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.
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