Leo Scott has it all: looks, brains, and athletic talent. He's captain of his high school swim team with a bright future in college and beyond. But Leo has secrets. His mother's crippling car accident has devastated his family and left Leo to deal with his father's abuse, battered and alone.  
Leo's girlfriend Audrey Rose is poised for her own share of success. As one of Florida's top high school swimmers, Audrey dreams of college swimming stardom. But there's an obstacle to her glorious rise to the top. Her number-one supporter--her father--is in prison for murder.  
Part murder mystery, part tale of young love in a military family, this gripping story takes readers on a journey from Pensacola to Annapolis. Leo and Audrey must band together to rise above the adversity they encounter and find their true selves in the process. When everything's on the line . . . streamline.

Overall Rating: 5 out of 5

When I finished Streamline, I immediately marked it as five stars. Jennifer Lane masterfully tackles themes such as physical abuse, alcoholism, drug addiction, anger, murder, cover-up, pregnancy, redemption and forgiveness in a very compassionate way. It’s wonderful how Lane is able to wrap all those themes into a solid book and deliver it in such a way that young adults can relate.

The story is mainly told though the eyes of Leo Scott, a 17-year-old high school swim star who hides and compartmentalizes his emotions. He is the son of Navy Commander Scott, who insists that his son strive for perfection in everything. His mother is disabled and silently allows her husband to physically abuse Leo. While growing up, Leo’s older brother, Jason Scott bore the majority of their father’s abuse, but left home unexpectedly and returns the same way. Leo has a wonderful girlfriend named Audrey, who lives with her mother, but stays alone most nights because her mother works out-of-state and her father is in prison for a murder he does not remember committing.

Commander Scott, or CS as his boys call him, wants to instill discipline in his children and feels that beating them is the only way to do it. I enjoyed hating this man: he personifies everything that I dislike. There were moments when I understood why he felt the need to strive for perfection, but his control was demon-like and I felt creepy just being in his presence.

I love that the author intertwined a murder mystery within the depths of the story. It kept me focused on a larger picture when at times I felt the deep despair within the characters. Although I enjoyed this book, I felt like I was on an emotional rollercoaster. Some days, I couldn’t pick up the book, other days, I couldn’t put it down, but in the end…it was worth the ride.

*I received a free copy of this book from the publisher through Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.*


Wednesday, February 20, 2013

Book Review: The Loved and the Lost by Lory S. Kaufman

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Title: The Loved and the Lost
Author: Lory S. Kaufman
Series: The Verona Trilogy, Book 3
Publisher: Fiction Studio
Paperback: 332 pages
Summary: (taken from Goodreads)
They are three time travelers desperate to return to 14th-century Verona to reclaim their medieval family s shattered lives. It is a mission fraught with danger and the risk of unexpected consequences for themselves and for their worlds. For all three, it is a matter of the heart. For one, though, it is truly the only thing that matters, as the fate of his eternal love and the life of their unborn child is the prize to be won or lost forever. In this, the final book of THE VERONA TRILOGY, Hansum, Shamira and Lincoln go on the boldest adventure of their lives. They will face hardship, tragedy, and threats from sources they couldn't have imagined all in an effort to wrestle a future from the steely grip of an unforgiving past.

Overall Rating: 5 out of 5

In the third and final book of the Verona Trilogy, author Lory Kaufman astounds me again! The Loved and the Lost is fast-paced, exciting and very hard to put down. I read this book twice in less than a week and will definitely recommend that anyone, middle school and above, read this series!

If you read my other reviews on this trilogy, you will know that I am completely smitten with this series. I love Kaufman’s writing style. The storyline is interesting and unique. The details are so true to life that I felt transported back in time. The characters are very well developed but more importantly, the author knows how to captivate an audience.

My favorite types of books are ones that are neatly wrapped up with a happy ending. The thing I enjoyed the most about this trilogy is that although the storyline is wrapped up, the author does it in a unique way so that I was not able to guess the end.

I was so deeply invested with these characters and fell in love with the history, that I didn’t want this series to end. With Kaufman’s writing style, I believe that he could write a series of books covering major historical events that will leave young readers begging for more.


Wednesday, February 13, 2013

Book Review: The Bronze and the Brimstone by Lory S. Kaufman

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Title: The Bronze and the Brimstone
Author: Lory S. Kaufman
Publisher: Fiction Studio
Series: The Verona Trilogy, Book 2
Paperback: 336 pages
Summary: (taken from Goodreads)
Book #2 of The Verona Trilogy
What could go wrong in the 14th-century for three time-traveling teens How about – EVERYTHING!
Hansum, Shamira and Lincoln, three teens from the 24th-century, are trapped in 14th-century Verona, Italy. They’ve survived many deadly experiences by keeping their wits about them and by introducing futuristic technology into the past. Principal among these inventions is the telescope, which brought them to the attention to the rich and powerful.
But standing out can get you into unexpected and dangerous situations. The nobles of Verona now believe Hansum is a savant, a genius inventor, especially after he brings them plans for advanced cannons and black powder. Being the center of attention is great, but the potential for trouble is now exponentially greater because people are watching Hansum’s every move.
Meanwhile, artistic genius Shamira has fallen for a Florentine artist with bloody and disasterous consequences. Lincoln, considered an incompetent back home in the 24th-century, has blossomed – at least until he’s shot in the head with an arrow. And Hansum, after secretly marrying his new master’s beautiful daughter, Guilietta, is offered the hand in marriage of lady Beatrice, daughter of the ruler of Verona. To refuse could mean calamity for all the teens.
Amazingly, none of this is their biggest challenge. Because a rash illness is spreading across Verona – and it is threatening to consume everyone.
Do they have a future in this past?

Overall Rating: 5 out of 5

*I received this book free from the Fiction Studio as a part of the Pump Up Your Book tour, for my honest review.*

After reading The Lens and the Looker, I couldn't wait to start this book. I must say, I was not disappointed. It was fascinating and true-to-life. I had a hard time putting it down and when I did, I looked forward to the moment I could pick it up again. The author, Lory Kaufman does not let readers down with his brilliant story telling ability and penchant for details. The historical facts are captivating and easy to understand since they are woven into a good story.

The three protagonists, Hansum, Shamira and Lincoln, who were known as “hard-cases” because of their behavior were transported back to 14th Century Verona is the first book, The Lens and the Looker.

I felt again as if I were transported back in time. I was inside "Master della Cappa's house" when they ate dinner and toasted to their families’ good fortune. I sympathized, agonized, and schemed with Hansum. I rooted, cheered, and cried for Guillete. I loved and hated Ugliano. I appreciated, supported, and kicked-butt with Shamira but mostly I laughed and felt "zippy" with Lincoln.

When calamity ensued, I wanted to run and hide. The dark days in Verona felt like dark days to me, because of the minute details that kept me transfixed. Kaufman carefully allows the readers to understand the depth and the bond of each character through their suffering and triumphs. It’s wonderful to watch each character mature as they take on their individual responsibilities and learn that family means everything. 

The Bronze and the Brimstone has something to offer everyone from middle school and up. I would definitely put it on the “must-read” list.



Wednesday, January 30, 2013

Book Review: The Lens and the Looker by Lory S. Kaufman

Title: The Lens and the Looker
Author: Lory S. Kaufman
Publisher: Fiction Studio
Series: The Verona Trilogy, Book 1
Paperback: 336 pages
Summary: (taken from Goodreads)
It’s the 24th century and humans, with the help of artificial intelligences (A.I.s), have finally created the perfect post-dystopian society. To make equally perfect citizens for this world, the elders have created History Camps, full sized recreations of cities from Earth’s distant pasts. Here teens live the way their ancestors did, doing the same dirty jobs and experiencing the same degradations. History Camps teach youths not to repeat the mistakes that almost caused the planet to die. But not everything goes to plan. 
In this first of a trilogy, we meet three spoiled teens in the year 2347. Hansum almost 17, is good looking and athletic. Shamira, 15, is sassy, independent and an artistic genius. Lincoln, 14, is the smart-aleck. But you don’t have to scratch too far beneath the surface to find his insecurities. 
These three “hard cases” refuse the valuable lessons History Camps teach. But when they are kidnapped and taken back in time to 1347 Verona, Italy, they only have two choices; adapt to the harsh medieval ways or die. The dangers are many, their enemies are powerful, and safety is a long way away. It’s hardly the ideal environment to fall in love – but that’s exactly what happens. In an attempt to survive, the trio risks introducing technology from the future. It could save them – or it could change history.

Overall Rating: 5 out of 5

The Lens and the Looker is a very interesting, creatively written and detail-oriented story. The author delivers a wonderful, well thought-out original storyline about three trouble-making youths in the 24th century who are sent to History Camp for rehabilitation. These youths, who are known as hard cases, are ultimately sent to 14th century Italy, where they learn to live without the luxuries they always took for granted.

In the beginning of the book, I struggled to understand the behavior of the three protagonists since there was very little background to glean from. Yet, as the story evolved, I grew to appreciate and love what each character offered. I have to say, my favorite character is Shamira because she is quiet, observes the world around her, and transforms it onto paper as a portrait.

I was mesmerized with the author’s description of Verona in 1347. I felt as though I were transported back in time. This book was so carefully crafted that it was easy to engulf oneself into the characters. When the family ate rations, I felt their hunger. When the family ate plenty, I felt their joy. I really thought this was a wonderful book. I had a hard time putting the book down once I got invested in the storyline.

*I received this book free from the Fiction Studio as a part of the Pump Up Your Book tour, for my honest review.*


Thursday, January 17, 2013

Book Review: Still Lolo - A Spinning Propeller, a Horrific Accident, and a Family's Journey of Hope

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Title: Still Lolo: A Spinning Propeller, a Horrific Accident, and a Family's Journey of Hope
Authors: Lauren Scruggs, Scruggs Family, with Marcus Brotherton
Publisher: Tyndale Momentum
Hardcover: 248 pages
Summary: (taken from Goodreads)
In December 2011, Lauren ("LoLo") Scruggs, a 23-year-old fashion journalist, suffered a sudden injury that made headlines around the world. She had been on a short flight to look at Christmas lights and, upon exiting the small plane, was hit by the still-moving propeller blade. A frantic 911 call, several major surgeries, and thousands of prayers later: Lauren lived. But she lost her left hand and left eye. And she had to face some incredibly difficult questions: "What kind of future will I have? Where is God in all this pain? Will anyone ever be able to love me now?" In "Still LoLo," Lauren speaks out for the first time since her accident. She and her family reveal what really happened that night, what Lauren's life is like today, what got them through their journey toward healing, and how they conquered all odds to persevere as a family. It's a compelling and fiercely beautiful story of faith, determination, and staying true to who you are--no matter what.

Overall Rating: 5 out of 5

Still LoLo is one of the most authentic books I have ever read. It was heartfelt, sincere and absolutely inspiring. The Scruggs family shared their life story so beautifully that I felt as though it were my friends and family going through this horrific journey.

I hadn’t heard about Lauren’s story, so when I saw this book advertised, I was curious how it would be written, since the accident just happened in December 2011. I felt as though there hadn’t been enough time for her to heal from a traumatic brain injury, let alone tell her version of what she was going through. As I started reading and got to know Lauren and her family, I became immersed in the details of the their lives. I felt a genuine love for the Scruggs and a sincere appreciation for their support system. I am in awe of their love for God.

The writing style is fabulous. The story is written from four different perspectives: Lauren’s mother, father, twin sister, and Lauren herself. They don't retell the same story; rather, each person’s perspective furthers the storyline in a unique and engaging way. This isn’t a book that focuses on a tragic accident; it focuses on the character of a family and the strength it took to start to heal and move forward.

I’ve had the pleasure to read this book for free, thanks to Net Galley, but rest assured that I will buy the hardback copy and place it upon my shelf for inspiration.

*I received a free copy of this book from the publisher through Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.*


Thursday, December 27, 2012

Book Review: Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead

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Title: Vampire Academy
Author: Richelle Mead
Publisher: Razorbill
Series: Vampire Academy, Book 1
Paperback: 332 pages
Summary: (taken from Goodreads)
St. Vladimir’s Academy isn’t just any boarding school—it’s a hidden place where vampires are educated in the ways of magic and half-human teens train to protect them. Rose Hathaway is a Dhampir, a bodyguard for her best friend Lissa, a Moroi Vampire Princess. They’ve been on the run, but now they’re being dragged back to St. Vladimir’s—the very place where they’re most in danger... 
Rose and Lissa become enmeshed in forbidden romance, the Academy’s ruthless social scene, and unspeakable nighttime rituals. But they must be careful lest the Strigoi—the world’s fiercest and most dangerous vampires—make Lissa one of them forever.

Overall Rating: 5 out of 5

I must say, “I never in a million years thought I would be writing a review about Vampires.” When a friend suggested that I read Vampire Academy I laughed at her. Having never read anything in this genre, I wasn’t in a hurry to start. She handed me her copy and said just try. I reluctantly agreed knowing that I would never be interested in it. The first chapter seemed a little weird to me, as I tried to understand what was happening between Rose and Lissa. The spirit dream confused the heck out of me and when Lissa fed off Rose I thought I was going to be nauseated. But I really liked Richelle Meade’s writing style, so I continued reading. It wasn’t until Rose and Lissa arrived back at the Academy that I found myself actually enjoying the book.

I was intrigued by the whole concept of there being two types of Vampires; Moroi, who are the good vampires, and Stigoi, who are the bad. There is also a group called Dhampirs, who protect the Moroi and they are half Moroi and half human. St Vladimir Academy is a special school for Dhampirs to learn to protect Moroi. Rose, the protagonist of the book, is a Dhampir who ran away from St Vladmir Academy to protect Lissa, a Moroi, from an unknown enemy. The guardians at St Vladmir Academy found Rose and Lissa, secretly living among humans and returned them to the Academy. While at the Academy, Rose practiced training skills with Dimitri Belikov. It was this intense training along with Rose's quick response that would ultimately make her one of the best guardians. The concept of good versus evil has always been the cornerstone of my favorite types of books, so I was hooked to learn that even vampires have a code of ethics.

All the characters were enjoyable, but I have to say Rose, was my favorite. What I found fascinating about her was although she had a lot of emotional problems that played out in her personal life, starting with her thoughts that every male wanted to be with her, she had a strong sense of duty to protect Lissa, keeping her extremely focused. Lissa, being a spirit using Moroi, had saved Rose from death and in doing so created a supernatural bond between the two of them. Rose could read Lissa's thoughts and sense when she was in danger. Because Rose and Lissa had run away from St Vladmir Academy for over a year, Rose was behind in her training. As punishment she had to train extra hours with Guardian Belikov, who I can only imagine by his description to be likened to that of a Greek god, but only Russian. Personally, one could only hope for some one-on-one training with this Russian god. This was a fantastic storyline with many twists that kept me rooting for Rose and Dimitri even though guardians could not date each other.

Richelle Mead's writing style made reading this book not only enjoyable, but one of my favorite recommendations for young adults. This book has a kick-butt storyline, great characters, great plot, but more importantly Richelle Mead constantly interjects the back story, throughout the book, so I didn't have to put much thought into remembering how each character relates.


Thursday, November 15, 2012

Book Review: "You Gotta BE the Book": Teaching Engaged and Reflective Reading with Adolescents by Jeffrey D. Wilhelm

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Title: "You Gotta BE the Book": Teaching Engaged and Reflective Reading with Adolescents
Author: Jeffrey D. Wilhelm
Publisher: Teachers College Press
Paperback: 208 pages
Summary: (taken from Goodreads)
Over a decade ago, Jeffrey Wilhelm's groundbreaking book showed educators how to think of reading as a personally meaningful, pleasurable, and productive pursuit. In the 13 years since its publication, the author has experimented with and further developed all of the techniques he first explored in "You Gotta BE the Book," including visual techniques, drama and action strategies, think-aloud protocols, and symbolic story representation/reading manipulatives. In this expanded edition, Wilhelm adds a new commentary to each chapter in which he reflects on the research and insights he introduced in his now-classic text. 
Through textured case studies of engaged and reluctant readers, the Second Edition of "You Gotta BE the Book" once again addresses enduring issues, such as: What do highly engaged adolescent readers DO as they read? What is it about traditional schooling and reading instruction that deters engaged reading and serves to disenfranchise young readers? What types of interventions can be used in the classroom to help all students, especially reluctant ones, become successful readers?

Overall Rating: 5 out of 5

For teachers or parents out there who are struggling to get their kid to read - get this book! Wilhelm has spent years researching the best methods for engaging struggling readers with books, and for helping engaged readers find even more meaningful ways of connecting with stories, novels, and other texts. "You Gotta BE the Book" gives a fairly good overview of why struggling readers don't like reading, what's preventing them from enjoying books, and how to fix it. It also presents some simple activities that are incredibly effective at helping kids enjoy and make meaning from what they read.

As teachers, it is our responsibility to help struggling students over obstacles. This book isn't just for English teachers, though it definitely has more relevance to them than to any other subject; however, if you teach reading at all in your classroom, Wilhelm's ideas about reading activities and the struggle of low-level readers are definitely worth checking out. I found this book accessible, enjoyable, and incredibly useful in understanding the problems that many students go through and the ways we can help them overcome those problems.

Some of the ideas seem very simple or common-sense, but it's nice to be reminded of what may help students. I especially liked Wilhelm's ideas of using drama and art to respond to a text, instead of the more common question-and-answer or essay approach. I think that all of the activities he presents are practical and easy to implement in the classroom. Read this one! It's worth it.