If you have young readers wondering about the Klu Klux Klan, this book about Stella who is growing up in North Carolina in the early 1930s will be perIf you have young readers wondering about the Klu Klux Klan, this book about Stella who is growing up in North Carolina in the early 1930s will be perfect. It's 1932, Stella's Dad, Pastor Patton and Mr. Spencer, colored men, want to resister to vote for President (Herbert Hoover vs Franklin Delano Roosevelt) in the upcoming election. How dangerous could it be? Even though Stella is only a kid, she wants to fight for change too. She likes to write and submits a newspaper article about the Klu Klux Klan for a contest at her school. Could the article make a difference? More than a story about segregation and civil rights, this is a story about the family, community and the goodness of others. Along with those who are interested in the historical content of this book, give it to those who like stories about heartwarming family stories....more
If you're looking for a book about the sport of cricket, you'll enjoy this latest book by the talented Gary D. Schmidt. On the first day of school, a If you're looking for a book about the sport of cricket, you'll enjoy this latest book by the talented Gary D. Schmidt. On the first day of school, a butler shows up at the Jones household. There's Carter, his Mom and three younger sisters; Annie, Charlie and Emily. By teaching Carter cricket, the butler helps Carter overcome some tough truths. Along with cricket fans, those who like heartbreaking and heartwarming family stories will want to give this one a try. This book was provided to me for free through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review....more
If you're looking for a book about the world of competitive ice skating; this is it. Except it's not; skating is only part of Tillie's life. Author, cIf you're looking for a book about the world of competitive ice skating; this is it. Except it's not; skating is only part of Tillie's life. Author, cartoonist and artist Tillie Walden explores her feelings about skating, school, family life and first love in this graphic novel memoir that was published when she was 21 years old....more
You're never too old for love in this story about two girls Bett and Avery whose dads are sending them to the same summer camp in hopes that the two gYou're never too old for love in this story about two girls Bett and Avery whose dads are sending them to the same summer camp in hopes that the two girls can be friends. (view spoiler)[First their enemies, then they're friends, then they're not and finally they discover their more than friends; they're sisters. (hide spoiler)] Told entirely through emails and letters between the girls and other supporting characters. Fans of the movies like The Parent Trap, stories about summer camp, stories about theater like Surviving the Applewhites or Better Nate Than Ever or family stories like Jeanne Birdsall's Penderwicks series will like this one. ...more
A challenging, yet rewarding read. With the help of SparkNotes, I finished this classic that is set during the late 1700s. Spanning from the days of tA challenging, yet rewarding read. With the help of SparkNotes, I finished this classic that is set during the late 1700s. Spanning from the days of the American Revolutionary War to the French Revolution, it tells the tale of Doctor Manette, his daughter Lucie, and her husband Darnay. Visiting France from England to take care of business matters and protect loved ones, are their lives safe? Can they survive the dangers of the revolution and return to England as family? What about their friends and companions; Mr. Jarvis Lorry, Miss Pross, Mr. Jerry Cruncher and Mr. Sydney Carton, will they survive? Give this to those who want to read Dickens or are looking for a classic about love and family. Part of my goal to read more classics, I am looking forward to reading more Charles Dickens in 2020....more
You'll either be laughing or crying at the horrible behavior in this story of two siblings in the back seat during a car ride. Can they find a way to You'll either be laughing or crying at the horrible behavior in this story of two siblings in the back seat during a car ride. Can they find a way to get along?...more
3.5 - 3.75 stars. Anyone can be creative. As author Michael Cohen repeats in this book, "Creativity is a mindset, not an art set." Learn what prevents3.5 - 3.75 stars. Anyone can be creative. As author Michael Cohen repeats in this book, "Creativity is a mindset, not an art set." Learn what prevents us from reaching our creative potential and how you and your students can become more creative....more
Previously home schooled, Lucy is a math genius who is going to public school for 7th grade. She also likes Clorox wipes and sets of three. With her uPreviously home schooled, Lucy is a math genius who is going to public school for 7th grade. She also likes Clorox wipes and sets of three. With her unique talents and habits, will she blend in or be a target? Will anyone want to be her friend? Part of the 7th grade experience at East Hamlin Middle School is the Cougars Care Project. Students work in groups of three to make a difference in their community. Windy chooses Lucy and Levi is assignrd to their group. Their project takes them to a local animal shelter where non animal loving Lucy bonds with Cutie Pi, a stray dog. Can she, Windy and Levi make a difference in the lives of the animals? (view spoiler)[And most importantly, can Lucy find a home for Cutie Pi, a dog whose days are numbered ? (hide spoiler)] Along with fans of Chad Morris's Squint, Counting by 7s, Out of My Mind or other school stories, dog lovers will want to pick up this engaging read....more
3.75 stars, the importance of tradition shines through in this story about a family reunion. This would be a great read alouus for discussions about f3.75 stars, the importance of tradition shines through in this story about a family reunion. This would be a great read alouus for discussions about family traditions and/or reunions. Or as a starting point for encouraging kids to learn about their own family's history....more
3.5 stars, Viji and Rukku runaway from their abusive home in Chennai, India. Will life on the streets be any safer than the life they left? Will they 3.5 stars, Viji and Rukku runaway from their abusive home in Chennai, India. Will life on the streets be any safer than the life they left? Will they survive? Can they find a new home together? This is a story about finding friends, resiliency and discovering one's purpose. There is a fair amount of discussion between characters (view spoiler)[(Viji and Rukku meet Muthi and Arul, two homeless brothers; Arul is a strong Christian; Rukku appears to be accepting of his Catholic beliefs (hide spoiler)] about the role that faith and religion plays in one's life. Give this one to those who are curious about life in other countries or stories that explore different religious beliefs. Fans of Amal Unbound or Deborah Ellis's The Breadwinner or No Ordinary Day will want to read this too....more
3.75 stars. How is a baby made? This is the perfect book or gift for a sibling to be. Without being graphic, overly detailed or scientific, it shows h3.75 stars. How is a baby made? This is the perfect book or gift for a sibling to be. Without being graphic, overly detailed or scientific, it shows how a baby grows and develops during the months leading to its birth....more
3.5 stars; this is two stories in one. One is about Cal and his Pop who are hoboes riding the rails in the early 1930s. The second is about Cal's expe3.5 stars; this is two stories in one. One is about Cal and his Pop who are hoboes riding the rails in the early 1930s. The second is about Cal's experience at an Indian boarding school after Pop decides he needs an education. Fans of Bud, not Buddy who would like more stories about this era will like the first part. For those who are curious about the truth about 1900s Indian boarding schools, the second story will hold more appeal....more
An interesting look at the afterlife, where do you go after you die? What if you could bring your best friend back to the land of the living? That's wAn interesting look at the afterlife, where do you go after you die? What if you could bring your best friend back to the land of the living? That's what Ember tries to do when her friend Ness dies at the start of this story. Haunting and sad. Some will lile this look at the afterlife and some will find it too dark for their tastes....more
3.75 stars. Even though this is a fictional story, it is based on the author's real life experience of being removed from her Indian reservation home 3.75 stars. Even though this is a fictional story, it is based on the author's real life experience of being removed from her Indian reservation home to live in Los Angeles in the late 1950s. Regina worries that she will lose her Umpqua heritage and no longer be an Indian. Can she be both Indian and American? What I loved about this story is how Regina breaks the stereotypes that her new friends and classmates have about Indians by telling them the truth about life on the rez. Along with the reader, Regina learns that you're heritage will always be your heritage; the government cannot take it away from you....more
Teddy is in a coma after football practice in late August. Told through texts, with online messages, as a novel in verse and more, this book will keptTeddy is in a coma after football practice in late August. Told through texts, with online messages, as a novel in verse and more, this book will kept me turning the pages to find out what put Teddy in a coma. Was it the hot weather? A football practice that was too intense? A hazing ritual, an accident or something else? A great book for discussing the pros and cons of high school sports....more