I liked this middle-grade science fiction story [3.5 for me!] a lot. I wasn't sure about its contents, based on the cover, but it drew me in from the I liked this middle-grade science fiction story [3.5 for me!] a lot. I wasn't sure about its contents, based on the cover, but it drew me in from the first page when Michael Rosario is stealing peaches from the grocery store in preparation for Y2K. Not only does Michael worry about what will happen then, but he worries about how hard his mother works. Twelve-year-old Michael is so relatable as he's small for his age, quiet, helpful, and picked on by others. He also has a caring heart as he feeds the stray cats in his apartment complex in Delaware and enjoys spending time with Mr. Mosley, who works in the complex. When he spots a strange boy, Ridge, hanging out nearby, Michael and his babysitter Gibby introduce themselves and are puzzled by his odd use of slang and strange clothing. As it turns out, Ridge is from the future, and he's traveled back in time to 1999 to see what the world is like. The way the story is told is interesting since part of it is straight narrative, and other parts are audio transcripts from 2199 as his mother and siblings try to bring him back. All this is interesting enough, bringing to mind at times Rebecca Stead's When You Reach Me, but what might resonate most with readers is Ridge's advice that Michael learn to live in the present and being fully engaged in the now rather than worrying constantly about the future or bemoaning the past. The notion of "the first state of being" is that present. This one is a fast read with interesting characters and a protagonist with flaws but good intentions as well as hints about what the planet's future will be like--no bees, no tigers, for instance. Some readers will feel cheated because Ridge doesn't explain a great deal about life in 2199, instead, simply saying that "it's complicated," which may make them feel cheated. Readers won't want to miss the Additional Excerpts at the back of the book. ...more
Set in Chicago during 2016-2017, this middle-grade novel in verse is structured like a football game with a preseason section, quarters, headings thatSet in Chicago during 2016-2017, this middle-grade novel in verse is structured like a football game with a preseason section, quarters, headings that are pertinent to the sport, and football tidbits. At first those tidbits seemed unnecessary to someone who has followed the game since she was a young girl, but eventually, I realized how they were meant to work and were woven into the plot itself. Perhaps this structure and the subject matter itself--the Muslim ban during President Donald Trump's presidency [Executive Order 13769]--captivated the judges for the National Book Award since this one won the prize for Young People's Literature. Kareem, the seventh-grade narrator, wants nothing more than to play quarterback for his school team. When Austin, the current QB, promises to help him get on the team in exchange for "help" on an assignment, Kareem is conflicted, but he also wants that acceptance and a chance to show what he can do on the field. As Austin leans on for even more help, Kareem grows increasingly uncomfortable, betraying himself, his culture, and Fadi, a newly arrived refugee. As often happens in these sorts of circumstances, his behavior grows erratic, and he tries to cover up some of his deceits. But actions have consequences, and the results of his actions have a domino effect on his whole family, particularly since his mother has traveled to Syria to bring back his ailing maternal grandfather and grandmother. Parts of this story filled my heart with emotion and with hope that things can and will get better, and the book clearly has value for class discussions about xenophobia, prejudices, and social activism, all topics that are nestled within the middle-school drama and humorous moments. ...more
Junior Eugene Guterman loves doughnuts and the good things in life. A budding script writer, he's struggling with writing a promised play and nursing Junior Eugene Guterman loves doughnuts and the good things in life. A budding script writer, he's struggling with writing a promised play and nursing a crush on new girl, Daisy. But he's decidedly NOT in the top echelon at school, and it's doubtful she'll give him the time of day even though they seem to have things in common. All that changes when he tackles the school's star quarterback, injuring him but also leaving the coach impressed with his size and possibility as a linebacker. Although Eugene is reluctant to join the squad, given their previous and current treatment of him, including the belittling nickname of Pudge, he becomes a member of the team. Suddenly, his popularity soars, and Daisy seems interested in him. But his friends feel betrayed, and he's letting down his theatre peeps. This humorous, insightful exploration of the other side of popularity and those left behind as well as the untrustworthiness of some individuals--even those dream girls, is a quick, relatable read, especially for those of us struggling with excess weight, body dysmorphia, or a fondness for doughnuts. Eugene's imperfection is so endearing, and many teen readers will see themselves in him. This one is a 3.5 for me. ...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
This YA mystery is a 2.5 for me. As a couple of other reviewers noted, the book's cover is intriguing as is its title, promising plenty of suspense. AThis YA mystery is a 2.5 for me. As a couple of other reviewers noted, the book's cover is intriguing as is its title, promising plenty of suspense. And while it does deliver on suspense, there are simply too many plot holes and clunky passages as well as some odd transition from scene to scene to leave me satisfied. The character development is rather lackluster too as it seems that Bettina Holland, the narrator and daughter of The Smiley Face Killer, who is prison for killing her mother, has just suddenly started rebelling against the strict rules of her wealthy grandparents with whom she lives, and other characters seem either stereotypical or unbelievable. Bett's character and behavior just seem inconsistent, and not just because she's a junior in high school. For someone who loves drama, she spends very little time talking or thinking about it. This issue of character development includes Bett's father who had proclaimed his innocence ever since being accused of the crime. As things play out in the story, the resolution is hard to believe, and I couldn't wait to close the book and move on to a better one. ...more
Readers have a pretty good idea about what happened to Nina Fraser from the opening pages of this suspense novel [3.5 for me, and good enough to make Readers have a pretty good idea about what happened to Nina Fraser from the opening pages of this suspense novel [3.5 for me, and good enough to make me seek out more from this author]. After all, it is Nina herself who speaks in the first nine pages, and what she says has an ominous tone that will make anyone who's ever been in an abusive relationship shiver. When she says, "... a thing can be crystal clear with hindsight, but just about as clear as mud when you're actually living it. Also, sometimes it's the walking away that gets you in trouble" (p. 1), readers know that something terrible is going to happen, and judging from the book title, that terrible something will happen to her. As the plot unfolds, Nina disappears while on a hiking trip in Vermont with her boyfriend, Simon Jordan. When Simon returns home, he claims that they broke up and Nina was still in his family's second home in the mountains. But the murderer's identity isn't what makes this book different from the run-of-the-mill thrillers out there. It's what happens to the families of Nina and Simon as they cope with the tragedy as well as what Nina's family will do to find out the truth and what Simon's will do to protect their son. The fact that the Jordans are wealthy, privileged, and connected while the Frasers run an inn and seem to be middle class adds to the imbalance between the families. Additionally, readers are treated to the unsavory side of social media and how unsubstantiated posts can make or break a reputation. As the book concludes, there is little doubt that what happened to Nina was unnecessary. ...more
The author of this memoir was only 8 when her mother was kidnapped outside an Oklahoma mall, assaulted, and killed. While the loss and violence would The author of this memoir was only 8 when her mother was kidnapped outside an Oklahoma mall, assaulted, and killed. While the loss and violence would understandably haunt her and her family for the rest of their lives, the effects of being motherless might not be what most readers would expect. As the young Kristine tries to make sense of this death as well as the long journey to some form of justice, she engaged in risky behavior, fell into several unhealthy relationships, and tried to figure out what it means to be a woman. She also became obsessed with trying to know her mother more fully even though that was nearly impossible. This is not an easy read, but it is an important one. By stripping herself bare emotionally and sharing herself at her most vulnerable, the author provides insight into the many ways someone deals with grief and healing as well as the emotional damage wrought by a violent crime on those left behind. ...more
I enjoyed dipping my toes in this popular writer's fiction and meeting his interesting characters. The six short stories deal with relationships, marrI enjoyed dipping my toes in this popular writer's fiction and meeting his interesting characters. The six short stories deal with relationships, marriages, misunderstandings, betrayal, and loyalty, primarily in New York City in the early 2000s while the novella, set in LA in 1938, has a particularly strong protagonist and fascinating secondary characters. The writing in each of these is snappy, descriptive, and reflective, and each story contains some sort of gem or relatable experience that might serve as a lesson for how to go about living one's life. There are plenty of individuals readers will love to hate and some they will simply adore, and while most of the characters are upper crust, white, and privileged, they still manage to mess up, get their hearts broken, and have secrets like the rest of us. One of the aspects of this collection that pleased me is how the stories might seem to be going in one direction with everything resolved, and then there's a short rumination from one character that pulls the rug out from under what readers already thought. I can see why this author's books are eagerly awaited. He has the gift of distilling the essence of a character quickly. ...more
I'm betting readers who loved Jennifer Niven's All the Bright Places will find this debut novel just as emotionally riveting while also seeing some paI'm betting readers who loved Jennifer Niven's All the Bright Places will find this debut novel just as emotionally riveting while also seeing some parallels between characters in both books. For instance, Rocky Wong, the protagonist's love interest, and Theodore Finch in Niven's book. I won't say why here for fear of spoiling others' reading of the book, but suffice it to say that I kept thinking of that book while reading this one. There are differences, of course. This one takes place in a Southern performing arts boarding school that focuses on the arts and doesn't even have a football team. The main character, junior Claire Wu, longs to be admitted to an exclusive club for Asian students, and while she's a talented pianist, she's nowhere near as talented as Rocky or some of her other classmates. A demanding piano teacher, Dr. Li, guides Claire and her other students in rather unorthodox fashion, and Claire becomes almost a disciple of the fascinating, talented woman. But how much stress can high schoolers handle in pursuit of being the best or at the top of their game? And who is behind those strange notes that first Claire and then others begin to receive? Although there are some plot points that remain puzzling, the characters are interesting, complex, and the passages describing music and playing the piano are lush and clearly drawn from experience. The Notes will strike just the right chords for many teen readers, who will see themselves in Claire and her journey. As for me, I wish there had been a bit more focus on why Claire so desperately needed the Asian Student Society. ...more
This heartfelt picture book, 3.5 for me, reveals just how hurtful careless words and assumptions can be, even or especially when they come from friendThis heartfelt picture book, 3.5 for me, reveals just how hurtful careless words and assumptions can be, even or especially when they come from friends. It also reminds readers just how important representation is. After Halima receives an invitation to a birthday party for which guests are asked to dress as princesses or superheroes, her two best friends cast doubt on her possible choices since she doesn't look like them or have the right kind of hair to make her appearance work. Heartbroken and embarrassed, Halima tells her mother she doesn't even want to go to the party. But her resourceful mother reassures her that she could be any of those characters she originally considered, then suggesting 23 awesome girls and women--24 counting Halima herself--that she could emulate. After spending several days trying on various roles and costumes, Halima decides to chart her own course, unveiling a new superhero. The back matter includes thumbnail sketches of the girls and women who inspire Halima. Handsome and expressive artwork, drawn by hand through traditional and digital methods, accompanies this important story. ...more
While I still don't understand exactly how cryptocurrency works--something that's quite important in this book--and the main character, Crissy DowlingWhile I still don't understand exactly how cryptocurrency works--something that's quite important in this book--and the main character, Crissy Dowling, seems incredibly naive for someone who has lived and performed in Las Vegas for several years, I still enjoyed the book, which is filled with some of the least trustworthy men to ever grace the pages of a mystery. Readers are plunged into the performances of Crissy, who channels Princess Diana on stage, complete with images, words, clothing, and her own eating disorder. Like Diana, Crissy has demons of her own, which are revealed over the course of the book, something she avoids through her performances. Estranged from her sister, Betsy, who moves to Vegas with her new boyfriend and adopted daughter, who is a prodigy, Crissy seems to have the worst possible luck someone could have, and her sister just might rival her for naiveness as both women become pawns in a deadly game. Frankie Limback, Betsy's boyfriend, is about as inept and limp as his name might indicate, and really lets her down when the chips and the bodies start falling. The glimpses of insider Las Vegas were tantalizing but only served to remind me why this glitzy city carved out of the Nevada desert isn't my cup of tea. Still, the author has a way with words and employs unique turns of phrases throughout the narrative that were surprisingly pleasant to read. ...more
Author Laurie Frankel often writes about families and relationships, making it clear that both are complicated and that no two are alike. In this lateAuthor Laurie Frankel often writes about families and relationships, making it clear that both are complicated and that no two are alike. In this latest book, her focus is adoption, and she attempts to challenge the usual narratives associated with adoption. The result is a refreshing book [3.5 for me] that will prompt plenty of discussion, agreement, and disagreement as readers ponder what it means to be a family. The protagonist, India Allwood, loves to act, and even though she can't sing, she has her sights on a career on Broadway after attending drama school. A pregnancy at 16 prompts her to have the baby and then choose its adoptive parent. Later, near the end of college, she becomes pregnant again and makes a similar choice. Flash forward a few years, and India is famous, the star of a wildly popular show, and the adoptive mother of twins. Her career is flourishing, but she lands in trouble for speaking negatively about how adoption is depicted in an upcoming film in which she stars. As her past meets her present, she must decide what really matters and perhaps mend a few hearts along the way. While I liked the premise behind this story, I was often troubled by India's emotional carelessness and pontificating. It's easy to make certain decisions when living a life of relative wealth and privilege, and in a world struggling with overpopulation, it could be argued that having a child or two only contributes to the problems. And then there are her precocious, too precious children. Sometimes their thoughts and words seemed too worldly and knowing to be believable. And the ending? Doing what she decides to do takes courage, but it also requires money and fame. These characters can afford to hope on a plane and fly cross country or up the Oregon Coast overnight, How many of us can? Still, despite the qualms expressed above, I enjoyed the time I spent with India and her "family family." I'm always pleased to find books that celebrate found or created families. ...more
Part of the empowering My First Board Books series, this one focuses on an important topic--body positivity, something that even the youngest child nePart of the empowering My First Board Books series, this one focuses on an important topic--body positivity, something that even the youngest child needs to know about, considering all the messages that bombard us/them about how our bodies SHOULD look. Often, it's hard not to compare ourselves and feel as though we come up short or that we're too much or not enough. How wonderful to have books like this at an early age so those negative messages won't do as much as damage! In this book rhyming text seeks to empower youngsters, encouraging them to love their bodies and then names particular parts such as cheeks, hair, belly, legs, skin, and gives reasons to appreciate each element. Thankfully, the artwork supports this positive message by including a diverse array of youngsters, some larger than others, one with a prosthesis, and children with varied skin tones. It's clear by the time readers reach that last page that our bodies are unique and deserve love and appreciation. Children's books such as this one make me so happy since they can have a positive impact on a child's self-esteem as well as preventing bullying. ...more
Because of his size, Charlie, this picture book's protagonist, is often overlooked by others. This doesn't particularly bother him until he develops aBecause of his size, Charlie, this picture book's protagonist, is often overlooked by others. This doesn't particularly bother him until he develops a crush on Iris, a classmate. Despite his efforts, she just can't seem to see him. When Iris comes to school with new eyeglasses, she still ignores Charlie, but she gets lots of attention from everyone else. Charlie decides that he needs glasses too so that she'll finally notice him. He tries on glasses belonging to various individuals, but none of them works right. Finally, he gets his own prescription, but Iris STILL ignores him. Someone else sees him quite clearly, though. The final image and line makes the book worth reading even though the shift from him trying on glasses to presumably being prescribed a pair is a bit awkward. I don't love this series with its minimal line drawings and brief text, but I can see its appeal for its intended young audience. ...more
The fourth title in the Sisters Ever After series, this one is based on the classic Beauty and the Beast, but with all sorts of interesting changes. TThe fourth title in the Sisters Ever After series, this one is based on the classic Beauty and the Beast, but with all sorts of interesting changes. The protagonist, eleven-year-old Mara, has always felt less than her beautiful older sister, Darina, and sometimes experienced jealousy as a result. But Mara has a secret that makes her different but could also get her in trouble with the villagers. She is able to shapeshift into a dog just like the other hounds who once were villagers and have been changed by the Beast who lives in the nearby castle. Her changes are voluntary while theirs are not. Despite her feelings of inadequacy, Mara loves her sister and is determined to bring her home after the Beast kidnaps her. But that won't be easy since Darina isn't willing to leave. An interesting retelling of the original story, but it was hard to feel much empathy or sympathy for the Beast since he only briefly appears in human form. Mara's character is much more fully developed than that of her sister, grandmother or father, and some of the secrets revealed at the end seemed rather rushed. Nevertheless, fans of the series will enjoy this one with its unique focus on sisters,...more
Not only do some dragons not breathe fire, but some--like Maurice in this picture book--are much more interested in gentler pursuits such as sniffing Not only do some dragons not breathe fire, but some--like Maurice in this picture book--are much more interested in gentler pursuits such as sniffing and arranging flowers. Of course, even among dragons, being different in any way makes someone rather suspect, and Maurice suffers from his failure in the tests of strength and fire breathing in which others like his brother Gruff excel. Gruff tends to be fearless, even flying into a storm in search of treasure. However, when he fails to return, Maurice is part of a rescue party. Even though the others belittle him as he gathers willow branches, they have to eat their words since Maurice has come up with the perfect way to bring the injured Gruff back home. Finally, Maurice feels seen and valued. This picture book's powerful message of being true to oneself no matter how others may react is poignant and relevant for today's world. The artwork--digital, I think--features swirling colors and expressive dragon faces as well as a bouquet or two. This would be a helpful read aloud for sharing at the start of a school year. ...more
I had never read a book featuring Bribri (Indigenous Costa Rican) characters, making this one quite unique from that perspective. Other aspects of theI had never read a book featuring Bribri (Indigenous Costa Rican) characters, making this one quite unique from that perspective. Other aspects of the story weren't as unique although they were arguably important. The two brothers, Max and Jay, whose different perspectives and experiences form the book's background, are suspended for beating up Luca, one of the star athletes at their school when they think he's being aggressive toward their cousin, Nicole. But as the plot unfolds, readers quickly learn that the brothers' homelife is less than perfect. Their father has a hair-trigger temper and is prone to violence toward them and their mother when he's been drinking. While the two teens are supposed to receive counseling and meet with Luca to discuss what happened, Max starts withdrawing even more, immersing himself in his artwork and a new relationship with a girl who's caught his eye. While I appreciated the descriptions, the honesty about family violence and secrets, and the way the book is organized--Jay through vignettes and prose and Max through short poem or poetic lines--parts of the story and aspects of the characters needed further development, and I had plenty of questions about Nicole and Luca, for instance. Surely, his violent impulses would have been discovered earlier. And more discussion of Melody and her relationship with Max would have helped. While I like books that ask me to read between the lines, this one felt as though I had to fill in a lot of blanks with not enough information to come up with accurate responses. Still, even with these qualms, the book covers important territory and is sure to prompt discussions about cyclical violence and racism....more
The significance of hair in certain cultures cannot be understated, and this picture book follows one indigenous girl as she grows her hair longer, thThe significance of hair in certain cultures cannot be understated, and this picture book follows one indigenous girl as she grows her hair longer, then cuts it after the death of a valued family member, only to begin growing it again. As she considers her hair and moves through the various ordinary events of her days, she also recollects some of the stories her relatives have related about hair's significance and how indigenous students had their hair cut very short to reduce their presumed "wildness." The illustrations, created with Procreate after being sketched with a pencil, are handsome and filled with images of hair, long and short; even the endpapers feature hefty, healthy braids swirling across the pages. The story is strong enough on its own to be included in a collection of books about culture, hair, or self-acceptance, but the artwork and the helpful Author's Note discussing boarding schools and why so many Native Americans kept their hair short elevate it further. There's much to consider when reading this book, which may help some readers understand others who are different from them or how and why hair could be powerful but also serve as a point of self-identification for certain readers who will be pleased to see a picture book that speaks to them and mirrors their own experiences in an easy-to-understand way....more
Although some of the lines and word play are rather strained, this picture book contains a great message and features a catchy rhythm that makes if a Although some of the lines and word play are rather strained, this picture book contains a great message and features a catchy rhythm that makes if a good choice for sharing aloud. Featuring illustrations consisting of hand-carved woodcuts that were printed and scanned along with acrylic gouache for noticeable texture. These techniques allow the buffalo's personality to come out as well as the beautiful scenery to receive notice. The plot is relatable for youngsters as Buffalo Fluffalo--they'll love hearing and repeating that name--is so embarrassed by his small size that he fluffs and puffs his curls and takes on a ferocious demeanor guaranteed to scare off anyone who comes near. Even when friendly creatures such as a ram, a prairie dog, and a crow make overtures toward him, Buffalo Fluffalo rebuffs them. His secret is revealed when a storm drenches him, and his true size is revealed. Thank goodness for friends who are able to look beyond the surface into someone's heart and soul as Buffalo Fluffalo collects plenty of new friends who love him just the way he is, without expecting him to change. The soft black eyes, expressive facial features, and body language of the animal characters add to this book's appeal. As others have noted, it will certainly be a read aloud hit, one that will be on repeat for days. I love the page showing the crow giving him a tender smack on the cheek....more
This nifty graphic novel version of the Sweet Valley Twins series has such a great message about being true to oneself and not letting others define yThis nifty graphic novel version of the Sweet Valley Twins series has such a great message about being true to oneself and not letting others define you. No matter the age of anyone who reads this book, he/she/they can surely feel empowered and amused. While the plot plays out pretty much as might be expected, it's still fun to read this one. Elizabeth wants to protect her best friend Amy from being hurt when she's cut by the Unicorns who decide who will be on the booster/cheer team. But her twin sister Jessica is involved in various dastardly plans to sabotage Amy and Ken, the son of a talented basketball player who seems unable to measure up to his father's feats on the court. The comic aspect of all this makes the book a quick read. As another reviewer pointed out, though, Bruce, one of the bullies on the basketball team, seems too large and adult for his supposed age. His appearance was rather jarring. And as for Lila, Jess's best friend, she is such a total jerk. It's hard to find anything positive about her. I hope that she's a caricature and not based on an actual person....more