Although this book [2.5 for me!] wasn't my cup of tea, I'm sure its intended audience will gobble it up and wish that they too could dine on dinosaur Although this book [2.5 for me!] wasn't my cup of tea, I'm sure its intended audience will gobble it up and wish that they too could dine on dinosaur pie. The plot concerns Rory, whose mother purchases dinosaur pie for him at the local supermarket. The dish has a strange side effect as Rory and anyone else who eats it transforms into--you guessed it--a dinosaur. This might seem great fun at first, but as Rory and his two friends, Oleg and Daria, discover, it's also quite convenient when it comes to going to school, using the toilet, and just walking down the street. There are several moments that will prompt giggles from readers as Rory's mother endeavors to hold the store accountable, and as the youngsters search for an antidote. I confess that I giggled at Oleg's need for online validation and Rory's nickname for their teacher. There are several illustrations accompanying the text, making this a quick read that some fans of dinosaurs may enjoy. ...more
I liked this middle-grade science fiction story [3.5 for me!] a lot. I wasn't sure about its contents, based on the cover, but it drew me in from the I liked this middle-grade science fiction story [3.5 for me!] a lot. I wasn't sure about its contents, based on the cover, but it drew me in from the first page when Michael Rosario is stealing peaches from the grocery store in preparation for Y2K. Not only does Michael worry about what will happen then, but he worries about how hard his mother works. Twelve-year-old Michael is so relatable as he's small for his age, quiet, helpful, and picked on by others. He also has a caring heart as he feeds the stray cats in his apartment complex in Delaware and enjoys spending time with Mr. Mosley, who works in the complex. When he spots a strange boy, Ridge, hanging out nearby, Michael and his babysitter Gibby introduce themselves and are puzzled by his odd use of slang and strange clothing. As it turns out, Ridge is from the future, and he's traveled back in time to 1999 to see what the world is like. The way the story is told is interesting since part of it is straight narrative, and other parts are audio transcripts from 2199 as his mother and siblings try to bring him back. All this is interesting enough, bringing to mind at times Rebecca Stead's When You Reach Me, but what might resonate most with readers is Ridge's advice that Michael learn to live in the present and being fully engaged in the now rather than worrying constantly about the future or bemoaning the past. The notion of "the first state of being" is that present. This one is a fast read with interesting characters and a protagonist with flaws but good intentions as well as hints about what the planet's future will be like--no bees, no tigers, for instance. Some readers will feel cheated because Ridge doesn't explain a great deal about life in 2199, instead, simply saying that "it's complicated," which may make them feel cheated. Readers won't want to miss the Additional Excerpts at the back of the book. ...more
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 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
Following up on the scary Dread Detention, this story continues the efforts of seventh grader Angelo and his friends to deal with the Latchitts. The cFollowing up on the scary Dread Detention, this story continues the efforts of seventh grader Angelo and his friends to deal with the Latchitts. The couple will stop at nothing to bring their granddaughter Colette back into the fold. While on the surface things seem back to normal with a field day and school dance on the schedule, Angelo knows that the weird-looking birds that appear in the sky are not a good omen and that something is terribly wrong. The writing includes plenty of hair-raising description and bloody scenes as well as more mundane interactions among Angelo and his crew. This one will have high appeal for middle graders, especially those with a taste for gore and characters like the Latchitts who seem to have no redeemable qualities. Plus, the appearance of one character introduced near the end seems to hint at another installment in this series, a good choice for the Halloween season. One thing's for sure: anyone who reads this will never regard a mall in the same way. ...more
Like so many Goodreads reviewers, I've been a longtime fan of Stephen King, and I especially enjoy his short stories. I can remember being convinced tLike so many Goodreads reviewers, I've been a longtime fan of Stephen King, and I especially enjoy his short stories. I can remember being convinced that he was Richard Bachman before his identity was revealed and loving Carrie, Salem's Lot, and Pet Sematary as well as the addictive Dark Tower series. While it's clear that he still knows how to tell a story, slowly building tension and managing to say more in 10 pages than some authors can do in 100, this collection of 12 stories didn't strike me as particularly original or very dark, for that matter. Perhaps I'm simply jaded or have read too many similar stories or have grown out of this sort of thing, but I ended up feeling just okay about several of the stories and bored by some. My favorites were probably "The Answer Man," "Laurie," and "The Turbulence Man," but none of them made me sit up and pay attention or want to do a reread. Some such as "On Slide In Road" COULD have become favorites if the characters had been developed a bit much, but others such as "Two Talented Bastids" seemed far too familiar and ultimately disappointing. Even before reading the Afterword, I had the distinct feeling that several of these has been works-in-progress, stashed away somewhere and then unearthed and spruced up. Since the best part of this disappointing collection (for me) was the book's jacket cover, I'm glad that I borrowed this one from the library. ...more
Who knows what tomorrow or the very distant future may bring? While there's nothing that is certain, many youngsters and adults enjoy imagining what lWho knows what tomorrow or the very distant future may bring? While there's nothing that is certain, many youngsters and adults enjoy imagining what life might be like years or hundreds of years from now. In this creative book with appropriately futuristic drawings shaded in pink, green, and blues, the author/illustrator predicts trips to Mars, no need for buses, cats zipping through grocery stores in spaceships, and ice cream in geometric shapes. What makes all this particularly cool is how the book's creators have drawn on their own childhood memories of the future for the contents while also reminding readers that some of the most outlandish aspects of tomorrow had their start today with someone's wild imagination....more
I'm sure I'm not only the one who wonders who will save humanity or the planet if humanity cannot save itself. Perhaps the answer can be found here inI'm sure I'm not only the one who wonders who will save humanity or the planet if humanity cannot save itself. Perhaps the answer can be found here in an unlikely form. Then again, perhaps not. Maybe humanity is beyond saving and will only destroy the world once again, given the chance. In this luminous and enlightening wordless picture book, loosely inspired by the classic Biblical Noah's ark story, the earth has flooded, and cities are almost completely drowned. There are no humans to be found, but there are still animals seeking shelter atop buildings and on higher ground. NOA, a large robot responsible for building seawalls to protect the city, stumbles upon several animals left behind in a zoo. Readers can measure his size by comparing it to the tigers and elephants he feeds since they look like toys compared to NOA. As the waters continue to rise and another storm approaches, he constructs a large vessel and boards as many animals as he possibly can. The sea bounds the boat relentlessly as shown in one moving double-page spread, but the ship crashes into a small island. The rescued animals are safe, but not for long, given the size of the island. From out of the sky comes rescue in the form of another robot with a hot air balloon. Together, they help the animals climb into the basket and fly off to a much larger island where the animals can find food and shelter. As always with this author/illustrator, readers must read between the lines or pages, in this case, and even take in the endpapers in order to understand what's happened. The illustrations, created with watercolor, pen, and ink, fill each page with intricate images and an atmospheric, futuristic setting that just might be closer than we think. Those that doubt that a machine or a robot could have a heart or experience emotions may change their minds after reading this story. The importance of caring about others and helping them, a concept stated clearly in the book's epigram from Jane Goodall, is explored on each page. ...more
I know this graphic novel series is popular with youngsters, but I just don't find it particularly amusing. The plot concerns Marshmallow Martians attI know this graphic novel series is popular with youngsters, but I just don't find it particularly amusing. The plot concerns Marshmallow Martians attending a sleepover at a museum. Their object is to find a large creature such as a dinosaur or a unicorn to win a contest back home. I can see the appeal of the images--lively marshmallows in various colors--for little ones, but this one and the series are just too outlandish and jump around too much with not enough transition for my tastes. ...more
This engaging and accessible science fiction novel focuses on Aria, a girl who was reared on Planet Terros where there is no longer any of the problemThis engaging and accessible science fiction novel focuses on Aria, a girl who was reared on Planet Terros where there is no longer any of the problems that plague Earth, which is regarded as a Shadow Planet, filled with violence and humans who lack emotion or reason. She and her father are sent to Earth for a secret mission, but once she learns that they are supposed to release a virus that will strike down its inhabitants, Aria becomes concerned since she also falls ill. As various individuals, including Megan, a teen neighbor, reach out to help, she realizes that nothing she has been taught about the planet and Earthlings is true. This prompts her to question other aspects of what she has believed to be true. This short, fast read is a good introduction to science fiction for readers who aren't familiar with the genre or who like their sci fi without too much technological jargon. Aria is likeable and impressionable, and it's interesting to follow her growth and change in mindset....more
This one started off in a promising way with the book's protagonist, Blythe pondering doing something bad and then acting upon it. I was intrigued altThis one started off in a promising way with the book's protagonist, Blythe pondering doing something bad and then acting upon it. I was intrigued although the "bad" act wasn't as shocking as I expected. A few pages later in a Now section, her best friend Gabrielle has had a meltdown at school, and Blythe, being the good friend that she is, wants to figure out what would make her behave in such an untypical way. The story goes off the rails for me after that since Gabrielle almost disappears from the book, and various members of their friend group begin acting in uncharacteristic ways. As another reviewer pointed out, things just got more and more unbelievable from there, leaving me shaking my head at the implausibility of it all. The cover may be the best part of this one....more
In this, the thirty-seven title in the popular series, Jack and Annie time travel to the African savannah after Annie is distracted by an oxpecker. ThIn this, the thirty-seven title in the popular series, Jack and Annie time travel to the African savannah after Annie is distracted by an oxpecker. They meet two reserve rangers who are trying to find and protect a pregnant black rhino, a species that is critically endangered. The youngsters are the ones who spot the rhino and her baby when the rangers leave to try to thwart some poachers in a helicopter. While they're gone, the poachers arrive, and Jack and Annie follow the instructions on the mysterious message left for them back at the magic tree house in Pennsylvania. Doing so saves the day, and something much older than the children or modern rhinos steps in to avert disaster. As always with the books in this series, the action and adventure move quickly, and readers learn some interesting facts about places and animals while also being entertained by the story and the detailed artwork. While the ending is a bit over the top, fans of the series will probably not be bothered by its unlikelihood. ...more
I'm not sure if this is the start of a middle-grade series based on the heading of Creatures & Teachers, but if not, it should be. I'm sure that I wonI'm not sure if this is the start of a middle-grade series based on the heading of Creatures & Teachers, but if not, it should be. I'm sure that I won't be the only one who would happily read books featuring those elements. Blending snarky adolescent humor and relationships with downright scary passages featuring spiders--I'm not giving this away since this should be obvious from the book cover--the story opens with four students arriving at Dread Wood Academy for detention. They aren't friends; in fact, they barely know each other. But over the course of a very intense Saturday, they come to know each other very well, learning why they are serving detention, but also, some of their secrets. When Mr. Canton, the teacher in charge of detention, disappears right in front of their eyes, they realize that this is no ordinary detention, and their lives--and the fate of the rest of the community--depend on trusting each other. There's hardly a slow page in this book as something new happens all the time, and the four detainees are in a race for their lives almost constantly. Even though readers don't learn as much as they might have wished about the four students, they learn enough to find them interesting, complex, and worthy. Plus, there's a hopeful message worth taking in about forgiveness and the importance of owning up to one's mistakes....more
This tenth title [3.5 for me!] in the popular Hilo graphic novel series is a strong addition to the collection. Hilo and the gang don't feature much iThis tenth title [3.5 for me!] in the popular Hilo graphic novel series is a strong addition to the collection. Hilo and the gang don't feature much in this installment, which focuses on Polly Korimako, Hilo's warrior cat friend, who is sent to boarding school as punishment for breaking certain rules on her planet. Pip decides to accompany Polly, providing all sorts of humorous moments as the two find it hard to follow the restrictions in their new home. The arrival of Noria, a robot with magical powers, allows for the story to become more complicated as the other students and several teachers shun and /or harass Noria because she's not like them and they dislike anything unfamiliar. As is often the case with this series, there is quite a lot of truth about human behavior in today's world embedded in these pages, including suggestions for how to deal with bullies and examples of individuals standing up for each other and the right causes even at some cost to themselves. The artwork is colorful, full of action, and interesting even while showing off portals and strange monsters and disoriented youngsters. While it helps to have read the previous books, readers will still be able to catch up with what's happening here with a little effort. The book has as much appeal for older readers, even adults, as for younger ones. ...more
Although the author deserves credit for her original approach to an adoption story--her own--and it's certainly interesting to contemplate the what-miAlthough the author deserves credit for her original approach to an adoption story--her own--and it's certainly interesting to contemplate the what-might-have-beens in her life, the same could be true for any individual. Even those of us who weren't adopted have probably wondered what life might have been if things had played out differently as the result of being born to another family or under different circumstances. The inclusion of various artifacts, including notes, letters, and photos adds to the book's appeal, but the shifting back and forth from Shannon to Erin and the passages about wormholes just left me shaking my head in frustration. Ultimately, Shannon's journey of self-discovery and connections to her various family members was touching but rather unsatisfying because of those shifts in the narrative and in the timeframe. And then, as another reviewer pointed out, it seemed unnecessary for her to use a library card catalog on which to jot down the address of a relative. Surely, rather than taking that card she could have asked someone--a patron or a librarian for a scrap of paper. I'm sure others will find my niggling about this point rather silly, given the book's subject matter, but still, it annoyed me and left me feeling as though some of her journey was frivolous and impulsive. Nevertheless, the writing is strong, and readers have been forewarned with the inclusion of the word "speculative" in the book's subtitle. I would imagine most folks will have never encountered this kind of an adoption story where adoptees don't necessarily live happily ever after, and there are emotional costs for all those concerned. Because the author is biracial with a white mother and Black father and her adoptive parents are white, readers are provided some insight into how isolated Shannon often felt while growing up, but those examples are too few and far between to have as much resonance as they might have otherwise. ...more
As others have noted, this debut novel will open eyes and hearts to the injustice of this country's penal system. It's easy to root for the two protagAs others have noted, this debut novel will open eyes and hearts to the injustice of this country's penal system. It's easy to root for the two protagonists, Loretta Thurwar and Hamara (Hurricane Staxxx) Stacker, members of the Chain-Gang All-Stars, as they prepare for their various battles, but mostly, as it becomes clear that they will have to face each other in a fight to the death. The two women are lovers, and both have killed more than their fair share of other gladiators in televised fights intended to amuse and entertain subscribers. They, like other prisoners, have chosen to become involved in CAPE (Criminal Action Penal Entertainment), for various reasons, and although many of the fighters have dark pasts, surely they deserve better fates than this. Part of the story contains footnotes relating statistics about incarceration rates that will surely prompt some questioning and reflection about the problems inherent in this form of punishment for crimes as well as discussion of what might have been for many of the characters had their situations been different. The scenes of violence are shocking but quite well written, and they are interrupted by other scenes depicting care, tenderness, and hope that perhaps things will change, especially when protesters get involved. Most of all, though, this book is an indictment of those of us who are drawn to violence, whether in games or sports, especially when we are the watchers and not the participants. While the transition among various characters and situations can be somewhat confusing, by the time the book concludes readers' hearts will be pounding as they move through those final scenes with dread and a prayer or two for a happy ending. There were some parts that reminded me of the Hunger Games, but this one takes some sharp turns that that series didn't. This one is a must-read, and I don't see how the author can manage to top this title....more
There's so much to enjoy in this, the fifth title in the Max Meow series, set in Kittyopolis. First of all, there's Max, of course, and his best frienThere's so much to enjoy in this, the fifth title in the Max Meow series, set in Kittyopolis. First of all, there's Max, of course, and his best friend Mindy. Then, there are the sidesplitting puns, many relating to bees, which is appropriate since this book focuses on bees that have come under the control of an evil individual intent on sabotaging the mayoral election. Finally, the book's plot is interrupted smoothly without missing a beat with interesting facts about bees. Elementary and middle-grade readers will smile their way through the pages while also relating to the sibling rivalry that exists between Mindy and her brother Marty. Add this colorful, action-packed graphic novel to a collection featuring superheroes or unique animals. It's a quick read for those looking for something amusing but also informative. ...more
Young fans of the Mars rovers that move along that planet while gathering important data for scientists back on Earth might enjoy this picture book, tYoung fans of the Mars rovers that move along that planet while gathering important data for scientists back on Earth might enjoy this picture book, the third in a series. As is the case with the other titles, the illustrations feature machines that look like various types of dinosaurs. On several pages, there are tiny astronauts who make brief comments, adding to the pleasure of reading this title and encouraging a closer examination of the pages. The last two double-page spreads collect all the different diggersaurs featured on the previous pages as they gather together in a rather cluttered fashion. While I didn't love this one since its depiction of these machines and vehicles seems over the top, and I tend to prefer realism, it will have no problem attracting eager readers who will move through its pages repeatedly and enthusiastically. ...more
Anyone looking for a quick but engaging read that is not the typical fare will find what they need in this series featuring relatable characters, secrAnyone looking for a quick but engaging read that is not the typical fare will find what they need in this series featuring relatable characters, secret superheroes, and cats, of course. In this, the third installment in the series, Katie continues to train with the Mousestress as she prepares for her role as her sidekick and wonders who is behind the robots that seem to plague their city. But she's feeling left out by some of her friends' interests, and even when Beth joins her in occasional training, Katie feels jealous because Beth is so much more natural at some of the physical activities than she is. Plus, Katie's mother finds out what's been going on behind her back, and she is not amused. The twist at the end of the story comes fast and is so unexpected that it could have used some development to prepare readers for what's coming. But what works here--as with the others in the series--are those 217 gifted and talented felines, each with one special talent. The storyline is supported ably with delightful artwork and the personalities of those wonderful cats. Fans of the series will be pleased to see some new additions to the cat family, including Googly, whose unique talent/expertise ends up coming in handy. As for those of us with cats of our own, we always knew each one of them was special. There's plenty of humor in these pages, and readers might find themselves snorting in delight at some of the pages. ...more
With its outlandish plots and attractive artwork as well as two unlikely best friends, this second outing from Gustav and Henri features amusing asideWith its outlandish plots and attractive artwork as well as two unlikely best friends, this second outing from Gustav and Henri features amusing asides, nifty elements such as a "Contents-O-Matic" rather than a table of contents. The friends go wet-water rafting in an adventure that leads to disaster and some misunderstanding due to misspelling in the first of three stories. They deliberately shrink themselves so that they can head down the kitchen drain in search of a missing puzzle piece--the very last one needed to complete their jigsaw puzzle. And in the third story, they visit Henri's elderly aunt and crack a code in order to save her. Fans of the first book in the series will enjoy this one just as much as the first one. While the plots are different enough to keep readers' interested, the two-page long features at the end of each story ["Welcome to Dessert Island," "So You've Been Shrunk," and "Greetings from the Sunnny Sew-seum"] are worth the price of the book for all the laughs readers will get from their contents. ...more