Read, Write, Repeat.

When a book gets starred reviews from Booklist, Kirkus, Publishers Weekly and the School Library Journal, chances are it has something good going on.

And when it wins a Newbery Honor award that sort of seals the deal.

Heart of a Samurai (Amulet Books, 2011) by Margi Preus is based on the true story of Manjiro (later John Mung). Manjiro is 14 in 1841 when his fishing boat is shipwrecked in a storm.

An American whaling ship eventually rescues him and his shipmates, and while his fellow fishermen are afraid of the “barbarians,” Manjiro is curious about them. He travels to America, learns about the country and then finds his way back to Japan where, against all odds, he becomes a samurai.

The book features illustrations by Manjiro himself as well as new art from Jillian Tamaki.

Now, let’s hear from our guest reviewer …

Today’s reviewer: Jordan   

Age: 11

I like: Legos, Pizza, sports, and reading.

This book was about: A Japanese boy who got stranded on a deserted island and was rescued by Americans.

The best part was when: Manjiro became a samurai.  

 I laughed when: Manjiro didn’t understand the captain’s sarcasm.

I was worried when: Manjiro almost got killed by Jolly. 

I was surprised that: Manjiro became a samurai because he was just a simple fisherman.  

This book taught me: That good can sometimes come in bad situations. 

Other kids reading this book should watch for: The Japanese spellings. 

Three words that best describe this book are: “Funny.” “Dramatic.” “Realistic.” 

My favorite line or phrase in the book is: “We are the Samurai of Bird Island.”  

You should read this book because: It is based off of a true story and is a very good book.

Thanks, Jordan!

Other reviews of this book can be found at:

• The Wall Street Journal.
• Becky’s Book Reviews.
• Library Lounge Lizard.

If you’d like to learn more about author Margi Preus, you can read this interview or visit her website.

If you’d like to learn more about illustrator Jillian Tamaki, visit her website or check out her blog.

I’m taking a brief, end-of-summer break from blogging.

But, never fear, there’s a lot of behind-the-scenes work going on that will result in a plethora of new book-related posts in a few weeks.

So I hope you enjoy the end of the summer, and I’ll see you soon.

Ginny didn’t plan on being a pirate.

She was just a kindergartener who saw two of everything. Ginny sometimes got frustrated when she ran into chairs, read words twice or had trouble cutting out shapes, but she thought everyone saw the same things she did.

Until the annual vision screening, and a follow-up appointment with an eye doctor. Soon, Ginny had her own eye patch and saw just one of everything.

The Pirate of Kindergarten (Atheneum Books for Young Readers, 2010) by George Ella Lyon  and Lynne Avril helps readers see what Ginny sees — both before and after her patch.

Today’s reviewer, Jaiden, enjoyed reading about Ginny because she used to wear an eye patch, too. Although, her patches weren’t black like Ginny’s. They came in lots of colorful options.

Today’s reviewer: Jaiden

Age: Almost 6

Things I like to do: Play with my mom and friends.

This book was about: A girl in school who sees two of everything.

The best part was when: She could see one of everything.

I laughed when: The teacher said, “We read with our eyes, not our noses.”

My favorite line or phrase in the book: “Mind your own bunnies.”

Three words that describe this book: “Pirates.” “Two. ” “Everything.”

Other kids reading this book should watch for: Hearts around her when she hugs a book.

You should read this book because: It’s funny. And, I used to wear a patch, so this book helps you know how it feels.

Thanks, Jaiden!

If you’d like to learn more about author George Ella Lyon, visit her website. It has information about her books, poems and school visits.

If you’d like to learn more about illustrator Lynne Avril, visit her website. Or read this kid review of Every Cowgirl Needs a Horse, another book she illustrated.

Vampire books are popular. The Twilight series may have started the trend, but there are many other vampire books to give enthusiasts their latest fix.

Today on Read, Write, Repeat, Natalie reviews a book about a different kind of vampire. One who’s not interested in blood. Instead, Cassandra Gray needs tears to survive.

In Patrick Jones’ The Tear Collector (Walker Books for Young Readers, 2009) teen-age Cassandra relies on human sorrow to live. But Cass has two problems. She’s tired of forcing drama in her high school just to get the tears she needs. And, she’s finally met a boy whose heart she doesn’t want to break.

Our guest reviewer: Natalie, 12.

I like: Figure skating, reading books, hanging out with my friends, computers and chocolate. 

The book was about: A vampire-like girl named Cassandra who needed tears and sadness (instead of blood) to survive. Cassandra is tired of sacrificing for her family when she meets a boy named Scott.

The best part was when: Cassandra meets Scott and Samantha at school and they all become friends. 

I laughed when: I didn’t really laugh because it wasn’t a funny book.  But, it was a very good book.

I was worried when: Cassandra’s cousin, Alexei, comes to visit saying he would get revenge on Cassandra.

I was surprised that: Alexei would spend so much time and would go so far to put Scott in danger.

This book taught me: To fight for something important to you and to be who you want to be. 

Other kids reading this book should watch for: What the news articles say and how they connect with Cassandra.

Three words that best describe this book are: “Suspenseful,” “exciting” and “interesting.”

You should read this book because:  The author used a new creature instead of vampires. I liked that the book was different than a regular vampire novel. 

Thanks, Natalie!

If you’d like to learn more about this book, check out the book trailer on YouTube or visit the book’s Web site. There’s an interview with author Patrick Jones at this site.

Our house is counting down to Chrismas, so I wanted to take a few moments to wish everyone a wonderful holiday season.

The picture above was made by my daughter, Sonia, as part of a poster contest for her school. I thought it made the perfect Christmas greeting. I especially like how one of the sheep is so overcome by the angel’s glory that it has basically passed out on the ground.

If you want something more, listen to Phillips Brooks, who wrote this:

Everywhere, everywhere, Christmas to-night!
Christmas in lands of the fir tree and pine,
Christmas in lands of the palm tree and vine;
Christmas where snow-peaks stand solemn and white,
Christmas where corn-fields lie sunny and bright;
Everywhere, everywhere, Christmas to-night.

I hope you enjoy Christmas wherever you are.

I’ll see you in January.

Today is National Punctuation Day. Take a moment to celebrate in the manner you prefer.

And feel free to share your favorite punctuation mark, if you’re so moved. I’d vote for the em dash myself. I can get a little dash happy.