Top Finds of 2014

The top finds of 2014 in no particular order and for a variety reasons!  They are definitely worth another look!

  The Blind Side: Evolution of a Game by Michael Lewis ★★★★☆

A real life hero’s tale.

Non Fiction –Biography/Sports

352 pages

Dealing with Dragons by Patricia C. Wrede ★★★★☆

A princess who can rescue herself and her friends.

Fiction – Juvenile – High Fantasy

Age Range: 10 and up Grade Level: 4 - 8

212 pages

  The Reformed Vampire Support Group by Catherine Jinks ★★★★☆

Offbeat and Lovely

Fiction- YA –Urban Fantasy/Mystery

Grade 7 and Up

384 pages

   The Applause of Heaven by Max Lucado   ★★★★★

You are a child of a King!

Non Fiction – Adult – Christian/Self Help

224 pages

  The Shambling Guide to New York City by Mur Lafferty  ★★★★☆

A Joyful reading experience.

Fiction – Adult - Urban Fantasy

361 pages

  Fablehaven by Brandon Mull  ★★★☆☆

A refreshing take on fantasy.

Fiction – Juvenile/YA – Urban Fantasy

351 pages

  Velveteen vs. The Junior Super Patriots by Seanan McGuire ★★★★☆

A charming new addition to super power lore

Fiction – Adult – Urban Fantasy

204 pages

  The Icebound Land by John Flanagan  ★★★★☆

Well Done

Fiction – YA/Juvenile – Medieval

266 pages

Ruby Lee and the Very Big Deal by Nancy Buffington, Stephanie Mullani (Illustrator) ★★★☆☆

The value of public speaking

Fiction – children/Juvenile - contemporary

50 pages

Publication Date:  2013

Ruby Lee’s essay won first prize place and now she has to read it in front of the town.  Can Great Aunt Alice help Ruby overcome her stage fright before the big event?

This nice and age appropriate story focuses on Ruby’s fear of public speaking; a very identifiable problem, and something we all have to face at some point.  Ruby’s Great Aunt Alice clearly explains how important this skill is and gives great - useful in the real world - advice.  I loved that Ms. Buffington uses the dementia ridden Great Aunt to help out Ruby.  I think as a society we are prone to overlook the wisdom and guidance our elderly can give us and we don’t put enough emphasis on the respect they deserve.  The illustrations were good.  I loved the secret section at the end to reinforce the lessons and some back story on the cast of characters.

On the downside the writing was awkward at times and the characters tended not have much depth.  Also Ruby going from a novice to a pro seemed a bit unbelievable to me, but I understand that I’m not the intended audience and this may not be a problem for children.