Wonderland Wars... or something like that.

Dear Children,
Wow! It has been a long time since I have read a book that I can tell you about, but I finally have had time to READ!. The book is The Looking Glass Wars and yes, you guess it (well, maybe) it is based on Alice in Wonderland by Lewis Caroll. Alice in Wonderland is one of my favorite stories, so when I saw this in BN I was practically vibrating. I snatched it off the shelf, checked out and had a hard time putting it down to accomplish anything else.
I feel like I should mention that this is a very violent book and not for the faint of heart. The plot of the book revolves around a period of Civil War and some of the scenes are pretty graphic. Aunt Redd (think Queen of Hearts) is a vicious woman who steals the throne from her sister Genevive, Alyss's mother. Alyss is now an orphan (the author stays true to the whole "off with their heads" thing) and escapes with Hatter Maddigan through the Pool of Tears. Alyss and Hatter are seperated though and Alyss has to learn to make her way in our world. She tells the story to Lewis Carroll and that is how we get Alice in Wonderland. She is angry, however, at how the book turns out, because her real life of tragedy is turned into a piece of fantasy. I don't want to give the whole story away, but eventually Hatter does find Alyss and she returns to Wonderland just in time. This book is full of action and it is a fast paced story. I loved finding the bits and pieces of the story that we have grown up with in this new version. Looking Glass Wars is the first in a series. I can't wait to read the next one. There is also a series of graphic novels about Hatter to go along with the novel.
This isn't a book for everyone. Not by a long shot, but if you enjoyed books like Eragon or the Hobbit, then you will probably like The Looking Glass Wars.

Sophia reading a poem from Hate That Cat by Sharon Creech

Travis* Reading "the Dog" by Valerie Worth

* Please note that Travis is not a dog, but a wonderfully goofy boy.

Samantha* reading "The Kitten" by Valerie Worth

*Please note that Samantha is a delightful girl, not a talking kitten.

Timmy reading a poem by William Carlos Williams

Carson Reads "The Yellow Dog" by Sharon Creech

This is a concrete poem from Love that Dog. Notice how when Carson reads the poem it has the sound of a dog wagging its tail.

Anthony reads "The Eagle"

Michael reading a poem from Hate That Cat by Sharon Creech

Inspired by William Carlos Williams

Street Music read by Allison