Beastly by Alex Flinn

Beastly by Alex Flinn
Reviewed by Suzanne, Teen Services Librarian

Beastly is not a book I would have normally selected to read. Fantasy is not my preferred genre, but since author Alex Flinn is speaking at a conference I am attending next month, I figured I would try her twist on an old fairy tale.

This modern-day Beauty and the Beast takes place in New York City. Kyle Kingsbury, a freshman at an elite private school, plays a cruel trick on the new girl in school dismissing her as some “Goth freak.” However, the girl turns out to be a witch who casts a spell on the vain Kyle. Transformed into a disfigured beast, Kyle has two years to break the spell. Abandoned by his father and unable to show his face in public, time begins to run out and it looks like Kyle may remain a beast forever.

I really enjoyed this fresh version of Beauty and the Beast, and read it quite quickly. It was great fun and a pleasant departure from Flinn’s other books which are realistic depictions of teenage angst. The research Alex Flinn put into the creation of this book is apparent. What makes it unique is it is told from the point of view of the beast, with Kyle the story’s narrator.

The Lewiston Public Library owns one copy of Beastly; it can be reserved through NIOGA. To read more about Alex Flinn visit her website.

Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules

Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules by Jeff Kinney
Reviewed by Suzanne Dlugolonski, Teen Services Librarian

The sequel to last year’s smash hit Diary of a Wimpy Kid did not disappoint! In Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules, Greg Heffley returns with his embarrassing summer tucked safely behind him… or is it? Only Rodrick knows Greg’s secret and is using it blackmail Greg. Compounding matters at home is little brother Manny; now that he can talk, Manny’s turned into the biggest tattle-tale. And as Greg beings 7th grade he forgot one important detail–he still has the Cheese Touch! Zoo-Wee Mama.

Greg is still a jerky kid with very few redeeming qualities, but his journal (remember it is NOT a diary!) will once again keep readers in stitches. There were not as many laugh-out-loud moments as the first Diary of a Wimpy Kid, but Rodrick Rules is still chock-full of that dry wit and familiar middle school tragedies that charmed us the first time around.

Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules and Diary of a Wimpy Kid command the 1 and 2 spots on the New York Times Children’s Best Sellers List. Like the original, Rodrick Rules also received a Starred Review from Publishers Weekly. The third installment, The Last Straw, is due out in the Fall. Also in the works? Two more Diary of a Wimpy Kid books and a movie! So while you’re waiting for more Greg Heffley, the first Diary of a Wimpy Kid has been nominated for a Nickelodeon Kid’s Choice Award. Visit here and vote for it today!

The Lewiston Public Library has one copy on order. Other copies can be requested through NIOGA. To learn more about Diary of a Wimpy Kid and it’s author visit http://www.wimpykid.com/.