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3/25/2021 0 Comments Lemons by Melissa SavageTitle: Lemons Author: Melissa Savage Publisher: Crown Books for Young Readers (2017) ISBN13: 978- 1524700126 Genre: Middle Grade, Action/Adventure, Historical Fiction (Set in the 1970s) Topics/Themes: Healing/Grief from loss of a parent, reconnecting with family, making new friends, living in a new place Diversity Tags: Death of a parent/raised by grandparent Recommended Age Level: 9-12 Awards / Recognitions:
Summary: Ten-year-old Lemonade Liberty Witt, Lem for short, has just lost her mother and is being uprooted from San Francisco to go live with her grandfather, who she has never met, in Willow Creek, California. Unsure of how to make lemonade from such large lemons (the well-known phrase being her namesake), Lemonade inevitably meets the quirky boy next door, Tobin, who is OBSESSED with the local Bigfoot legend and is the self-proclaimed CEO and founder of Bigfoot Detective Inc (which he runs out of the ramshackle garage belonging to Lem’s grandfather). Since Tobin is the first person her own age she befriends, he is able to rope her in to being his (reluctant) assistant, even though she is a bigfoot skeptic. While most of the sightings and reports that Bigfoot Detective Inc receives are from indulging town-folk (such as the retired school teacher who uses it as an excuse to bake and feed cookies to these two kiddos), a few reports begin to come in that are stumping even the adults in town. Before they know it, Lem and Tobin are caught up in a case that impacts them more personally than they could imagine as they both cope with their own unique grief of losing a parent. Professional Review: “The book is well paced, with plenty of humor to balance the heavy themes.” - Taylor Worley, School Library Journal, 2017 “An enjoyable and comforting middle-grade handbook on navigating new experiences and the heartache of losing loved ones early in life. A joyous celebration of cryptozoology, friendship, family love, and coping with loss.” – Kirkus Reviews, 2017 “Savage injects enough humor, mystery, and lively interaction among the characters to give this two-hanky debut a buoyant tone.” – John Peters, Booklist, 2017 Personal Insights: I loved how much this story addressed the emotions of grief and loss in an age appropriate way, which is not surprising given that the author, Melissa Savage, is a child and family therapist. It’s clear that she pulled from a deep base of knowledge and experience from the kids she has worked with in the creation of this story. I was also hooked immediately with this story because, like Tobin, I was OBSESSED with Bigfoot (and other cryptozoological creatures) in middle school. Almost every single free-choice research or report that was assigned I jumped at the chance to dive more into this realm where reality and fantasy begin to blur. So this story held a special place for me because of the deep nostalgic feelings it reawakened and helped me relive some great (and also slightly cringe-y) memories! Readalikes (Summaries found on GoodReads)
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Title: Minecraft: The Island
Author: Max Brooks Publisher: Del Rey (2017) ISBN13: 978-0399181771 Genre: Middle Grade, Action/Adventure, Video Game Tie-In Topics/Themes: Problem Solving, Facing a difficult problem, Perseverance Recommended Age Level: 8-12 Awards / Recognitions:
Summary:
This is the story of a hero who finds himself stranded on an island in the world of Minecraft (although he has no idea where he is or what Minecraft is). If he wants to have any hope of survival from the monsters that creep around in the dark, he must use logic and perseverance to discover the secrets of the island and the unusual rules that this mysterious world throws at him.
Personal Insights:
So, first off the bat, this book is probably not for everyone…. Like the review cited above explains, this book is going to be the biggest hit with kids who are already familiar with the game Minecraft. While it is written so that kids who have NOT played the game can understand it and follow along in the story, the evident game mechanics and world building are much easier to follow along if you have played the game before. Regardless of your familiarity with the game, I DO think it is a creative and captivating story about using logic and persevering to overcome any difficult challenges a kid may face. While I do not play the game much anymore, I was a huge fan back when it first came out back when I was in my undergrad years. For those who are not familiar, Minecraft is an amazing, non-violent video game that inspires kids to use logic, critical thinking, and creativity in order to survive the nighttime hours when monsters are out and about. It’s actually kind of hard to explain in words, so I’ll link a short video below so you can see for yourself! The thing that caught my attention with this book was actually the audiobook: it is narrated by none other than the great Jack Black! He brought so much life and energy to this story in his unique way, and he really is the perfect narrator for this story.
Professional Reviews:
Jason Sheehan, NPR (2017): “’The Island’ is one of four things, depending on who's reading it.
Readalikes (Summaries from Goodreads):
2/14/2021 0 Comments The Wild Robot by Peter BrownTitle: The Wild Robot
Author: Peter Brown Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers (2016) ISBN13: 978-0316381994 Genre: Science Fiction/Fantasy, Middle Grade/Elementary Topics/Themes: Friendship, Finding your purpose Diversity Tags: Recommended Age Level: 7-12 Awards / Recognitions:
Summary: A mysterious crate washes up onto the shore of remote island after a cargo ship is caught in a hurricane, and from within the crate, Roz the robot opens her eyes for the very first time. While her robot brain is programmed to learn and master tasks, she begins to realize that she is not meant to live in the wild, especially since all the local animals view her as a “monster” and are afraid of her because she is so different from them. But when an accident occurs and she rescues an orphaned gosling, she begins to win over the animals as they teach her how to survive and raise her “son”. When catastrophe befalls the island, Roz must use everything she has learned, as well as her own special skills as a robot to help her new friends and family. Professional Reviews: “Brown has written a lively tale that is sure to engage young readers.”―The New York Times “The novel carries a subtle but powerful message about harmony between technology and the natural world, brought to life with painterly prose and eloquent illustrations.”―Financial Times “Roz may not feel emotions, but young readers certainly will as this tender, captivating tale unfolds.”―The Washington Post “Brown’s picture books are consistent bestsellers and critically acclaimed. Expect readers to go wild for his robot-themed novel.”―Booklist, starred review “Thought-provoking and charming.”―Kirkus Reviews, starred review “This strong debut middle grade novel by the acclaimed picture book author/illustrator is a first purchase for most middle grade collections.”―School Library Journal, starred review “Simultaneously unsentimental and saturated with feeling.”―Publishers Weekly, starred review Personal Insights:This is a delightful little story that is simple and straightforward, but at the same time educational and entertaining. Finding the perfect reader for this book might be a bit of a challenge…. The bigger vocabulary is better suited for a more advanced reader, but the simple story is geared more towards younger readers. I think this book would make for a perfect read-aloud for grades 3-4 with its short chapters, likeable characters, and the dead-pan silliness. And who doesn’t love a talking robot and animals?? Not to mention the illustrations throughout the book are beautiful, striking, and a great addition to the story. Notable Quotes: “As the robot looked out at the island, it never even occurred to her that she might not belong there. As far as Roz knew, she was home.” “If you stand in a forest long enough, eventually something will fall on you. And Roz had been standing in the forest long enough.” “But I do not know how to act like a mother.” “Oh, it’s nothing, you just have to provide the gosling with food and water and shelter, make him feel loved but don’t pamper him too much, keep him away from danger, and make sure he learns to walk and talk and swim and fly and get along with others and look after himself. And that’s really all there is to motherhood!” Readalikes: (Summaries from GoodReads) The Last Human by Lee Bacon (2019) - In the future, robots have eliminated humans, and 12-year-old robot XR_935 is just fine with that. Without humans around, there is no war, no pollution, no crime. Every member of society has a purpose. Everything runs smoothly and efficiently. Until the day XR discovers something impossible: a human girl named Emma. Now, Emma must embark on a dangerous voyage with XR and two other robots in search of a mysterious point on a map. But how will they survive in a place where rules are never broken and humans aren’t supposed to exist? And what will they find at the end of their journey? The Boy, The Boat, and the Beast by Samantha M. Clark (2018) - A boy washes up on a mysterious, seemingly uninhabited beach. Who is he? How did he get there? The boy can’t remember. When he sees a light shining over the foreboding wall of trees that surrounds the shore, he decides to follow it, in the hopes that it will lead him to answers. The boy’s journey is a struggle for survival and a search for the truth—a terrifying truth that once uncovered, will force him to face his greatest fear of all if he is to go home. Brambleheart: A Story About Finding Treasure and the Unexpected Magic of Friendship by Henry Cole (2016) - Twig has always wondered who he will become. In the Hill, everyone studies a craft and becomes a master’s Apprentice, but first you have to be good at something. Twig tries very hard in all his classes, but his imagination wanders to his favorite books or the delicious mayapples growing beyond the scavenge yard...and then he loses his focus. Unsure he’ll ever amount to anything, Twig sets out on a journey to discover himself. However, instead of finding answers, he stumbles upon a strangely colored globe that contains a curious secret. Protecting his secret is all Twig wants to do. But when he learns that his secret might hurt others, he’s forced to make a choice between his place in the world and the feelings in his heart. 4/29/2020 0 Comments Story Thieves by James Riley
Title: Story Thieves (Story Thieves series #1)
Author: James Riley Publisher: Aladdin (December 15, 2015) ISBN13: 978-1481409209 Genre: Fantasy/Sci-Fi, Action/Adventure Topics/Themes: Personal Identity, The Power of Stories, Imagination Recommended Age Level: 9-13 Awards / Recognitions:
Summary: Owen Connors’ life is incredibly boring. Between school, homework, and chores, he wishes with his whole heart that real life could be more like his favorite books, and that he could have the life of his favorite character, Kiel Gnomenfoot (a boy wizard-in-training who fights a mad scientist trying to wipe out the world of magic in the name of science). All that changes when he accidentally witnesses a girl in his class, Bethany Sanderson, climbing OUT of a book while they are in the library his mother runs. As impossible as it seems, Owen discovers that Bethany is half-fictional herself and that she has been searching through books in order to find her missing father. In exchange for keeping Bethany’s secret, Owen makes a deal that she has to take him into any one book of his choice. His obvious choice is the Kiel Gnomenfoot series, since it’s been his lifelong dream to visit, and Bethany tentatively agrees. But as he soon finds out, his ENTIRE dream may yet come true as he gets stuck in the story and is forced to live out Kiel Gnomenfoot’s final adventure, regardless of how it ends. Professional Reviews: “A droll and clever opener likely to leave readers breathless both with laughter and anticipation.” – Kirkus Reviews 2014 “Aimed at avid readers (the Kiel stories are a spoof of the Harry Potter books), this series starter is packed with humor, adventure, and twists, and it bodes quite well for the second volume. Giddy, book -based fun.” – Sarah Bean Thompson, Booklist 2014 Personal Insights: This book (and the entire five book series) absolutely blew me away. This book was recommended indirectly when someone in one of my classes offhandedly mentioned their love of the author, James Riley, and I figured I would give it a chance. I am SO glad I did because I now own the entire series, am forcing my wife to read them as well, and I will be definitely recommending this series to any middle school kids that are looking for something fun and exciting. This story can be appreciated on so many levels: for kids who are already avid readers, they will love the nods and homages to famous books and other nerdy bookish things. For those who are more reluctant readers, the nonstop action and dry wit humor will capture the love of kids who don’t like reading the slower paced and realistic fiction that is often required reading in school. The characters are well developed and appealing, the storyline is brilliant and witty (and also incredibly meta!), and my attention was captured for every last page, which is a considerable claim given that each book in the series is at least 350 pages. Added audiobook review: I finished this book as a hybrid of audiobook and reading the physical book (which is the first time I’ve tried that) and the narrator, Kirby Heyborne, performed fantastically and played each character better than I could have imagined them in my own head. Very much worth your time to listen to this book in audiobook format if that is your preference! Notable Quotes: “The second rule they taught us in librarian school is that you can have as many favorite books as there are books.” "Don't worry. Maybe you just haven't found your favorite book yet. I honestly don't think anyone has. Just when you think you might have a favorite, something better comes along." “Why imagine a world in your head when you could just go visit another one in a book?” “Embrace the impossible! Find the magic within! BE MORE FICTIONAL.” "You don't ever speak to me again, do you understand? And if you ever tell anyone about me, I'll find the deepest, darkest math book I can find, and drop you into the most boring part!" Readalikes: (Summaries from GoodReads) If you liked this book, you HAVE to read the rest of the series. Seriously, start there. It only gets better, and there are 4 more books to read!! The Revenge of Magic (The Revenge of Magic series #1) by James Riley (2019) - Thirteen years ago, books of magic were discovered in various sites around the world alongside the bones of dragons. Only those born after “Discovery Day” have the power to use the magic. Now, on a vacation to Washington, DC, Fort Fitzgerald’s father is lost when a giant creature bursts through the earth, attacking the city. Fort is devastated, until an opportunity for justice arrives six months later, when a man named Dr. Opps invites Fort to a government run school, the Oppenheimer School, to learn magic from those same books. But life’s no easier at the school, where secrets abound. What does Jia, Fort’s tutor, know about the attacks? Why does Rachel, master of destructive magic, think Fort is out to destroy the school? And why is Fort seeing memories of an expelled girl every time he goes to sleep? If Fort doesn’t find out what’s hiding within the Oppenheimer School, more attacks will come, and this time, nothing will stop them! The Wishing Spell (The Land of Stories series #1) by Chris Colfer and Brandon Dorman (2012) - Alex and Conner Bailey's world is about to change, in this fast-paced adventure that uniquely combines our modern day world with the enchanting realm of classic fairy tales. The Land of Stories tells the tale of twins Alex and Conner. Through the mysterious powers of a cherished book of stories, they leave their world behind and find themselves in a foreign land full of wonder and magic where they come face-to-face with the fairy tale characters they grew up reading about. But after a series of encounters with witches, wolves, goblins, and trolls alike, getting back home is going to be harder than they thought. Book Scavenger (Book Scavenger series #1) by Jennifer Chambliss Bertman and Sarah Watts (2015) - A hidden book. A found cipher. A game begins . . . . Twelve-year-old Emily is on the move again. Her family is relocating to San Francisco, home of her literary idol: Garrison Griswold, creator of the online sensation Book Scavenger, a game where books are hidden all over the country and clues to find them are revealed through puzzles. But Emily soon learns that Griswold has been attacked and is in a coma, and no one knows anything about the epic new game he had been poised to launch. Then Emily and her new friend James discover an odd book, which they come to believe is from Griswold and leads to a valuable prize. But there are others on the hunt for this book, and Emily and James must race to solve the puzzles Griswold left behind before Griswold's attackers make them their next target.
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