Tru & Nelle

Title: Tru & Nelle

 

Author: G. Neri

 

Summary: 6-year-old Nelle and 7-year-old Truman are living next to each other in Monroeville, Alabama. Nelle lives with her 2 older sisters, her father, and she also has a mother, who has some mental problems and is away getting treatment. Truman is living with his aunts and uncle, along with occasional, infrequent visits from his real, unreliable parents.

The two enjoy playing together, along with Big Boy (Jennings Carter, I think), and the two, who enjoy writing and telling stories and solving mysteries, create their own detective agency, with Truman acting as Sherlock Holmes, Nelle as Dr. Watson, and Big Boy as the Inspector.

With the case of a drugstore break-in, the three get on the case and go out on an adventure they will never forget.

 

Comments: I really, really enjoyed this book! Nelle Harper Lee is my favorite author (I have read both of her books) and it was interesting to learn about Truman Capote, though I have not read any of his literature works yet. Now I want to, though! :)

The story felt very real, and I really did feel as though I was taken into their lives, even if some of the scenarios in the book and some of the storylines were fictional. It was very similar to Scout, Jem, and Dill, when the three main characters (Big Boy, Nelle, and Truman) got together in the book, which is what I really hoped for.

I think that the book could probably be suitable for all readers, and even for younger children who have not yet read the writings of these two authors, the book would be interesting and a clean, fun, small-town mystery. There are a few scenes with the KKK, which could be scary or inappropriate for very young readers, so maybe 8+ could be suitable too. In the scenes with the Klan, no one gets physically hurt, and nothing really happens, and it should not change anyone's opinion on the book either.

It was a wonderful story and I enjoyed reading it very, very much. 

 

Rating: 5 stars!!!!

The Children of the King

Title: The Children of the King

 

Author: Sonya Hartnett

 

Summary: Cecily and Jeremy are two young siblings growing up during WWII. As the war breaks out and becomes harsher, Cecily, Jeremy, and their mother are sent off to Uncle Peregrine's house in the English countryside. Along with an English refugee girl they adopt, May, the family travels there and begins to live in the mansion. Cecily and May do not get along well, but both girls make a haunting discovery in the woods behind the castle, and the story that Uncle Peregrine is telling them each night, may just be a clue as to what the discovery really is.

Comments: This was book was so beautiful. When I heard that it had won the Astrid Lindgren award, I could not pass up the chance to read it, because Pippi Longstocking is one of my favorite stories. The cover really drew me in as well. Covers have the ability to do that, don't they?
The book itself was nicely written, but I found it a bit hard to finish at the end, because I had guessed the little mystery of the discovered castle about halfway through the story, so there wasn't really anything left to spark my interest, except for the characters sorting out the mystery themselves.
It would be suitable for any readers really, I think. In fact, my sisters enjoyed it as a bedtime story. It is a great read-aloud, in my opinion.
Honestly, none of the characters are very likeable. Cecily is whiny and annoying and quite harsh with May and others around her. Jeremy tries to act older than he is, and instead of coming off as mature, he comes off as even more immature than at the beginning of the book. May does have an excuse to be upset, but I found her to be a little harsh and too quiet. However, May is hands-down the most likeable of the children, if you ask me.
The book is definitely worth a read, and there are even some interesting tales and history woven through the pages, which is always a bonus.

Rating: 4 stars

Pictures of Hollis Woods

Title: Pictures of Hollis Woods

 

Author: Patricia Reilly Giff

 

Summary: 12-year-old Hollis Woods is a troubled orphan who is staying with Josie, a nice woman, after Hollis ran away from a foster family that loved her so much that they planned to adopt her. Hollis is tough and she finds a good home with Josie, who is an artist. But as Josie's memory fails, Hollis is expected to be sent away to another foster family, because Josie is deemed unfit to care for Hollis anymore. So Hollis and Josie run off. But at their destination, they run into the people that Hollis may just need the most.

 

Comments: Ms. Giff is one of my favorite historical fiction authors, and this book, though more on the modern side, gave off such a classic air. It was short, as most of her books tend to be, yet it was just enough to get to know Hollis and travel alongside her on her unique journey. One for the Murphys remains my favorite "foster care" book, but this book comes in as a pretty close second.

It wrapped up a bit too nicely in the end, which I couldn't help but be a bit disappointed that it ended so perfectly. However, Hollis had a hard life, so I have no doubt that she really needed this happy ending and I am glad that she received it in the end.

I would recommend it for 8/10+ because nothing inappropriate really happens and there are some good role models in this book.

 

Rating: 5 stars

R My Name is Rachel

Title: R My Name is Rachel

 

Author: Patricia Reilly Giff

 

Summary: Rachel is growing up in the Depresson/1936 with her two younger siblings (Joey & Cassie) and father (her mother died when she was only two). Rachel has enjoyed a somewhat carefree life in the city - writing, reading, and enjoying the company of her best friend; a lady, Miss Mitzi, who owns a flower shop in the town.

One day, as the Depression gets worse and worse, Rachel and her family are forced to leave and use the rest of their money to buy a farm in the country - far away from everything Rachel has always known. When Rachel's father is forced to go far away from the farm for a job, Rachel and her two younger siblings must help each other survive for the months he is gone.

 

Comments: Patricia Reilly Giff is just a really talented, accomplished author in general; I love her works of historic fiction. The last book of hers that I read, Winter Sky, was definitely not a favorite of mine, but I think this one may be my favorite! Rachel is a great main character, and she is very relatable. She enjoys reading and writing; and some of her favorite books are my favorites too (I love classics)!
The book really showed the hardships of the Depression in a way that isn't too harsh for young readers and it isn't too light for older readers either. 
This book wasn't very long, but there was a lot of description and a clear story. The characters, especially Cassie, aren't perfect, and I like that - all the characters are realistic.
I think that this story could be suitable for all ages - though it would be best enjoyed by those of an old enough age to know about the Depression.

Complaints: None.

Rating: 5 stars
 

 

Words with Wings

Title: Words with Wings

 

Author: Nikki Grimes

 

Summary: Gabby's life has been hard lately; her parents have divorced and now she is living with her mother. She has never been as close to her mother as her father; who understands her. Gabby's life, though, now seems taken over by daydreams; lots of daydreams. Now, they are starting to affect her schoolwork and life. However, Gabby's special teacher may just find a way to help her turn those daydreams into writing.

 

Comments: I really liked this book. It won an award, and I can certainly see why. The book is very short and told through verses/poems. The story is laid out clearly and the reader will receive all the information he needs to know to follow the book; however, the reader won't find much more than the necessary information. It isn't a very detailed book; it is very to-the-point and short, which makes it a refreshing read that isn't complicated and requires a little less thinking and brain-power to understand. The main character, Gabby can probably speak to anyone who has been through or is going through a hard time; whatever it  may be.
Nikki Grimes is an amazing author; her work on the book The Road to Paris, well, it was just amazing. I really enjoyed that book (the review for that book is on here too - to access it quickly, just click on the tag Author:Nikki Grimes tag at the bottom of this post!) In fact, I think that The Road to Paris is even better than this book! I just love that book! (Okay, I know, this is supposed to be a review for Words with Wings)
Read anything written by her - there is a reason her books have been awarded.

This book is a nice quick read that is suitable for all ages.

 

Complaints: None. I would complain about it being too short, but I thought that it was tastefully done.

 

Rating: 5 stars

White Fur Flying

Title: White Fur Flying

 

Author: Patricia MacLachlan

 

Summary: Zoey and her family (sister, mom, & dad) are a foster family for Great Pyrenees dogs. They take in any Great Pyrenees in need and they train them and give them love until they are adopted by their forever family.

One day, new people move into the house across from Zoey. The boy, Phillip, is strange - he has just stopped talking. Everyone is worried. He doesn't talk anymore - he doesn't even make an effort.

Maybe, the Great Pyrenees and Zoey's family will be the key to Phillip talking again.  

 

Comments: This book was a book that I could really relate to, because my family, like Zoey's family, also fosters dogs. It is rare for me to read a book that mentions fostering dogs. Usually, adoption of dogs is the only topic covered in most books. I think that this book will raise awareness for the importance of fostering dogs. Adoption isn't the only option!

The book is suitable for all ages and I like that because books that can be enjoyed by all readers are becoming few and far between it seems. Phillip does go missing for a time (only a few hours) and there is just enough drama to not make it overly dramatic and just enough suspense to not make younger readers overly worried about Phillip. This book is exciting and fun to read and can be enjoyed by all!

The book was a little quick for my taste, but it is definitely a good choice for a read-aloud book or sibling story time or something. I know that I enjoyed reading this book with my sisters!

 

Complaints: None.

 

Rating: 5 stars!

 

 

What the Moon Said

Title: What the Moon Said

 

Author: Gayle Rosengren

 

Summary: Esther is a nine/ten year old girl living in the big city with her family during a tough time; The Great Depression. Her family is struck by the hard time and they move to a farm; leaving Esther's beloved city life behind, but taking her mother's superstitious ways with them. Esther grows to love life on the farm, with her new school and best friend Bethany. However, Esther longs for her mother to tell her that she loves her or to hug her; like her friends' mothers all do. Instead, Esther's mother is less open with her affection towards her than towards her siblings; causing Esther to believe she doesn't love her at all. However, when Esther suffers a life threatening incident and their farm crops begin to fail, Esther realizes that maybe her mother really does love her after all.

 

Comments: I loved this book! Historical fiction is my favorite, and this story from The Great Depression did not disappoint. The book was beautifully written and any reader can relate to Esther in some way; she is a very original and loveable character. This book is fine for a reader ages 8+ (as long as you are okay with the mother's superstitious ways, which nearly take Esther's friend away form her). I think this book could be a new favorite! I loved the end; with Esther's realization of her mother's true love for her, and realizing that love is more of an action than a word.

 

Complaints: None.

 

Rating: 5 stars!

Another Day as Emily

Title: Another Day as Emily

Author: Eileen Spinelli

Summary: Suzy is an 11 year old girl whose brother has just been pronounced the neighborhood "Hero" for calling 911 for a neighbor. Suzy is feeling left out as her friend makes the cut for an audition for a play, her birthday gets ruined, and her brother gets more attention than ever.

Suzy finds excitement in Emily Dickinson and her poems, and decides that she is going to become reclusive just like Emily. She tries it out and succeeds for a while, but soon realizes that maybe it isn't the best idea after all.
Comments: I loved this book. It was refreshing to see a girl who wasn't afraid to be herself and who stood up for herself and marched to the beat of her own drum. I loved her interest in the Phillies (I have Phillies Fanatics cousins! XD, I'm an Oriole, personally!). I also enjoyed her interest in poems and in wondering how it would be to live as Emily Dickinson or any other famous person. Suzy was and is a likeable character, and the book could apply to anyone and be read by anyone too. Whether a bedtime story book or a 12 year old looking for a somewhat short and relaxing read, this book really steals the spotlight, with its discussion on different topics that hit home for most families (& mine too!); sibling rivalry, friendship troubles, not getting your way, and a love for history. Good for every reader everywhere!

Rating: 5 stars!
Complaints: None!

Tuck Everlasting

Title: Tuck Everlasting 

Author: Natalie Babbitt

Summary: In the 1880s, one August, Winnie Foster, a young girl, stumbles upon the Tuck family - a family that once drank from a spring in the woods and all of them will live forever. Winnie comes to be good friends with them; especially one of the Tuck boys in particular, who gives her water to drink for later when she is older and then they can live forever together. However, in the end, Winnie makes a choice that is surprising to the reader; a decision that you would most likely least expect. 

Comments: I LOVED this book. It was a short read, but a deep read too. It was written beautifully and everything was described in such detail. I even began to imagine myself as Winnie; I really got into the story. The ending was so surprising and the afterwards or whatever after the book where they come back to Treegap years later, was so sad that I got tears in my eyes. This book is such a powerful one and I recommend it to all ages. There are bits of romance in it between Winnie, but because she is so young and he is so good, it is totally light and extremely innocent, so there is nothing "iffy" in this book. READ!

Complaints: None! 

Rating: 5 stars! 

All 4 Stars

Title: All 4 Stars

Author: Tara Dairman

Summary: Gladys Gatsby is a prodigy of a cook with a very sophisticated taste. However, she has to cook in secret and never gets to eat the delicious, gourmet foods she craves; all because her parents are fast-food overs and don't believe that anything can be cooked without a microwave.

Gladys secret cooking ends after she sets half the kitchen on fire and her parents are anything but understanding of her amazing talents and desire.

However, Gladys gets a chance to write about her future and to have it published in the newspaper, and Gladys writes about how she wants to be a food critic. The paper does not win, but Gladys is given the chance to be a critic for the newspaper's column. Gladys cannot tell her parents that she has been invited to be a critic for a restaurant, so she takes matters into her own hands so that she can reach her dreams, but she is having trouble finding a way.

Comments: I loved this book. There is a lot more to it than I put in the summary, because she meets friends and in the end, she does find a way to reach her dreams and continue on.

This book is just so interesting that I couldn't put it down. It was interesting to kind of see the tables turned (usually, in the stereotypical family, the adults would be like Gladys and the kids would be obsessed with fast food).

This book is totally appropriate and can be enjoyed by everyone!

Complaints: None.

Rating: 5 stars (well, in following with the book, would it be appropriate to say that it got ALL 4 STARS?! XD)

The Junction of Sunshine and Lucky

Title: The Junction of Sunshine and Lucky

Author: Holly Schindler

Summary: Auggie Jones lives with her Grandpa Gus, a trash hauler, in an interesting poorer neighborhood. On the first day of school, Auggie loses her best friend, Lexie, to Victoria Cole, the rich girl at their new school. Lexie becomes mean towards Auggie, and Auggie is left the only other 2 friends that she has; Harold (called "Weird Harold") and Irma Jean.

Victoria's father starts a "House Beautification" project for Auggie's neighborhood which is supposedly in violation of certain codes and "run-down". Auggie and her neighbors do not agree with taking the character out of their houses and Auggie begins to make sculptures out of the junk that Grandpa Gus picks up. The sculptures are of kids and adults doing various activities and some are even run by old motors. They look very artsy and creative, but the House Beautification team doesn't think so.

When all the neighbors and Auggie begin to rack up fines for their creative additions, Auggie sets out to get her best friend Lexie back and to show that her neighborhood is creative and beautiful. However, to do this, she thinks she will have to reach out to her mom, until she learns a tragic secret.

 

Comments: I loved this book. It was such a fun and uplifting read and I felt myself rooting for Auggie the whole time, and Victoria was just such an unlikeable little brat!XD

It wrapped together so nicely at the end and I think that it was wonderful.

The book is appropriate for all ages and many will be able to relate to many aspects of it (such as losing a friend to another girl). This book can be enjoyed by all readers and I suggest that everyone read it!

Complaints: I think it would've been nice to go into more detail with Victoria and why she was like that and to maybe have more confrontation between Lexie and Auggie, but otherwise, the book was perfect!

Rating: 5 stars!

 

Dash

Title: Dash

Author: Kirby Larson

Summary: Mitsi is living with her grandmother and her parents and brother Ted, and most importantly, her beloved dog Dash. When Mitsi and her family are forced to leave for a Japanese camp during World War II, Misti learns that she cannot bring Dash with her.

Life at the camp is very boring and sometimes very hard. After some time, Mitsi meets friends and begins to feel a little bit at home, and finds comfort in sending letters to "Dash" (really it is writing to the lady, Mrs. Bowker, that Dash is staying with).

Mitsi fears that she will never be reunited with Dash again, but towards the end of the book, she finds that there might just be some hope.

Comments: I LOVED this book so much. Mitsi is so likeable and personal with you, the way a friend would be, and being a lover of dogs, I enjoyed a character that found love in dogs just the way I do.

This book is great for learning some history and enjoying a book at the same time and seems completely appropriate for everyone, and would be especially good if you were to happen to be learning about this era during social studies/history!

Complaints: NONE! I want a sequel to find out how long she stayed at the camp and everything else!

Ratings: 5 stars!

 

Every Day After

Title: Every Day After

Author: Laura Golden

Summary; Elizabeth "Lizzie" Hawkins is living with her mother in the Depression. Her father left home a few months ago and Lizzie is trying to fend for herself while taking care of her mother who has gone into such a depressed state upon the leaving of Lizzie's father, that she no longer speaks and can barely take care of herself without the help of her daughter.

On top of all of this, Lizzie is dealing with constant bullying from the new school bully, Erin Sawyer who also seems to be "stealing" here friend Ben who is nice to everybody.

Lizzie is determined to win and make Erin lose and to keep the fact that her mother is nearly non-functional a secret.

However, when the secret about her mother gets out, Lizzie knows it is up to her to figure out a plan to keep them together and to keep Erin from getting what she wants.

Comments: On the first few pages of the book, I wasn't completely sold, but when I really read further, I couldn't believe that it took me this long to find the book! It was amazing. Lizzie was so real and so was Ben and Erin was a little over-the-top, but then we all find out, in the end, why she is like that. Everything is so real, from the people to the struggles and challenges they go through. Lizzie is so likeable and it is so easy to hate Erin that you can really find yourself cheering on Lizzie and hoping and turning the next page to see if Erin gets taken down. It was such a fun read and I'm glad that I found it. This book has no inappropriate content and can be enjoyed by many ages of readers*!

Complaints: None! The way everything shaped together at the end was beautiful.

Rating: 5 stars!

*While I have rated this suitable for all readers of all ages, I believe that due to some more "mature" themes, it would probably be best enjoyed by those around 10.