“Bollywood Babes,” by Narinder Dhami

“Bollywood Babes,” by Narinder Dhami is a humorous realistic fiction novel that revolves around Indian culture and three British-Indian girls who invite a Bollywood star to live at their house.

Amber, Geena, and Jazz Dhillon are British girls but they are proud of their Indian background and unique culture.  The plot of the story focuses around a Bollywood party planned for the school by the girls’ aunt, who has come from India to stay with them.  Bollywood is the Indian version of Hollywood, with a distinct Indian flair and cultural influence. Read the rest »

“Antsy Does Time,” by Neal Shusterman

“Antsy Does Time,” by Neal Shusterman is a fascinating novel that mixes incredible humor with some surprisingly deep insights and evocative passages.

The main character is Antsy Bonano, who was first introduced in Neal Shusterman’s book “The Schwa Was Here”. Just like before Antsy Bonano has lots of ideas. The only problem is that nothing ever turns out quite like he planned it to. The plot is introduced in Antsy’s simple, honest voice:

“It was a dumb idea, but one of those dumb ideas that accidentally turns out to the brilliant—which, I’ve come to realize, is much worse than being dumb.” Read the rest »

“Milicent Min - Girl Genius” by Lisa Yee

“Milicent Min - Girl Genius” by Lisa Yee is a humorous book about a young Asian girl who is a genius. But for some reason, when it comes to social interaction she’s a little bit ignorant.

Millicent’s parents are always worried that she hasn’t had a chance to enjoy a “normal childhood.” But Millicent doesn’t care. She would much rather be what she is: a child genius who has been featured in TV shows and Time magazine. Millicent has skipped so many grades that she is attending high school at age eleven. Unfortunately, this makes all the other kids her age hate her. Read the rest »

“Lawn Boy,” by Gary Paulson

“Lawn Boy,” by Gary Paulson is the story of how a young boy’s lawn business gets a little bit out of hand.

The story is told from the point of view of a young twelve-year-old boy. When his grandma gives him a riding lawn mower its the beginning of a business venture that will have surprising results. As the boy cuts lawns around the neighborhood he soon has more business than he can handle. That’s when he meets Arnold, a stockbroker with grand intentions. Soon the boy has fifteen employees and the company assets include, among other things, stock in a coffin company, and an investment in a prize fighter. Read the rest »

“Once Upon a Marigold” by Jean Ferris

“Once Upon a Marigold” by Jean Ferris is a modern fairy tale with a classic happy ending. The cover of my edition pretty much describes the story in one pithy phrase: “part comedy, part love story, part everything-but-the-kitchen-sink.” I’ll admit that it is not as deep as my usual book selections, but it makes for a very satisfying and peaceful read for those times when you’re just tired of suspense and deep plots.

“Once Upon a Marigold” is the story of a young orphan named Christian.  When Christian is rescued by a reluctant troll named Edric it is only because Edric feels sorry for Christian. Young Christian grows up with his adoptive father Edric, but he longs to have more association with other humans. Read the rest »