Cemetery Girl by David Bell
What I like about David Bell is that his books start where most books just start to get good. He tells what happens after the climax, and I like that.
Four years ago, Tom and Abby's daughter, Caitlin, went missing while walking the family dog. Caitlin was twelve at the time. Over the course of those four years, Tom and Abby's marriage has fallen apart. Tom is still relentlessly searching for Caitlin, and Abby thinks it's time to move on.
After a new lead pops up, Caitlin is suddenly found. The problem is, she doesn't want to talk about what happened over those four years she was gone, and she doesn't want the kidnapper to be prosecuted. All of this is tough for Tom. He wants to know what happened to his daughter, and wants to see the perpetrator pay for his crimes. He knows it won't necessarily change things, but he wants the person to pay for the time he took Caitlin away.
Will Tom turn vigilante to get what he wants, or will he let Caitlin have things her way?
This was such a good read! I can't wait to see what else Mr. Bell has out there.
Wednesday, September 30, 2015
Tuesday, September 22, 2015
Another Advanced Copy
Anywhere But Here by Tanya Lloyd Kyl
Cole's life is a mess. His mother recently passed away. His dad is drinking too much and dating a stripper. He breaks up with his girlfriend of two years, only to end up sorta dating the school "slut." His life consists of school and parties in a small town where everybody knows everybody.
After a visit to the guidance counselor, Cole thinks he has found a way out: film school in Vancouver. He has to submit a short film, so he creates a documentary about how his town is like a spider's web that keeps everyone in. Along the way, he finds the one thing that could keep his dreams from coming to fruition.
As Cole deals with the frustration caused by possibly having to stay in the town that stifles him, he learns some important lessons about life.
Cole's life is a mess. His mother recently passed away. His dad is drinking too much and dating a stripper. He breaks up with his girlfriend of two years, only to end up sorta dating the school "slut." His life consists of school and parties in a small town where everybody knows everybody.
After a visit to the guidance counselor, Cole thinks he has found a way out: film school in Vancouver. He has to submit a short film, so he creates a documentary about how his town is like a spider's web that keeps everyone in. Along the way, he finds the one thing that could keep his dreams from coming to fruition.
As Cole deals with the frustration caused by possibly having to stay in the town that stifles him, he learns some important lessons about life.
Sunday, September 20, 2015
Advanced Reader Copy? Yes, Please!
Dear Blue Sky by Mary Sullivan
If there is one benefit to being a wannabe school librarian, it is being on good terms with your school librarians. Why? Because then they think of you when they go to librarian professional development, and bring you things back. In this case, seven advanced reader copies of books. Free books are always welcome.
Cass is in middle school. She has an older brother named Sef, who is a Marine being sent to Iraq in 2006. She has an older sister named Van, who is dating the singer in a rock band. She has a younger brother named Jack, who has Down's syndrome, and wants to be just like Sef.
Apparently, the whole family revolves around Sef. The reason I say this is because he is the only person their mother seems to care about, to the point of ignoring her other children who need her just as much. Also, all the siblings seem to have some hero worship of Sef, like he could do no wrong. Even when he did things that would be considered bad, their mother just swept them under the rug, like it never happened.
Cass dwells a lot on Sef being away, and she wants to learn all she can about where he is at. So, when her history teacher told them they had to read a blog about someone from somewhere else, she chose one by Blue Sky, and Iraqi girl. From Blue Sky, she learns about the Iraq not being shown on the news. It is eye opening for her.
Over the course of the book, Cass finds herself, and learns to deal with her brother being gone. It was an ok read.
If there is one benefit to being a wannabe school librarian, it is being on good terms with your school librarians. Why? Because then they think of you when they go to librarian professional development, and bring you things back. In this case, seven advanced reader copies of books. Free books are always welcome.
Cass is in middle school. She has an older brother named Sef, who is a Marine being sent to Iraq in 2006. She has an older sister named Van, who is dating the singer in a rock band. She has a younger brother named Jack, who has Down's syndrome, and wants to be just like Sef.
Apparently, the whole family revolves around Sef. The reason I say this is because he is the only person their mother seems to care about, to the point of ignoring her other children who need her just as much. Also, all the siblings seem to have some hero worship of Sef, like he could do no wrong. Even when he did things that would be considered bad, their mother just swept them under the rug, like it never happened.
Cass dwells a lot on Sef being away, and she wants to learn all she can about where he is at. So, when her history teacher told them they had to read a blog about someone from somewhere else, she chose one by Blue Sky, and Iraqi girl. From Blue Sky, she learns about the Iraq not being shown on the news. It is eye opening for her.
Over the course of the book, Cass finds herself, and learns to deal with her brother being gone. It was an ok read.
Monday, September 14, 2015
Companion to Every Day
Another Day by David Levithan
Two years ago, I read the book Every Day by the same author. It tells the story of A, who is neither male nor female, and inhabits a different body everyday. It told of him falling in love with Rhiannon after having spent the day in her boyfriend's body. Another Day is Rhiannon's side of the story.
From Rhiannon, we learn that her relationship with her boyfriend, Justin, is not ideal. Then she starts meeting random people. It's A. He explains his life and that he is in love with her. Rhiannon is blown away, but intrigued as well. They try to make their relation ship work, but Rhiannon finds that it is harder than she ever expected.
In a nutshell, this is the same story, just told by Rhiannon. It was every bit as good as the first book, and definitely worth the read.
Two years ago, I read the book Every Day by the same author. It tells the story of A, who is neither male nor female, and inhabits a different body everyday. It told of him falling in love with Rhiannon after having spent the day in her boyfriend's body. Another Day is Rhiannon's side of the story.
From Rhiannon, we learn that her relationship with her boyfriend, Justin, is not ideal. Then she starts meeting random people. It's A. He explains his life and that he is in love with her. Rhiannon is blown away, but intrigued as well. They try to make their relation ship work, but Rhiannon finds that it is harder than she ever expected.
In a nutshell, this is the same story, just told by Rhiannon. It was every bit as good as the first book, and definitely worth the read.
Sunday, September 6, 2015
Fall Required Reading #25
It's Perfectly Normal by Robie H. Harris
Much like It's So Amazing by the same author that I had to read last year, this book discusses sex and babies. It also discusses things like puberty, abstinence/birth control/abortion, masturbation, sexual abuse, sexually transmitted diseases, and homosexuality. On some level, I appreciate that this book exists, as it makes discussing these things with your children somewhat easier. Or would, if the child in question wasn't put off by the pictures. I will say this: due to the nature of what is contained in these pages, it may be best to let your child explore the content on their own, and come to you with any questions. I had those awkward moments for you, so take my advice.
On a serious note, this book has a place in society. It covers awkward topics in a non-threatening way, that will ultimately open the lines of communication between parents and children.
Much like It's So Amazing by the same author that I had to read last year, this book discusses sex and babies. It also discusses things like puberty, abstinence/birth control/abortion, masturbation, sexual abuse, sexually transmitted diseases, and homosexuality. On some level, I appreciate that this book exists, as it makes discussing these things with your children somewhat easier. Or would, if the child in question wasn't put off by the pictures. I will say this: due to the nature of what is contained in these pages, it may be best to let your child explore the content on their own, and come to you with any questions. I had those awkward moments for you, so take my advice.
On a serious note, this book has a place in society. It covers awkward topics in a non-threatening way, that will ultimately open the lines of communication between parents and children.
Fall Required Reading #24
When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead
I was given a list of authors, and had to read a book by each of them. This is my last one. I searched Amazon for the synopses, and this one sounded interesting. Once again, though, I don't feel that this one fits in the young adult genre.
Miranda lives in New York, and she has learned how to navigate her part of the world. She knows there's a guy on the corner who gives her the heeby jeebies, and she tries to avoid him. One day, she receives a note from a mysterious stranger who knows too much about her. He tells her to write a letter "from the beginning" about the incident that ultimately saves her oldest friend's life.
This jumps around a bit. It starts out in Miranda's present, but then flashes back to the fall and winter that precede that. The story does tell what happens from the beginning, but also tells what happens in the present.
Good story, but I figured it out before the author presented what she wanted you to know. I attribute this to being an adult reading a book meant for elementary school students.
I was given a list of authors, and had to read a book by each of them. This is my last one. I searched Amazon for the synopses, and this one sounded interesting. Once again, though, I don't feel that this one fits in the young adult genre.
Miranda lives in New York, and she has learned how to navigate her part of the world. She knows there's a guy on the corner who gives her the heeby jeebies, and she tries to avoid him. One day, she receives a note from a mysterious stranger who knows too much about her. He tells her to write a letter "from the beginning" about the incident that ultimately saves her oldest friend's life.
This jumps around a bit. It starts out in Miranda's present, but then flashes back to the fall and winter that precede that. The story does tell what happens from the beginning, but also tells what happens in the present.
Good story, but I figured it out before the author presented what she wanted you to know. I attribute this to being an adult reading a book meant for elementary school students.
Saturday, September 5, 2015
Fall Required Reading #23
Poop Fountain by Tom Angleberger
I came to read and own this book because I had to read a book by this author for class. When I was looking at Amazon at all the books he had written, I was drawn to this because of the title. I didn't even read the synopsis, I just bought it. I mean, how can you not want to read a book with poop in the title?
This is about three kids who refer to themselves as The Qwikpick Adventure Society. They are in junior high, and this book is about the adventure they took on Christmas Day. As it turns out, there is a sewage treatment plant in their town, and they saw in the newspaper that the plant has a poop fountain that is about to be torn down. The kids are interested in the fountain, so they take the long journey across the cow pastures and the forest to the plant. When they get there, they see the fountain, and almost get sprayed by it.
I am sure that kids in the age range love this book, but I felt it was kinda meh. Younger me would have enjoyed it, but I feel that this one is not one older teens would get much out of. In fact, I probably would not have counted this as a young adult book. This may be my fault for choosing this book rather than one of the other books by this author.
I came to read and own this book because I had to read a book by this author for class. When I was looking at Amazon at all the books he had written, I was drawn to this because of the title. I didn't even read the synopsis, I just bought it. I mean, how can you not want to read a book with poop in the title?
This is about three kids who refer to themselves as The Qwikpick Adventure Society. They are in junior high, and this book is about the adventure they took on Christmas Day. As it turns out, there is a sewage treatment plant in their town, and they saw in the newspaper that the plant has a poop fountain that is about to be torn down. The kids are interested in the fountain, so they take the long journey across the cow pastures and the forest to the plant. When they get there, they see the fountain, and almost get sprayed by it.
I am sure that kids in the age range love this book, but I felt it was kinda meh. Younger me would have enjoyed it, but I feel that this one is not one older teens would get much out of. In fact, I probably would not have counted this as a young adult book. This may be my fault for choosing this book rather than one of the other books by this author.
Wednesday, September 2, 2015
Fall Required Reading #22
El Deafo by Cece Bell
As I have previously mentioned, I am not a huge fan of graphic novels, but I do like that they are, for the most part, easy to get through quickly.
This particular book is an autobiography. Apparently, when the author was pre-school aged, she became deaf, or partially deaf, as a result of meningitis. This follows her during the time in the hospital, all the way through sixth grade. The reader sees how Cece is treated by others because of her disability, sees her make friends, have a crush, and learn to appreciate the devices that help her out.
The best thing about books like this is that is sheds light on disabilities that we may not see on a daily basis. It could be enlightening to some children, so that they see that these kids aren't all that different; they want the same things: to be accepted by their peers, and feel "normal." This was a cute story that will open some eyes.
As I have previously mentioned, I am not a huge fan of graphic novels, but I do like that they are, for the most part, easy to get through quickly.
This particular book is an autobiography. Apparently, when the author was pre-school aged, she became deaf, or partially deaf, as a result of meningitis. This follows her during the time in the hospital, all the way through sixth grade. The reader sees how Cece is treated by others because of her disability, sees her make friends, have a crush, and learn to appreciate the devices that help her out.
The best thing about books like this is that is sheds light on disabilities that we may not see on a daily basis. It could be enlightening to some children, so that they see that these kids aren't all that different; they want the same things: to be accepted by their peers, and feel "normal." This was a cute story that will open some eyes.
Tuesday, September 1, 2015
Fall Required Reading #21
George by Alex Gino
I bought this one because I knew there was no way the library would have this in time for me to use it for my class. This is one of the books that has shown me that young adult lit is a fairly large genre, in terms of the ages it serves. This book has a target audience of grades 4-8, and the language and writing style help to cement that.
George is in the fourth grade. He loves Charlotte, the spider in the EB White classic, Charlotte's Web. George loves her so much, he wants to play her in the school performance of the story. George doesn't see that this would be a problem, but it seems everyone else does. You see, George is a little girl trapped in the body of a little boy. No one seems to see this except for her best friend, Kelly. And I just have to say, God bless that child for letting George be who she is.
I can see how some people would be concerned that a young child would know this early-in the fourth grade- that they are transgender, but as I understand it, most feel that they are in the wrong body from a much earlier age. Unfortunately, we live in a society that is so close minded that they don't want to explore the possibility. That's why books like this are so important; they open the lines of conversation, which could ultimately lead to understanding and acceptance.
I bought this one because I knew there was no way the library would have this in time for me to use it for my class. This is one of the books that has shown me that young adult lit is a fairly large genre, in terms of the ages it serves. This book has a target audience of grades 4-8, and the language and writing style help to cement that.
George is in the fourth grade. He loves Charlotte, the spider in the EB White classic, Charlotte's Web. George loves her so much, he wants to play her in the school performance of the story. George doesn't see that this would be a problem, but it seems everyone else does. You see, George is a little girl trapped in the body of a little boy. No one seems to see this except for her best friend, Kelly. And I just have to say, God bless that child for letting George be who she is.
I can see how some people would be concerned that a young child would know this early-in the fourth grade- that they are transgender, but as I understand it, most feel that they are in the wrong body from a much earlier age. Unfortunately, we live in a society that is so close minded that they don't want to explore the possibility. That's why books like this are so important; they open the lines of conversation, which could ultimately lead to understanding and acceptance.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)