Belle Teal

Title: Belle Teal

 

Author: Ann M. Martin

 

Summary: Belle Teal, who lives with her grandmother and mother, is very excited to start 5th grade with her best friend, Clarice, and her sort-of friend, Little Boss. But the first day of school brings a lot of controversy with the recent integration of the schools. One of the black boys who comes to Belle Teal's school, Darryl, strikes up a friendship with Bell Teal, which gains her and Darryl a lot of bullying and attention. As Bell Teal gets through the first semester of the school year, she deals with her grandmother's fading memory, the new class bully, and all of the strange ideas that some of the children have about her being friends with Darryl.

 

Comments: I enjoyed this book. It was well written, as nearly ever Ann M. Martin book is (Any author whose name is behind the Babysitters Club, goodness, how could she ever write something I didn't enjoy? :P)

I would recommend it for 10+. It is great as introduction to the integration and civil rights era, and is suitable for younger children because while there are threats of things happening to Darryl and everyone, it is not like in other books of this era where people actually do get seriously hurt or killed.

All of the characters were likeable, even the bully, in the end, was somewhat okay, because of the tough time she had just recently been through.

 

Rating: 5 stars

Kepler's Dream

Title: Kepler's Dream

 

Author: Juliet Bell

 

Summary: 11-year-old Ella is spending the summer with her eccentric grandmother, whom she does not remember ever meeting, while Ella's mother undergoes serious treatment for her cancer. Ella is not looking forward to the summer; her grandmother is very strict, and the one person there Ella's age, does not even seem to be nice.

But her grandmother's favorite, most special book, goes missing, Kepler's Dream of the Moon, and Ella is determined to find it. Ella and the farmhand's daughter, Rosie, try to uncover just where the precious book is.

 

Comments: I enjoyed this book. The cover really drew me into the pages and the interesting, picturesque setting. I love the setting - it created the book and made it that much better for me. Ella is likeable, I suppose. I found her to be a little bratty about not having "wifi" and not being able to play on her phone or watch television. I could not relate, as I would love to spend just a day in a spot as interesting as where Ella spent her summer. However, her mother was undergoing a serious treatment and Ella's bratty behavior most likely came about from all the stress and worry she had built up inside of her.

The mystery was a good mystery, and well developed. I sort of guessed the result in the end, but that didn't really make a difference - the book was still good.

There wasn't really so much "iffy" content here, so I would probably rate this about a 10+.

 

Rating: 5 stars

Kizzy Ann Stamps

Title: Kizzy Ann Stamps

 

Author: Jeri Watts

 

Summary: Kizzy Ann is a smart and courageous girl growing up in 1963. Kizzy Ann's life is changed when she finds out that the schools in her town will now be integrated rather than segregated. Kizzy Ann is worried about going to the "white school" - she is not white and she has a long scar down her face that makes her fear what the other children at the new school will think of her.

Starting the new school is somewhat easy, however she does get trouble from a lot of the "white kids." Her brother is having a very hard time at his new high school and Kizzy Ann worries that the experience is changing him.

As she starts the new school, she finds a friend in an older man who helps Kizzy Ann train her dog, a border collie, Shag, so that they compete together in dog trials. However, it doesn't seem easy at first - Kizzy Ann isn't so sure that they will let her enter because of the color of her skin.

 

 

Comments: I loved this book! I wasn't really sure about reading it at first, but I am SO glad that I did. Kizzy Ann is so likeable and Shag is too. The book is told through letters to Kizzy Ann's new teacher at her new integrated school (the teacher is very nice). The whole book wrapped up nicely in the end - but not too nice to be unbelievable.

This book did deal with the integrated/segregated problem going on back in those days, so I'd say that the reader would have to already have a clear understanding of that before reading the book, because it does not really go into the background details of segregated/integrated like The Lions of Little Rock does. There is also some content that is more suitable for 10+.

 

Complaint: NONE!

 

Rating: 5 stars and beyond....

Glory Be

Title: Glory Be

Author: Augusta Scattergood

Summary: Gloriana "Glory" is a girl about to turn 12 in Mississippi during the 1960s' while her town was still segregated between black and white. It is a summer of change for Glory. The pool, the place where Glory was to hold her birthday party, closes down for the summer, she meets a new friend; a "Yankee" girl, Laura, her sister Jesslyn becomes more mysterious and grows apart from Glory, and with their families' different opinions on segregation, things become different between Glory and her friend.

Comments: I really enjoyed this book. It seems like there are a lot of books that deal with this era, and I believe this is one of the better ones, and probably one of the better selections for a younger reader (10-11 range). My personal favorite book that deals with this time is The Lions of Little Rock, but that is probably a better choice for the older reader.

 

Complaints: None.

 

Rating: 5 stars!

Flying the Dragon

Title: Flying the Dragon

 

Author: Natalie Dias Lorenzi

 

Summary: Sorano "Skye" is a Japanese-American girl growing up in Virginia who is focused on one thing; to make the All Star Soccer Team for the summer.

Hiroshi is a Japanese boy living in Japan with his parents and grandfather; a skilled kite maker.

However, Hiroshi's grandfather is not well; he has cancer. Hiroshi's family must come to the US if grandfather wants any chances of treatment to get well again.

In US, Hiroshi and his family move nearby his cousin; Skye. Soon, Hiroshi has to share Grandfather with Skye since he is also her grandfather as well. Hiroshi knows no English and Skye is enlisted to help him in English if he can help her learn Japanese. The two do not get along well at all at first. However, after a family tragedy, the two come together for a kite contest to honor their grandfather.

 

Comments: I enjoyed this book. Every other chapter was Skye's POV and every other was Hiroshi's view. It was an interesting story; but just because it was a bit sad (the grandfather does die), I would recommend a 10+ age rating for this book. As well as the tragedy in the book, there are also some minor inapropriate words as well, such as "sucks". However, not all families consider that a bad word (mine does). I wouldn't let that stop anyone from reading the book though.

 

Complaints: None.

 

Rating: 4 stars

 

 

The 2nd Life of Abigail Walker

Title: The Second Life of Abigail Walker

 

Author: Frances O'Roark Dowell

 

Summary: Abby Walker is a nice girl and a great friend, though not many notice this because of the two girls she has grouped up with; two mean girls who pretend to be her friend but tease her about her weight when adults aren't around. Abby really isn't overweight, she just is a bit chubbier than the others. Everyone acts meanly towards her because of this; even her own parents.

Abby feels alone, until one day when she meets a boy in the woods who takes her to his home where his grandmother and recovering father who just returned from the service. Abby then sets into helping the boy's father finish his research on Lewis and Clark. Soon she is spending more time with them and trying to ignore her life of parents pushing her to diet and mean "friends" teasing her. This second life just might be the thing for Abby to gain confidence and be happy.

 

Comments: I liked this book. It was kind of sad; the way her mother just wanted everyone to be happy; yet she couldn't see that Abby's "friends" were just out to be mean to her. I felt bad for Abby, and I was so glad when she found Anders and his family. It was nice to see how meeting them helped her throughout the book.

I recommend this book for 10+ just because of the age of the characters and the teasing about Abby's weight.

 

Complaints: The book was nice; but I felt like there wasn't much closure at the end; because her parents still weren't exactly nice to her.

 

Rating: 4 stars   

Summer of the Gypsy Moths

Title: Summer of the Gypsy Moths

 

Author: Sara Pennypacker

 

Summary: Stella is staying with her great-aunt Louise and her great-aunt's foster child, Angel. One day, Louise dies suddenly and Stella and Angel are left alone. Stella's mother has some problems and is gallivanting around the country for work and Angel is an orphan. Neither girl wants to go back into the foster care system, so they hide the fact that Louise died, until one day they wonder if they can really hid it anymore.

 

Comments: This book was even better than I expected. I liked the details of the struggles both girls went through, and I enjoyed the descriptions of the setting. Both girls seemed like how real girls would react in that sort of situation.

The situation itself, and how long they hid it, just seemed a bit unrealistic. I couldn't imagine having two girls living alone right under my nose and not figuring out that something was suspicious.. I thought that the concept may not have been the right book to place both these characters in, but with the unrealistic situation put aside, I really enjoyed it and I felt close to both characters.

I would recommend this book for kids 10+.

 

Complaints: None.

 

Rating: 5 stars

The Whole Story of Half a Girl

Title: The Whole Story of Half a Girl

 

Author: Veera Hiranandani

 

Summary: Sonia's whole world changes when her father loses her job and falls into a state of depression. Due to lack of money, Sonia is forced to go to her local public school instead of the private school she has grown up with her whole life. Sonia doesn't mind her new school, and she meets a few friends; Alisha, a more middle-class girl who isn't really in the "in" crowd and Kate, the "in" crowd leader who is captain of the cheerleading team and extremely popular.

But Kate might not be who she seems. With a wild party and a few other instances, Sonia finds out who her true friends are.

 

Comments: I enjoyed this book. Sonia and her family and all the characters were well-developed and I felt, had a lot of background. I felt like there was a bit less stereotyping with the new girl (Sonia) buddying up with the popular girl right away. I liked that.

However, this book is probably inappropriate for anyone under age 12 - maybe even 14(my ratings are always conservative, by the way). There are inappropriate details of a wild party that Sonia goes to with her friends and they play "spin the bottle" and "2 minutes in the closet." Honestly, I don't think any conservative parent would want their kid to read that (my parents wouldn't want me to either, but we did not realize that the book was going to be like this). Not only was this part of the book inappropriate, but I also found it unrealistic for 6th grade! I mean, I don't think it is appropriate for ANY age, but at least make her in 8th grade if there are going to be scenes like that in the book.

Also, there were a lot of race and religion conflicts and questions, which could be a bit touchy for young readers, yet for older readers experiencing these same questions and conflicts, it could hit close to home.

The book dealt with a lot and it wasn't that long of a book either. However, I think the author handled everything well; except for the inappropriate parts. Ugh.

 

Rating: 3 stars (I didn't enjoy hearing about their wild party antics - sorry, I'm just NOT interested at all - plus, the mom barely did anything about it, which I found unrealistic and unsettling. My mom and dad would be ALL OVER that and VERY upset.)

 

 

The Mighty Miss Malone

Title: The Mighty Miss Malone

Author: Christopher Paul Curtis

Summary: Deza Malone is growing up in the 30s, right in the Depression. She is having a great life, with her brother Jimmy, her mother, and her father who she absolutely adores. She loves her teacher and her friend Clarice, and enjoys writing greatly.

One day, after her father is lost in a boating accident, things take a turn for the worst. Shortly after, he is found, alive, but things aren't the same. He is beaten down badly and the finances and money for the house is failing. He leaves to go find work, against the family's wishes, and Deza and her brother and mother are left alone to fend for themselves. They are eventually evicted and forced to travel around with no permanent home. Then, Jimmy is recognized for his amazing singing voice and is whisked off, leaving just Deza and her mother.

Things are turned upside down for about two years (the book covers these years) of Deza's life until finally, things seem like they may be able to get back to normal.

Comments: I liked this book. Deza is a great girl with a knack for writing essays for school and for figuring things out. She is very, very smart and I couldn't help but love her and her family. The book was sad continuously as any book about such a sad thing could be. There were a few graphic sequences describing the boating accident with her father, and a few horrors of what Deza is going through.

It isn't enough to scare anyone away from the book though, and honestly, with some of the crazy gruesome books out there (Hunger Games, etc.), this is really nothing when it comes to scary. It is a bit sad, but still an amazing book and I'd recommend it for 10+.

While the book was sad, it wouldn't have been as amazing or worked out any other way.

Complaints: None!
Rating: 5 stars

Rebel McKenzie

Title: Rebel McKenzie

Author: Candice Ransom

Summary: Rebel McKenzie started out excited for summer break, but her plans ended in disaster when she didn't have enough money to go to her Ice Age Kids Safari Dig summer camp. After a failed attempt at running away, her mom thinks that it would do her good to go help out her sister and nephew at their home (a trailer) for the summer.

So, Rebel is whisked off to be with her sister who is consumed with her cosmetology school tests and lessons, so Rebel and her nephew Rudy are left alone for most of the day. The park and surrounding areas are full of interesting people; Bambi, the beauty pageant queen (a young girl), Lacey Jane, the bully, and many other interesting people. When Rudy and Rebel come into a confrontation with Lacey Jane, the two girls slowly become friends of sorts.

The girls find out about a beauty pageant with cash prizes and Rebel wants to enter, and Lacey Jane agrees too. With a little help, they prepare for the pageant, practicing how to walk, the answers to pageant questions, and their impressive talent that will stun the judges.

Things aren't always easy for Rebel, and the summer started out bad, but things begin to look up.

 

 

 

Comments: I enjoyed this book very much. I think that Rebel is a great character and is extremely relatable in her thoughts and actions. She is a funny, regular 12 year old girl and nothing is hidden from you - it is pure Rebel McKenzie on every page. I would really love to meet her and I found myself sad when the book ended. This book is great for kids (girls) around 9-13 just because they may be the target age group to relate to everything more, but as far as I could tell, there really isn't anything "iffy" about the book. On an unimportant side note, I must say that Rebel's name is very interesting and nowhere was it indicated as a nickname. She is a cool girl that anyone would love to read about! It would be fun if they did a sequel or maybe made a trilogy! Rebel is a great character and I'd love to see her in a school setting and maybe even a summer camp setting like she wanted.

Complaints: None!

Rating: 5 stars!

(Remember, while this book is suitable for all ages, it will be best enjoyed by those 9-13 around Rebel's age.

  



The Lions of Little Rock

Title: The Lions of Little Rock

Author: Kristin Levine

Summary: Marlee, 12 years old, is just about to start middle school. Meanwhile, her sister's school isn't even open because of all the segregation things going on. She's painfully shy and then she meets Liz, a girl who is nearly the opposite of her in shyness. Liz helps her open up to the world and talk more. They become friends, but then, one day, Liz doesn't show up at school, and Marlee later finds out why. Liz is black, but she is trying to pass for white, and the school kicked her out. They continue to meet each other though; sometimes in the woods, sometimes by the lions at the Little Rock Zoo. One day, the parents find out and bad things start happening, putting Liz's family and Marlee's family in danger. Marlee goes on some daring adventures to help save them, and Liz and Marlee, even though they do not talk much anymore because it would put them in more danger, both hope that everything will turn out alright.

Comments: I loved, loved, loved this book! It was so sad and so eye-opening about what went on during that time. Marlee and Liz are both likeable characters and this book is great historic fiction. I would probably recommend it to 10+ though, just because younger children may not understand this part of history and it may be confusing for them or maybe even a bit hard to read.

Complaints: None. I think that this book is amazing and every girl should read it!

Rating: 5 stars!

 

Almost Home

Title: Almost Home

Author: Joan Bauer

Summary: Sugar Mae Cole is a 6th grader living a somewhat normal life at first, with her mother in their rented home. Her grandfather has died (before the book) and after a while of not being able to pay their rent (mainly because her "dad" who she calls Mr. Leeland, took some money - he is a drunk and is addicted to gambling). Soon they are found being evicted and wind up in a homeless shelter far from Sugar's school and favorite teacher. Then, they move to Chicago where they think that her mother, Reba, can land a job. However, she cannot, and Reba then has a nervous break down and is put in a mental facility for a while, forcing Sugar to go into foster care. Sugar doesn't mind foster care, and actually begins to enjoy having two "parents" and she makes friends with a nice girl, Joonie, and a boy, Dante and also becomes the official neighborhood dog walker. Things are going well into Mr. Leeland shows up, promising all sorts of different things to her mother and her. Sugar doesn't believe them for a second, but her mom seems to. Then, Mr. Leeland disappears again, and her mother lands a job at a bakery, just as Mr. Leeland is coming back. Sugar hopes her mother won't fall for all of his false promises.

Comments: I really enjoyed this book. It shows you what to be grateful for and also lets you know that one day you may be homeless, one of those "other people." Throughout the book are Sugar's poems and writings and thoughts, and the book is sad, happy, and exciting to read. I would recommend this to anyone. The scenes with Mr. Leeland aren't graphically violent and there isn't any scary parts to this book, really. It is just an interesting read for any great day!

Complaints: In the book, I never did find out whether Sugar was still in touch with Meesha and her other friends. We only found out that she still emailed her teacher. I would've liked to have known what had happened to them.

Rating: 5 stars!!!

May B.: A Novel

Title: May B: A Novel

Author: Caroline Starr Rose

Summary: May B., age 11, is sent away from home to help a couple who has just moved out to their farm. She doesn't want to go, but she does, leaving her siblings and parents. They keep reminding her that she will be picked up at Christmas - no sooner and no later. However, the people she stays with are not who she thinks, and the wife is mean and cruel and the husband is too busy trying to show his wife how good life in the country can be. One day, soon after May comes to stay with them, the wife runs away secretly and the husband runs off after her, leaving May all alone. May struggles through keeping herself alive throughout the winter and the hardships of living alone on the prairie are showcased greatly. As a side story, May has trouble reading, and continues to teach herself how to read from her reading book throughout her survival months in the "soddy."

Comments: I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It was a darker Little House on the Prairie in a way. It is written in a poetic form, but do not let this scare you away if you do not enjoy poetry! The book is well written and it is very descriptive and tastefully written. There is nothing questionable for readers in this book and this is a novel that can be enjoyed by all ages.

Rating: 5 stars!

 

One for the Murphys

Title: One for the Murphys

Author: Lynda Mullaly Hunt

Summary: Carly Connors has been separated from her mom who is recovering in the hospital and is sent to live with a foster family; the Murphys. It turns out that her mother wasn't a good parent and her mother's boyfriend was extremely abusive. Carly comes to the Murphys' home mad and angry at the world, but slowy becomes the person she never thought she'd be and gets the life she never dreamed of having. She has friends, goes to school, has brothers (or not real brothers; just the Murphy boys), and finally gets a loving mother and father. However, at the end, she gets surprising news from her mother, creating a dramatic and sad ending.

 

Comments: I LOVED this book! It was really powerful and conveyed a wide range of emotions beautifully. I was crying at the end (or almost), because it was just so sad and emotional. I wouldn't recommend this to children under 10, just because it is sort of sad, it deals with a flashback to her mother and boyfriend abusing her and all that, so it is a bit scary and of course, sad. It's a great book though, and besides being emotional, it is appropriate.

  This book is the perfect book for a day that one just wants to read a dramatic, sad and happy well written novel!

 

Rating: 5 stars!