Life hasn't been particularly kind to Carter Avery. Not only did his parents die when he was quite young, but his teachers have not liked him at all. Life hasn't been particularly kind to Carter Avery. Not only did his parents die when he was quite young, but his teachers have not liked him at all. (He could tell.) And his impulsiveness and inability to sit still have also annoyed his classmates, resulting in his often sitting alone at lunch. Carter figures that fourth grade will be more of the same or even worse once he learns that he's assigned to Ms. Olivia Krane's class along with his nemesis, Missy Gerber. Although she's fairly new to the school, students have already spread gossip about her. Later, parents will do the same. But there's something amazing that happens between Ms. Krane, who has a large purplish birthmark on her face, and the fidgety boy. With firmness but also understanding and empathy, Carter's new teacher helps him blossom, and teamwork with Missy allows the two students to see other sides of each other. This story is heartfelt, inspiring, and even though some parts are a bit hard to believe, Carter's journey exemplifies the old adage about a self-fulfilling prophecy. The difference in Carter in Ms. Krane's class and in his previous classes is clear. None of this happens overnight, of course, and when he must deal with a substitute teacher, Carter struggles again. But oh, how lovely it is to watch him blossom and see his classmates come to appreciate him. This one is a 3,5 for me, proving once again that this author has an ear for dialogue and knows quite well what goes on classrooms today. It would be a great choice for future teachers or a teachers' book club to give insight into how to handle students like Carter but also to reflect on what sort of teachers they are. ...more
Twelve different short stories feature a diverse cast of characters--youngsters living with their families in the Entrada, a six-story apartment buildTwelve different short stories feature a diverse cast of characters--youngsters living with their families in the Entrada, a six-story apartment building. Each protagonist faces some sort of relatable life challenge, including being misunderstood, a first crush, making friends, being heard, and even dealing with an artistic ghost. Not surprisingly, there's even a grouchy neighbor who complains about the cooking smells from someone's kitchen. Since the stories interlock in some surprising ways and some of their parents also face challenges, this collection is rife with discussion possibilities as well as providing avenues toward acceptance, empathy and risk-taking. Because each story is short, readers can consume the stories gradually or educators can share them one story at a time, but they also are interesting enough to hold readers' attention all the way through. These culturally rich accounts are easy to digest, and there isn't a weak one among the entire collection. Refreshingly, there are no troubled teens, addiction or crime mentioned on this particular block. ...more
Many of us can relate to baking or cooking certain holiday treats and feeling rather daunted at the thought of making 3 dozen sugar cookies or that nuMany of us can relate to baking or cooking certain holiday treats and feeling rather daunted at the thought of making 3 dozen sugar cookies or that number of dressing patties or turkey sandwiches. But it's almost impossible to imagine preparing 12,000 tamales as the grandmother in this picture book does. Because money for presents is scarce, she uses her cooking talents to earn money for the upcoming Christmas festivities. The text follows Grandma as she stands patiently by the stove when the weather starts to cool and uses her hands to fashion tamales for sale. Young readers will be invested in her efforts as the text highlights certain moments--15 dozen tamales, 150 dozen, 575 dozen, all the way to 1,000 dozen. And they may be surprised that those tamales not only allow her to buy family presents but to extend generosity to her neighbors. The story has added poignancy since the Author's Note reveals that it's based on her own grandmother and her homemade tamales. Each page is filled with brightly colored artwork, created digitally with handmade brushes and textures that make readers feel as though they are right at Grandma's side, helping wrap those tamales, smelling the meat cooking and dying for just a taste. YUM! This one will become a Christmas classic because of its cultural richness and the selflessness of Grandma, perhaps reminding some older readers of their own family traditions and how food and love are so closely associated....more
Although seventh grader Katie is still at the heart of this humorous, timely graphic novel series, the talented cats that live near her--all 217 of thAlthough seventh grader Katie is still at the heart of this humorous, timely graphic novel series, the talented cats that live near her--all 217 of them--add the purr-fect touch to the plot. Readers like me will be looking closely at each page to locate one of those well-trained felines and learn what its special skills are. It could be that one is a Military Expert, Architecture, Remix Specialist or in charge of Publicity. In this, the fourth book in the series, Katie and the Mousestress, who is also Cheesy Justice, become concerned that a horse carriage company now has a monopoly on this tourist attraction and is keeping the horses in crowded conditions. Investigation leads to SlimBuilds, a company that seems intent on filling all the space between apartment buildings with more structures, blocking the sun. It's fun to watch Katie gain confidence and build bonds with her skating crew. There are several subplots that add interest to the book while hinting at various stories yet to be told. The artwork fits the storyline and characters perfectly, both depicting seventh grade and friend and family dynamics and all their ups and downs perfectly. I'll look forward to the next installment in this unique and empowering series that's all about girl power. ...more
This amazingly immersive novel focusing on water, rivers, and humanity is a 4.5 for me. I was curious to see how the author would tie together the difThis amazingly immersive novel focusing on water, rivers, and humanity is a 4.5 for me. I was curious to see how the author would tie together the different parts of the narrative--1840 Victorian England, 2014 Turkey, and 2018 London--with their various protagonists together with drops of water and rivers threading through all this. I was not disappointed. She does so deftly, handing so many hot-button topics such as the theft of cultural artifacts by privileged Westerners, cultural erasure of certain groups, genocide, and familial relationships as skillfully as one of the oral storytellers of the past. Sprinkling in oral stories and traditions along with dashes of genius, guilt, and obsession, she introduces readers to a fascinating cast of characters, some fictional but others such as Dr. John Snow, who are real. Reading this book is an emotional rollercoaster, but readers may come away from it feeling as though they're smarter, more aware, and more empathetic. They also may find themselves wrestling with some important ethical questions. I highly recommend adding it to your to-read pile. It's one of the best adult books I've read so far this year. ...more
A companion novel to Life After Life, this one, which focuses on Teddy, Ursula Todd's younger brother and bomber pilot during WII. It's just as good aA companion novel to Life After Life, this one, which focuses on Teddy, Ursula Todd's younger brother and bomber pilot during WII. It's just as good as the previous one since it features cameos from various members of the Todd family as well as the next two generations. There is quite a lot of description of his flying missions and his fondness for nature. In some ways, Teddy is quite extraordinary and even a hero, but in others he will remind readers of themselves and some of their own family members. Most notably, as happens so often, Teddy's life doesn't turn out the way he might have hoped and expected. It's so clear that he and everyone else, no matter how privileged or without privilege, has dreams and ambitions, but what happens when those dreams evaporate or seem out of reach through no fault of one's own? So much happened during the twentieth century, and the author has given readers a window seat into one ordinary man's journey through the decades. As I read this one, I felt incredibly sad about Teddy's relationship with his daughter, Viola, who never really bonded with him or her own two children, but I also felt grateful that Teddy had a strong relationship with her offspring. The book contains so many well developed, interesting characters that it's likely some readers will feel bereft when they reach those final pages. ...more
Ah, Andrew Clements, how many wonderful stories have you given us, most notably and unforgettably, Frindle? I don't want to say too much about this seAh, Andrew Clements, how many wonderful stories have you given us, most notably and unforgettably, Frindle? I don't want to say too much about this sequel for fear of spoiling it for other readers, but suffice it to say that in its own way it's just as satisfying as its predecessor. The protagonist, Josh Willet loves all things tech and is a serious gamer. He doesn't understand why homework in this ELA class must be handwritten or why word choice is so important. When he stumbles upon a secret about Mr. N, his teacher, the game and the hunt are on. But who's hunting whom? Fans of Strunk and White's The Elements of Style will sigh over every word. Those of us who love writing will nod knowingly at the importance of language, learning to express oneself clearly and precisely, and critical thinking. With pen-and-ink drawings from the always spot-on Brian Selznick, this one is sure to be a classic and have just as much appeal as Frindle. I'd suggest reading that one first, though, to get the full emotional impact of both books. ...more
This futuristic novel might appeal to teen or middle grade readers who think they don't like science fiction. As other reviewers have said, reading itThis futuristic novel might appeal to teen or middle grade readers who think they don't like science fiction. As other reviewers have said, reading it really is downright scary since the events described in it due to climate change or global warming and the poor stewardship of humans seem increasingly likely. Don't be fooled by the book's title. The story is nothing like what most folks will have read before. Tasmania, where the story is set, is in bad shape. The narration shifts between two girls who have never met but have quite a lot in common. Both are about to be displaced, one due to impending ecological disaster and the other one due to bullying and the need to start fresh. Readers won't realize at first that the girls are separated by decades: It's 2093 in Nyx's story, and 2023 in Bea's vows, When Nyx pours out her anguish about the future on a scrap of paper that she hides in a tall pine tree near her home, her words are read by Bea, who responds through a notebook. Improbably, a friendship forms between the two girls, and Bea is determined to somehow help Nyx even though she knows that others will doubt her and make fun of her. For such a short book, this one packs quite an emotional wallop and will make many readers think how close this sort of a future may be. I liked it much more than I expected to....more
While the romantics among us already know it, even cynics will believe that love can happen anywhere, even in a library in an internment camp during WWhile the romantics among us already know it, even cynics will believe that love can happen anywhere, even in a library in an internment camp during WWII, after reading this picture book. Based on true events and the author's own grandparents' experiences in Minidoka, the book describes the conditions at the camp and the slow blossoming of a relationship between Tama, who worked at the library there, and George, who patronized it, checking out book after book. But while literacy and getting lost in the stories was Tama's motivation for reading, George had other motives. Tama made note of George's constancy and his many positive attributes, and they fell in love and eventually married despite the bleakness of the camp and the unfairness of their situation. This beautifully written, tender story of hope amid despair and injustice unfolds slowly like a fresh spring blossom. These lines are particularly moving: "To fall in love is already a gift. But to fall in love in a place like Minidoka, a place built to make people feel like they weren't human--that was miraculous. That was humans doing what humans did best" (unpaged). If readers can keep in mind the optimistic attitude that this couple had that things would get better and that there is always hope, what a better world this would be. The gouache and watercolor illustrations depicting the camp are exquisite, filled with detail and somber colors offset by bright touches such as the plaid in George's shirt or the pink blush that spreads across Tama's face. I appreciate how the text and illustrations don't romanticize the camp conditions or make excuses for how the Japanese-Americans were treated during this time, raising important questions for readers who may see similarities between then and now. This is an excellent addition to a classroom library about racism, prejudices or American history. ...more
As Banned Book Week begins once again, this middle-grade novel [3.5 for me1!] set in Shipton, Massachusetts couldn't be more appropriate as a read aloAs Banned Book Week begins once again, this middle-grade novel [3.5 for me1!] set in Shipton, Massachusetts couldn't be more appropriate as a read aloud or part of that celebration of the Right to Read. Eighth grade Molly Claremont and some of her friends have found a safe space in an extracurricular book club at school that is run by Ms. Lewiston. But a complaint causes the book club to be put on hiatus and Ms. Lewiston to face possible reprisals. Molly wants to push back, but she becomes obsessed about learning who complained about the books the club has been reading. She also reaches out to the author of the gay-themed book that was questioned, but the response is disappointing. Eventually, the group starts an online Read Or Die Stupid account that garners attention, and Molly faces and ethical dilemma after stumbling on some evidence that reveals who complained about the club. I enjoyed this one a lot, even though at times Molly was a bit misguided as was Ms. Lewiston, which makes the story all the more realistic. Because it is the students themselves that take things in their own hands rather than adults solving their problems, it was refreshing to see such empowered, enlightened, and aware middle graders. ...more
Teenage psychic Quinn O'Brien comes from a long line of folks in desert-town Gypsum, Texas, with similar abilities. With their property headed for aucTeenage psychic Quinn O'Brien comes from a long line of folks in desert-town Gypsum, Texas, with similar abilities. With their property headed for auction since they've been unable to pay the bills, Quinn seeks some ways to earn money using his gift even though his brother, Ollie, disapproves. But a trip to the abandoned Alvarado Hotel sets an almost unstoppable force in motion. Quinn keeps hearing voices, seeing visions and being plagued with sets of numbers. A large safe hauled from the hotel holds a secret that has been hidden for decades, and Quinn and his friends June and Selena are destined to play out a scenario that occurred back then. There is lovely description of the desert and a mysterious entity that eats away at the town and the constellations, but parts of this suspenseful horror novel are hard to follow and downright unbelievable. The idea of loving and caring for something more than oneself is woven into the plot and the resolution, making it clear that sometimes people stay because they have no choice. My enjoyment of this one was uneven. Parts of the plot and writing had me hanging on excitedly to see what was going to happen or where this one was going, but others such as Kit's ability to reach across time and distance to set events in motion seemed hard to buy....more
Interesting graphic images of various hues complement a little-known story about freedom of speech and expression. While many individuals think about Interesting graphic images of various hues complement a little-known story about freedom of speech and expression. While many individuals think about book, movies or art when they consider censorship or First Amendment issues, music and even the name of a band can also stir controversy. As Banned Books Week approaches and many of us contemplate what the Right to Read or the ability to honor multiple points of view means, this might be a good picture book [3.5 for me!] to share with students to prompt discussion of the topic and what it means to try to reclaim certain words that have been used in a disparaging way in the past. Aware of the way some racists used a phrase such as "slanted eyes" to demean Asians, Simon Tam forms a band, names them The Slants, but isn't allowed to register the name because the United States Patent and Trademark Office considered it be racist. Simon decides to fight the decision, leading to an eight-year battle that goes all the way to the Supreme Court, which eventually ruled in his favor. I had never heard of this case or this band, but the story was intriguing and inspiring. Lyrics from "From the Heart," the band's response to the band's fight for their name are included in the back matter and inserted throughout the main narrative. ...more
Sadie and her grandmother have a shared love for art and an appreciation for Jewish culture, two areas about which Grandma teaches her granddaughter. Sadie and her grandmother have a shared love for art and an appreciation for Jewish culture, two areas about which Grandma teaches her granddaughter. She has listened intently and taken in what her grandmother shared about chai and the number 18, and as time for her grandmother to graduate from college nears, Sadie wants to give her a meaningful gift. She makes several attempts, first using a lilac stem as a stamp to paint designs on a paper, then pressing dandelions, and using buttons as parts of flowers, but none of them quite right or special enough for a gift for Grandma. Inspiration strikes when she hears her grandmother remark about the variety of flowers while at a wedding celebration. Finally, Sadie knows what to do, and she comes up with quite a bouquet of 18 flowers that use all of her art supplies. The mixed media illustrations support this charming story about the connection between generations, the importance of one's culture and traditions, and the joy of creative expression. For some, the story may seem a bit too long, but the length allows readers to watch Sadie struggle with what she's going to give to her grandmother, not being successful on the first or even second attempt, which is certainly a good example for many youngsters....more
Drama between the scions of the Carver Nuts and Dark Delights Chocolate factories is at the heart of this amusing and somewhat empowering picture bookDrama between the scions of the Carver Nuts and Dark Delights Chocolate factories is at the heart of this amusing and somewhat empowering picture book that resembles a comic book. Benjamin Carver III (also known as Mr. Smarty Pants), a genius who is allergic to peanuts, has used his ingenuity to invent devices that help him cope with that problem. But the two rivals clash when Dark Midnight (also known as Deon) steals his special factory book, and Mr. Smarty Pants calls for help from his friends. We need more Black and Brown protagonists who are intelligent and determined like this one, but some of the humor falls flat, some of the character motivation lacking, and the artwork detracted from my appreciation of the story, leaving it a 2.5 for me. Still, youngsters will see themselves in this character and even the peanut allergies as well as finding the book a quick read, which makes me happy to see it published. This one is a 2.5 for me....more
This one is a 3.5 for me. Eighteen-year-old Gita Desai has big plans for her future, and going premed at Stanford is just the start of reaching her goThis one is a 3.5 for me. Eighteen-year-old Gita Desai has big plans for her future, and going premed at Stanford is just the start of reaching her goals. Although she loves her Gujarati-Indian parents, she has resisted their efforts to broker an arranged marriage, and she embraces the freedom college offers. A hard-working, efficient student, she and her older brother Sai have been taught to chup-re [shut up], not argue, and fade into the background. For somewhat vague reasons other than shared musical tastes on the part of Jane, who lives across the hall in the dorm, Jane and Marisol, a model, take her under their wings. Gita finds herself drinking, hung over, having casual sex, and emotionally distracted. While there's nothing inherently wrong with having multiple sex partners, she doesn't always know their names or consent to the activity, somehow unable to say, "No" or to ask them to stop. As she stumbles from one bad experience after another, her performance at the lab where she works suffers as do her grades--at least temporarily. She also experiences flashbacks to similar instances when she was just a child, but since her Pinky Aunty is no longer in California, she isn't sure what they mean, other than that she has been taught to respect and never say no to adults. With support from various friends, including Jane, Marisol, and Sora, who works in the same lab, Gita finally finds her voice and stands up for herself. Despite/Because of this book's subject matter, reading it is an intense experience, not for the faint of heart. Even with possible cultural differences and the time period [1992, complete with the appropriate musical references], this is a story in which many of us will be able to see ourselves, quiet, compliant girls whose silence poses a danger to their well-being. There is much to like about this book, especially the development of Gita as a character and how she grows, and her wonderfully supportive brother, but I wondered how she possibly managed to make A's in her courses, including Organic Chemistry, with all her extracurricular activities, and all that partying and those hangovers. I also wondered how Gita's story might have been different or stayed the same had the book been set in 2024. How much have things changed? This one is definitely worth a read. ...more
Rooted in Mexican folklore, this middle grade novel is filled with heart as well as important reflections on love, loss, and grief. I don't want to saRooted in Mexican folklore, this middle grade novel is filled with heart as well as important reflections on love, loss, and grief. I don't want to say too much for fear of spoiling it for others, but I especially enjoyed the descriptions of the narrator's world as well as Floresta, the magical realm where she journeys in order to save her brother, Alex, and her own world. The author hints at the origin of all the sickness in ten-year-old Lola's world as various plants and even Alex are growing sicker by the hour and becoming gray, but it's only late in the book that readers actually realize the truth. It's typical for families and young people to refer to traumatic events in euphemistic words or phrases. For Lola, it is The Thing That Happened, and her brother has never been the same since that time. When an oracle tells her what the cure might be, she follows one of the chaneques through a portal in her closet that leads to another land. The parallels between what's happening in both worlds is interesting since Lola finds it almost impossible to accept what she needs to do in order for Alex to get well. The world building here is astonishingly detailed, filled with magical flora and fauna and all sorts of transformations that will make some readers wish that they, too, could visit Floresta. For many, the passages about letting go vs. holding on and acknowledging the death doesn't mean the end may be eye-opening and comforting. There's a dreamlike, almost hypnotic quality to the prose here that makes readers homesick for the magical land where Lola traveled. The book contains several black and white sketches, some I liked more than others. ...more
Round die-cut holes in this engaging and unique picture book allow readers and three budding paleontologists to get a glimpse of what might be hidden Round die-cut holes in this engaging and unique picture book allow readers and three budding paleontologists to get a glimpse of what might be hidden in the rocks and soil beneath their feet. The repetitive phrase urging them to "Dig! Dig! Dig!" (unpaged), followed by the revelation of four different dinosaurs, including a Velociraptor, a Triceratops, a Tyrannosaurus, and a Diplodocus (with its amazing length), along with interesting facts about each one, will keep youngsters engaged and eager to turn the pages. The colorful gatefold at the end of the book gives some clue to just how large that last dinosaur was. This one is a must-have for those youngsters who are fond of dinosaurs, even offering an introduction to the tools needed to unearth those long-buried bones. ...more
It's been a very busy day, and Santa's elves are growing sleepy. One by one, his five elves turn in for the night in this cleverly designed board bookIt's been a very busy day, and Santa's elves are growing sleepy. One by one, his five elves turn in for the night in this cleverly designed board book. One of the features youngsters will enjoy here is how each sleeping elf is visible through the die-cut on the left-hand page while the rest of them are still hard at work. Another element that is noteworthy is how there is a flap on each right-hand page that can be lifted as the elf prepares to retire. Finally, as the book comes to an end, all five elves are under the covers as Santa expresses his appreciation. And while not all five are snoozing contentedly yet, sleep seems to be just moments away. ...more
Six sliders, including one on the cover and one on the back, allow youngsters to push, pull, and turn part of this board book and reveal Suki Cat as sSix sliders, including one on the cover and one on the back, allow youngsters to push, pull, and turn part of this board book and reveal Suki Cat as she imagines being an astronaut. The colorful artwork and rhyming lines in this interactive board book [2.5 for me!] follow her in her imaginative play, complete with an astronaut's attire, a rocket, and even an alien that she helps escape from a spacecraft. It's encouraging to see an animal character using her imagination as well as her thinking skills to amuse herself and solve problems. ...more
More than two dozen animal-related jobs are introduced in this informational book. Some are as scary as the one mentioned in the title--a snake milkerMore than two dozen animal-related jobs are introduced in this informational book. Some are as scary as the one mentioned in the title--a snake milker--while others cater to those who like working for someone with lots of money and fame--a pet bodyguard, for instance. A job as an animal food taster seems challenging for the taste buds. Still others such as an animal advocate or a cat sitter are more familiar and easier to imagine oneself doing. While I'm not convinced that all of these jobs actually exist, the book itself with pithy job descriptions and humorous artwork is entertaining and might encourage youngsters to look for positions that they'd never considered before but that can play to their strengths and interests. I'm thinking that I might be great as a professional cat cuddler. ...more
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