![]() The Last Cuentista has won several awards and received accolades. I wanted to love it, but I just didn't. To be fair, the novel is science fiction, and I am rarely a big fan of science fiction, but it was more than that really. I just did not connect with the characters or the storyline. I did enjoy how the author embedded folklore within the storyline and emphasized the importance of creativity and storytelling. Oftentimes the novel seemed to have a magical realism feel to it despite the overarching dystopian and science fiction elements. The plotline centers on the Earth being destroyed by a comet and only a few hundred people and their families being chosen to travel to a new planet. where the storyline lost me was the ship and the pods they traveled within culminating in them arriving hundreds of years later. It was all too much of a reach for me; however, if you are a science fiction lover, you might enjoy this book. Approximate grade level - 5th-9th - Sensitive readers might be disturbed by the plotline since the Earth is facing destruction and only a few are chosen to live, and the main character's family does not all reach their intended destination.
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![]() I found this book to be an interesting and engaging read; however, it may be difficult for many readers due to the abuse and neglect the protagonist Ada receives at the hands of her mother. There is a particular scene where Ada is locked in a cabinet that is rather graphic. Ada is born with a club foot, and because of her deformity, her mother will not allow her outside of the house and verbally and physically abuses her. Ada, however, strengthens her foot so she can walk and takes her younger brother to live with another during WWII and the bombing in the city. They are taken in by Susan Smith who cares for them and along the way, Ada learns how to ride a horse and find worth in herself. The characters in the book are well-developed, and Ada is inspiring. I have read some controversy surrounding this book due to the homosexual undertones in the book. I will say, as I read, I did not pick up on this at all. Susan, the woman who ends up caring for Ada and her brother, mentions Becky who passed a way, and it can be inferred that the woman lived with her and she loved her deeply. The relationship between them is never specified, however, so the love could be platonic or romantic; it is never specified or explained. Approximate Grade Level: (4th-7th) Read the summary above for possible cautions regarding content. ![]() This book started slowly for me, but in the end, I enjoyed it. The story centers around Cat, a fifth grade girl, who takes on much of the responsibility of caring for her younger brother Chicken. Chicken has difficulty controlling his impulses and can be overwhelmed, and Cat is the one who soothes him. Although it is not ever explicitly stated in the book, the reader can infer that Chicken is likely autistic. I was not a fan of how far removed the mother seemed to be in caring for her children at times; however, I did enjoy the bond between Cat and Chicken. The siblings are sent to spend the summer with the grandparents they have never met, and while visiting, both Cat and Chicken get to grow and have some fun adventures. The characters in this novel are well-developed and the books is a wholesome read that I think most kids would enjoy. Approximate Grade Level - 4th-7th ![]() Takedown by Laura Shovan is one of the novel choices I gave my students this school year. From a teacher perspective it contains some concepts I wanted to highlight - point of view, dynamic characters, figurative language, a male and female protagonist, and different perspectives; plus, it is a good story, Overall I feel like my students enjoyed this read that highlights two wrestlers (Lev and Mikayla) who become training partners and form a strong bond as they learn to stand up for each other and themselves while navigating the often difficult world of becoming a teenager. I also enjoyed that this novel highlights a sport that is not often presented in fiction - wrestling. My students seemed to be interested in learning about the sport and the moves mentioned within the book. They also related to the characters and the difficult decisions they had to make for themselves. As an added bonus, Lev is Jewish while Mikayla is not, so the reader was introduced to some religious and cultural elements of each protagonist. Approximate Grade Level - (5th-7th grade) Although students younger than 5th grade can most certainly read the book, I do not feel they will yet be able to fully relate to the eleven/twelve year-old-protagonists who are on the cusp of becoming teenagers. Be forewarned that there is a lot of "girl power" in this novel, as well as, some religious references (to people in the Bible and Jewish customs). ![]() I try to read YA and children's books from a variety of genres and topics so I have lots of ideas to share with students. When I came across Shelter by Christie Matheson, I knew I had to add it to my to-read list. The book is told from fifth grader, Maya's perspective, who has found herself living in a homeless shelter in San Francisco due to an accident her father is in as well as her mother's lack of employment. The story is well-written and although Maya has much to deal with, she does not become bitter or resentful. She begins to appreciate the house she saw as small before and realizes that even though she has no home, she has her family which is what is most important to her. The author weaves some lessons throughout the story especially with Maya's interaction with "mean girl" Sloane. Empathy and kindness is also woven in to the storyline as well through Maya's interaction with others and the lessons she learns along the way. I enjoyed this book, although I do think it glosses over the extent and severity of homelessness, but I suppose that is because of the book's intended audience. The book would certainly introduce the idea of homelessness to children and allow for a deeper discussion, and I think it would hold the attention of most young readers. Approximate grade level: 4th-6th grade ![]() In this collection of poems, the speaker tells a story of Gabby who struggles to focus in class because of her daydreams. The poems recount difficulties Gabby has with her mother as well as her feelings at the separation of her family. Gabby works hard to leave her daydreaming behind so she can be better accepted by her teachers, classmates, and mother. As the poems progress, the reader gets a glimpse into Gabby's thoughts and emotions. Eventually Gabby lands with a teacher who seems to understand her, and Gabby the dreamer begins to transition into Gabby the writer. The poems within the book are easily accessible by young adults who may connect with Gabby's thoughts and feelings. The poems are free verse in structure and are simple in vocabulary and poetry elements, but the collection as a whole tells a wonderful story about the importance of words and imagination Approximated Grade Level: 3rd-6th ![]() The Maze of Bones is the first book in the 39 Clues series which is a book series written by a collaboration of authors. Rick Riordan is the author of The Maze of Bones. The Maze of Bones sets forth the premise of the series which begins with the death of Grace Cahill and the reading of her will. The reading of her will sets forth a race where the various factions of the Cahills search for 39 Clues that will result in finding information that will lead to a serum to make someone the most powerful person in the world. Each of the books follows Amy and Dan as they travel around the world with their nanny and search for clues. Each book focuses on a historical character that ties into the clue; Ben Franklin is the historical figure investigated in The Maze of Bones. If you can get past the implausibility of the novel (two young orphans traveling the world with their nanny and a host of really wacky family members), you might enjoy this book and book series. The book is fun and the characters are quirky. I think younger students will enjoy the action and mystery within the novel. Approximate Grade Level - 4th-7th (There are some unsavory characters and situations in the book, but they are more comical than scary, so I think it would be appropriate for most audiences.) ![]() In The Rhino in Right Field, readers follow along with Nick as he chases his American dream of being a batboy for the local minor league baseball team. This is a fun story with likeable characters. Nick and his friends practice baseball in an unlikely area, the zoo in Central Park and have some unique run-ins with a rhinoceros named Tank. This book has a good storyline, characters, and overall, is fun to read. Approximate Reading Level - 3rd-7th grade ![]() As I believe I have mentioned before, I am not a huge graphic novel fan, BUT I really enjoyed New Kid by Jerry Craft. It is well-written and the illustrations help tell the story instead of detract from it (which I feel happens with many graphic novels). In New Kid, Craft covers some themes many students will be able to relate to - changing schools and trying to fit in, pressure from parents, racial stereotyping, and just growing up in general. Seventh-grader, Jordan Banks is the the protagonist of the story, and he loves to draw so much so, that he would like to attend art school. His mother, however, wants him to attend Riverdale Academy Day School which is upscale and prestigious. Jordan must adjust to a much larger school, new friends, and friends who come from money, not to mention, he is one of only a few students of color at the campus. Don't let the fun illustrations fool you, this book is deeper than you might think upon first glance. Approximate Reading Level - The reading level would be appropriate for grades 3rd-6th; however, I think the content will be most relatable for students grades 5th - 8th. ![]() Jude, a young Syrian girl, must leave her homeland and travel with her mother an unborn sister to Cincinnati to stay with family due to the turmoil in her hometown in Syria. Jude leaves behind her father and older brother. Other Words for Home tells Jude's story through poignantly written verse. Throughout the verses the reader discovers Jude's struggles with trying to fit in to middle school in America while also trying to hold fast to her family and heritage. Jude worries about her older brother and father back home and encounters racism when their is a terrorist attack on U.S. soil, and she must choose whether to wear her hijab or not when she becomes a woman. The book tells a story that students of varying nationalities and ethnic backgrounds can relate to. Approximate Reading Level - Grades 5th-7th |
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