A slightly fictionalized retelling of how the boys of Koh Panyee's love for soccer and absence of playable land drove them to create their own floatinA slightly fictionalized retelling of how the boys of Koh Panyee's love for soccer and absence of playable land drove them to create their own floating field and eventually become regional champs.
I'm guessing this is fictionalized in that the dialogue is imagined and some events might be condensed. The basics are true. Make sure you read the back of the book for the author and illustrator's notes. It was interesting to learn some further details, like the challenge they first had of keeping the field balanced (if they all went to one side, the whole field would flip). I love that the illustrator is of Thai descent. She knows the area where this is based and it comes through in the accurate portrayal of a small village in the Southern islands of Thailand. Her illustrations look just like places and people I've seen here in Thailand.
A non-manga (not illustrated) collection of 5 stories featuring the Forger family. In the first story, Anya's class goes on a camping trip in the mounA non-manga (not illustrated) collection of 5 stories featuring the Forger family. In the first story, Anya's class goes on a camping trip in the mountains, and when she and Damian go to get water they get lost. In the 2nd story, Yuri is press ganged into babysitting Anya by Yor on his forced day off, and he takes her to the new Kid Street Workplace where he doesn't realize the adults are forced to try each roleplaying job with the kids. In the 3rd story, Franky meets a blind young woman at the hospital who sings divinely, and must figure out what to do when she falls for him and gets a surgery to restore her sight. In the 4th story, the Forgers are enjoying a lovely day at the park when a painter asks if he can paint their family portrait. They feel forced to agree, but then Loid and Yor freak out (each for their own reasons) when they realize the painter is the crazy popular hyper-realist watercolorist, and the painting may end up in a museum where anyone can see it. In the 5th super short story, a waitress tells her co-worker she's giving up on dating and marriage after another bad date, but the Forger family ironically gives her hope that happy marriages really do exist.
I wasn't sure if the Forgers would be as good in text only format, but I shouldn't have doubted. The person they got to do the stories nailed Endo's depictions of the Forgers and their antics. If I didn't know Endo didn't write these, I wouldn't have known. All of the stories were delightful fun, but my favorite was Yuri taking Anya on an "ooting". The first occupation they try is police officer, and they do a fake interrogation...and let's just say the actors working at the place were not prepared for Anya or Yuri. It's hilarious. Hand this to any Spy x Family fan, they will love you for it.
Notes on content: Language: About 15 minor swears. Sexual content: None Violence: Yuri only just manages to remember that the interrogation is fake before he hurts a person, and it is conveyed that he hurts people on a regular basis in his job. Ethnic diversity: Characters are mostly kind of European-ish, though Yor and Yuri look Asian. LGBTQ+ content: None Other: Lies to cover up undercover operations. Two kids are lost in the woods during a thunderstorm....more
In order to avoid an arranged marriage to an odious local wealthy young man and to try and earn enough to buy her father's freedom from prison, Tam LiIn order to avoid an arranged marriage to an odious local wealthy young man and to try and earn enough to buy her father's freedom from prison, Tam Ling Fan runs away from her home in China with the script the family purchased for her recently deceased brother to go work on Gold Mountain in the United States. She disguises herself as her twin, and makes her way to California. But Tam Ling Fan has no idea what she's gotten herself into. Working on this railroad may be her only hope to earn enough money to redeem her father's freedom and status, but it may kill her in the process.
This makes the fate of Chinese workers on the transcontinental railroad come to life for readers. Tam Ling Fan faces prejudice, unfair and dangerous working conditions, and co-workers so greedy for more money so they get involved in sabotage and selling opium. There's a bit of a mystery to the 2nd half of the story in figuring out who is behind the sabotage going on and a suspenseful bit as someone figures out Tam Ling Fan's secret and blackmails her with threats of publicizing she's a girl. Having read an adult nonfiction book about Gold Mountain and all the horrors Chinese people could face, I have to say Betty Yee kept things tame and YA appropriate for this book. She helped readers have better empathy for these people without scarring them. And I appreciated that. Definitely purchasing a physical copy of this book for our library as we need more books on Gold Mountain.
Notes on content: Language: Some mild racial slurs. I don't remember much if any other swearing. Sexual content: After someone discovers Tam Ling Fan's secret she receives some vague threats of what male workers would do to her if she were discovered or that she'd become one of the girls the men visit in town, but no details about that and nothing happens. Violence: There are several incidents with tunnel collapses, accidental and purposeful detonation of explosives that injures/kills people, and a stabbing with a knife that injures but doesn't kill. None of the injuries is described in much detail. Tam Ling Fan's brother died of disease. Ethnic diversity: Most of the characters are Chinese, white American, or Irish. LGBTQ+ content: None specified that I remember Other: Tam Ling Fan is still grieving her brother who died recently. She writes and burns letters to him practically daily. Her father was unjustly imprisoned because of jealousy among local leaders....more
Marikit wants a beautiful new dress for her birthday, but her mother gives her an odd-looking patchwork one instead and says she'll need it for her joMarikit wants a beautiful new dress for her birthday, but her mother gives her an odd-looking patchwork one instead and says she'll need it for her journey. It turns out Marikit is a halfling, a demigod, and she has to journey to the land of Encanto to prover herself worthy.
I appreciated the obviously authentic Filipino accent of the narrator of this story. It was perfect. The adventure and the way Filipino mythology is woven in was great. The was just one problem, I couldn't stand Marikit for most of the book. She is selfish and a bit of a brat at the beginning. She does learn and grow a lot through the adventure, but it took a while to get her there. I'd give it 2.5 so I'll round it up to 3 stars.
Notes on content: Language: None Sexual content: None Violence: There are some battles but magic seems to fix a lot. Ethnic diversity: Most characters are Filipino or mythological. LGBTQ+ content: I don't remember any Other: Bullying based on socioeconomic standing....more
After a tough day at doggy school, Sparky decides to do some digging. He comes across his magic bone and gets swept away to a new place called Hawaii.After a tough day at doggy school, Sparky decides to do some digging. He comes across his magic bone and gets swept away to a new place called Hawaii. There he learns about surfing, meets some of the locals, tastes some of the food, learns about an endangered species, and once he's had enough he comes back to his backyard.
This a fun little virtual visit of Hawaii for young readers. I really like how Krulik writes things from a dog's perspective. It is humorous, and a great example of voice for young writers. I also like that Sparky unselfishly chooses to help someone over helping himself at one point. He may have little doggy foibles (like digging even though he knows his human doesn't like it), but he has a good heart....more
A picture book summary of the key people/stories and overarching message of the Bible told entirely in haiku poetry.
This was a stunning piece of writiA picture book summary of the key people/stories and overarching message of the Bible told entirely in haiku poetry.
This was a stunning piece of writing. I am amazed at Nancy Tupper Ling's skill in summarizing the key theological points of the Bible in just a few haikus. It is a powerful read, and the illustrations are striking. As of right now, my favorite Christian picture book I've read this year. Highly recommended....more
An autobiographical picture book in which Allen shares how he rescued a baby sparrow from the town bullies, and raised it from a fledgling to a grown An autobiographical picture book in which Allen shares how he rescued a baby sparrow from the town bullies, and raised it from a fledgling to a grown bird when he was a child.
Definitely read Allen Say's note in the back of the book about how his childhood friends remember the bird he brought to school more than the bicycle man (subject of another story) and how that reflects the trauma experienced and different upbringing they all had. This is a sweet story of a boy and a bird, but it kind of just ends suddenly and you're left going, 'And...?'...more
A picture book biography of Christian missionary to China, Lottie Moon.
A simple picture book biography of Lottie Moon for young readers. I like the thA picture book biography of Christian missionary to China, Lottie Moon.
A simple picture book biography of Lottie Moon for young readers. I like the things the author chose to focus on. I didn't realize Lottie had a masters or was 33 when she left for China. So even though this is short, I did learn several things about Lottie from it. A good pick for Christian families and schools....more
Jina is learning about climate change and ways people can help the planet. She tries to implement some of the suggestions because she wants to help thJina is learning about climate change and ways people can help the planet. She tries to implement some of the suggestions because she wants to help the polar bears...but turning up the thermostat and unplugging everything causes some issues in her household and upsets her parents. If she works with her parents, can they figure out some ways to save energy?
Jina is a very believable character. She gets all gungho and inadvertently deprives her parents of coffee and makes her dad think the TV is broken among other things. I liked the lesson about working with your parents to find doable ways to save energy that are practical for your family. A good balance of being realistic and also making a bit of effort to change some habits.
Notes on content: Language: None Sexual content: None Violence: None Ethnic diversity: Jina's family is Korean American, Jina's classmates are illustrated with a variety of skin tones. LGBTQ+ content: None specified Other: Jina has to learn she can't mess with things around the house without communicating with her parents....more
Ben and his family have just moved from Koreatown in LA to a Michigan suburb. Ben is a mix of excited and nervous for his first day of school. Things Ben and his family have just moved from Koreatown in LA to a Michigan suburb. Ben is a mix of excited and nervous for his first day of school. Things seem to go well until lunch. At his old school everyone brought their favorite Korean dishes, but here, kids think his lunch is gross and weird. Desperate to fit in, Ben wishes he were just like the other kids. The next day his lunch box glows oddly and the Korean meal his mom packed changes into an average sandwich. At first he thinks it is great, but then the magic seems to affect others things...he can't watch his favorite Korean TV show, he can't hear his Halmoni when she calls on the phone, and he can't taste his favorite Korean dish at dinner when his mom makes it. Can he figure out how to undo the magic?
There are a host of other stories now about ethnic foods being scorned during school lunch time, but this takes it a step further and shows how a wish to get rid of ethnic food may be a wish to get rid of all traces of your rich cultural background, and how that is a very sad thing. Ben learns an important lesson about how he actually appreciates many parts of his Korean culture, and also learns how to stick up for himself in tactful ways at lunch. I thought this was aimed at lower grade readers when I picked it up, but Ben is in 4th grade and it feels more middle grade.
Notes on content: Language: None Sexual content: None Violence: None Ethnic diversity: Ben is Korean American, another classmate is Mexican American, other classmates and school staff are people with a wide range of skin colors. LGBTQ+ content: None Other: Some bullying, but Ben learns how to stand up to them and get them to be friendly....more
As Tori prepares for her cousin Sumiko's visit from Japan, she hears strange sounds from her backyard and notices missing animal signs...but the sign As Tori prepares for her cousin Sumiko's visit from Japan, she hears strange sounds from her backyard and notices missing animal signs...but the sign is torn. Which animal is missing, and can she and her cousin help find it?
These Mysteries on Zoo Lane have large font, include several illustrations, and keep the mysteries fairly easy for youngsters to solve. I like the multicultural feel of the community (Japanese American, Hispanic American, Black, Polish American, etc.). Kids will like the animal facts woven in as the characters wander around the back of the zoo. ...more
A collection of short adventures with various members of the secret society of cats slowly taking over the world and recruiting humans to their side tA collection of short adventures with various members of the secret society of cats slowly taking over the world and recruiting humans to their side through what appears to be normal cute kitty activities. This volume also explores some of Doggoman and his sister's adventures, and the hamsters' society efforts as well.
Anything Pandania puts out promises to be a feel good, cozy, delightfully diverting read. The humorous twist on typical situations with pets never gets old. And the illustrations are adorably cute.
Notes on content: Language: None Sexual content: None Violence: None (unless you're anti-cat toy destruction) Ethnic diversity: People are Japanese. LGBTQ+ content: None specified Other: Cuteness overload....more
Yuna has rid Mileela of their bandit problem, and now it is time to tackle the kraken and get this town back on their feet again.
I love how people keeYuna has rid Mileela of their bandit problem, and now it is time to tackle the kraken and get this town back on their feet again.
I love how people keep trying to tell Yuna 'that's too big a job for you' and then she turns around and hands them a dead kraken in reply. Or just drills a tunnel through a mountain in a day. And she feels a touch guilty because she's half doing it so she can have a steady supply of seafood. ...more
Emmy had been dreaming of going to a special music boarding school in England to build her vocal skills, but then her Mom, her duet partner, died and Emmy had been dreaming of going to a special music boarding school in England to build her vocal skills, but then her Mom, her duet partner, died and so did Emmy's voice. When the acceptance letter from the school arrives, Emmy wants to hide it, but her father thinks it would be the perfect thing as the Japanese draw closer to the Dutch East Indies. Emmy can't imagine leaving her home in Batavia or her best friend, Bakti. Eventually, the decision is made for her when the Japanese invade. But they do not bring the welcome freedom from the Dutch Bakti dreams of, nor do they come peacefully like Emmy had been hoping. They tear her away from her home and put her in Tjideng with only her frenemy Violet for companionship among the host of strange women. Can she survive in Tjideng, and will this war ever end?
This story is based on the author's grandmother's experiences during WWII. Batavia was the Dutch name for Jakarta. The book does a good job of exploring the complexities of third culture kids in figuring out where home is and how they often feel like they don't 100% belong anywhere. It also does a good job of showing the Indonesian perspective of the Dutch colonial period, their hopes for the Japanese, and the reasons behind war that followed WWII for their independence. Having Emmy be friends with a Japanese store owner long before the war helps humanize the Japanese and show that not all of them were monstrous or violent people. There are a host of WWII books out there, and many based on real people, but this is the first I've read about someone in Indonesia during that time and what they experienced. I really liked it for that reason.
Notes on content: Language: None Sexual content: None Violence: The camp leader and the guards sometimes beat prisoners, and make them go through grueling daily routines of standing and bowing for crazy long periods. Emmy witnesses some people who have survived bombings, some blood is described. Ethnic diversity: Emmy is Dutch/French/British, Emmy's best friend and loving housekeeper are Javanese, her frenemy is Dutch, a family friend is Japanese, guards are Javanese and Japanese. LGBTQ+ content: None specified Other: Starvation, poor living conditions, diseases that result from poor living conditions/diet, are all talked about. Some people die from disease. 2 captured animals are let free. Social injustices faced by the colonized are talked about. One person dies from a snake bite. Children are forcibly separated from their parents by the Japanese and put in different prison camps. More than one child is grieving the death of a parent....more
Olive Cobin Zang's parents are frequently on business trips. That didn't used to be a problem. She used to stay with Mimi, but her grandmother isn't aOlive Cobin Zang's parents are frequently on business trips. That didn't used to be a problem. She used to stay with Mimi, but her grandmother isn't around any more. The latest business trip promises to be quite extended so her parents are pulling her out of the school she's gone to forever, and enrolling her in a former prison. Ok, so it isn't a prison now. It's a "reforming arts school" in a castle on an island, but Olive had no warning this was coming. She also has no idea what she's in for, as RASCH is an academy like no other, and she's been tapped to be in a special group of kids training to be undercover agents who help fight crime! But can such a group of misfits learn to work together as a team and actually help make the world a better place by stopping a jewel thief that's been terrorizing the city?
This was a lot of fun. Olive, along with the other 4 misfits - James, Phil, Theo, Iggy - and their trainers, Modest and Monica, are a group of very memorable, quirky characters who each have their unique skills. James is a walking encyclopedia, Olive is great at puzzles and has trapeze/gymnastics training, Philomena is a tech wiz, Theo speaks multiple languages, and Iggy is their weapons guru. Modest is a huge man with ballet training and Monica is a spitfire boxing champion. They complement each other well eventually, though it takes time for them to learn how to work well together and care for each other despite their quirks. I like how they work past the difficulties they face, and the mystery was well done. Overall, it is a very fun spy-ish story with a memorable cast of characters. I like Dan Santat's illustrations throughout too. Looking forward to the next book!
Notes on content: Language: None Sexual content: None Violence: There are some perilous situations Sexual content: None Ethnic diversity: Olive is Chinese American, James is Black, Phil is Middle Eastern or Indian American (I can't remember which off the top of my head), Modest is Russian, and I think Iggy or Theo mention something about an Eastern European heritage. LGBTQ+ content: None specified Other: A thief is targeting the school's sponsors and it may have to close. Olive really misses her grandmother....more
Kikuzato has access to the new running blade attachment for his prosthesis, but he's not very good at using it. In an effort to improve, he agrees to Kikuzato has access to the new running blade attachment for his prosthesis, but he's not very good at using it. In an effort to improve, he agrees to go to track and field club with Usami for some pointers. But will the rest of the club accept him? And when his Mom gets wind of this stranger providing a blade for Kikuzato, will she forbid him from using it?
I like how unique this manga is, focusing not just on high school life, but what high school life would be like for a kid who came to that high school for sports and then suffered a horrible accident. Kikuzato is not just learning to run again, he is figuring out his identity apart from being a soccer star. He pushed some people away after the accident and was a bit lonely, but now he's slowly letting others in again. I look forward to seeing how things develop fro Kikuzato and his friends.
Notes on content: Language: I don't remember any, but there might have been a couple minor swears. Sexual content: None Violence: None Ethnic diversity: All Japanese characters LGBTQ+ content: None specified Other: Kikuzato understandably has some grief over losing his leg and the future he thought was his.
Souichiro and his wife retired to the countryside, fulfilling her dream of a quiet life. But she died soon afterwards. At that time, their cat transfoSouichiro and his wife retired to the countryside, fulfilling her dream of a quiet life. But she died soon afterwards. At that time, their cat transformed into a much larger, mythical, two-tailed cat to better keep Souichiro company. They make food together, venture to new places, and enjoy a slower pace in the country.
This is a quiet little slice of life manga with a touch of fantasy. It's a very calm and relaxing read with everyday little adventures. I like the artwork of the Japanese countryside. There's a lot of focus on the meals they make, so you probably don't want to read this one hungry.
Notes on content: Language: None that I remember Sexual content: None Violence: One death from non-violent causes in flashbacks. Ethnic diversity: People are Japanese LGBTQ+ content: None Other: Some exploration of grief after the death of a loved one. ...more
In this volume, Pen does a fashion show, gets a fancy coffee maker, Pen and Hayakawa and friends stay at a haunted hot spring inn, he teaches one of HIn this volume, Pen does a fashion show, gets a fancy coffee maker, Pen and Hayakawa and friends stay at a haunted hot spring inn, he teaches one of Hayakawa's friends how to do laundry, does some home improvement projects, saves some chicks, visits the aquarium, babysits for a neighbor, goes to the vet, runs down a mountain and back to get money, hangs out with another penguin, fixes a dye job, makes bento and has little side adventures.
This was a cute collection of adventures, though some may find the haunted inn story a bit creepy. I'm sad this is the last volume in this series. :(
Notes on content: Language: Maybe a couple minor swears, but I don't remember any. Sexual content: None Violence: None. Deaths of some relatives in the past of a friend are related. Ethnic diversity: People are Japanese LGBTQ+ content: None specified. Other: Pen can see ghosts at the inn....more
The kids at school are dealing with the aftermath of the kidnapping (mostly fawning over those who were so cool during the crisis), and the 2nd StellaThe kids at school are dealing with the aftermath of the kidnapping (mostly fawning over those who were so cool during the crisis), and the 2nd Stella is going to Anya's head a bit. One of the teachers involved isn't doing well and decides to see Loid for treatment, but is his problem really PTSD from the kidnapping? Handler meets Loid at the park with her dog to give him a message and Anya decides Bond and Handler's dog must compete. Yor hangs out with some coworkers and is concerned that she has nothing to complain about in her marriage. And then Twilight must intercept a double agent who knows about Operation Strix, but has he met his match?
I saved this until after the huge event I was leading at school was done. It was a great read for unwinding except that last story! How can we leave Twilight like that! I loved Anya's line about breakfast at home. It made me laugh.
Notes on content: Language: About 10 minor swears. Sexual content: Nothing beyond talking about husbands and wives kissing. Violence: There's a serious battle in the last story with some people getting pretty beat up. Ethnic diversity: Fake European-ish cultures. LGBTQ+ content: None specified. Other: Yor gets drunk with her coworkers....more
Yuna and the group of friends she has gathered help the orphanage get the bear-themed bakery open. Once that is running smoothly she decides to go expYuna and the group of friends she has gathered help the orphanage get the bear-themed bakery open. Once that is running smoothly she decides to go exploring and see what is on the other side of the mountain range.
I just love how Yuna is nonplussed by people who tell her she can't do something because she's young and then she just quietly keeps going and blows their minds. It's also great to see how all the people she has set up in better conditions are working together now to make the new bakery a success. Heartwarming stuff.
Notes on content: Language: Maybe 1-3 minor swears. I don't remember for sure. Sexual content: Nothing per se. The head of the adventurer's guild in a new town is wearing a rather skimpy outfit. And she meets a group of adventurers she calls a harem (1 guy with a bunch of girls) it isn't clear what their relationship is exactly. Violence: You know Yuna dispatches some bad creatures and has a fist fight with some bad guys, mostly it is blurred or you only see things with xs on their eyes and the aftermath. Ethnic diversity: Yuna is Japanese, the other people appear to be mostly European-ish. LGBTQ+ content: None Other: They have to hire security for the bakery because some people are either unkind to the orphans or too interested (it doesn't get gross or anything)....more
Loading...
