MIddle Grades Pick: Shipwreck Island

Shipwreck Island
by S.A. Bodeen
Feiwel and Friends
2014
184  pages
ISBN: 9781250027771


Twelve year old Sarah Robinson is not thrilled to be going on a long trip with her newfound step-family. Sarah's dad just got remarried  and Sarah sees it as a betrayal of her dead mother. She doesn't like the pretty, younger lady her dad chose, and she especially does not like the fact that she now has two stepbrothers, Marco and Nacho. Her dad planned a trip to Fiji and a sailing trip for all of his new family to bond.

After a tedious plane flight, they arrive at a dumpy hotel. The next day, they go down to their "luxury" boat. The Moonflight doesn't look anything like the boat on the advertisement--it doesn't look seaworthy. The family makes the best of it, and soon their worst fears come true.

Caught in a storm at sea, they batten down the hatches and ride out the worst of it. The captain is lost at sea, but the family and boat is caught up near a "deserted" island. As they explore their surroundings, something seems a little off. There is a cabin in the jungle where it looks like its inhabitants left in a hurry.

The family builds a fire on the beach, searches for food and plans to wait for a passing ship to spot them. The first night, they barely escape monster beach crabs. Fighting against the elements and the weird island creatures bonds Sarah with her new family. Marco tells Sarah that there's something wrong with the island, and she agrees. What lies ahead for the family? Will they be discovered by a passing boat? Is anyone really searching for them?

Shipwreck Island is a quick read and should engage reluctant readers.

Recommended grade 5-up.

FTC Required Disclaimer: I received this book from the publisher. I did not receive monetary compensation for this review.

This review has been posted in compliance with the FTC requirements set forth in the Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising (available at ftc.gov/os/2009/10/091005revisedendorsementguides.pdf)

High School Pick: Notes From the Blender

Notes From the Blender
by Trish Cook and Brendan Halpin
Egmont
2011
229 pages

Cantagious, comedic, cantankerous, and full of teen angst and teenage spasmic hyperbole, Notes From the Blender is a hilarious romp of a ya novel. Told in chapters by Neilly and Declan, both male and female readers will laugh out loud at the characters and most likely, their very own foibles.

Declan is a sixteen year old who loves black Death Metal, violent video games, porn sites, and girls! A random thought through Dec's head is most likely sexual--even if it is about his middle-aged therapist. You would think that Dec with all his character flaws would not be a likable character; you would be dead wrong. Dec is a flawed underdog, to be sure, but his sense of humor and comedic timing as well as his delivery of biting sarcasm to his bullies make him charming and lovable.

Dec misses his mom who died in a car accident--Dec was in the car but not injured and has blamed himself for her death since then. Dec's dad is worried that Dec is getting becoming too goth and dark and sends him to his Aunt Sarah's church which happens to be a little different than most churches--she is the paster and her life partner, also female lives with her. When Dec's dad springs the news on him that he is remarrying, Dec goes off the deep end.

Neilly is thrown for a loop when her father leaves her mom for a man! Now her father is marrying that same man. If that isn't enough, her mom has been hiding secrets from her, too. When Neilly goes home from school one day, she walks in on her mother cooking in the kitchen wearing nothing except a towel. Dec's dad is playing house with Neilly's mom! And that's not all, they are getting married and expecting a new baby. Neilly and Dec will become step-siblings....

Laugh out loud, swallow-your-milk-and-choke-on-it-until-it-comes-painfully-out-your-nose funny--this is the funniest novel of the year, and I would say it is bound to garner all sorts of ya and YALSA attention. Anyone with a sense of humor will love this book. I love Dec and Neilly!

Highly, highly recommended grades 9-up. Mature themes, F word, sex, masturbation, condoms.

There is a book giveaway posted on my blog for Notes From the Blender. Deadline for posting is June 14, 2011 at noon. Don't miss your opportunity to win a free copy. Post your comment today.

FTC required disclaimer: I received this book from the publisher. I did not receive monetary compensation for this review.