I enjoyed this book enormously. Candice has a unique view on life and doesn't quite fit in (hint: she seems to fall on the autism spectrum), but this is a delightful story of family and friendship. The story is realistic as Candice struggles to help her dysfunctional family - which is falling apart around her. She is resourceful and determined.
Having grown up during the end of the Cold War, I related to the ideas in this book. Bomb Shelters, Duck and Cover drills, threats of nuclear war. In this novel, it actually happens and the story takes place between life in the bomb shelter and flashbacks leading up to the blast. Life questions are dealt with as decisions are made in who should be allowed in; who should be given more food; should some be allowed to die: etc. Heavy ideas! This book deserves a teacher, book club, or a friend to discuss it with. This book has totally surprised me - in a good way. From the cover I honestly expected a sweet story about kids swimming with dolphins. While the book is about kids swimming with dolphins, it is anything but sweet. It's gritty and dark at times. It takes place in a dystopian world where our only hope of survival lies with a group of teens that have been genetically modified (without their consent) to live in the ocean. The story is paced well and will appeal to fans of Hunger Games and other dystopian novels. Yet, the relationships among the characters, including the dolphins, will appeal to readers looking for a 'nicer' story too. I think I can sell this one to both male and female readers for Bluebonnet next year! By now you know I am a fan of graphic novels, so I was excited to discover this new series by Nathan Hale. These 'Horrible Hstories' are right up my alley - quick reads, appeal to male readers, and whet their appetites to learn more. They aren't the smoothest read, a little chippy at times, but I can't wait to see what the kids think. I may have read Gilly Hopkins years ago, it's definitely an older book. But it doesn't feel old fashioned. Gilly is a foster child who prides herself on being tough and unmanageable. After all, it's better to be rejected because you did it on purpose. And anyway, her mom will be coming to get her soon. Won't she? But has Gilly met her match? Fat, old Mrs. Trotter, slow WE, and the blind neighbor who comes for dinner every night? You will love seeing how Gilly copes with it all. Ways To Live Forever is a touching first person story of a young boy who knows he is dying from cancer. He is working his way down his bucket list and asking all the questions we are afraid to ask. It's worth reading! |