THe Underdogs by Mike Lupica

A very popular boys author:-)  I enjoyed this book.  As a writer, it had a pretty predictable plot with a few surprises thrown in.  I don't want to ruin for anyone so I won't even hint to them.  There was a lot of foreshadowing through out the book and the ending was easy to see.  You can tell the author knows about football.  (writers write about what they know)  I had to take his word on it of course!  It had typical writing elements... bully, problems, solutions, inspirational actions by hero character, small town makes good, etc.  I rate this book a 6/10 because boys will probably enjoy.

Read about this book and author at: Mike Lupica The Underdogs

Now, you think like a writer...  Would this be a different story in a different setting? genre? voice?  What makes this story unique, though the format is familiar?

Sparrow Road

http://www.sheilaoconnor.com/sparrowroad.html

This book was a nice book.  It had great character development and an air of mystery.  It goes into a lot of the thinking that goes behind creating writing and art.  The what is, what was, and what could be...  I have never heard it put that way, but what a good way to find your ideas.  It shows are main character using these ideas to become a great writer.  There were connections to the other Mark Twain Nominees--Missouri is mentioned hear and in In Front of God and Everybody.  I was not fond of the ending of the book.  It left me feeling flat.  I give this book a 7 out of 10.

Sparrow Road by Sheila O'Connor

In Front of God and Everybody

  by K.D. McCrite     K. D.'s site   

Youtube Trailer for book

I loved the chapter titles and the watermarks behind the text in this book.  It also has a great lesson for everyone no matter what their background.  Can you find the author's message in this story?  It had me laughing a lot in disbelief. Sarcasm does have it's place in some books.

I rate this book a 8/10.  

How did K.D use foreshadowing in this book and why do you think she used it?

Could you use foreshadowing in the piece you are working on? What does it add to

 or take away from the appeal of a story?

PIE by Sarah Weeks  Sarah Weeks' PIE site

If you like baking pies, this book is for you!  Each chapter starts with a pie recipe that reflects a character in the story.  Loved it!

I rate it 7/10.

How does this effect how you read this story?

Can you see any other elements the author has used to draw you in?

13 Gifts by Wendy Mass

Wow, I am now a fan.  I love the way this book is written as realistic fiction with a hint of sci-fi.  You feel there is something magical and yet, it never really goes out of bounds...it could all be coincidence.  Wendy Mass makes me want to go back and read the previous sequels to this book.  I hadn't read those and now I will, because she seems to have intertwined these stories in an incredible manner.  I will get back to you on that!

 Check out Wendy's site!

I rate it 8/10.

Why do you think this author intertwines her characters in her sequels the way she does?