A graphic novel based on Varner's experiences, it's got a mishmash of most middle school issues from weight/body including her getting her period, to A graphic novel based on Varner's experiences, it's got a mishmash of most middle school issues from weight/body including her getting her period, to friendships including a bullying situation, family like her older brother (whose friends harassed her and when she shared it with her brother in frustration, he actually stopped being friends with them, which was a nice nod to family ties), and hobbies/sport of her love of horseback riding and competition.
It demonstrates the adage of getting up when you keep getting knocked down as she often falls off her horse but even when it happens toward the end of a competition, she ends up winning. I liked the turquoise color palette and introspection. ...more
Using a haiku and then one or two text features explaining the science behind the humorous (and often gross) haiku of an animal in nature, it's a smarUsing a haiku and then one or two text features explaining the science behind the humorous (and often gross) haiku of an animal in nature, it's a smart way to learn cool facts about animals like the toad that sprouts its babies off it's flat back or the lobsters that pee out of their faces or the koalas who eat their mom's poop for nutrition.
Love the intersection of humor, science, and language. ...more
How can a book this short be this powerful? I can see why it's getting award nominations and accolades because this is a powerful story about a girl lHow can a book this short be this powerful? I can see why it's getting award nominations and accolades because this is a powerful story about a girl learning about the history of her family in which they were sent to residential schools and stripped of their way of life, culture, language, hair, and ideals but through deeper connections, she discovers what people digging around the residential schools are finding-- bodies and stories hidden.
Taking place in Alberta over the summer where Summer's family spends time on a ranch, Summer's learning deepens with her dreams and her conversations with family. The frustration of what happened to them in the past needs to be healed but they are living in the present, which I value in the story as well.
An absolutely entertaining mystery that's long on dead bodies and intrigue and humor and short on boring. It's highly active for a reader whether listAn absolutely entertaining mystery that's long on dead bodies and intrigue and humor and short on boring. It's highly active for a reader whether listening or reading from the names of all of the Swift family characters and now the hijinks in another country, namely Paris, France as they investigate a museum heist with more bodies.
It's a good time from start to finish and the more unique and creative mystery to hit shelves in the last few years. Pay attention! ...more
I think I liked the relationship between May and the soccer star was just as poignant as working through her love of the game of chess and feeling a lI think I liked the relationship between May and the soccer star was just as poignant as working through her love of the game of chess and feeling a little like an imposter as she makes a bet with her rival/friend Ralph on their way to states.
May deals with relationships, chess practice, friendships, and family in a realistic way. Is she into it even when she wants to take a break and forget about chess every now and then? Should she ask her friend to throw a game to get her the points to possibly be on top of the rankings? It's a wonderfully representative story of middle school years and chess for the chess players in the world with a fun narrator for the audiobook. ...more
A found family story where Eve, an orphaned girl who is running away from her "home" ends up being stopped by the Pumpkin King himself who wants to maA found family story where Eve, an orphaned girl who is running away from her "home" ends up being stopped by the Pumpkin King himself who wants to make her a deal. She accepts and moves into the world of Hallowell Valley where there are ghosts, goblins, and pumpkin kings, along with vampires. Every spooky creature and she thinks she can find a home being the Pumpkin King's daughter though there is one thing getting in her way.
I liked it, I didn't love it. It's a fun story with a backstory and fantastical characters as well as a lonely girl wanting to find a place for herself in the world with a warm ending that feels comfortable for the intended audience. ...more
Endearing and absolutely a fantastically entertaining readalike to books like A First Time for Everything and New Kid as it shares in the summary, thiEndearing and absolutely a fantastically entertaining readalike to books like A First Time for Everything and New Kid as it shares in the summary, this one is a new favorite.
Ruth's family lives in Toronto and have lived a good life there, however, Ruth's family has made the decision to move to Hong Kong where her father has a job opportunity in China. He'll be away a little bit more but they'll be back closer to family that they have missed while living in Canada. What Ruth realizes after a few mishaps and missteps when moving back is how lonely her mother felt when Ruth explodes at her parents. In Toronto she was always "the Asian" and now that she's in Hong Kong, she's not Asian enough, not speaking Cantonese well, not fitting in with her extended family, and even her new best friend has been ignoring her and she doesn't know why. Then the isolation of her dad being away more and missing out on their nightly Talk to Talks, she needs to vent. Lovingly, her parents, after their shock, give her some time and space and recognize how they can move forward.
It's a sweet graphic novel memoir with a straightforward premise and all of the realistic battles any teen goes through with a sense of humor and sentimentality toward coming-of-age. ...more
Recounting the story of how the Salem Witch Trials began with featured people like Tituba and Reverend Parris, it was easy to see how Tituba was goingRecounting the story of how the Salem Witch Trials began with featured people like Tituba and Reverend Parris, it was easy to see how Tituba was going to be the scapegoat for whatever the girls were thinking-- whether it was all in good fun and quickly became out of hand or was sinister from the beginning (though one theory is that they were intoxicated with a plant that could have explained it).
Either way, it was a tragedy on many levels and the Who HQ that uses a graphic novel with intermittent text to explain the scenes lays the groundwork to understand texts like The Crucible but history in general around this topic. I always learn something new when I'm reading one of these books in the series whether it's the text or graphic novel format. ...more
Messner's beautiful series "Over and Under" explore areas and biomes of the world- this one the wetlands from the water snakes to the herons. Always bMessner's beautiful series "Over and Under" explore areas and biomes of the world- this one the wetlands from the water snakes to the herons. Always beautiful, always knowledgeable, always worth reading and exploring both the book and the backmatter that she does so well. ...more
I know it's getting a lot of hype but I don't think the audience matches the writing and in reading it, the vagueness of the story from start to finisI know it's getting a lot of hype but I don't think the audience matches the writing and in reading it, the vagueness of the story from start to finish made me frustrated. I wanted more substance because it felt more ethereal than real though Quigley's message is one of taking back power and showcasing Indigenous folks who don't live on reservations in the middle of the United States but in urban areas like Tomah and Ariel, the two characters from the story. Ariel is struggling because her auntie is a missing woman. There's a lot of past and present to unpack and uncertainty about the future that maybe Tomah and Ariel can band together to help muddle their way through.
The verse works for the concept but I wish it was more literal than figurative to drive home the point of missing women in the community for a younger audience. I don't know if readers would come away with the knowledge and understanding if they didn't already have it before.
One of the last chapters "Survive and Breathe" in Tomah's words was one of my favorites. ...more
I wholeheartedly adore this graphic novel that includes adventure, action, folklore, and tons of heart with a touch of danger and darkness! I didn't eI wholeheartedly adore this graphic novel that includes adventure, action, folklore, and tons of heart with a touch of danger and darkness! I didn't expect to love it as much as I did and instead sat right in my chair and finished it in one sitting, and I still didn't want it to end!
Anzu isn't fitting in, in particular she's started trying to make new friends and call herself Anne rather than Anzu. Then during some celebratory festivities, she ends up chasing this dog but falls and when she wakes up, realizes that she's in another world- Yomi- the Shinto underworld and she's being told she needs to return to the human world as soon as possible or she'll be trapped there. And not everyone is who they seem, specifically a queen who seems nice but instead is a little deadly and who has bad intentions for Anzu. Can she be the heroine to get herself out (and when she discovers there are others to rescue as well) them too?
Particularly entertaining was learning about the world. In Yomi the cardinal directions are where the gates are: high heaven, sea, night, and reeds. Then there are the mythological creatures Anzu meets. The mix of action adventure and journey challenge make it quietly intense and readers will love Anzu as a character. I fell in love with her as much as the graphic art approach with the blocky panels and colors.
The industrious of younger teens! It reminds me of A Soft Place to Land where she started a dog walking business. In this case, a group of girls startThe industrious of younger teens! It reminds me of A Soft Place to Land where she started a dog walking business. In this case, a group of girls start a hair braiding business and what better place than at the summer camp, except that there's a rival girl who is intent on starting her own braiding business as well.
But that's only part of the issue as Maggie has a new disruption in her life that she's trying to see as a positive but it's moving quickly. Her dad had a child, who is about her age who he didn't know about until recently and because Callie's mother died, Callie's visit becomes a permanent stay in their house. It's going to be different for all of them including Callie who lost her mom and is adjusting to this new life. The person who is adjusting the least is Maggie's best friend Daija who feels threated by Callie's presence.
The middle grade includes business acumen, creativity, friendship, family, and summertime....more
This story that would be perfect for a middle schooler or high schooler is a focused, brief autobiography of Lowe who experienced poverty and a disrupThis story that would be perfect for a middle schooler or high schooler is a focused, brief autobiography of Lowe who experienced poverty and a disrupted upbringing but kept her eye on excelling in track and field, saying to herself when she was very young that she wanted to be an Olympian after seeing FloJo on the screen.
Her mom tried to care for the family but it ultimately meant she moved to a few other family members' homes before living with her grandmother and taking advantage of opportunities to do track in California away from her mother. Her laser-like focus meant she wanted to get a track scholarship and succeed in the sport while studying hard and being surrounded by the love that she gave and was given back to her. Her positive outlook didn't fail her even in the darker times.
Page 26 when she meets her grandmother: "Driving the point further home, the woman pointed at me yet again and said, "I know my family, and that little girl right there is my granddaughter." Feeling that this woman was deeply mistaken, I waited for my mom to correct her. Then to my shock, my mom said, "Yes, Mrs. Booker, I think she is."
"All the happiness of new love faded when he began to drink heavily and started beating her. The last time he used her as his punching bag was so brutal that he left her bleeding with a fractured skull and spiraling into a deep depression." "Mrs. Yarborough," I said. "Does it have to be creative writing? can I write a nonfiction story?" Taking a minute to think about my question, she said, "Yes, if you're excited about writing it, I can't wait to read it."...more
Reminding me of With a Little Luck, though this is a middle grade and Luck is YA, it's about a little magic to believe in. Three girls living in the cReminding me of With a Little Luck, though this is a middle grade and Luck is YA, it's about a little magic to believe in. Three girls living in the city going into seventh grade come back together after being separated by moves, the pandemic, and a fight but their fortune tellers come back. A teacher sends a box that she found, the other has found some in her closet that she swore she threw away, yet their prescient tidbits seem to be telling them something-- reach out. And that they do in part because there's a very real threat- the school they attended may be shutting down and if they get together they could possibly help.
It's a problem and solution middle grade centering around friendship that is a delightful tale. ...more
An absolutely delightful middle grade featuring Aviva and Holly- identical twins separated at birth- who discover each other and that while they can'tAn absolutely delightful middle grade featuring Aviva and Holly- identical twins separated at birth- who discover each other and that while they can't know for sure, everything seems like it points to the fact that they were separated at birth. Then the hijinks ensues when the girls decide to swap places to celebrate the other's holiday celebrations-- Christmas versus Hannukah. Really the only one who suspects anything right away is the cat.
It's lively and seasonal. Both girls have an exceptional voice throughout the story that delves into our relationship with culture and religion during the holidays while the girls are just so darn tickled that they have found one another as the holiday celebration in which they'll perform (one of them reluctantly) comes closer.
I don't have a bookshelf for cults? Maybe I should start one.
Adored this middle grade story about Frankie/Fern who has enjoyed, what she thinks, is aI don't have a bookshelf for cults? Maybe I should start one.
Adored this middle grade story about Frankie/Fern who has enjoyed, what she thinks, is a productive bountiful life within the confines of the ranch with others and her mother and Dr. Ben. That is until her mother ferrets her away in the middle of the night. She's clearly been working to make this happen for some time and now that they're "out", Frankie/Fern's brainwashing is on full display. She doesn't like the synthetic clothes, the sugar in food, doesn't know much about technology, and wants to return to the safety and security of the ranch before her promised (ahead of schedule) ceremony- problem is she doesn't know where it is and needs to figure out a way to find out where it is and another step to get back there too.
What unfolds is a young girl and her mother learning a new relationship and I especially appreciated really hearing quite a bit about Frankie's mom since they move back to an area where her godmothers lived (one who is still alive and runs a bakery).
It's got a mysterious quality that's the foreboding about whether Frankie/Fern gets what she's asking for, but that comes at a price if it does happen. ...more
Who knew? Literally I always feel like I don't know enough about the ongoing political and religious arguments but now I have a good context for the sWho knew? Literally I always feel like I don't know enough about the ongoing political and religious arguments but now I have a good context for the site itself including the multiple rebuilds of the city, how the religious establishments came to exist and war with one another, and how existence has been historically.
Using the structures themselves for the three religions: Islam, Judaism, and Christianity, I have a grasp on the layout and landscape. I can only imagine it's beauty and the stories it has told over time. ...more
There was SO MUCH I didn't know about Washington Irving. Keenan's background and focused explanation to give context to the lore of the headless horseThere was SO MUCH I didn't know about Washington Irving. Keenan's background and focused explanation to give context to the lore of the headless horseman was the perfect lunchtime read for me. Plus, I've been to the cemetery and visited his grave (I'm a taphophile) and there were tidbits that I shared with others including the "knickerbocker" name and how he was the first American to make a living in publishing.
I always enjoy a good Who HQ story when done like this! ...more
Seasonal-focused poetry through the four seasons in this poetry comics, if they made a series out of it in some way, I wouldn't be mad because this waSeasonal-focused poetry through the four seasons in this poetry comics, if they made a series out of it in some way, I wouldn't be mad because this was fantastic both of the mechanics and understanding of poetry as well as celebrating nature, such as my favorite both visually and poetically "Reflection / in the still pond / the same world / but blurred."
Both the artistic and linguistic work together seamlessly. ...more
The way Soontornvat has put her life out there for other middle schoolers to experience in these middle grade graphic novels have been nothing short oThe way Soontornvat has put her life out there for other middle schoolers to experience in these middle grade graphic novels have been nothing short of amazing-- the connections that any reader can make to embarrassing, sweet, frustrating, and delightful experiences are all wrapped up in a perfect bow. Her parents decide to divorce which upsets Christina. She has a chance to try out again for the cheerleading squad... and makes it. Friendships. A love interest and smooch. A toe-tastic art project.
This glimpse into her world is what endears all readers to her whether we're young or old. And her note was pitch-perfect at the end. The complimentary art of the graphic novel pairs perfectly to the tone of the memoir. Can't wait to shout about this one from the rooftops!...more
Loading...
