Waiting on Wednesday: Code Name Verity

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event hosted by Breaking the Spine to spotlight an upcoming release that we're excited about. 

Oh, this week was so easy - the reviews have started pouring in for Code Name Verity, and I am AGOG to get my hands on it.

The Book Smugglers review was the first to seal my fate - I dare you to read it and come away without this book at the top of your TBR pile. Oh, I can't wait!

Code Name Verity comes out May 15, and if my YA-selecting coworker hasn't ordered it yet, I will be poking her about it shortly.

Review: Tuesdays at the Castle

Title: Tuesdays at the Castle
Author: Jessica Day George
Publisher:  Bloomsbury USA Childrens (October 25, 2011) 
Source: library
Rating: 8/10


Tuesdays at Castle Glower are Princess Celie's favorite days. That's because on Tuesdays the castle adds a new room, a turret, or sometimes even an entire wing. No one ever knows what the castle will do next, and no one-other than Celie, that is-takes the time to map out the new additions. But when King and Queen Glower are ambushed and their fate is unknown, it's up to Celie, with her secret knowledge of the castle's never-ending twists and turns, to protect their home and save their kingdom. This delightful book from a fan- and bookseller-favorite kicks off a brand-new series sure to become a modern classic.

Review: First Day on Earth

Title: First Day on Earth
Author: Cecil Castelluci
Publisher: Scholastic Press (November 1, 2011)
Source: library
Rating: 9/10

A startling, wonderful novel about the true meaning of being an alien in an equally alien world.

"We are specks. Pieces of dust in this universe. Big nothings. 

"I know what I am."

Mal lives on the fringes of high school. Angry. Misunderstood. Yet loving the world -- or, at least, an idea of the world. 

Then he meets Hooper. Who says he's from another planet. And may be going home very soon.

Sunday Snapshot

Okay, I admit that's not a picture from this Sunday. This was from our trip in Fall 2010 to Iceland. It is a gorgeous, friendly country with the perfect weather for my husband. We had an awesome time, and I'm currently having the craving to plan our next big trip!

I love when places I've traveled to or lived in pop up in books. Iceland shows up (too briefly) in Carrie Jones' Need series, and the road trip in Amy and Roger's Epic Detour winds its way through my college town.

Do you like travel? Where's the most exotic place you've been? What books had you saying "I know that place!"