I'm torn on this one. On one hand, I think it is a fun, whimsical story that will make children giggle. On the other hand, though, I feel like the aut...moreI'm torn on this one. On one hand, I think it is a fun, whimsical story that will make children giggle. On the other hand, though, I feel like the author was trying to make a statement about ecology and sustainability, which is fine. It's just that the fantasy elements don't sit well with that. It's not smooth, but rather clunky. Overall, I know children will enjoy this story (let's face it--children love exaggerations like 461,212 pumpkins), I just feel like it was trying to be too many things at once. (less)
This was a fantastic look into the history of the Titanic. If you find yourself like I do--fascinated by the Titanic--this is a book you won't want to...moreThis was a fantastic look into the history of the Titanic. If you find yourself like I do--fascinated by the Titanic--this is a book you won't want to miss.
I will admit: some of the science, the in-depth coverage of what happened when, and the detailed layout of the wreckage was over my head. What was ultimately compelling for me wasn't the nitty gritty details but rather the eye-witness accounts of the events of that fateful night. There were many times that I paused while reading just to fully contemplate. I learned a lot, too, which is always a plus. I thought I had a pretty good understanding of what happened that night before I delved into this book, but I walked away with a much greater understanding of events. It seems, at least to me, that the Titanic was fated to sink, when one takes in everything that happened. There were countless "if only this one little thing had changed" situations that could have spared this tragedy. It's fascinating to think that every last little thing came together to "make sure" that this tragedy happened.
Overall, this was a quality addition to the literature on the Titanic and one you won't want to miss. (less)
This is such a fun story. That poor witch really wants her pumpkin pie! It's the perfect book for Halloween, and kids will have fun with each classic...moreThis is such a fun story. That poor witch really wants her pumpkin pie! It's the perfect book for Halloween, and kids will have fun with each classic Halloween monster making appearances. The usage of repetition and the rhythm of Erica Silverman's words will appeal to kids, too. For parents, there are great messages within these pages about the value of teamwork. I also loved the message that the little bat brings with him, as well. With Halloween approaching, this is the perfect book to read with your little one. (less)
A good introduction to the battle for people like me who are just starting to learn about it. My only complaint is that I wish there were more maps! T...moreA good introduction to the battle for people like me who are just starting to learn about it. My only complaint is that I wish there were more maps! There were a few, but for how much the tactics and maneuvers were discussed, I felt there could have been more. At least I thought it would have made it easier to understand. Other than that I really had no complaints. I especially enjoyed the sidebars that broke the text up nicely and kept things interesting.(less)
James McPherson's Antietam is so incredibly readable, it really makes a great book for both Civil War scholar and novice. If you're looking for a read...moreJames McPherson's Antietam is so incredibly readable, it really makes a great book for both Civil War scholar and novice. If you're looking for a read about the events leading up to Antietam and its significance to the rest of the war, this is definitely a great book to check out. (less)
Being that I am highly obsessed with Downton Abbey, it is no surprise that I enjoyed this. I found that the story of Lady Almina and her time spent as...moreBeing that I am highly obsessed with Downton Abbey, it is no surprise that I enjoyed this. I found that the story of Lady Almina and her time spent as the 5th Countess of Carnarvon was interesting, and I became surprisingly invested in it. Granted, there were some times while reading when I felt bogged down by details and the writing itself is nothing to rave about, but Lady Almina was a completely fascinating person to read about so overall I had a wonderful time getting lost in this story. If you're a fan of the television series and looking for more about Highclere Castle and its inhabitants, I would definitely recommend this book. (less)
Some of the writing about the current status of the battlefield is a little dated (being that things have changed since this was written in 1980), but...moreSome of the writing about the current status of the battlefield is a little dated (being that things have changed since this was written in 1980), but other than that, this book gives a great overview of the battle. It's not too in depth, which would be good for first time visitors to read. Plus, I learned some things that I didn't know, so that's always good. (less)
I adore the Little House books, and these "First Little House Books" are so charming. I can imagine that they would be a good introduction to the clas...moreI adore the Little House books, and these "First Little House Books" are so charming. I can imagine that they would be a good introduction to the classic series for those readers who haven't quite made it to chapter books yet. Besides that, the illustrations are warm and comforting. Overall, an enjoyable read! (less)
Two stars means this was really just an okay book for me. I didn't hate it, but I didn't particularly like it either.
It's not that Michelle Zink is a...moreTwo stars means this was really just an okay book for me. I didn't hate it, but I didn't particularly like it either.
It's not that Michelle Zink is a bad writer. I actually enjoyed her writing, it was just that I never really connected with Helen. Or any of the other characters for that matter. That's not necessarily a fault of Zink's; something just wasn't there for me. I never really cared, I guess. I could easily have put the book down at any point and not felt the need to pick it back up. I wasn't crazy about the world building, either. I never really felt like I had a good understanding of the whole Keeper/Alliance/Dictata thing. Another thing that really annoyed me for whatever reason was the love triangle. They usually don't bother me, but here I never really understood the dilemma, I guess. In the end, I had a lot of unanswered questions.
I almost feel bad that I didn't really like this, because it seems like a lot of people do. If the synopsis of this sounds like something you'd normally enjoy, by all means, definitely give it a go. Just because it didn't do it for me doesn't mean you won't enjoy it. Like I said, I did really enjoy Zink's writing, and that alone made it worth the read. (less)
I have this book to thank for pulling me out of a dreaded reading slump. It wasn't so much that the other book that I was reading (The Killer Angels)...moreI have this book to thank for pulling me out of a dreaded reading slump. It wasn't so much that the other book that I was reading (The Killer Angels) wasn't good (it was great), but more so that this kind of story was just what I had been craving.
I enjoyed John Flanagan's writing immensely, and it was very easy for me to get into this story. Although there was nothing outstandingly new or unique about it, this was still quite the engaging read. It wasn't the deepest or more complex plot I've ever read, but it was easy-to-read and entertaining. I think this would be an excellent book to recommend for younger readers. Being that this is the first book in a series, there is a good bit of setting up and introducing of characters, but I still found the pages flying by. I never felt bogged down by details, but there were just enough for me to be able to vividly picture everything. I thoroughly enjoyed this new world that Flanagan created for us.
My favorite part, as usual, was the cast of characters. They were engaging, and I felt something for them. That is what I had been missing, and that is what pulled me out of my slump. This is one of those casts of characters I know I won't soon forget, and I'm already itching to read the next book in the series to see what it entails for everyone! (less)
For an essentially wordless picture book, I enjoyed this endlessly. There were so many things that I loved about this. It was so imaginative and such...moreFor an essentially wordless picture book, I enjoyed this endlessly. There were so many things that I loved about this. It was so imaginative and such fun. The illustrations are beautiful, and they are enough to send any child into giggles. I also loved the fact that you can't tell whether the child is, in fact, a girl or a boy...hello relatability! That more than anything else, I think, is so important in children's books. It was fun, too, that the only words throughout the pages were onomatopoeic. It is really easy to imagine flipping through these pages with a child and having good old-fashioned storytime. Add a mug of hot cocoa with some marshmallows, curl up with your little one, and it can't get any better than that! (less)
I read pretty much constantly as a child, so I'm not sure how I missed out on this one until now, but I'm seriously bumming about that. I would have l...moreI read pretty much constantly as a child, so I'm not sure how I missed out on this one until now, but I'm seriously bumming about that. I would have loved this as a kid.
It was such an imaginative story, and I can imagine that it's led many children over the years to wonder what was living in their houses with them. I especially loved that the way Mrs. May told the story of the Borrowers left the fact of their existence up to the reader. Those were my favorite kinds of stories as a kid. I went through this phase where I was obsessed with the movie Toy Story, and I was convinced that my toys came to life when I wasn't around. I can only imagine what I would have done with a story like this.
The characters were wonderful, too. There's nasty old Mrs. Driver, frantic Homily, steadfast Pod, and of course, Arriety. Arriety was, without a doubt, my favorite. She leaves a good example for children. She wants to get out and explore the world beyond her window, and in doing so, she makes herself all sorts of discoveries and even a new best friend.
There's not too much depth to this, but it is a children's story--and a romping good one at that! Kids will have a good time imagining life as a Borrower and wondering what might be under their floors. The British-isms make this a fun one to read out loud, too! (less)
A short, easy-to-read chapter book about staying true to one's identity, I think this book would make for excellent classroom reading and discussion a...moreA short, easy-to-read chapter book about staying true to one's identity, I think this book would make for excellent classroom reading and discussion about ethnicity and heritage. I read this out loud with my younger brother, and he seemed to really like the story. The pencil drawings add a nice touch, as well. Recommended for younger middle grade readers. (less)
What an adorable little book! I definitely need to find a copy of this. If you enjoy Beatrix Potter at all, you're sure to be enchanted by the illustr...moreWhat an adorable little book! I definitely need to find a copy of this. If you enjoy Beatrix Potter at all, you're sure to be enchanted by the illustrations in these pages. (less)
So, I'm randomly roaming my library's children section and this caught my eye. And I have to say, now that I've finished this, Tony Abbott is definite...moreSo, I'm randomly roaming my library's children section and this caught my eye. And I have to say, now that I've finished this, Tony Abbott is definitely an author I'm going to check out.
Sure, this wasn't the best thing I've ever read. It is a middle grade mystery with a 13-year-old narrator. I won't lie, had I been younger, I probably would have enjoyed this more. That being said, this book had a lot going for it.
First of all, hallelujah for a 13-year-old narrator who sounded and acted like a 13-year-old. Jason had a bit of an attitude every now and then, sometimes he was whiny, and sometimes you could tell he was just a kid who didn't really know what he was getting himself into. It was realistic. Not only that, but Jason makes a friend out of a neighborhood girl, Dia. Now in any YA novel, this would have ultimately translated into a romance. In this, however, you get the impression that given a couple years that would happen, but they're still kids so...friends for now. Yay for characters actually becoming friends before falling in love!
Also, I really liked Abbott's writing style. It was simpler than what I'm used to, being that this is a middle grade novel (duh), but man, I was there. I've never been to Florida once in my life, but I could picture the setting and the characters perfectly. The story itself was a lot of fun. Maybe I'm just terrible at figuring out mysteries, but I definitely did not find this predictable. I was flipping through the pages trying to figure out what was going on. I was getting a little worried towards the end that everything would be wrapped up too neatly and too quickly, but I didn't need to fear. I was even worried that I would be left with too many questions left unanswered. I wasn't expecting the way things ended, sure, but it made sense, which I definitely appreciated. Even besides being a fun mystery, there was a certain depth to the story, as well. Not too deep to be over the heads of young readers, but just enough to give them something to actually think about. Abbott touches on the topic of parents separating, illegitimate children, embezzlement and even potential child abuse/neglect. Now, I don't want to scare anyone away--it's not a deep, dark, sad story. But those topics are just touched upon.
What was interesting about this book to me, too, was that it really struck me as a book that would be good for reluctant readers, especially young boys (what with Jason as narrator and all). My younger brother reads a bit now and then, but he's not a huge reader. I can see him reading this and totally loving it. It's just a fun, easy book to get into. (less)
Although sometimes a little predictable and a bit like a Hallmark movie, I thought this was a heartwarming read and I enjoyed it a lot more than I tho...moreAlthough sometimes a little predictable and a bit like a Hallmark movie, I thought this was a heartwarming read and I enjoyed it a lot more than I thought I would. I found myself caught up in the story and the characters, and this is just what I was in the mood for: something light but entertaining. (less)
I have been going to Gettysburg with my family since I was a very little girl. In fact, I was just there on Labor Day a couple days ago. I have always...moreI have been going to Gettysburg with my family since I was a very little girl. In fact, I was just there on Labor Day a couple days ago. I have always loved it there. The history of the place, the battlefield and even just the town itself make it my favorite place to visit. I've always known tidbits about the battle here and there from the countless tours my dad has given us throughout the years, but I decided that since I suppose I AM old enough to really understand what happened and since I'm out of college now and can study what I want, I wanted to study the battle in earnest. So, I went over to the library and picked a few books from the shelf, but this one in particular caught my eye. Shelby Foote is a huge name in Civil War literature, so when I saw that this was a segment from his ginormous Civil War trilogy only touching on Gettysburg, I thought I would try out Foote while learning about the battle that has always held my interest.
Needless to say, I really enjoyed this. This wasn't as detailed as some other books that are out there, but at the same time, this is not for the leisurely history student. I took notes while I was reading and having familiarity with the area, I was able to envision everything that was taking place. (Seriously, if you enjoy history at all, you NEED to make it to Gettysburg). That all being said, I was definitely surprised by how readable this book was. Even though it was a short book, I thought it would take me forever to get through it. It did take me a while, but only because I was taking intense notes. The pages flew by for me, which was unexpected but always nice.
I was a little worried going into it, knowing that Foote himself hails from Mississippi and having heard from someone that he was a Southern enthusiast, that this would be a one-sided book. After having read it, I'm not really sure what that person was talking about. Foote bounces back and forth, telling the story of the battle from both sides and painting sympathetic pictures for both the Union and the Confederates. In this day and age of left versus right and liberal versus conservative, it was refreshing to read something that flips the table for readers while presenting each side evenly.
As I alluded to earlier, this is not the most detail-oriented account of the battle, but it gives a nice overview for someone such as myself who is trying to get a basic handle on the battle before jumping into all of the details. This little segment of a book is by no means dry--he provides interesting insight into the generals and the soldiers who were the players on this battlefield. Foote spends time not only describing battlefield maneuvers, but also delves into the feelings, hopes and ambitions of the men during these three days.
My biggest complaint, honestly, is the lack of maps. I admit, I am quite familiar with the layout of Gettysburg and its battlefield, but even I had a little bit of a rough time figuring out the positions of the lines of soldiers, so for someone who has never been there or who might not be that familiar with the layout, this could be a bit of difficult reading. I used one of my dad's book of Gettysburg battle maps while I was reading it, which definitely helped. I also recommend the Civil War Trust's website for Gettysburg maps--they are excellent maps.
Overall, I thought this was a great way to introduce myself to an overview of the battle. To those well-versed in the battle, this even provides interesting insight into the players on the field. I don't know that I'm quite up to reading Foote's massive trilogy just yet, but this gave me a good taste for his style, and I highly enjoyed it. (less)
I finished reading this like five hours ago, and I'm still having trouble figuring out how to put into words how much I loved this book.
Admittedly, I...moreI finished reading this like five hours ago, and I'm still having trouble figuring out how to put into words how much I loved this book.
Admittedly, I wasn't too sure about this at first, but I think that's only because it takes a little bit to get used to having a 12-year-old as the narrator to a story--especially one as fiesty as Shenny!
This book was beautiful. End of story. I cannot believe that Lesley Kagen is not more well-known. With Shenny telling the story, it is at times quite comical and at other times quite heartwrenching. She sees things in a way that most adults don't, and yet she also misses things and can be naive about things that would be obvious to an adult. It's not in an annoying way, but moreso a way that makes you just want to reach out and hug her and protect her from everything bad in the world. But like I said earlier, she is definitely feisty. She is constantly throwing little southern sayings into her story, and sometimes they can be downright hilarious. Like upon describing some boy who she finds incredibly stupid, she says: "The kid could throw himself on the ground and miss."
However, not all is fun and games. This was a surprisingly dark and heartwrenching book to read that tackles a lot of issues, like racism, sexism, chauvinism, and domestic abuse. And as I've said, this is all viewed through the eyes of a young girl. Kagen does not hesitate to approach these issues, though, which makes for a story that feels very real and makes it easy to imagine that you are in the South of the 1960s. The characters were all done well, too. Shenny has been my favorite narrator in a long time. Not to mention, each character has a distinct voice, even Woody who doesn't speak. This is one of those reads that keeps you on your toes. Every time I thought I had figured out what had happened to Mama, something else would throw me for a loop. Through much of the book, there is a pervading bad feeling. I was really anxious reading this, and even though that's not really an emotion I relish, I love when a book can leave me feeling so much.
After having finished this book, Lesley Kagen has been added to my list of favorite authors, and I know I'm going to have to go out and read everything else she's written! (less)
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