Tales of a (Formerly) Reluctant Reader is a feature in which my eleven-year-old son, John, reviews books as a formerly reluctant reader. He gives his opinion of the book, detailing why he thinks this book would be good for reluctant readers.

In this edition of Tales of A (Formerly) Reluctant Reader, John reviews several of his favorite books published by his favorite publisher, Capstone!

As a mother, I love Capstone for many reasons but mainly because they helped my son develop an appreciation for reading through some pretty impressive graphic novels and a line of books specifically geared toward reluctant readers. So without further ado, I’ll let John take the reins!

Hello everyone! I originally planned to do several posts about the books I’ve been reading lately, but when my mom noticed that many of them were Capstone books, she suggested I do one post with many little reviews instead. Ok, here it goes!

Can You Survive Antarctica?: An Interactive Survival Adventure by Rachel Hanel

• Reading level: Ages 9-12
• Paperback:112 pages
• Publisher:Capstone Press (August 1, 2011)
• ISBN-10: 1429673451
• Source: Netgalley

This is one of those “Choose Your Own Adventure” books I love! Obviously, it’s set in Antarctica. I chose the path of an explorer in 1911, on a team trying to reach the South Pole first! Unfortunately, the path I chose lead to eventual death, but I didn’t let that get me down! The book shared great tips for surviving extreme cold temperatures, how to deal with hypothermia, and more. It even mentioned several people who survived treks to Antarctica.  I think maybe my favorite part was the survival quiz.  Since I’m a Boy Scout I had the advantage! I learned about treating hypothermia months ago so I passed the quiz with flying colors!  This is a great book for kids looking for a little adventure and don’t mind learning something along the way! For example, did you know that Antarctica is considered a desert even though it is covered in ice!?

Can You Survive the Titanic?: An Interactive Survival Adventure by Allison Lassieur

• Reading level: Ages 9-12
• Paperback:112 pages
• Publisher:Capstone Press (August 1, 2011)
• ISBN-10: 1429673516
• Source: Netgalley

You guessed it! Another “Choose your own Adventure!” This one, surprise, surprise, takes place on the Titanic.  You are a passenger on the Titanic. It’s a pretty awesome ship, nearly 4 city blocks long. You notice, though, that there are only 16 life boats, not enough for the 2200 people on board.  You don’t freak out though because there are enough life vests for everyone. Plus, what are the odds you are going to need to use them?  But bad things do happen and the ship crashes into an iceberg.  At this point you get three options on which character you will play in the story. I, of course, chose the 12-year-old boy traveling with his father to New York.  I know this probably isn’t the best decision since the others include a surgeon’s assistant or the governess to a wealthy family, but it’s the closest to who I actually am.  It was quite perfect because it turns out this little boy (me!) is a Boy Scout! This time I have better luck and my father & I survive!

After the “adventure” the book explains why only 705 of the 2200 people survived. Most of them were third-class passengers.  This is the part of the boat that hit the iceberg, flooding first. Also, this part of the ship was separated from the rest. The rich believed third-class carried diseases so they were kept away.  But since they were separated, the third-class passengers couldn’t reach the life boats.

Another reason was that many people didn’t want to leave the ship to get on the life boats. I don’t think they understood how serious the situation was. When they did realize, it was too late and the life boats were gone.

The end of the book lists several of the real survivors of the Titanic, including the youngest passenger on the Titanic, a little girl who was only two months old!  She lived to be 97 years old and was the last living survivor of the Titanic sinking.

I didn’t do as well on this survival quiz because I haven’t quite learned what to do if a ship begins to sink, but you better believe I know now!

Like the Antarctica book, I liked this book because I got to take part in an adventure but also learned a lot!

Obama: The Historic Election of America’s 44th President: The Historic Election of America’s 44th President by Agnieszka Biskup

• Reading level: Ages 9-12
• Paperback:32 pages
• Publisher:Capstone Press (August 1, 2011)
• ISBN-10: 1429673397
• Source: Netgalley

In the last election, voters came out in record numbers, over 130 million Americans voted.  The first African American man was sworn in as President of the United States

This is our time…to reclaim the American dream and reaffirm that fundamental truth, that, out of many, we are one…and those who tell us we can’t…that while we breathe we hope.  We will respond with that timeless creed that sums up the spirit of a people: Yes, we can.

 

The election of Barack Obama will always be an election I remember. Like President Obama, I come from a mixed family. His election gave me hope that even I could be president! This book was nice and short, only about 34 pages. It was a great summary of President Obama’s election, starting from the very beginning. I think it would make the perfect addition to a classroom, too. While there are some people who aren’t happy with the President right now (at least that’s what I get from the few minutes of news I watch at night) Barack Obama’s election was still a historical one. Nothing will ever change that, or my appreciation and admiration of this man.

Thank you again to John for stopping by with these reviews. Thank you to Capstone Publishers for producing such quality books!

Tales of a (Formerly) Reluctant Reader: The Capstone Edition! is a post from: Jenn's Bookshelves. Reproduction of this content is forbidden unless approved through prior written consent.

Tales of a (Formerly) Reluctant Reader is a feature in which my eleven-year-old son, John, reviews books as a formerly reluctant reader. He gives his opinion of the book, detailing why he thinks this book would be good for reluctant readers.

In the third book in the Red Blazer Girls series, Catholic school girls Sophie, Margaret, Becca, and Leigh Ann are on an investigation of another mystery.

The book starts off with a swim practice.  Sophie is sharing a lane with her arch-nemesis, Livvy. When Livvvy “accidentally” hits Sophie in the nose, breaking it, Sophie can’t get over the idea she did it on purpose.  As if that isn’t bad enough, Sophie & the other girls are supposed to meet Nate Ethan, their movie star crush, actor in a vampire movie called No Reflections.

The meeting goes over well, Nate is so impressed by Sophie that he asks her to watch his dog, Tillie, while he travels. Sophie has always wanted a dog…plus how could she say no to Nate? Meanwhile, Father Julian has asked them to help authenticate a painting that has been in his family for years. Problem is, the painting in his possession might be a fake; it is up to the Red Blazer Girls to determine if it is real.

So, while trying to keep under control a dog that has a sudden change in behavior, a jealous not-really boyfriend, oh, and a broken nose, the girls must find a way to proof the painting is real. Oh, and let’s not forget the secret odd packages Sophie begins to receive. Who is sending these random packages and what do they represent?

John’s Review: Ok, I admit, when my mom asked me to read and review this book with her I wasn’t too thrilled about it.  Really? A book about a bunch of school girls who solve mysteries?  I wasn’t convinced…at first.  But then they started talking about baseball, and other things I found pretty interesting and I was won over! I started to forget that the characters were girls. Ok, not really forget but it wasn’t that big a deal.  Oh, and the vampire movie actor? That almost turned me off to this book, too.  However, in the end, I became very excited about the mystery the girls were investigating and decided the other things didn’t matter.  In my opinion, this book would be perfect for both boys & girls in 4-6th grade. I enjoyed it!  My mom got copies of the two previous books on CD and I can’t wait to listen to them! These girls get in a lot of messes, but seem to be able to find their way out of them!

Jenn’s Review: Yes, I too was skeptical when I asked John to review this book with me.  As a child, I grew up reading Nancy Drew and other female-led mystery books.  I can confess to wanting to relive my childhood, right? In any case, I was really impressed with this book & it’s ability to keep John’s attention, despite the female characters.  He really enjoyed the main character, Sophie, a no-nonsense girl.

The pacing was spot-on, the storyline kept John’s attention throughout.  We had some great discussions about art, baseball history, etc. I’m happy he wants to continue the series becaus I do as well!

While this is the third book in the series, in our opinion it is possible to pick up the series with this book, without reading the prior two.  The author gives substantial character history and back story so the reader becomes familiar with the characters right away.

If you are looking for a middle-grade book with strong female lead characters, this is the book for you! Highly recommended.

Check back tomorrow for a guest post (and giveaway) by the author, Michael Beil!

Tales of a (Formerly) Reluctant Reader: The Mistaken Masterpiece by Michael D. Beil is a post from: Jenn's Bookshelves. Reproduction of this content is forbidden unless approved through prior written consent.

Hi everyone! John here!  I know it’s been a while (Mom says months!) since I’ve posted anything.  The thing is, I’ve been enjoying so many books lately that I don’t have the time to review them.  Plus, now that I’m in the 5th grade, just months away from middle-school, I’m really working hard on my school work.

Instead of writing a bunch of reviews, I decided to list a few of the books I’ve been reading over the last few months & explain why I enjoyed them. So…here we go:

Fablehaven by Brandon Mull-My mom brought this book home after one of her many trips to One More Page books.  I didn’t think I would like it at first but boy was I wrong!  Two kids go off to stay with their grandparents. They soon learn that Fablehaven is really a sort of “reserve” for mythical creatures who are all at risk for extinction. How cool is that!? I’m still reading this one so I don’t know how it ends yet but I’m really liking it so far! Plus, mom tells me it’s a series and I LOVE SERIES!

Emerald Atlas by John Stephens-ALL the kids at school were talking about this one.  There’s this girl in my class who reads super fast and read this one in one day.  She said it’s pretty awesome and sort of reminds her of Harry Potter.  So, when Mom said she was going to the bookstore I asked her to pick up a copy for me (Mom edit: Actually, he said “Don’t come home without that book!”).  Mom also heard great things about this book from my Ma-Ma so she couldn’t say no. Plus, really…who can say no to me?  Anyway, I started reading this on Saturday and all the good things I heard about it are true.  This book is EPIC! This might very well be my favorite book of the year!  Plus, it’s the first of a series. So.Awesome.

The Ranger’s Apprentice Book 1: The Ruins of Gorlan-I think this was another book that Mom brought home for me from the bookstore. Will is a 15 year old kid who gets assigned to a Ranger for training.  Will wanted to be a knight, so he’s not very happy about this.  But what he learns is Rangers are pretty cool, using all kinds of stealth to protect the kingdom.  Yes, this is the first book in another series. The awesome thing is that this series is  really long so I don’t have to worry about waiting for the newest book!

Stormbreaker by Anthony Horowitz-This is the first book in the most awesome Alex Rider series. I actually discovered the graphic novel version of this book first and once I read that I had to read the original one.  Alex Rider’s uncle, Ian, gets killed.  Alex thought he worked at a bank but that wasn’t true; he was actually a spy for the British government! Now the government wants Alex to take over his uncle’s job. This entire series is so exciting; I’m on the 5th book now and love it.  It’s full of action and excitement, plus the gadgets Alex gets to use are pretty cool!

This Book Made Me Do It: Cool things to make, do and explore by DK Publishing-Ok I actually picked out this book myself!  I really liked The Dangerous Book for Boys so when I saw this one I had to have it.  It tells you how to do all sorts of things, like how to make hot chocolate from scratch, how to do oragami, how to become a sports pro, and more.  I like all the books this publisher makes; they are full of great pictures and details.  This is one of those books I will hold on to for a while!

Ok, I think that’s it for now.  I’ll try not to go so long without posting something.  With summer just around the corner I will hopefully have more time to read!

Tales of a (Formerly) Reluctant Reader: What I’ve Been Reading Lately is a post from: Jenn's Bookshelves. Reproduction of this content is forbidden unless approved through prior written consent.

• Hardcover: 160 pages
• Publisher: Collins Design (October 19, 2010)
• ISBN-10: 0061997811
• Source: Publisher

Looking for the perfect book for a Harry Potter fan? Harry Potter Film Wizardry is without a doubt the perfect gift! Get a glimpse inside the world of Harry Potter, one never seen before!

The book opens up with statements by Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint and Emma Watson, detailing what it was like to grow up on a movie set.  See a timeline of Daniel Radcliff throughout the movie series.  One of the best parts of the book? Removable facsimile reproductions of items from the movie, including Harry’s acceptance letter to Hogwarts, a Quidditch World Cup program and a program for the Yule Ball.

You’ll spend hours paging through the glossy photos.  This book is truly a work of art!  I’ve “read” the book four times now and each time I’ve discovered something new and unique.

I honestly can’t put into words how amazing this book is!  I quite literally turn into a kid again when I open the cover.  Check out this book trailer and see for yourself!

Pretty awesome, right? I planned on giving my copy of this book to my sister as a Christmas gift, but now I can’t bear to part with it!

The author, Brian Sibley, is known for his “behind the scene books” including The Lord of the Rings: The Making of the Movie Trilogy and The Land of Narnia.

Guaranteed to be the perfect gift for any Harry Potter fan!  Want to receive brownie points from your kids or nieces/nephews?  Pick up a copy! You won’t regret it!

Review: Harry Potter-Film Wizardry by Brian Sibley is a post from: Jenn's Bookshelves. Reproduction of this content is forbidden unless approved through prior written consent.

Ook & Gluk are two cavemen who live in a town called Caveland, OH. It is the year 500,0001 BC.  They are normal boys who get in trouble, especially with Big Chief Goppernopper.  One day, an evil corporation lead by J.P. Goppernopper (the Chief’s relative from the future) is discovered trying to steal Caveland’s important resources.  J.P. Goppernopper comes from the year 2222.  All of the natural resources including trees, oil & water are either used up or polluted. Goppernopper Enterprises is going back to the past to steal all the trees & water & oil from the cavemen. The two Goppernopper’s join forces, turning the citizens of Caveland into slaves for their evil mission.

Ook & Gluk are transported into the future through a portal and race to escape from the two Goppernoppers. Master Wong, owner of a Kung-Fu school, lets the two cave boys hide in his school. He agrees to train them to help them defeat the evil Goppernoppers.  He won’t give the boys their black belts, though, until they can tell him who the greatest man is.  It takes the boys seven years to pass this test and finally they are able to battle the evil Goppernopper Enterprises & save their cave town.

But when they return to Caveland, it no longer looks like it did before.  The people are still slaves and all of the beautiful trees are gone. Eventually Ook & Gluk remember what Master Wong taught them and Caveland is returned to normal.

John’s Review: I liked this book because it has a lot of great action, it’s very funny & because of the kung fu!  I’m a black belt so this really interests me!  I also liked it because it talked about how important our natural resources are and how we should protect & preserve them. The drawings were great & pretty hilarious!

Jenn’s (Mom’s) review: I, too, liked the lesson learned about preserving one’s natural resources and the book overall.  However, one think that I didn’t particularly enjoy were the intentional misspellings in the book. Granted, the book is about two cave boys who speak what the book calls “Cavemonics.” However, I think this could have been relayed without the misspellings, like “surfice” instead of “surface” and “dedicashen” instead of “dedication.”

I think misspellings like this are detrimental to young readers. John, in particular, has difficulty with spelling.  When he started reading this book, he was thrown off a bit by the errors in spelling.  We had a long talk about why the words were spelled incorrectly and that he should still picture the word correctly spelled in his head.   We even made an activity of it; going through the book and correcting all the misspellings.

That said, John did enjoy the book and it got him excited about reading.  He read this book in no time because the story was interesting to him. Therefore, I would recommend this book, but would highly encourage parents to discuss the grammar & misspellings with their child at some point in the reading of the book.

Thanks to Scholastic, I have a pretty phenomenal giveaway package!

Give the gift of reading to your child this holiday season! Scholastic books make the perfect stocking stuffer for any child on your list.  I have a HUGE prize pack filled with the most popular children’s books in the marketplace to offer one lucky reader! Titles include CAPTAIN SKY BLUE, IT’S CHRISTMAS DAVID, OOK and GLUK as well as TONY BALONEY, ODIOUS OGRE and I SPY CHRISTMAS A CHRISTMAS TREE!

Pretty exciting, right? To enter, please fill out the form below.  Open to US mailing addresses only. Winner will announced on Friday, November 26th.  Good luck to all who enter!

Tales of a (Formerly) Reluctant Reader: The Adventures of Ook and Gluk by Dav Pilkey is a post from: Jenn's Bookshelves. Reproduction of this content is forbidden unless approved through prior written consent.

• Reading level: Ages 9-12
• Hardcover: 368 pages
• Publisher: HarperCollins; 1st edition (September 7, 2010)
• ISBN-10: 0061961086
• Source: Publisher

Aldwyn is a rough & tough alley cat on the run from a bounty hunter.  He’s able to sneak into a shop and avoids capture.  Aldwyn finds himself surrounded by animals of all shapes, sizes, & colors.  They aren’t your standard pet store animals, however.  They are familiars-animal companions of witches & wizards-and within moments Aldwyn is mistaken for one and adopted by a young boy

When he arrives at his new home, Aldwyn is introduced to the other familiars in the home: Skylar, a blue jay, a bit arrogant about her abilities and Gilbert, a red-eye tree frog who spends most of his time obsessing about when he’s going to eat next.  Fearful for blowing his cover, Aldwyn tells the others that he has telekinetic & mind-reading powers.

Just as he starts to get settled into his new home, Aldwyn’s “loyal” Jack, his sister, and another student are kidnapped. Aldwyn, Skylar, & Gilbert are the only ones who can save them. Throughout the journey, Aldwyn learns a great deal about the others, and himself. It turns out he might be a little more than the “average” alley cat!

I read THE FAMILIARS aloud to both of my boys.  Despite their six-year age difference, both boys thoroughly enjoyed this book. We’re a house full of Harry Potter, Percy Jackson, etc. so it wasn’t a surprise.  We all fell in love with the familiars (it doesn’t hurt that our cat, Sylvester, is the spitting image of Aldwyn).  They enjoyed the fast-paced excitement; there really is never a dull moment in this book. The art by Peter Chan & Kei Acedera really enhanced the reading experience as well.  My youngest is 5, so sometimes it takes a few pictures to keep him engaged. Here are just a few samples of the art:

Considering this is a book written jointly by two authors, I assumed the writing would be disjointed or unorganized.  Far from it!  It’s seamless, impossible to tell the difference in the writers’ voices.  I’m excited to see that Adam & Andrew plan to continue this series and a move is in the works as well.  Highly recommended!

Don’t forget to check out yesterday’s post about the Familiars Halloween Scavenger Hunt!

Review: The Familiars by Adam Jay Epstein & Andrew Jacobson is a post from: Jenn's Bookshelves. Reproduction of this content is forbidden unless approved through prior written consent.

I am beyond excited to welcome a special guest blogger to Jenn’s Bookshelves: The Girl, daughter of Anna, Diary of an Eccentric!

Publisher’s summary:

Do you like to play cards? Yes? Then pick a card. Uh-oh. Brittany picked a joker. And it’s no laughing matter. Because these jokers are deadly.

On your way home from school – riding your bike – even in your hall closet – they attack! Each time, they stamp a card suit on your arm – first a club, then a diamond, then a heart – then a spade. That’s when the game really starts … when you get all four suits. Because that’s when the joker plays for keeps!

**The Girl’s review:

The book, Spell of the Screaming Jokers, is about 4 kids, Brittany, Frankie, Louisa, and Jeff. Their principal tells them that they have to visit this sick kid named Max. His mother, Mrs. Davidson, takes them to his room. Max wants to play cards. Frankie draws a joker. On the way home, a kid hurts him and gives him a bruise shaped like a club. Then weird things start happening.

I recommend this book for age 8 and up for kids who like creepy stories. I loved this book and hope to read more from the series.

Thank you, The Girl!  Be sure to check out her mom/Anna’s blog where The Girl occasionally reviews!

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Guest Review: Spell of the Screaming Joker by R.L.Stine is a post from: Jenn's Bookshelves. Reproduction of this content is forbidden unless approved through prior written consent.

Reading level: Ages 4-8
Paperback: 64 pages
Publisher: HarperCollins (October 2, 1985)
ISBN-10: 0064440907
Source: Library copy

I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention this collection of stories, also retold by Alvin Schwartz, who I consider the king of scary tales for children. In a Dark, Dark Room and Other Scary Stories (I Can Read Books) is perhaps one of my favorite scary stories books for early readers.  Schwartz has collected eight scary stories, all in a format that is easy to read for early readers.  The text is large, the sentences are short and the vocabulary is easy.  Overall, a great introduction to scary stories for children.

Here are just a few of my favorite stories:

The Green Ribbon: There was once a little girl named Jenny.  She was your average young girl, except she always wore a green ribbon around her neck.

There was a young boy named Alfred who liked Jenny, and Jenny liked him in return.  Alfred asked Jenny about the ribbon, but Jenny told him she couldn’t tell him about it.  Jenny & Alfred grew up, fell in love, and got married. After the wedding, Alfred once again asked about the ribbon. Jenny insisted that she’d tell him about it when the time was right.

Jenny & Alfred grew old, and Jenny got sick.  The doctor confirmed that she would soon die. She called Alfred to his side and said she could now tell him about the ribbon.  Alfred carefully removed the ribbon…and Jenny’s head fell off.

Let me tell you how much the story terrified me as a child! For the longest time I was wary of women who wore scarves or anything tied around their necks.

In A Dark, Dark Room: This story is my boys’ favorite!  It starts out by describing things in a dark, dark, house. In that dark, dark, house, there is a dark, dark room. In that dark, dark room, there is a chest, etc. etc. My boys loved to read this story along with me and at 11 and 5, both have it memorized.

The Pirate: Ruth was spending her summer with her cousin, Susan.  Susan informs her that a pirate used to live in their house. The pirate died and reportedly haunts the room in which Ruth is staying.  The family doesn’t believe in ghosts and haven’t seen anything to change their mind.  Ruth goes to her room and looks under the bed, in the closet, under the rug, etc.  She doesn’t find anything, so she exclaims “There is nobody in this room but me.” A voice replies…”And ME!”

This story plays with every child’s fear of something living under the bed, or in the closet.  However, telling it verbally versus reading it aloud adds a bit more fear to it.  One of the many things I enjoy about this book is the illustrations.  They make the stories a little scary, but a lot of fun!

Once again, I highly recommend this one.  Check back tomorrow when I wrap up my middle-grade horror favorites with a special guest review of a R.L. Stine Fear Street book!

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Review: In A Dark, Dark Room by Alvin Schwartz is a post from: Jenn's Bookshelves. Reproduction of this content is forbidden unless approved through prior written consent.

• Reading level: Ages 9-12
• Paperback: 192 pages
• Publisher: Sandpiper; Reissue edition (April 21, 2008)
• ISBN-10: 0547028644
• Source: Personal copy

When twelve-year-old Molly  and her brother, Michael, are forced to move out to the country with their mother, step-father, & step-sister, they are devastated.  Their new home is a converted church with grave yard in the back yard.  Over the summer, they are forced to watch over their bratty five-year-old step sister, Heather.  Heather enjoys getting Molly & Michael in trouble.  Their mother & step-father always side with Heather, who lost her mother to a fire when she was a toddler.

If moving to the remote country, into a house with a grave yard isn’t bad enough, Molly & Michael discover the cemetery is rumored to be haunted.  When Heather discovers a neglected gravestone, Molly believes she has uncovered the source of the haunting.

Heather begins to act a little crazier than normal.  One afternoon Molly finds her in the graveyard, talking to someone. Molly senses a presence and hears Heather referring to it as “Helen.” 

“Something hung in the space between us.  For a moment, I felt it watching me.   Then it was gone, and all around me the insects struck up a chorus of cheerful summer sounds.”

When confronted, Heather initially denies it, but then begins to threaten Molly & Michael.  If they don’t treat her well, when Helen comes they will pay. It isn’t until Molly sees Helen for herself that she really begins to worry for her safety, and for the safety of her family. She and Michael head to the local library and learn a bit more about the house they live in and of the tragic history behind it.  Helen is quite well known, she’s reported to have caused several children to follow her into the pond to their deaths.

Wait Till Helen Comes is a truly chilling ghost story. Originally released in 1987, this book terrified me as a child!  The line “Wait Till Helen Comes” still sends chills down my back. Rereading it as an adult, the same things that made me love this book were reawakened. Something about ghost stories, the idea that a spirit can remain long after a person dies, terrifies me!  This one, in particular.  The description of Helen’s appearance, the cover (specifically the one pictured above) truly makes the story.

“Too frightened to breathe, I saw the glimmer of blue light shape itself into the figure of a girl no bigger than Heather.  She wore a white dress, and her hair, as dark as Heather’s, tumbled in waves down her ack.  Her features were indistinct, her eyes in shadow, but I knew who she was.”

Heather’s anti-social behavior & hatred toward her step-siblings really adds to the story as well. There’s nothing creepier than a bratty step-sibling whose goal is to ruin a newly formed family, no matter the cost! In addition, the stress of this family really compounds the emotion, the fright & terror that Michael & Molly fear.

In case you haven’t guessed it yet, I highly, highly recommend this one! It’s the perfect “timeless” ghost story!

Review: Wait Till Helen Comes by Mary Downing Hahn is a post from: Jenn's Bookshelves. Reproduction of this content is forbidden unless approved through prior written consent.

Scary Stories 3 wraps up the Scary Stories trilogy.  Like the others, it contains a collection of scary folklores/legends collected by Alvin Schwartz.  Following are just a few of my favorites:

Just Delicious: a woman takes her love of liver a bit too far and faces the consquences!

Bess: a farmer receives a fortune involving his favorite mare, Bess.  He’s warned that Bess will cause his death.  The farmer is in denial, how can a sweet, kind mare be harmful? He learns the hard way that it’s not good to tempt one’s fate.

Harold: a scarecrow created to resemble Harold, a farmer despised by two young men. Unfortunately, the resemblance to this farmer is uncanny….and the scarecrow comes to life.

Maybe You Will Remember: A woman and her sixteen-year-old daughter are visiting Paris.  The woman becomes deathly ill, and a local doctor offers to give her some medicine if the daughter comes to his home.  She hops in a taxi, which seems to take her in circles.  Hours later, after obtaining the medicine for her mother, she returns back to her hotel. Once again, it appears as though she is traveling in circles. She finally arrives at the hotel only to discover their room was given to another guest and the hotel clerk has no record of their stay. All evidence of their existence was erased…all to prevent the residents of Paris from learning about the woman’s true demise.

As with the two other Scary Stories  books, notes & sources detailing the origins of the stories is included.  This version seems to go into a bit more detail, something I really appreciated. 

I thouroughly enjoyed rereading this books from my childhood.  The first Scary Stories is probably my favorite, closely followed by the third.  Ranking them in terms of “scare factor”, the first is most definitely the scariest, followed by the third, and finally the second.

I highly recommend this series to middle graders on the hunt for a classic scary read!

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Review: Scary Stories 3: More Tales to Chill Your Bones by Alvin Schwartz is a post from: Jenn's Bookshelves. Reproduction of this content is forbidden unless approved through prior written consent.