Dear Blue Sky - Mary Sullivan
This book was mentioned to me by my boss, at the new library I sub at and I was not disappointed. The book is in the Children's section at this library, but I would consider it more YA. The book tells the story of Cassie and her family throughout one year. Cassie's brother has just enlisted and been shipped to Iraq in 2007. Every member of the family has trouble coping at first, but they rally around each other. A great story that deals not only with the loss of a family member, but with all the difficulties of middle school including losing your friends, finding yourself and standing up to bullies.
Emma on Thin Icing - Coco Simon
This is another on the MCBA list this year. I went in not expecting much (what can you expect from something with a series title The Cupcake Diaries?) and I was pleasantly surprised. Each book on the series focuses on four girls, who are members of the cupcake club. This book focuses on Emma who is struggling to pay for a junior bridesmaid dress, babysit her brother and maintain her commitments to the club after her mother is laid off. While short and sweet it dealt with more than I anticipated and certainly issues that are very relevant today. Plus, someone on Goodreads compared it to the Babysitter's Club, which we all loved as children.
The Unwanteds - Lisa McMann
I'm not quite done this book yet, but very nearly. At 13 citizens of Quill are sorted into three groups - wanted, necessary and unwanted. The unwanteds are sent to die, but instead they find a magical, marvelous land, Artime. But unwanted Alex can't stop thinking about his wanted twin brother Aaron. Will he put all of Artime at risk just to see his brother again? I've enjoyed this so far and kids will eat up this new fantasy series (book 2 is already out). Also on a MCBA pick, The Unwanteds is far more satisfying than the other fantasy on the list (Peter Nimble).
The Red Pyramid - Rick Riordan
I've been working my way through a lot of myths and Rick Riordan in preparation for my new program this fall. While they are enjoyable I think I've hit my Rick Riordan limit at three very close to each other. They are just a bit too similar with not enough character development between the action for me. I'm slightly afraid to start Loki's Wolves (same idea, different author) which must come soon, if not next.
Tuesday, August 27, 2013
Tuesday, August 20, 2013
Beginning of the 2013-2014 MCBA List
I've been working through the Massachusetts Children's Book Award List for the the 2013-2014 school year.
The Mighty Miss Malone - Christopher Paul Curtis
Deza Malone from Bud, Not Buddy is back, but to be honest, I don't remember her in that book. I find Deza a little annoying in the beginning of the book, but I did warm up to her. The book, which takes place during the great depression, takes Deza, her mother, brother and father on the road, to a camp until they finally get back on their feet. While there is a happy ending I will say there is a fair amount of upsetting events that take place (including Deza's father killing someone in self-defense) so I wouldn't hand it to anyone sensitive.
Summer of the Gypsy Moths - Sarah Pennypacker
This is another I wouldn't hand to just any kid, but was very enjoyable for adults (or children you know can handle it). Stella goes to live with her great aunt, who also takes in another foster child, Angel. Her aunt dies and the girls manage to live and provide for themselves for a month on Cape Cod. I'm all for books about children being on their own, but the fact that Stella and Angel bury great aunt Louise is a bit much. Stella even has nightmares when she hears animals outside and believes it to be her aunt underground.
However, despite that the book deals with a lot of great issues and guilt that many children feel when placed in foster care (it's revealed that Stella called 911 herself). Both Stella and Angel end up in safe and happy homes (one with family, one without), but it may not be for everyone.
We the Children - Andrew Clements
This books is the first in a series where Ben and his friends must help save the school and stop the site from being turned into an amusement park. A cute premise and the clues are fun to follow, but the book is so short, leaves off and not much happens. This book is clearly mostly setting up for a series meant to be read together.
Peter Nimble and His Fantastic Eyes - J. Auxier
There were parts of this book, particularly the writing that I really enjoyed. I liked the narrator's voice. However, I couldn't get into it and I'm not sure why. It has all the markings of a good book, but something in the plot was lacking for me. I'm sure children and many adults will enjoy it more than me.
Chomp - Carl Hiassen
This book is not my cup of tea. I read it awhile ago to have read one of his and it was fine for what it was. Adventure in nature, with a "take care of plants and animal" feel. If you enjoy that or his other, then this is for you.
Small As An Elephant - J. Jacobson
Another I read ages ago. It starts at Acadia National Park and when Jack's mother takes off during their camping trip. Jack is used to his mother disappearing and makes his own plans to visit the elephants in southern Maine. The book follows him on his bike ride and adventure. Being a native Mainer, I have a bit of trouble believing he traveled so far on his bike, but suspend belief and it's good.
Inside Out and Back Again - T. Lai
Just finished this book written in verse that covers a year of Ha's life. Ha, her mother and brothers travel from South Vietnam to American is 1975. I don't love novels in verse, but this did a great job of showing the difficulties Ha struggled with throughout the year and the reduced amount of text could entice some reluctant readers.
Jake and Lily - Jerry Spinelli
Jake and Lily are 11 year old twins who struggle to find who they are without each other and what kind of person they want to be. The story is told by both Jake and Lily. A very cute, very quick read.
I'll keep reading throughout the year, although I've been reading a lot of Rick Riordan and original myths for a program I'm planning at the library. While cute I'm pretty much "mythed" out for awhile and won't be getting to The Lost Hero anytime soon, not that it needs any booktalking anyways.
The Mighty Miss Malone - Christopher Paul Curtis
Deza Malone from Bud, Not Buddy is back, but to be honest, I don't remember her in that book. I find Deza a little annoying in the beginning of the book, but I did warm up to her. The book, which takes place during the great depression, takes Deza, her mother, brother and father on the road, to a camp until they finally get back on their feet. While there is a happy ending I will say there is a fair amount of upsetting events that take place (including Deza's father killing someone in self-defense) so I wouldn't hand it to anyone sensitive.
Summer of the Gypsy Moths - Sarah Pennypacker
This is another I wouldn't hand to just any kid, but was very enjoyable for adults (or children you know can handle it). Stella goes to live with her great aunt, who also takes in another foster child, Angel. Her aunt dies and the girls manage to live and provide for themselves for a month on Cape Cod. I'm all for books about children being on their own, but the fact that Stella and Angel bury great aunt Louise is a bit much. Stella even has nightmares when she hears animals outside and believes it to be her aunt underground.
However, despite that the book deals with a lot of great issues and guilt that many children feel when placed in foster care (it's revealed that Stella called 911 herself). Both Stella and Angel end up in safe and happy homes (one with family, one without), but it may not be for everyone.
We the Children - Andrew Clements
This books is the first in a series where Ben and his friends must help save the school and stop the site from being turned into an amusement park. A cute premise and the clues are fun to follow, but the book is so short, leaves off and not much happens. This book is clearly mostly setting up for a series meant to be read together.
Peter Nimble and His Fantastic Eyes - J. Auxier
There were parts of this book, particularly the writing that I really enjoyed. I liked the narrator's voice. However, I couldn't get into it and I'm not sure why. It has all the markings of a good book, but something in the plot was lacking for me. I'm sure children and many adults will enjoy it more than me.
Chomp - Carl Hiassen
This book is not my cup of tea. I read it awhile ago to have read one of his and it was fine for what it was. Adventure in nature, with a "take care of plants and animal" feel. If you enjoy that or his other, then this is for you.
Small As An Elephant - J. Jacobson
Another I read ages ago. It starts at Acadia National Park and when Jack's mother takes off during their camping trip. Jack is used to his mother disappearing and makes his own plans to visit the elephants in southern Maine. The book follows him on his bike ride and adventure. Being a native Mainer, I have a bit of trouble believing he traveled so far on his bike, but suspend belief and it's good.
Inside Out and Back Again - T. Lai
Just finished this book written in verse that covers a year of Ha's life. Ha, her mother and brothers travel from South Vietnam to American is 1975. I don't love novels in verse, but this did a great job of showing the difficulties Ha struggled with throughout the year and the reduced amount of text could entice some reluctant readers.
Jake and Lily - Jerry Spinelli
Jake and Lily are 11 year old twins who struggle to find who they are without each other and what kind of person they want to be. The story is told by both Jake and Lily. A very cute, very quick read.
I'll keep reading throughout the year, although I've been reading a lot of Rick Riordan and original myths for a program I'm planning at the library. While cute I'm pretty much "mythed" out for awhile and won't be getting to The Lost Hero anytime soon, not that it needs any booktalking anyways.
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