Book review - Ten Thousand Tries

 

Title: Ten Thousand Tries

Author: Amy Makechnie

Genre: realistic fiction

Similar books: The Crossover by Kwame Alexander

                     The Distance to Home by Jenn Bishop

Rating:

 

some interesting elements

Summary (provided by publisher):Twelve-year-old Golden Maroni is determined to channel his hero, soccer superstar Lionel Messi, and become captain of his soccer team and master of his eighth grade universe…especially since his home universe is spiraling out of orbit. Off the field, Golden’s dad, once a pro soccer player himself, is now battling ALS, a disease that attacks his muscles, leaving him less and less physically able to control his body every day. And while Mom says there’s no cure, Golden is convinced that his dad can beat this, just like any opponent, they just have to try.
Golden knows that if you want to perfect a skill you have to put ten thousand tries in, so he’s convinced if he can put that much effort in, on and off the field, he can stop everything from changing. But when his dad continues to decline and his constant pushing starts to alienate his friends and team, Golden is forced to confront the idea that being master of your universe might not mean being in control of everything. What if it means letting go of the things you can’t control so you can do the most good for the things you can?

My opinion: It becomes pretty clear, early on, where this plot is headed. ALS is a terminal disease, so all it takes is a little knowledge to understand the degree of willful ignorance that Golden is engaging in. His determination to believe that he can fix his dad is a bit uncomfortable to read at times and if that were the primary focus I'm not sure I could have made it through this one. At the same time he's plotting cures, though, he's also learning what it means to be a leader and gradually accepting the changes in his family's life that come with his father's decline. There is a solid balance between the sports elements and the family trauma. A tough read but has some heart.

More information: Ten Thousand Tries releases August 1

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Listen with me

 

Tokyo Ever After by Emiko Jean

I'd hoped that this would be a more realistic approach to the plot from The Princess Diaries. I was not disappointed. Izumi finds out her dad is royalty and has to figure out how to fit into his world. As an American who grew up middle class in a small town, her life experience doesn't prepare her for the expectations and pressures of palace life. But it's more than just that standard fish out of water story. It's a tale of a girl between cultures. In the US she is visually different. Japan she stands out in habits and personality. She's also used to a more liberal life and the culture she encounters in Japan is fairly traditional. While the plot is fairly predictable the characters are pleasant and dynamic. A fun listen well worth your time.

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Non-fiction book review - Mimic Makers

 

Mimic Makers by Kristen Nordstrom

This book crosses over two solid points of interest for young readers: animals and inventors. It's a very cool cross section because we can learn a lot about engineering from nature. Some of the inspirations are obvious. Others took a lot more creativity to discover and apply. This is quite a short book but all of the examples it provides are quite fascinating. 

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Book review - Down to Earth

 

Title: Down to Earth

Author: Betty Culley

Genre: realistic fiction

Similar books: Quintessence by Jess Redman

                     Tips for Magicians by Celesta Rimington

Rating:

 

a joy

Summary (provided by publisher): Henry has always been fascinated by rocks. As a homeschooler, he pours through the R volume of the encyclopedia (to help him identify the rocks he finds). So, when a meteorite falls in his family's field, who better to investigate than this rock enthusiast--with his best friend, James, and his little sister, Birdie, in tow, of course.
But soon after the meteorite's arrival, the water in Henry's small Maine town starts drying up. It's not long before news spreads that the space rock and Henry's family might be to blame. Henry is determined to defend his newest discovery, but his knowledge of geology could not have prepared him for how much this stone from the sky would change his community, his family, and even himself.

My opinion: I had ideas of where this book was headed from the very start. I was pleased to see that it defied my expectations. The eventual plot points were telegraphed early on, but it follows it's own path. The theme of the novel is more subtle than we typically see in middle grade fiction, an exploration of the way life changes whether we want it or not. The things that influence the person we will become. It's not exactly magical realism, more supernatural realism I suppose. Because the features of the meteorite defy explanation. And yet much of the plot is firmly based in science. Henry explores topics in a scientific manner, digging into every question that occurs to him. The characters are charming and all have at least a little depth. Thought-provoking and compelling without being overly complex.

More information: Down to Earth releases August 24.

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Travel games

I have a sizeable stash of Altoid tins from a friend who used to eat a lot of them, so they've become one of my favorite craft supplies. In the past I've sold little fishing games and dinosaur playsets in tins. This year I've decided to try dice games. I found directions for a couple of simple games online and painted the tins to match the theme of the game.

Book review - Small Favors

 

Title: Small Favors

Author: Erin A. Craig

Genre: fantasy/horror

Similar books: Burn Our Bodies Down by Rory Power

                     House of Ash by Hope Cook

Rating: 

 

lots going on

 

Summary (provided by publisher): Ellerie Downing is waiting for something to happen. Life in isolated Amity Falls, surrounded by an impenetrable forest, has a predictable sameness. Her days are filled with tending to her family's beehives, chasing after her sisters, and dreaming of bigger things while her twin, Samuel, is free to roam as he wishes.
Early town settlers fought off monstrous creatures in the woods, and whispers that the creatures still exist keep the Downings and their neighbors from venturing too far. When some townsfolk go missing on a trip to fetch supplies, a heavy unease settles over the Falls.
Strange activities begin to plague the town, and as the seasons change, it's clear that something is terribly wrong. The creatures are real, and they're offering to fulfill the residents' deepest desires, however grand, for just a small favor. These seemingly trifling demands, however, hide sinister intentions. Soon Ellerie finds herself in a race against time to stop Amity Falls, her family, and the boy she loves from going up in flames.

My opinion: The idea that this was a re-imagining of Rumpelstiltskin (a fairy tale I've often thought needed more explanation) was certainly what drew me in. But that is really only a vague framework, a distant influence. Craig's tale stands well on it's own. We have a complex world of mythological beings. More than magic and monsters, though, this is a story of small towns and the secrets hidden by civilization. We're playing with the idea that "polite society" and the rules we all agree to follow hiding resentments and jealousies that will inevitably boil over and cause destruction. While the late chapters fall into a gruesome level of detail the slow grind of the town's decline makes for surprisingly compelling reading.

More information: Small Favors releases July 27
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Pick 6: love

 Romance is definitely not my favorite genre. I try to read them occasionally just be aware of what's out there and occasionally one stands out.  Here are 6 love stories published in the last 6 months.

6 new love stories:

1. Excuse Me While I Ugly Cry by Joya Gaffney
2. Only the Pretty Lies by Rebekah Crane
3. Last Chance Books by Kelsey Rodkey
4. Tremendous Things by Susin Nielsen
5. Pumpkin by Julie Murphy
6. Donuts and Other Proclamations of Love by Jared Reck
   

Non-fiction book review - A Quick HIstory of Politics

 

A Quick History of Politics by Clive Gifford

Gifford isn't joking when he calls this a quick history. In under 70 pages we explore assorted political systems; cultural influences; voting laws; political parties, and more. While none of these topics are explored in any real depth, we get a solid overview of each, including strengths and weaknesses. Each topic has accompanying illustrations though these do little to reinforce the information. It's a solid choice to introduce political education to and upper elementary or early middle school aged kid.

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Book review - The Halloween Moon

 

Title: The Halloween Moon

Author: Joseph Fink

Genre: horror

Similar books: The Sisters of Straygarden Place by Hayley Chewins

                      Spell & Spindle by Michelle Shusterman

Rating:

 

a bit of a mixed bag

Summary (provided by publisher): Esther Gold loves Halloween more than anything in the world. So she is determined to go trick-or-treating again this year despite the fact that her parents think she is officially too old. Esther has it all planned out, from her costume to her candy-collecting strategy. But when the night rolls around, something feels . . . off.
No one is answering their door. The moon is an unnatural shade of orange. Strange children wander the streets, wearing creepy costumes that might not be costumes at all. And it seems like the only people besides Esther who are awake to see it all are her best friend, her school bully, and her grown-up next-door neighbor.
Together, this unlikely crew must find a way to lift the curse that has been placed upon their small town before it’s too late. Because someone is out to make sure Halloween never comes to an end. And even Esther doesn’t want to be trapped in this night forever.

My opinion: Most horror stories are truly only scary once. A truly frightening tale needs atmosphere, a constant sense of dread and wrong in the world. That's certainly a strength in this book. Early on we see creepy ice cream trucks, kids in tattered costumes. We  are set up with a once in a lifetime Halloween, the perfect time for something scary to happen. Unfortunately, that's where things start to go off the rails. What begins as a world just a little bit off quickly veers into increasing unreality. Add in a cliche cast of characters and oft repeated details and this book becomes tiresome. It's a shame, since the overall plot was interesting. I could have accepted the unreality of the plot, this complex tale of other dimensions and magic, if only the characters had felt more realistic.

More information: The Halloween Moon releases July 27.

 Advanced Reader Copy provided by NetGalley

Sock puppet walrus

 I've been toying with the idea of selling sock puppets for a while now and I've finally decided to give it a shot. Here's my first design: a walrus.

Book Review - Margie Kelly Breaks the Dress Code

 

Title: Margie Kelly Breaks the Dress Code

Author: Bridget Farr

Genre: realistic fiction

Similar books: Zero Tolerance by Claudia Mills

                     The Pants Project by Cat Clarke

Rating:

 

good to get kids thinking

Summary (provided by publisher): Margie Kelly's perfect skirt was dress coded on her very first day of middle school. Upset and embarrassed, Margie spends the whole day wearing oversized gym shorts. So much for starting sixth grade with confidence!
But when Margie realizes that the dress code is only applied to the female students and not the boys, Margie gets mad. Really mad.
The dress code is keeping girls stuck in detention all day and away from learning. The boys act like they own the school. And the teachers turn a blind eye to the hypocrisies taking place in the halls, classrooms, and clubs. Something has to change! And Margie knows just how to do it. She'll plan a school-wide protest with her best friend, Daniela, and fellow classmates Jamiya and Gloria.
But as Margie moves forward with her plans, she comes to realize some hard truths about herself. Will Margie recognize her own privilege and make meaningful change for all students?

My opinion: Dress codes are an easy way to introduce the idea of unequally enforced rules to kids. Young readers can understand the shame and discomfort of a character like Margie. They can also easily grasp the unfairness of kids receiving different punishments for the same violation. That's an important point that this book makes. Not only does the school enforce dress code only for girls, race plays a role in the punishments handed out. Margie must come to understand not only that, but also the risks involved for each kid who takes part in her protest. Farr invites the reader to consider all of the consequences of unfair rules and to question why administrations are so focused on what clothes kids wear in the first place. A solid introduction to ideas that play a stronger role in teen fiction.

Advanced Reader Copy provided by NetGalley

Listen with me

 

Tokyo Ever After by Emiko Jean

The description of this book sounds strongly reminiscent of The Princess Diaries with the additional complication of culture clash. I'm hopeful that it will be less of a fairy tale story and more of a real exploration of absent parents and the cultural elements that influence the direction of our lives.

Non-fiction book review - Jop and Blip Wanna Know

 

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Jop and Blip Wanna Know by Jim Benton

As we gather from the full title of this book, it is not a text that takes itself too seriously. Structured as a graphic novel, robots Jop and Blip tackle three absurd questions. Now, Benton could make jokes of the whole thing. Instead, he looks at the actual science involved in each question. Take the title question - a penguin farting on Mars. First Jop and Blip determine what it would take to even get a penguin to the planet. Then, they look at the details of a penguin's digestive system. And finally, they break down the science of sound on Mars. Every aspect is broken down. The overall framework is centered on endless curiosity and open exploration. No question is too silly to explore and science can provide all kinds of answers. It encourages the reader to continue to ask questions without shame and guides them through the process of finding answers.

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Book review - The Verdigris Pawn

 

Title: The Verdigris Pawn

Author: Alysa Wishingrad

Genre: fantasy

Similar books: How to Save a Queendom by Jessica Lawson

                     The Goblin's Puzzle by Andrew S Chilton

Rating:

 

decent, if unremarkable

Summary (provided by publisher):  The heir to the Land should be strong. Fierce. Ruthless. At least, that’s what Beau’s father has been telling him his whole life, since Beau is the exact opposite of what the heir should be. With little control over his future, Beau is kept locked away, just another pawn in his father’s quest for ultimate power.
That is, until Beau meets a girl who shows him the secrets his father has kept hidden. For the first time, Beau begins to question everything he’s ever been told and sets off in search of a rebel who might hold the key to setting things right.
Teaming up with a fiery runaway boy, their mission quickly turns into something far greater as sinister forces long lurking in the shadows prepare to make their final move—no matter what the cost. But it just might be Beau who wields the power he seeks . . . if he can go from pawn to player before the Land tears itself apart. 

My opinion: This book doesn't work too hard to explain itself. The interworkings of the world have to be gathered from details. They are never stated straight out. All of the information is present but having to puzzle through it may be too much of a challenge for some readers. The bones of the plot - a privileged child becoming aware of the system's cruelty, an unlikely team going up against an oppressive system - are fairly standard. I like that there is no perfect solution. They find that some rebels are as bad as the system they are trying to overthrow, that some people with power are too self serving. The multiple perspectives are well handled though the pacing is a bit slow.

Advanced Reader Copy provided by NetGalley

Swimming tin

 I have quite a back stock of empty altoid tins, so I spend a fair amount of time considering new ways to use them. Here's a design I plan to try out at craft fairs this fall. I've made some small sea creatures attached to a metal tab. They'll be kept in a tin painted with an ocean design, accompanied by a magnet on a handle, allowing the creature to "swim" on the inside of the tin.

Book review - Room Service

 

Title: Room Service

Author: Maren Stoffles

Genre: horror

Similar books: Wickedpedia by Chris Van Etten

                     Three Truths and a Lie by Brent Hartinger

Rating:

 

too unbelievable to be scary

Summary: A fancy hotel + no parents = party time for four friends celebrating a birthday weekend. But when an uninvited party guest seeking revenge turns up, the fun quickly turns into a nightmare.

My opinion: To start with, this is a translated book. While that alone doesn't make it hard to read, it is worth noting as it can make for awkward text. The plot is familiar - teens celebrating on the anniversary of something bad happening. In this case, we don't really know what the bad thing was until nearly the end. There's a lot of dancing around the past, leading to a revenge plot that we don't fully understand. That revenge plot is quite extreme. There are crazy displays and violent threats, all in an active high class hotel. The heart of the plot makes sense and has some compelling elements. The pieces don't come together well, though, and the characters are underdeveloped.

Advanced Reader Copy provided by NetGalley

Graphic Novel Spotlight - Andre the Giant

Andre the Giant: Life and Legend by Box Brown

I've never been a wrestling fan. Prior to this book I had exactly 2 points of reference for Andre the Giant: the Nintendo game Wrestlemania and his appearance in "The Princess Bride". Even with that limited knowledge I suspected that this would be an interesting read. I certainly was not disappointed. Brown presents us with a complete picture of the man: a gentle soul, a hard drinker, a sometimes selfish person, and yet largely innocent. We see the good and bad in equal measure. Brown makes no apologies or excuses, though we do see how some early experiences may have influenced later behaviors. Even for non-fans this is a compelling read and the stylized illustrations suit the subject well.

 

Non-fiction book review - Gymnastics's G.O.A.T.

 

Gymnastics's G.O.A.T. by Joe Levit

 I'm the first to admit that I know almost nothing about gymnastics. I never learned any of those skills nor watched it on television, only learned a few names of famous gymnasts. So I can't speak to the accuracy of the ranking in this book. We're given a few of the individual's achievements, their record in competition and any especially difficult moves they achieved or developed. The downside to a book like this one is going to be  the freshness of the information. New athletes gain attention all the time so these rankings could become stale quickly. Still, an aspiring gymnast will likely enjoy this information.

More information: Gymnastics's G.O.A.T. releases August 1. 

Advanced Reader Copy provided by NetGalley

Book review - Fierce as the Wind

 

Title: Fierce as the Wind

Author: Tara Wilson Redd

Genre: realistic fiction

Similar books: Bruised by Tanya Boteju

                     Breathe, Annie, Breathe by Miranda Kenneally

Rating: 

 

solid

 

Summary (provided by publisher): When Miho's boyfriend breaks up with her without warning, all she can see is red--the color of blinding fury and pain, and the color of the fire she sets in an oil drum on the beach, burning every scrap of their memories.
It's spring of senior year in Oahu, and while her friends are getting ready for college, Miho's deep in her misery, delivering pizzas on her bike. But then inspiration strikes: she'll do a triathlon. The training is brutal for a girl who has never even run a mile--though she can bike and swim. With the constant support of her friends and her dad, Miho digs deep to find just how fierce her determination is and how many obstacles she can overcome.

My opinion: I'm not an athlete and have never been much of a fan of stories where sports play a central role. In recent years, though, I've started running so the first time these sorts of stories make sense to me. Especially in books like this one. An Ironman doesn't have a lot of complex rules and team dynamics to understand. It is a person facing their own issues, fighting against their subconscious and their fears. And that's a big part of this book. It is so much more than Miho training for a race. She's dealing with her break up, with her negative self perception. The race itself becomes a symbol for the way she fears she is perceived by society. Now, Miho is the only truly complex character. The other characters have only simple character flaws, small elements that feed into Miho's challenges but which are easily overcome. I liked that all of the characters are flawed and that the novel doesn't wash away those flaws. It lets them be "bad" with the ability to change in future. And current "goodness" doesn't wash away any negative they did in the past. It is all a part of the person they are becoming. This book may not hold up to multiple reads but has enough complexity to leave us thinking as we read.

Advanced Reader Copy provided by NetGalley

Notecards

 Now that it's July, I realize that my fall craft fairs are much closer than I realized and it's time to get serious about building up my inventory. Here's a quartet of hand-drawn cards I'll be selling this fall.

Book review - The Stars of Whistling Ridge

 

Title: The Stars of Whistling Ridge

Author: Cindy Baldwin

Genre: magical realism

Similar books: The Seventh Wish by Kate Messner

                      Quintessence by Jess Redman

Rating: 

 

a nice example of the genre

Summary (provided by publisher): Ivy Mae Bloom is almost thirteen years old, her name is almost a complete sentence, and her family’s RV is almost a home. That’s one too many “almosts” for Ivy. She desperately wants a place to put down roots, but it’s her mama’s job as a fallen star to tend the magic underpinning the world—a job that’s kept Ivy’s family living on the road since before Ivy was born.
After Ivy steals Mama's entire supply of wish jars in the hopes of finding a place to call home, disaster strands her family in Whistling Ridge, North Carolina, with Mama's star sisters. Ivy falls for Whistling Ridge immediately—she just needs to convince her parents to stay.
But something is draining the magic from the town, and the star sisters can't pinpoint it. Ivy and her new friends find a clue in Whistling Ridge's history that might explain the mysterious threat...but if Whistling Ridge’s magic is fixed, Mama will need to move on. Ivy is faced with an impossible decision: How can she help the star sisters lift the curse if it means losing her best chance at a forever home?

My opinion: Middle grade fiction is carving out a solid space for magical realism and this is a decent example of the type. While it is set in the real world and largely follows the rules of our world, there is also magic. Magic which follows rules but is also a bit inexplicable. We're dealing here largely with wishes. But making a wish isn't as simple as wanting something. Wishes have consequences. It is in these consequences that we find the major conflict of the plot. We are looking at wishing gone awry, the poisonous nature of selfishness and resentment. Baldwin is also taking a look at how stories change over time, influenced by perspective and natural prejudice. Over all, a pretty cool read.

Advanced Reader Copy provided by NetGalley

Picture books for everyone

 

Thukpa for All by Praba Ram and Sheela Preuitt

At the surface, this is a very simple story. Tsering is walking home, inviting the people he encounters to join him as his grandmother is making Thukpa. While it is never stated plainly, we easily gather from context that Tsering is blind. The people he passes gently aid him in his journey and he recognizes places and people by sound and smell. A power cut allows Tsering to show his strengths as his assistance means that the family is able to finish making the thukpa. There are several elements you could focus on depending on the age and skill of kids you read this with. Its a cultural experience; a celebration of different skills and strengths; a tale of collective work as everyone contributes to the thukpa.

Advanced Reader Copy provided by NetGalley