I’d never read Knisley’s webcomics, so I’m glad I was able to get to know Linney through this collection. A wonderful tribute to a cat who might have I’d never read Knisley’s webcomics, so I’m glad I was able to get to know Linney through this collection. A wonderful tribute to a cat who might have been just a bit of a drama queen....more
15-year-old Kat and her friends are determined to fight back against the patriarchy through feminist activism, but it’s not always easy. Boys, mean gi15-year-old Kat and her friends are determined to fight back against the patriarchy through feminist activism, but it’s not always easy. Boys, mean girls, and rogue menstrual cups all play a part in making her question whether her “feministing” is making a difference. This British import is the new and improved Angus, Thongs, and Full-Frontal Snogging for Gen Z. Mental health issues are addressed in an authentic and sensitive way. Kate Weston has created a story that is both hilarious and heartwarming....more
I read this years ago and found it kind of meh, but my friends and my husband recently convinced me I HAD to read it again. So I did. And I came to thI read this years ago and found it kind of meh, but my friends and my husband recently convinced me I HAD to read it again. So I did. And I came to the conclusion that I am just not a fan of absurdity. I appreciate why so many people enjoy Douglas Adams, but, whew!, for me it was a slog. Apologies to all of my friends who adore Arthur and Zaphod and Trillian and the gang....more
I love the premise and the digital artwork. And the endnote is hilarious.
I don't love the font, though... it blends in with the illustrations in severI love the premise and the digital artwork. And the endnote is hilarious.
I don't love the font, though... it blends in with the illustrations in several instances. When several of the household items are talking at once, the order in which things are read can be confusing.
4 for the originality and the affirmative message that we don't need to be bound by others' expectations, but I have to go with an overall 3 given the design choices around the text....more
I enjoyed this book club selection a lot more than I thought I would. In the middle of all the raunchy stuff (which I didn’t find as funny as hearing I enjoyed this book club selection a lot more than I thought I would. In the middle of all the raunchy stuff (which I didn’t find as funny as hearing her deliver it in stand-up, but still had some amusing segments), Amy writes about substantive issues— sexual assault, gender inequity, gun control, body image, her father’s battle with MS. She nails the definition of an introvert. And her annotated journal entries from ages 13 on up are pretty hilarious.
I’m torn between a 3 and a 4, but I’m leaning more toward the 3 just because the constant back and forth between gossipy sex stuff and her thoughts on more serious topics makes the flow a bit jarring. ...more
One of our English teachers recently had her students choose examples of postmodernist books, and I wish I had read this a little earlier, because it One of our English teachers recently had her students choose examples of postmodernist books, and I wish I had read this a little earlier, because it definitely fits the bill— unreliable narrator; deeply, darkly humorous; intertextuality, the metafiction elements...
I loved McCoy’s revamping of I, Claudius to a modern-day L.A. prep school, and the way that she wove in so many of the original historical characters. This is utterly original and has much to say about today’s political climate. It was not on my radar until this year’s Printz Committee awarded it an honor, so shout-out to YMA award-committees for their diligence in identifying those worthy titles that might otherwise escape our notice.
So glad that this was recommended in book club, because otherwise, this never would have crossed my radar. If you've experienced anxiety or depressionSo glad that this was recommended in book club, because otherwise, this never would have crossed my radar. If you've experienced anxiety or depression or have family or friends who have, Furiously Happy: A Funny Book About Horrible Things is not to be missed: Lawson shares her experiences with mental illness in humorous, no-holds-barred vignettes. Her narration of the audio version added a lot to my enjoyment-- she was right there in the car with me, recounting the latest way she embarrassed her husband. Fans of David Sedaris will love getting to know Jenny Lawson....more
Shane Burcaw refuses to be defined by the fact that he's been in a wheelchair since he was diagnosed with spinal muscular atrophy when he was a toddleShane Burcaw refuses to be defined by the fact that he's been in a wheelchair since he was diagnosed with spinal muscular atrophy when he was a toddler. As a child, he did not let the fact that he was differently-abled deter him from tearing around the neighborhood with his buddies, and he made sure that his extroverted nature was in evidence when he met new people. Sounds like the makings for a heart-warming sort-of-interesting-for-the-first-fifty-pages book, right? WRONG! This guy is hilarious. I wasn't sure what to expect, but it wasn't this irreverent, snorting in public chronicle of the absurdity of some of the situations he's found himself in over his 21 years. His story is certainly inspiring, and certainly important, but the thing that makes this an easy one to sell to teens during book talks is the openness and humor with which Shane puts his life out there and invites us to laugh right alongside him. And reminds us that we choose how we're going to respond to our circumstances. Just wonderful....more
Listening to the audio version of this story was like experiencing an extended Monty Python skit, which is never a bad thing. But the zany happenings Listening to the audio version of this story was like experiencing an extended Monty Python skit, which is never a bad thing. But the zany happenings in Pratchett's Discworld stories do not come at the expense of plot development or fully-drawn characters. Another example of Pratchett's ability to combine humor and social commentary so seamlessly. ...more
Hilarious and fun... can't wait to read it aloud to my unsuspecting 4-year-old niece. Warning-- kids won't let you get away with just reading it once.Hilarious and fun... can't wait to read it aloud to my unsuspecting 4-year-old niece. Warning-- kids won't let you get away with just reading it once....more
These guys are the reigning masters of subtext. Love the way that the words and illustrations complement each other and make the story so much more thThese guys are the reigning masters of subtext. Love the way that the words and illustrations complement each other and make the story so much more than it would be with only one or the other. And, of course, love the dog, who's the real unsung hero of the tale....more
It's a requirement that you read any book that features a high school that has the same name as the one that you work at. While the glaringly pink covIt's a requirement that you read any book that features a high school that has the same name as the one that you work at. While the glaringly pink cover may put some off as being too froufrou, this story of the reality show that promises to transform three bottom-of-the-social-ladder girls into Prom Queen contenders is refreshingly tongue-in-cheek. Shannon is an engaging protagonist, and her journey from self-conscious target to egotistical diva to teenager who finally gets her priorities straight is believable and will resonate with lots of high school students. A perfect blend of froth and substance-- kind of like that lime-green tulle....more
A lighthearted look at the various dramas associated with being 15. Fans of Louise Rennison will gobble it up like cotton candy.A lighthearted look at the various dramas associated with being 15. Fans of Louise Rennison will gobble it up like cotton candy....more
A fun, fast-paced if somewhat predictable story about what happens when the son of a notorious crime boss falls for the daughter of an FBI agent. Not A fun, fast-paced if somewhat predictable story about what happens when the son of a notorious crime boss falls for the daughter of an FBI agent. Not big on substance, but Gordon Korman knows how to draw readers in and keep them entertained....more
I love Jim Gaffigan's humor and his stand-up comedy. Didn't find the book quite as funny as seeing him do his act on stage, but it's a very enjoyable I love Jim Gaffigan's humor and his stand-up comedy. Didn't find the book quite as funny as seeing him do his act on stage, but it's a very enjoyable read that his fans will enjoy-- and that will probably garner him some new fans, especially in the dad ranks....more
Pure zany fun... When Mom is out of town and Dad forgets to pick up milk for the breakfast cereal, the situation seems dire. But never fear: Dad savesPure zany fun... When Mom is out of town and Dad forgets to pick up milk for the breakfast cereal, the situation seems dire. But never fear: Dad saves the day even though his trip to get the milk involves run-ins with aliens, pirates, dinosaurs, a cranky tribal god, and a few piranhas. Roald Dahl fans will love this longer-than-a-picture-book-but-not-exactly-a-chapter-book that begs to be shared aloud. Skottie Young's whacky illustrations pair perfectly....more
Fans of Fly Guy will enjoy this latest installment. Buzz's family is taking a trip. When they stop at a hotel, Buzz and his parents head to the restauFans of Fly Guy will enjoy this latest installment. Buzz's family is taking a trip. When they stop at a hotel, Buzz and his parents head to the restaurant for dinner and Fly Guy heads outside to the garbage cans and puddles to have his own supper. Unfortunately, he doesn't have a taste for anything outside, and when he smells something wonderful, he follows his nose... into the restaurant's kitchen. Mistaking a soup bowl for a bathtub, he attempts to clean up. The diner for whom the soup is intended sees Fly Guy, shrieks and sends the soup flying, and chaos ensues in the dining room. Everyone is covered with soup-- but fortunately, the hotel has a pool and all of the guests can enjoy a splashy clean-up. Large font and limited vocabulary make this early chapter book a great choice for emergent readers. Arnold's signature big-eyed illustrations are energetic and colorful, and mesh perfectly with the silly antics of Fly Guy....more
While younger children may be confused by this story which is only indirectly about Chloe and the lion, older kids (and adults) will enjoy the squabblWhile younger children may be confused by this story which is only indirectly about Chloe and the lion, older kids (and adults) will enjoy the squabbling between author Mac Barnett and illustrator Adam Rex, who pop in and out in claymation form as they argue over the vision of the story. A fun take on the creative and collaborative processes involved in book creation....more
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