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Title: The Lion of Mars
Author: Jennifer L. Holm Publisher: Random House Children’s Books ISBN13: 978-0-593-12181-8 Genre: Middle Grade, Science Fiction Topics/Themes: Space colonization, Importance of Community, Bravery Diversity Tags: Incidental Diversity: main characters are non-white Recommended Age Level: 9-12 Awards / Recognitions:
Summary (from GoodReads): Bell has spent his whole life - all eleven years of it - on Mars. But he's still just a regular kid - he loves cats, any kind of cake, and is curious about the secrets the adults in the US colony are keeping. Like, why don't have contact with anyone on the other Mars colonies? Why are they so isolated? When a virus breaks out and the grown-ups all fall ill, Bell and the other children are the only ones who can help. It's up to Bell - a regular kid in a very different world - to uncover the truth and save his family ... and possibly unite an entire planet. Professional Reviews: “An unexpectedly cozy work of sf—celebrating science, community, and cooperation—that will have readers feeling right at home on Mars.” – Ronny Khuri, Booklist, 2021 “The characters are endearing, the story is compelling, and the book has a positive but not didactic message. A delightful space adventure.” – Kirkus Reviews, 2021 “Tween science fiction fans will enjoy this realistic-feeling adventure that has humor, warmth, and lots of food for thought about what it would be like to actually live on Mars.” – Andrea Beach, Common Sense Media review, 2021 Personal Insights: This book was fun, exciting, and touched on some very important lessons that gave it some added depth. Some of these include: 1) The importance of belonging to a community in order to survive and thrive, 2) sharing ideas and resources can make life better for everyone involved, 3) holding on to hurtful and angry feelings from the past can cause you to miss out on important things today, 4) bravery is doing the right thing even when you are scared. This book has a unique twist in that there is a mysterious illness going around and making all the adults sick, so it is up to the kids to save the day. If my sources are correct, this author wrote the book before the COVID-19 pandemic, but with it being published early 2021, it certainly adds some extra zing and relatability to the story! This book also seems to be still fairly unknown, with less than 600 rating and 155 reviews on Goodreads. (For reference, all the other books on this Y’GRT have several thousand, if not tens of thousands of ratings and reviews on GoodReads). The only reason I heard about it was from Colby Sharp (teacher and big name in middle grade literature) who I started following on Instagram from this class. So knowing about this book makes you a bit of a literary hipster and you now know about a book that isn’t mainstream!
Below is a book talk from the legend himself, Colby Sharp!
Readalikes (Summaries found on GoodReads)
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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)
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):
3/14/2021 0 Comments Wish by Barbara O'Connor
Title: Wish
Author: Barbara O’Connor Publisher: Farrar, Straus and Giroux (2016) ISBN13: 978- 0374302733 Genre: Realistic Fiction, Middle Grade Topics/Themes: Moving to a different city/culture, Adopted family/family history, Making new friends Diversity Tags: Mental Illness: Parent with depression, People with Disabilities: Physical limp Recommended Age Level: 9-12 Awards / Recognitions:
Summary: Short-tempered 11-year-old Charlie Reese is sent to live with her aunt and uncle in “hillbilly country” (the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina) since her mama can’t get up off the couch to take care of her and her father, Scrappy, is in jail getting “corrected. Resentful of her older sister who gets to stay in Raleigh with her friend, Charlie finds solace in a sacred ritual she has had since fourth grade: making the same wish every day, in every way possible (and there are A LOT of ways she knows how to make a wish). The longer she is there, the more unlikely it seems that her wish will come true…that is until she meets a dog she calls Wishbone, a scared and unwanted stray who she immediately feels a connection with, and Howard, an odd, but kind-hearted neighbor boy. As time passes living with her aunt and uncle, Charlie begins to realize that her wish may be coming true after all, just not in the way she ever imagined. Professional Reviews: “Poignant and genuine, this is a tale that will resonate with readers long after they finish it and have them cheering for the underdogs—both of the two-legged and four-legged varieties. – Michele Shaw, School Library Journal, 2016 “A warm, real, and heartfelt tale.”– Kirkus Reviews, 2016 Personal Insights: This was such a beautiful story, and O’Connor had the perfect mix of humor and emotion to really make it resonate. While the direction of the story is predictable from the get-go, the journey that Charlie makes is still an enjoyable and meaningful one that kept my attention all the way through. The characters in the story are all flawed in their own lovable kind of way, which adds a lot of depth to this otherwise pretty straightforward story. The setting of the Blue Ridge Mountains are tangible through the pages, and the southern dialect and the attention to detail really help the reader get into the story! Notable Quotes: “You'd think that a redheaded boy with glasses who was named Howard and had an up-down walk would have a lot more to wish for than being friends with me. But I admit I felt a smile on my face and hope in my heart, 'cause maybe wishes really do come true. Maybe some wishes just take longer than others.” “You can't judge people for the mistakes they make. You judge them for how they fix those mistakes.” “As I pedaled up the road, I turned and glanced back at the Odoms’ house. I remembered that first day on the school bus when I had seen it and thought it was so sad-looking. Then I pictured all those boys in that little kitchen getting loved on by their mama and that house didn’t look one bit sad anymore.” “On the line beside ‘Describe your family’, I wrote, ‘Bad.’ What is your favorite subject in school? ‘None.’ List three of your favorite activities. ‘Soccer, ballet, and fighting.’ Two of those favorite activities were lies but one of them was the truth. I am fond of fighting.” Readalikes: (Summaries from GoodReads) Crenshaw by Katherine Applegate (2015) - Jackson and his family have fallen on hard times. There's no more money for rent. And not much for food, either. His parents, his little sister, and their dog may have to live in their minivan. Again. Crenshaw is a cat. He's large, he's outspoken, and he's imaginary. He has come back into Jackson's life to help him. But is an imaginary friend enough to save this family from losing everything? Lemons by Melissa Savage (2017) - What do you do when you lose everything that means anything? Ten-year old Lemonade Liberty Witt doesn’t know the answer to that question, except what her mom taught her. When life gives you lemons, you make lemonade. But what if those lemons are so big that you forget how? How do you make lemonade out of having to leave everything you know in San Francisco to move to the small town of Willow Creek, California and live with a grandfather you’ve never even met? In a town that smells like grass and mud and bugs. With tall pines instead of skyscrapers and dirt instead of sidewalks. Not to mention one woolly beast lurking in the woods. That’s right, Bigfoot. A ginormous wooden statue of the ugly thing stands right at the center of town like he’s someone real important, like the mayor or something. And the people here actually believe he’s real and hiding somewhere out in the pine filled forests. How can anyone possibly be expected to make lemonade out those rotten lemons? Everything is different and Lem just wants to go back home. And then she meets Tobin Sky, the CEO of Bigfoot Detectives, Inc. and sole investigator for the town. He invites her to be his Assistant for the summer and she reluctantly agrees. At least until she can figure out her escape plan. Together, Lem and Tobin try to capture a shot of the elusive beast on film and end up finding more than they ever could have even imagined. Summer of a Thousand Pies by Margaret Dilloway (2019) - When twelve-year-old Cady Bennett is sent to live with the aunt she didn’t even know she had in the quaint mountain town of Julian, she doesn’t know what to expect. Cady isn’t used to stability, or even living inside, after growing up homeless in San Diego with her dad. Now she’s staying in her mother’s old room, exploring the countryside filled with apple orchards and pie shops, making friends, and working in Aunt Shell’s own pie shop—and soon, Cady starts to feel like she belongs. Then she finds out that Aunt Shell’s pie shop is failing. Saving the business and protecting the first place she’s ever really felt safe will take everything she’s learned and the help of all her new friends. But are there some things even the perfect pie just can’t fix? Title: Insignificant Events in the Life of a Cactus
Author: Dusti Bowling Publisher: Sterling Children’s Books (2017) ISBN13: 978- 1454923459 Genre: Realistic Fiction, Mystery, Middle Grade Topics/Themes: Adopted family/family history, Living with a visible disability, Making new friends Diversity Tags: People with Disabilities: People with no arms, Tourrete’s Syndrome Recommended Age Level: 10-14 Awards / Recognitions:
Summary: 13-year-old Aven Green loves to make up and tell stories to people about how she lost her arms when they inevitably give her weird looks or ask nosy questions. The truth, a rare genetic disorder, gets boring to tell after so many times, so she likes to push herself to see how wild her improv imagination can get. Her lack of arms has not kept her from doing anything she sets her mind to: living in Kansas with her parents, who adopted her when she was 2-years-old, she is loving life with her friends on the soccer team, and everyone else in her middle school has pretty much accepted who she is and has gotten used to the different ways she accomplishes daily activities at school. All that comes to a screeching halt when her parents announce they are moving to a small town in Arizona to run a wild-west themed amusement park called Stagecoach Pass… Not only does she have to finish up middle school as the new kid, she has to go through the entire process of surviving the stares and weird looks everywhere she goes. After a rough few days, her only bright spot at school is a boy named Connor, who struggles with his own disability and fitting in. As she adjusts to her new life living in a theme park, Aven and Connor quickly become friends as they explore the quirky theme park her parents now run. When they stumble upon a hidden room in an abandoned building, the secrets they uncover a hold a mystery that hits a little too close to home for Aven… Professional Reviews: “Charming and memorable. An excellent choice for middle grade collections and classrooms.” - Evelyn Khoo Schwartz, School Library Journal, 2017 “[The] portrayal of characters with rarely depicted disabilities is informative, funny, and supportive.” – Kirkus Reviews, 2017 “Bowling’s sensitive and funny novel . . . demonstrates how negotiating others’ discomfort can be one of the most challenging aspects of having a physical difference and how friendship can mitigate that discomfort. . . . [an] openhearted, empathic book.” - Publishers Weekly, 2017 Personal Insights: This might be one of, if not the favorite book I have read so far this semester! It is such a wholesome, heartwarming, and inspiring story, and the characters are relatable and lovable. It also provides some valuable insight to some rarely depicted disabilities while also being silly and entertaining. I also highly recommend the sequel to this book, Momentous Events in the Life of a Cactus, which takes place about a year later as Aven starts high school. It dials up the maturity and the struggles the characters face as crushes and first love are incorporated while maintaining its heartfelt message and emotional undercurrent. Aven confronts whether she can stay true to herself in the face of confusion, humiliation, fears, and loss. I listened to both of these books as audiobooks and I also have to recommend consuming these books in this format: the narrator, Karissa Vacker, performs both books and is absolutely phenomenal. It feels like she is Aven, capturing so much emotion in her voice, and not at all like she is reading something that is already written. Notable Quotes: "I got so tired of telling them the same boring story about being born without arms that I started making stuff up. It was stinking hilarious. I knew from the first moment I told a girl my arms had burned off in a fire, I had found a great hobby: making up stories. I loved the way her eyes grew wide with shock and the way her voice went all high-pitched with excitement as he asked me a bunch more questions about my charred arms." “I think Connor would be the last person to label you like that. You shouldn't get so offended if someone calls you disabled, Aven. You DO have extra challenges that others don't have. It DOES take you longer to do most tasks. Your movements ARE limited. There's a big difference between saying you're disabled and saying you're incapable.” "I am an entirely insignificant event in the life of this cactus. I try to remember that as the sky darkens and the lights of Scottsdale and Phoenix brighten the earth -- millions of lights for millions of people. And then there's just me, sitting in the dirt on a mighty hill..." Readalikes: (Summaries from GoodReads) Roll With It by Jamie Sumner (2019) - Ellie’s a girl who tells it like it is. That surprises some people, who see a kid in a wheelchair and think she’s going to be all sunshine and cuddles. The thing is, Ellie has big dreams: She might be eating Stouffer’s for dinner, but one day she’s going to be a professional baker. If she’s not writing fan letters to her favorite celebrity chefs, she’s practicing recipes on her well-meaning, if overworked, mother. But when Ellie and her mom move so they can help take care of her ailing grandpa, Ellie has to start all over again in a new town at a new school. Except she’s not just the new kid—she’s the new kid in the wheelchair who lives in the trailer park on the wrong side of town. It all feels like one challenge too many, until Ellie starts to make her first-ever friends. Now she just has to convince her mom that this town might just be the best thing that ever happened to them! Macy McMillan and the Rainbow Goddess by Shari Green (2017) - Sixth grade is coming to an end, and so is life as Macy McMillan knows it. Already a For Sale sign mars the front lawn of her beloved house. Soon her mother will upend their little family, adding an unwelcome stepfather and pesky six-year-old twin stepsisters. To add insult to injury, what is Macy s final sixth grade assignment? A genealogy project. Well, she'll put it off―just like those wedding centerpieces she's supposed to be making. Just when Macy's mother ought to be sympathetic, she sends her next door to help eighty-six-year-old Iris Gillan, who is also getting ready to move―in her case, into an assisted living facility. Iris can't move a single box on her own and, worse, she doesn't know sign language. How is Macy supposed to understand her? But Iris has stories to tell, and she isn't going to let Macy's deafness stop her. Soon, through notes and books and cookies, a friendship grows. And this friendship, odd and unexpected, may be just what Macy needs to face the changes in her life. Wink by Rob Harrell (2020) - Twelve-year-old Ross Maloy just wants to be normal. Not to have a rare eye cancer, not to lose his hair, not to have to wear a weird hat or have a goopy eye full of ointment. Just normal. But with a sudden and horrifying diagnosis, Ross can't help standing out. His new life is medical treatments that feel straight out of a video game, vision loss in one eye, disappearing friends who don't know what to say to "the cancer kid," cruel bullying, and ultimately, friendships new and old that rise above everything. Just when Ross starts to feel like he's losing his footing, he discovers how music, art, and true friends can change everything. Filled with Rob Harrell's comic panels (Batpig for the win!) and spot art, this novel brings effortless humor and hope to an unforgettable, uplifting story of survival. Title: Things You Can’t Say
Author: Jenn Bishop Publisher: Aladdin (2020) ISBN13: 978-1534440975 Genre: Realistic Fiction, Middle Grade Topics/Themes: Friendship, Family History, Loss of a parent Diversity Tags: Suicide Recommended Age Level: 9-13 Personal Rating: 5 / 5 Summary: Ever since 12-year-old Drew’s father died of suicide a few years ago, his favorite place to be during the summers is performing with puppets for little kids at the local library kid’s room. His summer hours are spent either volunteer there while his librarian mom works upstairs, or he is hanging out with his neighbor and best friend Filipe. Drew’s perfect summer plans get thrown through a loop when Filipe begins hanging out with an older kid from school and a know-it-all new volunteer, Audrey, invades his private sanctuary of the children’s room. The cherry on top is that an “old friend from high school” unexpectedly comes to visit his mother, making Drew suspicious and wary about his parent’s past when Phil takes a genuine interest in getting to know him. With Filipe busy hanging out with his “new” friend, Drew has no one to talk to except for Audrey. Reluctantly, they begin to hit it off as they try to solve the mystery of who Phil really is, and why he is so interested in getting along with Drew and his family. Professional Reviews: “A sensitive exploration of suicide, forgiveness, and the difficulty of navigating friendships.” – Sharon Rawlins, Booklist 2020 “Bishop's emotional novel may provide a way for readers whose lives have been impacted by suicide to navigate a complex topic and will appeal to those who appreciate tales of trauma and healing.” – Shelley Sommer, School Library Journal 2020 “In a story about the aftermath of parental suicide, former children’s librarian Bishop tells a touching and believable story about the ways worries feed on each other, the difference that honesty makes to kids, and how much emotional growth a child Drew’s age can experience in just a few weeks.” – Publishers Weekly, 2020 “A thoughtful examination of the slow, uneven recovery that follows a devastating loss.“ – Kirkus Reviews, 2019 Personal Insights: This story covers a lot of heavy topics, ranging from typical middle school troubles, such as changing friendships and first crushes, to life altering experiences, such as the aftermath of parental suicide. While this may be triggering for some young readers who have lost parents, others may find it relatable and helpful to them in figuring out how to navigate those weird things that come up, like when your mom starts dating again. Poignantly weaving a story of anxiety and the non-linear grief journey, Bishop shows one way to walk the path to healing from a seemingly impossible sadness. Readalikes: (Summaries from GoodReads) See You In the Cosmos by Jack Cheng (2017) - 11-year-old Alex Petroski loves space and rockets, his mom, his brother, and his dog Carl Sagan—named for his hero, the real-life astronomer. All he wants is to launch his golden iPod into space the way Carl Sagan (the man, not the dog) launched his Golden Record on the Voyager spacecraft in 1977. From Colorado to New Mexico, Las Vegas to L.A., Alex records a journey on his iPod to show other lifeforms what life on earth, his earth, is like. But his destination keeps changing. And the funny, lost, remarkable people he meets along the way can only partially prepare him for the secrets he'll uncover—from the truth about his long-dead dad to the fact that, for a kid with a troubled mom and a mostly not-around brother, he has way more family than he ever knew. The Doughnut Fix by Jessie Janowitz (2018) - Tristan isn't Gifted or Talented like his sister Jeanine, and he's always been okay with that because he can make a perfect chocolate chip cookie and he lives in the greatest city in the world. But his life takes a turn for the worse when his parents decide to move to middle-of-nowhere Petersville―a town with one street and no restaurants. It's like suddenly they're supposed to be this other family, one that can survive without bagels and movie theaters. His suspicions about his new town are confirmed when he's tricked into believing the local general store has life-changing chocolate cream doughnuts, when in fact the owner hasn't made them in years. And so begins the only thing that could make life in Petersville worth living: getting the recipe, making the doughnuts, and bringing them back to the town through his very own doughnut stand. But Tristan will soon discover that when starting a business, it helps to be both Gifted and Talented, and it's possible he's bitten off more than he can chew… The Science of Breakable Things by Tae Keller - How do you grow a miracle? For the record, this is not the question Mr. Neely is looking for when he says everyone in class must answer an important question using the scientific method. But Natalie's botanist mother is suffering from depression, so this is The Question that's important to Natalie. When Mr. Neely suggests that she enter an egg drop competition, Natalie has hope. Eggs are breakable. Hope is not. Natalie has a secret plan for the prize money. She's going to fly her mother to see the Cobalt Blue Orchids--flowers that survive against impossible odds. The magical flowers are sure to inspire her mother to love life again. Because when parents are breakable, it's up to kids to save them, right? 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. 2/14/2021 0 Comments Closer to Nowhere by Ellen HopkinsTitle: Closer to Nowhere
Author: Ellen Hopkins Publisher: G.P. Putnam’s Sons (2020) ISBN13: 978-0593108611 Genre: Realistic Fiction, Novel in Verse, Middle Grade Topics/Themes: Dealing with mental illness, trouble at home, familial abuse Diversity Tags: Depression, anxiety, abuse Recommended Age Level: 10-15 Awards / Recognitions:
Summary: Hannah likes to believe she has a perfect life. Well, she USED to have a perfect life, that is, until her cousin Cal came to live with her and her parents. Until then, Hannah was an only child, loved by both of her parents, a rising star on the gymnastics team, and popular at school. While she tries to be understanding of Cal since his mom died and his dad is now in jail, she can’t help but sometimes wish he never moved in, especially since Cal is constantly pranking her, getting into trouble, and taking the valuable attention of her parents away from her. To top it all off, since he came to live with them, her parents have been fighting more and more. Cal, on the other hand, is just trying to fit in and do his best to not let his past control his life. He misses his mom like crazy all the time, and his dad…. well, let’s just say he’s glad he doesn’t have to live with him anymore. Cal copes by inventing wild and creative stories, but no one else seems to appreciate them, or his unique sense of humor. He doesn’t always mean to piss off Hannah, but he can’t seem to do anything right around his adoptive family either. He can tell he is only making things worse, and while he desperately wants to belong and feel loved, he is afraid he is only going to mess up this family as well. Cal and Hannah have to come to terms with what it means to be family if they want to have any hope in saving the one they have. Professional Reviews: “Hopkins creates realistic portrayals of two kids trying to do their best even when it’s not easy.” —Publishers Weekly 2020 “Hopkins’ use of free verse provides a canvas for sure-handed, brush-stroke development of the backstory and plot and emotional investment and identification with the characters. . . Compassionate and compelling.” —Kirkus Reviews 2020 Personal Insights: This is the very first book I have read that is in verse. I even had to look up online how to read one. After skimming the first couple of pages, it felt very awkward to try and read the non-rhyming poetry in a traditional rhyming cadence with pauses and emphasis, and I was actually considering putting it down and moving on to a different book. Boy, am I glad I took a little extra time to research how to read them and appreciate them! This story was phenomenal… so incredibly moving and touching as it addressed some REALLY serious subjects such as abuse, parental death, and imprisonment. Hopkin’s earlier YA novel, Crank, both highly-awarded and one of the most banned books in recent years, is a gritty story based on Hopkin’s daughter’s vivid struggle with meth. Incredibly talented at taking hard real-life topics to the page, Closer to Nowhere tackles Hopkin’s experiences of adopting and raising that daughter’s son. I find myself appreciating these books much more for the adept way in which Hopkins translates her personal, adult hardships into books for younger audiences. Readalikes: (Summaries from GoodReads) Lost in the Sun by Lisa Graff (2015) - Everyone says that middle school is awful, but Trent knows nothing could be worse than the year he had in fifth grade, when a freak accident on Cedar Lake left one kid dead, and Trent with a brain full of terrible thoughts he can't get rid of. Trent’s pretty positive the entire disaster was his fault, so for him middle school feels like a fresh start, a chance to prove to everyone that he's not the horrible screw-up they seem to think he is. If only Trent could make that fresh start happen. It isn’t until Trent gets caught up in the whirlwind that is Fallon Little—the girl with the mysterious scar across her face—that things begin to change. Because fresh starts aren’t always easy. Even in baseball, when a fly ball gets lost in the sun, you have to remember to shift your position to find it. All Rise for the Honorable Perry T. Cook by Leslie Connor (2016) - Eleven-year-old Perry was born and raised by his mom at the Blue River Co-ed Correctional Facility in tiny Surprise, Nebraska. His mom is a resident on Cell Block C, and so far Warden Daugherty has made it possible for them to be together. That is, until a new district attorney discovers the truth—and Perry is removed from the facility and forced into a foster home. When Perry moves to the “outside” world, he feels trapped. Desperate to be reunited with his mom, Perry goes on a quest for answers about her past crime. As he gets closer to the truth, he will discover that love makes people resilient no matter where they come from . . . but can he find a way to tell everyone what home truly means? Speechless by Adam P. Schmitt (2018) - As if being stuffed into last year's dress pants at his cousin's wake weren't uncomfortable enough, thirteen-year-old Jimmy has just learned from his mother that he has to say a few words at the funeral the next day. Why him? What could he possibly say about his cousin, who ruined everything they did? He can't recall one birthday party, family gathering, or school event with Patrick that didn't result in injury or destruction. As Jimmy attempts to navigate the odd social norms of the wake, he draws on humor, heartfelt concern, and a good deal of angst while racking his brain and his memory for a decent and meaningful memory to share. But it's not until faced with a microphone that the realization finally hits him: it's not the words that are spoken that matter the most, but those that are truly heard. 2/14/2021 0 Comments Wink by Rob Harrell
Title: Wink
Author: Rob Harrell Publisher: Dial Books for Young Readers (March 31, 2020) ISBN13: 978-1984815149 Genre: Realistic Fiction, Autobiographical Fiction, Middle Grade Topics/Themes: Dealing with illness, overcoming bullies/trolls, the power of friendship Diversity Tags: Cancer, Loss of Vision Recommended Age Level: 9-14 Personal Rating: 5 / 5 Summary: Seventh-grader Ross Maloy wants nothing more than to be able to go back to being a “normal” kid. Ever since he started some pretty intense treatments for his rare eye cancer, no one seems to be able to know how to interact with him: not his classmates and not his teachers. Even his best friends have started treating him differently. Granted, his mandatory brimmed hat and eye patch don’t exactly help him to blend in, but why can’t everyone see that he is still the same Ross he has always been? He must figure out a way to deal with his rising anger and grief, not only from the fact that he might very well go blind, but with anonymous internet trolls, changing friendships, and all the landmines that come from middle school. As Ross continues with his treatments, he learns some valuable lessons and tools from some unexpected sources to help him cope with all that life is throwing at him. Professional Reviews: “This title is delightfully good and different. Readers will be interested to know that Harrell draws from his personal experience. There are witty comic panels and other art interspersed throughout the text. Highly recommended.” – Lisa Gieskes, School Library Journal 2020 “Harrell, himself a cancer survivor, offers a frank account of cancer’s effects while keeping the subject matter accessible for middle grade readers. Ross never takes himself too seriously, and amusing black-and-white comics trace his unsavory experiences, capture the ironies of his predicament, and underline his creativity and sense of humor. Told in the first person, this lively novel showcases the author’s understanding of middle school angst amid the protagonist’s experience with a serious illness.” – Publishers Weekly, 2020 Personal Insights: For such a serious topic, this book has a delightful sense of humor that comes through the story to undercut and soothe the brutal reality of cancer. Interspersed with hand-drawn comics, Harrell has found a way to perfectly balance an important discussion about how being diagnosed with a serious illness affects your relationships and day to day life, and packages it in a story laced with humor and relatability so that kids in middle school can understand and see themselves reflected in the characters. Notable Quotes: "Different moves the needle. Different is where the good stuff happens. There's strength in different." Readalikes: (Summaries from GoodReads) Halfway Normal by Barbara Dee (2017) - Norah Levy has just completed two years of treatment for leukemia and is ready to go back to the “real world” of middle school. The hospital social worker warns her the transition back may be tricky, but Norah isn’t worried. Compared with battling cancer, how tricky can seventh grade be? Very. Everyone is either treating Norah like she will break at any second, or acting weird about all the attention she’s getting. Her best friend, Harper, does her best to be there for Norah, but she doesn’t get it, really—and is hanging out with a new group of girls, leaving Norah feeling a little unsteady. Norah’s other good friend, Silas, is avoiding her. What’s that about, anyway? When Norah is placed with the eighth graders for math and science she meets Griffin, a cute boy who encourages her love of drawing and Greek mythology. And Norah decides not to tell him her secret—that she was “that girl” who had cancer. But when something happens to make secret-keeping impossible, Norah must figure out a way to share her cancer story. But how do you explain something to others that you can’t explain to yourself? And then, once you find the words, how do you move forward with a whole new ‘normal’? Squint by Chad Morris and Shelly Brown (2018) - Flint loves to draw. In fact, he’s furiously trying to finish his comic book so he can be the youngest winner of the “Find a Comic Star” contest. He’s also rushing to finish because he has keratoconus—an eye disease that could eventually make him blind. McKell is the new girl at school and immediately hangs with the popular kids. Except McKell’s not a fan of the way her friends treat this boy named Squint. He seems nice and really talented. He draws awesome pictures of superheroes. McKell wants to get to know him, but is it worth the risk? What if her friends catch her hanging with the kid who squints all the time? McKell has a hidden talent of her own but doesn’t share it for fear of being judged. Her terminally ill brother, Danny, challenges McKell to share her love of poetry and songwriting. Flint seems like someone she could trust. Someone who would never laugh at her. Someone who is as good and brave as the superhero in Flint’s comic book named Squint. When Friendship Followed Me Home by Paul Griffin (2016) - Ben Coffin has never felt like he fits in. A former foster kid, he keeps his head down at school to avoid bullies and spends his afternoons reading sci-fi books at the library. But that all changes when he finds a scruffy abandoned dog named Flip and befriends the librarian’s daughter, Halley. For the first time, Ben starts to feel like he belongs in his own life. Then, everything changes, and suddenly, Ben is more alone than ever. But with a little help from Halley’s magician father, Ben discovers his place in the world and learns to see his own magic through others’ eyes. Book introduction from the author himself!
Title: Beyond the Bright Sea
Author: Lauren Wolk Publisher: Dutton Books for Young Readers (May 2, 2017) ISBN13: 978-1101994856 Genre: Historical Fiction, Mystery, Middle Grade Topics/Themes: Personal Identity, The Power of Found-Family, Self-discovery Recommended Age Level: 10-14 Awards / Recognitions:
Summary: 12-year-old Crow has only known one home: her tiny isolated island off the coast of Massachusetts. She has been raised by a man named Osh who rescued Crow from a small boat when she was only a few hours old, and Miss Maggie, the fierce but loving neighbor from the other side of the sandbar. While she loves her life with Osh, as Crow has grown older, she has become more curious about her mysterious past and has started to question the simple and isolated way of life that Osh and Miss Maggie are so content with. When Osh finally reveals to her the only clue he has from the night he rescued her, Crow is overwhelmed with a desire to find out who she is and where she came from. As she begins to pull at the strings of clues, Crow begins to unravel the mystery of her past and must come face to face with who her true family is. Professional Reviews: “This is a tear-jerking yet ultimately uplifting tale of establishing one's place in the world and realizing that sometimes your family is the one you make, not the one you are born into. VERDICT A stellar story full of heart, action, and emotion that will make readers feel like they are a part of Crow's family.” - Christopher Lassen, School Library Journal 2017 “A beautiful, evocative sophomore effort from Newbery honoree Wolk” – Kirkus Reviews 2017 Personal Insights: This was an incredibly powerful and moving story. The three main characters, Crow, Osh, and Miss Maggie, are so well developed that you can’t help but feel as if you are a part of their family. While this book is written for middle grade kids, I would be hard pressed to find any adult who would not fully appreciate this work of art. The writing and prose that Lauren Wolk uses is simultaneously beautiful and concise. She doesn’t waste words, but the ones she uses pack a vivid punch. The historical setting also plays a significant role. Set in 1920s New England, there are real historical events that weave through this story (that I won’t mention by name to avoid spoilers). The way in which Crow, a young, non-white girl, is treated by the rest of society also sets the undertones to this story and adds a deeper layer to the events that happen. I listened to this book in audiobook format. The narrator, Jorjeana Marie, wonderfully captured the characters in different voices, and rich in emotion. Notable Quotes: “Don't you understand, Crow?" he said, his voice so sad, so tender, that I couldn't breathe. "You're the one worth finding.” - Osh “I'm just looking at you. Exactly as you are right now. And not because you'll change, though you will of course. Treasure or not. But because if I could have built a human being, I would have built you. Just so.” - Osh “Wouldn't that be a good thing? Not to feel pain?" -Crow "There's more than one kind of pain...and if you don't feel it, you can get hurt" -Miss Maggie "But it hurts when you do feel it, too" -Crow "Yes, but feeling hurt and being hurt aren't always the same thing" -Miss Maggie” “Mrs. Pelham's face was old but she moved like someone younger, and when she smiled I could see that her teeth were still strong. I wondered what had mapped her face like that" -Crow Readalikes: (Summaries from GoodReads) Orphan Island by Laurel Snyder (2017) - On the island, everything is perfect. The sun rises in a sky filled with dancing shapes; the wind, water, and trees shelter and protect those who live there; when the nine children go to sleep in their cabins, it is with full stomachs and joy in their hearts. And only one thing ever changes: on that day, each year, when a boat appears from the mist upon the ocean carrying one young child to join them—and taking the eldest one away, never to be seen again. Today’s Changing is no different. The boat arrives, taking away Jinny’s best friend, Deen, replacing him with a new little girl named Ess, and leaving Jinny as the new Elder. Jinny knows her responsibility now—to teach Ess everything she needs to know about the island, to keep things as they’ve always been. But will she be ready for the inevitable day when the boat will come back—and take her away forever from the only home she’s known? The Same Stuff as Stars by Katherine Paterson (2004) - Her daddy is in jail, and her mother has abandoned Angel and her little brother, Bernie, at their great-grandmother's crumbling Vermont farmhouse. Grandma spends most of her time wrapped in a blanket by the wood stove. There is one bright spot in Angel's world: a mysterious stranger who teaches Angel all about the stars and planets and constellations. Carving out a new life proves harder than Angel ever imagined. But she feels a tiny spark of hope when she remembers what the stranger said that she is made of the same stuff as stars. Louisiana’s Way Home by Kate DiCamillo (2018) - When Louisiana Elefante’s granny wakes her up in the middle of the night to tell her that the day of reckoning has arrived and they have to leave home immediately, Louisiana isn’t overly worried. After all, Granny has many middle-of-the-night ideas. But this time, things are different. This time, Granny intends for them never to return. Separated from her best friends, Raymie and Beverly, Louisiana struggles to oppose the winds of fate (and Granny) and find a way home. But as Louisiana’s life becomes entwined with the lives of the people of a small Georgia town — including a surly motel owner, a walrus-like minister, and a mysterious boy with a crow on his shoulder — she starts to worry that she is destined only for good-byes. For more info, check out this book talk from the author!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.
Title: To Night Owl from Dogfish
Author: Holly Goldberg Sloan and Meg Wolitzer Publisher: Dial Books (February 12, 2019) ISBN13: 978-0525553236 Genre: Realistic Fiction, Middle Grade, Epistolary (story told exclusively through emails) Topics/Themes: Friendship, Sisterhood, Unconventional Families Recommended Age Level: 10-15 Awards / Recognitions:
Summary: Avery Bloom and Bett Devlin couldn’t be more different. Avery is intense, bookish, no-nonsense, and a follow-the-rules-at-all-costs kind of girl. Bett, is outgoing, spontaneous, fearless, and a bit of a rebel. On top of all that, they live across the country from each other, Avery in New York and Bett in California. By all means, they never should have met in the first place, but here they are, emailing each other after they find secret correspondence from their dads, who, unbeknownst to the girls, are dating and quite a bit in love. Their dads have a plan to send them to summer camp together to get to know each other and hopefully become friends, because possibly, one day, they might become sisters. Neither girl wants to change or upend their lives and they make a pact to do everything they can to NOT become friends because their dads SURELY won’t get married. But as they are shipped off to camp, plans quickly go awry as the two girls find themselves on a summer adventure neither of them could have seen coming. Before they know it, they are facing a far worse crisis: they have become each other’s’ closest friend but their dads are breaking up. Faced with the ever uncertain future, the two girls do everything they can to get them back together to have the family they never even knew they wanted in the first place. Professional Reviews: “An imaginative and compelling middle-grade novel depicting modern friendships and modern families.” – Katherine Hickey, School Library Journal 2019 “Featuring a dramatic climax and a host of surprising twists, the novel affirms that families conventional and unconventional are families just the same.” – Publishers Weekly 2018 “A sweet and amusing tale that celebrates diversity while reinforcing the power of love and the importance of family.” – Kirkus Reviews 2018 Personal Insights: If I had to give an elevator pitch for this book (and it was to someone who remembers the 90s) I would describe this book as a modern day retelling of “The Parent Trap”. (Which feels REALLY weird to say about a movie that came out in my lifetime….) This book was able to capture so many warm and fuzzy emotional moments, as well as many complex and deeper topics that come from having complex and unconventional families, all within the epistolary medium of emails. I also had a unique perspective with this book in that I listened to the audio book rather than reading the physical book (something new I have been trying out recently!). I have to say, I was VERY impressed with the audio book narrators. Not only did they have a different actor for every character, but they all performed incredibly well. The only odd part was when the narrators read the email subject headings verbatim including the “RE:RE:RE:RE:RE:RE:RE:RE:RE:RE:RE:RE…” that comes from a long chain of email correspondences. But that is a small complaint that is vastly overshadowed by the performances given. I would highly recommend listening to the audiobook version of this book! Notable Quotes: “Gay people having families doesn't seem like something anyone should have to shout about anymore. Some people are a lot more interested in raising kids than other people. From what I can see, the person most interested usually does the best job" -Bett (Dogfish)” “I really like reading stories with an unreliable narrator, because the person telling you what happened can't be trusted with the facts and you have to figure it out. Maybe when it's your own story, you're always going to be an unreliable narrator" -Avery (Night Owl)” “But I think it's not bad to have a blowup with someone you really care about. Once that happens, you can be even closer. Maybe because sharing bad things as well as good things means you're in it for real. That's what being honest with someone does." -Avery (Night Owl)” “I don't know why they try to sell smaller candy bars as being more fun than the bigger ones. That's just a lie" -Bett (Dogfish)” “No one’s supposed to tell anyone, “You two shouldn’t love each other.” But maybe, also, no one’s supposed to tell anyone, “You two should love each other.” Readalikes: (Summaries from GoodReads) The Best Man by Richard Peck (2016) - When Archer is in sixth grade, his beloved uncle Paul marries another man—Archer’s favorite student teacher. But that’s getting ahead of the story, and a wonderful story it is. In Archer’s sweetly naïve but observant voice, his life through elementary school is recounted: the outspoken, ever-loyal friends he makes, the teachers who blunder or inspire, and the family members who serve as his role models. From one exhilarating, unexpected episode to another, Archer’s story rolls along as he puzzles over the people in his life and the kind of person he wants to become…and manages to help his uncle become his best self as well. The Thing About Leftovers by C.C. Payne (2016) - Fizzy is a good Southern girl who just wants to be perfect. And win the Southern Living cook-off. The being perfect part is hard though, since her parents’ divorced and everything in her life has changed. Wary of her too-perfect stepmom and her mom’s neat-freak, dismissive boyfriend, she’s often angry or upset and feels like a guest in both homes. She tells herself to face facts: She’s a “leftover” kid from a marriage that her parents want to forget. But she has to keep all of that to herself, because a good Southern girl never yells, or throws fits, or says anything that might hurt other people’s feelings—instead she throws her shoulders back, says yes ma’am, and tries to do better. So Fizzy tries her best, but it’s hard to stay quiet when her family keeps getting more complicated. Fortunately, the Southern Living cook-off gives her a welcome distraction, as do her new friends Miyoko and Zach, who have parent issues of their own. Two Naomis by Olugbemisola Rhuday-Perkovich and Audrey Vernick (2016) - Other than their first names, Naomi Marie and Naomi Edith are sure they have nothing in common, and they wouldn’t mind keeping it that way. Naomi Marie starts clubs at the library and adores being a big sister. Naomi Edith loves quiet Saturdays and hanging with her best friend in her backyard. And while Naomi Marie’s father lives a few blocks away, Naomi Edith wonders how she’s supposed to get through each day a whole country apart from her mother. When Naomi Marie’s mom and Naomi Edith’s dad get serious about dating, each girl tries to cling to the life she knows and loves. Then their parents push them into attending a class together, where they might just have to find a way to work with each other—and maybe even join forces to find new ways to define family.
Title: The Terrible Two (The Terrible Two series #1)
Author: Mac Barnett, Jory John, and Kevin Cornell (Illustrator) Publisher: Harry N. Abrams (January 13, 2015) ISBN13: 978-1419714917 Genre: Graphic Novel/Text Hybrid, Humor Topics/Themes: Friendship, New School, Rivalry Recommended Age Level: 8-12 Awards / Recognitions:
Summary: Miles Murphey is the new kid at school in Yawnee Valley, a small town known for its cows. Miles knows that on your first day at a new school you get to be whoever you want to be, but he only wants to be who he worked hard to be at his old school: the number one prankster. On that first day, however, he realizes he has some stiff competition for that title as an anonymous prankster outwits him at every turn, threatening to frame him as the principal hunts down the source of the escalating prank war. To make matters worse, the principal has partnered him with the obnoxious goody-two-shoes student as his guide and the school bully has targeted Miles as his newest prey. Is this rival going to be his mortal nemesis or can Miles form an alliance and combine forces to pull off the greatest prank in the history of pranks? Professional Reviews: “Coauthors and friends Barnett and John have created a fast paced, laugh-out-loud novel sure to appeal to those who appreciate a good prank and have a sense of justice. The caricature-like protagonists, particularly the childlike adult characters, add to the absurdity of the book, and the evolving relationship between the Miles and Niles is pure fun. Cornell's varied graphics perfectly capture the humorous tone and add their own comic appeal. This is a good candidate for reluctant readers and a natural next read for fans of Jeff Kinney's "Diary of a Wimpy Kid" series.” – Juliet Morefield, School Library Journal 2015 “Cornell's goofy cartoon illustrations (especially the blasé cows) add giggles aplenty. Fluffy, fast, fun reading for fans of Clueless McGee and the Wimpy Kid.” – Kirkus Reviews 2014 Personal Insights: As the reviews above mention, this book favors humor above all, and the hybrid of illustrations and text make for a perfect book for reluctant readers in grades 3-6. The authors have a simple and straightforward writing style that oozes deadpan humor and paired with the hilarious illustrations that perfectly match the text, I found myself chuckling to myself many times through this book, even reading it through my adult lens. I can imagine that kids, particularly the more ornery boys in a class, would get a kick out of this book (and series). Notable (and silly) Quotes: “Principal Barkin had a list of suspects that was exactly one kid long.” “That was a rhetorical question! Don't you even know what a rhetorical question is?" Miles didn't know whether to answer.” “Inside, Miles was wild, sweaty, jittery. Outside, Miles was boring, normal, like a shoe box.” Readalikes: (Summaries from GoodReads) My Like as a Potato by Arianna Costner (2020) - Ben Hardy believes he's cursed by potatoes. And now he's moved to Idaho, where the school's mascot is Steve the Spud! Yeah, this cannot be good. After accidentally causing the mascot to sprain an ankle, Ben is sentenced to Spud duty for the final basketball games of the year. But if the other kids know he's the Spud, his plans for popularity are likely to be a big dud! Ben doesn't want to let the team down, so he lies to his friends to keep it a secret. No one will know it's him under the potato suit . . . right? The Detention Club by David Yoo (2011) - Sixth-grader Peter Lee, in a desperate attempt to regain the popularity he had in elementary school, discovers that serving detention can win him important friends, much to the dismay of his over-achieving eighth-grade sister, Sunny. Desmond Pucket Makes Monster Magic by Mark Tatulli (2013) - Someday Desmond will be famous for his special effects wizardry, but for now he's just trying to make it through sixth grade at Cloverfield Memorial Junior High, which means he needs to stay one step ahead of the school's disciplinary officer, Mr. Needles. The only problem is Desmond just can't stop pulling pranks---like the time he attached a shrieking rubber goblin to the toilet seat in the teachers' bathroom. Mrs. Rubin screamed so loudly her wig flew off! Or the time he put giant motorized worms into the mashed potatoes in the cafeteria. Or the time Desmond and his best friend, Ricky, arranged for a three-headed ghost to crash his sister's slumber party. Rachel still hasn't forgiven him. And now Desmond has to stay prank-free for the rest of the year, or he won't be able to go on the class trip to Crab Shell Pier, home of the Mountain Full of Monsters ride! It's going to be tough, but Desmond has to try.
3/9/2020 1 Comment New Kid by Jerry Craft
Title: New Kid
Author: Jerry Craft Publisher: Quill Tree Books (February 5, 2019) ISBN13: 9780062691200 Genre: Realistic Fiction, Graphic Novel Topics/Themes: Friendship, New School, Racism, Bullying, Peer Pressure Recommended Age Level: 9-13 Awards / Recognitions:
Summary: Jordan Banks wants nothing more than to go to art school to be able to pursue his passion of drawing. Instead, his parents are sending him to the prestigious prep school across town where he is only one of a handful of non-white kids there. As he adjusts to his new life in this new school, can Jordan find a balance between his old friends and his new friends, cultures that are so drastically different? Which world does Jordan really belong to, and can he ever really fit into one or another again? Professional Reviews: “Speaking up about the unrepresented experience of so many students makes this a necessary book , particularly for this age group. Possibly one of the most important graphic novels of the year.” – Jesse Karp, Booklist 2018 “An engrossing, humorous, and vitally important graphic novel that should be required reading in every middle school in America.” – Kirkus Review 2018 Personal Insights: As someone with their own host of white privileges, for me this book was a fantastic example of being a window to show someone a glimpse of what someone else’s life looks like that they have no way of experiencing themselves. Craft so skillfully portrays a myriad of ways in which subtle, or not so subtle, racism appears in a person of color’s life, all in an easy-going artistic style captured in the pages of this graphic novel. As someone who does not read a lot of graphic novels, I can definitely see the appeal now, and I do not think this story could have had the impact it did if it were text only. The power of this book’s message rests in the perfect marriage between the illustrations and conversations captured. Readalikes: (Summaries from GoodReads) Other Words for Home by Jasmine Warga (2019) - Jude never thought she’d be leaving her beloved older brother and father behind, all the way across the ocean in Syria. But when things in her hometown start becoming volatile, Jude and her mother are sent to live in Cincinnati with relatives. At first, everything in America seems too fast and too loud. The American movies that Jude has always loved haven’t quite prepared her for starting school in the US—and her new label of “Middle Eastern,” an identity she’s never known before. But this life also brings unexpected surprises—there are new friends, a whole new family, and a school musical that Jude might just try out for. Maybe America, too, is a place where Jude can be seen as she really is. It All Comes Down to This by Karen English (2017) - It’s 1965, Los Angeles. All twelve-year-old Sophie wants to do is write her book, star in the community play, and hang out with her friend Jennifer. But she’s the new black kid in a nearly all-white neighborhood; her beloved sister, Lily, is going away to college soon; and her parents’ marriage is rocky. There’s also her family’s new, disapproving housekeeper to deal with. When riots erupt in nearby Watts and a friend is unfairly arrested, Sophie learns that life—and her own place in it—is even more complicated than she’d once thought. Unidentified Suburban Object by Mike Jung (2016) - The next person who compares Chloe Cho with famous violinist Abigail Yang is going to HEAR it. Chloe has just about had it with people not knowing the difference between someone who's Chinese, Japanese, or Korean. She's had it with people thinking that everything she does well -- getting good grades, winning first chair in the orchestra, etCETera -- are because she's ASIAN. Of course, her own parents don't want to have anything to DO with their Korean background. Any time Chloe asks them a question they change the subject. They seem perfectly happy to be the only Asian family in town. It's only when Chloe's with her best friend, Shelly, that she doesn't feel like a total alien. Then a new teacher comes to town: Ms. Lee. She's Korean American, and for the first time Chloe has a person to talk to who seems to understand completely. For Ms. Lee's class, Chloe finally gets to explore her family history. But what she unearths is light-years away from what she expected.
The official book trailer
An introduction to the book by author Jerry Craft
Title: Sweep: The Story of a Girl and Her Monster
Author: Jonathan Auxier Publisher: Puffin Books (September 25, 2018) ISBN: 978-1419731402 Genre: Historical Fiction Recommended Age Level: 9-15 Awards / Recognitions:
Summary: Nan Sparrow, an eleven-year-old orphan, is the best chimney climber out of the kids that are indentured to Wilkie Crudd, their heartless and cruel chimney sweep master. He provides food and a place for them to sleep in exchange for long days of extremely dirty and dangerous work. For five years her skills and wit have gotten her out of many tight situations, but she meets her match when she gets stuck in a flue with a chimney fire roaring beneath her. The next thing she knows, she is safe, waking up in the attic of the building, but with a small creature made of ash and coal next to her. Together, Nan and this creature (which she later discovers is a Golem), create a new life, away from the cruel and abusive master, who thinks she died in the fire. Nan raises and cares for the Golem, and as she allows herself to love and be vulnerable in a world that has always been cruel and indifferent to her, she comes to realize that she just might be able to change their corner of the world for the better, with the help of her new friend and “monster”. Professional Reviews: “A stunning historical fantasy novel about the power of friendship, our potential for courage, and the beauty of remembering loved ones, set in Victorian England.” – Amy McInerney, School Library Journal “Auxier wipes away the grime from a bleak chapter in history where children were forced to work dangerous jobs that claimed many lives. He questions what makes one a monster and applauds helping others, activism, education, earthly marvels, and the possibility of magic.” – Julia Smith, Booklist Personal Insights: The part that most amazed me about the story was reading through the author’s notes at the end and realizing just how much research went into this book to make it so historically accurate (fantastical “monsters’ aside). Auxier is able to describe the setting so well that you can’t help but feel transported in time. He gives such a stark look at the harsh realities of life in that day while also weaving an intricate and glowing story that leaves the readers feeling as if they are holding their own, little piece of warm char. Notable Quotes: “Am I a monster?” Nan hesitated a long moment before answering. She thought about Crudd and Trundle and the cruel indifference of every person in the city who didn’t care if she lived or died. “I’ve met monsters before,” she said, resting her head atop his. “And you are not one of them.” “That’s what it is to care for a person,” Toby said. There was not even a hint of mocking in his voice. “If you’re not afraid, you’re not doing it right.” “That’s how it works, doesn’t it? We are saved by saving others.” Readalikes: (Summaries from GoodReads) The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick (2007): Orphan, clock keeper, and thief, Hugo lives in the walls of a busy Paris train station, where his survival depends on secrets and anonymity. But when his world suddenly interlocks with an eccentric, bookish girl and a bitter old man who runs a toy booth in the station, Hugo's undercover life, and his most precious secret, are put in jeopardy. A cryptic drawing, a treasured notebook, a stolen key, a mechanical man, and a hidden message from Hugo's dead father form the backbone of this intricate, tender, and spellbinding mystery. Rooftoppers by Katherine Rundell (2013): Everyone thinks that Sophie is an orphan. True, there were no other recorded female survivors from the shipwreck which left baby Sophie floating in the English Channel in a cello case, but Sophie remembers seeing her mother wave for help. Her guardian tells her it is almost impossible that her mother is still alive, but that means still possible. You should never ignore a possible. So when the Welfare Agency writes to her guardian threatening to send Sophie to an orphanage, she takes matters into her own hands and flees to Paris to look for her mother, starting with the only clue she has - the address of the cello maker. Evading the French authorities, she meets Matteo and his network of rooftoppers - urchins who live in the sky. Together they scour the city for Sophie's mother before she is caught and sent back to London, and most importantly before she loses hope. Wolf Hollow by Lauren Wolk (2016): Growing up in the shadows cast by two world wars, Annabelle has lived a mostly quiet, steady life in her small Pennsylvania town. Until the day new student Betty Glengarry walks into her class. Betty quickly reveals herself to be cruel and manipulative, and while her bullying seems isolated at first, things quickly escalate, and reclusive World War I veteran Toby becomes a target of her attacks. While others have always seen Toby’s strangeness, Annabelle knows only kindness. She will soon need to find the courage to stand as a lone voice of justice as tensions mount.
Title: The Truth as Told by Mason Buttle
Author: Leslie Connor Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books (January 23, 2018) ISBN: 9780062491497 Genre: Realistic Fiction, Mystery Topics: Grief, Learning Disability, Friendship, Family Recommended Age Level: 10-15 Awards / Recognitions:
Summary: 12-year-old Mason Buttle has lived in a “crumbledown” house at the family orchard with his Grandmother and Uncle Drum ever since his mother died when he was little. Not only does Mason struggle with school, specifically with letters and words that never stay in the right order, but he is the self-proclaimed biggest and sweatiest boy at school, and constantly picked on and bullied. Things used to be better when he had his best friend, Benny, with him, but Benny died in an accident 15 months ago in their family orchard. Mason, being the last person to see Benny alive, is hounded by the lieutenant about what happened, and can’t understand why the lieutenant doesn’t seem to believe the story that Mason has told him. The one bright spot in his life is his new friend, Calvin, who genuinely enjoys spending time with Mason. But when Calvin goes missing, Mason is once again under the crosshairs and is pushed to his limits in order to help figure out what happened to his friend, and in the process, uncovers more details about what happened to Benny. Professional Reviews: “Throughout this realistic problem novel, Connor’s portrayal of Mason is spot-on, and the seventh-grader’s honesty shines through as his greatest attribute. Laced throughout the story, and evident at the end, is hope for a brighter future, both for the entire family and the community. Connor’s novel provides a thoughtful look at human nature, resilience, and love.” – J.B. Petty, Booklist 2017 “Using Mason's conversations with the detective and his voice-to-text storytelling, the author weaves the back story into a narrative of redemption chronicling his growing friendships. Connor's gift for creating complex characters extends to the supporting characters and makes this a compelling read.” – Kirkus Reviews 2017 Personal Insights: From bullying to learning disabilities, from depression to grief, this story gives a very realistic look at the ways these things can impact a young boy’s life. But Connor also masterfully shows how love, friendship, and family can come together to overcome these incredibly difficult things that life can throw at someone in a moving tale and gripping mystery that doesn’t come across as cheesy or heavy-handed. Notable Quotes: “Got me thinking. I know what I love too. Family and friends. All the ones here and all ones gone. I love my dog, and this orchard, and a crumbledown house. Funny thing. The way that feels. It's not dark, unlucky, or stupid. Tell you what. Stupid can go sit on the head of a pin somewhere. Knowing what you love is smart." Readalikes: (Summaries from GoodReads) Lost in the Sun by Lisa Graff (2015): Everyone says that middle school is awful, but Trent knows nothing could be worse than the year he had in fifth grade, when a freak accident on Cedar Lake left one kid dead, and Trent with a brain full of terrible thoughts he can't get rid of. Trent’s pretty positive the entire disaster was his fault, so for him middle school feels like a fresh start, a chance to prove to everyone that he's not the horrible screw-up they seem to think he is. If only Trent could make that fresh start happen. It isn’t until Trent gets caught up in the whirlwind that is Fallon Little—the girl with the mysterious scar across her face—that things begin to change. Because fresh starts aren’t always easy. Even in baseball, when a fly ball gets lost in the sun, you have to remember to shift your position to find it. Hello, Universe by Erin Entrada Kelly (2017) (2018 Newberry Medal Winner): In one day, four lives weave together in unexpected ways. Virgil Salinas is shy and kindhearted and feels out of place in his loud and boisterous family. Valencia Somerset, who is deaf, is smart, brave, and secretly lonely, and loves everything about nature. Kaori Tanaka is a self-proclaimed psychic, whose little sister Gen is always following her around. And Chet Bullens wishes the weird kids would just act normal so that he can concentrate on basketball. They aren’t friends -- at least not until Chet pulls a prank that traps Virgil and his pet guinea pig at the bottom of a well. This disaster leads Kaori, Gen, and Valencia on an epic quest to find the missing Virgil. Through luck, smarts, bravery, and a little help from the universe, a rescue is performed, a bully is put in his place, and friendship blooms. Save Me a Seat by Sarah Weeks, Gita Varadarajan (2016): Joe and Ravi might be from very different places, but they're both stuck in the same place: SCHOOL. Joe's lived in the same town all his life, and was doing just fine until his best friends moved away and left him on his own. Ravi's family just moved to America from India, and he's finding it pretty hard to figure out where he fits in. Joe and Ravi don't think they have anything in common -- but soon enough they have a common enemy (the biggest bully in their class) and a common mission: to take control of their lives over the course of a single crazy week.
Below is a clip of the author, Leslie Connor, reading an excerpt of the book
2/4/2020 1 Comment The Line Tender by Kate AllenTitle: The Line Tender
Author: Kate Allen Publisher: Penguin Random House (April 16, 2019) ISBN: 978-0735231603 Genre: Realistic Fiction Recommended Age Level: 9-13 Awards / Recognitions:
Summary: Twelve-year-old Lucy Everhart and her rescue-diver father have been figuring out life together in their New England coastal town since the death of Lucy’s mother, Helen, 5 years ago. Her mother was a brilliant marine biologist who devoted most of her research to studying sharks. Lucy spends most of her free time with her best friend and neighbor, Fred, who she has known all her life. This summer, they are working on an extra credit wildlife project for school, where Fred’s love of science can blend perfectly with Lucy’s love of drawing and art. When news arrives of a great white shark that has been caught by a local fisherman and family friend, the two friends race off to add this specimen to their wildlife project. This sparks the emotional and pivotal beginning to a summer where Lucy and Fred begin to develop feelings for each other, Lucy discovers and grows interest in her mother’s work, and a tragic swimming accident plunges the entire town into grief, which hits all too close to home for Lucy and her father. “Lucy is a grounded, relatable character and the way she processes her grief is believable. Allen skillfully tackles the difficult issues without becoming too didactic or morose. The inclusion of women scientists, including Lucy's mother and, later, one of Lucy's mother's colleagues, is welcome as is Lucy's own budding interest in marine biology.” – School Library Journal Giunta, L. J. (2019, March 1). The Line Tender. School Library Journal, 65(2). Retrieved from https://www.slj.com/?reviewDetail=the-line-tender Readalikes: (Summaries from GoodReads) Lemons by Melissa Savage (2017): Ten-year old Lemonade Liberty Witt doesn’t know the answer to that question, except what her mom taught her. When life gives you lemons, you make lemonade. But what if those lemons are so big that you forget how? How do you make lemonade out of having to leave everything you know in San Francisco to move to the small town of Willow Creek, California and live with a grandfather you’ve never even met? In a town that smells like grass and mud and bugs. With tall pines instead of skyscrapers and dirt instead of sidewalks. Not to mention one woolly beast lurking in the woods. That’s right, Bigfoot. A ginormous wooden statue of the ugly thing stands right at the center of town like he’s someone real important, like the mayor or something. And the people here actually believe he’s real and hiding somewhere out in the pine filled forests. How can anyone possibly be expected to make lemonade out those rotten lemons? Everything is different and Lem just wants to go back home. And then she meets Tobin Sky, the CEO of Bigfoot Detectives, Inc. and sole investigator for the town. He invites her to be his Assistant for the summer and she reluctantly agrees. At least until she can figure out her escape plan. Together, Lem and Tobin try to capture a shot of the elusive beast on film and end up finding more than they ever could have even imagined. Finding Esme by Suzanne Carlisle Crowley (2018): After her grandfather died from a heart attack while driving his tractor, Esme has avoided returning to the spot where he lost his life. But when she follows her little brother, Bo, up the hill while chasing fireflies, she makes an incredible discovery—dinosaur bones peeking out from underneath the abandoned tractor. Esme sees the bones as a message from her grandfather; a connection beyond the grave. But when word gets out that Peach Hollow Farm is hiding something valuable, reporters, researchers, and neighbors arrive in droves. Esme must find a way to understand who has her best interests at heart—especially as the memories of her grandfather begin to slip away. The Things About Jellyfish by Ali Benjamin (2015): After her best friend dies in a drowning accident, Suzy is convinced that the true cause of the tragedy must have been a rare jellyfish sting--things don't just happen for no reason. Retreating into a silent world of imagination, she crafts a plan to prove her theory--even if it means traveling the globe, alone. Suzy's achingly heartfelt journey explores life, death, the astonishing wonder of the universe...and the potential for love and hope right next door. 2/4/2020 0 Comments Wonder by R. J. Palacio
Title: Wonder
Author: R.J. Palacio Publisher: Alfred A. Knopf (Penguin Random House) (February 2012) ISBN: 978-0375869020 Genre: Realistic Fiction Recommended Age Level: 8-12 Awards / Recognitions:
Professional Summary and Review: Kirkus Reviews, December 15, 2011 After being homeschooled for years, Auggie Pullman is about to start fifth grade, but he's worried: How will he fit into middle-school life when he looks so different from everyone else? Auggie has had 27 surgeries to correct facial anomalies he was born with, but he still has a face that has earned him such cruel nicknames as Freak, Freddy Krueger, Gross-out and Lizard face. Though "his features look like they've been melted, like the drippings on a candle" and he's used to people averting their eyes when they see him, he's an engaging boy who feels pretty ordinary inside. He's smart, funny, kind and brave, but his father says that having Auggie attend Beecher Prep would be like sending "a lamb to the slaughter." Palacio divides the novel into eight parts, interspersing Auggie's first-person narrative with the voices of family members and classmates, wisely expanding the story beyond Auggie's viewpoint and demonstrating that Auggie's arrival at school doesn't test only him, it affects everyone in the community. Auggie may be finding his place in the world, but that world must find a way to make room for him, too. A memorable story of kindness, courage and wonder. Personal Review: The true power in a book like this is its ability to teach kids meaningful life lessons. In this book specifically, readers will see first-hand how painful words and actions can be, even those that aren’t intended to cause harm. Wonder offers kids a lesson in empathy, challenging the idea of what is normal, and encouraging them to be kind in all situations. Even though I’m much older than the target demographic, I was easily swept up in the compelling story of Auggie and his struggles with starting middle school with kids his own age for the first time. As a librarian, I would feel confident recommending this to elementary-aged readers because, not only is it well-written and a good story, it has a lot of lessons to teach them. Books like this one are important as we strive to broaden children’s world view and expose them to narratives unlike their own everyday experiences. Wonder successfully navigates a story very dissimilar to most kids’ stories and does so with humor, love and nuance. Readalikes: (Summaries from GoodReads) Out of My Mind by Sharon M. Draper (2010): Melody is not like most people. She cannot walk or talk, but she has a photographic memory; she can remember every detail of everything she has ever experienced. She is smarter than most of the adults who try to diagnose her and smarter than her classmates in her integrated classroom - the very same classmates who dismiss her as mentally challenged because she cannot tell them otherwise. But Melody refuses to be defined by cerebral palsy. And she's determined to let everyone know it - somehow. A Monster Like Me by Wendy S. Swore (2019): Sophie is a monster expert. Thanks to her Big Book of Monsters and her vivid imagination, Sophie can identify the monsters in her school and neighborhood. Clearly, the bullies are trolls and goblins. Her nice neighbor must be a good witch, and Sophie’s new best friend is obviously a fairy. But what about Sophie? She’s convinced she is definitely a monster because of the “monster mark” on her face. At least that’s what she calls it. The doctors call it a blood tumor. Sophie tries to hide it but it covers almost half her face. And if she’s a monster on the outside, then she must be a monster on the inside, too. Being the new kid at school is hard. Being called a monster is even harder. Sophie knows that it’s only a matter of time before the other kids, the doctors, and even her mom figure it out. And then her mom will probably leave — just like her dad did. Because who would want to live with a real monster? Mockingbird by Kathryn Erskine (2010): In Caitlin’s world, everything is black or white. Things are good or bad. Anything in between is confusing. That’s the stuff Caitlin’s older brother, Devon, has always explained. But now Devon’s dead and Dad is no help at all. Caitlin wants to get over it, but as an eleven-year-old girl with Asperger’s, she doesn’t know how. When she reads the definition of closure, she realizes that is what she needs. In her search for it, Caitlin discovers that not everything is black and white—the world is full of colors—messy and beautiful.
Below is the official trailer to the 2017 movie, which is a fairly faithful retelling of the original book.
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