Chez Bob returns...to face-off his rival, pizza-making Chez Ryan.
Shea is at his best when he inserts bursts of unexpected (and very funny) humor, likeChez Bob returns...to face-off his rival, pizza-making Chez Ryan.
Shea is at his best when he inserts bursts of unexpected (and very funny) humor, like "but not like he meant it" and "eating ham from the pocket of his robe."...more
When another fish tells Ursula, a particular kind of catfish that spends most of their time "upside down," that she is "upside down," Ursula's perspecWhen another fish tells Ursula, a particular kind of catfish that spends most of their time "upside down," that she is "upside down," Ursula's perspective of herself changes.
Like Mel Fell, Tabor uses clever layouts to add meaning to a sweet story about finding yourself and embracing what makes you unique....more
Simon's parents don't like to stay in one place, and even have a blog dedicated to their nomadic lifestyle. Although Simon is only 11 years old, he's Simon's parents don't like to stay in one place, and even have a blog dedicated to their nomadic lifestyle. Although Simon is only 11 years old, he's lived in 27 different places and is used to making temporary friends. He's moved so many times that he's devised a plan for coping with transitions; according to Code Name Chameleon, fitting in means going with the flow and not doing anything weird. That's why Simon took up surfing when they lived by the ocean and hasn't told anyone about his passion for rock collecting.
But the truth is, Simon's sick of moving around. The town of Rigby seems perfect--maybe Simon can finally convince his parents to call it home for good? But shortly after moving into an apartment at the Tangerine Pines complex, a jewelry theft in the building jeopardizes Simon's plan. If Simon can just solve the mystery, he's sure that he can set his parents at ease and convince them to stay--but to do so, he'll need help--from a girl with a scooter and a talking parrot on her shoulder, who couldn't blend in if she tried.
Sweet and fun, but not my favorite McDunn. ...more
After winning a sailing regatta, Weatherby is thrilled to earn a scholarship to the same prestigious school that the father she's never known once attAfter winning a sailing regatta, Weatherby is thrilled to earn a scholarship to the same prestigious school that the father she's never known once attended--but here's the thing: she won that race by accidentally cheating. While Weatherby grapples with her secret guilt, she's nevertheless excited to make her first real friends at the Boston School, and even snags an invitation to the school's secret society, the Last Heirs.
Jack, meanwhile, has deep roots at the Boston School--and a secret of his own to protect. The school has shaped the careers of every member of Jack's family for generations, but decidedly-average Jack doesn't seem poised to stand out for anything but his mediocrity--unless the Last Heirs can give him the edge he so desperately needs.
When funds for the annual class trip to a nearby island are stolen, initiation into the Last Heir society turns into a high-stakes race for the truth. Solving the mystery means winning a spot in the world's most powerful secret society--a society that might know more about Jack's family than Jack knows, and even why an important page is missing from the journal Weatherby's dad kept as a kid.
This twisty story about power, privilege, and friendship is told in two voices, with chapters alternating between Weatherby and Jack. ...more
Collects three cozy, comforting illustrated stories about simple pleasures in the life of a quietly content shrew.
Sweet, but it is hard to get a feel Collects three cozy, comforting illustrated stories about simple pleasures in the life of a quietly content shrew.
Sweet, but it is hard to get a feel for the audience of this one. The page count is higher than most picture books but the small font may limit its appeal to easy reader and transitional chapter book fans....more
An upbeat and empowering picture book that embraces inclusion and all kinds of diversity. The text is a bit earnest, but the message of unity hits itsAn upbeat and empowering picture book that embraces inclusion and all kinds of diversity. The text is a bit earnest, but the message of unity hits its mark....more
High school junior and aspiring journalist Posey Spade arrives in her new hometown of Wild Pines with a plan to make friends and further her career asHigh school junior and aspiring journalist Posey Spade arrives in her new hometown of Wild Pines with a plan to make friends and further her career aspirations by joining the AV Club--but instead unites the misfit AV Club by steering a student-led investigation into the mysterious disappearance of their faculty sponsor.
A page-turning premise that delivers mild "all's well that ends well" thrills. ...more
This has so many elements I love: a dash of mystery, a secret, school, kid spies, pops of humor, well-drawn characters, great illustrations, a really This has so many elements I love: a dash of mystery, a secret, school, kid spies, pops of humor, well-drawn characters, great illustrations, a really fantastic bakery...but it was a very slow read for me. I just couldn't fall into it, although I tried really hard, deeply love and respect the author and illustrator, and can definitely see young readers loving this. I think for me, it was the narration; I just have a hard time getting into stories that are third-person POV.
But I booktalked this to all sorts of kids this spring, and I know it will find the fans that it deserves. Just not the right cup of tea at the right time, for me....more
Since the pandemic's onset, 16-year-old Jane has been trapped in a Victorian mansion with her father, Vernon, anWeird...but in the most wonderful way.
Since the pandemic's onset, 16-year-old Jane has been trapped in a Victorian mansion with her father, Vernon, and the countless rules that she and her brother are forced to obey without question. But when Jane stumbles upon security camera footage that chronicles the truth of her family's lives, she starts to "pick the lock" of Vernon's authority--including his assertions that Jane's mother is a murderous witch who deserves to be confined to the pneumatic tubes that restrict both her movements and ability to communicate.
A.S. King once again blends the real with the surreal in a vivid, thought-provoking way that explores abuse, gender roles, and feminism as Jane pens a punk rock opera and lays out a plan to save both her mother and herself....more
Bronx high school senior and aspiring writer Nico uses a classroom journaling assignment to search for answers regarding the death of his crush and feBronx high school senior and aspiring writer Nico uses a classroom journaling assignment to search for answers regarding the death of his crush and fellow wannabe-author Rosario--but finds, instead, a reason to live.
A searing look at dreams, the choices we make, and the choices that are made for us....more
"Freakish giant" Stevie Crumb is sick of always standing out for the wrong reasons: she's way taller than Another pitch-perfect tween read from Wyman.
"Freakish giant" Stevie Crumb is sick of always standing out for the wrong reasons: she's way taller than her peers, even the boys; and her clothes never fit right. At home, she feels almost invisible, eclipsed by her older brother's basketball aspirations. Stevie is thrilled to learn that her middle school offers a Debate Club; finally, here's a chance for her to be part of a team that needs her mind more than her body. But joining the club sows a rift between her and her BFF and means that she has to take the train home by herself--with all the unwanted attention from creepy older Brooklynites.
This is a powerful friendship story and an honest look at financial precarity, growing bodies, and family favoritism--but more than that, it's a necessary treatise on how to be female in the modern world, and what privacy and consent mean in the digital age. Read it and pass it on....more
Since his mom's death five years ago, "perfectly average" Leopold has suffered grief-fueled hallucinations based on the fantasy TV series Sunderworld.Since his mom's death five years ago, "perfectly average" Leopold has suffered grief-fueled hallucinations based on the fantasy TV series Sunderworld. Or at least that's what he thinks is happening, until Sunderworld proves itself to be real and he and his best friend Emmett are drawn into its search for a powerful channeler to dispel life-threatening monsters. Although Leopold fails to prove himself the magician-hero that Sunderworld seeks and is ultimately banished, Emmett suffers neurological damage that inspires Leopold to sneak back into Sunderworld in search of a cure. Instead, he learns that his family has secret ties to powerful magic, and that maybe there's more than one way to be extraordinary.
LOVE how this series starter turns Chosen One tropes inside-out. Compelling writing and smart pacing keep the pages turning, but only set the stage for what's to come. MORE, PLEASE....more
A startling, smash-bang dual-perspective debut set in a vividly rendered ultra-capitalistic dystopia.
In 2460, Liv Newman uses her neurochip to sell meA startling, smash-bang dual-perspective debut set in a vividly rendered ultra-capitalistic dystopia.
In 2460, Liv Newman uses her neurochip to sell memories to anyone willing to pay for them--even the working class poor, despite the law that forbids these transactions. It's Forceman Adrian Rao's job to track down illegal activity in the Metro--but when he finally catches up to Liv, she's wiped her own memory for reasons unknown to him and the two are stranded in a remote rebel camp where their lives depend on their willingness to ignore the ripening chemistry between them.
Slow-burn and spectacular with twists and high stakes, this unique sci-fi romance centers brown-skinned protagonists. I read it a few weeks ago and I'm still thinking about it....more
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