This one would be a 3.5 for me. Most young readers will need a lot more historical context about the civil rights movement and integration in order toThis one would be a 3.5 for me. Most young readers will need a lot more historical context about the civil rights movement and integration in order to understand the social experiment of integration through busing being described here. I always enjoy this author's books and her willingness to tackle tough topics or explore parts of history that haven't been covered thoroughly in children's books. The story focuses on the academic year of 1971-1972 when Jamila, Josie, and Francesca are seventh graders. As part of the city's plans to integrate its public schools, the girls and several classmates are supposed to be bused from their Cedar Gardens neighborhood and predominantly-white school in Queens, New York all the way across the borough to a predominantly-black school. All three girls are from mixed-race families, which has brought them closer. They've never truly felt as though they fit in where they attend school, a point that might have benefited from further exploration, and hopeful that this will be a place where they will fit in. Although somewhat anxious about the move, they are determined to stick together and make it through the year. But Francesca parents decide that she must attend a private school, and Josie and Jamila have no classes together since Jamila is in a special program for advanced students while Josie hasn't made the cut. From the beginning, Jamila endures teasing and is singled out for harassment from some of the black girls since John, one of her black classmates, pays special attention to her. Jamila struggles to find her place and even gets in trouble a couple of times, horrifying her father because she has always been so compliant. During an outing with John and Darren, another classmate at her new school, Jamila is shocked to see the reactions of others to her friends as they are singled out as troublemakers simply because of the color of their skins. It isn't easy, but eventually, Jamila does figure out where she fits and takes on a leadership role. But the experiment ends when school closes for the summer, and Jamila will be returning to her neighborhood school. The book raises quite a few issues about the effectiveness of integration and busing and the challenges of expecting youngsters to shoulder the weight of these sorts of social changes, an idea explored further in the note from the author. I appreciated how all three girls were so very different with Francesca being more worldly and boy-crazy, and Josie much more conservative. The author hints at some of the troubles and name-calling experience by Francesca in her own new school, something that I would have liked to have explored a little more deeply. I'm sure the author had good reasons for not delving too far in that direction, but it might have made her experiences and those of the other girls more relevant if there had been more about those. Still, the book covers new territory and offers much food for thought and discussion. The title, of course, derives from those bus trips across town that lasted over an hour each way, but also seems to hint at the long, long, long ride to freedom and acceptance taken by many citizens of this nation....more
This one was a 3.5 for me, and because I dislike the long wait between books in a series, I saved it until I also had the other two books, thusThis one was a 3.5 for me, and because I dislike the long wait between books in a series, I saved it until I also had the other two books, thus allowing me to become immersed in the world the author has created. I'm honestly surprised that so many reviewers compared this to Mulan or saw it as a retelling of her story. Yes, Sage Fowler, the protagonist, becomes a warrior of sorts but more a spy than anything else so I'd suggest that those that didn't enjoy the book because of that reason or because of the Mean Girls part of the story look a bit deeper. There is much more to it than that. And honestly, Sage is so comfortable in her own skin, why would she be bothered by the rude remarks made by some of the women who are about to be matched with their life mates? She knows her strengths and her weaknesses, and she also recognizes that in this society, her social class is considered inferior by others. I liked how she tries (briefly) to fit the mold in order to attend the Concordium but then ends up becoming a spy for the matchmaker. There are several plot twists that kept me reading and interested in the book as well as a few bodice-heaving scenes between Safe and Alex Quinn, captain of the regiment that is tasked with escorting the women to their destination, that steamed up the room while I was reading. It was satisfying to have a heroine who was not particularly interested in her appearance or her clothing and was angry when she learned how she had been deceived. While it baffled my mind that she somehow was able to figure out military strategy when those around her couldn't, I still liked her and wanted her to have a happy ever after ending, whether it be alone or with her beloved. The world building in this one wasn't as strong as it might have been, but I'm hoping that will be remedied in the next two books. And while the romance was predictable, especially in its swiftness, yearning, and all-consuming passion, Sage is still a strong role model and one who wants to live life on her own terms, no matter the cost. And that cost is something to consider. ...more
I can recall my mother telling me about the Dionne quintuplets and reading magazine articles about those five girls who looked so much alike so I wasI can recall my mother telling me about the Dionne quintuplets and reading magazine articles about those five girls who looked so much alike so I was thrilled when this book came my way. The title describes the book's contents perfectly as this birth and their survival was something of a miracle, and yes, the lives they led seemed tragic, all the more because they were victims of those who took advantage of them, including the Canadian government. When they were born on May 28, 1934, Yvonne, Annette, Cécile, Émilie, and Marie Dionne weighed a little more than 13 pounds. They were no expected to live, but live they did, and the whole world was captured by their very existence. Because they were so fragile, they owed their very survival to the help of those who would later be accused of exploiting them. Sadly, the Canadian government took custody of the five babies and maintained a nursery separated from their parents' home, where they lived with nurses for the first nine years of their lives. Both parents were confused by this decision and all the attention the five girls received with crowds of well-wishers flocking to the family farm in Callander, Ontario, to see them. The author does an excellent job of presenting various sides to the argument that the quints were better off being reared in isolation, ever mindful of the toll this took on their parents and on the girls themselves. It would seem clear that their uniqueness and fame saved them but also doomed them in some ways. Small wonder that when they finally could live with their parents, things were quite awkward. Eventually, the girls took small but important steps toward their own independence. But even as they ventured out into the world, trying to chart their own paths, they had to contend with their fame and with the realization that much of the money that had been held in trust for them had been squandered. The bond among the five sisters remained strong even after first one and then another one died, and there are even allegations of molestation or at the very least inappropriate actions on the part of their father that are described here. These are denied by other members of the family. While the general public thought all was perfect in their world, as it turns out, theirs was no fairy tale with a happily ever after ending, but instead, the account of the toll taken by living in a fishbowl and having one's formative years watched by the world. I found this story riveting and couldn't help but think about how much further psychological damage might have been done to the girls had they been born in 2019. It's safe to say that they would have broken the Internet. There are several black and white photographs and source notes and an index for those who want to learn more. There were a few times when the author included a quote from one of the sisters in the narrative without attributing it that needed clarification, but other than that, the book served its purpose well in telling the rest of the story of these famous girls. A couple of reviewers have expressed concern that this one isn't for a YA audience. I disagree and consider it a good choice for someone in eleventh grade or older. Readers will surely question just about every decision made concerning these quintuplets and wonder what might have been or should have been. ...more
When Emeline's little brother Dale breaks her village's rules about crossing the water and going near the woods while playing with his friends, sheWhen Emeline's little brother Dale breaks her village's rules about crossing the water and going near the woods while playing with his friends, she saves him but discovers her own previously unknown powers. The village elders of Equane insist that Emeline and her father must go to the capital to report on their suspicions that there are powerful creatures called ithin threatening their homes. Emeline has never been very far from the village, and she has no idea how attractive and powerful she actually is. Once the travelers reach their destination, they find that the kingdom is in turmoil with two factions pulling at the king. While Emeline waits to be called to give her report, she finds herself falling in love with Sir Reese, one of the lash knights who have accompanied them for part of their journey. I enjoyed the refreshing innocence of Emeline and the antics of her brother and his friend and felt sorry for those who judged these villagers so harshly, based solely on their appearance. I really enjoyed the story up until the conclusion when things that I considered to be unlikely started to happen. Still, many fantasy fans will enjoy this one as they watch Emeline be drawn increasingly to using her own magic. ...more
This is definitely not the Disney version of the Mulan story, and I enjoyed it quite a lot. Hua Mulan has been reared as a boy after the death of herThis is definitely not the Disney version of the Mulan story, and I enjoyed it quite a lot. Hua Mulan has been reared as a boy after the death of her brother, and she is expected to fight a duel at a certain point in her life in order to regain possession of a special sword, Sky Blade. Her family has one (Heart Sea), and another family owns the other one. She had fought unofficial duels with a young man as part of her training, but the real battle lies ahead. But before that can take place, Mulan is conscripted as part of the military effort against the Rouran forces who are threatening the country to the north. She's not particularly interested in going, but she has no choice. From the beginning, she proves herself to be adept and catches the eye of Yuan Kai, the princeling. Although she has suspected that he was the person she had been dueling with and the one she would need to defeat later on, she isn't sure that he realizes her identity but most importantly, that she's a female. This adds to the book's intrigue what with all sorts of sexual tension and romantic chemistry amid various battle scenes and trickery. I ended up enjoying this retelling very much although there are plenty of twists and turns that were introduced in odd ways. I wish there had been a little bit more to the story's wrap-up since I was sad to see the book come to an end and leave these characters. It's clear that author Sherry Thomas did her homework in creating this character and placing her in a particular time and place. ...more
While her school is on its break, sixteen-year-old Maisie Martin spends the holiday at the beach with her best friend Anna and her mother. The familyWhile her school is on its break, sixteen-year-old Maisie Martin spends the holiday at the beach with her best friend Anna and her mother. The family always gets together with the Lees, old family friends, but this time things are a bit awkward since Maisie's father is missing in action due to his work load, and her mother seems reluctant to speak with him when he calls from work. Anna is recovering from a breakup with her most recent boyfriend, and Maisie hopes that this might be the time when her crush on Sebastian Lee. But Sebastian and Anna quickly connect romantically, leaving Maisie to deal with his annoying best friend, Beamer. Maisie decides to enter the local beauty pageant, won by her sister Eva a few years ago, but she knows that doing so won't be easy since she considers herself fat. Obviously, there is quite a bit of drama in this book, originally published in Australia, and there are some predictable elements concerning Beamer and the pageant, but I really enjoyed Maisie's voice and the message of body positivity found in the book's pages. Having Maisie look in the mirror and realize that there is more to her than her size and weight and that she can list several things she likes about herself was a strong message for teens today. There are short passages in which she bemoans her own mother's denial of a slice of chocolate cake and how some of the other pageant participants made fun of her that will leave readers feeling the sting of judgment. Learning to accept and love ourselves in an often-harshly critical world is not very easy, but as Maisie shows, it is ever so important. After all, we are so much more than the number on the bathroom scale and beauty comes in many different forms. Why should the large-sized individuals among us not wear a bikini or bathing suit on the beach or participate fully in life? Interestingly, the author chooses never to reveal what Maisie actually weighs. Fans of Dirty Dancing will get a kick out of all the references to that film classic as will those who love action films enjoy the competition between Beamer and Maisie over action heroes. ...more
This one is a 3.5 for me, and I give kudos to the author for blending Greek mythology with modern conceits such as reality programming and socialThis one is a 3.5 for me, and I give kudos to the author for blending Greek mythology with modern conceits such as reality programming and social media. And yeah, you have to love that cover too, which is positively brilliant. The entire royal family in Crete is involved in efforts to get high ratings from programming, and they're all involved in some way with The Labyrinth Contest. The plot centers around sixteen-year-old Ariadne, whose job is to lead the contestants to the maze where each one must face various challenges on their way to finding and fighting the ferocious minotaur. She has another job, which involves soothing the minotaur when he is troubled. When Ariadne's father decides to take advantage of the arrival of Theseus, the prince of Athens, things start getting messy since she feels an attraction for him. Even though she wants to help him and cannot bear the thought of Theseus dying like all the other competitors have over the past decade, she also knows that to help him would mean betraying her father and her brother. Her dilemma is resolved, though, once she learns the truth about the gods her father claims to follow and their instructions. In many ways, this book is an indictment of how we live our lives today and find entertainment in the suffering of others, but it's also a tale of loyalty and sibling love. The author sticks close to the original Greek myths but fleshes out the characters so that readers may end up despising them. I was especially disappointed in the king, who went from being a strong supporter of his daughter and her "Daddy" to her "father" and a man she could no longer respect. The way she learns the truth about all his machinations was handled in a clumsy fashion, and I found the ending a bit abrupt after all the build-up to the maze scenes, and I wondered what might happen next. Perhaps the author will return to this material again. Like her, I have always been intrigued by the Greek gods and goddesses, and this one allowed me to rack my brains to remember more about them. ...more
Ten-year-old Rose Lovell is content with her life on the family farm with her grandmother. What starts as a fairly innocuous school project--a familyTen-year-old Rose Lovell is content with her life on the family farm with her grandmother. What starts as a fairly innocuous school project--a family tree--ends up becoming much more complicated once Rose's mother, Iris, arrives for a visit. Rose overhears a conversation between Iris and her grandmother, and she realizes that she hasn't been told the whole truth about her family. When she runs away, hiding in the back of Iris's car, and realizes that Iris has another child, Rose decides that it's up to her to take care of her sister, even at the expense of her own well being. The author alternates chapters focused on Rose and modern times with chapters from her female predecessors, each of whom faced challenges of her own. The author deftly describes the bonds that bind us even when we are different from the rest of our family while also unearthing family secrets that have remained in the dark for decades. I appreciated the lovely descriptions of the joys of rural life, complete with a calf named Peanutbutter, Rose's earnestness, and the mental health issues that plague various members of the family and lead to certain choices. Watching Rose fall in love with Lily, the sister she never knew she had, and seeing her mother and grandmother try to bind up old wounds was both a delight and heart-wrenching because those moments rang so true. While this story might not be very everyone, it is well told and worth reading and might serve as a reminder to youngsters that their ancestors had lives and stories of their own, the effects of which may ripple down into the next generation and the next. The author has chosen to tell only the stories of the women in one family. While it might have been interesting to hear what some of those men thought and experienced, this decision is effective and allows readers to focus on a long line of women....more
This one was a 3.5 for me, and oh, how I wish books like this had existed when I was growing up. Even for those of us who are far past our teens, theThis one was a 3.5 for me, and oh, how I wish books like this had existed when I was growing up. Even for those of us who are far past our teens, the various entries are empowering and tout the value of body positivity and embracing ourselves as we are. How much is this book needed? Well, I need only refer to the reaction of my undergraduate preservice teachers this morning when I was sharing a bit about the book and positioning it among some of the other civil rights movements from the 1960s. As soon as I mentioned the title and used the word "FAT," several students winced, looked at each other or looked uncomfortable or giggled. And these reactions right after a series of lessons on empathy. Their reactions prove many of the assertions by the book's contributors that many of us seem tolerate and accepting of others--except when they are fat. The book's contents range from poetry to personal anecdotes and essays and even artwork and style tips, more than 30 in all, and all created by middle grade and YA authors or bloggers or thinkers who also happen to be fat. The voices represented here are as diverse as their contributions and experiences, and while many have had similar experiences, each one's journey to acceptance has been unique. There is inspiration, there is joy, and there is community offered in the lively pages of this book. Like the other F word-feminism--it's high time we reclaim that word--fat--and remove all the negatives associated with it. I loved how the authors all urge readers to love and trust themselves and not allow others to put them down, and how the photographs of the contributors celebrate them living life largely and not squeezing themselves into a small space to fit others' expectations. This book was long overdue and sure to help many struggling teens embrace themselves as they are, not as others might want them to be. ...more
While it's true, as another reviewer noted, that the two brothers at the heart of this story make some bad decisions, it's also easy to see why. It'sWhile it's true, as another reviewer noted, that the two brothers at the heart of this story make some bad decisions, it's also easy to see why. It's easy to demonize others when you don't know them or their full story, and in this book, adapted for young adults from the original work, the author puts the immigration situation in context. Relating the journey of twin siblings, Ernesto and Raul Flores, from their home in a small town in El Salvador to the United States in 2013, she describes the increasing gang violence that prompted Ernesto to flee his home, followed by his brother, who feared being mistaken for Ernesto. The Flores family fully supported their leaving, going into debt to pay for the trip, and facing compounded interest as the debt remained unpaid. Both boys face various sorts of danger on the journey as well as challenges once they reach the United States and are reunited with their older brother Wilber. Not only language issues, legal challenges, low-paying jobs, and crowded living situations exacerbate the anxiety and guilt both brothers feel. As the political landscape turns increasingly hostile to immigrants, the brothers feel the distance between where they are living in a tenuous fashion in Oakland, California, and their family back home in La Colonia. Books like this are important because they put a human face on the immigration issue, and the two teens' experiences are surely similar to those of many others who have been drawn to this country in search of the American Dream, a concept that seems beyond the reach of many. I was struck by the corruption of some of the law enforcement agents described here as well as just how costly--in many ways--it can be to try to cross the border. Policymakers and political pundits would do well to read this book and consider how others profit from the nation's immigration policies. Troubling and eye-opening in many ways, this one should be mandatory reading for anyone interested in this topic. I only wish there had been an update so that readers could know what's happening with the brothers now. ...more
Fans of the author's earlier Finding Langston will surely want to read this companion novel. In it, readers will learn more about Lyman Caldwell,Fans of the author's earlier Finding Langston will surely want to read this companion novel. In it, readers will learn more about Lyman Caldwell, whose brief appearance in the previous book results in a pivotal scene for its protagonist, Langston, the boy he dismissively calls Country Boy. As it turns out, the two boys have quite a lot in common although they never realize it. Lyman himself is from the country, born and reared in rural Vicksburg, Mississippi. The book opens in 1938 when Lyman and his paternal grandparents visit his father at Parchman Farm, a prison where the inmates are hired out to labor for the state. It follows Lyman as he grows up loving music, taught how to play guitar by his grandfather. But in many ways the South is a hard place for anyone with black skin to live because of the Jim Crow laws. Lyman's world falls apart when his grandfather dies, and he and his grandmother are forced to move north to Milwaukee where his aunt Vera lives. He misses his hometown and his father, who seems to come in and out of his life, following his dream of a career in music. When his grandmother is hospitalized, he stays briefly with his aunt, but then is taken to Chicago by his mother where he is verbally and physically abused by her husband, Robert, while she remains silent. When he takes money meant for his care from Robert, he ends up arrested and in deep trouble before finally going back home to Milwaukee in 1947. There are some cold-hearted individuals out there who would declare that a bully can never be redeemed and that some folks are just born bad. I'm not one of those. This book serves as a vivid reminder that there is a story behind every bully and a reason for that bully to behave as he/she does. It's safe to say that the author has created an unforgettable character in Lymon, skillfully changing readers' perspective on him. Just as Gary D. Schmidt did with Okay for Now, returning to a secondary character and changing readers' minds about that character, Lesa Cline-Ransome, and offering hope and redemption for him. I was impressed with every line in this story, and my heart hurt for Lyman as he struggled with school, finding his place and his own emotions even while hoping that maybe, just maybe, music could save him. And I simply adored Mr. Eugene and hope that every boy like Lyman could have someone like him in their lives. ...more
There are plenty of folks out here who will recognize themselves in Gladys, the twelve-year-old protagonist in this book. Glad has become known as aThere are plenty of folks out here who will recognize themselves in Gladys, the twelve-year-old protagonist in this book. Glad has become known as a fixer in her middle grade class, someone who can come up with solutions to tricky problems or a way to avoid facing the consequences of one's actions. Glad is happy to help out her classmates, hoping that the favors she does will end up resulting in friendships. But that doesn't seem to happen. Even at home her older sister, Mabey, expects her to cover for her. When she learns that her mother is coming for a visit, Glad decides that her father is due for a makeover so that her parents will realize how perfect they are for each other. But all this fixing is taking a toll on Glad, and she buckles under the pressure, especially when she realizes that Sophie Nelson, a classmate with a tendency to take things, has been using her. I appreciated how messy Glad's life becomes even though she has good intentions and how she comes to realize that some folks have very good reasons for needing a situation fixed. In the end, though, Glad needs to fix herself and leave everyone else to their own devices. The author handles deftly some tough topics such as imperfect parents who often say one thing and do another, making it hard for their children to trust them. Many middle graders will enjoy this book and find a path to self-acceptance and a suggestion to leave well enough alone through its pages. ...more
There's no doubt that the world is filled with monsters, some of whom come in human form. But in this book the monsters are loose in the world, andThere's no doubt that the world is filled with monsters, some of whom come in human form. But in this book the monsters are loose in the world, and someone needs to protect average citizens from them. Seventh graders Tommy Wainwright, Colleen (Spike) Hernandez, and Karim Khalil are friends, and they decide to put their monster-hunting skills to the test by hiring out as Independent Adventure Contractors through a new app. They quickly learn that they've bitten off more than they can chew, and that there's something fishy about the increasing number of monsters on the lam. It's a toss-up as to whether they have more to fear from the monsters or their employers. The story is told from alternating points of view of the three friends, each of whom has personal demons to fight as well as those they encounter. Karim and Spike have issues with their respective fathers for very different reasons, while Tommy is constantly trying to bulk up through the use of Brotein shakes and bars as the company's slogans play in his head. There are even sections giving information about each monster to add to the fun of reading this book. While some of the characters' problems are typical for seventh graders, others are a little more complex. But I'm betting this book will garner enough interest that there will be a follow-up. After all, there are still plenty of monsters out there that need to be caught....more
This one is a 3.5 for me. Like the other fans of this series, I am enthralled by detective Jackson Brodie, especially by how he reflects on life andThis one is a 3.5 for me. Like the other fans of this series, I am enthralled by detective Jackson Brodie, especially by how he reflects on life and his own aging and increasing irrelevance. But oh, how I wish Kate Atkinson had returned to him earlier. I wanted to see what he'd been up to since the last book and what happened to his dog, The General. There's little mention of that dog, and despite my hopes that he'd finally follow his heart to Superintendent Louise Monroe who featured in a couple of previous books. But alas, that was not to be. Instead, nine years have passed, and Jackson is living a quiet life, trying to build a relationship with his son Nathan, 13, and preparing for his daughter's wedding. While collecting evidence of the unfaithfulness of a client's husband, he happens upon a man who is on the verge of committing suicide and is somehow sucked into following leads to a human trafficking ring. As is the case with the other books in this series, at first it seems as though there are several unrelated story lines and Jackson is often at the right place at the wrong time or the wrong place at the right time, and he gets into some pretty messes. He has his own sense of justice, and readers will feel as though the resemblance between this story and some of the recent headlines about young girls being groomed to serve wealthy men are startling. Parts of the story made me incredibly sad and world-weary while others made me smile. I enjoyed how Julia always seemed to be speaking in Jackson's head, but the end of the case he's been following came rather abruptly for me. I'm not sure if the author is finished with this protagonist, but I'm certainly not. ...more
When I first started reading this book by the only daughter of baseball great Jackie Robinson, I was uncertain about how the story would play out.When I first started reading this book by the only daughter of baseball great Jackie Robinson, I was uncertain about how the story would play out. After all, it starts with Sharon on the verge of turning 13 and concerned with a school dance and her horse Diamond. How would any of that play into the civil rights movement topic promised by the book title. I need not have fretted since the author's personal stories and recollections of growing up in Connecticut and being awakened to the political movements around her quickly swept me up and encouraged me to race through the book's pages. Once again, I was reminded that the personal and political are impossible to separate as young Sharon struggles with being one of the few black students at her school and becoming increasingly certain that her male classmates won't ask her to dance. As is the case for most youngsters, Sharon was only vaguely aware of her father's involvement in the civil rights movement, but during the pivotal year of 1963 when the story takes place and she turns 13, her consciousness is raised, and she feels drawn to take action to make a difference. The entire Robinson family marches in the March on Washington and raises money for the movement through jazz concerts held on their property. It is clear that this was a family interested in its legacy and that her father used his fame to good purposes. Sharon, her older brother Jackie, and younger brother David had the unconditional love of both parents, and her mother especially nurtured a love for art and music. There are moments in this book that will make young readers slightly envious since Sharon met many famous individuals, including Stevie Wonder and Martin Luther King, Jr., but there are also passages that speak to the pressures of being the child of someone famous, especially for her brother Jackie. Amid all the involvement in changing the world and dreaming of a brighter, fairer future, the author describes her worries about her looks, boys, and fitting in. I finished the book quite impressed with Sharon Robinson and her family and honored that she shared this very personal glimpse into her life with me and other readers. She even includes songs and dances that were popular during that time, adding an important note of authenticity by doing so. Readers will also love the photographs that have been included in the book. I won't be the only one that hopes she continues to chronicle later years in her life. After all, it's important to understand how to nurture a social activist. ...more
First of all, I love the names used in this book--Nottingham Elementary for the school and Robin Loxley for the protagonist. Those conjure up imagesFirst of all, I love the names used in this book--Nottingham Elementary for the school and Robin Loxley for the protagonist. Those conjure up images of Robin Hood and Sherwood Forest in my mind, aided by the illustrations and text depicting Robin in her ever-present green hoodie. Robin has started fifth grade with a lot of worries. She's somehow offended her best friend, Mary Ann, and hopes to give her the best birthday present of all, courtesy of her Bonus Bucks. But when she and her new friend, LJ, threaten the power of class bully Nadia, who lords over everyone on the playground and charges a tax to use the equipment, trouble begins to brew. Before she knows it, Robin is in outlaw mode, stealing Nadia's ill-gotten gains and leading a revolt. Things go from bad to worse when she and the assistant principal don't see eye to eye on certain matters. It's a good thing Robin still has a couple of friends and some pretty mad basketball skills. Readers shouldn't be worried about the size of the book. The font is large, and the action is plentiful as Robin reports on her efforts to achieve her goals and win back the heart of her friend. Many fourth and fifth grade readers will easily relate to her situation....more
This one is a 3.5 for me, and I was delighted to see the pairing of these two talented individuals, covering a familiar experience but in anThis one is a 3.5 for me, and I was delighted to see the pairing of these two talented individuals, covering a familiar experience but in an unexpected place and way. Josiah (Josie) and Deja have worked as seasonal laborers at the local pumpkin patch for years. They seem to have a terrific relationship in which they can tease each other but also have each other's backs. But apparently, they don't really socialize when the pumpkin season ends. On this, their last shift, Josie mourns the many lost opportunities never realized to begin a romance with a girl who works at the fudge display at the fair. Both teens will be moving on to college and other places, and Deja mounts a campaign to have Josie meet Marcy, the girl of his dreams. He agrees reluctantly to approach Deja, and the two friends travel all over the venue, noshing on various snacks and just missing Marcy as she seems to be moving from one job to the next. Along the way, Deja has some brief encounters with her own various romantic partners as well as an annoying thief. It will be quite clear to readers that there are sparks between these two friends, and they'll be delighted when Josie finally realizes that the object of his affections isn't quite what he thought she was. Although I knew how it would all turn out, I still loved the journey and the fact that Deja is charming in every way. The artist's decision to draw her as a full-bodied woman and one who had romantic entanglements with males and females delighted me as well. This sweet story exploring the possibilities that often lie right in front of us was aided by the colorful illustrations. Still, I couldn't help wondering why Josie and Deja hadn't continue their friendship during the rest of the year in the past. ...more
With its focus on football and family, this relatable YA novel will attract quite a few readers who often feel that their lives and experiences areWith its focus on football and family, this relatable YA novel will attract quite a few readers who often feel that their lives and experiences are missing from most of the books that are published. The narrator, Wyatt Parker, has a distinctive voice, notable for its self-deprecation and lack of self-awareness, and even readers who aren't interested in books in which sports feature strongly will enjoy the book and root for Wyatt to find his place in the world. Wyatt's the younger brother of star quarterback Brett, expected to lead his high school team to greatness. The boys seem to have little to do with each other, peacefully coexisting in a house where their father slides further into his alcoholism and dreams of glory through Brett's accomplishments. Wyatt lacks the competition instinct his brother has, and although he'd love to be able to follow in Brett's footsteps, he is ungainly and overweight, which embarrasses him. Still, Wyatt tries hard and does make the Grayport football team. But he faces a tough dilemma when Brett is injured and suffers a brain injury but plans to continue to play the sport. Wyatt knows that to do so will endanger Brett's health, but the town and his father are depending on him. A football scholarship seems to be his only way out of the abusive family setting. To add to all this, red tide is killing all the fish and marine life, on which the town's citizens are dependent for a living. Although the ending is too good to be true and seemed a bit rushed to my taste, there are passages describing the Parkers' refrigerator, empty except for beer cans, and how the brothers subsist on jello and meals at soup kitchens and neighbors' houses that strike just the right note and make readers' own bellies ache with emptiness. While this isn't a perfect book, it covers some unfamiliar territory quite well. One of the most touching scenes concerns Wyatt's mother's inability to afford the more expensive and more flattering suit he tries on while shopping for the first suit he's ever even worn. ...more
I would give this one a 3.5. I liked it, and I see it as covering topics not usually covered in books for young readers. This graphic novel may helpI would give this one a 3.5. I liked it, and I see it as covering topics not usually covered in books for young readers. This graphic novel may help many youngsters deal with their own anxiety and fears and see those as normal and nothing to hide or be ashamed of. As she has done with her other books, Raina Telgemeier mines her own life and growing up experiences for this story. When she feels ill one night and has to throw up, just like her mother, Raina hates the idea of vomiting. Both of them have a stomach bug. But once she goes back to school, she begins increasingly anxious about speaking in front of the class, dealing with cruel classmates' jokes, and her confusion over her math class. As she becomes increasingly anxious about germs and food and is dealing with crowded conditions at home once her grandmother moves in, Raina finds it hard to eat and obsesses about her bodily functions. Her parents take her to a therapist, who patiently listens and probes in order to get at the root of her problems. Many readers will be able to relate to her concerns about life at home and at school and her worries about losing the one close friend she has. As those of us who were late bloomers will recall, she even worries because everyone else seems to be going through puberty, but she has not. The final portion of the book in which she finally faces her demons, successfully completes a presentation on the connection between the mind and the body, and shares her deepest secrets with friends at a slumber party offers encouragement and reassurance for youngsters dealing with the same challenges as Raina. ...more
As often happens, five youngsters who were inseparable during preschool have drifted apart over the years, so much so that they barely even recognizeAs often happens, five youngsters who were inseparable during preschool have drifted apart over the years, so much so that they barely even recognize each other even though their parents remain good friends. On a vacation trip to Anguilla right before the senior year of their offspring, all of the parents but Dayana's die in a plane crash. Hers missed that fate when her father doesn't have a valid passport. The crash and deaths bring the former friends back together again, but as some of the draw closer, they also begin to learn about their own individual secrets and even some of the secrets their parents were keeping. Teen readers will find someone with whom to relate as they read about Josie, Jack, Harrison, Archie, and Dayana and the many ways they have tried to cope over the years. It might have been interesting to delve more deeply into what drove them apart other than inertia and life changes, but it also interesting to realize that none of these adolescents are what others think they are. For instance, the charmed life led by siblings Josie and Jack belies her betrayal by a trusted mentor and her twin's guilt at not being able to save her from that betrayal and how neither one wanted to disappoint their parents. This book covers some emotional territory and many different issues even while revealing the magical thinking many of us may revert to when tragedy strikes as we look for evidence of conspiracy or a plot when all along, it may turn out to be a simple human error or the failure of small piece of equipment. ...more
This series is growing on me, and I can see the appeal of protagonist Jackson Brodie with all his imperfections yet his essential goodness. Not onlyThis series is growing on me, and I can see the appeal of protagonist Jackson Brodie with all his imperfections yet his essential goodness. Not only does Jackson have good detective skills when it comes to crimes and mysteries, but he is less than stellar when it comes to other issues, and readers will feel sorry for his inability to follow the clues in his own life. In this second book in the series, Jackson is Edinburgh, Scotland with his actress girlfriend Julia. She's in a play, and Jackson is left to his own devices. This means he happens to be at the wrong place at the right time in certain situations. The book starts off with a case of road rage, and then the author introduces various characters and events that seem to have no connection whatsoever. For instance, a mild-mannered writer befriends the victim of a road rage assault only to find himself victimized. The wife of a shady property developer learns of her husband's betrayal in a shocking way. Jackson happens upon the body of a woman in the sea, but is unable to bring her body to shore. Julia starts behaving in odd ways. A police officer realizes that she loves her cat Jellybean more than her son Archie. All of these seemingly-unrelated events are neatly tied together in the end in a satisfying fashion. I loved the ending, especially that last page, and am eager to read more of this series. ...more
This one was a 3.5 for me, reminding me that I would never have wanted to live during the Victorian era. Set in 1861 England, this historical romanceThis one was a 3.5 for me, reminding me that I would never have wanted to live during the Victorian era. Set in 1861 England, this historical romance follows the adventures of Lucinda Leavitt as she tries to live life to its fullest despite all the restrictions placed on women in those times. Having recently arrived back home in London after four years at finishing school, Lucinda is eager for some freedom and independence, but her father quickly hires a chaperone to make sure she behaves properly. Although she has a head for math and figures, her father doesn't want her to be involved in the business. When Lucinda realizes that her favorite author has died without finishing the book that has been serialized for several weeks, she is desperate to know what happens to its protagonist, Eurydice Emerson, and which suitor she chooses. She ends up enlisting the help of her childhood friend and her father's business partner, David Randall, and they try to find out more about the author and whether she left notes or papers that hint at what might happen next in the book. Teen readers who have a taste for romance amid historical details and a repressive class system will enjoy this one and be quite impressed with the author's careful exploration of the times, the topic, and the role of women at that point in history. So many details about the clothing and cultural mores made me feel as though I were living during this particular period. I loved Lucinda and David, and found her American friend, Persephone, refreshing, if also a convenient device for part of the plot. I was thoroughly entertained by this debut novel. ...more
Seventeen-year-old Rose Montgomery is on the run from the secrets of her past. To protect her younger brother Charlie and to find a fresh start, sheSeventeen-year-old Rose Montgomery is on the run from the secrets of her past. To protect her younger brother Charlie and to find a fresh start, she drives the family's trailer to Fort Glory, Oregon. Hardly have they settled in, than disaster strikes, and the area where Charlie and her mother are staying while she makes a trip to town, disappears. Rose is determined to get back to her family, and as she tests her limits, she encounters others who are just as determined. As it turns out, a hole into another dimension has been created by a scientific experimentation group, and a wormhole with a dark presence has been formed. This presence causes the town's citizens to behave in violent ways. As Rose works with Ian, Blaine, and Jeremy to find her brother and to stay alive, pressure continues to build. Some teen readers will love the futuristic possibilities of this book and its plot while rooting for Rose to find her brother. It is doubtful that there will be much surprise once they learn her secrets and the monster(s) in the family's past. I was curious to know more about her missing father, though. The book held my interest until the last quarter, and then I just wanted Rose to find Charlie and wrap things up, probably because I knew how things would end. Charlie's unique abilities were never explained to my satisfaction, which detracted from my interest in the story. ...more
As her eleventh birthday approaches, ten-year-old Sabrina is desperate to reconcile her father with her older sister, Nadine, and is unable toAs her eleventh birthday approaches, ten-year-old Sabrina is desperate to reconcile her father with her older sister, Nadine, and is unable to understand what caused the relationship to fracture. Sabrina (Sab) is sure that she's going to die after a black butterfly lands on her necklace since her father once told her several stories about how that happened to others. She and her best friend Pepper try everything they can think of to get Nadine to agree to meet with her father, and they start spying on Nadine to see if they can figure out what's going on since Nadine is deeply invested in a journalism project and investigative story. While many readers will quickly realize what the secret is that has kept the father and daughter apart, others will not. Nevertheless, the author has boldly tackled many important issues here, including addiction, privilege, and the violence and crime that often plague large cities such as Manila. Just as others make assumptions about Sab, Sab also makes assumptions about others such as Kuya Jepoy, based simply on the way he looks and dresses. I appreciated the wonderful descriptions of foods and the setting as well as the way Sab's family seemed to accept each other, leaving Sab with four parent--her mother and Tito Ed, her boyfriend, and her father and his partner, Wendell. This story will make readers think and certainly touch their hearts. ...more
This one is a 3.5 for me. I don't know how I managed to miss this one, the first of the Jackson Brodie books, but based on comments from otherThis one is a 3.5 for me. I don't know how I managed to miss this one, the first of the Jackson Brodie books, but based on comments from other reviewers and fans of the author's work, I decided to remedy that and start reading them all in order. The organization of the book takes a little bit of getting used to since it begins with three different case histories of unsolved crimes before introducing Jackson Brodie, who is a private investigator trying to sort out what's going on. The cases seemingly have no connection to each other--or do they? Readers and fans of this sort of thing will enjoy trying to figure things out as Jackson deals with his failed marriage, women throwing themselves at him, and his own very messy personal life. Those who enjoy novels with imperfect protagonists will certainly enjoy this one and be curious to see what happens next in Jackson's life. If you don't like books with quite a lot of introspection on the part of the various characters or those in which characters seem to behave badly at times, then this one won't be for you. There are times when it's hard for readers to like Jackson at all because of his behavior and cavalier attitude toward others, including some of his clients. I'll be eager to read the next one in the series. ...more
Following up on the success of the previous novel, Slacker, featuring Cameron Boxer, who just might be the biggest slacker ever, this book shows thatFollowing up on the success of the previous novel, Slacker, featuring Cameron Boxer, who just might be the biggest slacker ever, this book shows that even slackers can learn to work hard if they are motivated. Cameron figures that he can play games online and attract a large paying audience, combining his need for fame with fortune and using his avocation to do so. The fact that Elvis, the beaver introduced in the previous book, loves watching him play those games is a bonus and makes his streaming of his antics appealing to his ever-growing audience. But when he finds a copy of an old video game that is now outlawed and it turns out to have a secret thirteenth level, the views for his streaming grow even more. Cameron plays the game in disguise, and because he has undeservedly earned the affection of his classmates for the club he started, his classmates start secretly sending him copies of homework assignments and notes. Suddenly, Cameron finds himself with the best grades in the class, and his classmates are feeling betrayed. There's a subplot involving one of his best friends, Chuck Kinsey, and his budding romance with the bossy, super-organized Daphne Leibowitz. He must keep Cam's secret doings from Daphne, which causes quite a lot of drama and skin-of-his-teeth moments. His loyal friend, Pavel Dysan, is also concerned that Cameron seems no longer to have any time for his friends. Readers will certainly get caught up in all the excitement, and love how the story ends. Gordon Korman has certainly not lost his touch here. ...more
This one is a 3.5 for me. Eleven-year-old Makeda June Kirkland (Keda) has just moved from Baltimore to Albuquerque with her parents and sister Eve.This one is a 3.5 for me. Eleven-year-old Makeda June Kirkland (Keda) has just moved from Baltimore to Albuquerque with her parents and sister Eve. Keda is particularly troubled by having to leave behind her best friend, Lena, who shares some of her own experiences, but they arrange to pass a notebook with their thoughts back and forth through the mail. Her father is a talented musician who often travels for his job while her mother holds down the home front. Her mother is also a musician, but she no longer seems interested in playing. In fact, as the plot unfolds, it becomes increasingly clear that the woman has bipolar disorder since she's given to extravagant plans and shopping expeditions. All of this comes to a head while the father is in Korea and the mother impulsively takes the girls to Colorado to stay in a cabin. As if this weren't challenging enough, Keda is African-American, and her adoptive parents are white. Keda loves her parents and knows that they mean well, but she also realizes that her mother can never really understand what it's like to be a black girl growing up in today's society. While Eve seems to settle in well at their new school, Keda attracts the ire of one of her sixth grade classmates, who even uses the n-word to describe her. When school authorities do nothing about this, Keda's mother pulls her daughters from the school and begins homeschooling them. It takes quite some time, but eventually Keda is able to share some of her feelings and frustrations with her family and find her own voice and identity. Her curiosity about her birth mother and what her life might have been like if she'd been reared in a family with others just like her permeates much of the book. Although there were some odd choices when it comes to punctuation and grammar in parts of this book, Keda's story is an important one because of its honesty, rarity, and relatable nature. It won't appeal to every reader, but it fills an important gap. I appreciated the variety of formats used here, including journal or notebook entries, music, and voices that only Keda can hear. There is quite a lot to unpack in the book's pages as Keda tries to figure out whom she is and where she fits in while dealing with her mother's increasingly erratic behavior. ...more
Sometimes it can be challenging when you're small and can't reach the things you want. Juniper is annoyed at her smallness since everything seems toSometimes it can be challenging when you're small and can't reach the things you want. Juniper is annoyed at her smallness since everything seems to be designed for adults and those who are larger. Determined not to let her size keep her down, she invents various creations that might help her out. Although they don't work, she's glad that she gave this a try. But at school, she realizes that size is relative, and she isn't all that small, after all. Particularly compared to Clove, she is pretty big. A weekend sleepover allows Juniper to see the advantages of her own size as Clove's house and bed are a bit too cramped for her. she returns home, satisfied with the way things are back there. While she hasn't grown physically, she has a new appreciation for her house. The text and illustrations use humor and humorous situations to get the message across. This picture book might be fun to share with little ones, especially those that feel a bit like Juniper at the start of this book. The images of a soggy Juniper climbing out of the toilet are so very funny. I like this author/illustrator's approach to storytelling. ...more
Life hasn't exactly been a picnic for Ked Eakins in Norton, Maine. Not only has he watched his friends leave him, one by one, due to their awarenessLife hasn't exactly been a picnic for Ked Eakins in Norton, Maine. Not only has he watched his friends leave him, one by one, due to their awareness of his physical differences, caused by kyphosis, a spinal abnormality that leaves him almost with a hunched back, but his mother has abandoned the family to move to Portland, Oregon, for a new life. To add insult to injury, Ked discovers that his father's gambling addiction is out of control, and they don't have the money for the current month's rent or last month's. As his father places all his bets on predicting when the ice will break, Ked comes up with his own money-making scheme. For a small investment and much labor, he buys a minibike that needs to be reconstructed, and plans to sell it. But the path to success is thwarted by his nemesis, Landrover Jones, who picks on him because of his back and just because he can. This is a huge problem since he needs to use the tools available in the school maker space. With the support of his teacher, Mr. Feig-a kind man who seems clueless as to how to deal with bullies--he stays after school to work on his project while another classmate, Esme, who seems to hate him for no good reason, does the same. The author provides many details on how Ked puts the engine and bike together, and how close he comes to succeeding. But when things don't work out, he comes up with a foolhardy plan and almost loses his life. Like so many youngsters out there, Ked is skating on thin ice. I loved the ending and the imperfections of all the characters. Even Ked, maybe especially Ked, realizes that his assumptions about his friends just might not be true, after all. Could it be that he's the one that's pushed them away? The author makes it clear just how desperate certain circumstances can make individuals, prompting them to behave in ways they never would have otherwise. ...more
I absolutely loved this fractured fairy tale from Jennifer Donnelly. My only regret is that I didn't have this book to read when I was growing up andI absolutely loved this fractured fairy tale from Jennifer Donnelly. My only regret is that I didn't have this book to read when I was growing up and falling in love with fairy tales. In this well-crafted version of Cinderella, the focus isn't on Cinderella, the beauty girl who charms the prince, but on her stepsister, Isabelle, and her other stepsister Octavia. Yes, you know, the ones--the "ugly" stepsisters who lopped off toes and a heel, respectively, in order to try to fit into Ella's glass slipper. Well, it seems that there's so much more to the story, which begins with that self-mutilation and then follows Isabelle as things go from bad to worse, and she loses almost everything. But Fate and Chance are involved in that journey, and it just might be that Isabelle can find herself and heal her heart along the way. Along the way, Isabelle comes to realize that she's allowed others to define her and to make her feel ugly and worthless and that she does have her own type of beauty. Although she and Tavi have, indeed, treated Ella horribly, she regrets her actions and wishes she hadn't lost her way and herself, something that often happens to girls in our society. Brimming with self-empowerment, redemption, and love as a strong feminist slant, this book completely shatters the traditional fairy tale trope and gives readers a protagonist who saves herself and finds her own happily ever after. Favorite lines suitable for a t-shirt or poster and definitely quotable: "I don't cut off toes anymore...I cut off heads" (p. 334). Filled with snark and humor as well as many powerful passages about violence and cruelty, this one just might change readers' minds about the damage done when labeling someone "pretty" or "ugly." Surely, oh, surely, there must be more to life than one's outer appearance. ...more
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