"Little Eyes" by Smanta Schweblin is a Strange One!

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In Little Eyes by Samanta Schweblin people buy a Kentuki to keep them company.  It’s like a robot pet, but not all of them follow the wishes of their owners.  I thought this was pretty good.  It went to different people so I never knew what was going to happen next.  (Gerard's review, 4 stars)

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My Weird School I Can Read! Series (Level 2—Reading With Help) by Dan Gutman

All the books in this series have large colorful pictures that little kids would enjoy with very little reading.  They are very short but are great for young readers. 

 Goes to the Museum

AJ and Andrea get to go on a field trip to the museum.  Although AJ is the one who usually gets into trouble, on this trip Andrea is the one who causes trouble.  It’s a cute story.

 Class Pet Mess!

The class votes on what pet to get for their class and snake wins.  This is pretty funny and also gives some interesting information about hognose snakes.

 Talent Show Mix-Up

The class is having a talent show and AJ doesn’t know what to do.  His talents really aren’t things he can do in a classroom.  He signs up last hoping to think of something.  It’s his teacher who recognizes his talent.

 Teamwork Trouble

Ryan is forming a curling team.  AJ says he wants to be on it, but Ryan already has enough.  When one of his players gets hurt, AJ comes in to replace him, but can AJ and Andrea play together without fighting?

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"Dr. Brad Has Gone Mad!" by Dan Gutman (My Weird School Daze #7)

Dr. Brad Has Gone Mad! by Dan Gutman is about a counselor who does some testing on AJ to see if he is a genius and should be transferred to a different school for the gifted and talented.  Of course, AJ does not want to change schools.  He faked being hypnotized and later tried hypnotizing Andrea.  Things went really crazy from there.  

This book was okay, but did not enjoy it as much as the others by this author.  It didn't seem as believable so wasn't as funny.  (Karen's review, 2 stars)

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"Don't Tell A Soul" by Kirsten Miller

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In Don’t Tell a Soul by Kirsten Miller, Bram needs to go to a new place.  The trouble is that the place she decides to go to is haunted, or so they say.  Gram does not believe in ghosts.  I thought this book was very good.  I loved the story line because it kept me engaged through the whole book and Bram was a good character.  (Gerard's review, 5 stars)

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Found a Funny Children's Book Author!

I happened to choose a kid's book from our free library and discovered a new author for me--Dan Gutman. I Enjoyed MISS DAISY IS CRAZY so much that I ordered all the Dan Gutman books I could get from the library (39)! They are quick reads and funny! They are aimed at 6 to10-year-olds but I think any elementary child would enjoy them. If you want a laugh, go read one of his books! They make me laugh out loud!

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"Coach Hyatt Is a Riot!" by Dan Gutman

Coach Hyatt Is a Riot! by Dan Gutman is about AJ's Pee Wee football team.  The new coach is a woman and does some goofy things.  Her son is on the team but just stands around picking his nose all the time.  Some girls make up some cheers, which are super corny, and the coach even adds a the girl AJ hates to the team!  I think girls would enjoy this one more than boys, even though it is about football.  I liked it all right, but didn't think it was as funny as others I have read by this author in the "My Weird School" series.  (Karen's review, 3 stars)

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"Ms. Hannah Is Bananas!" by Dan Gutman

Ms. Hannah Is Bananas! by Dan Gutman is book 4 in the "My Weird School" series.  This one is about the art teacher who says "Art is everywhere."  The animosity between AJ and Andrea is really funny and I enjoyed this book as well as the others in this series that I have read so far.  The ending of this book made me laugh out loud, it was hilarious.  I think elementary children would like this one.  (Karen's review, 4 stars)

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"I'll Never Tell" by Catherine McKenzie

In I'll Never Tell by Catherine McKenzie, five children from the same family are all grown up.  It has been 20 years since a young girl was found dead at a camp run by the family.  Their parents are both dead, but before the children can do anything with the camp and the land it is on, they must solve who killed that girl.

I enjoyed this book very much because of the good story line and characters.  It kept my interest all the way through.  (Gerard's review, 5+ stars) 

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"Mr. Hynde Is Out of His Mind" by Dan Gutman

Mr. Hynde is Out of His Mind by Dan Gutman is Book 6 in "My Weird School" series.  This one is about a new music teacher who gets the kids moving and uses rap which is very different from what the kids were used to.  Most kids like him, a few do not.  The kids get a big surprise when the principle tells the teachers to turn on their TVs in the classrooms.

I enjoyed this book too, but not quite as much as Miss Daisy is Crazy.  I laughed at some of the dialog and recommend this for elementary children.    (Karen's review, 4 stars)

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"Lock Every Door" by Riley Sager

In Lock Every Door by Riley Sager, Jules has a job as an apartment sitter at one of the most high profile buildings in Manhattan.  Jules hears about the building's bad history but brushes it off until her friend turns up missing.  This book was okay for me.  It has a good ending, but needed more action.  I wasn't that impressed with the storyline in general.  (Gerard's review, 4 stars)

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"Miss Daisy Is Crazy!" by Dan Gutman (Book 1 of My Weird School Series)

Miss Daisy is Crazy! by Dan Gutman is the first in the Weird School Series.  This is a funny read that I really enjoyed, even though it is a children's book.  It's about A.J. who hates school and his 2nd grade teacher, Miss Daisy who says she hates school too!  This is the first book I read by this author and look forward to reading more.  It is a quick read and good for a laugh.  I think this is a great series for younger grades.  (Karen's review, 5 stars)  

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"Alone Yet Not Alone" by Tracy Leininger Craven

Alone Yet Not Alone by Tracy Leininger Craven is the story about the faith of two sisters who were captured by Indians during the French and Indian War.  Barbara and Regina are just young girls when they get captured after the Indians killed their father and a brother.  Although they stick together, they are separated and find themselves in two different tribes, being raised to become Indian squaws.  They keep their faith and hope to be reunited with each other and what's left of their family one day.

I liked the book because there is a lot of action in it and adventure.  It moves along quickly and is a fast read.  (Karen's review, 4 stars)  

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"The One" by John Marrs

In The One by John Marrs, five people take a DNA test hoping they will be matched with the perfect person for them.  They are all notified that the perfect match for them has been made--let the fun begin!  I thought this book was really good.  Loved all the characters and the five storylines to keep things interesting.  There is always something going on!  I LOVED IT!  (Gerard's review, 5++ stars)

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"Dark Horses" by Susan Mihalic

In Dark Horses by Susan Mihalic, Roan, 15-yr-old girl, has a love for riding horses in shows.  She wants to be in the Olympics like her dad who won a bunch of medals and now oversees Roan's training.  However, when a boy moves into the picture, things get complicated!  If you enjoyed V. C. Andrews' old books, this is for you.  I did and got through this one quickly!  It has a good storyline, interesting characters and the ending was one for the books!  (Gerard's review, 5 stars)

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"Insomnia" by Sarah Pinborough

In Insomnia by Sarah Pinborough, Emma's 40th birthday is coming soon.  She has been dreading this day for a long time.  Why? you ask.  You will have to read the book to find out!  I thought this book was very good.  Emma is a great character and I never knew what was going to happen next!  I loved the ending too!  (Gerard's review, 5++ stars)  

Insomnia by Sarah Pinborough left me in a fog sort of.  The story line was so far out that I felt I wasted my time reading it.  The whole plot is about whether Emma is crazy and paranoid or not.  This book has an elaborate storyline that I felt moved too slowly.  I felt sorry for Emma but didn't think much of her husband.  There is some good action near the end and things do pick up so I didn't hate it.  I didn't really like the ending all that much, but was okay with it and glad everything was explained.  I do think it would make for an interesting book club discussion.  (Karen's review, 3 stars)

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"He Started It" by Samantha Downing

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In He Started It by Samantha Downing, grown up children from the same family have to take a long road trip because there is a huge amount of money waiting.  Will they play nice and all make it to the end?  This is a good easy read with short chapters, good storyline and a great ending!  (Gerard's review, 5 stars)

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"Who Is Maud Dixon?" by Alexandra Andrews

In Who is Maud Dixon? by Alexandra Andrews, Florence has always been in the background.  When she gets a chance to work with a famous writer who does not reveal her identity, she jumps at the chance.  When an accident occurs, Florence gets a chance to be a star.  Can she handle it?  This is a good book with good characters and a great second half.  (Gerard's review, 5 stars)

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"Reckless Girls" by Rachel Hawkins

In Reckless Girls by Rachel Hawkins, six people take off on an vacation to an island paradise.  After a while, one person goes missing and another one is found dead!  What is going on?  Will the final four survive?  This book is okay.  The good story line kept me reading; however, none of the characters were really likeable.  I feel this needed more action, but I did stick with it.  (Gerard's review, 4 stars)

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"The Secret Life of the Sea Otter" by Laurence Pringle

The Secret Life of the Sea Otter by Laurence Pringle is a children's book containing lots of full page pictures and facts about sea otters.  I did learn some things about sea otters that I didn't already know; however, it read like a school report rather than like a story.  I expected it to be more of a story with the facts coming through more in story form.  (Karen's review, 3 stars)

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Loved "Nine Lives" by Peter Swanson

Nine Lives by Peter Swanson is about nine people who receive a note in their mailbox.  It had nine names on it including their own!  They all do not think much about it.  Some call it junk mail, are they right or are they dead wrong???

I thought this was really good!  The author did a great job with the storyline with a very interesting ending.  I LOVED IT!  (Gerard's review, 5+ stars)

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"The Maid" by Nita Prose is a Good One!

In The Maid by Nita Prose, Molly works as a maid at a grand hotel.  She loves her job and does it very well.  One day while doing her cleaning, she comes across a dead body of a man in one of the suites.  The police investigate, but Molly knows more than she lets on.  Is she in danger?  I loved Molly the Maid!  She is a great character with a good storyline and a very good ending.  (Gerard's review, 5+ stars)

Karen's review:

The Maid by Nita Prose is a good story about Molly the maid who finds a dead body in one of the hotel rooms she is assigned to clean.  She is a very good maid but has trouble in social settings and discerning people's intentions.  It's hard not to root for Molly when she becomes a suspect in the murder of Mr. Black.  I enjoyed this book because I liked Molly, the nuggets of advice from her grandmother and the storyline.  I loved the ending!  (Karen's review, 5 stars)

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"A Slow Fire Burning" by Paula Hawkins is a Murder Mystery

In A Slow fire Burning by Paula Hawkins, a young man is found dead on a houseboat and Laura, Carla and Miriam are the suspects.  I enjoyed all three of the main characters.  It has a good storyline and the last 100 or so pages were the best!  (Gerard's review, 5 stars)

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"Dog Friendly" by Victoria Schade

In Dog Friendly by Victoria Schade, Morgan, a dog vet in need of a vacation, jumps at the chance to go to a vacation spot to dog sit.  Things are going well when she sees a handsome guy.  Do things get better or take a turn for the worse?  This novel reminded me of a Hallmark movie.  It is an enjoyable, light, happy, predictable read.  I loved the dog parts in this book and give it 5 stars.  It served as a nice break from the thrillers I've been reading lately.  (Gerard's review) 

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"The Island" by Adrian McKinty is Going to be a Series on Hulu

I cannot say too much about The Island by Adrian McKinty without giving too much away.  I can tell you it is about a family vacation gone very badly!  This is full of action which I liked!  The story line is good and I enjoyed all of the characters.  It is going to be a series on Hulu so that should tell you how good this book is!  Highly recommended!  (Gerard's review, 5++ stars)

Karen's review:

The Island by Adrian McKinty is a thriller right from the start!  This is about a family vacation to Australia that turns into a nightmare!  This is about how the stepmom, Heather, fights for her life and tries to protect Owen and Olivia, her children.  This is a wild one that kept my interest.  Besides the adventure and fight to survive, I also enjoyed how Heather's relationship with her children improved along the way.  At times, it was hard to put down!  (Karen's review, 5 stars)

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"The Displacements" by Bruce Holsinger

The Displacements by Bruce Holsinger is about a family who is living the good life, real good!  However, a hurricane changes everything and now they will have to learn how to survive without all the good things they took for granted.  I enjoyed this book because I liked all the family members and the ending.  (Gerard's review, 5 stars)

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"One Step Too Far" by Lisa Gardner

One Step Too Far by Lisa Gardner is about a search in the woods of Wyoming for the body of Timothy O'Day who went missing years ago and was never found.  Frankie Elkin looks for missing people so when she saw an article that Tim's father is organizing another search for his son, she decides to offer her help and joins up with the search.  Tim disappeared from his camping trip bachelor party when he went after one of his groomsmen.  It became obvious that someone did not want the search party to continue and things started happening to stop them.  They came to realize their lives were in danger!

This book is a thriller that only got good in the last third.  I found myself plowing through the first part of the book which had very little action.  I think campers and hikers would love this but for me, it just moved too slowly.  I liked Frankie, the main character, and how she tried to get to know the strangers she was joining up with to search.  I'm glad I stuck it out because the last part was very good.  (Karen's review, 3 stars) 

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"Hawk Mountain" by Conner Habib

In Hawk Mountain by Conner Habib, Todd is at a beach relaxing with his son.  He sees a man coming toward his son and cannot believe his eyes.  It is Jack, who made his life hell in his high school years.  It has been 15 years since he last saw Jack.  What is going on?  

I thought this book was good. I liked the story line and the characters.  It kept me turning pages for sure!  (Gerard's review, 5 stars)

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"The Children on the Hill" by Jennifer McMahon

In The Children on the Hill by Jennifer McMahon, in 1978 a young boy and girl are introduced to a young girl who does not talk.  They are told to get along with this girl.  They start a monster club to hunt them down.  When it's 2019, a monster has been sighted.  Lizzy, who hosts a popular show about monsters, is coming to hunt this one down.  This was a great book!  I loved the characters and story line as well as the great ending!  (Gerard's review, 5++ stars)

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"The Puppet's Payback and Other Chilling Tales" by Mary Downing Hahn

The Puppet's Payback and Other Chilling Tales by Mary Downing Hahn is a collection of short stories for middle school kids.  I enjoyed these stories myself.  Some are ghost stories.  (Gerard's review, 5 stars)

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"Girl A" by Abigail Dean

Girl A by Abigail Dean is a hard book to read.  It is based on a true story of parents who treated their kids in a bad way.  It jumps back and forth in time a lot!  It is told by each child which makes it very interesting.  When both parents are dead, it is time to move on, but who can and who cannot?  I forgot I read this one before so this is the second time I've read it!  (Gerard's review, 5 stars)

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"Upgrade" by Blake Crouch

In Upgrade by Blake Crouch, Logan is feeling really good.  He sees things in sharper focus and he cannot pinpoint what it is.  Truth is, he has been upgraded for a purpose.  Other people are dying at an alarming rate!  What is going on?  Can Logan stop it?  I thought this book was really good, especially parts 2 and 3; and Logan was a great character!  (Gerard's review, 5 stars)

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"Girl in Snow" by Danya Kukafka

In Girl in Snow by Danya Kukafka, a young teen girl is found murdered in a small town.  This novel is told by three people.  Cameron, a young boy who people say was stalking the girl; Jade, a girl who went to the same high school and interacted with the victim; and Russ, a cop who is looking for the killer.  I thought this book was good!  It had good flow and the characters were interesting to say the least.  (Gerard's review, 5 stars)

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"Breathless" by Amy McCulloch

In Breathless by Amy McCulloch, Cecily has a life changing moment, but to do it, she will have to climb up to the 8th highest peak in the world and interview the best mountain climber in the world.  She thinks she is ready, but as people start to fall by the wayside, she is worried about her own life!  I thought this book was pretty good.  I learned a lot about mountain climbing.  The storyline was good with an exciting ending.  (Gerard's review, 4 stars)

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"Outsider" by Linda Castillo

The Outsider by Linda Castillo is about Gina, a dirty cop hiding out at an Amish man's farm putting him and his children in danger.  Her fellow dirty cops are after her because they believe she has a large amount of money taken from a bust and no longer trust her.  She once was a close friend of Kate Burkholder, the chief of police in the Amish community so asks the Amish man to get her to come.  Kate the only one she can trust.  

This book is pretty good.  It kept me wondering if Gina was going to get killed, escape, restore her friendship with Kate, or be sent to jail.  I also liked the predicament Kate was in from an ethical standpoint and how she kept wondering how best to help Gina.  When old memories came back, she analyzed how things could have been done differently.  (Karen's review, 4 stars)

Gerard's review:
In Outsider by Linda Castillo, Gina is a cop who was partners with Kate Burkholder and best friend at the police academy.  Gina is running for her life and hiding on an Amish farm.  Kate is not sure she can trust her because of Gina's dark past.  This was pretty good.  The storyline kept me engaged and it has an action-packed ending that I liked.  This is a light read that does not require much thinking.  (4 stars)  

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"Book of Night" by Holly Black

In Book of Night by Holly Black, Charlie has made a lot of bad decisions but is trying to turn her life around.  When she finds out that her boyfriend has been keeping things from her, things get worse.  Charlie has one shot to turn things around, but can she?  This book was pretty good.  Carlie was a good character but it needed more action.  (Gerard's review, 4 stars)

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"The Golden Couple" by Greer Hendricks and Sarah Pekkanen

In The Golden Couple by Greer Hendricks and Sarah Pekkanen, Marissa and Michael are having problems in their marriage.  Marissa decides that a therapist will solve their troubles.  The therapist has problems of her own.  Will these three be able to come up with a solution or will matters get worse?  All three are keeping secrets.  

This book is really good!  I loved the characters and the story line.  I highly recommend it!  (Gerard's review, 5++ stars)

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