what's up?

not much.

Did you read the new Harry Potter yet? I did and really enjoyed it. I'm not going to give away anything, but I'd be happy to discuss it in emails. Anyway, I read it this weekend as soon as I got it. I had a long weekend, so I was tired, but I kept reading anyway. Only thing I regret is that it's over. I half wish I would have slowed down and savored every page. Oh well, I suppose I can re-read it.

This weekend, I also read the first two books in the spiderwick series by Holly Black. I think there are 5 books in that series. A movie is coming out based on these books (I'd say they are geared for 3rd to 5th grade, but I'm not good at judging). I intend to read the last 3 as soon as possible so I can get them out of the way before the movie comes out.

Speaking of movies and Harry Potter and stuff what books will fans read now? What books will be made into movies? Like I said, Spiderwick is good. Other series for young readers that are in the fantasy vein that I have read include Septimus Heap, The Bartimaeus Trilogy, and Artemis Fowl and Charlie Bone. I also enjoyed Wrinkle in Time (and will pick up the others in that series.) Also, be sure to check out the Cornelia Funke books, I hear they are great too.

Spiderwick is about 3 children who find a book about a "fantastical world". Because of this book, they end up having many adventures including meeting brownies, fairies, and trolls.

Septimus Heap is the series that I can see younger Harry Potter fans looking to. It's about a wizard family and Septimus is the 7th son of a 7th son. He is believed dead, but he isn't. The adventures are just begining.

Bartimaeus is interesting. Another young magician with family problems. This boy summons a djinni (genie).

Artemis is my favorite. He's NOT a wizard or a magician or anything like that. He's just insanely smart! He has many adventures involving the faeries and other magical creatures.

Charlie Bone has a power from being a descendant of the red king. His power is hearing thoughts or conversations in photographs. These books are easy and not as good as Harry Potter. BUT, I think kids would like it way more than adults.