Game

Game by Barry Lyga
The Sequel to I Hunt Killers

Lyga, B. (2013). Game. New York: Little Brown Books for Young Readers.

I loved the book I Hunt Killers that was required reading for my Young Adult Literature class. I finally found time to follow up and read (listen) to the next book in the series. The audio version was narrated by Charlie Thurston was enjoyable to listen to and was narrated in a manner that was easy to follow. Jasper is back with his girlfriend Connie and his best friend Howie after solving the Impressionist murders. Now Jazz is tapped to help find the Hat-Dog killer in New York who has killed 14 times. To complicate the story, Jasper’s dad, notorious serial killer, Billy Dent, is on the loose and playing mind games. The story carries the reader through the streets of New York and farmland of Lobo’s Nod where clues are revealed to help solve the mystery of the Hat-Dog Killer.

I thoroughly enjoyed the book and crime fiction fans will also be drawn into the world of Jasper and Billy Dent. The book is mainly told from Jasper’s point of view with occasional glimpses into the mind of the killer. Jazz continues to struggle with the idea of “normal”. I was hoping for some closure by reading this book, but it leaves the reader with a very large cliff-hanger. Thankfully I am able to check-out the third (and final) installment (audio version) from the library to see how it all ends.

Books in the Series by Barry Lyga:

I Hunt Killers

Game

Blood of my Blood

Career Day: An I Hunt Killers prequel

Lucky Day: An I Hunt Killers Novella (Kindle)

Neutral Mask: An I Hunt Killers Prequel

Blood Boy: An I Hunt Killers Prequel

The Thank You Book

New Book on the library shelf!

The Thank You Book by Mo Willems

Willems, M. (2016). The thank you book. New York: Hyperion Books for Children.

This is the last book in the Elephant and Piggie series by award winning author Mo Willems. Piggie says a final “Thank You” to all the previous characters that have appeared throughout the series. Elephant is worried that Piggie won’t remember to thank everyone and the reader must wait to the end to find out who is "most important". The book is touching and will encourage young reader to go and re-read their favorite Elephant and Piggie books. Elephant and Piggie fans will not want to miss this one.

This easy reader continues the tradition of outstanding writing that has won Mo Willems several Theodor Seuss Geisel Awards. This book lends itself to looking back at previous Elephant and Piggie books, along with a sneaky Pigeon, introducing new readers to the series or bringing back fond memories for fans. It also is a great way to remind students of the importance of saying thank you.

Interesting Links:

Website:

http://pigeonpresents.com

YouTube video of Mo Willems talking about saying “thank you”.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mKvNwfHa_tc

What's to Come in 2018

What's to Come in 2018

I started this blog as part of my graduate studies at SHSU. The earliest posting were part of my Children's Literature course while the most recent postings were part of my Young Adult Literature class. Now that I have finished the assignments, I am continuing to post reviews of some of books. These may be books that are new to the library or have caught the interest of some of my students. I also want to explore more graphic novels to be able to provide more assistance to students when searching for these books. I may also review books that are part of a series that I would like to continue reading because there are several that I am dying to find more about the story. Reviews may be Young Adult or Children's books-- whatever the mood strikes at the moment, which is very refreshing. 

*Graphic from: my cutegraphic.com