Monday, January 9, 2012

Marvelous Middle Grade Monday: The Shadows (The Book of Elsewhere #1)


I bought this book because I heart the cover. Seriously, heart it. So I thought I would start the year with cover love and title love and story love too.

My MMGM pick:

The Book of Elsewhere (#1): The Shadows
by Jacqueline West
published 2010

Other Books by this author:
Spellbound (The Books of Elsewhere #2) 2011

The Hook: When 11 year old Olive moves into an old mansion she discovers the house is hiding secrets and that she can enter the paintings that are stuck to its walls. She uncovers a power that wants to destroy her and the house, and it is up to her to stop the dark shadows.

Why I loved it: Characters and imagination. The story is very clever and I love the fantastical element of the paintings, Elsewhere, and the plot. The story can be a bit scary at times but it is a fabulous adventure. I haven't got to book 2 yet but want to--it is definitely on my to-buy list. This is a great book for both boys and girls. I would also recommend this to reluctant readers; the story moves quickly and should hold their attention.


So I'm trying to decide what books to pick for this month's middle grade mash up, what new middle grade new releases are you most excited to read?

8 comments:

  1. I have this one but haven't read it yet. I'm looking forward to it, though. :)

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  2. I would buy this based on a character named Olive. Love that name. Thanks for word on this one; I hadn't heard about it.

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  3. Love the premise. I've been shelving this book since it came out (and it sells well) but haven't read it yet. Good to know it's perfect for reluctant readers, as I get asked that a lot.

    Love the idea of your MG Mash-up. Do they have to be books released this month? Like MAY B? Already read and adored it. How about CABINET OF EARTHS? Loved that too. Haven't gotten around to reviewing it yet.

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  4. Oh, I love the idea of going into pictures. Probably because I pretended to do that my whole life. Sounds like a great read.

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  5. I read this. I really enjoyed it. I think it was quite popular.

    I loved MAY B. And I'm looking forward to reading Cabinet of Earths.

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  6. All of them! And the West title has been pretty popular in my library.

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  7. I have not read this yet! I will be!

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  8. Oh, this sounds great, Brooke! I'm definitely going to look for it!

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