My Main Focus

At the moment, I haven't had time for anything but play rehearsal and school. I'm going to be in a play this week called The Best Christmas Pageant Ever. I'm only an extra, but the play has turned out to be a lot of fun. We will be performing for the elementary schools in our small little town on Friday all day during school. Also, we're having a family/friend performance tomorrow night. It's going to be a lot of fun because we're performing in our fairly new auditorium! Only the THIRD production to ever hit stage there! It's so exciting!

Raucous Royals: Day 3

For the last day of the Raucous Royals book tour, I thought I'd finish out with some hopefully fun facts included in the book or about some of the characters in the book. Comment this blog guessing the answers! I'll let you know if you're right or not. Have fun!

Rumor #1- Henry VIII was so fat that he had to be carried by his servants. True or false?

Rumor #2- Prince Dracula was a real vampire. True or false?

More rumors like these can be discovered in The Raucous Royals. The book was great for kids of all ages. I enjoyed reading it.

Don't forget to check out the rest of the awesome bloggers and their reviews in the tour!

01 Charger, the 160acrewoods, A Mom Speaks, All About Children’s Books, Becky’s Book Reviews, Cafe of Dreams, Dolce Bellezza, Fireside Musings, The Friendly Book Nook, The Hidden Side of a Leaf, Homeschool Buzz, Hyperbole, KidzBookBuzz.com, Looking Glass Reviews, Maw Books Blog, Never Jam Today, Our Big Earth, Quiverfull Family, Reading is My Superpower, SmallWorld Reads, SMS Book Reviews

Raucous Royals: Day 2

Carlyn Beccia is the proud author of The Raucous Royals. She is an author, as well as an illustrator. Click here for her official website that includes information on her books and illustrations. She is a great author and knows how to make a book come to life with her illustrations. To see some other great reviews, click on these!

01 Charger, the 160acrewoods, A Mom Speaks, All About Children’s Books, Becky’s Book Reviews, Cafe of Dreams, Dolce Bellezza, Fireside Musings, The Friendly Book Nook, The Hidden Side of a Leaf, Homeschool Buzz, Hyperbole, KidzBookBuzz.com, Looking Glass Reviews, Maw Books Blog, Never Jam Today, Our Big Earth, Quiverfull Family, Reading is My Superpower, SmallWorld Reads, SMS Book Reviews

Be Thankful (Yes I have posted a lot of entries today)

I didn't have a chance to get on for a Thanksgiving entry but I thought I'd put one up now. Thanksgiving is a time to be thankful for not only you, but for your friends, your family, and the life that you're lucky to live. My grandma sent me this link to a video that almost put me to tears. Click here to see it. Also, he came to my church once to speak, so I've met him before. He's a really great guy, if I do say so myself! You have to watch the video!

For the month of December

I've got a neverending "must read" list that I've had going since the summer that I plan to read for the month. I'll make a list on the side column to list the books I've read. If you would like to suggest a book or would like me to do a review on one, I'd be happy too. Just email me at horslv6@aol.com or comment this entry. Thanks so much!

The Raucous Royals: Day 1

I found The Raucous Royals to actually be a great humorous and fun book even though I wasn't too thrilled to find out it was a picture book. It was filled with fun facts and rumors that had to be figured out by testing your knowledge. The book is for kids of all ages looking for a fun and interactive book to read in their spare time. I acutally learned a lot about the royals I never would've known had it not been for the book. It's a great way to learn new things and Carlyn Beccia sure knows how to teach new concepts. Click here to check out her blog! I found her blog to be quite interesting and addicting to read every entry. To read more about the book on Amazon, click here.

Be sure to go websurfing to these other bloggers in the tour!

01 Charger, the 160acrewoods, A Mom Speaks, All About Children’s Books, Becky’s Book Reviews, Cafe of Dreams, Dolce Bellezza, Fireside Musings, The Friendly Book Nook, The Hidden Side of a Leaf, Homeschool Buzz, Hyperbole, KidzBookBuzz.com, Looking Glass Reviews, Maw Books Blog, Never Jam Today, Our Big Earth, Quiverfull Family, Reading is My Superpower, SmallWorld Reads, SMS Book Reviews

Something Wicked: Day Three

Something Rotten, the first book in the Something Wicked series, is about a young detective named Horatio Wilkes. Something is up in Denmark, Tennessee and Horatio is on the case to solve it! Read more reviews on the book here. To be honest, Alan Gratz isn't the strongest author in the world. But he certainly does have that spark to keep you interested in a book! The links on my other book tour posts are messed up. To get to the other bloggers' pages, copy and paste one of these into the browser at the top of your page!....

http://the160acrewoods.com/
http://rebeccaluellamiller.wordpress.com
http://paraklesis.com/childrens_publishing_news/
http://blbooks.blogspot.com
http://bookreviewmaniac.blogspot.com/
http://cafeofdreams.blogspot.com/
http://dolcebellezza.blogspot.com/
http://horslv93.blogspot.com
http://kidzbookbuzz.com/
http://lookingglassreview.blogspot.com/
http://maggiereads.blogspot.com/
http://www.noeldevries.blogspot.com
http://superfastreader.com/

Something Wicked: Day Two

Alan Gratz has written four books. You can read about him, as well as his books, on this website.

Don't forget to check out these other great bloggers and their reviews for the tour!

the 160acrewoods, A Christian Worldview of Fiction, All About Children’s Books, Becky’s Book Reviews, Book Review Maniac, Cafe of Dreams, Dolce Bellezza, Hyperbole, KidzBookBuzz.com, Looking Glass Reviews, Maggie Reads, Never Jam Today, Reading is My Superpower

Something Wicked: Day One

What would you do if you found a dead body? Would you let it go, or would you do something about it? In the book Something Wicked, that's just what Horatio does. Horatio is at a Scottish Highland Fair when he discovers the games' founder, Duncan McRae, in his tent DEAD. In this thrilling mystery, Horatio must figure out what happened to McRae. Was it McRae's son, or somebody else?

I enjoyed the book but i felt the opening was quite the attention-getter I was looking for. I also read Something Rotten to catch a bit more of Alan Gratz's work. I thought the book too seemed to be a bit boring in the beginning. The books can be read in any order. If you would like to read Something Rotten for free, click here. But be sure to before November 30 if you are interested! Be sure to check out these other great bloggers!!....
the 160acrewoods, A Christian Worldview of Fiction, All About Children’s Books, Becky’s Book Reviews, Book Review Maniac, Cafe of Dreams, Dolce Bellezza, Hyperbole, KidzBookBuzz.com, Looking Glass Reviews, Maggie Reads, Never Jam Today, Reading is My Superpower

FREE BOOK!

That's right! I'm giving away a free copy of The Diamond of Darkhold. Ember is an underground city that was in danger. Now it's your turn to imagine your own underground dream city (just don't make the town in danger, of course!). Either draw a picture of your dream city or make a video describing it. Your city can include ANYTHING YOU WANT! The best gets chosen by me, as well as my neighbor who will help me choose the most creative entry. So what are you waiting for?! GET STARTED!

To enter, send me an email at horslv6@aol.com

If you make a video, you'll have to upload it through youtube, photobucket, etc. If you draw it, scan it and upload it to a picture site (photobucket, tinypic, etc.) and send me the url. Also, tell me what your blog is called, your blog url, and your name.

Book Tour-The Diamond of Darkhold Day Three: The Author

Jeanne DuPrau has written five books now. Every book she writes keeps you hooked until the last page and is written with unique details. Make sure if you're ever able to get in touch with her that you thank her for her great work on her books. For more info on her books (not including The Diamond of Darkhold), click here. The site also includes FAQ, information on DuPrau, and even contact information so you can talk to her! Keep up the great work, Jeanne!


Hurry! Today's the last day to check out these other cool reviewers and awesome bloggers in the tour!

01 Charger, the 160acrewoods, A Childhood of Dreams, A Christian Worldview of Fiction, All About Children’s Books, And Another Book Read, Becky’s Book Reviews, Book Review Maniac, Cafe of Dreams, Comox Valley Kids, Dolce Bellezza, Fireside Musings, Homeschool Buzz, Hyperbole, Looking Glass Reviews, Never Jam Today

Book Tour-The Diamond of Darkhold Day Two: The Movie

So I seemed to be getting some interest yesterday on the movie, The City of Ember. Getting very interested on the topic, I researched it and found the official site for the movie, which includes the trailor, games, info on the cast/ crew, etc. Here's the link. Check out this site! I'm sure the movie will be a hit! I might grab a few friends and go see it! But I have a band competition the night it comes out, so I'll definitely have to go sometime soon! The movie comes out October 10. I'll probably post a blog reviewing it and comparing it to the book when I see it. So be on the look-out!



Check out these awesome reviews in the tour also...

01 Charger, the 160acrewoods, A Childhood of Dreams, A Christian Worldview of Fiction, All About Children’s Books, And Another Book Read, Becky’s Book Reviews, Book Review Maniac, Cafe of Dreams, Comox Valley Kids, Dolce Bellezza, Fireside Musings, Homeschool Buzz, Hyperbole, Looking Glass Reviews, Never Jam Today

Book Tour-The Diamond of Darkhold Day One: Review/ Summary

Jeanne DuPrau has done it again! She has come up with another great book, The Diamond of Darkhold. I felt the book was a bit rushed, but it was really good. DuPrau is really good at showing many details and all of her books include imagery throughout the entire book. I was hooked on the book from page one to the end! To understand the book more clearly, it's recommended to read the first three in the series: The City Of Ember, The People of Sparks, and The Prophet of Yonwood. The book can be clearly understood by people ages 8+.

In the town of Sparks, times are getting tougher and tougher. With a single roof collapse, food supply is short. People are growing restless and supplies are getting more rare. Doon and Lina are out to save the town again. They find a torn and tattered book that can possibly help them find a special device. But to get this device, they will have to travel back to Ember. Will they do it, or will they just pretend nothing happened?



Other Blogs in the tour to check out...


01 Charger, the 160acrewoods, A Childhood of Dreams, A Christian Worldview of Fiction, All About Children’s Books, And Another Book Read, Becky’s Book Reviews, Book Review Maniac, Cafe of Dreams, Comox Valley Kids, Dolce Bellezza, Fireside Musings, Homeschool Buzz, Hyperbole;, Looking Glass Reviews, Never Jam Today

I Love This Song!

It's by Rascal Flatts, but it's really sad.

Daredevil Club

Daredevil Club- By Pam Withers ***

Kip Fox started a group called the Daredevil Club. He made a list of seven stunts that were all-out dangerous. His group members- Fraser, Vlad, and Caleb, all complete the stunts together. Until stunt #4. That one was a bit different. See, it didn't turn out like all the rest. Kip had a bad turnout from stunt #4, which shattered his leg to pieces. But he didn't want to give up without finishing the last three stunts on his list. He got a cane and started going to physiotherapy, so he could start rebuilding his muscles back up in his non-working leg. But when stunt #7 comes around, he feels as if his friends are onto something without him. They show up to do the stunt with somebody else. Is the Daredevil Club planning on kicking out their humble, brave leader for somebody else?

I gave Daredevil Club 3 stars. At some parts of the story, I was kept on my toes, wondering what was going to happen next. But a psychic, non-working leg? A little strange if you ask me. The ending was somewhat realistic, but for the most part, Daredevil Club was just another one of those books that was meant to stay on the shelves and not one I'll read again. The ending just seemed too perfect to be true for me. If you're looking for one of those books with a great plot, vivid details, and a great ending, it's sure not this one that's right for you. Although, it's a great quick-read. The book has death-defying stunts that should not be attempted at home, but I recommend it for readers 10+.

The Outsiders

The Outsiders- By S.E. Hinton ****

The Greasers are a misunderstood group of teen boys who are looked to by others as hoodlums. Their rivals are a group of snotty-rich teen guys called the Socs. The Socs are always right and the Greasers are always wrong. That's the way it's always been for the two groups of rivals. The guys are always fighting for each other and running for their lives or getting into trouble. They just want to be liked and not misunderstood all the time. Will they be able to hold their reputations as "problems" or will they change it for the world to think of them as heroes?

I gave The Outsiders 4 stars because the book was very good, easy to imagine, and included very vivid details of everything that went on. I loved the entire book and the amount of suspense always kept me on my toes. The Outsiders has violence throughout the story and should be read by readers 13+.

Kingdom Keepers

Kingdom Keepers- By Ridley Pearson *****

Finn Whitman, an 8th grader has become a hologram host at Disney World, as well as a few others. His job as a host is simple- read a script in front of a camera, have a computer turn him into a hologram, then have him say his pre-recorded script as he is placed in various locations around Disney World. But there is a glitch in the technology used (Disney Host Interactive)- or so he thinks. He wakes up in the middle of the night every night in Disney World. But something odd is going on with the characters in the attractions-THEY COME TO LIFE! Finn and his other DHI friends all end up having these strange dreams, or are they? How will he get them to stop?


I gave Kingdom Keepers 5 stars because the book was extremely hard to put down. I enjoyed every minute of it and have reread it a few times. I also had the opportunity to meet Ridley Pearson, because he came to my school. He is a very funny, sarcastic author. I hope Kingdom Keepers can become a movie! You will never look at Disney World or its many characters the same way when you go there. Watch out while you sleep! You may just end up in Disney World when you wake up! The book can be read and enjoyed by readers of all ages!

Princess Diaries

Princess Diaries- By Meg Cabot ****

Most girls want to be princesses or considered royalty, right? Yes, but not everybody. Mia Thermopolis has been given the opportunity to be princess of a small country called Genovia. She has a decision to make. She doesn't want everybody to think of her as even more of a freak if she takes the crown. And it would be a pretty big responsibility to have to rule an entire country. Will she accept to crown?

I gave The Princess Diaries 4 stars because the book was really good, but I still had questions after finishing the book. Most readers have seen the movie, but the book gives the story a whole new twist! The book includes some mature content and should be read by readers 12+.

Zee's Way

Zee's Way- By Kristin Butcher ****

John Zeelander-Zee for short, has always been looked at by others as a just plain trouble. He and his friends have been kicked out of a local shopping center for absolutely no reason. He and his friends look to it as discrimination. So, to fight back for their shopping rights, he does grafitti all over a hardware store wall. But he gets caught and is forced to work until he pays off the damage he's done. He suddenly finds himself stuck in between choosing his boss-Feniuk, or his friends. But who will he choose?

I gave Zee's Way 4 stars because the ending almost seemed too perfect, even for a book. It was a great quick-read, though. In some ways, I feel sorry for Zee and his friend. They were always left out and closely watched. Zee's Way has mild language and should be read by readers 10+.

The Uglies

The Uglies- By Scott Westerfield *****

What would you do if you lived in a world where you could become a whole new person by the age of 16? New face, new body, new clothes, new home? Tally Youngblood is about to turn 16 and she's been waiting her whole life to get her transformation. Hanging out all day, partying all night. What could be wrong with that? When Tally meets Shay, they easily become friends. But Shay starts to try to convince Tally that there's more to being perfect. She doesn't want Tally to turn. Shay tries to lead her into an ancient civilization called the Rusties. Tally is forced to make a big decision that will change her life forever. She will unlock the truth to what's really behind the big transformation...but will she decide to go through it?

I gave The Uglies 5 stars because the book always kept me going with the suspense. It was definitely hard to put the book down for me. The book made me feel complete all the way to the tips of my toes! Imagine if that were to happen to your town and you would have to have an extreme surgery to become "perfect" and our time right now was just ancient history. The Uglies unlocks a world of new surprises and should be read by readers 13+.

Perfect

Perfect- By Natasha Friend ***

Every teenage girl struggles to be "perfect"- size 0, high cheek bones, and a cup size 34B. But not all girls are blessed with perfect bodies, so they are pressured to do drastic things to themselves to fit in. Isabelle Lee has bulimia and has to go to Group to help get through her struggle. Read along as you see her face her biggest challenge, her body image.

I gave Perfect 3 stars, because the end was a bit surprising, and not as most readers would expect to be a "happy ending." At some points, I felt like a part of the story and a part of everything that was happening. This book should definitly be read by all girls who've ever wanted to try to do something so dangergous to themselves and so extreme. Through this book, the dangers of eating disorders were clearly portrayed. Perfect has some mature content and should be read by readers ages 13+.

Fun In the Son Camp at Table Rock Lake

I went to camp with my church, as well as many other churches on our district. It was a life-changing experience and I will never forget it. The director and workers there were really nice. I hope to be able to go back there next summer.

Ms. Van Tholen

Ms. Van Tholen died last night at around 6:00 pm. She was an amazing teacher and will be terribly missed.

30-Hour Famine

The famine was amazing!!

Me and Hannah

Hannah's over at my house right now. Gosh, I love this girl!!

Quote

The Play

The play I was in, The Legend of Sammy's Swamp, was awesome!!! I was one of the lead roles, Delores. I loved the play so much and I'm so glad I was a part of it!! I hope I can do it again sometime. I love all the people who were in it sooooo much!!

Quizzing

I made this blog for my quiz team. We're awesome!! We rock!!!