It's Monday! What Are You Reading? (6/10/19)

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Books I Read this Past Week…

A Drop of Hope by Keith Calabrese

*Middle-Grade Novel (4 STARS out of 5 Stars)










Because of the Rabbit by Cynthia Lord

*Middle-Grade Novel (4 STARS out of 5 Stars)

The Light Jar by Lisa Thompson

*Middle-Grade Novel (4 STARS out of 5 Stars)

Over the Moon by Natalie Lloyd

*Middle-Grade Novel (4 STARS out of 5 Stars)

Books I Will (continue to) Read this Week…

Finding Orion by John David Anderson

*My Middle-Grade Novel

Boy Swallows Universe by Trent Dalton

How I Heard About It:  After reading a couple of extraordinary reviews of this novel published for adults, I ordered it from Amazon and began reading as soon as it arrived.  Life got busy and other books got in the way, so it took me a bit of time to get through and finish the novel.  


What It Is About - FIVE Things You Need to Know:  
1.  *Eli is a young boy growing up in the 1980's in Australia.  

2.  *His mother has drug issues and in jail, his father is missing, his step-father is a drug dealer, and his older brother August doesn't speak.




3.  *He does have one positive adult influence in his life; Slim who is a former convict who is notorious for escaping prison the most amount of times.

4.  *Slim does his best for both Eli and August and they are thankful for him because he tries to provide them with a bit of normalcy.  

5.  *Eli has a difficult life and seems to always have something coming up against him.  With all of his might, he continues down the road of life trying to stay on the positive course versus the alternative.  


What I Thought Of It - Five Observations/Reflections:
1.  *At first I found the writing of the story difficult to follow.  I found myself having to reread sections in order to understand what was being said.  After awhile I did become use to the structure.

2.  *The cast of characters is what kept me reading.  Even though most of them were negative and harsh people, I was drawn to Eli and his fight for making things right in his world.  

3.  *It is hard to believe that parts of this story are based on the authors own experiences.  Eli had to deal with more than any adult should have to face, and he was only eleven years old.  

4.  *The writing was very detailed and descriptive without a log of dialogue.  I don't normally enjoy this type of format so I did find myself skimming at times during the reading.  

5.  *The theme of hope and finding "normal" was a prime focus and one that made me cheer for Eli and hope for the best in all that he had to endure.  


Who Should Read It:   This novel isn't for everyone.  The book is very long, the writing is quite detailed, and at times the plot moves a bit slow.  I do know some readers have raved about the story and gave it five stars.  This adult novel is definitely for the "advanced" reader of intellectual literature.  Happy Reading!  


Rating:   3 STARS out of 5 Stars!

The Story Web by Megan Frazer Blakemore

How I Heard About It:  This book was not one I was familiar with or near anything about.  When I received a copy from the publisher I was drawn to the cover and the magical feel it gave.  I was excited to read the story.  


What It Is About - FIVE Things You Need to Know:  
1.  *In this story, the reader meets Alice, Lewis, and Melanie.  Each of them have their own story and together they create an even bigger one.  

2.  *When Alice was young she found a very large spider web in the forest near her home.  Her father told her it was a "story web".  Now Alice is ten, her father is not with her, and she has questions about this mysterious web.  

3.  *Lewis is a hockey player.  Alice use to play the sport with him, but she doesn't anymore.  He misses his friend and wonders why she isn't around anymore.  

4.  *Melanie lives with her aunt and spends a lot of time in the attic.  It is here that she observes and notices a wide-range of animals appearing and heading in the same direction.  

4.  *Alice is faced with a challenge of saving the web, but she knows she can't do it alone.  She will team up with former friends and new friends to save the web, the stories, and her history.  


What I Thought Of It - Five Observations/Reflections:
1.  *I always enjoy a novel that centers around the idea of stories, the magic of stories, and how stories bond us all together.  

2.  *The characters in this book were unique, individuals, strong, and interesting to read about.  I enjoyed following their journey from separate people to a "team" that worked toward a common goal.

3.  *Being a father myself, the relationship between Alice and her dad was a special one and I appreciated how the author brought their "interactions" to life.  

4.  *I don't normally enjoy fiction with animals as characters, but for some reason it worked really well in this novel.  I loved how the animal stories were scattered throughout the entire book.  

5.  *The transformation of Alice, and others, was quite a strong point in this novel.  She is definitely a friend we all need.  


Who Should Read It:   This would make for a strong class read aloud in grades three, four, five, or six.  I know those groups of students would be captivated by the mystery, suspense, and magic of the story.  Individual readers of the book should be in grades four or above.  Happy Reading!  


Rating:   4 STARS out of 5 Stars!

A Drop of Hope by Keith Calabrese

How I Heard About It:  I didn't know much about this novel when I received it in the mail, but after a bit of digging I read several positive reviews and comments about the story.  I listened to it this past spring on Audible.  


What It Is About - FIVE Things You Need to Know:  
1.  *The story centers around sixth grade students Ernest, Lizzy, and Ryan.

2.  *At first they don't know each other well or have much in common, but after strange things start happening in and near a well, their lives intersect in more than one one way.  


3.  *The three children stumble upon a special well because of a class at school.  Each approaches and reacts to the well in their own way.  

4.  *When they realize the wish can "grant" wishes, they not only wish for themselves, but for several of the members of their community who are in need of help and a "wish".

5.  *As more and more wishes are asked, the kids learn of a long ago mystery that involves many members of the town.  


What I Thought Of It - Five Observations/Reflections:
1.  *The themes of hope and friendship was front and center of this middle-grade novel.  

2.  *The three main characters were each vital to the story, stood on their own two feet while also relying on their new friends to manage the wishes and the mystery they were trying to uncover.  

3.  *Any story that highlights and focuses on the positive of an elementary school teacher, is a winner in my book.  

4.  *The events in the story were told from multiple points of view.  I will admit this did become confusing during some sections of the book, but this could have been because I was listening to it during my commute and sometimes my mind would wander or I would get distracted.  

5.  *I thought the author did an excellent job of portraying a variety of characters that were true to themselves, flaws and all.  


Who Should Read It:   The book would be great for any reader in grades four, five and six.  I think they would enjoy the characters, the wishes, and how the events of this story play out.  The chapters/sections are short and this could be an advantage for many young students.  Happy Reading!  


Rating:   4 STARS out of 5 Stars!

The Light Jar by Lisa Thompson

How I Heard About It:  I loved The Goldfish Boy by Lisa Thompson so I was thrilled when I received her newest novel from the publisher.  The cover is gorgeous and I love the title.  I went into the story with much anticipation.  


What It Is About - FIVE Things You Need to Know:  
1.  *In the middle of the night, Nate finds himself in an old run-down shack with his mother.  They are running from Gary, his mother's boyfriend.  

2.  *Nate's mother hasn't shared much with Nate, but he knows things at home were not great.  He isn't thrilled about his new "home", but hopes it is better than where they were.  


3.  *After a day or two in the "cabin", Nate's mother heads out to get some supplies and doesn't return.  This leaves Nate alone, confused, and scared.  

4.  *He has no idea where his mother is, but he knows he must stay strong, stay put, and stay focused on surviving on his own.  

5.  *Nate finds some comfort in "friends" Sam and Kitty who support him and appreciate the support he offers to them.  


What I Thought Of It - Five Observations/Reflections:
1.  *I loved this story from the get-go.  It was a fascinating and riveting story.  

2.  *The mystery of why Nate and his mother were on the run was a major focus of the plot, but there were several sub-plots that added greatly to the overall story.

3.  *I was quite shocked when Nate's mother disappeared and while reading tried to figure out where she was and why she left.  

4.  *Sam and Kitty were incredible friends to Nate and added more than a surprise or two.  

5.  *The tone and mood of the story was a bit "dark", but I was still able to get a sense of hope throughout the pages and events that Nate experienced.  


Who Should Read It:   Because of some of the content and subject matter, in my opinion I would say the story is most appropriate for a fifth and/or sixth grade reader.  That being said, the book could also be, and should be, read by the middle school reader.  If you read The Goldfish Boy, then I think you will enjoy Lisa Thompson's newest work of fiction.  Happy Reading!  


Rating:   4 STARS out of 5 Stars!

Over the Moon by Natalie Lloyd

How I Heard About It:  The novel came to me from the publisher.  Even though I had a hard copy of the book, I decided to listen to the story via my Audible app.  This was the last middle-grade book I listened to during the 2018/2019 school year.  


What It Is About - FIVE Things You Need to Know:  
1.  *Mallie is twelve-years old and lives a difficult life.  She and her family reside in Coal Top.  She is a young servant who must provide for her family.

2.  *There is a heavy "coat" of sadness that covers Coal Top called the DUST.


3.  *Mallie wants to do everything she can for her family so when a competition arrives in her town, she is Eager to participate.  

4.  *She is paired with a flying horse and the two of them will compete in a variety of challenges.  Each one more dangerous than the one before.  

5.  *While competing, Mallie learns of a mysterious evil secret that is controlling the town and must find her missing brother before it is too late.  


What I Thought Of It - Five Observations/Reflections:
1.  *I'm glad that I decided to experience this story while listening to it. The narration was excellent and drew me into the story.

2.  *I'm not normally a fan of fantasy, but this story worked for me and I was invested in Mallie's adventure and her safety.  

3.  *The adventure, the mystery, and the "over the moon" risks kept me tied to Mallie and the other characters she encountered along the way.  

4.  *I think what I enjoyed the most was the perfect combination of realistic fiction and fantasy.  The fantasy sections almost seemed like they could really happen in the real world.  

5.  *The suspense and race toward the riveting conclusion had me listening for a marathon listening session because I couldn't stop.  


Who Should Read It:   I know that any Natalie Lloyd novel is perfect for the elementary library.  This newest work of hers should definitely be put in the hands of a fourth, fifth, and/or sixth grade reader.  The story could be shared either as a class read aloud or read by an individual.  Happy Reading!  


Rating:   4 STARS out of 5 Stars!

Because of the Rabbit by Cynthia Lord

How I Heard About It:  This well received novel came to via the publisher.  I was excited to get it in the mail and begin reading.  Cynthia Lord's Rules is one of my favorite middle-grade stories.  


What It Is About - FIVE Things You Need to Know:  
1.  *After being home schooled, Emma is about to attend public school.  She is both excited and scared for this new venture.

2.  *The night before school begins, Emma and her father rescue a rabbit.  Her father agrees to let Emma keep the rabbit until they can find its rightful owner.


3.  *As Emma adjusts to her new life at school, she works hard to fit in while also remaining her true self.  

4.  *Emma would love to make a best friend, but when she meets Jack who becomes a project partner, it becomes more and more difficult to find that one special person.

5.  Emma and Jack begin to spend time both inside and outside of school working on their project and bonding over the pet rabbit.  Emma is surprised by the new friendships that are formed and how one little animal can help her fit in.  


What I Thought Of It - Five Observations/Reflections:
1.  *I was so intrigued by both the cover and the title of Cynthia Lord's newest novel.  

2.  *Each chapter begins with a animal "tip" on how to care for and raise a rabbit.  These tips are woven into the actual story of Emma and her journey.  Such a clever idea.

3.  *The relationship between Emma and Jack was real, personal, and full of tender moments.   

4.  *Not only did I truly enjoy the story, but I appreciated all the wonderful and important life lessons that Cynthia scattered throughout the story.  

5.  *This is an important story about new beginnings, new friendships, and finding new ways to fit into the complicated world.  


Who Should Read It:    I'm already thinking this would make a tremendous class read aloud and/or "Breakfast with Books" book club selection.  The novel is perfect for third and/or fourth graders.  Of course it could also be used in fifth and sixth grade.  Happy Reading!  


Rating:   4 STARS out of 5 Stars!