There is substantial research and deeply personally connected inspiration behind the story and the characters to make this not a work that is emotionaThere is substantial research and deeply personally connected inspiration behind the story and the characters to make this not a work that is emotionally exploitive because it almost reads like a Dickensian orphan novel... Which is to say that the author has crafted a well told tale with strong characters and beautiful line writing and also that the author centers the tale on characters from a marginalized group to which she is an outsider. Question is: when discussing it for the Newbery over at Heavy Medal in the future, should these be taken into consideration?...more
Super fun read. This seems to be most akin to the Percy Jackson and Magnus Chase books in tone, if not in scale. Perhaps more expanded world will occuSuper fun read. This seems to be most akin to the Percy Jackson and Magnus Chase books in tone, if not in scale. Perhaps more expanded world will occur in future installments....more
An allegorical story that would please many and irk plenty. I probably belong to the beating irked side. A SciFi/Fantasy lover, I want to know more abAn allegorical story that would please many and irk plenty. I probably belong to the beating irked side. A SciFi/Fantasy lover, I want to know more about the How and not just the What or Why Eventown works. When all the inventions and conditions seem to be just there to serve and deliver the Message, I feel the beloved genre is being used and cheapened. More thoughts to be shared on Heavy Medal in the fall....more
Some parts of the book is really hard to read because it makes the reader mighty uncomfortable: in a way necessary. Definitely an important topic to eSome parts of the book is really hard to read because it makes the reader mighty uncomfortable: in a way necessary. Definitely an important topic to explore: colorism in our society from all groups. This has been suggested by multiple Heavy Medal readers for the mock Newbery. Will discuss it in depth come fall....more
I feel very unclean, having read this book. I was let in on horrific family secrets and abuse that I did not sign up to witness. It feels exploitive mI feel very unclean, having read this book. I was let in on horrific family secrets and abuse that I did not sign up to witness. It feels exploitive more than revelatory or inspiring. Now I can't shake the images and emotions from my mind. Ugh...more
I can see why many people have applauded this tender story of grief and marine biology. The big villain is Fate and what It deals to somebody's plate.I can see why many people have applauded this tender story of grief and marine biology. The big villain is Fate and what It deals to somebody's plate. And that somebody is a 12-year-old girl living by the seaside. The landscape is vividly drawn and Lucy's interior landscape is equally convincing. Although I was really angry when the tragedy struck, thinking the author is using some cheap trick to get a reaction out of this reader, there are many moments that I feel cathartically moved to tears. And I'm fine with that. Definitely one to recommend to my students who want "a sad book" to read!...more
I read it. Still can't figure out why this has garnered so much love and attention. I read it. Still can't figure out why this has garnered so much love and attention. ...more
This verse memoir delivers punches, reflections, and vividly lived experiences of a 14-year-old African American student whose first year in the firstThis verse memoir delivers punches, reflections, and vividly lived experiences of a 14-year-old African American student whose first year in the first integrated Tennessee state high school could teach us so much - about the danger of hateful ideologies and how easily people could be swayed by carefully orchestrated propaganda based on discontent. ...more
No, this is not all positive and peachy. Yes, the protagonist might fit some people's stereotype of teens of color. It nonetheless tells a singular, iNo, this is not all positive and peachy. Yes, the protagonist might fit some people's stereotype of teens of color. It nonetheless tells a singular, important story that addresses issues without giving a definite, one-sided point of view. I found myself agreeing and disagreeing with multiple characters throughout the telling and really appreciate the back story, the current struggle, and the potential future of Bri!...more
The story has darker turns than I had anticipated before started reading and is made more enjoyable/stronger because of those tragic events. The magicThe story has darker turns than I had anticipated before started reading and is made more enjoyable/stronger because of those tragic events. The magic system pans out well and the character depths are promising. This is a catch-up to my students read -- been years since it became popular in my library and it still has strong appeal to many young ones!...more
I listened to this one - read by Michalle Obama herself with a conversational tone befitting the mood of the book. Nothing extraordinarily revelatory I listened to this one - read by Michalle Obama herself with a conversational tone befitting the mood of the book. Nothing extraordinarily revelatory but the book could potentially be inspiring to many readers -- and definitely showcases her long road to a meaningful success....more
Absolutely just right - it covers many issues without ever becoming overwhelming or confusing; the balance of varied perspectives (between mom & dad, Absolutely just right - it covers many issues without ever becoming overwhelming or confusing; the balance of varied perspectives (between mom & dad, between the kids themselves, and between pain and humor) is handled with honesty and thoughtfulness. I want everyone I know, young and old, to read this book. Pick it up. Read it. Discuss it. Learn from it. Hope by it. And the artistic choices -- on many pages, panels, double spreads, chapter headings... impactful and outstanding. ...more
I listened to this collection of essays - read by Pullman himself. What a treat. A must read/listen for those who care deeply about writing, storytellI listened to this collection of essays - read by Pullman himself. What a treat. A must read/listen for those who care deeply about writing, storytelling, and also what's good for the soul of human being. I share Pullman's agnostic views so it's quite easy for me to appreciate many of his questionings, warnings, and judgments. I wonder what a religious person might feel about his sentiments. No matter what - I simply enjoy his incredible talent in crafting delightfully illuminating sentences with cadences and sounds....more
Entertaining enough - although the writing is so expository that the pacing is often draggy. Successful first person narration relies on an interestinEntertaining enough - although the writing is so expository that the pacing is often draggy. Successful first person narration relies on an interesting voice and strong characterization - thus the appeal of Riordan's books - Min lacks both, especially in the first half of the telling. The story does pick up toward the last 1/3 and becomes a lot more intriguing, especially when they land on the Ghost city. I'll be happy to explore their worlds in the following volume. ...more
Didn't expect the story to take such dark turns and was somewhat disturbed by certain deaths and torturous experiences. However, definitely love the vDidn't expect the story to take such dark turns and was somewhat disturbed by certain deaths and torturous experiences. However, definitely love the various inventive magical spells and maneuvers. This is definitely a series that truly belongs on the "Harry Potter Read-Alike" list. ...more
What should I feel about the over-usage of the same descriptors of certain people / situations / events in this book? It's absolutely intentional but What should I feel about the over-usage of the same descriptors of certain people / situations / events in this book? It's absolutely intentional but at the same time, just because it is intentional, does that make it literarily superior or effective? Still mulling this over...
It definitely distracted me so much from both the storyline and the characters' emotional journey enough to make the book less effective for me as a reader....more
Not giving it a high rating even though the book has enough of a hook and the plot is highly entertaining. But the entire time I was thinking... So thNot giving it a high rating even though the book has enough of a hook and the plot is highly entertaining. But the entire time I was thinking... So this is a kid so desperate to realize his dream that he comes up with unlawful or at least unethical schemes and everything turns out perfect for him in the end. Where are the actual consequences?...more
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