Class Act sequel to New Kid by Jerry Craft Graphic Novel Realistic Fiction Tween * * * * Stars (Great!) It’s a new year and students have returned to Riverdale Academy Day School for more adventures. The school is attempting to be more diverse and to bring awareness about and sensitivity to issues surrounding diversity. Some of these endeavors are more successful than others. Jordan Banks, who featured prominently in Jerry Craft’s previous book, “New … Read more
Tune It Out by Jamie Sumner Juvenile Fiction Realistic Fiction Tween * * * * Stars (Great!) 12-year-old Louise Montgomery can sing like the angels, but she has a sensory processing disorder that makes her extremely sensitive to noises and crowds, so performing is a real problem. Her single mother keeps scheduling gigs, though, because they need the money. One night, Louise crashes their truck on her way to pick her mom up from work … Read more
Write to Me by Cynthia Grady Illustrations by Amiko Hirao Juvenile Nonfiction Picture book * * * * * Stars (Amazing!) Clara Breed was a librarian in San Diego during WWII. When her young Japanese patrons were relocated to internment camps, she gave them postcards and encouraged them to write to her. Their letters helped her learn about their situation/conditions in the camps, and she was able to send them books and other items (soap, … Read more
The Princess and the Pony by Kate Beaton Picture book * * * * Stars (Great!) Princess Pinecone is a warrior princess, but her folks keep giving her cozy sweaters instead of Useful Warrior Equipment (like armor and weapons and such). Prior to her birthday, she makes it abundantly clear that what she REALLY wants is a BIG, STRONG horse. They sort of get the message. Instead of another sweater, Princess Pinecone receives a small, … Read more
Legends of Morana by Ella Selvaggio Adventure Fantasy Review #1 * * * * * Stars (Amazing!) Legends of Morana is a book about a realm of dragons. This book is by a local author, and the suspense is woven throughout the story is written extremely well. Appollo and his friends live peacefully in a cave. Then Appollo finds a dragon egg, which then hatches into a dragonet named Blaze. Strange events start happening after … Read more
Who Was Bruce Lee? by Geoff Edgers Biography Nonfiction Review #1 * * * * * Stars (Amazing!) It is a great book for middle school kids.
Evelyn Del Rey Is Moving Away by Meg Medina illustrations by Sonia Sánchez Picture book * * * * Stars (Great!) This picture book celebrates the friendship between two young girls – Daniela and Evelyn Del Rey – who live across the street from one another in similar buildings/apartments. They are best friends, but everything is about to change because Evelyn is moving away. They play among the moving boxes and Daniela thinks about the … Read more
Father and I Were Ranchers Little Britches #1 by Ralph Moody Biography Nonfiction Review #1 * * * * * Stars (Amazing!) Little Britches is a book that depicts strong emotions. Ralph and his family move to Colorado for Ralph’s father’s lungs. They think they are journeying to a developed ranch, and instead, they find a three-room cabin. The story continues with Ralph’s family trying life on the ranch, from scratch. They have to raise … Read more
Dear Celiac by Kristen Adam Nonfiction Review #1 * * * * * Stars (Amazing!) Dear Celiac by Kristen Adam is a book any kid (or grownup) with celiac should read. This book takes you through Kristen’s personal journey with celiac. since several people I know have Celiac, this book really rings true with me. The emotions in this book are depicted extremely well. I definitely recommend this book for anyone to read to understand … Read more
Zane and the Hurricane: A Story of Katrina by Rodman Philbrick Adventure Realistic Fiction Thriller Review #1 * * * * Stars (Great!) Zane and the Hurricane is another amazing book by Rodman Philbrick. This is an excellent read. Zane learns that he has a grandmother, and he goes to spend the summer with her. At church, he listens to her amazing voice. Then Hurricane Katrina comes in. In the evacuation, Zane’s dog Bandy (Bandit) … Read more