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
What an engaging debut dystopian novel [3.5 for me!] this was! Since I knew there would be a sequel, I didn't worry about Seb, the protagonist, survivWhat an engaging debut dystopian novel [3.5 for me!] this was! Since I knew there would be a sequel, I didn't worry about Seb, the protagonist, surviving, but I was fascinated by the lengths this experimental program went to in order to make sure its participants emerged feeling happy. Of course, what happiness means is surely up to debate nowadays, and there are many individuals who might argue that it's absurd to think that humans can be happy all the time. Or that this state of mind is even desirable. While the plot covers some familiar territory, it also contains some surprises and will have readers on the edge of their seats as they ruminate on happiness, mental health, mental health providers, and eugenics. It's hard not to wonder if a place like HappyHead is already in the works as well as what prices we might pay in the pursuit of happiness. Certainly, individuality and thinking for oneself seem to have no place here. I'll be among the many eager readers who can't wait to read Dead Happy, the follow-up title....more
Exuberant, brightly colored Photoshop illustrations that fit the protagonist's personality perfectly will keep readers' eyes engaged with this pictureExuberant, brightly colored Photoshop illustrations that fit the protagonist's personality perfectly will keep readers' eyes engaged with this picture book. Not every Christmas tree is a pine, a cedar or a spruce, and for Everett Green, a palm tree, his ambition to become a Christmas tree, one that is noticed by everyone, consumes him. Leaving behind the venue where he sings but no one pays attention, he sets off for New York City where Christmas trees get quite a lot of attention. With the help of Bird, he navigates the airport, but his plane never takes off due to a winter storm in NYC, leaving him and the other passengers stuck there. But Everett is a true performer at heart, and somehow, he manages to grab the attention of the other stranded folks, leading them in an impromptu singalong with a play, some jokes, and dancing, filling everyone's hearts with joy and Christmas spirit. This story will have readers and listeners going, "AW!" while also realizing that sometimes it's possible to find and be yourself right where you are, without needing to go very far at all. ...more
Readers will want to check out the endpapers of this holiday-themed picture book--a twist on the story of Rudolph and those other reindeer--to be amusReaders will want to check out the endpapers of this holiday-themed picture book--a twist on the story of Rudolph and those other reindeer--to be amused by the classified ads posted on the pages. In their own way, they're just as funny as the main story featuring an irrepressible moose. Now, many folks consider moose to be ugly animals, all gangly limbs and awkward moves and unattractive features. I disagree as I find them rather adorable. Plus, Elmore, the moose featured here, is irresistible in his earnest determination to land a job with Santa. Although he is unable to fly and clearly not suited for the job, Elmore answers a classified ad for a temporary reindeer position flying Santa's sleigh. Since Santa narrates the story, readers are treated to his perspective on things as he's willing to give the moose consideration but also wary of his ability to perform as needed. Santa gives him multiple chances, and Elmore's keen desire to be a part of his team is evident in the letters he sends to the North Pole as well as in the illustrations showing him trying and failing over and over again. But in the true Christmas spirit, Santa finds just the right position for the eager moose. The double-page spread featuring Elmore wearing a chef's hat and surrounded by goodies is quite charming and leaves a warm feeling in readers' hearts. ...more
I'm not sure that I understand this picture book featuring dogs and a somewhat suspicious young neighbor, who is the narrator. When they first move inI'm not sure that I understand this picture book featuring dogs and a somewhat suspicious young neighbor, who is the narrator. When they first move in, the girl is eager to befriend them, but things get off to a bad start when the five dogs of different breeds gobble up all her bacon and aren't appreciative of her baked goods offering of welcoming. They seem to work hard and play hard, and she's drawn to their carefree nature and spends time with them. But when she sees a Wanted poster containing their images, she wonders if they are actually bad dogs. Determined to get to the bottom of things, she sneaks into their house to look for evidence. Finding nothing except the banjo one dog loves to play, she is caught in her tracks. Although they promise to explain everything after one more night's festivities, they disappear in the night, never to be seen again. She decides that they weren't bad dogs, after all, just dogs that "like to play" (unpaged). Who knows? ...more
Life hasn't been particularly kind to Carter Avery. Not only did his parents die when he was quite young, but his teachers have not liked him at all. Life hasn't been particularly kind to Carter Avery. Not only did his parents die when he was quite young, but his teachers have not liked him at all. (He could tell.) And his impulsiveness and inability to sit still have also annoyed his classmates, resulting in his often sitting alone at lunch. Carter figures that fourth grade will be more of the same or even worse once he learns that he's assigned to Ms. Olivia Krane's class along with his nemesis, Missy Gerber. Although she's fairly new to the school, students have already spread gossip about her. Later, parents will do the same. But there's something amazing that happens between Ms. Krane, who has a large purplish birthmark on her face, and the fidgety boy. With firmness but also understanding and empathy, Carter's new teacher helps him blossom, and teamwork with Missy allows the two students to see other sides of each other. This story is heartfelt, inspiring, and even though some parts are a bit hard to believe, Carter's journey exemplifies the old adage about a self-fulfilling prophecy. The difference in Carter in Ms. Krane's class and in his previous classes is clear. None of this happens overnight, of course, and when he must deal with a substitute teacher, Carter struggles again. But oh, how lovely it is to watch him blossom and see his classmates come to appreciate him. This one is a 3,5 for me, proving once again that this author has an ear for dialogue and knows quite well what goes on classrooms today. It would be a great choice for future teachers or a teachers' book club to give insight into how to handle students like Carter but also to reflect on what sort of teachers they are. ...more
Although seventh grader Katie is still at the heart of this humorous, timely graphic novel series, the talented cats that live near her--all 217 of thAlthough seventh grader Katie is still at the heart of this humorous, timely graphic novel series, the talented cats that live near her--all 217 of them--add the purr-fect touch to the plot. Readers like me will be looking closely at each page to locate one of those well-trained felines and learn what its special skills are. It could be that one is a Military Expert, Architecture, Remix Specialist or in charge of Publicity. In this, the fourth book in the series, Katie and the Mousestress, who is also Cheesy Justice, become concerned that a horse carriage company now has a monopoly on this tourist attraction and is keeping the horses in crowded conditions. Investigation leads to SlimBuilds, a company that seems intent on filling all the space between apartment buildings with more structures, blocking the sun. It's fun to watch Katie gain confidence and build bonds with her skating crew. There are several subplots that add interest to the book while hinting at various stories yet to be told. The artwork fits the storyline and characters perfectly, both depicting seventh grade and friend and family dynamics and all their ups and downs perfectly. I'll look forward to the next installment in this unique and empowering series that's all about girl power. ...more
This amazingly immersive novel focusing on water, rivers, and humanity is a 4.5 for me. I was curious to see how the author would tie together the difThis amazingly immersive novel focusing on water, rivers, and humanity is a 4.5 for me. I was curious to see how the author would tie together the different parts of the narrative--1840 Victorian England, 2014 Turkey, and 2018 London--with their various protagonists together with drops of water and rivers threading through all this. I was not disappointed. She does so deftly, handing so many hot-button topics such as the theft of cultural artifacts by privileged Westerners, cultural erasure of certain groups, genocide, and familial relationships as skillfully as one of the oral storytellers of the past. Sprinkling in oral stories and traditions along with dashes of genius, guilt, and obsession, she introduces readers to a fascinating cast of characters, some fictional but others such as Dr. John Snow, who are real. Reading this book is an emotional rollercoaster, but readers may come away from it feeling as though they're smarter, more aware, and more empathetic. They also may find themselves wrestling with some important ethical questions. I highly recommend adding it to your to-read pile. It's one of the best adult books I've read so far this year. ...more
A companion novel to Life After Life, this one, which focuses on Teddy, Ursula Todd's younger brother and bomber pilot during WII. It's just as good aA companion novel to Life After Life, this one, which focuses on Teddy, Ursula Todd's younger brother and bomber pilot during WII. It's just as good as the previous one since it features cameos from various members of the Todd family as well as the next two generations. There is quite a lot of description of his flying missions and his fondness for nature. In some ways, Teddy is quite extraordinary and even a hero, but in others he will remind readers of themselves and some of their own family members. Most notably, as happens so often, Teddy's life doesn't turn out the way he might have hoped and expected. It's so clear that he and everyone else, no matter how privileged or without privilege, has dreams and ambitions, but what happens when those dreams evaporate or seem out of reach through no fault of one's own? So much happened during the twentieth century, and the author has given readers a window seat into one ordinary man's journey through the decades. As I read this one, I felt incredibly sad about Teddy's relationship with his daughter, Viola, who never really bonded with him or her own two children, but I also felt grateful that Teddy had a strong relationship with her offspring. The book contains so many well developed, interesting characters that it's likely some readers will feel bereft when they reach those final pages. ...more
Ah, Andrew Clements, how many wonderful stories have you given us, most notably and unforgettably, Frindle? I don't want to say too much about this seAh, Andrew Clements, how many wonderful stories have you given us, most notably and unforgettably, Frindle? I don't want to say too much about this sequel for fear of spoiling it for other readers, but suffice it to say that in its own way it's just as satisfying as its predecessor. The protagonist, Josh Willet loves all things tech and is a serious gamer. He doesn't understand why homework in this ELA class must be handwritten or why word choice is so important. When he stumbles upon a secret about Mr. N, his teacher, the game and the hunt are on. But who's hunting whom? Fans of Strunk and White's The Elements of Style will sigh over every word. Those of us who love writing will nod knowingly at the importance of language, learning to express oneself clearly and precisely, and critical thinking. With pen-and-ink drawings from the always spot-on Brian Selznick, this one is sure to be a classic and have just as much appeal as Frindle. I'd suggest reading that one first, though, to get the full emotional impact of both books. ...more
This futuristic novel might appeal to teen or middle grade readers who think they don't like science fiction. As other reviewers have said, reading itThis futuristic novel might appeal to teen or middle grade readers who think they don't like science fiction. As other reviewers have said, reading it really is downright scary since the events described in it due to climate change or global warming and the poor stewardship of humans seem increasingly likely. Don't be fooled by the book's title. The story is nothing like what most folks will have read before. Tasmania, where the story is set, is in bad shape. The narration shifts between two girls who have never met but have quite a lot in common. Both are about to be displaced, one due to impending ecological disaster and the other one due to bullying and the need to start fresh. Readers won't realize at first that the girls are separated by decades: It's 2093 in Nyx's story, and 2023 in Bea's vows, When Nyx pours out her anguish about the future on a scrap of paper that she hides in a tall pine tree near her home, her words are read by Bea, who responds through a notebook. Improbably, a friendship forms between the two girls, and Bea is determined to somehow help Nyx even though she knows that others will doubt her and make fun of her. For such a short book, this one packs quite an emotional wallop and will make many readers think how close this sort of a future may be. I liked it much more than I expected to....more
As Banned Book Week begins once again, this middle-grade novel [3.5 for me1!] set in Shipton, Massachusetts couldn't be more appropriate as a read aloAs Banned Book Week begins once again, this middle-grade novel [3.5 for me1!] set in Shipton, Massachusetts couldn't be more appropriate as a read aloud or part of that celebration of the Right to Read. Eighth grade Molly Claremont and some of her friends have found a safe space in an extracurricular book club at school that is run by Ms. Lewiston. But a complaint causes the book club to be put on hiatus and Ms. Lewiston to face possible reprisals. Molly wants to push back, but she becomes obsessed about learning who complained about the books the club has been reading. She also reaches out to the author of the gay-themed book that was questioned, but the response is disappointing. Eventually, the group starts an online Read Or Die Stupid account that garners attention, and Molly faces and ethical dilemma after stumbling on some evidence that reveals who complained about the club. I enjoyed this one a lot, even though at times Molly was a bit misguided as was Ms. Lewiston, which makes the story all the more realistic. Because it is the students themselves that take things in their own hands rather than adults solving their problems, it was refreshing to see such empowered, enlightened, and aware middle graders. ...more
Today many of us take getting from here to there, no matter the distance, for granted. After all, we have various road signs and maps to get us to ourToday many of us take getting from here to there, no matter the distance, for granted. After all, we have various road signs and maps to get us to our destinations in efficient ways. But it wasn't always so. With handsome digital artwork, this informational picture book takes readers back in time to the earliest cartographers and attempts at mapping the world, then moving forward to showcase various advances. The text is clear, concise, but interesting, and there is even a timeline ranging from 25,000 BCE when the world's oldest map was engraved on the tusk of a mammoth to present day maps made by orbiting satellites. It's hard to read this book and not feel amazed and impressed, and for those of us like me who tend to be directionally challenged, grateful. ...more
This medical mystery [3.5] is so carefully described that it will keep many youngsters enthralled and trying to guess what has caused all those folks This medical mystery [3.5] is so carefully described that it will keep many youngsters enthralled and trying to guess what has caused all those folks to get sick and die. London in 1854 isn't a place that is particularly fresh-smelling or safe for its residents. When the city's citizen sickens, experts blame it on garbage that is rotting and bad air. But Dr. John Snow is convinced that they are wrong, and that the origins of cholera can be traced to water. He maps the clusters of recent cases, and looks for what they might have in common, finally surmising that it could possible that they all drank the same water. Although he collects water from a pump that he suspects has unsafe water, his microscope shows nothing he can use to prove his suspicions are right. Desperate to prevent further deaths, Snow interviews the families of victims, eventually locating a woman who did not live in the area where the suspicious water originated but whose sons had sent her a weekly container of the water. Readers will be on the edge of their seats as they follow Snow on his investigation, and then when they read the back matter explaining how the water became contaminated, they'll be even more intrigued and disgusted at some of the practices of that time. To add to this picture book's timeliness, there is a list of other infectious diseases and their causes in the back matter. Moody illustrations, created with graphite, charcoal, and digital coloring, evoke the time and place when Snow's investigation took place while the text is filled with tension and foreboding as readers realize that many more lives will be lost if Snow can't solve the problem of cholera. This picture book is a good choice for a science classroom library since it has many elements that evoke curiosity. ...more
This one is a 3.5 for me. In this, the fourth in the series, Trim is settling into routine as the ship's cat. But he's never experienced a storm at seThis one is a 3.5 for me. In this, the fourth in the series, Trim is settling into routine as the ship's cat. But he's never experienced a storm at sea before, and the wind and rain are scary. While seeking cover from the unfamiliar weather, he meets a young albatross, Wisdom, who is also looking for shelter and nervous since this is her first storm as well. The two of them shelter in place together, and after the storm abates, Trim brings a snack to his new friend. He also finds something the captain has lost. This series is so delightful, well-written, adventurous, and with an appealing feline protagonist in Trim, determined to be the best ship's cat ever. The fact that the story is based on a cat just like Trim and the story is accompanied by lively, color-filled artwork, created with ink, Acryla gouache, colored pencils, and digital touches, makes it especially appealing for elementary readers to read on their own or to hear independently. ...more
Teenage psychic Quinn O'Brien comes from a long line of folks in desert-town Gypsum, Texas, with similar abilities. With their property headed for aucTeenage psychic Quinn O'Brien comes from a long line of folks in desert-town Gypsum, Texas, with similar abilities. With their property headed for auction since they've been unable to pay the bills, Quinn seeks some ways to earn money using his gift even though his brother, Ollie, disapproves. But a trip to the abandoned Alvarado Hotel sets an almost unstoppable force in motion. Quinn keeps hearing voices, seeing visions and being plagued with sets of numbers. A large safe hauled from the hotel holds a secret that has been hidden for decades, and Quinn and his friends June and Selena are destined to play out a scenario that occurred back then. There is lovely description of the desert and a mysterious entity that eats away at the town and the constellations, but parts of this suspenseful horror novel are hard to follow and downright unbelievable. The idea of loving and caring for something more than oneself is woven into the plot and the resolution, making it clear that sometimes people stay because they have no choice. My enjoyment of this one was uneven. Parts of the plot and writing had me hanging on excitedly to see what was going to happen or where this one was going, but others such as Kit's ability to reach across time and distance to set events in motion seemed hard to buy....more
Interesting graphic images of various hues complement a little-known story about freedom of speech and expression. While many individuals think about Interesting graphic images of various hues complement a little-known story about freedom of speech and expression. While many individuals think about book, movies or art when they consider censorship or First Amendment issues, music and even the name of a band can also stir controversy. As Banned Books Week approaches and many of us contemplate what the Right to Read or the ability to honor multiple points of view means, this might be a good picture book [3.5 for me!] to share with students to prompt discussion of the topic and what it means to try to reclaim certain words that have been used in a disparaging way in the past. Aware of the way some racists used a phrase such as "slanted eyes" to demean Asians, Simon Tam forms a band, names them The Slants, but isn't allowed to register the name because the United States Patent and Trademark Office considered it be racist. Simon decides to fight the decision, leading to an eight-year battle that goes all the way to the Supreme Court, which eventually ruled in his favor. I had never heard of this case or this band, but the story was intriguing and inspiring. Lyrics from "From the Heart," the band's response to the band's fight for their name are included in the back matter and inserted throughout the main narrative. ...more
This one is a 3.5 for me. Eighteen-year-old Gita Desai has big plans for her future, and going premed at Stanford is just the start of reaching her goThis one is a 3.5 for me. Eighteen-year-old Gita Desai has big plans for her future, and going premed at Stanford is just the start of reaching her goals. Although she loves her Gujarati-Indian parents, she has resisted their efforts to broker an arranged marriage, and she embraces the freedom college offers. A hard-working, efficient student, she and her older brother Sai have been taught to chup-re [shut up], not argue, and fade into the background. For somewhat vague reasons other than shared musical tastes on the part of Jane, who lives across the hall in the dorm, Jane and Marisol, a model, take her under their wings. Gita finds herself drinking, hung over, having casual sex, and emotionally distracted. While there's nothing inherently wrong with having multiple sex partners, she doesn't always know their names or consent to the activity, somehow unable to say, "No" or to ask them to stop. As she stumbles from one bad experience after another, her performance at the lab where she works suffers as do her grades--at least temporarily. She also experiences flashbacks to similar instances when she was just a child, but since her Pinky Aunty is no longer in California, she isn't sure what they mean, other than that she has been taught to respect and never say no to adults. With support from various friends, including Jane, Marisol, and Sora, who works in the same lab, Gita finally finds her voice and stands up for herself. Despite/Because of this book's subject matter, reading it is an intense experience, not for the faint of heart. Even with possible cultural differences and the time period [1992, complete with the appropriate musical references], this is a story in which many of us will be able to see ourselves, quiet, compliant girls whose silence poses a danger to their well-being. There is much to like about this book, especially the development of Gita as a character and how she grows, and her wonderfully supportive brother, but I wondered how she possibly managed to make A's in her courses, including Organic Chemistry, with all her extracurricular activities, and all that partying and those hangovers. I also wondered how Gita's story might have been different or stayed the same had the book been set in 2024. How much have things changed? This one is definitely worth a read. ...more
Rooted in Mexican folklore, this middle grade novel is filled with heart as well as important reflections on love, loss, and grief. I don't want to saRooted in Mexican folklore, this middle grade novel is filled with heart as well as important reflections on love, loss, and grief. I don't want to say too much for fear of spoiling it for others, but I especially enjoyed the descriptions of the narrator's world as well as Floresta, the magical realm where she journeys in order to save her brother, Alex, and her own world. The author hints at the origin of all the sickness in ten-year-old Lola's world as various plants and even Alex are growing sicker by the hour and becoming gray, but it's only late in the book that readers actually realize the truth. It's typical for families and young people to refer to traumatic events in euphemistic words or phrases. For Lola, it is The Thing That Happened, and her brother has never been the same since that time. When an oracle tells her what the cure might be, she follows one of the chaneques through a portal in her closet that leads to another land. The parallels between what's happening in both worlds is interesting since Lola finds it almost impossible to accept what she needs to do in order for Alex to get well. The world building here is astonishingly detailed, filled with magical flora and fauna and all sorts of transformations that will make some readers wish that they, too, could visit Floresta. For many, the passages about letting go vs. holding on and acknowledging the death doesn't mean the end may be eye-opening and comforting. There's a dreamlike, almost hypnotic quality to the prose here that makes readers homesick for the magical land where Lola traveled. The book contains several black and white sketches, some I liked more than others. ...more
The elegant, lyrical text in this picture book biography about an influential picture book illustrator soars above present-day circumstances, somehow The elegant, lyrical text in this picture book biography about an influential picture book illustrator soars above present-day circumstances, somehow lifting readers' spirits as they consider life's possibilities and the importance of leaving the world more beautiful. In today's tumultuous, fractured times, what could be more important? How wonderful to have such a visually stunning homage to this talented storyteller and winner of two of the early Caldecott [1959, 1980] prizes! I wish the students in my previous years' Children's Literature courses could have had this tribute to hard work, respect for all living things, and being true to oneself, even in one's artistic endeavors. Interestingly, as with Frida Kahlo, it is when she is ill and bedridden that some inspiration comes. The biography also functions as a brief glimpse into the history of picture books and publishing since it was only when she was creating the images for Chanticleer and the Fox that she is allowed to use five different colors for her work. It's noteworthy just how stunning those images are, even compared with modern printing techniques and liberal use of color. The author often refers to her love for color even while describing how necessity forces her to "scratch away in black and white" (unpaged) and uses evocative phrases such as "a landscape that looks like a lullaby" (unpaged) to describe what she sees when she travels to faraway places. And oh, that sumptuous, beautiful double-page spread filled with blues, purples, and greens as water and land meet as she looks on! Preceded as it is by those powerful lines on the previous page, it takes on even more emotional power, leaving readers to contemplate their own brief times on earth: "A life is more than a timeline, dates set down in black and white. There are harsh winters and soft springs, tides that follow the moon, rivers that flow to the sea.... Books close, then open again. We do not always know the next story" (unpaged). The illustrations in this particular book, created with gouache and brimming with nature's beauty, capture her love for art, light, and color. This is an impressive and essential collection for any collection devoted to artists or storytellers. ...more