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Double Book Review Day

Well, I'm back from a week in Chicagoland where we spent the holidays with my soon to be in-laws. The holidays were great and it was fun to be with family. But now I'm treating you all to a double dose of book reviews today!:) And be sure to stay tuned for a big contest I'll be having all though January-you gotta start the year off right with books!!! Details to come Jan. 1!

Sisters 8: Annie's Adventures by Lauren Baratz-Logsted with Greg and Jackie Logsted

Rating: 4/5 Stars About the Book: Annie, Durinda, Georgia, Jackie, Marcia, Petal, Rebecca, and Zinnia are octuplets. They were born on August 8th and will be celebrating their 8th birthday and they have eight cats. On New Year's Eve, Mommy went to get eggnog, and Daddy went to get firewood, but they didn’t come back. The Sisters 8 find an anonymous note that says each girl has a power and a gift. Each sister must discover her power and find her gift in order to learn what happened to Mommy and Daddy. But with no Mommy and Daddy around, the girls have more than a mystery to solve. Who will cook them food? Or drive them to school? And how will they pay the bills? The adventures for these octuplets are just beginning! GreenBeanTeenQueen Says: ANNIE’S ADVENTURES is the start to a great new series by authors Lauren Baratz-Logsted and Greg Logsted, along with their daughter, Jackie. The entire family helped write the story and come up with ideas, and there’s definitely something in the

Kissing Booth by Lexie Hill

About the Book: Lisi is an NBK - she’s never been kissed. Lisi would really like to be kissed by her crush, Brett, who also happens to be the most popular guy in school. She doesn’t think her chances are very high, since Lisi in not in the "in" crowd. Springtime at Northside High means planning for the famous Spring Carnival. Spring Carnival is a huge deal, and this year the stakes are high for having the winning booth. Whichever booth sells the most tickets wins a trip to New York City. When planning for the school’s Spring Carnival starts, Lisi gets the inspiration for a kissing booth. Lisi is secretly hoping she will finally get her first kiss from handsome Brett, but Lisi’s not the only one with secrets. After the popular fly girls make the Kissing Booth their main target for competition, rumors start to fly and the kissing booth crew just might have gotten themselves in too deep. And Lisi just might be falling fo

Audio Book Friday

Since I not only read a lot of books, but I listen to tons of audiobooks as well, I decided I'd start reviewing some of the audiobooks I've listened to! I've found that some books I absolutely love as an audiobook and some just don't work for me (partly the story and partly the narrator) But I love popping one in while I'm driving or when I'm in my office at work. Anyone else a fan of audio books? So today's featured audiobook: A Crooked Kind of Perfect by Linda Urban Narrated by Tai Alexandra Ricci Rating: 4/5 Stars From the Book: Ten-year-old Zoe Elias has perfect piano dreams. She can practically feel the keys under her flying fingers; she can hear the audience's applause. All she needs is a baby grand so she can start her lessons, and then she'll be well on her way to Carnegie Hall. But when Dad ventures to the music store and ends up with a wheezy organ instead of a piano, Zoe's dreams hit a sour note. Learning the organ versions of old TV

3 Willows by Ann Brashares

Rating: 3/5 Stars Also reviewed for TeensReadToo.com About the Book: The Sisterhood may be grown up, but their legend lives on. Meet Polly, Jo, and Ama, three girls who are now entering the very same high school the legendary Sisterhood attended. The three have been friends since third grade, but now with high school approaching, they find themselves being drawn in separate ways and spending the summer apart. Ama is all about academics, extra credit, and schoolwork. She’s signed up to spend the summer at a camp that will give her school credit. She’s hoping to be in the library all day, but instead finds herself signed up for the outdoor wilderness hike. Ama is not an outdoorsy girl and can’t imagine herself spending the summer hiking and sleeping in a tent. Jo is spending the summer at her family beach house and working as a bus girl at a local restaurant. She’s hoping to make friends with the older girls from the "in" crowd so she can start high school in the right group.

Want It Wednesday #3

Welcome to Want It Wednesday where I post books that I'm wanting to read-some that are out already and some that are coming soon. Let me know what you think and as always, what books are you wanting this Wednesday? Diary of a Wimpy Kid The Last Straw by Jeff Kinney Skeleton Creek by Patrick Carman Perfect Chemistry by Simone Elkeles My Fair Godmother by Janette Rallison Kissing Booth by Lexie Hill At Face Value by Emily Franklin

State Book Awards

As a librarian in Missouri, I promote our state book awards. Every year, students are given a list of books to read and if they read four or more titles they may vote for the awards in March and winners are announced in April. I make it my goal to try and read all the nominees between now and April since that's when I start school visits for Summer Reading. I'm hoping this year I can actually meet my goal of reading them all! This week the award nominees for 2009-2010 were announced, so I thought I'd share them with you. Have you read any of these titles? Do you think the books that got picked will be of interest to their readers? 2009-2010 Truman Award Nominations-Grades 6-8 Shark Girl. Kelly Bingham Eighth Grade Bites: The Chronicles of Vladimir Tod. Vol. 1. Heather Brewer Atherton: The House of Power. Patrick Carman Diamonds in the Shadow. Caroline Cooney Carpe Diem. Autumn Cornwell Into the Wild. Sarah Beth Durst Games. Carol Gorman The One where the kid nearly jumps to

Want It Wednesday #2

Books that are on my wish list. Don't you love looking at all the pretty covers?:) Shelter Me by Alex McAulay Princess of the Midnight Ball by Jessica Day George Thanks for the Memorie by Cecelia Ahern Princess Diaries Volume Ten: Forever Princess by Meg Cabot Cracked Up to Be by Courtney Summers

I'm Still Here!!

I know I haven't been around in awhile. Right before Thanksgiving, I had to rush home for a family emergency, and spent the entire week off work and taking care of family. Then I got back to work and had a week full of catching up and programs and cleaning my office! I've finally emerged from my long catching up and cleaning projects and can get on the blog again-yay!! I'm busy buying books for the holidays and am hoping to post a new wish list of upcoming books soon. There are so many and I'm hoping there are some Borders gift cards in my stocking this year!:)

Want It Wednesday

I've seen posts like this on various blogs and since I'm an avid book lover and my wish list is ever growing, I thought I would add a "Want It Wednesday" list of books that are on my wish list. Some will be upcoming releases and others will be books that are already out, but on my reading list. Enjoy!!! Magicians and M rs. Quent by Galen M. Beckett (ok, so this one's an adult novel, but I just can't pass up the premise!) Wondrous Strange by Lesley Livingston Annie's Adventures (The Sisters 8) by Lauren Baratz-Logsted Deadly Little Secret (Touch #1) by Laurie Faria Stolarz Damosel by Stephanie Spinner Far From You by Lisa Schroeder So what about you? What books are on your wish list?

Jellaby by Kean Soo-Tween

Rating: 4/5 Stars About the Book: Portia is the new girl in town and things aren't going very well. She's having trouble making friends and she can't keep her mind on class. When she finds a giant purple monster in her backyard, everything changes. She enlists the help of fellow classmate Jason, and with only a picture of a door, Jason, Portia and Jellaby set out on an adventure to the city to find Jellby's home. GreenBeanTeenQueen Says : One of the thing I like most about my job is I get to read lots of comic books! After reading this one, Jellaby has quickly become one of my favorites. Jellaby is a sweet and funny story. Many reiewers have pointed out the Calvin and Hobbes feel. You can't help but fall in love with Jellaby and root for him and Portia. There's also a subplot about Portia's father's disappearance that makes the characters even more endearing. Jellaby is a comic book that even non-comic book readers ca

Let It Snow by John Green, Maureen Johnson and Lauren Myracle

Rating: 5/5 Stars About the Book: Let It Snow is a new holiday offering from three popular teen authors. Each author contributed a holiday romance short story to add to the collection. Maureen Johnson starts things off with The Jubilee Express , in which Jubilee (no, not a stripper, but named for a piece in her mother’s collection of the Flobie Santa Village) finds herself stranded on a train in Gracetown in a huge snowstorm. A trip to the Waffle House introduces her to Stuart and friendship, or maybe something more, starts to form. In A Cheertastic Christmas Miracle , author John Green hilariously describes the mission of three friends to get to the Waffle House where a group of cheerleaders are stranded and wanting to play Twister.And Lauren Myracle’s The Patron Saint of Pigs shows that lost love can be found again with the help of Starbucks, angels, and even a pig. GreenBeanTeenQueen Says: I’m a sucker for romance any time of the year, but something about the holiday season makes

Two Moon Princess by Carmen Ferreiro-Esteban Tween-Teen

Rating: 5/5 Stars About the Book: Andrea is a Princess, but she feels like she doesn’t fit in. She wants to join the knights, but her father refuses her request and instructs Andrea to visit her mother for lessons on becoming a lady. Ladyship is boring and uneventful and Andrea tires of her lessons quickly. On the night of her kingdom’s ball, Andrea has had enough of being a princess and decides to run away. She stumbles upon a doorway that leads to modern day California. Xaren-Ra, Andrea’s world, resembles medieval Spain, so seeing a new world is an adventure. Andrea adapts to her new fast pace life in California. She makes friends, attends classes, and starts to fall for a local boy. During a storm, Andrea takes shelter in the same cave that brought her to California. Only this time she accidentally re-opens the passage, bringing with her an American boy. Andrea’s return to her kingdom sets off a chain of events that ignites a war on her world, uncovers family secrets and endangers

NaNoWriMo and Book Contests

I decided to sign up for National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) and see if I can write a 50,000 word novel in the month of November. With me hosting Thanksgiving this year (which includes the first meeting of my and my fiance's families), programs at work, and all the books I have to read and review, it'll be interesting to see if I find the time, but I'm going to try! (I really wish I had a time turner...) There's lots of book contests going on, and with this being the end of October, you only have a few more days to get your entries in! Check these out and be sure to enter ASAP! Free Book Friday is giving away copies of Untamed by P.C. Cast Free Book Friday: Teen Edition is giving away ARC copies of Evermore by Alyson Noel (coming in Feb. 2009-be watching my blog for my review very soon!) Author Kelly Parra is finishing up her Secret Fates blog contest this week with authors sharing secrets and giving away their books Author Brooke Taylor has been hosting a M

Gothic Lolita by Dakota Lane-Teen

Rating: 5/5 Stars About the Book: Chelsea lives in Los Angeles with her mother. Miya lives in Tokyo in a children’s home. Chelsea’s precious brother disappeared three years ago. Miya lives to protect her brother. They both have an obsession with the same romantic manga. Both girls are interested in Gothic Lolita. The girls have never met or talked, but the two are connected in more ways than they realize. Finding each other through a girl blogger site years before, each girl posted about their life and happenings. Each girl found an avid reader in the other. But they never left comments or talked. Now, three years later, Chelsea has stopped blogging completely and is feeling lost and alone without her brother. Miya lives in fear that someone will take her brother away and starts to plan their escape. Now is the time when the girls need each other the most. Will they break down the barriers, open themselves up to who they really are and help each other? GreenBeanTeenQueen Says: I got a

Beastly by Alex Flinn-Teen

Rating: 4/5 Stars About the Book: Kyle Kingsbury is popular and handsome and he knows it. He can get anything he wants because of his famous father. He goes to an elite school, has the coolest friends and the hottest girlfriend. Kyle was king-until he decided to play a trick on the goth girl at school. Turns out Kendra isn't just a goth girl, she's a witch and she's going to teach Kyle a lesson. She turns Kyle into a beast as ugly on the outside as he is on the inside. Now Kyle's father won't look at him, his friends won't have anything to do with him, and his girlfriend has left. Kyle's father banishes him to a private home where his only company are his maid and tutor. Will Kyle break the curse? Can anyone ever love a beast? GreenBeanTeenQueen Says: Ok, anyone who knows me knows I'm a sucker for fairy tales and fairy tale re-tellings. This is a curl up and read in one sitting sort of book. Beastly is beautifully told and keeps a lot of magic and roman

Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins-Teen

Rating: 5/5 Stars About the Book: Katniss Everdeen lives in a future where Panem is controlled by The Capitol. Each year, the 12 districts of Panem send two tributes to fight in the Hunger Games and the games will be televised and watched by everyone. The tributes must fight to the death and the last one standing wins fame, glory, money and food. When Katniss's little sister is chosen as District 12's tribute, she knows there's no way she can let her sister go so she steps in and takes her place. Now she has to survive and bring back a win for District 12 who's only ever had one winner of the Hunger Games ever. Then there's Peeta, the other District 12 tribute, who has won the audience over by claiming to be in love with Katniss. Is he telling the truth or just playing a game? And can Katniss somehow outsmart the other tributes? Only one can end up winning. GreenBeanTeenQueen Says: I had been hearing a lot of buzz about this book. I've read and reviewed Gregor

More Book Contests

In honor of Halloween, Brooke Taylor, author of the novel Undone , is holding a monster month of giveaways . And when she says monster, she really means it-check out some of the stuff she's giving away!! Be sure to enter and good luck!:)

YAYNOT?

Check out this awesome new social networking site from TeensReadToo.com! YAYNOT is the coolest place for readers and authors to connect and share their love for books. Join the group and be sure to friend me while you're there!!:)

The Luxe by Anna Godbersen-TEEN

Rating: 5/5 Stars About the Book: It's 1899 , Elizabeth Holland is the sweetheart of upper class New York society and we're about to attend her funeral. Was it murder or an innocent accident? The Holland family comes from old money and has helped rule the upper class. But they are facing a financial crisis and the only way to save the family is for Elizabeth to marry Henry Schoonmaker. Things would be perfect if the pair actually loved each other. Elizabeth's frenamie, Penelope has her eyes on Henry and will do anything to keep him and Elizabeth has a secret lover of her own. GreenBeanTeenQueen Says: Full of fashion, intrigue, gossip and glamour The Luxe is a guilty pleasure. I have to admit that I've become addicted! Romance and mystery make this a fast paced read that you won't be able to put down. With lots of characters and various storylines that all weave together, there's something for every reader. The Luxe is the first in a series, so there's more

Lots of Book Goodies!!!

Book Auction: If you love books as much as I do, you'll be super excited about this awesome auction in support of First Book. Authors will be auctioning off marked up copies of thier books and the proceeds will go to benefit First Book , a great organization that gets books into the hands of children who might not otherwise be able to get books. The great thing is these kids get to keep the books they're given, so they can cherish their first book and discover the joy of reading! Check out the Leave a Mark auction HERE . Books will be auctioned off every few days, so be sure to check back often! Secret Fates Contest: Author Kelly Para is celebrating the release of her book Invisible Touch (coming this October-check out this review from TeensReadToo.com by my fellow reviewer Lauren) with a HUGE giveaway and secret spilling from your favorite authors. Check out her blog and leave your secrets! Harry Potter: I saved the biggest one for last! This year marks the tenth anniversary

Sun and Moon, Ice and Snow by Jessica Day George-Teen

Rating: 4/5 Stars About the Book: The lass is the youngest of the woodcutter’s children. Her mother was so upset that she had another child, let alone another girl, that she refused to even give her a name. The lass grows up, and is delighted when her older brother Hans Peter comes home from the sea. Hans Peter is cursed upon his return and is forever depressed, but he enjoys the lasses company and teaches her how to read the strange symbols in his wood carvings. When the lass is sixteen, rumors of an isborjn, a white polar bear, surround the village. The lass has been gifted with the ability to talk to animals. Upon hearing of this gift, the white polar bear seeks the lass out and asks her to join him at the palace of ice for one year. Hans Peter tries to argue that she can not go, but the bear promises her family riches if the lass joins him. The lass agrees and travels with him to the ice palace. Thanks to Hans Peter’s carvings, the lass realizes she can read the carvings on the wa

Diary of a Wimpy Kid-Tween

Rating: 5/5 Stars About the Book: Greg Heffley is in middle school and being in middle school is not easy. When Greg's mom brings home a journal (it may say diary on the cover, but most definitely is NOT a diary!) Greg decides to record his adventures through words and cartoons. Greg tries to navigate life in middle school, survive his brothers, and avoid the curse of the cheese touch. A story for the underdog wimpy kid in all of us. GreenBeanTeenQueen Says: This hilarious story started as an online comic on funbrain . If you haven't read this book yet, then rush to your library and bookstore and read it now! I guarantee you will be laughing within the first few pages. Dispite the middle school premise and lead character as a boy, this book is perfect for all ages, boys and girls. This is a perfect pick for those reluctant reader boys, since it blends comics into the story. More books are coming in the series and I can't wait to read more about Greg's silly adventures

I'm Back-Finally!!!

I know, I know I've been a very bad book blogger! I've been super busy with the summer reading program plus getting engaged-yay!-but now I'm back to tell you about more awesome books to read! I've been reviewing lots for TeensReadToo, so check out these great new books: Accidentally Fabulous by Lisa Papademetriou The Crimson Thread by Suzanne Weyn Discovering Pig Magic by Julie Crabtree Skinned by Robin Wasserman Sovay by Celia Rees See-told you I've been busy! I'll be sure to post more great reads soon, as well as some booklists I've been working on.

Band Geek Love by Josie Bloss-Tween-Teen

Rating: 5/5 Stars About the Book: Ellie Snow is a band geek-and proud of it. She's finally a senior, she's the trumpet section leader, and she's going to rock her solo at the end of band camp performance. She wasn't expecting him to be there and catch her eye in the crowd-and make her totally mess up. On top of her very embarassing performance, the mysterious cute guy from the crowd is a new student at school-and joining her trumpet section. If Ellie was any other girl, she might know how to deal with this. But ever since Ellie had her heart terribly broken her freshman year, she's given up on boys. Ellie likes everything perfect and in her control-but cute Conner is just too distracting and she's losing focus. When Ellie's former crush and the boy responsible for breaking her heart returns, Ellie finds herself in the middle of some serious band geek love. GreenBeanTeenQueen Says: This book was a lot of fun. Band geek or not, if you're a fan of romanti

Uglies by Scott Westerfeld-Tween-Teen

Rating: 3/5 Stars About the Book: In a not so distant future society, Tally is awaiting her 16th birthday, but not for the reasons you may think. On your 16th birthday, you recieve an operation to turn you from ugly to pretty. The operation to turn pretty has made everyone equals and violence and destruction have gone down. But not everyone thinks the pretty operation is such a wonderful thing. Tally meets Shay, another soon to be pretty, who wants to forgo the pretty operation and run away to the Smoke, a secret community of people who don't believe in the operation. When Shay runs away without Tally, Tally finds herself being recruited by the fabled Specials. They want Tally to work for them and find Shay, the Smoke and help bring it all down. Sounds good to Tally, until she makes it there and realizes she just might agree with what they stand for-no more pretties. GreenBeanTeenQueen Says : This book has everything-action, adventure, secrets, mystery, and even a little romance. I

Artichoke's Heart by Suzanne Supplee-Tween-Teen

Rating: 5/5 Stars About the Book : Rosemary Goode is smart, funny, and sassy, but no one seems to notice. All anyone sees is her weight - all 200 pounds of it. She doesn’t fit in at school, she finds herself getting made fun of by the popular Bluebirds, and the only boyfriend she’ll ever have is Mr. Hershey, or Mr. M&M. At the start of a new year, Rosemary finds herself disappointed. Santa just brought her an unwanted treadmill for Christmas and her Aunt Mary gave her tickets to a "Healing the Fat Girl Within" Conference. On top of that, Rosemary’s mother has sneakily set up counseling sessions for weight loss. After a meltdown at her mother’s gossipy salon, Rosemary decides she is going to lose the weight - on her terms. Rosemary tries various methods to lose weight, but it’s a slow process. When Rosemary’s mother is diagnosed with cancer, the distance between them grows even more and Rosemary tries to keep from turning back to food. Things start to look up when Kyle Cox

Cruel Summer by Alyson Noel-Teen

Rating: 4/5 Stars About the Book: Colby Cavendish is in for a cruel summer. Her parents are involved in a bitter angry divorce and have shippped Colby off to a super small boring island in Greece to spend summer with her crazy aunt Tally. The timing couldn't be worse-Colby just recently managed to break into the "in-crowd" and become friends with the popular Amanda and finally hook up with her long-time crush, the hottie Levi. Colby is convinced this summer is going to be the worst ever until she opens herself up to the possibility of having a good time and meets a very cute local named Yannis. One thing is for sure, this summer will be one to remember. GreenBeanTeenQueenSays: I am a HUGE fan of anything written by Alyson Noel, so I was super excited when an advanced copy of this book (actually signed by the author herself!) found it's way into my hands. I wasn't able to read it right away, because work got in the way, so this week I finally was able to sit down

Coraline by Neil Gaiman-Tween/Teen

Rating: 3/5 Stars About the Book: Coraline is having a boring Summer. Her family has recently moved into a large house where the occupy one of the floors. Her neighbors are interesting, but a little strange, and Coraline finds herself getting more and more bored as Summer draws on. One day, while searching through the house, Coraline discovers a locked door. When she asks her mother about it, she finds it actually leads to nowhere and opens it to see a brick wall blocking the way. But later that night, Coraline is awake and hears noises coming from the doorway. This time it's not blocked and Coraline finds herself in another world. At first this new world is exciting and interesting. None of her father's strange cooking experiments and everyone calls her by the correct name-no more Caroline. She even has an other mother and other father on the other side-even if they are not quite the same as her real parents and have buttons for eyes. When Coraline tries to go back to her real

School Visits Shout Outs

Sorry for the looong break in the blog. Summer Reading Program is gearing up at the library, so I've been making school visits like crazy getting tweens and teens pumped about the program this year. A big shout out to the students of Cherokee and Wilson's Creek-thanks for being so awesome and lots of fun. Be sure to stop by the library and say hi this Summer!:)

If you liked Twilight...

What to read after Twilight? Here's some books to help you get through until the release of Breaking Dawn in August! Vampires: The Silver Kiss by Annette Curtis Klause Vampire Kisses by Ellen Schreiber Marked by P.C. Cast Demon in My View by Amelia Atwater-Rhodes In the Forests of the Night by Amelia Atwater-Rhodes Peeps by Scott Westerfeld Look for me by Moonlight by Mary Downing Hawn Tantalize by Cynthia Leitich Smith Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead Vampire Diaries by L.J. Smith Vampire Knight(Manga Series) by Matsuri Hino Not Vampires, but Paranormal Romance: Keturah and Lord Death by Martine Leavitt A Certain Slant of Light by Laura Whitcomb The Mediator Series by Meg Cabot A Great and Terrible Beauty by Libba Bray I Heart You, You Haunt Me by Lisa Schroeder Tithe by Holly Black

Camelot & King Arthur Booklist

Thanks for the comments! Here's a list of books you might enjoy if you like King Arthur and Camelot: I Am Morgan le Fey by Nancy Springer I Am Mordred by Nancy Springer Avalon High by Meg Cabot The Seeing Stone by Kevin Crossley-Holland The Extraordinary Adventures of Alfred Kropp by Rick Yancey Sword of the Rightful King by Jane Yolen The Lost Years of Merlin by T.A. Barron The Book for Mordred by Vivian Van Velde The telling pool by David Clement-Davies The lioness & her knight / Gerald Morris The quest of the Fair Unknown / by Gerald Morris Suggested by Readers: Mists of Avalon by Marion Zimmer Bradley

Gregor the Overlander by Suzanne Collins-TWEEN

Rating: 3/5 Stars About the Book: Gregor lives with his mom and sisters in an apartment in New York City. His father has been missing for a couple of years now and his family is still adjusting and leaving Gregor as the man of the house. While doing laundry in the basement laundry room, Gregor's two-year-old sister Boots falls down an air chute and Gregor chases after her. They find themselves in the Underland, which is ruled by royalty and their giant bats, and home to talking cockroaches, giant rats, and spiders. Gregor and Boots are taken to the Queen of the Underlanders and learn of a prophecy which Gregor just might be the key to. Gregor embarks on a quest and sets out to save the Underland and hopefully answer questions about his missing father. GreenBeanTeenQueen Says: Suzanne Collins came up with the premise for the Gregor series when thinking about the Alice in Wonderland story and how that would change if Alice had fallen down a hole in New York City. The premise sounds

Thanks for the Comments!:)

Hi all- Thanks for the comments-I will be posting recommended booklists shortly in answer to all the questions I have recieved. Also, if you have any good reads that you'd like to tell me about, please share-I love hearing about great books!:)

Twilight by Stephenie Meyer-TEEN

Rating: 3/5 Stars About the book: After her mother's remarriage, Bella Swan decides to move to Forks WA to live with her father. Bella isn't really looking forward to moving to a rainy small town, but soon finds herself drawn to one of her classmates, the mysterious Edward Cullen. Edward feels a strong pull towards Bella as well, but Edward isn't a normal high school student-Edward is a one-hundred year old vampire. Even though Edward and the rest of his family are "vegetarian vampires"-only eating the blood of animals-it doesn't help that Edward is strong and could hurt Bella with one wrong move, plus her scent is very intoxicating. Yet Bella doesn't want to leave Edward and needs to be with him-even if it means risking her life. As Bella grows close to Edward and his family, another vampire coven comes into town and don't like to site of a human being so close to vampires and don't want to play nice. GreenBeanTeenQueen Says: This series is huge r

Song of the Sparrow by Lisa Ann Sandell-Tween/Teen

Rating: 4/5 Stars About the book: Elaine of Ascolat, The Lady of Shallot, has grown up living with her father and brothers in an army encampment and is used to being the only girl. She swims, runs through the trees, gets her dresses dirty, and counts Arthur, Lancelot and Tristan among her closest friends. Elaine is invalueable to the men of the camp as she is well versed in the healing arts. She also hopes that Lancelot will notice her as a woman and not a silly little girl and believes that Lancelot is her true love. Everything in the camp changes when Gwynivere arrives. She is much prettier than Elaine, is much more girly, and seems to have won the heart of Lancelot, much to Elaine's jealousy. It doesn't help matters that Gwynivere is mean and spitful towards Elaine and any hopes of friendship seem dashed. When Arthur leads the men into a battle against the Saxons, Elaine plans to follow them secretly. Things don't go as planned, and Elaine finds herself needing to change

Angus, Thongs and Full Frontal Snogging by Louise Rennison-TEEN

Rating: 4/5 Stars About the Book: Georgia Nicolson is trying to navigate through the crazy maze of high school. She has a great group of friends-her Ace Gang-and is in love with the sex god Robbie. Too bad Robbie has a girlfriend, the most beautiful popular girl at Georgia's school. As if high school and love triangles aren't bad enough, Georgia has to deal with her fat cat Angus and her embarrasing three-year-old sister. Georgia's adventures are always full of laughs-whether she intends them to be funny or not. Growing up is never easy, but at least Georgia Nicolson manages to make it fun. GreenBeanTeenQueen Says: As Georgia herself would say, this book is "fabbity fab fab!" Written in a diary format, Georgia's adventures are like Bridget Jones for the teen set. Full of fun and goofy situations, Georgia is a hilarious heroine that you cheer for all the way through. Beware of reading this one in public as you are sure to laughing like crazy.

The Wedding Planner's Daughter by Coleen Murtagh Paratore -Tween

Rating: 4/5 Stars About the Book: Twelve year old Willa Havisham reads classics, eats cherry cordials and dreams and wishes for her mom Stella to fall in love. Stella is a glamorous wedding planner, but after the tragic death of her true love and Willa's dad, Stella can't seem to get close to fallng for anyone. When she does, she moves herself and Willa to a new home. This time to duo has made their home in Bramble, Cape Cod and just happen to move in next door to the very handsome and eligable Sam, who is Willa's english teacher. Willa loves Bramble and is making friends, and even finds a crush-worthy boy at her school! She also schemes to get Sam and Stella together. But before long, all the wishing, hoping and dreaming backfires. Can Willa save the day and find her happy ending? GreenBeanTeenQueen Says: Willa is such a wonderful charming girl-I think she earns a spot up there with Anne Shirley for big dreamers and hopeless romantics. This book is a good old fashioned sto

Contact Me

  I love to hear from fellow readers and librarians! Send me an email to say hello! You can reach me at greenbeanteenqueen (at) gmail (dot) com

About Me

Hello! My name is Sarah and I am a Youth Services Manager who works with kids, tweens and teens. I love being asked about great books to read! I started my blog in 2008 as a way to keep track of what I've been reading and to use a reference tool for reader's advisory and it's grown into much more than I could have ever anticipated. In addition to book reviews, I also enjoy posting audiobook reviews, booklists and my adventures in being a librarian. 2017 Library Journal Mover and Shaker Committees: 2021 Newbery Committee 2018 Odyssey Committee 2016 Caldecott Award 2013 Michael L. Printz Committee- Fabulous Films Committee I have also served on the Cybils, Missouri State Library Association Readers Selection Lists, and as an Audies judge. Presentations :  I have offered various presentations at local, state and national libraries and conferences. Topics have included:  What's New in Children's & Teen Literature Engaging Teens in Reader's Advisory Gee

Saving Zoe by Alyson Noel-TEEN

Rating: 5/5 Stars About the Book : Echo looked up to her popular, beautiful sister Zoe. But when Zoe is brutally murdered, Echo is left feeling lost and confused. Now a year has passed and the world is moving on around her. Friends are growing up and changing, her parents are still mourning and Echo's not sure how to manage the awkwardness that is high school. Zoe isn't there to guide her, until one day Zoe's boyfriend shows up with her diary and gives it to Echo. Through her sister's diary, Echo learns secrets, lies, what led to her sister's death and ultimately how to move on and grow up. GreenBeanTeenQueen Says: I was originally interested in this book because of the cover that said fans of Veronica Mars would love this. As a VM fan, I had to pick it up and I'm so glad I did! This book is amazing. I feel very passionately that this is a must read. The writing is excellent and the story draws you in. Saving Zoe is a blender book (it's got a little bit of

The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan-TWEEN/TEEN

Rating: 4/5 Stars About the Book : Percy Jackson has been labled as a bad kid. He's been kicked out of numerous schools, has ADD, and can't seem to stay out of trouble. All this changes when he discovers he's not a bad kid at all-he's just got different wiring because he's actually half greek god and half human! Yep, those ancient greek gods are alive and well and living in New York. So what's newly discovered demigod to do? Spend summer at Camp Halfblood of course! But things are not perfect on Mt. Olympus-Zeus' lightning bolt has been stolen and Percy is the prime suspect. Can Percy stop the brewing war, clear his name and still make it to seventh grade? Green Bean Teen Queen Says: This was one of my top picks for 2007. It's action packed, full of humor, and the modern twist is a great introduction to greek mythology. This is also a great pick for all you readers who say "but I don't really like reading!" Give the first chapter a try-you

Book Reviews

Here is a list of the books I have reviewed on my blog: (listed in alphabetical order by title) -Numbers- 1st and Ten: Top Ten Lists of Everythin in Football 3 Willows by Ann Brashares -A- The ABC's of Kissing Boys by Tina Ferraro Across the Pond by Storyheart The Adventures of Ook and Gluk by Dav Pilkey Airborn by Kenneth Oppel Airhead by Meg Cabot The Alchemyst: The Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flammel by Michael Scott All These Things I've Done by Gabrielle Zevin All Unquiet Things by Anna Jarzab The Amaranth Enchantment by Julie Berry The American Heiress by Daisy Goodwin Amiri and Odette: A Love Story by Walter Dean Myers Amulet by Kazu Kibuishi Amy and Roger's Epic Detour by Morgan Matson Angus, Thongs and Full Frontal Snogging by Louise Rennison Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins Annie's Adventures (Sisters 8) by Lauren Baratz-Logsted, Greg Logsted & Jackie Logsted Another Faust by Daniel and Dina Nayeri Anya&#