The Prophet Calls by Melanie Sumrow

How I Heard About It:   This book came to me via my #bookexpedition reading group.  I was excited to get it because I had read some positive reviews about the story from some trusted reading friends.  


What It Is About - FIVE Things You Need to Know:  

1.  *Gentry lives in the "compound" under the rule of the Prophet.  Even thought the Prophet is living behind bars, he is still in charge of what goes on inside the compound.  

2.  *Gentry and her brother have a love of music.  They are both quite talented with the violin.  The two of them sneak out of their protected world to play in the Santa Fe musical festival.  When they are caught, life becomes difficult back at the compound.  

3.  *The Prophet begins to exercise more and more power and control over the families living under his rule.  Gentry once believed everything he said and did, but now begins to question his power.  

4.  *When her brother is forced to leave their community, Gentry begins to ask more and more questions about the life they are living.  

5.  *She and some family members are sent to another "compound" and it is here that Gentry must decide between the "rules" of the family or living the life she is known she is destined for.  


What I Thought Of It:  This is my second novel I've read recently about a polygamous community.  The first one was for the young-adult reader and this one is geared toward the middle-grade reader.  While I find this life-style fascinating, I'm not sure the young reader would understand all that is involved in living this way.  Gentry was a phenomenal character who was multifaceted.  The author did a wonderful job of describing the conflict she had between the tradition of her community and wanting to live in the real world.  There was a lot of suspense throughout the story which made for an interesting read.  Overall, I'm glad I read it, but not sure I enjoyed it as much as some of my other reader friends.  


Who Should Read It:   Amazon states that the novel is geared toward readers in grades four through nine.  Because of the content of multiple wives and many children being born to these women, I personally would put the book in the hands of a sixth grade reader or above.  The perfect audience would be a middle-school reader.  Happy Reading!  


Rating:   3 STARS out of 5 Stars!

The Great Jeff by Tony Abbott

How I Heard About It:   Tony and his publisher were kind enough to send me an ARC of this March, 2019 release.  I have read, reviewed, and enjoyed several of Tony's novels so I was excited to read his upcoming novel.  


What It Is About - FIVE Things You Need to Know:  

1.  *This is a companion novel to Tony Abbott's story Firegirl.  

2.  *Jeff is the main character in this novel.  His eighth grade year is not going well for him both at home and at school.  


3.  *After some unfortunate circumstances, Jeff is forced to leave his Catholic school and begin attending the local public school.  He isn't happy about this.  

4.  *Jeff has been living with his mother, but she has lost her job which intensifies her struggle with alcohol.  Jeff and his mother visit his father hoping to receive some monetary help, but are disappointed to learn he won't be helping them in any way, shape, or form.  

5.  *Life gets even more difficult for Jeff, when he and his mom lose their home because they can't afford the rent.  The struggles that follow are real, authentic, and portray what can happen to any family down on their luck.  


What I Thought Of It:  I always enjoy going into a novel by an author I know and love.  Tony Abbott always writes a powerful and intense story for the middle-grade reader.  I remembering reading Firegirl back in the day.  I almost reread it to "re-freshen" my memory of the story, but decided to just jump in and read Jeff's story.  I enjoyed getting to know Jeff on a deeper level.  His circumstances were not ideal, but he sure fought to make things right and take care of his mother.  I know many of our young people deal with similar situations to what Jeff was dealing with.  This would be the perfect novel to put into their hands.  I appreciate how Tony presents a story that is true to life and doesn't sugar coat things.  As hard as it was to read about certain situations in Jeff and his mother's life, there was always an underlying ray of hope.  


Who Should Read It:   Amazon states the book is geared toward children ages 10-14 and grades 3-7. After completing the novel, I personally would recommend it for readers older than this.  There are some heavy themes, alcoholism, homelessness, affairs, that I think are more appropriate for a reader in grades five and above.  Just to be safe, I would even say sixth grade and above.  I can totally see a student in grades six, seven, and/or eight taking this novel and entering the world of Jeff and his story.  Happy Reading!  



Rating:   4 STARS out of 5 Stars!

My Sister's Grave by Robert Dugoni

How I Heard About It:   This title was chosen by a member of my BBC (Boy's Book Club) which is a book club that I'm in with male members of my teaching staff.  We had read The Extraordinary Life of Sam Hell and decided to read another title by the same author.  


What It Is About - FIVE Things You Need to Know:  

1.  *This is the first book in a series that centers around the character of Tracy Crosswhite.  

2.  *Tracy lost her sister Sarah to a tragic murder where they were both young women.  As an adult, Tracy became a detective.  

3.  *Twenty years after Sarah's murder, her bones are found.  The case is reopened by Tracy herself and she and a "team" of people begin to reinvestigate what truly happened on that dark country road.  

4.  *Tracy believes the man who was sent to prison was wrongly convicted and sets out to uncover the truth involving the mystery of her sister's death.  

5.  *During the investigation; secrets, cover-ups, and wrongful doings are revealed which impact not only Tracy, but her family as well as community members.  


What I Thought Of It:  Robert Dugoni's novel The Extraordinary Life of Sam Hell was my favorite novel published for adults during the year of 2018.  So I was excited when a member of my BBC announced we would be reading another one of his stories.  While I enjoyed this mystery, it doesn't compare or hold up to my feelings towards his other novel.  This was truly a murder mystery story without the intense character development that the other story contained.  The reading of the story was enjoyable and keep me on my toes trying to figure out who was truly responsible for Sarah's murder.  There were some intense twists and turns.  It would be interesting to see what this series and the character of Tracy go after this first book.  


Who Should Read It:   I would think any adult reader who enjoys a strong and well developed murder mystery would be ideal for this novel by Robert Dugoni.  I would say to read The Extraordinary Life of Sam Hell first because I think that is such an incredible and touching story.  


Rating:   4 STARS out of 5 Stars!

After the Fire by Will Hill

How I Heard About It:   While browsing for new books earlier this fall, I came across this title.  I was drawn in by the cover and the title.  After a bit of review reading, I ordered the novel.  



What It Is About - FIVE Things You Need to Know:  

1.  *Moonbeam has spent most of her life "behind" a fence.  

2.  *After a major fire at the compound, she and several other minors are the only survivors.  They are brought to an "outside" hospital to heal both physically and emotionally.  


3.  *While Moonbeam remains at the hospital receiving treatment from a psychologist, she begins to process her time at the "compound" and share her story with him.  

4.  *Her life at the compound was ruled under the thumb of "Father John".  He created a community that was composed of rules and consequences.  

5.  *Moonbeam must reconcile her life "behind" her and the life she is trying to move toward.  



What I Thought Of It:  This was a long story with a lot of "stuff" on each and every page.  To be honest, there were sections I was completely engaged in and drawn to; while other parts didn't necessarily do that.  It was fascinating to read about life at the "compound".  The author did a wonderful job of describing what it must have been like for the residents.  I could understand how members can be conflicted between what they are being told and what they know to be true in their heart.  Overall, I thought it was a great read.  



Who Should Read It:   I know the novel is targeted for the young-adult audience, but I could also see it being read by the adult reader.  Happy Reading!  


Rating:   3.5 STARS out of 5 Stars!

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? (12/17/18)

Thanks to Jen and Kellee for hosting this idea on their site.  Here is a link to the site...

                

 http://www.teachmentortexts.com/

Books I Read this Past Week…

Operation Frog Effect by Sarah Scheerger

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








An Absolutely Remarkable Thing by Hank Green


*Novel Published for Adults (4 STARS out of 5 Stars!)







Books I Will (continue to) Read this Week…



After the Fire by Will Hill

*My Young-Adult Novel

The Shadows We Hide by Allen Eskers

*My Novel Published for Adults

Game Changer!  by Donalyn Miller and Colby Sharp

*My Professional Reading

The Great Jeff by Tony Abbott

*My Middle-Grade Novel

Sadie by Courtney Summers

*My Young-Adult Novel (Audio)

An Absolutely Remarkable Thing by Hank Green

How I Heard About It:   While browsing my Audible app, I came across this title.  I remembered reading positive reviews about the story.  I thought the cover and title were amazing and hoped for an equally "remarkable" story.  


What It Is About - FIVE Things You Need to Know:  

1.  *While April May is wandering the streets of New York during the middle of the night, she stumbles across a giant sculpture like nothing else she has seen.  After contacting a friend, they create a video and post it to YouTube.

2.  *Once the video is posted, it goes viral and everyone in the country knows April May and her friend.  It turns out the sculpture is not only in New York, but all over the world.  

3.  *Overnight, April becomes a YouTube sensation and the world wants to know about her, her reaction to the "Carl" sculptures, and her interaction with others via social media.  

4.  *At first April loves and enjoys all the new media attention.  As the next few days progress, she realizes these "Carls" are more than they appear to be.  She and the rest of the world could be in danger.  

5.  *She must learn to navigate the newly found fame, her interactions with not only her government, but other "worldly" leaders that may and may not be here in Earth for "good".  



What I Thought Of It:  At first when I downloaded the book, I thought it was going to be a young-adult story.  As I listened, it became apparent it was a novel published for adults.  Although I do think some young-adults would enjoy the story.  I enjoyed the start of the story.  The plot lost me a bit during the beginning of the middle, but then I was drawn back into the book.  I was captivated by the events and found myself sitting in my car listening more and more.  The plot was unique, truly it own, and had many complex and complicated plot lines.  The characters were strong, independent, and real.  I would love to find another person that has read the book because I certainly do have some questions about what did and didn't happen throughout the story.  



Who Should Read It:   I'm thinking this is mostly a novel published for adults, but I'm sure it could work with a high-school and/or college reader.  It is part realistic fiction, part mystery, and part fantasy.  Readers who enjoy those aspects of a story will surely find this a satisfying read.  Happy Reading!  



Rating:   4 STARS out of 5 Stars!

Operation Frog Effect by Sarah Scheerger

How I Heard About It:   I picked up a copy of this ARC during #NCTE18.  I was intrigued by both the title and the cover.  It was actually the first middle-grade ARC from #NCTE18 that I read upon my return.  



What It Is About - FIVE Things You Need to Know:  

1.  *The reader gets a glimpse into Ms. Graham's class via eight different student perspectives.  

2.  *Ms. Graham is that one special teacher that reaches each and every student she comes in contact with.  This year she is stretching her students thinking and actions.  

3.  *Her class is made up of a variety of young children that each interact with the world in their own way.  They are pushed, challenged, and tested by their teacher.  They also come to love their class pet; Kermit the frog.

4.  *During one class/group project, some of the students take their "project" a bit too far and there are consequences for everyone involved; especially Ms. Graham.  

5.  *The students in the class come together to "fix" what they have created.  They each learn valuable life lessons and realize you can't always go "back".  



What I Thought Of It:  Do our actions speak louder than our words?  That is the main lesson that the characters in his lovely story learn throughout their journey in Ms. Graham's class.  I was drawn into the unique format of the book.  Each chapter is told from a different student in the class.  As a reader, we learn about the class from eight different children.  It took me awhile to get to know the characters and keep them straight, but once I did; I found myself caring and rooting for each one of them.  I liked how each character wrote in their own style and/or format.  I'm a sucker for any story that has a teacher impacting the lives of young people and that is exactly what this fictional tale did.  I know my fourth grade readers will be drawn to this novel when I book talk it in early 2019.  



Who Should Read It:   Because of the format, I think the novel will be easily accessible for readers in third, fourth, fifth, and sixth grade.  If I remember right, the class is a group of fifth graders.  Because each chapter is unique to the character, I think the hard copy of the book should be put in the hands of the reader.  One character tells his version of the story through pictures.  It could make for a read aloud, but in my opinion would be better suited for individual readers.  Happy Reading!  



Rating:   4 STARS out of 5 Stars!

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? (12/10/18)

Thanks to Jen and Kellee for hosting this idea on their site.  Here is a link to the site...

                

 http://www.teachmentortexts.com/

Books I Read this Past Week…

Books I Will (continue to) Read this Week…



After the Fire by Will Hill

*My Young-Adult Novel

The Shadows We Hide by Allen Eskers

*My Novel Published for Adults

Game Changer!  by Donalyn Miller and Colby Sharp

*My Professional Reading

Operation Frog Effect by Sarah Scheerger

*My Middle-Grade Novel

An Absolutely Remarkable Thing by Hank Green

*My Young-Adult Novel (AUDIO)

Darius the Great Is Not Okay by Adib Khorram

How I Heard About It:   After finishing my last audio book, I ventured into the world of Audible to find a new "listen".  When I saw the cover, I remember reading positive reviews about the story.  After a bit of research, I decided to purchase the book.  



What It Is About - FIVE Things You Need to Know:  

1.  *Darius is a high school student living in the United States.  He struggles with his identity because he is half Persian and half American.  



2.  *Darius has also struggled with depression and is currently taking medication to "stabilize" his emotions.  His father has also dealt with depression.  The two of them have a strained relationship.

3.  *When Darius' grandfather becomes seriously ill, his family must travel to Iran.  Darius has reservations about the trip.  

4.  *Upon arrival, Darius struggles to connect with his grandparents, his own parents, and the culture of Iran.  

5.  *When Darius meets Sohrab, a Iranian neighbor boy, he begins to feel differently not only about himself, but his family, life, and outlook on life.  



What I Thought Of It:  Darius' story was a story that many young people will be able to relate to.  It seems many young-adult novels about depression are geared toward female characters.  I appreciated that Darius was the central character dealing with real-life emotional/social/mental issues.  While reading, I found it fascinating to read about life in Iran and how experiences differed from American customs.  Being a father myself, I was intrigued by the dynamics between Darius and his father.  Depression is such an important theme and I think Abid Khorram wrote about the topic with grace, dignity, and personal insight.  



Who Should Read It:   Sometimes I think there aren't enough young-adult novels for male readers.  This is a novel that much be shared with any high-school and/or college male that you may know.  Whether or not they are dealing with depression issues themselves, they will take so much from the story of Darius, his family, and their experiences.  The novel will also appeal to adult readers.  Happy Reading!  



Rating:   4 STARS out of 5 Stars!

Sold on a Monday by Kristina McMorris

How I Heard About It:  While browsing the Internet for novels published for adults, I came across this title.  After a bit of research, I decided to order the book in Amazon and give it a try.  



What It Is About - FIVE Things You Need to Know:  

1.  *This historical fiction story takes place in the early 1930's.  The times are hard for many Americans and families are struggling to make ends meet.  



2.  *Ellis Reed is a reporter who has more than one family secret.  While out on the "road" on assignment, he runs across a sign that says: "Two Children for Sale".  

3.  *Ellis snaps a picture of it, but never intends for the picture to go any further.  After a grave mistake, the image ends up going public and changes Ellis' life in more ways than one.  

4.  *Lillian is an employee at the paper and can relate to the image that has gone public.  She and Ellis come together to "fix" the mistake of the story that the world "thinks" they know.

5.  *A mother and her two children are separated.  Lillian and Ellis embark on a journey that will require them to look at their own pasts and do everything in their power to save a family divided.  



What I Thought Of It:  It has been such fun getting back to reading novels published for adult readers.  The last year was spent reading many middle-grade stories due to my Charlotte Huck Committee work.  Sold on a Monday was a fascinating story that was hard to believe actually occurred in our own country.  The separation of a mother and her children was hard breaking to read and one of the elements that kept me reading to find out how this situation would conclude.  The characters of Ellis and Lillian were well developed and multi-faceted.  The author did an incredible job of describing this time period and I felt like I was actually back in the 1930's.  



Who Should Read It:   I think any adult reader who enjoys historical fiction needs to read and experience this story.  It is well-written, engaging, and thought-provoking.  I can't imagine any reader not enjoying it.  High school and/or college readers would also be an audience for the novel.  Happy Reading!  



Rating:  4 STARS out of 5 Stars!

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? (12/3/18)

Thanks to Jen and Kellee for hosting this idea on their site.  Here is a link to the site...

                

 http://www.teachmentortexts.com/

Books I Read this Past Week…

To Night Owl From Dogfish by Holly Goldberg Sloan & Meg Wolitzer

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

My Book Review







Darius The Great Is Not Okay by Adib Khorram

*Young-Adult Novel (4 STARS out of 5 Stars)








Sold on a Monday by Kristina M. Morris

*Novel Published for Adults (4 STARS out of 5 Stars)








Books I Will (continue to) Read this Week…



After the Fire by Will Hill

*My Young-Adult Novel

 
The Shadows We Hide by Allen Eskers

*My Novel Published for Adults

Game Changer!  by Donalyn Miller and Colby Sharp

*My Professional Reading

Operation Frog Effect by Sarah Scheerger

*My Middle-Grade Novel

An Absolutely Remarkable Thing by Hank Green

*My Young-Adult Novel

To Night Owl from DogFish by Holly Goldberg Sloan and Meg Wolitzer

How I Heard About It:  While at #NCTE18 in Houston, Texas, I attended the Nerdy Book Club cocktail party sponsored by Penguin.  All of the guests received an ARC of this upcoming middle-grade novel.  This was the first book I read when I returned from the convention.



What It Is About - FIVE Things You Need to Know:  

1.  *Avery lives with her dad on the east coast.  Bett lives with her dad on the west coast.  


2.  *When their fathers meet, fall in love, and decide to take an extended trip to China; the girls are sent to a summer camp. It is the hope of the dads that they like each other and the four of them can create a new family.  

3.  *Before camp, Avery and Bett begin to communicate via emails and texts.  They aren't thrilled about the idea of going to camp or being forced to get to know each other.  

4.  *While at camp, the girls begin to share more and more about themselves.  They have a variety of experiences that involve their past, current, and future stories.  

5.  *After a series of unfortunate events in China, the dads return with shocking news for the girls which send them into a tailspin.  Each girl returns home, but continue to communicate, scheme, and plot to bring their worlds back together.



What I Thought Of It:  The entire story was told through texts, emails, and other forms of communication.  I've read stories with this same format and they didn't necessarily work for me.  This particular book worked incredibly well with the format.  It wasn't even like I was reading "communication" between the two girls.  It was more of an engaging narrative.  Each girl was delightful, fun, and pleasing to read about.  There was many humorous moments where I found myself laughing out loud.  There were also some tender and touching scenes that warmed my heart.  The writing was realistic, thought-provoking, and full of emotion.  I enjoyed reading about the transition and progress each girl took throughout the story.  After finishing the book, I knew this would be an important novel to put into the hands of certain readers that are living/experiencing similar situations.



Who Should Read It:   I think this would be the perfect novel to give to a student that has two moms and/or dads.  The story could be a mirror for them.  The book could also be used as a window for other young readers.  Because of some of the content, topics, and situations; I would recommend the story for students in grades five and above.  The story is probably best suited for our middle-school readers.  I'm so pleased I had the opportunity to read and know it will be an important story for many readers.  Happy Reading!



Rating:  5 STARS out of 5 Stars!

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? (11/26/18)

Thanks to Jen and Kellee for hosting this idea on their site.  Here is a link to the site...

                

 http://www.teachmentortexts.com/

Books I Read this Past Week…

Any Second by Kevin Emerson

*Young-Adult Novel (3 STARS out of 5 Stars!)







August Isle by Ali Standish

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

My Book Review







Books I Will (continue to) Read this Week…

 To Night Owl From Dogfish by Holly Goldberg Sloan & Meg Wolitzer

*My Middle-Grade Novel










After the Fire by Will Hill

*My Young-Adult Novel

Sold on a Monday by Kristina M. Morris

*My Novel Published for Adults

Darius The Great Is Not Okay by Adib Khorram

*My Young-Adult Novel (Audio)