I wish this book [4.5 for me!] had received more attention than it did since it's important, moving, and insightful. The author, a journalist who workI wish this book [4.5 for me!] had received more attention than it did since it's important, moving, and insightful. The author, a journalist who works for the New York Times, spent several months in and around Chinle, Arizona, following the high school basketball team and its coach, Raul Mendoza, as he tries to shape his players as basketballers but also as human beings with a bright future. Naturally, there are many challenges to these tasks--sometimes even the young men themselves and the long, wearisome road trips necessary to reach some of the teams they'll play. While basketball is the focus here--or the excuse to publish the book--this is so much more than a book about a basketball team. Author Michael Powell conducted many interviews with individuals living on the Navajo Nation, including families of the team, fans--and basketball is SERIOUS business in Chinle--educators, even a ranger. While Powell acknowledges the isolation, poverty, abuse, addiction, and suicide that are so often a part of the boys' lives, he also celebrates their tenacity, determination, and spiritedness that they possess. Several parts of the narrative are downright poetic as Powell soaks in the culture, the awe-inspiring beauty of the land, and the warmth of his welcome even as he ruminates on what he's observing and feeling. The connection to this place is strong even while many of its residents, especially the youth, dream of a different, not necessarily better, life. Fans of those Netflix docudramas about basketball and football should love this one with its insight into a place and its inhabitants. ...more
It took the author twenty years to write this particular story focusing on a little-known part of Holocaust history--the Nazi Lebensborn program. ThisIt took the author twenty years to write this particular story focusing on a little-known part of Holocaust history--the Nazi Lebensborn program. This effort to insure abundant future generations of Aryans with "pure" bloodlines involved women, some of whom volunteered to become pregnant for the honor it would bring, but it also had a cruel consequence since babies who weren't perfect were often killed. In this particular book, the protagonist, Allina Strauss is taken to Hochland Home after her family and village are destroyed and she is assaulted. She works there as a nurse, eventually tending to the children who are deemed slower or more flawed than the others and initiating a program to help develop the skills they've lost through neglect. (This part of the story is fictionalized.) Allina meets a high-ranking SS officer, Karl, who turns out to be nothing like she expects. His involvement in helping some of the Jewish children and families escape is part of his efforts to atone for his blind involvement in the Nazi Party when he was younger. While Allina and Karl might be considered ordinary or little cogs in the big picture, their actions are, indeed, heroic, and demonstrate that it is possible to stand up for one's beliefs and act against the wrongs that are in the world, even though those actions may come with a heavy price. Readers will be deeply invested in this story, told from the points of view of Allina and then of Karl as well as being bookended by another character's thoughts. The characters are complex, the setting unique, and the descriptions of people, places, and events carefully detailed. This is one of those books that will stay with readers for some time, prompting reflection about choices, sacrifice, and the power of love in the midst of impossible circumstances. I thoroughly enjoyed it, appreciating the author's attempt to bring to light this horrible practice of eugenics. I've read a couple of books about this topic so this one is unique in its focus. ...more
**spoiler alert** Unlike some readers, I liked The Plot, this novel's predecessor, more than this one [3.5 for me!]. This one started too slowly for m**spoiler alert** Unlike some readers, I liked The Plot, this novel's predecessor, more than this one [3.5 for me!]. This one started too slowly for me, but it gained steam as I moved through its pages. There are plenty of twists, turns, and surprises, and as the protagonist, Anna Williams-Bonner, the widow of a deceased writer, goes to great lengths to hide her past and put to rest any ghosts who might possibly haunt her. The ghosts, of course, aren't actual supernatural beings, but excerpts of a manuscript written by her brother, the contents of which bear a striking resemblance to her husband's novel and to her past. All this is interesting on its own merits, providing glimpses into the world of publishing and book tours as Anna travels around the country in support of her own book, but what makes the story even more interesting for me is how Anna justifies her actions, almost as though she's simply clearing the road of unnecessary traffic or removing leftovers that have started to mold. Don't read this one before The Plot, but once you've read that one, definitely dive into this one with its totally amoral protagonist. (Well, maybe not completely amoral--after all, she does save the cat!)...more
I liked this middle-grade science fiction story [3.5 for me!] a lot. I wasn't sure about its contents, based on the cover, but it drew me in from the I liked this middle-grade science fiction story [3.5 for me!] a lot. I wasn't sure about its contents, based on the cover, but it drew me in from the first page when Michael Rosario is stealing peaches from the grocery store in preparation for Y2K. Not only does Michael worry about what will happen then, but he worries about how hard his mother works. Twelve-year-old Michael is so relatable as he's small for his age, quiet, helpful, and picked on by others. He also has a caring heart as he feeds the stray cats in his apartment complex in Delaware and enjoys spending time with Mr. Mosley, who works in the complex. When he spots a strange boy, Ridge, hanging out nearby, Michael and his babysitter Gibby introduce themselves and are puzzled by his odd use of slang and strange clothing. As it turns out, Ridge is from the future, and he's traveled back in time to 1999 to see what the world is like. The way the story is told is interesting since part of it is straight narrative, and other parts are audio transcripts from 2199 as his mother and siblings try to bring him back. All this is interesting enough, bringing to mind at times Rebecca Stead's When You Reach Me, but what might resonate most with readers is Ridge's advice that Michael learn to live in the present and being fully engaged in the now rather than worrying constantly about the future or bemoaning the past. The notion of "the first state of being" is that present. This one is a fast read with interesting characters and a protagonist with flaws but good intentions as well as hints about what the planet's future will be like--no bees, no tigers, for instance. Some readers will feel cheated because Ridge doesn't explain a great deal about life in 2199, instead, simply saying that "it's complicated," which may make them feel cheated. Readers won't want to miss the Additional Excerpts at the back of the book. ...more
Set in Chicago during 2016-2017, this middle-grade novel in verse is structured like a football game with a preseason section, quarters, headings thatSet in Chicago during 2016-2017, this middle-grade novel in verse is structured like a football game with a preseason section, quarters, headings that are pertinent to the sport, and football tidbits. At first those tidbits seemed unnecessary to someone who has followed the game since she was a young girl, but eventually, I realized how they were meant to work and were woven into the plot itself. Perhaps this structure and the subject matter itself--the Muslim ban during President Donald Trump's presidency [Executive Order 13769]--captivated the judges for the National Book Award since this one won the prize for Young People's Literature. Kareem, the seventh-grade narrator, wants nothing more than to play quarterback for his school team. When Austin, the current QB, promises to help him get on the team in exchange for "help" on an assignment, Kareem is conflicted, but he also wants that acceptance and a chance to show what he can do on the field. As Austin leans on for even more help, Kareem grows increasingly uncomfortable, betraying himself, his culture, and Fadi, a newly arrived refugee. As often happens in these sorts of circumstances, his behavior grows erratic, and he tries to cover up some of his deceits. But actions have consequences, and the results of his actions have a domino effect on his whole family, particularly since his mother has traveled to Syria to bring back his ailing maternal grandfather and grandmother. Parts of this story filled my heart with emotion and with hope that things can and will get better, and the book clearly has value for class discussions about xenophobia, prejudices, and social activism, all topics that are nestled within the middle-school drama and humorous moments. ...more
I know my rating and comments will be in the minority here, but I found this book so disappointing. Not only are there punctuation errors throughout, I know my rating and comments will be in the minority here, but I found this book so disappointing. Not only are there punctuation errors throughout, a need for tight editing, but there are gaping holes in the plot, and the dialogue sounds completely stilted and inauthentic. That said, the book's premise was a promising one. A successful defense attorney ends up defending her husband, who is accused of murdering his mistress. That idea really struck me as having great potential since the attorney, Sarah Morgan, would surely struggle with her anger at his betrayal but also still love him enough to try to save his life. Since the story is told from alternating points of view--Sarah's and her husband, Adam's--readers are given insight into the motivations of both. But she's so over the top, and he's such a mousy, confused, self-pitying creatures, that it's hard to like either one of them. I suspected how this one would end very early on, and while there are some other possibilities hinted at throughout the story, the book ended exactly how I expected. I picked this one up because it had so many rave reviews, and while I acknowledge that tastes vary, for me, this one was far from perfect. ...more
This was an impressive sophomore effort [3.5 for me!] from a writer who really knows how to develop characters and situations that will strike home foThis was an impressive sophomore effort [3.5 for me!] from a writer who really knows how to develop characters and situations that will strike home for teen readers. After all, most of us have faced turning points at which we had to make choices, sometimes feeling as though there's no good choice available. In the case of Reed Beckett, the narrator, the bad choices are all that stand between his sister Bea and him and disaster. Although Reed, 17, gets good grades, he could care less about school or applying for colleges since much of the responsibility for his sister falls on him, especially during stressful times. In fact, when it's clear that Bea, who has Spinal Muscular Atrophy, is in line for surgery, their mother goes AWOL with Seth, her latest boyfriend. For some reason, she thinks Reed can handle everything, including paying for the rent, buying groceries, and any hospital costs. The only way he can do this is to engage in some illegal activities, including making false IDs and providing answers to test questions. As Reed does his best to take care of Bea, he has help from an unexpected ally with whom he has a past that relates to the book's title. But how far will he have to go to keep afloat, and how long will he able to get away with his moneymaking schemes? Readers will enjoy the ups and downs in his relationship with Helena and the delightful personality of Bea as well as the way the siblings interact with one another. The scene in which the two go grocery shopping for the first time and follow another shopper who seems to know what she's doing is amusing but also realistic. On the other hand, it's hard to imagine a mother being as careless as Reed's, though. ...more
High schooler Calvin Greene and his parents have fled Chicago for the Pennsylvania suburbs after violence and a tragedy disturbed their quiet lives. SHigh schooler Calvin Greene and his parents have fled Chicago for the Pennsylvania suburbs after violence and a tragedy disturbed their quiet lives. Since the Greenes are white-skinned, they are able to pass for white, even buying a house in a white-only neighborhood, and having Calvin attend the local white school. But his passing comes at a price. As time passes, Calvin becomes increasingly uncomfortable pretending to be someone he isn't, having to rebuff the attentions of a determined neighbor girl, hiding his love for jazz, and watching in horror as Lily, a local Black girl, enters the school and endures systematic bullying. Since the story is set in 1955 after the murder of Emmett Till, who Calvin knew as Bobo back in Chicago, the fictionalized portion has even more resonance, emotion, and relevance, particularly when read through the perspective of today's political climate. The dangers of traveling through certain towns after sundown, the helpfulness of the Green Book, and the fears that caused others in Calvin's circle to remain silent are all covered in this page-turner. There's even a subplot concerning Calvin's older brother, Robert, and the small community he's cobbled together. Calvin is relatable because of his honesty, his mistakes, and how he often fails to realize the consequences of his actions for others. But he's also heroic for those same things. Anyone trying to understand parts of American history and the intricacies of being true to oneself and putting oneself and others in jeopardy and living a lie that promises safety yet means denying part of one's identity will find answers--and some questions--in this engaging, well researched historical fiction title. ...more
Fans of adventure and survival stories will love this one [3.5 for me!], which features three cousins who must fend for themselves in the Sequoia NatiFans of adventure and survival stories will love this one [3.5 for me!], which features three cousins who must fend for themselves in the Sequoia National Park and Kings Canyon National Park in California. The youngsters, Owen, Vivian, and Amy are spending the night all on their own near a lake while their parents--his father and their mother--are camping on the other side of the mountain. What begins as a small step toward independence after the family's hike ends up becoming a struggle for survival after an earthquake closes off the trail. With little food and water but plenty of determination, the youngsters take the long way around the park, facing various challenges, including rugged terrain and a bear, as well as some of their own demons about life back home. While some of the nicknames and encounters grew a bit tiresome, most of the text was riveting, keeping readers guessing about whether the cousins would be able to make it to safety--and at what price? It's a good thing that they knew more than the usual facts about surviving in the wilderness or else the ending could have been quite different. The author's decision to focus on their journey and not go back and forth between the youngsters and the adults makes the book even more suspenseful and appropriate for its intended audience. The inclusion of a map of the area allows readers to see just how treacherous their trek was. ...more
This middle-grade novel [3.5 for me!] has so many quotable passages or golden lines as well as three characters that will touch readers' hearts with tThis middle-grade novel [3.5 for me!] has so many quotable passages or golden lines as well as three characters that will touch readers' hearts with their individual plights. The way the book is structured reminds me in many respects of Louis Sachar's classic Holes although there is no work camp for kids or incarceration or unrequited love in this one. But as is the case with Holes, there are parts of the narrative that seem at first to have no connection until suddenly, they do. Tildy has lost the amber necklace her mother gave her, and fears that her mother will leave once again. Leon fears losing his grandmother after his grandfather died, and he's desperately trying to communicate with the man's spirit to lift her out of the Depths of Despair. (I love how this is capitalized throughout the narrative.) And Nell is on an impromptu road trip with her mother after their house in Florida was destroyed by a hurricane. Nell wants to go home where she has happy memories of times with her other mom. Beneath all these different kinds of losses are raw emotions and complex feelings about safety, belonging, and family as well as attachments to things that seem terribly important. Parts of the story are stronger than others, but this one is certainly worth a read as even older readers will find themselves thinking about what matters most in their own lives. The author effectively balances humor and heartache, and readers will miss these characters and the small town where all this takes place once all the loose ends are tied up. ...more
Prankster and social media star Tommy Harding has arranged for his senior class to have access to Sunny World, a Florida theme park, after it closes fPrankster and social media star Tommy Harding has arranged for his senior class to have access to Sunny World, a Florida theme park, after it closes for the day. It's hard to see what his followers--not to mention the girls he's stringing along--find attractive about him since he seems self-centered, impulsive, cruel, and dishonest, as painted in this novel. Every move he makes is calculated, intended to gain more likes, followers, and attention, while keeping his longtime girlfriend, Kiara, in line. But when all the romantic balls he's been juggling unexpectedly come down on his head, his deceitfulness is revealed online, Tommy ends up dead, and suspicion falls on the three girls with whom he's been involved. Honestly, it's hard to care about his death since he seems to have betrayed everyone around him. Since the story is told from multiple points of view [the three girls: Kiara, Priscilla, and Nevaeh, readers are treated to each of their perspectives and their possible motivations for doing him in. But this doesn't save the book since the girls are stereotypes, and readers aren't afforded much insight into their personalities or what drew them to Tommy or in the case of two of them, what kept them hooked. The book cover and teaser were quite promising, but the actual story didn't live up to its billing. Too bad since there are surely plenty of teens and older folks out there who have fallen for a Tommy or two in their time and could have used a lifeline for how to escape his clutches. Because parts of the narrative bounce around too much and the three girls are all too quick to point the finger of suspicion at one another, the entire thing became too predictable and parts of it all too unbelievable, at least for me. ...more
Having read the other two short story collection by this talented author, who seems to pack more tension and fright in a paragraph than many of us canHaving read the other two short story collection by this talented author, who seems to pack more tension and fright in a paragraph than many of us can manage in 20+pages, I figured it would be a good choice for a Halloween read. And it was! The stories are short, scary, and stay with readers long after they finish them. There isn't a weak one among the 13. My particular favorites were "Two Truths and a Lie," "Sweat, Tears, Blood," "The Emperor of Thumbtacks," and "Perfect." Several take place in school classrooms and feature ordinary youngsters just like this book's readers are likely to be. This one is a 3.5 for me, and the decidedly creepy artwork, created with ink, pen, pencil, bleach, and collage, captures perfectly the chilling nature of the stories. ...more
Seventeen-year-old Hannah Lynn is eager to leave her small Maine town behind when she starts college, hopefully at Tufts where her mother went but faiSeventeen-year-old Hannah Lynn is eager to leave her small Maine town behind when she starts college, hopefully at Tufts where her mother went but failed to graduate. Having lost her mother when she was four, Hannah has become quite independent and distant due to her father's less than organized way of life. When her troubled [and often troublesome] older sister, Pauline, gets in trouble one again and her two sons need a place to stay, Hannah reluctantly agrees with her father that they should take in Henry and Simon. Feeling guilty for the mistakes he made with his own girls, her father, a former baseball star, turns over a completely new leaf. But nothing is easy with the boys. They are anxious about their places in their new home, uncertain about how long they will be able to stay, and understandably confused. Hannah never planned for them to be with the Lynns for long, just long enough for her sister to be in recovery and come get them or until a different placement can be found. But along the way, no matter how hard she tries to harden her heart, Hannah falls in love with her two nephews as well as someone else who has become important to her. While her choices aren't easy and she questions her decisions constantly, there are rewards for those decisions. This well-written story, told from Hannah's perspective, is filled with hope, heart, and insight into the foster care system. With several passages describing how Hannah deals with enormous grief and falls apart at times as well as coping, t's a 3.5 for me. Because of her flaws, she is all the more relatable. ...more
Although the premise behind this middle-grade story [3.5 for me!] is rather far-fetched, I still loved most of it, partly because it takes part in a lAlthough the premise behind this middle-grade story [3.5 for me!] is rather far-fetched, I still loved most of it, partly because it takes part in a library and partly because I liked the characters. Essie, who becomes known as "the library girl," has lived in the Huffington Public Library for all of her eleven years of life, apparently abandoned on a bookshelf by someone. Four kind-hearted librarians (Doris, Taisha, Lucinda, and Jeanne-Marie) can't resist taking care of her when no one shows up. They keep her hidden, protected, and loved. But as she grows older, they decide it's time to allow her to explore the world outside the library first-hand rather than from books. While checking out a department store, she meets a boy who looks just like her, and the truth behind her birth and family is slowly revealed. All four librarians are wonderfully depicted and take their roles as mothers quite seriously. Despite the tough topics the book addresses and the mistakes that many characters, including Essie, make, there are many humorous moments and individuals who step in when help is needed, particularly when Essie and the four librarians, come into conflict with newly-hired Ms, Matterhorn, who has to be one of the most meddling characters ever written and described as "a woman so disagreeable that cats leapt into open manholes when they saw her coming" (p. 66). And oh, how this book provides a roadmap for dealing with life's challenges: "If people were like books in the library, if everyone was their own story, then what had her mothers taught her? That all stories were good stories as long as they were true to the teller. And that you should never try to pretend that the things that had happened in the past hadn't or that the way people believed or thought or felt hadn't happened. Because what good was a story if it was censored and untrue? Stories were for sharing the infinite ways there were to be human" (p. 237). ...more
**spoiler alert** This was a fun mystery although I had guessed what was going on from the beginning. Still, it was entertaining to follow some of the**spoiler alert** This was a fun mystery although I had guessed what was going on from the beginning. Still, it was entertaining to follow some of the breadcrumbs to see if my guess was correct. Siblings Maddy and Grace, who are only a few months apart in age, go on a highly anticipated class trip in late April where something goes wrong, and only one sister survives. As Grace tries to sort out what happened to her sister, readers also are treated to Maddy's thoughts before and during the trip as well as some of her poetry. It becomes clearer with every line that as much as she loves her sister, she feels overshadowed by Grace and resentful of the ease with which she navigates social situations, especially since Maddy struggles with that and often feels unseen, even at home by her own parents. When Grace seems to attract the attention of a boy in whom Maddy is interested, Maddy reaches her boiling point. Could she possibly have confronted Grace? Some readers will be unsure about what happened on that trip and even afterward, and only know for sure as they read those final pages. This is a solid debut novel well worth the read even though parts are predictable. ...more
Although I've read other versions about the Spirit of the Sea, one of the Inuit legends that I find most fascinating, this one stands up well against Although I've read other versions about the Spirit of the Sea, one of the Inuit legends that I find most fascinating, this one stands up well against those others. Arnaq lives contentedly with her father, Ataata, refusing all offers of marriage until she is tricked into accepting one lucrative proposal. But when she arrives at her new husband's home, she realizes that nothing he said was true. When her father comes to see her, he realizes that she's in a bad situation, fleeing with her. But when her husband and his seabirds attack, her father betrays her, cutting off her fingers to save himself. Her body parts transform into different animals, and the girl becomes Nuliajuq, the Spirit of the Sea. The story moves quickly, accompanied by attractive illustrations filled with blues and much movement. Young readers may enjoy comparing this version of the tale with others as well as searching for possible similar stories from other cultures. ...more
Eighth grader Evan Dunn feels as though he's almost sleepwalking through life. Although he has a couple of friends--later dubbed the Nerd Posse--everyEighth grader Evan Dunn feels as though he's almost sleepwalking through life. Although he has a couple of friends--later dubbed the Nerd Posse--every moment at school and at home has a bland, sameness, even the family meals, and there's hardly anything worth waking up for. But when the school track coach sees him running with a stray white dog, he starts thinking maybe this is something he can do well. Plus, that border collie that loves to run has stolen his heart. When its owner is injured, Evan and new friend Hana Ganz step up to help out at the kennel. While the plot is simple, the shift in perspective from Evan's to the dog, Sam, adds interest to the well-told story. Author Pete Hautman keeps things running smoothly, never missing a beat, even while he tugs at readers' heartstrings and reminds them that dogs like Sam aren't simply lawn ornaments or moneymakers but living creatures who feel and love deeply. This story--3.5 for me--is a good classroom read aloud as well as inspiration to go for a run with your own dog. ...more
I love the way the author builds suspense in this middle-grade horror story. While readers familiar with this genre will quickly realize the true idenI love the way the author builds suspense in this middle-grade horror story. While readers familiar with this genre will quickly realize the true identity of Mal, who befriends the protagonist, seventh Sadie Rivera, it's still entertaining, er, maybe haunting is a better word, to watch. For those who are just starting to read horror, this one is a solid introduction. Sadie seems pretty clueless, partly because her mother abandoned the family years ago, but also because she's spent most of her life without friends, trying to keep a ghost at bay. After she and her father move from Arizona to small-town Idaho, Sadie keeps to herself as much as possible despite the friendly entreaties that others extend to her. After all, she knows the cost of friendship for anyone who gets close to her. All that changes when Mal starts hanging out with her, somehow silencing the ghost. But there's something that isn't right with Mal. She loves pranks, which escalate in intensity, and aren't as harmless as Mal claims they are. As Sadie falls under Mal's spell and then begins to question her actions and her identity, she unwittingly puts others in danger. ...more
Once again, author Kathleen Glasgow has written quite a page-turner, tackling the tough topics of grief, loss, family dynamics, self-esteem, and alcohOnce again, author Kathleen Glasgow has written quite a page-turner, tackling the tough topics of grief, loss, family dynamics, self-esteem, and alcoholism. Just as she did in Girl in Pieces and You'd Be Home Now, she creates a likeable female protagonist in Bella Leahey, who will remind readers of themselves or someone they know. Bella, 15, drinks for many reasons. She does it to feel good, to become more outgoing, and to numb the pain. Still reeling from the loss of her beloved grandmother, Laurel, who lived nearby, and her breakup with her first boyfriend, Dylan, her social drinking is now out of control, and even at school she craves some liquid relief. Glasgow describes her downward descent, even as she lets down classmates and friends, while continuing to bear responsibility for her little sister, Ricci, and acting as a go-between for her parents. Much of the book focuses on her time in rehab after her mother finds her passed out on the front steps on Thanksgiving, having been left there by friends. Bella's journey to recovery isn't easy or assured, and she is so in denial about her addiction that it takes time before she realizes just how much harm she's done to her body and mind as well as those who love her. And even some of the others who are in rehab can't necessarily be trusted. Since the book is told from Bella's point of view, readers are able to see into her heart and mind while being fully immersed in her journey. Because drinking is so socially acceptable these days and her family often seemed so preoccupied by other matters, it's easy to see how and why Bella turned to drink to self-medicate. Readers who enjoyed this one might also want to read Thirsty by Jas Hammonds to compare the protagonists' journeys as well as how their family members and significant others react. There isn't a false note in this entire book, and it's clear that Glasgow knows the terrain quite well. ...more
This middle-grade novel is a 3.5 for me. Thirteen-year-old Ingrid is a lot like many of us. She stays way below the radar at school, overshadowed by hThis middle-grade novel is a 3.5 for me. Thirteen-year-old Ingrid is a lot like many of us. She stays way below the radar at school, overshadowed by her friend Rachel, who often treats her as a charity case and is in need of constant validation. But at home, under the care of Grandma, who has taught her to knit and has a popular podcast, and online during a roleplaying adventure game, she's a beast. She also has an account called Bye Forever, which is popular. When Rachel tells Ingrid's new neighbors, Alyx and Oliver, about the death of Ingrid's parents, Ingrid has had enough and liberates herself from Rachel. But Rachel's not finished with her, and as the book's plot unfolds, readers will realize just how devious she is. Ingrid responds to a text that she thinks was sent to her mistakenly, and begins a friendship with a boy called Traveler, who wants to play the online game with her and her friend Lorren, who lives 500 miles away. There are all sorts of moments of misunderstanding between Oliver and Ingrid and Traveler and Ingrid even while she wonders if there might be a chance for something other than friendship somewhere in the future. Growing up isn't easy; nor is it easy to find one's group, making Ingrid's struggles so relatable for the book's intended audience. Her fondness for a certain fantasy series and its author are charming, providing some of the book's best moments when she actually gets to meet the author and give her a present. This one was heaps of fun, highlighting a niche of teens often ignored in books for middle graders. ...more