Mortal Instruments Book I: City Of Bones - Cassandra Clare

Title: City of Bones
Author:Cassandra Clare
Series: First in the Mortal Instruments quartet
Categories: YA, romance, paranormal, fantasy (urban), action
Other works by Cassandra Clare: Infernal Devices series (Clockwork Angel and Clockwork Prince out so far).
Notes:

For those who are not utterly sick of the paranormal/urban fantasy/teen romance books, this might be worth a read. Assuming you haven't already. Clare's take on the genre is interesting, and there is certainly enough material in the world she has created to last through a four-book series. Unfortunately, her writing does not quite live up to her imagination. She uses a number of formulaic phrases, with a tendency to repeat certain adjectives and other words throughout the novel. Overall, it gives the reader the feeling that she couldn't think of anything better, and it becomes more frustrating as you go. That said, although it was mildly annoying, it will probably not deter me from finishing the series. The story and characters are interesting--at least, I am interested in how she will develop them.

The initial premise of the story is basic: teenage girl sees something supernatural and then mother gets kidnapped. It's where it goes from there that is engaging and interesting. Worth at least checking out.

Emmy And the Incredible Shrinking Rat - Lynne Jonell

Title: Emmy and the Incredible Shrinking Rat
Author: Lynne Jonell
Series: Yes. No official series title (I just call it "Emmy"). Three out so far.
Categories: intermediate, female pov, anthropomorphic animals, family, being normal, making friends, growing up, humor
Other works by Lynne Jonell: Emmy and the Home For Troubled Girls (#2), Emmy and the Rats in the Belfry (#3), Secret of Zoom, Hamster Magic, Lawn Mower Magic
Notes: The edges of the pages are a flip book!

Emmy is a good girl, but all her efforts at being good and her burning desire to be normal are to no avail. Her parents ignore her, her classmates seem to forget she exists, her nanny (Miss Barmy) is unpleasant, and the pet rat in her classroom makes snarky comments only she can understand. One day, Emmy decides to free the rat from his cage, and that is where it all starts...

Humorous and fun, Emmy’s adventures are great of middle-level readers or more advanced readers who are looking for a break from the dystopian adventures and paranormal romances that currently dominate YA fiction. The story whizzes by, and the second book (Emmy and the Home For Troubled Girls) continues in the same vein, living up to the all the good qualities of the first book.

Although the third is available, I haven't read it yet. I am looking forward to doing so.

P.S. Every person I have recommended this to who has commented on it has told me it was a huge success with their reader.