Monday, March 16, 2009

New Blog

Hey everyone!
Just a quick FYI!
I have a new blog where I'm going to put all the cool graphics and stuff I design.
It's called Designs by Katie.

Go Check it out!

Ella Enchanted by Gail Carson Levine


Name: Ella Enchanted

Author: Gail Carson Levine

Brief summary: When Ella of Frell was born, the foolish fairy, Lucinda, gave her the gift of obedience. Of course, as Ella grows up, she looks at that "gift" as a curse. Any command she is given, Ella has to obey. It could be something as simple as, "Clean your room." or something much worse, like, "Chop your head off.". When Ella is fifteen, she decides to find the foolish Lucinda and ask her to talk the curse off. This book follows Ella as she goes to finishing school, her father gets remarried and ultimately, she falls in love with the gorgeous Prince Charmont, Prince Char for short. Will Ella get the curse off and get the happy ending that she dreams of?

Grade/Age level: 10 and up

Cautions: None

If you like this book, you will also like.... Princess Academy by Shannon Hale

Personal Opinion: I read this book when I was about ten and it's been my totally favorite book since. It was always at the top of my "favorite books list", even above Harry Potter! Those who knew me at this age will find this as a shock, as I was a Harry obsessor from ages 8-12.

Rating: 10/10

Friday, March 13, 2009

Princess Academy by Shannon Hale


Name: Princess Academy
Author: Shannon Hale
Brief summary: When the priests predict that the prince's future wife will come from the mountains, everyone is shocked at the idea. When the King's Men come to let those from the "chosen" mountain town know that every girl aged 12-18 must come to "The Princess Academy", Miri is less than thrilled. Miri, a girl filled with imagination, character and wit, is angered when she is told she doesn't get a choice and must go to the Princess Academy, especially when she realizes her sister, Marda, is a few days too old to go with her. Miri, along with every other girl, goes to the Princess Academy to be taught how to act, dress, eat and do everything else a princess must. Along the way, Miri makes an unexpected friend, Britta. Britta recently moved to the mountains from a city and was recently orphaned. This book was filled to the brim with adventure and romance.
Grade/Age level: 12 and up
Cautions: None
If you like this book, you will also like....Any book by Gail Carson Levine, Especially Ella Enchanted.
Personal Opinion: The same cousin who gave me Cycler gave me this book YEARS ago. I randomly found it while cleaning my room and decided to give it a shot. As I read it, memories of me rereading Ella Enchanted for the trillionth time filled my head. Miri and Ella have much in common, including that both are spunky and they both fight their way through different trials. Princess Academy was a fun book that I HATED to put down.
Rating: 9/10