The Inquisitor's Tale by Adam Gidwitz

Summary: 

The subtitle of this book is Or, The Three Magical Children and Their Holy Dog, which pretty much is an accurate depiction of the premise behind Gidwitz's novel. The Inquisitor's Tale is comprised of excerpts told by a somewhat extreme cast of characters who all contribute what they know to the overall bigger story of three "saints," as they are often referred to by the storytellers and their reincarnated (or resurrected) saint of a dog, Gwenforte. The unlikely trio of acquaintances turned friends is William, a dark-skinned boy educated in the monastery, Jeanne, a young girl with gifts that allow her to predict some of life's more scary happenings, and Jacob, a Jew whose village was burned down. These friends embark on a wild, crazy journey filled with action, a farting dragon, giants, witch hunts, and more. Find out what happens when you check out The Inquisitor's Tale by Adam Gidwitz today, available in your library and on Overdrive as an audio book today!

Personal Reflections:

I found this story to be a humorous tale in true Canterbury Tales fashion, although I will have it noted that the story line was completely different. I liked how all of the pieces of the story seemed to come together in the end. I'll admit I found myself wondering exactly when and how this would happen at times. I listened to the book on Overdrive and really enjoyed the cast of characters who performed the reading. It was more like listening to a play than listening to an audio book. Very well read. The most humorous part had to do with the farting dragon, whom Jacob was commissioned to "heal" from sickness, which turned out to be smelly farts that killed (or knocked out) upon contact. I think Gidwitz showed his creativity and boyishness with that part. Overall, I would give it four out of five stars, as some parts were a little on the let's-get-to-the-point side. Still, I'd count it a worthwhile read. Check it out at your library! 

The Key to Extraordinary by Natalie Lloyd

Summary:

A perfect fall story complete with adventure, mystery, friendship, potential treasure, and ghosts? The Key to Extraordinary by Natalie Lloyd has it all! Emma Pearl is a 12 year old girl being raised by her semi-crazy, former-boxer grandmother, Blue, in a house with a downstairs cafe and a graveyard for a backyard. Prior to her death, Emma Pearl's mother presented her with the Book of Days, an old book filled with stories from her ancestors, all of whom dreamed of blue flowers in a field that contained an exciting destiny. Emma knows she is set to have the "destiny dream" at a young age. Her time is typically spent in the cafe with her brother, Topher, or giving graveyard tours to the townsfolk of Blackbird Hollow. When she finally has the destiny dream, she knows it is up to her to save the cafe by finding the phantom treasure she's heard about all her life. Teaming up with her best friend, Cody Belle, and her new friend, Earl Chance, Emma Pearl will encounter mysterious telling vines that just might contain the voices of the dearly departed, interpret the meaning of her mysterious destiny, make a new friend, and learn more about the ghosts in their town than they ever dreamed. Find out if Emma Pearl and her friends find the treasure and save the beloved cafe from Warren Steel and his minions when you pick up The Key to Extraordinary by Natalie Lloyd, available in your library and on Overdrive as an audio book.

Personal Reflections:

I really enjoyed listening to this book. The reader did an excellent job portraying a young, Southern girl. The book had elements of magic, great imagery, and believable characters. The only thing missing was a cup of Boneyard Brew sitting in front of me! My favorite part was when Emma Pearl, Earl Chance, and Cody Bell were heading down a hill and ended up sliding down a muddy trek. The book was humorous but serious - depicting the many attributes of small-town life and the adventures three young friends create. I think most middle school students would enjoy The Key to Extraordinary by Natalie Lloyd. 

Moo by Sharon Creech

Summary:

Sharon Creech writes a novel in poetic verse about two young kids, Reena and Luke, who move to Maine with their parents and make a very unlikely friend. When the brother and sister are volunteered by their parents to help out the elderly Mrs. Falala, they are more than reluctant at first. To begin with, Reena recalls a number of times when she was volunteered to do something and found herself regretting her obedience. Second, Mrs. Falala is mean! She tells Luke to stop sucking his thumb! Then, the "chores" they were supposed to do seemed way too difficult! They knew nothing about cows, but they were expected to clean up after, groom, and eventually show one at the county fair! And, Zora, the cow, mooed really loudly every time they came near her and refused to follow Reena into the pen. How can they achieve the impossible task of convincing a stubborn cow to do what she's told? 

There's no getting out of it, though, and what ensues is a beautiful lesson about the benefits and joy of hard work and what happens when first impressions are not always accurate. Find out what happens at the county fair and if the kids and Zora can ever get past their differences when you pick up Moo by Sharon Creech today!

Personal Reflections:

I've always been extremely fond of poetry of almost any kind, so verse novels in particular draw me in almost always immediately. Whereas this novel has segments that are more prose in nature, the flow is really quite beautiful. Moo is a fast read - with short chapters and a story line that's easy to follow. I love the simplicity of the story, although the much deeper meaning behind it is what makes it great. Creech is known also for her other verse novels, Love That Dog and Hate That Cat, both of which are popular reads in my library. Moo is recommended for upper elementary through middle school. I think people of all ages can appreciate, though. Check it out!