Dusty Bowling never disappoints. Nor do her titles avoid the tough subjects. This one is both compelling fiction and a realistic account of what can bDusty Bowling never disappoints. Nor do her titles avoid the tough subjects. This one is both compelling fiction and a realistic account of what can be the experiences of a kid with an addicted parent. That is clear from the dedication, and even more so from the author note indicating Bowling's lived experiences in her youth, and after. In this case the young central characters , JoJo and Addie, reveal themselves to readers through text/digital exchanges and also through the real-time body of their experiences, especially that of JoJo. Bowling certainly reveals he own lived knowledge of desert realities, too, and brings readers like me with no experience of that kind into a gritty, virtual awareness of the horrors, but also beauties and unique geophysical structures of deserts. The writing also makes us fully aware of the landscape as a mirror to the harsh and threatening world JoJo navigates every day back in her urban setting and family/school existence. Highly recommended, and complete/brief enough to make a superb read-aloud for the MG age group....more
This is the most compelling and engaging YA novel I've read in recent years. The characters, including Gather the adopted stray dog, will stay with meThis is the most compelling and engaging YA novel I've read in recent years. The characters, including Gather the adopted stray dog, will stay with me for years to come. It is a book I want to talk about with others, and am recommending to everyone I know. Sixteen-year-old Ian (his preferred version of the name Dorian Grey, yes THAT Dorian Grey reference) hits the narrator throughout this powerfully voiced account of a year in his life that would shake the strongest among us. Set in home, school, and community, any reader, teen or adult, should be able to find themselves within this cast, and not always comfortably so. Each character is uniquely important to the overall plot, and even the most minor is revealed in full dimensions and personality. The relationships are heart-tugging and heartbreaking, including Ian and his dog Gather, Ian and his mom, his absent dad, his ever-present-though-deceased Grandpa, his teachers, (especially The Sharpe) and community folks, both adults and kids. There are so many ways in which the "telling" of this story (and it is more first person telling than showing) is so vividly and emotionally propulsive that I read it in a single day. A synopsis from me is unnecessary, and could not do justice to the experience of reading it for yourself. The powerfully real but often poetic language evokes a unique physical, economic, and emotional terrain, connecting with the heart of Ian, and offering an aching recognition of both the sincerity and ineffectiveness of well-meaning adults. The severe economic strains that shape the story are rarely depicted in novels, nor revealed with such appealing and real characters whose resilience, skills, and heart are boundless. Please read it....more
If you work at writing or illustrating picture books you're likely heard that reworking classic tales is a "hard sell", that the market doesn't have aIf you work at writing or illustrating picture books you're likely heard that reworking classic tales is a "hard sell", that the market doesn't have a place for this stories. If you are a teacher, parent, or audience for picture books you're more likely too be thinking WHAT? THOSE are our favorites! And the best of those efforts deserve to be favorites, as this one should be. It is a topsy-turvy twist on the trope of a BIG BAD WOLF in those many tales, with a young wolf who is a major disappointment to his "big Bad" parent wolves. Despite their most earnest efforts, he is deeply GOOD, but also wants to please his parents and be accepted by them. His sessions with various BAD trainers (beasts, dragons, giants, etc,) to learn basic badness's bad attitude, bad manners, bad behavior, bad ANYTHING end in "failure", but always finding ways to elicit some kind or happy responses in this teachers through his own goodness and choices. He returns home with a heavy heart, feeling he will always be a disappointment to his folks, only to find that his inherent SELF is welcomed and accepted fully by them. That makes this a delight for youngest audiences, for their parents who will note the irony and humor in even the smallest details, and for also for older audiences in its potential use as an analogy for any parent/child conflict, especially those that get to the core of personal identity. I'm really a fan of this picture book and highly recommend it....more
Words fail me in showering praise upon this remarkable novel, but words do not fail the author. I count the earlier A GNETLEMAN IN MOSCOW among my allWords fail me in showering praise upon this remarkable novel, but words do not fail the author. I count the earlier A GNETLEMAN IN MOSCOW among my all time favorite novels, so I anticipate reading this with high hopes. That the work itself, from th first words, met and exceeded those expectations surprised me, since they were extraordinarily high hopes for a wonderful read. In fact, I needed a trenmendous read at the time when my months long library hold for this book finally delivered it to my hands. In the midst of a truckload of situational stress and emotional turmoil, I hoped for several distracting chapters to read each night. Instead I found myself immersed in this story, these people (not characters!), their unique and powerful personailities and relationships, and the myriad ways in which each thread of a massive tapestry of lives wove its way into the story and into my heart. More elaborate and brilliant words than mine have been praising this novel, and awards will fill its cover, but the greatest award I can offer is that the world within its pages will never leave me and I am grateful for it every day since reading it the first time. And yes, I will surely read it again. And again....more
A high-suspense, emotional drama, mystery is not my first choice in adult novels, and yet this one worked quite well throughout. I noted that is was cA high-suspense, emotional drama, mystery is not my first choice in adult novels, and yet this one worked quite well throughout. I noted that is was called a page turner, and that some reviewers have suggested it begins slowly. To my way of thinking, the pacing was quite effective in letting readers become intrigued by, annoyed by, curious about, and confused by the central character, psychotherapist Anna Fox. The very short, calendar-tagged chapters led me into her life gradually, with layers of revelation that were both red herrings and revealing. It became clear that every aspect of her life and story had to be taken with grain of salt, in part because of her injuries, alcohol consumption, and prescribed but abused drug use. This is NOT a spoiler alert, because the merlot bottles throughout each scene show up immediately. I am a fan of, but not obsessed by, old films and film noire, but for someone who is, this could certainly have even more breadcrumbs and nuance. I enjoy this genre when I can recognize not only the various "leads" and misdirections, but also sustain a healthy skepticism about virtually every part of the story. it keeps me on my toes while reading, and also builds an appreciation of effective writing. If this sounds like your cup of tea, I can imagine that you, too, will enjoy the ride and recommend it to others....more
It's no surprise that author Linda Sue Park can write whatever she sets her mind to, and do it with heart, invite, and seamless inclusivity. In this cIt's no surprise that author Linda Sue Park can write whatever she sets her mind to, and do it with heart, invite, and seamless inclusivity. In this case the premise is: If your home were on fire, what ONE thing would you takes, assuming you, family, pets were already safe. Bonus: no limits on real constraints, like grand piano! Using a form unknown to me a special Korean poetry syllable-counting form, Park weaves an overnight/next day novel-in-verse in which all share responses, revealing distinct personalities, values, worries, hidden truths, and more. Absolutely appealing and masterfully written. Kids will want to add their own thoughts, even if not counting syllables. ...more
Listing the "ingredients" of this book that is a TRUE-MG, very suited to grades 7 and up, including YA, couldThe can invite criticism for trying to doListing the "ingredients" of this book that is a TRUE-MG, very suited to grades 7 and up, including YA, couldThe can invite criticism for trying to do too much. The central issue, of course, is the effects of "dress codes" on school kids, with a particular focus on the harm it does by hyper-focusing and unbalanced implementation surrounding females at the most most critical years of puberty and critical development. There are plenty of issues including unequal disciplines, excess attention to specific body parts, and assumptions that males, even pubescent ones, are unable to manage their own choices and consequences (and should not be expected to do so, by implication.) The extensive cast of kids is diverse and move in and out of center stage, but with enough thread to keep them tethered to the plot. issues of addiction (including gaming and vaping), sibling and parental stressors, school staff that become "body guards", and an important theme related to the ways in which transitions from joyous childhood to adolescence can be supported OR exaggerated into anxiety and self-loathing, depending on awareness and school policy. The format of this story involves scripts for podcasts, letters, lists, narration, and conversations gives this strong contemporary relevance and current issues. I say that from my adult POV, but I find it to be true from young reader comments, too. These are topics that SHOULD be in the conversations, inspired by actual events (including a podcast on the topic), and is handled in ways that will make it "you gotta read this" book....more
Central character/voice is Della (short for Delicious- right?) and it is through her ten-year-old eyes that readers are gradually challenged to view tCentral character/voice is Della (short for Delicious- right?) and it is through her ten-year-old eyes that readers are gradually challenged to view the subjects that rarely make their way into MG novels- but need to. The good thing is that Della's voice prepares readers along the way, states clearly that some things are hard to tell, then continues cautions as she grows into enough safety and support to continue her revelations. The friendships, issues, and board topics involved in making that journey are essential reads for kids who live with them, for kids who are so safely clueless that they are viewing the world through narrow and privileged eyes, and for ALL the adults in the lives of ALL these kids. Let me say, without a doubt, that the storytelling itself is powerful and compelling, the characters are intensely real and irresistible, and the contents have been thoroughly screened by expert readers/consultants to be age-appropriate and deeply anchored in age-based relationships. That includes major issues like foster care and homelessness, and more common (and too readily dismissed) issues of in-school bullying and harassment (bra-snapping, touching, pinching, etc.) The message to find and use our voices is conveyed perfectly through storytelling rather than preaching. PLEASE, read, then share this book widely. It is one-of-a-kind, for now, and I hope it will break the ground for more to come....more
AN ORDINARY DAY is written by Elena K. Arnold and illustrated by Elizabet Vukovic. While we all yearn for an ordinary day during these Covid times, thAN ORDINARY DAY is written by Elena K. Arnold and illustrated by Elizabet Vukovic. While we all yearn for an ordinary day during these Covid times, the truth is that we have always been surrounded by ORDINARY DAYS, but rarely do we take notice.
As this seemingly simple picture book suggests, a garden-tending neighbor, a nosy crow, and playful companions on an ordinary street are unconscious witnesses to nearby passages in ordinary lives. Two nearby homes on this quiet street are each visited by medical professionals. From that spread onward, the two interior settings parallel and contrast each other, with one family experiencing a sad goodbye to their beloved pet, while the other family welcomes a new baby to their home.
Lyrical minimalist language and softly realistic images of a stable, diverse neighborhood enhance the simplicity of and deep loving truths about our ordinary lives on AN ORDINARY DAY.
As our yearning for "the past times" draws our attention, perhaps our focus should really be on the people living in homes nearby, playing in yards, and, at times, exhaling last breaths and inhaling first breaths. ...more
Erdrich doesn't need my praise but I add my voice with accolades to the many others who praise her name in the reading universe. This complex, intricaErdrich doesn't need my praise but I add my voice with accolades to the many others who praise her name in the reading universe. This complex, intricate, layered novel (add your own words to describe stories and characters that become as dense and real as actual lives) involves disheartening and intriguing details about the political/governmental/intentional efforts to erase Indians from the North American landscape. Although such efforts are not a new story, in a "big picture" sense, that" "big picture" is disgustingly shallow, narrow, and distorted by centuries of history told/hidden/distorted by the dominant culture. Please don't let any of that put you off from reading a book that is "trying to teach you something". On the contrary, this is a story of intensely individual and personal lives, with the characters pursuing important and distinct challenges, and commitments. The diversity of personalities, perspectives, and purposes left me speechless, as reader (and writer), at the finesse with which each line, each chapter, each life claims significance and struggle, each holding my attention and concern, each pulling my from page to page with heart, intelligence, originality, and historic significance. I was pleased that back matter expanded and enhanced the story, including resource information and the author's origin story/access to the bones of this novel through her family history. I can't recommend this book enough, and I have no doubt I will read it again, several times. I requested it from my library during COVID 19 shutdown/restricted service, and I ended up with a large print edition. I was grateful for it because of the times I continued reading for hours longer than my eyes typically allow....more
The characters and story revealed in these pages are ones that will be recognizable/lived by many and a revelation to others. The voice in this writinThe characters and story revealed in these pages are ones that will be recognizable/lived by many and a revelation to others. The voice in this writing is mentor text for authenticity and organic lyricism. I recently reread OUT OF THE DUST (Karen Hesse), which is written with such realism in the pervasive, choking, devastating dust of the 1930s Plains states. In very word I could feel, taste, experience the diminishment and hopelessness of their reality, all the while craving a glass of clean water and a shower. In MAKE LEMONADE the author accomplishes something similar, embedding the gritty, sticky reality of Jolly's struggle while building a relationship among the characters and with the reader that demanded acceptance and embrace. "Unflinching" is the word that comes to mind, but not because the story is harsh, rather because it is so very tender and honest. Several titles follow these characters forward in time, and I will be reading them soon....more
This compelling historical romance novel is set in Alaska as the First World War (that WAR to end all WARS!) was in its final year. At that same time This compelling historical romance novel is set in Alaska as the First World War (that WAR to end all WARS!) was in its final year. At that same time the 1918 flu pandemic was ravaging the globe. Talented seamstress Josephine is only seventeen when we meet her on the opening page. During the course of the novel, which spans nearly a year, she learns wide-ranging truths about society, about life, about relationships, and about her place in the world. Soon after her introduction to readers, Josephine is quickly affected by demanding and menacing men, including her drunken step-father and a well-to-do veteran, Geoff, who has lost both legs to the war. The damaged young man is barely a few years older than Josephine on the calendar, but is generations older in life experience. Despite his privileged social and financial status, his depression and anger are obvious and seem legitimate. The circumstances in which two first meet and eventually find themselves forging a working relationship are surprisingly plausible. This successful impact on the reader is due to the quality research underpinning the plot. Britton’s storytelling is as smoothly-seamed and finely-detailed as the polished garments Josephine designs and creates. As a result, readers fall into step with both characters as they stumble through anger, confused expectations, inadequacy, and personal histories, gradually achieving a balance of respect and interdependence. Josephine (Jo) and Geoff must navigate their challenges in island isolation, yet secondary characters are effectively developed. They provide varying aspects of charm, appeal, distaste, and ambivalence for readers to explore. Each plays a significant role in motivation, ratcheting tension, and reflecting the societal and financial distance between Jo and Geoff. There are engaging parallels between Jo’s journey from teen to womanhood and Geoff’s path from despair to determination. Jo’s tentative efforts become more proficient and wide-ranging, including her eventual claim to a meaningful voice and agency within a male-managed realm. Geoff’s emotional and physical rehabilitation is unpredictable and halting, with setbacks and strengths that surprise and enrich their blended progress. The eventual emergence of romantic attraction and tension has an equally unsteady development, with a satisfying tug-of-war that resolves with a happy ending. Something for readers of many interests: romance, veterans, history, women's history, resilience, and more. Would make a great read for book clubs, too. Put it on your want-to-read-list: coming soon!...more
No doubt this will win/continue the many fans of THE HATE YOU GIVE, and certainly holds promise of a film adaptation. The characters are memorable and No doubt this will win/continue the many fans of THE HATE YOU GIVE, and certainly holds promise of a film adaptation. The characters are memorable and intensely valid, at least from my limited, nonPC, nonRapper status. It reals with energy and heart, drawing audiences in to the world of the story via "mirrors or windows". I was particularly impressed with the amount I was able to learn about the writing, performance, and wold of rapping without distracting from the central story. ...more
McCully is the ultimate author for accuracy and storytelling of important biographic portrayals, including ones like this that require deep dives of rMcCully is the ultimate author for accuracy and storytelling of important biographic portrayals, including ones like this that require deep dives of research and careful sifting and weighing of multiple , sometimes conflicting sources. This depiction is also careful to avoid revisionist history, dealing with medical practices, Ada's own habits and personality, and the extent of her genius fully, making her life even more vividly real. I won't be surprised if some version of Ada's life becomes a miniseries on PBS, using McCully's extensive research and complex storytelling as its root. I found Ada to be an intriguingly complex historic figure that deserves her rising star in modern culture, and the writing offered direct revelations with intense prose that suite Ada' s life. Unless a middle grade audience is a highly proficient reader, much of the rich vocabulary, intricacy of the lives and ideas, and the historic anchoring of mid-19th century social life will go over their heads. It read as an older YA or even adult book to me, and an excellent one....more
I began reading this as a round one panelist in the middle grade nonfiction category for Cybils Awards for 2019. I was not far into it before I had toI began reading this as a round one panelist in the middle grade nonfiction category for Cybils Awards for 2019. I was not far into it before I had to break my personal rules to turn to back matter, since it reads so much like an impressive fictional novel. The author's name is the same as that of the first-person, present tense narrator, but even so, I doubted that a person's life could possibly unfold, and be retold, with such a potent and dramatic narrative. Immediately following the narrative text, Ogle speaks to the reader directly (with his familiar adolescent voice), including this: "...everything that happened to me in this book happened to me in real life." The dedication is: "This book is for every kid, whether they pay for their lunch or not." Rex's life as he enters middle school includes pain, hunger, suffering, anger, and fear. It also includes responsibility, academic success, some occasional reassurances of worth and love, to which he clings. This title somehow missed my fairly broad radar screen for new releases, and I am so grateful to Amanda Snow for nominating this title in this category. I think all readers (kids, adults, teachers, parents) will find it as un-put-down-able as I did. It opens essential discussions and explorations of the effect of poverty on individual and family lives, without becoming sa ob story or pity party. The impact of poverty plays out in minutia and in limestones, in the lives of toddlers, teens and adults. Ogle reveals truely unthinkable circumstances with gritty and visceral impact but makes them engaging and personal ones, regardless of a reader's circumstances. This title makes a great pairing with the graphic autobiography of Jarrett Krosoczka, HEY, KIDDO! from 2018. The range and authenticity of their emotional journeys are distinctly individual and personal, yet the specifics are less important than the internal reactions and responses. Adolesence is a roller coaster of emotions, even in the best of circumstances, and Ogle allows readers who may be viewed as privileged by others to find their own struggles on the page as well. This is a book I plan to recommend through the rest of this year and in every year ahead. I'm grateful to Ogle for channeling his middle grade voice and views to purely and powerfully. This is a book that can (and will) save lives. ...more
The many starred reviews, awards, and raves only scratched the surface of why I was eager to read this recent book by Nikki Grimes. I have loved everyThe many starred reviews, awards, and raves only scratched the surface of why I was eager to read this recent book by Nikki Grimes. I have loved every book she has written, spanning many ages and genres. In fact, what draws me to her work is the talent she has, in every case, to make the words flow off the page and into my heart as if hearing a dear friend bare her soul. Each line and page conveys soul and significance, the text ringing in my ears as if performed at a spoken word event. This memoir is a page-turning, heart-tugging revelation, despite the author's admission of choppy, distorted post-traumatic memories. On one hand Grimes unfolds her life story as if in a series of conversations over coffee or tea. On the other hand, her meticulous craft is seamlessly present in every line, there for the taking after first digesting the feast of the whole text. It's true that her life story will reflect the traumas and struggles of others, situations rarely dealt with so honestly and deeply. That's a much-needed rationale for the work. It's equally true that this memoir allows those of us who had a loving and secure life to experience vicariously an emotional shadow of the details and impact of her vulnerable and vicious early life. I have long admired the work and work ethic of Grimes before this. This book allows readers and admirers, like me, to see her and know her with a connection and depth I never imagined possible. Thank you to Grimes for sharing the TRUTH of her life, despite her inability to recall all the facts. Truth matters more. I had already purchased two copies as gifts, before reading it. Now I'm off to buy more....more
As someone with direct and indirect experience with anorexia and other eating disorders, I recommend this highly readable and well-resolved novel as aAs someone with direct and indirect experience with anorexia and other eating disorders, I recommend this highly readable and well-resolved novel as a valuable doorway to understanding the origins and treatment of those who are suffering from these debilitating and life-threatening struggles. I urge everyone to read this, keeping in mind that the incidence of MALES with the condition is rising rapidly in our social-media-manipulated world, even though these characters and all female....more
A remarkable blend of research and respect form the solid foundation on which it’s novelized biography of Mary Shelley’s life as a woman in challenginA remarkable blend of research and respect form the solid foundation on which it’s novelized biography of Mary Shelley’s life as a woman in challenging times, as an author and a free-spirited creative. I was fascinated on every page. The graphic novel/story in verse blend is utterly unique, a first within my reading experience....more
Caution: The author/artist says clearly that this is NOT a book for the very young fans of LUNCH LADY and other antic graphic stories for young readerCaution: The author/artist says clearly that this is NOT a book for the very young fans of LUNCH LADY and other antic graphic stories for young readers. I agree it requires either age (teens, late MG) or active adult mediating, including pre-reading and ongoing discussions at a minimum. This memoir/autobiography is ticks so many important subjects in such an intensely credible way that I urge adults to find ways to share with target readers and/or populations. The ability of Krosoczka to navigate the typical turbulence of adolescence while dealing with a lifetime of an addicted mother, unknown father, and grandparents who provided safety and unconditional love but are well beyond the Rosanne Show model and in another universe from Father Knows Best or Leave It to Beaver. (Does anyone even recognize those references?) The central strength of his childhood and teens was security. Throughout all of the questions, confusions, angst, and anger, a safe and loving home was never in doubt. That's why I appreciate this, and the reason that I urge adults to share it with kids who NEED to read it, even if younger than the target age. Many kids will have a stronger chance of surviving and growing into healthy adulthood if they can identify and cling to the thought that somewhere in life they can find a secure and loving relationship with even one legit adult, who may or may not be a parent. An adult who may be flawed in many ways, but does not abuse authority. One who acknowledges the value of the child. And, as the PSAs display on our screens: Things get better....more
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