The Invention of Hugo Cabret -- Brian Selznick

This was such a interesting and different read for me. The reason? It's told mostly in pictures! People say "a pictures worth a thousand words" so I enjoyed making up my own words and ideas for each picture. If you haven't read this book you really should. It is great!

Princess Academy -- Shannon Hale

First of all, I just want to say that because the title has "princess" in it does not mean that it is a girly book! When I read it with a book club, I was able to get 5 boys to read it with me, and they liked it.

Princess Academy is about a small village who on a mountain. One day a messenger from the king comes and says that all of the girls have to come to an academy to learn how to be a princess, and then the prince will pick one of them to marry.

I loved it! I recommend this book to everybody!

Oh, I almost forgot! It was a Newberry Honor Book! All the more reason to read it!

Book of a Thousand Days -- Shannon Hale

Another great book by Shannon Hale. Book of a Thousand Days is in diary format, which was one of my favorite things about it! The girl writing in the diary is named Dasti, and she's a lady's maid. Her lady's name is Saren, and she is getting locked in a tower, so Dasti goes with her. The book is about their story while in the tower, and their adventures there after. I would recommend this to young adult readers.

Gail Carson Levine

I have read a lot of Levine's books, so instead of having a separate review for each of them, I figured I would put them all in one post, with a short review of each.


Fairest
I loved Fairest! I found Aza, the main character, very fun and interesting. She figures out that she has a "power" that she calls illusing, where she can "throw" her voice into other people and things. I also enjoyed seeing her grow in the book. I recommend this to young adult readers especially.






The Two Princesses of Bamarre

This is also another masterpiece. I love the relationship between the two princesses, Addie and Maryl. When a plague called the Gray Death hits Bamarre Addie must find courage to save her kingdom, and her sister. Very, very good! YA mostly for this one too.



And of course....





Ella Enchanted

If you haven't read Ella Enchanted, you HAVE to. It is a beautiful book about Ella of Frell, who, when she is born is cursed. She has to do whatever anyone says to her, and she can't stop herself. Ella sets out to find the fairy that gave her the obedience curse, and finds herself on an exciting adventure! Great for all ages!

The Frog Princess -- E.D. Baker

The Frog Princess is such a fun and delightful story about Princess Emeralda (Emma), who doesn't like life as a princess. One day while she is in the swamp by the palace she meets a frog. He tells her that he is a prince and he will turn back into a prince if she just kisses him.

I loved it! If you love fairy tales, and have a sense of humor, you should read this book!

Princess of the Midnight Ball - Jessica Day George

Princess of the Midnight Ball is intriguing from start to finish. It is a wonderful book and I loved it! It's a very well done retelling of The 12 Dancing Princesses. It has action, adventure, romance,

secrets, and just about everything else you would want in a book!

If you haven't read this, do! It is a fabulous book!

Forest Born - Shannon Hale

Forest Born is fabulous. It has adventure, romance, and of course new talents! I loved it!