It's summertime- OH NO I swallowed a watermelon seed! Every child's worst nightmare!
Must read!
|
Powerful and spellbinding. Kimberly Willis Holt tells a heart wrenching story of a young girl who is trying to hold her family together after her mother's suicide. While tragic, this is a story about survivors. Isabel is a survivor, and though it's not an easy read, many middle and high school readers will find much to relate to in this novel. I picked this novel up because the topic intrigued and startled me. I had no idea that leprosy was still an issue, and in the US no less. This is the story of a twelve year old Hawaiian girl who is sent to live in a lepers' colony. She is all alone, abandoned by her family, which evidently wasn't uncommon. The leadership of the colony is incompetent and the sick and dying are left to fend for themselves to find shelter, fetch drinking water, and fight over what little food is delivered to the island. Lililha befriends a young boy who has lived in the colony longer than her and serves the drunken superintendent. While she makes a mortal enemy of Kalani, the bully leader of the sick and dying. This story is shocking and disturbing, appropriate for only the most mature and advanced elementary reader. Probably much more appealing for middle and high school readers. I would recommend this series for students who are just starting out with chapter books. Kylie is full of ideas and has a supportive family and neighborhood as she starts her cupcake business. There isn't much action and problems are minimal, but it's a pleasant read for newer readers. Kate Klise has been a favorite of mine since I first discovered "Regarding the Fountain". She only cemented this author worship when she wrote the 43 Cemetary Road series, which continues to be a favorite series among elementary readers at my campus. I was excited to try out her new series, Three-Ring Rascals. While I was initially disappointed because I missed her typical format of using letters to tell her story, I was quickly drawn in by her witty characters and quick pace.
You too will fall in love with Bert & Gert, the problem-solving mice, Leo the pizza-eating lion, and the trapeze-flying, train-driving Banana brothers. The story is full of story-driving artwork created by Sarah Klise. I think my favorite part is the word-smashing done by Bert and Gert as they create new words to meet their needs... Such as smart+fun+wonderful=smafunderful... This new book is smafunderful! This one is a little different than most books I read. This story is told from the point of a child being raised in a strict and religious home. Mary Mae is full of questions and when she begins to question her family's beliefs and the Buble stories, things start to get pretty rocky at home. This book is a great starting point for questions in your own homes - and the idea that it's okay to agree to disagree on the answers. This is my first MUST READ of the summer! Here are some reasons why,,, 1. Who can resist that cover? 2, no orphans! This book actually has parents! And realistic ones you can actually believe and even like a little. (I'm getting a little tried of all the orphans - can you tell?) 3. WORDS! Wonderful, splendiferous, spindiddly words! Felicity sees words everywhere and collects them. 4. I got to see/hear Natalie Lloyd speak at TLA and she is a hoot! She held her own among a panel of veteran authors. 5. Fabulous first novel! 6. Who doesn't love ice cream in summer? And ice cream plays a major role in this book- it's practically a character. 7. You will love the Beedle- wheelchair and all! 8. Everyone needs a friend who thinks they are plumb perfect! 9. The town of Midnight Gulch And 10. It's simply MAGICAL! I chose The Dunderheads because I was trying to see why it's hardly ever been checked out. Well... It's very short for one thing, yet it's in with all the chapter books. I thought about moving it to picture books, but the content is really for older kids. I think. The gist is a group of kids who work to outwit the mean old teacher. I like the various talents of the kids, but I think the book's downfall is the lack of true character development. There are SO many characters that they each only get one tiny role in the story. You don't really become attached to any of them. On the other hand, the Popularity Papers is a total development of two characters, best friends Lydia and Julie take turns writing a journal hat chronicles their investigation and experimentation in becoming popular before they head to middle school. Great character development as you read their ideas and exploits, plus lots of little sketches and cartoons. Nice modern take on things with a single mom in one family, and two dads in the other family. Nothing dramatic, just dealt with very naturally. I think this one will fly off the shelves! Good thing I already bought the sequel too. Watch out Baby Mouse - you have some competition in pink! Actually I think you would be great friends. You both have such spunk! I can't wait to hand this book to my fans of everything fun. It's a wonderful blend of comic and text. And a huge bonus - the main characters are wonderful representatives of our Hispanic population. Done so naturally and positively. Way to go! I can't wait for the sequels. I have to admit at the very start, I've never read a book by Sharon Creech that I didn't enjoy. Ruby Holler didn't disappoint me. I love the way the characters develop and grow through the story. I love that there is true caring between Dallas and Florida, and between Sairy and Tiller. And I love that she leaves us wondering about Z and whether he is truly their father or not. If you love a story that unwinds and rvles pleasantly along, if you aren't Ina a hurry, and if you'd like to meet some characters worth remembering...read Ruby Holler. |