I wish I knew where I'd found this book, because it was a whole lot of fun to read.
Here's a story of three teenagers, trying to buy a car - an old heI wish I knew where I'd found this book, because it was a whole lot of fun to read.
Here's a story of three teenagers, trying to buy a car - an old hearse - to have as their own with the idea of using the back to store their surfboards. A fun story told in the early 1960s gives shades of the tone of a Perry Mason as they become embroiled in a mystery that involves their being accused of a crime they didn't commit - to cover a bigger crime. The kids are interesting, and I like Vinny who has a lot of gumption in a somewhat Gidget-y way.
Can you tell I love vintage books?
But the story was fast-paced and engaging. I couldn't wait to see where the story went next. This is what a hi-lo book should be. I love the hardcover format, and was really pleasantly surprised by how fun this book was.
This is a story written for older kids to enjoy who have issues with reading. There's a lot of exercises in the back to aid in vocabulary and comprehension, something that would make this book very valuable for the homeschooling crowd if you can still find it to snag a copy. Definitely recommended, especially if you like vintage kid's books....more
Thrilling story, told in a format that makes it easy for any reader to get into, we have a story part survival, part suspense as a girl is taken and lThrilling story, told in a format that makes it easy for any reader to get into, we have a story part survival, part suspense as a girl is taken and left in the woods to die. I liked the swift pace and felt like I was there. The only problem really was how obviously the plot was laid out - you knew what would happen before she got off the bus - and who would do it. Still it was a good book and one I would suggest to struggling readers as it keeps attention and makes you want to get to the end quickly....more
Creepy story about a kid who does probably the stupidest thing imaginable - skateboard in a stormpipe even after being warned away numerous times. YeaCreepy story about a kid who does probably the stupidest thing imaginable - skateboard in a stormpipe even after being warned away numerous times. Yeah. Great idea.
This is a hi-lo story, meaning that the language is kept simple. The problem is it doesn't have much in the way of voice or detail (both of which ARE possible in a hi-lo book, something the world doesn't seem to realize) so it could have been creepier. Still, I had a bad feeling in the pit of my stomach from almost the beginning so the point came across all the same. I'd still recommend this for the struggling reader who likes creepy, suspense-filled stories. ...more
This book hits like a punch to the stomach. Gasping for breath, fighting tears, the pain overwhelms. And then comes that breath of air filling lungs aThis book hits like a punch to the stomach. Gasping for breath, fighting tears, the pain overwhelms. And then comes that breath of air filling lungs again, the sweetness of it. The hope, the joy, the feeling of coming home.
Poetry slams, homelessness, a rhyme and rhythm that lilts with each poem and pulls emotions through a strainer until I can't help but write poetry myself where I should be reviewing. I loved this book. I didn't want to put it down....more
A hi-lo book with a feel of a cozy mystery written for young people? Sign me up! I liked this book, which wasn't much of a surprise as the author is bA hi-lo book with a feel of a cozy mystery written for young people? Sign me up! I liked this book, which wasn't much of a surprise as the author is becoming one of my favorites. A bit of robbery, some ghost stories, and a cast full of interesting characters make this the perfect summertime reading for mystery lovers. I suspected the ending long before it came, but didn't care because it was so much fun to see how the whole story played out. Definitely hunting down anything else I can get my hands on by Ms. Butcher......more
A little suspension of disbelief and this book becomes an entertaining and engaging story about a girl who loses everything and tries to find herself A little suspension of disbelief and this book becomes an entertaining and engaging story about a girl who loses everything and tries to find herself through juggling fire. Having known someone who has juggled fire, I was thrilled by the descriptions and accuracy. While the ending is a little too pat, even cliche, the book itself kept me reading and interested in the story, which is what's important with a hi-lo book. Besides, I'm a sucker for happy endings so I'll give this one four stars....more
There is a certain tension to this book that pulls you right into the story and doesn't let you go until the last page. Bailey is a cabin girl at a reThere is a certain tension to this book that pulls you right into the story and doesn't let you go until the last page. Bailey is a cabin girl at a remote Canadian fishing camp. She's superstitious and wonders about the witch of the lake when she should be paying more attention to the witch of the camp. Overall, this is well-written, and achieves just what you want in a hi-lo book - the perfect blend of simple language with a story that's a delight to read. This is one I would recommend for any reader to enjoy. Kristen Butcher is one of my new favorite authors. :)...more
I never really liked the main character very much, so this story was hard for me to get into. The premise makes a lot of sense, which is a scary commeI never really liked the main character very much, so this story was hard for me to get into. The premise makes a lot of sense, which is a scary commentary on society today. But it's something that today's kids can link to, something which is important in a hi-lo book. There's a certain amount of danger and adventure, especially at the end. I like how this is all based on a true story. I wouldn't have believed the ending otherwise which only goes to prove that sometimes life is a bit stranger than fiction....more
Chick's got issues. Way too much pressure from an overbearing Dad, too much on his plate between soccer and debate and school and student council and Chick's got issues. Way too much pressure from an overbearing Dad, too much on his plate between soccer and debate and school and student council and whatever else he gets into. It's no wonder he's having panic attacks. The only thing that helps hime is making lists. And his brand new girlfriend. But mostly the lists.
I understand Chick. I make lists all the time and it DOES calm and center me. Especially when I'm overwhelmed. He's taken it to a totally OCD level and realizes it.
For a hi-lo book, this one really caught me and didn't feel at all like I was reading something between a 2nd and 3rd grade reading level. Which is awesome, meaning it does exactly what it needs to for the classroom. But more than that, his story is interesting, his struggles are real, and the solution is one that is even (mostly) satisfying. I still think he needs some professional help. But he's on the right path.
Overall, this is a good book and one I'm glad I picked up. This is exactly what a hi-lo book should be....more
The effect of a library card on a person? It's easy for us as readers to know just what that impact is. But this book is about kids who are non-readerThe effect of a library card on a person? It's easy for us as readers to know just what that impact is. But this book is about kids who are non-readers. Not even likable kids but ones who are violent, selfish, cruel....ones that make bad choices over and over again. Ones who desperately need the magic of library card - no, of a SPECIAL library card - to turn their lives around.
Four stories about different kids in different places. This is a book that at first glance might be more for middle readers, but high school kids could easily still enjoy it. I'd say this is a good choice for a Hi-Lo book. I only wish that there had been a fifth story to connect all the other ones....more
When I first picked up this book, I thought it was for a younger audience. The simpler language, even the text on the page gave clues that this book wWhen I first picked up this book, I thought it was for a younger audience. The simpler language, even the text on the page gave clues that this book would be easy to read.
Then I read it and found out how wrong I was.
The story is about a 12 year old boy. He's chafing at not being allowed to go hunting, so he takes out his hunting rifle without permission and kills a rabbit. This opening sets the tone for the story - the pride of doing something for himself turns to a rather conflicted mass of feelings, backing up against the conflict of not feeling like his 'father' is really his father, especially with brand new baby in the house. His need to belong leads to a lot of argument and withdrawal that I think every teenager would identify with.
Then comes the true conflict - the poachers and the need to save a baby moose before it's too late. The danger is intense as the story continues - there's nothing neat and clean about this either. Gritty, real. Moving and exciting. This book becomes the perfect blend as the story progresses, and is one I would put into the hands of any boy, particularly an older one that's been struggling with reading.
The only thing I didn't like as much was the almost too glib way the boy dealt with his emotions about killing the rabbit. I don't feel that this was the author's intent, and it might have even been the choice of the editor to 'tighten things up' at the end. This might actually be a discussion point if you use the book in the classroom or with your child while homeschooling. Otherwise this is an outstanding book.
This was the author's first book and you can easily see how well she understands kids and their complex emotions at this age. She's fast becoming one of my favorite authors. ...more
It's funny that I would read this now, as it has to do with the living dead and well, given my current shuffling gait and the moans with which I wandeIt's funny that I would read this now, as it has to do with the living dead and well, given my current shuffling gait and the moans with which I wander in search of brains..I mean food...I get hungry when I'm sick. Food. Not brains. I don't eat brains...
Anyway, as a quick review, "Pale" is a High-Low book (something I am DELIGHTED by as there aren't enough books written at a low reading level for teens to enjoy. Especially in topics that they're interested in. So for anyone liking dystopic or zombies or even just for a solid read on bullying and consequences and true friendship...yeah this book has it.
Not that I liked the main character. He drove me nuts until somewhere in the last few pages where I decided I really didn't want him to get what he deserved, I wanted him to be a better...person?
The story takes place in a future where the newly dead can be revived with an injection that will leave them...pale. And oh, their hearts don't beat - they're still more dead than alive. But yet...still are themselves. Just no longer accepted by society.
I find myself thinking about the deeper messages here. About how we hang onto things that aren't healthy for anyone to hold onto, and then become resentful of the things we're trying to hold onto.
Maybe I get too introspective when I'm sick and I'm seeing more than is there. But all in all, this was a solid read and one I would highly recommend. Especially if you have a teen struggling with reading. They'll enjoy the story, and you'll enjoy the fact that as a paperback you can find it for about $6.95 which is a bargain when it comes to high-low books.
A Hi-Lo book that didn't feel like a Hi-Lo book at all. Gripping story, intense drama, and horses. Can't go wrong there. I never felt like I was readiA Hi-Lo book that didn't feel like a Hi-Lo book at all. Gripping story, intense drama, and horses. Can't go wrong there. I never felt like I was reading a book that was written at an easier level at all....more
Still looking for that Hi-Lo book that I can really love. So far not finding it.
This one has strong writing and good characterization. BUT it doesn't Still looking for that Hi-Lo book that I can really love. So far not finding it.
This one has strong writing and good characterization. BUT it doesn't have a lot of positive messages. The drug use of the sister might be condemned, but the pot use of her parents really seems to make that ok. Do I even have to get into the wine drinking at 17?
Also - and don't flame me or call me a homophobe on this because I don't care that the story was a girl-girl romance - ANYTIME you have someone who is a minor (17) and get them involved with someone who is an adult (19) you have trouble. It's not ok legally regardless of gender. Author could really have avoided the problem easily by perhaps changing the age of the narrator to 18?
And please also note, I'm putting this book down because the religion in it is about as far from Christianity as you can get. I'm all for showing religions in fiction - so long as there is diversity enough to show Christianity too (sorry, personal soapbox here, but it seems a lot of publishers will go to great lengths to show every single religion there is so long as it's NOT Christianity. Equal air time, that's all I'm asking).
So in the end I have to ask: Is it too much to ask for a positive message somewhere?
Listen up people, I'm serious here. Don't just show the reader where the kids are AT - show them something to strive for. How they can be better. Trust your readers. You're not giving them enough credit. And that's a huge disservice to them....more
Whew this one had a high creepy factor. Girl meets guy who is total stalker and ends with wanting to kill her. But she's also afraid of her boyfriend Whew this one had a high creepy factor. Girl meets guy who is total stalker and ends with wanting to kill her. But she's also afraid of her boyfriend and of getting him mad (that's never explained) so go figure. In the end I thought every guy around her was terrible, that she was an idiot for choosing any of them. And that the book had no clear resolution and left me disturbed and vowing to never work at a convenience store. Yeah.
On the other hand, would this book be of interest to teens? Yes, I think so. Would the reading level make it assessable to teens? Yes. Could it have been better? Yes, probably. I would personally have re-written that epilogue and tied things up a little neater. And maybe gone back to show a bit more of her relationship with Leo prior to the stalker, and maybe given us more of a hint of her family life than in the last few pages. Not having a clear set-up of either left me feeling a bit disjointed and like I didn't know her at all.
Recommended? Maybe. For a teen struggling with reading, yes. For reading just for pleasure, probably not. There are better choices out there....more
The narrator of the story is a boy in an anger management program who is trying to turn his life around. He's given the job oI really liked this book!
The narrator of the story is a boy in an anger management program who is trying to turn his life around. He's given the job of training a dog as part of the program. I found the boy likable and interesting and hated the way he was picked on by those around him. I also liked how real and supportive his family and the workers in the program were. Honestly I'm surprised and pleased to find a hi-lo book with an interesting plot and a well-rounded character.
Yes, this is highly recommended. Very well done!...more
A great book about the power of rumors. Really creative solution to a problem just about every teen can relate to - how quickly a reputation can be ruA great book about the power of rumors. Really creative solution to a problem just about every teen can relate to - how quickly a reputation can be ruined by someone else.
Honestly this is more a 3.5 on the star rating scale.
It's about a guy who has a messed up family life and starts sneaking into houses so he can watchHonestly this is more a 3.5 on the star rating scale.
It's about a guy who has a messed up family life and starts sneaking into houses so he can watch real families interact. I saw it coming a mile away when he heard on the news that a home invader was breaking into houses in his neighborhood and terrorizing the families there. But I liked the conclusion anyway though I still wonder a bit about the plot. Like it makes it ok to sneak into houses if you're there just to watch the families. Creepy.
For a Hi-Lo book, this one was pretty decent. Overall I'd recommend it....more
She already knew the summer job was a mistake. The hours were long, the pay horrible, and everyone else was dumping all the real work onto her shouldeShe already knew the summer job was a mistake. The hours were long, the pay horrible, and everyone else was dumping all the real work onto her shoulders. Then just as she decides to quit, Jill finds out that the last ride she plans to take, might truly be the last ride - of her life.
Suspenseful, and downright scary at times, Knifepoint kept me reading until the end. And made me look at the people around me a bit closer.
After all, there are psychopaths everywhere. And sometimes they have a nice smile....more
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