Review: Paper Covers Rock by Jenny Hubbard

Paper Covers Rock by Jenny Hubbard.

Delacorte Books for Young Readers
Publication Date: June 2011
List Price: $16.99
ISBN-13: 9780385740555

Review: There are so many great young adult books in the world, but this is one of the best books I have ever read. Paper Covers Rock by Jenny Hubbard is about two young men named Alex and Glenn who are trying to figure out if a teacher saw what happened the day their friend, Thomas, died at the river. That fateful day, Alex, Glenn and Thomas had been drinking- an act that would result in expulsion from school if it was ever discovered Thomas died as a result of diving off a rock while he was drunk. The alcohol in his system impaired his swimming, and he ultimately drowned. So in an effort to save them, Alex and Glenn make a very mean plan to find if the teacher really does know the truth about what happened down by the river.

There are many things in Paper Covers Rock that I enjoyed. Something that I liked was that Alex is a poem writer and that the author includes many creative poems in the book. Plus, at one point, Alex says" Truth: as essential as rain." This metaphorical writing is so powerful. I like it because everyone needs truth. If there wasn't truth, we would all be living in a world of lies. I also practically liked the fact that the book was written like a diary or notebook. Paper Covers Rock is really one of a kind, and in a good way.

I rate this book a ten out of ten because it is action packed and very interesting. I could not put Paper Covers Rock down once I began to read it. It had to be one of the best books that I have ever read. As I started earlier, I also liked the fact that the author gave the book a diary sort of feeling. There are also many creative parts like how the boys are plotting a plan against a teacher. Clearly, there are many things that I really did enjoy. Although this book is amazing and interesting, I believe that children of an older audience would enjoy this story more than the children of a younger audience because of the foul language used by the characters.

Review written by Mia (6th grade student).

We would like to thank Random House for providing a copy of Paper Covers Rock for this review.

Have you read Paper Covers Rock? How would you rate it?

Review: From Pie Town to Yum Yum: Weird and Wacky Place Names Across the United States by Debbie Herman

From Pie Town to Yum Yum: Weird and Wacky Place Names Across the United States by Debbie Herman.

Kane Miller
Publication Date: September 2011
List Price: $16.99
ISBN-13: 9781935279792

Review: Have you ever thought of visiting Scratch Ankle, Alabama? How about Chilly, Idaho? Debbie Herman introduces readers to some of the most bizarre place names in the United States in From Pie Town to Yum Yum: Weird and Wacky Place Names Across the United States. After perusing Herman's book, readers will open their minds to some little-known, yet fascinating places that help shape America.

Herman begins her book with an overview of toponymy - the study of place names - and a brief history of the naming of towns along with the explanation that the book tries to "provide a range of reasons given for a place name, but doesn't claim to have given every one." However, From Pie Town to Yum Yum is quite an impressive list! Every state is included in the book with a highlighted city name along with other wacky town names in the state. Included in the state's information is an overview of the town name, brief information about the state, a fun map, the "lay of the land" and even ideas for a road trip! The information is really quite interesting - for example Eureka, California "meaning 'I found it!' in Greek, was so named in 1850 for the cry of gold miners striking gold."

From Pie Town to Yum Yum is simply fun. It is filled with entertaining, trivial information that will liven up any conversation! Plus Linda Sarah Goldman has added simple, yet clever illustrations that compliment the text perfectly. From Pie Town to Yum Yum is certainly not a book to sit down and read cover to cover, but rather it is perfect to have around on rainy days or road trips - or even on a coffee table to pick up and read whenever the minutes allow.

Review written by Margo Nauert (6th grade teacher).

We would like to thank Kane Miller for providing a copy of From Pie Town to Yum Yum: Weird and Wacky Place Names Across the United States for this review.

Have you read From Pie Town to Yum Yum: Weird and Wacky Place Names Across the United States? How would you rate it?

Review: The Black Heart Crypt by Chris Grabenstein

The Black Heart Crypt by Chris Grabenstein. A Haunted Mystery.

Random House Books for Young Readers
Publication Date: August 2011
List Price: $16.99
ISBN-13: 9780375869006

Review: I can see them, my dad used to be able to see them, they speak to me and sometimes ask me for help. Yup, that is right; I can see and speak to ghosts. Hi, I am Zack Jennings. Welcome to my life. Although Zack looks like a normal kid, he is anything but. The book The Black Heart Crypt, the fourth book in the Haunted Mystery series by Chris Grabenstein, has action around every corner. It is the most suspenseful book I have ever read.

Halloween is nearly every child's favorite day of the year but not Zack. During Halloween, a few ghosts are after him and not only can they hurt, but they can also posses their living relatives. Zack knows that on Halloween the divide between the living and the dead is thin. Powerful ghosts can cross over and cause some serious trouble. So, for protection, he decides to stay near a big crowd, where most ghosts cannot hurt you. Unfortunately, an evil group of 13 ghosts by the name of Ickleby has something against the Jennings' family. The leader of the group is powerful enough to kill, even in a crowd. Azalea and Malik get sucked into this mess when they are with Zack on Halloween and the Icleby's are loose. Now they all have to survive the night.

It is amazing how well Chris Grabenstein pulled off this story. It seems so realistic even with ghosts and spirits walking around. This book is written from 5-6 different points of view. Some of the points of view are; Zack, the Icleby's, Azalea, Norman Ickes, Malik, and Zack's parents. I absolutely loved this book! The first page brings the reader right into the action. This is an excerpt from Page 1 of The Black Heart Crypt;

"Zack Jennings did not want to chase a slobbering black dog with glowing red eyeballs up into Haddam Hill Cemetery three nights before Halloween.

It was Zipper's idea."

As you can see you are launched straight into the action. In almost every chapter there is some kind of action or danger. Whether it's Zack, one of his friends, or some of his family, someone's usually in danger. The Black Heart Crypt is so good I did not want to put it down. When I finished I was left wanting to read more! I had never read a book written by Chris Grabenstein, but now I am compelled to read more of his books. If you like mystery, suspense, and a little bit of humor, then I would highly recommend this book. I rate The Black Heart Crypt 5 out of 5 stars. I hope Grabenstein writes a sequel to The Black Heart Crypt. I will caution you, there are lots of battle scenes and a few scattered killings.

Chris Grabenstein is the winner of the Agatha Award and the Anthony Award for earlier books in his Haunted Mystery series.

Review written by Donna (6th grade student).

We would like to thank Random House for providing a copy of The Black Heart Crypt for this review.

Have you read The Black Heart Crypt? How would you rate it?

Review: The Giver: The Gift Edition by Lois Lowry

The Giver: The Gift Edition by Lois Lowry.

Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
Publication Date: October 2011
List Price: $19.99
ISBN-13: 9780547424774

Review: Few books will touch the heart and stimulate the mind like The Giver by Lois Lowry. The Giver is one of those books that is cherished by its readers and honestly alters the way the reader views everything they once believed to be true in the world. Now, after nearly ten years, Houghton Mifflin has released The Giver: The Gift Edition which is bound to inspire and intrigue readers everywhere.

Jonas lives in a world where becoming twelve is a turning point in an individual's life. At age twelve, Jonas receives his life assignment chosen for him by the Elders. Unlike his friends who are granted assignments such as Caretakers for the Old or Street Cleaners, Jonas is granted a mysterious assignment that requires utmost secrecy. Jonas goes on spending his days with a mysterious old man who has inexplicable knowledge that he imparts on Jonas. As his friends go on living as usual - without feelings, without fear and without choices, Jonas is on sensory overload. He soon realizes that his utopian society has deep hidden secrets that would bring chaos in a world of order if they were ever revealed.

The Giver, originally published in 1993, was awarded the 1994 Newbery Medal. This new Gift Edition provides what every reader of The Giver has hoped for - illustrations. The Giver is one of those rare books that evokes such powerful visualizations that readers are excited by the imagery and symbolism within the text. Bagram Ibatoulline has added exceptional illustrations that capture the essence of the story, and the illustrations can be instrumental in developing the symbolism within the text. Although the depth of The Giver has typically been appreciated more by advanced readers, the new gift edition will help bring home the essence of the book to all readers. The Giver is an amazing book - one that can be read over and over again, and the Gift Edition not only creates a fresh new look on a classic for a new generation, but it also touches the hearts of all fans because what we've imagined has finally been given life. Lowry fans will be thrilled to know that The Giver is in development for a movie premiere possibly in 2013.

Review written by Margo Nauert (6th grade teacher).

We would like to thank Houghton Mifflin Harcourt for providing a copy of The Giver: The Gift Edition for this review.

Have you read The Giver: The Gift Edition? How would you rate it?

Review: Witch Catcher by Mary Downing Hahn

Witch Catcher by Mary Downing Hahn.

Sandpiper
Publication Date: September 2011
List Price: $6.99
ISBN-13: 9780547577142

Review: With swirling colors that seem to merge into each other, the Witch Catcher caught the sunlight and sparkled with an additional influence on anyone who witnesses it and decides to obtain it. Twelve year-old Jen lead a perfectly normal life, that is, before her dad inherited an old mansion from her great-uncle. In Witch Catcher, written by Mary Downing Hahn, Jen must uncover more of this interesting, yet terrifying mystery, before she and her dad are harmed. One would stop to inquire themselves, "What is this Witch Catcher, and can it really influence her family by so much?"

Imagine uncovering a special something, but then this odd and puzzling woman comes and demands it from you. Well, that's exactly what happens to Jen. Strange things begin to happen as Jen discovers a colorful glass sphere. An old named Moura steals her father's heart, and has him wrapped around her pinkie finger, and if that isn't mystifying enough, she demands that the globe be given to her. If Jen doesn't oblige her, then she, and her father's lives will be at risk. What's the big deal with the Witch Catcher? Well, Jen has become close to it, and she enjoys the inspiration of having something that Moura desires. But will Jen's life really be at stake if she doesn't hand over the Witch Catcher? What does the Witch Catcher really mean to Moura? Is she not telling the whole truth?

Mary Downing Hahn is such a splendid and glorious novelist. My friends told me that she's one of their favorite authors when I described this book to them, and honestly, she's one of mine too. Behind every page is another page of terrific suspense, and within the suspense, is an original and intriguing adventure. Once you start the book, there's no turning away, not until you finish. I rate Witch Catcher, five stars. My favorite scene was when Jen carefully describes her mother, and the best she could commit to memory. Certainly, my favorite character is Jen, and I felt so bad for her, having to witness her mother's death, but to move and have her father fall in love with a dignified woman named Moura, who, in this case, is too dignified. PS. You will ask your parents to take you to the bookstore in five minutes to buy this book. Then you will sit/lay down and peacefully read Witch Catcher. If you don't, I still trust you to read the book sooner or later, because you're just going to surrender to my persuasion and to the effects of the Witch Catcher!

Review written by Tam (6th grade student).

We would like to thank Houghton Mifflin Harcourt for providing a copy of Witch Catcher for this review.

Have you read Witch Catcher? How would you rate it?

Review: Calli Be Good by Michele Weber Hurwitz

Calli Be Good by Michele Weber Hurwitz.

Wendy Lamb Books
Publication Date: May 2011
List Price: $15.99
ISBN-13: 9780385739702

Review: I struck gold when I read Calli Be Gold, written by Michele Weber Hurwitz. The main characters are Calli, her sister, brother, mom, dad, and Noah. Calli, an 11-year-old girl, isn't very busy in her life, but everyone else seems to be. Noah is a strange, young child Calli meets when she is at the skating rink waiting for her sister. This unusual friendship sparks and changes Calli's life forever.

In Calli Be Gold, Calli watches as her family bustles around everyday. Her sister and her brother are both in sports. Her sister, Becca is on the ice-skating team; her mom helps design costumes for the ice-skating team, and her brother, Alex is on the basketball team. Their new lives are so hectic; her mom color-coded sticky notes to keep track of everyone's busy schedule. In the story, Calli "meets" a boy under the hockey-foosball table while Becca is skating. Together Calli and Noah join a program called the Peers Helpers Program (PHP). Calli and Noah are paired with each other for PHP because Calli "knows" Noah. Although Noah is very quiet and likes to hide under his desk, after he gets to know Calli more Noah starts to talk to more often. Through the experience Calli learns a lot about herself and her friends.

Calli Be Gold is a truly excellent book, although there is a bit of a slow start. But it's worth hanging onto because towards the middle it becomes really interesting and I found myself not wanting to stop reading it. There are great details that help the reader create visual images while reading, and it also teaches a spectacular meaning of friendship. Michele Hurwitz is an amazing writer. I rate this book 4 out of 5 stars, because it is a great book but it did have a little bit of a slow start. I hope that Michele Hurwitz will write many more novels, and if she does, I will be sure to read them all, because she is such a talented writer!

Review written by Hannah (6th grade student).

We would like to thank Random House for providing a copy of Calli Be Good for this review.

Have you read Calli Be Good? How would you rate it?

Review: The Unknown Spy by Eoin McNamee

The Unknown Spy by Eoin McNamee. A Ring of Five Book.

Wendy Lamb Books
Publication Date: August 2011
List Price: $16.99
ISBN-13: 9780385738200

Review: When you are a spy and your school is in the underworld you are not considered a normal person. In The Ring of Five: The Unknown Spy written by Eoin McNamee Danny Caulfield is a student at Wilsons Spy Academy who is supposedly returning over the holidays. He and his friends have always been mischievous, and this semester is no different. But when they venture too far they find the groundbreaking truth. They are going on another mission and this time the future of the upper world depends on it. They have to find the treaty of stone against agents of a rivaling academy in a kingdom that migrates. Now Danny and Dixie have to venture into the Kingdom of Morne to save the two worlds. Will they rescue the stone treaty or will all hope be lost?

Dixie has the talent of teleporting and can move from place to place secretly. Les is a messenger and can fly like an angel. Toxique is an assassin but doesn't like to kill. Vandra is a "pshysick" and can heal people by sucking the poison out of them and can cure infections. While Vandra is stuck in the infirmary, Toxique is still trying to assassinate someone, and Les is not able to go into the upper world with his wings, Danny and Dixie set off on an adventure. The enemy has already launched their team and the race is on. Will Danny and Dixie make it there first?

Eoin McNamee is a spectacular writer and can write tremendous books. This action book will literally astound middle grade readers just like it astounded me. If he can write two phenomenal books then he can a accomplish a third…then a fourth… then a fifth… etc. If I could read this book, forget everything and read it again, I would do it a thousand times. The Ring of Five: The Unknown Spy is a must have. This book should be put in absolutely every library. I enjoyed reading this marvelous book and so will you. The quote I found fascinating was "Not as important as family," because Dixie was a friend but Lily was family. It made me think about just how important family is. That is also appealing because it lead Danny to a decision- making moment on whether to save Dixie or to run away with Lily. Danny is just a normal kid- with attributes that can relate to anyone. He is deceptive but doesn't always like to lie. Plus he is always fighting his temptation to join "The Ring". Danny also has a loving and good natured side. He would save his friend if it meant the end of the world. The Ring of Five: The Unknown Spy surprised me with its greatness and the mixture of mystery and adventure. This book's red herrings may confuse you but this book will never lose you. The Ring of Five: The Unknown Spy is truly incredible.

Review written by Joseph (6th grade student).

We would like to thank Random House for providing a copy of The Unknown Spy for this review.

Have you read The Unknown Spy? How would you rate it?

Review: The Prison-Ship Adventure of James Forten, Revolutionary War Captive by Marty Rhodes Figley

The Prison-Ship Adventure of James Forten, Revolutionary War Captive by Marty Rhodes Figley. A History's Kids Heroes Adventure.

Graphic Universe
Publication Date: January 2011
List Price: $8.95
ISBN-13: 9780761370758

Review: The Prison-Ship Adventure of James Forten, Revolutionary War Captive by Marty Rhodes Figley is a graphic novel and is a part of the History's Kid Heroes series. A young man named James Frorten wants to help America in the Revolutionary War, so he boards a ship called Royal Louis to help out aboard. Eventually the ship is captured by the British and he worries he will lose his freedom and never see his home again. When he is offered an amazing chance to get off of the Royal Louis, he considers his options and he declines.

In this book something caught my eye and it was when James Forten thought, "The Declaration said we had the right to be free and equal." It caught my eye because James was being made an offer but he denied it even though it seemed like a chance of a lifetime. Read The Prison-Ship Adventure of James Forten, Revolutionary War Captive. It is a great book to read because it is very interesting and unique.

I rate The Prison-Ship Adventure of James Forten, Revolutionary War Captive a ten out of ten because it is filled with many interesting facts, and it's exciting to know that the events in the book really happened many years ago in the past. The book is also greatly illustrated with excellent detail. It is interesting because when I finished reading it, I found that I learned some facts about the Revolutionary War that I didn't know about before. The book would definitely be enjoyed by younger children because of the illustrations and the easy-to-understand vocabulary. The Prison-Ship Adventure of James Forten, Revolutionary War Captive is an amazing book to read and should be an important part of the library of any teacher of the Revolutionary War.

Review written by Mia (6th grade student).

We would like to thank Renier Fee for providing a copy of The Prison-Ship Adventure of James Forten, Revolutionary War Captive for this review.

Have you read The Prison-Ship Adventure of James Forten, Revolutionary War Captive? How would you rate it?

Book Trends Welcomes Author Marty Rhodes Figley: A Student Interview

Sixth-grade book reviewer Mia recently had the opportunity to ask author Marty Rhodes Figley some questions about her writing process, particularly with respect to her new graphic novel, The Prison-Ship Adventure of James Forten, Revolutionary War Captive (Graphic Universe, January 2011 trade paperback).

• Why did you begin to write? At about what age did you want to become a writer?

I loved horses and wanted one from the time I was in first grade. We lived in a house in town with a small yard, so I knew my childhood dream wasn't going to come true. So I began writing horse stories. In them I experienced amazing adventures with my brave steed. The horse might be a palomino, a black stallion, a beautiful white mare, or any other horse I could imagine. That's when I realized how wonderful writing could be—and that I wanted to keep on creating my own special stories.

Photo courtesy Marty Rhodes Figley

• When did you write your first book?

I wrote many books when I was young, but the first one that was published was The Story of Zacchaeus in 1995.

• What is your favorite book that you have written so far?

I love all my books, but am always excited about the newest one. My picture book Emily and Carlo (read more about this at MartyRhodesFigley.blogspot.com), about the poet Emily Dickinson and her big, black slobbery dog, will be published in February 2012.

• Why do you like to write about history?

I think it's important to know about our past. If we know where we've been, we can more fully understand where we are going.

• Do you plan to write any other books?

I'm working on a book about an American Revolutionary War hero who was 6' 6'' tall and called the Virginia Giant. I'm doing the research now on the book.

• How did you know about James Forten and his life?

I read about him in a book about children who did amazing things during the American Revolutionary War. I was impressed by his acts of bravery during the war—when he was just fifteen-years-old.

• What inspired you to write The Prison-Ship Adventure of James Forten, Revolutionary War Captive?

I wanted to share with young readers the story of James Forten. I loved writing about the marble game he played as a prisoner of war with the British sea captain's son. He could have let the captain's son win, but chose to play his best. This gained the captain's respect. James stood up for what he believed, even though it meant that he would be imprisoned on the horrific prison ship Jersey. When he was on the Jersey, he turned down a chance to escape and saved a friend's life. Over and over again this courageous teenager did the right thing. By writing this book, I hope James Forten will be honored and remembered.

Book Trends is excited to offer one of our readers a chance to win a copy of The Prison-Ship Adventure of James Forten, Revolutionary War Captive courtesy of Renier Fee. Simply send a message to booktrendsgiveaway@gmail.com with the code BT7823 in the subject line, and you'll be entered to win. US residents only, one entry per person please. This giveaway ends October 21st, 2011.

Review: Here Lies Linc by Delia Ray

Here Lies Linc by Delia Ray.

Alfred A. Knopf Books for Young Readers
Publication Date: August 2011
List Price: $16.99
ISBN-13: 9780375867576

Review: Your dad is deceased, your mom won't talk to you and you are going to a weird private school? Can you imagine that? Well that is the life of Lincoln Crenshaw. In Here Lies Linc, by Delia Ray, Lincoln just transferred from a private school to a public school with bullies, jocks and all the popular girls life. Out of school is not great because his dad is dead, his mother is obsessed with graves and the grave yard is practically her home and their big fluffy, big, stupid dog is too lazy to do anything. He his home alone most days and does everything for himself. The new life for him isn't the best, but it's livable. What if your life was that could you live through that? Linc can live through any life.

Linc's mom, Lottie, doesn't have a healthy life. She knows the graveyard like the back of her hand. Most people don't live like that. Linc has gone to more cemeteries than he can count. Now that's just his family life. At school he tries to be a normal kid with a normal social life but that plan backfires when in one of his classes, his class is assigned a class project, a mandatory field trip to the local graveyard. Each student has to pick a grave to study and give a presentation. Lottie gives the tour around the graveyard and Linc doesn't like that. He goes and tells Lottie after school and Lottie doesn't want Linc to be angry so she tries to soothe him by helping him pick a special grave, the Black Angel. The grave is supposedly cursed. Can this cursed gave project be the key to happiness for once?

Overall, Here Lies Linc is an outstanding book. First of all, Linc is a great character. He loves helping people and can tackle whatever life throws at him. Delia Ray has created many interesting characters to compliment Linc's character such as Lottie who is a weird, but cool and funny mom. His dog who is lazy and fat contributes to the story by doing some humorous acts throughout the book. I think Here Lies Linc, by Delia Ray, is a great book for all ages. She blends together humorous scenes with each character along with caring, sentimental scenes. Kids of all ages should read the book, even adults!

Review written by Logan (6th grade student).

We would like to thank Random House for providing a copy of Here Lies Linc for this review.

Have you read Here Lies Linc? How would you rate it?

Review: Kitt Pirate: Snagletooth's Treasure by Ben Oliver

Kitt Pirate: Snagletooth's Treasure by Ben Oliver.

Thunder Peak Publishing
Publication Date: August 2011
List Price: $5.99
ISBN-13: 9781937496067

Review: YARRR! Me hardies there be gold on this X. Kitt Pirate: Snaggletooth's Treasure by Ben Oliver, is a great book for kids nine and older. It is about a pirate named Kitt who goes on adventures.

Our journey begins with Kitt sailing on the sea. He then sees Snaggletooth's island where he anchors ship and delves into the jungle. Feeling they are being watched, they forge deeper and deeper until a gigantic spider attacks them. Luckily Kitt has a torch to disincarnate the spider allowing them to escape. Kitt soon makes it through the jungle to a bluff where a cave leading to Snaggletooth's Treasure lies and all the way to the den where his treasure is located. However it is guarded by an octopus that only gives them Snaggletooth's Treasure if they can beat him in a "riddle off." Will Kitt ever get Snaggletooth's Treasure? Will he beat the octopus in a riddle fight? If you get Kitt Pirate you will get these answers and more!

Kitt Pirate deserves five out of five stars. It has suspense, action and adventure. The suspense will keep you reading on the edge of your seat the whole way, and there is action on every page. Kitt Pirate is filled with adventure the whole way through. All three components re combined for the best book ever. You won't want to miss this book. If you like pirates, you'll love this book. Every seafaring captain should have Kitt Pirate on their bookshelf, mantle or anywhere! Go get Kitt Pirate: Snaggletooth's Treasure.

Review written by Max (6th grade student).

We would like to thank G3 Studios Publicity for providing a copy of Kitt Pirate: Snagletooth's Treasure for this review.

Have you read Kitt Pirate: Snagletooth's Treasure? How would you rate it?

Book Trends Welcomes Author Ben Oliver: A Student Interview

Author Ben Oliver is making up stories almost every day of the week, thinking up exciting adventures and daring heroes. There is nothing more fulfilling for him than to put these stories into written words for others to read. Sixth grade student Max recently had the opportunity to ask him a few questions about his first book for kids, Kitt Pirate: Snaggletooth's Treasure (Thunder Peak Publishing, August 2011 print and ebook editions).

Since you're writing for children ages 9-12, tell us a little about what you were like as a child.

I grew up in the foothills of the Black Forest in Germany. It is a very rural and outdoorsy area that used to get completely snowed in during winters. So, I spent most of my summers hiking and adventuring in the forests, trying to learn more about the animal and plant life of the area, while also discovering and exploring caves and forgotten ancient ruins, some of which were still leftovers from the Roman Empire some 2000 years ago.

Photo courtesy Ben Oliver

My father instilled a love for books in me. He's always been a big reader himself, and during the cold winter months I would always spend a lot my free time reading.

Who was your favorite author as a child? What genre did you prefer?

When I was a child I loved adventure stories and mysteries. I remember that I was fascinated by the books of Jules Verne and his fantastic stories, like "Journey to the Center of the Earth" or "20,000 Leagues under the Sea".

I was also a big fan of a book series called "The Three Investigators" by Robert Arthur, which is a bit like "The Hardy Boys." This series got me interested in mysteries, and as I grew older I began to devour Agatha Christie's entire body of detective mysteries.

What was your inspiration for Kitt Pirate?

While my son, Lucas, went through elementary school I often helped in his school's library, something I enjoyed tremendously. There, I saw a lot of great books and stories and liked the idea of chapter books. I read a lot of Mary Pope-Osbourne's "Magic Treehouse" stories and liked the concept of short books that were adventurous and easy enough to be read by young readers without intimidating them.

One day, while seeing my son in his Halloween pirate costume, I thought to myself that stories about a young pirate captain who faces all sorts of adventures could actually be very interesting. And so, Kitt Pirate was essentially born.

Is this your first book? How long did it take to write Kitt Pirate?

Kitt Pirate is not my first book, although it is the first book I wrote for children. I have actually written ten more books that I published under a different name.

Writing Kitt Pirate did not take very long, two or three weeks, perhaps, but polishing it took a long time. When I first write a story, I usually just write things as they come to my mind. I do not worry about style or grammar too much. For me it is important to get my thoughts and the story into the computer before my ideas are lost.

Then I go through the book over and over again, and look at it from different points of view. I will read it and check only to see if the story flows properly, or if there are gaps that I need to fill. Then I will read it again and look only for word repetitions, for example, to make sure the writing stays interesting through the entire book. Then on another pass I will look at my sentences and make sure the grammar is good, and that sentences are not too long and that they are easy to understand. During another read I will look out for verbs, and in every sentence I will ask myself if there is a verb that may be stronger, that may say what I am trying to say better than the one I first wrote.

This takes a lot of time but with every step you can see the story get better until in the end I have a story that I feel is as good as it can be.

What are your plans for Kitt Pirate? Will he be back in more adventures?

I do have a number of more ideas for exciting adventures that Kitt and his crew could face but I have not started writing any of them yet. I am sure, however, that sometime soon, Kitt will come knocking on my door and tell me to get going. I am sure he won't be too happy to be the star of only one story, even if it is a mighty cool one.

Review: The Prairie Pet by Stacey Laura Lloyd

The Prairie Pet by Stacey Laura Lloyd. A Hospital Critterz Book.

Strategic Media Group
Publication Date: January 2011
List Price: $6.95
ISBN-13: 9780982415702

Review: If you ever want to make a friend just draw one. See how some drawings with the help of some magic markers bring two people together for a worthwhile cause. The Prairie Pet written by Stacy Laura Lloyd is a book full of adventure with many surprises written for kids 8-10. It is a fantasy book of a lifetime. This is the first book in the Hospital Critterz series and it is filled with a lot of excitement and will keep readers interested throughout the whole book.

In The Prairie Pet, Lily and Max are patients in McPoppers Children's Hospital, but they are anything but friends. However Lily still keeps trying. She starts drawing pictures for Max. Max doesn't like them in the beginning and tells her never to come in his room. But then one night she is awakened by something strange. She realizes that there may be a little magic in the hospital. Will this realization bring Max and Lily together for an adventure?

Stacey Laura Lloyd is a great author who writes amazing books. I can't wait for any future books she might write. If I could make a list of the 100 best books this would be in the top ten. I hope she writes more books in the Hospital Critterz series so the world can have even more joy from her writing. I kept on looking at the note that said the riddle, "A farmer gets food straight from his land, and sometimes he needs a helping hand. But what do you do when a farmer is low? Dig deep inside you and something will grow." That quote had an impact on me because it is saying that everyone is special and anything is possible if you put your heart to it. Lily is a person everybody would want to be because she is pleasant, smart, and is always working for a better cause. She is somebody a lot of people can relate to. It is a good book to read at night because it leaves readers filled with positive thoughts. It is also a very relaxing book to most readers. This has little bit of each genre, but it is mostly fantasy. Any age group can enjoy this book full of surprises. If you like food and life then you will love this book. It is a cute story that will touch the hearts of anyone who reads it. I rate it five stars because this book blew my mind and will blow yours. If I was in a hospital and I read this book I would feel a lot safer and less afraid.

Review written by Joseph (6th grade student).

We would like to thank Raab Associates for providing a copy of The Prairie Pet for this review.

Have you read The Prairie Pet? How would you rate it?

Book Trends Welcomes Author Stacey Laura Lloyd: A Student Interview

Sixth grade student Joseph recently had the opportunity to ask Stacey Laura Lloyd, author of a new series of "Hospital Critterz" books, a few questions about her work. The first book in the series, The Prairie Pet (Strategic Media Group, January 2011 print and ebook editions), introduces Lily and Max, two eight-year-old patients at McPopper Children's Hospital, and their magical friends, the Hospital Critterz.

Photo courtesy Stacey Laura Lloyd

1. Did you pick the Old West setting and why did you pick it?

I picked the Old West because it’s an interesting time in American history, and I enjoyed incorporating new characters like Caleb and Tiny, as well as fun facts about farming, plowing, Buffalo Bill, and even buffalos!

2. How did you come up with the plot?

I wanted readers to go on an adventure with Lily, Max, and the Hospital Critterz that was full of excitement, riddles, humor, and fun. I also wanted to introduce readers to different characters and situations that they may not be familiar with, namely those in the hospital setting and on the prairie in the late 1800s.

3. When did you decide to be an author?

I have enjoyed writing ever since I was little. My mom is a children’s librarian and my dad is an author of business books, so I was always reading and writing. I also had wonderful teachers who encouraged me to write and instilled in me a love for books!

4. Who did you write this book specifically for?

Hospital Critterz: The Prairie Pet is for children ages 6-10, and the book speaks to young readers in many different ways. First, it’s an entertaining adventure with an exciting storyline and fun-loving characters that children enjoy. The book also helps ease children’s fears that they may have about the healthcare environment. And for children who are hospitalized, the book enables them to connect with Lily and Max on a deeper level because they share similar experiences, emotions, and surroundings.

5. When did you first meet Mike Singer?

I first met Mike Singer, the visionary behind the Hospital Critterz series, a couple of years ago, and I was truly inspired by his creativity, drive, and passion!