YA Book Review- A Tale Dark and Grimm by Adam Gidwitz

Fairytales seem to be everywhere in literature these days, and it’s so exciting to see what authors are doing with them. This book takes some of the Grimm’s Brothers original tales and turns them in to one continuing story staring Hansel and Gretel themselves. A new twist on the old, this is written from the perspective of a story teller who is constantly warning the reader to make sure there are no children listening because of all the violence and gore. Not only do you get to investigate some of the Grimm’s creepier stories, you are able to read about the journey of a brother and sister who become two of the bravest, smartest, and kindest child heroes around.

Give this to fans of fairytales, creepy stories, or mysteries. The short story format could make this a great pick for reluctant readers.

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Friday Crafternoon- Sharpie Projects

Some of the best crafts are ones you can do with stuff you already have lying around your house. These crafts are just that kind. Who knew sharpies were for more than making posters or labeling things? These ideas all make great gifts, too!

Photo credit: craftycpa.blogspot.com

YA Book Review: Why We Broke Up by Daniel Handler

 

 

Every once in a while a book comes along that is capable of capturing the essence of an experience. For almost anyone who ever had a short-lived but passionate first love, this book is it. Min has her life arranged comfortably around her loyal group of friends and her obsession with cinema. One night at a party, Ed Slaterton (co-captain of the basketball team and all-around Mr. Popular) throws her life on it’s head. Even though their relationship lasted less than two months, this book artfully illustrates the rollercoaster ride that is so often a high school relationship. As the book winds on, Min (through a letter to Ed and objects she is returning to him) recounts every instance of what kept her in love and what should have helped her realize she needed to walk away.

Try this if you like realistic fiction, drama, first-person narrative, or even a little mystery. Also, though significantly less solemn, this might be good for fans of 13 Reasons Why by Jay Asher.

Book illustrations by Maria Kalman

 

Friday Crafternoon- Live Angry Birds

Angry Birds is a great smartphone and computer game that has been around for a while now. Everyone knows at least one person who is obsessed. Flinging those little birds to help them take revenge on the evil pigs who ruined their homes is addicting! With this great craft from makeandtakes.com, now you can play Angry Birds without any technology at all.

Try this at home with friends, or use it during a gaming party!

Photo credit: makeandtakes.com

YA Book Review: Geektastic: Stories from the Nerd Herd

A group of fantastic YA and Teen authors come together to contribute to this hilarious and heart wrenching collection of short stories. Every last one includes some kind of great nerd or geek anecdote, along with some great illustrations. Whether you are in to the Star Trek Vs. Star Wars feud, you’re the underdog who’s dying to land a date with your crush, or your favorite kinds of people are theater kids, this book has got something for everyone!

List of contributing authors: Holly Black, Cecil Castellucci, M.T. Anderson, Libba Bray, Cassandra Clare, John Green, Tracy Lynn, Cynthia and Greg Leitich Smith, David Levithan, Kelly Link, Barry Lyga, Wendy Mass, Garth Nix, Scott Westerfield, Lisa Yee, and Sara Zarr.

Friday Crafternoon- Write and share online stories on wattpad.com

Are you a writer? Do you wish you were? Do you like reading original stories online, for free? Then wattpad.com is for you! This fantastic site allows you to create a FREE profile and publish your own stories, or browse the thousands of tales that other users have posted. I’ve talked to many teens that are wattpad users, and they love it! Check it out today.

Already using wattpad? Let us know what stories you’ve written in the comments!

image credit: wattpad.com

YA Book Review- The Complete History of Why I Hate Her by Jennifer Richard Jacobson

Getting a summer job at a resort in Maine might not seem like anything out of the ordinary for a teen, but for Nola it is a chance to live her own life for a little while. Her little sister, Song, has been battling cancer for a long time and Nola has forgotten what life was like before she (happily) spent all of her time helping her family. Almost as soon as she arrives at the resort, she is befriended by the exciting and addicting Carly. The two become attached at the hip and it seems like it will be the best summer Nola has ever had…that is, until Carly starts showing her manipulative side. Soon Nola can’t seem to do or say anything with Carly using it to her own advantage, and the friendship becomes  toxic.

Pick this up if you like summer stories, complicated friendships, or books from the perspective of a sibling to a cancer patient.