Katniss, heroin of this book, will appeal equally well to both genders. That in and of itself makes it a book worth reading. This is a science fiction...moreKatniss, heroin of this book, will appeal equally well to both genders. That in and of itself makes it a book worth reading. This is a science fiction that is okay for upper middle school kids. Set in the United States sometime in the future with a political and corporate structure that seem to be one in the same, the control over the people is exerted externally by controlling the food supply and essentially, keeping the majority of the people hungry and serving the minority of the people who live in a modern society with every luxury possible (and because it is science fiction the impossible luxury exists also). Katniss lives in a small hamlet where her clever and accomplished, but forbidden, hunting and gathering skills have kept her, and her mother and sister alive. All the corruption of poverty exists and all the support and caring (and pigeon holing) of a small town exists, all under the heavy hand of "big brother" which looms over (and yet unites) the village. The book engages the reader and makes for good discussion but is a bit dark. "Hunger Games" would work well for utopia/dystopia discussion. (less)
This is a fast read book that set in a small town America during 1976. Gabriel views himself as a hopeless chicken. He thinks some people are born bra...moreThis is a fast read book that set in a small town America during 1976. Gabriel views himself as a hopeless chicken. He thinks some people are born brave and some people are chickens, and no matter how hard he tries, he will forever be a chicken. Gabriel's best friend Frita, believes that you can be liberated from your fears. They both make a list of what they are most afraid of, and work on liberating themselves. Sweet and touching, this is a book about race relationships that young children (4 grade up) can understand and read. (less)
I like Neil Gaiman, and I did like this book. I think it will appeal to a certain audience, but not to everyone. It has kind of an off-beat humor abou...moreI like Neil Gaiman, and I did like this book. I think it will appeal to a certain audience, but not to everyone. It has kind of an off-beat humor about what death is like. Philosophically, I don't think death is anything like how it is portrayed in this books, so perhaps that is why I cannot fully embrace this story. It is, however, and interesting perspective and we read to broaden our views and better understand the world and the people that live in the world. The story is about a boy who is a living boy who is raise by ghosts in the graveyard. It has gentleness and scariness, and a understandable boredom that comes from the restrictions that the graveyard imposes on a living soul. (less)
I loved this book!! This is a wholesome book that can be read by any age 4th grade up. It is about the Michtom family who were the ones that created t...moreI loved this book!! This is a wholesome book that can be read by any age 4th grade up. It is about the Michtom family who were the ones that created the teddy bear inspired by Teddy Roosevelt's refusal to shoot a bear cub. It qualifies as historical fiction, but don't tell the kids. They think they hate historical fiction. It also has "interior chapters." (I borrow that term from the "Grapes of Wrath".) The interior chapters are about the children that live under the Brooklyn Bridge and they are written as vignettes about each child's particular story. They are somewhat supernatural/spiritual in nature, but come to play out in the fast paced, fascinating conclusion of the story of the Michtom family. It is a immigration story, an American story, a family story, a success story, a failure story - funny, heartbreaking, clever, poignant, and sweet beyond measure. It will be acceptable to both sexes, though it is not action packed. The narrator of the Michtom story is told by the son, 14-year-old Joe, who wants more than anything to go to Coney Island, but his family is just too busy making teddy bears. Through Joe's eye we see and "judge" all the people that make up the fabric of his neighborhood ( like Dilly the man with the pickle cart) and Joe's family. Karen Hesse is a fantastic writer; most of her novel have been written in poetry form and all are very good to excellent, but this is the best! I hope everyone will read this book. (less)
I am not giving anything away by saying this is a book about a girl(Hannah Baker) who commits suicide. The 13 reason are different people who influenc...moreI am not giving anything away by saying this is a book about a girl(Hannah Baker) who commits suicide. The 13 reason are different people who influenced her decision and they are on 13 different cassette tapes in a shoebox (as I recall). The story starts when Clay Jenson receives the box of tapes and follows the included instructions. I believe the point of this story is to show how much we can influence another human with some of the thoughtless or thoughtful things we do. Part of me applauds the idea that we need to treat each other more gently, but the bigger part of me gets angry that Hannah didn't take responsibility for her own happiness. Everyone in the book seems to sympathize with Hannah and feel badly that she chose to end her life. Many feel guilty. Most people that commit suicide do it to end the pain. SUICIDE DOES NOT END PAIN It TRANSFERS PAIN! It's extremely sad to me that Hannah's choice was so premeditated and yet she could not choose life. Life has such a huge range of options. Death does not! Suitable for 8th grade up.(less)
This is a delightful book about gifts. This is a story about a family whose children have a special gift (curse) that is manifest on their 13th birthd...moreThis is a delightful book about gifts. This is a story about a family whose children have a special gift (curse) that is manifest on their 13th birthday. Mibs, girl protagonist of the story, is anxiously looking forward to her birthday when her father is involved in a serious car accident. The 13th birthdays are always celebrated at home, isolated from others, because when the "savvy" comes, it can cause chaos and destruction. With Mibs' father in the hospital, and the mother staying by his side, kind church lady decides what this family needs is a big huge birthday party where the whole church is invited. Mibs' father's condition worsen, and Mib's feels that it is her savvy that can save him. One comical, suspenseful bus ride unfolds the story and characters that prove everyone has a gift. We need to feel confident to contribute our own talents for the good of all. This book is great for 4th grade up. It is delightfully centered around middle school students, but would be a fun read aloud for much younger children.(less)
I heard this reviewed as a love story, and it is a love story - but it not a romantic love story. It is the story of one orphan boy trying to find a...more I heard this reviewed as a love story, and it is a love story - but it not a romantic love story. It is the story of one orphan boy trying to find a place in the world for himself. Sometimes he was treated with unusual kindness, other times with heart breaking cruelty. He recounts his life through the questions of the game show where he wins one billion rupees. Each question reflects an aspect of his life which educated him to be knowledgeable about the question. It is, in many ways, a charming fairytale. It is yet another testament against poverty, but it is also a testament to hope. All villains are punished,eventually; all the surviving victims are vindicated. This book may be discussed on the social/economic issues which are described, but I fail to see this book as having genuine literary value. A fun read, probably different from the movie, is how I'd rate it. This was a light read and NOT an "r" rated read. Some of the language was street language, but certainly appropriate for all high school students. (less)
Quoting from the introduction: "this book includes...stories [from:] Mexican, Venezuelan, Kazakh, Chinese, Romanian, Palestinian, Swedish, Korean, Hai...moreQuoting from the introduction: "this book includes...stories [from:] Mexican, Venezuelan, Kazakh, Chinese, Romanian, Palestinian, Swedish, Korean, Haitian and Cambodian [cultures:]. All these stories are fiction, though they have their basis in real-life events. Whether recounting or only mirroring real events, these stories show teenagers making their way across borders from there to here, by foot and by plane. You will see most of them struggling through school, fending off prejudice and misconceptions, climbing over language barriers. You will see them contending with parental restrictions, trying to find balance between the old world and the new. . .Like teenagers who were born in the United States, immigrant teenager have the same feelings and the same needs n...:they feel insecure, uncertain, lonely; they want to be accepted, loved, respected. They want to succeed." Each story has a page about the author and often his/her relationship to the story. This is a charming book with many good read-alouds for teachers wishing to introduce an immigration unit or it could be used well in reading circles on the subject of immigration.(less)
This is the story of Ishmael Beah whose was born in Sierra Leone in 1980. His early childhood offered great promise, but when war came to his country,...moreThis is the story of Ishmael Beah whose was born in Sierra Leone in 1980. His early childhood offered great promise, but when war came to his country, he suffered the loss of family, security and eventually, perspective. His introduction to war happens when he is away from his village to participate in a talent show and perform his rap music. He hears rumors and hopes for news of his family. He decides he must return to his village and search for them. The village was destroyed and he ends up running with his friends, aways dodging danger. Eventually he ends up a soldier and becomes part of the danger. This story is excellent for Middle School because it is honest but not overly graphic. If this where a work of fiction, one might suspect too many horrors where inflicted on the protagonist. (less)
The story revolves around Ed Kennedy, a person of no consequence. The book opens in the middle of a robbery, of which Ed is an unwitting accomplice. E...moreThe story revolves around Ed Kennedy, a person of no consequence. The book opens in the middle of a robbery, of which Ed is an unwitting accomplice. Ed never really committed to anything. He's in love with a girl, but not committed, he went to school, without commitment, and manages to drive a taxi with a minimum of commitment. After the robbery, he is hailed a hero (read the book) and commitments, or assignments start showing up on aces. He investigates and becomes diligent in performing the assigned tasks. Plagued by his lack luster life, he begins to take charge in these seemly random assignments, and convinces us all that no man (or woman)is so common, as to not be exceptional. This book is a little raw, very funny, and phenomenal. It is also the winner of the 2003 Children’s Book Council of Australia Book of the Year Award.(less)
The book opens in Foxboro, a town (civilization) of foxes that has fallen on hard times because of a long, cold winter. Harry the fox, is standing in...moreThe book opens in Foxboro, a town (civilization) of foxes that has fallen on hard times because of a long, cold winter. Harry the fox, is standing in a line to get food, without much hope of there being food when he reaches the market. He goes home with nothing and remembers the fortress in the woods which is rumored to be inhabited by rabbits. He determines to hunt his prey and investigate the fortress. His mannerisms and habits are slovenly and self-serving. Meanwhile, the reader is introduced to Quentin the Rabbit living in Stonehaven, a rabbit community. He is a student with a intellectual friend, Zack and they enjoy conversations criticizing the current political climate as well as the fierce winter. Their mannerisms and habits are refined, orderly, and self-absorbed. The author skillfully reveals the quandary that the winter has posed for both towns. The author places each piece of the plot carefully to reveal social and personal jockeying that defines and clarifies humanity. The story starts slow, but the tension is carefully controlled and wound tighter as character is both formed and exposed. In an attempt not to give too much of the story away, I am afraid I have made this book sound tame. It is rich in jealousy, double cross, hidden clues, trickery, appetites, sensual delights and moral dilemmas. I LOVED it.(less)
This book was raw at times, but I have to confess, I did enjoy it. It was funny and I laughed out loud in places. I also must admit to being incredibl...moreThis book was raw at times, but I have to confess, I did enjoy it. It was funny and I laughed out loud in places. I also must admit to being incredibly jealous that David Sedaris made such good money ranting. I rant. I rant all the time. I've been known to drive people out of a room with my ranting; the more polite people tap their watches and exclaim,"Sorry, but I really have to go. I have a. . meeting - class - child in the car-- " whatever, to fill in the blank with a lame excuse to get out of my ear full of ranting. I'm funny, too. People just need to stick around until I get to the punch line, that's all. Really, I am funny, and clever! A whole book without any of the literary devices such as plot. . . and he gets published, read, and makes real money. Sigh!
An easy book to skip the parts you don't like, because there is nothing to miss. It's fun read when you want a book but don't have time to divert your attention away from something else.
This book is chosen as Silicon Valley’s read of the year. The story is spread out over Anna’s childhood and her adult years as the mystery of her fath...moreThis book is chosen as Silicon Valley’s read of the year. The story is spread out over Anna’s childhood and her adult years as the mystery of her father is revealed.
The book opens during the 30’s in Shanghai when Anna is only five. Written as a memoir, we meet Anna’s family: her beautiful mother, Mei Wah their driver, Chu Shih their cook, her no nonsense grandmother, but most of all, the book centers on her father.
"My father was, from my careful observations of him, a person who solved problems. When I was five, I accidentally swallowed a Reese’s cinnamon drop whole, and I began to choke. My father stood only a few feet away; we were at the home of his friend Will Marsh, and he was just saying good night. He glanced at me, looked back at his friend, looked at me again, and said, “excuse me.” Then he simply picked me up by my ankles, held me upside down, and laughed when the cinnamon drop popped out of my mouth For a long time, his ability to fix whatever was wrong was a given of my childhood. "There were other givens as well. My mother’s elegance, her patient manner, her propriety and composure…. Her beauty was a given. I knew even as a young child that she was beautiful, not the way children think their mothers are—I knew she was, from the way men stared when she entered the room, the way other women regarded her, the intensity with which my father watched her." pg 8
I loved the description of Shanghai (father's great love) during its colonial heyday and felt pained when the Japanese invaded and then again when the city fell to the Communist. The sensually depicted descriptions in the book worked well for me.
The book is a fast read that gently unfolds the atonement of Christ as a gift to bridge troubled waters in relationships. Using the voice of a gentle...more The book is a fast read that gently unfolds the atonement of Christ as a gift to bridge troubled waters in relationships. Using the voice of a gentle grandfather who appears in dreams and visions to counsel his grandson, this book shares scriptures that soften the heart and clarify the choices and opportunities relationships present. Rick and Carol Carson's marriage is failing. Is this just another marriage about two good people that aren't good together? No, this is a story about hope, discovery, process and victory. The reader is illuminated by the story of Abigail's (Nabal's wife)intercession and David's forgiveness, Jonah and Nineveh, and many other scriptures. Never is the reader pounded by an intellectualized insight into the atonement. Events unfold; we are tenderly instructed and insight comes gently and without guilt. This book is more than just a good read, it is GOOD. (less)
A narrative story told by eleven-year-old Samuel who was born a slave and turns into a run-away in the middle of the night when old Harrison wakes hi...more A narrative story told by eleven-year-old Samuel who was born a slave and turns into a run-away in the middle of the night when old Harrison wakes him from his sleep, coaxes him to steal a pan and knife from the kitchen, then takes him and the "tow bag" away from the only home Samuel's ever know. The story is a look at the underground railroad through fear's eyes. The journey is reminisent of the Exodus of the Israelites and their moanings of "O why did we ever leave the comfort of the master's whip for this scary journey to who-knows-where?" This is a beautifully crafted story of a young slave boy making boyish decisions and judgments, but learning to "stand tall" like a young man. It also lends light to: What's more important, your beliefs or your actions? I especially like the ambiguous ending where it is left to the readers to decide if the constable can or cannot read.(less)
Stealing from the back cover, " City of Bones has everything: vampires, werewoves, faeries, true love, and stuff that blows up." Actually, it even ha...more Stealing from the back cover, " City of Bones has everything: vampires, werewoves, faeries, true love, and stuff that blows up." Actually, it even has a bit more. It has demons and demon hunters (or punishers)since they don't seem to randomly hunt demons, but are there to interrupt demons (take them out) when they are doing evil. While not really focusing on what is good and what is evil, this story deals with who is good and who is bad. What words of wisdom can you trust? Is there a difference between lies? Does ones motive complicate or clarify ones actions? Does the motive justify or condemn the action? While dealing with all the forces of evil, this book remain very readable for middle school. The teen characters are well drawn, struggling with the same sort of problems that most teen deal with but set in a totally fantastical environment. The adults are warlocks, werewoves, mundies, shadowhunters and so forth. This book delivers high action, good humor, and engaging characters. While this is another book that has jumped on the fantasy wagon, it is a satisfying read, and of course, the first book in the series. (less)
Cadel Piggott is a genius, a very lonely unappreciated genius. His adoptive parents are at wits ends to figure out what to do with him to keep him ou...more Cadel Piggott is a genius, a very lonely unappreciated genius. His adoptive parents are at wits ends to figure out what to do with him to keep him out of trouble and especially to keep him from embarrassing them. They take him to a child psychiatrist to solve their problems - they don't want him messing with their security system or ruining the electrical circuits in the home. They've banned him from using their computer or anyone else's computer. He's already been expelled from his school, and he is just 7 years old. Dr. Thaddeus Roth counsels with Cadel and his parents. He proposes a special school with smaller classes that cater to gifted children. He also asks for some time alone with Cadel.
"I'll make a deal with you, Cadel," said Thaddeus, "Can you keep a secret?" Solemnly, Cadel nodded. "Good. Then this is what we'll do. If you don't tell your parents about it, I'll let you use my computer whenever you come here. Does that that sound good?" Again Cadel nodded. "And all I ask in return is this." The corner of Thaddeus' mouth rose, revealing one yellowish, pointed canine tooth. Through the lenses of his spectacles, his eye were as black as a snake's. His voice dropped to a throaty whisper. "Next time," he murmured, "whatever you do, don't get caught."
Eventually,after Cadel graduates from high school at age 12, he is enrolled in the Axis Institute, a school designed by his "real" father for World Domination. It is in this school that the reader gets to know Cadel, the 8 other unusually "gifted" members of his class, a warped faculty, and a some imaginative plot turns. I highly recommend this book for 7th grade on up. It is a bit slow starting, but the pace picks up and the last 200 pages are high action. (less)
Anahita's story takes place in nomadic Iran at the end of the 19th century. She is a teenage who is old enough to be married, and young enough not to...more Anahita's story takes place in nomadic Iran at the end of the 19th century. She is a teenage who is old enough to be married, and young enough not to be too thrilled about it. She is a very beautiful young girl and has caught the eye of the Khan - a man older than her father - and not desirable on any level except for wealth. She is deeply loved by her father, mother and grandmother, and pleads with them not to force her to marry a man she does not love. She devises a plan whereby she will weave into wedding "qali" (carpet) a riddle and the one who solves the riddle will be the one she marries. This goes against tradition and she must find a way to convince her father this is a good idea.(Or is it?) The story delights and takes unexpected turns, and weaves romance through out. The time, customs, and scenery are often artfully rendered; the romantic scenes sometimes a bit unbelievable for a nice Muslim girl that often wears the "chador"(head to toe covering), but they are delicious and appropriate for any age child. The author uses Persian cities, locations and WORDS beautifully so that cultural understanding his heightened, but story and characterization flows. (less)
This is a first person narrative that is about a 12 year old boy who gets a lawnmower from his grandpa and starts making money. The book smiles it's w...moreThis is a first person narrative that is about a 12 year old boy who gets a lawnmower from his grandpa and starts making money. The book smiles it's way to funny and is very fast read. It definitely pushes reality and you don't want to ignore the chapter title as they expand the humor. What's funny about "Overutilization of Labor Compounded by Unpredicted Capital Growth" you may say. In conjunction with the chapter, it's funny! The humor is often in the enormous understatements: Un-named narrator's parents say: " 'It's nice that you've found a way to make some spare change, . .But aren't you working too hard?' I'd jammed my hands in my pockets, pockets that were crammed with, at that moment, something like three hundred and thirty dollars, and said, 'I like the work. It's good to be out in the fresh air' My parents are big on me spending time in the fresh air, for some reason." This books is good for what it is: A big smile and a few giggles. (less)
The story of 14 year old Lily who goes to find the origin of the picture of the Black Mary. She ends up living with women who harvest honey. This book...moreThe story of 14 year old Lily who goes to find the origin of the picture of the Black Mary. She ends up living with women who harvest honey. This books is funny, poignant and full of spunk and sisterhood. The secret to a sweet life is found by Lily as she courageously lives the truths she discovers. This book buzzes with genuine honesty. Character and story are believable,readable and quotable.(less)
Emma-Jean is a 7th grader who has recently lost her father and lives with her mother. She was raised in a loving home, but resides on the fringes of m...moreEmma-Jean is a 7th grader who has recently lost her father and lives with her mother. She was raised in a loving home, but resides on the fringes of middle school social life. She regards her classmates as friends, but participate in their lives only as an observer. She is very bright and logical and maybe autistic. She is never labeled in the book (part of the charm). As one of her friends enters the girls' restroom in tears, Emma-Jean decides she has the ability to help her. Her attempt meets with success, and Emma-Jean branches out. Obilvious to social cues, she ends up in "messy" situation (messy in NOT in Emma-Jean's comfort zone). A totally charming book worthy of 5 stars, but I only gave it 4 because I am not sure it will work cross gender. But it is a book that has a chance to work cross gender, even though it is mostly about females. Appropriate for 5th grade up, perhaps a precocious 4th grader.(less)
Dashti is a 14 year old orphan girl, raised as a mucker (a mucker is a healer that uses songs to heal and sooth the ailing) who is taught to read and...moreDashti is a 14 year old orphan girl, raised as a mucker (a mucker is a healer that uses songs to heal and sooth the ailing) who is taught to read and write. This makes her suitable to serve the gentry. Saren is a "princess" who is commanded by her father to marry an evil Khan who is threat to all the nearby kingdoms. Saren refuses to marry this Khan and her father locks her up in a tower for 7 years hoping that she will relent. She doesn't, but her new maid Dashti agrees to be locked in the tower with her. The punishment sticks, and Dashti records the events that follow in her journal. The journal is the book that we read. This book has romance, myth, legend, magic as well as some interesting twists. The book is well written - lyrical at times. I would judge this book as a chick book. I would recommend it for 6th grade up to 9th, even a precocious 5th grader. It would also be a good mother/daughter re-aloud for as young as 4th grade.(less)
This is a fun read and a well written book. The characters are all believable and the drawings are charming and expand the text appropriately. Junior...moreThis is a fun read and a well written book. The characters are all believable and the drawings are charming and expand the text appropriately. Junior is an Indian growing up on the Reservation and decides that his best option is to get off the reservation and get an education in the white school in the next town. This decision offends his best friend and their relationship is deeply wounded. Junior straddles both worlds, mourning losses (LOTS) and celebrating victories. I highly recommend this book. It does contain some graphic language regarding "self pleasuring" so may not be appropriate for some audiences. (less)
This book is about the civil war from a young southern girl's perspective. Generally a good book, but I found the author coming through in India's and...moreThis book is about the civil war from a young southern girl's perspective. Generally a good book, but I found the author coming through in India's and Emory's relationship. The book starts when India is 12 years old and seems to travel through time until India is 18 years old, but only in that India acts (speaks) older than her years she's lived in the book. Okay, war is suppose to grow you up fast, but not with incredible optimism and a desire for education. Appropriate for middle school readers on up.(less)
This books is narrated by death - such a fitting narrator for a war novel. Anything Zusak does is okay by me. He is an inventive writer in story line...moreThis books is narrated by death - such a fitting narrator for a war novel. Anything Zusak does is okay by me. He is an inventive writer in story line and also a beautiful writer. He is from "down under" and his writing has a different flavor- genius, I believe. It's a thick novel and no one I know has liked it as well as I have. It is heavy and a bit dark, but the light in the book is radiant. Sorry. I don't give much information because I love the way Zusak unfolds his story and for me the experience is the joy of his books.(less)
This book has charm. A poor orphan boy, over worked, under loved, brought up in a cruel orphanage where the proprietor sells his boys off and half sta...moreThis book has charm. A poor orphan boy, over worked, under loved, brought up in a cruel orphanage where the proprietor sells his boys off and half starves them to make money. A factory worker exploiting children, a loving Aunt and Uncle who take him to a coal town where more children are exploited and, eventually, a chance to join the circus. But it works. It's a first person narrative and you just love Billy. It was written to share information about child labor in the industrial age in America. Children's book 5th to 8th grade. (less)
". . . I had bragged without shame about my skills in every wine store in the city. I had wanted everyone to know that I was the finest thief since mo...more". . . I had bragged without shame about my skills in every wine store in the city. I had wanted everyone to know that I was the finest thief since mortal men were made, and I must have come close to accomplishing the goal. Huge crowds had gathered for my trial. Most of the guards in the prison had turned out to see me after my arrest,and I was endlessly chained to my bed when other prisoners were sometimes allowed the freedom and sunshine of the prison's courtyard." You will be amazed by Gen, the thief and narrator of the trilogy of which this book is the first. Yes, it opens in prison - so does he overstate his cleverness? This is a book that requires close reading. I used ellipses to avoid "As part of my plans for greatness" which will mean more to the reader as he journeys through all three volumes of this most incredible saga. But would you have caught that phrase as significant? You can "miss" things and still enjoy this adventure book, but if you catch them, put the pieces together, strip the characters down to their core motives, oh what a read. I love, love, love these books. They are beautifully woven and wear well as you think back and anticipate forward. (less)
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