1. Blackwood, S. (2013). Jinx. Harper.
Jinx has a special ability; he just doesn't know it's special until he loses it. When Jinx is taken into the Urwald by his stepfather, he is sure that he will be abandoned, and he will die in the Urwald. However, when he and his stepfather stray from the path and get lost, who should find them but a wizard?? The Wizard decides to keep Jinx and brings him home and Jinx's life begins. He is introduced to the world of magic, he learns to read, he learns new languages including gaining the ability to listen to the very trees of the Urwald. He never has to worry about what this wizard is thinking because Jinx can see his thoughts float in a cloud around his head. Green for calm, lavender for curious, and even spiky orange for angry. But never the harsh angry red of his stepfather or the bottle shaped blue fear of the members of his community, so Jinx is pretty sure he'll be alright.
Until the wizard Simon performs a spell and suddenly Jinx wakes up without his special ability. Now Jinx has to find out why Simon stole his magic, and how he can get it back, and why can he hear the trees and nobody else can? A thrilling read for middle schoolers and older, JINX introduces readers to the charming - and terrifying - new fantasy world of the Urwald and its many adventures and perils.
2. Turnage, S. (2012). Three times lucky. #1. Dial Books for Young Readers.
"Trouble cruised into Tupelo Landing at exactly seven minutes past noon on a Wednesday, the third of June, flashing a gold badge and driving a Chevy Impala the color of dirt." begins Turnage's first title in her Mo & Dale Mysteries saga. With a first line as striking as that, one can't help but buckle up for a wild ride. Miss Moses "Mo" LoBeau is a precocious, all-American, rising sixth grader who also happens to be a budding detective. With a narrative voice sure to make any southerner feel right at home, Turnage introduces us to the town of Tupelo Landing and the murder that occurs there all through the eyes of the charming Miss Mo. Perfect for middle grade readers and older, you won't be able to help but root for Mo and her best friend Dale as they band together to solve this infamous crime and get into all sorts of hijinks along the way.
I really enjoyed meeting Mo & Dale, I instantly fell in love with the way Mo sees the world and tells it like it is, I highly recommend this book for any sleuth in your life who loves a good mystery.
Good summary work here. Remember that the purpose of a review is to share your professional opinion on the strengths and opportunities of a book. Focus on that. Phrases like "I enjoy" center you and not the title.
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