Lucy Landry's parents died a while ago. After the death of her sailor father, she's been living with the elderly Miss Mamie. Lucy loved living with heLucy Landry's parents died a while ago. After the death of her sailor father, she's been living with the elderly Miss Mamie. Lucy loved living with her, but now Miss Mamie has also died. And Miss Mamie has arranged for Lucy to go live with a lighthouse keeper Mr. Martin and his wife and many kids on an island in Lake Superior. They are also Ojibwe and Miss Mamie thought it would be good for Lucy. But Lucy is full of worry. She is worried about going on the water that claimed her father's life. She's worried her new family won't like her. She's worried she'll never find the ruby locket form the wreck of the Elva Jane and fulfill her father's dream. And so she retreats into her imagination and uses it as a defense against the realities of the world. But pretending she's a princess doesn't win her any points with her kind-of-siblings, and being in her head means she often is not paying attention to the real world and may have accidents. Miss Mamie didn't mind if she was clumsy and not the cleanest, but the Martins have to be ready for an inspection at any time and they are very worried Papa will lose his job if the tough-to-please inspector finds any fault on his next visit.
Lucy reminds me a bit of Anne of Green Gables, though not quite as personable. She's a little pricklier and tougher to love than Anne. But the Martins are loving people (though the kids are very realistically portrayed) and Lucy's walls are slowly warn down. I felt like some parts were a little too good to be true, but then she is praying. I liked how the author depicted her praying during a storm and Lucy and others seeing how God provided in that moment. It was a pleasant surprise for a positive portrayal of Christian faith (but after reading the author's note in the back it is clear she is a Christian). Lucy learning more about her Ojibwe heritage and parents' mother tongue from the Martins was an interesting addition to the story. Though Lucy rubbed me the wrong way at the beginning, the way the book ended up and how she changed left an overall positive impression. It was also touching how their was a ripple affect from various people's acts of kindness and unselfish bravery in moments of need.
Notes on content: Language: None Sexual content: None Violence: Deaths from old age, ship wrecks, mining accidents, and illness are all part of Lucy's past. None are graphically depicted. Two storms endanger others. A sprained ankle from a trip. Ethnic diversity: Lucy's parents were both part French Acadian and Ojibwe as are the Martins. LGBTQ+ content: None Other: Fear about being on the water based on losing a parent to drowning is realistically depicted. A very picky inspector makes the whole family feel like their job/home isn't secure. ...more
Rex is starting 6th grade. At first he's excited, but then his best friend gets sucked into the popular group that makes Rex uncomfortable for the wayRex is starting 6th grade. At first he's excited, but then his best friend gets sucked into the popular group that makes Rex uncomfortable for the way they tease/bully others. Then Rex realizes he can't see things on the board or the TV at home and he has to get glasses. This stresses out his mom and his dad (who is lives with a different family) balks about paying for them, even though his dad can totally afford it. Rex feels caught in the middle and unloved by his dad. And people at school tease/bully him relentlessly about his glasses. Some people at school find out his mom is a waitress and then they tease/bully him about being poor too. School is so miserable, Rex wishes he could see without glasses or that the school year would fast forward to an end.
I appreciate Rex Ogle's bravery in sharing some of his middle school story even if it is somewhat fictionalized. On the other hand, I wished he had fictionalized a bit more. The way Rex talks back to his mom through much of the book is quite awful, and if the real Rex was fictionalizing parts, I would have suggested making his younger self a bit more respectful, handle the bullies better, and be a slightly better example. His mom is too stressed and tired to deal with it, so Rex often gets away with saying mean/disrespectful things to her. I do want to clarify that the book does clearly show that they love each other. I liked Rex's stepdad. He has a stutter and empathizes with Rex over how brutal middle school can be; Rex eventually realizes what a great guy he is through his quiet, steady support through the ups and downs he faces. Rex's abuelita is also amazing, and hearing her life story helps Rex gain some important perspective on his hardships and how much harder life can be for some people. I also like how Rex finds a friend who accepts him for who he is, and what he learns about good friendships from him. I'm still on the fence how I feel about this overall. On the one hand I want everyone to see Rex compare what he is going through as a tween with what his grandmother experienced and how that makes him more grateful. On the other hand, I really don't want middle graders to read this and think it is ok to talk to a parent the way Rex does.
Notes on content: Language: No swears. There's some mean name calling such as nerd and four eyes. Sexual content: None. Violence: Bullies push some others around. Ethnic diversity: Characters are primarily white and Hispanic with some Black characters in the background. LGBTQ+ content: Nothing specified that I remember Other: As mentioned, respect for elders. Bullying is a huge issue. Rex's biological dad is distant and basically views him as a money drain. Rex's mom is stressed about making ends meet financially. Rex's stepdad has a stutter. Rex's abuelita's family were extremely poor when she was a child....more
Peter and Mary are staying with their great-uncle's while their parents are on a trip. They find a scroll that transports them back in time, and they Peter and Mary are staying with their great-uncle's while their parents are on a trip. They find a scroll that transports them back in time, and they witness the creation of the world. There are 3 words on the scroll written in Hebrew and they are told they must figure them out or they will be stuck in the past. Thankfully, if they just accidentally say the right word in English it will change from Hebrew to English on the scroll and they will know they've figured one out.
This time travel biblical story sticks pretty close to the events as laid out in Genesis. It imagines the angel Gabriel hanging out with the kids and answering some of their questions on the sidelines, and Satan also tries to tempt the kids into giving him their scroll before his interaction with Eve. I like that it was biblically sound and makes the Bible story come to life for kids. I can see why they like this series so much.
Notes on content: Language: None Sexual content: None Violence: None Ethnic diversity: It is stated that Mary was adopted from Asia. Peter is white. LGBTQ+ content: None Other: Temptation to do wrong. The kids are in a tiny bit of danger of getting stuck out of their time period which may make some readers anxious....more
Charlie Thorne, her brother, and his CIA partner are on the trail of Newton's secret discovery. But the CIA is hot on their trail and a Japanese billiCharlie Thorne, her brother, and his CIA partner are on the trail of Newton's secret discovery. But the CIA is hot on their trail and a Japanese billionaire also has Newton's secret in his sights, so they are not alone as they end their sea voyage in England and follow another string of clues around the globe to discover a secret discovery long-hidden from the world.
This adventure takes readers from England to Australia to Hawaii and the US Southwest. The CIA is breathing down their necks, and this Japanese businessmen has an eager-to-please grandson plus a lot of money to hire many others to get what he wants. It's quite the action-packed globe-trotting adventure and readers get to learn a lot of true things about Newton and Captain Cook along with other historical figures while they go on their slightly fantastical mission. Charlie and her brother also work some things out about their relationship and how they could do things better. A very enjoyable romp with the super smart Charlie Thorne.
Notes on content: Language: None Sexual content: None Violence: There are a couple skirmishes and some bumps, scratches, and possible broken limbs are incurred. One fight results in 2 people dying in lava off page. A couple people are knocked out (mostly nonviolently). Ethnic diversity: Charlie is multiracial as is her brother. There are other characters from all over the world with a variety of ethnicities. LGBTQ+ content: I believe a male side character mentioned having a husband, but I might be mixing this story up with another one. Other: Charlie and gang have to steal something to prevent the bad guys from getting their hands on it. The director of the CIA is manipulating things for his own greed. Charlie has to make a big decision at the end of the book related to (view spoiler)[longevity of life (hide spoiler)].
Adelaide Smith is about to get serious about her law school exams, when she gets a letter informing her that her father is the King of Montovia who isAdelaide Smith is about to get serious about her law school exams, when she gets a letter informing her that her father is the King of Montovia who is seriously ill. King Max would like to meet his only daughter before his death. After doing some research by calling some of her mom's friends (her mom died a few years ago), Adelaide discovers this may not be a crazy hoax and agrees to go visit the man her mom refused to ever talk about. King Max and some of his advisors make it clear they would love to see Adelaide on the thrown if the king's missing brother can't be found. The only other option is the wife the king was pressured to take by his father and her son from a previous marriage. It is easy to see that Queen Johanna is not pleased with a long lost daughter showing up and threatening her son's chances at the crown. She has plans, and she's used to getting her way. Adelaide had no plans to make waves, she just wanted to get to know her father, someone she's been curious about all her life. But the lawyer in her won't get pushed around, and she can also tell when someone is up to no good.
This has a little more palace intrigue and action than your typical cozy Christmas read. It starts off a little like The Princess Diaries meets Hallmark Christmas, but it might be a little too much mystery and thriller for the Hallmark channel. It is still a feel good read. Carlson also naturally weaves in elements of Christian faith, primarily King Max and Adelaide trusting God to direct their futures and next steps for Montovia. There is a bit of a love interest for Adelaide in a young member of their version of parliament who is assigned the task of showing Adelaide around Montovia. But the romantic love takes a backseat to Adelaide falling in love with her father and the country of Montovia. Montovia is a made up country that is next to Austria and speaks English and German and holds similar traditions; it provides a charming Alpine/German-ish Christmas setting.
Notes on content: Language: None Sexual content: Nothing beyond a kiss. Violence: Someone is treated poorly, deprived of freedom and food. King Max is dying of a liver disease. Adelaide's mother died in a car accident. Ethnic diversity: White American and white Germanic. LGBTQ+ content: None Other: Kidnapping and plots to kidnap or kill others....more
Isaac and Marco are best friends, even though they don't have a ton in common except living next door and having tough family situations (Marco's pareIsaac and Marco are best friends, even though they don't have a ton in common except living next door and having tough family situations (Marco's parents just divorced and his dad ignores him, Isaac's parents are in the process because of Isaac's dad's drinking problem). They are starting middle school and each is both excited and anxious for different reasons. Marco is excited for the bigger academic challenges and opportunities, and he wants to try a sport for the first time. However, he's super short and he doesn't like the girls calling him cute and the boys making fun of him for his stature. Isaac is excited for better basketball and further developing his game. He is worried about keeping his grades up; he's always forgetting things and academics doesn't come naturally for him. The two friends will need each other's help to make it through the challenges of middle school, from basketball to academics to their family situations.
This was a sweet story of two opposites being good friends through thick and thin. Through a series of misunderstood conversations, Marco ends up on the basketball team and Isaac has to figure out how to help him be a contributing member of the team without hurting his feelings. Isaac needs Marco's help with homework and getting through what's going on at home. They are a great example of good friends. I liked how Cisneros managed to write something that could be very serious with heart and humor. There's a scene with Marcos and the principal talking that made me unexpectedly laugh out loud, it is comedic gold for the way they completely misunderstand each other and the unexpected results of that. It's also humorous how Marcos gets on the team. Cisneros handled the topic of a parent dealing with alcoholism tactfully and in a way appropriate for the target reader group; he doesn't disparage Isaac's dad but does convey how the problem affects the whole family. There are positive steps in that area by the end of the book. A great contemporary fiction read for middle graders.
Notes on content: Language: None Sexual content: None Violence: There's some bullying, and Marcos gets picked up at one point, but others intervene before it gets bad. Isaac pushes a bully and a sprained ankle results; both are sobered by the event. An accident puts a character in the hospital. Ethnic diversity: Both boys are Hispanic American. LGBTQ+ content: None specified Other: Alcoholic parent, bullying, divorce, a distant father who doesn't pay attention to a child unless they succeed athletically....more
A biography of George Washington Carver from childhood to death that covers his scientific achievements, his faith, and the different places he workedA biography of George Washington Carver from childhood to death that covers his scientific achievements, his faith, and the different places he worked.
This was attractively put together with numerous full color illustrations and period photos. There are frequent quotes from Carver's writings, and it was engagingly written. I haven't read a full biography of this brilliant man before, so it was interesting to learn more about him beyond his peanut work. The book was only 73 pages long, but felt like a decent biography of the inventor and professor.
Notes on content: Language: None Sexual content: None Violence: Mistreatment of slaves is mentioned; sobering but no gory descriptions. Ethnic diversity: Black and white people of history included. LGBTQ+ content: None Other: Racism, slavery, and injustices suffered by Black Americans are discussed, but in age-appropriate ways for the target middle grade readers....more
Ben and his family have just moved from Koreatown in LA to a Michigan suburb. Ben is a mix of excited and nervous for his first day of school. Things Ben and his family have just moved from Koreatown in LA to a Michigan suburb. Ben is a mix of excited and nervous for his first day of school. Things seem to go well until lunch. At his old school everyone brought their favorite Korean dishes, but here, kids think his lunch is gross and weird. Desperate to fit in, Ben wishes he were just like the other kids. The next day his lunch box glows oddly and the Korean meal his mom packed changes into an average sandwich. At first he thinks it is great, but then the magic seems to affect others things...he can't watch his favorite Korean TV show, he can't hear his Halmoni when she calls on the phone, and he can't taste his favorite Korean dish at dinner when his mom makes it. Can he figure out how to undo the magic?
There are a host of other stories now about ethnic foods being scorned during school lunch time, but this takes it a step further and shows how a wish to get rid of ethnic food may be a wish to get rid of all traces of your rich cultural background, and how that is a very sad thing. Ben learns an important lesson about how he actually appreciates many parts of his Korean culture, and also learns how to stick up for himself in tactful ways at lunch. I thought this was aimed at lower grade readers when I picked it up, but Ben is in 4th grade and it feels more middle grade.
Notes on content: Language: None Sexual content: None Violence: None Ethnic diversity: Ben is Korean American, another classmate is Mexican American, other classmates and school staff are people with a wide range of skin colors. LGBTQ+ content: None Other: Some bullying, but Ben learns how to stand up to them and get them to be friendly....more
As Tori prepares for her cousin Sumiko's visit from Japan, she hears strange sounds from her backyard and notices missing animal signs...but the sign As Tori prepares for her cousin Sumiko's visit from Japan, she hears strange sounds from her backyard and notices missing animal signs...but the sign is torn. Which animal is missing, and can she and her cousin help find it?
These Mysteries on Zoo Lane have large font, include several illustrations, and keep the mysteries fairly easy for youngsters to solve. I like the multicultural feel of the community (Japanese American, Hispanic American, Black, Polish American, etc.). Kids will like the animal facts woven in as the characters wander around the back of the zoo. ...more
Alex is looking forward to being a normal teen out of the spy game, but when a new organization called Nightshade appears on the scene Brazil with a tAlex is looking forward to being a normal teen out of the spy game, but when a new organization called Nightshade appears on the scene Brazil with a threat of a terrorist attack on London and the only agent MI5 can interrogate is a teen boy impervious to interrogation techniques, Mrs Jones appeals to Alex for help. They need him to go undercover in a high security prison in Gibraltar as Franky's roommate and see if he'll open up at all to a fellow teen. The clock is ticking as they know the attack is imminent but they don't know the target or anything further. And Mrs. Jones has a special reason to want Alex to find out more about Nightshade, something she's only willing to divulge to him.
Alex is in the thick of it again and has to use his quick wits and crazy skills to save the day multiple times. We also learn more of Mrs Jones' back story. And now that Scorpio is out of the equation, a new supervillain organization is on the scene - one that has been building a child army of kidnapped and brainwashed children from years. They are a bit disturbing. I listened to much of this on audiobook and thought they did an excellent job with the production. All of Alex Rider's books are high octane adventures. This one really gets you empathetic to the kidnapped children, but scared of the brainwashing/training results Nightshade has done to them. And the conflict with them is far from over in this book.
Notes on content: Language: None Sexual content: None Violence: Franky is a lethal killing machine and leaves a trail of bodies during an escape attempt in Brazil. The story starts with an assassination that is a bit bloody. There are a couple attempted murders in prison and while Alex is undercover. Other injuries are incurred during escapes and jobs. The terrorist plot involves wiping out a large number of people. Ethnic diversity: People in the story come from all over the world. LGBTQ+ content: None specified Other: Kidnapping, brainwashing and manipulation of children/teens. Some adults smoke and drink....more
Olga and her family have been sent to the remote outskirts of the land of Stolitsa near the border of the Republic of Birds. Olga's father fell out ofOlga and her family have been sent to the remote outskirts of the land of Stolitsa near the border of the Republic of Birds. Olga's father fell out of favor with the Tsarina and now he must re-win it by finding the lost firebird egg that was the start of the war with the birds many decades ago. Before that the birds and humans lived in harmony and magic was welcomed in the land. Because the Tsarina blamed a group of yagas with hiding the egg and aiding the birds at the start of the war, magic has been banned ever since. So it might be a good thing they're in the outskirts when Olga finds touching her beloved book of maps allows her to reach into the actual locations. That's not something she wants anyone to see. But she might have to use it when the birds get so upset over Olga's fathers maneuvers near their land that they kidnap Mira. He can't chase her without starting another war, but Olga can't just let her sister suffer in the birds' clutches. She may not be good at much, but she's good at maps and finding her way.
This is a delightful reimagining of a Russian land where magic has been chased out, there's more than one Yaga traipsing around in houses on bird legs in the outskirts, birds are sentient creatures, a horrible misunderstanding plus greed led to a tragic rift in the land, and a misfit girl who is enchanted with geography and exploration and feels like she has no special skills or place in the world may be the key to keeping away another war. It's a very atmospheric read and absolutely enchanting. I liked that Olga and Mira's stepmother, though a bit of a drama queen (she is an actress), still actually loves them even if she doesn't always know how to express it. There was a side journey in the middle for Olga to discover her magical gifts and visit a unique magical school that was unexpected but fun. Even though I was reading this in the tropics, I definitely felt transported to a land of ice and cold. Recommended to Russian-inspired fairy tale fans, sister rescue tale fans, and exploration/survival story fans.
Notes on content: Language: I believe there was 1 minor swear. Sexual content: None Violence: A past war and casualties is mentioned. Olga faces perilous circumstances and Mira does as well. Nothing worse than some scratches and bruises described. Ethnic diversity: People are Russian LGBTQ+ content: None specified Other: Those with magic are ostracized. Greed for power and wealth was a main motivator in the war....more
Olive Cobin Zang's parents are frequently on business trips. That didn't used to be a problem. She used to stay with Mimi, but her grandmother isn't aOlive Cobin Zang's parents are frequently on business trips. That didn't used to be a problem. She used to stay with Mimi, but her grandmother isn't around any more. The latest business trip promises to be quite extended so her parents are pulling her out of the school she's gone to forever, and enrolling her in a former prison. Ok, so it isn't a prison now. It's a "reforming arts school" in a castle on an island, but Olive had no warning this was coming. She also has no idea what she's in for, as RASCH is an academy like no other, and she's been tapped to be in a special group of kids training to be undercover agents who help fight crime! But can such a group of misfits learn to work together as a team and actually help make the world a better place by stopping a jewel thief that's been terrorizing the city?
This was a lot of fun. Olive, along with the other 4 misfits - James, Phil, Theo, Iggy - and their trainers, Modest and Monica, are a group of very memorable, quirky characters who each have their unique skills. James is a walking encyclopedia, Olive is great at puzzles and has trapeze/gymnastics training, Philomena is a tech wiz, Theo speaks multiple languages, and Iggy is their weapons guru. Modest is a huge man with ballet training and Monica is a spitfire boxing champion. They complement each other well eventually, though it takes time for them to learn how to work well together and care for each other despite their quirks. I like how they work past the difficulties they face, and the mystery was well done. Overall, it is a very fun spy-ish story with a memorable cast of characters. I like Dan Santat's illustrations throughout too. Looking forward to the next book!
Notes on content: Language: None Sexual content: None Violence: There are some perilous situations Sexual content: None Ethnic diversity: Olive is Chinese American, James is Black, Phil is Middle Eastern or Indian American (I can't remember which off the top of my head), Modest is Russian, and I think Iggy or Theo mention something about an Eastern European heritage. LGBTQ+ content: None specified Other: A thief is targeting the school's sponsors and it may have to close. Olive really misses her grandmother....more
Kathy shares about growing up not sure where she belonged. Her mom was Thai, her dad was American. They lived in Bangkok, Thailand and she went to an Kathy shares about growing up not sure where she belonged. Her mom was Thai, her dad was American. They lived in Bangkok, Thailand and she went to an international school. She didn't feel totally at home in Bangkok, so she was counting down the days to their summer trip to Maine and her first summer camp experience. She was sure that camp was where she would fit in. But reality was a bit different.
I absolutely loved this. The students at my international school in Bangkok will totally identify with young Kathy. And even I, as an expat adult, can identify with not feeling like you totally fit in in any one place. It's a totally typical third culture kid experience, put into words and pictures excellently. I will need to buy more copies.
Notes on content: Language: None. Sexual content: None Violence: None Ethnic diversity: Kathy and her sister are mixed Thai/American, most other Americans depicted are white, a wide range of ethnicities at her school, and her housing community is very international. LGBTQ+ content: None specified Other: Some kids/adults make fun of her for being mixed or say she doesn't belong (in both places). Kathy is very insecure, but ends up in a somewhat better place by the end. Her parents are both older and this is not their first marriage, so she talks about how having older parents and step-siblings makes her feel. Her mom was also a bit of a workaholic and if her dad wasn't home, Kathy often felt lonely....more
Jina and her family are enjoying seeing birds and plants at the arboretum where they find out that many kids in cities don't get enough time in natureJina and her family are enjoying seeing birds and plants at the arboretum where they find out that many kids in cities don't get enough time in nature and it can have detrimental effects. Jina is determined to help out the whole city get into nature when she gets back, but her parents encourage her to start small. When she finds out her friend Sofia has never been camping or hiking, she decides to convince Sofia to join them on a camping trip next weekend. But will Sofia enjoy it?
A great book that will make young readers aware of the importance of getting out in nature and some of the things they can experience on a camping or hiking trip, like making s'mores or seeing wildlife like deer or alligators. I have never read a kids book that talks about nature deficit disorder (they don't use the term but describe it in kid-friendly terms) and I'm glad that there are books making kids aware of this. I also like that the book depicts a Korean American family camping. I don't know many Korean Americans who camp.
Notes on content: Language: None Sexual content: None Violence: None Ethnic diversity: Jina is Korean American, Sofia is Latina LGBTQ+ content: None Other: Great message on the need to get out in nature. They treat the alligators with the right amount of caution....more
Jina and her class are determined to win the food drive competition at school. They are united on the goal but divided on what books to get for the clJina and her class are determined to win the food drive competition at school. They are united on the goal but divided on what books to get for the class if they win. Jina and some other girls are campaigning for more books in the Animal Talkers series, while Ethan and Jerome are campaigning for the Space Corps series. Jina may be a bit too focused on getting her way and winning the competition than focusing on why they are doing this, but when someone they know has a family crisis they realize some things are more important than winning.
I like that this was a combination of kids learning what it means to help others in need a bit but also talking up books to friends. Jina takes maybe too much of their family perishables which leads to a learning meal of making do without. I liked the resolution in the debate of which series is better. I also liked the multicultural makeup of Jina's classroom. She is Korean American, Ethan is Black, and another girl is Latina, and in the full color illustrations others have a variety of skin tones.
Notes on content: Language: None Sexual content: None Violence: None Ethnic diversity: As mentioned: Korean American, Black, Latina, and more. LGBTQ+ content: None specified Other: One kid's house is damaged in a fire. Jina is a bit sneaky about how much food she takes; between that and how she feels about the books, she realizes her motivation needs to be realigned and refocused. ...more
While Lana is in California, Megan has been watching her pug Kikkoman. They are both going a bit stir crazy after all the snow, so Megan takes Kikko tWhile Lana is in California, Megan has been watching her pug Kikkoman. They are both going a bit stir crazy after all the snow, so Megan takes Kikko to the Noodle Shop just to get out of the house. But when Kikko sneaks out of the shop Megan and Kimmy have to do some sleuthing to find out where Kikko could have gotten to. And swear everyone to secrecy to keep this little adventure hush hush from Lana.
This was a light-hearted mini-mystery for Megan and Kimmy to solve sans-Lana. Kikko definitely gives them a bit of adventure, and readers a lot of entertainment.
Notes on content: Language: None that I remember Sexual content: None Violence: None Ethnic diversity: Megan is white, Kimmy and others at Asian village are Asian American. LGBTQ+ content: None specified Other: Poop puns as Kikko leaves them a certain trail....more
A graphic novel history of humans harnessing electricity over the past couple hundred years.
I like that Brown researched and included some of the invA graphic novel history of humans harnessing electricity over the past couple hundred years.
I like that Brown researched and included some of the inventors often left out of these histories in the past because they were people of color. He has a Bangla inventor who made huge breakthroughs that led to the radio be the narrator for the book. Brown does an excellent job of tracing the path to modern electronics and explaining the science along the way. The former science teacher in me was quite satisfied with it. If you have money for only 1 electricity book for a middle grade reader, pick this one.
Notes on content: Language: None Sexual content: None Violence: Brown does talk about some scientists messing with powers they didn't understand and how one man died in an ill-conceived experiment. (Not graphic.) He also talks about how they discovered muscles in frogs and human cadavers could be activated by electricity (again, not graphic and covered tactfully). Ethnic diversity: Brown does a good job of including scientists from all over the globe. LGBTQ+ content: None specified Other: He talks about Edison and Tesla's feud a little....more
Marnie is most at home with her nose in a fantasy book, so she’s not at all surprised when a fairy from her favorite series appears in real life with Marnie is most at home with her nose in a fantasy book, so she’s not at all surprised when a fairy from her favorite series appears in real life with a griffon egg and tells her she’s the chose one. But he thinks her name is Tiffany. Marnie knows there must be some mistake because Tiffany is a sporty popular girl who doesn’t even like to read. There’s no way she could be the Chosen One, right?
A graphic novel that has fun imagining what if the lines between fantasy book world and real world could be crossed, the importance of friendship and real connection, and a reminder that people often have more going on in their lives than we realize. There’s some important messages in here, especially for the superficially connected digital age that often leaves loads of people very lonely.
Notes on content [based on eARC]: Language: None Sexual content: None Violence: There are some magical battles, but the only thing hurt are inanimate objects. Ethnic diversity: Tiffany is Latina, Marnie is white. LGBTQ+ content: It is revealed at one point that one of the girls has a crush on a female character: Other: Tiffany’s mom died when she was young. Her father has a serious health condition and is in and out of the hospital. Marnie and another person are quite lonely.
I received an ARC of this title from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review....more
Pippa has decided for her final year project to write about a local murder-suicide of Andie Bell and Sal Singh from 5 years ago. But the deeper Andie Pippa has decided for her final year project to write about a local murder-suicide of Andie Bell and Sal Singh from 5 years ago. But the deeper Andie gets in investigating the case, the more convinced Pippa is that Sal was innocent, Andie wasn’t the sweet girl everyone said she was, and the murderer is still out there. With the help of Sal’s brother Ravi, Andie teases at loose ends, interviews witnesses, and starts to get threats to stop or else.
I’ve heard a lot about this and it definitely lived up to being a twisty-turny murder mystery that kept me guessing. It is definitely not for everyone. The investigation uncovers a lot of messy things going on in Little Kilton from dysfunctional families to illicit relationships to drug rings and horrible things happening at teen parties…and of course murder. It never gets super graphic, but it feels weighty and serious and just continues to build. Pippa is also too curious for her own good, gets tunnel vision when she gets close to a clue, and gets herself into some seriously dangerous situations in her quest for the truth. If I didn’t want to know who done it so bad I would have put her in book time out several times. (If you don’t know, book time out is when the book is put to the side for a few days to punish the character for being stupid.) Overall, well-paced mystery and I understand the hype, but it is a bit gritty.
Notes on content: Language: Lots of minor to moderate swears, and probably over 20 strong swears (both American and British). Sexual content: Teens mention being sexually active, make suggestive jokes, Pippa uncovers assaults that happened at parties involving drugged drinks, and a teen/adult relationship is uncovered. No details technically but it isn’t nothing. Violence: Two murders described in detail. Another attempted murder somewhat described. A drunk driving accident that paralyzed someone is described. Ethnic diversity: Pippa and Andie are white, Ravi and Sal are Indian British, Pippa has a Black British stepdad, friends and suspects of a variety of backgrounds. LGBTQ+ content: None specified that I remember Other: A dog is killed. Drug dealing and use. Teen drinking. A verbally/emotionally abusive family. Racism faced by Ravi and his family....more
A graphic novel memoir of Thien Pham whose earliest memory was from being in a boat escaping Vietnam and then being in a refugee camp in Thailand. He A graphic novel memoir of Thien Pham whose earliest memory was from being in a boat escaping Vietnam and then being in a refugee camp in Thailand. He then shares how his family relocated to the US, the struggles they faced in their new country, and how Pham eventually became a citizen as an adult.
Pham just gives snippets of his life in these different time periods. But it is enough to understand the enormous challenges refugees face when escaping their former country, waiting in a refugee camp, and then trying to establish a new life in their country of resettlement. It's extremely hard. And Pham and his family are incredibly resilient people to have made it to where they are today. I liked the end panels that had some questions and answers with different people in Pham's life and their view on things or if they are still in touch today. Those provided some great bonus insights. I like Pham's illustration style too. I devoured this in one sitting. It isn't as text-dense as some graphic novel memoirs can be so it is a pretty quick read for a nonfiction graphic novel. Definitely a recommended read. It is marketed as YA but there's nothing in it that MG readers can't handle.
Notes on content: Language: Pham shares one instance of a drunk man who called him racial slurs at a bowling alley. Sexual content: None Violence: Pirates board the refugee boat and threaten them with guns and machetes, any violence that happened is blacked out and unclear in the illustrations. Ethnic diversity: Pham and his family are Vietnamese, they have friends in California from a variety of ethnic backgrounds. LGBTQ+ content: None specified Other: As mentioned, one scene with a drunk Vietnam vet who takes his anger out verbally on Pham....more
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