Eye-enticing artwork, created with gouache, acrylic gouache, crayons, colored pencils, paintbrushes, combs, and other materials, accompanies a story aEye-enticing artwork, created with gouache, acrylic gouache, crayons, colored pencils, paintbrushes, combs, and other materials, accompanies a story about an unusual journey. The lyrical language in this picture book [3.5 for me!] adds to the story's magic as a young girl takes a motorbike ride with her Amma through the villages and rural parts of South India. The images and words capture the heat present even late at night as well as the mysterious experience of riding through the dark during this unexpected adventure, during which it seems that they "reach the end of the world" (unpaged). Unconditional love seeps through every word and page as the two share these special moments when anything seems possible. There's a nostalgic, almost regretful feel to the story since these moments won't last forever and can't be recaptured. Be sure to check out the Notes from the Author and Illustrator to learn more about the inspiration behind this picture book. ...more
Anyone who's read one of this author's previous books will know that she is particularly skilled at immersing readers in her setting through vivid desAnyone who's read one of this author's previous books will know that she is particularly skilled at immersing readers in her setting through vivid description and the use of vocabulary that fits the time period. In this case, it's the summer of 1894 in the Northwest. Having lost her job at a mineral springs hotel in central Oregon, Sally O'Malley, an orphan whose life has contained few moments of joy, decides to head west. Her aim is to see the sea, something she's heard about but never seen. Along the way, she meets Major, who delivers goods to various stores, and is accompanied by her faithful dog, Sarge, and a donkey, Mabel. Seeing something in Sally, 13, that may remind her of herself, she offers a ride to Sally. Along the way, they pick up an unusual package--a standoffish, priggish boy named Lafayette--who needs to be taken to yet another relative after other of his kin washed their hands of him. Sally is as rough around the edges as Lafayette is refined, but slowly, a friendship builds, and just as slowly, Sally realizes that there are individuals who are trustworthy, kind, and those who won't break her heart or take advantage of her. She also starts to see that she, too, is worthy and resilient. An ideal choice for a classroom read aloud, this well-written historical fiction might be predictable in many respects, but Sally's journey [to her best self and to the sea] will speak to middle-grade readers, some of whom will see themselves in her tough as nails exterior that hides a tender interior that emerges by fits and starts. ...more
Oh, how I wish our elected officials and those that support building a wall to keep people out of the country would read this book [4.5 for me!]! WellOh, how I wish our elected officials and those that support building a wall to keep people out of the country would read this book [4.5 for me!]! Well-researched and well-written, it follows the journeys of a handful of smugglers in Latin America. The author, an anthropologist, spent seven years getting to know some of the men and women who engage in this particular activity. Not surprisingly, this particular topic [human smuggling] is far more complex than many would have it. The possible solutions are just as complicated and multifaceted and would require worldwide changes since it's typically poverty, violence, environmental disasters, and fears that drive many to leave their homes. Yes, many are seeking a better life, for sure, but often, they're simply hoping to HAVE a life and not be killed, the victim of the violence in their hometowns. The smugglers or coyotes often have been in the same shoes as the individuals who are trying to cross the border into the United States or Mexico. Having failed to make it across the border or having succeeded but then sent back for one reason or another, they try to survive by helping--for a high price--others reach the Promised Land. But the smuggling business has many layers and much cost, even for the smugglers themselves, and no one in this book gets wealthy through this way of making a living. Many are living on the street, along train tracks, even in the jungle, and they come from all over, including Nicaragua and Honduras. The author delves deeply into some of the smugglers' formative years, their relationships, and the dangers they themselves face on a daily basis as well as moments of joy or times when drugs, alcohol and/or sex help them blot out some of the painful memories and reality. Because this is an ethnography, De Leon himself is present in many of the pages and exchanges with his subjects, sharing a laugh or a beer, mourning lost lives and futures, trying to understand, and feeling guilty over certain choices or missed opportunities. The individual stories and experiences are as real as things can get, and readers are likely to be fully invested in the fates of Chino, Flaco, Jesmyn, Kingston, Marina, Papo, and Santos, and feel curious about where they are now. Parts of this account are shocking, and it may be impossible to consider trains, knitting needles, knitting or iguanas the same after reading the book. It's necessary to sit quietly for a few moments after finishing this intense, immersive read, pondering one's own responsibility for the problems the author highlights. The only aspects that were missing for me were inclusive of some of those who truly profit off those migrants and the sometimes-confusing structure of the narrative. But those possible flaws are easy to ignore when faced with these examples of humans striving to survive against all odds. ...more
Fans of the previous graphic novel, Huda F Are You? will love this further glimpse into the lives of the Fahmy family as they embark on a road trip toFans of the previous graphic novel, Huda F Are You? will love this further glimpse into the lives of the Fahmy family as they embark on a road trip to Disney World. Huda and three of her sisters are thrilled to visit the theme park, but the trip there is less than ideal since they are crowded together in the back seat and stop along the way to eat the food their mother has prepared for them. Since the family is visibly Muslim with their garb, including hijabs, Huda feels that they stick out like sore thumbs everywhere they go, including the theme park where most of the visitors are dressed scantily and no one except her family is praying in public. There's so much to unpack in this humorous graphic novel, including her parents' purpose behind the road trip, Huda's new appreciation for her siblings, and her feelings about her identity as well as how she learns to stand up for herself. As was the case with its predecessor, this one was a delight from start to finish. It's a 3.5 for me. ...more
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
This one is a 2,5 for me. Despite the fact that hordes of readers loved this one and it garnered great critical reviews, it didn't work for me. And itThis one is a 2,5 for me. Despite the fact that hordes of readers loved this one and it garnered great critical reviews, it didn't work for me. And it's not that I'm offended by sexually frank descriptions or that I'm too young to have gone through menopause. I just felt frustrated by the protagonist, her midlife crisis, and her constant whining. Parts of the writing are funny, reflective, intense, but also, quite annoying as her planned cross-country drive from LA to NYC ends up being a short jaunt in which she decides to stay nearby, hire a decorator for her motel room [spending $20,000 to do so], and engage in a mating ritual with a young dancer who works for Hertz. Parts of her story are relatable as she mourns the loss of her youth, worries over menopause, and looks for meaning beyond that of a wife and mother, but she leaves quite a bit of wreckage in her wake. I didn't like her enough to care about her, unfortunately, and I didn't see the point of her journey. ...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
It may be a platitude to say that life isn't fair, but this well-written, emotionally engaging novel hammers that message home. It starts off with a tIt may be a platitude to say that life isn't fair, but this well-written, emotionally engaging novel hammers that message home. It starts off with a tragedy in a small California town on the coast, then moving forward 30 years as it seems that a similar tragedy will befall the same family. Star Radley, the sister of the girl who died decades ago, is unable to take care of herself, often self-medicating to dull her pain, and leaving the responsibility for her family to her daughter, thirteen-year-old Duchess Day Radley, who tends to her mother and young brother, Robin. Duchess sees herself as an outlaw, quick to react and to seek retribution for any wrongs done to her mother, her brother, or herself. But she makes a mistake that will result in several acts of unnecessary violence. The character of Duchess is well-developed, and readers will often bite their nails in fear of what's coming for her and for her barely suppressed anger. She's had to be strong for much of her life, and she's become quite skilled at hiding her softer impulses. Just as well drawn is the character of Walk(er), the local police chief who keeps on an eye on Star and her family, partly out of honor for their youthful friendship but also out of a sense of guilt for his hand in sending his best friend and her boyfriend, Vincent, to prison. He's hiding a secret of his own, worried that his Parkinson's will keep him from doing his job properly. Several secondary characters are also quite interesting, but perhaps most important when considering this book is its title and the very notion that it's at the end of a terrible experience when it is possible to start fresh and begin again. It isn't necessary--or even healthy--to remain mired in thoughts of what might have been and all the mistakes that have been made. While reflection and atonement have value, they aren't enough, and for those broken individuals and wounded warriors among us, hard as it might be, it's important to begin again, to embrace new relationships and possibilities. Life just may surprise us, just as parts of this book are gifts that make us think more deeply about relationships and the assumptions we make about those around us. Perhaps also it's a testimony to the power nature and hard work have to help us heal. The descriptions of rural Montana and small-town Cape Haven are poetic, moving, and soul-soothing. I'm so glad that I stumbled upon this book. ...more
Digital artwork in panels of various sizes provide the visual anchor for an amusing story intended for new readers. The graphic elements make this I LDigital artwork in panels of various sizes provide the visual anchor for an amusing story intended for new readers. The graphic elements make this I Like to Read Comics entry a good choice for reading practice and sharing. The plot is rather simple, but the execution works well for its intended audience. Pickle and Bird are eagerly anticipating a road trip to purchase some strawberries and cream, but Pickle's car breaks down. In search of a replacement vehicle, Pickle considers several options, but he rejects them for different reasons. One is too fast, another one is too big, and one is simply too pricey. But Pickle doesn't have to go into debt to get back on the road again. Coco, the mechanic and owner of the car dealership, knows just what to do. Young readers will smile when they realize what has caused Pickle's car to stop moving. ...more
Set in 1935 and 1936, this historical fiction [3.5 for me!] will appeal to middle graders who like that genre and appreciate strong heroines who deal Set in 1935 and 1936, this historical fiction [3.5 for me!] will appeal to middle graders who like that genre and appreciate strong heroines who deal with adversity and come out on top despite the odds against them. Halle Newton's world is turned upside down when her mother contracts tuberculosis and is hospitalized in an upstate New York State TB hospital for a long period of time. Due to circumstances that are revealed late in the novel, Halle's father is distant and unresponsive to her, and when he fails to share some of the details concerning her mother's prognosis, Halle takes matters in her own hands and embarks on a dangerous journey. When she also becomes ill, she is hospitalized in the same place even though she is separated from her mother. The other patients on her ward and a couple of boys in the hospital befriend her, and she begins to heal and flourish. The characters are well drawn, and readers will have no trouble imagining that they, too, are living through Halle's experiences. The author does an admirable job in depicting the prejudices many had toward anyone with TB, describing various instances when Halle is shunned and teased by her classmates, and even her teacher seems anxious about being around her. Even though most readers will know little about TB, they will still make connections to some of the behavior and panic during the recent pandemic. This book is a rich immersion in a half-forgotten period of history that has relevance for today....more
Quite different from My Lovely Wife but just as addictive, this book [3.5 for me, and such a guilty pleasure!] might prevent many families from going Quite different from My Lovely Wife but just as addictive, this book [3.5 for me, and such a guilty pleasure!] might prevent many families from going on nostalgic road trips. Narrated by Beth, the story follows the three Morgan siblings--Beth, Eddie, and Portia--as they and Beth and Eddie's spouses embark on a cross-country trip in order to fulfill the requirements of their grandfather's will and inherit a substantial amount of money. The trip will trace the same route they traveled with their grandfather when they were much younger, and it is intended to culminate in his ashes being sprinkled in the desert. Along the way, they'll revisit the same tourist attractions they explored on the original one. From the opening pages, readers know that this is no ordinary road trip and that the travelers have secrets, so many secrets, and that blood may not be thicker than water. To say much more would ruin all the surprises and twists that are embedded in the plot, but it's probably sufficient to note that the book will make it hard for readers to trust anyone. On the surface, the characters might seem normal to the average onlooker, but there is much more to each of them than meets the eye. This is oh, so dark, and oh, so satisfying, if you like this sort of suspense--and who doesn't? Yes, there are some plot points that are rather confusing or might be questioned, but readers will probably forgive those as they race to the book's conclusion. There are no heroes or heroines here except maybe the author for planning this road trip and inviting all of us along. ...more
It was hard for me to put this book down or see the story conclude so invested was I in the world created by its author. Fox spirits that can take on It was hard for me to put this book down or see the story conclude so invested was I in the world created by its author. Fox spirits that can take on human form and enchant them because of their own attractiveness populate this book in intriguing ways. Although most of the story focuses on one fox, Snow, who is determined to go to any lengths to avenge her fox cub daughter's death, there are two other fox spirits who play important parts in the story. As Snow follows various clues leading to the man responsible for this terrible loss, her path eventually intersects with Bao, a private investigator who has been hired to uncover the identity and reasons for the death of a woman who seems to have been lured into the cold without proper attire. The elegant storytelling and interesting plot as well as this glimpse into the myths that surround foxes in Chinese culture is almost as mesmerizing as the fox spirits who come to life on its pages. The fox characters are complex, just as quick to anger and violence as to love and comfort. Readers will be fascinated at how the author ties together all the various narrative pieces. Anyone in search of a read that is out of the ordinary will find it here. The book's cover is lovely too. ...more
A granddaughter describes her trip from bustling Lagos, Nigeria to the quieter town on Ijebu where her grandparents live. Her family has journeyed theA granddaughter describes her trip from bustling Lagos, Nigeria to the quieter town on Ijebu where her grandparents live. Her family has journeyed there to celebrate Eid with their relatives. Although the text doesn't always flow smoothly at times, it is filled with all sorts of descriptions that are quite sensory in nature, allowing readers to feel as though they can almost smell, taste, and see all that Olu, the narrator does. While Olu spends time playing with her cousins, she also helps in preparing food for Eid, an experience that allows her grandmother to guide her in the art of cooking special dishes. This warm slice of life story is unique in that it describes the way Olu's family navigates part of the family--her mother's--being Muslim while Olu and her nuclear family is Catholic. The strong bond between Olu and her Baba is obvious in the text and illustrations; clearly, their love can transcend distance, language, and any religious barriers. The digital artwork is brightly colored and uses interesting shapes to fill each of the double-page spreads. The characters' faces are quite dark with lightly drawn facial features. ...more
**spoiler alert** The remote Alaska setting in this book, the second in a series, is quite interesting since even daily lives and travel from one plac**spoiler alert** The remote Alaska setting in this book, the second in a series, is quite interesting since even daily lives and travel from one place to another can be challenging. The main character, Detective Cara Kennedy, is a strong female protagonist whose feelings are fragile, so fragile that she's on a leave from her job. Still, she is driven to figure out what happened to her husband and son. Her sleuthing work leads her on some surprising and dangerous paths. While parts of this one were different enough to keep me reading, there were parts of the book that seemed to need more development, and the unlikely plot left me shaking my head in disbelief. Yes, parts of it were believable, but some of the violence and outcome had me shaking my head. Fans of the first book may enjoy this one, but I ended up feeling disappointed, especially by the last third. But goodness! How convenient to solve a woman's dilemma of loving two different men by killing one off!...more
Seventh-grader Efren Nava's life is completely disrupted after his mother is unexpectedly deported to Mexico. Suddenly, much of the responsibility forSeventh-grader Efren Nava's life is completely disrupted after his mother is unexpectedly deported to Mexico. Suddenly, much of the responsibility for his two siblings, Max and Mia, falls on him since his father must work two jobs in order to find a way to bring Ama back. This middle-grade book cuts right to the heart of the problems and politics surrounding immigration, deportation, and ICE. With ups and downs, hopeful moments and disappointments, it describes in heartbreaking detail just how hard it is to navigate a world that is suddenly turned upside down and how it isn't easy to know whom to trust. Efren's once predictable life becomes a rollercoaster, and he begins to struggle with school, something he never had problems with before. He's tired, preoccupied, and confused but finds allies in some unlikely places. When he himself goes on a rescue mission to bring money to Alma in Tijuana, he also comes to appreciate just how good his family has it back home even though they live in a tiny apartment and don't have a lot of material things. All he wants is his mother's arms around him and the comfort and safety she provides. Intense, immersive, and timely, Efren's story just might open some hearts and minds to the border crisis and immigration as well as some of the flaws in the system. Most notably, though, is the concept of seeds of hope that is planted within the novel, that others might try to get rid of a group of individuals, to bury them, but failing to realize that they are seeds and will grow and sprout, coming to life again. The exact quote is "Nos quisieron enterrer, pero no sabian que eramos semillas" or "They tried to bury us...but they didn't know we were seeds" (p. 30). Surely, Efren's story will plant seeds of hope or awareness among its readers, who will finish the book wishing that there were a more positive outcome for Efren and others like him. This would be a great book to share before discussing challenging topics such as immigration. (A side note: Although I loved the description, plot, topic, characters, I wish that the proofreader had been more thorough. There were several places where quotation marks were misplaced, and when Efren and his father head to the border in his truck, the vehicle is first referred to as a truck and later as they return, as a car. I suppose that might be okay since both are vehicles, but the distinction was distracting to me.)...more
There's been a recent spate of graphic memoirs for young readers and teens published, but this one stands out among them. It's easy to see why it has There's been a recent spate of graphic memoirs for young readers and teens published, but this one stands out among them. It's easy to see why it has landed on so many "Best" lists for 2024, including the Pura Belpre and the Notable Books for a Global Society. Not only is the story original what with its narrator, Pedro/Peter Martin, off on a 2,000 mile journey from California to Pegueros, Mexico, in a Winnebago while also trying to figure out his identity and where he fits in, but it offers a glimpse into the dynamics in a large family. Pedro is one of nine children, and one of the youngest. He knows very little about his Mexican culture, and this road trip will afford him and his siblings the chance to immerse themselves in the food, language, traditions, and daily life of their parents' homeland as they travel south of the border to bring back their grandfather. There is so much humor in the storyline, supported by colorful images and oddities such as the Little Peepee Man purchased while in Mexico, the pranks and mishaps along the way, including an incident at the border that results in their musical choices being limited to one annoying song. Even the preparation of the parents--shopping for new clothes and supplies at Kmart, stocking up on bananas and Spam for the trip--is relatable but also humorous. In this period of Star Wars and superhero popularity [late 1970s] Pedro and some of the younger siblings imagine that their grandfather is/was some sort of superhero, certainly one that is larger than life. And in many ways he is. But he's also human, emotionally fragile, elderly, burdened by time and loss, and not particularly talkative. There's so much to love in this layered, culturally rich blend of family history, culture, and a long road trip. Even crossing the border is fraught with worry but also some humor, and the fact that the travelers are split into two vehicles--a truck driven by the older siblings and that Winnebago--there's even a diagram of its various compartments--adds to the story's tension and funny moments as they travel. Somehow, even the most surprising moments--Pedro's attempts to help a wounded deer on the way home--are learning opportunities with some surprising outcomes and painful lessons. This one is a must-read....more
As might be expected in a debut novel, parts of this one are very, very good while parts could use tighter editing and expansion. Even so, it's a deliAs might be expected in a debut novel, parts of this one are very, very good while parts could use tighter editing and expansion. Even so, it's a delightful celebration of friendship and loyalty, queer love in all sorts of forms, and creativity. After all, where would many of us be without a way to express ourselves, whether it be through art, dance, music, writing or some other outlet? In the case of Dawn Salcedo, a senior in Houston, Texas, it's filmmaking that saves her and allows her to tell her story and those of her friends and other subjects; in fact, she's entering her documentary entitled "The Queer Girl Is Going to Be Okay" in a film festival in Austin, Texas, in hopes of winning a scholarship. But Dawn is hampered by the responsibility of taking care of her father and making poor choices when it comes to romantic relationships. Time and time again, she is disappointed. Meanwhile, her two friends--Georgia and Edie--have issues of their own. Georgia hasn't been accepted to any of the schools to which she's applied and her mother is dating a creep. Edie fears telling her parents that her love, Ben, is nonbinary and hides her truth behind lies that keep her safe. When Dawn's world falls apart and she's unable to meet the deadline for her documentary, Georgia, Edie, and a new friend step in to save the day. While the ending and the assistance on the documentary seem almost too good to be true, both leave readers with a sense of fairness and generosity as well as the hope that there are good folks out there willing to lend a helping hand. Pop cultural references give the story a current feel, and the countdown aspect of the story structure keeps readers keenly aware of the passage of time. There are some loose ends dangling, but the book's two strengths are the interviews about queer love and relationships and the slice of life aspect of these characters' worlds. Be prepared to cry, laugh, and cheer while reading this one....more
This fast-paced middle-grade novel [3.5 for me] has a great opening line and plenty of action. Plus, its setting along the Silk Road many centuries agThis fast-paced middle-grade novel [3.5 for me] has a great opening line and plenty of action. Plus, its setting along the Silk Road many centuries ago, makes it a unique children's book as I can't think of others set during that place and time. The clever chapter titles and almost-nonstop tension keep readers in suspense. Strong writing allows the main character, Monkey, to be introspective and judgmental as he is rescued from being punished by Samir, who might be the world's best traveling salesman. Monkey is grateful for the rescue, but he's also shocked to discover that Samir, who makes Monkey his servant, is far from truthful and that he often exaggerates the values of his wares and tricks others out of their money or possessions. As Samir and his caravan travel along the Silk Road, they are chased by various assassins, including a Viking berserker and a Mongolian gunner, hired by those who want to get revenge for how he's taken advantage of them. Even though those assassination attempts are thwarted, Samir loses something along the way until he's left with almost nothing. Monkey watches all this and wonders about loyalty, friendship, love, and revenge. He also realizes that perhaps he's misjudged Samir, who truly does believe in found family and helping others achieve their dreams. While I ended up liking the story and appreciating the colorful illustrations that introduce each chapter, I never connected with the characters even while admiring how the plot moves forward for the most part although the fact that readers suddenly learn that Monkey is giving testimony about what happened to some soldiers seemed abrupt and could have benefitted from being made clearer at the start of the story since he is no longer giving that testimony at the conclusion. In fact, I liked the over-burdened, blind donkey Rostam more than any of the human characters. I know this one got a lot of Newbery love so it will be interesting to see how its intended audience reacts. ...more
I can understand all the raves and positive attention this Newbery Honor Book has been receiving. Certainly, it's no easy feat to tackle a topic such I can understand all the raves and positive attention this Newbery Honor Book has been receiving. Certainly, it's no easy feat to tackle a topic such as school shootings with care while also somehow blending humor into the plot. The humor, of course, isn't part of the shooting in which the book's protagonist, seventh grader Simon O'Keeffe, was the only survivor in his classroom. It's clear that Simon and his parents are still dealing with the aftermath of that horrific event, so much so that they've moved away from Omaha to the National Quiet Zone where there is no Internet access, a place called Grin And Bear It, allowing them to sort of go underground or fly beneath the radar. I found myself wondering about that particular decision and that particular place because they could have relocated plenty of other places--even my birthplace in rural Tennessee, which is a cellphone dead zone with spotty, if any, Internet connections. The humor comes partly from the way Simon's parents make a living. His mother takes over the local mortuary with an inappropriate name, and his father is a deacon in the Catholic church. There are alpacas, a wild peacock named Pretty Stabby, goats, emus, and a guide-dog-in training named Hercules, all of whom impart their share of charm and humor. Simon becomes friends with Agate Van der Zwaan, who clearly marches to her own beat and concocts a wild plan to keep the local scientists invested in their project seeking signs of extraterrestrial life. Much of this is unbelievable, but it's also charming and touching. However, some of that charm is lost in the details as Simon's past is revealed by his friend, Kevin's mother, and the harsh light of media attention is once again shone on Simon and his family. The character development and the gradual unfolding of that traumatic event from two years ago and its aftermath are the book's strengths. Parts of the plot seem unbelievable, and the narrative may go on for a bit too long, but middle-grade readers will be thoroughly entertained by Simon's struggles and his desire to go unnoticed. Some of them will enjoy the broad brush used to paint the humorous portions of the story while others may find that to be distracting. ...more
Sixteen-year-old Iris has plans, big plans, for her future. She's working hard at a local drug store where she's been promoted to assistant manager beSixteen-year-old Iris has plans, big plans, for her future. She's working hard at a local drug store where she's been promoted to assistant manager because of how responsible she is, and she's saving her money for college. When she realizes that she's pregnant, she knows that she's not ready to be a mother and that giving birth to a child would alter her future in countless ways. With the help of her mother, her boyfriend, Lorenzo, who is 18, she decides to drive cross country from her Paris, Texas, home to Oregon where her grandmother lives and where she can have an abortion legally. That's not an option in Texas where she lives because she is about six weeks pregnant. Along the way, Ivy and Lorenzo have many adventures, visit local towns with the names of other, more famous places such as Lima and Rome, see some amazing and not so amazing sights, fall further in love, and meet some amazing women. While the folks Iris encounters during stopovers are either family friends or relatives, each one has stories about their own abortions or some of the historical restrictions on women's reproductive health and behavior. While I appreciated these women's stories and willingness to share their secrets as they provided aid to Iris, I also found it rather unlikely that so many of these women would have had relevant stories to relate. The fact that Iris and Lorenzo have never had sex and that she seems to be vilified by almost every resident of Paris once her pregnancy [and later, her abortion] is revealed add drama and tension to the story, but also seem almost too predictable and disingenuous. Surely, there are individuals in Texas who would have been willing to help Iris and are pro-choice. The constant refrain of the word "choice" makes the story almost veer into heavy didacticism. Despite these quibbles and the unkind aspersions seemingly cast on all Texans as well as the message that it's necessary to leave rather than stay and promote change from within a community, this is an important book, one well worth reading, discussing, and reflecting upon. To say that it's timely is an understatement, given the recent Supreme Court ruling on Roe v. Wade and the response of many states to that ruling. ...more