Old Book Reviews
Echo, by Pam Munoz Ryan
Middle Grades, YA; Uncorrected Proof Provided by Publisher
September 26, 2014
We all know what a star Pam Munoz Ryan is, but Echo is almost a new genre. It feels strongly folk tale at the beginning, and becomes a bit historical fiction and a bit magical realism. With it's multiple connected storylines and deep themes, Echo even bridges from middle grades into YA.
This gem begins with a curse-filled folk tale in a German forest that feels authentically old. A German boy named Otto becomes involved in the folk tale when a harmonica lands in his hands. This harmonica connects several other characters throughout time, from Friedrich in early Nazi Germany, to Mike in pre-World War II Philadelphia, to Ivy in World War II California, and beyond.
These central character are connected by more than the harmonica. They also share a love of music, daunting struggles, and unwavering resilience, and these themes are woven throughout the novel. Ryan's beautiful language brings music to life, and that music becomes the foundation of the characters' resilience.
Each of the stories in Echo could stand alone, but together, they make a masterpiece.
5 stars.
PS- look below, my copy is signed!
We all know what a star Pam Munoz Ryan is, but Echo is almost a new genre. It feels strongly folk tale at the beginning, and becomes a bit historical fiction and a bit magical realism. With it's multiple connected storylines and deep themes, Echo even bridges from middle grades into YA.
This gem begins with a curse-filled folk tale in a German forest that feels authentically old. A German boy named Otto becomes involved in the folk tale when a harmonica lands in his hands. This harmonica connects several other characters throughout time, from Friedrich in early Nazi Germany, to Mike in pre-World War II Philadelphia, to Ivy in World War II California, and beyond.
These central character are connected by more than the harmonica. They also share a love of music, daunting struggles, and unwavering resilience, and these themes are woven throughout the novel. Ryan's beautiful language brings music to life, and that music becomes the foundation of the characters' resilience.
Each of the stories in Echo could stand alone, but together, they make a masterpiece.
5 stars.
PS- look below, my copy is signed!
Spirit Animals: Against the Tide (Book 5), by Tui T. Sutherland
Middle Grades, Uncorrected Proof Provided through NetGalley
August 27, 2014
Spirit Animals is a new series from Scholastic that follows the trend where each book is written by a different author, just like the 39 Clues series. Book 1 came out just under a year ago, and book 5 is already here. My students couldn't be more excited about this pace of new books. They are absolutely nuts for Spirit Animals. Totally crazy. So, I was excited to venture into the world of Spirit Animals and see what the buzz is all about.
Like so many things that have mass appeal, Spirit Animals is fast entertainment without a lot of quality. Against the Tide follows four main characters, Conor, Abeke, Meilin, and Rolan as they travel to the Hundred Aisles, which feels like a hokey Hawaii, complete with a princess named Kalani. The story revolves around the search for a tailsman and discovering a traitor in the group. This book is one action scene after another. But, I didn't feel a lot of suspense, because you just know that the heros will be successful. I realize that I may not be as invested in the characters because I did not read the first 4 books, but I just found the book to be very action-oriented without a lot of character development.
There's a bit of humor in the dialogue, but it's childishly awkward. A baby orangutan adds a cheesy cute factor. So, really, this is is a kids book for kids, not grown ups who read kids books. I understand why the book is a hit. Spirit Animals is huge among my students. But so were the movies Spy Kids and Beverly Hills Chihuahua.
Overall rating: 3 stars. This books certainly gets credit for popularity and for getting my kids excited about reading!
Spirit Animals is a new series from Scholastic that follows the trend where each book is written by a different author, just like the 39 Clues series. Book 1 came out just under a year ago, and book 5 is already here. My students couldn't be more excited about this pace of new books. They are absolutely nuts for Spirit Animals. Totally crazy. So, I was excited to venture into the world of Spirit Animals and see what the buzz is all about.
Like so many things that have mass appeal, Spirit Animals is fast entertainment without a lot of quality. Against the Tide follows four main characters, Conor, Abeke, Meilin, and Rolan as they travel to the Hundred Aisles, which feels like a hokey Hawaii, complete with a princess named Kalani. The story revolves around the search for a tailsman and discovering a traitor in the group. This book is one action scene after another. But, I didn't feel a lot of suspense, because you just know that the heros will be successful. I realize that I may not be as invested in the characters because I did not read the first 4 books, but I just found the book to be very action-oriented without a lot of character development.
There's a bit of humor in the dialogue, but it's childishly awkward. A baby orangutan adds a cheesy cute factor. So, really, this is is a kids book for kids, not grown ups who read kids books. I understand why the book is a hit. Spirit Animals is huge among my students. But so were the movies Spy Kids and Beverly Hills Chihuahua.
Overall rating: 3 stars. This books certainly gets credit for popularity and for getting my kids excited about reading!
The Mystery of the Missing Lion #3: A Precious Romotswe Mystery for Young Readers, by Alexander McCall Smith
Middle Grades, Uncorrected Proof Provided through NetGalley
August 26, 2014
Most readers know Alexander McCall Smith for his popular No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency series. I did not know that he had started a series for young readers, based on his popular character, Precious Romotswe, until I saw this title on NetGalley. For fans of Smith, this middle grades title does not disappoint. One of the most surprising things about The Mystery of the Missing Lion is that although the writing is clearly appropriate for young readers, the language still feels like Smith's adult books. I can't quite put my finger on what makes his writing style unique. Short words in short sentences that still manage to be clear and descriptive? Maybe that's it. I even google searched for ideas on how to describe the style, and some reviewers have used "naive", or "sparse". However you describe it, Smith's language is unique in a way that is especially accessible to young readers. |
Nest, by Esther Ehrlich
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Chirp is a lovable sixth grader from a loving family. She's confident, creative, and smart. Her world turns upside down when her mother gets sick, and she finds comfort in a new friend, Joey, and bird watching. I particularly enjoyed Chrip's relationship with her older sister, Rachel. Their relationship reminded me of my real-life relationship with my own older sister. Chirp and Rachel clearly love one another, but they have a hard time being friends and struggle to support one another through hard times.
I find that the more I love a book the less I want to share in a review. I want readers to experience the entire book for themselves. So, please, pick this one up and enjoy it!
Rating: 5 stars!
I find that the more I love a book the less I want to share in a review. I want readers to experience the entire book for themselves. So, please, pick this one up and enjoy it!
Rating: 5 stars!
Princess Pink and the Land of Fake-Believe #2: Little Red Quacking Hood, by Norah Z. Jones
Early Reader; Uncorrected Proof through NetGalley
August 3, 2014
Earlier this week I wrote a bit about Scholastic's Branches line. This is another title in the Branches line. The first book in the Princess Pink and the Land of Fake-Believe series, Moldylocks and the Three Beards is so popular with my students that I find it hidden behind other books. Yes, my students try to hoard the books! (Maybe I should write a blog about this nutty habit?)
The second title in this series, Little Red Quacking Hood is also sure to please. It's insanely wacky: Little Red Quacking Hood is the pie-stealing villain and Scaredy-pants Wolf is the victim baker. Princess Pink returns to the land of Fake-Believe to help save Wolf's bakery.
Like the other titles in the Branches line, Little Red Quacking Hood has a strong but simple plot and illustrations to support the text. The Princess Pink books are meant for younger readers, so the illustrations are full-color and included on every page.
Overall rating: 3 stars. This is almost a 4-star title, but the beginning of the story is a bit confusing if you have not read the first book in the series.
Earlier this week I wrote a bit about Scholastic's Branches line. This is another title in the Branches line. The first book in the Princess Pink and the Land of Fake-Believe series, Moldylocks and the Three Beards is so popular with my students that I find it hidden behind other books. Yes, my students try to hoard the books! (Maybe I should write a blog about this nutty habit?)
The second title in this series, Little Red Quacking Hood is also sure to please. It's insanely wacky: Little Red Quacking Hood is the pie-stealing villain and Scaredy-pants Wolf is the victim baker. Princess Pink returns to the land of Fake-Believe to help save Wolf's bakery.
Like the other titles in the Branches line, Little Red Quacking Hood has a strong but simple plot and illustrations to support the text. The Princess Pink books are meant for younger readers, so the illustrations are full-color and included on every page.
Overall rating: 3 stars. This is almost a 4-star title, but the beginning of the story is a bit confusing if you have not read the first book in the series.
Geronimo Stilton Spacemice #2: You're Mine Captain, by Geronimo Stilton
Middle Grades, Uncorrected Proof through NetGalley
August 3, 2014
My students are obsessed with Geronimo Stilton. Obsessed. But, I'd never read a Geronimo Stilton book myself. I decided to see what all the excitement is about.
Geronimo Stilton is the Looney Toons of books. I have never been into Looney Toons, but I understand why kids like them. They are bright, they are silly, they are simple.
In You're Mine, Captain!, Geronimo and his friends find themselves stranded on planet Flurkon. The queen falls for Geronimo at first sight and plans to marry him and keep him on the planet forever (gasp)! While reading, I was offended by the characterization of the romantically aggressive queen. But, then I realized that she reminded me of The Muppets Miss Piggy, and I decided to let my annoyance go. I love the Muppets and I think Miss Piggy is hilarious. So, I recognize Geronimo Stilton for what it is: fun, simple, and politically incorrect. These books make kids excited about reading, and Your Mine, Captiain! will keep them entertained.
Overall rating: 3 stars.
My students are obsessed with Geronimo Stilton. Obsessed. But, I'd never read a Geronimo Stilton book myself. I decided to see what all the excitement is about.
Geronimo Stilton is the Looney Toons of books. I have never been into Looney Toons, but I understand why kids like them. They are bright, they are silly, they are simple.
In You're Mine, Captain!, Geronimo and his friends find themselves stranded on planet Flurkon. The queen falls for Geronimo at first sight and plans to marry him and keep him on the planet forever (gasp)! While reading, I was offended by the characterization of the romantically aggressive queen. But, then I realized that she reminded me of The Muppets Miss Piggy, and I decided to let my annoyance go. I love the Muppets and I think Miss Piggy is hilarious. So, I recognize Geronimo Stilton for what it is: fun, simple, and politically incorrect. These books make kids excited about reading, and Your Mine, Captiain! will keep them entertained.
Overall rating: 3 stars.
So, You Want to Work in Fashion: How to break into the world of fashion and design, by Patricia Wooster
Middle Grades Non-Fiction; Uncorrected Proof through NetGalley
August 3, 2014
I have absolutely no interest in fashion, and this book held my attention and entertained me! I decided to read it because I hope to add to our nonfiction collection this year. This is a stellar example of nonfiction, and I look forward to finding other titles in the Be What You Want series.
So, You Want to Work in Fashion has all the necessary components of good nonfiction: table of contents, bibliography, additional resources. What makes this title excellent, however, is all the extra details. The design is adorable and appealing to kids, there are quotes from famous designers, there are cute quizzes, there are activities. These all come together to make this nonfiction fun!
The information included in the book is top-notch (with citations!). The chapter on how to get an education in fashion is my favorite, because it clearly lays out many options, from 4-year college to trade school, that will work for any student. I appreciate this section because it emphasizes the importance of education in a career where many believe only talent is needed. The rest of the book is equally practical, with chapters about different jobs in fashion.
Overall rating: 5 stars!
I have absolutely no interest in fashion, and this book held my attention and entertained me! I decided to read it because I hope to add to our nonfiction collection this year. This is a stellar example of nonfiction, and I look forward to finding other titles in the Be What You Want series.
So, You Want to Work in Fashion has all the necessary components of good nonfiction: table of contents, bibliography, additional resources. What makes this title excellent, however, is all the extra details. The design is adorable and appealing to kids, there are quotes from famous designers, there are cute quizzes, there are activities. These all come together to make this nonfiction fun!
The information included in the book is top-notch (with citations!). The chapter on how to get an education in fashion is my favorite, because it clearly lays out many options, from 4-year college to trade school, that will work for any student. I appreciate this section because it emphasizes the importance of education in a career where many believe only talent is needed. The rest of the book is equally practical, with chapters about different jobs in fashion.
Overall rating: 5 stars!
Eerie Elementary #1: The School is Alive, by Jack Chalbert
Early Reader; Uncorrected Proof through NetGally
August 1, 2014
This title is a great follow-up to my last review, Frank Einstein and the Antimatter Motor, by Jon Skiesza, because it's another middle grades novel filled with inspiring science. In fact, I'd love to teach fifth grade science using only these two books!
Ellie is struggling with sixth grade when her grandfather shows up at her apartment as a fourteen-year-old boy. He moves in and even starts attending Ellie's school. He is crabby and old-fashioned, and, sometimes, he's embarrassing. But, Grandpa is smart and makes Ellie think about the world through the eyes of a scientist. He has been searching for the fountain of youth all his life, and tells Ellie, "Average people just give up at the obstacles we face every day. Scientists fail again and again and again. Sometimes for our whole lives. But we don't give up . . . Scientists never give up. They keep trying because they believe in the possible." Clearly, Grandpa has made some amazing things possible, but is his science responsible?
This story reminded me of reading Vonnegut's Cat's Cradle or Jurassic Park, but it is much more fun and kid-friendly. Grandpa is a hilarious old-man, and even funnier as a teenager. Ellie is sweet and struggles with her relationships with friends and family. Kids, teachers, and regular grown-ups will love reading about the adventure these two characters have together, the discoveries they make, and the possibilities they imagine.
Overall rating: 5 stars, no doubt!
This title is a great follow-up to my last review, Frank Einstein and the Antimatter Motor, by Jon Skiesza, because it's another middle grades novel filled with inspiring science. In fact, I'd love to teach fifth grade science using only these two books!
Ellie is struggling with sixth grade when her grandfather shows up at her apartment as a fourteen-year-old boy. He moves in and even starts attending Ellie's school. He is crabby and old-fashioned, and, sometimes, he's embarrassing. But, Grandpa is smart and makes Ellie think about the world through the eyes of a scientist. He has been searching for the fountain of youth all his life, and tells Ellie, "Average people just give up at the obstacles we face every day. Scientists fail again and again and again. Sometimes for our whole lives. But we don't give up . . . Scientists never give up. They keep trying because they believe in the possible." Clearly, Grandpa has made some amazing things possible, but is his science responsible?
This story reminded me of reading Vonnegut's Cat's Cradle or Jurassic Park, but it is much more fun and kid-friendly. Grandpa is a hilarious old-man, and even funnier as a teenager. Ellie is sweet and struggles with her relationships with friends and family. Kids, teachers, and regular grown-ups will love reading about the adventure these two characters have together, the discoveries they make, and the possibilities they imagine.
Overall rating: 5 stars, no doubt!
Frank Einstein and the Antimatter Motor, by John Scieszka
Middle Grades; Uncorrected Proof through NetGalley
July 26, 2014
"Science is about asking questions, not memorizing answers. Failure is just as valuable as success, if you figure out what caused the failure." These are wise words from Grandpa Al, who supports and mentor's Frank as he works to win the Midville science fair. Of course, there is a villain, the wing-tip wearing T. Edison, who gets help from a signing chimp. Add comedy in the form of a second-pick-parts robot who is a little goofy, and this becomes a story the kids will love to read! The science is intriguing from the very beginning. Frank is working to build a robot based on human brain cells that are interconnected, unlike current robot brains. What makes this book excellent is that all the scientific ideas are supported by diagrams. The diagrams provide a visual to make the concepts understandable. |
The diagrams cover so much more than the abstract concept above. The diagrams illustrate Frank's silly inventions, the anatomy of people and animals, and even why sunsets are beautiful. Readers could actually try some of the experiments and inventions presented in the story. The book includes a glossary and a guide to Mr. Chimp's sign-language alphabet. There is so much for kids, and adult readers, to learn! I would love to read this book with a class and try the science as we go!
I rate the book 4 stars because I'm not sure that the reading and the science align age-wise. The science is more sophisticated than the reading. This is not a huge downfall, since there is no harm in having children exposed to more science than they can understand. I do, however, know a few sophisticated young readers who will love every bit of the science; these readers are just rare.
I rate the book 4 stars because I'm not sure that the reading and the science align age-wise. The science is more sophisticated than the reading. This is not a huge downfall, since there is no harm in having children exposed to more science than they can understand. I do, however, know a few sophisticated young readers who will love every bit of the science; these readers are just rare.
Loot: How to Steal a Fortune, by Jude Watson
Middle Grades; Uncorrected Proof through NetGalley
July 21, 2014
Loot! is a rare gem about rare gems! (I love a good pun.) It is a fast-paced, thrilling adventure with a criminal element that is still suitable for all middle grade students. The story feels as exciting as The Hunger Games, but without the mature content. My only complaint: it kept me up at night because I couldn't stop reading!
The story begins with the death of Alfie McQuinn, a world-wide jewel thief. His son, March, finds that Alfie was working on a bigger job, one that March never knew about. March meets his twin sister, who he also never knew about, and together they piece their father's messages together in a race to finish Alfie's last job.
Yes, this is a story of child criminals; there are no role models to be found. But, the book is exceptionally well-written and fun. You will find yourself rooting for Alfie and his rag-tag group of outcast children. And you won't be able to put the book down!
Note: I realize that many middle-grade children read The Hunger Games. I had several 3rd graders who read it last year. I would never stop a student from reading a book with mature content if the child was ready. However, all librarians know that not all students are ready for true YA fiction while in elementary school. This is why we need books like Loot!
Loot! is a rare gem about rare gems! (I love a good pun.) It is a fast-paced, thrilling adventure with a criminal element that is still suitable for all middle grade students. The story feels as exciting as The Hunger Games, but without the mature content. My only complaint: it kept me up at night because I couldn't stop reading!
The story begins with the death of Alfie McQuinn, a world-wide jewel thief. His son, March, finds that Alfie was working on a bigger job, one that March never knew about. March meets his twin sister, who he also never knew about, and together they piece their father's messages together in a race to finish Alfie's last job.
Yes, this is a story of child criminals; there are no role models to be found. But, the book is exceptionally well-written and fun. You will find yourself rooting for Alfie and his rag-tag group of outcast children. And you won't be able to put the book down!
Note: I realize that many middle-grade children read The Hunger Games. I had several 3rd graders who read it last year. I would never stop a student from reading a book with mature content if the child was ready. However, all librarians know that not all students are ready for true YA fiction while in elementary school. This is why we need books like Loot!
Ava and Pip, by Carol Weston
Middle Grades; Uncorrected Proof through NetGalley
July 18, 2014
This is absolutely one of the best middle-grades reads of the year! Ava has a way with words, and Pip hardly has any words at all. Ava clearly loves her sister, even though she finds Pip's reticence frustrating, so she uses her writing skills to help Pip find her voice. I can't say much else without spoiling the story. But, I assure you, it is wonderful. As an elementary school librarian, I'll be buying a class set of these for a teacher who wants to add something "new" to his curriculum... And here's why:
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- The story provides a background for subtle, non-preachy character education. Ava makes mistakes, Ava learns from her mistakes, Ava does her best to make things right, and Ava FEELS GOOD about making others feel good. And the reader feels good, too. And all the good feelings feel totally natural.
- Ava loves Aesop's fables, reflects on them, and includes them in her writing. She shows how readers and writers engage with stories by using stories that are known and accessible to middle grade readers.
Overall rating: 5 stars. I realize that this review makes a case for including the book in curriculum more than reading for pleasure, but, I enjoyed every page!