Barone takes a complex situation with many, many people involved and manages to make the events surrounding the eruption of Mount St. Helens very readBarone takes a complex situation with many, many people involved and manages to make the events surrounding the eruption of Mount St. Helens very readable and understandable. Even through the pre-eruption press conferences where nothing much seemed to be happening, Barone invested the story with a tension that made me keep reading....more
Kwame's grandmother has died and he, his mother, and father are leaving soon for Ghana for the celebration of life. Kwame really doesn't want to go--hKwame's grandmother has died and he, his mother, and father are leaving soon for Ghana for the celebration of life. Kwame really doesn't want to go--he feels uncomfortable with his Ghanian relatives who constantly tease him about how American he is. In fact, Kwame only feels at home and himself with his best friend Autumn. The night before the plane flight, he and Autumn are chilling at her house when a monkey-like creature steals his dashiki, his last link with his grandmother. Kwame and Autumn give chase, and that is when the night becomes terribly weird. Kwame and Autumn dive into the water to follow the monkey and land in the Ghanian underworld. There they meet Ama, Kwame's grandmother, who appears as young as they are, and together battle to save the Earth from the gods Nansi and Tano and recall Nyame to a sense of his responsibilities. In the end, Kwame learns to embrace his full self and his grief at his grandmother's passing. The story weaves together Ghanian myth and legend and address the sense of disconnection that many people with complex heritages feel. I enjoyed reading about Kwame's adventures and wonder if he will have more, and where they could possibly go after this one!...more
Wood has described in nauseating detail several of the world's more obscure, as well as more common, parasites. She has achieved her goal, which is "wWood has described in nauseating detail several of the world's more obscure, as well as more common, parasites. She has achieved her goal, which is "whatever your opinion of these beasts, I know that from here on out you'll move through the world thinking not just about the life you can see, but also about the secret world of parasites that lies beneath." I found Wood's descriptions of the life cycles of various parasites, as well as the illnesses that might result, as well as the possible health benefits to be interesting, but sadly, although I find them fascinating, I do not find them beautiful or love them more, but power to the people who do!...more
Alex's life has spun out of control, and it all came from his trusting adults who said things would get better. Well, they didn't, they got worse. ThaAlex's life has spun out of control, and it all came from his trusting adults who said things would get better. Well, they didn't, they got worse. That is how he ended up sleeping on the lumpy couch at his aunt and uncle's house, where he was clearly not wanted. He was also expelled from school, given a court date, and made to "volunteer" for the summer at an old folks' home where Alex thought the residents were like creepy zombies. There is even a bossy girl his age who takes pleasure in torturing him. During a lockdown crisis of a stomach bug at the home, though, Alex proves his worth and begins to get to know the stories of the residents, especially Josey, a 107 year-old man who chooses to tell Alex his story. Is it possible that Alex can begin to be known for the better things that he is doing instead of the worst thing he has done? This book, two stories in one, explores the nature of forgiveness and restitution, of how to live when life is not fair, of rising to the occasion and having those around you help you to be your better self. I loved this book from start to finish. It has just enough tension to keep the story moving, but not so much it became frustrating. I couldn't wait to see how it would end....more
Ash is basically a good kid, but with his father living on a remote island with his new family and his mother absorbed in work and classes, Ash has a Ash is basically a good kid, but with his father living on a remote island with his new family and his mother absorbed in work and classes, Ash has a lot of time on his hands. Unfortunately, he uses that time to get into trouble. Although a brush with the law is narrowly avoided, his parents decide together that a summer on the island with his father's family is what is needed. Not only will Ash have to deal with his annoying younger step sister, he will have to pick a volunteer job--either the nursing home or the animal rescue center. He picks animals, hoping to work with the cats, but he is designated as dog walker. Over the summer, Ash learns to make peace with himself and his new family, makes a new friend, and learns firsthand the joy of responsibility as well as the gut-wrenching feeling of loss. Varner conveys all of this in an engaging manner with clean, crisp artwork. This book was difficult to put down....more
Lettie, her mother Sylvia, and an orphaned young woman named Philomena tell the story of their travel by wagon train from Mississippi (in the case of Lettie, her mother Sylvia, and an orphaned young woman named Philomena tell the story of their travel by wagon train from Mississippi (in the case of Lettie and Sylvia) and Independence, Missouri (in the case of Philomena) by wagon train. The author faithfully recounts in verse the fears, hopes, and dreams as well as the joys and dangers of the trail of the former slaves who leave the Reconstruction South for a new start in Nebraska. Lettie, Sylvia, and Philomiena are three very different women, but are still bound together by the common belief among men that women are less and can do less. This book, based on historical accuracies, speaks of the hope of fresh attitudes and a fresh start....more
Hannah thought she was playing a prank on one of her friends, but it certainly rebounded on her. Her life (and her body) is literally falling apart alHannah thought she was playing a prank on one of her friends, but it certainly rebounded on her. Her life (and her body) is literally falling apart all due to being haunted by a spirit in the old school library that she and her friends summoned during a game. Now Hannah is cursed to die on the eighth day. Will she be able to find a way to outwit the spirit and break the curse? Hannah's story is in equal parts repellent and compelling. ...more
Violet lost her mother years before, and since that day has sailed with her father, captain of the Moony, and the ship's crew, as a Reaper, helping saViolet lost her mother years before, and since that day has sailed with her father, captain of the Moony, and the ship's crew, as a Reaper, helping save Passengers from the Children of the Shark. Now, her father is captured by the Children of the Shark, for who knows what purpose, and Violet is Captain. Not everyone, though, believes Violet's father is still alive, so Violet and her friend Moss go on a voyage to find the one person who can help, the legendary Dirge. With The Chainbreakers, Randall has created an alternate reality, a place where the souls of those lost on the Middle Passage have the possibility of a life of safety and where the once-enslaved people not only broke their chains, but triumphed over their oppressors and with the help of the ancient gods, created a world on their own terms. Unfortunately, the slavers were cursed and tied to the Reapers of souls. I really wish the author had made this book into a two- or even three-part story in order to more fully explore the riches and hope of the world he created....more
Eva, in the midst of family turmoil, is being enrolled at Blythe Academy, the boarding school her father attended and loved. The hundredth anniversaryEva, in the midst of family turmoil, is being enrolled at Blythe Academy, the boarding school her father attended and loved. The hundredth anniversary of the school is fast approaching, and all should be celebratory, but Eva knows there is something off. In fact, she begins to see and experience ghosts. Equally disconcerting, is her burgeoning friendships with a core group of girls. Eva has difficulty making friends because not everyone understands, or tolerates, her needs as an autistic person. When ghosts and friendships collide, Eva must take a stand to uncover the truth about the founding of the school and the fate of the cemetery that rested on the grounds before the ghosts destroy the people and the place. I found the descriptions of events wonderfully engaging, enough to continue reading even though the creep factor made me want to put the book down. However, although individual events were well described, I found the flow of the story somewhat disjointed, which made for some confusion on my part as I was trying to follow the story line....more
Rachel and her best friend Joon are ready to spend the summer honing their spy craft skills. The only hitch is, Joon might have to move far away due tRachel and her best friend Joon are ready to spend the summer honing their spy craft skills. The only hitch is, Joon might have to move far away due to a lack of affordable housing locally. When they spy on Rachel's mom and soon-to-be step-father, they learn that Rachel is to be gifted a ring that most likely belonged to Anna Smith Strong, a member of George Washington's Culper Spy Ring, headquartered right in their own town of Setauket, New York. They decide to use the ring to try to locate Strong's legendary treasure so that Joon's family can have money to stay local. While on their quest to solve Strong's riddles, they learn a great deal more about their local history as well as the work of historians and perseverance. This book was hard to put down. It has a perfect mix of action and puzzle solving....more
Onyx lives in Alexandria, Virginia with his mother and Gran until his Gran is Gone. Besides figuring out why someone killed Martin Luther King, Jr. anOnyx lives in Alexandria, Virginia with his mother and Gran until his Gran is Gone. Besides figuring out why someone killed Martin Luther King, Jr. and why the United States does not have equality, Onyx needs to figure out why his wings disappeared when his Gran died and how to get them back so he can save his mother from her early-onset dementia. This novel in verse is an ode to the ways a child may shoulder more of a burden than can be carried alone, and the ways in which family and community can come around to help. With the help of his family and community, Onyx is once more able to dream in ways that his mother was afraid to and his grandparents were not able to. I loved the book from start to finish, and wonder when, as McBride wondered in her verse, we adults will do our job and stop expecting children to fix the world's problems....more
Corry focuses on one day in the life of Emily Dickinson, showing through illustrations and Dickinson's own poetry and letters, possible encounters witCorry focuses on one day in the life of Emily Dickinson, showing through illustrations and Dickinson's own poetry and letters, possible encounters with nature Dickinson experienced. This gorgeously illustrated book also contains information about Dickinson's life, family and friendships, in a very accessible way for young readers. Although Corry changed the timeline, making Emily younger during her day, the information is faithfully presented for the time and place....more
There is a lot happening in this book--Murray's family has to leave home due to the devastation of a hurricane. They live with Murray's aunt, uncle anThere is a lot happening in this book--Murray's family has to leave home due to the devastation of a hurricane. They live with Murray's aunt, uncle and cousin in upstate New York, and Murray loses her ocean magic, but finds friendship with Dylan, who has music magic. Murray begins to do well in school and reads more than before, but not books her mother approves. The family reconnects with Murray's older brother Patrick, who left for college two years before and dropped off the face of the Earth, but stayed connected with Murray's Uncle Jack and Aunt Maureen. Murray gets her magic back and supports her friend Dylan in a roller skating drag show. Her mother and she enter a period of detente when they are back at their newly rebuilt home at the ocean....more
This soccer history starts with Mia Hamm's childhood, but focuses mostly on the development of women's soccer in the United States. The game that put This soccer history starts with Mia Hamm's childhood, but focuses mostly on the development of women's soccer in the United States. The game that put the US Women's team in the forefront of the United States is the high point of the book, but after that, there is a section about the fight for equal pay in sports, which is also interesting. The story moves quickly and has some of the future players hidden in the panels as spectators, which was fun to go back and look for....more
Ruth is just beginning what might have been 8th grade when she and her parents move from Toronto to Hong Kong, her mother's home. They leave behind heRuth is just beginning what might have been 8th grade when she and her parents move from Toronto to Hong Kong, her mother's home. They leave behind her older brother who is finishing his final year of high school, so Ruth has to start a new school on her own. All of the classes are different from home, Ruth's Cantonese is not the best, and everything, including family, is new and different. Her mother is reconnecting with her childhood and her father is away for weeks at a time for work. The true story of how Ruth adapted to her new life is woven in with her father's story of his family's new beginning. Anyone who has ever feared the newness of something will appreciate this thoughtful and funny memoir....more
Rose leads a fairly uneventful life that revolves around her friend Charlotte and Girl Scouts. She volunteers to walk dogs at the rescue twice a week.Rose leads a fairly uneventful life that revolves around her friend Charlotte and Girl Scouts. She volunteers to walk dogs at the rescue twice a week. She keeps her head down and stays out of trouble, like her father asks her to do. Then, Talia moves to town with her parents from New York City. She has blue streaks in her hair and her crop tops barely skim what is acceptable to the school dress code. She has opinions, lots of them, and doesn't trouble to keep quiet about what she sees as injustices. Rose and Talia really meet not at school, but at Temple, because there are not a lot of Jewish kids in Cove Lake. Talia introduces Rose to her new favorite book, assuming Rose knows it is on the list of banned books at the school library. Rose doesn't see the reason for the ban and neither does Talia. All of this leads to a banned book brigade, a new dress style, and some teenaged rebellion for Rose, and maybe a little better understanding of her parents. If you are looking for action in a book, this is not the book for you--it is very cerebral. Still, the themes of change and friendship make it worth reading....more
Linus isn't happy about moving from New York to Ohio because of his grandmother, whose health is failing. He especially isn't happy because she just sLinus isn't happy about moving from New York to Ohio because of his grandmother, whose health is failing. He especially isn't happy because she just seems to not care about his transition or remember about using correct pronouns around him. The only good thing about the move is that he doesn't have to explain any of this to anyone at his new school because it has been exhausting to explain and reexplain. So, why, then, does Linus tell Etta, his first real friend at his new school? Etta has a hard summer--her best friend Marigold stopped being her friend in the space of a day without any explanation. Etta has spent the summer wondering what went wrong. Now, she just wants to be left alone. Except, the new boy, Linus, is pretty funny. And then, there is the stupid bet she made with Marigold, that Etta could get Linus voted in as student government president. Add to the mix that Marigold likes Linus and Linus likes Marigold, and there is a disaster waiting to happen. Personally, I would have loved to know what was going on in Marigold's mind since the reader was granted extraordinary views into the minds of both Linus and Etta....more
Milo doesn't know how to tell his mother that he no longer enjoys playing chess, that he has lost the "zone," so he deliberately loses a match, hopingMilo doesn't know how to tell his mother that he no longer enjoys playing chess, that he has lost the "zone," so he deliberately loses a match, hoping that will end everything and that he can go to summer camp with his best friend Henry. That one lost match, however, leads to a chain of events that couldn't have been remotely foreseen. He and his mom end up in New Jersey for the summer instead, staying with a vegetarian, cat-loving mother and daughter, Nava and Roxie. Milo's mom met Nava online and they became "talk-walk" friends, and now Milo is doomed. Even worse, he and Roxie are signed up for Little Explorers camp for the summer. Milo, at 12, and Roxie, at 10 are miles older and taller than the preschool-through 7-year-old campers, and worse, they are recruited as CIT's, i.e., unpaid help. Milo misses his grandmother, away in Florida, and can't figure out how to tell his mom to stop pushing about chess. How can he tell her that all of her money and time have been wasted? However, at lunchtime, Milo and Roxie meet grad students Dell and Athena, who are playing a game Milo has never seen. This chance encounter will change everything about Milo's summer. This book was hard to put down. The characters and situations are very relatable and engaging....more
Roddie has waited two months since his mom died in a car accident for his Aunt Angie to come get him from wherever she has been. Angie and her new husRoddie has waited two months since his mom died in a car accident for his Aunt Angie to come get him from wherever she has been. Angie and her new husband Erik both welcome Roddie to his new family and bring him to the family ancestral home, Dogwood House. Angie and Erik have begun to renovate the house, to bring it back to its former glory after years of being rented to strangers who did not care for the house. Soon, though, Roddie discovers that the foul odors in the house hide a danger, one his mother left home as a teenager to try to stem. Now it is Roddie's turn to save his family and the house, too, as his mother did before him, with hints from one ancestral spirit in particular. The creepening in the title of this story catches up with readers gradually and is truly creepy. I couldn't put it down! ...more