The New Girl by Meg Cabot

Book synopsis:
When you are starting at a brand-new school, you have to wear something good.

Allie Finkle's starting her first day of school at Pine Heights Elementary! Plus, she's getting a new kitten, the first pick of show cat Lady Serena Archibald's letter!

But being the New Girl is turning out to be scary, too, especially since one of the girls in Allie's new class -- Rosemary -- doesn't like her. In fact, Rosemary says she's going to beat Allie up after school.

Everyone seems to have an opinion on how Allie should handle the situation. How can Allie tell who's right? Who knew it was going to be so hard being the New Girl?

My review:
Allie Finkle is starting a new school. It's her first day and she is nervous! Luckily for Allie she's in Mrs. Hunter's class with her new friends Erica, Caroline and Sophie. Her first day starts out well until she meets Rosemary. For whatever reason, Rosemary doesn't like Allie and wants to beat her up! Allie's not sure what to do, but thank goodness she has her rules for girls.

The New Girl is book two of the Allie Finkle's Rules for Girls series. Allie is adapting to her new home, new school and trying to make new friends. I enjoyed this book as much as the first. Allie is very likable and the reader will root for her as she finds her way being the new girl in fourth grade.

Book details:
Series: Allie Finkle's Rules for Girls #2
ISBN-13: 978-0-545-04049-5
Pages: 222
Year Published: 2008
Genre: Children's Fiction (Series)
Source: Library
Date Finished: October 24

Sunday Salon

It's November 1st. 2009. How can this be?? This year has been a blur for me. Anyway, I missed the Sunday Salon last week. Partly because I was too tired to write a post after the read-a-thon and partly because I spent my afternoon at a library book sale. Like I need any more books. But, I don't feel bad. Nope... I bought 3 trade-size paperbacks and a hardback for $5.65. Pretty good, huh?

On to my reading. Last week I finished:

I've written three of the four reviews for the books I read during the read-a-thon:

1. I Heard a Rumor by Nancy Krulik
2. The New Girl by Nancy Krulik
3. Moving Day by Meg Cabot
4. The New Girl by Meg Cabot

Following these reviews, I also have reviews to post for:

1. Testimony by Anita Shreve
2. Suspicion by Kate Brian
3. Peaks and Valleys by Spencer Johnson, M.D.

Now that new challenges are being posted for 2010, it's got me thinking about my level of participation in challenges, the direction I see my blog headed in 2010, changes to my review format, etc. Lots to think about over the next few weeks. Right now, I'm still in the brainstorming phase. So we'll see what happens.

Happy Sunday everyone!

Moving Day by Meg Cabot

Book synopsis:
I like rules. What I'm not so crazy about is everything else.

When nine-year-old Allie Finkle's parents announce that the family is moving, Allie's sure her life is over.

She's not at all happy about having to give up her pretty pink wall-to-wall carpeting for creaky floorboards and creepy secret passageways...not to mention leaving her modern, state-of-the-art suburban school for a rundown, old-fashioned school just two blocks from her new house.

With a room she's half-scared to go into, the burden of being "the new girl", and her old friends all a half-hour car ride away, how will Allie ever learn to fit in?

My review:
My first book of Ms. Cabot's was The Boy Next Door (which I loved and still recommend quite often) and from there I was introduced to the Heather Wells mystery series. I've enjoyed her books so much, that I spent most of my time last year reading her young adult collection. So when I heard she was working on a new children's series, I was curious to know more about it.

Meet Allie Finkle. She's nine years old, currently in the fourth grade, big sister to Mark and Kevin and best friends with Mary Kay. Okay, may be Allie would like to have a new best friend. Someone who doesn't cry all the time. Or someone who will allow Allie to decide what game to play next. Other than that, Allie's life is pretty good. Until her parents say these two small words: "we're moving".

Why would her parents leave their gorgeous home only to move into a falling-down Victorian? (Let's not even talk about that fact the house is probably haunted!) On top of that, her new school isn't so "new". The building is rundown and the gym is also the lunchroom! (Eww...need I say more??)

Allie has to think of something quick before her parents ruin her life. She's promised to be on her best behavior and not complain about the move. If she keeps her promise, her parents will allow her to have her very own pet: a kitten (the family also has a dog). The question is, can she stop the move, but still get the kitten?

I love Allie Finkle! Allie is a cute girl, with a big heart, who is trying to do the right thing all the time. To make sure she stays on the right path, she created rules for herself. Here are some of her rules:

• When you finally figure out what the right thing to do is, you have to do it, even if you don't want to.
• Don't be a braggart.
• Sometimes (but not always) it's better just to keep things to yourself.
• You can't let your family move into a haunted house.
• If you get a new best friend, it's rude to show off about it.

If I were nine again, I would want Allie to be my friend. She's creative, energetic, spunky and just fun! I loved reading Moving Day and cannot wait to read more from this series.

Random tidbit: Allie Finkle's Rules for Girls series would be a wonderful selection for a mother/daughter book club.

Book details:
Series: Allie Finkle's Rules for Girls #1
ISBN-13: 978-0-545-03947-5
Pages: 228
Year Published: 2008
Genre: Children's Fiction (Series)
Source: Library
Date Finished: October 24

The New Girl by Nancy Krulik

My review:
It's time for the school carnival! Jenny McAfee has several good ideas for a booth, however Addie, her former BFF now a Pop, makes fun of her ideas. Addie believes she will raise more money from her carnival booth. So much so, she challenges Jenny to a bet: whichever girl doesn't raise the most money will have to wear their pajamas to school!

Jenny's friends want to help Jenny win this bet. Jenny cannot lose to a Pop! They will NEVER stop teasing her about it. As the school carnival draws near, Addie and the Pops mock Jenny about the pajamas she will have to wear because after all, Addie's idea is better than Jenny's. There's just one thing that could jeopardize Addie's certain win: the new girl.

Samantha "Sam" recently moved from England. Soon Sam is befriended by the Pops. The girls imitate her style and begin using faux English accents. Addie is jealous with all the attention her friends are now showing Sam. Addie wonders if Sam will replace her as "Queen Bee". To make sure this doesn't happen, she has a plan. A plan that will ruin Sam's reputation and make sure Jenny doesn't win their bet.

Book details:
Series: How I Survived Middle School #4
ISBN-13: 978-0-545-01303-1
Pages: 100
Year Published: 2007
Genre: Children's Fiction (Series)
Source: Library
Date Finished: October 24

I Heard a Rumor by Nancy Krulik

My review:
The Joyce Kilmer Middle School has added a new feature to its newspaper: a gossip column written by "Madame X". No student is safe from having his/her secrets disclosed to the entire school. Jenny McAfee and her friends find themselves at odds when a rumor is written about one of their friends. Soon Jenny doesn't know if she can trust anyone. To make matters worse, her former best friend Addy, now a "Pop" is being nice to her. Does Addy want to be Jenny's BFF again? Or has Madame X's exposure of the Pops' secrets driven a wall between Addy and her popular friends?

I Heard a Rumor is book three of "How I Survived Middle School" series. Join Jenny and her friends as they maneuver their way through 6th grade and deal with the day-to-day antics of the Pops.

Book details:
Series: How I Survived Middle School #3
ISBN-13: 978-0-439-02557-7
Pages: 106
Year Published: 2007
Genre: Children's Fiction (Series)
Source: Library
Date Finished: October 24

What's on Your Nightstand?

November 2009

Throughout the month of October, I randomly pulled books from my shelves that I would like to read in the next few months. These books are in stacks on my dresser and my nightstand. I have to warn you though...the list is long!

• Hounding the Pavement and Heir of the Dog by Judi McCoy
  
• Easy on the Eyes by Jane Porter
  
• Look Again by Lisa Scottoline
  
• Mating Rituals of the North American WASP by Laura Lipton
• Long Lost by Harlan Coben
  
• Bundle of Trouble by Diana Orgain
• Baggage Claim by Tanya Michna
• The Love of Her Life by Harriet Evans
• The Accidental Bestseller by Wendy Wax
• The Department of Lost and Found by Allison Winn Scotch
• By the Time That You Read This by Lola Jaye
• Italians for Beginners by Kristin Harmel
• Hollywood is Like High School with Money by Zoey Dean
• Never the Bride by Rene Gutteridge & Cheryl McKay

I plan to read from this list for the next three months or so. I'll update my progress in future posts for "What's on Your Nightstand?".

3 Mini-Reviews

Well, once again I find myself behind in writing my book reviews. For the last week or so, I've been debating whether or not to write them or not write them. Decisions, decisions...

I finally decided to end my stress and post a mini-summary for each book. I hate getting behind on my reviews, but worse than that, I hate the stress that I feel when I get behind. I'm brainstorming ways to stay on top of reviews moving forward (especially in the new year). Hopefully I can find something that will work for me.


Title: After You
Author: Julie Buxbaum
Genre: Women's Fiction
Date Finished: September 16

Summary: When Ellie learns of her best friend’s, Lucy, tragic death, she puts her life on hold (including her own marital problems) to be with Lucy’s husband, Greg and daughter Sophie. As Ellie tries to cope with Lucy’s shortened life, she discovers Lucy’s hidden secrets that cause Ellie to question their friendship. After You is a book about personal healing after a loss. Whether it’s the death of a loved one, end of a relationship or the loss of innocence. After You explores the necessary steps to move forward and begin again where you are.


Title: The Neighbor
Author: Lisa Gardner
Genre: Mystery/Suspense
Date Finished: October 7

Summary: From a distance Jason and Sandra Jones appear to be the perfect couple. They have a beautiful daughter, a new house and are in the beginning stages of building a life together. Their perfect façade slowly begins to crumble with Sandra goes missing shortly after putting their daughter to bed. Jason immediately turns into the prime suspect when he’s aloof and uncooperative with the police. What exactly is he hiding? Does he want his wife to be found? If he didn't kill her, does he know who did? These questions are what Detective Sergeant D.D. Warren is determined to find out.


Title: Dying for Mercy
Author: Mary Jane Clark
Genre: Mystery/Suspense
Date Finished: October 17

Summary: Following the kidnapping of her daughter, Janie, Eliza Blake decides to rent a house in prestigious Tuxedo Park, New York. She’s invited to a party and before the night ends, the host commits suicide by stigmata. As Eliza and her colleagues, AKA the Sunshine Suspense Society, begin to investigate, they realize he left clues behind that will piece together a cover-up that happened years ago. Can Eliza and her friends find the killer’s identity before they become the next victims?