Month: July 2011

Wilma Tenderfoot and the Case of the Frozen Hearts

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Here it is, the 99th post on Girl Knows Books. And, of course, it’s one of my favorite types of books…you guessed it. A mystery. Wilma Tenderfoot and the Case of the Frozen Hearts, written by Emma Kennedy. Strange title, isn’t it? And who is Wilma Tenderfoot, you ask? Wilma Tenderfoot is an orphan at the Institute for Woeful Children. It’s not exactly what you would call her “fond childhood”. Not at all. She spends her free time solving any mystery that arises in the Institute, to the exasperation of the forever-grouchy Madam Skratch. Wilma’s role model and idol is Theodore P. Goodman, the star detective of Cooper Island, who never fails to bring one of the loathsome Criminal Elements to justice. She’ll do whatever it takes to become a great detective like him! When Wilma is sent to the Farside of Cooper Island to be a servant to the curmudgeonly Mrs. Waldock, she just might have her chance. She never dreamed that Theodore P. Goodman would be living right next door! Whatever it takes, she’s determined to be his apprentice. Just one problem…Mr. Goodman isn’t interested. Well, Wilma will just have to prove herself to him won’t she? And what better way than helping him solve the case of stolen gem and several murders? This book might take a while to get into, but it has good characters, interesting plot, and is written well. The publisher recommends for ages 8 through 12. It did feel a little young for me at some points. I still plan on reading the sequel, Wilma Tenderfoot and the Case of the Putrid Poison, though! Why don’t you take a look?

July 31, 2011: 1 MORE POST!

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Small Persons With Wings

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Yes, Small Persons with Wings. DO NOT call them fairies. They don’t take kindly to it, as Melissa Angelica Turpin finds out pretty early in life. Age five, to be exact. That’s when she had a Small Person with Wings living in her room. His name is Fidius, and he could make squash look like candy corn and a room look like a jungle. But all that changes when Mellie comes back from kindergarten with the exciting news that she plans to take Fidius in to show everyone. Maybe for once she might have some friends. Then Mellie’s hopes are dashed when she wakes up the next morning to an awful surprise: Fidius has left, leaving nothing behind but stupid china figurine. Let’s just say things don’t turn out well on Monday when that’s all Mellie has to show of her “fairy”. The embarrassment follows her for years, right up to when she’s thirteen. But when there is news that her grouchy grandfather has died and left her family his old inn, it’s a golden opportunity to leave it all behind and get a fresh start. But what do Mellie and her parents find when they get there? You guessed it. An infestation of Small Persons with Wings. Sigh. what can Mellie do now? This is a fresh, fun book, with a good plot and lovable characters. The writing is good, not particularly engaging, but definitely works. It’s appropriate for both children and young adults. Nice job to Ellen Booraem! This is a book I would recommend to all fantasy-lovers. I suggest you go check it out!

July 27, 2011: Only two more!

The Adventures of Robin Hood

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Well, I know it’s been way too long since I last wrote a post, but I’m back and ready for action. Some years ago, I went through a  bit of a Robin Hood phase. I watched the Errol Flynn movie, I read any book that had to do with him, I even grabbed two sticks from the front yard and pretended they were a bow and arrow. I might have made anyone walking by a little nervous. But anyway, this is one of the first books about Robin I read. The Adventures of Robin Hood, by Roger Lancelyn Green. This book covers in detail the noble and eventful life of Robert of Locksley, who, when England was placed under the tyranny of Prince John in the absence of his brother, stepped up and became an outlaw going by the name of Robin Hood. The now-famous name of the man that collected a band of men willing to fight John and “rob from the rich to feed the poor”. I will note that this is not a book for young children, in other words, it’s not the Disney version. You know what I mean, there was bloodshed. Still, it is not a book to be missed. It’s a great account of Robin Hood’s adventure’s and will please any boy or girl. It may get little confusing, what with the speech of the era, but it is an engaging book, with gorgeous illustrations that only make it better. It does Robin justice, from his beginning to his end. Go check it out!

July 24, 2011: 3 posts to go!

Dork Diaries: Tales From a Not-So-Fabulous Life

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Are you the kind of person that likes diary books? You know, the hand written, little doodles, kind of books? Do you like tweens books? Well, then, you will like this! Rachel Renée Russell has delivered to us a hilarious, fun-filled book about Nikki Maxwell, who is just about to start going to a brand new school…and to make it worse, it’s MIDDLE SCHOOL. How will she survive? Things are looking pretty bleak, considering she is hardly ever noticed, has no friends, and when she is noticed, it’s by Mackenzie Hollister. Who, by the way, is nothing nothing short of a viper in lip gloss and designer clothing. And the absolute most popular girl in school. Yikes! What could be worse?! Then, finally, things start to look up a little. Nikki becomes friends with two book-loving girls named Chloe and Zoey, and she finds herself feeling very strongly about the school newspaper photographer, Brandon Roberts. And, hey, who knew the school had an avant-garde art competition? Nikki may be a total dork, but she’s also an artist. And no Mackenzie Hollister is going to stop her…right? This book is a tad dramatic, as in drama queen dramatic, but that does nothing to stop it from being great. It is laugh-out-loud funny, and I am dying to know how to draw those pictures. And it brings you right in, and soon you can’t get out! Tons of girls will like these books. Especially the dorks! You know, like me.

July 10, 2011: 4 posts only!

Outrageous Women of the Renaissance

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Okay, here’s a thought provoking question for you: What do you think when you think nonfiction books? Do you think dusty old tombs no one wants to read? Do you think textbooks, like in school? Or just, “Gosh, BORING.” I’ll admit it, I never used to read nonfiction books. But I’ve recently started reading some, and realized that they can be pretty good. I mostly like reading about people (particularly women) that lived years before us, such as Sir Walter Raleigh or Eleanor of Aquitane. So no wonder I like this book, Outrageous Women of the Renaissance, by Vicki León. It has stories of women from all around the world, living during the unique times of the Renaissance. Some are ladies of high standing, some are even thieves and pirates, and all of them are interesting. There’s Isabella from Spain, Moll Frith of the British Isles, Joan of Arc from France, and tons more. This book teaches people about history and the way things were back then as well as the ladies. It’s fun, and there are also Outrageous Women of Ancient Times and Outrageous Women of the Middle Ages, plus more. This is a book for all ages, showing that the really good stories aren’t always fantasy.

July 3, 2011: 5 posts left!