Toning The Sweep by Angela Johnson

I loved the characters in "Toning The Sweep" by Angela Johnson. There is Emmie, the main character. She is visiting her Grandma Ola in the California desert. She and her mom have come all the way from Alabama. Oddly, Ola's daughter, Diane, does not get along with her mother. When both of these women are in the same room, there is tension due to past emotional pain. Emmie finds no problem with Ola. She love her and likes identifying with her by wearing her hats and scarfs. She also slowly drives Ola's car out of the drive with the hood down feeling the desert wind around her. Another way for just a moment to pretend she is her Grandmother. Soon, Emmie begins to take pictures with a camera than a camcorder. She listens and watches Ola and the aunts talk about mundane or important happenings in their lives. Emmie has a good time. She also learns a lot about life like all pain can not be cured with a bandaide. Some pain hurts so badly people take pills. She also thinks about her grandfather. Her grandfather is no longer living. This causes her to think and and talk to her friend, David, about ancestors, rituals, etc. There is so much in this small book. I loved it.

Down The Rabbit Hole by Peter Abrahams

I love the title "Down The Rabbit Hole" by Peter Abrahams. It proved the perfect title because throughout the mystery students and some of the people in the town are practicing a play. The play is "Alice in Wonderland." Ingrid is one of the stars in the play along with Chloe, a girl who just makes Ingrid's stomach turn with nausea. Thank goodness Ingrid can play soccer to get her mind away from all the problems that seem to shoot out of nowhere after she meets up with Cracked-Up Katie. Also, Ingrid's love for Sherlock Holmes comes in handy too. It's not long before murder happens in Echo Falls. I loved the way the mystery tied in with old black and white movies. Barbara Stanwyck's name comes up more than once during the course of the story. I wanted to head out to Blockbuster and get some of the old films I hadn't seen or watch others again. I also loved learning more about this person named Cracked-Up Katie. Learning about her proved to me every person has a story to tell. I think some person once said we're walking novels, all of us. Ingrid is in the eighth grade. Boy, she's curious and not afraid to try and figure out what's going on around her. There is a huge estate named Prescott Hall. This place just added to the atmosphere. As Ingrid winds her way throughout town, going in empty houses, finding a dog to keep named Nigel, a huge cat, and meeting odd people the solution begins to unwind like old tapes thrown away in a bag. Near the end the story creeped me out. Of course, I'm easy to get spooked. By the way, Stephen King recommends "Down The Rabbit Hole" by Peter Abrahams. I loved this YA mystery too. I look forward to going back to Echo Falls or somewhere else with Peter Abrahams again in another book.

Vogelein Clockwork Faerie

Vogelein is a Young Adult Graphic novel. As a matter of fact, Vogelein-Clockwork Faerie is one of Booklist's top ten Graphic Novels for 2003. It's the first Graphic novel I've ever read. I was quite impressed. Vogelein is a faerie created by a kind man named Heinrich. He lives in Germany. Since her creation, Vogelein has traveled far and wide making many new friends and one particularly angry enemy. He hates "fir" meaning man. Vogelein is very sad. Fortunately, her friends give her ways to cope with the permanent state of her life like "if it won't kill you, it will only make you stronger." The book is well put together with great illustrations, beautiful poems written by Yeats, Waltman and even Martin Luther King. There is a glossary and so much helpful material in this book making your journey with Vogelein more fun. You won't forget Vogelein. As a matter of fact, I hope to meet up with her again in other books by the authors.

Vogelein Old Ghosts by Jane Irwin

Vogelein Old Ghosts by Jane Irwin is the second book in the Vogelein series. Although Vogelein is a fairy dependent on guardians for her life and care, she is strong and kind. Long after her guardians have passed from her life for one reason or another Vogelein continues to remember each one. In this one "old ghosts" cause Vogelein day and nightly insomnia. Who of us hasn't wondered whether we have done all we could for a dear friend, a friend who always thought of our well being first before their welfare. This is a wonderful Young Adult Graphic comic. There are so many important issues in the book. To me, learning about the life of the Romana really gave the book depth. This group of people, along with other groups of people, have grappled with many stereotypes. Usually, stereotypes grow where there is a lack of basic facts. I think we use stereotypes to cover our lack of knowledge. Jane Irwin really has written a good book. Vogelein has become my friend.

Lost by Chris Kreie

Wow! Chris Kreie made me feel like I was really on a camping trip up in Minnesota. This is a powerful story of survival. Eric and Cris are allowed by Eric's dad to take their canoes onto the lake. Little do they know that their trip is going to be long, rough and tough. There are so many obstacles along the way. I don't want to tell what kind of obstacles. That way you will feel the same surprise and shock as I did while reading this Graphic novel. This book is great for summer reading or for anytime. I thought about young people reading it. I feel they would turn the pages faster than I turned the pages. It shows young boys not giving up when all the outdoor elements seem to be against them. I liked the way "Lost" portrayed a strong father figure too. One who is putting love in action. The illustrations are wonderful. Marcus Smith did a great job. The colors are bright making the pictures more exciting. The artist showed extreme expressions on the faces of the characters. Well, I'm going to rest. I've had a real adventure.