Graphic Novel Review: Illegal

Ebo's brother disappeared - trying to make it to Europe without him. But Ebo isn't about to let him make the journey alone. He sets out after his brother. Luckily, he finds him. They travel together through perilous moments and dangers. They hope to make it to their family already in Europe. But nothing goes as planned. Will they lose everything, including their hope?

My Thoughts: A wonderful, powerful moving story that's necessary in today's world to talk about compassion and empathy. I felt terrible for the brothers as they made their way across countries hoping for a better life. I couldn't put this book down. This story tugged at my heartstrings. It's a perfect book for anyone not understanding illegal immigration. 

Cover Thoughts: Great
Source: BEA Arc 2018
Library Recommendation: A must have graphic novel for school and public libraries.

BEA Recap in Photos

Last week was Book Expo America - or in other words, bookmania.

On Wednesday after arriving in New York, I attended two events.

Novl Tea at Little Brown.

And the SLJ Librarians' Dinner, which I don't have any pictures from, but it was lots of fun with CT Librarian friends and amazing authors. Also they signed books, meaning I didn't have to wait in line for them the next day.

Thursday and Friday were both packed full of authors, books, and bookish people. The pictures are not in any real order.

Ryan T. Higgins signing Bruce's Big Move. I love this picture book series. Santa Bruce comes out later this fall.

Jen Calonita signing Misfits, the spin-off series of Fairy Tale Reform School

Tony DiTerlizzi signing posters of The Broken Ornament, which comes out later this fall.

Jarrett J. Krosoczka signing Hey, Kiddo - his graphic novel memoir which is sad, but really really good. Also David Levithan, his editor, is there too.

The Queen with her corgis - just hanging out in the Scholastic Booth - promoting Spy Kids.

Shannon and Dean Hale signing Princess in Black and the Science Fair Scare

Jordan Matter signing his Born to Dance book, I love these pictures. He confessed that the real book is even better because they had to change some things around.

Brad Meltzer and Chris Eliopoulous signing I am Neil Armstrong.

Eoin Colfer signing Artemis Fowl (soon to be a movie)

Martina McBride signing a picture for her upcoming cookbook.

Jan Brett signing her newest book Snowy Nap. They handed out bags to match the cover of the book. So cute!

Mark Crilley drawing me a picture in his new drawing book

Brigid Kemmerer signing her upcoming book a Curse So Dark and Lonely

Spy School series stand.

Hanging out with Brad Meltzer again.

Also I met my #otspsecretsister that I'm gifting this time around!
Check us out on her Instagram page.

So there you have it, three days of fun in pictures.

Stay tuned for more about the books.

Blog Tour: Gauntlet Review

ABOUT THE GAUNTLET:

Tony Stark is known throughout the world as many things: billionaire, inventor, Avenger. But mainly for being the Invincible Iron Man.

Just when Tony is about to add his pizzazz to an international eco-summit in Ireland, someone close to him forces him to question his role in making the world a more dangerous place with his high-tech weaponry. But Stark doesn't have much time to reflect before an old enemy presents him with an even greater challenge: the assassination of all the eco-ministers, and Iron Man himself. Just how invincible Iron Man is when he is stripped of everything remains to be seen in this breathless adventure by the bestselling author of Artemis Fowl.

MY THOUGHTS:
I ever thought I would be into superheroes and then I saw the Avengers and I fell in love. I really enjoyed this book. I like how the book started when Tony was a teenager and dealing with his father. I enjoyed his troubles with his father, how he never lived up to his expectations, how they had a terrible relationship, and how it changed moments of his life. 

 I like how he went Rogue off the coast of Ireland. 

I love all the action and the danger. There's never a dull moment in this book. It's all edge of your seat action - one fight scene to another.

Even though Iron Man's age is never really mentioned beyond the first chapter, you know he's matured (kind of).  I do like the teenager in the book - how she's crafty, manipulative, and intelligent. 

Perfect for fans of the Avengers, fans of superhero books, and fans of action books.

ABOUT EOIN COLFER:

Eoin Colfer (pronounced Owen) was born in Wexford on the South-East coast of Ireland in 1965, where he and his four brothers were brought up by his father and mother, who were both educators.

He received his degree from Dublin University and began teaching primary school in Wexford. He has lived and worked all over the world, including Saudi Arabia, Tunisia and Italy. After the publication of the Artemis Fowl novels, Eoin retired from teaching and now writes full time. He lives in Ireland with his wife and two children.

LINKS: Website | Twitter | Facebook

CHECK OUT THE TOUR:

Week 1:

10/17: Mundie Kids - Review

10/18: Take Me Away to a Great Read - Mood Board

10/19: Reading Is Better With Cupcakes - Review

10/20: Swoony Boys Podcast - Character Interview

10/21: Bookish Escapes - Review

Week 2:

10/24: YA Booknerd - Review

10/25: Red House Books - Q&A

10/26: Big Books and Grande Lattes - Review

10/27: The Irish Banana Review - Top 10

10/28: Seeing Double in Neverland - Review

GIVEAWAY:

3 Finished Copies of THE GAUNTLET (US Only)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Artemis Fowl: The Last Guardian

The last Artemis Fowl comes out July 10th.I think the cover is great - but I hate when the art changes direction midway through the series.... I hate it when a great series ends. Are you excited to read the end???

Can't wait until then, read the first chapter here

Review: Artemis Fowl and the Atlantis Complex

Artemis isn't right in the head. He's having a touch of OCD - talking in words of 5 or rearranging items on his desk. He's also feeling paranoid. Plus, he has an idea to save the world.

After sending Butler off on a bogus mission, he meets the new commander, Foaly, and Holly Short to explain his latest idea in Iceland. Just before he demonstrates the new technology - a large space vehicle appears.

It's one of Foaly's more brilliant designs - but now it's under someone's control and that someone is using it for deadly purposes. As they attempt to escape the deadly area, Artemis is hit and undergoes a personality switch.

Holly must hold everything and everyone together while trying to escape the situation and uncover the meaning behind their attack. Unfortunately, she could really use Artemis's crafty criminal skills but for now, she must deal with Orion. Can Artemis fight through the Atlantis Complex (a disease enabled by the combination of guilt and fairy magic) in time to help save the people he loves and his mind?

My Thoughts: I love Artemis Fowl. He's such an evil genius but also a great character to root for. Right now he's struggling with his past actions and feels tempted turning to the good side. I'm not sure how I feel about that, but it's interesting to watch the struggle. I love the side kicks of this book. I love the relationship between Butler and his sister and their crazy athletic ability to kick butt anytime anywhere. I love Holly Short - she's feisty and sarcastic, always breaking the rules, and she has a good heart. I can't wait to see what will happen next.

The Cover: Cool - very cool.

Source: My Library

Favorite Line: "You couldn't just punch him in the head," grumbled Butler, leading Foaly past her. "Boo-hoo. Help me, I'm a girl. What kind of modern woman are you?"

Fun : Here's a music video produced by Disney Hyperion with pictures from the graphic novels

Artemis Fowl: Middle School Book Club pick for December

Photo and video editing at www.OneTrueMedia.com