The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar and Six More by Roald Dahl

 

The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar and Six More by Roald Dahl 

This book contains seven stories by children's author Roald Dahl.  Six of the stories are fiction while the other two are rare nonfiction pieces by the author.  There are a variety of stories including fantasy (The Boy Who Talked to Animals), war fiction (Piece of Cake), magic realism (The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar), and a true story of treasure (The Mildenhall Treasure).  

I listened to this on audio and highly recommend that format.  The narrator does a great job of reading the stories.  While I didn't care for all the stories and one of them I found very disturbing (The Swan), I would still recommend this to fans of Roald Dahl.

I Had That Same Dream Again by Yoru Sumino & Idumi Kirihara

 

Nanoka doesn't have too many friends.  She does have three though -- a high schooler who harms herself, a young woman who turned her back on life and had society turn away from her, and an old woman who lives alone.  Through visits with these three different friends, Nanoka answers her question of what is happiness.

This was a very interesting manga.  Nanoka grows a lot as a character throughout the story.  Her interactions with her three friends and eventually a boy from school change her life in many ways.  This is a haunting read for teens that like to think deep thoughts and consider their place in the world.

The Witches by Roald Dahl

 The Witches by Roald Dahl - 244 pages

Grandmama has told him everything there is to know about witches.  They hide in plain sight although they must wear disguises to cover their bald heads, clawed fingers, and squared-off feet with no toes.  They are also deadly dangerous to children.  It is their sole purpose to get rid of children.

While on vacation, he accidentally runs into the witches of England having their annual meeting.  At the meeting, the Grand High Witch shares her evil plan to turn all the children of England into mice.  Will he be able to stop them?


This book is a little creepy and a lot of fun.  Like most Roald Dahl books it doesn't have a traditional happy ending but you are satisfied with how the story ends.  I also recommend the audio version of this book narrated by Miranda Richardson.  And after reading the book, make sure to watch one of the movie versions of this story.

Dr. Tenth by Roger Hargreaves

 

The Doctor is on vacation when the planet is attacked by Sontarans.  What will he do when he trapped with one of the invading aliens?

This is one of the Little Men series of books about Doctor Who.  There is a book for each of the Doctors.  As a fan, I found the book to be hilarious.  I would highly suggest it for all Doctor Who fans -- no matter their age.

Turtle Walk by Matt Phelan

 

Turtle family is going for a walk -- nice and slow.  Where are they going?  When will they get there?  And what's their plan once they arrive?

This was a very cute picture book.  I absolutely loved it.  The illustrations bring the story to life.  I would recommend this book to anyone!

Emmy & Oliver by Robin Benway

 Emmy and Oliver were best friends.  They did everything together.  Until the day that Oliver disappeared -- his father had kidnapped him.  Oliver was greatly missed . . . until the day he comes home.  Now Emmy and Oliver try to reconnect and be friends once again.

Emmy and Oliver are great characters.  They continually reveal new sides to themselves throughout the story.  The secondary characters are also sympathetic and entertaining.  I would recommend this teen novel to those who enjoy character studies and those who like romances.  

Pumpkinheads by Rainbow Rowell

Pumpkinheads by Rainbow Rowell

Deja and Josiah have worked at the Pumpkin Patch for the past three falls.  Now it's their last night and they are on a mission.  Josiah needs to talk to the cute girl he's had a crush on since orientation three years ago.  Deja wants to experience all the attractions and treats the Pumpkin Patch has to offer.

This is a fun graphic novel written by Rainbow Rowell and illustrated by Faith Erin Hicks.  The characters are relatable and the story is cute.  Even though you know how the story will end, you will still want to read and continue their quest with them.