Last of the Sandwalkers

 

Graphic novels are not my favorite and this one just didn't work for me at all - black and white images, too much science, confusing characters - especially the one that was a robot???  Didn't work for me.

Confessions of an Imaginary Friend

 

All his life Jacques has believed he is the twin brother to Fleur.  Yes, people don't ever notice him, in fact, they act like he doesn't even exist.  Then he realizes...he doesn't exist.  Jacques struggles to find meaning, purpose, and a life through a series ofnew imaginary adventures.

I enjoyed parts of this and found the writing to be beautiful in places but overall I wasn't sure what to make of it and wonder if my students will feel the same way.

Randoms

 

How much did I love this?  So much!!!!  Yes, I am a nerd so the references to Star Trek, Star Wars, Ender's Game, etc were fabulous.  

Zeke is a member of a delegation sent to the Confederation of United Planets. If the delegation can learn and "level up" enough they will be allowed to join the Confederation.  The other 3 members of his delegation were chosen for their skills.  To balance it out though one member, Zeke, is a random.  Meaning, he really had no skills to speak of.  Ostracized by his delegation, Zeke becomes friends with other Randoms.  But things are not what they seem...maybe things were not as random as they were supposed to be.  Maybe they were chosen to help the Confederation in their ongoing war with the Phanic Empire.

Like I said, as a nerd, I loved this. But....it is really long and not only that but the chapters are really long.  I am not sure what to do with it - probably too long for my school library.

Superheroes Don't Eat Veggie Burgers

I thought this was going to be pretty much a fluff piece but there was more to it than expected.  Yes you have 2 best friends, a boy and a girl, entering middle school, changing feelings, bullies, etc. But, Charlie receives a journal on his first day in science and his teacher tells them to write and talks about the magic of words.  Charlie writes about a superhero who takes care of the mean coach, his annoying sister, the bully.  But what if the things he writes are coming true??

I think kids will enjoy this...

How to Speak Dolphin

 

There is a lot going on with this book - primarily the interaction between Lily, her autistic half brother Adam, and her step father Don.  Very little has been done to educate Adam since the death of his and Lily's mother.  With the addition of a new nanny and some research into nearby schools, Adam starts at a school and also starts therapy with a young dolphin.  But what is best and is it okay for a dolphin to stay in captivity just to make Adam happy?  

Very good story...lots going on - friendship, animal issues, disabilities...  I think kids will enjoy this.

The Lightning Queen

 

Beautiful, gorgeous, breathtaking story of an unlikely friendship between a gypsy girl and a native Mexican boy.  I loved this so much ... the writing was simple and beautiful, the story was magical, the ending was delightful.  Very well done.