The Cupcake Queen

Name: The Cupcake Queen
Author: Heather Helper
Pages: 242
Start Date: January 20
Finish Date: January 21
Type: Fiction-Family Life; Paperback
Status: My Bookshelf
Rating:

Summary: When her mother moves them from the city to a small town to open up a cupcake bakery, Penny’s life isn’t what she expected. Her father has stayed behind, and Mom isn’t talking about what the future holds for their family. And then there’s Charity, the girl who plays mean pranks almost daily. There are also bright spots in Hog’s Hollow—like Tally, an expert in Rock Paper Scissors, and Marcus, the boy who is always running on the beach. But just when it looks as though Penny is settling in, her parents ask her to make a choice that will turn everything upside down again. A sweet novel about love, creativity, and accepting life’s unexpected turns.

My Review: I didn't expect much from this book but it is good! When Penny moves from a big city to a little 'hick' town, I know how she feels. But then she makes friends with some odd balls and develops a crush and things look up. But then some unexpected things happen. But I think Penny takes it all very maturely. She could have been a lot more immature but I think she is a very strong character. The only reason this does not earn 5 daises is because I'm one of the people that I like the book to end with a little more detail (ex. = What will happen to Tally? Will Penny and her mom get their own house? Does Charity warm up to Penny? Is Marcus just a crush? Or will it be more in the future? What about Mr.Fish and Tally's aunt!?!?) I think there should be a sequel that is about Penny's mom finding a new love! What you say? Agree with me? But when you sit down to read this, yeah, you could have cupcakes , but I recommend Jolly Ranchers. You'll know what I'm talking about.

Exert: As I climb the warped steps, I think about the problem with running from your trouble. The problem is in the stopping. The whole time you think you're getting away from everything, the trouble is running like mad, too, trying to catch up with you. And it doesn't slow down when you do-- it keeps on sprinting. So when trouble finally reaches you, it hits hard. - 107

~ The Clumsy Reader aka Christine

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Ninth Grade Slays

Name: Ninth Grade Slays
Author: Heather Brewer
Pages: 278
Start Date: January 19
Finish Date: January 20
Type: YA Vampire/Mystery; Paperback
Status: My Bookshelf; 2nd in The Chronicles of Vladimir Tod
Rating:

Summary:Freshman year sucks for Vlad Tod. Bullies still harass him. The photographer from the school newspaper is tailing him. And failing his studies could be deadly. A trip to Siberia gives "study abroad" a whole new meaning as Vlad connects with other vampires and advances his mind-control abilities, but will he return home with the skills to recognize a vampire slayer when he sees one? In this thrilling sequel to Eighth Grade Bites, Vlad must confront the secrets of the past and battle forces that once again threaten his life. Find out why author D. J. MacHale calls The Chronicles of Vladimir Tod "Gruesome, heartwarming, spellbinding."

My Review: When I finished the 1st I had to read this! It was a lot more mature and it had more "cool stuff". I don't know another way to say it. And I feel in love with some of the next characters! But what is so cute is the attraction between Vlad and Meredith. It's soooooooooo middle school crush and it shows that Vlad is human! lol

Exert: Joss had sulked the rest of the day, but Vlad wasn't about to apologize. Joss has broken the biggest best friend code there was: thou shalt not date the girl that thy best friend has a crush on. - pg. 100

Cover/Title: The cover seems more scarier and it fits. Once again, the title is flawless.

Extras:


~ The Clumsy Reader aka Christine

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Eighth Grade Bites

Name: Eighth Grade Bites
Author: Heather Brewer
Pages: 182
Start Date: January 15
Finish Date: January 17
Type: YA Vampires/Mystery; Paperback
Status: My Bookshelf; 1st in the Chronicles of Vladimir Tod
Rating:

Summary: Thirteen-year-old Vladimir Tod really hates junior high. Bullies harass him, the principal is dogging him, and the girl he likes prefers his best friend. Oh, and Vlad has a secret: His mother was human, but his father was a vampire. With no idea of the extent of his powers, Vlad struggles daily with his blood cravings and his enlarged fangs. When a substitute teacher begins to question him a little too closely, Vlad worries that his cover is about to be blown. But then he faces a much bigger problem: He's being hunted by a vampire killer.

My Review: I ordered this book, along with the 2nd one, on complete impulse from a book order from my school. They said for kids 9-12 so i thought that if i didn't like them I'd give them to my younger brother. Well, this one is staying on my bookshelf! It was kinda YA but it's probably how most 13 y/o think, so it's true to life in that aspect. But what I was the 'world'. If some one like Cassandra Claire or Melissa Marr had come up with idea it would have been really awesome! But that is OK, because Heather does a great job! This book really moved fast, and it had great characters. Now when I see someone getting bullied I now think "What Would Vlad Do?"; and then I go save their butts. :)

Exert: " We also invented Latin, chess, and PlayStation."
Vlad shifted in his seat. He could believe his story about old stuff like Latin and chess, but PlayStation? Puh-lease.
" I thought that was Sony's idea."
"Who do you think runs Sony?"

Cover/Tile: The cover looks like a socially award boy. Yep, it's Vlad. And yes, eight grade does bite, even if you aren't a vampire.

Extras:

~ The Clumsy Reader aka Christine

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