Star Trek FAQ by Mark Clark

Much has been written about Star Trek in the more than forty years since the Starship Enterprise first appeared on television. People have looked at its science and its ethics; the stars have written about their behind the scene experiences. Novels expand on what was shown on screen and reviews place it in the context of popular culture. Star Trek FAQ bills itself as "Everything left to know about the first voyages of the Starship Enterprise," and that's what it puts forward. It has chapters dedicated to the creators, writers, actors, directors, guest stars, and anyone else who came in contact with the show. It discusses the sources that came before the show and the revivals that came afterward. If you have a question about Star Trek, this book probably has the answer.

There is a part of me that wonders if there's still a market for books like this. Couldn't you just look at a wikipedia page? Wouldn't you get the same information? And while I think you can, there is something so satisfyingly authoritative about a thick book that brings together so many different sources and topics. There was probably more that I needed about the actors previous roles, but it was helpful for filling in information about their lives before Star Trek. I don't know if the book is designed to be read straight through, like I did; some of the sections are repetitive, even down to the same phrasing. But if you're just starting where you're curious, this probably is less noticeable. What this book did quite well was get me excited about Star Trek. Talking about the episodes and the storylines made me curious to see more. I know a bit about the show, but only culturally; I know I've seen some episodes but I've never really sat down and watched one (although I was quite into Star Trek: The Next Generation) and I've only seen a few of the movies. Now, though, I feel like I have a deeper understanding of the series and want to actually experience it. Super fans (Trekkies, if you will), won't likely find too much new in here, but fans of television and pop culture (as well as library non-fiction collections) should definitely give it a look.

I received a review copy from NetGalley courtesy of Hal Leonard Books.

Find it at IndieBound. 

Read it with:
I Am Spock by Leonard Nimoy
To The Stars by George Takei
Beyond Uhura by Nichelle Nichols
Beam Me Up, Scotty by James Doohan
Inside Star Trek by Herbert F. Solow and Robert H. Justman
Star Trek Memories by William Shatner

Darth Paper Strikes Back: An Origami Yoda Book by Tom Angleberger

In The Strange Case of Origami Yoda, Tommy and Kellan created a case file to explore the authenticity of the Origami Yoda. Was the Force really flowing through the finger puppet, or was it all just a hoax run by Dwight? In Darth Paper Strikes Back, Origami Yoda and Dwight face two new obstacles: Darth Paper and Harvey. After Dwight gets kicked out of school is on the verge of attending an alternative school for problem children, Tommy is determined to find a way to help. On the advice of Origami Yoda, he starts a second case file to document all of the ways that Dwight - and Origami Yoda - has actually worked to make the school a better place. The file also has Kellan's illustrations (and Harvey's unhelpful comments), but will it be enough to convince the school board that Dwight should be allowed back to school?

The two Origami Yoda books are built on such a great premise. The books and their covers practically scream 'Read Me!' Darth Paper has great strands running through it about friendship, acceptance, honesty, tact, and authority, but it never hits readers over the head with lessons or morals. You could probably read this book without an extensive knowledge of Star Wars, or without reading the first book, but I definitely recommend reading the first one before checking this one out. The ending of the book makes it very clear that there's going to be another one, and that's confirmed on Tom Angleberger's website. I can't wait!


Check out both Tom Angleberger's website as well as the Origami Yoda website.

Find it at IndieBound.

Read it with:
The Strange Case of Origami Yoda by Tom Angleberger

Jesus: He Lived Among Us by R.F. Palavicini and Steve Cleary

The story of Jesus has been recounted in many different ways over the last 2000 years. For many people, the definitive version of his story is found in the Bible. Drawing from the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, Jesus: He Lived Among Us tells the story of Jesus from his birth to his death. It explores his faith, the miracles that he performed, and the relationships that he had with his disciples. Paired with illustrations and a bit of a framing narrative, this book is told in a way that will be meaningful for young readers.

As the cover of the book makes clear, this book is based on an animated film. The illustrations inside the book are taken from the movie. It does have a bit of a feel of a companion piece, but the movie can stand on its own. I'm not sure how easy it would be to follow for someone who didn't have prior knowledge of Jesus and his life; knowing a bit about the Bible definitely helped me to keep some of the stories, people, and events straight. Similarly, someone who knows a lot about the Bible and Jesus might not find much that's new in this book, at least in terms of content. The style of the book, the accessible language, and the artwork make this a book worth exploring, especially for parents and caregivers who are looking for a book about Jesus for a young reader.

I received a review copy from NetGalley courtesy of Warner Press.

Find it at IndieBound. 

Read it with:
Meet Jesus by Lynn Tuttle Gunney
Stories from the Life of Jesus by Celia B. Lottridge
The Life of Jesus by Mary Billingsley

Ghostbusters Volume 1 by Erik Burnham, Dan Shoening, Luis Antonio Delgado and Tristan Jones

It's widely known that when there's a ghost on the loose, the best people to call are the Ghostbusters. But things have been a little strange lately. Ray's had a terrifying dream - or is it a premonition? - and Dr. Spengler wants to delve inside his brain. Meanwhile, Winston and Venkman are investigating a ghostly encounter in an apartment complex...but they're not prepared for what they find. At the same time, the very existence of the Ghostbusters is under threat...if the four men can manage to get out alive. This volume is probably best appreciated by knowledgeable fans of the series. I've seen Ghostbusters,  but only the first movie, and I had some trouble knowing who was who and what was going on. The plot moves along quickly and the illustration is creepy and, when the story calls for it, satisfyingly disgusting. I had to read it through a few times before I got a sense of what was happening, which I don't think the target audience will have to do, but it seems like a fun and suspenseful story for fans of the franchise.

(Note: this post is based on the first issue of the volume, not the entire volume. I received an advance review copy from NetGalley courtesy of IDW Publishing. )

For fun, here's the trailer for the original Ghostbusters movie:




Find it at IndieBound. 

Read it with:
Ghostbusters: The Other Side by Keith Champagne, Tom Nguyen, and Drew Geraci
The Real Ghostbusters: Which Witch is Which? by Dan Abnett and Anthony Williams
Ghostbusters by Nathan Johnson

Steve Jobs by Nick Hunter

Apple. Mac. iPod. iPhone. iPad. Pixar. iTunes. These words have become common for many people in today's world. Thirty years ago, the way that people thought about computers, music, movies, and information was quite different. Many people have contributed to the changes in information technology, including Steve Jobs. Tracing Jobs' life and work from his early days until his last, this book from the Titans of Business series provides a close look at a man who challenged people to think differently.

When I first saw this title from Capstone, I wondered if it would really have an audience. It's written for students, but many of today's students have grown up with the internet, iPods and mp3 players, and personal computers. Would the story of a man involved with computers in the 1970s and 80s be of interest to them? Would the man behind things like iPods and iPads be seen as revolutionary in the same way that he was to so many adults? Once I started reading, though, I saw how narrow my view was. This is as much the story of computers and technology as it is a biography of Steve Jobs. Yes, the main details of his life are in here, but it's also a look at how technology has changed so much in a very short time. Steve Jobs and the Titans of Business series would be a strong addition to the non-fiction books in a classroom or library. Like many of Capstone's non-fiction titles, it could be a strong resource for students working on a project or for kids who want to read a biography or a tech title for pleasure.

I received a review copy from NetGalley courtesy of Capstone.

Find it at IndieBound.

Read it with:
Steve Jobs, Steve Wozniak, and the Personal Computer by Donald B. Lemke
Bill and Melinda Gates by Sally Issacs
Inside the Olympics by Nick Hunter

Jennifer Lawrence by Katherine Krohn

When The Hunger Games opens in theatres later this year, it could be one of the biggest movies of the year. Based on the best-selling novel by Suzanne Collins, the story of Katniss Everdeen has captured the imaginations of readers around the world. When plans for the movie were first announced, people wondered who would play the pivotal role of Katniss; it later went to Jennifer Lawrence. Who is this actress? Where did she come from? What did she do before landing this role? This book has everything you need to know about the young woman behind the character.

I'm not going to lie - I'm very excited for The Hunger Games. I enjoyed the books and I'm really looking forward to the movie. I didn't have strong feelings either way on Jennifer Lawrence when she was cast as Katniss, but I did want to learn more about her. This book is a very straightforward biography that traces the young actress' life and career to late 2011. This book probably won't have a very long shelf life without seeming dated (particularly once The Hunger Games opens - let alone if Jennifer Lawrence goes on to have a long and successful career), but its topicality and relevance will make it very appealing to young readers. It's a great fit for middle grade readers who like biographies, people who like reading about celebrities and Hollywood, and those who are looking forward to The Hunger Games.



Check out Katherine Krohn's website.

I received an advance review copy from NetGalley courtesy of Lerner Publishing.

Find it at Amazon. 

Read it with:
The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
Vera Wang: Enduring Style by Katherine Krohn
Kristin Stewart by Robin Johnson

The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg

One Christmas Eve a young boy was in bed, waiting and wishing for Santa to come. His friends had told him there was no Santa, but he didn't believe them - he believed in Santa Claus. Then he heard it - the soft sound of a train. It was The Polar Express, and it came to take him and other children to the North Pole. After a short journey, the boy is chosen to receive the first present from Santa. But when he loses this present, is all hope lost? Or is there still some Christmas magic yet to come?

The Polar Express is not only a holiday classic; it was the winner of the 1986 Caldecott Award for illustration, and its rich images have resonated with children for over twenty-five years. The message of hope and belief has warmed the hearts of children and adults who want to believe in the magic of the season. The style of the illustrations and the voice of the narrator make it a book that might speak particularly strongly to adults remembering their own childhoods. In 2004 The Polar Express was made into a movie starring Tom Hanks, but don't let the original book go overlooked around the holidays.

Find it at IndieBound.

Read it with:
Jumanji by Chris Van Allsburg
Miracle on 34th Street by Valentine Davies
Queen of the Falls by Chris Van Allsburg

Miracle on 34th Street by Valentine Davies

As someone who watches a great deal of Christmas movies, I would be hard pressed to name my absolute favourite. Is it A Brady Bunch Christmas? It's just so cheesy and wonderful! Elf? Sure, it's recent, but it does have that whimsy that a great Christmas movie needs. A Muppet Family Christmas? What could be better than all of the muppets together for the holidays? A Charlie Brown Christmas? Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer? Frosty the Snowman? A Christmas Carol? There are just so many strong contenders. But if I was absolutely forced to name a favourite Christmas story, I think I might have to go with Miracle on 34th Street.

After spending many years enjoying the movie versions (both the original and the 1990s remake), this was the first time I'd read the written story. It wasn't published until after the original movie was released, but it doesn't seem to be an exact duplicate of the story. It's largely the same, but there are some minor differences - nothing that really changes the story in any way. It adds a bit of detail onto the mysterious character of Kris Kringle with a few pages dedicated to his story before he shows up at the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. At just over 100 pages, it's not a long story; I think it would be most properly called a novella. The original 1940s edition does have some of the casual racism from the time (there's a brief reference to Cleo, the "colored maid"), but for the most part it holds up rather well. There's a timeless quality to the question of Santa Claus and the true meaning of Christmas. I don't know if reading the book is going to be come a holiday tradition for me in the same way that watching the movies has, but if you can find a copy of the book (particularly one of the original 1940s editions with its original design) it might be worth giving it a look, especially if you're a fan of any of the movie versions.




Find it at IndieBound.

Read it with:
The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg
Christmas at the Movies edited by Mark Connelly
The Night Before Christmas by Clement C. Moore

Barbie in A Christmas Carol by Mary Man-Kong

Eden Starling is a star. She has a beautiful singing voice and people come every night to see her perform. But Eden is very selfish and vain. While the other people in the cast look forward to celebrating Christmas with their families, Eden demands that they spend Christmas at the theatre rehearsing and practicing. That night, three ghosts visit Eden: one from the past, one from the present, and one from the future. Together, they try to show Eden a different way of living and how important it is to be kind, generous, and thoughtful of others.

I can't even begin to think of how many adaptations of A Christmas Carol there have been. And given that one of my favourite versions is the TV movie "Ebbie" starring Susan Lucci as Ebbie Scrooge, coldhearted department store manager, I'm clearly not that much of a purist. This book is definitely designed to appeal to Barbie fans, and either extend the experience of people who have already watched the movie version, or to spark interest in people who have not yet read the movie version. The book can stand on its own (barely, but it does). Because it has the look of the animated movie, the illustrations are bright and colourful (and the clothing in particular looks rich and expensive). It's not the most original story in the world, but could definitely be a favourite around this time of year.

Find it at IndieBound.

Read it with:
I Can Be A Rock Star by Mary Man-Kong
Rudolph's Shiny Christmas by Mary Man-Kong
The Good, the Bad, and the Barbie by Tanya Lee Stone
The Missing Wedding Dress featuring Barbie by Karen Krugman
A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens and Robert Ingpen

Twilight: The Graphic Novel Volume One by Stephenie Meyer and Young Kim

Twilight: The Graphic Novel Volume 1 is based on Stephenie Meyer’s novel Twilight. The series has exploded in popularity since it was first released, and in 2010 it was adapted into this graphic novel. How do you summarize Twilight? By now it's so much more than a book. But here goes: Bella Swan isn’t too happy when she first moves to Forks, Washington; she’s used to the sun of Arizona, where she lives with her mom. She hardly knows her father at all, and isn’t sure how well she’ll fit in at school. Then she meets Edward Cullen, the mysterious guy that everyone gossips about. There’s something weird about him and his family…and Bella can’t help but be interested…

What I like about the graphic novel is that it has a different look than the movies; it’s not a comic version of Robert Pattison and Kristen Stewart, but its own version, done in manhwa, or Korean manga style. This is only volume one, though, so it’s not the entire first book, let alone the entire series, and I haven't heard anything about a release date for Volume Two. Still, It’s a good choice for Twilight fans who’ve devoured the series as well as extras like The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner.

Find it at IndieBound.

Read it with:
The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner by Stephenie Meyer
Twilight by Stephenie Meyer
Twilight Unbound: The Stephenie Meyer Story by Ryan Burton and Darren G. Davis

I Am Number Four by Pittacus Lore

Many years ago, during a time of terrible war, nine young Loric children were sent to earth, each with a caretaker. Pursued by the Mogadorians, a charm was put on the children to protect them - they could only be killed in order. If a Mogadorian tried to kill one out of order, it would reverse the act and instead kill the attacker in the same way. The first three have been killed. This is the story of number four.

I read this book knowing that there's a movie coming out soon, so I think that coloured how I read it. It's easy to see why it will be a good story to adapt - there's romance and intrigue, action and comic touches and teenage rebellion. It seems a bit slick, as maybe today's books have to be - and having the book credited to "Pittacus Lore" works with that. I don't usually read sci-fi so it worked for me, but I don't know if it's enough for hard-core sci-fi fans. Once I got into the story I just whipped through the last 250 or so pages. This is billed as book one in the Lorien Legacies, so there's more of the story to come.

Find it at IndieBound.

Read it with:
A Series of Unfortunate Events by Lemony Snicket
What Happened on Fox Street by Tricia Springstubb
Boom! by Mark Haddon

Scott Pilgrim's Precious Little Life by Bryan Lee O'Malley

Scott Pilgrim is living exactly the life he wants to live. He's in a band, he lives with his best friend (yeah, they have to sleep in the same bed, but that's totally just a space issue), he's dating a cute girl, and at 23, he has his whole life ahead of him. Then he meets Ramona Flowers, and she changes everything. Scott learns that in order to be with her, he will have to defeat all of her seven evil exes. And he wants to be with her. So things are going to get interesting.

I will fully admit that I picked this up because of the upcoming movie (I'm a big fan of Michael Cera and am curious to see what he does with the role). I liked the storyline, I liked the artwork, I liked the concept, and I liked that it's recognizably set in the Toronto area.


Find it at IndieBound.

Read it with:
Scott Pilgrim vs. the World by Bryan Lee O'Malley
Blankets by Craig Thompson
Skim by Mariko Tamaki

The Carrie Diaries by Candace Bushnell

Have you ever wondered what Carrie Bradshaw was like in high school? Candace Bushnell is betting that if you're a fan of Sex and the City, you have, and here is the book for you! The Carrie Diaries follows aspiring writer Carrie Bradshaw through her last year of high school - figuring out relationships with her friends, dealing with the attentions of a mysterious bad boy, wondering if she's going to be a virgin forever. The story ends with her making contact with someone who will be very big in the rest of her life - leaving me wondering if there might be a followup that focuses on Carrie Bradshaw: The Early 20s.

I'm not the most die-hard Sex and the City fan, but I've definitely seen the series (and the first movie), and I have a fairly good working knowledge of the show. There wasn't a lot of continuity between the book and the show in terms of the characters; most of what was there focused on the big stuff in Carrie's life - she wants to be a writer, she dreams of living in New York. At times it was hard to care about any of the other characters because I knew that by the time the series started, they were no longer important figures in Carrie's life in any way (including her family). I don't think that it added any insight into Carrie the character (she seemed sort of Mary Sue-ish at times), and most of the points of dramatic irony got tired ("Isn't it funny that the future sex columnist is a virgin?"). I think that this is best left for die-hard SATC fans; there are lots of other great options for people looking for a great YA novel.

Find it at IndieBound.

Read it with:
Boys, Girls, and Other Hazardous Materials by Rosalind Wiseman
L.A. Candy by Lauren Conrad
Twilight by Stephenie Meyer
Sex and the City by Candace Bushnell
The Summer I Turned Pretty by Jenny Han

Shrek! by William Steig

Shrek's mother was ugly. His father was ugly. But Shrek was uglier than the two of them put together. And with that warning, William Steig has kicked off the tale of the foul-smelling, fire-breathing, lightning-belching ogre. This story turns other fairy tales right on their heads and leaves you wondering whether you should cheer or fear the main character.

Shrek has become a famous character since the Mike Meyers-voiced movies started, and with the upcoming 4th Shrek movie about to hit theatres in 3-D, he's likely to return to the media forefront. People who turn to the William Steig original will find favourite characters like Shrek and Donkey, but they might be surprised by the storyline (it differs from the original movie). Like other Steig books, it plays with fun language and vocabulary and has great illustrations. Definitely worth checking out, especially if you're only familiar with the movie versions.


Find it at IndieBound.

Read it with:
Shrek: The Essential Guide The True Story of the Three Little Pigs by Jon Scieszka
Ogre Eats Everything by Bethany Roberts
The Paper Bag Princess by Robert Munsch
Doctor De Soto by William Steig
Miss Brooks Loves Books (and I don't) by Barbara Bottner