The Goddess Test

I love mythology, and I love seeing the old stories in a modern twist.  Which is probably why one of my favorite authors is Rick Riordan (Percy Jackson, The Kane Chronicles, and The Lost Hero series).  I am now adding Aimee Carter's The Goddess Test to my list of "Awesome Modern Myths".

Here is the synopsis via Goodreads:
It's always been just Kate and her mom—and her mother is dying. Her last wish? To move back to her childhood home. So Kate's going to start at a new school with no friends, no other family and the fear her mother won't live past the fall.Then she meets Henry. Dark. Tortured. And mesmerizing. He claims to be Hades, god of the Underworld—and if she accepts his bargain, he'll keep her mother alive while Kate tries to pass seven tests.
Kate is sure he's crazy—until she sees him bring a girl back from the dead. Now saving her mother seems crazily possible. If she succeeds, she'll become Henry's future bride, and a goddess.

 Like I said, I thought this book was a great mix of myths (or history as the immortals call it) and modern times.  Much like I did when I read The Westing Game, I kept notes on who I thought each immortal, or Council member, was.  I can't say I was 100% right, but I did alright.  

I really liked how Kate was her own person.  She wasn't mousy, she didn't fade into the background, she stood up for herself and what was right, even if it meant facing her greatest fears.  I also really appreciated that she took her time falling in love with Henry.  She didn't just wake up one morning and decide that she was head over heels for him.  She got to know him, became friends with him, spent time with him, and took a reasonable amount of time falling for him.

I do feel like something is off with James, that he is plotting something, but that is yet another reason why I can't wait for the sequel.  

*Funny story about this book---I saw it Monday at one of my local bookstores.  It was beside a book that was facing out (drawing more attention to that book).  I switched them.  I faced The Goddess Test out and the other book in!*  Looking back, since the book didn't come out until Tuesday, I'm not sure how this was possible, but oh well!

If you couldn't tell, I give this book a 5 out of 5.  Summer is coming, do yourself a favor and pick this book up. 

I was able to read an egalley via NetGalley (a digital copy, for free, in return for a fair and honest review), but the book came out this past Tuesday (so get over to your nearest bookstore!).




ps  Its even got a beautiful cover!

The Incorrigible Children of Ashton Place: Book 2, The Hidden Gallery

I was lucky enough to snag the one and only copy of this book at our local Barnes and Noble the day it came out.  I loved the first book (The Incorrigible Children of Ashton Place:  Book 1, The Mysterious Howling), and author Maryrose Wood didn't disappoint in book 2.

Again, we find our beloved Miss Lumley employed as govnerness to the three Incorrigible children:  Alexander, Beowulf, and Cassiopeoia.  This time, they are visiting London at the behest of Miss Lumley's former headmistress, Miss Charlotte Mortimer.  Of course, Lady Constance can't pass up a chance to go to London, so she drags Lord Ashton with her. 

After a near mishap on the train, Miss Lumley and the children get lost in London and meet a Gypsy fortune teller who tells the children that "the hunt is on." 

I don't want to give away the ending, but after several humorous twists, turns and adventures, the book leaves you wondering:  who (and where) are Miss Lumley's parents?  Who (and where) are the Incorrigible's real parents?  Are Miss Lumley and the Incorrigible's related?  And, what is up with Lord Ashton?

Being 28, I feel I can wager a good guess at the answer to these questions.  However, seeing that the book was written for upper elementary / middle school readers, its perfect.  The reader will be "howling" for answers....and book number 3!

I would definitely use this series in my classroom.  There is some old fashioned vocabulary and harder words, but that is why I'm doing it as a read aloud, so I can offer support when needed.  I think it would be a great read aloud at home too (parents, you'll find this book pretty funny, too).  I give this book 5 stars.

    

Library Mouse (Read to Me Picture Book Challenge)

This was a super cute picture book that I read aloud to 3rd grade groups during inclusion time (thanks to Mrs. R for choosing such a great book!).

Here is the synopsis off Goodreads
A small creature offers his big voice for aspiring authors everywhere

Every child can be a writer—and Library Mouse shows them how!

Beloved children’s books author and illustrator Daniel Kirk wonderfully brings to life the story of Sam, a library mouse. Sam’s home was in a little hole in the wall in the children’s reference books section, and he thought that life was very good indeed. For Sam loved to read. He read picture books and chapter books, biographies and poetry, and ghost stories and mysteries. Sam read so much that finally one day he decided to write books himself!

Sam shared his books with other library visitors by placing them on a bookshelf at night. Until there came the time that people wanted to meet this talented author. Whatever was Sam to do?

The joy of reading, writing, and sharing is brought to life in this warmhearted tale.

While we read this book, we were able to make predictions and inferences, and we also talked about point of view.  


I really liked reading this book to the group.  The kids liked the story and the pictures, and I think it was a great way of starting a writing lesson, and telling kids that anybody can be an author.


I give this book a 5 out of 5 and would definitely use this in my classroom.