Into the Blizzard

Harrowing account of an attempted rescue and tragic end during a blizzard off the coast of Massachusetts in 1978.  I have students who will love this book and the action involved.  

Spies, Lies, and Disguise

This book contains tidbits of WWII history in the form of spies and subterfuge.  Many of the people and events are ones adult readers would be familiar with but these short, accessible nuggets would be fun for middle school readers.  The tone is light overall without losing the fact that it was a war.  I can think of a handful of students I could give this to right away.

Day Zero

Jinx's father has been preparing for the worst for years - he even wrote a survival guide about it.  But when bombs destroy banks all over the country survival becomes a real thing - especially when her stepfather is being framed for everything.  Jinx, her brother, and stepsister are told to go find her father while her mother and stepfather are taken into custody.  But things do not go smoothly - Jinx doesn't know who to trust or who is after her and when those she cares for betray her things get even more confusing.  

I quite liked this dystopian novel.  There were definitely political parallels to current events which didn't bother me too much because the members of the family argued about the 2 sides in a pretty balanced way.  I did feel the Kennebunk reference was a bit much.  There was also a good deal of swearing, especially near the end, and some violence which skew this more to the YA than for my middle grade readers.

The Dragon Warrior

Faryn and her brother have been trained by their grandfather for years to be warriors even though others in the Jade Society think there is no longer any threat.  All that changes when Faryn encounters a demon at the beginning of the Lunar New Year.  Soon she and her brother are on a quest and somehow she is now the legendary Heaven Breaker with a sword and a mission.  But can she truly control dragons and save the world or is there something else going on?

I appreciate the diversity of this and for fans of Rick Riordan type books this will be a hit.  Because I have little context for Chinese mythology and culture it was hard for me to understand.

The Hadley Academy for the Improbably Gifted

Jack is dreading his science project and he is nervous about his friend's presentation too because Freddy is always spouting off about weird conspiracy theories.  But then Jack is chased, rescued, and then magically transported to a mysterious island and the Hadley Academy for the Improbably Gifted.  Soon his and a band of other "improbables" become a new 13th group.  But who is Jack really, who are they fighting, and how can they possible defeat them.

This book had a lot of action.  It was one I was reading in spurts in the morning on my elliptical.  At times I got a bit confused and the climax was a bit convoluted but it was overall a good read.  Those who have the opportunity to read it at a more steady pace may not experience the difficulties I did.  This is the first in a series.

Blood Mountain

Not many blog posts lately.  We moved 2 weeks ago - away from the pond and to a condo.  It is hard for me...  away from my kayak spot, my summer tranquility but we are closing to the ocean and less stress with a condo.  I have been reading though - just not always blogging...

Grace, Carter, the dog, and their dad set out for Blood Mountain.  But, when Carter goes way ahead and then Grace follows they get lost and separated from their dad.  The their dad has a heart attack.  Once Grace and Carter realize they are lost they try to get to higher ground to see if they can find a path, a road, anything.  But Grace falls and gets hurt pretty bad.  So, Carter leaves to get help.  Unfortunately, it's not just the wilderness and injury they have to contend with but also a mysterious mountain man and an escaped mountain lion.  

Will they all make it out?

As I am writing this it seems to me that there are a lot of obstacles - maybe too many.  But hey this is a children's book.  I enjoyed it.

Friend or Fiction

Jade is a lonely girl.  She has no best friend and her dad is fighting cancer.  Instead of trying to make friends she write about a perfect friend - Zoe.  But when a classmate, Clue, steals her notebook and sprinkles "magic" pond water on it Zoe becomes real.  Zoe is just like Jade imagined - funny, popular, and she lives right across the street.  But soon Jade realizes that she can't imagine every thought and action for Zoe and Zoe starts becoming her own person.  Can Jade control this friendship?

This book was actually meatier and more thought provoking than it might appear initially - some good friendship guidelines and thoughts.

Bernice Buttman

Bernice Buttman is a bully.  Everyone knows it including her.  When her mom decides to travel to California with the money she earned from an online scam Bernice is sent to live with her aunt who is a nun.  Maybe Bernice can turn over a new leaf?

This made me think of The Best Christmas Pageant ever and was actually pretty funny.  Bernice, for all her bullying behavior, actually had a big heart.

Out of my Shell

This is the first year that Olivia, her mom, and her sister will spend the summer at their grandparents without her dad.  This year dad is living his new life without them because of the divorce.  Olivia feels left out from her family, is awkward around her best friend, and doesn't know what to do with herself.  When she sees a turtle come to shore and then turn around she figures out the lights from a nearby resort and causing the problem.  Can Olivia figure out a way to help the turtle (legally) and work through her own family issues.

Initially I had doubts about this but it grew on me - a solid book.

The Bridge Home

This was a very well done story of Viji and Rukku, two sisters who have run away from an abusive father.  They go to a bigger city and try to make a life for themselves.  They meet two other boys living on the streets and also a dog and form a little family.  But can they survive on their own and have a future?

This story provided a needed glimpse into life in another country and was well told.

Words on Fire

Audra's parents have kept her isolated from their dangerous doings.  They are book smugglers.  They try to get Lithuanian books into the hands of the people in spite of the ban and the danger.  But when her parents are arrested Audra is thrown into the dangerous world of book smuggling.  At first she doesn't understand it at all - she just wants her parents back.  But soon she begins to understand the power of words and how they can save a culture.

This was full of action and a great historical piece little known to the general audience.  It was hard at times to believe Audra was only 12 - kids won't mind the heroine but adults may feel it doesn't ring true.

Super Jake & the King of Chaos

Ethan loves doing magic - he performs for family and friends, for birthday parties, and for himself.  When a magic contest is announced Ethan is thrilled because the prize is performing with his hero.  But, getting there would be a struggle, especially because of his youngest brother who has special needs.  He finally gets his dad to agree to take him but a fight at school gets in the way.  Once that is resolved (rather easily) he is allowed to go again.  But then his brother Jake gets really sick.  

Will Ethan ever get to perform and meet his hero?  Is that even what's most important? 

This was a feel good story - I felt some things were resolved rather easily but it had a lot of heart.

Roll With It

Any book that starts with a Great British Bake-Off reference is okay with me.  Ellie has dreams of being a world class chef.  She loves to bake and cook and when she and her mom move in with her grandparents she knows she will have an opportunity to enter a baking contest.  But her grandfather's increasing forgetfulness and her battles with CF can sometimes get in the way.  Can her family find a way to adjust to their new normal and can she find a perfect recipe?

This was a solid, feel good book.  Some drama and I felt the ending was a bit rushed but good overall.

The Line Tender

Lucy Everhart's mom was a famous shark scientist but to Lucy she was just mom.  But her mom has been gone for years now.  When a great white shark is caught by a family friend Lucy becomes interested in her mother's work.  Then when a tragic accident changes her life forever her interest magnifies.  Can she find a connection and a way to find peace and closure?

This was a gut wrencher - especially the first 1/3 of the book.  To me it meandered a bit after that but the ending was powerful.

Survivors of the Holocaust

6 brief stories of children who survived the Holocaust.  Would be a good, gently introduction especially as it is told in graphic novel format.

Anya and the Dragon

I love dragons and had high hopes for this.  I loved the mix of fantasy elements and Russian and Jewish history and folklore but alas the dragon didn't really appear until at least 1/2 the book was over and there just wasn't enough of him.  Bummer.

The Long Ride

It is the 1970s in NYC and 3 girls are part of an experiment to force integration by bussing them across town.  But one girl's parent object and she is sent to a private school instead.  All 3 of them encounter difficulties during the transition - prejudice, assumptions, new friendships, boys and the struggle to fit in.  Can they stay true to themselves?

This was a quick read and pretty thought provoking.  How do adult decisions affect the lives of the children?  Good historical insight.

The Okay Witch

Moth has no idea that she comes from a family of witches - not until some strange things happen including a talking cat.  But her mom wants nothing to do with witchcraft - in fact she turned her back on the whole thing.  But Moth is torn between listening to her mother's wishes and exploring her new powers.  What is an okay witch to do?

This was a decent book.  Students will like it.

Stargazing

Christine's new friend Moon is everything she is not - confident, funny, unconventional.  But when Moon starts becoming more popular Christine feels threatened and does something mean.  Unfortunately that coincides with the discovery of Moon's serious medical condition.  Can Christine find a way to apologize and still be friends with Moon?

This was pretty standard fare.  My students will like it but I find it a bit basic.

All the Impossible Things

Red has been in foster care for about 3 years.  Her mom is in prison and her grandmother died of cancer.  Her placements have been terrible so far but her latest - with Celine and Jackson - finally feels like home.  She helps with their petting zoo, she has friends, and she is growing to love them.  When her mom gets out early though, Red is hopeful that they will soon be reunited, especially in light of Celine's cancer that is freaking her out.  Can her mom truly keep things together so they can live together again?

This was a very touching story and one that, unfortunately, too many of my students will relate to.  

More to the Story

Jameela dreams of being a journalist and when she becomes an editor of the school paper she is thrilled.  But life has been tough at home.  First her dad lost his job and ended up having to go overseas for work.  Then her younger sister ended up with lymphoma.  To top it off there is always drama with her sisters and now a boy, Ali, is distracting her.  Can Jameela figure out the truth of everyone's story and how to contribute in a meaningful way?

The afterward and promotional material talk about how this is inspired by Little Women.  I never would have picked up on it without seeing those bits of info.  It is a decent story with good diversity.

Sal and Gabi Break the Universe

I loved this so much.  I listened to it on audio and was chuckling a lot.

Sal has a unique ability.  He can see into and even get things from parallel universe, like say a chicken that he could put in the bully's locker.  But his gift comes with a price - he could be breaking the universe.

With the help of his new friends Gabi he learns how to navigate the multiverse and even help some friends in the process.

This was a rollicking good time.

Hoax for Hire

Hundreds of years ago the McNeil family became cryptid hunters.  But traveling around the world in search of cryptids can get expensive.  So, along the way, they added hoaxes to their repertoire.  Run a hoax for someone, get paid, go on a real hunt, repeat. But lately, Grayson's dad has just done hoaxes and he hates it.  He wants his family to have a legit career and he wants to be able to share it with the world.

When his dad agrees to a Grand Slam of 4 hoaxes in just a few days everyone is super stressed but when his dad and grandfather disappear it is up to Grayson and his brother to save the family business.  Can they defeat the evil rival hoax family and can Grayson find a way to combine his passions with hoaxing?

This was a lot of fun.  Good dynamics, good cryptids, good action.  I liked it.

My Life as an Ice Cream Sandwich

Ebony-Grace has been sent to stay with her dad over the summer while things settle down with her grandfather.  She is not happy about it at all especially as it interferes with the imaginary world she and her grandfather have created.  Her grandfather works for NASA and has instilled in Ebony a love of Star Trek (Uhura especially) and other science fiction.  The problem is, her imagination can make her seem weird to others so it's hard for her to make friends.  Can she save the world and get back to her grandfather?

The theme of growing up - especially growing up at different rates - was strong in this.  I loved the setting of Harlem in the mid 80s.  I had a hard time with the grandfather subplot because it was never fully explained what happened to him.  I felt the ending was really abrupt as well.

Some Places More Than Others

More than anything else Amara wants to go to NYC with her dad for her birthday.  It becomes even more important when she learns about a family history project for school and she realizes how little she knows - in fact, she didn't even know her dad and grandfather haven't spoken for 12 years (the year she was born, the year her grandma died - coincidence?).  When her parents finally agree to let her go Amara takes the opportunity to learn more about her family, her roots, and maybe bring healing to her father and grandfather.

This was a good story about family relationships, healing, and also some good African American heritage especially in the Harlem area.  

Keep Calm and Carry On Children

Joyce and her little sister have been living through the Blitz in England during World War II.  So far, their family has been safe but others aren't so lucky.  When they are evacuated during Project Pied Piper Joyce doesn't know what to expect.  Will they be safe?  Will her family be safe?  Who will be taking care of them and will they be nice?

Together with some children they meet on the train and the daughter of the family that takes them in Joyce embarks on some adventure and a bit of a mystery.

I warmed up to this as it got going.  This would be best for readers who are just entering into historical fiction and aren't ready for really meaty work.

Manuelito

This is a tough one for me.  I have been to Guatemala many times.  I work with a mission's organization there.  The government is corrupt, their history is tragic, there is poverty but...  I will not disagree that there are areas of the country where issues of gangs, drugs, and violence are issues.  But...  it isn't everywhere.  My fear with books like this is that we are painting a picture and generalizing for the whole country.  My wish would be for the government there to step up, to protect their people, to provide a needed structure to create jobs and security so that people didn't believe their only options was trying to get to the US in dangerous ways.  

Free Lunch

Free Lunch is a biographical account of Rex's life in the first semester of 6th grade.  He is poor - so poor that his mom signs him up for the free lunch program and they have to move from their low income housing to government assisted housing.  Rex is embarrassed and doesn't want anyone to know.  In addition, there is abuse both physical and emotional between his stepfather and mom and between both of them and Rex.  

The book is a hard read but unfortunately is something that too many of our kids experience.  It is a good book in that it shows how Rex is able to navigate through his emotions and seek to better understand the situation.

Grave Digger

Cap's father is desperate for money so he agrees to dig bodies up from graves and gets Cap to help as well.  Cap doesn't like it but doesn't have much choice.  One night, after digging up a body, Cap discovers it is a friend of his.  He can't let her be taken so he decides to take her body back to the orphanage where she was living.  But, when he touches her, she wakes up!!  At first, Cap thinks he might have a gift of raising the dead, especially after he is able to "raise" another dead man.  But, after failing to "raise" some other bodies Cap learns that some of the dead aren't really dead and that something really evil is going on.  But who is responsible?  Can Cap figure it out or will he be the next victim?

This was a good bit of historical fiction albeit a bit gruesome.  It had a bit of mystery to it as well which I enjoyed.  I felt that there were a few holes in the plot that weren't explained but overall an enjoyable read.

The Story Web

3 children - they could save the world.  They just don't know it yet.

Alice is disappearing.  Everyday since her father went away she has been losing more of herself.  Because she blames herself.  But she won't tell anyone...

Lewis wants to be a hero but everything has changed.  Alice was his best friend but since her father left she won't talk to him.

Melanie lives with the witch.  She wants to save the story web but needs help to do it.  She needs Lewis and Alice.  

They all need to tell their stories.

This was magical and thoughtful.  I quite enjoyed it.

The Other Half of Happy

I wanted to like this so much more than I did.  It features a half Guatemalan girl who is going to my beloved Lake Atitlan.  But alas, it was longer than I thought it should be and there was too much going on.

The main plot involved Quijana's attempt to get out of going to Guatemala for Christmas.  She knows very little Spanish and knows she will be overwhelmed and embarrassed.  Subplots include: her grandmother's battle with cancer, the struggle to figure out what might be wrong with her younger brother, her first crush, a major argument with her dad.  It was all a bit much - with so many threads I found it hard to care about the main thread I guess.  

I am not sure where in Texas they were flying from to get to Guatemala but 7 hours?  It takes 2 1/2 hours from Miami...

Amanda in Holland

Mysteries for middle grade students can be hard to come by.  You want a book that has a decent mystery and plot with enough clues that it could be figured out - not too easy, not too challenging.  This one suffers a bit from not really enough substance but it is serviceable enough for collections needing more mysteries.  I did not know this was a series when I requested it...  it would be better to read the whole series I think.

Rated

6 teenagers, all students at MapleThorpe Academy, all with a vested interest in keeping their ratings up.  In this alternate society your ratings are everything - they can impact your scholarships, you job, the hospital you are allowed to go to, where you shop.  It is in your best interest to keep your rating as high as possible but slip ups can cause you to lose points.

On the first day of a new school year vandalism rocks the Academy - "the ratings are not real".  What does that mean and why is everyone so quick to hush up what happened.  To top it off what is the meaning of the weird message that 6 of them get with the same jester sticker that covered all the security cameras.

Slowly 6 teenagers start making connections and unravel the mystery behind the message.

This was an interesting read.  At one point - with the mysterious message and jester image I thought it would delve into something more creepy (it did not).  I was then pretty sure it wasn't going to end satisfactorily - and while it is clearly the first in a series there was decent closure.

The Friendship Lie

I have really read way more than 2 books in July.  It hasn't been my best month due to traveling to NY and then to Guatemala, but I have read books - just not blogged about them.

Cora's life revolves around garbage.  Her mother and father - recently separated - are both scientists who deal with garbage, recycling, sustainability.  So, of course, Cora and her twin brother are involved with the family passion.  Her friendship with her brother Kyle and Sybella is not garbage - they have been inseparable and even have an imaginary kingdom.  But when a meddlesome girl takes advantage of a misunderstanding Cora and Sybella's friendship is in jeopardy.  Can they figure out a way to fix it?

This story is told through multiple viewpoints and jumps around chronologically.  There is also a mysterious diary of another girl with friendship issues.  It all comes together at the end but I am not sure how effective the style was or if it will cause issues with middle grade readers.

Echo Park Castaways

Quentin is the newest part of the family in Mrs. K's home,  Vic, Nevaeh, and Mara have been there for awhile.  Nevaeh does most of the care actually - Mrs. K is an older lady who is still grieving her husband and works a lot.  Nevaeh dreams of getting out and eventually becoming a doctor.  Vic imagines that he is a spy who will eventually go to El Salvador to rescue his father.  In reality his father has been deported.  Mara barely speaks and when she does it's in Spanish.  When Quentin arrives with Asperger's Vic sets out to help him reunite with his mom.  But their quest soon involves all of the children and they learn that sometimes family is what you make of it.
Really well done and heartwarming.

Spark

Life is perfect in Alorria.  Guardians and their dragons control the weather - lightning, storms, wind, sunshine.  Now Mina and her new dragon Pixit will join the ranks.  But, Mina's dragon is a lightning dragon and quiet Mina isn't sure she has what it takes to be a lightning guardian.

As training commences Mina's fears are confirmed as she struggles to produce sparks and even falls and crashes on the wrong side of the mountain.  But that accident leads Mina to learn of the consequences of the Alorrians' actions to the people on the other side.  Can Mina and her friends raise awareness and cause change before it's too late?

This took a bit to really get going but once it did I really enjoyed it.   Having a quieter heroine was really nice and it was a good example of activism in action.

Maximillian Fly

I wasn't really sure I was going to like this when I started - honestly, a humanlike roach??  But as the story unfolded I grew to love Max and his innocence and desire to please and the author did a great job of weaving and revealing the storyline.  I was very pleasantly surprised.

Romanov

My daughter is a history buff and quite intrigued with the Romanovs - Anastasia in particular so I approached this book with caution.  Funny that the author even mentions the movie in the back - so inaccurate.  I was very pleasantly surprised - yes there are historical liberties, a dose of mysticism, and a kinder ending than reality...

The book starts with the Romanovs already in exile and the first 2/3rds of the book follow historically pretty well with the addition of spell makers like Rasputin and the addition of Dochkin the fictionalized creator of matryoshka dolls and in this story a powerful spell master.

Things take a turn after the execution of the Romanov family when Anastasia is able to unlock a spell and save herself and Alexei.  With the help of a soldier turned friend Anastasia and Alexei are able to thwart the efforts of the pursuing soldier intent on not only finishing them off but destroying the spell makers as well.

There was a lot of action, bit of romance, and decent history.  Hopefully those who read it would be interested in finding out more.

House Without Walls

This poetic narrative was based on the lives of some Vietnamese Boat people and their experiences on the boats and in refugee camps.  I appreciate the fact that more of these stories are being told.

I don't know if it's a reflection of my reading pace or state of mind but I got confused several times and lost a character completely.  I have no idea what happened to one of the twins in the story - again might be totally me...

The Girls of Firefly Cabin

I have read more than it looks I promise but I am way behind in my reading - thank God today was the last day of school.  I have also not blogged about every book...  

Lauren, Isla, Jade, and Archer all come from different backgrounds, have different struggles, different goals for camp, and different lives but they are the girls of firefly cabin who bond and learn more about themselves as the summer progresses.

I will confess, I had a hard time keeping the girls separate in my mind.  At the beginning of each chapter I would have to think of which character was speaking and then remember what their storyline was.  Not sure if that is an issue with multiple perspectives in general or my reading frame of mind recently.  In the end I enjoyed the book.  I guessed at the major reveal at the end but it was a good one.

The Word-Keeper

Florence is so excited to spend time in Inkwell with her grandfather.  Her parents are math people but Florence loves words.  Once in Inkwell she makes a bookmark which comes to life.  Unfortunately an evil genie takes control of Ben the bookmark during each new cycle of the moon and he turns into an imp.  Once Florence and others in the village discover that the imp is destroying books, words, and language they try to figure out how to stop him.  In doing so Florence learns of an old rivalry and a new destiny.

This was fun - reminiscent of Phantom Tollbooth, Inkspell.

All the Ways Home

Wow, just saw my number for May and it was bleak.  I did actually read more than that but didn't blog about all of them.  With summer vacation on the near horizon my pace with definitely pick up.

In this book Kaede is being given an option.  Since the death of his mother he has been angry.  He has taken it out on the driver whose inattention cost his mom her life, he took it out on his best friend, and his grades have suffered greatly.  His assignment for the summer is to write about home.  But, in order to do that, he needs to discover what that is for him now which means going to Japan and trying to connect with his father.  

But when he gets to Japan his brother meets him, telling him that his father is off on a photo shoot.  As the weeks go by and his father doesn't show Kaede decides to take matters into his own hands.  What he learns helps him to finally put the past behind him and come to terms with his present.

I liked the cultural aspect and the focus on different meanings of home but some things were resolved too easily or not at all.

Honeybees and Frenemies

Flor is not looking forward to the summer.  She has to dress up as a mattress to help out in her family's store, her best friend will be at camp, and she has to participate in the 50th anniversary festival as a former pageant winner with her former friend.  They also get roped into helping an old man at his house.  

Flor soon finds common ground with Candice and they learn more about bees in the process.  In fact, they decide to incorporate bees into their "talent" with Flor doing a bee beard.  

Even though Flor is struggling and things actually get worse she does find friendship again and learns things about herself.

This was a solid middle grade book.  

Stepsister

I loved this book so much!!!  It has been slow going lately with work, fatigue, family matters but even though a bit disjointed in my personal reading I was quite drawn to this.

This is the story of Isabelle - the ugly stepsister who cut off her toes and what happened after.  It is also about the Fates and Chance and free will.  Isabelle is fated to meet a terrible end shortly after Ella becomes queen.  Her family is now outcast and soon homeless as well and war is coming to their village.  But Chance steals the map of Isabelle's life from the Fates and is determined to give Isabelle - well - a chance.  Isabelle also gets help from the same fairy queen who helped Ella.  Isabelle is told she must mend the 3 broken pieces of her heart in order to get her wish.  It takes her awhile to figure it out but it all comes together nicely.

This is a story of choosing your own fate, making restitution, with some awesome girl power as well.  So good...

Finding Orion

Orion didn't really know his grandfather that well.  Sure there were yearly visits and he knew his grandfather was funny but he could always tell that his dad and grandfather had a strained relationship.  So when his grandfather died he wasn't quite sure what to expect - although the clown telegram should have been a clue.  First there was a funneral where people shared their memories and then there was a band and food trucks.  It all made his dad uncomfortable but just when they were about to leave they discovered that Orion's grandfather wasn't in the casket.  They were supposed to find him - like a scavenger hunt.  What happened next was funny and revealing at the same time and a reminder to communicate before it's too late.

I quite enjoyed this...  

Other Words for Home

Jude and her mother are Syrian refugees that have just arrived in America.  Her father and brother stayed in Syria and her mother is pregnant.  The book follows Jude's first year in the country as she learns English and tries to find her place in America while staying true to herself.

This is well done and I can see students really warming to this sweet character.