Harry Potter and the Cursed Child by J.K. Rowling, John Tiffany, and Jack Thorne

Wow, just wow!  I will start this off by saying I wasn't sure if I wanted to read this.  I am a HUGE Harry Potter fan and wasn't exactly sure how I felt about continuing on with the next generation.  My family couldn't believe I didn't pick it up the day it came out or read it in a couple of hours.
I decided to pick it up at a shopping trip to Target and when I got home sat in my comfy chair and opened it.  That was all it took.  I was transported back to the wizarding world in one swoop.
While not a fan of the play format it did not distract me in the least.  I loved every second of the story.  I felt Harry's pain as he struggled with parenting, something I can totally relate to.  I loved watching the progeny be the same and yet very different from their parents.  I loved the inside jokes and the ribbing.  I am so glad I read it,  I while I didn't devour it in an hour, it only took a day.  I highly recommend it.

El Deafo by Cece Bell

This autobiographic graphic novel tell the story of Cece Bell.  Cece contracted spinal meningitis when she was just four years old and suffered severe hearing loss.  El Deafo tells the struggle she had with learning how to come to terms with and adjusting to this.  The book focuses on her elementary school years, and like many children she is learning to make new friends and fit in.  Cece just wants to be accepted and have friends like a normal hearing kid.  Under times of stress we see inside her and the superhero person "El Deafo" she created to help her get through difficult times.  This Newberry Honor book tells this story that anyone who has gone through elementary school would relate to.  There is crude humor, some misbehavior, a couple of tantrums, and just plain adolescent behaviror.  The comic book illustrations which are reminiscent of Marc Brown's Arthur support the story throughout.

Infinity by Sherrilyn Kenyon

Ok am I allowed to just post OMG I love this book and this series just because??   Well as a teacher and a librarian I have to say no because that just isn't a good enough review.  I would tell my students to expand on that so that someone else wants to read it.  Infinity is the first book in the Chronicles of Nick series.  It is a supernatural fantasy that has action, adventure, and a little bit of romance. In a nut shell someone or something has turned the high school football team into Zombies.  The question is --Can they be turned back before they eat New Orleans.  Infinity is a great start to an amazing series.  It has a great pace, with interesting and funny characters.  And while I love Nick---Bubba is my favorite computer geek.  

Cress by Marissa Meyer

I am completely enjoying the way the series is progressing and I am so looking forward to the last installment of Winter in November.  I have already pre-ordered it.  There is a good balance between action, adventure, a touch of romance and a lot of humor.  I find myself laughing out loud at the sarcasm and banter between the characters.  I have grown attached to them and feel their joy and pain right along with them.

Cress our title character of this segment has been trapped away in a satellite for the last seven years.  Trapped to due the bidding of Mistress Sybil.  While sequestered away she lets the net dramas she watches invade her imagination and her fantasies.  When she is finally rescued will reality live up to them?

Cress is our Rapunzel, and Cinder and Scarlet come into play.  I am rooting for them all.

Pokergeist by Michael Phillip Cash

What happens in Vegas just may be supernatural.  Pokergeist is a fast paced humorous tale about you guessed it poker!  Clutch Henderson was one game away from the coveted Poker World Series championship and the gaudy gold bracelet when the unexpected happened.  But not even death will stop him from his dream.  In comes Telly Martin a down on his luck, not very skilled player.  A single wish on a coin joins the two and the adventure beings.  Among the laughs you find yourself sitting on the edge of your seat routing for the ending you are hoping for.  Recommend to get your heart racing.