Book Review: Crispin - The Cross of Lead by Avi

Title: Crispin - The Cross of Lead
Author: Avi
Series: Book 1 of 3
Publisher: Hyperion
Released: May 3, 2004
Website: http://www.avi-writer.com/


Book Summary:

"Asta's Son" is all he's ever been called. The lack of a name is appropriate, because he and his mother are but poor peasants in 14th century medieval England. But this thirteen-year-old boy who thought he had little to lose soon finds himself with even less - no home, no family, or possessions. Accused of a crime he did not commit, he may be killed on sight, by anyone. If he wishes to remain alive, he must flee his tiny village. All the boy takes with him is a newly revealed name - Crispin - and his mother's cross of lead.

One of my good friends recommended this series to me and I was in the mood for a change of pace in what I was reading so I gave it a try.  I thought this was well done middle grade historical fiction.  I've read several other books by Avi and enjoy his writing.  I felt like I learned a few things and was entertained along the way.

Overall a good book I would recommend to those who enjoy Historical Fiction.

Content: Clean Rating: 3.5 Stars - Good Book Source: Library

Book Review: The Picture by Steven Haner

Title: The Picture
Author: Steven Haner
Publisher: Golden Thread Publishing
Released: December 3, 2010
Website: http://www.readthepicture.com/


Book Summary

Kaitlyn and her father are making a special picture together and they are filled with expectation. The plan, the practice and the patience of their project are leading them toward something beautiful, springing from their heart and an extraordinary artistic talent. But neither is prepared for the trouble that will suddenly push them in another direction, down separate paths they would not have chosen. Yet, through the darkness of unexpected disappointment, they are led toward an unforseen conclusion...to taste the fruit of a better plan.

I received a copy of this book to review over a year ago... That's how far behind I am on many of my reviews.  The Picture is a fairly short book and had an interesting cover so I picked it up on a recent Sunday afternoon.

The Picture was completely different from anything I've ever read before. It was the story of a young girl who had lingering effects of childhood illness and trauma. Her father was attempting to help her through a form of "art therapy". Together they were working to create a special picture.

Not being an artist I had a hard time visualizing the technique that was used to create "the" picture this story revolves around. Despite my lack of ability to visual the project they were working on this book did show how art and creating can be therapeutic and healing to children.

I'm honestly not exactly sure who the target audience for this book is.  If you are interested in art therapy or just looking for a sweet, simple, uplifting story that shows the power of a parent's love then give The Picture a try.

Content: Clean

Rating: 3.5 Stars - Good Book

Source: Author

Book Review: With a Name Like Love by Tess Hilmo

Title: With a Name Like Love
Author: Tess Hilmo
Series: None
Publisher: Farrar Straus Giroux
Released: September 27, 2011
Website: http://tesshilmo.com/

Book Summary:

When Ollie’s daddy, the Reverend Everlasting Love, pulls their travel trailer into Binder to lead a three-day revival, Ollie knows that this town will be like all the others they visit— it is exactly the kind of nothing Ollie has come to expect. But on their first day in town, Ollie meets Jimmy Koppel, whose mother is in jail for murdering his father. Jimmy insists that his mother is innocent, and Ollie believes him. Still, even if Ollie convinces her daddy to stay in town, how can two kids free a grown woman who has signed a confession? Ollie’s longing for a friend and her daddy’s penchant for searching out lost souls prove to be a formidable force in this tiny town where everyone seems bent on judging and jailing without a trial.

With a Name Like Love is a wonderful middle, grade historical fiction, read that reminded me of Little House on the Prairie.

Ollie's dad is a traveling preacher. Every three days her family moves on to a new town. That's the way life is, the way it has always been and the way it seems like it will always be. At least until the family arrives in Binder, Arkansas. When Ollie befriends lonely Jimmy Koppel the family's way of life is turned upside down and they find themselves in a battle to help Jimmy and his mother.

This book is a heartfelt story that would make a great read aloud.

Content: Clean

Rating: 4.5 Stars - Highly recommend

Source: Review Copy

Book Review - Can You Survive: Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's Adventures of Sherlock Holmes by Ryan Jacobson

Title: Can You Survive? Sir Authur Conan Doyle's Adventure of Sherlock Holmes - A Choose Your Path Book
Author: Ryan Jacobson & Deb Mercier
Publisher: Lake 7 Creative
Released: November 4, 2011

He's the world's most famous detective, and thanks to this brilliantly adapted book, he's you! The cases, the clues, the suspects, they're yours to sort through in this exciting Choose Your Path book. You are Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's Sherlock Holmes. You make the choices. But be careful; the wrong decision could lead to your doom.

For all the tour stops please visit: The Teen Book Scene


I remember reading many Choose Your Own Adventure books as a child so I thought it would be fun to review one as an adult.  In this book you are Sherlock Holmes and trying to solve the mysteries.  I learned that I'm a lousy detective!  There are 3 mysteries to solve in this book that have been adapted from the original 12 mysteries in The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes.  I didn't solve even one of them correctly on the first or even second try.  Although I'm obviously not cut out for detective work I did enjoy reading this book and will be passing it on to my 9 year old son who I am sure will turn out to be a better crime solver than I am.  I'm sure he'll end up on the dreaded page 68 much less often than I did!

This book would likely be a hit with reluctant readers especially middle grade boys.

Rating: 4 Stars

Source: From Author for Review

Content: Clean

Blog Tour - Book Review: Priscilla the Great by Sybil Nelson + Chance to win a Prize Pack

Priscilla the Great by Sybil Nelson:
Meet Priscilla Sumner, an ordinary seventh grader with extraordinary gifts. As if middle school isn’t hard enough, not only does Priscilla have to fight pimples and bullies, but genetically enhanced assassins trying to kill her and her family. Armed with wit, strength, and a genius best friend, Priscilla must defeat the Selliwood Institute, an organization dead set on turning children into killing machines.


Add an older brother annoyingly obsessed with Christina Aguilera, mischievous baby twin brothers who could scare the sin off of Satan, and parents more puzzling than a Rubik’s cube in the Bermuda triangle and expect a smoking page-turner.

Priscilla the Great is such a fun middle grade read!  I know my children would enjoy this story and it kept me entertained.  Sort of a Spy Kids meets X-Men type story.

There really is a lot to like about this book - from the plot to the characters to the humor to the awesome superpowers - this book was a page turner.  Sometimes I find my mind wandering while reading middle grade books but this one held my attention and kept me turning the pages.

I'm fairly certain there is a sequel coming and I'll gladly read it if given the chance.



Content: A few instances of taking the Lord's name in vain but otherwise clean

Rating: 4.5 Stars

Source: From author for review as part of a blog tour



Win a Priscilla the Great Prize Pack!

Prize Pack includes:
1 signed Priscilla the Great book,
1 Priscilla the Great t-shirt,
1 Priscilla the Great totebag,
and a $15 iTunes gift card!

That's over a $50 value! All you have to do is comment on one of the posts during the Teen {Book} Scene blog tour March 14th to April 8th and you're automatically entered!