Packing for Mars: the curious science of life in the void by Mary Roach

Stomach turning at some points but Packing for Mars: curious science of life in the void by Mary Roach is very fascinating.  Humor (the intelligent kind) is here, too!

Nutshell:  The inner workings of NASA and how they’re preparing for Mars (and have been for quite some time.)  From myths which seem real to realities that seem fantastical, this book has it!

 

A         [Information A; Flow/Organization A+; Usefulness B+]

Genre/Subject: Adult Nonfiction/Mars; Science

Are You Smart Enough to Work at Google?: trick questions, zen-like riddles, insanely difficult puzzles, and other devious interviewing techniques you need to know to get a job in the new economy by William Poundstone: Adult Nonfiction

Although the riddles are a good thing to know, what I appreciated more was why they are good to know.  What do companies hope to see when they give these strange questions; what underlying motivation should I be working towards?

Nutshell: From hazings to randomly absurd questions, the balance of power has shifted to the hirers rather than the hirees.  A heads up on what you might find when looking for employment…

A+       [Information A; Flow/Organization A+; Usefulness A+]

Genre/Subject: Nonfiction/Interviews

Dragon’s Breath by E. D. Baker: Teen Fiction

Lighthearted with a few surprise twists, Dragon’s Breath by E. D. Baker is the second in the Tales of the Frog Princess.  This is a great tale about being a friend and being yourself. 

Nutshell:  To save the kingdom, Emma goes on a quest to turn her aunt’s long lost love human again.  An added twist in her adventure: when Emma hiccups, she transforms between human and frog!  Along the way she meets new friends and some new enemies too.

B+       [Story/Plot B; Characters B; Content A; Setting B+]

Genre/Subject: Fiction/Fantasy

Additional Note: Tales of the Frog Princess: Book 2; AR Level 5.3

The Frog Princess by E. D. Baker: Teen Fiction

Lighthearted with a simple story line, The Frog Princess by E. D. Baker is the fun tale that inspired “The Princess and the Frog” movie. 

Nutshell:  An unusual princess is turned into a frog when she kisses a frog she finds in the swamp.  Now the adventure really begins when she goes on a quest to turn human again.

B+       [Story/Plot B; Characters B; Content A; Setting B+]

Genre/Subject: Fiction/Fantasy

Additional Note: Tales of the Frog Princess: Book 1; AR Level 4.8

Starlighter by Bryan Davis: Teen Fiction

I actually liked Starlighter by Bryan Davis.  Normally, fiction from Christian publishing houses is sub-par, but this one actually has a great plot, characters, and pace.  I am pleasantly surprised.

Nutshell: Stories of dragons kidnapping people and carrying them to another world have been circulating for hundreds of years.  Now, with new information, a band of four try to find and bring back the Lost Ones.

A+       [Story/Plot A+; Characters A+; Content A+; Setting A+]

Genre/Subject: Fiction/Fantasy

Additional Note: AR Level 5.3

The Tale of Despereaux: being the story of a mouse, a princess, some soup, and a spool of thread by Kate DiCamillo: Child Fiction

Like most well done children’s books, The Tale of Despereaux: being the story of a mouse, a princess, some soup, and a spool of thread by Kate DiCamillo is saturated with real-world truths to learn from.  Dicamillo tells this story in second person perspective and draws the reader in throughout.  It’s rather enjoyable.

Nutshell:  A little mouse allows the princess to see him, and then he even talks to her!  The rest of the mice sentence him to life (a very short one) in the dungeon where the rats live.  To the characters’ surprise, his story doesn’t end there...

A+       [Story/Plot A+; Characters A; Content A+; Setting A]

Genre/Subject: Fiction/Fantasy; Animals

Additional Note: Newbery Award Winner: 2004; AR Level 4.7

Player’s Ruse by Hilari Bell: Teen Fiction

Even less language and more excitement (pirates!), Player’s Ruse by Hilari Bell is the best yet in this series!  Plus, the two main characters still switch first person perspective as in the previous two books, and it works quite well for the story development.

Nutshell: Sir Michel’s childhood crush has run off and joined a traveling troupe.  While trying to find and prevent her from marrying one of the cast members, Sir Michel and his squire Fisk discover a band of pirates has been plaguing the coast.

A+       [Story/Plot A+; Characters A+; Content A-; Setting A]

Genre/Subject: Fiction/Fantasy

Additional Note: A Knight and Rogue Novel: Book 3; AR Level 6.1