Category Archives: Book Reviews

Monday Book Review: The Captive Maiden by Melanie Dickerson

Posted on January 6, 2014 by AJ Cattapan

Time for the first book review of 2014! And I’m pleased to be talking about Melanie Dickerson‘s The Captive Maiden, an imaginative re-telling of the Cinderella story. As you may know, versions of the Cinderella have been around for centuries … Continue reading →

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Monday Book Review: Allegiant by Veronica Roth

Posted on November 11, 2013 by AJ Cattapan

Just over a year ago, I wrote a review of Divergent, the bestselling YA dystopian book by Veronica Roth. I also included my hopes for what the finale in the trilogy would be like. Now that the finale’s out, it’s … Continue reading →

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Monday Book Review: A Tale Dark and Grimm by Adam Gidwitz

Posted on October 21, 2013 by AJ Cattapan

Fairy tale re-makes abound these days. Here’s one that captured the attention of almost my entire sixth grade class this past summer. Although they all loved it, the first warning they gave me was, “It’s bloody!” So I figured it’s … Continue reading →

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Monday Book Review: On the Day I Died by Candace Fleming

Posted on October 14, 2013 by AJ Cattapan

Looking for a great young adult story filled with chills? Check out this delightful Chicago-based novel from one of my favorite local authors, Candace Fleming. Title: On the Day I Died Author: Candace Fleming Genre: scary story (but not too … Continue reading →

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Monday Book Review: The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore by William Joyce

Posted on September 23, 2013 by AJ Cattapan

Although I usually stick with middle grade and YA books, I couldn’t resist sharing this gorgeous picture book that speaks to the book lovers out there. Title: The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore Author: William Joyce Category: Picture book … Continue reading →

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Monday Book Review: Children of the Lamp by P.B. Kerr

Posted on September 9, 2013 by AJ Cattapan

Fans of fantasy novels and Egyptian culture will enjoy this series. We use it as a summer reading book at my school since the students study ancient cultures (Egyptian and Greek) during sixth grade. Title: Children of the Lamp: The … Continue reading →

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Monday Book Review: How to Survive Middle School by Nancy E. Krulik

Posted on September 2, 2013 by AJ Cattapan

As another school year gets underway, today seems like a good day to talk about Donna Gephart’s How to Survive Middle School. Not sure any of my students would actually learn any tips about surviving middle school from this book, … Continue reading →

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Monday Book Review: My Name Is Not Isabella by Jennifer Fosberry

Posted on August 26, 2013 by AJ Cattapan

While searching for a gift for one of my younger nieces, I came across this New York Times bestselling book. Not sure what to expect, I was pleased to find a fun story that empowers girls to be all that … Continue reading →

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Monday Book Review: A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L’Engle

Posted on May 20, 2013 by AJ Cattapan

I first read A Wrinkle in Time when I was in junior high. It fascinated me. Never before had I read a story that took me to worlds so vastly different from my own. Years later, I still love it, and … Continue reading →

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Monday Book Review: East by Edith Pattou

Posted on May 13, 2013 by AJ Cattapan

Let me just start off by saying, I love this book! This is the final novel of the school year for the sixth grade students in my advanced level reading class. It’s part of our combined fantasy/mythology unit since it … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Reviews, Fantasy | 4 Comments