Please enable JavaScript
All Books | Page 54 | LitPick Book Reviews
All Books
The Happy Prince and Other Stories
Harriet Golden, Oscar Wilde
Synopsis: Oscar Wilde (1854–1900) is deservedly famous for the brilliant plays and other works he wrote for adults. But he also was a wonderful writer for children, the author of two charming volumes of fairy tales. In this captivating collection you will find every one of the nine sensitive, unforgettable stories he wrote for young readers.
Included here are "The Happy Prince," a tale of a young nobleman who in his lifetime sought only pleasure, but in death, as a gold-encrusted statue, provides aid to the needy; "The Selfish Giant," in which children are prohibited from playing in the garden of an unfeeling colossus; and "The Star-Child," the tale of a beautiful boy whose ugly spirit causes his physical appearance to become equally grotesque. Also here are such favorites as "The Nightingale and the Rose," "The Birthday of Infants," "The Remarkable Rocket," "The Devoted Friend," "The Young King," and "The Fisherman and His Soul." Reprinted complete and unabridged, these enchanting tales will appeal to devotees of Wilde and fairy tale fans of all ages.
Publication Date: 06/28/01
Age Level: 8 - 12
Genre: Short Story
Horse Crazy: The Saddle Club
Synopsis: Carole Hanson and Stevie Lake have been best friends ever since they met at Pine Hollow Stables. So when Lisa Atwood joins their ridinggroup, the girls aren't sure she's got what it takes. Lisa may be the smartest student in the classroom, but she's got a lot to learn when it comes to horses. . . .
Publication Date: 04/01/96
Age Level: 8 - 12
Genre: Chick Lit
Horse Sense: The Saddle Club
Synopsis: Lisa love being a member of the Saddle Club. But lately, Stevie and Carole haven't had time for her or their friendship. And if she can'tconvince her friends that their club is just as important, she may have to find new members to replace them. . . .
Publication Date: 04/01/96
Age Level: 8 - 12
Genre: Fiction
Back to Bataan
Jerome Charyn
Synopsis: Hiding out in Riverside Park after lashing out at the boy who stole his girlfriend, Jack joins ranks with a group of vagrants and is soon under the sway of a man called the Leader, a charismatic ex-convict.
Publication Date: 04/01/93
Age Level: 8 - 12
Genre: Historical Fiction
Horse Power: The Saddle Club
Synopsis: Carole, Stevie, and Lisa have been looking for a fourth member to join the Saddle Club. So when Carole introduces her friends to Kate Devine, the championship rider, the girls know they've found the perfect fit. Except that Kate doesn't want to ride ever again. . . .
Publication Date: 03/01/89
Age Level: 8 - 12
Genre: Fiction
Fat Men from Space
Daniel Manus Pinkwater
Synopsis: "While William is held captive in a spaceship, alien armies land and wipe out the earth's supply of junk foods. The boy escapes and humans learn to like what the departing scavengers have left: wholegrain bread, milk, greens, all the healthful foods. A wildly comic fantasy with a solid moral."--Publishers Weekly.
Publication Date: 07/15/80
Age Level: 8 - 12
Genre: Fiction
The Electric Book
Malcolm Hall
Synopsis:
Publication Date: 05/05/75
Age Level: 8 - 12
Genre: Science Fiction
The Ranger's Apprentice
Synopsis: Matching paperback set of the first eight titles of the Ranger's Apprentice Series. Newly designed updated cover art.
Publication Date: 01/16/00
Age Level: 8 - 12
Genre: Fantasy
Gorilla Dawn
Gill Lewis
Synopsis: Gorilla Dawn
Publication Date: 05/05/25
Age Level: 8 - 12
Genre: Fiction
Anchihiiroo-Origin of an Antihero (Toonopolis #1)
Synopsis: Author Note: Tales from Toonopolis is a non-linear series of "side stories" or other genre-specific adventures taking place in a single section of the infinite cartoon city. This story takes place in Animetown, the section of Toonopolis inspired by anime & manga and operates with the tropes of those forms of media. It would best be classified as a young adult coming of age adventure... with my Toonopolis flair!---- In Toonopolis: Gemini, Anchihiiroo (aka Han'Eiyuu) is the former hero of Animetown who turns Rogue after meeting the devious Shadowy Figure, forcing his creator to change him into a villain instead of the anti-hero he once was. Learn the full origin of Anchihiiroo, from his tragic childhood as Yoshi of Higeki to the warrior training that allowed him to put a stop to the Ninja-Pirate War that plagued Animetown. Witness his relationship with the phoenix Suzaku and his inevitable Rogue turn after meeting the mysterious Shadowy Figure. It is a story about destiny and a young man's desire to make his own path in the world.
Publication Date:
Age Level: 8 - 12
Genre: Adventure
Toonopolis: Gemini (Toonopolis Files, #1)
Cami Woodruff, Jeremy Rodden
Synopsis: Toonopolis is a cartoon city that is home to the thoughts and ideas of all sentient beings in the universe. As the center of the Tooniverse, it acts as an other-worldly rest stop for these creations.

Gemini is a teenage human boy who is thrust into Toonopolis through his father's scientific research program. He loses part of himself in the process and immediately begins a quest to regain his lost memories with the help of his Tooniverse guide named Jimbob the Talking Eggplant.

After an altercation with a mysterious Shadowy Figure, Gemini's mission is changed, an he begins a new quest to defeat Shadowy Figure and protect Toonopolis from his nefarious destruction. Along the way, he meets new friends, discovers just how diverse and strange Toonopolis is, and learns lessons about compassion, forgiveness, redemption, and being true to oneself.
Publication Date:
Age Level: 8 - 12
Genre: Manga/Graphic Novel
Pulling up Stakes and Other Piercing Stories
Synopsis: Many things can pierce – sharpened stakes, fencing swords, cat's claws, short stories, ideas, earrings, and love, to name just a few. This collection of eleven penetrating stories, gathered from my contributions to YA anthologies, contains some of my favorite pieces, including a slapstick account of a young man sent on a mortifying mission by the girl he loves, a tale about the mysteries of faith and belief, and a comedy of errors where a Transylvanian immigrant arouses suspicion in the darkness of the Alaskan winter. I've had the pleasure of writing short stories for the best anthologists in the YA world. Now, I have the pleasure of sharing those stories with my readers in one sharp collection.

About the author:
David Lubar attributes his passion for short stories to his short attention span and his lack of typing skills. He has written 27 books for teens and young readers. He also worked as a video-game programmer and designer, back in the old days when eight pixels was good enough for everyone. His books include Hidden Talents, Punished, Sleeping Freshmen Never Lie, Dunk, My Rotten Life (Nathan Abercrombie, Accidental Zombie book #1), and the Weenies story collections, which have sold more than two million copies.
Publication Date:
Age Level: 8 - 12
Genre: Fiction
Jade Dreams (Sacred Stones)
Synopsis: Impossible memories fill Karen's vivid dreams. When her parents go missing, Karen does her best to take care of her little brother, Timmy, while they stay with her busy Aunt Sarah, but then Timmy is kidnapped.

Joey has fiery red hair and a temper to match but no memory of who he is or where he came from.

Mike has a legendary swordsman for a grandfather and a past that he doesn't want to talk about.

As the meaning of Karen's dreams becomes clear, these three teens must join together to help Karen master the first Sword Spirit and rescue Timmy. If they can just keep from killing each other first.
Publication Date:
Age Level: 8 - 12
Genre: Fantasy
Brooks Berry in The Case of Myst River
Synopsis: Boy detective Brooks Berry is at it again in this third book in the series. This time he teams up with familiar partner Brad Klemz and newcomer Bryce Kopish to help solve an international jewelry and boat theft ring. Harrowing adventures await Brooks and company requiring quick thinking actions to avoid dangerous situations and solve the crime before the bandits leave the country.
Publication Date:
Age Level: 8 - 12
Genre: Mystery
Secrets Revealed (The Relics of Nanthara)
Synopsis: Determined to find the truth to the ancient prophecies, young Courtar defies his elders and journeys alone where he gains the unexpected friendship of a Dwergen, a shunned race once thought to be extinct. After hiring a jailed Alkanien as a guide to Mhoren, they begin gathering strangers of various backgrounds who, unbeknownst to them, complete a foretelling of the formation of an alliance destined to destroy the abomination. Yet the group’s inner conflicts could prove a thorn in their stability and negate the promises of victory.

Finding two surviving soldiers whose village was destroyed, they escort the alliance along a treacherous path toward Mhoren. Their undertaking almost fails during a harrowing escape from enemy troops as they flee into the kingdom of Mhoren. Gaining the friendship of Mhoren’s hierarchy, the alliance’s mission becomes clear after exposing a far reaching sinister plot led by the king’s half-brother, Fendis. His dark motives encouraging the Dark One’s rise to power come to fruition when the king is assassinated, forcing the alliance’s pursuit to his home where they uncover important secrets and hidden clues, including the location of the Crown of Sovereign.
With clues in hand, the alliance heads north into the Alkani realm of Isenvayle where good relations are established. Realizing a foulskin horde invaded the Alkani kingdom, the group detours east to evade invading troops and are thrown into battle in a neighbouring realm. As hardships and trials abound, the alliance reaches Maugal Deep where the Crown of Sovereign lies. After battling a vicious demonic messenger, an unforeseen twist and an unexpected encounter befall them, jeopardizing the entire mission. Can the alliance gain possession of the crown and stop the commencement of the Dark One’s domination before they kill each other?
Publication Date:
Age Level: 8 - 12
Genre: Faith-based
Gypsy Knights (The Gypsy Knights Saga)
Synopsis: Fourteen-year-old Durriken Brishen has lost his parents, his grandfather, and though he doesn't know it, his Gypsy culture's dangerous gift.

Taken in and raised on the rails by the first woman to pilot a freight train, Durriken has one remaining connection to his Romani roots: a small wooden box that hangs from the hammer loop of his overalls.

The last gift he received from his grandfather, the box contains the world's first chess set. But a piece is missing: the Red Queen. According to Durriken’s family lore, the complete set awakens the power of Tărie, a mercurial gift that confers unique abilities on each new Master.

When a suspicious fire erupts in the Chicago rail yard, Durriken's escape produces an uneasy alliance, though not without its silver lining. Dilia is a few inches taller, several degrees cleverer, and oh yes – very pretty. While Durriken is uneasy allying with a girl whose parents were convicted of sedition, there's no doubt she is a powerful partner. And while it's not immediately clear to either, her own Guatemalan culture and family history are deeply entwined with the ancient Romani mystery.

Jumping box cars, escaping riverboats, deciphering clues, crossing swords with the brilliant madman Radu Pinch – with great American cities as its backdrop – Gypsy Knights is the page-turning saga of Durriken Brishen and his quest to rediscover his past.
Publication Date:
Age Level: 8 - 12
Genre: Fiction

Pages



RECENT BOOK REVIEWS