I have loved Wallace and Gromit since I first saw the shorts in the early 2000's. And my absolute favorite character has always been Feathers McGraw. It should come as no surprise, then, that when I got a Wallace and Gromit amigurumi book for Christmas, Feathers was first on my list to make. And the reality is exactly what I would have hoped.
I have my doubts about this book. I find any boarding school narrative a bit of a stretch when it comes to believability and relatability. Gearing such a book to middle graders feels like a step too far but if anyone can pull it off it's Lauren Myracle. Let's give it a listen and see if there's enough adventure and heart in this tale to keep a reader engaged.
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What are you currently reading?
Hazelthorn by CG Drews - When his guardian suddenly dies under strange and suspicious circumstances, a young man with holes in his memory must unravel the truth about his past, the rules he has always had to follow, and the horrors lurking in the shadows of the estate where he lives.
What did you recently finish reading?
Rise of the G.E.M.S. by Marian Dealy - A team of lab mice are mutated by scientific testing and sent into space.
What do you think you'll read next?
The Witching Wind by Natalie Lloyd
At first glance this is a fairly expected book - a series of profiles of women and their contributions to science. What sets this one apart is depth. These are not quick overviews. We learn at least a little about each woman's background and the importance of their contributions. Even more than that, we learn why they are overlooked. With multiple fields of science represented there is a fair range of information here. If you have any interest in lesser-known history this book is probably worth a look.
Advanced Reader Copy provided by NetGalley
Brume is the tale of a foundling who is certain that not only is she a witch (despite not having any particular evidence of this notion) she is the one who will protect her village. Accompanied by her best friend and a pig she sets out to do just that. The bulk of the plot is playful and a bit silly but with the promise of much more. Most importantly, the art is fantastic. There are plenty of details and a super appealing bright style. The humor blends with a more serious plot to create a story with broad appeal. Originally written in French, this translation is clear and easily understood.
Advanced Reader Copy provided by NetGalley
Author: Holly Goldberg Sloan
Genre: realistic fiction
Age range: middle grade
Similar book: Gooseberry by Robin Gow
Summary (provided by publisher): Cordy Jenkins is searching for something that will change her life, and for the safety that vanished when her father died. She is convinced that if she just tries hard enough, she will find part of what her family lost, which will stop her mom from wanting to leave the small town she and her little brother have always called home. What Cordy finds instead is a muddy, hungry little dog with bad breath. And he's the start of her family's new beginning.
What I liked: The characters here are strong and realistic. Cordy and her family aren't perfect. Each person has enough flaws to ring true as real people. Their emotions are complex. It's a relatable story with reasonable scope.
What I didn't like: The plot is a bit idealized and predictable. A kid going through a rough patch connecting with a dog is a familiar plot and we generally know where such plots are headed. While it doesn't stand out dramatically from the crowd it remains pleasant and readable.
Advanced Reader Copy provided by NetGalley
What are you currently reading?
The Free State of Jax by Jennifer A Nielsen - Frustrated by the mistreatment he experiences at the hands of his guardians, Jax forms a micronation on a raft in his neighbor's pond.
What did you recently finish reading?
The Letters We Keep by Nisha Sharma - An ambitious young woman and a privileged young man find hidden letters that might hold the key to the truth behind a campus legend at their college.
What do you think you'll read next?
Jackson Bright in Spotlight by Eureka O'Hara
