Real by Carol Cujec and Peyton Goddard

How I Heard About It:
*Even though I had a hard copy of this middle-grade novel, published by Shadow Mountain, I was in need of a new audio book for my summer driving.  I decided on this story which was released in February of 2021.


What It Is About - FIVE Things You Need to Know:
*Inspired by a true story, Charity is thirteen years old and has been trapped in her body unable to speak.  

*Her mind is "sharp", but her body is unpredictable and she can't control its sudden and difficult outburst.

*She has been ignored, teased, and bullied because of her physical condition.  Her biggest wish is that people could "see" and "hear" what is going on inside her brain.

*When her parents find out some horrific news about Charity's educational setting, they enroll her in a public junior high.  

*As fearful as Charity is, she wants this new setting to open the doors and windows she so desperately longs for.


What I Thought Of It - Five Observations/Reflections:
*I actually think I may have enjoyed the story even more if I had read it.  I found the narration annoying at times, but overall it was a pleasing listening experience.

*The story did a phenomenal job of letting the reader inside Charity's mind, thoughts, and feelings.  

*There were several heartbreaking moments throughout the story which I'm sure portrayed what actual young people go through.  

*The story reminded me, we as educators, need to expect the most and best of our students with challenges.  There is so much more to them than we probably realize.

*The "evil" girl was awesome and added a lot of drama, heartache, and frustration while I listened to all of her ghastly doings.


Who Should Read It:
*The middle-grade novel could be used with all readers in fourth, fifth, and sixth grade. I could see it being used as a class read aloud which would lead to some pretty deep and meaningful discussions.  The book should also be put in all middle-school classroom libraries.  Happy Reading!


Rating:  4 STARS out of 5 Stars

The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune

How I Heard About It:
*There are certain people who I trust with book recommendations.  After seeing a few of my "trusted" reading friends chatting about this novel online, I immediately bought it and spent the last week reading it.


What It Is About - FIVE Things You Need to Know:
*Linus Baker is a man of routine who works for the Department in Charge of Magical Youth (DICOMY).

*A normal day for Linus consists of working at his desk next to hundreds of other case workers.  His life changes, when he is called to the top floor of the building.  

*He is afraid he has done something wrong, but finds out he has been assigned to a very special job.

*Linus is sent to an island where an orphanage stands and houses six very special children.

*While there he is to write up a report on what he observes so the upper leaders of the company can close down the orphanage.


What I Thought Of It - Five Observations/Reflections:
*I'm not normally a fan of fantasy, but thought I would give this a try since it came highly recommended.

*I was drawn into the story as soon as I started.  The writing was unique and quite different from most stories I typically read.

*Even though the genre is fantasy, it actually read as realistic fiction or magical realism.  

*The cast of characters were amazing and quite engaging.  

*There were a few times when the plot dragged a bit, but I kept reading and am glad I did.


Who Should Read It:
*I'm not sure this story is for all readers, but I think young-adult and adult readers who enjoy fantasy and/or magical realism will definitely be satisfied with the story of Linus, the orphanage, and the six young children he comes to know and love.  Happy Reading!


Rating:  4 STARS out of 5 Stars

Strong Like the Sea by Wendy S. Swore

How I Heard About It:
*Another middle-grade novel that came to me via the publisher, Shadow Mountain.


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

*Alexis is twelve years old and lives in Hawaii.

*Alexis and her father are left at home while her mother travels the world because of her job.

*To keep a connection between mother and daughter, Alexis' mom leaves behind "mysteries" for Alexis to solve.  

*With the latest "code", Alexis finds herself racing against time to solve it before anything bad happens to the people in her life; including her own mother.

*She relies on her own strength, along with her friends, to venture out into the world and endure challenges she never thought she would have to face.  

What I Thought Of It - Five Observations/Reflections:

*The middle-grade story was full of adventure, mystery, and codes.

*As a reader, it was fun to follow along on Alexis' journey and adventure.

*To be honest, I did skim and scan during sections of the story when the plot slowed down.  

*I love Hawaii and it was interesting to read and learn about new aspects of the island state.

*There were no great surprises or shocks, but overall a strong story for young readers.


Who Should Read It:

*I think this particular story would appeal to mostly to the fifth and sixth grade reader, along with students in middle-school.  Any young reader who has an interest in Hawaii, would also enjoy the book.  Happy Reading!


Rating:  3 STARS out of 5 Stars

Razorblade Tears by S.A. Cosby

How I Heard About It:
*This novel published for adults seems to be another "must-read" for summer 2021.  After seeing it time after time, I decided to purchase the novel and see what all the buzz was about.


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

*Ike is a black man who has been out of prison for many years and has created a positive and productive life.

*Buddy Lee is a white man who also has had in hand in the life of crime.

*The only thing these two men have in common is their sons married and created a new life for themselves.

*After their sons are murdered, the two fathers come together to find out who is responsible and why their sons were caught in the cross-fire.

*They take the law into their own hands and return to a life of crime in which they both swore was in the past.


What I Thought Of It - Five Observations/Reflections:

*I had read Cosby's other novel Blacktop Wasteland which I enjoyed.

*This story moved at a quicker pace and I found myself more engaged.

*It was fascinating to read about the progression of Ike and Buddy Lee's friendship.  

*The plot was real, raw, and didn't hold back.  

*While I didn't always agree with the choices Ike and Buddy Lee made, I could see how a father would go to great lengths to avenge their sons' deaths.  

Who Should Read It:

*In my opinion, this novel published for adults would appeal to any and all adult readers.  Happy Reading!


Rating:  4 STARS out of 5 Stars

Rez Dogs by Joseph Bruchac

How I Heard About It:
*This new middle-grade novel came to me via the publisher, Dial Books (PRH).  I had viewed many positive comments on social media about the story so I was excited to read.


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

*Malian is a Boston middle-school girl who is visiting her grandparents on the Wabanaki reservation.  

*She is about to set off for home, when the Coronavirus hits and the world is shut down.

*Malian isn't too worried about the pandemic and takes solace with her grandparents and the tradition and culture of their people.  

*One day a dog from the reservation shows up at their doorstep and befriends Malian.  She names the dog Malsum.

*Malian learns from her grandparents that the dog has shown itself to protect and support her during a difficult time.


What I Thought Of It - Five Observations/Reflections:

*The writing was beautiful and told in free-verse.  

*This was the first story I've read that was set during the time of Covid-19.  

*Even though the writing was sparse, the story packed a punch full of emotion, character development, and life lessons.

*As a reader, I enjoyed learning about the Wabanaki way of life.  

*Even though the story was set during the pandemic, that was not the central force of the story.


Who Should Read It:

*I'm thinking of using this book as one of my class read alouds during the 2021/22 school year.  I think the novel could be used in grades four, five, or six.  Middle-school readers would also be ideal for the story.  Happy Reading!  


Rating:  4 STARS out of 5 Stars

The Guncle by Steven Rowley

How I Heard About It:
*Lots of book buzz about this novel published for adults.  After seeing it so many times on social media, I figured I'd better check out what all the buzz was about.  This was an audio version for me which brought me several days of enjoyment, laughs, and a few emotional moments.


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

*Maisie and Grant are two young children that find themselves parentless.

*Their mother has recently died after a long battle with cancer, and their father needs to check himself into rehab because of an addiction to pain killers.

*Their uncle Patrick, GUP, finds himself an instant parent after escaping to Palm Springs when his television show came to an end.

*The three of them navigate the summer months establishing a new family of three, with the addition of a new puppy.  

*As much as he wanted a quiet life away from the public life, and his own family, Patrick learns he may want a whole different type of life.  

What I Thought Of It - Five Observations/Reflections:

*The narration was strong, enjoyable, and easy to listen to.  

*Patrick was an incredibly strong character who brought several laughs while listening.

*I loved how the two children opened his eyes, and heart, to a whole new way of living.

*There was a lot of humor throughout the story, but also many tender and heartwarming moments.  

*The story explored themes of family, support, and grief.  

Who Should Read It:

*I think this novel published for adults would appeal to all readers.  A perfect novel to spend time with during the summer of 2021.  Happy Reading!  


Rating:  4 STARS out of 5 Stars

Educated by Tara Westover

How I Heard About It:
*I bought this memoir for myself when it came out.  I have bought the book for readers in my life.  I have listened to friends rave about Tara's story.  I actually never read her story until this summer.  I listened to the audio version while spending time in my car during my summer "job".


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

*Tara's memoir follows her life in Idaho with her survivalist family.

*Her family doesn't believe in formal education, doctors or traditional medicine, and live an isolated life.

*As Tara grew older, she began to realize there was a great big world out there that she knew nothing of.

*While some of her siblings broke away from the dysfunction of the family, others stayed put and lived with their mother and father through the good and the bad.

*Tara escaped the abuse of a sibling and found herself being "educated" at schools such as Harvard and Cambridge.  

What I Thought Of It - Five Observations/Reflections:

*There are times when I ask myself, "Why did I wait so long to read this book?"  This was one of those times.

*The audio version was fantastic.

*I was engaged, enthralled, shocked, and emotionally touched throughout the telling of Tara's story.  

*I'm always amazed with the human spirit when reading memoirs about surviving and thriving through difficult life situations.  

*This is a story I won't soon forget and one that I will continue to recommend to fellow readers.  

Who Should Read It:

*This is the type of story for all readers in high-school, college, and beyond.  Every person will come away from the story wiser, stronger, and in awe of the human spirit.  Happy Reading!  


Rating:  5 STARS out of 5 Stars

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? (7/12/21)

                                    

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 Will (continue to) Read this Week...  

Strong Like the Sea by Wendy S. Swore

*My Middle-Grade Novel

Razorblade Tears by S. A. Cosby

*My Novel Published for Adults

Books I Read this Past Week...

That Weekend by Kara Thomas

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

The Chance to Fly by Ali Stroker 

*Middle-Grade Novel (3 STARS out of 5 Stars)

The Legend of Auntie Po by Shing Yin Khor

*Graphic Novel (4 STARS out of Stars)

J.D. and the Great Barber Battle by J. Dillard

*Middle-Grade Novel (3 STARS out of 5 Stars)

The Chance to Fly by Ali Stroker & Stacy Davidowitz

How I Heard About It:
*The publisher, Amulet, sent me a copy of this book.  I had not heard much about the story so I was curious to read.


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

*Natalie, Nat, doesn't let her wheelchair hold her back.

*She lives life to the fullest with her best friend Chloe and competing on the Zoomers racing team.  

*She is thrown off track when she has to move with her parents.

*One dream she has always had is to perform in a Broadway Show, but isn't sure a girl in a wheelchair will be cast.

*When she is cast in a local production of "Wicked", her life takes several turns in which she never expected.


What I Thought Of It - Five Observations/Reflections:

*I'm a fan of both middle-grade novels and Broadway shows.

*I've seen Wicked several times, so I was excited to read the story about Nat and her experience with the show.

*This was a wonderful, sweet, and touching story.

*There wasn't a lot of "action" or emotional "stuff" that occurred, but was an enjoyable story.  

*Highlighting a young girl striving for her dreams, despite her physical limitations, is definitely needed in all elementary classrooms.


Who Should Read It:

*This middle-grade novel would be ideal for any and all third, fourth, and fifth grade classrooms.  Of course, middle-school readers will also find enjoyment with this story.  If you know of a young reader who loves Broadway, then this is the novel for them.  Happy Reading!


Rating:  3 STARS out of 5 Stars

That Weekend by Kara Thomas

How I Heard About It:
*A friend of mine posted a rave review online of this young-adult novel and commented she could not stop reading until she finished the entire book.  During a book order, I added this title and hit send.  I spent most of this afternoon reading about the mystery that happened during "that weekend".  

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

*Prom weekend should be one of the best weekends in the life of a high-school student. 

*That isn't the case for Claire and her friends.

*After breaking up with her boyfriend right before prom, Claire, Kat and her boyfriend Jesse decide to skip prom and head up to Kat's family woods estate.  

*They enjoy a Friday night together and the next thing Claire knows is it is Sunday and she is alone out on a mountain trail.  She remembers nothing.

*As Claire, her family, and officials try to figure out what happened in those woods, time may be running out for her friends Kat and Jesse.

What I Thought Of It - Five Observations/Reflections:

*This was a great summer read.  A page turner!

*The mystery of what happened to Claire kept me reading and I was surprised on more than one occasion.  

*There were some spots where the story dragged a bit, but then something would happen and capture my attention again.

*I enjoyed how the story was told from a couple points of view which added to the suspense of the full story.

*Overall, an enjoyable read that kept my interest from start to end.  

Who Should Read It:

*This would be the perfect story to read during a summer vacation on a beach, a mountain top, or a busy city.  I think both the young-adult and adult reader would enjoy the mystery of what happened during "that weekend".  Happy Reading!  


Rating:  4 STARS out of 5 Stars

Dead Wednesday by Jerry Spinelli

How I Heard About It:
*Penguin Random House/Knopf Publishers sent me this advanced copy of the next Jerry Spinelli novel.  The title will be released on August 3, 2021.  It had been quite awhile since I had read a Spinelli story so I was looking forward to it.


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

*Eighth grader Worm, has spent his life trying NOT to be seen.

*He has taken a back seat to his best friend Eddie, and he is fine with that.  Or so he thought.

*Each year, the eighth graders experience "Dead Wednesday".  They are assigned the identity of a person who has died during the last year.  Each student becomes "invisible" for the day.

*For most kids, it is a "free" day and they can do what they want because they are "invisible".

*Worm is hoping for that kind of day, but when he is assigned to be Laura Finch, a seventeen year old who died in a car crash; his "Dead Wednesday" becomes something completely different.


What I Thought Of It - Five Observations/Reflections:

*The plot of "Dead Wednesday" was unique and interesting premise.

*As I was reading, I was reminded how every Spinelli story is a bit off the regular route.

*I was intrigued by the premise, but the further I got into the story, the less interested I became.

*For some reason, I wasn't drawn to any of the characters and wasn't able to connect with them.

*There are several important themes and life lessons presented throughout the story and would make for great discussions.


Who Should Read It:

*In my opinion, I think this Spinelli novel would be best suited for readers in grades five and six.  Middle-school readers would probably be the best audience for the adventures of Worm and his Dead Wednesday.  Happy Reading!


Rating:  3 STARS out of 5 Stars

You'd Be Home Now by Kathleen Glasgow

How I Heard About It:
*I received this advanced reading copy in the mail from Random House/Delacorte Press.  The book will be released into the world on September 28, 2021.  I was excited to read because I enjoyed her previous story Girl in Pieces.


What It Is About - FIVE Things You Need to Know:
*Emmy is one of three children in the Ward family.  Her older sister is off to college, but her perfect high-school reputation follows Emmy.  Her brother Joey is known as the kid who overdosed and "killed" a girl. Emmy isn't sure where she fits in.

*While keeping a low profile after the "accident", Emmy isn't sure she is ready to head back to school for her junior year.

*Her brother Joey returns home from rehab, and the family is set on high-alert.  

*Emmy's parent's establish a list of rules for Joey, but the list also has a huge life impact on Emmy.

*Trying to keep Joey safe, a relationship with the neighborhood kid a secret, and being the invisible daughter; just might be too much for Emmy to handle.


What I Thought Of It - Five Observations/Reflections:
*This was a powerful and emotional young-adult story.

*Once I began, I was completely drawn into Emmy's world and all that she faced.

*The premise of Joey's addiction being told from Emmy's point of view was spot on and worked quite well.

*The family dynamics were authentic, raw, and portrayed what many families experience with addiction.  

*Glasgow didn't sugar-coat the experience and my heart hurt on several occasions while reading.


Who Should Read It:
*High-school, college, and adult readers would be ideal for this upcoming young-adult story.  The plot is engaging, the characters are thoughtful, and the emotions are real.  Happy Reading!


Rating:  4 STARS out of 5 Stars

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? (7/5/21)

                                   

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 Will (continue to) Read this Week...  

You'd Be Home Now by Kathleen Glasgow

*My Young-Adult Novel

Books I Read this Past Week...

Dead Wednesday by Jerry Spinelli 

*Middle-Grade Novel (3 STARS out of 5 Stars)

Pony by R.J. Palacio

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