Uber achiever Giddy Barber has had it. With a tummy that constantly rumbles unhappily, constant late arrivals at school due to home responsibilities, Uber achiever Giddy Barber has had it. With a tummy that constantly rumbles unhappily, constant late arrivals at school due to home responsibilities, an untrustworthy friend group, and a bullying classmate in her history class, she knows that something has to change. After learning about something called opposition therapy online, she decides to act in unexpected ways for 10 days. For Giddy, this means leaving her younger siblings to fend for themselves, choosing strange foods for her meals, and mentally checking out of her favorite math and science classes. Needless to say, her new behaviors cause concern among teachers, family and friends, eventually leading to several conflicts. And Giddy isn't even sure what the point of any of this even is. There can never be enough YA books featuring characters who seem to have it all together but are secretly falling apart or on the verge of exploding. This one is, by turns, humorous and heartbreaking, well written with a distinct narrative voice, and a protagonist who makes readers want to wrap in their arms or in a soft comforter while offering a soothing cup of warm tea and a moment to rest. This novel is a 3.5 for me. ...more
Liv Holme and her mother have recently relocated to Harbour City after things have gone terribly wrong at her old school. Liv, who is Goth and bisexuaLiv Holme and her mother have recently relocated to Harbour City after things have gone terribly wrong at her old school. Liv, who is Goth and bisexual, suspects that her parents are on their way to splitting up since her father is rarely, if ever, home, and her mother seems preoccupied. But the students at her new school are much more open than her old friends, and Liv is invited to play computer and video games with Jake and Aaron. Eventually, Jake's on again, off again girlfriend Layla also befriends Liv. She'll need all the support in the world when her English teacher starts paying her attention that comes dangerously close to crossing a line, even suggesting that she read Nabokov's Lolita. The text and illustrations in this graphic novel capture the essence of the mall culture so prevalent during the early 2000s as well as Goth culture. There will be plenty of readers who will see themselves in Liv and her shock when she discovers the truth about her teacher. I loved the pins Liv wears: "Dip me in chocolate and throw me to the lesbians" and "BI AS IN SEE YA," the latter one a gift from Liv's mom. As malls seem to have seen better days and no longer have the appeal they once had as a place to see and be seen, this one has plenty of historical and sentimental value. Since I lived on a farm for from town and miles from any mall, I can't relate to the social nature of malls, but I can appreciate the many issues this graphic novel addresses. ...more
Don't be fooled by the book's cover or the dog's name--Gather--into thinking that this is yet another sweet book about a boy and his dog. While it is,Don't be fooled by the book's cover or the dog's name--Gather--into thinking that this is yet another sweet book about a boy and his dog. While it is, to some extent, that, it is so much more than that. At its heart it's a story of survival and determination, a treatise against systems that keep individuals and struggling families trapped, of the wide-sweeping effects of addiction on families, but also, about those individuals who gather together to lend a hand to someone who is drowning. It examines bullying, social class, and the dwindling of family farms as well as home and the importance of having a place to call one's one. The narrator, Ian Henry, who is managing to keep things afloat on his family's Vermont farm until the worst possible thing happens, has the most distinctive narrative voice that I've encountered in a YA novel in a long time. I was moved by his journey, one that is both figurative and literal, but also one that resembles the lives of many teens today. This one would have been my pick for the 2024 Printz Award. The way the author builds suspense and hints of tragedy ahead is effective and holds readers' interest all the way to the end. ...more
There continues to be something charming about this series set in Nigeria. Perhaps it's the books' protagonist, Anna Hibiscus, with her fondness for hThere continues to be something charming about this series set in Nigeria. Perhaps it's the books' protagonist, Anna Hibiscus, with her fondness for her home and extended family, including a rooster called Snow White. Maybe it's the unfamiliar setting. Or perhaps it's the almost hypnotic way each story is told. Or how relatable some of her adventures are, despite their setting. Whatever it may be, the same elements that have appealed to readers like me from the very first title in this series are still apparent in this, the sixth chapter book in the series. This time around Anna follows her grandparents to the village where both of them once lived. She's been told that travel on a crowded bus is fun, but that doesn't seem to be the case at first. Nor is it easy to get to the village after the bus drops her off since she must make her way through the bus. She also faces moments of being bullied by some of the village's youngsters due to her lighter skin. But as with every situation in which she has found herself in previous books, she eventually figures a way forward, solving problems with some sound advice from her elders. The illustrations, rendered in ink, capture some of the important moments in the book perfectly, and I wouldn't change a thing about the text or artwork. This one might be a good classroom read aloud choice. ...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
Although this "I Like to Read" title [2.5 for me!] was too busy for me, its young intended audience will probably enjoy it. Gus, a minotaur [hence, thAlthough this "I Like to Read" title [2.5 for me!] was too busy for me, its young intended audience will probably enjoy it. Gus, a minotaur [hence, the play on the word in the title] and Nick, a young boy, are starting classes in a new school. Neither of them knows where their class is, but Gus takes charge--literally--of finding it, wreaking havoc everywhere they go. They interrupt science experiments, music lessons, a warped dodge ball, and even an art lesson. The colorful panels of this graphic comic show the two new friends dashing through the cafeteria and into the basement where the janitor/custodian is working. And then, having reached the end, they have to go back the way they come. Each panel shows some of the surprising results of their race through the school. ...more
Interestingly vibrant illustrations, created with watercolor and digital techniques, and strong, reflective text, showcase the possibilities art and cInterestingly vibrant illustrations, created with watercolor and digital techniques, and strong, reflective text, showcase the possibilities art and creativity have to change the world. Focusing on the efforts of Corita Kent, a Catholic nun whose work consisted of a combination of words and images and who encouraged her art students to break the rules, this picture book biography [3.5 for me!] profiles someone not often, if ever, mentioned in history books. And yet, this artist was quite influential. Since she was working during a historical period when the Catholic church and mainstream society was changing, she became a part of the revolution. Although she eventually left the church, she continued to use her own art to highlight issues, encourage change, and offer hope to others. It's impossible to read her story, examine the illustrations, and consider her impact without feeling inspired and energized to carry on her work. The book's title fits its contents perfectly since it's abundantly clear that Corita Kent put her whole heart into her work. Add this title to a collection of artists' biographies as well as one devoted to activists or individuals who have made a difference....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
I'm pleased that youngsters will have the chance to continue to get to know third grader Bibsy Cross while maybe learning more about themselves and hoI'm pleased that youngsters will have the chance to continue to get to know third grader Bibsy Cross while maybe learning more about themselves and how to navigate life's challenges through this chapter book series for young readers. Fans of Junie B. Jones and Clementine will dive right into this, the second book in the series, and feel at home as Bibsy learns to ride a bike, finds out that winning isn't everything, and that sometimes classmates who seem to be mean also deserve a helping hand. The Photoshop illustrations endearingly depict Bibsy, her family, and those around her. The text and scenarios she encounters are relatable for the book's intended audience, similar to those that some of them have faced or will face in the future. Her battle with her teacher, Mrs. Stumper, continues in some respects as Bibsy simply can't help asking questions or sharing. As someone who had a similar predilection when I was growing up, I can certainly identify with Bibsy urges, her love for books and reading, and her competitive nature. And her parents' habit of having her share the sweet and sour of her day is simply precious, allowing the events of the day to be reviewed in perspective. ...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
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
Don't let this book's title and cover fool you into thinking that you know what it's about. More than likely, your assumptions will be incorrect. WhenDon't let this book's title and cover fool you into thinking that you know what it's about. More than likely, your assumptions will be incorrect. When Belle's teacher, Ms. Rio demonstrates how to draw an owl, Belle's work is extraordinarily realistic, and the teacher holds it up as an example. The secret to Belle's ability to draw the owl so accurately is revealed to readers as she walks home. For reasons that aren't revealed, she and her mother are living in their blue car in the woods, where she's heard the owl hoot, and on one memorable night, watched in awe as he swooped down from the trees. Belle feels as though they share something special and that he's watching over her. Similarly, when a new boy arrives at school, Belle can tell that they, too, have something in common, and she reaches out to him, ready to befriend him just as the owl seems to have befriended her. While the text is understated, and Belle's homelessness matter of fact, with no attempt at producing pity in readers, the acrylic illustrations are simply stunning. Several double-page spreads showing her drawing, the owl in all its splendor, and one with Belle and her mother driving the car somewhere, surrounded by a fiery sky and with parts of their possessions, including dishes, dishwashing detergent, and a stuffed toy, stashed in the back seat, are particularly memorable. Educators might want to use this picture book in a unit on homelessness or when introducing the novel, How to Steal a Dog by Barbara O'Connor. ...more
This debut middle-grade novel is good, really good, and it kept me guessing all the way through. Even though it's set in modern-day India, readers allThis debut middle-grade novel is good, really good, and it kept me guessing all the way through. Even though it's set in modern-day India, readers all over the world will be able to relate to the narrator, Lena Krishnan, who is impulsive, fidgety, and sometimes envious of the attention her older brother, Karthik [Kay-Kay] gets from her parents. Kay-Kay is smart, ambitious, and rarely gets in trouble except when he's covering for his little sister. The siblings have a strong bond, and when Kay-Kay doesn't return from a wildlife camp and the police aren't moving fast enough to find him, El-Kay takes matters in her own hands. At first, she merely contacts her brother's friends and teachers, but as time passes, and she grows more desperate, she decides to retrace his journey home from the camp, going by bus and train. Along the way, she meets friendly and unhelpful individuals and learns some truths about her brother through his poetry. Since most of the chapters are quite short and the description interesting, this book holds readers' interests as they worry that there will be no resolution for exactly where Kay-Kay is. Lena is one determined young girl who takes risks for someone she loves. This one is a 3,5 for me. I look forward to more from this author....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
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
Fifth grader Nyla Braun is used to be considered a nerd by her classmates. She has interests that are different from most of theirs and is eager to anFifth grader Nyla Braun is used to be considered a nerd by her classmates. She has interests that are different from most of theirs and is eager to answer her teacher's questions. She's pretty comfortable with this, but sometimes, just sometimes, she wishes that she was more popular or that the things in which she excels were more valued. When her class participates in a birding tournament with a class from the suburbs, she sees it as a possible path to popularity. But her desire to fit in and be accepted clashes with her loyalty to her best friend Tasha when popular Portia extends a different invitation. Tension between the girls increases, and they hardly speak at all even while Nyla becomes increasingly involved in preparing for the competition. There are so many aspects of this story that make it pleasurable to read: Nyla's relationship with her grandfather, her passion for birding, and the details about birdwatching that are woven into the central narrative. Nyla's journey of self-discovery with its ups and downs, is authentic and relatable, and this book's unique focus on birding, nestled within elements of social and class differences, provides additional layers to the story that make it worth reading. This debut novel is a 3.5 for me, and I enjoyed this glimpse in Nyla's world in Philadelphia....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
Finally, a book [3.5 for me!] for middle graders or tweens about the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls epidemic! Told with heart, grace,Finally, a book [3.5 for me!] for middle graders or tweens about the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls epidemic! Told with heart, grace, and insight, this riveting, important, and timely story features a sympathetic protagonist in twelve-year-old Wren MacIntosh, whose mother, who is Cherokee, went missing more than five years ago. Wren's father, who is white, is the sheriff in Fort Gibson, Oklahoma. Now Wren spends her free time volunteering at the local animal shelter and searching online for possible clues as to her mother's whereabouts. The author effectively builds suspense around Wren's determination to find who's been harming local animals in her community as well as local authorities' discovery of remains that might be her mother. The emotional ups and downs she experiences are portrayed quite vividly as are her encounters with MJ, a teen bully who constantly harasses her and specializes in cruel, racist remarks. Then, too, Wren unexpectedly grows close to Brantley, a classmate with secrets of his own, adding to the book's complexity. Wren's supportive father and caring maternal grandmother, Elisi, with her "Famous" meals, and Landry, who runs the Animal Control center for the area, round out the cast of interesting characters. The ache of not knowing what happened to her mother is palpable in the descriptions of Wren's everyday life. This debut novel is well worth reading, reminding readers that despite what society and authorities may say, some lives seem more important than others. Parts of the plot are a bit hard to believe, but those small flaws don't detract from this story's importance. I can't wait to read more books from this author. ...more