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
Anyone familiar with this board book series knows already that Finn loves trucks, but maybe he has readers who love them just as much as he does. In tAnyone familiar with this board book series knows already that Finn loves trucks, but maybe he has readers who love them just as much as he does. In this one, readers meet five firefighters and are provided an overview of the vehicles they use in their jobs; these include a fire truck, a fire boat, a mobile command center, a fire tanker, and an aircraft rescue and fire fighting vehicle. For each vehicle, readers may lift the right-hand page with its labeled parts to learn more about each one. Even adults may be surprised to learn that firefighters sometimes have much more than just a simple red fire truck to help them do their jobs. There's even an image of Finn on the back cover and a QR code to scan for extensions to the text. This is a reliable, can't miss series for those who can't get enough trucks in their lives. ...more
Encouraging youngsters to think about their own feelings and actions on the left-hand page while also considering how others think and feel on the rigEncouraging youngsters to think about their own feelings and actions on the left-hand page while also considering how others think and feel on the right-hand page, this board book [2.5 for me!] reinforces the importance of teamwork and thinking outside the box. The three youngsters combine their talents to build a small vehicle that actually moves. The simple text and relatable situation give this book kid appeal, but I'm not convinced that the idea of mindfulness plays out fully on its pages. Still, this one provides a starting place for conversations about working together and not allowing the challenges of a task to limit one's ambitions. ...more
I'm certainly not the only reader who finds books written by this author to be just as addictive as Lay's Potato Chips. Just as with someone's inabiliI'm certainly not the only reader who finds books written by this author to be just as addictive as Lay's Potato Chips. Just as with someone's inability to stop at just one of these salty, greasy chips, it's hard to stop at the end of a chapter or two or three in this book, and before much time has passed, I find myself halfway through, thoroughly hooked and invested in the story and the characters. Although this one is a mystery of sorts, and it does contain some deaths, it's a departure from her usual fare since it focuses on a jewelry heist. Tidbits about the two narrators' lives are revealed gradually, allowing readers to get to know them slowly while also wondering just how trustworthy they are. Kat, who is savvy and quick to think on her feet, has been reared by her mother, Jamie, who works as a jewel thief and is ready to go straight after one more job. The other narrator, Liam, is fed up with Luke, his father, and how he takes advantage of women. Kat and Liam haven't had contact with each other since the quicky wedding between their parents, and their paths cross unexpectedly prior to Jamie's planned theft of an expensive ruby necklace, to be replaced by an imitation. Readers are unlikely to guess the outcome of all this plotting and conniving, and the conclusion will surprise most of them. There are several nifty twists and turns, and even a love connection between Liam and a member of the wealthy family at whose home the heist is supposed to occur. Parts of this book don't bear up to close examination, but reading it surely is fun. And most of us have met one or two of those "charming liars" over the course of our own lives, which makes it satisfying to watch them get put in their places. Fans of the Gallagher Girls series will enjoy this one. ...more
This one is a 3.5 for me. As is the case for many individuals, I have long been fascinated by serial killers and what makes them tick. I'm not particuThis one is a 3.5 for me. As is the case for many individuals, I have long been fascinated by serial killers and what makes them tick. I'm not particularly interested in the gory details of their crimes but more intrigued by how they manage to pull off those crimes and how they get caught. Since the moniker "serial killer" itself is fairly new, I often find myself wondering if this is a modern phenomenon or if there have always been serial killers out there. Plenty of books about these criminals abound, but rare, indeed, are those titles that tell the stories of those innocents who were unaware just how close they themselves may have come to death, brushing arms with these killers. Moving back and forth from memoir to a true-crime narrative, this book tells the story of Liza Rodman, whose mother left her in the care of charismatic Tony Costa among others while she partied and enjoyed herself on Cape Cod. Young Liza was lonely, confused, and felt unloved by her mother, who worked at and then eventually owned a motel in Provincetown. Tony, who drifted from job to job, seems to have been something of a Pied Piper, attracting a cadre of young teens to whom he supplied drugs and a place to hang out. While Liza was too young for that sort of activity, she rode with him all over the place, even to the Truro woods in Massachusetts, the girl was certainly vulnerable, and anything could have happened to her, especially when one considers that Tony's victims were women who were known to him, not strangers. Liza's story is haunting as is the description of Tony's actions and personality and how so many locals refused to believe that he was culpable, even lying to police to protect him. Both sections of the story ["Liza" and "Tony"] are well-written, immersive, and troubling as one considers what might have happened, especially when considering that Liza's mother left her with Tony without a second thought. This one will make readers' skin crawl and keep them awake at night, thinking about the dangers faced by young women then [late 1960s] and now. ...more
It's an emergency, and four different vehicles, including a fire engine, a police car, an ambulance, and a helicopter arrive to help. The different moIt's an emergency, and four different vehicles, including a fire engine, a police car, an ambulance, and a helicopter arrive to help. The different modes of transportation are accompanied by labels for their different parts, a description, and a small track along which readers can move small replicas of each vehicle, some moving around town while others head back to their departure point or a hospital. The tracks and pieces are sturdy enough to withstand plenty of use. There are even questions that require closer examination of the pages in this sturdy board book....more
As their mother reads a bedtime story, two youngsters get ready for bed. But before they can settle down, they set off on a wild adventure across the As their mother reads a bedtime story, two youngsters get ready for bed. But before they can settle down, they set off on a wild adventure across the Arctic Ocean in a small vessel. There are so many different animals to see up close, including gulls, seals and whales, and by the time their journey comes to an end, they're really ready for a long snooze. The rhyming lines, imaginative artwork that depicts all sorts of animals as part of the clouds and the sea, and those expressive eyes and faces lend child appeal to this reassuring bedtime story. The final double-page spread showing the siblings asleep in their bedroom offers clues as to why they imagined certain animals as being part of their journey with their caregiver never too far away. The childlike perspective on the Arctic is perfect for its intended audience. ...more
Most youngsters are fascinated by vehicles or anything that moves, making this durable board book featuring four different types of trains, including Most youngsters are fascinated by vehicles or anything that moves, making this durable board book featuring four different types of trains, including a steam train and a freight train, a good choice for the younger set. Not only are the trains depicting in vivid, true-to-life colors, but they are labeled and then described briefly. Adding to the book's appeal are the five paths, including one on the cover, on which readers can drive each train along a track with thick, round pieces of cardboard. All Aboard for plenty of fun!...more
This one is a 3.5 for me. This author's books always stick with readers because she creates characters that are believable, even if flawed, and then pThis one is a 3.5 for me. This author's books always stick with readers because she creates characters that are believable, even if flawed, and then puts them in circumstances that are entirely too real. In this case, eleven-year-old Hank Hooperman, who dearly loves his mother, must figure out how to take care of his little sister Boo after his mother disappears. When she still hasn't returned after a week, the cupboard is bare, and the youngsters are reduced to eating a Popsicle and saltine crackers for breakfast. Desperate and with nowhere else to turn, Hank boards a bus to seek help from the woman listed as the emergency contact on his school field trip form. The woman, Lou Ann Adler, runs a childcare service in her home and immediately falls for the precocious Boo, but she isn't as happy with Hank due to his age and some personal issues from her past. Still, it's all very temporary, Hank figures, and he can stand anything until his mother comes back. As tension builds between Hank and Lou Ann, Hank finds some acceptance at school with other basketball players, a possible romance, and a kind-hearted neighbor with a dog named CPU. But he also knows that the stakes are high and time is running out. When the youngsters' mother's whereabouts are finally revealed and she pops back in their lives, Hank makes a decision that has unforeseen ramifications, and everything changes. Middle-grade readers will fall in love with Hank and keep their fingers crossed for a happy ending while knowing just hard that may be to find. They'll also relate to Hank's dilemma about doing what his mother tells him to do even when part of him knows that this will be a mistake. While parts of Hank's journey seemed rather unrealistic--the quick acceptance by several classmates at his new school--others provide insight into addiction, the foster care system and family dynamics. Fans of How to Steal a Dog will want to read this one. And just like with that book, the main character sticks with readers long after the book has been finished, leaving them wondering how everything turned out and hoping hard that things will work out and that the protagonists have a safe place to stay--a home of their own. ...more
Like so many Goodreads reviewers, I've been a longtime fan of Stephen King, and I especially enjoy his short stories. I can remember being convinced tLike so many Goodreads reviewers, I've been a longtime fan of Stephen King, and I especially enjoy his short stories. I can remember being convinced that he was Richard Bachman before his identity was revealed and loving Carrie, Salem's Lot, and Pet Sematary as well as the addictive Dark Tower series. While it's clear that he still knows how to tell a story, slowly building tension and managing to say more in 10 pages than some authors can do in 100, this collection of 12 stories didn't strike me as particularly original or very dark, for that matter. Perhaps I'm simply jaded or have read too many similar stories or have grown out of this sort of thing, but I ended up feeling just okay about several of the stories and bored by some. My favorites were probably "The Answer Man," "Laurie," and "The Turbulence Man," but none of them made me sit up and pay attention or want to do a reread. Some such as "On Slide In Road" COULD have become favorites if the characters had been developed a bit much, but others such as "Two Talented Bastids" seemed far too familiar and ultimately disappointing. Even before reading the Afterword, I had the distinct feeling that several of these has been works-in-progress, stashed away somewhere and then unearthed and spruced up. Since the best part of this disappointing collection (for me) was the book's jacket cover, I'm glad that I borrowed this one from the library. ...more
From stem to stern, this piratical tale featuring sheep as the unlikely shipwrecked pirates will have readers and listeners chortling at all the puns.From stem to stern, this piratical tale featuring sheep as the unlikely shipwrecked pirates will have readers and listeners chortling at all the puns. Even the illustrations, created with Procreate, include references admonishing readers to "BAAWARE" and a volleyball labeled "WOOLSON," and the text continues the sheepish trend with remarks and questions such as "Did someone pull the wool over me eyes?" The plot concerns the crew having made off with a treasure that might be cursed, but none of that will matter as humor dominates these hijinks on the high seas, making this picture book a solid read aloud choice, especially if performed with just the right sheepish demeanor. BAA-HOY! indeed! ...more
This YA mystery is a 2.5 for me. As a couple of other reviewers noted, the book's cover is intriguing as is its title, promising plenty of suspense. AThis YA mystery is a 2.5 for me. As a couple of other reviewers noted, the book's cover is intriguing as is its title, promising plenty of suspense. And while it does deliver on suspense, there are simply too many plot holes and clunky passages as well as some odd transition from scene to scene to leave me satisfied. The character development is rather lackluster too as it seems that Bettina Holland, the narrator and daughter of The Smiley Face Killer, who is prison for killing her mother, has just suddenly started rebelling against the strict rules of her wealthy grandparents with whom she lives, and other characters seem either stereotypical or unbelievable. Bett's character and behavior just seem inconsistent, and not just because she's a junior in high school. For someone who loves drama, she spends very little time talking or thinking about it. This issue of character development includes Bett's father who had proclaimed his innocence ever since being accused of the crime. As things play out in the story, the resolution is hard to believe, and I couldn't wait to close the book and move on to a better one. ...more
It may be a platitude to say that life isn't fair, but this well-written, emotionally engaging novel hammers that message home. It starts off with a tIt may be a platitude to say that life isn't fair, but this well-written, emotionally engaging novel hammers that message home. It starts off with a tragedy in a small California town on the coast, then moving forward 30 years as it seems that a similar tragedy will befall the same family. Star Radley, the sister of the girl who died decades ago, is unable to take care of herself, often self-medicating to dull her pain, and leaving the responsibility for her family to her daughter, thirteen-year-old Duchess Day Radley, who tends to her mother and young brother, Robin. Duchess sees herself as an outlaw, quick to react and to seek retribution for any wrongs done to her mother, her brother, or herself. But she makes a mistake that will result in several acts of unnecessary violence. The character of Duchess is well-developed, and readers will often bite their nails in fear of what's coming for her and for her barely suppressed anger. She's had to be strong for much of her life, and she's become quite skilled at hiding her softer impulses. Just as well drawn is the character of Walk(er), the local police chief who keeps on an eye on Star and her family, partly out of honor for their youthful friendship but also out of a sense of guilt for his hand in sending his best friend and her boyfriend, Vincent, to prison. He's hiding a secret of his own, worried that his Parkinson's will keep him from doing his job properly. Several secondary characters are also quite interesting, but perhaps most important when considering this book is its title and the very notion that it's at the end of a terrible experience when it is possible to start fresh and begin again. It isn't necessary--or even healthy--to remain mired in thoughts of what might have been and all the mistakes that have been made. While reflection and atonement have value, they aren't enough, and for those broken individuals and wounded warriors among us, hard as it might be, it's important to begin again, to embrace new relationships and possibilities. Life just may surprise us, just as parts of this book are gifts that make us think more deeply about relationships and the assumptions we make about those around us. Perhaps also it's a testimony to the power nature and hard work have to help us heal. The descriptions of rural Montana and small-town Cape Haven are poetic, moving, and soul-soothing. I'm so glad that I stumbled upon this book. ...more
While many youngsters are familiar with bicycles in their current iteration, they aren't likely to know much about the history of this form of transpoWhile many youngsters are familiar with bicycles in their current iteration, they aren't likely to know much about the history of this form of transportation, the subject of this engaging picture book [3.5 for me!]. The artwork, created with pencil and then colored digitally, covers most of each page, allowing readers to view the various forms of the early bicycle and consider how hard it must have been to ride some of these versions. Anyone interested in engineering or design will be intrigued by the text and illustrations that offer an accessible introduction to the subject. From 1817 with machines that were almost completely wooden and had no pedals to ones with two wheels and a pedal but no brakes to those with oversize wheels and a hefty price tag and finally, the arrival of affordable bicycles in the early 1900s--almost 100 years of tinkering--the bicycle played a part in leveling the playing field for everyone when it came to transportation as well as being a part of the liberation of women. The information is presented in an engaging, humorous fashion, and interested readers can learn more in the back matter. It was, indeed, a rather bumpy ride to the bicycle as we know it today. ...more
Newly retired from the Chicago Police Department and newly divorced, Cal Hooper has impulsively moved near Ardnakelty, a small Irish village where he Newly retired from the Chicago Police Department and newly divorced, Cal Hooper has impulsively moved near Ardnakelty, a small Irish village where he purchases a rundown house with plans to restore it and live a quiet life. But when a local teen learns about his background in law enforcement, Cal finds himself drawn into the youngster's life and the mystery surrounding Trey's missing brother, Brendan. As he delves deeper into Brendan's disappearance, Cal realizes that a sense of justice in his newly adopted community may be quite different from his own moral code and that, try as he might to remain uninvolved, he has a responsibility to others. While some readers found this novel to be incredibly slow and the mystery not particularly interesting, that wasn't the case for me. I appreciated the slow burn, the growing tension and build up to the resolution, and the character development. While I wasn't surprised that trouble, violence, and secrecy exist even in a remote place, the pleasure in reading this one comes from the exquisite descriptive writing and the complexity of the characters, including Cal, whose reasons for leaving the Chicago PD are ruminated in interesting fashion. Tana French is an author who takes the time to set her scenes and allow readers insight into her characters and their world. I'm not sure how far she plans to take Cal, but both of the books I've read featuring him have impressed me. ...more
Digital artwork in panels of various sizes provide the visual anchor for an amusing story intended for new readers. The graphic elements make this I LDigital artwork in panels of various sizes provide the visual anchor for an amusing story intended for new readers. The graphic elements make this I Like to Read Comics entry a good choice for reading practice and sharing. The plot is rather simple, but the execution works well for its intended audience. Pickle and Bird are eagerly anticipating a road trip to purchase some strawberries and cream, but Pickle's car breaks down. In search of a replacement vehicle, Pickle considers several options, but he rejects them for different reasons. One is too fast, another one is too big, and one is simply too pricey. But Pickle doesn't have to go into debt to get back on the road again. Coco, the mechanic and owner of the car dealership, knows just what to do. Young readers will smile when they realize what has caused Pickle's car to stop moving. ...more
What a fun read this one was! I always enjoy a good suspense thriller, especially when it treads new territory. In this one [3.5 for me!], the author'What a fun read this one was! I always enjoy a good suspense thriller, especially when it treads new territory. In this one [3.5 for me!], the author's first book for adults, the characters are interesting, the premise fascinating, and the execution skillful and positively addicting. Readers will want to root for the narrator, Evie Porter, even though they quickly learn that she's not as she seems and that she's hiding not just one but several identities. There are twists and turns that really are quite unexpected, and the way parts of her past are revealed gradually keep readers guessing. What she does isn't on the up and up, but somehow, she redeems herself at various points. The whole idea of how "the first lie wins" is pretty intriguing as well. I won't be the only one looking forward to the next offering from this clever author. Nor will I be the only one looking over my shoulder and checking my online presence just to be sure everything is safe and nothing has been compromised. ...more
There will be giggles galore as young readers leaf through this graphic collection featuring Zooni the dog. Three short stories and two very short comThere will be giggles galore as young readers leaf through this graphic collection featuring Zooni the dog. Three short stories and two very short comics entertain readers whether they are perusing it independently, sharing it with friends, or listening to it as it as a read aloud. My favorites are the cheese-hunting trip to the moon and a race in which all the cars except Zooni's suffer problems and the car she's driving ends up having quite a few passengers. The rhyming text, words such as "tumble-snare," and colorful, child-friendly artwork, make this a winner for the younger set. Adults won't mind reading it either. ...more
Perfect for fans of the uber-popular Goodnight, Goodnight, Construction Site--and who isn't?--or those who love trucks and big machines, this charmingPerfect for fans of the uber-popular Goodnight, Goodnight, Construction Site--and who isn't?--or those who love trucks and big machines, this charming picture book [3.5 for me!] could serve well as a bedtime read aloud. The rhyming text and illustrations follow Dozer as he settles in for the night after a busy day. But it's hard to fall asleep without his mother nearby, singing him to sleep. Papa helps him wash up, reads a book after he's tucked in, and helps him sing a comforting song. Before he knows it, Dozer is fast asleep and still sleeping when Mama comes home. The Photoshop illustrations consist of several scenes of large trucks getting ready to snooze while Dozer sings himself to sleep as well as artwork depicting his father and him together. Even in a book such as this one, it's encouraging to see a father figure taking on a nurturing role. Children, even young trucks and machines, need love from many sources. ...more
With rhyming lines and artwork reminiscent of the original Dr. Seuss books, this beginning reader [2.5] book will elicit a chortle or two from youngstWith rhyming lines and artwork reminiscent of the original Dr. Seuss books, this beginning reader [2.5] book will elicit a chortle or two from youngsters while perhaps depicting one of their fondest dreams. (I know it was one of mine as a child. Just imagine all the ice cream one could eat!) In the book the Cat in the Hat imagines what it would be like if he had his own ice cream truck. Knowing the Cat in the Hat and his wild imagination, readers won't be too surprised at his antics and what Thing One and Thing Two get up to. Why, he plans to have a Sprinkle Thrower and a Sprinkle Blower as well as slushies that are so cold that one spilled drop would cause the pool to freeze up like a skating rink. Plus, there'd be a different frozen treat for each day of the year. ...more
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