School Librarian Review You can't go wrong with Alan Gratz. His historical fiction is gritty, violent, truthful, and heartwrenching. This one seemed a School Librarian Review You can't go wrong with Alan Gratz. His historical fiction is gritty, violent, truthful, and heartwrenching. This one seemed a little more violent than his others, so I would keep it for High School, or a select few middle school kids.
I love that we learned the history of Okinawa through the eyes of a native, rather than a Japanese or American soldier's POV. It felt more gripping and the losses more devastating. ...more
School Librarian Review I would put this book in any library! School kids of all ages will enjoy learning about Oman, and the boys' adventures are ableSchool Librarian Review I would put this book in any library! School kids of all ages will enjoy learning about Oman, and the boys' adventures are able to translate into any culture. It is a great book for showing that no matter where we live, we are all basically the same.
SLIGHT SPOILER - I went into this expecting Aref to get to the US and learn how he handled the transition from Oman to the US, but the book ends as he finishes packing...so be prepared to be slightly disappointed that we don't see the next step in his story. This is a book about saying goodbye....more
School Librarian Review: Kids might love this book. If they go in expecting it to be a teen romance, rather than anything with any hint of historical School Librarian Review: Kids might love this book. If they go in expecting it to be a teen romance, rather than anything with any hint of historical value. It is simple and fluffy, and the characters would probably intrigue middle or high school readers.
A teacher might be able to use this as a jumping-off point for how fragile our democracy is, or how the US is unique...when it could just as easily be just the same as any other monarchy.
I wouldn't recommend it to everyone, but those who are the target audience might love it.
Personal Review: I didn't enjoy this book as much as I hoped I would. The characters were fine, but spoiled - which is the whole point, but it still made it hard for me to care about them. The Idea that Washington chose to accept the crown is a very interesting idea for alternate history. I loved the idea, but then it became a lot like every other monarchy and so...why? I was hoping that the American monarchy would become something more interesting than just following all the old rules.
So, I guess this is just a teen romance set against the backdrop of a Royal Family, which happens to be America. This was not as interesting as I had hoped.
SPOILER: - - - - Also, I didn't realize this was a series...and the ending was infuriating! - - - - - Not a single character got what they wanted...everyone's life sucks and there is no joy anywhere. ...more
The Audiobook version of this is so well done! I would recommend it over a paper version...and I don't usually say that. The voice actors were perfectThe Audiobook version of this is so well done! I would recommend it over a paper version...and I don't usually say that. The voice actors were perfect for their roles.
Librarian's Recommendation: I would put this in a high school, maybe a middle school that isn't too conservative. There are references to sex and some drinking scenes, and the kids are not avoiding it, it's just a normal part of their experience. If that's going to cause parent complaints...you should be aware of them. I, however, would defend this book and would put it in my school.
This is a great book for teaching kids that friendships can be broken...and it's hard to repair them. A single action, or inaction, can have lasting effects and these cannot always be fixed with an 'I'm sorry'.
The families here are broken...but not through anything devious or illegal...just life taking bad turns. Each family has to deal with unimaginable loss before the book begins, and it is interesting to see how the pre-history of the character defines their outlook in the face of a new tragedy.
I listened to this in audiobook, and I loved the narrator. I'm honestly not sure I would have finished this book if I were reading it in the traditio I listened to this in audiobook, and I loved the narrator. I'm honestly not sure I would have finished this book if I were reading it in the traditional format. I know a lot of people love it, but I just never felt that any of the characters mattered to me. It was a slog to get to the interesting points and I felt the people were each too absorbed in themselves for me to care about them. Meh. ...more
Rich (no, really really rich) girl from Mexico City moves to LA while her mom shots a TV show. Everyone at her new school assumes she is a 'scholarshiRich (no, really really rich) girl from Mexico City moves to LA while her mom shots a TV show. Everyone at her new school assumes she is a 'scholarship kid' and her mom's a maid - and probably 'an illegal'. She is so stunned by this racism that she doesn't know how to react...so she doesn't and the assumptions continue. After a while, she just goes with it to see how racist people can be...and by the time she wants to tell the truth...it feels like it's too late.
A very interesting look at cross-cultural racism told from a Mexican girl's perspective, who has only ever known what it was to be surrounded by other Mexicans. Going from 'no racism because we are all alike' to everyone in America has a different 'look' about them is a great 'new' way to look at a topic that is all too relevant today.
I highly recommend this book to students, teachers, and anyone wanting to see the world from a different perspective.
As a side note - my sons who are fluent in Spanish found it annoying that every time the characters would say something in Spanish, they would then translate it into English. "Even when it was obvious!" So, if you are a native Spanish speaker - just letting you know that this was written for a non-native audience. But, the story is so unique I would still recommend it to native speakers....more
As a teacher, I see so many reasons to have kids read this book. It is a little over the top when it comes to thSpectacular, suspenseful, superlative!
As a teacher, I see so many reasons to have kids read this book. It is a little over the top when it comes to the power of a singe bully, but it is equally 'real' in the feelings the bully generates in every level of onlooker and bystander. I understand how the victim feels, and I still feel empathy for the bully. This is a very well written book that will reach any 'type' of student.
The story about the superhero is strong, even if it is pretty obvious to the reader how the ending will play out. The first chapter tell us how the story will end, and yet the ending is still perfect.
I highly recommend this book to elementary school libraries, and almost all kids. (Minor spoiler: I would be careful about recommending it to students who have lost a loved one, especially to disease or sickness.)...more
Slow, boring and the story just goes nowhere...with great detail. I couldn't make myself finish it. That is really rare for me. I read quickly and usuSlow, boring and the story just goes nowhere...with great detail. I couldn't make myself finish it. That is really rare for me. I read quickly and usually get to the end before passing judgment...but I just could not make myself continue this book....more
SCHOOL LIBRARIAN REVIEW: I think this would be a great book for any middle or high school library. It's a great plot, interesting characters and I loveSCHOOL LIBRARIAN REVIEW: I think this would be a great book for any middle or high school library. It's a great plot, interesting characters and I love the interactions between adults and kids. Perfect voice, perfect tone. Loved it. ...more
"This thoughtful, wry story is about two girls--a "punk" and a "priss"--who find themselves facing each other in a peer-counseling program and discove"This thoughtful, wry story is about two girls--a "punk" and a "priss"--who find themselves facing each other in a peer-counseling program and discover that they have some surprising things in common."
That pretty much sums it up. Add a mother with major mental health issues and a needy brother from one family and overbearing (from the girls' point of view) parents for the other and it's a book with all the pieces that make current publishers and reviewers joyous.
LIBRARIAN REVIEW: Another book that has all the elements that are popular in teen fiction, but done with skill. It's a good read with lots of discussion raising elements. Strong female characters, thoughtfully created adults that add to the story rather than cardboard cutouts, though provoking discussions between characters and a ending that makes sense for all that has come before - if a little trite. I recommend it for all levels of school libraries. No sex, no boys really at all, no drugs, not violence...it's a 'good' good read. :) ...more
An interesting idea, but written in a very slow and dry style. I have not read the first three books - about Nantucket Island - but I like the idea ofAn interesting idea, but written in a very slow and dry style. I have not read the first three books - about Nantucket Island - but I like the idea of a world with no tech, but the story and characters suffer from a very dry hand at work. Very little of the action 'grabs' me, although there is a lot of action. The characters are full of interesting details, but little life. It's a good book that had the potential of being great...but never got there....more
Incredible book about childhood cancer from a survivor's view point. It's a follow up to Drums, Girls & Dangerous Pie, which is another amazing book yIncredible book about childhood cancer from a survivor's view point. It's a follow up to Drums, Girls & Dangerous Pie, which is another amazing book you should all read!...more
I really don't know how this book made it to publication. It is a concept that has been done before - and much better - with a 'Superman' twist. It evI really don't know how this book made it to publication. It is a concept that has been done before - and much better - with a 'Superman' twist. It even references The Da Vinci Code in an "That only happens in books..." sort of way, but then moves forward in the same vein despite saying that. Characters repeat themselves, narration repeats itself and the story is slow and plodding. Then about 3/5 of the way through it seems to end...then keeps going. Arg. It was tedious. I hate to quit on books. I always think "Maybe the ending will make it all worthwhile. Nope, not this time. If you're reading it and annoyed with it...just quit. It's not worth it....more
I don't read erotica. I didn't realize this was until I was well into it. And, by then, I was into the story...so I finished it. Pretty good, but I doI don't read erotica. I didn't realize this was until I was well into it. And, by then, I was into the story...so I finished it. Pretty good, but I don't think I'll read any further. I may just read summaries to see where the story goes from here, I don't need the sex scenes....more
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