BRASS CARRIAGES AND GLASS HEARTS, by Nancy Campbell Allen, Shadow Mountain, Oct. 6, 2020, Paperback, $15.99 (young adult/ new adult/ adult fiction)

Brass Carriages and Glass Hearts is the fourth book in Nancy Campbell Allen’s entertaining Steampunk Proper Romance series.

Emmeline O’Shea is determined to save the world—single-handedly, if necessary. A strong voice for societal reform, she is the natural choice to deliver a key speech at the end of the International Shifter Rights Organization’s week-long Summit in Scotland.

But when a death threat arrives at Emme’s home, she is immediately placed into protective custody, watched over by none other than her personal nemesis, Detective-Inspector Oliver Reed. The two have crossed paths many times, with disastrous results, but now they will have to work together in order to reach the Summit before midnight of the last day in order to ensure legislation is passed to protect the Shifter community.

As unseen enemies close in around Emme and Oliver, they struggle to reach Edinburgh by any means necessary, only to find Emme’s vindictive stepsister, Oliver’s vampire brother, and a dangerous political minefield awaiting them in Scotland.

Even more difficult is their own refusal to admit that the fiery animosity that once burned between them might be turning into the heat of romantic passion. Could a straitlaced policeman determined to uphold the law and an outspoken activist willing to break the rules ever find true love? Or will all their dreams shatter like glass when the clock strikes midnight? —Synopsis provided by Shadow Mountain

Each of the books in Allen’s steampunk series are loose retellings of classic fairy tales — Beauty and the Clockwork Beast (Beauty and the Beast), Kiss and the Spindle (Sleeping Beauty), The Lady in the Coppergate Tower (Rapunzel).

Brass Carriages and Glass Hearts is billed as a retelling of Cinderella, but that’s a very loose connection. Short of two stepsisters and a ball at the end, there aren’t many similarities. That’s not a bad thing. In fact, the book is better for it.

Because Allen has allowed herself to stray far from the source material, the world she has created feels unique unto her works. There aren’t specific plot points to look forward to and compare. Her steampunk flair also adds a nice twist

As with the other books in this series, Brass Carriages and Glass Hearts stands alone-ish. Characters cross over from one to the other, and you get more out of them, if you read them in order. Based on how this one ended, I’m guessing there’s at least one more books in the works. If that is the case, I’d like to reread them all together when it comes out.

The post Brass Carriages and Glass Hearts is steampunk romance appeared first on www.crackingthecover.com.

*In many cases these age suggestions skew a little high, and most of these books are accessible to younger readers with the help of an older sibling or adult.

AGES 5 & UP

STEAM PLAY & LEARN: 20 fun step-by-step preschool projects about science, technology, engineering, arts, and math!, by Ana Dziengel, Walter Foster Jr., June 5, 2018, Softcover, $14.95 (ages 5-6)

Preschoolers will love tackling these 20 fun, easy-to-follow step-by-step projects as they learn about STEAM topics (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math). Topics include symmetry and how light bounces to create reflections with mirror mandalas, diffusion and capillary action with tie dye towels, structural framing and bracing with marshmallow structures, and electrical currents with salty circuits. This cross-subject approach to learning will prepare young children for the subjects they will soon learn in elementary school and beyond. Each project features simple instructions and large, full-color photos. 

STEAM Play & Learn is a great way to introduce little ones to science, technology, engineering, art and math without them knowing they’re “learning” anything. At this age, all these activities are just fun “projects” they get to do with their parents. The citrus volcanoes (math and art) and marble mazes (engineering) are our favorite activities so far.

FAIRY HOUSE CRAFTS: Wonderful, Whimsical Projects for You and Your fairy House, by Liza Gardner Walsh, Down East Books, June 15, 2018, Softcover, $19.95 (ages 5-9)

Kids love making and creating things, especially fairy houses. Following her best-selling Fairy House and Fairy Garden handbooks, Liza Gardner Walsh presents a new dimension in fairy-themed activities—Crafts! This book focuses on aspects of the fairy house world and with an emphasis on making crafts inspired by nature and with an artisanal quality as an antithesis to the sparkly, throw-away fairy materials inundating store shelves. Simple steps and easy-to-follow directions will have kids and parents creating a wide new range of crafts: Recycled fairy houses, Fairy house furniture, Fairy clothing, Nature-themed gifts, Fairy decorations for your room

I was never one to make fairy houses, by my 4-year-old has been making them out of sticks, leaves and rocks for more than a year now. This book seems like the perfect jumping-off point for kids who are ready to take this activity to the next level. I love how it inspires creativity and problem-solving skills.

AGES 6 & UP

THE EYE THAT NEVER SLEEPS: How Detective Pinkerton Saved President Lincoln, by Marissa Moss and Jeremy Holmes, Harry N. Abrams, Nov. 6, 2018, Hardcover, $17.99 (ages 6-9)

From award-winning author Marissa Moss comes the first children’s book about Allan Pinkerton, one of America’s greatest detectives. Everyone knows the story of Abraham Lincoln, but few know anything about the spy who saved him! Allan Pinkerton’s life changed when he helped the Chicago Police Department track down a group of counterfeiters. From there, he became the first police detective in Chicago and established the country’s most successful detective agency. He went on to solve more than 300 murders and recover millions of dollars in stolen money. However, his greatest contribution was protecting Abraham Lincoln on the way to his 1861 inauguration. Though assassins attempted to murder Lincoln en route, Pinkerton foiled their plot and brought the president safely to the capital. The Eye That Never Sleeps is illustrated with a contemporary cartoon style, mixing art and text in a way that appeals to readers of all ages. The book includes a bibliography and a timeline.

BIRDS AND THEIR FEATHERS, by Britta Teckentrup, Prestel Junior, June 5, 2018, Hardcover, $16.95 (ages 6-9)

Teckentrup turns her gaze to the endlessly fascinating feather. What are they made of? Why do birds have so many of them? How do they help birds fly? And what other purpose do they serve? By providing accessible answers to these and other questions, this book introduces young readers to the wonders of “plumology,.”

You can never go wrong with a book from Britta Teckentrup. Her illustrations are gorgeous. My daughter, like most 4-year-olds, is full of questions. She loves birds, and this book helps expand on her basic questions, and it does it in style. Each subject is covered in easily digestible text.

SMITHSONIAN EXPLORATION STATION: WORLD ATLAS, by John Farndon, Silver Dolphin Books; Har/Toy edition, Nov. 6, 2018, Box Set, $21.99 (ages 6-8)

Head off on a globetrotting adventure in this interactive atlas! Learn about the diverse cultures, customs, wildlife, and natural beauty that form our world through informative text and full-color photograph. Children will love the hands-on aspect to learning as they blow up their inflatable globe and build the cardstock models of some of the wonders of the world. Includes a 56-page fact book, 30 stickers, 1 inflatable globe, and 3 cardstock models to assemble: the Eiffel Tower, the Taj Mahal, and a Mayan pyramid.

My daughter has been itching to get her hands on this kit. She loves all the elements and is particularly interested in the models. I think I’d err on going with the suggested age on this one. The models were a little difficult for me to construct, and would leave a younger child in tears.

SMITHSONIAN EXPLORATION STATION: SOLAR SYSTEM, by Jon Richards, Silver Dolphin Books; Har/Toy edition, Nov. 6, 2018, Box Set, $21.99 (ages 6-8)

Take a trip into the stratosphere with Smithsonian Exploration Station: Space! With informative text and full-color photographs, young astronomers will learn about the intricate makeup of our solar system as well as distant galaxies and constellations. The 56-page fact book combined with the sticker sheet, space figurines to play with, and the glow-in-the-dark stars make this space experience interactive and engaging. Includes a 56-page fact book, 30 stickers, 22 glow-in-the-dark stars, and figurines.

Of the two Smithsonian Exploration Station kits on here, this one skews a little younger. My daughter keeps the figurines on the shelf next to her bed and has the poster of the solar system on her wall. We’d have put up the glow-in-the-dark stars on her ceiling, too, if we didn’t already have some. This is a freat option for a budding astronaut.

HOWL LIKE A WOLF!: Learn to Think, Move, and Act Like 15 Amazing Animals, by Kathleen Yale and Kaley McKean, Storey Publishing, LLC, April 17, 2018, Hardcover, $18.95 (ages 6-9)

What does it feel like to “see” with your ears like a bat or go through a full body transformation like a frog? Can you wriggle in and out of tight places like an octopus, camouflage yourself like a leopard, or do a waggle dance like a honeybee? This creative and beautifully illustrated interactive guide makes learning about animals fun for children ages 6 and up. Fifteen animals explain their amazing feats and invite kids to enter their world by mimicking their behavior — an imaginative approach to learning that fosters curiosity, empathy, and dramatic play.

Howl Like a Wolf is one of those books that could age down. I think my daughter will be old enough for it at 5, and some parts of it — she’s especially interested in wolves, dogs and their packs — she’d be ready for now. This is a really fun look at animals that encourages kids to get moving and explore.

NATURE’S FRIEND: The Gwen Frostic Story, by Lindsey McDivitt and Eileen Ryan Ewen, Sleeping Bear Press, July 15, 2018, Hardcover, $16.99 (ages 6-9)

The art and writing of Gwen Frostic are well known in her home state of Michigan and around the world, but this picture book biography tells the story behind Gwen’s famous work. After a debilitating illness as a child, Gwen sought solace in art and nature. She learned to be persistent and independent—never taking no for an answer or letting her disabilities define her. After creating artwork for famous Detroiters and for display at the World’s Fair and helping to build WWII bombers, Gwen moved her printmaking business to northern Michigan. She dedicated her work and her life to reminding people of the wonder and beauty in nature.

In a world where kids are more and more tied to their phones and the Internet, it’s lovely to find a book about a girl discovers solace in nature. One of my favorite pages is where nature is like a friend pulling Gwen out to play. Gwen’s life story is fascinating, and it unfolds beautifully in this book.

AGES 7 & UP

AROUND THE WORLD IN 80 PUZZLES, by Aleksandra Artymoska, Big Picture Press, Sept. 18, 2018, Hardcover, $19.99 (ages 7-9)

Inspired by Jules Verne’s iconic novel, this stunning puzzle book is a treat for readers of all ages. Aleksandra Artymowska’s imagining of the classic tale is packed with steamships, airships, railways, penny-farthings, and any other kind of transport you can imagine — and it will take you on a voyage like no other.

This is another book that skews younger. It would be perfect for a family of children of varying ages. Some of the puzzles are more complex than others, and sure to offer hours of fun.

A WORLD OF CITIES, by James Brown, Candlewick Studio, Oct. 16, 2018, Hardcover, $25 (ages 7-10)

From the lights of Paris to the cherry blossoms of Tokyo, the world is yours to explore in this comprehensive tour of thirty dazzling cities across the globe. From Shanghai, Berlin, and Cairo to Seoul, Delhi, and Rome, explore each locale by way of bold illustrations and unlock a miscellany of intriguing facts. In a follow-up to international bestseller A World of Information, printmaker James Brown has rendered each city in a stylistic nod to vintage travel posters, while incorporating historical and cultural facts.

A World of Cities is a beautiful book. I love the facts sprinkled throughout, and the bold depiction of each city. My one complaint is that each spread is oriented horizontally instead of vertically, meaning there’s a fold in the middle of each one.

AGES 8 & UP

THE COMPLETE COOKBOOK FOR YOUNG CHEFS, by America’s Test Kitchen Kids, Sourcebooks Jabberwocky, Oct. 16, 2018, hardcover, $19.99 (ages 8-12)

Using kid-tested and approved recipes, America’s Test Kitchen has created THE cookbook every kid chef needs on their shelf. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your friends, or your family, The Complete Cookbook for Young Chefs has delicious recipes that will wow! Recipes were thoroughly tested by more than 750 kids to get them just right for cooks of all skill levels―including recipes for breakfast, snacks and beverages, dinners, desserts, and more. Step-by-step photos of tips and techniques will help young chefs feel like pros in their own kitchen Testimonials (and even some product reviews!) from kid test cooks who worked alongside America’s Test Kitchen will encourage young chefs that they truly are learning the best recipes from the best cooks.

We’re big fans of America’s Test Kitchen at our house. We watch the show and own a few cookbooks. This cookbook allows young chefs to take the lead in the kitchen. The recipes are easy to follow, and the tips sections are beneficial to chefs of all ages. My one wish is that the book be spiral bound for easier use.

WOOD SHOP: Handy Skills and Creative Building Projects for Kids, by Margaret Larson, Storey Publishing, LLC; Spi edition, Nov. 13, 2018, softcover, $19.95 (ages 8-12)

With step-by-step photographs and clear instructions, aspiring woodworkers learn essential skills such as how to drive a nail, use a power drill, “measure twice, cut once,” and saw correctly. Then the fun begins, with 17 cool and creative projects kids can build to furnish the wood shop, decorate their bedrooms and homes, and create their own play equipment. Favorite projects include Tic-Tac-Toe-To Go!, One-Board Birdhouse, a Tool Tote, and a hanging Twinkle Light. Wood Shop is the perfect gift for tinkerers, young makers, fans of LEGO toys, and aspiring carpenters and engineers.

The moment I showed Wood Shop to my husband, he was flipping through it and deciding what project to do with our daughter when she’s old enough. This is a great introduction to basic, and useful, skills like measuring, drilling, using a hammer and other tools.

DINOSAURIUM: Welcome to the Museum, by Lily Murray and Chris Wormell, Big Picture Press, April 10, 2018, Hardcover, $35 (ages 8-12)

With artwork from Chris Wormell, this curated guide to dinosaurs gives readers the experience of a fascinating exhibition from the pages of a beautiful book. Featuring a wonderful range of dinosaurs, from the much-loved triceratops and Tyrannosaurus rex to lesser known species such as coelophysis and tsintaosaurus, Dinosaurium is a fascinating display of the impressive beasts that once ruled the world.

Dinosaurium is beautiful. It’s one of those picture books you won’t mind having on your coffee table. The illustrations are intricate and text interesting.

DINOSAUR: A Photicular Book, by Dan Kainen and Kathy Wollard, Workman Publishing Company, Sept. 4, 2018, Hardcover, $25.95 (ages 8 and up)

Using unique Photicular® technology that’s like a 3-D movie on the page, DINOSAUR brings these legendary, long-extinct creatures to life. There’s a herd of giant sauroposeidons, with their impossibly long necks, lumbering across the sun-drenched plains, a threatened velociraptor waving its wildly feathered arms, and more.

This exciting dinosaur book isn’t as extensive as Dinosaurium but it’s just as fascinating. While you might be tempted to gift this to a younger child because of the pictures, there’s a lot of text that requires a stronger reader.

STEAM LAB FOR KIDS: 52 Creative Hands-On Projects for Exploring Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math, by Liz Lee Heinecke, Quarry Books; Kitchen STEAM Lab for Kids edition, May 15, 2018, Softcover, $22.99 (ages 8-11)

While many aspiring artists don’t necessarily identify with STEM subjects, and many young inventors don’t see the need for art, one is essential to the other. Revealing this connection and encouraging kids to explore it fills hungry minds with tools essential to problem solving and creative thinking. Each of the projects in this book is designed to demonstrate that the deeper you look into art, the more engineering and math you’ll find. “The STEAM Behind the Fun” sections throughout explain the science behind the art.

If your child is too old for STEAM, Play & Learn listed above, then STEAM Lab is a great option. While most 8-year-olds will be able to do these activities on their own, I’d age this book down to 5-7-year-olds with parental guidance. This is another good option for families with kids of varying ages.

MASON JAR SCIENCE: 40 Slimy, Squishy, Super-Cool Experiments; Capture Big Discoveries in a Jar, from the Magic of Chemistry and Physics to the Amazing Worlds of Earth Science and Biology, by Jonathan Adolph, Storey Publishing, LLC, May 29, 2018, Hardcover, $14.95 (ages 8-12)

Heatproof, transparent, and durable, the mason jar is a science lab just waiting to be discovered. Unlock its potential with 40 dynamic experiments for budding scientists ages 8 and up. Using just a jar and a few ordinary household items, children learn to create miniature clouds, tiny tornadoes, small stalactites, and, of course, great goo and super slime! With a little ingenuity, the jar can be converted into a lava lamp, a water prism, a balloon barometer, and a compass. Each fun-packed project offers small-scale ways to illustrate the big-picture principles of chemistry, botany, biology, physics, and more.

THE SECRETS OF TUTANKHAMUN: Egypt’s Boy King and His Incredible Tomb, by Patricia Cleveland-Peck and Isabel Greenberg, Bloomsbury Children’s Books, Aug. 21, 2018, Hardcover, $18.99 (ages 8-10)

Tutankhamun was born in a time of change. His father, Atakhenaten, instituted broad political and religious reform to Egypt, and his laws were controversial. By the time Tut turned nine, his whole family had died and he was named the youngest king Egypt had ever had. His rule was short and tumultuous, and around age nineteen, Tut died. More than three thousand years later, Howard Carter, a British archaeologist with a penchant for ancient history and a special skill for excavation in Egypt’s Valley of the Kings, made a discovery that shocked the world: King Tut’s tomb, long ago assumed destroyed, not only survived but was fully intact. The treasures within gave a stunning and undisturbed perspective on ancient Egyptian culture and uncovered secrets that fascinated the world. —Synopsis provided by Bloomsbury Children’s Books

The Secrets of Tutankhamun is exactly the type of book I would have loved as a child and love now as an adult. There’s just the right balance of text and illustrations. One of the trickier things with a book like this, is making sure that the illustrations remain true to Egyptian art while conveying personality. Illustrator Isabel Greenberg has done exactly that. Patricia Cleveland-Peck, too, has done a masterful job providing comprehensive text that’s engaging and accessible.

The post 2018 Gift Guide: Nonfiction Picture Books appeared first on www.crackingthecover.com.

SWITCHED, by Jen Calonita, Sourcebooks Jabberwocky, March 6, 2018, Hardcover, $15.99 (ages 10 and up)

In April of 2015 I reviewed the first book in a promising new series by Jen Calonita. Flunked, the first book in the Fairy Tale Reform Series, was clever with a spunky young protagonist. The book was quickly followed up with Charmed, Tricked and now Switched.

This is a series where each book is dependent on the next, so if you haven’t read the previous three, read my reviews and go back and read them before Switched. The following review has spoilers for those who haven’t read the entire series.

Switched picks up where Tricked left off. Rumpelstiltskin has been ousted from Fairy Tale Reform School and a new program has been implemented to allow students who are sufficiently “reformed” to remain at the school they’ve grown to love. The other bit of big news is that Beauty and Prince Sebastian (aka the Beast) have joined the teaching staff.

It looks like it’s going to be a good year, except Rumpelstiltskin is still on the loose and Gilly’s sister Anna is with him. Gilly is convinced that Anna was just hoodwinked and she can still save her. The only problem is, no one seems to care. Yes, the Royal Court is trying to track them down, but they’ve yet to accomplish anything.

When Jack — of Jack and the Beanstalk fame — gets sent to FTRS for making mischief, he arrives with important news. Rumpelstiltskin abducted Jack’s mom and cow and Jack might have some clues as to where they’re being held. Gilly’s tired of waiting for someone to do something, and it might be time for her to get in a little mischief of her own.

I wish I could say I enjoyed Switched as much as the previous books in this series, but I can’t. It reads a little bit as if author Jen Calonita fell into the “series slump” this time around. While the overall story does move forward, Switched feels an awful lot like someone said, “We need to get from Point A to Point B, and this will get us there.”

The other thing that makes Switched a bit of a downer is Gilly. This time around, Gilly seems to have lost her spirit. Now I know that she’s upset her sister is missing, and she’s upset, but wow does that come across as self-absorbed and annoying. It kind of reminds me of Harry’s unfortunate personality turn in Half-Blood Prince. I’m hoping that Gilly will get a reboot much like Harry’s in the next book.

Switched isn’t a bad book. Calonita’s writing is still easy and inviting. It’s definitely the weakest book in the series, but it’s still way better than a lot of stuff out there.

The post Jen Calonita’s Switched is OK addition to Fairy Tale Reform School appeared first on www.crackingthecover.com.

TRICKED, by Jen Calonita, Sourcebooks Jabberwocky, March 7, 2017, Hardcover, $15.99 (ages 10 and up)

Tricked, by Jen Calonita, is the third book in the Fairy Tale Reform School series, and this time around, the third book is better than the second (Charmed). The first novel in the series, Flunked, is still the strongest, but the series as a whole is a lot of fun.

The series begins with Gilly Cobbler being sentenced to Fairy Tale Reform School. After Gilly helps thwart plans to bring evil back into power she’s granted her freedom. Instead, she volunteers to stay at school so she can help catch the spy who’s helping Alva (the fairy who cursed Sleeping Beauty).

As we begin Tricked, Alva has been turned to stone and Sleeping Beauty is “recovering” from being brainwashed. Gilly is officially reformed and has been sent home to learn to attend Jack of All Trades School. After her experience at FTRS, the life of a cobbler seems awfully boring. Especially since rumor has it things at FTRS are just starting to get interesting. Word is, Rumpelstiltskin has taken over management from Headmistress Flora, and he’s got the school on lockdown — no more family visits, no mail, no extracurriculars.

When Gilly’s little sister Anna falls in with bad company (Hansel and Gretel), and gets shipped off to FTRS, Gilly quickly learns things at the school are a lot worse than she imagined. With all lines of communication shut down, there’s really only one thing Gilly can do — get thrown back into FTRS.

In Tricked, Gilly has overcome a lot of the annoying characteristics she took on in Charmed. She is once again joined by her merry bunch of misfit friends who range from a prince and a fairy to an ogre and a witch.

Gilly’s quick, snappy voice also returns in Tricked, impressively picking up the pace. A plot development that takes some of the main characters out of the school is also a nice addition. The addition of Rumpelstiltskin as an the main “bad guy” was a good choice on Jen Calonita’s part. As a trickster, his motivation and actions are interesting and go beyond basic fairy tales.

By the time you reach the end of Tricked, it’s clear at least one more book is in the works. And if Calonita continues along this path, it should be great fun to read.

Follow my blog with Bloglovin

The post It’s no hoax, Jen Calonita’s Tricked is a fun MG read appeared first on www.crackingthecover.com.

Jen Calonita is the author of six young adult book and four for middle-graders, including the Fairy Tale Reform School series and the VIP series. The following is a complete transcript of her interview with Cracking the Cover for her latest novel, “VIP: Battle of the Bands,” which is available for preorder now and will be released July 26.

Why do you write? Why specifically for young readers?

I love to tell stories. Ever since I was a kid, I would write short-stories about my friends and their lives–sometimes incorporating their love for their favorite boy band member–and I got such a kick out of their reactions. I love when readers tell me they enjoy my books and I find the younger the reader, the more excited the response. I’ve had so much fun writing for middle grade readers these past two years.

Your VIP series is quite different from your other books. Where did the idea come from?

When I was 12, my dream in life would have been for my mom to get a job with New Kids on the Block and take me on the road with them! That didn’t happen, but I know so many people who would love that life. Having spent time on the road with many bands when I worked at a teen entertainment magazine, I took my love of boy bands and what I learned on the road and mashed them together to form VIP. I love writing about Mac and her favorite boy band, Perfect Storm.

What was your favorite boy band?

New Kids on the Block, of course, and my heart belonged to Joey McIntyre. I once wrote him a poem asking him to come to a school dance with me and his mom wrote me back. I still have the postcard!

What is it about boy bands that appeal so much to teenagers? Why do you think this phenomenon is repeated throughout generations?

What I think my friends and I always loved about New Kids was that each guy in the band fit a different personality type – Donnie was the bad boy, and Joey was the sweet, charming young one that I fell for. I find when I talk to teens about bands like5 Seconds of Summer, R5, and One Direction, their feelings for the bands are the same ones I had for my band. You fall for the music, then the guy behind the song and it’s easy to get caught up in wondering what it would be like if you someday met them.

How did Mac’s character develop? Is she based on anyone in particular?

Mac is the closest I’ve ever come to writing a character that is like me at that age – I was a bit shy, I was obsessed with a band, and I wrote everything down in a journal. One difference: I cannot draw and Mac is an excellent comic book artist.

Why do you think books like your VIP series are important?

I feel like VIP is the ultimate wish fulfillment. If you’ve ever wondered what life would be like if your family got a job with Taylor Swift or Beyonce, VIP is the chance to live out that dream!

How has your writing evolved?

I think the more books I do, the more I learn about my own writing style and how to plot my stories. I work differently than I did several years ago, but I still always like to start with a fun story that I can twist and mold into something new and fresh.

How many more VIP books will there be?

Battle of the Bands is the last one for now, but remember: Bands like to talk about taking a hiatus a lot and then they go back on tour. I’d love to write more about Mac and Perfect Storm if the time is right!

What are you working on now?

There are at least three more books planned for the Fairy Tale Reform School series and I’m polishing the third book, TRICKED, which will come out next March 2017. It follows what happens when Rumplestiltskin tries to take over the school.

Is there a book from your own youth that still resonates with you?

I loved Anne of Green Gables. I was also a huge Sweet Valley High fan. But the one book I loved more than any other was Homecoming by Cynthia Voight. It got a hold of me and didn’t let go.

The post Q&A with VIP: Battle of the Bands author Jen Calonita appeared first on www.crackingthecover.com.

That could be why she enjoys her latest book, “VIP: Battle of the Bands,” so much — that or the fact that she loved the New Kids on the Block when she was a tween.

“Battle of the Bands” is the second book in Jen’s VIP series, which follows Mackenzie Lowell as she travels on the road with her favorite boy band.

What could be better than writing about boy bands? For Jen, not much. Growing up, her heart belonged to Joey McIntyre. It belonged to him so much that she once wrote him a poem asking him to come to a school dance, and his mom wrote back. Jen still has the postcard.

“When I was 12, my dream in life would have been for my mom to get a job with New Kids on the Block and take me on the road with them! ”Jen told Cracking the Cover. “That didn’t happen, but I know so many people who would love that life. Having spent time on the road with many bands when I worked at a teen entertainment magazine, I took my love of boy bands and what I learned on the road and mashed them together to form VIP. I love writing about Mac and her favorite boy band, Perfect Storm.”

The best thing about boy bands, Jen says, is that each guy in the band fit a different personality type. In New Kids, Donnie was the bad, boy and Joey was sweet and charming. “I find when I talk to teens about bands like 5 Seconds of Summer, R5 and One Direction, their feelings for the bands are the same ones I had for my band,” she said. “You fall for the music, then the guy behind the song and it’s easy to get caught up in wondering what it would be like if you someday met them.”

Which is exactly where Jen’s main character, Mac, finds herself prior to joining Perfect Storm on the road. “Mac is the closest I’ve ever come to writing a character that is like me at that age,” Jen said. “I was a bit shy, I was obsessed with a band, and I wrote everything down in a journal. One difference: I cannot draw and Mac is an excellent comic book artist.”

VIP is the ultimate wish fulfillment, Jen says. ”If you’ve ever wondered what life would be like if your family got a job with Taylor Swift or Beyonce, VIP is the chance to live out that dream!”

The VIP books are a departure for Jen who has also written six young adult books and the popular Fairy Tale Reform School series for middle-graders. There are at least three more books planned in the Fairy Tale Reform School series, and she’s currently polishing the third book, “Tricked,” which will come out next March 2017. It follows what happens when Rumplestiltskin tries to take over the school.

While there are no more VIP books in the works, Jen won’t rule out writing another one. “Battle of the Bands is the last one for now, but remember: Bands like to talk about taking a hiatus a lot and then they go back on tour. I’d love to write more about Mac and Perfect Storm if the time is right!”

In the meantime, Jen is happily basking in praise from readers. “I love when readers tell me they enjoy my books and I find the younger the reader, the more excited the response,” she said. “I’ve had so much fun writing for middle grade readers these past two years.”

“VIP: Battle of the Bands,” is available for preorder now and will be released July 26.

Learn more about Jen Calonita by reading the complete transcript of her interview with Cracking the Cover.

The post Jen Calonita draws on teen dream for ‘VIP: Battle of the Bands’ appeared first on www.crackingthecover.com.

“CHARMED,” by Jen Calonita, Sourcebooks Jabberwocky, March 1, 2016, Hardcover, $15.99 (ages 9 and up)

“Charmed” returns to a world where life after “ever after” means reform — reform of anyone (or anything) considered wicked. It’s the second book in Jen Calonita’s Fairy Tale Reform School series, and like its predecessor, it’s a lot of fun.

When we first met Gilly Cobbler, she was in a heap of trouble. Her pickpocketing habits had landed her in Fairy Tale Reform School. After Gilly helps thwart plans to bring evil back into power she’s granted her freedom, but the mostly reformed thief volunteers to stay at school so she can flesh out the spy who’s helping Alva — the fairy who cursed Sleeping Beauty.

Alva is after the Princesses (Snow, Ella, Sleeping Beauty, Rapunzel), and she wants students from Fairy Tale Reform School to join her. While some of her classmates answer the call, Gilly goes undercover as a Royal Lady in Waiting. The plan — catch the mole before the mole can do some serious damage.

Setting out on her own, Gilly is acting like the hero she is, or so she thinks. But it took all her friends to defeat the evil queen the first time, and if Gilly thinks it’s going to be any easier the second time around, she’s got a surprise coming.

I really enjoyed “Flunked” the first book in this series. I found the interplay between the snarky Gilly and smooth Wicked Stepmother to be nuanced and well balanced. And I enjoyed Gilly as a character. There was less of that this time around.

In “Charmed,” Gilly has let her hero status go to her head, and that makes her somewhat annoying. If you hadn’t met her previously, you wouldn’t want to get to know her. This character development plays right into the storyline, so there is a purpose for it, but I did find myself missing her more likeable self.

The plot this time around, is also somewhat predictable. I figured things out fairly early on but was still entertained nonetheless. The best part of “Charmed” is the supporting characters, many of whom you get to know better. They make up for Gilly and help flesh out the story for a more cohesive feel.

The post Jen Calonita’s ‘Charmed’ is somewhat charming appeared first on www.crackingthecover.com.

Ages 8 and up

“FULL CICADA MOON,” by Marilyn Hilton, Dial Books, Sept. 8, 2015, Hardcover $17.99 (ages 8-12)

At the center of “Full Cicada Moon” is Mimi who is half-black, half-Japanese. Mimi has lived her whole life in Berkley, Calif., but when her father gets a job at a university in Vermont, their little family of three moves across country. Where she once blended in, now Mimi stands out. Her appearance is all anyone seems to notice, and Mimi struggles to fit in. But Mimi wants to stand out, too. Just for different reasons. Mimi wants to become an astronaut, but in 1969 Vermont, expectations for girls are much different than they are today.

I truly enjoyed “Full Cicada Moon.” It’s written in verse, which actually enhanced my reading experience. Reading about Mimi’s experiences through poetry enhances them. The sparse text gives weight to Mimi’s feelings while making them accessible to the intended audience.

“A CURIOUS TALE OF THE IN-BETWEEN,” by Lauren DeStefano, Bloomsbury USA Childrens, Sept. 1, 2015, Hardcover, $16.99 (ages 8-12)

Pram is different. She’s always been different. She can speak to ghosts, and although no one living knows that, she always comes off a little strange. She doesn’t have many living friends, but she doesn’t mind. Between her books, her aunts and her ghostly companion Felix, she’s just fine. But when Pram is sent to school, she discovers a new kind of friendship with Clarence, a boy who has also lost a parent and is looking for answers. Pram sets out to help Clarence communicate with his dead mother, and along the way, they meet the mysterious Lady Savant, who promises to help. But the spiritualist has ulterior motives. She knows what Pram can really do, and she wants that power for herself.

“A Curious Tale of the In-Between” is engrossing. The story is interesting on its own, but it’s Pram that makes this story sing. Pram is an old soul in a young body, but her innocence is refreshing and relatable.

“A NIGHT DIVIDED,” by Jennifer A. Nielsen, Scholastic Press, Aug. 25, 2015, Hardcover, $16.99 (ages 8-12)

“A Night Divided” opens on Sunday, Aug. 13, 1961, the day East Berliners woke up to a wall surrounding them. With the rise of the wall overnight many families find themselves divided. Gerta’s family is among them. Gerta, her mother and her brother Fritz live on the eastern side, controlled by the Soviets. Her father and middle brother, who had gone west in search of work, cannot return home. One day as Gerta is walking to school she notices her father pantomiming a peculiar dance on a viewing platform on the western side. Soon after, Gerta receives a strange drawing. She connects the two instances, concluding her father wants her to dig a tunnel beneath the wall.

The plot of “A Night Divided” is perfect for a movie, book or play. You couldn’t ask for better. But what really makes it work is Jennifer’s ability to build and maintain tension. She masterfully creates a tone that pushes the reader forward, almost willing you to turn page after page after page. That combined with flawed but likeable characters makes this book a winner.

“THE DOUBLECROSS: (And Other Skills I Learned as a Superspy),”  by Jackson Pearce, Bloomsbury USA Childrens, July 14, 2015, Hardcover, $16.99 (ages 8-12)

Twelve-year-old Hale’s family is in the spy business, and because they are, he is, too. That’s what it’s like to work for the Sub Rosa Society, a top-secret organization where new agents aren’t recruited; they’re born. Hale isn’t exactly spy material — his rotund stature sets him apart from his other classmates. No one expects him to ever actually become an agent because of it. That’s where they’re wrong. When Hale’s parents go missing while on a secret mission, Hale decides it’s time to take matters into his own hands. Well, that and the hands of his spunky, acrobat of a little sister. The two are sure they can find a solution, but when spies surround you, knowing whom to trust can be your biggest obstacle.

“The Doublecross” is one of those books where you can sort of guess the outcome from the beginning, but don’t mind because the journey is so fun. All the characters are interesting, but Hale, and to a lesser extent his sister, Kennedy, are the stars here. Hale’s personality jumps off the page. You immediately like him and understand where he’s coming from. He thinks on his feet and his voice as a whole is honest with a little bit of snark thrown in.

“PRINCESS JUNIPER OF THE HOURGLASS,” by Ammi-Joan Paquette, Philomel Books, July 21, 2015, Hardcover, $16.99 (ages 8-12)

Princess Juniper will one day be queen, but until then, she must learn the ins and outs of being a ruler. So when her 13^th nameday arrives, Juniper knows just what to ask for — a country of her own. Juniper realizes she’s asking for a lot, but she sees running her very own small kingdom as a valuable learning experience. And when rumblings of unrest begin in Torr, Juniper suddenly finds herself being shuffled out the door and on her way to a secluded valley surrounded by the Hourglass Mountains. After arriving, Juniper discovers her father expects the children to wait out impending war. Juniper and her subjects may be safely ensconced in their private valley, but is it really worth standing back when their loved ones are in danger?

“Princess Juniper of the Hourglass” is a princess book. But it is also a book of self-discovery. Juniper is very sure of herself in the beginning, but quickly realizes her life of pampering is nothing like that of the people who aren’t royalty. At first, she’s more worried about the number of dresses and parties she’s going to hold, but by the end, she’s more concerned about food and safety. Her progression makes the book a lot less flowery and a whole lot more relatable.

THE GIRL WITH THE GLASS BIRD: A Knight’s Haddon Boarding School Mystery,  by Esme Kerr, Chicken House, March 31, 2015, Hardcover, $16.99 (ages 8-12)

Edie would much rather live with her grandmother than her awful cousins, but when her grandmother is deemed unfit, Edie has no choice. There is hope, though. Edie’s uncle wants to send her to Knight’s Haddon School. But there’s a catch — Edie will be attending as a fake friend and spy to Anastasia, an unhappy Russian princess. Edie is tasked with discovering if Anastasia, who appears to be overly melodramatic, is making up stories of theft and teasing, or if something is truly happening. And Edie must do this with old-fashioned detective work. As Edie gets settled, she starts to uncover a plot beyond her wildest imagination. It will take all her ingenuity to keep things from spiraling out of control.

“The Girl with the Glass Bird” is like stepping back in time but holding on to the context of today. The juxtaposition of cell phones mixed with old-timey school rules helps make the book accessible. It also helps show you don’t need technology to unravel a mystery.

“THE ILIAD,” by Gillian Cross and Neil Packer, Candlewick, Sept. 22, 2015, Hardcover, $19.99 (ages 8-12)

After 9 years of war between the Greeks and Trojans, tensions are heating up among men of the same faction as well as those on opposing sides. Two proud and powerful Greeks, King Agamemnon and legendary warrior Achilles, quarrel over a beautiful maiden, causing Achilles and his myrmidons to drop out of the fight. Meanwhile, fueled by rage and pride, honor and greed, soldiers on both sides — Odysseus and Patroclus for the Greeks, Paris and Hector for the Trojans — perform heroic deeds, attempting to end the war. (Synopsis provided by Candlewick)

“The Iliad” is a beautiful retelling of Homer’s classic tale. The stories have been simplified for younger readers without losing their oomph. And the illustrations, which are in line with Greek artwork of the time, are full of movement and texture.

“THE DISNEY BOOK,” by Jim Fanning, DK, Oct. 6, 2015, Hardcover, $30 (ages 8 and up)

“The Disney Book” is a visual exploration of all things Disney from the animated and live-action movies to the theme parks and attractions that have made Disney the beloved brand it is today. This classic DK-style book is packed with visuals including concept art, original story sketches, merchandise, a range of movie posters and collectibles. (Synopsis provided by DK)

This is the perfect book for readers who love all things Disney. Like most DK books, it’s designed so you can flip through or read from cover to cover. The illustrations are, of course, top notch, because they come straight from Disney. This would work as a great coffee table book, too.

“TREASURY OF NORSE MYTHOLOGY: Stories of Intrigue, Trickery, Love, and Revenge,” by Donna Jo Napoli and Christina Balit, National Geographic Children’s Books, Sept. 22, 2015, Hardcover, $24.99 (ages 8-12)

These are the timeless tales of ancient Scandinavia. Classic stories and illustrations of gods, goddesses, heroes and monsters come to life in a tableau of Norse myths, including those of the thunder god Thor, the one-eyed god and Allfather Odin, and the trickster god Loki. This book is the third in the trilogy that includes the popular National Geographic Treasury of Greek Mythology and National Geographic Treasury of Egyptian Mythology. (Synopsis provided by National Geographic)

This is the type of book I loved as a young reader. The illustrations are stylized and beautiful. The condensed stories are accessible and exciting.

Ages 9 and up

“NIGHT ON FIRE,” by Ronald Kidd, Albert Whitman & Company, Sept. 1, 2015, Hardcover, $16.99 (ages 9-13)

Thirteen-year-old Billie Simms doesn’t think her hometown of Anniston, Alabama, should be segregated, but few of the town’s residents share her opinion. As equality spreads across the country and the Civil Rights Movement gathers momentum, Billie can’t help but feel stuck–and helpless–in a stubborn town too set in its ways to realize that the world is passing it by. So when Billie learns that the Freedom Riders, a group of peace activists riding interstate buses to protest segregation, will be traveling through Anniston on their way to Montgomery, she thinks that maybe change is finally coming and her quiet little town will shed itself of its antiquated views. But what starts as a series of angry grumbles soon turns to brutality as Anniston residents show just how deep their racism runs. The Freedom Riders will resume their ride to Montgomery, and Billie is now faced with a choice: stand idly by in silence or take a stand for what she believes in. Through her own decisions and actions and a few unlikely friendships, Billie is about to come to grips with the deep-seated prejudice of those she once thought she knew, and with her own inherent racism that she didn’t even know she had. (Synopsis via Albert Whitman & Company)

While I have not read this yet, I’ve heard nothing but good things, making it a good bet for young readers interested in history and a good story.

“THE SECRET MISSION OF WILLIAM TUCK,” by Eric Pierpoint, Sourcebooks Jabberwocky, Sept. 1, 2015, Paperback, $7.99 (ages 9-12)

William Tuck knows the personal cost of war with Britain. He watches as his brother is shot down in his own yard for defying British soldiers, and that sparks a fire inside him like none other. Will decides the cause is to great to ignore and joins up with American forces as a drummer. William barely makes it through his first battle before he finds himself on an unthinkable mission, carrying a secret message addressed to George Washington himself. Along the way, William finds himself entangled in a network of spies and counterspies, and knowing whom to trust could be a matter of life or death.

“The Secret Mission of William Tuck” is full of action, mystery and adventure. It’s also full of history. It’s well researched without feeling heavy-handed. William is a likeable character that you begin to care about from the beginning — you want to see him succeed.

Ages 10 and up

“VALIANT,” by Sarah McGuire, EgmontUSA, April 28, 2015, Hardcover, $16.99 (ages 10 an up)

Saville’s father is the Tailor. He loves his fabric and thread more than anything, including Saville. And as much as the Tailor loves sewing, Saville hates it. But when the Tailor becomes ill shortly after they move to the city of Reggen, Saville has no other choice than to pretend to the Tailor’s male apprentice, gaining a commission from the king to keep them fed. While at court, Saville learns the city is under the threat of an army of giants. It’s just a silly story, or so Saville thinks — then two giants arrive at the city gates. When the giants threaten someone Saville cares about, she tricks the scouts into leaving, and in doing so becomes the Tailor of Reggen, hero of the kingdom. It doesn’t take long for Saville’s secret to become exposed, and Saville is soon swept up in court politics. But there is one thing everyone is sure of — the giants are coming and they’ll take the city at any cost.

“Valiant” is a reimaging of “The Brave Little Tailor,” which becomes apparent as soon as you start reading. But it also stands apart with a fresh and inviting departure from the original material. It’s hard not to be swept up in “Valiant’s” magic. Author Sarah McGuire is a fantastic storyteller, giving equal attention to the details and the broader picture. That attention is also evident in Sarah’s characters — major and minor — who have been crafted with care and feel as real as someone sitting in the room next to you.

“PAPER THINGS,” by Jennifer Richard Jacobson, Candlewick Press, Feb. 10, 2015, Hardcover, $16.99 (ages 10 and up)

“Paper Things” is the story of Ari and her older brother, Gage. When their mother died from cancer four years ago, she had two wishes — the siblings would stay together and Ari would attend Carter, a middle school for gifted students. Following their mother’s death, Ari and Gage went to live with their mom’s friend, Janna. But when Gage turns 19, he decides he can no longer live with bossy Jana. And knowing his mother’s last wish, he decides to take Ari with him. The problem is Gage never found them an apartment, and two months after leaving Janna’s house, they’re still crashing with friends or sneaking into a shelter for teens. No one, including Janna and Ari’s friends, know she’s homeless, and keeping the secret is getting harder and harder. Ari doesn’t want to hurt Gage or break her promises to her mother, but something’s got to give and soon.

In “Paper Things,” Jennifer Richard Jacobson has created a world in which anyone could find themselves, and that is truly humbling. Ari’s plucky attitude is contagious and Gage’s perseverance is admirable. The thought of a child facing this sort of situation is heart breaking, and when you step away from the novel, you realize this life is the reality many children face each day.

“NIGHTBIRD,” by Alice Hoffman, Wendy Lamb Books, March 10, 2015, Hardcover, $16.99 (ages 10 and up)

“Nightbird” centers around Twig, a girl who lives with her mother on an apple orchard in Sidwell, Mass. Sidwell is known for its monster — specifically a bird that’s somewhere between an eagle or a dragon and possibly resembles a human. At least that’s what the rumors say. Twig, well, Twig knows the truth, and it’s much more nuanced than people’s anecdotes. Two hundred years ago, a witch placed a curse on Twig’s family, and they’ve been living with it ever since. But Twig’s had enough. It’s time for things to change. It’s time to break the spell.

“Nightbird” is the perfect blend of magic and real life — Alice Hoffman has managed to blur the lines of what should and should not be possible, all while creating a believable and relatable world. “Nightbird” is told from Twig’s point of view, and her voice is refreshing and familiar in its feel. And when faced with hard decisions, Twig is a character you want to root for. There’s a dreamlike quality to “Nightbird,” and its pacing is no different. Action ebbs and flows throughout, making it an enjoyable read from start to finish.

“FLUNKED: Fairy Tale Reform School,” By Jen Calonita, Sourcebooks Jabberwocky, March 3, 2015, Hardcover, $15.99 (ages 10 and up)

Life after “ever after” means reform — reform of anyone (or anything) considered wicked. Gilly wouldn’t consider herself wicked. Sure, she borrows things here and there, but when you live in a boot and your brothers and sisters are starving, you have to get a little creative. None of this would be a problem if not for Cinderella who handed over the glass-slipper business to the fairy godmothers. Before then, a cobbler could make a decent living. Gilly’s had run-ins with the law before, but they’ve never been able to prove anything. That is until this time, and that means serving time. Three months. Three long months at Fairy Tale Reform School. It all seems a bit too much until Gilly meets Jax and Kayla. Reform school doesn’t seem so bad after all, until a deadly villain rears its ugly head once again.

“Flunked: Fairy Tale Reform School” is fun and engrossing. I didn’t want to put it down, and it was a fast, easy read. Here’s hoping a sequel or series is in the works.

“THE MARVELS,” by Brian Selznick, Scholastic Press; First Edition, Sept. 15, 2015, Hardcover, $32.99 (ages 10 and up)

“The Marvels” features two stand-alone stories — the first in nearly 400 pages of continuous pictures, the second in prose-create a beguiling narrative puzzle. First, the journey begins on a ship at sea in 1766, with a boy named Billy Marvel. After surviving a shipwreck, he finds work in a London theatre. There, his family flourishes for generations as brilliant actors until 1900, when young Leontes Marvel is banished from the stage. Nearly a century later, Joseph Jervis runs away from school and seeks refuge with an uncle in London. Albert Nightingale’s strange, beautiful house, with its mysterious portraits and ghostly presences, captivates Joseph and leads him on a search for clues about the house, his family, and the past. (synopsis provided by Scholastic)

The post 2015 Gift Guide: Middle-Grade Books appeared first on www.crackingthecover.com.

“FLUNKED: Fairy Tale Reform School,” By Jen Calonita, Sourcebooks Jabberwocky, March 3, 2015, Hardcover, $15.99 (ages 10 and up)

Fairy tales often end with “and they lived happily ever after.” But what does that really mean? And what does that mean for the other people involved? Jen Calonita imagines life after Cinderella, Snow White and Sleeping Beauty gets their princes in “Flunked: Fairy Tale Reform School.”

Life after “ever after” means reform — reform of anyone (or anything) considered wicked. Gilly wouldn’t consider herself wicked. Sure, she borrows things here and there, but when you live in a boot and your brothers and sisters are starving, you have to get a little creative.

None of this would be a problem if not for Cinderella who handed over the glass-slipper business to the fairy godmothers. Before then, a cobbler could make a decent living. Come to think of it, the royals have put a lot of rules into place that never would have stuck before. But now, now there’s Fairy Tale Reform School, where all of the teachers are former villains — the Big Bad Wolf, the Evil Queen, etc. — and Cinderella’s Wicked Stepmother runs the whole thing.

Gilly’s had run-ins with the law before, but they’ve never been able to prove anything. That is until this time, and that means serving time. Three months. Three long months at Fairy Tale Reform School. It all seems a bit too much until Gilly meets Jax and Kayla. Reform school doesn’t seem so bad after all, until a deadly villain rears its ugly head once again.

Initially, I wasn’t sure what to think of “Flunked.” Would it be a knock off of “The School for Good and Evil”? Some sort of rejiggered “Harry Potter”? Happily, neither is the case. “Flunked” is unique and it stands on its own merits.

Probably the best thing “Flunked” has going for it is author Jen Calonita’s voice. Her quick, snappy nature follows through, especially in Gilly. It’s in stark contrast to the smooth tone of the Wicked Stepmother, who even as a supporting character, is more nuanced than one would expect.

“Flunked: Fairy Tale Reform School” is fun and engrossing. I didn’t want to put it down, and it was a fast, easy read. Here’s hoping a sequel or series is in the works.

The post Jen Calonita’s ‘Fairy Tale Reform School’ stands on own merits appeared first on www.crackingthecover.com.