If you don’t get a chance to read “Confessions of a Teenage Drama Queen” by Dyan Sheldon ($17 hardback, Candlewick Press), it will be the GREATEST TRAGEDY OF YOUR LIFE!!!!!!!!! OK, not really… but you’ll be missing a fun story. High schooler Lola Cep dreams of becoming a great actress — and manages to turn every second into high drama in the meantime. Mix her inclination for theatrics with a scheme to sneak into a concert and an attempt to survive a backstabbing cheerleader and you’ve got a dramatic and funny tale. (heart)(heart)(heart)(heart)
Ever watch a snowboarder who was skilled and polished, but somehow lacked the flair that makes the sport so awesome? That’s how I felt about “Surfers of Snow” by Kim Askew ($5, Fitzhenry & Whiteside). This story, about teen snowboarder Tanner and his attempts to find out who’s sabotaging a local resort, is interesting enough. Askew, a snowboarder herself, has a firm grasp of the sport’s details, and she writes decently. But by the time the book got exciting enough to give me a real rush, I was too weary of reading to enjoy it. (heart)(heart)
For a little inspiration, girls, here’s where you turn: “Extraordinary Girls” by Maya Ajmera, Olateju Omolodun and Sarah Strunk ($17, Charlesbridge Publishing). “Each girl is extraordinary in her own way,” it starts out saying. “Each girl has something to celebrate.” Then, with vivid pictures and descriptions, it depicts girls from around the world playing sports, organizing projects, creating art, making friends and celebrating religion. The book is more of a feel– good read than a learning experience (though it includes a handy reference guide of books, Web sites and girls groups). But some days, feeling good about being a girl is what it’s all about. (heart)(heart)(heart)
WHAT DOES A CARTOONIST DO?
Like to make silly faces — on paper? Then get your hands on “The Fun Book of Cartoon Faces” or “The Fun Book of Cartoon People” by Bruce Blitz (both $13, Running Press). Cartoonist Blitz will walk you through cinchy ways to make tons of goofy-lookin’ characters. Plus, he throws in a bunch of drawing games and doodle tricks. Great for a rainy day or a boring class (kidding — besides, the books might make you giggle so much you’d get caught).
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RATINGS:
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No exaggeration: We were sorry this story ever ended.
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Hellooo? Thinking of passing this book up? Think again.
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If this book were a movie, we’d wait for the video.
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Check our pulse! This read put us into a coma.
