Something Strange and Deadly by Susan Dennard
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

On sale July 24, 2012, but you can preorder it at your local independent book store or on your e-reader.

Eleanor fears her brother is being held by the “Dead,” the walking corpses that have been plaguing Philadelphia.  She solicits the support of a team of Spirit-Hunters to help her rescue him.  The Spirit-Hunters have invented a bomb that creates a pulse of electromagnetic energy to destroy the spiritual energy of the Dead.  Convincing them they need her help and defying the traditional behavior of a Victorian lady, she abandons her corsets and petticoats for a shirt and trousers to assist the Spirit-Hunters in their quest to fend off the Dead.

The highlight of the novel is Dennard’s success at creating the story around the Centennial International Exhibition of 1876.  This was the first official world’s fair in the United States. The historical exhibition in Philadelphia showcased America’s resources and technological advancements.  Dennard has woven her action scenes around the famous Corliss Steam Engine and Machinery Hall.

This is an unusual combination of historical fiction, steampunk and zombies by debut, young adult author, Susan Dennard.  The author has added elements of romance and humor as well as the gripping horror of zombies and necromancy.  The plot is not as dark as Carrie Ryan’s The Forest of Hands and Teeth, and the female characters are stronger than Anna Godbersen’s The Luxe.  Fans of Cassandra Clare’s Clockwork Angel will find a read alike in Dennard’s novel.  A sequel is expected next summer.




View all my reviews

Way to go, Grace Baghdady

Grace Baghdady is the first to post one of her reviews from the 7th grade geography summer reading list.   Grace read,  A Long Walk to Water by Linda Sue Park. Grace says, "I thought this book was really enjoyable and as proof of it I read it in only two to three hours."

Park, the author of The Single Shard read by every 4th grader at OPS has written a novel based on true stories about two children in Sudan. Salva, an eleven year old boy flees from his village in Sudan to escape political violence.  He walks miles to Ethiopia hoping to find safety in a refugee camp, but is forced out of the country and must travel many more treacherous miles to Kenya.  In her review Baghdady says, "Salva battles to stay alive by running away...he couldn't stay where he was raised because it was far too dangerous with men constantly coming to force men and young boys to fight.  I can't imagine how awful it was with kids killing kids."  The alternating chapter of eleven year old, Nya describes her everyday struggle to walk to find water for her family.  Park has written a compelling novel about survival and hope.  Take a couple of hours this summer and read her story.

The author Linda Sue Park has been writing her entire life.  Her first publication was a haiku in a children's magazine.  Read more about Park in her Scholastic biography.

Thanks, Grace for stepping up to Ms. Tewkesbury's challenge.  By the way, Ms. Tewkesbury  is in Zambia right now so I'm sure she will have some interesting stories to share with us.

Keep reading.  The list includes many stories that will have an impact on how you view freedom as well as the simple luxury of running water.

Looking forward to hearing from others.  If you've read A Long Walk to Water leave a comment on how it has made an impact on your life.