Fans of adventure and survival stories will love this one [3.5 for me!], which features three cousins who must fend for themselves in the Sequoia NatiFans of adventure and survival stories will love this one [3.5 for me!], which features three cousins who must fend for themselves in the Sequoia National Park and Kings Canyon National Park in California. The youngsters, Owen, Vivian, and Amy are spending the night all on their own near a lake while their parents--his father and their mother--are camping on the other side of the mountain. What begins as a small step toward independence after the family's hike ends up becoming a struggle for survival after an earthquake closes off the trail. With little food and water but plenty of determination, the youngsters take the long way around the park, facing various challenges, including rugged terrain and a bear, as well as some of their own demons about life back home. While some of the nicknames and encounters grew a bit tiresome, most of the text was riveting, keeping readers guessing about whether the cousins would be able to make it to safety--and at what price? It's a good thing that they knew more than the usual facts about surviving in the wilderness or else the ending could have been quite different. The author's decision to focus on their journey and not go back and forth between the youngsters and the adults makes the book even more suspenseful and appropriate for its intended audience. The inclusion of a map of the area allows readers to see just how treacherous their trek was. ...more
This middle-grade novel [3.5 for me!] has so many quotable passages or golden lines as well as three characters that will touch readers' hearts with tThis middle-grade novel [3.5 for me!] has so many quotable passages or golden lines as well as three characters that will touch readers' hearts with their individual plights. The way the book is structured reminds me in many respects of Louis Sachar's classic Holes although there is no work camp for kids or incarceration or unrequited love in this one. But as is the case with Holes, there are parts of the narrative that seem at first to have no connection until suddenly, they do. Tildy has lost the amber necklace her mother gave her, and fears that her mother will leave once again. Leon fears losing his grandmother after his grandfather died, and he's desperately trying to communicate with the man's spirit to lift her out of the Depths of Despair. (I love how this is capitalized throughout the narrative.) And Nell is on an impromptu road trip with her mother after their house in Florida was destroyed by a hurricane. Nell wants to go home where she has happy memories of times with her other mom. Beneath all these different kinds of losses are raw emotions and complex feelings about safety, belonging, and family as well as attachments to things that seem terribly important. Parts of the story are stronger than others, but this one is certainly worth a read as even older readers will find themselves thinking about what matters most in their own lives. The author effectively balances humor and heartache, and readers will miss these characters and the small town where all this takes place once all the loose ends are tied up. ...more
Prankster and social media star Tommy Harding has arranged for his senior class to have access to Sunny World, a Florida theme park, after it closes fPrankster and social media star Tommy Harding has arranged for his senior class to have access to Sunny World, a Florida theme park, after it closes for the day. It's hard to see what his followers--not to mention the girls he's stringing along--find attractive about him since he seems self-centered, impulsive, cruel, and dishonest, as painted in this novel. Every move he makes is calculated, intended to gain more likes, followers, and attention, while keeping his longtime girlfriend, Kiara, in line. But when all the romantic balls he's been juggling unexpectedly come down on his head, his deceitfulness is revealed online, Tommy ends up dead, and suspicion falls on the three girls with whom he's been involved. Honestly, it's hard to care about his death since he seems to have betrayed everyone around him. Since the story is told from multiple points of view [the three girls: Kiara, Priscilla, and Nevaeh, readers are treated to each of their perspectives and their possible motivations for doing him in. But this doesn't save the book since the girls are stereotypes, and readers aren't afforded much insight into their personalities or what drew them to Tommy or in the case of two of them, what kept them hooked. The book cover and teaser were quite promising, but the actual story didn't live up to its billing. Too bad since there are surely plenty of teens and older folks out there who have fallen for a Tommy or two in their time and could have used a lifeline for how to escape his clutches. Because parts of the narrative bounce around too much and the three girls are all too quick to point the finger of suspicion at one another, the entire thing became too predictable and parts of it all too unbelievable, at least for me. ...more
This one is a 2.5 for me, simply because a lot happens in too little time. Big problems follow the accidental breaking of a special Egyptian cat treasThis one is a 2.5 for me, simply because a lot happens in too little time. Big problems follow the accidental breaking of a special Egyptian cat treasure in an antique shop in this, the fifth title in the series. Siblings Theo and Ellen Pincher find their roles reversed with Theo behaving like his sister, and vice versa. Fans of this series, originally published in Sweden, will enjoy following the protagonists as they look for a solution to the curse that seems to be haunting them. The idea of a criminal family will appeal to many youngsters, and the ease of the text, accompanied by artwork created with pencil and then digitally colored, will make the reading go quickly. Readers unfamiliar with the series will have little trouble catching up as the family members and their unique criminal talents, tools, and mottoes are introduced at the very start. ...more
Too Small Tola isn't without resources as readers of this unique series come to realize. Fans of the previous three books in the series will enjoy watToo Small Tola isn't without resources as readers of this unique series come to realize. Fans of the previous three books in the series will enjoy watching this young girl solve problems for herself in three different chapters or stories. Not only does she find a way for elderly and frail Mrs. Shaky-Shaky to stay connected to the rest of the community, changing her grandmother's opinion of the boys her brother, Dapo, hangs around with, but she also takes a trip to the beach with her grandmother and realizes that some rules are meant to be broken and some fears can be overcome. Even though the beach is filthy and littered, there's still love to be found with Grandmommy. In the third story Tola loses track of the baby for whom she's caring and gets acclaim for having a song written about her. All the stories are connected in some way and originate in Grandmommy's apartment in Lagos, Nigeria, and Tola's pride and self-confidence are evident in each story, particularly since she is supported by her family and neighbors. The digital artwork allows readers to get to know the characters and setting even better. This is a quick read featuring characters that many readers will love. I look forward to the next installment of Tola's adventures, which, while they may seem small, are surely meaningful. ...more
Although the premise behind this middle-grade story [3.5 for me!] is rather far-fetched, I still loved most of it, partly because it takes part in a lAlthough the premise behind this middle-grade story [3.5 for me!] is rather far-fetched, I still loved most of it, partly because it takes part in a library and partly because I liked the characters. Essie, who becomes known as "the library girl," has lived in the Huffington Public Library for all of her eleven years of life, apparently abandoned on a bookshelf by someone. Four kind-hearted librarians (Doris, Taisha, Lucinda, and Jeanne-Marie) can't resist taking care of her when no one shows up. They keep her hidden, protected, and loved. But as she grows older, they decide it's time to allow her to explore the world outside the library first-hand rather than from books. While checking out a department store, she meets a boy who looks just like her, and the truth behind her birth and family is slowly revealed. All four librarians are wonderfully depicted and take their roles as mothers quite seriously. Despite the tough topics the book addresses and the mistakes that many characters, including Essie, make, there are many humorous moments and individuals who step in when help is needed, particularly when Essie and the four librarians, come into conflict with newly-hired Ms, Matterhorn, who has to be one of the most meddling characters ever written and described as "a woman so disagreeable that cats leapt into open manholes when they saw her coming" (p. 66). And oh, how this book provides a roadmap for dealing with life's challenges: "If people were like books in the library, if everyone was their own story, then what had her mothers taught her? That all stories were good stories as long as they were true to the teller. And that you should never try to pretend that the things that had happened in the past hadn't or that the way people believed or thought or felt hadn't happened. Because what good was a story if it was censored and untrue? Stories were for sharing the infinite ways there were to be human" (p. 237). ...more
If there's one thing author Meg Medina knows, it's relationships. In this picture book that is a tribute to caregivers who aren't related to those theIf there's one thing author Meg Medina knows, it's relationships. In this picture book that is a tribute to caregivers who aren't related to those they care for, the protagonist, Ana, realizes just how important her babysitter, Senora Mimi, is to her. Ana is excited that her abuela is coming to stay with her family and will be able to take care of her and no longer necessitating a hired babysitter. But as Ana realizes that this means she won't see Senora Mimi anymore, she starts thinking about everything that she will miss. But Mimi realizes that Ana has conflicted emotions and promises that she will still be a part of her life--and maybe she and Abuela will become friends. The text is child-friendly, the emotions are authentic, and the digital artwork has a sentimental tone that fits the story perfectly. There will be plenty of youngsters who will recognize themselves and their own feelings about change and leaving someone to whom they are attached. ...more
This debut middle-grade novel is good, really good, and it kept me guessing all the way through. Even though it's set in modern-day India, readers allThis debut middle-grade novel is good, really good, and it kept me guessing all the way through. Even though it's set in modern-day India, readers all over the world will be able to relate to the narrator, Lena Krishnan, who is impulsive, fidgety, and sometimes envious of the attention her older brother, Karthik [Kay-Kay] gets from her parents. Kay-Kay is smart, ambitious, and rarely gets in trouble except when he's covering for his little sister. The siblings have a strong bond, and when Kay-Kay doesn't return from a wildlife camp and the police aren't moving fast enough to find him, El-Kay takes matters in her own hands. At first, she merely contacts her brother's friends and teachers, but as time passes, and she grows more desperate, she decides to retrace his journey home from the camp, going by bus and train. Along the way, she meets friendly and unhelpful individuals and learns some truths about her brother through his poetry. Since most of the chapters are quite short and the description interesting, this book holds readers' interests as they worry that there will be no resolution for exactly where Kay-Kay is. Lena is one determined young girl who takes risks for someone she loves. This one is a 3,5 for me. I look forward to more from this author....more
Colorful Photoshop artwork set against plentiful white space and rhyming lines make this charming and inclusive picture book child-friendly. While it'Colorful Photoshop artwork set against plentiful white space and rhyming lines make this charming and inclusive picture book child-friendly. While it's not necessarily clear if this family is being reunited briefly for or after a vacation or if it's a permanent move--well, as permanent as possible when a parent is in the Navy--it's clear that the journey is long and arduous. Leaving the destination mysterious at first gently builds tension. The illustrations depict many of the steps in flying, including checking in and being scanned or having carry-ons scanned, and a long night flight. Once the little family arrives in Japan, it becomes clearer what's been going on. If readers are still uncertain, those lines of "Goodbye, goodbyes, / Hello, hugs" (unpaged) on the final page and the smiling family of four, including two women, one in a sailor suit, will definitely end any confusion. With so many military families moving all across the globe, this picture book might help ease some of their anxiety and uncertainty about when all family members will be reunited. ...more
I'm not sure what sort of animal Mousse is, but he's quite adorable in his fondness of quietness, solitude, and sameness. He seems perfectly content tI'm not sure what sort of animal Mousse is, but he's quite adorable in his fondness of quietness, solitude, and sameness. He seems perfectly content to walk on the beach, wait for the tide to come in, and gather up shells to send off to various online customers. Honestly, much of his day seems idyllic. But on this particular day, a walrus somehow washes into his house, and even though he's initially annoyed by Barnacle's arrival, he takes care of him because the walrus seems sick. Over the next few days, Mousse grows accustomed to his presence, and it's rather hard to let him leave. The arrival of Barnacle's large, boisterous family makes this departure easier, and Mousse heads off to contemplate his feelings. The soft colors of the artwork capture the emotions of the animals in the book, which was originally published in France, and tugs at the heartstrings as Mousse seems to realize that no man is an island and maybe he has room in his heart for a friend--or two or three or more. ...more
Eighth grader Evan Dunn feels as though he's almost sleepwalking through life. Although he has a couple of friends--later dubbed the Nerd Posse--everyEighth grader Evan Dunn feels as though he's almost sleepwalking through life. Although he has a couple of friends--later dubbed the Nerd Posse--every moment at school and at home has a bland, sameness, even the family meals, and there's hardly anything worth waking up for. But when the school track coach sees him running with a stray white dog, he starts thinking maybe this is something he can do well. Plus, that border collie that loves to run has stolen his heart. When its owner is injured, Evan and new friend Hana Ganz step up to help out at the kennel. While the plot is simple, the shift in perspective from Evan's to the dog, Sam, adds interest to the well-told story. Author Pete Hautman keeps things running smoothly, never missing a beat, even while he tugs at readers' heartstrings and reminds them that dogs like Sam aren't simply lawn ornaments or moneymakers but living creatures who feel and love deeply. This story--3.5 for me--is a good classroom read aloud as well as inspiration to go for a run with your own dog. ...more
Fifth grader Nyla Braun is used to be considered a nerd by her classmates. She has interests that are different from most of theirs and is eager to anFifth grader Nyla Braun is used to be considered a nerd by her classmates. She has interests that are different from most of theirs and is eager to answer her teacher's questions. She's pretty comfortable with this, but sometimes, just sometimes, she wishes that she was more popular or that the things in which she excels were more valued. When her class participates in a birding tournament with a class from the suburbs, she sees it as a possible path to popularity. But her desire to fit in and be accepted clashes with her loyalty to her best friend Tasha when popular Portia extends a different invitation. Tension between the girls increases, and they hardly speak at all even while Nyla becomes increasingly involved in preparing for the competition. There are so many aspects of this story that make it pleasurable to read: Nyla's relationship with her grandfather, her passion for birding, and the details about birdwatching that are woven into the central narrative. Nyla's journey of self-discovery with its ups and downs, is authentic and relatable, and this book's unique focus on birding, nestled within elements of social and class differences, provides additional layers to the story that make it worth reading. This debut novel is a 3.5 for me, and I enjoyed this glimpse in Nyla's world in Philadelphia....more
Apparently, there will be a follow-up to this engaging middle-grade time travel novel [3.5 for me!], and I couldn't be more pleased. Although it has tApparently, there will be a follow-up to this engaging middle-grade time travel novel [3.5 for me!], and I couldn't be more pleased. Although it has the usual elements of such a science fiction story, it also features a wonderfully imperfect and relatable main character in eleven-year-old Roya Alborzi, who lives in a large Brooklyn apartment building with her mother who is its superintendent. She worries about her father who has cancer and seems to be growing weaker by the day, so much so that Roya finds it difficult to spend any time with him. Roya maintains a podcast about the building's residents, but she quickly becomes interested in solving a missing persons case when Katya Petrov, one of the apartment dwellers, disappears unexpectedly while visiting Coney Island. Teaming up with Amin, whose family recently moved in, Roya takes some risks as the two youngsters unravel the mystery and travel back in time. This is an accessible addition to the science fiction genre, filled with heart, humor, poignant moments, a few mistakes, and physics that even those of us who know little about how it works can understand. It will be interesting to see where the author takes readers next....more
Once again, author Kathleen Glasgow has written quite a page-turner, tackling the tough topics of grief, loss, family dynamics, self-esteem, and alcohOnce again, author Kathleen Glasgow has written quite a page-turner, tackling the tough topics of grief, loss, family dynamics, self-esteem, and alcoholism. Just as she did in Girl in Pieces and You'd Be Home Now, she creates a likeable female protagonist in Bella Leahey, who will remind readers of themselves or someone they know. Bella, 15, drinks for many reasons. She does it to feel good, to become more outgoing, and to numb the pain. Still reeling from the loss of her beloved grandmother, Laurel, who lived nearby, and her breakup with her first boyfriend, Dylan, her social drinking is now out of control, and even at school she craves some liquid relief. Glasgow describes her downward descent, even as she lets down classmates and friends, while continuing to bear responsibility for her little sister, Ricci, and acting as a go-between for her parents. Much of the book focuses on her time in rehab after her mother finds her passed out on the front steps on Thanksgiving, having been left there by friends. Bella's journey to recovery isn't easy or assured, and she is so in denial about her addiction that it takes time before she realizes just how much harm she's done to her body and mind as well as those who love her. And even some of the others who are in rehab can't necessarily be trusted. Since the book is told from Bella's point of view, readers are able to see into her heart and mind while being fully immersed in her journey. Because drinking is so socially acceptable these days and her family often seemed so preoccupied by other matters, it's easy to see how and why Bella turned to drink to self-medicate. Readers who enjoyed this one might also want to read Thirsty by Jas Hammonds to compare the protagonists' journeys as well as how their family members and significant others react. There isn't a false note in this entire book, and it's clear that Glasgow knows the terrain quite well. ...more
This middle-grade novel is a 3.5 for me. Thirteen-year-old Ingrid is a lot like many of us. She stays way below the radar at school, overshadowed by hThis middle-grade novel is a 3.5 for me. Thirteen-year-old Ingrid is a lot like many of us. She stays way below the radar at school, overshadowed by her friend Rachel, who often treats her as a charity case and is in need of constant validation. But at home, under the care of Grandma, who has taught her to knit and has a popular podcast, and online during a roleplaying adventure game, she's a beast. She also has an account called Bye Forever, which is popular. When Rachel tells Ingrid's new neighbors, Alyx and Oliver, about the death of Ingrid's parents, Ingrid has had enough and liberates herself from Rachel. But Rachel's not finished with her, and as the book's plot unfolds, readers will realize just how devious she is. Ingrid responds to a text that she thinks was sent to her mistakenly, and begins a friendship with a boy called Traveler, who wants to play the online game with her and her friend Lorren, who lives 500 miles away. There are all sorts of moments of misunderstanding between Oliver and Ingrid and Traveler and Ingrid even while she wonders if there might be a chance for something other than friendship somewhere in the future. Growing up isn't easy; nor is it easy to find one's group, making Ingrid's struggles so relatable for the book's intended audience. Her fondness for a certain fantasy series and its author are charming, providing some of the book's best moments when she actually gets to meet the author and give her a present. This one was heaps of fun, highlighting a niche of teens often ignored in books for middle graders. ...more
Finally, a book [3.5 for me!] for middle graders or tweens about the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls epidemic! Told with heart, grace,Finally, a book [3.5 for me!] for middle graders or tweens about the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls epidemic! Told with heart, grace, and insight, this riveting, important, and timely story features a sympathetic protagonist in twelve-year-old Wren MacIntosh, whose mother, who is Cherokee, went missing more than five years ago. Wren's father, who is white, is the sheriff in Fort Gibson, Oklahoma. Now Wren spends her free time volunteering at the local animal shelter and searching online for possible clues as to her mother's whereabouts. The author effectively builds suspense around Wren's determination to find who's been harming local animals in her community as well as local authorities' discovery of remains that might be her mother. The emotional ups and downs she experiences are portrayed quite vividly as are her encounters with MJ, a teen bully who constantly harasses her and specializes in cruel, racist remarks. Then, too, Wren unexpectedly grows close to Brantley, a classmate with secrets of his own, adding to the book's complexity. Wren's supportive father and caring maternal grandmother, Elisi, with her "Famous" meals, and Landry, who runs the Animal Control center for the area, round out the cast of interesting characters. The ache of not knowing what happened to her mother is palpable in the descriptions of Wren's everyday life. This debut novel is well worth reading, reminding readers that despite what society and authorities may say, some lives seem more important than others. Parts of the plot are a bit hard to believe, but those small flaws don't detract from this story's importance. I can't wait to read more books from this author. ...more
What an engaging debut dystopian novel [3.5 for me!] this was! Since I knew there would be a sequel, I didn't worry about Seb, the protagonist, survivWhat an engaging debut dystopian novel [3.5 for me!] this was! Since I knew there would be a sequel, I didn't worry about Seb, the protagonist, surviving, but I was fascinated by the lengths this experimental program went to in order to make sure its participants emerged feeling happy. Of course, what happiness means is surely up to debate nowadays, and there are many individuals who might argue that it's absurd to think that humans can be happy all the time. Or that this state of mind is even desirable. While the plot covers some familiar territory, it also contains some surprises and will have readers on the edge of their seats as they ruminate on happiness, mental health, mental health providers, and eugenics. It's hard not to wonder if a place like HappyHead is already in the works as well as what prices we might pay in the pursuit of happiness. Certainly, individuality and thinking for oneself seem to have no place here. I'll be among the many eager readers who can't wait to read Dead Happy, the follow-up title....more
Exuberant, brightly colored Photoshop illustrations that fit the protagonist's personality perfectly will keep readers' eyes engaged with this pictureExuberant, brightly colored Photoshop illustrations that fit the protagonist's personality perfectly will keep readers' eyes engaged with this picture book. Not every Christmas tree is a pine, a cedar or a spruce, and for Everett Green, a palm tree, his ambition to become a Christmas tree, one that is noticed by everyone, consumes him. Leaving behind the venue where he sings but no one pays attention, he sets off for New York City where Christmas trees get quite a lot of attention. With the help of Bird, he navigates the airport, but his plane never takes off due to a winter storm in NYC, leaving him and the other passengers stuck there. But Everett is a true performer at heart, and somehow, he manages to grab the attention of the other stranded folks, leading them in an impromptu singalong with a play, some jokes, and dancing, filling everyone's hearts with joy and Christmas spirit. This story will have readers and listeners going, "AW!" while also realizing that sometimes it's possible to find and be yourself right where you are, without needing to go very far at all. ...more
Readers will want to check out the endpapers of this holiday-themed picture book--a twist on the story of Rudolph and those other reindeer--to be amusReaders will want to check out the endpapers of this holiday-themed picture book--a twist on the story of Rudolph and those other reindeer--to be amused by the classified ads posted on the pages. In their own way, they're just as funny as the main story featuring an irrepressible moose. Now, many folks consider moose to be ugly animals, all gangly limbs and awkward moves and unattractive features. I disagree as I find them rather adorable. Plus, Elmore, the moose featured here, is irresistible in his earnest determination to land a job with Santa. Although he is unable to fly and clearly not suited for the job, Elmore answers a classified ad for a temporary reindeer position flying Santa's sleigh. Since Santa narrates the story, readers are treated to his perspective on things as he's willing to give the moose consideration but also wary of his ability to perform as needed. Santa gives him multiple chances, and Elmore's keen desire to be a part of his team is evident in the letters he sends to the North Pole as well as in the illustrations showing him trying and failing over and over again. But in the true Christmas spirit, Santa finds just the right position for the eager moose. The double-page spread featuring Elmore wearing a chef's hat and surrounded by goodies is quite charming and leaves a warm feeling in readers' hearts. ...more
I'm not sure that I understand this picture book featuring dogs and a somewhat suspicious young neighbor, who is the narrator. When they first move inI'm not sure that I understand this picture book featuring dogs and a somewhat suspicious young neighbor, who is the narrator. When they first move in, the girl is eager to befriend them, but things get off to a bad start when the five dogs of different breeds gobble up all her bacon and aren't appreciative of her baked goods offering of welcoming. They seem to work hard and play hard, and she's drawn to their carefree nature and spends time with them. But when she sees a Wanted poster containing their images, she wonders if they are actually bad dogs. Determined to get to the bottom of things, she sneaks into their house to look for evidence. Finding nothing except the banjo one dog loves to play, she is caught in her tracks. Although they promise to explain everything after one more night's festivities, they disappear in the night, never to be seen again. She decides that they weren't bad dogs, after all, just dogs that "like to play" (unpaged). Who knows? ...more
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