Book review - Virtually Me

 

Title: Virtually Me

Author: Chad Morris and Shelly Brown

Genre: realistic fiction

Similar books: Captain Superlative by J S Puller

                     Shine by J J Grabenstein

Rating: 

 

a decent approach to a familiar concept

Summary (provided by publisher): This school year, Bradley, Edelle, and Hunter will be wearing virtual-reality headsets and attending a three-dimensional, simulated school while interacting as avatars. Having a customized avatar is a bonus as some students want to hide behind a new identity.

Bradley is eager for a brand-new identity. A cool avatar will allow him to escape the bullies who have made fun of him for years and gives him a fresh start to make new friends on his own terms.

Edelle is forced to attend the virtual school by her mom who says she’s too obsessed with being at the top of the “Best-Looking Girls” list circulating at school. Even worse, Edelle’s mom insists she chooses a generic avatar. Mortified by how her avatar looks, Edelle registers under a new name so no one can identify her. But will she lose her prized social status if no one can recognize her?
Hunter is known for his popularity, charm, and his lustrous mane of hair, except with his recent diagnosis of alopecia, his hair has begun to fall out, even his eyebrows. VR school allows him to maintain his popularity—and the illusion of a full head of hair—even if it means hiding behind an avatar. He tells his friends that once his grades are back up, he’ll return to school in person. But he wonders how being isolated will affect his relationships.
As Bradley, Edelle, and Hunter get to know each other in their virtual environment, they realize that the school is not all fun and games and the simulated environment just brings different problems than an in-person school. Each student will see themselves and their world through a new lens as they learn about what true friendship means and the difference between fitting in and belonging.

My opinion: Middle school stories tend to focus on one of three things: popularity, becoming comfortable with your identity, and hiding a secret you think will mark you as too different. This book hits on all three while also giving us a sort of idealized school environment. It is the best possible version of virtual schooling and what we would wish for all of our kids. Now, given that the "issues" addressed by the plot we won't be surprised by most of the directions that the plot takes. The characters develop in pretty predictable ways and thus don't have much depth. Even so, there is enough novelty to the plot to keep the reader engaged. It's worth a look, especially if you have a young reader who needs some encouragement in the direction of considering the difference between public perception and a person's internal reality.

More information: Virtually Me releases February 7.

Advanced Reader Copy provided by NetGalley

Small basket

 Just after Christmas I shared with you my first attempt at nalbinding. Today I bring you my first completed project - a little basket. I didn't work from a proper pattern, just made a loop that looked big enough (big enough for what - I have no idea) and worked it until it seemed a good size. This little basked is made from strips of old t-shirt. I'm not sure what I'll do with it exactly, though it happens to be almost perfectly sized for the glass dishes that I pack my lunches in, so it might become a microwave cozy.

Book review - Simon Sort of Says

 

Title: Simon Sort of Says

Author: Erin Bow

Genre: realistic fiction

Similar books: Repairing the World by Linda Epstein

                     Pay Attention, Carter Jones by Gary D Schmidt

Rating:

 

perfectly balanced

Summary (provided by publisher): Simon O’Keeffe’s biggest claim to fame should be the time his dad accidentally gave a squirrel a holy sacrament. Or maybe the alpaca disaster that went viral on YouTube. But the story the whole world wants to tell about Simon is the one he’d do anything to forget: the story in which he’s the only kid in his class who survived a school shooting.
Two years after the infamous event, twelve-year-old Simon and his family move to the National Quiet Zone—the only place in America where the internet is banned. Instead of talking about Simon, the astronomers who flock to the area are busy listening for signs of life in space. And when Simon makes a friend who’s determined to give the scientists what they’re looking for, he’ll finally have the chance to spin a new story for the world to tell.

My opinion: We'd expect this to be a real heavy story but it is surprisingly light hearted. The deep moments, where characters face their trauma or express their needs even though it's hard, are rare. Their scarcity makes them all the more impactful given that the bulk of the book is goat births, rampaging emus, a dog that helps himself to beer, and a plot to fake an alien signal. Tying the whole thing together is a cast of characters who feel real. Sure their interests are weirdly specific and obscure (like playing the sackbut) but their interactions are dynamic and their voices distinct and honest. The details are a bit intense (we are talking about the trauma of surviving a school shooting after all) so exercise caution but know that it's worth the read.

More information: Simon Sort of Says releases January 31

Advanced Reader Copy provided by NetGalley

Graphic novel spotlight - Tidesong

 

Tidesong by Wendy Xu

At face value, this is a fairly standard magic story. We have a young witch who is frustrated by the slow methodical way she is expected to train. Her impatience causes trouble when a spell has unintended consequences involving a water dragon. Sophie learns magic and patience, etc. But it's also more than that. It's a tale of the expectation and disapproval of adults and how it influences a child's behavior. It is the way children can flourish if given the chance. And it is a collection of beautiful dynamic artwork on top of that. The marketing for this book compares it to the films of Studio Ghibli and the comparison is well earned.

 

Non-fiction book review - The Real History of Angel Island

 

The Real History of Angel Island by Carol Kim

I was much older than I care to admit before I realized that Angel Island as a thing and that the picture I had of immigration, of hopeful people waiting in a bright room to be admitted into the country, was a far cry from reality. Reading this book will give young readers a complete picture not only of Angel Island but also of the cruelties and discrimination of American immigration policy. The writing and vocabulary here are simple and easy to follow. Its probably a good idea to read this along with your child so you can discuss the policies, cultural norms, and racism that come along with the information.

Book review - Promise Boys

 

Title: Promise Boys

Author: Nick Brooks

Genre: mystery

Similar books: One of the Good Ones by Maika Moulite

                     Punching the Air by Ibi Zoboi

Rating:

 

elements worth discussing

Summary (provided by publisher): The Urban Promise Prep School vows to turn boys into men. As students, J.B., Ramón, and Trey are forced to follow the prestigious "program's" strict rules. Extreme discipline, they’ve been told, is what it takes to be college bound, to avoid the fates of many men in their neighborhoods. This, the Principal Moore Method, supposedly saves lives.
But when Moore ends up murdered and the cops come sniffing around, the trio emerges as the case's prime suspects. With all three maintaining their innocence, they must band together to track down the real killer before they are arrested. But is the true culprit hiding among them?

My opinion: There are certainly things that I like about this book. I like the way that it discusses perceptions. The messages are pretty obvious, of course. We're looking a lot at how Black teens, especially boys, are viewed by the world. And how treating teens like criminals encourages criminal behavior rather than discouraging it. We're looking at the corruption of power and how well intentioned ideas can turn out badly. But a lot of the messaging is pretty obvious and heavy handed. There is little in the way of nuance. Still, it raises enough interesting ideas to make it worth a read.

More information: Promise Boys releases January 31.

Advanced Reader Copy provided by NetGalley

Cap-sleeved no more

 What do you do when you have the sleeves left over from a dress? You find a shirt with sleeves that you hate and do some surgery. I had these cool unicorn sleeves begging to be used and a mostly comfortable v-neck shirt with cap-sleeves that I kind of despised. It was a quick matter of clipping off the old sleeves leaving a half inch or so for seeming, pinning in the long sleeves, and sewing them down. The new sleeves were a tiny bit bigger around than the armholes, so I just cut down the side seem of the shirt an inch or so until the diameters matched. 

Book review - Jiu-Jitsu Girl

 

Title: Jiu-Jitsu Girl

Author: Jennifer Dutton

Genre: realistic fiction

Similar books: Swim Team by Johnnie Christmas

                      Bump by Matt Wallace

Rating:

 

solid combination of elements

Summary (provided by publisher): What’s more terrifying than being forced into a coed combat wrestling martial art by your own mother? Sixth grade.
Angie Larson hates Jiu-Jitsu. Like many twelve-year-old girls, she fails to find the glamour in a martial art that embraces zero personal space and choking as an end goal. Seriously, people choke her, drip sweat on her face, and even wrap their legs around her neck. It’s the worst. Instead, she idolizes the seemingly perfect kids at her school who do “normal” activities like dance or soccer. But just when it seems like Angie is about to be accepted by them, her mom enrolls her in a Jiu-Jitsu tournament and begins a relationship with the sweatiest coach on the planet. And to make things more complicated, Angie develops a close friendship with a boy who is definitely not part of the “cool” crowd.
Angie must decide who she is while making some painful decisions both on and off the mat. Is she a dance girl, a soccer girl, a nothing girl . . . or a Jiu-Jitsu girl?

My opinion: At heart, this book is like a lot of novels for middle grade girls - an exploration of popularity and becoming the "right" kind of teen. Jiu-Jitsu aside, Angie's story is a familiar one. Given the chance to reinvent herself, she does everything in her power to ingratiate herself with the popular girls, to become one of their fringe members. So we get the obvious examples of the ways girls can be cruel to each other and the betrayal of your real friends in the name of popularity. It's the Jiu-Jitsu that makes the difference in this book. Yes, Angie hates it. She has valid complaints about being made to practice it. But it is also a vehicle to explore our relationship with our bodies. This is the age where girls become critical of their bodies and of other people. A large portion of this novel is devoted to Angie's increasing awareness of how bodies look. Jiu-Jitsu becomes, then, not only a method of learning to defend herself but also to appreciate what her body is capable of, to celebrate it's power. While the conclusion is entirely expected and there are some painfully embarrassing scenes, it's overall well worth reading.

More information: Jiu-Jitsu Girl releases January 24.

Advance Reader Copy provided by NetGalley

Picture books for everyone

 

Waiting on Mr. Sloth by Katy Hudson

No one likes waiting. And most children will relate to the idea of waiting for someone who seems to be taking an exceptionally long time. The text is straightforward and easy to follow. More than that, the illustrations deftly depict Sasha's growing frustration until she looses her cool. What follows is not only a lesson in patience but also an introduction to mindfulness as Mr. Sloth appreciates everything that is going on around him and Sasha acknowledges how much better experiences are when she is in the moment and with a friend. This book would work well one-on-one or in a larger group setting, especially if you followed it up with a little mindfulness practice of your own. 

Advanced Reader Copy provided by NetGalley

Non-fiction book review - The Untold Story of Sarah Keys Evans

 

The Untold Story of Sarah Keys Evans by Dr. Artika R Tyner

We tend to have the idea that the idea of bus boycotts started spontaneously with Rosa Parks. You don't have to do much research, though, to realize just how untrue that is. Like in this case. A full three years before the famous arrest, we encounter the story of Evans. If anyone had the right to demand a seat on a bus it was Evans, given her history of service. And as with Parks, she asked for her rights firmly but politely. This is a story that belongs in our Black history education, especially as it is easily understood by young readers. For older readers, it would be worth contrasting with Parks and Colvin to encourage a conversation about who deserves our attention and respect.

Advanced Reader Copy provided by NetGalley

Book review - The Famously Funny Parrott

 

Title: The Famously Funny Parrott

Author: Eric Daniel Weiner

Genre: humor/short stories

Similar books: Claude in the City by Alex T Smith

                     Sloth Sleuth by Cyndi Marko

Rating:

 

slightly offbeat fun

Summary (provided by publisher): Ride through Rubberwick in your Rolly Royce with Freddie and Peccary! This story collection is full of whimsical illustrations and laugh-out-loud adventures.
From solving problems like the mysterious knock-knocking door, to saving the day with a fresh batch of waffle batter, Freddie Parrott knows that he can always count on his loyal butler and best friend, Peccary.

My opinion: If P.G. Wodehouse had written about animals instead of adults the result might be this collection. Freddie is a bit scatterbrained with a wild sense of fashion, not unlike Bertie Wooster. Luckily his butler Peccary is there to keep him on track and remind him of details. There isn't a lot of complexity to these stories but they are a light-hearted bit of fun and would work well as a read-aloud in a classroom or as a family with a wider age-range of listeners since there's a little humor here for everyone.

Advanced Reader Copy provided by NetGalley

Book review - The Superteacher Project

 

Title: The Superteacher Project

Author: Gordon Korman

Genre: mild sci-fi

Similar books: Because of Mr. Terupt by Rob Buyea

                      Shine by J.J. Grabenstein

Rating: 

 

fun with some thought behind it

 

Summary (provided by publisher): Oliver Zahn, spitball champion and self-declared rule-wrecker of Brightling Middle School, is not a fan of his new homeroom teacher, Mr. Aidact. The guy is sort of stiff, never cracks a smile, and refers to them as “pupils.” The worst part is he catches Oliver before he can pull any of his signature pranks! It’s time for Oliver and his best friend, Nathan, to show the new teacher who’s boss.
But as the weeks go by, they start to realize that Mr. Aidact is not what they expected. He has an uncanny ability to remember song lyrics or trivia. When the girls’ field hockey team needs a new coach, he suddenly turns out to be an expert. He never complains when other teachers unload work on him—even when it’s lunchroom duty and overseeing detention. Against all odds, Mr. Aidact starts to become the most popular teacher at Brightling.
Still, Oliver and Nathan know that something is fishy. They’re determined to get to the bottom of the mystery: What’s the deal with Mr. Aidact?

My opinion: While this isn't the most mind-blowing book, it's a solid read for the middle grade set. It does encourage us to think about the relationship between student and teacher and what makes a good educator. The pacing is pretty spot on, balancing action and moments of reflection. It has some interesting speculation about technology and our potential reaction to A.I. which might inspire discussion among young readers. It never digs too deeply into the messaging or into character development but this isn't terribly uncommon in middle grade fiction.

Advanced Reader Copy provided by NetGalley.

Pick 6: Verse novels

 Verse novels aren't especially common or popular, though a few have broken through. You may have read an Ellen Hopkins book during their burst of popularity, or may have been assigned Sharon Creech's Love That Dog in school. It's a shame that more people don't read these books as verse novels are a great way to explore a concept through a character's internal, emotional journey. Here are six verse novels for kids and teens published in the past six months.

6 new verse novels:

1. Flipping Forward Twisting Backward by Alma FUllerton
2. The Hope of Elephants by Amanda Ransom Hill
3. Iveliz Explains it All by Andrea Arango
4. Rain Rising by Courtnie Comrie
5. Fly by Alison Hughes
6. Ode to a Nobody by Caroline Brooks DuBois
   

Book review - Bertie and the Alien Chicken

 

Title: Bertie and the Alien Chicken

Author:Jenny Pearson

Genre: humor

Similar books: Alien Nate by Dave Whammond

                     Alien Invasion in My Backyard by Ruben Bolling

Rating:

 

cute

Summary (provided by publisher): An alien chicken bent on exterminating Earth is disarmed by the power of friendship in this hilarious and heartfelt tale from Lollie-award-winning author Jenny Pearson.
Bertie is NOT looking forward to spending the summer holidays on stinky Long Bottom Farm. But things take an interesting turn when he encounters Nugget, the alien chicken. Nugget’s mission is to find the Earth’s most important resource and transport it back to Nurgle 7, and he needs Bertie’s help. But what could the Earth’s most valuable resource be, and can they find it in time to stop the Nurgles exterminating the Earth?!

My opinion: It will as no surprise to anyone that this is a very silly book. But that's okay. It doesn't take itself too seriously. Even so there is solid structure and even a redeeming message both about what we value and about the importance of research. It's a touch cheeky but doesn't rely too much on gross-out humor. Cute enough for a kid to enjoy reading.

Advanced Reader Copy provided by NetGalley

Possum

 Maybe it's strange, but I have a fondness for opossums. They're a little bit creepy with their squinty eyes, sharp little teeth, and scrabbly paws. But I think they're creepy cute. I've wanted to make a sock puppet opossum for a while now and I finally collected the right materials. One key - a long pink tongue that can hang out and let it play dead. And thanks to my mom who suggested rickrack for teeth.

Listen with me

 

The Lost Year by Katherine Marsh

What a spectacular read! This is more than just a historical novel. Marsh weaves together three perspectives - two girls in the 1930s and a boy at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. While Matthew's story appears initially to just be a way to engage the reader with the historical plot, as the narrative unfolds we see more parallels. Certainly, this is a historical novel at heart. It's a tale of the Ukrainian famine and it's devastating effects on a trio of cousins. But it's also a tale of loss and fear, of isolation and your world being inexorably changed. That is part of where Matthew's story comes in. And at a higher level it is an introduction to narrative. As the characters discover, it matters who is telling the story and what their motivations might be. We learn about propaganda and state controlled media, the power of our news sources telling us what is and isn't true even without evidence. This is a story you can read multiple times and come away with a different point to reflect on each time.

More information: The Lost Year releases January 17. 

Advanced Reader Copy provided by NetGalley

Non-fiction book review - Evicted

 

Evicted! by Alice Faye Duncan

When we learn about the Civil Rights Movement, we learn some about voting restrictions and the challenges to getting the right to vote protected for all citizens. This part of history is often glossed over, getting brief mention, as the bulk of our education focuses on sit-ins and bus boycotts. I personally never learned about the Fayette County Tent City Movement. This book is an excellent way to learn about it. We are presented with a wide variety of important figures, their backgrounds and individual motivations for being involved. Some sections are presented as more straightforward narratives, others as poetry. It's all lyrical and sparse, the word choice careful and intentional to create the most impact without embellishment. An excellent addition to any history collection.

Advanced Reader Copy provided by NetGalley

Book review - For Lamb

 

Title: For Lamb

Author: Lesa Cline-Ransome

Genre: historical fiction

Similar books: Mirror Girls by Kelly McWilliams

                      The Invincible Summer of Juniper Jones by Daven McQueen

Rating:

 

solid characters

Summary (provided by publisher): For Lamb follows a family striving to better their lives in the late 1930s Jackson, Mississippi. Lamb’s mother is a hard-working, creative seamstress who cannot reveal she is a lesbian. Lamb’s brother has a brilliant mind and has even earned a college scholarship for a black college up north-- if only he could curb his impulsiveness and rebellious nature.
Lamb herself is a quiet and studious girl. She is also naive.  As she tentatively accepts the friendly overtures of a white girl who loans her a book she loves, she sets a off a calamitous series of events that pulls in her mother, charming hustler uncle, estranged father, and brother, and ends in a lynching.

My opinion: There is no question from the beginning how this book is going to end. So this is not a book driven by action. It is reflective. We cycle through characters in turn, learning about their pasts and their motivations. We come to understand why they interact with others the way that they do, why they can be harsh, cruel, selfish, or spineless. As we come to understand them more we also come to understand why the ending is inevitable. We can see it on the horizon a couple of chapters ahead and yet the character development is interesting enough to keep us engaged. It's an upsetting read but one worth making your way through.

More information: For Lamb releases January 10.

Advanced Reader Copy provided by NetGalley

Nalbinding

 The first craft I have to share with you this year doesn't look like much. In fact, it isn't much. 

I'm learning nalbinding and this is the first time I successfully completed joining without getting the whole thing twisted (I'm very good at nalbinding mobius strips). It's still not very good, uneven and chaotic. But my goal this year is to cut myself a little slack, to stop expecting perfection right away. So I'm celebrating this little loop of yarn. And I invite you to do the same. Celebrate your small victories.